HYDERABAD: BJPs senior leader and MLC N. Ramchander Rao challenged IT minister K.T. Rama Raos statement on recruitments made by state government in the state. In an open letter to KTR on Sunday, Ramchander Rao wanted the minister to prove the governments contribution in providing employment during past seven years at a debate in Arts College of the Osmania University on Monday. He said he will withdraw his candidature from MLC elections if the IT minister provides proof for his statement. The BJP leader questioned Rama Rao about the TSPSC Group 1 and 2 notifications and asked why the government has not fulfilled its promise of providing stipend to the unemployed. He wanted to know what happened to the proposal of state government to enhance the retirement age of its employees. Taking objection to the IT ministers comment against the MLC that the latter had done nothing for lawyers, Ramchander Rao countered saying that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has promised Rs 100 crore corpus fund for advocates in 2014 in recognition of their role in Telangana struggle. But, as usual, he forgot his promise, the MLC said. But I raised the issue several times on the floor of the Legislative Council in 2016 and 2017. Finally, the CM directed then law minister Indrakaran Reddy to resolve the issue. The MLC asked why has the state government not yet appointed vice chancellors for universities in Telangana since past two years. (Photo : Screenshot from YouTube/Christiana Care) Comparison between Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. In the continuous tests to explore a pandemic solution, two of the most popular COVID-19 vaccines among many are Pfizer and Moderna. Before receiving vaccine shots from them, it is good to know their differences so we can compare how they vary from one another. Pfizer vs Moderna: What Sets Apart From Each Other Types of Vaccine Both Moderna and Pfizer made use of the messenger mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) which is important to bring a cellular genetic code necessary to construct surface protein for the SARS-COV-2. Upon activating the immune system through mRNA, spike proteins will interact with human cells which will be the built antibodies to fight the virus. Vaccine efficacy When it comes to efficacy, Moderna and Pfizer are just close to each other. But, the early stages after receiving vaccine shots played a vital role in this. At 95% efficacy, the Pfizer vaccine is proven to be an effective solution after the patient received two shots. On the other hand, the Moderna was slightly short of Pfizer with its 94.1% efficacy after the same number of doses. If a person's age is 65 and above, the latter's efficacy declines slightly compared to Pfizer which varies regardless of people's race and groups, Stat News reported. However, it is significant to remember that the efficacies of these vaccines are not yet proven to the new mutation of the virus. Further clinical trials will still be conducted if Pfizer and Moderna could also be potential vaccines to the variants from Brazil, South Africa, the UK, and Malaysia. Read Also: Pfizer Vaccine First Shot Only 85% Effective? Israel Successfully Vaccinates Two-Thirds of Population Target Population Pfizer is applicable for people who are 16 years old and above. Meanwhile, the Moderna vaccine can be used for 18 years old and beyond, but it is now exploring if it could be applied to 12 to 17-year-old people. Amounts of Vaccine Per Dose Pfizer and Moderna shared a similar vaccine requirement of two shots which was initiated by the first dose and the second one will be the booster shot. For the former, the interval between the shots is 21 days, while Moderna requires 28 days. When it comes to their contents, Pfizer has 30 micrograms while the latter has a much larger dose of 100 micrograms, which is three times the first vaccine. The high amount of vaccine dose, however, does not imply the effectiveness of it. Side-Effects Both vaccines are reported to have reactogenic effects on people. Usually, the side effects emerge when the second dose is applied. If you recently receive any vaccine shots from either Pfizer or Moderna, you may experience pain in joints and muscles, as well as headache, and fatigue. Remember that side effects happen because it is how our immune systems react to the vaccine. There are still no recorded serious side-effects at the moment but it will still be studied continuously. Storage Requirements Pfizer posed a much more challenging task when it comes to storage. It requires a super-cold freezer which should be at -94F. However, FDA issued that the vaccine is only good to store for two weeks. By the time, it is now ready to be injected into the patient. On the other hand, Moderna should be kept between -13F and 5F in accordance with the recent recommendation of the experts. Minimum Purchase Order A particular site could only order 1,170 vaccine doses but, it still varies depending on the establishment. For a much bigger location, more doses could be required. The minimum order of Moderna vaccine is 140 doses compared to 195 doses of Pfizer. The latter comes in six-dose vials while Moderna is packed in vials containing 14 doses. Some Differences of Pfizer and Moderna to Johnson & Johnson's The newest COVID-19 vaccine is applied via single shot compared to the two vaccines' two shots. When it comes to efficacy, it is also proven much more effective, specifically in fighting the South African variant of the virus. For the storage, Johnson & Johnson's does not require ultra-cold conditions for storage. You can keep it in a typical freezer of your refrigerator at home and it can last for three months. When it comes to side effects, The New York Times reported that the new vaccine does not trigger any possible effects after the second dose. Related Article: Johnson & Johnson Single Shot COVID-19 Vaccine Approved by FDA for 18 Years Old and Above This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also made his own history on Monday as he administered the first anti-coronavirus shots made by Chinese firm Sinovac to the healthcare workers at the Lung Center of the Philippines and V. Luna Medical Center - a military hospital in Quezon City. Duque vaccinated Dr. Eileen Aniceto, Lung Center's Emergency Medicine Department head, the first medical worker at the hospital to have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Lung Center received an initial 600 doses of the Sinovac vaccine on Monday. Lung Center Executive Director Dr. Vincent Balanag said 150 employees are set to be inoculated this week, adding they are still convincing others to avoid vaccine wastage. Initially, 90 percent of the around 1,400 employees of the Lung Center were willing to get vaccinated. But this was when they learned that doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were supposed to be the first shots to arrive in the country. Officials have yet to give an exact date as to the arrival of Pfizer-BioNTech shots. They have said the vaccine shipment was originally slated to be delivered last month, but that was hampered by negotiations on an indemnification clause. Duque also administered Sinovac's anti-virus shot to Col. Fatima Navarro, V. Luna Medical Center chief. The Armed Forces of the Philippines requires all of its personnel to be vaccinated. With the arrival of 600,000 doses of Chinese firm Sinovacs COVID-19 vaccine doses, official inoculations against the deadly coronavirus have finally begun in the country. A day after the delivery of CoronaVac doses donated by China, the government rolled out its vaccination program in six hospitals in Metro Manila, considered as the COVID-19 epicenter since the pandemic struck. Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. Gerardo "Gap" Legaspi was the first person in the country to get a COVID-19 vaccine legally. Prior to the legal shots received by Legaspi, PGH healthcare workers, FDA Director General Eric Domingo, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, among others, it was admitted that several government officials and Presidential security members jumped the priority line and used smuggled vaccines made by Chinas Sinopharm as early as last year. China decided to give a fraction or 100,000 of the donated doses to the Department of National Defense. Half of these may go to government troops, the AFP said last week. Meanwhile, the DOH said that 64-year-old Duque will not get the Sinovac vaccine because the FDA has recommended giving the shot to people aged 18-59 only. It added -- contrary to Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's announcement -- that the health chief was not among those vaccinated Monday. "He will be vaccinated when the appropriate vaccine becomes available, following of course the prioritization framework," the DOH told reporters in a Viber message. CNN Philippines Correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report A young OnlyFans and social media star has hit back at critics after she was roasted online for an embarrassing blunder. Gold Coast model Mikaela Testa, 20, was flooded with mocking messages and comments after showing off her recent trip to Sydney in her latest TikTok video, where she wrongly declared the harbour city as the capital of Australia. Fresh from a luxury stay on a lavish yacht on Hamilton Island in Queensland's Whitsundays, Ms Testa and her boyfriend Atis Paul headed to Sydney after the borders recently reopened. 'We're flying to Sydney, the capital of Australia,' Ms Testa says at the start at TikTok filmed during their flight. Mikaela Testa (pictured) has come under fire for declaring Sydney as the capital of Australia during her recent trip to the harbour city She later adds the couple visited iconic landmark Sydney Opera House but didn't know what it was or what it does before showing off what they ate, their plush hotel suite and lavish shopping sprees. The video was inundated with almost 600 comments. Many viewers mocked the OnlyFans star over the geographical blunder of mixing up Australia's biggest city with its actual capital Canberra. 'Imagine not knowing the capital of the country you live in,' one person wrote. Another added: 'So stupid, obviously didn't finish school.' Mikaela Testa (pictured) has previously claimed she earn $162K month on OnlyFans A red-faced Ms Testa hit back at her critics in a Instagram Story video uploaded on Monday. 'Guys, I know I f**ked up, I f**ked up okay,' she told her followers. 'Canberra is the capital of Australia and I knew that, but what makes me think Sydney is the capital is because it's the biggest.' 'There is literally nothing in Canberra, apart from some parliament s**t whatever it is and Prime Minister s**t, no one cares.' She appreciated those who were nice about her 'mistake' but slammed the critics who 'took it and ran'. 'Thanks for correcting me, I mean, I look really stupid now. But I'm sure there's a lot of people in this country who think the same thing, so I'm good.' Some supporters jumped to Ms Tesla's defence on TikTok. Mikaela Testa (pictured) hit back at her critics when she responded to the furore on Monday 'You are all so mean, just educate and move on. No need to laugh and put someone down. Not everyone is good at geography or evens cares about it. Chill,' one woman wrote. But another hit back: 'The fact you don't care that you said Sydney. I love it.' Ms Testa has previously bragged about making $162,000 per month uploading racy selfies and private sex videos to paid subscription platform OnlyFans. Her Instagram account has gathered a following of more than one million and is flooded with bikini snaps, topless photos and pictures with her social media manager boyfriend. Ms Testa is no stranger to sparking social media furore. Mikaela Testa (pictured) has since acknowledged her mistake but still sees Sydney as Australia's capital because it's the biggest city Ms Testa took to TikTok last month to defend her lavish lifestyle and chosen career. 'Just because it's not the type of job you would prefer to do, or it's not hard-work under your standards, doesn't mean it's not a real job,' she said. 'Not everyone is cut out to do hard work.' Ms Testa and her boyfriend were also accused of flaunting their wealth by showing a virtual tour of the Gold Coast mansion they moved into late last year. The tour of the luxurious home showed off a private cinema, waterfront pool, and 'so many spare bedrooms'. Social media star Mikaela Testa (pictured) was roasted online for the geographical blunder Ms Testa was temporarily banned from posting videos to her TikTok account last year for 'multiple community guideline violations'. 'Tiktok removes any videos of any girl in a bikini, but they leave up videos of girls that are more on the skinny side, or with less boobs and butt because it's less "revealing,' she told Daily Mail Australia last August. 'I could be wearing the exact same outfit as another girl and do the exact same video but my video would get deleted and the other girls would stay up simply because she is skinnier.' The influencer first shot to fame in 2019 following a dramatic video she posted while upset about Instagram making the number of likes a photo has secret to anyone but the poster. Today, a brand named Carbon Mobile, launched what can be called as the worlds first smartphone with Carbon Fibre monocoque. Until now, companies sparingly used Carbon Fibre in smartphones as it blocked radio waves. But the team has now launched Carbon 1 MK II, which weighs 125g and is thin at 6.3mm. Whats special in this Carbon Fibre smartphone is the HyRECM technology Hybrid Radio Enabled Composite Material, which the team claims to have worked on for four years. The tech supposedly combines high quality carbon fibers from Germany with a composite material that lets the radio signals pass through. The Carbon 1 MK II is also special because of the monocoque design that has no internal frame and all components are attached to the Carbon Fiber. Also mentioned is that around 5% plastic is used in the entire handsets construction. Carbon 1 MK II. (Carbon Mobiles) As for the specifications, the Carbon 1 MK II features a 6-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ (1080x2160 pixels) resolution with 18:9 aspect ratio. It also has a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Although it runs Android 10, the company has said that Android 11 will be arriving within next few months. Powering it is the MediaTek Helio P90 chipset (12nm), which is paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB inbuilt storage (UFS 2.1). There is also a hybrid card slot. At the back, you get two 16-megapixel sensors with f/2 aperture. There is also a selfie camera with 20-megapixel sensor. Unfortunately, the handset doesnt support 5G but it does have aptX support, USB-C 3.1 port and NFC. The fingerprint sensor is on the side. If you want to buy the smartphone, you can get it at EUR 800, roughly 70,000. It is limited to Germany only, for now. In brief: US sanctions on Chinese semiconductor manufacturers have hit companies from both countries in the pocket, but Japanese firms have benefitted from the situation. A new report says used equipment dealers in Japan have seen their prices rise 20 percent since last year as Chinese firms snap up machines not subject to US restrictions. Nikkei Asia writes that Chinese semiconductor makers are turning to Japan for used equipment in the wake of US sanctions, sending up prices in the country's second-hand market. With the worldwide chip shortage still causing supply problems across multiple industries, even older, out-of-date machines are selling fast; this has seen the price of core equipment such as lithography systems increase threefold. "Nearly 90% of used machines appear to be headed to China," said a source at Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance. A used equipment dealer added, "Machines that were basically worthless several years ago are now selling for 100 million yen [$940,000]." Wafer capacity leaders Company Monthly wafer manufacturing capacity Total global capacity share Samsung 3.1 million 14.7% TSMC 2.7 million 13.1% Micron Technology 1.9 million+ 9.3% SK Hynix ~1.85 million 9% Kioxia 1.6 million 7.7% Intel 884,000 ~4.1% In September, the US government placed sanctions on China's largest chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). It was also added to the same Entity list as Huawei, meaning US companies must secure a license before exporting certain products to SMIC. While much of the used equipment is moving straight from Japan to the buyers' factory floors, some older-generation machines are being hoardednot that the sellers care. The end goal is for the Chinese semiconductor industry to lower reliance on US imports, thereby ensuring sanctions have less impact. In the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, Jesus stands amid a fanatical crowd bellowing out their devotion to him. Simon the Zealot senses an opportunity and shrewdly informs Jesus that: There must be over 50,000 screaming love and more for you Every one of 50,000 would do whatever you ask him to Keep them yelling their devotion, but add a touch of hate at Rome You will rise to a greater power, we will win ourselves a home Youll get the power and the glory, for ever and ever and ever. In the show, Jesus refuses to cultivate hatred of Rome and retorts that neither Simon nor the crowds understand what true power is. Lyricist Tim Rice is no New Testament scholarit is open to debate whether Simons zeal pertained to religion or included a violent expulsion of Roman power from Judea and Galilee. But Rice did hit upon a genuine theme in Jesus ministry: Jesus refused to be the Messiah of a violent revolution, and he called on his fellow Jews to repent of the idea that the kingdom of God can be established by violent insurrection. What took place at the US Capitol in January happened to be set in America: an unruly mob, some bearing Christian banners, smashing their way into a nations halls of power to overturn a democratic election and fulfill prophecies that foretold their political messiah. But the impulses driving the violent actand subsequent threats of violencewere all too visible to Jesus in his day. He saw their inevitable disastrous end, and he warned his followers not to be seduced by the power of the sword. Shortly after Jesus birth, a man named Judas the Galilean led a popular uprising against the provincial rulers in Galilee. Judass militant group objected ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. Michigan lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to expand the states civil rights law by including protections against discrimination for LGBT people. Sponsored by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, House Bill 4297 would add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the list of protected classes under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on several factors when it comes to employment, housing and public accommodations. As its currently written, the law protects people from discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. The bill was introduced in the House last week and has 51 co-sponsors, with Republican Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, joining the Democratic caucus in sponsorship. The reintroduction is the latest step in a years-long effort to include additional protections for Michigans LGBT residents, a cause thats garnered support among business leaders and advocacy groups, but historically hasnt gained traction in the Republican-led Legislature. A 2014 bipartisan push to change the law led by former Republican Rep. Frank Foster ultimately failed, and Foster himself lost his re-election bid during the primary to former House Speaker Lee Chatfield, who did not support expanding anti-discrimination protections to LGBT residents during his tenure. Related: Michigan House Speaker not interested in expanding civil rights law to include LGBT protections Related: Southwest Michigan First apologizes after Lee Chatfield resigns, promises inclusive search for next CEO Chatfields record on the issue sparked a wave of intense criticism when he was hired as CEO of Southwest Michigan First early this year. Eleven days after his hire was announced, Chatfield resigned from the post, and organization officials said they are making internal changes to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the hiring process. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has indicated her support of making the change to Michigans civil rights law and in 2019 extended protections to cover people based on sexual orientation and gender identity within the state workforce and for state contractors and services. She also renamed a state office building after the two co-sponsors of the original law, Daisy Elliott and Mel Larsen. Related: LGBT anti-discrimination campaign turns in nearly 500,000 signatures for 2022 ballot proposal The group Fair and Equal Michigan is also leading an effort to change the law via ballot initiative in 2022 due to legislative efforts stalling in recent years. Last fall, the group submitted 483,461 signatures to the state for its initiative to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to add gender identity and sexual orientation to the list of protected classes. Initially, Fair and Equal Michigan was collecting signatures in preparation for a 2020 ballot initiative. The COVID-19 pandemic interfered with those plans the group successfully petitioned the Court of Claims for a time extension to gather the remaining signatures needed due to the stay-home orders interfering with the ability to meet normal petition signature requirements. Related: Hairstyle discrimination would be banned in Michigan under House bill House Bill 4297 not the only bill introduced so far this session that would expand whats covered under Michigans anti-discrimination law. Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, last week reintroduced legislation to include hair texture and protective hairstyles as traits historically associated with race in the law, effectively banning discrimination against people based on how they wear their hair. Her bill, House Bill 4275, specifically references braids, locks and twists as examples of hairstyles that would be protected from discrimination. It was also referred to the House Judiciary Committee. New Delhi: For 10-year-old Manasvi Karamchedu from Hyderabad, Shabas T.S was nothing less than God dressed as human who gifted her a new life. Its was emotional union for Manasvi and her family when they met Shabas, a 23-year old engineering student who donated blood stem cells to save the girl. At a meeting organised by Datri, a non-profit Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry, Manasvi's father who could not hold back his tears, I do not have words to express my feelings. We have waited for long to meet the person whose selfless act has gifted us the life of my daughter. Sharing similar emotions Shabas said, I was very happy to hear that I was a potential match for someone. I am thankful to my parents for their support. I can say with pride that I experienced one of the biggest joys of my life in meeting Manasvi. Read more: Bengaluru: First doctor to conduct more than 1000 knee surgery Manasvi was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major when she was just five-months-old. As doctors suggested a blood stem cell transplant, parents of the girl registered her name with Datri and were waiting for a matching donor. Their prayer were answered within a year, when they found a perfect match in Shabas. According to international registry protocol, identity of donor and receiver has to be kept anonymous for a year. And when both the parties expressed thier desire to meet each other, Datri organised the event. Manasvi is now perfectly healthy and has been certified by doctors that she has been cured of the illness. India's first auction of spectrum in five years attracted Rs 77,146 crore of bids on the opening day on Monday with Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea participating in the bidding process - a response that the government said was better than expected. There were, however, no takers for spectrum in 700 MHz and 2500 MHz bands on the first day, and the auctions will continue and conclude on Tuesday. About 2,308.80 MHz of spectrum, that carry telecom signals, in seven bands worth nearly Rs 4 lakh crore at the reserve or start price, was offered for bidding in the auction that began on Monday. Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said Rs 77,146 crore worth of spectrum was bid on the first day but there were no takers for the airwaves in the premium 700 MHz as also 2500 MHz bands. The response from players and the bids received surpassed government's internal estimates, that had anticipated bids worth Rs 45,000 crore. "The winning bids that have come till 6 PM today is Rs 77,146 crore. We thought since there are only three players, and spectrum replacement is happening...our estimation was that the bids will touch about Rs 45,000 crore, but it is a matter of assurance that it has gone as high as Rs 77,146 crore," Prasad said. The bidder-wise details were not available immediately. A total of 2,308.80 MHz spectrum is being put to auction, out of which there have been bids for 849.20 MHz so far, an official release said. Bids were received in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz bands, as players gave the prized 700 MHz band a miss on the first day of auctions. "Total value of spectrum put to auction was about Rs 4 lakh crore. In this, 700 MHz band was a costly band, and that cost itself is Rs 1.97 lakh crore," the minister said adding that the government will take a call on 700 MHz band, used for 5G, in case it remains unsold in the ongoing auctions. Excluding 700 MHz and 2500 Mhz bands, the bidding accounted for 60 per cent of the spectrum that was put to auction. The 700 MHz band went unsold during the 2016 auctions, too. During 2016, when there were seven bidders, the spectrum sold was 41 per cent by quantity and 12 per cent by value of the total spectrum put to auction. The corresponding figures in the 2021 spectrum auction so far are 37 per cent and 19 per cent respectively, with three participants. Spectrum will be offered for assignment for a validity period of 20 years. Successful bidders can pay entire bid amount in one go (upfront), or exercise an option to pay a certain amount (25 per cent for spectrum won in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz bands or 50 per cent for spectrum won in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz bands) upfront with remaining amount in a maximum up to 16 equated annual instalments, after a moratorium of two years. The government will get Rs 12,000-13,000 crore in the current financial year and nearly the same amount is expected in the next fiscal. "Not only from Government's revenue point but also customer point of view, it assures us that more spectrum which has been bid, will lead to better services," Prasad said. The first day of auctions saw four rounds, first two rounds at 80 per cent activity levels and thereafter at 90 per cent activity levels. Asked which players had bid aggressively, the minister said that the government has consciously devised a mechanism where it keeps away from the auction process while the bidding is on, and e-auctioneer conducts the process in the most transparent manner. On about future course for 700 MHz band, where players have maintained that prices are exorbitantly high, Prasad said, "the legal requirement is that once there is no auction in a band, Government will have to go to TRAI for recommendation of fresh price." The auction is being held in the backdrop of the pandemic which has impacted economic activity, he said. "There was a stress we cannot deny that, and in spite of that the auction is showing encouraging results. This is an assurance," Prasad said. The auctions for 5G spectrum "should happen in the next financial year", Telecom Secretary Anshu Prakash said noting that many of the companies may have also set aside some reserves for 5G auctions. India would like to have a robust 5G mechanism in place, and would encourage innovative Made-in-India products by domestic companies. "Very soon, we will be coming up with a good ecosystem for 5G trials as well. As far as spectrum is concerned, we will make proper announcement at an appropriate time, and it will not be very late," Prasad said. On whether or not Chinese vendors will be allowed to participate in 5G, the minister said the norms are already in place and the government will proceed accordingly to the rules laid down. In the 800 MHz, spectrum sold was 65 per cent, in 900 Mhz (38 per cent), 1800 MHz (41 per cent), 2100 MHz (9 per cent), and 2300 MHz (89 per cent). "Although in 800 MHz, the spectrum sold is 65 per cent of what is available, contribution of this band to total kitty is about 50 per cent so it is more expensive," Prakash 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.) Przepraszamy! Ogoszenie na stanowisku: Assistant Credit Officer / Credit Officer in Client Credit Management unit wygaso z dniem 2021-03-15 Ta propozycja bya zozona przez Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce Mozliwe przyczyny wygasniecia ogoszenia to: propozycja zozona przez pracodawce zostaa wycofana z naszych zasobow zleceniodawca zakonczy proces rekrutacji uzyskujac odpowiednia ilosc pracownikow rekruter zmodyfikowa tresc ogoszenia i jest ono dostepne pod innym adresem url dostawca tresci usuna ogoszenie z bazy danych niewasciwy adres WWW ogoszenia Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w branzy Konsulting, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Konsulting Jezeli poszukujesz pracy na stanowisku Assistant Credit Officer / Credit Officer in Client Credit Management unit, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca Assistant Credit Officer / Credit Officer in Client Credit Management unit Jezeli poszukujesz pracy w miescie: odz, zajrzyj tutaj: Praca odz Pamietaj, ze mozesz takze rozpoczac poszukiwanie pracy od strony gownej, kliknij tutaj. Inne oferty, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. On April 20, 2020, President Xi Jinping went to Zhashui, Shaanxi to inspect the work of poverty alleviation and praised that the small fungus has formed a large industry. "The president's praise affirms the tangible role of sci-tech poverty alleviation industries, including fungi, in poverty alleviation." Li Yu, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor of Jilin Agricultural University, said excitedly. "90% mountains, 5% water and 5% fields" is a true portrayal of Zhashui, a targeted county for poverty alleviation by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). With the aid of technology, small fungus has gradually formed a large industry. Delicious, big, thick... The black fungus and jade fungus selected by Li Yu's team played a hard-core role in the poverty alleviation of Zhashui and the prosperity of its people. Poverty alleviation through science and technology is an important part of the national poverty alleviation and development strategy. The sci-tech poverty alleviation action is one of the top ten poverty alleviation actions determined by the State Council's Leading Group of Poverty Alleviation and Development in 2016. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (NCCPC), the MOST has firmly grasped the poverty alleviation strategy: targeted poverty alleviation, the will to fight against poverty should be put ahead of poverty alleviation, and the knowledge and skills needed should be provided at the same time. It deeply implemented the sci-tech poverty alleviation project of "A hundred platforms, A thousand assistance pairs, Ten thousand commissioners", innovated mechanisms of inter-ministerial coordination, eastern and western sci-tech poverty alleviation cooperation and "four-level linkage", establishing a large pattern of sci-tech poverty alleviation: "Horizontally to the Side, Vertically to the End". The poverty alleviation work through science and technology has made significant achievements. The sci-tech departments of all levels in China have established 1,290 innovation and entrepreneurship platforms in poverty-stricken areas, established 77,000 sci-tech assistance pairs, selected 289,800 sci-tech commissioners, invested more than 20 billion RMB, implemented 37,600 projects, and promoted the application of more than 50,000 advanced and practical technology new varieties. Regard the development of industries with rural characteristics as the main front Li Yu is the only academician in the field of edible and medicinal fungi research in China. Changchun and Zhashui are 2102 kilometers apart. Why has the fungus of Li Yu's team got a good harvest in Zhashui? There is a moving story about poverty alleviation through science and technology. In 2017, led by the MOST, Li Yu's team went to Zhashui and started their sci-tech poverty alleviation work. "Science and technology achieved significant results in poverty alleviation in Zhashui and other places. The key lies in the development of industries with rural characteristics as the main front." The person in charge from the MOST said. In Zhashui, the MOST has implemented 28 special projects for the central-guided local science and technology development, invested 70.5 million RMB, introduced more than 380 scientific and technological talents, and organized training for more than 3,000 person-time poverty alleviation officials and poverty-stricken people. In July 2016, during an inspection in Ningxia, President Xi Jinping pointed out that developing industries is the fundamental way to achieve poverty alleviation. It is necessary to adapt measures to local conditions and to cultivate industries as the fundamental way out of poverty alleviation. Since the 18th NCCPC, sci-tech departments of all levels in China have implemented 37,600 sci-tech projects at all levels in poverty-stricken areas, including national key R&D programs and special projects for the central-guided local science and technology development, leading the rapid development of poverty alleviation industries. More than 66 million RMB has been invested in the national key R&D programs "high-quality and high-yield major cash crops and the improvement of quality and efficiency of sci-tech innovation by industries", "blue granary sci-tech innovation", "key technology R&D for food safety" and other key special projects to make aquaculture, fungus and rare edible mushrooms industries larger and stronger. The popularization and application of technologies for the breeding of Coptis chinensis new varieties, high-efficiency cultivation, comprehensive utilization of by-products and other technologies has enabled the comprehensive output value of the Coptis chinensis industry in Shizhu, Chongqing to reach 360 million RMB, and the average income of growers is 46,000 RMB. Luopu County, Xinjiang has integrated poverty alleviation funds of more than 60 million RMB to build the largest pigeon breeding base in Hotan area, receiving 193 poor people to work and driving 7,900 poor households out of poverty with income increase of more than 1,000 RMB per capita. The sci-tech departments of all levels in China have promoted the application of more than 50,000 advanced practical technologies and new varieties such as "integrated rice-fishing cultivation technology" and "smash-ridging technology", which injected strong momentum into the high-quality development of industries in poor areas. The sci-tech commissioners become a new force in the fight against poverty In 2015, Zhu Youyong, a 60-year-old sci-tech commissioner and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, came to his hometown of Lancang County, Yunnan's most impoverished area. He set himself a new goal: to use science and technology to eradicate poverty. He has been stationed in the Haozhiba village, Lancang for poverty alleviation, who is a sci-tech commissioner to set up an academician work station in the grass-rooted unit in China. Zhu Youyong, who is nicknamed as the "farmer academician" by the local people, promoted the transformation of scientific and technological achievements based on the actual situation in rural areas, and established the academician science and technology poverty alleviation training class. At present, under-forest organic Panax notoginseng planting has been promoted in the poverty-stricken mountainous areas of Lancang for more than 1,000 mu (around 1700 acres), and late-season potatoes have been promoted in Yunnan province for over 5 million mu (around 0.83 million acres). "Poverty alleviation through science and technology has enabled us to transform 'idle winter fields' into 'productive fields' and develop a winter potato industry in Lancang." Zhu Youyong said. On October 20, 2019, President Xi Jinping issued important instructions on the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the sci-tech commissioner system. Xi said that since the implementation of the system, more and more experts have been sent to the countryside to serve agriculture, rural areas and farmers with science and technology in the past 20 years. They have helped publicize the Party's policies on agriculture, rural areas and farmers, popularize agricultural science and technology, spearhead sci-tech innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas, and lead villages out of poverty. "They have enabled farmers to acquire a stronger sense of fulfillment and and happiness," he also said. Since the 18th NCCPC, experts selected by the sci-tech departments of all levels in China have been dispatched to the frontline of poverty alleviation, basically achieving full coverage of science and technology services and promotion of entrepreneurship in nearly 100,000 registered poverty-stricken villages across the country. They set great example to farmers and led them out of poverty. During the process, some advanced examples emerged, such as Li Yu, Zhao Yafu, Yao Jianmin, Lyu Xiulan, and Zhu Youyong. Since 2014, the central government has invested a total of 2.14 billion RMB to implement the "Three Districts" Talent Support Program for special scientific and technological talents. More than 120,000 scientific and technological talents have been selected to 1,118 "Three Districts" counties in central and western provinces. Besides, more than 20,000 local talents who are skilled in technology, operation and management were trained, and most of them are returning migrant workers and college graduates working as village officials. All these measures were taken to create a working team labeled as being perseverant and professional for poverty-stricken areas . We will develop demonstration field for innovation-driven targeted poverty alleviation In January 2016, President Xi Jinping inspected the poverty alleviation work in Jinggangshan and pointed out that "Jinggangshan should set an example and lead the way in poverty alleviation". The MOST always adheres to the path of innovation-driven development and builds targeted poverty alleviation counties into innovation-driven precision poverty alleviation demonstration fields. It has selected and sent a group of officials with strong business skills and sci-tech experts, and implemented scientific and technological projects with great effects. Besides, a number of innovative and entrepreneurial platforms have been established, and a group of distinctive and sustainable poverty alleviation industries have been developed. Statistics show that the MOST has invested more than 1.1 billion RMB and introduced assistance funds in 5 targeted poverty alleviation counties since 2016. The MOST also implemented more than 250 projects including the national key research and development plan, the special project of the central-guided local science and technology development, and the special project of "Science & Technology Boosts the Economy 2020" with a total of 219 million RMB has been invested. About 845 million RMB has been introduced for assistance, nearly 200 new varieties have been selected, and more than 100 key industrial technologies have been developed, which has effectively improved the technological level of industrial development in targeted poverty alleviation counties. In the five targeted poverty alleviation counties, the MOST has set up more than 30 platforms for innovation and entrepreneurship, including national and provincial agricultural science and technology parks, service space for innovators, sub-centers for collaborative innovation, science and technology demonstration bases, industrial demonstration parks, and science and technology resource coordination centers, to facilitate the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industries, and to improve the quality and efficiency of poverty-alleviation leading industries. As of 2018, the MOST had selected 65 poverty alleviation officials from the 30 sessions of the Science and Technology Poverty Alleviation Group to Jinggangshan, a targeted poverty alleviation county, supported a total of 338 projects in 35 key poverty-stricken villages, with a total investment of 345 million RMB. All of the MOST's five targeted poverty alleviation counties have shaken off poverty ahead of schedule. Among themJinggangshan took the lead and made president Xi's words about "Jinggangshan should set a good example in the fight against poverty" come true. Targeted measures should be taken to ensure that assistance reaches poverty-stricken villages and households. The premise of rural revitalization is industrial prosperity. The less developed the regions are, the more innovation-driven development strategies they need to implement. The whole Party and the whole society should continue to work together to form a strong synergy in poverty alleviation and development. The statements above are resounding. Achieving poverty alleviation through science and technology lies in its work precisionfocusing on industry, taking root in innovation, depending on people's joint effort and relies on persistence. Since the 18th NCCPC, the sci-tech departments of all levels in China have explored a path of innovation-driven targeted poverty alleviation by leveraging the advantages of science and technology and human resources. Eradication of poverty is not the end, but a fresh start of the new life and the new strive. In this land of hope, science and technology will create more opportunity, consolidate and expand China's anti-poverty achievements, promote rural revitalization in all respects, and make new and greater contributions to achieving new victories in building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. SOURCE Science and Technology Daily 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. Curfew in Ahmedabad extended till 6am on May 21; Night curfew to continue in 36 cities for another 3 days Gujarat: 23-year-old woman ends her life, records last message before jumping into Ahmedabads Sabarmati river India oi-Madhuri Adnal Ahmedabad, Mar 01: A woman allegedly committed suicide by jumping into the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad in Gujarat soon after recording a video on her mobile phone, leading to her husband being booked for abetment to suicide, police said on Monday. The incident took place on February 25 and police identified the victim as Ayesha Khan (23) who also spoke to her husband and parents before taking the extreme step, an official said. According to the FIR lodged by her father Liyakatali Makrani at Sabarmati Riverfront (West) police station a day later, Ayesha''s husband Arif Babukhan inflicted mental torture on her and told her "die if you want to, and send me a video". Supreme Court will no longer use WhatsApp to share video conference links In the video, which went viral on social media, Ayesha can be heard saying she is not taking the step under any pressure. As per police, she told her parents she did not want her husband in her life anymore and that she was tired of life. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News A Sabarmati Riverfront (West) police station official said Arif Babukhan is yet to be arrested and probe into the incident continued. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 14:31 [IST] Nearly half of the residents of Jackson, Mississippi have now been without water for nearly two weeks following the severe winter storm that froze pipes and burst water mains all over the city. The same storm knocked out power and water service for millions of people in Texas and impacted neighboring Louisiana. Tens of thousands of people living in Mississippis capital city have had no running water for drinking or washing clothes or indoor plumbing, and water distribution sites have been set up across the region. Hundreds of residents have crowd into long lines, either standing outside or waiting in their vehicles, in order to receive bottles and jugs of much needed water. Some people have even reported having to purchase bottled water for as much as $100.00 as the citys crumbling infrastructure has resulted in massive demands and scarce resources. Madonna Manor maintenance supervisor Lamar Jackson pours potable water into a resident's empty jugs in Jackson, Miss., Monday afternoon, Feb. 22, 2021. Rising temperatures have melted the snow and ice in Mississippi but tens of thousands of people still had little or no water service, with some waiting a week for restoration since the outages began during an extended freeze. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) The poverty rate of Jackson is estimated to be around 26.9 percent. Many residents have lost work and income due to the pandemic and others have been forced out of work more recently due to the havoc caused by the winter storms. For most who have lost service, being able to afford bottled water is a significant challenge. For local chef Erika Williams, being forced to collect melting snow in order to flush the toilet, stand in line for hours with a bucket for water distribution, and paying exorbitant prices for bottled water has lead to real anger and frustration with the local government. The thing that became frustrating was the tone of accountability just wasnt there, Williams told the Daily Beast. There was no plan that we could see. The press conferences were redundant. If you dont know when its coming back, what is being done to help us? Indeed, ten days now since the first water outages, there is still no clear timetable from city officials for when safe running water will return. Many residents who have low water pressure are still under boil water advisories from over a week ago as the water that is running is not yet safe to ingest. According to local reports, there have been 33 suspected water main breaks as of the most recent account and at least 10 confirmed breaks. Summer Williams, Jackson resident and eight-months-pregnant mother-to-be, told 16 WAPT News of the emotional distress under which the crisis has placed her. It scares me. It really does. I don't know, I'm probably gonna even have to leave Jackson until everything gets situated and just go stay with my mom, Williams said. I get emotional about it, sometimes I cry. It's like our apartments didn't even warn us about the water. It just stopped working. According to Democratic Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, there are no exact numbers for how many residents are without running water. Some regions have been hit worse than others, and in many neighborhoods a full restoration of water service is not yet on the horizon. Public Works Director Charles Williams told a press conference on Sunday, Our system has basically crashed like a computer and now we're trying to rebuild it. One method the city is using to gather stores of water is to open fire hydrants across the city in order to fill tanks so water can be distributed elsewhere. City officials estimate the costs for upgrading the city water system to be in the lower billions$2 billion according to Mayor Lumumbayet the city council has only set aside about $15 million dollars a year toward the issue through a sales tax increase of about one percent. On Thursday, Mississippi Republican Governor Tate Reeves sent the National Guard to Jackson with tankers of non-potable water for flushing toilets in one of the first signs of aid from the state. Many residents have taken to social media to express their frustrations and raise national awareness of the citys water crisis. One Twitter user expressed her anger directly on the governors account, calling for more national attention and government assistance, The fact that people havent had water for 3 weeks should spark some type of outrage. The fact that @tatereeves had to be begged to step in is pitiful. The fact that he denied a bill last year saying even though people dont have water they still have to pay a water bill is sick. Her tweet continued, Its how half the city STILL doesnt have running water and if they do have it then the pressure is very low. Where is the government assistance?? Others went to the citys official Facebook pages in droves to express their outrage. Resident Dwight Pugh wrote, Day 12 and not even a drip at my house, NEVER have we had [water] disrupted this long. Disputes between local and state government officials have also flustered residents who expressed anger at the slow response of local and state assistance. Lumumba reportedly told residents that the governor was not returning his calls for help, yet the governors office said no such calls were made. Mayor Lumumba, who admits that the city has water mains that are over 100 years old, declared that the water system crisis will not be fixed easily or very soon. The challenges of aging infrastructure are not new to Jackson, but this is different. This was an act of God that sent old systems into havoc resulting in severe water outages and trauma for our residents, Lumumba said in a press statement. Our systems were never meant to endure days of ice storms and sub-zero temperatures coupled by road conditions that prevented the delivery of critical supplies. Governor Reeves agrees with the mayor on this point. He admitted in an earlier statement that the water system in Jackson has been neglected for over 50 years and is not something that we are going to fix in the next six to eight hours. However, the current disaster was not the result of an unforeseeable act of God. City officials have known for years that the public water and sewage system was in desperate need of repair and without significant investment would collapse under the pressure of such a winter storm. A century-old general store in the northwest North Carolina mountains known as a gathering place for local commerce and memories was destroyed by fire, authorities said. The Todd General Store, established in 1914 and identified in the National Register of Historic Places, burned to the ground Thursday night, Ashe County officials said. No one was injured. The fires cause hasnt been determined, Ashe County Fire Marshal Jonathan Stansberry told the Watauga Democrat. He said the fire pattern suggests it may have started in the kitchen. Originally known as Cook Brothers Mercantile, the building was operated by Walter Cook for decades, according to National Archives records posted online. The property changed hands several times since. The historic landmarks newest owners purchased the building in 2019 and reopened the store last summer. Locals are raising money to help the family. Weve lost a huge part of our community. Please keep the owners, their family and the community in your prayers, RiverGirl Fishing Company, which is near the general store, posted on Facebook along with photos of the fire and destroyed building. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics North Carolina GLAAD stands in solidarity with Times Up, Color of Change, and all who are calling on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to do better, in light of the recent news about not having any Black members for the Golden Globes in decades, GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. Though data for LGBTQ members of the HFPA has not been released, we encourage and implore the HFPA to address these loud calls for change in an intersectional way by including LGBTQ and other diverse communities. Representation matters. Accountability matters. Moving forward, the HFPA must make substantial and transparent changes to ensure that all diverse voices are represented and celebrated amongst its membership and nominees. Advertisement Hundreds waved off Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth from Portsmouth as it sailed off for sea trials ahead of its first deployment this spring. The 3 billion warship took over the role of fleet flagship in June and last year Boris Johnson confirmed she will be at the centre of a carrier strike group deployment to the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean and east Asia. She is set to return at the end of the month before taking a major role in war games in the far east. Well wishers wave goodbye as HMS Queen Elizabeth departs from the Naval base. She is due to return at the end of the month People sit waiting for the departure of HMS Queen Elizabeth. The carrier is the largest in Royal Navy history The 3 billion warship took over the role of fleet flagship in June and last year Boris Johnson confirmed she will be at the centre of a carrier strike group deployment to the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean and east Asia Last month, following talks with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Japan welcomed the decision to send the carrier to the Indo-Pacific region amid growing tensions with China over navigation rights Last month, following talks with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, Japan welcomed the decision to send the carrier to the Indo-Pacific region amid growing tensions with China over navigation rights. Mr Wallace said: 'The most significant Royal Navy deployment in a generation demonstrates the UK's commitment to working with our partners in the region to uphold the rules-based international system and promote our shared security and prosperity.' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was part of the UK's 'tilt' towards the Indo-Pacific region following Brexit. HMS Queen Elizabeth will embark with F-35B jets from 617 Squadron (the 'Dambusters') and Royal Navy Merlin helicopters, and will be escorted and supported by Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers, Type 23 frigates and support ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary The carrier and its F-35B Lightning jets will also be complemented by a detachment of the stealth fighters from the US Marine Corps as well as a US Navy destroyer during the deployment HMS Queen Elizabeth - named after 16th century monarch Elizabeth I - is the lead ship of the Queen Elizabeth-Class of aircraft carriers. Its sister ship is HMS Prince of Wales Members of the Navy stand on board at attention behind a naval flag. The ship is set for its first deployment in May HMS Queen Elizabeth will embark with F-35B jets from 617 Squadron (the 'Dambusters') and Royal Navy Merlin helicopters, and will be escorted and supported by Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers, Type 23 frigates and support ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The carrier and its F-35B Lightning jets will also be complemented by a detachment of the stealth fighters from the US Marine Corps as well as a US Navy destroyer during the deployment. Along with its strike group, it will first take part in a war-fighting exercise with other Nato navies during Exercise Strike Warrior off Scotland in May before it departs for the Mediterranean. CAMEROUN :: Two wildlife traffickers to appear in court :: CAMEROON Two wildlife traffickers shall be standing trial at the Court of First Instance of Yaounde on March 25, 2021 to answer to charges of lion and leopard skins trafficking. The case will be heard for the second time after the first hearingwas adjourned by the presiding judge on March 25 for all the suspects to be present and forpresentation of evidence and arguments. The two were arrested in possession of onelion skin and a leopard skin on August 6, last year during a crackdown operation carried out by wildlife officials of the Center Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife in collaboration with the Nlongkak Gendarmerie Brigade. The arrest was carried out with the technical assistanceof the Last Great Ape Organization - LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement organization that is equally assisting in the legal procedure of the case. One of the traffickers is a retired high school teacher whom according to a source, who requests for anonymity, gave the skins to her accomplice to sell. She was later caught by wildlife officials at the Efoulan neighborhood after the arrest of her accomplice with the illegal wildlife products. The illegal trade in the skins of lions and leopards has seen their populations plummet to alarming numbers rendering the big cats vulnerable and may be on the verge of extinction in some parts of the continent according to conservationists. Whereas big cats are key species that play an important role in the ecosystem. They warrant more protection and their vast habitats that support many forms of life and entire ecosystems that are essential to the health of our planet. Their protection is falling short as studies show that a century ago there were approximately 200,000 lions in Africa and that number has fallen to some 20.000 today according Peter Lindsey, Director of the Lion Recovery Fund. Cameroonian born lion specialist Pricelia Tumenta states that Cameroon is an important country for the species with its lion population of over 270 individuals second only to the DRC in the Central African sub-region. But the illegal trade in their skins is a big threat to the small population that is found basically in the north of the country. Lions are listed as vulnerable species inthe Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN). Lions as well as leopards are totally protected by the wildlife lawof the country and if they are found guilty, the two may face a prison term of up to 3 years and or pay a fine of up to 10 million francs, according to the 1994 wildlife law. 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. Researchers at CURAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at National University of Ireland Galway, and BIOFORGE Lab, at the University of Valladolid in Spain, have developed an injectable hydrogel that could help repair and prevent further damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack. The results of their research have just been published in the prestigious journal Science Translational Medicine. Myocardial infarction or heart disease is a leading cause of death due to the irreversible damage caused to the heart muscle (cardiac tissue) during a heart attack. The regeneration of cardiac tissue is minimal so that the damage caused cannot be repaired by itself. Current treatments lack an effective method to prevent death and subsequent cardiac tissue repair following a heart attack. "This project involved the development and testing of an elastin-based hydrogel derived from a naturally occurring biomaterial in the human body", explains Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CURAM at National University of Ireland Galway and project lead. The hydrogel is based on a family of unique biomaterials, called elastin-like recombinamers, that BIOFORGE-UVa had developed in the search for advanced hydrogels for regenerative medicine. "The hydrogel was developed to mimic the environment around the heart following an infarction and then customised to have the ability to protect and promote regeneration of the cardiac tissue", says Professor Pandit. The therapeutic effect of multiple injections of this hydrogel into the cardiac tissue was assessed during the first-ever preclinical study of its kind, demonstrating its efficacy for cardiac tissue remodelling following a heart attack. The international research team, which included researchers from Ireland, Spain, Sweden, France and Italy, were able to show that if their hydrogel was injected into the heart muscle shortly after a heart attack, it resulted in less fibrosis (scarring of the cardiac tissue) and an increase in the generation of new blood vessels in the area. They were also able to observe the rise in the preservation and survival of cardiomyocytes, a type of cell that allows the heart to beat, in the affected area. Professor Abhay Pandit added: "This project demonstrates the efficacy of a unique biomaterial-only system able to induce a positive healing effect on cardiac tissue following a heart attack event. The functional benefits obtained by the timely injection of the hydrogel supports and highlights the potential use of this treatment in the clinic. The next step will be to develop a prototype for a delivery system for the hydrogel." Professor Mark Da Costa, Cardiothoracic Surgeon and senior co-author of the study, said: "In this study, we employed a model to specifically look at a type of heart attack that has increased in incidence and is not often treated until the acute phase resolves. Scar tissue that forms after the heart attack often remodels negatively, causing future problems like heart failure. The timely injection of this hydrogel appears to change the way the heart muscle heals after a heart attack. There is a significant positive histological, biological and functional recovery of the injured heart muscle. Work is progressing now to deliver this to the sites of injury in different clinical settings and will be followed with translation into a clinical trial." ### The full research team also involved John Newell, Michelle Kilcoyne, Peter Owens and Peter Dockery from NUI Galway, CURAM PhD graduate Paolo Contessotto, Doriana Orbani? and Jose C. Rodriguez-Cabello from the BIOFORGE Lab at the University of Valladolid in Spain, Chunsheng Jin and Niclas G. Karlsson from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Sandrine Chantepie and Dulce Papy-Garcia from the Laboratory Cell Growth, Tissue Repair and Regeneration at the University Paris Est, Creteil, France, and Clizia Chinello and Fulvio Magni from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Vedano al Lambro, Italy. CURAM's research focuses on developing diagnostic devices, biomedical implants, cell-device and drug-device combination products to address unmet clinical needs. The recent announcement of a 46 million reinvestment in CURAM by Science Foundation Ireland in February 2021, demonstrates the Government's strong commitment to the MedTech industry in Ireland, supporting the continuation of substantial academic, industry and clinical collaborations that are central to CURAM's work. To access the full paper, visit https:/ / stm. sciencemag. org/ content/ 13/ 581/ eaaz5380 . -Ends- For Press contact Gwen O'Sullivan, Press and Information Executive, NUI Galway at gwen.osullivan@nuigalway.ie or +353 87 6601592. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 28) The government received on Sunday the first shipment of vaccines against COVID-19. The vaccines, from Chinese drugmaker Sinovac Biotech, arrived at the Villamor Air Base around 4:10 p.m. and will later be delivered to COVID-19 referral hospitals in Metro Manila for the vaccine rollout on Monday. In a speech delivered during the turnover ceremony, President Rodrigo Duterte said the arrival of the vaccines gives hope that the pandemic would soon be over in the country. "I said it before and I will say it again, COVID-19 vaccines would be treated as a global public good and made available to all, rich and poor alike. No nation, no people should be left to suffer the ravages of this pandemic for whatever reason," he said. Duterte also noted that among all countries who received the Sinovac vaccines, only the Philippines had theirs delivered by a Chinese government plane. "Yung iba, kinukuha doon sa China. Dito, hinatid sa atin," he said. [Translation: Others had to go get them from China. Ours were delivered.] In a separate speech, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said he hoped the vaccines would help the country kick off the mass inoculation campaign "to curb the pandemic and allow Filipinos to return to normal life at the earliest." In an interview with CNN Philippines, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro said they were ready to receive the vaccine as they arrive to be stored in a facility in the city prior to rollout on Monday. "This is a DOH storage facility. It's all systems go here. In fact, upon delivery of the vaccines, it will already be inventoried, and after the inventory, the deployment will be done in order to start the rollout effectively tomorrow morning," he said. On Monday, 525,600 AstraZeneca vaccines were expected to arrive. However, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the arrival would be delayed. "Meron lang kasi balita...na hindi matutuloy dahil nga ang sabi ng WHO nagkakaproblema sila sa supply. So, maantala daw ng isang linggo," he said in an interview after the turnover ceremony at Villamor Airbase. [Translation: There is news...that it will not push through because the WHO (World Health Organization) said they were having trouble with supply. So, it will be delayed by a week.] To date, there are 576,352 COVID-19 cases in the country, according to the Department of Health. New Delhi: India on Monday (March 1, 2021) woke up to the surprising news of Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Prime Minister arrived at the AIIMS Hospital in Delhi early morning and shared the news of him getting vaccinated through his official social media accounts. He got vaccinated on a day when India kicked-off the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, which aims to vaccinate the age-appropriate groups. In DNA on Monday with Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary, we look at how the Prime Minister has instilled citizen's confidence by taking the made-in-India COVAXIN shot. PM Narendra Modi's vaccine jab boosts confidence: When India gave the emergency-use authorization to two coronavirus vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield, questions arose on their safety. While Covaxin has been developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, Covishield has been made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. Raising questions on the safety and efficacy of the indigenous vaccine, many people leaned towards the foreign vaccine with their trust. However, PM Modi's step has put a full stop to these arguments and a stamp of trust on the research of Indian scientists and doctors. The Prime Minister's move has boosted people's confidence and has also removed the fear of getting vaccinated. PM Narendra Modi appeals to citizens to take COVID-19 vaccine: After taking the coronavirus vaccine, PM Narendra Modi appealed to all those who are eligible to take it. He said, "Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" The Prime Minister also said that it's remarkable how the Indian doctors and scientists have worked in a quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. He will now be given the second and final dose of the vaccine on March 28. Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free! pic.twitter.com/5z5cvAoMrv Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2021 After PM Modi, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Apart from them, several other political leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister Jitendra Singh also got vaccinated. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik also took the coronavirus vaccine shot. I took my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Government Medical College, Chennai today. I will be taking the 2nd dose after 28 days. I appeal to all the eligible people to get themselves vaccinated proactively and join in the fight against novel coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/mfA1xJXiGg Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) March 1, 2021 Got my jab. For the curious, it was #Covaxin. Felt secure, will travel safely. pic.twitter.com/8PL7PZMEsf Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 1, 2021 https://t.co/3KZgT9Bn6l pic.twitter.com/Zixx7rSHtm Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) March 1, 2021 25 lakh beneficiaries register on Co-Win portal on first day: The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive across India witnessed over 25 lakh beneficiaries registering on the Co-Win portal on the very first day. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, out of the 25 lakh, 24.5 lakh are citizens, while the rest are healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers (FLWs). About 6.44 lakh appointments were also booked on Monday by the citizen beneficiaries. The next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive began on Monday for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. A total of 1,47,28,569 vaccine doses have been given across India, as per the provisional report till 7 pm on Monday. These include 66,95,665 HCWs who have taken the 1st dose and 25,57,837 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 53,27,587 FLWs (1st dose), 1,28,630 beneficiaries more than 60 years old and 18,850 beneficiaries aged 45 and above with specific co-morbidities. Politics around PM Narendra Modi getting COVID-19 vaccine: Since PM Narendra Modi got the coronavirus vaccine shot on Monday morning, the pictures and videos of him taking the jab have been the subject of discussion all over the country. The Prime Minister wore a 'gamcha' of Assam with him when he went to the hospital, where he was administered the vaccine by two nurses from Puducherry and Kerala. Several opposition leaders have now started questioning the move and said that it is a publicity stunt for election campaigning. Earlier on January 16 when the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination drive commenced in India, the opposition had raised their doubts over the authenticity of the vaccine. They had asked the Prime Minister and other BJP leaders to get the vaccine first. Now, when the vaccine has been given, they are saying that these are publicity stunt for the upcoming assembly polls. They would have also asked for proof if the pictures or videos of PM getting vaccinated wouldn't be there. Live TV A dose of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is displayed at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England on Jan. 2, 2021. (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire/Pool via Reuters) Feds Hoping for AstraZeneca Shots This Week as Pfizer BioNTech Prepare Next Delivery OTTAWAThe federal government hopes to start receiving doses of AstraZenecas recently approved COVID-19 vaccine this week as the flood of shots that flowed into Canada from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna last week partially subsides. Health Canada announced on Friday that it had approved the AstraZeneca vaccine, the third COVID-19 shot to have received regulatory approval since the start of the pandemic. Canada has ordered 24 million doses of the vaccine, with the majority to be delivered from the United States between April and September. But two million jabs have been ordered from the Serum Institute of India, and Verity Pharmaceuticals, which is facilitating the institutes application in Canada, has said the first 500,000 would reach Canadian shores this week. A senior government official told The Canadian Press on background Sunday that the first of those doses could start to arrive in Canada as early as Wednesday, though the shipment has not been confirmed. Dr. Supriya Sharma, the chief medical adviser at Health Canada, also told the CBC on Sunday that the regulator had received additional information over the weekend from Johnson and Johnson, which is seeking approval for its own vaccine. Regulators in the U.S. gave it the green light over the weekend. Sharma said Health Canada is hoping to approve Johnson & Johnsons vaccine in the next couple of weeks, but added any decision is contingent on the information presented by the company. As it stands now, the Public Health Agency of Canada is currently only expecting delivery of about 445,000 vaccine doses this week, which is about 200,000 less than last weeks record high of 640,000 doses in a seven-day period. The confirmed doses are all coming from Pfizer-BioNTech, as the two companies settle into a rhythm following a month-long delivery lull in January and much of February due to production upgrades in Europe. The pharmaceutical giants have pledged to deliver 4 million doses by the end of March. Canada received 168,000 doses of Modernas vaccine last week, but the company only delivers every three weeks. Clinical trials showed the AstraZeneca vaccine to be less effective at preventing infection than the other two, but it is still keeping people from getting very sick or dying, Sharma said Friday. Pfizer and Moderna both reported their products were 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in immunized patients compared to those who received a placebo. Efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine is believed to be around 62 percent. Its not entirely clear yet how provinces and territories will incorporate the AstraZeneca vaccine into their inoculation efforts, but the product offers a more flexible option since shots can be shipped and stored in refrigerators rather than freezers. AstraZeneca vaccines are to be given in two doses between four and 12 weeks apart. Sharma said there is some indication that waiting longer for a follow-up jab leads to a better response, but that data is not yet complete. There have been some concerns raised about the AstraZeneca vaccine in recent weeks, including its effectiveness against virus variants of concern and whether there is enough data to show it works on older recipients. Several European countries, including Germany and France, limited AstraZenecas vaccine to residents under the age of 65. Sharma said there were a limited number of people over 65 involved in the clinical trials, but that data, coupled with the real-world experience in the United Kingdom, shows strong evidence seniors are protected. Canadas vaccine program is ramping up after the lengthy slowdown in deliveries. More than 300,000 people were vaccinated in the last week, almost one-fifth of the total doses injected since the first immunizations began Dec. 14. About 700,000 people had received one dose as of Friday afternoon, and more than 500,000 are now fully vaccinated with two doses. Quebec is set to expand its vaccination effort to the general public on Monday by allowing seniors 85 or older to begin booking appointments. The age threshold has been lowered to 80 for seniors in the Montreal area. The AstraZeneca vaccine works differently than the other two already in use in Canada. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna use messenger RNA technology, using RNA encoded with the piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as the spike protein. The mRNA trains the body to fight off a COVID-19 infection. AstraZeneca is a viral vector vaccine, which takes a cold virus, modifies it so it cant reproduce itself, and adds the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. When injected, it too provokes the body to develop infection-fighting antibodies and cells to combat the virus. By Lee Berthiaume The Moscow City Court has upheld an arrest warrant issued by a lower court last month for Leonid Volkov, a close associate of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny. The warrant for Volkov, the head of the network of Navalny's teams across Russia, was issued on February 10 at the request of the Investigative Committee. Volkov, who is currently based in Lithuania, is accused of calling on minors to take part in unsanctioned mass rallies in late January. Navalny, 44, Putin's top critic, was arrested on January 17 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was treated for a nerve-agent poisoning that he says was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin has denied. The detention sparked outrage across the country and much of the West, with tens of thousands of Russians taking to the streets in rallies on January 23 and 31. Police cracked down harshly on the demonstrations, putting many of Navalny's allies behind bars, and then detaining thousands more -- sometimes violently -- as they gathered on the streets. Based on reporting by Interfax and TASS 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. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Recently, Zara unveiled her new single "Look What You've Done" from her highly anticipated new album Poster Girl, which is set to release this week on March 5. The 12-track collection will feature her 2020 hits "Wow," "Love Me Land," and "Talk About Love" ft. Young Thug, which recently debuted on the U.S. Top 40 pop radio charts. Zara will be hosting an exclusive online concert on her YouTube channel for International Women's Day on March 8, where she will be performing new songs from Poster Girl, along with many of her top hits. Zara Larsson said, "I'm so excited to start working with Johnny, Katie and everyone at Sony Music Publishing. They have such an incredible team and roster and I can't wait to be a part of it." Johnny Tennander, Sony Music Publishing MD, Scandinavia and SVP A&R, Europe said, "We're incredibly proud to be working with Zara and to welcome her to Sony Music Publishing. Zara is a real artist and she also stands for something she has something to say. Ola Hakansson and the Ten team together with the Epic team have done an amazing job building her career into becoming a global superstar, and we very much look forward to being a part of the team and taking Zara to new heights!" "Zara has already achieved an incredible global legacy yet has so much future ahead of her. We are thrilled to partner with Zara, London15 and the rest of her incredible team," said Katie Welle, Sony Music Publishing SVP, Creative. Zara Larsson gained international prominence in 2015 with the release of her breakthrough hits "Lush Life" and "Never Forget You" ft. MNEK, which quickly earned top charting positions across various countries. In 2017, she released her debut album So Good, propelling Zara into the global spotlight and making history on Spotify as the second most-streamed debut by a female artist ever. Since then, Larsson's career has continued to rise with popular singles such as "So Good" ft. Ty Dolla $ign, "Symphony" with Clean Bandit, and "Ain't My Fault." She has received top accolades for her songs, including four MTV EMA awards, four Swedish Grammy awards, eight Rockbjornen, four BRIT nominations, and many others. SOURCE Sony Music Publishing 1. How badly were states hit by the pandemic? Republicans and Democrats wrangling over President Bidens $1.9 trillion stimulus bill have often clashed over how much aid states should get from the federal government. The presidents package contains $350 billion in new relief for state and local governments. According to recent data, though, by some measures the states ended up collecting nearly as much revenue in 2020 as they did in 2019. One big reason: $600-a-week federal supplements to state unemployment benefits, along with other federal stimulus money. Republican lawmakers are citing the findings as evidence that the states were doing just fine. On the other hand, Democrats have said states need relief, even if their revenues are resilient, because costs will spiral as schools reopen and vaccination programs roll out. Buddhist monks lead an anti-coup protest march in Mandalay, Myanmar on Feb. 27, 2021. 'CRPH' in the placards stand for 'Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw.' (AP) Yangon: Ousted Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has not been seen since last month's military coup, is due to face court Monday after a deadly weekend crackdown against relentless democracy protests. Security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators in four cities on Sunday, with the UN saying it had credible information at least 18 people had died. One person among a group of protesters crouching behind rubbish bins and other makeshift shields in Yangon, the commercial capital, was shot and had to be dragged away by others, according to video footage filmed by AFP. "We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters," Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, said. AFP independently confirmed eight deaths in Sunday's violence, although there were fears the toll could be much higher. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a reliable monitoring group, estimated that about 30 people have been killed by security forces since the coup on February 1. Suu Kyi, 75, was detained before dawn on that day, and has not been since in public since. The military has justified its takeover, ending a decade-long democratic experiment, by making unfounded allegations of widespread fraud in last November's national elections. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the election in a landslide. The generals have hit Suu Kyi with two charges the international community widely regards as frivolous -- relating to importing walkie talkies and staging a campaign rally during the pandemic. Secret detention Western powers have repeatedly condemned the generals and imposed sanctions, but the military has responded to the growing pressure at home and abroad by escalating its use of force. Suu Kyi is reported to be being held in, Nyapyidaw, the isolated capital city that the military built during a previous dictatorship. Suu Kyi's lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, told AFP he had not been able to speak to her ahead of Monday's scheduled court hearing, which is for preliminary matters and where she may appear only via video link. He said he hoped the court would formally approve his status as her defence lawyer. "It will be very unfair for her... not to grant a lawyer immediately," he told AFP. The veteran human rights lawyer said the hearing would focus on case management and the timeline for the trial. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to streets regularly over the past month to oppose the coup. While the military has steadily increased the type of force used to try to contain the uprising, beginning with tear gas and water cannons, the weekend's violence was the biggest escalation. Deadly crackdown Unarmed protesters faced live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas. Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the southern coastal hub of Dawei. Local rescue worker Pyae Zaw Hein said the trio were "shot dead with live rounds", while the injured were hit by rubber bullets. But on Monday morning, protesters again took to the streets in Dawei. Hundreds of people were arrested over the weekend with many in Yangon taken to Insein Prison, where many of Myanmar's leading democracy campaigners have served long jail terms under previous dictatorships. At least one journalist documenting Sunday's assaults by security forces was beaten and detained further north in Myitkyina, a city at the headwaters of the Irrawaddy river, according to local outlet The 74 Media. Another reporter was shot with rubber bullets while covering a protest in the central city of Pyay, their employer said. Several journalists documenting Saturday's assaults by security forces were detained, including an Associated Press photographer in Yangon. The United States has been one of the most outspoken critics of the junta, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken again reacted with horror after Sunday's violence. "We condemn the Burmese security forces' abhorrent violence against the people of Burma & will continue to promote accountability for those responsible," Blinken tweeted, using the country's old name. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Speaking at another rally organized by him in Yerevans Republic Square, Pashinian again rejected those demands as a coup attempt and said Colonel-General Onik Gasparian, the chief of the Armenian armys General Staff, must himself step down. He charged that the February 25 statement by the armys top brass was initiated by Gasparian at the behest of former President Serzh Sarkisian. He accused Sarkisian and other opposition leaders of using the military in a bid to end the peoples power. Pashinian moved to dismiss Gasparian immediately after the statement that accused the current government of having put Armenia on the brink of collapse after the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh. President Armen Sarkissian refused, however, to sign at the weekend a decree relieving the countrys top general of his duties. Despite the rebuff, Pashinian resent the draft decree to Sarkissian for approval. Addressing thousands of supporters, the prime minister urged Sarkissian to stop blocking Gasparians dismissal. He confirmed that he met with the president earlier in the day but gave no details of their conversation. In his hour-long speech, Pashinian also renewed his offer to hold snap parliamentary elections, which he first made in late December following opposition protests sparked by Armenias defeat in the war. Opposition forces dismissed the offer, saying that such polls must be held by an interim government after Pashinians resignation. The ruling political team stated afterwards that it longer sees the need to dissolve the Armenian parliament controlled by it. We will agree to pre-term parliamentary elections if that offer is accepted by the parliamentary forces, Pashinian said. He singled out the two opposition parties represented in the parliament: Bright Armenia (LHK) and Prosperous Armenia (BHK). LHK leader Edmon Marukian said on Sunday that his party would settle for elections organized by the current government in order to defuse mounting political tensions in the country. Marukian said that as part of this compromise deal Pashinian must stop trying to sack General Gasparian. Unlike Marukians party, the BHK is a key member of the Homeland Salvation Movement, an alliance of more hardline opposition groups trying to topple Pashinian with street protests. Thousands of its supporters rallied on Monday on a street outside the parliament building in Yerevan where the alliance set up a tent camp late last week. We will leave the street only if we oust that traitor, the alliance coordinator, Ishkhan Saghatelian, told the crowd. He said that the opposition demonstrations are gaining momentum and will continue in the days ahead. The Homeland Salvation Movement has voiced strong support for Gasparian and 40 other high-ranking army officers who signed the anti-government statement. Accordingly, the alliance has praised President Sarkissian for not firing the army chief. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 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 telecom spectrum auctions that began on Monday, after a hiatus of nearly five years, may once again witness the premium 700 MHz band getting unsold. It is learnt that the 700 MHz spectrum, the base price for which was revised downward by the Telecom Regulatory AUthority of India (TRAI), may not find any takers. "The earnest money deposited by the three telecom companies is an indicator that none of them would be interested in buying the 700 MHz band," an official in the know said. The premium band is considered ideal for internal coverage but went unsold in the 2016 auctions. TRAI in its recommendations in August 2018 reduced the price of the coveted airwaves by 40 per cent. Experts also believe that the reduced price is not enticing enough for the companies. The telecom players in the past have claimed that the base price of the 700 MHz spectrum is higher than the price in countries including US, UK, Australia and Japan. The auction that began on Monday will see Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea competing with each other to bag Rs 3.92 trillion worth of airwaves. On December 16, the Union government approved a 4G auction that is expected to fetch the exchequer Rs 3.92 trillion by offering 2251 megahertz of airwaves. The coveted 5G spectrum has been kept out of the offer. The last spectrum auctions were held in October 2016 and the government earned Rs 65,789 crore from those auctions. The bands that have been put on offer are 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz. The Digital Communications Commission, the apex decision making body of the Department of Telecommunications, in May, approved the plan subject to the cabinet approval. MSTC is the auctionnaire for the airwave sale. The public sector enterprise executed coal auctions in early 2015, which were held after the Supreme Court cancelled allocation of coal mines in September 2014. TRAI in August 2018, came out with its recommendations on spectrum pricing, wherein the regulator reduced the base price of frequencies that went unsold in the 2016 auction. The reserve price for the premium 700 MHz spectrum was reduced to Rs 6,568 crore per MHz all-India from Rs 11,485 crore in 2016. Trai recommended a base price of Rs 4,651 crore for paired spectrum in the 800 MHz band covering 19 circles, Rs 1,622 crore per MHz for the 900 MHz band covering seven circles, Rs 3,399 crore per MHz in the 2,100 MHz band covering 21 circles, and Rs 821 crore per MHz in the 2,500 MHz band covering 12 circles. It also suggested Rs 960 crore per MHz for unpaired spectrum in the 2,300 MHz band on a pan-Indian basis During testing at the Hufeisensee lake, the dummy did not slip out of the securing mechanism as it was taken to the surface. Credit: S.Thomas (Wasserwacht Halle) Many swimming pools in Germany do not have enough trained lifeguards and in many places, this skilled labor shortage is even leading to closures. The solution could be a floating underwater rescue robot, which is intended to support rescue staff in emergencies in the future. A research team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB in Ilmenau developed the underwater vehicle with the help of Halle's water rescue service, Wasserrettungsdienstes Halle e.V. According to the German life-saving association, the Deutsche Lebens-Rettungsgesellschaft (DLRG), nearly 420 people drowned in Germany in 2019, with the majority losing their lives in fresh water lakes. However, fatal accidents also occurred in swimming pools. One reason for this is the countrywide lack of trained lifeguards to watch over pools. A team of researchers from the Institute for Advanced Systems Technology (AST) of Fraunhofer IOSB is aiming to improve this situation, by developing an aquatic robot, the only one of its kind worldwide. This robot will assist lifeguards and lifesavers, and rescue swimmers in emergencies. The scientists have used their years of expertise in the area of underwater robotics to develop this autonomous system. They have already designed an autonomous underwater vehicle that has won numerous awardsDEDAVE. "There are typical postures that you can use to recognize when someone is in danger," says computer scientist Helge Renkewitz, who led the already finished project in close collaboration with Wasserrettungsdienst Halle e.V. The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). Surveillance cameras mounted on the swimming pool's ceiling register the movement patterns and position of the drowning person in the pool, and send the coordinates to the robot. It is safely stored away from prying eyes in a docking station on the swimming pool floor, which opens in an emergency. Once the vehicle has reached its destination, it locates the endangered person and carries them to the surface. A mechanism for fixing the rescuee in place prevents lifeless bodies from sliding down as they surface. This mechanism can also be mounted on other underwater vehicles. Prototype modeled on a ray: In the future, the robot will resemble the streamlined cartilaginous fish. Credit: prefontal cortex and a.muse Successful open-water testing At swimming lakes, drones and zeppelin systems take on the task of the surveillance cameras. "These drones and advertising balloons can easily be fitted with cameras," says Renkewitz. For rescues in swimming lakes where the visibility is restricted, the underwater vehicle must be equipped with acoustic sensors instead of optical ones. Sound wave echoes can be used to determine people's positions and orientation so precisely that the robot can autonomously head for the target person and pick them up. This has been proven to work in practice, through the very impressive open-water testing that researchers conducted at the Hufeisensee lake in Halle (Saale). An 80-kilogram dummy was deposited at a depth of three meters. The robot then picked it up, secured it in place, brought it to the surface within a second, and carried it via the shortest routea distance of 40 metersto shore, where the rescue team was already waiting. When the robot is informed of an emergency, a signal alerts the team immediately. "The full rescue operation lasted just over two minutes. Casualties must be resuscitated within five minutes to avoid long-term damages of the brain. We were able to stay within this critical time frame without any problems," says Renkewitz. The aquatic robot transports the dummy to shore via the shortest route. Fraunhofer IOSB-AST The future outlook Equipped with batteries, motor, cameras, and optical and navigational sensors, the current system is 90 centimeters long, 50 centimeters high, and 50 centimeters wide. The objective of Renkewitz's team is to further reduce the size of the rescue system and build different versions for use in swimming pools and lakes. They aim to make it smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than the current prototype, which is based on a pre-existing underwater vehicle. Instead, the future robot will have the streamlined design of a manta ray. A patent has already been filed for the aquatic robot. In modified versions, it can take on further taskssuch as offshore and dam wall inspections or being used to monitor the health of fish in fish farms. "Our underwater vehicles have a very broad range of applications. For example, they are also suitable for detecting and verifying archaeological artifacts at the bottom of lakes," explain the researchers. Explore further Robot 'jellyfish' to protect endangered coral reefs Karachi: Dr. Ruth Pfau, who was known as Pakistans Mother Teresa, has died on August 10 at a private hospital in Karachi. The German doctor had dedicated her life to the eradication of leprosy in the country. She died at the age of 87 after a long battle with age-related illness. Dr Pfau first visited Pakistan in 1960 and was so touched by the plight of leprosy victims that she decided to stay forever in the country to treat them. She was 29 when landed in Karachi for the first time. She founded the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre in Karachi in 1962 and later set up its branches in all provinces of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, and treated over 50,000 families. Due to her tireless efforts, the World Health Organisation in 1996 declared Pakistan one of the first countries in Asia to be free of leprosy. "She was a messiah and magic healer for her patients. She played a dynamic role in removing the stigma attached to the healing of leprosy patients," said Mervyn Lobo, the CEO of Marie Adelaide centre. Dr Pfau was granted Pakistani citizenship in 1988. She was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz - Pakistan's second highest civilian award - in 1979 and the Hilal-e-Pakistan in 1989. She was also awarded the Staufer Medal at the German consulate Karachi in 2015. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced a state funeral for Dr Pfau, saying she "may have been born in Germany, but her heart was always in Pakistan". "The entire nation is indebted to Ruth Pfau for her selfless and unmatched services for the eradication of leprosy. We are proud of her exemplary services and she will remain in our hearts as a shining symbol in times ahead," according to a statement issued by the PM office. The funeral mass will be held on August 19 at St Patrick's Cathedral, and thereafter she will be laid to rest in the Christian Cemetery (Gora Qabristan). President Mamnoon Hussain expressed deep regret at Pfau's death. "The Pakistani nation pays tribute to Dr Pfau's selfless efforts," the president said. In a tweet, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said Dr Ruth would be remembered as an "ambassador of humanity." Dr Pfau was born in 1929 in Germany and lived through the horrors of the World War II. She joined the Society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary and was assigned to go to India but landed in Karachi for a brief stay due to some visa problems. Her interaction with leprosy patients in the port city motivated her to change the plan and stay rest of life in Pakistan to help the patients. In a statement, the German embassy said that German ambassador Martin Kobler expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the representative of the Maria Adelaide Leprosy Centre. "With great concern we have got the sad massage of the death of Dr Ruth Pfau. She was a devoted Christian nun and a member of the society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary. We are losing with her an important symbol of the German Pakistan friendship. Her services will never be forgotten." For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bondi hasnt been out to eat in nearly a year. He doesnt think its safe. So why do his customers go out? Why do they sit there, indoors, masks off, in the midst of a pandemic? He regularly serves people who appear to be congregating outside each others pods or bubbles such as a group of six women who had brunch at Jerrys one recent weekend. The younger generation may find this hard to believe, but there was once a sitcom, M*A*S*H, built around all of the funny moments in the Korean War. It ran for 11 years. When the script writers wanted to add a bit of excitement, the war would shift, danger would approach, and it was time to bug out. The patients would be loaded onto buses, the tents would be torn down, and someone would start saying, The M in M.A.S.H. stands for Mobile. (The rest of the acronym was Army Surgical Hospital.) The modern IT staffs job may never involve moving bodies recovering from major abdominal surgery or amputation, but the need to remain nimble seems to be growing and growing. More and more teams are finding that their carefully built architectures are sitting on a layer of quicksand. The hard won data and the code crafted in late night bouts of genius might need to be movedand sometimes the move needs to be done before the end of the weekend. The highest profile cases have been political, but theyre far from the only examples. A quick search of discussion boards like Hacker News shows that the phrase canceled account appears shockingly often. In many cases, the confused programmer turned to the web to find some kind of answer because the tech leviathan was a black hole that wouldnt respond to emails and didnt list a phone number or even a physical address. The stories come in all sizes. While many cases are small developers who tripped on some clause buried deep in the Terms of Service, there are plenty of big companies too. One monstrous game company with even bigger sales balked at paying the hefty percentage to the mobile phone app stores and found out that it wasnt massive enough to win the sumo match on weight alone. Sometimes theres even some irony because one of the techs biggest dispensers of cancelation tears is sharing its own sob stories with the mobile app stores. Even giants have feelings too. A quick skim of the Terms of Service shows theyre a mixed collection of crisp rules that draw bright lines and nebulous rules that could keep us arguing until the bar closes. One TOS bans sending low quality email. Of course they mean spam, but just how low is low? Does it include parents that send short notes that just want to see how you are? And its worth remembering that its not just disagreements. Fires (1,2,3), explosions (1,2,3,4), wars (1,2) and disease (1,2) cause outages. Sometimes its not physical but a cyberattack on the infrastructure (1,2,3,4,5). How did the data centers in Texas handle the deep freeze? The point isnt that the tech giants are capricious sadists dangling us over a fire like spiders on the end of the thread we made. Most of us might agree with many of the decisions they make. The point is that all of us must be ready to bug out. The war could shift. We could end up on the wrong side of some philosophical line. Someone might decide that cracking down on semi-low quality email is the only way to win their bonus. Here are 15 ways to prepare. Dont count on the Terms of Service The lawyers at the cloud providers have had years to write these piles of weasel words and they werent thinking of you and your job when they did it. They often include the right to cancel your account at any time for any reason, and some of the lawyers tossed in the right to cancel your account for no reason too. According to Googles search engine, there are 114,000,000 web pages with the words terms of service and no reason. The internet was never a very safe place to begin with, but its not like the arrival of the so-called rule of law has done much for the level of trust. Dont expect them to agree with you Yes, youre doing Gods work and everyone on your team is from the upper tiers of the celestial hierarchy of angels. But it wont matter. The sob stories about cancelled accounts and locked up servers arent told by skeevy drug dealers who are totally blind-sided by some jerks decision to cancel their website Krack4Kids.com. No, theyre written by people who thought there was no chance of being shut down. Its safer to assume your data and your app arent safe. As they say in the trenches, You never hear the one that gets you. Dont bother calling In the past, companies would employ sales teams that would actually be nice to customers because their commission depended upon it. Lately, more and more decisions are made by AIs running automated scripts. If there are humans, theyre more and more likely to be hidden behind the curtain where they do their work anonymously. Hidden or not, todays human reps are measured by their throughput so theyve got minutes or even seconds to decide whether to hit the thumbs up or thumbs down button. And if you appeal, it gets placed in the queue of a slightly more experienced person who is still judged on throughput. No one is accountable to anyoneby design. Make friends One of the scariest things about modern cloud computing is how many stories begin with, We wouldnt have gotten anywhere if I didnt know someone who works there. The AI bots and the unions are frantically kicking sites off the clouds. Having any kind of bond with a real human can be invaluable. So start buying more drinks at the bars. Start sending out more fruit baskets and birthday gifts. Identify core data Long ago, Saturday Night Live ran a commercial parody of a brokerage firm in which the founder proclaims, We must take special care of the list with each clients name and the amount of money he has invested. If we were to lose that list, we would be ruined. Some bits are more important than others. Figure out your core database tables and concentrate on them. Replicate those tables on a server thats in your physical control. Then replicate it on another one. When you bug out, you can bring those tables back up first. Design flexible failover Can your website still work even if half of the microservices dont respond? If you can bring back the crucial services first, its nice to offer something. Those who embrace microservice architectures should be sure to keep everything running even when some fail. This will add flexibility to any rapid migration. The users may not care about the slick AI recommendation engine or the API importing localized weather forecasts. They may just want to place an order. Imagine running on half the hardware When you move, you may not be able to start up all of the databases and services. Start working on a triage plan now. A good architecture will include a plan for partial hardware support. Can you turn off enough so that whats left will run on half of the hardware? What about one tenth? Maybe one hundredth? Use containers The devops teams have one major goal: Make deployment easier and faster. Almost everything they do will also help you move to a new provider with just a bit of planning. The good news is that theyre already doing much of the work. Containers are the latest form of bundling your application for quick deployment but there are other, similar options like unikernels. The good news is that weve come a long way from the days when it took the team a week to configure a new server. Run drills Why not run a mock migration? Try spinning up copies of everything in a different cloud or in some servers down the hall. See how long it takes. Are there any configuration files or software packages that can be tweaked to make it faster? Can any of the databases replicate themselves automatically? Do your containers all start as expected? Test with experimental projects Traditional skunk works projects start with the same hardware configuration in the same cloud. If youre going to be experimenting with a new service or an enhanced database, why not try it in a different cloud at the same time? Build self-reconstructing datasets Many applications consist of a series of events that are summarized in a set of tables that form a single source of truth. In other words, a series of database UPSERTS. What happens if the stream of events is stopped? What if some events are repeated? Design the architecture for failure so the database summarizing reality stays consistent even when data flows are interrupted. Avoid concentration While its tempting to keep things simple by using the same cloud for everything, the danger is that one cloud becomes a big point of failure. Microsoft, for instance, bought GitHub and this should give Azure users a reason to start thinking about storing their code in other repositories. Or at the very least, make sure it is pushed regularly to backups. The same goes for the other clouds. Use open source Proprietary code has many wonderful aspects. Sometimes the business model delivers some amazing software. There are many times in life when you get what you pay for and that can be true in the software world too. But only open source software offers you the freedom to move the code easily and quickly without begging, Mother, may I? Richard Stallman always said that he was after free as in speech, not free as in beer. Avoid proprietary tools The cloud providers usually offer two types of products: open source clones and proprietary tools. While the closed source products may offer plenty of tempting options and attractive innovations, the threat of losing service is too great to risk using them. If you choose the MySQL service at AWS, you can move to MySQL on your own box. If you choose a proprietary tool, you cant. Recognize the scale of political turmoil The fervor used to sweep through America every four years. Now it seems like its endless and its not just for who gets elected. Every part of life seems open for interrogation. Google workers have formed a union and theyre not just agitating for higher wages and better donuts on Fridays. Their mission statement announced that We will use our reclaimed power to control what we work on and how it is used. Amazons Terms of Service now include a complete ban on using their facial recognition software on criminal investigations but not missing persons. Is your software used by the police? If you started your project before the moratorium was announced, tough. You can now use your time off to ponder whether it applies to police investigations of kidnapping cases. A Fianna Fail cumann in a ministers constituency is calling for the replacement of leader Micheal Martin. In a letter seen by Independent.ie, his departure is demanded by the entire officer board of the party cumann in Slane, Co Meath. Mr Martin, who took over the party a decade ago, is said to have presided over its becoming a laughing stock on occasion. We need someone with fire in his/her belly, said the signatories in an open letter-email to all Fianna Fail TDs and some of the partys senators. Read More This needed to be someone to lead the way forward, someone who is capable of dealing with our devious Government partners, and someone that will do what is right for our country, the officers told the parliamentary party. The successful candidate must be someone that will reignite our pride in our once great party, said the chairman, secretary, treasurer, PRO and others in the Meath organisation. You ignore us at your peril, the Save Our Party communication said. It was sent from the email address of public relations officer Breda Roche. You have ignored us for the past seven years, TDs and senators are told: Micheal Martin is an honest hardworking person. "We admire him for his achievements over the last number of years, but now we need someone with fire in his/her belly. We had a belief in a party that once was great, a party like a family unit; honest, caring and hardworking, and always at the back of the ordinary decent common man. But the email said: We are disillusioned and abandoned. This is our last effort to try to regain our Fianna Fail identity. In despair, we have decided to put our thoughts and feelings on paper and to send this letter individually to each TD and to some senators. Thomas Byrne, the Meath East TD and junior minister, said he had been informed in recent days that the party members, all of whom he knows, intended to send the letter. They told me. I do not agree with the call for a change of leader. The party members told me what they were going to do, and of course they are free to do that. It is very important, in fact, that the members have a say in the party and that they can address their concerns to others. On the leadership issue, Mr Byrne said: I dont agree with that at all. The circular said: The rot set in in 2016 when Fianna Fail entered into the Confidence and Supply Agreement. "If this agreement was truly for the good of our country then Fianna Fail should have pulled the plug on the National Children's Hospital debacle, and if not then, surely on the broadband issue. We know the last issue has been dealt with, but at what cost? We expressed these sentiments forcefully at meetings but we were totally ignored. Perhaps someone somewhere will read this and heed us. Six officers and members said they were alarmed at the Taoiseach's stance on Sinn Fein during the run-up to the election last year. No matter how we feel about Sinn Fein, (and) most of us are opposed to entering Government with them, nevertheless, a more tempered approach would have served us far better. This ill-advised and short-sighted stance lost us transfers in several constituencies and as a result we lost six to seven seats. In other criticisms, the Slane branch said: Our media presence is either non-existent or abysmal. Do we even have a functioning press office? Fine Gael and the media, print or otherwise, are dictating policies and terms. We are last out of the box. Any good news our partners announce with glee, while Fianna Fail give the bad news. On occasions we have made a laughing stock of ourselves and have been held up to ridicule. Two excellent ministers were dismissed to appease our Government partners and the media. We have to seem to appear to be politically correct at all times. Fine Gael supports their members through thick and thin, even as one is currently being investigated by the [gardai] at this present time, for an alleged criminal act. Nobody in Fine Gael is baying for blood. The letter said the partys TDs and senators were not blameless either. "There is no united front. Our organisation is in total disarray. Covid-19 cannot be the scapegoat here. This sorry state of affairs existed before the pandemic began. The letter told the party recipients they all have a responsibility to the people who elected them. "We have always worked hard to get you elected and its now time you all stepped up to the plate, TDs and senators were told. We want someone to listen to us, to take our issues on board and to respond to them in a manner that gives us the respect and dignity that we have earned over decades. The six say they were recently requested to complete an online survey to review the results of the 2020 General Election. This is the first communication that we have received in the past year from Fianna Fail HQ, or from any TD, other than requests (a) to renew our membership and (b) to sell or buy tickets. Some completed the online survey. We did not feel that the survey allowed us sufficient scope to express our true feelings, they said. We tried calling HQ as advised in the letter, but after three days of continuously calling, getting no reply, we eventually gave up. This depicts the sorry state of affairs in our party at this present time. New Delhi: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Friday broke silence on series of Sharad Yadavs rebellion statements by saying that he is free to make his own decisions. Party has taken a decision with everyone's consensus, he is free to make his own decisions, Bihar CM Nitish told news agency ANI. Nitish Kumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after senior JD(U) leader Sharad Kumar hinted split in in the party saying there are two Janta Dal and he still stands with the grand alliance in Bihar. However, Nitish dubbed his meeting with PM Modi as a formal meeting and said he discussed developmental issues of Bihar. Also Read | Sharad echoes rebellion by saying he stands with grand alliance; JD(U) asks him to refrain from crossing limits Discussed developmental issues, will come in the end of August to discuss about development of Bihar at length, said Bihar CM after meeting Prime Minister Modi. Nitish also met BJP President and recently elected Rajya Sabha MP Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi. Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/Ol0fdmgcPv ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season. CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15. GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season. BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career. Vote View Results 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: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. 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SGA, with help from Students Supporting Israel and Hillels of Georgia, unanimously passed the decision to accept the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The IHRA defines antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. UGA does not currently have an official definition of antisemitism on the Equal Opportunity Offices website. This resolution would provide a basis to discipline people who commit acts of antisemitism on campus by IHRA standards. The resolution was written by SSI Co-Presidents Sarah Martynov and Kara Litwin. SGA President Pro-Tempore Ciera Thomas and Senator for Access and Opportunity Allison Fine helped pass the resolution with little to no debate from other members, Fine said. After accepting the resolution, SGA sent it to UGA President Jere Morehead and the Equal Opportunity Office for further action. UGA has yet to endorse the resolution. The University System of Georgia must endorse the resolution state-wide for it to be implemented at UGA. Taking the first step Fine said she was eager to get involved in addressing the resolution and wanted to help in any way she could. Last year, [SGA] passed a few resolutions regarding religious discrimination that was sparked by incidents that had happened towards Jewish students. As a Jewish student in the Senate, that obviously hit home for me, Fine said. When Sarah and Kara reached out to me with their own written resolution and brought it to our attention, it proved that this was a problem and we needed to take action as an organization. In November 2019, a visiting student from a different college engaged in acts of antisemitism by drawing swastikas on white boards on doors of Jewish students rooms in both Creswell and Russell Hall. Although the SGA passed a proclamation condemning antisemitism in response to the incident, Litwin and Martynov knew that having an official definition of antisemitism would allow for further protection in the future. Right now, we dont have a definition of antisemitism that aligns with how the Jewish community identifies and defines it, Thomas said. I think that makes it really hard to adequately address situations that involve antisemitism. This is a great step to take when it comes to protecting minority groups on campus. Litwin and Martynovs main objective was to create a safe campus environment for Jewish students. Litwin believed adopting the IHRA definition was the best platform to do so and promote awareness of antisemitism. This resolution was about addressing hate speech and hate crimes because by defining what they are it lets everyone know what is and isnt okay, Litwin said. Its important to call stuff out when you see it and acknowledge things that are discriminatory. Hopefully this resolution will make students more aware. Working together Litwin and Martynov wrote the legislation on their own, needing few revisions from SGA before placing it on the desk of the university president. Ive been in SGA for three years, and we rarely receive student-written legislation, so this was really exciting for me to see because this is such an influential piece, Thomas said. [SGA] is here to represent the students, and we want to make sure we are actually doing that. Martynov, Fine and Litwin are all active within Hillel UGA, a Jewish organization that collaborates frequently with SGA. Roey Shoshan, the executive director of Hillel UGA, said he is hopeful this resolution will not only work to protect the Jewish community at UGA and other campuses in Georgia, but also unite different co-cultures and groups. We want other religious and ethnic groups to get to know us so we can all educate each other, Shoshan said. I believe hate only comes from not being educated about a topic, so I think this resolution will help frame the conversation differently and help put things in perspective for others. In order for UGA to officially accept it, the Board of Regents of USG must also institute it state-wide at every university, a representative from Hillels of Georgia said in an email to The Red & Black. UGA spokesperson Greg Trevor also said the resolution has been sent to USG. The University of Georgia denounces anti-semitism in the strongest terms. All forms of bigotry have no place on our campus. This resolution has been referred to the Equal Opportunity Office, the Office of Legal Affairs and the University System of Georgia, Trevor said. Fine, Litwin and Shoshan each said the university administration has consistently supported the Jewish community. It makes me really proud to be Jewish and to go to UGA to know that the university supports us, and to know that theyre open to hearing what we have to say, Litwin said. The way we prevent hate speech and hate crimes from occurring is by defining what they are, and I was so happy to see the support we received. CLARIFICATION: A previous version of this article did not specify that the student who drew swastikas on white boards in Creswell and Russell Halls in November 2019 was not from UGA. This student was a visitor from a different college. The World Economic Forum (WEF) faced backlash after posting a now-deleted video on social media that praises COVID-19 lockdowns for "quietly improving cities around the world." In the video, the WEF said that due to the imposed lockdown, there's less noise and air pollution in cities around the world, which is a result of people using less public transportation and the shutting down of factories. The video also celebrated the fact that "seismic noise" has been the lowest in decades due to the lockdowns, enabling scientists to record small earthquakes that they would usually miss. Scientists were also able to improve their understanding of seismic activity so they can foresee larger earthquakes in the future, the video added. The WEF, which the primary body pushing Klaus Schwab's idea of a so-called 'Great Reset' of the global economic order, was widely mocked for their post, Breitbart wrote. Among those who criticized the globalists was former Brexit Party MEP, now Editorial Director of Unlocked, Martin Daubney. The video was deleted from the WEF account following the social media backlash they received, but Daubney was able to secure a copy of the video in which he later reposted in a tweet to further expose WEF saying, "Lockdowns have destroyed cities, lives & economies. Yet climate change zealots see them as tools of control." This is the tweet the @wef deleted, saying "lockdowns are quietly improving cities" Lockdowns have destroyed cities, lives & economies. Yet climate change zealots see them as tools of control These unelected cranks must NEVER be allowed near policy pic.twitter.com/NKtqQbjUXm Martin Daubney (@MartinDaubney) February 27, 2021 Daubney told Breitbart London: "I'm glad they tweeted this - because it has exposed them for the out-of-touch crackpots that they are. The WEF sees humanity as a blight, something to be controlled and imprisoned, in order to meet arbitrary climate change targets." "There's just one problem, the public won't play along with their Great Reset nonsense. All of the things the WEF want to stop: work, travel, capitalism, are the things the vast majority of humanity lives for. The WEF has exposed themselves as ridiculously out of touch with the everyday man and woman. Sheltered in their ivory towers, they treat the rest of us with absolute seething contempt," he continued. Daubney went on to say that they should never be allowed to "pull the levers of power in any country around the world." "The WEF would rather we were imprisoned and carbon-neutral, and that is a grisly future that no sane human should want any part of," he added. Following the deletion of their video, WEF attempted to take back their claims and express sentiments saying: "We're deleting this tweet. Lockdowns aren't 'quietly improving cities' around the world. But they are an important part of the public health response to COVID-19," in which Daubney also criticized claiming it shows how "divorced from reality" they are. The World Economic Forum has also expressed in the past its intentions to tear down the modern capitalist system, arguing for the adoption of more socialist-style policies such as wealth taxes, onerous regulations on businesses, and taxpayer-subsidized Green New Deal-style projects. Last year in June, Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum said that the pandemic was an opportunity for globalists to introduce "Great Reset of Capitalism", saying that the "world must act jointly and swiftly to revamp all aspects of our societies and economies." Guwahati, March 1 : A rights body on Monday has approached the Gauhati High Court seeking apposite legal aid for those left out in the Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC) list, released on August 31, 2019. The Mumbai based Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) after conducting a survey of 10 District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) establishments in Assam filed a petition to the court saying that DLSAs were short-staffed with under-trained para legal volunteers and poor infrastructure. The Supreme Court monitored NRC published lists on August 31, 2019, excluding the 19.06 lakh people. A total of 3,11,21,004 names were included in the NRC lists out of 3,30,27,661 applicants. A majority of those left out from the list are believed to be Bengali Muslims and Hindus besides Gorkhas. CJP secretary Teesta Setalvad said her organisation has been writing letters to the National Legal Services Authority and the Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA) since April last year after the Union Home Ministry's statement on August 20, 2019, that legal assistance would be given to those people excluded from the NRC list, if they need legal support. The ASLSA in November last year said that it has enough machinery to deal with any action taken by the government with regards to NRC and that legal camps would be organised after rejection slips are handed out to the 19.06 lakh people explaining why they were not included in the NRC list. The CJP conducted a study of the functioning of the DLSAs in the 10 districts of Assam's 34 districts and found they have 273 active advocates appointed for legal aid and 333 para legal volunteers whose educational qualifications varied from district to district. "No training on citizenship, immigration, NRC, Foreigners' Act and related issues was given to the concerned persons in any of these 10 DLSAs. Seven Foreigners' Tribunal (FT) cases were handled by the counsel of the DLSA in 2019 and three in 2020 in Dhubri district, no FT cases appeared to have been dealt with by the counsel of the other nine DLSAs," the CJP said. The Gauhati High Court has issued notices to the authorities concerned and fixed April 5 as the next date of hearing. Billionaire Solomon Lews Just Group is being investigated by the workplace watchdog over compliance issues related to the $70 million it received from the governments JobKeeper scheme. A spokesperson for the Fair Work Ombudsman confirmed to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald the agency was investigating Just Group, the company behind brands such as Peter Alexander, Smiggle, Just Jeans, Dotti and Jay Jays. Premier Investments operates a string of retail brands including Jay Jays, Just Jeans, Portmans and Smiggle. Credit:Edwina Pickles Just Group is owned by Premier Investments, a $3.3 billion ASX-listed business chaired and founded by billionaire rag trader and rich lister Solomon Lew. Premier has been one of the largest recipients of JobKeeper funds, claiming nearly $70 million through the program. The Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting an investigation in relation to Just Group. As this matter is ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment further at this time, the spokesperson 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 New Delhi, March 1 : Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Monday launched a broadside against the party's tie-up with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) in West Bengal, saying that it should have been discussed and approved by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) as the the party is weakening in the show of dissent. "Many senior Congress leaders feel that the timing is not good with the party set to contest the upcoming Assembly polls in five states," he said. Meanwhile, the party on Monday appointed Prithviraj Chavan as the chairman of the Assam Screening Committee. Another dissenting leader, Sandeep Dikshit, defended the dissenters and said they are fighting for the party, but the "psycophants will not understand that issue". The Congress has, however, asked the dissenting leaders to work for the elections. The dissenters have been saying that they are kept out from the consultation process but now the Congress is trying to address their grievances by keeping them in the loop for election strategising. In solidarity with the former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the dissenters, including Kapil Sibal, Raj Babbar and Manish Tewari, were in Jammu on February 27 where they chose to attack the party, saying they are saddened by the weakening of the party structure. The dissenters are unhappy over the rise of people close to Rahul Gandhi, including K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. The overlooking of Anand Sharma for the post of Leader of Opposition and denying another Rajya Sabha term to Azad have irked them while leaders like Manish Tewari and Sandeep Dikshit are also feeling sidelined in the party set up. Sources say the internal war is far from over as Rahul Gandhi is placing people close to him in key posts, ofetn overlooking the seniors. Supermarket giant Morrisons has bought Cornish seafood supplier Falfish for an undisclosed sum 17 years after the pair first went into partnership together. The Yorkshire-based grocer said the deal would mean 80 per cent of their fish and shellfish will derive from operations it controls and make it the first British supermarket to possess a fishing trawler. Falfish is a family-owned business based in Redruth, though it also has a site in Falmouth, which employs around 140 staff and processes dozens of fish species, including Dover Sole, Red Mullet and European Lobster. Andrew Thornber, Morrisons' Manufacturing Director, said Falfish is 'a great British company supplying high-quality fish and shellfish' that also shares its passion for sustainability About half of its 40million annual turnover comes from its relationship with Morrisons, who added that the seafood maker shares its commitment to sustainable fishing. Andrew Thornber, Morrisons' Manufacturing Director, said: 'Falfish is a great fit with Morrisons; not only is it a great British company supplying high-quality fish and shellfish, but they also share our passion for sustainability and for local sourcing. 'Bringing Falfish into Morrisons further strengthens our position as Britain's biggest foodmaker. Our manufacturing operations employ c.9,000 people at 19 sites throughout Britain, providing around 25 per cent of everything that Morrisons sells.' Falfish is a family-owned business based in Redruth, though it also has a site in Falmouth, that employs around 140 staff and processes dozens of fish species Falfish's managing director Mark Greet stated the sale 'ensures the continuing ethos of Falfish in upholding our relationships and values, and strengthens this for our colleagues, for the South West fishing fleet, and for all of our customers and stakeholders. 'The acquisition is great news for Falfish's Cornish operations and the wider community, bringing investment and access to many new opportunities.' Morrisons further declared today that it had extended its wholesale supply partnership with the convenience store chain McColl's until 2027. Morrisons further declared today that it had extended its wholesale supply partnership with the convenience store chain McColl's until 2027 Three hundred of McColl's 1,300 stores are set to be rebranded as Morrisons Daily over the next three years and stock a full Morrisons convenience range, though McColl's will still own and operate the outlets. Brentwood-based McColl's has said Morrisons Daily stores have recorded the best like-for-like sales performance within its estate thanks to its 'higher mix of grocery sales, breadth of offer and value proposition.' The supermarket's chief executive David Potts remarked: 'Today's agreement is another example of Morrisons extending the reach of our popular brand. In doing so, we are building a broader, stronger Morrisons for customers, and leveraging our existing assets to achieve capital-light, profitable growth. 'We are delighted to be further expanding our successful partnership with McColl's and look forward to growing together for many years to come.' Data released today by market research film NielsenIQ showed Morrisons was the only one of the 'big four' grocers to grow its online market share in the previous 12 weeks Morrisons has done very well since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, with group like-for-like sales in the 22 weeks to January 3 growing 7.2 per cent thanks in part to healthy Christmas and New Year trade. Data released today by market research film Nielsen showed it was the only one of the 'big four' grocers - Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda being the other three - to grow its online market share in the previous 12 weeks. Meanwhile, the digital share of British grocery sales doubled from 8 per cent to a record 16 per cent between January 2020 and the same month this year. Susannah Streeter, a senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, believes the supermarket chain will retain its place on the FTSE 100 when the index's reshuffle is announced on Wednesday despite it being 'very much the underdog when it comes to the online business.' She added: 'Investors have been questioning its ability to seize the current momentum of the shift to digital sales. 'The pile it high, sell it cheap approach in store also comes with a risk to margins especially if high supermarket sales volumes decline once roll outs are underway. 'Concerns about the chain's potential led to a bit of a share sell off in February but it looks like it will avoid relegation by a whisker, this time around.' Shares in Morrisons ended trading on Monday down 0.5 per cent to 1.70. Dramatic video shows a 73-year-old driver being recused from her sinking car by two Florida police officers after crashing into a pond on her way home. The police footage shows the moment the unnamed woman was pulled to safety by deputies Nicholas Maletto and Patrick O'Melia on Saturday night. One cop even managed to save her purse after desperately calling to her to 'climb out to the back' of the vehicle. Moments after saving her the car is fully submerged. The driver, who identified herself only as Anita, told ClickOrlando she missed her turn before crashing and managed to call 911 herself. She said: 'I was trying to get my seatbelt undone and then all of a sudden, there's somebody tapping on my window. 'I was just shivering. I was so scared and cold and I was just so upset.' Footage shows the moment the unnamed woman was pulled to safety by deputies Nicholas Maletto and Patrick O'Melia on Saturday night in DeLand One cop even manages to save her purse after desperately calling to her to 'climb out to the back' of the vehicle; moments later the car is fully submerged Posting the rescue clip online Volusia Sheriff's Office said: 'On Saturday night in the DeLand area, deputies responded to reports of a car driven into a retention pond. 'The first deputy on scene, Nicholas Maletto, headed into the water and was soon joined by Deputy Patrick O'Melia. 'Together, the deputies pulled the 73-year-old driver out of the sinking vehicle and brought her to shore. She's OK, and Deputy O'Melia even grabbed her purse on the way out. Thank you deputies!' Driver Anita said of the first responders: 'I just want to thank all of you. You absolutely saved my life. I love each and every one of you. 'You're wonderful and thank you for doing what you do.' Footage taken from the sheriff's helicopter shows the officer just manage to pull the woman safety before the car disappears under the water The bodycam footage begins with an officer heading to the water's edge before calling out to the driver to move into the back of the car. It shows they desperately try to reach the woman, with the water levels rising, asking her: 'You unbuckled?' The driver can be heard telling the officers she was 'trying' to escape, adding: 'Door's not opening. Oh my god. Oh my god.' After pulling the woman to safety one officer says: 'I got your purse.' Footage taken from the sheriff's helicopter shows the officer just manage to pull the woman safety before the car disappears under the water. [March 01, 2021] Flex Logix And DARPA Expand Partnership With The Addition Of Silicon Proven EFLX eFPGA In 12 And 16 nm Process Technologies For DARPA's Toolbox Initiative MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Flex Logix Technologies, Inc., the leading supplier of embedded FPGA (eFPGA) IP, architecture and software, announced today that it has expanded its license agreement with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to allow its research teams to now take advantage of additional Flex Logix EFLX eFPGA technology. This new agreement allows DARPA researchers to maintain all the benefits of hard-wired circuitry, while also adding the capability to change the circuit after tape-out if they need to modify, update or fix a functional bug in their algorithm or accelerator. "Since partnering with DARPA in 2017, Flex Logix has provided its eFPGA to many U.S. Government funded programs which need the flexibility and reprogrammability of eFPGA in chips at more advanced nodes," said Geoff Tate, CEO and Co-founder of Flex Logix. "Because researchers often only get funding to tape-out a chip once, it makes strategic sense to also include EFLX and the EFLX Compiler to the Toolbox Initiative in support of DARPA's research programs." DARPA Toolbox is aninitiative to provide low-cost access to commercially available tools and IP for DARPA sponsored research. For researchers, it provides a broader library of available technologies that may not have been considered for enhancing existing projects or in contemplating new research project proposals. Using Flex Logix's EFLX, chip developers can implement eFPGA from a few thousand LUTs to hundreds of thousands of LUTs with performance and density per square millimeter similar to leading FPGA companies in the same process generation. EFLX eFPGA is modular so arrays can be spread throughput the chip; can have all-logic or be heavy-DSP; and can integrate RAM in the array of many types. "Providing DARPA researchers access to technology that gives them flexibility for their chip development is why the DARPA Toolbox Initiative was created," said Serge Leef, the Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) program manager at DARPA leading DARPA Toolbox. Product briefs for EFLX eFPGA in 12 and 16 nm are available now at www.flex-logix.com/efpga. About Flex Logix Flex Logix provides industry-leading solutions for making flexible chips and accelerating neural network inferencing. Its InferX X1 is the industry's fastest and most-efficient AI edge inference accelerator that will bring AI to the masses in high-volume applications, surpassing competitor's performance at 1/7th size and 10x lower price. Flex Logix's eFPGA platform enables chips to be flexible to handle changing protocols, standards, algorithms, and customer needs and to implement reconfigurable accelerators that speed key workloads 30-100x compared to processors. Flex Logix is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For more information, visit https://flex-logix.com. MEDIA CONTACTS Kelly Karr Tanis Communications kelly.karr@taniscomm.com +408-718-9350 Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Flex Logix and EFLX are registered trademarks of Flex Logix, Inc. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flex-logix-and-darpa-expand-partnership-with-the-addition-of-silicon-proven-eflx-efpga-in-12-and-16-nm-process-technologies-for-darpas-toolbox-initiative-301237143.html SOURCE Flex Logix Technologies, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2021) - Phoenix Gold Resources Corp. (TSXV: PXA) ("Phoenix Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement with WBN Prospecting Group (the "Optionor") to acquire a 100% interest in the York Harbour Property ("York Harbour" or the "Property"), consisting of five mineral licences and 156 mineral claims totalling 3,900 hectares. The Property is located 27 km west of the city of Corner Brook, Newfoundland and is accessible by a provincial highway (Route 450). The deposit at York Harbour comprises a series of stratabound, Cyprus-type volcanogenic Cu-Zn massive sulphide lenses, hosted by simply folded ophiolitic mafic volcanic rocks of the Bay of Islands Complex. Earliest reported production is from 1898 to 1913 which amounted to approximately 90,000 tons of ore grading 3-12% copper and 7% zinc being extracted according to the Mineral Occurrence Database System Report website for Labrador and Newfoundland1. Extensive exploration by various companies have been carried out on the Property including over 10,900 metres of underground drilling and 8,200 metres of drilling from surface; airborne and ground geophysical surveys; geological mapping; and geochemical sampling over the years which has resulted in the discovery of eleven lenses ("zones") of copper-zinc enriched massive sulphides for which several resource estimates have been calculated (Table 1)2. Table 1: Compiled historical estimated resources* Year Company Estimated Resources (tonnes) Cu (%) Zn (%) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) 1953-1954 Independent Mining Corp. 93,000 2.4 6.8 1955 Big Nama Creek Mines Ltd. 176,000 2.65 8.25 1969-1970 Long Lac Mineral Exploration Ltd. 198,000 2.68 8.25 1977 York Cons. Expl. Ltd. (formerly Big Nama) 256,000 (with 20% dilution) 1.9 4.7 1992 Noranda Exploration 200,000 2.68 8.25 68 <1 Table Source: 9th Year Assessment Report (2009 Work) Compilation, Prospecting, GPS from June 2009 to February 2010 on the York Harbour Property Licence 14755M (26 Claims) *These resource estimates are historical in nature. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and Phoenix Gold is not treating them as such. Historical exploration and mining have primarily focused on high-grade mineralized zones for copper and zinc. Samples of mined material and surface outcrops that were analysed by Messina Minerals (2009) returned concentrations of Cu ranging from 0.5 to 19.7%, Zn 0.1 to 34.0%, Ag 3 to 108 g/t, and Au 0.01 to 0.34 g/t. In addition to the high results for copper, zinc, and silver, the Messina (2009) analytical results showed noteworthy cobalt concentrations of 0.05 to 0.15%. Phoenix Gold can acquire its 100% interest from the Optionor subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR") on the following terms: 1) payment of $95,000 cash; 2) the issuance of 1,485,566 shares of Phoenix Gold; and 3) incurring $3,000,000 in Exploration Expenditures as follows: $250,000 on or before the first anniversary; $750,000 accumulated total on or before the second anniversary; and $3,000,000 accumulated on or before the third anniversary. The Company has the right to purchase from the Optionor 1% of the NSR, within one year of commencement of Commercial Production at a cost of $1,000,000. The York Harbour transaction will be subject to review and acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. "After reviewing many projects, I am very pleased we were able to close the option on York Harbour, as it holds significant exploration potential. York Harbour gives Phoenix direct exposure to the copper market, as well as being positioned with gold, silver, zinc and now possibly cobalt," stated Andrew Lee, Phoenix CEO. The Company will finalize review and data compilation and work towards designing and planning out an exploration program for 2021. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. John Langton (M.Sc., P.Geo.), a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43- 101, has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. Referenced information: 1 https://gis.geosurv.gov.nl.ca/mods/ModsCard.asp?NMINOString=012G%2F01%2FCu+002 2 https://gis.geosurv.gov.nl.ca/geofilePDFS/Batch2013/012G_0130.pdf About Phoenix Gold Phoenix Gold Resources Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company, focused on exploration, development and acquisition of mineral properties, especially gold and precious metals. The Company's Phoenix Gold Project is located in Lander County, Nevada within the Battle Mountain Mining District, which hosts a series of gold mines. The Phoenix Gold Project covers approximately 24.48 hectares, and consists of the Plumas Property and Eldorado Property. The Plumas Property consists of two patented mineral claims for a total of over 16.39 hectares with extralateral rights and one mill site claim covering approximately 8.5 acres. The Eldorado Property consists of one patented mineral claim, covering 8.09 hectares, adjacent to Newmont Goldcorp's Phoenix-Fortitude Mine. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the Company, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For further information: Andrew Lee, CEO Telephone: 778-302-2257 | Email: pxagold@gmail.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/75742 Egypts State Council rejected on Sunday two lawsuits that sought to stop the Journalists Syndicate midterm elections from being held on 5 March as scheduled. As per the courts decision, the election will be held next Friday in the syndicates headquarters in Downtown Cairo, Khaled Miri, the undersecretary of the syndicate and the head of the elections committee, said on Sunday. The Friday election will be held to elect a new syndicate head and six board members. Last week, the election supervising committee announced that six journalists met the requirements to run for the post of the head of the syndicate and 55 others for the syndicates board. One of the lawsuits called for suspending the election over coronavirus concerns, saying that the syndicates headquarters should not receive thousands of journalists, since this would endanger the lives of the members of the syndicate's general assembly. The second lawsuit to postpone was filed by a journalist who accused the committee supervising the election of violating bylaws in rejecting his candidacy for a syndicate post. The current head of the syndicate, Diaa Rashwan, was present during the court session, asking the court to reject the lawsuits and allow the election to be held on time. In remarks to the states news agency MENA on Sunday, Rashwan said he would call on relevant authorities to carry out a sterilisation campaign at the headquarters of the syndicate throughout election day. He noted that he would also call on the health ministry to contribute to ensuring all preventive measures against the coronavirus are applied at the headquarters and monitor the temperatures of all visitors on that day. Rashwan said he would also urge the interior ministry to include a part of Abdel-Khaleq Tharwat Street, where the syndicate is headquartered, in the election plan on that day, in order to ensure social distancing is maintained. Miri said earlier that the interior ministry rejected a proposal to hold the elections in tents outside the syndicates headquarters. Short link: A County Derry town has been dealt a blow following the closure of yet another local bank branch. The Limavady branch was among 103 announced for closure by Bank of Ireland after a strategic review of its Northern Ireland business was carried out. Closures will take place before the end of the year as the bank reduces its number of branches in Northern Ireland from 28 to 13. Ian Sheppard, the bank's Managing Director for Northern Ireland, said the changes would allow them to invest in other branches across NI as well as digital services. Technology is evolving and changing the way we live and manage our lives and that includes the way our customers, increasingly, choose to bank with us, he said. The number of branch visits is now just half of what they were in 2017 and footfall at the branches which are closing is down by nearly 70% since 2017. These changes will allow us to invest in our other branches in Northern Ireland as well as in digital services so that we can continue to play a positive role in Northern Ireland for years to come. Bank of Ireland have said they will write to customers 12 weeks before any closures come into effect, and will put in place a range of support for senior and vulnerable customers. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has expressed her disappointment at news of the closure. I was saddened to learn this morning that the Limavady branch is to be among the 15 branches which the Bank of Ireland is closing across the North. My thoughts are with the staff at the branch, she said. This will have a huge impact on the local community at what has been an already extremely difficult time for our high streets and local town centres with the pandemic. Whilst the Bank says that more people banking online is part of the reason for the closures, I am very mindful that many people, and especially older people, do not bank online and this will come as huge inconvenience to them. I am also very aware that poor broadband services in rural areas is another factor in making online banking difficult for many. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Purdue Sports) For the 17th consecutive time, No. 11 Purdue (8-4) retains the Monon Spike after its bout with Indiana (2-10) in a sweeping fashion (25-18, 25-11, 25-16). With the victory, Purdue moves to 34-12 in the traveling trophy series and 72-34 in the all-time series. The Boilermakers never forfeited the lead for the entire three sets and produced no receiving errors for the first time in 2021 (last: vs. Wright State, 12/6/19). As a team, Purdue hit a .355 hitting %, the second-best efficiency of the year. Two Boilermakers recorded double-digit kills on the night: Caitlyn Newton (12) and Grace Cleveland (10). Cleveland went errorless for the fourth time in her career (last: vs. Wright State, 12/6/19). Jena Otec led the defensive effort, accumulating 15 kills, followed by Marissa Hornung with 10. Meanwhile, Hayley Bush registered 32 assists and three kills in the win. Set 1 | 25-18 After holding a consistent five-point lead, Indiana came within two points 15-13, then again at 16-14, Purdue. Grace Cleveland recorded a kill and block assist with Jael Johnson to help swing momentum back to Purdue and the Boilermakers never looked back. Cleveland led the team with five kills in the set, while Newton recorded one solo block. Set 2 | 25-11 The Boilermakers avoided every Indiana block on their way to hitting a .406 % in the set. Newton recorded a team-leading seven kills with just one error in the set while Hornung paced the back row with eight digs. Set 3 | 25-16 Four Boilermakers went errorless in the set: Johnson (four kills), Chinn (three kills), Cleveland (three kills) and Taylor Trammell (two kills). Chinn's final kill of the night marked her 100th career kill. Up Next Purdue will be back in action this weekend at No. Penn State. Matches are slated for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 5 and 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 6. Saturday's match will air on ESPNU. ORLANDO, Fla. - Former president Donald Trump declared Sunday that he is considering a presidential run in 2024, has ruled out forming a political party and will devote himself to building up Republican efforts to take on Democrats and others he claimed have targeted his movement. The address before an ebullient crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference marked Trump's first political speech since leaving the White House. It was staged as a public declaration of Trump's intention to play a dominant political role in controlling the GOP through the 2022 elections and, potentially, set himself up for a third campaign for the White House. "We began it together four years ago, and it is far from being over," Trump said, of the political journey launched by his 2016 campaign. "Let there be no doubt we will be victorious and America will be stronger and greater than ever before." Trump's speech came as he has been putting the finishing touches on a new political structure that he intends to use to solidify his dominance over the GOP. "We are not starting new parties," he said. "We have the Republican Party. It is going to unite and be stronger than ever before." Trump also launched an expected attack on President Joe Biden, echoing many of the themes of his winning 2016 presidential campaign and its losing sequel in 2020. He alleged that Biden had "the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history," before attacking the president for his position on border security policy, his erasure of Trump executive orders and his energy policies. He predicted withering Democratic losses in the 2022 midterms and a Democratic loss of the White House four years from now, prompting a standing ovation and chants of "USA!" and "Four more years!" He again repeated the false claims about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, which Democrats won. "Actually as you know they just lost the White House," he said, falsely, of the Democratic Party. "But who knows, I might even decide to beat them for a third time." Later, after predicting a "triumphant" return of a Republican president in four years, he added, "I wonder who that will be. Who, who, who will that be, I wonder." Trump took the stage immediately after the release of a 2024 presidential straw poll of conference attendees, conducted by Trump campaign pollster Jim McLaughlin. The poll found that 68% of attendees wanted Trump to run again, and that 55% supported Trump's election in 2024, if he ran, with 21% supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. No other contender hit double digits. Without Trump as an option, DeSantis led the field with 43%, followed by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem with 11%. Former vice president Mike Pence was at 1% in the poll with Trump removed. The poll also found 95% of attendees wanting the GOP to stick with Trump's policies, and 97% approving of his performance in office. "The Make American Great Again movement is the base of our movement," McLaughlin said before Trump took the stage. Trump has made plans to start a new super PAC, which he will be able to raise donations of unlimited size from corporations and individuals while exploring the possibility of drafting an "America First" agenda, which fellow Republicans could sign on to in a show of fealty to his leadership. He is also moving quickly to formalize a process for endorsing candidates in Republican primaries, with a goal of punishing those Republicans who have criticized him in recent months. On Friday, he formally backed a former White House aide, Max Miller, Friday as a primary opponent to Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, R-Ohio, who was one of 10 Republicans to vote for Trump's impeachment in January. A Trump adviser also has said he is preparing to endorse former Ohio party chair and Trump loyalist Jane Timken to replace retiring Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio. In his Sunday speech, Trump listed the names of Republicans in the House and Senate who had voted against him in the latest impeachment earlier this year, eliciting boos for each but special venom for Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wy., whom he called a "warmonger." As he has before, Trump also took credit for the victory of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has become a critic of Trump after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. "The only division is between the Washington, D.C., political hacks and everybody else," he said of the fights he plans to pick within his party. "We want Republican leaders who are loyal to the voters." He spent significant time defending his record in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, claiming to have "handed the new administration what everyone is now calling a modern-day medical miracle," with a variety of effective vaccines. He also criticized Biden for the pace of reopening the schools. "On behalf of the moms, dads and children of America, I call on Joe Biden to get the schools open and get the schools open now," he said. Hanging over the event was an ongoing dispute within the Republican Party and conservative movement over the legitimacy of the 2020 election, which Trump lost but continues to falsely say was stolen from him. Months of such baseless assertions led to a Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters who sought to prevent legislators from certifying the election results. In private conversations, Trump has recently backed away from his unsubstantiated claims that voting machine hacking or election supervisor duplicity had been responsible for his loss, according to people who have spoken with him. But he has continued to claim that he was the rightful winner of the election, including on Sunday. "We must pass comprehensive election reforms, and we must do it now," he said Sunday, before laying out a long list of changes he deemed necessary, including increased citizenship checks for voters, more voter ID requirements, restrictions on absentee voting, additional ballot chain-of-custody rules and a single day for voting, among others. As president, Trump voted under early and absentee rules. He said changes to voting rules because of the coronavirus pandemic that were not made through legislative acts were "therefore illegal," even though they were approved by state or local officials, and in some cases judicial rulings. "The Supreme Court again didn't have the guts or the courage to do anything about it, and neither did other judges," he said, flashing anger multiple times at the courts. Speakers at the conference repeatedly cited false claims of election fraud from the event's stages. "My biggest honor today is going to be that, I think, we are going to be on the same stage as, in my opinion, the real, the legitimate, and still the actual president of the United States, Donald Trump," Goya Foods CEO Robert Unanue said earlier Sunday. "We still have faith that the majority of the people of the United States voted for the president." Biden defeated Trump by 7 million votes nationally, and his victories in key swing states such as Arizona and Georgia were instrumental in delivering Biden a majority of the electoral votes. Biden has also maintained far higher approval ratings than Trump in his first weeks in office, with 56% of Americans saying last month in a Gallup poll that they approve of his presidency. Among Republicans, 34% in the same poll approved of Biden's response to the pandemic. Trump's speech was scheduled as the ultimate event of a three-day affair that attracted a wide array of elected Republican leaders, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Sens. Rick Scott of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri. Trump continues to attract acclaim throughout the GOP, despite a second impeachment after the riot at the Capitol in January. Three out of four Republican voters said in a recent Quinnipiac University poll that Trump should continue to play a prominent role in the party, and 89% of Republican voters said they opposed convicting Trump of his impeachment charges. Anthony Bouchard, a Wyoming state senator who's challenging Cheney after she voted to impeach Trump, said he had been recognized across the conference and thanked for standing up for the former president. "It looks like everybody wants to keep 'America First' policies, and she wants to go in some other direction," Bouchard said. Former Trump adviser Larry Kudlow used a 25-minute speech Sunday to argue that Biden was taking undeserved credit for coronavirus vaccinations, pointing out that an average of 1.3 million shots were delivered in Trump's final days, and falsely suggesting that the pace was the same after Jan. 20. (On Saturday, a record 2.3 million vaccinations were administered.) "He achieved successes jammed into four years that nearly every president couldn't get done in eight years," Kudlow said of Trump, whom he called "the boss." Among the conference's thousands of attendees, adulation for Trump and support for another run was immense. Liz Matory, a 41-year old former congressional candidate in Maryland, said she had been a Democrat for most of her life, came to the GOP through her opposition to legal abortion, and was reluctant to support Trump until he won the 2016 nomination. She never looked back. "I would've preferred to have had a second term right now," Matory said. "If he runs for 2024, he'll win. Of course, I thought he won in 2020. He's the only person who exists in our political scene who can afford it - financially, but also emotionally." Inside the Orlando Hyatt Regency, signs of support for the former president were everywhere, from Trump 2024 masks and flags to "MAGA hammocks" with stitching that read "Fake News" and "Save America." Supporters of the former president who had not paid for CPAC tickets also held rallies outside, dwarfing a group of Democrats who'd gathered across the street on Sunday. Enrique Tarrio - the leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right group with a history of violence - mingled in the crowd, taking photos with supporters. Trump fans waved flags and signs falsely accusing Biden of stealing the election and of more lurid crimes. Some wore merchandise from the Jan. 6 rally that preceded the Capitol riots, while some argued that Trump should be returned to office even before the next election. "Biden's obviously not qualified, and Trump proved himself for four years," said Richard Scott, 70, who'd written "Give Trump Back the Nuclear Codes" on his sign. "He's still my president." - - - The Washington Post's Josh Dawsey contributed to this report. " " Gertrude Bell traveled the world and worked almost exclusively in the realm of men, defying gender norms and stereotypes of the feminine role in world affairs. Hulton Deutsch/Getty Images/Flickr/HowStuffWorks It's safe to say the majority of women in Victorian-era England weren't afforded too many opportunities for adventure. In fact, most women from the 1830s through the turn of the century were expected to fall quietly into the social mold created by men, since they were regarded as "irrational, sensitive, and dutiful." Let's just say world traveler, skilled mountaineer and noted archaeologist Gertrude Bell was not your average Victorian woman. Perhaps best known for the role she played in the creation of the country now known as Iraq, Bell has been called "Queen of the Desert" and the "female Lawrence of Arabia." It's also been said that Bell was "one of the few representatives of His Majesty's Government remembered by the Arabs with anything resembling affection." But Bell's legacy is complicated, and as Mark Browns wrote for The Guardian in 2018, "there are also many uncomfortable truths in Bell's life that have been swept under the carpet." She fervently opposed women's right to vote, serving as the secretary of the northern branch of the National League for Opposing Woman Suffrage as well as being on its national executive committee. And according to some scholars, her role in the establishment of Iraq left an enduring painful mark on the country and its people. Born Gertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell on July 14, 1868, the English native grew up in Washington New Hall now known as Dame Margaret Hall in Washington, County Durham. Bell's family was considered affluent and progressive, and after she lost her mother at a young age, she developed a close relationship with her father, Sir Hugh Bell, 2nd Baronet, a wealthy mill owner. Bell's unique educational and professional path began at Oxford, where she became the first woman to earn first-class honors in modern history. Soon after graduation, she developed a passion for travel and accompanied her uncle, Sir Frank Lascelles to Tehran, Persia, where he served as the British minister. Bell later went on to chronicle the journey in her book, "Persian Pictures." Over the next ten years, she traveled around the world and became fluent in French, German, Arabic and Persian. Advertisement "Queen of the Desert" But linguistics wasn't Bell's only passion she was also uncharacteristically outdoorsy for the era and spent several summers mountaineering in the French region of the Alps. On one particularly treacherous journey in 1902, Bell was caught in a blizzard and spent more than 50 hours on a rope before she was able to head back to a local village with her guides. Despite the resulting frostbite on her hands and feet, Bell went on to scale the Matterhorn in 1904 and in her book, "A Woman in Arabia: The Writings of the Queen of the Desert," she wrote of the harrowing experience, "it was beautiful climbing, never seriously difficult, but never easy, and most of the time on a great steep face which was splendid to go upon." " " Famed British diplomat and administrator Sir Percy Cox (second from left) and Gertrude Bell speaking with an Arab leader during a visit to Mesopotamia on March 1, 1917. Mansell/LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images Bell was also passionate about archaeology, an interest she initially developed during a family trip to an excavation of the ancient Greek city of Melos, in 1899. In the years that followed, she went on several archaeology trips, including a trek across the Euphrates River in 1909, and a trip with archaeologist Sir William Mitchell Ramsey to Turkish archeological site Binbir Kilise. Advertisement Bell's Middle East Diplomacy But it was Bell's work with the British government in the Middle East that is perhaps the biggest part of her legacy. After her initial request for a Middle East posting was denied at the start of World War I, Bell began volunteering with the Red Cross in France. She eventually garnered a position working with T.E. Lawrence, otherwise known as "Lawrence of Arabia," in the Arab Bureau, a collection of British intelligence officers based in Cairo and tasked with coordinating imperial intelligence activities in the Middle East, as detailed in the book "The Arab Bureau: British Policy in the Middle East, 1916-1920," by Bruce Westrate. In response to several British military defeats, Lawrence devised a plan to recruit Arab people to oppose the Ottoman Empire; Bell helped him drum up support for the strategy. At the time, she was the only woman working for the British in the Middle East. The British eventually defeated the Ottoman Empire and Bell played a significant role in the region's next steps. "After World War I, British policy makers were divided over how they could govern Iraq and other territories conquered from the Ottomans," Brandon Wolfe-Hunnicutt, Ph.D., associate professor of history at California State University, Stanislaus and author of "The Paranoid Style in American Diplomacy: Oil and Arab Nationalism in Iraq," writes via email. "One faction within the British government wanted direct colonial administration for Iraq on the model of India and actually run by the India Office. The other faction, which included Bell, favored indirect colonial rule through an Arab head of state." According to Wolfe-Hunnicutt, British leaders attempted to follow through with direct colonial administration, but the resulting fallout resulted in a redirection. "Britain tried the first approach right after the war," he says. "But then Iraqis rose up in a national revolution and Britain was compelled to try the other approach the one favored by Bell." Bell went on to attend the 1919 Peace Conference in Paris and chronicled more of her political and social work in her 1920 book, "Review of the Civil Administration of Mesopotamia." She was also involved in the 1921 Conference in Cairo with then-colonial secretary, Winston Churchill, that established the boundaries of Iraq. In her work after the war, Bell also played an instrumental role in bringing King Faisal to power in Iraq in 1922. For her efforts to preserve the region's cultural heritage, local people reportedly often addressed her as "khutan," which means "queen" in Persian and "respected lady" in Arabic. King Faisal later named Bell as the director of antiquities at the new National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad. " " Gertrude Bell stands second from left in the second row, the only woman among the members of the Mesopotamia Commission, set up in 1921 to discuss the future of Mesopotamia at the Cairo Conference. Also pictured, T.E. Lawrence (fourth from right, second row) and Winston Churchill (center front row). General Photographic Agency/Getty Images Advertisement Death and Subsequent Legacy The museum was Bell's last passion project in July 1926, she overdosed on sleeping pills and died in Baghdad. King Faisal arranged a military funeral for her and Bell was laid to rest in Baghdad's British Civil Cemetery. But while Bell is often celebrated for her efforts in the Middle East, she remains a complicated historical figure for many. In Wolfe-Hunnicutt's opinion, Bell was a controversial figure who had a lasting impact on the Middle East an impact that is still very much playing out in the modern era. "She was a British imperialist who was complicit in denying Iraqis a right to national self-determination," Wolfe-Hunnicutt says. "I think that the seeds of the chaos and violence that engulfed so much of Iraqi history in the 20th century were planted in the aftermath of World War I. I wish the British would have just let Iraqis manage their own affairs." HowStuffWorks may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Now That's Cinematic Bell has been portrayed onscreen several times. In 1992, actress Gillian Barge played her in the ITV television film "A Dangerous Man: Lawrence After Arabia," and in 2015, Nicole Kidman took on the role in Werner Herzog's "Queen of the Desert." 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. People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo, left, poses with former ruling Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Keum Tae-sup at a studio in Seoul, Feb. 25, ahead of a debate broadcasted on YouTube to select one of them as the candidate of a "third zone" for the Seoul mayoral by-election. Ahn became the most favored candidate through a public opinion poll, Monday, and he plans to talk with the main opposition People Power Party about fielding a single unified candidate representing the opposition bloc. Joint press corps By Kim Rahn Minor opposition People's Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo has overcome the first challenge to becoming a single unified candidate representing the opposition bloc in the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, winning a public favorability poll against former ruling party lawmaker Keum Tae-sup. Ahn's party and Keum's election camp announced, Monday, that Ahn gained larger support than Keum in a public opinion poll conducted from Saturday to Sunday. However, they did not disclose the support rates, according to the guideline from the National Election Commission. While the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) have been dominating the nation's political circles, Ahn and Keum said they would represent a "third zone" and the winner in the public poll would compete with the PPP's candidate, with the final winner becoming a single unified candidate representing the opposition bloc. The PPP and the People's Party agree on the need for a single candidate representing the opposition side to win the by-election and "judge" the Moon Jae-in administration, but they differ on the selection process. Freedom of Speech & Spirit of Viewpoints A Supreme Court case in 1949 in which Justice William O. Douglas wrote the majority opinion: "The function of free speech under our system of government is to invite dispute. It may indeed best serve its high purpose when it induces a condition of unrest, creates dissatisfaction with conditions as they are, or even stirs people to anger. Speech is often provocative and challenging. It may strike at prejudices and preconceptions that have profound unsettling effects as it pressures for the acceptance of an idea." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please Read Before Submitting A Letter for Publication. Thank you for sharing your views in a respectful and responsible manner. Note: Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation, or both. The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes used to indicate not only freedom of verbal speech but any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used. In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute and the right is commonly subject to limitations, such as on "hate speech". The notion of freedom of expression is intimately linked to political debate and the concept of democracy. The norms on limiting freedom of expression mean that public debate may not be completely suppressed even in times of emergency. Freedom of speech in the United States is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by many state constitutions and state and federal laws. Criticism of the government and advocacy of unpopular ideas that people may find distasteful or against public policy are generally permitted. 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If you have suggestions on how to improve this interactive feature page, e-mail your suggestion to the editor@sitnews.us. Questions: Email the editor@sitnews.us Important: Once scripted and published, letters/opinions submitted for publication become the property of the SitNews' website. Please do not contact the editor and request letters be deleted 1, 2, 3 years later. This is time consuming and will not remove the letter from the cached files of popular search engines. To delete a letter, you must make the request within the first week of publication. Sitnews Editor: Mary Kauffman editor@sitnews.us Stories in the News First published August 1997 E-mail your news & photos to editor@sitnews.us Publish A Letter in SitNews Contact the Editor SitNews 1997 Stories In The News Ketchikan, Alaska In 1988, she was a brilliant teenage girl, clever and capable, with the world apparently at her feet. But the woman who made allegations of rape against a cabinet minister is now dead, having taken her own life in the early days of the pandemic in 2020. She would have turned 50 last week. The alleged rapist is now a cabinet minister in Parliament House. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday the accused minister absolutely rejects the allegations. She was extraordinary, said Jo Dyer, a literary festival director, who had known the deceased woman since they were 15 years old. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The awards season kicks off in Hollywood with the 78th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. For the first time in 78 years, the Golden Globes will be virtual, following health and safety guidelines during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Nominees will be in locations all over the world. The awards show will be hosted by Tina Fey from the Rainbow Room in New York and Amy Poehler from The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles returning for the fourth time, after hosting in 2013, 2014, and 2015. The Golden Globes recognize achievements in 25 categories; 14 in motion pictures and 11 in television. Additionally, the 2021 Golden Globes will honor Jane Fonda with the Cecil B. deMille Award, and Norman Lear with the Carol Burnett Award. Lear will be the third recipient of the recently created Carol Burnett Award, which honors contributions to television. It will air live coast to coast on Sunday from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC. NBCs accompanying app and website, as well as streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu+, AT&T Now, Sling TV, Locast, and Fubo TV, will also air the live awards show. Coverage on NBC will start at 7 p.m. The official Golden Globes preshow starts at 6:30 p.m. streaming live from the official @GoldenGlobes Twitter account and on its website. Live from E! at the Golden Globes will kick off its live coverage at 6 p.m. It will also be available to stream the next day on NBCs streaming service, Peacock. Heres a look at the nominees for best motion picture. BEST MOTION PICTURE DRAMA The Father Mank Nomadland Promising Young Woman The Trial of the Chicago 7 BEST MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY Borat subsequent Moviefilm Hamilton Music Palm Springs The Prom BEST MOTION PICTURE ANIMATED The Croods: A New Age Onward Over The Moon Soul Wolfwalkers BEST MOTION PICTURE FOREIGN LANGUAGE Another Round La Llorona The Life Ahead Minari Two of Us You can go here for a full look at the nominees for this years Golden Globes. Here is what you need to know: What: Golden Globe Awards When: Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 Time: 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern Watch on TV: NBC Stream live on: NBC.com, Twitter, and Facebook FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Golden Globes viewers may have missed out on celebrities rubbing elbows at this year's semi-virtual awards show, but they did find a surprising new pastime: rating the stars' living rooms. Co-hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the bicoastal ceremony was largely attended remotely due to the pandemic, with nominees Zooming in from all over the world inadvertently giving fans a rare glimpse into their homes. While people had plenty to say about the A-listers' decor, the popular Zoom-inspired Twitter account 'Room Rater' gave marks ranging from zero to ten based on lighting and background quality. Big win: The popular Twitter account 'Room Rater' gave A-listers marks for their backgrounds at Sunday night's Golden Globes, with Taylor-Joy getting a perfect ten 'Thank God he's talented': Jeff Daniels was given a low four for having poor lighting and 'too many doors' in the room where he set up his camera Claude Taylor, 57, started Room Rater back in April after stay-at-home orders had late night talk shows, news programs, and even benefit concerts being recorded from inside people's homes. The Golden Globes' first semi-virtual show gave him another opportunity to weigh-in on the stars' makeshift studios, though many of them likely had professional help getting their homes camera-ready before the show. Actress Anya Taylor-Joy, 24, earned her first Golden Globe for the chess drama The Queen's Gambit at Sunday's 78th annual awards, but she also got a perfect score for her background. 'Brought her "A" lighting game. Great lamp/mirror work. Tall plant. 10/10,' Room Rater commented on the setup. Perfect ten: Eugene Levy gave fans a wide shot of his livng room, which featured a cream couch and striped chairs Nice touch: Don Cheadle got a perfect ten thanks to his well-curated art collection He got a glow! Jared Leto was praised for his 'other level lighting game' 'Classic': Legendary producer Norman Lear got a ten for showing off his stunning living room However, Taylor-Joy's fans may be disappointed to know that she was in a hotel room, not her living room when she accepted the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Jared Leto, 49, earned a ten thanks to his 'other level lighting game' that gave him a glow and the 'great spacing' on his bookcase. Actors Eugene Levy, 74, and Don Cheadle, 56, and legendary producer Norman Lear, 98, also received top scores for their backgrounds, but not everyone was that lucky. Hugh Grant, 60, was just one point shy of getting a ten. While Room Rater loved the art and flowers in The Undoing star's room, the account described Grant's peach drapes as being just 'good enough.' Colin Farrell, 44, received a seven for his dark, moody-looking room, which featured a globe and a drum. Aww: Minari Director Lee Isaac Chung definitely earned points for his adorable daughter, who sat on his lap while he accepted the award for Best Foreign Language film Zoom ready: Promising Young Woman director Emerald Fennell also got a perfect score thanks to her room decor Blame the drapes? Hugh Grant was just one point shy of getting a ten Respectable score: Colin Farrell received a seven for his dark, moody-looking room, which featured a globe and a drum Keeping it professional: Fans noticed that Daniel Levy opted to sit in front of a backdrop Compound: Another Twitter user joked about how Aaron Sorkin was surrounded by women during the telecast However, the lowest score of the night went to Jeff Daniels, 66, who set up his camera in front of three white doors. 'Too many doors. Poorly lit. Thank God hes talented and doesnt care,' Room Rater tweeted, giving the actor a measly four. But others were deeply amused by the room, with one person tweeting: 'A real actor like Jeff Daniels knows that true talent isn't measured by how many awards you win it's measured by how many doors you have in your guest bedroom.' 'Welcome to the only Jeff Daniels-themed virtual escape room. Jeff's Hall of Many Doors!' someone else joked. Others were delighted to see celebs such as Jodie Foster, 48, and Regina King, 50, letting their pets take center stage. Amazing: Jodie Foster (left) was wearing pajamas and cuddled up with her wife Alexandra Hedison (right) and their dog when she gave her acceptance speech Something to cheers to: People loved Bill Murray's laidback appearance at the awards show Too cute: Regina King's dog, Cornbread, stole the show during her pre-Golden Globes interview Can I get a plus one? The Crown star Emma Corrin brought her pet along for the video call from home, which delighted her fans Foster, who won Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for her role in The Mauritanian, was wearing pajamas and cuddled up with her wife Alexandra Hedison and their dog when she gave her acceptance speech. Meanwhile, King let her dog, Cornbread, chill out in a doggie bed behind her during the pre-show while she showed off her Louis Vuitton gown and spoke about her nominated film, 'One Night in Miami,' which she directed. 'MVP of the Golden Globes pre-show thus far is Regina King's dog,' one fan tweeted. And Emma Corrin's cat arguably stole the show when she scooped up the coveted Best Actress trophy for her role as Princess Diana in 'The Crown.' Sharing a screenshot of the actress holding her feline friend as she accepted her award in front of a packed bookcase, one Twitter user wrote: 'Emma Corrin bringing her cat to the Golden Globes is the best part of the night.' Chinese security trucks are seen in Tibet's capital Lhasa in an Oct. 16, 2020 photo. Chinese authorities in Tibet are tightening security and carrying out arrests in the regional capital Lhasa and along Tibets border with Nepal in the run-up to a month of politically sensitive anniversaries beginning in March, sources in the region say. Among those taken into custody are Tibetans suspected of sharing information on the deaths of Chinese soldiers killed in a border clash with India last June in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh, a source in Lhasa told RFAs Tibetan Service on Monday. The Chinese government has increased these arrests and crackdowns in Lhasa and in border areas, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. And those who are suspected of exchanging information regarding the deaths of the Chinese soldiers on the border are immediately arrested. They have also deployed more blue-uniformed soldiers in Lhasa and in [Shigatse prefectures] Nyalam county, an area located along the mountainous border with Nepal, the source said, adding, and authorities are stepping up their checks on the use of social media in Tibet these days. Chinese authorities in Tibet maintain tight controls over information flows in the region, arresting Tibetans for sharing news and opinions on social media and for contacting relatives living in exile, sometimes with news of anti-China protests, according to rights groups and other experts. Particular targets of censors and police are images of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama shared on mobile phones and calls for the preservation of the Tibetan language, now under threat from government orders to establish Chinese as the main language of instruction in Tibetan schools. 'More restrictions in place' China does not want reports of conditions inside Tibet to spread outside the country, Tsewang Dorjee, a researcher at the Dharamsala, India-based Tibet Policy Institute, told RFA. And with March 10, observed by Tibetans around the world as National Uprising Day, approaching in just a few days, the authorities are putting more restrictions in place and cracking down even harder on Tibetans," Dorjee said. And not only in Tibet, but also in China, the government has imposed tighter restrictions all around because there have been more criticisms from citizens on how the Chinese Communist Party handled the border dispute, he said. Though India quickly acknowledged the names and numbers of its dead on the border, China did not comment on its own casualties until February 2021, Dorjee said. Politically sensitive anniversaries China regularly tightens security in Tibets regional capital Lhasa and in other Tibetan areas of China during important political gatherings in Beijing and in March, a month of politically sensitive anniversaries. On March 10, 1959, Tibetans in Lhasa rose up in protest of Beijings tightening political and military control of the formerly independent Tibet, sparking a rebellion in which thousands were killed. And on March 14, 2008, a riot in Lhasa followed the suppression by Chinese police of four days of peaceful Tibetan protests and led to the destruction of Han Chinese shops in the city and deadly attacks on Han Chinese residents. The riot then sparked a wave of mostly peaceful protests against Chinese rule that spread across Tibet and into Tibetan-populated regions of western Chinese provinces, and hundreds of Tibetans were detained, beaten, or shot as Chinese security forces quelled the protests. Formerly an independent nation, Tibet was invaded and incorporated into China by force nearly 70 years ago, and the Dalai Lama and thousands of his followers fled into exile in India and other countries around the world following the failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on the region, restricting Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity, and subjecting Tibetans to persecution, torture, imprisonment, and extrajudicial killings. Reported by Lobsang Gelek for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Written in English by Richard Finney. The minister added he had not foreseen the verdict could stir such public tensions. Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov believes that blogger and activist Serhiy Sternenko, who was recently sentenced to seven years on abduction charges has invented for himself an image of a hero rebel. Speaking with 1+1 in an interview, Avakov claimed he had learned about the verdict on the day it was handed down. Speaking about Sternenko's popularity among younger Ukrainians, Avakov opined that the concepts of real heroes and wannabes have been replaced in Ukraine. "You shouldnt call revolutionaries those who invented for themselves the image of a rebel. Take Sternenko... What's his heroism about? Perhaps he was at the frontlines? Perhaps he was in the Maidan in the most difficult moments in 2013-2014? He wasn't. He emerged at the very last stage of the Maidan, they've talked about it themselves. He starred in various rallies outside various offices, voicing sharp criticism. Or perhaps he has experience of doing some good deeds? I don't want to believe slogans and don't want to believe masks and myths. I want to see the specifics," the minister said. The minister admitted he had not expected public tensions to escalate that much in relation to the verdict. "Even with my experience, I didn't expect that there would be such tension. A number of accidents showed that, it turns out, tensions are too high, especially when someone heats them up," the minister said. Avakov stressed that in this situation "the injection of aggression shouldn't be confused with strategic threats." In his opinion, the situation with the protests poses no strategic threats at the moment. The balance in public, Avakov believes, between the satisfied and dissatisfied sometimes shifts to a critical point, so it is necessary to adequately respond. When asked by the host about whether the events could spiral out of control as it was with the Capitol riot in the U.S., the minister replied: Of course. If it's anything like the situation at the Capitol, we always have a backup plan, just as we had yesterday [during the latest rally]. And I am glad we didn't need to apply it." Read alsoProtesters rally in Kyiv to support activist Sternenko (Photo, video)Sternenko's verdict and public reaction On February 23, the Prymorsky District Court of Odesa sentenced Sternenko to seven years and three months in prison with the confiscation of half of the property on charges of abducting a local elected official, an anti-Maidan activist Sergei Shcherbich. Sternenko, as well as another defendant in the case, Ruslan Demchuk, were taken into custody in the courtroom and transferred to a pre-trial detention facility, where they are bound to remain until the verdict enters into force. On the same night, rallies swept across dozens of Ukrainian cities, as well as in some foreign cities, protesting the verdict activists believe was unlawful, calling for justice in the Sternenko case. In Kyiv, clashes ensued between protesters and law enforcers outside the President's Office. According to the metro police, 24 people were detained and 27 police officers and servicemen with the National Guard were injured. On February 27, more rallies were held in Sternenko's support one outside the President's Office and another outside the Prosecutor General's Office. Reporting by UNIAN President Moon Jae-in stated Monday that South Korea is ready to talk with Japan anytime for stronger cooperation, separate from longstanding disputes over shared history, as it would also be helpful to the trilateral partnership with the United States. "The South Korean government is always ready to sit down and have talks with the Japanese government. I am confident that if we put our heads together in the spirit of trying to understand each other's perspectives, we will also be able to wisely resolve issues of the past," he said during his televised speech on the March 1 Independence Movement Day. He was referring to their diplomatic stand-offs, which have deepened in recent years, over Japan's wartime atrocities, including forced labor and sexual enslavement of Korean women. Moon reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to seek a resolution based on a "victim-centered approach and do "everything possible to restore the honor and dignity of victims." "However, efforts for South Korea-Japan cooperation and forward-looking development will not stop either," he added during the ceremony to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the 1919 public uprising here against Japan's colonial rule. This year's ceremony was held at Tapgol Park in Seoul. As the first modern park built in the capital, it is known as the birthplace of the historic movement, where the Proclamation of Independence was read out. Seoul-Tokyo cooperation will not only benefit other countries but also facilitate stability and common prosperity in Northeast Asia and the trilateral partnerships involving the U.S., he said. The overtures came as the Joe Biden administration is openly calling for close three-way security ties. Moon called on Seoul and Tokyo to draw a line between the history-linked row and efforts for future-oriented relations especially in preparation for the post-coronavirus era. "The only obstacle we have to overcome is that, sometimes, issues of the past cannot be separated from those of the future but are intermingled with each other," he said. "This has impeded forward-looking development. We should learn a lesson by squarely facing the past." Moon also vowed continued efforts for the denuclearization of Korea and lasting peace under the three-point principles: zero tolerance for war, a mutual security guarantee and co-prosperity. He expressed hope that North Korea will begin cooperation with other countries with the participation in the "Northeast Asia Cooperation Initiative for Infectious Disease Control and Public Health" that was already joined by the U.S., China, Russia and Mongolia. "This will become a driving force to create a breakthrough for mutual benefit and peace on the Korean Peninsula and in East Asia. " he said. The president said South Korea will cooperate for the success of the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to take place later this year, pointing out that it could offer a chance for dialogue among the two Koreas, the U.S. and Japan. On the coronavirus crisis, meanwhile, he requested that the people here, including medical workers, demonstrate the power of sacrifice and national unity with the sprit shown in the March 1 Independence Movement. The spirit was "always invoked when surmounting national crises and still lives vibrantly deep in the hearts of our people who are adhering to social distancing and making it a rule to wear masks every morning for the sake of their neighbors," he said. "The same is true for vaccinations," he said, urging the public to actively cooperate with the ongoing vaccinations and be wary of "fake news that stokes distrust." (Yonhap) Virgil Lee Ward, a veteran of Pearl Harbor and a former San Antonian, died Sunday night at his home in Grand Prairie. He was 102. He passed away here in his bed, said his wife, Merry Lux Ward. Tall, thin and strong, Ward lived in the Alamo City for years, but when the couple attended the annual Dec. 7 reunion lunch of the local chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association in 2016, it was the only time he met its shrinking band of veterans. Virgil and Merry Ward later moved to the Dallas area. He was hospitalized in January as he battled pneumonia, an illness hed beaten before, and eventually entered hospice care. Services are pending. Ward will be buried in Houston National Cemetery. There was a world before Pearl Harbor and one after it. The transformed world began at dawn on a sleepy Sunday on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, when waves of Japanese planes stunned America by destroying much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio areas shrinking band of Pearl Harbor veterans will never forget An Army private, Ward was at the post exchange before dawn to collect newspapers he delivered as a side job. Just before 8 a.m., he saw the fighter planes. They were flying in a formation when they first came in, and then they split up, of course, and they were diving in the air where I was at, and I was pretty close, he recalled in a 2018 interview. Dumbfounded, he instinctively took a longer route off the main highway to get to his duty station so his car would draw less interest from the Japanese pilots. He reached his station: a phone exchange he helped run as a Signal Corps soldier on Diamond Head, a volcanic height above Honolulu. They were strafing and bombing, he said. And I was close enough to see all the planes up there. The attack by a Japanese strike force of 353 aircraft, launched from four aircraft carriers, took just 75 minutes. It left 2,403 Americans dead, including 68 civilians. Eight U.S. battleships and numerous smaller craft were sunk or damaged, and the Americans lost 169 planes to 29 Japanese. All four U.S. aircraft carriers were at sea, however, and they would alter the course of the Pacific war within a few months, at the Battle of Midway. But first, the Empire of Japan would make World War II truly global in scale. The day after the Pearl Harbor attack, Japanese forces landed near Singapore and invaded Thailand. They seized Guam and invaded the Philippines on Dec. 10 and Burma on Dec. 11. They swept into British Borneo and Hong Kong, and they took Wake Island just before Christmas. On ExpressNews.com: In search of travel, one farm boy found a war Ward was a communications specialist assigned to the 16th Coast Artillery and had just been trained on what then were called self-dialing telephones. The new rotary devices had not been installed in his office, so he took a steady stream of calls the old way, from soldiers including some commanders speaking into a mouthpiece and asking an operator to connect them manually, with wires and plugs. The callers were trying to make sense of the chaos, but I couldnt tell them much more than they were being attacked, Ward said. The Pearl Harbor group in San Antonio had 64 members in 1992, but it has dwindled since to just three now: William St. John, retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Platt and retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Meyer. Abner James A.J. Dunn, who died Nov. 23 at his home in Floresville at 98, was a regular at Pearl Harbor commemorations in Corpus Christi. Ward, the son of a moonshiner who preached on the side, was 15 when he joined the Army out of a small town in Tennessee. He thought he was 17 because thats what his dad had told him. He had worked on the family farm starting in fifth grade. A friend who suggested they join the Army in 1935 flunked the entrance exam, but Ward was sent to New York and made a muleskinner because of his experience. I told them I wanted to go overseas, and you know where they sent me? Ward said, chuckling. Hawaii. He stayed there for the next 13 years. Ward retired as a major in 1965 after a 30-year Army career. He liked to celebrate his birthdays on Feb. 2 at an Asian restaurant on the West Side. He stayed healthy for most of his old age, with a strong recollection of the battle that changed his life, but in the past couple of years, his short-term memory had begun to fade, Merry Ward said. Ward had some close calls in the Korean War, where he got a battlefield promotion and saw a nearby soldier get killed by a mortar shell close enough to spray him with shrapnel, and in Vietnam, where the Saigon hotel he stayed in was blown up while he was out. On ExpressNews.com: Remembering Pearl Harbor. A podcast with Virgil Lee Ward But Pearl Harbor was his most haunting experience. In this new kind of war, his coastal artillery battery never fired a shot, but those in his unit quietly went about their jobs as the attack unfolded. There wasnt a lot of words. There were a lot of bullets, though, Ward said in 2016. I can tell you he still has some nightmares about that, Merry Ward said. Hell rise up in bed, Get down! Get down! Because hes afraid of somebody shooting something, and so I know when hes running from bullets at night. sigc@express-news.net The marijuana lobby has a new foe, and this time it's not a Republican but a Kennedy. Patrick J. Kennedy, the former eight-term congressman and son of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, wants to be the next White House drug czar but the marijuana industry is dead-set against him. Kennedy, who speaks openly about his life-long struggle with drug abuse, is now an advocate for those with mental health and addiction problems. He favors allowing pot for medical reasons but opposes legalizing its recreational use. That's anathema to an industry whose goal is to make cannabis use as normal as alcohol and nicotine -- and to legalize the substance in all 50 states while Democrats control the White House and both chambers of Congress. While there's no indication that Kennedy is under active consideration, the brawl over what normally is a low-profile appointment illustrates the huge stakes for an industry that's increasingly flexing its muscle in Washington. The debate also highlights the different views that President Joe Biden, who coined the term "drug czar" in 1982, and Vice President Kamala Harris have expressed. Before she became Biden's running mate, Harris sponsored marijuana industry-backed legislation in the Senate. Biden favors keeping marijuana illegal nationally, a view that's more closely aligned with Kennedy's. Harris's positions are now the same as Biden's, a Harris aide said, asking not to be identified because the vice president has not publicly weighed in on the issue. A White House official declined to comment on who is being considered for the job. One lead contender, according to two people familiar with the matter, is Rahul Gupta, the chief medical officer at the March of Dimes and a former state health official in West Virginia. Gupta was part of Biden's transition team. Another top candidate is H. Westley Clark, a former official at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Regina LaBelle, currently the acting drug czar, is also on the short list, the people familiar said. Gupta and LaBelle declined to comment and Clark, who has industry support, didn't respond to a request for comment. But the marijuana industry has spotlighted Kennedy, 53, out of concern he would be an obstacle to its goal of broader legalization. Cannabis companies frame nationwide legalization as a way to create jobs, boost tax revenue and help overhaul the criminal justice system. Legalization would also rapidly increase their profits by allowing the sale of more products to more customers with fewer legal and regulatory headaches. Kennedy worries that the industry is putting profits over public health. He agrees with experts like Susan Weiss, senior adviser to the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, who warns that marijuana can be addictive and may harm the brains of young people. She also says the effects of exposure to high-potency products are not well understood. Weiss, who would not comment on the drug czar post, said the brain continues to develop in adolescence and early adulthood. "We worry about exposure to cannabis during those periods," she said. "We do know there's a use disorder, and it's not so easy to get rid of," said Weiss, using a technical term for addiction. "They are usually young people" who develop it. Kennedy has strong backing from mental-health experts, such as Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association. But the former lawmaker lacks industry support. Kennedy's views are based on "outmoded morality" and "out-of-touch edicts that simply don't work," the Marijuana Policy Project said in a Feb. 8 email. The pro-pot group, with thousands of individual dues-paying members, has been involved in many state legalization efforts. The U.S. Cannabis Council, an industry lobbying group, also opposes Kennedy. "Someone who isn't paying attention to the fact that 15 states have legalized would not be a good fit for the job," said Steven Hawkins, the council's interim CEO. Recreational marijuana is legal in 15 states while 36 have approved it for medicinal use. It's classified as a Schedule I drug - the category reserved for the most dangerous substances, like heroin - which is higher than the Schedule II classification for opioids. U.S. sales of legal cannabis and its derivatives are expected to exceed $26 billion this year, up from $22 billion last year, according to Euromonitor International, a market research company. Whoever gets the drug czar post would signal what the administration's marijuana policy is likely to be. Biden helped create the Office of National Drug Control Policy, whose director is often called the drug czar. Drug use is also a personal topic for Biden, whose son, Hunter, has struggled with addiction. In a CNN town hall appearance on Feb. 16, the president supported decriminalizing pot possession when he said: "No one should go to jail for the use of a drug. They should go to drug rehabilitation." As a candidate, he said he would use executive authority to ease restrictions on research and allow doctors to prescribe marijuana as an opioid alternative. But marijuana would still be illegal under federal law. The Office of National Drug Control Policy, which has an annual budget of $379 million, coordinates other government agencies involved in drug policy. While the opioid crisis will probably top its agenda, marijuana policy is likely be a close second. Kennedy is co-founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an Alexandria, Virginia, based non-profit that seeks to reduce marijuana use. The organization is funded through individual donations and family foundations. It doesn't accept pharmaceutical, alcohol or tobacco industry money. He decries the industry's promotion of legalization as a means of repairing the harm done by the decades-long war on drugs, during which a disproportionate number of Black people went to prison for drug offenses. The industry has said it hopes to help Black people participate in the profits of a legalized industry, such as by opening Black-owned dispensaries in Black communities. Instead of helping close the racial divide, legalization may exacerbate it by harming careers and setting up Black youth to fail, Kennedy argues. "Even if the U.S. says we're going to legalize, it doesn't mean that a bank or a construction firm is going to say it's OK to screen positive," Kennedy said. "I won't try to get this job by not ruffling any feathers and keeping my head down and not saying anything about what I see as a true threat on the horizon," he said. "We know it's not about this social justice issue. It's about the money." Malala Yousufzai shares that she dreams of a good friendship between India and Pakistan. while virtually attending the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021, she also called for the protection of minorities and the right to protest. Nobel Laureate Malala Yousufzai while attending Jaipur Literature Fest through virtual mode, shared her dream of witnessing a good friendship between India and Pakistan. the old philosophy of having borders and divisions dont work anymore and the people of India and Pakistan want to live in peace, she underlined on February 28. Talking about the protection of minorities, she said that the issue is not related to religion, minorities need protection in every country, be it India or Pakistan. adding on to her statement, she underlined that the exploitation of power must be taken seriously. Malala is the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize, known for her activism for girls education and an advocate of their rights, who miraculously survived a bullet to the head, shot by a Taliban militant in October 2012. Expressing her concern over the internet shutdown in India and the arrest of activists who are protesting peacefully in view of the ongoing protests, she said that the situation is worrying and she hopes that the government makes sure that peoples voices are heard. Also Read: Speaking about her book at the Jaipur Literature Festival, titled- I am Malala: The story of the girl who stood up For Education and was shot by the Taliban, she underlined that she dreams about the day when every girl would go to school and have access to a good and quality education. During the interaction, she also appreciated the Indian girls and women who are fighting for human rights and applauded them for speaking out for farmers in India, for the protection of minorities, and called their work empowering. The 23-year-old activist and Nobel recipient stated that the real enemy of both India and Pakistan is poverty, discrimination, and inequality and both countries should unite and fight with these enemies rather than fighting with each other. Also Read: Our company based in Lithuania looking to buy Din plius / A1 wood pellets, with reguarement of 1000 tons a month. With DDP terms delivery to KAUNAS in big bags or 15kg bags on palet. Willing to pay 100 euros/tone. Virginia recently became the first Southern state to abolish the death penalty. Its an enlightened public policy decision that should inspire Pennsylvania to do the same. Death obviously is irreversible, yet death penalty prosecutions are no less immune from errors, and worse, than any other type of prosecution. Over the last 50 years, 182 people awaiting execution have been exonerated, often after serving decades in prison. These are not cases of procedural errors, but cases in which the convicted person did not commit the crime. Some of those cases were resolved by advances in DNA analysis. In several cases, key prosecution witnesses against the accused turned out to be the murderers. In many cases, intrepid work by volunteers proved misconduct by prosecutors, often involving withheld evidence. Given that an average of four death-row inmates a year are exonerated, it is probable rather than likely that innocent people have been executed the ultimate miscarriage of justice. The death penalty cannot be equitably enforced as required by the U.S. Constitutions mandate for equal justice under the law. Different prosecutors in different jurisdictions have varying policies about its application. Poor defendants are particularly susceptible because they cannot afford their own lawyers. That is a particular problem in Pennsylvania, shamefully the only state that does not help counties pay for public defenders. And there is no evidence to suggest that the death penalty fulfills the reason for its existence deterrence. Pennsylvania has executed three men since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976, and has not executed anyone since 1999, while 149 men remain on death row. Gov. Tom Wolf placed a moratorium on executions in 2015. The death penalty is a barbaric anachronism, putting the United States and Pennsylvania in league with some of the worst regimes on the planet. This isnt a question of whether a particular criminal deserves to die for a heinous crime. Its a question of a moral and just society. Pennsylvania lawmakers should prove that the commonwealth is one of those by ending the death penalty in favor of life imprisonment without parole. Former Jaysh al-Islam spokesmans family have claimed that he is subjected to psychological and physical torture in France, writes Sowt Al-Asima. The family of the former spokesman for Jaysh al-Islam (Army of Islam), Majdi Nehme, known as Islam Alloush, has reactivated his case in the media through a statement published on social media platforms, in which it said that their son, who has been arrested in France since January 2020, is being subjected to psychological and physical torture. The statement pointed out that the family believed that the reason for the arrest of their son was related to the disappearance of human rights activist Razan Zeitouneh and her companions, only to later find out that the arrest is related to his joining Jaysh al-Islam, which was active in eastern Ghouta in the countryside of Damascus. The statement, published in a series of tweets, added that Alloush was detained for 10 months, during which he was prevented from communicating with his family, and during that time he was subjected to physical and psychological torture. The family said that none of them was able to travel to France to communicate with Alloush and check on him, indicating that he was tortured in the most horrific of ways that almost led to his death. The French authorities arrested Alloush in late January of last year, shortly after he arrived in the country to conduct research on the armed movement in Syria after he had received a scholarship. Seven members of the Zeitouneh family and three non-governmental organizations, including the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, filed a legal complaint last year with the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor in France. The three organizations said in a statement that Alloush is also suspected of being involved in recruiting children, noting that a number of victims accused him of kidnapping and torture as well. In their statement, the family considered that the arrest was based on malicious charges that seek to take revenge rather than a commitment to seek the truth. Jaysh al-Islam is accused of committing systematic international crimes against civilians between 2013 and 2018 in eastern Ghouta, including the kidnapping and torture of human rights lawyer Razan Zeitouneh and Samira Khalil, among others. 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. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) A federal agency has awarded Indiana housing authorities $35 million for large-scale projects to modernize public housing around the state. The funding announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will go to 40 of Indiana's public housing authorities for projects such as replacing roofs, upgrading heating systems and other improvements. The city of Gary's housing authority will receive the largest share of Indiana's funding, about $6.6 million. Housing authorities in East Chicago, New Albany, South Bend and Terre Haute will each receive at least $2 million for housing improvements. Indiana's funding is a portion of $2.7 billion in HUD funding announced for nearly 2,900 public housing authorities in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The federal agency said it released a report in 2011 by a third-party independent study which estimated that the nation's then-1.1 million public housing units were in need of capital improvements estimated at $25.6 billion. Extending an olive branch to the dissenting camp in the Congress, interimparty chief Sonia Gandhi on Monday appointed former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan as the chairman of the screening committee for Assam. The work of the screening committee is to recommend candidates to the Central Election Committee of the party headed by Sonia Gandhi, which is the final authority to distribute tickets to the aspiring party candidates. The 126-member Assam Assembly will go to the polls in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2. Chavan was one of the signatories of a letter written to Sonia Gandhi last year, which demanded sweeping reforms within the party. Sources say the Congress doesn't want any confrontation with the dissenting camp at this crucial juncture with five states/UT going to the polls in a month's time. Along with Chavan as the chairman, Kamleshwar Patel and Dipika Pandey Singh have been made members of the screening committee. The members of the dissenting camp have been saying that they are kept out of the consultation process, but now the Congress seems to be trying to address their grievances, keeping them in the loop for the party's election strategy . In solidarity with former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the dissenters, including Kapil Sibal, Raj Babbar and Manish Tewari, were in Jammu on February 27 where they chose to attack the party, saying they were saddened by the weakening of the party. The dissenters have been upset since their letter became public in August last year. The group is reportedly unhappy with the rise of people close to Rahul Gandhi, including K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. The overlooking of Anand Sharma for the post of Leader of Opposition and denying another Rajya Sabha term to Azad have irked them, while leaders like Manish Tewari and Sandeep Dikshit are also feeling sidelined in the party set-up. Sources say the internal war is far from over as Rahul Gandhi is placing people close to him in key posts, often overlooking the seniors. Patna, March 1 : After frontline health workers and Corona warriors, a vaccination drive for those aged above 60 and those above 45 with co-morbidities began in Bihar on Monday. The first person to receive the vaccination at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS) in Patna on Monday afternoon was Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself. Health minister Mangal Pandey and Pratyay Amrit, principal health secretary of Bihar government were present on the occasion. CM Nitish Kumar, after taking the vaccine, said: "I appeal to the people of Bihar to take the Corona vaccine especially senior citizens above 60 years of age. I also appeal to journalists to take the corona vaccine. The job of journalists is very challenging and hence they should take the vaccine. I have directed the concerned officials to start the process of vaccination to journalists." Kumar, during the 2020 assembly election campaign, had promised vaccination to the people of Bihar free of cost. "We had promised a free corona vaccine to everybody and I have already given directions to officials during the cabinet meeting for the same," Kumar said. "The central government has a fixed charge not more than Rs 250 if any person goes to a private hospital. In Bihar, the state government will bear the expense of vaccines in private hospitals," Kumar said. The vaccination in government hospitals is free of cost across the country. "The state government has selected 1600 health centres for vaccination across the state and 50 of them are private hospitals. The process of dispatching the vaccines to these centres are started," said Pratyay Amrit, Bihar's principal health secretary. He further said that the vaccination will start in 700 centres on Monday. After March 15, vaccines will be available from 300 more centres. From March 16 to 31, 200 more centres will have the facilities. From April 1 to April 15, an additional 300 centres will have the facility and from April 16 to April 30, vaccines will be available in the remaining 100 centres. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text [March 01, 2021] Simplr Adds Carla Hall to MOMENTOUS 2021 Conference Lineup SAN FRANCISCO, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplr has announced celebrity chef, Emmy-winning TV personality and Soul Food cookbook author Carla Hall as keynote speaker for MOMENTOUS 2021 , a virtual CX conference scheduled for April 6-8, 2021. The multi-faceted motivational speaker will give a candid, comedic presentation on how facing fears can give way to growth and transformation. "Carla can speak to the benefits of facing down fear of the unknown, something we believe the practice of CX needs now." "Growing customer demand for in-the-moment responses to their needs is rapidly transforming the dynamic of customer experience. Only those CX teams ready to embrace this NOW Customer will be positioned to turn their customers into fans," said Daniel Rodriguez, CMO of Simplr , a human-first, machine-enabled customer exerience solution. "Carla Hall can speak to the benefits of facing down fear of the unknown, something we believe the practice of CX needs now. Carla and our growing list of talented CX industry speakers will deliver an energizing and enlightening conference experience designed to help attendees shape the future of how companies engage with their customers." Among the industry experts joining Carla Hall in speaking at MOMENTOUS 2021 are: Jared Carver , VP/GM North America Converse , VP/GM North America Catherine Sproul , Vice President, L'Oreal Luxe North America , Vice President, Stephanie Stafford , Director, Customer Experience, YETI , Director, Customer Experience, Jessica Province , Fan Service and Experience Manager, KEEN Footwear , and Experience Manager, Jasmine Lombardi , Chief Customer Officer, Locus Robotics , Chief Customer Officer, Kalpana Chandrasekhar , COO, Biteable , COO, Tarikh Campbell, D&I Business Program Manager, Microsoft Lynsey Thornton , Managing Director US West, Shopify , Managing Director US West, Lauren Volpe , Chief Experience Officer, Quadpay , Chief Experience Officer, Nicole France , VP and Principal Analyst, Constellation Research , VP and Principal Analyst, Amy Lin , Product Marketing Manager, Zendesk , Product Marketing Manager, Philippe Roireau , Head of Partnerships, Gorgias , Head of Partnerships, Alex Vidaeff, Customer Experience Manager, ANINE BING Alexandria Collis , Director of Customer Experience, Princess Polly , Director of Customer Experience, Tish Bivins , Senior Director, Field Operations, Asurion , Senior Director, Field Operations, Patrick Carney , Global Head of Customer Experience and Retention, 4ocean PBC , Global Head of Customer Experience and Retention, Megan Merrick , Online Engagement Manager, Freshly , Online Engagement Manager, Mike McCarron , VP of Strategic Alliances, Gladly , VP of Strategic Alliances, Shannon Jimenez , Senior Support Manager, Calendly Several sessions are planned for each day of the conference. Topics include: The Next Evolution of the Customer Contact Center Which Pandemic Consumer Trends Are Here to Stay Evolving Your CX KPIs for an Evolving Customer What's NOW and Next for Social Media and Customer Care Why CX Leadership Starts with EX Cracking the Code on Live Chat How to Meet the Expectations of Gen-Z Consumers Visit https://events.simplr.ai/momentous for more information and to reserve a space. About Simplr Simplr offers companies a human-first, machine-enabled customer experience solution that meets the demands of the NOW Customer across all digital channels. Offering a combination of a uniquely talented, flexible, and scalable staffing pool, AI-based technology, and actionable intelligence, Simplr allows companies to immediately expand their customer service capacity and engage customers with speed, empathy, and precision. With Simplr's NOW CX solution, premium brands are eradicating customer neglect, turning browsers into buyers, and turning customers into fans. Simplr is funded by Asurion , which continues to support its growth. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simplr-adds-carla-hall-to-momentous-2021-conference-lineup-301237363.html SOURCE Simplr [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] As we head into the year, the one date businesses and marketers need to keep top-of-mind is the deadline for the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPI Act or PoPIA). Unpacking PoPIA for SMEs 8 Steps to take towards compliance Checklists on how to collect and store personal information for your marketing efforts Email marketing, WhatsApp and mobile marketing compliance checklist now! The PoPI Act regulates how organisations handle personal information, whether it is for individuals or other businesses. This information ranges from ID numbers, to credit card details that you may take for payments and employment history.That is why Adclick Africa have compiled a simple, easy -to-use PoPIA Compliance Guide to help SMEs and marketers unpack what they need to put in place to comply. It has quick checklists, making your journey to PoPIA compliance a seamless one.If you request any of these details from your potential customers, you need the PoPIA Compliance Guide as some aspects of the law may pertain to you as an SME owner or marketer: gender, age, language, email address, phone or mobile number, physical address, location, personal opinions, views or personal preferences.Our guide will help you understand the urgency of complying with PoPIA and will guide the audit process of your business operations in relation to digital marketing and online communication. Says Adclick Africas CEO and founder, Velly Bosega.By complying with PoPIA, SMEs can build more trust with your employees, customers and subscribers. Give them the peace-of-mind that their data is safe. With SMEs having to rapidly adopt technology during this pandemic, your customers also changed their buying behaviour. Now more than ever, they are demanding greater transparency from your businesses. Use this transparency to audit your database toward having more engaged subscribers with a genuine interest in receiving updates and news from your company.You only have until 1 July 2021 to comply. The time for you to take action is Adclick Africa strives to help businesses implement and send compliant, effective marketing communication. Armed with the right paid media expertise and experience, their team manages different buying platforms, using each for its differentiated audience and inventory. From Email Marketing to Paid Media, Adclick Africa assists SME clients in collecting and processing data correctly to ensure they meet the compliance requirements of PoPIA.Adclick Africa, a digital performance marketing agency, can amplify your digital marketing in 2021! Rosamund Pike has a track record of getting audiences talking with her daring performances but an unexpected bonus from her Golden Globe-winning turn in I Care A Lot has been a conversation about some of the most scrutinized members of society. In a virtual backstage conversation at Sundays Globes telecast, following her win for best actress in a motion picture comedy, she said the buzz around the film was the closet thing shed experienced to the phenomenon created by Gone Girl the 2014 David Fincher thriller that put Pike on the map. More from Variety The way people passed memes, quoted lines back and forth, the way that the audiences felt connected through conversations about it has been about as close as you can hope for outside the cinema, Pike said of the Netflix original, which shot to number one on the service in dozens of counties upon its premiere. She specifically hailed the film as having reawoken conversations about conservatorship. While she did not directly name Britney Spears, I Care A Lot arrived at the same time the global media had been devouring an FX/New York Times documentary special examining the pop stars conservatorship a court-ordered mechanism to protect the finances and well being of those who cannot care for themselves. This has confounded many in the case of Spears, given her consistent professional output and regular social media presence. In I Care A Lot, Pike plays Marla Grayson, a ruthless court guardian to the elderly crafting a devious system of financial and emotional exploitation. The actor also celebrated the characters comparison to her Gone Girl character, the revenge-obsessed Amy Elliot. Marla and Amy are very different women. Marla is a much scrappier street fighter, but I do see what people respond to, is that theyre abhorred at as to what they are doing but so disinclined to switch them off, she said. Story continues In the category, Pike was nominated against Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Kate Hudson (Music), Michelle Pfeiffer (French Exit) and Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma). I Care A Lot boasts an ensemble cast that features Peter Dinklage, Eiza Gonzalez, Chris Messina and Dianne Wiest. This is Pikes first nod for comedy. Her first two Golden Globe nominations were for dramatic roles in Gone Girl and A Private War. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. PORT HURON, MI -- An Ohio man has been arraigned after allegedly threatening to burn down a Port Huron elementary school. Dominik Hricovsky, 32, of Ohio, was arraigned Sunday, Feb. 28 on charges of threat of terrorism, discharging a firearm in or at a building, two counts of felony firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, resisting and obstructing and habitual offender fourth offense notice. Cleveland Elementary School in Port Huron was placed on lockdown the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 24, after police received multiple calls from a man threatening to burn down the school. About an hour after the school was placed on lockdown, police found it was Hricovsky who had called from the 2700 block of Nern Street. When officers attempted to place him under arrest, Hricovsky attempted to run from and fight officers, police said. Officers deployed a Taser and took him into custody. During the investigation on Friday, detectives learned Hricovsky had also fired one round out of the window of the apartment, police said. The lockdown at Cleveland Elementary School ended after Hricovsky was arrested. Hricovsky was issued a $250,000 bond. His probable cause conference hearing date is set for Tuesday, March 9, with a preliminary exam scheduled for Tuesday, March 16. He also has a parole hold through Ohio. Anyone with information on the situation is asked to call CAPTURE at 810-987-6688. Anonymous tips can be made by texting the word CAPTURE and tip to 847411 or by downloading the Port Huron PD app. Tips can also be emailed to www.porthuronpolice.org. Read more on MLive: 15-year-old shot in Flint in critical condition Man found shot to death in crashed vehicle in Flint Man hit by car in Flint in critical condition Reward offered for information on recent hit-and-run in Flint Man arrested for threatening to burn down a Port Huron elementary school 3 charged after missing Flint Township man is killed, body is burned The Canadian Press LOS ANGELES (AP) With the tension building and the minutes ticking by, Chris Taylor fouled off pitch after pitch from Genesis Cabrera. Finally, a breakthrough on the 14th delivery. Taylor drove in three runs with a tiebreaking double in the sixth inning, rallying the Los Angeles Dodgers past the St. Louis Cardinals 9-4 on Monday night to snap a three-game skid. C.T. was just relentless in that at-bat, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. Probably the best one weve had this year. Taylor fouled off nine pitches four in a row twice before coming through with his two-out double for a 6-3 lead. He just wasn't going to be denied, Roberts said. The guy was up there throwing 97, 98 mph, breaking ball, changeup. Taylor said he lost count of the pitches in what was the longest at-bat of his big league career. It was fun when I hit a double, he said. During the at-bat, I was trying to stay within myself and black out, so to speak, and just stay focused. I could definitely feel the energy, especially when I came through with the hit. Roberts said the at-bat reminded him of Alex Cora's 18-pitch at-bat in 2004, when Roberts was still a player. Two batters earlier, Cabrera issued a bases-loaded walk to Will Smith that tied the game. The left-hander threw 34 pitches, 20 for strikes, in two-thirds of an inning. Taylor also homered in the second and doubled in the eighth, going 3 for 4 with four RBIs and two runs scored. Trevor Bauer (6-3) allowed four runs three earned and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out five and walked one. He said he felt pretty sick coming into the game without specifying what ailed him. Asked if Bauer had flu-like symptoms, Roberts said: I dont really know. He was trying to stay hydrated. I guess we can put it in that bucket. Gavin Lux hit a pair of solo homers for the Dodgers on Roberts' 49th birthday. Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty exited with left side tightness after five innings. He equaled his season high with nine strikeouts and walked one. The right-hander gave up two runs and two hits against his favorite team while growing up in nearby Burbank. St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said Flaherty would be re-evaluated Tuesday. Flaherty said he left "more just to be safe and get it checked out." With Flaherty gone, the Dodgers batted around in the sixth. Ryan Helsley (3-3) gave up a double to Max Muncy and a single to Justin Turner. Cabrera came in and loaded the bases on a walk to Cody Bellinger before walking Smith to force in the tying run. All four of the Cardinals' runs came on three homers off Bauer. Justin Williams went deep leading off the sixth with a shot that hit the screen on the right-field foul pole. Tommy Edman reached on second baseman Zach McKinstry's second throwing error of the game and scored on Dylan Carlson's homer for a 3-2 lead. Tyler O'Neill added a solo shot in the seventh that left the Cardinals trailing 6-4. It seems like my luck on homers is terrible right now," Bauer said. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and Yadier Molina combined to go 0 for 11 for St. Louis, which dropped to second behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. TRAINER'S ROOM Cardinals: SS Paul DeJong (left rib non-displaced fracture) will have further imaging done Thursday in St. Louis. He's making progress, playing catch, throwing and taking light swings. Dodgers: RHP Tony Gonsolin (right shoulder inflammation) is expected to throw five innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. If all goes well, he'll rejoin the Dodgers after that. ... RHP Brusdar Graterol (right forearm tightness) was to throw a simulated game for Oklahoma City on Monday. ... OF AJ Pollock (hamstring) was set to play for OKC on Monday and Tuesday before rejoining the Dodgers later this week. ... OF Mookie Betts was back in the lineup after sitting out Sunday when an allergic reaction affected his eyes. He went 2 for 3, drove in a run and walked once. UP NEXT Cardinals: RHP John Gant (4-3, 1.81 ERA) starts Tuesday against the Dodgers for just the second time in his career and first since 2018. He held them hitless in three relief appearances in 2019, with the Cardinals winning all three games. Dodgers: It'll be a bullpen game on Tuesday. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Beth Harris, The Associated Press Sergio Carmona; South Florida Sun Sentinel (TNS) Eight decades of marriage for Boca Raton, Florida, Jewish couple Lou and Edith Bluefeld includes many years working on a successful family kosher catering business. Through Bluefeld Caterers The Orchid Touch, the family was responsible for koshering the White House kitchen during the announcement of the Camp David Accords in the late 1970s under President Jimmy Carter. They also catered President Richard Nixons inaugural ball and events for members of Congress. While the Bluefelds celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on Feb. 23, this is also the year they both turn 100. Lou marked his centennial birthday on Jan. 9 , and Edith will for hers on Aug. 4. Lou Bluefeld said the most important thing right now for the couple is that theyre both healthy. Thats the big thing, he said. You need enough money to exist, but after that, it means nothing. The health is everything. The couple met in Baltimore when they were 16. At 19, Lous mother asked him what his intentions were. He told his mother he didnt have the money to get married and she told him not to worry about it. My mother was the one who really made the wedding arrangements, Lou Bluefeld said. Shortly after the wedding on Feb. 23, 1941, Lou Bluefelds mother sadly died at the age of 51 in August of that year. Two years after the wedding, he went off to serve in World War II. Edith wrote to her husband every day of the three years he was in the military. After his service, the couple went on to have two children, a son and a daughter, and the family kosher catering business flourished. Lou Bluefelds mother started the catering business in Baltimore in 1937, and he worked in the business all the time as a teen. He told Edith that if she wanted to see him, she would have to come work beside him in the business, so she did. She began as Lous secretary. Many non-Jewish socialites in Baltimore used the catering business for their affairs, even though the food was kosher. That was a unique time, Lou Bluefeld said. Even though it was a kosher operation, we did any fine Italian wedding and any fine Greek wedding. Lou Bluefeld continued, Good food is good food, but the idea was ours was not just food; it was also an event. Food is a very important part of a wedding, but its only one part, he said. The music is also very important. The flowers are important. The clothes, the gowns are also important. Lou Bluefeld added, We spent a lot of our time making the whole party, not just the catering, because we realized very early in our career that if the music was bad, it was an awful affair. We were insistent on the music being done properly, with music being played at the right time. If people were eating dinner, we made sure the music was more or less background noise, he said. All the little things that no one ever though about, we made sure to think about. Lou Bluefeld noted, Toward the end of our career, almost 50 percent of our operation was non-Jewish work, but it was all kosher. The family sold the business in 1984. Edith Bluefeld commented about both her marriage to her husband and working alongside him. It was a very enjoyable business, and I loved it, she said. Today, were both healthy. Weve had a beautiful life. Since 1985, the Bluefelds have lived at Boca West Country Club. A lot of the couples friends in the community in which they live are people whose bar mitzvahs and weddings they catered. The couple have also been active volunteers there over the years. Jack and Marilyn Pechter, longtime friends of the couple who also live in Boca West, hosted an anniversary dinner for the Bluefelds. Due to COVID-19, the celebrated was limited to 11 people. Lou and Edith are a fabulous couple, said Matthew Linderman, president and COO of Boca West Country Club, in a news release. Whenever one sees them they have a gleam in their eye like they are on their honeymoon. Lou Bluefeld said that throughout the marriage, the couple has never went to sleep angry with each other. We certainly had our arguments like everyone else, but we never went to bed angry, he continued. ___ 2021 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 00:45:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Maria Spiliopoulou, Valentini Anagnostopoulou PIRAEUS, Greece, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A year ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic reached Greece, the municipality of Piraeus mobilized experts at its newly-established Blue Lab to produce much-needed protective face shields. Hundreds were distributed to referral hospitals and frontline personnel. In the next step, the Blue Lab, the first business innovation center dedicated to exclusively promoting "blue growth" in Greece, joined forces with students and professors at the University of West Attica to develop air purifier-sterilizers to help reduce the further spread of the virus. Three of these devices were installed this year at the port city's main Citizens' Service Center, where about 200 locals per day apply for the issuance of various documents, Dimitris Karidis, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Development, told Xinhua in a recent interview. The "Blue Air 2" device is an advanced edition of the first Blue Air purifier-sterilizer designed by students who won the first prize in an innovation contest organized by the municipality a few months ago under the title "Blue Growth Piraeus," the official explained. The initial proposal was addressed to Greece's maritime industry. The goal was to install devices on ships to increase passengers' trust in sea travel during the pandemic. As many vessels remained docked for months due to lockdowns and restrictions, the idea was adapted to serve the public in indoor spaces on land. Air is drawn into the device where special filters capture microparticles, before getting sterilized through UVC ultraviolet radiation and exiting the Blue Air 2 free of up to 99.99 percent of viral load and bacteria, Dimitris Piromalis, Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Design and Production at the University of West Attica, explained. With the support of Blue Lab, the students of the university used equipment like 3D printers to create a prototype model ready for production. "It is not like we have discovered the wheel. Maybe there are similar devices around the world. What was very important for us was to avoid the import of products and instead use the innovation forces at the city of Piraeus, in cooperation with universities with research in this field," Karidis said. The aim is to "develop a product that can be produced in our country, and if everything goes well, to create new jobs and production units in the future," said Karidis. The official added that the Blue Air 2 is a complementary tool used along with face masks, social-distancing measures and vaccines to create an extra "safety net." "At the beginning of the pandemic, we made an effort with the protective shields. Then, as restrictions, lockdowns, social distancing continued, we also continued to focus on efforts to develop products and solutions to help in the pandemic challenge," said Elias Salpeas, advisor of the municipality on new technologies. "Actually, until today we are fully focused on these efforts." "The strong aspect of this project is that within a short time it managed to incorporate technologies concerning the sterilization of air into production technologies in such a manner that everything happened very quickly and very effectively on an industrial level," said Piromalis, who is also Director of Research Laboratory of Electronic Automation, Telematics and Cyber-Physical Systems at the University of West Attica. "Greek universities, Greek researchers and our students certainly respond to what concerns society," he said. "Several research teams worked to provide solutions to protect health. We did it, we are happy and we are looking to the next day." Enditem If theres one part of Indias economy thats been relatively unscathed by the devastating impact of Covid-19 its the vast rural hinterlands. And the countrys biggest retailers are sitting up and taking notice. Stay-at-home orders first imposed from March last year had a disproportionate impact on Indias teeming cities, but in small towns and villages people mostly went about their business with fewer restrictions. A bumper agricultural crop and a splurge in government spending to pull the economy out of a slump is also expected to put more money into the hands of rural farmers and laborers. The increasing economic importance of Indias hinterlands is influencing business expansion plans and accelerating a trend of more service stations being opened in the countryside. Corp. and -- two of the three biggest retailers -- both said they planned to raise the proportion of outlets they have in rural areas this year. While the first-level cities are getting saturated, demand is coming up in rural areas, Hindustan Petroleum Chairman Mukesh Kumar Surana said. The new outlets Hindustan is looking to open would have a reasonable component of second-rung cities and rural areas without any doubt, he said. India is pinning its hopes on the agricultural sector to help pull the economy out of its worst recession since the 1950s. was a bright spot in local automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.s latest financial results amid strong demand for tractors and farm equipment. The rural sector continues to outperform urban India, Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Neeraj Akhoury said on a conference call with analysts last month. HPC and BPC, together with Indian Oil Corp., account for more than 90% of Indian sales. The share of rural service stations in the worlds third-biggest oil importer rose to 26.8% in January from 24.8% a year earlier, oil ministry data show, and the rate of increase looks set to accelerate this year. Diesel is the most widely used petroleum product in India, accounting for around 40% of total fuel use. The agricultural sector is the second-biggest consumer of diesel after transportation. Bharat Petroleum, the second-biggest fuel retailer, opened 2,212 outlets in the past year, with two-thirds of these in rural areas, the oil ministry data show. We werent having a presence in the rural segment the way our competition had and that impacted us in Covid times, said N. Vijayagopal, finance director at So, we are now targeting an expansion drive of retail in places where we are under-represented -- the rural side. Mr. Xis signature Belt and Road Initiative has caused some participating countries to ask for debt relief, even as major Chinese banks seem to be scaling back their investments in the project. His governments increasing claims over parts of the South China Sea have antagonized countries in the region and drawn attention from the navies of the United States and its allies. The trade and technology wars waged by President Donald J. Trump have put Mr. Xi on the defensive. Huawei, after being carefully nurtured into a linchpin of Chinas tech industry, is in free fall and selling assets. The European Union may have been criticized for signing in December the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with China despite the human rights violations in Xinjiang, but to anyone who reads the fine print, the agreement reveals significant concessions from Beijing, notably opening up access to its market for manufactured goods. Then there are the big prizes closer to home: Taiwan and Hong Kong. Any forceful military move against Taiwan would be risky, and failure would doom Mr. Xis career. The lower-hanging fruit is to bring Hong Kong back into Beijings fold: Chinas president is plucking away at that one. Yet even that is tricky because it could destroy Hong Kongs standing as the freest conduit of goods, capital and people between the Chinese mainland and the West. That loss would be colossal for Beijing, and there is evidence that Mr. Xis adversaries in the Chinese Communist Party, particularly the political heirs of President Jiang Zemin, have reacted with unease and have made Mr. Xi feel threatened. One implicit indication of that is his pushback. Here is a telltale example: Chinas official news agency, Xinhua, put out in mid-December a stern commentary against America-worshiping soft-bone patients, calling them capitulationists, a term from the Mao era used to denounce the disloyalty of party members suspected of having bought into Western ideology. A fundamental strategy of Deng Xiaopings, Chinas leader from 1978 to 1989, was to run Hong Kong with a relatively light hand until the citys full reversion to Chinese control in 2047, and in the meantime to exploit what Hong Kong would offer the mainland, before turning the table on the West. But Mr. Xi, who is eager to score a historic victory before his term is up, is accelerating the time table. However fast he moves, though, Mr. Xi will not manage to smother the opposition in Hong Kong. He will only transform it. The 85th Annual Monterey County Fair, set for Sept. 3-6, 2021, is looking for sponsors of the fair, which will also include sponsorship of the Monterey County Fair Livestock Show on Aug. 25-28, 2021. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - February 26th, 2021 - Monterey, CA, February 23, 2021 The 85th Annual Monterey County Fair, set for Sept. 3-6, 2021, is looking for sponsors of the fair, which will also include sponsorship of the Monterey County Fair Livestock Show on Aug. 25-28, 2021. Sponsorships are available at these levels: $300, $500, $750, $1,500, $2,500, and $5,000, or Sponsor of the Day. Benefits of sponsorship depends on the level of sponsorship. For example, at the $5,000 level, benefits include inclusion of your companys logo in the fair website, fair program, social media, e-newsletter, official poster and thank-you ad. It also includes a banner display, marquee message and admission passes to the fair. By comparison, the $500 level includes thank-you ad and banner display. The fairs theme this year is Fair Fun in 2021, and will be held at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 85th Annual Monterey County Fair, please contact Kelly Violini at kelly@montereycountyfair.com or call (831) 372-8106. About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility. For more information, contact the Fair Administration Office, at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, by calling (831) 372-5863 or go to www.montereycountyfair.com for more information. Contact: Marci Bracco Cain The Buzz PR LLC Salinas, CA (831) 747-7455 https://montereycountyfair.com/ ### Gov. Phil Murphy will hold another coronavirus briefing on Monday afternoon, hours after announcing that educators, day care and transportation workers will become eligible to receive a vaccination shot starting on March 15. The press conference at the Trenton War Memorial starts at 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on the governors YouTube.com channel. Murphy will be joined by state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, communicable disease service medical director Dr. Edward Lifshitz and State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan. The governor said Monday that pre K-12th grade educators and support staff as well child care employees and transportation workers will be eligible for shots starting March 15. The expansion includes additional public safety workers, Murphy said. New Jersey is expecting an initial shipment of 73,600 doses of Johnson & Johnsons new one-dose vaccine within days, Murphy said. The same amount is expected in subsequent weeks. Federal health officials approved the use of the latest vaccine on Sunday. Murphy said he expects that anyone who wants a vaccine would be eligible several months from now. The state had administered 1,960,629 shots at its 295 sites as of Saturday afternoon. At least 663,855 people have received both shots. No vaccination update was offered Sunday. There are 1,865 patients in the states 71 hospitals with the coronavirus or a case under investigation as of 10 p.m. Sunday, up slightly from 1,857 in the previous 24-hour period. Hospitalizations have dropped by half since a recent high in late December. On Sunday, there were 387 people receiving intensive care and 226 on ventilators. The governor also announced Sunday the state had 2,171 additional COVID-19 cases and 15 more deaths. NJ Advance Media staff writer Matt Arco contributed to this report. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com Verizon has recently spoken and confirmed that a 5G data connection is a massive eater of a phone's battery life as it causes a drain in the power cell when using or keeping it on while accessing the internet while on-the-go. Data connections are known to significantly eat up a smartphone's battery life when in use and browsing the internet. The telecommunications and technology company, Verizon, is one of the early companies to adopt 5G technology for the country, making it available for the latest generation of smartphones to connect on the service. While 5G is the strongest connection and fastest internet data there is, it is a double-edged sword that can effectively decrease battery life. Connecting to mobile data is one way to deplete a full charge on one's phone, and it has been apparent since the prominence of 4G, which is also known as the LTE and standard of telco companies since 2010. Indeed, 5G is still in its early stages of introduction and not all people have a 5G-enabled smartphone on their disposals, and the majority are still on LTE. Read Also: Nokia Stock Surges Again Thanks to Ericsson's Earnings and 5G Performance Verizon Admits 5G Causes Massive Battery Drain According to Mashable, Verizon's Support Twitter account has released a tweet early Sunday morning, saying that 5G data connections can easily deplete and eat up battery life whenever it is in use. Moreover, Verizon said that users can always revert to 4G LTE to save charge and batteries whenever in use, which is somehow contradicting their initial claims. It is known that Verizon has once campaigned about 5G, saying that it is a powerful connection that does not cause much strain or stress on a phone's battery despite massive usage of the data connection. The company also claimed that it has the most powerful 5G among the competition, "fastest in the world," which was attacked by critics. Currently, the tweet by @VZWSupport is now deleted, and cannot be accessed on the website. However, a telecommunications company and Verizon rival, T-Mobile, has quote tweeted their statement and was able to secure a screenshot from Verizon's support and published it on social media, along with the deleted quote tweet. 5G Data Connection: How to Stop Massive Battery Drain When Using 5G is one of the fastest connections in the world, and despite the larger battery capacities in the latest smartphones, it can still effectively drain the batteries. While the 5G data connection is considered to be a massive eater of a smartphone's charge whenever in use, users can still look for ways to save on juice to conserve energy for the day. Turn on 5G mobile data only when necessary or upon use, do not leave it on at all times. Bring an extra Power Bank or Battery Case to charge the device that connects to 5G. Turn on "Low Power Mode" or "Power Saving Mode" to effectively help in saving charge. Turn off Background Refresh for unnecessary apps. Related Article: Verizon & AT&T Spend Billions on Auction for C-Band Spectrum to Improve 5G Networks This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Written by ACM *Strasbourg-Paris/Angelo Marcopolo/- "Eurofora"s Questions to a Video-Press Conference with Paris, at the HeadQuarters of French Bishops' Conference, Yesterday, on the forthcoming 1st Visit of Pope Francis to Iraq, focused on the Importance of Inter-Religious Dialogue and Cooperation also for Safeguarding the Value of Human Life at a Crucial Moment, when it's Threatened by Terrorism, Deadly Virus, and Technological/Social Controversies (See Infra), receiving Interesting Answers by the Head of the Most Ancient Christian Church in the World : that of Khaldeans, H.B. Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, and the CEO of Humanitarian Organisation "Oeuvre d'Orient" (Est. 1.856), Assyriac Bishop Pascal Gollnish. ____________________________ - "Don't you think, Your Beatitude, that, in fact, there where Human Life is Threatened the Most, Christians are needed, and Dialogue between Religions, precisely in order to Protect the Value of Human Life ?", "Eurofora" asked Patriarch SAKO. - "I Believe that this is True since the Medieval Times, when, to Revenge this or that, People were Killed for almost Nothing : This has to Change ! Human Life Must be Respected ! Life is something UnTouchable...It's a Gift of God ! (and) Religion has a Great Role in this case", he Positively Replied to "Eurofora"s Question. + "And we have to Put an End to the Tribal System : When there is a State, with Laws, If Anyone Harts you, he Must be Tried, Not go Attack him brutaly. Not even in the Old System this wasN't done. But when it's Anarchy ! In fact, there is a <> and an <>... While the <> is very Weak ! But most Young People, and the Population (of Iraq) Want a State with Rule of Law and Sovereignity", he stressed. "Unfortunately", however, Some so-called "Religious Leaders Profit from Religion in order to Earn Money, and not for Other (much more Important) Matters", he regretted, leaving the Conclusion Open. ------------------------------------------------------------- After an Official State Visit of Vatican's Head to Iraqi President Barham Salih, and Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Khadimi, where he will Speak to the Diplomatic Corps, (shortly before Important Parliamentary Elections on June 2021), Pope Francis is due to have a landmark Inter-Religious meeting with the Head of Iraqi Muslims, the Great Ayatollah Sayid Ali Al-Husayni Alsistani (Shia) at Najaf, before an Inter-Religious Gathering at Symbolic Plain of Ur, referring to Historic Abraham, and derived Brotherhood among Christians and Muslims, before a Mass in Bagdaad. The Last Day is consecrated to Christian Minorities in Iraq, (about 4% or more than 500.000 Nowadays, Yazidis not included. A sharp Fall was Provoked by Refugees fleeing ISIS Terrorism, but a New Census was imminent). The Pope is to Visit mainly the North, (Erbil, Mosul, Nivine Valey, Qaraqosh, etc). Khaldeans (part of Assyriacs) were reportedly established there since the 1st Century AC, by Apostles Thomas and Thadeuz, with outreach up to India. Meawhile, among the various Humanitarian (including "Post-Isil") or Social Projects currently Planned, particular Hopes are raised around Education, and, especialy a School not only for Christians, but Also for Arab and Other Students, given the well known role that the Catholic Church has played, throughout History, at this domain in the World, (as observed, with Voluntaristic Optimism also for Iraq's possible Future, mainly Brother Amir JAJE, an authentic Iraqi Dominican, Specialist on Chia, and Professor at a Paris' Christian University, who is involved in the Organisation of Pope Francis' visit. +Concerning "Education" and "Europe"'s role in the World, See also an Exceptional move by the Current New Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi, that he had Surprisingly send to "Eurofora" when he was Chief of "uroArea"s Central Bank at nearby Frankfurt : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/ecboneducation.html). -------------------------------------------- - "Eurofora", as also Other Journalits, went on to Raise also anOther Question, later-on, to the CEO of "Oeuvre d'Orient" Humanitarian Organisation, Mgr Pascal GOLLNISCH, a Assyriac Christian Bishop, who will also participate at the Holy Father's visit at Iraq : -"A Naive, but Fundamental Question : As you know well, in some Areas, as Iraq and Elsewhere, Human Life is particularly Threatened, including by Terrorism (1). And, almost at the Same Time, there is also another Risk to DeValorize Human Life because of the Virus (2), in Parallel to Issues of Genetic Technologies (3), which affect Various Key aspects of Human Life. At this juncture, you have just spoken about "Universal Church", (i.e. Uniting All Christians Together). Do you think, that, Despite such Problems, but Because of such Problems, recently, an Approach Seeking to ReValorize Human Life, as the Christian Church and the Pope himself have Tried to do, Might Help to Develop a kind of Solidarity among Religions, in order to Defend, at least, this Fundamental Value , if it's Sincerely, and Well done ?", "Eurofora" asked, further, "Oeuvre d'Orient"'s CEO, Gollnisch. ----------------------------------- Some aspects of such Global Issues seem Not without any Dangers, since, inter alia, it's a Fact that Popular former Pope JOHN-PAUL II, just After Succeeding to Help Adopt a landmark UN Assembly Resolution against Genetic Cloning of Human Beings at New York (2004), preparing to Reply to EU and CoE new Invitations to Speak on such and other Topical Issues in Strasbourg, fell suddenly ill and passed away. His successor (and long-time Collaborator), Emeritus Pope BENEDICT, when he Published his Famous Encyclic "Caritas in Veritate", with a Strong Criticism against Risks to Abuse some Controversial Genetic Tecnologies Manipulating Human Embryos, Back on 2009, (Welcomed, among others, then, als with an Elogious Article by Mario DRAGHI, future ECB President, and Now, new Italian Prime Minister : Comp. Draghi's Replies to "Eurofora" Questions f.ex. at : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/ecbpresidentinterestedinbrics.html, http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/euronewfaceandnewphase.html, etc), suddenly, he faced 2 Exceptional Violent Incidents successively hitting his Right Hand, followed by an UnPrecedented Mass Medias' Slandering against the Catholic Church, added, soon afterwards, to notorious Pressure against himself too. Even his successor, current Pope FRANCIS, when he made some Landmark Statements in favor of the UnBorn Children's Lifes, after Visiting a Symbolic Monument in South Korea on 2014, his Family Relatives in Argentina were suddely Wounded, and some Killed, by a Truck of "Monsanto" MultiNational Bio-Tech Company, which came from a Region famous for a Social Conflict, then, with the Local Population struggling Against alleged Risks to Human Health, particularly on Human Embryos, related to Controversial Monsanto "GMO"s, (See : ... + ..., etc). -------------------------------- - "...Certainly, Good Question, this lies at the Heart of What We are doing !", Positively Replied to "Eurofora", from the outset, Gollnisch. - "If anyone just Reads what we are doing...", he added, with a critical smile. - "Because, otherwise, it's quite Strange : F.ex., In that Document of Abu Dhabi, one has the impression that some French (when I look at certain WebSites) didn't see but only that "a Pope might almost become a Muslim" (sic !), he Joked... - On the Contrary, "it was totaly UnderEstimated and Non-Analysed all the InPut that Al-Azar's Rector made to the Values Proposed by Christianism... I found that Most of the Commitments made in that Document, were done rather by Al-Azar's Rector, than by the Pope !", he estimated. + "And it's well Obvious that What we are Working on, a Great Part of that on which we are Working Together with Other Religions, Judaism, Islam, Budism, etc., it's Really to Serve Life !", Gollnisch stressed. ++ "Already, I see Many Things which are done, and Many Places Where this is done : f.ex. the Association "Andian" at Lebanon, etc., where the Dialogue, Nowadays, is No More just in order to Meet Each Other, to Wish "Good Morning", etc., that's Already Done... But it's Time to Advance Further in Supporting Certain Social Values", he HighLighted. +++ "But, Side by side with the Inter-Religious Dialogue, it will be also Interesting to give some Vigor to Ecumenism, certainly, Already Real, But which Could Be much More Stronger : a Joint Testimony of Christians in Various Countries : If we look at Egypt, f.ex., there is Now, with New Protestant and Orthodox Patriarchs, a common Meeting Platform for all Christians : Catholics, Orthodox, or Protestants". => "So, All this indicates that there is some Movement, something Advancing Forward, naturally Aiming to Defend Life and Values, obviously. But, there are, Already, several Nice Personalities which are Rising, and, probably, will Not Wait Longer"..., Gollnisch alerted. (../..) ("Draft-News") --------------------------------------- Yves here. We are running this post for one reason: as this article stresses, the testing of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines was conducted much earlier, when fewer variants were out and about. Therefore the Johnson & Johnson vaccine efficacy gives a much more realistic of what you could expect in terms of protection now. So far, with Pfizer and Moderna, all we have are airy assurances and largely in vitro studies against the new variants. Both companies have discussed the notion of a third booster: shot to contend with known new variants, which looks an awful lot like an admission that they suspect or even know the efficacy of their current offerings is meaningfully lower against some of the new variants. Another way the efficacy data may not be comparable is in how they screened for Covid infections. Astra Zeneca tested all its clinical trial participants every week. By contrast, Pfizer used the dodgy approach of testing ONLY participants who developed severe respiratory symptoms. That means they ignored cases with loss of smell, the most reliable indicator of Covid, ones with digestive symptoms. and other symptom combinations that the CDC (and people I know) have found to be signals of Covid onset: fever, chills, headache, fatigute. And the severe respiratory infection only screen also means Pfizer did not catch mild or asymptomatic cases, even though we know they can do serious damage. From CBS News: A Texas trauma surgeon says its rare that X-rays from any of her COVID-19 patients come back without dense scarring. Dr. Brittany Bankhead-Kendall tweeted, Post-COVID lungs look worse than any type of terrible smokers lung weve ever seen. And they collapse. And they clot off. And the shortness of breath lingers on & on & on. Everyones just so worried about the mortality thing and thats terrible and its awful, she told CBS Dallas-Fort Worth. But man, for all the survivors and the people who have tested positive this is its going to be a problem. Bankhead-Kendall, an assistant professor of surgery with Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, has treated thousands of patients since the pandemic began in March. She says patients whove had COVID-19 symptoms show a severe chest X-ray every time, and those who were asymptomatic show a severe chest X-ray 70% to 80% of the time. In other words, Im sufficiently suspicious of the Pfizer efficacy numbers as to be willing to give Johnson & Johnson a go, particularly with its one-shot drill. By Maureen Ferran, Associate Professor of Biology, Rochester Institute of Technology. Originally published at The Conversation The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine in adults. Maureen Ferran, a virologist at the Rochester Institute of Technology, explains how this third authorized vaccine works and explores the differences between it and the Moderna and PfizerBioNTech vaccines that are already in use. 1. How Does the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Work? The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is whats called a viral vector vaccine. To create this vaccine, the Johnson & Johnson team took a harmless adenovirus the viral vector and replaced a small piece of its genetic instructions with coronavirus genes for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. After this modified adenovirus is injected into someones arm, it enters the persons cells. The cells then read the genetic instructions needed to make the spike protein and the vaccinated cells make and present the spike protein on their own surface. The persons immune system then notices these foreign proteins and makes antibodies against them that will protect the person if they are ever exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the future.Our daily newsletter The adenovirus vector vaccine is safe because the adenovirus cant replicate in human cells or cause disease, and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein cant cause COVID19 without the rest of the coronavirus. This approach is not new. Johnson & Johnson used a similar method to make its Ebola vaccine, and the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine is also an adenovirus viral vector vaccine. 2. How Effective Is It? The FDAs analysis found that, in the U.S., the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine was 72% effective at preventing all COVID-19 and 86% effective at preventing severe cases of the disease. While there is still a chance a vaccinated person could get sick, this suggests they would be much less likely to need hospitalization or to die from COVID-19. A similar trial in South Africa, where a new, more contagious variant is dominant, produced similar results. Researchers found the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be slightly less effective at preventing all illness there 64% overall but was still 82% effective at preventing severe disease. The FDA report also indicates that the vaccine protects against other variants from Britain and Brazil too. 3. How Is It Different from Other Vaccines? The most basic difference is that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is an adenovirus vector vaccine, while the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are both mRNA vaccines. Messenger RNA vaccines use genetic instructions from the coronavirus to tell a persons cells to make the spike protein, but these dont use another virus as a vector. There are many practical differences, too. Both of the mRNA-based vaccines require two shots. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only a single dose. This is key when vaccines are in short supply. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can also be stored at much warmer temperatures than the mRNA vaccines. The mRNA vaccines must be shipped and stored at belowfreezing or subzero temperatures and require a complicated cold chain to safely distribute them. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be stored for at least three months in a regular refrigerator, making it much easier to use and distribute. As for efficacy, it is difficult to directly compare the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with the mRNA vaccines due to differences in how the clinical trials were designed. While the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are reported to be approximately 95% effective at preventing illness from COVID19, the trials were done over the summer and fall of 2020, before newer more contagious variants were circulating widely. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines might not be as effective against the new variants, and Johnson & Johnson trials were done more recently and take into account the vaccines efficacy against these new variants. 4. Should I Choose One Vaccine Over Another? Although the overall efficacy of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines is higher than the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should not wait until you have your choice of vaccine which is likely a long way off anyway. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is nearly as good as the mRNA-based vaccines at preventing serious disease, and thats what really matters. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine and other viral-vector vaccines like the one from AstraZeneca are particularly important for the global vaccination effort. From a public health perspective, its important to have multiple COVID-19 vaccines, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a very welcome addition to the vaccine arsenal. It doesnt require a freezer, making it much easier to ship and store. Its a one-shot vaccine, making logistics much easier compared with organizing two doses per person. As many people as possible need to be vaccinated as quickly as possible to limit the development of new coronavirus variants. Johnson & Johnson is expected to ship out nearly four million doses as soon as the FDA grants emergency use authorization. Having a third authorized vaccine in the U.S. will be a big step towards meeting vaccination demand and stopping this pandemic. Former President Donald Trump made his first public appearance Sunday since leaving the White House and it was back to basics. Prior to his appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference many speculated whether Trump would criticize the Republican Party as a whole. But in the end, Trump said he wants a united GOP, vowed he wouldnt start a new party and really went back to his roots, spending lots of time blasting immigrants, raising fears about refugees, and focusing on the need for a border wall. Like in the campaign, he praised himself as a masterful dealmaker while he harshly criticized President Joe Biden, and continued to insist he won the election. Notably absent from his speech was any comment about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot nor his second impeachment trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump: Do you miss me yet? pic.twitter.com/h1rkbBoy3E Acyn (@Acyn) February 28, 2021 Do you miss me yet? Trump said when he took the stage at the beginning of a speech that went on for an hour and a half. I stand before you today to declare that the incredible journey we begun together is far from being over. Trump quickly got out of the way that were not starting new parties. He also made clear he would be playing a role in the midterm elections and said he is considering running for president again, using the phrase Trumpism for the first time. They just lost the White House, Trump said. But who knows, who knows, I may even decide to beat them for a third time. Advertisement "I may even decide to beat [Democrats] for a third time" -- Trump pushes the big lie and gets a standing ovation pic.twitter.com/Lu5umfHHN1 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 28, 2021 Trump: I am not starting a new party. That was fake news pic.twitter.com/aYfKQC6vA8 Acyn (@Acyn) February 28, 2021 Advertisement Advertisement Trump is teasing he'll run again in 2024 but not committing to anything pic.twitter.com/xOJdUEr7aW Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 28, 2021 The comment was an example of how Trump filled his speech with baseless claims about how he the presidential election was stolen from him. We have a very sick and corrupt electoral process, he said. The crowd was definitely in agreement with Trumps false narrative. You won! You won! CPAC attendees chanted. A straw poll of CPAC attendees released shortly before Trump spoke showed that 68 percent wanted the former president to run again. Advertisement "This election was rigged," Trump lies, prompting CPAC attendees to chant, 'you won! you won!" Trump then attacks the Supreme Court for not overthrowing the election result for him "The didn't have the guts or the courage to make the right decision," Trump says pic.twitter.com/HYo4IiaWFI Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 28, 2021 Advertisement Trump also spent lots of time blasting Biden, who he said had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history. He accused Biden of lying to his voters about what he would do once in office. In just one short month we have gone from America first to America last, Trump said. He spent lots of time focusing on Bidens immigration policies, claiming he has ushered in a new and horrible crisis on our southern border. The harsh criticism was unusual in historical terms considering that presidents usually stay mum on their successors at least for a little while after leaving office. Advertisement Donald Trump claims "Joe Biden has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history" and that the administration is "anti-jobs, anti-family, anti-borders, anti-energy, anti-women and anti-science" Latest from the US: https://t.co/3gn1K1FKa9 pic.twitter.com/UXjztShPsZ Sky News (@SkyNews) February 28, 2021 Advertisement Advertisement President Trump describes the Biden Administration's disaster on the southern border. #CPAC2021 #AmericaUnCanceled pic.twitter.com/5qdtTtJMDQ CPAC 2021 (@CPAC) February 28, 2021 Advertisement Even though Trump said he wanted a united GOP, he made clear there were certain Republicans he didnt want as part of the party. In one section of the speech, Trump read off the names of all the Republican lawmakers who voted in favor of his impeachment. He called on his supporters to make sure they lost in the next election. Get rid of them all, he said. Trump reads off the names of Republicans who voted to impeach and voted to convict including warmonger Liz Cheney. He says get rid of them all with the next election pic.twitter.com/3cmsM7uvCj Acyn (@Acyn) February 28, 2021 On Monday, the International Housewares Association announced that The Inspired Home Show, which was to take place Aug. 7-10, has been canceled. The group said its decision was based on state restrictions related to large gatherings as well as government restrictions that are affecting domestic and international travel. Fort Myers, Fla., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), a high-growth national network of independent community oncologists, is pleased to announce that Greater Washington Oncology Associates in Silver Spring, Md. joined AON effective March 1, 2021. This community-based practice is now the fourth practice in the greater Washington D.C. metro area to partner with AON. Greater Washington Oncology Associates (GWOA) has four medical oncologists/hematologists and one nurse practitioner who deliver a comprehensive range of treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. Making care easily accessible with four locations in the greater Washington D.C. metro area and suburban Maryland. The main location is in Silver Spring with satellite offices in Rockville, Washington D.C., and Germantown. The physicians and staff at GWOA are known for providing the highest level of cancer care in a caring and compassionate environment for patients and their loved ones, said AON CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA. We welcome Drs. Trehan, Sharma, Cross and Kelly and their entire team to our growing network of community oncology practices. GWOA Medical Oncologist Ram S. Trehan, MD said, Our affiliation with AON will help us deliver even better care to our patients with added services such as a centralized clinical laboratory and pathology and an oral oncolytic pharmacy with home delivery. AON President & COO Todd Schonherz said, This new addition to our AON network team will offer patients easy access to the newest and most advanced treatments close to where patients live. AON was founded by well-respected leaders in community oncology with decades of experience helping oncology practices to thrive by providing proven solutions and ensuring that everyone has access to exceptional cancer care. ### About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com) American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 92 physicians and 62 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 16 states. The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most providing the highest quality care for patients. The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care. AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today. About Greater Washington Oncology Associates: (GWOA.com) Greater Washington Oncology Associates (GWOA) has been providing the highest level of cancer care in the greater Washington D.C. metro area and suburban Maryland since 1990. The main location is in Silver Spring, Md. with satellite offices in Rockville, Washington D.C., and Germantown. GWOA is committed to providing patients with the latest in cancer detection and treatment options. Specializing in cancer and blood disorders, GWOAs highly skilled team works together at every stage of the diagnosis offering personalized cancer treatment to help make the best decisions in the fight against cancer. Attachment During his speech at CPAC on Sunday afternoon, Donald Trump made no bones about the fact that he won the 2020 election. The reason he's not in the White House is because of a system that was reconfigured for fraud and a cowardly Supreme Court. He also warned Americans worried about future elections that HR1, a bill the Congressional Democrats are pushing, will permanently ensconce election fraud. In his first public speech since he left the White House, Trump made it perfectly clear that he knows he was cheated out of his election victory. During the course of laying out the Trumpism principles that should be at the center of the Republican Party, Trump said that one of the party's primary goals should be to ensure "honest elections that can give everyone confidence in the future of his country." Currently, no one has confidence. As matters stand, the process is completely corrupt: Without honest elections, who has confidence? ... [Y]ou cannot have a situation where ballots are indiscriminately pouring in from all over the country, tens of millions of ballots. ... They're coming all over the place. Illegal aliens and dead people are voting, and many other horrible things are happening that are too voluminous to even mention. [snip] This election was rigged and the Supreme Court and other courts didn't want to do anything about it. The CPAC crowd agreed, roaring, "You won!" Trump explained that state changes to election processes that bypassed their legislatures were unconstitutional. Trump also noted his extraordinary coattails. One hundred twenty out of 122 House candidates whom he endorsed won. In the Senate, Trump was able to get a lagging Mitch McConnell over the top and helped 810 other senators. And Trump himself did spectacularly: I received almost 1.5 million more votes than all of the Republican House candidates combined. So how the hell is it possible that we lost? It's not possible. I got more votes. I got more. And which it isn't just me. When I say, "I," I am talking about we. We, we got more votes than any incumbent, any incumbent president in the history of our country, almost 75 million votes. Trump noted that he got 12 million more votes than in 2016; carried Florida, Ohio, and Iowa by large margins; and won 18 of America's 19 bellwether counties. "There's never been anything like that. And yet, did Biden win? No!" The election, Trump rightly said, was "a disgrace to our country." Trump had a laundry list of ways to make the elections fair: Hold them on a single day, not over weeks; Limit absentee ballots to those who prove they cannot make it to the polls; Demand voter ID, universal signature-matching, and citizenship verification; and Enforce stringent chain of custody requirements. Using COVID as an excuse, the Democrats ignored all the systems that ensure fair elections. The result was an "election process [that] is worse than that in many cases of a third-world country." And the Democrats, he said, are so proud of what they did, they "admitted [it] in Time Magazine[.] ... They just couldn't hold it in. They had to brag about it." Trump saved some of his harshest words for the cowardly Supreme Court: They didn't have the courage, the Supreme Court, they didn't have the courage to act, but instead used process and lack of standing. I was told the President of the United States has no standing. It's my election, it's your election. We have no standing. We had almost 25 ... if you think of it ... we had almost 20 states go into the Supreme Court so that we didn't have a standing problem. They rejected it. They rejected it. They should be ashamed of themselves for what they've done to our country. They didn't have the guts or the courage to make the right decision. They didn't want to talk about it. Trump also warned Americans to fight against HR1, the misnamed "For the People Act": We have no time to waste. Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress are racing to pass a flagrantly unconstitutional attack on the First Amendment and the integrity of our elections known as HR One. Do you know what HR one is? It's a disaster. Their bill would drastically restrict political speech, empower the federal government to shut down dissent and turn the federal election commission into a partisan political weapon. In addition, it virtually eliminates voter ID requirements nationwide. Effectively ends all registration deadlines. Can you believe this? Requires states to give ballots to felons. Automatically registers every welfare recipient to vote and puts unaccountable unelected bureaucrats in charge of drawing congressional districts. That's going to be a lot of fun. This monster must be stopped. It cannot be allowed to pass. Trump knows he's won, but, typical for Trump, while rightly bemoaning the past, he's looking to the future, which can only happen with free and fair elections. It's time for the Supreme Court to worry about conservative wrath for a change, and it's a necessity to defeat HR1. Image: Trump at CPAC. YouTube screen grab. The world faces a dangerous proliferation of deadly chemical weapons following the Salisbury poisonings, the Defence Secretary has warned. Three years after the attempted assassination of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal using novichok nerve agent, Ben Wallace said it was clear Russia remained an 'adversary' of the UK and represented a challenge to international law and the world order. Mr Wallace said the attack 'reminded the West that countries purporting to be world-leading countries have a disregard sometimes for international law and sovereignty and seek to deploy some of the worst weapons on our streets'. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said it was clear Russia remained an 'adversary' of the UK and represented a challenge to international law and the world order. (Stock image) He added that world order had been 'loosened', giving new opportunities to terror groups and individuals. 'Now you can find out how to make chemical weapons on the internet,' he said. 'That proliferation means many people in the world have access to knowledge that can turn what might be ambitions into realities.' He added: 'We can't take anything for granted in the way we maybe did in the Cold War when there was a nice, static and fairly sterile relationship with a fence down the middle of Europe. 'What I worry about is when people have disregard for the international rule of law and domestic rule of law and those people are no longer purely terrorists/organised criminals but other states. 'It challenges many of the values we stand for and it challenges the world order. That is something that should worry us all.' Mr Skripal, a former Russian intelligence officer turned double agent for MI6, and his daughter, Yulia, were left fighting for their lives after the handle of his front door was coated with a novichok nerve agent in 2018. A policeman who attended the house, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was also admitted to hospital. Ben Wallace said the attack 'reminded the West that countries purporting to be world-leading countries have a disregard sometimes for international law and sovereignty' Forensic teams carry out investigations into the nerve agent attack on Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in 2018 Four months later, 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess died after apparently picking up the discarded bottle used to contain the nerve agent. The Government subsequently identified two officers in Russia's GRU military intelligence agency suspected to have carried out the attack. 'Dawn Sturgess lost her life as a result of this attack and potentially hundreds of people's lives were put at risk given the weapon that was used,' Mr Wallace said. 'I remember the gasps in Parliament when the Prime Minister (Theresa May) stood up and announced that we had identified GRU officers acting on behalf of the state. That was a sobering moment for many. 'The lesson from that has been that Russia is, I'm afraid, an adversary.' Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... MISSION, Kan. With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third formula on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery. Massachusetts on Monday made it much easier to grab dinner and a show. In Missouri, where individual communities get to make the rules, the two biggest metropolitan areas St. Louis and Kansas City are relaxing some measures. Iowas governor recently lifted mask requirements and limits on the number of people allowed in bars and restaurants, while the town of Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, now lets establishments stay open until midnight. Mike Lee, who owns Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge in Kansas City, said he hopes increased vaccine access, combined with warmer weather, will improve business. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ I think that people are excited to put this past them and be able to start to get back to their ways of doing things, Lee said. The push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Nearly 20% of the nations adults or over 50 million people have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 10% have been fully inoculated 2 1/2 months into the campaign to snuff out the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Johnson & Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June. That adds to the supply being distributed by Pfizer and Moderna and should help the nation amass enough doses by midsummer to vaccinate all adults. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer. In New York City, where limited indoor dining has resumed, officials said the J&J vaccine will help the city to inoculate millions more people by summer, including through door-to-door vaccinations of homebound senior citizens. But the efforts come with strong warnings from health officials against reopening too quickly, as worrisome coronavirus variants spread. On Monday, the head of the CDC, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, urgently warned state officials and ordinary Americans not to let down their guard, saying she is really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures that we have recommended. I remain deeply concerned about a potential shift in the trajectory of the pandemic, she said. We stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground that we have gained. Cases and hospitalizations have plunged since the end of January, and deaths have also dropped sharply, but they are still running at dangerously high levels and have even risen slightly over the past several days. We cannot be resigned to 70,000 cases a day and 2,000 daily deaths, Walensky said. Overall, the outbreak has killed more than a half-million Americans. The vaccine already is contributing to a decrease in severe cases and deaths among older people, and is quickly becoming a bigger contributor nationally, Justin Lessler, an expert in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, said in an email. I suspect we will see it overtake natural infection as the biggest driver of immunity late spring earliest, more likely midsummer, Lessler said. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, said he believes states and cities have leeway to ease some restrictions because hospitals no longer are at capacity in most communities. But I do think that masks are likely going to need to be kept in place for some time until we get more of our vulnerable populations vaccinated, he said. It is important for restaurants who are increasing their capacity to remember that we are still in a pandemic and to continue to follow some of those rules, Adalja said. The Biden administration wants to see all three vaccines distributed evenly, while also acknowledging that the easy-to-handle J&J vaccine will be used in pop-up mobile sites and locations without freezer storage capacity. States are hoping that the surging vaccine supply will help tamp down new infections. In Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker lifted restaurant capacity limits entirely. Theaters can open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 500 people. And capacity limits across all businesses have been raised to 50%. Las Vegas on Monday became the latest of the nations largest school districts to return children to classrooms. Pre-K children to third graders will go back two days a week, with other grades to be phased in by early April. And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders reached an agreement aimed at getting most children back in classrooms by the end of March. Under the deal announced Monday, school districts could receive up to $6.6 billion if they reopen by March 31. The U.S. ranks fourth in the world, behind Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Britain, in the number of doses administered relative to the population, according to data compiled by the University of Oxford. President Joe Biden fell well short of his goal of setting up 100 new federally operated mass-vaccination sites by the end of February, with just seven up and running. White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments remains too difficult in too many places. But he said the White House is working with states to improve scheduling systems and is exploring federal support for call centers to make it easier for people to get appointments. ___ Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan. Associated Press writers Adam Beam in Sacramento, Califonia; Bryan Anderson in Raleigh, North Carolina; Carla K. Johnson in Seattle; Mark Pratt in Boston; Karen Matthews in New York City; and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Zeke Miller in Washington 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 MEXICO CITY El Salvadors populist president was poised on Monday to claim a resounding victory in the countrys legislative elections, dealing a crushing blow to establishment parties and granting the young leader, who has been accused of authoritarian tendencies, a powerful new mandate. When President Nayib Bukele, 39, swept to power in 2019, he vowed to overhaul Salvadoran politics. In Sundays elections, he appeared to do just that. Mr. Bukeles party, Nuevas Ideas New Ideas perhaps with the help of a political ally, appeared on track to achieve a supermajority in the Legislative Assembly: 56 of 84 seats. Lets think about what we have achieved, Mr. Bukele told his supporters on Twitter early Monday. We are writing the history of our country. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Day 1 of Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME $1,050, $1M Gtd. is now in the books, and there are just 81 players left in action playing for the top prize of $179,140. Leading the way into Day 2 is Argentinian player "Quilmes2020", with Brazilian Marcelo Asensio and American David Coleman in second and third place. Artur Martirosian from the Russian Federation rounds out the 3 million chip stacks in 4th place. The bubble burst at the start of Level 27, the second last level of the day. Ukrainian Oleg "Ad Astra" Vasylchenko ended up as the unfortunate bubble player, busting in 126th place just before the payouts began. Once that bubble burst, action went very quickly, and more than 40 players busted out during the final two levels of play in Day 1. Top Ten Stacks Place Player Country Chips 1 Quilmes2020 Argentina 3,265,591 2 Marcelo Asensio Brazil 3,229,543 3 David Coleman United States 3,052,137 4 Artur Martirosian Russian Federation 3,041,232 5 Sebastian "Stompy" Winkelmann Germany 2,918,223 6 Dan "NeedLuck" Borlan Russian Federation 2,903,563 7 Nick Maimone United States 2,845,702 8 Wilder "wilder brito" Brito Brazil 2,802,453 9 Simone "spera91" Speranza Austria 2,794,218 10 Andrey "FivebetGAMER" Vedomtsev Russian Federation 2,775,238 Day 1 Action Cards went in the air for Day 1 of Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME $1,050, $1M Gtd. at 2 p.m. Eastern Time today with a few more than 150 entries. The field size swelled quickly through the five hours of late registration though, and by the time the registration window shut, there were more than 1,100 entries recorded. That meant the $1 million guarantee was surpassed. With the final tally at 1,114, the prize pool topped out at $1,114,000, to be divided 125 ways. There were about 300 players remaining at the virtual felt when registration closed, but they played down quickly, losing nearly 100 players before the next break in the action, and by the time they came back from the final break of the day, action was already hand for hand on the money bubble. They played a full level hand for hand, and got into the money at the start of the second last level of Day 1. Ukrainian Oleg "Ad Astra" Vasylchenko was the last player to bust without money, and once he went down, action picked up again. In the final two levels of play, the field went from 125 down to 81, putting all the players returning on Day 2 into the second pay level at least. That means players returning for the second day of play are guaranteed at least $2,917 for their troubles. Action on Day 2 gets underway at 1:01 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow, and they'll decide a winner before the day is finished. Stay tuned here as PokerNews brings you all the exciting action as they play down to find out who will take home the top prize of $179,140. Southwest Is Having a $29 Flight Sale This Week but Youll Have to Book Fast The sale lasts from now until Thursday. Editor's note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Southwest Airlines launched a four-day sale on Monday with fares starting as low as $29 each way. The airline's "WOW Sale," valid through Thursday, allows customers to take advantage of a super cheap Spring getaway with flights in April and May, the company shared with Travel Leisure. "Over the past 50 years, Southwest Airlines' Purpose has been to connect People to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel," said Bill Tierney, Southwest Airlines' vice president of marketing, told T+L in a statement. "When our Customers are ready, Southwest is here to help plan their next getaway. With our expanding network, flexible policies, and low faresthe perfect spring and summer adventure awaits." The sale is valid for flights within the continental U.S., Puerto Rico, and to international destinations from April 13 through June 2, and on flights to Hawaii from April 13 through May 26. Travelers have to fly on specific days to take advantage of the deals. Fly nonstop between New Orleans and Houston, Baltimore and New York, and Phoenix and Palm Springs for as low as $29 each way. Looking for a more exotic vacation? Try heading to Honolulu or Maui -- you can get there from Long Beach, Calif., for as low as $99 each way. New Yorkers can head up to Niagara Falls (which is currently covered in ice) for only $76 each way, or escape to Los Cabos in Mexico for a warm-weather break for $173 each way. And Atlanta residents can hit the slopes in Colorado with flights to Denver starting at $121 each way, or test out some bourbon at a Kentucky distillery flights to Louisville start at only $50 each way. While air traffic remains low compared to pre-pandemic levels, travelers have started to take to the skies again with millions of customers passing through U.S. airports during holiday weekends. The Transportation Security Administration is also looking to hire 6,000 new security officers throughout the country in anticipation of a boost in air travel over the summer. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram. 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. Research News COVID-19 vaccine developed by UB startup approved for human trials UB researcher Jonathan Lovell (right) and PhD student Kevin Carter (shown here in 2017) are among the co-founders of Pop Biotechnologies, which has developed a COVID-19 vaccine candidate that is moving into human trials in South Korea. Photo: Douglas Levere By JESSICA SZKLANY and CORY NEALON Achieving this critical milestone provides validation toward not only solving this unprecedented global crisis, but also provides invaluable support toward our platforms development, further enabling the creation of new vaccines with tremendous potential to alleviate suffering worldwide. A COVID-19 vaccine candidate, under development by UB spinoff company POP Biotechnologies and South Korean biotech company EuBiologics, is moving into human trials in South Korea. The candidate, called EuCorVac-19, is a liquid injection that can be stored and distributed at refrigerated temperatures, potentially making it easier to distribute and store than some current vaccines that must be frozen. It was approved in January by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to enter a combined phase 1 and 2 clinical trial after generating strong immune responses in animal models. The first phase will involve 50 healthy adults in Korea to evaluate the safety, tolerance and immune response to the vaccine. For the second phase, the number of participants will increase to 230 adults to further evaluate immune response and dosage. The goal is to begin a wide-scale phase 3 trial later this year. Commencing first-in-human trials is a monumental step forward for our technology, says POP Biotechnologies President Jonathan Smyth. Achieving this critical milestone provides validation toward not only solving this unprecedented global crisis, but also provides invaluable support toward our platforms development, further enabling the creation of new vaccines with tremendous potential to alleviate suffering worldwide. Smyth co-founded the company in 2015 with then-fellow UB student Kevin Carter and Jonathan Lovell, a UB faculty member whose lab developed the biotechnology that is the basis of the vaccine candidate. Smyth received a JD from the UB School of Law; Carter earned a PhD from the UB Department of Biomedical Engineering. The companys development of a vaccine-delivery platform called SNAP (Spontaneous Nanoliposome Antigen Particleization) is what caught the attention of EuBiologics, a publicly traded firm in South Korea. The platform consists of specialized liposomes first developed in Lovells lab and licensed to POP Biotechnologies through UBs Technology Transfer office that bind to and improve the effectiveness of vaccine antigens, which are molecules that prompt the body to produce antibodies that neutralize disease. Prior to the pandemic, POP BIOs primary focus for the platform was on cancer therapies and a vaccine against HIV research that has been supported by funds from UB Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data and Health Sciences (UB CAT). At the start of the pandemic, POP BIO swiftly transitioned SNAP to discover effective vaccine candidates for COVID-19. Because SNAP is a vaccine-platform technology, it could be applicable to any vaccine-related indication, for both chronic and infectious diseases. In-human testing for the COVID-19 vaccine will de-risk the technology for other indications too, says Lovell, SUNY Empire Innovation Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, a joint program of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The move from nascent startup to a biotech company whose technology is now in human trials comes after years of hard work and innovation, as well as support from UBs entrepreneurship and technology transfer programs, from government agencies, and from investors. In 2015, POP BIO won the Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition, created by the UB School of Management and the UB Office of Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships. It then attracted the interest of America Online co-founder Steve Case, who along with local investor z80 Labs, invested $100,000 in POP BIO in 2015 through the Rise of the Rest business plan contest. Since 2017, the company has worked from UBs Incubator @ Baird, a research park for startup companies. It continues to work on the HIV vaccine with Scripps Research, a project that is supported by a $600,000 National Institutes of Health contract. The team was recently awarded additional funds through UB CAT to build on the SNAP vaccine platform and explore indicators in Alzheimers disease. A connection made by Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships resulted in an introduction to a key partner for POP Biotechnologies, according to Lovell. BEP provided an entrepreneur-in-residence, who took us to a business conference where we met EuBiologics, the South Korean company who is our partner in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. We would not be at this phase in the vaccine trial without EuBiologics showing an interest in our technology and leading the charge. Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Head of Vietnams Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva (Photo: VNA) Geneva Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Head of Vietnams Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, led a delegation to join WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies, which was held virtually in February. The Vietnamese delegation actively participated in the discussions with the aim of reaching consensus and promoting negotiations in order to early achieve satisfactory solutions for all parties, towards realising the sustainable development goal (SDG) 14.6 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the UN. At a meeting of heads of delegation to the WTO, Chair of the WTO negotiating group, Ambassador Santiago Wills of Colombia, briefed the participants on the work that has been done since January 2021. Wills reiterated that the WTO members should begin to express their views on an acceptable outcome that can lead the successful conclusion of negotiations, aiming to protect aquatic resources worldwide. Many statements delivered at the meeting noted the differences of views on the three issues discussed in the latest negotiation round, while proposing to use many different forms of negotiation to find solutions to narrowing the differences. A number of members welcomed the call of new WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on February 15 to introduce the WTOs new rules on fisheries subsidies as soon as possible in 2021. The next round of negotiations on fisheries subsidies will start on March 15. WTO members can also conduct consultations before the next round of negotiations. The WTOs 11th Ministerial Conference (MC11) and SDG 14.6 give negotiators the task of securing an agreement on eliminating subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and to prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing by the end of 2020. WTO members committed to build on their 2020 progress and reach a resolution in 2021. SDG 14.6, part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations member states, including Vietnam, in 2015, affirms the WTO's role in the global fisheries subsidies agenda. It targets to by 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to IUU fishing, and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognising that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiation. Are you planning to visit Gujarat? If yes, then there's good news for you from IRCTC as it plans to provide a perfect itinerary at an affordable price for you. The offer, Temple Tour of Gujarat with Gir National Park Flight Package Ex Delhi, is a 5 Night/6 Days tour package for March 20, 21. The trip will begin at a starting price of Rs 25,745 per person on double occupancy, and it includes Airfare from Delhi to Rajkot to Delhi, with airport pick-up and drops at Rajkot, accommodation in well-appointed AC rooms (two Nights at Dwarka, one night Somnath, one-night Sasangir and one night at Rajkot), meals at the hotel 05 breakfast and 05 dinners. This will include the applicable taxes along with sightseeing as per the itinerary by AC Vehicle. According to irctctourism.com, on Day-1 of your itinerary, you will board a flight from Delhi airport at around 14:05 hrs and arrive at Rajkot airport at 15:50 hrs. A tour escort will accompany you throughout your tour. The main highlights of the tour include Dwarka: Shree Dwarkadhish temple, Shree Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Rukmini's Temple, Porbander: Kirti Mandir and Sudama Mandir, Somnath: Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga and Bhalka Tirth, Sasangir: Gir National Park, Rajkot: Watson Museum. According to information available on the website, the itinerary is indicative, as IRCTC and handling agents reserve the right to change in view of operation problem / local circumstances. The visit to all the sightseeing places is subject to time availability and flying of the airline as per the schedule. The IRCTC has clearly stated that it will not be responsible for any natural or social calamities. For other details, you should visit https://www.irctctourism.com. Its been a year. Sometimes it seems like 5,000 decades. Sometimes it seems live five minutes. COVID-19 slammed into Westport last March. On Feb. 29 a date that does not exist this year the state of Washington reported the first United States death from what was then called the novel coronavirus. We know now that other Americans had already died from it. Though that leap year day announcement was ominous, most of us especially here on the far-away East Coast paid little heed. My Feb. 28 Woogs World did not mention the virus at all. I wrote about the new director of MoCA, and what she meant for the local arts scene. Next weeks column was headlined A time of great stress and uncertainty in Westport. I wrote that people were talking about things Id never considered before: closing schools, halting travel, quarantining cities. I am not an alarmist, I said, but when President Trump tells me not to worry, I worry. Sure, I continued, the effect of a microbe on my life is important. But its only one thing that keeps me washing my hands (and wringing them in uncertainty). The rest of that piece focused on worries beyond the possibility of the virus coming here: what the recent precipitous stock market drop would mean during town budget deliberations. The future of downtown, infrastructure and traffic. It takes longer to get to New York now than it did in the 1950s, I wrote, before jet planes and smartphones (though in 2020 theres still no Wi-Fi on Metro-North). Within a week, COVID was front and center. In my next column, I said, None of us is yet sure of the full impact the coronavirus will have on our community, country, the world or our psyches. Schools may close. Public gathering places like churches, temples, the library and the Y may become ghost towns. Restaurants may suffer grievously. I paused. Or maybe not. We may disinfect enough surfaces, shake few enough hands and touch our faces so rarely that we can skate through this health crisis relatively unscathed. Hopefully, we will learn our lessons and be better prepared for the next superbug, or (it too may come) biological weapon. Those words were published on March 13. They were already out of date. Two days earlier, Westport schools had closed. In a hastily called news conference in front of town hall, First Selectman Jim Marpe, Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper and other officials addressed the burgeoning crisis. None wore masks, but the urgency was clear. For the next two weeks, until schools (hopefully) reopened, Westporters must be vigilant. The day before that column appeared, the Westport Weston Family YMCA closed. So did many stores. Downtown looked abandoned. Events moved as quickly as the superbug. One week after that, all hell had broken loose. Thats not just my memory; it was the headline of Woogs World. Its just a few days into the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, anyway, I began. A week ago Monday a friend said, We are going to see things you and I have never seen in our lifetimes. I thought he was an alarmist. I recounted what had happened after schools closed. With distance learning not yet in place, many students worked on hastily prepared educational packets. While the majority of parents enforced the stay home/social distancing advice theyd been hearing for days, others arranged play dates, even sleepovers for their kids. It was like a snow day, but the weather was fine, I reported. That Saturday, spring weather drew crowds to Compo Beach. There were no big gatherings, no circles of chairs and shared picnics. But the sight unnerved town officials. They closed the Compo and Burying Hill parking lots until further notice. That annoyed a number of folks. On Sunday they parked all along Soundview Drive, underneath No Parking signs. Police ticketed vehicles. But when one car left, another took its place. The next day, just five days after that urgent Town Hall press conference, 20 cases of COVID were confirmed in town. Marpe invoked emergency powers. All restaurants and delis were closed to indoor service. Food could be picked up curbside, or delivered only. Just a week into the Westport crisis, I said, it was astonishing what I missed. Id gladly stop every 10 yards behind a Dattco bus, if it meant kids could go back to school. I ended with several rhetorical questions about what was to come. However, I noted, those questions are just the tip of the iceberg. And, like any iceberg, the greatest danger lurks were no one can see it. A year later, weve had our Titanic moment. Are we sinking to the bottom, or did we make it onto lifeboats? Check back a year from now. Dan Woog is a Westport writer, and his Woog's World appears each Friday. He can be reached at dwoog@optonline.net. His personal blog is danwoog06880.com. A look inside refrigerators across San Antonio will reveal one thing: People here love their H-E-B brand products. Given the choice between national labels or one of H-E-B's family of brands, many Texans will tell you anything with the signature, red oblong logo is in their basket. For example, I won't eat any French onion dip unless its an H-E-B Select Ingredients product. NO MEAT NO PROBLEM: Houston Sauce Co. proves vegan food can be irresistable Some products warrant more than an "Mmmmm, good stuff " at the kitchen table. Judging by the daily Twitter reviews, fans of the grocery store chain want H-E-B to know how much they enjoy its brands. Shopper are always eager to tweet to the store's twitter account to tell them what they love, from mango chamoy ice cream to black pepper ketchup. One customer went as far as to suggest other grocery stores should carry H-E-B products after tasting the Mootopia milk. Another called H-E-B "the makers of everything great." Have room on your shopping list to try a few new things? Take some suggestions from the fellow Texans below. Scotland's Deputy First Minister today agreed to release key legal advice he received over Alex Salmond's judicial review in a 'pathetic' U-turn, following threats of a no-confidence motion. The advice relates to the former First Minister's successful legal challenge of the Scottish Government's harassment complaints procedure, which led to Mr Salmond being awarded more than 500,000. SNP deputy chief John Swinney said that subject to the mandatory legal checks and processes, the Scottish Government will release 'the key legal advice' in order to counter 'false claims being made by some'. The Scottish Tories submitted a motion of no confidence in Mr Swinney at Holyrood yesterday after accusing him of failing to comply with two parliamentary votes calling for the publication of legal advice. Tory whip Miles Brigg MSP said he will not withdraw the Motion of No Confidence until MSPs are given assurances that SNP Ministers will deliver everything the committee has requested. The Scottish Government has now said that key legal advice that underpinned the Scottish Government's defence of the judicial review taken by Mr Salmond will be released tomorrow, in a move branded 'pathetic' by Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross. The ultimatum came after Mr Salmond warned that, if the case was pursued with Nicola Sturgeon's knowledge against advice, this would be a breach of the ministerial code. Mr Swinney said: 'In normal circumstances, government legal advice is not released. Indeed, such is the importance of being able to get frank, private advice, it is almost unheard of for the legal advice to be released. 'But, we have to acknowledge that the issues at stake now are not normal. The very integrity of the legal system is being questioned. John Swinney said that subject to the mandatory legal checks and processes, the Scottish Government will release 'the key legal advice' in order to counter 'false claims being made' The ultimatum came after Alex Salmond warned that, if the case was pursued with Nicola Sturgeon's knowledge against advice, this would be a breach of the ministerial code Support for Scottish independence plummets to less than half of all Scots and 39% of voters believe Sturgeon's government covered up 'conspiracy' to jail Salmond for sex assault Support for Scottish independence has plummeted amid the bitter row between SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and her predecessor as First Minister Alex Salmond. The majority of people in Scotland no longer want to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom following recent infighting, a bombshell survey has revealed. The Survation poll, carried out for the Sunday Mail , concluded that support for independence has fallen from 58 per cent in the same poll carried out in October to just a 50 per cent split. It is the first time in 22 consecutive polls that a Yes vote has not been favoured. The row has broken out amid the ongoing Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government's 'botched' investigation of sexual harassment claims against Mr Salmond. Advertisement 'Serious allegations have been made. This material allows people to confirm that these allegations are false. 'We have already shared in private with the Scottish Parliament's committee on these issues the substance of the advice. 'Now, we recognise that in order to counter to the false claims being made by some, we must go further. Subject to the mandatory legal checks and processes, we will release the key legal advice.' If the motion goes to a vote, it would be the second time in less than a year that Mr Swinney would face such a debate on his position after he survived a no-confidence in August thanks to the Scottish Greens. Ministers have been accused of attempting to obstruct the Holyrood inquiry into the affair, which left taxpayers with a bill of more than 500,000 paid out to Mr Salmond to cover his legal fees. The Scottish parliament has twice voted to compel the release of the advice ministers and officials obtained during the judicial review brought about by the former SNP leader. However, they have so far refused to do so, citing legal privilege. In January 2019, the Government was forced to admit it had acted unlawfully and its investigation had been 'tainted by apparent bias' after Mr Salmond successfully challenged its investigation into complaints against him. The outcome of the probe was set aside when it emerged that the investigating officer had prior contact with two women who made allegations against Mr Salmond. It was previously revealed that the issue had been identified months before the Government conceded. But the inquiry is keen to know when ministers and officials were advised to drop their defence - and admit defeat. Mr Swinney's decision has received the prior agreement of the Law Officers in line with paragraph 2.40 of the Scottish Ministerial Code. Ahead of release, under the General Data Protection Regulation, legal notifications to individuals impacted are required. The Scottish Government said that these are expected to be complete and, subject to them, the Parliament will receive the material immediately thereafter. The Scottish Conservatives hoped to secure the publication of the legal advice before Nicola Sturgeon appears at a Holyrood committee on Wednesday. Ministers have been accused of attempting to obstruct the Holyrood inquiry into the affair, which left taxpayers with a bill of more than 500,000 paid out to Mr Salmond Mr Briggs tweeted: 'I will not withdraw the Motion of No Confidence until MSPs are given assurances that SNP Ministers will deliver everything the Committee has requested. 'The votes of Parliament must be respected and heeded by SNP Ministers.' Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said: 'Despite two votes in the Scottish Parliament demanding the legal advice be published, John Swinney only backed down and U-turned to save his own skin. 'It's a pathetic reveal of what motivates the SNP. It's not about getting to the truth, it's only about self-preservation. 'But the Scottish Conservatives will not remove our no-confidence vote motion until the Government guarantees it will fully publish the legal advice. 'The Deputy First Minister is not in the clear yet. He must go further and fully publish the legal advice or we will not hesitate to force him out.' Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar tweeted: 'It shouldn't have taken the fact he was going to lose his job for him to do the right thing and release the legal advice. Parliament is bigger than any party.' Other opposition parties supported the motion due to Mr Swinney's role in the scandal surrounding estimated pupil exam grades. Responding to the latest motion, the Greens indicated they would support the no-confidence vote if the legal advice remained unpublished. ISLANDIA, N.Y., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Entenmann's Little Bites Snacks is bringing The Perfect Portion of Happiness and the soft side of snacking to fans everywhere this March! To celebrate the expansion of its Cookies offerings with the addition of New Entenmann's Little Bites Soft Baked Party Cake Cookies, the brand is inviting fans to enter the Entenmann's Little Bites Snacky Hour Sweepstakes for a chance to win the ultimate set-up for snacking at home. Beginning March 1 through March 30, one lucky fan will be chosen each Wednesday at 4PM ET to win a one year's supply of Entenmann's Little Bites Soft Baked Cookies and a luxury seating set-up for their family. Fans can enter each week for a chance to win by visiting LittleBitesSnackyHour.com. (PRNewsfoto/Entenmanns Little Bites Snacks) "With Entenmann's Little Bites, snacking is as fun as it is delicious," said Adriana Acosta, Brand Manager for Entenmann's Little Bites. "Our perfectly-portioned snacks have been bringing joy to families for more than 20 years, and with exciting new options like our Soft Baked Party Cake Cookies, Snacky Hour will become the best part of each day!" Through March 30, fans can enter the Entenmann's Little Bites Snacky Hour Sweepstakes weekly by visiting www.littlebitessnackyhour.com and completing the entry form for a chance to win. Fans can submit up to one entry per week for a total of five entries, and one lucky fan will be chosen at random each week to win the grand prize of a luxury home seating set-up for their family, in addition to a one-year supply of Entenmann's Little Bites Soft Baked Cookies. Available in Chocolate Chip and new Party Cake featuring colorful rainbow sprinkles, Entenmann's Little Bites Soft Baked Cookies can be purchased nationwide. The delicious bite-sized cookies are pre-portioned in convenient single-serve pouches, and with no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial preservatives, they give kids the yummy taste they love and are a snack choice parents can feel good about. For official sweepstakes rules and more information about the Entenmann's Little Bites Snacky Hour Sweepstakes, visit www.littlebitessnackyhour.com. No Purchase Necessary To Enter Or Win. Promotion starts 3/1/21 at 9:00 a.m. ET and ends 3/30/21 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. or D.C. 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Subject to Official Rules, available at www.littlebitessnackyhour.com. Sponsor: Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., 255 Business Center Drive, Horsham, PA 19044. About Bimbo Bakeries USA Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold, Artesano, Ball Park, Bimbo, Boboli, Brownberry, Entenmann's, Little Bites, Marinela, Mrs Baird's, Oroweat, Sara Lee, Stroehmann and Thomas'. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 33 countries. SOURCE Entenmanns Little Bites Snacks NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) recently named Curriculum Associates' Ready Reading program and the accompanying online Teacher Toolbox to its 2020 Adopted Multiple List for K2 Structured Literacy. This list, compiled by the NMPED's Instructional Material Bureau after completing a Request for Applications, includes supplementary instructional materials that local education agencies can implement to reinforce, enrich, or enhance instruction driven by core instructional material. "We are committed to supporting New Mexico educators with their instruction and being part of the state's literacy solution," said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. "As schools and districts across the state finish out this challenging school year and begin to look to the next one, they can be assured that Ready Reading and the Teacher Toolbox will provide the resources needed to help accelerate learning and increase literacy achievement for their youngest students." Ready, which includes Ready Reading, Ready Mathematics, and Ready Writing, is a rigorous classroom instruction and practice program that fully prepares students for the demands of today's standards in a highly interactive way, while also providing teachers with step-by-step, point-of-use support to teach most effectively. Ready Reading engages students in opportunities to practice close reading strategies with authentic text and features a scaffolded instructional design that builds students' confidence in reading over time. The program specifically helps students develop sound skills and strategies for reading comprehension through a balance of on-grade level and differentiated instruction, while providing educators with in-the-moment teacher support to build students' reading habits. The accompanying Teacher Toolbox additionally offers a digital collection of instructional resources that supports educators in differentiating instruction for students performing on, below, or above grade level. "Curriculum Associates has been phenomenal to work with," said Lisa Hufstedler of Las Cruces Public Schools, which partnered with Curriculum Associates to support students through Ready Mathematics. "From the adoption process to purchasing and implementation, they have been our partners every step of the way, going above and beyond to make sure that the unique needs of our teachers and students were met. Their customer service far exceeded my expectations." To learn more about Ready Reading, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/Products/Ready/Reading-ELA. About Curriculum Associates Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students. Contact: Kati Elliott Charlotte Fixler KEH Communications Curriculum Associates (410) 975-9638 (978) 901-6066 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC Related Links www.curriculumassociates.com 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. New Delhi, March 1 : Tightening its noose in the Handwara narco-terror case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested four more drug traffickers from Jammu and Kashmir. An NIA spokesperson here said that the anti-terror probe agency arrested four drug traffickers -- Altaf Ahmed Shah, Showkat Ahmad Parray, Mudasir Ahmad Dar and Amin Allaie aka Hilal Mir from Srinagar in connection with the case. The official said that the arrested drug traffickers were produced before the court in Srinagar and have been taken on transit remand for three days. The NIA case relates to the case registered by the J&K Police in June last year wherein during checking of vehicles in Handwara, accused Abdul Momin Peer's Hyundai Creta vehicle was intercepted by police at a naka and during search Rs 20 lakh along with two kg Heroin was recovered and seized. NIA had re-registered the case on June 23 last year and a charge sheet was filed on December 5 last year against six accused persons in the NIA special court, Jammu. The official said that the investigation so far has revealed that the accused persons were involved in cross-border smuggling of heroin in huge quantities from Pakistan and were supplying the same in J&K and other parts of the country. "They were also in regular communication with the operatives of proscribed terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), using encrypted chat platforms. The proceeds of sale were being used to finance the activities of terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba operating in the Kashmir Valley," he added. On Sunday, Feb. 28, the 18th Korean Music Awards was held and live-streamed through the Naver NOW platform. Here are all the winners. As we leave Feb. behind and enter into Mar., the 18th Korean Music Awards announced their winners on the last day of the month. This annual awards ceremony awards both independent and mainstream artists and groups across various genres. Unlike most award ceremonies, which utilize fan votes, the Korean Music Awards select their winners through a panel of music industry professionals, journalists, music critics, and more. Notable Wins at the 18th Korean Music Awards The 18th Korean Music Awards was originally scheduled to be held on Feb. 27 but was postponed a day due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During the event, LEENALCHI won big by scoring three trophies; Artist of the Year, Best Modern Rock Song, and Best Crossover Album. LEENALCHI is highly praised in South Korea for making use of pansori, a traditional form of musical storytelling. BTS also won big at the annual awards ceremony, taking home two awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Song. In a video message, member Jungkook spoke about the impact "Dynamite" has had, saying, "I think that many people were touched by the sincerity through 'Dynamite.' We will continue to work hard to repay the gift of such honorable awards with even better music." [#] 2021 18 , ! ( ) ! #KMA # #__1BTS pic.twitter.com/4KYQpKOA5G BTS_official (@bts_bighit) February 28, 2021 Here are the Winners of the 18th Korean Music Awards, in Alphabetical Order: Album of the Year: Jeongmilla "CheongPa Sonata" Best Crossover Album: LEENALCHI "SUGUNGGA" Best Dance and Electronic Album: Mogwaa "Open Mind" Best Dance and Electronic Song: Aseul "Bye Bye Summer" Best Folk Album: Jeongmilla "CheongPa Sonata" Best Folk Song: Jeongmilla "Departing from Seoul Station" Best Jazz Album: MALO "Song Changsik Song Book" Best Jazz and Crossover Performance: Soojin Suh "Colorist" Best Metal and Hardcore Albums: Remnants Of The Fallen "All The Wounded And Broken" Best Modern Rock Album: Jo Dongik "Blue Pillow" Best Modern Rock Song: LEENALCHI "Tiger is Coming" Best Pop Album: Baek Yerin "Every letter I sent you." Best Pop Song: BTS "Dynamite" Best R&B and Soul Album: Sunwoo JungA "Serenade" Best R&B and Soul Song: Chudahye Chagis "Ritual Dance" Best Rap and Hip Hop Album: Khundi Panda "GAROSAWK" Best Rap and Hip Hop Song: Swervy "Mama Lisa" Best Rock Album: ABTB "Daydream" Best Rock Song: ABTB "Daydream (feat. YoonChul Shin)" Musician of the Year: LEENALCHI Rookie of the Year: Meaningful Stone Song of the Year: BTS "Dynamite" Special Achievement Award: Deulgukhwa Did your favorite artist take home a trophy? What is the Korean Music Awards? The Korean Music Awards, often shortened to KMAs, is an annual awards ceremony that honors both mainstream and underground independent musical artists from a variety of genres. While most Korean music awards utilize fan voting and album sales to determine a winner, the Korean Music Award instead awards artists based on the recommendation of a panel consisting of music critics, radio show producers, scholars, journalists, music industry professionals, and more. The Korean Music Awards has been held annually since 2004. BTS is the artist with the most Grand Prizes, meaning they have scored the most musician of the year, the album of the year, or song of the year awards. They are also the artist with the most Competitive Awards, meaning they have snagged the most general field and genre awards, which does not include popularity or special awards. They are tied for the latter with Kiha & The Faces. BTS is the second-most awarded act overall, with Kiha & The Faces being the most awarded. For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns This Written by Alexa Lewis Receiving the Fist Office Actions is a key step in the process for the grant of a patent in the administering jurisdiction. Archer Materials received its IPA in Japan in January 2021, the first granted patent for the 12CQ chip ( ) ( ) (FRA:38A) continues to make progress with patent applications for its 12CQ quantum computing qubit processor chip and has received First Office Actions (FOAs) from the Patent Offices of the US, China and Australia. Receipt of the FOAs is a key step in the process for the grant of a patent in the administering jurisdiction. International patent applications (IPAs) associated with the 12CQ chip have been lodged in six jurisdictions including Korea, Europe and Hong Kong. The European and Korean IPAs have progressed in the substantive examination procedures since October 2020, and more recently the Korean IPA, following the granting of the patent in Japan. Archer Materials received its IPA in Japan in January 2021, the first granted patent for the 12CQ chip. The patent gives the company access to the high-value Japanese market a top-five global economy - for the 12CQ chip. The company will continue to release key progress in its patent prosecution to ASX. Prosecution process Archer Materials has also accelerated the prosecution process and procedures of IPAs where possible, including filing a program for accelerated prosecution of European patent applications (PACE) request with the European Patent Office and accessing review programs in the Republic of Korea. 12CQ Chip 12CQ is a world-first qubit processor chip technology that Archer aims to build for quantum computing operation at room-temperature and integration onboard modern electronic devices. Press Release March 1, 2021 SPONSORSHIP SPEECH Senate Resolution No. 668: Pilot Testing of Localized Limited Face-to-Face Classes Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto Mr. President, my dear colleagues: This resolution is in effect an assignment that we're giving to DepEd, a science experiment that will test how safe in-person learning can be done. These laboratory classes will be conducted in 1,065 schools, or two percent of the national total, a sample size that would be enough. I believe that discussions on how to open classes that will maximize learning but minimize risks should now move from theory to trials. It is time to put in practice what has been postulated on paper. It is time to end this analysis paralysis. More than a hundred years ago when the Spanish Flu wreaked havoc on our land, our educators were forced to search for new windows of learning. And they didliterallyby opening windows to facilitate ventilation. They also brought classes outdoors. This is the same tack epidemiologists are prescribing today, that in this age of N95s and hazmat suits, one thing that helped then can still help now: fresh, free flow of air. What I am driving at, Mr. President, is that our bureaucratic forebears were open to ideas and bold in their actions. This precedent is carried in the preamble and parameters that this resolution has set for the pilot classes. That the classes follow strict health protocols, that they observe mitigation measures, that they adhere to the design of such classes which have been conducted abroad. And if I may add, Mr. President, that they should only be held after the community consensus to support them has been secured through consultations. This is very important. Because if it takes a village to safely teach a child, then DepEd cannot unilaterally act. Parents, leaders should be on board. In two weeks, we will be marking the anniversary of what is virtually the longest school vacation in history. We can mark it with more of the same, as captives of the pandemic, or we can launch a new way of learning, outside the confines of the one square foot of computer screen. If we continue our children's mass incarcerationin congested houses crammed with three generations of families, of which many double as a home for the sick, in communities which are bandwidth deprivedthen I fear that we are creating a lost generation. Children may have evaded the virus, but many have caught a sickness as dangerous. Many suffer from mental health issues caused by a setting deprived of peer interaction and play. And if they live in unsafe homes where tensions are exacerbated by loss of income and shortage of food, the damage could be long lasting. Indeed, they slowly broil in air-fryer conditions. The larger picture is that the pandemic has hit hard a school system with severe preexisting conditions. Long before the first coronavirus-carrying bat of Wuhan bit its first victim, our country had already been lagging behind in many international tests that measure learning. And many fear that this pandemic will allow us to bag the last spot uncontested. Yes, the greatest gate pass to schools remains to be the vaccine. But the virus is such a constantly mutating genius that even if our children and teachers have been vaccinated, the return to standing-room-only schools will not be immediate. We are waging the microbiological version of the Star Wars: the Jedi can return, but the empire can strike back. So there is absolutely no doubt as to how important the results of the trials will be. It will guide us how to transition to the new but better normal. This is the science experiment that will move us forward. It is not only a chosen group of kids who should go back to school. DepEd officials should go back to school with them. Those who teach are bound by the duty to continually study. I support this measure. This is not a mere sense of the Senate resolution. This packs common sense. The Joint Forces had to fire back. The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported one killed in action (KIA) amid seven violations of the ceasefire agreement by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Sunday, February 28. "In the past day, February 28, seven 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 March 1, 2021. In particular, Russia's armed formations fired proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns, and automatic and sniper rifles near the village of Pyshchevyk. "A Ukrainian soldier was killed as a result of the shelling," reads the report. Read alsoUkraine's envoy links increased shelling in Donbas with sanctions against MedvedchukAlso, enemy troops used grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns and rifles near the villages of Shyrokyne and Vodiane. In that sector, an enemy UAV was also spotted crossing the contact line before being jammed. What is more, the occupation forces fired automatic grenade launchers near the village of Verkhniotoretske. The Joint Forces had to fire back, the report said. Since midnight on Monday, March 1, one ceasefire violation has been recorded in the JFO zone. In particular, the Russian Federation's armed formations fired automatic and anti-tank grenade launchers near the village of Pavlopil. On Saturday, February 27, Ukraine's JFO HQ reported nine enemy attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas. The Ukrainian military say the situation is under full control now. 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 With many companies becoming more comfortable with letting employees work remotely even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, it's important that folks have the tools to do their jobs just as well at home. With that in mind, Google is bolstering Workspace (formerly G Suite) with many updates. For one thing, Workspace's Google Assistant feature is, at long-last, coming out of beta. You can use Assistant to join meetings, find out what's coming up on your work Calendar and send messages. The feature is available on mobile devices, and it's currently in beta on smart displays and speakers. Google Meet now has more second-screen options. You can take part in chats, polls and Q&As on any device, including Nest Hub Max. The video call app is getting live stream upgrades as well, including polls, Q&As and live captions. The latter will be available for English, Spanish, German, Portuguese and French at the outset. Other Meet updates include a mobile tile view, so you can see more people at the same time on smaller displays, as well as for split-screen and picture-in-picture support on mobile. To help frontline workers collaborate with corporate teams effectively and securely, they'll be able to start using a service called Google Workspace Frontline in the coming weeks. There'll be an easy way for teams to build custom AppSheet apps in Sheets and Drive, which, according to Google, will help frontline workers streamline and digitize their work. Google says that these features will give those workers secure access to information they need on any device. There are several other updates centered around managing your attention and time. As Google recently announced, you'll be able to mark multiple blocks in your working hour settings to let your colleagues know when you're available for meetings. Similarly, you can add recurring out-of-office events and, during that time, meeting requests will be declined automatically. A new event type called Focus Mode will let you set up blocks of time during which notifications are limited. Google will also send you (not your boss, thankfully) Time Insights that will break down how you're spending your days. Through location indicators across the suite of Workspace apps, you'll be able to let coworkers know when you'll be at home and which days you'll be at the office. Chat, Jamboard and Calendar will appear in Workspace Essentials for easier access. Workspace will also have more security tools. Expanded Data Regions will let Workspace customers choose the geographic location where data is stored, while Assured Controls is about helping them make decisions about controlling provider access. The excitement for getting vaccinated on Day 1 of the third phase of massive immunization drive turned into a chaos after the CoWIN portal kept shutting down intermitently while processing the inoculation exercise, several hospitals complained while speaking to IANS. It resulted into hours long delay for those who came early for registration on-site and even those who self-registered through the portal. Many hospitals like Moolchand closed walk-in registration as early as 1 p.m. to control the crowd waiting for their turn to get inoculated against the novel Coronavirus. Madhu Handa, Medical Superitendent at south Delhi-based Moolchand Hospital said that the CoWIN portal is crashing every now and then. Many alleged that they were not told that the vaccination would start from 12 noon. Jaswinder Singh from Gurugram, who brought along his father and father-in-law to Moolchand Hospital said that he has been waiting for over two hours. My parents are above 80 years of age and they are forced to stand in a queue. There is no management," he said. "I chose private facility for better convinience. If this is the situation here, god knows how things will unfold at government centres," said 70-year-old Tarkeshwar Rana, who has been in queue for vaccination since 10.30 a.m. The situation at Moolchand Hospital was similar to other hospitals. Many hospitals reported same experience and blamed the technical issues of CoWIN. "We have the capacity to manage but the delay caused in vaccination is making them anxious. Besides, the staff deployed from the government is also not cooperating," a senior doctor from a large private hospital told IANS. Combining core-shell construction with an alloying effect to boost the catalytic performance of palladium in ethanol oxidation reactions. Credit: YANG Jun Researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Nanjing Normal University recently reported a strategy for boosting the electrocatalytic performance of palladium (Pd) in ethanol oxidation reaction, the key anodic reaction of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), offering a rational concept for finely engineering the surface of electrocatalysts used in high-efficiency energy conversion devices and beyond. The study was published in Cell Reports Physical Science on Mar. 1. DEFCs with ethanol as fuel have the advantage of high energy density, low toxicity and easy operation. However, the lack of active and robust electrocatalysts for anodic ethanol oxidation impedes the pace of commercialization. Typically, Au@Pd nanoparticles with a core-shell construction have higher activity and stability during ethanol electro-oxidation than do Pd particles alone. Unfortunately, the larger lattice spacing of Au creates tensile strain in thin Pd shells, which endangers their catalytic performance by strengthening the absorption of poisonous reaction intermediates on their surfaces. "A rational design that fully takes advantage of core-shell architectures and simultaneously inhibits the lattice tensile effect in Pd shells induced by Au cores would definitely be favorable for further improving their performance in the electro-oxidation of ethanol molecules," said Prof. Yang Jun from IPE, the corresponding author of the study. The researchers demonstrated this concept by coupling alloying effects with core-shell construction to optimize the surfaces of Pd shells in order to achieve high-efficiency ethanol electro-oxidation. The scientists alloyed Fe atoms into thin Pd shells to compensate for their lattice expansion. Electrochemical evaluations show that the core-shell Au@FePd nanoparticles prepared this way exhibit the highest mass activity and specific activity for catalyzing ethanol electro-oxidation ever observed in an alkaline medium. "Next, we are going to optimize a number of parameters, e.g., the size of the core, the thickness of the alloy shell, and the composition of transition metals in alloy shells," said Prof. Yang. In this way, the researchers hope to create more electrocatalysts with higher efficiency and lower cost in order to propel the development of direct alcohol fuel cells. Explore further New core-shell catalyst for ethanol fuel cells More information: Cell Reports Physical Science, DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100357 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 21:10:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called the session of the House of Representatives on March 7 on the recommendation of the government. The cabinet, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on Monday recommended the resumption of the house session as per the directives from the Supreme Court. "President Bhandari summoned the House session for March 7 as recommended by the cabinet on Monday," Jagannath Panta, spokesperson at the President's Office, told Xinhua. "The meeting will commence at 4:00 p.m. at the International Convention Center, Baneshwor." On Feb. 23, the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana overturned the decision to dissolve the House of Representatives, saying it was unconstitutional. It had directed the government to call the house session within 13 days of the verdict by March 8. On the recommendation of Oli, President Bhandari on Dec. 20 dissolved the House of Representatives and called the midterm elections on April 30 and May 10. After two months of hearing on 13 different writs filed against the dissolution, the Supreme Court said Prime Minister Oli did not have the authority to dissolve the parliament. Enditem The Telegraph Gold is hovering around the $1,900 an ounce mark, which means the precious metals price has risen by 55pc over the past five years and trades at barely 7pc below last autumns record high. By contrast, shares in Centamin, the gold miner, are no higher than they were in June 2016 and stand at barely half the peak reached last year. It is therefore tempting to argue that either the gold price or the share price is wrong and given the current macroeconomic backdrop this columns inclination is to believe that the share price is too low rather than the gold price too high, even allowing for Centamins history of operational disappointment. Americas Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are showing little or no inclination to tighten monetary policy. This is despite the fact that near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing were described as emergency policies when they were introduced in the West in 2008-09 and despite signs that inflation is gathering last months 4.2pc year-on-year rise in the US consumer price index was the fastest rate of advance in more than a decade. The central banks view is that this surge will be temporary because it is partly the result of pent-up demand and supply-chain dislocations as lockdowns ease and partly due to the low base for comparison offered by the economic downturn of 2020. Companies interested in participating in this edition of the awards can submit their nominations on or before March 31 st , 2021. Please download the application form here: http://frost.ly/59v . For any queries or clarification, please reach out to Vivekananda Bhat at [email protected] , with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, and company e-mail address. Sarwant Singh, Managing Partner and Regional Leader for Middle East and South Asia at Frost & Sullivan, hopes that the awards will encourage more companies to embrace a structured sustainability program. "As digitalization and sustainability merge into two of the most powerful market influencers in today's corporate landscape, the Sustainability 4.0 awards program will evaluate how organizations are interweaving their digitalization initiatives with the sustainability strategies, and provide them with a better understanding of what they need to do to be future-ready", he said. "Sustainability is an essential tool for long-term value creation for stakeholders. Our partnership with TERI has provided the right impetus to this commitment as we continue to leverage this partnership for increased adoption of sustainability practices in business", he added. Speaking about the impact of COVID-19 on sustainability, Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General at TERI, said, "What we have seen is that companies that are sustainable also create more value because they use fewer resources, minimize waste, and consequently overall, they are better corporate citizens. As we move ahead, we are looking at companies that are pushing their profits and minimizing their waste management, we are looking at companies that use sustainability as a tool to enhance their performance." Sustainability 4.0 Awards emphasizes the four pillars of sustainability - Purpose, Partnership, Planet, and People. These elements are sector-agnostic and are the foundation of any organization's sustainability agenda. The highest-scoring, top two companies of the year will be recognized with Super Achievers Award: 'Sustainable Business of the Year' and 'Sustainable Business of the Year 1st Runner-up' Award, respectively. This year's awards will also include Safety Excellence Awards, the Jury Special Mention Award, the Renewable Energy Consumption Index, and Sustainability Analytics. The Safety Excellence Awards recognize organizations across five key criteria - safety management, process safety, equipment safety, behavioral safety, and occupational health. The Jury Special Mention Award will be conferred to programs that are best-in-class, scalable, and replicable across industry verticals. The Renewable Energy Consumption Index aims to recognize the industry's transition to RE while aligning with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement. Sustainability Analytics will evaluate how companies are effectively using analytics in their sustainability management in three aspects: Effective Data Collection, Usage of Smart Analytical Tools, and End-to-End Visibility in the value chain. 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. About TERI The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is a leading think tank dedicated to conducting research for the sustainable development of India and the Global South. TERI was established in 1974 as an information center on energy issues. However, over the following decades, it made a mark as a research institute, whose policy and technology solutions transformed people's lives and the environment. TERI's key focus lies in promoting clean energy, water management, pollution management, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. TERI's Council for Business Sustainability connects its research work with the corporate sector. The Council guides the Indian corporates to frame and implement their sustainability agenda. Media Contacts: For Frost & Sullivan: Priya George, Corporate Communications South Asia E: [email protected] For TERI: Aditya Singh Raghwa, P: +91 1124682100 E: [email protected] SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links www.frost.com More than half of all the branches operated by the main banks in Northern Ireland have closed in the last decade. It was confirmed on Monday that 15 Bank of Ireland outlets are to shut here. And it means the total number of "big four" branches will be 114 - compared to 236 in 2010, based on an analysis of published figures and announced closures. BoI will be operating just 13, down from 44 branches 10 years ago. Over 100 branches will close across the island of Ireland, the company announced on Monday, with its chief executive blaming a "seismic shift" towards digital banking over the last year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Politicians and business representatives have criticised the move, which will mean the closure of the last brick and mortar banking service in at least one town - Keady in Co Armagh. Expand Close Roger Pollen of the Federation of Small Businesses / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Roger Pollen of the Federation of Small Businesses "This is a grim day for business banking provision in Northern Ireland," said Roger Pollen, head of the Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland. The company has confirmed 120 Northern Ireland employees will be affected, but it is hoped they can be redeployed within the company, chief executive of Bank of Ireland UK Ian McLaughlin said. He added: "We need to adapt and we need to change. We still will have a branch in every county. Access to cash and access to banking services will still exist." But analysis shows the steady decline of banks in our towns and villages. Some 122 branches of the four main Northern Ireland banks - Ulster, Danske, AIB First Trust and BoI - have closed over the last decade. Ulster had 90 branches 10 years ago and now has 44, Danske, still named Northern at the start of the decade, has dropped from 72 to 42, while AIB has shuttered half its outlets, from 30 to 15. The BoI closures, which will bring the number down from the current 28 to 13, will begin in June and continue to "the end of 2021", with more specific dates for branches released "in due course". Expand Close Bank of Ireland closures across Northern Ireland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bank of Ireland closures across Northern Ireland Mr Pollen, of the FSB, added: "This decision has been met with shock and disappointment from Bank of Ireland's small business customers. "While we accept that banking practices are changing, the decision by Bank of Ireland to close more than half of its Northern Ireland branches effectively removes choice from large swathes of customers who wish to bank in a branch rather than online. "The commitment to 'one branch per county' does little to provide reassurance of their long-term commitment to customers. "While Bank of Ireland have cited the availability of services to be delivered in Post Offices, these very often lack the privacy and familiarity which a small business owner develops with their local bank branch and which they need to operate effectively." Francesca McDonagh, chief executive of BoI, which reported a net loss of 742m (642m) for 2020, said "the trend to digital banking has been evident, with customers using branches less and less". "Covid-19 has accelerated this changing behaviour, and we've seen a seismic shift towards digital banking over the past 12 months," Ms McDonagh told the Irish Times, while also announcing the bank's UK headquarters will relocate from London to Belfast. In a statement, the company added: "Digital banking is growing fast, while branch footfall is dropping sharply. We've now reached a tipping point between online and offline banking, and that's why we've announced changes to our branch network. However, our agreement with the Post Office means we continue to protect local access to physical banking for those who want it. "We know news like this can cause concern for some customers. We're not making these changes immediately, giving us time to communicate fully with all our customers about every option available to them - online, in an alternative Bank of Ireland branch, or at a local post office." SDLP economy spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin described the decision as "deeply concerning". "Bank of Ireland's review of its operations in Northern Ireland has caused anxiety for staff and personal and business customers," she said. "I am deeply concerned at the implications of the decision to cut back its branch network which will have a devastating impact for staff, customers and also the high streets where these operate." Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts added: "The closure of these 15 branches will have a negative impact on our local high streets with less footfall for nearby retailers when lockdown ends. "I have also particular concerns of the impact on rural communities, with further reduced ATM provision and the ability to access cash. "Our high streets face a huge task in recovering with so many businesses closing their doors which will lead to a growing problem of dereliction and shuttered shops." I searched in vain for the slightest sliver of optimism during last weeks storms. It was always a futile quest as nature unleashed incessant torrents of sheeting rain, leaving fresh frog spawn ravaged in roaring streams and early daffodils battered by relentless gales. The midweek bottle of wine was gratefully uncorked an hour earlier after overflowing storm drains and a howling souwester became the orchestral tempo dictating our drenched tango from car seat to front door. And then, at the lowest moment of this dusky deluge, salvation arrived unexpectedly in the form of a smooth Pierce Brosnan, extolling the glorious virtues of Ireland. Though just an early advert aimed at the post-pandemic tourist hordes, it hit like a blissful gut punch as the scenic glory of our green and pleasant isle beamed forth in all its stunning shades. Gulping another healthy slurp of Chateau dAldi, I was paraphrasing Shakespeare as staggering drone footage of the Skelligs unfolded: This earth of majesty, the envy of less happier lands, this blessed plot, this Ireland. Indeed such a tearful response was all the more impressive considering how easily my everyday cynicism can be rendered into a blubbing mass when confronted with the scenic glory of this island we call home. When Scarlett OHaras father intoned in Gone With The Wind, It will come to you, this love of the land, theres no getting away from it if youre Irish, he was speaking directly to me. Effective though stars like Brosnan, Liam Neeson, Jeff Goldblum and Peter Ustinov have been at preaching the joys of our Wild Atlantic Way, they take a distant second place to the captivating power of blockbuster movies filmed here. On a trip up Croagh Patrick a few years ago, I fell in step with an elderly American from Tennessee whod seen The Quiet Man as a kid and spent a lifetime waiting to walk the same roads as John Wayne and Maureen OHara. He made an entertaining companion on the slow pull up the holy mountain, reciting many of the films iconic lines, including that beauty from Barry Fitzgerald: Is this a courting or a donnybrook? Have the good manners not to hit the man until hes your husband and entitled to hit you back. Hollywoods love of Ireland down the decades has delivered a gigantic ka-ching! to our tourism cash registers, as epics like Ryans Daughter, Brooklyn, Dancing At Lughnasa and Star Wars have filled countless 747s with visitors keen to taste the magic seen on screen. Even the bloody portrayals of war in Braveheart and Saving Private Ryan became tourism touchstones for the set jetting generation keen to see where Mel Gibson and Steven Spielberg led the Irish Army to victory. For millions of movie fans, a compelling film creates an emotional pull factor to destinations unknown prior to their two hours in the dark of the cinema. As karma would have it, my channel hopping during the worst evening of last weeks storms landed fortuitously on Barry Lyndon a personal favourite above any film made on these shores. Released this month 45 years ago, it remains director Stanley Kubricks masterpiece and arguably the most extraordinarily elegant three-hour advert for Ireland. Adapted from Thackerays 1844 satirical novel about a fortune-hunting Irish rogue and his colourful ascendancy into the English aristocracy, it ranges across the luscious landscapes of Wicklow, Meath and Tipperary all to a soulful soundtrack of Schubert, Handel and Vivaldi. Suddenly the wind and rain battering the windows were silenced as I was lulled into the celluloid wizardry of a fantasy Ireland. No art passes our conscience in the way film does, the great Ingmar Bergman described this magic. It goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls. Bengaluru, Feb 28 : On the occasion of National Science Day, young emerging scientists from fields as diverse as nuclear medicine, physics, earth sciences, innovation and management came together for a conversation with global humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The event was hosted by The Art of Living's Sri Sri Institute of Advanced Research (SSIAR). Some of the other esteemed guest scientists present in the event included Vikram Vishal, Associate Professor, Earth Sciences, IIT Bombay; Suruchi Jain, Assistant Professor, Nuclear Medicine, AIIMS Bhopal; Jyothsana Komaragiri, Assistant Professor, CHEP, IISc; Ajinkya Navare, Assistant Professor, OB and HRM, IIM Jammu; Ramesh Soni, Co-founder and CEO, Vayu-Jal Technologies; and Divya Kanchibotla, Executive Director, SSIAR. In his address, Ravi Shankar spoke about the natural temperament for science in every child, and how drawing from this fact, texts like Upanishads (ancient Vedic texts) started with questions or enquiries, and encouraged people to ask questions. He mentioned that in the ancient times, science and spirituality were never in conflict in the east, unlike in the occident. He cited an example from the Upanishads of a child going to his father and asking about the Brahman. Step by step, the father nudges the son to find the answer through analysis of assumptions and then coming to conclusions, this being the pedagogy of ancient systems of knowledge, something that is common with modern sciences. In response to a question by Komaragiri, who is working with CERN Collider, about how the visible universe as we know it is just 5 per cent and the rest is dark matter or dark energy and what ancient scriptures say about it, Ravi Shankar pointed out that, on very similar lines, the world of names and forms (nama and roopa) of everything visible or measureable was called 'Maya', or that which doesn't have existence of its own. So when the matter is looked into with some depth, it is found to be full of space (shunya). That field of energy that appears to be "shunya" is not empty, but full of "Chaitanya", he explained. He also mentioned that 'knowingness' has been considered as a "tattva" which brings change or transformation in the visible universe, in line with many modern experiments that talk about how the act of observation changes the object observed. Ravi Shankar also spoke about the 'Nasadiya Suktas' (hymn of creation, verses from Rig Veda) that talk about the cosmic origins. "The civilisation that gave the world the concept of zero cannot be frivolous or unrefined," he said. Replying to a question by Vishal from IIT Bombay, on the need to stop rampant exploitation of natural resources for sustainable development and sustainable future, Ravi Shankar pointed out that the current generation is more aware about the issues facing them, and are much less consumerist than the previous ones. To an issue raised by Suruchi from AIIMS Bhopal, Ravi Shankar encouraged people from both allopathic and Indian system of healing like Ayurveda and Siddha to work together, keeping their prejudices aside. "At SSIAR, we would like to use the opportunity of the National Science Day to encourage more and more people to take up research in the ancient knowledge system and to bring about the scientific validation of these systems," said Divya Kanchibotla, executive director, SSIAR. New Delhi: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday (March 1) in Patna. The Chief Minister also celebrates his birthday on March 1. News agency ANI shared pictures of the Chief Minister being inoculated in Patna, Bihar. Bihar: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took his first dose of #COVID19Vaccine today in Patna. pic.twitter.com/G9r3FvLESf ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2021 Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Chief Minister on his birthday over social media. The Prime Minister also praised him for undertaking numerous measures for the development of the state. Janata Dal (United) workers are celebrating Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars 70th birthday as Vikas Diwas across the state. The party workers distributed laddus (sweets), notebooks, pencils and milk among the poor. The workers also offered prayers at Mahavir Temple near Station Golambar in Patna. They will also cut a 70-pound cake at the party's headquarters in the state capital and will offer milk to his picture. Besides this, all party workers will gather at their respective polling booths to celebrate the leaders birthday. Live TV AUSTIN, Minn. - An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. That's according to the U.S. Department of State. Minnesota lawmakers are trying to crack down on the issue. A new bill could give law enforcement extra resources. The Minnesota Public Safety Committee recently heard a bill aimed at fighting sex trafficking. It would require the police officer standards and training board to develop a model policy for law enforcement when investigating human trafficking cases. This would educate and give law enforcement better tools and training to address the issue. Rep. Patricia Mueller is the chief author of the bill. "The post-board would create this model policy and then our local agencies would then have to adopt this policy or something very similar to it, said Mueller. Sex trafficking is an issue that doesnt just plague big cities but also small cities like Austin. She says only 17 percent of local agencies have written policy on how to investigate sex trafficking. Local activist Danielle Nesvold is backing Mueller on her fight. She says the issue plagues Austin and continues to grow. A 2019 Minnesota student survey conducted by Safe Harbor found that 5,000 students from ages 15 to 19 have disclosed trading sex for food or shelter. "That's a very high number and we did this campaign to create awareness, said Nesvold. A lot of people see things they what to know what do we do next and a lot of time we tell them to contact local law enforcement. So how can our local law enforcement proceed? Both women say that it will take a community effort to stop human sex trafficking and this bill is another step in the right direction. The schools superintendent for Sussex County is advising local districts to hold off making any major decisions, pending an anticipated update on social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 protocols from the state. An email from Gayle Carrick, the executive county superintendent, to local superintendents in Sussex last week was publicly shared by the superintendent in one district where some parents have been pushing for full-time, in-person instruction. It emerged into public view as a growing number of school districts, including Mount Olive in Morris County, announced timeframes for returning to full-time instruction. Carrick recounted in her email questions from local superintendents that she said had been forwarded to three county health officers in Morris and Warren, in addition to Sussex for review. One question sought to define whether social distancing requires students, or desks, to be spaced at least six feet apart. Another focused on plexiglass barriers and whether their use could reduce the required 6-foot distance. A third sought recommendations for students eating lunch in the same room or cafeteria. In her email, shared by Frankford Superintendent Braden Hirsch with parents in the K-8 district, Carrick stated that the state health department may be providing updated guidance this week. I recommend that you hold off making any major decisions until said guidance is issued, Carrick wrote in her email. The state heath department did not respond to a message from NJ Advance Media. Carrick referred a request for comment to the state education department, whose spokesperson said Friday night that decisions on reopening classrooms remain up to local school districts. The decision to safely return to in-person instruction is made at the local school-district level, in close consultation with the local health department, said the spokesperson, Michael Yaple. Yaple, though, noted a significant development from earlier Friday the statewide coronavirus activity level dropping from high to moderate for the first time since early November. He stated that the downgrade can change the guidance that districts receive from their local health departments. The Department of Educations county offices regularly receive inquiries from local school officials, and the Department works to keep school officials informed and aware of developments. We assist districts in their efforts to safely return to in-person instruction, and we try keep the lines of communication open, Yaple said. In Vernon, the largest municipality in Sussex County, school officials are planning for full-time, in-person instruction starting April 12, the first day back after spring break ends. Vernon Superintendent Karen DAvino said it helps that the K-12 districts schools were built to handle a much larger capacity than is currently needed. A steady decline in enrollment had reduced the student population from 4,800 to about 3,000, she said. DAvino, though, said some classes will need to be moved to larger rooms, and that tables will be used for outdoor lunches instead of cafeterias. Thats another reason we chose April 12, DAvino said, alluding to the expected onset of warmer weather. Vernon, like Frankford, is on a hybrid schedule, and DAvino said she agreed that additional guidance on social distancing would be helpful. In the meantime, parents in Frankford a rural municipality with a single school building for students in kindergarten through 8th grade are left trying to figure out what might be next. The Frankford Township School is currently operating under a hybrid schedule, in which students receive up to two days per week of in-person instruction unless opting for all-remote learning. Jaime Dirkson, a parent of two children in the schools, said the district sent out a survey on Friday asking if they would accept a full-time, in-person instruction even if it meant that six feet of social distancing might not be possible at all times. Dirkson, who was planning to organize a rally outside the school building on Saturday, said she wants her children back in school full-time. Were very unhappy. We feel out superintendent isnt doing enough. He keeps saying his hands are tied, Dirkson said. Hirsch did not respond to a request for comment. Documented examples of coronavirus spread inside school buildings remains low in New Jersey. The state last Tuesday reported an additional eight new in-school outbreaks, bringing the total during the 2020-21 school year to 152 outbreaks and 737 cases involving students, teachers or other employees. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Veteran Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon will use an event to mark the 25th anniversary of John Howards first election win as leader to urge his party to learn from Australias second-longest-serving prime minister and broaden its electoral appeal. The outspoken backbencher, who quit the frontbench last year following 18 months of disagreement over the oppositions policy direction on energy, tax and climate change, will warn his colleagues against repeating past mistakes of underestimating their opponent. Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon will say the lesson to learn from the Howard government is that to be a successful party of government in a two-party system, you must build a broad coalition of community support. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen He will say Labor keeps losing elections because it has developed a form of institutional elitism, fuelled by an unhealthy belief in its intellectual and moral superiority. [Prime Minister] Scott Morrison is the latest to benefit from Labors failure to take its main opponent sufficiently seriously, Mr Fitzgibbon says in a draft version of the speech to be delivered on Tuesday. 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. Australia's medical regulator will be batch testing the first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine this week with the aim of rolling it out from March 8. The first 30,000 doses landed in Sydney on Sunday, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed as a new milestone for Australia's vaccine rollout. The Therapeutic Goods Administration will now batch test the first shipment to ensure it meets Australia's strict quality standards. Scott Morrison (pictured) has announced a Covid-19 milestone as 30,000 doses of the AstraZenaca version land in Sydney on Sunday Australia's medical regulator will be batch testing the first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 (pictured) vaccine this week with the aim of rolling it out from March 8 Bio-tech giant CSL will manufacture 50 million doses of this vaccine which most Australians will receive. Australia started its vaccine program last week with the first injections of the Pfizer vaccine. Almost 30,000 Australians had been vaccinated since last Monday, including 8110 aged care and disability residents throughout 117 care facilities. Meanwhile, the government has kicked off a second $31 million public information campaign on the COVID-19 vaccination program. The government's initial advertising campaign launched in January focused on informing the Australian community about the TGA's world-leading independent approval process. Bio-tech giant CSL will manufacture 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (pictured) which most Australians will receive 'The advertising is important, so people understand how the vaccination program is operating, how they can find out when it will be their turn and answer any questions they have about the vaccines,' Health Minister Greg Hunt said. He said a myth busting unit has also been quietly set up within Home Affairs in cooperation with the Health Department to stamp out information that is 'plainly ridiculous', like 5G theories. 'We don't want to give too much air to some of the silliest ideas but we do want to provide public reassurance to combat in the marketplace on those ideas which would in any way falsely have some impact on public confidence,' Mr Hunt said. Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has put in place a so-called hotspot definition for the Auckland region, which will be reviewed every 72 hours. People from the rest of New Zealand can continue to fly to Australia without the need for a 14 day quarantine. There were no new virus cases reported across Australia on Sunday. 30,000 Aussies have been vaccinated since last Monday, including 8110 aged care and disability residents. Pictured: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Sydney Sen. Cassidy Claims Trump Wont Be GOP Nominee in 2024 Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Sunday alleged former President Donald Trump will not be the Republican presidential nominee in 2024. I dont think Donald Trumpone, he will be 78 years oldbut I dont think he will be our nominee, Cassidy said on CNNs State of the Union. Over the last four years, we have lost the House, the Senate, and the presidency. Political campaigns are about winning. Our agenda does not move forward unless we win. We need a candidate who cannot only win himself or herself, but we also have to have someone who lifts all boats. And thats clearly not happened over the last four years, he added. The narrative was presented differently by Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who appeared on ABCs This Week, another Sunday show. After calling Trump very popular among Republicans, Portman added: I do think that the policies are whats even more popular and thats why Republicans actually did pretty well in 2020. Other than at the presidential level, as you know, not a single House Republican lost. In fact, 15 seats were picked up in the House. That was unexpected. We did better in the Senate than was expected. We picked up some statehouses, unexpected. Cassidy declined to answer whether he thinks Trump is fit to be president again, calling the query a theoretical that I dont think will come to pass. Cassidy was one of seven Senate Republicans to vote last month to convict Trump on a charge of incitement of insurrection. But Trump was acquitted because the other 43 GOP members voted against the conviction and a supermajority was required to convict. All seven have faced blowback from within their party, with many being censured by county or state GOPs. Cassidy was censured by the Louisiana Republican Party shortly after the vote. Cassidy made similar remarks to his Sunday comments two days prior. I dont think President Trump is going to be our nominee. You are asking me a theoretical, and I reject the premise of it. You can pick many reasons, among them being his age, but I dont think he will be a presidential nominee. So I dont think that will be an issue that I have to face, he said on Fox Business Varney & Co. Former President Donald Trump addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 28, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has become increasingly critical of Trump, said last week hed support the former president if he won the 2024 nomination. Trump, meanwhile, on Sunday suggested voters reject Cassidy and the other Republican lawmakers who voted against him, including the 10 House members. Get rid of them all, he told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, in his first post-office speech. I will be actively working to elect strong, tough, and smart Republican leaders. RINOs will destroy the Republican Party and the American workers, he added, referring to Republicans in Name Only, a derogative term used by conservatives to deride Republicans who they feel arent actually conservative. In a straw poll at the conference, Trump proved to be the most popular candidate for the GOPs 2024 nomination, beating Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, among others. Former Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region, Hon. Baba Jamal has frowned upon the entertaining of homosexual activities in the country, describing the act as worse than armed robbery. According to the Deputy Director of Legal Affairs for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), the actors involved in the practice of LGBTQ, an initialism for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning, intend to win the hearts of the future of Ghana, the youth; thus making them more dangerous than armed robbery. This is even worse than armed robbery because they are coming to steal our little ones and destroy them for us. They are coming to steal the youth and mess their future for them. We recently saw in a video one young man in pampers because of gay and is this something we should entertain in this country?, he quizzed. Speaking on Okay FMs Ade Akye Abia Morning Show, Hon Baba Jamal dismissed suggestions that anti-LGBTQ+ proponents are espousing hate by their comments and actions. Nobody should sit somewhere to make it look like we are joking. Lets say it as it is so that whoever is engaging in homosexuality can seek help. Nobody is inciting hate but we are rather saying it as it is... Our beliefs in the country make it clear that homosexuality is an abomination and so we cannot tolerate it in the country. We are saying it as it is and so this is not hatred as some people want to create that impression, he said. Perhaps to show the level of abhorrence Ghanaians have for the practice, Baba Jamal indicated his readiness to offer these LGBTQ actors a place in Nima (a predominantly Muslim community), a suburb of Accra to set up an office to operate their abominable activities. If they are brave enough, I will offer a place for them in Nima to operate. If they will be there the next day, only time will tell, he sarcastically stated. Watch Video Below 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 Those who believe that marriage is a union between a man and a woman to form a family with offspring assert that gays and lesbians should not marry, given the impossibility of fertilization between two people of the same sex. If the objective of marriage were offspring, the impossibility of having progeny would invalidate the legalization of unions between homosexual couples, but it would also illegitimate all those between all heterosexual couples who cannot or do not want to have children. Traditional unions do not guarantee reproduction The current Family Code, which defines marriage as "a union, voluntarily entered into between a man and a woman who are legally qualified to do so, in order to live together," does not even cit offspring as its objective, which is really saying something. If Cuban heterosexual couples were told that they can only marry if they are going to have children, surely their answer would not differ much from that of the LGBTI community rights activist Juana Mora: "People get married because they love each other and want to be together." Activist Raul Soublett, from Alianza Afrocubana, points to the fact that traditional unions do not guarantee reproduction, "as evidenced by the low birth rate we have here in Cuba." Marriage, as an institution, entails a series of rights, such as adoption, which homosexual couples have not yet enjoyed. A person may only be adopted by more than one individual when the adopters union has been formalized through marriage, or judicially recognized. Article 101 of the current Family Code states that: "The spouses will carry out the adoption jointly. However, one of the spouses may adopt the other's child if the father or mother of the minor to be adopted consents, has died, has been deprived of parental authority, or is unknown. No one can be adopted by more than one person, unless they are spouses." In June 2020 the Cuban digital magazine for the empowerment of the LGBTI community, Q de Cuir, published a story that a couple made up of a Cuban woman and an American one had managed to register their son. On the birth certificate issued by the Ministry of Justice, both are listed as mothers. Although the story is encouraging for lesbian couples in Cuba, it also reflects the impossibility of two women having access to assisted reproduction on the island. "Paulo was born in Florida, where her mother, Hope, is from, and where they managed to access the assisted reproduction service after verifying that in Cuba any procedure of this type was impossible for a couple of women," the note explains. If both women had been Cuban residents, and unable to travel abroad to use this service, they would not have been able to have their child. No right to inheritance or joint property Other guarantees that depend on the formalization of a relationship through marriage or judicial recognition are joint property and inheritances. In Cuba, gay and lesbian couples are also excluded from these. In Juana Mora's view, this is one of the reasons why marriage between people of the same sex should be approved. "There are many homosexual couples in which one of the two people dies and the family expels the other from the house because they have no rights, even if the relationship was a long one. The worst thing is that many times the family has disowned the deceased. In cases of separation, as there is no joint property, one of the two can be left out in the cold," she explains. "Churches and hetero-patriarchal society have hijacked marriage" Some people, including Christians, believe that homosexual couples should be given some kind of legal recognition that guarantees their right to joint property and inheritances, but not the right to marry. Would there be less opposition in Cuba to the approval of common law unions than to same-sex marriage? Should the LGBTI community settle for these unions? "I think that, as activists, we are all convinced that we are striving for marriage," says Lidia Moreno, a lawyer and activist for the rights of the LGBTI community and women. "We are not accepting de facto unions. Although the de facto union entails the same rights in terms of adoption and assisted reproduction, it is one more crumb (). Give me the same rights, and then I'll decide (). For example, I myself am against marriage, but I defend it as a right." Raul Soublett believes that both marriage and de facto unions should be approved. "Not all people want to get married. What's not right is for de facto unions to be approved for people in the LGBTI community, and marriage being just for heterosexual people. That segregation would mean categorizing people from the LGBTI community as second-class citizens. It's discriminatory." Juana Mora believes that "churches and hetero patriarchal society have hijacked marriage" and cites a slogan of the state National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX): "All rights for all people." "We totally agree with that slogan. When CENESEX does something wrong we criticize it, but when it does something right, we recognize it. Marriage must be a right for everyone. Afterwards each person can decide whether they want to marry or not," says Mora. At a time when the new text of the Family Code is allegedly less than a month away, legislation that is supposed to include the admission of equal marriage, and is the only law on the Legislative Schedule that will be submitted to a referendum, the issue is absent from the regime's media. Meanwhile, the Cuban LGBTI is conducting its activism mainly on social media. Posts on Facebook, such as that of former deputy Luis Angel Adan Robles, show that the group is well aware that rights do not just fall from the sky. Kathmandu, March 1 The government and the private sector have partnered to conduct a qualitative and quantitative study on the status of manufacturing industries in Nepal. The Department of Industry under the government and the umbrella organisation of the private sector, the Federation of the Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, signed an agreement in this regard today. The departments Director-General Jeev Lal Bhusal and the FNCCI President Shekhar Golchha signed the deal. As per the agreement, both the organisations will collect data about small, medium, and big-scale manufacturing enterprises. Then, jointly, they will try to address problems and challenges of the operation of such companies, explore opportunities in the sector, and promote industrial good governance. They have agreed both the government and the FNCCI will jointly own the intellectual property right over the study report. The two sides have formed a six-member task force to facilitate the partnership. 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 head of the UN's nuclear watchdog says the agencys inspection work in Iran cannot become a "bargaining chip" in talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal with world powers. "The inspection work of the IAEA must be preserved[and] should not be put in the middle of a negotiating table as a bargaining chip," International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi told a press conference on March 1 at the start of the agencys quarterly board of governors meeting in Vienna. Last week, Tehran began restricting some international inspections in a move aimed at putting further pressure on the United States and other parties to the nuclear agreement to get Washington to lift U.S. sanctions on Iran. However, under a temporary deal worked out during a trip to Tehran by Grossi, some access was preserved. Grossi on March 1 described the suspension of the inspections as a "huge loss." When asked if the IAEA could still reassure the international community that the Iranian nuclear program was exclusively peaceful, he replied: "So far, so good." Tensions have soared since the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear accord with Iran in 2018 and reimposed crippling economic sanctions to force Iran to renegotiate the pact. Iran retaliated by rolling back a number of key commitments to the deal. The new administration of President Joe Biden has expressed intent to rejoin the agreement, but it insists Tehran must return to full compliance. Iran, which has always denied pursuing nuclear weapons, first wants sanctions to be lifted. With reporting by AFP and AP It has now been one month since Myanmar's military seized power in a coup. Pro-democracy protesters are fighting on despite the deadliest weekend so far. CBS News Asia correspondent Ramy Inocencio joins "CBSN AM" with the latest. Video Transcript - The US State Department and the United Nations are condemning the rise in violence in Myanmar. Riot police killed at least 18 demonstrators yesterday in the deadliest day yet of the military coup. According to the UN, soldiers and police fired live ammunition into crowds in several cities, wounding dozens. But that hasn't stopped pro-democracy demonstrators from taking to the streets. Ramy Inocencio has the latest. RAMY INOCENIO: Pro-democracy protesters threw Molotov cocktails at police in Yangon, Myanmar's most populous city. Elsewhere, they put out smoking tear gas canisters fired by security forces. Hundreds of thousands of people on Sunday called for the military junta to free Aung San Suu Kyi. This was their answer. This man along with several others shot dead in the Southeast town of Dawei. A bullet pierced through this man's back and stomach. His lifeless body rushed into an ambulance. Everyone fighting for Aung San Suu Kyi. The 75-year-old Nobel laureate finally appeared in court Monday via video conference, charged with two new violations-- inciting public unrest and violating communications laws. Her lawyer told CBS News the charges are political. What do the military leaders want? - To erase her from the political scene of the country. RAMY INOCENIO: Do you have any fear that she might spend the rest of her life in prison? - She will be a martyr. RAMY INOCENIO: Already the memorials and martyrs are starting to rise where pro-democracy protesters fell. More funerals to fire up anger against Myanmar's military that so many want buried instead. - So, Ramy, is joining us now with more on this. Ramy, what sparked this sort of ratcheting up of violence this weekend? RAMY INOCENIO: Sure. You know, Emery, there's not one immediate cause, per se, as to why this violence sparked. But it's been this growing tension between the pro-democracy protesters and the security forces. Defiance on the protesters side-- look, we're now one month into this coup. They have been clamoring, demanding for Aung San Suu Kyi to be released by the military junta. Story continues But on their side, the military leaders basically have doubled down. And they also gave the security officials a cover last week saying, listen, if you continue to protest on the streets, then we will make sure that you suffer a loss of life. So that is what we saw on Sunday with at least 18 people reportedly killed, according to the United Nations. According to some other sources, though they put it to a higher in the 20s maybe even the 30s range. But, you know, just trying to put this into context. Too, as to how long this might go, looking at it, it's almost as if we're seeing Hong Kong in 2019 or Hong Kong in 2014 because that has been such a prolonged state of affairs for both of those times. We're just one month in. We're seeing that Aung San Suu Kyi really could be detained for the next year if some people are correct in their estimates. So we still may be just in the beginning days. - Wow. And that was sort of going to be my question is we see in your story how they managed to find two more charges to sort of stick to her, and that seems to be a little bit of the MO to sort of dig up more charges. Is there a court date scheduled at all? RAMY INOCENIO: Sure. There is a court date, March 15. So just two weeks from now. The question though is, what will happen, then, in terms of potentially new charges? You were just saying that two new charges came up today. Perhaps, that's no surprise to people watching because the idea here is just to prolong Aung San Suu Kyi's offenses, charges, allegations to try to make this go on as long as possible. Just a little bit of detail with those charges as well. One relates to the publication of information that could cause fear or alarm. Now when you're looking at everything, you know, for example, that we just broadcasted in that package just now. That's a lot of fear and alarm, but that's not coming from Aung San Suu Kyi. That's coming because of the violence between the protesters, as well as the security officials there. Another allegation is that Aung San Suu Kyi is being charged with a violation of telecommunications laws regarding some licenses. Now with her lawyer, he did push back and say, listen, this is all just political, just trying to sideline Aung San Suu Kyi so that hopefully, at least from their side, she never regains power, that she potentially never is able to run, and she can't be the country's top military leader. - The Association of Southeast Asian Nation's foreign ministers are set to hold a very special meeting tomorrow. I can imagine that Myanmar's neighbors are watching this unfold closely and with concern. What can you tell us about that meeting? RAMY INOCENIO: Sure. ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, 10 member intergovernmental body, they're all trying to basically reign in Myanmar to pull back from-- I want to say brink, but it really is past the brink now, isn't it? But in terms of their requests, we might even say demands, it's a very diplomatic body. So I would say these requests were coming in. For example, the release the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi. The immediate de-escalation of the bloodshed, of the violence that security officials have been wielding against the protesters. And also, a return to the path to democracy. But they also said that this needs to happen only with the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the president, Win Myint, and the more than 400 pro-democracy leaders, activists, and allies that up until now and for the past month have all been rounded up and are still detained. - Ramy, thank you very much for doing this. It's really important to get sort of that background information and details that you can't always get just from the story. Thank you very much. RAMY INOCENIO: You bet. Thank you. New Delhi, March 1 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday filed a charge sheet against three extremists of Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC) and their three firms in a case of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) of Jharkhand for collecting funds through extortion from coal traders, coal transporters and contractors in Magadh Amrapali Coal Block area of Jharkhand. An ED official here said that the agency filed a charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Binod Kumar Ganjhu and his firm Bhogta Constructions,Pradeep Ram and his firm Pradeep Traders, BindeshwarGanjhu aka Bindu Ganjhu and his firm Maa Gange Coal Trading Pvt. Ltd. The charge sheet was filed at a Special PMLA court in Jharkhand's Ranchi The ED registered a case of money laundering on the basis of FIR and charge sheet filed by Jharkhand Police. The NIA is also probing the case and it has filed two chargesheets against Binod Kumar Ganjhu and others. The official said that during the ED probe, it was revealed that these extremists used to collect levy from transporters and delivery order holders in Magadh Amrapali Coal block area under the banner of TPC in Chatra and Hazaribagh districts of Jharkhand. He said that the accused extremists acquired assets to a tune of Rs 4.92 crore consisting of three immovable properties at Hazaribagh district and various movable properties in form of vehicles, bank balances and cash. The official said that assets worth Rs 2.89 crore belonging to these extremists of TPC and their firms were already attached earlier in this case. The agency also attached movable assets in form of vehicles worth Rs 2.03 crore, taking the total attachment to the tune of Rs 4.92 crore. No less than 45 organizations from around the world are calling on seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton to speak out against Saudi Arabias human rights abuses and boycott the Grand Prix that will be held in Jeddah. Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for Black Lives Matter and was the driving force for Formula 1s End Racism campaign throughout the 2020 season. He also expressed concern for Bahraini torture victims prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix last year. Now, organizations including Codepink, Alliance for Global Justice, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain, and International Service for Human Rights, have sent a letter to Hamilton asking him to speak out against Saudi Arabia and the nations Grand Prix thats scheduled to take place on December 3-5. "Hamilton has shown time and time again that he cares deeply for people around the world," the Yemen Campaign Coordinator for Codepink, Danaka Katovich said in a statement. "I hope he is compelled to stand with Saudi human rights defenders like Loujain AlHathloul. The most decorated Formula 1 driver in the history of the sport demanding freedom for activists and justice for Yemen would certainly speak volumes to the world." In the letter, the organizations speak about the detention and treatment of womens rights defenders like Loujain AlHathloul as well as the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2019. They also outline how the leaders of Saudi Arabia are waging a war on Yemen in what the UN calls the worlds worst humanitarian crisis." "As organizations concerned deeply with the human rights abuses carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we ask that you reconsider your participation in the upcoming race being hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2021," the letter reads. "If this is not possible due to prior commitments, we ask that you make a statement at this race." Formula 1 announced that Saudi Arabia would be hosting a race during the 2021 season in early November 2020. At the time, Hamilton was pressed to comment on the race. He admitted that he needed to know more about Saudi Arabias alleged human rights violations before speaking about them. Let me be really clear: Its not up to me to decide whether anyone should join a union. But let me be even more clear: Its not up to an employer to decide that either, Biden said in a direct-to-camera video produced by the White House and given first to Bloomberg News. The choice to join a union is up to the workers full stop, full stop. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 01.03.21: The rumors about possible clashes intensified when it became known that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan would hold a rally on Monday in Yerevan, while an opposition Homeland Salvation Movement convened a rally at 6 pm on Baghramyan Avenue. The situation in Armenia is tense as Armenian President Armen Sarkissian had refused to fire the head of the countrys armed forces on Saturday, intensifying a standoff between Pashinyan and the army over what Pashinyan said was an attempted coup to remove him. Pashinyan dismissed Chief of General Staff Onik Gasparyan on Thursday, but his sacking needed the formal approval of the president. According to the constitution, Sarkissian now has two choices: either to sign the decree or to challenge it in the Constitutional Court, for which he has time until tomorrow. Following the latest developments, on Sunday afternoon, Nikol Pashinyan presented the agenda of his March 1 rally live on Facebook. Pashinyan did not hide that the march in memory of the victims of March 1 will actually be a demonstration of the people's support for his government. He also promised to address the question of whether the crime of March 1, 2008 has been revealed or not. At least 10 people were killed in clashes between the police and protesters in 2008 following disputed elections. The current opposition described this step as an initiative of civil clashes, even leading to the new March 1. A large-scale rally organized by the Homeland Salvation Movement kicked off in front of the Armenian parliament building on Monday at 6 pm. Participants demanded the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, express their full support to the General Staff of the Armed Forces. An unprecedented number of police troops have been concentrated at Republic Square in Yerevan. Armenian News- NEWS.ams correspondent reports that the police have paved the way for Nikol Pashinyan to pass. Since yesterday, the presses, Telegram channels and social networks have been spreading information according to the which the authorities have been actively using administrative resources to make sure there are masses at Nikol Pashinyans rally. According to information, regional authorities were assigned to ensure maximum participation of the regions populations through village heads and school principals. During conversations with media outlets, citizens from provinces admitted that they had been brought in buses. Some protesters even noted that they had been taken to the buses to take part in the meeting in support of Pashinyan. Meanwhile, the Russian Wargonzo Telegram channel reported that Turkish media submitted an application to cover Pashinyan's rally in Yerevan and were going to enter Armenia via Georgia. Certain state bodies of Armenia reprtedly agreed to the arrival of Turkish journalists, but the Russian side was against it. Meanwhile, Lifenews wrote that a group of 13 Turkish special forces crossed the Armenian border through Georgia and is now in Armenia. According to the source, this group should coordinate and directly participate in the process of dismissing Chief of General Staff Onik Gasparyan and other key generals. The Armenian national security service has denied the reports. A sitting of the Security Council chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was held Monday - the external and internal security challenges were discussed. Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Onik Gasparyan and President Armen Sarkissian did not take part in the sitting. The President's Office clarified that Sarkissian was invited to the sitting of the Security Council, but did not participate in the sitting due to health issues. After the meeting, the Security Council issued a statement calling on the President to comply with the Prime Minister's motion to dismiss the Chief of General Staff and to sign a decree submitted by PM Pashinyan. Shortly afterward, the Security Council released an edited version of the text. The first version stated that the Armenian President was not obliged to oppose the PMs proposal to dismiss the Chief of General Staff, while the edited version, noted that the president has a discretionary alternative authority to dismiss the chief of staff. Meanwhile, ruling My Step MP Vahagn Hovakimyan has hinted that it is possible that their faction will initiate the process of ousting Armen Sarkissian on the grounds of gross violation of the Constitution. The opposition described Hovakimyan's statement as a threat. By the way, a remarkable turn took place in the history of Russia-made Iskander, which caused all this internal political tension. Nikol Pashinyan, who questioned the efficiency of Iskander changed his opinion after a phone talk with Vladimir Putin. According to his spokesman Mane Gevorgyan, the PM came to the conclusion that he had not been properly informed about the situation. There is no doubt about the fact that Russian weapons are among the best in the world, the spokesperson noted quoting the PM. President Armen Sarkissian and PM Nikol Pashinyan met Monday. The sides met amid Sarkissians health issues. The two also reflected on the political situation in the country. Other reports being disseminated are absolutely false and an attempt to further aggravate the already tense situation," the president's office added. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Electrical Engineering Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 191 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 191 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Electrical Engineering Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-electrical-engineering-degree-programs/ 2021 Electrical Engineering Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American Public University System Andrews University Arizona State University Brown University California Institute of Technology Carnegie Mellon University Christian Brothers University Clarkson University Clemson University Colorado School Of Mines Columbia University Cornell University Duke University Eastern New Mexico University Excelsior College Florida International University Georgia Institute of Technology Grantham University Harvard University Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana State University Johns Hopkins University Kennesaw State University Lafayette College Lamar University Lawrence Technological University LeTourneau University Morgan State University National University New Jersey Institute of Technology Oakland University Old Dominion University Princeton University Purdue University Stanford University State University of New York, Stony Brook Stevens Institute of Technology University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of Colorado, Boulder University of Houston University of Idaho University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Michigan University of Michigan, Dearborn University of North Dakota University Of Pennsylvania University of Texas, Austin Virginia Tech Wayne State University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. (@ChaudhryMAli88) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st March, 2021) The head of the Venezuelan mission to the European Union, Claudia Salerno Caldera, will stay in Brussels after being declared persona non grata, as she remains the Venezuelan ambassador to Belgium, European Commission Spokesperson Nabila Massrali said on Monday. On February 26, the EU declared the head of the Venezuelan diplomatic mission persona non grata, responding to a similar move by Venezuela. "The ambassador is the Venezuelan ambassador to the EU and also the ambassador to Belgium, and it is up to the Belgian authorities to decide whether she should be leaving the territory or not. She was accredited to both the EU and Belgium," Massrali said at a briefing. 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. NASHVILLE The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) will celebrate Weights and Measures week March 1-7, 2021. The week focuses on the importance of accurate weights and measures in commerce for consumers and for businesses. Our inspectors work to protect consumers at the fuel pump, at the grocery store, and at other locations such as the airport where scales are used to determine luggage weight, Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. Inspectors follow nationally adopted best practices and adhere to the highest standards. TDA certifies any scales that are used for commercial businesses to keep the marketplace fair and honest. In addition to testing gas pumps and grocery store scales, weights and measures officials are responsible for UPC price verification scanner inspections, and checking signage, advertisements, and price calculations at retailers. As part of the Consumer and Industry Services Division, the Weights and Measures Section includes the Johnson Metrology Laboratory that maintains and houses the primary standards of mass, volume, and length for the State of Tennessee. The lab offers calibration services using the most current equipment and testing capabilities. Each fiscal year, Weights and Measures inspectors verify that the fuel being sold to drivers meets quality standards. From July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, Tennessee conducted 6,034 pump inspections on approximately 94,000 fuel pumps; 4,869 scale inspections on approximately 18,695 small to large capacity scales; 4,299 fuel tank inspections against contamination; and collected 7,460 fuel samples from 205,668,497 gallons of fuel being offered for sale. Weights and Measures Week is celebrated each year to commemorate John Adams signing the first U.S. weights and measures law on March 2, 1799. Tennessee is a member of the National Conference on Weights and Measures. NCWM has developed national weights and measures standards since 1905. (ANSA) - MILAN, FEB 23 - Italian police on Tuesday carried out 37 drugs arrests between Italy and Albania in a major probe into two trafficking gangs which were smashed by Milan police, judicial sources said. Italian and Albanians in the two gangs imported "huge" quantities of cocaine, hashish and marijuana into Lombardy and then distributed them across Italy, police said. The operation deployed flying squads in Milan, Bergamo, Brindisi, Lodi, Pavia, Reggio Calabria, Reggio Emilia, Rome and Varese. Police also seized two pieces of real estate in Milan, a company, three scooters, two motorcycles and nine cars in the op. A probe preceding Tuesday's operation led to the arrest of 'prison killer' Santo Tucci, police told a press conference. Other leaders of the gangs were Agatino Maurizio Scollo, 61, and Pietro Amante, 73, police said. The gangs operate out of a dairy in Milan. During the course of the probe, police seized over four kilos of cocaine, 35 kilos of hashish and 52 kilos of marijuana, as well as 260,000 euros in cash and two pistols. (ANSA). London, March 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :Britain on Monday appealed for a person infected with a powerful Covid-19 strain from Brazil to come forward as experts fretted about its impact on new vaccines. The public appeal came a week before England is due to start unwinding its third Covid lockdown, with progress hinging on the vaccines' ability to curtail the pandemic. The variant that emerged in Manaus, northern Brazil, has been detected in six people in the UK, one of whom cannot be located after they failed to fill in their contact details on a form after taking their coronavirus test. "We are working with several data points to try and locate them, not least, of course, to try and highlight anyone who has had a test on (February) 12 to come forward if they haven't had a result," vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi told BBC television. He said community-wide "surge testing" was starting in South Gloucestershire, western England, after two of the Manaus cases were confirmed there. Experts warned that based on data from Brazil, the variant was both more transmissible and better at evading antibodies than the UK's predominant strain which emerged in the southeastern county of Kent last September. Danny Altmann, professor of immunology at Imperial College in London, said the public should feel "somewhat worried but not total panic" about the emergence in Britain of the Manaus variant. "It's not that all immunity is gone, it's that the vaccines look so much less potent, so there'll be more people who have low antibody responses where it can break through and get affected," he told Times Radio. "It all comes back much harder." In mid-January, Britain banned flights from South America including Brazil. But the new cases arrived on a flight from Sao Paulo via Zurich around February 10, triggering complaints from opposition parties about gaps in the border protection regime. Britain has Europe's highest death toll from the Covid pandemic. On Sunday the government said it had given more than 20 million people at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, providing some hope that the end is in sight -- unless new strains take hold. Next Monday, schools across England are due to reopen to pupils for classroom teaching as part of a staggered return to normality over the coming months. The Super MILLION$ Week kicked off at GGPoker with a bang on Sunday with seven events, each guaranteed at least a $1 million prize pool, as part of the 30-event schedule taking place from Feb. 28 to March 7 including Day 1a of the Global MILLION$ $10,300 Main Event. The festival guarantees at least $30 million in prizes with $10 million slated for the Super MILLION$ Main Event alone. The massive Main Event guarantee could be just a place holder if Day 1a is any indication as the first of the four opening flights in the Main Event attracted 307 entrants to contribute $3,070,000 for nearly 31 percent of the guarantee. By the end of the day, which featured 22 blind levels of 20-minutes each, just 41 of the players survived with Italy's Luigi "shadinho94" Shehadeh, playing at GGPoker under a Tunisian flag, easily ending Day 1a as the chip leader after parlaying his 100,000 opening stack more than 27-fold into a 2,705,791 in chips. Shehadeh is no stranger to big events with more than $900,000 in live cashes according to The Hendon Mob. His success at GGPoker is double that with nearly $1.8 million in cashes heading into tonight's Day 1a. Shehadeh was in the chip lead for the final few blind levels and this was even before he won a massive pot against Alexandros Kolonias where both players got their big stacks in the pot in with a full house. Shehadeh's full house was better and Kolonias, who was sitting pretty at the time, was unable to advance on Day 1a into Day 2. While Shehadeh may steal the headlines as the runaway Day 1a chip leader, several other players bagged at least seven figure stacks including Pavlo Vekslar (1,617,522), Adrian Mateos (1,563,606), Stoyan "UncleToni" Obreshkov (1,453,081), Benjamin "Geraaaard" Chalot (1,420,915), Jason Koon (1,303,951), Ole Schemion (1,265,515), and Vicent Bosca Ramon (1,235,557). Other players virtually bagging above average stacks included Sami Kelopuro, Bert Stevens, Sebastian "Weizen" Gaehl, and Ben Ward with other notables including Matthias Eibinger, Joao Vieira, Jorma Nututinen, Joakim Andersson, Connor Drinan, Andras Nemeth, Dan Smith, Marius Gierse, Damian Salas, Timothy Adams, and Samuel Vousden also advancing. Not everything worked out for many of the players in the Day 1a field including for GGPoker Ambassador Fedor Holz. Near the end of the day, Holz called off with king-queen and was left with crumbs after Stoyan "UncleToni" Obreshkov got there with ten-eight suited. Holz was unable to mount a comeback and will have to re-enter on Day 1b (March 2), Day 1c (March 6), and/or Day 1d (March 7) to have a chance to advance to Day 2. Fedor Holz just missed the cut on Day 1a Top Ten Stacks of Day 1a Place Player Country Chips Day 2 Big Blinds 1 Luigi "shadinho94" Shehadeh Italy 2,705,791 135 2 Pavlo Veksler Ukraine 1,617,522 81 3 Adrian Mateos Spain 1,563,606 78 4 Stoyan "UncleToni" Obreshkov Bulgaria 1,453,081 73 5 Benjamin "Geraaaard" Chalot France 1,420,915 71 6 Jason Koon United States 1,303,951 65 7 Ole Schemion Germany 1,265,515 63 8 Vicent Bosca Ramon Spain 1,235,557 62 9 EL TZOGADOR Israel 907,609 45 10 Sami Kelopuro Finland 898,170 45 Day 1b Next The tournament will resume with Day 1b on March 2 at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST). Two more opening flights will take place at the same time on March 6 and March 7 with all surviving players advancing to Day 2 on March 8. Surviving opening flight players will then battle it out on Day 2 on Monday, March 8 at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST) and conclude when just nine players remain. Randy "nanonoko" Lew and Kevin "RotterdaM" van der Kooi will host a live stream of the final table when it kicks off the following day at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST) at the GGPoker YouTube channel. This dynamic duo will also be commentating on the final table of another big event in the $2.5 million guaranteed Event #6: $25,500 Super High Roller on March 2 at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST). Of course, the PokerNews Live Reporting team will also be on hand to cover these events and more, so be sure to stay tuned. Follow PokerNews Live Coverage of Five Events PokerNews will not only be live reporting the Main Event from start to finish but also four other huge events at the dedicated GGPoker Super MILLION$ Hub as follows: Date Time (GMT) Event Buy-in GTD Feb. 28 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1a $10,300 $10,000,000 7 p.m. Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME Day 1 $1,050 $1,000,000 8 p.m. Event #6: Super High Roller Day 1 $25,500 $2,500,000 March 1 6 p.m. Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME Day 2 - $1,000,000 March 2 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1b $10,300 $10,000,000 6 p.m. Event #6: Super High Roller Day 1 - $2,500,000 March 4 7 p.m. Event #17: High Roller $10,300 $1,000,000 March 6 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1c $10,300 $10,000,000 March 7 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1d $10,300 $10,000,000 8 p.m. Event #30: Super High Roller $25,500 $2,500,000 March 8 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 2 - $10,000,000 9-Mar 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Final Table - $10,000,000 GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week Schedule Date Time (GMT) Event Buy-in GTD Feb. 28 5 p.m. Event #1: GGMasters High Rollers $1,050 $1,000,000 5:30 p.m. Event #2: Bounty Hunters HR Main Event $525 $1,000,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1a $10,300 $10,000,000 6:10 p.m. Event #3: PLO High Roller $10,300 $1,000,000 7 p.m. Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME $1,050 $1,000,000 7:30 p.m. Event #5: Sunday 500 Special Edition $5,250 $1,000,000 8 p.m. Event #6: Super High Roller $25,500 $2,500,000 March 1 5:30 p.m. Event #7: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #8: Monday Main Event $1,050 $400,000 7 p.m. Event #9: Bounty $2,100 $600,000 March 2 5:30 p.m. Event #10: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #11: Super Tuesday $1,050 $500,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1b $10,300 $10,000,000 March 3 5:30 p.m. Event #12: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #13: Wednesday Main Event $1,050 $500,000 7 p.m. Event #14: PLO $5,250 $250,000 March 4 5:30 p.m. Event #15: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #16: Thursday Thriller $1,050 $500,000 7 p.m. Event #17: High Roller $10,300 $1,000,000 March 5 5:30 p.m. Event #18: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #19: Friday Main Event $1,050 $250,000 7 p.m. Event #20: Short Deck High Roller $10,300 $250,000 March 6 5:30 p.m. Event #21: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #22: Saturday Main Event $1,050 $300,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1c $10,300 $10,000,000 7 p.m. Event #23: Mini Super MILLION$ $108 $250,000 7 p.m. Event #24: Bounty High Roller $5,250 $500,000 March 7 5 p.m. Event #25: GGMasters High Rollers $1,050 $1,000,000 5:30 p.m. Event #26: Bounty Hunters HR Main Event $525 $1,000,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1d $10,300 $10,000,000 6:10 p.m. Event #27: PLO Bounty $5,250 $500,000 7 p.m. Event #28: Sunday High Rollers ME $1,050 $1,000,000 7:30 p.m. Event #29: Sunday 500 $5,250 $500,000 8 p.m. Event #30: Super High Roller $25,500 $2,500,000 March 8 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 2 - $10,000,000 Boost Your Bankroll With the GGPoker Welcome Package Dont have an account? Download GGPoker via PokerNews to grab your lucrative 200 percent welcome bonus worth up to $600 on your first deposit. The bonus releases into your account in $10 increments each time you earn 6,000 Fish Buffet Points, which is the equivalent of $60 in rake or tournament fees. The chairmen of National Australia Bank, Suncorp Group and Newcrest Mining have thrown their support behind further government help for struggling industries such as aviation, tourism and education, as the end of the JobKeeper scheme looms. With JobKeeper to be removed at the end of this month, the business leaders told a conference on Monday that some of the hardest-hit sectors would not return to normal anytime soon, underlining the need for more assistance. NAB chairman Phil Chronican Credit:Paul Jeffers NAB chairman Phil Chronican said Australias economy as a whole was recovering from the shock of COVID-19, but the growth would not be evenly spread, singling out tourism, hotels, entertainment, aviation and education as particularly challenged. Mr Chronican said these sectors needed targeted support to allow companies to re-position themselves. I think there was a bit of a narrative this time last year that this was going to be a short, sharp hibernation and wed all come back. And I think what weve learnt is that were going to come back, but were going to come back in a different form, Mr Chronican said at an Australian Institute of Company Directors conference. Writer Beer & Society There is nothing that cannot be discussed and worked out over a beer. Join me as I explore local beer, breweries and how they can civilize us. The United States on Sunday (local time) called on Beijing to release pro-democratic leaders detained in Hong Kong, who are charged under the stringent national security law, over their participation in a primary election for the now-postponed Legislative Council election. "We join the community in urging Beijing and authorities to release pan-democratic candidates detained in Further proof the national security law is really meant to stifle dissent and undermine Hong Kong's autonomy," Ned Price, the US State Department spokesperson said in a tweet. This comes after the police charged 47 pro-democracy activists under the national security law on Sunday over participation in a primary election for the now-postponed Legislative Council election, Hong Kong Free Press reported. While condemning the detention of the leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for their immediate release. The US stands with the people of Hong Kong, Blinken added. "We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release. Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The U.S. stands with the people of Hong Kong," Blinken tweeted. So far, Hong Kong Police have arrested 55 of the city's pro-democracy campaigners in a series of dawn raids last month. imposed the draconian National Security Law in Hong Kong last year. The law criminalises secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces and carries with it strict prison terms. It came into effect from July 1, 2020. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Kim Jae-heun Samsung Electronics announced Thursday that four additional young leaders will join Generation17, its joint initiative with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate progress towards achieving the latter's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, the SDGs are an urgent call for action around the world to build peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030. "We are proud to expand our mission and use our global reach and purposeful innovations to support a new group of inspirational young activists, who once again share to deliver meaningful solutions that bring communities together," said Stephanie Choi, senior vice president and head of marketing at Samsung Electronics' Mobile Communications Business. "These four leaders are integral members of the Galaxy community, and they have our full support and encouragement to continue rallying us all to advance the Global Goals and help build a better future for everyone." This group of Generation17 Young Leaders is made up of four visionaries combating inequality and human rights issues and educating their generation on the SDGs across Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. Daniel Calarco, 23, is a human rights activist from Brazil who founded the International Youth Watch to create better opportunities for young people from marginalized communities. Nadine Khaouli, 25, is a community activist from Lebanon who leads disaster relief efforts for the country in response to the 2020 Beirut Port explosion and the COVID-19 pandemic through her organization Kafe be Kafak. Choi Ye-jin, 26, is a cognitive therapist turned CEO from Korea who founded DoBrain, an AI-based mobile app that aims to improve early education for children with disabilities. Yurii Romashko, 28, is a transparency advocate from Ukraine, who founded the think tank Institute of Analysis and Advocacy that empowers his community to make more informed, evidence-based decisions in their daily lives. Over the next year, the introduction of these new agents of change will strengthen the initiative's inclusivity and broaden its global scale, as they spearhead previously unaddressed yet critical issues across the SDGs, according to Samsung Electronics. "The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened generational divides around the world, and, now more than ever, it's important that younger generations have the opportunities and resources to be heard and to be active participants in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda," UNDP administrator Achim Steiner said. "Together with Samsung, we are supporting more change-makers as they build sustainable policies, communities and progress during this pivotal time. I look forward to working with this group of young leaders and exploring new paths for a green and equitable recovery." Bond is the fourth executive convicted after a five-year Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into Monaco-based consultancy Unaoil , which uncovered bribes of more than $US17 million ($21.9 million) to secure contracts worth $US1.7 billion for Unaoil and its Western, blue-chip clients. Iraqi civilians and US soldiers pull down a statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad in 2003. Credit:Jerome Delay Paul Bond, 68, was found guilty of two counts of bribery after a retrial at Londons Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday. His sentencing hearing was delayed after the judge developed COVID-19 symptoms and self-isolated. London: A former sales manager of Dutch energy services company SBM Offshore has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail after being convicted by a London jury of bribing public officials to win oil contracts in post-occupation Iraq. Prosecutors had said that Unaoil employees worked on behalf of SBM Offshore and with Bond to pay more than $US900,000 in bribes to Iraqi public officials at Iraqs South Oil Company and the Ministry of Oil to win a $US55 million contract for offshore mooring buoys by skewing a competitive tender in their favour. Basil Al Jarah, Unaoils former Iraq partner, was last year sentenced to three years and four months in jail after pleading guilty to five bribery counts in 2019. Unaoils former territory managers for Iraq Ziad Akle and Stephen Whiteley received five and three-year sentences respectively. Loading The SFO investigation originally centred on the prominent Ahsani family, which ran Unaoil. However, failed extradition attempts culminating in a clash in Italy with US prosecutors over the extradition of Saman Ahsani in 2018 scuppered the British agencys attempts to pursue prosecution in Britain. In October 2019 Saman Ahsani and his brother Cyrus pleaded guilty in the United States to being part of a 17-year scheme to pay millions of dollars in bribes to officials in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. Their father and Unaoil founder, Ata Ahsani, has not been prosecuted. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. After three straight days of issues with the District of Columbias online vaccination registration, the Redmond, Washington-based technology company released a statement along with the city government acknowledging that our efforts have fallen short and vowing to address the problems. We understand the frustration of individuals who attempted to utilize the Districts vaccination appointment portal this week, they said. We are committed to address technical issues so that the vaccination appointment portal is properly functional and accessible. The issues in DC represent another black eye for Microsoft, which has heavily touted its software as a way to help with rapid vaccine deployment and scheduling. In the past several years, the software giant has increasingly focused on health care and hospital systems as customers for its cloud and artificial intelligence systems, including releasing a cloud software package tailored to the industry last year. Frustrated users of the system took to Twitter to voice a litany of complaints, including Captcha response tests not working, error messages saying the service was unavailable and web page crashes. It was a deeply frustrating experience, said Adam Beitman, 36, who spent 40 minutes trying to use the website after learning his asthma qualified as a pre-existing condition. Its unclear how a website could be this dysfunctional. I dont even know if I got the appointment or not. ALSO READ: Microsoft, Cigna form coalition for digital records of COVID-19 vaccine The office of Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser referred questions about the specific cause of the problems to the citys health department, which didnt respond to emails and voice messages seeking comment. Very Frustrating We know this morning was very frustrating for many people, DC Health said on Twitter Thursday. We are working with Microsoft to understand why heavy traffic caused some eligible individuals to not get through. Vincent Gray, a member of the Council of the District of Columbia who chairs the committee on health, said he plans to hold a hearing March 4 to investigate the problems. The problems follow glitches with the Microsoft system that has led at least one state to cancel a contract with the technology company. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said earlier this month the state was backing out of a plan to use Microsofts software for registering patients and scheduling Covid-19 vaccinations after learning more about the breadth of Microsofts solution and reviewing the challenges faced by some other states. In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy complained about significant glitches in the states Microsoft-built vaccination scheduling system, which was marred by problems for weeks after it was rolled out. By Ari Natter and Dina Bass Actor Ng Man-tat was equally popular in mainland China. South China Morning Post Legendary Hong Kong actor Ng Man-tat, best known for co-starring alongside "king of comedy" Stephen Chow Sing-chi in many popular films, died on Saturday afternoon of liver cancer. He was 70. Ng's friend, Tenky Tin Kai-man, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, said the famous actor died peacefully at Tai Wai's Union Hospital at 5.16pm, accompanied by his children and wife. "He left peacefully," Tin said at the hospital. "He died in his sleep." Tin said earlier in the day Ng did not know his condition was so serious and had expected to recover. Ng was born in Xiamen, in southeastern China, in 1951, and came to Hong Kong at the age of five. In the 1970s he attended acting classes organised by Television Broadcasts, and was a classmate of Chow Yun-fat, another renowned actor. Ng Man-tat attended acting classes organised by Television Broadcasts in the 1970s. South China Morning Post He started drawing public attention for his roles in the television programme called Chor Lau-heung, which was first broadcast in 1979. His first film in 1981, Heroic Cops, was about illegal immigrants in Hong Kong. Just when Ng started rising to fame in the 1980s, he fell into a haze of drinking, gambling and womanising that left him with a debt of HK$300,000 (US$38,680). He sought help from his friend Chow Yun-fat, but was rejected. "I'd feel ashamed if I had to declare bankruptcy. I realised that I needed to figure a way out. I didn't dare telling my family at the beginning and so I went to find [Chow Yun-fat]," Ng said in an interview in mainland China some years ago. "He did quite well in Hong Kong. He was popular and had made a lot of money. I asked him to lend me HK$300,000 in the 1980s, but he would not do so. I was upset. He wouldn't lend me the money and wouldn't say why." He realised that Chow would not give him money because that would not ultimately help him. He declared bankruptcy, worked hard, and worked his way up again. He was later thankful that Chow did not lend him the money. Ng Man-tat died peacefully at Tai Wai's Union Hospital at 5.16pm, accompanied by his children and wife. South China Morning Post This week: Pitkin Countys front line workers are eligible for the COVID19 vaccine, but can your employer require you to get vaccinated? Also a look at the two back-to-back worldwide ski events Aspen is hosting beginning March 10. Host Alycin Bektesh is joined by Madeleine Osberger, Erica This article is published in partnership with the Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletter, or follow the Marshall Project on Facebook or Twitter. Larry London, who is incarcerated at Oshkosh Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, says he has counted numerous ambulances leaving the prison grounds as he watched from his cell window. Four of the 25 people behind bars who have died from COVID-19 in Wisconsin were housed in his facility. He knew two personally. Advertisement The prisons handling of the pandemic has given him another reason not to trust the prison or the medical staff, he said. Still, London says he is eager for the coronavirus vaccine. He is scared of dying in prison. Since the onset of this pandemic I have feared for my health and safety, he said. Advertisement Advertisement In roughly 35 states, people in prison could be among the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine. So far, roughly 63,000 incarcerated people across the country have been immunized, according to data compiled by the Marshall Project and the Associated Press. The Marshall Project surveyed incarcerated people in state and federal prisons In January and February to understand attitudes toward vaccination. The majority of the roughly 136 respondents said they would get vaccinated when they can. Even wary prisoners were open to vaccination, the Marshall Project survey showed. Most respondents said theyd get vaccinated if their questions were answered, if their friends and family said it was safe, or after guards received their immunizations first. Advertisement Yet prison officials will have to overcome numerous obstacles to vaccinate the roughly 1.2 million people imprisoned in the United States. Many respondents harbor a deep distrust of medical staff. Misinformation abounds, and officials have moved slowly to explain the vaccines benefits and risks. But the biggest barrier lies beyond prison walls. Public health officials have urged states to prioritize prisons and jails because they have been the epicenters of outbreaks. To date, roughly 381,000 incarcerated people have contracted the coronavirus, and more than 2,400 have died. But limited vaccine supplies and public resistance to allowing prisoners early access to the vaccine threaten to undermine their efforts. So far, only nine states have included incarcerated people in phase 1 of the vaccine rollout. Advertisement Advertisement The desperation borne out of a year in lockdown seems to be boosting incarcerated peoples interest in the COVID-19 vaccine, said Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, who leads the COVID Prison Project, which tracks correctional facilities responses to the pandemic. In Arizona, for example, Brinkley-Rubinstein said a systemwide survey showed that roughly 21,000 of the 38,000 people incarcerated in the state were willing to get a COVID-19. Only 4,000 said they would not take the vaccine. The rate of refusal is far lower than that for the flu vaccine, she noted. Brinkley-Rubinstein believes officials will have the best chance of overcoming vaccine hesitancy if they emphasize how the shots might improve living conditions for the incarcerated. Advertisement Christopher Dawson, incarcerated at Columbia Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, was one of many who described how COVID-19 has upended prison life. In his prison and others across the country, college classes or substance abuse treatment programs ended abruptly and lockdowns were imposed in attempts to stop the spread. Many prisoners have endured days and months on end in their cells. Many have not seen their families in nearly a year. This has been a horrible experience dealing with this virus inside of here, Dawson wrote. We never know what is happening from one day to the next. Advertisement The prison has haphazardly enforced social distancing and hygiene protocols, he said. The men arent getting any extra hand soap and can only disinfect their cells twice a week. Prison officials wont let them touch any workout equipment during rec time out of fear of spreading the virus. But the men are forced to shower shoulder to shoulder, Dawson said. Advertisement Dawson has some reservations about the vaccine but said he is willing to get vaccinated, so we can get back as close to normal as possible. Many doubt that a system that has historically shown such little regard for their well-being would suddenly offer them a potentially lifesaving vaccine. A spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections said that restrictions are a response to suspected outbreaks of the coronavirus and that as cases decline, they are loosened. Incarcerated people may express increased interest in the vaccine, but to get shots in arms, prison officials will have to overcome distrust of the medical system and its staff. Decades of subpar medical care have alienated those behind bars, leading many survey respondents to say they worry the medical staff may not properly store or handle the vaccine. At Gordon Correctional Center in Wisconsin, Johnnie Littlefield said he is wary of the medical staff. Littlefield says officials routinely ignore prisoners medical concerns, but if they do see a nurse, they give out ibuprofen for everything. Littlefield said he is still interested in being vaccinated so he can get back to working in the prisons work release program. Advertisement Advertisement Some worry theyd be left to languish in their cells if they had an adverse reaction to the vaccine. My biggest fear is that I get sick and dont get the proper medical treatment, wrote Robert Lovato, who is incarcerated in the Federal Correctional Institution, Tucson in Arizona. Many doubt that a system that has historically shown such little regard for their well-being would suddenly offer them a potentially lifesaving vaccine. More than half of the respondents said they dont believe the prison is acting in their best interest by making the vaccine available to prisoners. And few said they believe medical staff would provide accurate information about the vaccine. Nearly one-third of respondents said the vaccine is just another attempt to experiment on prisoners without their knowledge. Another third said they arent sure. Advertisement Today, research in prisons is tightly regulated. But experimentation on incarcerated people was much more permissible in previous decades. In 1963, for example, a team of researchers at the University of Washington set out to understand the effects of radiation on male reproductive function. The researchers used prisoners, exposing the test subjects scrotums to X-rays and requiring them to be sterilized in order to participate. Decades later, some of the men who participated in the experiment received a $2.4 million settlement as part of a class-action lawsuit against the university and the corrections department. Advertisement Advertisement Experimentation aside, the incarcerated are sometimes victims of coercive medical procedures. Between 2006 and 2010, nearly 150 women imprisoned in California were sterilized without proper consent, according to a 2013 investigation by the Center for Investigative Reporting. Advertisement Many incarcerated people dont know enough about the vaccine to make a decision about whether to take it, the survey showed. Many of the respondents raised basic questions about the vaccine: What are the long-term side effects? If I have had the virus, do I still need to be vaccinated? Can you still get COVID-19 after receiving the shots? Many respondents noted that guards have stoked fears over the vaccines safety by dramatizing the few instances in which people died after receiving it. Prison officials havent done enough to dispel the myths and provide basic information about the vaccine and its benefits and risks. Prison officials in some states have shared fact sheets and answered frequently asked questions about the vaccine. But most respondents said they get their information from the news and only trust information from family members. Advertisement In some cases, the information provided hasnt countered conspiracy theories about the virus and the vaccine. Several respondents believe the vaccine will alter their DNA. Some fear the virus was intentionally created to cull the population. Advertisement Public health experts say prison officials could learn from outside community outreach efforts that tap local leaders to encourage vaccinations in communities with low rates. Inside prison, officials could enlist prisoners regarded as leaders, such as lifers or even gang members. But pulling off a peer-led vaccination campaign is logistically difficult in prisons where the pandemic has limited movement. Some states have turned to staff instead. In Rhode Island, for example, two nurses have gone cell to cell to answer questions and get consent from all incarcerated people who are interested in being vaccinated. By mid-February, officials had immunized every interested prisoner, roughly 900 people. Advertisement Their success owes largely to long-standing relationships with the Department of Health and the trust of the incarcerated, said Justin Berk, the medical director for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. One of the nurses making the rounds has worked for years providing treatment for people struggling with opioid addiction, Berk said. Both have spent a lot of time with the incarcerated population and were the perfect people to be going cell to cell. This kind of high-touch process may work well in a small system but is harder to pull off in prison systems with thousands of prisoners. Rhode Island incarcerates roughly 1,800 people. California and Florida have prison populations nearly 50 times the size. Advertisement Elderly and medically vulnerable prisoners in California are beginning to be vaccinated, with mixed results, said Andrew Mendonsa, a psychologist at California State Prison in Sacramento. Staff have gone cell to cell to tally a refusal list. Those who say they dont want the vaccine receive one-on-one follow-up to answer any questions. Prisoners with intellectual disabilities also undergo a specialized consent process. Its a time-consuming operation, he says, and pandemic-induced staffing shortages have only added to the strain. Advertisement It feels like we are trying our hardest and we are putting all burners on high, Mendonsa said. And it still feels very fragile. All it takes is one bad batch to bring the vaccination efforts to a halt, Mendonsa said. In mid-January, California had to recall roughly 330,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine after a high number of people experienced allergic reactions. The recall paused vaccinations at community clinics as well as prisons and jails for several days, Mendonsa said. Nevertheless, vaccinations in the state continue apace: California has vaccinated more than 36,000 incarcerated people to date, according to data compiled by the Marshall Project and the Associated Press. Prison officials in many states are also offering incentives to prisoners who get vaccinated. In Virginia, for example, prison officials are offering free stamps and telephone credits in addition to care packages for anyone eligible and willing to get vaccinated. Eligible prisoners in North Carolina could leave prison five days earlier if they take the vaccine. And in Pennsylvania, people who get vaccinated could receive $25. Advertisement Advertisement State officials will determine when people in prison are offered the vaccine. But prioritizing people behind bars is politically controversial. Wisconsin state legislators are weighing a bill that would deprioritize incarcerated people from the first round of vaccinations. Colorado removed incarcerated people from the first phase of vaccinations after public backlash. Prisoners in Oregon werent included in the first round of immunizations until a judge ordered the state to prioritize them after several incarcerated people filed suit. Nine states havent included the incarcerated in their plans at all. Part of the problem, experts say, is a general hostility toward incarcerated people and a misperception that prisoners are not part of their home communities. There are ways to combat public opposition, said Charles Lee, president-elect of the American College of Correctional Physicians. We should be telling people: If we can protect the inmates, we can protect the workers, and if we can protect the workers, we can protect you. So when the guards go to Walmart and shop alongside you, they are not infected. We are doing it not instead of, but in addition to you. But that same hostility is deepening some peoples resistance to vaccination. James Ellis, who is incarcerated at Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio, says he does not want a vaccine. For one, Ellis says he has already had the coronavirus. But his bigger concern is prison officials motives. Many of the people he interacts with treat prisoners as if they are not human, he said. I dont have a lot of faith that people actually care about my wellbeing, Ellis wrote, using the prisons email system. Most think guys in prison are the scum of the earth, so its hard to feel good about people who think that low of me, and its hard to believe they are actually doing something for me thats in my best interest. Ariel Goodman contributed to this report. The pandemic is far from complete and the economic consequences of the plague will continue for years. Accordingly, it's nice to see locals helping each other and we hope it will continue over the long haul . . . Because it will have to. Read more . . . Nearly 2.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Pennsylvania and nearly 740,000 people are fully vaccinated, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said Monday. The two vaccines currently available in Pennsylvania, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, both require two shots. So far, 1,687,711 people have been given their first dose and 739,252 people have received their second shot and are considered fully vaccinated, the health department said. State officials say they are ramping up the COVID-19 vaccination effort, which has received criticism for moving too slowly. The state is in the earliest phase of the vaccine rollout, which has included health care workers, senior citizens and younger adults with certain high risk factors. Still, Pennsylvania trails other states in vaccinating senior citizens, a PennLive analysis has found. Over the weekend, federal regulators approved the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, a one-dose vaccine some health experts have said could be a game changer in the effort to suppress the virus. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine also can be stored and shipped more easily, expanding the number of places it can be offered, officials have said. And since it requires only one shot, health officials say it will help more people get fully vaccinated more quickly. As cases and hospitalizations have dropped in recent weeks, Gov. Tom Wolfs administration said Monday it was easing some capacity limits in outdoor and indoor venues. The health department reported a two-day total of 3,573 additional positive cases of COVID-19, raising the statewide total to 933,270. The figures reflect two days worth of data from the health department, which doesnt provide updated numbers on Sundays. Statewide, 1,720 patients are being treated for COVID-19 in hospitals, according to the health department. The number of hospitalizations has dropped sharply in recent weeks, after spiking to more than 6,300 in December. The department reported 26 additional deaths over the past two days (21 on Saturday and 5 on Sunday). Statewide, a total of 24,026 deaths in Pennsylvania have been tied to COVID-19, according to the health department. More than half of those deaths (12,454) have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. State House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff said Monday afternoon he is directing state House members to investigate the Wolf administrations oversight of nursing homes during the pandemic. More from PennLive Pursuit of COVID-19 vaccine devolves into hunger games for Pa. seniors Third US vaccine could raise question: Which shots are best? [March 01, 2021] Tauriga Sciences Inc. Showcases the Blister Pack Design for its 8th Tauri-Gum SKU, Golden Raspberry Flavor / Vitamin D3 Infused Each Piece of Chewing Gum is Infused with 50 Micrograms (ug) or 2,000 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) NEW YORK, NY, March 01, 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), additional product offerings, as well as an ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative, today showcased the Blister Pack design for its 8th Tauri-Gum SKU: Golden Raspberry Flavor / Infused with Vitamin D3 (D3 or Cholecalciferol). Each piece of chewing gum is in infused with 50 Micrograms (ug) or 2,000 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D3. The Company now has 3 distinct, Cannabinoid-Free SKUs of Tauri-Gum to complement its 5 SKUs of CBD & CBG infused products. These 3 complementary Cannabinoid-Free Tauri-Gum SKUs create significant potential opportunities for the Company. In other news, the Company can confirm that it has increased the CBD and CBG infusion concentrations to 25 Milligrams (mg) per piece of chewing gum. This takes effect immediately and is incorporated into the Companys current large production run (as referenced in its press release, dated: February 10, 2021). For this large production run (currently being completed), the Company has allocated $267,750. Lastly, the Company continues to experience overall strength and growth in its highest margin E-Commerce business segment. As of this morning, March 1, 2021, the Company received its 5,515th E-Commerce order. The Tauri-Gum Product Line now consists of 8 distinct SKUs: [3] Cannabidiol (CBD) Infused SKUs: (i) Color: Red - Pomegranate Flavor (10-25mg) (ii) Color: Orange - Blood Orange Flavor (10-25mg) (iii) Color: Blue - Mint Flavor (10-25mg) [2] Cannabigerol (CBG) Infused SKUs: (iv) Color: Yellow - Peach-Lemon Flavor (10-25mg) (v) Color: Purple - Black Currant Flavor (15-25mg) [3] Cannabinoid-Free (Vitamin C + Zinc, Caffeine, Vitamin D3) Infused SKUs: (vi) Color: Green - Pear Bellini Flavor (60mg Vitamin C + 10mg Zinc) (vii) Colo: Pink - Cherry Lime Rickey Flavor (50mg Caffeine) (viii) Color: Coral/Gold - Golden Raspberry Flavor (50ug or 2,000 IU) ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and initiatives. 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. 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 periodic 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 03_01_2021 PR Image [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Engel & Volkers Orlando - 2049 W Central Blvd Orlando, FL 32805 By partnering with Engel & Volkers, we will be able to provide exceptional client service and discretion using our expertise, to help the client with their unique real estate needs. Engel & Volkers Florida today announced its latest franchise expansion in Central Florida with Engel & Volkers Orlando; marking the brands fifth location in the region and 36th in the state. Local market experts Ahmed Elbatrawy and Eric L. Bolves, Esq will lead the new brokerage as License Partner and Managing Broker. The shop will be located at 2049 W Central Blvd. A grand opening is slated for later this year. Our mission is to provide our clients with the highest level of personal, professional service in the residential and commercial real estate industry, said Bolves. By partnering with Engel & Volkers, we will be able to provide exceptional service and discretion using our expertise to help our clientele with their unique real estate needs. Elbatrawy comes to Engel & Volkers from Coldwell Banker Realty Southwest Orlando, where he led the Orlando Future Team. Worldly and cultured, Elbatrawy is bilingual in English and Arabic which has been useful in conducting business all around the world, in places such as Dubai, Egypt, London, and Spain. Personally, Elbatrawy has been a multi-million dollar producer for the last twenty years. He specializes in the Orange County market, where home values have increased by nearly eight percent over the past year. Bolves is a rare combination of real estate broker and attorney at law. A graduate of University of Florida Levin College of Law, his law practice spans over 35 years. A third generation real estate professional, he understands how to best represent his real estate clients. He is also a member of the Residential Real Estate & Industry Liaison (RREIL) Committee and the Commercial Real Estate Committee of the Florida Bar. We are thrilled to expand our presence in Central Florida with Ahmed and Eric, said Peter Giese, Chief Growth Officer at Engel & Volkers Florida. Our core focus is on expanding into new markets throughout Florida with individuals who have a growth-orientated mindset and align with our core values. The Orlando area will continue to grow as a strong market for luxury primary residences and second homes that fit our clients lifestyles. Ahmed and Eric understand the nuances of the home buying and selling process in 2021; which includes all aspects of an individual's life and what communities their needs and desires. Bolves and Elbatrawy are actively recruiting talented local professionals to join their team of advisors. The pair have already managed to bring on five local agents including Mohamed Abdelmoshen, Jacob Anzani, Darwin Martinez, Shady Ramzy and Marion Saunders. With the addition of Engel & Volkers Orlando, the company now has five locations in the Central Florida area, including Clermont, Downtown Orlando, Winter Park and Windermere. Engel & Volkers Orlando will make a wonderful addition to our ever-growing network, said Timo Khammash, Managing Partner of Engel & Volkers Florida. Central Florida has a thriving real estate market, as evident by a surge in demand, record-breaking sales prices, local home values on the rise." Press contact: Linzee Werkmeister, Junior Vice President, Marketing & Franchise Support Email: Linzee.Werkmeister(at)evrealestate.com Tel: (239) 348-9000 About Engel & Volkers: Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a personalized client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today's savvy homeowner. Engel & Volkers currently operates approximately 225 shop locations with 4,500 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brand's global network of over 13,500 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit http://www.evrealestate.com. About Engel & Volkers Florida: Engel & Volkers Florida is the Master License Partner of the global luxury real estate brand Engel & Volkers in the state of Florida. Recognized for uniquely recruiting, training and equipping some of the top professionals in the real estate industry, Engel & Volkers Floridas exclusive franchise model positions its license partners at the top of the premium market to gain market share and support their bottom line. The company represents franchise locations in: 30A Beaches, Amelia Island, Belleair, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs-Estero, Cape Coral, Clermont, Delray Beach, Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Downtown, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jacksonville at Beaches Town Center, Jupiter, Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Melbourne Beachside, Melbourne Central, Melbourne Downtown, Miami Coconut Grove, Olde Naples, Orlando Downtown, Orlando-Winter Park, Palm Beach, Palm Coast, St. Augustine, St. Pete, Stuart, Wellington, and Windermere. Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing to strategically strengthen and expand its presence in premium real estate markets across the state of Florida. If you would like to know more about the Engel & Volkers brand or how to join its global networkwhich is known for demonstrating competence, exclusivity and passion, feel free to call our corporate office, located at 633 Tamiami Trl N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 USA. Tel: +1 239-348-9000. For more information about Engel & Volkers Florida, please visit https://florida.evrealestate.com/ I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared, Ms. Bennett said. And was wondering how I was going to get out of it and assumed it was the end of my job. After reporting her interactions with Mr. Cuomo in early June to his chief of staff, Jill DesRosiers, Ms. Bennett was quickly transferred to another job, in an office on the opposite side of the Capitol from the governor. No disciplinary action was taken against Mr. Cuomo, who has ruled New York for more than a decade. In a statement released on Sunday evening, Mr. Cuomo, 63, said that he had not made advances or inappropriately touched anybody. The governor, however, did address his own behavior, conceding that he had often teased and bantered with his underlings, being playful while working in what he called a very serious business. I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended, he said. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that. The governors apology was batted back by other New York Democrats, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, who said on Monday that the governors statement was not an apology, but rather an attempt to let himself off the hook. He seemed to be saying, Aw, I was just kidding around, Mr. de Blasio said. Sexual harassment isnt funny. Its serious and it has do be taken seriously. The mayor added that for women involved, the alleged incidents sounded pretty terrifying. If someone purposely tried to use their power to force a woman to have sex with them? Of course, thats someone who should no longer be in public service, Mr. de Blasio said. by Vladimir Rozanskij Moscow (AsiaNews) The first foreign trip by the new Kyrgyz head of state, Sadyr Zhaparov, was to Moscow to pay homage to Vladimir Putin. The Russian president complimented his new colleague and promised to reciprocate the visit with a trip to the former Soviet country, which according to Zhaparov "is always ready to collaborate with the Russian Federation". The meeting, which ended on February 24, allowed to discuss the supply of Sputnik-V vaccines to Bishkek, and a credit of 100 million dollars granted by the Kremlin to the Kyrgyz ally. Zhaparov also met with a large representation of Kyrgyz emigrants in Moscow, promising them exclusion from the "black list" of migrants in Russia, in order to obtain normal residence visas. The Kyrgyz president recommended that his fellow countrymen respect Russian laws, and announced the agreement on boosting communication, rail and air, channels which will facilitate relations between the two countries. Russian loans and investments are particularly necessary for Kyrgyzstan, in order not to totally succumb to the growth of the national debt, which is in part preponderant towards China. Overall, the Kyrgyz foreign debt reaches 5 billion dollars, of which over 40% depends on the Import-Export Bank of China. In the last decade, China has built a series of infrastructures in the Central Asian country as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Kyrgyz economy is immersed in a crisis, also due to the tragedy of Covid-19. In 2020, the country's GDP collapsed by 8.6%, and this casts doubt on the possibility of repaying not only debts, but also interest. Many in the Kyrgyz administration are proposing to sell off parts of state assets as a form of payment. Zhaparov himself, in an interview with the Kabar agency on February 13, said that "if we do not pay at least part of the debt in time, we will lose many elements of our national heritage". He blamed his predecessors for this situation, "but God willing we will get rid of these debts in time, we have plans to do so." So far, Beijing has shown ample willingness to extend the terms of some Kyrgyzstan's credits, as well as other countries in a similar situation, not in the form of charity, but by imposing rather complex forms of negotiations in this regard. According to experts, one of the objects of the latter would be the Kyrgyz iron field of Dzhetim-Too, of which Beijing would like to obtain exclusive extraction rights. Zhaparov is therefore called to a difficult task, in setting up the economic reforms he promised in the electoral campaign of recent months, and in the success of the equally heralded campaign against corruption. Not surprisingly, before his visit to Moscow, Zhaparov had a telephone conversation with Xi Jinping, in which the limits of the freedom of initiative of the Kyrgyz president, who was elected in the name of nationalist pride and denounces the policies of his predecessors, too subservient to Chinese interests. Both Beijing and Moscow are now expecting a return of the Central Asian country to greater political and social stability, with a view to ordering the spheres of influence and the economic and geopolitical sectors of interest of the two giants, between the Silk Roads and Eurasian Unions. The European Union-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) enters into force today, on March 1, 2021. It has been ratified by Armenia, all EU Member States and the European Parliament. According to the European Commission's press service, this represents an important milestone for EU-Armenia relations. The CEPA represents an "important milestone" in relations between the two sides, the EU said. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the agreement "sends a strong signal" that the EU and Armenia are committed to supporting democratic principles, the rule of law, and a broad reform agenda. "Across political, economic, trade, and other sectoral areas, our agreement aims to bring positive change to peoples lives, to overcome challenges to Armenias reforms agenda," Borrell said in a statement. The EU said the pact will strengthen ties on such issues as the economy, transport, digitalization, green energy, and the judicial system. "The agreement plays an important role for the modernization of Armenia, in particular through legislative approximation to EU norms in many sectors," RFE/RL cited him as saying. Both sides signed the agreement in November 2017 and it was subsequently ratified by Armenia, all EU member states, and the European Parliament. The agreement is a less ambitious alternative to an Association Agreement negotiated by Armenian and EU officials in 2013. Former Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian unexpectedly scuttled that deal in 2013 after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Yerevan. Armenia went on to join the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) trade bloc in 2015. CEPA does not include the removal of tariff barriers between Armenia and the EU due to Armenias membership in the EEU. For the first time as US president, Joe Biden ordered a series of US military strikes in Syria on Thursday February 25, against sites used by two Iranian-backed militia groups in response to rocket attacks on American forces in the region in the past two weeks. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the strikes took place "at President Biden's direction" and were authorized not just to respond to recent attacks against American and coalition forces, but to deal with "ongoing threats to those personnel." Kirby said that Biden conducted the strikes after consulting with US allies, including coalition partners. "Specifically the strikes destroyed multiple facilities located at a border control point used by a number of Iranian backed militant groups including Kait'ib Hezbollah and Kait'ib Sayyid al Shuhada," Kirbry said. Joe Biden orders military air strikes in Syria against Iran backed militia "The operation sends an unambiguous message; President Biden will act to protect American coalition personnel. At the same time, we have acted in a deliberate manner that aims to deescalate the overall situation in both Eastern Syria and Iraq." The site is believed to be used as part of a weapons smuggling operation by the militias. The decision to target the site in Syria was made from the "top down," a defense official said, and was not because of a specific recommendation from the military. The strikes come as US and Iran position themselves for negotiations about Iran's nuclear program, an already complicated fragile situation. 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 Democrat Marcus Flowers knows the odds are against his bid to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene in her ruby-red northwest Georgia district. But he made clear in the rollout of his congressional campaign that he's faced plenty of harrowing challenges before. The political newcomer unveiled his campaign Monday with a splashy video that sharply contrasts himself with Greene, the disgraced freshman legislator stripped of her committee assignments by her House colleagues for her embrace of hateful and dangerous conspiracy theories. Flowers outlines a background that included overcoming a troubled childhood, serving in the U.S. Army and then years as a military contractor with "top-secret clearance" in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan before deciding to compete for the seat. "I've spent my life serving my country in combat zones across the world. But I never thought I'd see one here in the United States," he said in the video, which shows images of the Jan. 6 insurrection egged on by lies about systemic voter fraud promoted by former President Donald Trump and echoed by Greene. "Her twisted conspiracy theories might have made her famous, but they haven't done a damn thing to help the people here in our district." Sparked by Greene's polarizing persona, the race for the seat is fast getting crowded. Flowers is one of at least four Democrats who have filed paperwork to challenge Greene, and several Republicans are eyeing the race as well. They see an opening after Greene was exiled from two committees in an extraordinary rebuke last month for her support of extremist ideology, which has included support for the QAnon conspiracy, remarks suggesting the Sept. 11 attacks were plotted by the government and claims that a Jewish cabal used an orbital laser beam to spark a deadly wildfire. She renounced some of her claims in a House speech last month and told reporters she apologizes for "saying all those things that are wrong and offensive." She also said her demotion has "freed" her up to push far-right conservative policies around the nation. Heading into the 2022 election, Greene is heavily favored to carry the 14th district, which spans from Atlanta's northwestern exurbs through the rural corner of the state. The contours are sure to be revised, however, when legislators redraw the district later this year with new Census data. Flowers contended he had a shot no matter how the district looks. He said the district's voters didn't have a true choice last year because the Democratic nominee dropped out shortly before the election. "I am running to give people a choice," Flowers said. "A choice between chaos and stability. A choice of someone who thinks Sept. 11 was a hoax, and someone who was serving our country on Sept. 11 and then spent the next 10 years in war zones." He said residents in the district, now dotted with billboards calling for Greene to resign, are "hip to her game" and want an effective lawmaker in Congress. "I'm tired of politicians treating fellow Americans like the enemy just because of different political views," Flowers said. "I've actually seen the enemy up close. When we work together, Americans are the solution, not the problem." This article is written by Greg Bluestein from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com. NEW DELHI: Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh has lodged a complaint against a few people at Lucknow's Gomti Nagar police station in Uttar Pradesh. The actor in his complaint alleged a threat to his life and demanded action from the police. A popular Bhojpuri actor, Singh alleged that some people have been posting objectionable videos on social media with an intention to tarnish his image. It is to be noted that Pawan Singh, who originally hails from Bihar's Ara, has been in Lucknow since February 20 where he has been shooting for a film. It is to be noted that Singh only recently completed the first schedule shooting of his upcoming mega-budget film 'Mera Bharat Mahan'. The film has been shot at various locations of Jaunpur and Lucknow. Made under the banner of V Pranjal Films Creations Private Limited, the film 'Mera Bharat Mahan' has been produced by Satyajit Rai and Bipul Rai. It has been directed by Devendra Tiwari. Bhojpuri veteran actor turned politician Ravi Kishan will also be seen in this mega-budget entertainer. In a big news for Bhojpuri cinema lovers, they will get to see two huge Bhojpuri stars sharing the screen together after a long time. The film also features three Bhojpuri leading ladies including Anjana Singh, Mani Bhattacharya and Garima Parihar. GlobeNewswire NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN. CNOVA N.V. Cnova intends to increase its capital to fund accelerated growth Cnova (Cdiscounts holding company) accelerates the development of its successful e-commerce platform and targets global expansion of its tech-enabled B2B solutions for marketplaces powered by its subsidiary Octopia. Cnova N.V. is a leading European tech player with its e-commerce platform Cdiscount and its global innovative tech-enabled ecosystem of marketplaces with OctopiaCnova already achieved 4.2bn of GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume), 2.2bn of net sales and an EBITDA of 133m (+62.5% growth and reaching 6.0% of net sales) in 2020Encouraged by a strong start of the year with its growing marketplace, digital marketing, and tech-enabled B2B services, Cnova expects an EBITDA of 160m this year, a 20%+ increase versus 2020, and c.100% increase versus 2019Leveraging further its unique digital assets, Cnova offers through Octopia full B2B marketplace solutions, unlocking global growth potential By 2025, the company aims to reach a total GMV above 12bn, fueled by Octopia and by the continuously growing marketplace activityCnova is targeting a placement of c.300 million of new shares to fund its accelerated growth and a potential secondary offering in addition to further increase its free float by year-end, subject to market conditions AMSTERDAM June 1, 2021, 08:30 CET Cnova N.V. (Euronext Paris: CNV; ISIN: NL0010949392) (Cnova) today announced its plan to increase its capital to fund its accelerated growth prospects. Over the past years, on the back of the sustained growth of the e-commerce sales channel, Cnova achieved significant growth and margin expansion, demonstrating the strength of its positioning as the French champion and a European leader in e-commerce. In 2020, Cnova achieved 4.2bn of GMV, 2.2bn of net sales and an EBITDA of 133m (growing +62.5% and reaching 6.0% of net sales), with strong growth and improving profitability continuing into 2021 year-to-date.Marketplace with its strong digital marketing capabilities was at the heart of this profitable growth, with its GMV increasing by 22%, and representing 44% of total GMV. The number of merchants grew at 15% to 13,000 and the assortment at 33% to 100m products. Cnova has a clear ambition to become a leading global end-to-end player, retailer and provider of technology solutions across the e-commerce marketplace ecosystem. Leveraging on the strategic assets built over the last 10 years, including marketplace capabilities, digital marketing expertise, differentiated logistics and technological know-how, Cnova, is now also providing through Octopia a full marketplace solution, including tech platform, merchant and product base and fulfilment capabilities, and presenting both e-retailers and merchants with a winning proposition. Octopia will unlock significant growth potential and enhance the groups profitability. As of March 31, 2021, Cnovas marketplace represented 46% of GMV, and Octopia achieved +86% year-on-year growth in the first quarter, with 518 website clients across Europe. In particular, Octopia signed in a leading EMEA retailer client over that period and launched its first marketplace in April 2021. Cnova stands ready to accelerate rapidly its growth taking advantage of the strong momentum in both its marketplace and tech-enabled B2B services platform Octopia. The company is targeting for 2021 an EBITDA of 160m this year, a 20%+ increase versus 2020, and c.100% increase versus 2019. By 2025, the company aims a total GMV above 12bn, fueled by Octopia and by the continuously growing marketplace activity. To fund its accelerated growth, Cnova is considering a c.300m private placement to be launched by the end of the year, subject to market conditions. Proceeds will fund the international deployment of the Group and strengthen its tech leadership. In addition, certain existing shareholders of Cnova may decide to sell a portion of their shares to further increase the free float. Groupe Casino intends to remain the companys majority shareholder. Leveraging our strong foundations as a leading e-commerce platform, our clear ambition is to become the first global marketplace ecosystem leader. The ramp up of Octopia is accelerating and promising. The capital increase we are envisaging will provide Cnova with the full capacity to achieve our mission and develop a decentralized network of independent marketplaces powered by Cnovas know-how and existing unique assets, said Emmanuel Grenier, Cnovas CEO. Cnova will host an analyst presentation on June 7, 2021 at 8:30 am CET. *** About Cnova N.V. Cnova N.V. is a leading European e-commerce platform with 4.2bn of GMV, 2.2bn of net sales and EBITDA of 133m (6.0% of net sales) in 2020. It serves 10.5 million active customers via its state-of-the-art website, Cdiscount. With its marketplace at the core of its business model, it provides a winning proposition to both consumers and merchants. Its B2B tech-enabled platform Octopia offers unique marketplace tech solutions to websites globally. Cnova N.V. is part of Groupe Casino, a global diversified retailer, and is listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: CNV). Cnova Investor Relations contact:investor@cnovagroup.comMedia contacts:elody.rustarucci@cdiscount.comTel: +33 6 18 33 17 86 leo.finkel@plead.frTel: +33 6 32 09 54 94 *** DISCLAIMER Certain information included in this press release is not historical data but are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates, forecasts and assumptions including, but not limited to, assumptions about Cnova's current and future strategy and the economic environment in which Cnova operates. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause Cnova's actual performance and results, or the results of its industry, to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Cnova expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revision to the forward-looking statements included in this press release to reflect changes in assumptions, events, conditions, or circumstances on which the forward-looking statements are based. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made for illustrative purposes only. This press release includes only summary information and does not purport to be complete. No warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this press release. The distribution of this document may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. This press release does not contain and does not constitute an offer to sell securities or an invitation or inducement to invest in securities in France, the Netherlands, the United States, or any other jurisdiction. The securities referred to herein may not be sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The company does not intend to register all or any portion of any offering of the securities in the United States of America or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States of America. *** Attachment CNOVA - ITF - English version Two adults and four children were rescued Friday by the US Coast Guard off the Georgia coast after their boat struck an object and started sinking. The 17-foot boat was near the entrance to the St. Marys River on the Florida-Georgia border when it hit something and started taking on water, the Nassau County, Florida, Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. The US Coast Guard cutter Sea Dragon was returning from offshore and launched a small boat crew to rescue the six people from the boat, the Coast Guard said in a statement. A marine unit from the sheriff's office used a pump to remove the water from the boat before towing it to the Amelia Island boat ramp in Florida. The marine unit then returned to the Sea Dragon to pick up the six people and ferried the group to the town of St. Marys in Georgia, the sheriff's office said. No injuries were reported. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is investigating the boat accident, according to the sheriff's office. "In the Florida/southeast Georgia area, we remind boaters that during this time of year, the possibility of hypothermia still exists," said Boatswain's Mate Kristian Sova, the Sea Dragon's commanding officer. "If you can, remain with your boat and try to remain together as a group, this greatly increases the likelihood of first responders finding you if you're ever in the need of assistance; this was a very fortunate outcome, special thanks to those involved in this rescue." Photo: Contributed A $105-million public-private expansion of Nanaimo's Duke Point Terminal is being touted as the key to opening up Vancouver Island to more container shipping and to enhance its ability to send barge shipments to Vancouver. New infrastructure will prepare the port for the future and open up import and export channels for B.C. and national producers, partners say. The Duke Point Expansion Project will bring Vancouver Island to world markets and put the Island on an even playing field with the rest of Canada in terms of trade, Donna Hais, chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority, said during a virtual press conference. This is going to provide future opportunities for a logistics hub that provides sustainability in terms of food, and its also going to provide excellent paying jobs to our local communities. Container ships would dock at Duke Point and their cargo would be broken into smaller shipments, delivered to Vancouver and elsewhere via barges, Hais said. Ian Marr, port authority president and chief executive, said the development on the sites 30 acres will stimulate the economy and create jobs. Predictions call for about 1,000 new jobs. Fundamental to the plan is a 50-year lease signed last week between the Port of Nanaimo and DP World, a Dubai-based global leader in shipping and port logistics. DP will manage the terminal. Along with the companys investment, the federal government is putting in $46.2 million through its national trade corridors fund and the province is contributing $15 million from B.C.s economic recovery fund. Improvements include extending the existing berth to 1,049 feet from 597 feet. The existing diesel quay crane will be replaced with two electric quay cranes. The terminals container yard storage area will be increased to boost capacity to hold 280,000 containers, each 20-feet long. A truck gate, warehouse, an administration and maintenance building are all going in. Drainage, sewer, water and security systems will all be upgraded. Work is slated to be carried out in the next one to two years, said Mike Davidson, port chief operating officer. Expects to Record a 310.8% YoY Increase in Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 HONG KONG, Feb. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- China Renaissance Holdings Limited ("China Renaissance" or the "Company"; stock code: 1911.HK) announced today that, based on the preliminary review of the unaudited consolidated management accounts of the Company for the six months ended December 31, 2020, the Company expects to record full-year 2020 profit attributable to owners of the Company of RMB1,013.8 million, a 310.8% increase over the year ended December 31, 2019. This positive profit update is largely attributable to an increase in operating profit from China Renaissance's investment banking and investment management segments, combined with the Company's effective control of operating expenses. 2020 marked a groundbreaking year for China Renaissance, despite ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainty and challenging market conditions. China Renaissance's strong profit increase over the prior year was largely driven by the increased profitability of the investment management business, which recorded robust investment gains and grew assets under management ("AUM"), and growth in the investment banking business due to increased activity and advisory fees. China Renaissance increased the number and significance of roles it held within the underwriting syndicate for landmark Hong Kong and U.S. Initial Public Offerings ("IPOs") during the year. High-profile IPOs and follow-on offering transactions led by China Renaissance through December 31, 2020 include JD.com's secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange ("HKSE"), Beike Zhaofang's IPO on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and follow-on offering, Kuaishou Technology's IPO on the HKSE, JD Health's IPO on the HKSE, Pinduoduo's latest ADR share issuance, Lufax's IPO on the NYSE, ZTO Express's secondary listing on the HKSE, and Pop Mart's IPO on the HKSE. China Renaissance played a key role in 17 overseas IPOs and follow-on offering transactions for Chinese New Economy companies, with a total underwriting value of more than US$23.6 billion. China Renaissance also advised on a number of private placement and M&A transactions for leading New Economy companies, including MGI Tech, NIO, MiningLamp Technology, Gome, Sohu, MissFresh, Zhenkunhan, XtalPi, Changyou, and Sougou. China Renaissance's investment management business delivered solid performance in 2020. Huaxing Growth Capital, China Renaissance's flagship PE investment fund, invested in a number of high growth companies such as MGI Tech, Pop Mart, Jiangxiaobai, AFIONA, Helios, HiRain Technologies and Insgeek. A number of portfolio companies of Huaxing Growth Capital completed IPOs over the past year, including Kuaishou Technology, Beike Zhaofang, Li Auto, Pop Mart, MicroPort CardioFlow Medtech, 17 Education and Technology, Dada Group and Ucloud. In addition, Huaxing Growth Capital closed its third USD fund of more than US$600 million. As of December 31, 2020, the total AUM of China Renaissance's private equity investment management business had reached RMB39.0 billion. A copy of China Renaissance's Profit Update filed with the HKEX is available here: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0301/2021030100033.pdf SOURCE China Renaissance Holdings Limited Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup gave Liberal members a choice to step back or stand up and fight as he concluded his state election campaign launch speech on the Labour Day public holiday. The call to arms came after a weekend where two regional candidates for the party spoke out against Mr Kirkups renewable energy policy, which federal MP Andrew Hastie also labelled a lemon. WA Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup at his campaign launch for the 2021 state election. Credit:Peter de Kruijff Mr Kirkup brought candidates and sitting state politicians to the stage at Burswood on Swan on Monday as he told the room of more than 200 party faithful they had the opportunity to stand with us and fight with us, or you have the opportunity to step back. But I want you to think about where youll be over the next 12 days, he said. Concerned Mother's Movement, a Children centred NGO, has tasked parents to educate their children to abhor same-sex relationships. "The responsibility is now on parents to ensure that they protect their children from accepting or engaging in homosexuality in any form. We are, therefore, urging parents to begin to give their children the appropriate sexual education on the activities of LGBTIQ and its effect on them, Mrs Josephine Amoh, the Executive Director of the NGO, said in a Press Statement copied to the Ghana News Agency. The statement said parents must also get to know their children so that they could observe any changes in their behaviour and to quickly investigate to see if the child needed some medical or psychological attention. "Our concerns are based on the fact that in Ghana, we cannot monitor and enforce adequately legislations and regulations on important issues relating to the conduct of society in general." For example, "when the idea of betting was introduced in Ghana and given the legal backing by the Gaming Authority, most of our youth have been addicted to it and no one is monitoring and enforcing the laws to ensure that the under-aged are not allowed to bet. Another example is even the wearing of the nose and face masks due to the Coronavirus pandemic." "We are, therefore, of the view that when the activities of the group are legalized, most of the youth will be getting involved and the effect will be disastrous for the countrys future generation." This abominable act cannot and should not be entertained whatsoever in our Country, the statement said. The statement said: "In some jurisdictions where the activity of the LGBTI has been legalized, they have supporting medical and societal systems that ensure their safety and we do not believe our medical and value system supports this." More so, Ghana is a religious country and both Christianity and Islam frown on the practice. "Once again as Concerned Mothers, we say NO to the activities of LBGTIQ group and the government must not accept or must not be influenced by any Country or Institution to legalize the activities of LGBTI in Ghana." The statement said Ghana was a sovereign country and should not allow anyone to bully her into accepting this immoral and abominable act. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Show more Show less [[It was 60 years ago when President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order putting in place the Peace Corps an international volunteer organization to promote peace and friendship. VOA Correspondent Mariama Diallo has more on the challenging and rewarding experiences of so many who have taken part over the years.]] ((NARRATOR)) ((G04308 Kennedy on Peace Corps from 1961)) The vision was born six decades ago. Former President John F. Kennedy outlined the program and prospects of young Americans going abroad to not only serve shoulder to shoulder with citizens of other countries but also learn from them. ((John F. Kennedy Then-US President)) ((G04308 Kennedy on Peace Corps from 1961)) ((1:42)) (( https://app.frame.io/projects/ae30dd8f-b6c4-418a-b02d-530603115a58/39a7620c-6b9c-4551-8a22-53dde8d9ef93 )) What is remarkable is that theres no salary for the member of the Peace Corps. They will go abroad and live in the same standard with people of other countries. They will spend two to three years devoting part of their lives to peace and strengthening the ties that bind men together all over the globe. ((NARRATOR)) It was an audacious idea at the time, some said, but fast forward 60 years, the idea has been realized says ((MANDATORY Cg: Peace Corps)) John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum Director Alan Price. ((END COURTESY)) ((MANDATORY Cg: Skype)) ((Alan Price, Director, JFK Presidential Library and Museum)) Its been a fantastic idea. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the hard work of host countries. I think the goal as a long-term strategy to promote peace and friendship has been largely successful. ((MANDATORY Cg: Peace Corps)) ((NARRATOR)) ((general pictures and videos of PCV/ PeaceCorps.gov Website)) In the past 60 years, about 241,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in more than 140 countries worldwide, says Peace Corps Acting Director Carol Spahn, who also noted a variety in the ages of participants. ((END COURTESY)) ((MANDATORY Cg: Teams)) ((Carol Spahn, Peace Corps Acting Director)) Peace Corp volunteers ages range from 20 to 85. The bulk of them tend to be in their 20s, but when I was serving as country director in Malawi, we had one of the oldest serving volunteers at that time. She was 82 years old and just a pistol. She was terrific. ((NARRATOR)) Spahn was 26 when she decided to serve in the Peace Corps in Romania. It was three years after the fall of communism. Some people were suspicious she says, but it was a life-changing experience for her. ((MANDATORY Cg: Teams)) ((Carol Spahn, Peace Corps Acting Director)) What happens with many volunteers is you go into the Peace Corps with a certain world view or some expectations of why things are the way they are. And as you live and work with people that are different from yourself, you start to ask questions and when you go in with curiosity, you learn whats behind, why things happen differently than they do in your own country or why people hold certain values and what that history is. ((MANDATORY Cg: Dwayne Matthews)) ((NARRATOR)) ((stills of him in Malawi)) Dwayne Matthews is also a returnee who spent time in Malawi from 2013 to 2015. He now works for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is pursuing a Ph.D. program at Washingtons Howard University. Hes from Little Rock, Arkansas, and had never traveled abroad before. ((MANDATORY Cg: Skype)) ((Dwayne Matthews, )) When I got to Malawi, it was a complete culture shock // that first week or so was terrifying, but by the time I left the Peace Corps, I broke down in tears because I had to leave. It was the best choice I made in my young adult life up to that point. ((MANDATORY Cg: YouTube/Dwayne Matthews/METHOD Documentary)) ((NARRATOR)) While there, he served as a community health adviser who worked on many projects. One of his proudest is securing a nearly $7,000 grant to help build a youth center, a project the community also contributed to, he said. ((END COURTESY)) ((Dwayne Matthews, Grants Management Analyst, U.S. Dept. Of Housing and Urban Development)) The community actually donated 30% of what we needed so the community donated the land, they donated some of the labor, some of the bricks and quarry stones. We actually had money remaining because of the community contribution, which is how we knew this project was gonna be sustainable because the community wanted it. ((MANDATORY Cg: Christopher Destiche)) ((NARRATOR)) ((stills of Chris in Guatemala)) Chris Destiche served in Guatemala from 2018-2020. Hes now a regional recruiter for the Peace Corps. ((END COURTESY)) ((MANDATORY Cg: Christopher Destiche OVER STILLS)) ((MANDATORY Cg: Teams)) ((Christopher Destiche, Peace Corps Regional Recruiter)) I lived in a small Mayan community. Theres about 2,000 people in the community that I was in and I lived with a three-generation indigenous Mayan family, which was really awesome. Very chaotic but very loving. ((MANDATORY Cg: Christopher Destiche)) ((NARRATOR)) ((stills of him in Guatemala)) While there he says he partnered with the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture to implement their rural extension program. ((END COURTESY)) ((MANDATORY Cg: Christopher Destiche OVER STILLS)) ((MANDATORY Cg: Teams)) ((Christopher Destiche, )) Basically, I was working with them to give training to increase capacity of rural Mayan farmers. The objective was to increase their capacity to grow food and thereby decrease food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger. ((MANDATORY Cg: Dwayne Matthews, Chris Destiche)) ((NARRATOR)) ((stills of both in Malawi & Guatemala)) Both Matthews and Destiche say theyve learned life lessons and skills they wouldnt have had they not served in the Peace Corps. ((MARIAMA DIALLO, VOANEWS, WASHINGTON)) [March 01, 2021] Supercomputer Market to grow by $ 12.51 bn in 2021, Atos SE and Dawning Information Industry Co. Ltd. emerge as Key Contributors to growth | Industry Analysis, Market Trends, Opportunities and Forecast 2025 |Technavio NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio has been monitoring the supercomputer market and it is poised to grow by $ 12.51 bn during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of over 20% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Get Free sample report in MINUTES Impact of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic continues to transform the growth of various industries, however, the immediate impact of the outbreak is varied. While a few industries will register a drop in demand, numerous others will continue to remain unscathed and show promising growth opportunities. COVID-19 will have at Par impact on the supercomputer market. Frequently Asked Questions: What are the major trends in the market? Increasing utilization of big data analytic is a major trend driving the growth of the market. Increasing utilization of big data analytic is a major trend driving the growth of the market. At what rate is the market projected to grow? The market will accelerate at a CAGR of over 20% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be $ 12.51 bn . The market will accelerate at a CAGR of over 20% and the incremental growth of the market is anticipated to be . Who are the top players in the market? Atos SE, Dawning Information Industry Co. Ltd., Dell Technologies Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Huawei Investment & Holding Co. Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., NEC Corp., and NVIDIA Corp., are some of the major market participants. Atos SE, Dawning Information Industry Co. Ltd., Dell Technologies Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Huawei Investment & Holding Co. Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., NEC Corp., and NVIDIA Corp., are some of the major market participants. What is the key market driver? The commercial customers increasingly adopting supercomputing systems is one of the major factors driving the market. The commercial customers increasingly adopting supercomputing systems is one of the major factors driving the market. How big is the APAC market? The APAC region will contribute to 51% of the market share. Related Reports on Information Technology Include: Farm Management Software Market by Application, Deployment, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025- The farm management software market size has the potential to grow by USD 2.88 billion during 2021-2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate during the forecast period. To get extensive research insights: Get FREE sample report in minutes The farm management software market size has the potential to grow by during 2021-2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate during the forecast period. To get extensive research insights: Applicant Tracking Systems Market in Europe by End-user and Deployment - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025- The applicant tracking systems market size in Europe has the potential to grow by USD 110.32 million during 2021-2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate during the forecast period. To get extensive research insights: Get FREE sample report in minutes Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free. View market snapshot before purchasing The market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. Atos SE, Dawning Information Industry Co. Ltd., Dell Technologies Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Huawei Investment & Holding Co. Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., NEC Corp., and NVIIA Corp. are some of the major market participants. The commercial customers increasingly adopting supercomputing systems will offer immense growth opportunities. In a bid to help players strengthen their market foothold, this supercomputer market forecast report provides a detailed analysis of the leading market vendors. The report also empowers industry honchos with information on the competitive landscape and insights into the different product offerings offered by various companies. Technavio's custom research reports offer detailed insights on the impact of COVID-19 at an industry level, a regional level, and subsequent supply chain operations. This customized report will also help clients keep up with new product launches in direct & indirect COVID-19 related markets, upcoming vaccines and pipeline analysis, and significant developments in vendor operations and government regulations. Supercomputer Market 2021-2025: Segmentation Supercomputer Market is segmented as below: End-user Government Entities Scientific Research And Academic Institutions Commercial Industries Geography APAC North America Europe South America MEA To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR41593 Supercomputer Market 2021-2025: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The supercomputer market report covers the following areas: Supercomputer Market Size Supercomputer Market Trends Supercomputer Market Industry Analysis This study identifies the increasing utilization of big data analytics as one of the prime reasons driving the supercomputer market growth during the next few years. Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Technavio's in-depth research has direct and indirect COVID-19 impacted market research reports. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Supercomputer Market 2021-2025: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025 Detailed information on factors that will assist supercomputer market growth during the next five years Estimation of the supercomputer market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the supercomputer market across APAC, North America , Europe , South America , and MEA , , , and MEA Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of supercomputer market vendors Table of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2020 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis Five forces summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by End-user Market segments Comparison by End-user Government entities - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Scientific research and academic institutions - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Commercial industries - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by End-user Market Segmentation by OS Market segments Comparison by OS Linux - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 UNIX - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Mixed - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Windows - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by OS Market Segmentation by Processor type Market segments Comparison by Processor type Intel - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 IBM (Power) - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 AMD - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by Processor type Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Competitive scenario Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Atos SE Dawning Information Industry Co. Ltd. Dell Technologies Inc. Fujitsu Ltd. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. Huawei Investment & Holding Co. Ltd. International Business Machines Corp. Lenovo Group Ltd. NEC Corp. NVIDIA Corp. Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ Report Page: https://www.technavio.com/report/supercomputer-market-industry-analysis View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/supercomputer-market-to-grow-by--12-51-bn-in-2021--atos-se-and-dawning-information-industry-co-ltd-emerge-as-key-contributors-to-growth--industry-analysis-market-trends-opportunities-and-forecast-2025-technavio-301237558.html SOURCE Technavio [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Vaccination will be absolutely free in entire Bihar: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar India oi-Madhuri Adnal Patna, Mar 01: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that Vaccination will be absolutely free in the entire Bihar state. ''Vaccination will be absolutely free in the entire Bihar state. Such facility will be made available even at private hospitals, it will be facilitated by the state government,'' he said. Coronavirus: India kick starts 2nd phase of COVID-19 vaccination; Co-Win registration from 9am Meanwhile, the health ministry on Saturday said Private hospitals can charge up to Rs 250 per dose of COVID-19 vaccine, releasing a list of private hospitals where beneficiaries can get themselves inoculated after paying the fixed price. All people aged above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities can get themselves vaccinated at private hospitals from 1 March, the statement added. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News While people will need to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine, capped at Rs 250 per dose, at private facilities, the vaccine will continue to be made available for free of cost at government hospitals, the ministry added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 12:50 [IST] Washington Coast: Commission to Examine Whale, Salmon Status Published 02/25/21 at 5:20 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Long Beach, Washington) A Washington State commission will be gathering this week to discuss the endangered status of Gray whales and Humpback whales along the Washington coast, as well as salmon management policy in the Willapa Bay area. It will also be examining crab fisheries in the region and the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan. (Photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium: a Humpback whale meanders around the north Oregon coast) The meetings are put together by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), held virtually in a series of Zoom gatherings from February 25 through the 27th. Gray whale populations along this part of the Eastern Pacific have mostly recovered and have been at or near carrying capacity for several decades. Washington State periodically re-examines their status as an endangered species. There are still concerns about the smaller populations of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group in the Washington coast region. Threats to Humpbacks and Gray whales still exist, according to Washington scientists working with WDFW, and thus they recommend their federally protected status remain. Humpback on the Washington coast, courtesy Seaside Aquarium We recommend that the gray whale be retained as a state sensitive species in Washington, said WDFWs Chris Sato and Hannah Anderson. The humpback whale Central America DPS and the Mexico DPS, which together comprise about 36.6 percent of the humpback whales that visit Washington waters, remain below sustainable numbers and are federally listed as endangered and threatened, respectively. In order to align with federal listings, reflect the status of the most vulnerable DPS that visits the state, and support the conservation efforts of other agencies and organizations, we recommend that the humpback whale be retained as a state endangered species. On Thursday, February 25, the commission will host various meetings on a suite of topics, including fish passage rulemaking and 2021-2023 hunting season setting proposals. On Friday, Feb. 26, the full Commission will hear an update regarding the recently adopted Scatter Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan and will consider the state listing status of gray and humpback whales. Also on the agenda are updates on conservation plans for coastal commercial Dungeness crab fisheries to address whale entanglement concerns. Saturday brings the topic of Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy on the southern Washington coast. WDFW is allowing the public to join in and make comments. The Commission will take open public comment on Friday and Saturday mornings and as part of several updates throughout the meeting., it said in a press release. To support COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, this meeting will be conducted online and be available to the public to watch or listen via webinar or conference call. No decisions will be made at the meetings. For more information on how to participate and to view the agenda, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings. This meeting will also be recorded and posted online so people can also watch afterwards at their convenience. MORE PHOTOS BELOW Oregon Coast Hotels - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW Gray whale and her calf, north Oregon coast: photo courtesy Seaside Aquarium Photos courtesy Seaside Aquarium More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Houseplant, a lifestyle brand rooted in cannabis founded by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, today announced its launch in the United States. Starting Thursday, March 11, 2021, Houseplant will bring high-quality cannabis and design-led, innovative home goods to the U.S. market. The launch follows the brands 2019 entry into the Canadian cannabis market, where Houseplant quickly became one of the most sought-after brands in the country. Houseplant was born out of our love and passion for cannabis, design and art, said Rogen. Evan and I also recognize that our lifelong dream of starting a cannabis lifestyle brand like Houseplant comes with a commitment to changing the unjust and racist cannabis laws that still exist in todays society. We understand our responsibility to help right those wrongs and are dedicated to creating a more diverse, equitable cannabis industry. Unifying the worlds of House and Plant, Houseplant is creating an entirely new cannabis experience through one-of-a-kind expert insights from Rogen and Goldberg that marry perfectly with its line of original, premium Housegoods. Houseplant products are designed to weave seamlessly into a modern lifestyle and enhance the individuals living space, each carefully thought out and meticulously crafted. Houseplant will launch with three flower strains, including two sativas and one indica, as well as three Housegoods products, including a Block Table Lighter, a Vinyl Box Set and an Ashtray Set designed by Seth. After launch, Houseplant will be releasing new Housegood products every few weeks. Houseplant celebrates cannabis and treats it with the reverence it deserves. With their long history of cannabis consumption and appreciation, Rogen and Goldberg went through an extensive process of personally testing hundreds of strains before landing on launch strains of two sativas, Diablo Wind and Pancake Ice, and one indica, Pink Moon. Like their groundbreaking film Pineapple Express, Houseplant strains are named after weather phenomena. The strains feature unique flavor profiles and boast high percentages of THC and other cannabinoids to ensure the best possible experience. Houseplant packaging is recyclable, customized to maintain flower freshness and unlike anything otherwise seen on the market. When vetting cultivators, a rigorous process is followed to ensure alignment in values, including quality of product, sustainable cultivation techniques, operational consistency, business acumen, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Introducing Houseplant in the U.S. has been a long time coming and weve taken a disciplined approach to set ourselves up for long term success, said Michael Mohr, co-founder and chief executive officer of Houseplant. We have spent years obsessing about the underserved cannabis consumer, researching and ideating what the holistic Houseplant experience should look like. We are proud to share this beautiful collection of Housegoods and cannabis strains with the public. Houseplant home goods will be available for shipping across the U.S. on http://www.houseplant.com. Houseplant cannabis will initially be available in select markets in California via a delivery service accessible through http://www.houseplant.com and will roll out to select dispensaries across the state later this spring. For more information, visit http://www.houseplant.com and follow Houseplant via social media on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/houseplant. About Houseplant Founded by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Michael Mohr, James Weaver, and Alex McAtee, Houseplant is a lifestyle brand rooted in cannabis that creates and curates thoughtful design-led, innovative products. The brand unifies the worlds of House and Plant to offer a top-tier cannabis experience through one-of-a-kind expert insights paired perfectly with well-designed, premium home goods. Houseplant emphasizes social impact and is committed to ending the unjust, racist cannabis laws that, despite legalization in many parts of the country, still exist today. To learn more, please visit http://www.houseplant.com. XXX MEDIA CONTACT: Covet PR at Power Digital Marketing houseplant@powerdigitalmarketinginc.com Hollywood award season will kick off tonight with the Hollywood Foreign Press Associations 78th annual Golden Globes but, as with most things, you can expect some COVID-related changes this year. The hosts will be familiar Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are teaming up for the fourth time but all nominees will be remote. Fey will be on the East Coast live from New Yorks Rainbow Room and Poehler will be live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills with nominees tuning in from various locations around the world. The show will air live starting at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on NBC. It will also be available to stream on most devices, including Fubo and Peacock (available next day). You can also watch via NBCs website and app with subscriber input. Nominees for best picture (drama) are The Father, Mank, Nomadland, Promising Young Woman and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Nominees for best picture (musical/comedy) are Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Hamilton, Music, Palm Springs and The Prom. You can see a complete list of nominees here. In addition to the traditional categories, the 2021 Golden Globes will honor Jane Fonda with the Cecil B. deMille Award, and Norman Lear with the Carol Burnett Award. Lear will be the third recipient of the recently created Carol Burnett Award, which honors contributions to television. Satchel and Jackson Lee, children of filmmaker and three-time Golden Globe nominee Spike Lee and producer and philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, will serve as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. \ Israel clears Greek tanker of suspicion in oil spill investigation March 01,2021 | Source: Marex After an inspection at the port of Piraeus, Israel has cleared the Greek tanker Minerva Helen of any connection to the disastrous spill off its Mediterranean coast. The Minerva Helen was drifting and awaiting orders in the Eastern Mediterranean from February 4-11, about the time frame that the spill is believed to have occurred. Her operator, Minerva Marine, denied any connection with the spill and noted that the vessel was in ballast - without any cargo - at the time of the pollution event. She was not involved in any STS transfer or other activity that could have resulted in a discharge, Minerva said, and a PSC inspection in Cartagena on the 22nd found nothing amiss. Israeli and Greek inspectors met the vessel in Piraeus on Saturday. After their review, the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection cleared the tanker of any wrongdoing. Following a thorough, professional and comprehensive inspection carried out by the Environmental Protection Ministrys inspector and an inspector from the Shipping and Ports Administration, the ship was finally eliminated as the source of the pollution," the ministry said in a statement. The IMO and Israeli authorities initially identified about 10 vessels that could have been involved in the spill, but on Saturday, the ministry said that it is broadening its investigation to include many others. "We are continuing the investigation and are committed to doing everything possible to locate the ship that is responsible for polluting the shores of Israel, for the public, nature and animals," said Environment Minister Gila Gamliel in a statement. "We will get where we need to go and use all means until we achieve the goal . . . We all deserve to know who caused harm to animals and the shores of Israel, and we must bring [them] to justice." In a statement Saturday, Gamliel said that a suspected second slick recently spotted by the Israeli Air Force had been analyzed and found to be benign. The tar-like spill is likely to be crude oil, not HFO, according to a newly-completed analysis by researchers at Hebrew University. The finding points to a crude tanker as the source vessel, and either an STS transfer accident or a leak as the proximate cause. Israel has banned the sale of all domestic Mediterranean-sourced seafood in response to the severe petroleum spill that has affected its western coastline over the past week. The prohibition covers the distribution or marketing of any Mediterranean seafood from waters off Israel, effective immediately. While so far no evidence has shown any danger arising from fish consumption, out of an abundance of caution some samples have been sent to the Agriculture Ministrys lab for analysis, to rule out any presence of toxic particles," the health ministry told The Media Line. According to the Associated Press, some fishermen have ignored the ban and continued to bring in their catch, hoping to sustain a source of income that has already been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021 The Maritime Executive, LLC. All rights reserved. Theme(s): Others. 2021-02-26 Maeci Two officers representing our country, the Ambassador to Kinshasa Luca Attanasio and the Carabiniere police officer Vittorio Iacovacci, lost their lives on 22 February near Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, about 2,500 kilometres from the capital. This region had been classified as a high security risk area by the Foreign Ministry, also on the basis of the evaluations by Ambassador Attanasio himself, who, like all Heads of Diplomatic Missions, was fully authorised to decide for himself where and how to travel within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some newspaper articles today allege failures and shortcomings of the Foreign Ministry, raising doubts as to the adequacy of the security measures put in place to protect Ambassador Attanasio. While fully respecting the judicial prerogatives of the Rome Public Prosecutor investigating into the incident and reserving to provide further information following the conclusion of the internal inquiry underway, we can share the information available to date. First of all, the measures in place at the time of the incident were the responsibility of the World Food Programme (WFP), which had organised the mission to the Goma region and specified, in its statement of 22 February, that the route had been authorised without armed security. On 24 February, in response to a formal request submitted on behalf of the Italian Government by our Permanent Representations to the United Nations in New York and Rome, the UN Security Department formally announced that it had launched an investigation jointly with the WFP and the MONUSCO Mission into the tragic events of 22 February and that this investigation should be concluded on 9 March, assuring that the results would be shared with the Italian authorities. It should be noted that in all foreign contexts where our personnel are engaged in missions organised by the United Nations or other international organisations, the responsibility for security lies with the latter. In fact, the WFP has stated that the mission to the Goma region, where Ambassador Attanasio and Carabiniere Iacovacci had arrived on board a United Nations aircraft, was carried out in World Food Programme vehicles. The WFP has formally expressed its willingness to assist the Italian investigative authorities. As for Kinshasa, which is about 2,500 kilometres from Goma, it is emphasised that the Italian Embassy has two armoured vehicles, one of which is being replaced with a new one. Therefore, the news reported in recent days that the Embassy has no armoured vehicles is untrue. Furthermore, at the Embassy there is a security unit of 4 Carabinieri: two assigned to protect Ambassador Attanasio (including Carabiniere Iacovacci) and two performing general surveillance and security duties. Regarding the request to bolster the contingent of Carabinieri assigned to protect Ambassador Attanasio, he had made the request in November 2018 due to the imminent presidential and national elections, scheduled for 30 December of the same year, which were taking place in a climate of great political and social tensions. And security was, indeed, strengthened during that period, as requested. The Foreign Ministry hopes that the information provided which Minister Di Maio had already illustrated in his statement to Parliament on 24 February will help focus attention on the search for the perpetrators of this tragic incident. To this end, the Foreign Ministry confirms that it has called on the authorities in Kinshasa to assist with their utmost cooperation and that it is providing full assistance to the Italian investigators, also by sending shortly a diplomatic official to the DRC to support the Embassy staff. Phuket officials move to provide assistance to beggars, homeless PHUKET: Phuket provincial officials are drawing up plans to provide more assistance to the number of destitute people in Phuket turning to begging and those left homeless by the current economic crisis. economicsCOVID-19 By The Phuket News Monday 1 March 2021, 03:57PM Phuket Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong (left) leads the meeting held to ramp up assistance provided to the homeless and beggars in Phuket. Photo: PR Phuket Phuket Vice Governor Piyapong Choowong raised the issue at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last Thursday (Feb 25). The meeting involved a collection of officials working under the name the Phuket Provincial Begging Control Committee, with the goal of providing assistance to homeless people and those begging to get by in the hope of making them self-supporting. The committee members at the meeting drew up preliminary guidelines of action to be taken and launched what they called the beggars welfare project. The meeting concluded that the immediate steps to be taken were Establishing information on where beggars live in each community Organising a community forum platform through which other people can help improve the quality of life of beggars Providing appropriate welfare for families and target groups to meet the needs of work, health, education and welfare, as well as educating local people about the Control of Begging Act (2016) Following up on beggars potential development and report their progress According to Phuket Provincial Government official statistics, last year Phuket had only four beggars and 163 homeless people registered in the database. Of those, 123 of the homeless were taken into care to stay at the Phuket Mit Maitri Home homeless shelter in Mai Khao. The other 40 people chose not to use the service to stay at Phuket Mit Maitri Home, noted Vice Governor Piyapong. Since 2017, only 79 people in Phuket were issued cards officially recognising them as destitute, with 15 of those people issued welfare benefit cards for the poor only last year, he added. The action plan has been arranged to develop skills and talents of the [affected] people by implementing a project to promote and support them, through which developing talents and skills is an important issue, V/Gov Piyapong said. Government officers will help such people to develop their talents and skills, and help them promote their talents and skills on social media,.. in the hope they can gain employment and help themselves to make a living, he added. This will be done while officers explain the welfare benefit card for poor people to them, so these people can receive help from the government, V/Gov Piyaphong said. In 2019, Hershey committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) that it would audit its operations and develop targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the best available climate science. As a result of that process, Hershey today announces its goal to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by more than 50% and its absolute Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, compared to a 2018 baseline 1 . "Climate change is one of the most urgent threats to our planet that we face today." said Michele Buck, Hershey CEO. "Climate change is one of the most urgent threats to our planet that we face today. In order to deliver on our purpose to make more moments of goodness, we must operate with sustainability at the forefront and commit to doing our part to address climate change," said Michele Buck, The Hershey Company President and Chief Executive Officer. "We will continue to use our scale and apply the full force of our business to reduce our greenhouse emissions and drive climate action forward." Hershey will deploy a comprehensive, global approach to reduce emissions through targeted investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, packaging innovations as well as sustainable land-use policies. Hershey's new commitments to reduce its impact on the planet are part of its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda, a key priority for the company and a focus for how it operates its business around the world. Investing in Energy Efficiency Renewable energy investments and energy efficiency projects will be a primary focus for Hershey to reach its Scope 1 and Scope 2 commitment. The company has signed two power purchase agreements (PPAs) that will enable the construction of two new utility-scale solar farms. Additional energy efficiency projects are being pursued around the world, and the company will continue on its path towards an increasing reliance on clean and renewable energy across all operations. These efforts, along with others, are expected to reduce Hershey's Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40% by 2024. To drive this commitment forward, each Hershey location around the world has designated an Energy Champion, responsible for implementing carbon savings, meeting energy conservation goals, promoting employee engagement, and identifying opportunities for energy reduction and efficiencies. Advancing Sustainable Packaging Solutions Hershey recognizes the role of innovative packaging solutions in reducing its environmental footprint and lowering its Scope 3 emissions. In 2015, the company committed to reduce its packaging weight by 25 million pounds by 2025 and has successfully delivered on that promise five years ahead of schedule. Building on this progress, the company has set a new goal to reduce packaging weight an additional 25 million pounds by 2030. Hershey is also targeting 100% of its plastic packaging to be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2030. These commitments not only reduce waste, which contributes to a more circular economy, but also will help reduce emissions, contributing to the company's new GHG reduction target. Hershey's approach to sustainable packaging serves to better meet consumer needs while ensuring its longstanding commitment to food quality and safety. Ending Deforestation by 2030 Deforestation and forest degradation are key contributors to climate change and global warming. Action on land-use is a critical part of Hershey's plan to reduce its Scope 3 emissions, and today the company is committing to end deforestation across its supply chain by 2030 with a new company-wide deforestation policy. Hershey's commitment to end deforestation applies to all suppliers across its raw material supply chains, though the company will prioritize achieving independent verification of compliance with this policy for the commodities in its supply chain that present the greatest risk of contributing to deforestation: cocoa, palm oil, pulp & paper (packaging), and soy. As part of Hershey's No Deforestation commitment, the company will take action regarding any supplier that is not in compliance with the policy, including potentially suspending or removing them from our supply chain. Historically, Hershey has worked to address deforestation across key commodities, most notably cocoa. The company is a founding member of the Cocoa and Forests Initiatives in partnership with the governments of Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana and the world's leading cocoa and chocolate companies. As part of its work to prevent deforestation, Hershey uses GPS devices to collect information about farm boundaries and create polygon maps of the farms from which it sources cocoa. These maps are combined with satellite images to identify places where forests and other sensitive ecosystems may have been degraded or where intact forests remain in proximity to cocoa farms. The company also remains committed to reforestation efforts in these communities. Between 2013 and 2019, Hershey distributed more than 7.4 million cocoa trees and 921,000 shade trees to promote biodiversity, food security and income diversification. "These environmental commitments are critical to the long-term sustainability of our business," said Jeff King, Senior Director of Global Sustainability and Social Impact. "The work is interconnected across our business and requires us to bring together all efforts across the company, from manufacturing, energy buying and packaging to make it work seamlessly to reach our goals." About The Hershey Company The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pa., and is an industry-leading snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to help children succeed. Hershey has approximately 17,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than 80 brands around the world that drive more than $8 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers, SkinnyPop, and Pirate's Booty. For more than 125 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on helping children succeed. To learn more visit www.thehersheycompany.com Follow: Twitter LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Instagram 1 Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions occur from sources that are owned or controlled by the company. Scope 2: Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam. Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, such as the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport-related activities in vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting entity, electricity-related activities not covered in Scope 2, outsourced activities, waste disposal, etc. SOURCE The Hershey Company Related Links https://www.thehersheycompany.com [March 01, 2021] SalioGen Therapeutics Announces Closing of $20 Million Series A Financing to Support Advancing a Novel Genome Engineering Platform for Non-Viral Gene Therapy Introducing a mammal-derived genome engineering enzyme for next-generation gene and cell therapy Financing to fund SalioGens pipeline in genetic diseases, based on proprietary EDIT gene coding platform to advance durable, safe and affordable non-viral gene therapies Financing concurrent with strengthening of board of directors and scientific advisory board BURLINGTON, Mass., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SalioGen Therapeutics, a privately held biotechnology company advancing Exact DNA Integration Technology (EDIT) for non-viral gene therapy, today announced that it has closed a $20 million Series A financing. The round was led by PBM Capital, a healthcare-focused investment firm, and included other undisclosed investors. Proceeds from the financing will be used to support the preclinical validation of the Companys proprietary Exact DNA Integration Technology (EDIT) platform for the development of durable, safe and affordable in vivo gene therapies, including initial data in SalioGens lead programs in familial hypercholesterolemia and inherited macular degeneration. In conjunction with the financing, SalioGen has strengthened its Board of Directors and its Scientific Advisory Board. We are thrilled to introduce SalioGen and the EDIT genome engineering platform, backed by the confidence of investors with an excellent track record and enthusiasm for potential breakthrough technologies, said Ray Tabibiazar, M.D., chief executive officer and chairman of SalioGen. We believe that SalioGen has identified an evolved approach to gene therapy that, grounded by the only mammal-derived genome engineering enzyme and unconstrained by the limits seen to date in the gene therapy space, should empower us to develop safe, lasting and affordable non-viral gene therapies with the potential to cure genetic diseases unaddressed by current gene therapy and gene editing approaches. We are grateful not only to have the support of such esteemed investors, but also to have assembled such a prestigious group of directors, scientific advisors and collaborators. Paul B. Manning, chairman and CEO of PBM Capital, added, Having supported the earliest iterations of gene therapy, we recognize the fields immense inherent value, the areas where it has grown and where needed improvements remain. We believe that SalioGens EDIT platform represents a quantum leap forward in gene therapy technology that can improve the quality of therapy for individual patients while scaling it to reach potentially millions of patients in need. SalioGen has assembled a prestigious leadership team with collective experience in human gene therapy, medical genetics, lipid nanoparticles and cell therapy. Concurrent with the financing, Sean Stalfort, president of PBM Capital, will join SalioGen's Board of Directors. The Board will also include: Dr. Tabibiazar, CEO and chairman of SalioGen Joseph J. Higgins, M.D., president and chief scientific officer of SalioGen (previously at UniQure) Suku Nagendran, M.D., president of R&D at Jaguar Gene Therapy (formerly the chief medical officer of Avexis) The Company's funding Scientific Advisory Board will be chaired by molecular biologist and geneticist Nancy L. Craig, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Other members of the founding Scientific Advisory Board include: Beverly Davidson, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Strategy Officer at CHOP Research Institute; Thomas Quertermous, M.D., past chair of Stanford Cardiovascular Research, Stanford University School of Medicine; Ronald M. Krauss, M.D., University of California, San Francisco, past advisor to National Cholesterol Education Program, leadership roles with the American Heart Association; Ellis J. Neufeld, M.D., Ph.D. Physician-in-Chief of St. Judes Childrens Hospital; and Jesse B. Owens, Ph.D., University of Hawaii BTIG, LLC acted as exclusive placement agent for the offering. About Exact DNA Integration Technology (EDIT) SalioGen is developing EDIT, a genome engineering technology based on the mammal-derived enzyme saliogase. With broad applicability, the capability to deliver gene cargo of any size and significant manufacturing advantages, EDIT has the potential to transform genetic medicine. EDIT is used to simultaneously deliver an RNA sequence that encodes saliogase with a DNA sequence of any length to cells of interest via lipid nanoparticles. Together, the transiently expressed saliogase seamlessly integrates the supplied DNA into a precise, defined location in the recipient genome without the need for homologous recombination. SalioGens initial focus is on in vivo non-viral gene therapy, but EDIT also has the potential to streamline cell therapy, cell engineering, and biologics manufacturing to help an even broader population of patients in need. About SalioGen Therapeutics SalioGen Therapeutics is advancing the Exact DNA Integration Technology (EDIT) platform, the only genome engineering technology that is mammal-derived, for use in potentially curative non-viral gene therapy. SalioGen is initially focused on providing durable, safe and affordable non-viral gene therapy to more patients with inherited diseases that are beyond what is addressable with current gene therapies, beginning with inherited macular degeneration and familial hypercholesterolemia. For more information, please visit www.saliogen.com, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," believe, "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements regarding the use of the proceeds of the Series A financing, having identified an evolved approach to gene therapy that should empower SalioGen to develop safe, lasting and affordable non-viral gene therapies with the potential to cure genetic diseases unaddressed by current gene therapy and gene editing approaches, the contribution to be made by the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board and SalioGens EDIT platform representing a quantum leap forward in gene therapy technology that can improve the quality of therapy for individual patients while scaling it to reach potentially millions of patients in need. While SalioGen believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the ability of SalioGen to use its evolved approach to gene therapy, grounded by the only mammal-derived genome engineering enzyme, to develop safe, lasting and affordable non-viral gene therapies with the potential to cure genetic diseases unaddressed by current gene therapy and gene editing approaches. All forward-looking statements are based on SalioGens expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, SalioGen expressly disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statement contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Corporate Contact: Ray Tabibiazar, M.D. SalioGen Therapeutics investors@saliogen.com Media Contact: Amy Jobe, Ph.D. LifeSci Communications 315-879-8192 ajobe@lifescicomms.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] One of the Lehigh Valleys snowiest months on record is over and it appears, at least for now, that the worst of the 2020-21 winter is behind us. February saw just under 40 inches of snow, much of it from a single storm that contributed mightily to what is now the fifth-snowiest season of the last 50 years. Snow covered the ground for the entire month. But the days are inevitably getting longer. Its almost time to change the clocks. Overall, things are getting warmer. Robins are becoming more active and visible. Its time to start thinking spring. (Cant see the chart? Click here.) When does spring start in 2021? For most of us, the first day of spring 2021 is Saturday, March 20. That is the day of the vernal equinox, when daylight and nighttime are roughly equal in length. It is the midpoint between the winter solstice the first day of winter, the shortest day of the year, which was Dec. 21 and the summer solstice, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year on June 20. Already, the day is about two hours longer than it was on the winter solstice. The equinox is considered the start of astronomical spring. Meteorological spring started Monday, March 1. Those who study the weather group similar months together for seasonal record-keeping. We made it! Happy Meteorological Spring! 19 days until Astronomical Spring! Or, as some of us in the office like to refer to March & April, "Still Winter". For more on Meteorological Spring vs Astronomical Spring, please check https://t.co/kaEJWivW9a #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/n7FdouJxv5 NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) March 1, 2021 Spring 2021 forecast Though meteorologists consider March to be spring, it still often contains some nasty wintry weather. January and February are typically the Valleys snowiest months, but its been March in three of the last five seasons. On average, the Lehigh Valley doesnt see its last snowfall (at least one-tenth of an inch) until about March 21. Accumulating snow has been recorded here as late as April 27, according to National Weather Service data. (Cant see the chart? Click here.) So what does spring 2021 hold for Lehigh Valley weather? Generally, the National Weather Service says probability favors a warmer-than-average season for much of the continental U.S. AccuWeathers spring forecast, issued Feb. 3, included the potential for significant winter storms through early spring, helping ski resorts but potentially hampering businesses looking to ramp up outdoor accommodations during the COVID-19 pandemic. WeatherWorks, based in Hackettstown, doesnt rule out some shots of snow. First, a brief blast of cold this week, followed by a warmup next week and a more seasonable cooldown by the end of the month. But it doesnt look like a pattern conducive to big snow storms, said meteorologist Jim Sullivan. Winter is on its last legs here, Sullivan told lehighvalleylive.com. Robins are seen between winter storms in Hanover Township, Northampton County, just outside Bethlehem on Feb. 16, 2021. The first robin of spring is something of a myth: Many stay all winter but are less visible as they look for berries rather than worms. They are noticed more as warmer weather returns.Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com First robin of spring One traditional sign of the changing season is the first robin of spring. But the label isnt really accurate. Some robins do migrate but many of them have been here the whole time. They change their feeding habits during the colder months and generally arent as visible to casual, backyard watchers. But their activity now is still a promising sign of spring after a series of winter storms. Even though it has been cold and snowy, the days are growing longer and the birds are reacting to this. Many species are already beginning to sing, so spring is not that far away, said Peter Saenger, president of the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society and a specialist with the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College. A view of downtown Easton, as seen through the deconstructed clock face, after the clocks were removed from the First United Church of Christ's steeple on Aug 17, 2020. Daylight saving time 2021 is 2 a.m. Sunday, March 14.Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com When is daylight saving time 2021? The spring 2021 time change is 2 a.m. Sunday, March 14, when clocks spring ahead one hour as the U.S. returns to daylight saving time. This means darker mornings but lighter evenings. We have been in standard time since Nov. 1. Oddly, standard time isnt all that standard. Daylight saving time is in effect longer, lasting from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. So what is the purpose of daylight saving time? It has nothing to do with farmers. Germany was the first county to establish a daylight saving time law in 1916 to conserve resources during World War I. Other countries followed suit. The first U.S. law on daylight saving time took effect in 1918 but it was not standardized until 1966. Congress last expanded it by four weeks in 2005. Portions of some 70 countries observe a form of daylight saving time, but when they start and end varies. In the U.S., Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out of the clock change, along with the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Hong Kong: About 1000 people have gathered outside a Hong Kong court , some chanting for the liberation of the territory, ahead of the hearing for 47 democracy activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion. The activists 39 men and eight women aged 23 to 64 were charged on Sunday under the national security law, which punishes what China broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. They are accused of organising and participating in an unofficial primary poll last July aimed at selecting the strongest candidates for a legislative council election that the government later postponed, citing the coronavirus. A supporter of pro-democracy activists holds a sign outside West Kowloon Magistrates Courts where others queue up for a court hearing over charges of subversion on Monday. Credit:Reuters Authorities said the informal poll was part of a plan to overthrow the government, further raising alarm that Hong Kong has taken a swift authoritarian turn. The novel coronavirus pandemic has not had a significant impact on Capital Project Sales Tax IV proceeds so far, based on the latest available figures provided by Aiken County Administrator Clay Killian to the Aiken Standard. Through November 2020, the county had received a total of $34,052,374 from the South Carolina Department of Revenue since collection of CPST IV began in the spring of 2019. That amount was ahead of the projected figure of $33,128,584. The county gets the money from the Department of Revenue on a quarterly basis, but the three-month intervals dont line up exactly with the calendar year. COVID-19 began disrupting day-to-day life in South Carolina last March. The CPST IV proceeds for March 2020 through May 2020 were $4,740,468, which fell short of the projected total of $5,423,350. That time frame was when the governor (Henry McMaster) allowed folks to delay their reporting and delay their filing of sales tax returns, Killian said. For June 2020 through August 2020, the proceeds were $6,006,368, which exceeded the projected amount of $5,196,403. The proceeds for September 2020 through November 2020 were $5,489181, which topped the projected total of $5,412,920. Even though the pandemic continues, it (the money received from CPST IV) seems to be holding steady, Killian said. Things have really stayed pretty stable. In November 2018 Aiken Countys voters overwhelmingly approved CPST IV, which also is known as a 1-cent, 1 percent, or penny local option sales tax. It is the latest iteration of a levy that was approved locally for the first time in 2000. The second version was passed in 2004, and the third received approval in 2008. After being received by the county from the Department of Revenue, the proceeds from CPST IV are divided among the county, the cities of Aiken and North Augusta, and eight small municipalities: Burnettown, Jackson, Monetta, New Ellenton, Perry, Salley, Wagener and Windsor. A formula that is based on population and point of sale, determines how the money is split up. The seven-year collection period for CPST IV began May 1, 2019, and will continue through April 30, 2026. The funds for the small municipalities portions already have been collected. When county residents voted on CPST IV, it was expected to generate around $163 million in all. The money can be used for a variety of projects including the paving of roads, renovations and the construction of buildings. Initially during the pandemic, there was concern about sharp and lasting declines in CPST IV proceeds, Killian said. What happened instead was a pleasant surprise for him and other government officials Obviously, people continued to buy durable goods, whether it was online or not where (they purchased them) we dont know because we dont get (information about) where those collections come from, Killian said. All online retailers are supposed to collect sales tax, and I think most of them do. Back in 2018, the countys share of CPST IV was expected to be nearly $75.3 million, which would represent 46.24% of the projected proceeds. If it (the pandemic) gets worse and we shut back down again or if the governor allows delays in reporting, that will change the numbers, Killian said. But right now, we dont anticipate any of that happening. And hopefully, with the vaccines rolling out, well see some control of the virus and things getting back to whatever normal is going to be. Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh and his staff have watched the proceeds from CPST IV closely. We were able to track the receipts and when we saw that the funds were coming in at kind of the level that we anticipated, we didnt delay any of our projects, Bedenbaugh said. I think we were fortunate. Even though the overall economy here certainly felt the effects of the pandemic, there still was a lot of consumer spending. He wasnt sure why that was the case, but mentioned some possible reasons. It might have been because a lot of jobs that pay good salaries were not affected, Bedenbaugh said. Federal stimulus payments and increases to unemployment benefits could have helped, he added. A lot of these tax revenues have been stronger than expected during the pandemic, Bedenbaugh said. Our hospitality tax is running about 96% of what it was (based on proceeds) prior to the pandemic. The accommodations tax is stronger than what we budgeted for, but it is about 20% off. When CPST IV was approved, the City of Aiken was expected to receive approximately $50.9 million, which would be a 31.23% share of the proceeds. Massachusetts House lawmakers approved a bill extending the COVID-19 mail-in voting law through June, giving Beacon Hill more time to review more permanent election reforms. The House voted on Monday to approve the bill, H. 73, extending the mail-in voting law through June 30. The proposal heads to the Senate for review. The temporary mail-in voting law, which took effect in July, was supposed to expire at the end of 2020 but was extended until March 31, 2021 to account for upcoming special elections. Prior to the temporary mail-in voting law, only voters who were out of town or hospitalized could vote by mail by using an absentee ballot. House Speaker Ron Mariano issued a statement late Wednesday after debate of House rules saying he backs extending the temporary voting law. Since we first enacted vote by mail, it has proven to be secure and even increased voter turnout in many places, Mariano said. The House looks forward to making vote by mail a permanent way for residents to exercise their right to vote during and beyond the pandemic. The bill originated from legislation proposed by House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, a North Reading Republican, and Sen. Jason Lewis, a Winchester Democrat. The 2020 state primary and general elections broke voter turnout records despite the COVID-19 pandemic in large part due to the law allowing voting by mail. The state primary drew more than 1.7 million voters, breaking the 1990 record of 1.4 million. More than 3.65 million people voted in the Nov. 3 election, exceeding the record 3.3 million votes in 2016. Several voting proposals are on the table. Rep. John Lawn and Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem proposed a bill that make mail-in voting a permanent option, as well as same-day voter registration. Sen. Becca Rausch filed a series of proposals that would make mail-in voting a permanent option, move up the state primary to June and require the state to maintain a central registry of voters. Another bill filed by Reps. Frank Moran and Chynah Tyler would require the state to offer free bus and train rides to and from the polls on the day of a state primary or state election. Related Content: Gene editing technology will play a vital role in climate-proofing future crops to protect global food supplies, according to scientists at The University of Queensland. Biotechnologist Dr Karen Massel from UQ's Centre for Crop Science has published a review of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 to safeguard food security in farming systems under stress from extreme and variable climate conditions. "Farmers have been manipulating the DNA of plants using conventional breeding technologies for millennia, and now with new gene-editing technologies, we can do this with unprecedented safety, precision and speed," Dr Massel said. "This type of gene editing mimics the way cells repair in nature." Her review recommended integrating CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing into modern breeding programs for crop improvement in cereals. Energy-rich cereal crops such as wheat, rice, maize and sorghum provide two-thirds of the world's food energy intake. "Just 15 plant crops provide 90 per cent of the world's food calories," Dr Massel said. "It's a race between a changing climate and plant breeders' ability to produce crops with genetic resilience that grow well in adverse conditions and have enriched nutritional qualities. "The problem is that it takes too long for breeders to detect and make that genetic diversity available to farmers, with a breeding cycle averaging about 15 years for cereal crops. "Plus CRISPR allows us to do things we can't do through conventional breeding in terms of generating novel diversity and improving breeding for desirable traits." In proof-of-concept studies, Dr Massel and colleagues at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) applied gene editing technology to sorghum and barley pre-breeding programs. "In sorghum, we edited the plant's genes to unlock the digestibility level of the available protein and to boost its nutritional value for humans and livestock," she said. "We've also used gene-editing to modify the canopy architecture and root architecture of both sorghum and barley, to improve water use efficiency." Dr Massel's research also compared the different genome sequences of cereals - including wild variants and ancestors of modern cereals - to differences in crop performance in different climates and under different kinds of stresses. "Wild varieties of production crops serve as a reservoir of genetic diversity, which is especially valuable when it comes to climate resilience," she said. "We are looking for genes or gene networks that will improve resilience in adverse growing climates. "Once a viable gene variant is identified, the trick is to re-create it directly in high-performing cultivated crops without disrupting the delicate balance of genetics related to production traits. "These kinds of changes can be so subtle that they are indistinguishable from the naturally occurring variants that inspired them." In 2019, Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator deregulated gene-editing, differentiating it from genetically modified organism (GMO) technology. Gene edited crops are not yet grown in Australia, but biosecurity and safety risk assessments of the technology are currently being undertaken. ### This research is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery grant with support from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and The University of Queensland. This research is published in Theoretical and Applied Genetics (DOI: 10.1007/s00122-020-03764-0). A FORMER Henley College student is fundraising to make a short film highlighting the plight of the UKs army of unpaid carers. Lizzie Worsdell is now a second year masters student at Londons Raindance Film School, where for her final project she has joined forces with a team of industry professionals to make The Carer. The aim is to shoot the 15-minute film at the end of March, with Lizzie in the role of producer. But in order to do so she is first seeking to raise around 10,000 on crowdfunding website Indiegogo. Were about halfway, says Lizzie. Weve raised 55 per cent, so theres still definitely a long way to go, but were pleased with how it has started. Her chief collaborators are director Amrita Acharia, lead actress Priyanga Burford and screenwriter Georgia Fitch. Amritas acting credits include Game of Thrones and ITVs The Sister, while Priyanga recently appeared in the BBC and HBO co-production Industry. As Lizzie makes clear, she and her colleagues are ambitious for the films prospects. Well be submitting it to festivals and wed obviously love to get it into BFI and Raindance and Sundance, she says. We want to get it into BAFTA-qualifying and then ultimately Oscar-qualifying festivals. That would be the dream, to get those kinds of awards and recognition. Lizzies own background is mainly in acting. She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School part-time as a child before being chosen to become a member of the National Youth Theatre. She then trained for a year at the East 15 Acting School in Loughton, Essex, before winning a three-year degree scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. From there she was invited to become a member of the BAFTA newcomers programme. Lizzie has continued to act, but recently decided that she wanted to get involved in other aspects of film-making. I just wanted to take a bit of control back, she says. You get a bit more freedom as a producer and you can choose the stories youre telling rather than just kind of waiting for someone to give you something. With moments of dark comedy and heartbreaking sadness, The Carer tells the story of Lisa, a woman in her forties who has never truly left home. She is instead stuck in an endless cycle of cleaning and caring for her sick mother, Mary. The day on which we happen to meet her in the film is one that is proving even tougher than most. With much of The Carers story having been inspired by real-life circumstances, the film-makers have a journalistic, almost documentary sense of mission. Theres such a strain on these unpaid carers at home, says Lizzie. Something that were all really passionate about is telling stories that arent normally told. Its very real, very much this is how life is. But without it being depressing, you know? Theres dark, comic things in there, like in real life, but that in turn makes it quite sad as well. Were all going to get old, so thats something we can all relate to. And weve all looked after someone or something at some point. With the film fully prepped and ready to begin shooting once the funding is finalised, Lizzie is clear about her own role. Im the fixer, she says. Im the person at the top that gets all the elements together. I find the director, I find the writer, I find the crew. The money comes down to me as well. But we get all of that together and we get the film. For more information and to donate, visit www.indiegogo.com/ projects/the-carer-short-film 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 association is to offer customised learning programs for the Tata Group workforce to prepare them for the future workplace. NEW DELHI, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DeakinCo., the commercial arm of Australia's Deakin University, has strategically partnered with Tata Management Training Centre (TMTC) to offer customized capability development programs for all levels of management in TATA group companies. These learning programs have been recognised and implemented in various Tata organisations. Tata Management Training Centre, the learning arm of the Tata Group's Human Resources, and DeakinCo. initiated a strategic partnership in September 2020, under which the latter will offer customized programs for organisations to address the unique learning and well-being needs of business during and post COVID times. With the dramatic changes forced upon business by the global pandemic, continuous workplace learning has become all the more important. The first client under the alliance, Tata AIA, wished to build business-critical capabilities of its talent pool through a customised program. The program covered the key areas of strategy, leadership, people management, change management and decision making in the new digital era. Since the alliance was formed in late 2020, it has already delivered multiple learning programs for Tata group companies and is collaborating on further programs to strengthen the alliance in the next financial year. Speaking on the development, Professor Iain Martin, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University, said, "Aligned with the recently announced reforms to broaden and strengthen Australia-India relations, DeakinCo. and TMTC are pleased to contribute towards this mission and deepen their engagement moving forward. Deakin University is extremely pleased to be partnering with TMTC to offer targeted professional development solutions to the TATA Group. As a globally focussed university, the core of our mission is to work in partnership with local and international business, governments, communities, and educational organisations to make a difference in the world wherever we can. Our alliance with TMTC aligns well with this and, together, we can assist to prepare Tata's workforce for the challenges of tomorrow." "At TMTC, we follow a culture of continual learning and development. We are delighted to associate with DeakinCo, whose expertise and experience will elevate our capability building programmes to build strong leaders with deeper and contemporary insights. Through these learning solutions, we aim to equip our Tata colleagues across all levels for improved workplace performance and to help scale the success ladder in the new digital normal culture," said Emmanuel David, Director, TMTC. Glenn Campbell, CEO, DeakinCo. said, "We are honoured to associate with TMTC to meet the unique learning needs of the workforce in these digitally disrupted times. This partnership is aimed to develop a scalable and practical solution that can be adaptable across multiple industries. With our expertise in enhancing workplace capabilities through digitally delivered learning, we are well-placed to support TMTC in transforming remote-working into a competitive advantage." About DeakinCo. DeakinCo. is the corporate arm of Australia's most progressive international education provider, Deakin University, DeakinCo. is a pioneer of workplace transformation for the future. DeakinCo.'s mission is to help organisations and individuals build the emerging and in-demand skills required to succeed in the workplace today and tomorrow. DeakinCo. creates real-world workplace learning and skill assessment experiences that have an immediate impact on learners. Our solutions offer a blended learning journey that is immersive, practical, sustainable and empowering, resulting in long-term business impact and improved performance outcomes. For more information, please visit www.deakinco.com or write to [email protected] or call +91-11-26544715 About TMTC The Tata Management Training Centre (TMTC) is the learning arm of Tata Group Human Resources and a highly regarded leadership development institution. Inaugurated on January 6, 1966, TMTC was the realization of JRD Tata's vision to foster an educational institution that would assist, cultivate and contribute to the development of professional management for the economic development of the country. Over the years, TMTC has collaborated with world-class partners -renowned faculty, institutions, and experts from India and around the world - to deliver leadership development with a focus on addressing contemporary business themes and building future-ready competencies. Today, TMTC continues that legacy and heritage of deep commitment to talent development in the Tata Group. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/713572/Deakin_University_Logo.jpg SOURCE Deakin University (Reuters) - Here is a timeline of events since Myanmar's military took power in a coup on Monday, Feb. 1. Feb 1: Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other senior figures from the National League for Democracy (NLD) are detained in an early morning raid. The military declares a state of emergency for a year, and says it carried out the detentions in response to alleged election fraud, handing power to army chief Min Aung Hlaing. The junta removes 24 ministers and deputies, naming 11 replacements. Feb 3: Staff at 70 hospitals and medical departments across Myanmar stop work to protest against the coup. Others wear red ribbons as part of a civil disobedience campaign. The NLD's offices around the country are raided, with documents, computers and laptops taken. Myanmar police file charges against Suu Kyi. A police document says military officers who searched Suu Kyi's residence found six hand-held radios that were imported illegally and used without permission. Charges are also filed against President Win Myint over violating protocols to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Feb 4: A group of protesters wave banners and chant anti-coup slogans in Mandalay in the first such street protest against the army takeover. At least three are arrested. Feb 5: Teachers and some government workers join the civil disobedience movement, saying they will not work for the authorities unless the elected government is restored. Feb 6: Blockages are ordered on Twitter and Instagram, where protesters had been sharing information. The junta then order the country's internet shut down. Tens of thousands of people take to the streets to protest against the coup in Yangon and other cities. Feb 7: Protests sweep Myanmar, in the biggest show of mass anger since the 2007 protests that helped lead to democratic reforms. Internet access is restored, but social media platforms remain blocked. Feb 9: Police fire guns mostly into the air, and use water cannons and rubber bullets to try to clear protesters in the capital Naypyitaw. One woman shot in the head with a live bullet is not expected to survive, a doctor said. Story continues Feb 12: Hundreds of thousands join nationwide pro-democracy demonstrations, with three people wounded by rubber bullets in clashes with police. Feb 13: The junta suspends laws constraining security forces from detaining suspects or searching private property without court approval and orders the arrest of well-known backers of mass protests. Feb 16: Police file a second charge against Suu Kyi, of violating Myanmar's Natural Disaster Law. Feb 19: Protester who was shot in the head by police cracking down on demonstrators dies after 10 days on life support. Feb 21: Two killed in Mandalay as security forces fire to disperse protests. Feb 22: General strike shuts businesses as huge crowds gather peacefully across the country. Feb 23: Malaysia sends 1,086 Myanmar citizens back to their country on three navy ships sent by Myanmar's military, despite a court order to halt the deportation. Feb 25: Facebook bans Myanmar military from its platforms with immediate effect. About 1,000 supporters of Myanmar's military, some armed with knives and clubs, others firing catapults and throwing stones, rally in Yangon city centre, attacking opponents of the Feb. 1 coup. Feb 26: Myanmar's U.N. envoy makes appeal to the United Nations, urging the use of "any means necessary" to stop the coup. He is fired the next day. Feb 27: Police launch a sweeping crackdown, arresting hundreds and shooting and wounding at least one. Feb 28: At least 18 people killed as police fire on protesters, the UN human rights office says. Activists across Asia hold rallies in support of Myanmar protesters. (Compiled by Karishma Singh; Editing by Stephen Coates) As soon as nominations were announced on Feb. 3, the foreign press association was harshly criticized for overlooking films with mostly Black casts, including Spike Lees Da 5 Bloods. But the ceremony began with back-to-back honors for Black actors. The nights first winner was Daniel Kaluuya, for best supporting actor for his performance as the Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah. John Boyega then won best supporting actor in a TV series for playing a police officer in Amazons Small Axe. Pixars Soul, which featured a Black protagonist an aspiring jazz musician in search of his inspiration won the Globe for best animated film. In an awkward moment, Pete Docter, who directed Soul, and Dana Murray, the films primary producer, both of whom are white, gave live acceptance speeches while the films co-director, Kemp Powers, who is Black, seemed to receive short shrift, offering thanks in a taped video that played on Docters iPad. (Kemp had apparently been told only on Sunday that he was a nominee. Co-directors have been excluded in the past.) One Night in Miami, a fact-based drama about a meeting of four Black luminaries, received three nominations, including for Regina Kings directing and Leslie Odom Jr.s portrayal of Sam Cooke. The films best hope was in the song category, where its contemplative Speak Now, sung and co-written by Odom, drew a nod. But the Globe for best song unexpectedly went to Diane Warren and contributors for Io Si, from The Life Ahead, a Netflix entry. The press associations lack of diversity was a recurring motif throughout the show. Its great to be Black (back) at the Golden Globes, said Sterling K. Brown when he took the stage with his This Is Us co-star Susan Kelechi Watson to present two awards. London: A consortium of 12 British and Indian universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, has received a 7-million-pound grant from the UK government to build five self-sufficient solar-powered buildings in remote Indian villages. The grant is part of a new solar project SUNRISE aimed at developing printed photovoltaic cells and new manufacturing processes which can be used to make solar energy products in India. These will then be integrated into buildings in at least five villages of India, allowing them to harness solar power to provide their own energy and run off grid. The programme is part of the Swansea University led SPECIFIC Project, which recently opened the UKs first "energy-positive classroom" and revolves around a "buildings as power stations" concept. "The energy-positive classroom we built shows that this technology works, successfully turning buildings into power stations. This funding will enable us to export this model to support Indias plans to boost solar energy," said Professor Dave Worsley of Swansea University, head of research at the SPECIFIC project and leader of the SUNRISE team. "The Swansea team will be working closely with our partner universities in the UK and India. Our hope is that if we can show this works on five villages in India, then it could be rolled out to other buildings in India and around the world," he said. Also Read: Hindustan Power targets to raise Rs 6,000 cr over next two years Swansea University says the project is in line with Indian governments plans to turn the country into a solar energy leader, leap-frogging fossil fuels and to boost the Indian manufacturing sector. The teams concept of a building as a power station has been working in the form of its first energy-positive classroom on the Swansea University Bay campus. "Designed and built by the SPECIFIC project, the classroom can run off grid. Electricity is generated by a steel roof with integrated solar cells," the university said in a statement. Some of the other universities which are part of the consortium include Oxford, Cambridge, Brunel and Imperial College London. The 7-million-pound award comes from the UK governments Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), which supports cutting-edge research that addresses the global issues faced by developing countries. "From healthcare to green energy, the successful projects receiving funding highlight the strength of the UKs research base and our leadership in helping developing countries tackle some of the greatest global issues of our time," said Jo Johnson, UK minister for universities and science. "At a time when the pace of scientific discovery and innovation is quickening, we are placing science and research at the heart of our Industrial Strategy to build on our strengths and maintain our status as science powerhouse," Johnson said. Also Read: 13-year-old boy makes solar powered bike in Haryana One of the key aims of the SUNRISE project for India is to provide a real-life example which proves that this technology works and that it is appropriate within communities. The plan is that it will encourage local industries to manufacture affordable prefabricated buildings, adapted for their environment, that can generate, store and release their own power. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. English Danish Not for release, publication or distribution in whole or in part, in, or into the United States. 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Contact information For further information, visit tryg.com or contact: Gianandrea Roberti, Investor Relations Officer +45 20 18 82 67 gianandrea.roberti@tryg.dk Peter Brondt, Investor Relations Manager +45 22 75 89 04 peter.brondt@tryg.dk This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America. This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the "US Securities Act"), as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. In any member state of the European Economic Area other than Denmark, Norway and Sweden (each a "Relevant State"), this communication is only addressed to, and is only directed at, persons in that Relevant State who fulfil the criteria for exemption from the obligation to publish a prospectus, including qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of this provision, the expression Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. In the United Kingdom, this communication is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in Article 2(e) of the UK Prospectus Regulation) and who are: (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within the definition of "investment professionals" in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"); (ii) persons who are high net worth bodies corporate, unincorporated associations and partnerships and the trustees of high value trusts, as described in Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; and/or (iii) persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated under the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). This communication must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not Relevant Persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is available only to, and will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, OR FORM PART OF, AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITY IN THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE REPUBLIC OF ITALY, SWITZERLAND, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE ONSHORE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, THE ABU DHABI GLOBAL MARKET, SINGAPORE, JAPAN, HONG KONG, OR THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RESTRICTIONS MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH JURISDICTION. Attachment AACHEN, Germany, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Grunenthal Germany is now certified as a Great Place to Work and a Great Start! company for apprentices. The company was awarded these two certifications based on the positive feedback that its employees shared during the Great Place to Work survey in 2020 and a successfully completed external audit. "We are pleased with this positive feedback from our employees particularly in times of the pandemic. It shows us that employees feel connected to the company despite contact restrictions and working from home," says Oliver Lamm, Head HR Germany. "At Grunenthal we actively create an attractive working environment based on our strong corporate culture." Overall, 76 percent of the participants stated that they consider Grunenthal a "great place to work". A great workplace is characterised by several factors: Employees trust their management and experience a working atmosphere based on credibility, respect and fairness. They are proud of their job and their company and enjoy working with their colleagues. For the first time, Grunenthal has officially been certified as a Great Place to Work in Germany. In addition to this, the company has been awarded the Great start! certificate in recognition of the positive evaluation of its apprenticeship programme. Grunenthal also successfully participated in the Great Place to Work certification process in other countries, and has received certificates for its affiliates in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, Peru, Portugal and Spain. To pursue our journey towards our vision of a world free of pain, we continuously strive to attract and retain the right talent for Grunenthal globally. We've recently launched our evolved employer brand with a range of social media activities and a refreshed careers website and by getting our employees involved as our brand ambassadors. Read what makes Grunenthal an attractive employer: https://careers.grunenthal.com About Great Place to Work Grunenthal has conducted the Great Place to Work survey regularly since 2009. This voluntary and anonymous survey gives employees around the globe an opportunity to provide direct feedback about Grunenthal's workplace culture and leadership approach. In this way, the company gets a clear benchmark for where it stands and can track its progress by comparing against previous years. In turn, this helps Grunenthal to focus on the right priorities and to implement effective measures that keep it moving forwards on its cultural journey. About Grunenthal Grunenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, privately-owned pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better and innovation is our passion. We are focusing all of our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a world free of pain. Grunenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 29 countries across Europe, Latin America and the US. Our products are available in more than 100 countries. In 2019, Grunenthal employed around 4,700 people and achieved sales of 1.4 bn. More information: www.grunenthal.com Follow us on: LinkedIn: Grunenthal Group Instagram: grunenthal For further information, please contact: Fabia Kehren, Head External Communications & Editorial Management Grunenthal Tel.: +49 241 569-3269 [email protected] Grunenthal GmbH, 52099 Aachen, Germany SOURCE Grunenthal Group Amaravati, March 1 : Whale shark conservation along Andhra Pradesh coast and similar efforts on Asian elephants, tigers, olive ridley turtles and king cobras among others are some of the topics the state forest department will deliberate, commemorating the World Wildlife Day on Wednesday. "The panelists in the webinar include senior officials from AP forest department, senior level scientists from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), some eminent representatives from NGOs and individual researchers working in the field of wildlife conservation," said Nandani Salaria, curator of the Visakhapatnam-based Indira Gandhi Zoological Park of Vizag Zoo. These officials will deliver talks aimed at creating awareness in the public about wildlife in the southern state. WII scientist K. Ramesh will talk about Eastern Ghats landscape, its significance and the need for integrated landscape strategy. Rahul Pandey, chief conservator of forests, wildlife will raise awareness on tiger conservation in Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NTSR). Likewise, Supraja Dharini from Tree Foundation will enlighten enthusiasts on integrated olive ridley sea turtle conservation along AP coast, which is a success story. Salaria will talk about ex-situ conservation in Vizag Zoo and the way forward. Anant Shankar and Selvam, DFOs from Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram respectively will speak on whale shark conservation insights and the future along AP's nearly 1,000 km long coastline by the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of India. Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society representative Murthy Kantimahanti will enlighten on king cobra conservation in north coastal AP. Finally, Rakesh Kalva will talk on Asian elephant conservation and the future ahead, followed by an interactive session moderated by Salaria. Themed wildlife conservation initiatives in AP, the webinar is scheduled from 3.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The power outages Texans experienced because of the unprecedented winter storm were sadly avoidable. It was an unprecedented weather event, but one that our electrical grid should have been prepared to withstand. Unfortunately, as we have seen in Texas and other states like California, electrical grids are often vulnerable to extreme weather or dramatically increased usage. We need to ensure our electrical grid is more reliable and able to withstand demand that will increase in coming years. Newly confirmed Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm explained the issue succinctly in a tweet: Americas electricity grid is simply not able to handle extreme weather events. Whether its wildfires in California or snowstorms in Texas, we need to upgrade our grid infrastructure ASAP. While this is true, and we can expect a lengthy debate about how the power grid failed in Texas and how this can be avoided in the future, this situation brings up another important issue that many politicians and public policy experts have avoided. Is our electrical grid prepared for expected increases in electric vehicle charging? The answer appears to be no. Most electric-car owners charge at home so power outages present a unique and potentially dangerous situation for EV owners. During the snowstorm, people were relying on their vehicles for heat and for charging essential devices. Any home that solely relies on EVs was therefore at increased risk. And for those who need to evacuate an area, not being able to charge their car because of a power outage could have deadly consequences. This is especially troubling because it is during emergency situations that power outages become more common. Nine in 10 major power outages in the U.S. were caused by hurricanes. Wildfires in California resulted in power outages and rolling blackouts. And now we can add a winter snowstorm leading to power outages here in Texas,. And its also easy to imagine the risks associated with a weather-related extended power outage if our emergency vehicles were electric powered as well. But its not even just extreme weather that can cause outages. If electricity powered every car, it would increase demand that would strain the electrical grid. A Department of Energy study found national consumption of electricity could increase by as much as 38 percent by 2050, in large part because of electric vehicles. If residents cranking up their electric heaters can push power demand beyond the worst-case scenarios that grid operators had planned for, our electrical grid is obviously not prepared for the 276 million vehicles currently registered in the U.S. to be electric. For reference, despite companies like General Motors recently announcing that by 2035 they will only offer electric vehicles, electric cars currently account for less than two percent of the vehicle market in America. While many will debate exactly what and who is to blame for the Texas blackouts, regardless of the cause, the power grid is obviously unprepared for extreme weather events and increased demand in many circumstances, and is therefore not ready for mass adoption of EVs. The bottom line is that we need multiple energy sources to help ensure that we dont see disasters like the one this week become even worse. EVs will be a bigger part of our future, but conversion of the entire transportation system to electricity should not be a goal. Even with expensive upgrades, there will always be some grid failures. And, when that happens, we will all need some gasoline and diesel engines to help us get out of harms way. State Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, represents House District 31. The U.S.-Mexico border where the fence becomes a small barbed wire fence, west of Nogales, Ariz., on May 23, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) White House Expands Capacity for Migrants With New Tent Facility The Biden administration is preparing to open another tent facility of immigrants near the U.S.-Mexico border amid a surge in migrants over the past several weeks after President Joe Biden took office. CBP is currently constructing a soft-sided facility in Eagle Pass, TX to help accommodate migrants in our custody. There have always been fluctuations in the number of individuals we encounter at the border, and we continue to adapt accordingly, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement to CNN on Monday. In February, the agency announced the opening of a soft-sided facility in Donna, Texas, due to the rise in illegal crossings. The administration also faced blowback after reopening a facility at Carrizo Springs to house an influx of minor migrantswhich was also used during the Trump administration in 2019. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) decried the move to reopen the facility, saying that detaining children never will be okayno matter the administration. The Eagle Pass shelter is separate from the one for children who arrived alone on the border. Based on past experience, evaluation of operational requirements, and challenges due to COVID-19 space restrictions, we need additional processing facilities when we see rising numbers of encounters, the agency added. The migrant situation drew condemnation from former President Donald Trump on Sunday, who said Bidens policies triggered a massive flood of illegal immigration into our country, the likes of which weve never seen before. The flood critical comments drew a response from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday, who told reporters that the Trump administration expelled children to Mexico. And we are not expelling young children. We are not apprehending a 9-year-old child whos come alone, who has traversed Mexico, whose parentswhose loving parentshad sent that child alone, we are not expelling that nine-year-old child to Mexico when that childs origin, country of origin, was Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador, he said. Mayorkas then stated: We are actually bringing that child into a Border Patrol station as a stepping point to get that child in the hands of [Department of Health and Human Services], that has the capacity and in the unique talents to care for the childhealth care workers, mental health counseling and the likeand moving that child to a sponsor as quickly as possible. ORLANDO, Fla. Nearly four months after he lost the 2020 election, Donald Trump was able to celebrate being a winner again Sunday, after he captured the 2024 presidential straw poll of the Conservative Political Action Conference, while Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida finished first in a second 2024 straw poll covering a field of potential candidates that did not include Trump. But in a surprise bit of downbeat news for Trump, only 68% of those at the conference said they wanted the former president to run again in 2024. Far more attendees, 95%, said they wanted the Republican Party to advance Trumps policies and agenda than endorsed him running again, even as the mere mention of Trumps name earned loud applause throughout the three-day gathering of activists. The straw polls, conducted by secret ballot, reflected the views of current and former elected officials, activists, writers and others who attended the three-day conference a group that, generally speaking, represents the far-right wing of the Republican Party and now includes a disproportionate number of Trumps most passionate supporters. The former president had thoroughly dominated the weekend gathering in Orlando a giant golden replica of him was a top attraction for activists and organizers of the event, better known as CPAC, put together two straw polls to gauge the next presidential field whether Trump runs or not. Trump carried 55% of the vote in the straw poll he was included in. DeSantis was the only Republican to reach double digits, with 21% support, in the straw poll that included Trump. The results were presented by Jim McLaughlin, a pollster for Trump who conducted the survey for CPAC. Throughout the weekend, many of the CPAC speakers, especially other potential Republican 2024 candidates, had hailed Trump and made a case for his achievements to loud ovations Friday and Saturday. Donald J. Trump aint going anywhere, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said Friday to thunderous applause. The results were released Sunday afternoon just before Trump appeared at CPAC to make the first speech of his post-presidency. The top finish for DeSantis in the straw poll without Trump is a boost to his emergence as a leading Republican for the post-Trump era. As the governor of the crucial swing state of Florida (which is also home to Trump), DeSantis has become a popular figure among science-skeptical Republicans for his resistance to COVID-related lockdowns. His speech Friday captured the current post-policy phase of Republicanism. We can sit around and have academic debates about conservative policy, we can do that, he said. But the question is, when the klieg lights get hot, when the left comes after you: Will you stay strong, or will you fold? DeSantis also vowed never to return to the failed Republican establishment of yesteryear. DeSantis, like other prospective presidential candidates, has not indicated if he indeed plans to run for the Republican nomination for the White House in 2024. He earned 43% in the straw poll without Trump, with Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota finishing second, with 11%. The CPAC straw polls have not proved particularly predictive of future presidential nominees. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky won three in a row in the run-up to the 2016 primary, which he quit after a poor showing in one contest the Iowa caucuses. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah won four CPAC straw polls (in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012) but now is a figure whose name drew boos and derision as one of Trumps fiercest Republican critics. Still, the early 2021 success for DeSantis gives him a larger platform and bragging rights for a party that remains very much in search of any identity beyond fealty to Trump. The straw poll result was likely discouraging for former Vice President Mike Pence, who did not attend the conference. He had served as Trumps loyal No. 2 for four years, but his unwillingness to try to challenge or overturn the results of the 2020 election earned him Trumps anger and, in turn, that of many in the Republican base. Pence earned 1% of the CPAC vote. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Dear J.T. & Dale: The pandemic hit last year right around the time of our annual reviews, and they ended up being put on hold. Nine months later, the company has had one of the best years in its history. Yet nobody has even made mention of any back pay to compensate us. I know they are planning to resume annual reviews this year. Would it be appropriate to ask for money to make up for the fact that I didnt get a review last time? Quinn J.T.: There is a delicate way you could bring this up prior to the actual review process. I would do a little homework, then set a meeting with your boss. Make a list of all of the responsibilities you were hired for, and then make a list of all the new responsibilities youve taken on over the past two years. Ideally, you should have a nice list of how youve grown and created additional value for the company. When you meet with your boss, go over this document and say, Id love to know what its going to take to earn a raise. Also ask if your boss thinks it would be possible to earn a larger-than-normal raise to make up for the fact that you were not given the opportunity to earn one last year. Be sure to include how excited you are to continue to grow your role at the company. When your boss hears the sincerity in your voice and the polite way you are inquiring, you will have a shot at getting the answer youre looking for. DALE: Thats first-rate advice. Notice, though, what J.T. did NOT mention: Back pay. Im picturing the terror in the eyes of management if someone suggests trying to figure out what raises everyone might have gotten a year ago and then paying them out as back pay, as a debt owed. Instead, what should happen is that the company pays generous bonuses. However, those would be company-wide and probably not something your boss can initiate. Lets hope your upper management is thinking about how to share the success of last year with everyone, while you focus on a generous raise for yourself. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Dear J.T. & Dale: Ive noticed lately on social media that people talk about being in a toxic workplace or having a toxic boss. However, when they start to describe the behavior, it just sounds like theyre getting critical feedback and they dont like it. Do you think that discussions of toxic behavior are out of proportion? Corrine DALE: Ah, Corinne, youre talking straight to the heart of this lover of language. But, there are two kinds of us language lovers: Purists and extremists. It sounds as though you are one of the former, someone who knows that toxic means poisonous, with connotations of danger and even death. So, yes, using toxic to describe a critical manager is clearly an overstatement. However, that brings me to the other type of language lovers: The ones, like me, who like to play with exaggeration and, in this case, want to recognize the dangers of bad workplaces. After all, the wrong environment can stunt the growth of your career and/or damage your health mental and physical. J.T.: Social media has definitely increased the discussion around bad work environments. And like you, Corrine, Ive noticed that the word toxic is being used more frequently, often in situations where people just werent performing well and werent happy with critical feedback. That being said, it really does come down to tone and delivery of feedback. There are plenty of old-school managers who believe its OK to yell at people and criticize them publicly. That is just unacceptable. In my experience as a manager, its just as easy to pull somebody aside and have a sincere and kind conversation about performance. So while toxic may be overused, more often its a case of people talking about outdated management styles. This is the age of emotional intelligence, and managers need to up their game if they want to keep the respect of employees. Jeanine J.T. Tanner ODonnell is a career coach and the founder of the leading career site www.workitdaily.com. Dale Dauten is founder of The Innovators Lab and author of a novel about H.R., The Weary Optimist. Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2021 by King Features Syndicate, Inc. This photo from Rodong Shimmun newspaper's website on Feb. 28 shows North Korean workers staging a pep rally in achieving a new five-year state economic development plan the country leader Kim Jong-un introduced in January this year. Yonhap North Korea has staged worker pep rallies en masse across the country to boost morale in achieving a new five-year state economic development put forward by leader Kim Jong-un last month, the country's state media said Sunday. The North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that workers' rallies aimed at encouraging the fulfillment of the year-one goals of the five-year economic plan were held in multiple industrial fields and units. The rallies were held as answers to an earlier one staged at the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex, where workers affirmed their commitment to meet production targets and achieve the first-year goals of the plan, according to the KCNA. North Korea unveiled the new five-year economic development plan at the eighth congress of the Workers' Party last month, with a focus on self-reliance. Trainer Gordon Elliott has apologised 'profoundly' after images circulated of him sitting on a dead horse. Grand National-winning trainer Elliott, 42, came under fire after the shocking pictures were shared on social media on Saturday, and he confirmed he was fully co-operating with an investigation. The picture appears to shows Elliott sitting on what looks to be a dead horse while on the phone and holding up two fingers in a peace gesture, and the Tiger Roll trainer decided to offer an apology - insisting the welfare of his horses is 'paramount'. Gordon Elliott has apologised after a photo appeared to show him sitting on a dead horse Elliott is being investigated by the Irish authorities after the image was posted on social media He said the photo dated back to 'some time ago' and denied suggestions his actions had been 'callous', stressing that he was caught off-guard after receiving a phone call. 'I would like to address the speculation and rumours that have been rife since an old photo of me began circulating on social media yesterday afternoon,' he wrote in a statement. 'Firstly, I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra. 'The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth. The 42-year-old has trained 147 winners this season - but could be suspended from the sport 'At what was a sad time, which it is when any horse under my care passes away, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned. 'I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished.' Elliott hit out at 'falsehoods and misinformation' around the picture on social media but said he put horse welfare first and would continue to co-operate with the investigation. 'Such background information may seem trivial at this time and will not allay the concerns of many people both within and outside the world of horse racing,' he added. 'However, I feel it is important to provide people with some context surrounding this photo. To the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by this image I cannot apologise enough. 'Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely at the core of everything we do here and both myself and all of my team pride ourselves on those standards. Elliott said horse welfare is 'paramount' to him and denied claims that the photo was 'callous' 'Again I apologise for any offence caused and ask people to consider this statement as opposed to the various falsehoods and misinformation being circulated on social media. 'At this time I would like to stress that I continue to extend my full cooperation with the ongoing IHRB investigation.' The image had led the British Horseracing Authority to call on their Irish counterparts to quickly reveal the truth behind the 'shocking picture'. Elliott does not fall under the jurisdiction of the British authorities as he is based and licensed in Ireland. But the strongly-worded BHA statement was a recognition that the picture could damage the sport's reputation as much as Elliott's and undermine initiatives on equine welfare with the Cheltenham Festival only two weeks away. A BHA spokesperson said: 'We hope the Irish authorities will quickly confirm how this shocking picture originated. The Cheltenham Gold Cup starts on March 19 and Elliott has tasted considerable success there 'Respect for horses is a fundamental value of our sport, contrary to the impression in this picture. 'The IHRB have assured us that the investigation will be carried out as quickly as possible and that they will keep us informed as more information becomes available.' The picture was posted on social media on Saturday evening, with Elliott releasing a statement on Twitter which said: 'I'm aware of a photo in circulation on social media. 'The IHRB have been in contact with me regarding this photo and I will be cooperating fully with their investigation.' One prominent racing figure, speaking to Racemail on the condition of anonymity, voiced fears that the episode could develop into 'one of the biggest PR disasters racing has ever faced'. As a trainer licensed in Ireland, Elliott, who has trained 147 winners this season, could face a disrepute charge which carries penalties ranging from a fine to a suspension. IHRB chief executive Denis Egan has said the matter will be dealt with 'very quickly' and a spokesman for the IHRB added: 'I can't put a time line on it but the investigation is ongoing and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.' Elliott's stock has soared thanks to Tiger Roll's successive victories at the Grand National The timing could not be worse given the proximity of Cheltenham. Elliott trained seven winners there last year to take his career tally to 32. He has a clutch of favourites again this month, including the unbeaten dual Festival winner Envoi Allen, owned by the British-based Cheveley Park Stud, who is hot favourite in the Marsh Novices' Chase. Elliott was the youngest person to train a Grand National winner when, aged 29, he won the race in 2007 with Silver Birch. He has since seen his profile rise thanks to his training of Tiger Roll, winner of the race on the last two occasions it has been run. Those exploits have made the gelding arguably the best-known jumps horse in Britain since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s. Tiger Roll, who like many of Elliott's horses runs in the colours of the Gigginstown Stud of Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary, is chasing his fifth Festival win. He could then run again at Aintree and, along with Elliott, would have been expected to be centre stage in the most watched jumps race of year. (Natural News) Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are some of the most promising batteries available today. They are cheaper, lighter and capable of storing much more energy than conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which currently power most kinds of electronic devices. But LSBs can only be recharged a few times before degrading. Now, South Korean researchers might have just found the right catalyst to improve the lifespan and performance of these batteries. In a study published in the journal ChemSusChem, the researchers described how they used the compound cobalt oxalate to reverse the degradation of LSBs. Improving the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries LSBs are not yet widely used today because charging them causes a buildup of solid lithium sulfide and liquid lithium polysulfide. In turn, these chemical deposits degrade the sulfur cathode (positively charged electrode) and lithium anode (negatively charged electrode), which effectively reduces the lifespan of the batteries and may even cause them to catch fire. The researchers then looked for a catalyst a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change that can make the degradation of LSBs reversible during use. While looking for a new electrocatalyst for the LSBs, we recalled a previous study we had performed with cobalt oxalate in which we had found that negatively charged ions can easily adsorb on this materials surface during electrolysis, said Jaeyoung Lee, a professor of environmental engineering at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea and one of the study researchers. This led Lee and his team to hypothesize that cobalt oxalate could have a protective effect against the chemical deposits. To test their hypothesis, they made an LSB and added a layer of cobalt oxalate on the surface of the sulfur cathode. Their analyses showed that the compounds ability to adsorb onto sulfur broke up lithium sulfide and lithium polysulfide into simpler molecules. The cobalt oxalate also prevented lithium sulfide from reaching the lithium anode and triggering a self-discharge reaction by adsorbing the chemical onto its surface. These actions together enhanced the batterys longevity, performance and energy storage capacity. (Related: Battery breakthrough? Membraneless flow battery stores 10 times the energy of lithium-ion.) The teams findings could open the door to the widespread use of LSBs. LSBs can enable efficient electric transportation such as in unmanned aircraft, electric buses, trucks and locomotives, in addition to large-scale energy storage devices, Lee said. We hope that our findings can get LSBs one step closer to commercialization for these purposes. Using lithium-sulfur batteries to power aircraft Many organizations have started experimenting with LSBs to power vehicles. Last year, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute flew a test aircraft that partially runs on an LSB. Called EAV-3, the small aircraft was designed for long flights at an altitude of seven miles or more. Its engine runs on solar cells and an LSB during the day, then depends solely on the battery at night. According to LG Chem, the Korean manufacturer that made the battery, the airplane flew for seven consecutive hours during the pilot testing. It had a stable flight at an altitude of up to 13 miles, where conditions are almost vacuum and no normal aircraft can fly. The firm plans to refine its battery and carry out a long-endurance test flight that will last for several days. After 2025, it hopes to start mass-producing LSBs with an energy density (how much energy a battery contains in proportion to its weight) two times greater than that of current LIBs. Last year, British company Oxis Energy announced that it would supply Texas Aircraft Manufacturing with next-generation LSBs for the latters electric aircraft. The firms batteries have a significantly longer lifespan than past LSB designs and a higher energy density than LIBs. According to Oxis, its lithium-sulfur cell can hold 470 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) of energy while a typical lithium-ion cell can only hold up to 265 Wh/kg. After some future refinements, the lithium-sulfur cell could reach 600 Wh/kg by 2025. The firm will be supplying Texas Aircraft with a 400 Wh/kg battery pack that could give an electric aircraft a two-hour, 230-mile range. Learn more about important technological advancements at Breakthrough.news. Sources include: Horizon-Magazine.eu ScienceDaily.com PV-Magazine.com NewAtlas.com IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopoff Realty Investments ("Shopoff"), a national manager of opportunistic and value-add real estate investments, announced today that James O'Malley has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President Forward Planning for the firm, and will now lead the Development team under Executive Vice President Real Estate, Brian Rupp. "Over the past five years, James has become an integral part of the development team and has proven a true champion for Shopoff's development projects," explained Shopoff Realty Investments President and CEO William Shopoff. "Spearheading many of our noteworthy projects, such as the Magnolia Tank Farm mixed-use development in Huntington Beach, and the Anaheim South Street townhome development, James' efforts and expertise have been a vital component to moving many Shopoff projects across the finish line." With more than 38 years of experience in the real estate industry, O'Malley joined Shopoff in April 2016, acting as the firm's Vice President Development. In this new role as Senior Vice President Forward Planning, O'Malley will lead the development team throughout a project's development cycle, from land acquisition, due diligence and the entitlement process, to ultimately managing the sale of assets. James is active in representing Shopoff throughout the real estate and local community, as an Orange County Building Industry Association Board Member, a member of the Huntington Beach Wetland Conservancy Board, as well as other industry affiliated group memberships. Prior to his role with Shopoff, he held the position of Vice President, Land Acquisitions for Meritage Homes of Southern California. O'Malley, added, "Working with the talented team at Shopoff, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to spearhead some amazing projects for the firm, and look forward to continuing to support Shopoff's vision for its properties and land, transforming them into products that provide better uses for our communities." About Shopoff Realty Investments Shopoff Realty Investments is an Irvine, California-based real estate firm with a 29-year history of value-add and opportunistic investing across the United States. The company primarily focuses on proactively generating appreciation through the repositioning of commercial income-producing properties and the entitlement of land assets. The 29-year history includes operating as Asset Recovery Fund, Eastbridge Partners and Shopoff Realty Investments (formerly known as The Shopoff Group). Performance has varied in this time frame, with certain offerings generating losses. For additional information, please visit www.shopoff.com or call (844) 4-SHOPOFF. Disclosures This is not an offering to buy or sell any securities. Such offer may only be made through the offering's memorandum to qualified purchasers. Any investment in Shopoff Realty Investments programs involves substantial risks and is suitable only for investors who have no need for liquidity and who can bear the loss of their entire investment. There is no assurance that any strategy will succeed to meet its investment objectives. The performance of this asset is not indicative of future results of other assets. Securities offered through Shopoff Securities, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC, 2 Park Plaza, Suite 770, Irvine, CA 92614, (844) 4-SHOPOFF. Contact: Julie Leber Spotlight Marketing Communications 949.427.1391 [email protected] SOURCE Shopoff Realty Investments Related Links www.shopoff.com Prime Minister Scott Morrison is under increasing pressure to address what's been described as a toxic culture in Australia's parliament, as police investigate an alleged rape in the 1980s. The Australian Federal Police said this weekend that it had received a complaint in relation to a sexual assault and would be working with state authorities. The alleged victim killed herself in June 2020, and details of the claims have been sent by her friends to two senators and the prime minister's office. Morrison was already under pressure over the workplace culture at Parliament House after a former government media adviser, Brittany Higgins, said last month that after a night of drinking with colleagues in 2019 she was raped by a fellow staffer in a minister's office. Several female lawmakers have complained about a male-dominated and disempowering culture in the nation's capital, Canberra. "The prime minister needs to lead here, and so far his silence is deafening," Greens Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, who was sent documents detailing the 1988 alleged assault, told ABC radio on Monday. "Simply leaving it lingering there does not resolve the issue and creates a serious problem for this government of integrity and trust." She called for the Cabinet minister, who has not been identified, to stand aside while the matter is investigated. Sixteen of Morrison's 22-member Cabinet are men. "It's really important here that we understand that people are entitled to the presumption of innocence," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters in Tasmania on Monday. "Everybody jumping on here and making these issues the subject of, as you say, further inquiry - leave that to the police." Anthony Albanese, leader of the main opposition Labor party, said that the matter was a test for Morrison and that it was up to him to judge whether the minister should remain in the Cabinet. "We need to make sure that these serious allegations, that they are investigated appropriately, and that these issues aren't politically managed," he told the ABC on Sunday. In the past two weeks the prime minister has faced a barrage of questions in parliament about his knowledge of the Higgins case and about claims that she was not given adequate support. Morrison has not commented publicly since the latest allegation involving his Cabinet member. On Monday, his office did not immediately answer emailed questions regarding it. The mistreatment of women in parliament made global headlines in 2012 when Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, accused opposition leader Tony Abbott of misogyny. More recently, former foreign minister Julie Bishop criticized behavior by lawmakers that would not be "tolerated in any other workplaces across Australia." Another lawmaker, Julia Banks, said bullying had driven her to decide to quit parliament, while a former senator was ordered to pay Hanson-Young A$120,000 ($93,000) in damages for a series of statements that she said had amounted to sexual discrimination. Despite priding itself on being among the first countries to give women the right to vote and stand as candidates, Australia has plummeted to 50th in global rankings for representation of women in parliament, from 15th in 1999. ABC's "Four Corners" news program reported that an assault allegedly took place in 1988, citing an anonymous letter shared by a source close to the alleged victim. Labor's Senate leader Penny Wong, who also received the documents, said she disclosed the allegation "to help keep people safe and save lives in the future," while Hanson-Young called the claims "disturbing" and of a "criminal nature." The latest claims and Morrison's handling of them will intensify focus on his judgment on women's issues, which was called into question after he said he realized the gravity of Higgins's allegations after discussing them with his wife, who asked him to consider the issue as a father of two girls. A Newspoll published in The Australian last week showed that while Morrison has strong personal approval ratings after his handling of the pandemic and stimulus injections to buffer the economy, his ruling government remains deadlocked with the Labor opposition ahead of an election due to be held by May 2022. Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Condemns Burma Police for Violence Against Protesters Canadas Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau issued a statement voicing support for people protesting against the military coup in Burma (also known as Myanmar) last month. Canada is deeply concerned by and unequivocally condemns the Myanmar militarys recent use of force against peaceful protesters, and demands that the Tatmadaw immediately stop using violence against its own people, Garneau said in a statement on Sunday. In response to peaceful civilian protests across the country calling for the restoration of democracy, the Tatmadaw has used appalling violence, including lethal force, on its own people, Garneau said. No regime that would use force to suppress the democratically expressed will of its people can be legitimate. On Feb. 1, the Tatmadaw, Burmas military, detained the countrys top leadersState Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myintand announced a year-long state of emergency. The military said the detention was carried out in response to election fraud, referring to the countrys November 2020 general election. Over the weekend, police in Burma opened fire on protesters across the country, killing at least 18 people and wounding over 30 others. On Sunday, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) released a statement condemning the militarys actions. The people of Myanmar have the right to assemble peacefully and demand the restoration of democracy. These fundamental rights must be respected by the military and police, not met with violent and bloody repression, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said. Use of lethal force against non-violent demonstrators is never justifiable under international human rights norms. A protester, injured after being shot at with live rounds is transported to a makeshift medical centre in Mandalay, Burma, on Feb. 28, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Shamdasani said the police and security forces in Burma have been arresting an ever-increasing number of dissidents and demonstrators, including political officials, activists, civil society members, journalists, and medical professionals. Garneau said Canada will also consider additional measures in response to the violence in Burma. Those responsible for this violence will be held to account, Garneau said. We stand with the people of Myanmar. The minister did not specify the time or form of actions to be taken. 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 man was arrested and charged following an armed robbery incident in Louth yesterday morning. Shortly before 8am yesterday, a man entered a shop on Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk, armed with a hammer. He threatened staff members and demanded cash from the till before fleeing the scene on foot with a sum of money. After a number of inquiries, gardai arrested two people at a residence in Dundalk in relation to the incident. Read More A man and a woman, both aged in their twenties, were taken to Dundalk Garda Station where they were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act of 1984. Since then, the woman has been released without charge. However, the man is due to appear before the Dundalk District Court this morning at 10.30am. LONDON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NORGINE UK a leading European specialist pharmaceutical company today announced the launch of ANGUSTA(misoprostol) in the UK. There are a number of circumstances where the considered risk to foetal or maternal health outweighs the wait for spontaneous labour and in such cases, labour may be induced. Misoprostol will now offer an oral treatment option for the induction of labour in addition to the currently available vaginally administered methods.[1]The safety and efficacy of misoprostol 25 micrograms has been assessed using both dosing regimens and a range of studies including a compassionate use programme, these showed common side effects to be nausea, vomiting, meconium stain and postpartum haemorrhage.[2] Andy Crichton, General Manager of Norgine in the UK, commented: "We are pleased to be offering women and healthcare professionals in the UK an oral treatment when induction of labour is required and support women, obstetricians and midwives with this additional oral treatment option." Misoprostol, the active substance in ANGUSTA, is a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a naturally occurring compound.[1] Physiologically, misoprostol has been shown (in vivo) to increase mammalian collagenase activity, causing cervical ripening and uterine contractions.[1] Misoprostol 25 micrograms should only be administered by trained obstetric personnel in a hospital setting where facilities for continuous fetal and uterine monitoring is available and the cervix should be assessed carefully before product use.[2] Norgine incorporated ANGUSTA into its portfolio following the recent acquisition of Azanta, which has strengthened Norgine's position as a leading European specialist pharmaceutical company. www.norgine.com Follow us @norgine Notes to Editors: About ANGUSTA (misostropol) Misoprostol 25 micrograms is indicated for the induction of labour. It is administered after careful assessment of the uterine cervix.[1] It is a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a naturally occurring compound. Prostaglandins of the F and E series have been shown to increase mammalian collagenase activity and to cause cervical ripening and uterine contraction.[1] It is taken orally with a glass of water and the recommended dosing regimen is either 25 micrograms every two hours or 50 micrograms orally every four hours according to hospital practice. The maximum dose is 200 micrograms over a period of 24 hours.[1] Misoprostol 25 micrograms should be administered by trained obstetric personnel in a hospital setting where facilities for continuous foetal and uterine monitoring are available.[1] Misoprostol 25 micrograms can cause excessive uterine stimulation and if this continues, dosing is stopped and treatment according to local guidelines should be commenced.[1] Misoprostol 25 micrograms is a product recently acquired by Norgine B.V. and has been licensed in the Nordics, France and 10 other Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries since 2017. About induction of labour Induction of labour is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the process of artificially stimulating the uterus to start labour. There are a number of methods to achieve this and may include pharmacological treatment such as administering prostaglandins or oxytocin or by manually rupturing the amniotic membranes.[2] There are a number of circumstances where the considered risk to foetal or maternal health outweigh the wait for spontaneous labour. These may include gestational age of 41 completed weeks or more, pre-labour rupture of amniotic membranes, hypertensive disorders, maternal medical complications and fetal death among others. Each case is considered on its own merit.[2] Induction of labour, may cause discomfort due to the procedure itself and due to the woman's restricted mobility. To avoid any potential risks, the woman and her baby should be monitored closely.[2] About Norgine Norgine is a leading European specialist pharmaceutical company that has been bringing transformative medicines to patients for over a century. Our commitment to transforming people's lives drives everything we do and our European experience, fully integrated infrastructure and exceptional partnership approach enables us to quickly apply creative solutions to bring life-changing medicines to patients that they may not otherwise be able to access. Norgine is proud to have helped 22 million patients around the world in 2020 and generated 448 million in net product sales, a growth of 7% over 2019. Norgine has a direct presence in 12 European countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand. We also have a strong global network of partnerships in non-Norgine markets. We are a flexible and fully integrated pharmaceutical business, with manufacturing (Hengoed, Wales and Dreux, France), third party supply networks and significant product development capabilities, in addition to our sales and marketing infrastructure. This enables us to acquire, develop and commercialise specialist and innovative products that make a real difference to the lives of patients around the world. In 2012, Norgine established Norgine Ventures, a complementary business which supports innovative healthcare companies through the provision of debt-like financing in Europe and the US. For more information, please visit www.norgineventures.com . NORGINE and the sail logo are trademarks of the Norgine group of companies. References [1] ANGUSTA Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Available from www.emc.com [2] WHO Recommendations for Induction of Labour 2011, WHO Press, World Health Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/597589/Norgine_Logo.jpg The latest news over the nuclear crisis between Iran and the United States is that Iran has rejected an offer to meet with American negotiators. The European offer to hold direct US-Iran talks to settle the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations plus Germany is not the last opportunity for all sides to resolve differences, but most observers believe the window is closing fast. Iran wants a guarantee of sanctions removal before talking, arguing they are still in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and it is the United States that has exited and reapplied sanctions. Iran, which has weathered almost three years of maximum pressure under Donald Trump, is not publicly signaling they are ready to compromise outside of the framework of the JCPOA. Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for Irans Foreign Ministry, said Europes offer to hold unofficial talks is not appropriate at this time. There has been no change in the US behavior or positions, Khatibzadeh said. And [President Joe] Bidens administration has not only not removed Trumps maximum pressure policy but has not stated its desire to implement its full commitments under JCPOA and UNSC Resolution 2231. Khatibzadeh did not reference what he meant by timing, but the United States recently conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Syria in retaliation for attacks on a US base in Iraq. Khatibzadeh said, America needs to end its unilateral and illegal sanctions and return to its JCPOA commitments. These acts need not a negotiation nor a UN resolution. As a result of the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, Iran resumed parts of its nuclear program. According to Iran, Article 36 of the JCPOA gave Iran the right to take this action due to US withdrawal. They have stated that the steps they took are reversible and will only be done so once the United States lifts sanctions. Biden campaigned on returning to the JCPOA and criticized Trump for his withdrawal. Analysts who support Bidens call for negotiations before removing sanctions argue that sequencing of sanction removal and Iranian full compliance must be negotiated. President Hassan Rouhani, speaking today at an opening of a Ministry of Oil site in Bushehr province, said, I am certain that the world and the US will have no choice but to kneel before the Iranian nation and remove the oppressive sanctions. Rouhani referred to Trump as a bully and murderer and considered it a victory that the Biden administration has admitted that Trumps policy of maximum pressure has been a failure. Rouhani said despite enduring a difficult year under extreme economic sanctions and economic war in addition to the coronavirus, they were able to undertake important projects, especially in the oil sector. He said the 2015 JCPOA "was a great achievement that realized the rights of the people but added that Israel and some Arab states in the Persian Gulf worked to break the back of the JCPOA. Israeli national security adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat told his U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan in a secure video call two weeks ago that Israel thinks Iran's nuclear program should be dealt with separately from its regional activity in future negotiations, two sources briefed on the call tell me. Why it matters: While many critics of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal note that it did nothing to curtail Iran's aggression in the region, Israel is concerned that linking the two issues will give American and European negotiators incentives to compromise on limitations to Iran's nuclear program. The state of play: The Biden administration says it'll return the U.S. to the 2015 nuclear deal by lifting sanctions if Iran returns to compliance by reversing its recent nuclear steps. The main sticking point is the sequencing those moves. The U.S. offered last week to open direct talks to work through those issues, but Iran has not formally responded. Between the lines: Some in the Biden administration want to push for a broader and longer-lasting deal now with Iran's regional behavior and its missile program on the table but Biden's stated objective is to restore the 2015 deal and use it as a platform for further negotiations. Driving the news: Ben-Shabbat told Sullivan in their call on February 11 that there shouldn't be an attempt to balance non-nuclear steps from Iran curbing its presence in Syria, for example with nuclear limitations like those on research and development on advanced centrifuges. Ben-Shabbat said Israel's position is that Iran's nuclear program is an existential threat and must be dealt with first, and the lesser threat of Iran's regional behavior should be dealt with on a separate track, the sources say. The Israeli national security adviser added that a nuclear-armed Iran wouldn't abide by any regional commitments anyway. Worth noting: In the last month there have been many contacts on Iran between the Biden administration and the Israeli government. Israeli officials tell me they are generally satisfied with what they describe as the Biden administration's constructive approach and willingness to listen to Israels concerns. Secretary of State Tony Blinken have spoken three times with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi more than with any other foreign counterpart. Blinken also discussed Iran with Yossi Cohen, the director of the Mossad intelligence agency. The latest: On Wednesday, I reported that Israel and the U.S. agreed to reconvene a strategic working group on Iran, with the first round of talks on intelligence surrounding the Iranian nuclear program expected in the coming days. On Sunday, February 14th, TRG transitioned to generator power in anticipation for the storm. They continued to operate on generators until Friday, Feb 19th. "This was a unique outage in that the generation capacity of Texas was limited," says Chris Hinkle, Chief Technology Officer of TRG Datacenters. "Because of Texas' generation capacity issue, we felt it best to protect our clients and stay off the grid for an extended period of time, even though utility was available for most of the week. Every one-kilowatt we could take off the grid was one-kilowatt to power people's homes, and we were happy to do that for our community." "We were able to maintain a business-as-usual experience for our clients while they were stuck in their homes, possibly without power for days on end," says Hinkle. "This really gets to the core of why people utilize colocation facilities: to have a 3rd man watching the fort while they can't be there." Clients and members of the community reached out thanking TRG as they elected to operate on generators through the duration of the EEA3: Rolling Outages classification of ERCOT. "We knew what the stakes were and that we had to stay online with hospitals and mission-critical facilities relying on our services," Hinkle says. "But beyond that, we provide services for grid operators such as Enchanted Rock, who were able to keep grocery stores throughout Texas online and get people fed. Our ability to say that we got to help keep people fed and receiving healthcare gets to the core of why we do what we do." TRG Datacenters has become the highest rated and most reviewed data center in Houston within just two years of opening. Through their unique Colo+ service they are able to offer fully managed colocation that includes unlimited remote hands on, physical migrations, and world-best cabling and labeling. Learn more about TRG Datacenters at https://www.trgdatacenters.com CONTACT INFORMATION: TRG Datacenters 2626 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring, TX 77388 832-663-6028 SOURCE TRG Datacenters Related Links www.trgdatacenters.com The New England Farm Workers have sold its International Biergarten Building at 1600 Main St. in Springfield to a local businessman, who plans to develop the property as a restaurant. The nearly century-old building sold for $700,000, according to a deed filed Friday at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds. The buyer, Ronald Krupke, is the owner of Pauls Crane Service and has had business ties to New England Farm Workers Council President Heriberto Flores. Krupke was listed as an investor in a since-discontinued Flores-led effort to revive the Stonewall Tavern bar under the railroad overpass. Hes also listed as an investor in Flores marijuana effort, Debilitating Medical Condition Treatment Centers. Krupke told The Republican on Monday he has owned a number of bars before and hoped to find a partner to develop a restaurant concept at 1600 Main St. But much progress will have to wait until after the COVID-19 restrictions are eased. COVID restrictions notwithstanding, Krupkle said its a good location for a restaurant with Theodores right around the corner and the former Adolfos having done well. Sometimes youve got to take a chance, said Krupke. I have lots of irons in the fire, a lot of feelers out. He added, We had bike nights, which was excellent. I think the city is coming back. The building has 2,500 square feet of first-floor retail area and there is storage in a separate mezzanine area. Krupke bought the parking lot as well, so there is the possibility of outdoor dining. Krupke, like Flores, is a Vietnam veteran having been named the citys 2014 Veteran of the Year. Flores and the Farm Workers promised more than a year ago to sell downtown real estate holdings. The Farm Workers Council is behind on property taxes and its planned rehab of the nearby Paramount Theater-Massasoit House is stalled. A file photo from the inside of 1600 Main Street looking out to main street. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)Leon Nguyen The Farm Workers Council paid off all the taxes and fees on the 1600 Main St. property before the sale, said Springfield Deputy Collector Peter Sygnator. But thats the only of one of the approximately 24 properties 25 before the sale The New England Farm Workers Council owes a total of about $144,772 in taxes and Springfield Business Improvement District Fees, Sygnator said. The Farm Workers Council also still owes the city of Springfield $350,000 toward its March 14, 2013 purchase of the Biergarten from the city for $450,000. But now, that promissory note is secured not by 1600 Main Street as collateral but by another Farm Workers property, the building at 21-23 Hampden St. This is according to another document also on file at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds. Payment is due Dec. 31, 2021, according to documents. The building at 1600 Main St. was constructed in the 1930s as the Enterprise department store and later served as another dime store before becoming the states unemployment office in the 1960s and then the Asylum nightclub. After the Asylum closed in 2004, the city acquired the property. In 2011, the city spent $1.3 million in state and local funds razing the rear two-thirds of the building and gutting the remaining 13,573 square feet, removing asbestos and installing a sprinkler system in the unfinished shell. Following its purchase, the Farm Workers Council followed up with more renovations, creating an event space and installing a commercial kitchen. The Farm Workers Council charges itself rent for the federal anti-poverty programs it runs in Springfield and also takes on property redevelopment projects . Related content The Schuylkill County NAACP chapter has been approved as an official branch of the national organization. A group of county residents began working toward establishing an NAACP chapter in the fall. Discussions about forming a local NAACP came up during conversations over the summer in response to national news about racism in the country after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Don Snowell, one of the founding members, said the group now has close to 200 members, with more people reaching out continuously. The goal to create a chapter is 100 members, Snowell said. We reached that goal very quickly, and it continues to grow. Snowell said once the chapter is assigned a unit number, they will be able to hold elections for leadership and start running official programs. One program the chapter has begun working on is offering assistance with the local COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Were going to be helping people who dont have internet access to help them set up appointments, Snowell said. Were trying to set up a system where were going to provide transportation. Snowell said they have a meeting this week with Rite Aid to discuss a partnership in which the NAACP will work with Rite Aid to choose vaccination sites in impoverished areas of the county once more doses become available. Another initiative the NAACP is working toward is diversifying local boards to promote representation, such as the chamber of commerce board. We want to get diversity on the boards so African Americans and minorities have a voice in whats going on in town, Snowell said. I think thats very important to have a voice in the room and see things from a different perspective than what theyre used to. The chapter also plans to establish a reentry program to help individuals transition back into society from the prison system. Snowell said he has been pleasantly surprised by the response from the community supporting the formation of the NAACP, especially considering the diversity within those who have joined. Its about 80% Caucasian or white, Snowell said. I think thats wonderful that we have that kind of diversity and that theres white people out there that recognize the need and want to give support and lend their expertise. Snowell said the group aims to educate the community on Black history and create proactive programs that will prevent discrimination from happening. At the same time, Snowell said the NAACP is an organization that works to help anyone who faces discrimination, especially those struggling with poverty. Anybody can come to us that has a civil rights issue, Snowell said. We will help anyone regardless of the color of their skin. Snowell said he faced discrimination growing up in Schuylkill County, so he is excited to be part of a positive force in the community. Now I know better, want to do better and have some tools that would be helpful, and I grew up here, so I know everybody in the community, Snowell said. I just want to be part of the solution to bring people together. Ban on smoking on hospital grounds and parks now in force across Wales This article is old - Published: Monday, Mar 1st, 2021 New legislation making it illegal to smoke on hospital grounds is now in force across Wales. The landmark law, the first in the UK, means that all hospital grounds, school grounds, public playgrounds and the outdoor areas of day-care and child minding settings in Wales will be required to be smoke-free. Anyone found breaking the law could face a fine of up to 100. Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Eluned Morgan said it was a proud day for Wales and would benefit the health of future generations. The law has been introduced to protect the publics health by aiming to discourage people from starting smoking in the first place and to support those trying to quit. The Welsh Government say that by introducing smoke-free legislation, it is hoped to protect more people from being exposed to harmful second-hand smoke and reduce the chances of children starting smoking. The new laws also include cover spaces where children and young people spend their time, including school grounds and public playgrounds, as well as the outdoor areas of childrens day-care and child minding settings. It is hoped that banning smoking in these places will help to denormalise smoking. Matt Lloyd, one of Aneurin Bevan University Health Boards Smoke-Free Enforcement Officers, has been speaking with smokers about the upcoming legislation. He said: The majority of smokers stop smoking when I approach them. I then remind them about our smoke-free environment policy and the new law. If somebody refuses to stop smoking, I talk to them about why we have the policy and the law. If they are a patient, I can contact their ward manager who will offer them nicotine replacement therapy to help with cravings. It is everybodys responsibility to support the smoke-free policy and up-coming law to make sure we offer our staff, patients and visitors a safe and positive experience when using our NHS services. Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Eluned Morgan, added: We are immensely proud to have brought into force this law today making hospital grounds, school grounds, playgrounds and outdoor care settings for children smoke-free in Wales. The law will not only help smokers quit, but it will also discourage others from starting smoking in the first place. Weve seen the impact of the indoor smoking ban and we hope this will be similarly successful. This legislation will benefit the health of future generations in Wales, as fewer children will be exposed to smoking and, we hope, fewer will take it up themselves. We need to do everything we can to combat the harmful effects of smoking. There are resources and support services available from Help Me Quit for those looking to give up smoking, and I hope our action will be the catalyst to a healthier, smoke-free Wales for years to come. The 350-page agreement commits the Armenian authorities to carrying out political reforms that will democratize the countrys political system and boost human rights protection. They must also gradually approximate Armenian economic laws and regulations to those of the EU. The EUs foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the CEPAs entry into force sends a strong signal that the EU and Armenia are committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, as well as to a wider reform agenda. Across political, economic, trade, and other sectoral areas, our Agreement aims to bring positive change to peoples lives, to overcome challenges to Armenias reforms agenda, Borrell said in a statement. The statement also quoted Oliver Varhelyi, the EU commissioner for neighborhood and enlargement, as saying: The entry into force of the bilateral EU-Armenia agreement on 1 March will allow us to strengthen our work on the economy, connectivity, digitalization and the green transformation as priority areas. These will have concrete benefits for the people and are key for socio-economic recovery and the longer-term resilience of the country. The Armenian Foreign Ministry last month described the CEPA as a solid legal basis for deepening Armenias ties with the EU in a wide range of areas. The CEPA was signed in November 2017 as a less ambitious substitute for an Association Agreement which Armenian and EU negotiators nearly finalized in 2013. Then Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian scuttled the signing of that agreement with his decision to seek his countrys membership in a Russian-led trade bloc. Kanniyakumari, Mar 1 (UNI) Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS for attempting to belittle the Tamil language and culture and said it was his (Rahul's) duty to protect them. On the last leg of his three-day campaign tour in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu ahead of the April six Assembly elections, he said he wanted to share two things to the people. First, he said the Union government headed by Mr Modi was not giving respect to Tamil language and culture. It was regrettable that Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, instead of putforthing people's issues, has been acting on the diktats of Mr Modi. Mr Modi and RSS were trying to belittle Tamil language and culture. They were trying to bring in One Nation, One language and One culture, he said and sought to know whether Tamil and Bengali are not Indian languages and Tamil culture is not part of Indian culture. 'I am there...it is my duty to protect the Tamil language and culture. It is my duty to protect all languages, culture and religions', Rahul said. Stating that Tamil Nadu was a guiding state to the entire country, he said late Chief Minister K Kamaraj was the first Indian citizen to introduce the noon meal scheme in schools. 'Despite experts warning that economy will be hit if the noon meal scheme was implemented, Mr Kamaraj ignored it and went ahead with the scheme. Thanks to the efforts of Mr Kamaraj, this scheme is being implemented not only in Tamil Nadu, but in the entire country', Mr Rahul said. 'Credit for this goes to Mr Kamaraj. That is why I said Tamil Nadu is the guiding state for the rest of the country', he added. Earlier, Mr Rahul, who was given a rousing reception by enthusiastic Congress workers, paid floral tributes at the memorial of former Kanniyakumari MP H Vasanthakumar, who died of corona. Rahul had a good time, enjoyed the rural ambience by having a refreshing Palm fruit, locally called as 'Nungu', at Achankulam and also had a tender coconut. He also interacted with the students, staff and sisters of Carmel Matha Higher Secondary School and with students of St Josephs Matric Higher Secondary School. UNI GV 1345 Calloway County Hit Hard By Flash Flooding By National Weather Service MURRAY - Persistent heavy rains over ground already saturated by last week's melting snow caused flash flooding Sunday morning and afternoon across western Kentucky. The hardest hit at earliest reports appear to be Murray, Calloway County, and parts of Christian and Todd counties.More than five inches of rain dumped on Murray and Calloway County beginning early Sunday morning. Dozens of streets in Murray quickly became water covered, including US 641, KY 80 and North 16th Street. Many businesses and homes had water inside them by Sunday afternoon.Many cars were submerged in flood water along the KY 121 Bypass near the CFSB Center. Railroad tracks were reported to be washed out at the KY 80 crossing. Northwest of Murray, several county roads were underwater, and part of Bailey Road was washed away. East of town, Brookfield Lane was reported to have deep water over spots.Early Sunday morning, power lines came down in gusty winds along Poor Farm Road on Murray's north side.Southwest of Aurora, Ledbetter Creek got out of its banks Sunday morning near KY 94.Graves County also received about four inches of rain in a short time span. A portion of Wingo Road was washed out Sunday morning. Northwest of Sedalia, Hwy 303 was under swiftly flowing water.Streets in downtown Fulton flooded on two separate occasions Sunday during the course of 4.7 inches of rainfall.Sunday morning's deluge moved into Christian and Todd counties in the afternoon. Up to six inches of rain were reported in Christian County. Hwy 41 was impassable south of Hopkinsville when water surged over all four lanes.In Todd County, the city of Elkton was hit particularly hard. Evacuations were required on Main Street and Water Street, where water was getting up to buildings. PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) The European Unions special envoy for talks between Serbia and Kosovo started a visit to Pristina on Monday for meetings with local leaders on resuming dialogue between the two countries. Miroslav Lajcak arrived in Kosovo's capital, where he will meet top leaders during his three-day visit. Lajcak was due to meet with Albin Kurti, who is expected to become Kosovo's new prime minister after his Self-Determination Movement Party won the Feb. 14 parliamentary election. After a White House summit and talks in Brussels in September, the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo has stalled. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a decade after a brutal 1998-1999 war between separatist ethnic Albanian rebels and Serb forces. Most Western nations have recognized Kosovos independence, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China have not. The war ended after a 78-day NATO air campaign drove Serb troops out and a peacekeeping force moved in. Brussels named Lajcak to the post last year to help Kosovo-Serbia relations, which remain tense despite the ongoing EU-led negotiations on normalizing their ties. Lajcak will then go to Belgrade after departing from Kosovo. Party above individual: LDFs message by not giving Shailaja another shot As social media debates Shailajas exclusion, CPI(M) comes out in defence of decision BJP reaches out to Christian community in poll-bound Kerala India pti-Deepika S Kochi, Mar 01: The BJP on Monday reached out to minority Christians in poll-bound Kerala on Monday with senior party leader and deputy chief minister of Karnataka C N Ashwath Narayan meeting a senior Catholic priest seeking to "gain the confidence" of the community. Besides Narayan, BJP state chief K Surendran, who is leading the party''s "Vijay Yatra", also met Syro-Malabar Church head Cardinal George Alencherry separately today morning at the Bishops Council headquarters here, sources said. Narayan said he met the Cardinal as the party wanted to sort out the communication gap with the Church. "Lot of communication gap which we want to sort out and ensure that we gain the confidence of the Christian community," he said. Narayan, who had a personal conversation with the Cardinal, said the party wanted to "erase" whatever differences were there with the Christian community and "ensure we get complete cooperation". Sreedharan's entry a 'gimmick'; BJP will remain marginal player in Kerala: Congress Sources said Surendran, who met the Cardinal ahead of Narayan''s visit, had a breakfast with priests at the KCBC headquarters on Monday morning. He also held a personal meeting with Cardinal, they said. The BJP''s move to reach out to Christians ahead of the crucial polls came as the community has got significant influence in a number of constituencies, particularly central Kerala. The meeting also came close on the heels of some top Catholic priests meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in January. Three Cardinals of the Church, including Alencherry, had an interaction with Modi on January 19 during which the PM responded positively to the church''s long standing demand for extending an invitation to the Pope to visit India. "He (the prime minister) may be looking for an appropriate time," Cardinal Alencherry had said, responding to a query on the demand placed before the prime minister. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's coronavirus czar has been hospitalized over the past five days for COVID-19 treatment but is recovering well, a health official said on Sunday, as the country marks the one-year anniversary of its first confirmed infection. Hugo Lopez-Gatell, the face of Mexico's response to the pandemic, has drawn criticism for downplaying the need for masks and for spearheading a strategy of limited testing. Mexico has registered 185,715 fatalities from the coronavirus, giving it the world's fourth-highest death toll from the pandemic, according to a Reuters tally. Lopez-Gatell was admitted for "early hospitalization" last Wednesday after his medical team determined he required supplemental oxygen, said Ruy Lopez, head of the National Center of Preventative Programs and Disease Control (Cenaprece). "He has progressed well and we hope he can be released from the hospital unit tomorrow," Lopez told a news conference. The epidemiologist announced testing positive for COVID-19 on Feb. 20, after experiencing light symptoms. A number of high-level officials in Mexico have contracted the virus, including President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has shunned face masks. Mexico registered another 458 coronavirus fatalities and 2,810 more confirmed infections on Sunday, for a total of 2,086,938 cases. The government says the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases. (Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon and Sharay Angulo; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Diane Craft and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Italy's first mural, authorised by public body, of two women kissing. Rome has unveiled a mural of two women kissing in what is the first lesbian street art to be authorised by a public body in Italy. The pixel art mural, located outside the Metro B Jonio station in the city's suburbs, was created by street artist Krayon, with the collaboration of Zon Productions agency and the support of the local town hall (Municipio III) authorities. "Before today no public institution in Italy had ever authorised murals showing a kiss between two women or two men," stated actor Paolo Turano, on behalf of Gay Help Line. The mural contains the toll-free number 800713713 for the contact centre against homotransphobia which listens and offers support to victims, receiving about 20,000 calls each year. Turano said that efforts to create the mural date back eight years and that despite "favourable opinions" expressed verbally "there were always bureaucratic problems." The location of the mural is also symbolic for the LGBTQ+ community. "It is situated in the Tufello district not far from the plaque in memory of Paolo Seganti (who was killed in a homophobic attack in 2005) to whom the Gay Help Line is dedicated," Turano told Italian newspaper La Repubblica. The 15-m wide mural, which will be inaugurated officially at 16.00 on 1 March, can be found at Via Scarpanto 30. Photo La Repubblica Political tensions in Armenia have intensified, with supporters of the embattled prime minister and the opposition each holding rival rallies in the capital. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced opposition demands to resign since he signed a peace deal in November that ended six weeks of intense fighting with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Russia-brokered agreement saw Azerbaijan reclaim control over large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas that had been held by Armenian forces for more than a quarter of a century. Opposition protests seeking Mr Pashinyans ouster abated during the winter but intensified again last week amid Mr Pashinyans rift with the countrys top military. Expand Close The protests were sparked by the Armenias defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The protests were sparked by the Armenias defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP) The spat was sparked by Mr Pashinyan firing a deputy chief of the militarys General Staff who laughed off his claim that only 10% of Russia-supplied Iskander missiles that Armenia used in the conflict exploded on impact. The General Staff then demanded Mr Pashinyans resignation, and the prime minister responded by dismissing the General Staff chief, Colonel General Onik Gasparyan. The dismissal is yet to be approved by the nations largely ceremonial president, Armen Sarkissian, who sent it back to the prime minister, claiming that the move was unconstitutional. Mr Pashinyan quickly resubmitted the demand for the generals ouster, and his allies are warning that the president could be impeached if he fails to endorse the move. Mr Sarkissians office responded with a strongly worded statement condemning inadmissible speculation about his move and emphasising that his decision was unbiased and driven exclusively by national interests. Addressing a rally of thousands of his supporters, Mr Pashinyan voiced hope the president would endorse the dismissal of the General Staffs chief for meddling in politics. Expand Close Nikol Pashinyan, centre, and his wife walk with supporters during a rally in his support in the centre of Yerevan in Armenia (Hayk Baghdasaryan/PHOTOLURE via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nikol Pashinyan, centre, and his wife walk with supporters during a rally in his support in the centre of Yerevan in Armenia (Hayk Baghdasaryan/PHOTOLURE via AP) He blamed the countrys former leader who lost power in the 2018 velvet revolution for influencing the military and trying to set the army against the legitimately elected authorities and the people. The prime minister also suggested calling a constitutional referendum in October to ask voters about expanding presidential powers to avoid future crises, although he did not spell out specific changes. After an hour-long speech, Mr Pashinyan led his supporters on a march across Yerevan under the heavy escort of police and security officers. Thousands of opposition supporters rallied at a separate location, demanding that the prime minister resign, and some later marched to the presidents residence to support him in the rift with Mr Pashinyan. The two marches proceeded along separate routes amid tight police cordons. At one point, scuffles broke out between some from the rival camps, but police quickly pulled them apart. Amid the escalating tensions, a group of protesters broke into a government building in central Yerevan on Monday to press their demand for Mr Pashinyans resignation, but left shortly after without violence. Later on Monday, Mr Pashinyans supporters and the opposition plan rival rallies in the Armenian capital. Mr Pashinyan, a former journalist who came to power after leading massive street protests in 2018 that ousted his predecessor, still continues to enjoy broad support despite the countrys humiliating defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh and the opposition calls for his resignation. Expand Close Supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gather during a rally in his support (Karo Sahakyan/PAN Photo via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gather during a rally in his support (Karo Sahakyan/PAN Photo via AP) The prime minister defended the peace deal as a painful but necessary move to prevent Azerbaijan from overrunning the entire Nagorno-Karabakh region, which lies within Azerbaijan but was under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a separatist war there ended in 1994. The fighting with Azerbaijan that erupted in late September and lasted for 44 days has left more than 6,000 people dead. Russia has deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to monitor the November 10 peace deal. Armenia has relied on Moscows financial and military support and hosts a Russian military base ties that will keep the two nations closely allied regardless of the outcome of the political infighting. Ukraine can offer U.S. business interesting prospects of investing in IT sector, high technology in agriculture, medicine, military and defense sector. As newly appointed Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova said in an interview with Ukrinform, there are several sectors in which Ukraine would be interested in receiving more investment and in which, in her opinion, the country could offer the American business very interesting prospects. "These are, of course, innovations - I mean not only pure IT sphere, but primarily high technologies in other fields: agrotechnology, medicine, as well as the military and defense sector," Markarova said. She added that it is too early to talk about specific projects. "But we already discuss a number of projects in defense sector, energy, mining, agriculture, where I hope we will be able to show progress during the first six to twelve months of work," the Ambassador forecasted. As reported, on February 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree appointing Oksana Markarova as the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States. ol Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. UTICA, N.Y. The Bosnia and Herzegovina flag was raised in front of Utica City Hall Monday, in honor of the federations independence day. Community members and local officials gathered at 10:30 a.m. in Hanna Park for the third annual flag raising. March 1 is the day the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina voted for independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. "In 1995 it was our first day of celebration of Bosnian Independence Day, which changed many lives including mine, and as of that day we've been celebrating every year, said Hanka Grabovica of the Bosnian-American Association. The Bosnian community makes up roughly 10% of Uticas population. Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec) has released the Dubai Startup Report 2021, an informative guide on Dubais startup ecosystem for international startups and investors that are keen on exploring business opportunities in the emirate. The report brings together the hands-on experience of Dubai Startup Hub and Dtec serving a community of more than 10,000 founders and investors, and the public policy and legal perspective on incentives and schemes available in the Emirate, reported state news agency Wam. Featured in the report are several business-friendly measures introduced in recent years to support business activity, boost foreign investment and attract promising companies and investors from around the world such as several stimulus packages, the golden card permanent residency system for expat investors, a 5-year visa for entrepreneurs, a virtual working programme and a decision to grant UAE citizenship to select foreigners. The report highlights various programmes, resources and value-added services available in Dubai that are designed to support the growth of startups and connect them to new business opportunities. Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber, along with Dtec are among the most active startup ecosystem players in the emirate. Among other topics of interest covered in the report are ease of doing business, economic competitiveness, government initiatives supporting startup growth, venture capital activity, free zones and the services they offer, access to finance, investment incentives and availability of skilled talent, in addition to useful tips on setting up a company in Dubai. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber, described the report as a valuable and reliable resource for startups and investors in other markets as it provides a wealth of practical information about Dubais dynamic and fast-growing startup ecosystem. "The launch of the Dubai Startup Report comes as a time when startups are driving Dubais digital transformation, fostering innovation and playing a crucial role in building the emirates post-Covid-19 economy. The informative guide supports Dubai Chambers comprehensive entrepreneurship strategy and ongoing efforts to promote Dubai as a preferred market for high-potential startups from around the world," said Buamim. He added that Dubai Chamber supports the growth of startups in Dubai through its entrepreneurship initiative Dubai Startup Hub by providing startup members access to resources, tools, knowledge and market opportunities that can help them thrive and grow. For his part, Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, noted that Dubais competitiveness attracts innovative thinkers, positioning it as a preferred destination for entrepreneurs in diverse industries, especially those in technology and fourth industrial revolution applications. These sectors have recently surged, given the measures in response to COVID-19. Al Zarooni said: "Start-ups are a pillar of a flexible economic system that is agile enough to quickly adapt to new developments and achieve sustainable growth. The facilities that Dubai offers to this dynamic segment, through a supportive ecosystem and an incubator for innovation, helps them grow and achieve strategic business objectives. The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus at Dubai Silicon Oasis, which is home to hundreds of technology start-ups, is an exemplary model of the unique ecosystem that Dubai and the wider UAE offers." He added that the Dubai Startup Report 2021 presents a holistic view of Dubais attractiveness as a launch pad for entrepreneurs from across the globe. The Blue Jays are acquiring left-handed reliever Travis Bergen from the Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations, per various reporters (including Scott Mitchell of TSN). Right-hander Patrick Murphy is going on the 60-day injured list to clear 40-man roster space. Arizona had designated Bergen for assignment earlier this week. The teams have since announced the move. Its something of a homecoming for Bergen, who entered pro ball as a seventh-round pick of the Jays back in 2015. The Giants selected Bergen in the Rule 5 draft in advance of the 2019 season but returned him to Toronto in the middle of that year. The Blue Jays ultimately selected Bergen to the 40-man roster themselves, but they wound up flipping him to Arizona last summer for Robbie Ray. (Perhaps more meaningfully for the D-Backs, Toronto also agreed to pick up most of Rays $1.42MM salary for the 2020 stretch run). Bergen will now team up with Ray, who re-signed with the Jays over the offseason. Despite spending most of his pro career in the Toronto organization, hes only pitched in one MLB game as a Blue Jay. The rest of Bergens big league experience consists of 19.2 innings for the 2019 Giants and 6.2 innings for the Diamondbacks last year. Overall, he has a 4.82 ERA at the highest level. His 24% strikeout rate is fairly typical for a reliever, but Bergen has been plagued by a lofty 14.9% walk rate in his limited MLB time. Between being selected in the 2019 Rule 5 draft and the lack of a minor-league season last year, Bergen has even less experience at Triple-A than he does in the big leagues. However, the 27-year-old struck out 43 against just nine walks with a 0.50 ERA in Double-A in 2018. Bergen has yet to reach arbitration and has three option years remaining, so the Jays can cheaply shuttle him back-and-forth between the majors and Triple-A Buffalo so long as he sticks on the 40-man roster. Murphy has a sprained AC joint in his shoulder and hasnt pitched in spring training, Mitchell notes. He made four relief appearances for Toronto last season. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blames Iran for the blast that hit an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman last week. Interviewed by Israels public broadcaster Kan, Netanyahu said, This is indeed an action by Iran, it is clear. Asked whether Israel would retaliate the attack on the ship, Netanyahu sidestepped the issue, saying simply that Iran is Israels biggest enemy and we are striking them across the region. Netanyahu then added that Israel has told the United States it will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, no matter what the terms are of any potential deal. The Iranians will not have nuclear weapons, with or without an agreement. I said that to my friend [US President Joe] Biden as well, Netanyahu stated. Already on Feb. 27, Defense Minister Benny Gantz told Kan there is a likelihood that Iran is behind the explosion. According to Gantz, the location of the ship in relative close proximity to the Iranian coast raises the notion and the assessment that the country was behind the attack. Still, Gantz noted that an investigation into the incident had not yet been completed. We need to continue investigating. The Iranians are looking to harm Israelis and Israeli infrastructure. The proximity to Iran leads to the assessment that there is a likelihood that this is an Iranian initiative. We are committed to continuing to check, Gantz said. The Israeli ambassador to the United States and United Nations, Gilad Erdan, told Army Radio Feb. 28, It was no secret that the Iranians are trying to harm Israeli targets. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi pointed a finger at Iran, though did not blame it outright. Just over the weekend we got a reminder in one of these theaters of one of the greatest threats in the region, Iran, and we got a reminder that Iran not only is a nuclear threat, but that it spreads and carries out terror and operations against civilian targets, Kochavi said. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh denied this morning the reports that Iran was behind an attack, stating, "The origin of this accusation shows how baseless it is." Netanyahus accusations, registered last night and broadcast this morning, are the latest development in an affair that increases the already high tensions between Jerusalem and Tehran. The interview took place before Syrian state news agency SANA reported that air defense systems were activated in the environs of Damascus due to an alleged Israeli aerial attack. Israeli press speculated that the aerial attack could have come as retaliation over the ship incident, though Israel did not take responsibility for it. The MV Helios Ray ship an Israeli-owned Bahamian-flagged cargo ship was hit overnight Feb. 25 by a blast above the water line. American officials reported that the explosion ripped holes in both sides of its hull. Apparently, the blast did not disable the ship or injure its crew, but forced it ashore for repairs. Thus, the ship came into Dubais Port Rashid on the mornnig of Feb. 27. Israels Channel 13 reported that the ship was attacked by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which fired two missiles at the ship. Other reports revealed that a delegation of Israeli security officials was sent to Dubai shortly after the incident to inspect the ship and to participate in the investigation. Israel is now worried that Iran could target other Israeli cargo ships, as 90% of imports and exports of goods to and from Israel are transported by sea. She has been easing back into modelling since welcoming her first child five months ago. And Gigi Hadid paid tribute to her baby girl as she modelled a Khai necklace from The Sis Kiss while out in Milan on Monday. After jetting to the Italian city to work during Fashion Week, the 25-year-old model proved she still had motherhood firmly on her mind. Casual: Gigi Hadid cut a casual figure in a striped beanie hat and grey blazer after recording the Versace fashion show in Milan, Italy, on Monday The new mum cut a casual figure in a striped beanie hat and grey blazer after recording the Versace fashion show. She covered her petite frame with a black cardigan and added a dark grey T-shirt underneath. The mother-of-one covered her slender legs in a pair of grey mom jeans and added a pair of UGG boots for comfort. To add an additional pop of colour to her outfit, she styled her look with an orange purse which matched her striped multi-coloured hat. Khai: She wore a face covering and accessorised with a pair of black sunglasses and layered necklaces, including one design from The Sis Kiss that spelled the name of her daughter Gigi's signature blonde tresses were completely covered by her choice of head wear which she pulled down to cover her ears. She sported a face covering and accessorised with a pair of stylish black sunglasses and a layered necklaces, with one spelling the name of her daughter. Gigi is easing back into work since welcoming daughter Khai with beau Zayn Malik in September last year. Bright accessories: The model, 25, added an additional pop of colour to her outfit, she styled her look with an orange purse which matched her striped multi-coloured hat Off duty: Gigi's signature blonde tresses were completely covered by her choice of head wear which she pulled down to cover her ears and she added a pair of sunglasses and a mask The beauty has led a charge of supermodels jetting into Milan, and was pictured alongside her sister Bella, 24, and Irina Shayk, 35, last week. Gigi rocked some wide-leg grey jeans paired with a plunging cardigan which boasted a white floral detailing. She accessorised her quirky ensemble with a bright green beanie hat and selection of gold jewellery as well as some patent leather boots. The beauty's younger sister Bella also ensured to catch the eye as she stepped out for a stroll in the city wearing a brown jacket with a chic belt. New mum: Gigi is easing back into work since welcoming daughter Khai with beau Zayn Malik in September last year Bella flaunted her ample assets as she flashed her cleavage through the unbuttoned jacket and added a splash of colour with a rust orange shirt. Also joining them was supermodel Irina, who sizzled in a pair of skin-tight black skinny jeans and a turquoise blue cardigan. All three of the models opted for trendy sunglasses and also donned face masks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Amaravati, March 1 : The Andhra Pradesh government has invited South Korean steel giant Posco to set up its greenfield plant at Krishnapatnam in Nellore district. Industries and Commerce department Special Chief Secretary R. Karikal Valaven said that the visit could also be used for further negotiations on the required support under the state industrial policy. Valaven wrote to Sung Lae Chun, Posco India CMD and thanked him on behalf of the government for their interest in setting up a greenfield steel plant. The senior bureaucrat reminded that Posco India officials visited Krishnapatnam on December 18, 2020, including Chun personally visiting on February 10. "I believe that your visit to Krishnapatnam and the interaction with Krishnapatnam Port authorities was useful in this regard. At this juncture, I wish to remind you that even during your meeting with the government of AP officials, we expressed our keen interest to have Posco set up its integrated steel plant at Krishnapatnam," added Valaven. Promising complete support, he highlighted that AP has been a frontrunner in providing unparalleled support to industry and the state's industrial policy being considered one of the best in the country. According to the senior officer, Krishnapatnam is poised to be the next industrial growth centre of the southern state by virtue of its proximity to urban centres such as Chennai and Bengaluru. Valaven said the port town strategically lies on the Chennai - Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), which is being developed with the support of the Central government. "Also, you are aware that developing an integrated steel plant right beside a world class port offers multiple logistical advantages considering high volume imports and exports arising out of the steel plant operations," he said. The senior bureaucrat said that the port is capable of handling capesize and panamax vessels as it is one of the largest automated ports in South Asia with a deep draft. "The Andhra government envisages that the steel plant at Krishnapatnam would be an anchor industry in driving the economic activity in the region and the state would support Posco to the best of its efforts," he said. Valaven assured that the incentives of the 2020 - 23 industrial policy are available, including any specific requests in line with the volume of investment and employment opportunities and subsidiary industrial growth, along with consideration for further fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. "The definitive terms can be discussed when your delegation visits Andhra Pradesh and I am sure that we will find a common ground on this front. I assure you all support and cooperation in taking forward your project," he added, anticipating a visit from the South Korean officials. This move by the AP government assumes significance as it aims to end the speculation kindled by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders and others that the state government has allegedly entered into a dark agreement with Posco to replace Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) which the Central government has decided to privatize. Whats different about this latest vaccine? The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are made using messenger RNA, a technology that gives instructions for making a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. The proteins made with the mRNA instructions activate the immune system, teaching it to see the spike protein as foreign and develop antibodies to fight it. The vaccine by Janssen Biotech, owned by Johnson & Johnson, uses a different approach for delivering the genetic instructions for creating the coronavirus spike protein. Its vaccine uses an inactivated virus, called an adenovirus, which is a common virus that can cause a range of diseases, such as colds and pinkeye. While the use of weakened or killed viruses for vaccines is not new, there havent been other adenovirus vaccines approved by public health authorities for people. But clinical trials are underway for adenovirus-based vaccines for HIV, Ebola, Zika and malaria, among other diseases. What are the advantages of this new vaccine? The vaccine requires only a single dose, rather than the two doses required for the mRNA vaccines, and it can become protective as early as 14 days after administration. The vaccine also can be stored in refrigerators for at least three months, the company says, while the new mRNA vaccines require much colder storage. Those advantages make it easier to distribute the vaccine in rural areas and administer it to masses of people during the pandemic. How effective is it? A review by the Food and Drug Administration found that the vaccine is highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths 28 days after immunization. Studies conducted in the U.S., South Africa and Central and South America showed it to be less effective, though, than the mRNA vaccines at preventing moderate illness, with an efficacy rate of 66% overall. Thats likely due, at least in part, to a decrease in effectiveness against the variant first found in South Africa. The companys trial showed it 72% effective in the U.S. against moderate to severe COVID. Studies showed the vaccine protection was generally consistent across race and age groups, the company says. Is it safe? The FDA found no specific safety concerns with the vaccine. Among the study participants, the most common side effects were soreness at the injection site, headaches, fatigue and muscle pain. Those were generally mild to moderate and more common in those ages 18 to 59 than to older participants in the trials. Emergency use authorization of the vaccine means that the FDA considers that the benefits from the vaccine outweigh any risks. Two people suffered severe allergic reactions shortly after getting the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, a J&J scientist told the FDA panel Friday. One of the people was participating in an ongoing trial in South Africa and developed anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, after getting the vaccine. There were previously no reports of anaphylaxis in J&Js clinical trial. Severe reactions from the COVID-19 vaccines are considered extremely rare and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring them. All of the patients who experienced an allergic reaction were treated and recovered. Should people consider waiting for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, which have higher efficacy? No, dont wait, experts say. They urge people to take whichever vaccine is available to them and focus on why its important to get the vaccine in the first place to avoid hospitalization and death. Experts emphasize the results from the Johnson & Johnsons clinical trials have shown the vaccine to be 100% effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths. Waiting for a preferred vaccine would slow down efforts to vaccinate people, leaving more at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. However, those who have had serious allergic reactions to other vaccines should consult with their physician. The CDC advises that those with a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines not get them. How many doses will J&J supply and when will they be available? The company says it will have 4 million doses available to ship immediately as soon as the vaccine is authorized, although earlier it had pledged to have 10 million available by the end of February. Company officials now say they can have 20 million doses available to the U.S. government by the end of March. The U.S. has agreed to buy 100 million doses of the vaccine by June. Federal officials said the vaccine will be distributed similar to the current allocation process. The J&J vaccine could arrive as early as next week. Gov. Brian Kemp said he expects the state will receive 83,000 doses in the first week. Who can get the vaccine? Authorization was granted for adults 18 and older. No COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized yet for young children. However, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available for those ages 16 and 17. ___ (c)2021 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) Visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) at www.ajc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Our professional mission is to give our clients the overwhelming confidence that we have done everything possible to achieve their goals and enhance their lives through real estate. Mary Margaretich Sereno is pleased to announce that the Margaretich Team has joined forces with the company. Led by Mary Margaretich, whos been a REALTOR since 1985, and Laif McClellan, the team includes Susan Knox, and Britica Pratt and is one of the most productive in the region serving the Nevada and Placer County markets. They are among one of the top 2 teams in the region and Mary has been voted the Best of Nevada County Realtor for multiple years running. The team will be based in Serenos new Sierra Foothills location along the Nevada City Highway in Grass Valley. Sereno, an independent real estate firm, has over 520 agents serving the greater Bay Area communities in the SF Peninsula, Silicon Valley, the East Bay and Santa Cruz/Monterey Coast as well as Lake Tahoe, and now the Sierra Foothills. The company recently evolved its brand image to mark the beginning of a new era for the nearly 15-year-old company and reignite the spirit of independent real estate at scale throughout the region. The past few years we have seen many clients from our historical core markets relocate either their primary residence or purchase secondary homes in these highly desirable markets, said Chris Trapani, Co-founder and CEO of Sereno. Our goal is to partner with the most exceptional, local agents and teams to best serve our growing client base in the most desirable markets in order to create a more seamless experience. Sereno is honored to partner with Mary and her team who have deep community roots in the area and are active members of the Nevada County Association of Realtors, Placer County Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, BNI, and Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the Margaretich Team, visit 2428 Nevada City Hwy, Grass Valley, CA 95945 and margaretichteam.com. About Sereno Founded in 2006, Sereno is the largest, locally owned and operated, independent real estate company in Northern California with 13 offices and 520 agents in Silicon Valley, the SF peninsula, Santa Cruz, the East Bay, Lake Tahoe and Sierra Foothills producing nearly $5 Billion in annual sales volume. Sereno is ranked among the top 5 in the nation for both per agent productivity and highest average sales price. The company offers a highly curated support platform and provides agents with concierge services to strengthen client relationships, as well as world-class technology for well-executed transactions. Its agent-driven Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation is changing lives in local communities, and to date, generated over $3.5 million in charitable donations given to 246 local organizations. To learn more, visit sereno.com. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses the opening of a training session for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), March 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on young officials to carry on glorious traditions and fine conduct of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and make contributions to fully building a modern socialist country. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the opening of a training session for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance). "Whether in the past, present or future, the glorious traditions and fine conduct of the CPC are always a precious spiritual treasure, inspiring us to brave hardships and move forward," Xi said. Xi noted that the CPC has fostered and upheld its traditions and fine conduct, which constitutes an important element of the Party's success in uniting and leading all the Chinese people to achieve the great accomplishments in the causes of revolution, construction and reform. He said that China is at a critical moment for realizing national rejuvenation, and there are still many difficulties and challenges facing the Party on the path ahead, stressing that the Party's conduct must be further improved. Xi underscored loyalty to the Party as the primary political character of a Party member, calling on young officials to learn from the older generations, continuously reinforce their faith, and demonstrate their loyalty through practical actions. Xi called for assiduous study of the basic tenets of Marxism and the theories developed by the Party in the new era, which will help young officials to conquer their confusion and better adapt their way of thinking and ethos to the needs of the Party's cause. Young officials should always seek truth from facts, be down-to-earth, and remain honest, Xi noted. Xi stressed that young officials should understand from the very beginning and always keep in mind that the people come before all else. Young officials should be active in spotting their own weaknesses and shortcomings and have the courage to rectify them, said Xi, adding that they should also help their fellow comrades in this regard. Noting that on a new journey to fully build a modern socialist China, there will be no fewer risks and challenges than before, Xi called on young officials to face hardships head on, learn how to overcome them and gain experience through practice. Young officials must inherit the spirit of working hard and leading a simple life, while steering clear of hedonism and extravagance with firm resolution, said Xi. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event. She was dubbed a 'Kim Kardashian lookalike' when she debuted on season six of Married At First Sight two years ago. But Martha Kalifatidis looks very different from the E! reality star these days, after changing up her style and undergoing a series of beauty treatments. The 32-year-old's changing facial features were on display when she attended the Celeste Barber x MCoBeauty launch in Sydney last Tuesday. My, how you've changed! Martha Kalifatidis looks very different these days compared to her stint on Married At First Sight two years ago (right). Left: Martha at a beauty event last Tuesday Her cheeks and lips looked slightly fuller than when she first appeared on TV in 2019, leading to speculation she may have recently undergone a fresh round of Botox and filler. Martha recently spoke about her cosmetic work on Instagram, admitting she had been 'filled out' everywhere except for under her eyes. Martha then admitted she was planning on getting injectables to reshape her jaw. Tweaks: Her cheeks and lips looked slightly fuller than when she first appeared on TV in 2019, leading to speculation she may have recently undergone a fresh round of Botox and filler Back in 2019, Martha shared her thoughts on cosmetic enhancements, after revealing that 'botched' lip filler had once left her with an uneven mouth. 'Please, if you're considering getting [cosmetic work] done for the first time, just really think about it,' she said in a YouTube video. 'There's so much risk involved. It looks easy, but there is so much more to it. It shouldn't be taken lightly and you should take time and consider it.' Enhancements: Martha recently spoke about her cosmetic work on Instagram, admitting she had been 'filled out' everywhere except for under her eyes She also encouraged fans to choose their cosmetic doctor carefully, insisting they find someone with whom they share a common 'aesthetic' vision. Discussing her cosmetic work over the years, Martha added: 'I think for me, when I come in and have a procure done, it's not just something that I do willy nilly. 'It is something that I have been considering for a long time, it is something that is really bothering me. It is something that is concerning to me and I want to fix it. Changes: The makeup artist-turned-influencer has undergone various procedures since she was 22, including a boob job, nose job, Botox and fillers. Pictured left in 2012, and right in 2019 'If you don't want get filler or Botox, that is cool, it's not for you. 'But it's something I like to do because I like to feel and look good, and it helps me look my best.' The makeup artist-turned-influencer has undergone various procedures since she was 22, including a boob job, nose job, Botox and fillers. First grade students prepare for class at St. Joseph Catholic School in La Puente, Calif., on Nov. 16, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) CA Teachers Union Head Seen Taking Daughter to In-person Preschool Amid School Closures The head of a local California teachers union has come under fire in recent days after a video showed him taking his 2-year-old daughter to a private preschool for in-person instructionas public schools remain closed in many cities across the state. A group of Berkeley-area parents known as Guerrilla Momz posted the video on YouTube on Feb. 27 and wrote: Matt Meyer Berkeley Federation of Teachers president blocks opening public schools in-person, yet has had his own child in in-person school since June 2020. Stop the hypocrisy. Our children are suffering. Open schools full-time Now. Meyer appeared to confirm the incident to Fox News and other news outlets. He told Fox News that the video of his child, who was blurred out, was very inappropriate and an intrusion on her privacy. There are currently no public options for kids her age, he said. There are major differences in running a small preschool and a 10,000-student public school district in terms of size, facilities, public health guidance, and services that legally have to be provided, Meyer said. We all want a safe return to school. The Berkeley Federation of Teachers is excited that Berkeley Unified will be reopening soon with a plan, supported by our members and the district, to get our students back in classrooms starting later this month. Union officials didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. The Berkeley Unified School District reached an agreement with the Berkeley Federation of Teachers in February to reopen public schools in March and April, according to a statement. It depends on whether staff members get COVID-19 vaccinations. Jonathan Zachreson, with a Guerilla Momz-affiliated group called Reopen California Schools, told KNTV in the Bay Area that the video suggests that parents are becoming increasingly frustrated with schools being locked down amid the CCP virus pandemic. Its really a message of hypocrisy where we see this union representative saying its not safe to go back, yet he feels safe enough to take his daughter to an in-person institution, he said. In recent days, there have been protests by parents and students in other parts of California calling for public schools to be reopened. Parents have said that in-person learning is necessary for a childs development, saying that virtual learning, which has been pushed since the start of the pandemic, is insufficient. Mara Kolesas, a former PTA Berkeley Council president, told KQED that the video of Meyers daughter went too far. For me, you dont need to attack people personally, you need to address it politically. When you start getting personal, you mix up dimensions, and you dont get to discuss the real thing, Kolesas stated. Here, the real thing is [Meyer] put fear before science, and the right of teachers before the right of kids. Thats the issue. by Dr Laksiri Fernando Did or did not Sri Lanka face separatist terrorism from the LTTE and other sources? Why cannot the so-called High Commissioner for Human Rights accept this truth? Why instead the High Commissioners Report directly and indirectly try to justify that separatist terrorism? It appears that the words terrorism and separatism have been taboo to the High Commissioner. However, criticisms about Buddhism, Sinhala-Buddhist ethno-nationalism and majoritarianism frequently appear in the Report. Armed Conflict or Ethnic Conflict? Among other excuses for separatism and terrorism the following appears in the Report: In Sri Lanka, armed conflict emerged against a backdrop of deepening discrimination against and the marginalization of the countrys minorities, particularly the Tamils. What is the picture given? The diagnosis here is that the armed conflict emerged because or against a backdrop of deepening discrimination and the marginalization of the Tamils. In justification of this diagnosis,some others have quoted the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report. However, what the LLRC report said was the following. The Commission takes the view that the root cause of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka lies in the failure of successive Governments to address the genuine grievances of the Tamil people. There is a difference. The High Commissioner was talking about the armed conflict but the LLRC was talking about the ethnic conflict. Are these the same? It also should be noted that the LLRC report qualifies the grievances as genuine grievances. It is true that the LLRC report also refers to the armed conflict in a very generous manner and says the following because one of its mandates was Reconciliation. The country may not have been confronted with a violent separatist agenda, if the political consensus at the time of independence had been sustained and if policies had been implemented to build up and strengthen the confidence of the minorities around the system which had gained a reasonable measure of acceptance. It should be noted the LLRC reports open-ended qualification the country may not have been confronted. It is not a diagnosis but an opinion/speculation. As a record of history, it also should be noted that the separatist agenda came soon after independence from the Ilankai Tamil ArasuKadchi (ITAK) in 1949. It is true that the citizenships acts came in 1948 depriving the hill country Tamils of their citizenship, but it is not from that community the separatist agenda emerged. Are the Reasons Objective? In social science and political science analyses, there can be other reasons for violent separatist agendas in the ideological sphere other than objective reasons. We should not quote passages just rhetorically without understanding the nuances. I never got the opportunity to go before the LLRC, because of travel, but I had the opportunity to meet some of the members later and their views were quite concerned, magnanimous, and fully committed to reconciliation and resolving the problems that all communities were facing. The LLRC report is one building block for possible reconciliation. What I would quote below is what the prominent British historian, Eric Hobsbawm, quoted and analyzed about the roots of this separatist ideology in his famous Nations and Nationalism (latest edition, 2012, pp.6-7). I was reluctant to quote this before for the last several years for the sake of reconciliation but given the distortions and attempts by the High Commissioners (present and the last) to resurrect separatism and probably terrorism in Sri Lanka, it is timely that I quote and bring it to the notice of the public. First,his quote came from the Ilankai Tamil ArasuKadchi (ITAK),manifesto, The Case for a Federal Constitution of Ceylon, Colombo, 1951. The Tamil-speaking people in Ceylon constitute a nation distinct from that of the Sinhalese by every fundamental test of nationhood, firstly that of a separate historical past in the island at least as ancient and as glorious as that of the Sinhalese, secondly by the fact of their being a linguistic entity different from that of the Sinhalese, with an unsurpassed classical heritage and a modern development of language which makes Tamil fully adequate for all present-day needs, and finally by reason of their territorial habitation of definite areas. Unfortunately, S. J. V. Chelvanayakam was the brain behind these concepts or principles. These are the concepts later developed into the Vaddukoddai Resolution (1976) and Thimphu Principles (1985). Hobsbawm said immediately after quoting the above passagethat: The purpose of this passage is clear: it is to demand autonomy or independence for an area described as over one third of the island of Sri Lanka, on grounds of Tamil nationalism. Nothing else about it as it seems. This was soon after independence and not later. Of course, the Tamil people have had so many grievances after independence and even before because of neglect of their areas and discrimination. These should have been negotiated on an objective and reasonable grounds by their true representatives. However,the federalist or separatist demands were based on a nationalist ideology, or ideologies of the political leaders. Hobsbawm considered these demands to be unreasonable and unrealistic. He was not a Sinhala nationalist. Hobsbawms Insight After expressing his dismay and unreasonable nature of the territorial demands of Tamil nationalism (too long to quote here) he said the following with reference to the 13th Amendment. In fact, in the negotiations which led to the end of the Sri Lankan civil war in 1987, the decision to do so was a straightforward political concession to the demands of the Tamil nationalists. Hobsbawms book was first published in early 1990. He even thought that given the above concession, the war would end. Unfortunately, it did not. He said: As we have already seen the linguistic entityconceals the unquestionable fact that indigenous Tamils, immigrant Indians and Moors are so far a homogeneous population in no other than the philosophical sense, and, as we shall see, probably not even in this sense. He went further and had a prophesy at the end of the analysis. As for the separate historical past, the phrase is almost certainly anachronistic, question-begging or so vague as to be meaningless. It may, of course, be objected that patently propogandist manifestos should not be scrutinized as they were contributions to the social sciences, but the point is that almost any classification of some community as a nation on the grounds of such purportedly objective criteria would be open to similar objections, unless the fact that it was a nation could be established on other grounds. It was to establish this nation or Eelam on other grounds that Prabhakaran fought through terrorism. But he and others failed. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights or others therefore, in my concerned opinion, should not directly or indirectly try to justify and resurrect it again. As Congress prepares to push the national debt past $30 trillion and with the debt on pace to double the size of the American economy as millennials approach retirement, a bipartisan group including the last three Tennessee governors, will convene in Nashville for the second event in the Millennial Debt Foundations Stewardship Series. Current Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and former governors Bill Haslam and Phil Bredesen will take part in the one-hour virtual event from 1-2 p.m. CST on Thursday, March 11, at the Beacon Center to discuss the consequences of the exploding national debt and why sound fiscal stewardship at the state level is critical to a stable, growing economy. Beacon Center Chief Executive Officer Justin Owen will join Governor Lee in a discussion with MDF Founder Weston Wamp, who will moderate all three segments of the program. In addition, there will be a bonus segment at 2 p.m. CST featuring U.S. Rep. Mark Green and Millennial Debt Commission members and Tennessee business leaders Cam Doody and Nick Macco. The Beacon Center of Tennessee and the Tennessee Chapter of Americans for Prosperity are co-sponsoring MDFs Nashville Stewardship Series. Between our January launch of the Stewardship Series in Austin and the time we convene in Nashville, the national debt is likely to increase by another $2 trillion, said MDF Founder Weston Wamp. Tennessee, like Texas, is a state where sound fiscal policy and good stewardship of the state economy has blossomed under conservative fiscal policies of all three governors, and we are honored to have these distinguished leaders join us. The MDF launched the Stewardship Series on Jan. 29 in Austin, Texas, with three panels of leading Texas fiscal conservatives, including Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, Congressman Dan Crenshaw, and Congressman Chip Roy. With the goal of breaking out of the Washington bubble to have honest conversations about the consequences of the national debt, the MDF Stewardship Series will travel to Wisconsin and Florida following the Tennessee meeting. Over 20 years of bipartisan leadership under governors Bredesen, Haslam and Lee, Tennessee became the top-ranked state in the country for fiscal stewardship, enabling the state to withstand the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Fiscal responsibility is one of the cornerstones of Tennessees success story, said Beacon Center CEO Justin Owen. As the Tennessee economy continues to soar, it makes sense to have a discussion on fiscal restraint in the state that has the lowest debt per capita. Because of the free market policies and fiscal responsibility championed by the past three governors and the Beacon Center alike, Tennessee is the gold standard when it comes to fiscal stewardship. 1-1:20 p.m. Former Gov. Bill Haslam (Zoom) 1:20-1:40 p.m. Former Gov. Phil Bredesen (in person) 1:40-2 p.m. Gov. Bill Lee, Beacon Center CEO Justin Owen (in person) 2-2:15 p.m. U.S. Rep. Mark Green (Zoom) Millennial Debt Commission members Cam Doody and Nick Macco (Zoom) Register for the event here. JAKARTA, Mar 1, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - World AI Show is supported by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo), the Government of Indonesia and Jakarta Smart City. The show is taking place on 4 March 2021 from 9am - 5pm (Western Indonesia Time).As one of the highly ranked markets in the ASEAN for AI adoption, Indonesia has unveiled a national strategy for the development of AI and implement it on education, research, health services, food security, mobility, smart cities and public sector reforms.The virtual conference will convene stakeholders of the AI ecosystem in SE Asia including IT leaders from some of the most influential think tanks and top companies; to highlight and discuss core tech strategies and digital infrastructures that will drive the next phase of AI adoption in the post-Covid-19 era.The show will feature a ground-breaking collaboration of experts such as Dr Hammam Riza - President, Agency of Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), Government of Indonesia; Alex Hubert - Sales Engineering, Dataiku, APAC; Bambang Dwi Anggono - Director of e-Government, Department of Communications and Informatics, Kemkominfo, Indonesia; Juan Intan Kanggrawan - Head of Data Analytics, Jakarta Smart City, Indonesia; Kaspar Situmorang - Executive Vice President, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia; Rudy Dalimunthe - VP of Customer Excellence, Tokopedia Indonesia; Cut Noosy - Country Head of Customer Experience, Grab, Indonesia; Joy Gabriel - Data Science & Technology Innovator, Telkom, Indonesia; Alexander Kurth - Chief Data Officer, Allianz Indonesia to name a few.While the pandemic has closed many doors around the world, Indonesia offers an irrefutable case study in the application and development of AI, said Mithun Shetty, CEO of Trescon. He further added, "World AI Show will digitally connect key stakeholders in the Indonesian AI ecosystem to drive the future of AI in the region."The show will be hosted on the virtual events platform Vmeets to help participants network and conduct business in an interactive and immersive virtual environment. Participants can also engage with speakers in Q&A sessions and network with solution providers in virtual exhibition booths, private consultation rooms and private networking rooms.The Indonesian edition of World AI Show Jakarta is officially sponsored by Platinum Sponsor - Tech Data and Dataiku; Gold Sponsors - Microsoft and Denodo; Silver Sponsors - ManageEngine, Sinergi Wahana Gemilang and Intetics.About World AI ShowWorld AI Show is a thought-leadership-driven, business-focused, global series of events taking place in strategic locations across the world. It connects top AI experts, enterprises, government representatives, data scientists, technology leaders, startups, investors, researchers, academicians, and global AI innovators - to discuss the impact of AI on commercial applications and the revolutionary ways it can transform businesses and government functions.For more information visit: https://jakarta.worldaishow.com/For further details about the announcement, please contact:Genevive D'souzaCorporate Communications Managermarketing@tresconglobal.comSource: World AI ShowCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. To illustrate the flaws of socialist thinking about wealth distribution, legendary free market economist Milton Friedman was fond of telling people that the economy isnt a pizza, with only so many slices available to be divided fairly among everyone. In reality, Friedman explained, the economy is technically limitless one persons having X amount of money does not mean that there is only Y amount of money left over for everyone else. However, while a pizza may not be totally applicable as a metaphor for the economy as a whole, it is an excellent metaphor for a small businesss operating budget which is why the proposal to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour will be harmful to small business entrepreneurs and the people they employ. Proponents of raising the federal minimum wage insist that the current minimum wage is not a living wage and is not enough to lift people out of poverty. While everyone would like to see wage earners make more pay, raising the minimum wage would actually push more people into poverty than it would lift out of poverty. Running a small business costs more money than one can possibly imagine. Small business owners need to pay for utilities, product, advertising, insurance, taxes, and wages, just to name a few things. But business owners only have a limited amount of money to spend on this stuff, an amount thats tied directly to their revenue. The government can arbitrarily go ahead and increase the minimum wage, but it cant wave a magic wand and give small businesses the extra revenue to absorb the cost of that wage hike. So more than DOUBLING the current federal minimum wage will leave small business owners with few choices: increase costs for the customer, cut costs at the product level by going for lower quality, cut the number of employees and the hours they work, or stop doing business altogether. There are only so many slices in a pizza. This is why it should come as no surprise that a report published in early February by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the wage increase would come at a cost of 1.4 million jobs, and that young, less educated people would account for a disproportionate share of those reductions in employment. In January, professors David Neumark and Peter Shirley released a study of all the recent literature on the effects of minimum wage increases in the United States. The study found that the research shows a clear preponderance of negative estimates on jobs numbers, and that this evidence is stronger for teens and young adults as well as the less-educated. Simply put, minimum wage increases are ruled by the law of unintended consequences, often taking the jobs of those who need them most. Minimum wage increases can also be particularly hard on the restaurant industry. According to a NYC Hospitality Alliance survey taken just one month after New York City raised its minimum wage, 36% of restaurants resorted to layoffs and 90% had to increase prices. A year after the wage hike, roughly 77% of its restaurants had cut employee hours. Around 4,000 jobs were lost in New York Citys restaurant industry alone. In the age of COVID, in which so many small businesses are struggling and have already had to make many tough choices due to the disastrous economic effects of lockdown measures, increasing the minimum wage could be a guaranteed death sentence for many. Now, more than ever, small businesses need the economic freedom less government intervention and less regulation to create as many jobs for as many people as possible. Dramatically increasing the federal minimum wage will have the exact opposite effect. Once in production, the companys Muga Project in Spain's north is forecast to be one of the highest margin potash mines in the world. Engineering and design work is complete and the company has also now completed the mining concession application. ( ) (FRA:23H) has submitted answers to the fifth and final section of the mining concession documentation for its Muga Project in Spain. With this submission, the company has replied to all questions from relevant national, regional and local mining authorities in Madrid, Aragon and Navarra on the documentation submitted by the company. In parallel, the company has been advised that the review of the text of the mining concession document is now complete, with any requirements that arise from the review to be added to the text and the final document will be sent to the Spanish Governments lawyers for a final legal review. Moving into construction phase Highfield chief executive officer Ignacio Salazar said: We are pleased to have finalised the fifth and last section of the mining concession documentation review. The administrations are well aware of the importance of this project for the region. My team is also making every effort to protect the project and preserve cash until we get the mining concession. In that sense, and with no red flags raised, we are all very keen to see the end of the permitting process and the company finally move into the construction phase. The location of the Muga-Vipasca, Pintanos and Sierra del Perdon Tenement Areas in Northern Spain. Next steps As part of the recent round of reviews and as far as the company can currently assess, there have been no material red flag issues raised which could potentially adversely impact the granting of the mining concession for the Muga Project. With all the required responses submitted, the company is now waiting for the process being undertaken by the authorities to conclude. Additionally, the furlough scheme currently in place will be increased to 50% on March 1, 2021, for all staff at Highfield until the mining concession is received. Once in production, the project is forecast to be one of the highest margin potash mines in the world. With the engineering and design work ready, the company is progressing the Mining Concession. Highfields potash tenements (Muga-Vipasca, Pintanos, and Sierra del Perdon) are in the Ebro potash producing basin in Northern Spain, covering an area of around 276 square kilometres. The Islamic Republic of Iran has rejected nuclear talks with the United States. The Biden administration had proposed the talks as part of its efforts to negotiate a path back to the 2015 nuclear deal that was abandoned by Trump in 2018 paving the way to waves of economic sanctions on the country. But even with a less hostile US administration now in power, Iran says it will not sit down for talks, for now. A spokesman for Irans Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that conditions are not ripe for informal nuclear talks between Iran, the U.S. and other world powers. There has been no change in the U.S. position and behavior yet, and the Biden administration has not only not abandoned Trump's failed policy of maximum pressure, but has not even announced its commitment to fulfilling its overall commitments as part of the nuclear deal," said Iranian spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh. He added Iran won't re-negotiate the nuclear deal and reiterated Iran's longstanding insistence that the U.S. start the process by removing sanctions. The US reacting to Iran's statement said; "While we are disappointed at Irans response, we remain ready to reengage in meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the nuclear deal commitments," a White House spokesman said. "We will be consulting with our P5+1 partners on the best way forward," the spokesman added, referring to the other parties to the nuclear deal: China, Russia, the U.K., France and Germany. The Iranian response to the U.S. proposal seems to be connected to a diplomatic effort by the U.S. and European signatories to pass a resolution against Iran at an upcoming meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The resolution is expected to criticize Iran for curtailing the access of nuclear inspectors to Iran's nuclear facilities. 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 ITHACA, N.Y. - The expansion of charter schools in the 2000s led to an increase in school segregation and a slight decline in residential segregation, according to new research from Cornell University providing the first national estimates of the diverging trends. According to the study, the average district to expand charter school enrollment between 2000 and 2010 experienced a 12% increase in white-Black school segregation and a 2% decrease in white-Black residential segregation. The patterns moved in opposite directions, the research found, because charter schools - which receive public funds but operate independently - weaken the traditional link between neighborhood and school assignment, allowing families to choose more racially homogenous schools regardless of where they live. The findings highlight education policy's influence beyond schools and offer a "cautionary lesson" about continued charter expansion without efforts to limit racial sorting by families, according to lead author Peter Rich. Understanding charter schools' effects on segregation is critical, because they represent an increasingly popular educational reform, the researchers said. Charter school enrollment has quadrupled since 2000, serving nearly 6% of students in 2015-2016, and is expected to continue growing and gaining influence. The researchers analyzed more than 1,500 metropolitan school districts to examine what happened when school choice decoupled neighborhood and school options, using data from the census and the National Center for Education Statistics' Common Core of Data. The researchers said their findings reveal school and residential segregation as "more like eddies in a stream, circling and reinforcing each other via policies and preferences." The analysis did not find that charter school affected white-Hispanic segregation in schools, because Hispanic students on average attend more diverse charter schools. White-Hispanic segregation did fall as charter enrollment grew. Though the reductions in residential segregation were "nontrivial," the researchers said, policy makers should not see school choice as a tool for achieving resident diversity, given how it exacerbated school segregation. ### The study, "Segregated Neighborhoods, Segregated Schools: Do Charters Break a Stubborn Link?" published March 1 in the journal Demography. For additional information, see this Cornell Chronicle story. -30- Highlights The governments website cowin.gov.in has integrated Map My India so users can conveniently find nearby covid vaccination centres. Users can insert their current location or enter their address, pin code, or eLoc of interest to check nearby vaccination centres. The second phase of the vaccination drive in India started on March 1, 2021. The government of India's official vaccination registration website, cowin.gov.in has integrated with MapmyIndia, a platform that uses digital mapping and advanced location-based and IoT technologies. Map My India on Monday announced the launch of maps and nearby search features as part of its mobile application and official website, to help Indians find Coronavirus vaccination centres across the country. MapmyIndia's App which is powered by MapmyIndia Maps and API was the winner of the Aatma Nirbhar (self-reliant) App Challenge which was organised by the government six months ago to encourage indigenous apps. Here is how you can find nearby Corona vaccination centres using MapMyIndia: -- Download mapmyindia.com/move app or visit maps.mapmyindia.com or cowin.gov.in -- In the search box, press current location or enter your address or place name or eLoc of interest. eLoc is the 6-character digital address for any place across India, a precise pin code representing the doorstep of any place (more information at mapmyindia.com/eloc) -- Click search or vaccination centres. You will see the nearest vaccination centres to you or the location of your interest. You can click on Get Directions to further get exact turn by turn directions and real-time navigation (based on live traffic congestion and road safety hazards) to that vaccine centre. Rohan Verma, CEO, and amp, Executive Director, MapmyIndia in a statement said, "In the fight against COVID, each one of us has a role to play. Since the pandemic entered India, MapmyIndia took upon the task of real-time geospatially mapping all corona-related places - testing, treatment, and isolation centres as well as containment zones. To make the critical vaccination effort seamless, MapmyIndia has put all the vaccination centres across India on MapmyIndia's maps. Users can use the MapmyIndia App (mapmyindia.com/move) and Maps portal (maps.mapmyindia.com) to search and find nearby vaccine centres and get directions to them. They can also write reviews and report issues they face there - to help authorities get feedback and take corrective action, where required." The second phase of the corona vaccination drive in India began on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot at AIIMS, Delhi, and urged the eligible citizens to take the vaccine. The second phase focuses on people above the age of 60 years. People with comorbidities have a relaxed age norm of 45 years and above. The beneficiaries are required to produce a certificate signed by a registered doctor that clearly states the nature of the comorbidity. Last month Aarogya Setu app was integrated with CoWIN app to give users the information on coronavirus vaccine in India. users can access information on CoWIN through the Aarogya Setu app. They can access it in the CoWIN section by opening the Aarogya Setu app. If you are eligible, then you can register yourself on CoWIN platform via the Aarogya Setu app or CoWIN website. There will be no new or separate mobile app for CoWIN. The platform will be accessible through the Aarogya Setu app or the dedicated website COWIN.gov.in. Help India! In India, cyberspaces are predominant domains where the manifestation of left Islamophobia is obvious and demands attention and redressal. Muslim assertions on cyberspaces and discourses are enormously censored and subjected to mistreatment. By Faheem Muhammed M.P Support TwoCircles In India, the mainstream political discourses have often been affirming that Islamophobia is repeatedly misinterpreted and undermined, usually associated with and limited to the Sangh Parivar institutions. The celebrated intellectual, secular or liberal discussions in India have historically failed to recognize and transpire the full scope and nature of Islamophobia in India. Aligning and limiting Islamophobia within Sangh Parivar realms has only led to vindicating and normalizing Islamophobia in Indias extremely communal public sphere. The paradoxical narratives on Islamophobia rooted in Hindutwa ideologue have well preserved the historical communal spirits targeting Muslim identities in the academia and institutions of critical thoughts. This happens to be precise in the case of professed Communist establishments in India. The narratives on Islamic identity and politics perpetrated by the so-called left-liberals has often been misleading and distorted. By confining the idea and problem of Islamophobia within the Sangh Parivar domain, the Communist parties and thinkers have maintained and normalized Islamophobia within and throughout their cliques. To theorize it, we should distinguish between the Sangh Parivar and the left Islamophobia. When the Sangh Islamophobia is about the utmost hatred and extermination of Muslims, the left Islamophobia is about restricting the existential identity, political choices and autonomy of Indian Muslims. These restrictions have alienated the Muslim identity and branded Islamic politics as religious fundamentalism, just as in the case of Dalit or Feminist politics. Fundamentalism or existentialism? The alienation of Islamic identities is explicit in the mainstream left discourses and circles, where every Indian Muslim is supposed to hide their Muslim identity and maintain a supposedly secular (often assuming non -religious) attitude. These groups blatantly despise rising any kind of identity politics in the public sphere. Indian Communist establishments have thus continuously managed to disparage the assertions on the religious identity of Indian Muslims. Such assertions are instantly emphasized and branded as religious fundamentalism. It is to be admitted that the open embracement of Hindutwa symbols and dogmas, including the lighting of deepams or commencement of poojas in the public domains, has never offended the so-called left thinkers. Instead, they are deeply hurt when any Islamic identity is expressed in the public sphere. Most of the left liberals have been even critical of perceiving religious politics in the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The use of Islamic assertions in many anti CAA protests was utmostly censured and brought in for severe criticism. Through these affirmations, the mainstream Indian left has upheld their own notions of Indian Muslims who are supposed to be docile to the elite intellectuals (the savarnas in the Indian setting). A close observation of the Indian Communist parties can reveal how Islamophobic these organizations are. A parental secularism approach can be seen in the notions of Communist groups, carrying a definition of secularism of their own. They have well succeeded in transplanting these notions into individuals and organizations affiliated with them. This parental secularism prevents the Indian Muslims from perceiving or following political discourses that matter to them. The same parental secularism was explicit in Indian National Congress (INC) comments targeting the rise of Asaduddin Owaisis All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) soon after the Bihar elections. Moreover, this is what held Muslim leaders in Congress within the line of thoughts of the majority. This states one thing in common in the mainstream Indian parties; they do not welcome Muslims to form political opinions or organize independently; instead, they prefer to be the great parent of Indian Muslims controlling them. Irrespective of the fact that this control has only devastated secularism and particularly Muslims in India. By portraying Muslims as helpless, the mainstream parties are stereotyping them as a vulnerable social group who needs political and social support (only from the established parties) and limiting their aspirations for self-reliance and individuality, which is the same as rearing cattle in a fixed-line of control. The Kerala model The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M), particularly has been well effective in maintaining a systemic intellectual Islamophobia in Kerala. The paradox of CPI(M) has been in question previously, when Alan and Thala, two Muslim students, were arrested on the grounds of UAPA charges in November 2019. The students were arrested as suspected Maoists, both of them members of SFI, the student wing of the CPI(M) and local CPI(M) unit. SFI, which has been vocal in the illegal detentions under UAPA by the central government, was silent when the same happened in Kerala under Pinarayi Vijayans government. Similarly, Deshabhimani, a Malayalam newspaper associated with the CPI(M), has published an Islamophobic cartoon in relation to the 2020 local body elections in Kerala. The cartoon brands Welfare Party of India (WPI), a Muslim existential party affiliated with Jamaat e Islami as a terrorist organization. The stereotypical portrayal of a Muslim man with a beard and cap with an AK-47 gun has drawn fierce criticism. The cartoon was a reply to the Congress-led United Democratic Fronts (UDF) alliance with WPI in 2020 local body elections. It is known that CPI(M) led Left Democratic Front (LDF) itself had an alliance with WPI in previous elections. CPIM attempt to stereotype it as a terrorist organization explains the partys twofold nature. WPI representatives refuted the CPI(M))s communal and extremist accusations against it as double standards. We contested the 2015 local body elections in alliance with the CPI(M) in many panchayats after striking a deal with Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who was then CPI(M) State Secretary, said WPI State president Hameed Vaniyambalam. In October, the then CPI (M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan made a comment that stood out for its communal overtones: that the UDF was now being led by the trio of MM Hassan, PK Kunhalikutty (of the IUML) and the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Ameer. Further, the local body elections witnessed many of the CPI(M) leaders going too far, commenting on how Congress is a puppet in Muslim organizations hands, mainly targeting the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). In a Facebook Post, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan accused that the Congress party has become so vulnerable that it has even lost its capacity to choose its leaders, as its control is decided by the Muslim League, the second-largest opposition. This hyperbole must be seen as an effort to alienate the Muslim existential groups in Kerala to accumulate majoritarian Hindu and marginal Christain votes, which usually benefits the UDF. Vijayans comments have drawn fierce criticism from multiple groups. What makes it creepy is its celebration by CPI(M) cyber armies and spokespersons in the following debates. Later on, the acting Secretary of CPI(M) Kerala, Vijayaraghavan, alleged that the IUML attempted to create communal polarization with its agitation against economic reservation. He further went on alleging that minority communalism is the most extremist form of communalism, though he retracted his statement the next day. The Kerala government has booked 46 people on February 16, for taking part in protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), even though the government had assured earlier that no action would be initiated against the protestors. The booked includes political, cultural and religious leaders, such as KK Baburaj, TT Sreekumar, J Devika, NP Chekutty, Nasar Faisy Koodathai and late T Peter. They have been charged for rioting & unlawful assembly in December 2019. However, cultural and political critics have come forward condemning the government move. The involvement of Islamic existential organizations, including the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Welfare Party alleges to be a reason behind the police move. This appears to be a part of the ongoing move to demonise Islamic existential groups by the mainstream intelligentsia in India. Further, the CPI (M) particularly is busy constructing the rise of the Muslim League and Muslim leadership as a threat to secularism, stating that it is grounded on religious fundamentalism. This fundamental inability to recognize and patronage the political organization of minority communities in a majoritarian nation like India itself is the indispensable challenge of Indian Communist parties. Way forward to secularism In India, cyberspaces are predominant domains where the manifestation of left Islamophobia is obvious and demands attention and redressal. Muslim assertions on cyberspaces and discourses are enormously censored and subjected to mistreatment. Collective cyberbullying is very typical in most of the left dominated cyber discourses. Individuals and social groups pursuing or expressing identity politics are instantly targeted and intimidated by established organizations cyber armies. Attempts to pursue autonomous political choices by Indian Muslims are treated with hostility and portrayed as dangerous, instigating further complications for their life. The Islamophobic left intelligentsia has historically failed to realize the privilege that entitles them to disguise their religious identity in a majoritarian state. The stereotypical and problematic depiction of Indian Muslims by the left intelligentsia and the media poses severe challenges to the nations secular fabric. The highly communal and Hinduised public domains (with Hindu symbols in public institutions) of India are overtly favouring the Hindutva politics of the 21st century. The RSS and Sangh Parivars key achievement is their penetration into every institution or establishment that constitutes this nation. This is accurate in the mainstream Indian parties, particularly those narrating a secular vision like the CPI(M) and a majority of the left intelligentsia. A failure to acknowledge this paradigm reality is one of the biggest mistakes of mainstream political organizations and discourses in India. With their unknown and deliberate Islamophobic attempts, they facilitate the Sangh Parivar efforts for a Hindutwa nation. Indias critical political discourses need to be sensitive to post 9/11 Islamophobia and its normalization in the Indian public sphere. It is to be admitted that attempts to alienate and disregard Muslim identity politics will not do any good; instead, it will exemplify ethnocentric communalism and hyper-nationalism in India. Assertions on self-identity and experiences answer the asymmetric social and political relations in India, where Muslims are one of the most vulnerable social groups, which is also very similar in the case of Dalit and Feminist politics in the Brahminical Patriarchy setting of the nation. Faheem Muhammed M.P graduated in M.A Mass Communication from Pondicherry University. The United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday said that the country is preparing new measures against the Myanmar military over the violence during recent anti-coup demontsrations. Following the report that at least 18 people were killed and over 30 were left wounded in the Southeast Asian country currently under juntas control and civilian government leaders are placed under house arrest. On Sunday, the protests turned violent with clashes between the Myanmar military and law enforcement confronted peaceful demonstrations, according to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office. Meanwhile, the White House said it is alarmed by the situation. Sullivan in a statement said, The United States is alarmed by the Burmese security forces violence against peaceful protestors before offering condolences to families of the courageous protestors who have lost their lives while peacefully demonstrating in support of democracy in Burma. We will continue coordinating closely with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world to hold those responsible for the violence to account, and to reinforce our support for the people of Burma. To that end, we are preparing additional actions to impose further costs on those responsible for this latest outbreak of violence and the recent coup. We will have more to share in the coming days, he added. Read - IN PICS: Tense Scenes From Myanmar Streets One Month After Military Coup Read - Thai Marchers Link Their Democracy Cause To Myanmar Protests US Secretary of State condemns Myanmar violence As the February 1 coup witnessed an escalation, US Secretary of State Antony BLinken condemned the reported violence against the demonstrators calling for the immediate release of civilian government leaders and restoration of its power. Blinken in a tweet said that the US will continue the p[romotion of accountability for those who are responsible for the crisis. The demonstrators in the Southeast Asian nation took to the streets in multiple cities as the military continued to take power. We condemn the Burmese security forces abhorrent violence against the people of Burma & will continue to promote accountability for those responsible. We stand firmly with the courageous people of Burma & encourage all countries to speak with one voice in support of their will. Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 28, 2021 Following the grim number of casualties in Myanmar demonstrations, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Sunday together with the UN chief, strongly condemned the escalating violence and called for an immediate end to the use of force. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spokesperson said, He is deeply disturbed by the increase in deaths and serious injuries. The use of lethal force against peaceful protestors and arbitrary arrests are unacceptable and called for the world to come together. At least 18 people were killed & 30 wounded in #Myanmar today. We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar & call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protestors," says spox Ravina Shamdasani https://t.co/nqhVYtXZfv pic.twitter.com/sAvKPwR4F7 UN Human Rights Asia (@OHCHRAsia) February 28, 2021 Read - Defying Lethal Shootings, Myanmar Protesters Back On Streets Read - Myanmar: 18 Killed, 30 Wounded In Anti-military Protests, Says UN Body Emphasizing the bad impact of gaming addiction on children, Union minister Prakash Javadekar had said that many mobile games are "violent, explicit and addictive", and PUBG was just one example. He further reiterated that the government is planning to set up a center of excellence in gaming and other related areas to promote Indian cultural ethos. PUBG was among over 100 China-origin mobile applications banned by the government last year. The Minister for Information and Broadcasting said his ministry has decided to form a gaming centre to teach courses related to VFX, gaming and animation so that new games are developed that promote Indian cultural ethos. Addressing the opening ceremony of the virtual exhibition and prize Announcement of 'Khel Khel Mein -- A Pan Maharashtra Toy/Game/ Project Design Competition' -- the minister said the courses will commence this year itself. Happy to announce that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with IIT Bombay has decided to form a Center of Excellence in gaming and other related areas. We are at an advanced stage of preparation and this will come into effect as the new session begins in 2021. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is passionate about preserving and perpetuating Indian values, heritage and cultural ethos and is putting in immense effort so that the children and youth of our country are made aware of our rich culture and tradition," the minister said. "We can also introduce those values via modern technology and put it to optimum use," he said. He said many games played on mobile and other gadgets are "violent, explicit, addictive and tend to create a complex in the mind of children". "PUBG was just one example of it, but criticising those games is not the solution. The solution is to create our own games and apps in line with #MakeInIndia for the world so that these are adopted world over for their basic values that are an integral part of our Indian ethos," Javadekar said. He said this effort by the Modi government will fructify and lead the nation into creating new games that promote Indian cultural ethos. President Moon Jae-in, first lady Kim Jung-sook and other participants hold up the national flag during the March 1 Independence Movement Day ceremony at Tapgol Park in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap By Kang Seung-woo President Moon Jae-in renewed his call for Korea and Japan to move together toward future-oriented bilateral relations, Monday, while also urging Tokyo to contemplate its imperialist past. The reconciliatory gesture comes as chilly relations between the neighboring countries have hindered the necessary cooperation that the new U.S. Joe Biden administration is focusing on. Washington is seeking trilateral cooperation on regional security issues. However, diplomatic observers note that Moon's two-track strategy is a rerun of Seoul's existing "unsuccessful" approach to Tokyo, and do not expect it to help normalize ties strained by historical issues. Relations between Korea and Japan have ebbed to their lowest in years due to the issues of Japan's use of Koreans for sexual and labor slavery before and during World War II. "The only obstacle we have to overcome is that, sometimes, issues of the past cannot be separated from those of the future as they are intermingled with each other. This has impeded forward-looking development," President Moon said in a speech marking the March 1 Independence Movement Day, when in 1919 Koreans rose up to fight against Japanese colonial rule. "We should learn a lesson by squarely facing the past. It is by no means shameful to learn a lesson from past wrongs, but it is rather a way to gain respect from the international community," Moon said. "The Korean government will always pursue wise solutions based on a victim-centered approach, vowing to restore the honor and dignity of any victims." Sun Life Vietnam reveals strategy to increase insurance market share Sun Life Vietnam has cooperated with banks via a bancassurance partnership to offer more solutions to customers and improve client experience. In December 2020, Sun Life Vietnam signed a partnership agreement with ACB to expand its budding bancassurance system. The new, 15-year partnership with ACB came into effect on the first day of 2021. ACB will distribute Sun Life Vietnams products at their 371 branches in 48 provinces, offering innovative and comprehensive financial solutions to millions of potential clients. The deal with ACB came after Sun Life's first exclusive distribution deal with Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TPBank) just a year prior. The two partnerships prove what great stock Sun Life Vietnam puts into the emerging distribution channel and industry-leading collaborations. Larry Madge, CEO of Sun Life Vietnam, said: "We believe our cooperation with ACB and TPB will help us significantly expand Sun Life Vietnam's client reach and enhance our position in the market." Sun Life Vietnam products are now widely available to millions of TPBank and ACB customers, complementing the insurers extensive agency network. The two bank partners will also collaborate with Sun Life Vietnam on digitally enhancing their offering, client experience and training to ensure the best consultancy services. "The new partnership with ACB will be a powerful boost to our distribution capabilities and will enable us to scale up operations even faster. At the same time, we are accelerating the expansion of our agency network by opening new offices across the country and will also continue developing our existing partnership with TP Bank," said Madge. Since the beginning of 2020, Sun Life Vietnam has been steadily increasing its charter capital while boosting investment in technology, branding, products, and services to meet changing client needs and adapt to new trends and a new working environment. For example, as Covid-19 was a complete game-changer for the entire industry, Sun Life Vietnam had to roll out several new solutions to adapt to the new landscape. The insurer developed Sun Fast, a solution where their advisors and clients could conduct virtual meetings and the entire consultation and purchasing process digitally. They can fill out and sign applications virtually, without face-to-face interaction, so they are not left without protection even during social distancing. In December, Sun Life Vietnam also introduced a new QR payment method to improve convenience. According to Vietnam Report, there will be more large-scale collaborations between banks and insurance businesses, with an increasing proportion of insurance revenue generated through bancassurance. Deals between FWD and Vietcombank or Sun Life Vietnam, ACB and TPBank all point in this direction. The insurance market is still looking at excellent growth potential due to the low number of insurance policyholders in the country, while the middle-class ranks proliferate. Remarkably, bancassurance has been growing even more substantial and now contributes nearly 30 percent of total life insurance sales. The annual average growth rate in 2016-2019 was 30 percent, and while the segment was hit hard by Covid-19, it still grew by 19 percent throughout 2020. Madge commented: "The Vietnamese economy has been growing steadily by 6-7 percent in recent years, and with the great job the Vietnamese government has done to manage Covid-19 while maintaining the economy, we have high hopes this rapid growth will continue." "Currently, the Vietnamese insurance market is underpenetrated and only accounts for 1.4 percent of the GDP. Simultaneously, the global average is 3.4 percent." Bancassurance deals offer benefits to all three sides the insurance company, bank, and clients. It provides an efficient distribution channel to the insurance company, increasing its market reach, revenue, and potential client base. Meanwhile, it brings significant investment to the bank partner and improves relations with clients via a comprehensive set of products and services. The client can also enjoy improved protection from daily risks through insurance products while accessing flexible services from both the bank and insurer. Ha Thanh Designer: Tan Nguyen CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela has approved the use of China's Sinopharm vaccine against the novel coronavirus, the South American country's health ministry said on Monday, after it began administering Russia's Sputnik V vaccine last month. The ministry did not specify how many Sinopharm doses it would acquire or when they would arrive. President Nicolas Maduro had previously said the country was in talks with China over the possible use of its vaccines. "Thanks to the cooperation between China and Venezuela we are able to attend to the health and life of our people," the ministry wrote on Twitter. Venezuela has said it received the first 100,000 doses of Sputnik V on Feb. 13, and has invested $200 million to buy 10 million doses in the country of some 25 million. An advisor to opposition leader Juan Guaido - recognized by dozens of countries as Venezuela's legitimate president - said last week the country could begin receiving coronavirus vaccines via the global COVAX program in May. Maduro has not publicly confirmed that government officials have been involved in those talks. The once-prosperous OPEC nation is experiencing a dramatic economic collapse that has left its healthcare system in a shambles. Venezuela's National Academy of Medicine said on Monday that the country has secured enough vaccine supplies to inoculate some 38% of the population, the second-lowest level in Latin America and ahead of only El Salvador. Official data shows Venezuela has reported 139,116 coronavirus cases and 1,344 deaths. Opposition politicians question those figures, arguing testing has been insufficient. (Reporting by Vivian Sequera in Caracas and Luc Cohen in New York; editing by Richard Pullin) BYD Europe has confirmed specification of its updated 2021 model year Tang SUV which it will launch in EV-friendly Norway later this year. The seven seat, full electric vehicle is being marketed and sold through RSA, a Scandinavian importer and dealer network operator. The four wheel drive Tang is aimed at family buyers. Range is a claimed class-leading up to 505km (NEDC) and acceleration to 100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds. Battery capacity is 86.4 kWh. An extremely high level of technology for all occupants will, BYD said, make the Tang "a hugely attractive proposition" capable of "combining the daily commute with full day family adventures on a single charge". For the 2021 model year, the interior has had a major upgrade, with all seats upholstered in brown leather and waffle stitching. Driver and front passenger seats are ventilated and heated and the large infotainment screen can be rotated to either horizontal or vertical to suit specific vehicle displays. A large panoramic glass roof is standard and low level LED lighting can be adjusted to 31 different configurations. Connectivity includes 4G, DAB radio and OTA (over the-air updates) all, BYD claimed, "future-proofed to allow the additional of more functionality as technology is upgraded". The model also now has BYD's exclusive Blade Battery which is claimed to be lighter and more robust than other electric car batteries. Production of the 2021 Tang for Norway will commence in the second quarter of 2021 with first deliveries expected late next summer. Thematic Reports Are you worried about the pace of innovation in your industry? GlobalData's TMT Themes 2021 Report tells you everything you need to know about disruptive tech themes and which companies are best placed to help you digitally transform your business. Find out more "Although it's been a challenging time for the passenger car sector," said BYD Europe managing director, Isbrand Ho, "we are extremely excited by the very positive reaction to our Tang demonstration programme." A survey by S&P Global Platts has found that the vast majority of those in the sector believe lithium is experiencing a significant upswing. ( ) (FRA:XL5) will start extensive exploration on Salinas Lithium Project held by 100%-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Mineracao Ferro Nordeste, in the Jequitinhonha Valley region of Minas Gerais, a lithium-rich but underexplored region. This region hosts the Eastern Brazilian pegmatite province, home to Sigma Lithium and lithium producer Companhia Brasileira de Litio (CBL). Jequitinhonha Valley is a highly underexplored region that currently contains 100% of the official lithium reserves of Brazil. Latin has appointed local geologists to carry out fieldwork on the Salinas tenements with the key objective to define drill targets and to begin drilling in the second quarter of 2021. Start of lithium strategy Latin Resources executive director Chris Gale said: We are extremely pleased to start work again on our very exciting Brazilian lithium projects. The work carried out in 2019 by our technical team has uncovered some wonderful opportunities in Brazil. The more we investigate Minas Gerais, the more we get excited about the huge potential this underexplored region holds. This significant time and investment into Brazil marks the start of the companys lithium strategy to develop valuable lithium projects in a fantastic mining province. I am very confident that the company can quickly and effectively execute exploration programs in Brazil, which we hope will deliver positive news to its shareholders in a very timely fashion. Lithium sector sees upswing The extensive work program comes at a time of a strengthening lithium market. A survey by S&P Global Platts found that the vast majority of those in the sector believe lithium is experiencing a significant upswing. Some 96% of respondents expect Chinas demand for lithium metals to rise further in 2021, with stimulus measures expected to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs). A whopping 91% and 78% of market participants believe China's battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide prices will be higher this year compared to 2020. There are expectations that lithium carbonate price could go beyond 80,000 per tonne, levels not seen since mid-2018. The other factor in the lithium market is spodumene, a mineral that is an important source of lithium. More than half (57%) of respondents believed spodumene supply would remain tight due to expanding lithium carbonate and hydroxide capacity, S&P Global Platts said, which would, in turn, bolster Chinese lithium metals prices. A GlobalData report says global demand for lithium will rise to 117,400 tonnes by 2024. Further work on pegmatites Latins geologists completed significant fieldwork on the tenements in 2019, which located several occurrences of spodumene never previously known or reported. The exploration program showed numerous pegmatites were hosted in schist and showed homogenous spodumene mineralisation. Further work on the pegmatites will now be followed up to determine their relationship to the Salinas main pegmatite which is 1.5 kilometres northeast. The 600 metres distance between points in the west and points in the east showing spodumene mineralisation is a good sign for a potential continuous pegmatite field below surface. Focus will be now given to the well-advanced spodumene tenure, which will allow the company to rapidly drill test any potential lithium deposit and enable it to be quickly advanced to JORC compliancy. The companys in-country resources will be directed on the Brazilian lithium projects, where Latin Resources believe they can effectively execute exploration programs to deliver positive news and results to its shareholders in a timely manner. Latin Resources geologists identifying large spodumene crystals in an abandoned spodumene mine in Minas Gerais in 2019. Minas Gerais activity Corp ( ) (OTCMKTS:SGMLF) is one of the most active lithium explorers in the region with a world-class lithium resource base, which currently stands at 45.7 million tonnes at 1.38% lithium oxide . Sigma is focused on 10 high-grade hard-rock lithium pegmatites, nine of which were past-producing lithium mines, yet have reported more than 200 pegmatites within its tenure. That company is now in pre-construction of its large-scale lithium concentration commercial production plant in Minas Gerais. Based on the feasibility study report, the commercial production plant will contemplate a capacity of 220,000 tonnes annually of battery-grade green lithium concentrate and Sigma will be amongst the lowest-cost producers of lithium concentrate globally. Not far away, CBL is actively mining spodumene pegmatites, producing a spodumene concentrate which is then transferred to a chemical plant in Divisa Alegre, Minas Gerais, where it is transformed into industrial grade lithium hydroxide. The state of Minas Gerais is well served by infrastructure, roads, hydroelectric power, water and the port of Vitoria in neighbouring Espirito Santo State. Minas Gerais is particularly efficient in its issuing of drilling permits and environmental approvals. The province remains extremely prospective for lithium given the little amount of modern exploration investment. Integra Capital Argentina JV The joint venture between Latin Resources and Integra Capital in Argentina is progressing well and exploration work is expected to begin the next quarter, now that COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted in the Province of Catamarca. Integra will spend up to US$1 million (A$1.4 million) under the JV, which will underpin an aggressive exploration program on the Catamarca concessions, with the initial aim of delivering a maiden JORC resource. Following the release of a maiden JORC resource on the projects, the JVs focus will turn to project development, including feasibility, engineering and metallurgy studies to produce a lithium spodumene concentrate. Latin has already developed a high-level scoping study with consulting engineers Primero Group for the Argentinian lithium assets. Under the JV, Latin Resources will be free-carried through initial exploration with financing for the construction of the processing plant to be in line with percentage ownership between Integra and Latin of the project partnership at the time of the final investment decision. OTTAWA, ON, March 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Ensuring that the family justice system can effectively respond to the needs of families during divorce or separation is critical. That is why the Government of Canada took action by changing Canada's federal family laws to promote the best interests of the child, address family violence, help reduce child poverty, and make the family justice system more accessible and efficient. Today, March 1, 2021, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced that Divorce Act amendments have come into force. Although some technical amendments came into force upon Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, most of the Divorce Act amendments come into force today. These mark the first substantive changes to federal family laws in more than 20 years. The Government of Canada recognizes how important the changes to the Divorce Act are to Canadians affected by separation and divorce, especially vulnerable family members. These changes were highly anticipated by family law professionals, provincial and territorial partners and Canadians affected by separation and divorce. The Government of Canada worked hard with its partners to implement the legislative changes and prepare tools, training and resources for individuals and family law professionals. As a result, these very important amendments come into force today. Quote "The changes that we have made to modernize the Divorce Act have been a long time coming and I am proud that they are coming into force today. We understand how important the changes to the Divorce Act are to Canadians affected by separation and divorce, especially to vulnerable family members. Faced with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked hard with our partners to implement these changes, which address family violence and promote the best interests of the child." The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Quick Facts On June 21, 2019 , the Government of Canada welcomed the Royal Assent of former Bill C-78, which modernized and strengthened federal family laws, following its careful review by Parliament. , the Government of welcomed the Royal Assent of former Bill C-78, which modernized and strengthened federal family laws, following its careful review by Parliament. Bill C-78 amended three federal family laws: the Divorce Act, the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act and the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Act . Most of the amendments to the Divorce Act come into force on March 1, 2021 , while changes to federal support enforcement laws that did not come into force on Royal Assent or in December 2020 will progressively come into force at different times over the next two years. the and the . Most of the amendments to the come into force on , while changes to federal support enforcement laws that did not come into force on Royal Assent or in will progressively come into force at different times over the next two years. While the amendments were originally supposed to come into force on July 1, 2020 , due to the circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, provinces and territories and the federal government needed enough time to complete necessary steps to ensure effective implementation, such as changes to regulations, legislation, forms, and court rules. Associated Links Stay Connected Follow the Department of Justice Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. Follow Minister Lametti on Twitter: @MinJusticeEn. Subscribe to receive our news releases and more via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/rss.html. SOURCE Department of Justice Canada For further information: For more information, media may contact: Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Justice, 613-992-6568, [email protected]; Media Relations, Department of Justice Canada, 613-957-4207, [email protected] Related Links http://www.justice.gc.ca Dog Stays With Injured Hiker in Freezing Italian Alps for 7 Nights Until Rescuers Airlift Them to Safety When a hiker slipped and broke his ankle in the remote foothills of the Italian Alps, his loyal canine companion refused to leave his side for seven days and nights in the freezing cold. The hiker credits the mixed-breed pup for saving his life. The unnamed 33-year-old from Trieste, Italy, was hiking with his dog, Ash, north of Udine at an altitude of nearly 2,300 feet (approx. 700 m) when he slipped, People reported. Immobilized, and without a cellphone signal, he was unable to call for help. Italian mountain rescue team Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico (CNSAS) later posted on Facebook of the incident: He claimed that he had slipped several meters into a canal and dragged himself, albeit with a broken ankle and other traumas, as close to the creek water as possible, and that he managed to survive thanks to the company of the doggy. The pair spent a week in sub-zero temperatures, using a thermal blanket, leaves, and even a topographic map to protect themselves from the elements. The hiker had originally planned to camp in mountain huts and bivouacs. He and Ash were reported missing by the hikers fiancee on Feb. 15 when they failed to return home on schedule. The hiker and his loyal pup were spotted near the Tacia Fork by a CNSAS search and rescue team from the air on Feb. 18, when someone noticed the mans thermal blanket reflecting the light of the sun. The hiker and his dog were soon located approximately 100 meters (approx. 328 feet) from there. The man was wounded and badly bruised but conscious, and had the little dog, Ash, next to him, states CNSAS. The injured hiker was thirsty and hungry, but was stabilized by the medical team, wrapped in a depression bag, and winched aboard a Civil Protection rescue helicopter. Both man and dog were airlifted to safety. CNSAS shared footage of the successful rescue on Facebook. 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 The Canadian Press As COVID-19 vaccine supplies ramp up across the country, most provinces and territories have begun planning to give second doses in the coming weeks. More than 23 million people across Canada have now had at least one dose of a vaccine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says by the summer, Canada will have enough vaccines so that every eligible resident will have gotten their first dose, and by September, it will have enough doses for everyone to be fully vaccinated. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended that Canada turn toward the ultimate goal of fully immunizing the population, now that supplies of COVID-19 shots are increasing. The advisory panel said those at highest risk of dying or becoming severely ill should be prioritized for second shots, either after or alongside first doses for anyone else who is eligible for a vaccine. Since the novel coronavirus is still circulating in Canada, NACI is still recommending that the second dose be received up to four months after the first dose, in order to maximize the number of people who get at least one shot. Here's a list of the inoculation plans throughout Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador All people in the province aged 12 and older can now book an appointment for a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. So far 2.19 per cent (11,446) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Nova Scotia Appointments for an initial COVID-19 vaccine shot are now open to people 12 years of age and older. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for use in children aged 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is only available for those 18 and older. Under the province's accelerated vaccine plan, someone who received their first dose of vaccine on March 22 and is due for a second dose on July 5 will now be able to reschedule their second appointment for as early as the week of June 20. The province has stopped the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine as a first dose. The Health Department says the decision was based on "an abundance of caution'' due to an observed increase in the rare blood-clotting condition linked to this vaccine. The department also says it will reschedule anyone who was to receive AstraZeneca to instead be inoculated with Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna "in a timely manner." --- Prince Edward Island In Prince Edward Island, residents as young as 16 can book a COVID-19 vaccine. People 16 years and older who have certain underlying medical conditions, pregnant woman and eligible members of their household can also get a vaccine. So far 8.11 per cent (12,868) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- New Brunswick Residents in New Brunswick aged 12 to 17 are now eligible to book an appointment for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Officials also say residents 55 and older who received an Astra-Zenaca vaccine for the first dose at least eight weeks ago can now get a second dose of the vaccine with informed consent. So far 5.08 per cent (39,633) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Quebec In Quebec, all residents 12 and older can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. The province's health minister says Quebecers 12 to 17 years old will be fully vaccinated by the time they return to school in September. Quebec also says it will shorten the delay between first and second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to eight weeks from 16 weeks. The province says more than 5.8 million doses of vaccine have now been administered, with more than 58.1 per cent of the population having received at least one dose. --- Ontario All adults in Ontario can now book COVID-19 vaccine appointments. People turning 18 in 2021 can book Pfizer-BioNTech shots. Youth aged 12 and older can also book appointments across Ontario. They can book through the provincial online portal, call centre and through pharmacies offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the only shot authorized by Health Canada for use in youth aged 12 and older. Ontarians, meanwhile, are getting the option to shorten the interval between COVID-19 vaccine doses. Most people are being scheduled for doses four months apart, but officials say the new interval could be as short as 28 days. The plan will start with seniors aged 80 and older this week and the province will later offer second shots based on when people received their first. People will keep their original appointments if they dont re-book. The province aims to see all eligible Ontarians fully vaccinated by the end of September. Ontario is also resuming use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine but only as a second dose. Those who received the first dose of AstraZeneca between March 10 and March 19 during a pilot project at pharmacies and some doctor's offices in several Ontario communities will be first in line to receive their second dose. Ontario says more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered across the province. So far 4.68 per cent (687,894) of the population has been fully vaccinated --- Manitoba Manitoba is using the Pfizer vaccine for everyone aged 12 and up, and the Moderna vaccines for people aged 18 and up. These are available through a few channels including so-called supersites in larger communities. The province is also allowing anyone 40 and over to get an Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through pharmacies and medical clinics, subject to availability. People 30-39 can get a shot if they have certain underlying health conditions such as chronic liver failure or severe obesity. The province has opened up second-dose appointments to all Indigenous people aged 12 and up, to people with certain medical conditions such as severe heart failure and Down syndrome, and anyone who received their first dose on or before March 29. Provincial health officials say they now expect 70 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 and older to get a dose by the end of June. So far 7.75 per cent (106,678) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Saskatchewan Saskatchewan says it reached the step two threshold of its reopening roadmap released last week, with over 70 per cent of residents age 30 and older having received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That means restrictions will begin to be relaxed June 20, which includes easing capacity limits on retail, personal care services, restaurants and bars, although they must still maintain physical distancing among occupants or have barriers in place. The rules also raise caps on private indoor gatherings to 15, while capacity limits jump to 150 for both public indoor gatherings and all outdoor assemblies, whether public or private. Premier Scott Moe says once 70 per cent of the entire adult population is vaccinated, Saskatchewan can move to the third step of its plan and remove almost all of the remaining public health orders. Saskatchewan residents aged 12 and older are now eligible to book their first COVID-19 vaccine appointment. A school immunization program for those aged 12 to 18 will be introduced in June, but eligible residents of that age can also be immunized at clinics offering the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone 85 and older or anyone who received their first vaccine dose before February 15 can now book their second dose. Anyone diagnosed with cancer and solid organ transplant recipients will be receiving a letter of eligibility in the mail which will allow them priority access to a second dose. There are drive-thru and walk-in vaccination clinics in communities across the province. The province says 6.60 per cent (77,767) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- Alberta Every Albertan aged 12 and older is now eligible for a vaccine. As of May 27, 60.3 per cent of Albertans over the age of 12 had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The milestone means the province's second stage of easing restrictions can begin on June 10. It is subject to hospitalizations being below 500 and trending downwards. Some of the restrictions that would be lifted include allowing outdoor gatherings including weddings and funerals with up to 20 people. Restaurants would be allowed to seat tables with up to six people, indoors or outdoors. Retail capacity would also increase, and gyms could open for solo or drop-in activities with three metres of distancing. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical officer of health, has said people who are immunocompromised can book a second dose three or four weeks after their first shot. All other Albertans are eligible to get their second dose three to four months after the first. For the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the province lowered the minimum age to 30. They are, however, reserving the remaining supply for second doses when people are eligible. More than 250 pharmacies are offering immunizations. So far 8.82 per cent (388,200) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- British Columbia British Columbia is setting an end-of-summer target for everyone in the province to receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has also announced a decrease in the time between the first and second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, cutting the interval to eight weeks from 16 weeks. But the interval for people who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as a first dose and are waiting for their second AstraZeneca shot may take longer. Henry said the province is waiting for results from international data on AstraZeneca, including the effectiveness of mixing vaccine shots and ongoing concerns about rare blood clots. Henry said the rollout of second doses will be similar to the first dose, with those at the greatest risk at the top of the list. Seniors, Indigenous people and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable were to start getting their invitations to book a second shot by the end of May. The province will try to ensure that everyone gets the same vaccine they were first administered, but a shortage of the Moderna vaccine may mean people will have to substitute it for a Pfizer shot. Henry said the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has reviewed the evidence on using different vaccines and has updated the guidance, confirming that while it is preferable to have the same product, it's not always possible. Pfizer and Moderna are the same type of vaccines. Families can get vaccinated together in B.C. as the government allows youth between the ages of 12 and 17 to get their COVID-19 shot. The shots will be administered at community clinics instead of in schools based on feedback from families, with 310,000 children in B.C. eligible to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which has been approved for that age group. As of Friday, about 3.1 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines had been administered in B.C., which means about 63 per cent of those eligible have got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. So far 3.14 per cent (160,885) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Nunavut Chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson says Nunavut has placed an order for doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with the federal government to vaccinate people ages 12 to 17 in the territory. The Moderna vaccine is currently the only one available in Nunavut. Nunavut has opened vaccinations to anyone 18 and older. It is also offering shots to rotational workers coming from Southern Canada. In the territory, 36.44 per cent (14,113) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories is now offering vaccinations against COVID-19 to young people between 12 and 17. The territory, which has only been using the Moderna vaccine, recently exchanged some of that for doses of the Pfizer product, which Health Canada has now approved for anyone as young as 12. So far 51.74 per cent (23,344) of the territory's population has been fully vaccinated. --- Yukon The territory is now vaccinating children aged 12 to 17. The government says clinics in most communities will be held in schools, while those in Whitehorse can get their shot at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre. The children will be getting the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The territory says because of limited supply and stricter handling requirements, the vaccine will only be available for a short time. It says second doses for those 12 to 17 will start on June 23 and medical travel will be supported for youth who aren't able to make the clinic date in their community. The Moderna vaccine is available to adults 18 years of age and older. The government says 59.34 per cent (24,763) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2021. The Canadian Press The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) has formally welcomed its new Secretary General & CEO, theologian Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, in a ceremony live-streamed on Saturday from Bonn, Germany. Evangelical leaders representing 9 regional and 140 national Evangelical Alliances around the world joined the event online with greetings, prayers and blessings to induct the new leadership. Beginning the ceremony, WEA's Chair of the International Council, Rev. Dr. Goodwill Shana led attendees with a devotion from Acts 2:42 and 2:45. "As WEA enters a new era, may the Lord grant that we see continuity, renewal and transformation through our new leadership," he said. WEA's Vice Chair of International Council Rev. Dr. Frank Hinkelmann welcomed the new Secretary General in the studio near Bonn. An introduction was shown via a short video clip that featured Dr. Schirrmacher's expansive library as a backdrop, from which he gave a brief introduction and background about his family, education, faith, passion projects and ministry works. Congratulatory greetings were also sent by Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah (Secretary - Global Christian Forum), Dr. Billy Wilson (Chair - Pentecostal World Fellowship), and Dr. Michael Oh (CEO -Lausanne Movement). Next, Dr. Schirrmacher was formally commissioned to the role of Secretary General with blessings from WEA leaders around the world. He was presented with a globe and a Bible in Chinese from his predecessor Bishop Efraim Tendero, symbolizing the heart of God for the world and the Word of God as a guide for his leadership of the WEA. Prayers and blessings for Dr. Schirrmacher were given by Dr. Goodwill Shana, Dr. Reinhardt Schink (General Secretary of Germany EA), and Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau, (General Secretary of South Pacific EA). Two new deputy secretary generals (DSGs) were also introduced - Dr. Peirong Lin and Rev. Dr. Brian Winslade, who will join Dr Schirrmacher's leadership team. Prayers for the two DSGs were given by various regional Evangelical Alliance leaders. Christian Today Interview: Thomas Schirrmacher on vision for the WEA In his inaugural speech, Dr. Schirrmacher thanked the contributors for their well-wishes and touched on some of the cornerstones of what it means to be an evangelical and the characteristics of evangelicalism. He went on to describe the Bible as the "confession of the Church" that stands above everything, stating the foundational principle that no one is above the Word of God. Schirrmacher also highlighted religious freedom and concern for persecuted believers as something that has been integral to WEA from the very beginning. He acknowledged that the task of leading the WEA goes beyond the ability of any one person, stating that it is only by the prayer of millions around the world that he will be able to take on this new role and lead the WEA into the future. Following his inaugural address, further prayers and words of encouragement were given for the new leadership team. WEA members from Trinidad and Tabago, Argentina, Switzerland, Angola and the United States spoke about unity, mission religious freedom, creation care and the gospel for all nations. To bring the event to its conclusion, a closing prayer and benediction were given by Rev. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, who served as the former WEA Secretary General from 2005-2014. "We want to thank you for the smooth transition of leadership to our friend and brother Thomas Schirrmacher. I pray that you will give him much wisdom, guidance, strength and protection," prayed Tunnicliffe. Born in the early 1990s to champion the builder, the sawmiller and the miner before adding the mariner and stevedore three years ago, the CFMMEU formally began to break apart amid bitter internal divides on a hot afternoon in the Hunter Valley town of Cessnock on Monday. Mining delegates representing almost a fifth of the unions members voted at their quadrennial convention to quit the mega union, which its likely next national secretary Christy Cain claimed in a personal address to rank and file members still had the power to bring down governments. Maritime Union of Australia official Christy Cain has urged miners to stick with the CFMMEU. Credit:Ross Swanborough We need the miners as much as they need us, said Mr Cain, recalling being arrested for protesting with mining workers in the United Kingdom under the Thatcher government as a younger man. "There is no union in the country that can do what we can do together," Mr Cain said over folk music and footage of the different parts of the union at rallies and picket lines together in the social media video. "I urge all the miners to stick solid, stick fast with the union." Prime Minister on Monday set the ball rolling for the third phase of with an early-morning jab of Covaxin at Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences. By 7 pm, over 2.5 million citizens had registered on the CoWIN portal, of which 2.4 million were citizen beneficiaries and remaining healthcare and frontline workers. In the age group of 45-60 years of age around 18,850 got the first dose and more than 128,000 beneficiaries over 60 years of age got the shot on Monday. Modi, who wore the Assamese Gamosa, a red and white long scarf, was administered the shot by nurse P Niveda from Puducherry, assisted by the second nurse Rosamma Ali from Kerala. Took my first dose of the Covid-19 at Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against Covid-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the Together, let us make India Covid-19 free! Modi tweeted. Modis inoculation with Bharat Biotechs Covaxin, which has courted controversy, will likely build public confidence in the and counter hesitancy. By taking Covaxin, the prime minister has given a clear message to the country and ended all rumours around it. Any hesitancy for domestic vaccine will end now, Health minister said. ALSO READ: Covid-19 vaccination: Centres witness enthusiastic response on Day 1 Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Personnel Minister Jitendra Singh, and External Affairs Minister were also among the prominent faces who got vaccinated on Monday. judges will get vaccinated at a government facility, the CGHS Dispensary, within the courts premises, the health ministry said. The first day of for senior citizens and those aged over 45 with comorbidities got off to a slow start, with beneficiaries reporting glitches in the CoWIN platform. Hospitals, too, complained that there were issues with the software that made uploading data extremely slow. Senior citizens, both registered and unregistered, queued up for the vaccine shot at private hospitals from the morning. Lack of exact time slots on the CoWIN portal meant beneficiaries ended up crowding outside many centres. The health ministry has clarified that states have been given some relaxation. In the next few days, the walk-in system will be streamlined, a provision is in place for this. A certain number of people can go to the centre after taking an appointment, Vardhan said. As more vaccination centres get added and glitches are resolved, states expect an increase in vaccination. We will do it slowly and steadily so that everyone gets the slot, said Delhis Health Minister Satyendra Jain. Serum Institute of Indias Adar Poonawalla said in a tweet, Great to see [PM Modi] leading from the front [and] getting vaccinated. In the interest of protecting our nation, I would urge the public to get vaccinated at the earliest, whether it be (Serum Institutes) vaccines or any of the other vaccines being developed in India. Oak Brook, IL - The March edition of SLAS Discovery features the cover article, "Therapeutic and Vaccine Options for COVID-19: Status After 6 Months of the Disease Outbreak" by Christian Ogaugwu (Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria ), Dawid Maciorowski, Subba Rao Durvasula, Ph.D., Ravi Durvasula, M.D., and Adinarayana Kunamneni, Ph.D. (Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA). This cover article focuses on the therapeutic and vaccine options available against the novel coronavirus, roughly six months after the outbreak; because the COVID-19-related death toll worldwide had reached 500,000 in six months (and ballooned to over 2,000,000 at the time of publishing) the importance of options to temper the disease cannot be overemphasized. The article highlights the available treatment alternatives for mild and serious active cases of COVID-19 infections and explores the vaccine options that should aid to confer immunity to vaccinated individuals. In addition to providing information on available options to tackle COVID-19, this article summarizes global efforts towards bringing an end to this pandemic. The authors have concluded a combinatorial therapy is to be designed with both immunizations, as well as small compounds. Other articles in this issue discuss repurposed therapies used for treatment of COVID-19 cases, as well as promising vaccines at different stages of clinical trials. The March issue of SLAS Discovery includes nine articles of original research in addition to the cover article. Articles of Original Research include: CETSA MS Profiling for a Comparative Assessment of FDA-Approved Antivirals Repurposed for COVID-19 Therapy Identifies Trip13 as a Remdesivir Off-Target A Scalable Approach Reveals Functional Responses of iPSC Cardiomyocyte 3D Spheroids Assessment of Drug Proarrhythmic Potential in Electrically Paced Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Ventricular Cardiomyocytes Using Multielectrode Array Major Improvements in Robustness and Efficiency during the Screening of Novel Enzyme Effectors by the 3-Point Kinetics Assay Optimization of a Colorimetric Assay to Determine Lactate Dehydrogenase B Activity Using Design of Experiments AlphaScreen Identifies MSUT2 Inhibitors for Tauopathy-Targeting Therapeutic Discovery Leveraging Automation toward Development of a High-Throughput Gene Expression Profiling Platform Quantitative Automated Assays in Living Cells to Screen for Inhibitors of Hemichannel Function A "Target Class" Screen to Identify Activators of Two-Pore Domain Potassium (K2P) Channels Development of a Cell-Based Assay for Identifying KCa3.1 Inhibitors Using Intestinal Epithelial Cell Lines Characterizations of the Urate Transporter, GLUT9, and Its Potent Inhibitors by Patch-Clamp Technique Other articles include: Therapeutic and Vaccine Options for COVID-19: Status after Six Months of the Disease Outbreak Saporin, a Polynucleotide-Adenosine Nucleosidase, May Be an Efficacious Therapeutic Agent for SARS-CoV-2 Infection COMPARE Analysis: A Bioinformatic Approach to Accelerate Drug Repurposing against COVID-19 and Other Emerging Epidemics Parallel All-Optical Assay to Study Use-Dependent Functioning of Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in a Miniaturized Format ### Access to March's SLAS Discovery issue is available at https:/ / journals. sagepub. com/ toc/ jbxb/ 26/ 3 . For more information about SLAS and its journals, visit http://www. slas. org/ journals . Access a "behind the scenes" look at the latest issue with SLAS Discovery Author Insights podcast. Tune in by visiting https:/ / www. buzzsprout. com/ 1099559 . SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global community building. SLAS Discovery: Advancing the Science of Drug Discovery, 2019 Impact Factor 2.195. Editor-in-Chief Robert M. Campbell, Ph.D., Twentyeight-Seven Therapeutics, Boston, MA (USA). SLAS Technology: Translating Life Sciences Innovation, 2019 Impact Factor 2.174. Editor-in-Chief Edward Kai-Hua Chow, Ph.D., National University of Singapore (Singapore). DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) About 300 student activists rallied in Bangladeshs capital on Monday to denounce the death in prison of a writer and commentator who was arrested last year on charges of violating a sweeping digital security law that critics say chokes freedom of expression. The protesters marched through the Dhaka University campus and Dhaka's streets toward the countrys Home Ministry to also demand the annulment of the digital security law and the release of seven student activists arrested during recent protests denouncing the death of 53-year-old Mushtaq Ahmed. They broke a barricade by removing barbed wire fences on the way to the ministry, but were intercepted by a few hundred police officers outside the ministry in downtown Dhaka. The state must take responsibility. He has been killed, it was not a natural death. How come he was held for nine months in jail without any justice? said one protester, Mahfuza Akhter. We want justice, she said. The protests ended peacefully. Ahmed's death Thursday night sparked protests on streets and on social media, and prompted global human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, to urge Bangladesh's government to conduct a thorough investigation. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, demanded that the government cancel the security act. On Monday, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet urged the government of Bangladesh in a Geneva-datelined statement to ensure that an investigation into Ahmed's death is prompt, transparent and independent. Ahmed was arrested in Dhaka in May last year for making comments on social media that criticized the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He was denied bail at least six times. At least 10 other people were charged with sedition under the digital security law in the same case Ahmed faced. The CPJ has demanded the release from prison of political cartoonist Kabir Kishore, who was arrested in the case last year. Kishores lawyers said during previous court proceedings that he was mercilessly tortured in custody. Story continues While a postmortem report said Ahmed died naturally, the protesters and his lawyers said that he was tortured, and that despite being in poor health was held in prison for nine months and denied bail. On Monday, the protesters used a loudspeaker to chant slogans that blamed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Ahmed's death. Police have said Ahmed attempted to tarnish the image of the nation and spread confusion. The 2018 Digital Security Act includes a jail sentence of up to 14 years for any propaganda or campaign against the countrys independence war, its founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the national anthem or flag. It also says a person can be jailed for up to 10 years for destroying communal harmony or creating unrest or disorder. The broad characterization of charges led Amnesty International to conclude that the law is plagued by a lack of clear definitions, explanations and exceptions, including repressive non-bailable penalties for at least 14 offenses. Hasina says the law is necessary to maintain order. Opposition parties and editors have warned that the scope of the law can be misused against critics, and the CPJ said it was being used repeatedly and unjustly against journalists. Bachelet said the U.N. bodies have long raised concerns about the ill-defined, overly broad provisions of the Digital Security Act. Bangladesh urgently needs to suspend the application of the Digital Security Act and conduct a review of its provisions to bring them in line with the requirements of international human rights law," Bachelet said. The Federal Government has maintained that Nigerians who received the COVID-19 vaccine abroad will still be tested upon arriving in the coun... The Federal Government has maintained that Nigerians who received the COVID-19 vaccine abroad will still be tested upon arriving in the country. Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora said this during an interview on the Channels Television program on Monday. Mamora explained that getting vaccinated does not mean that one can not get the infection. According to him, those who received the vaccine abroad need to produce evidence of taking the test within the estimated time limit when they come into the country. They need to produce evidence of taking a PCR test within the estimated time limit when they come into the country. Also, having been vaccinated does not absolutely say that you cant get the infection. What the vaccine guarantees are that if you get the infection, you are not likely to succumb. The fact that you got a vaccine is no license for you to down your guard. These things we have said will still be in place in terms of non-pharmaceutical interventions, he said. Adolf Hitler's father was authoritarian, strongly political, thought of himself as above others and had a lasting impact on his son, a German historian has claimed. Roman Sandgruber, professor emeritus at the University of Linz, says he made the discoveries after studying a never-before-seen trove of 31 letters written by Alois Hitler to the man who sold him a farm in 1895 - around Adolf Hitler's sixth birthday. Sandgruber argues that while many historians think of Alois 'as a simple peasant who only sat in the tavern and raised bees', he was in fact a much more complicated and sinister character who enjoyed being a 'know-it-all'. Alois raised bees because he had ambitions of becoming a 'gentleman farmer' to elevate himself above others, and spent time in the tavern because that was where he could conduct politics, Sandgruber says. Adolf Hitler's father Alois Hitler (right) was authoritarian, strongly political, thought of himself as above others and had a lasting impact on his son, German historian Roman Sandgruber has claimed It was Josef's great-granddaughter who found the letters hidden in an attic five years ago, and then handed them over to Sandgruber 31 letters were included in the never-before-seen trove which have shed a new light on Adolf Hitler's father, Alois He adds that, while Alois was domineering to his family, he was wary of authority and opposed the power and influence of the church, particularly in politics. Many of these traits were passed to his second son, Adolf, who - despite acts of teenage rebellion - was deeply affected by this upbringing, Sandgruber says. The results of his research forms the basis of a new book, Hilter's Father: How the Son Became a Dictator. Alois was born in 1837 with the surname Schicklgruber in Strones, lower Austria, as the illegitimate son of peasant woman Maria Schicklgruber. His mother died when he was nine, leaving him to be raised by his step-father's brother Johann Hiedler - a farmer. Roman Sandgruber (pictured), professor emeritus at the University of Linz, has used the newly-unearthed letters as the basis of his research for his new book, Hilter's Father: How the Son Became a Dictator Alois eventually retired to Hafeld in upper Austria where, using his wife Klara's money, he bought a 20-acre farm from a roadbuilder named Josef Radlegger - who he exchanged the letters with As a sign of Alois's influence over his son, Sandgruber notes that the handwriting of the two men are near-identical, suggesting the son copied his father After a short career as a cobbler, Alois was recruited into the military as a customs official, where he worked for 40 years - eventually rising to the rank of inspector of customs, where his career stopped because he lacked qualifications to go further. He had three wives - the first, Anna Glasl-Horer, was the wealthy daughter of another customs official and 14 years older than him when they wed in 1873. The pair split, and Alois remarried Franziska Matzelsberger who was 24 years his junior, and gave birth to his eldest son - Alois Jr, Adolf Hitler's older brother. Franziska died of a lung condition just two years later, after which Alois married 24-year-old Klara Polzl, who was Adolf Hitler's mother and had been his household servant when she was aged 16. Sandgruber claims that the content of the letters also made him reconsider the Klara, who had previously been caricatured as a submissive housewife. The newly unearthed letters also suggest that Hitler's mother Klara (pictured) may not have been the simple housewife many historians believed her to be, Sandgruber claims Sandgruber also found that Alois used to beat Adolf, not uncommonly for the time, but that the punishment's intensified when Adolf's older brother ran away from home. Pictured: Adolf Hitler in 1899 as a ten-year-old In one of the letters, Alois Hitler said Klara had the 'necessary zeal and understanding for household economy'. The family relocated a lot due to Alois's job, with Sandgruber saying that - during the first 18 years of Adolf's life - he lived at 18 different addresses. Two of these homes were located in Urfahr, near the Austrian city of Linz, and Sandgruber says the family rented one of those properties off of 'probably the richest Jew in [the city].' He theorises that this might be where young Adolf first experienced anti-Semitism, which other historians trace to his later life in Vienna. Describing Alois's home life, Sandgruber told Der Speigel: 'He was a terribly authoritarian father and also beat his son Adolf. Adolf Hitler grew up in the town of Braunau am Inn, in Austria, and pictured is the house he was born in, seen in 1939 The building where Adolf Hitler was born, in Austria, still stands to this day. Newly-unearthed letters from his father Alois show how Adolf was beaten as a child 'That was widespread at the time, but it is likely that Alois Hitler exceeded the usual limits.' His punishments towards young Adolf appear to have become particularly intense after his eldest son ran away from home, and was later arrested for being a thief. As a sign of Alois's influence over his son, Sandgruber notes that the handwriting of the two men are near-identical, suggesting the son copied his father. Adolf's only significant revolt against his father was to refuse to become a civil servant, and instead to pursue a career as an artist, Sandgruber says. Hilter's Father: How the Son Became a Dictator (pictured) was published on last month and is available in German After four decades in the customs service, Alois retired to Hafeld in upper Austria where, using Klara's money, he bought a 20-acre farm from a roadbuilder named Josef Radlegger - who he exchanged the letters with. However, after just two years, Alois was forced to sell the property when he was denied a bank loan. It was Josef's great-granddaughter who found the letters hidden in an attic five years ago, and then handed them over to Sandgruber. Despite Alois's attempts to turn himself into a 'gentleman farmer', his venture was a failure with Sandgruber saying he greatly overestimated himself and his self-taught education. Just a few years later he dropped dead while visiting a tavern. 'The new finds give a completely different view of the childhood of Adolf Hitler and his father,' Sandgruber concluded. Hilter's Father: How the Son Became a Dictator was published on last month and is available in German The corners of Square Pie Guys prized Detroit-style pizzas all shatteringly crispy edges melded with caramelized cheddar are officially available in the East Bay. The explosively popular San Francisco restaurant opened Monday in Old Oakland, its contemporary blue-and-white color scheme mixing with the tile and exposed brick of a historic building. The basic menu rectangular pizzas, hearty salads, an Italian-inspired hot chicken sandwich is the same as in San Francisco, but this location has a liquor license and an outdoor patio. That said, the safety-minded restaurant is sticking with takeout and delivery for now. Eventually, the restaurant plans to debut an outdoor set-up, and much further down the line, the space will have room for indoor dining as well. As with the original location, the menu carries staple toppings like pepperoni cups, Italian sausage and mushrooms in various combinations, plus rotating seasonal specials. One of the current specials is a puttanesca-inspired pie with beet cream, and theres also a vegan variation. But special to the East Bay will be a collaboration with MudLab, a zero-waste cafe just north of Lake Merritt, where Square Pie Guys will drop off take-and-bake pizzas in reusable packaging. Albert Law To-go batch cocktails are also new. They include some twists on classics, such as an old fashioned with Mikes Hot Honey a key ingredient on the sausage pie and a margarita with prickly pear and a Sichuan spice mix for the rim. Coming to the East Bay was a logical next step for Square Pie Guys, with its owners already living there, as well as fans who used to work in San Francisco pre-pandemic. I know we have a lot of followers who drive across the bridge to pick up a pizza, said general manager Louise Tang. Albert Law The restaurant is also planning a pay-it-forward program, which might launch in the next couple of months. Co-owners Danny Stoller and Marc Schechter said they were inspired by Oaklands Monster Pho, which was giving out hundreds of bowls of noodle soup for free to anyone who asked. The Vietnamese restaurant had to stop because it wasnt sustainable, so Square Pie Guy is working with accountants to find a way to ask customers to donate a little extra when they buy a meal, which could then go toward a free pie for someone in need. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. That really aligns with our values to try to do well but make sure others do well with you, Stoller said. Square Pie Guys: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 499 Ninth St., Oakland. Takeout and delivery. squarepieguys.com Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker Don't Miss the $30M GTD GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week at PokerNews March 01 2021 Jason Glatzer High stakes excitement will once again be showcased at GGPoker thanks to the online poker network hosting the Super MILLION$ Week from Feb. 28 to March 7. The eight-day festival is full of action with 31 tournaments boasting combined guarantees of $30 million! This is the biggest poker festival dedicated to high rollers at GGPoker and eclipses the 20 tournaments and $22 million in guarantees featured during High Rollers Week in November. To say the buy-ins for these events are big would be an understatement with each event's entry cost ranging from $108 all the way up to $25,500. Of course, there are plenty of satellites and feeder tournaments for those looking for a big payday at a cheaper price. Sunday, Feb. 28 is a particularly exciting day with seven events kicking off, each with a guarantee of at least $1 million! PokerNews will be on hand to cover three of those events today. Read on to learn more! Follow the GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week - LIVE on PokerNews! Follow along with PokerNews live reporting coverage for the biggest events! FOLLOW HERE $10 Million Guaranteed Super MILLION$ Main Event! GGPoker really stepped it up a notch with the festival's crown jewel in the Super MILLION$ Main Event. This event boasts a $10,300 buy-in along with a massive $10 million guarantee for double the $5 million guarantee this event featured as part of High Rollers Week in November. Davidi Kitai shipped the previous Main Event event for $726,839 with a much bigger payday looming for whomever wins it this time around. While the $10,300 buy-in will prove restrictive to many poker players, there is some silver lining for those of you that want to get into the action with feeder tournaments for this event starting at just $10! The tournament is a deep-stacked affair with players starting off with a monster stack of 100,000 in chips and blinds increasing slowly every 20 minutes. Players will have plenty of chances to build a monster stack as they can re-enter an unlimited amount of times during the long 16-level late-registration window during each of the four opening flights. The first opening flight takes place today, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST) with the remaining three opening flights following at the same time on March 2, March 6, and March 7. Each of the opening flights will end after 22 blind levels are in the books with surviving players bringing their biggest stack forward for Day 2 on March 8 at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST). Randy "nanonoko" Lew and Kevin "RotterdaM" van der Kooi will host a live stream of the final table when it kicks off the following day at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST) at the GGPoker YouTube channel. This dynamic duo will also be commentating on the final table of another big event in the $2.5 million guaranteed Event #6: $25,500 Super High Roller on March 2 at 6 p.m. GMT (1 p.m. EST). Head to the NEW GGPoker Hub Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest GGPoker news right here on PokerNews? Why not try out the new partypoker Hub! Find Out More Follow PokerNews Live Coverage of Five Events PokerNews will not only be live reporting the Main Event from start to finish but also four other huge events at the dedicated GGPoker Super MILLION$ Hub as follows: Date Time (GMT) Event Buy-in GTD Feb. 28 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1a $10,300 $10,000,000 7 p.m. Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME Day 1 $1,050 $1,000,000 8 p.m. Event #6: Super High Roller Day 1 $25,500 $2,500,000 March 1 6 p.m. Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME Day 2 - $1,000,000 March 2 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1b $10,300 $10,000,000 6 p.m. Event #6: Super High Roller Day 1 - $2,500,000 March 4 7 p.m. Event #17: High Roller $10,300 $1,000,000 March 6 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1c $10,300 $10,000,000 March 7 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1d $10,300 $10,000,000 8 p.m. Event #30: Super High Roller $25,500 $2,500,000 March 8 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 2 - $10,000,000 9-Mar 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Final Table - $10,000,000 GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week Schedule Date Time (GMT) Event Buy-in GTD Feb. 28 5 p.m. Event #1: GGMasters High Rollers $1,050 $1,000,000 5:30 p.m. Event #2: Bounty Hunters HR Main Event $525 $1,000,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1a $10,300 $10,000,000 6:10 p.m. Event #3: PLO High Roller $10,300 $1,000,000 7 p.m. Event #4: Sunday High Rollers ME $1,050 $1,000,000 7:30 p.m. Event #5: Sunday 500 Special Edition $5,250 $1,000,000 8 p.m. Event #6: Super High Roller $25,500 $2,500,000 March 1 5:30 p.m. Event #7: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #8: Monday Main Event $1,050 $400,000 7 p.m. Event #9: Bounty $2,100 $600,000 March 2 5:30 p.m. Event #10: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #11: Super Tuesday $1,050 $500,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1b $10,300 $10,000,000 March 3 5:30 p.m. Event #12: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #13: Wednesday Main Event $1,050 $500,000 7 p.m. Event #14: PLO $5,250 $250,000 March 4 5:30 p.m. Event #15: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #16: Thursday Thriller $1,050 $500,000 7 p.m. Event #17: High Roller $10,300 $1,000,000 March 5 5:30 p.m. Event #18: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #19: Friday Main Event $1,050 $250,000 7 p.m. Event #20: Short Deck High Roller $10,300 $250,000 March 6 5:30 p.m. Event #21: Bounty Hunters HR Special $525 $200,000 6 p.m. Event #22: Saturday Main Event $1,050 $300,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1c $10,300 $10,000,000 7 p.m. Event #23: Mini Super MILLION$ $108 $250,000 7 p.m. Event #24: Bounty High Roller $5,250 $500,000 March 7 5 p.m. Event #25: GGMasters High Rollers $1,050 $1,000,000 5:30 p.m. Event #26: Bounty Hunters HR Main Event $525 $1,000,000 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 1d $10,300 $10,000,000 6:10 p.m. Event #27: PLO Bounty $5,250 $500,000 7 p.m. Event #28: Sunday High Rollers ME $1,050 $1,000,000 7:30 p.m. Event #29: Sunday 500 $5,250 $500,000 8 p.m. Event #30: Super High Roller $25,500 $2,500,000 March 8 6 p.m. Super MILLION$ Main Event Day 2 - $10,000,000 Boost Your Bankroll With the GGPoker Welcome Package Dont have an account? Download GGPoker via PokerNews to grab your lucrative 200 percent welcome bonus worth up to $600 on your first deposit. The bonus releases into your account in $10 increments each time you earn 6,000 Fish Buffet Points, which is the equivalent of $60 in rake or tournament fees. St George Mining (ASX:SGQ) is a gold and nickel focused exploration company with large scale projects in two richly mineralised areas of Australia - the North East Goldfields of Western Australia and the Pine Creek mineral field in the Northern Territory. St George Mining escalates drilling at flagship high-grade Mt Alexander Nickel-Copper Sulphide Project with second diamond drill rig St George Mining Limited (ASX:SGQ) (FRA:S0G) has escalated drilling at its flagship high-grade Mt Alexander Nickel-Copper Sulphide Project, in WA's north-eastern Goldfields, with a second diamond drill rig now in operation. Another diamond drill rig arrived at site over the weekend and started drilling yesterday. There are now two diamond rigs now in operation to drill for potential nickel-copper sulphide discoveries at Mt Alexander. Expedite testing of targets St George Mining executive chairman John Prineas said: "We are delighted that a second diamond drill rig has arrived at Mt Alexander. "Availability of drill rigs in Western Australia remains very tight so securing an additional rig is a great outcome for St George. "The availability of the rig was only confirmed last Friday, on short notice. "We have a number of EM conductors and deep stratigraphic exploration holes lined up and ready for drilling. "The second rig will serve to expedite testing of these targets. "The two EM conductors currently being drilled are interpreted to have a massive sulphide source. "They are located to the west of known massive nickel-copper sulphide mineralisation and offer an excellent opportunity to make a new discovery in this unexplored area of the Cathedral Belt." 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results Samut Sakhon's Central Shrimp Market, the epicentre of the second wave of COVID-19 in Thailand, reopens on March 1, after being closed 10 weeks ago. (Source: Bangkokpost) Bangkok The Central Shrimp Market in Thailands coastal province of Samut Sakhon the epicentre of the countrys second COVID-19 wave reopened on March 1 after being closed since December 19. The market was crowded with traders, buyers and migrant workers who must all strictly follow measures imposed to prevent the spread of the virus. Trucks delivering seafood to the market, and the vehicles of sellers and buyers, must all go through screening points. The temperatures of all occupants are checked and they must show proof they have been tested for COVID-19. All migrant workers at all fish and shrimp piers must wear face masks and protective gear such as gloves, rubber boots and rubber aprons, in line with the standards set by the Public Health Ministry. Traders and owners of fish and shrimp stalls all expressed their delight when the market had finally reopened after being closed for over 10 weeks. The province's accumulated COVID-19 cases during the third wave rose to 16,377, of whom seven have died. On the same day, Thailand logged in 80 new COVID-19 infections, putting the national tally at 26,031, including 83 deaths. Thailand kicked off its COVID-19 inoculation campaign a day prior, with cabinet ministers, health officials and medical professionals among the first in the queue to receive vaccinations. The first doses of vaccine, developed by Chinas Sinovac Biotech, were given to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the health minister, among others at an infectious diseases institute on the outskirts of Bangkok. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, 66, also attended the event, although his age falls outside the range of 18 to 59 suitable to receive Sinovacs CoronaVac vaccine, so he did not get it. Thailand received its first 200,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine from China, which have been distributed to 13 high-risk provinces. It will receive another 1.8 million shots in March and April. Thailand is expected to take delivery of 17,000 doses of AstraZenecas vaccine in the second week of March. Given the prevailing practice of Big Tech's censorship and the rise of cancel culture, freedom of speech is at risk. Christians must take action to fight for it. Marissa Hays, host of "Foundations from The Stream," explained the relevance of free speech in her video. She began by quoting a line by Catherine of Siena saying, "Free speech is the oxygen of democracy and without it, freedom suffocates and dies." Hays said that freedom of speech is important for Christians in order for them to fulfill the Great Commission, which is to share the gospel. She continued saying that freedom of religion and speech are "entwined together." "The same First Amendment to the Constitution that acknowledges our God-given right to practice our faith, also recognizes our right to free speech. The two are entwined together. If you cannot bear witness, if you cannot share the gospel, neither your speech is free nor is your practice of religion," she said. She then highlighted that there have been "efforts" to silence Christians, citing examples. "We're talking about a soldier penalized for having a faith-based sticker at his desk. A real estate agent in Virginia forced out of business because she insisted on including Scripture verses on her business webpage. Or a Muslim convert to Christianity, who was asked at the Mall of America about his beliefs and then started to share his testimony. A Muslim woman overhearing it reported him to mall security and soon he found himself in jail for it. We're talking too about pastors who speak out on traditional marriage having public officials seeking to seize their sermons and terminate their tax-free status," Hays explained. She further said that free speech is necessary to speak about hope, to pray for someone in need, to sing gospel songs and to express opinions on controversial issues, such as abortion. Christians must fight for this freedom to be able to do what they are called to do - sharing and explaining the gospel. She cited Apostle Paul in Acts 17:2-4, wherein he "reasoned" with the worshipers in the synagogue, explaining about Jesus as the Messiah. With this argument, Paul was able to persuade a number of people to become followers of Jesus. In the same way, Christians would not be able to share the gospel and make new followers if they are restricted to speak. She also said that this freedom may mean that Christians would have to put up with foul words but she said that "we can hold on to Proverbs 12:6" which says, "The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them." "There is a lot of death in the words of the world," Hays continued. "The lies of the spirit of the air. But we are made righteous in Christ and the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life." "We are in a society starving for truth. And truth is a person, a person with the name Jesus Christ. May we boldly proclaim the name of our Savior," she added. "If our speech brings life, then being silenced brings death," she pointed out. Furthermore, she mentioned that America's founding fathers spoke about this. She then recalled Ben Franklin's words, saying, "Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech. Freedom of speech is a principle pillar of a free government. When this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved and tyranny is erected on its ruins." She also remembered the statement of George Washington, saying, "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent, we may be led like sheep to the slaughter." In addition, she said that free speech is important so that Christians could speak for those who could not speak for themselves, to speak the rights of the destitute and defending the rights of the poor, as well as declaring the lordship of Jesus and accepting Him as Savior. Moreover, she stated that this freedom necessary in order for believers to build genuine relationships with others. She added that Peter in the New Testament even said that Christians must "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give a reason for the hope that we have." "The right to practice our faith and the right to speak freely. This is truly the foundation of freedom," Hays concluded. Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers from the University establish a new methodology to improve, from space and through machine learning, the observation and analysis of the terrestrial biosphere. This statistical approach will represent a significant advance in monitoring crops and carbon sinks, as well as in predicting floods and droughts. The work has been published in the journal Science Advances. The new machine learning methodology makes it possible to improve the precision in the prediction of key parameters, such as the leaf area index, the gross primary productivity and the fluorescence of the chlorophyll induced by the sun, among others. The field of applications is huge and will be of great use to improve the monitoring of crops and carbon sinks, detect changes and anomalies, droughts and floods. The application of these machine learning techniques will allow more precise measurements of the dynamics of terrestrial carbon sinks, which has implications for mitigating actions of global climate change. The Earth is changing rapidly and it does so in many ways. Sensors on board satellitesincluding airplanes and dronescontinually obtain valuable information about our planet remotely. Quantifying the vegetation cover and studying its biochemical structure and functioning from space is key to understanding global change, biodiversity and agriculture. Since the 1970s, remote sensing has relied heavily on the use of vegetation indices, which are parametric formulas for the spectral signal acquired by satellites. These indices, simple to calculate, are designed to correlate well with particular biophysical phenomena of the land cover, such as greenness, water content or photosynthetic activity, among others. For this reason, these indices have been used and continue to be used extensively to quantify the terrestrial biosphere, its productivity and its dynamics. However, the literature and the multiple applications reveal important limitations, which are finally resolved in this study. In the article published by Science Advances, whose first author is the physicist and professor of Electronic Engineering and coordinator of the Image and Signal Processing (ISP) group of the University of Valencia Gustau Camps-Valls, the scientists present a methodological approach to machine learning whose theoretical framework makes it possible to generalize all the vegetation indices used in the literature in this regard. "We have verified that all the previous approachesmore heuristic, intuitive and based on simple physical principlesfit as particular cases in our methodology. Now, from a statistical perspective, we are gaining in precision and saving the limitations that slowed progress in this section of the studies on the terrestrial biosphere," explains Camps-Valls. "The new methodology improves the results in all the applications that we have approached: monitoring the phenology of vegetation, quantification of carbon absorption and photosynthetic activity on a planetary scale. We also show that it is extremely useful for detecting changes and vegetation cover, as well as for estimating crop yields from space, for example," adds Alvaro Moreno, ISP researcher (IPL-UV) and member of the ERC Synergy Grant USMILE directed by Gustau Camps. The proposed methodology, which makes it possible to improve all the vegetation indices, and in particular the index most used in the last four decadesthe NDVI , provides the keys to designing new and more powerful indices. In addition, it stands out for its extreme algorithmic simplicity. "We provide the source code in all programming languages, including Google Earth Engine, a platform that allows results to be scaled on a planetary level. In this way, we think that the framework will be adopted by many scientists, professionals and developers," says Jordi Munoz, co-author and member of the ISP. "The fact that the new index generalizes all the previous indexes offers theoretical guarantees that it will always work the same or better," says Manuel Campos, member of the ESR group of the Physics Department of the University of Valencia, "and it is something very simple to calculate and apply in practice," adds Javier Garcia, from the same group. In addition to its use to monitor the terrestrial biosphere, the proposed statistical approach has potential applications in oceanographic and atmospheric studies, among others. Indicators are widely used in all branches of science, and can be easily improved with this methodology. Explore further Artificial intelligence and big data provide the first global maps on key vegetation traits More information: Gustau Camps-Valls et al. A unified vegetation index for quantifying the terrestrial biosphere, Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances Gustau Camps-Valls et al. A unified vegetation index for quantifying the terrestrial biosphere,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc7447 She stars as a hard hitting defense attorney in the riveting legal drama The Mauritanian, which hit theaters earlier this month. And Jodie Foster earned the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for the role during the 78th Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday evening. As she graciously accepted her honor, the 58-year-old planted a joyous smooch on her wife of nearly seven years Alexandra Hedison. Best Supporting Actress: Jodie Foster earned the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for the role during the 78th Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday evening Smooch! As she graciously accepted her honor, the 58-year-old planted a joyous smooch on her wife of nearly seven years Alexandra Hedison Beaming into the event from home like the rest of the night's nominees, Jodie sat comfortably with Alexandra by her side and her beloved pooch Ziggy in her lap. The award was presented to Foster by her 'bestie' and fellow Hollywood heavyweight Jamie Lee Curtis. 'Oh, my god, are you kidding me?! I think you made a mistake um, I am -- uh, I'm a little speechless I just never expected to ever be here again!' began Jodie, clearly taken aback by her win. This is Foster's third Golden Globe over the span of her impressive career, but the first since 1992 for her performance in Silence Of The Lambs. She also took home the Cecil B. DeMille award in 2013. 'I have to thank all of my amazing filmmakers, Kevin McDonald, Tahar Rahim, Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley,' continued Foster, whose friends could be heard 'screaming down stairs' over the news. Taken aback: 'Oh, my god, are you kidding me?! I think you made a mistake um, I am -- uh, I'm a little speechless I just never expected to ever be here again!' began Jodie, clearly taken aback by her win Dog mom: Beaming into the event from home like the rest of the night's nominees, Jodie sat comfortably with Alexandra by her side and her beloved pooch Ziggy in her lap She continued: 'The real life people, Nancy Hollander, and most of all, the person that we all serve, we love you Mohamedou Ould Salahi, you taught us so much about being a human being, and being joyful and forgiving, that's a lesson you give to all of us.' At one point, Jodie had to wrestle Ziggy to stay in place as she finished her speech, which included a thank you to Shailene's partner and rumored fiance Aaron Rodgers. 'I love my wife, thank you Alex and Ziggy and Aaron Rodgers, the Hollywood Foreign Press, right? This is awesome! What a night!' concluded the star. Foster was up against fellow actress Glenn Close, Olivia Colman, Amanda Seyfried, and Helena Zengel, but she was the one to walk away with the gong. Foster's film The Mauritanian tells the true story of Mohamedou Ould Salahi, who was wrongly held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp without charge or trial for 14 years. Awarded: This is Foster's third Golden Globe over the span of her impressive career, but the first since 1992 for her performance in Silence Of The Lambs. She also took home the Cecil B. DeMille award in 2013; Jodie pictured in 2013 This year's Golden Globes ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Nominees will be tuning into the ceremony remotely but presenters have been asked to appear in person. The impressive list of presenters this year includes; Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Annie Mumolo, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig and Renee Zellweger, Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Margot Robbie, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Kate Hudson and Kenan Thompson. Nominees: Foster was up against fellow actress Glenn Close, Olivia Colman, Amanda Seyfried, and Helena Zengel, but she was the one to walk away with the gong Thankful: 'I love my wife, thank you Alex and Ziggy and Aaron Rodgers, the Hollywood Foreign Press, right? This is awesome! What a night!' concluded the star Satchel and Jackson Lee, children of three-time Golden Globe nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and producer/philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, are serving as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Jane Fonda, 83, is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The acting icon has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in 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. Nominations were announced on February 3 with streaming giant Netflix receiving 42 nominations across film and television. David Fincher's Mank lead with six nominations across film, while The Crown also topped the TV categories with the same number of nominations. Netflix smash-hit Emily in Paris found itself as one of the more controversially nominated shows, landing a nomination for best TV series, musical or comedy. The show's star, Lily Collins, also got a nod for best actress. Hey bestie! The award was presented to Foster by her 'bestie' and fellow Hollywood heavyweight Jamie Lee Curtis Much of the uproar surrounding the nomination stems from the snubbing of Michaela Coel, whose HBO drama I May Destroy You failed to land any nominations. Deborah Copaken, one of the writers of Emily in Paris, even spoke out to criticize the Hollywood Foreign Press for shunning Coel. Copaken tweeted that it was 'just wrong', and later expanded on her thoughts in an op-ed for the Guardian. 'Am I excited that Emily in Paris was nominated? Yes. Of course. I've never been remotely close to seeing a Golden Globe statue up close, let alone being nominated for one,' she wrote. 'But that excitement is now unfortunately tempered by my rage over Coel's snub. That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, it's what is wrong with everything. 'We need art that reflects all of our colors, not just some. But we also need to give awards to shows (and music and films and plays and musicals) that deserve them, no matter the color of the skin of their creators,' she went on to write. Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. California adults can smoke marijuana without fear of going to jail, but using it after hours can still have consequences at work. A new bill in the Legislature aims to end a still common employment practice five years after Californians voted to legalize recreational cannabis in which private companies require can workers to test for marijuana use. Assembly Bill 1256, introduced by Assemblyman Bill Quirk, D-Hayward, is intended to prevent employers from using past evidence of marijuana use, such as a hair or urine test, as justification for discrimination against an employee, such as denying or terminating employment, according to Dale Gieringer, director of California NORML, a sponsor of the bill. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help We're offering our best deal ever with this Editor's Special. Support local news coverage by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. It is those tests that we want to ban, because they dont detect anything related to impairment, Gieringer said. Hair and urine can be used to show that a person has consumed marijuana in the past, but not whether they are actively intoxicated with THC, the chief psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. He likened using urine to determine whether somebody is intoxicated with cannabis with finding beer or wine bottles in a persons trash and concluding that they must be drunk. LEONI TWP., MI Police are warning people about driving on ice after a Jeep broke through a Leoni Township lake. Two people drove a 2008 Jeep Cherokee onto the ice of Gilletts Lake at 12:33 a.m., Feb. 28, to go ice fishing when the vehicle fell through the ice, Blackman-Leoni Director of Public Safety Mike Jester said. The driver and passenger safely crawled out of the vehicle without injury, Jester said. The Jeep was removed from the lake. We dont advocate vehicles being driven on the ice at any time, but especially after the warm weather we have had, Jester said. The water division of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy was contacted, Jester said. The division makes sure Michigans water stays clean and monitors water quality, per EGLEs website. Read more from MLive: Man dies after falling through ice on Lenawee County lake, police say Boat fire destroys garage in Jackson County See inside Jacksons former bible college and how United Way wants to use it as a shelter When will I get vaccinated? The No. 1 pandemic question thats making Michiganders nervous [March 01, 2021] Honeywell And Syracuse University Establish Research Partnership To Develop Next-Generation Air Quality Technology ATLANTA and SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today announced it has established a research partnership with Syracuse University to fund research on emerging indoor air quality technologies. The partnership will include the naming of a Honeywell Indoor Air Quality Laboratory at Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science which will be used by researchers to help create healthier and safer building environments. Honeywell to fund research by Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science on indoor air quality Air quality is essential to a healthy building. It can impact occupant health and productivity, energy efficiency and real estate value. The quality of air is affected by the presence of pollutants in the indoor environment that may cause harm. When IAQ is poor, occupants can experience a drop in productivity as well as adverse health effects such as asthma and bronchitis.1 The concentration of some pollutants can be two to five times higher indoors than typical outdoor concentrations.2 "Indoor air quality isn't a buzz word it's a critical factor in creating safer, healthier building environments," said Manish Sharma, vice president and chief technology and product officer, Honeywell Building Technologies. "Our work with Syracuse will measure the performance of a variety of emerging indoor air quality technologies to not only improve occupant productivity and well-being but also help building owners understand the best solutions for different building environments and situations. In the long term, this will help them to better attract occupants, manage energy efficiency and improve their real estate value." "This is a fantastic partnership, and we're excited to work with Honeywell on indoor air quality research that benefits people all over the world," said J. Cole Smith, dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Syracuse University. "Professors Jensen Zhang and Bing Dong have been at the forefront of indoor air quality research and the Honeywell Indoor Air Quality Lab at Link Hall will enhance our world-class research abilities." "When private industry and academia team up, we can create meaningful change. This collaboration will help identify potential solutions to further improve indoor air quality and create healthier building environments to enhance the occupant experience," said Suresh Venkatarayalu, chief technology officer, Honeywell. The Honeywell Indoor Air Quality Lab at Syracuse University will be used to solve several research objectives to determine the impact of air quality on human productivity and creativity. Faculty will use the lab to conduct direct, side-by-side comparisons of next-generation indoor air quality improvement technologies and advanced building systems, in a controlled practical building environment, to provide a comparative analysis of the technologies based on key IAQ parameters measured by sensors and through AI-driven HVAC controls. The research will include characterizing and evaluating IAQ sensors. The research will help building owners and operators better determine the right technologies to meet specific building conditions and goals. Additionally, the research will develop artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for dynamic ventilation management. The intent is to identify new ventilation strategies that comply with ASHRAE 62.1 IAQ standards while also achieving goals such as improved occupant productivity, with potentially fewer sick days, as well as enhanced energy savings. "We are excited to collaborate with Honeywell indoor air quality research and development. People typically spend 80-90% of their times indoors, and occupant exposure to the various gas, particulate and biological contaminants found indoors has tremendous impacts on human health, productivity and creativity," said Jensen Zhang, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Syracuse University. "The Honeywell and Syracuse collaboration will lead to energy-efficient and cost-effective approaches and technologies to improving indoor environmental quality and reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission, as we look to improve social, economic and environmental conditions." Honeywell offers an integrated set of solutions to help building owners improve the health of building environments, operate more cleanly and safely, comply with social distancing policies, and help reassure occupants that it is safer to return to the workplace. The Honeywell Healthy Buildings solutions can support the needs of any building and features specific solutions for premium commercial buildings, airports, hospitality, healthcare, stadiums and educational institutions. Honeywell's Healthy Buildings solutions integrate air quality, safety and security technologies along with advanced analytics to help building owners minimize potential risks of contamination and improve business continuity by monitoring both the building environment and building occupants' behaviors. About Syracuse University Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we're a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what's possible. About Honeywell Building Technologies Honeywell Building Technologies (HBT) is a global business with more than 18,000 employees. HBT creates products, software and technologies found in more than 10 million buildings worldwide. Commercial building owners and operators use our technologies to help create safe, energy efficient, sustainable and productive facilities. For more news and information on Honeywell Building Technologies, visit http://www.honeywell.com/newsroom . Honeywell ( www.honeywell.com ) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom . 1 European Respiratory Journal, Respiratory health and indoor air pollutants based on quantitative exposure assessments 2 EPA, Report on Environment, Indoor Air Quality Megan McGovern Daryl Lovell Honeywell Building Technologies Syracuse University (404) 216-6186 (315) 380-0206 megan.mcGovern@Honeywell.com dalovell@syr.edu View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honeywell-and-syracuse-university-establish-research-partnership-to-develop-next-generation-air-quality-technology-301237339.html SOURCE Honeywell [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 number of endangered North Atlantic right whales remains dangerously low. There are fewer than 366 surviving specimens, according to a new assessment. Vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing nets remain the biggest threat to the massive marine mammals, but climate change is leading to rising ocean temperatures that endanger the krill the whales eat to survive. The saddening trend can still be reversed, experts say, with focused efforts to protect the whales' safety and increase their reproduction. Scroll down for video There are fewer than 366 remaining North Atlantic right whales on Earth, according to a new assessment aggregating monitoring data from tagging studies, aerial and vessel photography, animal sampling and other sources The North Atlantic right whale is a baleen whale and is one of three right whale species belonging to the genus Eubalaena. Feeding in the waters off New England and eastern Canada in the spring and summer, it migrates to the southeastern US every winter to give birth. It got its name because it was considered the 'right whale' to hunt during the commercial whaling era of the 1700s. Their slow speed, high blubber content and habit of sticking close to the coastline made the whales a popular target for whalers and led to the species' decimation. The number of whales is higher than the 356 counted in 2019, but according to experts, humans are 'killing the creatures faster than they can reproduce.' Pictured: A North Atlantic right whale feeds on the surface off near Cape Cod In 1990, there were as few as 270 surviving individuals. Protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, they are the most endangered whales on Earth. Conservationists have worked to increase their numbers, and by the end of 2019 there were an estimated 356 North Atlantic right whales. The current calving season, which began in November and ends this month, was the most encouraging in years, with more than 14 new calves sighted off the Florida coast. North Atlantic right whales faced three main challenges: boat collisions, entanglements in commercial fishing lines, and steady loss of their main food source, krill, as it migrates north to escape rising ocean temperatures In January, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 65 North Atlantic right whales off the coasts of Florida and North Carolina, crucial birthing areas for the whales. Those numbers included three new calves born to first-time mothers. But humans are still 'killing the creatures faster than they can reproduce,' according to Defenders of Wildlife attorney Jane Davenport. 'Right whales face a daily gauntlet of fishing ropes and speeding vessels, which together have caused the deaths of more than 200 right whales in the last decade alone,' Davenport said in January. That month, a severely entangled right whale was seen dragging rope through the calving grounds off the coast of Georgia. At least 33 whales have been killed in the last four years, and 15 seriously injured, primarily from vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements. These losses represent almost 10 percent of the remaining population. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES? A North Atlantic right whale seen swimming the waters off Cape Cod on April 14, 2019 Adults of the species can reach up to 52 feet in length and weigh up to 77 tons From the age of ten, grown female North Atlantic right whales give birth to young once every 36 years. 40% of right whale's body mass is low-density blubber. Unlike most species of whale, the right whale floats when it dies Right whales feed by skimming through patches of their prey concentrated in surface waters. They eat krill, barnacle larvae and small crustaceans. It's thought they typically live to age 50, though some individuals have lived twice as long. North Atlantic right whale populations have been growing by around 2.5 percent a year, still below the 67 percent rise researchers are hoping to see for the species to move off the endangered list. Advertisement Michael Moore, a whale trauma specialist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, is the author of a new report in the journal Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. According to Moore, fewer than 366 surviving North Atlantic right whales remain on Earth. 'North Atlantic right whales face a serious risk of extinction, but there is hope if we can work together on solutions,' he said. 'Trauma reduction measures and applying new tools to assess their health are critically important to enhance the welfare of individual whales.' If researchers, government officials and commercial fishing companies can work together to devise proactive solutions, 'the current decline in population can be reversed,' Moore said. He and his colleagues at Woods Hole collaborated with scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and over a dozen other institutions to gather monitoring data from tagging studies, aerial and vessel photography, animal sampling and other sources. Their analysis provides the clearest picture of the threats the whales face from commercial fishing and vessel traffic throughout their annual migration south. 'These animals face multiple stressors throughout their range and their survival depends both on a better understanding of how these stressors impact the whales as well as effective management to reduce this burden,' said co-author Robert Schick, a research scientist at Duke University's Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab. The docile creatures spend a lot of time near the surface during calving season and can be difficult to spot from a vessel, leading to collisions with watercraft. Climate change is also taking its toll: Small crustaceans like krill and copepods, which make up the whales' primary food source, have migrated further and further north to escape rising ocean temperatures. That's forced the North American right whales, which need an average of 2,000 pounds of krill a day to survive, to swim farther to feed, contributing to significant loss of body mass. That, in turn, has led to lower birth rates and delayed sexual maturity in males. 'In addition to the threats posed by humans, changing ocean conditions have profound impacts on where whales travel and how they behave,' said co-author Teri Rowles, a senior advisor for marine mammal health science at NOAA Fisheries. A comprehensive study last May determined the North Atlantic right whales could be completely wiped out in the next 20 years without additional intervention. Another species, the Southern right whale, is faring better, with an estimated 12,000 spread across the Southern Hemisphere. But that's still miniscule compared to the more than 100,000 that existed before they were decimated by the whaling industry in the 19th century. GRAND RAPIDS, MI U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer is speaking out against a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan approved by House lawmakers over the weekend, saying it was drafted without Republican input and contains significant spending unrelated to the pandemic. Meijer, R-Grand Rapids Township, says hes been championing thus far unsuccessfully an alternative $992 billion plan. He said it would have scaled back assistance to states, local governments and other areas targeted by the Biden administration, including infrastructure projects unrelated to COVID-19. It would also reduce emergency unemployment benefits from $400 per-week to $200 per-week. Those savings would be used to increase a new round of stimulus checks from $1,400 to $2,400. We were able to make $2,400 checks, $1,000 more than what Speaker Pelosi wanted, and still shave a trillion dollars off of the end cost of this bill, Meijer said on Twitter early Saturday morning, after lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled House approved the $1.9 trillion package. The $1.9 trillion bill was approved along party-lines, with two Democrats joining all Republicans in opposing the measure. Speaker Pelosi is not interested in a discussion, Meijer said, voicing frustration with the closed door fashion in which the Biden administrations bill was crafted. Shes is in the take-it-or-leave-it mindset. Meijer, whos serving his first term in the House, is calling his plan direct dollars over government excess. He said it was modeled after a proposal Republican Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and nine GOP colleagues offered to President Joe Biden in February. However, Meijer said his plan differs in at least one respect: it doubled stimulus checks for most Americans from $1,400 to $2,400. Meijer says his plan accomplishes this by reducing emergency, federal-level unemployment benefits from $400 per-week to $200 per-week through June 30. His plan would then reduce the federal-level benefits, which are in addition to what states offer, to $100 per-week through Labor Day. The idea behind the approach is to reduce a workers incentive to remain unemployed, Meijer said. The additional federal-level unemployment benefits could result in some workers making more on unemployment than they would on the job. Meijer, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, said his approach front loads the assistance with the higher direct cash payment. If you can go back to work its removing that financial disincentive not to reenter the workforce, because youre going to get the money in any case, said Meijer, an Army veteran whose family founded the Meijer supercenter chain. Its a shifting of that incentive structure. As of now, the state of Michigan offers up to $362 per-week in unemployment. An additional $300 per-week in federal unemployment benefits, approved in December, is due to expire on March 14. Bidens plan would increase and extend those emergency federal benefits. Read more: Congressman Meijer defends impeachment vote in first virtual town hall meeting Michigans 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. While Meijers plan was not adopted by House leadership, he insists its a serious plan. He said he asked Democratic lawmakers in the House what they needed to see included in the plan to get bipartisan consideration. This isnt just me throwing numbers at a wall, he said. This is a serious plan. He added, My question is, how come the American people are paying a lot more for the $2 trillion plan and getting half as much in return. The Biden administrations $1.9 trillion bill provides billions for schools and colleges, state and local governments, COVID-19 vaccines and testing, renters, food producers and struggling industries like airlines, restaurants, bars and concert venues, the Associated Press reported. Democrats are pushing to get the bill to Bidens desk before the most recent emergency jobless benefits end on March 14. Meijer also spoke out against a provision in the House bill that would increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2025. He said the minimum wage should be set at the state, not federal level. I think of the Michigan restaurant community thats been so hard-hit by the COVID and the lockdowns, Meijer said, when describing the impact of raising the federal minimum wage. What better way to destroy a small business than saying, Hey, I know youre already deeply in the red. Now youre going to have to pay the people coming back to work even more. In addition, Meijers plan would offer $66 billion to state and local governments whose budgets have been hammered by declining tax revenue during the pandemic. Thats compared with $350 billion included in the Biden administrations plan. Meijer said he believes state and local governments need some assistance. But he said he worries that the amount of money being offered under the Biden administrations plan will be used to cover non-pandemic related expenses caused by prior fiscal mismanagement. The bill that Pelosi put forward has a lot more to do with political favors than getting through the pandemic, Meijer said. Read more: Michigan will be getting almost a half-million COVID-19 vaccine doses this week Van Buren County ISD names new superintendent Kent Countys youngest killer impresses judge, earns release from residential center Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Brave Saoirse Ruane (8) pictured above on the Toy Show takes part in the ad campaign. Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan and eight-year-old Saoirse Ruane, who appeared on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, feature in a new campaign from the Irish Cancer Society. The chariy launched the campaign in solidarity with everyone affected by cancer to remind people enduring a diagnosis that supports and services are available every step of the way. Cancer patients and survivors of all ages appear in the moving advert to show the real-life impact a cancer diagnosis has on patients and their loved ones. In a year of increased isolation for anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis, the ad is aimed at letting the cancer community know that there are supports and services available every step of the way. Read More The campaign offers a glimpse into the daily lives of some of the people living with, and beyond cancer in Ireland today and features real-life cancer patients and survivors at different stages on their cancer journeys. Eileen Rushe from Co Louth, who is living with a stage four cervical cancer diagnosis also features in the advert and says the campaign was a way to help remind us of all those who are experiencing cancer. As a community, Ireland does phenomenal work for those affected by cancer. Im delighted to be a part of the Irish Cancer Societys campaign to help us to remember our neighbours, friends, colleagues and family members that are currently experiencing cancer. It reminds us that no one has to go through cancer alone and that by supporting the Irish cancer societys great work we are helping those that need it most. Helen Flynn, a mum to two boys living in Galway who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, said its vital to shine a light on cancer during Covid-19 because Covid-19 has inadvertently removed a lot of practical supports and services. A cancer diagnosis is a very isolating and terrifying thing, especially with the layer of Covid-19 blocking the opportunity to use other practical supports. Im doing it all alone, without the face-to-face support. Liam Cuddihy from Waterford, who was first diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma in 2018 and relapsed last year described going through cancer during the pandemic as a pure balancing act. Conor King, acting CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said: We are absolutely honoured that so many people were so generous with their time, energy and personal stories featured in this campaign. This story is theirs to tell. This past year has been enormously challenging for us all and we wanted this campaign to be a message of support for everyone affected by cancer and their loved ones. We also wanted to let people know we are here for them. We have free services such as a Support Line run by oncology nurses, Daffodil Centres in every major hospital, a counselling service for anyone affected by cancer and also our amazing Night Nurse team to provide end of life care at home. Our amazing team of volunteer drivers continue to drive people to and from chemotherapy every day. The Irish Cancer Society said it wants this advert to remind people of the extra tough year its been for people whove lived through cancer. We also want to remember the 9,000 families who have lost a loved one in the past year and whose funerals would have been impacted by Covid. We are here, no-one should face this alone, please pick up the phone and talk to one of our nurses today and let us support you. The Irish Cancer Society Support Line can be contacted free of charge on 1800 200 700. Read More PORTLAND, Ore., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Duty-Free Liquor Market by Type (Beer, Wine, Vodka, Cognac, and Whiskey) and Channel (Cruise liners, Airport, Railway Station, Border, downtown, and hotel shops): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212027." According to the report, the global duty-free liquor industry was estimated at $13.78 billion in 2019, and is expected to hit $16.10 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 11.1% from 2021 to 2027. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities- Changes in lifestyle, rise in tourism promotion, increase in disposable income, and surge in the number of frequent fliers drive the growth of the global duty-free liquor market. On the other hand, stringent government rules, especially for airport retailing impede the growth to some extent. However, rapid urbanization is expected to create multiple opportunities in the industry. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6023 Covid-19 scenario- The outbreak of the pandemic led to slowed down international travels, which in turn affected the duty free sales to a significant extent. The travel retail sector market was temporarily on hold during the first phase of the lockdown; accordingly, duty free liquor had seen crucial sales channel cutoff. However, the situation has started ameliorating and the global duty-free liquor market is expected to revive soon. The whiskey segment to dominate by 2027- Based on product, the whiskey segment contributed to more than one-third of the global duty-free liquor market share in 2019, and is projected to lead the trail by the end of 2027. The same segment would also register the fastest CAGR of 12.20% throughout the forecast period, owing to rise in demand for blended whiskey. The airport segment to retain its top share during the forecast period- Based on channel, the airport segment accounted for nearly three-fourths of the global duty-free liquor market revenue in 2019, and is expected to rule the roost by 2027. The same segment would also manifest the fastest CAGR of 12.00% from 2021 to 2027. At airports, duty-free liquor stores are mostly located in central areas with high passenger flow. Both departure and arrival areas can be fitted with this shop concept that attracts the customers to visit the stores. These factors fuel the growth of the segment. Europe, followed by Asia-Pacific and North America, held the major share in 2019- Based on geography, Europe, followed by Asia-Pacific and North America, garnered the major share in 2019, generating nearly two-fifths of the global duty-free liquor market. Germans' love for travel is always on an upward trend, which significantly contributes to the growth of the market. At the same time, the market across Asia-Pacific would exhibit the fastest CAGR of 13.4% by 2027. The budget airline boom and democratization contribute to growth in number of travelers that use airways and cruise liners in the Asia-Pacific region. These factors augments the market growth in this province. For Purchase Enquiry at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6023 Key players in the industry- Diageo Erdington Pernod Bacardi Heineken Ricard Glen Moray Accolade Wines Constellation Brands, Inc REMY COINTREAU Brown-Forman Basic Plan | Library Access | 1 Year Subscription | Sign up for Avenue subscription to access more than 12,000+ company profiles and 2,000+ niche industry market research reports at $699 per month, per seat. For a year, the client needs to purchase minimum 2 seat plan. 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: Luxury Wines and Spirits Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 20202027 Craft Beer Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 20182025 Plant-Based Beverage Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 20192026 India Pale Ale Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 20182025 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-market-research SOURCE Allied Market Research 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. Under climate change in Amazonia, sustained periods of exceptionally heavy rain are becoming more common. Credit: Lancaster University Extreme rainfall associated with climate change is causing harm to babies in some of the most forgotten places on the planet setting in motion a chain of disadvantage down the generations, according to new research in Nature Sustainability. Researchers from Lancaster University and the FIOCRUZ health research institute in Brazil found babies born to mothers exposed to extreme rainfall shocks, were smaller due to restricted fetal growth and premature birth. Low birth-weight has life-long consequences for health and development and researchers say their findings are evidence of climate extremes causing intergenerational disadvantage, especially for socially-marginalized Amazonians in forgotten places. Climate extremes can affect the health of mothers and their unborn babies in many waysfor example causing crops to fail, reducing access to nutritious affordable food, increasing prevalence of infectious diseases. Extremely intense rainfall in Amazonia causes river flooding exposing poorer households to water-borne diseases and creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitos, leading to outbreaks of malaria or dengue fever. Major floods and droughts are extremely disruptive to people's lives; related stress and anxiety can contribute to premature birth and impair normal childhood development. The team focused on all the live births over an 11-year period in 43 highly river-dependent municipalities in Amazonas State, Brazil. For these 291,479 births they analyzed how birth-weight, fetal growth and pregnancy duration were affected by local rainfall variability during pregnancy. Extremely intense rainfall in Amazonia was associated with severely reduced mean birth-weight due to pre-term birth or restricted growthaverage birth-weight reduction was nearly 200 grams. Under climate change in Amazonia, sustained periods of exceptionally heavy rain are becoming more common and subsequent floods are five-times more common than just a few decades ago. Using satellite data, researchers calculated weeks of prenatal exposureincluding the pre-pregnancy trimesterto each kind of rainfall variability and compared that to birth weight and pregnancy duration. The study also found: Even non-extreme intense rainfall resulted in 40% higher odds of low birth-weight Drier than seasonal averages also caused harmon average babies were born 39g lighter Even conception in the rising-water season resulted in a lower mean birth-weight13g less Dr. Luke Parry of Lancaster University's Environment Centre and one of the authors of the report said: "Our study found climate extremes were adding another layer of disadvantage onto babies already facing a poor start in life. "Due to the deep social inequalities in the Brazilian Amazon, children born to adolescent indigenous mothers with no formal or little education, were over 600 grams smaller than those born into more privileged households. Extreme weather placed a further penalty onto these newborns. "Reducing the health risks found by the team will require much greater investment into poverty alleviation and better healthcare if we are to help Amazonia's river-dwelling populations adapt to changing rainfall patterns and increasingly frequent and severe floods and droughts." Dr. Erick Chacon-Montalvan of Lancaster University, lead author of the study said: "We used publicly available data on birth records to go 'back in time' to look at the relationship between climate extremes and birth weight. Our study showed that even intense but non-extreme rainfall was harmful. "Increasing climatic variability in Amazonia is concerning, in part because subsequent disadvantages associated with low birth weight include in lower educational attainment, poorer health, reduced income in adulthood, and mortality-risks." Jesem Orellana from FIOCRUZ in Brazil said: "Rainfall shocks confer inter-generational disadvantage for river-dependent populations living in neglected areas of Amazonia. These marginalized populations experience injustice because, despite contributing little to climate change, they are responsible for safeguarding most remaining forest and highly susceptible to climatic shocks. Explore further Small and large birth weight linked to genetics of mother and babyexcept in tiniest babies More information: Rainfall variability and adverse birth outcomes in Amazonia, Nature Sustainability, DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00684-9 , dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00684-9 Journal information: Nature Sustainability Rainfall variability and adverse birth outcomes in Amazonia, The documents indicate that dual-use surveillance technology made by Israeli, American and European companies made its way to Myanmar, despite many of their home governments banning such exports after the militarys brutal expulsion of Rohingya Muslims in 2017. Even in countries that didnt officially block such trade, many Western purveyors had clauses in their corporate guidelines barring their technology from being used to abuse human rights. In the most egregious cases, firms supplied surveillance tools and weaponry to the military and the ministries it controlled, evading arms embargoes and export bans. In others, they continued to sell dual-use technology without conducting due diligence about how it might be used and who might use it. Often, they depended on military-linked brokers who thrive in the shadowy interstices, allowing the Tatmadaw to acquire the tools of oppression indirectly from foreign companies. Hardware that was sold to the police to catch criminals is being used to track opponents of the coup online and offline. Documentation for post-coup arrest warrants, which were reviewed by The Times, shows that Myanmars security forces have triangulated between their critics social media posts and the individual addresses of their internet hookups to find where they live. Such detective work could only have been carried out by using specialized foreign technology, according to experts with knowledge of Myanmars surveillance infrastructure. Even under a civilian government, there was little oversight of the militarys expenditure for surveillance technology, said Ko Nay Yan Oo, a former fellow at the Pacific Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies who has studied the Myanmar military. Now we are under military rule, and they can do everything they want. (Newser) "What happened to Lim Ji-hyun?" It's a question explored in a story by Abigail Haworth at Marie Claire, and one that continues to haunt her friends. As a 23-year-old, Lim defected from North Korea, swimming across the Yalu River into China before making her way to South Korea. There, she became a popular fixture on social media and on South Korean TV programs as she spoke of her former life under the brutal regime. In 2017, on her 26th birthday, she wrote on her blog that "this is possibly the happiest birthday of my life" and thanked her supporters for giving her the courage to speak out. That same month, however, she vanished. And three months later, in what Haworth calls a "staggering twist," she turned up back in North Korea in propaganda videos. She denounced herself as "human trash" for defecting, castigated South Korea, and said she had returned of her own accord. story continues below Lim has not been seen since those videos, and not many in the South are buying the change of heart. They suspect she was abducted by the bowibu, the North's secret police, and coerced. The officials would have threatened to kill her and her family if she didnt say exactly what they wanted, says a political scientist in Seoul (and a defector himself). A friend says Lim defected to South Korea in the first place so she could send money home to her impoverished family. I will never believe that Ji-hyun returned out of loyalty to the Kim regime," she says. And while she's holding out hope of seeing her friend again, she also fears Lim has been executed or sent to a gulag. The story notes that Lim disappeared after she began blogging about her experience in the North Korean military, where sexual violence against female soldiers has been well documented. Read the full piece. (Read more Longform stories.) LINCOLN, Neb. and BAD HOMBURG, Germany, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LI-COR Biosciences is pleased to announce that it is now providing sales, support, and service directly to biotechnology customers in Spain and Portugal. LI-COR customers for its Environmental product line will continue to be supported by DILUS in Spain and Concessus SA in Portugal. "Direct service allows us to provide a higher level of support to biotech researchers in Spain and Portugal," says Glen McMurdo, LI-COR European Managing Director. "Our team is well known for its responsiveness in other countries we serve." Primary support will be provided by LI-COR Regional Field Sales Manager Andrew Fagan. He offers researchers more than eight years of experience with LI-COR technology and has numerous years of experience in life science industry. His background includes a BSc in Microbiology from University of Edinburgh. Additional services, including product distribution and scientific support are provided by LI-COR's office in Germany. As with all LI-COR products, additional expertise is always available from the company's home office in Lincoln, Nebraska that is also the company's research, development, and manufacturing facility. LI-COR Biosciences offers research solutions for therapeutics development and robust Western Blotting. The company is an industry leader in imaging systems, analysis software, and IRDye Infrared Dye and other reagents for quantitative protein analysis and small animal imaging. From academic discovery through preclinical validation, whether characterizing a pathway or validating a therapeutic candidate, LI-COR technology helps move research through the development process. LI-COR Biosciences is also a leading innovator in systems for measuring global climate change, plant research, and gas analysis. For more than 50 years LI-COR has worked to improve the human condition through the design and development of innovative research tools that help scientists solve the challenges that face humanity. More information at www.licor.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1445738/licor_logo_blue_ID_5d6763bf709d.jpg Related Links licor.com SOURCE LI-COR Biosciences New Delhi: If you are planning to change your job but you are worried about the Employees Provident Fund than here's a good news for you. From next month, your PF account will be automatically transferred when one changes job. Aadhaar card has been made mandatory for enrollment and an employee doesnt need to close the existing PF account. The worker can retain the same FP account for social security after switching job. TOI quoting chief provident fund commissioner V P Joy said, Now we have made Aadhaar compulsory for enrolment. We don't want accounts to be closed. The PF account is the permanent account. The worker can retain the same account for social security". "Whenever there is change of job, a lot of accounts are closed; then they (the employees) restart their account later on," he added. "We are trying to ensure transfer of money if one changes jobs, without any application, in three days. In future, if one has an Aadhaar ID and has verified the ID, then the account will be transferred without any application if the worker goes anywhere in the country. This system will be in place very soon," Joy told the TOI. "Now we have made Aadhaar compulsory for enrolment. We don't want accounts to be closed. The PF account is the permanent account. The worker can retain the same account for social security," Joy added. The EPFO has also stepped up efforts to expand coverage, and initial results have been positive. "During the campaign from January to June, more than one crore workers were enrolled. Now, we are trying to retain them by improving services," Joy said. Joy said PF money should be withdrawn only for major purposes like housing, education of children, or serious hospitalisation. "...Only then will people get social security. So, we are now starting a campaign...to educate people that money must be withdrawn only for essential purposes," Joy said. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 05:33:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Illegal immigrants are seen on the deck of the Libyan Coast Guard's ship in Tripoli, Libya, on Feb. 28, 2021. A total of 181 illegal immigrants were rescued on Sunday by the Libyan Coast Guard off the country's western coast. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua) TRIPOLI, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 181 illegal immigrants were rescued on Sunday by the Libyan Coast Guard off the country's western coast. The rescued are of different African nationalities, the Libyan navy said in a statement, adding there were 15 women and 10 children among them. They have been handed over to the anti-illegal immigration department, it said. Due to the state of insecurity and chaos in the North African nation, thousands of illegal immigrants every year choose to cross the Mediterranean from Libya towards Europe. The International Organization for Migration said that in 2020, 323 died and 417 others went missing on the route, while 11,891 illegal immigrants were rescued. Enditem Despite Friday, oil continues to power forwards, last week WTI was up $2.26 and Brent rose $3.22. For February the gain was much higher with them up $9.30 and $11.09 respectively. WTI $61.50 -$2.03, Brent $66.13 -75c, Diff -$4.63 +1.28, NG $2.77 -1c, UKNG 40.2p -0.04p Oil price Despite Friday, oil continues to power forwards, last week WTI was up $2.26 and Brent rose $3.22. For February the gain was much higher with them up $9.30 and $11.09 respectively. The market sees all systems go, the virus is shrinking, vaccination is improving added to by the Johnson and Johnson one dose application being approved at the weekend and we are now in the last month of the weakest quarter of the year. Opening CERA week this morning the doyenne of the oil industry Dan Yergin described the industry as out of the virus alley and as one of the finest users of a turn of phrase I cant think of a better way of putting it. Despite his 74 years on the planet and vast wealth it was good to see that in interview with CNBC this morning he couldnt resist having several copies of his latest book, The New Map prominently behind him and in shot. The rig count showed a modest growth of 5 units overall and 4 higher in oil, the numbers for this and most other data from particularly the Permian Basin will be distorted though for some weeks after the freeze-up. With the Opec+ members meeting later this week their decision as to how much oil to release and when will be important, so far trust in the group is being maintained. Union Jack/Egdon Union Jack has announced this morning that the acquisition of 15% of Biscathorpe from Humber Oil & Gas announced on 18th January has now completed giving them a 45% stake in the field. They also announce, along with Egdon (35.8%) the submission of a Planning Application for side-track drilling, testing and in a success case, the long-term production of hydrocarbons at the Biscathorpe-2 wellsite, with drilling planned for H2 2021, subject to planning approval. Commenting, David Bramhill, Executive Chairman of Union Jack, said: We are pleased to have taken this opportunity to have increased our interest to 45% in PEDL253. Union Jacks technical team believe that Biscathorpe represents a material and commercially viable hydrocarbon resource that remains un-tested. The collective extensive technical information analysed over the past months, combined with APTs conclusions on the likely presence of good quality oil, have materially upgraded the resource potential and economic value of the Biscathorpe project in our view, further supporting our opinion that PEDL253 remains one of the UKs largest onshore un-appraised conventional hydrocarbon licences. We look forward to updating the market on drilling plans for the conventional B-2Z side-track appraisal well currently planned for H2 2021, subject to planning and other consents, that will allow both the Dinantian Carbonate and Basal Westphalian Sandstone targets to be tested. Any potential Biscathorpe oil development will be important to the UK as any indigenous production delivers a lower carbon footprint when compared to imported alternatives and it will also provide additional economic benefits to both regional and local communities. More good news from Union Jack and in this case Egdon as well. The Gross Mean Prospective Resources associated with the Westphalian Sandstone target area are estimated by the Operator to be 3.95 mmbo, with an upside case of 6.69 mmbo. Preliminary economic modelling demonstrates that the Westphalian target alone is economically robust in the current oil price environment with break-even full-cycle economics estimated at US$18.07 per barrel and a gross NPV(10) valuation of 55.6 million. UJOs technical team have for a long time believed in Biscathorpe and success with this planning consent would be another chance to prove that right. In terms of national value the field would be extremely important with its low carbon imprint PetroTal Corp After all the recent news the company has an updated investor presentation available on its website. The presentation includes the recently announced 2021 budget and the 2020 year-end reserve report. I wouldnt normally write up an updated presentation but it ties in well and so does the interview I did with Manolo recently so I have added that in for good measure Core Finance CEO interview: Manolo Zuniga, PetroTal And finally After that weekend where do you start? I guess that the rugby in Cardiff is good enough where Wales beat England but did get a 14 point start from a ref who was either incompetent or worseTake nothing away from Wales though although the reffing was not even school standard. In the Prem on Saturday the Noisy neighbours beat the Hammers 2-1, the Baggies beat the Seagulls 1-0 after another reffing foul-up, Leeds lost 0-1 to the Villa and the Magpies drew 1-1 with Wolves. Yesterday the Eagles and the Cottagers drew 0-0, the Foxes lost 1-3 to the Gooners, Spurs beat Burnley 4-0, Chelski v Red Devils was a0-0 and the Blades lost 0-2 to Liverpool. Tonight its the Toffees hosting the Saints. And COME ON YOU SAINTS as I wouldnt want you to have missed that fact that St Johnstone won the Scottish League Cup at Hampden Park yesterday beating Livingstone 0-1. First Cup in Scotland for 5 years not won by Celtic And as for Gordon Elliot I cant find the words, what a horrible piece of erm, scum Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 23:29:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENNA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was deeply concerned about unreported nuclear material in Iran, said its chief on Monday. The presence of multiple uranium particles of anthropogenic origin is a clear indication that nuclear material and/or equipment contaminated by nuclear material has been present at a location not declared by Iran, Director General Rafael Grossi said at an IAEA board of governors online meeting. "In the absence of a technically credible explanation from Iran, the agency is deeply concerned that undeclared nuclear material may have been present at this undeclared location and that such nuclear material remains unreported by Iran under its Safeguards Agreement," he said. Iran has not answered any of the IAEA's questions relating to the possible presence of nuclear material at three other locations either, he added. Grossi told reporters after the meeting that his agency has lost the additional protocol and "the transparency measures specific to the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)." "To give you an example, if I wanted to go to a place which is part of a declared site, of which I have doubt, I cannot," he said. "It is a huge loss." He emphasized that the agreement he reached with Iran on Feb. 21 is "a temporary technical understanding and that it is compatible with Iranian law." "It is to enable the agency to resume its full verification and monitoring of Iran's nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA if and when Iran resumes its implementation of those commitments," he said. He told reporters that the U.S. president and secretary of state have both indicated that "their aspiration is to return to the JCPOA," and are "looking into means and ways to do it," noting it is important to give more time to diplomacy and consultations. "This is going to take time," he said. "I hope they will agree and we are going to be supporting them." The P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States, plus Germany) negotiated the JCPOA on the Iranian nuclear program in 2015, before Washington under former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018. Enditem Kash Patel: Former CIA Director Slow-Walked Declassification of Crossfire Hurricane Documents The release of critical documents related to Crossfire Hurricane, the FBIs investigation of former President Donald Trumps 2016 campaign, was slow-walked and, in some cases, blocked by CIA Director Gina Haspel, former deputy national security adviser Kash Patel said in an interview on Feb. 28. Trump, on his last night in office, ordered the declassification of previously confidential documents related to the flawed counterintelligence investigation launched by the FBI in July 2016 to investigate allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Patel, who assisted the House Intelligence Committee in uncovering wrongdoing within U.S. intelligence in the probe, said Haspel worked to prevent key documents from being declassified. Haspel resigned from the agency on Jan. 19 without explanation. The institutional heads of places like the CIA and the FBI were always fighting the release of any documents, and they would claim national security issuesyoure going to harm a source or youre going to destroy your relationship, Patel told The Epoch Times Crossroads at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida. As Richard Grenell and I showed, when he was DNI [acting director of U.S. National Intelligence], theres ways to do it to reveal to the American public the information while protecting those things. What we cant have happen is allow the CIA and the FBI to cover mistakes of a few selected individuals just because theyre going to be embarrassed when theyre revealed, Patel said. And thats what we proved over and over again when we did our disclosures. We didnt get all the documents we wantedtheres one specific report we did that still remains classified that Gina [Haspel] prevented from being declassified while we were there. So, you know, thats unfortunate, and hopefully one day people will get to see it all. Patel didnt elaborate on which report Haspel blocked from being declassified. Late last year, top Republicans in a letter expressed frustration over Haspels failure to produce critical documents they requested pertaining to the FBIs probe. The CIA didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page in New York on Aug. 21, 2020. (Brendon Fallon/The Epoch Times) The Crossfire Hurricane investigation was taken over in May 2017 by then-special counsel and former FBI Director Robert Mueller. By April 2019, he concluded that there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 campaign, and found no evidence of a criminal conspiracy. So far, one FBI official, Kevin Clinesmith, has been indicted in a probe by U.S. Attorney John Durham into the counterintelligence investigation. Clinesmith, a former lawyer for the law enforcement agency, was charged with altering an email that was used in the surveillance of former Trump aide Carter Page. He was sentenced last month to one year of probation, a $100 fine, and 400 hours of community service. A part of the problem, Patel said, was that the same people running the investigations and determining what documents could be declassified were some of the same people who potentially could have been called out, incriminated, or were part of the scandal themselves. This is the perfect example of what congressional oversight should look likeCongress is a different branch of government overseeing the executive branch. So thats what we were doing in the Russiagate investigation, Patel said. We were looking at the FBI and DOJ and CIA, but the problem is Congress doesnt have tremendous powers like the DOJ or FBI have. So they are able to institutionally protect themselves by just putting the guys in charge and saying, Well, youre not read into this, and you cant be a part of the declassification or the review of this material, because its outside your lane, he said. So its very easy for them to neck it down and close it off, which is what they did. Hopefully they go after more than just Kevin Clinesmith, Patel said. Hes just a small piece of it. It went all the way to the top. And I think were not able to show that because we dont have the ability to indict people. But what we do have is the following facts: Over 13 high-ranking FBI and DOJ officials were fired, resigned, or retired early as a result of our investigation. Now, that doesnt happen if you didnt do anything wrongyou dont just leave the department that you are a member of or lead for decades unless you were able to prove enough abuse, which is what we successfully did. And I feel as a former prosecutor that some of that abuse was criminal. Self-reliance does not chime in complicated internal economic management, including the fumbling of regulators. Uddalok Bhattacharya sums up The size of the government borrowing is too high to be absorbed by bond buyers, says Tamal Bandyopadhyay. We can get a sense of how abnormal the size of the borrowing is if we look at the size of the Centre's borrowing in the recent past Theres no such thing as self-reliance, says Mihir S Sharma Debashis Basu says the is getting away with its lapses (Natural News) The White House has reached out to Big Tech moguls, including Facebook, Twitter and Google, in a bid to stop the spread of so-called vaccine misinformation, according to a recent report from Reuters. The information came from a senior official within Bidens administration, who noted that the companies were very receptive as they engaged with the White House. President Joe Biden has made inoculating hundreds of millions of Americans his top priority since his first few days in office. During his visit last week to a manufacturing plant of Pfizer Inc., which made one of two vaccines approved for use against COVID-19 in the U.S., Biden reiterated his pledge to administer at least 100 million doses of the vaccine within his first 100 days in office. But that is just the floor. [We] have to keep going, he added. Social media platforms to start censoring factual information Recently, however, officials noted that an anti-vaccine campaign was quickly growing on social media. Reuters reported that Biden himself expressed concern that fear about taking the vaccine was emerging as a sizable obstacle to his administrations plans to vaccinate thousands of Americans across the country per day. The source cited the anti-vaccine protests at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The first one began around 2 p.m. on Jan. 30. The source said the White House wants to stop similar events from occurring in the future. The protests were organized through a Facebook page that shared information about the virus. Authorities had to close the stadium, which is currently being used as a vaccination site. It is also one of the biggest in the country. Healthcare workers administer more than 8,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines a day there. The source said the Dodger Stadium protests shed light on the extent to which platforms like Facebook quickly grew to become an important organizing tool for movements that allegedly spread misinformation, such as the anti-vaccine campaign. Vaccine hesitancy is a huge obstacle to getting everyone vaccinated, the source told Reuters. [And] there are no larger players in that than the social media platforms. The source added that they have been talking to social media companies so they understand the importance of misinformation and their role in getting rid of such misinformation quickly. Earlier, Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal criticized the companies in a tweet and accused both Twitter and Facebook of not moving fast enough to curb targeted harassment of people getting vaccinated on their platforms. Blumenthal said both companies were also slow in stopping conspiracy theories. On the other hand, White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said information undermining the vaccines has led to more and more people questioning the vaccine. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., chair of the advocacy group Childrens Health Defense, noted how social media moguls are now openly serving as government surrogates in censoring factually accurate information that departs from those sanctioned by the government. A Facebook spokesperson said the company has already offered its assistance to the White House. It released a new policy as well to remove posts on the platform containing coronavirus-related information that the company deems false. The company will also remove pages and accounts that share such posts. On the other hand, Twitter said in a statement that it is regularly communicating with the White House on key issues, including COVID-19 misinformation. Google did not comment on the matter but pointed to a company blog on how it combats the spread of misinformation. The source said it is too soon to say whether the talks with the companies so far will lead to an actual lessening of the spread of misinformation. The source added that more details on the matter will be released over the next 10 days or so. (Related: Facebook, Twitter gave Biden cash while protecting Hunter.) Go to TechGiants.news to learn more about how the Biden administration is working with Big Tech to destroy human knowledge and enslave the masses. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org DailyMail.co.uk BBC.com Dr. Eric E. Schmidt, co-founder of Schmidt Futures, speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, during a hearing on emerging technologies and their impact on national security. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) An artificial intelligence commission led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is urging the U.S. to boost its AI skills to counter China, including by pursuing "AI-enabled" weapons something that Google itself has shied away from on ethical grounds. Schmidt and current executives from Google, Microsoft, Oracle and Amazon are among the 15 members of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which released its final report to Congress on Monday. "To win in AI we need more money, more talent, stronger leadership," Schmidt said Monday. The report says that machines that can "perceive, decide, and act more quickly" than humans and with more accuracy are going to be deployed for military purposeswith or without the involvement of the U.S. and other democracies. It warns against unchecked use of autonomous weapons but expresses opposition to a global ban. It also calls for "wise restraints" on the use of AI tools such as facial recognition that can be used for mass surveillance. "We have to develop technology that preserves our Western values, but we have to be prepared for a world in which not everyone is doing that," said Andrew Moore, a commissioner and the head of Google Cloud AI. The group has the ear of top lawmakers from both parties, but has attracted criticism for including many members who work for tech companies with big government contracts, and who thus have a lot at stake in federal rules on emerging technology. The report calls for a "White House-led strategy" to defend against AI-related threats, to set standards on how intelligent machines can be used responsibly and to boost U.S. research and development to maintain the nation's technological advantage over China. "We believe we are one or two years ahead of China, not five or 10," Schmidt told the Senate Armed Services Committee last week. He clarified Monday that that he was expressing his personal opinions and not necessarily those of the commission. It's not yet clear whether President Joe Biden's administration is on board with the commission's approach. It's still awaiting confirmation of a new director for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, which Biden has elevated to a Cabinet-level position. "AI policy tends to be very bipartisan," said Michael Kratsios, who was U.S. chief technology officer under President Donald Trump and led a push to pump more resources into AI development across federal agencies. The greatest imperative, he said, is that "the next great AI technologies are developed in the West." One big difference between the two administrations is likely to be the approach to building AI talent. The commission recommends a more open immigration policy than what Trump favored. Congress formed the AI panel in 2018 and appointed 12 of its 15 commissioners, with the others picked by Trump's Defense and Commerce secretaries. A judge later compelled the commission to make its meetings and records more accessible to the public after a civil liberties group, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, challenged its secrecy. It's been led by Schmidt, who was Google's CEO and later the executive chairman of its parent company Alphabet. He previously helped lead the Defense Innovation Board, which advises the Pentagon on new technology. That brought some conflict in 2018 when Google backed out of Project Maven, a U.S. military initiative using AI-based computer vision technology to analyze drone footage in conflict zones. The company, responding to internal activism from employees, also pledged not to use AI in any weapons-related applications. "I did not agree with the Google decisions on Maven," Schmidt told senators last week, calling it an "aberration" compared to the tech industry as a whole, where he says there are plenty of companies that want to work with the military. He said AI and machine vision systems are particularly good at "watching for things," which is something the military spends a lot of time doing. The commission also includes executives like Safra Catz, the CEO of software giant Oracle, and Amazon's incoming CEO, Andy Jassy, who currently runs its cloud computing division, as well as top AI experts at Microsoft and Google. All four companies have competed against each other for federal cloud computing contracts. The representatives from Microsoft and Google joined other members in approving the final report Monday, but abstained from the section relating to government partnerships with the private sector. Excluding human rights groups and rank-and-file tech experts from the commission has led the group to more easily frame this policy issue as a "democracy versus authoritarianism" competition against China while skirting more difficult topics, like the use of AI technologies on the U.S.-Mexico border, said Jack Poulson, a former Google researcher who now directs industry watchdog Tech Inquiry. "The nominal reason to have these tech CEOs on these committees is they're experts in the technology. But they're also, subject to shareholder requirements, acting in the interests of their companies," Poulson said. "They don't want significant regulation or antitrust enforcement." The government-industry partnership may be important for the U.S. and its allies to help set standards for the responsible use of AI, said Megan Lamberth, a research associate at the Center for a New American Security. "AI has the potential to really transform not only how militaries fight wars, but how economies operate and how societies and people interact with each other," Lamberth said. "If there's a gap in leadership, another country is going to fill that void." The American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement Monday that the commission made useful recommendations but it should have gone further by establishing civil rights protections now, before AI systems are widely deployed by intelligence agencies and the military. The commission asked Congress to make new laws requiring federal agencies to conduct human rights assessments of new AI systems used on Americans. But it didn't recommend the binding surveillance limits sought by activists. Explore further ICE seeks large new cloud contract involving Microsoft, Amazon 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. WASHINGTON, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Liberty Institute representing Citizen Power Initiatives for China (Citizen Power) today filed a friend-of-the-court brief at the Supreme Court of the United States in cases regarding donor privacy, Americans For Prosperity v. Becerra and Thomas More Law Center v. Becerra. Citizen Power is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing a peaceful transition to democracy in China and has donors who face reprisals by the Chinese government and those acting on its behalf. You can read the brief here. For our client and its supporters, maintaining privacy is a matter of life and death, said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel for First Liberty Institute. In todays cancel culture, people know its unwise to trust our own government with their private information, let alone China. It is vital that the Justices protect donors privacy to shield them from threats, harassment, and worse. Citizen Powers founder and president, Dr. Yang Jianli, narrowly escaped capture as he witnessed the Tiananmen Square massacre. Following his return to China, he was imprisoned until diplomatic efforts by the international community including the United States procured his release. Immediately following his return to the United States, he formed Citizen Power Initiatives, which has seen at least one of its major donors imprisoned in China. California requires all charitable organizations that solicit contributions within the state to register and file periodic reports with its Attorney General, including a list of the names and addresses of all of their major donors. California law imposes no civil or criminal penalties for disclosure of these records. The district court also found that Californias blanket disclosure system has resulted in the exposure of around 1,800 confidential donor lists and that even during some of the litigation, Californias website rendered vulnerable to unsophisticated hackers every confidential document in the registry. According to the brief, The liberties that the First Amendment expressly guarantees depend on a vigorous protection of the auxiliary freedom of association. Blanket donor-disclosure regimes like Californias create an intolerable risk of exposure and thus severely abridge that freedom. Exposure of a groups members and donors can subject them to significant reprisals by the public and therefore dissuade further membership and donations a fact that this Court has acknowledged when marking the freedom of associations contours. About First Liberty Institute First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans. To arrange an interview, contact Chris Freund at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453. Contact: Chris Freund, media@firstliberty.org Direct: 972-941-4453 Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-28 23:31:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Villagers harvest fresh peppers at Qinggangba Village, Tangtou Township in Sinan County of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A research paper titled "Chinese Poverty Alleviation Studies: A Political Economy Perspective" was released Sunday by New China Research, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency, summarizing some of the glossaries related to the country's poverty alleviation practices as follows: DRIP IRRIGATION EFFECT "Drip Irrigation Effect" is a new concept based on China's precise poverty alleviation strategy. It offsets declining "trickle-down" effect of economic growth, highly summarizes the distinctive characteristics of China's precise poverty alleviation from "flood irrigation" to "precise drip irrigation." The "trickle-down theory" holds that as long as the total economic volume is large, wealth will naturally benefit the bottom by "trickling down," and the poor will get rid of poverty. However, when poverty alleviation is carried out to a certain extent, the "trickle-down" effect will be greatly attenuated, making it difficult to solve the poverty problem completely. Compared with the non-directional "trickle-down" effect, the "drip irrigation effect" directly points to every poor household and is an effective way to eliminate poverty completely. SIX PRECISE MEASURES To secure drip-irrigation effect, poverty relief workers need to figure out the answers to four questions: "To whom help and support will be offered," "Who will offer the help and support," "How to offer the help and support" and "How to measure the end of poverty alleviation." On the ground "six precise measures" were invented, which refer to precisely identifying the poor, accurate project arrangements, proper use of funds, household-targeted measures, precise stationing of poverty-relief officials in villages, and measurable effects of poverty relief. Through the six precise measures and other policy moves, China has strengthened its front-line poverty alleviation efforts and methodically targeted its resources, funds, and projects directly at the poor. Aerial photo taken on Oct. 31, 2020 shows a view of Dulongjiang Township in Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Hu Chao) RELOCATION PROJECT It is a special poverty alleviation project targeting impoverished people who lived in areas with harsh living environment. In the last five years, more than 9.6 million people have been relocated to alleviate poverty, which is equivalent to moving a country with a medium-sized population. They completely changed their fate through relocation. For example, Atulieer Village, located in the hinterland of Daliang Mountain in southwest China, is called "Cliff Village" due to its dangerous terrain. In the past, the villagers could only rely on 17 sections of ladders made of vine and wood to access the outside world. In 2017, through a local poverty alleviation campaign, a steel ladder with 6,000 steel pipes was built. In May 2020, more than 80 poor families in the village walked down the cliff along the steel ladder and moved into their new homes near the county seat. ECO-FRIENDLY POVERTY ALLEVIATION In 2016, data showed that 95 percent of China's poor population and most of the poor regions were in areas with fragile and sensitive ecological environments under key protection. Though these places are usually with abundant natural resources, the problems that "the environment fails to feed the local people" are quite prominent. In China's efforts of precise poverty alleviation, the country has taken various measures such as ecological compensation and relocation. It has stepped up efforts to restore the ecological environment in poor areas, built green industrial systems with regional characteristics, combined industrial development, relocation of poor people and ecological construction, guided the poor people to take jobs in green industries, and has explored an eco-friendly poverty alleviation path taking both ecological environment protection and poverty alleviation development into consideration. FERRYMEN This refers to China's village-based poverty relief cadres, who have combined the role of leader, coordinator, mobilizer and supervisor. These "ferrymen" utilize policies and resources to build "boats" to "ferry" impoverished communities and individuals to common prosperity. The 3 million-strong support team covers every poor village and has been stationed in villages for several years, playing a key role in identifying the poor population, finding out the causes of poverty, implementing policies on poverty relief and exit. Along with this buzzword is another well-known phrase: Village-based Poverty Relief Mechanism. Inheriting and carrying forward the fine tradition of cadres eating, living and working together with the masses, China has implemented this mechanism as a village-based work team structure. The aim of the mechanism is to ensure that policies to strengthen agriculture, benefit farmers, and enrich the rural areas in poverty-stricken villages and households are well implemented and that poverty-alleviation resources are used precisely in those villages and households. Aerial photo shows a villager drying chrysanthemum flowers in Jinxi Village of Xima Township, Longli County of southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 27, 2020.(Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) POVERTY ALLEVIATION WORKSHOPS This is a mode of production organization that helps the poor obtain employment in local and nearby areas. By using idle rural land and houses, factory workshops or home-based decentralized processing workshops have been established. These workshops have created jobs for a large number of poor people in sectors including industrial and agricultural product processing, handicraft, farming and breeding, playing a positive role in helping impoverished people increase incomes and get rid of poverty. More than 32,000 "poverty alleviation workshops" were established in impoverished communities, enabling 437,000 people to work close to home. Apart from such workshops, other localized innovations organically sprang up, including "e-commerce poverty alleviation" and "tourism poverty alleviation," among others. Take e-commerce poverty alleviation for instance. With the help of e-commerce, poverty-stricken people in rural areas can obtain employment, start businesses, and sell their high-quality, local agricultural products online. Such an approach of "connecting the world via the Internet" breaks the limits of time and space hindering the sales of agricultural products, provides products from remote areas with a "channel" to urban markets, and enables Internet development to deliver greater benefits to the poor areas and people. EAST-WEST PAIRING-UP PROGRAM Just as term implies, more prosperous areas in the east have paired up with the underdeveloped areas in the west to help the latter get rid of poverty. Unremitting efforts and cooperation in industries, labor service, talent support, financial support and mobilization of social forces have ensured that the rural poor population under the current standard in the western region has shaken off poverty, and all poor counties have been lifted out of poverty by 2020 with overall regional poverty being eradicated. A typical example of the country's traits in mobilizing all parties to the maximum extent to fight absolute poverty, the pairing-up program tapped into the country's traditional values of "helping each other" and "helping those in need." LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that not a single individual or family should be left behind in the efforts to ensure all farmers live a happy life during his inspection in Jiangsu Province. China's fight against poverty includes all people irrespective of their ethnicity, region and family background so that the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020 can be achieved. Since 2012, the poverty alleviation work has changed from "flood irrigation" to "precise drip irrigation," targeting the poorest of the poor with the slogan "leaving no one behind." The unification of target orientation and problem orientation, as well as the combination of strategic perspective and feasibility, have become the most vivid generalization of precise poverty alleviation, which also shows the Party's firm implementation of its commitment to "common prosperity." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, March 1, was inoculated with the first shot of indigenous Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine. This sets in motion an expansion of India's inoculation drive that began on January 16 with healthcare and frontline workers. PM Modi was administered the jab by Sisters Rosamma Anil and P Niveda, from Kerala and Puducherry. According to P Niveda, the main nurse, the prime minister chatted with them and remarked after receiving the vaccine, "Laga bhi diya aur pata bhi nai chala (It's done? I didn't even realise it)." Sister Niveda said she was told in the morning that PM Modi was coming for the coronavirus vaccine. Also read: COVID-19 vaccination phase-2 begins today: Top developments so far "I was called to administer COVID-19 vaccine but wasn't told that it was the PM who was to get the jab. It was only after I arrived at the hospital that I learnt that Sir [PM Modi] was coming for the vaccine," sister P Niveda, who inoculated PM Modi, told India Today TV. The nurse further stated that PM Modi spoke with her briefly and asked her about her hometown. "It was really nice to meet him," she said adding that the prime minister will be administered his second dose in 28 days. "Today is one of the happiest moments in my life as Prime Minister Modiji came to our hospital for vaccination. He came early in the morning, greeted us with vanakkam (namaste). He enquired about us, from which state we are from, how long we have been here. Me and my colleague administered Covaxin. He was under observation for 30 minutes. There was no complications. He was very happy, thanked us and left after half an hour," Sister Niveda beamed. PM Modi also tweeted a picture of himself taking the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Sporting an Assamese 'gamocha' the prime minister was seen getting vaccinated with a smile on his face. Gamocha is symbolic of the blessings of women from Assam. Also Read: 'Let us make India Covid free': PM Modi gets first dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," PM Modi posted. Addressing the hesitancy over the vaccine, he urged all those eligible to take the jab shot. "Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," said PM Modi. The second phase of the country's inoculation campaign against COVID-19 began on Monday, March 1. People over 60 and 45 with comorbidities will receive the vaccination India on Monday, March 1, began the second phase of its coronavirus vaccination drive to cover 10 crore people across the country. The government, in this phase, will vaccinate people over 60 and individuals over 45 with comorbidities to rein in the rising number of more infectious virus strains leading to a spurt in COVID-19 cases in some states. Registrations to get vaccinated opened at 9 am at www.cowin.gov.in and the Aarogya Setu app with walk-in enrolments in some places as well. 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. Attenborough's Life In Colour Rating: McDonald And Dodds Rating: During his seven decades at the Beeb, teaching us about the marvels of the animal kingdom, Sir David Attenborough must have heard some daft questions. But there can't have been many more stupid than the one I blurted in our phone interview last month, as he enthused about his latest documentary, Attenborough's Life In Colour (BBC1). 'Why,' I asked, 'aren't elephants blue?' He'd just been explaining that some smaller dinosaurs may have been brightly coloured, though not the really big ones: 'Huge brontosaurs don't need colour,' he pointed out, 'like elephants.' What an interesting thought. Gigantic creatures, then and now, from the diplodocus to the sperm whale to the rhino, are all grey. And while my brain was processing this revelation, my mouth carried on independently. I asked about the non-blueness of the elephant. David Attenborough examines the nature of camouflage and other reasons for animal markings in Attenborough's Life In Colour Part of Sir David's immense personal charm is his patience. Instead of snorting with derision, he replied as though the question merited an answer: 'Elephants don't need colour. They invested in size.' Still flapping on automatic, my mouth carried on: 'I suppose,' I wondered, 'there is no advantage to an elephant in having beautiful plumage?' Sir David laughed, possibly in desperation. 'They do perfectly well as it is,' he said. In my defence, the first episode of this endlessly thought-provoking two-part show was crammed with facts to make anyone's head spin. Tigers don't know they are orange, for instance. Cats lack the receptor in their eyes that can differentiate between shades of red and green. Crucially, deer don't have that ability either. To them, predators and jungle foliage are all the same muddy hue. Camera filters showed us how orange fur becomes perfectly camouflaged, but that was the least of the technical tricks Sir David had on display. Ultraviolet light lenses revealed how insects perceive flowers, and what fish see as they dodge sharks around the Great Barrier Reef. Sharp shock of the weekend: It's no Line Of Duty, but if you demand plot twists from your thrillers, Bloodlands (BBC1) delivers. That kidnap at the rugby was unexpected, and as for the final scene on the island, bet you didn't see that one coming! Advertisement Stranger still was the fiddler crab in Darwin, Australia. It registers a two-tone world via 'polarised light', making it exceptionally aware of movement. The male fiddler crab has one giant claw, like the arm of a digger, which it waves in courtship. The screen gave us an approximation of crab-vision, in a sepia world of pale and dark browns. Hungry gulls were highlighted against the sky like electric shadows at the first distant twitch of a wing, the fiddlers fled for their burrows. When Sir David started out, television was all greys. The first programme he wrote and produced, he told me, was about animals and camouflage. Because there were no colour sets, he called it The Pattern Of Animals. That show was live and, sadly, it was not recorded. I did ask whether he'd make another series about colour in nature: 'It has taken me 70 years to come back to the topic,' he said. 'I don't know if I'm in for another 70.' Ah well, ask a silly question . . . Silly questions abounded in McDonald And Dodds (ITV), an all-star mystery so improbable it makes Midsomer Murders seem like a true-crime podcast. Martin Kemp, Patsy Kensit, Cathy Tyson and Rupert Graves played four Eighties icons who went ballooning with their blackmailer, and contrived to jettison him over Bath. Instead of arresting the lot of them, our detective duo (Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins) joined forces with a pedantic air accident investigator (Rob Brydon). Condensed to 60 minutes, this froth would be mildly distracting and sometimes entertaining. But stretched across two hours, it became dull well before the end. 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. Americans should be greatly concerned that while they engaged in their famous insouciance, good has been defined as evil, and evil has been defined as good. by Paul Craig Roberts Big Tech consists of Gestapo organizations that suppress the First Amendment; yet democratic Americans continue to support these fascist organizations. If Americans cared about democracy, they would boycott Big Tech and drive the Gestapo organizations into bankruptcy. Instead, Americans have permitted Gestapo institutions to be institutionalized in American social, political, and economic life. Today in free America people are fired from their jobs not because of inadequate performance but for having social media accounts with companies that do not censor. For example, Colleen Oefelein, a literary agent for the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency in New York City was fired by her boss, Jennifer De Chiara, for merely having a Gab social media account. De Chiara did not even have an excuse that Oefelein uttered a non-woke-approved word. Oefelein experienced ongoing technical problems logging in to her Twitter account. She posted I can no longer log in to Twitter on my computer. Ill be on Facebook and maybe gab? And Instagram. An American Nazi anonymously complained to De Chiara that her employee frequents alt-right social media. DeChiara thanked the anonymous Nazi and said: I have taken swift action, and as of this morning, Colleen Oefelein is no longer an agent. De Chiara went on to apologize for her former employees unpardonable sin of using social media that conservatives use: The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency was distressed to discover this morning, January 25th, that one of our agents has been using the social media platforms Gab and Parler. We do not condone this activity, and we apologize to anyone who has been affected or offended by this. The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency has in the past and will continue to ensure a voice of unity, equality, and one that is on the side of social justice. What are we to make of this? De Chiara claims to stand for unity, equality, and social justice, and fires an employee for having a social media account. Some unity! Some equality! Some social justice! An employee doing her job suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself without an income stream to pay her rent or mortgage and to purchase food. For De Chiara, the punishment of people suspected of being conservative and Christian is social justice. Oefelein said she was fired for suspicion of being a Christian and a conservative. Perhaps De Chiaras agency serves the woke left, and she feared having a suspected conservative as an employee would threaten her business and acted to perserve her agencys clientele. If so, this means the situation in America is even more desperate. Not only are employees at risk of Nazi persecution, but also businesses themselves. Indeed, we already see it with the organized boycott of MyPillow whose CEO protests the stolen election. But dont dare boycott Israel for violating law, stealing Palestine and demonizing and murdering Palestinians. Americans should be greatly concerned that while they engaged in their famous insouciance, good has been defined as evil, and evil has been defined as good. Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast / Photos via Getty Ryan Gallant needed a change of pace. He taught French at a local California middle school, but his salary barely covered his bills. To supplement his income, he worked the late shift at a Mendocino Farms deli. Then, in January of 2019, Gallant finally found an upgrade: a research analyst position at a Folsom-based marketing and media firm called e.Republic. Glassdoor reviews for the company were mixed. Some staff were effusive. Healthy environment, great people!!! one employee wrote in 2018. The rest were unequivocally negative. One reviewer titled their assessment: Worst Job I Ever Had. Another called theirs: Beware! The bad reviews shared a common theme: The companys owners, executives, and much of its upper management were high-ranking members of the Church of Scientology. The company made me right [sic] a positive review to counteract all the negative reviews they were getting because of their affiliation with Scientology, an ex-employee wrote. As one reviewer stated, the best day at e.Republic is the day you leave. Gallant took the job anyway. He figured his new bosses religion wouldnt impact much. It hadnt, after all, kept the firm from dealing with dozens of big-name tech companiesGoogle, AT&T, Verizon, IBM, Ciscoor maintaining relationships with well-known politicians, like Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. (The offices of Garcetti and Burgum did not respond to requests for comment.) Olympian McKayla Maroney Ensnared in Mystery Cult the Church of the Master Angels After he started, Gallant noticed the company had some quirks. Its infrastructure seemed antiquated, and priorities seemed almost random. One executive gave frequent seminars on building a personal brand, occasionally ruminating on the importance of cute hats; the C-suite regularly gave out CDs of Christmas-themed New Jazz, recorded by the president and her husband. But some peculiarities concerned Gallant more than others. For one, the pay was meager; internal payroll documents from 2013 showed starting salaries as low as $24,960, even as executives were compensated more than $10,000 per hour. The days were longhe regularly clocked 10-hour shifts. And the staff was highly-surveilled. Managers would take long, curving sweeps around the office so frequently, an ex-research director claimed, that workers developed a code word for them: sentries. Story continues It was like a 70s factory, another former researcher said. They would call people out for taking slightly too long of breaks like, Reminder staff: Your breaks are to be 10 minutes. Some of you are going for walks and its clearly over 10 minutes. Gallant said he had informed his boss that he suffered from Crohns disease, a condition that can cause chronic fatigue. About a year into his employment he was diagnosed with another rare condition: secondary polycythemia. I was physically and mentally exhausted, he said. They knew I was dealing with medical issues, knew I was overworked, but did absolutely nothing. Gallant relied heavily on his therapist, though the services werent covered by the companys insurance. He also started to see a psychiatrist for the stress. Over the course of his two-year employment, according to receipts reviewed by The Daily Beast, he would pay over $9,000 in out-of-pocket expenses for mental health care. Gallants experience wasnt unique. A half-dozen former and current e.Republic employees told The Daily Beast that the company fostered a brutal work environment, which took a toll on their physical and mental health. I had instances where I needed to work from home just for health reasons, said Ashley Subramani, an ex-researcher who quit in Oct. 2020. They would deny it because they wouldnt be able to monitor what I was doing. Three sources independently confirmed that another employee, an Army veteran who has been diagnosed with PTSD, took a full year of mental health leave under federal provisions through the Department of Veterans Affairs, solely due to work-related stress. All of them attributed the companys atmosphere to the influence of Scientology, which they saw not only as the religion of about a quarter of staffprimarily executivesbut an organizing principle around which the entire business was based. The companys leadership rejects this. From their end, the beliefs of company leadership have no bearing on the business. They see their company as comparable to many others, organized with an eye toward profits and cost-cutting. Accusations of Scientologys involvement, e.Republic COO Paul Harney wrote in a statement, are based on inaccurate and false assumptions, information that is fifteen to twenty years old and way out of date, and items which have been addressed numerous times but continue to be repeated regardless of a basis in fact. (The Church of Scientology did not respond to requests for comment.) But a trove of internal company documents reviewed by The Daily Beast appear to support the staffers claims. Dozens of files, which existed on the companys shared drive as recently as this week, reveal a corporate structure that bears distinct similarity to the management principles laid out by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Some documents detail the Scientology courses executives have taken; others employ Hubbard-specific vocabulary. A seminar guide from 2016 is comprised exclusively of Hubbards quotes and axioms. One training document, when opened in Microsoft Word, still has the track changes where an employee edited out Hubbard citations to replace them with secular ones. A Church of Scientology building in Los Angeles, California Kevork Djansezian/Getty It seems a hodgepodge of disrelated, inaccurate, or old pieces of information that are being conflated into a context and narrative that is not factual, Harney said of the files. These things are all Scientology, former Church of Scientology executive Mike Rinder said after reviewing the documents. They simply remove religious language, and often Hubbards name, and publish them as secular. The companys origin story began in 1984, when two Scientologists named Dennis McKenna and Robert Graves founded GMW Communications, Inc. The idea was to start a media and research corporation focused on connecting tech companies with state and local governments. Over the years, the firm evolved in both name and purpose into a complex corporate structure: e.Republic now does corporate research and sales, plans conferences, and operates several publications, including Techwire, GovTech100, and the once well-known municipal publication Governing, which relaunched last January, after briefly shuttering in 2019. Its a fairly lucrative enterprisegenerating $30.72 million in annual sales revenue, according to D&B Hooversand one connected with countless politicians below the federal level. In the past eight weeks alone, public officials for San Jose, Washington, Maryland, and Georgia have spoken on their webinars. Garcetti has appeared on their podcast, In the Arena, as have the mayors of Dayton, Ohio, Columbia, South Carolina, and Louisville, Kentucky. In 2018, company promo materials cited a Garcetti quote: Im a Governing junkie. From its inception, e.Republics ties to Scientology were no secret. Both McKenna and Graves are long-time, high-ranking members and generous donors to the church. According to the Tampa Bay Times, McKenna has donated at least $1.5 million; Graves, now e.Republics majority stakeholder, has donated at least $1 million. McKenna is a very, very, very well-known Scientologist, Rinder said. Bob Graves is another one. Bob Graves is married to Judy Norton Taylor, a very prominent, well-known Scientologist. Their daughter works for [Scientology President] David Miscavige. Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige Getty The association trickled down to the workplace. A Sacramento News and Review article from 2001 reported that the company had been giving out copies of L. Ron Hubbards management training manual, Speaking From Experience, to every employee on their first day of work and requiring courses on its contents. The book summarized Hubbards philosophy of management, or what he called Administration Technology, which he had laid out over the course of 10 volumes. At the crux of Hubbards technology, Rinder said, was a focus on statistics, monitoring productivity, and constantly requiring an increased level of worker output. You reward those who do well and you penalize those who don't, he explained. It is a very complicated and very arcane system of how you discipline people, how you reward them, how you make them do better and be more compliant. The Church of Scientology implements these practices (and more) in its own businesses, some of which have led to well-publicized scandals. In 2011, the Tampa Bay Times reported on a lawsuit from a former church member who claimed hed been forced to sign a billion-year contract at 6, under which hed worked between 40- and 100-hour weeks for $35-$50 per week. A 2013 expose from the Times provided a detailed account of a brutal work climate at a Los Angeles Scientology outpost. It became a place of confinement and humiliation where Scientology's management culturealways demandinggrew extreme, the Times reporters wrote. Inside, a whos who of Scientology leadership went at each other with brutal tongue lashings, and even hands and fists. (No e.Republic employees have accused anyone of corporal punishment.) Implementing Hubbards management principles in the secular workplace has proved controversial in the past. Most notoriously, in the 1990s, Allstate Insurance came under fire when the Wall Street Journal reported theyd hired a contractor named Don Pearson to conduct training seminars using Hubbards technology. After three years, the company fired Pearson, but not until after hed trained some 3,500 employees in over 200 seminars, leading to several lawsuits and dozens of Equal Employment Opportunity complaints. The same year, Pearson took a position at e.Republic, where he stayed in upper management until 2014. e.Republic firmly rejects any association with Hubbards personal performance metrics or the organization that sells his technology, the World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WISE did not respond to a request for comment). But GMW Communications and e.Republic both appeared in WISE member directories from at least 2001 to 2004. Testimonies of former employees and internal documents indicate that elements of the philosophy persisted at e.Republic into the 2010s. When one woman joined the company in 2016, she saw Hubbards book on several colleagues desks. The use of his training materials had officially been phased out, she said, but the traces were visible; the head of H.R. kept an inspirational poster of him hanging in her office. Several current and former e.Republic employees said they recognized Hubbards principles in the firms organization. Most pointed to common Scientology phrases: Org Board, meaning a chart that lays out the bureaucratic structure of an organization into divisions, departments, and hierarchy of personnel; know-how, for comprehension; and hat, to mean ones particular duties or responsibilities. The same phrases appear throughout files on the company drive. The proper use of hats and hatting preserves valuable know-how in a group, a document titled Hat Write-Up Jason reads. It all too often occurs that the new broom sweeps clean, referring to an individual new to a post who wipes out all the policies and standards being used by that posts predecessor. This practice is generally very detrimental Entire professions, industries and even civilizations have collapsed because they ignored this point. Inside Will and Jada Pinkett Smiths Scientology School for Kids A memo from the Chief of Staff dated March 25, 2016, includes bullet points titled Exec Hats, Org board, and HCOPL Basic Management Tools. According to the Free Dictionary acronym database, HCOPL stands for Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter. A document from April 13 of the same year is a bit more explicit. Titled Conquering Life Postulate Seminar References, the packet compiles 25 pages of quotes and axioms from Hubbard in a range of legibility. THE DEGREES OF SIMPLICITY IS PROPORTIONAL TO THE DEGREE OF NONCONFRONT, the first reads. Reversing this: THE DEGREE OF SIMPLICITY IS PROPORTIONAL TO THE DEGREE OF CONFRONT. Some of the files shared with the Daily Beast were not work-related. A 2005 document titled Contributions recounts a current executives church levels from 1979 to when she completed the highest course, OT8. When I returned home from OT 6 and auditing on OT 7, she wrote at one point, I and my husband knew we needed to make a change and help LRH [L. Ron Hubbard]. Efforts have been taken to erase Hubbard terminology. A training document titled Glossary for Basics on Study still has track changes in it from Oct. 19, 2012. At the top, an editor deleted a sentence noting that definitions taken from the following are definitions by L. Ron Hubbard. Throughout the document, Hubbards phrases have been removed, leaving only those from secular sources like Merriam-Webster. None of the employees found the phrases as troubling as the work philosophy they seemed to representa high degree of micromanagement, a persistent focus on performance failures, and retribution when staff stepped outside the norm. I dont even know how to describe it, the ex-research director said, figuratively, other than taking someone to the shed and beating them. Thats what it brings to my mind. A document titled Research & Navigator Department Analysis 2015 captures a snapshot of the criticism she described. Research Coordinator [name redacted], found to be dishonest and lying, spreading disaffection; underutilized, the first bullet reads. Elsewhere, the author singled out another employees quality control issues, poor quality results, and inadequacies in being able to deliver high quality products, adding 3 clients hes flubbed on as of recent. Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard Los Angeles Daily News It was 100 percent surveilled, one worker said. Theyd read all your emails. They would read all your instant messaging through the company. When one former researcher gave notice, three sources recalled, shed told colleagues prior to telling the executives, asking them to keep it discrete. She wiped her work computer, but management restored her files. When they learned colleagues had known about her departure, three of them were brought in for questioning. I got called into [an executives] office who said, You know, I went through and read all the emails, one of them remembered, So I know that she told you. It was the culture that Gallant and others say led them to seek mental health treatment. But none felt they could discuss it at work. Scientology is strictly opposed to psychiatrythe Scientology-affiliated Citizens Commission on Human Rights, for example, operates the Los Angeles-based museum, Psychiatry: An Industry of Death, which blames both 9/11 and the Holocaust on psychiatry. In a 1969 Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter titled TARGETS, DEFENSE, the churchs founder outlined his opposition to the profession: The names and connections, at this time, of the bitterly opposing enemy are: Psychiatry and psychology (not medicine). The heads of news media who are also directors of psychiatric front groups. A few key political figures in the fields of mental health and education. A decline of monetary stability caused by the current planning of bankers who are also directors of psychiatric front organizations [that] would make us unable to function. The companys benefits do cover in-network mental health care, as is mandated by the Affordable Care Act, and e.Republic wholly rejects ever dissuading workers from using it. Maintaining a sustainable business requires having a healthy work-life balance among all of our team, e.Republic COO Paul Harney said. This means being sensitive to the different requirements and work styles for all the people at e.Republic. Multiple upper managers, however, are alleged to have advocated against psychiatric treatmentthe H.R. departments Medical Privacy Officer has been photographed at anti-psychiatry protests. According to the Sacramento News and Review, longtime-executive Pearson founded a local chapter of the Citizens Commission and a political action committeethe Association of Citizens for Social Reformdedicated to eliminating public funding for mental health care. In January, Gallant invoked the Family and Medical Leave Act so he could take two weeks mental health leave without explanation. When it ended, he quit to do research on his own. I would work there for 10 hours a dayI was stressed, Id get berated by my bosses, make no headway, and was made to feel like Im insane, he said. Ive got to deal with actual life. I had a little baby, whom I love to death Ive got to try to have some semblance of my own life. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Victoria has recorded a fourth consecutive day of no new local cases of COVID-19. The state had 10 active cases on Tuesday, one less than on Monday, and more than 13,500 tests were processed. Melbourne workers began to return to the city amid eased restrictions on Monday. Foot traffic sensors installed at the Flinders Street Station underpass detected 1184 people walking through the area between 8am and 9am on Monday. Catherine O'Hara had fun recreating the feeling of an in-person awards show while accepting her Golden Globe remotely during Sunday's ceremony. The Canadian star, 66, cast in from home as she thanked Schitt's Creek co-stars/creators Eugene and Dan Levy for letting her play eccentric matriarch Moira Rose, a character who wore '100 wigs' and spoke 'like an alien.' And while safe in her living room, O'Hara gave her speech the full awards show treatment by peppering her speech with fake applause and starting her own walk-off music midway through. Going virtual: Catherine O'Hara interrupted her own Golden Globes acceptance speech with applause and music while thanking Schitt's Creek creators and co-stars Eugene and Daniel Levy during Sunday's semi-remote ceremony After thanking fellow nominees Lily Collins (Emily in Paris), Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant), Elle Fanning (The Great) and Jane Levy (Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist), she sent her gratitude to the father/son comedy duo, the Levys. 'They created an inspiring, funny, beautiful family love story in which they let me wear 100 wigs and speak like an alien,' the first-time winner said. 'From the first read-through, where no one had to fake a laugh, to the final day on set where everyone except me held back tears... It's an experience that I am proud to be apart.' As Catherine's speech continued, she was interrupted by the crackle of applause coming from husband Bo Welch's phone. What a character: She sent her gratitude to the Levys for letting her play eccentric matriarch Moira Rose, a character who wore '100 wigs' and spoke 'like an alien' Category-mates: Her fellow nominees Lily Collins (Emily in Paris), Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant), Elle Fanning (The Great) and Jane Levy (Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist) were charmed by O'Hara's speech Interruptions: As Catherine's speech continued, she was interrupted by the crackle of applause coming from husband Bo Welch's phone Rushing to get in her final words as orchestral music began to surge, Catherine said: 'Thank you CBC for making a show in Canada, thank you Pop Network.' Powering through, she continued: 'Thank you Netflix. While we were sheltering in place, Netflix brought the show around the world.' O'Hara raised her voice to a yell as she tried to wrap things up, saying: 'Very happy in our family in lockdown might have brought some comfort to you and yours. Then, finishing with a melody she sang: 'I hope that it will not take you six years to realize your greatest asset is having each other to love.' In a hurry: Rushing to get in her final words as orchestral music began to surge, Catherine thanked CBC, Pop Network and Netflix for their parts in bringing the show to the world Sing-a-long: Finishing with a melody she sang: 'I hope that it will not take you six years to realize your greatest asset is having each other to love' All dressed up: Schitt's Creek creator and co-star Dan Levy made an appearance from home, sporting a yellow Valentino Haute Couture suit Inclusion matters: He accepted the award for Best Television Series Musical or Comedy, saying in his speech: 'This acknowledgment is a lovely vote of confidence in the messages Schitt's Creek has come to stand for; the idea that inclusion can bring about growth and love to a community' Schitt's Creek finished in 2020 after six-seasons. The series is up for five honors, including best television series, musical or comedy. This year's ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Coast-to-coast: Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time, but will be on opposite coasts of the US, a first in the history of the Globes Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Nominees tuned into the ceremony remotely but presenters were asked to appear in person. Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020. For those who don't know, if Paris Hilton lost ALL of her cash and gained about 75lbs. She'd still be the richest and classiest person in Leawood, Kansas - Sorry but that's the best analogy we can develop to explain the ethos of this Kansas City metro high class enclave. Accordingly, a dutiful local real estate blogger offers even better perspective and insight . . . "A look at one of the most EXPENSIVE and one of the best Kansas City suburbs, Leawood Kansas! This vlog takes you to see the homes, shopping, and outdoor areas that make Leawood an awesome and pricey Suburb of the Kansas City area. With lots to do, low crime rate, and highly rated schools, Leawood is a cant miss for a growing family." Take a look . . . You decide . . . SIU earns Tree Campus Higher Education honors for a sixth straight year by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has earned national recognition as a 2020 Tree Campus Higher Education program, the sixth consecutive year the Arbor Day Foundation has honored the university for its commitment to effective forest management. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and having to make adjustments in the way we are doing some things, were proud that we continue to meet the sustainable campus standards, Dave Tippy, superintendent of grounds, said. We are still striving to improve the overall tree canopy on the SIU campus. One of select group SIU is one of just 403 campuses across the country chosen for the Tree Campus Higher Education program, an honor previously called Tree Campus USA. In order to earn the designation, SIU had to meet five campus sustainability standards including: Establishing a tree advisory committee. Creating a campus tree care plan. Sustaining a campus tree program. Having some type of Arbor Day observance annually (although in 2020 lenience was given due to the pandemic.) Sponsoring student service learning projects. Making it happen in a pandemic Usually, about 150 grade school students from around the region enjoy a guided tree walk around SIU, where they learn about the QR tree coding identification system, learn to identify various trees and participate in nature activities courtesy of the Tree Campus Advisory committee, Plant and Service Operations grounds department and the SIU Forestry Club. The tree walk wasnt feasible in the midst of the pandemic so campus officials created a new online program with a much more extensive outreach. Now, anyone can see and learn more about SIUs extensive variety of trees by viewing a Virtual Tree Tour and a 360 Degree Virtual Tree Tour. Trees vital to campus culture SIU has more than 5,300 inventoried trees, including over 160 different species, just on the main campus. The SIU Arboretum also offers six self-guided tree identification tours which can be seen virtually or enjoyed as walking tours. You can view the names and photos of the trees along with numerous other details about their bark, fruit, leaves and more. In addition, there are thousands of additional non-inventoried trees in the wooded areas around Campus Lake, Thompson Woods and auxiliary properties including the Touch of Nature Environmental Center and the farms. SIU is the first university in Illinois to earn Level II Arboretum Accreditation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and is featured in the Morton Register of Arboreta, the only global initiative that officially recognizes arboreta for development, capacity and professionalism. Looking toward the future The campus-wide collaborative commitment to sustainability education, community outreach and environmental stewardship is ongoing, according to Tippy. Were evaluating how to handle things this year as far as having events or activities that engage the campus community and public in the spirit of our tree campus and conservation. We may need to make adjustments to comply with state and campus safety standards but we are committed to continuing our tradition of outreach programming, Tippy said. Learn more about the Tree Campus initiative online or by contacting Tippy at 618-453-8179 or Elizabeth Cheek at 618-453-8185. PHILADELPHIA, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CARISMA Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative immunotherapies, announced today the second closing of its Series B equity financing, bringing the total amount raised in this round to $59 million and CARISMA's total capital raised to date to nearly $121 million. The second closing of the Series B round included additional funding from founding investors, IP Group, Inc. and Penn Medicine, and new investor 4BIO Capital. They join the initial Series B investor syndicate of SymBiosis II, Solasta Ventures, Livzon Pharmaceuticals Group, AbbVie Ventures, HealthCap, Wellington Partners, TPG Biotech, Agent Capital and MRL Ventures Fund. "We are pleased to receive additional support from one of our founding investors, IP Group, Inc., as well as Penn Medicine, and new participant 4BIO Capital, a fund committed to solely investing in advanced therapies," said Steven Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer at CARISMA Therapeutics. "With our lead candidate, CT-0508, now officially in Phase I clinical trials, this additional funding puts CARISMA in an even stronger position in the field of immunotherapy as we advance our mission of evaluating the potential of engineered macrophages." Proceeds from the financing will be used to advance current pipeline and discovery programs, including the Phase I clinical trial of CARISMA's lead candidate, CT-0508, an anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeted chimeric antigen receptor macrophage discovered at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). CARISMA recently initiated trial enrollment and patient screening for the first-of-its-kind, first-in-human study of CT-0508 at Penn and the University of North Carolina. The funding will also allow CARISMA to further develop its proprietary engineered-macrophage platform, continue pipeline expansion in cancer indications and enable the platform's application to disease areas outside of cancer. About CARISMA Therapeutics Inc. CARISMA Therapeutics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing a differentiated and proprietary cell therapy platform focused on engineered macrophages, cells that play a crucial role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. The first applications of the platform, developed in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, are autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophages for the treatment of solid tumors. CARISMA Therapeutics is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit www.carismatx.com About IP Group, Inc. IP Group, Inc. is a returns-driven hard science investment firm that discovers and builds early-stage companies with extraordinary commercial potential emerging from some of the most productive university research and national laboratories in North America. It's team of investment professionals are deeply technical, company building experts in the life and physical sciences who provide critical support to founders in scaling commercially viable businesses based on their innovation. Since inception, the firm has founded nearly 30 companies, who are changing the world with their technology, created nearly half a billion USD of aggregate corporate value, and scaled its investment platform for continued growth. For more information, please visit www.ipgroup-inc.com About 4BIO Capital 4BIO Capital is an international venture capital firm focused solely on the advanced therapies sector. 4BIO's objective is to invest in, support, and grow early stage companies developing treatments in areas of high unmet medical need, with the ultimate goal of ensuring access to these potentially curative therapies for all patients. Specifically, it looks for viable, high-quality opportunities in cell and gene therapy, RNA-based therapy, targeted therapies, and the microbiome. The 4BIO team comprises leading advanced therapy scientists and experienced life science investors who have collectively published over 250 scientific articles in prestigious academic journals including Nature, The Lancet, Cell, and the New England Journal of Medicine. 4BIO has both an unrivalled network within the advanced therapy sector and a unique understanding of the criteria that define a successful investment opportunity in this space. For more information, please visit www.4biocapital.com Editor's Note: CARISMA has licensed certain Penn-owned intellectual property from the University of Pennsylvania, and Penn's Perelman School of Medicine receives sponsored research funding from the company. Penn holds equity in Carisma and may also be entitled to receive future financial benefits from technologies licensed and optioned to CARISMA. Media Contact: Christina Khoury-Folkens 612-806-0757 [email protected] SOURCE CARISMA Therapeutics Inc. Related Links http://www.carismatx.com Amid ongoing farmers' protest against three farms laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the Central government's vision is to empower small farmers and expand the options for them to sell their produce. Modi also emphasized the need to explore ways to leverage 'One District, One Product' scheme to take Indian products to the global markets. Outlining the Central government's vision for small farmers, the Prime Minister said the "empowerment of these small farmers will greatly help in ridding Indian agriculture from many problems". Modi's message comes at a time when thousands of farmers are sitting on indefinite agitation at Delhi borders seeking withdrawal of three laws. The protest that started on November 26 last year, entered 96th day on Monday. Addressing a webinar on effective implementation of Budget provisions regarding Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare through video conference, Modi highlighted some of the provisions for Agriculture in the Union Budget like increasing the Agriculture Credit target to Rs 16,50,000 crore with priority to Animal husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries sector and increasing Rural Infrastructure Fund to Rs 40,000 crore. He said that the budget has provisions of doubling the allocation for micro irrigation, expanding the scope of Operation Green Scheme to 22 perishable products and linking 1,000 more mandis with e-NAM -- an online trading platform for agricultural commodities in India which facilitates farmers, traders and buyers with online trading in commodities. The Prime Minister stressed India's need for Post-Harvest Revolution or Food Processing Revolution and Value Addition in the 21st century, amidst ever-increasing agricultural production. "It would have been very good for the country if this work would have been done two-three decades ago," the Prime Minister commented. The Prime Minister strongly emphasized on developing processing in every agriculture related sector such as food grains, vegetables, fruits, fisheries. He said, for this, it is critical that farmers should have the storage facilities near their villages and called for the improvement of the system of taking the produce from the fields to processing units and emphasized that hand holding of these units be done by the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He stressed on the need for expanding the options for the country's farmers to sell their produce. "We have to expand our country's agriculture sector into the global market for processed food. We must increase the number of Agro-Industries Clusters near the village so that the people of the village can get employment related to farming in the village itself," said the Prime Minister. Giving example of Organic Clusters and Export clusters, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said that such kind of clusters will play a major role in providing employment to people in villages. He envisioned that "we have to move towards a scenario where agro based products move from the village to the cities and industrial products reach villages from cities". Experts from Agriculture, Dairy, Fisheries sector; stakeholders from Public, Private and Cooperative sector and Representatives from Banks funding the rural economy participated in the event. Union Minister for Agriculture was present in the webinar. For week ending Feb. 26 Senate Bill 114, Allocate coronavirus epidemic relief dollars: Passed 19 to 15 in the Senate To appropriate $672.7 million federal dollars and $55 million collected from state taxpayers for various coronavirus response activities including $390.1 million more for vaccine distribution and virus tests, $282.5 million more for rental subsidies, and $55 million state dollars to give a $2.25 hourly raise to certain social welfare direct care workers through September. 33 Sen. Rick Outman R - Six Lakes Y 35 Sen. Curt VanderWall R - Ludington Y Senate Bill 29, Authorize more school spending in current fiscal year: 20 to 15 in the Senate To appropriate an additional $1.246 billion for Michigan's public school system in the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Of this, $932 million is federal money and the rest comes from state taxpayers. A total of $807 million would be allocated to school districts based on the number of children from lower income households they enroll. Another $90 million would go to K-8 summer school programs and $45.0 million for high school credit recovery programs, with smaller amounts for other purposes. 33 Sen. Rick Outman R - Six Lakes Y 35 Sen. Curt VanderWall R - Ludington Y House Bill 4015, Authorize sanctions for offering faux-government services: Passed 102 to 7 in the House To add to the dozens of violations specified in a state consumer protection act a new one that applies to a private third party who offers online services that are performed by a state agency, department, or division without conspicuously indicating that the operation is not a government entity, and without disclosing the prices and terms. 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y 100 Rep. Scott VanSingel R - Grant Y 102 Rep. Michele Hoitenga R - Manton Y House Joint Resolution A, Require two-thirds vote on "lame duck" session bills To place before voters in the next general election a constitutional amendment to require that bills passed in a lame duck legislative session held after the election in an even year must get a two-thirds House and Senate majority vote to become law. To be placed on the ballot, a House or Senate Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment much get at least a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. Approval by the governor is not required. 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y 100 Rep. Scott VanSingel R - Grant N 102 Rep. Michele Hoitenga R - Manton Y SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, nonpartisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, nonpartisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Permission to reprint this legislative summary in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that MichiganVotes.org is properly cited. Y = Yes, N = No, X = Not Voting by Francis Khoo Thwe The woman killed was a teacher who demonstrated. Demonstrations also in Mandalay, in Lashio (Shan State), in Myitkyina (Kachin State). In Mandalay there are Catholic and Buddhist parades. In Myitkyina a nun pleaded alone in front of the military. The new junta fires the Burmese ambassador to the UN, Kyaw Moe Tun, who has asked for the help of the international community. Yangon (AsiaNews) - An expectant mother died this morning in Yangon, hit by an army bullet. The woman, a teacher, was demonstrating together with thousands of other colleagues and doctors against the coup and the military dictatorship established by gen. Min Aung Hlaing, and for the liberation of democratic leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. Police and military used bullets, tear gas and charges to disperse groups of demonstrators in different parts of the city. Another man, taken to the hospital with a bullet in the chest, died soon after. In other cities of Myanmar there are similar scenes: demonstrations and killings. In Dawei, in the southeast, at least one person was killed and more than 12 were injured, according to local media. Other demonstrations were held in Mandalay, Lashio (Shan State), Myitkyina (Kachin State). So far there are no serious accidents. In Mandalay, Catholics, along with Buddhist nuns, demonstrated in their thousands, praying the rosary and carrying pro-democracy placards (photo 2). In Myitkyina, a nun knelt alone in front of the policemen, asking them to stop the violence and defend democracy (photo 3). Last week, Jan. Min Aung Hlaing called on the military to use minimal force to contain the protests. But despite this, as of yesterday at least 5 people had died, killed by lethal bullets fired during demonstrations, or during night raids. The army claims that a policeman also died after a clash with demonstrators. The duration and extent of the demonstrations and the strike (the CDM, Civil Disobedience Movement, the movement of civil disobedience) has plunged the country into crisis and frustrated the junta, also pressured by criticism from the international community. Yesterday, the Burmese ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun asked the UN General Assembly for help against the military dictatorship. Today, the new government of the junta fired him for having "betrayed the nation" and "abused the power and responsibilities of ambassador". State television reported that more than 470 people were arrested in yesterday's demonstrations. It is still unclear how many people have been detained today. Another month, another delay. Carnival Cruise Line said last week it will not return to the seas until June at the earliest. The next voyage of its Sunshine cruise ship from Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston has now been pushed to June 3 a four-day sailing to Carnival's private Half Moon Cay island in the Bahamas. This is at least the 10th time the Miami-based leisure operator has extended its hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down pleasure trips from U.S. ports nearly a year ago. "We continue to work on plans to resume operations and are encouraged by the focus to expedite vaccine production and distribution which are having a demonstrated impact on improving public health, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. "We appreciate the support of all of our guests, employees and trade partners who we know are looking forward to our return." As it has done throughout the pause, Carnival is providing guests on cruises that have been canceled the choice of a future cruise credit plus an onboard credit package or a full refund. A mighty wind A French company that makes underwater electric cables in Goose Creek is sizing up the wind conditions from an economic standpoint. In a letter to the Bureau of Energy Management, Nexans asked the agency to upgrade the financial benefits of a New York wind-power project to "major" from "minor." It said the federal agency underestimated the impact the proposed South Fork Wind Farm and all wind farms, for that matter could have on jobs and spending. "Based on actual experience in Europe, this industry can be expected to trigger the creation of thousands of jobs, revitalize port communities, create a U.S. supply chain and invest billions in the United States economy," Emmanuel Martin-Lauzer, director of business development for the Nexans plant in Berkeley County, wrote to the bureau. "A study by the American Wind Energy Association from March 2020 states that the U.S. offshore wind (industry) could support up to 83,000 jobs and $25 billion per year in economic output by 2030," Martin-Lauzer wrote. His letter was in response to the bureau's draft environmental impact statement for the wind farm. Nexans is investing $200 million to upgrade its manufacturing site adjacent to the Cooper River at the Charleston International Manufacturing Center. The facility produces submarine cables in unbroken lengths of up to 50 miles. Nexans also is building special ships to load the cables at its dock before steaming to locations worldwide. Nexans said one of those locations could be the South Fork project about 35 miles east of Montauk Point on Long Island. The wind farm with 15 turbines will deliver power to the town of East Hampton, N.Y. "The decisions that will be made in the coming months by regulatory agencies are key to the future and the economic viability of the offshore wind industry in the U.S.," Martin-Lauzer wrote. "When all externalities are considered, this industry will be one of the major components for a durable, sustainable, and economic energy mix that will be needed to power our economy into the future." Visionary transaction A Charleston-area vision-care practice with nine locations around the region has unloaded some of its owner-occupied real estate holdings in the blink of an eye. Affiliates of Carolina Eyecare Physicians recently sold four of its offices to a single buyer for a combined $12.1 million, according to Charleston County land records. The new landlord is Nashville, Tenn.-based Montecito Medical Real Estate. The purchases appear to be the first investments in the South Carolina market for the Music City company, according to its website. Montecito's priciest acquisition among the four was a standalone Mount Pleasant building at 1101 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., a.k.a Clarity Lane. It fetched more than $4.8 million. The other Carolina Eyecare offices to change hands are on Tricom Street in North Charleston and Charlie Hall Boulevard in West Ashley. Privately held Montecito said its has been investing in commercial real estate owned and occupied by physician groups for 15 years. Typically, the sellers lease back their spaces. We pioneered a unique model that treats sellers of medical office properties as long-term partners rather than mere participants in a transaction. We help them unlock the financial potential of their real estate," the company said. Capital idea The capital of the Sunshine State has landed some capital from a Charleston-based real estate developer. Mountain Shore Properties opened the doors to its newly built Hyatt House in Tallahassee about two weeks ago in the panhandle citys Railroad Square Art District. The five-story, extended-stay property has 120 guestrooms, including 77 with full kitchens, along with most of the other traditional lodging amenities, such as a pool, fitness center, meeting rooms and retail space. Mountain Shore, which is based in The Refinery development on Meeting Street Road and has roots in West Virginia, said Tallahassee "offers a unique and dynamic mix of government, university and business interests," noting that its home to the Legislature, Florida State University and Florida A&M University. 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! "We think the demand for travel in the back half of 2021 is going to be extremely strong," CEO Stephen Wendell said in a statement. "The underlying demand generators, pre-COVID 19, still exist and show no signs of stopping. The fact is that some aspects of business travel cant be done virtually. It is my belief and hope that we are going to be in a far different world come summer." Mountain Shore's most recent hotel project in the Charleston region also flies the Hyatt House flag. It opened in 2019 near the Midtown development along Hungryneck Boulevard in Mount Pleasant Big VA-rma A landlord for a local Department of Veterans Affairs outpost is feeling pretty upbeat about its decision to buy the agency's new local mail-based pharmacy last year. The drug distribution hub in North Charleston was one of the highlights of Easterly Government Properties Inc.s quarterly call with investors last week as CEO William Trimble summarized the firms 2020 acquisitions. The Washington D.C.-based landlord, which invests in real estate leased to federal agencies, made its latest local purchase in early November. It paid a private development group $17 million for a new 97,718-square-foot warehouse in North Charleston thats now serving as the VAs new Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy. The medication clearinghouse is on an 8.6-acre site in an industrial park between Ladson and Ashley Phosphate roads. It replaced a smaller, outdated distribution center the VA had operated on Rivers Avenue. Easterly pointed out to analysts last week that the federal government has demonstrated its long-term commitment to this location by inking a lease that expires in September 2040 and cant be canceled. Also, the company noted that the VA has invested heavily in the property, which generates slightly north of $1.38 million in annual rental revenue, or about $14.16 per square foot. The veterans agency was running six pharmacies that use the mail to deliver prescriptions when it expanded the concept to South Carolina in 1997 in a former Kmart store. In recent years, as many as 26 million orders for VA patients were filled in North Charleston, which is one of only two locations authorized to handle controlled substances. Easterly has previously said the new pharmacy site would run on a two-shift schedule, each staffed by about 190 workers Locally, the real estate company also owns the partly historic federal courthouse annex in downtown Charleston. It paid $24 million for the Broad Street property in 2018. Previously, Easterly shelled out $25 million for the Faber Place building that houses the Immigration and Customs Enforcements offices in North Charleston. Combined, the two properties generate more than $6 million in annual rental income. Taking off One of South Carolina's busiest airports is drawing some fly-by looks. Myrtle Beach International was voted the "Best Small Airport" in the 2021 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The annual awards highlight overachievers in the travel industry. Nominees are chosen by a panel of experts in conjunction with 10Best editors. The top 10 were determined by vote over four weeks in January. "The airport team is incredibly proud of this win," said Scott Van Moppes, director. "This title places MYR in the national spotlight, allowing the rest of the country to see why our airport is a favorite among travelers and continually growing in popularity." Back in the office The CEO of one of South Carolina's largest publicly traded companies is back on the job after a month-long brush with COVID-19. John D. Williams returned to the corner office at Fort Mill-based paper and packaging giant Domtar Corp. on March 1 after a medical leave of absence that was announced Jan. 29. In the interim, company finance chief Daniel Buron had been pulling double duty as chief executive. Williams made it back in time to announce the closing of Domtars previously announced sale of its personal care division to American Industrial Partners under a plan to refocus on its paper, pulp and packaging businesses. The proceeds from the $920 million deal will be used to pay down debt and buy back stock. Williams has been president and CEO for 12 years at Domtar, which traces its roots to an English company that was started in 1848. Its name is taken from the former Dominion Tar and Chemical Co. Ltd. After this weeks divestment, the company's global payroll fell by about 2,100 to about 6,600 workers at 50 sites. Game of chicken A Lone Star State dining chain that pushes poultry is eyeing the South Carolina market. Dallas-based Pollo Campero said it's aiming to open 10 franchise locations in the state over the next five years, including the Charleston area. The chain the name is Spanish for "country chicken" got its start in Guatemala in 1971 as a family-owned operation. Its recipes include fried, citrus grilled and extra crunchy chicken offerings along with side items. The restaurant operator currently has 77 locations in operation or development in 19 states in the U.S. and 400 worldwide, but wants to add 250 new sites nationwide. For now, it has no presence in the Palmetto State. Julien Sitbon Wins the partypoker MILLIONS Online #16 Warm Up ($75,134) March 01, 2021 Jason Glatzer The MILLIONS Online crowned four new winners at partypoker including Julien Sitbon, Espen Uhlen Jorstad, Mitchell Blanchard, and Torbin Winther Sorensen. Meanwhile, Peter Jetten bagged the chip lead in the partypoker MILLIONS Online Main Event, which you can read more about in the dedicated Main Event recap. Read on to learn more about the biggest recent events in the MILLIONS Online at partypoker. Head to the NEW partypoker Hub Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest partypoker news right here on PokerNews? Why not try out the new partypoker Hub! Find Out More Julien Sitbon Wins the MILLIONS Online #16 Warm Up ($75,134) The MILLIONS Online #16 boasted a $1,050 buy-in along with a generous $500,000 guaranteed prize pool. A total of 619 entrants came out in full force during the events three opening flights to generate a $619,000 prize pool to smash the guarantee. A smaller field of 92 players came back for Sunday's Day 2, each guaranteed at least a min-cash of $1,137 in addition to any bounties collected along the way. After a little more than nine hours of play, French poker pro Julien Sitbon, who was waving the Union Jack flag at partypoker, came out on top to win the $42,609 top prize along with $32,525 in bounties to collect a grand total of $75,134. Sitbon bested Matthew Eardley (second - $56,783) in heads-up play with Matias Federico Gabrenja (third - $39,898) also finishing on the podium. Others at the final table were Vitalii Pankov, (fourth - $29,741), Joseph Lalor (fifth - $25,800), Andres Korn (sixth - $17,623), David Coleman (seventh - $11,577), Daniel Smyth (eighth = $13,887), and Theo Arnoldi (ninth - $6,772). In other news, Norwegian poker pro living in the United Kingdom Espen Uhlen Jorstad managed a big haul in the mini-version of this event featuring a $109 buy-in and a $267,100 after shipping this event for $15,635 in prize money in addition to $11,157 in bounties to bank a grand total of $26,792. Espen Uhlen Jorstad wins the Mini Warm-Up. MILLIONS Online #16 Warm Up Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize Bounties Total Prize 1 Julien Sitbon United Kingdom $42,609 $32,525 $75,134 2 Matthew Eardley United Kingdom $42,546 $14,236 $56,783 3 Matias Federico Gabrenja Argentina $28,390 $11,508 $39,898 4 Vitalii Pankov Russia $18,531 $11,211 $29,741 5 Joseph Lalor Ireland $12,757 $13,043 $25,800 6 Andres Korn Argentina $9,881 $7,742 $17,623 7 David Coleman Canada $7,342 $4,234 $11,577 8 Daniel Smyth Ireland $5,903 $7,984 $13,887 9 Theo Arnoldi Canada $4,741 $2,031 $6,772 Mitchell Blanchard Wins the MILLIONS Online #17 High Roller Turbo ($47,327) Stephen O'Dwyer finished in second place. The MILLIONS Online #17 High Roller Turbo was a one day event featuring a $2,100 buy-in that took slightly more than 5 1/2 hours of play from start to finish on Sunday evening. The tournament attracted 86 entrants to generate a $172,000 prize pool to crush the $100,000 guarantee slapped onto this event. Mitchell Blanchard bested Stephen O'Dwyer in heads-up play to win the $47,237 top prize. O'Dwyer walked away with a nice consolation prize of $30,269, while Luc Greenwood was also on the podium with a third-place finish valued at $20,657. Ivan Zufic (fourth - $14,611), Steven Clark (fifth - $10,751), Phillip Mighall (sixth - $8,386), and Kevin MacDonald (seventh - $6,912) were among the earlier casualties at the final table. In related news, Torbin Winther Sorensen shipped the mini-version of this event featuring a $215 buy-in and a $49,200 prize pool for the $9,430 top prize. MILLIONS Online #17 High Roller Turbo Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Mitchell Blanchard Canada $47,237 2 Stephen O'Dwyer Netherlands $30,269 3 Luc Greenwood Canada $20,657 4 Ivan Zufic Croatia $14,611 5 Steven Clark Canada $10,751 6 Philip Mighall United Kingdom $8,386 7 Kevin MacDonald Canada $6,912 MILLIONS Online #18 Second Chance Begins Tonight Another winner will be crowned in the MILLIONS Online at partypoker on Monday, March 1 with the one-day MILLIONS Online #18 Second Chance kicking off at 7:05 p.m. GMT (2:05 p.m. EST). The tournament boasts a $200,000 prize pool for a $2,600 and features 15-minute blind levels from start to finish. Players can re-enter once during the 12-level late-registration window. Players can qualify for a cheaper price point with plenty of $265 satellites running leading up to the event. Related: Check out the FULL partypoker MILLIONS Online schedule Join the Love Party! Valentine's Day took place already more than two weeks ago but the love continues for another three days at partypoker thanks to its Love Party promotion for both new and existing players. If you don't already have an account, simply download partypoker through PokerNews to take advantage of this promotion and get in on the epic MILLIONS Online action. The first part of the promotion is simply completing a daily Love Party mission. The first step is to opt into the mission via the client's 'Promotions' section. After that you will be presented an easy-to-complete mission such as winning a cash game hand with a suited big slick. You will be awarded a random prize after you complete the mission which could include a MILLIONS Online ticket worth $55! This is not all as partypoker also giving you the chance to claim a mystery prize this week simply by making a deposit using the 'LOVEPARTY' deposit code between now and March 3. The prize could be a freeroll ticket, a SPINS ticket, or even $50 in cold, hard cash! Head to partypoker today to not miss out on the free love before time runs out. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. PORTLAND, Maine, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Maine Honda Dealers Association (MHDA) is supporting six local schools with donations intended to improve lunch programs. This mission was built upon American Honda's campaign to assist communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With COVID-19 causing the suspension of in-person learning, food resources remain a concern for many families with schoolchildren. According to nokidhungry.org, one in four children could face hunger due to the pandemic. In Maine, 173,080 people are struggling with hunger, and 47,460 of them are children. The MHDA is committed to giving back to school lunch programs that are in deficit as a result of COVID-19. The six dealerships within the association have each chosen a local school to donate $1,000 to its lunch program. Connor Archer of The Green House Village Preschool says of the donation, "This generous contribution by Darling's Honda on behalf of Maine Honda Dealers will be used to support our Green House Village Preschool Educational Programming Opportunities. This donation will help us to provide more affordable and equal opportunities for children during these unprecedented times." Lee Honda, a dealership within the MHDA, has donated $1,500 to Auburn Public Schools over the past nine months. Bill Menke, General Manager at Lee Auto Malls, states that the dealership is proud to honor its community in this way. He says supporting school lunch programs is especially important in these times and that Lee Honda is committed to advocating for the elimination of hunger. Chris Piercey, School Nutrition Director at the Auburn School Department, says, "I can tell you that the generous donation from Lee Honda will be used to assist us keeping anyone eighteen and under in need of meals inside and outside of school fed. The donation further demonstrates the kind of community existing here in Auburn." The association has a strong commitment to support and serve local communities. The MHDA have previously worked with Feed Maine, donating $441,623 in 2018 and 2019. To learn more about community initiatives supported by the MHDA, please visit the association's Facebook page or MaineHondaDealers.com. About Maine Honda Dealers: Maine Honda Dealers Association consists of six premier Honda dealerships throughout the state of Maine that provide service to the Biddeford, Portland, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, and Presque Isle communities. For more information, please visit www.MaineHondaDealers.com. SOURCE Maine Honda Dealers Thiruvananthapuram, March 1 : In a path-breaking fight against Covid-19, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, the national autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, has certified Aerolyz, the patented air steriliser operating in visible light photo-catalytic technology as 100 per cent safe air treatment sterilisation technology for air-conditioned, closed environments. The certificate, issued by the RGCB states that the tests were performed using the single-pass method according to a modified ISO protocol. Chandrabhas Narayana, director-RGCB, handed over the certificate Kerala Health Minister, K.K. Shailaja. To test the efficacy of the product Influenza A, 2009 H1N1-Swine flu, Coronavirus E gene and Coronavirus S gene were fed to the inlet of the sterilizer (AEROLYZ ASR 600) and subsequent air samples of different time intervals were checked for the presence of the pathogen using RT-PCR, endorses RGCB. "Tests were carried with more than 100 million virus count per milliliter in four-time intervals, in total 80 times and it is concluded that AEROLYZ ASR 600 Air sterilizer is efficient enough to eradicate 100 per cent of Influenza A, 2009 H1N1-Swine flu, Coronavirus E gene, and Coronavirus S gene in a single pass through the equipment," the RGCB certification confirms. The low energy cascade oxidation technology in Aerolyz makes use of harmless visible light to activate the nano-coated catalyst to vaporize pathogens in the air without emitting any harmful byproducts. The technology, instead of filtering and storing harmful germs, kills the entire micro-organisms in the air, thereby ensuring a germs-free, healthy environment in any closed, air conditioned ambiances like auditoriums, offices, hospitals, and business spaces. Aerolyz is a product of Panlys Biosecurity Solutions Ltd., an establishment registered with the Kerala Startup Mission of the Government of Kerala. The Aerolyz is the result of collective research by Syriac Joseph Palackal, a scientist in synthetic chemistry who developed various catalytic technologies that are protected by 64 US patents from reputed centers in the US and Germany, and K.C. Sanjeev, an entrepreneur who provided machine components to prestigious space projects like the Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan. When Myanmars military dictatorship imprisoned the countrys democratically elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, earlier this month, one of the ramifications was the trading halt on the Australian Stock Exchange of a small Australian listed mining company, Myanmar Metals. The companys key asset a silver and lead mine in the war-torn Shan state that was once touted as the greatest deposit in the British Empire was suddenly facing a surge in local violence and ongoing political uncertainty, the company said in a statement to investors. The ministers overseeing mining in the country had changed and there was the possibility of renewed international sanctions. The road to riches: The access track to the Bawdwin silver mine in Shan State, Myanmar. But what the Perth based company did not mention was corporate links that trace back to a firm accused of enriching the Myanmar junta and of being run by a drug kingpin known as the Godfather of Heroin. These ties themselves are landing Myanmar Metals at the centre of a fresh sanctions debate. Myanmar Metals prized asset is the Bawdwin mine. Before World War II it was one of the biggest in the world. Former US president Herbert Hoover made his fortune there. 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. Botswana Diamonds recently entered into a cooperation agreement with Diamexstrat Botswana and its partner, Burgundy to fund exploration of its prospecting licence assets in the southern African country. Company managing director James Campbell told Rough&Polished's Mathew Nyaungwa in an exclusive interview that the agreement with Diamexstrat and its partner is broader compared to the one they had with the Russian diamond giant, Alrosa. Under the deal that Diamexstrat and its partner, Burgundy can earn up to a 70% interest in Sunland Minerals and Sekaka's prospecting licences. Botswana Diamonds can also earn a 15% interest in prospecting licences held by Diamexstrat and its partner on the first $1.5 million spent on exploration by the later where the former's database assists in the discovery of a primary kimberlite. Below are excerpts of the interview. Botswana Diamonds recently signed a deal with Diamexstrat that allows the company and its partner, Burgundy to earn up to a 70% interest in Sunland Minerals and Sekaka's Prospecting Licences. Does this deal mean that you have found a replacement for Alrosa in Sunland? In Diamexstrat ('DESB') and Burgundy, we have strategic partners who share the same vision as Botswana Diamonds of discovering a diamond mine in Botswana. The deal we have with these two companies is more extensive than that with Alrosa in that it contemplates going all the way to a Bankable Feasibility Study and encompasses not only the Sunland Minerals properties but also the Sekaka Diamonds and DESB properties and also anywhere which the Sekaka database covers, which is about 95,000 square kilometres of prospective ground in Botswana. Botswana Diamonds recently said that it had commenced a comprehensive database review. Is this the database from Sekaka Diamonds and when are you projected to complete this exercise? The comprehensive database review is based on the Sekaka database, but will also include pooled information from Botswana Diamonds and DESB. When do you intend to start work on Sunland Minerals' four drill-ready targets? Once we have completed the database review, these four drill-ready targets will be ranked alongside other targets and then a decision made as to the work priorities. You were unable to explore the Kalahari of Botswana last year due to international travel restrictions to curb the spreading of COVID-19. When are you planning to restart operations? I plan to be in Botswana [this] week and I know the team from DESB have already been to Botswana this year, so we hope we can gradually return to some form of normality from a field operations perspective. What had been your experience in raising funds in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic? We were able to raise sufficient funds for our planned activities from chiefly warrant holders in January of this year. How far have you gone with your three-dimensional modelling of the Thorny River pipe? At the end of last year, we presented a three dimensional model of the River Kimberlite at Thorny River. This was compiled from the reverse circulation drilling logs and detailed ground geophysical surveys. Have you commenced bulk sampling at Marsfontein to assess the diamond content? Our focus in this kimberlite region is currently on the River Kimberlite and we are currently processing some of the drill samples to test for both diamond and kimberlitic indicator content. This will assist in the planning of the next phase of work on the Rive Kimberlite, which will be core drilling. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Press Release March 1, 2021 PRRD to review proposed nationwide MGCQ based on 'good science' once vaccine rollout has commenced, says Bong Go With the arrival of the country's first batch of COVID-19 vaccines, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said that President Rodrigo Duterte will be carefully studying again the proposed nationwide shift to the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) with the help of experts. During an interview on Sunday, February 28, Go said that Duterte has regularly been reviewing the community quarantine policy in the country upon the advice of experts. "The President will be carefully studying with the help of experts. Based on good science (ang) decision ni Pangulo," Go said during the interview. "Ever since, regular naman na nagre-review ang Pangulo upon the advice of experts," he added. Go said that once the President has seen the start of the vaccine rollout, he will be more open to the idea of further easing quarantine restrictions to reopen the rest of the economy. "Sabi ni Pangulo, once na nakita na natin na nag-umpisa na ang vaccine rollout at magiging successful po ito sa susunod na linggo ay bukas na po ang Pangulo sa pagbubukas pa lalo ng ekonomiya," Go said. "Dahan-dahan naman po ang pagbababa sa MGCQ. Dahan-dahan dahil delikado pa rin po habang nandiyan ang COVID-19. Palaging iniisip ni Pangulong Duterte ang buhay at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Unahin natin ang kalusugan at buhay ng bawat Pilipino," he added. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in an announcement that Duterte has approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to place Apayao, Baguio City, Kalinga, Metro Manila, Mountain Province, Batangas, Tacloban City, Iligan City, Davao City and Lanao del Sur under GCQ until March 31. The rest of the country, meanwhile, will be under MGCQ. As for the conduct of physical classes, President Duterte said he is not yet open to allow face-to-face classes. Go suggested to consider it in the next school year when it is already safe and vaccination has commenced. This will also give education institutions, authorities and students time to prepare. "Ibig sabihin, bigyan muna natin ang DepEd ng panahon para mag-prepare sa next school year. Importante masimulan na ang vaccine rollout," he added. The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in the country on Sunday. Go said that the Philippine government has always worked on a rational mix of vaccines to ensure not only choices but safest vaccine rollout. GlobeNewswire Experiences over 100% in Client growth Raises additional capital Prepares for Public Listing amid COVID-19 restrictionsCOPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kvanto Payment Services Ltd. and its wholly subsidiary Kvanto Payment Services A/S. (Kvanto) is pleased to provide this Corporate Update and report on certain key initiatives that are currently underway. During Kvantos current 2021 fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2021, amid the challenges and restrictions imposed by COVID-19, the company has been successful in increasing its working capital by USD$ 2,040,000 by issuance of a series of private placements. This injection of capital has provided the financial foundation for the implementation of 3 key objectives which were: 1) To Increase the Customer Base,2) Provide the Capital for the MWT acquisition, and3) Strengthen the Balance Sheet for the planned public listing. 1) Customer Base Increases Over 100% Kvanto has been working diligently to expand its reach of clients globally. The injection of capital has allowed the Company to increase its activity recently which has resulted in over a 100% increase in the number of live clients as of May 2021 compared to the same time period in 2020. The revenue impact from these new Customer signings is expected to begin over the next 3 to 6 months as the Kvanto gateway is implemented onto the Clients platforms. The Company believes it is in good shape as it moves away from being a start-up company and begins its scale-up stage. 2) Status of the MWT Acquisition One of Kvantos most exciting projects previously announced on December 22, 2020 is the partnership established with Mobileware Technologies PVT (MWT) in Mumbai, India and the pending acquisition of MWT. The Company now has the necessary capital to conclude on the cash requirements of the acquisition, however the closing of the acquisition has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions which are especially amplified in India. These restrictions have prevented the completion of the last stages of finalizing the legal due diligence requirements and implementing the turn on of the payment processing platforms to begin realizing the agreed upon resulting revenue streams. Both parties are in the process of completing their respective requirements of the acquisition agreements and once completed and agreed to by the parties, Kvanto will complete their registration papers and the project will start functioning. The start date is dependent on certain COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and is not yet determinable. Even though the completion of these processes to conclude on the acquisition have been delayed amid the coronavirus crisis, nothing compares to devastation the virus has caused in India and the impact it has had on the country. Kvanto would like to acknowledge and appreciates all the hard work the people in India have done to move forward. 3) Preparation for the Planned Public Listing The delays caused by the COVID-19 restriction has also had an impact on the timing of the planned listing of Kvanto on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and its planned cross listings onto the open segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE) and the OTC Markets (OTC) in the USA. The MWT acquisition has had a significant impact on the preparation of the required documentation and disclosure for the listing application. Its timing drives the reporting and auditing of the consolidated results of Kvanto Payment Systems Ltd which is the entity based in Canada that will be applying for listing. Although management has been optimistic that the Company could have worked through the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, they worsened in in the last quarter. Unfortunately, these worsening restrictions has caused this unforeseen delay. The Company has however advanced certain aspects of the listing process to help mitigate some of these circumstances. Caravel Law has been appointed as the Companys securities lawyer and is now in the process of preparing the Non-Offering Prospectus for submission to the Canadian securities regulators. The Company has also upgraded it auditing on a consolidated entity basis with the appointment of BDO as its international auditors. The Financial Statements to be included in the Prospectus will have been audited by BDO. Kvanto is now targeting the application for listing to be submitted for approval during the calendar years 3rd quarter rather than the previously expected 2nd quarter. Kvanto CEO Jesper Skorstengaard concluded, I know, our shareholders are anxious to see Kvanto listed on the stock exchange and even though I pushed and had hoped we would have already realized that status, we have faced some challenges and delays beyond our control. However, I am excited about our position in the marketplace and the prospects for our Company going forward, which we should see translate into building shareholder value as we continue to prepare to apply for our anticipated listing in the near future. About Kvanto Payment Services: Kvanto was established to compete in the rapidly changing digital payment solutions market. Client adoption proves Kvanto has the solutions to compete. Kvanto has positioned itself as a premium European multi-connectivity payment service provider (holding a PSP-ISO), with a world-recognized payment gateway which integrates leading acquirers who handle different payment methods and payment cards linking to online and offline business efficiently, affordably and reliably. The Kvanto organization boasts several decades of experience within the payment and financial industries. Its extensive network of partners and collaborators across the world is one of the key reasons why Kvanto is able to provide customers with a payment solution no matter where they operate from. Kvanto Payment Services AS based in Denmark, is a 100% operating subsidiary owned by Kvanto Payments Services Ltd. in Canada. For Further Information Contact: Kvanto Payment Services A/S CEO, Jesper V. SkorstengaardPhone: +45 4033 3396Mail: jvs@kvanto.comwww.kvanto.com Disclaimer All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as anticipate, if, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, could, should, will, and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Kvanto Payment Services A/S is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. OTTAWA - The Trudeau government is pressing ahead with efforts to counter economic-based threats to national security, such as theft of valuable intellectual property and damage to critical energy and information networks. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a press conference in Ottawa on February 26, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - The Trudeau government is pressing ahead with efforts to counter economic-based threats to national security, such as theft of valuable intellectual property and damage to critical energy and information networks. In its newly published plan for the coming year, Public Safety Canada says it will lead the development of a comprehensive framework across the government to deal with the broad range of risks to Canada's economic well-being. The move comes as security agencies warn Canadians of the rising danger of hostile nations pilfering trade secrets and cybercriminals demanding ransom for sensitive files. The government says in a few short years, the threat landscape once dominated by the scourge of international terrorism has evolved dramatically as potential adversaries develop new and aggressive tactics made possible by the rapid spread of technology. Canada has already taken steps during the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic to more strictly scrutinize foreign investments. Public Safety says it will continue to work with partners on assessing foreign investments under the national-security provisions of the Investment Canada Act and generally raise awareness about economic-based security threats. It is important for the government to turn its attention to a strategic understanding of what constitutes threats to Canada's economic security and what can be done to defend against them, said Wesley Wark, an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and a senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation. "This will require a greater investment in economic intelligence-gathering and economic threat assessments, which currently have no central focus or high priority within the Canadian security-and-intelligence community," Wark said. "It is yet another adjustment we will need to make in a post-terrorism-centred national security world." The Public Safety plan singles out ransomware, the malicious use of software to penetrate a computer system and hold data hostage, as "an increasingly common and indiscriminate threat." While it notes some measures underway, the plan says addressing ransomware at the national level will require federal-provincial and private-public co-operation. Public Safety also proposes: Supporting development of a new framework for protection of Canada's critical cybersystems in the finance, telecommunications, energy and transportation sectors; Creation of a "forward-looking picture" of risk and capabilities through a national risk profile, intended to help ensure resilience to disasters such as floods, wildfires and earthquakes; Development, with other departments and agencies, of a federal risk assessment strategy to promote better co-ordination across government. The risk profile is an important but slow-rolling project first launched years ago, Wark said. "It should have been produced before COVID-19 and if it had, it might have helped raise general government awareness of pandemic threats." COVID-19 has also illustrated the need for a proper whole-of-government risk assessment strategy, he said. Wark recommends going further by reviewing the overall mandate of Public Safety, created in 2003 "when a very different threat environment prevailed." He suggests carving the department into three entities, one to deal with emergency management, one to address national security and another for public safety issues such as human security and policing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2021. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) President Rodrigo Duterte has dismissed the country's former ambassador to Brazil who was accused of maltreating one of her household helpers. "'Yung ambassador dun sa Brazil [The Ambassador in Brazil] who maltreated a household helper...the recommendation was, and I am, I signed it...I signed the document affirming the decision. The decision metes out the penalty of dismissal from the service with the accessory penalty of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and barred from taking civil service examination," Duterte said in his address on Monday. He was referring to Ambassador Marichu Mauro who was caught on CCTV last year physically abusing the 51-year-old helper, who can be seen cowering in fear inside Mauro's diplomatic residence. Footage of the incident was shown by a Brazilian news outlet. Mauro was recalled to the country and an investigation was ordered by Duterte. The helper who was involved in the incident has also since returned to the country. Mauro was appointed as envoy to Brazil in February 2018. Prior to the post, she was assigned as consul general to the Philippine General Consulate in Milan, Italy. MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Herzing University, an accredited, private nonprofit institution with locations in seven states and a nationally recognized online division, today announced the start of a new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) concentration in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). Enrollment is open now and students can begin classes as early as May 10, 2021. The online program provides the educational foundation for registered nurses (RNs) to become nurse practitioners providing primary care for adult populations. This is especially important in the coming years, as 1 in every 5 U.S. residents will be at retirement age by 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 52% growth rate for employment of all nurse practitioners from 2019 through 2029. "This new MSN concentration is an important addition to our curriculum because nurse practitioners are taking on greater responsibilities to help offset the need for primary care physicians," said Dr. Tricia Wagner, online graduate department chair at Herzing University. "This online program and our tailored pathways are efficient ways for working nurses to reach the next level of their career." The standard AGPCNP program, which typically takes about 20 months to complete, is available to RNs who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. There are two additional pathway options: The "Accelerated RN to MSN-AGPCNP" pathway is for registered nurses who hold an associate degree and don't wish to earn their BSN. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months and is an ideal option for people looking to advance their careers quickly. The "RN to BSN to MSN-AGPCNP" pathway is designed to help students earn both their BSN and MSN degrees. It typically takes 32 months to complete. Coursework for Herzing's AGPCNP program is completed online, excluding the required clinicals. Herzing has a team of clinical coordinators dedicated to helping students secure their clinical as part of the school's Clinical Placement Pledge. The program prepares students to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The university also offers several other MSN concentrations, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in addition to post-graduate certificate, undergraduate and diploma programs. The master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin. Herzing is a transfer-friendly university specializing in nursing, healthcare, technology, business and public safety degree programs. The school's personalized approach to education, accelerated formats and flexible schedules have resonated with students across the country. About Herzing University Herzing University is an accredited, private nonprofit institution with ten campuses across seven states, a continuing education division and an online division. Founded in Milwaukee in 1965, more than 40,000 students have graduated from the University's career-focused and flexible master's, bachelor's, and associate degree, diploma and continuing education programs. Fields of study span nursing, healthcare, technology, business and public safety. From 2013 through 2021, U.S. News & World Report has continually recognized Herzing University as having some of the best online programs nationally. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. More information about Herzing University is available at www.herzing.edu. Contact: Candice Hudson 312-661-1050 [email protected] SOURCE Herzing University TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) The footsteps of Ron Gillin and Marty Hendricks crunched in the snowy ground on a chilly morning. The sound blended with the honks of geese swirling around Ruble Lake. Ice and snow created a white border on that 26-acre body of water, sprawling through the heart of Fowler Park. Its an idyllic setting. The view from the soon-to-be porch of the early-19th-century cabin Gillin and Hendricks are reconstructing overlooks the lake and its wildlife. By May, their work will be complete, and Fowler visitors will be able to rent this cabin for overnight stays during the camping season, a first for the park. I think the kids will be like, Thatll be so cool, Mom, Gillin said. Theyll get to spend the night in a cabin built in the 1800s. I think itll be a good experience for people to try. The one-story, one-room structure will include no lights, no running water and no air-conditioning. A single, 120-volt electrical outlet and a wheelchair ramp will be the lone elements of modern living. Four windows and two doors will let in guests and the breeze. Overnight renters may likely use the outlet to charge cellphones. Adam Grossman, the Vigo County Parks Department superintendent, recommends they dont. Our suggestion would be that you dont (connect to the digital world), that you would unplug and live like a pioneer, Grossman said. Thats the spirit shown by Gillin and Hendricks, a hardy pair of parks volunteers, as they rebuild the cabin. Theyve been working since autumn, when Gillin picked up the logs from the donors. They finished the foundation by Thanksgiving, started setting them into place with parks department hoists a few days later, and kept adding segments of the rough-cut poplar floor, roof, windows, doors and porch through the cold of December, January and most of February. Working outside your whole life, it didnt really bother us, said Hendricks. The 61-year-old runs Vigo Landscaping. Gillin, 64, retired three years ago as a maintenance supervisor at Sony DADC, but also has volunteered for nearly 30 years with his wife, Diana, and family on projects at Fowler Parks popular Pioneer Village. Last year, Gillin and his wife helped revive the gristmill at Pioneer Village. A few years earlier, they helped rebuild a nearly 200-year-old cabin in the village to replace another that was destroyed by fire in 2017. I enjoy doing it, Gillin said of the work. I like challenges. Their efforts to reconstruct the latest cabin this winter commemorate the tenacity and mettle of Indianas settlers. The cabin originally stood as a two-story dwelling in southern Indiana, likely dating back to the 1820s or 30s. It had been reconfigured once before in its nearly two-century lifetime, probably in the 1860s. Its most recent owners, a Knox County family, disassembled it, with plans to rebuild it. They reconsidered and wound up donating the cabin to the Vigo County Parks Department, which oversees Fowler Park, which includes Pioneer Village north of Ruble Lake. That rustic village already contains 20 cabins, a log barn, gristmill and a covered bridge open for tours and annual events such as Pioneer Days and the Christmas Walk. The newly acquired cabins style allowed the county parks crew to fulfill a new amenity, an overnight rental cabin. Thus, instead of being placed inside Pioneer Village, this latest cabin is located inside the parks campground, where its rental fee will likely be around $50. The structure of the cabin was almost perfect for the departments needs, Grossman said. Its lack of a fireplace was ideal. Though originally heated, most likely, by pot-bellied stove, the cabins new role as a warm-weather rental wont require a fireplace or furnace. That makes it less of a fire risk. We dont want accidents to happen, Grossman said. Also, its original two-story format provided extra logs to replace any first-story logs that had deteriorated. The donors helpfully tagged each log, to indicate its specific place in the reassembly process. Originally cut with handsaws and axes, the logs look massive, weighing nearly 300 pounds. The reassembly went perfect, Grossman said. Age-old construction techniques, like a birds mouth joint cut, securely bind the hefty beams. That is what holds the cabin together, Gillin said, pointing to the angled log cuts. For doing it all with a saw and an ax, those guys were pretty doggone smart, Gillin said. Pioneers hewed the logs from primarily poplar and oak trees near the site of the cabin, their new intended homeplace. They didnt want to drag a log three miles if they didnt have to, Gillin explained, between bursts of an air-powered nail gun. (Pioneers wouldve used these if they had them, he quipped.) Two more slight 21st-century twists will help preserve the 14.6-by-20.6-foot cabin and make it safer and more comfortable for overnight guests. Instead of mortar to fill the gaps between the logs, theyre using a rubberized chinking material that expands and contracts with the weather. Also, theyll use a metal version of shake shingles, rather than the wooden ones on the parks other cabins. Still, the logs themselves the stars of the project pack plenty of authenticity. The huge pieces of lumber were cut two centuries ago from trees that were likely centuries old. Hendricks pointed to the hundreds of rings within the grain of one log that had been sliced to fit better. Its got to go back to the 1600s, Hendricks said. He and Gillin will continue sealing up the building and adding finishing touches through early spring. Theyve rested on a few days when snow and ice inhibited progress. Otherwise, theyre out there, dressed for winter, recreating a home first occupied when Indiana was a brand new state. Shared wisecracks accompany them. They revise and improvise, occasionally. Sometimes its trial and error, Hendricks said. The work has kept them busy through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, though, in a safe outdoors setting. We can come down here, and social distance, and still have some fun and fresh air, Gillin said. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte shows a vial of the Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China in Manila, the Philippines, on Feb. 28, 2021. A batch of Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first COVID-19 vaccine to reach the Southeast Asian country. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines launched its COVID-19 vaccination drive on Monday, less than a day after the arrival of a batch of the Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China. Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director Gerardo Legaspi, a renowned neurosurgeon, was the first Filipino to receive the Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine. Legaspi urged Filipinos, especially health workers, to get the Sinovac vaccine, saying it is safe. "The decision to pick Sinovac is based on science, and it took Philippine experts six weeks to carefully study the vaccine," he told a televised press conference. Legaspi said he would recommend CoronaVac to those with allergies. Simultaneous vaccination took place in different hospitals in Metro Manila shortly after Legaspi got the shot. "Today is a historic day here at the PGH and several other hospitals in Metro Manila because it is the start of new hope. After a year of darkness brought about by the COVID-19, finally, there is light," Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. The Philippines' Department of Health said the Sinovac vaccines "will also be rolled out in other parts of the country in the coming days." Among the officials who volunteered were testing czar Vince Dizon, Food and Drug Administration Director General Enrique Domingo, and Carlito Galvez, the officer in charge of vaccine procurement. "We were near tears when the (Chinese) vaccines arrived yesterday. At last, the doses of hope that we have been waiting have arrived," Galvez said at the kick-off ceremony. The government aims to inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos this year to achieve herd immunity, starting with health care workers, the elderly, and the poor communities. The Philippines has an about 110-million population. The Philippines is negotiating to buy over 160 million vaccine doses from different pharmaceutical firms this year, including Sinovac. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received the COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac Biotech Ltd that arrived in the Philippines on Sunday. "The efficacy is good," he said, urging Filipinos to get the Sinovac vaccine. China's Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian handed over the vaccines to the Philippine government. Duterte viewed the crates containing the vaccines, inspected an actual single-dose vaccine vial during the ceremonial turnover, and thanked the Chinese government. "China has been giving us everything but never asked anything from us actually," Duterte told reporters on Sunday. He said China's donations would greatly help the Philippine economy recover once the vaccine rollout begins. "Slowly, those persons who got the vaccines can go to work again, and businesses will open. It will greatly help and thereby promote healthy trade and commerce with China," Duterte said. "China has a good spirit. The people are kind, and the government has great respect and love for mankind," Duterte added. The vaccines' delivery allows the Philippines to start mass vaccinations on Monday, marking a new phase in the country's fight against the COVID-19 that has infected 576,352 people and killed 12,318 others. On behalf of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), a company attorney on Monday pleaded guilty to fraud in federal court. Your honor, we plead guilty, FCA General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Chris Pardi told U.S. District Judge Paul D. Borman during a remote video plea hearing. The Auburn Hills-based automaker -- which is now part of Amsterdam-based Stellantis after a merger finalized last month -- admitted to conspiring to fraudulently convert more than $3.5 million in training funds meant to benefit UAW union workers into bribes for UAW officials who took lavish trips, made purchases with liberally monitored credit cards, received gifts, meals, parties and even had mortgages payments made between 2009 and 2015. The bribes were intended to help leverage FCAs position with UAW leaders to benefit the company in labor contract negotiations. An agreement between FCA and the U.S. Attorneys Office calls for Chrysler to be fined between $16 million and $36 million, cooperate with ongoing investigations related to the probe and serve up to five years probation under the supervision of a court-ordered monitor who will report to the court monthly. Sentencing is scheduled for June 21 at 3 p.m. before Borman Pardi admitted FCA was responsible for the actions of executives who participated in the bribery scheme, several of whom are now in prison after being convicted of crimes. FCA and the union agreed to create a training fund in 1985 and FCA paid between $13 million and $31 million annually into the training account that was managed by FCA and UAW officials. Several FCA and UAW officials were convicted of crimes resulting from a widespread corruption probe. Ex-FCA Vice President of Employee Relations Alphons Iacobelli of Rochester Hills pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit violations of the Labor Management Relations Act in 2018. His initial 5 1/2-year prison sentence was reduced to 3 years in exchange for his cooperation with investigators in January. Jerome Durden, a former FCA financial analyst who served time for tax fraud, had his original year-and-three-month sentence reduced to eight months when he was released early as the coronavirus began in March of last year. Nearly 15 former UAW officials and spouses have been charged or convicted as part of the UAW scandal since 2017, including former UAW President Gary Jones, who was sentenced to 15 months and received early release to home confinement when the pandemic struck in 2020. More on MLive: Fiat Chrysler exec has sentence reduced Ex-UAW official turned informant gets year in prison for role in multi-million-dollar fraud scheme Former Flint UAW boss used bribes to buy homes, relatives plastic surgery, feds say Ex-UAW vice president sentenced to prison for kickback scheme Judge gives former Flint UAW leader more prison time than prosecutors asked for Former Flint UAW boss used bribes to buy homes, relatives plastic surgery, feds say COVID-19 concerns send former Flint UAW boss from federal prison camp to home confinement CHICAGO, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Integrated Marine Automation System Market by Autonomy (Autonomous, Remotely-operated, Partial Automation), Ship Type (Commercial, Defense, Unmanned), End User (OEM, Aftermarket), Solution (Products, Services), System and Region-Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is projected to grow from USD 4.9 billion in 2020 to USD 7.8 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 10.0% from 2020 to 2025. Some of the major factors driving this market include the increasing global sea trade, improving marine navigational safety resulting in lesser accidents, and growing maritime tourism. The demand for new ships and the retrofitting of existing ships with advanced technologies are expected to grow with increased trade activities. New defense and commercial vessels are equipped with advanced systems for improved safety and efficiency. Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=156354645 The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the integrated marine automation system market significantly. The spread of COVID-19 has also forced shipping companies to implement remote working and digital technologies for business continuation and fleet optimization. For example, shipping companies and original equipment manufacturers are using artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, intelligent scheduling, real-time analytics, and improving performance. This break in business operations is directly influencing the revenue of the integrated marine automation system market. Even though some industries continued operations, delays in systems supply and the limited supply of produced goods capped production and reduced capacity utilization rates. Based on autonomy, remotely-operated segment projected to lead integrated marine automation system market during the forecast period Based on autonomy, the integrated marine automation system market is segmented into autonomous, remotely-operated and partial automation. The growth of the remotely-operated segment of the integrated marine automation system market can be attributed to the increased investments in developing unmanned and remotely-controlled vessel operations. Based on ship type, defense segment projected to dominate integrated marine automation system market during the forecast period Based on ship type, the integrated marine automation system market is segmented into commercial and defense and unmanned. The commercial segment is expected to dominate the market, owing to the rising seaborne trade and tourism across the globe. Based on end user, the OEM segment accounts for the largest market size during the forecast period Based on end use, the integrated marine automation system market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket. The OEM segment is estimated to account for a largest share in 2020 as compared to the aftermarket segment. The OEM segment is also expected to grow at a higher CAGR as compared to the aftermarket segment during the forecast period, owing to increased investments in naval defense coupled with seaborne trade by several nations. Browse in-depth TOC on "Integrated Marine Automation System Market" 324 Tables 56 Figures 306 Pages Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=156354645 Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region for integrated marine automation system market during the forecast period Europe is among the fastest-growing regions for integrated marine automation system market. Europe has a developed market for offshore vessels, which is expected to grow significantly over the next few years. The growth of the shipbuilding industry in Europe is one of the most significant factors contributing to the increasing demand for integrated marine automation systems in this region. Increasing investments in the defense sector and restructuring efforts undertaken by ship manufacturing companies are other factors driving the market in Europe. Some of the players operating in the integrated marine automation system market are ABB (Switzerland), Honeywell International, Inc. (US), Rolls-Royce PLC (UK), Wartsila (Finland), and Kongsberg (Norway) are industry majors and have largely benefitted from their well-recognized brands, a wide range of products, and strong distribution capabilities in the integrated marine automation system market. Related Reports: Integrated Bridge Systems Market by End User (OEM, Aftermarket), Ship Type (Commercial: Bulk Carriers, Dredgers, Defense: Frigates, Corvettes, OPVs), Subsystem (INS, VDR, AWOS, AIS), Component (Hardware, Software), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 Electric Ships Market by Power Source (Fully Electric, Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid), Autonomy (Manned electric ships, Remotely-operated, Fully Autonomous), Ship Type (Bulk Carrier, Gas Tanker, Tankers, Barge, Passenger Cruise, Aircraft Carrier, Amphibious, Destroyer, Frigate) and Region - Global Forecast to 2030 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. 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MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/integrated-marine-automation-system-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/integrated-marine-automation-system.asp SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Rishi Sunak is not expected to announce austerity measures Housebuilders and the high street are set to be among the winners following Wednesdays Budget by Rishi Sunak. The Chancellor is expected to extend stamp duty holiday on residential transactions under 500,000 until the end of June as well as resurrecting a more generous Help to Buy scheme to support first-time buyers. The government would provide state guarantees to allow people to dish out only a 5% deposit on homes worth up to 600,000, The Sunday Times reported. Meanwhile, the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors would enjoy business rates holiday a bit longer, alongside the extension of a temporary VAT cut from 20% to 5% for hospitality and tourism. The Treasury is to unveil a 5bn pot for grants to high street shops, pubs, restaurants and personal service firms such as hairdressers, with 700,000 firms given the opportunity to claim up to 18,000. Reports from last month suggested a new Eat out to Help Out initiative may be implemented to encourage consumers to spend. Looking at the wider economy, the furlough scheme and Self-Employment Income Support scheme are also expected to continue until at least June, at the price of 15bn on public finances. Sunak is also hamstrung by PM Boris Johnsons promises in the election of 2019 not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT, but it seems corporation tax is to be raised from 19p in the pound to 25p over the course of the parliament. An increase to 22p alone would add 10bn to the governments pockets, while Berenberg said a 1-2% hike would not have any major negative economic consequences. Analysts said there are no further changes to tax to be implemented in the short term, but markets should expect some major ones at the next budget, possibly in November. It wouldnt breach the Tory manifesto pledge, but former chancellor Lord Lawson said it would be stupid for the Conservatives to become the party of high taxes, The Times reported. However, the UK is under pressure to plug a 43bn black hole in public finances, as even a 1% rise in government borrowing costs taxpayers 25bn a year. In the current financial year, Westminster has borrowed 271bn, with the national debt rocketing to 2 trillion or nearly 100% of gross domestic product. In fact, Sunak has already cut 4bn from overseas budget, while plans to raise income tax receipts should bring in 6bn by pushing 1.6mln people into a higher tax bracket. He is expected to allocate 22bn to a national infrastructure bank, which will fund 40bn worth of projects with the help of private sector investors. The UK will also establish the worlds first sovereign green savings bond for the public to invest in green energy and clean transport projects, with 20mln for offshore wind, 70mln in low-carbon energy storage and 4mln to produce green-energy crops. Republican political consultant Katrina Pierson arrives at Trump Tower in New York City on Dec. 14, 2016. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Former Trump Aide Katrina Pierson Mulling Bid for Open US House Seat A woman who served under former President Donald Trump is considering a bid for an open House of Representatives seat representing a Texas district. Katrina Pierson, who worked on Trumps 2016 and 2020 campaigns, confirmed to news outlets that she is still deciding whether to run. There is a lot of excitement about my potential candidacy, and I am honored to have so much local support, Pierson told The Hill via a text message. As a proven conservative fighter, from my home state of Texas, I remain committed to furthering the America First agenda. I was with President Trump long before the historic escalator ride, and I remain with him still. I will make my final decision within the next 48 hours. Pierson, who couldnt be reached, was asked on Breitbart radio last month whether shed consider running for office to fill a seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Ron Wright (R-Texas). Pierson called Wright a patriot and somebody who stood strong with President Trump. I have been approached to maybe consider this race, but out of respect for his widow, Im going to wait. He just had his funeral yesterday. He was a champion and working for the people of North Texas. If I come to the idea that I could pick up his mantle and lead. well see. Ill leave it at that, she added. Wright died at age 67 on Feb. 7 after testing positive for COVID-19. The late Rep. Ron Wright (R-Texas) walks to a session on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on Nov. 15, 2018. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo) The race to replace him will feature his widow, Susan Wright. Im asking the voters of Ellis, Navarro, and Tarrant Counties to help me continue the fight for stronger borders, lower taxes, and the precious right to life in Washington, she said in a campaign announcement late last month. Voters in the states 6th Congressional District will also have at least one anti-Trump Republican to choose from. Michael Wood, a Marine Corps Reserve major, is reportedly set to announce Monday that he is running for the seat. In his launch video, Wood says the GOP needs to not become a cult of personality, a vehicle for one mans ambitions and grievances. If the Republican Party doesnt move on from Trump, the whole country will turn blue, Wood claims. A subset of Republican officials have made similar allegations, but Trump remains popular within the party, as his appearance at CPAC 2021 over the weekend showed. The Republican primary for the seat, which has been held by the GOP since 1983, is slated for May 1. 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. Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo, third from left, poses with provincial governors during a meeting commemorating the establishment of five industrial clusters at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul, Feb. 23. From left, the governors are North Jeolla Province Governor Song Ha-jin, North Chungcheong Province Governor Lee Si-jong, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, South Chungcheong Province Governor Yang Seung-jo and South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo. Yonhap By Baek Byung-yeul The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to the supply of goods around the world, and the government is rolling up its sleeves to boost the competence of Korea's materials, parts and equipment industries in order to lower the country's dependence on foreign suppliers. The pandemic also demonstrated to the global industry the importance of global value chains as international trade suffered a severe decline. Even before being hit by the pandemic, the government has been trying to nurture the capabilities of local industries to cut off their heavy reliance on Japanese firms since Tokyo imposed restrictions on high-tech materials in 2019. The government's efforts to help speed up the localization of domestic industries is still ongoing as the Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy designated five regions as industrial clusters specializing in materials, parts and equipment. Every manufacturing process, ranging from processing materials to completing a product, will be done at the clusters, the minister said. The five places include Yongin in Gyeonggi Province, which will be specialized as a cluster for the semiconductor industry; Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province for secondary batteries; Cheonan in South Chungcheong Province for displays; Jeonju in North Jeolla Province for carbon materials; and Changwon in South Gyeongsang Province for precision machines. The industry ministry said these clusters will help boost the competitiveness of each industry by cooperating closely with local research institutions as well as large companies such as chip giant SK hynix in Yongin, battery giant LG Energy Solution in North Chungcheong Province, display giant Samsung Display in Cheonan, materials company Hyosung Advanced Materials in North Jeolla Province and Doosan Machine Tools in South Gyeongsang Province. To help small companies stay rooted in each cluster, the government will also provide subsidies. Core infrastructure facilities for electricity, roads, gas, sewage and wastewater disposal will also be provided, the ministry added. Industry Minister Sung Yun-mo said the five industrial clusters must play a pivotal role helping Korean companies source more parts at home when industries are experiencing severe changes in the way they obtain key materials and parts. "An industry can enhance its capability and achieve innovation when it is able to secure a stable supply chain of materials, parts and equipment. The industrial clusters will become a starting point of achieving that goal," the minister said. Seen is a concept image of an industrial cluster for the semiconductor business, which will be located in Yongin, south of Seoul. Courtesy of Gyeonggi Province Let There Be Light Thomas Edison created the model for the traditional electric utility at his Pearl Street Station in New York City. The Lines Get Tangled file-20210217-17-s7w4b3.jpg In the Southeast, Southwest and Northwest U.S., traditional utilities generate electricity and deliver it to customers. Other regions, including Texas, have moved to competitive power markets run by Independent System Operators, or ISOs. FERC An Imperative to Keep Prices Low Whats Next for Texas? Americans often take electricity for granted until the lights go out. The recent cold wave and storm in Texas have placed considerable focus on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas , or ERCOT, the nonprofit corporation that manages the flow of electricity to more than 26 million Texans. Together, ERCOT and similar organizations manage about 60% of the U.S. power supply From my research on the structure of the U.S. electricity industry , I know that rules set by entities like ERCOT have major effects on Americans energy choices. The current power crunch in Texas and other affected states highlights the delicate balancing act thats involved in providing safe, reliable electricity service at fair, reasonable rates. It also shows how arcane features of energy markets can have big effects at critical moments.The electric age began in 1882 when the Edison Illuminating Company sent power over wires to 59 customers in lower Manhattan from its Pearl Street Generating Station. Edison was Americas first investor-owned electric utility a company that generated electricity, moved it over transmission lines and delivered it to individual customers.The scope and scale of electric utilities grew rapidly from those humble beginnings, but this underlying, vertically integrated structure remained intact for more than 100 years. Each utility had a monopoly on serving customers in its area and reported to a public utility commission , which told the company what rates it could charge.Since the utilities knew more about their costs and abilities than anyone else, the burden was on regulators to decide whether the utility was operating efficiently. Regulators also determined whether the costs that utilities proposed to pass on to customers such as building new generating plants were just and reasonable.Things grew complicated in 1996 when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued Order 888 , allowing states to restructure their electric power industries to promote more competition. Through the actions, or inaction, of individual state legislatures, the U.S. electricity market fractured.Some states, primarily in the Southeast and the West, maintained the vertically integrated structure. The rest of the nation moved to a market structure in which generators compete to sell their electricity.Regions created new independent organizations known as independent system operators or regional transmission organizations to regulate the flow of power on the grid. In these regions, generators compete to sell their electricity, and organizations called market monitors make sure that generators follow the rules. This approach created power markets that prioritize generating electricity at the lowest possible price.What do these changes mean for electricity customers in regions with competitive power markets? The companies that deliver power over wires to homes and businesses still have to get their prices approved by regulators, but the system works differently for the businesses that generate that power.Generators offer their electricity, typically at a particular price each hour, on exchanges run by market operators like ERCOT. Those operators figure out how much electricity is needed across the regions they serve and choose the lowest-cost bidders to supply it.If a generating company is not selected, it loses the opportunity to sell its electricity during that hour. And selling power is how generators create revenue to pay for things like workers, power plants and fuel. This means that generators have an incentive to bid as low as possible and sell as much electricity as possible.Generators in Texas are facing criticism now that they werent prepared to operate in extremely cold temperatures . But consider the challenges facing two Texas generators that are identical in every way, except that one decides to invest in winterization. That company will have higher costs than its competitor and may be forced to submit higher-priced offers in the market, potentially losing out on opportunities to sell its electricity.In the long run, the company that winterizes may have a more difficult time staying in business. It would be better prepared for the conditions affecting Texas now, but it would operate at a competitive disadvantage under more normal conditions.An international nonprofit regulator called the North American Reliability Corporation conducts semi-annual reliability assessments for each North American region, but those assessments are only as good as the assumptions theyre based on. If the assessment doesnt consider extreme events, then the regulator cant determine whether a power system is ready for them.After an earlier cold wave in 2011 that led to power shortages, federal regulators identified options for winterizing the Texas power system but ERCOT did not require energy companies to carry them out . Other regions might value resilience differently. For example, ISO-New England launched a program in 2018 that compensates generators for providing extra capacity when the system is strained The power of a competitive generation market is that each generator gets to decide for itself what makes it sustainable in the long run. Thats also a weakness of the market.Once power is restored across Texas, state and federal policymakers will have to address several tough questions in order to make failures like this less likely.First, does preparing the power system for severe storms represent value for electricity customers? What types of events should people be protected from? Who determines the scenarios that go into reliability assessments? Since consumers will pay the costs, they should also benefit.Second, how should people pay for this resiliency? Costs could be assessed based on the number of kilowatt hours each household uses or charged as a flat fee per customer an approach that could benefit heavy electricity users. Or they could be covered through new taxes. How will decision-makers respond a year from now, when the crisis has passed and people ask, The weather is great and the system is doing fine, so why am I paying more for my electricity?Third, how does that money that consumers pay to improve the system translate into projects? Should it go directly to generators or into a fund that generating companies can draw on? Who would administer the fund? Who is ultimately responsible for implementing changes to the system and accountable if things dont improve?Finally, how will these changes affect the markets central goal: inducing energy companies to provide power at the lowest cost?Ultimately, the public pays the costs of electricity service , either through higher rates or service interruptions during events like this weeks Texas freeze. In my view, utilities, regulators, government officials and people like me who study them have a responsibility to ensure that people get the best value for their money. JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel will discuss the possibility of a COVID-19 vaccine venture with Austria and Denmark, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday. Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen are expected in Israel this week to see Israel's rapid vaccine rollout up close, Netanyahu said in public remarks. The leaders will also talk about the idea of "an international corporation for manufacturing vaccines," he said. Netanyahu has made Israel's successful vaccine program, and what he has highlighted as his personal role in securing sufficient doses, a showcase of his campaign in the run-up to the March 23 national election. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Howard Goller) There is a Finnish concept of stoic determination, tenacity, grit and resilience known as sisu. That is the name Jim Grundy gave the name of his company Sisu Energy LLC and he hopes West Texas truck drivers disheartened by the pandemic and oil and gas industry downturn can find a little sisu and join his company. Folks have lost confidence in the oil and gas market over the last 18 months, he told the Reporter-Telegram in a telephone interview. My message is, if you get your boots back on, were here for you. The company already has 100 drivers contracted, delivering cargo from dirt to barite to frac sand throughout West Texas. Grundy said he has room for 500 more, who stand to make between $11,000 and $13,000 a week. Grundy explained that the drivers would be owner-operators, essentially operating their own business under contract to Sisu. We lease the owner-operators to companies, he explained, listing companies like Halliburton, Schlumberger, Solaris and Nexterra among the companies it leases trucks to. We have buying power that makes it easier for the company work with such large companies than it would be for individuals operating their own trucks, he said. We hold no assets so were not competition. Our job is to ensure drivers make as much money as they can, he said. For drivers contracted to Sisu, the company utilizes smart technologies to optimize loaded miles, eliminate waste and maximize their dollars. The company handles matters like permits, licenses and insurance while the drivers are responsible for maintenance on their trucks. We have safety personnel in the field to ensure we hold our fleet accountable, Grundy said. It just takes one driver to mess things up for everyone. The company is 100 percent minority-owned, Grundy said, with the accounting, recruiting and operations departments run by women. The oil and gas industry has been punched in the face but is coming back, Grundy said. For those who have been impacted, if they can find that sisu to find inside themselves the ability to get up one more time, he said his company is a great option. Preserving endangered species and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy are two of California environmentalists' top priorities. However, renewable energy and habitat restoration tend to be heading for a catastrophic clash in the blustery sky above Kern County's Tehachapi Mountains, where towering wind turbines churn with hypnotic rhythm. Government officials warn the critically endangered birds are now at risk of being killed by spinning rotor blades after a decades-long attempt to save them from extinction. Related Article: Vultures Getting Shot, Hanged on Trees Should be Stopped; Experts Suggest These Instead Condors in Captivity Approximately 100 captive-bred condors soar over the rocky range that divides the Mojave Desert from the lush Central Valley. While there is yet to be a reported case of a wind turbine hurting or killing a condor, the US Fish and Wildlife Service expects condor accidents as the population increases. Condor kills are becoming more frequent, which has worried not only government authorities but also activists and power plant officials. Investors could face litigation, felony prosecution, and a lot of negative press if they invest in a wind farm. Condor deaths could also jeopardize one of the Interior Department's top priorities: producing and distributing green energy. Today, federal wildlife conservation authorities are taking the unusual and contentious step of aiding a renewable energy firm in breeding the scavenger raptors in captivity to replace any birds killed by the enormous wind turbines. Plan A draft plan for Avangrid Renewables' Manzana Wind Power Project involves "working with a captive breeding facility to finance the breeding of additional condors for release into the wild," according to Scott Sobiech, field supervisor for the wildlife service's Carlsbad and Palm Springs offices. According to him, as the condor population in the wild rises, so does the likelihood of condor presence near wind energy facilities. "Conservation strategies provide wind energy firms a means to control condor impacts and assist in the rehabilitation of this federally endangered species." Condor Conservation The plight of the California condor, North America's largest flying land bird, exemplifies the thorny challenges that wildlife organizations, private corporations, and regulators face as they encourage wind energy production along the Tehachapis and around the world. It also raises the importance of measures to make the system better for animals such as eagles, hawks, and bats destroyed by wind turbines in significant numbers every year. "Our aim is to minimize the chance of mortalities," Amy Parsons, operations wildlife compliance manager at Avangrid Renewables in Portland, Oregon, said. This is a victory for condors, in our opinion." Environmentalists cautiously support the idea. The American Bird Conservancy's Joel Merriman said, "Having a discussion about raising condors - a poster child of the Endangered Species Act - to kill them is a hard pill to take." "However, finding a better solution is difficult." "If wind energy and the condor population rehabilitation can't get along, we're not going to get too far in staving off drastic climate change or protecting this majestic species from extinction," said Garry George, renewable energy chief at the National Audubon Society. California condors actually total 518, with 181 in captivity and 337 flying over Ventura and Kern counties, the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Grand Canyon, and Baja California, Mexico. Condors are nesting near Yosemite National Park for the first time in 50 years. ALSO READ: The World's Biggest Owls Are Now Endangered: Is it too late to save them? For more animal related news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! The former EPA administrator remarked that the Trump administration made headway to improve the environment. This was the statement of the former official on what the former administration achieved with a sound energy policy. Trump Administration Improved the Environment In four years of the recent administration, policies were enacted to improve the environment. The former EPA administrator remarked on the weekend. Andrew Wheeler, who was the head of the EPA agency told the Epoch Times what happened. He said that the environment had improved during the last four years. Citing that policy changes by the Trump White House was instrumental in achieving these results. Water has been cleaner due to proper management and improved since. Air for one is seven percent cleaner when Trump took over. The Superfund enabled more sites cleaned up a generation ago, added Wheeler when he spoke at CPAC 21 in Florida. Wheeler said that many doubted anything can be done to clean up the environment. One proof is collection penalties as much as twice the amount as the Obama administration. Unlike the Obama-Biden era which penalties were enforced in four years, it was all about enforcing laws to lessen the effects of pollution. Next are regulations that were cost-effective but won't impact American jobs as well. Goals achieved to clean up the environment and achieve regulation are something to be proud of, said Wheeler. Studies were done during the Trump administration that shows an improvement in the environment. A report in 2019 was released on the results of environmental policy with lesser emissions in 2016 and 2018. The more encouraging news is that gas emissions got better from 2018 to 2019, according to the EPA. Also read: The Bottom Water Changes the Climate Extremely and Impacts it Severely Effects like the Greenhouse that trapped gases which caused heat making the earth warmer. More than often human activities like coal burning and using fossil fuels causes global warming. Still, despite the improvements of the environment, critics still found time to make issues of these policies. A rollback of regulations was attacked by Trump critics and will come back to harm the environment. Research provider Rhodium Group charged that rollbacks on controlling hydrofluorocarbons, a type of greenhouse gas will add more C02. An estimated amount of 1.8 gigatons will be in the air by 2035. Wheeler shot back that all these regulations and rollbacks in the Trump era that is more practical than head in the clouds plans like Obamas. The clear power plan is an example that was rejected by the Supreme Court. Emphasis on practical regulations that deal with climate change better, especially C02 reduction. According to Wheeler critics are biased and will not give Trump the credit he deserves in environmental control, including its improvement. He added that those hell-bent on denying the success of Trump will never admit it. But undeniably it was a success under former President Donald Trump. Biden repeatedly criticized President Trump and went on to become part of the Paris Agreement in a huff. Trump went out of it in 2017 because the US was restricted and not all followed it. Wheeler says that Biden is mistaken to reverse what the Trump administration did. He added China is not honest about its intentions and Biden will allow China to prevail by rejoining the agreement. Related article: Sen. Kennedy on Biden's Energy Policy: Anti- American, Destroys US Energy Independence @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A line of waiting cars snaked around the parking lot of a Sterling, Va., elementary school this past weekend, the queue of vehicles stretching for blocks. "Catch a Meal Community Giveaway" was open for business, its volunteers handing out food, diapers, baby wipes, children's clothing, toys and other items nearly a year after the coronavirus pandemic began devastating the economy and the region. "You meet people who lost their job," said April Taylor, who has been running the giveaway since last March. "You meet people who don't have child care, so they may lose a job. Last week we had a family who had covid. What happens when you catch covid and your children are 9, 5 and 7? What do you do?" As Taylor spoke, the greater Washington region was approaching a once-unfathomable milestone, which it reached Monday: Health officials in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia have reported more than 1 million coronavirus infections since last March: 577,174 in Virginia, 382,702 in Maryland and 40,684 in the District. That means 6 in every 100 residents of the three jurisdictions have tested positive in the past year, slightly lower than the national rate of eight infections per 100 people. While the District of Columbia had the higher per capita case rate at the start of the pandemic, it now has the lowest cumulative case rate among the three jurisdictions, followed by Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Within the Washington metro region, Prince William County, Va., and Prince George's County, Md., have the highest case rates: 8.6 and 8 cases per 100 residents, respectively. The rates reflect the number of tests that come back positive and are likely to be an underrepresentation of the virus's true burden on the D.C. region, given the early shortages of test kits, testing fatigue and the ability of the virus to spread through asymptomatic carriers. When the three jurisdictions hit 100,000 cases at the end of May, early victims of the virus said the toll was hard to conceive. "That number is overwhelming to me," Capt. Larry Lofland, a D.C. firefighter, said at the time. Nine months later, the figure has multiplied tenfold. Nearly half of those new infections were reported in just two months - December and January, when holiday celebrations and other in-person gatherings sent community transmission skyrocketing. As of Monday, more than 17,500 of those infected had died. Standing in the overcast morning, clad in a tan raincoat, orange gloves and a ball cap, Taylor said her program is now giving away 1,000 boxes of food per event, up from 200 to 500 boxes earlier in the pandemic. "When you see these people and you talk to them, it's going to make you cry," she said. "It's gotten worse. Look at the lines." Throughout the pandemic, the virus has spread disproportionately through communities of color. Across the three jurisdictions, Black residents account for 28 percent of coronavirus cases where race is known, compared with 25 percent of the population. Latino residents represent 20 percent of cases but just 10 percent of the population. The disparities in the death rates are wider. Widespread layoffs and business closures have hit communities of color hard as well. "You can see what's out here," Taylor said. "You see Black and Brown people. What covid has done for people that are Black and Brown, it has now become something that's between life and death . . . It's going to change America." At 10 a.m. she strode into a driveway where volunteers staffed tents stocked with goods they would load into the vehicles that came through. "We ready?" she called out. "Let's go! Let's go! Game time!" Grace Guzman, 32, who lives in Fairfax County, Va., sat at the wheel of her white minivan with her sister, Barbara Guzman, and two of her sister's children. The sisters live with their mother and Barbara's four children, all of whom are under the age of 6, including one with a disability. Grace Guzman, who works as an activity facilitator at a community center, said her hours have been drastically cut. "It's kind of hard financial-wise just to get groceries, paying bills," she said. "Everything's a little harder than it was before. . . . We've kind of been struggling." They were in line hoping for food, diapers and coats for the children. "It's something that we were not prepared for," Barbara said. Grace Guzman added: "We're putting fear into children, as well. So the kids are like, 'I'm scared to go to school. I'm scared that I'm going to come in contact with someone that has covid. I don't ever want to go back to school.' " At the walk-up table, people left with armloads of food, children's clothing and toiletries. Most of those in line didn't speak English as a first language. Members of one family said they planned to send some of the goods to relatives in need in Honduras. "What I see is a lot of death, a lot of sadness, a lot of grief," volunteer Michelle Collier, a government contractor, said of the pandemic's impact. "Everything that's happening around the pandemic is what's damaging." Standing in pink rain boots and a yellow safety vest, she lamented a breakdown in communication created by the pandemic. "You can't even yell to your next-door neighbor's house anymore. You can't have barbecues anymore. You don't know what's going on with people," she said. "It's just the most isolating type of disease that we could ever have imagined. It's heartbreaking." In Mount Rainier, Md., Jodi Beder hasn't played her cello for her neighbors in more than a month. She started playing last March, when the pandemic struck, sitting in a straight-backed chair on her porch on 34th Street with her copper-colored cello. People gathered on the sidewalk and across the street to hear her play Bach or Randy Newman or old Klezmer pieces. Her fans became so numerous that she had to ask them to stop coming because they were not socially distancing. Her husband started to stream her shows on Facebook. "I played every day until early June," Beder said Saturday. "I think I took two days off." As the weather got colder, Beder moved indoors, to the back of her house with the windows open, and invited neighbors to her yard. With the onset of winter, she switched to streaming-only. "At the very beginning, people, including me, were in such a traumatized state. People were just sort of stunned and very afraid and very isolated," she said. "People had nowhere to go, nothing to do and were terrified. Life was unreal." The virus's toll steadily rose. "If somebody was sick, I played for them," said Beder, who works as a book copy editor. "Or somebody told me that their sister was sick or something, I would dedicate it to them." She said she did that 20 or 30 times. In November, one of Beder's cousins died of the virus. So did a neighbor's daughter, who was in her 30s. As caseloads trend downward and vaccinations spread, she said she does not know if she will resume playing. "For me, it's run its course, for what it was," she said. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A Bahraini ex-convict acid-attacked his former wife after she refused to surrender to him when he tried to rape her at his house in the Capital Governorate a few weeks ago. According to the victim, a 38-year-old Bahraini mother of two, the perpetrator, 42, was recently released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence for his involvement in drug-related cases. The woman said her husband lured her to his apartment within his fathers house in Sitra, after convincing her that he needed help with cooking and ask her to teach him how to use the oven. The victim claimed that the man suddenly locked the door of the kitchen and attempted to rape her, while threatening to attack her if she refused. NAPLES - Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, plans to sell green hydrogen to Europe, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman was quoted as saying by the newspaper The National. The project will move forward "if the economics allow it", the prince was quoted as saying. The statement was issued while an international forum on energy was ongoing in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has ambitions to become an exporter of hydrogen as it adjusts to a market that is shifting to clean fuel sources. Last year, a consortium formed by gas companies and Acna Power, a clean energy company in Saudi Arabia, signed a project worth five million dollars to produce hydrogen by using solar and wind energy. Hydrogen has become a popular fuel in Gulf countries eyeing alternatives to oil, in particular blue hydrogen, which comes from gas and green hydrogen from renewable sources. Hydrogen can cut gas emissions by 34%. The ministry is now aiming to transform Saudi Arabia into a "new Germany", according to a recent quote, planning to generate 50% of its power from clean sources, starting with solar energy to which Saudi Arabia will dedicate new power stations in the coming months. Stock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE) www.cgi.com/newsroom MONTREAL, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) announced today that Andre Imbeau, Co-founder and Advisor to the Executive Chairman of the Board, has elected to close out a transaction made in May 2008 in which 2,500,000 Class B shares of his holdings were monetized through a forward contract with a Canadian chartered bank. The termination of this vehicle will lead to the conversion of those previously monetized shares from Class B shares, which carry ten votes per share, into Class A subordinate voting shares, which carry one vote per share. After this conversion Mr. Imbeau will continue to own 900,000 Class B shares and 30,508 Class A shares. "The closing of this transaction, which was prudently put in place some time ago, will not materially change the voting dynamics at CGI neither will it affect Andre's role in our company as my advisor and as a valued board member." said Serge Godin , CGI Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board. 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 8.1.1.1 of our Q1 2021 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 San Francisco could advance from the purple to the red tier Wednesday in California's color-coded reopening framework that dictates. If the city makes the jump, several activities and business sectors, including indoor dining with restrictions, could reopen. The state will announce the new tiers on Tuesday and if the city meets the criteria for the red tier, it will officially move into the new level on Wednesday. Mayor London Breed suggested on Twitter last week that the city is likely to move into the red and released a list of what the county will allow to open in the red tier. The list includes: Expanding outdoor dining to allow three households of up to six people Allowing personal services that require the removal of masks outdoors and indoors, with specific health and safety measures in place Opening indoor dining (including bars with full meal service, food courts, hotel restaurants) at 25% capacity, but limited to four people from one household, requiring that indoor dinner service end by 10 p.m., and other safety requirements Opening indoor gyms and fitness centers at 10% capacity Opening indoor museums, zoos and aquariums at 25% capacity Opening indoor movie theaters at 25% capacity without concessions Opening outdoor stand-alone amusement park rides such as Ferris wheels, carousels and train rides Lifting nighttime restrictions on gatherings and non-essential business activities between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Allowing limited use of indoor pools "With the continued improvement of our COVID-19 health indicators, we could move to the state's Red Tier by next Wednesday, March 3rd," Breed wrote on Twitter. "This is a big step forward but we still have need to keep up our progress." She went on: "More and more people are getting vaccinated every day, and I'm proud of the work that all of our residents have done to slow the spread. But we can't let our guard down, we don't want to go backward," Breed wrote on Twitter. "There's an end in sight to this pandemic, let's get there safely together." A county's tier assignment in the state's reopening framework is primarily based on two metrics: the case rate (the number of new cases per 100,000 residents that's adjusted based on testing volume) and the seven-day positivity rate (the percentage of people who test positive for the virus out of all individuals who are tested). For a county to move into the red tier, it must report an average of four to seven daily cases per 100,000 residents and a test positivity of 5% to 8% for 14 consecutive days. There's also a third metric, the health equity metric, that the state takes into account for larger counties. It's designed to encourage counties to test for COVID-19 in disadvantaged neighborhoods and ensure the positivity rates in these neighborhoods don't lag far behind the overall county rate. It has been nearly a month since Newsom lifted the regional stay-at-home order, allowing Bay Area counties to reopen several business sectors, including outdoor dining and some indoor personal services such as haircuts. When the order ended Jan. 25, all nine counties in the region moved into the purple tier in the governor's color-coded reopening framework. Only Marin and San Mateo have moved into the red. The state's system sorts counties into four tiers "purple" (widespread), "red" (substantial), "orange" (moderate) or "yellow" (minimal) that measure the spread of COVID-19 and dictate what types of businesses and activities are allowed to open. The structure allows counties to be more restrictive and move more slowly than the state in reopening, if they wish. When a county jumps from the purple to the red tier, it can opt to increase retail capacity and allow several sectors to open indoors with modifications and capacity limits including museums, zoos, aquariums, gyms, movie theaters, restaurants and places of worship. A county can opt to be more strict than the state and not open all sectors allowed by the state. Elementary schools can operate with in-person learning in the purple tier; in the red tier high schools and middle schools can open as well. A Pennsylvania county is requiring government workers to sign a confidentiality clause that essentially precludes them from talking to anyone about their jobs after whistleblowers revealed major problems with a coronavirus testing program. Chester County commissioners passed a new ethics policy - which must be signed by its workers by March 6 - in December, two months after the Pennsylvania Inquirer published a report based partially on leaked information. The report described how COVID-19 antibody tests secured by the county in a $13million, no-bid contract from bio-tech start-up Advaite may have produced inaccurate results for thousands of people. Now Chester officials appear to be trying to prevent another embarrassing scandal with the new confidentiality clause that will turn almost everything learned on the job into the equivalent of classified information, the Inquirer reported Monday. It specifically says that such information cannot be shared with family, friends or the press. Anyone who refuses to sign the ethics policy by the Saturday deadline could face disciplinary action, including termination. Chester County in Pennsylvania is requiring government workers to sign a confidentiality clause that essentially precludes them from talking to anyone about their jobs after whistleblowers revealed major problems with a coronavirus antibody testing program. Pictured: A healthcare worker administers an antibody test in the county back in May Labor-law experts say the confidentiality clause infringes on First Amendment rights and whistleblower protections - and appears to be in direct response to the Inquirer report. But Chester County spokeswoman Rebecca Brain defended the policy in a statement on Friday, saying that it was not a reaction to news coverage and is not designed to prevent leaks. Brain told the Inquirer that the policy was planned in early 2020 but was delayed because of the pandemic. 'In order to meet high ethical standards, it is the County Commissioners' opinion that only publicly available information should be shared outside of the office,' she said. 'The intention of the newly adopted high ethical standards is not to be restrictive, but rather to help ensure more confidence in our team as a whole,' Brain said. The spokeswoman said county employees will still be protected under the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law regardless of the new policy. Commissioners on the Democrat-controlled three-person board have said the goal of the policy is to promote clean government, in part by prohibiting employees participating in political activities during work hours, using county property for personal reasons and accepting gifts in most cases. But experts say the confidentiality clause represents a broad overreach by prohibiting workers from sharing '[a]ll information, no matter how acquired during the course of employment with the county', unless it has previously been made public. Philadelphia labor lawyer Nancy Lassen slammed the county's definition of confidential information as 'almost grotesquely overbroad' and said it's 'nothing short of a gag provision'. She told the Inquirer the policy resembles something one would expect to see in the national security field, but could potentially be illegal and unconstitutional in a county government setting. Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline (pictured left to right in October) passed the new ethics policy in December, two months after the Pennsylvania Inquirer published its report based partially on leaked information The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) is advocating for the 'troubling and misguided' confidentiality clause to be scrapped altogether. 'Seeking to impose a broad blanket of confidentiality where none is justified by law is bad public policy and raises significant constitutional concerns,' Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the organization, told the Inquirer. 'The policy also ignores the fact that public employees are often in the best, and sometimes only, position to expose malfeasance or other questionable conduct that impacts the public they serve.' Even Robert Caruso, executive director of Pennsylvania's State Ethics Commission, said the policy was unusually strict, far surpassing the state ethics act it was based on. 'I've never seen one that includes a confidentiality provision that would require employees to not disclose anything they obtain while on the job,' Caruso told the Inquirer. He noted that the policy goes beyond rules in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, where employees are prohibited from disseminating information for profit. Some Chester County workers have said they are apprehensive about signing the policy because it contradicts the commissioners' pledges of transparency. 'As a public sector entity that answers to taxpayers, the intent is all wrong,' one employee, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told the Inquirer. 'It's not about good government and transparency, it's about saving face.' Chester County officials were forced to acknowledge failures in its COVID-19 antibody testing program last September after the Inquirer reported that the tests produced inaccurate results. The county purchased the tests from Malvern-based biotech start-up Advaite last April and launched a program with a goal of forming a better understanding of virus spread in the area. Because of the health crisis, the county was able to buy the politically-connected company's tests in a no-bid contract. The program was quietly shelved on June 2 after an implausible number of positive results came back from tests administered in late May, according to the Inquirer report last September. After the Inquirer released its findings, based on internal emails and interviews, officials who had publicly touted the success of the program contacted thousands of residents to inform them tests conducted in May were 'potentially inaccurate'. The officials also admitted that the county should have informed residents of the issues earlier. Chester County filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Advaite in January, claiming that it had failed to deliver one million tests. Advaite has said that the suit - which seeks to recoup more than $11million - is meritless. France: Sarkozy sentenced to three years, one in jail In wiretap scandal for 'corruption of judge' (ANSAmed) - PARIS, MARCH 1 - Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday was sentenced to three years in jail - with two of them suspended - over a wiretap scandal. Among charges, he is accused of corrupting a magistrate. Sarkozy, 66, is the second president of the Republic to be sentenced to jail, after Jacques Chirac in the case of fake jobs at the municipality of Paris when he was mayor. Prosecutors had requested for Sarkozy four years in jail with two of them suspended. Together with the two other defendants, attorney Thierry Herzog and magistrate Gilbert Azibert, Sarkozy was found guilty of what the president of the court described as a "corruption pact" and influence peddling. The magistrate was allegedly promised a career boost in exchange for information that was classified as part of an investigation on the former president of the Republic. The lawyers of Sarkozy, who is waiting for sentences in two other trials, are expected to appeal. The one-year-long detention, if confirmed, could be transformed into parole or community service. (ANSAmed). Before 9 a.m. Monday, Steve Dunn had already fielded three calls from constituents who couldnt get a vaccine appointment until the end of April. With more than half a million newly eligible 55 to 64-year-olds and school and child care workers frantically trying to book vaccine appointments on March 1, some are finding that they cant get a slot until almost two months out. Dunn, Brookfields first selectman, said he saw this problem coming. Towns can only vaccinate and open appointments for as many residents as they have shots for. So, each week, they wait to hear what the state will be providing. We knew this was going to be a problem and we said this in the Code Red on Friday, Dunn said, referencing the town alert system that pings people about important town issues. People are upset with me, which I understand, but towns have virtually no control over this. None. Zero. Residents began logging into the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), at midnight on Monday to snag an appointment. While this phase has been smoother from a technological perspective, the sheer number of people trying to make appointments and availability of vaccine has caused frustration. Many Connecticut residents took to Facebook, posting in a Vaccine Hunter group about being unable to book an appointment, waiting hours for a confirmation email, or only finding a spot months away. Charles Martyn was on the computer trying to secure appointments for himself and his wife, Deb, at midnight Monday. The Danbury couple, both 60, quickly secured a spot for Charles, but by 12:15 a.m., Deb couldnt get one. VAMS, which had sent Charles an email link for an appointment within 5 minutes, didnt send Deb the same email until 7:30 a.m. the next day. By that time, everything was booked. Charles said there appeared to be an incredibly small window where people were able to grab appointments. You just had that seven-minute window, Charles said. But for Southbury teacher David Kean, the sign-up process was super easy. He got the first available appointment he could find on Monday at Fairfields clinic, where he got his first dose. It was a pinch, like a shot, thats it, he said afterward. Kean teaches strings to grades six through eight at Rochambeau Middle School in Southbury. He said he had a great aunt who had COVID-19 but has since recovered -- and didnt have any hesitancy in signing up for the vaccine. Oh God, no, Kean said. I just wanted to get it done. Local town officials are hopeful that the state will be able to increase available doses and relieve the burden on the appointment system in the coming weeks now that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is on its way. Right now, several area towns reported receiving the same number or fewer doses than originally requested. After putting in a request for vaccine doses the week before, towns are often notified of incoming dosage on Friday of that same week, and receive shipments the next Monday or Tuesday. In New Milford, Mayor Pete Bass said that the vaccine en route contains fewer doses than they requested. Hes hoping that with Walgreens appointments, and possibly Big Y and CVS coming online soon, the tremendous response he is seeing can be met through other avenues. The mayor has also encouraged residents to seek appointments outside of New Milford, as well, since the town doesnt have its own standing clinics yet. The town plans to have their clinics up and running in the coming weeks. Bass said people have been upset about appointments that are at a later date than they expected. Others are concerned about traveling outside New Milford for their shot. Bethel receives its shipment on Tuesday, and First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said he expects at least 500 doses the same they received the week before but wont know until it arrives. Its going to be tough for residents 55 to 64 to schedule with Danbury Health Departments clinic. We are pretty booked out for a couple weeks, so there arent any open appointments at this time, said Taylor OBrien, city spokeswoman, adding more appointments will be added later. More than 700 residents 65 and older already scheduled appointments this week, she said. Other town officials, like First Selectman Rudy Marconi in Ridgefield, have not fielded many calls Monday about vaccine appointments. However, Ridgefield is also at the mercy of the state vaccine allotment, Marconi said. But theres good news. Danbury starts its first mass drive-through vaccination site at the Danbury Fair mall on Thursday. The site will have 600 additional appointments available per day that can be booked through VAMS and United Way 211 lines, according to the Community Health Center Inc. (CHC), which will be running the site. CHC said it will be open during the weekdays and select weekends for eligible Connecticut residents. A plan for school and child care staffs A major focus for state and town officials has been getting school and child care workers vaccinated so students can safely return to full in-person learning models. And towns like Danbury, which have been doing distance learning for most of the academic year, are eager to start to expanding hybrid learning models. We have to do it safely and we have to do it properly, Danbury Mayor Joe Cavo said. Getting those teachers vaccinated now is a big step toward accomplishing that goal. Towns are handling these teacher vaccination efforts in different ways. The Danbury Health Department added additional clinic hours this week for the citys public and private school staff, with plans to vaccinate 1,000 educators this weekend, OBrien said. Brookfield is looking to hold an entirely separate clinic day on Saturday to start the school and child care worker vaccinations, Dunn said. Brookfield schools Superintendent, John Barile, said the clinic hasnt been confirmed yet, and the number of vaccinations theyre able to cover will depend on doses received by the state, which they dont yet know. He said there are around 350 to 400 staff and faculty that are eligible now, but the town may need to hold further clinics to get them all a shot. In New Milford, the health department is reserving a certain number of vaccination appointments at their normal clinics for teachers and school workers, Bass said. According to Knickerbocker, the teachers in Bethel will be vaccinated by the health department on a separate schedule in order to meet Gov. Ned Lamonts end of March deadline for teacher vaccinations. He doesnt know the exact plan yet. Thats a hard deadline that they have to deal with, he said. Reporters Julia Perkins and Ethan Fry contributed to this story. The ability of military spouses to find work and sustain careers through frequent moves is vital to the stability of an all-volunteer force. Yet military spouse unemployment remains five times higher than the civilian population, and those who are employed earn much less than their counterparts. A recent study by Blue Star Families found that the unemployment, underemployment, and reduced labor force participation among military spouses cost the U.S. economy almost $1 billion per year. Military spouses are well educated and highly qualified for a range of careers, but frequent moves make it difficult for them to stay on a consistent career path. Switching jobs leaves little room for professional growth or establishment within a company, and some employers shy away from hiring military spouses because they know they will eventually be leaving. Occupational licensing regulations present another obstacle to employment. As much as 34% of military spouses work in a profession requiring licensing or certification, primarily in the health and education-related fields. A 2019 DoD survey found that one in five military spouses who work in a licensed profession waited 10 months or more to get their credential after a move. All told, military spouses faced a 22% unemployment rate and a 26% wage gap compared to their civilian counterparts before COVID-19. While there is some uncertainty about how much the military spouse unemployment rate changed due to the pandemic, there is little doubt it has increased. Despite significant legislation in recent years, military spouses continue to grapple with regulations and processes that can make it difficult to find work, particularly in licensed professions. Most state policies involve one or more of the following approaches: licensure by endorsement, temporary licensure, and expedited review of applications. A growing number of states now exempt military spouses from licensure altogether. Fee waivers, expiration date extensions and participation in interstate compacts are also common. States can also provide substantial unemployment benefits for military spouses who are forced to relocate, offer employers tax credits for hiring military spouses, encourage the employment of military spouses in state government, and more. Licensure by Endorsement Licensure by endorsement is a process whereby a board issues a permanent license without further examination to applicants who hold a valid license in another jurisdiction with similar standards. At least 32 statesAlabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyomingoffer licensure by endorsement for military spouses who relocate based on a military transfer. For example, North Carolina requires occupational licensing boards, with the exception of the Board of Law Examiners, to issue a license to a military spouse if he or she satisfies the following conditions: Holds a current license in another state with substantially similar requirements. Can demonstrate competency in the occupation through methods as determined by the board, such as having completed continuing education credits or having experience in the occupation for at least two of the preceding five years. Has not committed any act in another state that would have necessitated disciplinary action in North Carolina. Is in good standing in the state of licensure. Pays required fees. Other state laws are less detailed, though all rest on a determination by the board that a license issued in another state is equivalent to their own. Temporary Licensure Almost all states allow military spouses to receive a temporary license upon relocating. A temporary license allows an individual to practice his or her profession while fulfilling requirements needed to qualify for a permanent license, or while awaiting verification of documentation to support an endorsement. These licenses are typically valid for six months and not eligible for renewal. Temporary licenses can be issued regardless of whether the requirements in another state are equivalent. In Maryland, for example, licensing boards may issue a temporary license to a military spouse with the understanding that he or she must complete additional requirements to be fully licensed (Md. Bus. Reg. Code Ann. 2.5-106). The board cannot issue a license if doing so would pose a risk to public health, welfare, or safety. Expedited Review A military spouse who relocates to a state has little time to wait for a license application to be reviewed. At least 37 states require that licensing boards expedite review for military spouses: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. Most state laws do not set any timeframe around expeditious review. In South Dakota, however, if a board cannot make a final determination within 30 days, they must issue a temporary license (S.D. Codified Laws Ann. 36-1B-1). As of December 2020, licensing boards in North Carolina are required to review applications from military spouses within 15 days (2020 House Bill 1053). Montanas licensing boards are authorized to approve an application for an endorsement or temporary license based on an affidavit stating that the information provided is accurate and that the necessary documentation is forthcoming (Mont. Code Ann. 37-1-304 et seq.). Boards can suspend or revoke a license should any discrepancies surface after the fact. The law applies to all out-of-state license holders, not specifically military spouses. Licensing Exemption Some states are taking licensing reform a step further by exempting military members and spouses from licensure requirements. In 2018, Utah passed Senate Bill 227, which allows active-duty service members and their spouses to practice a number of occupations without requiring a distinct license in Utah, as long as they hold a current license in good standing in another state and pay all applicable fees. Arkansas enacted similar legislation in 2019. Senate Bill 564 requires licensing entities to grant automatic licenses to active duty service members, returning veterans and military spouses who hold a valid license in another jurisdiction. Arizona House Bill 2569 of the same year allows individuals who are licensed and in good standing in another state to freely practice in Arizona, provided they pay the required fees. The language specifically limits the provisions in the bill to individuals who either establish residence in the state or are married to an active duty service member and accompanying their spouse on their official change of station to Arizona. Military spouses would need to be licensed in another state for at least one year and possess a license that has not been previously revoked in any other state or country. Fee Waivers The total cost of licensure is comprised of examination fees, application fees, initial licensure fees, background check fees and sometimes other miscellaneous fees as outlined in statute. Military spouses may be deterred by the high cost of licensure, particularly those who have experienced frequent moves. At least seven statesFlorida, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Texas and West Virginiawaive or reduce licensing fees for military spouses. For example, Nebraska waives all fees for initial licensure for military families, including spouses (2020 LB 112). New Mexico waives all fees for the first three years a license is valid (2020 HB 30). Military spouses applying for a teaching license in New York pay a reduced application fee (N.Y. Educ. Law 6501). Expiration Date Extension At least four statesArkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia and Wisconsinextend the expiration date of an occupational license held by the spouse of an active duty service member living outside of the state. For example, West Virginia allows a military spouse to retain his or her license in good standing without payment of fees or satisfaction of continuing education requirements during, and up to six months following, the soldiers active duty service (W. Va. Code 30-1B-4). Interstate Compacts Compacts are a common tool for states looking to break down the barriers to license reciprocity and license portability. For example, 21 statesAlabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyominghave joined Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct (REPLICA), a multi-state compact for the Emergency Medical Services profession. The compact includes provisions related to licensing for veterans, service members and their spouses. The Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, counting 29 states as members, also includes provisions specific to military spouses. Clarification and Enhancement of Existing Policies States that have already enacted legislation on military spouse licensure can work to streamline and improve existing policies and procedures. Examples include auditing programs meant to ease barriers to employment for military spouses, effectively communicating licensure processes, providing professional development for board staff on issues related to military spouses, and improving data collection on military spouse licensure processes. For example, Washington Senate Bill 5359 of 2017 requires agencies to file reports with the Legislature and Washington State Military Transition Council. They must also appear annually before the joint committee on veterans and military affairs to report on implementation of occupational licensing laws for veterans and military spouses. In 2020, the state created the position of military spouse liaison within the Department of Veterans Affairs (SB 6626). The liaison is charged with, among other things, developing a common form for military spouses to complete highlighting specific skills, education, and training to help them find meaningful employment in relevant economic sectors. Illinois designated a military liaison within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in 2019 (HB 1652). Some of the liaisons responsibilities include managing all expedited applications, coordinating with military installations within the state, and training the directors of each division within the agency that issues occupational or professional licenses. The bill also provided greater flexibility to military spouses who wish to apply for an expedited license based on the knowledge that they will be relocating to Illinois within six months. Legislation passed in 2020 in North Carolina requires all licensing boards to post to their websites a document summarizing opportunities available to veterans and military spouses (HB 1053). It also requires boards to report annually on the number of applicants who are military spouses, the number granted a license, the number denied a license for any reason and a summary of the reasons for denial. Unemployment Benefits Military spouses may lose up to nine months of salary following a military transfer. Unemployment compensation, though often less than previous earnings, can provide financial stability to military families while a spouse looks for work in a new location. Generally speaking, when an employee leaves a job voluntarily, that person is ineligible for unemployment benefits. However, many states have recognized that military spouses who resign due to a military transfer have not done so voluntarily. Forty-seven states (exception Idaho, Louisiana, North Dakota) allow military spouses to receive unemployment compensation. The amount and duration of the benefit vary by state, as well as eligibility criteria. Employer Tax Credits At least 11 statesAlabama, Alaska, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Utah, Washington and West Virginiacurrently provide an income tax credit to private employers that hire one or more veterans. Credits range from $1,000 to $15,000 for each veteran hired. New Jersey (AB 1208) and Virginia (SB 460) are currently considering bills to provide tax credits to businesses that hire military spouses, up to 25% of wages. Virginias bill includes self-employed military spouses as well. Lawmakers in New Jersey are also considering an income tax credit for professional relicensing fees incurred upon relocating to state (AB 2704). Other State Action Rhode Island 2017 HJR 6351, Adopted: Creates a special legislation commission to study veteran and military spouse education and employment opportunities. Washington 2019 Exec. Order 1: Relates to veteran and military family transition and readiness support. Directs various offices to address barriers to starting and growing military spouse-owned businesses. Directs agencies to develop annual plans to increase the employment representation of veterans and military spouses. Requires agencies to review job postings and applicant screening and selection tools to ensure they do not exclude transferrable military and military spouse employment skills and experience. Federal Action ADVERTISEMENT The Cross River Health Insurance Agency said it plans to use drones to deliver health materials to rural areas. The agencys Director-General, Godwin Iyala, who disclosed this on Monday in Calabar, said the scheme would kick off on March 9. Governor Ben Ayade has also approved March 9 as the flag-off date of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund enrolment (BHCPF) into the Health Insurance Scheme. Our international partners will provide drones that will make for effective delivery of medical materials to the rural areas, given the states unique, but difficult terrain, Mr Iyala said. Mr Iyala said the packages to be delivered by drones would include items for the treatment of basic ailments, for caesarean sections for expectant mothers, and tuberculosis, leprosy and cancer drugs and medicaments. He said those who enroll in the BHCPF would be expected to pay N1,000 monthly, which would amount to N12, 000 per annum. He outlined the benefits of the scheme to include the pooling of resources for cross-subsidisation of health costs where those in the high-income bracket subsidise those in the low-income bracket. The director-general noted that with plans already put in place, the state was on the path of achieving universal health coverage for residents. He urged residents to enroll in the scheme to achieve better health for all. The flag-off of the scheme, earlier scheduled for April 7, 2020, was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. (NAN). ChiCom Joe and the appeasers By Mark Alexander As anticipated, the Biden/Harris regime is rapidly undoing the strong "America First" Middle East foreign policy achievements of former President Donald Trump, as Joe Biden's handlers are resurrecting Barack Obama's failed foreign policy of appeasement. That was evident last month with Biden's declaration, "We're prepared to reengage in negotiations with the P5+1 on Iran's nuclear program." That is a reference to the disastrous Iran "nuke deal" cut by Obama's secretaries of state, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton. And there is additional evidence that Kerry and Biden's current special envoy on Iran policy, Robert Malley, were "negotiating" with Iran, undermining the Trump administration's policies. On that, Mark Dubowitz, head of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, observed, "It is not good practice for senior officials who served at the highest levels of a former administration, Democratic or Republican, to be trying to undermine the policy of a sitting administration by engaging actively with a known enemy of the United States." Of course, Kerry has a sordid history of providing "aid and comfort" to our enemies, starting with his 1970 meetings with NVA Communists in Paris in direct violation of the UCMJ's Article 104 part 904 and U.S. Code 18 U.S.C. 953 while Nixon administration officials were negotiating a peace settlement with the NVA. He should have been prosecuted for that unlawful conduct. The consequences of Biden's current appeasement with Iran are dire. Recall that Obama's appeasement gave rise to the Islamic State, which led to a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions. Get ready for more of the same. That notwithstanding, of much greater significance to our national security, Biden's appeasement model with Iran forebodes a far more dangerous reversal of policies those with the Red Chinese communists. Biden's first kowtow and bow to China's dictator, Xi Jinping, was his executive order to reverse Trump's withdrawal from the World Health Organization, a corrupt ChiCom puppet organization. China was complicit with the WHO in its cover-up of the origins of the catastrophic China Virus, which, as Biden noted last week, now accounts for more than 500,000 American fatalities. Furthermore, at the recent G-7 summit, Biden announced that the U.S. has officially reentered the dubious Paris climate agreement, ostensibly to retard "climate change." According to Biden: "We can no longer delay or do the bare minimum to address climate change. This is a global existential crisis. As of today, the United States is officially once again party to the Paris Agreement, which we helped put together." It took the Trump administration almost four years to extricate the U.S. from this bogus agreement, but it took Biden mere weeks to fully reenter it. The biggest beneficiary of this boondoggle: China. Trump was the first president in decades to actually take on China both the unfair trade issues and the national security threat posed by the ChiComs. Biden's appeasement model is the perennial Beltway political and Foggy Bottom foreign policy model, so it's no surprise that Biden, approaching his sixth decade as a swamp creature, would be reverting to that posture with China. It has been argued by some political analysts that the "Big Guy's" corrupt influence-peddling scheme with the ChiComs, arranged by Hunter Biden and subsequently subject to a massive media blackout just ahead of the presidential election, is indicative of Biden's being beholden to the ChiComs. Thus, his appeasement. To be sure, there is a double standard regarding the Democrat Party's fake "Russia collusion" narrative in support of their attempted deep-state coup to take Trump down, and the subsequent impeachment charade with the same objective. The Demos endeavored to convict Trump for what Biden actually did in Ukraine. However, I think it is actually indicative of Biden's indifference to and consequently appeasement of the global military and economic threat China poses to the United States. Obama bowed to Chinese dictator Hu Jintao, but Biden is kissing Xi Jinping's ring. No question that the real winner of the last presidential election is its greatest beneficiary, the Red Chinese government the most perilous threat to the United States. In 2019, Biden insisted, "China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man. ... I mean, you know, they're not bad folks." Now Biden says, "I was on the phone for two straight hours with Xi Jinping. ... If we don't get moving, they're going to eat our lunch." In Biden's bumbling recollection of that recent phone call with Xi, he explained: "Chinese leaders if you know anything about Chinese history the time when China has been victimized by the outside world is when they haven't been unified at home. Vastly overstated. The central principle of Xi Jinping is that there must be a united, tightly controlled China and he uses his rationale for the things he does based on that." Biden continued: "I point out to him no American president can be sustained as a president if he doesn't reflect the values of the United States. And so the idea I'm not going to speak out against what he's doing in Hong Kong, what he's doing with the Uyghurs in the western mountains of China and Taiwan, trying to end the One China policy by making it forceful, I said [unintelligible gibberish] he gets it. Culturally there are different norms that each country and their leaders [sic] are expected to follow." Political analyst Scott Johnson, who kindly refers to Biden as "the gentleman from Madame Tussauds," noted, "This [is] an incredibly rich text illustrating Biden's 'thought' ... the cultural relativism that lies at the core of Democratic orthodoxy. China has their thing and we have ours. Their thing involves tyranny and abuse of human rights. Our thing involves the condemnation of same." Actually, I think that Madame Tussauds' wax figures are more lucid than Biden. Biden and his president-in-waiting, Kamala Harris, have an outstanding model for how to deal with China the model established by the Trump administration under the foreign policy leadership of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. As National Review's Dan McLaughlin notes: "On Joe Biden's first day in office, the People's Republic of China decided to settle scores individually with people who worked in the Trump administration by announcing that 28 members of the outgoing administration would be personally sanctioned for 'crazy moves which have gravely interfered in China's internal affairs,' primarily meaning that the Trump administration called out ongoing Chinese Communist Party human-rights abuses such as genocide, concentration camps, and slavery." According to China, "They include Michael R. Pompeo, Peter K. Navarro, Robert C. O'Brien, David R. Stilwell, Matthew Pottinger, Alex M. Azar II, Keith J. Krach, and Kelly D. K. Craft of the Trump administration as well as John R. Bolton. ... These individuals and their immediate family members are prohibited from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao of China." That is tantamount to an endorsement of the policies crafted and advocated by each of those Trump administration officials, but not the policies of the appeasers. Former Defense Secretary and CIA Director Robert Gates famously wrote that Joe Biden "has been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades." If the early days of his presidency are any indication, Biden will continue the trend in spades. As Mike Pompeo warned just before the Biden/Harris regime took office, the ChiComs are "inside the gates." Finally, Senior Stanford Fellow and historian Victor Davis Hanson asks a very consequential question: "Is the Biden administration stumbling into war?" Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post. The baffling discovery 400 kilometres from Sydney of a running shoe containing human remains since confirmed to be those of Melissa Caddick has raised doubts about the likelihood of a shoe having drifted so far. However, a possible explanation has come as a result of an extraordinary phenomenon in Canada. Melissa Caddicks foot was found on Tura Beach. Credit:SMG, Angi High For years, Canadians were mystified when at least 21 disembodied feet washed up along the British Columbian coast. Really large numbers of individual feet washed up on beaches of the west coast of Canada, British Columbia and the adjoining US state of Washington, Dr Matthew Orde, a forensic pathologist with the University of British Columbia, said. A mother-of-two was left red faced when she discovered her twins had emptied a bag of sugar and salt all over her newly-cleaned living room to recreate 'snow angels'. Kim McCabe, 31, from Solihull, Birmingham, had just finished cleaning the kitchen and living room when she nipped to the loo for five minutes - only to return and find the entire downstairs floor covered in white grit. The mum of two to twins, Mila-Rose and Kyson, three, filmed the moment as she realised the pair had emptied two entire bags of salt and sugar over the floor to mimic snow so they could make snow angels. 'I must have only been gone five minutes but they were suspiciously quiet so I thought I'd go and check on them,' explained Kim. Kim McCabe, 31, from Solihull, Birmingham, was left red faced when she discovered her twins had emptied a bag of sugar and salt all over her newly-cleaned living room to recreate 'snow angels'. Pictured, Kyson making a 'snow angel' in salt and sugar on the floor Kim had just finished cleaning the kitchen and living room when she nipped to the loo for five minutes - only to return and find the entire downstairs floor covered in white grit. Pictured, Mila-Rose surrounded by salt and sugar on the floor Twins, Mila-Rose and Kyson, three, (pictured) had emptied two entire bags of salt and sugar over the floor to mimic snow so they could make snow angels 'When I saw the floor I gasped, I couldn't believe it and I didn't even know what it was at first. 'I had just spent hours cleaning the entire downstairs and I felt like crying but when they started lying down on the floor and making snow angels I couldn't help but laugh.' The hairdresser spent another 45 minutes cleaning up the new mess and getting the kids cleaned up, who were caked in the salty sweet mixture. 'They were gutted that everywhere else in the UK had seen snow and we hadn't had any more snowfall so they decided to make their own,' she explained. After spending hours cleaning the entire downstairs, mother Kim said she felt like crying, but added when they started lying down on the floor and making snow angels she couldn't help but laugh. Pictured, Kyson surrounded by salt and sugar Kim spent 45 minutes cleaning up the new mess and getting the kids cleaned up, who were caked in the salty sweet mixture. Pictured, Kyson making a 'snow angel' in salt and sugar on the floor Kim said the twins were 'absolutely covered' head to toe but added she was laughing too much to be cross (pictured, the salt angels left and right) Kim (pictured, with the twins as babies) recalled that when she first saw the floor she 'gasped' because she didn't know what it was at first The cheeky twins (pictured) had taken one of the dining room chairs so they could reach the cupboard and pull out the salt and sugar 'They'd taken one of the dining room chairs so they could reach the cupboard and pull out the salt and sugar. 'They were absolutely covered head to toe but I was laughing too much to be cross!' Elsewhere, a mum-of-three has threatened to 'sell her kids on eBay' after they daubed her entire living room and brand-new 1,000 sofas in talcum powder. Christina Milford-Scott, from Hailsham, East Sussex, may have prepared herself for a day of 'chaos' on Friday as it was her youngest daughter Feleigh's first birthday - however she didn't realise it would see her beloved grey settes turned white. The 23-year-old had left her eldest children, Bronwyn, four, and Soren, two, to play in the living room while she started some work but minutes later she was greeted by the two tots 'looking white as ghosts'. The self-employed nail technician and hubby Jareth, 23, discovered their new real leather sofas, which cost more than 1,000, covered in white power - along with their carpets, curtains and even their lampshade. Christina Milford-Scott, 23, from Hailsham, East Sussex, has threatened to 'sell her kids on eBay' after they daubed her entire living room and brand-new 1,000 sofas in talcum powder. Pictured, Bronwayn, four and Soren, two The 23-year-old left her eldest children, Bronwyn, four, and Soren, two (pictured), to play in the living room while she started some work Furious Christina was then forced to scrub down her cheeky offspring in the bath before the couple tackled the mess, which took than two hours to brush and mop their floors and scrub the walls. Now Christina has banned all baby powder from the house to avoid a 'snow blizzard' in the future - admitting she is still finding talc everywhere. 'My heart stopped,' said Christina. ''I started laughing because when I'm in shock I laugh, but really I was angry. I was livid. 'They have done this before but nothing on this scale. You'd think we learnt our lesson. Third time round talc is finally banned. 'These children are going to drive me insane and I have finally got over the funny thought of selling them on eBay. 'It's funny because I have been threatening to sell them on eBay jokingly and now I think it's about time I create the ad.' Minutes later, Christina was greeted by the two tots 'looking white as ghosts' (pictured) The mother (pictured) has banned all baby powder from the house to avoid a 'snow blizzard' in the future - admitting she is still finding talc everywhere Christina had woken up early with her excited children on Friday morning as her artist husband had been up in the night with Feleigh who was teething. As she pottered around in the living room with the tots playing under her feet, she prepared for a busy day. Christina said: 'I woke up and already I knew it was going to be chaos. I thought 'right, I'll do their breakfast'. 'As I was going through the kitchen, they were running around me already and smashed one of my plates. I know it was going to be one of those days. 'I was pottering around doing some business stuff. I left them alone for just 15 minutes and could hear them playing. 'I thought they were fine. They weren't quiet - normally you worry when kids go quiet. I thought everything was fine. 'I was sat at my desk doing some work and I hear 'Mummy, Soren's had the talcum powder'. 'I turned around and they were both white as ghosts.' Dad-of-two Jareth donned a face mask and used a broom to brush talc off the walls and furniture (pictured) The mother-of-two's hoover doesn't work so her partner had to sweep the mess from the walls and furniture instead (pictured) As Christina swivelled around in her chair, she saw her Bronwyn and Soren covered head to toe in the white powder. In a panic, she rushed over to her husband to wake him up, knowing the scene that awaited her downstairs 'was going to be bad'. Christina said: 'I'm pretty sure Soren started it all. He's a real troublemaker. 'When I saw them, I knew it was going to be bad. I said 'JJ, you need to get up now. We need all hands-on deck'. 'We just walked really slowly into the lounge. I just knew. 'This was a 500G tub. Brand new and unopened. It was for the baby and I'd just bought it on Thursday. I left it in one of the bags and they just went through it. 'We haven't long moved in so we're still unpacking everything. 'The first thing I thought of was my leather sofas. They're real leather and you have all the crevices. 'We've not even had them a couple of months. They've been in storage for the majority of the time.' Christina said that he started laughing but that when she's in shock, she laughs - but she was really angry. Pictured, with her two children Taking charge, Christina scooped up the mischievous little ones and rushed them to the bathroom, desperate to avoid them spreading the talc into other rooms. The shocked couple then brushed up the excess powder, mopped their floors four times and desperately tried to clean the powder out of the creases in their new sofas. Christina said: 'I thought 'okay, first we need to bath them and get them into their rooms, then we'll sort out the situation'. 'When I was telling them to stop playing, they were still playing with it. They were throwing it around and kicking it everywhere. 'We had them bathed and in their rooms within 10 minutes. I left my husband to make a start while I popped out for a cigarette. I was so angry. Christina scooped up the mischievous little ones (pictured, Soren) and rushed them to the bathroom, desperate to avoid them spreading the talc into other rooms The shocked couple brushed up the excess powder, mopped their floors four times and desperately tried to clean the powder out of the creases in their new sofas. Pictured, one o the messy tots, Bronwyn 'I knew they were having fun and they're bored. They're not in school because of lockdown. I didn't want to make a huge scene out of it. 'My hoover doesn't work so we were having to sweep. I said "right JJ, start from the top and work your way down."' 'It was even on my lampshade and at the top of my curtains. We got the broom and started brushing down our walls, curtains, sofas. We've mopped it four times already and you can still see it. 'It took us just over two hours to clean up and we're still finding things now. I haven't dusted my TV stuff yet - that's still covered. I'm still finding talc in the creases of the sofa.' After posting the images online, Christina was inundated with advice from other concerned parents, who claimed she should be thankful it wasn't Sudocream. Pictured, talc After posting the images online, Christina was inundated with advice from other concerned parents, who claimed she should be thankful it wasn't Sudocream. Christina said: 'I spoke to them and my eldest just said 'Soren did it'. I asked what she meant and she said 'Soren, started it'. 'Online, a lot of parents were giving me advice and saying 'at least it's not Sudocrem'. Sudocrem is the worst.' On social media, one mum wrote: 'Ahh you've cheered me up so much, I really thought it was only my kids who owned the ability to trash our house.' Another Facebook user said: 'Two of mine, when little, covered each other head to toe with Sudocrem and said they were snowmen.' While another parent agreed: 'Please say it's flour and not Sudocrem? Flour you can clean, Sudocrem you may as well just sell the house.' .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The state House adopted legislation Sunday that would require private employers in New Mexico to offer paid sick leave to their workers, sending the measure over to the Senate with 20 days left in the session. Supporters said the proposal, House Bill 20, would offer critical protection for low-income New Mexicans who might otherwise have to choose between a paycheck or caring for a sick loved one. It would also, they said, reduce the spread of illness in the workplace. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ This is the right thing to do, not only for workers but for our economy, said Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe. Throughout the session, the legislation has faced intense opposition from business groups and Republican legislators, who said its a particularly bad time to impose costly new regulations on employers already struggling because of the pandemic. I believe if this legislation passes, small businesses will suffer, said Rep. Larry Scott, R-Hobbs. The bill passed 36-33, with nine Democrats crossing party lines to vote no. Under the proposal, employees would earn at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. They could use up to eight days of earned leave or 64 hours in a one-year period, unless the employer establishes a higher limit. Businesses of all sizes would be covered by the regulation. It would apply to private employers, not state or local governments a difference Republicans highlighted during Sundays debate. Rep. Christine Chandler, a Los Alamos Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, said she and other sponsors determined that public employers generally offer benefit packages that exceed whats required in the legislation, making their inclusion in the bill unnecessary. Republicans disputed that characterization and argued, in any case, that the state should subject itself to the same requirements it imposes on businesses. But the House rejected a GOP-sponsored amendment to extend the bill to public employers. The proposal will head next to the Senate, where it will have to make it through a network of committees and receive full Senate approval by March 20 to reach the governors desk. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, suggested recently that it might not be the right time for New Mexico lawmakers to pass bills imposing new requirements on businesses. Rep. James Strickler, R-Farmington, pushed to delay the effective date of the bill to next summer an idea rejected by a majority of the House. Im worried that this is going to backfire and do more harm than good, he said of the legislation. Five Democrats are sponsoring the bill Reps. Angelica Rubio of Las Cruces, Daymon Ely of Corrales, Patricia Roybal Caballero of Albuquerque and Chandler, in addition to Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque. This is about bringing equity to workers, especially the most vulnerable in our economy, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-Albuquerque, said. Its long overdue. Under the bill: Sick leave could be used for medical care, caring for a family member or for certain absences related to domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking. Employers that violate the act would be liable for three times the wages they should have paid the employee or $1,000, whichever is greater. Supplemental leave would be offered, on top of whats already required, during a public health emergency. Employers wouldnt have to compensate an employee for unused sick leave upon termination. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of carrying out an attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman last week, a charge rejected by Tehran. "This was indeed an operation by Iran. That is clear," Netanyahu told state radio Kan in an interview aired on March 1. Iran is the greatest enemy of Israel. I am determined to halt it. We are hitting it in the entire region, Netanyahu said in response to a question about whether Israel would retaliate. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh strongly rejected the claim that the country was behind the attack and said Netanyahu was suffering from an obsession with Iran. The Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray, a vehicle carrier, was traveling from the Saudi port of Dammam to Singapore when it was struck by an explosion on February 25. The blast did not cause any casualties but the ships Israeli owner said it left two 1.5-meter-diameter holes in the side of the vessel. The Bahamian-flagged vessel, registered in the Isle of Man, is currently docked in Dubai, where an Israeli team has been sent to investigate. Iran or its regional proxies are believed to be behind a number of attacks on shipping in the strategic Persian Gulf in recent years, including incidents involving two Saudi oil tankers in May 2019. Iran has denied carrying out those attacks. Iran blamed Israel for the assassination of its top nuclear scientist in November and vowed to retaliate. Meanwhile, overnight Syrian state media reported suspected Israeli air strikes south of Damascus. Israeli media reports said the alleged strikes were on Iranian targets in response to the ship attack. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes on Iranian and affiliated forces in Syria, where Israel says it seeks to prevent Tehran from entrenching on its doorstep. The explosion on the Israeli vessel occurred around the same time as U.S. air strikes on February 25 targeted Iran-backed militia groups in eastern Syria believed to be behind a spate of recent rocket attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq. It also comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran over the fate of the 2015 nuclear deal. U.S. President Joe Biden says his new administration is open to diplomacy with Tehran after his predecessor, Donald Trump, withdrew from the nuclear accord and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually breach its commitments. But the two sides remain locked in disagreement over which country must move first, with Iran wanting immediate sanctions relief and the United States demanding Iran first return to compliance with its nuclear commitments. Israel has been one of the most vocal opponents of the nuclear accord. In the interview aired on March 1, Netanyahu said Iran "will not have nuclear weapons -- with or without a [nuclear] agreement. I said that to my friend Biden as well." Iran has always denied pursuing nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear program is strictly for civilian purposes. With reporting by AP, Kan, and Reuters For over a decade, Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his ruling party, Fidesz, have been working diligently to tighten their control of the countrys media outlets and independent press. Through the use of state advertising money, closures, and purchases of media outlets by proxies, the Hungarian government eliminated most of the unfavorable news and comment that was critical of it. In 2018, nearly 500 outlets were rolled into the Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA), a group headed by people close to the Fidesz party. In March of last year, an ally of Fidesz purchased 50 percent of the company that manages Indexs advertising, Hungarys at the time market-leading online news outlet. In July, Indexs editor-in-chief was fired, leading to mass resignations of Index staff. Then in September, the government agency responsible for media oversight declined to renew the license of the last major independent commercial radio station, Klubradio, a news and talk station. Both Index and Klubradio were critics of the government. Klubradio appealed the decision to the courts, but on February 9th, a judge ruled against it. Klubradio went off the air on February 14th, although it is still able to broadcast on the internet. Over the last few years, the Fidesz-controlled Media Council and the government have one-by-one blocked off every remaining avenue for Klubradio to remain on air when its renewal was rejected for politically motivated decisions, said International Press Institute director Scott Griffen.The result was that, when the time finally came for Klubradio's license to be renewed, its fate was all but sealed." The United States is deeply concerned about declining media pluralism in Hungary, said State Department spokesperson Ned Price in a written statement. The United States shares the concerns of international press freedom advocates and many Hungarians over the decline of media pluralism in Hungary. The United States believes that a diversity of independent voices and opinions is essential to democracy, and we urge the government of Hungary to promote an open media environment. The United States is committed to strengthening our partnership with Hungary, a NATO Ally, and advancing the Biden administrations commitment to supporting democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. Donald Trump on Sunday attacked Joe Biden as being an 'America last' president, attacking his successor for being in thrall to China in his first speech since leaving the White House. Addressing the conservative faithful at CPAC - the Conservative Political Action Conference - Trump said that Biden had had 'the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history.' He strongly criticized the president's decision to rejoin the World Health Organization, describing the WHO as 'puppets for China', and insisting Biden was unable to rein the Chinese in. Trump complained about companies relocating to China, describing China as a country that has 'ripped us off for years' and 'should not be rewarded.' Donald Trump on Sunday accused Joe Biden of being in thrall to China thanks to family ties He complained about Biden being too lenient on China, saying: 'That's what the Biden administration is doing. But, of course, as you know, they have a very close, personal relationship with China, so I don't expect much to happen.' Biden is pictured with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in August 2011 Trump has frequently accused Biden of being in some way compromised by China. His son, Hunter Biden, attempted to do business with Beijing - his father insisted he was unaware of Hunter's efforts. Trump has rejected Joe Biden's explanation, however, and insisted the president was being too lenient - despite Biden continuing many of Trump's trade policies with Beijing, and speaking out against persecution of the Uighurs. Trump told the meeting it was essential to ensure that America had the upper hand. 'We believe in standing up to China, shutting down outsourcing, bringing back our factories and supply chains, and ensuring that America, not China, dominates the future of the world,' he said. 'We took in hundreds of millions of dollars from China during my administration, hundreds. 'It was a one-way street. We took in hundreds of millions, and during negotiations they would say, look, we don't want any more of these tariffs. Those tariffs, we took in so much money. And what happened is they became competitive.' Trump has frequently attacked Joe Biden's businessman son Hunter for his dealings in China Trump also reiterated his blame of Beijing for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Trump accused China of covering up the virus' spread, adding: 'what happened with that was just disgraceful.' Returning to his attack on Biden, Trump described the Democrat administration as 'anti-jobs, anti-family, anti-borders, anti-energy, anti-women, anti-science.' He added: 'In just one short month, we have gone from America first to America last.' Trump's attacks on Biden were predictable, accusing his successor of 'eliminating our [southern] border' and triggering 'a massive flood of illegal immigration.' Trump accused Mitch McConnell, with wife Elaine Chao, of being compromised by China Trump's remarks on Biden will likely raise eyebrows, given his own recent comments about his own party's leader being compromised - and even his own Cabinet. On February 16 Trump launched an extraordinary attack on Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader, whose wife, Elaine Chao, Trump's transport secretary, was born in Taiwan. Her family has a vast shipping business in China, and significant ties to official China, including board positions in state companies and a close relationship between Chaos father and former Chinese President and Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Jiang Zemin. 'McConnell has no credibility on China because of his familys substantial Chinese business holdings,' said Trump. 'He does nothing on this tremendous economic and military threat.' Ireland is leading the EU on mandatory hotel quarantine and is has one of the fastest vaccine roll-outs in the bloc, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said. He said Irish people need to see unity from their politicians, decrying claims that the vaccine roll-out in Ireland is a debacle or that mandatory quarantine is being introduced much too late. In fact Ireland is doing well on vaccine distribution in an EU contest, and is leading the trading bloc on mandatory hotel quarantine, he said. Read More Mr Donnelly said the vaccine programme had been criticised sharply on the basis that is was progressing slowly, adding: We would all love it to be moving at the speed of the UK. But we're just going to have to accept the UK is not in the EU. But we (in Ireland) have managed to advance purchase 18.5 million doses which we would not have been able to do outside of the EU. So the UK and Israel are pretty much ahead of everyone, but within what we can control, which is within the EU, we here have consistently been one of the fastest roll-outs in the EU. Not only that, but we're prioritising our highest risk people first, which takes more time and more efforts, it's more complex. Mr Donnelly, speaking on the mandatory health quarantine legislation in the Seanad, said it was simply not credible to suggest that the new restrictions were a case of better late than never. Austria, Belgium Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, and Germany all had no mandatory quarantine in a hotel or a government facility, he said. Latvia, Liechtenstein Lithuania, Luxembourg Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden had no such legislation either, he said, adding Ireland was leading the EU. Cyprus and Hungary did, but only for arrivals from the UK. In Greece mandatory hotel quarantine applied, but only if your incoming test is positive. Iceland had it only if there is no alternative, with people allowed to go home. And if you had a home in Norway, you just do the home quarantine, he added, which Ireland had as well. So to suggest that this is some sort of laggard move on behalf of Ireland, it simply just doesn't stack up, he said. Mr Donnelly said he did not believe all of the Oppositions points were made with the very best of intentions in the Dail last week. Some were taking photographs of the voting monitors after the vote, sending them around social media and saying the Government has left you all at risk, he complained. We're all trying to do the same thing. There is absolutely no monopoly on wisdom on how to do this, he said, adding that he respected all views. My view, for what its worth, is the Irish people need to see unity from their politicians. The more unity we have after the debates the better. The HSE is working seven days a week on vaccinations, he said, had already covered long-term residential care facilities and made huge inroads into cohorts of healthcare workers. Cohort three the over-85s was underway, and there was prioritisation also of those with a very high risk underlying condition. The country needs a bit of hope, and that hope is the vaccination programme, he said. For it to be described as a debacle, I just think that's nonsense. I think it's a great disservice to the people who are running this. Mr Donnelly said he was in Dublin City University (DCU), where they had 102 GP clinics and had nearly 1,000 people over the age of 85 in attendance. The Order of Malta was there. Dublin Airport had sent in their wheelchairs, there were medical students, general practitioners, practice nurses, the staff in DCU, the HSE. The Air Corps has been flying vaccines to the islands in the west. There's a national effort going on here that I am very proud to be part of, as an Irish citizen watching the apparatus of the State and our health care workers step up. When you meet the people being vaccinated, the hope, the emotion and the energy is is incredible. And so I would just I would just encourage people to take a look at that. Marylands capital city has filed a lawsuit against 26 oil and gas companies, saying their industry was taking the environment to a point where fighting climate change would be difficult. The City of Annapolis filed the lawsuit in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, and names ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP and Shell among its defendants, the Capital Gazette reported. Annapolis says its the 25th state or local government to file such a lawsuit. Mayor Gavin Buckleys office said in a statement that the city will argue the companies violated the Maryland Consumer Protection Act and other actions, including public and private nuisance and negligence. The companies worked to deceive people of the danger, hiding their knowledge and engaging in an intentional campaign to mislead the public about the science, proving the growing danger posed by fossil fuels, Buckley told a news conference. The City Council was informed of the lawsuit in a closed session following a council meeting. Anne Arundel County is also considering similar litigation against oil and gas companies, County Executive Steuart Pittman said during his weekly media briefing. Pittman pointed to the countys 130 miles of coastline, parts of which are also at risk to rising sea levels. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Energy Climate Change Oil Gas Maryland Donald Trump has no remorse about the deadly violence he incited with his lies about a stolen election in his uprising against the US Congress. This much was clear when the ex-President put the Republican Party on notice on Sunday that he intends to use his hold on its grassroots to try to suppress the vote heading into the presidential election in 2024, in which he hinted he might run. In his first public remarks since leaving the White House, he also dangerously lashed out at Supreme Court justices for failing to intervene to throw him the election he clearly lost to President Joe Biden. "They should be ashamed of themselves for what they've done to our country ... the Supreme Court didn't have the guts or the courage to do anything about it," Trump fumed in an authoritarian speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, in Orlando, Florida, referring to false fraud claims thrown out by multiple judges. Last seen leaving Washington in disgrace, the ex-President's self-regarding wander through old political fights emphasized his obsession with revenge at a time when the attention of the majority of the nation not in his camp is concentrating on more immediate concerns. The distribution of a third Covid-19 vaccine -- manufactured by Johnson & Johnson -- is stirring new hope that a version of normality could be restored by the summer. Depending on how it progresses in the Senate, the House passage of Biden's $1.9 trillion Covid rescue plan early Saturday could also accelerate the end of a pandemic that the ex-President ignored completely in his final weeks in office. The embittered former commander in chief, however, was locked in his false but damaging alternative reality, to which millions of his followers subscribe, that he was the victim of a massive election fraud effort. The last time Trump publicly used the kind of language that he spewed on Sunday was when Congress was certifying Biden's election win and his mob invaded the US Capitol, calling for the execution of then-Vice President Mike Pence, who refused to break the law to keep Trump in power. His latest comments suggest that the fight to safeguard US democratic institutions and free elections did not end when he left the White House but will be a key struggle in the run-up to the next presidential election. As local and state Republicans seek to narrow access to the polls, Trump, who tried to force officials in Georgia to steal the election for him, called on the GOP to outlaw mail-in and early voting to ensure "honest elections" and made racially motivated insinuations about irregularities in Detroit and Philadelphia. He demanded citizen tests for ballot access, said voting should only take place on Election Day and called for independent judges to be barred from adjudicating election disputes. "The Republicans have to do something about it. They better do something about it," he said The ex-President's warning could be so damaging because he is effectively making his support for GOP candidates in the 2022 midterms contingent on them backing his false claims of a corrupt election in 2020. And in the shorter term, he is seeding even more suspicion about his exit from the White House with conservative voters, while providing more potential motivation for extremist groups who support him. In such a way, Trump's corrupting influence could harm faith in the fairness of US elections, the bedrock of US democracy for months or years into the future. Naming his enemies In a further inflammatory move, Trump also called out by name Republican lawmakers who voted to impeach him in the House and convict him in the Senate for his assault on the Constitution, including Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Sens. Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Mitt Romney of Utah. His singling of them out demonstrates his intention to exact revenge in upcoming primaries and could leave them vulnerable to harassment as they travel around the country. Trump's speech, apparently intended to further radicalize followers who have already shown they are willing to embrace violence, was carried live on Fox News and other conservative outlets in an unfiltered stream of falsehoods. Trump got his biggest cheer when he refreshed the lie that he won in November, then embarked on multiple flagrantly false claims of fraud. His fury put down a marker that any Republican who wants his endorsement and to prosper with the party's base must now support his dangerous lies about the last election being stolen. "I may even decide to beat them for a third time," said the one-term former President who never won the popular vote and failed to crack 50% in presidential approval polls while in office. Several times, Trump implied to his delighted crowd that he could end up back in the Oval Office. "With your help, we will take back the House. We will win the Senate. And then a Republican president will make a triumphant return to the White House," Trump said. "And I wonder who that will be." Trump's unhinged conduct and attacks on his successor so soon after leaving office represented a historical aberration. Yet such is the blowtorch that Trump trained at the traditions of the presidency that they came as no surprise. In fact, a show of restraint would have been more notable from an ex-President who often put personal grievances above the national interest. Pilgrimage of 2024 hopefuls To begin with, Trump's big comeback speech was a low-energy elegy for his own presidency and an extended whine about Biden's early policies. His delivery lacked the enthusiasm and sparks of humor that made his speeches compelling political theater early in his 2016 campaign. But the pilgrimage of senior Republican politicians who made the trip to Florida, including potential 2024 candidate like Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, demonstrated Trump's unbroken hold on the Republican grassroots. Trump's inflammatory language and new push to dismantle the infrastructure of elections is likely to mean more frustration for Republican leaders in Washington who are trying to build opposition to the current President's Covid rescue package in the Senate but who will now be assailed by questions about Trump's new insurrectionary rhetoric against the Supreme Court. The ex-President's comments came with the Capitol and the Supreme Court building still behind a massive steel fence, amid lingering fears of attacks by extremists fueled by Trump's seditious rhetoric. There was no doubt about the former President's desire to remain the dominant figure in the Republican Party. The question is whether performances such as Sunday's will retain resonance months down the road or whether Trump's inevitable time out of the spotlight will dampen his aura even among his devoted fans. Washington Republican leaders like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appear to be hoping for the latter scenario. One of the senators who voted to convict Trump in his Senate trial, Louisiana's Bill Cassidy, suggested on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday that the ex-President's grip on the party would eventually fade. "If we idolize one person, we will lose. And that's kind of clear from the last election," Cassidy told Dana Bash. Trump accused Biden of having the worst beginning to a new presidency in history, even though the Democrat's approval ratings are at levels his predecessor never reached. He demanded that kids must go back to school now, playing into the frustration of parents, but ignoring his own negligence in fighting the pandemic that meant that in-person learning has been on hold for a year in many parts of the nation. Trump offered a policy prescription of "America First" trade, draconian border enforcement, expanded oil and gas exploration, opposition to gun control and a crusade against what conservative cable hosts call cancel culture. "In just one short month we have gone from America first to America last," Trump claimed. But his angry comments on immigration, while mirroring his early rhetoric in the 2016 campaign, represented a reprise of the nativist rhetoric that alienated many suburban voters and may have helped lose him the presidency, and Republicans the House and Senate. Trump's appearance often lacked the freshness of turns from his proteges -- like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem -- until he reached the inflammatory rhetoric of his attack on the Supreme Court and claims of a stolen election. The CPAC presidential straw poll is hardly a scientific barometer of GOP opinion. But Trump's win with only 55% of the vote seemed low at a three-day event staged as an endless homage to the ex-President. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Mumbai, March 1 : Actress Kangana Ranaut on Monday was at her Bandra office for a meeting, and she tweeted to express that visit left her heartbroken. In September, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had demolished parts of Kangana's office in Bandra citing illegal construction. The demolition work was stopped midway after a stay order from Bombay High Court on September 9. Expressing her feelings on returning to the building on Monday, Kangana wrote: "I have been conducting meetings at my house, today Aksht Ranaut who founded Manikarnika Films with me also single handedly handling all 700 cases filed on me, insisted that today I attend important meeting regarding Emergency at the office, I wasn't ready and my heart broke again." The actress also shared a few pictures of her partially demolished office building. A few days ago, Kangana announced her plans to open a cafe-restaurant in Manali. The Irish Heart Foundation and the Asthma Society of Ireland are calling on the Government to support the public in moving away from the use of home fuels (Chris Radburn/PA) The public are vastly underestimating the impact that home-burning fuels is having on their health, the Irish Heart Foundation has warned. Sitting in front of an open fire can expose people to similar levels of toxic fumes found in traffic blackspots at rush hour, it said. An Ipsos MRBI poll has found just one in 10 people consider the burning of smoky fuels, including coal, turf and wet wood in the home to be the leading source of air pollution. Home fuel burning is having a hugely detrimental impact on the nations health with children, older people and those living with chronic diseases being the worst affected Dr Tim Collins, Irish Heart Foundation That is despite the fact that the Irish Heart Foundation found those fuels are responsible for the majority of the 1,400 or more deaths linked to air pollution in Ireland each year. And less than half the population are aware of the health damage that is being caused by emissions which remain in the home after the fuels are used. Irish Heart Foundation chief executive Dr Tim Collins said: Home fuel burning is having a hugely detrimental impact on the nations health with children, older people and those living with chronic diseases being the worst affected. Its crucial that the scale of the damage being done is fully understood in the debate on banning smoky fuels. The fact is that when you sit in front of an open fire, youre exposed to similar levels of toxic fumes found in traffic blackspots at rush hour. Some 92% of air pollution deaths in Ireland are attributed to microscopic pollutants known as PM2.5, which are mainly associated with the use of smoky fuels. Heart disease and stroke account for up to 80% of air-pollution caused deaths, but fatalities are also caused by lung cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and COPD. Dr Collins warned that while the majority of air pollution deaths occur in adults, there is now growing evidence to suggest there is also a severe impact on children. He said: We have known for some time that childrens hearts, brains, hormone systems and immunity can all be harmed by air pollution. Now research is beginning to point towards effects on growth, intelligence, and development of the brain and co-ordination. People parents, grandparents, childminders need to think of that every time they light the stove or the fire. Expand Close Irish Heart Foundation chief executive Tim Collins has warned the public is vastly underestimating the impact that home-burning fuels is having on their health (Irish Heart Foundation/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Irish Heart Foundation chief executive Tim Collins has warned the public is vastly underestimating the impact that home-burning fuels is having on their health (Irish Heart Foundation/PA) The Irish Heart Foundation and the Asthma Society of Ireland are now calling on the Government to support the public in moving away from the use of home fuels. Dr Collins said that regardless of Government policy on smoky fuels, it is imperative that the whole country is fully aware of just how dangerous they can be. He added: It must be stressed that its not enough just to ban smoky coal the evidence now suggests that peat and wet wood may be just as harmful. Therefore, restrictions on these fuels must be part of new regulations. According to the survey, 51% of respondents thought that transport was chiefly responsible for the health impact of air pollution in Ireland, while 21% said industry. Just 11% thought pollution from coal, peat and wood burned in the nations homes was responsible. Just one in five thought heart disease and stroke were the leading causes of death from air pollution, although they account for as many as four out of every five air pollution fatalities. Dr Collins added that while the Irish Heart Foundation fully supports the proposed restrictions on smoky fuels, it was essential that the new regulations are accompanied by measures ensuring that nobody is left without an affordable means of heating their home safely. EDWARDSVILLE As of Feb. 20, the coronavirus had led to 500,000 deaths in the United States alone. But even for the millions of Americans that have survived COVID, the long-term effects may be significant. Dr. Loren Hughes, a family physician and former healthcare executive from Edwardsville, is among the many doctors concerned about the growing number of COVID long haulers, people who have had the coronavirus and are still suffering long-term effects. On the medical information sharing sites I monitor, doctors from all over the country are asking for suggestions on how to treat COVID long haulers, said Hughes, who is a member of the Madison County Health Advisory Committee. Most primary care offices are seeing patients in increasing numbers who are COVID-recovered but are having ongoing symptoms. Dr. Paul Malcharek, an internal medicine physician and associate medical director at HSHS Medical Group in Maryville and another member of the Health Advisory Committee, is already well-versed in the COVID long haulers issue. I have a few patients who are experiencing lingering shortness of breath, headaches and fatigue, Malcharek said. I think its becoming a problem and theyre starting to do some research on it, including Washington University (in St. Louis). People go through a batch of tests and they all come back normal. My concern is what the one-year, five-year and 10-year repercussions of COVID might be. Are we going to see heart issues or lung issues? Malchareks experiences with COVID long haulers arent limited to his patients. Amanda Kilzer, one of Malchareks fellow staff members at HSHS Medical Group Family and Internal Medicine in Maryville, had COVID several months ago and is still experiencing symptoms. I started with symptoms around Nov. 19 and mostly it was like a sinus infection with migraine headaches and I had never had migraines in my life, said Kilzer, who is a family nurse practitioner at the Maryville office. Im still having headaches and dizziness and Im on medicines that Ive never been on in my life. Im seeing a neurologist every month and Im also going to a post-COVID research clinic at Washington University. I had an MRI on my spine and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) because they wanted to see if there was any lingering damage from COVID. Unfortunately for Kilzer and many other COVID long haulers across the nation, finding relief from those long-term symptoms has been an exercise in frustration. Nothing is working and were just trying different medications, Kilzer said. They are not finding anything specifically to pinpoint the cause of the symptoms. Kim Burgess, a multispecialty orthopedic nurse practitioner at HSHS Medical Group in OFallon, has a similar story, even if her COVID symptoms are different. I was diagnosed with COVID on Aug. 10, Burgess said. My first COVID test on a Monday was negative, but to return to work, they made you do two negative tests and my test on Wednesday came back positive. I was asymptomatic at that time until Friday when the symptoms hit. I was more tired than usual, but I work full-time and Im a mom of two. On Sunday before I was diagnosed, I was feeling fatigued and I took a nap. I got up on Monday and got ready to work and showered and I wanted to lay down before I even got dressed. Thats when I came to work, and they told me I needed to get tested. Shortly after starting quarantine when she tested positive, Burgess continued to experience fatigue along with a mild fever (100.5 degrees), a cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. She also had a constant thirst. I live in a two-story house and climbing a flight of stairs was pretty difficult, said Burgess, who ended up not working for almost two months. I would get a really fast heart rate even after getting get out of bed or going to the bathroom. I was drinking pitcher after pitcher of water, which was odd. With all of this going on, I ended up having a CT scan of my chest and had an electrocardiogram to check my heart function. Thankfully, all of it came back normal. Currently, Burgess is not feeling quite as fatigued but doesnt have as much energy as she did a year ago. Fatigue is probably my biggest complaint, but my second complaint is that I still have some joint pain, which I never had prior to this, Burgess said. We have another nurse manager here that I work with who had COVID about three months ago and missed time at work, and she had some lower back pain. I had none of that, so I think it affects everybody differently. I have high blood pressure prior to all of this, and it became worse as well. Ive had medication changes because of it, and I have just been advised to start taking an 81-milligram aspirin every day. While the long-term effects of COVID may be disheartening for people like Burgess and Kilzer, they are equally disheartening for the doctors who are trying to solve their problems. The doctors on the websites are already starting to see these patients as kind of a problem and its frustrating because they have known these patients a long time, Hughes said. Theyre not complainers and theyre not malingerers, but now theyre starting to show up with these ongoing symptoms. They dont have a fever and their COVID tests are negative and they have antibodies. A lot of these doctors dont know what to do for these patients. Theyre all waiting for some miracle to happen. According to a report by webmd.com, about one-third of COVID survivors have long-haul symptoms, but research on the topic is starting to emerge. The Washington University Care and Recovery After COVID Clinic (CARE) is accepting patients who have had a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 by a nasal swab test, a saliva test, or a blood antibody test. My husband works at Wash U. and he got me connected with Dr. Maureen Lyons, who is an internal medicine physician at the Washington University School of Medicine, Burgess said. They were starting the CARE Clinic and I was one of their first patients. I just met with her last week and she is seeing patients at Barnes West County Hospital. They just got an NIH National Institutes of Health)-approved grant and can hire more staff and offer more therapy. For me, a lot of this is just knowing that Im not crazy and there are other people going through this as well, so I think it will be beneficial. Kilzer, likewise, is hoping that the clinic at Washington University will help her as well. In the meantime, she urges COVID survivors to seek medical care if they are experiencing lingering symptoms. You need to go to the doctor and tell them your symptoms and do any necessary testing because its good to rule out any dangerous diagnosis, Kilzer said. Hopefully, some of these medications will work in the long run, and eventually the symptoms will stop. With more people being vaccinated every day, the question of whether vaccination helps long haulers remains unanswered. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends vaccine for long haulers to provide stronger immunity to prevent reinfection, Hughes said. Some patients are nervous to take it since they dont want to make their symptoms worse. Several studies are going on to see if there is any effect on long-hauler symptoms. Because we dont know the cause of these persistent symptoms, its hard to predict the effect of a vaccination on them. Like Hughes, Malcharek is frequently asked about the safety of the vaccine and whether it might have long-term effects. The honest answer is we havent seen any yet, but we also dont know the long-term effects of COVID, Malcharek said. With COVID, were already seeing people having problems. I took the vaccine more than a month ago with no side effects whatsoever. Were still recommending vaccination even after youve had COVID and with those people, we havent seen it worsening symptoms at all. They had the typical achiness after the vaccine for a day or so, but that was it. We also havent seen their symptoms improve either. 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 Virginia Commonwealth University has suspended a fraternity after a freshman, Adam Oakes, 19, of Sterling, Va., was found dead over the weekend at an off-campus house where a family member said he had been blindfolded and given alcohol. The university said in a statement on Sunday that it had issued a cease-and-desist order to a chapter of the Delta Chi fraternity, suspending its operations on campus. The fraternitys national organization also said it had suspended the chapter, one of 114 affiliates in the United States. The university and the fraternitys headquarters on Monday declined to provide further details on the chapters connection with Mr. Oakess death. The university called his death a tragic loss and offered counseling to students. It said campus police and the Richmond Police Department were investigating. Few details were available on Monday. Mr. Oakes was found at 9:16 a.m. on Saturday by the Richmond police, who were called to the residence at the 100 block of West Clay Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the medical examiner will determine cause and manner of death, the department said. A spokeswoman would not say if there had been any arrests. Ghana recorded a total of 322 deaths from malaria amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Data from the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) showed that 5,169,487 people tested positive to malaria, out of 10,421,598 suspected cases recorded last year. Ghana recorded a total of 322 deaths from malaria amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Data from the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) showed that 5,169,487 people tested positive to malaria, out of 10,421,598 suspected cases recorded last year. Similarly, in 2019, the country recorded 12,150,408 suspected malaria cases out of which 6,115,273 were confirmed positive with 333 deaths, indicating a marginal reduction in cases and deaths between 2020 and 2019. Despite the gains made in containing malaria infections and deaths, Ghana remains part of the 11 countries that accounted for 70 per cent of the global burden of malaria in 2020, according to the World Health Organisations World Malaria Report. It is estimated that at least one person die from malaria each day in Ghana. Dr Keziah Malm, the Programme Manager, NMCP, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview, in Accra, that the reduction in Out-Patient Department (OPD) attendance last year was due to a decrease in malaria cases reported at the health facilities. She said there was, however, an increase in malaria testing among the public despite reduction in OPD attendance. In the wake of the pandemic there were uncertainties and panic among the population, this affected general health seeking behaviour within the early period of the pandemic, when we observed a reduction, she said. Dr Malm said the Northern Region recorded the highest of 47 malaria deaths, with 192,028 confirmed infections recorded from OPD attendances, while the Upper East Region recorded the lowest of one malaria death with 487,680 cases. Although Ghana had achieved its target with respect to mortality, not much progress had been made with the containment of the disease, she said. Malaria related deaths by all ages reduced by 89 per cent from 2,799 in 2012 to 322 by end of 2020. Under-five malaria case fatality rate reduced by 80 per cent from 0.6 per cent in 2012 to 0.12 per cent in 2020, and all malaria related admissions reduced by 28 per cent from 428,000 in 2012 to 307,513 in 2020. Dr Malm said the NMCP had also observed a minimal progression in the use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) among the public. She advised that everyone slept under Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLIN) or used Indoor Residual Spraying in areas where it was being undertaken to protect themselves from the disease. She encouraged the public to avoid creating breeding sites, saying: Basically, we all have to do our best to prevent ourselves from getting malaria. However, if you happen to feel unwell and you think you have malaria, get tested, especially because of the similarities of symptoms with the COVID-19. Dr Malm said the journey to achieving zero malaria started with everyone, hence the need for the public to adopt lifestyles that prevented them from getting malaria. She said in spite of the COVID-19 restrictions, mosquitoes did not isolate or quarantine, and everyone needed to adhere to all malaria prevention interventions to stay safe. The National Malaria Control Programme would, in 2021, reinforce its efforts to progress further by scaling up existing interventions, she said. This year, the Programme will implement the Point Mass LLIN Distribution across the country. Malaria is a potential life-threatening mosquito-borne blood disease caused by a plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which sees the parasite multiplying in the hosts liver before infecting and destroying the red blood cell. Symptoms of malaria include fever and chills, colds with shivering, headache, impaired consciousness, prostration or adopting a prone position, multiple convulsions, deep breathing, respiratory distress and abnormal bleeding. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video (Photo: Pixabay) If budgeting isn't your forte and you think that, not only should you be able to travel for free, but people should be paying YOU to travel, then this article is for you. There's no shame in being entitled when it comes to the travel world. A lot of things are changing in 2021 but the digital nomad is here to stay. Here are six clever ways to get paid to travel the world. 1. Teach English Internationally Schools all around the world are looking for English speakers with bachelor's degrees to share their knowledge of the language in a direct and conceptual way. In non-English speaking countries, learning how to speak English is considered to be a true asset. This is probably why you can find so many English teaching jobs all over Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. See where the world can take you and remember to pack your ABCs! 2. Work Remotely and Save If you're fortunate enough to find a work from home job that pays more than the bills, you can make traveling full-time a realistic goal. Before you know it, you'll be copywriting for professionals in a lounge chair in the Bahamas. Just be sure to set aside a portion of your paycheck each month for extra expenses and know the ins and outs of sustaining a nomadic lifestyle! Check to see what your budget calls for in airfare and score some BookingBuddy airfare deals. 3. Become a Travel Book Researcher If you're lucky enough to find these opportunities, guidebook researchers get paid to write out their experiences while exploring different parts of the world. Seasoned writers are still expected to work around fourteen-hour days while on the job, so this one is not for the faint at heart. Remember to fuel up on the best travel coffee if you decide to take on one of these gigs. For those just starting out, you can make passive income writing about your travels as well. This is also a good way to build up your portfolio for any travel book publication offers that come your way in the future. 4. Utilize Instagram like a Boss The twenty-something Instagram influencers are earning like crazy for good reason. Those with the largest follower counts get to promote travel companies and hotel packages from all around the world. Their loyal and obsessed fans are easy targets for travel, simply because they want to be so much like the influencers they've subscribed to. If your following is large enough, you might be able to make $9,000 for just one post like Jack Morris did. Smile and see if the camera loves you. 5. Become a Flight Attendant Your cool grandma's gig today lands you between $46k to 100k a year. You might be in the air more than you'll be on land, but you'll still have time to explore many different places with free travel benefits, and all while rocking a pencil skirt too. When you do have those free moments to explore uncharted territory, be sure to make the most of your time and cherish your memories. Grandma did it, and you can too. 6. Get a Job on A Cruise Ship Do you have any musical talent? Cruise ships are always looking for live music acts to entertain guests. You'll be able to stay for free with awesome accommodations like swimming pools, saunas, and gyms, and you'll have regular gigs to show off your talents. Maybe you're not musical but don't mind washing dishes? The restaurant staff on cruise ships is always looking for more help. The pay is not usually competitive, but you do get the accommodations and travel experiences of a lifetime. A traveling dishwasher. Now if that's not a millennial's job, I don't know what is. There are plenty of creative ways to travel and make money doing it. From this list, consider the kind of work that feels most appealing to you. If you're just a traveler at heart, the work you do won't matter as much as the travel experiences you gain along the way. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The Canadian Press As COVID-19 vaccine supplies ramp up across the country, most provinces and territories have begun planning to give second doses in the coming weeks. More than 23 million people across Canada have now had at least one dose of a vaccine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says by the summer, Canada will have enough vaccines so that every eligible resident will have gotten their first dose, and by September, it will have enough doses for everyone to be fully vaccinated. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended that Canada turn toward the ultimate goal of fully immunizing the population, now that supplies of COVID-19 shots are increasing. The advisory panel said those at highest risk of dying or becoming severely ill should be prioritized for second shots, either after or alongside first doses for anyone else who is eligible for a vaccine. Since the novel coronavirus is still circulating in Canada, NACI is still recommending that the second dose be received up to four months after the first dose, in order to maximize the number of people who get at least one shot. Here's a list of the inoculation plans throughout Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador All people in the province aged 12 and older can now book an appointment for a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. So far 2.19 per cent (11,446) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Nova Scotia Appointments for an initial COVID-19 vaccine shot are now open to people 12 years of age and older. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for use in children aged 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is only available for those 18 and older. Under the province's accelerated vaccine plan, someone who received their first dose of vaccine on March 22 and is due for a second dose on July 5 will now be able to reschedule their second appointment for as early as the week of June 20. The province has stopped the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine as a first dose. The Health Department says the decision was based on "an abundance of caution'' due to an observed increase in the rare blood-clotting condition linked to this vaccine. The department also says it will reschedule anyone who was to receive AstraZeneca to instead be inoculated with Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna "in a timely manner." --- Prince Edward Island In Prince Edward Island, residents as young as 16 can book a COVID-19 vaccine. People 16 years and older who have certain underlying medical conditions, pregnant woman and eligible members of their household can also get a vaccine. So far 8.11 per cent (12,868) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- New Brunswick Residents in New Brunswick aged 12 to 17 are now eligible to book an appointment for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Officials also say residents 55 and older who received an Astra-Zenaca vaccine for the first dose at least eight weeks ago can now get a second dose of the vaccine with informed consent. So far 5.08 per cent (39,633) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Quebec In Quebec, all residents 12 and older can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. The province's health minister says Quebecers 12 to 17 years old will be fully vaccinated by the time they return to school in September. Quebec also says it will shorten the delay between first and second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to eight weeks from 16 weeks. The province says more than 5.8 million doses of vaccine have now been administered, with more than 58.1 per cent of the population having received at least one dose. --- Ontario All adults in Ontario can now book COVID-19 vaccine appointments. People turning 18 in 2021 can book Pfizer-BioNTech shots. Youth aged 12 and older can also book appointments across Ontario. They can book through the provincial online portal, call centre and through pharmacies offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the only shot authorized by Health Canada for use in youth aged 12 and older. Ontarians, meanwhile, are getting the option to shorten the interval between COVID-19 vaccine doses. Most people are being scheduled for doses four months apart, but officials say the new interval could be as short as 28 days. The plan will start with seniors aged 80 and older this week and the province will later offer second shots based on when people received their first. People will keep their original appointments if they dont re-book. The province aims to see all eligible Ontarians fully vaccinated by the end of September. Ontario is also resuming use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine but only as a second dose. Those who received the first dose of AstraZeneca between March 10 and March 19 during a pilot project at pharmacies and some doctor's offices in several Ontario communities will be first in line to receive their second dose. Ontario says more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered across the province. So far 4.68 per cent (687,894) of the population has been fully vaccinated --- Manitoba Manitoba is using the Pfizer vaccine for everyone aged 12 and up, and the Moderna vaccines for people aged 18 and up. These are available through a few channels including so-called supersites in larger communities. The province is also allowing anyone 40 and over to get an Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through pharmacies and medical clinics, subject to availability. People 30-39 can get a shot if they have certain underlying health conditions such as chronic liver failure or severe obesity. The province has opened up second-dose appointments to all Indigenous people aged 12 and up, to people with certain medical conditions such as severe heart failure and Down syndrome, and anyone who received their first dose on or before March 29. Provincial health officials say they now expect 70 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 and older to get a dose by the end of June. So far 7.75 per cent (106,678) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Saskatchewan Saskatchewan says it reached the step two threshold of its reopening roadmap released last week, with over 70 per cent of residents age 30 and older having received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That means restrictions will begin to be relaxed June 20, which includes easing capacity limits on retail, personal care services, restaurants and bars, although they must still maintain physical distancing among occupants or have barriers in place. The rules also raise caps on private indoor gatherings to 15, while capacity limits jump to 150 for both public indoor gatherings and all outdoor assemblies, whether public or private. Premier Scott Moe says once 70 per cent of the entire adult population is vaccinated, Saskatchewan can move to the third step of its plan and remove almost all of the remaining public health orders. Saskatchewan residents aged 12 and older are now eligible to book their first COVID-19 vaccine appointment. A school immunization program for those aged 12 to 18 will be introduced in June, but eligible residents of that age can also be immunized at clinics offering the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone 85 and older or anyone who received their first vaccine dose before February 15 can now book their second dose. Anyone diagnosed with cancer and solid organ transplant recipients will be receiving a letter of eligibility in the mail which will allow them priority access to a second dose. There are drive-thru and walk-in vaccination clinics in communities across the province. The province says 6.60 per cent (77,767) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- Alberta Every Albertan aged 12 and older is now eligible for a vaccine. As of May 27, 60.3 per cent of Albertans over the age of 12 had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The milestone means the province's second stage of easing restrictions can begin on June 10. It is subject to hospitalizations being below 500 and trending downwards. Some of the restrictions that would be lifted include allowing outdoor gatherings including weddings and funerals with up to 20 people. Restaurants would be allowed to seat tables with up to six people, indoors or outdoors. Retail capacity would also increase, and gyms could open for solo or drop-in activities with three metres of distancing. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical officer of health, has said people who are immunocompromised can book a second dose three or four weeks after their first shot. All other Albertans are eligible to get their second dose three to four months after the first. For the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the province lowered the minimum age to 30. They are, however, reserving the remaining supply for second doses when people are eligible. More than 250 pharmacies are offering immunizations. So far 8.82 per cent (388,200) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- British Columbia British Columbia is setting an end-of-summer target for everyone in the province to receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has also announced a decrease in the time between the first and second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, cutting the interval to eight weeks from 16 weeks. But the interval for people who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as a first dose and are waiting for their second AstraZeneca shot may take longer. Henry said the province is waiting for results from international data on AstraZeneca, including the effectiveness of mixing vaccine shots and ongoing concerns about rare blood clots. Henry said the rollout of second doses will be similar to the first dose, with those at the greatest risk at the top of the list. Seniors, Indigenous people and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable were to start getting their invitations to book a second shot by the end of May. The province will try to ensure that everyone gets the same vaccine they were first administered, but a shortage of the Moderna vaccine may mean people will have to substitute it for a Pfizer shot. Henry said the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has reviewed the evidence on using different vaccines and has updated the guidance, confirming that while it is preferable to have the same product, it's not always possible. Pfizer and Moderna are the same type of vaccines. Families can get vaccinated together in B.C. as the government allows youth between the ages of 12 and 17 to get their COVID-19 shot. The shots will be administered at community clinics instead of in schools based on feedback from families, with 310,000 children in B.C. eligible to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which has been approved for that age group. As of Friday, about 3.1 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines had been administered in B.C., which means about 63 per cent of those eligible have got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. So far 3.14 per cent (160,885) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Nunavut Chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson says Nunavut has placed an order for doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with the federal government to vaccinate people ages 12 to 17 in the territory. The Moderna vaccine is currently the only one available in Nunavut. Nunavut has opened vaccinations to anyone 18 and older. It is also offering shots to rotational workers coming from Southern Canada. In the territory, 36.44 per cent (14,113) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories is now offering vaccinations against COVID-19 to young people between 12 and 17. The territory, which has only been using the Moderna vaccine, recently exchanged some of that for doses of the Pfizer product, which Health Canada has now approved for anyone as young as 12. So far 51.74 per cent (23,344) of the territory's population has been fully vaccinated. --- Yukon The territory is now vaccinating children aged 12 to 17. The government says clinics in most communities will be held in schools, while those in Whitehorse can get their shot at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre. The children will be getting the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The territory says because of limited supply and stricter handling requirements, the vaccine will only be available for a short time. It says second doses for those 12 to 17 will start on June 23 and medical travel will be supported for youth who aren't able to make the clinic date in their community. The Moderna vaccine is available to adults 18 years of age and older. The government says 59.34 per cent (24,763) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2021. The Canadian Press Pointing to the storm in Texas as a wake-up call for the need to improve energy systems and other infrastructure, Gina McCarthy, Bidens national climate adviser, told The Associated Press that Bidens plan will specifically aim at green and other initiatives that promote job creation. She cited as an example federal investments to boost workers that have been left behind by closed coal mines or power plants, as well as communities located near polluting refineries and other hazards. Officials on Monday reported 1,143 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19. Thats the lowest case count since 1,076 cases were reported July 28, although the new cases resulted from a relatively small batch of 42,234 tests. The number of Illinois residents who have been fully vaccinated receiving both of the required two shots reached 835,597, or 6.56% of the total population. Over the past seven days, an average of 77,876 vaccinations have been administered daily, with 50,897 doses given on Sunday. Relatedly, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Chicago expects a shipment of Johnson and Johnsons new one-shot vaccine, giving the city a boost in the fight against COVID-19. Speaking at an unrelated news conference, Lightfoot said she doesnt know how many doses of the newly authorized vaccine the city will be getting to start. But, she said, the city will put it to work as soon as we get it. Meanwhile, the saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by University of Illinois researchers has obtained federal emergency use authorization, a highly anticipated stamp of approval that confirms its accuracy and enables broader distribution across the state. The test, known as covidSHIELD, appeared on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations online list of approved molecular diagnostic tests on Monday. Also on Monday, Chicago Public Schools opened to the most students since the pandemic began last March. Up to 37,000 kindergarten through fifth-graders were expected to resume in-person classes, part-time, on Monday, though actual turnout has generally been lower than the number of students who chose the in-person option. Concerns about both the reopening plan and about the quality and equity of remote learning are among the reasons some CPS parents indicated on social media that they were participating in a sick-out. Private schools are having their own reopening issues. Parents at the University of Chicago Lab School are demanding a return to full in-person, citing mental health, social isolation and a reduction in education quality with remote learning. Heres whats happening Monday with COVID-19 in the Chicago area and Illinois: 7 p.m.: After COVID-19 killed 36 at LaSalle VA home, GOP lawmaker wants state health officials to jump more quickly on outbreaks Illinois public health officials would be required to visit state-run veterans homes almost immediately upon learning of an infectious disease outbreak under legislation introduced by a Republican state senator whose district includes the home where 36 veterans died in a coronavirus outbreak. Republicans have repeatedly criticized Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers health department for taking more than 10 days to visit the LaSalle Veterans Home after the deadly COVID-19 outbreak began in early November. Sen. Sue Rezins bill would require the state departments of Public Health and Veterans Affairs to make an on-site visit before the end of the next business day when an outbreak is identified. Rezin and GOP state Rep. David Welter, both of Morris, said during a virtual news conference Monday that the LaSalle outbreak could be blamed in part on the Pritzker administrations failure to adopt recommendations made in a March 2019 state audit issued after a series of deadly Legionnaires disease outbreaks at the state veterans home in Quincy. Fourteen Quincy residents died in outbreaks beginning in 2015. One of those recommendations was for the Illinois Department of Public Health to standardize policies and procedures for on-site monitoring visits by local health department epidemiological and environmental investigators, and by IDPH when the local health department requests IDPH on-site assistance. Rezin noted that Illinois Department of Public Health chief of staff Justin DeWitt testified before a House committee earlier this year that the agency does not have an established policy for when site visits should occur after an outbreak. This administration had nine months to implement these recommendations before the pandemic began, yet they failed to do so, with devastating consequences, Rezin said. In addition to Rezins bill requiring quicker site visits, Welter has introduced a House resolution calling for the state auditor generals office to review the LaSalle outbreak, as it did with Quincy. Democratic Rep. Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego, who chairs the House Veterans Affairs Committee, is co-sponsoring the measure. Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said the administration will work with lawmakers to both strengthen the emergency response to pandemic-related outbreaks at our veterans homes and ensure IDPH has the resources it needs to rebuild their hollowed out state agency that has been on the front lines of this pandemic response. Read more here. Dan Petrella 5:10 p.m.: COVID-19 relief bill updates: Minimum wage hike all but dead in Senate Democrats efforts to include a minimum wage increase in their $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill seemed all but dead Monday as Senate leaders prepared to begin debate on their own version of the House-passed aid package. Top Democrats abandoned a potential amendment threatening tax increases on big companies that dont boost workers pay to certain levels, Senate aides said. Four days after the chambers parliamentarian said Senate rules forbid inclusion of a straight-out minimum wage increase in the relief measure, Democrats seemed to have exhausted their most realistic options for quickly salvaging the pay hike. At this moment, we may not have path, but I hope we can find one for pushing the federal pay floor to $15 an hour, said No. 2 Senate Democratic leader Richard Durbin of Illinois. Senate Democrats hope to unveil their version of the broad relief package and begin debate as early as Wednesday. Congressional leaders want to send President Joe Biden the legislation combating the pandemic and bolstering the economy by March 14, the date emergency jobless benefits that lawmakers approved in December expire. Read more here. Associated Press 3:01 p.m.: Chicago actor and comedian Erica Watson dies at 48 from COVID-19 complications Chicago comedian and actor Erica Watson has died at age 48 while living in Jamaica. Her death was reported in a Facebook post by her brother, who said she died Saturday night due to complications from COVID-19. According to April Williams of the Chicago office of Gill Talent Group, who represented her, Watson had recently moved to Montego Bay and celebrated a birthday. Watson was best known for playing Miss Tiny on Season 1 of The Chi. She also was a frequent contributor to Windy City Live on ABC7-Chicago and worked as a stand-up comic. Read more here. Doug George (Updated) 1:25 p.m.: Back to school, but not quite back to normal, as CPS students return to classrooms after yearlong closure: The kids need this After multiple delays and a battle with the teachers union, Chicago Public Schools opened its doors Monday to tens of thousands of kindergarten through fifth graders most of whom havent seen the inside of a CPS classroom in nearly a year. At Hawthorne Scholastic Academy in the Lakeview area, where Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson greeted returning students, the mayor could hardly contain her joy over the reopening. On the drive to the school, Lightfoot said she saw young kids skipping ahead of their parents with excitement. In the building, Lightfoot said a second grader told her he wanted to make new friends. This is exactly what we fought for, Lightfoot said, alluding to the bitter fight with the Chicago Teachers Union over the return to in-person learning. Read more here. Darcel Rockett, Elyssa Cherney, Laura Rodriguez Presa, Gregory Pratt, Leslie Bonilla and Madeline Buckley 1:22 p.m.: Illinois administers another 50,897 COVID-19 vaccinations; 1,143 new and probable cases the lowest daily count since July The state administered 50,897 coronavirus vaccine doses Sunday, public health officials announced, well below the seven-day average and a steep drop from Wednesdays record of 130,021 vaccinations. The statewide total of vaccinations reached 2,756,831. The number of Illinois residents who have been fully vaccinated receiving both of the required two shots reached 835,597, or 6.56% of the total population. Over the past seven days, an average of 77,876 vaccinations have been administered daily. 12:45 p.m.: University of Illinois wins FDA approval for saliva COVID-19 test: Were wasting no time in deploying this, Gov. Pritzker vows The saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by University of Illinois researchers has obtained federal emergency use authorization, a highly anticipated stamp of approval that confirms its accuracy and enables broader distribution across the state. The test, known as covidSHIELD, appeared on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations online list of approved molecular diagnostic tests on Monday. U. of I. has relied on the test to keep its three campuses open for in-person learning since the fall, garnering national attention for the technology and running more than 1.5 million samples to date. In a statement, Gov. J.B. Pritzker hailed the test as groundbreaking work and said he is wasting no time in deploying this technology throughout the state. Read more here. Elyssa Cherney 12:34 p.m.: Chicago expecting Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine shipment, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city expects a shipment of Johnson and Johnsons new one-shot vaccine, giving Chicago a boost in the fight against COVID-19. Speaking at an unrelated news conference, Lightfoot said she doesnt know how many doses of the newly authorized vaccine the city will be getting to start. But, she said, the city will put it to work as soon as we get it. (Public health) has been preparing now for some time, as we saw the Johnson and Johnson vaccine kind of moving through the regulatory approval process, Lightfoot said. It gives us obviously another tool to use to get people vaccinated. So were excited for that opportunity. Read more here. Gregory Pratt 12:08 p.m.: Outside Lincoln Elementary, doughnuts and face masks Christine Kelly, PTA president at Lincoln Elementary in Lincoln Park, said her children will continue with remote learning since thats working for her family and to accommodate those who dont have the same flexibility. Its helpful for other families that want to come back to have less children, she said. Kelly said she hopes fall will be a better time for her children to return when all the kinks will be worked out. Kelly and other members of the PTA stood at a street corner to welcome parents and teachers coming back Monday. The PTA chartered a coffee and doughnut food truck to serve returning teachers and handed out face masks with the school logo. We just want to show our appreciation and thank the teachers for being here, Kelly said. Its not an easy decision. Elyssa Cherney 12:06 p.m.: Despite the CPS reopening, majority of parents are keeping kids home Plenty of parents still arent ready to send their children back at all.Shortly before Mondays opening bell at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy in the Little Village area Monday, Marilu Villeda rushed down the sidewalk outside with her 8-year-old daughter by her side. But Villeda wasnt walking her daughter to school she just needed to run some errands before her children started their e-learning classes. All three of their children attend Saucedo, but Villeda and her husband decided not to send them back to in-person classes yet. I dont feel like it is safe yet, she said, and If I still have the option and support from their teachers to continue learning from home, Ill rather have that. Villeda said that fortunately, the teachers have been very accessible and supportive, to help her make sure her children keep up with schoolwork. Either way, Ill rather be safe than sorry, said the mother in Spanish. ... We cant afford to get sick. Her eight-year-old, Giselle Garcia, said she loves school. But Villeda said that she will only feel comfortable with her children returning to school once the majority of the people, including the teachers, are vaccinated. It worries me that many parents that I know do not want to get the vaccine because they believe in some theories and stories about it, Villeda said. Laura Rodriguez Presa 12:05 p.m.: 1,143 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and 20 additional deaths reported Illinois health officials on Monday announced 1,143 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 20 additional fatalities, bringing the total number of known infections in Illinois to 1,187,839 and the statewide death toll to 20,536 since the start of the pandemic. Officials also reported 42,234 new tests in the last 24 hours. The seven-day statewide test positivity rate was 2.7% for the period ending Sunday. The 7-day rolling daily average of administered vaccine doses is 77,876, with 50,897 doses given on Sunday. Officials also say a total of 2,756,831 vaccines have now been administered. Chicago Tribune staff 11:50 a.m.: Dehumanization of Chicagos restaurant workers leaves them with a tough choice: COVID-19 risk or unemployment? There isnt just one thing that makes restaurant work difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its the customers who dont follow mask mandates and offer an eye roll or worse when reminded. Its the bosses not all of them, but certainly some who prioritize maximizing business above all else. Its the fact that most restaurant workers arent yet eligible for vaccines, and likely wont be until late March at the earliest. There are the personal feelings that its not safe to dine indoors, despite livelihoods that depend on it. And of course, theres the endless specter of exposure to COVID-19. Read more here. Josh Noel 11:22 a.m.: As some CPS families return to classrooms, others participate in sick-out protest Concerns about both the reopening plan and about the quality and equity of remote learning are among the reasons some Chicago Public Schools parents indicated on social media that they were participating in a sick-out on Monday. The parent-organized sick-out protest, where parents kept their children out of class, demands equitable education for students in all settings, especially the Black and Brown students who have been hit the hardest with failures and truancies during this pandemic, according to a press release from a parent group. The group also sent a protest letter to the district and the mayor. The parents say the agreement reached between CPS and the CTU addressed vaccinations and staff safety concerns but not the learning needs of students, most of whom are opting to remain virtual. Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson have repeatedly stated that CPS will not focus on improving remote learning even though over 70% of students will continue in full virtual setting, and the remaining students moving to hybrid mode will still have remote learning three days a week, the release said. This is unacceptable. Madeline Buckley 11:08 a.m.: Next on some parents wish list: a full-time return to in-person classes At Lincoln Elementary, scores of families lined up outside, waiting in a street that was blocked off by police and a firetruck to accommodate social distancing. Students spread out behind orange cones designating classrooms and entered the Lincoln Park school one by one to get their temperatures checked. With his lunchbox in hand, fourth grader Veer Zaveri said hes most excited about learning in a classroom because hes tired of working at the desk in his bedroom. Bundled up in a puffy jacket and a Christmas-themed face mask, the 10-year-old said the only downside is frostbite from standing outside one of the schools new drop-off procedures. Veers mother said shes also ready for the change. Kruti Zaveri, 42, said she is less concerned about infections now that vaccine distribution is underway and that more is known about how COVID-19 spreads. Only nine students will be in her sons classroom. Its good that its back to a routine and that we can get back to work, said Kruti Zaveri, an interior designer. Some semblance of normalcy ... I think were all ready. With about 71% of students expected to return, Abraham Lincoln Elementary boasts one of the districts highest percentages of families choosing in-person instruction, according to preliminary CPS data. Rozenn Heathcote, 46, chatted with fellow parents after dropping off her third grader. Her son Marcello was so excited to return that he packed his school bag last night and woke up early this morning, Heathcote said. For her family, the resumption of in-person classes couldnt come soon enough. She also has an eighth grader at home who will return to school next week in a subsequent wave. I really think that they learn better in class, Heathcote said. All the protocols are in place and theres no reason to be worried. ... This was only supposed to be a temporary solution, and it lasted for a year. Similar to other CPS elementary schools, Lincoln students opting for in-person learning receive two days of live instruction and three days of remote teaching. The classes are split in two, with half of students attending in-person for two consecutive days and everyone learning remotely Wednesday. Heathcote, however, wants to see students receive a full week of in-person classes. My son will learn better in school. Im not a teacher and Ive been supervising what he was doing while working next to him, she said. Im relieved that he is going to be getting what he should be getting. Im worried we have been missing a lot of time. Elyssa Cherney 10:50 a.m.: Back to school, but not quite back to normal: I pray that this works out so next fall, we will have a familiar first day of school Outside Sutherland Elementary in the Beverly area, many parents arrived on foot with their childs hands in theirs. Masked staff members and teachers, some with clipboards, others with tablets, helped make sure parents and children knew where they were supposed to be on this first day of school. Some children cried as school security took temperatures at the front at the main entrance. Other children bounded away from parents with plastic shopping bags in tow full of school supplies like paper towels, tissues and other cleaning supplies. Most parents and children seemed excited that in-person learning was resuming. My oldest son, Miles, is a 4th grader. He really wanted to go back. We were in the car today and he was like, Im so excited, I can barely stand it, said Beverly resident Patrick McNulty. His second grader, Colin, was a bit more nervous with first-day jitters, so McNulty walked both boys to their designated doors, not leaving until they were comfortable saying goodbye. He said the teachers did a good job with remote learning, but it just wasnt the same doing social interaction with the kids. Chris and Angela Iverson, Beverly residents since 2012, walked their first- and third-grade daughters, Amelia and Juliana, up to school with their preschool-aged brothers. Angela Iverson said remote learning wasnt ideal, but she didnt have horror stories about it either. The couple didnt second guess bringing their girls for in-person learning because the family already endured the coronavirus. Dezsiree Jones was getting teary-eyed dropping of her second grader Kandace. As Jones was heading home going to get ready for work, she said her daughter is excited to be back in school. Shes excited about being back, so Im excited for her, she said. John Campbell is a parent with three children, ages 3, 5 and 8. Hes having to deal with bus pickups and drop-offs with his two oldest at Sutherland. Before the pandemic, if he was running late, his children could wait inside the school, but protocols now dont allow for that, he said. I got to make sure that Im here on time, he said. Its a blessing and a curse, but I do believe the kids need this. The break has been detrimental to their development. I know its all about choice, how the parents feel bringing the kids back. I pray that this works out so next fall, we will have a familiar first day of school. I miss normal. It has to get better. Darcel Rockett 9:56 a.m.: Restaurants say delivery has been both a blessing and a curse during the pandemic. What happens as eateries reopen? 5 Loaves Eatery, a tiny breakfast and lunch spot in Chicagos Chatham neighborhood, avoided offering delivery for as long as it could. But when sales plunged 85% early in the pandemic, owner Constance Simms-Kincaid felt she had no choice but to sign up for Grubhub, DoorDash and UberEats. She credits them with keeping the family business alive. Ive gotta say that its been a blessing, she said. But its also been a curse. Read more here. Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz 9:49 a.m.: Coronavirus testing in US has seen a sharp decline. Here are a few reasons why. Widespread testing is crucial in controlling the spread of the coronavirus and squashing new outbreaks, experts say. But the amount of testing in the United States has fallen by 30% in recent weeks. From a high of nearly 14 million tests a week in early January, the pace fell to fewer than 10 million a level not seen since October in the week ended Feb. 24, according to the COVID Tracking Project. Some areas report even sharper declines: Michigan is testing about half as many people now as it was in November, and Delawares state-run sites are testing about one-third as many. Los Angeles Countys sites, which were running flat out last month, tested just 35% of their capacity last week. Experts cited a number of factors that could be contributing to the slump. Read more here. The New York Times 6:30 a.m.: Lightfoot, CPS chief Jackson to visit North Side school, discuss reopening Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson were scheduled to visit a Lakeview public school and discuss the reopening of schools Monday morning. Lightfoot and Jackson were scheduled to tour Hawthorne Scholastic Academy and then hold a news conference Monday morning about the Chicago Board of Educations reopening plans. The news conference comes as 37,000 kindergarten through fifth grade students whose parents opted for in-person learning join fewer than 10,000 prekindergarten and special education students who signed up for in-person learning when the first wave of students returned last month. Chicago Tribune staff 6 a.m.: CPS opens its schools Monday to the most students since last March. Is the system ready? When the first, smallest wave of students returned to Chicago Public Schools, many educators and principals said they were thankful for the phased-in reopening. It would give them time to fine-tune protocols before tens of thousands more children came back. On Monday, those strategies will be put to the test. With 37,000 kindergarten through fifth grade students opted in to in-person learning, the second wave is more than five times bigger than the first. An additional 18,500 sixth through eighth grade students are expected in the third wave March 8, according to the districts latest numbers. Roughly 5,000 students in prekindergarten and special education cluster programs were signed up when the first wave resumed classroom learning in February. At Wednesdays Chicago Board of Education meeting, CPS CEO Janice Jackson said the district hopes to bring high school students back before the school year ends. At each board meeting since intent-to-return forms were due for eligible students in December, officials have reported smaller numbers expected back: from 77,000 to 67,000 to 60,000 not quite 30% of those eligible. Many parents selected the intent-to-return option for their child in order to preserve the possibility rather than lock their student into remote learning. Parent activists are organizing a sickout for Monday to pull children from both in-person and virtual school for the day to demand equitable education for students in all settings, especially the Black and Brown students who have been hit the hardest with failures and truancies during this pandemic. The group is calling on CPS to make improvements to remote learning, which the majority of students have chosen and which will still involve students participating in a hybrid model. And a professional organization representing principals says many schools still dont have enough staff to implement safe reopening plans. Read more here. Hannah Leone In case you missed it Protesters in Myanmar prepared for more demonstrations against junta rule on Monday, defying a crackdown a day earlier that killed at least 18 people in the bloodiest violence since the military seized power one month ago. Violence flared in various parts of the country on Sunday and police opened fire on crowds in several areas of the biggest city of Yangon, after tear gas and warning shots failed to clear protesters demanding the restoration of Aung San Suu Kyi's government. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned what he called "abhorrent violence" by security forces. Canada's foreign minister, Marc Garneau, called the military's use of lethal force against its own people "appalling". Myanmar has been in chaos since the army seized power and detained elected government leader Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership on Feb. 1, alleging fraud in a November election her party won in a landslide. Suu Kyi faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios and of violating a natural disaster law by breaching coronavirus protocols. Her latest court hearing is scheduled for Monday. The coup, which brought a halt to tentative steps towards democracy after nearly 50 years of military rule, has drawn hundreds of thousands of demonstrators onto the streets and the condemnation of Western countries. Tom Andrews, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar said it was clear the junta's assault would continue so the international community needed to ratchet up its response. He proposed a global arms embargo, more sanctions from more countries on those behind the coup, sanctions on the military's businesses and a U.N Security Council referral to the International Criminal Court. "Words of condemnation are welcome but insufficient. We must act," Andrews said in a statement. "The nightmare in Myanmar that is unfolding before our eyes will get worse. The world must act." Small memorials were held for the victims, with people lighting candles in front of their houses on Sunday. 'EXCESSIVE' FORCE About 10 police and military vehicles were deployed on Monday at a Yangon intersection where protesters had clashed with security forces a day earlier, a witness told Reuters. Some protesters called for destruction of surveillance cameras used by authorities, while others shared pepper spray recipes on social media for use if demonstrators are attacked by plain-clothes security personnel. Others made metal shields for those on the front lines, who took on police and soldiers in full battle gear. Some of the security forces belonged to units notorious for tough crackdowns on ethnic rebel groups. "I declare Myanmar military as a terrorist organisation," Thinzar Shunlei Yi, a prominent youth activist posted on her Facebook page in response to the killings. A committee representing lawmakers who won seats in the November election said at least 26 people were killed in the violence on Sunday, which Reuters was unable to verify. "The excessive use of force and other violations committed by the military junta are being recorded and they will be held accountable," it said on Twitter. The military has not commented on Sunday's violence and police and military spokesmen did not answer calls. In a post dated Feb. 28, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper warned "severe action will be inevitably taken" against "anarchic mobs" that the military could not ignore, despite having previously showed restraint. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said at least 270 people were detained on Sunday, from a total 1,132 it said had been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup. Some witnesses said they saw people beaten by police before being taken away. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken on Sunday said the United States stood firmly with the people of Myanmar. "(We) encourage all countries to speak with one voice in support of their will," he said on Twitter. Defiance of the coup has emerged not just on the streets but more broadly in the civil service, municipal administration, the judiciary, the education and health sectors and the media. Activists across Asia held protests in support, with the rallying cry "Milk Tea Alliance" which first united pro-democracy activists in Thailand and Hong Kong. While some Western countries have imposed limited sanctions, the generals have traditionally shrugged off diplomatic pressure. They have promised to hold a new election but not set a date. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Louisiana could see its largest shipment of coronavirus vaccine doses this week, especially after the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine received emergency authorization over the weekend. Nearly 98,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are expected to arrive this week, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said Thursday. Kanter said last week that's the largest allocation of vaccine doses for Louisiana in a single week since the rollout began in mid-December. +2 Biggest coronavirus vaccine allocation to date headed to Louisiana, possibly including J&J doses Louisianas mass COVID-19 vaccination effort is getting a proverbial shot in the arm: The state expects its biggest allocation of doses to dat Another 37,000 to 38,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine could also be headed to Louisiana this week. More than 50 new providers in Louisiana will receive doses of coronavirus vaccines this week. 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 In order to receive the vaccine, a person must make an appointment with the provider. A person who arrives to a location without an appointment will not be given a vaccine. The vaccines are available to 1.6 million Louisiana residents based on the following criteria, which expanded last week: Persons 65 and older Dialysis providers and patients Ambulatory and outpatient providers and staff Behavioral health providers and staff Urgent care clinic providers and staff Community care providers and staff Dental providers and staff Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) providers and staff Professional home care providers (including hospice workers) and home care recipients (including older and younger people with disabilities over the age of 16 who receive community or home-based care, as well as clients of home health agencies) Interpreters and Support Service Providers (SSPs) working in community and clinic-based settings, and clients who are both deaf and blind Health-related support personnel (lab staff, mortuary staff who have contact with corpses, pharmacy staff) Schools of allied health students, residents and staff State and local essential COVID emergency response personnel Some elections staff of March and April elections Teachers and any other support staff working on site in K-12 or daycare All pregnant persons Individuals ages 55-64 with at least one of the conditions listed by the CDC as placing them at an "increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19." Persons with the following qualifying underlying medical conditions are advised to complete the Louisiana COVID-19 Vaccine Attestation Form to receive the vaccine (providers should have available if individuals are not able to print and complete in advance): Cancer Chronic kidney disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Down syndrome Heart conditions including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30kg/m2 or higher but less than 40kg/m2) Severe obesity (BMI greater than 40kg/m2) Sickle cell disease Smoking Type 2 diabetes mellitus (List provided by the Louisiana Department of Health) Staff writer Sam Karlin 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. Germanys invocation of universal jurisdiction sends a clear message to the Assad regime, argues Elias Harfoush. Germany and its court dared to do what others had not. By giving precedence to the principle of universal jurisdiction, it has allowed for the prosecution of those guilty of committing these crimes outside Germanys borders as well. The German courts ruling is founded on the premise that Syrian citizens lives have value and that those who committed crimes against them must pay the price. Although Eyad al-Gharibs sentence is not consistent with the gravity of his crimes, it opens the door to subsequent trials in which Gharib will be a witness. The most prominent of these trials is that of his mentor Anwar Raslan, who is awaiting a sentence that may reach life imprisonment for torturing 4,000 prisoners, 58 of whom died under torture. There has never been a scarcity of evidence for the crimes of Bashar al-Assads regime against the Syrian people. In todays discussion, let us limit our scope to the Syrian regimes victims and overlook the crimes it has committed against the Palestinians, whether in Lebanon or Syria the Yarmouk camp is a prime example or against the Lebanese during its tutelage of this miserable country, although the fate of dozens of Lebanese detainees in Syrian prisons remains obscure to this day. The regime is basing its calculations on many considerations. It has played its cards astutely during the Syrian crisis, especially since 2015 when it became a mere bargaining chip on the Russian-Iranian negotiating table with the West. It has also astutely exploited the dubious rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) and the fact that it transformed Raqqa into one of its capitals, using it to give itself the guise of a force in the war against terrorism thinking that it would be easy for it to promote itself as such. Assads Russian friends also used this pretext to defend him at all the international forums they have taken part in. 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. BAY CITY, MI A Standish man is charged with embezzling six figures from his dementia-afflicted older sister. On Aug. 21, 2019, a Bay County Sheriffs Office detective was contacted by an investigator with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services who said he had been investigating a complaint of a man possibly taking advantage of his cognitively impaired sister. The investigator said a Saginaw credit union had reported suspicious activity on the account of the now-72-year-old woman. The woman in questions brother, Gregory M. Peck, had durable power of attorney and had been taking care of his sisters finances for the past few years, according to police reports contained in court files. Peck had made several cash withdrawals from his sisters account and had checks drawn on her account for his benefit, records state. This over drafted the account and left little money in it, reports state. In October 2019, the detective and state investigator visited Peck, who told them his sister had been living at Red Oaks Adult Foster Care, 3597 Wheeler Road in Bangor Township, since spring 2018. I pay all the bills to Red Oaks and everything else she needs, Peck told the detective, according to his report. I handle everything for (her). There is no one else on her accounts. Peck said he and his sister have separate accounts and that he does not comingle them. He also said he had sold his sisters house for $203,000 and her van for $10,000. The detective proceeded to ask Peck about several checks he had written to himself, other individuals, and businesses in four-figure increments, and one that was for $100,000. Peck replied that some of the funds were maybe used to pay a medical bill, others to pay back debts and that $90,000 was used to pay off his house, records show. I also have a paper signed by (my sister) saying that if I need anything I can just take it, Peck told the detective. She said I could have anything I wanted. Im the only one who took care of her. All of the cash withdraws [sic] were taken out for her. I usually write checks for the medical bills. I put the cash into my account and would then write the checks out. Asked if he had any receipts, Peck said he didnt realize he was supposed to keep a record of everything. Later that month, Peck showed the detective a lined notebook paper with the following handwritten statement: I (sisters name) give my brother Greg Peck permissions to spend whatever money I have, for whatever. The note was signed by both Peck and his sister and dated April 24, 2016. The detective wrote in his report that no other receipts for anything purchased or medical bills paid for were turned over to me. The detective in January 2020 obtained search warrants for Pecks and his sisters bank records. Those records indicated Peck in 2018 issued checks on his sisters account totaling $136,005. Most of the checks had no explanation for what they were used to purchase. The bank records also showed Peck in 2018 and 2019 had withdrawn $67,600 from his sisters account at ATMs, some of which were located at Saganing Eagles Casino in Standish. Peck had no receipts to match the ATM withdrawals, the detective wrote in his report. Furthermore, between June 2018 and December 2018, a credit card in Pecks sisters name was used to make more than $12,500 in purchases at a Standish grocery store. The detective interviewed Pecks sister in March 2020. She appeared confused throughout the conversation but said she takes care of her own monthly bills and that Peck did not take care of her finances. She said the handwritten note Peck had shown the detective bore her signature, but she had not written the notes text. Authorities in July issued a warrant for Pecks arrest. Peck on Feb. 23 appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on one count of embezzlement of $100,000 or more from a vulnerable adult. The charge is a 20-year felony. The arraigning judge freed Peck on a personal recognizance bond. Peck is to appear for a preliminary examination at 1:30 p.m. on March 11. Read more: Saginaw man charged with sexually assaulting two girls in the 1990s Police officer shot twice during traffic stop in 2019 returns to work in Saginaw Township Parole absconder pleads guilty to robbing 7-Eleven in Bay City [March 01, 2021] Document Security Systems Strengthens Its Interest in Sharing Services Global Corporation through $30 Million Investment ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Document Security Systems, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS) (DSS) announced today in a joint press release that it has increased its investment in Sharing Services Global Corporation (OTCQB: SHRG) (Sharing Services), a publicly traded company dedicated to maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition and development of innovative companies, products, and technologies in the direct selling industry, through a $30 million convertible promissory note. This investment will help to accelerate Sharing Services sales and growth, as well as international expansion, stated Chan Heng Fai, Chairman of DSS. I believe Sharing Services is now extremely well capitalized to be a dominant player in the global marketplace over the next two years. By significantly strengthening our investment in Sharing Services, we are confident in its ability to be a major player in the direct selling industry, providing it with the funds to exponentially increase its sales channels and substantially expand its product portfolio, positioning the company to rapidly scale sales in 2021 and beyond, stated Frank D. Heuszel, CEO of DSS. As part of our strategy, we are continuing to position Sharing Services to capitalize on the wealth of opportunities available to consolidate and rollup other direct selling companies. It is critical that capital be available to continue Sharing Services growth momentum. Through this investment, Sharing Services will move from drive to overdrive, positioning it with the assets, management, and resources needed to capitalize on the rapidly growing areas of opportunity in the direct selling markets globally. Sharing Services is now in the expansion phase with a direct focus on the Asian markets, more specifically in countries such as South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, stated John JT Thatch, CEO of Sharing Services. Now with the additional support and resources needed to meet the expected substantial demand, we believe Sharing Services could generate millions more in sales over the next 12 months of operations, ultimately positioning the company to potentially become a billion-dollar business. Prior to this convertible promissory note investment, DSS owned 37% of the outstanding shares of Sharing Services. Sharing Services generated $98.4 million in revenue and $5.6 million net income in the trailing 12-month period ended September 30, 2020. About Document Security Systems, Inc. DSS is a multinational company, operating businesses in brand protection technology, blockchain seurity, direct marketing, healthcare, real estate, and securitized digital assets. Its business model is based on a distribution sharing system in which shareholders will receive shares in its subsidiaries as DSS strategically spins them out into IPOs. Its historic business revolves around counterfeit deterrent and authentication technologies, smart packaging, and consumer product engagement. DSS is led by its Chairman and largest shareholder, Mr. Fai Chan, a highly successful global business veteran of more than 40 years specializing in corporate transformation while managing risk. He has successfully restructured more than 35 corporations with a combined value of $25 billion. For more information on DSS visit http://www.dsssecure.com. DSS Investor Contact: Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies Inc. 407-491-4498 Dave@redchip.com About Sharing Services Global Corporation Sharing Services Global Corporation (OTCQB: SHRG), formerly Sharing Services Inc., is a publicly traded diversified company dedicated to maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition and development of innovative health, wealth and happiness-motivated products and technologies in the direct selling industry. The Company leverages the expertise of its highly experienced global management team to market and sell products direct to consumers through its independent contractor sales force. The Company intends to differentiate itself by offering products and services that promote health, wealth, and happiness. For more information, visit www.SHRGinc.com, Sharing Services Global Corporation Investor Relations (469) 304-9400 Ext 201 Info@SHRGinc.com Safe Harbor Disclosure This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions 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. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Company's intended use of proceeds and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include: risks relating to our growth strategy; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; risks relating to the results of development activities; our ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; our need for substantial additional funds; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the prospectus and in our other filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, our reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q, all of which can be obtained on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management's current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] South Korea has yet to finalize its position on this year's U.N. resolution condemning North Korea's human rights abuses, but it will continue communication with the United States and others on the matter, the foreign ministry said Thursday. The ministry's comment came as Seoul's stance on co-sponsoring the resolution drew attention this week after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for the U.N. Human Rights Council's role in addressing human rights violations by North Korea in his speech to the council's session. "Our government's position in relation to the resolution has yet to be finalized. But with regard to the issue, we will continue to communicate with the international community, including the United States," ministry spokesperson Choi Young-sam said in a press briefing. Choi also cited the remarks by Second Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-moon in the U.N. session that Seoul has "profound interest" in the human rights situation in North Korea. "The government has been making efforts so far in promoting the human rights situation for North Korean people with cooperation from the international community," the spokesperson said. South Korea had co-sponsored the resolution since 2009 but did not join as a co-sponsor for the past two years, largely citing the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. The resolution, led by the European Union, urges the North's leadership to prevent crimes against human rights and bring abusers to account. The U.S. has announced that it will seek its return to the U.N. Human Rights Council, undoing the former Donald Trump administration's withdrawal from the council in 2018. (Yonhap) The regional percentage of hospital beds used by COVID-19 patients has dipped to its lowest level since late November. On Monday, the percentage of hospital beds taken by COVID-19 patients in the 22-county Trauma Service Area P, which includes both Comal and Guadalupe counties, stood at 8.31%, the lowest figure since the Nov. 23 rate of 7.27%. At least 563 patients in the region were hospitalized on Monday, with 115 staffed ICU beds available. The rate is well below the 15% threshold, which triggers occupancy reductions for businesses and mandates bar closures when it exceeds that rate for seven days. On Sunday, there were at least 5,696 hospitalized patients in Texas with confirmed coronavirus infections. State health officials reported 11,259 available staffed hospital beds, including 904 available staffed ICU beds statewide. COVID-19 patients occupy 8.4% of total hospital beds statewide. Of the county's 244 active cases, 41 patients were hospitalized on Monday, which remained steady from Friday's report. Comal County hospitals reported caring for 28 COVID-19 patients, with nine of those in intensive care and seven on ventilators. Local hospitals are caring for a mix of local and outside patients, and officials have said that some of its patients may be treated at outside hospitals. Comal County health officials reported 39 new cases of the virus on Monday morning, with 29 of those confirmed cases and 10 probable. Confirmed cases are detected through more accurate molecular tests, while probable cases are detected through rapid-result antigen tests. Health officials reported 28 recoveries on Monday, bringing that total to 8,586. Twenty-three of the new cases come from New Braunfels, with 11 coming from the Bulverde/Spring Branch area, four from south of Canyon Lake and one from north of it. Broken down by age, 13 cases come from people in their 30s and 40s, 10 from people in their 50 and 60s, eight from people under 20, five for people 70 and older and three from people in their 20s County officials have reported 9,122 cases of the virus since the pandemic began in March 2020. As of Sunday, the state has reported 2.3 million confirmed cases in 254 counties and 356,889 probable cases in 223 counties since the pandemic began. The county's seven-day molecular positivity rate on Monday stood at 46.88%, but health officials say the molecular rate can be misleading because fewer residents are taking it. The antigen positivity rate was 11.81%. As of Monday morning, public health has received reports of 65,305 tests conducted, with 4,802 confirmed cases, 4,301 probable cases and 19 suspect cases. Those wishing to be tested for COVID-19 can call the county's dedicated hotline, 830-221-1120, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment. Public health has administered more than 8,400 Moderna vaccinations so far during six mass vaccination events. Plans call for administering 4,000 second doses Tuesday and Wednesday. The county's standby list for the COVID-19 vaccine closed after it capped out at 12,000 people, but officials said it might reopen as the supply of vaccine increases. County officials said call center operators continue to schedule appointments for future vaccination clinics. Officials ask people to respond to calls as soon as possible. County officials are also requesting people on the standby list who receive emails, and that contain links or phone numbers to schedule appointments for future vaccination clinics not to share that information publicly. Residents interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, who meet the criteria in Phase 1A and 1B of the state's vaccination plan, can check the county's website and Facebook page for information on when the standby list will reopen. People are not required to be vaccinated in their county of residence. Walmart and Sam's Club has begun administering vaccines at select locations across the state. Walmart's scheduler can be found by visiting Walmart.com/covidvaccine. Sam's Club's scheduler can be found by visiting SamsClub.com/covid. A membership is not required to get a vaccination at Sam's Club. CVS Health has begun to administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible people at select locations across Texas. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app. People without online access can contact CVS customer service at 800-746-7287. Christus Santa Rosa has an appointment system for some clinics and outpatient care sites. Visit its website at christushealth.org and use the online chat function to be screened for eligibility and check availability. H-E-B has also begun vaccinations at select locations. Check the scheduler tool on heb.com/vaccine regularly for new appointment availability. As of Saturday, 5.3 million doses have been administered, with 3.5 million people receiving one dose and 1.8 million people, or 6.2% of Texas' population, fully vaccinated. Both vaccines currently available Pfizer and Moderna require two doses, and neither vaccine is approved for children under age 16. In Comal County, 20,336 people have received one dose, and 8,586 people have received both doses, according to Department of State Health Services data. People can find more information on the COVID-19 vaccine at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx. The website includes links to vaccine availability maps and providers. The Texas Tribune contributed to this story. Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) is welcoming the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasising that the European and Euro-Atlantic prospects of the Balkan country is one of Romania's foreign policy concerns, according to AGERPRES. "Romania's membership of European and Euro-Atlantic bodies, based on established values and principles, has brought complementariness to bilateral co-operation with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Equally, Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership of the Balkans and its European and Euro-Atlantic prospects places the bilateral relationship among Romania's special foreign policy concerns," reads a MAE press statement. MAE says that in Sarajevo on March 1, 1996, a joint statement was signed establishing diplomatic ties between Romania and the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the document entering into force on the same day. "In the past 25 years, bilateral relations have developed steadily, both through a dynamic political and diplomatic dialogue and in the economic and sectoral co-operation of mutual interest, such as education, counter-terrorism, emergency management," according to MAE. Divisive: there has been opposition to the NI Protocolon Edwin Poots said he fully supports DUP colleague Gordon Lyons controversial decision to halt work on permanent border control posts in Northern Ireland. Mr Lyons has taken over as interim agriculture minister while Mr Poots continues his recuperation following major cancer surgery. Explaining his decision on Friday, Mr Lyons claimed that the ending of the three-month grace period would bring problems, including a high risk to our food supply. Mr Poots, who previously sought legal guidance about a similar move, told the Belfast Telegraph that circumstances are changing all the time. Theres been a significant going back on what was promised by the UK Government and the EU havent been honourable on how theyve gone about things, Mr Poots said. The decision to pull things back is entirely reasonable until we establish what is actually needed. Denying a claim by Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard that the decision to stop construction was a performance stunt, Mr Poots said the move served to illustrate how serious the situation is. Unless there is significant recognition of the damage that is being done by the protocol and a considerably greater degree of cooperation by Northern Ireland parties, I fear theres going to be considerable damage done to devolution, and a consequence to the peace process, he said. Ultimately there is going to be a breaking point either for unionism or for nationalism. People need to recognise the seriousness of the situation. On Friday Mr Lyons stopped construction of permanent inspection facilities for post-Brexit checks on agri-food goods arriving from Great Britain. He also ended further recruitment of inspection staff for the port facilities and said charges would not be levied at the ports on traders bringing goods from GB into Northern Ireland. Ongoing Irish Sea trade checks, which are taking place at existing repurposed port buildings and other temporary facilities, will continue. Mr Hazzard, Sinn Feins Brexit spokesman, said the DUP minister did not have the authority to stop work at the sites. He also claimed that Executive ministers were not given advanced warning of the decision. The move relates to ongoing work on new purpose-built inspection facilities at ports like Belfast and Larne. Mr Hazzard said Mr Lyons decision to brief the media before telling his political colleagues painted a very pathetic picture. I think this was a very foolish solo run from Gordon Lyons, Mr Hazzard told BBC The View programme. Its a stunt thats inevitably going to deliver nothing but prolonged instability, and uncertainty that is certain to damage confidence in our local economy. Mr Hazzard said the decision will harm the Northern Ireland economy. The MP for South Down said the DUP were trying to paint the protocol as the problem. The matter is expected to be raised when the Executive meets later today to discuss the plan to ease Northern Ireland out of lockdown. Mr Lyons said the end of the three-month grace period would be very, very difficult. He told the BBC: I have a list as long as my arm of people who have got in contact with me with the problems that they have been experiencing. That is going to get even worse once the grace period ends and we are going to find ourselves in real difficulty. I have been informed that there is going to be a high risk to our food supply as well. My focus right now is making sure that we can find those solutions that the government and the EU get together, recognise that the protocol isnt working, and replace it with something that delivers for people in Northern Ireland, and delivers on the promises that the EU and UK made to ensure that there would be no impact, detrimentally, to the lives of people here in Northern Ireland. The victim of a horror mugging who was beaten over the head 40 times with his own crutch and had three coins forced down his throat has said he is devastated after being told his attacker's sentence will not be appealed. Former All-Ireland winner Seamus Troy recently released shocking images of the injuries inflicted upon him by thug Adam Sheehan just hours after Seamus got out of hospital. Seamus spoke out to call for a radical overhaul of sentencing guidelines where unprovoked attacks leave victims with life altering injuries - after Sheehan was given an effective jail sentence of just three years and nine months. And he told how he was pinning his hopes for justice on the DPP and an appeal against the leniency of Sheehan's sentence. Read More But in a devastating blow for the father of four, who has since been diagnosed with PTSD, the 47-year-old was contacted by gardai last week and informed that the DPP would not be moving ahead with an appeal. "I was contacted by the gardai on Sunday night after the article appeared in the paper and told there would be no appeal," Seamus, who won All-Ireland minor and under-21 hurling medals with his native Tipperary in 1989 and 1991, told the Sunday World. "I was shocked devastated is properly the better word. All that was keeping me going was the hope that the DPP would bring the case back to court. "The sentence was wrong you only have to look at what he did to me and there can be no doubt about that. It's far too lenient. Expand Close Some of Seamus Troy's injuries / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Some of Seamus Troy's injuries "The offence carried with it a sentence of 10 years his sentence is less than half of that and with time served he will be out in less than three years. "This is just wrong." In last week's article, Seamus explained how he sustained a broken eye socket, broken nose, a broken bone in his neck and required 27 staples to the head, after being viciously attacked just hours after he left Cork University Hospital following an operation. Earlier in February, Sheehan (26) was given a 'headline' jail sentence of five years in prison for the attack, but because he automatically qualifies for 25 per cent remission, his real sentence for the near fatal attack is just three years and nine months. Recalling the events of the day of the attack, Seamus said: "I had just left the hospital ... I'd been in having an operation. "I had gone and had a burger and then I got a taxi up to the bus station to get a bus back to Limerick and they told me to go around the back. "But he followed me around and grabbed my bag. I said 'come back with my bag' and I went to ring 999. "And then he did come back and he pushed me to the ground. "He took my crutch and beat me with it. He hit me at least 40 times over the head. He kept beating me with it until the crutch broke. "The night he beat me I remember looked up at him and I said: 'I have kids, please stop.' "But he just said: 'I don't give a f**k what you have,' and he just kept beating me and beating me over the head and across the face. "My eyes were closed for six weeks, I had a big lump on my neck and my nose was broken from it. "I had to go back to hospital afterwards because of the coins he left lodged in my stomach. "The doctors did an MRI in Cork and that had to be forwarded on to my doctor and he sent me straight to the hospital to have the coins removed." Appearing before Cork Circuit Court earlier this month, Sheehan, from Seamus Murphy Place in Mallow pleaded guilty to robbing Seamus on Railway Lane, off Brian Boru Street in Cork city centre on May 20 last year. Garda Padraig White told how gardai found Seamus lying on the ground covered in blood on Railway Lane before they spotted Sheehan with blood on his clothes nearby. They arrested Sheehan, who was quite intoxicated, and brought him to Mayfield Garda station for questioning and he admitted mugging Seamus and stealing his phone, rucksack and 80 in cash. Expand Close Attacker Adam Sheehan had been taking spice. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Attacker Adam Sheehan had been taking spice. Sheehan's barrister, Peter O'Flynn, said that his client had apologised for what he had done during interview by gardai. Mr O'Flynn said that he was not offering it as an excuse but Sheehan had consumed a headshop drug called spice, thinking it was cannabis. He said the drug was recognised as having psychotic effects on users. He said while Sheehan had 20 previous convictions, including some for burglary and arson, he had no previous convictions for such violence and he believed it could be attributed to consuming spice. Judge Sean O Donnabhain said it was an appalling offence where a vulnerable man just out of hospital was mugged in such a heartless fashion and beaten repeatedly with his own crutches. He said that Sheehan's behaviour was clearly psychotic on the day and while he may have taken a drug which affected his mood, it did not excuse his behaviour in committing such a violent mugging. "This was a merciless attack without compassion, necessity or purpose," he said. He sentenced Sheehan to seven years in jail but suspended the final two years of the prison term. Read More The American Legion calls for fast-tracking citizenship for military members, veterans PR Newswire WASHINGTON, March 1, 2021 WASHINGTON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's largest veteran service organization, The American Legion, is pushing to strengthen military naturalization programs in support of non-citizens who honorably serve, for at least a year, in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Legion Logo (PRNewsfoto/The American Legion) On behalf of its nearly two million members, the organization sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting an executive order authorizing the reinstitution of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative and reopening all USCIS field offices abroad for servicemembers and deported veterans. "The American Legion believes that non-citizen veterans who are honorably discharged and have not been charged or convicted with felonious or heinous crimes should be guaranteed the promise they were made of citizenship," said James W. "Bill" Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. "We would like to see the reinstitution of the USCIS Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative to provide onsite immigration resources and staff to support recruits beginning the naturalization process." The American Legion also recommends requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs assess the barriers to care and benefits that deported veterans face. "Our appeal is for President Biden to remove the barriers to VA benefits which these veterans have earned through their service to this country. These veterans took an oath to defend the United States with their lives. Awarding them with citizenship is the right thing to do," said Oxford. Through two organizational resolutions, The American Legion supports the implementation of measures to ensure the process of naturalization is complete prior to discharge for those who have served honorably. In addition, the organization calls on the federal government to grant expedited citizenship applications to deported veterans who were honorably discharged and have no felony convictions. Story continues About The American Legion The American Legion is the largest veterans service organization with nearly 2 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Contact: John Raughter, Media Relations jraughter@legion.org or 317-630-1350 Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-american-legion-calls-for-fast-tracking-citizenship-for-military-members-veterans-301237512.html SOURCE The American Legion MANCHESTER Police say a stolen rifle was among the items seized from a vehicle after a man pointed the gun at a woman he accused of taking money from him. Officers were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. Friday to a Forest Street address for a report of a woman who had been threatened with a gun, according to police. The caller said the man left the area in a white BMW after pointing a gun at the victim, police said. The first responding officer saw a man walking on Forest Street get into a white BMW parked near the address that the caller initially gave for the incident, police said. The officer approached the man, later identified as 24-year-old Cori Winston, of New Britain, and told him to put both his hands in the air. He was taken into custody and confirmed as (the) individual who had made threats with a firearm, police said. Officers saw the barrel of a rifle sticking out of a duffle bag that was behind the drivers seat of the vehicle, police said. The assault rifle, which police said was found to be stolen out of Georgia, was found with a round loaded in the chamber. Police said two magazines from the rifle were also found in the bag. Police said the officers also seized 1.7 ounces of marijuana and materials used for distribution. The victim told officers that Winston had allegedly threatened her with the gun in the course of accusing her of stealing money from him, police said. There were no injuries. Winston was charged with breach of peace, fifth-degree larceny, first-degree threatening, theft of a firearm, two counts of possession of a high capacity magazine, weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of more than half an ounces of marijuana, possession with intent to sell, operating a drug factory, possession within 1,500 feet of a school zone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia within 1,500 feet of a school zone and other motor vehicle-related offenses. He was held on a $250,000 bond. TBILISI (Reuters) - European Council President Charles Michel on Monday called on the Georgian government and opposition to defuse tension in a political crisis that has led to street protests and the resignation of the prime minister last month. Georgian opposition supporters have taken to the streets in recent weeks to demand the release of opposition politician Nika Melia and call for fresh parliamentary elections after a contested vote last year. On Monday, a small group of protesters marched to the residence of former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, where they chanted and blared horns to call for a new parliamentary vote, according to the Sputnik Georgia news outlet. "The European Union calls on all sides to intensify their efforts to de-escalate the situation and get together to find common ground," Michel said alongside Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili at a news conference in the capital Tbilisi. Police last week detained Melia, chairman of the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party, after storming its offices and clashing with his supporters. Melia had been accused of inciting violence at street protests in June 2019, a charge he dismisses as politically motivated. The case against Melia prompted Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia to step down on Feb. 18 and warn that the opposition politician's detention could to exacerbate political rifts in the country of 3.7 million. Georgian Dream won a parliamentary election in October last year, but the opposition said the vote was marred by violations and rejected its outcome. (Reporting by David Chkhikvishvili; Writing by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Nick Macfie) An early morning crash Monday left a Bethlehem police officer with minor injuries and the other driver in police custody. Police said a driver ran a red traffic light at about 2 a.m. at the intersection of North New Street and Union Boulevard, and T-boned a police cruiser. An officer suffered minor injuries, while the cruiser bore the brunt of the crash and was so damaged it had to be towed from the scene, Bethlehem police Capt. Tim Cooper said. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI; police were still waiting the results of a blood-alcohol test. Those with information or who might have witnessed the accident are asked to call the Bethlehem Police Department tip line at 610-691-6660. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. New Delhi, March 1 : With the farmers agitation continuing for more than three months, farmer leaders are also tweaking their tactics. This was apparent on Monday in a new policy that have adopted to counter the fluctuating number of farmers at Delhi's borders. Without any prominent farmer leader being present at the Ghazipur border on Monday, the number of farmers at the site of agitation was not low. This is unlike the last few days in which the numbers had begun to dwindle, leading farmer leaders to appeal to every village to send people to Delhi's borders. On Monday, the farmers mahapanchyat was organised in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur, in which many farmers from Ghazipur border also participated. Despite this, the number of protesters at Ghazipur did not thin down substantially. Reports say the credit for this must go to a rotation policy which was arrived upon at a recent meeting of farmer leaders. Jagtar Singh Bajwa, spokesperson of the Kisan Andolan Committee Ghazipur, told IANS: "The idea is that farmers from all those places where a mahapanchyat has taken place must be requested to participate in the farmers' agitation at Delhi's borders. Even at Rudrapur, they were told to visit the borders and make their presence felt." Speaking about the rotation policy, Bharatiya Kisan Union UP in-charge Rajvir Singh Jadaun said: "People from many regions came to meet Rakesh Tikait when he was at the Ghazipur border. The number of people increases on the days he is here. The agitation has continued for a long time. The way the waves of the ocean rise and fall, the movement behaves in a similar manner. "The number of people fluctuating at the Ghazipur Border can be attributed to farming. The crop of sugarcane is being cut and sowed in Uttar Pradesh these days. If you go further, mustard is being sowed as well. Other farming activity is taking place in Uttarakhand. "So, we decided to implement a rotation policy. Farmer leaders decided that we need to agitate as well as do farming. After all, we have the responsibility of feeding the citizens of the country. "As a part of this policy, we asked the farmers to keep visiting and returning from the borders to the village for as long as they wished. This will ensure that farming and agitation can happen at the same time. As part of the rotation policy, BKU office bearers in various parts of the country remain in touch with each other. Word is sent from the Ghazipur border to the office-bearers, before farmers from a district head towards the Capital. Taking the stage for the first time since leaving office, Donald Trump has called for Republican Party unity in a speech at a conservative political conference. Mr Trump used his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he has been hailed as a returning hero, to blast his successor, President Joe Biden, and try to cement his status as the partys undisputed leader despite his loss in November. Do you miss me yet? Mr Trump said after taking the stage, where his old rally soundtrack had been playing. I stand before you today to declare that the incredible journey we begun together is far from being over. Though Mr Trump has flirted with the the idea of creating a third party, he pledged to remain part of what he called our beloved party. Im going to continue to fight right by your side. Were not starting new parties, he said. We have the Republican Party. Its going to be strong and united like never before. The conference, held this year in Orlando instead of the Washington suburbs because of Covid-19 restrictions, has been a tribute to Mr Trump and Trumpism, complete with a golden statue in his likeness. Speakers, including many potential 2024 hopefuls, have argued the party must embrace the former president and his followers, even after the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6. And they have repeated his unfounded claims that he lost the November election only because the election was rigged claims that have been rejected by judges, Republican state officials and Mr Trumps own administration. The conferences annual unscientific straw poll of just over 1,000 attendees found that 97% approve of the job Mr Trump did as president. But they were much more ambiguous about whether he should run again, with 68% saying he should. If the 2024 primary were held today and Mr Trump were in the race, just 55% said they would vote for him, followed by Florida Gov Ron DeSantis at 21%. Without Mr Trump in the field, DeSantis garnered 43% support, followed by 8% for South Dakota Gov Kristi Noem and 7% each for former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Texas Sen Ted Cruz. It is highly unusual for past American presidents to publicly criticise their successors so soon after leaving office. Maseru (Kingdom of Lesotho) 01 March 2021 (SPS)- Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, congratulated the President of the Saharawi Republic and Secretary General of Polisario Front, Mr. Brahim Ghali, on the occasion of the celebration by the Saharawi people of the 45th Anniversary of the Saharawi Republic last Saturday, stressing that the struggle for the release of Saharawis from colonialism and occupation will continue. The Government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho join me, upon your celebration of your National Day, in congratulating and sending warm and fraternal greetings to you Mr. President, and to the government and peace-loving people of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Dr. Majoro wrote. He further considered that this celebration reminds us all that there is still much to do, and it gives us strength and confidence to continue fighting for the ultimate UN-led referendum, which shall release the Saharawi people from the shackles of colonialism, resulting from the occupation of their lands by Morocco. He also stressed his desire to pledge my firm commitment and that of the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho to re-affirm Lesothos principled stance in support of the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to chart out and determine their own destiny in accordance with the principles of international law and diplomacy and will maintain our steadfast and continuing support towards realization of their legitimate aspiration. (SPS) 090/500/60 (SPS) Loading the player... Maruti Suzuki vehicle exports cross 20 lakh milestone Auto giant Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) announced on Saturday, February 27, that the firm has achieved the milestone of 2 million (20 lakh) cumulative product exports. The country's largest automaker crossed the mark after a batch of its products comprising S-Presso, Swift and Vitara Brezza left the Mundra Port in Gujarat for South Africa. GoAir receives Rs 800 crore credit line from banks Low cost carrier GoAir, owned by Indian business conglomerate Wadia Group, has reportedly received a Rs 800 crore credit line from banks. The bank credit will help the airline to ease financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the fresh credit line, GoAir will not require to restructure its loans. Reliance to enter mobility with skyTran acquisition Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (RSBVL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries, has acquired additional equity stake in the US-based technology company skyTran Inc for $26.76 million (around Rs 196.94 crore). The Mukesh Ambani-led company has increased its shareholding to 54.46 per cent on a fully diluted basis. Companies 'feel betrayed' due to capping of COVID-19 vaccine price: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw on Sunday hit out at the government capping COVID-19 vaccine price at Rs 250 at private hospitals, saying vaccine companies "feel betrayed" as it is too low to sustain. Reacting to a report that the health ministry has fixed Rs 250 per shot at private hospitals and health centres, she tweeted, "We r (sic) crushing instead of incentivising the vaccine industry." 14 missions lined up for launch in 2021: ISRO Chairman ISRO has lined up 14 missions for launch in 2021, including the space agency's first unmanned mission later this year, its Chairman K Sivan said here on Sunday. ISRO plans to take up two unmanned space missions before the Gaganyaan-manned space mission. The Gaganyaan mission envisages sending three Indians to space by 2022. 96% people faced drop in earnings during Covid-19 lockdown: Survey Nearly 96 per cent of the people surveyed under a food rights campaign in Maharashtra faced a drop in their earnings during the coronavirus-induced lockdown last year, claims a social body Ann Adhikaar Abhiyan. The abhiyan, comprising a group of activists from food and nutrition sector, surveyed a total of 250 people in May and September last year Mya Yafai, Young Mas ex-girlfriend and lady who Davido was spotted holding hands with at St. Maarten in United States, visited him in Nigeria in December and also spent some time with him in Ghana in January. During that time, Ghanaian music star Stonebwoy shot Activate music video with Davido. In the video shared on Instagram by Mya, she was spotted having fun with Davido and his crew, flew his private jet and also had his song Holy Ground in which he featured Nicki Minaj playing in the background. Watch a video of her and Davido in Ghana and Nigeria below.... View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial) 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 novel targeted immunotherapy approach developed by researchers at the Ludwig Center, the Lustgarten Laboratory, and Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center employs new antibodies against genetically altered proteins to target cancers. The researchers targeted their immunotherapy approach to alterations in the common cancer-related p53 tumor suppressor gene, the RAS tumor-promoting oncogene or T-cell receptor genes. They also tested the therapy on cancer cells in the laboratory and in animal tumor models. Their findings are reported in three related studies published March 1 in Science Immunology, Science and Science Translational Medicine. Two of the three research studies -- led by Jacqueline Douglass, M.D., Ph.D. candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Emily Han-Chung Hsiue, M.D., Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins--report on a precision medicine immunotherapy approach that specifically kills cancer cells by targeting mutant protein fragments presented as antigens on the cancer cell surface. Although common across cancer types, p53 mutations have not been successfully targeted with drugs. Genetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes often resulted in their functional inactivation. "Traditional drugs are aimed at inhibiting proteins. Inhibiting an already inactivated tumor suppressor gene protein in cancer cells, therefore, is not a feasible approach, says Hsiue, lead author on the Science paper. Targeted drug therapies have been most successful against oncogenes, but most RAS gene mutations have been notoriously difficult to target. Instead of drugs, the researchers set out to target these gene alterations with newly-developed antibodies. Conventional antibodies require an antigen target on the cell surface --most commonly a protein that looks like a foreign invader to the immune system. But the proteins produced by mutant oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are inside the cells, out of reach by conventional antibodies. However, proteins are routinely degraded within cells, generating protein fragments called peptides. "These peptides can be presented on the cell surface when complexed with the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) proteins," says Katharine Wright, postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a lead author on the Science Immunology paper. "Mutated proteins in cancer cells can also be degraded and generate mutant peptides presented by the HLA molecules. These mutant peptide HLA complexes serve as antigens and mark cancer cells as foreign to the immune system." The development of potent antibodies that specifically recognize the one amino acid difference between mutant proteins bound to HLA molecules is an extremely challenging task. To address this, the researchers used a five-step approach--combining state-of-the-art research technologies such as a mass spectroscopic, genetic, and X-ray crystallographic that analyze cells at the molecular level--and immunologic techniques to develop a therapeutic strategy that targets these antigens. They developed a therapeutic strategy in the form of bispecific antibodies, comprising one component that specifically recognizes cancer cells and another component that recognizes immune cells and brings the cancer cells and immune cells together. In laboratory and animal tumor cell models, it resulted in the destruction of tumor cells. "This therapeutic strategy is dependent on a cancer containing at least one p53 or RAS alteration and the patient having an HLA type that will bind to the mutant peptide to present it on the cell surface," says senior author Shibin Zhou Ph.D., associate professor of oncology and director of experimental therapeutics for the Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins and a study leader. Over the last five years, the researchers worked to overcome a variety of technical obstacles in an effort to develop antibodies that recognize only the mutant cancer gene fragments and not normal cells. To prove their antibody was specific to the mutant antigens, the researchers used CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology on cancer cells to change specific mutations in the target genes or disrupt the HLA type that is responsible for presenting the mutant peptides. The bispecific antibodies did not bring T cells to cancer cells when these genetic manipulations were made. In the Science Translational Medicine paper, the researchers report that the powerful bispecific antibody approach they developed could also be used for the treatment of T-cell cancers. In animal models of T-cell cancers, the researchers showed that their approach selectively killed the cancerous T cells while sparing the majority of healthy T cells. Oncology fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and lead author Suman Paul, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., was inspired to perform this study while treating a patient with this type of cancer. "The patient had skin lesions so painful that clothing was intolerable, and like other patients with this disease, had a dismal prognosis," says Paul, who emphasizes the need for better therapies. "Immunotherapies against B cell lymphomas have worked well with therapeutic agents such as CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies that wipe out both healthy and malignant B cells. These B cell-targeting treatments are effective because humans can tolerate the loss of healthy B cells. But a treatment approach that depletes both healthy and cancerous T cells would not work in T-cell cancer patients, because the healthy T cells are necessary for a functioning human immune system. Wiping out the healthy T cells along with the cancerous T cells would essentially result in a disease like AIDS." By targeting the cancer-associated T-cell receptors, the Science Translational Medicine study described a novel strategy that allowed killing of the cancerous T cells with loss of only a small fraction of healthy T cells. Another type of immunotherapy, called checkpoint inhibition, works well in patients whose cancer has already drawn the attention of immune cells. Drugs called checkpoint inhibitors can successfully boost this immune response. Many cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancers do not attract immune cells. However, these cancers very frequently contain RAS and/or p53 mutations, providing the opportunity for new forms of immunotherapy not dependent on natural immune responses, says Zhou. The researchers say one of the major benefits of this type of immunotherapy is that it has the potential to work broadly across cancer types, as long as the patient has the mutant p53 or RAS gene and a matching HLA type, and the therapeutic agent used should be relatively simple to produce. "This is an off-the-shelf reagent, not a therapy requiring manipulation of individual patient's own T cells, so it's a much easier product from the manufacturing point of view. It could potentially be used for any patient who has the proper mutation and HLA type," says Sandra Gabelli, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and study co-author. The researchers say the next steps are to see if the strategy can be applied to other gene alterations in p53, KRAS, and other cancer driver genes. "We intend to develop a large number of bispecific antibodies that would target such genes," says Alex Pearlman, M.D. Ph.D. student, and co-author of the three studies. "Although any individual bispecific antibody would target a small fraction of cancer patients, a suite of antibodies would allow for the treatment of many patients." The researchers are also concerned about off-target effects in which antibodies errantly bind to a similar target in a vital tissue or organ, a side effect that has been observed in other types of immunotherapies. Resistance to treatment is another concern the research team will study, as such resistance often occurs in patients treated with any therapy, including immunotherapy. These findings build upon paradigm-shifting cancer genetics discoveries that emanated from the Ludwig Center laboratory, led by Bert Vogelstein, M.D., Clayton Professor of Oncology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, and Kenneth Kinzler, Ph.D., professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 1989, Vogelstein's team revealed the p53 gene as the most commonly mutated gene in cancer. Mutations in the p53 gene are an important step in converting premalignant cells into cancer cells. As the first to reveal the genetic blueprint of cancer, the Ludwig Center team showed that cancers resulted from the gradual accumulation of genetic alterations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, starting with colorectal cancer and then expanding their discoveries to a wide range of cancer types. ### Researchers collaborating on the Science Immunology paper include Douglass, Hsiue, Paul, Gabelli, Kinzler, Vogelstein, Zhou, and Brian J. Mog, Michael S. Hwang, Sarah DiNapoli, Alexander H. Pearlman, Michelle S. Miller, P. Aitana Azurmendi, Qing Wang, Annika Schaefer, Andrew D. Skora, Marco Dal Molin, Maximilian F. Konig, Qiang Liu, Evangeline Watson, Yana Li, Michael B. Murphy, Drew M. Pardoll, Chetan Bettegowda, and Nickolas Papadopoulos. It was supported by the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research, The Commonwealth Fund, The Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, The Sol Goldman Sequencing Facility at Johns Hopkins, NIH Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA006973, NCI R37 Grant CA230400, NIH T32 Grant GM73009, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the NIH Award no. T32AR048522, NIH T32 Grant 5T32CA009071-38 and SITC-Amgen Cancer Immunotherapy in Hematologic Malignancies Fellowship. Researchers collaborating on the Science paper include Hsiue, Wright, Douglass, Paul, Gabelli, Kinzler, Vogelstein, Zhou, and Michael S. Hwang, Brian J. Mog, Alexander H. Pearlman, Suman Paul, Sarah DiNapoli, Maximilian F. Konig, Qing Wang, Annika Schaefer, Michelle S. Miller, Andrew D. Skora, P. Aitana Azurmendi, Michael B. Murphy, Qiang Liu, Evangeline Watson, Yana Li, Drew M. Pardoll, Chetan Bettegowda, and Nickolas Papadopoulos. It was supported by the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research, 10 for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The Commonwealth Fund, Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, The Sol Goldman Sequencing Facility at Johns Hopkins, NIH Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA006973, NCI Grant R37 CA230400, NIH Award no. 5T32CA009071-38, SITC-Amgen Cancer Immunotherapy in Hematologic Malignancies Fellowship, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the NIH Award no. T32AR048522, National Institute of General Medical Sciences (P41GM111244), Department of Energy Office of Biological and Environmental Research (KP1605010) and DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences under contract number DE-SC0012704 (KC0401040). Researchers collaborating on the Science Translational Medicine paper include Paul, Douglass, Hsiue, Kinzler, Vogelstein, Zhou and Alexander H. Pearlman, Brian J. Mog, Michael S. Hwang, Sarah R. DiNapoli, Maximilian F. Konig, Patrick A. Brown, Katharine M. Wright, Surojit Sur, Sandra B. Gabelli, Yana Li, Gabriel Ghiaur, Drew M. Pardoll, Nickolas Papadopoulos, and Chetan Bettegowda. It was supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research, the National Institutes of Health T32 grant 5T32CA009071-38, the JHU MacMillan Pathway to Independence Program, SITC-Amgen Cancer Immunotherapy in Hematologic Malignancies Fellowship, National Institutes of Health T32 grant AR048522, Commonwealth Fund, National Institutes of Health Cancer Center Support Grants P30 CA006973, CA62924, 5 T32 GM136577, the Burroughs Wellcome Career Award for Medical Scientists, NIH R37 CA230400, The Sol Goldman Sequencing Facility at Johns Hopkins, and the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins. The authors have disclosed the following competing interests: The Johns Hopkins University has filed patent applications related to technologies described in this paper, on which Jacqueline Douglass, Emily Han-Chung Hsiue, Katharine Wright, Qing Wang, Andrew Skora, Michael Hwang, Brian Mog, Alexander Pearlman, Nickolas Papadopoulos, Kenneth Kinzler, Sandra Gabelli, Bert Vogelstein and Shibin Zhou are listed as inventors: HLA-restricted epitopes encoded by somatically mutated genes (US20180086832A1), MANAbodies and methods of using (US20200079854A1), MANAbodies targeting tumor antigens and methods of using (PCT/US2020/065617). Vogelstein, Kinzler and Papadopoulos are founders of Thrive Earlier Detection and hold equity in Exact Sciences. Kinzler and Papadopoulos are consultants to Thrive Earlier Detection. Vogelstein, Kinzler, Papadopoulos and Zhou are founders of, hold equity in, and serve as consultants to Personal Genome Diagnostics. Zhou holds equity in Thrive Earlier Detection, and has a research agreement with BioMed Valley Discoveries, Inc. Kinzler and Vogelstein are consultants to CAGE Pharma and hold equity in CAGE Pharma. Vogelstein is a consultant to and holds equity in Catalio. Nexus. Kinzler, Vogelstein, Zhou and Papadopoulos are consultants to and hold equity in NeoPhore. Papadopoulos is an advisor to and holds equity in CAGE Pharma. Zhou, Papadopoulos, Kinzler, and Drew Pardoll are founders of and hold equity in ManaT Bio. Chetan Bettegowda is a consultant to Depuy-Synthes and Bionaut Labs. The companies named, as well as other companies, have licensed previously described technologies related to our work from Johns Hopkins University. Vogelstein, Kinzler, Zhou, Papadopoulos and Bettegowda are inventors on some of these technologies. Licenses to these technologies are or will be associated with equity or royalty payments to the inventors as well as to Johns Hopkins University. The terms of all these arrangements are being managed by Johns Hopkins University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies. Wang is the founder and CEO of Complete Omics Inc. Maximillian Konig received personal fees from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celltrion and Third Bridge. Drew Pardoll reports grant and patent royalties through institution from BMS, grant from Compugen, stock from Trieza Therapeutics and Dracen Pharmaceuticals, and founder equity from Potenza; being a consultant for Aduro Biotech, Amgen, Astra Zeneca (Medimmune/Amplimmune), Bayer, DNAtrix, Dynavax Technologies Corporation, Ervaxx, FLX Bio, Rock Springs Capital, Janssen, Merck, Tizona, and Immunomic-Therapeutics; being on the scientific advisory board of Five Prime Therapeutics, Camden Nexus II, WindMil; being on the board of directors for Dracen Pharmaceuticals. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was handed a three-year sentence Friends and allies of Nicolas Sarkozy were quick to lambast his shock prison sentence on Monday for corruption as baseless and to drop heavy hints of a politically-motivated French justice system. If anything, the verdict - which, it should be stressed in the interests of the presumption of innocence, is still subject to appeal - is proof of the reverse. It was long assumed in France that when a senior politician was in a legal fix, a quick phone call from on high to a pliant prosecutor would resolve the problem. After all, top prosecutors were answerable to the justice ministry and thus in theory beholden to them. That apparent impunity helps explain the deep French distrust of the political establishment that helped give rise to the Macron presidency. Indeed for decades, even when top politicians names were cited in corruption cases, they had an uncanny habit of avoiding the courts leaving the middle-men to take the flak. Certainly that was the case for Jacques Chirac, whose former prime minister Alain Juppe carried the can for his boss when he was found guilty in 2004 of a jobs-for-the-boys scam at Paris city hall, which illicitly paid the salaries of 175 Chirac party activists. Mr Juppe avoided prison and his sentence ended up relatively light. The courts finally caught up with Mr Chirac in 2011 when he was on his last legs and suffering from dementia. He was handed a two-year suspended sentence, with the judge ruling he should avoid jail due to his age, infirmity and eminent responsibilities as former head of state. Many assumed the same would apply to Mr Sarkozy. However, he received no such leniency on Monday with the presiding judge saying he had gravely damaged public trust in the judiciary. So what changed? French President Jacques Chirac, right, listens to his Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy during a Franco-Spanish summit in Paris - Christophe Ena/AP In many ways a hapless president, Mr Sarkozys Socialist successor Francois Hollande is seen by many as stopping the rot. The Right may claim they have been unfairly targeted, but judges and prosecutors were said to be pleasantly surprised when they were granted carte blanche to go for Jerome Cahuzac, Mr Hollandes tax tsar who was found in 2012 to have hidden an offshore bank account from the very tax authorities he led. Story continues Mr Hollande did nothing to save him, instead enacting a series of reforms calling for total exemplarity from the political class. That new era or transparency saw Mr Sarkozys former premier Francois Fillon swiftly charged with embezzlement in 2017, thus scuppering his presidential bid. Last year, he was sentenced to five years in prison, three suspended, on charges of creating a fake job for his British wife, Penelope, using 1m in taxpayers money. She received a three-year suspended sentence. The pair appealed. For all his faults, Emmanuel Macron has toed a similar line, enacting further reforms to improve the morality of French political life. The higher standards have already tripped up some of his own centrist allies. All that said, claims that Mr Sarkozy is finished politically may prove premature. The appeal against the ruling could drag on for years and he may be acquitted of a string of other corruption allegations, including one that he received 45m in cash from ex-Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi to fund his 2012 re-election bid. He has denied wrongdoing. But the verdict is without doubt another terrible blow to the French mainstream Right, already maimed by Mr Macron in the last presidential elections and desperately seeking a prodigal saviour. And as in many aspects of French society, the floodgates are opening on a range of long-taboo issues - not just political corruption tolerated by a cozy elite but also the lifting of an unhealthy omerta on sexual harassment, abuse and incest. They will not be closed any time soon. A glance at some of the day's highlights from the Proactive Investors newswire ( ) said its SYNE-COVTM machine learning algorithm for Covid risk prediction has received regulatory approval for use in the UK. CentralNic Group PLC ( ) said revenues and underlying profits soared in 2020 helped by organic growth combined with acquisitions. ( ) said the level of global investment in hydrogen is at unprecedented levels with an increasing awareness of the benefits of its technology. AFC reported a cash balance of 31.6nmln at the end of October. ( ) highlighted a strong start to the year as it reported a number of new contract wins. Plant Health Care chief executive Chris Richards said the company's soybean seed treatment has the potential to be "truly disruptive" following preliminary results from trials of its technology in Brazil. Limited ( ) has acquired a UK based solar photovoltaic (PV) portfolio for 64.3mln that once fully up and running will increase its installed capacity by around 13%. ( ), the life sciences data specialist, agreed to acquire software group The Edge for up to 8.5mln as part of a growth strategy where it is aiming to become a consolidator of software and technology businesses in the pharmaceutical and life sciences market. Minexia has announced the completion of a partnership agreement with Ragnar Capital Partners LLP, a successful London-based finance house with a strong focus on corporate finance advisory and capital raising in the technology and Fintech sectors. The Minexia and Ragnar team have been working together for some period and have decided to formalise an exclusive arrangement for access to the www.NRPrivateMarket.com platform for the purposes of 'fintech' deals. ( ) confirmed the acquisition of an additional 15% interest in the Biscathorpe project, in the Humber Basin onshore UK, taking its stake in the project up to 45%. FastForward Innovations Ltd ( ) said it has invested 17,215 in the 13mln IPO share placing by the David Beckham-backed ( ). PLC ( ) said the clinical sample pipeline for the COVID-19 test developed by its investee Paraytec is now fully operational. BATM Advanced Communications Limited ( ) announced it has exercised the option to sell its subsidiary NGSoft, a software provider, for US$33mln (23mln). ( ) received two new orders worth a total of US$750,000. Sativa Wellness Group Inc (LON:SWEL, ) said its CBD therapeutics division has achieved the highest food safety standards. ( ) has provided an operational update on exploration activities in the second half of calendar 2020. The exploration programme resulted in a new discovery at Zafer, announced in January 2021. ( ) confirmed the start of its maiden drill programme at the Donovan 2 project in Mexico. Drilling began ahead of schedule on Thursday, February 25. Learning Technologies Group PLC ( ) has announced the acquisition of getBridge LLC and related assets (Bridge) has now completed. ( ) told investors it has extended the exclusivity period for its letter of intent with Poseidon Enhanced Technologies, until April 1. If concluded the agreement will see a reverse takeover. ( ) has begun the Canadian listing process for its joint venture with ( ), Pty Ltd. has gold exploration interests near the historic mining centre of Ballarat in the Gold Fields of Victoria. PLC ( ) has released an operational update for shareholders. "Through the past two years, as evidenced by our market updates, we have built a global resource exploration and development company, with precious, base, and strategic metal interests in North America, Africa, and Australia, said chief executive Paul Johnson. ( ) posted a loss after taxation for the half year ended 30 November 2020 of 193,243. During the period the process of granting a full mining permit to develop the companys diamond deposit at Lahtojoki in Finland continued. ( )(USOTC:SMCDY) has confirmed the rollover of access to the magnetite stockpile in New Mexico. Meanwhile, at the Leigh Creek copper mine in Australia, the impact of higher copper prices is being assessed. Bacanora Lithium PLC ( ) said it has received 21.8mln from Sonora Lithium Ltd (SLL) after Ganfeng Lithium Co Ltd exercised a share option. ( ) told investors that a loan, of 14.85mln, to Proger Managers & Partners srl reached maturity on February 25 and payment must now be made within the next five business days. (EQT) received notice to exercise warrants over 114mln shares from 19.36% shareholder Altair Group. With aggregate gross proceeds receivable by the company of 285,000, the company said it is intended to use this to repay a portion of the 1.25mln loan from Altair. 4d Pharma PLC ( ) has further prepared for its New York listing by appointing a chief financial officer and a non-executive director with extensive US corporate experience. E-Therapeutics PLC ( ) said Professor Trevor Jones will be its new non-executive chairman, with Ali Mortazavi to continue in his role of chief executive and dropping the title of executive chairman that he has held since October. Bango ( ) appointed Matt Garner as its new chief financial officer after Carolyn Rand announced her intention to step down after almost two and half years in the role. (LON:HZM, ) has appointed Michael Drake as the companys head of projects, to oversee the development of the flagship Araguaia and Vermelho nickel projects. (LON:COIN, ) has appointed Federica Velardo as a non-executive director of the company with immediate effect. She is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales and, having applied for dual qualification in Italy, also practices Italian law. ( ) will present at the upcoming AD/PD 2021 conference taking place online on 9-14 March 2021, one of the most presigeous conferences on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in the year. IXICO will make one presentation and two poster presentations. ( ) will provide a live presentation to accompany the interim results, presented by CEO, David Budd and CFO, Matthew Fowler, on Friday 26 March at 10.00am. The presentation will be hosted through the Investor Meet Company platform. ( ) announced that it has appointed H&P Advisory Limited as financial advisor to the company with immediate effect. ( ) said it is posting a circular to shareholders convening a general meeting to be held at 11am on 18 March 2021, to approve the 25mln placing and subscription agreed last Friday. ( ) reported the vesting of restricted stock units to the executive management team, under the companys incentive plan. Chief executive Rusty Hutson sees his equity holding in the company increase to 20.92mln shares (2.96%) and chief operating officer Brad Gray now has 2.36mln shares (0.33%). BB Healthcare Trust ( ) announced that a final dividend of 2.50p per ordinary share has been declared in respect of the financial year ended 30 November 2020 and that shareholders would be offered the opportunity to elect for their cash dividend to be automatically subscribed on their behalf for new ordinary shares under the scrip dividend scheme. (LON:APF, ) has been notified that, as part of the equity placing announced on 24 February, six directors acquired a total of 292,223 ordinary shares. ( )( ) has raised 4mln by placing 9mln shares at 42p each. Chairman and chief executive Mark Child and non-executive director Jim Mellon now own 3.2% and 19.2% stake in the miner after subscribing for some shares as part of the placing. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. Zero Discrimination Day is an annual day celebrated by the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations. The day is to promote equality before the law and behavior in all member states of the United Nations. The day was first observed on 1 March 2014, and it was launched on 27 February of that year with a major event in Beijing by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe. In February 2017, UNAIDS called on people to "stand in the way of achieving ambitions, goals, and dreams and make some noise around zero discrimination to prevent discrimination." The day is particularly noted by organizations such as UNAIDS that combat discrimination against people living with HIV / AIDS. "HIV-related stigma and discrimination prevails in almost every part of the world, including Liberia, and is present in almost every part of the world, including our Liberia," according to Dr. Ivan F. Camanor, Chairman of the National AIDS Commission of Liberia. The United Nations Development Program also paid tribute to LGBTI people with HIV / AIDS in 2017 facing discrimination. Campaigners in India have used this day to speak out against laws that discriminate against the LGBTI community, particularly during a previous campaign to repeal the law (Indian Penal Code, s377) which previously had homosexuality in that country Used to criminalize that law was overturned by the Supreme Court of India in September 2018. In 2015, Armenian Americans from California organized a 'Die-In' on Zero Discrimination Day to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Also Read: NHAI's great work! Creates record laid 25km of single lane in 18 hours Sri Lanka big decision over Muslim cremation who died from corona Kamal Nath In Rewa: 'MP government fell victim to bargain' Gab CEO Responds After Hackers Target Social Media Site Gabs CEO on Feb. 28 said his account was among those compromised in a hack of the social media website. The same people behind this attack targeted law enforcement officers and their family members last summer. The feds are treating them as a criminal hacker organization. We are working with our partners in law enforcement on this issue, Andrew Torba, founder and CEO of Gab, wrote. He said his account and one linked to former President Donald Trump, which isnt directly used by Trump, were compromised just before Trump took the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Florida. The entire company is all hands investigating what happened and working to trace and patch the problem, Torba said, promising to keep users posted. Gab is a competitor to larger companies such as Twitter and Facebook, along with upstarts such as Parler. Gab shifted to its own servers several years ago after being removed by GoDaddy. The group Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoSecrets) told Wired magazine that the hack was perpetrated by a hacker who describes him or herself as JaXpArO and My Little Anonymous Revival Project. The hacker collected more than 70 gigabytes of data. It contains pretty much everything on Gab, including user data and private posts, everything someone needs to run a nearly complete analysis on Gab users and content, said Emma Best, co-founder of DDoSecrets, adding that DDoSecrets would release data to a select group of reporters, scientists, and researchers. Journalists and researchers can now access the data on our private .onion, Best wrote on Twitter, where she identifies as a journalist and activist. DDoSecrets has previously released hacked law enforcement data, information from companies in Burma, and data from dark websites. The groups account is currently suspended on Twitter, which has policies against publishing hacked materials. Its website was offline on March 1. Torba in a previous blog post said that, after inquiries from reporters, workers had searched high and low for chatter on the breach on the Internet and can find nothing. We can only presume the reporters, who write for a publication that has written many hit pieces on Gab in the past, are in direct contact with the hacker and are essentially assisting the hacker in his efforts to smear our business and hurt you, our users, he wrote. Torba said Gab collects very little personal information. In our subscriber records we do not collect health or financial information; we do not collect dates of birth; we do not collect social security numbers; we do not collect telephone numbers; we do not track user searches, queries or browsing history; we do not check who owns an e-mail address before setting up an account (and, in this instance, we have no indication that e-mail addresses were compromised.), he said. Every major tech companyfrom Facebook to Twitterhas been the target of multiple and continued data breaches. We collect very little personal data so that, in the event of a data breach, the effect on our users will be minimized. As we learn more about this alleged breach, we will notify the community publicly with our findings as required by law. As Haijun Si and his family celebrated the Lunar New Year this month, the festivities were cut short when several teenagers shouted racial slurs, hurled rocks at the house and repeatedly pounded on the front door of their home in Orange County, Calif. This was not the first time the Si family has been harassed in recent months. In fact, by mid-February, Si had come to expect it, he said. Since they moved to the Ladera Ranch neighborhood five months earlier, the family has been targeted by a group of teenagers. "They yell, punch the door and windows, and ring the bell day and night," said Si, 48. He has called the Orange County Sheriff's Department several times, and police have opened an investigation, but the harassment has persisted, he said. "I installed a camera and a fence, but they kept coming back," said Si, who has two children, ages 5 and 8. "They are scaring my kids at night. They are afraid to go in their room themselves, so we have to move them to our room for almost five months now." Violence targeting Asian Americans has surged since the start of the pandemic. Advocates say the rise in anti-Asian sentiment stems in part from former president Donald Trump's incendiary remarks about the coronavirus. President Joe Biden last month signed an executive action barring the federal government from employing the sort of "inflammatory and xenophobic" language Trump used to describe the virus - such as "China plague" and "Kung flu." After the incident on Lunar New Year, Si asked a neighbor for support. He called Layla Parks, who lives down the street and has always been kind to his family, he said. Parks knew teenagers would occasionally play "ding dong ditch" in the neighborhood as a prank, but until then, "I did not understand the extent of the harassment and how often it was occurring," she said. "I was outraged, and I wanted to take action right away. But I knew I needed to do it carefully." Parks, 30, promptly came up with a plan to help protect the Si family, which required enlisting several volunteers. In a neighborhood Facebook group, she posted video footage of a recent attack, which Si provided, and asked if anyone would be willing to stand guard outside the family's home at night. She wanted to ensure that the house was surveilled from 6 p.m. until at least midnight, and asked people to sign up for an hour-long shift. Her primary mission: "for this family to have some peace again," Parks said. The sign-up spreadsheet immediately flooded with names. Neighbors were horrified by the teenagers' actions, and people were eager to help. "It was more support than I had ever imagined or anticipated, and it is incredibly heartwarming," Parks said. "The community has really stepped up." The first evening watch was on Feb. 13, and since then, neighbors have stood guard outside Si's home every night. They pull on sweaters and jackets - temperatures dip into the 40s at night - and set up foldable chairs on the front lawn. Some will guard from their cars, while others will pace around the block, flashlights in hand. About 50 people have volunteered for at least one shift. Emily Lippincott, 40, has covered two shifts. The targeting the Si family has faced, she said, "is completely unacceptable." "This family was terrorized," she continued, adding that protecting them and showing support is "very important to me." Seeing neighbors guarding the Si home night after night "is a really positive and hopeful sign for our community," Lippincott said. "It's been incredible to meet other like-minded people that really care." Si and his wife come outside to thank volunteers and show their deep appreciation. They often bring cookies. "The neighbors keep watching, and I am very grateful," Si said. "Now we have some peace." Still, Si added, "I don't want to make any trouble. I don't want to take their time." The Si family moved from Zhengzhou, China, to California four years ago, and in September, they relocated from Riverside County to Orange County. The harassment started when they moved to Ladera Ranch - a wealthy planned community of about 30,000 residents, about 10% of whom are Asian. Before the neighbors stepped in to help, Si and his wife would take turns guarding the house each night, hoping their presence would shoo away the teenagers. It rarely did. "The sheriff has come many times," Si said, but they never caught the teens in action. Carrie Braun, director of public affairs for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said her department has opened an investigation into the incidents. "The family has provided photos and videos to the sheriff's department, and we have two investigators who are working to identify the juvenile individuals," Braun said. "It is vital that communities come together to be aware and keep each other safe," she continued, but emphasized that when "criminal violations of law occur, it's critical that law enforcement is contacted." Since volunteers have been standing guard, incidents of harassment have dwindled, but have not disappeared entirely. "Kids were throwing rocks at the homeowners and volunteers from the hillside," said Lippincott, adding that she also has heard them "yelling profanities." The group of offenders consists of the same 20 teenagers, Parks estimated, and typically, they show up a few at a time. "We've seen many of the same teens come through, and some newer faces," she said. "It's bizarre. It's almost like they take shifts or it's a ritual." Priscilla Huang, co-founder of Asian Americans in Action - an Orange County-based volunteer organization that advocates for Asian Americans - said the Si family's experience is not uncommon, particularly in recent months. "There's been escalating harassment and rhetoric, and now there's violence at another scale affecting the Asian American community," said Huang, whose parents immigrated from Taiwan. When Huang heard about what was happening to the Si family and how the neighborhood mobilized to support them, it gave her an idea for a community event. The Lantern Festival - which marks the final day of Lunar New Year celebrations - was Friday, and "I thought it would be a nice way to show community support and solidarity," she said. Residents in Ladera Ranch intend to continue taking shifts standing guard outside the Si family's home "until they feel safe," Parks said. "After hearing about the situation, my fear for humanity was at all-time high," Parks continued. "But after the response of the community, I feel my faith in humanity has returned." Si agreed - despite what he has endured. "I love my neighbors," he said. "I love my community, and I love my country." Bank of Ireland has announced it will close 15 branches in Northern Ireland. The bank currently has 28 branches in Northern Ireland, including branches at Strand Road and Culmore Road in Derry. No details have yet been released about which branches are to close. The bank is expected to release that information later today. It is part of a wider cost cutting exercise which will shut over 100 branches across the island of Ireland. The Dublin-based bank operates across the Republic of Ireland and the UK, and is one of Northern Ireland's 'big four' banks. Chief Executive Francesca McDonagh said the bank's UK head office will also relocate from London to Belfast Ms McDonagh said the Northern Ireland business will undergo "a material restructure". Aside from closing 15 branches, she said, that restructure will include simplifying its range of products with a greater focus on car finance and mortgages. Bank of Ireland had already closed several branches over the last decade, including ones in Derry. In 2011, it had 44 branches in Northern Ireland. Raspberry muffins are in our future. Washington State University scientists have figured out a way to treat raspberries before they're frozen so that they maintain their structure when thawed. The tart little berries are very delicate and freezing damages their cells. They turn to mush when baked and leak juice into the surrounding baked product, making them unattractive and diluted in flavor. As a result, frozen raspberries are rarely used in baking, whether at home or in commercial bakeries. But that's about to change. In a recent article published in Food and Bioprocess Technology, Shyam Sablani and his team describe their method of reducing syneresis, or the leaking out of liquid. Washington State is responsible for approximately 95% of processed (frozen) red raspberry production in the nation. "We wanted to help the Washington raspberry industry," said Sablani, a professor in WSU's Department of Biological Systems Engineering. "Frozen raspberries are good in smoothies and things like that, but not in baking. We wanted to find a way to keep them intact through the baking process." Doing that requires three separate steps, all of them long-proven as safe for people to eat. First, they infuse each berry with pectin, which is often used as a thickener in cooking and baking, and calcium, which plays an important role in maintaining the cell-wall structure by forming a firm gel-like structure. Second, the raspberries are partially dried, reducing the damage from ice crystals in the thawed fruit. "You can't dry them completely, you don't want them to look like raisins," Sablani said. "But removing part of the water still allows the raspberries to maintain their color and shape." The third step is to cover the berries with a food grade edible coating that's often used in coating pre-baked frozen pies and pizzas. "That way, when the raspberry is being frozen, it won't leak any juice and the coating will protect the moisture that's left," Sablani said. He and his team ran hundreds of tests to get the best results for each step, then did their own hands-on testing. "My Ph.D. student, Armando Quintanilla, made raspberry muffins and cakes many times," he said. "They were really tasty, and the raspberries held their shape and juices well." After their own testing, Sablani and his team partnered with a commercial baker in Western Washington who made two batches of raspberry muffins. One had frozen berries bought from a store, the other berries frozen using Sablani's new method. The baker did not know which frozen berries were which. Then both muffins were served in a blind taste-test to members of the Washington raspberry council during their annual meeting (pre-COVID 19 pandemic). "They could tell a difference right away," Sablani said. "The store-bought raspberries bled juice all over with no big chunks of fruit. Ours kept their shape with very little bleeding." After impressing industry representatives, the next step is to start work on increasing the process to commercial scale. That means working with raspberry processors who would need to add the new capabilities at their facilities. It also requires food makers to include more baked raspberry items in their product lines. That means doing consumer testing to gauge the potential market, so it may be a while before this breakthrough leads to raspberry muffins or bagels becoming a grocery store staple. "We're early on in this work," Sablani said. "But we're excited and think there will be a market. People love raspberries; they've got lots of flavor." The work for this project was funded by a Washington State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant. Sablani plans to apply for a larger grant later this year to further develop the process on a commercial scale and include market testing. ### Syrian army soldiers gesture from a military vehicle in southern Idlib province, Syria, on March 5, 2020. (SANA/File/Handout via Reuters) Syria Reports Israeli Missile Attack Near Capital, Damascus DAMASCUS, SyriaSyrian air defenses were activated in the capital Damascus and its southern suburbs Sunday night to repel an Israeli missile attack, state media reported. There was no word on casualties. State TV quoted an unnamed military official as saying that most of the Israeli missiles were shot down before reaching their targets near Damascus. Israel has launched hundreds of strikes against Iran-linked military targets in Syria over the years, but rarely acknowledges or discusses such operations. Israel views Iranian entrenchment on its northern frontier as a red line, and it has repeatedly struck Iran-linked facilities and weapons convoys destined for Lebanons Hezbollah terrorist group. The attack comes after the United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militia groups. The Pentagon said the strikes were retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq earlier this month that killed one civilian contractor and wounded a U.S. service member and other coalition troops. The Telegraph Gold is hovering around the $1,900 an ounce mark, which means the precious metals price has risen by 55pc over the past five years and trades at barely 7pc below last autumns record high. By contrast, shares in Centamin, the gold miner, are no higher than they were in June 2016 and stand at barely half the peak reached last year. It is therefore tempting to argue that either the gold price or the share price is wrong and given the current macroeconomic backdrop this columns inclination is to believe that the share price is too low rather than the gold price too high, even allowing for Centamins history of operational disappointment. Americas Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are showing little or no inclination to tighten monetary policy. This is despite the fact that near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing were described as emergency policies when they were introduced in the West in 2008-09 and despite signs that inflation is gathering last months 4.2pc year-on-year rise in the US consumer price index was the fastest rate of advance in more than a decade. The central banks view is that this surge will be temporary because it is partly the result of pent-up demand and supply-chain dislocations as lockdowns ease and partly due to the low base for comparison offered by the economic downturn of 2020. Gettyimagesbank The portion of male births of the total newborns in South Korea declined to a record low last year, data showed Monday, in the latest sign that traditional preference for male children has waned. The ratio of baby boys to every 100 newborn girls came to 104.9 last year, down from 105.5 the previous year, according to preliminary data by Statistics Korea. The tally marked the lowest number since the statistics agency began compiling related data in 1990. When natural births are calculated with no preference for baby boys, the birth sex ratio reaches between 103 and 107, according to the agency. Primary schools in Uttar Pradesh reopened on Monday after almost a year. While children came in limited numbers, their enthusiasm brimmed with life and laughter. Schools had been gaily decorated to welcome the students and children were offered sweets and flowers by their teachers. Classes in Lucknow schools will be conducted in shifts. It is mandatory for the schools to follow coronavirus guidelines. Schools will be sanitized on a regular basis and students will have to arrive wearing masks. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a surprise inspection of a primary school in the Narhi locality where he interacted with the children. Schools across the country were shut due to the Covid-19 situation since March 2020. Several exams were postponed and cancelled and classes were conducted online within this period of time. Darwin Micheal Mejia and his mother Beata Mariana de Jesus Mejia-Mejia are reunited on June 22, 2018 in Linthicum, Md., after they were separated at the border and she sued the U.S. government. It's a new week, a new month and we might have a new attorney general soon. We've got a lot to cover this Monday. Over the weekend: It's Mabinty, with the day's top news. Let's dive in. Migrant families at the border may be reunited It looks like Biden isn't quite done yet undoing the Trump administration's legacy. Parents who were separated from their children at the border under the last administration could be allowed to live in the United States after they're reunited, the Biden administration announced Monday. "We are hoping to reunite the families either here or in the country of origin," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said at the White House news briefing. That's not all: Biden has also promised better relations with Mexico. Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez is expected to talk to Biden about a "Bracero"-style labor program that would allow Mexicans to temporarily live in the U.S. Lawmakers and White House officials previously unveiled sweeping immigration legislation, including a proposal for a path to citizenship for roughly 11 million migrants living without legal status in the USA. The battle over the ballot goes before SCOTUS (again) Five years after Arizona criminalized what critics call "ballot harvesting," and four months after a presidential election in which the practice was bitterly debated, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a pair of cases that will determine when states may limit voting and, potentially, whether a provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act will stand. What's at stake: Twenty-six states allow voters to designate a third party to turn in their ballots, though 12 of those states limit how many ballots a person may collect, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Ten states allow family members or caregivers to return ballots but not third-party groups such as Mi Familia Vota. Story continues What critics say: They see a potential for ballot tampering and voter intimidation and point to a bipartisan report in 2005 in which former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker recommended prohibiting it. The outcome of the dispute before the justices could have far-reaching implications for the ability to challenge other controversial election laws, including voter ID requirements, that critics say have a disproportionate impact on Black and Latino voters. What else is going on? I hope this March won't bring tons of madness on us! Mabinty This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden erasing Trump's immigration policy, Supreme Court hears voting case TORONTO - Some Ontario seniors braved frigid temperatures Monday to get a COVID-19 vaccine as several regions in the province moved ahead with their plans to vaccinate the general public. Ontario Premier Doug Ford tours a lab at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research to see COVID-19 research in Toronto on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn TORONTO - Some Ontario seniors braved frigid temperatures Monday to get a COVID-19 vaccine as several regions in the province moved ahead with their plans to vaccinate the general public. With the broad launch of a provincial booking portal still two weeks away, some local public health units used their own systems to allow residents aged 80 and older to schedule appointments. In York Region, where bookings opened Monday morning for shots that could be administered as early as the afternoon, dozens of seniors and their caregivers lined up outside a sports centre to get the vaccine. Some huddled together for warmth - a winter weather advisory was in effect for the region - as the line to enter the centre in Richmond Hill moved slowly. Hassan Abbas Kara was saving a place in line while his grandmother waited in a car. I don't want her to wait in the cold, so its a little thing I can do right now to help her," he said. Atta Hussain, 82, said the process was "beautiful" and well organized, and expressed relief after receiving his shot. "We thank everybody who is participating," he said. York Region said its vaccination clinics were fully booked just two hours after they started taking appointments. A spokesman said approximately 20,000 appointments were made Monday across five locations in the region. Clinics were also offering shots to those 80 and older in Windsor-Essex County, and to those 85 and older at a hospital in Hamilton, where officials warned of long wait times amid high call volumes to its COVID-19 hotline. Hamilton's top doctor apologized for backlog on the phone line and asked people who don't live in the city to not call about appointments. The provincial government has said it aims to begin vaccinating Ontarians aged 80 and older starting the week of March 15, the same day it plans to launch its vaccine booking system, which will offer a service desk and online portal. It has said the vaccine rollout will look different in each of its 34 public health units. When asked about the lack of provincewide cohesion, Health Minister Christine Elliott said that public health units know their regions best and that's why they have been given responsibility to set the pace locally. "Some of them are already vaccinating the over-80-year-old people that are living within their regions," Elliott said Monday. "I think that's something that we should be celebrating not denigrating." Green party Leader Mike Schreiner said he's happy some public health units are offering shots already, but argued it could cause issues later when health units that have already started making appointments on their own systems have to switch over to the provincial one. The province also said Monday that it has asked the federal government for guidance on possibly extending the intervals between the first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses to four months. It pointed to British Columbia's decision to do so and said there's growing evidence suggesting intervals between the Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses can be safely extended. Monday also saw two Ontario regions - Thunder Bay and Simcoe Muskoka - return to lockdowns as a result of rising COVID-19 cases. Restrictions on businesses and gatherings were loosened in seven other health units: Niagara Region, Chatham-Kent; Middlesex-London; Southwestern; Haldimand-Norfolk; Huron Perth; and Grey Bruce. Municipal officials in Simcoe Muskoka raised concerns about pressure on small businesses and the effects of yet another lockdown on the public during a public meeting with the health unit on Monday. The region's top doctor said he's heard concerns about the strict measures from people in areas with fewer cases. Dr. Charles Gardner said he'll be in touch with the province's chief medical officer about whether a full lockdown is required for the region. In Thunder Bay, which entered a lockdown after reporting more COVID-19 cases in February than all of 2020, a local hospital reported it was expanding its COVID-19 and intensive care units to meet the needs of the community. Meanwhile, a spokesman for federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the Public Health Agency of Canada was reviewing a funding application for an isolation site in Thunder Bay after the city said it could no longer afford to keep it running. Ontario reported 1,023 new cases of COVID-19 and six more deaths from the virus on Monday. - With files from Cole Burston This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2021. Advertisement Aung San Suu Kyi was seen for the first time since last month's coup in Myanmar today as she faced court amid an escalating military crackdown in the country. The deposed pro-democracy leader, who was arrested during the generals' February 1 takeover, appeared in court by video-link on Monday facing a series of charges including two new counts filed today. The 75-year-old was not seen by the wider public but appeared healthy during the court proceedings, lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said. But two new charges of violating communications laws and inciting public unrest were filed against her today in addition previous charges of importing walkie-talkies and breaching coronavirus rules. It came amid an escalation of force by the military junta which led to at least 18 people being killed on Sunday in the deadliest day of unrest since the coup. Troops and police fired live bullets at demonstrators in cities across Myanmar, the UN said, after protesters again took to the streets despite the crackdown. Back on the streets: Protesters run from tear gas today in Yangon as unrest continued on the streets of Myanmar despite an escalation of force by the military junta which left 18 people dead on Sunday Protesters put up makeshift barricades to obstruct security forces in Yangon today, with one demonstrator wearing a picture of Aung San Suu Kyi on the back of their clothes One protester uses a fire extinguisher while others run in the opposite direction during a protest in Yangon on Monday Protesters equipped with helmets, hard hats, goggles and masks take cover as tear gas is fired during unrest in Yangon today Aung San Suu Kyi, pictured last year when she was Myanmar's democratically-elected state counsellor, was seen today for the first time since being arrested in the February 1 coup Suu Kyi has reportedly been kept under house arrest in Naypyidaw, Myanmar's isolated capital city which was built by the military during a previous dictatorship. She had been detained in the city before dawn on the day of the coup, and had not been since in public since. Suu Kyi was initially charged with illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios. Later, a charge of violating a natural disaster law by breaching coronavirus protocols was added - charges widely seen by the international community as frivolous. On Monday, a charge was added under a colonial-era penal code prohibiting the publication of information that may 'cause fear or alarm' or disrupt 'public tranquillity'. Monday's court proceedings were preliminary matters in the case, including with Khin Maung Zaw seeking to formally represent her. The next hearing will be on March 15. The generals have justified their takeover, ending a decade-long democratic experiment, by making spurious allegations of fraud in last November's elections. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the election in a landslide. Buddhist monks hold a sign reading 'peaceful demonstration' as they lead an anti-coup march in Mandalay on Monday A street in Yangon is full of protesters on Monday, many of them wearing hard hats, as anti-coup demonstrations continue Protesters run along a street as tear gas billows in the air during the latest protests in Yangon on Monday A bloodied protester was seen in the back of a police van after being detained during protests in Yangon on Sunday Protesters run through the streets holding home-made shields as tear gas is fired by security forces during a demonstration in Yangon today Riot police secure an area of Yangon after dispersing protesters in Yangon today as the military crackdown escalates following last month's coup Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to streets regularly over the past month to oppose the coup. While the military has steadily increased the type of force used to try to contain the uprising, beginning with tear gas and water cannons, this weekend's violence saw the biggest escalation. One person was shot while crouching behind rubbish bins and other makeshift shields, and had to be dragged away by others. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a reliable monitoring group, estimated that about 30 people had been killed by security forces since the coup on February 1. On Monday, protests erupted again in multiple cities across the country, with demonstrators in Yangon using bamboo poles, sofas and tree branches to erect barricades across streets. In one clash broadcast live on Facebook, unarmed protesters fled after a volley of shots were fired. It was not immediately clear if the security forces had fired live rounds or rubber bullets. Riot police wearing face masks prepare to fire tear gas to disperse protesters as the military crackdown gathers pace A crowd of protesters, some of them wielding umbrellas, take cover behind a barricade and home-made shields in Yangon Demonstrators wearing hard hats react after tear gas was fired during a protest in Yangon Protesters wearing goggles and holding what appear to be pouches filled with water crouch on a street in Yangon today Hundreds of people were also arrested over the weekend with many in Yangon taken to Insein Prison, where Myanmar's leading democracy campaigners have served long jail terms under previous dictatorships. More than 1,100 people have been arrested, charged, or sentenced since the coup, according to The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. One reporter was also shot with rubber bullets on the weekend while covering a protest in the central city of Pyay, their employer said. Several journalists documenting Saturday's assaults by security forces were detained, including an Associated Press photographer in Yangon. 'We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters,' Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, said. The United States has been one of the most outspoken critics of the junta, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken also reacted with horror after Sunday's violence. 'We condemn the Burmese security forces' abhorrent violence against the people of Burma and will continue to promote accountability for those responsible,' Blinken said, using the country's old name. A crowd of protesters wearing protective gear gather behind shields in Yangon on Monday as demonstrations continued Protesters crouch down behind shields or under umbrellas as they prepare to face off against security forces in Yangon Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (BPT) - If your business is ready to grow, or youre launching a business, you probably know that the location of your business really matters. Choosing a place that's attractive to business partners and customers alike, is cost-effective and also offers a thriving market for your industry is a tall order. However, theres one city that may just fit the bill: Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite the many tough challenges posed by the pandemic over the past year, the Queen City remains a great place for businesses to thrive, with plenty of COVID-ready offices, an abundance of economic benefits and a rapidly growing population. Here are just some of the reasons to consider the City of Charlotte the ideal location to launch, relocate or expand your business. 1. The people According to U.S. Census data, 120 people move into the Charlotte area every day. Currently, over two million people live in the Charlotte metropolitan area a 4.21% increase from its population in 2019. And the region is expected to grow by 1.5 million people in the next 30 years. What does that mean for your business? More people equals more talent to hire from, plus more customers to help your business grow. Not surprisingly, Realtor.com named Charlotte, North Carolina, one of its top three housing markets for 2021. And its no wonder Charlotte is becoming so popular U.S. News and World Report listed the city among its 2020 list of top 10 best places to live in the U.S. 2. The low taxes North Carolina is one of the best and most cost effective places to do business, in large part because it has the lowest corporate income tax rate in the country. In fact, U.S. News and World Report named it a "Top 10 State for Best Business Tax Climate" in 2020, and Site Selection Magazine gave it their top ranking for business climate in 2020, determined by a survey of site selectors across the country. 3. Affordable real estate Does your business need space? In the Charlotte area, the average office market rent is approximately $30 per square foot. When you compare this cost with San Francisco (which is about $90 per square foot) or New York ($73 per square foot), there really is no comparison. And the average industrial rent is only $6.40 per square foot. The building of new and renovated COVID-ready office and warehouse space is booming, with 7.3 million square feet of office currently under construction. 4. Industry growth While the baseline growth across all industries for the U.S. is projected to be 2.5% over the next five years, according to Chmura Economics, 2020, Charlotte, North Carolina will likely see the following growth in these industries over the same period: 7% in Finance and Insurance 7.5% in Transportation and Logistics 9% in Technology The Charlotte area alone boasts over 60 FinTech firms, including the headquarters of major banking and financial services companies. 5. A hub for technology And speaking of the tech industry, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) named Charlotte a Top 5 Tech Town in 2020. Based on the annual estimated costs of labor and office rent alone, it would be 24% less expensive to operate a technology firm in Charlotte than in San Francisco and 42% less expensive than in New York City, according to the U.S. Commercial Real Estate Services (CBRE) analysis of estimated one-year costs by market. Tech talent also abounds in the Charlotte area, with thousands of students at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte graduating with engineering and IT degrees every year. CBRE also named Charlotte the #4 city in the U.S. for attracting millennials to move there. We have a strong vision for Charlotte's future, said Tracy Dodson, assistant city manager and economic development director. We're making intentional investments to achieve ambitious goals, continuing the momentum that makes this city so attractive for both businesses and residents right now. If your business is currently in one of the other large metropolitan areas in the country and you're looking for an opportunity to expand or relocate, now is a great time for a strategic move. Visit CharlotteOpenforBusiness.com to learn about everything that Charlotte, North Carolina, has to offer. This sponsored article is presented by Brandpoint. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine was shown to be 95% effective in preventing severe COVID-19 infection in clinical trials. However, given that the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread and evolve into several concerning variants, it remained unknown how the vaccine would respond in a real-life setting. With the number of global cases rising to over 114 million, Israel has reported 775,807 cases and 5,752 deaths. Israel has become a unique case study to observe vaccine effectiveness. Compared to most countries, Israel has been proactive in vaccinating almost all of the population. New research led by Ran D. Balicer from the Clalit Research Institute in Boston suggests that the data provide strong evidence that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine works to prevent hospitalization and severe COVID-19 infection. The authors write: This study estimates a high effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine for preventing symptomatic Covid-19 in a noncontrolled setting, similar to the vaccine efficacy reported in the randomized trial. Our study also suggests that effectiveness is high for the more serious outcomes: hospitalization, severe illness, and death. The study BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine in a Nationwide Mass Vaccination Setting was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Collecting data Between December 20, 2020, to February 1, 2021, the researchers analyzed data from Clalit Health Services, which covers about 53% of Israels population. They investigated outcomes in 596,618 people who were newly vaccinated. The five outcomes of interest were documented SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by positive PCR test, documented symptomatic Covid-19, hospital admission for Covid-19, severe Covid-19 (according to National Institutes of Health criteria) and death from Covid-19, write the research team. Outcomes after the first dose About 15 days after the first dose, there were 10,561 reported infections. Of these, 5,996 (57%) showed symptoms of COVID-19 disease, 369 were admitted to the hospital, 229 were reported with severe COVID-19 infection, and 41 died. The researchers also found that 14 to 20 days after the first dose, the vaccine was 46% effective with documented infection, 57% with symptomatic COVID-19 infection, 74% with hospitalization, 62% in preventing severe illness, and 72% in preventing death. The estimated effectiveness for the vaccine increased to 60% 21 to 27 days after the first injection. The results showed a 66% effectiveness with symptomatic infection, 78% with hospitalization, 80% in preventing severe illness, and 84% in preventing death. Vaccine benefits increase over time After a 21-day follow-up, the researchers found that 96% of people had received their second Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The vaccines effectiveness rose 7 days after the second dose. They observed it was 92% effective for documented infections, 94% for symptomatic infections, 87% for hospitalization, and 92% effective in preventing severe infection. Low effectiveness observed for asymptomatic cases A separate analysis with asymptomatic cases found the vaccine was 29% effective 14 to 20 days after the first dose and 52% effective 21 to 27 days after the first dose. The vaccine was 90% effective 7 or more days after people received the second dose. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine outcomes in vulnerable populations Given the large population sample, the researcher was able to look at vaccine effectiveness in various age groups. For people 70 years or older and younger age groups, they found it similar to the 94% to 96% efficacy observed in clinical trials. People with multiple preexisting conditions showed lower vaccine effectiveness than healthy people. Estimated effectiveness toward the B.1.1.7 variant The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine did not test against any of the current variants spreading worldwide. However, in this study, approximately 80% of the sequenced SARS-CoV-2 virus were of the B.1.1.7 variant. The B.1351 variant was reported to be very rare in Israel to perform any substantial data analysis. The researchers warn that their limited dataset makes them unable to provide a specific estimate for the B.1.1.7 variant. However, based on the limited dataset, they suggest the vaccine could be potentially useful against the B.1.1.7 variant as they observed neutralizing antibodies present after vaccination. These results strengthen the expectation that newly approved vaccines can help to mitigate the profound global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Marshfield woman accused earlier this year of fatally stabbing her husband, who was a Boston firefighter, is due back in court Monday after collapsing during her initial arraignment, news outlets reported. Christine Ricci, 46, was arrested in late January in connection with the fatal stabbing of her husband, 51-year-old Michael Ricci, in Marshfield, according to Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruzs office. She was later charged with one count of murder. During her arraignment in January, Christine Ricci collapsed, WCVB reported. The court proceeding was halted due to a medical emergency she suffered, according to the news outlet. WCVB reported Ricci is also being held because of a probation violation for an incident in Pembroke last March in which she is accused of disturbing the peace and trespassing. On Jan. 28, police received a 911 call shortly after 4:45 p.m. about a medical emergency at a home at 679 Moraine St. First responders arrived at the scene and found Michael Ricci with multiple stab wounds, according to the district attorneys office. He was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, where he was pronounced dead, the prosecutors office said. In February, members of the Boston Fire Department paid their last respects to Ricci, who the department described as our brother, our friend, our coworker. He was a 23-year veteran of the department, according to WCVB. May his legacy of friendship, respect, bravery and humbleness live on in his children, the department wrote in a tweet. Our prayers are with his family. Today we paid our last respects to Mike Ricci, our brother, our friend, our co-worker. May his legacy of friendship,respect,bravery & humbleness live on in his children. Our prayers are with his family. pic.twitter.com/80mhdLuRfu Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) February 9, 2021 Related Content: Massachusetts woman accused of fatally stabbing husband, charged with murder, DA says Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. Lee Universitys Alanis Burton, a senior health science major from Athens, Tn., was awarded the BlueCross Power of We Scholarship from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation. The BlueCross Power of We Scholarship is an annual scholarship awarded to three outstanding minority students in Tennessee pursuing careers in health care related fields. This year, six students from across Tennessee were awarded. The additional scholarships are part of the companys commitment to fight systemic racism and injustice and to highlight the diverse health care workers across the state. Ms. Burton is a McNair scholar and the president of Taste Buds, a service club that promotes healthy lifestyles by providing hot, nutritious meals for disadvantaged communities in Bradley County. Ms. Burton plans to graduate from Lee this spring and attend graduate school in the fall to continue her studies in public health. She hopes to earn her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and become a professor at a research institution so she can work to develop protocol to help populations struggling with obesity, diabetes, and other nutritional-related illnesses. I am still blown away by receiving this scholarship, said Ms. Burton. This is the first school year I did not worry about being able to afford my school bill and the first time I was able to go to school without working multiple jobs. It was a wonderful way to finish my college career and pursue graduate studies. I am humbled and thankful for being selected as a recipient. Each winner received $10,000 toward school tuition. Winners also received a MacBook, AirPods, and a Fitbit in place of the annual celebratory event, which was cancelled due to COVID-19. Alanis is a worthy and deserving student for the Power of We Scholarship, said Dr. Kevin Ung, director of the McNair Scholars Program at Lee. She has excelled in every academic and professional endeavor she has pursued including conducting scholarly research, presenting her findings at national conferences, pioneering a community-oriented service club, and pursuing her PhD in nutrition and epidemiology. The McNair team is immensely proud of her accomplishments and her continued contribution to wherever the Lord leads her! BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a non-profit health plan company. They provide health plans to more than three million members and serve their community through volunteer work, taxpaying, and mission work. The McNair Scholars Program is an academic program for students pursuing graduate school. Students who are either first-generation college students or a member of an underrepresented group in graduate education may apply. The program supports McNair scholars through research stipends, faculty mentoring, academic development, funding for graduate school visits, and cultural events. Named after researcher and NASA specialist Ronald E. McNair, the program values high academic excellence. For more information on BCBS of Tennessee, go to http://bcbst.com. For more information on the McNair Scholars Program, contact Ung at kung@leeuniversity.edu or visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/mcnair/. By Jonathan Stempel and Jeffrey Dastin (Reuters) - A manager at Amazon.com Inc sued the online retailer for discrimination on Monday, saying it hires Black people for lower positions and promotes them more slowly than white workers, and that she was subjected to harassment. The lawsuit from Charlotte Newman, a business development head at Amazon Web Services who is Black, said the company suffers from a "systemic pattern of insurmountable discrimination," despite its pledge to fight racism and statements of solidarity from Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos. Seattle-based Amazon said it was investigating the claims. It said it strives for an equitable culture and has no tolerance for discrimination: "These allegations do not reflect those efforts or our values." The complaint was filed in Washington, D.C., federal court. Newman, a Harvard Business School graduate and former adviser to U.S. Senator Cory Booker, said Amazon delayed by 2-1/2 years her rise to senior manager by hiring her in 2017 for a more junior role for which she was overqualified, a "de-leveling" that reduces awards of company stock. She also accused a male supervisor of using racial tropes by calling her "aggressive," "too direct" and "just scary," and another male co-worker of sexually harassing her and once pulling on her braids while saying, "You can leave this behind." Both men were also named as defendants, and according to the lawsuit the supervisor was required to undergo training while the co-worker was terminated. The co-worker's lawyer could not immediately be identified. Newman is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is represented by Douglas Wigdor, who also represented women suing the former movie producer Harvey Weinstein and Fox News over alleged harassment or discrimination. Amazon has worked to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. In September its cloud computing chief Andy Jassy, who will succeed Bezos as Amazon CEO, gave the keynote address at a Black Employee Network entrepreneurship conference. Story continues The news site Recode last week reported allegations of racial disparities in Amazon promotions and performance reviews. Amazon also faces lawsuits claiming it mistreated workers in its handling of the coronavirus pandemic at its facilities. (Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco and and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Howard Goller and Cynthia Osterman) Chennai/Karaikal: The seat-sharing alliance talks between senior BJP leader Amit Shah and Edappadi Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam of the AIADMK began late on Sunday night. Due to meet on Saturday night at a Chennai hotel, Mr Shahs arrival past midnight as well as his tight schedule on Sunday, involving a meeting with Tamil Nadu BJP leaders and then a whistlestop campaign tour of Karaikal and Villupuram meant that the leaders had to wait till late night to start discussions towards sealing the deal. The indications are that the Tamil Nadu ruling party was driving a hard bargain in offering up to 21 seats for the BJP in its alliance, retaining the PMK as its major ally. The party has already parted with 23 seats for the PMK and might have to spare a few more for ally DMDK, with whom the talks began on Sunday night at minister P. Thangamanis house. An announcement on the deal is expected only on Monday. The BJP, which is focusing on the NDA alliance in Puducherry with N. Rangasamys AINRC and the AIAMDK, where pre-poll surveys hint at good prospects, might settle for a smaller share of seats in the bigger Tamil Nadu Assembly. It appears that the Union territory is where the BJPs best chance of a breakthrough in South India lies. Having won the 2016 Tamil Nadu polls while going it virtually alone but under the stewardship of the charismatic J. Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK might have been able to convince its allies that reserving a lions share of seats for the party alone could increase the chances of the alliance at the polls. But early surveys are tilted towards the DMK-Congress combine. The DMK-Congress talks are due to begin soon. The DMK is said to have fed the same logic for limiting the Congress to less than 25 seats in the alliance. The Dravidian majors have reasons to view the polls as a straight fight, with concessions to allies granted only for the purpose of keeping old alliances going. The DMK was in talks with its ally IUML on Sunday night. Meanwhile, while on active campaign mode after leaving Chennai for Karaikal in Puducherry on Sunday morning, Mr Shah took aim at the Congress, lambasting its erstwhile rule in the Union territory. He accused former chief minister V. Narayanasamy of giving cut money to the Gandhi family from out of the Rs 15,000 crore Central funds. The home minister said the Congress government which collapsed after losing its majority had indulged in petty politics over Central schemes meant for the people of Puducherry. Hitting out at Mr Narayanasamy for blaming the BJP for the fall of his government, Mr Shah said many senior leaders were leaving the Congress because it is collapsing across the country due to dynasty politics. During his speech, Mr Shah had time to aim his barbs at his pet target Rahul Gandhi. Mr Shah took an elaborate swipe at him, mocking him for saying there was no dedicated fisheries ministry at the Centre, pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set one up two years ago. Rahul Gandhi said a few days ago here: Why has the Modi government not created a separate department for fishermen? Narendra Modiji has already worked to form a separate ministry for fishermen... Rahul bhaiyya you were on leave, so you are not aware, Mr Shah said, to rub it into the former Congress president. The you were on leave swipe was aimed at Rahul Gandhis frequent foreign trips abroad, which give endless ammunition to the BJP. I want to ask the people of Puducherry... the party whose leader has been in the Lok Sabha for four terms does not know that the fisheries department started in the country two years ago. Can that party take care of the welfare of Puducherry? he wondered. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Nathaniel Dodds was in Utah on a business trip in May 2017 when he got a call informing him that his wife, Stacey, 31, had died of a rare and undiagnosed heart condition, he would later learn. He rushed back to Albuquerque to comfort his children, then ages 1, 5, 7 and 9. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ My wife had been very healthy. We had our whole lives planned out, he said. I knew I needed help for myself and my children. Dodds, 33 at the time, learned about the Childrens Grief Center of New Mexico from a counselor at his childrens school. It turned out to be just what the family needed at that moment. The Childrens Grief Center this year is observing its 20th anniversary. It was founded by a group of people who had experienced deaths in their families. Unable to find grief support services for their children, they formed their own organization, offering free support services for children and adults, Executive Director Jade Richardson Bock said. Finances are uncertain after a death. Most of our families are struggling with unexpected medical bills and unexpected funeral expenses, she said. To keep the doors wide open and to make it easy, we never charge our families. At the grief center, Dodds and his children participated in groups that were divided by age. The kids groups were fun but done with a purpose to help them remember those they loved who had died, Dodds said. The most immediate benefit for his children was they got past not wanting to talk about it and pretending that nothing had happened, Dodds said. They began to share happy thoughts and stories about her, so it wasnt all about grief, he said. For Dodds, an electrical engineer, the adult groups were a source of relief. I was in a group with adults who had lost spouses or children, he said. Just being able to talk about that with a group of people who have those same raw emotions helped to overcome the debilitating loneliness of being widowed. During that time, Dodds met a woman, Kristine, in a church group who had lost her husband about the same time as Dodds lost his wife. Kristine had a 6-year-old daughter. They began going to the Childrens Grief Center together. Today, they are married and have another child together. We are happier now than I would have thought possible back then, he said. Because everybody in a family had a different relationship with the person who died, they are at a different age and stage, and they feel that grief and deal with it differently, Richardson Bock said. That can make the grieving family members feel isolated within their own family. The grief center deals with that by tailoring the support groups to age and allowing the peers within each group to shape the topics and issues we tackle and the problems we try to solve, Richardson Bock said. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the grief center has been holding its support groups online. An unexpected benefit is that we have had families and kids joining our groups from rural areas across the state and even Colorado and Texas, Richardson Bock said. What this means is even when we are allowed to come back in person, we are going to continue a virtual component of these programs, she said. The Childrens Grief Center of New Mexico is a nonprofit organization whose support groups serve about 700 people a year, two-thirds of them children. To make a donation go to www.childrensgrief.org, or call them at (505) 323-0478. New Delhi: Vice President-elect M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday slammed his predecessor Hamid Ansari for his remark on insecurities of minority community in India. Without naming Ansari, Naidu said: Some people are saying minorities are insecure. It is a political propaganda. Compared to the entire world, minorities are more safe and secure in India and they get their due. Naidu, who is due to take oath to VP office at 10 AM on Friday, disagreed with the view that there was growing intolerance, saying Indian society was the most tolerant in the world because of its people and civilisation. There is tolerance, he said, and that is why democracy is so successful. If you single out one community, other communities will take it otherwise. That is why we say all are equal. Appeasement for none, justice for all, Naidu said. Read | Venkaiah Naidu all set to take oath as 15th Vice President of India at 10 AM today His Comments come four days after Ansari, speaking at the annual convocation of the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, expressed concern over enhanced apprehensions of insecurity amongst segments of our citizen body, particularly Dalits, Muslims and Christians. Earlier in the day, speaking in Rajya Sabha Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is possible that there was some restlessness within you as well but from today you will not face that crisis. He told Ansari you now have the joy of being liberated, and the opportunity to work, think and speak according to your core beliefs. Read | Vice President-elect Venkaiah Naidu says India is best model of secularism For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. "Digital tools not only power data-driven decisions, but they also support more and different ways to connect all season long," said Grant Merron, Golden Harvest digital enablement lead. "Local Golden Harvest Seed Advisors are with farmers every step of the way to interpret the data to drive potential profitability, from scouting fields with NDVI imagery and running rain reports to sharing product sheets and delivering updates directly into farmers' hands." The app not only puts field-level data at farmers' fingertips, but also additional insights and in-depth analysis from Golden Harvest Seed Advisors. E-Luminate Mobile's suite of features includes creating and editing fields and reviewing field data, including yield as planted, imagery, scouting, weather, crop monitoring and more. Additionally, a farmer's yield data from the John Deere Operations Center and other equipment manufacturers can be integrated into the E-Luminate Mobile app, providing another data input to inform seed decisions. The E-Luminate Mobile app is a value-added service provided free of charge to farmers with the purchase of Golden Harvest seed. "When you buy Golden Harvest seed, these services are in the bag," said Merron. "With the app, Golden Harvest Seed Advisors are able to collect and analyze field data and bring farmers actionable insights to help maximize their seed investment." To learn more about the E-Luminate Mobile app, including how to download and use the app, contact your local Golden Harvest team or visit the app store on your iOS device. The Golden Harvest portfolio is available from Golden Harvest Seed Advisors, who combine high-yielding corn and soybean seed options with local agronomic knowledge and deliver a Service 365 year-round commitment to doing whatever it takes to yield results for farmers. To find your local, independent Seed Advisor and gain more information on Golden Harvest corn and soybeans, visit GoldenHarvestSeeds.com. About Golden Harvest Golden Harvest Seeds has been rooted in genetics, agronomy and service since 1973, offering in-depth seeds expertise combined with the local agronomic know-how of an independent Seed Advisor to maximize yield potential on each field. Today, every Golden Harvest hybrid and variety is bred with the individual needs of hardworking farmers in mind. Find more information at GoldenHarvestSeeds.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GldnHarvest and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GldnHarvest. 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Important: Always read and follow label and bag tag instructions; only those labeled as tolerant to glufosinate may be sprayed with glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides. LibertyLink, Liberty and the Water Droplet logo are registered trademarks of BASF. GT27 is a trademark of M.S. Technologies and BASF. HERCULEX and the HERCULEX Shield are trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, LLC. HERCULEX Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences. ENLIST E3 soybean technology is jointly developed with Dow AgroSciences LLC and MS Technologies LLC. The ENLIST trait and ENLIST Weed Control System are technologies owned and developed by Dow AgroSciences LLC. ENLIST and ENLIST E3 are trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Roundup Ready 2 Yield, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend, XtendFlex and YieldGard VT Pro are registered trademarks used under license from the Bayer Group. Under federal and local laws, only dicamba-containing herbicides registered for use on dicamba-tolerant varieties may be applied. See product labels for details and tank mix partners. Golden Harvest and NK Soybean varieties are protected under granted or pending U.S. variety patents and other intellectual property rights, regardless of the trait(s) within the seed. The Enlist E3 traits, LibertyLink, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend, Roundup Ready 2 Yield and XtendFlex traits may be protected under numerous United States patents. It is unlawful to save soybeans containing these traits for planting or transfer to others for use as a planting seed. Only dicamba formulations that employ VaporGrip Technology are approved for use with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend and XtendFlex soybeans. Only 2,4-D choline formulations with Colex-D Technology are approved for use with Enlist E3 soybeans. The trademarks or service marks displayed or otherwise used herein are the property of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. More information about Agrisure Duracade is available at http://www.biotradestatus.com/. SOURCE Golden Harvest Related Links http://www.goldenharvestseeds.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 16:32:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Laos has extended its COVID-19 prevention measures and required all foreign citizens entering Laos to purchase COVID-19 insurance. According to a notice issued by the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, COVID-19 insurance is now mandatory in addition to other travel documents and requests for permission to enter the country. Non-Lao citizens wishing to enter Laos must contact their embassy concerning COVID-19 insurance, which will cover the cost of any medication prescribed in the event that the policyholder contracts the virus, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Monday. The most comprehensive policies will also insure policyholders against any losses incurred as a result of illness due to the virus. The special cover is now required because ordinary health and travel insurance policies do not provide cover against pandemics, including any incidents relating to COVID-19. Unlike mandatory health insurance for retirees, COVID-19 insurance may be issued by an international insurance provider or a Laos-based insurance company. It is possible to obtain inbound travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Enditem Reliance Jios two-year discounted offer has dampened expectations of a tariff hike in the telecom space and has added to the woes of (Vi), which is looking to reduce subscriber loss and raise funds, analysts said. The new offer will also slow the recovery in average revenue per user (ARPU) of telecom companies, they said. On Friday, Jio launched a new bundled offer giving customers a handset, two years of unlimited calls, and two GB data per month for Rs 1,999. A one-year plan with similar benefits will be made available for Rs 1499. In a note, analysts at Jefferies said Jios primary focus is still on gaining subscribers, which dampens expectations of tariff hikes. In case of sharp underperformance, Jio will likely resort to tariff tweaks. It would not have cut tariff if its low-cost smartphone was to be launched in the near term, Jefferies analysts Akshat Agarwal and Ankur Pant said. Jio has over 400 million subscribers, but has seen slower growth in customer addition in recent months. The new offer is part of its strategy to turn India to an exclusively 4G market. Analysts at Emkay and HSBC believe the new offer poses challenges for Jios move also comes as a caution to potential investors of that subscriber losses might not end in the near term and tariff hike hopes are also unlikely to get fulfilled soon, analysts Naval Seth and Sonali Shah of Emkay Global said in a note. HSBC Global Research in its analysis said Jios move would also raise concerns over Vodafone Ideas plans. Bharti Airtel has relatively higher 4G subscriber base with 166 million subscribers (around 54 per cent of its subscribers) versus Vodafone Idea, which has 110 million 4G subscribers (around 41 per cent of its subscribers) as of December, it said. Last September, the board of Vodafone Idea announced plans to raise up to Rs 25,000 crore through a mix of debt and equity. The company indicated that the fundraising plans are progressing well, denying any speculation of inordinate delay. Following the December quarter results, Vodafone Ideas Managing Director Ravinder Takkar said the company will not wait for competition to increase prices and hike at the right time. Norwich church's year of family food initiatives Norwich church's year of family food initiatives Teaming up with supermarket Morrisons to deliver pizza-making kits to local families in Catton, Norwich, over half-term, was just the latest in a pandemic-long series of initiatives by Oak Grove Community Church to help vulnerable people. Senior leader Darren Woodward, said: Just before last Easter, when toilet rolls and pasta were in short supply, we came up with a simple response to the emerging pandemic and delivered simple care boxes of basic foodstuffs and some activities to about 17 families whom we had made contact with through the Kids Matter Parenting Programme that Lynette facilitates for us. Since then, securing various pots of funding, and gratefully received support and donations Oak Grove were able to deliver fortnightly boxes from April to June and then two bumper summer boxes in July and August. With the provision of food in school holidays being a highly profiled matter in the media, we were pleased to secure funding to be able to provide two takeaway meals a week for the six weeks of the summer holiday, together with craft materials, games and activities to a separate 16 or so families alongside our box deliveries we repeated this takeaway meal initiative during October half term. At Christmas we delivered boxes and bags of fresh produce to over 40 families. They contained fruit, veg and meat together with basics which would have been sufficient to provide 3-4 meals for the family and included a DIY Christingle with an invite to join our online Christingle service as well as a family game, and Christmas themed crafts and activities. The latest initiative over the February half-term again saw the church team deliver to 40 or so families, both fresh and non-perishable foodstuffs and crafts and activities, as well as the pizza-making kits from Morrisons and also ingredients for pancakes as it was Shrove Tuesday the day they were delivered. Across the UK, Morrisons teamed up with local community groups to give away 60,000 pizza-making kits during the February half term to help fight holiday hunger. Pictured top is the Morrisons pizza-making initiative and, above Lynette and Darren Woodward from Oak Grove Community Church delivering the kits to families in Catton, Norwich. Keith Morris, 01/03/2021 SUZHOU, China, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Suzhou Medilink Therapeutics Ltd. (Medilink), a global biotech company focusing on next-generation antibody-drug conjugate Research & development, announced the closing of a $50 million series A financing, to accelerate its innovative pipeline development and to support its unique conjugate technology platform. The financing includes a series-A1 round led by Apricot Capital, and a series-A2 round co-led by Loyal Valley Capital and Qiming Venture Partners. "Our team has extensive knowledge in ADC technology and project development. Our aim is to develop medicines with real benefit for patients around the world. The ADC field has experienced a series of significant breakthroughs in recent years and we believe that there is still an urgent need to develop more efficacious and safer ADC drugs " Said Dr. Tongtong Xue, Founder and CEO of Medilink, " With solid support from our prestigious investors, we will focus on our conjugate platform and swiftly build up our differentiated pipeline, to meet huge unmet needs worldwide." Medilink Therapeutics was established in 2020 by a sophisticated team of industrial veterans. Dr. Xue has comprehensive experience in R&D, manufacture and business development. He used to serve as the CEO of Kelun-Biotech and managed a team of over 1000 scientists. Dr Jiaqiang Cai, CSO of Medilink, gathered nearly 30 years' industrial experience in small molecule and ADC drug R&D and served previously as the VP at Shanghai Hansoh Pharmaceutical Ltd. Dr Liang Xiao, COO of Medilink, who was the VP at Kelun-Biotech and COO at Klus Pharma, has extensive experience in the development of biologics and ADCs. Mr. Roy (Ronggang) Xie, Partner at Loyal Valley Capital said, "ADC is one of the most important approaches for cancer treatment. The advance of linker and payload technology has expanded the therapeutic applications of ADC. The Medilink team has the insight and knowledge edge in ADC R&D front. Since its founding, Medilink has shown strong execution capability and made rapid progress in fronts including projects, external collaborations and team buildings. We are honored to work with such an excellent team. Loyal Valley Capital will definitely be a long-term supporter of Medilink, which we believe will become a world-class leader in drug conjugate technology development. " Dr. Kan Chen, Principal of Qiming Venture Partners, said, "Conjugated drugs have obvious advantages in fighting against cancers, especially malignant tumors. As the technical barriers are extremely high, ADC development is full of hope and challenges. Founded in SuzhouChina, Medilink has high ambitions for its ADC R&D to be globally competitive, and meet the needs of global patients in the future. The team has the vision, experience and capacities to achieve the goal." Mr. Jing Qiang, Partner at Apricot Capital, said, "The ADC drug development is highly complex, which requires well-balanced approach of all components including antibody, linker, and payload. Medilink has shown their strong know-how and unique insights in every step of ADC design and development. It is highly appreciated about the entrepreneurship and chemistry among the team members, and we are confident that the company will be able to grow as a leading drug conjugate technology platform in the world." About MediLink Therapeutics Founded in 2020, MediLink Therapeutics has established its R&D center in Suzhou, China. The company focuses on developing next generation drug conjugates, and aims to serve the vast unmet medical needs in China, and create global value through conducting multicenter clinical trials and cross-border collaborations. About Loyal Valley Capital Loyal Valley Capital ("LVC"), founded in 2015, has always adhered to the investment values of "long-term, focused, and altruistic". LVC accompanies the growth of outstanding entrepreneurs by in-depth industrial research and post-investment initiative empowerment. LVC has left a mark in leading players such as Bilibili, Tik Tok, Pop Mart, Perfect Diary, NetEase Cloud Music Junshi, InnoCare, Akeso, Henlius, SUPCON, BaYi Space, Avary. About Qiming Venture Partners Founded in 2006, Qiming Venture Partners is a leading China venture capital firm. Currently Qiming Venture Partners manages nine US Dollar funds and six RMB funds with $5.9 billion. Focusing on early stage and growth in TMT Healthcare, we have invested in more than 380 innovative companies. Among them, more than 130 companies listed in major stock exchanges. And more than 40 companies have become recognized as unicorns and super unicorns in the industry. About Apricot Capital Founded in 2015, Apricot Capital is intended to integrate the resources of the health care industry with the focus on innovation and growth of Chinese enterprises. Apricot Capital manages over RMB 3 billion in assets and has been investing in outstanding healthcare companies at all stages. Apricot Capital has established a global scientific resource network in health care industry, and achieved a great reputation through helping top scientists realize their entrepreneurial dreams. SOURCE MediLink Therapeutics STORY LINK GBP/USD Exchange Rate Dips as Covid-19 Fears Return After Brazilian Covid-19 Variant is Found in the UK GBP/USD Exchange Rate Falls as UK Manufacturing PMI Highlights Supply Chain Issues US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rate Edges Higher Following a Surge in US Consumer Spending GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Could the Greenback Fall on US Stimulus Optimism? Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound to US Dollar exchange rate dipped today, with the pairing currently fluctuating around $1.39.Sterling held steady against the Greenback following the announcement that a highly infectious Brazilian variant of Covid-19 had been found in the UK.Prime Minister Boris Johnson, however, said he was confident that evidence of the Brazilian Covid-19 variant in the UK would not hold up the easing of lockdown.[O]ur whole strategy is to go forward in a way that is cautious but irreversible. And we dont think that theres any reason on this basis to change that now.However, the new variant is causing concern as it could present a threat to the efficacy of the vaccination programme and, if uncontained, increase infection rates.In UK economic news, today saw the release of Februarys Manufacturing PMI, which beat forecasts and rose by 55.1.Rob Dobson, the director at IHS Markit, commented on the data:The UK manufacturing sector was again hit by supply chain issues, COVID-19 restrictions, stalling exports, input shortages and rising cost pressures in February. Look past the headline PMI and the survey reveals near stagnant production, widespread shipping and port delays and confusion following the end of the Brexit transition period.The US Dollar exchange rate rose against many of its peers today following a surge in US consumer spending. Consequently, a degree of confidence has returned to the worlds largest economy.Meanwhile, demand for the safe-haven US Dollar has been tempered by growing hopes over President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion stimulus program.The historic stimulus package is yet to be finalised by lawmakers. However, USD investors are becoming increasingly hopeful that Congress will pass the massive stimulus plan.As a result, risk-sentiment has improved on growing hopes that the worlds largest economy could begin to recover in the months ahead.In US economic news, today saw the release of Februarys ISM Manufacturing figure, which beat forecasts and rose by 60.8.Analysts at Reuters commented on the data:U.S. manufacturing activity increased to a three-year high in February amid an acceleration in new orders, but factories continued to face higher costs for raw materials and other inputs as the pandemic drags on.US Dollar traders will be awaiting tomorrows speech from Lael Brainard, a member of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve.Any dovish comments about the US economy, however, could further drive-up demand for the safe-haven Greenback.USD investors will also be monitoring developments around President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion stimulus plan.If it looks more likely that this will pass through unchallenged by lawmakers, then the US Dollar could suffer as global risk sentiment improves.The GBP/USD exchange rate could head higher this week, however, if the UKs Covid-19 situation and vaccination programme shows signs of progress. 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: American Dollar Forecasts Pound Dollar Forecasts Matt Hancock has urged Britons not to break coronavirus rules and blow progress, despite exciting data suggesting the two vaccines being used in the UK reduce hospital admissions in over-70s by 80%. The Health Secretary said jabs were already helping to save lives, as he heralded the study by Public Health England which indicated that the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines are highly effective in reducing infections among older people. Mr Hancock said the number of admissions to hospital was falling faster than that of cases particularly among the older age groups who were vaccinated first. This is a sign that the vaccine is working, he said. He told a Downing Street press conference that people must keep sticking to the rules, lets not blow it now but said the new data shows in the real world, across the UK right now that the vaccine is helping both to protect the NHS and to save lives. A single shot of either the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine or of the Pfizer vaccine works against severe infection among the over-70s with a more than 80% reduction in hospitalisations, Mr Hancock said. In fact, the detailed data show that the protection that you get from catching Covid 35 days after a first jab is even slightly better for the Oxford jab than for Pfizer, albeit both results are clearly very strong. The results may also help to explain why the number of Covid admissions to intensive care units among people over 80 in the UK have dropped to single figures in the last couple of weeks. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Englands deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam added that data for the Pfizer vaccine shows the likelihood of mortality is reduced by 85% in over-70s. He said the data gives us those first glimpses of how, if we are patient, and we give this vaccine programme time to have its full effect, it is going to hopefully take us into a very different world in the next few months. Encouraging people to continue to come forward for their first and second doses, he added: We have to be patient. We have to push on with the vaccine programme. Government data up to February 28 shows that of the 21,091,267 jabs given in the UK so far, 20,275,451 were first doses a rise of 185,900 on the previous day. A further 104 people died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday the lowest daily figure since October 26 while there were another 5,455 lab-confirmed cases in the UK. The Health Secretary defended the Governments border arrangements following the detection of the cases of the worrying Manaus variant. He said home quarantine measures were already in place and travel restrictions on Brazil had been imposed before the hotel policy was implemented. Mr Hancock said: All the evidence is that the five cases that we know about followed those quarantine rules and that, I hope, is very reassuring to people. There is no evidence that the sixth case did not follow those quarantine rules we need to obviously get in contact with the person in question. The test was taken on February 12 or 13 and we havent seen any further knock-on transmissions in the data. Public Health England (PHE) has identified six UK cases of the concerning P1 variant first detected in the Brazilian city of Manaus three in England and three in Scotland. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Three cases are Scottish residents who flew to Aberdeen from Brazil via Paris and London, who all tested positive while self-isolating. Other passengers who were on the same flight to Aberdeen are now being traced. The other two cases in England are from the same household in South Gloucestershire after one person returned from Brazil on February 10 just days before the Governments hotel quarantine rule came into force. Two other people in the same household have also tested positive but are not currently included in the UK case total of six, while tests on their type of coronavirus continue. If you had a COVID test on the 12th or 13th of Feb & didnat get your result, please call 119 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland. Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 1, 2021 Officials are searching for passengers who were on the Swiss Air flight LX318 from Sao Paulo to Heathrow, via Zurich, which landed on February 10. Dr Susan Hopkins, of PHE, said they were tracking very closely the new Brazilian P1 coronavirus variant following the discovery of six cases in the UK. She told the press conference: The current vaccines have not yet been studied against this variant and we will need to await further clinical and trial data to understand the vaccine effectiveness against this variant. Dr Hopkins said they were in the process of trying to track down the one person who has yet to be identified who is believed to have taken a test on February 12 or 13. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov says parliamentary elections in the Central Asian nation will be held in the autumn. Japarov made the announcement during an interview with Kazakhstan's Kazinform news agency that was published on March 1, a day before he embarks on an official trip to the country's northern neighbor. "We will hold local elections soon. We also plan to hold the referendum [on constitutional amendments]. And in the autumn, parliamentary elections will be held," Japarov said. It has been unclear when exactly the next parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan would take place, as the country has been in a political crisis since the last parliamentary elections in October led to protests that triggered the toppling of the government and the resignation of then-President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. Japarov, who will be making his second trip abroad as president when he heads to Kazakhstan for the two-day trip, 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." Japarov's first presidential visit was to Moscow on February 24-25, where he discussed bilateral ties between Kyrgyzstan and Russia with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and other top of officials. With reporting by Kazinform Boris Johnson's plan to build three tunnels under the Irish Sea, with a roundabout underneath the Isle of Man, has put an end to any serious discussion about a road or rail crossing to Northern Ireland, according to one of the UK's leading architects. Professor Alan Dunlop, who drew up an earlier plan to construct a bridge from Scotland to Northern Ireland, has rubbished the Prime Minister's latest idea for a link. And the SDLP's Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has written to the PM urging him to ditch the idea altogether. But Prof Dunlop, a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, still believes a 25-mile tunnel or a bridge is feasible. He told the Scottish Herald on Sunday of his fears that his, or another, plan for a direct single link to Northern Ireland is now no longer a possibility if reports are correct that the Prime Minister wants to build three tunnels, two from England and one from Scotland. The proposal, first reported in the Sunday Times, includes tunnels starting from Stranraer, Heysham and near Liverpool, with a roundabout under the Isle of Man. It was intended to "highlight how nuts this thing is", according to the Times recently, quoting a sources close to Downing Street. "I believe Boris Johnson's proposal for a roundabout under the Isle of Man has finally put an end to a serious consideration of a road and rail tunnel linking Scotland and Ireland. The idea has been universally slammed as ridiculous," Prof Dunlop told the Herald. Meanwhile, Ms Mallon voiced her frustration at the vanity projects touted in the media". "I have been extremely clear with ministers today - we don't want the Boris Bridge or the Boris Tunnel," said Ms Mallon. In her letter she asked UK ministers to honour commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach deal, and allow local ministers to decide on major infrastructure projects. "If money is coming, it cannot be squandered on vanity projects but should be spent on our agreed, shared commitments to build a better future for all of our citizens," the minister said. "Any budget must be based on addressing need and delivering bigger ambitions rather than simply sticking plasters." While the idea of a link has drawn criticism and some derision, the chairman of Network Rail, Peter Hendy, is studying a proposal for a direct 25-mile rail tunnel and is expected to release his conclusion on its feasibility within the next few weeks. Professor Dunlop was one of the first to suggest building a bridge over the Irish Sea. A visiting professor at Robert Gordon University's Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, he also believes a tunnel below the surface secured to the sea bed, but not underneath, is feasible. However, on the three tunnel and roundabout plan, he said: "I can't think myself why Johnson would say that, particularly at a time when there is so much criticism being levelled at the PM and so called Boris's Burrow. "It only serves to undermine that which I know to be structurally, technically and physically achievable; that is a tunnel or bridge that connects Scotland with Ireland. The latest proposal for a roundabout below the Isle of Man is not credible. It undermines and puts at risk the probability of a serious feasibility/scoping study for a road and rail tunnel linking Scotland with Ireland." Lietuva's president offers to mediate talks between the ruling party and Georgian opposition By Veronika Malinboym President of Lietuva Gitanas Nauseda offered to mediate the talks between the ruling party and the opposition to help the country to end the ongoing political crisis. In his speech marking 100 years since the Soviet forces occupied Georgia President Nauseda said that Lietuva is ready to facilitate the dialogue and the resolution of the current crisis in Georgia:Exactly 100 years ago, the Red Army occupied the newly formed Democratic Republic of Georgia and put an end to the desire of the Georgian people to have their country become a legitimate member of the international society. Thus, as a result of those unfortunate events, and against its own will, Georgia became a part of the Soviet Empire, President Nauseda said in his speech.The president emphasized that the years of Soviet repressions did not manage to demolish the spirit of independence among the Georgian people:The standard Soviet practice of repressions and forced assimilation destroyed the political and intellectual elites. Long decades of occupation, filled with pain, suffering, and forcible actions against the population of Georgia, followed. Despite that terror, people maintained the spirit of freedom sometimes hidden or underground but cherished and kept secure. Seven decades after the occupation, Georgia saw a revival of this spirit, resulting in re-established independence and statehood once again gaining the opportunity of becoming a respected member of the international community.Nauseda stated that the recent detention of one of the opposition leaders Nika Melia is worrisome, also adding that political decisions can only be reached via an internal dialogue between all parties involved:Georgias ambitious European and Euroatlantic integration goals require broad political unity and concerted actions, including constructive and continuous dialogue with all political parties. We remain fully committed to supporting Georgias Euroatlantic path and will support all efforts to overcome the current political situation. Lietuva is ready for mediation efforts in searching for dialogue and consensus among all parties.President Nausedas statement ended with him reaffirming Georgia of Lithuanias continuous support in countering Russian aggression and illicit occupation of Georgian territories. A 15-year-old student has been arrested after allegedly shooting and seriously wounding a classmate at a junior high school in Arkansas on Monday, which was supposed to be the first full day of in-person learning. The alleged shooter, also 15, had 'targeted' the victim at Watson Chapel Junior High School in Pine Bluff, police said. Pine Bluff Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant said at a press conference on Monday afternoon that a 911 call came in about shots fired just before 10am. Officers responded to the school three minutes later and found a 15-year-old student who had been shot inside the school. Scroll down for video One student was wounded and another was taken into custody following a shooting at Watson Chapel Junior High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas Pine Bluff Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant said at a press conference the shooting was targeted The victim was taken in very serious condition to a local hospital, and from there he was later transferred to Children's Hospital in Little Rock 40 miles away for further treatment. Police later released an update saying the victim had died, but retracted it an hour later, saying 'bad information was released.' The suspected shooter, who was described as a 15-year-old black male who is also a student at the school, was later found hiding behind a house off campus. Sergeant said police dogs tracked and correctional officials tracked him to his hiding spot near the school. Witnesses reportedly followed the suspect out of the school and pointed police in the right direction, according to KATV. He was transported to a juvenile detention facility pending the filing of formal charges. Sheriff's deputies are on the scene at the junior high school investigating the shooting 'We believe it was a targeted incident as opposed to a random incident,' the police chief said after noting that they do not have a specific motive yet. Prosecutors will decide whether to charge the suspected shooter as a juvenile or an adult within the next 48 hours. The Pine Bluff School District described the shooting as 'an isolated incident' but said that all campuses in the area were placed on lockdown. 'This was an isolated incident and all students are safe at this time,' district officials said in a Facebook post. 'The parent of the student hurt has been notified so if you have not been notified by the school your student is safe and secure.' Parents are seen arriving at the school to pick up their children after the shooting Monday was supposed to the first full day of in-person instruction in Pine Bluff schools Parents are being allowed to pick up their children early from the school. If the parents are not able to pick up their child, then the students can stay on campus until they are released at the end of the day. Monday was supposed to the first full day of in-person instruction in Pine Bluff schools in several weeks because of winter weather and subsequent water issues. [March 01, 2021] Cognitus Establishes Offices in Puerto Rico and Morocco for Its SAP Customers DALLAS, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To offer localized and nearshore support for its SAP customers in North America and EMEA, Cognitus Consulting, an SAP Gold Partner, headquartered in the USA, has expanded to two new facilities in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, USA, and Tangier, Morocco, Africa. This move goes hand in hand with the company's ongoing expansion and worldwide growth. With centrally accessible locations, both Global Delivery and Support Centers (GDSCs) are equipped with modern infrastructure and will bring the advantages of nearshore services to its customers. The teams will provide support in shared languages while being familiar with important cultural aspects of the region, resulting in better collaboration, engagement and integration. This will also reduce response time because of similar time zones while continuing to provide the benefits of lower TCO and fulfilling intellectual property/federal regulations. "Cognitus Puerto Rico is a delivery and support center for Aerospace & Defense and Federal Industry while Cognitus Morocco will help expand our capabilities to support European customers, with French-, Italian- and Spanish-speaking resources. Each location is headed by Country Managers with strong leadership and focus on customer service and will provide the same high level of expertise that our customers expect of us," states Nitin Khanna, Prtner and GTM Lead, Cognitus Consulting. "We are pleased to join the Cognitus family. Morocco offers a strategic location for nearshore sales and delivery. The region of Tangier is also rich in human resources. The highly skilled workforce, speaking up to three or four different languages, will support and offer the best quality service supporting Cognitus customers globally with an immediate focus on its North America and EMEA customers," says Mohamed REGHIOUI, Morocco Country Manager, Cognitus Consulting. About Cognitus Cognitus is an SAP Gold Partner that builds, implements, sells and supports SAP solutions. It is a world leader in the SAP S/4HANA Movement with its Gallop portfolio focusing on SAP S/4HANA assessments, migrations leveraging a unique factory approach and guided outcomes for business process improvements. Cognitus' portfolio Hummingbird provides end-to-end services for Application Management Services for stabilization, optimization and support of SAP ERP systems. Cognitus provides SAP services and software licenses though its global network of offices across North America, Asia, Latin America and Europe. Visit us: www.cognitusconsulting.com Contact us: sales@cognitusconsulting.com Follow us: www.linkedin.com/company/cognitus-consulting/ Related Images image1.png View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cognitus-establishes-offices-in-puerto-rico-and-morocco-for-its-sap-customers-301236903.html SOURCE Cognitus Consulting [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, and former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, on Sunday had a a spat over the recent abduction of 38 persons from Government Science College, Kagara. Bandits dressed in army uniform on February 17 attacked two hostels in the school in Niger State from where they abducted 24 students. A student, Benjamin Habilah, was killed in the attack. The kidnapped victims were freed on Saturday after 10 days in captivity. On Sunday, Mr Sani, who is an alumnus of the school, on social media, urged the state government to rebuild the school and rename it after the murdered student. Dear @abusbello and @GovNiger, rebuild Government Science College Kagara and rename the school after the young student who was killed by the bandits when they stormed the school, he wrote on Twitter. However, in his response, which has now been deleted, Mr Bello said the ex-lawmaker should have done the same for his constituents while in office. Thank you Distinguished @ShehuSani, one of our goals has always been to provide protection & conducive learning Enviroment for our School Children, although one wouldve thought your wise counsel was put to better use when you represented the people of Kaduna Central, either ways, he responded to the tweet. Responding, Mr Sani reeled out his record in office and restated the need for the face-lift. Within four years of my stewardship I was able to build 7 primary health care centers in Kaduna Central and 9 buildings we purchased used as schools & orphanages. Your attention and action is very much needed in Kagara; that school shouldnt be your image. Your Excelency, we have a school now that carries the images of the ruins of Rome and Athens, lets feel your impact and intervention in Kagara, the vocal stated. Your Excelency,we have a school now that carries the images of the ruins of Rome and Athens,lets feel your impact and intervention in Kagara. https://t.co/Si09FVD05p Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) February 28, 2021 PREMIUM TIMES, during a visit to the school, reported the dilapidated state of its boarding and learning facilities. Our reporter visited Lafene and Barde hostels where the students were abducted. Asides the hostel facility, PREMIUM TIMES also checked the classes, laboratories, examination hall and other buildings. According to multiple sources, Governor Bello in his first term in office promised to renovate the facilities but nothing has been done. Mr Bello was reelected to a second term in the 2019 general elections. 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. Up till date, we have not seen them again, one of the teachers told our reporter. ADVERTISEMENT Some of the students who escaped the attack lamented the poor state of the facilities in interviews with this newspaper. Thats where we have been sleeping even with the roofing removed in some parts, an occupant of Lafene hostel said. Posted Monday, March 1, 2021 8:29 am No one has died from influenza yet in Washington this year and during the current flu season. This time last year, 70 Washington residents had died from the flu. There is very little flu circulating in Washington and nationwide as of the seventh week of the flu season, and there are several potential reasons why. Public health officials point to the precautions like masking, social distancing and better hand hygiene during the coronavirus pandemic as key reasons that flu rates are so low. Spokane County Interim Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez said that while flu immunization rates were not as high as previous years, local case rates remain virtually nonexistent so far. "We've not seen any serious illness, hospitalization or death from flu in the county," he told reporters last week. "And the theory behind that is the precautions we're taking for COVID are also functional against the flu, which has, in many ways, a similar transmission method. So the fact that we've been this diligent with public health measures is the main reason we have not seen any significant impact of the flu season." Last fall, public health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and local health officers, begged the public to get their flu shots to prevent hospitals from dealing with a surge in both COVID-19 and flu cases this year. The flu surge has yet to materialize, however, and while health experts expected public health measures to help cut down on transmission, they didn't expect the numbers to be as low as they are. Dr. Janet Englund, who researches infectious diseases in children at Seattle Children's Hospital, said looking to the Southern Hemisphere, she and her colleagues knew that the flu season would not be as bad this year. "It's not a surprise, but we didn't think it would be down this low," she said. Washington's data is reflected in nationwide data as well. While there have been some flu cases confirmed, those amount to well below the baseline percentages expected by this point in the flu season. Hospital surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 14 states found 183 flu hospitalizations since October, which amounts to a rate of 0.6 cases per 100,000 people. This rate is much lower than average for this time of year and is also lower than any rates recorded for flu seasons since 2005, according to the CDC. While experts think public health measures have helped cut down transmission, Englund said there are several other factors at play too. First, she points to who usually spreads the flu: children. "Flu is spread predominantly and very well by school-aged children," Englund said. "It's very contagious in younger children and more contagious than COVID, so if the children aren't going to school, and if they're staying home when they feel sick and wearing masks, we think that's contributing to the lack of spread." COVID-19 is more contagious among certain populations and age groups than flu, according to the CDC, and the novel coronavirus is far more deadly. Last flu season, 114 Washington residents died from the flu. In 2017-18, the worst season in the past decade, 296 Washington residents died from the flu. Since the first COVID-19 deaths were recorded in Washington a year ago, 4,956 residents have died from the virus. While the data look promising for a low or nonexistent flu season this year, a surge later is still possible. "It's highly unlikely we'll be having a big surge of influenza at this time," Englund said. "Having said that, back in 2009 when we had the H1N1 pandemic, we actually did have a summer surge of flu it can happen." Public health and infectious disease experts are hopeful that continued masking, social distancing and the fact that kids will not be back in school this summer will help prevent a flu surge, Englund said. Looking to countries like Australia and New Zealand, Englund said reopening will mean the return of several respiratory viruses, especially in the fall. She said getting the flu shot this coming year will be incredibly important, especially if kids are back in schools full time. "As we open up and as school starts, it's very likely there will be more flu, and it will spread," she said. "It will be very difficult to distinguish flu from COVID disease." Englund, who studies pediatric infectious diseases, said that younger children going back to school who have not been exposed to the flu or other respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, this year will be particularly vulnerable to those viruses in the coming year. "Many of us think there's a chance they will come back," she said. "And the question is when?" Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: The global early-stage venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners announced the close of two new funds totaling $3.3 billion, money that it will be used to back early-stage startups as well as growth rounds for more mature companies. The Redwood City-based firm closed BVP XI with $2.475 billion and BVP Century II with $825 million in total commitments. Additionally, the firm welcomed five new partners, including Jeff Blackburn, who joins Bessemer Venture Partners from Amazon, alongside the promotion of existing Bessemer investors Mary D'Onofrio, Mike Droesch, Tess Hatch, and Andrew Hedin, said a press release. Jeremy Levine, a partner in Bessemer's New York office, said: "I'm proud to celebrate the success of Mary, Mike, Tess, and Andrew, and I am excited to welcome Jeff to the firm. Having known Jeff for 15 years, I'm a great admirer of his stunning track record as an innovator and leader paired with his deep humility. I know his peerless experience leading one of the world's greatest tech and consumer brands will benefit our team and the many founders who partner with Bessemer." Blackburn joins Bessemer following a 22-year career at Amazon, first joining the e-commerce giant after its IPO and then spearheading its growth in the core marketplace business and expansion across Amazon Advertising, Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Amazon Studios. Most recently, Blackburn served as senior vice president of worldwide busin...................... To view our full article Click here Indian seafarers' apex body NUSI has signed six pacts worth Rs 225 crore with shipping regulator DGS ahead of a 3-day virtual Maritime India Summit, scheduled to commence from Tuesday, according to a statement. These pacts with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) include a financial assistance for COVID-19 vaccination and investments in training in skill development to seamen, the National Union of Seafarersof India (NUSI) said in the statement on Monday. As many as six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with Director General of Shipping Amitabh Kumar under the initiative of the NUSI and NUSI Trust, which will be an important part of the Maritime India Summit (MIS), it said. The six MoUs are to the tune of Rs 225 crore in a span of five years, said the statement. The pacts are for a financial assistance for the COVID-19 vaccination to all ranks of seafarers, sponsorship to seafarers/family for studying at the Indian chapter of the World Maritime University (Sweden) and investments in training including skill enhancement course at zero cost to The three other pacts are financial medical assistance to and their families, financial educational assistance to serving and their families, as well as financial educational assistance to retired, deceased seafarers and their families, NUSI said. The statement said it is a great achievement of the initiatives of NUSI. (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. Upstate NY native James Charles denies grooming underage fan on Snapchat Upstate New York native James Charles is denying claims that he groomed a minor on Snapchat. The YouTube star, best known for beauty and makeup videos, issued a statement Friday responding to a 16-year-old who claimed Charles, 21, sent explicit images and asked the teen to send photos and videos of their body. James admitted to exchanging photos, but thought the underage fan was actually 18. The accusation that I have groomed this person is completely false, James said. Last week, I came across someone on my instagram explore page, saw he followed me, and added him on snapchat... The next morning, I woke up to several snaps from this person being excited I added him back, saying [they] loved me and [they] told me [they were] 18 so I started flirting back. The beauty vlogger said he apologized once he learned the person was 16, and became uncomfortable when the fan allegedly offered to continue a relationship in secret. James says he now believes they had an ulterior motive from the beginning and will ask for proof of everyones age in the future:Because of situations like this, instead of taking someones word for it, I now will ask to see the ID or passport of every [person] I have a conversation with. Charles rose to fame on social media while attending Bethlehem Central High School in the Albany area, and became CoverGirls first male model (or CoverBoy, as Katy Perry described him) at 16 years old. Today he has more than 25 million subscribers on YouTube and 27 million followers on Instagram, where he provides beauty tutorials and promotes his own makeup products. MORE BUZZ: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler slam HPFA in Golden Globes monologue ( RS Chris Harrison to be replaced by Emmanuel Acho on Bachelor finale ( E! 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Yangon, March 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :Ousted Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has not been seen since last month's military coup, is due to face court Monday after a deadly weekend crackdown against relentless democracy protests. Security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators in four cities on Sunday, with the UN saying it had credible information at least 18 people had died. One person among a group of protesters crouching behind rubbish bins and other makeshift shields in Yangon, the commercial capital, was shot and had to be dragged away by others, according to video footage filmed by AFP. "We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters," Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, said. AFP independently confirmed eight deaths in Sunday's violence, although there were fears the toll could be much higher. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a reliable monitoring group, estimated that about 30 people have been killed by security forces since the coup on February 1. Suu Kyi, 75, was detained before dawn on that day, and has not been since in public since. The military has justified its takeover, ending a decade-long democratic experiment, by making unfounded allegations of widespread fraud in last November's national elections. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won the election in a landslide. The generals have hit Suu Kyi with two charges the international community widely regards as frivolous -- relating to importing walkie talkies and staging a campaign rally during the pandemic. Western powers have repeatedly condemned the generals and imposed sanctions, but the military has responded to the growing pressure at home and abroad by escalating its use of force. Suu Kyi is reported to be being held in, Nyapyidaw, the isolated capital city that the military built during a previous dictatorship. Suu Kyi's lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, told AFP he had not been able to speak to her ahead of Monday's scheduled court hearing, which is for preliminary matters and where she may appear only via video link. He said he hoped the court would formally approve his status as her defence lawyer. "It will be very unfair for her... not to grant a lawyer immediately," he told AFP. The veteran human rights lawyer said the hearing would focus on case management and the timeline for the trial. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to streets regularly over the past month to oppose the coup. While the military has steadily increased the type of force used to try to contain the uprising, beginning with tear gas and water cannons, the weekend's violence was the biggest escalation. Unarmed protesters faced live rounds, rubber bullets and tear gas. Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the southern coastal hub of Dawei. Local rescue worker Pyae Zaw Hein said the trio were "shot dead with live rounds", while the injured were hit by rubber bullets. But on Monday morning, protesters again took to the streets in Dawei. Hundreds of people were arrested over the weekend with many in Yangon taken to Insein Prison, where many of Myanmar's leading democracy campaigners have served long jail terms under previous dictatorships. At least one journalist documenting Sunday's assaults by security forces was beaten and detained further north in Myitkyina, a city at the headwaters of the Irrawaddy river, according to local outlet The 74 Media. Another reporter was shot with rubber bullets while covering a protest in the central city of Pyay, their employer said. Several journalists documenting Saturday's assaults by security forces were detained, including an Associated Press photographer in Yangon. The United States has been one of the most outspoken critics of the junta, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken again reacted with horror after Sunday's violence. "We condemn the Burmese security forces' abhorrent violence against the people of Burma & will continue to promote accountability for those responsible," Blinken tweeted, using the country's old name. Bitcoin rose 7%, reversing the past few days losses, as some blockchain data turned bullish and new signs emerged of increasing cryptocurrency acceptancer by Wall Street firms including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and Fidelity Investments. Bitcoin (BTC) trading around $48,593.99 as of 21:00 UTC (4 p.m. ET). Climbing 8.10% over the previous 24 hours. Bitcoins 24-hour range: $44,874.92-$49,520.72 (CoinDesk 20) BTC trades above its 10-hour and 50-hour averages on the hourly chart, a bullish signal for market technicians. Bitcoin prices surged 36% in February, marking the cryptocurrencys fifth consecutive monthly price increase, the first time thats happened since mid-2019. A six-month stretch of gains hasnt been seen since the period of November 2012 through April 2013. So the odds might seem stacked against a monthly gain in March, which would match the seven-year-old streak. But the first day of March pushed bitcoin in that direction amid signs that more big institutions are moving into cryptocurrencies. A top executive for the giant U.S. money manager Fidelity Investments compared bitcoin with gold, and the investment bank Goldman Sachs said it will relaunch its crypto trading desk after a three-year hiatus. Citigroup, one of the biggest U.S. banks, wrote that bitcoin was at a tipping point as more institutions adopt the cryptocurrency. Google Finance added a data tab on cryptocurrencies. And Michael Saylors MicroStrategy, which has been a big bitcoin buyer for its corporate treasury, added another $15 million worth. Related: This NFT Success Story Involves Traditional Marketing Read More: Fidelitys Head of Global Macro Says Bitcoin May Have Place in Some Portfolios Bullish blockchain data The sudden move higher following last weeks 21% plunge the biggest market correction since March 2020 was foretold by some traders and analysts who were seeing increasingly bullish signs in blockchain data. Story continues One such indicator, the spent output profit ratio (SOPR), represents the profit ratio of coins moved on the blockchain. If the metric is above 1, that means most holders could sell their bitcoin at a profit. But when it slips below 1, more traders would be selling at a loss, seen as unsustainable since many holders are reluctant to accept anything but profits. And the metric dropped below 1 on Saturday for the first time since last September, according to data from Glassnode. The implication is that investors would refuse to sell until prices rose. Related: What to Expect at Gary Gensler's Senate Confirmation Hearing Today Read more: Why $1 Million Bitcoin Is Coming The SOPR metric has been reliable for buy the dip opportunities in bull markets, Norwegian blockchain firm Arcane Research wrote in a tweet on Monday. In a bull market, investors are more inclined to take profit until the stop-profit point and refuse any stop-loss orders, crypto analytics account BeatleNews on Chinese-language based social media platform Weibo, wrote in a post Sunday night, When SOPR is below 1, the available coins for sale will decrease and it becomes easier for prices to rebound. Key support levels On the price chart, as bitcoin dropped near $43,000 on Sunday, it was just above a key supporting price range of $40,000-$42,000, as mapped out by Singapore-based crypto trading firm QCP Capital in its Telegram channel on Feb 22. (See chart above.) The price range represents the hedge fund trading level corresponding to the parabolic trendline, QCP Capital wrote. This has to hold to preserve the strong bullish momentum, and is now the bull and bear line in the sand. Derivative market resets as funding rates drop Bitcoins futures markets continued to cool down over the past weekend, a sign traders were reducing risk and deleveraging, and possibly resetting for a fresh bull run. The perpetual futures funding rate the average cost of holding long positions on major exchanges declined to 0.006% per eight-hour period Saturday, from 0.125% on Wednesday, according to Glassnode. The perpetual futures funding rate in the past three months, as shown on Glassnodes chart, rose during each price surge and followed with a correction after it climbed to a new peak. Stock rebound might bode well for bitcoin A recovery in U.S. stocks on Monday may also signal a renewed appetite among investors for risky assets, which would include bitcoin. The cryptocurrencys sell-off last week came as a rise U.S. Treasury bond yields prompted concerns the Federal Reserve might soon tighten monetary policy. Bitcoin has benefited over the past year from unusually loose monetary policy. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes, the benchmark borrowing cost in global debt markets, dropped to 1.43% on Monday, which has eased some investors nerves on potential tightened monetary policies. Read more: Investing in Cryptocurrencies Is Not Prudent, Says New York Attorney General As crypto trading data firm Skew wrote in a tweet last Friday, the correlation between stocks and bitcoin rose last week because both markets lost altitude as bond yields climbed. Lets see how this evolves, Bendik Norheim Schei, head of research at Arcane Research, told CoinDesk. A break above $52,000 would be encouraging but I would not be surprised if we get some more ranging. Its been a good start of the week in traditional markets and if last weeks uncertainty is over, I expect bitcoin to continue up as well. Ether joins bitcoin in price recovery Ether (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, was up Monday, trading around $1,520.44 and climbing 7.26% in 24 hours as of 21:00 UTC (4:00 p.m. ET). Ether continued to move in tandem with bitcoin, yet a key market indicator has shown some potential risks of ethers price movement going forward. According to Skew, Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) premium flipped negative last week, meaning the trust was trading at a discount to the spot price, the first time ETHE ever closed in negative territory. Our worry is the many players using Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and ETHE as part of their cash-and-carry strategy and whether a sustained discount there will have severe knock-on effects across the curve, QCP Capital wrote in its Telegram channel on Sunday. This is our risk going into March. Grayscale is owned by Digital Currency Group, CoinDesks parent company. Read more: Cardano Becomes a Multi-Asset Blockchain With Todays Hard Fork Other markets Digital assets on the CoinDesk 20 are mostly in green Monday. Notable winners as of 21:00 UTC (4:00 p.m. ET): Notable losers: Equities: Commodities: Oil was down 1.82%. Price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude: $60.38. Gold was in the red 0.52% and at $1723.43 as of press time. Treasurys: The 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield climbed Monday to 1.435%. Related Stories 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. One of Lightfoot and Browns most glaring miscalculations happened before the looting started. In the days following Floyds killing, unrest swept through other cities across the U.S. Clashes between police and demonstrators erupted in New York, Denver, Phoenix, Columbus, Ohio, and other cities. Despite that, senior members of CPD told the inspector generals office that they saw no indication that there would be unrest in Chicago following the killing of George Floyd, the report stated. One member of CPDs command staff told Fergusons team that, leading up to the first weekend of protests, the department had become complacent. [March 01, 2021] Annual workforce report reveals what insurance professionals want in 2021: flexibility, more time with clients and innovation DENVER, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report by Vertafore on the state of the independent insurance channel workforce brings into sharp relief how the pandemic changed the nature of work in the industry, what insurance professionals value about their work and what independent agencies can do to support their people now and attract new talent in the future. The Insurance Agency Workforce: Ripe for Flexibility, Innovation, and Investment in People details the results of Vertafore's fourth annual survey of the independent insurance agency workforce. The report's key findings show: Agencies may need to reassess the future of the five-day-a-week office culture Insurance professionals continue to find their work rewarding but also reported more stress in 2020 Compared to previous surveys, fewer respondents plan to stay in the industry for more than 10 years and many are eyeing retirement Core InsurTech solutions are helping insurance professionals to be more efficient, but adoption of more modern tools remains modest Agents ultimately want more time in their day for meaningful client interactions The future of work Not surprisingly, the majority of respondents reported working from home at least part-time during the pandemic. That may have implications for the future of office culture. When asked about their ideal work environment, just 15% of respondents said they want to go back to the office full-time. Two-thirds of respondents would like some mix of time at home and in the office, while nearly 1 in 5 want to work fully remote. "Organizations will need to listen to their people and keep an open mind for what the flexible workplace will look like in the future," said Kristin Nease, VP of Human Resources at Vertafore. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Oganizations need to have open, authentic conversations with their team about what will and won't work for their people and their business." A stable industry centered on helping others As in past years, respondents said their favorite aspects of working in insurance are the "ability to work directly with my community" and "compensation/financial stability." Some respondents also commented on the industry's employment stability in the face of COVID-19. Most (85%) would recommend a career in insurance. However, many also stated that the industry is stressful and were more conditional about recommending a career in insurance to a friend. More than half (54%) would leave the industry for a better work-life balance. Trends in InsurTech and agency modernization When it comes to technology, a clear majority of respondents (70%) said that InsurTech has increased their overall efficiency and 17% believe it has strengthened their client relationships. Most respondents also believe their agency is keeping up with tech advances. Respondents believe three modernization trends hold the most promise for agency growth: Automating repetitive tasks so they can spend more time with clients Adding a client digital experience, including client self-service portals, mobile apps, web chat tools and automated client communications Improved connectivity in the distribution channel to be able to service clients easier and faster How independent agents want to spend their time These modernization trends can free up time for insurance professionals to focus their energy on what they see as their most important function. When respondents were asked what they would do with more bandwidth, the most common answer, by far, was more meaningful communication with clients and acting in a more advisory role. The "silver tsunami" is imminent The Vertafore study made it clear that agencies are facing a huge transition in talent. Respondents aged 56 and older made up 35% of those surveyed, while only 25% of respondents were under age 40. That gap reinforces findings from previous years that show the industry is aging and isn't attracting enough young talent to compensate for older workers who are nearing retirement. Based on survey results and industry research, the report notes agencies can invest in three primary areas for recruitment and retention: women, young people and diversity and inclusion. "The insurance industry will have to get creative when it comes to filling the huge people shortage we are facing now and in the coming years as the older generation retires," said Nease. "We need innovative solutions, and we need to align with what is important to a younger and more diverse group of people." Download and view the full Vertafore The Insurance Agency Workforce report. About Vertafore As North America's InsurTech leader for more than 50 years, Vertafore is modernizing and simplifying insurance distribution so that our customers can focus on what matters most: people. Vertafore's solutions provide end-to-end connectivity, improve the client and agent experience, unlock the power of data, and streamline essential workflows to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability for independent agencies and carriers. For more information about Vertafore, visit www.vertafore.com. 2021 Vertafore and the Vertafore logo are registered trademarks of Vertafore. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.? MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Urban Next PR 312-259-1814 aurban@nextpr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/annual-workforce-report-reveals-what-insurance-professionals-want-in-2021-flexibility-more-time-with-clients-and-innovation-301237458.html SOURCE Vertafore [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Capitol cop Brian Sicknick was the only Capitol cop who seemingly died as a result of the riot but who didn't kill himself. Much of his death however remains unexplained two months on Investigators are now focusing on whether or not a chemical irritant contributed to the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick as more questions arise over the story of him being beaten to death with a fire extinguisher at the January 6 riot. Sicknick was the only cop whose death remains unexplained. Other officers killed themselves after the mob of some 800 MAGA fanatics storming the Capitol building on January 6. The exact details of what happened to him remain murky nearly two months on. After the initial riot, he returned to his field office where he collapsed. He was then taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. At first, it was reported in The New York Times that Sicknick was hit on the head with a fire extinguisher by members of the mob. It was first reported on January 7, the day after the riot. Sicknick's family have since revealed to DailyMail.com that he in fact was in good spirits on January 6 at night, and that he'd texted his brother to say he had only been pepper sprayed. Sicknicks father, Charles, 81, later told Reuters that on January 7, as the family were told that he had a blood clot on his brain and had suffered a stroke. He died before they got there. Now, the FBI is looking into the theory that he was hit with a chemical irritant like bear mace or pepper spray, according to ABC News. Sicknick's body did not have evidence of major blunt force trauma and investigators believe that he had an adverse reaction to pepper spray. Above, a Trump supporter is seen deploying bear spray at the Capitol riot It was previously reported by The New York Times that they'd identified a 'single suspect' who was armed with bear mace at the Capitol. That person has not been name and no one has been charged over Sicknick's death. Sicknick's mother told DailyMail.com that she believes he died the result of a stroke. The Medical Examiner has yet to return a cause of death and the FBI and federal prosecutors are struggling to put together a murder case. Last week it emerged that new video footage is being examined in a bid to identify suspects and anything that might help establish what led to the officers death; a death still being treated as a homicide despite the absence of a cause of death or any persons of interest. Unconfirmed reports suggest that investigators are now considering an adverse reaction to the bear spray with which rioters sprayed cops as a potential factor. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking at a congressional tribute to Sicknick on February 3 The remains of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died from injuries sustained during the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is carried up the East Front steps prior to lying in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S. February 02 A research paper into the health hazards of capsaicin, the active ingredient in both pepper and bear spray, uncovered by DailyMail.com and published by the University of North Carolina, found that one potentially lethal side effect of inhalation was, acute hypertension (similar to ammonia inhalation), which in turn can cause headache and increase the risk of stroke. But pepper spray used by both cops and rioters - has a higher percentage of this active ingredient than bear spray, rioters reported seeing cops sprayed with their own pepper spray amid the confusion and Sicknick told his brother he had been sprayed twice by pepper spray. Sicknicks mother said that the family are still waiting for an explanation as to why her son ended up on life support just hours after telling his sibling he was fine. She said that the intense speculation that has swirled up around his death and its politicizing has only compounded the familys pain. She said, It hasnt helped, no. Its very hard not knowing [what happened] but we have to wait for a finding just like everybody else. Army Maj. Alan Johnson recorded a video message to his son hours before Iran began attacking Al Asad Airbase in Iraq. "Hey buddy," Johnson said in the emotional video he recorded for his son on Jan. 8, 2020, which 60 Minutes aired Sunday night. "If you're seeing this video, some bad things happened to dad last night, so I need you to be strong, OK? For mom. And just always know in your heart that I love you." The Defense Department on Monday released newly declassified footage of the ballistic missile strikes on Al Asad last year. The Jan. 8 2020 attack was retaliation for a U.S. drone strike five days earlier that had killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds force. More than a year later, though, tensions remain high between the U.S. and Iran. Last week, President Joe Biden ordered airstrikes in Syria targeting facilities belonging to Iranian-backed militants. The strikes were in response to a February rocket attack in Iraq that killed a civilian contractor and hurt a U.S. service member. The video the Pentagon released this week shows drone footage of the 2020 attack, which brought the U.S. and Iran danger close to war. The footage shows explosion after explosion erupting at the base. No American troops died in the attack, but Marine Gen. Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie told 60 Minutes the U.S. had a plan to retaliate if they had been. He estimates the U.S. was close to losing between 100 and 150 personnel and up to 30 aircraft. Officials at first said no one was injured at Al Asad, but more than 100 troops were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries and Purple Hearts were approved for more than two dozen. About 2,000 troops there scrambled into bunkers to take cover after receiving warning that an attack was coming. The bunkers in which Johnson and others were taking shelter were designed to protect troops against warheads weighing about 60 pounds. Each missile launched by Iran carried a warhead weighing more than 1,000 pounds, according to 60 Minutes. "The fire was just rolling over the bunkers, you know, like 70 feet in the air," Johnson told CBS, adding he recalled thinking, "'We're going to burn to death.'" Lt. Col. Staci Coleman, 443rd Air Expeditionary Squadron's commander, described feeling waves from the blast throughout her entire body. She also thought of her family after receiving warning of the attack, Military.com previously reported, texting them "I love you." Leaders with U.S. Space Command told Military.com last summer that American lives were saved by space operators, who were able to spot the incoming threat and alert those in its path. "My greatest fears were not realized that day because we did respond very quickly ... in terms of warning to troops that were threatened on the ground," said Air Force Maj. Gen. John Shaw, commander of the Combined Force Space Component. "And I believed [that] saved many lives." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: 'Emotions and Chaos': Air Force Releases Eyewitness Accounts of Al Asad Missile Attack Syracuse, N.Y. Keeping kids at home instead of in the classroom is having a devastating impact and needs to change, Central New Yorks top coronavirus doctors say. This is a disaster, said Dr. Stephen Thomas, chief of the infectious disease branch at Upstate Medical University, the regions largest hospital. Its becoming a lot clearer that the risk for kids not being in school is much greater than people anticipated. Our kids are going to be paying the price for what Covid has done to socialization and in-person learning long after this thing is no longer a pandemic. Thomas and Dr. Jana Shaw, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Upstate, both said now is the time for districts to bring more children back into the classroom. The experts said being out of school has clearly been damaging to children. At the same time, the risk of students and teachers spreading coronavirus in school has proven to be low, they said. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon is expected to announce this week whether districts can reduce social distancing from 6 to 3 feet so they can bring more, possibly even all, of their students back to school five days a week. Last week, the state said counties and school districts were free to make this decision. Most of the 70,000 school children in Central New York are going to school only part of the week, if at all. Right now, coronavirus cases are falling rapidly in Central New York. And many teachers have received both doses of the vaccine, further reducing their risk. From a risk-benefit perspective, I think we have to get kids back in school, said Thomas, who helped run clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines. Shaw said theres nothing magical about 6 feet; in fact, a large study last year in Europe showed that staying about 3 feet apart substantially reduced spread of the virus. Little spread of the virus has been linked to schools in Central New York. Since the school year began, less than 3% of on-site students have tested positive in the Syracuse City School District, the regions largest. If we can get to 3 feet and it means well get everybody in at school, its an experiment worth trying, in addition to all the other preventative measures, Shaw said. But anyone who does that must continue to be vigilant about the other safety measures that are already in place, including wearing masks and having children wash their hands often. Shaw said the virus has not spread widely in schools because schools have done a good job of enforcing preventative measures like mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing. Those need to remain in effect if more kids start attending more days in person, she said. If youre only doing 3 feet and youre loosey-goosey about the other measures, you will not achieve control and you will be in trouble, Shaw said. Shaw said the steady decline of cases in the community makes now a good time to try increasing the numbers of kids in the classroom. This is the best time to consider opening schools because the risk of kids getting infected is less, given the viral burden in the community, and the benefit of kids attending in person are clear, Shaw said. All schools require students wear masks and sanitize and wash their hands frequently. Some districts have also installed air filters. The Syracuse school district has two air filters in each room and desk dividers on every desk. Its unclear whether other districts will need desk dividers if the distancing is reduced to 3 feet. Thats an option that the state guidance allowed in September instead of the 6-foot social distancing requirements, but all of the Onondaga County districts opted for the 6-foot rule. There are many details that will need to be worked out. Thomas and Shaw both said the choice to bring kids back is an individual communitys decision that should be based on how fast the virus is spreading. Both said they felt the current numbers support an effort to more fully open schools. Shaw said school districts have shown that they can follow and enforce safety measures well. Thats why the transmission in schools has stayed low. But its also clear that there has to be some change so more kids can attend school more often. We have seen growing evidence of kids really being negatively impacted, whether its their education, their mental health, their well-being, the lack of social interactions and the impact thats having on their development, Shaw said. We really need to get them to start interacting. Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, public affairs and the Syracuse City School District. Contact her anytime email | Twitter| cell 315-470-2246. Press Release March 1, 2021 Sponsorship Speech for Senate Resolution 660 Resolution Honoring and Commending Mayor Vico Sotto by Senator Panfilo M. Lacson More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/03/01/sponsorship-speech-senate-resolution-honoring-mayor-vico-sotto/ Last Wednesday, February 24, while waiting in the Senate lounge for our 51st Senate session to start, I asked the Senate President if we can be co-authors in a yet-to-be drafted Senate resolution to honor and recognize Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for receiving an award given by the US State Department as one of the world's 12 anti-corruption champions. The Senate President's reluctant response was: Sige, pero co-author lang ako. Ikaw ang principal author and sponsor kasi, alam mo na... with a chuckle. I knew exactly what he was trying to say, Mr. President. It is that little, big thing called "sense of propriety," better understood by Filipinos as "delicadeza." All of us inside this hall as well as those attending online know that Mayor Vico is the Senate President's nephew, being his equally famous brother Vic's offspring. That being said, the young mayor has consistently refused to put his picture and name on billboards and similar materials on publicly funded projects in the City of Pasig. What easily comes to mind is our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal who once said, and I quote: "No good water comes from a muddy spring. No sweet fruit comes from a bitter seed." Let me put it in a more simple language, distinguished colleagues: "Like uncle, like nephew." I did not know Vico Sotto until he was elected mayor of Pasig City in a stunning fashion by defeating a political opponent widely believed in their locality as impossible to defeat. Distinguished colleagues, this is my third term in the Senate, having served this chamber for more than 16 years. This is my very first authorship and sponsorship of a resolution honoring either a public or private person, whether dead or living. Simply put, I thought I should not let this opportunity pass not to recognize a rare feat in public service. Mr. President, it is my honor to present before this august chamber Senate Resolution No. 660, honoring and commending Mayor Victor Ma. Regis Nubla Sotto, popularly known as Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, for being recognized as one of the International Anti-Corruption Champions by the United States' Department of State for prioritizing anti-corruption initiatives. Pasiguenos are fortunate that they have gotten themselves a leader who embodies wise thoughts, prudent actions, and selfless intention to advance the well-being of his constituents. Distinguished colleagues, I stand before you to speak of no less than the city's young and vibrant mayor, whose accomplishments, especially amid this unprecedented health crisis, have set the bar high in public service. Recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world in 2013, Pasiguenos would easily agree that Mayor Vico's transformational brand of leadership has easily made the city even more livable, laudable, and to netizens, both young and old - loveable. Prior to his election as City Mayor, Vico Sotto served as the youngest city councilor of Pasig. His stint paved the way to the enactment of a city ordinance concerning freedom of information. Since he won the mayoral race in 2019, Vico Sotto has been demonstrating his steadfast commitment to stopping corruption by eliminating any kickback or bribery in the awarding of city contracts, establishing a 24/7 public information and complaints hotline, and formally involving civil society organizations in the city's budgeting and policymaking. Mayor Vico has become even more an inspiration to most public leaders with his various proactive and out-of-the-box measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Pasig City is also among the cities being eyed for the pilot roll-out of vaccines by the Department of Health, being the first local government unit in the country to have an approved vaccination plan. Earlier, Mayor Sotto joined the roster of the People of the Year 2021 Awardees for spreading hope, taking action and serving others, thus earning the merit as one of the seven The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) honorees of 2020. It is for these reasons and many more, that we enjoin the Filipino public through this venerable institution in honoring Mayor Vico Sotto for being one of the recipients of the U.S. State Department International Anti-Corruption Champions Award. As described by the U.S. State Department, Mayor Sotto is a "standard-bearer for a new generation of Philippine politicians who prioritize anti-corruption and transparency initiatives in their election campaigns and in office. He has sought to solidify his reputation as a fresh voice with a new, more transparent approach to governance." I have always emphasized that corruption is the social ill that sucks the lifeblood of our economy and distorts the principle of equal opportunity enshrined in our democratic order. Nevertheless, we find hope in the likes of Mayor Vico Sotto that the younger generation is represented by a public servant who exemplifies good governance, accountability, and integrity in the conduct of his duties. It goes without saying that he is not only a breath of fresh air in Philippine politics, but truly a bright beacon of our beloved Fatherland. I therefore move that we adopt Senate Resolution 660 honoring and commending Mayor Vico Sotto not only for the latest award bestowed upon him by the US State Department, but for being an exemplar of integrity and efficiency in public service. Thank you, Mr. President. Press Release March 1, 2021 DELIBERATE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE? HONTIVEROS WANTS PROBE TO AVOID FUTURE LAW ENFORCEMENT 'MISENCOUNTERS' Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a Senate Resolution, in aid of legislation, urging the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous drugs to investigate current law enforcement procedures and protocols to avoid another 'misencounter', similar to the recent shootout at Ever Gotesco between officers of the Philippine National Police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. "May kinalaman ba ang ibang opisyal ng PNP o ng PDEA sa kalakal ng ilegal na droga? Saang banda ito naging misencounter? We must find out now. We need to know if the incident was a simple 'misencounter' caused by gross negligence, or if it resulted from deliberate unlawful acts committed by either the police officers or the PDEA agents involved," Hontiveros said. "May pagkakasala ba sa batas ang operasyong ginawa ng ilan sa mga opisyal natin? Hindi kaya lantarang nagbebenta talaga ang ilan sa kanila ng ilegal na droga? We, in the Senate, are well within our rights to investigate this further, especially that the details are still murky," the senator added. In PSR No. 667, the senator cited National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., who had said his office would investigate if a "sell-bust" really occurred, as such an operation is not allowed. "Kung 'sell-bust' nga, ibig sabihin, nagkunwaring sellers ang mga opisyal natin, klarong ilegal ang ginawa nila. Dapat hindi na ito mangyari ulit. Hindi magandang ehemplo sa publiko na kung sino pa ang nagpapatupad ng batas, sila pa ang unang lumalabag," Hontiveros said. Additionally, in a speech before the United Nations Human Rights Council, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra had admitted that law enforcement protocols were not observed in police anti-narcotics operations which led to deaths. Sec. Guevarra had also said that the filing of administrative and criminal charges had been recommended against "scores" of police officers. "Tuldukan na natin ang walang saysay na patayan. This has become a trend, when it shouldn't be. Let's not wait for more deaths before we clean up not only our law enforcement protocols, but also and more especially, our law enforcement officers," Hontiveros concluded. NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Vanessa Yanhua Zhang has joined The Brattle Group's New York office as a Principal and the leader of a new Greater China practice. She brings broad experience in applying economic analysis to competition, industrial organization, and intellectual property issues for a global client base across numerous industries. She has extensive relationships in Greater China with leading academics and industry experts. (PRNewsfoto/The Brattle Group) "Vanessa's deep understanding of the complex issues our clients are facing in China, the US, and the EU will allow us to expand our existing relationships and build new ones with clients and key opinion leaders in these markets," said Brattle President & Principal David L. Sunding. "Her joining reflects the truly global reach of our competition practice; we're thrilled she's joining Brattle and look forward to many years of success together." Dr. Zhang has analyzed allegations of monopolization, foreclosure practices, vertical restraints, merger analysis, FRAND, and intellectual property in a wide range of matters involving clients in industries including high tech, telecom, consumer products, transportation, and pharma. She has testified as an expert witness and submitted expert reports before the Supreme People's Court of China, Provincial Higher Courts, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation (SHAMR). "For many multinationals, the complexity and geographic scope of global mergers and acquisitions, investigations, and competition and IP disputes continues to expand as has the need for rigorous expert analyses informed by local and global understanding," shared Dr. Zhang. "I'm excited to be joining Brattle's global network, as my clients will greatly benefit from its robust range of capabilities and expert services across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific." Brattle's China-focused team is composed mainly of experts who are Chinese nationals and bilingual in English and Chinese; 80% of the team hold PhDs in economics from the US or the EU. The team includes highly-regarded academic advisors such as Dr. Jiong John Gong, Professor of Economics at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE); Dr. Zonglai Kou, Professor of Economics and Deputy Dean of the School of Economics at Fudan University; and Dr. Hongjun Zhong, Professor of Strategy and Economics and the Director of the Faculty Development Center at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics's College of Business. More About Dr. Zhang Previously, Dr. Zhang was a Managing Director and the head of the Greater China practice at an international economics consulting firm. In addition to her consulting work, she is a Senior Research Fellow at the Renmin University of China Market and Regulation Law Center, and has taught regulation and antitrust economics to graduate students. Dr. Zhang has written numerous articles on China's merger control regime and Anti-Monopoly Law (AML), and authored extensively for respected publications, including the Journal of Competition Law and Economics, Review of Industrial Organization, and Antitrust Chronicle. She studied economics at Peking University in China and completed her PhD at Toulouse School of Economics in France. About Brattle The Brattle Group answers complex economic, finance, and regulatory questions for corporations, law firms, and governments around the world. We are distinguished by the clarity of our insights and the credibility of our experts, which include leading international academics and industry specialists. Brattle has over 400 talented professionals across three continents. For more information, please visit brattle.com. SOURCE The Brattle Group Related Links http://www.brattle.com Trials to establish whether people would benefit from having a third dose of Covid vaccine will be given funding in the Budget. Chancellor Rishi Sunak will provide the vaccination programme with an additional 1.65billion on Wednesday, aimed largely at ensuring that the target of offering the jab to all adults by the end of July is met or exceeded. The cash will include 22million to fund a UK trial of a 'mix and match' vaccine strategy, where volunteers will be given first and second doses of different jabs. The trial will also examine whether there is any value in giving people a third dose of the vaccine. The Chancellor will provide the vaccination programme with an additional 1.65billion in his Budget on Wednesday. (Stock image) There will be 33million for a new fund to help test, analyse and deal with new variants, while 5million will be allocated to create a 'library' of vaccines at the Centre for Process Innovation in Darlington, County Durham, for work against different variants. The vaccination scheme, which yesterday passed the milestone of giving a first dose to 20 million people, is seen as central to the government's plan to reopen the economy. In a statement last night, Mr Sunak said: 'The UK's vaccination programme has been a great success and is protecting lives and livelihoods, with over 20 million people already receiving their first dose. 'But it's essential we maintain this momentum. Protecting ourselves against the virus means we will be able to lift restrictions, reopen our economy and focus our attention on creating jobs and stimulating growth.' The emergence of new variants is one of the biggest uncertainties in the coming months, and the one ministers believe is most likely to knock the road map off course. Trials to examine whether there is any value in giving people a third dose of the vaccine will also be carried out. Pictured: A pharmacist prepares the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in Ealing, west London Mr Sunak yesterday said there was no evidence yet of any further new variants circulating in the UK. He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: 'With regard to variants, we always have to keep a watchful eye on all of those. 'And between our world-leading genomic sequencing, the surge testing, the contact tracing and just the low level of the virus, those are all things that will help us keep an eye on that.' Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. 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. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) presided over the House of Representatives as the House debated and voted on President Joe Bidens bid for the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill known as the American Rescue Plan. The congressman shed light on the bill and what he expects will ultimately be left on it as the Senate takes it up next week for negotiations and a vote. Cuellar detailed how much money is expected for each county and city in Texas and what he hopes the new relief bill helps achieve in the wake of a pandemic that for a year has impacted the physical and financial health of people. We passed the bill and its going to go to the Senate, and there will be some adjustments in the Senate and then it will be sent back to us, and if everything is fine, then we will pass it to the White House for signature some time before March 15, Cuellar said. According to Cuellar, the bill is expected to bring much more aid to the local area both in federal funds being redirected to the cities and also extra incentives for the places hit hardest by the pandemic. That includes places such as downtown Laredo businesses that have suffered immensely from border restrictions put in place for almost a year as the border has been partially closed since March 21, 2020. There is an extra $15 billion that are targeted to those areas that have been really hit hard that will include the border because of the Mexican shoppers not being around, which I will talk about next week, Cuellar said. Our goal is to fix and balance the health of the individual and the health of the economy. By the health of the individual, we want to make sure that we get more vaccines as you know we are going to start seeing more vaccines by April and May, and the other thing is to give help to the economy by helping small businesses and providing stimulus checks for people to pay everyday bills they might have. Cuellar said he will soon be working on another letter to send to the presidents administration in conjunction with other representatives from the southern and northern borders to make sure border restrictions are once again reconsidered as cases involving COVID-19 seem to be going down in the areas most impacted. However, he hopes the passed American Rescue Plan helps quickly bring aid to these areas as these policy moves would be done in the coming weeks and months. The bill also intends to provide federal funds directly to the states and cities and counties as well, so all of the areas of Cuellars districts are covered under the new relief package. Next week, Cuellar will make an announcement about how much each county and city he serves would get under the American Rescue Plan. He said Texas is slated to receive about $27 billion, and $10 billion of it will go to counties and cities. Although the numbers may change, Cuellar estimates Webb County will receive $54 million. Zapata would get $3 million, Laredo would get $96 million and Rio Bravo would get a little over $1 million. As the bill passed with a thin margin of 219 to 212 votes with some Democrats even joining with Republicans in opposing it, Cuellar said the bill will not pass as it currently stands because of the continued debate about the minimum wage being raised to $15. The Senate parliamentary ruled on Thursday that minimum wage was not going to be included, so the House version will be changed on that, and there will probably be other changes, but pretty much the Senate will work on this next week and then we will probably vote on it not next week but the following week so we can pair it off to the president, Cuellar said. However, the major provisions regarding COVID-19 relief will stay. The things that will remain in the bill no matter the changes include stimulus checks, expanding the child tax credit, funds for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and vaccine distribution efforts, funds to help open up public schools safely, funds to open colleges and universities, funds to expand internet access, continued unemployment benefits, subsides to help with the Affordable Care Act and funds and incentives for the Medicaid expansion program. Cuellar said the state could get large amounts of money if it allows the expansion. Cuellar said this might be one of the largest relief bills passed by congress in terms of trying to help bring aid to areas hit hardest economically by the pandemic. We dont know; hopefully, the economy will start opening a lot more, but this is probably one of the larger ones that we got, Cuellar said. During the vote that extended into the early hours of Saturday, Cuellar had the privilege of presiding over the House of Representatives as speaker pro temp. He said it was a great honor to play that role as part of such a historic vote. I have been asked to do this more and more every day I think, and for big bills they usually call me up to do the big bills because I have been doing this for many years, so I certainly want to thank Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi for giving me that honor, Cuellar said. Last night I tried to preside fairly and with the least drama possible as when there is no drama, then that means that the work is being done. We got it done last night, and it is an honor to work on this, especially when you know that you are working on the biggest bills around at $1.9 trillion. On what was already a late night, serving as speaker pro temp meant an even later night for Cuellar as the presiding congressman must stay until the full vote is finished. They finished around 2 a.m., and Cuellar was back at work Saturday morning. We are hoping that this will be extremely helpful to the individuals and businesses so we can see some sort of normal times and get people back on their feet, and we are hoping that towards the end of the year that we will start seeing some sort of normalcy, Cuellar said. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com SANAA (Reuters) - Unable to find work, Ahmed Farea has sold everything including his wife's gold to feed and house two young daughters in one small room. Elsewhere in Yemen's capital Sanaa, widow Mona Muhammad has work but struggles to buy anything more nutritious than rice for her four children amid high prices. And in a nearby hospital, severely malnourished children receive lifesaving nutritional drinks. Across the country Yemenis are exhausting their coping mechanisms, and children are starving, amid the world's largest humanitarian crisis. On Monday the United Nations hopes to raise $3.85 billion at a virtual pledging event to avert what the U.N. aid chief has said would be a large-scale "man-made" famine, the worst the world will have seen for decades. "I want the war to stop so we can go back to how we were ... We could buy what we wanted and could feed our children," said Muhammad. Yemen was a poor country with a child malnutrition problem even before the six-year war disrupted imports, inflated the currency, displaced people, collapsed government services and destroyed incomes. Then COVID-19 hammered remittances from abroad that many families relied on. 'UNIMAGINABLY CRUEL' "Since the war and the blockade started, and work stopped, I can't buy anything anymore. Where am I supposed to get it from?" said Farea, who wheels his barrow daily to collect water in cans from a neighbourhood tank provided for poor people. "I sleep all morning and then have lunch at noon from whatever God supplies and that covers the rest of the day." His work in construction declined in the wake of the political upheaval caused by Yemen's 2011 uprising, he said. He then sold fruit but rising prices after war broke out in late 2014 made this unprofitable. As needs have risen in the past year, funding of the aid response has dropped, leading the U.N. and other aid agencies to scale down or close various assistance programmes. Story continues Famine has never been officially declared in Yemen but pockets of famine-like conditions have appeared for the first time in two years, the U.N. has said. In 2018 and 2019, the U.N. prevented famine due to a well-funded aid appeal. But in 2020 the world body only received just over half the $3.4 billion it needed. "What is happening to the people of Yemen is unimaginably cruel. Aid groups are catastrophically underfunded and overstretched. The parties to this senseless war specialize in producing suffering and the weapon of choice is hunger," said Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, on a visit to Yemen. There has been a recent renewed push by the U.N. and the United States for a negotiated end to the war, widely seen as a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. New U.S. President Joe Biden has said Yemen is a priority, declaring a halt to U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign. (Reporting by Reuters Yemen team,; Writing by Lisa Barrington; editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan has said her doctor is positive that the clinical trial she is undergoing in the US is having a positive effect. Vicky left Ireland for Maryland seven weeks ago to undergo a trial on a cancer drug she hoped would stop the spread of her cancer and today she told Ray DArcy on RTE Radio 1 that it appears to be going well. One marker being examined by her doctor is showing promising signs that the level of cancer in my body is starting to go down, Vicky said, adding: Thats a good sign. Vicky said the normal level of this marker in women is roughly 45, but hers was around 330 before her treatment. After three treatments, her doctor said this has fallen to 104. Read More March 23 is Vickys D Day as she will have a scan and if it finds that her tumours are the same size or have grown despite treatment, thats the end of that, Vicky said. I will be taken off (the trial) that day, pretty much. She explained that the trial is very expensive - roughly $1m per person - so if it is not seen to be working, another potentially suitable candidate will be sought instead. When Vicky first spoke to Ray DArcy in her first RTE interview in 2018, she expressed her wish to still be alive for her son Darraghs 10th birthday. This is a feat she accomplished last Friday. It was a tough weekend, I have to say. Last weekend was hard for the birthday as I wanted to be there. Im always a logical, rational person and I was able to say I am not there for this one, but the reason I am over here is so that I can be there for the next one and the next one, she said. Vicky said the kindness of strangers has been fantastic since she arrived in the US and said she has stayed with a friend originally from Tipperary two to three nights a week. I just cant get over it, Vicky said. The Limerick native said she had one bad reaction to the treatment in which she went to hospital due to dehydration but said she has been okay since and that it didnt compare to some other side effects she suffered in the past. Im good this week, really good this week, thank God. Ive had three doses already, Im here nearly seven weeks and I get treatment every two weeks. I go in for treatment one day every two weeks and the rest of my time is my own. But after the first few treatments I have been recovering from side effects. I had a couple of rough days and ended up having to go to hospital to go on a drip as I was so dehydrated from vomiting, but they have adjusted my anti-sickness medication and that seems to be working. I had treatment last Tuesday and so far I have been fine all week, touch wood. Its just a matter of the body getting used to new drugs and finding the right treatment for side effects. I think Im getting there, Vicky said. She said she has been through worse side effects from cancer drugs with one of her first doses making her so ill that she thought I was dying I was so bad. I had a really high temperature, I was hallucinating and Jim said I was shaking out so much he thought I was having a seizure. It was actually worse for him as I dont remember half the night. The poor man, God love him, Vicky laughed. Speaking about her fame due to her campaigning, Vicky said it felt quite strange and admitted that it never really sat well with her. I never did any of this to become famous. That was never my intention. I just wanted to highlight something which I felt people needed to know about, but then to help people, she said. Read More Mattia Binotto says he will not be in charge of Ferrari's new Le Mans program for 2023. The Maranello marque shocked the racing world by announcing its forthcoming return to the premier category of the fabled world sportscar series. But Binotto denied it is just a way to redeploy resources for the new F1 budget cap. "No, this decision is not a consequence of the introduction of financial restrictions in F1," the Italian insisted. "The company assessed the prospects for creating our own program at the WEC and decided that we want to participate." The F1 team boss, though, said he will not be in charge. "Ferrari is a unique company," said Binotto. "It doesn't matter who is running the project or who is responsible. "But no, I'm not going to take the lead. As Scuderia Ferrari, we concentrate entirely on the Formula 1 program, but of course it could be that we will give support with our know-how." (GMM) SEATTLE, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Impel NeuroPharma, a late-stage pharmaceutical company focused on utilizing our proprietary technology to develop and commercialize transformative therapies for patients suffering from diseases with high unmet medical needs, today announced the appointments of Leonard S. Paolillo as chief commercial officer and Gerald F. Penn as vice president, market access and trade. These key management additions further the build out of the commercial infrastructure of the organization as it prepares for the potential launch of TRUDHESA for the acute treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura in adults later this year, subject to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. "I am delighted to welcome these industry professionals to our team at this exciting time in Impel NeuroPharma's evolution into a commercial-stage organization," said Adrian Adams, chairman and chief executive officer of Impel NeuroPharma. "Len and Jerry bring a wealth of commercial strategy and product launch experience in competitive and complex markets, including operationalizing field and managed care teams, market access analytics and formulary negotiations, and product distribution and supply chain management. Collectively, these attributes make them ideal candidates to help the Company as we advance our go-to-market strategy for TRUDHESA in acute migraine and continue to progress our other clinical development programs in the acute treatment of agitation and aggression in patients with autism and in Parkinson's disease." Mr. Paolillo joins Impel NeuroPharma from Kyowa Kirin Inc., the North American affiliate of Kyowa Kirin Co. Ltd., a global specialty pharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, Japan where he served as executive vice president, chief commercial officer. He was responsible for the growth and transformation of the commercial infrastructure to enable the successful launches of the company's pipeline products in hematology/oncology, CNS, and rare disease, which led to more than a 15-fold increase in revenue from 2017 - 2020. Prior, he served as senior director of sales at Warner Chilcott Pharmaceuticals where he led the women's healthcare, osteoporosis and urology sales forces with 29 districts and 300+ representatives. Mr. Paolillo began his healthcare career at EURO RSCG LIFE LM&P, a full-service healthcare advertising agency and holds a B.S. in business administration from Manhattan College. Mr. Penn joins Impel NeuroPharma from Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. where he served as vice president of market access and trade and was integral in building out a new commercial department, including managing a team of senior account, contracting and government directors to secure reimbursement and distribution for a new small oral molecule and combination product in the LDL Lipid Market. Prior he served as executive director, market access at Aralez Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where he helped launch the company in the U.S. market and assisted with distribution, trade, pricing, product package design and market access strategy for commercial, Part D, and Medicaid plans. Prior to Aralez, Mr. Penn held sales and market access positions at Kaleo, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, American Regent, Kos Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, ICI Pharma, Smith Corona Corporation and Schmid Laboratories. Mr. Penn holds a B.S. in marketing from Northern Illinois University. These key management additions follow the recent appointment of Rigo Canal as vice president, commercial operations and analytics. Mr. Canal joined Impel NeuroPharma with over 25 years of pharmaceutical operational experience. Most recently he served as head of commercial operations & analytics at Amarin Pharmaceuticals where he led the commercial expansion strategy and sales planning process for the company's cardiovascular market. Prior, he served as senior director, commercial operations at Aralez Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Aralez, Mr. Canal held sales operations and analytics positions at Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, Oscient Pharmaceuticals, Wolters Kluwer's Health (Now Symphony Health) and Kos Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Canal holds a B.A. in business administration from Florida Atlantic University. About TRUDHESA: TRUDHESA, the Company's lead product candidate, is dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE) delivered directly into the vascular-rich upper nasal space using Impel's proprietary Precision Olfactory Delivery (POD) technology. The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of September 6, 2021, which reflects a standard 10-month review period. About Impel NeuroPharma: Impel NeuroPharma, Inc. is a privately held, Seattle-based pharmaceutical company focused on utilizing its proprietary technology to develop and commercialize transformative therapies for people suffering from diseases with high unmet needs, with an initial focus on diseases of the CNS. The Company is rapidly advancing a late-stage product pipeline that pairs our proprietary Precision Olfactory Delivery (POD) system with well- established therapeutics, including TRUDHESA for the acute treatment of migraine, INP105 for the acute treatment of agitation and aggression in patients with autism, and INP107 for OFF episodes in Parkinson's disease. To learn more about Impel NeuroPharma, please visit our website at http://impelnp.com. Contact: Melyssa Weible Elixir Health Public Relations Phone: (1) 201-723-5805 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Impel NeuroPharma Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner charged the taxpayer more than 2,100 for Apple technology, it emerged today. Between April and August last year, Ms Rayner claimed some 14,390.90 on office expenses alone. The MP claimed 249 for a pair of personalised Apple AirPods and chalked up 3,809.25 in stationary and printing costs. Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner claimed 249 for a pair of personalised Apple AirPods The Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne Last year Ms Rayner also claimed 1,619 for an iPad Pro as well as a 99 case Last year the MP also claimed some 199 for a keyboard to use with her new iPad Ms Rayner, the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, received a basic salary of 79,467.96 from 2019-2020. Last year she also claimed 1,619 for an iPad Pro as well as a 99 case, 199 keyboard and 131 digital pencil and a 70 office chair, according to The Sun. The deputy leader, who boasts of 'standing up for working people', has claimed 30,952.98 including 1,600 on 23 first-class rail tickets between London and her Manchester constituency since last March. And fellow Labour MP Barry Gardiner also claimed 131 for an iPad pen, The Sun reports. Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy last year chalked 23,083.44 to her expenses, including 8,883.35 on non-office rent and 475.67 in council tax - and 20 on hand-sanitiser gel. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) says MPs are allowed to claim for additional energy bills, classed as 'office costs'. They can charge taxpayers for utility bills for their main residence and constituency office as long as the claims 'relate to parliamentary activity'. John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, told MailOnline: 'MPs splashing our cash on luxury items is unforgivable. 'No doubt all of this spending will be shown to be 'within the rules'. But all MPs should be asking themselves if that spending was remotely necessary, particularly when millions of Brits could be facing unemployment in the coming months. 'MPs should limit their spending to items essential for their jobs and not get taxpayers to pick up the tab for their personal spending addiction.' Ms Rayner claimed more than 14,000 in accommodation and a further 14,000 in office costs The MP claimed 249 for a pair of personalised Apple AirPods Ms Rayner - and fellow Labour MP Barry Gardiner - also claimed 131 for an iPad pen Labour MP Barry Gardiner also claimed 131 for an iPad pen Earlier this month, it emerged Members of Parliament claimed 9.1 million in expenses despite working largely remotely during the first 2020 lockdown, compared to 8.2million in 2019. MPs claimed 1.7million more for 'office costs' during the first lockdown, representing a rise of 41 per cent. They had been given a 10,000 budget each to put towards home offices when the pandemic started. A spokesperson for Angela Rayner said: 'All expenses for the running of Angela's parliamentary office were submitted in line with the rules.' Dakar, March 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Mar, 2021 ) :The sole known survivor of a massacre of some 50 African migrants in The Gambia in 2005 broke down in tears on Monday as he testified before a truth panel in the country. The massacre is one of the most notorious abuses which occurred under Yahya Jammeh, who reigned with an iron fist in the tiny West African state for 22 years. Jammeh fled the country in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to Adama Barrow, a relative unknown. The Gambia subsequently set up a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to probe Jammeh-era rights violations. It has heard testimony about torture, rape, death squads and state-sponsored witch hunts, among other alleged abuses, since hearings began in 2019. But last week, the commission began examining one of the most infamous episodes of Jammeh's rule: the alleged execution of around 50 Europe-bound clandestine migrants who were taken for mercenaries in 2005. Martin Kyere, testifying to the commission on Monday, described how soldiers "with cutlasses and guns" stripped and beat the migrants when they first captured them. The Ghanaian national was then held in a cell for about a week, before he and other migrants were bound with wire and driven deep into a forest. Kyere said the group understood the soldiers intended to kill them. "What's going through our mind at that time is, God forgive us our sins," he said. He managed to wriggle free while the vehicle was in transit, however. "They told me it's God who wants to set you free so that you tell the world how Yahya Jammeh has killed us," Kyere said, referring to the other migrants. He then broke down in tears as he explained how the other migrants gave him details of where they lived -- so that he could pass messages to their loved ones -- before leaping from the vehicle and fleeing into the bush. Human Rights Watch put the number of victims in the massacre at over 50, with about 44 thought to be Ghanaians, as well as other migrants who were Senegalese, Togolese and Ivorian. Precise details remain unclear, however. In July 2019, former army members told the TRRC that Jammeh personally ordered the 2005 massacre. There are numerous calls for the former dictator, who fled to Equatorial Guinea, to return to The Gambia to face trial. But he retains a significant following in the former British colony of about two million people, and some want his return to active politics. The TRRC is expected to hold its final hearings this year. The decade of geothermal is a phrase that is becoming increasingly common in media and energy industry gatherings as the international zero-emission push comes to include one of the most fascinatingand cleanways of extracting energy from the earth: geothermal power. To reach the heat that the mantle of the Earth radiates into the core, geothermal companies need to drilland they need to drill deep. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for this emerging industry is drilling deep enough to get to the really high temperatures: drilling so deep is risky and costly. Yet geothermal can do pretty well even at smaller depths. According to a recent analysis by Rystad Energy, to generate electricity from the vaporized water heated up in geothermal wells, a power generation facility needs temperatures of 240 to 300 degrees Celsius. The analysis adds that as much as 70 percent of geothermal output right now is used for electricity generation. Indeed, with the urge to electrify everythingwhether this is wise or notits all about electricity and, more specifically, emission-free electricity. Geothermal is perfect for this: while the drilling of a geothermal well does involve equipment that uses fossil fuels, from a lifetime perspective, geothermal is fully comparable with wind and solar, which are also not entirely emission-free given the materials they need to operate. Yet geothermal has been slow to take off because of the high upfront costs and the general uncertainly about the result of drilling. Industry experts invariably note that the heat is everywhere beneath us, but they also make a point of emphasizing that not all of that heat is that easyor economicalto reach. Iceland is always a case in point with its easily reachable geothermal resources, as well as Italy and Turkey. No wonder then that a lot of effort in geothermal has focused on the technology to make deeper drilling economical. Its been a boon for the industry that Big Oil has joined the party. After all, these are the companies whose entry into geothermal makes the most sense, given they know drilling best. Related Video: Top 5 Uses of Petroleum Speaking about oil, some companies have been researching and testing something that could expand geothermals reach and benefit oil companies: turning abandoned oil wells into geothermal wells. There are a few companies working in this direction, either turning abandoned wells into geothermal ones or making them double-use wells that yield both heat and oil. Theoretically, the transformation of oil wells into geothermal wells can be of great help for boosting geothermals popularity. Practically, however, its not that straightforward. For starters, flow rates from such wells are much lower than from newly drilled geothermal wells, Jamie Beard from the Geothermal Entrepreneurship Organization at the University of Texas at Austin told Oilprice. Then there is the issue of heat: most oil wells are simply not hot enough to make economic sense if we are talking about electricity generation. Thirdly, Beard says, existing wells often suffer from well integrity issues that will make them ill-suited for a 20-40 year lifespan as a producing geothermal asset. The good news is this does not mean turning abandoned wells into heat-producing reservoirs is completely off the table. Remember, electricity generation is the main purpose of geothermal drilling but heating should not be underestimated as an area of application, either. Related Video: Weaponized Gas or Bridge to Cleaner Fuel? The Nord Stream Game Some companies are using abandoned wells to inject water into them, heat it, and use it for, well, heating. Power generation is also not out of the question if the well is right. Yet it seems that abandoned wells are better suited for heating purposes. Even in that area, however, there are challenges, says Paul Stockley, head of Oil and Gas at UK-based law firm Fieldfisher. One of these is how long the water needs to stay in the well to become hot enough to be used for heating. The longer the time, the lower the viability of the system. Costs should also be borne in mind, Stockley notes. Even if drilling costs are taken out of the equation, there is injection equipment and transfer-of-heat equipment to consider. It appears that abandoned wells are most viable as a heating source for nearby buildings and installations. For instance, Fieldfishers Stockley notes agricultural operations that can be heated. Since in the UK most onshore oil wells are near farmland, the match is almost perfect. Not all abandoned oil wells, then, are suitable for converting into geothermal reservoirs. Some may, however, get a second life to heat up water that could then be used to heat a nearby facility. For electricity generation, new drilling appears to be the better option for the time being, overall. And, as with any other technology, costs are bound to continue falling, especially with the help of Big Oil investment. There are even new areas of research into harnessing the geothermal resources of the planet: flooding abandoned coal mines and using the water heated in this way to generate electricity and use it for heating and cooling. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The nation has a third weapon to wield against the coronavirus, and this onedoesn't need to be kept frozen or followed by a booster shot. Those attributes of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine, which gained regulatory clearance on Saturday, promise to help state and local officials quell the pandemic. First, however, they will need to determine its place in an expanding anti-virus arsenal, where it joins vaccines with sky-high efficacy rates that are still inshort supply. Decisions to send the shots to harder-to-reach communities make practical sense, because Johnson & Johnson's single-shot vaccine is easier to store and use. But they could drive perceptions of a two-tiered vaccine system, riven along racial or class lines - with marginalized communities getting what they think is an inferior product. The issue came up on a recent call between governors and Biden administration officials coordinating the country's coronavirus response. Gov. Charlie Baker, a Massachusetts Republican and former health insurance executive, stressed the need for prominent health officials to communicate clearly about the benefits of the one-shot vaccine, according to three people who heard his remarks and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine proved safe and effective in a clinical trial, completely preventing hospitalization and death, including in South Africa against a more transmissible variant.When moderate cases were included, however, it was 66%protective, compared to efficacy of more than 90% reported for a vaccine jointly developed by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotech firm BioNTech and one from U.S. biotech company Moderna. Trials were conducted at different points during the pandemic, and in different countries with different transmission rates, which makes head-to-head comparisons impossible. The apparent differences, Baker said, could nonetheless create uncomfortable questions for state and local leaders promoting the new vaccine to people who might ask, as one person paraphrased his comments, "Why didn't you give us the good stuff?" A spokeswoman for Baker declined to make him available for an interview. But the apprehension he articulated is shared by governors, as well as state and local health officials, throughout the country, even as they celebrate the third vaccine and acknowledge that the United States faces an embarrassment of riches compared with many countries. "J&J is going to be a challenge for all of us," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, D, said in an interview. In North Dakota, which has achieved one of the fastest rates of inoculation, Gov. Doug Burgum, R, said the new product intensified concerns not just about "vaccine hesitancy, but the potential for brand hesitancy as well." The problem has been on display in Germany, where some residents are shunning shots developed by AstraZeneca in favor of those made by Pfizer-BioNTech, because of the different levels of protection reported in clinical trials,according to officials there. The challenge in the United States is especially acute in the context of the racial and economic disparities exacerbated by the pandemic, according to state and local officials. If a vaccine thought to be less effective - though still well above the threshold of 50% set forth last summer by federal regulators - is usedoverwhelmingly in communities of color, it could erode trust. The Biden administration signaled this week it was concerned about that possibility, as senior administration officials stressed that the new vaccine would be shared equally throughout the country. "All vaccines will reach all communities," Marcella Nunez-Smith, who heads the administration's coronavirus equity task force, said during a Monday briefing. Fulfilling that promise is critical, advocates said. "If we end up with a hierarchy that says all rich White people get Pfizer, and all poor Black people get J&J, that would be a problem," said Helene Gayle, president and chief executive of the Chicago Community Trust, one of the largest community foundations in the country. To complicate matters further, these dilemmas are inseparable from characteristics of the new vaccine that make it a logistical gift. The easier storage and scheduling requirements position the Johnson & Johnson product to penetrate hard-to-reach populations, such as those without housing, as well as transient groups, including people moving through the criminal justice system. Because people of color are overrepresented in both populations, however, the racial undertones of a targeted approach to distribution could become pronounced. "There is a risk of that," acknowledged Mouhanad Hammami, director of the Wayne County Health Department, which serves Detroit as well as suburbs that include some of the richest Zip codes in Michigan. The risk, too, is that residents may try to be selective about which vaccine they're getting. "We hold our clinics based on the vaccine made available to us, so we have a Pfizer clinic or a Moderna clinic," he said. "And probably people will come - or choose not to come - based on the product being offered." That is unwise, specialists said. "The vaccine that's available to you, get that vaccine," Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious-disease expert, said during a briefing on the eve of Johnson & Johnson's authorization. But Inslee said his constituents naturally want options, and with more supply in the near future, that may be possible. In the meantime, his pitch for Johnson & Johnson is simply this: "It's going to save your life, which we think is a pretty high value. It has a downside of slightly lower efficacy to prevent you from getting a headache - but you only have to have one shot instead of two." Burgum said the one-shot vaccine may be especially appealing to younger or less vulnerable people, stressing that no one should be "assigned something they feel is less effective," even if the numbers don't support that conclusion. During a meeting of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory group on Sunday, a college president in Iowa said the easier-to-use vaccine should be rushed to 18- to 29-year-olds, a highly mobile population that includes "some of our biggest spreaders." At 42, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would prefer to take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. "I'm just going to get one shot and be done," the Republican said last week. At first, few people will have the option of passing on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because there's so little of it. Nearly 4 million doses are expected to be shipped this week to states and other jurisdictions, as well as to pharmacies and federally administered sites. Company executives have promised 20 million doses by the end of March, and federal officials say production is supposed to pick up considerably in April. The federal government is not specifying how states should allocate the new vaccine, although senior administration officials said federal oversight would guard against concentrating its use in certain communities. Officials in several states said Monday they were still deciding where to direct their first allotments. In testimony before a House subcommittee last week, Richard Nettles, vice president of U.S. medical affairs for Johnson & Johnson's Janssen division, said the vaccine was "tested at the height of the pandemic globally, and included a significant number of participants from South Africa" and other places where threatening variants of the virus have emerged. The vaccine was found to be more than 80 percent effective at preventing severe illness in South Africa - a performance that stands out because the other two vaccines authorized in the United States have not been tested against variants. But state and local health officials have yet to communicate these attributes to the public, because they've been reluctant to get ahead of the Food and Drug Administration. A similar dynamic has been at play in the White House, where officials have been crafting communicationabout the new vaccine but are conscious of the need to tailor it to the recommendations of federal regulators and other experts. President Biden, in a statement Saturday night, praised the authorization of a third vaccine as "exciting news for all Americans." In a White House video posted Sunday on social media, Fauci was more direct, affirming, "I would definitely take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine." "Most of the messaging has been press releases," acknowledged Helen "Keipp" Talbot, an infectious-disease specialist at Vanderbilt University and a member of the CDC advisory panel that makes recommendation about how vaccines should be used. "It's incredibly important that we start providing information about the vaccine in a clear and transparent way." There is disagreement about how to do that, however, especially about how much detail the public needs. Gayle, a former CDC official, said, "We should able to craft messages that make it clear you're not getting an inferior product if you're getting the J&J vaccine. You're getting vaccinated." She also stressed the communal benefits of vaccination, saying it matters less what product "you get individually" than the fact that the "population you're circulating in is protected." Paul Biddinger, medical director for emergency preparedness at Mass General Brigham in Boston and chairman of the vaccine advisory group in Massachusetts, also emphasized the remarkable performance of all three authorized vaccines. But he cautioned against papering over possible differences, saying he was interested in whether a second shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine might "look as good as Pfizer and Moderna." The company is studying that, and expects to have results later this year. "Equity means assuring those who have suffered most from this pandemic . . . are clearly able to access the most effective therapies with the data we have at the time," Biddinger said. He also said it was wrong to assume that "communities of color or hard-hit communities are more in need of a single-shot regimen." Community health centers and other vaccinators catering to hard-hit populations, he said, "have proved they can handle the logistics of cold storage and the execution of two-shot regimens." The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center is already ramping up to 6,000 vaccinations a week across four sites, said Manny Lopes, the center's president and chief executive. Mostly, people just want to be vaccinated, he said. Some ask about the difference between Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and staff members are anticipating similar questions about Johnson & Johnson, he said. In his view, Baker was right to raise concerns about how to present the data supporting the new vaccine, especially if it ends up being directed at certain populations. "We feel confident that we'll be able to answer based on science," Lopes said. "It's very, very effective, and we will share that information with our community." - - - The Washington Post's Amy Goldstein contributed to this story. The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. Ben Fogle has claimed he'd be living an 'eccentric' off-grid life in a wood if he didn't have a family - and admitted he's driven by a notion that people are 'laughing and sneering' at him. The London-born TV presenter, 47, who now lives in Henley-on-Thames, said he feels he connects with the people he meets on his programmes, which includes New Lives in the Wild on Channel 5, because they are, like him, 'slightly damaged'. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he added that he always seeks to be out of his comfort zone, and would happily take on Strictly Come Dancing if his wife Marina and two children Ludo, 11, and Iona, 10, weren't so 'horrified' by the idea. 'If I didn't have a family, I think I would be off... having grown a massive beard, living an eccentric life in a little cabin in some faraway woods, probably up in Sweden or Norway,' he told the publication. Ben Fogle has claimed he'd be living an 'eccentric' off-grid life in a wood if he didn't have a family - and admitted he's driven by a notion that people are 'laughing and sneering' at him (pictured with wife Marina in June 2018) 'Without doubt I get a pang of jealousy when I see how people can live without the complications we create in our own lives, living the Western, materialistic lives that we do.' Fogle added that one of the reasons he finds it easy to connect with the people he meets on the show and gets them to open up about the trauma in their lives is the fact he has been 'very honest' about the trials and tribulations in his own life. He previously told how his Mount Everest climb in 2018 was driven by the painful loss of his son Willem, who was stillborn at eight-and-a-half months in 2014. His wife Marina almost died at the same time, after suffering an acute placental abruption. 'The people I spend time with on New Lives are slightly damaged, but I think we all have damage. I think when you've had a profound experience, it does drive you on,' he said. Fogle previously told how his Mount Everest climb in 2018 (pictured) was driven by the painful loss of his son Willem, who was stillborn at eight-and-a-half months in 2014 'I do find myself driven by this notion that people are still laughing at me and sneering at me. I can't really help it. I wish it wasn't the case. But I still feel I have a point to make to those examiners who failed me in all my exams and to those trolls who say vile things.' Fogle explained that he believes he's often subjected to abuse online because he has a 'posh' accent and went to public school. He abandoned Twitter last year after he was mocked for suggesting the nation came together for a singalong to mark the Queen's birthday. Fogle said he found it 'amazing' how his day could be ruined simply by reading a couple of nasty comments. He also started out his TV career on a reality show - BBC's Castaway 2000 - which he suspects means some people sneer at his programmes and deem them lacking in substance. Fogle said he always seeks to be taken out of his comfort zone, something he suggested a live morning studio show or Strictly Come Dancing would do. Fogle's latest project - Ben Fogle: Inside Chernobyl, which airs on Channel 5 on Wednesday at 9pm - sees him spend a week living inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (pictured in the ruins of the Azure swimming pool in Pripyat) He said he's been close to doing the latter and thinks he'd 'thrive' on the challenge, but his family are 'horrified' by the idea. Fogle's latest project - Ben Fogle: Inside Chernobyl, which airs on Channel 5 on Wednesday at 9pm - sees him spend a week living inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Writing on Instagram about what it was like to film the documentary, he explained: 'With unprecedented access, I explore the hope after the meltdown. Meeting the people who returned both legally and illegally to live off grid in the vast exclusion zone. 'And following the wildlife that has returned to this once toxic landscape. As the world recoils from the pandemic and climate change, what lessons of hope can we learn from the aftermath of the 1986 disaster that threatened the world? 'Getting inside the reactor and even into Control Room Number 4, I will meet the thousands of workers who still work at the plant to contain the fallout. I explore the legacy of Chernobyl as Ukraine seek UNESCO world Heritage status for its unique historical relevance.' Fogle told the Telegraph he was amazed by the 'thriving' wildlife 35 years on from the shocking nuclear accident that rocked the world. Cameras were granted access into the plant itself - including inside Control Room 4, where the disastrous events unfolded on April 26, 1986 - as well as the deserted towns and forests in surrounding areas. Fogle said he saw a pack of wolves for the first time and came away with a sense of hope that humans have the power to 'right the wrongs we have done' to the planet. [March 01, 2021] ABSTRAX Officially Becomes the First Terpene Distributor on Weedmaps' WM Exchange, the Wholesale Cannabis Platform from WM Business IRVINE, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ABSTRAX, an industry leader in the study and production of cannabis and botanically-derived terpenes, is now officially the first terpene distributor to offer its catalog on Weedmaps' WM Exchange. Part of WM Business product suite, WM Exchange is a platform that streamlines discovery between licensed buyers and sellers. Now, retailers and brands on Weedmaps will have access to ABSTRAX's wide variety of terpenes. "We are thrilled to join the Weedmaps family," said Max Koby, Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer. "Brands can now access and experiment with terpenes in new and exciting ways radically changing the way their products perform and deliver an experience." Due to federal regulations, ABSTRAX's cannabis-derived terpenes are currently only available in the State of California, while its botanically-derived terpenes, extracted from lemon, orange, mango, and other fruits and plants, are available nationwide. "We are delighted to have ABSTRAX onboard, our relationship with them is a step forward in further establishing WM Business as the optimal solution for cannabis retailers and brands to efficiently run and scale their business," said Justin Dean, Chief Technology Officer of Weedmaps. "We believe WM Exchange will become an essential part of the overall WM Business SaaS portfolio as our retail and brand clients alike look to mke wholesale discovery and distribution a more seamless process." "The botanical side of ABSTRAX's business leads the way in introducing terpenes to brands throughout the country. Our mission is to educate companies on the numerous benefits of terpenes and how best to use them in their products," said Koby. Available on WM Exchange is an innovative menu of ABSTRAX terpene blends like XJ-13, Wedding Cake, Tropic Thunder, Super Lemon Haze, Strawberry Cheesecake, and more. Each blend offers a highly unique sensorial experience that can be consistently reproduced, thanks to the company's state-of-the-art Type 7 laboratory and formulation team. For example, Wedding Cake (also known as Pink Cookies) is a rare phenotype created by Seed Junky Genetics when the breeder crossed a mother Triangle Kush with Animal Mints pollen. When consumed, the blend is calming, mood-boosting, and euphoric. Brands often use the blend for vapes, beverages, and finished goods. "Our blends are growing in popularity because they are both highly innovative and extremely consistent," said Koby. "We are able to recreate the most popular cannabis strains using either or both cannabis-derived and botanically-derived terpenes, providing brands with the ability to create and recreate unforgettable sensorial experiences for their customers." Want to learn more? Visit the following link for more details: https://weedmaps.com/brands/abstrax About ABSTRAX ABSTRAX is the leader in the study and production of cannabis and botanically-derived terpenes that create unforgettable sensorial experiences. Headquartered in California, the company owns and operates a state-of-the-art type 7 licensed research and manufacturing lab that uses the most advanced strain analysis technology to extract and study aroma compounds. ABSTRAX offers the largest terpene catalogue of cannabis flavors in the world. Visit us at AbstraxTech.com . About WM Holding Company, LLC WM Holding Company, LLC, parent company of Weedmaps and its WM Business SaaS offering, is the leading technology and software infrastructure provider to the cannabis industry. Founded in 2008, WMH is the leading two-sided marketplace and SaaS provider to the cannabis industry, comprising the Company's B2C marketplace, Weedmaps, and its B2B software, WM Business. Visit us at www.weedmaps.com . Media Contacts: ABSTRAX E: press@abstraxtech.com Weedmaps E: press@weedmaps.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abstrax-officially-becomes-the-first-terpene-distributor-on-weedmaps-wm-exchange-the-wholesale-cannabis-platform-from-wm-business-301236764.html SOURCE ABSTRAX [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), an operator of specialty insurance brokerages and underwriting facilities, has promoted Susan Preston to vice president and director of program development for SPG. Preston has been president of Professional Program Insurance Brokerage in Novato, Californias, since 1993. She has put more than 15 programs together over the years, mostly within the London market. Preston will now focus on developing programs for brokers where there are market holes. Headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, SPG is a fully licensed holding company established to acquire and scale insurance underwriting facilities and specialty businesses throughout North America. Source: Specialty Program Group LLC Topics Excess Surplus 3 1 of 3 Waterbury Police / Contributed Photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Waterbury Police / Contributed Photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 WATERBURY A man with a previous narcotics conviction now faces new gun and drug charges after his arrest late last week. Around 10:45 p.m. Feb. 26, officers with the Street Crime Unit were patrolling the area of Bishop and Adam streets due to recent violence, including shootings, illegal drug sales and other quality-of-life issues, police said. Franklin Graham, CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and of Samaritan's Purse, urged Christians to continually pray for America through his recent post on Facebook with a link to the keynote speech of former president Donald Trump. "Former President Donald J. Trump spoke at CPAC today and reminded America of the importance of a strong defense, strong borders, and a strong economy. We pray that our nation will move forward; but most importantly, we pray that our nation will turn to God," Graham wrote. "The Republicans can't save America, the Democrats can't save America-only God can," he stressed and how he hopes for the revealing of "God's truth and His power." Quoting James 4:8, the evangelist also said that there is a need for "a great awakening across our nation." Former President Donald J. Trump spoke at CPAC today and reminded America of the importance of a strong defense, strong... Posted by Franklin Graham on Sunday, February 28, 2021 In any respect, here are the main points from Mr. Trump's public speech on Sunday: "Our movement ... is just getting started" The 45th U.S. President first addressed the crowd by declaring that his journey with hardworking American patriots during his term is far from over. He said that he will remain as a force backing the Republican party and expressed his desire to see it more united and "stronger" than before. He clarified though that he is not starting a new party. "We're not starting new parties. You know, they kept saying, 'he's going to start a brand new party.' We have the Republican Party, it is going to unite and be stronger than ever before. I am not starting a new party. That was fake news. Fake news. No. Wouldn't that be brilliant? Let's start a new party and let's divide our vote, so that you can never win. No, we're not interested in that." Crowd to Trump: "You won!" Still not forgetting the rigged 2020 Presidential election, Mr. Trump called out the cowardice and failure of the U.S. Supreme Court to properly handle the lawsuits against the media declared vote counts. "They should be ashamed of themselves for what they've done to our country. They didn't have the guts or the courage to make the right decision," he said. The crowd roared "You won!" in agreement to Mr. Trump's statement. From America first to America Last "We all knew the Biden administration was going to be bad, but no one knew how bad they would be," the former President said. Noting the crisis on the southern border and the reversal of immigration policy as examples, Trump exclaimed that "in just one short month, we have gone from America first to America last!" "We're one country. We can't afford the problems of the world," he argued further. "As much as we'd love to - we'd love to help. We can't do that. So they're all coming because of promises and foolish words." Re-opening of Schools Across the Country "On behalf of the moms, dads and children of America, I call on Joe Biden to get the schools open and get them open now," Trump said. He reasoned that "the mental and physical health of these young people is reaching a breaking point" and that locking them up in their own homes is "cheating the next generation of Americans out of the future that they deserve." On the National Distribution of Vaccines Mr. Trump scoffed at the Biden administration's claims that it was "starting from scratch to develop a national vaccine distribution plan because the former president had left them with nothing." He said that he and his administration have also worked on getting a coronavirus vaccine ready. "Never let them take the credit, they're just following our plan," says Trump and added, "Biden said we didn't have the vaccine. Now, I really think he said that because he didn't know what the hell was going on." On Big Tech "Big Tech giants like Twitter, Google and Facebook should be punished with major sanctions," Mr. Trump said with a straight face. This was due to their attempts of monopolizing information by silencing conservative voices and by ganging up on their rival companies. On House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democrats Mr. Trump described Pelosi's party as "based upon unvarnished disdain for America" while his former party was "based on love for American and the belief that this is an exceptional nation blessed by God." On the GOP Given his privilege speech, Mr. Trump also did not forget to uphold the GOP as "committed to defending innocent life and upholding the Judeo-Christian values" of America's founders. He also stated that "free thought and speech" are welcome and that they do not support "cancel culture." He maintained that law and order are important so there should be no defunding of the police force. On the term "Trumpism" "I didn't come up with it but what it means is great deals," as well as low taxes, strong borders, Second Amendment protections and "support for the forgotten men and women who have been taken advantage of for so many years." Final Words Wrapping up his speech, the 2017-2021 head of state warned that if the present Republicans won't stick together, the RINOs (Republican in Name Only) will not just destroy them but also the rights of American workers and in effect, the country itself. "Now more than ever is the time for tough, strong and energetic Republican leaders who have spines of steel. We need strong leadership," Trump said with conviction. He ended his speech at CPAC with a question: "We will first take back the House and then a Republican president will make a triumphant return to the White House. I wonder who that will be?" BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz authorities have launched an investigation against the father-in-law of former President Sooronbai Jeenbekov's daughter on a charge of "illegal enrichment." The State Committee for National Security (UKMK) said on March 1 that Aliyar Abjaliev is suspected of "using his relationship with then-President Sooronbai Jeenbekov to interfere in the activities of state entities." "While in public office, Abjaliev hid information about his properties, namely more than 20 luxurious apartments, a private house in Bishkek's elite VIP residential area, and a recreational compound near Lake Issyk-Kul. He also owns plots of land in the [northern] Chui region, and properties in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates," the UKMK said in a statement, adding that work to find more properties belonging to Abjaliev continues. The 54-year-old has not commented on the UKMK's statement. Abjaliev's father-in-law, Jeenbekov, resigned from his post as president after thousands demonstrated in Bishkek to protest the official results of October 4 parliamentary elections that also toppled the government. President Sadyr Japarov, who took over the Central Asian nation after Jeenbekov's resignation and was officially announced the winner of January 10 presidential election, has pledged to fight corruption. NOTE: This article has been amended to clarify the nature of Aliyar Abjaliev's family ties with ex-President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. U.S. freight railroads are trying to take advantage of a train enthusiast president who's concerned about global warming with a lobbying campaign depicting their industry as a solution to climate change. The Association of American Railroads on Monday advanced policy proposals it says would help pare greenhouse gas emissions, including some that would disadvantage competitors trucking goods. Those include replacing the current gasoline tax with a fee on vehicle miles traveled and dedicated government funding for passenger rail that could appeal to President Joe Biden's fondness for Amtrak. "This administration has been very clear about wanting to weave climate into its broader efforts," said the association's chief executive, Ian Jefferies, chief executive of the association which represents heavyweights like CSX Corp. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s Burlington Northern Santa Fe. The rail industry hasn't aggressively engaged on climate policy before, but "it's a very relevant moment in time to be talking about this." The lobbying push underscores how climate policy decisions made by the Biden administration and Congress could create winners and losers across the U.S. economy. It also illustrates how the administration's focus on climate change is spurring U.S. transportation companies to get more aggressive in shrinking their carbon footprints and shaping federal policy on the issue. Central to the group's pitch: Rail is the most environmentally sound way to transport goods across the U.S., and policymakers should encourage more of it. "There's no denying that moving goods by rail is more efficient and emissions-friendly than moving goods over the highway," Jefferies said. "Nobody benefits from sitting in traffic for hours and hours and their freight sitting in traffic." The transportation sector is the biggest source of greenhouse gases in the U.S., but the vast majority of those planet-warming emissions come from cars and trucks. Rail is responsible for just 2% of sector's emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, even though railroads account for roughly 40% of U.S. long-distance freight volume. According to the association, if 10% of freight shipped by the largest trucks were moved by rail, greenhouse gas emissions would fall by more than 17 million tons annually. The group is lobbying for government-backed research in alternatives for powering trains, building on industry efforts such as a BNSF Railway Co. test of a battery electric locomotive and a Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. and Canadian National LLC pilot project exploring hydrogen fuel cell locomotives. The association also sees openings in market-based climate policies, such as a tax on greenhouse gas emissions, and opportunities to transport carbon dioxide captured at power plants and manufacturing facilities. The association's chief push is for overhauling how the U.S. pays for roads, highways and bridges. Right now, the government relies on gas tax revenue deposited in a Federal Highway Trust Fund to make those investments. But in practice, that tax supplies far less than what's needed -- about $34 million of the $50 million the government spends annually on infrastructure. The rail association's long-term prescription is a fee based on vehicle miles traveled and a surcharge tied to fuel efficiency. Jefferies cast the change as necessary to put trucking and rail on even footing and restore a user-pays approach to highways. "When you level the playing field, inherently, you get the other benefits of pushing freight onto the rails and reducing fuel consumption, reducing emissions released into the atmosphere," he said. "This isn't trying to create an advantage for rail; it's trying to right a disincentive that currently exists based on a dramatic subsidy that is going into the infrastructure that our competitors use day in and day out." Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has already signaled his openness to a miles-traveled approach. "Whatever happens in the short term in terms of our reliance on the gas tax, let's remember that cars are using less gas and eventually no gas as electric vehicles kick in," he said in an interview on Bloomberg Radio's "Sound On" show Friday. "Sooner or later, we're going to have to think in a more long-term way about how we fund our road infrastructure, and there's no time like the present." London: Mathias Cormann has made it to the final two candidates in the race to become the secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The former Australian finance minister has now defeated eight contenders for the top international post and will face Swedens candidate Cecilia Malmstrom in the final stage of the selection process. Greek candidate Anna Diamantopoulou withdrew from contention on Monday after failing to find enough support among the OECDs 38 member countries. Former finance minister Mathias Cormann is running to become the OECD secretary-general. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Cormanns path was also further cleared when Swiss candidate Philipp Hildebrand who made climate change a core plank of his campaign strategy pulled out last Friday. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A state-run youth detention center in New Hampshire has been accused of being a 'magnet for predators' with more than 150 staff accused of sexually and physically abusing more than 200 children over six decades. Staff at the Youth Development Center in Manchester have been accused of gang-raping minors, forcing them to sexually abuse each other and making them compete in 'fight clubs' for food, . Alleged victims also say they were choked, beaten unconscious, burned with cigarettes and had bones broken between 1963 and 2018, alleged victims have claimed . Some of the former children, many of whom are now adults as old as in their 70s, claim they were locked in solitary confinement for weeks or months, sometimes shackled or strapped naked to their beds and kept away from classrooms while their injuries healed. Some say they turned to a life of crime after being released, whilst others left the education system unable to read or write to this day. Victim David Meehan, the lead plaintiff who has waived his right to anonymity, has come forward to accuse three ex staffers of abusing him in the 1990s. Attorney Rus Rilee, who is suing the state on their behalf, said: 'These broken, shattered children were then unleashed into society with no education, no life skills and no ability to meaningfully function.' David Meehan, center, has waived his right to anonymity and is the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit accusing the State of New Hampshire of covering up decades of sexual, physical and emotional abuse at its youth detention center in Manchester. He is pictured with two other victims who did not want to be identified David Meehan is pictured in the 1990s when he claims that several staff members abused him The Youth Development Center (YDC) in Manchester, New Hampshire, is facing allegations that more than 150 staff abused more than 200 children over 60 years In January last year attorney Rus Rilee sued the state on behalf of three dozen adults who alleged they were abused as children at center, now called the Sununu Youth Services Center, between 1982 and 2014. He now represents 230 clients who say they were abused between 1963 and 2018, when they were ages 7 to 18. As the number of years, accusers and alleged perpetrators has swelled, so, too, has the sickening nature of the allegations. While details beyond the updated number of accusers and time span aren't included in latest court documents, Rilee plans to add his clients' accounts to the complaint and described them to The Associated Press. Of the 150 accused staffers, more than half are accused of sexual abuse, Rilee said. Children were allegedly gang raped by counselors, beaten while being raped and forced to sexually abuse each other, he said. Some reportedly ended up with sexually transmitted diseases, and one ended up pregnant. Staff members are accused of choking children, beating them unconscious, burning them with cigarettes and breaking their bones, Rilee said. Victims claim that counselors set up 'fight clubs' and forced kids to compete for food. The Manchester facility, now called the Sununu Youth Services Center after former Gov. John H. Sununu, serves children ordered to a secure institutional setting by the juvenile justice system. The average population last year was just 17 residents overseen by about 90 employees, though it once housed upward of 100 youths and employed a larger staff. Joe Ribsam, director of the state Division for Children, Youth and Families, said the agency continues to cooperate with a broad criminal investigation into the center launched by the attorney general's office in 2019. He did not comment on the new allegations. 'The facilitys policies and systems that protect the youth receiving care include full compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act and security cameras throughout the facility to provide additional sets of eyes on staff and student interactions,' Ribsam said in a written statement. It's unclear how far up the chain of command knowledge of the alleged abuse traveled over the years. But the lawsuit alleges that some supervisors were themselves abusers and that other staffers looked the other way. 'The systemic, governmental child abuse that occurred was allowed to occur because there wasnt sufficient oversight, and the state was institutionally negligent in their hiring, training, supervision and retention polices,' Rilee said. 'Its pretty clear to me that this facility was a magnet for predators.' Attorney Rus Rilee, left, listens to a client, who does not want to be identified, during an interview regarding a class-action lawsuit accusing the State of New Hampshire of covering up decades of sexual, physical and emotional abuse at its youth detention center Rilee said most of his clients have spoken to state police as part of the criminal investigation, including one man who spent two years at the facility in the late 2000s. The man alleges that he was sexually assaulted by two staffers more than half a dozen times, was beaten by six staff members at once and often locked in his room for a week at a time. Now 28, he said he has been in and out of the criminal justice system most of his life, and has struggled with depression, strained relationships and a warped sense of socially acceptable behavior. 'The kids that dont have it good in there, we dont come out good,' he said. 'It takes a part of you. The worthlessness you feel afterwards. `Am I good enough for people? Am I good enough for myself?' Another man, now 29, spent more than a year at the center starting in 2007. He alleges he was beaten several times and sexually assaulted by three different staff members dozens of times, including a sexual assault that he says was recorded on a perpetrators cell phone. After years of substance abuse, he has been clean for seven months, but nightmares and other PTSD symptoms continue. 'I relive it a lot. Every night, every other night, it never stops,' he said. Neither of them have any records of their time at the center, though they said they have requested them and gave state police officers who interviewed them permission to do the same. The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been victims of sexual assault, unless they go public, like the lawsuits lead plaintiff, David Meehan. Meehan, 39, went to police in 2017 with allegations of abuse from the 1990s. In July 2019, two of his former counselors were charged with 82 counts of rape, and the attorney generals office launched a broader criminal investigation into the centers operations and employees from 1990 to 2000. Those charges were dropped last March, when the office announced it was devoting 'an unprecedented allocation' of resources to an expanded investigation, including assigning 10 state police troopers to a task force. Meanwhile, the state has been granted several extensions in responding to the lawsuit, and as recently as January, said in court documents that the parties were 'in discussions aimed at narrowing or resolving the matters in issue in this case.' The institution has been renamed the Sununu Youth Services Center. Victims have come forward to claim that they were physically and sexually abused there between 1963 and 2018 But earlier this month, the state filed a motion to dismiss the case, in part because it said the case didn't meet the criteria for a class action suit. The attorney generals office declined to comment on the new allegations or the lawsuit. 'There are dedicated prosecutors in the Attorney Generals Office as well as investigators from New Hampshire State Police who are working daily on this investigation,' acting Attorney General Jane Young said in a written statement. 'The investigation will follow the evidence wherever it leads.' In a recent interview, Meehan said he has been frustrated by the pace of the legal process but understands it will take time. He said he has grown stronger every day, in part because he has inspired others to come forward, including the two who spoke to the AP. 'It's heartwarming in a way to know that I helped these other people find the strength to be able to speak the truth about their experience,' he said. 'But at the same time, it hurts in a way that I can't explain, knowing that so many other people were exposed to the same types of things that I was.' Meehan said he has no regrets about speaking out. 'I can't allow the abuse that I endured to be what destroys my life anymore,' he said. Most people in their 80s are retired and enjoying days of leisure with their family or pursuing interests and hobbies, but this is not even close to the case for Huynh Thi Phuong Lien, a professor and researcher at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). WORKING ON: Professor Huynh Phuong Lien is still very busy researching vaccines. Photo baogiaothong.vn In a small room at the institute, Prof Lien, 81, magnifying glass in hand, as always, is still deeply involved in researching and recording materials for vaccinations. Having devoted her life to Vietnams vaccine industry she was recently honoured by the Government as a 'Hero of Labour in the Renewal Period' for her outstanding contributions to public healthcare. DESERVED HONOUR: Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (right) presents the Hero of Labour title to Professor Lien. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyet She spent 53 years, from 1966 to 2019, on scientific research to promote the countrys vaccine production and preventive medicine sector. The distinction was presented by Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh at a ceremony at the Hanoi-based NIHE last month. Prof Lien is currently a senior specialist at the Vaccine and Biological Production 1 (Vabiotech) company under the Ministry of Public Health, where she has worked since 2006. Vabiotech is among four manufacturers in Vietnam developing vaccines to fight COVID-19. She and her co-workers have successfully produced vaccines for cholera, typhoid, smallpox, and Japanese encephalitis, in addition to the implementation of 12 State-level scientific research projects and the publication of 112 others in prestigious scientific journals. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Professor Lien has devoted her life to Vietnams vaccine industry. Photo sggp.org.vn Of particular note, the first-generation Japanese encephalitis vaccine was successfully produced and added to the National Expanded Immunisation Programme in 1997, contributing to reducing cases of Japanese encephalopathy and easing the burden faced by people suffering from disease and by society as a whole. It was also the first Made-in-Vietnam vaccine exported abroad. Lien and many of her colleagues have experienced great hardship during their working lives, as they had to conduct research and studies during the wars from 1955 to 1975. Recalling the early days of her studies and work in the medical and vaccine industry, her eyes shine with pride. She was initially inspired to study by her mother. During the war against the French (1946-1954), I was just a little girl but often accompanied my mother, who was a nurse at the time at frontline medical stations, where I witnessed her dealing with emergencies at all hours of the day, she said. I felt a desire to study medicine when I grew up and do the same sort of work. She did indeed study medicine and in her final year at the Hanoi Medical University in 1965 was assigned to work at the Faculty of Microbiology and then volunteered to serve the liberation of South Vietnam. A few months after graduating, I underwent training in the application of vaccine production technology at NIHE, she recalled. I then put on a backpack and marched to the battlefield in the south with the heavy task to successfully produce three types of vaccines -- cholera, typhoid, and smallpox -- to prevent a war of germs. At that time, along with hunger and disease, the greatest difficulty on the battlefield was a lack of facilities for research. There were no laboratories and not enough materials, and life was harsh due to hunger and malarial fevers, she recalled. Our lab facilities consisted of an incubator for microbial nurturing, run by kerosene lamps. We had to keep the temperature at 37 degrees Celsius to grow bacteria. Artillery shells went over our heads, but we stretched out parachutes and plastic sheets to create a laboratory in the middle of the jungle. After much effort and despite the increasing difficulties, cholera, typhoid, and smallpox vaccines were successfully produced, tube-sealed, and labelled with quality inspection stamps to provide to people in the liberated areas between the provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. Though there were many challenges, I feel so proud to have contributed to the resistance war to save our country and protect peoples health, Lien said. Her six years on the battlefield were exhausting for the 20-something. She weighed just 31kg when she returned to the north for treatment of her own health problems. I was lucky because I survived the war, she said. So many of my comrades fell while still in their youth. Though she received the Labour Hero title rather late in life, she was still very happy. During my working life, which now amounts to 54 years, I was always so absorbed that I never considered honours or awards, the professor said in an emotional speech at the ceremony. But the title of Labour Hero truly is an honour and shows that the Party and State have recognised my efforts. The title of Labour Hero honours individuals with exceptional achievements in innovation, contributing to the building of socialism in Vietnam and safeguarding the country. Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Public Health Nguyen Thanh Long said the title was recognition from the Party and State of Prof Liens relentless creative spirit in vaccine research and application, which has been critical for the countrys efforts in combating communicable diseases and protecting peoples well-being. Meanwhile, Prof Do Tuan Dat, Vabiotech chairman, said the title was not only a source of pride for Prof Lien but also for everyone at the company. This expresses the acknowledgment and interest of the Party and State in the efforts and dedication of vaccine researchers and manufacturers, he said. Vabiotech has been working particularly hard to develop a COVID-19 vaccine as part of efforts by the healthcare sector to curb the on-going spread of the pandemic. VNS Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 1, 2021 2021/03/01 Bloomberg: The US is calling for the immediate release of pan-democratic election candidates in Hong Kong, according to a tweet from Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Does the foreign ministry have any comments? Wang Wenbin: Will the US allow its normal law enforcement activities to be criticized unjustifiably and do nothing? What governs China and its HKSAR is the law, and no one is above the law. The Hong Kong police has been carrying out normal law enforcement activities by arresting and prosecuting those criminal suspects who have sought to subvert state power in violation of the Hong Kong security law. We firmly support the Hong Kong police in executing their duties in accordance with law, upholding national security, and protecting Hong Kong's security and stability. We urge the US side to respect facts, respect rule of law, and stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs in any way. FSN: Australian media reports today said that the Australian government has granted its first humanitarian visas to Hong Kong passport holders since 2010. What is your comment? Wang Wenbin: China's position on Hong Kong-related issues is consistent and clear. Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, and every bit of Hong Kong affairs belongs to China's internal affairs, in which no other country has the right to interfere. The Chinese side urges the Australian side to stop meddling in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs in any way. Otherwise the China-Australia relations will only sustain further damage. Global Times: According to reports, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on February 26 that the United States is in strong support of Canada's initiative against arbitrary detention and stands in absolute solidarity with Canada in insisting on the immediate and unconditional release of the two Canadian citizens. What is China's comment? Wang Wenbin: Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been prosecuted on charges of undermining China's national security. China's judicial sovereignty brooks no interference. As for the so-called "Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention" launched by Canada, it is nothing but a farce on the international stage. We noticed that the Canadian side has quietly removed some names including Ghana from the list of founding endorsers. Benin has informed the Chinese side explicitly through diplomatic channels that it has not participated in the initiative. However, you will still find its name kept on the list. Driven by selfish interest, Canada went around coaxing and beguiling other countries into endorsing its so-called declaration, even defying their will just to make up a list. Such futile and despicable tricks attempting to mislead the international community should be condemned. NHK: First question, now one month has passed since the "military coup" took place in Myanmar. Several people have been shot to death recently by the Myanmar military. Myanmar's military stressed that they've been treating the protests cautiously. What's the comment of the Chinese side? The second question is that the EU floated the idea of holding talks that would include all of the remaining participants in the JCPOA as well as the US. The US government has also expressed its intention to join the talks, but the Iranian government has refused to participate. What is China's comment? The third question is that it has been a year since the US government and the Taliban reached a peace agreement for Afghanistan. As the US military withdraws, there are also terrorist attacks occurring occasionally. The long sought-after peace still seems elusive. What is China's comment? Wang Wenbin: On your first question, as a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China is following the current situation in Myanmar and hopes that each party will bear in mind the big picture of national development and stability, exercise restraint, properly handle differences under the constitutional and legal framework, and maintain political and social stability. At the informal meeting on the Myanmar issue held recently by the UN General Assembly, the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations expounded China's position on the relevant issue. What I want to emphasize here is that cooling down the situation in Myanmar is a top priority and also a consensus of the international community. The international community should respect Myanmar's sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and national unity, and help all relevant parties in Myanmar engage in dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the wishes and interests of the Myanmar people, properly handle differences, maintain political and social stability, resolve outstanding issues in a peaceful manner, and continue to promote domestic democratic transformation process in an orderly manner. Any action by the international community should contribute to Myanmar's political and social stability and peaceful reconciliation, avoid escalating conflicts and further complicating the situation. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role to ease up the situation on the ground in Myanmar. Regarding the second question, the Iranian nuclear issue is at a critical juncture. The top priority is for the United States to take specific measures to lift sanctions against Iran while Iran resumes compliance reciprocally in order to jointly push the JCPOA back on track. It is for this reason that China proposes to hold an international conference participated by all remaining JCPOA parties plus the United States, and supports the specific ideas put forward by the EU. We call on the United States and Europe to refrain from taking confrontational actions at the International Atomic Energy Agency so that the aforementioned meeting will be materialized as soon as possible. China will continue to maintain contact with relevant parties and make joint efforts to this end. Regarding the third question you mentioned, China is following the implementation of the US and Taliban peace agreement and the progress of the intra-Afghan negotiations. We have noticed that relevant parties and the international community have expressed concerns about the current direction of the evolving situation in Afghanistan. The security situation in Afghanistan is still complicated and severe. The intra-Afghan negotiations are moving towards substantive ones. We maintain that all parties and the international community should jointly and firmly advance the political settlement of the Afghan issue in a responsible and constructive way, thus helping Afghanistan realize peace, unity and development at an early date. China firmly supports the "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned" process of peace and reconciliation that is extensive and inclusive. On the basis of respecting the wishes of all parties, China will act as a constructive party in upholding a fair and objective position and continuing to be a supporter, mediator and facilitator of the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. CRI: According to reports, a batch of vaccines donated by China arrived in Manila on February 28. President Duterte, marking the event at the airport, called it a key step in the country's fight against COVID-19 and conveyed "sincere gratitude to the Chinese people and the government of China for this gesture of friendship and solidarity". Could you share more information about this? Wang Wenbin: China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors. Since COVID-19 broke out, the two governments and peoples have been standing together and fighting shoulder-to-shoulder, forging a closer partnership. The Chinese government has decided to offer vaccines to the Philippines in free assistance. The Chinese military has provided emergency vaccine aid to the Philippine military. Besides, the Philippine government has also signed purchase contracts with Chinese business community. The shipment you mentioned is the first batch of foreign vaccines to have arrived in the Philippines. Just as President Duterte put it, this demonstrates the two sides' friendship and solidarity. We hope the Chinese vaccine doses could help the Philippines contain COVID-19, revive the economy and protect people's health. Recently China-made vaccines have reached many countries, contributing to the local battles against the virus. China will continue to act on President Xi Jinping's pledge to make vaccines a global public good and conduct vaccine cooperation with other countries in various means to help them conquer the virus and boost post-pandemic growth. We also hope that all capable countries will take actions to contribute to the global fight, especially in developing countries. Associated Press of Pakistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan has congratulated President Xi and Chinese government for taking over 700 million people out of poverty. Do you have any comment on that? Could you share more details about China's achievement in poverty alleviation campaign? Wang Wenbin: China appreciates Prime Minister Imran Khan's positive comments on China's achievements in poverty alleviation. I have also noted that the UN Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee, among other senior officials of international organizations, said that China's great achievements in poverty reduction bring important inspirations to the world, and the first and foremost lesson is strong will and action as demonstrated by the Chinese government and people under the leadership of President Xi Jinping . The elimination of absolute poverty is a milestone in the improvement of people's livelihood in China, a historic achievement in China's human rights development, and a magnificent chapter in the history of human progress. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China has lifted over 10 million people out of poverty every year on average, equivalent to the population of a medium-sized country, or one person being lifted above the poverty line every three seconds. Since the launch of the reform and opening up, 770 million impoverished rural residents have shaken off poverty. China has contributed to more than 70% of global total over the same period according to the World Bank's international poverty line. It is a miracle that a country has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty in such a short period of time. The elimination of absolute poverty is also a good example in explaining the CPC's people-centered philosophy. It shows that in state governance, the CPC always holds close to heart the fundamental interests of the vast majority of the Chinese people, and takes realizing, protecting and developing these fundamental interests as its governance goals. It also demonstrates the political advantages of China's socialist system, which is pooling all necessary resources together to accomplish great tasks. Under the leadership of the CPC, the whole country has devoted a great deal of manpower, material and financial resources to poverty alleviation. A total of 255,000 village-based working teams and over 3 million first secretaries of CPC village committees and village-based officials have been sent to the frontline of poverty alleviation, along with nearly 2 million township officials and millions of village officials. My colleagues from the Foreign Ministry are also present at the frontline. Over the past 28 years, the Foreign Ministry has sent 38 poverty alleviation representatives and three first secretaries to villages in the poverty-stricken counties of Jinping and Malipo in Yunnan Province, making positive contributions to helping the local people shake off poverty. We are all very proud of their contributions. China's achievement in poverty alleviation is also great news for the world, as it has contributed to the progress of international poverty reduction with China's solutions. We are ready to work with the rest of the world to help other developing countries eradicate poverty, achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and contribute to a better life for all and the progress of the global human rights cause. CCTV: According to reports, on February 26, 23 United Nations human rights experts released a joint statement saying "We have repeatedly raised our concerns about the excessive force used by American police". In some U.S. cities, "police officers fired tear gas, rubber bullets and used pepper spray from close range against protesters, residents, and bystanders indiscriminately," the report states. "Tear gas canisters even landed in home yards hurting children." The experts call on the United States to address police brutality and systemic racism and to ensure that there is no impunity for any excessive use of force by law enforcement officials. I wonder if you have any comment? Wang Wenbin: I have noted this report. Over the past year, US law enforcement brutality has made many newspaper headlines. The choking cry of "I cannot breathe" remains a sobering call. According to data on the US website Mapping Police Violence, between January and November 2020, only 17 days passed without anyone being killed by the US law enforcement officials. Washington Post data shows nearly 1,000 were shot and killed by law enforcement personnel in the US in 2020, an average of three deaths per day. The underlying problem deserves our deep reflection. Each and every life on earth, regardless of ethnicity, color of skin, gender and nationality, should be respected and cherished, and their human rights preserved and protected. We hope the United States will discard its double-standard approach, look hard at its own grave human rights violations such as racism and law enforcement brutality, and take concrete measures to promote and protect human rights at home. AFP: The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China (FCCC) issued its annual report. What is your comment? Wang Wenbin: We have never acknowledged this organization you mentioned. The so-called "report" is based on preconceptions rather than facts in an attempt to sensationalize and scare. I'd like to stress that China is a country governed by law. Anyone in China must abide by Chinese laws. We welcome media and journalists from different countries working in China in accordance with laws and regulations, and will continue to provide them with convenience and assistance. That being said, we reject ideological bias against China, fake news fabricated in the name of freedom of the press, and acts that violate professional ethics of journalism. NHK: Regarding the issue of nucleic acid testing for Japanese people entering China, the Japanese Embassy in China believes that the use of anal swab testing may cause psychological burden on the tested persons, and hopes that the Chinese side will reconsider the relevant practices. What is your response? Wang Wenbin: The Chinese side will make science-based adjustments to its relevant epidemic control measures in accordance with the changes in the epidemic situation as well as relevant laws and regulations. For specific information, I would refer you to the competent Chinese authority. China Daily: According to a report released by the Institute of East Asian Economics at the Australian National University on February 28, China's direct investment to Australia dropped 61 percent to 783 million US dollars in 2020, hitting a six-year low. The report says this is partly due to the pandemic, and partly to Australia's tightened scrutiny of Chinese investment. Could I have China's comment on that? Wang Wenbin: The figures you mentioned tell a lot about some practical problems in China-Australia relations. China-Australia trade is mutually beneficial in nature. Over the years, Chinese investment in Australia has given a great boost to local economic development and livelihood improvement. In 2020, while China's outward direct investment (ODI) grew by 3.3%, China's investment to Australia took a nosedive, a contrast that deserves some serious thoughts by the Australian side. In recent years, the Australian side has repeatedly used "national security" as an excuse to veto Chinese companies' investment projects and arbitrarily imposed restrictions on normal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, which has seriously dampened the confidence of Chinese investors. Such practice of politicizing economic and trade issues runs counter to Australia's self-proclaimed commitment to market rules and the principle of free competition, and puts Australia's own interests and reputation in jeopardy. The Australian government should take steps to provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory investment environment for investors, who are from not only China, but also other countries, so as to facilitate practical cooperation between China and Australia in various fields. Kyodo News Agency: The Japanese government said recently that if foreign public service ships forcibly land on the Diaoyu Dao, Japan may use weapons when necessary. What is China's comment? Wang Wenbin: The Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. The patrol and law enforcement by the Chinese Coast Guard in waters off the Diaoyu Dao is a legitimate measure taken by China to exercise its sovereignty in accordance with law. China is firmly resolved to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, and will resolutely respond to any provocative and dangerous action against the Diaoyu Dao. We urge the Japanese side to earnestly abide by the spirit of the four-point principled consensus between China and Japan and stop saying or doing things that may complicate the situation on the Diaoyu Dao. Reuters: According to the New York Times, studies show that Chinese hackers may have launched cyber attacks against India's power grid, as a way to "warn" India to stop acting aggressively on the border issue. Do you have any comment? Wang Wenbin: As a staunch defender of cyber security, China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber attacks. Speculation and fabrication have no role to play on the issue of cyber attacks, as it is very difficult to trace the origin of a cyber attack. It is highly irresponsible to accuse a particular party when there is no sufficient evidence around,. China is firmly opposed to such irresponsible and ill-intentioned practice. Hubei TV: The China-EU geographical indications agreement takes effect today. What do you think is its significance for the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and companies and people on both sides? Wang Wenbin: The coming into effect of the China-EU Geographical Indications agreement is a good news for both China and the EU. As noted by the official from relevant department of the Ministry of Commerce several days ago, 100 GIs from each side came under protection upon the agreement's entry into force. The second GI list of 175 products from each side will be protected within the next four years. These products include food that are familiar to us such as Anxi Tie Guan Yin tea and Shaoxing wine from China, and Prosciutto di Parma and Champagne from Europe. They also include featured Chinese GIs such as Xuan paper and Sichuan brocade which have never been included in EU's GI agreements with other sides before. We believe that after the agreement takes effect, consumers from China and the EU can buy more quality products and get to taste more delicacies from the other side. Enterprises on both sides can also be given more protection in trade and exchanges in relevant sectors. The China-EU Geographical Indications agreement is China's first comprehensive, high-level bilateral agreement on GIs. Its coming into effect fully testifies to China and the EU's commitment to upholding free and open trade, and supporting rules-based multilateral trading system. It will provide new impetus to China-EU economic and trade cooperation and be conducive to cementing the foundation, economic- and trade-wise, of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. In the end of 2020, China and the EU concluded the bilateral investment agreement as scheduled. We hope the agreement can be officially signed and take effect at an early date and deliver benefits to the enterprises and people on both sides. China is ready to work with the EU to continue to safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system, jointly build an open world economy, and contribute to economic recovery and development of China, the EU and the world at large. Beijing Youth Daily: At the UN Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said that in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, information that is in the public domain indicates the need for independent and comprehensive assessment of the human rights situation such as arbitrary detention and forced labor. She's confident that through the on-going dialogue they will find mutually agreeable parameters for her visit to China. What is your comment? Wang Wenbin: To our regret, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has succumbed to political pressure and launched unfounded and disinformation-based accusations against China. We firmly oppose the wrong actions of politicizing human rights issues and interfering in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights issues. Let me first quote some articles from the Constitution of the People's Republic of China for you. "Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration", they "enjoy freedom of religious belief", and "freedom of the person of citizens of the People's Republic of China shall not be violated". The Constitution and Chinese laws protects citizens of the People's Republic of China in exercising their legitimate rights. I have another fact for you. During the drafting process of the 14th Five-Year Plan, extensive solicitations for comments and suggestions from various sectors were held online. Over 1 million comments were received, based on which relevant authorities sorted out more than 1,000 suggestions. The drafting process is vivid example of China's socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics. Since reform and opening-up began, 770 million rural residents living under the current poverty line have all been lifted out of poverty, which accounts for more than 70% of the total population shaking off poverty worldwide. This is a historic achievement for China's human rights cause, occupying an important place in the world's human rights progress. When we consider a country's human rights condition, we should always listen to its people first and foremost, as no one knows it better than the people living in the country. They have first-hand experience of how good or bad their country's human rights condition is. A multi-year survey conducted by an international prestigious institution shows that Chinese people's satisfaction with the CPC-led government has been over 90% for many years. In a global survey by Singapore's leading social research agency which measured the sentiments of citizens from 23 countries towards their national COVID-19 management efforts, China's mainland tops the index with the most citizens rating its government's performance favorably. China is always ready to have equal-footed and mutually respectful dialogues and exchanges with other countries on the human rights issues. Xinjiang's door to the world is always open. We welcome UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang, and the two sides are in communication on this. But the purpose of the visit should be to promote exchanges and cooperation, not to carry out some kind of "investigation" with China already being presumed as "guilty". We firmly oppose political manipulation of such issues to strong-arm China. Bloomberg: Sankei newspaper reported that Japan won't invite Chinese leadership for a visit this year. What is the foreign ministry's comment? Wang Wenbin: I'd like to stress again that for a while, China and Japan have not held discussions on any relevant major agenda. It is utterly meaningless for a few Japanese media outlets to hype up issues relating to China in unpleasant and unfitting ways. We hope the Japanese side will work with China, help its public form correct opinions on relevant issues, create a favorable atmosphere and accumulate enabling conditions for the improvement and development of bilateral relations. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-02 00:03:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China will push forward reform and opening-up from a higher starting point, bringing new opportunities for the comprehensive China-Tajikistan cooperation. Xi made the remarks during his telephone conversation with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon. The Chinese president pointed out that since last year, the Chinese and Tajik people, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transformations rarely seen in a century, have sticked together through thick and thin, joined hands in unity and coordination, and achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields, especially in battling the pandemic. Xi said the two sides have supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests, which fully reflects the high level of the China-Tajikistan comprehensive strategic partnership. China firmly supports Tajikistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and stability, and is willing to strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Tajikistan's national development strategy until 2030, so as to promote the continuous development of China-Tajikistan relations, he added. Xi called on the two sides to push forward bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, agriculture, interconnection and digital economy in an integrated manner, and to give priority to the construction of key BRI projects. China is ready to import more quality agricultural products from Tajikistan that meet market demands, Xi said, adding that China is also willing to provide assistance of COVID-19 vaccines to Tajikistan in a bid to promote the building of a community of common health for mankind. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Xi said China will give full support to Tajikistan, currently holding the rotating presidency of SCO, and strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan, so as to promote greater development of the organization from a new starting point. Rahmon, for his part, extended the new year's greetings to Xi and the Chinese people, wishing the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival and new successes for China in the new year. He said under the strong leadership of President Xi and with the hard work of the Chinese people, China has made brilliant and historic achievements in poverty reduction, which the Tajik side expressed warm congratulations. Tajikistan highly appreciates China's important contribution to the world's fight against the pandemic, and appreciates China for its invaluable support in Tajikistan's battle against outbreak and efforts to boost economic and social development, he said. Tajikistan is willing to make joint efforts with China to continue to expand bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, trade, security, humanities and other fields in the spirit of good neighborliness and friendship, strengthen anti-epidemic cooperation and give new connotations to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides, so as to promote new development in bilateral relations, he added. He also said that Tajikistan looks forward to close communication with China, and successfully completing the work of the rotating presidency of the SCO in a bid to ensure the summit a success. Enditem FTSE 100 started March in rollicking form as bond and equity markets settled after the recent sell-off. Londons leading index jumped 125 points to 6,608 in early trading. ( ) expects full-year profits to nearly double thanks to continued strong demand for bikes. The retailer and mechanic did not issue forecasts for this year as trading remains volatile, with Easter to be spent in lockdown. Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC ( ) and McColls Retail Group PLC ( ) have extended their grocery partnership. Over the next three years, Morrisons will remain as McColls wholesale supplier while 300 McColl's convenience stores will be converted to the Morrisons Daily format. ( ) chairman Jan Du Plessis will step down as soon as a replacement is found. Du Plessis joined the telecoms giant as a non-executive in 2017 and became chairman in November. Sensyne Healths ( ) algorithm for COVID-19 risk prediction has received regulatory approval for use in the UK. Developed in collaboration with the Chelsea & Westminster Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, it is the first algorithm developed from the SENSE clinical and operational engine to achieve sign-off. ( ) chief executive Chris Richards said its soybean seed treatment has the potential to be truly disruptive following the preliminary results from trials of its technology in Brazil. The treatment was deployed on 16 fields to tackle Asian Soybean Rust, a fungus that can result in up to 90% crop loss. CentralNic Group PLC ( ) saw revenues and underlying profits soar in 2020 helped by organic growth and acquisitions. Revenues jumped by 121% US$241mln or more than the past five years added together, it said. MADRID, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Lleida.net (BME: LLN) (OTCQX: LLEIF) (EPA: ALLLN) has approved the creation of a new subsidiary in Dubai, intending to boost the commercialisation of its registered services in the Middle East and African markets. The subsidiary, called Lleidanet Saas Services, will be incorporated in the United Arab Emirates and will be based at the company's offices in Dubai. "Lleidanet SaaS Services will allow us to consolidate our strategy for the region and provide services to large national companies in the Middle East and Africa," explained Sisco Sapena, its CEO and founder. This corporation is the second subsidiary that the Spanish listed company has in the region. In the UAE, Lleidanet Dubai LLC, whose sole purpose is to support Emirates Post, the country's national postal operator, is already in operations. Emirates Post has exclusive distribution rights for its services in the country, with a contract signed for an indefinite period. This agreement allows it to distribute certified electronic communications services to citizens, private entities and public bodies. To date, six national postal operators (in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America) market Lleida.net's certified electronic signature and notification services in their different countries, as well as registered SMS and registered e-mail. Among them, there are postal services in South Africa, Zambia and Colombia. Lleida.net, which has more than 3,000 shareholders, is listed on BME Growth in Madrid, the OTCQX index in New York and Euronext Growth in Paris. The company has already received 201 patents worldwide for its inventions in certified electronic notice, contracting and signature, and its intellectual property portfolio is one of the largest in the world. Among the authorities that have recognised Lleida.net's intellectual property work are those of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, China, Japan, South Africa, Colombia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council brings together all the countries in the region. At present, more than 75 countries recognise the legal validity of their electronic methods as a means of certifying legal notifications in procurement processes. Media Contact: The Paloma Project, Media, [email protected], +356 7946 7486, https://Lleida.net SOURCE Lleida.net Dabur Vedic Suraksha Tea has awarded its creative communication mandate to Havas Creative. As part of the mandate, Havas will be handling the creative duties for Dabur Vedic Suraksha Tea and all its extensions. The business will be managed out of the agency's Delhi office. Dabur Vedic Suraksha Tea is powered with five time-tested immunity boosting herbs - Tulsi, Daalchini, Munakka, Kali Mirch and Shunthi. It is available in two variants Green tea and Black tea. Kunal Sharma, Category Head, Dabur India, said Dabur Vedic Suraksha Tea is powered with five immunity boosting herbs - Tulsi, Daalchini, Munakka, Kali Mirch and Shunthi. These Ayurvedic herbs combine to give a refreshing taste while boosting your immunity. Now, with Havas as our new creative partner, we aim to further strengthen the brand as we move forward in a category as exciting as Packaged Tea. Manas Lahiri, President, Havas Creative - North, said We are proud to have won the mandate for an extremely exciting brand like Dabur Vedic Suraksha Tea and all its extensions. It demonstrates the power of integration that Havas India has developed. Winning the mandate makes our relation and commitment with Dabur India even more special after winning the integrated mandated of Dabur Honey. We hope to continue creating work that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of consumers and look forward to strengthening the brands presence in the market. Talking about the new mandate being awarded to Havas Creative, Ravinder Siwach, National Creative Director, Havas Creative, said Tea is a very interesting and a large category. And the value-added tea is going to be the next big thing in this category. We look forward to growing the brand and creating a rightful place in the market for Dabur Vedic Suraksha Tea. Because indeed, who has better credentials than Dabur, to create a tea thats more than tea a daily health tonic. Local activist Brandy Gilliam argued that the city has not recognized many activists who he said have been in the streets trying to provide solutions. To help with economic growth, the P.O.B.U.M.S Society launched the Aurora Black Business Initiative to try to encourage more Black entrepreneurs to create businesses in the city. Also, over the summer, several barbecues and events were held to bring rival gang members together to talk. The latest scandal, which has been ignored so far, has led to the arrest of 20 arms dealers and go-betweens. The sale of suicide drones to China is in the crosshairs. Israel's secret police moved in to stop sales too hot for relations with Washington. Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) Israel's secret police have arrested at least 20 Israeli arms dealers and go-betweens over several months, in what is now shaping up to be one of the biggest arms-industry scandals in the countrys history. A gag-order is in place and Israeli newspapers have reported only a few scant aspects of the case; for example, the countries involved in the affair remain unnamed. Nevertheless, enough has come out thanks to independent media. One fact is the sale of suicide drones, a powerful weapon capable of hitting selected targets, to China. According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the volume of business related to the illegal arms and ammunition trade is worth tens of millions of dollars. In recent decades, Israel has reportedly sold weapons to about 130 countries but it is almost impossible to have a list of them. Apart from its reports to the United Nations Register of Conventional Weapons, there is no official information on the matter. Israel itself refuses to release documents, with several laws and regulations that allow the government to avoid transparency. It is equally obvious that companies have a vested interest in keeping their customers names confidential. In the past, Israel's weapons have been used conflicts and repression in Argentina, Serbia and Uganda. More recently, they have crossed the borders into South Sudan, Myanmar, Morocco and Saudi Arabia; some of the buyers are accused of war crimes. There have been numerous similar problematic sales to China in the past, many of which have angered the US, said Richard Silverstein, a Middle East Eye contributor. Israel plays a dangerous game of both cultivating trade with China while trying to maintain the close relationship with the US, he added. For Antony Loewenstein, the latest is just one example of Israel's scandals. Israel has a largely unregulated defence industry, allowing the Israeli government and its private companies to sell weapons, surveillance equipment and hi-tech to some of the most despotic regimes in the world from Uganda to the Philippines, he explained. Despite the lack of regulations in Israeli military industry, this time Israel's secret police (ISA) carried out an investigation and stopped the arms-dealing ring, indicating that the diplomatic cost of the deal in terms of the relationship with Washington would be too heavy to bear, especially after the election to the White House of Democrat Joe Biden, much less inclined than his predecessor Donald Trump to turn a blind eye to Israel's actions. The suicide drones sold to China are manufactured by two Israeli companies: Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Aeronautics Ltd. These drones, which can fly for hours before being directed towards the target and explode, are a modern and technological version of suicide bombers. They allow operators to maintain control over a territory or terrorise a population afraid of a possible attack from the sky without warning. This kind of weapon was extensively used in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Israeli military export law from 2007 does not include human rights-related monitoring, consideration and restrictions because it was not legislated with that in mind, said researcher Sahar Vardi. It was legislated for one reason only: to allow the state, and its foreign affairs interests, to restrict sales in situations in which it is not in Israel's political interest. President Joe Biden promised to overhaul the federal office that investigates complaints from people in minority communities who believe they have been unfairly harmed by industrial pollution or waste disposal when he made environmental protection a key part of his campaign. Related Article: Biden First Day: POTUS Commits to 'Global Climate Initiative' as US Rejoins Paris Climate Accords EPA Despite the fact that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) acknowledges that pollution affects disadvantaged communities disproportionately, hundreds of complaints to its civil rights office since the mid-1990s have resulted in only one formal finding of discrimination. Civil Rights The US Civil Rights Commission, the EPA's own Office of Inspector General, and citizens who have filed complaints that have gone unanswered for years - or decades - have all criticized the situation. States, cities, and other entities that receive federal funds are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, or national origin under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Citizens who bear the brunt of industrial pollution can file a complaint if the project is funded with federal funds. Complaints Residents of Uniontown, Alabama, a predominantly Black town of 2,200 people, complained to the EPA in 2013 about the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's oversight of a massive landfill containing 4 million tons of coal ash, which they blame for respiratory, kidney, and other illnesses. The EPA dismissed the complaint five years later, claiming that the residents had failed to prove that the landfill was to blame for their health problems. The EPA office's dismissal of the Uniontown complaint was dubbed "another distressing step in the wrong direction" by the US Civil Rights Commission. The result was predictable. The EPA's civil rights office has rarely found pollution to be harmful to human health in three decades of receiving complaints. Without such a finding, the agency will not even consider whether there was any illegal discrimination. Marianne Engleman-Lado, who was recently appointed to the EPA's office of general counsel by the Biden administration, had assisted Uniontown residents with their case. She claims that the way the EPA evaluates such complaints makes it nearly impossible to win because proving that pollution causes disease with scientific certainty is a nearly insurmountable challenge. Attorneys warned that discrimination claims usually go nowhere. Still, residents felt their evidence - which included photos and videos - was compelling, according to Ben Eaton, a Perry County Commissioner involved in the Uniontown complaint. "What is the point of having these agencies if they aren't going to do the job?" he asked. Promises Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) is among those who believe the Environmental Protection Agency's civil rights office should do more. Booker mentioned meeting Alabama citizens suffering from tropical diseases they blame on sewage pollution, children with elevated lead levels in his own state, and families in Louisiana's so-called "cancer alley" who felt abandoned by their government during confirmation hearings for Michael Regan, Biden's nominee for EPA administrator. According to the African-American senator, the EPA's human rights agency "has been eviscerated over the years." He said, "In my view, you're not really prepared to begin fighting these problems that concern millions of Americans." Regan vowed to prioritize environmental justice by "restructuring and reorganizing" the civil rights office, which actually hires 12 full-time workers. "We'll need more resources..." he explained. ALSO READ: NDC Synthesis Reports Showed How Far Countries Are From Meeting Paris Agreement's Climate Goals For more environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! (Newser) Two clips from Oprah Winfrey's upcoming interview special with Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, are out, and in one, he invokes his late mother while discussing what it's been like for the couple to split with the royal family. "Im just really relieved and happy to be sitting here talking to you with my wife by my side, because I cant begin to imagine what it must have been like for her going through this process by herself all those years ago, because its been unbelievably tough for the two of us" he says, per the AP. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stopped being full-time, working members of the British royal family last year, though they continue to support organizations they're passionate about. story continues below Meghan Markle, who recently announced her second pregnancy, was mostly not heard from in either of the two clips, which aired during 60 Minutes Sunday; she does say "Yeah" in response to Harry's statement that, "At least we have each other." The second clip largely focuses on Winfrey's questions for the couple (and a titillating statement that "You've said some pretty shocking things here"), and she can be seen asking Markle, "Were you silent or silenced?" Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special airs at 8pm this coming Sunday, March 7, Deadline reports. Winfrey's bestie, Gayle King, says Winfrey told her it's the "best interview she's ever done," People reports. (Read more Prince Harry stories.) New Delhi, March 1 : Mumbai-based activist lawyer Nikita Jacob has moved a Delhi Court seeking anticipatory bail in the 'Toolkit' case. The bail plea will come up for hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana on Tuesday. Jacob, along with climate activist Disha Ravi and Shantanu Muluk, face charges of conspiracy and sedition in the 'Toolkit' conspiracy case related to the farmers' agitation. Jacob's house was raided by the Delhi Police on February 11, after which a non-bailable warrant was issued against her. On February 17, the Bombay High Court granted three weeks transit anticipatory bail to Jacob. Ravi and Muluk are co-accused in the case. The court had granted bail to Ravi on February 23. A day later, the court also granted protection from arrest till March 9 to Muluk in the case and directed the police to not take any action against him till then. The Delhi Police have contended that the Google document tweeted by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg to back the farmers' protest and then deleted, was created by Ravi and two other activists -- Jacob and Muluk. --IANS aka/ash Get Outlook for Android Paris: Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy plans to appeal his conviction for corruption and influence peddling, according to his lawyer, after a court sentenced him to three years in jail, with two years suspended. The 66-year-old politician, who was president from 2007 to 2012, was found guilty of having tried to illegally obtain information from a senior magistrate in 2014 about a legal action in which he was involved. The court said Sarkozy was entitled to request to be detained at home with an electronic bracelet. This is the first time in Frances modern history that a former president has been convicted of corruption. On Friday, a day later than expected, the Biden administration made official a fact we already knew: that, in the judgment of the US intelligence community, the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the murder, at a consulate in Turkey in 2018, of Jamal Khashoggi, the dissident journalist, columnist for the Washington Post, and US resident. The report that Biden made public was brief and did not contain a smoking gun, but it nonetheless made a damning case. Ahead of time, the decision to release the report was a study in contrastsit would mark, NBC wrote, a new chapter in US-Saudi relations and a clear break from Trumps policy of equivocating about the Saudi states role in the brutal murder. Trump had kept the report under wraps, despite bipartisan pressure from Congress and legal demands mandating its release. He instead put out a statement explaining why he was standing with Saudi Arabia: it began The world is a very dangerous place! and continued, It could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic eventmaybe he did and maybe he didnt! Separately, Trump called Khashoggis murder a very bad original concept, that was carried out poorly. The cover-up, he added, was one of the worst in the history of cover-ups. After Biden released the report, he continued to win points for transparency. On her MSNBC show Friday, Nicolle Wallace called Bidens decision exponentially better than the last guy; her guest Julian E. Barnes, a national security reporter at the New York Times, stressed that this is a return to the normal state, where a high-confidence conclusion by the CIA is given weight and not dismissed; facts, Wallace concurred, are facts again. But the dominant mood of much coverage was scathing criticism of what Biden didor rather didnt donext. His administration announced that it would be slapping sanctions on dozens of Saudis, but not MBS himself; per the Times, Biden concluded that personally punishing the de facto leader of a close ally would carry unsupportable diplomatic costs (despite having promised, on the campaign trail, to make Saudi Arabia a pariah). The Atlantics Adam Serwer called the decision pathetic. The Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, who knew Khashoggi, wrote that Biden let a Saudi murderer walk; members of the Posts editorial board, who worked with Khashoggi, wrote that Biden had given what amounts to a pass to a ruler who has sown instability around the Middle East in recent years while presiding over the most severe repression of dissent in modern Saudi history. On CNN, Jake Tapper asked whether the difference between Trump bragging about saving MBSs ass and Biden acting as if he has no choice but to save MBSs ass was just words. Ultimately, Tapper noted, MBSs ass had been saved. New from CJR: Michael Tubbs on disinformation, racism, and news deserts The Biden administration didnt only sanction various Saudis, but simultaneously announced a new category of visa restrictions, called the Khashoggi Ban, that Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, pledged to wield, going forward, against agents of any foreign government who are believed to have been directly engaged in serious, extraterritorial counter-dissident activities, including those that suppress, harass, surveil, threaten, or harm journalists; on Saturday, meanwhile, Biden said that he would have more to say about Saudi Arabia on Monday. It does seem, though, that MBS is definitively off these hooks. A White House official told Reuters that while the State Department will today provide more details and elaborate on its Saudi decisions, it will not make any new announcements. And, touring the Sunday shows yesterday, Jen Psaki, Bidens press secretary, defended leaving MBS untouched. Historicallyand even in recent history, Democratic and Republican administrationsthere have not been sanctions put in place for the leaders of foreign governments where we have diplomatic relations and even where we dont have diplomatic relations, she said, on CNN. The sad bottom line here is that when it comes to press-freedom issues, particularly internationally, there is less distance between Trump and Biden than wed like to believe. Despite his coddling of MBS, Trump already sanctioned lower-level Saudi officials implicated in the Khashoggi killingand despite his fusillade of fake news rhetoric at home, his surrogates commonly wielded press freedom as an American Value abroad when it served their purposes to do so. Vice President Mike Pence pressed Aung San Suu Kyi, the now-deposed leader of Myanmar, to release jailed reporters in 2018; Mike Pompeo, Trumps secretary of state, often stressed media freedoms in his dealings with countries including Kazakhstan and Belarus. This is not to defend either manboth abetted all of Trumps horrors; Pompeo blew up at an NPR journalist and barred her colleague from his planebut rather to say that Biden and his representatives must clear much higher bars than basic transparency and civility. Its easier to punish your enemies than your friends; easy, too, to hide behind lame statements about bipartisan precedent. Does a sanctions regime that purports to protect the truth but doesnt apply to those with the most power really deserve to carry the name of a man who was killed for holding power to account? According to the Times, one of the key costs of punishing MBS, in Bidens view, would have been lost Saudi cooperation on Iran. The day before he released the Khashoggi report, Biden targeted that country, albeit indirectlydropping bombs, for the first time as president, on facilities in Syria with links to Iran-backed militias that previously targeted US troops in Iraq. Wallace, of MSNBC, called the bombing and the release of the Khashoggi report a show of force coupled with moral clarity that together constituted Bidens boldest moves to date in asserting American leadership on the world stage. More accurately, they were our clearest reminders to date that the normality for which so many pundits pined is not a moral state at all, but one where strategic self-interest almost always wins out. The release of the Khashoggi report is a good thingeven if we shouldnt have to rely on the CIA for the truthbut ultimately, diplomatic choices speak much louder than words on a page. We now have one more reason to believe that MBS ordered Khashoggis killing, but the world is still a very dangerous place. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Below, more on the White House and press freedom around the world: Other notable stories: ICYMI: The ongoing fight against racism in newsrooms Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) has issued the following statement: Azerbaijans refusal to grant the status of prisoners of war to the Armenian servicemen and to repatriate them, as well as to release civilians as announced by the Azerbaijani president in an interview to foreign journalists on 26 February and by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on 27 February, is a flagrant violation of Azerbaijans international obligations under international humanitarian law and does not stand up to scrutiny. The manufactured position of official Baku that these captured Armenians are not prisoners of war, claiming they were captured after the signing of the Trilateral Statement by the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan cannot exempt Azerbaijan from its obligations under the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Azerbaijan, as a signatory of the Geneva Conventions, does not have the liberty to redefine persons at its leisure to escape its international humanitarian law obligations. Azerbaijan's obligation to comply with, and strictly observe, international humanitarian law (jus in bello) and ensure its observance cannot be absolved by arguments regarding the rules of use of force, (jus ad bellum), which is governed by other international treaties, in particular the UN Charter. The obligation of States to comply with the principles of international humanitarian law is absolute, and it is not diluted in any manner whatsoever by arguments as to the lawfulness of any use of force. In its argumentation that the captured servicemen are not POWs, Azerbaijan also openly distorts the facts on the ground and demonstrates utter impunity. The 64 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan in December 2020 were deployed in the villages of Khtsaberd and Hin Tagher of the Hadrut region of the Republic of Artsakh, which were under the control of the Artsakh Defence Army at the time of the signing of the Trilateral Statement. They were maintaining their positions as clearly required by Paragraph 1 of the Trilateral Statement. The capture of these 64 servicemen was a direct consequence of Azerbaijans violation of the Trilateral Statements clear call for a cessation of hostilities. Azerbaijans semantic gymnastics redefining POWs in order to avoid its international humanitarian law obligations is immediately apparent by the fact that, in addition to the 64 servicemen captured in December 2020, Azerbaijan still refuses to repatriate persons captured during its military aggression against the Republic of Artsakh, which it unleashed on 27 September 2020. Azerbaijans position is legally and factually bankrupt. Azerbaijan's blatant circumvention of its obligations under international humanitarian law in relation to the captured Armenian military personnel and civilians is not only contrary to the requirements of the Geneva Conventions relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War and to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War but it renders the Armenians held by Azerbaijan hostages. Indeed, Azerbaijan is detaining such persons for the very purpose of leverage to promote its position in the ongoing implementation of its strategic objectives against the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh sent letters to the specialized agencies of the UN and the Council of Europe, furnishing them a detailed analysis concerning the continuing application of international humanitarian law to persons captured by Azerbaijan. The letters thoroughly explained why members of the armed forces of a State, while in a dispute with another State, are entitled to POW status if they fall into the hands of the enemy, regardless of whether there are full-scale hostilities between the two States. The international specialized institutions charged with monitoring the implementation of Azerbaijan's commitments under international humanitarian and international human rights law, are in accord. In fact, these institutions have demanded, repeatedly, the immediate release of the prisoners of war and civilians held captive by Azerbaijan; they have done so in public statements and during closed meetings with Azerbaijani representatives. Azerbaijan refuses to comply. Consistent with the requirements of the Trilateral Statement and the Geneva Convention, we demand that Azerbaijan comply with its international humanitarian law obligations rather than continue to try to justify its manifest violations with unlawful and vacuous statements. We further urge the international community, in accordance with the Common article 1 to all Geneva Conventions, to compel Azerbaijan to immediately and comprehensively comply with its clear obligations under the Conventions. Alabama will receive 40,100 doses of the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine doses have not arrived to Alabama just yet, but will be delivered directly to providers across the state sometime this week or next week. The new allotment will allow some providers to finally administer coronavirus vaccines for the first time. FILE - This Dec. 2, 2020, file photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows vials of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. (Johnson & Johnson via AP) FILE - This Dec. 2, 2020, file photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows vials of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. (Johnson & Johnson via AP) "We expect to supply providers who had previously not had vaccines," Dr. Karen Landers with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) said. At this time, it's still unclear which providers will get the new Johnson and Johnson vaccine because ADPH does not provide names of entities until those entities have product in hand. The state also does not provide specific information regarding what vaccine a provider has. However, Dr. Landers says the goal is to expand access for those who are eligible. "At this point, it's expected that providers will remain with the product that they ordered originally," Dr. Landers said. That means people won't be able to pick and choose which vaccine they want when they go into a clinic. Johnson and Johnson's vaccine has a lower efficacy rate compared to current vaccines being administered. Overall, the newly authorized vaccine has a 60% efficacy rate. That's significantly lower compared to Moderna's and Pfizers's roughly 95% efficacy rates. The co-chair for Johnson and Johnson's coronavirus vaccine research says one main reason why there's such a big difference is because of virus variants. "These studies were done in different times," Dr. Paul Goepfert says. During the Moderna and Pfizer clinical trials, COVID-19 had not mutated into the variants Johnson and Johnson had to deal with. "In the US, it showed the highest efficacy for symptomatic COVID infections, which was 72%. The lowest was in South Africa, which is 57%. But, that's the country that had the sort of infamous strain that is partly neutralization resistant against all the vaccines that are currently out there," Dr. Goepfert said. The single shot could also be a reason behind the lower efficacy rate. However, Dr. Goepfert says when comparing the data dose per dose, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine works just as well as Moderna's and Pfizer's. Right now, Johnson and Johnson is finishing up enrollment on another clinical study that's looking at the efficacy of the vaccine with two shots instead of one. Dr. Goepfert says if the rate is better, the company will likely recommend that booster shot, but for now, he asks people not to wait to get vaccinated. "I mean, this vaccine along with Pfizer and Moderna is going to save thousands to hundreds of thousands of lives," Dr. Goepfert said. Dr. Landers also urges people to just get the vaccine that's available to them. "CDC does not have a preference for one vaccine over the other. All the vaccines are efficacious," Dr. Landers said. "Whichever entity you choose to be vaccinated from, you should take the product that entity is offering." It's unclear when or if Alabama will receive any additional doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in the future. One Life: World Horse Protection Day 01 March 2021 Horses and humans have an ancient relationship. Asian nomads are thought to have domesticated the first horses some 4,000 years ago, and they remained essential to many human societies until the advent of the engine. While most horses are domestic, others remain wild. Feral horses are the descendents of once-tame animals that have run free for generations. Groups of such horses can be found in many places around the world. Free-roaming North American mustangs, for example, are the descendents of horses brought by Europeans more than 400 years ago. Social animals Wild horses generally gather in groups of three to 20 animals. A stallion (mature male) leads the group, which consists of mares (females) and young foals. When young males become colts, at around two years of age, the stallion drives them away. The colts then roam with other young males until they can gather their own band of females. Domestic horses have maintained this natural need to be in stable social groups. Wild horses The Przewalski's horse is the only truly wild horse whose ancestors were never domesticated. Once nearly extinct, the population of these wild horses has since rebounded on the dusty steppes of Mongolia thanks to successful conservation efforts. Emotional and expressive animals Horses use facial expressions in social communication, and they can express their emotions through their faces, they also have a number of unique vocalisations. Horses use cues from other horses, such as head orientation, ear postures, and eye movements to locate hidden food sources, communicating information about food location between themselves. In behavioural studies it has been shown that when a horses eyes and ears are covered, the observing horse can no longer find the hidden food, demonstrating that facial expressions are essential for this form of communication. Training styles can affect the emotional state of horses Positive reinforcement training techniques are known to result in positive emotions in horses. Whereas, negative reinforcement training techniques cause negative emotions. Horses who had been trained using negative reinforcement are also more motivated to get a food reward than those who had been trained using positive reinforcement, suggesting that horses experience relief at the end of the negative training, and because of this, they are more optimistic about future opportunities for food rewards. Rescued horses are optimistic The experience of neglect and abuse can have a long-term effect on the mood of animals. To determine if this is the case with horses, two groups of horses were studied. One group had experienced neglect and abuse, and the other had only experienced good care. They were trained to associate a bucket placed at one location with food (rewarded), and at another with no food (unrewarded). The two groups showed no difference in how long they took to approach the rewarded location. They then placed the bucket at a new location and observed the equines responses. The rescued horses approached the new location more quickly than the non-rescued ones. This indicates that the rescued animals may be more optimistic about opportunities for rewards than the non-rescued animals. It also shows that previous neglect does not cause long-term pessimism in equines. Horses can spontaneously count In behavioural studies, horses were presented with a choice of two quantities of fake apples; one or two, two or three, four or six and two small apples or one big apple. Despite the difference in quantities being small, the horses consistently chose the bigger number of apples. These findings show that horses, along with some other species, can spontaneously assess quantities. Horses can learn from humans Horses can learn from humans by observing them. This is a form of social learning, which indicates a high level of intelligence. It is particularly remarkable because the horses are learning from another species, us humans! Horses who watched a familiar person open a feeding device showed observational learning by being able to open the feeding device themselves 20 consecutive times. The naive horses, who had not seen anyone open the device, could not open the device. They would, however, approach nearby humans more often, potentially seeking help from them. Horses can tell whether a human is feeling happy or sad Horses can understand how a human is feeling by listening to their voice, and by looking at their facial expressions. They can even tell when a human's face is not expressing the same emotion as their voice. Horses know that when we laugh it is positive and that when we growl, it is negative, and potentially threatening. Horses can remember humans past facial expressions Horses can not only tell whether a persons facial expression is positive or negative, but they can remember that facial expression. When horses are shown pictures of humans who are angry, sad, or neutral, they respond differently to their facial expressions. They will also remember this information, and respond differently when they meet the person, hours later. Horses feel better when on pasture Horses have evolved to live in groups out on pasture, but they are often kept singly in stables. Those who live out on pasture, are more optimistic and have a more positive mood than horses who are housed singly and just a short spell out on pasture, after being housed in a stable, can significantly improve the mood of horses. Horses communicate their emotions through their whinnies The whinnying sound that horses make is one way in which horses communicate with one another. A horses whinny includes information about the individuals identity, which group they are a member of, their body condition and size, and their social and hormonal status. Horses whinnies also contain information about their emotions, and they change the frequency of their whinnies depending on whether they are feeling positive or negative, and how excited or relaxed they are. Other horses can understand this and they respond accordingly. Researchers played different whinnies to horses, and they found that when the horse was familiar to them, the listening horse could tell whether the other horse was feeling positive or negative. When they heard a negative whinny, the listening horse breathed faster, had a higher heart rate, moved their head more, held their head up high for longer, vocalised more, and reacted more quickly, compared with when they heard positive whinnies. Horses snort when they are feeling good The snorts that horses produce are indicative of positive emotions. Horses produce two different types of snort, and both have been found to be associated with positive contexts such as being out on pasture. Details like this can help us to understand how horses are feeling, which means that we can take better care of them. Horses really are amazing animals! Read more: This is why theres nothing grand about the Grand National Four horses dead already at Cheltenham Festival you bet they suffer Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: Pixabay) Azerbaijan's increasing popularity as a tourist destination is undeniable. Official figures from the Tourism Authority of the State of Azerbaijan show a rise of 11.4% to just over 3 million in 2019 compared to the previous year. The government of Azerbaijan will be hoping to pick up where they left off after the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the fast-growing tourism industry, many people still know little about Azerbaijan, its history, and geographical location. If you're interested in visiting Azerbaijan, read on to find out more about this fascinating nation before you go. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Azerbaijan? Unless you're from one of just 10 visa-exempt countries, you need a visa to visit Azerbaijan. The easiest way to gain permission to enter the country is by applying for an online ASAN visa. Provided you meet all the Azerbaijan e-Visa requirements you can apply online in minutes and receive your approved visa in just a few days. With the eVisa, you'll be able to stay in Azerbaijan for up to 30 days; plenty of time to discover what the country has to offer. When Did Azerbaijan Become a Country? To understand when and how Azerbaijan became the independent state it is today, it's useful to look at a brief timeline of its recent history: - 1828: As a result of the Treaty of Turkmenchay, Azerbaijan is divided between Russia and Persia. Southern Azerbaijan becomes part of Persia whilst the territory of present-day Azerbaijan is part of the Russian Empire. - 1918: Following the collapse of the Russian Empire at the end of World War, the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic is formed comprising present-day Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. The Republic is dissolved in 1918 and the Independent Azerbaijani Republic declared. - 1920: Independent Azerbaijan was short-lived, becoming part of the Soviet Socialist Republic just 2 years after the declaration after the Red Army Invasions. - 1988: Unrest in many parts of the Soviet Union, including in Nagorno-Karabakh, an autonomous region of the Azerbaijan SSR. - 1991: The Supreme Council of the Azerbaijan SSR adopts the name of Democratic Sovereignty of the Azerbaijan Republic, dropping the word Soviet Socialist. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic flag is restored as the state flag. - October 18th, 1991: The Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopts a Declaration of Independence which is followed by a national referendum later in the year. Azerbaijan now celebrates its independence day on October 18th each year. Is Azerbaijan Part of Europe or Asia? Given this complex history, you might be wondering whether Azerbaijan lies in Asia or Europe. The answer to this question is, in fact, both. Azerbaijan is situated in the South Caucasus region of Asia, at the meeting point between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Whilst Azerbaijan is located mainly on the Asian portion of the Caucasus, the districts of Qusar, Shabran, Siazan, Khachmaz, and Quba are geographically in Europe. Traveling to Azerbaijan offers a unique opportunity to step foot in both continents while visiting just one country. Which Countries Border Azerbaijan? Azerbaijan is bordered by: - Russia to the north - Georgia to the northwest - Armenia and Turkey to the west - Iran to the south Azerbaijan is also bounded by the Caspian Sea which lies to the east. What Languages Are Spoken in Azerbaijan? The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, or Azeri, a Turkic language closely related to Modern Turkish. Azerbaijani is the native language of approximately 92.5% of the population, more than half of which are monolingual. Russian is also widely spoken. Armenian and Georgian are spoken to a lesser extent in Azerbaijan as well as several endangered languages such as Lezgian, Talysh, Avar, and Budukh. The use of English as a foreign language is increasing. Some people think that Azerbaijan is an Arab country however this is not the case and Arabic is not one of the languages spoken. Which Is the Main Religion in Azerbaijan? Around 97% of the population of Azerbaijan identifies as Muslim, mostly adhering to Shia Islam. Nevertheless, the government of Azerbaijan is secular and article 48 of the Constitution ensures Freedom of Religion. Besides Islam, a small proportion of the population follows the Russian Orthodox Church, various Christian denominations, and other religions. Which is the Main Airport in Azerbaijan? Flying is the most convenient way to reach Azerbaijan for most overseas visitors and Heydar Aliyev International Airport is the main gateway for foreign arrivals. The airport is situated 20 kilometers from the capital city Baku and is connected by a modern highway which was built in 2008. Main flight operators include Azerbaijan Airlines and Buta Airlines. With direct flights from cities including Berlin, Barcelona, New York, and Istanbul, Heydar Aliyev International Airport welcomes many thousands of tourists from across the globe to Azerbaijan every year. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The Ruhr valley in North Rhine-Westphalia was once Germanys industrial heartland producing coal and steel, the two very essential raw materials of industrialization itself. Coal was mined here for at least four hundred years, usually from shallow drift mines along the Ruhr river. But with the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the demand for coal and steel increased and the deeper-lying coal seams were reached out for the first time. Within a matter of decades, Ruhrs coal output skyrocketedfrom 2 million tons per year in 1850 to more than a hundred million tons at the end of the 19th century. Likewise, steel production rose from a mere 11,500 tons per year to 8 million during the same period. View over the Ruhr Area from the Mottbruchhalde, in Gladbeck. Photo: Berndbrueggemann / Dreamstime.com Ruhrs exponential industrial growth drove massive urbanization across North Rhine-Westphalia. People migrated from all over Germany and the adjoining regions to work in the mines, in the collieries and in the ironworks. Small towns with only 2,000 to 5,000 people in the early 19th century grew to become major cities with population in hundreds of thousands. Ruhrs coal industry began to decline starting from the mid-20th century. By the 1970s, Germany had exhausted the easy-to-reach coals and mining the Ruhr valley was no longer competitive. The steel industry too went into sharp decline, as its prices were undercut by lower-cost suppliers from emerging industrial centers, such as Japan. Today, Ruhr is still an important industrial center, but its economy has migrated to service industry such as health, information technology, transport and logistics. An amphitheater in a former slag heap, Halde Haniel in Bottrop. It is one of the highest Slag Heaps in the Ruhr area with a height of 159 meters. Photo: Rab Lawrence/Flickr Although Ruhr no longer produces coal, centuries of mining has left an indelible scar on the geography of the region. Colossal heaps of refuse lie scattered all around the region, made up of earth, rocks and anything else that was not coal. These are called halde in German, or pit heaps. Many of these have been reclaimed with vegetation and landscaping and transformed into parks and lookout points. Others have become home to public artworks and installation. Related: Ruhrs Slag Heap Tourism Coal mining has left another legacy in the regionit has sunk the ground by as much as 20 meters at places, below the water table. As a result, water tends to pool and if werent for the 180 pumps installed all around Ruhr, this densely populated region with over 5 million residents would become a lake district. This is what the Ruhr area would look like if the pumps were to stand still. Image credit: Helge Hoffmann The pumps operated by the Emschergenossenschaft have to move over a billion cubic meters of groundwater every year. In addition, they pump an entire river, Boye, 18 meters up into river Emscher, which flows into the Rhine, to keep water away from the populated areas. Almost a fifth of the region would be under water if it weren't for pumping, especially the core area, where most of the people live. The first pumping station went into operation in 1914 on the Alte Emscher in Duisburg. Today, every city and every town in the affected areas in Ruhr has pumps, ranging from small electrical-box like sizes to giant machines with a capacity to pump 40 thousand liters every second. Keeping these pumps running is a perpetual cost running into millions that is borne by the coal mining corporations. An art installation on Halde Haniel in Bottrop. Photo: Rab Lawrence/Flickr What if the pumps stopped working? The devastation would not be immediate, explains Stefan Hager, who is in charge of location and geospatial services at RAG, Germanys largest coal mining corporation. Depending on the location, it would take weeks for the groundwater to start seeping, giving technicians enough time to repair the pumps. However, Hager cautioned: As a rule, floods do not occur from groundwater, but from heavy rain. On the Rhine it takes days to rise, on the Emscher it takes hours because the area is so sealed and the water flows away faster. Some believe that the pumps, at least some of them, should be switched off. This would give the region a few lakes and wetlands, making Ruhr more attractive than a barren industrial wasteland that it is now. References: # Thomas Made, Why the Ruhr area would be a lake district without pumps, Der Westen # Tom Scott, The Pumps That Must Run Forever, Or Part Of Germany Floods, YouTube Over 4,000 young citizens in Hanoi started their compulsory service on Saturday in a ceremony with no relatives allowed inside due to COVID-19 restrictions. As per the capital citys plan, a total of 3,500 enlistees will join military service this year, while more than 1,000 others will serve in police forces. The new recruit handover ceremony in Dong Anh District, Hanoi, February 27, 2021. Video: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Candidates were selected from each district of the city and had to undergo a strict pre-qualification process. It was revealed that 80 percent of 154 youths eligible for service in Hai Ba Trung District graduated from universities, junior colleges or vocational schools. Meanwhile, the outlying district of Son Tay sent conscription calls to 83 young citizens, 18 of whom already finished post-K-12 education, while the remaining 52 voluntarily enlisted in the military. The new recruit handover ceremony was held last Saturday and wrapped up within 20 minutes. Relatives of the novices were not allowed inside as the send-off ceremony was canceled this year. Participants were subject to body temperature checks at the event. They were also required to wear face masks and keep a safe distance in adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Earlier, the Hanoi Capital High Command had worked with relevant forces to conduct mass COVID-19 testing for all rookies. Vuong Dinh Hue, secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, attended the handover ceremony in Dong Anh District and gave a speech to uplift the enlistees. Vuong Dinh Hue, secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, hands flowers to a military enlistee in the new recruit handover ceremony in Dong Anh District, Hanoi, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Enlistees from Hanois Dong Anh District in the rookie handover ceremony, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Enlistees from Hanois Dong Anh District undergo body temperature checks in the rookie handover ceremony, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Enlistees from Hanois Dong Anh District sit far apart in the rookie handover ceremony, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Enlistees from Hanois Dong Anh District head to military vehicles in the rookie handover ceremony, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Residents of Dong Anh District, Hanoi stand outside of the rookie handover ceremony to say goodbye to enlistees, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre In Nam Tu Liem District, the handover ceremony at My Dinh Stadium was also streamlined in adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Relatives of the enlistees were seen observing the rookies at a distance. Around 8:30 am, the rookies boarded the vehicles and headed to the military base. This year, 56 military draftees and 10 police rookies were required from Nam Tu Liem District. Under the Law on Military Service, all male citizens of ages 18-25 (or 18-27 for college and university students who have their conscription delayed for study) from all rural areas, city districts, organs, state enterprises, and vocational schools must serve in the armed forces for a limited time, usually 24 months, if they meet the introduction criteria of the annual state plan. Women may register if they are members of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. Nguyen Viet Cuong (left), an army veteran, sends his son off to military conscription at My Dinh Stadium in Hanois Nam Tu Liem District, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre A military enlistee says farewell to his mother before entering military service at My Dinh Stadium in Hanois Nam Tu Liem District, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre A military enlistee waves goodbye at My Dinh Stadium in Hanois Nam Tu Liem District, February 27, 2021. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Biden administration defended its decision not to sanction Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally for his role in the death of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, as the White House confirmed no more actions against the kingdom are imminent. The United States has not historically sanctioned the leaders of countries where we have diplomatic relations or even some where we dont have diplomatic relations, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Fox News Sunday. Behind the scenes there are a range of diplomatic conversations. Despite President Joe Bidens comment Friday in an interview with Univision that were going to be announcing significant changes today and on Monday and a similar statement from at the White House on Saturday the administration said it isnt planning steps beyond the limited sanctions already announced against some Saudi officials. The recalibration of relations with Saudi Arabia began on January 20th and its ongoing, the White House said in a statement. The Administration took a wide range of new actions on Friday. The President is referring to the fact that on Monday, the State Department will provide more details and elaborate on those announcements, not new announcements. Psaki, in a separate interview on CNNs State of the Union, said the administration has been crystal clear at every level about recalibrating the relationship with Saudi Arabia and about its plan to turn the page from the last four years. On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced what he called a new Khashoggi Ban policy, barring U.S. visas for 76 Saudi individuals who the U.S. said had threatened dissidents abroad. That action came after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a declassified version of an intelligence report that the Trump administration had withheld from the public. We assess that Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved an operation in Istanbul, Turkey, to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the intelligence agencies found. Democratic lawmakers ramped up their calls for Biden to do more to hold the Saudi crown prince personally responsible. Senator Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on Fox that sanctions on Prince Mohammed should be considered if we dont see a change in behavior. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio also urged consideration of further steps. No way should we tolerate assassination or any kind of violence aimed at an American journalist, Brown said on NBCs Meet the Press. Well see what President Biden does. The crown prince has said he accepts symbolic responsibility for the killing as the countrys de facto ruler. Saudi officials have said the murder was carried out by rogue agents who have since been prosecuted. On Friday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the government completely rejects the negative, false and unacceptable assessment in the report pertaining to the Kingdoms leadership, and notes that the report contained inaccurate information and conclusions. ___ For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC DUBLIN, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Medical Drones Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, Drone Type; By Application; By End-Use; By Regions; Segment Forecast, 2020-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global medical drones market size is expected to reach USD 947.6 million by 2027, according to the study. Medical drones refer to the aerodynamic pods that are being deployed to transport key medical supplies that comprises of primary medical aids, vaccines, and drugs. Through the development of highly advanced technology has resulted in notable adoption of medical drones across the hospitals and military bases. There's continuous ongoing research in this field to develop new products with superior accuracy and speed in delivery of medical supplies to the targeted location. These drones can be either operated manually or they can be strategically programmed for performing long-distance flights and following the designated route precisely. In addition, they also have several key benefits such as they don't require any landing space and can be programmed to drop the supplies by flying near to the ground. Further, the impressive capability of these drones to make a flight over the closed zones and that too without any requirement of crew is the key reason for their high demand. Some other major benefits include, transporting blood samples or other lab samples to remote and small hospitals and clinics; medical support or telemedicine including, drugs, diagnostics, or key medical tools that include, portable ultrasound to remote locations or tough military terrain. Apart from this, this technology also offer benefits such as medical supplies that include, anti-venom or vaccines to the disease exposed or disaster relief regions, providing medical supplies and prescriptions to people who are hard to reach such as those at home or at sea. Moreover, providing defibrillators to patients suffering from cardiac arrest and offering organs required for transplantation are some major applications of medical drones. Market participants such as Zipline, DJI, DHL, TUDelft, Flirtey, Embention, Matternet, Vayu, and EHang are some of the key players operating in the global market. Zipline drones, the frontrunner in the market, have cumulatively flown more than 1 million kilometres in Rwanda with more than 13 thousand deliveries. In the outskirts of Kigali, drones carried 35% of blood samples to be transfused. The Ghana the company is also started delivering COVID-19 testing kits. Players in the market have primarily adopted partnership strategy to strengthen their position in the global market. For instance, in June 2020, TechEagle has partnered with Zomato to boost the delivery of medical supplies via drones all across the regions in India that are facing floods and due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. The UK based research firm Nesta in its report titled "Flying High" in collaboration with NHS discussed the possibilities of rapid transportation of medical necessities in between the UK hospitals based in London. This move could bring faster delivery, reliable cost cutting, and improved timely patient care, even to the accident areas. It is being estimated that the use of medical drones could result in saving USD 21 billion in the annual cost to the country's economy. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 1.1. Report Description 1.1.1. Objectives of the Study 1.1.2. Market Scope 1.1.3. Assumptions 1.2. Stakeholders 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Market Highlights 3. Research Methodology 3.1. Overview 3.1.1. Data Mining 3.2. Data End Uses 3.2.1. Primary End Uses 3.2.2. Secondary End Uses 4. Medical Drones Market Insights 4.1. Medical Drones - Industry snapshot 4.2. Medical Drones Market Dynamics 4.2.1. Drivers and Opportunities 4.2.1.1. Surge in medical costs 4.2.1.2. Healthcare delivery at the remote areas 4.2.2. Restraints and Challenges 4.2.2.1. Operational issues 4.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.4. PESTLE Analysis 4.5. Medical Drones Market Industry trends 5. Medical Drones Market Assessment by Drone Type 5.1. Key Findings 5.2. Introduction 5.3. Fixed Wing 5.4. Rotor Drone 5.5. Hybrid Drones 6. Global Medical Drones Market, by Application 6.1. Key Findings 6.2. Introduction 6.3. Blood Transfer 6.4. Drugs/Pharmaceutical Transfer 6.5. Vaccination Programs 7. Medical Drones Market Assessment by End Use 7.1. Key Findings 7.2. Introduction 7.3. Emergency Medical Services 7.4. Government Organizations 7.5. Blood Banks 8. Medical Drones Market Assessment by Geography 8.1. Key findings 8.2. Introduction 8.2.1. Medical Drones Market Assessment, By Geography, 2016-2027 (USD Million) 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1. Expansion and Acquisition Analysis 9.1.1. Expansion 9.1.2. Acquisition Analysis 9.2. Partnerships/Collaborations/Agreements/Exhibitions 10. Company Profiles Zipline Vayu Matternet Flirtey Embention DJI DHL For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wve95h 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 Advertisement She won Best Actress in a Drama Series at the Golden Globes on Sunday evening. Yet, Emma Corrin, 25, looked underwhelmed the following day as she donned a hoodie and pair of shades to pick up a coffee and snacks, in North London on Monday. In stark contrast to her glamorous award-ceremony attire, the Crown star cut a very casual figure for her outing, keeping her hood up and her head down. PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: On Monday, Emma Corrin , 25, opted for a very low-key look in a hoodie and a pair of shades as she stepped out to pick up a coffee and some snacks, in North London Beneath her light grey outer layer, the Grantchester actress wore a sage coloured silk blouse. Emma strolled along in navy trousers as she pounded the pavement in a black pair of brogues, with her grey socks pulled up high. Going make-up free while popping to the shops, her eyes were shielded with black-out shades while her blonde tresses could be seen poking out beneath her hood. Keeping it real: In stark contrast to her glamorous award-ceremony attire, the Crown star cut casual figure for her outing, keeping her hood up and her head down The night before: The Crown's Emma Corrin won the award for Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 2021 Golden Globes, on Sunday evening Mishmash: Emma strolled along in navy trousers as she pounded the pavement in a black pair of brogues, with her grey socks pulled up high Sore head? The Golden Globe winner ensured her sunglasses remained in place Time to refuel! Emma opted for what looked to be a toastie to go with her coffee Emma paid tribute to Princess Diana on Sunday evening, after winning the Best Actress in a TV Drama Series at the 2021 Golden Globes. The British star plays the late Royal in the fourth series of the Netflix drama, in a role which has won her widespread critical acclaim. An emotional Emma said Diana - who died after a car crash in Paris in 1997 - had taught her 'compassion and empathy beyond measure' as she accepted the award, on a night dominated by The Crown. In a hurry? Emma appeared anxious to collect her coffee as she rushed along the pavement with the sleeves of her hoodie pulled down over her hands Superstar: Although Emma stepped out without wearing make-up, and largely covered up, she was instantly recognisable Low-key: The actress appeared keen to remain incognito during her outing Emma appeared virtually at the ceremony and was left almost speechless when her name was announced, as costar Olivia Coleman cheered her on. The star first thanked her 'incredible cast' and her 'Prince Charming' Josh O'Connor, saying: 'I could not have done this without you,' before praising Princess Diana. 'Most of all, thank you so much to Diana,' Emma said, with her eyes raised to the sky. 'You have taught me compassion and empathy beyond any measure that I could ever imagine,' she added, 'and on behalf of everyone who remembers you so fondly and passionately, thank you.' Coffee and carbs? Emma appeared to have opted for coffee and carbs Breathe it all in: Emma took in some fresh air as she walked through North London to pick up her supplies Chronicled: The British star plays the late Royal in the fourth series of the Netflix drama, in a role which has won her widespread critical acclaim (Diana is pictured in 1997) Emma beat costar Olivia Colman, Killing Eve's Jodie Comer, Ozark's Laura Linney and Ratched's Sarah Paulson in the best actress in a TV drama category. After Emma's name was announced, Olivia was cheering for her and stood up to give her a round of applause. Brits dominated the night as The Crown came away with multiple awards during the night, including Best Actor in a TV Series which went to Josh O'Connor, 30, who plays Prince Charles to Emma's Lady Di. As the night progressed, The Crown - which chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times - swept the board as it also picked up Best Drama Series. The show won the same accolade in 2017. Big night! Emma appeared virtually at the Golden Globes ceremony and was left almost speechless when her name was announced A star is born: Emma beat costar Olivia Colman, Killing Eve's Jodie Comer, Ozark's Laura Linney and Ratched's Sarah Paulson in the best actress in a TV drama category Winning duo: Season four of The Crown follows the beginning of Prince Charles' relationship with Princess Diana (above with fellow Golden Globe winner Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles) Following that, Gillian Anderson, who portrays former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the drama, scooped Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series. Season four of The Crown follows the beginning of Prince Charles' relationship with Princess Diana. Emma later opened up to Extra's Rachel Lindsay about her reaction to Prince Harry's recent interview with James Corden, where he revealed he watches the show. Prince Harry showed his loyalty to Netflix, with whom he has a multi-million pound contract, and defended The Crown, despite the show facing widespread criticism over its 'twisted' depiction of the Royal Family. Effortless: The actress' low-key attire was a distinct contrast to her uber stylish ensemble from the night before On a mission: Emma looked like a woman on a mission as she walked with intent Speaking with James Corden, the Duke of Sussex, 36, gave his seal of approval to the Netflix show, which portrays his father Prince Charles as callous and self-serving and his grandmother the Queen as cold. The fourth series of The Crown which premiered last November, showed Charles meeting and marrying an innocent Diana while maintaining his affair with the then-married Camilla Parker-Bowles. Scenes showing Diana gorging on food before vomiting into a toilet are so graphic that they carry on-screen warnings. He's a viewer: An emotional Emma also revealed she felt 'moved' by Prince Harry 's revelation that he watches The Crown during his recent appearance on James Corden 's The Late Late Show (pictured together above) Delving into it: Emma later opened up to Extra's Rachel Lindsay about her reaction to Prince Harry's recent interview with James Corden, where he revealed he watches the show Overnight success: Emma has been thrust into the limelight following her casting as Princess Diana in The Crown Prince Harry - who also name-dropped Netflix elsewhere in the interview - said The Crown is 'fictional' but is 'loosely based on the truth' and captures the feeling of being expected to put 'duty and service above family and everything else'. Harry added he would like Homeland actor Damian Lewis to play him if his character ever appears on the show as an adult. 'They don't pretend to be news, it's fictional,' Prince Harry said of The Crown. 'But it's loosely based on the truth. Huge news: Prince Harry has said The Crown is 'fictional' but is 'loosely based on the truth' What's next? As Emma recovers from her Golden Globes win, the question on everyone's lips is 'what will she do next?' 'Of course it's not strictly accurate but it loosely it gives you a rough idea of that lifestyle and the pressures of putting duty and service above family and everything else and what can come from that. 'I'm way more comfortable about The Crown than the stories I see written about my family, my wife or myself. 'Because it's the difference between that's [the fact] obviously fiction, take it how you will but this is reported on as fact because you're supposedly news.' Emma said, 'That really moved me in a way that I wasn't really expecting.' Girl done good: Tunbridge Wells born Emma attended an all-girls boarding school, where she developed her interest in acting and dance Where did she come from? Emma began her career with a role in Cesare before appearing in Grantchester and Pennyworth ahead of her breakout role in The Crown She continued, 'When we're making a show, we're researching a show, on the one hand obviously we're dealing with real people whose lives inform the characters that we then form. 'But on the other hand it's intensely fictional, so actually when you're doing a job it doesn't find it so far removed from the real person and the people who are still alive 'It's not something I ever felt I needed him to address or needed anyone to address, but actually hearing him say it, I'm glad that he enjoyed it, I feel moved and grateful for those words.' Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Union County has named Mariel S. Hufnagel of Eatontown executive director. The nonprofit recruits, trains, supervises and supports community volunteers to advocate for abused, neglected and abandoned Union County children placed in foster care or residential facilities and awaiting a safe and permanent home. The board and staff consider ourselves fortunate to have found a leader with such deep passion for and commitment to children living in foster care, said Dr. Ron Silver, president of the CASA of Union County Board of Trustees. Combined with her prior post as a nonprofit executive director, numerous leadership certifications and her doctorate degree underway, Mariel is well-positioned to lead CASA of Union County into its most bright and meaningful future yet. Additionally, she brings personal experience as a foster parent; an invaluable perspective as she ushers the board and staff in continuing to advance CASAs mission. We look forward to working with her. Previously executive director of the Ammon Foundation, Hufnagel led and facilitated its vision, mission and strategic plan to empower individuals in addiction recovery by combating stigma and providing strategic support to remove barriers and enable personal success. She also is a former advocacy organizer for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-New Jersey (NCADD-NJ). Hufnagel holds bachelors and masters degrees in public administration from Kean University, and is completing her doctorate in organizational leadership from Adler University. In addition, her experience as a foster parent provides an insiders perspective as the organization continues its work to ensure every foster youth has an advocate a consistent, caring adult presence in their corner. I am truly honored to have been entrusted by the Board of Trustees to lead CASA of Union County, an organization whose mission epitomizes my personal and professional commitment to ensuring that the voiceless have voices, Hufnagel said. There is no more vulnerable population in Union County than its foster youth. I look forward to working closely with the incredibly hard-working staff, our tireless advocates and all of our community partners. Together, we will ensure the next level of growth for CASA of Union County by continuing tenacious recruiting, vetting, training and supporting of volunteer advocates while exploring and implementing strategic and innovative community partnerships and initiatives. Through court-ordered access to foster parents, doctors, caseworkers, therapists and teachers, CASA volunteers ensure the best interests of foster youth remain priority as all parties work toward establishing a safe, stable and permanent home. For details on becoming an advocate or other ways to get involved, contact Walia Worrill at wworrill@casaofunioncounty.org. In this second episode of Catalysts Mars special, astrophysicist Professor Tamara Davis and astronomer Greg Quicke explore a question weve longed to answer is there life on Mars? For as long as weve admired the red planet in our skies, weve been inspired to imagine what might live there. But even after decades of space exploration, weve not found any signs of life. So why do we still think that it could exist there? Tamara and Greg each set out to discover why we believe we can find life on Mars. While Tamara visits our iconic Great Barrier Reef to see the conditions required for life to exist, Greg journeys to the countys west, to the rusty red Pilbara desert, a very Martian- looking landscape. The ancient Pilbara has been gaining the attention of scientists for the clues it offers in how life on Earth and potential life on Mars might have begun. As a new generation of spacecraft launch in a renewed effort to find life on Mars, Tamara meets the Australian space mission scientist who helped build NASAs most capable rover yet. They take a virtual trip to the red planets surface, to the site the rover will explore in unprecedented detail, looking for signs of life. At an ancient crater site near the notorious Nullabor Plain, Greg goes looking for a type of lifeform thats challenging perceptions about what life requires to exist and Tamara meets an Australian involved in an exciting new discovery of the first body of liquid water ever detected on Mars. Production credits: Producer: Amy Sherden; Director: Amy Sherden, Anna Jeffries, Lisa Dupenois; Associate Producer: Alice Goodman; Executive Producer: Penny Palmer; Head of Factual and Culture: Jen Collins. 8:30pm Tuesday on ABC. Related Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 should overhaul nuclear phase-out policy The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has decided to extend the expiration period of a building plan for two new nuclear reactors by two years until the end of 2023. Yet the decision is seen as an expedient measure to evade responsibility for President Moon Jae-in's controversial nuclear phase-out policy. The extension came Monday, just five days before the authorized construction period for the Shinhanul 3 and 4 reactors in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, expired. It was made at the request of the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) which obtained the building license for the reactors in February 2017 under the Park Geun-hye administration. The construction of the nuclear reactors, however, was suspended in December 2017 under the phase-out policy of President Moon who took office in May that year after Park's impeachment and subsequent imprisonment for corruption. If the construction period expired as initially scheduled, there would arise a set of problems, including damage compensation suits from contractors as well as a potential backlash from the nuclear power industry and people advocating for atomic energy use. The decision is apparently aimed at avoiding potential damage suits from Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction and other contractors which have so far spent 780 billion won ($704 million) on the two-reactor project. If the project is cancelled, the KHNP will face a two-year ban on other power generation projects, including those related to solar and wind energy. The utility operator has managed to avoid the ban with the extended building period. The government, for its part, has only tried to avoid a backlash from both advocates and opponents of nuclear power generation. But it cannot evade criticism for passing the buck on to the next government as Moon's presidency will end in May 2022. Now the administration should overhaul its nuclear phase-out policy which has touched off a controversy over Moon's unilateral drive to shut down existing reactors and stop building new ones. His policy has been attacked for being too idealistic and based on left-leaning ideology. No one would oppose such a policy if it was possible to immediately replace nuclear power with other energy sources such as solar and wind power. As critics point out, it is still too early to wean Korea, a country with no oil and gas deposits, off nuclear energy. The nation still has a long way to go before it can fully harness renewables, and so it is realistic to maintain nuclear reactors to reduce its heavy dependence on electricity generated by coal and other dirty fossil fuels. They are also necessary to meet the government's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. More worrisome is that the Moon administration has ignored growing calls from nuclear experts, industrialists and the public for an overhaul of its energy policy to keep the nuclear energy sector going. In fact, the country has successfully developed nuclear reactors and gained a reputation for the safe operation of nuclear power plants. It showed its technology prowess by building a plant in the United Arab Emirates. It is difficult to understand why the government is trying to undo all this success. Shahbaz is dead. I received the shocking news 10 years ago this week, as I stared out my kitchen window into a cold March morning. Shahbaz Bhatti was known worldwide as a courageous Christian voice for religious freedom in Pakistan. And I knew him as my friend. Shahbaz lived an exemplary life, daily demonstrating heroic love of neighbor, speaking out for victimized religious groups in his home country. The only Christian in the Pakistani prime ministers cabinet, he did not shy away from denouncing persecution. For this, the forces of darkness assassinated him on March 2, 2011, hoping to silence him and terrify others. The question for those of us who remain: How do we carry on his legacy? Pakistan was and is a dangerous country for Christians and other religious minorities. Government laws victimize, and violent religious extremists strike with impunity. Open Doors ranks it the fifth worst country in the world for Christians. Ten years ago, it was equally dismal. Yet Shahbaz tirelessly advocated for the persecuted, be they his fellow Christians or members of other communities such as Hindus, Ahmadi Muslims, Shia Muslims, atheists, or Sunni Muslims standing up to extremists. He was fearless, speaking out on their behalf, carrying his small candle into dark places to shine a light. Politically savvy, Shahbaz was appointed by then-President Ali Zardari to his cabinet, making him the only Christian federal official at the time. When Asia Bibi was sentenced to death in November 2010 over bogus blasphemy charges, Shahbaz threw himself into her cause. Advocating at every level for her release, he also worked with officials from around the world. I and others like Rep. Frank Wolf connected him with key people in Washington a month before his assassination. Shahbaz met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Samantha Power at the National Security Council, as well as with members of Congress. Shahbaz was making a difference. The forces of intolerance also noticed his effectiveness. He told me about increasing death threats. Image: Courtesy of Peter Bhatti The gravity of the situation became evident after Salman Taseer, the chief minister of the Punjab province and an ally in advocating for Asia Bibi, was murdered by his bodyguard in January 2011. Shahbaz was increasingly alone. When we spoke, his voice betrayed his fear. If radicals could knock off a high-profile Muslim governor, then they could murder him as well. Yet the last time Shahbaz called in late February, he was upbeat, hopeful for reform. Zardari had reappointed him to the cabinet, something he called a miracle. Shahbaz had new ideas for amending the notorious blasphemy law. It was the Shahbaz I loved and respected. Bold, optimistic, fearless. All just before the unthinkable. Days later, the Pakistani Taliban would ambush him outside his mothers home, killing him in a barrage of bullets under a cold drizzle of rain. As the shockwave traveled around the world, President Barack Obama issued a statement, as did other world leaders, condemning the assassination. However, accountability for the killers would never come. Shahbaz knew this was likely. In a recorded statement before his death, he explained what he confronted: The forces of violence, militant banned organizations, the Taliban and pro-al Qaeda, they want to impose their radical philosophy in Pakistan. And whoever stands against their radical philosophy, they threaten them. He continued, When Im leading this campaign against sharia law, and for the abolishment of the blasphemy law, and speaking for the oppressed and marginalized persecuted Christians and other minorities, these Taliban threaten me. Yet knowing these risks, Shahbaz held an eternal perspective. He declared, I want to share that I believe in Jesus Christ, who has given his own life for us. I know what is the meaning of the Cross, and Im following the Cross. Article continues below In hauntingly prescient words, he concluded, Im ready to die for the cause. Im living for my community of suffering people, and I will die to defend their rights. So, these threats and these warnings cannot change my opinion and principles. I prefer to die for my principles and for the justice of my community rather than to compromise on these threats. Braver words were never spoken. I learned much from Shahbaz about effective advocacy: Be smart. Understand the situation. Dont fire off half-baked statements or exaggerate by calling every problem persecution. Keep the well-being of the victim in mind. The Hippocratic oath applies to human rights work: Do no harm. Work in coalition. Shahbaz brought together Christians of all denominations and members of other faiths in a joint effort. He also reached across political and geographical boundaries to find allies. Be bold and speak out for all. Proverbs 31:8 declares, Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Shahbaz lived this admonition, bravely fighting for persecuted Christians and members of other religions. Ground every effort in unshakable faith in God. So, what now, a decade after his murder? Pakistan continues its slide toward radicalization. It took almost a decade to see Asia Bibi set free. Blasphemy cases continue to pile up, with other unknown soulsboth Christian and Muslimexperiencing a similar hell. Pakistan has the dubious distinction of jailing more people for blasphemy than the rest of the world combined. The forced conversion and marriage of Hindu and Christian girls is routine, a euphemism for physical and spiritual rape. The government does little to stop these abuses. Seeing progress in Pakistan will require sustained engagement and dedication. Intolerant forces are pulling the country further toward extremism and radicalization, which will increase human rights abuses for Muslims and Christians and other non-Muslims alike. Coordinated and continuous efforts by governments, civil society, and religious leaders can begin to move the needle. Sometimes, speaking out publicly will best help. At other moments, working behind the scenes will be the wise route. Reform will take years. Yet we cannot ignore these trends because it is hard; we must press ahead because at stake are millions of lives. In response, the United States, along with Canada, Europe, and the United Nations, must press reforms, incorporating human rights into interconnected concerns regarding terrorism, security, and violent extremism. Bilateral consequences like sanctions should follow inaction and increased persecution. And how should the church respond? We best honor Shahbazs sacrifice by following his example of advocating for the persecuted, both Christians and those from other faiths. The Bible overflows with calls to help our fellow man. Micah 6:8 declares, He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. The call to seek justice is universal, not time bound or limited by geography. Jesus built on this foundation in his parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. As we remember, the hero was the third person who came along, the Samaritan, who rescued the injured traveler. Jesus naming a Samaritan as the hero was an astonishing twist for the listeners of the day. Jews and Samaritans hated each other. Samaritans were the ultimate other, considered religiously and ethnically different. The hero ignored these barriers to help another suffering human being. Article continues below Jesus concluded by stating, Go and do likewise (v. 37). This heroic love of neighbor calls on Christians to fight for human rights and assist the suffering. We must follow the Samaritans example and the example Shahbaz modeled. While most of us cannot go to Pakistan, we can support involved groups financially and through prayer. Shahbazs brother Peter runs an NGO in Canada assisting persecuted Pakistani Christians. Other organizations such as CSW (formally Christian Solidarity Worldwide), the Stefanus Alliance International, and the Institute for Global Engagement (where I work) fight for religious freedom for all, out of Christian conviction. You can educate yourself on this human right and how to advocate effectively for it. You can learn more about Shahbaz during the virtual commemoration service on March 2. It is rare to meet someone willing to sacrifice everything for a cause, a person who knowingly faces death out of obedience to Gods call to help others. With Shahbazs martyrdom 10 years ago, we lost a hero in the cause of religious freedom. Compared to his saintly efforts, the work of mere mortals like myself feels inadequate and inconsequential. Yet what we do matters. Our humble contributions can make a difference. During Lent, we should ask God to reveal where we can act, either locally or supporting groups abroad, so we can begin a journey toward positive impact. Through our own advocacy, we best honor Shahbazs legacy by shining a light into the dark. Knox Thames served as the State Department Special Advisor for Religious Minorities under both the Obama and Trump administrations. He is currently a senior fellow at the Institute for Global Engagement and is writing a book on 21st-century strategies to combat religious persecution. You can follow him on Twitter @KnoxThames. As part of the Covid-19 economic recovery, Visa is making great strides towards its goal to help eight million small businesses across Europe to adapt and take advantage of digital commerce. Visa (NYSE: V) today announced more than 100 partners across Europe have joined the Where You Shop Matters initiative to help small business owners build digital capabilities and continue serving their communities. More than two million small firms across Europe have received support since the launch of the program in summer 2020. The announcement marks a major milestone in Visa's commitment to help eight million small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) in Europe and 50 million globally to get online, adapt and future proof their business. Across Europe, Covid-19 continues to have a devastating impact on small businesses. Research conducted by Visa revealed that 65% of small businesses are concerned about the future of their business.1 With many having to operate under restrictions and lockdowns, small businesses are increasingly moving their operations online and embracing digital payments. Visa data shows that over 10 countries in Europe have seen a 20% increase in online sales and eight in ten transactions are now contactless. Hemlata Narasimhan, SVP, Merchant Sales and Acquiring Europe at Visa said: "Small businesses play a crucial role in our communities and many continue to operate under challenging conditions brought on by Covid-19. We continue to be inspired by the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit many small business owners have shown, adapting how they do business to keep serving their customers. "We are proud that over two million small businesses have been able to benefit from our partner initiatives. We remain committed to continue working with our clients and partners towards an economic recovery that keeps small businesses at the heart of our communities." Since announcing its commitment to support eight million small businesses across Europe in their digital transformation journey, Visa has joined forces with banks, governments, commerce platforms and technology partners to digitally enable small businesses. Highlights include: Public Private Partnerships: In the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, Visa is working with governments to provide small business access to contactless acceptance terminals and software free of charge for the first 12 months. Governments in 29 countries have responded and raised the contactless limit to make it easier to for consumers to pay touch free. In the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, Visa is working with governments to provide small business access to contactless acceptance terminals and software free of charge for the first 12 months. Governments in 29 countries have responded and raised the contactless limit to make it easier to for consumers to pay touch free. New acceptance technology: 'Tap-to-Phone', a new Visa technology that transforms mobile devices into payment terminals, is helping thousands of small business owners to accept digital payments in the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia Turkey, Ukraine and the UK. 'Tap-to-Phone', a new Visa technology that transforms mobile devices into payment terminals, is helping thousands of small business owners to accept digital payments in the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia Turkey, Ukraine and the UK. New online tools: Setting up a business online can be a daunting task. Visa is working with online platforms and digital marketplaces so that small stores can set up an online presence with minimal cost and hassle. These programmes have been launched in several countries across Europe supporting thousands of local businesses. Visa has also expanded its Practical Business Skills platform, a global digital platform delivering free education resources to help small and micro business (SMB) owners make confident, informed decisions to grow their businesses through expanded digital transformation. Setting up a business online can be a daunting task. Visa is working with online platforms and digital marketplaces so that small stores can set up an online presence with minimal cost and hassle. These programmes have been launched in several countries across Europe supporting thousands of local businesses. Visa has also expanded its Practical Business Skills platform, a global digital platform delivering free education resources to help small and micro business (SMB) owners make confident, informed decisions to grow their businesses through expanded digital transformation. New banking tools: Small firms are also turning to digital banking tools to help manage their finances during a critical time for their business. In partnership with banks and FinTechs across Europe, Visa has over 30 new business card programmes that help small firms better manage their cashflow and purchasing, while offering access to innovative, new business banking tools. Small firms are also turning to digital banking tools to help manage their finances during a critical time for their business. In partnership with banks and FinTechs across Europe, Visa has over 30 new business card programmes that help small firms better manage their cashflow and purchasing, while offering access to innovative, new business banking tools. Community Engagement: Visa has expanded its Where You Shop Matters campaign, calling on consumers to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities. Examples of local campaigns to galvanise support for local shops include Champion Green (Ireland), Smart SME (Turkey) and Fiver Fest (UK). Over 100 programmes have launched supported by industry partners including Alpha Bank, Akbank, Axerve, Banca Sella, Banco Santander, BeeDigital, CEC Bank, the Co-Operative bank, Clickandcollection.com, Fiserv, Fruugo, iCard- myPOS, Israel Credit Cards, Juni, National Bank of Greece, Tyl by NatWest, Nexi, Orderbird, Oma Savings Bank Plc, Payplug, Piraeus Bank, ShopAppy.com, Shopify, Viva Wallet, WorldLine amongst others. These initiatives have helped provide more than two million small firms with the tools, capabilities and resources to adapt, trade online and meet consumer demand for digital payments. "Banca Sella is actively committed in supporting SMBs in their digital journey, offering smart and effective solutions to allow them to scale their business to the next level thanks to digital payments," said Rosy Alaia, Head of Electronic Payment Systems, Banca Sella. "During the current pandemic we've seen a strong shift towards digital payments but is still plenty of opportunities for Italian small merchants to further improve their digital acceptance, matching new consumer trends and expectations of smart and alternative way to pay. We believe we can achieve this objective also thanks to the collaboration with partners like Visa." "Fiserv enables payments for millions of businesses across a wide range of sectors in Europe and globally, and we have seen firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled small businesses to seek out technology that enables them to operate in new, more digital ways," states Nigel Motyer, senior vice president of Global Business Solutions for Fiserv in EMEA. "Payments are an integral part of any small business, and we're proud to partner with companies like VISA to equip businesses to meet customers' demands for secure and convenient digital payment options." "For Worldline, specific customer insight and solid partnerships are key elements that ensure we continuously bring relevance and value to our merchants", says Roger Niederer, Chief Market Officer Merchant Services at Worldline. "Together with strategic partners, such as Visa, we can broaden and deepen the reach of electronic payments in a variety of markets and verticals, work on future-oriented omni-channel solutions and help increase the conversion of sales." Positive start but more work to be done With many economies in Europe beginning 2021 with further restrictions, Visa is enlisting the help of its network and calling on more partners to support its initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses with the aim of digitizing millions of small firms in this crucial period for recovery. For more information, please visit https://www.visa.co.uk/where-you-shop-matters.html About Visa Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world's leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company's relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device, for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit About Visa, visa.com/blog and @VisaNews. 1 Visa European SME Research in partnership with Dynata (January 2021) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005196/en/ Contacts: Jemma Magrath jemma.magrath@grayling.com The asset management arm of Zurich-based Credit Suisse said on Monday it has suspended redemptions from its $10 billion supply chain finance funds over concerns about the value of the funds' investments. In a note to investors, Credit Suisse Asset Management said that "a certain part of the subfunds' assets is currently subject to considerable uncertainties with respect to their accurate valuation". London-based Greensill Capital helps manage the supply chain finance funds, originating and processing the credits which go into the funds and helping to ... Just because the ceremony will be a socially-distanced affair doesn't mean that Hollywood's top stars won't have glam teams on deck. Kate Hudson and Kaley Cuoco led the star parade on social media who were documenting the preparations for the 78th Golden Globe Awards which also happens to be the first bi-coastal ceremony of all-time. Kate, 41, shared a selfie of herself in a white robe as her hair and make-up were being done by masked staff. Pucker up: Kate Hudson led the star parade on social media who were documenting the preparations for the 78th Golden Globe Awards which also happens to be the first bi-coastal ceremony of all-time Fun times: Kaley Cuoco, 35, certainly seemed to be enjoying some time away from the styling chair as she shared a video of herself dancing around Kaley, 35, certainly seemed to be enjoying some time away from the styling chair as she shared a video of herself dancing around. She had her signature blonde locks wrapped up in a white towel as she hilariously shuffled from side-to-side. The horse enthusiast also wore a long black T-shirt dress featuring a cartoon of the four-legged animal with 'mane attraction' emblazoned across the bottom of it. Joy: She had her signature blonde locks wrapped up in a white towel Moving and grooving: She hilariously shuffled from side-to-side Ride or die: The horse enthusiast also wore a long black T-shirt dress featuring a cartoon of the four-legged animal with 'mane attraction' emblazoned across the bottom of it The dancing did not stop there as Kaley later slipped into a white and black floral robe for another dancing video. The star of the Flight Attendant also got her glam squad in on the action as she had them join her for the impromptu moving and grooving session. Amanda Seyfried also took to Instagram to share her glam transformation as she munched on Girl Scout cookies. Good times: The dancing did not stop there as Kaley later slipped into a white and black floral robe Chill: She seemed to be having a blast Getting in on the action: The star of the Flight Attendant also got her glam squad in on the action as she had them join her for the impromptu moving and grooving session The past few years, celebrities have made waves on social media by making fun videos in an elevator at the InStyle Golden Globes after. However as there will be no event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the publication came up with a filter for stars to use on social media. Heidi Klum was one of the celebrities to utilize the filter as she got creative by jumping on a trampoline. Chill: Amanda Seyfried also took to Instagram to share her glam transformation as she munched on Girl Scout cookies Wow factor: Her hair was put in a fancy updo This year's ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Tradition: The past few years, celebrities have made waves on social media by making fun videos in an elevator at the InStyle Golden Globes after Change: However as there will be no event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the publication came up with a filter for stars to use on social media Clever: Heidi Klum was one of the celebrities to utilize the filter as she got creative by jumping on a trampoline Lots of fun: Heidi jumped up high Golden: Nicola Coughlan also joined in on the filter action Ready to go party: Kate Hudson was seen with a massive cheese tray Nominees will be tuning into the ceremony remotely but presenters have been asked to appear in person. The impressive list of presenters this year includes; Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Annie Mumolo, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig and Renee Zellweger, Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Margot Robbie, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Kate Hudson and Kenan Thompson. Satchel and Jackson Lee, children of three-time Golden Globe nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and producer/philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, are serving as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Stunning: Elle Fanning showed off her glamorous look on social media Shining star: She also shared a stunning snap which detailed her jewelry including dangling earrings Wow factor: Eiza Gonzalez donned a black gown Red-dy for her close-up: Sarah Hyland shared a stunning selfie ahead of the event Jane Fonda, 83, is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The acting icon has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in 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. Nominations were announced on February 3 with streaming giant Netflix receiving 42 nominations across film and television. Going green: Olivia Munn looked stunning in a self-taken video Wow factor: Olivia looked gorgeous as always David Fincher's Mank lead with six nominations across film, while The Crown also topped the TV categories with the same number of nominations. Netflix smash-hit Emily in Paris found itself as one of the more controversially nominated shows, landing a nomination for best TV series, musical or comedy. The shows star, Lily Collins, also got a nod for best actress. Much of the uproar surrounding the nomination stems from the snubbing of Michaela Coel, whose HBO drama I May Destroy You failed to land any nominations. A bit of the bubbly: Kyle Richards donned a white robe and towel wrapped around her head Making a splash: She also sipped on a glass of champagne Deborah Copaken, one of the writers of Emily in Paris, even spoke out to criticize the Hollywood Foreign Press for shunning Coel. Copaken tweeted that it was 'just wrong', and later expanded on her thoughts in an op-ed for the Guardian. 'Am I excited that Emily in Paris was nominated? Yes. Of course. I've never been remotely close to seeing a Golden Globe statue up close, let alone being nominated for one,' she wrote. 'But that excitement is now unfortunately tempered by my rage over Coel's snub. That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, its what is wrong with everything. 'We need art that reflects all of our colors, not just some. But we also need to give awards to shows (and music and films and plays and musicals) that deserve them, no matter the color of the skin of their creators,' she went on to write. Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020. Showing off his moves: Karamo Brown danced around on set as he is set to present on the red carpet Dapper: He proudly showed off his moves A violent and abusive father who orally raped his daughter and then claimed she was lying to get revenge on him, has lost an appeal against the severity of his sentence. The man also claimed that he couldn't have orally raped his daughter because she didn't notice plastic implants in his penis. In a ruling delivered on Monday, the Court of Appeal upheld the sentencing judge's finding that a single count of attempted rape was more serious than numerous counts of oral rape and warranted a 12-year headline sentence as opposed to the ten-year term imposed for the other offences. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, who wrote the judgement on behalf of the three-judge court, said an attempted penetration of the vagina can attract a more serious penalty than the actual penetration of the mouth. She added: "The headline sentence of 12 years for attempted rape was within the range of penalties open to the Sentencing Judge in the circumstances of this ongoing offending on his young daughter, against a background of familial violence and threats, and considering his sarcasm and taunts in the immediate aftermath of the attempt." It emerged during the trial that following the attempted rape the man taunted his daughter, saying he had taken "half your virginity". Ms Justice Gearty said the sentencing judge was well placed to gauge the impact of the attempted rape and its seriousness. There was, she said, no error in principle and therefore the appeal court refused to interfere in the sentence. The court also dismissed arguments by the man's lawyers that the trial judge did not give enough credit to their client for stopping the attempted rape. Ms Justice Gearty said the evidence was that he stopped when she screamed and pushed him away and that he then taunted her about her virginity. She added: "In those circumstances the argument has very little weight as the apparent mercy shown does not appear to have been due to any sympathy for his victim." She added that the fact the rape is not completed cannot logically be a mitigating factor in an attempted rape case. She also dismissed a suggestion that the trial judge should have given more weight to a letter of apology penned by the abuser in which he said he was sorry for the years of physical abuse his wife had suffered at his hands. Ms Justice Gearty pointed out that he did not apologise for sexually abusing his daughter and maintains his innocence in relation to those offences. She said: "The defence to the charges was that the victim had made up the allegations because she was angry about the violence meted out to her mother. To apologise for the physical violence in this context and seek anger management help is of minimal assistance in terms of mitigation, particularly when the violence had to be admitted as part of a defence strategy, namely, that the allegations were fabricated as revenge for that violence." She said his offer to undertake anger management and apologise for physical abuse, "does not begin to address the real problem here which is the repeated and serious sexual abuse of his own daughter." Ms Justice Gearty sat with President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice John Edwards. Background The 52-year-old was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of 22 counts of sexual abuse, oral rape, child sexual exploitation and attempted rape in the family's Dublin home on dates between October 2009 and July 2011, when the girl was aged between 13 and 15. On January 14, 2019, following conviction, Ms Justice Tara Burns sentenced him to 12 years in prison with the final six months suspended. Last year the man, who cannot be named to protect his daughter's identity, lost an appeal against his conviction. His legal team had argued that the case was "truly exceptional" by reason of the inconsistency between the presence of visible implants in the man's penis and his daughter's evidence that there was nothing visible there at the time of the offences. The Court of Appeal found that the obvious explanation was that the child, who was seeing a male adult penis for the first time in the stressful context of being abused, would not have known the difference between it and a penis which did not have such implants. Sentencing Passing sentence after the trial, Ms Justice Burns said the man had abused his daughter for his own sexual gratification in the atmosphere of fear and power he exercised in the house. In a victim impact statement, the then 22-year-old woman told the Central Criminal Court that she felt like her father killed her inside. I see his face and smile every time I look in the mirror. I look at myself and my body like I'm ashamed, she said. I see my father's face and feel his breath when I get intimate with a man, she continued. The woman said she was not scared of her father any more and turned to face her father in court to tell him: you made me feel I was worthless and you made me feel like it was my fault. You killed me inside and I will never forgive you for that. You didn't feel guilty and you didn't feel any remorse to me or the woman you abused for 20 years. I am no longer the powerless girl I once was, I got the justice I finally deserved. 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. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Soul of a Nation is a six-episode series that is billed as a show by Black people, for all people, about the Black experience in America. Episodes can be viewed on demand and on Hulu the day after airing on ABC. The show comes on the heels of the first installment of WLS 10-part Black & Powerful series about successful Black Chicagoans, which is available at abc7chicago.com and through the stations connected TV apps. gettyimagesbank By Kim Bo-eun Major conglomerates are scrambling to appoint female board members, before a revised capital market act goes into effect next year requiring large companies to have at least one woman on their boards. Given the lack of female senior executives at most companies, they are seeking to comply with the law by appointing outside board members. "We have had calls asking for data on female professionals," said Kim Sang-kyung, who heads the Korea Network of Women in Finance (KNWF). The organization seeks to foster female leaders in the finance sector and Kim has spearheaded movements for better female representation in the private sector. "Professors have served in outside director positions in many cases, but these days there is a high preference for professionals who have worked for corporations and also in the finance sector," she said. The revisions to the capital market act state that companies with assets exceeding 2 trillion won cannot have their boards comprised of a single gender. According to corporate tracker CEOScore, at 147 companies with assets exceeding 2 trillion won, women accounted for 5.1 percent of board members. Among the 147 firms, 68.7 percent did not have any female board members. Data from headhunting firm UnicoSearch shows women accounted for 7.9 percent of 441 board members at Korea's top 100 companies. It showed 70 out of the 100 firms did not have a single female board member. These companies are now tasked with appointing a female board member before their general shareholders' meetings in March next year. Major conglomerates are taking steps to have new female board members appointed at their shareholders' meetings this month. Hyundai Motor is seeking to have its first female board member approved at its shareholders' meeting to be held later this month. The company stated in a regulatory filing that the shareholders' meeting on March 24 will address the appointment of KAIST professor of aerospace engineering Lee Ji-yun as an outside director of the company. Hanwha Corporation is also seeking to appoint a female board member at its shareholders' meeting. The parent company of Hanwha Group stated in a filing that it is seeking to appoint Hankuk University of Foreign Studies professor Bak Sang-mee as an outside director of the company's board. LG Group said it is planning to appoint female board directors at its holding company as well as four of its affiliates. Kim of KNWF pointed out, however, that the regulation requiring a female board member does not penalize companies that do not follow suit. "Some companies may not comply by stating the lack of qualified professionals. Korea should also introduce a penalty, just like the State of California which fines firms that fail to comply with such regulations," she said. "It's important to ensure that moves to include a female board member are not delayed any further. Saying the pool of qualified individuals is limited is just an excuse for not making the effort to find untapped talent." KYODO NEWS - Mar 1, 2021 - 15:06 | World, All Over 30 people were injured as an anti-government protest in Thailand's capital Bangkok led to a clash between protesters and police on Sunday night, according to a medical center serving the area. More than 20 of the injured were police officers. Police said one male officer in his 40s died from a heart attack while on duty at the scene. On Sunday, over 1,200 mostly young protesters marched toward an army compound where Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha lives, calling for the release of protest leaders detained on various charges, including violations of the country's lese majeste law that makes it a crime to insult the monarchy. Riot police sought to block the marchers by using water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets. The protesters dispersed late Sunday. Protests comprising mostly young Thais erupted last year, calling for reform of the monarchy and constitutional changes as well as the resignation of Prayut and his government. The former army chief led a 2014 coup that toppled a civilian government. Related coverage: FOCUS: Monarchy rift pits new generation of Thais against staunch royalists Thai PM endorses charter rewrite as students march to German Embassy COLUMBUS, OhioThe head of the state agency overseeing Ohios beleaguered unemployment benefits program is departing, according to Gov. Mike DeWine. Kimberly Henderson, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, is moving to North Carolina this spring with her new husband, DeWine said during a televised briefing Monday. Starting March 8, Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, will become ODJFS interim director until a permanent replacement can be found, the governor said. Henderson will remain a senior adviser to Damschroder until April 30. Henderson, appointed ODJFS director by DeWine in 2019, has come under fire from state lawmakers and the public for Ohioans encountering widespread delays in getting unemployment benefits since the start of the coronavirus crisis last spring. Her department, like other state unemployment offices around the country, has also been targeted by scammers and paid hundreds of millions in benefits to claims suspected to be fraudulent. Henderson has repeatedly apologized for the delays, though she has said her agency has done the best it can to handle an unprecedented number of claims using a 15-year-old computer system, changes in federal policy, and other issues. Besides handling unemployment benefits, ODJFS also oversees the states foster-care and adoption systems, food-stamp program, adult protective services, and job-training efforts, among other things. The departments current annual budget is $4.1 billion, though more than 70% of that money comes from the federal government. Before serving as ODJFS director, Henderson was senior vice president of administration and general counsel at Columbus State Community College. Before that, she was deputy chief counsel for DeWine when he was state attorney general. Henderson, speaking during the briefing, said its truly been an honor to serve in DeWines cabinet. Im headed to North Carolina in May, but Ohio will always be my home, she said. The governor thanked her for her service, adding, Were very grateful. DeWine has also brought several private-sector executives from the banking and insurance industries to help improve the states unemployment call centers, claims processing, and fraud-detection efforts. The governor said he plans to have those executives participate in a briefing in the next few days to discuss what theyve been able to accomplish. Read more Ohio politics and government stories: Ohio once again gets high marks in magazines economic development rankings Ohio private employers will soon pay less in workers comp premiums Former Donald Trump aide Max Miller announces GOP primary bid against U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez claiming endorsement from Trump Ohio lawmakers scrambling to change standardized testing deadlines weeks before they begin Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost asks Supreme Court to suspend indicted Cleveland Councilman Ken Johnson As much as we might admire Pfleger for his contributions to the African American community, no one should automatically presume that in this case, the abuse did not occur, any more than we should presume that it did. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Madame Vaillant Couturier revealed the conditions under which French women existed while interned; 49 of the 230 French women sent to Auschwitz survived. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection. As a survivor of the Holocaust, the opportunity to help Stanford finance this project is a great personal honor, said Tad Taube, Chairman of Taube Philanthropies. In pursuit of the common goal of dissemination and long-term preservation of the archives of the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal, Stanford Libraries has been authorized by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to manage long-term digital preservation and online hosting with significant scholarly functions for records of the war crimes trial conducted at Nuremberg in 1945 and 1946. The archives were entrusted to the ICJ by a decision of the Tribunal in 1946. In partnership with the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Stanford Libraries will develop this collection to provide a unique multimedia research and educational resource for scholars, students, the public, and posterity. Support from Taube Philanthropies to Stanford will provide funds for the hosting program and establish an endowment to ensure the archive is maintained and remains secure in the Stanford Digital Archive, where it will be known as the Taube Archive of the International Military Tribunal of Nuremberg. The convictions and other decisions arising from the International Military Tribunal (IMT) conducted at Nuremberg in 1945 and 1946 represent the first application of the principle that individuals, including heads of state, can be held criminally accountable for international crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. This development signaled a significant shift in international law and provides the foundation on which all the current international tribunals have been created. The Nuremberg principles gave rise to a new era of human rights and international justice that continues until today. The creation of this Nuremberg archival collection at Stanford will provide an innovative digital platform of transformative global importance for researchers, students, and educators. For the first time, all of the Nuremberg IMT documentation, including film, audio recordings, photographs, and all of the massive body of records, transcripts, evidence, minutes of meetings, and other documents, will be hosted online in one location. Moreover, the innovative platforms of the Stanford Libraries will ensure easy accessibility. David Cohen, director of the Center for Human Rights and International Justice and a leading expert on the post WWII trials, states that, Making this resource broadly available represents an extraordinary opportunity. Through our partnership with the Stanford Libraries, we will work together to ensure that the design of the resource will include scholarly functionalities that will enable the fullest utilization of this remarkable resource. Without doubt, modern history is dominated by the second World War and by the horrors of the Holocaust. The International Military Tribunal conducted in Nuremberg in 1945 and 1946 reflects much of the Holocaust history, ranking it among the most important of 20th century records. Being given responsibility to make the IMT digital archive into a high-functioning, public website is for Stanford an enormous honor and a great responsibility. As a survivor of the Holocaust, the opportunity to help Stanford finance this project is a great personal honor, said Tad Taube, Chairman of Taube Philanthropies. Improving access and preservation of records from international war tribunals has been an ongoing effort between Stanford Libraries and the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice. In 2018, Stanford launched the Virtual Tribunals Digital Collection making records from 105 cases investigated by the Special Panel for Serious Crimes in East Timor widely accessible. The Taube IMT Archive program is a groundbreaking expansion of this initial pilot effort, which has been designed to enable cutting edge cross-tribunal research in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, said Cohen. While selected materials from the IMT are already available online, Michael Keller, vice provost and university librarian at Stanford, notes, they are scattered in the holdings of many institutions, which makes access difficult, and they do not include important scholarly functions, such as comparison of documents, annotation of pages and images of trial proceedings, links to related websites, and sharing of scholarly annotations. This program would not have been possible without the significant support of Tad Taube and Shana Penn of the Taube Philanthropies. The Nuremberg digital archive site we are developing will present the original, unpublished, and complete official record of the IMT Trial, said Keller. Academic use of the digital IMT Archive is expected to be robust, but Keller believes, the truths and principles that it contains will inform broader humanitarian purposes and will combat misinformation, inspire human rights movements, and create trust in justice. The Taube IMT Digital Archive project undertaken by the Stanford Libraries will make a significant contribution to the international communitys cooperative efforts to ensure the long-term preservation of the archives. In 2010, the ICJ arranged for the paper documents to be de-acidified and digitized. Over the last several years, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, and the Memorial de la Shoah in Paris funded and provided technical advice for the digitization of the film, microfilm, and gramophone disc components of the archives. The digital surrogates received from the International Court of Justice, and other partners will be ingested for long-term preservation into the Stanford Digital Repository (SDR), a secure, sustainable, scalable environment for digital content of enduring value. In production since 2006, SDR contents currently include nearly 2 million objects and over a petabyte of unique content, including books, images, archival manuscripts, theses, dissertations, articles, software, data sets, geospatial resources, audio, moving images, games, web sites, 3D models, and more. The Stanford Libraries will build upon the open-source software platforms ArcLight and Spotlight to present the digital facsimiles of the original record of the trials in their archival context, with state-of-the-art features for searching, browsing and display. As an academic library, it is our role to ensure that the pathways to discovery for these records are well organized and accessible, so these accounts of pivotal historical events are never suppressed or lost and are open for study and understanding, said Keller. To implement that vision, the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice is committed to working with the Stanford Libraries to develop educational, scholarly, and public initiatives to take advantage of the full potential of the collection, said Cohen. About Taube Philanthropies Dedicated to the principles of a democratic society, including open economic enterprise, self-reliance, freedom of inquiry, and limited government, Taube Philanthropies works to ensure that free citizens will have full opportunity for advancement of their goals and dreams, by supporting programs in the San Francisco Bay Area, Poland, and Israel. Areas of concentration include education and scholarship, Jewish cultural renewal and heritage preservation, institution and community building, and public policy initiatives oriented to preserve American principles and Jewish Peoplehood. About The Stanford Libraries The Stanford Libraries have been described by commentators as an innovation juggernaut in service to scholarship, teaching, and learning at Stanford. Anticipating the needs and interests of todays and tomorrows scholars is at the core of how Stanford Libraries collect and develop collections in all formats and genres, build digital research tools, and offer deeply informed services. The Stanford Libraries position as a launchpad to spark curiosity, elevate knowledge and transform scholarship is meant to support the Stanford community as well as to serve as a model to other similar institutions. After months of recon, one takeout rule holds true: When it comes to delivery-friendly foods, pizza and Chinese still reign. Enter Lazy Susan, the Chinese-American restaurant that seemed to pop up in Hayes Valley overnight, with a former Mister Jiu's sous chef churning out bowls of chewy chow mein noodles and steaming platters of orange chicken that was still crunchy upon arrival at our doorstep. When San Francisco's performing arts eventually do reopen IRL, Lazy Susan, on Fell Street near the corner of Franklin, will be ideally situated for quick dinners pre-show in the vicinity of Civic Center. Until then, consider it a gift from the to-go food gods. (Photography by Sarah Chorey) The orange chicken with sun-dried mandarin peels has a gluten-free batter with long-lasting crunch. The restaurant's offerings are delightfully effortless, intentionally un-fancy, not over-thought. The goal here: to remake classic dishes really, really well. "We designed Lazy Susan to serve favorite Chinese-American dishes without compromising on taste, convenience, and how we live today," says founder Hanson Li. Lialso the founder of Salt Partners, the same restaurant investment group behind Crenn Dining Group, Horsefeather, and Humphry Slocombewanted to create an accessible, dependable, modern version of the 100-year-old iconic cuisine whose dishes are as American, even more so, than Chinese, and have become household staples. Chef Eric Ehler, whose resume also includes Luke's Local and Fort Point Beer, was clearly the man for the job: His takes on General Tso's chicken, puffy crab rangoon, and crispy egg rolls are craveable, convenient, and affordable, with all dishes $15 or less. Quaranteams of two to four could easily put together a multi-course dinner for under $50 and still have leftovers. After just one busy week, word is spreading fast. "We sold out every night with all guests preordering ahead on our website," says Li, who notes incredible support from the customers ("even those who were not able to order") and the high spirits of the Lazy Susan team. Get in on that. // Lazy Susan is open for pickup and delivery 5pm to 9:30pm Wednesday through Sunday; 208 Fell St. (Hayes Valley), lazysusanchinese.com. Photo taken on Feb. 27, 2021 shows people admiring lanterns amid Lantern Festival in southern China's city of Qionghai. The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. People in Qionghai has the tradition of celebrating Lantern Festival with one-day delay. On the 16th day of the first Chinese lunar month, rituals to commemorate and venerate deceased forbears and massive lantern shows were held to celebrate the first carnivals of the year after the Spring Festival. (Meng Zhongde/Guangming Picture) 2 1 [ Editor: WXL ] New Delhi: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to three years in jail for corruption and influence-peddling on Monday (March 1). A French court found him guilty of trying to bribe a Magistrate by offering him a prestigious job in return for information about a criminal case against him. Sarkozy, however, will not go to prison as the court suspended two years of the sentence and allowed him to serve a year at home with an electronic tag. The 66-year-old is the first former French president to receive a custodial sentence, reported BBC. Along with Sarkozy, his former lawyer and the Magistrate involved in the bribery also received similar sentences. The three re expected to appeal against the order. The judge observed that Sarkozy knew what he was doing was wrong and that his actions and those of his lawyer had given the public "a very bad image of justice". The crimes were specified as influence-peddling and violation of professional secrecy. The case centred on conversations between the Magistrate involved Gilbert Azibert, and Thierry Herzog, Sarkozy's then-lawyer, which were taped by police in 2014. The investigators were looking into claims that Sarkozy had accepted illicit payments from the L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy is also due to go on trial in a separate case that relates to the so-called Bygmalion affair. Sarkozy is accused of having fraudulently overspent in his 2012 presidential campaign. ADVERTISEMENT Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Sunday met with a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, to discuss security issues. The governors spokesperson, Mohammed Onogwu, said the meeting was behind closed doors in Abuja. According to him, Mr Obasanjo urged the governor to sustain his effort in providing security for his state, noting that Kogi is central to the nations peace and development. Former President Obasanjo noted that the fight against insecurity should have everybody on board, stressing that governors should involve everyone to ensure insecurity is curtailed in Nigeria. While appreciating the governor for his developmental effort in the state especially in the areas of youth and women inclusion in politics and governance, infrastructure, health and education, Obasanjo charged Governor Bello to continue to be an advocate for youth involvement in governance. He added that Mr Bello thanked the former president for his statesmans role, fatherly disposition and wealth of wisdom which the young leaders are privileged to tap from. The governor noted that though his state is surrounded by 10 other states and the FCT making it the nexus between the South and North, West and East of Nigeria, Kogi, one of the 19 Northern States, stands in stoic defence against criminal elements thus gaining acclaim as one of the safest in the country. Bello assured former President Obasanjo that he will not rest in the fight to ensure total safety for his people and will continue to do his best to ensure his electoral promises are fulfilled. He prayed God to continue to protect the statesman with good health and long life. The authorities will inevitably carry out a judicial reform aimed at restoring confidence in the judiciary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. He said this during the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. Development of Justice" on Monday, March 1, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The reform of the country's Constitutional Court is a very sore point. Unfortunately, due to some judges actions, this body has become synonymous with distrust, and today it is no longer a matter of restoring trust, but of actually building this trust from scratch. The format in which the Constitutional Court should work includes a transparent selection of judges, integrity, ethics, clear procedures and a clear decision-making process. To find ways to resolve all these issues, I will create a commission on judicial reform in Ukraine, the head of state said. According to him, this is an expert, non-politicized platform for preparing a strategic vision, that is, a set of legislative changes that will eliminate shortcomings, which will answer the question of what kind of judicial system Ukraine will have in a few years and under what conditions the state will achieve international standards of justice. Today the commission presents the results of its work and its future plans. I can assure you that we are determined to take all the necessary steps for successful reform so that only honest, independent, and fair courts can finally work in Ukraine. There will be courts where the letter of the law, not the amount in an envelope, is decisive, where the law is the same for everyone - and this is important, and all are equal before the law. We will implement this decision, and it is not subject to appeal, revision or revocation, Zelensky said. As Ukrinform reported, the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. Development of Justice" is held in Kyiv on March 1-3. It is attended by representatives of the President's Office, government, parliament, diplomatic corps of the G7 countries and specialized experts. They will discuss the role and mission of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, the draft of a new Criminal Code, and the prospects for recodification of the Civil Code of Ukraine. ish Jaipur, March 1 : The "power play" by a "fragmented" BJP appeared to be gaining steam with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje looking all set to kick off her much talked-about religious yatra from March 8, which is co-incidentally her birthday and as well as the International Women's Day. The yatra shall pass through Krishna Temples in the state. On Sunday, Raje visited Govind Dev Temple and Kale Hanuman Temple in the city and offered prayers. Her followers, who were accompanying her, chanted slogans like "Kesariya men Hara Bhara, Rajasthan mean Vasundhara". If the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources are to be believed, the proposed yatra is expected to be the biggest-ever gathering Raje has ever organised. She is likely to start her yatra from Aadi Badri temple and shall go to Shri Nath temple and other Krishna temples of Rajasthan. According to sources, the yatra is going to witness a really huge gathering. It would include a convoy of 800-900 vehicles. Rajasthan in-charge Arun Singh, however, during his visit to the state recently, expressed his ignorance about any religious yatra planned by Raje. "Religious yatras are being taken by saints and sanyasis as far as I know," he quipped. BJP state president Satish Poonia was in Delhi on Saturday where he discussed state issues at length. The party's preparations related to bypolls in four districts were also discussed in this meeting. Further, as BJP national president JP Nadda is expected to visit the state on March 2 (Tuesday), an action plan during his visit was also discussed in the meeting. BJP sources said "this is pressure politics being followed by Raje to ensure she is announced as BJP's Chief Ministerial face for forthcoming polls". However, Arun Singh, talking to the media here questioned what is the need of announcing CM face. "BJP has won many elections in the country without announcing CM face," he said when asked about the proposed CM face of the party for the forthcoming polls. Meanwhile, Raje followers are quite happy with this yatra and are making hectic preparations for blood donation camps and fruit distribution drive which shall be organised here during her yatra. It needs to be mentioned here that Raje was maintaining distance from party office and party meetings in Rajasthan since last many months. However, this time, after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders, she attended the core committee meeting in the state party headquarters recently. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text South Koreas National Assembly has approved a bill to build a new airport in the second-biggest South Korean city of Busan. The multibillion-dollar state airport on Gadeok Island, the biggest island of Busan, will be able to handle growing air traffic demand and facilitate prosperity in the countrys southeast region, according to a statement from the Yonhap News Agency. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> The bill is controversial owing to its proposal to provide a special exemption for the compulsory preliminary feasibility study for the construction project, if necessary, and streamline the process of another follow-up feasibility study in a bid to expedite the envisioned airports construction. The project is part of South Koreas more than a decade-old debate on expanding air travel infrastructure in the southeast region, which encompasses such prosperous cities as Busan and Ulsan. The liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration (2003-2008) first proposed the construction project to disperse the growing air traffic to and from Gimhae International Airport in Busan. Gimhae was the only international airport in the region and was said to be almost at capacity. The conservative Park Geun-hye government (2013-2017) pushed for a project that would expand the existing Gimhae Airport in Busan. However, a state committee under the current Moon Jae-in administration virtually aborted it in November 2020 after reviewing its feasibility. Spurred by the decision, ruling Democratic Party lawmakers proposed constructing a new airport on Gadeok and have pushed to expedite the project, with a goal to put the airport into operation before 2030. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 By Ko Hirano, KYODO NEWS - Mar 1, 2021 - 10:20 | Japan, All, World With the turmoil in Myanmar showing no signs of abating a month after the coup, some Myanmar people living in Japan are urging their host country to suspend aid to the Southeast Asian nation as part of international pressure on the military to restore the democratically elected government. In a bid to block arms supply to the Myanmar military from major providers China and Russia as violent crackdowns on anti-coup demonstrators continue, the expats are calling on Japan to lobby other U.N. members so the Security Council urgently imposes a global arms embargo on the junta led by Min Aung Hlaing, the army chief who ended Myanmar's decade-long democratic reform. "We would like Japan to halt development assistance to the junta and press China to stop supplying weapons to the military. We hope such measures, together with U.S. sanctions, will compel the generals to reverse course," said Lae Lae Lwin, a Myanmar nurse working in Japan. "We know Japan has developed ties with both Aung San Suu Kyi and the Tatmadaw," she said, referring to the ousted civilian leader and the armed forces. "But at this juncture, we want Japan to side with us, the people of Myanmar, not the Tatmadaw." Min Aung Hlaing seized power after detaining Suu Kyi and other senior members of her party, the National League for Democracy, alleging fraud in November's election that gave the NLD a landslide victory. The election commission, however, said the vote was fair. "The coup has not only shattered my dream to introduce Japan's advanced health care and nursing systems to Myanmar, but more importantly deprived people in Myanmar of hard-won freedom and democracy," Lae Lae Lwin, one of about 32,000 Myanmar residents in Japan, said in an interview in Tokyo. She made the remarks when Myanmar security forces killed at least 18 protesters and injured over 30 others around the country on Sunday in the bloodiest day since the Feb. 1 coup, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. Also on Sunday, some 2,500 Myanmar residents and others held a demonstration in front of the United Nations University in Tokyo, demanding that the junta immediately release Suu Kyi and relinquish power and calling for help from the world body and Japan. The calls for Japanese action came as Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government is considering halting new official development assistance projects in Myanmar in response to the coup and the rising death toll from the use of force, including shootings, by the Myanmar security apparatus against peaceful protests. In addition to limited sanctions imposed by the United States, Britain and Canada on Myanmar generals and military-linked businesses, the Japanese plan, if enforced, would deal a significant blow to the junta because Tokyo is by far the largest aid donor to Myanmar among developed countries. Citing the political uncertainty and an expected drop in foreign direct investment, Sian Fenner, lead Asia economist for Oxford Economics, has forecast the military takeover is likely to cut Myanmar's economic growth this year to around 2 percent from an earlier estimate of 4.1 percent. Meanwhile, Japan has no plans to suspend humanitarian aid -- delivered to civil groups in Myanmar via international institutions and nongovernmental organizations -- as well as ongoing official development aid projects, while officials continue to engage with the Tatmadaw so as to eventually persuade the generals to change their mind. Related coverage: 18 anti-coup protesters killed in Myanmar: U.N. Myanmar media say woman shot dead during protests, but reports conflict Japan mulls halting new assistance projects in Myanmar after coup Under the shadow of a great power rivalry between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific, Japan must conduct careful diplomacy regarding Myanmar because putting too much pressure with Washington would drive the junta closer to Beijing, which is seeking to gain access to the Indian Ocean via its strategically important neighbor. While Washington expects Tokyo to use its connections with the Myanmar armed forces as leverage, President Joe Biden's administration has signaled additional U.S. sanctions amid speculation that the generals may shrug off pressure because they are used to being sanctioned and isolated from the international community. "The United States and Japan have to coordinate their approaches -- a good cop and a bad cop approach," said Kavi Chongkittavorn, a former editor-in-chief of the Myanmar Times who is now a senior fellow for security and international studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Referring to Yohei Sasakawa, Japan's special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, and Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Ichiro Maruyama, Kavi said, "Make full use of Mr. Sasakawa and Mr. Maruyama, who both have close ties with the Tatmadaw." "No threatening voices would work, but Japan should send a strong message to leave Aung San Suu Kyi alone," he said in an email. China has not condemned the coup and emphasized other countries should not interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs, raising the suspicion that Beijing may be propping up the junta to boost its clout in the country as a major arms supplier, aid donor and trading partner. China also expressed support for diplomacy by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which Lae Lae Lwin and other supporters of Suu Kyi's party, however, fear could legitimize the junta. They have grown concerned that the 10-member ASEAN, of which Myanmar is a member, may acquiesce with the junta's call for an election in a bid to scrap the Nov. 8 election, which dealt a crushing defeat to a military-backed party. "That would be a complete dismissal of the will of the Myanmar people. Have they not seen enough of the protests?" Lae Lae Lwin said. "It's a matter of whether ASEAN stands with us or the Tatmadaw." As the national political debate moves towards the question of what exactly should be done to change the cultures of Parliament, of politics, and of the Liberal Party, there are two simple questions that nobody, least of all the Prime Minister, should be allowed to forget. The first: in the past two and a half years, as allegations suggesting deep cultural problems around sex and sexism within politics, the Parliament and the Liberal Party came to light, who had the most power to change those cultures? And the second: who has actually done the most to change those cultures? Former ministerial press secretary Brittany Higgins, whose allegation that she was raped was known to three ministers, political staffers, parliamentary security, and at least three people in the Prime Ministers office. But Scott Morrison says he did not know until the story broke. The answer to the first is simple enough: the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. The answer to the second will, with the passage of time, almost certainly be Brittany Higgins. In a just world, the same response could be given to both questions. But that is not the world in which we live. A striking fact about the various cultural reckonings of recent weeks racism in the AFL, sexism in politics and the accusations of sexual assault in schools is that it is the people with the least power (or perhaps the least obvious power) who have made things happen. Higgins is in her mid-20s, a former staffer. Heritier Lumumba, the footballer who caused Collingwoods introspection, suffered racism and now lives outside Australia. He is just 34. Chanel Contos, who has gathered hundreds of stories of sexual assault by pupils and ex-pupils of Sydney private boys schools, is 22. The satellite data (left) were obtained by Meteosat Second Generations Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager and represent the emitted radiances at infrared wavelengths. The simulation (right) was produced with the ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System at 1 km spatial resolution. To become climate neutral by 2050, the European Union launched two ambitious programmes: "Green Deal" and "DigitalStrategy". As a key component of their successful implementation, climate scientists and computer scientists launched the "Destination Earth" initiative, which will start in mid-?2021 and is expected to run for up to ten years. During this period, a highly accurate digital model of the Earth is to be created, a digital twin of the Earth, to map climate development and extreme events as accurately as possible in space and time. Observational data will be continuously incorporated into the digital twin in order to make the digital Earth model more accurate for monitoring the evolution and predict possible future trajectories. But in addition to the observation data conventionally used for weather and climate simulations, the researchers also want to integrate new data on relevant human activities into the model. The new "Earth system model" will represent virtually all processes on the Earth's surface as realistically as possible, including the influence of humans on water, food and energy management, and the processes in the physical Earth system. Information system for decision-?making The digital twin of the Earth is intended to be an information system that develops and tests scenarios that show more sustainable development and thus better inform policies. "If you are planning a two-?metre high dike in The Netherlands, for example, I can run through the data in my digital twin and check whether the dike will in all likelihood still protect against expected extreme events in 2050," says Peter Bauer, deputy director for Research at the European Centre for Medium-?Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and co-?initiator of Destination Earth. The digital twin will also be used for strategic planning of fresh water and food supplies or wind farms and solar plants. The driving forces behind Destination Earth are the ECMWF, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). Together with other scientists, Bauer is driving the climate science and meteorological aspects of the Earth's digital twin, but they also rely on the know-?how of computer scientists from ETH Zurich and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), namely ETH professors Torsten Hoefler, from the Institute for High Performance Computing Systems, and Thomas Schulthess, Director of CSCS. In order to take this big step in the digital revolution, Bauer emphasises the need for earth sciences to be married to the computer sciences. In a recent publication in Nature Computational Science, the team of researchers from the earth and computer sciences discusses which concrete measures they would like to use to advance this "digital revolution of earth-?system sciences", where they see the challenges and what possible solutions can be found. Weather and climate models as a basis In their paper, the researchers look back on the steady development of weather models since the 1940s, a success story that took place quietly. Meteorologists pioneered, so to speak, simulations of physical processes on the world's largest computers. As a physicist and computer scientist, CSCS's Schulthess is therefore convinced that today's weather and climate models are ideally suited to identify completely new ways for many more scientific disciplines how to use supercomputers efficiently. In the past, weather and climate modelling used different approaches to simulate the Earth system. Whereas climate models represent a very broad set of physical processes, they typically neglect small-?scale processes, which, however, are essential for the more precise weather forecasts that in turn, focus on a smaller number of processes. The digital twin will bring both areas together and enable high-?resolution simulations that depict the complex processes of the entire Earth system. But in order to achieve this, the codes of the simulation programmes must be adapted to new technologies promising much enhanced computing power. With the computers and algorithms available today, the highly complex simulations can hardly be carried out at the planned extremely high resolution of one kilometre because for decades, code development stagnated from a computer science perspective. Climate research benefited from being able to gain higher performance by ways of new generations of processors without having to fundamentally change their programme. This free performance gain with each new processor generation stopped about 10 years ago. As a result, today's programmes can often only utilise 5 per cent of the peak performance of conventional processors (CPU). For achieving the necessary improvements, the authors emphasize the need of co-?design, i.e. developing hardware and algorithms together and simultaneously, as CSCS successfully demonstrated during the last ten years. They suggest to pay particular attention to generic data structures, optimised spatial discretisation of the grid to be calculated and optimisation of the time step lengths. The scientists further propose to separate the codes for solving the scientific problem from the codes that optimally perform the computation on the respective system architecture. This more flexible programme structure would allow a faster and more efficient switch to future architectures. Profiting from artificial intelligence The authors also see great potential in artificial intelligence (AI). It can be used, for example, for data assimilation or the processing of observation data, the representation of uncertain physical processes in the models and data compression. AI thus makes it possible to speed up the simulations and filter out the most important information from large amounts of data. Additionally, the researchers assume that the use of machine learning not only makes the calculations more efficient, but also can help describing the physical processes more accurately. The scientists see their strategy paper as a starting point on the path to a digital twin of the Earth. Among the computer architectures available today and those expected in the near future, supercomputers based on graphics processing units (GPU) appear to be the most promising option. The researchers estimate that operating a digital twin at full scale would require a system with about 20,000 GPUs, consuming an estimated 20MW of power. For both economic and ecological reasons, such a computer should be operated at a location where CO2-?neutral generated electricity is available in sufficient quantities. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. They play two sassy Midwestern gals on the vacation of a lifetime in the new flick Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar. But comediennes Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo proved they could go from totally goofy to completely glam while attending the 78th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday. While both ladies got leggy in mini dresses, Wiig went for girly vibes in a pale green Prada number while Mumolo brought the drama in a black menswear-inspired frock by MSGM. Double trouble: Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar duo Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo were the perfect pairing of girly and sophisticated while attending the 78th Annual Golden Globes in person at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday Kristen's strapless dress featured a heart-shaped bust trimmed in silver sequins and sage-hued silk bows on each side. Complementing the glitz in her gown, the 47-year-old mother-of-two donned a diamond necklace, bangles, and nude, rhinestone embellished heels. The SNL alum's platinum blonde locks were styled into a sweet pixie while she went with rosy eyes and nude lips for her makeup look. Annie, 47, was the perfect contrast to her sugary sweet on-screen partner, donning a chic double-breasted dress with a ruffled flowing from lapel to skirt. Short and sweet: Kristen's strapless Prada dress featured a heart-shaped bust trimmed in silver sequins and sage-hued silk bows on each side Best-tressed: Annie's curls and Kristen's pixie cut were both ultra-stylish Sparkling black heels, diamond necklaces and some hoop earrings completely the ensemble. For glamour, the Bridesmaids writer wore her caramel locks in curls while playing up her pout with a rust-hued lip. Both ladies were there to present. And when it was time to take the stage they were in full character, donning sparkling pink and yellow looks while the avid tourists talked about their favorite parts of Hollywood. Suits you! Annie, 47, was the perfect contrast to her sugary sweet on-screen partner, donning a chic double-breasted MSGM dress with a ruffled flowing from lapel to skirt Fancy pants: When it was time to take the stage they were in full character, donning sparkling pink and yellow looks while the avid tourists talked about their favorite parts of Hollywood Shady ladies: The ladies wore their sunglasses inside, because that's apparently what you do in Hollywood Consolation prize: The offered the losing nominees some fake gold statuettes they bought at the souvenir shops on Hollywood Boulevard Fan favorites: It comes after their whimsical comedy premiered earlier this month, receiving major fanfare across social media This year's ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Nominees tuned into the ceremony remotely but presenters appeared in person. Coast-to-coast: Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time, but will be on opposite coasts of the US, a first in the history of the Globes The impressive list of presenters this year included; Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Mumolo, Joaquin Phoenix, Wiig and Renee Zellweger, Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Margot Robbie, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Kate Hudson and Kenan Thompson. Satchel and Jackson Lee, children of three-time Golden Globe nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and producer/philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, served as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Jane Fonda, 83, received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The acting icon has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in Klute, Julia and Coming Home. Norman Lear was 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. In the lack of any cohesive electoral strategy to tackle the Modi-Shah-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) behemoth that aims to establish its rule in all 29 states and seven Union Territories, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejaswi Yadav reached out to Tejaswi Yadav on Monday to extend his partys support to the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is in for the fight of her political life in the run up of the upcoming state elections. It is our duty to help Mamata Didi in her fight to keep the BJP out of Bengal, Yadav, who met with the Trinamool Congress chief at her residence in Kolkata, said afterwards. Stating his father Lalu Prasad Yadav had always had good relationship with Banerjee, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar said that the RJD would back the TMC in the coming state elections to keep the communal forces at bay in West Bengal. West Bengal has a sizeable population of Biharis who are with us and we are with them. It is our duty to support Mamata Didi who is fighting relentlessly against the communal forces who are all out to destroy the nation. This is what the BJP is dreaming about but we will stop them in West Bengal, Yadav said. Banerjee, who never shies away from taking a shot at the Modi-Shah duo, said that the NDA won in Bihar by cheating but they wont be allowed to cheat in West Bengal. They cheated in Bihar and thats how they won. They are trying to do the same in West Bengal. Just look at the election schedule; it is designed to favor the BJP. West Bengal goes to poll in record eight phases starting from March 27 and ending on April 29. Results are to be announced on May 2. Didi, as the West Bengal Chief Minister is often called by both her supporters and opponents, further said that the BJP was purposefully making sure RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav remained in jail because if he was released, that would spell the end of the BJP. Meanwhile, reports from Uttar Pradesh suggested Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav had also reached out to Mamata Banerjee for a possible tie up in West Bengal. KEY FINDINGS Drill hole UDD23656 intersected 13.7 g/t gold over 8.8 metres Drill hole UDD23653 intersected 52.7 g/t gold over 1.0 metre Mineralization extended 100 metres outside of current Mineral Resources, but within 50 metres of existing infrastructure Results support the Company's strategy of opening a new Western Mining Front at Plutonic underground The location of this drilling is shown in Figures 1-3 below. The intersections are shown in Table 1 below. Reported intersections are over a minimum downhole width of 0.30 metres (0.20 metres true width). Tamara Brown, Interim CEO of Superior Gold stated: "Today's drill results are very promising. We believe they demonstrate the continuation of a high-grade mineralized zone extending along the western front of the Plutonic orebody from the Indian zone, 350 metres down to the Baltic zone. These intercepts are outside of existing Mineral Resources, but are within only 50 metres of existing infrastructure and can therefore be accessed with minimal capital. Encouragingly, it is worth noting that all of the drill holes completed to target depth hit significant intercepts. It is also important to note that these results support a new theory that mineralization at Plutonic is controlled by northwest trending faults, both at a macro and micro level, and specifically that these faults control where the concentration of high-grade gold is deposited. Drilling was completed over a strike length and vertical extent of approximately 100 metres by 200 metres, respectively. Mineralization remains open both up and down dip and along strike. These results continue to illustrate the prospectivity at Plutonic and highlight the potential to expand mineralization west of the Indian and Baltic zones and further extend the mine life. The western extensions of the Indian and Baltic zones are key components of our current strategy to expand into new mining fronts, improve our mining grades and productivity, and reduce our reliance on remnant mining. Although assays have been delayed due to backlogs at local laboratories, we look forward to releasing ongoing results from our revitalized exploration program throughout the course of 2021." EXTENSION OF THE WESTERN MINING FRONT Superior Gold's mine exploration program is designed to target extensions of known high-grade mineralization, close to existing infrastructure but outside of existing Mineral Resources, in order to open new mining fronts and reduce reliance on remnant mining. Although there exist significant historical high-grade intercepts across the large mineralized system, the Company is currently focused on expanding two key areas to open new mining fronts, being: 1) The Western Mining Front (along the Caspian, Indian and Baltic zones) and 2) The Baltic Gap as shown in Figure 4. The Western Mining Front extends approximately 1.2 kilometres along the western edge of the Caspian, Indian and Baltic zones of the Plutonic underground mine and remains open, with several historic high-grade intercepts confirming mineralization continuity outside of Mineral Resources, as shown in Figure 4. Drilling in 2020 identified significant high-grade mineralization in the northwest of the Indian zone, including 56.3 g/t gold over 15.1 metres (hole UDD22011) (refer to the News Release dated June 17, 2020). The Company believes that today's drill results demonstrate the northwest extension of these high-grade bands of mineralization 100 metres along the western extension of the Baltic zone (Figure 2). This opens an area approximately 100 metres by 200 metres of potential new high-grade, stacked lode mineralization. Multiple downhole intercepts confirm typical Plutonic mineralization, being a high-grade stacked lode system providing for more ounces per square metre in the area with all holes hitting significant intercepts. These results are in close proximity to existing infrastructure (i.e. within 50 metres) which translates to minimal capital expenditures required to infill drill and develop the area. The Company has also recently completed a drilling program in the Baltic Gap (with assays expected within a quarter) and will shortly commence a drill program to follow up on previous intercepts along the Western Mining Front including in the Indian zone in the vicinity of hole UDD22011 which intersected 56.3 g/t gold over 15.1 metres, as previously indicated. Table 1: Drill Results Drill Hole # Easting (Mine Grid) Northing (Mine Grid) Drill hole collar RL (Mine Grid) Dip (degrees) Azimuth (degrees, Mine Grid) End of hole depth (m) Downhole From (m) Downhole To (m) Downhole Intersection (m) Au (gpt) uncut Est True Thickness (m) UDD23652 3595 11937 899 -25 195 201 173.5 174.1 0.6 6.6 0.4 UDD23653 3595 11937 899 -35 195 201 126.8 127.1 0.3 6.6 0.2 166.4 167.4 1.0 11.3 0.7 183.4 184.4 1.0 52.7 0.7 UDD23654 3595 11937 900 -25 205 200 165.1 167.0 1.9 20.2 1.7 UDD23655 3595 11937 900 -35 205 201 146.9 147.9 1.0 1.7 0.5 166.3 170.2 3.9 6.2 2.8 185.3 186.8 1.5 25.0 1.0 188.8 189.7 0.9 41.3 0.6 UDD23656 3595 11937 900 -26 214 201 151.6 160.5 8.8 13.7 7.7 UDD23657 3595 11937 899 -36 214 200 151.2 153.7 2.5 17.0 1.4 157.9 158.4 0.5 20.9 0.3 UDD23658 3594 11937 899 -44 214 167 Hole Abandoned Qualified Person Scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Keith Boyle, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company, who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). Quality Control Protocols Core is drilled NQ2 core diameter (50.7 mm). A combination of whole core and half core (38%) were sampled. Gold results were determined by ALS Minerals (Perth) using fire assay fusion (40g charge, lead collection method with an ICP finish). Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards, blanks and duplicates are included in approximately every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the laboratory. About Superior Gold Superior Gold is a Canadian based gold producer that owns 100% of the Plutonic Gold Operations located in Western Australia. The Plutonic Gold Operations include the Plutonic underground gold mine and central mill, numerous open pit projects including the Plutonic Main Pit push-back project, the Hermes open pit projects and an interest in the Bryah Basin joint venture. Superior Gold is focused on expanding production at the Plutonic Gold Operations and building an intermediate gold producer with superior returns for shareholders. Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Forward-looking information includes information with respect to guidance as to projections, outlook, guidance, forecasts, estimates, and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining), including projected cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs) as well as statements with respect to the mine-plan, exploration, drilling, operating and organizational matters and activities relating to the Plutonic Gold Operations and the Company generally, including its liquidity and capital requirements and financial results. Such Forward-looking information also includes information related to the Company's previously announced strategic review process, the potential outcome of such process and the intended maximization of shareholder value that the Company believes may result from such process. By identifying such information in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Annual Information Form of the Company for a discussion of other risks including outbreaks or threats of outbreaks of viruses, other infectious diseases or other similar health threats, such as the novel coronavirus outbreak, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company by causing operational and supply chain delays and disruptions, labour shortages, shutdowns, the inability to sell gold, capital markets volatility or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. The Company cannot accurately predict what effects these conditions will have on the Plutonic Gold Operations or the financial results of the Company, including uncertainties relating to travel restrictions to the Plutonic Gold Operations or otherwise and business closures that have been or may be imposed by governments. If an outbreak or threat of an outbreak of a virus or other infectious disease or other public health emergency occurs, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information as no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, and if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange not its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Superior Gold Related Links https://www.superior-gold.com/ Vice President M and Governor Banwarilal Purohit took the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Government Omandurar Medical College Hospital here on Monday when the nationwide vaccination of 60-plus age group and those aged between 45-59 with co-morbidities, commenced. Dravidar Kazhagam president K Veeramani also took the shot at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital here, officials said. There has been a good response from the public to the drive at the government and private COVID vaccination centres. "The number of vaccination centres for Covishield are more since the state has received 25.07 lakh doses. also received a supply of 2.77 lakh doses of indigenously developed Covaxin," a senior health official said. Both the vaccines require a second shot after a gap of at least 28 days. The state government has released a set of guidelines for the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive beginning from today. In a circular issued to all deputy directors of health services, Dr T S Selvavinayagam, director of public health (DPH) and preventive medicine, urged officials to ensure the maximum utility of thedrive by the public. According to a release from MGM Healthcare Chennai, identified for COVID-19 vaccination, the beneficiaries can avail on-site registration, wherein they could walk into the hospital, register and get vaccinated. The hospital saw a turnout of 200 beneficiaries on the first day and it expects that many more will come forward and get the shots in the fight against the virus. The health department has given the option to choose the vaccination centre of choice. Alternatively, people could register on the COWIN 2.0 portal or the Arogya Setu application. New Delhi, March 1 : : The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took suo-motu cognizance of an incident regarding assault on the mother of a BJP worker in West Bengal. "National Commission for Women has come across a Twitter post regarding an old lady who has allegedly been assaulted by supporters of a political party as her son supported different political party," the commission said in a statement. Chairperson of the commission Rekha Sharma has written to Director General of Police, West Bengal for taking action in the matter to avoid recurrence of such incidents in the future. The Commission has also written to Chief Election Commissioner. It has also sought a detailed action taken report. On Sunday, the BJP had alleged that a party worker and his aged mother were beaten up by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The TMC denied the allegations. The fiancee of the opposition Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz, who was killed in the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul, has called for the crown prince of the kingdom, Mohammed bin Salman, to be punished after the United States published a report on his involvement in the incident, RIA Novosti reported. As reported earlier, the office of the US director of national intelligence believes that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, personally approved the assassination of Khashoggi. US President Joe Biden said he promised the King of Saudi Arabia new changes to US policy on Monday. Saudi Arabian authorities rejected the findings of the US intelligence report, stating that the report contained inaccurate information. According to the statement, the country's authorities have already taken the necessary measures against those who committed the crime. According to her, punishing the crown prince will help prevent similar crimes in the future. She believes it is time to ask Biden and other world leaders if they will shake hands with bin Salman. Khashoggi was killed in October 2018 in Istanbul at the Saudi Arabian consulate. Digital.com, a leading independent review website for small business online tools, products, and services, has announced the best web design firms in Los Angeles. The top companies were selected based on multiple services, size of the firm, and industry focus. Experts at Digital.com examined companies with additional branding or marketing services that would enable businesses to scale up. Each firm was expected to demonstrate industry expertise in specific areas like manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. The guide also features large and small firms to meet a variety of budgets and service needs. Our experts spent hours reviewing many web design companies in Los Angeles that can offer a broad range of services and industry expertise, says Josephine Miller, PR Manager of Digital.com. This guide will help businesses narrow their search for top-rated firms. Researchers at Digital.com conducted a 40-hour assessment of over 49 companies across the city. To access the complete list of best web design companies in Los Angeles, please visit https://digital.com/web-design-companies/los-angeles/. 15 Best Web Design Companies in Los Angeles ABOUT DIGITAL.COM Digital.com reviews and compares the best products, services, and software for running or growing a small business website or online shop. The platform collects twitter comments and uses sentiment analysis to score companies and their products. Digital.com was founded in 2015 and formerly known as Review Squirrel. To learn more, visit https://digital.com/. A 15-year-old student is in "extremely critical" condition after he was shot by another 15-year-old boy in a "targeted" attack at an Arkansas junior high school Monday morning, police said. Authorities initially said the student was dead, but Pine Bluff Police Lt. David DeFoor told NBC News that Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock had provided the department with "erroneous information." The shooting happened about 9:59 a.m. CST in a hallway outside the main office at Watson Chapel Junior High, police said. "This was not random. It was targeted," DeFoor said. The motive was under investigation. Gunfire erupted during a between-class break so other students were in the vicinity. So how many students were actually in the hallway we do not know at this time, Chief Kelvin Sergeant told reporters. But there were other individuals present, as they were transferring from one class to another. The shooter fled but was tracked by dogs about a half-hour after the shooting, DeFoor said. The boy, who was still armed, surrendered without incident. Jefferson County Prosecutor Kyle Hunter said the decision on charges, including the determination on whether to charge the 15-year-old as an adult, would come within 48 hours. All Watson Chapel School District campuses were placed on lockdown after the shooting, according to a Monday morning Facebook post from the district. "If you have not been notified by the school, your student is safe and secure," the post said. The school followed up shortly thereafter to say parents could come pick up their children under a supervised release. Monday was the first day back to school for the Watson Chapel School District students after a water issue in the buildings. It isn't clear how long the students were at-home learning because of the problem. The district had announced on Friday that students would return for on-site learning Monday. The post read: "We look forward to seeing our students and staff!!! The superintendent of the nearby Pine Bluff and Dollarway School districts said in a statement that school officials there were taking extra precautions Monday. Counselors were on hand, the statement said. "We are praying that God will bless our neighboring district, and our entire community, as we face the difficult days ahead," Barbara J. Warren, the superintendent, said in the statement. Political tensions in Armenia have intensified, with supporters of the embattled prime minister and the opposition each holding rival rallies in the capital. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced opposition demands to resign since he signed a peace deal in November that ended six weeks of intense fighting with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Russia-brokered agreement saw Azerbaijan reclaim control over large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas that had been held by Armenian forces for more than a quarter of a century. Opposition protests seeking Mr Pashinyans ouster abated during the winter but intensified again last week amid Mr Pashinyans rift with the countrys top military. The protests were sparked by the Armenias defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP) The spat was sparked by Mr Pashinyan firing a deputy chief of the militarys General Staff who laughed off his claim that only 10% of Russia-supplied Iskander missiles that Armenia used in the conflict exploded on impact. The General Staff then demanded Mr Pashinyans resignation, and the prime minister responded by dismissing the General Staff chief, Colonel General Onik Gasparyan. The dismissal is yet to be approved by the nations largely ceremonial president, Armen Sarkissian, who sent it back to the prime minister, claiming that the move was unconstitutional. Mr Pashinyan quickly resubmitted the demand for the generals ouster, and his allies are warning that the president could be impeached if he fails to endorse the move. Mr Sarkissians office responded with a strongly worded statement condemning inadmissible speculation about his move and emphasising that his decision was unbiased and driven exclusively by national interests. Addressing a rally of thousands of his supporters, Mr Pashinyan voiced hope the president would endorse the dismissal of the General Staffs chief for meddling in politics. Nikol Pashinyan, centre, and his wife walk with supporters during a rally in his support in the centre of Yerevan in Armenia (Hayk Baghdasaryan/PHOTOLURE via AP) He blamed the countrys former leader who lost power in the 2018 velvet revolution for influencing the military and trying to set the army against the legitimately elected authorities and the people. The prime minister also suggested calling a constitutional referendum in October to ask voters about expanding presidential powers to avoid future crises, although he did not spell out specific changes. After an hour-long speech, Mr Pashinyan led his supporters on a march across Yerevan under the heavy escort of police and security officers. Thousands of opposition supporters rallied at a separate location, demanding that the prime minister resign, and some later marched to the presidents residence to support him in the rift with Mr Pashinyan. The two marches proceeded along separate routes amid tight police cordons. At one point, scuffles broke out between some from the rival camps, but police quickly pulled them apart. Amid the escalating tensions, a group of protesters broke into a government building in central Yerevan on Monday to press their demand for Mr Pashinyans resignation, but left shortly after without violence. Later on Monday, Mr Pashinyans supporters and the opposition plan rival rallies in the Armenian capital. Mr Pashinyan, a former journalist who came to power after leading massive street protests in 2018 that ousted his predecessor, still continues to enjoy broad support despite the countrys humiliating defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh and the opposition calls for his resignation. Supporters of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gather during a rally in his support (Karo Sahakyan/PAN Photo via AP) The prime minister defended the peace deal as a painful but necessary move to prevent Azerbaijan from overrunning the entire Nagorno-Karabakh region, which lies within Azerbaijan but was under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a separatist war there ended in 1994. The fighting with Azerbaijan that erupted in late September and lasted for 44 days has left more than 6,000 people dead. Russia has deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to monitor the November 10 peace deal. Armenia has relied on Moscows financial and military support and hosts a Russian military base ties that will keep the two nations closely allied regardless of the outcome of the political infighting. A massive iceberg - bigger than New York City - broke away from Antarctica. A 490 square mile block of ice broke free from the Brunt Ice Shelf near a British scientific outpost on Friday, CNN reports. According to a statement from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the ice was separated through a process called "calving." Calving can be caused by crevasses that penetrate the ice because of variables like water pressure and temperature. The BAS says it has been anticipating a major calving event for at least a decade. In fact, it even moved the outpost inland in 2016 due to the threat. The research station is unlikely to be impacted by the event and the 12-person team working that normally works the station returned home to escape the Antarctic winter. "Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years," BAS Director Jane Francis said in the statement, before explaining that they are carefully monitoring the situation via satellite images. "All the data are sent back to Cambridge for analysis, so we know whats happening even in the Antarctic winter, when there are no staff on the station, its pitch black, and the temperature falls below minus 50 degrees C." Although people are rightfully worried about climate change, BAS insists that calving is a natural reoccurring process that isnt directly connected to global warming. "Change in the ice at Halley is a natural process and there is no connection to the calving events seen on Larsen C Ice Shelf (in 2017) and no evidence that climate change has played a significant role," officials said while also predicting what the new iceberg will do next. "Over coming weeks or months, the iceberg may move away; or it could run aground and remain close to Brunt Ice Shelf." President Joe Biden View Photo President Joe Biden congratulated the House of Representatives for passing his American Rescue Plan. Biden was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words: Good morning, folks. For a few weeks now, an overwhelming percentage of the American public has made it clear that they support my American Rescue Plan. And the House of Representatives took the first step toward making it a reality. And I want to thank and I called her just a few moments ago Nancy Pelosi for her extraordinary Speaker Pelosi for her extraordinary leadership and all those who supported our plan. And with their vote, we are one step closer to vaccinating the nation. We are one step closer to putting $1,400 in the pockets of Americans. We are one step closer to extending unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who are shortly going to lose them. Were one step closer to helping millions of Americans feed their families and keep a roof over their head. Were one step closer to getting our kids safely back in school. And were one step closer to getting state and local governments the money they need to prevent massive layoffs for essential workers. Now now the bill moves to the United States Senate where I hope it will receive quick action. I have we have no time to waste. If we act now decisively, quickly, and boldly we can finally get ahead of this virus. We can finally get our economy moving again. And the people of this country have suffered far too much for too long. We need to relieve that suffering. The American Rescue Plan does just that: It relieves the suffering. And its time to act. I thank you all for being here. I appreciate it. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. After seven months of watching her kindergartner try to figure out the difference between school and home and her dyslexic second-grader try to learn to read by Zoom, Megan Bacigalupi was moved to action Sunday afternoon. She stood behind a rented podium near the shores of Lake Merritt and leaned into the public address system. In-person education is essential, said Bacigalupi, who was not just one mad mom acting on her own. On the other side of the podium, facing into the sun, stood 200 sign-carrying adults and their kids, united as OUSD Parents for Safe Reopening. Schools Not Screens was the rallying cry as this grassroots organization stood on the grass to insert parents voices into the negotiation between the Oakland Unified School District board and the teachers union, as to how and when 86 public schools will bring 36,000 students back into the K-12 classrooms. Its time we get our kids back to school, or as we say in Oakland hella time, said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who rocked her Skyline High School Class of 1983 street cred when her time came at the podium. Us adults have to get our stuff out of the way so we can put our children first. Last week, the Board of Education sent out a letter detailing a plan to bring students in kindergarten through fifth grade back to school by mid- to late-March. But the Oakland Education Association has not agreed to the timeline. Theyre close, Schaaf said after her speech, but they havent come together yet. The OUSD Parents are hopeful but still gathering signatures on a petition that calls for all grades to have an in-person option, with families also allowed to choose continued remote schooling. They have 715 signatories so far. The petition and Sundays noon rally in Astro Park were intended to help move the negotiations along. We are becoming an island in a sea of open or soon-to-open school districts, said Bacigalupi, counting off Piedmont and Orinda among the neighboring districts that have reopened, while Berkeley has reached an agreement to reopen. A stenciled sign carried by Kim Desai, who has two kids at Crocker Highlands Elementary School, gave the big picture. NYC DC CHI ATL SCHOOL Open, it read. Oakland? 350 Days Closed. Etched in Desais memory is March 13, 2020, the day her kids were sent home, an anniversary she is not eager to celebrate. They arent driving me nuts, she said, but I can see the social and emotional toll of them being at home for a year. The fear is that negotiations will drag on and will lead to a hybrid between in-person and virtual school next year. That worry compelled Laura Powell of East Oakland to pack up her two kids and come to the rally. Her second-grader contributed a handmade sign that read I Miss Recess, and then proved it by spending most of the rally on the adjacent playground. Hes not doing much at school, she said of her sons Zoom classroom. He just seems disengaged. Powell, an attorney, mentioned the social media shaming of OUSD Parents as gentrifiers. One counterprotester stood at the back yelling, Where were yall at when the schools truly needed support? But Powell, for one, was right here. She grew up in the OUSD. We get comments like, Go back to the suburbs, Powell said. That always rubs me the wrong way. Im invested here. Bacigalupi, also an attorney, is so invested that she is leaving her job at a San Francisco nonprofit to volunteer full time for OUSD Parents and the statewide advocacy organization Open Schools CA. My son has never been inside a classroom, and thats bizarre, she said. He has one friend, and he knew him from preschool. Even if the teachers union accepts the districts proposed plan, that plan doesnt include in-person education for grades six through 12 or specify schools reopening full time and at full capacity. To get our kids back in school five days a week is still in jeopardy, she said. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF The New York AG said she'll deny any attempt to an independent probe for Cuomo about sexual harassment claims that might scrub facts. He has been accused by two women whom he approached, and is now in hot water. Claims of harassment by two former female members of his administration have snowballed in a major case against the erring democrat governor. This developed from the nursing home scandal where he misleads on purpose the real COVID-19 deaths. Cuomo is an alleged sexual harasser According to the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who said last Sunday that the New York governor stated cases against him. Governor Cuomo asked if AG James and the Court of Appeals assign an attorney to conduct an independent probe to verify if his accusers were legitimate. He implied the two women were lying and not sincere, reported the Epoch Times. AG James said in a statement that she would not accept the accused Governor who took advantage of his position. She stressed to the governor that Executive State law gives her the power to decide if he'll be investigated for indecent proposals on his assistance. The governor has no power on the matter and will be subject to investigation, and face the results. Cuomo's office sent a statement on Sunday that AG James and Janet DiFiore, chief judge of NY Appeals Court. He wanted them to get an independent lawyer to investigate the two who accused him. The women charging Cuomo for sexual harassment, Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett. They both worked in his office as a deputy secretary and a former aide to the governor. Also read: Numerous Dead Bodies Picked Up by Rental Van in USA Homes These two are alleged victims of his inappropriate behavior that Cuomo allegedly is guilty of. Boylan went on the record but her story was buried by the media. According to Beth Garvey, the special counsel of the governor said that James and DiFiore should get a layer in private practice who is neutral. This is to give the governor a chance to come out clean despite the charges that are allegedly legitimate according to his accusers. Garvey said that the attorney chosen should control the review. But that would be debated depending on James and the judge. Last Sunday, James asked for Cuomo (democrat) to give the order for an executive order to be the probe's head. That will give her a legal prerogative for subpoenas that will be enforced by the court. James said that she regards highly Chief Judge DiFiore and as the duly elected attorney general. Her task is to carry out the law, added that the government should give the referral to call others for subpoena. Boylan running as a Democrat made a post on Medium that Cuomo has no respect for women and was touching her everywhere. Even kissed her without her consent and harass her without any fear. One time, he said playing strip poker will be good in 2017 October. Bennet, his former executive assistant and health policy adviser did the same thing on her. Harassing her sexually and asking uncalled-for questions violated her being a woman. She admitted that Cuomo wanted intimate relations and he scared her. Any connection to Cuomo for sexual harassment claims was denied and said he was being too personal. Related article: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Faces Charges of Sexual Harassment from Former Development Aide @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. mce's Appointment of Industry Leaders Solidifies European Growth Strategy mce Systems Ltd. (" mce" or the " Company") announces today further expansion into Europe with the appointment of Axel Brandt. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005858/en/ Axel Brandt, Country Manager at mce (Photo: Business Wire) Axel joins mce as Germany Country Manager, bringing 40+ years of experience in the telecom sector. Axel was previously the CEO of w- support.com (News - Alert) GmbH, which is a part of KOMSA AG, a leading European distribution and service provision for modern communication technology. This appointment represents another major milestone in mce'sgrowth strategy and emphasizes the requirement to meet the demand for services throughout the German and Northern European markets. Axel Brandt comments: "Operating directly from Germany will make it easier and more cost effective for mce to demonstrate how its platform helps contain the cost of device management for its Logistic and Network Operator customers. In particular for Operators, reducing NFF (No Fault Found), improving NPS (Net Promoter Score) and increasing customer revenue potential via new programs." Eitan Linker, mce CCO, comments: "I am delighted to welcome Axel to mce. He brings uncomparable industry knowledge and will play a key role in driving future digital transformation programs across our business in Europe." About mce: mce Systems is a software solution and integration provider, specializing in digital service solutions for those operating in the mobile device and consumer electronics space. mce enable device lifecycle management, device value optimization, cost reduction and the generation of new business for its customers worldwide. Its solutions deliver Omni-channel device management capability across web, call-center, retail, on-device and reverse/forward logistic channels. Read more at www.mce.systems Follow mce on Twitter @mce_systems Visit our Facebook (News - Alert) page at https://www.facebook.com/mceSystems Follow us on LinkedIn (News - Alert) at https://www.linkedin.com/company/mce-systems View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005858/en/ Neurocognitive dysfunction remains the most devastating perioperative complication of CABG and frequently attributed to atheroembolism that originate from the ascending aorta. The VIOLA device minimizes aortic manipulation during on and off-pump CABG and enable cardiac surgeons to perform protected, clean, and dry proximal anastomosis without partial clamping the aorta. "The VIOLA has important design features that provide reliable and safe mechanism for constructing clampless proximal anastomoses" said Professor Gil Bolotin, Director of Cardiac Surgery Department at Rambam Medical Center, Israel. "The integrated punching mechanism, the excellent sealing quality which makes blower unnecessary and the ability to perform multiple anastomoses with a single device makes the VIOLA a very attractive tool in our operating room" "We are very excited about this important milestone", said Eyal Orion, M.D., Founder and CEO of VGS Ltd. "Our vision has always been to advance cardiovascular surgery. We are committed to this long journey and in the last decade, we were able to develop solutions that address the biggest unmet needs in CABG: vein graft failure and perioperative neurological complications. FDA approval of the VIOLA device is a pivotal point for us. Gradually, our focus will shift from generating high quality science that shows the benefits of our technologies to making our solutions a new standard of care in CABG. I would like to thank my dedicated team and all the cardiovascular surgeons that have been working with us shoulder to shoulder to improve patients care." About VGS and VIOLA VGS is a privately held medical device company located in Tel Aviv, Israel. The company develops novel solutions in the field of cardiovascular surgery. VIOLA is a new generation of clampless proximal anastomosis system that combines a standard punching mechanism with optimal sealing during anastomosis construction. It allows surgeons to minimize aortic manipulations during proximal anastomosis suturing that can lead to neurologic complications. VIOLA is FDA cleared for sale in the US and CE marked. CONTACT: Rotem Katzenellenbogen, VP Business Development VGS [email protected] SOURCE Vascular Grafts Solutions 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. Jessica Phelps, Staff photographer / San Antonio Express-News Parts of South Central Texas could see severe thunderstorms and damaging hail between Sunday night and Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. A cold front is expected to move into the region and bring a storm system with it around midnight Sunday. The risk of severe storms is marginal, but the system could produce frequent lightning and hailstones larger than 1 inch from Del Rio to north of Austin, according to the NWS. The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether to declare unconstitutional a system that technology companies, including Apple Inc. and Google Inc., have used to invalidate hundreds of patents and head off litigation. In fact, so many patents have been invalidated that its been called a "death squad," a term coined by Randall Rader, the former chief judge of the Federal Circuit, which oversees all patent disputes in the country. The patent office has since altered its rules, giving patent owners a better shot at surviving the challenges. In an argument at the intersection of intellectual property and the separation of powers, the justices today will consider a challenge to a congressionally-created board that critics have dubbed a death squad because of its tendency to toss out patents. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board has invalidated more than 2,000 patents since it began work in 2012. Apple says it alone has used the board to successfully attack almost 200 patents, many held by entities interested only in filing lawsuits and extracting royalties. Congress set up the board, known as PTAB, in 2011 as a faster and cheaper alternative to litigation. But some smaller inventors see a chance to undercut the board, saying its become an anticompetitive tool for large companies. Jim Carmichael, a former PTAB judge and now managing director of Carmichael IP stated that the case "has the potential to shut down the PTAB, if only for a moment until Congress can do something to get it back on course. For many inventors and patent owners, thats a very exciting prospect." At issue is whether more than 250 PTAB judges are serving in violation of the Constitution. The federal appeals court that handles most patent disputes said the judges have important enough powers that they need to be appointed directly by the president. Should the Supreme Court agree, it could go as far as barring the board from continuing to review and invalidate patents. The justices could also issue a more limited ruling that would strip the judges of their job protections but leave the boards powers intact. Either way, a decision against the board could mean that hundreds of cases would have to be reconsidered. Constitutional Fight The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said the judges are "principal officers," a constitutional category that requires presidential appointment and Senate confirmation. The court said it reached that conclusion in part because patent judges decisions, typically issued by three-person panels, arent subject to review by a presidentially appointed official at the agency. Technology Companies Apple, the single biggest user of the review boards, filed a brief backing Arthrex. The iPhone maker said it relies "on Congresss promise of a fair and efficient forum to challenge what often prove to be woefully weak patents that should not have issued in the first instance." Other companies backing PTAB include Intel Corp. and an alliance whose members include Alphabet Inc.s Google, Cisco Systems Inc., Microsoft Corp., Oracle Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. PTAB already survived one challenge at the Supreme Court. In 2018, justices found the panel wasnt unconstitutionally wielding powers that belong to the courts. The court is scheduled to rule by late June. For more, read the full Bloomberg report. While some employees have whistleblower protections for reporting wrongdoings at their jobs, public school employees don't have those same protections. One former Limestone County employee is hoping to change that after being fired for doing what's right. "No good deed goes unpunished, and that was really true in this case," Shane Sears said. He is Dr. Mark Isley's attorney. He says his client cannot speak because the whole process has been very emotionally difficult for Isley. He was fired from Limestone County Schools last year. Isley says he was let go because he reported wrongdoings by his superiors and school board members. "Nobody would listen to him. He kept saying something was up at the Limestone County Schools," Sears said. After a year of being ignored, a federal indictment was announced accusing six school leaders in Limestone County and Athens City schools of a conspiracy to steal millions of dollars in state and federal funding. "Through the indictments, he's fully vindicated. We're hoping now that this has come to light that he'll be able to get a job again," Sears said. Sears explains school employees don't have whistleblower protections like employees in the private sector. He says Dr. Isley is now reaching out to state legislators in order to prevent other school employees from going through what he went through. "That is one thing that has to be revised and dealt with, so that public school employees can come forth with information like this and not be terminated and lose their jobs," Sears said. At this time, it is unclear when the proposal will be brought up to the state legislature, but it will not be brought up during this legislative session. The six people who were federally indicted in this scheme will have a virtual arraignment hearing on March 4. Francesca Paris is The Eagle's data and public records reporter. She was previously the North Adams reporter. A California native and Williams College alumna, she has worked at NPR in Washington, D.C. and WBUR in Boston. Find her on Twitter at @fparises. Punjab MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu hoists black flag at his residence in support of protesting farmers 37th anniversary of Operation Bluestar: What is Operation Bluestar, why was it carried out? Can battered Cong repeat 2017 show in Punjab? Amarinder confirms Prashant Kishor tie-up for 2022 campaign India oi-Deepika S Chandigarh, Mar 01: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said poll-strategist Prashant Kishor has joined him as his principal advisor. "Happy to share that @PrashantKishor has joined me as my Principal Advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Punjab!" Singh said in a tweet. Happy to share that @PrashantKishor has joined me as my Principal Advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Punjab! Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 1, 2021 Kishor had handled the Congress party''s poll campaign in Punjab in the 2017 assembly elections. Currently, Kishor''s company, Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), is assisting Mamata Banerjee''s TMC in West Bengal elections. Kishor had also managed Narendra Modi''s campaign for prime ministership in 2014 general elections. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 17:04 [IST] Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-28 21:56:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A batch of Sinovac vaccines donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first COVID-19 vaccine to reach the Southeast Asian country. Produced by Xinhua Global Service GREENSBORO, N.C., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT) announced today that it will participate March 9-11, 2021 in the Citi Global Property CEO Conference. The roundtable presentation by Stephen J. Yalof, Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled for 7:30 AM Eastern time on Thursday, March 11, 2021. A live audio webcast can be accessed at investors.tangeroutlets.com. A replay will be available through Friday, March 19, 2021 and can also be accessed via the company's website. About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE: SKT) is a leading operator of upscale open-air outlet centers that owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 37 centers. Tanger's operating properties are located in 20 states and in Canada, totaling approximately 13.7 million square feet, leased to over 2,600 stores operated by more than 500 different brand name companies. The Company has more than 40 years of experience in the outlet industry and is a publicly-traded REIT. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the Company's website at www.tangeroutlets.com . Contact: Cyndi M. Holt Senior Vice President, Investor Relations (336) 834-6892 SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Related Links http://www.tangeroutlets.com New Delhi: The Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Monday (March 1, 2021) stated that the Mumbai power outage in 2020 was a cyber-sabotage attempt. "Maharashtra Cyber Cell has submitted a preliminary report on this. The report findings state there is evidence that suggests there might have been a cyber-sabotage attempt," ANI quoted Deshmukh as saying. He added that the report has been handed over to Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut. Earlier in the day, Raut said that the state government, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and the Central Electricity Authority had set up separate committees to probe the cause of the power outage and their reports have been received. "We had then complained to the cyber cell and their report is awaited. But the preliminary information I have, there definitely was a cyber attack and it was a sabotage," the Congress leader added. The probe comes after a report claimed that the Mumbai power outage was a likely Chinese cyber attack, which took place amid the India-China border tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The report said that the Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted India's critical power grid system through malware. It also raised suspicion whether the massive power outage in Mumbai was a result of the online intrusion. "The electric grid computer has a pre-installed malware, which is often installed by China. Because of this, it gets the remote control of the computer system, which can turn it off and can also cause a complete blackout," said Prashant Mali, a cyber expert. However, back then, Tata Power had attributed the power outage to a simultaneous substation tripping at state-run transmission company MSETCL's two substations in the suburbs of Kalwa and Kharghar. "Tata Power regrets the inconvenience caused to its consumers due to this unforeseen event in power failure due to the transmission system failure leading to the cascading impact to all downstream suppliers of electricity including Tata Power, BEST and its consumers," said an official statement. The statement added, "Based on the preliminary assessment of the situation, Tata Power would like to inform that today many parts of Mumbai experienced an unforeseen electricity failure starting at 10 am in the morning due to tripping of MSETCLs 400 KV transmission system at Kalwa which supplies to Mumbai and adjoining areas." Notably, Mumbaikars had to face a huge problem as local trains and other essentials services were also affected for over two hours. Several petrol pumps were also shut down in the city due to power outage. (With inputs from news agencies) Live TV We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Nphet will consider making it mandatory for primary school children to wear face masks. Deputy chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said the formal advice is that children under 13 can wear a mask and should not be discouraged from doing so. This topic will be coming up for discussion at Nphet this week. Im not necessarily anticipating a change but our expert advisory group is looking at this issue again, he said. Read More This comes as the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said it favours mask wearing for primary school children. Currently, all secondary school students must wear a face mask while at school. Dr Glynn also said all parents who drop their children off at school should be wearing face masks and should not be congregating. While Nphet expected to have 200 to 400 cases by the end of February, todays cases reached nearly 700. Dr Glynn said that of course Nphet would like to see fewer daily cases, but that we are still making progress. According to Professor Philip Nolan, chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, at the current rate of decline of 2pc, it may take five to six weeks to get to 200 to 400 cases per day. For 200 cases per day, at 2pc per day, youre looking at five to six weeks. He said that while he does not want to answer how long it may take to get to 10 cases per day, he said that at the current rate of decline of 2pc per day, it may be a matter of months. According to Nphet, the spread of the British variant is one of the reasons that cases remain so high. The B117 is at 90pc, it cant go any higher, really, said Prof Nolan. After a large anti-lockdown protest took place in Dublin over the weekend, Dr Glynn said that a silent majority of people agree with public health measures. The silent majority in this country are fed up, theyre annoyed they do not want this pandemic to be going on a day longer than it has to, but theyre sticking with it. Thats the message the majority need to hear and need to remember when they see the actions of what is a very small minority of people, he added. He said that there would have been people within that crowd who are genuinely frustrated. Id ask them to reflect on what the population has done and the country as a whole has done over the past year, rather than focusing on the negativity. CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- As we see some light at the end of the pandemics dark tunnel, we can focus on how to avoid future outbreaks. For that, we can learn much from an unexpected source: Akrons killer fog. Just two years after Akron was founded along the trade route linking the Ohio River and Lake Erie, people began to fall ill mysteriously. As sickness spread, the disease and death were blamed on a killer fog. How many died remains unknown, but so many people fled that Akron nearly disappeared just after it began. We now know that there was no killer fog or bad air (the word malaria comes from mala aria bad air in Medieval Italian). Rather, a massive (for the time) infrastructure project the Ohio & Erie Canal created conditions that triggered outbreaks of several infectious diseases, including malaria carried by mosquitos breeding in the standing water of excavations, and typhoid and cholera, spread in the crowded camps of canal workers drinking contaminated water. Today, Killer Fog persists only as the name of a craft beer from the Lock 15 Brewing Company, which overlooks the old canal. While the beer cans label evokes the rough-and-tumble days of the pioneers, the year 2020 taught us that mysterious infectious diseases wreaking havoc on daily life have not been relegated to ancient history. Jeff Opperman is the global lead freshwater scientist for the World Wildlife Fund for Nature. The COVID-19 pandemic not only mobilized unprecedented efforts from science, medicine, and public health to fight the virus, it also focused attention on how we can reduce the risk of future pandemics. For example, the recently announced Cleveland Innovation District will catalyze collaboration among the citys hospitals and universities on biomedical research aimed at maintaining humanitys lead in the race against infectious diseases, our ancient and evolving foes. Marshaling medical science to win those future races is critical. But what if we could run fewer races? What if, in addition to getting better at fighting novel viruses once they emerge, we also reduced their emergence in the first place? For this, the killer fog offers a crucial insight: How we manage the environment can be a primary driver of disease outbreaks. The diseases unleashed on Akron in 1827 were the unintended consequences of land clearing, excavation and the draining and diversion of water. Those drivers and unintended consequences still abound today, on far grander scales, and when the infectious disease unleashed is novel to people, it can surge from a local epidemic to a global pandemic. All the pandemics of the past 100 years including the 1918 flu, AIDS, Ebola, SARS and now COVID-19 were zoonotic in origin, meaning an animal disease that spilled over into people, causing an outbreak. The rate of emergence of novel zoonotic disease has been increasing over the past century, driven by deforestation, intensified agriculture, and wildlife hunting and trade activities that increase interactions among people, livestock and wild animals (and their viruses), elevating risk of spillover. We still struggle to connect the dots between actions in one place and disease in another. Just as someone falling ill in 1827 Akron could not have imagined that canal excavations a mile away had triggered their sickness, today we fail to recognize that deforestation in Africa or wildlife trade in Asia could trigger a global pandemic, capable of causing death and economic shutdowns half a world away. A recent report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services estimates there could be nearly a million undiscovered viruses in animals that could infect people. We must get better at maintaining the natural boundaries that have kept those novel viruses away from people. Fortunately, many of the needed solutions are directly aligned with strategies aimed at combating climate change, reversing the global decline in nature, and ensuring sustainable food supplies. So, in addition to research aimed at healing people once diseases emerge, we must also focus on healing our relationship to our planet to prevent disease emergence in the first place. Jeff Opperman is the global lead freshwater scientist for the World Wildlife Fund. 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 opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. The Golden Globes usually pop off a surprise or two, and Sunday they continued the tradition in some marquee categories. The most notable upset was Andra Day, in her first acting role, winning Actress in Motion Picture Drama for Hulus The United States vs. Billie Holiday and taking a strong category that included Viola Davis, Vanessa Kirby and frontrunners Frances McDormand and Carey Mulligan. More from Deadline Other surprises tonight were easy to spot: Even the winners themselves were shocked to hear their names called. Days reaction was equaled that of Jodie Foster, who won for STX films The Mauritanian. It was the third Golden Globe for the two-time Oscar winner her last win for for The Silence of the Lambs came in 1992. Globes organizer the Hollywood Foreign Press Association gave Foster its career achievement honor, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, in 2013. I think you made a mistake. Im a little speechless. I just never expected to ever be here again, Foster said in her at-home speech. Another mild surprise: Borat Subsequent Moviefilms Maria Bakalova seemed to have the most momentum going in for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy race (she already has accumulated several critics list honors and is up for the Critics Choice and SAG Awards). But it was Rosamund Pike playing a ruthless bilker in Netflixs I Care a Lot who took the trophy. She had been nominated twice before for a Globe, for Gone Girl and A Private War, but this was her first victory. I bet I look like I care a lot. And I do, I care a lot, said a clearly thrilled Pike in her speech. In the Original Song category, Diane Warren was in the unusual position of not being the clear frontrunner for her Io Si, (Seen) from Netflixs The Life Ahead, but she won tonight over buzzier entries like One Night in Miamis Speak Now from Leslie Odom Jr and Sam Ashworth and Tigress & Tweed from Day, Raphael Saadiq in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Story continues As for surprising losses in the film categories, Netflixs Mank had come in with a leading six noms but left empty-handed. Also shut out was Focus Features buzzed-about Promising Young Woman and Sony Classics The Father. Both had four noms coming in. On the TV side, Mark Ruffalo won his first Golden Globe for HBOs I Know This Much Is True. While Ruffalo is a multiple Globe nominee, Hugh Grant of HBOs The Undoing has been considered a frontrunner in the category for Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series. The HFPA likes awarding global movie stars in the category, which went to Russell Crowe last year. Schitts Creek topped Ted Lasso for best comedy series despite the HFPAs penchant for recognizing new shows the Apple TV+s comedy has been the hottest freshman on the awards circuit so far. Still, its co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis, who is the heart of the show, did get recognition with a win for Actor in a Comedy Series. While Schitts Creek did get a nice farewell with its first Golden Globes for Comedy Series and Actress In a Comedy Series (Catherine OHara) Dan Levy and Eugene Levy could not repeat their Emmy wins in very competitive categories. HBOs Lovecraft Country is a groundbreaking new series that became a cultural phenomenon. Already snubbed at the nomination stage with only one nom, for Drama Series, it was steamrolled by The Crowns four-win sweep, including Drama Series. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. A Youth Organizer aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Prince-Kamal Gumah has promised to kick start a campaign to urge Ghanaians to get vaccinated for their own safety against the deadly Coronavirus. He commended the Nana Addo-led government for acquiring the vaccines in an attempt to protect the citizenry from the virus which is killing faster in recent times. Prince-Kamal Gumah in an interview with Peacefmonline.com implored Ghanaians not to be misled by the negative narrative about the coronavirus vaccine, as the jabs remained the only protection against the impact of the pandemic. Ghana needs us and we have a caring President who is ever ready to protect us all. We must all get the jab for our protection and safety, he advised Prince-Kamal also assured that the vaccines had been duly certified by the FFA and were safe for usage. Ghana last Wednesday secured the first batch of 600,000 doses of the UN-arranged COVAX vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca in India. The Ghana Health Service will from Tuesday, March 2, to Monday, March 15, 2021, deploy the 600,000 AstraZeneca vaccines. Persons who would be inoculated during this first vaccination campaign include healthcare workers, frontline security personnel, persons with underlying medical conditions, persons 60 years and above, and frontline members of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London, Britain, March 5, 2020. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo/File Photo Britains Prince Harry has said he feared history repeating itself in relation to Princess Dianas death as he recounted his royal life with wife Meghan in the couples much anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey. US television network CBS has released two 30-second excerpts from Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special, which is set to air at 8pm Eastern Time in the US on Sunday or 1.00am Monday UK time. The first video begins with Oprah asking Meghan if she was silent or silenced, with Meghans answer not revealed. She then asks Meghan: Almost unsurvivable. Sounds like there was a breaking point? The clip then quickly cuts to the duke commenting: My biggest fear was history repeating itself. Read More In the second video, Harry says he is grateful to have had Meghans support throughout his exit from royal life, while also expressing admiration for what his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, had to endure under similar circumstances. He tells Winfrey: Im just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you, with my wife by my side, because I cant begin to imagine what it must have been like for her, going through this process by herself, all those years ago. Because it has been unbelievably tough for the two of us, but at least we had each other. It comes days after Harrys appearance on US talk show The Late Late Show, in which he told host James Cordon the toxic atmosphere created by the British press is what forced him and his family to leave the UK. Summary of the conclusions of the first report on the environment and climate change produced by the MedECC network, released in November 2020 and which alerts policy makers and the public. MedECC, CC BY The Mediterranean basin, which includes the Mediterranean Sea and the countries it borders, is often referred to as a hotspot for climate change and biodiversity. This image is used to illustrate the multiple risks for the region, its people and its ecosystems. A new analysis of the scientific literature co-authored by 120 scientists concludes that the sum of climate change, pollution, unsustainable use of land and sea, and the invasion of nonnative species has induced these overlapping risks that are often underestimated. Concerning the existence of the hotspot, the answer is both yes and no. It is no if we mean that the Mediterranean region has warmed faster than other regions. It is true that increases in air temperature have now reached +1.5C compared to the pre-industrial period (1850-1900) while the global average increase has just exceeded +1C. However, this is not surprising since all of the world's land surfaces have warmed more than the atmosphere above the oceans. The strongest warming occurs at high latitudes with a speed twice that of the global average. The Mediterranean, being semi-enclosed and relatively shallow, is warming faster than the global ocean (+0.3C to +0.4C per decade vs. approximately +0.2C globally. Temperature is only one among several factors in global change, however. The answer is yes if we consider the cocktail of multiple hazards (see the infographic below) that makes the Mediterranean particularly vulnerable, especially on its eastern and southern shores. Terrestrial and marine heat waves Warming rates are highest in summer, particularly for maximum temperatures, projected to reach +3.3C for a global warming of +2C. This will increase the intensity and frequency of heat waves. Cities will experience heat peaks that will be further amplified by several degrees by mineral surfaces, with particularly significant health risks for the most vulnerable city dwellers (children, the elderly and the poor). Their health risks are further amplified by air pollution, which is also exacerbated during hot episodes, for example, in large cities such as Cairo and Barcelona. The increase in maritime traffic in ports such as Marseilles, to meet the growing demand for tourist cruises, has an even greater impact on health because it generates peaks of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide when summer temperatures reach their maximum. In the ocean, conditions are no better. Stronger and more frequent marine heat waves kill sensitive species. The effect of warming on living organisms is amplified by the acidification of seawater which, due to its higher alkalinity, absorbs more CO 2 than the global ocean. In addition, tropical species arriving through the Suez Canal or the Strait of Gibraltar tend to replace some native species. Coastal areas are heavily impacted by sea-level rise, which is currently accelerating (4.8 cm over 10 years) and which could reach 40 cm to 120 cm in 2100, depending on the greenhouse gas emission scenario. Successions of droughts and floods The retreat of the coastline has been amplified by a drastic decrease in sedimentary input and by urbanization. While sea level rise is less of a problem in less populated or high tide areas elsewhere in the world, it poses a huge problem to the densely populated Mediterranean where people, agrosystems, cultural heritage sites and coastal infrastructure are all dangerously near a low tide coastline. The "Acqua Alta" in Venice in November 2019 with 190 cm of peak tide foreshadows what will happen increasingly more often on the Mediterranean rim during marine submersions. Precipitation is undergoing a paradoxical evolution with an accentuation of drought during the summer months and an increase in heavy rains and thus the risk of flooding in the winter months. An average decrease of 4% in the amount of rain per degree of global warming has been estimated by climate models, affecting up to 180 million people, for whom the lack of water will become more pronounced. In addition, water demand could increase by 22% to 74% by 2100 due to demographic changes, mass tourism and irrigation for agriculture. This shortage will be most significant in the southern and eastern Mediterranean where the climate is already arid and where three-quarters of the basin's population live. Biodiversity under threat The Mediterranean territory is also a biodiversity hotspot with 25,000 plant species, 60% of which are endemic. It provided a "service" to plant and animal species as refuges during the last ice age (when the climate was much colder and the sea level was 120 meters lower). These ecosystems are now under the triple threat of drought, rising sea levels and intensified land use. Forest fires due to heat waves and droughts will be increasingly dramatic despite prevention efforts and fire response forces. Climate change, pollution and overfishing are having a heavy impact on marine ecosystems, which contain 18% of known species and cover 0.82% of the global ocean. The Mediterranean is also currently a hotspot of social and political instability, experiencing economic losses, conflicts and significant suffering of populations; even if the causal links with climate change cannot be demonstrated, expected future changes are so great that the risk of increased instability is significant and will require major adaptation efforts. In economic terms, the region depends heavily on tourism (30% of world tourism) which faces the dual threat of heat waves and environmental degradation on the one hand, and the necessary decarbonisation of transport on the other. The peak in water consumption by tourists coincides with that of agriculture, which will increasingly require irrigation, exacerbating use conflicts. The current COVID-19 crisis accentuates these developments and, in the short term, makes a paradigm shift inevitable regarding economic development based on perpetual growth, abundant (mostly fossil) energy and waste. Climate change is also an opportunity for a transition to lifestyles that are more respectful of nature. Explore further Warming driving Eastern Mediterranean species collapse: study This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Jan Schaefer Not only does Jan have the skills and expertise to succeed in the job, but because she used to be one of our agents, she is perfectly positioned to provide them with the support they need to help them thrive and grow their business. Royce Mitchell Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, one of the countrys fastest-growing real estate brokerages, today announced that Jan Schaefer has joined the company as regional director for their Florida operations. Schaefer brings a combination of extensive sales experience, operations knowledge and marketing expertise to her work in pursuit of the companys aggressive growth strategy in the Florida panhandle. Were so fortunate to have someone of Jans caliber and experience managing our operations, said Florida Regional President Royce Mitchell. Not only does she have the skills and expertise to succeed in the job, but because she used to be one of our agents, she is perfectly positioned to provide them with the support they need to help them thrive and grow their business. Schaefer is a licensed real estate professional with over a dozen years of experience in the industry. She originally joined the company in 2008 and rose to become one of its top producing agents in Maryland. As a former real estate professional, Im intimately acquainted with the needs and challenges that agents face, said Schaefer. Im one hundred percent dedicated to helping all the agents succeed, especially in this challenging environment, and Im excited to begin my new role. Schaefer is a native of Ellicott City, Md. and currently resides with her husband in Destin, Fl. She will mainly work in the companys Niceville office, but will be providing marketing, training and operations management and support for the companys six offices in Gulf Breeze, Miramar Beach, Pensacola and Santa Rosa Beach. ABOUT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES PENFED REALTY Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty (http://www.penfedrealty.com) is a full-service real estate company with an annual sales volume of over $6 billion. The company has 2,000 agents and more than 50 offices, providing complete real estate services nationwide. PenFed Realty is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PenFed Credit Union and is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brokerage network, operated by HSF Affiliates LLC. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. Equal Housing Opportunity. NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The most reliable eCommerce website builder Squarespace Ecommerce based on user reviews for 2021 to sale products online. Website Builder Experts has published the latest report for the present year 2021: Squarespace Ecommerce provides Innovative, Personalized Shopping Experiences Across Mobile, Social, Web and More for Portfolio Websites, Business Websites, Ecommerce Websites. Squarespace Ecommerce a leader in Tailored Solutions, Dedicated Service, A powerful platform which helps business grow. 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The expert and skilled team at Website builder experts.com supremely examines even the slightest element in these website builders to assist the user in making a rightful decision. SOURCE Website Builder Experts Microsoft has been the chosen app creator and developer for several COVID-19 Vaccine Management Platforms that also focus on tracking vaccination records and applying for the program for states like Iowa and New Jersey. However, several complaints have been surfacing since the past weeks that certain users were not able to proceed with their applications due to the faulty service. Users have been heading to voicing out their problems and issues with the COVID-19 vaccination to social media, Twitter, which have accumulated many of the frustrated applicants for the vaccine service. These problems have occurred on systems in which Microsoft's development team had worked, and it is the one who is under fire for these frustrations. Adventures in DC vaccine scheduling: - Phone hotline says it's not a working number - Website loading at tortoise speed - Finally get to Q+A page - Says Captcha is wrong (it's not) - HTTP Error 503 This service is unavailable - Webpage crashed Kayla Tausche (@kaylatausche) February 26, 2021 Since the vaccine's release and availability since last December 2020, Microsoft had played a proactive role in its dissemination and awareness, alongside its co-founder and former CEO, Bill Gates, that campaign for its use. Microsoft has also taken part in direct measures such as existing its assistance in the form of developing applications for its functions. Read Also: Verizon Deletes Tweet Saying 5G Drains Battery Life, Suggesting 4G LTE for Extended Use Microsoft COVID-19 Vaccination Tool: Faulty and Aiming to Fix the Issues According to Bloomberg, Microsoft has recently released an issue alongside the District of Columbia, whose vaccination page and management platform has malfunctioned for three straight days in the past week. Microsoft has admitted that both parties have "fallen short" and would soon address and solve the issues in its systems. The online appointments that were made available today are now booked. We know this morning was very frustrating for many people. We are working with Microsoft to understand why heavy traffic caused some eligible individuals to not get through. DC Health (@_DCHealth) February 25, 2021 Recently, Washington DC's DC Health agency has released a tweet, saying that they understand the frustrations of users when accessing the service, and seeing that it malfunctions upon use. The agency has made sure that these online appointments have already been booked and already have a schedule for users of the Microsoft service. Issues including Captcha Verification, Phone Hotline that is Not a Working Number, Slow Loading Speeds, and other problems were experienced and listed by a user which has been agreed to by other users. Moreover, the problem is met by HTTP Error 503, which automatically whites out the entire page and cancels the login or verification page. Users Are Frustrated on Microsoft's Service Several users have taken their complaints and rants about Microsoft's service in Twitter's platform, where a thread has opened up and have gathered frustrated users that also complain of the service. The COVID-19 Vaccine Management Platform's flawed service has created several problems for all vaccine aspirants and state health agencies until now. There are no updates or news if the service has been restored or improved for users, and if the states like Iowa, New Jersey, Washington, and others have their management platforms already fixed by the company. Microsoft's service is crucial in these times, especially as the regular supplies of vaccines have been steadily coming to the country. Related Article: Johnson & Johnson's FDA-Approved Single Shot COVID-19 Vaccine to Start Distribution This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. "Helping people feel secure and the government control the pandemic early is the responsibility of every organization and individual," Pham Van Tuan, the company's acting deputy CEO, said. Nguyen Duc Tuan (3rd L), chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hai Duong, receives a donation of VND20 billion ($851,000) from a representative of An Phat Holdings. Photo courtesy of An Phat. Previously, on February 1 and 17, An Phat Holdings had donated VND11.35 billion ($482,000) in cash, equipment and other necessities to Hai Duong. Thus, in February alone, APH donated a total of VND31.35 billion ($1.3 million) to Hai Duongs Covid-19 fight. The company also coordinated with the Hai Duong Youth Union, individuals, organizations, businesses, and others to salvage 1,000 tons of farm produce. "An Phat Holdings support comes from a spirit of solidarity and the hope the province can quickly overcome the pandemic," Tuan added. Hai Duong is a key production hub for An Phat Holdings, which has in the province 10 plants, a number of subsidiaries and 3,500 employees. Besides offering support to the community, An Phat Holdings always complies with Covid preventive measures at all its factories, production facilities and offices. Employees in Hai Duong are tested in times of outbreaks or when requested by the authorities. Since the Covid outbreak began in nearly 2020, An Phat Holdings has also donated compostable products to 300 people including soldiers in quarantine zones in Truc Bach, Hanoi and 5,000 medical masks and hand sanitizers to the Vietnamese embassy in the U.S. See Full Image Gallery >> The two-row 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been spotted testing in the wild alongside its three-row sibling, giving us our first glimpse at how Jeep plans to differentiate the two beyond their available seating configurations. This is our first look at the two-row variant of Jeep's replacement for its now-decade-old WK2-generation Grand Cherokee, which is kind of surprising, considering the fact that Jeep has already revealed the three-row Grand Cherokee L. Sales of the current two-row remain strong, so Jeep isn't exactly missing out on sales by letting the new seven-seater get out ahead of the short-wheelbase replacement, but it's an interesting quirk of the new model's development. Viewed side-by-side, there are some obvious differences between the two- and three-row models even under the former's camouflage. The rear doors on the three-row model are longer, granting easier access to those way-back seats. There are also visible differences in the D-pillar treatment; the two-row model's is shaped differently and appears to lack the blacked-out insert seen on the L between the chrome trim on the pillar itself and the glass on its liftgate. There are visible differences up front too. The lower bumper grille on the two-row appears to be inverted compared to the L's, though we can't rule out the possibility that this will vary based on trim. Jeep has not yet confirmed much about the two-row Grand Cherokee beyond the basics, but we expect much of its underpinnings to match the L's. That would mean a 3.6-liter V6 making 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque would be standard, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque should be optional. A plug-in hybrid variant of the L (dubbed 4xe, like the Wrangler PHEV) has already been announced; we have no reason to believe it will be reserved for the larger variant. 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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 The University of Alabama System announced big changes for the upcoming fall semester. The three campuses plan to hold traditional in-person instruction without capacity restrictions in the fall of 2021, the system announced. The move allows for registration for classes to begin in the weeks to come. Dr. Selwyn Vickers, the chair of UAs task force related to COVID-19 and the dean of UABs medical school explained the thinking behind the decision. Our models give us confidence in the strong likelihood that well have a safe environment for traditional classrooms and on-campus activities by the fall, Vickers said. Of course, we will continue to make every effort to abide by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Alabama Department of Public Health guidance and make data-driven decisions. Plans can be adjusted, Vickers said, if safety concerns become an issue. UA has been conducting classes in a variety of ways since the fall 2020 semester resumed with students learning both in-person and online. The system reported 3,813 students tested positive for COVID-19 in the fall semester with 2,992 of those cases coming on the Tuscaloosa campus. So far in 2021, there have been 1,062 positive cases among students with 682 in Tuscaloosa and 276 at UAB. Numbers have been declining in recent weeks after seeing early surges following the semester break in January. The decision to expand in-classroom learning for the fall was also aided by modeling by UAB epidemiologist Suzanne Judd. It is based on the number of COVID-19 cases, vaccinations and the number of people projected to have immunity but didnt test positive, the UA System news release stated. UA System Health and Safety Task Force urges individuals to remain committed to safe practices, such as masking and social distancing, in order to make the model a reality, the news release stated. *Correction: The numbers of 2021 positive COVID-19 tests were incorrect in an earlier version of this story. They have since been updated. Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook. SPRINGFIELD Building on efforts to protect Illinois first responders and frontline essential workers, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed House Bill 4276 into law. The legislation extends worker compensation benefits until June 30, 2021, for first responders and frontline essential workers who were exposed to and contracted COVID-19 through their job. This legislation ensures that our first responders and frontline essential workers, as well as their families, continue to receive the protection and benefits that they deserve, said Pritzker. Illinois has made substantial progress in our fight against COVID-19 and it is because of the hard work, and sometimes difficult sacrifices, from our first responders and frontline essential workers. State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Belleville, said first responders and essential frontline workers put their lives on the line every single day. This bill is necessary and will ensure the continued protection of those serving on the frontlines that have contracted COVID-19 while on the job, he said. HB 4276 also allows extended time-off up to 60 days if COVID impacted the recovery of an employee. For example, if COVID impacted an individuals ability to attend physical therapy at the doctors office which was closed because of COVID-19, under the new legislation, the time period is extended so the employee can now take time off to rehabilitate and receive compensation. The legislation also extends the timeline in which the death of a policeman and fireman from COVID-19 can be designated as a fatal injury while in active service. HB 4276 is effective immediately. Burma UN Leads International Condemnation of Bloody Crackdowns in Myanmar Volunteers carry a man who was shot and injured by Myanmar security forces in Mandalay on Feb. 28, 2021. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy The UN, Japan, Canada and the European Union have strongly condemned the Myanmar militarys bloody crackdowns on civilians participating in anti-regime protests on the weekend. Myanmar police and soldiers shot dead at least 18 people during the Sunday crackdowns against peaceful protesters across the country, according to the OHCHR, the UNs human rights office. Since the military seized power from the countrys democratically elected government on Feb. 1, exactly a month ago, it has detained more than 1,000 people. World leaders expressed deep concern about Myanmars current situation and called on the military to immediately halt its use of force against civilians and respect their rights to freedom of expression and assembly. They also urged the international community to unite in condemning the militarys violent actions. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement on Sunday that Guterres strongly condemns the violent crackdowns in Myanmar. He is deeply disturbed by the increase in deaths and serious injuries. The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters and arbitrary arrests are unacceptable, Dujarric said. He said Guterres urged the international community to come together and send a clear signal to the military that it must respect the will of the people of Myanmar as expressed through the election and stop the repression. OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement on Sunday that Use of lethal force against nonviolent demonstrators is never justifiable under international human rights norms. Since the beginning of the coup detat the police and security forces have targeted an ever-increasing number of opposition voices and demonstrators by arresting political officials, activists, civil society members, journalists and medical professionals. The OHCHR spokesperson urged the military to respect Myanmar peoples right to peaceful assembly in order to call for the restoration of democracy, adding that they must not be met with violent and bloody repression. The UN also reiterated its call for the international community to stand in solidarity with the Myanmar people who are opposing the coup, and to restore democracy in the country. On Friday, Myanmars ambassador to the UN, U Kyaw Moe Tun, denounced the coup at an informal General Assembly meeting in New York, calling on the international community to take the strongest possible measures against the military in order to restore civilian rule. The regime fired him from his post on Saturday. However, the UN does not officially recognize the regime as Myanmars new government, according to a Reuters report citing a UN official. The ambassador is still in his position for now, according to Reuters. The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a group formed by lawmakers elected to Parliament in Myanmars Nov. 8 general election, also said U Kyaw Moe Tun is still in his position on behalf of the elected government. The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is Myanmars Parliament, which was denied the opportunity to meet by the coup. In Asia, only Japan, Myanmars closest friend, has come out to publicly denounce the militarys weekend crackdowns. Japanese Press Secretary Yoshida Tomoyuki said in a statement on Sunday, The government of Japan strongly condemns the violence against civilians, which has been continuing despite repeated calls by the international community. Sharing the concerns of the UN and Japan, Marc Garneau, Canadas minister of foreign affairs, said, We call on the international community to unite in condemning these violent acts. He added, Those responsible for this violence will be held to account, and Canada will consider additional measures in response. We stand with the people of Myanmar. The EU said it stood with the people of Myanmar, who are defending their democracy, and vowed that the bloc would take measures in response to these developments shortly. EU High Representative Josep Borrell said, In shooting against unarmed citizens, the security forces have shown a blatant disregard for international law, and must be held to account. The US, the UK and Canada have imposed targeted sanctions against Myanmars military leaders, including coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his subordinates. Following reports of the Bloody Sunday crackdown, the US, Australian and Indian embassies in Yangon expressed sadness at the lives lost in Myanmar. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Regime Recalls Over 100 Staff From Foreign Missions Myanmars Bloody Sunday Sees Highest Death Toll So Far at Hands of Security Forces Myanmar Military Regime Dismisses UN Ambassador In his new book on climate change and its adverse impact in the future, Bill Gates urges everyone to remember two things: Net Zero and 2050. It seems as if, after having grappled with malaria, HIV, Ebola and Covid-19, the billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder has a new passion now, to solve another intractable global problem: climate change. Since the start of 2021, Gates had been trying to focus everyone's attention on the greatest challenge to the humankind i.e. climate change in the backdrop of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Gates in his new book "How To Avoid A Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have And The Breakthroughs We Need", released in February, argues for establishing new laws and putting practices in place, to ensure that the globe will be carbon free by 2050. His book provides advice from sources as diverse as climate scientists, like Vaclav Smil and Ken Caldeira, to John D. Cox, author of "Weather For Dummies". Gates avers that writing the book was an ambition to "cut through the noise" and give consumers better tools for understanding what works. The book repeatedly points at two figures: 51 billion and 2050. First one is the amount of greenhouse gases, in tons, which we emit annually, and the second is the year by which we have to become net zero or emitting zero amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, if we want the earth to survive. Gates argues that setting a goal to reduce our emissions won't do it. The only sensible goal is to attain zero. In a virtual session at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLT) last week, Gates said that climate change is too big a problem and it cannot be tackled without governments driving the mitigation efforts. Gates urged people to use their political voice to do so, and apply their purchasing power with a conscience, besides pushing the companies they work for to do the same. Gates mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name twice for having strongly supported emissions reductions. He explained, "in terms of future emissions and future suffering, India is paradigmatic. If we don't help them and get them involved, then this whole thing doesn't go well". Speaking about US President Joe Biden and his administration prioritising climate change and enlisting climate activists to help create policies, Gates said political parties need to prioritise the issue. Meanwhile, the new US administration decided to return to the 2015 Paris Agreement last Friday. In his address gates applauded the younger generation for raising the issue more coherently and continuously at the international forums, recently. He also expressed his admiration for Greta Thunberg and said that we need such attention to intensify and stay very, very high for all thirty years. In an interview with Emma Brockes for The Guardian, Gates points out the extremely difficult problem of how to further global development while reducing emissions. This comes in addition to the political challenge or in other words changing our priorities. Gates enumerates a list of culprits, which are more well-known, such as the transport industry or the electricity generation plants, in addition to cement and steel producing industries globally, which emit more harmful gases into the atmosphere as compared to well known culprits. The way forward In his book Gates avers that the small decline in emissions in 2019, in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic-which forced global industrial shutdown to a large scale, is proof that we cannot get to zero simply, or even mostly, by flying and driving less. He says just as we needed new tests, treatments and vaccines for the coronavirus, similarly we need new tools for fighting climate change: zero-carbon ways to produce electricity, make things, grow food, keep our buildings cool or warm, and move people and goods around the world. Highlighting the vital and urgent need for innovation in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, he further argues that, if we don't get to zero by 2050, the temperature rise will be so damaging that life will actually get worse for humans and most of the natural ecosystems. So, he urges everyone to innovate. To achieve this, Gates underlines that we need international cooperation, first. When governments, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies worked together on Covid-19, the world made remarkable progress, for example, developing and testing vaccines in record time. He goes on to argue that the same is true for climate change. If rich countries worry only about lowering their own emissions and don't consider that clean technologies need to be practical for everyone, we'll never get to zero. In that sense, helping others is not just an act of altruism, it's also in our self-interest. We all have reasons to get to zero and help others do it too. Temperatures will not stop rising in Texas unless emissions stop rising in India, he says. Second he says, we need to let science, engineering, physics, environmental science, economics, and other related specialities to be innovative in their fields and also work collaboratively to achieve and guide our efforts to achieve net zero. As everyone can't continue to work in silos and no country should preach others, but all should work collectively, as was evident appreciably during the pandemic. Third, Gates says our solutions should meet the needs of the people who are hardest hit. 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 his efforts 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. According to reports, in 2019, for the first time in the US, renewable energy consumption surpassed coal consumption, despite all the incentives the Trump administration introduced for the fossil fuel industry. In the book's final chapter, Gates lays out specific actions that each individual can take to help mitigate climate change, from being a more engaged citizen to being a more informed consumer, with specific advice on reducing household emissions, switching to an electric vehicle, and setting up an internal carbon tax for businesses. Gates includes an afterword on Covid-19 also, making the case that many of the lessons we have learned from the pandemic, the need for international cooperation, the importance of letting science guide our actions, the understanding that solutions should be designed to meet the needs of those who suffer most, also apply to climate change. We are at a critical juncture, he rightly argues, and must commit to investing in new policies, market structures, and technologies over the next decade if we are to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. "It's hard to think of a better response to a miserable 2020 than spending the next ten years dedicating us to this ambitious goal," he concludes. Indeed, such sagacious advice can only come from an individual who is committed to ameliorate the life of his fellow citizens, and if we don't awake even now, we'll have no else to blame but ourselves in 2050. (Asad Mirza is a political commentator. He can be contacted at asad.mirza.nd@gmail.com. The views expressed are personal) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 IT is just a few months since Bank of Ireland changed the terms for operating its current accounts. The move means that all customers who previously kept a certain amount on balance with the banks to avoid fees or reduced fee, will now face banking charges. Fast forward to this week and the bank has announced it is closing 88 branches in the State. Another 15 are to go in the North. It seems that the deal from Bank of Ireland for its customers is that they have to pay more but will get even less. It is little wonder people in this country are cynical about banks. And the announcement of the whole-scale culling of branches across the country comes just a few days after the bombshell confirmation from Ulster Bank that it is pulling the plug in this country. That puts at risk another 88 branches, many of which are likely to close. We could see more than 170 branches of both Ulster and Bank of Ireland shuttered in the near future. That is a grim scenario, particularly for rural towns and villages that will feel the stuffing is being knocked out of them with the loss of banking facilities. The elderly and other people who do not use online banking will be hardest hit, while businesses that generate cash will also suffer. Some nine towns will lose a Bank of Ireland branch where there is already at threat of closure of an Ulster Bank branch. Read More In truth, the writing was on the wall for the 88 BoI branches since this time last year when the bank said it was temporarily closing 101 branches. It said these were small offices where it was not possible for staff and customers to practice social distancing. When many of them did reopen, there was no counter service available, leaving little doubt that their numbers were up. Bank boss Francesca McDonagh says that three-out-of-four customers in the branches that are due to close had not set foot in them in the past year. There is an increasing move to online banking, Ms McDonagh says, while the bank made a loss of 742m last year. However, the Financial Services Union has accused the bank of punishing people for observing the rules during the pandemic. Their reward to lose a key service in their area. In the UK, the financial services regulator has pressed banks to avoid branch closures during the pandemic. Dont expect any such pro-consumer move from the Central Bank in this country. Hands off seems to be the mantra from regulators here to many consumer issues. Cork seems to be the big loser in the Bank of Ireland branch cull, as it is losing nine branches. Dublin will see eight go, with Limerick set to lose seven branches, and Donegal five. For retail banking staff in both Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank, the prospects of a new job in the same sector are now slim. AIB has around 200 branches, with another 70 in EBS. In December, it said it was closing five AIB branches. How long now before it decides to mimic Bank of Ireland with a larger cull of its network? One way or the other, this year is set to be characterised by massive upheaval in banking in this country. TORONTO - On set they called her "COVID Cathy," or "CC" for short. TORONTO - On set they called her "COVID Cathy," or "CC" for short. As the COVID-19 supervisor on the new Toronto-shot CBC series "Pretty Hard Cases," Catherine Lang had to not only help develop pandemic protocols for the production, but also keep a close eye on the cast and crew to ensure they were following them. It can be a tricky position, having to police everyone while trying to prevent positive cases, but Lang says she was determined to keep the mood upbeat. "What I found the hardest about COVID supervising was that it's hard to spend 100 per cent of your day worrying about people's health. And unfortunately, I'm a bit of a worrier," Lang says. "Eating, breathing, sleeping 24-7 I couldn't get it out of my mind. Because at the beginning all I could think was, 'What if I do something or don't do something and somebody gets sick?' And that was quite a large stress for me." Lang's position, which is also sometimes called a COVID compliance officer, is a now common one on Canadian film and TV sets. And it's one she predicts will be around for another year or so. The supervisor typically works alongside the producers and a team of medical, health and safety professionals to create COVID protocols using government guidelines and ensure they're adhered to. Both industry and medical professionals can qualify for the position. "They were accepted, but definitely were the sort of hall monitors of the production shoot that can frustrate people when they're trying to do their jobs," Alex Jordan, a producer on Global's "Private Eyes," says of their COVID supervising team. "We had to be very cognizant of the mental health of everyone. To some people's opinion, you're not doing enough. And in some cases, people are like, 'This is too much. You're overkill.'" "Kim's Convenience" star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee says their COVID protocol officer was Cher Merlo, who has a background in film and TV production. She "worked tirelessly" on things like modifying the actors' masks and shields to ensure they would be effective but wouldn't disrupt their hair and makeup between takes. "She had the hardest job on set, because her job was to be the bad guy and to remind them of the protocols and of doing things like sanitizing your hands and wearing your mask and staying two metres apart," Lee says. "Pretty Hard Cases" stars Adrienne C. Moore and Meredith MacNeill say they went to great lengths to help Lang not feel "like a bad guy." "I remember when Cathy gave her first speech at the start, Adrienne and I looked at each other and then gave her the biggest cheer. We were like 'Cathy!'" says MacNeill. "We used to call her COVID Cathy. We were like 'CC, yes, in the house!' The staff knew Lang was "only trying to help," notesMacNeill. "So we approached it, and the whole crew approached it, with a 'thank you.'" Lang had worked as an assistant producer and production manager before becoming a COVID supervisor on "Pretty Hard Cases." Lang says she read everything she could about the virus and "spent many hours on the phone" with producer Wanda Chaffey and executive producer Amy Cameron. The three developed protocols for every department with a consulting physician. "As I would walk through the set, I would see people adjust their masks and pull their shields down. It was very cute," Lang says laughing. Of course, Lang also wore personal protective equipment, since she had to be in more spaces on set than most. She says she "never felt unsafe" but found the thought of somebody getting sick in the workplace "horrifying" and had to learn to stop worrying about things that were out of her control. "Eventually I had to say to myself, 'I can't stop this. I can control what happens in the workplace to an extent, but I can't control what happens outside of the workplace.'" The cast and crew were very compliant, Lang says, noting "everybody really wanted to be safe." Chassey and Cameron were with her every step of the way. In the end, they had no incident of anyone contracting COVID-19 at work, she says. While there were two positive cases, they were contracted outside production, caught through testing and had no community spread. Toronto nurse Meghan McKenna became a COVID supervisor on the CBC series "Coroner" through her employer, the third-party medical consulting firm Oncidium, which provided guidance and support to the show, including a full-time nursing staff. She hadn't worked in film and TV before and was "on a steep learning curve" in that regard as they collaborated with producers, she says. They held mandatory health sessions for everyone on set. One of McKenna's key goals was for the cast and crew to understand the uncertain nature of a pandemic, so if provincial case numbers rose and protocols changed, they would be onboard instead of feeling they were being fed misinformation. She also taught everyone how viruses or bacteria spread through communities, so when pandemic fatigue set in, they understood how to protect themselves and why every single protocol matters. The pressure on the job comes with not wanting to see the production fail, says McKenna. But her experiences working in hospital have taught her she "can't control what people are doing 100 per cent." She also likes the idea that should someone have a medical issue on set, she's able to guide them through it and manage it. McKenna's nursing background and experience in emergency rooms also helped her feel "fine with being the police" on set. "That is such a big part of health teaching, is telling people things they don't want to hear," she says. "I really like the challenge of getting through to someone over time." While producers say "Coroner" had "a few issues" with COVID-19 cases, they weren't on set, were easily contact-traced and had no community spread. And no one had to be reminded of the protocols later in production, McKenna says. "Everyone's helping remind each other," she says. "The crew is all keeping each other safe," adds "Coroner" executive producer Suzanne Colvin-Goulding. "Everybody has adopted the mentality that we are in this together." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2021. Niles Bryant Bryants appointment is effective July 1, 2021. He will succeed Paula Volent, who announced in February that she intends to step down in June after more than twenty years in the position. Niless exceptional experience and skills, his record of achievement, and his deep commitment to Bowdoins mission make him the ideal person to succeed Paula in this work that is vital for the College and especially for the students and families supported through our endowment returns, said Bowdoin President Clayton S. Rose. As senior vice president and chief investment officer, Bryant will be a member of Bowdoins senior leadership team, reporting to the president. I have known Paula for my entire investing career and have always admired her investment judgment, passion for markets, and dedication to Bowdoin, noted Bryant. The portfolio she has built is truly one of a kind and her devotion to Bowdoins success in unmatched. Bryant joined Bowdoins investment office in April 2020 as director of investments, following sixteen years as an investment professional and earlier as an attorney specializing in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. Most recently, he served on the investments team as director of real assets at the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, a Bay Area private foundation with an $8 billion endowment. From 2004 to 2008, Bryant was associate director of investments at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, one of the nations oldest private foundations, where he worked with Chief Investments Officer D. Ellen Shuman, a member of the Bowdoin Class of 1976. Stanley Druckenmiller 75, the chair of Bowdoins Investment Committee, said, Niles will do an outstanding job as our next CIO, and I look forward to working with him. Niles is uniquely positioned for this leadership position at Bowdoin, said outgoing Chief Investment Officer Paula Volent. During this recent challenging period, Niles has worked side by side with me and our Investment Committee on managing Bowdoins portfolio, augmenting the investment team, and carrying out our due diligence on potential opportunities. I have great confidence that the Bowdoin endowment will be in the very best of hands going forward. I look forward to working with Niles over the next four months to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Prior to his work in the field of investments, Bryant was an associate at the New York City law firms of Dewey Ballantine and Winston & Strawn. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in classical archaeology, and where he was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his law degree at the Duke University School of Law in 1998 and his MBA in 2003 at Dartmouth Colleges Tuck School of Business. The Bowdoin endowment consists of more than 1,700 individual funds earmarked for the perpetual support of a variety of College initiatives. On June 30, 2020, the endowment was valued at $1.8 billion and provided $71.8 million to the annual operations of the College. Of the total endowment distribution in 20192020, approximately $33 million supported financial aid, accounting for approximately three-quarters of Bowdoins $45 million financial aid budget in the last fiscal year. As of June 30, 2020, the three-, five-, and ten-year annualized returns for Bowdoins endowment were 10.7 percent, 8.5 percent, and 11.6 percent, respectivelyall in the top fifth percentile among comparative college and university annualized returns, where the respective median returns were 5.2 percent, 5.0 percent, and 7.4 percent. The endowment portfolio is diversified across different asset classes, including domestic and international equities, fixed income, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and absolute return strategies. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. 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Details of Charlies missions are still classified, but the technology led engineers to design robotic submarines and other aquatic inspired machines to investigate the seas. Scroll down for videos The US military is equipped with a number of stealthy underwater robots to spy on enemies, but these high-tech innovations come years after Charlie the robotic catfish The robotic fish measures about two feet long and some of its specifications, according to the CIA website, include speed, endurance, depth control and navigational accuracy. Although much smaller than the real fish, which averages around three feet long, Charlie looked and moved like a living catfish swaying its body and tail as it pushed through the water. Although the CIAs Charlie was advanced for its time, there were others that came before it when the US began seriously studying underwater robotics in the 1950s. One of the earliest was developed at the University of Washingtons Applied Physics Laboratory, which was crafted as a torpedo tasked with gathering data on the physical properties of the ocean, IEEE Spectrum reports. Although much smaller than the real fish, which averages around three feet long, Charlie looked and moved like a living catfish swaying its body and tail as it pushed through the water The unmanned underwater vehicle is operated remotely using a line-of-sight audio and fitted with sensors to spy on adversaries, along with collecting water samples Unlike its predecessor Charlie, the Self-Propelled Underwater Research Vehicle (SPURV) was not stealth as it moved through the water. However, it completed 400 missions before it was retired in 1979. Nearly two decades later, MIT engineers designed a RoboTuna, also nicknamed Charlie, but never mastered the ability to swim untethered. The MIT group continued their work with a RoboPike called Wanda, which was able to swim freely, but was unable to manuever around its tank without crashing into the sides In 2014, the US Navy revealed a giant robotic fish disguised as a tuna under the project name 'Silent Nemo.' Although the CIAs Charlie was advanced for its time, there were others that came before it when the US began seriously studying underwater robotics in the 1950s. Pictured is a painting of the Self-Propelled Underwater Research Vehicle In 2014, the US Navy revealed a giant robotic fish disguised as a tuna under the project name 'Silent Nemo The fish can be controlled with a joystick or be programmed to swim on its own. The unmanned underwater vehicle is able to make tight turns and move through the water quietly, making it ideal for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Navy hopes it could be used to inspect the hull of a ship, check waters for threats such as mines or protrusions, deliver payloads including sonar and guidance packages, and access otherwise denied areas. Fast forward to the present day and the Navy is now working on a AI-powered robotic submarine capable of killing enemies without human input or output. The project is being run by the Office of Naval Research and has been described as an 'autonomous undersea weapon system' according to a report by New Scientist. Details of the killer submersible were made available as part of the 2020 budget documents, which also revealed it has been named CLAWS by the US Navy. It's expected CLAWS will be installed on the new Orca class robot submarines that have 12 torpedo tubes and are being developed for the Navy by Boeing. Autonomous submarines already exist and they can complete tasks without humans being involved - however they aren't very intelligent and have limited functionality. Anything more complex than a simple location task would require a human operator to work via a remote communications link. The new submarines will have much greater level of artificial intelligence and so be able to perform a wider range of functions without a human controller. The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks! Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics. The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc. The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics. The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates. Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education. Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family. Vote View Results 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. By Guy Faulconbridge LONDON (Reuters) - Britain on Monday appealed for a mystery individual infected with a highly transmissible Brazilian variant of the novel coronavirus to come forward, more than two weeks after they tested positive but failed to give proper contact details. Britain said six cases had been detected of the "P.1" variant identified in the Brazilian city of Manaus, against which current vaccines appear to be less effective. Two were in South Gloucestershire in England and three in Scotland. But a sixth individual in England, one of more than a million people tested on Feb. 12-13, had yet to be identified. "If you've had a test on the 12th or 13th of February, (and) haven't had your results back, please get in touch," vaccination minister Nadhim Zahawi told Times Radio. "We are working with the postal system to try and locate them." The P.1 variant shares significant mutations with a variant first detected in South Africa known as B.1.351, which has raised similar concerns. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told broadcasters: "We don't have any reason at the present time to think that our vaccines are ineffective against these new variants of all types." But Adam Finn, of the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, told the BBC: "The evidence we have suggests that certainly the South African variant and potentially this Brazilian variant, which is somewhat similar - the vaccines we have at the moment are less effective at reducing at least mild disease and possibly transmission. "We are optimistic that the vaccines will continue to prevent severe disease, but the evidence for that is still fairly limited." Manufacturers are working on measures to adapt their vaccines to mutations of the virus. Johnson said the government would continue with a "cautious but irreversible" relaxing of lockdown restrictions. One of the cases in the household in South Gloucestershire had flown from Brazil via Zurich to London, arriving on Feb. 10. Story continues All three Scottish cases were identified as people who had flown from Brazil to Aberdeen via Paris and London and had self-isolated for the required 10 days. By Sunday, over 20 million people in Britain had been given a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine - just over 30% of the population - while around 800,000 had had a second dose. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; additional reporting by William Schomberg; Editing by Kevin Liffey) General Assignment Reporter Chris Mays is a general assignment reporter for the Brattleboro Reformer. He has been with New England Newspapers Inc. since 2012. Last April, as the novel coronavirus marched relentlessly across the country, United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres urged the world to address the horrifying surge in domestic violence that mandatory lockdowns were triggering across the globe. Now, a new analysis led by the University of Miami for the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice, confirmed that stay-at-home orders essential to suppressing the highly contagious virus had the negative consequence of increasing domestic violence incidents by more than 8 percent in the United States alone. When you have individuals who are not used to being together 24/7, youre going to have pent-up stress and anxiety, said Alex Piquero, chair of the Universitys Department of Sociology, who led the study at the request of the commission established to evaluate the pandemics impact on the justice system. Add to that all the problems weve seen during the pandemicwith people losing their jobs, with children schooled at home, with increased alcohol sales and opioid useits easy to imagine a world where people who are trapped together are going to lash out at each other. For their report, Domestic Violence During COVID-19, Piquero, and four co-authors, including Felicia Marie Knaul, director of the Universitys Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, analyzed 18 academic studies that compared the number of domestic violence incidents before and after multiple jurisdictions began imposing stay-at-home restrictions last spring. The studies included six from overseas, specifically from Australia, Brazil, India, Italy, Sweden, and Mexico. From those studieswhich relied on administrative data from police logs for domestic violence calls, crime and incident reports, domestic violence hotlines, and health recordsthe researchers confirmed what social workers, educators, police, and global humanitarians have been warning for months: that the pandemics isolation policies are exacerbating domestic violence. The researchers specifically found an average 7.9 percent increase in international domestic violence incidents and an average 8.1 percent spike in the U.S. But given that the researchers narrowed their analysis to academic studies that met specific criteria and were published in English, Piquero is certain that the increases are even far bigger than their report reflects. Theres no doubt it is a lot worse than 8 percent. Just imagine all the stuff that we have no data onthe places where the machismo is so strong or where gender norms are so different, he said. And all we looked at is physical abuse. Imagine the emotional abuse that doesnt get reported. Imagine the kids in those homes who witnessed the violence. There is a whole toll there that people havent talked about or studied. Added Knaul, who co-chairs the Lancet Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Maltreatment of Young People, Violence against women and children was a pandemic before COVID and will continue to be one after, unless we meet this public health crisis head on with policies, resources, and changes in attitudes and norms. While the researchers found strong evidence of a spike, they said the dynamics driving the trend arent as clear. But they believe that lockdowns exacerbated the factors, including job loss, childcare stresses, and financial insecurity, typically associated with domestic violence. They also suggested that the use of alcohol and other substances as a coping strategy elevated the threat, as did isolation from friends, neighbors, teachers, and other people who ordinarily would report signs of abuse or intervene. Citing the report, Thomas Abt, director of the commission led by former Attorneys General Alberto Gonzales and Loretta Lynch, called on policymakers to provide additional resources for domestic abuse prevention and victim servicessomething Piquero said must happen before the next pandemic. We need to make sure that the domestic violence shelters are ready for this. We need to make sure that police departments do welfare checks on prior victims, and we need to ensure people who need help can reach outwith apps that enable them to do so confidentially, he said. We also have to study what goes wrong during a lockdown, so we can prevent it the next time. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on so many peoples lives that we can seewith last week marking 500,000 deathsbut in so many other ways, we have just begun to scratch the surface. In addition to Piquero and Knaul, the co-authors of the report included Wesley G. Jennings, chair and professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at the University of Mississippi; Erin Jemison, manager at the Crime and Justice Institute; and Catherine (Katie) Kaukinen, chair and professor of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida. Posted Monday, March 1, 2021 10:03 am A ban on the use of chokeholds, military equipment and most types of car chases by law enforcement passed the House of Representatives after lawmakers voted along party lines in a 54-43 vote Feb. 27. HB 1054 was the subject of much debate. Some Republican leaders said the bill went too far to strip police of self-defense options, and Democrats said the bill addressed a growing problem with violence and racism in law enforcement. While Washington state still has work to do to demand equity in our law enforcement, todays vote is a step forward toward justice, accountability and racial equity, said Rep. Jesse Johnson, D-Federal Way, the bills primary sponsor. Black and brown communities deserve to walk down the street or sleep in their bed without fear of violence from police. Unlike the original, the substituted bill does not ban the use of unleashed K9 dogs during arrests, but requires the Criminal Justice Training Commission to create a work group and develop a policy around the use of canines. Among others, the work group must include family members affected by police violence, civil rights activists and people from underrepresented backgrounds. Police also would not have the ability to get or use military equipment, which is defined as armed vehicles, machine guns and grenades. All officers would also have to wear a clear law enforcement identifier while on-duty, meaning they would have to clearly show their name or badge number at all times. Many Republican lawmakers did not support the bill. They said the ban on less-lethal tactics would put officers in harms way and make it more difficult to recruit officers into law enforcement. By limiting the non-lethal tactics available to law enforcement, we are pressing more toward the use of lethal force, and that is a matter of great concern from both the law enforcement community and the citizens, said Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen. Rep. David Hackney, D-Tukwila, disagreed. He said the bill would be groundbreaking in its ability to serve community and law enforcement interests. This bill makes our community more safe, not less safe. It gives needed guidance to law enforcement about what is acceptable in Washington State, he said. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Ampoules with atropine (an antidote for chemical warfare agents) have been delivered to the pipelaying vessel, which means Russia is aware of the hazard, intelligence operatives say. It's not only the environment in the Baltic Sea but also human lives that are in grave danger as Russia ignores the fact that chemical warfare agents have been buried off Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea along the route of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline construction, Ukrainian intelligence reports. The rapid pace of pipe laying in Danish waters in the face of increasing political pressure to complete the works as soon as possible is a matter of concern, intelligence analysts believe, citing a major chemical hazard, the SZRU press service reports. "The factor that ecologists had been warning about chemical poisonous substances dating back to World War 2, which were buried at the sea bottom off Bornholm Island, has gained urgency. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline route passes next to this zone. Over the past half century, sea currents have moved a large number of containers holding chemical warfare agents and scattered them over a wide area around the island," it said. It is noted that at least over the past 35 years, such containers and chemical ammo have been periodically found in the east and south of Bornholm. To minimize environmental risks, Denmark, as a condition for granting permission to lay the pipeline in its waters, put forward the condition that the vessels with dynamic positioning (DP) be mandated. "The Russian contractor in the project, Allseas, did have such vessels. However, having faced sanctions in 2019, it withdrew from the project and pulled out its vessels. In Russia, the only pipelayer with DP turned out to be Akademik Chersky. However, its technical condition had not zet allowed to apply the ship. Therefore, the Russian Federation has made significant efforts and secured changes in the Danish resolution, which greenlighted the use of anchor positioning. Now the pipelayer Fortuna is operating in the waters of Denmark, using 12 (!) anchors for positioning. And each of them runs the risk of hitting a hazardous object at the sea bottom," the report warns. Read alsoRussia's Nord Stream 2 project decimating Baltic Sea ecosystem Ukraine Intelligence"Being aware of the high hazard level," the SZRU adds, "the Russians urgently delivered ampoules with atropine (an antidote set to be used in cases of poisoning with chemical warfare agents) to the vessel engaged in the work. However, despite the danger to the life and health of crew members and the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea as a whole, Russia continues to accelerate pipelaying works, concealing any such information from the public," the intelligence agency stressed. Reporting by UNIAN Stefan Halpers Role in Crossfire Hurricane More Significant Than Previously Known Halpers information on Flynn, later described by FBI agent as not accurate, likely initiated FBI probe News Analysis Newly released FBI documents shed light on two meetings between FBI agent Stephen Somma and FBI source Stefan Halper, providing further insight into the broad scope of the FBIs investigation into the Trump 2016 presidential campaignand the active role played by Halper, who acted as a confidential human source (CHS) for the FBI. Although Halper was not considered an official CHS for the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane investigation prior to these meetings, Somma had known Halper since 2011, according to the Department of Justice inspector generals (IG) report on FISA abuse. Additionally, Somma had served as Halpers handler from 2011 through 2016 as part of Sommas regular investigative activities. The FBIs meetings with Halper on Aug. 11 and 12, 2016, were done at the proposal of Somma, who said he lacked a basic understanding of political campaigns. Somma said that he selected Halper because he knew that Halper had been affiliated with national political campaigns since the early 1970s and might have information about, and potentially may have met, one or more of the Crossfire Hurricane subjectsTrump campaign advisers Carter Page and George Papadopoulos and Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort. Somma said he didnt initially tell Halper that there was already an open FBI investigation or who the subjects were, nor, he told the IG, did he tell Halper about the conversation between Papadopoulos and Australian diplomat Alexander Downer, which was the FBIs claimed reason for opening Crossfire Hurricane. Somma was proven to be prophetic, as Halper already had direct knowledge of two of the three people considered subjects of Crossfire Hurricane, and would later fashion a meeting in London with Papadopoulos, the one person he didnt already know. Halper also managed a meeting with Sam Clovis from the Trump campaign. Additionally, based on the FBI documents obtained by Just The News, it appears that Halper was responsible for pushing retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as a person of interest to the FBI with what appears to have been a false story that the FBI failed to immediately verifyand then later failed to correct, as the story gained traction in the media during a crucial period of the Trump presidency. The IG report notes that the FBI opened Crossfire Hurricane without identifying any specific subjects or targets because, as they told the IG, it was unclear from the FFG [Friendly Foreign Government/Downer] information who within the Trump campaign may have received the reported offer of assistance and might be coordinating, wittingly or unwittingly, with the Russian government. According to the IG report, by Aug. 10, 2016, the FBI had assembled a team of special agents, analysts, and supervisory special agents and had conducted an initial analysis of links between Trump campaign members and Russia. Based upon this analysis, the FBI made the decision to open counterintelligence Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) cases under the Crossfire Hurricane umbrella on three individualsPapadopoulos, Page, and Manafort. Flynn wasnt considered to be part of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation at that time. The opening of the FARA cases against the three members of the Trump campaign took place on the day prior to the FBIs meetings with Halper. Notably, it wasnt until after the FBIs meetings with Halper, where he provided the FBI with what now appears to be a false story on Flynn, that the FBI decided to open a fourth FARA case on Flynn on Aug. 16, 2016. Halpers Fortuitous Meetings With Carter Page Somma told Halper during their meeting, according to the IG report, that the FBI team was assigned to a project concerning Russian interference in the presidential campaign and asked Halper if he knew of Papadopoulos. Although Halper had no direct knowledge of Papadopoulos, he agreed to work with the FBI to collect assessment information on Papadopoulos and potentially conduct an operation. Halper then volunteered unsolicited information on three other affiliated members of the Trump campaign. According to the FBI documents, Halper asked Somma if the FBI had an interest in Pagewhose name hadnt been mentioned in the documents to that point. Halpers seemingly innocuous query turned out to be serendipitous and timely for both parties. Halper had recently met Page during two separate meetingsone in the UK and the other at Halpers office. Meanwhile, the FBI had opened a counterintelligence investigation into Page months earlier, in April 2016, out of its New York Field Office (NYFO). Page had been invited to a July 2016 symposium held at the University of Cambridge regarding the upcoming election by Stephen Schrage, a former State Department official who advised Mitt Romneys 2008 presidential campaign. Notably, Schrage had also studied for a Ph.D. under Halper, according to The Daily Caller. Schrage has denied knowing of Halpers role as an FBI source and told the publication that Halper used his position of power to keep me silent and stretch out my research as well as having me research things to support his activities. The speakers list of the symposium was impressive, including Madeleine Albright, the former U.S. secretary of state, Vin Weber, a Republican Party strategist and former congressman, and Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of Britains MI6 as well as the former boss of former agent Christopher Steel who would author the controversial Steele dossier on Donald Trump and his campaign. Dearlove was described as an important figure to Halper by Schrage, who said, Halper seemed to put Dearlove on a pedestal, and he seemed to be the most important person to him at Cambridge. In addition to his affiliation with Halper and his participation as a speaker at the July 2016 Cambridge symposium that Page and Halper attended, Dearlove also met with Steele and his business partner, Chris Burrows. According to The Washington Post, he advised them to work with a top British government official to pass along information from Steeles dossier to the FBI in the fall of 2016. Page attended the event just days after completing a speaking engagement in Moscow, and it was during this time in the UK that he first encountered Halper. Pages Moscow trip would later figure prominently in the Steele dossier. According to The Daily Caller, Page has said he spoke to most of the attendees and had conversations with Halper. Nobody from Hillary Clintons campaign appeared at the event. Halper would stay in contact with Page for the next 14 months, severing ties exactly as the final FISA warrant on Page expired. Halper had a second meeting with Page on July 18, 2016, this time at Halpers office, where Page asked Halper if he would be interested in becoming a foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign. Given Halpers extensive background and lengthy involvement with various administrations dating back to the 1970s, this request doesnt appear particularly unexpected, particularly in light of their recent Cambridge meeting. This second meeting between Halper and Page took place one day prior to a July 19, 2016, memo in the Steele dossier that claimed Page had held secret meetings in Moscow with Igor Sechin, the head of oil giant Rosneft, and senior Russian official Igor Divyekin. Page would be contacted one week later, on July 26, 2016, by a Wall Street Journal reporter who inquired whether Page had met with Sechin and Divyekin. Halper was noncommittal with Page but informed the FBI he had no intention of joining the campaign. Following a short discussion with the FBI, Halper said he was willing to assist with the ongoing investigation and to not notify the Trump campaign about [his] decision not to join. Somma later told the IG that using [Halper] outside of the campaign, the Crossfire Hurricane team could find smart ways, and quiet ways to get information that we can corroborate. Halper maintained his noncommittal stance with Page in future meetings after agreeing to continue a dialogue with Page on the matter for the benefit of the FBI, according to the FBI documents. FBIs NYFO Opens Early Investigation Into Page Meanwhile, according to the IG report, Page had been on NYFOs radar since 2009, when he had contact with a known Russian intelligence officer. He had also been interviewed by the FBI on March 2, 2016, in relation to an ongoing case against this same Russian officera case in which Page was providing assistance. When the FBI concluded its March 2, 2016, interview of Page, the interviewing agent discussed with her supervisor opening a counterintelligence case on Page based on his statement to Russian officials that he believed he was Male-1 in the indictment and his continued contact with Russian intelligence officers. On April 6, 2016, The FBIs NYFO opened a counterintelligence [redactedlikely espionage] investigation on Carter Page. Despite Pages role within the Trump campaign, the investigation wasnt designated as a sensitive investigative matter. According to the IG report, there was limited investigative activity into Page by the NYFO until the Crossfire Hurricane teams opening of its own investigation of Page on August 10. At that point, Pages investigation was transferred from the NYFO and folded into the one just opened by the Crossfire Hurricane team that was now investigating the Trump campaign. Meanwhile, in the week or so prior to the meeting with Halperand the opening of the FARA investigations into Page, Papadopoulos, and Manafortthe Crossfire Hurricane team began to ask for information on Page from the NYFO. On Aug. 10, 2016, the day before his meeting with Halper, Somma received an attachment titled Carter Page-Profile, which had been prepared by a Crossfire Hurricane Staff Operations Specialist. The profile, which was dated Aug. 1, 2016, quoted the 2009 electronic communication regarding Pages statements to the FBI about his contact with the other U.S. government agency. This information regarding Pages work with another federal agency, likely the CIA, might have exonerated Page immediately. The IG stated in his report, We did not find any electronic communications indicating that the FBI provided OI [Office of Intelligence] with this Carter Page profile. Nor was it provided to the FISA court in the FBIs FISA requests on Page. On Aug.15, 2016, three days after the FBIs second meeting with Halper, Somma emailed a written summary on Carter Page to the OGC Unit Chief, believing that the information in his email was sufficient to obtain a FISA warrant to spy on Page. The IG Report notes that the FBI looked at obtaining FISAs on Papadopoulos and Page, but were initially rejected on both fronts: The Crossfire Hurricane team initially considered seeking FISA surveillance of Papadopoulos as a result of his statement to the FFG and of Page based upon information the FBI had collected about his prior and more recent contacts with known and suspected Russian intelligence officers, as well as Pages financial, political, and business ties to the Russian government. Officials determined there was an insufficient basis to proceed with a FISA application concerning Papadopoulos, and the Crossfire Hurricane team never submitted a FISA application for Papadopoulos. With regard to Page, on August 15, 2016, the Crossfire Hurricane team requested assistance from the FBIs Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to prepare a FISA application for submission to the FISC [Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court]. However, after consultation between FBI OGC and attorneys in the Office of Intelligence (OI) in the Departments National Security Division (NSD), which is responsible for preparing FISA applications and appearing before the FISC, the Crossfire Hurricane team was told in late August 2016 that more information was needed to establish probable cause for a FISA on Page. In addition to the profile containing the information on Page, the IG report notes that on or about Aug. 17, 2016, the Crossfire Hurricane team received a memorandum from the other U.S. government agency detailing its prior relationship with Carter Page, including that Page had been approved as an operational contact for the other agency from 2008 to 2013 and information that Page had provided to the other agency concerning Pages prior contacts with certain Russian intelligence officers. The IG report also notes that neither the Aug. 17, 2016, notification, nor the Aug. 10, 2016, profile was included in the FISA application on Page or subsequent renewals of the spy warrant. Nor does it appear to have been included in the original FISA request that Somma made on Aug. 15 that was denied on Aug. 22, 2016, for insufficient information. In addition to Page, Halper told the FBI during their August meetings that he had known Manafort for over 30 years and had worked with him on several political campaigns. Halper offered to reach out to Manafort but noted that Manafort would almost be too busy to meet at that point in the campaign. Manafort, already facing troubles for his activities in Ukraine, would resign from the Trump campaign a week later, on Aug. 19, 2016. Halper Pushes Flynn Into FBIs Crossfire Hurricane Probe According to the newly released FBI documents, Halper told the FBI on Aug. 11, 2016, of an incident that he claimed took place between Flynn and Svetlana Lokhova, a Russian-born British citizen, at an event at the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar in 2014. According to the document, Halper claimed that Flynn left the university dinner with Lokhova and that she joined [Flynn] on the train ride to London. Halper told the FBI that he was somewhat suspicious of Lokhova as she has been affiliated with several prominent members of [redacted] and that he believed her father may be a Russian oligarch living in London. The FBI would later discover this story was almost certainly false and Special Agent William Barnett, the lead agent in the Flynn investigation, later noted in an investigative memo that he found the idea FLYNN could leave an event, either by himself or [redacted] without the matter being noted as not plausible. The matter was investigated but with nothing to corroborate the story, BARNETT thought the information was not accurate. Halper had taught at Cambridge and co-founded the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar with Dearlove, whom Halper has reportedly known since 2004, along with Christopher Andrews, the official MI5 historian. All three men contributed in various ways to breathing false life into the FlynnLokhova story. Halper did so through his tales to the FBI, while Dearlove, according to The Washington Post, was disconcerted by the attention the then-DIA chief showed to a Russian-born graduate student. Andrews, a one-time mentor to Lokhova, wrote of Flynns firing in Feb. 2017 and suggested involvement with a Russian student. In March 2017, a month after Andrewss op-ed, versions of this story were published by The Wall Street Journal and the Guardian. The entirety of Halpers tale to the FBI has been vigorously contested by both Flynn and Lokhova and their denials have been backed by witness accounts. According to The Daily Caller, Dan OBrien, a Defense Intelligence Agency official who accompanied Flynn to the Cambridge event, told The WSJ he saw nothing untoward involving Lokhova. Lokhovas partner, David North, has told The Daily Caller that he picked Lokhova up after the event. Additionally, Halpers presence at the Cambridge dinner has been disputed. Lokhova has repeatedly stated that Halper wasnt at the dinner where the incident supposedly took place. Schrage, the former State Department official who studied for a Ph.D. under Halper, has also stated that Halper wasnt present at that particular function. Although the story seems to be one that could quickly be disproven, the FBI appeared to initially accept Halpers story at face value. Following their meeting with Halper, the FBI began a formal investigation into Flynn, opening a FARA investigation on Aug. 16. Just one day later, the Trump campaign received a briefing by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on foreign threats. The FBI also participated in the meeting. The IG report notes that the meeting was attended by FBI agent Joe Pientkaprimarily because Flynn was also in attendance. The meeting was seen by the FBI as an opportunity to gain information for its investigations. It seems that Halpers fortuitous familiarity with individuals the FBI was concurrently looking into made an impression on Somma, who later told IG Michael Horowitz that quite honestly we kind of stumbled upon [Halper] knowing these folks. Somma said that it was serendipitous and that the Crossfire Hurricane team couldnt believe [their] luck that Source 2 had contacts with three of their four subjects, including Carter Page. Sommas comments regarding the FBIs four subjects are particularly worth noting as it doesnt appear that Flynn was a subject of Crossfire Hurricaneor perhaps even directly on the FBIs radaruntil after the FBI had its meeting with Halper. When Michelle Una Camara received the phone call for help she was ready. Animal Care Services wanted to join forces with the experienced wildlife handler to save San Antonios fallen bat population. Roadways beneath overpasses were littered with Mexican free-tailed bats, frozen from the recent snow storm that paralyzed the city. As the streets began to thaw, motorists unknowingly drove cars and trucks over the winged mammals that looked like leaves or small piles of dirt. Camara, 52, parked her car at a curb at Loop 410 and San Pedro, away from the field of small bodies. One by one, she picked up the injured and the dead with blue-gloved hands beneath the overpass. As she scooped the small animals off the gray pavement, dozens of other bats were falling from crevices overhead onto the road. That was day one. Camara, volunteers and Animal Care Services officers would repeat the scene throughout the week, offering triage to thousands of storm-struck victims from the citys bat colonies. About the author A 22-year veteran of the Air Force, Vincent T. Davis embarked on a second career as a journalist and found his calling. Observing and listening across San Antonio, he finds intriguing tales to tell about everyday people. He shares his stories with Express-News subscribers every Monday morning. See More Collapse When it gets too cold, under 20 degrees, thats when they fall, Camara said. Ive never been called for that many before. The most Ive gotten a call was for 30 bats. On ExpressNews.com: Winter storm devastated a San Antonio icon - Mexican free-tailed bats For more than 30 years, Camara has dedicated her life to the rehabilitation of injured animals. For the past nine years, she has rehabilitated bats and educated the public about coexisting with urban wildlife. She recalls presenting education programs at the San Antonio Zoo in the 1990s. Camara is the owner and founder of Southern Wildlife Rehab Inc., a nonprofit which has rescued a wide range of species including amphibians, bats, beavers, bobcat, coyotes, feral hogs, foxes, insects, skunks, snakes, turtles, tortoises, ring-tailed cats and one tiger. Operating from her Alamo Heights home, Camaras goal is to get her patients healthy and back to their natural habitat. Her practice has sprawled out of her backyard into her garage, where her team heals more than 300 animals each year. As much time as she spends rehabilitating animals, it isnt her job; its her hobby. Camara is a paralegal and mitigation specialist, working at a San Antonio law firm. She helps research social histories for clients, especially those facing the death penalty, to find ways to prevent that sentence. She cares deeply about saving life human and animal. Thats why she has thousands of bats convalescing at her facility. One recent day, they were hanging upside down, serenely clinging to the mesh of a darkened pop-up tent that serves as a healing hut in her backyard. They remind her of fairies, she said. On ExpressNews.com: Just doing my job - Houston driver braves icy roads to deliver vital medicine to San Antonio toddler Wearing a face mask with a bat-wing pattern, she gently gathered a dozen that needed extra care and swaddled them in a camouflage-patterned blanket. Inside her garage, she placed the blanket in an incubator to keep them warm. Then Camara cupped each bat in her hand, one at a time, and fed them a high-protein liquid mixture through a syringe. A native of Detroit, shes always had an affinity for animals. She was 18 when she began working as an independent rehabilitator. Camara received her bat rehab training nine years ago at the Bat World Sanctuary in Weatherford. Her trainers are the ones she calls on for advice when dealing with behaviors she witnesses on rescue missions. For these bats, Camara said, Bat World founder Amanda Lollar suggested using hydrolyzed protein to revive them. Camara has developed a strong connection to the unusual mammals. She recalls the day she made eye contact with a Mexican Free-tail bat named Elvis in her early training days at Bat World. Elvis looked at her, she said, aware that Camara was calling him. Over the years, she said, she has found some bats answer to their names. When were out there, theyre running to us, Camara said. Its like they know were here to help them. Theyre highly intelligent. Bats arent aggressive, Camara said, but she stressed its not safe for the public to pick up a bat they may encounter and should instead call Southern Wildlife or Animal Care Services for assistance. She said shes had her round of rabies shots. Camara has learned how to properly handle bats during her training and years of experience. They are gentle creatures, not given to attacks. Thats why were able to pick up 3,000 bats that Ive never met before, she said. ACS spokeswoman Lisa Norwood said calls involving a non-domestic animal are opportunities to work with partners such as Southern Wildlife Rehab that have specialized expertise. Certainly, our officers have some experience and training, she said. But we depend on our subject-matter expert partners that can most appropriately address these cases. On ExpressNews.com: It feels good to know someone cares says recipient of San Antonio nonprofits goodwill and food box One of Camaras memorable rescues didnt involve a bat, but a skunk. In May 2016, she received a call from a Montessori school staff member that a live skunk was dangling from the drainage hole of a dumpster. Camara showed up with oil, but panicked when she couldnt dislodge the animal. Then she recalled she had a wire hanger, the utility tool of the masses. She used the round, shoulder part to loop around one of the skunks ear and carefully pulled her head out. Then the skunk sprayed her. The injured animal had a deep, open throat wound that looked like a severe burn. Camara said she had to use collagen to help the skin tissue grow back. That animal shouldnt have lived, she said. Two months later, Camara released the skunk she named Monty back to her home in the wilds around Mitchell Lake. The founder of the Southern Wildlife Rehab said her mission will always be to help people understand that its not just humans they live with, but also animals that are important to the ecological balance. Its a passion, Camara said. Its what I do. Its what I am. vtdavis@express-news.net The 23-year-old man authorities say opened fire in the parking lot of a Walmart Supercenter in Whitehall this past Friday, killing an Allentown woman and injuring a man, was involved in a custody dispute with the injured man, court records say. The records obtained Monday by lehighvalleylive.com shed more light on the case. Edward Joel Rosario-Jimenez of Whitehall Township arrived sometime before 7 p.m. to the Walmart, 2601 MacArthur Road (Route 145). He was driving a black Toyota SUV with three other people, one of whom was the mother of a child who planned a custody exchange in the stores parking lot. Court records do not indicate the relationship between Rosario-Jimenez and the childs mother. The Toyota, authorities said, pulled up behind a vehicle with at least two occupants -- the childs father and 20-year-old Nicolette Law of Allentown -- who were parked in the stores merchandise pick-up section. Court records also do not indicate if a child was actually in either vehicle or state the relationship between Law and the childs father. Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martins office wouldnt say if the child was in the car or if the transfer ever took place. The office also declined to comment on other questions from lehighvalleylive.com on the relationships and the latest medical condition of the childs father. Witnesses reported to investigators hearing arguing about the custody exchange before the gunfire. Responding officers shortly before 7 p.m. found Law and the male victim wounded by gunshots in the parking lot. There were three spent shell casings nearby seized into evidence, according to court records. The mother reported to investigators Rosario-Jimenez began arguing with the childs father, which led to Rosario-Jimenez allegedly opening fire in multiple rounds at the male victim and Law. The male victim currently is hospitalized and seeking medical treatment for his wounds, authorities said. Law was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where she was pronounced dead at 7:40 p.m. Friday, according to the Lehigh County Coroners Office. Lehigh County Coroner Eric Minnich ruled the case a homicide and said the cause of death was from a gunshot wound or wounds. An autopsy is expected to be already underway Monday. Everyone fled in the Toyota after the gunfire, leaving Rosario-Jimenez behind in the parking lot, court records state. A .25-caliber handgun used in the crime was seized by investigators from a snowbank adjacent to the parking lot, authorities said. The other two people who arrived with the mother and Rosario-Jimenez in the Toyota also provided similar accounts to investigators about the crime, court records indicate. Rosario-Jimenez was taken into custody at Mickley and Gallagher Road in Whitehall Township Sunday. Rosario-Jimenez allegedly admitted to arguing with the father and the shooting in an interview with investigators. He told police he ran from the parking lot, tossing the handgun into the snow, court records state. Rosario-Jimenez did not have a license to carry a concealed weapon, according to court records. Rosario-Jimenez was charged Sunday with criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault, as well as carrying a firearm without a license, all felonies. He was taken to Lehigh County jail without bail. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for noon on March 8 before District Judge Donna Butler. In a separate case in December 2019, Rosario-Jimenez was charged with making terroristic threats, simple assault and reckless endangerment. He pleaded guilty in that case to simple assault while the other two charges were later withdrawn and received probation for 12 months, according to court records. The 20-year-old was killed this past Friday evening in a shooting outside the Walmart in Whitehall, authorities said. A candlelight vigil is being planned among family and friends of Law for this week. The family is planning services, handled by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes in Allentown, for Saturday. Her sister, Sherrel Law, has launched an online fundraiser to help pay for funeral expenses. As of noon Monday, $5,860 was raised by 95 donors, surpassing the familys $5,000 financial goal. She was an innocent bystander, whos life was taken senselessly, Laws sister wrote. Nicolette was the sweetest young lady ever, full of life and love. Nicolette loved to laugh and have fun. Her family was her entire world. Nathaniel Law II of Georgia, Nicolettes uncle and her mothers brother, described his niece to lehighvalleylive.com as loyal and giving, thoughtful and caring. She lived much of her youth with Nathaniel Law in Georgia before returning to Allentown her sophomore year of high school. Law was employed by ManorCare Health Services in Allentown and had plans to study nursing. Aside from Nathaniel and Sherrel, Nicolette leaves behind her mother, Natalie Law of Allentown; stepmother, Amie Law of Allentown; and her cousins (like siblings to her): Nathaniel Law III; Alexis Law; Alecia Kaelke; and Santana Law; and step-cousins, Karl Rosip and Makai and Makaela Adams. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. (@ChaudhryMAli88) DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Mar, 2021) The Emirates Literature Foundation has announced the launch of a reading challenge open to everyone in the UAE, in celebration of the Month of Reading. There are two categories, individual and family, and entries can be in either Arabic or English. To enter, people simply have to read as many books as they can in one month and share the list of books with a one-line review for each. The family category draws on the theme for this years Month of Reading, #MyFamilyReads, which focuses on enhancing the parents role in instilling a love of reading in children and raising a generation passionate about reading and knowledge. All books recorded in the Family category should be read to or with the same child, but the adults can change. Isobel Abulhoul, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation, said, "The Month of Reading is a wonderful and important initiative. Whilst there is a focus on creating a new generation of readers, we mustnt forget that adults can play a huge role in shaping childrens attitudes towards books. "If you read for pleasure yourself and read books regularly with your children, you are very likely to ensure that your offspring become avid readers. We are launching our Reading Challenge to remind people to make time for books in their daily lives. I hope not only parents, but grandparents, aunts and uncles also get involved in the family challenge, because books and the joy they bring should be enjoyed by everyone." The Foundation is also challenging its own team to step up its reading for the month. The number and the full list of books read by the team will be announced in early April. March was declared Month of Reading in UAE in 2017 as a way to foster a culture of reading with the aim of creating a knowledge economy. This is the fifth year of the programme, which is managed by the Ministry of Culture and Youth. Due to the pandemic, the American Booksellers Associations annual Winter Institute went virtual this year. It attracted 1,971 participants, up from the 1,500 attendees at last years live meeting in Baltimore. The event, held February 1820, offered panels focused on pragmatic bookselling issues such as finances, labor laws, neurodiversity in the workplace, and strategies for better engaging with e-commerce. There were inspirational talks from celebrities, including former president Barack Obama and bestselling author Brene Brown, as well as keynotes and appearances by poet Amanda Gorman, futurist Brian David Johnson, and novelists Lauren Groff, Colson Whitehead, and Viet Thanh Nguyen. As usual, promoting new books was at the heart of the conference. Publishers sales representatives offered their traditional rep picks sessions, and dozens of authors gathered in chat rooms to talk about their new books. The galley room, typically piled high with thousands of physical books, was also virtual this year and offered booksellers the opportunity to request digital and physical galleys. Attendance was likely bolstered by the fact that travel wasnt required and more booksellers were able to register for the modest $35 fee. Publishers too saved money on travel expenses, though several remarked that the fees for services, such as hosting virtual booths, were much the same as for the analogous services at last years in-person event. Most attendees said they were satisfied with the event. I had no idea what to expect, noted Wendy Sheanin, v-p of independent retail sales for Simon & Schuster. I was skeptical. But we had some great conversations that, just like at the real-life events, are the essence of Winter Institute. People showed up of their own accord, some people stayed for 40 minutes talking. She felt that the people she interacted with were very engaged and that, overall, attending the conference was absolutely worth it in terms of money, time, resources, and people hours. Mona Bismuth, international publishing coordinator for Other Press, who attended virtually from Paris, was particularly pleased with the Hopin platform used by the ABA. It was my first time using Hopin, and I liked the multitask aspect of it and how well it fit with the ABA programming. I loved the poetry interludes, for exampleand it allowed us to all be together. Despite some chaotic chat moments, which could get pretty overwhelming, it was easy to catch up and get meetings going within the first hours of the show. She added that Other Press did not have a booth but maintained an open Zoom window throughout the show, which allowed her and her colleagues to catch up with people on an ad-hoc basis. Winter Institute 16 was a bittersweet reminder of what we lost this year, said Michael Reynolds, publisher of Europa Editions, who felt the virtual event was a compromise. As a promotional opportunity for Europas lead titles and authors, it was not nearly as effective as meeting in person. But it was a welcome opportunity to reconnect as a community, and a vivid reminder of how important it is for us to meet in person throughout the year to talk about books, reading, and our businesses. The ABA made the best of the impossible situation they were handed. Several people appreciated how the ABA used poetry interludes to transition between events in the program. From a publishers perspective, we often privilege prose over poetry when making financial decisions about our Winter Institute participationwhat galleys to supply for the galley room, which authors to fly in and book for Winter Institute events, said Joanna R. Demkiewicz, marketing director of Milkweed Editions. This year, I got to watch the chat light up as folks watched torrin a. greathouse read from her collection of poems Wound from the Mouth of a Wound during a poetry interlude. Showing publishers and booksellers that poetry is a meaningful and significant genre in our industry was very cool of the ABA; I hope they incorporate more poetry in future conferences. Booksellers, too, were appreciative of the conference. I commend the ABA for reinventing Winter Institute and capturing some of the magic of being there in person, said Alana Harvey, the marketing coordinator at Schuler Books of Grand Rapids, Mich. There were so many memorable moments. The poetry interludes were magic! Dropping into the expo booths and author rooms to have virtual conversations brought some much needed face time. Mary Webber OMalley, a bookseller with Skylark Bookshop in Columbia, Mo., concurred. I was thrilled with WI16, she said. I thought the ABA did an outstanding job of putting programming together, and the poetry interludes were completely superb. Every rep pick and author room gave me the book for spring; I lost track of the books I cant wait for. A few of the titles promoted by authors at Winter Institute that booksellers were excited about included Fox & I by Catherine Raven (Spiegel & Grau, July); Graceland, At Last by Margaret Renkl (Milkweed, Sept.); Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead (Doubleday, Sept.); and Radiant Fugitives by Nawaaz Ahmed (Counterpoint, Aug.). The ABA was thrilled with the response from booksellers, publishers, and authors. People benefited and had a great time, and we felt like we met our goals of celebrating books, creating community, and helping bookstores prepare for the future, said ABA CEO Allison Hill. It speaks again to the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of booksellers, that they pivoted along with us to a virtual format and made the most of it. We are so grateful to Ingram, the publishers, sponsors, panelists, and authors who made Winter Institute possible. Television actor Drashti Dhami is popularly known for her shows like Madhubala and Geet Hui Sabse Parayi. The actor recently celebrated her 6th wedding anniversary with her husband Niraj Khemka. After a week of their anniversary, she also shared a few pictures of them cutting their anniversary cake and kissing each other on her story. Take a look at Drashti Dhami's photos as their anniversary celebration still continues. Also read | Drashti Dhami Wishes Husband Niraj Khemka On Their Wedding Anniversary Drashti Dhami's 6th-anniversary celebration continues Drashti Dhami and Niraj Khemka celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary on February 21. The couple celebrated their anniversary vacation in the Maldives with their close friends. On February 28, Drashti took to her Instagram to share a picture of kissing her husband while cutting yet another cake. She wore a salmon pink jumpsuit while Drashti Dhami's husband wore a blue t-shirt. She also shared a picture of the cake with a bride and groom inside a bubble. Drashti wrote that the celebration is still going on. Take a look at Drashti Dhami's husband and her photo kissing each other. Image source: Niraj Khemka's Instagram Also read | Did You Know TV Actors Drashti Dhami And Suhasi Dhami Are Related? Drashti Dhami's photos with her husband Drashti Dhami took to her Instagram on their anniversary to wish her husband. She shared a picture of them spending time at the beach. He picked her up while posing for the picture. Drashti wrote that they turned 6 today and she feels like they got married yesterday. She added that she doesn't need anyone else when she has him. She also wrote that she could get stuck on the island alone with him for the rest of her life. She also shared a picture of her friends as they reunited after 3 years for a trip to the Maldives. Niraj picked her up on his shoulder for the picture. Take a look at Drashti Dhami's photos. Also read | Drashti Dhami Thanks Her Instagram Family For Birthday Wishes; See Post Drashti Dhami's shows Drashti Dhami rose to fame after she featured in Geet Hui Sabse Parayi. She made her debut with Dill Mill Gaye as Dr. Muskaan Chaddha. Drashti Dhami's shows such as Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka and Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani garnered her a huge fan following. Drashti is currently seen in Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya which is her first show in 2021. Also read | Drashti Dhami's Advanced Birthday Celebration With Nakuul Mehta; See Pics 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. In just a few weeks, on March 23, Israelis will be headed to the polls for their fourth election in two years. In the past, they looked condescendingly at countries like the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy that had a reputation for frequent elections, thinking to themselves that could never happen in Israel. But it did. Israels big political morass keeps on growing with no end in sight, and Israelis will pay yet another visit to the polling booth to see democracy in inaction. One of the main features of the previous elections was a series of consolidations among political parties, particularly on the center-left. An example of this is the Blue and White list, which brought together three separate parties: Yesh Atid, Israel Resilience and Telem. The Arab Joint List brought together four separate Arab parties, and Labor teamed up with Gesher and Meretz to avoid wasting votes. What stands out in this election is the number of parties that split up into their constituent parts, with many deciding to go their separate ways. So, if it would have taken just three ballots to vote for all the aforementioned parties in the last election, it would take six ballots this time. It is the exact opposite of what happened in the previous elections. The breakup of the Arab Joint List resulted in two separate parties. The first consists of Hadash, Balad and Taal, which decided to stick to the Joint Lists old format and platform. What makes this election different is the Raam party, headed by Knesset member Mansour Abbas, which decided to run independently with a promise of a new approach to issues of concern to its Arab electorate. It uses every available platform to announce its message We are neither left nor right. We work with everyone to advance issues pertaining to the Arab society. As of now, most polls show that the new party has not garnered enough support among the Arab electorate to gamble on Abbas. Only one poll, conducted by Channel 13, has Raam passing the electoral threshold with four seats, the barest minimum needed to enter the Knesset. A common explanation is the methodology used by pollsters. Telephone polling is thought to offer a more accurate reflection of the Arab vote than online polls, because it is difficult to sample the elderly population and the Bedouins of the Negev through the internet. As of now, most polls give the current iteration of the Joint List eight seats, a disappointing outcome considering that it is an amalgamation of three parties. On the other hand, over the last few weeks, there seems to have been a rise in the anticipated number of Arab voters it already stands at 57% to 58% according to the most recent Channel 13 poll. This trend, if it continues, should have an impact on the number of seats it eventually wins. This is also compounded by the clashes with the police in Umm al-Fahm last weekend. The incident could be a turning point for the Arab public, increasing voter turnout. Nevertheless, it seems as if the fourth election in two years held in the shadow of the coronavirus and economic crises, with so many voters losing their jobs could find an electorate caught in sheer desperation. As a result, more than a few politicians have sought out new voters, often in places they avoided in the past. The classic example of this is the way that Jewish parties, especially on the right, have started courting Arab voters. In past elections, Jewish parties conspicuously avoided including Arab candidates on their lists, leaving the Joint List to address Arab concerns. This time, Jewish parties are adopting a new strategy of competing with the Arab parties for votes in the Arab sector. The results border on the absurd. Knesset member Ayelet Shaked of the right-wing Yamina party decided to pay a visit to the Arab towns of Kafr Bara and Taibeh, while Minister Miri Regev proclaimed, The Likud is the home of the Arab public. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is constantly touring Arab towns and villages, claiming that he expects them to give him 2-3 seats, while Knesset member Eli Avidar of Yisrael Beitenu has been appealing to the Arab population in Arabic in a series of election videos. Avidar, who was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and is fluent in Arabic, told Al-Monitor, What I am doing with Arab society stems from the fact that ever since I entered the Knesset, it has been important to me to engage the Arab society in dialogue. I did this in the past as well, while serving as chairman of the Forum for a Smart Middle East, whose entire idea was to promote dialogue between the two populations. I visit the many Arab towns and make video clips that get posted online. I was in Nazareth after Netanyahus visit there, and explained to the residents that they must not cooperate with him after all his incitement against them. I also visited Sakhnin to tell the people there not to vote for Raam, because that whole party is the result of a deal that Netanyahu made with Mansour Abbas. I did that fully aware that I wont get a single vote there. Nevertheless, it is important for me to tell the Arab community that there are Knesset members on the right who really do want to talk to them. I do the same thing in Arabic that I do in Hebrew. What does the Arab electorate think about the way these politicians are courting them? Safaa Jabareen of Umm al-Fahm told Al-Monitor, I think it shows a kind of bankruptcy, as a result of what happened in the Arab parties, which caused Arabs to look to the Jewish parties. The idea of Netanyahu courting them is not something that should be taken for granted. It looks more like a 'what do I have to lose tactic.' If it succeeds in winning 5% of voters this time, next time it could be more. Fadi Maqlada, a law student from Daliat al-Carmel, told Al-Monitor, The very fact that they are thinking about the Arab public is a positive step forward, but in the end it needs to be backed up with deeds and not just promises. When they say, 'The Likud is the home of the Arab public,' there needs to be some kind of practical implications to the statement. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see a shift in the dialogue. If, in the past, the political and media discourse surrounding Arab citizens focused on their legitimacy, today it is about the problems facing Arab citizens. LANDS and Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka has ordered members of the Joint Operations Command (JOC) to work together with sugar company Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe to investigate theft of maize from fields. Masuka said this last Friday during a tour of the Tongaat Hulett fields, where 700 hectares of sorghum and over 1 500 hectares of maize were planted by the Masvingo Development Trust (MDT) in a project which is being supported by Tongaat Hulet and the government. The project is meant to boost food security to support vulnerable people in Masvingo province. Theft of one maize cob is a threat to the district, theft of another cob is a threat to the province and theft of yet another is a national security threat. So I would like you as the JOC to investigate such theft while working together with your partner, Tongaat Hulett, Masuka said. The Lands and Agriculture minister offered a state-of-the-art combine harvester to Tongaat Hulett to help during the harvesting of crops. The harvester is expected to be delivered today. Masukas utterances come hardly a year after the MDT chairperson, Lovemore Matuke, who is also the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare deputy minister, confirmed the theft of 1 446 tonnes of maize last year during a handover ceremony of winter maize by MDT to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) in Chiredzi. Although Matuke initially blamed power cuts on the increased theft of maize, he later blamed the surrounding communities for stealing the maize. But unconfirmed reports alleged that the Zanu PF leadership in the province was responsible for the theft, which it sold for personal benefit. Chiredzi West MP Farai Musikavanhu, who is on the technical team of the MDT committee, told Masuka that some of the maize that was harvested was delivered to various wards in Chiredzi North constituency and might not have been stolen. Last year, MDT was forced to deliver only 1 186 tonnes of maize, instead of the projected 2 632 tonnes. This was after about 1 446 tonnes were not accounted for in suspected cases of theft. This year, it is suspected that more tonnes of maize would be lost through theft. There are also reports that the MDT operates without a secretariat and a bank account and yet the organisation is one of the beneficiaries of the command agriculture programme. Meanwhile, Tongaat Agriculture operations director Tarisai Mudambanuki said this year, the company was expecting a maize yield of over 10 000 metric tonnes. Newsday REDDING Meadow Ridge retirement community has vaccinated nearly all of its residents and is looking forward to rolling back some restrictions. Chris Barstein, campus executive director, said 98 percent of residents, not including staff, would be vaccinated by the end of the day, Friday. Many are already fully inoculated, but some will get their second dose next week With the positive trends were seeing here in Connecticut and throughout the country, were hoping for the opportunity to exhale a bit and get back to some semblance of normalcy and for everyone to start enjoying their lives and connecting with others, Barstein said. A handful of residents have refused the vaccine, but the facility was planning to move forward with easing restrictions starting March 8, Barstein said. Meadow Ridge waited three weeks after most residents received their shots to ensure the vaccines efficacy, he said. Meadow Ridge will lift visitation restrictions, resume communal activities and re-open dining rooms at 50 percent capacity starting March 8. Those awaiting a second dose were asked to refrain from any communal activities until they are fully protected. Even with fewer restrictions, residents will dine in cohorts and some activities will still happen via electronic platforms. The easing of restrictions at the retirement community comes as Gov. Ned Lamont has issued an order beginning March 19 to relax some COVID-19 protocol, including capacity limits on restaurants, places of worship, libraries, offices, and some other businesses. Barstein said mitigation strategies, such as hand washing, mask-wearing and social distancing will persist. Its not what we would call back to normal, but its going to go back to what well call a new normal, he said. Several residents said they are excited and ready to get back to mingling with others after a long waiting period. Bill Balch, 86 As president of the residents board, Bill Balch is looking forward to resuming in-person committee meetings and get members back to full steam. Face-to-face meetings and social dining is the best place to see your friends, Balch said. Itll be so helpful, especially for those of us living alone... it will be just what the doctor ordered for the mental state, he said. Jane McCaffrey, 79 Jane McCaffrey is thrilled the majority of her fellow residents will soon be protected from COVID-19. She said she felt trapped by restrictions and is ready to see others again. McCaffrey looks forward to spending time with her daughter again, who she hasnt seen in months and before the restrictions would often visit for lunch. Ive gotten very used to eating alone, McCaffrey said. Im looking forward to eating with others. Dick Swank, 89 Dick Swank feels positive about re-starting his social life and the communitys strong commitment to everyones safety. Swank is most excited to co-mingle again, and with an upcoming birthday in April, he looks forward to maybe even having a birthday party. James Jim Bacon, 89 Jim Bacon thinks his fellow residents and the Meadow Ridge staff did a splendid job protecting each other and preparing for a moment that is now just days away. It gives us a sense of feeling somewhat more secure, he said. I think all of us are looking forward to seeing each other in a more normal environment. The Brazilian Covid variant detected in the UK is running rife in the Amazon city where it first emerged, despite the population approaching herd immunity - suggesting the new strain can evade existing antibodies. Scientists believe that around 75 per cent of Manaus' population was infected by the virus during Brazil's disastrous first wave last year, which should have given it one of the highest levels of immunity in the world. But despite this, Manaus has suffered a resurgence in infections blamed on the P1 variant - with hospitals running out of oxygen last month and record numbers of burials taking place in the city. As healthcare services 'collapsed' under the strain of the new variant, one expert described the city as a 'suffocation chamber' with non-Covid sufferers being evicted from their beds to make way for severely ill virus patients. The new strain has also raised fears that existing vaccines will be less effective, although UK health chiefs say the jabs could be adapted quickly if necessary. Brazil's infection rate is at near-record levels with nearly 400,000 cases confirmed in the last week alone and the so-called P1 variant causing havoc Deaths are at an all-time high with the daily average now above 1,200 for the first time ever and the total death toll passing 250,000 last week Emergency: Healthcare workers transport a 77-year-old patient on a stretcher at a Manaus hospital after he came down with coronavirus symptoms last month Funeral workers remove the body of a 94-year-old woman, Amelia Dias Nascimento, who died of Covid-19 complications in Manaus last month Researchers say Manaus is particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 because of high levels of poverty, crowded households and limited access to clean water. It is also a free-trade zone where many people travel by boat, creating conditions similar to those which caused a series of cruise ship outbreaks in early 2020. Because the virus naturally mutates as it jumps between people, Manaus also provided the perfect breeding ground for the virus to evolve. And Brazil more generally has been hampered by a dysfunctional Covid response led by a president, Jair Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly played down the threat. Research published in the journal Science said 76 per cent of Manaus's population had likely been infected with the virus by October last year. Scientists said that was above the herd immunity threshold which should, in theory, stop the virus from spreading among the population. But as the virus has rebounded in Brazil, which has suffered 10.5million infections and 255,000 deaths from Covid-19, Manaus has once again been hit hard. After the variant appeared in December, cases spiked again, indicating that its mutations may enable it to get around antibodies acquired during the first wave. Lawrence Young, a professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School, said the variant appeared to be responsible for re-infecting people in Manaus. 'It was thought that a second wave of infection in Manaus was impossible because of the scale of the original outbreak,' he said. 'It is likely that the P1 variant is driving the current surge in infected cases due to re-infection as a consequence of both waning antibody responses and the P1 variant's ability to evade antibodies induced from previous infection with a different variant.' A municipal healthcare worker covers the body of an 84-year-old Brazilian who died at home during the deadly outbreak An oxygen cylinder is wheeled into the Getulio Vargas hospital in Manaus amid drastic shortages of the substance needed to treat coronavirus patients suffering breathing problems A woman cries during a protest outside the 28 Agosto hospital in Manaus, where authorities were planning to transport scores of patients to other states and the federal capital Brasilia Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College, said it looks likely the Brazilian variant is 'breaking through' antibodies built up by previous infection. 'It was expected that there would be quite a high level of protection there because analysis of antibodies in blood bank samples showed [Manaus] had one of the highest levels of immunity in the world coming into the second wave, perhaps more than 70%, and yet they're seeing this enormous wave of reinfections,' he said. 'So, if you put two and two together their assumption is that's because the new variant is breaking through those antibodies. But if that hadn't really been proven yet, it looks likely.' In the state of Amazonas, which includes Manaus, there have been more than 5,000 deaths in the first two months of the year, about as many as in all of 2020. As the oxygen crisis reached its height last month, military personnel were delivering dozens of canisters a day and health workers dragged empty cylinders to oxygen providers in the hope that there would be some to collect. The city had 'run out of oxygen and some health centers have become a type of suffocation chamber,' said Jessem Orellana from the Fiocruz-Amazonia scientific investigation institute. Patients waited anxiously in the hospital as oxygen arrived in time to save some, but too late for others. In echoes of the worst days of the crisis in Europe, doctors were having to decide which patients to treat and patients in less dire straits were evicted. Harrowing accounts emerged of patients who died with no oxygen, with one grieving relative saying: 'You have no idea what it was like... the shouting, people were dying. Even health professionals, everyone was crying.' 'The oxygen stopped, the patients were dying on the stretchers and the nurses did not know what to do,' another relative said. At least one cemetery in Manaus, a city of 2.2million people, had mourners queuing up to enter and bury their dead. Overwhelmed: Gravediggers wearing green and yellow hazmat suits bury a foil-wrapped coffin at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery in Manaus, with mourning relatives having to queue to bury their dead Heartbreaking: Relatives of patients being treated at the 28 de Agosto hospital in Manaus share a tearful hug as the healthcare system in the Amazon's largest city faces 'collapse' Medical workers wearing white hazmat suits examine the body of 53-year-old Shirlene Morais Costa, who died after suffering coroanvirus symptoms at home in Manaus Britain shut down travel from South America last month. But the first six cases of the new variant have now been detected in England and Scotland. Five of the patients involved are accounted for, but one who landed in England cannot be traced after failing to complete a registration card when they arrived. Critics said the development exposed the 'weaknesses' in the border protections meant to keep out new strains of the disease. The quarantine hotel policy to protect the UK against new variants came into force on February 15 after much delay. While more research is needed, there are concerns that the existing vaccines may be less effective against the Manaus strain. NHS England national medical director Professor Stephen Powis sought to allay concerns by saying vaccines can be quickly altered to tackle new strains. 'The new vaccines which are being used for Covid can be adapted very rapidly so it's likely that if we do need to change the vaccine that can be done in months, rather than years, which was the case with the more traditional vaccines,' he told the BBC. Elsewhere, Brazil's capital entered a two-week lockdown on Sunday, joining other states in adopting measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Brasilia governor Ibaneis Rocha decreed the total closure of bars, restaurants, shopping malls and schools until March 15 and imposed a ban on social gatherings. In the federal district, 85 per cent of hospital beds were occupied on Sunday, according to the local health ministry. At least eight other Brazilian states have adopted curfews over the past week due to the rise in deaths from Covid-19 amid a second wave of cases. Bolsonaro again criticised such measures, saying: 'The people want to work.' He also threatened on Friday to cut off emergency pandemic assistance to states which resort to lockdowns. 'Governors who close down their states will have to provide for their own emergency aid,' he said. The University of North Georgia's (UNG) popular GenCyber Warrior Academy (GCWA) for high school students will return this summer, and the university will hold its first-ever cyber opportunity for educators, the Advancing GenCyber Education for North Georgia Teachers (AGENT) Initiative. More than 520,000 cyber jobs are available nationwide and more than 17,000 in Georgia, according to CyberSeek, which provides data on the cybersecurity job market. Dr. Lindsay Linsky, a UNG associate professor of middle grades education and the AGENT Initiative's lead instructor, said that's why the program is so important. It also fits with the mission of Georgia Senate Bill 108 from 2019, which requires all public high schools to add computer science courses by the 2024-25 school year. "Cybersecurity is an important part of any computer science," Linsky said. "We need more and more teachers prepared to teach these types of subjects." The student academy, set for June 10-19, will include 20 female students and 20 males. The priority application deadline is March 1, and students must complete a cyber aptitude assessment as part of their application. April 1 is the deadline to apply for the teacher event set for June 7-11 and 24 middle and high school teachers will be selected. The teachers who train at AGENT will teach a GCWA lesson on June 11. The events are free. Whether the format will be face-to-face, fully online or a hybrid version has yet to be determined. COVID-19 safety protocols based on the most updated public health guidance will be in place for all in-person programming. The cybersecurity educational opportunities are funded by a grant of $169,113.03 from the National Security Agency's (NSA) GenCyber Program, whose motto is "inspiring the next generation of cyber stars." Dr. Tamirat Abegaz, associate professor of cybersecurity in UNG's Mike Cottrell College of Business and lead GCWA instructor, saw firsthand the way a previous UNG GenCyber Warrior Academy inspired a student. Annelyssa Destin, a UNG freshman from Woodstock, Georgia, who attended the 2017 academy, was eager to take Abegaz's script programming course this spring after the GCWA inspired her to pursue a cybersecurity degree at UNG. "The amount of information he relayed to me those two weeks, I could only imagine what he would teach me for a whole semester," Destin said. Dr. Bryson Payne, director of the Center for Cyber Operations Education and professor of computer science, is the director of both camps. He said many of the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic should encourage Georgia's high school students about their job prospects no matter where they live. "We want to open the eyes of students in rural and urban areas to cybersecurity," Payne said. "They can live almost anywhere in the world with an internet connection and have a great job working in cyber." Here's what's happening Monday with the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.: THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY: With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third vaccine on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery. Senate Democrats are considering reshaping parts of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed by the House. As they do so, party leaders who are hoping to salvage a minimum wage increase have abandoned one proposal aimed at pressuring big companies to boost workers pay. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders have reached an agreement aimed at getting most public school children back in classrooms by the end of March. Under the deal announced Monday, school districts could receive up to $6.6 billion if they reopen classrooms by March 31. THE NUMBERS: According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the U.S. declined over the past two weeks, going from 90,946.7 on Feb. 14 to 67,364.9 on Sunday. In the U.S., 15.3% of the population had received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 7.7% have completed their vaccination. QUOTABLE: This is exactly what we fought for. This is the moment that we knew would be possible and important in the lives of our young people. ... Thats why this giving parents an option to come back in-person for their students was so important. - Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, as thousands of Chicago Public Schools students returned to school Monday morning. It's the largest wave of students to go back to the classroom there after almost a year of remote learning. ICYMI: Massive fraud in the nations unemployment system is raising alarms even as President Joe Biden and Congress prepare to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into expanded benefits. A government watchdog agency says that as of December, nearly two dozen states had not started using a key system to block fraud. ___ Find APs full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic Texas has one of the most restrictive medical marijuana laws in the country, with sales allowed only by prescription for a handful of conditions. That has not stopped Lukas Gilkey, chief executive of Hometown Hero CBD, based in Austin. His company sells joints, blunts, gummy bears, vaping devices and tinctures that offer a recreational high. In fact, business is booming online as well, where he sells to many people in other states with strict marijuana laws. GOLDEN CALF: What's up with this golden statue of Trump at CPAC? But Gilkey said that he is no outlaw and that he is not selling marijuana, just a close relation. He is offering products with a chemical compound Delta-8-THC extracted from hemp. It is only slightly chemically different from Delta 9, which is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. And that small distinction, it turns out, may make a big difference in the eyes of the law. Under federal law, psychoactive Delta 9 is explicitly outlawed. But Delta-8-THC from hemp is not, a loophole that some entrepreneurs say allows them to sell it in many states where hemp possession is legal. The number of customers coming into Delta 8 is staggering, Gilkey said. You have a drug that essentially gets you high but is fully legal, he added. The whole thing is comical. The rise of Delta 8 is a case study in how industrious cannabis entrepreneurs are pulling apart hemp and marijuana to create myriad new product lines with different marketing angles. They are building brands from a variety of potencies, flavors and strains of THC, the intoxicating substance in cannabis, and of CBD, the nonintoxicating compound that is often sold as a health product. With Delta 8, entrepreneurs also believe they have found a way to take advantage of the countrys fractured and convoluted laws on recreational marijuana use. It is not quite that simple, though. Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, are still considering their options for enforcement and regulation. TEXAS WEED: Marijuana reform among the bills on schedule for Texas legislature in 2021 Dealing in any way with Delta-8-THC is not without significant legal risk, said Alex Buscher, a Colorado lawyer who specializes in cannabis law. Still, experts in the cannabis industry said Delta 8 sales had indeed exploded. Delta 8 is the fastest-growing segment of products derived from hemp, said Ian Laird, chief financial officer of New Leaf Data Services, which tracks the hemp and cannabis markets. He estimated consumer sales of at least $10 million, adding, Delta 8 has really come out of nowhere over the past year. Marijuana and hemp are essentially the same plant, but marijuana has higher concentrations of Delta-9-THC and, as a source of intoxication, it has been a main focus of entrepreneurs as well as state and federal lawmakers. Delta 8, if discussed at all, was an esoteric, less potent byproduct of both plants. That changed with the 2018 Farm Bill, an enormous piece of federal legislation that, among other things, legalized widespread hemp farming and distribution. The law also specifically allowed the sale of the plants byproducts; the only exception was Delta 9 with a high-enough level of THC to define it as marijuana. Because the legislation made no mention of Delta 8, entrepreneurs leapt into the void and began extracting and packaging it as a legal edible and smokable alternative. Precisely what kind of high Delta 8 produces depends on whom you ask. Some think of it as marijuana light, while others are pitching it as pain relief with less psychoactivity, said David Downs, senior content editor for Leafly.com, a popular source of news and information about cannabis. Either way, Delta 8 has become extremely ascendant, Downs said, reflecting what he calls prohibition downfall interregnum, where consumer demand and entrepreneurial activity are exploiting the holes in rapidly evolving and fractured law. Were getting reports that you can walk into a truck stop in prohibition states like Georgia where youre looking at what looks like a cannabis bud in a jar, Downs said. The bud is hemp sprayed with high-concentration Delta 8 oil. Joe Salome owns the Georgia Hemp Co., which in October started selling Delta 8 locally and shipping nationally about 25 orders a day, he said. Its taken off tremendously, Salome said. His website heralds Delta 8 as very similar to its psychoactive brother THC, giving users the same relief from stress and inflammation, without the same anxiety-producing high that some can experience with THC. Salome said that he did not need to buy an expensive state license to sell medical marijuana because he felt protected by the farm bill. Its all right there, he said, explaining it is now legal to sell all parts of the plant. The legal landscape is contradictory at best. Many states are more permissive than the federal government, which under the Controlled Substances Act considers marijuana an illegal and highly dangerous drug. In 36 states, marijuana is legal for medicinal use. In 14 states, it is legal for recreational use. But in a flip, under the farm bill, the federal government opened the door for the sale of hemp products even in states that have not legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Only a few states, like Idaho, ban hemp altogether, but in others, entrepreneurs of Delta 8 are finding a receptive market. Lawyers for Gilkey believe the farm bill is on their side. Delta 8, if it is derived from hemp or extracted from hemp, that is considered hemp, said Andrea Steel, co-chair of the cannabis business group at Coats Rose, a Houston law firm. She emphasized that the legality also depends on whether Delta 9 exceeds legal limits. Steel noted that when making a Delta 8 product, it can be hard, if not impossible, to filter out all the Delta 9 from hemp. Adding another wrinkle, she said, a lot of labs do not have the capability of delineating between Delta 8 and Delta 9. Lisa Pittman, the other co-chair of the cannabis business group at Coats Rose, said that in her reading of the issue, the authors of the farm bill may not have contemplated the consequences of the law. Pittman said that the ultimate question of a products legality may be dependent on other factors, including how the Delta 8 is produced and sourced. Specifically, the lawyers said, the DEAs rule on the issue seems to suggest that Delta 8 could be illegal if it is made synthetically rather than derived organically. There are currently lawsuits pending over interpretation of the DEA rule. Gilkey said he had paid upward of $50,000 in legal fees to make sure that he will not run afoul of the law. A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Gilkey worked in a counternarcotics unit on boats out of San Diego. He saw some really tough stuff, he said, and wasnt happy about the war on drugs. He wound up running a business in Austin that sold e-liquid for vaping devices. Then in 2019, he started his current business focused on selling CBD. Late last spring, he said, he started getting calls from customers about Delta 8. I said, please explain to me what that is, he recalled. Gilkey, whose company supplies other retail shops around the country with products, saw a huge opportunity. After checking with the lawyers, he started full-scale packaging gummies and vape pens and other products using Delta 8 he said he got from a major hemp supplier. Its about to go mainstream, he said. And it is just the beginning. Theres a Delta 10 in the works, Gilkey said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Turkish social media gurus and policy geeks are all asking each other: Do you Clubhouse? Although the IOS application has been around since March 2020, it was exclusively used by celebrities, entertainers and Silicon Valley insiders until recently. In May 2020 it had 1,500 users. By the end of February 2021, it had surpassed 10 million downloads. Despite security breaches, its popularity is booming. Clubhouse is an invite-only chat program that is so far only available to iPhone users. However, in the last week, several Android users on Clubhouse Turkey (CHT) told Al-Monitor they have found a backdoor to download and use the application. Unlike on other platforms, Clubhouse users cannot share information except for a bio and photo. Some of the bios on Clubhouse resemble formal resumes. The application provides an open buffet of chat rooms on endless topics such as meditation, wealth management, foreign language practice, marketing and relationships, all themes that center around connecting and networking. While the world is socially distancing, Clubhouse provides an opportunity to engage. It was the business community that first discovered CHT in late November. By early January, getting an invite became a status symbol for young people. Hopeful users ask and even pay for invites on other social media platforms. CHT hosts rooms for different topics. Those who want to move abroad crowd into rooms moderated by expats in the West who work in real estate or law. A user can become an instant celebrity on CHT by opening a room with advice on how to move to Europe, the United States or anywhere else in the West. A 19-year-old with flawless English said, I want to leave, I would rather be an au pair in London then a college student here. Similar pleas echo endlessly. The main demographic of Turkish clubhouse is users in their teens, 20s and 30s. When the Bogazici protests reached their peak at the end of January, journalists and others began to download the app and students began to use it to organize protests and inform the public about what was happening without censorship. Bogazici discussion rooms easily attracted thousands of listeners in minutes. Prominent politicians also joined to show their support. However, it soon emerged that the Bogazici students who were in the Clubhouse discussing the protests were being taken into custody and users realized Clubhouse is not safe from government intervention. Although the app has no built-in system to record conversations, a user can do so easily. The difficulty lies in the app's spontaneity, because many rooms are formed at the spur of the moment and even speakers join at some degree of randomness. Rooms are given names like whiskey or beer to hide discussions on how to curtail government pressure on freedom of assembly and expression. The isolation caused by the pandemic coupled with ever-growing government censorship have silenced many people, and CHT has provided breathing room. The most popular rooms have often been those in which famous figures express a desire to listen to regular people. CHT has given a voice to those who fear to tweet but still want to share their opinions. The application has some tools to minimize trolling and tech-savvy Gen Z has found ways to curtail government intrusion while using the app. There have even been sessions on how to recognize government accounts and how to handle them. The main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) spoofed the app to make a satirical video about Erdogan. While at first it was only opposition figures joined and spoke, now current or former members of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) are abruptly joining crowded rooms discussing the hot political issues of the day. Most of these big names come, give a speech and leave, which is not appreciated. The common complaint is that the AKP has all the media, controls all the platforms Clubhouse should be a space for regular users to speak freely. Scores of young people shared this view after a prominent AKP member bombed a room discussing corruption. Still, it is refreshing to see members of the government and opposition parties in the same chat rooms. Turkey's president has not yet shown up yet. Interestingly people who are extremely aggressive on television or Twitter tend to speak softly on CHT. The mood is generally welcoming and encouraging. The general attitude is that this is a democratic platform and everyone has the right to speak. Moderators go out of their way to ensure women's voices are heard and respected. So far, Clubhouse has not been censored in Turkey but like on other platforms, users with fake names are increasing on the app. One pleasant surprise has been the blossoming of relations among diaspora Turks, including groups of Kurdish and LGBTQI+ people. Members of the Kurdish diaspora in Europe moderate rooms about the Kurdish cause. People in Turkey join in with an insatiable curiosity about the dream of a free Kurdish state. Likewise, Turkish LGBTQI+ community members in Europe explain the opportunities and rights their peers back home should seek. One listener commented at the end of a session, I have to re-dream all my dreams now. Prominent political analyst and author Levent Gultekin, who is also on Clubhouse told Al-Monitor, The platform became popular in Turkey and we are all watching how it will evolve. It is difficult to assess its political impact at this point. Gultekin is skeptical that Clubhouse could be as effective as other social media platforms. One of the main determinants will be how political actors choose to utilize this platform. So far their numbers and presence are limited, he concluded. This author concurs with Gultekin. Other social media applications are not completely shut down in Turkey because government officials are able to skillfully manipulate them. For example, diaspora dissidents' Twitter accounts are not accessible in Turkey. Those in Turkey who dare to tweet critically of the government are prosecuted and their accounts blocked. Tweets by government officials, on the other hand, are retweeted in high numbers while an army of paid trolls spread the AKPs message. That kind of control would be difficult on Clubhouse. Will CHT prove as useful for spreading government propaganda as other platforms? If government officials cannot find value in the application, it may soon be off limits for users in Turkey. 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 York AG Rejects Cuomos Proposal for Independent Probe Into Sexual Harassment Claims The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James said on Feb. 28 that she rejected a proposal from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo that she and the chief judge of the states Court of Appeals would appoint an independent investigator to review the sexual harassment claims against the governor. To clarify, I do not accept the governors proposal, James said in a statement. The states Executive Law clearly gives my office the authority to investigate this matter once the governor provides a referral. Cuomos office released a statement earlier on Feb. 28 asking James and Janet DiFiore, chief judge of New Yorks Court of Appeals, to jointly appoint an independent lawyer to investigate the harassment allegations from Lindsey Boylan, the former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to Cuomo, and Charlotte Bennett, another former aide to the governor. James and DiFiore should jointly select an independent and qualified lawyer in private practice without political affiliation to conduct a thorough review of the matter and issue a public report, said Beth Garvey, special counsel to the governor. That public report would be exclusively controlled by the attorney conducting the review, Garvey said. James on Feb. 28 called on Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, to issue an executive order putting her exclusively in charge of the probe, saying it would empower her to issue subpoenas, enforceable in court. While I have deep respect for Chief Judge DiFiore, I am the duly elected attorney general and it is my responsibility to carry out this task, per Executive Law, James said in a statement. The governor must provide this referral so an independent investigation with subpoena power can be conducted. Boylan, a Democrat running for Manhattan borough president, in a post published on the website Medium last week, accused Cuomo of making inappropriate remarks, and allegedly touching and kissing her without consent. She said he would go out of his way to touch me on my lower back, arms, and legs, compare her to one of his rumored former girlfriends, and once suggested that they should play strip poker on a flight from an event in October 2017. Bennett, a former executive assistant and health policy adviser to Cuomo, accused the governor of sexually harassing her, including asking inappropriate questions. I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared, Bennett told The New York Times. And was wondering how I was going to get out of it and assumed it was the end of my job. Cuomos office has denied the allegations from both Boylan and Bennett. However, the Democratic governor released a statement on Feb. 28 acknowledging that some of his interactions with women may have been insensitive or too personal. The statement maintained that Cuomo has never inappropriately touched anybody and said the office would cooperate with an investigation. I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that, Cuomo said. To be clear, I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to. We expect to receive a referral with subpoena power to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against the governor, in line with our demands and New York state law. The referral would be made solely to the attorney generals office. NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) February 28, 2021 James said on Twitter that her office expects to receive a referral with subpoena power to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against the governor, in line with our demands and New York state law. The referral would be made solely to the attorney generals office. This is not a responsibility we take lightly, James added. We will hire a law firm, deputize them as attorneys of our office, and oversee a rigorous and independent investigation. The White House has called on Cuomo to face an independent review over the sexual harassment allegations. White House press secretary Jen Psaki described the allegations as serious. It was hard to read that story, as a woman, Psaki said during an appearance on CNNs State of the Union. The 63-year-old governor is facing increasing calls to resign following the sexual harassment allegations, which come at a time when hes facing intense scrutiny over how his state handled the COVID-19 pandemic. New York state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, a Democrat, called for Cuomos resignation in a Twitter post on Feb. 27. As a New Yorker, a legislator, Chair of the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee, and a survivor of sexual abuse, I am calling for Governor Cuomo to resign, Biaggi wrote. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) on Feb. 27 said the governor should immediately resign, calling him a criminal sexual predator. Bennetts account of Cuomos sickening workplace sexual harassment and grooming is so horrific it makes your skin crawl, she said in a statement. U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) called on Cuomo to refer the probe to James, as is tradition in the state. As has become standard practice in the State of New York when allegations relate directly to the Executive, Governor Cuomo should refer the matter to the Attorney General, who should, in turn, appoint an independent investigator, Nadler said Feb. 27. Cuomos office didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. 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. ROSEMONT, Ill., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As state restrictions prohibiting large gatherings remain in effect for the foreseeable future, and government travel restrictions continue to significantly impede domestic and international travel, the International Housewares Association's Board of Directors have made the difficult but necessary decision that The Inspired Home Show 2021, scheduled to take place Aug. 7-10, 2021 at McCormick Place in Chicago, cannot proceed as planned. "Over the last year, we have been closely watching the status of large events from a health and public safety perspective, and have consistently sought feedback from our industry about how travel restrictions and mass gathering bans have impacted their normal operations," said Derek Miller, IHA president. "With the health and safety of our exhibitors and attendees top of mind, we realized that it is infeasible for The Inspired Home Show to proceed in August of 2021." Booth space dollars from 2020 exhibitors that rolled over to the 2021 Show as well as that from new 2021 exhibitors will be rolled over to the 2022 Show. IHA has posted an FAQ page at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Exhibit/Exhibitor-Update to help answer exhibitor questions about next steps. For any inquiries not covered by the FAQs, exhibitors should reach out directly to their sales manager. To help fulfill the need for buyers and product suppliers to connect, IHA will be offering several digital events throughout the year. Additional information about events scheduled for March and April can be found online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Connect. The Inspired Home Show 2022 will be held March 5-8 at Chicago's McCormick Place Complex The International Housewares Association is the 83-year-old voice of the housewares industry, which accounted for (US)$394.3 billion at retail worldwide in 2018. The not-for-profit, full-service association sponsors the world's premier exposition of products for the home, The Inspired Home Show, IHA's Global Home + Housewares Market (TheInspiredHomeShow.com), and offers its 1,400 member companies a wide range of services, including industry and government advocacy, export assistance, industry and consumer trends through the IHA Market Watch Report, executive management peer groups, a B2B community at www.housewares.org , group buying discounts on business solutions services and direct-to-consumer engagement through TheInspiredHome.com . SOURCE International Housewares Association Related Links https://www.housewares.org Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 13:26:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines launched its COVID-19 vaccination drive on Monday, less than a day after the arrival of a batch of the Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China. Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director Gerardo Legaspi, a renowned neurosurgeon, was the first Filipino to receive the Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine. Legaspi urged Filipinos, especially health workers, to get the Sinovac vaccine, saying it is safe. "The decision to pick Sinovac is based on science, and it took Philippine experts six weeks to carefully study the vaccine," he told a televised press conference. Legaspi said he would recommend CoronaVac to those with allergies. Simultaneous vaccination took place in different hospitals in Metro Manila shortly after Legaspi got the shot. "Today is a historic day here at the PGH and several other hospitals in Metro Manila because it is the start of new hope. After a year of darkness brought about by the COVID-19, finally, there is light," Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. The Philippines' Department of Health said the Sinovac vaccines "will also be rolled out in other parts of the country in the coming days." Among the officials who volunteered were testing czar Vince Dizon, Food and Drug Administration Director General Enrique Domingo, and Carlito Galvez, the officer in charge of vaccine procurement. "We were near tears when the (Chinese) vaccines arrived yesterday. At last, the doses of hope that we have been waiting have arrived," Galvez said at the kick-off ceremony. The government aims to inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos this year to achieve herd immunity, starting with health care workers, the elderly, and the poor communities. The Philippines has an about 110-million population. The Philippines is negotiating to buy over 160 million vaccine doses from different pharmaceutical firms this year, including Sinovac. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received the COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac Biotech Ltd that arrived in the Philippines on Sunday. "The efficacy is good," he said, urging Filipinos to get the Sinovac vaccine. China's Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian handed over the vaccines to the Philippine government. Duterte viewed the crates containing the vaccines, inspected an actual single-dose vaccine vial during the ceremonial turnover, and thanked the Chinese government. "China has been giving us everything but never asked anything from us actually," Duterte told reporters on Sunday. He said China's donations would greatly help the Philippine economy recover once the vaccine rollout begins. "Slowly, those persons who got the vaccines can go to work again, and businesses will open. It will greatly help and thereby promote healthy trade and commerce with China," Duterte said. "China has a good spirit. The people are kind, and the government has great respect and love for mankind," Duterte added. The vaccines' delivery allows the Philippines to start mass vaccinations on Monday, marking a new phase in the country's fight against the COVID-19 that has infected 576,352 people and killed 12,318 others. Enditem Covid-19 safety measures in Northern Ireland schools have not been adequate, the education committee chairman has said. Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said the key to the return of primary and secondary schools is safety measures. Under the Northern Ireland Executives plan, P1 to P3 primary school children will return to school on March 8. On March 22, secondary school children in key exam years, years 12-14, will return. On the same date, the P1-P3 cohort is due to revert to home-learning for one week ahead of the Easter holidays to mitigate the impact on infection rates of the secondary school cohorts return. Mr Lyttle said there has been some confusion around why the P1-P3 cohort will return to home-learning. The Executive is to meet on Monday to discuss plans to ease out of lockdown. The Minister for Education Peter Weir and DUP First Minister Arlene Foster have voiced concern that schoolchildren in Northern Ireland are returning to school more slowly than those in the rest of the UK and in the Republic. The Alliance MLA told the BBCs The View programme that the Executive will review its plans around school reopening this week. The extent of the ministers safety measures to date has not been adequate, he added. We have been told for days we are getting additional face-covering compliance and communications we need effective school testing and delivery of the special school staff vaccination programme that is long overdue. As a parent of school-age children I appreciated the challenge lockdown has been for families and schools across Northern Ireland. Its absolutely vital that we get a return to school and youth activity as soon as possible but we need to make sure it is delivered safely and we heed the scientific advice and put safety measures in place. That phased return is what the education minister has put forward to the Executive and there has been some confusion with regards to why those P1 to P3 pupils in particular would be returned for two weeks, and then removed for the week after that. That is a particular concern that the Executive will want to review this week. I think the approach from the DUP and the education minister has been profoundly unhelpful the proposal that the education minister has put forward is indeed for those pupils to be removed prior to Easter. If indeed there is an issue regarding that particular cohort, lets get round the Executive table and address that concern, but the phased return is what has been, what is recommended, by health advice. On Sunday it was confirmed that a further three people died in Northern Ireland after testing positive for coronavirus. Another 136 have tested positive for the virus, according to the latest update from the Department of Health. On Sunday there were 301 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 34 were in intensive care. Borce Ristevski's demands of being buried next to his slain wife have been rejected as new laws are introduced to prevent serious criminals from overseeing their victim's grave. The 56-year-old is serving a 13-year sentence after being convicted of the manslaughter of his wife Karen Ristevski at their Melbourne home in June 2016. Ristevski refused to say what he did to his wife before bundling her into a car and dumping her body at Macedon Regional Park, where it was found by hikers eight months later. The Victorian Government will on Tuesday move to amend the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act, effectively refusing anyone responsible for a death the right to make decisions about the victim's burial. Ristevski refused to say what he did to his wife before bundling her into a car and dumping her body at Macedon Regional Park, where it was found by hikers eight months later. Pictured with their daughter Sarah The mother-of-one was laid to rest at the cemetery in May 2016 under a double headstone. The right side remained blank so that Ristevski could later be buried in the adjacent plot Ms Ristevski's family have been trying to prevent the couple from being buried in a joint plot at Williamstown Cemetery Ms Ristevski's family have been trying to prevent the couple from being buried in a joint plot at Williamstown Cemetery. The mother-of-one was laid to rest at the cemetery in May 2016 under a double headstone. The right-hand side remained blank so that Ristevski could later be buried in the adjacent plot. 'I'd like to thank the Victorian government and in particular the Victorian health department who I first approached two years ago,' her brother Stephen Williams told the Herald Sun. 'After regular contact with them I'm pleased that these changes are about to be made. 'Not just for my own situation but unfortunately for others like me. No longer will perpetrators get to have the final say, as that belongs to the families of the victims who are left behind.' In March 2019, Ristevski shocked the nation when he admitted to killing his wife after he vehemently denied involvement in her death for almost three years. He feigned innocence, lying to the police, the public and his daughter, even carrying his wife's coffin at her funeral, until pleading guilty to manslaughter on the eve of his murder trial. He has shown no remorse and refused to explain why or how he killed her. Even though he killed her mother, Ristevski's daughter Sarah has always stood by her father. Pictured leaving a press conference after pleading for information about Karen's disappearance in 2016 In March 2019, Ristevski shocked the nation when he admitted to killing his wife after he vehemently denied involvement in her death for almost three years Even though he killed her mother, Ristevski's daughter Sarah has always stood by her father. Following his admission, she gave her father a glowing character reference during a pre-sentence plea hearing at the Supreme Court of Victoria. 'If I could use a few words to describe my dad's personality they would be loving, caring, sympathetic, protective and charismatic,' Sarah said. 'Growing up as a family my mum, dad and I were completely inseparable. 'We would spend all of our spare time together and family was everything to us. The love we had for each other was unexplainable, and everyone in our lives saw it.' Sarah said she had never witnessed her father act violently towards her mother. The Michael O'Leary-owned Gigginstown House Stud have pledged their support to Gordon Elliott in the wake of the widespread controversy surrounding the photo of the Meath trainer sitting on a dead horse. Elliott and Gigginstown have had a long and fruitful partnership with Cheltenham Gold Cup success for Don Cossack in 2016 and successive Aintree Grand National victories for Tiger Roll (2018 and '19) among a string of high-profile prizes which they have combined to plunder. O'Leary was "deeply disappointed" by the image which appeared on social media over the weekend, but the Ryanair supremo will continue to support the Cullentra handler during this turbulent time. In a statement today, O'Leary said: "Eddie (racing manager) and I were deeply disappointed by the unacceptable photo which appeared on social media over the weekend. "The care and welfare of all our horses comes first with all our trainers. Sadly, from time to time our horses suffer injuries and/or fatalities and we expect all such cases to be treated with the care and attention they deserve. "We have always found that animal welfare comes first, second and third at Cullentra. From the facilities, to the brilliant team of people led by Gordon, our horses are trained with no expense spared for their development, welfare and care. "We accept that the photograph was a grievous but momentary lapse of judgement from Gordon, and not in keeping with our 15-year experience of his concern for and attention to the welfare of our horses. "We all make mistakes, and what is important is that we learn from them and ensure we do not repeat them. We accept Gordon's profound, sincere and unreserved apology, and we will continue to support him and his team at Cullentra as they work to recover from this deeply regrettable incident." In a statement, Horse Racing Ireland condemned the 'disturbing' photograph. "Horse Racing Ireland unreservedly condemns the disturbing photograph that appeared on social media at the weekend. "This image does not reflect the care, attention and respect that race horses receive, and does a disservice to the thousands of people who look after their horses on a daily basis. Horse Racing Ireland notes and supports the IHRB investigation into the circumstances around the photograph. "From a disciplinary perspective, the matter is in process, so any further comment on the matter or the detail of the case at this time would not be appropriate." Elliott, who turns 43 tomorrow, is preparing a star-studded team for the Cheltenham Festival later this month with the unbeaten Envoi Allen spearheading his battalion of runners heading to the Cotswolds, Cheveley Park Stud, who own Envoi Allen as well as other Elliott stars like Sir Gerhard and Quilixios, are awaiting the outcome of the investigation being undertaken by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board before outlining their next move "We are truly horrified and dismayed by the photograph doing the rounds on social media however, we will await the official outcome of the investigation by the IHRB, which we trust will be swift, before making any further comment/decisions," the Cheveley Park statement said. Betfair have discontinued their association with Elliott as an ambassador in the wake of the controversial photo. The betting exchange giant have officially cut ties with the Meath trainer as the fallout continues after the shocking image emerged over the weekend and sparked a massive public outcry. Elliott apologised for his actions late on Sunday night, but Betfair have wasted little time in releasing a statement this morning and parting ways with the Cullentra handler. "While we recognise that Gordon deeply regrets and apologised unreservedly for his poor judgement, his actions are completely at odds with the values of the Betfair brand and that of our employees," a Betfair statement said. These horses have given me a life that Im privileged to have, and it just makes me really sad. An emotional @mickfitzg addresses the unfolding story surrounding Gordon Elliott with @TonyEnnis11 pic.twitter.com/3tfPKfNfGP At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 1, 2021 "With that in mind, we have decided to discontinue our association with Gordon with immediate effect." The photo in question shows Elliott, 42, sitting on a dead horse on the gallops while speaking on a phone and holding up two fingers in an apparent peace gesture. Elliott apologised for his actions and attempted to give context to the photo when commenting late on Sunday night: "I would like to address the speculation and rumours that have been rife since an old photo of me began circulating on social media yesterday afternoon. "Firstly, I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra. "The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth. Read More "At what was a sad time, which it is when any horse under my care passes away, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned. "I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished. "Such background information may seem trivial at this time and will not allay the concerns of many people both within and outside the world of horse racing. However, I feel it is important to provide people with some context surrounding this photo." Meanwhile, jockey and former RTE broadcaster Tracy Pigott said its a sad day for Irish horseracing and that she couldnt sleep last night after seeing the controversial Elliott photo. I am deeply shocked because its the most horrendous type of publicity for the business and we need all the help we can get, we have been hit by Covid and so many things, she said on RTE Radio 1s Liveline. I think its very very sad, I couldnt sleep last night because of it. I know some people would say Its only a horse and the horse is dead but its much bigger than that and brings so many things into question. Ms Pigott said she doesnt doubt that Mr Gordon regrets his actions deeply, but that its caused so much hurt. Its caused so much hurt, so much anger and so much terrible publicity. I think we need to remember at the heart of this its an animal that has made millions and millions for people over the years and continues to do so. I think its a very very sad day for Irish racing and Im deeply upset about it. When asked if the situation is an aberration in the horse racing industry, the British-born jockey said absolutely. She added: I cant get my head around it to be honest, and Im sure you can hear the emotion in my voice. Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared at a court hearing via video conferencing on Monday as supporters marched in several towns and cities in defiance of a crackdown after the bloodiest day since the Feb. 1 military coup. Suu Kyi, aged 75, looked in good health during her appearance before a court in the capital Naypyidaw, one of her lawyers said. Two more charges were added to those filed against her after the coup, she said. "I saw Amay on the video, she looks healthy," lawyer Min Min Soe told Reuters, using an affectionate term meaning "mother" to ... This is the Irish trucker banged-up abroad for trying to smuggle 17 Vietnamese migrants - and almost ended up killing them like Mo Robinson did. Bernard Vincent Meegan was jailed in France on human trafficking charges but is 'lucky' he's not facing more serious charges after the migrants were discovered struggling to breathe. Customs officials did him a massive favour by searching his truck to find the migrants gasping for air - before they had even got anywhere near their final destination of England. He was caught with the migrants four weeks ago - 18 months after Co. Armagh trucker Mo Robinson was caught with the bodies of 39 migrants from Vietnam in the back of a trailer he had agreed to pick up off a ferry from Belgium. In that tragic case all 39 suffocated to death and Robinson was sentenced last month to serve 13 years behind bars. In the case of 54-year-old border bandit Bernard Meegan, the 17 migrants in his truck were already struggling to breathe. Among them was a 15-year-old girl. A court in France heard how the migrants were lucky to be alive and may well not have survived had Meegan's truck not been stopped and searched by customs officials. And the callous human trafficker was only getting paid 3,000 for the death trip. Meegan, from Inniskeen in Co. Monaghan, but also with an address in Culloville, Co. Armagh, was jailed for two years and banned from entering France for three years after his release. The human trafficker was also fined 2,500 by the French authorities, who made specific reference to the case of Mo Robinson during the sentence hearing. Mo Robinson had stood to make 60,000 from the single trip but shockingly it emerged in court that Meegan had agreed to ferry the migrants on their potentially deadly journey in the back of his refrigerated truck for the paltry sum of just 3,000. We can reveal Meegan, known as Barney to his friends, was a popular party man who, sources claim, is a notorious 'ladies' man'. "Barney Meegan was the life and soul of the party, he was a charmer, a talker and loved to party," said a source. "He drank a lot in the local GAA and he stole the show a few years ago at one of the fundraising dance contests. "He loved going to Thailand on holidays and he was a desperate ladies' man. He was living with a girl for a long time and they got married - huge wedding - but it didn't last for long. Expand Close Trafficker Bernard Meegan was lucky the people in his truck didnt die like those in Mo Robinsons lorry. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Trafficker Bernard Meegan was lucky the people in his truck didnt die like those in Mo Robinsons lorry. "He still needed his lads' weeks away and - he couldn't help himself and he'd be chasing women. "He has kids all over Ireland to several women. Total womaniser. He had a son he didn't know about for years until the son approached him. "People are shocked that Barney has been jailed for trying to smuggle people into the UK but what's really surprising is he was doing this for just 3,000. "After what happened to Mo Robinson and Ronan Hughes you'd think people doing this would be more careful." Expand Close Lorry driver Maurice 'Mo' Robinson was convicted of the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese men women and children who suffocated as they were smuggled into Britain in a lorry trailer. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lorry driver Maurice 'Mo' Robinson was convicted of the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese men women and children who suffocated as they were smuggled into Britain in a lorry trailer. Read More Meegan was arrested on February 10 in the area of Coquelles, near Calais in northern France, close to the Eurotunnel terminal. Customs officials searched his truck and found the stowaways in the trailer with sleeping bags. Fortunately, according to Meegan, the refrigerators were not working. The migrants were interviewed by the police and all explained that they were part of two groups. They had been taken to a parking lot by a smuggler while Meegan was informed of their arrival. The passengers had difficulty breathing and were very cold already. On Meegan, the police found 1,200 and his telephone was seized and examined forensically. The French authorities were able to ascertain that Meegan had already been to France twice in recent months. Expand Close Jailed truck driver Bernard Meegan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jailed truck driver Bernard Meegan Officials also found numbers whose owners were previously implicated in human trafficking, though no names were divulged in court. The defendant admitted the offence, while saying that he had to transport one or two people. The presiding judge told him that he did not realise the gravity of the situation. Expand Close The lorry driven by Mo Robinson / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The lorry driven by Mo Robinson Meegan was to take the migrants back to England and leave them at a pre-designated area - similar to the way mass killer Mo Robinson was to drop off his victims. "Bernard Meegan is lucky he's not facing manslaughter charges like Mo Robinson," said a source. "But for the customs officials raiding his truck it's likely they would have died." 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. A health worker receives the Sinovac coronavirus disease vaccine at the Samut Sakhon hospital in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, on Feb. 28, 2021. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters) Thailand Starts COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign BANGKOKThailand kicked off its COVID-19 inoculation campaign on Sunday, with cabinet ministers, health officials and medical professionals among the first in the queue to receive vaccinations. The first doses of vaccine, developed by Chinas Sinovac Biotech, were given to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the health minister, among others at an infectious diseases institute on the outskirts of Bangkok. I hope that the vaccination will result in people being safe from the spread of COVID-19 and it allows Thailand to return to normalcy as soon as possible, Anutin told reporters afterwards. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, 66, attended the event, although his age falls outside the range of 18 to 59 suitable to receive SinoVacs CoronaVac vaccine, so he did not get it. Thailand received its first 200,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine from China and 117,00 imported doses of AstraZenecas vaccine this week. Vials of the CoronaVac vaccine, developed by Chinas Sinovac Biotech, are displayed in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 24, 2021. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images) CoronaVac has been distributed to 13 high-risk provinces, which will start injecting front-line health professionals and volunteers on Sunday, the health ministry has said. AstraZenecas vaccine will be ready for use by the second week of March, after going through quality control tests, the company said in a statement. Thailand is expected to take delivery of a further 1.8 million doses of CoronaVac in March and April. A mass campaign to administer 10 million doses a month is set to begin in June, with 61 million shots of AstraZeneca vaccines produced by local firm Siam Bioscience. With a tally of just over 25,000 infections, Thailand has escaped the kind of fallout suffered by some other countries since the pandemic began last year. By Panu Wongcha-um The World Trade Organization's (WTO) first female and first African director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala started work on Monday, ending a six-month leadership void as she aims to revive the global trade watchdog ahead of a major year-end meeting. After a long campaign that was derailed in the latter stages by a Trump administration veto, the 66-year-old Nigerian was confirmed as boss last month, pledging to "forget business as usual" at the body which is struggling to strike new deals and whose arbitration functions are paralysed. "It feels great. I am coming into one of the most important institutions in the world and we have a lot of work to do. I feel ready to go," Okonjo-Iweala told a reporter on arrival at the WTO's lakeside Geneva headquarters where she donned a mask and elbow-bumped officials. The first day with the former finance and foreign minister at the helm of the WTO coincides with a closed meeting of its top decision-making body, the General Council. Delegates from its 164 member states joined virtually and agreed to hold the next major ministerial conference in Geneva, Switzerland beginning on Nov. 29. The WTO later confirmed the date. The meeting was originally due to be held in Kazakhstan in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic. Okonjo-Iweala has said she hopes it will be the venue for clinching deals on ending fisheries subsidies and reforms for the WTO's top appeals body which was paralysed by the Trump administration. "Things are not easy when members are negotiating and there are still a lot of critical issues that need to be sorted out. But we are hopeful," she said, speaking next to an ice statue of fish erected by environmental groups outside the WTO. Okonjo-Iweala has previously said that agreeing trade rules to facilitate COVID-19 vaccine distribution is also priority. Her predecessor, Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, stepped down on Aug. 31, a year early. Since the director-general role holds few executive powers, some analysts question Okonjo-Iweala's ability to revive the body in the face of so many challenges including persistent US-China trade tensions and growing protectionism heightened by the pandemic. Short link: Donald Trump used the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, over the weekend to make his first public appearance since leaving the office on January 20. In other portions of his message, Trump did not specifically announce his candidacy for presidency in 2024, but he did say: "Who knows? I may even decide to beat them for the third time." Trump hints running for 2024 elections Later, he told the cheering crowd that he would not form a new political party. "The Republican Party is here! It will come together and become stronger than ever before. I'm not forming a new political party." He also mocked President Joe Biden and urged that his successor "get the schools open" in the wake of the current coronavirus pandemic, PEOPLE via MSN reported. CPAC was not only his first public appearance since leaving office, but it was also his first official address since a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6 during a joint session of Congress, killing five people and forcing lawmakers, including former Vice President Mike Pence, to flee the building quickly. Read also: Trump Endorses Former Aide Max Miller over Rep. Gonzalez Who Voted to Convict Him Trump's announcement put relief to Republicans After being criticized for his involvement in the Capitol attack, Trump put to rest Republican concerns that he might attempt to break away from the GOP and form his own party, as per The Telegraph. The former President said he is not starting new parties, calling the reports the contrary, "fake news." "The Republican Party is one of the two main political parties in the United States. It will be more united and powerful than ever before "Trump said. Leading Republicans in Washington are torn on Trump's position in the party's future. However, many have acknowledged his iron hold on the party's base and rallied behind the former president. Republican leaders in Congress, Mitch McConnell, and Kevin McCarthy have denounced Trump's role in the Capitol attack but have made conciliatory remarks in recent weeks. Despite his early claims of uniting the opposition, Trump excoriated those who voted to impeach him, criticizing them out by name to heavy boos from the audience. Former President George W. Bush painted his Republican opponents as members of a failed democratic establishment at odds with the party's roots, pledging to vote for candidates that support his reform platform. Trump's allegations of a "rigged election" and the result being a "disgrace" are sure to create outrage for some Republicans. The former president advocated changing US elections, by eliminating early voting and restricting absentee voting to people who are sick or abroad. Read also: Biden Breaks Promise of Punishing Saudi Officials Trump calls Melania the 'future first lady' On Sunday, Donald Trump gave the clearest hint that he plans to run for president again, this time with Melania at his side. According to Daily Mail, despite news that the Slovenian-born model was glad to be out of the White House, Trump insisted she would return. There has also been talking that the pair, who have never been known for their easy love, could split after leaving the White House. Trump, on the other hand, insisted that his wife would accompany him in 2024. The former president told CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, that his wife would be the future first lady'. Melania, 50, was not spotted at the Orlando gathering, despite it being held only 200 miles from her Mar-a-Lago home. Read also: McConnell Says He 'Absolutely' Would Support Trump If Party Picks Him as GOP Nominee in 2024 @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. [March 01, 2021] Gas Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer Offers New Standard of Performance for Research Laboratories AUSTIN, Texas, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Addressing the need for increased flexibility, speed and accuracy in research applications throughout academic and industry laboratories, a new gas chromatography (GC) high-resolution mass spectrometer (MS) with unrivalled mass resolving power, sensitivity and wide dynamic range offers researchers the capability to achieve new depths of analysis and drive scientific understanding. With new-generation system architecture and instrument control software, the system provides simple yet powerful data acquisition capabilities, addressing the most demanding analytical challenges. The Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 MS takes research capabilities to a new level with a resolving power of 240,000, for accelerated innovation. By delivering both quantitative and qualitative information from a single injection, the new system enables precise and comprehensive compound identification, allowing researchers to make fast and accurate discoveries with confidence. As research laboratories require the versatility to answer myriad questions in their studies, the Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 MS also provides the flexibility to tackle a diverse range of analytical challenges, from identifying unknown contaminants and extractables and leachables, to applied quantification and metabolomics. The system offers the capability of MS/MS for compound structural information and both electron and chemical ionization without system venting to speed up time to result. "Having confidence in results is the cornerstone of effective and progressive research, allowing quick and informed decision making and ensuring promising opportunities aren't missed," said Fabrizio Moltoni, vice president and general manager, applied analytical technologies, chromatography and mass spectrometry, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "The Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 MS delivers breakthrough performance, reliability and the depth of analysis needed to address the most complex analytical challenges, supporting researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries." Dr. John Bowden, associate professor of chemistry, University of Florida, said, "For metabolomics experiments, the capability to achieve such high selectivity and maintain sensitivity is revolutionary for our research. Having easy access to this data certainty and such wide coverage opens up new research avenues for us." Users of the Orbitrap Exploris GC 240 MS will benefit from: Analytical dynamic range across six orders, providing accurate quantitation and detection of chemical components at trace and high concentrations. Standardized setup and easy-to-use sysem for users with varied levels of technical experience. Informatics solutions for targeted quantitation and profiling, such as the Thermo Scientific Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) software, which enables seamless data acquisition to reporting in targeted analysis. For profiling and discovery, the Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer 3.2 software enables researchers to discover sample differences, perform spectral matching and make proposed identifications of unknown compounds. Use of commercially-available spectral libraries for spectral matching, plus the use of application-specific high resolution accurate mass libraries in the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap GC-MS contaminants library and the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap GC-MS HRAM metabolomics library. Compact platform with a smaller footprint than existing systems. To learn more, please visit www.thermofisher.com/orbitrapexplorisgc240 or register to attend "Your GC-MS Future Today: A Sponsored Virtual Event" on March 2, 2021. About Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $30 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 80,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com. Media Contact Information: Laura Bright Thermo Fisher Scientific +1 562-335-8318 laura.bright@thermofisher.com Janice Foley BioStrata +1 617-823-5555 jfoley@biostratamarketing.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gas-chromatography-high-resolution-mass-spectrometer-offers-new-standard-of-performance-for-research-laboratories-301237212.html SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific An ex-Green Beret and his son who were wanted by Japan for helping former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn escape the country in a speaker box are now in Japanese custody despite their months-long battle to remain in the US. US Army Special Forces veteran Michael Taylor and his son Peter Taylor were handed over to Japanese authorities early on Monday. The pair will now be tried on charges they smuggled Ghosn out of the country in 2019 while the former auto titan was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. The Massachusetts men, who have been locked up at a suburban Boston jail since their arrest in May, had failed to convince US officials and courts to block their extradition to Japan. A lawyer for the pair had argued the accusations don't fit under the law Japan wants to try them under and that they would be treated unfairly in Japan and subjected to 'mental and physical torture'. US Army Special Forces veteran Michael Taylor and his son Peter Taylor were handed over to Japanese authorities early on Monday. The Massachusetts men have been locked up at a suburban Boston jail since their arrest in May A man, believed to be Michael Taylor, is escorted by Japanese officers upon his arrival at Narita airport. Taylor is suspected of having helped former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon Japanese officers are seen preparing a screen at Narita airport this morning as they awaited the arrival of US citizens Michael Taylor and his son Peter After their arrival at Narita airport this morning, the two men, believed to be Michael Taylor and his son Peter, are transported away on two buses The two men who are believed to be Michael and Peter Taylor arrived in Japan this morning on this plane at Narita airport They have accused Japan of pursuing the pair in an attempt to save face after the embarrassment of Ghosn's escape. Michael Taylor, a US Army Special Forces veteran and private security specialist who in the past was hired by parents to rescue abducted children, has never denied the allegations. He refused to discuss the details of the case last month in an interview with The Associated Press because of the possibility that he will be tried in Japan. He did, however, insist that his son wasn't involved and was not even in Japan when Ghosn left. Ghosn, who became one of the auto industry's most powerful executives by engineering a turnaround at the Japanese manufacturer, had been out on bail after his November 2018 arrest on charges that he under-reported his future income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. Ghosn has denied the allegations and has said he fled to avoid 'political persecution'. Prosecutors have described it as one of the most 'brazen and well-orchestrated escape acts in recent history'. Authorities say the Taylors were paid at least $1.3 million for their help. The pair will now be tried on charges they smuggled former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn (above) out of the country in 2019 while the former auto titan was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges On the day of the escape, Michael Taylor flew into Osaka on a chartered jet with another man, George-Antoine Zayek, carrying two large black boxes and pretending to be musicians with audio equipment, authorities said. Meanwhile, Ghosn, who was free on bail, headed to the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo and met up with Peter Taylor, who was already in Japan, authorities say. The elder Taylor and Zayek met up with the two others at the Grand Hyatt and shortly after, they split up. Peter Taylor hopped on a flight to China while the others got on a bullet train and went back to another hotel near the airport where Taylor and Zayek had booked a room. They all went in; only Ghosn's rescuers were seen walking out. Authorities say Ghosn was inside one of the big black boxes. At the airport, the boxes passed through a security checkpoint without being checked and were loaded onto a private jet headed for Turkey, officials said. Ghosn escaped Japan by hiding in one of these speaker boxes. At the airport in Japan, the boxes passed through a security checkpoint without being checked and were loaded onto a private jet headed for Turkey, officials said Michael Taylor had flown into Osaka on a chartered jet with another man, George-Antoine Zayek, with the two large black boxes and pretended to be musicians with audio equipment, authorities said. They are pictured above going through customs in Istanbul, Turkey The Taylors had hired lawyers connected to former President Donald Trump, including ex-White House attorney Ty Cobb, in attempt to get Trump to block the extradition before he left office. In his interview with the AP, Michael Taylor implored President Joe Biden to step in and said he felt betrayed that the US would try to turn him over to Japan after his service to the country. The Biden administration, however, declined to block the extradition. Under Trump, the State Department agreed in October to hand the men over to Japan but a federal judge in Boston put their extradition on hold shortly after their lawyers filed an emergency petition. The judge rejected their petition in January and the Boston-based 1st Circuit Court of Appeals later denied their bid to put the extradition on hold while they appeal that ruling. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer last month denied a bid for more time for an appeal, clearing the way for the men to be handed over to Japan. One word you may not think of when youre at the new YO!BURRITO takeout restaurant in Manlius is authentic. Thats sort of the point. Its not meant to be that, or completely traditional or anything like that, said Mark Bullis, who is a partner in the new casual restaurant in the Limestone Commons Plaza with Nathan Fullmer. Its a modern take, with a twist, or a couple of twists. That means while you will find beef, chicken, carnitas (pork) or steak carne asada burritos and bowls, youll also find items that are vegan. Youll find a bowl made with ancient grains as a base instead of rice. There will be impossible items, with a plant-based meat substitute. But its not all about health, either. One item is a mac-and-cheese stuffed burrito. In coming weeks, there be new choices, including fusion items that incorporate other cuisines, like Moroccan or Sudanese, Bullis said. And there will be more whimsical items on coming menus. There are also salads, quesadillas and nachos, all following the build-your-model. And check out the Special Brownies, spiced with ancho chile. (Take a peek at the menu). If you love burritos, weve got you covered, Bullis said. If you want burritos and bowls that help you maintain your health, weve got that too. This food (Mexican) is pretty clean anyway, but were taking that to the next step. YO!BURRITO opens today. For now, its open 4 to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The location in the plaza at 240 W. Seneca St. was occupied by Murphys Specialized Pastry until last fall. This cozy spot is designed for takeout and delivery only. If the concept takes off, Bullis said, the business could grow to other locations with possible dine-in service. You may be familiar with Mark Bullis: He is the founder and face of the Bull n Bear Roadhouse restaurants in Central New York (Clay, East Syracuse and Fayetteville), and its catering arm based in East Syracuse. He has helped get other restaurants started, including Modern Malt in Armory Square and Pronto Fresh in Hanover Square. He and Fullmer, the business partner who also serves as operations manager for Bull & Bear, spent time researching the fast-casual or grab-and-go Mexican market, including some of the national chains. We took a look, saw things we liked and things we knew we didnt want to do, Bullis said. So were starting there, and well be building on it. Most of the menu features house-made items, with a few exceptions, like the tortillas. YO!BURRITO is also using a line of hot sauces produced by his friend Chris Bily, owner of the XO Taco and Original Grain restaurants, both in Syracuse. (Like Bullis, Bily is also branching out, with a new chicken tenders-based fusion concept called So Fly.) Its always good to be trying something new and different, Bullis said. Weve put some thought into this one and I think we have something. More on food & dining in CNY: SU student bar Hungry Chucks return to Marshall St. now planned for the fall Sumera: A tiny change in name but the same great flavors (Dining In Review) (Not) Business As Usual: Diner turns to selling its exclusive coffee to get by during shutdowns Camillus Dining Weeks on tap through March 4 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. The first day of the third phase of Covid-19 vaccination kicked off in Gujarat on Monday amid teething issues, especially at private facilities. The state has begun registering and vaccinating citizens above age 60 as well as those in the 45-60-year bracket and with co-morbidities at both government and PM-JAY-cum-CGHS empanelled private hospitals from March 1. While 600 government centres, including PHCs and CHCs have been commissioned, an additional 300 private hospitals have also been roped in. However, a visit to samples of both government and private hospitals has seen a slow start to the ambitious third phase that looks to inoculate an estimated five million people above 60 years of age and 200,000-300,000 in the 45-60 age bracket with co-morbidities in the state. "We are only registering people on a walk-in basis and assuring them that they will be intimated when the vaccination begins. We have not heard from the authorities yet with regards to any supply of doses or how and when to begin the inoculation drive. We are told that officials from the local body health department or state government would be visiting and informing us on the same," said a staff at the Aarna Super Specialty Hospital in Ahmedabad that has been listed as one of the private facilities for the drive. Similarly, the public private partnership (PPP) run Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital too had yet to kick-off vaccination by noon with hardly a dozen or so beneficiaries being registered in the first few hours of the day. Several "nitty-gritties were being worked out" and a formal go-ahead was awaited, said a staff at SVP. Citizens too faced problems in registering on the first day, especially through the Co-WIN and Aarogya Setu app. "We had already registered through the municipal corporation's website a couple of months ago before the vaccination drive began but no intimation was received on the same. Even today, we tried to register on the Aarogya Setu but till noon there was no option to register for the third phase. After noon, when the option was visible on the app, we were unable to register due to the busy server getting hanged frequently," said Nishit Joshi, 39, who was registering his father 65 and mother 62 for the third phase of vaccination. Authorities, however, claimed that the launch had been smooth. "There is no shortage of vaccines. Doses have been supplied to all districts and most of the last-mile centres. It is not necessary to begin vaccination from day one. Even registration is part of the drive and the launch has been successful. However, we will get a clearer picture by evening," said Nayan Jani, state immunisation officer for Gujarat. ISLAMABAD, Mar 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan Monday paid a farewell call on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi here at Naval Headquarters. Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, Air Chief was received by the Naval Chief and a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Navy presented him Guard of Honour, said a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) press release. Thereafter, the dignitary laid floral wreath at the Shuhdas Monument. During the call-on, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi commended the remarkable services of Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan for Pakistan and Pakistan Air Force during a long and illustrious career. The Naval Chief also highlighted the dynamic role played by Air Chief Marshal and acknowledged PAF's all-out support to Pakistan Navy in strengthening the maritime defence during his tenure of command to enhance the operational capabilities of sister services. Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan also thanked Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi for his support and well wishes. [This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.] Leading online retailer Ebuyer has joined forces with Make-A-Wish UK as their official tech gaming partner. Every day, the lives of 10 families in the UK are changed forever when a child is diagnosed with a serious illness. From that moment, childhood takes a backseat to medical appointments and worry. When children with serious illness or life-limiting condition are referred to Make-A-Wish, they really do make a wish, and the charity does everything it can to make it come true. The charity, established in 1986, works with partners around the world to help fulfil those wishes. Ebuyer E-Commerce Director Andy Roberts said, Were really excited about being the official tech partner of Make-A-Wish. They do such an incredible job creating life-changing wishes. Ebuyer is playing a small part by providing the tech that the children and young people wish for, yet this small gesture can make a huge difference to them and their families. The East Yorkshire based online retailer has over 6 million registered customers and supplies tech to consumers, businesses and educational establishments throughout the UK Make-A-Wish Corporate Partnerships Manager Gina Fuoco said: Ebuyer has been helping us grant our gaming and tech wishes since August 2020. Their support came at a vital time making 54 wishes a reality when so many had to be cancelled or postponed because of the pandemic. That included 21 wishes for PS5s which were like gold dust to obtain! Gaming enables young people to interact, improve their motor skills and have fun. It often creates a level playing field online that contrasts with a seriously ill childs real life experience so these wishes have a long-term impact. Ebuyers support has also included gifts-in-kind worth 22,636 which is incredible. We are hugely grateful to Ebuyer and excited to grow our partnership to grant even more wishes together this year. End Photo attached. Caption: Pictured is Sunil, left, with his brother Rav on the day his wish was granted. For further comment on this story please contact Graham Hey at Ebuyer on [email protected] or 07901 982663. *Established in 1999, Ebuyer is a specialist online retailer of electronics and technology. It is based in Howden, East Yorkshire, and stocks over 40,000 products on its website (ebuyer.com). Ebuyer fulfils over 20,000 customer orders per week. Visit ebuyer.com About Make-A-Wish Make-A-Wish UK is a registered charity that was established in the UK in 1986 to support children and young people diagnosed with a serious illness or life-limiting condition, by granting them their dearest wish. The charity receives no Government funding - registered charity numbers: 295672 in England and Wales, SC037479 in Scotland. Notes to Editors from Make-A-Wish: We do not use the phrase terminally ill and ask that you follow suit because some poorly children and young people are not made aware of the exact nature of their diagnosis and we respect their familys approach to their situation. Some also recover fully from their illness. Please refer to us as Make-A-Wish UK in the first instance to distinguish us from affiliates in other countries and hyperlink to our website when you mention the charity online: www.make-a-wish.org.uk "The Dark Knight." Warner Bros Watch rom-coms "Crazy Stupid Love" and "Two Weeks Notice." There's also the Netflix original, "Yes Day," starring Jennifer Garner. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. "Batman Begins" (March 1) Christian Bale in "Batman Begins." Warner Bros./"Batman Begins" This marks the start of the Christopher Nolan-era of Batman. With Christian Bale in the lead, we examine this version of the Dark Knight with lush photography, a killer score, and master storytelling (and it only gets better from here). "Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell" (March 1) Biggie Smalls documentary, "Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell." Netflix This new documentary features rare footage of the Notorious B.I.G. to reveal who the real Christopher Wallace was before his untimely death in 1997. "Crazy Stupid Love" (March 1) Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell in "Crazy Stupid Love." Warner Bros. Pictures Filled with a fantastic ensemble that includes Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei, and Kevin Bacon, we follow a middle-aged husband (Carell) who suddenly finds himself back in the dating pool when his wife asks for a divorce. "Dances with Wolves" (March 1) Kevin Costner in "Dances with Wolves." Orion Kevin Costner's epic look at a Civil War lieutenant who befriends a Native American tribe while stationed on a remote outpost in the West went on the win seven Oscars back in 1991, including best picture. It's since become infamous as Costner got the best director Oscar over Martin Scorsese's work in "Goodfellas." Give it a watch and make the call if Costner was worthy of the win. "I Am Legend" (March 1) Will Smith in "I Am Legend." Warner Bros. Pictures Will Smith brings out his action and dramatic chops in this story that follows the sole survivor in New York City, following a plague that kills most of humanity. "Rain Man" (March 1) Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in "Rain Man." United Artists Winner of four Oscars, Barry Levinson's landmark drama stars Tom Cruise as a hustler who learns his family fortune has been left to his savant brother, played by Dustin Hoffman, leading to an unlikely connection between the two. "The Dark Knight" (March 1) (L-R) Christian Bale and Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight." Warner Bros. Pictures After you watch "Batman Begins," go and watch the sequel, which is regarded by many as being one of the best superhero movies of all time. Story continues Bale returns as Batman and this time he goes up against the Joker, played incredibly by Heath Ledger. "Training Day" (March 1) (L-R) Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington in "Training Day." Warner Bros. Pictures Denzel Washington earned a much-deserved best actor Oscar for his role as a corrupt detective who shows the ropes to a newbie (played by Ethan Hawke). "Two Weeks Notice" (March 1) Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant in "Two Weeks Notice." Warner Bros Need to get a rom-com fix? You can't go wrong with this one that stars Hugh Grant as a womanizing billionaire playboy and Sandra Bullock as a liberal lawyer, who tries to change his ways. "Yes Day" (March 12) Edgar Ramirez and Jennifer Garner in "Yes Day." Netflix This cute Netflix original stars Jennifer Garner and Edgar Ramirez as parents who decide to give their kids a "yes day" meaning they make the rules for the next 24 hours. Good-natured hilarity ensues. Read the original article on Insider The first 400 metres of tunnels have been dug for Brisbanes new underground station at Roma Street. Roma Street will be one of four underground stations built as part of Cross River Rail - the others will be at Boggo Road, Woolloongabba and Albert Street. Visiting the site on Monday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Roma Street would be Brisbanes equivalent of a grand central station. This is the type of infrastructure that is needed for a 2032 Olympics, she said. What just happened? Android or iOS? It's an argument that's been raging for years. Former Microsoft boss Bill Gates knows which one he prefers: unsurprisingly, it's Android, though he does use an iPhone when required. Speaking to CNBC and NY Times journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin on the invite-only Clubhouse app (via Android Central), Gates confirmed that his long preference for the Android mobile operating system hasn't changedbut he doesn't avoid Apple handsets altogether. Gates said he opts for Google's ecosystem because "Some of the Android manufacturers pre-install Microsoft software in a way that makes it easy for me and they're more flexible about how the software connects up with the operating system so that's what I've ended up getting used to." While Gates has a day-to-day Android device, he uses an iPhone to keep up-to-date with everything and for other activities, such as using the iPhone-only Clubhouse app. Back in 2019, Gates said his greatest mistake was losing out to Google in the mobile landscape. "That was a natural thing for Microsoft to win. It really is winner take all," he said. "There's room for exactly one non-Apple operating system and what's that worth? $400 billion that would be transferred from company G [Google] to company M [Microsoft]." Gates was also asked about which companies he believes are doing the most exciting work. Google and Microsoft were his choices, though he added that "Amazon's doing great work, Apple's doing great work, Facebook." "But, in terms of really pushing the boundaries of computer science and architecture and AI, I'd say Google and Microsoft have a strong R&D commitment both stuff they share openly and things they focus on for their own products." Elsewhere, Gates cast some skepticism over the Apple car. "I doubt they'll make the same margin they make on the iPhone," he said, adding that, unlike electric vehicles, a future filled with autonomous cars isn't a certainty. Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-28 20:39:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A fountain is projected with a photo of the late Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic in Zagreb, Croatia, Feb. 28, 2021. The mayor of Croatia's capital Zagreb Milan Bandic died of a heart attack Sunday, the city administration announced. He was elected mayor in 2002 and served six consecutive terms, and was running for his seventh term in the upcoming elections in May 2021. (Borna Filic/Pixsell via Xinhua) ZAGREB, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The mayor of Croatia's capital Zagreb Milan Bandic died of a heart attack Sunday, the city administration announced. According to local media reports, Bandic fell ill shortly after 11:30 p.m. Saturday (2230 GMT) at home. Medics who arrived at his apartment attempted to resuscitate him for 45 minutes before taking him to hospital. "Bandic lived for his city, for the citizens of Zagreb who were in the first place in everything he did, for the job he performed with love and energy, bringing in his whole self - without rest, for 21 years," his office said. Born on Nov. 22, 1955 in Grude, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bandic was one of the most powerful politicians in the southeastern European country. He was elected mayor in 2002 and served six consecutive terms, and was running for his seventh term in the upcoming elections in May 2021. In 2009, Bandic was ejected from the Social Democratic Party when he announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in the country's presidential election the same year. Bandic's career as Zagreb mayor was riddled with controversy. In 2014, he was arrested for alleged corruption, abuse of office and influence peddling, and was shortly replaced by a deputy. A few months later, he was released from the prison while pending trial and returned to the position of mayor. Enditem Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (#GMIS2021) will host its fourth edition from November 22 to 27 alongside EXPO Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai. This will be the second time the UAE hosts the Summit, after holding the inaugural edition in Abu Dhabi in 2017, a statement said. Co-chaired by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) brings together leaders from the global manufacturing and technology communities to discuss, debate, and shape the future of manufacturing. The Summit aims to place manufacturing at the heart of economic regeneration and government policymaking, and utilise technology as a tool for global cooperation and collaboration. Hosting #GMIS2021 at Expo Dubai will position industrialisation at the centre of the global dialogue, reinforcing the sectors important role in driving economic growth and global prosperity. Inspired by EXPO 2020s theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, the #GMIS2021 theme Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Digitalisation for Prosperity will explore how the fourth industrial revolution can be utilised to enhance productivity across the manufacturing ecosystem and create shared value for organisations and society. As the world recovers from the unprecedented disruptions caused by COVID-19, the emphasis on digitalisation of industries, and the need to create an ecosystem that can seamlessly connect and operate across platforms and geographies, has become critical for survival. Dr Sultan Al-Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: We are pleased to host the fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit in the UAE, especially at Expo Dubai, as this step comes in line with the UAE leaderships vision to strengthen international cooperation and support initiatives that drive industrial progress. We are confident that hosting the Summit alongside Expo Dubai will give impetus to this important event that promotes cross-border collaboration to shape the future of industries and contribute to global economic growth. Furthermore, it highlights the distinguished position of the UAE and the pioneering role the country plays in supporting initiatives that serve the interests of humanity. Dr Al-Jaber added: Under the theme Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Digitalisation for Prosperity, the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit will convene leaders and industry experts to discuss and debate the best ways to prepare for the post-Covid-19 recovery and determine the role of the industrial sector to accelerate this recovery. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has contributed to the rapid development of the industrial sector in a short period of time. It is essential to discuss the role of technology in shaping the future of industries and how to take advantage of the opportunities and solutions it presents to address various challenges. Dr Al-Jaber stressed the importance of cooperation between the various parties concerned with the growth and progress of the industrial sector, including government agencies responsible for legislation and laws regulating the industrial sector, industrial companies, technologists, and investors, in order to participate in the global dialogue aimed at improving the role of the industrial sector and enhancing its contribution to achieving sustainable development and economic prosperity, in both developed and developing countries. Kicking-off preparations for #GMIS2021, Dr Al-Jaberand LI Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), held a virtual meeting to align on the key strategic priorities for the fourth edition of the Summit. LI Yong, Director General of UNIDO, said: UNIDO is pleased to receive the support and be in a strong partnership with the United Arab Emirates in our endeavour to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development. This GMIS partnership with Dubai EXPO enables us to reach a global audience of policymakers, private sector companies, research partners and civil society organizations. The future of manufacturing must be inclusive, one that leaves no one behind. A future that creates feasible mechanisms, allowing women, young people, SMEs and developing countries to claim a fair stake in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. GMIS 2021 will be a catalyst for transformative ideas and actions. Activities at the fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (#GMIS2021) will be held at EXPO Dubai Exhibition Centre for an entire week from November 22 to 27, starting with discussions at the Summit on November 22 and 23 that will take place across several formats, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and interviews with some of the industrys most prominent leaders, followed by working groups, interactive workshops, youth sessions, and activities related to the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit legacy initiatives, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity. Throughout the week, #GMIS2021 will also run the UAEs first technology-driven manufacturing exhibition where the latest innovations and solutions in the field of technology and industry will be showcased. The #GMIS2021 agenda will dive into how the adoption of core technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and the fifth generation of wireless network technology (5G) are central to transforming the future of manufacturing, and will explore the many possibilities that unfold with the seamless integration of machines and humans as well as the benefits of enhanced mobility across people, processes, and the industrial value chain and how this can contribute to a digitally inclusive, interconnected, and sustainable future. The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit was previously held in the UAE (#GMIS2017), Russia (#GMIS2019), and Germany (#GMIS2020 virtually), and brought together Heads of State, Ministers, and Chairs and CEOs of some of the worlds largest organisations. #GMIS2021 will once again offer a voice and venue for leaders to share their experiences and knowledge while highlighting opportunities for investments in technology, innovation, and industrialisation.TradeArabia News Service New Delhi, March 1 : While examining the issue of consent for sexual relationship between a couple living together, the Supreme Court on Monday queried whether sexual intercourse between them can be termed as rape. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S.Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian said: "If a couple is living together as man and wife...the husband may be brutal, but could the sexual intercourse between the couple, who are living together, can be termed as rape?" The observations from the top court came while hearing a plea of a person accused of rape by a woman, who had been in a live-in relationship with him for over two years. The woman had filed an FIR for rape after the man married another woman. Senior advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija, representing the accused, submitted before the bench that the couple used to work together, and they were in a live-in relationship for over two years. The bench noted that making a false promise for marriage is wrong. According to the complainant, who was represented by advocate Aditya Vashisth, the couple was in a romantic relationship, but she had clearly refused getting into a sexual intimacy before marriage. Vashisth argued that his client's consent was obtained by fraud. The top court was informed that the couple had gone to Manali, where they participated in a marriage ritual. The petitioner denied that any marriage took place, instead he was a live-in relationship where they had consensual intimacy. In 2019, the Allahabad High Court had declined to entertain a plea by the petitioner to quash the FIR against him. The petitioner, through advocate Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi, moved the top court challenging this order. The woman's counsel highlighted that the petitioner had also beaten up his client when they were living together and emphasised consent for the sexual act was obtained by fraud, after she was made to believe that the marriage was real. The bench observed, "No one should falsely promise marriage and break off. But that is different from saying the act of sexual intercourse is rape." The bench noted that it had settled this matter in its earlier verdicts. On the aspect of the petitioner beating up the complainant, the bench queried her counsel, "why don't you file a case for assault and marital cruelty. Why file a rape case?" Makhija contended that the complainant had filed such complaints earlier too. "It's a habitual act of this lady. She did same with two others in office," she added. The petitioner's wife had also made an accused in the matter, as a co-conspirator. "There shall be stay of arrest of the petitioners for a period of eight weeks. Thereafter, the Trial Court will decide the question of the liberty of the petitioners. The special leave petition is dismissed as withdrawn with liberty as prayed for", said the top court in its order. The UP government informed the top court that the petitioner's wife has not been chargesheeted by the police. "In view of this, Vibha Datta Makhija, learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner, seeks permission to withdraw the special leave petition. Permission is granted. The special leave petition is dismissed as withdrawn", added the top court. It was reported last April that Apple was planning to assemble the iPhone SE in Brazil. On Sunday it was reported by Brazil's Folha Newspaper that members of the Federal Public Ministry weren't happy with the government's decision to provide them with the iPhone SE. They complained that they wanted more modern and more expensive devices, with 5G. Public Prosecutor Marco Tulio Lustosa Caminha wrote on their internal network: "Do you really think that after more than three years with an iPhone 7, already outdated with a slow processor, bad battery, small screen, that we'll accept for another 30 months an iPhone SE?? I don't think anyone here is a kid! Caminha added "40% of my work is done by cell phone. This is an insult!! The deal for the iPhone was made through telco operator Claro. It's presently unknown whether the government wanted to support the future production of the iPhone SE as noted earlier. This wasn't addressed in the current article. There's more to the report but the Folha De S. Paulo newspaper warned of using their content. You could read the full report here. President Joe Biden speaks to the media at the White House before he walks to Marine on the south lawn on Feb. 27, 2021 in Washington. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Biden Wont Release Virtual Visitor Logs Amid Calls for Transparency The Biden administration isnt releasing the names of those attending its White House virtual meetings, despite recent calls from political groups calling for more transparency. While the White House has previously committed to releasing in-person visitor logs, virtual meetings have since become the main mode of interaction amid the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. An unidentified White House official confirmed to Politico that the Biden administration wouldnt release the virtual logs. Virtual meetings will not be subject to releasein the same way that previous administrations didnt release phone logsbut were planning on regularly releasing the attendee lists for in-person meetings at the White House, the official told the outlet on March 1. Biden administration officials didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. There have been other critiques related to transparency: The schedules for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris arent posted online, the White House comment line is shut down, and there are no citizen petitions on the White Houses website, Politico reported. When asked if the details of virtual meetings would be disclosed, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters during a Feb. 2 briefing, At this point, theres not a discussion of making virtual meetings a part of whats released. The Biden administration has vowed to be transparent. Psaki said on Jan. 20 that Biden plans to bring transparency and truth back to the government to share the truth, even when its hard to hear. Psaki also told reporters in her first briefing that she has a deep respect for the role of a free and independent press in our democracy. In recent months, more than a dozen organizations and political transparency groups have been putting pressure on the administration to disclose information relating to its virtual logs and other information. One such group, called Open the Government, sent a letter to the White House in February calling on the administration to change course and immediately begin preparing virtual visitor logs for public release. All visitor logswhether for in-person visits or the virtual meetings that have replaced them during the pandemicshould be made available online in a searchable, sortable, downloadable database that includes the name and affiliation of each visitor, the date of the visit, the name of the person being visited, and a general description of the reason for the visit, the letter states. The issue of virtual visits also raises important records management questions, as materials associated with virtual meetings clearly constitute presidential records according to the Presidential Records Act, the letter said. More than a dozen other transparency and ethics organizations signed the letter, which was delivered to White House legal counsel Dana Remus. Open the Government also requested a meeting with the administration to discuss additional presidential records-related recommendations many of our organizations made in our Accountability 2021 agenda and elsewhere. Some of the recommendations include restricting the use of disappearing message apps for government business, and of modernizing records management systems. Online hackers targeted the Twitter accounts of several news organisations on Sunday, spamming their feeds with bizarre tweets and foul language. The hackers, known as 'daddy yaris' and 'wixy', took over the profile of Seven News Adelaide and tweeted about South Australia's Covid-19 lockdown. 'F**k it, ya'll can go back into lockdown, see if I care,' read one post shared with the account's 88,800 followers just after midnight. Hacked: Online hackers targeted the Twitter accounts of several news organisations on Sunday, spamming their feeds with bizarre tweets and foul language Errant tweet: The hackers, known as 'daddy yaris' and 'wixy', took over the profile of Seven News Adelaide and tweeted about South Australia's Covid-19 lockdown Another tweet read: 'Yo yo @keemaster, daddy yaris and wixy are here once again.' Similar posts were uploaded on the Twitter accounts of Yahoo Finance Australia and Clean Up Australia in a coordinated cyber attack. American YouTuber Daniel Keem, a.k.a. Keemstar, celebrated the hack on Seven News in a post shared with his 2.6 million Twitter followers. 'Breaking Australia has fallen!' he tweeted shortly after the account was hijacked. Hacking incident; One of the tweets read, 'Yo yo @ManiaFNBR guess who' Prank: American YouTuber Daniel Keem, a.k.a. Keemstar, celebrated the hack on Seven News in a post shared with his 2.6 million Twitter followers Many of his followers speculated whether Keem was behind the hack, but Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting this is the case. 'No chance you got into Seven News, that's actually hilarious,' one fan tweeted, while another wrote: 'Wtf did you do!?' Followers of Seven News Adelaide's Twitter profile reacted with humour to the hack. '@7NewsAdelaide woke up feeling dangerous today': Followers of Seven News Adelaide's Twitter profile reacted with humour to the hack '@7NewsAdelaide woke up feeling dangerous today,' one wrote. Another tweeted: 'Whoever is running the social media for @7NewsAdelaide really needs to log out for the night, or put down the beers.' The errant tweets have since been deleted and Seven News Adelaide now has control of the account. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seven News for comment. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Director General Shekhar C Mande has warned the COVID-19 crisis is far from over. He said people and the scientific community should not allow "complacency to set in", and cautioned that a third wave could lead to a more grievous situation than the challenges the country faced so far. Speaking at a virtual "National Sciences Day Lectures" session on "India's response to Covid-19 from S&T perspective", organised by Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Mande said collaboration across institutions was key to improve the current scenario and avert fatal situations arising out of climate change and over-dependence on fossil fuels. He said people should continue wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene and observing social distancing to avoid getting infected as India is nowhere near achieving herd immunity. He said that factors other than herd immunity - wearing of masks and people staying outdoors during winter led to the lower COVID-19 tally as the virus remained suspended in the air in closed areas and lost its potency in open areas. While responding to a question around the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines against coronavirus variants, Mande said the evidence that vaccines will not work against the mutated virus "is not very strong". He added the vaccines are effective against the variants as they worked against the entire part of the virus, while the mutation took place on a part of the virus. With agency inputs Also read: 'Let us make India Covid free': PM Modi gets first dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin Also read: COVID-19 vaccination phase 2: CoWIN registration begins 9 am tomorrow; here's how to apply The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. The findings of this research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to managing walleye populations across a broad landscape may not be effective. Rather, lake-specific characteristics likely will be important in determining how walleye populations respond to climate change. Credit: Gretchen Hansen Because walleyes are a cool-water fish species with a limited temperature tolerance, biologists expected them to act like the proverbial "canary in a coal mine" that would begin to suffer and signal when lakes influenced by climate change start to warm. But in a new study, a team of researchers discovered that it is not that simple. "After analyzing walleye early-life growth rates in many lakes in the upper Midwest over the last three decades, we determined that water clarity affects how growth rates of walleyes change as lakes start to warm," said Tyler Wagner, Penn State adjunct professor of fisheries ecology. "In some lakes, warming actually led to increased walleye growth rates, in others there essentially was no change, and in others, growth rates declined. The different responses of growth rates to increasing water temperatures across lakes appear to be influenced by water turbidity." The research is significant, Wagner explained, because walleye fisheries in the upper Midwest are important not just ecologically, but also from an economic and cultural perspective. Because walleye fishing is a valued social activity in Minnesota and Wisconsin and hundreds of thousands of walleye fingerlings are stocked there to bolster wild populations, the region is the ideal place to study the effect of warming conditions on the fish. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Midwest has gotten warmer, with average annual temperatures increasing over the last several decades. Between 1900 and 2010, the average air temperature increased by more than 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the region. "The rate of increase in air temperature has accelerated in recent decades, and this increase in air temperature will affect the thermal habitat for fishes across the region," Wagner said. "Temperatures are projected to continue increasing across the Midwestwith the greatest increases in average temperature expected in northern areasso we wanted to know what was happening with walleye populations in the upper Midwest." Slightly higher water temperatures in some upper Midwest lakes have resulted in increased growth rates for young walleyes like these, but if water temperatures continue to rise, influenced by a warming climate, walleye populations in the region ultimately will suffer. Credit: Gretchen Hansen Using data provided by the Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of Natural Resources, researchers quantified annual walleye early-life growth rates from 1983 to 2015 in 61 lakes in the upper Midwest. Then they estimated the relationship between early-life growth rates and water growing degree daysan indicator of the temperature the fish are exposed toover those 32 years. Importantly, they also examined how water turbidity influenced growth rates across the 61 lakes, correlated to an increased number of growing degree days. Their findings, published Feb. 23 in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, showed that, on average, early-life growth rates increased with increasing growing degree days in turbid lakes, remained more or less unchanged in moderately clear lakes, and decreased in very clear lakes. This suggests that a "one-size-fits-all" approach to managing walleye populations across a broad landscape may not be effective, according to Wagner. "Rather, lake-specific characteristics likely will be important in determining how walleye populations respond to climate change," he said. The analysis also indicated that walleye growth rates varied among lakes of different sizes, explained lead researcher Danielle Massie, who graduated from Penn State in 2020 with a master's degree in wildlife and fisheries science. "Walleye early-life growth rates, on average, were significantly greater in larger lakes," she said. "Our results provide insights into the conservation of cool-water species in a changing environment and identify lake characteristics in which walleye growth may be at least somewhat resilient to climate change." After analyzing walleye early-life growth rates in many lakes in the upper Midwest over the last three decades, researchers determined that water clarity affects how growth rates of walleyes change as lakes start to warm. Secchi disks like this one were used to measure water turbidity. Credit: University of Indiana The results of the research were surprising, Wagner conceded, because researchers expected to see walleye growth rates in most lakes decrease with more growing degree dayssince walleyes prefer cool water. But that did not happen in most of the lakes they studied. "It sounds counterintuitive at first, but if we think about fish growth, we can think about it as a performance curve, where growth increases with increasing temperature to a certain point," he said. "But as the lake warms past that optimum temperature, the curve descends, and we'll see declining growth as the temperature increases beyond that point." Slightly higher water temperatures in some upper Midwest lakes have resulted in increased growth rates for walleyes, but if water temperatures continue to rise, influenced by a warming climate, walleye populations in the region will suffer, predicted Wagner, assistant leader of Penn State's Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, housed in the College of Agricultural Sciences. "We're going to reach a water temperature tipping point where growth will decline, and then we'll see deleterious effects," he said. "This is why understanding what factors, such as turbidity and lake size, influence how fish populations respond to warming is critical for informing management and conservation efforts." Explore further From brook trout to walleyes, warming waters to play havoc with fisheries More information: Danielle L. Massie et al. Do lake-specific characteristics mediate the temporal relationship between walleye growth and warming water temperatures?, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (2021). Danielle L. Massie et al. Do lake-specific characteristics mediate the temporal relationship between walleye growth and warming water temperatures?,(2021). DOI: 10.1139/cjfas-2020-0169 Danielle L. Massie et al, A framework for assessing the ability to detect macroscale effects on fish growth, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (2020). DOI: 10.1139/cjfas-2019-0296 Journal information: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences NORWALK, Conn., Mar. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WUSTHOF is pleased to announce Jamaliya Cobine's appointment to lead the company's global digital expansion. She will be based out of the company's Norwalk, Connecticut, office and report to WUSTHOF's global CEO, Jan-Patrick Schmitz. WUSTHOF USA, Inc. Cobine joins WUSTHOF as the company continues its evolution from a Solingen-based knife manufacturer to a global premium consumer brand. With more than 15 years of international executive leadership across multiple categories, she will lead all aspects of the company's global digital commerce and marketing strategy. Jamaliya Cobine joins the company from Ursa Major Skincare, a leader in the plant-powered skincare space, where she led the digital business, including Direct-to-Consumer, marketplaces, and performance marketing. Her background also includes digital leadership roles with venerable lifestyle brands such as Topshop, Burton Snowboards, and Urban Outfitters. She worked and lived for three years in Europe. "The world becomes increasingly digital, and the newly created role of Executive Vice President Direct-to-Consumer & Digital Marketing is pivotal to the success of our brand," said Jan-Patrick Schmitz, CEO of the WUSTHOF group. "I am thrilled to welcome Jamaliya to our family of passionate believers in a healthy and happy lifestyle, which begins with well-prepared food and the joy of sharing a meal with friends. Her experience in connecting purpose-driven brands with like-minded consumers in the digital space is exceptional. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and deep understanding of engaging food fans around the world with our over 200 years young history will become a leading force in our strategy." "I am truly excited to be joining WUSTHOF at such a pivotal time," Cobine added. "I am an enthusiastic home cook and avid user of the brand. I truly believe that people and cultures connect through culinary experiences. WUSTHOF has a vibrant history and so many stories to tell. I look forward to further building consumer excitement, trust, and loyalty as I focus on advancing our digital presence in Europe, Asia, and the Americas," said Cobine. Founded in 1814 in Solingen, Germany, WUSTHOF is a seventh-generation, family-owned producer of fine cutlery, manufacturing knives solely in the City of Blades. With over two centuries of family craftsmanship, WUSTHOF has a long tradition of creating memorable moments among families in the kitchen, the heart of the home. WUSTHOF knives are chosen by home cooks, aspiring food artisans, and acclaimed chefs worldwide. WUSTHOF knives elevate and simplify food preparation, making cooking more enjoyable. For more information, please visit www.wusthof.com PRESS CONTACT Adam Fischer VP of Marketing T 203-970-8403 E [email protected] WUSTHOF USA, Inc. 333 Wilson Ave. Norwalk, CT 06896 T 203-852-8000 Related Images image1.jpg SOURCE WUSTHOF USA, Inc. 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. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee is likely to release the first list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal assembly election 2021 on Monday. Mamata Banerjee is due to meet RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the opposition in the Bihar Assembly constituency, in the morning. After that, the Chief Minister will sit with the members of TMC's election committee around 12.30 PM. It is expected that she may announce the first list of TMC candidates for the West Bengal assembly election 2021 around 5 pm. It may be recalled that the Election Commission of India has last week announced that the assembly elections in the state will be held in eight phases, beginning from March 27 and ending on April 29. The results will be announced on May 2. Addressing a press conference on Friday, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Sunil Arora announced the schedule for assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry. The counting of votes for all five assembly elections will take place on May 2 said the Election Commission (EC). The terms of legislative assemblies of four states -- Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and West Bengal -- are coming to an end in May and June. In Puducherry, President's Rule has been imposed and the assembly kept under suspended animation after the V Narayanasamy-led Congress government resigned earlier this week ahead of a vote of confidence. In West Bengal, the assembly election in the Trinamool Congress-led state will be held in eight phases. The voting for phase 1 for 30 constituencies will take place on March 27, voting for phase 2 for 30 constituencies will be held on April 1. The polling for phase 3 for 31 seats will take place on April 6, for phase 4 for 44 constituencies on April 10, for phase 5 for 45 constituencies on April 17, for phase 6 for 43 constituencies on April 22, for phase 7 for 36 constituencies on April 26 and for phase 8 for 35 constituencies on April 29. In Assam, the assembly poll in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state will be conducted in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6. In Tamil Nadu, assembly elections to be conducted in a single phase on April 6. Voting for Kerala assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 6. In Puducherry, single-phase voting for Puducherry assembly elections will be held on April 6. Live TV CREWS from Limerick Fire and Rescue attended a house fire on the outskirts of the city in the early hours of this Monday morning. The alarm was raised shortly after 3am and two units from Limerick Fire Station, Mulgrave Street attended the scene of the fire in Coonagh for nearly two hours. There are no reports of any serious injuries and an investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire. The extent of the damage caused to the house is unknown. Of course, all of us have learned together through the experience of the past year that flexibility and adaptability are important parts of powering onward through this historic time together, the March 1 statement says. While we are planning to resume in-person instruction and on-campus student activities, we must be ready to adjust should conditions indicate further precautions for the health and safety of our community. EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season. CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15. GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season. BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career. Vote View Results Diogo treble puts Rabbits within one win of glory FOOTBALL: BG Pathum United moved to with one win of claiming their first ever Thai League 1 title when they hammered Samut Prakan City 6-0 last night (Feb 28). Football By Bangkok Post Monday 1 March 2021, 09:24AM Striker Diogo Luis Santo converts a penalty for BG Pathum United last night. Photo: Bangkok Post. The Rabbits showed hosts Samut Prakan City no mercy as they maintained their 19-point lead at the top of the table. With only seven matches remaining this season, Pathum could wrap up the title at their home ground on Thursday when they host Sukhothai. Diogo Luis Santo had a hat-trick, Victor Cardozo struck twice and Santiparb Channgom scored one goal for the Rabbits. Meanwhile, Port ended their five-game winless run in the league, which included four losses, with a 3-1 home victory over bottom-placed Rayong that helped them reclaim a share of second spot last night. Former champions Buriram United, who defeated Nakhon Ratchasima 3-0 in a northeastern derby on Saturday night, had taken sole possession of second spot, but Ports victory last night helped them tie the Thunder Castle on 44 points. Port went on the front foot from the word go and found themselves leading the visitors 1-0 in the sixth minute when Nelson Bonilla set up Siwakorn Jakkuprasart to score from close range. Khlong Toey-based Port got their second in the 38th minute when Pakorn Prempak crossed the ball to Sergio Suarez to score with a header. Rayong were able to reduce deficit by one early in the second half but Metee Sarakums strike was followed by a penalty for Port which was converted by Suarez to seal the fate of the match in the 83rd minute. Struggling Chonburi also found their scoring boots again at their home ground and handed Suphanburi a 4-1 defeat. Suphanburi had a quick goal through Rithiporn Warnchuen, but Chonburi then hit the target four times as Renato Kelic (10th minute), Kritsada Kaman (22nd), Panupong Polsa (47th) and Eliandro (80th) scored for the Sharks. Also last night, fifth-placed True Bangkok United were 1-0 winners at Sukhothai thanks to an 18th minute strike from Vander Luis. ADVERTISEMENT Whatever the response to the question regarding the current status of Nigeria, then, it is hard to deny that the pressures at the seams of the national fabric have become more severe of late. The economy does present a raft of problems in this sense the dreadful state of government finances, burdensome national debt levels, and a deterioration of the indices that point to growing poverty. Is the Nigerian state failing? Part of the problem with providing useful answers to this question is the difficulty in agreeing on what it means for a state to fail. Not even a descent into mayhem, as in Afghanistan and Yemen, put states beyond the pale. For we have evidence of states recovering from seemingly intractable civil wars. Colombia, for one, seems to have found a way around its FARC problem. Moreover, the constitutional notion of states permitting to their constituent members the right to self-determination, up to and including secession suggests that one ought not to rue the breakup of states (even violent break ups), to the extent that these sundering gives vent to popular will. In spite of all this, academics are wont to situate failed states along a continuum described at one end by the states loss of legitimacy to the inability and/or failure of state institutions to function properly at the other end. Whatever the response to the question regarding the current status of Nigeria, then, it is hard to deny that the pressures at the seams of the national fabric have become more severe of late. The economy does present a raft of problems in this sense the dreadful state of government finances, burdensome national debt levels, and a deterioration of the indices that point to growing poverty. Deep, the current trough may be, but the ebbs and flows of our economy simply mirror the fortunes of the global market for crude oil. Though one may argue that structural reforms to the economy could have severed this umbilical cord, the sense of tragic consequences from governments failure or inability to act is more noticeable at the political level. Here, the Federal Governments gradual loss of its monopoly of (the means of) violence has allowed non-state actors contest for and government cede territory, leading to a loss of legitimacy in the affected areas, and in relatively more secure parts of the country, where the citizens nonetheless fear that they are next in line. Whereas these other movements arose in purported defence of sub-national rights that were perceived as either being violated or observed in the breach by a Federal Government supposedly comprised of other nationals, and thus organised against them, the new movement, if we can call it that, differs slightly. Over the past four years in major parts of the countrys north, brigandage has reached industrial levels, in terms of its cost to lives and property, the diversity of its operations, and the audacity of its preferred forms of expression. Yet, folks with longer memories will point to episodes as far back as the circumstances leading to the emergence of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), its subsequent activities and of imitators from other sub-national groupings as evidence of how, when things appear to change in Nigeria, they remain the same. But with this important exception. Whereas these other movements arose in purported defence of sub-national rights that were perceived as either being violated or observed in the breach by a Federal Government supposedly comprised of other nationals, and thus organised against them, the new movement, if we can call it that, differs slightly. The Hausa-Fulani in Nigeria have always advertised their ease of access to the apparatuses and infrastructures of the Nigerian state, and anecdotal evidence abounds of their political dominance, if not hegemony, including the apocryphal design of a vehicle license plate bearing the legend Born To Rule. One could argue that the policy suit emanating from this rule a slew of affirmative action programmes continue to underscore both the incompetence and fragility of this rule. But, clearly, having ruled, or indirectly controlled the levers of political power in the country for far longer than any other sub-nationality, it is difficult for defenders of the current state affairs in the country to construct a coherent narrative around political alienation and marginalisation. Obviously, there is need for a new narrative. Legitimise the violent forms that this popular anger is taking by rejecting the bandit, and criminal labels that the media and the commentariat associated with it has tried to attach to the activities of this new non-state actors? Difficult? Yes. But not impossible. For populism has always thrived on victimhood. In less diversified societies, the elite and their fancy ways are indicated as responsible for ordinary folks woes. In polities as diverse as ours, popular anger is easily deflected or channeled towards separatism by pointing at structural obstacles to a constituent peoples access to power in the way the state is organised. And where, as in todays circumstances, popular anger is directed at an elite that has long advertised its access to and control of power, what to do? Obviously, there is need for a new narrative. Legitimise the violent forms that this popular anger is taking by rejecting the bandit, and criminal labels that the media and the commentariat associated with it has tried to attach to the activities of this new non-state actors? Deflect it by belabouring older narratives of difference: south versus north; Christians versus Muslims. Anything, but accept that the northern elites much bruited about rulership of Nigeria has not resulted in good governance in any part of the country over the years. This is the dilemma, the burden, that the Buhari government bears. On past experience, though, it is unlikely to be the pickle that will do the Nigerian state in. Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin. CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 05: Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) arrives with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly (left) during a press conference in the Prime Minister's Courtyard on February 05, 2021 in Canberra, Australia. Prime Minister Morrison and national cabinet met this morning to discuss Economy and COVID-19 hotel quarantine arrangements. Victoria has reported no new Covid-19 cases as South Austraila Premier Steven Marshall confirmed that the hard border arrangement with WA is being removed immediately. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Australian Aged Care Sector To Get $452M After Government Probe New aged care laws and extra audits to check on safety and quality at facilities are among the federal governments first responses to a royal commission into the sector. The government has announced an initial $452 million to bolster the sector, with more funding flagged in the May federal budget. The royal commission has made 148 recommendations to the Morrison government, including new laws to protect the rights of elderly people and increased regulator powers. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the values, rights and needs of older Australians need to be at the centre of aged care. He said the findings provided the government with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul the system. It will test my government, the budget and test the parliament, he told reporters in Sydney on Monday. It will test the way in which we are prepared to deal with this issue. Health Minister Greg Hunt said $18 million would go towards tougher oversight of the governments home care packages, which allow older Australians to continue living at home with extra support. Some $32 million will go to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and more regulation on the use of restraints in care. Nearly $190 million will go to residential care providers and $90 million to create a fund to help facilities facing financial challenges. Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the royal commission had made him question how the system works in Australia. We need to look at a fundamental reform of the system, he said. The final report was released on Monday after two years of the inquiry hearing harrowing tales of neglect across Australia. In November, the government promised $537 million towards fixing problems in aged care, weeks after the royal commissions damning interim report. Federal Labor says it will take time to go through the royal commissions final report and recommendations. The oppositions aged care spokeswoman Clare ONeil is worried the government wont fix the sector. I hope with all my heart that the government actually sees this as an opportunity to do the right thing, after eight years of neglecting this sector, cutting $1.7 billion out of it, she told reporters in Melbourne. What I heard from Scott Morrison didnt give me a lot of hope this is the person who cut funding to the sector and then turned around surprised when standards slipped. Dubai-based Emirates airline, which now operates to 100 destinations compared to 140 cities prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, expects travel demand to pick up from May, a report quoted a senior official as saying. Adel Ahmed Al Redha, chief operating officer at Emirates airline, said in the Khaleej Times report that the airline is now operating around 30 per cent of flights compared to pre-Covid-19 period. He said the airline recorded strong growth in passenger traffic of around 75-80 per cent during December 2020 and January 2021 compared to the first months of the pandemic last year, which confirms that people are willing to travel. The airlines fleet of Boeing aircraft is now working 100 per cent to serve passengers and cargo, while 15 per cent of Airbus A380s are currently operating, he was quoted as saying. Commenting on the delivery of new aircraft orders from Boeing and Airbus, Al Redha added that the airline is discussing dates and schedules of deliveries with both the aircraft makers. Freight revenues exceed expectation Al Redha added that freight revenues exceed the airlines expectations recently due to the increasing demand. The growth in freight demand is expected to continue till the end of this year, which prompted Emirates airline to convert 17 of its Boeing 777 passenger aircraft into freighters. Al Redha said Emirates will start testing digital passport from April and is currently collaborating with General Electronic in monitoring the logistics challenges facing the application. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Amid a flurry of intense criticism after two former staffers accused him of sexual harassment, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a lengthy statement Sunday acknowledging that his previous conduct may have been insensitive or too personal and apologized for his actions. Questions have been raised about some of my past interactions with people in the office, the statement, issued late Sunday afternoon began. I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends. The statement was made in response to calls for an independent investigation of two separate allegations made by former staffers of Cuomo that alleged he acted inappropriately during multiple occasions. At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny, the statement continued. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business, Cuomo added. Lindsey Boylan, a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor, recently accused Cuomo of subjecting her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments. Cuomo denied the allegations. News about a second former aide who said she was sexually harassed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo surfaced late Saturday. Charlotte Bennett, a health policy adviser in the Democratic governors administration until November, told The New York Times Cuomo asked her inappropriate questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men. I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended, Cuomo said in Sundays statement. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that. To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to, he added. Thats why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations. Multiple Staten Island politicians, including the boroughs entire Assembly delegation, have called for the need of an independent investigation to address the sexual assault claims made against Cuomo, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. The allegations of sexual harassment that have come to light this week from two women who worked for the Governors office are deeply disturbing, said a joint statement from Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn), Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island) and Assemblyman Charles Fall (D-North Shore). After discordant messages earlier today between the Governors office and the office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James regarding the terms of the independent investigation, Beth Garvey, special counsel and senior advisor to Cuomo, said the administration asked James to select a qualified private lawyer to do an independent review of allegations of sexual harassment. The lawyer will be legally designated as a Special Independent Attorney General, the statement said, and would publicly report findings of the probe. Garveys statement represented a change-of-direction from Cuomos administration, which previously requested to have James and the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals jointly select an independent lawyer. After that switch, James said her office expects to receive a referral with subpoena power to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against the governor, in line with our demands and New York state law in a statement released Sunday night. The referral would be made solely to the attorney generals office, the statement added. This is not a responsibility we take lightly. We will hire a law firm, deputize them as attorneys of our office, and oversee a rigorous and independent investigation. In the closing paragraph of Cuomos statement Sunday, he said his office has heard anecdotally that some people have reached out to Ms. Bennett to express displeasure about her coming forward. My message to anyone doing that is you have misjudged what matters to me and my administration and you should stop now - period, said Cuomo. Qatar Petroleum has entered into a new long-term Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO) for the supply of up to 3 million tons per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan. Under the 10-year agreement, LNG deliveries to Pakistans world-class receiving terminals will commence in 2022 and continue until the end of 2031. The SPA was signed in Islamabad by Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and Syed Taha, the Managing Director & CEO of PSO in a special ceremony held under the patronage and with attendance of Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, senior Pakistani government officials and Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars Ambassador to Pakistan. Al-Kaabi said: We are delighted to enter into this new long-term agreement with Pakistan State Oil Company Limited and to continue our contributions towards meeting Pakistans increasing energy demand. This agreement further extends Qatars long standing LNG supply relationship with Pakistan and highlights our commitment to meeting Pakistans LNG requirements. We are confident that the exceptional reliability of our LNG supplies will provide PSO with the required flexibility and supply security to fuel Pakistans impressive growth. With a well-established gas market and distribution system, Pakistan is a strategically important market for Qatar LNG. We are encouraged by Pakistans exceptional growth and excellent economic potential as well as by the prospect of it being one of the worlds fastest growing LNG markets. I would like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Prime Minister Imran Khan for his support and for his patronage of this special event. I also would like to thank Pakistans energy officials as well as PSOs management for all their efforts and for the professional and transparent negotiations leading to todays important agreement, Al-Kaabi concluded. Pakistan currently has two operational LNG receiving terminals, namely the Engro LNG Receiving Terminal and Pakistan GasPort LNG Receiving Terminal, both of which utilize Floating Storage and Regasification Units moored in Port Qasim. There are a number of additional terminals currently under consideration by various private sector players in the country. This is the second such agreement signed between Qatari and Pakistani entities since 2016, when Qatargas signed a long-term agreement to supply PSO with 3.75 MTPA of LNG. The agreement raises the total of long-term LNG supplies from Qatar to Pakistan to 6.75 MTPA. TradeArabia News Service Thank God Im here. That was the first thing Onelia Alonso, a 61-year-old political exile from Cuba, said last Thursday when she arrived to rounds of applause at the bus station in Brownsville, Texas. Her arrival, together with 26 other asylum seekers, signaled the beginning of the end of the migrant camp in Matamoros, in northern Mexico. At this camp, erected just meters away from the US border on the other side of the Rio Grande, migrants were forced to wait until a judge was able to hear their request for asylum. It was a product of the hardline immigration policy of former US president Donald Trump, which President Joe Biden has promised to end as soon as possible. Alonso fled Cuba for Trinidad and Tobago at the end of 2017 after being threatened by the Cuban government for belonging to the opposition group Damas de Blanco, which was founded by wives and other female relatives of jailed dissidents. She traveled across dozens of countries, crossing the dangerous Darien Gap, a remote, roadless swath of jungle on the border of Panama and Colombia, before reaching Mexico. But she was unable to go any further due to the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a US program often referred to as Remain in Mexico created by the Trump administration which forced asylum seekers at the southern border to remain in Mexico until their court hearing. More than 71,000 asylum seekers were sent back to Mexico under the MPP. Last week, the Biden administration began the process of receiving the more than 25,000 asylum seekers whose cases remain open, meaning they can await a judges decision while on US soil. Onelia Alonso crosses the border with officials from Mexicos National Immigration Institute and the United Nations. Hector Guerrero Alongside Alonso on the bus to Texas was a trans woman from El Salvador who hoped that in the US she would be able to live as herself without fear of violence; a Guatemalan farm worker on crutches who had fled the country after being attacked in a conflict over land; several families and at least one pregnant woman. They had all been living for months in the Matamoros migrant camp. The transfer across the border was fast and involved an antigen test to prevent migrants with the coronavirus from entering the US. In the next few days, more refugees with open cases will be transferred until the camp is no more, a process that could take between eight and 10 days. Its the end of a cycle, a stage that never should have happened, says Juan Sierra, the head of the charity group Casa del Migrante in Matamoros. Although he has been helping people in transit to the US for years, he says he never thought he would live to see a camp on such a large scale nearly 2,000 people were living there before the coronavirus pandemic. As of Wednesday, that number had fallen to 750, according to a recent count. For those still at the camp, there are mixed feelings: hope and happiness for those who will be transferred across the border, and sadness for those who have also been waiting for months, but will not cross either because their asylum requests have been denied or they have not yet had the chance to file their request. Erasing Trumps immigration legacy Since the MPP was implemented in the summer of 2019, migrant families in Matamoros have gone from sleeping on the street to living in a real neighborhood, with tents donated by non-government organizations and churches. After the tents came portable toilets, showers, water purification plants, kitchens, distribution points for donations, makeshift schools and workshops for children, churches and even a field hospital, which was set up in response to the pandemic. Despite this support, migrants at Matamoros have suffered a wide range of adversities: from extreme weather to the coronavirus crisis, which created an even deeper limbo when the US decided to close its border in March 2020 and stopped accepting MPP asylum requests. Making matters worse was organized crime. Although no one dares to talk about the problem aloud, everyone at the camp knows that La Mana, the criminal group that controls this area of Matamoros, has a deep influence there. Violent attacks, extortion and rape have been recorded at the camp, according to the migrants, who continue to live with the legacy of trauma of the MPP. A poster supporting the presidential campaign of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris hangs off a tent in the camp in Matamoros. Hector Guerrero Throughout this time, we have known many people who have been traumatized and who have had psychological problems, says Yamali Flores, a 35-year-old asylum seeker from Honduras, who was sent back to Mexico with her husband and three children in August 2019. I was going to a psychologist because I couldnt handle it and my eldest son wasnt eating and was just sleeping. He told me that he didnt want to be here anymore, says Flores. What was most difficult, she says, was protecting her three children, aged 15, 10 and eight, who have not gone to school for nearly two years, and creating a sense of normalcy for them. As a mom, I always feel in tune with the three of them and I tell them we have to keep our faith and hope, knowing that this will end soon, she says. Biden has made ending the refugee camp in Matamoros, a symbol of one of Trumps hardline immigration policies, a priority. But while the door has opened to this group, his administration says that the border will remain closed to new asylum cases. In the meantime, migrants like Yamali Flores are packing up their belongings and saying goodbye to people in Matamoros, who have become like family. Her children have given away their bicycles and toys to other children that will remain behind. I know this is going to mark our lives forever and that we will value our lives more, says Flores, who will travel with friends to San Francisco once they arrive in the US. I know that every time I wake up in the morning, I am always going to remember that I am not sleeping in a tent. Aerial view of the camp on the banks of the Rio Grande. Hector Guerrero English version by Melissa Kitson. TEL AVIV - The first ambassador of the United Arab Emirates arrived Monday in Israel as part of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries established with the Abraham Accords last year. Mohammad Mahmoud Al Khajah will remain in Israel for several days to start the mission's activity. The embassy and the diplomat's residence will be selected in Tel Aviv. During this time, he will meet with Premier Benyamin Netanyahu, as well as with Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. Al Khajah - so far accompanied by a small staff - will present his official credentials to President Reuven Rivlin in an official ceremony. The newspaper Yediot Ahronot on Monday published a joint letter of Al Khajah and the Israeli ambassador to the Emirates, Eitan Naeh, hailing the steps taken by the two countries. "Only six months ago - he wrote - we could never have imagined to write together". Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland responds to a question during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on Aug. 18, 2020. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press) Canada Targeted by Twitter Accounts Affiliated With Kremlin, Proxies Twitter has since removed those accounts and tweets Twitter accounts with links to Russias government and its intelligence agencies have targeted Canada and its leaders in more than 300 tweets meant to disrupt democratic processes, discredit elected officials, and polarize societies on the social media platform, according to Twitter. Between 2009 and 2021, a total of 327 tweets targeting Canada and Canadian politicians were posted from 101 accounts with close ties to the Russian government, GRU Russian Military Intelligence, and the Internet Research Agency (IRA). Twitter has since deleted those tweets and accounts. In total, 6,365 tweets were identified to be targeting Canadas national interests including NATO, Venezuela, The Lima Group, and Ukraine, according to DisinfoWatch, a new foreign disinformation monitoring and debunking platform by think tank Macdonald-Laurier Institute. DisinfoWatch reported its findings after analyzing more than 68,000 tweets released in February when Twitter published the results of its efforts to identify networks of state-linked information operations. The Twitter logo is seen on a phone in this photo illustration in Washington on July 10, 2019. (Alastair Pike/AFP via Getty Images) One tweet ahead of the 2019 election called then-Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland a shameless warmonger. Another one in 2020 said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stands with racists and murderers in Venezuela while attacking the indigenous in Canada. Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper was not spared either, with one Twitter account posting, the Harper government continues to mislead Canadians about the threat from Russian planes in 2010. Another account attempted to justify the oppression in Venezuela by labelling Canadas decision to slap sanctions on Venezuelan officials is as disgraceful as Canadas support to neo-nazis in Ukraine. Twitter, in its dataset containing the deleted accounts and tweets published on Feb. 23., said it found the tweets focused on undermining faith in the NATO alliance and its stability, as well as amplifying narratives of the Kremlin against the United States and European Union. In another example, one post appeared to attempt to divert public attention away from China, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, in a tweet that read, new evidence suggests coronavirus may have originated in the US. Another tweet appeared to attempt to justify the use of draconian means to contain the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes the disease COVID-19. The more authoritarian Asian societies ultimately proved more humanistic than European societies, rather than the inverse as we are accustomed to believe, the post read. DisinfoWatch also noted that among the deleted IRA tweets, 30 that mentioned Canada were posted by Valdai Club, Russian President Vladimir Putins personal think tank. Twitter removed Valdai Clubs account from the platform around 2018. Prior to its account being deleted, the Valdai Club also tweeted disinformation at least 30 times about Sergei Magnitsky, a Moscow lawyer who uncovered the largest tax fraud in Russias history, and was subsequently detained without trial, tortured, and consequently died in a Moscow prison on Nov. 16, 2009. The account had also tweeted about the Magnitsky Act, named after the Russian lawyer, which seeks to impose sanctions on foreign officials who have committed human rights abuses or significant corruption. Russia finds no evidence of torture in Sergei Magnitsky case, one 2013 tweet stated. The Magnitsky Actlike so much in US foreign policyis a textbook case of seeking power without responsibility, the account tweeted in 2014. David Vigneault, director of Canada Security Intelligence Service, spoke about the threat of Russia to the Centre for International Governance Innovation on Feb. 9. It is no secret that we are most concerned about the actions by the governments of countries like Russia and China, Vigneault said. We are increasingly seeing social media being leveraged to spread disinformation or run influence campaigns designed to confuse or divide public opinion, interfere in healthy public debate and political discourse, and ultimately create social tensions. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Twitter on Feb. 26, saying that the banning of 100 accounts originating in Russia has made the social media giant a tool of global digital dictate in the hands of the Western establishment. 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. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access Connecticut officials say the massive expansion Monday to the COVID vaccination eligibility that resulted in some not being able to find an available appointment for months will not derail the rest of the states rollout plan. Acknowledging frustrations he heard from some of those 55 and older who reported having difficulty finding an appointment when they became eligible to register on Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont and his administration continued to urge patience and assured them more appointments will soon become available. Lamont said adjusting the states vaccination schedule after the first day of the expanded eligibility would be premature. I think we are finding that we are getting additional vaccine doses, he said. Obviously, we will know more in the next week or so. And ... I think you will be able to fill in necessary vaccinations within the next three weeks. The number of appointments made on Monday was not immediately available, but state officials estimated it was in the tens of thousands. The state was prepared for a surge in volume on its vaccine assist line, doubling the staffing at its call center for the expansion Monday when those between 55 and 64 as well as school and child care workers became eligible. In all, about 610,000 people became eligible after subtracting people in that age bracket who had been vaccinated in earlier rounds. State officials expect about 365,000 of thr newly eligible to seek vaccinations. Connecticut providers should be able to incoculate that number in about three weeks at expected supply levels, but some received appointments well into April because of the way the system matched people with doses. The experience on the first day appeared to be mixed. When registration opened at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Cheryl OBrien said her husband logged onto the federal Vaccine Administration Management System, but only found one appointment about 100 miles away from their house on April 14. The Shelton couple called the state hotline and a local provider later in the day and were able to get appointments in March. Danbury resident Helen Barry logged on about 6 a.m., and the earliest appointment she could find was near the end of April. The soonest I could get an appointment was the end of April at a location about 20 miles away. All other locations had no slots available, said Barry, who is scheduled to receive her first dose on April 26 in Shelton. John Roche, who also lives in Danbury, had better luck. I stayed up to midnight so I could try to schedule an appointment the minute I became eligible. ... I was fortunate to get an appointment this Thursday in Danbury, Roche said. 25 percent for targeted ZIP codes There were also technical issues people faced such as Walgreens not updating its online registration form to include the new groups that were eligible on Monday. We are working to update our scheduler to include educators and other eligible populations in Connecticut, a Walgreens spokesman said in a statement. We apologize for the inconvenience as we work to vaccinate our most vulnerable populations as quickly as possible. Lamont announced last week shifting to the age-based approach and prioritizing school and child care workers instead of front-line essential workers and those with underlying medical conditions who thought they would be next in line. The governor said the change would help streamline and expedite the process. Connecticut was expected to receive roughly 140,000 vaccine doses this week, including 40,000 of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine that was approved this weekend. We have 500,000 people going for those 100,000 doses, so you can see theres going to be a bit of line right now, Lamont said, using rough approximations. If we had done it the other way you would have had 1.8 million people trying to go for those same number of doses. State officials said Monday they have asked providers to ensure that at least 25 percent of new vaccines go to vulnerable communities. As part of this effort, the state Department of Public Health has identified 50 ZIP codes across Connecticut that are in the top 25 percent of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions social vulnerability index, which weighs factors including poverty and density of housing. We are reaching out aggressively to those communities. We are going to allocate 25 percent of the vaccine to those communities to make sure they get vaccinated even if we have to work extra hard to make sure they get vaccinated, Lamont said. Lamonts office said that DPH will track data on race and ethnicity of those administered vaccines in this area and will offer periodic reports on this effort. Lamont will ease restictions Amid progress with vaccination and trends with COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, Lamont said he expects to make announcements later this week regarding business and travel restrictions after coordinating with governors in the region. Connecticut reported a 2.35 percent positivity rate over the weekend when hospitalizations fell to 431. There were 29 more deaths recorded, however, increasing the states death toll to 7,651. Lamont said it could take a week for the vaccine registration process to smooth out for those still seeking appointments. I urge you to be patient, he said. Again, if you can telecommute or you dont have any great urgency there, give others a chance to go forward. I think that certainly would be appropriate. Max Reiss, a spokesman for the governor, said the appointments available Monday did not yet factor in the new Johnson & Johnson doses that could arrive in Connecticut as early as Tuesday. Based on the number of vaccines we are receiving, the number of people eligible who have not been vaccinated, and estimated rates of people eligible that want to take the vaccine, we are very confident that anyone in the 55 to 64 age group who would want to get a vaccine in the next three weeks should have that opportunity, Lamonts Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe said. The Veterans Administration medical centers in Connecticut announced Monday they had begun offering vaccines to all VA patients regardless of age. Due to a steady supply and strong interest from our veterans, we feel confident in dropping the age restrictions to offer vaccine to any enrolled veteran interested in receiving it, VA Connecticut director Al Montoya 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 Almost 55,000 Covid-infected people in England have not received their positive test results since the start of the second wave because they have not filled in all the paperwork or gave incorrect details, official data has revealed. NHS Test and Trace figures showed 54,551 coronavirus-positive patients have not provided any communication details such as email addresses and mobile numbers since the 22billion scheme launched at the end of May. It comes amid a frantic search for a case of the Brazilian variant, after one person was found to be infected with the strain but left no contact details. No10 insisted it was 'very rare' for patients to not leave contact details when handing over a swab for testing. Health Secretary Matt Hancock tonight called on anyone who was tested between February 12 and 13 but not received their test results to come forward as ministers battled to root out the hidden case. Labour said the problem which first emerged in May should have been fixed months ago, and the Liberal Democrats said the data proved there were 'too many holes' in the contact-tracing scheme. Dr Gabriel Scally, a public health expert and member of Independent Sage, said the figures were 'extremely disappointing' but 'in keeping with what we know about the poor performance of Test and Trace'. The failure means tens of thousands of infected people have been allowed to carry on with their day-to-day lives, potentially spreading the virus further. The cases may be related to home-testing kits, which patients must spend 10 to 15 minutes registering online with their contact details before posting. 'Anyone who does not register will not receive their test results,' the Department of Health says in its instructions for using the kits. It is also possible to sign up for Covid tests at walk-in and drive-through centres using fake emails, phone numbers and addresses but this leaves officials with contact details. A tester working in the South East told MailOnline it was 'practically impossible' to get tests at the sites without handing over contact details. 'They would literally need someone on the inside if they wanted to hand over fake details and then receive their results,' they said. Department of Health bosses told MailOnline the figure included home testing kits as well as swabs taken in person where an incorrect email and mobile number were given. Officials did not explain how it is possible for someone to book a test without giving a mobile number or email address. Dr Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, told a Downing St press conference tonight it was 'extremely rare' for an individual to get a swab without also providing contact details. She suggested the current missing case of the Brazilian variant could be linked to surge-testing, when someone has been swabbed but failed to complete an online form to register to get their test results. Almost 55,000 people in England have never received their positive test result, data from Test and Trace has revealed. Above is a woman receiving a testing kit today in Stoke Gifford, England It is thought the missing tests are linked to home test kits, because these must be registered before they are returned. A Covid tester told MailOnline it was 'impossible' to get tested without handing over details at walk-in and drive-thru sites It comes amid concern over the Brazilian variant after six cases were found in the UK. The Government is still yet to identify the sixth individual because there were no contact details attached to the sample The hunt for flight LX318: Authorities race to trace 136 people who flew to the UK with Brazil variant carrier as mystery patient who tested positive WEEKS ago remains at large Officials were tonight scrambling to contact more than 130 people who shared a flight to the UK with the carrier of the new Brazilian coronavirus variant last month. Ministers attempted to downplay the significance of half a dozen people in the UK testing positive for the new strain as Boris Johnson said his roadmap out of lockdown - which begins with schools reopening next Monday - would not be delayed. In all six cases of the P.1 variant first detected in the Amazonian city of Manaus have been confirmed in Britain - three in England and three in Scotland. Two were tracked to South Gloucestershire but the third English case has not been located and could be anywhere in the nation because they failed to fill in personal details when they were tested for Covid. Authorities are also tracking 136 people who were on Swissair flight LX318 that arrived at Heathrow from Sao Paulo, via Zurich, on February 10. One of the know cases of P.1 was on the flight, which arrived only five days before arrivals from Brazil became required to quarantine in a hotel for 10 nights. None of the known cases was discovered at a quarantine hotel. Tonight Health Secretary Matt Hancock defended the Government's border arrangements, arguing that home quarantine measures were already in place and travel restrictions on Brazil had been imposed before the hotel policy was implemented. Advertisement But these tests aren't included in Test and Trace figures, according to reports. No10 yesterday announced they had identified six cases of the Brazilian P1 variant through genome sequencing two in South Gloucestershire and three in Aberdeen. The sixth has not been found because the patient left no contact details when they took the test. Boris Johnson today insisted the Brazil variant will not derail his lockdown 'roadmap' as he vowed a 'massive effort' to stop it spreading further. Public Health England said it is working with the postal service try and track where the kit had been sent. A Government spokesman insisted that cases where they have no contact details happen 'very occasionally'. 'Every effort is underway to locate this person and in the meantime', they said. 'It is important people come forward for testing, continue to follow the restrictions in place and stay at home whenever possible.' Test and Trace data showed there were 1,312 positive coronavirus results in the most recent week, to February 17, that were not sent to patients because they had no contact details attached. The week before there were 1,415 such incidents, and before that there were a further 2,100. There has been almost 19,000 this year alone. Test and Trace has been dogged by problems since it was set up, with experts saying it has had a 'minimal' impact on the spread of the virus despite its hefty price tag. The system's boss Baroness Dido Harding was hauled before the Commons after a failure to ramp up capacity over summer led to unwell Britons being asked to travel 200 miles to get swabbed for the virus at the start of the academic year. Layla Moran, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Coronavirus, told MailOnline the figures show how Test and Trace has 'too many holes'. 'For months (we) have been warning that the Governments 22billion Test and Trace system has too many holes in it,' she said. 'One escaped case of a dangerous variant is one too many. 'I urge the Government to stop dithering and implement the key recommendations weve made which include requiring every person who comes into the country to quarantine as well as payments for everyone isolating regardless of income. Surge testing has been launched in South Gloucestershire, where two cases were found, and Aberdeen, where three cases were found BRITAIN'S COVID JAB DRIVE TO GO AT TWICE THE SPEED IN MARCH, MINISTER SAYS Britain's Covid inoculation rollout could go at twice its current speed over the next three months, No10's vaccine minister claimed today. Nadhim Zahawi promised March will be a 'very big month' for the programme, which slowed down in February because vaccine manufacturers struggled to keep pace with the NHS's demand. But with supply issues resolved and tens of millions more jabs becoming available in March, the health service is planning to turbocharge the drive, which must go smoothly if Britain has any hopes of leaving lockdown in the next few months. Boris Johnson has laid out his ambition to vaccine all over-50s half of the UK population at least once by April 15, and to offer a jab to every adult in Britain by the end of July. The UK this weekend hit the milestone of vaccinating 20million people and England today expanded the scheme to officially invite everyone aged 60 or over to come forward. If the programme can work double-time in March, it could mean those who got their first vaccines in December and early January could get their top-up jab while giving the NHS room to inoculate another 20million people. Mr Zahawi told BBC Breakfast today: 'March will be a very big month for us. We'll probably going to be twice the rate over the next 10 weeks as we have done over the past 10 or 11 weeks.' Advertisement 'This Brazilian variant has the potential to derail the tentative steps forwards weve taken so far and further reinforces why we need to keep cases as low as possible to avoid more of these variants emerging.' Justin Madders, Labour's shadow health minister, slammed the system for failing to resolving the problem sooner. 'From the start of the Test and Trace programme there has always been a significant minority of people who never entered the system in the first place because they didn't put correct details in,' he told MailOnline. 'This should have been fixed months ago.' On the emergence of the Brazilian Covid variant on British soil, he added: 'While the country is still making massive sacrifices it is unforgivable that we could end up back at square one because of a failure to properly secure our borders. 'Ministers urgently need to ensure that we have a sufficiently robust system to stop new strains coming in, monitoring and containing their emergence, and stopping the spread amongst the population.' Dr Scally, who was previously the public health director for the South West, told MailOnline the performance figures 'clarifies the need' to shore-up the system. 'It makes it totally clear that we need a really well run locally based testing system, so we can find cases and knock on doors if needs be,' he said. 'This really undermines the whole system because to have a high level of cases where the result isn't delivered to the person... they may think there's nothing wrong and they're alright whereas in fact they may be very infectious.' He also urged ministers to test close contacts of positive cases, to root out every infection with the disease. Experts fear the variant may be able to dodge antibodies, which are disease-fighting proteins triggered by past infection and vaccines. But scientists have said the jabs are unlikely to be rendered useless because other parts of the immune system - including T-cells - will likely still be able to fight it off. They add that everyone should get the jabs as all the evidence shows they decrease the risk of becoming hospitalised or dying with the disease. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We are doing everything we can to reach contacts and continually improve the Test and Trace service. 'The latest figures show NHS Test and Trace has successfully reached 93.6 per cent of the contacts of positive cases, with 98 per cent being contacted within 24 hours. 'More than 9.1 million cases and contacts have been reached and told to self-isolate by contact tracers so far - making a real impact in breaking chains of transmission. 'We are also combining local expertise with the data and resources of NHS Test and Trace, with more than 310 local authorities joining forces with us to launch local tracing partnerships. This will help us go further in supporting people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and tracing their recent contacts.' Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 they were first published in 1967, the diaries of MP Sir Henry Chips Channon enthralled and appalled the nation in equal measure. Malicious and delicious, the diaries skewered some of the grandest names in society and politics. What no one realised was that the diaries had been heavily censored. Now they are being published for the first time in their full, outrageous glory. The American-born Chips, as he was known, settled in Britain after graduating from Oxford and became a social climber on a grand scale, becoming friendly with the future Edward VIII the then Prince of Wales in 1920. Chips (pictured) was bisexual and had numerous sexual liaisons with both men and women. Our second extract features some of those, together with his fabulously indiscreet observations about London society He went on to become a close friend of Edwards brother the Duke of Kent and mixed with the grandest families in the land (and indeed married into one of them when he wed Lady Honor Guinness in 1933). They had one son, whom he adored, but the marriage was not happy. She had many affairs (one with her ski instructor) and in 1945, they divorced. Chips was bisexual and had numerous sexual liaisons with both men and women. Our second extract features some of those, together with his fabulously indiscreet observations about London society. Winston AND Clemmie - Tuesday May 17, 1927 Winston Churchill pictured in 1930 with his wife Clementine - according to Channon, he exerted 'his conjugal rights at odd times and in unexpected places frequently after a debate etc' G [Channons friend and lover, George Gage, a courtier] dined at the French Embassy, dining in state with the King and Queen [George V and Queen Mary]. G was between Mrs Winston Churchill and the Lady Mayoress. Mrs Churchill confided to someone the other day that she never knew when she was safe from Winston; he exerts his conjugal rights at odd times and in unexpected places frequently after a debate etc. Tallulah Bankhead - Sunday, February 7, 1926 American actress Tallulah Bankhead (pictured) who made her name as a stage actress and won a New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for her performance in The Little Foxes in 1939 Gage and Ivo return to me and I took them to lunch with Tallulah [Bankhead, famous American actress] they were fascinated by her. She is amusing but a terrible snob. In the evening, supper with Tallulah again (after dining at the Spanish Embassy). Later for hours she lay in my arms the lights almost out, the low bed, the fire and I... and at four I returned home. Monday, February 8, 1926 Very bored with Tallulah, whom I met at supper tonight at the Eiffel Tower [a popular London restaurant near Oxford Street]. She greatly attracts me but she is such a snob. Wednesday, February 10 1926 I am really very attracted by Tallulah, she is so strange and ardent. I am quite captivated. Friday, February 12, 1926 I went to bed early at 9.30, exhausted. But at eleven, sleep refusing to share my bed, and the fluids of life warming in my flesh, I arose, dressed and went out into the wet London night adventure-bound. My nose led me to the St Martins Theatre. By chance Tallulah Bankhead was disengaged. I sat in her dressing room and watched the lovely pink creature change, pink stays, pink flimsy garments, pink tummy, all the necessary ingredients for a young bloods delight. Later Tallulah and I went to the Embassy [club]; the beau monde of London seemed surprised at our entrance together. Why?? Much later on we went to Two Uncles restaurant and at four returned to her flat. A friend of hers was there and we played a game called Stripping Words. We had to spell out words and anyone finishing one was forced to remove an article of clothing. Tallulah was soon naked, I next, the friend last. She left us and darling Tallulah lay in my arms . . . Later as I dressed the friend re-entered, she said she was a virgin. They watched interestedly as I dressed. Noticing this I delayed it, putting on first, my socks, shoes and suspenders. I am very attractive naked, as handsome as my face is dull. I left them at six. Montague Summers - Tuesday, February 14, 1928 I went to Richmond to see Montague Summers [Catholic priest and translator of books on witchcraft]... The lecherous old priest was most charming, and showed me many strange books, including several about healing and flagellation, which has always exerted a strange fascination over me. I should love to be beaten by a priest or schoolmaster and never have, though I daresay one dose would cure me. How oddly constructed are ones sexual nerves. Friday, February 24, 1928 I went to Richmond by Underground to dine with Montague Summers: I was very late over half an hour. We had a most delightful conversation and I confessed to him my every temptation: He was sympathy and wisdom itself at first: Then suddenly the conversation became charged with purport and I knew the old priest wanted to seduce me. Timidly he led the conversation to flagellation, and told me that he longed to beat me, adding that my having been so late for dinner would serve as a pretext! I was very nervous, and more than a little drunk (his Lenten fare had been uneatable and I had drunk too much burgundy). Laughingly I consented, one should really always do everything once, especially since it hurts no one else. He led me upstairs, through his bedroom and into a chapel, full of blatant images etc. I began to wish I had not come, and quivered with nervousness, but my sense of humour wedded to a love of adventure triumphed. I bent over at the foot of the altar. That will not do, he said. You must let down your trousers. I undid them and let them slip down to my feet. The old priest, who is, of course, one of the most charming and learned men in the world, removed one of his slippers (red heel and a large buckle) and smartly struck me on my naked buttocks. At first I did not mind, but at about the tenth or eleventh blow, my flesh tingled and I got up, flushed and embarrassed. Thank you, he said politely, and he conducted me down to the library and we discussed life and love until midnight. I had to hurry to catch the last train to London. Dinner talk - Wednesday, July 28, 1937 Emerald Cunard [London society hostess, widow of Sir Bache Cunard, grandson of the founder of the shipping line] dine[d] and brought the Sitwells [Georgia and Sacheverell, art critic and brother of poet Edith and author Osbert]; a gay disputatious dinner. I maintained that there were four subjects on which people rarely, indeed if ever, spoke the truth; 1. Sex; 2. Money; 3. Religion; 4. Mrs Simpson. People are never truthful in regard to their sexual kinks, always pretend to be either richer or poorer than they are, and up to a point cut their religious conversational cloth to their company; about Mrs Simpson no one is ever truthful. Evelyn Waugh - Sunday, December 16, 1934 Lunch was amusing: Evelyn Waugh said that anyone can write a novel given six lessons, pen, paper and no telephone or wife. Perhaps he is right. Tuesday, August 6, 1935 Evelyn Waugh has just signed on with the Daily Mail for the duration of hostilities between Italy and Abyssinia, and is leaving for Ethiopia on Saturday. He may, as he says, be away for five years, or five months. He pretends to have insured his testicles for 3,000, as Ethiopians had a way of castrating unwelcome individuals. Rudyard Kipling - Sunday, July 13, 1924 Portrait of novelist and poet, Rudyard Kipling - Channon described him as 'a tiny apelike simian little man with incredible eyebrows of great bushiness and deep endless brown eyes' An enormous Saturday-to-Monday party at Fairlawne ... Rudyard Kipling was there. He is a tiny apelike simian little man with incredible eyebrows of great bushiness and deep endless brown eyes. He is brown and a little dirty, and clumps of hair protrude from his ears. He talked to me all afternoon and was very vivid in his descriptions of bullfights, which he had evidently relished. With a wealth of gesture he described in vigorous, colourful English the entire ritual we could almost hear the moans of the dying horses and smell the bloodstained sawdust. He is at his best in his descriptions of action. I got them both on to politics and Mrs Kipling, good old Tory, regretted that all the power in England was no longer in the hands of 40 families as it had once been. Mrs Kipling is an intelligent plain little woman but much easier to talk to than most writers wives. Money - Tuesday, May 3, 1927 I ought to be very happy today as I had long letters from my parents: Father says that a decision has at last been taken qua our financial affairs. I now inherit 1/13 of my grandfathers real estate, i.e. a sum of $85,000 in addition, of course, to Fathers settlement on me. Wednesday, May 4, 1927 Now I know I am financially safe for life secure and belong definitely to the order of those that have and through no effort of my own, which is such a joy. Love and marriage - Thursday, October 18, 1923 Gage [Henry George Gage, 6th Viscount, a courtier] and I have taken a small house... No. 6, Buckingham Street, SW8 [London], for a year; and we move in on Monday. I wonder if we will be as happy here as in Mount Street, where we have all three been so gloriously exuberantly happy for two years? We shall miss our old playfellow, Paul [Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, whom Channon met when they were both at Oxford]. Monday, October 22, 1923 Paul was married today in faraway Belgrade with a large group of kings and queens to watch. Only the Yorks [Prince Albert, later George VI, and Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Mother] went out from England. Prince Bertie is to be best man as he was for Pauls cousin King Alexander last year. There can be no one there who loves him as I do. I am quite miserable. Wednesday, January 16, 1924 Crossed to Paris and was met at the Gare du Nord by my Paul [of Yugoslavia]. His wife has become a vision of beauty. They seemed so happy and gay and simple and absolutely madly in love with each other. I dined with him alone their baby is expected in August. I was sick with excitement and joy at seeing him and had to leave the restaurant, hurrying to the Champs-Elysees where I was violently sick. Oh! Why am I such a creature of emotion? Monday, November 9, 1925 Life slips smoothly along. Dear Paul has arrived from Serbia; how gentle and loving and tender he is without his wife. She seems to suck him dry and I think I really hate her. We have happy evenings together now dining at the Eiffel Tower or at Bucks, and lay afterwards together discussing life and literature. Gage is back from America, as witty and delightful and mad as ever. He is too deeply interested in himself, I wonder if he is unbalanced? He came in in the evening and with his arms thrown over his head, lying naked on his bed, he pours his heart to me. How I love him and long to make him happy and contented. Thursday, December 31, 1925 My deep affection for George [Gage] grows. I am almost more fond of him than of anyone. His deep charm . . . wit, moods, kindness, good nature and quiet dignity and loyalty amaze me. Living with him in deepest intimacy for years, I grow to love him more every day and my love for him I take into next year. Tuesday, February 9, 1926 My affection for Gage grows more every day. After five years he has become so gentle and affectionable [sic]. Most of my 24 hours are passed in his society and they are the happiest of my life. December 21, 1927 George so loving and loveable; he sits in my room now at night late and we talk. In the morning he calls me and we talk; I bathe whilst he shaves and we talk. How long will this last, this blissful honeymoon? Friday, January 27, 1928 In the morning George played squash with the professional at Bucks Club and of course he was beaten. But he was splendid, so hot and sweaty and later naked, so pink and tempting. Saturday, February 4, 1928 George and I dined at Pratts, he is in terrific spirits and as the day passed they increased. We plan to live together until the end of our days. His sudden gaiety and affection are irresistible. Later we went on to Knightsbridge, to a flat where there are women. There were three lying naked on cushions before a fire. I made them make love to one another, slapped their large buttocks and I at last copulated with the least ugly one, the others watching. Wednesday, February 22, 1928 G very peevish and disquietous, I untactful, and we came nearer to having a quarrel than ever we have had all these years: he says he cannot understand me etc, but coated his pills with compliments, said I would be the best wife a man could possibly have etc. I retorted a little, and I went to bed angry with him not at all knowing what to think. But Ive seen signs of a mood for several days. Of course, no sleep, my nerves aching and my brain awake. Shall I divorce him? I know he doesnt appreciate me. Thursday, February 23, 1928 George very, very tender and clumsily gentle. He awoke in a contrite mood and all day was full of affectionate attentions. I worship him: one day he will leave me and my life will stop. I cannot even bear to picture it without him. In February 1931, Viscount Gage married Imogen Mogs Grenfell. It appears to have been a crushing blow for Channon. He heard the news while visiting his family in Chicago in a telegram from a mutual friend, dated December 10, 1930; Channon has written on the back Le coeur case the broken heart his distress manifestly such that he has misspelt casse. It was another five days before Gages own telegram arrived ENGAGED MOGEN [sic] LETTER SHOULD REACH YOU SOON GEORGE. The letter, dated December 12, arrived telling him the wedding will probably be in February and saying I hope you will be best man. Channon did oblige, and Gage wrote to him from his honeymoon saying that you made Mogs very happy ... I shall never have a friend like you. Nonetheless, as the subsequent diaries make clear, Channons relationship with Gage was not the same again. Between 1929 and 1933 the diaries stop so there is no account of how he met and married, on July 14, 1933 at St Margarets, Westminster, Lady Honor Dorothy Mary Guinness, daughter of the 2nd Earl of Iveagh. They had one son, Paul, who Channon adored. But the marriage was not happy and they did not have more children. He divorced her in 1945. Extracted from Henry Chips Channon: The Diaries 1918-38 (Volume 1) by Chips Channon, to be published on March 4 by Hutchinson at 35. Georgia Fanshawe, Henry Channon and Robin Howard as Trustees of the diaries and personal papers of Sir Henry Channon 2021. Introduction and notes Simon Heffer 2021. To order a copy for 30 go to www.mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193. Delivery charges may apply. Free UK delivery on orders over 20. Promotional price valid until March 6, 2021. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (March 1, 2021) took the first dose of Covaxin, Indias homegrown coronavirus vaccine developed by biotechnology firm Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research. The PM was administered the COVID vaccine shot by two nurses - Sister P Niveda and sister Rosamma Anil - at the AIIMS, Delhi. While sister Niveda hails from Puducherry, sister Rosamma Anil hails from Kerala. News agency ANI shared pictures from AIIMS showing Sister Niveda administering Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN to the Prime Minister. Speaking to the media, Sister Niveda said the Prime Minister chatted with them briefly and asked where they were from. After taking the vaccine, the Prime Minister remarked, Laga Bhi Di, Pata Hi Nahi Chala (Oh its done, I didn't even realise it), Sister Niveda told reporters. It is very nice to see sir. Only today morning, we came to know that the Prime Minister would be coming for vaccination. It was nice to see him, he was very comfortable, Sister Rosamma told the media. PM Modi also took to Twitter to inform that he has taken the first dose of the vaccine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS," PM Modi tweeted with his picture of receiving the jab. "Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," the Prime Minister added. Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free! pic.twitter.com/5z5cvAoMrv Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2021 Bharat Biotech`s coronavirus vaccine Covaxin had run into a controversy after it got regulatory approval for emergency use without phase-3 trial results. However, in January, the companys Chairman and Managing Director Dr Krishna Ella clarified that the vaccine is safe and Bharat Biotech conducted trials in over 12 countries besides India. In the picture that PM Modi tweeted, he is seen wearing a 'gamcha' of Assam, which is symbolic of the blessing of women from the eastern state. He has been seen wearing it on many occasions. The Covid-19 vaccines- Covaxin and Covishield, will be made available to the general public from today. The PM surprised all by going to the AIIMS without much publicity, thus choosing early morning to avoid inconvenience to the public. The first phase of the nationwide vaccination drive against Covid-19 had begun on January 16. The second dose of vaccine had begun from February 13. Live TV Donald G. McNeil Jr., a science and public health reporter at The New York Times who resigned under pressure last month after 45 years at the paper, published an account on Monday describing the circumstances of his departure, in a four-part essay that was often critical of Times leadership. A leading reporter on the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. McNeil announced his departure last month in the wake of an article in The Daily Beast about his comments and behavior during a Times-sponsored trip for high school students to Peru in 2019. Several students and their parents complained that Mr. McNeil, who was serving as an expert guide on the trip, had used a racial slur and made other insensitive remarks. Shortly after his return, The Times investigated the matter and disciplined him, saying he had shown poor judgment in using the slur in a conversation about racist language. The Timess investigation of Mr. McNeil's behavior on the trip did not become public until The Daily Beast reported on it. After the publication of the Daily Beast article, a group of Times employees sent a letter to Times leaders, questioning how the paper had handled Mr. McNeil. On Feb. 5, Dean Baquet, the executive editor, and Joe Kahn, the managing editor, announced his departure in a memo to the staff. As part of the announcement, Mr. McNeil apologized and said in a statement, Originally, I thought the context in which I used this ugly word could be defended. I now realize that it cannot. It is deeply offensive and hurtful. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts for the full episode. Last week, our producer Davis Land headed out from his neighborhood in Houston to talk with people trying to restore their homes after a devastating winter storm knocked out power for so many Texans. It was nearly 80 degreesa huge change from a couple of weeks back, when many Texans were shivering under coats and blankets, waiting out a deep freeze and a utility shutdown. But after the cold let up, what was left behind was a mess of plumbingburst pipes and sagging walls full of leaking water. There simply arent enough hands to do the work. Advertisement Land spoke with one woman, Shonza Branch, who still didnt have running water to shower or do laundry. Her burst pipes were just the latest problem for her home, which is still damaged from Hurricane Harvey, nearly four years ago. We had wind and rain damage and we went to FEMA, and FEMA only gave us so much. And I appealed till they told me I couldnt appeal no more, Branch said. So the wall in my bathroom, I have a piece of tape over the light switch because when we cut it on, it would shoot electricity. And then the water ran down that wall, and theres mold in the wallits still in there. My towel racks and stuff fell off the wall because the wall was so soft and rotted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For someone like Branch, Februarys cold snap has become another layer of damage, another natural disaster blocking her way back to some kind of normalcy. On Mondays episode of What Next, I spoke with Amal Ahmad from the Texas Observer about what the slow slog of recovery is beginning to look like in Texas, where many of those most affected by last months weather are still getting back on their feet after the last climate disaster. Our conversation has been edited and condense for clarity. Mary Harris: Describe what people are going through right now in Texas. Amal Ahmad: After living through that kind of chaotic week where everything felt like it was falling apart, some people still dont have water. Now, theyre living in a pandemic. They may have lost wages. Advertisement Youve called it cascading disasters. Its just one thing after the other, right? Its a crisis within a crisis within a crisis for a lot of people. Shonza Branch looks a lot like the people who are most at risk right now, right? Shes low-income, disabled, and cant seem to get a break. You think about who still has a blue tarp on their house from Harvey. Its people who had pretty much no money coming in and had to make do with the best that they could. So to think about the pipes bursting in a house that was never rebuilt after Harvey, I think that kind of explains it. Why do we let these areas flood over and over again? Something like this happens, which happened everywhere, but was compounded in areas where theyre still rebuilding from Harvey. Its just indicative of how slow recovery is. Advertisement Advertisement So for the Texans youve been speaking with who are just digging out from the aftermath of this freeze. What are their options now? What are they sorting through? For a lot of peoplepeople who work hourly wages, people who had to take time off or sick days or whatever and didnt get paid when they couldnt get to work because of the icy roads and power outagesyoure dealing with a situation of lost wages, in addition to the costs of recovering from this. So the storm put them in the hole and now theyre going deeper. Just to think of an example: If you were working an hourly wage job, you didnt work several shifts, you might be out a weeks worth of wages. From what Im hearing, a lot of companies were not understanding that this is a crisis and that the last thing on peoples mind is getting to work, even though that paycheck is essential. So for people who are already living paycheck to paycheck, you might be seeing even more shortages. Were also in a pandemic. So there are already probably underemployment and unemployment issues. For renters, another big thing is where do you go if you cant stay in your apartment? If your apartment is now becoming moldy, how do you pay for a hotel bill? How do you pay to get out of that situation and stay somewhere else? In terms of also being able to recover property damagesin other disasters, weve seen that is very difficult for a lot of people. You typically have to have things like receipts for all the furniture that got destroyed. Most people dont keep that for years and years. So in terms of being able to immediately recover financial costs through insurance, thats going to be really difficult for people. Advertisement Advertisement To think about your own home becoming a deathtrap is really painful for a lot of people. Amal Ahmad I know youve covered other environmental disasters and their aftermath. So are you anticipating whats going to happen now in terms of trouble with recovery? One of the researchers I talked to said, I kind of expect it to take four years for low-income people to come out of this winter storm. On top of everything, were in a pandemic. Were in a situation where its dangerous to go to a shelter, where people are worried about their health, where theyre underemployed or unemployed. There are all these issues just happening all at once. But this is in all 254 counties of this state. So in addition to the individual toll thats going to take, now, you also have things like supply chain shortages and a lack of plumbers who are available to come out and fix things for people. The scale of this is certainly unprecedented. Advertisement Youve alluded to the fact that in every disaster it seems like people with more resources are just better off than people with fewer resources. In November, FEMA itself released a report saying that the way it helps communities after a disaster is skewed: It helps the more well-off and leaves other people behind. Have you seen that in your reporting? Advertisement Oh, absolutely. A lot of disaster relief money is probably going to homeowners. But if youre a homeowner, you already have equity in your home, most likely. So youve got that. Then youre getting money to fix things. Youre eligible for things like the Small Business Administration loans to fix things in your house. There are many more avenues for you to receive funding through the government. Also, I believe the rates of homeowners insurance are higher than renters insurance. Advertisement Yeah, and that FEMA report noted that even the emergency cash program is more accessible to people with time and income and access. Obviously that might not be what you should be prioritizing in a program like that. Weve got to think about whos applying for this money. There are all sorts of gaps in accessibility. Are these applications being translated in a bunch of different languages? Not always. Are there efforts to help folks who dont know how to do this online, who dont have all the paperwork, who didnt have time to go find a ton of documentation while their house is flooding? Usually not. And theres just never been enough help to really do that. Not to say that there arent amazing nonprofits doing this work, but they are stretched thin in the face of every crisis that weve seen in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not unique to this storm. If you ask people whove lived through Harvey and all the floods in different parts of Texas, this is something that a lot of people have experienced. It takes so long for these systems to really help the people that need it the most. A lot of that is red tape and stuff. But were not prepared for the kind of disasters that climate change is going to bring. And we havent done the kind of reforms and work to really think about whos most vulnerable, whos going to need the most help, how do we get it to them the fastest. At the government level, that is just not there. This storm is not the only time that this has happened and it wont be the last. Advertisement Subscribe to What Next Get more news from Mary Harris and her team every day. Subscribe Has anyone truly accepted responsibility for the failures that happened here? I think the answer to that is no. The House and the Senate in Texas have both done hearings with ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission, and have brought in a lot of other agencies like the Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas. Its important to highlight that the Legislature has an interest in deflecting blame because they ultimately are the ones that have built the kind of atmosphere in which ERCOT existsas does ERCOT, as does the Public Utility Commission. Advertisement At these hearings, representatives from ERCOT have insisted that they did the right thing. ERCOT CEO Bill Magness told the Texas Senate that grid operators had less than 10 minutes to start turning off peoples power, keeping the grid from going into a complete blackout, which would have caused equipment to fail and operators to do something called a black start. My producer who lives in Texas says that it was like being told Texans should be thankful for what they just went through. Advertisement Its like if I took my moms favorite vase and I broke it and I glued it back together and said, Well, I fixed it for you. I also broke it. It is very circular logic. Something thats important to remember is yes, this was an unprecedented storm, but ERCOTs own meteorologists warned them of the possibility of this level of an extreme winter in November. ERCOT doesnt use climate data and climate modeling to do its assessments for supply and demand. It uses historical data, so they dont project forward. They use data from the past to inform whats coming next. If its an extreme event, thats not being factored into it. Advertisement Advertisement The thing I worry about with this story is that theres so much blame to go around that in some ways it protects the institutions that need to change. And you can see it in that testimony in front of the legislature where it was so easy to pass the buck and say, Well, we saved you guys from a worse fate. Or, The problem is over here, not with me. I certainly think thats true. But now that we know about this, now that it has become a very widespread discussion, itll be interesting to see how long that anger lasts and how much people can use that to push for real change. I wonder if you feel a difference in terms of the level of emotion youre getting from people right now. A natural disaster like this is always tragic and leaves people feeling devastated, but I wonder if you feel like youre seeing more anger now from people and whether you think thats something that might be harnessed. Advertisement In some calls that Ive had so far, I was surprised at the level of candor and anger that I was hearing from folks. One thing is that were now also starting to see death tolls come in. And I think the anger is that some of these deaths could have been prevented. If you could have gotten people to safety ahead of time, they may not have been in a situation where they were dying of hypothermia in their own home or putting things in a fireplace that caused carbon monoxide poisoning. Not knowing when these blackouts were going to happen, when they were going to hit certain neighborhoods, that left the complete inability at the government level, at the individual level to get people out of that harmful situation. To think about your own home becoming a deathtrap is really painful for a lot of people. Thats the last place where you think that should be happening, you know, dying of hypothermia in your own home. Again, if there had been some forewarning, maybe at the state level or somethingeven an emergency alert. Every flash flood around here, you get an alert on your phone. I didnt get one. I dont think anyone that Ive talked to you got any of those alerts about, like, hypothermia. Nothing. So if you didnt know how to deal with that, you were left stranded. There was no one coming to help you. I think theres a lot of anger at how some of those deaths were preventable. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) calls for the defence of the WISAG workers and to support their industrial action! For several days, about 30 ground workers of WISAG at Rhein-Main Airport have been on hunger strike. They are reacting to their dismissal and months of wage robbery by WISAG management. The workers motto is: Today its us, tomorrow its you! The company sacked 230 ground workers just before Christmas, including 31 bus drivers who have not been paid since October. Marianne Arens is an SGP candidate for the 2021 federal election The brutal action of WISAG management is not an isolated case Many employers are shamelessly exploiting the horrors of the coronavirus pandemic to increase the profits of the financial oligarchy by smashing up the rights of the working class. Hundreds of thousands of workers are affected: they lose wages, company pensions and other gains, and many thousands also lose their jobs and thus their livelihoods. Therefore, the struggle of the WISAG workers cannot be seen in isolation: It is part of a growing willingness to fight in many companies. As it says in one of the greetings sent to the workers: You are not alone, you are the first. This greeting was written by the Network of Action Committees for Secure Jobs. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei supports such committees, which coordinate the resistance internationally and are preparing a European-wide general strike. We also propose that the WISAG workers form such an action committee and contact us. The founding statement of the Network of Action Committees for Secure Jobs says: We fight to defend every single job and demand a public employment programme in socially important areas like education, health, culture and environmental protection. Human lives are more important than profits! Until the pandemic is under control, all non-essential workplaces must be closed, with full wage compensation for all affected workers. The WISAG hunger strike shows all the problems that are depriving millions of workers of sleep The corporations have pocketed billions in government aid during the coronavirus pandemic while putting workers on short-time rations. And they are using the pandemic to push through long-planned attacks. At Fraport and Lufthansa, entire divisions are being spun off and tens of thousands of jobs are being cut. At the insolvent ground service provider Swissport Losch in Munich, 900 jobs are on the line. The situation is particularly bad in the auto industry and its suppliers. There, hundreds of thousands of jobs are being cut and workers rights are being crushed, while companies like VW, BMW and Daimler report profits in the billions. At Opel, since the transition to the Stellantis group, workers have to fear the introduction of 12-hour shifts, the loss of company pensions and even worse. For the past year, workers have borne the brunt of the pandemic. As co-called essential labour, they toil under the acute danger of the pandemic, and short-time working means their already low wages are reduced to 60 percent. Oftenas at WISAG at the airportboth apply at the same time. Officially, the WISAG group has announced short-time working, but at the same time, dozens of planes are being handled at the airport every day and some are toiling harder than ever before. Workers are also exposed to the daily danger of falling ill with COVID-19. As is the case almost everywhere, there are always too few masks and other protective equipment at WISAG, and the numerous COVID-19 cases are covered up. In Germany, almost 70,000 people have died from coronavirus; across Europe, the figure is already 800,000 and stands at 2.5 million worldwide. This alone shows that the ruling class is willing to walk over corpses in securing their profits. The WISAG workers hunger strike must become the prelude to a new stage in the class struggle Those on the picket line are not only confronted with WISAGs owners, the Wisser family, one of the 300 richest and best-connected families in Germany, they are also up against ministers in the Hesse state and federal government who stand behind them, as well as the media, the trade unions and the bourgeois state. In Berlin, all the establishment parties, from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to the Left Party, agreed the multi-billion-euro coronavirus bailout programme for the banks and corporations. They are all reacting to the crisis of capitalism by moving closer together and forming a common front against the working class. For them, German economic interests stand higher than the health, life and welfare of working people. In the Hesse state capital Wiesbaden, Transport Minister Tarek Al-Wazir (Green Party) has set the course for WISAG at the airport, although their patrons Claus and Michael Wisser do not even respect the collective agreement. Ever since Joschka Fischers rise, the Greens have played a key role in Hesse. Today, in the Green Party-Christian Democratic Party coalition in Wiesbaden, they work closely with the right-wing CDU. State Premier Volker Bouffier and state legislature president Boris Rhein (both CDU) refuse to expose the right-wing extremist networks responsible for the racist murders in Hanau and the assassination of leading CDU member Walter Lubcke in Kassel at the hands of a known neo-Nazi. As for the media, including the Frankfurter Rundschau and Hessenschau, they have been trying to silence news on the hunger strike for days. They fear that the dispute could be the spark to set off an even wider struggle. Only the World Socialist Web Site has clearly taken sides with the WISAG workers from the beginning. The trade unions, especially the service sector union Verdi, are also firmly on the side of the governments and companies. Verdi, Ufo (cabin crew) and Cockpit (pilots) have constantly pushed through new attacks on working conditions at the airport. At Lufthansa, they offered the company wage cuts, social cuts and layoffs on an unprecedented scale, while board members collected annual salaries in the tens of millions of euros and union officials and works council representatives received fat bonuses. At Lufthansa, for example, Verdi official Christine Behle alone receives 140,000 a year. Marianne Arens on the WISAG picket line. The sector trade union IGL, which legally represents the WISAG workers, also basically has the same nationalist programme as Verdi, which is oriented towards the welfare of German big business. In the struggle against WISAG, nothing comes from the IGL but empty words and petitions to the unscrupulous Wisser business family. In the background, the union is preparing new attacks on the workers together with the company management. The working class confronts political tasks! It needs its own party in the struggle for its rights and interests! The common front of all the capitalist parties, the companies and trade unions shows that workers are again confronted with big historical questions. Capitalism will again lead to mass death, misery and war if the working class does not intervene independently in the political process and transform society along socialist lines. The ruling class is prepared to do anything and is increasingly resorting to authoritarian and fascistic methods again. Donald Trumps January 6 attempted coup was an international warning: and here in Germany, too, right-wing terrorist structures within the police and army are being covered up by the highest authorities and the programme of the far-right AfD is being put into practice by all the parliamentary parties. Workers must prepare for a confrontation and build their own party. The SGP mobilises the working class based on an international, socialist programme. It draws upon all the historical lessons and experiences of the workers movement for 150 years, since the Paris Commune first challenged bourgeois power in March 1871. We call for support for the struggle of the WISAG workers and give it a conscious political direction. Support the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei in its campaign for the 2021 federal election and help build it as the German section of the Fourth International! by Mathias Hariyadi A viral outbreak has been declared at the John XXIII Seminary in East Java, which hosts major seminarians from ten dioceses. At least 30 people have been infected, 13 of whom have been hospitalised. The Sisters of St Charles Borromeo in Yogyakarta, who have already faced the coronavirus, have come to help. Jakarta (AsiaNews) The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the John XXIII Seminary in Lawang, in the Diocese of Malang (East Java). The community, which includes 28 major seminarians from 10 dioceses, two priests, two deacons and two nuns, has been quarantined since Saturday, said the rector, Father Aloysius Rusdiana Lau. The local anti-coronavirus task force has placed the school under close watch. Some 30 people have caught the virus: 13 seminarians are in hospital; 14 others, together with priests and nuns, have mild symptoms, and are therefore in self-isolation. Those who did not test positive moved into the nearby Wisma Shyanti home. The extent of the outbreak has also negatively affected the supply of food and basic necessities. However, aid has already arrived, for which the Bishop of Malang Henricus Pidyarto expresses the gratitude of the diocese through AsiaNews. Particularly significant is the financial aid and protective equipment that the Nuns of St Carolus Borromeus Religius Congregation (CB) are sending from Yogyakarta to the John XXIII Seminary in Lawang. The provincial superior, Sister Yustiana Wiwiek Iswanti, explains that this act of solidarity is spiritually motivated by having already had to face COVID-19 in January, when the virus affected the 55 residents of the St Anna Elderly House, which is run by the congregation. After implementing a tight health protocol and health recovery programme, they are now all cured of the coronavirus, Sister Iswanti said. This experience provides an opportunity for the nuns to experience the closeness of so many people, who brought food, drinks, vitamins and cash so as not to leave the elderly religious alone. Even now, we are still receiving so many precious things from our schools alumni and others showing their love and compassion to us. Now it is our turn to express the same thing to the John XXIII Seminary in Lawang in Malang Diocese. 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. A young woman accused of associating with a person who intended to fight for Islamic State has been granted bail but remains in custody pending an appeal by Commonwealth prosecutors. Hadashah Saadat Khan, 23, has spent the past year in custody after she was charged last year over online contact she had with an American man in 2016, when she allegedly encouraged him to travel to the Middle East and fight for the terrorist organisation. Police allege that as a teenager Ms Khan acted as a conduit between Islamic State and the American man, who was arrested in 2017 trying to board a one-way flight to Morocco. His subsequent interview with authorities prompted Australian police to investigate Ms Khan. Her family home in Hallam was raided by police in January 2018 and she was interviewed but not taken into custody until February last year, when she was charged with providing assistance to a person who intended to engage in hostile activity for a terrorist organisation, and other offences. Ms Khan was granted bail on Monday when magistrate Ross Maxted found she met the test for exceptional circumstances because she would have spent more than 2 years in custody before she faced trial in late 2022. That extraordinary remand period could be a longer stint than an eventual jail term if she was found guilty, Mr Maxted said. China on Monday welcomed the positive comments of Prime Minister Imran Khan on elimination of extreme poverty and said it was ready to help developing countries in the poverty alleviation efforts BEIJING (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :China on Monday welcomed the positive comments of Prime Minister Imran Khan on elimination of extreme poverty and said it was ready to help developing countries in the poverty alleviation efforts. "We noticed Prime Minister Imran Khan's positive comments on China's elimination of extreme poverty," Chinese Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during his regular briefing held here. In a tweet, Prime Minister Imran Khan had congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping and the government for taking 750 million people out of poverty in 35 years. Later, senior Chinese Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Hua Chunying also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on China's achievements in its poverty alleviation campaign and wrote "Thank you, Mr Prime Minister". The spokesperson also commented officials of the international organizations including the United Nations Coordinator in China and said China's outcome in poverty alleviation brought important outcomes for the world as well as President Xi and the Chinese governments and people's resolution and action. He said the elimination of extreme poverty was a milestone in China's improvement of people's well-being and in its human rights course, adding, since the 18th CPC Session, every year, over 10 million people in China were lifted out of poverty equaling a size of the medium sized country. So, about every three seconds, one person was lifted out of poverty. Wang Wenbin said after the reforms and opening up in China, 770 million rural population had been lifted out of poverty. China's poverty alleviation results belonged to China and the world, he said and added, there were the Chinese solution to the international poverty eradication. He said the Chinese side was ready to work with other countries and help developing countries to eliminate poverty and realize the 2030 goals for sustainable development so that the people all around the world could live a better life. Bethlehem St. Lukes University Health Network, which has outlets in Schuylkill County, has expedited COVID-19 vaccine access to regional education employees. SLUHN, according to a release, recognizes the need to get schools back to normal. The networks commitment is to dedicate weekly vaccine appointments to 78 schools in the region based on state-guided phase requirements. To qualify for expedited access, education employees must meet Pennsylvanias Phase 1A eligibility criteria age 16-64 with high-risk conditions or anyone 65 and older and have indicated their employer on their St. Lukes MyChart account. Eligible educators should create a St. Lukes MyChart account, according to the release. For more information, go online to www.sluhn.org/vaccine. Pottsville William Reppy of Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill, assisted by Mike Peckman, recently provided members of the Pottsville Rotary Club with an update on the hospital and on the COVID-19 pandemic. He spoke about several improvements over the past year and noted Lehigh Valley Schuylkill now has a graduate medical school for family medicine doctors, a residency program he said will benefit the health network and community, according to the Rotary bulletin. He also focused on the ongoing pandemic and the challenges it has posed. He said the overall goal for the vaccines is to defeat the virus by vaccinating the majority of the population. Schuylkill Haven A free online Lucky Shamrock paper quilling class with artist Marky Barto is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway. All materials will be provided free, according to an event flyer. The class will be via Zoom.com and is for people 14 and older. To register, go online to https://walkinartcenter.org/education/education_classes/#!/Free-Online-Shamrock-Paper-Quilling-Class/p/298597041/category=16317564. Mumbai, March 1 : In a shocking revelation, the Maharashtra government on Monday said that the massive and unprecedented power blackout that paralysed Mumbai and surroundings for several hours on Oct. 12 2020, was caused by a suspected cyber-attack originating in China. "I feel the media reports that have emerged in the matter are true," a grim Energy Minister Dr. Nitin Raut told media with Home Minister Anil Deshmukh accompanying him this evening. Suspecting 'sabotage' as the cause behind the power outage, Raut had requested Deshmukh to probe the matter to get to the truth and a preliminary report in the matter has been submitted to the government. However, the two ministers today declined to divulge specific details in view of the Budget Session currently underway and assured they would table the primary probe report before the legislature. "We will study the report in detail before commenting on it further," said Deshmukh on the report prepared by the Maharashtra Cyber Police cell. "The Cyber Cell has submitted its preliminary report on the matter. The findings state that there is evidence to suggest there might have been a cyber-sabotage attempt," said Deshmukh, adding the report has been formally handed over to Raut. "When power went out in Mumbai on Oct. 12, I had said there was something wrong and had constituted 3 committees to probe I feel media reports that have surfaced are true," Raut said. The power failure had tripped Mumbai and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) comprising Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts and brought the city's lifelines - suburban railways to half besides hugely hitting industrial and business activities in the country's commercial capital. At that time, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government came under severe fire from various quarters including the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, especially after Raut spoke of possible sabotage as the cause behind the blackout. Moving swiftly, the government asked Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) to probe, while NTPC Ltd had set up its separate committees to probe the cause of the power outage and their reports have been received. A recent "New York Times" report hinted that China launched a cyber-attack against India, targeting its power grid in particular, in the wake of the Galwan Valley border clashes in 2020. As per the findings of Recorded Future, a Massachusetts-based firm that studies the use of Internet by state players, the Mumbai cyber-attack on power systems was allegedly carried out by a Chinese state-connected entity known as Red Echo, targeting the crucial Indian energy sector. "The Recorded Future has suspected that the attack of Mumbai's power infrastructure could have been due to the introduction of a malware," said Deshmukh on the NYT report. The incident had hit Mumbai at a time when the economy was being brought back on track through a cautious, phased Unlockdown process after over 6 months of the near-total Lockdown following the Covid-19 pandemic havoc in the state. Police in Kirinyaga County arrested four school-going children for being in possession of several rolls of marijuana in school. Kirinyaga East Sub-County Police Commander, Anthony Wanjuu, said the 4 pupils who are in Standard 7 and 8, confessed to smoking weed in school. They told us they have been smoking bhang during lunch and break time, said Wanjuu. The police boss also said they recovered a matchbox from the pupils after they were frisked. The Sub-County commander said the pupils were arrested and taken to Kianyaga Police Station for interrogation. He mentioned this was the first case of that nature to be reported in the area. Wanjuu further warned the government will not sit and watch drug peddlers ruin the lives of school-going children in the area. We have learnt the learners are buying bhang from notorious drug peddlers, and we are pursuing them, he said. The officer further called upon parents to monitor their children and caution them from using drugs. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their children dont abuse drugs which are being sold by unscrupulous traders in the area, he said. Position Objective: Contributes to the provision of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare as a provider of direct and indirect patient care and by effective of the health care team. Functions as a competent member of the health care team. Essentional Job Duties: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. Clinical Decision Making/Judgment Demonstrates clinical nursing knowledge and skill in the specialization of the unit. Demonstrates the ability to apply the nursing process effectively in the care of culturally diverse patients and families. Demonstrates the ability to utilize all applicable laws, policies, standards, guidelines and evidence-based practice in the provision of patient/family care. Organizes and reprioritizes patient care activities based on subtle and overt and/or environmental changes. Consistently and thoroughly assesses patients to collect data and identify learning needs according to established standards and policies. Utilizes a systematic, continuous and complete analysis of assessment data to develop individualized problem lists for assigned patients. Develops and individualizes a plan of care for each patient in accordance with established standards, appropriate prioritization of problems/needs, and mutually agreed upon goals. Efficiently implements the patient's plan of care in accordance with applicable standards, policies, procedures and guidelines. Demonstrates proficiency in medication administration, pain management and other unit or initiative specific skills. Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of the plan(s) of care, making revisions and recommendations based on analysis of patient responses to interventions. 2. Nurse-Patient Family Relationships Demonstrates the ability to assess the patient's/family's learning needs, readiness to learn, learning style, and presence of barriers to learning. Demonstrates the ability to develop, implement and evaluate teaching plans for patient populations in unit specialty in accordance with applicable standards. Demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge of growth and development across the life span to the care of patients. Provides direct patient care to patients and families in a culturally, developmentally and ethically appropriate manner. Plans of care address the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and learning needs of the patient/family. 3. Clinical Scholarship Participates in QI, CPI and risk management activities at the unit, department or organizational level. Demonstrates the ability to effectively perform and improve all processes in order to achieve excellence with regard to AAMC's quality standards and benchmarks. Supports the use of evidence based guidelines and organizational policies and procedures to promote safe patient care and a safe practice environment. 4. Clinical Leadership Participates in unit shared governance according to departmental standards. Participates in the education and orientation of new staff. Delegates patient care activities as appropriate; evaluates delegated activities for expected patient care outcomes. Employs real time computer documentation when completing patient record. Educational/Experience Requirements: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing Adherence to the credentialing requirements of AAMC as stated in the nursing bylaws. Required License/Certifications: Current licensure as a registered nurse by the Maryland Board of Nursing. CPR - American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands: There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Physical Demands - Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary. ADVERTISEMENT The Ibom Air, an Akwa Ibom owned airline, on Monday, said it has so far lifted no fewer than 500,000 passengers since commencement of operations on June 7, 2019. This was contained in a statement issued Anniekan Essienette, the group manager marketing and communication, Ibom Airlines Limited, in Uyo. Mrs Essienette quoted the Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Uriesi, as saying this while the organisation marked the milestone achievement. She said that Ibom Air had quickly established a reputation for on-time performance and excellent service in the nations aviation industry. We are very pleased to record this key milestone of 500,000 passengers. We are most thankful to our customers for believing in us and continuing to rely on our unique proposition of schedule reliability, on-time departures and excellent service. As we continue to grow apace, we are determined to continue to deliver on our customers now very high expectations. It is the only domestic Airline in Nigeria that publishes its schedule reliability and on-time performance statistics monthly. The airline has consistently maintained above 90 per cent performance since inception. It operates daily flights between Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and Enugu, she said. She regretted that the company would have clocked this number around November 2020, but for the three and a half months COVID-19 lockdown. Mrs Essienette, however, declared that the milestone was an indication of steady customer uptake and validation of services. (NAN) is all set to start the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive for people aged above 55 years from March 7, the health minister has said, as the country is planning to purchase an additional 2 million doses of vaccine from India. As many as 14,000 vaccinators, including the mobile teams, will be mobilised to inoculate the largest chunk of the population, Health Ministry officials said, adding all people in this age group have been placed in the second priority group. People's trust in the vaccines is increasing and the rule of priority is strictly followed in inoculation, Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi told the media on Sunday. "I am eligible to receive a vaccine on March 7 as per the rule of priority. There is no rule to vaccinate important people first. The government will not carry out vaccination in an anarchic way," he said. government has acquired one million dozes of Covishield vaccine from India. The government is also purchasing another two million dozes of covishield from India. Similarly, China has also offered to donate 500,000 dozes of vaccines to In the first phase of vaccination drive, the government-administered vaccines to frontline workers including health and security personnel from January 27 to February 6. Minister Tripathi said it was a significant achievement for Nepal to vaccinate the priority group of people as well as starting the second priority group at a time when more than 100 countries across the globe are still not having access to vaccines. Secretary at the Health Ministry Laxman Aryal said the second phase of vaccination would be executed through health institutions. He informed the provincial governments and local levels will undertake the vaccination drive and the mobile teams will even reach the doorsteps. In January, India handed over one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Nepal under grant assistance in sync with its Neighbourhood First' policy. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra handed over the vaccine consignment to Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli during a function at the Prime Minister's residence at Baluwatar. Nepal gave conditional approval to use Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India in January. The approval coincided with the sixth meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission in New Delhi which was attended by Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers, and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring the vaccines. Nepal has reported 274,216 COVID-19 cases, including 2,777 deaths. (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.) Since Monday morning the vaccination center at the government hospital in Chennai was unusually busy as people walked in to get the vaccine shot. The situation was similar at various government hospitals in Chennai. In Tamil Nadu, apart from online registration, the state administration also allowed people to walk in and register for vaccinations. Seventy-year old S Jayaraman, who reached the government general hospital in Chennai at 8.30am waited patiently for his turn to register. He said he was not anxious ahead of taking the taking the vaccine and authorities had told him that he could choose the vaccine. Next to Apollo's main hospital in Chennai, a vaccination center run by the hospital saw a good response. Fifty-eight-year old Venkatramaih, executive director of an automobile company walked into Apollo's center to register and said that he was taking Covishield. "I am very enthusiastic and have no apprehensions since it's approved by the government and ICMR. Everyone should take and it's our primary responsibility to avoid spreading the infection ," he said. Across the state, 529 government hospitals and 761 private hospitals have been roped in for the second phase of the vaccination drive in The government has released a list of guidelines for the second phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive starting March 1. The guidelines state that the name of the vaccine, whether Covaxin or Covishield, will not be disclosed at the time of the appointment. The vaccination drive, covering people above 60 and those with co-morbidities above the age of 45, will offer both Oxfords Covishield and the indigenously-developed Bharat Biotechs Covaxin. However, Director of Public Health Dr TS Selvavinayagam said that a consent form will be given for Covaxin ahead of vaccination. The vaccination guidelines are framed in an academic language and people need not worry about it. People would know which vaccine they are taking before they enter the center itself. The state health department said that people can choose the centre of their choice and there is an option of advance on-site registration as well. People can also register on the COWIN 2.0 portal or through IT applications such as the Arogya Setu app. After filling the basic biodata, ID card details, the beneficiary will get an OTP verification. With one phone number, four people can register. Once verified, the beneficiary can book an appointment in the centre of their choice. If the beneficiary cancels the appointment for dose 1, the appointment for the second dose will also be cancelled. During the vaccination, the beneficiary must carry the photo ID card and mobile phone through which they had registered. However, having an appointment slip does not guarantee vaccination, said the state health department. Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said that people were very happy across the state and were coming voluntarily to register for the vaccination. "It's a big hit," Radhakrishnan told Business Standard adding that roping in the private sector had really helped. Suneeta Reddy, MD at Hospitals, said that they were targeting 650 vaccines in Chennai today. Speaking on pricing, she said that the Covid vaccination was not for making money. "We need to help the society. None of us is going to lose. It's a good value proposition for everyone." She further said that the government's decision to rope in the private sector was a bold decision. Daily online courses, homework, cleaning houses six days a week and baking cheesecakes to sell on the side thats college life for Sun, an undergraduate at the University of Texas San Antonio. Shes 21 and pursuing a double major in cybersecurity and Mexican American studies, with a concentration in political science. And she is working hard to pay her way financial aid options are limited for undocumented students. Sun who agreed to be interviewed under an assumed name is one of thousands of undocumented youth, or Dreamers, who came to this country as children yet dont qualify for DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that provides temporary protection from deportation and legal means to work in the United States. Im not saying cleaning houses is a bad job, because its not. I grew up seeing my mom cleaning houses, too, Sun said. But Im not even able to get a proper job while being in college and colleges dont even acknowledge that sometimes. We get no sort of support. Sun was a high school freshman when a teacher inquired into her DACA qualification. She quickly learned that her 2008 entry date into the U.S. from Mexico made her ineligible for the program, though she was only 8 years old at the time. Its an increasingly common situation for Dreamers in the San Antonio area and across the country, because DACA is getting older. Enacted in 2012 by the Obama administration, its requirements include a U.S. entry date prior to June 15, 2007. It protects those younger than 16 when they entered the country and under 31 as of June 15, 2012. Weeks before the inauguration of President Joe Biden ended four years of official hostility to the program under the Trump administration, a Supreme Court decision ordered it to resume taking new applications. But many wont make the cut. The entry day of 2007 is a ticking time bomb for the program, period. said Andrea Fernandez, a DACA recipient and digital communications coordinator for the American Business Immigration Coalition. I mean, its been 14 years. And people are thinking that no one has come into the country since then? After graduating from UTSA, Fernandez has continued to connect with high school and college students who are interested in applying. The vast majority, she said, dont qualify based on their entry date. An estimated 90,000 to 100,000 potential applicants live in Texas but the non-DACA eligible crowd is much, much larger, around 300,000 undocumented youths in the state, she said. About 216,000 undocument students, fewer than half of the estimated 454,000 in U.S. colleges and universities last year, were eligible for DACA, according to a report released in April 2020 by the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. The programs own requirements, combined with the hurdles implemented during the Trump years, has steadily reduced the number of students with DACA protections, said Damaris Ibarra, the assistant director of the Dreamers Resource Center at UTSA. Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce estimates there were 5,100 DACA recipients living in the city in 2020, down from about 9,000 in 2017. You can almost see entirely three to four (yearly) cohorts of students that were unable to apply for DACA, Ibarra said. And at UTSA it is my understanding that the majority of our Dreamer population (are) not DACA recipients. At ImmSchools, an immigrant resource and advocacy organization that focuses on helping K-12 students and their families, only about 5 percent of the students who ask about applying for DACA through the organization actually qualify for the program, said Viridiana Carrizales, its CEO. Now that the DACA applications have reopened, we have so few of our students who are graduating high school right now able to apply, because they are no longer able to qualify, Carrizales said. Cautious optimism The term Dreamers derives from the Development, Relief, and Education for Immigrant Minors Act, known as the DREAM Act, a proposal that polls showed has been popular nationally but was blocked in Congress even before Trump was elected. Dreamers reacted to the election of President Joe Biden in 2020 with cautious optimism. The new administrations reopening of DACA to new applications has caused advocacy organizations to notice an increase in inquiries from first time aspirants, not just those seeking renewals, and in many cases theyre getting bad news. While, yes, we celebrated that DACA is back and thats great, and folks are able to apply again, theres not many students who can even apply for it, Carrizales said. What Im hearing from a lot of them is a lot of disillusion. Diego Mancha works with ImmSchools and has seen that disillusionment. An advisor for Alamo Colleges who has a degree from UTSA, he qualified for DACA in 2013 and has been renewing his permit every two years since. But 2020 proved more nerve-wracking for Mancha than most years. His latest renewal application was on hold starting in April and he didnt receive approval until the last day of December. This is the longest that it had taken for me to renew, Mancha said. So, I have a current work permit that now expires in 2022. Im hoping that something will happen before next time I have to renew. At Alamo Colleges, Mancha is on a committee that seeks to offer better support to undocumented students. Approximately 61,000 eligible immigrants reached the minimum age of 15 required to apply for DACA while the program was closed to first timers, according to the National Immigration Forum. But these advocates say the few students theyve found who meet the qualifications to apply are having a hard time gathering the required proof of their stay in the country, a month-by-month documentation of their residence up until the application year. If an applicant was brought to the United States in 2005, that would mean collecting 16 years worth of proof. Ive spoken to a few of our students who do qualify but they dont have the records to prove it, Carrizales said. Some could only get a high school transcript because the elementary or middle schools they attended dont keep records longer than five years. Miriam Perez, 19, is one of the lucky ones. Shes in the process of sending a complete DACA application with legal help from ImmSchools. Her family had to gather pictures, school records, school transcripts, shot records, certificates, to show she has been in the country since she arrived in 2003, when she was 3. Perez had been preparing to apply for DACA status ahead of her 16th birthday when the Trump administration halted the program. We had our appointment with our lawyer, she recalled. So, our appointment was pushed back a week, and that week turned into three years where I couldn't apply. Perez not only renewed her hopes of going to college but was able to get a full scholarship through TheDream.US to attend Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She is now a freshman there. The new ask With or without DACA protection, many undocumented students are finding ways to achieve their goals. But for those who have qualified, DACA remains a temporary protection, not a long-term fix. And those without DACA status remain deportable. DACA was a band-aid, and the solution cannot be DACA, Carrizales said. The solution cannot be, OK, lets update the requirements for DACA, and check mark that, and lets move forward. We need a permanent solution. DACA was President Barack Obamas response to a long congressional stalemate over comprehensive immigration reform. Thats still the biggest need, not just for people that qualify for DACA, but for really everyone else, Mancha said. I still consider myself undocumented in a way, because with this two-year permit that I have, I feel like Im still not protected. I feel like it can end at any time and I can be sent back. Theres no guarantee the stalemate over immigration will be resolved, but new legislation was introduced last month in the Senate by Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, and in the House by Rep. Linda Sanchez, a California Democrat. It would include a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and an expedited pathway for DACA recipients and their families. It would also grant a six-year lawful prospective immigrant status to qualifying undocumented immigrants who arrived before Jan. 1, 2021. Sun says her family doesnt discuss the subject much, to avoid getting their hopes up. She knows a pathway to citizenship would completely change their lives. I would finally be able to get a good job and do many things that Ive always wanted to do, Sun says. Help my mom a little bit more, not be so afraid, be able to see my grandma again finally I dont know, theres so many things that I would be able to do. Danya.Perez@express-news.net Fatal accidents on farms account for nearly 50% of all workplace fatal incidents each year, despite farms only accounting for 6% of the workforce, according to Fine Gael Senator John McGahon. Senator McGahon was speaking during an online webinar on Farm Safety and CAP which he organised for members of the farming community in County Louth. The online meeting was addressed by Martin Heydon Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with responsibility for Farm Safety, Research and Development and New Market Development and Colm Markey MEP, a member of the European Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. Speaking after the meeting, Senator McGahon said: There were 19 fatal incidents on farms in 2020, with three of these being children under the age of 18, and nine being farmers aged 65 or more. "This follows 25 fatalities in 2017, 15 in 2018 and 19 in 2019. "The level of safety incidents, many of them fatal, we are seeing on farms across the country is unacceptably high. "Our online event was a great opportunity for members of Louths farming community to engage with Minister Heydon and Colm Markey MEP on farm safety, CAP and a whole host of other issues." Colm Markey MEP, a member of the European Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee said: Senator McGahon and Minister Heydon must be commended for their efforts to promote farm safety and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our farms. "I was also pleased to have the opportunity to update farmers on the negotiations around the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform package and provide clarity on aspects of the proposals. "I look forward to engaging further with farmers in County Louth and across the Midlands North West constituency on this issue in the months and years ahead. "The area of farm safety is one that cant be talked about enough, so I was delighted to debate this and my new initiatives for farm safety measures from accelerated capital allowances to enhanced training programmes, to help drive down the unacceptably high level of farm fatalities on Irish farms. "Senator McGahons meeting also allowed me the opportunity to engage with Louth farmers on the challenges and opportunities that they face as well as a discussion on the importance of trade for Irish Agri food producers, stated the Minister Martin Heydon. A veteran Chicago police officer has died in an apparent suicide after he was found shot dead in a station's bathroom in the early hours of Monday morning. James Daly, 47, was discovered in Town Hall District police station at around 3am after reportedly telling his partner to get their radios and squad car keys. He had been working his last shift after taking early retirement following 21 years as a cop, CBS reports. When he did not return from the men's locker room Daly's female partner sent another colleague to look for him and he was found dead. Daly's death is the latest of at least 10 apparent suicides by Chicago police officers in the last two years. It comes three years after the U.S. Justice Department reported that the suicide rate among Chicago police officers was 60 percent higher than the national average among police officers. James Daly, 47, was discovered in Town Hall District police station at around 3am Police Supt. David Brown confirmed Daly's death in a note to staff, writing: 'Our job is not easy, especially during these trying times. 'The ripple effect of this tragedy will be felt by many for a long time to come. I ask you to check in with each other and keep each other close as we cope with this grief together.' In a statement Brown said he was 'heartbroken', adding: '[Daly] was a respected and dedicated 21-year veteran, and a friend to many in the Chicago Police Department. 'Today, I mourn alongside everyone in the Department. His loss is deeply felt by me and his many colleagues with whom he worked for many years. 'Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends who are now grieving over this unimaginable loss. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.' Police Supt. David Brown confirmed Daly's death in a note to staff, saying he was 'heartbroken' In July last year Deputy Chief Dion Boyd died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest. Boyd's death came just days after he was promoted to deputy chief of criminal networks by Superintendent David Brown. Boyd, 57, was the highest ranking member of the department to take his own life in memory. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said 'trauma and depression' has been 'exacerbated through the pandemic'. She added: 'We'll find out more details around the officer but what I can just say is that our heart breaks as a city for that person, for that family and certainly for the members of the department, not only in the 19th District. This is something that will resonate across law enforcement here in Chicago.' In July last year Deputy Chief Dion Boyd, right, died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest Lightfoot said: 'The sad reality is that trauma and depression are with us all the time, and unfortunately that has been exacerbated through the pandemic for a host of reasons. 'Unfortunately, we need to make sure that we destigmatize depression and trauma, that we emphasize for folks the array of resources that are available across the city.' 'We want to make sure that people reach out. Call 311. Call 911. There's an array of services that we offer as a city to safeguard your privacy and your security. If you are feeling suicidal, please reach out. You are not in this by yourself,' the mayor said. Call the toll-free 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday released a statement, welcoming the reinforcement of ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and emphasised the importance of adhering to a permanent ceasefire between the "two friendly countries in Kashmir". India and Pakistan had issued a joint statement on Thursday agreeing to strictly observe the 2003 Ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC). Both the United Nations and the United States welcomed the announcement. Now the UAE has appreciated the declaration of a ceasefire between the Indian and Pakistani armies across the "disputed" borders in Kashmir. "The UAE has welcomed the declaration of a ceasefire between the Indian and Pakistani armies across the disputed borders in Kashmir. UAE has close historical ties with the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and that it commends the efforts of the two countries to reach this achievement. It also stressed that this is an important step towards achieving security, stability, and prosperity in the region," the statement read. READ | Indian Army Warns Pakistan: 'Ceasefire At LOC Will Have No Impact On Counter-terror Ops' 'Two friendly countries in Kashmir' "UAE foreign ministry emphasised the importance of adhering to a permanent ceasefire between the two friendly countries in Kashmir to the benefit of both sides and committing to diplomatic means - through dialogue - to build bridges of confidence and establish a lasting peace that achieves the aspirations of both peoples," it added. The agreement on ceasefire was reached during a meeting between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan to review the current situation across the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors "in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere". READ | Pakistan Wants Peaceful Resolution Of All Disputes With India After Ceasefire Agreement "Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight of February 24/25," the joint statement said. On Saturday, the Indian Army affirmed that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan will have no impact on counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan on February 26 said that it wants a peaceful resolution of all disputes with India, including the Kashmir issue. READ | India-Pakistan Ceasefire Pact Is 'positive Step Towards Greater Peace & Stability': US READ | UN Chief Welcomes India-Pak Ceasefire Pact: 'Will Provide Opportunity For Further Dialogue WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd March, 2021) The Biden administration in a report to Congress on Monday said it will use every available tool to counter a broad spectrum of unfair trade practices committed by China. "The Biden Administration is committed to using all available tools to take on the range of China's unfair trade practices that continue to harm US workers and businesses," the report, which was released by the US Trade Representative, said. These detrimental actions, according to the report, include tariff and non-tariff barriers that restrict market access, forced labor, and subsidizing exports, among others. The US also accused China of coercive technology transfers, infringement of intellectual property, censorship and unfair treatment of American firms in numerous sectors. The Biden administration will also make Uighur human rights a top priority, the report added, and vowed to work closely with US allies to address these issues. Chinese officials have repeatedly denied US allegations of unfair trade practices and human rights abuses. HONG KONG, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Qontigo, an investment intelligence leader and provider of best-of-breed analytics and world-class indices, has announced an exclusive agreement with the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF), a provider focused on ESG ratings for Chinese companies across both fixed income and equities. The partnership will enable Qontigo to develop indices under the STOXX brand names as well as to integrate the data within their leading Axioma portfolio construction and risk management software. "We are delighted to add IIGF data to our open architecture, sustainable investment ecosystem," said Rick Chau, Head of Asia Pacific, Qontigo. "Having a partner embedded in the local Chinese market gives us and in turn, our clients a deeper, more nuanced view of the companies they evaluate. Further, it's important to recognize the role that China plays in the global ESG supply chain: the insights gained from IIGF will help clients better understand risk and performance of large corporates throughout the world." The IIGF ESG database, which currently includes all A-Shares listed companies and Chinese Bond issuers (approximately 8,956 companies), is focused on four main areas of coverage: Climate Finance, Green Finance, Energy Finance and Health Finance pivotal to assessing an entity's contribution to core Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with regards to natural and human capital. The analysis is based on an IIGF proprietary approach (The Green Evaluation System and ESG Evaluation System), which comprises both qualitative and quantitative indicators of ESG contribution but also negative indicators arising from company behavior and risks. Since 2016, IIGF has provided consultancy and advisory services on green credit, green bond, carbon trading and risk assessment for local and international entities. "There are clear synergies between our two firms resulting in a natural partnership," said Yichen Shi, Deputy Dean of IIGF. "Our rigorous and robust analysis combined with our deep knowledge of China, makes us well positioned to provide quality ESG insight for our clients. Qontigo is equally focused on bringing best-of-breed, innovative products to help their clients meet the growing demand of sustainable investing and reporting in Asia." Qontigo currently partners with a number of data providers within the sustainability space, including Clarity AI, ISS and Sustainalytics. The company has recently become a signatory of the UN-supported investor initiative, the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). It has a wide range of sustainable indices covering ESG, Climate, and Low Carbon universes. About Qontigo Qontigo is a financial intelligence innovator and a leader in the modernization of investment management, from risk to return. The combination of the group's world-class indices and best-of-breed analytics, with its technological expertise and customer-driven innovation, enables its clients to achieve competitive advantage in a rapidly changing marketplace. About the IIGF The International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF) of the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) is an independent and non-profit think tank in Beijing, China. Its goal is to support the development of green finance in China and internationally. SOURCE Qontigo by Wang Zhicheng The increase is almost entirely due to COVID-19. In the first three months of 2020 alone, some 45,320 people probably died because of the pandemic. The Chinese government reported so far only 4,636 deaths in the whole country, 3,869 in Wuhan. For the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China, Wuhan's medical staff were warned not to give interviews to journalists. Beijing (AsiaNews) The death rate in Wuhan was 50 per cent higher than normal in the first three months of last year, this according to research published in the British Medical Journal in cooperation with the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Extrapolating from the figures, the deaths from COVID-19 in Wuhan alone and for the first three months should be at least 45,320. The Chinese government has so far reported only 4,636 deaths across the country and 3,869 deaths in Wuhan. Research doesn't go that far, but it shows that in the first three months of 2020, mortality in three central districts of Wuhan (where the pandemic hit the most) increased by 56 per cent (1,147 people per 100,000 against 735 the year before). Most of these deaths are related to COVID-19 and to a lesser extent to an unknown pneumonia. The death rate in Wuhan, which is divided in 11 districts, also increased due to other illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, which rose by 25 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. Since the start of the emergency, local authorities have done everything to hide the gravity of the crisis, concealing the epidemic, blocking news, threatening journalists and doctors, pushing lower numbers. A glimpse of truth came in late March 2020, when Wuhan authorities allowed families to bury the cremated remains of their loved ones. For several days, hundreds of thousands of people queued up at city crematoria to collect the ashes of an estimated 45,000 people. For months, the government has tried to stop foreign journalists. In its recently released annual report, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China said that journalists were subjected to additional restrictions and controls because of COVID-19. Some 42 per cent of respondents said they were forced leave a place or denied access for health and safety reasons when they presented no risk. The report also states that Wuhan's medical staff were questioned by authorities and warned against giving interviews to journalists. Former President Donald Trump delivered his first public remarks since leaving office at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Sunday, pushing back on the notion he might start a third party while hinting at, but declining to announce explicitly, a 2024 White House bid. Trump closed out the 2021 CPAC, which took place in Orlando, Florida, with an impassioned speech that lasted for about an hour and a half. He decried many of President Joe Bidens policies, including an indirect shot at the Equality Act. Do you miss me yet? Trump asked the crowd as he began the speech. I stand before you today to declare that the incredible journey we begun together is far from being over. While polling in recent weeks has suggested strong support among Republicans should the former president create a new political party, he quickly dispelled the rumors in his speech. Source:The Christian Post Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds NW 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. 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 Department of Health NI has said the Covid-19 vaccine remains voluntary amongst care home staff in Northern Ireland. It comes after the Derry News revealed that three out of ten care home workers have turned down the Covid vaccine in the Western Trust area numbers reflected across NI. Care home residents and staff were amongst the first priority group in the North. It has emerged that a number of major care home operators in the UK have insisted that all current staff be vaccinated and advised any new staff, no jab, no job. The British government has said it will leave it up to businesses to decide whether they make vaccines mandatory for workers. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also announced a review of vaccine certificates or passports. Proof of vaccination could allow people to travel or attend large events. However, there has been a public backlash with more than 200,000 people signing a petition urging the government not to introduce passports. Outlining the position in Northern Ireland, a Department of Health spokesperson said: The uptake of the vaccine in Northern Ireland remains a voluntary process. VACCINATION PROGRAMME On Friday Health Minister Robin Swann hailed the care home vaccination programme as an important milestone in the battle against Covid-19. The drive to administer first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine across all of Northern Irelands care homes started in December and has been completed, Minister Swann confirmed. He said the last remaining homes have now been visited. The programme schedule has allowed sufficient time for outbreaks of infection to conclude and vaccination to subsequently be offered to those care homes. But the Minister has warned that measures to protect care home residents and staff from coronavirus will not be relaxed at this stage. These measures include strict infection prevention and control practices, maintenance of social distancing, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a programme of regular asymptomatic testing. An important epidemiology study is now commencing which will examine the impact of vaccination on care homes in NI. The learning emerging from this work will be of significant interest. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Lourda Geoghegan recognised that not all residents or staff took the vaccine. She spelt out the key factors behind the continuing precautionary approach. Dr Geoghegan said no vaccine in history has ever been 100% effective. It is anticipated that a small minority of people, including some care home residents, may not derive full benefits from vaccination against Covid-19. The current evidence tells us that those who are vaccinated and protected from serious ill-health may still acquire the virus. Furthermore, definitive data is still awaited on the impact of vaccination on transmission of the virus. It cannot be ruled out that some vaccinated people could still pass the virus on to others. While provisional figures for the care home vaccination programme show a high rate of uptake among both residents and staff, not everyone took the opportunity to receive the vaccine, she added. The states top utility regulator resigned Monday under increasing pressure from lawmakers in the wake of this months deadly power outages. In her resignation letter, Public Utility Commission Chairwoman DeAnn Walker sounded indignant, saying she had worked endless hours over the past two and a half weeks to return electric power to the grid, and that others contributed to the lapse. The gas companies, the Railroad Commission, the electric generators, the transmission and distribution utilities, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, and finally the Legislature all had responsibility to foresee what could have happened and failed to take the necessary steps for the past ten years to address issues that each of them could have addressed, Walker wrote. She added, I know that I acted with the best of intentions and used my best judgment on how to respond once the crisis was upon us, as well as the days that led to the crisis. Pressure for Walker to resign over the outages hit a new level earlier Monday when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick became the most influential lawmaker yet to demand the resignations of Walker and Bill Magness, the CEO of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, known as ERCOT. Patrick, a Montgomery Republican who presides over the Texas Senate, said following a series of hearings last week, it is clear there were critical communication failures in the runup to the storm by Walker and Magness. The lack of adequate preparation by both the ERCOT CEO and the PUC chair before the storm, their failure to plan for the worst-case scenario and their failure to communicate in a timely manner dictates they are not the ones to oversee the reforms needed, Patrick said in a statement released to the media on Monday morning. Walker was pelted last week in legislative hearings for not using her role as chair of the PUC to do more. Walker insisted she doesnt have the authority to do as much as some have suggested, but lawmakers were highly critical of her answers. I would contend you are choosing not to leverage the authority we have given you, said Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. CALLS FOR PUC OUSTER: Lawmakers deliving into deadly Texas power outages take aim at Public Utilities Commission Walkers departure was welcomed by Rep. Rafael Anchia, a Dallas Democrat who was among those who aggressively questioned her last week. The people of Texas deserved nothing less than Commissioner Walkers immediate resignation following the complete failure by her agency and ERCOT, he said in a statement, adding, Texans still await her apology. The Public Utility Commission has oversight over ERCOT, which is a non-governmental public entity that is supposed to manage the states electricity grid. Seven of ERCOTs 15 board members resigned last week. Magness was grilled for nearly five hours during last weeks hearings on how the state ended up within minutes of the entire electrical grid failing, which would have damaged power facilities and transmission lines for months. Magness said to protect the grid, ERCOT ordered utility companies to institute rolling outages, but because of a series of failures, those outages lasted days and left millions of Texans without power during the frigid temperatures. He said ultimately the rolling outages were the right call. FAILURES OF POWER: Critics say Abbott appointees gutted enforcement of Texas grid rules When pressed, Magness said there was nothing he would have done differently, but that he understood the consequences of the power outages. The ERCOT CEO and the PUC chair did acknowledge their poor communication prior to the storm, but they did not seem to understand what a critical point that was, Patrick said on Monday. As one example, ERCOT didnt make a public call for Texans to conserve energy until the storm was upon us on February 14. I do not make this call for the resignation of the PUC Chair and the ERCOT CEO lightly, he added. These are two good people who have worked very hard. Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Walker to the PUC on Sept. 20, 2017. Her term is set to expire in September. Magness has been president and chief executive officer of ERCOT since January 2016. While Abbott appoints the utility commission chair, the Texas Senate must confirm the appointment. Patrick took issue with some of the testimony he heard last week from Walker and Magness. At one point Patrick said they told Senators that they had informed state leadership, including me, about the seriousness of the winter storm. But Patrick said they did not provide him with information regarding the potential catastrophic grid-threatening danger of the storm before the morning of Feb. 15. Other Texas lawmakers have been calling for both Walker and Magness to resign. Last week a bipartisan group of Texas House members called for them to step aside, including State Reps. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, and Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston. jeremy.blackman@chron.com jeremy.wallace@chron.com Advertisement Tina Fey and Amy Poehler ripped the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for having no black members during their Golden Globes monologue to crowds mostly filled with first responders on Sunday. Fey, 50, broadcast from the Rainbow Room at 30 Rock in New York City - where 'indoor dining and outdoor muggings are back.' Poehler, 49, joined her from the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles while celebrities called in to the awards show from video remote streams in front of masked frontline workers. The only celebrities present were the ones who handed out awards. 'Normally, this room is full of celebrities but tonight our audience, on both coasts, is made up of smoking hot first responders and essential workers,' Fey told the crowd, who were seated at socially distanced stations. 'We are so grateful for the work that you do and that you're here so the celebrities can stay safely at home.' The comedians then took aim at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association who has been under fire this week for the lack of black journalists amid the 87 members. 'The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is made up of around 90 international - no black - journalists who attend movie junkets each year in search of a better life,' Fey said, adding that 'a number of black actors and black-led projects were overlooked.' 'We all know award shows are stupid... the point is, even with stupid things, inclusivity is important and there are no black members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. I realize, HFPA you many not have gotten the memo because your workplace is the back booth of a French McDonald's, but you got to change that.' Poehler chimed in adding she is 'looking forward to that change.' Scroll down for video The latest: Tina Fey, 50, and Amy Poehler, 49, were fearless in delivering the Golden Globes monologue Sunday with jabs at the HFPA's diversity problem, James Corden and Kate Hudson among other remarks The Golden Globes were held remotely with only a small crowd of socially distanced first responders in attendance on both coasts The HFPA came under scrutiny this week after the Los Angeles Times discovered that the group has no black members and Hollywood celebrities and industry guilds have since voiced criticism. 'A cosmetic fix isnt enough. When whole cultures are shut out of the conversation, their art and their voices are shut out as well,' the Directors Guild, which has 18,000 members, wrote on Facebook. In a subsequent segment on the show, HFPA officials acknowledged the issues and pledged to focus their efforts on improving things moving forward. 'Well look feared to a more inclusive future,' HFPA President Ali Sar said. 'That means creating an environment where diverse membership is the norm, not the exception.' Ex-HFPA President Meher Tatna said, 'We must ensure everyone from all underrepresented communities get a seat at our table -and we are going to make that happen.' The returning co-hosts also packed their speech with jokes addressing the pandemic and 'all the fantastic TV shows you binged this year: the American Office, old Columbos and very one-sided news programs.' In part of the monologue, Fey and Poehler tried to explain the difference between movies and TV shows, taking a jab at the pandemic and the quality of entertainment content released since movie theaters were closed. Best of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's 2021 Golden Globe gags Hosting the Golden Globes 2021, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took aim at the likes of Sia, Emily In Paris and James Corden as they navigated the virtual ceremony. Tina Fey on what will be up for awards this year thanks to the pandemic: 'The American Office, old Columbos, very one-sided news programmes, the Zoom town halls about your schools staying closed, and of course the cranberry juice skateboard guy!' Tina Fey on Sia film Music: 'Sia's controversial Music is nominated for Best International Flopperoonie. I don't want to get into it, guys, but it's really problematic. Twitter is saying it's the most offensive casting since Kate Hudson was the Weightwatchers spokesperson!' Tina Fey on James Corden being up for his divisive performance as a gay man in The Prom: 'The Queen's Gambit is whatever James Corden was up to in The Prom, I guess!' Tina Fey on the difference between film and television: 'If the British actors are playing Brits, that's TV. If they're playing Americans, that's a movie. If you find yourself saying, "Mario Lopez is surprisingly good in this" that's TV. If it stars Matthew McConaughey as a poetic drifter that's a car commercial!' Tina Fey on Emily In Paris: 'I can't wait to find out whether it's a Musical or a Comedy. French Exit is what I did after watching the first episode of Emily In Paris.' Tina Fey on The Undoing: 'The Undoing was a sexy and dramatic mystery where Nicole Kidman's coat was suspected of murdering her wig.' Amy Poehler on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's lack of Black members: 'Look, a lot of flashy garbage got nominated but that happens, okay? That's like their thing. But a number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked.' Tina Fey added: 'We all know award shows are stupid. The point is, even with stupid things, inclusivity is important and there are no Black members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association ... You have to change that.' Tina Fey on Pixar film Soul: 'Soul is a beautiful Pixar animated movie where a Black man's soul is knocked out of his body and into a cat. They responded to this because they have five cat members.' Advertisement Sean Penn, pictured, was one of the celebrities who presented in person from Beverly Hills during the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards Award honorees like Carol Burnett Award winner Norman Lear, center, tuned into the event remotely via online video feeds to accept their awards Chloe Zhao appears via video at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton and broadcast on Sunday Sacha Baron Cohen, left, slammed Rudy Giuliani and former President Donald Trump in his acceptance speeches during the Golden Globes 'If it stars Matthew McConaughey as a poetic drifter, it's a car commercial,' Poehler said, joking about the star's Lincoln commercials. Fey added: 'In movies its called human trafficking but on TV its called 90 Day Fiance.' The comedy duo then went on to explain some of the movies and shows nominated for awards, targeting James Corden for his appearance in the musical The Prom. Corden's performance had been slammed as homophobic after the actor, who is straight, played a gay character in the Netflix film, which got a low 55 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. 'The Queens Gambit is whatever James Corden was up to in The Prom,' Fey joked. 'The Prom came out at the perfect time because this year so many teenagers didn't get to go to their prom this year so they could James Corden and Meryl Streep go to it instead.' Salma Hayek, left and Margot Robbie, were some of the few celebrities who attended the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton on Sunday, before handing out awards Fey's 30 Rock co-star Tracy Morgan, pictured, attends the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Rainbow Room Because of coronavirus protocols, only first responders and some celebrities presenting awards were seated in the crowd Frontline and essential workers attend as guests during the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Rainbow Room in New York City Fey then again targeted the the HFPA while explaining the Pixar movie Soul. 'Soul is a beautiful Pixar animated movie where a middle age black man's soul accidentally gets knocked out of his body and into a cat. The HFPA really responded to this movie because they do have two cat members,' Fey said. They also joked, 'Sia's Music is nominated for best international flop-eroonie ... and I don't want to get into guys, but it's real problematic, and Twitter is saying that it's the worst casting since Kate Hudson became a Weight Watchers spokesperson.' The two hosts slammed Music, which is nominated for best motion picture, after Sia apologized for a scene in which a character with autism played by Maddie Ziegler is restrained in a dangerous manner. Fey brought up the controversy that unfurled amid the recent revelation there were no black journalists amid the 87 members in the HFPA Repeat: Poehler and Fey returned to host for the fourth time; the comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015 Later in the awards show, Sacha Baron Cohen accepted the Golden Globe award for Best Comedy or Musical film for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. 'Thank you to the all white Hollywood Foreign Press,' Baron Cohen said at the start of his acceptance speech. 'Ive got to say, this movie could not have been possible without my co-star, a fresh new talent who came from nowhere and turned out to be a comedy genius. Im talking about Rudy Giuliani. I mean, who can get more laughs out of one unzipping? Incredible.' He continued by addressing other scandals faced by the Trump lawyer. 'Our movie was just the beginning for him. Rudy went on to star in a string of comedy films. Hits like Four Seasons Landscaping, Hair Dye Another Day, and the courtroom drama A Very Public Fart.' Baron Cohen later made a quip at Trump contesting the results of the 2020 election when he won Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. 'Hold on, Donald Trump is contesting the result. Hes claiming a lot of dead people voted, which is a very rude thing to say about the HFPA,' he joked. Jokes: Fey said of the late night host, 'The Queen's Gambit is ... whatever James Corden was up to in The Prom I guess' The joke was a reference to controversy of James Corden playing a gay character in the Netflix film despite not being gay Yikes! Kate Hudson's efforts in Sia's Music fell under scrutiny from the duo as appears virtually on Twitter's livestream of the event This year's ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Poehler and Fey returned to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Netflix smash-hit Emily in Paris found itself as one of the more controversially nominated shows, landing a nomination for best TV series, musical or comedy. The shows star, Lily Collins, also got a nod for best actress. Much of the uproar surrounding the nomination stems from the snubbing of Michaela Coel, whose HBO drama I May Destroy You failed to land any nominations. Deborah Copaken, one of the writers of Emily in Paris, even spoke out to criticize the Hollywood Foreign Press for shunning Coel. Copaken tweeted that it was 'just wrong', and later expanded on her thoughts in an op-ed for the Guardian. Coast-to-coast: Fey, 50, was broadcasting from New York City's Rainbow Room, while Poehler, 49, was at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles 'Am I excited that Emily in Paris was nominated? Yes. Of course. I've never been remotely close to seeing a Golden Globe statue up close, let alone being nominated for one,' she wrote. 'But that excitement is now unfortunately tempered by my rage over Coel's snub. That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, its what is wrong with everything. 'We need art that reflects all of our colors, not just some. But we also need to give awards to shows (and music and films and plays and musicals) that deserve them, no matter the color of the skin of their creators,' she went on to write. Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020. GOLDEN GLOBES 2021: THE WINNERS MOVIES Best Motion Picture, Drama The Father Mank Nomadland - WINNER Promising Young Woman The Trial of the Chicago 7 On the road again: Nomadland won the top honor in film Best Motion Picture, Drama Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical Borat Subsequent Moviefilm - WINNER Hamilton Music Palm Springs The Prom Best Director Emerald Fennell Promising Young Woman David Fincher Mank Regina King One Night in Miami Aaron Sorkin The Trial of the Chicago 7 Chloe Zhao Nomadland - WINNER Trailblazing: Chloe Zhao became just the second woman to win for directing in 78 years Best Screenplay Emerald Fennell Promising Young Woman Jack Fincher Mank Christopher Hampton, Florian Zeller The Father Aaron Sorkin The Trial of the Chicago 7 - WINNER Chloe Zhao Nomadland Best Foreign Language Picture Another Round La Llorona The Life Ahead Minari - WINNER Two of Us Best Animated Picture The Croods: A New Age Onward Over the Moon Soul - WINNER Wolfwalkers Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama Viola Davis Ma Raineys Black Bottom Andra Day The United States vs Billie Holiday - WINNER Vanessa Kirby Pieces of a Woman Frances McDormand Nomadland Carey Mulligan Promising Young Woman Big moment: Andra Day was the surprise winner in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama category Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama Riz Ahmed Sound of Metal Chadwick Boseman Ma Raineys Black Bottom - WINNER Anthony Hopkins The Father Gary Oldman Mank Tahar Rahim The Mauritanian Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical Maria Bakalova Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Kate Hudson Music Michelle Pfeiffer French Exit Rosamund Pike I Care a Lot - WINNER Anya Taylor-Joy Emma Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical Sacha Baron Cohen Borat Subsequent Moviefilm - WINNER James Corden The Prom Lin-Manuel Miranda Hamilton Dev Patel The Personal History of David Copperfield Andy Samberg Palm Springs Winner! Sacha Baron Cohen's politically-charged sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm earned two awards Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Glenn Close Hilbilly Elegy Jodie Foster The Mauritanian - WINNER Olivia Colman The Father Amanda Seyfried Mank Helena Zengel News of the World Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Sacha Baron Cohen The Trial of the Chicago 7 Daniel Kaluuya Judas and the Black Messiah - WINNER Jared Leto The Little Things Bill Murray On the Rocks Leslie Odom Jr One Night in Miami Best Original Score in a Motion Picture The Midnight Sky Tenet News of the World Mank Soul - WINNER Best Original Song in a Motion Picture Judas and the Black Messiah The Life Ahead - WINNER One Night in Miami The Trial of the Chicago 7 The United States vs Billie Holiday TELEVISION Best Television Series, Drama The Crown - WINNER Lovecraft Country The Mandalorian Ozark Ratched Triumphant: The Crown nearly swept all of the dramatic television categories including Best Television Series, Drama as creator Peter Morgan accepted the award Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical Emily in Paris The Flight Attendant The Great Schitts Creek - WINNER Ted Lasso Best Limited Series, Anthology or TV Movie Normal People The Queens Gambit - WINNER Small Axe The Undoing Unorthodox Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Drama Olivia Colman The Crown Jodie Comer Killing Eve Emma Corrin The Crown - WINNER Laura Linney Ozark Sarah Paulson Ratched Crowning achievement: Emma Corrin beat out her The Crown co-star Olivia Colman (Queen Elizabeth II) in the Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Drama category Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series, Drama Jason Bateman Ozark Josh OConnor The Crown - WINNER Bob Odenkirk Better Call Saul Al Pacino Hunters Matthew Rhys Perry Mason Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical Lily Collins Emily in Paris Kaley Cuoco The Flight Attendant Elle Fanning The Great Jane Levy Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist Catherine OHara Schitts Creek - WINNER Legend: Catherine O'Hara earned the win in the Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical for her role in Schitt's Creek Best Performance by an Actor in a TV series, Comedy or Musical Don Cheadle Black Monday Nicholas Hoult The Great Eugene Levy Schitts Creek Jason Sudeikis Ted Lasso - WINNER Ramy Youssef Ramy Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology or TV Movie Cate Blanchett Mrs America Daisy Edgar-Jones Normal People Shira Haas Unorthodox Nicole Kidman The Undoing Anya Taylor-Joy The Queens Gambit - WINNER Checkmate: It was also a big night for Anya Taylor-Joy as she won Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology or TV Movie for The Queen's Gambit Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology or TV Movie Bryan Cranston Your Honour Jeff Daniels The Comey Rule Hugh Grant The Undoing Ethan Hawke The Good Lord Bird Mark Ruffalo I Know This Much Is True - WINNER Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series Gillian Anderson The Crown - WINNER Helena Bonham Carter The Crown Julia Garner Ozark Annie Murphy Schitts Creek Cynthia Nixon Ratched Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series John Boyega Small Axe, Red, White and Blue - WINNER Daniel Levy Schitts Creek Brendan Gleeson The Comey Rule Jim Parsons Hollywood Donald Sutherland The Undoing No axe to grind: The second award of the night went to John Boyega in the Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series category for his role in Small Axe "Red, White and Blue" Advertisement Sacha Baron Cohen sarcastically thanks the 'all-white Hollywood Foreign Press' before ruthlessly poking fun at Rudy Giuliani AND Donald Trump during Golden Globes acceptance speeches Sacha Baron Cohen's politically-charged sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm earned two awards on Sunday night during the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards. And the comedian, 49, came out swinging as he sarcastically thanked the 'all-white' Hollywood Foreign Press Association during his initial acceptance speech, before ripping into his nemesis - and unsuspecting costar - Rudy Giuliani. Later on in the show, Cohen joked that former president Donald Trump was 'contesting' his 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical' win. Winner! Sacha Baron Cohen's politically-charged sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm earned two awards on Sunday night during the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards Taking digs: And the comedian, 49, came out swinging as he sarcastically thanked the 'all-white' Hollywood Foreign Press Association during his initial acceptance speech, before ripping into his nemesis - and unsuspecting costar - Rudy Giuliani 'Hold on, Donald Trump is contesting the result,' began Cohen as he pretended to hold a phone to his ear. He was joined on screen by his wife of over 10 years, Isla Fisher, who could hardly contain her laughter. 'He's claiming that a lot of dead people voted, which is a very rude thing to say about the HFPA,' Sacha quipped. Besides his Best Actor in a Comedy nod, Cohen's highly anticipated Borat sequel also walked away with the Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical. 'Thank you to the all-white Hollywood Foreign Press,' began the English comedian, who was referencing to the recent uproar around the absence of black journalist in the HFPA. This year's Golden Globes ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Nominees will be tuning into the ceremony remotely but presenters have been asked to appear in person. The impressive list of presenters this year includes; Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Annie Mumolo, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig and Renee Zellweger, Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Margot Robbie, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Kate Hudson and Kenan Thompson. Satchel and Jackson Lee, children of three-time Golden Globe nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and producer/philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, are serving as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Guess who's back? Besides his Best Actor in a Comedy nod, Cohen's highly anticipated Borat sequel also walked away with the Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical Thankful: 'Thank you to the all-white Hollywood Foreign Press,' began the English comedian, who was referencing to the recent uproar around the absence of black journalist in the HFPA Jane Fonda, 83, is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The acting icon has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in 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. Nominations were announced on February 3 with streaming giant Netflix receiving 42 nominations across film and television. David Fincher's Mank lead with six nominations across film, while The Crown also topped the TV categories with the same number of nominations. Netflix smash-hit Emily in Paris found itself as one of the more controversially nominated shows, landing a nomination for best TV series, musical or comedy. The show's star, Lily Collins, also got a nod for best actress. Much of the uproar surrounding the nomination stems from the snubbing of Michaela Coel, whose HBO drama I May Destroy You failed to land any nominations. Deborah Copaken, one of the writers of Emily in Paris, even spoke out to criticize the Hollywood Foreign Press for shunning Coel. Copaken tweeted that it was 'just wrong', and later expanded on her thoughts in an op-ed for the Guardian. 'Am I excited that Emily in Paris was nominated? Yes. Of course. I've never been remotely close to seeing a Golden Globe statue up close, let alone being nominated for one,' she wrote. 'But that excitement is now unfortunately tempered by my rage over Coel's snub. That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, it's what is wrong with everything. 'We need art that reflects all of our colors, not just some. But we also need to give awards to shows (and music and films and plays and musicals) that deserve them, no matter the color of the skin of their creators,' she went on to write. Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020. A plane flew a six-hour flight to nowhere after a bird strike in mid-air. KLM flight 515, which departed Amsterdam Schiphol airport for Zanzibar, Tanzania, on 28 February, was flying over the Mediterranean Sea just south of Greece when the crew made the decision to turn back for the Dutch capital. The Boeing 777 jet was three hours into its journey, which ordinarily takes around eight and a half hours. Flight tracking website RadarBox reported the reason as a bird strike, although its not clear whether the aircraft hit a bird while cruising over the Mediterranean or upon take-off. The plane landed back in Amsterdam just over six hours after it took off. The Independent has contacted KLM for more information. Flights that end up back at their departure airport are called flights to nowhere. During the Covid pandemic, various airlines have launched flights to nowhere to capitalise on travellers desire to fly. In September, a Qantas flight to nowhere became one of the fastest-selling in the airlines history, with all tickets snapped up in 10 minutes. The Australian flag carrier flew a seven-hour scenic route around the country, which took off from and landed in Sydney, amid ongoing travel restrictions. The flight allowed passengers to enjoy views over Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and other landmarks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the air of the Kan television and radio company that Iran was behind the explosion on an Israeli ship in the Gulf of Oman, RIA Novosti reported. Last Friday, Israeli media reported that an explosion occurred on Thursday on an Israeli ship in the Gulf of Oman. no one was injured. What exactly caused the explosion was not reported. Netanyahu added that Iran is Israel's biggest enemy and again noted the importance of not getting nuclear weapons with or without a deal. Earlier on Sunday, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Syrian air defense forces were repelling an Israeli attack over the Damascus suburb. The Israeli army told RIA Novosti that they would not comment on foreign media reports. In turn, the Israeli media, in particular the Gaalei IDF radio station and the Jerusalem Post, suggested that the attack in Syria could be related to the situation with an Israeli ship in the Gulf of Oman. As reported earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Beni Gantz believes that Iran could be behind the attack on an Israeli ship in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference at a vaccination site in the Brooklyn borough of New York on Feb. 22, 2021. (Seth Wenig/Pool via Reuters) White House, Pelosi Support Probe of Cuomo Sexual Harassment Claims One of the top Democrats in Congress and the White House backed an investigation into sexual harassment claims made in recent days against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, one of the most visible governors in the country during the past year. The women who have come forward with serious and credible charges against Governor Cuomo deserve to be heard and to be treated with dignity, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement to news outlets. The independent investigation must have due process and respect for everyone involved, she added. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, told reporters on Monday that reading allegations made by one of the women made her incredible uncomfortable. We certainly believe that every woman coming forward, Charlotte, Lindsey, should be treated with respect and dignity and be able to tell their story, Psaki said during a press briefing in Washington. She noted that New York Attorney General Letitia James said overnight that her office would oversee an independent investigation with subpoena power, and that Cuomos office said the governor would cooperate with the probe. We certainly support that process. And well wait to see that through, Psaki added. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington on March 1, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Lindsey Boylen, the former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to Cuomo, came forward with allegations last week, including claiming Cuomo kissed her during a meeting. A spokesperson for Cuomo told The Epoch Times via email that details Boylen shared didnt line up with actual events, alleging, for instance, there were no flights where Cuomo and his former aide were alone, apart from a state trooper. A second former aide, Charlotte Bennett, put forth new claims over the weekend, alleging the governor questioned her inappropriately about her sex life. Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a statement that he didnt intend to offend anyone or cause harm. I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that, he said. To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to. Thats why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations. Cuomo also ordered subordinates not to harass Bennett to express displeasure about her coming forward. James said Sunday that she didnt accept Cuomos proposal for an independent review. The states Executive Law clearly gives my office the authority to investigate this matter once the governor provides a referral, James, a Democrat, said. On Monday, James said she was launching the probe after Cuomos office sent her the referral. IQALUIT, Nunavut - Cas Augaarjuk Connelly and Rachel Qiliqti Kaludjak never wanted to stop working at a Nunavut birthing centre, but they say years of mistreatment, racism and a lack of support from their government left them no choice. Inuit midwives Cas Augaarjuk Connelly (left) and Rachel Qiliqti Kaludjak pose after a birth at Rankin Inlet's birthing centre in 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Rachel Qiliqti Kaludjak and Cas Augaarjuk Connelly MANDATORY CREDIT IQALUIT, Nunavut - Cas Augaarjuk Connelly and Rachel Qiliqti Kaludjak never wanted to stop working at a Nunavut birthing centre, but they say years of mistreatment, racism and a lack of support from their government left them no choice. Both are nationally certified midwives, the first Inuit in Canada to hold such credentials, and for the last six years were the only ones to offer labour support full time in Rankin Inlet. "It was our dream and our passion. I really had visions of retiring from the birthing centre when Im old and grey," Kaludjak said. In January 2020, Connelly resigned and Kaludjak left in August. Connelly had worked at the centre since 2008; Kaludjak since 2003. The Nunavut government then shuttered birthing services in Rankin Inlet, forcing expectant mothers there and in surrounding hamlets to leave home to give birth. "It was a very emotional decision. We felt like we were failing ourselves and failing our fellow Inuit women. That made me very, very sad," Kaludjak said. "And I felt very guilty about that. And I still do. The system doesnt allow for us to succeed. "The women deserve an explanation. A real concrete one." When Connelly and Kaludjak started at the birthing centre, which opened in 1993, there were two other full-time midwives. But for the last six years, they were the only two. The remaining positions were filled by a revolving door of southern midwives who would fly up for a few weeks. Connelly and Kaludjak were essentially running the centre on their own. "We were constantly orienting new staff. And often we had no casuals. Wed have blocks of time where we didnt have enough staff. Wed be on call for weeks and weeks at a time," Connelly said. Nunavut's health-care system relies heavily on southern providers. And the most recent figures from Statistics Canada show that the territory has the highest birthrate in Canada at 22.6 live births per 1,000 people more than double the national average of 10.1. Some 840 babies were born to Nunavut mothers in 2019. Connelly and Kaludjak provided Nunavut Inuit with something rare: health care at home in their first language. "Women were able to speak their own language. It was so rewarding," Kaludjak said. "Were related to half the community, so youre taking care of your family as well," Connelly added. At times, she said, they were burned out, worried for their patients and felt like they had all of the community's maternity care on their shoulders. Yet when Department of Health staff needed information or had questions about the birthing centre, they turned to the southern, non-Inuit staff, the women said. "In their eyes, there were the Aboriginal midwives and then the midwives. We'd do births together and we'd be supervised by people who dont even do births. We were always made to feel less," Connelly said. "We were questioned on things like overtime and mirroring our southern colleagues, who were there at the exact same time doing a birth together. Our southern colleagues were never questioned," Kaludjak said. One Nunavut government employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said the two women were constantly brushed aside by management. "You would have somebody from the south come up, whos literally been there a week, and the manager wanted to meet with that person ... instead of asking Inuit that have been there for a decade," she said. Kaludjak was acting manager at the birthing centre for three years. She said when the position was posted, she interviewed for the job and was rejected. She said she was told she would need to train her replacement, but no one was hired. Joan Margaret Laine, a midwife who worked with the two women, said the government failed them. "There were so many instances of racism and aggression. It was really disheartening to work there." She said she was in a group of midwives who offered to work full time in Rankin Inlet to give Connelly and Kaludjak some relief. But jobs were never posted. The Department of Health did not respond to requests for comment about the jobs or Connelly and Kaludjak. Health Minister Lorne Kusugak, who was moved into the role after Connelly and Kaludjak left, said he's working with his department to review the birthing centre's operations. "Since Day 1 of my first meeting with senior staff, that was one of the top priorities that we brought forward, to ensure the centre runs again and we dont run into the same issues that may have been highlighted by previous staff." Kusuagak said he is "very aware" of the situation at the centre. "We have to make sure that the work environment is one that is equal to everybody that is there. The goal here is to have women give birth in a very safe and peaceful environment." Martha Aitkin, the birthing centre's director from 2006 to 2009, also worked as a locum midwife in Rankin Inlet in 2017. She said Connelly and Kaludjak experienced "a long list of microaggressions" by the government. It can only be described as anti-Inuit racism. The view from the southern people above them in the government hierarchy was that they werent good enough, that they werent as qualified," said Aitkin, who is from Ontario. Connelly, Kaludjak and other midwives said they brought their issues to the government over the years, but nothing was done. They said that's partially because there is a high turnover in departmental staff. "I dont think theres anyone in one position long enough to make change," Connelly said. "The whole dream that the government has of homegrown professionals, I dont know how thats ever going to be if they dont support it," Kaludjak said. The territory's Arctic College ran a midwifery program from 2006 to 2014, but it never continued. Fiona Buchan-Corey, director of the college's Kitikmeot campus, said federal government funding was not renewed. Kerstin Gafvels helped develop the program and worked with Connelly and Kaludjakt. She said she was disappointed when she heard the program was no longer running and that Connelly and Kaludjak had left the birthing centre. "No one coming in temporarily from the south would ever understand or have the knowledge that they carry by being part of the community, of actually living there." Connelly and Kaludjak still live in Rankin Inlet with their families. "The government leaves people hanging with no explanation and too many empty promises and I dont want to be a part of that," Connelly said. "This is not just a government-bashing discussion. Its mainly for the women to have answers and for the government to step up and make the necessary changes." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2021. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship Casinos want entry for locals since foreigners cannot fly into Vietnam Casinos want the government to allow Vietnamese entry to make up for foreigners inability to come to the country due to Covid-19 flight restrictions. A group of casino owners recently petitioned authorities that their facilities in major travel destinations such as Quang Nam and Ba Ria Vung Tau should be allowed to take advantage of domestic demand. Their revenues have plummeted due to the lack of foreign visitors amid flight restrictions, they said. Only two casinos, one on the southern island of Phu Quoc and the other in Van Don in the northern province of Quang Ninh, are now allowed to admit Vietnamese. The government has for long treated gambling as a "social evil" and prohibited Vietnamese from entering casinos. In January 2019, it began a three-year trial to open certain casinos to Vietnamese. The program does not specify the list of casinos, and licenses are instead given on a case-by-case basis. Vietnamese who want to gamble in a casino must be over 21, earn a minimum of VND10 million ($430) a month and have no criminal record or objections from their family. The entry fee is VND1 million ($43) for a day and VND25 million ($1,000) for a month. Vietnam has eight casinos which earned total revenues of VND2.5 trillion in 2019, according to Ministry of Finance data. At Casino Corona in Phu Quoc, the first to allow Vietnamese entry, locals accounted for 45 percent of gamblers in 2019. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark Zero Discrimination Day, a nongovernmental group, Nigeria Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV/AIDS (NINERELA+), has called for more awareness creation amongst women to end discrimination in society. The National Coordinator of NINERELA+, Amber Erinmwinhe, while speaking at an event to mark the day, said women also contribute to various forms of discrimination. She noted that women still practice some old traditions that show signs of discrimination against other women. Women need a lot of orientation especially those in rural communities where some old practices still exist, she said. There are communities where a widows head is usually shaved by fellow women, who also take children for circumcision? Women, She said. Ms Erinmwinhe said women need to unlearn some old traditions if the country is to end discrimination. She called for more awareness for men and women for Nigeria to achieve zero discrimination. Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated on March 1 every year to promote equality in practice and before the law. The day aims to create global solidarity towards ending all forms of discrimination. Zero Discrimination Day 2021 aims at highlighting the urgent need to take action to end the inequalities surrounding income, sex, age, health status, occupation, disability, sexual orientation, drug use, gender identity, race, class, ethnicity and religion that are prevalent around the world. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), inequality is growing for more than 70 per cent of the global population, exacerbating the risk of division and hampering economic and social development. The programme manager of the group, Ikenna Nwakamma noted that everyone has a role to play in ending discrimination in society. The Family has a role to play in training a child, at the community level there are barriers and practices that are discriminatory and at the government level, there is need to ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources, he said. Mr Nwakamma explained that the group engages various stakeholders including faith community leaders as part of its effort to achieve zero discrimination in the country. North Korea's former acting ambassador to Kuwait Ryu Hyun-woo has an interview with CNN in January. Captured from CNN By Yi Whan-woo A North Korean official ranking higher than the country's former Acting Ambassador to Kuwait Ryu Hyun-woo, whose defection to South Korea was recently made public, also fled from the same Gulf state in 2017 and defected to the South, according to a reliable source. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source told The Korea Times that the "higher-placed" official was not a diplomat but was in charge of a construction project involving North Korean workers. They were eventually sent back home after Kuwait enforced the 2017 U.N. Security Council sanctions against the Kim Jong-un regime which was using "their" wage remittances to fund its nuclear and missile programs. The source also wondered why the government didn't reveal anything about the earlier defection. The Kuwaiti government maintains a non-interference stance on North Koreans defecting to Seoul via the South Korean Embassy there, respecting their individual right to travel, and considering such defections a matter between the two Koreas. World Institute for North Korea Studies President An Chan-il, also a North Korean defector, told The Korea Times that he "once heard about a bureaucrat in the construction sector, outranking Ryu, defecting from an unidentified Middle Eastern country around 2019." Over the past five years, three senior North Korean diplomats have safely made their way to Seoul, according to public records. They are former Deputy Ambassador to the U.K. Tae Yong-ho who came to the South in 2016, former Acting Ambassador to Italy Jo Song-gil in 2018 and Ryu in 2019. Ryu was also the son-in-law of Jon Il-chun, who once served as the "top banker" of the North Korean leader. More than 30,000 North Korean defectors live in the South. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks with diplomats in North Korea's Embassy in Vietnam, Feb. 26, 2019, ahead of his summit in the country with then U.S. President Donald Trump. Yonhap Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the closing meeting of the 26th session of the 13th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Tao) The Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, concluded its 26th session Sunday in Beijing. At the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to adopt a decision to remove E Jingping from the post of the minister of water resources and appoint Li Guoying as the new minister. President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to promulgate the decision. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the closing meeting. Lawmakers approved in principle the work report of the NPC Standing Committee and entrusted Li Zhanshu to deliver the report to the fourth annual session of the 13th NPC on behalf of the NPC Standing Committee. A report on deputy qualifications was passed at the meeting. Lawmakers voted to appoint new vice chairpersons of three NPC special committees and appoint two deputy directors of the National Supervisory Commission. They also voted on personnel bills. The meeting approved the draft agenda for the NPC annual session to be held from March 5 and the draft name list of the session's presidium and secretary-general, and decided to submit the drafts to the preparatory meeting of NPC session for deliberation. A name list of members invited to sit in on the NPC session as non-voting participants was also passed at the meeting. Addressing the closing meeting after the vote, Li Zhanshu stressed the importance of the NPC annual session and called for all-out efforts in effectively preparing for the session to ensure a successful event. Li also chaired a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee before the closing meeting and presided over a lecture for lawmakers after the meeting. "We have an elite team here at Crestwood, full of expert innovators who really do just want to produce the best outcomes for our clients." -Bryan Banner (COO) The Crestwood Associates team brought home six Most Valuable Professional (MVP) awards for the year 2020, making them the most awarded company on the list for the second consecutive year. Colleen Schils and Tiffany Bennett won for the first time. Guillermo Pineda won his second award. Senior consultant Melissa Blassingame won for the fourth consecutive year, while Michael Aichinger won for the fifth consecutive year. Wow, hearing that we won six of the Acumatica MVP awards is outstanding, says Bryan Banner, COO at Crestwood Associates. I have worked with all of our MVPs for many years, so I know from personal experience how deserving each of them are. We have an elite team here at Crestwood, full of expert innovators who really do just want to produce the best outcomes for our clients. The Acumatica MVP award honors people in the Acumatica community who share their expertise, knowledge, and dedication to the platform and product. Award winners receive recognition, a small prize, MVP badges for social and web use, participation in various events and forums during the year, and discounted admission to Acumatica Summit. The awards are typically announced just prior to the Acumatica Summit, which has been postponed for the second time until July 2021. Summit is a yearly event held in Las Vegas, Nevada, during which there are training sessions, keynote speeches, networking events, and an award ceremony. VAR partners, customers, and prospects are invited to attend and contribute. About Crestwood Associates, LLC Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, Crestwood Associates is a premier Cloud Service Provider (CSP), Gold-Certified Microsoft Dynamics Partner, 10-time Presidents Club Award Winner, and 2017 Inner Circle recipient. In addition, Crestwood was honored to be chosen as Acumatica's US Partner of the Year in 2016 and 2017, and a member of Acumaticas Presidents Club for 2018 and 2019, Manufacturing Partner of the Year in 2019, with numerous Acumatica MVP awards spread amongst our team. Crestwood delivers a variety of business solutions, including: Acumatica Cloud ERP, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Microsoft Dynamics CRM (now called Dynamics 365 for Sales), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Greentree applications. From accounting and financial reporting, to CRM, manufacturing, distribution, payroll and human resources, Crestwood Associates provides the tools and services that help businesses perform above and beyond the competition. The Crestwood team is comprised of over 45 certified professionals who provide in-depth industry experience and functional expertise. Why Crestwood? Crestwood Associates enjoys consistent growth due to an unwavering commitment to creating expert end users. During planning, implementation, and maintenance, Crestwood's clients have access to an unparalleled level of support and guidance from their account managers, instructional how-to videos, an extensive library of informative blog posts, both free and premium live training, and more. Many expert associates are chosen throughout the year to present at industry events, such as GPUG Summit, Acumatica Summit, BDO events, various conferences, and more. About Acumatica Acumatica is a leading provider of cloud business management software that empowers small and mid-size businesses to unlock their potential and drive growth. Built on the worlds best cloud and mobile technology and a unique customer-centric licensing model, Acumatica delivers a suite of fully integrated business management applications such as Financials, Distribution, CRM, and Project Accounting, powered by a robust and flexible platform. Joe Biden's spokesperson said Monday the U.S. 'reserves the right' to sanction Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the 2018 murder of journalist Jamala Khashoggi. 'Our objective is to recalibrate the relationship, prevent this from ever happening again and to find ways to work together with Saudi leadership,' White House Press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters during a press briefing on Monday afternoon. In a Sunday morning interview, Psaki told CNN that there are 'more effective ways' for President Biden to retaliate against MBS than directly issuing sanctions after a recent intelligence report indicated the de facto Saudi ruler was behind Khashoggi's killing. She walked back slightly on those comments on Monday. 'Of course we reserve the right to take any action at a time and manner of our choosing,' Psaki said during her daily briefing. 'Historically, the United States through Democratic and Republican presidents has not typically sanctioned government leaders of countries where we have diplomatic relations.' White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Monday said President Joe Biden 'reserves the right' to sanction Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for U.S-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder Biden said Saturday that he would make an announcement regarding Saudi Arabia on Monday which has yet to come A U.S. intelligence report concluded the de facto Saudi ruler (pictured on Saturday) was behind the killing of Khashoggi Saudi Arabia's U.N. ambassador defended the Crown Prince on Monday, claiming the U.S. intelligence report doesn't have any firm evidence that could implicate MBS in Khashoggi's death. 'The CIA report was introduced with big fanfare as the report that will clarify and present firm evidence linking Prince Mohammed to the murder of Khashoggi,' Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said in a Twitter post on Monday. He said, however: 'The report therefore is based on could've, should've and would've and does not rise to anywhere close to proving the accusation beyond reasonable doubt.' 'The Prince courageously accepted moral responsibility, presented the accused to the justice system, and pledged to reform the intelligence organizations,' Al-Mouallimi continued. He asserted in the six-tweet thread: 'Case closed! Let us all move forward to tackle the serious business of world issues!!' Biden said on Saturday that his administration would make an announcement on Saudi Arabia on Monday. No such announcement has been made yet. It follows a U.S. intelligence report that found MBS had approved the killing of Khashoggi in 2018. The Biden administration has faced some criticism that the president should have been tougher on the crown prince, who was not sanctioned despite being blamed for approving Khashoggi's murder. Psaki suggested Sunday, and partially abandoned on Monday, that Joe Biden will not directly issue sanctions against MBS. 'We believe there is more effective ways to make sure this doesn't happen again and to also be able to leave room to work with the Saudis on areas where there is mutual agreement where there is national interests for the United States,' Psaki told CNN in an interview. 'That is what diplomacy looks like,' Biden's press secretary said during an interview with 'State of the Union' on Sunday morning. The president's spokesperson was specifically asked why the U.S. was punishing people under the Crown Prince, but not MBS himself. Khashoggi, who wrote opinion columns for the Washington Post critical of MBS, was killed and dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey in October 2018. MBS has denied any involvement in his murder She called Khashoggi's 2018 murder a 'horrific crime.' 'That is what complicated global engagement looks like and we have made no secret and been clear we are going to hold them accountable on the global stage and with direct actions,' Psaki added. When Biden was asked Saturday about punishing MBS, the president said: 'There will be an announcement on Monday as to what we are going to be doing with Saudi Arabia generally.' He did not provide details any further details at the time. Khashoggi, a U.S. resident who wrote opinion columns for the Washington Post critical of MBS policies, was killed and dismembered by a team of operatives linked to the prince in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. The intelligence report released Friday, which had been withheld after being completed under Trump, said it was 'highly unlikely' that Khashoggi's murder could have taken place without his green light. The report points to the crown prince's 'absolute control of the Kingdom's security and intelligence organizations,' where his authority is already well established. The killing of Khashoggi also fits a pattern of 'the crown prince's support for using violent measures to silence dissidents abroad', it added. But Saudi observers dismissed the highly anticipated report, with Ali Shihabi, a government adviser close to the kingdom's royal court, saying the 'thin' assessment lacked a 'smoking gun'. The Saudi government, which has denied any involvement by the crown prince, on Friday issued a statement rejecting the U.S. report's findings and repeating its previous statements that Khashoggi's killing was a heinous crime by a rogue group. Soon after the report was made public, the Arabic hashtag 'We are all MBS' began trending on Twitter, with pro-government cyber armies tweeting in support of the Saudi heir apparent. The Saudi leadership is 'untouchable', screamed a front-page headline in the pro-government Okaz newspaper, which also denounced the report. On Friday, Biden had said in an interview with Univision that he would hold Saudi Arabia 'accountable', adding that he had spoken with King Salman about the decision. 'I spoke yesterday with the king ... Made it clear to him that the rules are changing and we're going to be announcing significant changes today and on Monday. We are going to hold them accountable for human rights abuses,' Biden said. 'If they want to deal with us, they will have to deal with it in a way that the human rights abuses are dealt with,' he continued. The president added that once he got his hands on the report, he worked to 'immediately' read and release it. 'It is outrageous what happened,' he asserted. Despite the unequivocal conclusions of the assessment, the administration stopped short of imposing any diplomatic or economic sanctions on the heir to the throne of the influential ally. Secretary of State Antony Blinken explained that Biden wants to 'recalibrate' but not 'rupture' its relations with Riyadh, a longstanding Middle East partner. 'This is not the Saudi smack-down that many expected,' said Varsha Koduvayur, a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think-tank. It indicates 'Biden's overall Saudi stance: put values at the heart of US foreign policy, emphasize human rights, and reverse the transactional approach of last four years (under Trump) -- while preserving the relationship,' Koduvayur added. Among the punitive steps the United States took on Friday was the imposition of a visa ban on some Saudis believed involved in the Khashoggi killing and sanctions on others, including a former deputy intelligence chief, which would freeze their U.S. assets and generally bar Americans from dealing with them. Blinken released a statement stating the world was 'horrified' by Khashoggi's killing and announcing a new 'Khashoggi ban' visa restriction on people linked to 'counter-dissident activities.' He said the government has acted against 76 individuals but did not identify Khashoggi. The public censure of the prince along with US sanctions marks a sharp departure from the policy of former president Trump, who sought to shield the kingdom's de facto ruler. Biden had pledged during his campaign to make the kingdom a 'pariah' after it got a free pass under Trump, but observers say he is instead adopting a middle path. While scrutinizing human rights, his new administration is working to preserve a valuable security partnership as it moves to reboot nuclear talks with Riyadh's arch-enemy Tehran. Biden also needs to deal with the top crude producer on the highly fraught issues of energy, counterterrorism, and efforts to end the conflict in Yemen. The Biden administration has received harsh criticism for not being hard enough on MBS in particular for not issuing sanctions after the intelligence report found he most likely had to give 'approval' for Khashoggi's killing to happen 'The Biden foreign policy team is comprised of seasoned experts who are not so naive as to think that they can achieve their goals in the Middle East without dealing with a Saudi state that still anchors, though in a less totalizing way, both oil and security in the Gulf,' said Kristin Diwan of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. 'For this reason, they have ruled out the sanctioning of Mohammed bin Salman, preserving space to deal with the Saudi state and its top leadership.' Recent official statements from Washington have called Saudi Arabia a 'security partner', instead of what the Trump administration highlighted as an 'ally' and a key buyer of US military hardware. In an apparent snub earlier this week, Biden insisted on making his first Saudi phone call to 85-year-old King Salman, even as Saudi pro-government supporters insisted that his son, Prince Mohammed, was the kingdom's day-to-day ruler. 'Washington realizes that MBS could go on to rule Saudi Arabia for the next half century, so it cannot afford to completely alienate him,' a Western diplomat told AFP. 'But it is also making clear that it will no longer give him a free pass.' The crown prince has denied involvement in the October 2018 murder of Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident. MBS did accept responsibility for Khashoggi's assassination and Riyadh eventually asserted that the U.S.-based journalist was killed in a 'rogue' extradition operation gone wrong. Five men were given the death penalty for the journalist's murder but had their sentences commuted to 20 years in prison after being forgiven by Khashoggi's family. Khashoggi fled Saudi Arabia in September 2017 to live in self-imposed exile. He was writing columns critical of the Saudi government - including of both King Salman and MBS - for The Washington Post when he was killed.In October 2018, Khashoggi visited the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, to pick up the paperwork required for his marriage to a Turkish citizen. He was never seen leaving. Around 4,000 protesters took to the streets of Barcelona on Saturday to protest against the arrest of Spanish rapper Pablo Hasel, according to the citys local police force, the Guardia Urbana. This marked the ninth night of protests over the arrest of the musician, who was convicted of praising terrorism and insulting the Spanish Crown in messages on social media. Hasel was detained two weeks ago after a court had refused to suspend his nine-month sentence due to his criminal record, which includes convictions for assault and for writing songs that expressed admiration for terrorist acts. The arrest sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators clashing with police and looting. Some protesters at an earlier rally told EL PAIS that Hasels case was just an excuse to express frustration at systemic problems such as youth unemployment. A hotel lobby in Barcelona damaged in Saturdays protest. Emilio Morenatti / AP The demonstration on Saturday in Barcelona began peacefully, with protesters gathering at Universitat square where they called for freedom for Pablo Hasel and freedom of expression. The rally turned violent when the group reached the citys popular La Rambla street, and some of the protesters, who were carrying hammers and other tools, began to smash automated teller machines (ATMs) and the windows of bank offices. One office was even set on fire, which forced firefighters to come to the scene. Protesters in La Rambla also attacked sidewalk cafes, throwing tables and chairs to the ground and toppling planters. Protesters smash a shop window in Barcelona. NACHO DOCE / Reuters The most serious incident happened outside the headquarters of the Guardia Urbana, when protesters threw flammable material at a police vehicle, which caught on fire. At least one officer was inside the vehicle at the time, but was able to escape uninjured. In Catalonia square, protesters also looted a Zara clothing store and smashed a hotels windows. The Catalan regional police, the Mossos dEsquadra, arrested 12 people, including one individual linked to the attack on the police vehicle, while the Guardia Urbana arrested three. The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, categorically [condemned] the violent acts in Barcelona following the peaceful protest. The acting deputy premier of Catalonia, Pere Araones, said: Looting and damaging shops, burning down [street] furniture and attacking public workers are not freedom of expression or freedom of protest. Flares are lit next to a banner calling for an end to police repression in Girona. Toni Ferragut According to the Mossos dEsquadra, 250 to 300 people were identified acting violently in groups of 15 and 20 people, in parallel to the bulk of the protesters, who peacefully marched through the center [of the city]. These same sources said that the violent groups were organized, explaining they launched fireworks and used fuel to set fire to the inside of bank offices. The demonstrations, which have no visible leader or group backing, were organized on social media. As well as calling for Hasels freedom, protesters want all those arrested in the previous nights of unrest to be pardoned. Earlier on Saturday, there were also protests in the Catalan cities of Sabadell, Tarragona, Girona, Terrassa and Lleida, where Hasel was arrested two weeks ago after failing to report to prison. English version by Melissa Kitson. Intelligence officials quietly removed the names of three men 'erroneously' included in the report detailing the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, (pictured) it was revealed on Sunday Intelligence officials quietly removed the names of three men 'erroneously' included in the report detailing the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, it was revealed on Sunday. The first link sent out by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence went dead and has been replaced with a new 'v2' version removing the names of three men which the first version of the report said were involved, CNN reported. Last week, the declassified report made news after it found that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, approved the order to 'capture or kill' Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post. 'We put a revised document on the website because the original one erroneously contained three names which should not have been included,' an ODNI spokesperson told CNN. Abdulla Mohammed Alhoeriny, Yasir Khalid Alsalem and Ibrahim al-Salim were initially listed as having 'participated in, ordered, or were otherwise complicit in or responsible for the death of Jamal Khashoggi.' Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, pictured, allegedly approved the killing Khashoggi The first link sent out by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence went dead and has been replaced with a new 'v2' In the first version of the report, Abdulla Mohammed Alhoeriny, Yasir Khalid Alsalem and Ibrahim al-Salim are named In the second version of the report, Abdulla Mohammed Alhoeriny, Yasir Khalid Alsalem and Ibrahim al-Salim are not named ODNI declined to clarify why their names were originally included in the report, CNN reported. A House Intelligence Committee official told the outlet that lawmakers have asked for a clarification from the intelligence agency. Abdulla Mohammed Alhoeriny, the brother of General Abdulaziz bin Mohammed al-Howraini, had not previously been tied to Khashoggi's death, according to the outlet. Al-Howraini heads the powerful Presidency of State Security agency, which was created in 2017 to oversee multiple intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies. Alhoeriny is reportedly the assistant chief of state security for counter-terrorism, CNN reported. It was not immediately clear who Yasir Khalid Alsalem and Ibrahim al-Salim are and what their ties may be to the Saudi government. None of the three men were sanctioned with 18 others whose names were listed in the revised intelligence report, CNN reported. The Saudi government had immediately responded to the report on Friday, criticizing it for 'the negative, false and unacceptable assessment' and noting that it 'contained inaccurate information and conclusions.' Former CIA Director John Brennan said on Friday that President Joe Biden should not 'turn a blind eye' to actions of the Crown Prince after the report became public. Brennan, who served as the CIA chief from March 2013 to January 2017, called on Biden to prevent bin Salman from ever entering United States while still maintaining a longstanding strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. 'The United States and Saudi Arabia have had a longstanding strategic partnership that I think is very important to both countries,' Brennan said in an interview with MSNBC's Joshua Johnson. 'It runs the gamut from energy to security, counter-terrorism and economics. So therefore, I do think its important we maintain the strength of that relationship.' However, Brennan said the Biden administration should not 'turn a blind eye at all to things Saudi leaders do, including Mohammed bin Salman.' Brennan said Biden has to send a 'clear signal' to bin Salman that 'these types of activities, oppressing, suppressing and ruthlessly killing any Saudi activist who dare to speak out against him is something that shouldnt be tolerated.' 'I do think we can distinguish between the strategic partnership between the two countries and the actions of one man,' Brennan said. He continued: 'Thats why Im really hoping that the Biden administration is going to hold him accountable, saying that he is not going to come to the United States for any official or personal visits.' Brennan added that the Biden administration officials should not hold any senior level meetings with bin Salman. 'That has to be made very clear, not just to Mohammed bin Salman and the rest of the Saudi government, but also to other governments throughout the region,' Brennan said. 'They cannot get away with this because the Biden administration is going to hold them to certain standards in terms of human rights and values.' The Biden administration has faced some criticism that the president should have been tougher on the crown prince, who was not sanctioned for the 2018 murder. Biden said on Saturday that his administration would make an announcement on Saudi Arabia on Monday. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a missile attack over its capital as well as bomb-laden drones targeting a southern province. The attack marks the latest in a series of airborne assaults it has blamed on the Iran-allied Houthis rebels in Yemen's civil war. Dramatic videos posted by the state-owned Al-Ekhbariya to Twitter which appear to show the ballistics missile being intercepted and detonated in the air above Riyadh. Weekend rebuke from MSM has been unanimous. In fact, this morning cable news talking heads pushed past criticism and move straight to fighting words by tagging "Ivy League brats" in reference to the upstart Missouri politico. Here's a round-up of recent criticism . . . A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. (Natural News) Google has fired Margaret Mitchell, the founder and co-head of its artificial intelligence ethics unit, for violating the companys code of conduct. The firing came less than three months after the controversial exit of another senior figure in the companys AI ethics unit, Timnit Gebru. Google said that an investigation found Mitchell had moved files outside the company. After conducting a review of this managers conduct, we confirmed that there were multiple violations of our code of conduct, as well as of our security policies, which included the exfiltration of confidential business-sensitive documents and private data of other employees, Google said in a statement. Mitchell apparently used an automated script to look through her emails in order to find evidence regarding the ousting of Gebru. She had been locked out of Googles systems for the past five weeks before her firing. Despite her position in the company, Mitchell was a fierce critic of Google. Both Mitchell and Gebru had campaigned for more diversity at Google and raised concerns about censorship within the company. According to her LinkedIn, Mitchell joined Google in 2016 as a senior research scientist. Two years later, she helped start the ethical AI team alongside Gebru. She tweeted Im fired shortly after learning the companys decision. A day before Mitchells firing, Google announced the reorganization of its AI teams working on ethics and fairness. The company said that Marian Croak, a prominent Black executive from its engineering department, would now be leading a new center of expertise on responsible AI within Google Research. She would report to Jeff Dean, the companys AI division head. Dean wanted a fresh start. In an internal email, he apologized to staff for how the company handled Gebrus departure. I heard and acknowledged what Dr. Gebrus exit signified to female technologists, to those in the Black community and other underrepresented groups who are pursuing careers in tech, and to many who care deeply about Googles responsible use of AI. It led some to question their place here, which I regret, Dean said. Gebrus abrupt exit puts Google in bad light Gebru is a renowned researcher known for her work on bias in facial recognition technology. In 2018, she helped stop the rollout of an Amazon facial recognition system being used by police agencies. She demonstrated that the flawed Amazon system was 34 percent less capable of correctly identifying black women compared to its ability to correctly identify white men because the dataset used to train the AI mostly contained white faces. Her abrupt exit from Google came as a shock. In December 2020, Gebru was called to a meeting about a research paper she had co-written. She said she was ordered to retract the research paper and that Google was not prepared to engage in a discussion about the matter. Following the meeting, she criticized the decision in an email sent to an internal group called Brain Women and Allies. You are not worth having any conversations about this, since you are not someone whose humanity is acknowledged or valued in this company, she said in the email. Stop writing your documents because it doesnt make a difference. Gebru also emailed the management, laying out some key conditions for removing her name from the paper. If they were not met, Gebru said that she would work on a last date for her employment. According to Gebru, Google replied: We respect your decision to leave Google and we are accepting your resignation. However, we believe the end of your employment should happen faster than your email reflects because certain aspects of the email you sent last night to non-management employees in the brain group reflect behavior that is inconsistent with the expectations of a Google manager. Gebru denied she had resigned. I guess [management] decided for me, she said. (Related: Google has abandoned tech innovation to focus on social justice internal wars and feuds, targeting non-compliant employees for termination.) The research paper titled On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots: Can Language Models be Too Big? remains unpublished. After learning Gebrus fate, many within the scientific community questioned the ethics of conducting research with big technology companies. Since her dismissal, an open letter supporting Gebru has attracted thousands of signatories from within Google and the wider industry. Joy Buolamwini, Gebrus co-author in one of the many research papers she had written, said her colleague deserved more from Google. Ousting Timnit for having the audacity to demand research integrity severely undermines Googles credibility for supporting rigorous research on AI ethics and algorithmic auditing, said Buolamwini. We owe her a debt of gratitude for advancing not just the field of artificial intelligence, but for advancing equality with humility and grace. Google staff who worked with Gebru also applauded her academic contributions and her work as a manager. I cannot count the number of times Timnit Gebru has encouraged us, spoken out for us, defended us and stuck her neck out for us, tweeted Deb Raji, an AI researcher. Follow TechGiants.news for more news and information related to Big Tech companies like Google. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com TheVerge.com BBC.com 1 BBC.com 2 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Invest Puerto Rico (InvestPR), the Island's economic development organization, and the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), today announces that CytoImmune Therapeutics Puerto Rico LLC ("CTPR") will establish cell therapy operations in Puerto Rico in 2021 with the aim of developing novel, coordinate immunotherapy solutions for cancer patients. CytoImmune Therapeutics Puerto Rico Facility The new company, an affiliate of the California-based CytoImmune Therapeutics, organized under the provisions established by the Puerto Rico Incentives Code (Act 60) will be the first of its kind on the Island. Its purpose is to conduct R&D and manufacturing in a 37,000 square foot facility in Toa Baja. CytoImmune has been developing and commercializing novel cancer immunotherapy products designed to utilize the power of the patient's own immune system to eliminate cancer cells. This happens through proprietary Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) engineered T cells (CAR-T) technology, and an approach for natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy that involves a CAR NK cell. This technology enables the cell to recognize specific proteins or antigens present on the surface of tumor cells. Now, manufacturing of CAR NK cells for first-inhuman phase 1 clinical trials will be performed in CytoImmune's Puerto Rico facilities. Because of the ability to freeze and thaw these CAR NK cells, multiple institutions can be involved in early phase clinical trials, including some in Puerto Rico, thereby hastening accrual in each clinical stage. The initiative represents an investment of $28 million in the Island ($8 million by CTPR with co-investment of $17 million by CytoImmune), including machinery and equipment. CTPR expects to hire up to 100 professionals with estimated total payroll of $7 million annually. "We are pleased to welcome CytoImmune to Puerto Rico. The company's commitment to stand up R&D and manufacturing facilities on the Island is a testament to Puerto Rico's potential as a viable investment destination and speaks to Puerto Rico's value proposition as a life science hub," says Rodrick Miller, CEO of Invest Puerto Rico. "We work to strengthen Puerto Rico's position each day with an ever-resilient business ecosystem designed to encourage new investment in the short and long term." "CytoImmune Therapeutics Puerto Rico is a leader in the field of cell therapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of cancers. This is an excellent opportunity to establish an R&D facility in Toa Baja. CTPR with this remarkable scientific discovery will bring hope to many of the sick people with cancer worldwide," says Bernardo Marquez Garcia, the mayor of Toa Baja. "We understand that our Municipality and Puerto Rico can benefit from 100+ jobs, and my administration will support CytoImmune's development." Will Rosellini, Co-founder and President of CytoImmune, noted, "Puerto Rico was the obvious choice for expanding our operations. The Island, with proven history in the life science sector, can support our research and development, including a deep talent pool, supportive business climate, and many other high-value intangibles." About Invest Puerto Rico Invest Puerto Rico is the economic development organization created by law to promote Puerto Rico as a competitive jurisdiction for investment, focused on attracting new businesses and capital to foster economic growth on the Island. Our vision is to be an entity focused on results that accelerates Puerto Rico's transformation and generates more jobs on the Island. About CytoImmune Therapeutics, Inc. CytoImmune Therapeutics was founded on the proprietary Natural Killer cell expansion technology pioneered by Michael Caligiuri and Jianhu Yu. The Company is expanding its manufacturing technologies to enable numerous clinical studies across various cancers. Contact Natalia Rosado [email protected] 939.644.8276 Related Images puerto-rico-facility.jpg Puerto Rico Facility CytoImmune Therapeutics Puerto Rico Facility SOURCE CytoImmune Therapeutics When COVID-19 is more or less under control, California Gov. Gavin Newsom may end up being the poster boy for the toll the pandemic has taken on political leaders. Editorial Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun via AP , Pool, File California Gov. Gavin Newsom When COVID-19 is more or less under control, California Gov. Gavin Newsom may end up being the poster boy for the toll the pandemic has taken on political leaders. California is one of the most coronavirus-affected jurisdictions in the world, recently surpassing 51,000 deaths from COVID-19. In a bid to control the spread of the virus, Mr. Newsom has responded with some of his countrys harshest restrictions. While his leadership has been lauded by Democrats, conservatives, in general, and Republicans, in particular, have assailed him for going too far in shutting the state down. Now, some of those conservative critics are threatening to trigger the states recall provisions to force Mr. Newsom to defend his office in a special election later this year. Its a cruel and ironic scenario that sees the governor of the state with the most COVID-19 deaths at risk of being driven from office for the harshness of his social and economic restrictions. But every political leader should study Mr. Newsoms predicament carefully, because it may be a harbinger of grief yet to come. In every country, and every jurisdiction within those countries, pandemic-weary citizens are growing increasingly impatient and looking for someone to serve as the focus of their contempt even when the problems those officials are being blamed for are largely beyond their control. Recent polls in Canada have revealed an erosion in support for Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government. Although Canadians have been generally positive about the economic supports Mr. Trudeau has provided, his struggles to get a steady and predictable supply of COVID-19 vaccines have put his government on the defensive. The reasons behind the vaccine shortage global production interruptions and a lack of domestic vaccine production capacity are mostly beyond the scope of any federal government. However, Canadians are anxious to be vaccinated and, when there are delays, there is going to be some anger directed at those in charge. The situation is even more perilous for provincial first ministers. While pandemic strategy is a shared responsibility, day-to-day operation of the COVID-19 response falls to the provinces. And there have been some very uneven performances among the countrys premiers. One need look no further than Manitoba for evidence of how quickly political fortunes can turn. After a relatively mild first wave last spring, Manitoba seemed almost impervious to the ravages of COVID-19 seen elsewhere in the country. However, Premier Brian Pallister misinterpreted our good luck and from what we know now, thats basically all it was and started patting himself on the back for having beaten COVID-19 into submission. That moment of self-congratulatory hubris resulted in an ill-considered reduction in pandemic planning and resources. Today, as Manitoba appears ready to emerge from its horrific second wave, the Pallister government has clearly experienced an erosion in public trust that many in the Progressive Conservative party believe could translate into a loss of support in the next provincial election, less than three years hence. After casting an eye southward toward the California governors predicament, Mr. Pallister might be inclined to thank his lucky stars there is no recall provision in Manitoba. But as he and other pandemic-era political leaders are learning on a daily basis, the public is watching their every word and action very closely. For those who do not perform up to expectations, there will be a price to be paid. An iceberg almost the size of New York city broke off the 150 metre Brunt Ice shelf near a British research station, the British Antarctic Survey said on February 26. The research centre has remained unaffected as the station is closed for Antarctic winter. CNN Scientists have been expecting a large iceberg to break away for years because of vast cracks that have formed in the 150-meter-thick floating ice shelf, according to the BAS. A new chasm, known as the North Rift, started moving toward another large crack in November and grew a kilometer a day in January, reports CNN. Also Read: Massive Iceberg Turns And Breaks Near South Atlantic Penguin Colony Island British Glaciologist and professor of Geology at Swansea told BBC that breaking off of large parts of Antarctic ice shelves is normal but the one detected at Brunt Ice Shelf is rare and exciting for scientists. He added that we don't if the calving will break off some more pieces in future. He told that in Swansea University we study the iceberg and also all the activities related to iceberg like calving. Brunt Ice Shelf calves along North Rift chasm - A 1270 km #iceberg has broken off the #BruntIceShelf.#HalleyVI Research Station is closed for the winter and unlikely to be affected. Full story: https://t.co/l13QrWdnB0 #NorthRift, #Antarctica, 16 Feb 2021, @BAS_News pic.twitter.com/QyNt7sVOzT British Antarctic Survey (@BAS_News) February 26, 2021 According to Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of British Antarctic Survey, Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years. We monitor the ice shelf daily using an automated network of high-precision GPS instruments that surround the station, these measure how the ice shelf is deforming and moving. We also use satellite images from ESA, NASA and the German satellite TerraSAR-X. Also Read: Huge Iceberg Is Heading Towards Atlantic Island, Could Wipe Out Half Of King Penguin Population "All the data are sent back to Cambridge for analysis, so we know whats happening even in the Antarctic winter, when there are no staff on the station, its pitch black, and the temperature falls below minus 50 degrees C (or -58F)." Also Read: We're Doomed: Iceberg 3 Times Size Of Paris Breaks Off Most Vulnerable Glacier In Antarctica! When Fort Richmond MLA Sarah Guillemard was tapped to join Tory Premier Brian Pallisters cabinet in fall 2019, she wasnt only taking on a new level of responsibility. When Fort Richmond MLA Sarah Guillemard was tapped to join Tory Premier Brian Pallisters cabinet in fall 2019, she wasnt only taking on a new level of responsibility. She was also overseeing the reorganization of the department that, for the first time, carried the name and explicit responsibility of one of the biggest challenges of modern times: climate change. Previously known as sustainable development, Guillemard now captained the department of conservation and climate. Among her first challenges was trying to establish how to work within the climate change portfolio when climate policies naturally fall across all governmental departments from infrastructure to agriculture to municipal relations. "One of the benefits of my new portfolio and having climate in the title itself means that I get to touch on almost all departments because any initiatives that were going to move forward as a government, regardless of what department is leading it, has to have that climate lens on it," Guillemard said in a one-on-one interview with the Free Press. "It doesnt mean theres still not challenges before us. But I think that the communication has been a lot better just because there is that added responsibility." When asked what she considers some of the departments biggest wins in the last year-and-a-half, she points to the efficient trucking program (which provides funding to retrofit heavy-duty transport vehicles) and increased funding for energy efficiency building retrofits through Efficiency Manitoba. Both of these programs had provincial funding matched by the federal government. Meanwhile, the latest data shows emissions are still climbing in Manitoba, year after year. When she entered the role, this was a concern for her, Guillemard said, but has since gotten behind the Progressive Conservative partys policy direction guided by incrementalism. It does not aim for absolute emissions reductions, but rather relative reductions. A key tenet of Manitobas climate plan is the so-called carbon savings account. In five-year periods, the government would set targets for immediate reductions; if they are not met, the amount those targets are missed by gets rolled over into how much emissions must be cut in the next five-year period. Instead of measuring success in a given year by comparing emissions to past years performance, the plan measures successful emissions mitigation based on what projections show emissions would have been if no action had been taken place. A hypothetical scenario: in 2022, provincial projections show emissions were likely to rise to approximately 22 megatonnes annually. If in 2022, emissions levels are measured at 21.8 Mg, the government would count the emissions to have been reduced by 0.2 Mg that year. However, the latest data from 2018 shows the current level of emissions from across the province total 21.8 Mg of carbon a record high. So, whether emissions went down or stayed the same depends on who you ask. "So those actual emissions that are collected are not necessarily the concern," Guillemard said. "The concern is: are we following a trajectory thats going to get us to really dangerous levels? Well, were already at dangerous levels, and we need to reduce them but are they going to be climbing at a rate that is just absolutely going to be detrimental faster to us? "Or have we reduced the projected numbers of if we had done no changes at all?" The best available climate science and research on the emissions reductions needed to avoid catastrophe shows relative emissions reductions are not enough absolute declines are needed around the world, and fast. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the worlds leading authority on climate research, showed in a 2018 report in order to limit warming to roughly 2 C, emissions have to be reduced globally by approximately 25 per cent by 2030 over 2010 levels, and then reaching net-zero emissions by approximately 2070. The United Nations latest Emissions Gap report found Canada was unlikely to meet its emissions reduction commitments made in the 2015 Paris Agreement (which doesnt even have targets stringent enough to meet a 2 C-of-warming scenario). Asked about the difference between this research and the provincial governments approach, Guillemard said a priority of the Pallister government is to focus on minimizing the potential cost of climate policies for Manitobans now. "The question is always going to be: are we doing enough? What could we do differently?" Guillemard said. "Were always open to looking at doing more, but weve always got to balance the impacts of what our initiatives are doing. "We definitely have a focus on making sure we have a responsibility to keep our environment clean, and to not be as harmful as weve been in the past. But as were rolling out those new initiatives or those ideas, we also have to be cognizant of how they are impacting the people that were serving, as well," said the MLA first elected in 2016. "So have we found that balance? I think that when you have situations where, you know, both sort of extreme opinions are both angry at you sometimes. Yes, Ive got that balance." Moving forward, Guillemard said she is looking for opportunities that will help Manitobans lower their carbon footprint by incentivizing good behaviour, instead of taxing carbon-intensive behaviour. She is also waiting for a report on the electrification of the transportation sector. "I think that weve got a lot of work to do. And I know that at the municipal, provincial and federal level we are working together to create these opportunities," Guillemard said. sarah.lawrynuik@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @SarahLawrynuik International security should be a key topic at the upcoming summit of the five permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Barbara Woodward said in an interview with RIA Novosti UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st March, 2021) International security should be a key topic at the upcoming summit of the five permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Barbara Woodward said in an interview with RIA Novosti. "I think when we are able to have a meeting like that, and I know that it remains a very live topic, I think top of the agenda for the P5 leaders have to be issues of international peace and security," Woodward said. The diplomat expressed the belief that the coronavirus pandemic and climate change were currently central issues, but noted that the agenda was changing. "We need to think hard about it. But international security issues of the day have to be on top of the agenda for any meeting like that," Woodward concluded. Last June, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed arranging a meeting of the UNSC five permanent member states (Russia, the United States, China, France and the United Kingdom). The Russian leader expressed the belief it was necessary to discuss strengthening of the global security; strategic arms control; and joint fight against terrorism, extremism and other major challenges. All the UNSC permanent members have expressed interest in the meeting, with the date and venue set to be confirmed after they agree on the agenda. In December, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed hope that an in-person summit would be held in the near future. The Biden administration is facing criticism over its decision to thus far not directly punish Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman despite the declassification of an intelligence report which clearly implicated the prince for the brutal murder of a Washington Post journalist. Detractors have equated the White House's response as effectively the same as that of the Trump administration, with then-President Donald Trump seeming to defend bin Salman, known by his initials: MBS. Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi national and columnist for The Washington Post living in the United States, was entrapped and killed in a Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The State Department has issued 76 visa restrictions on Saudi nationals who Secretary of State Antony Blinken said are "believed to have been engaged in threatening dissidents overseas, including but not limited to the Khashoggi killing." Yet, Prince Mohammed himself is not set to face any repercussions for the attack, which enraged observers around the world and raised questions about the civil liberties of nationals in exile, press freedom and the very nature of the Saudi state. As promised during his campaign, President Joe Biden released the intelligence community's full report, which found that bin Salman ordered agents "to capture or kill" Khashoggi, who was a frequent critic of the Saudi government. 'A reckoning is near': Does US still need its vast military empire? Donald Trump at CPAC: Ex-president tears into Biden and his Republican critics A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace on Dec. 24, 2020 shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending by videoconference a meeting with Bahrain's Crown Prince of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordinating Council. In a broader realignment of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, Biden also halted operational support for the Saudi war in Yemen, where American military aid has helped fuel the conflict which has destabilized the country and triggered a humanitarian crisis. Hearings on Khashoggi's murder in 2018 found bipartisan support for greater scrutiny of U.S. aid to Saudi Arabia and support for sanctions on Prince Mohammed himself. He is next in line to the throne of the kingdom, and already oversees much of the nation's security forces and intelligence services. Story continues While the prince's position as the next ruler of Saudi Arabia complicates the implications for any potential punishment from the U.S., activists, lawmakers and foreign allies have all criticized the White House for not doing more and not acting sooner. "I think they need to keep open additional sanctions against MBS if we don't see a change in behavior," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said on "Fox News Sunday." More: White nationalists are once again using Christian symbols to spread hate In a statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the United States "must re-evaluate and recalibrate the relationship with Saudi Arabia" in the wake of the attack, specifically referencing the intelligence reports implicating of the crown prince. "I think we should make clear that we understand what happened," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters on Friday. "And that is not acceptable, in the United States or other civilized nations, to go in and basically assassinate and dismember your political opponents or members of the press." Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said there "ought to be a personal consequence" for Bin Salman over Khashoggi's death, arguing "it won't be enough to simply sanction the state or call for the sanctions of other individuals." Schiff, who sponsored a bill in the House of Representatives that would expand protections for journalists from violent actors, is among many lawmakers in Washington who've been critical of the Saudi government in the aftermath of the report's release. The White House has so far resisted calls to enact punishments directly on bin Salman, arguing the geopolitics of the situation require a more delicate approach. "We believe there are more effective ways to make sure this doesnt happen again and to also be able to leave room to work with the Saudis on areas where there is mutual agreement where there is a national interest for the United States," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union." The United States has not historically sanctioned the leaders of countries where we have diplomatic relations or even some countries where we dont have diplomatic relations," Psaki noted. Vigil for Jamal Khashoggi on Oct. 25, 2018, in Istanbul. "We understand thats a bar some are holding us to, but our objective here from the government, from the Biden administration, is preventing this from ever happening again," she emphasized. Close Biden ally Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., also told the news program that "we are not yet done with recalibrating the relationship between the United State and the Saudi Kingdom," but also noted that "the reality is that the crown prince is largely in control of the Saudi kingdom and may well be so for decades." "While the United States remains invested in its relationship with Saudi Arabia, President Biden has made clear that partnership must reflect U.S. values. To that end, we have made absolutely clear that extraterritorial threats and assaults by Saudi Arabia against activists, dissidents, and journalists must end. They will not be tolerated by the United States," Blinken said in a statement while announcing the sanctions. The Saudi government has wholeheartedly rejected any condemnation coming from beyond the kingdom, issuing a statement blasting the intelligence report as a "negative, false and unacceptable assessment." The pressures on the administration to respond more forcefully to the Saudi government's actions come as Biden has ordered a broader reassessment of the United State's strategic footprint around the globe. Biden, who has emphasized that his foreign policy doctrine will center human rights globally and American values abroad, told Univision Friday that during a Thursday phone call with Saudi Arabian King Salman, the president "made it clear to him that the rules are changing and we're going to be announcing significant changes today and on Monday." Biden again signaled new motions on the issue Sunday, telling a group of reporters in Wilmington that "there will be an announcement on Monday." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden too easy on 'MBS' for Jamal Khashoggi murder, critics say Gab, another social media that call itself "free" and limitless like Parler, was recently hacked by so-called "Transparency Groups" which threatens to reveal user passwords, logins, and other data which are private. Gab is often referred to as a "far-right" social media, which has users that fled from moderated content platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The popularity of these social media platforms erupted during the recent Facebook Boycott Movement which denounced the bad practices of the social networking company and its policies which people disagreed with. Initially, it was Parler who was the star of the show and has swooped in to offer a platform for outgoing users that does not want to be censored. While Parler was the star of the show, an alternative application has also managed to go side-by-side and compete for downloads and ratings among the different users for the Apple App Store and Google Play. This is Gab, and it has been competing for the top spot with Parler for social media that holds no bars for users and their thoughts. Read Also: 'Pokemon GO' Incarnate Forme Landorus Best Counters, Weakness, Schedule Gab Hack: Threatens to Reveal Passwords, Private Data for Public Knowledge The hackers identified themselves as a "Transparency Group" and are managing a website that resembles Wikipedia in revealing different information and relaying their findings on different topics there. These hackers identify themselves as Distributed Denial of Secrets or "DDoSecrets," and have recently revealed that it holds a plethora of almost 70GB of user passwords and data from Gab. All of these posts are reportedly about "far-right" ideals and private posts that are not meant for public knowledge says WIRED, and the team would make it available for journalists and social researchers. While there are no agendas or goals that the DDoS have revealed regarding this hack and leak, the hackers aim to provide "transparency" to the people. Gab, like Parler, holds nothing barred for its users especially in posting to their heart's content and discussing any information or topics within private groups or chats and messages. This is one of the main features of Gab, and it has been in the platform that differs from the censored materials in Facebook and Twitter that does not provide liberty in social media. Gab Suggests Hack is Orchestrated and Planned According to Gab's CEO Andrew Torba, the "alleged data breach" that happened is a direct hit on the social media platform's integrity and name in the industry. Moreover, the CEO suggested that hackers and the media have connections and corroborated on the attack against Gab, particularly those who write negatively against the company. The social media network is now in the works to fix the issue and vulnerability which was exploited by the hackers in the recent dispute and threats against the company. Moreover, the company is also addressing the massive attack against its infrastructures to improve the security of its users and the company in future events. Related Article: iOS 14.3 Jailbreak 'unc0ver' Released Tool to Unlock Most Versions of Older Apple Device This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The first prototype of South Korea's indigenously developed next generation fighter jet KF-X is being assembled at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration By Jung Da-min SACHEON, South Gyeongsang Province South Korea is set to roll out the first prototype of its indigenously developed next-generation fighter jet, widely known as the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) aircraft, late next month. A total of six prototypes are in the final stages of assembly at the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongsang Province. Test flights will be carried out next year, following ground testing after the April roll-out. Industry officials expressed expectations that the KF-X would not only help accelerate domestic production of fighter jet parts but also bring about a considerable economic effect, creating jobs for about 110,000 people during the full development period planned through 2028. Since the KAI embarked on the KF-X development project in 2016 after winning the contract from the government the previous year, the project has created jobs for more than 10,000 people as of 2020, according to the company. Officials also expressed expectations that the KF-X fighter jets will compete in the global market with fifth-generation fighter jets such as the U.S. aerospace giant Lockheed Martin's F-35 and F-22, based on price and technology competitiveness. According to the KAI, the KF-X is designed as a 4.5-generation jet whose basic hardware and platform could be used for further development and conversion into a fifth-generation one with improved "stealth" technologies. A Korea Aerospace Industries official explains the weapon systems of the KF-X fighter jet to reporters at company headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration "As the KF-X has been equipped with hardware to become a stealth fighter, we are currently exploring ways to apply stealth technologies to the jet, although we have yet to specify details for further developments as the military has yet to present the details necessary for further developments after Block I and Block II stages of the KF-X development project," Jung Kwang-sun, director general of the KF-X Program Group under the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), told reporters who were visiting KAI headquarters, Feb. 24. The KF-X project is an "evolutionary development" project which is divided into two phases. The first phase, or the Block I stage, is about developing the basic system of the fighter jet from 2016 to 2026. The second phase, or the Block II stage which would be carried out from 2026 to 2028, is about adding more weapon systems. The first prototype of South Korea's indigenously developed next generation fighter jet KF-X is being assembled at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has ordered delaying the enforcement of the recent controversial amendments to the real estate law for a period of no less than two years, a presidential statement said on Monday, five days before the law was set to come into force. El-Sisi held a meeting earlier today with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Justice Minister Omar Marawan, where he entrusted the government with putting forward a new bill to push the enforcement of the newly amended law back for a minimum period of two years. The new amendments oblige citizens to register their properties at the Real Estate Registration and Notarisation Authority (RERN); otherwise, any future related transactions would not be recognised by official entities, and neither would requests for the installation of water, gas, or electricity services be obliged. The law, approved by the House last August, is in line with state efforts to inventory real estate properties countrywide and allocate a national ID for each housing unit to prevent any building violations, maximise the value of these properties, and ensure the states rights. Registering properties with the RERN seldom happens nationwide owing to the registration requirements and fees that are deemed by many to be too complicated and expensive. Property owners already pay a fee of 2.5 percent on property value, known as the Real Estate Disposal Tax, a provision which has been in place since 1939. Under the Real Estate Registration Law, citizens are required to pay a number of fees, aside from the Real Estate Disposal Tax, in order to register properties with the state. These include registration fees, which are determined based on the property size, and bar syndicate fees, which are up to 1 percent of the propertys value. The new real estate registration law, known officially as Law 186/2020, has stirred controversy over the past several days as the initially scheduled date of enforcement approached. El-Sisis directives aim to "provide the opportunity to hold a community dialogue" about the recent changes to the law, the statement added. President El-Sisi suggested during Mondays meeting collecting a reduced flat fee when properties are registered during the transitory period, based on the property's size and the ownership type, instead of the current tax imposed on real estate transactions. Prior to El-Sisi's intervention, there were governmental and parliamentary attempts in the works to dispel the controversy, with a bill submitted on Sunday by the cabinet to delay the enforcement of the new law till the end of 2021. The Legislative Committee at the House agreed earlier today in principle to amend the law in accordance with the government's bill. During Monday's meeting, the justice minister reviewed government efforts to develop and inventory real estate across the country by regulating the issuance of construction permits, removing encroachments on state property, and allowing reconciliation in this respect, in addition to providing housing units for residents of slums areas. Minister Marawan also said that the government aims to secure citizens' property and maximise their benefits, as well as control the real estate market and put an end to encroachments and slums. Short link: Check Point Software Technologies announces that it has appointed Manish Alshi as Head of Channels and Growth Technologies for Check Point in India. In this role, Manish will oversee the companys channel ecosystem in India and the SAARC Region as well as lead Check Points channel business growth in key technologies, including cloud, mobile and endpoint security. He will report to Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director, India and SAARC Region. Manish brings to his role about 22 years of experience in the Indian IT sector, across enterprise and commercial sales as well as channels. He has worked with multinational brands like VMWare, Oracle, IFS and QAI. Prior to joining Check Point, he clocked around 15 years of channel leadership experience, first with Oracle and subsequently, VMWare, where he set up the channels ecosystem and headed up the partner sales organization. Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director, India and SAARC Region, Check Point Software Technologies, said, I am excited to welcome Manish, who is highly regarded within Indias channel ecosystem, to Check Point. During the pandemic, we witnessed growing demand for security solutions that protect organisations in the cloud and beyond the organisation perimeter, as they implemented remote work for their employees. Our channels became an even more essential part of our business, and we collaborated closely to deliver our technologies. I believe Manishs experience and leadership capabilities will enable us to continue meeting the needs of our market and more. Manish is an Engineering graduate from BITS, Pilani and received his MBA from the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. Houston defense attorney Chris Tritico answered the phone outside the Florida hospital where his daughter Maria was hooked up to machines but had been legally dead for days. He and his wife, Debbie, were anticipating this call following Marias death, the result of a random shooting near West Palm Beach. On the line was their friend, former prosecutor Donna Hawkins, who was awaiting confirmation that she could receive one of Marias kidneys. Maria and Donna got a perfect match, Donnas husband, Bill Hawkins, told the grieving couple. Donnas going to live. The four friends sobbed together over the phone Debbie and Chris on a bench in Florida and Donna and Bill in their family room after a drive to the Texas Medical Center. It was the first happy news we had received, Chris Tritico said. At the same time, we were still so sad. But knowing that (Marias) act of love was going to save someones life was really special for us. Michael Wyke / Contributor Aided by her parents, Marias gift highlights the closeness of the Houston criminal defense bar, which once came together in a similar fashion to help prosecutor Joshua Reiss wife find a bone marrow donor. Reiss wife, Anh, an obstetrician who delivered thousands of babies, did not find a match, but state Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, sponsored a bill that created a yearly Texas Bone Marrow, Blood and Organ Donation Registry Day on the date of her death, Feb. 26. The Hawkins and Tritico families fittingly reunited on Donation Day last Friday for the first time since Donnas successful double nephrectomy and kidney transplant in December. Donna Hawkins and Chris Tritico broke down as they approached each other, and Donna expressed her thanks through tears. It wasnt me, Tritico told her at Ciros Restaurant in Memorial. The friends hugged for minutes. Donna then embraced Debbie. I am just so sorry, she said. More than 107,000 men, women and children are on the national organ transplant waiting list as of February. The procedures dont happen as often as they need to: Just 39,000 transplants were performed in 2020, and 17 people die each day waiting for a transplant, according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. More than 80 percent of people on the transplant list are waiting for a kidney. How to register How to register Blood and convalescent plasma: aabb.org/for-donors-patients/give-blood Bone marrow: join.bethematch.org Organ: donatelifetexas.org/register See More Collapse Each year, another 18,000 people are diagnosed with illnesses that can be helped by bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transplants, according to the administration. Even with 22 million people on the marrow registry, people still have difficulty finding donors, with only 30 percent of patients having relatives who match. At the hospital in Florida, Chris and Debbie were surprised and unsurprised to learn that Maria was a registered organ donor. They hadnt known, but they thought it was just like her to want to give. The Triticos heard right away that they could designate Marias organs for anyone they knew in need. Chris Tritico said he immediately thought of Donna, who has polycystic kidney disease and had recently been on dialysis after almost six months of trying and failing to find a donor. Maria, 32, remained on life support for four more days as teams tested her organs for matches. Donna finally got the green light, flew to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and underwent her surgery. For both families, the gift was bittersweet. In an ideal situation, Donna would have received a kidney from a living donor, she said. At the worst possible moment in his life, (Chris) thought of me and remembered that I had this need, Hawkins said. It just absolutely touched my heart. The same spirit of giving extends across the state and has become even more evident during the pandemic, said Lauren Quinn, vice president of external relations at LifeGift, a nonprofit that procures organs and body tissues for transplants in Texas. The group last year facilitated more organ donations than it had in any other time in its history. Michael Wyke / Contributor The concept of community and helping each other is more significant and relevant now than it has been at any other point in my life, Quinn said. Donation is such a powerful way to bring people together. Joshua and Anh Reiss fostered that togetherness, even though Anh never found a match for herself. They encouraged people to sign up for bone marrow registries after her diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, in 2009. She died of leukemia in 2016 at the age of 48. Anh was thrilled that other people benefited from their efforts to get people registered, her husband said. If you look back on her life, one of the things that she stood for or represented was a recognition that every day really was precious and that we have an ability as human beings, as neighbors, to give that gift to other people, Reiss said. Anh Reiss and her family possibly doubled the number of Vietnamese bone marrow donors nationwide a feat by itself but more significant considering that death is a taboo topic in some immigrant cultures, Wu said. Its such a small act that could change someones life, Wu said. All you need to do is swab your cheeks and send it in. Chris and Debbie Tritico say they now plan to become organ donors themselves. Sitting at Ciros with the Hawkins family, the couple said Maria changed their perspective. When youre sitting in the hospital praying for a miracle, it just kind of hits you, Debbie said. She was the miracle. samantha.ketterer@chron.com twitter.com/sam_kett By Troy Singleton Rep. John Lewis, the late congressman, civil rights icon, and fellow fraternity brother, once said that, Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What that legacy will be is determined by the people of that generation. What legacy do you want to leave behind? History reminds us that Lewis used his influence and wisdom to ensure that future generations of African Americans might not have to endure the same struggles as his own generation. Some 60 years later, as Black people in America continue to face similar obstacles, Lewiss words and actions can still serve to inform our push for social justice reforms, as well as economic opportunities for people of color. It is my hope that we recommit to putting policies in place that will lift-up and support Black and minority-owned businesses. Historically, Black companies were created to counter racial discrimination brought about by segregation. Black entrepreneurs opened their own businesses to fill the market void in their communities and to meet the demands of their customers. Today, African Americans own over 124,500 businesses across America. Undoubtedly, they provide a significant contribution to the overall health of our national, state, and local economies. However, as we rebuild New Jerseys economy following the economic devastation caused by the pandemic, we must ensure that the recovery is inclusive of Black and other minority-owned businesses, which have been ignored, left behind, or left out of economic prosperity in the past. This is imperative considering that 66% of minority-owned businesses are worried about shuttering permanently. Even more daunting is data from the Federal Reserve that shows over 40% of Black-owned businesses, 30% of Latinx businesses, and 25% of Asian businesses have already closed their doors. In comparison, only 17% of white-owned businesses have faltered. To address this concerning trend, I introduced the Minority Business Enhancement (MBE) Act, which is a confluence of several proposals meant to strengthen, grow, and diversify our states economic and entrepreneurial base. The MBE Act supports minority-owned businesses by identifying disparities and barriers to growth, extending financial assistance, and improving relationships between them and other established small businesses and state government. For instance, in order to discover the disparities that exist for minority-owned businesses in the procurement of state contracts, I introduced Senate Bill 2768, which would authorize the states chief diversity officer to conduct a disparity study. Having access to opportunities to contract with the state can be a tipping point for a small business, but so can having access to funding. That is why I also authored Senate Bill 2770, which establishes the position of minority depository institution coordinator in the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Ultimately, their goal would be to reduce administrative barriers to the participation of minority-owned businesses in any EDA loan program. Additionally, we must also find innovative ways to give these businesses a sorely needed financial lifeline, which we can do through our Minority Business Development Program. This proposal establishes a program that would provide $50 million grant funding and technical assistance services to foster the development of minority-owned businesses in New Jersey. For our efforts to be truly inclusive, we are working to help minority-owned businesses in every corner of our state in rural and urban areas alike. We want to create a Rural Economic Development Program that will provide $35 million in grants to businesses for the retention or creation of employment opportunities in rural areas and an Urban Wealth Fund that will provide startup capital to minority-owned businesses, improvements to infrastructure, investments in education and more. Lastly, we are working to create the Biannual Small Business Matchmaker Initiative, which will serve as a networking opportunity to connect Black-owned and other small businesses with representatives of government agencies. It would open the door to learning about the availability of government contract possibilities. Given the historical shackles that have constrained Black businesses in America, Black History month was an important reminder that a vibrant, healthy Black business economy does not end there. When Black businesses prosper, all businesses, regardless of ethnicity, thrive, adding to our shared economic health and future. This is the collective legacy we must leave behind. Senator Troy Singleton represents the 7th Legislative District and is the chairman of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. 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. Baker vax (copy) (copy) Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Thursday the state would move forward in its reopening plan. Massachusetts on Monday reentered Step 2 of Phase 3 in its reopening, allowing businesses to expand capacity and restaurants to open at full capacity. Capacity limits across sectors have been raised to 50 percent, excluding employees. Theaters, concert halls and other indoor performance venues can reopen at 50 percent capacity with up to 500 people. Possibly high-contact indoor activities such as laser tag, roller skating, trampolines and obstacle courses can also reopen to 50 percent capacity. Distancing guidelines will continue to apply to restaurants, meaning that many in Berkshire County will remain well below full capacity. Supporters of the step have said greater economic activity would help businesses hurt by the pandemic. Critics have noted most employees of the businesses allowed to increase capacity remain unable to be vaccinated in Massachusetts. In December, Gov. Charlie Baker had moved back a step in reopening amid rising case counts and increasing public pressure. He announced the states return to the second step of Phase 3 on Thursday, citing significant decrease in cases. Baker said the state on March 22 would enter the first step of Phase 4, barring a rise in cases, which would allow indoor and outdoor stadiums to reopen at a 12 percent capacity limit. Some businesses have welcomed the expansions. Public health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and top Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials, have warned against prematurely rolling back restrictions. Increasing capacity, allowing more #smallbiz to reopen their doors means MA is getting closer to some normalcy. This is welcome news for many #smallbiz who were struggling for too long. But still a long way to go before a complete economic recovery #mapoli https://t.co/krP9gjiFoG NFIB Massachusetts (@nfib_ma) February 26, 2021 Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. There has been an angry reaction on Offaly to news that Bank of Ireland is to close three branches in the county as part of plans to close 103 branches on the island of Ireland. Details of the branches to close were announced after staff were informed of the decisions this morning. The three branches in Offaly that will close are Banagher, Edenderry and Clara. No closures are expected to happen before September. Once the closures are complete, that will leave two branches of Bank of Ireland operating in Offaly in Tullamore and Birr. Responding to the announcements, Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley said: This is a disaster for the county and in particular for the three towns. The news that branches in Banagher, Clara and Edenderry are to close is going to have a huge effect right across the county and will leave those areas without any banking services. AIB pulled out of some of these towns years ago, and now these closures will impact badly on businesses and commercial life in these local areas. It is also a sad day for the banking staff who provided a great service in the local community. "Walk in and face to face banking services are essential as not all business can be transacted online. The Minister for Finance and the Government now need to address the absence of these services with Bank of Ireland in the first place and also with An Post. "An Post have been reconfiguring their services and branch network. Now they must be allowed to provide full banking services in their own right and not just an agent for either Bank of Ireland or AIB." Bank of Ireland states that a new partnership with An Post will provide banking services locally. The new partnership with An Post means that Bank of Ireland customers can now avail of banking services at their local post office Banagher, Clara and Edenderry all have a post office and there are 15 more in the county. Bank of Ireland says that the changes are in response to 'significant trends in how people are banking'. Bank of Ireland is closing a number of branches nationwide and footfall at the closing branches is down on average by c60% since 2017, while digital usage has increased by one third. Also expressing frustration was Independent Offaly TD Carol Nolan, who said: "Last week we had the Ulster Bank announcement that it was exiting the Irish market. Now, this week, we have the shock announcement that BOI is set to make sweeping closures across almost every county in the state. "This is bound to cause enormous levels of worry around public access to vital banking services. I am aware that Bank of Ireland has also announced a partnership with An Post Retail to offer personal and SME withdrawal and lodgement services to Bank of Ireland customers across the An Post network of 940 post offices nationwide. "This is certainly welcome news and should go some toward mitigating the absence of BOI from so many rural communities. "But we certainly will need more detail on the when and the how of this proposal. I would call on Bank of Ireland to ensure that the services at the An Post are available and ready to go prior to the permanent withdrawal of services. "At least that way the transition process may not be as disruptive as anticipated. "I can assure constituents that I will be pursuing this matter with the Minister for Finance and indeed with the Minister for Communication with respect to the An Post, concluded Deputy Nolan. Fianna Fail TD for the county Barry Cowen said he condemned the announcement of closures in Offaly, saying it is a significant blow for communities. The decision by Bank of Ireland to close three of its branches in Offaly is extremely disappointing and represents a significant blow for communities in Banagher, Clara and Edenderry. Older people and the business community will be disproportionately impacted by the decision. For older people, many prefer to go into their branch and deal with people rather than use online banking. The retail, business and hospitality community will be very seriously impacted as they will have to travel much further now to lodge money in county towns - which in some cases could lead to them keeping money on premises or in their homes, creating further risks of burglaries. While the banks partnership announcement with An Post is welcomed to facilitate Bank of Ireland customers in the areas affected, the onus to protect and maintain the post office network in rural communities is now even greater, concluded Deputy Cowen. Northumbria University is to play a leading role in a major study to assess the long-term impact of global warming on Siberia's thawing permafrost Northumbria University is to play a leading role in a major study to assess the long-term impact of global warming on Siberia's thawing permafrost. Permafrost is frozen ground that stores vast amounts of fossil carbon. Given that permafrost holds twice as much carbon as the atmosphere, and that almost a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere is covered in permafrost, this frozen land plays an essential role in stabilizing climate change. Thawing permafrost is considered one of the key climate tipping elements that would lead to long-term irreversible changes to global climate. However, today's warming global temperatures mean permafrost is beginning to thaw and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Northumbria University is home to a team of world-leading academics specialising in reconstructing climate and environmental changes through the millennia. Together with experts from Germany's Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Potsdam, they have been awarded a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant of 489,000 to reconstruct Siberia's climate over the past 500 to 800 thousand years and estimate the long-term fate of Siberia's permafrost under today's rising temperatures. A record high of 38 degrees was reported in Eastern Siberia in June 2020. This led to an unprecedented number of wildfires in the region, releasing further carbon into the atmosphere. The links between wildfire and permafrost stability are complex, but evidence suggests that permafrost thaw and degradation has tripled in recent years in response to more and hotter fires. The four-year study will assess how Siberia's permafrost expanded and contracted in response to the changing climates of the past, and the role of the cold glacial and warmer interglacial periods. The study will be the first to collectively combine the archives of permafrost ice, cave deposits and crustacean fossils to reconstruct past temperatures and regional climate histories. Previous studies have only examined these archives individually. Permafrost ice originates from, and preserves, atmospheric precipitation, meaning it holds records of winter and summer temperatures. The composition of the ancient permafrost ice samples will allow the researchers to decipher the climate conditions at the time the ice formed. In a similar vein, cave deposits can inform on the long-term mean temperature changes, and crustacean fossils tell the story of the summer temperature, each containing an important climate archive. The researchers hope the holistic view obtained by combining findings from each of these archives will give new insights into how temperatures changed, which can help to reveal seasonality changes in the past. The team have found several sites which they describe as having great promise to provide them with the important samples and data they need from caves, ice and lake deposits. They will use tiny shallow lakes and permafrost ice from the Arctic seaboard, from the Batagay Megaslump and the Mamontova Gora site in Central Yakutia; the Botovskaya Cave in southern Siberia; and the so far unstudied Kirensk Karst region, more than 500 miles northeast of Lake Baikal. Caves hold crucial evidence of past environmental conditions. Carbonate formations known as speleothems can only grow when water flows into the cave from the soil above. As in permafrost all water is frozen, this means speleothems could only have grown at a time when the climate was warmer and the land above the cave was not frozen. The fossils of tiny shrimp-like creatures, known as ostracods, also hold much promise for the research team. At just 0.5 to 2 mm in size, ostracods only live for a few months in summer and build a carbonate shell similar to mussels. The fossilised carbonate shells from shallow ponds in the permafrost region will provide researchers with an archive of data on the temperatures at the time they were formed. Thanks to a recent investment in a mass spectrometry lab in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Northumbria, the researchers will use a method known as clumped isotope geothermometry to extract details on the isotopic composition of the fossilised carbonate shells and reconstruct northern Siberia's summer temperatures across the millennia. Similarly, the team will use speleothems to explore the long-term temperature development during interglacial periods. Dr Sebastian Breitenbach, Vice-Chancellor's Senior Fellow in Northumbria University's Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences said: "The Siberian permafrost formed mainly, but not exclusively, during cold periods, known as ice ages or glacials, in the last two million years, while at least some of the permafrost thawed during warm stages, known as interglacials. "If we look at temperatures in Siberia today, we see that they vary by up to 90 degrees across the year, from -60 in winter up to approximately 30 degrees in summer. However, we need to see this seasonal amplitude in proxy. Was the change in temperature always the same as we know it today, or was it different in the past? How much warmer were past summers, how different the winters? "We know that the way permafrost responds to climate change and long-term climate controls appears to be more complex than simply reacting to warmer or colder temperatures. We therefore believe that if we can provide evidence on the interplay of temperature and precipitation on a seasonal scale, we can answer the crucial question of whether past permafrost formation and degradation can be attributed to specific climate conditions or seasonality patterns. "This study will enable us to reconstruct climate conditions and hopefully create a new understanding of whether the past formation, and especially degradation, of permafrost can be attributed to specific temperatures or seasonality patterns." Dr Hanno Meyer, Head of the Stable Isotope Facility at AWI Potsdam and expert for isotope-based permafrost palaeoclimatology said: "The combination of multiple isotope signals from several climate archives across East Siberia offers an exciting possibility to unravel past climate dynamics on different temporal and spatial scales for both glacials and interglacials. "Combining this palaeoclimate information with geological evidence of permafrost formation, stability or degradation will help us to identify potential thresholds in different climate parameters that were responsible for the response of the permafrost system to past climate changes. This knowledge will help us to estimate the future effects of Global Warming on the permafrost in East Siberia and the consequences for local communities as well as the feedback mechanism to the global climate system." Dr Breitenbach added: "With the installation of our new mass spectrometry lab, Northumbria becomes one of just four universities in England to be able to undertake the detailed clumped isotopic tests required to reconstruct these temperature conditions. We are very excited to begin to use our new equipment and establish Northumbria as a leading centre for geothermometry and carbonate research." ### Northumbria University is renowned for undertaking research into modern and ancient environments. The University's Cold and Palaeo Environments group is focused on research into past climates and environments, and ice, snow and permafrost. The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research in Potsdam has a long-standing expertise in studying past and modern permafrost environments in Siberia. Recently, lots of K-pop songs and albums were no longer available for streaming on Spotify worldwide. In particular, works that were distributed by Kakao M have been deleted. And now, the popular streaming platform has confirmed that the removal of K-pop releases has, indeed, been done. Hundreds of K-pop Songs and Albums Gets Removed from Spotify Spotify is among the well-known streaming services in the world, with a 35% share of the global music streaming market. On Feb. 1, 2020, the platform has been officially launched in South Korea, and among the K-pop acts with releases on it are Epik High, IU, Zico, MAMAMOO, SEVENTEEN, LOONA, (G)I-DLE, and MONSTA X. ALSO READ: Spotify Officially Launches in South Korea However, recently, K-pop songs and albums from these artists have been removed from Spotify. Notably, works distributed by Kakao M have been deleted across the globe. This label is known for its large share of Korean music, charting 37.5% of the songs by its artists on the 2020 Top 400 Yearly Song Chart released by Gaon Music Chart. After discovering the sudden removal of K-pop songs and albums by their favorite artists, fans took to Twitter to trend the terms "Kakao M" and "Spotify" out of discontent. Some have even canceled their premium subscription after knowing they can no longer stream the majority of the content they are paying for. Besides fans, Tablo of Epik High showed his disappointment via Twitter. Apparently a disagreement between our distributor Kakao M & Spotify has made our new album Epik High Is Here unavailable globally against our will. Regardless of who is at fault, why is it always the artists and the fans that suffer when businesses place greed over art? | Tablo of Epik High (@blobyblo) February 28, 2021 Spotify Explains Why K-pop Songs and Albums are No Longer Available on the Platform In a statement via NME, a British media, Spotify explained that Kakao M's list on the streaming platform would no longer be available to users around the world from March 1. This is because of the expiration of their license between the two parties. A representative from Spotify added that they have been in discussions with Kakao M for over the last year and a half to renew the global licensing agreement. The agreement between them will allow the K-pop songs and albums released by artists under the Korean label to remain available to more than 345 million Spotify users in around 170 markets all over the world. However, after much deliberation, the existing licensing deal between the two has concluded. Spotify went on to say, "The fact that we have not yet reached agreement on a new global deal is unfortunate for their artists, as well as for fans and listeners worldwide." They also expressed their hopes that "this disruption will be temporary" and that they can resolve the matter soon. The streaming platform concluded, "We are committed to working with local rights holders including Kakao M to help grow the Korean music market and overall streaming ecosystem together." For starters, MelOn is one of the most popular streaming services in South Korea, where Spotify is also available now. However, from day one, no K-pop songs and albums distributed by Kakao M were available for streaming on Spotify Korea. This is likely because the Korean company is in charge of managing MelOn, Spotify's biggest competitor in the country. What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments! For more news updates about other K-Pop news, always keep your tabs open here at Kpopstarz. Owned by Kpopstarz Written by Mhaliya Scott Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Washington, DC , US (PANA) - The United States has expressed grave concern over reported atrocities and the overall deteriorating situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia following fighting between the government and forces loyal to the former regional government led by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). "We strongly condemn the killings, forced removals and displacements, sexual assaults, and other extremely serious human rights violations and abuses by several parties that multiple organizations have reported in Tigray," a statement issued by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday said. The US said it was also deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian crisis. On 4 November, the Ethiopian military began operations in Tigray in response to what Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described as attacks on federal forces and bases by forces affiliated with TPLF. Mr Abiy said the fighting was over but the TPLF said fighting was continuing. Human rights advocate, Amnesty International, said in a report released last Friday that Eritrean troops fighting in Tigray state "systematically killed hundreds of unarmed civilians" in the northern city of Axum on 28-29 November 2020, describing the killings as crimes against humanity. Amnesty International said the Eritrean troops "opened fire on the streets, shooting everyone on sight and later conducted house-to-house raids in a massacre that may amount to a crime against humanity". It said it spoke to 41 survivors and witnesses including in-person interviews with recently arrived refugees in eastern Sudan and phone interviews with people in Axum as well as 20 others with knowledge of the events. Mr. Blinken said the United States had repeatedly engaged the Ethiopian government on "the importance of ending the violence, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to Tigray, and allowing a full, independent, international investigation into all reports of human rights violations, abuses, and atrocities. Those responsible for them must be held accountable". The statement said the United States acknowledged the 26 February statements from the Ethiopian Office of the prime minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promising unhindered humanitarian access, welcoming international support for investigations into human rights violations and abuses, and committing to full accountability. "The international community needs to work collectively to ensure that these commitments are realised," Mr. Blinken said. He stressed: "The immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces and Amhara regional forces from Tigray are essential first steps. They should be accompanied by unilateral declarations of cessation of hostilities by all parties to the conflict and a commitment to permit unhindered delivery of assistance to those in Tigray." "The United States is committed to working with the international community to achieve these goals. To that end, USAID (US Agency for International Development) will deploy a Disaster Assistance Response Team to Ethiopia to continue delivering life-saving assistance." Mr. Blinken asked international partners, especially the African Union and regional partners, to work with the US to address the crisis in Tigray, including through action at the United Nations and other relevant bodies. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, in its reaction to the report of Amnesty International, said the human rights watchdog should use appropriate sources in its report to uncover the truth regarding allegations related to the incidents in the city of Axum. The state-owned Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) quoted the ministry as saying the report raised serious issues that should be of great concern. However, it said the methodology employed in producing the report had its own limitations as it depended on scanty information gathered from refugees in eastern Sudan and phone interview with individuals in Axum. "For instance, one of the sources cited in the report is found not to be a priest as he claimed but a deceptive person who lives in Boston, USA. "Therefore, this kind of report based on such sources will not serve the purpose of justice but has the risk of further reinforcing the misinformation and propaganda by TPLF and its cohorts." Ethiopia said some of the refugees who made it to eastern Sudan were former TPLF fighters who were engaged in intimidating refugees and propagating misinformation. "That is why it would have been appropriate for Amnesty International to undertake the necessary field work by visiting the region and talking to the competent Ethiopian authorities to uncover the truth," the statement said. The government said it was ready to collaborate with international human rights experts in accordance with the principle of complementarity which gave primacy to national human rights institutions and mechanisms. "It is vitally important that other partners work with national institutions, including the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, to further strengthen their capacity in the promotion and protection of human rights in Ethiopia," the Ethiopian Foreign ministry said. It said the security situation in Tigray was steadily improving, humanitarian actors and the media were now given unhindered access to the entire region and expedited issuance of clearance would be implemented accordingly. -0- PANA MA/RA 28Feb2021 For Subscribers Why South Dakota county officials are shirking state-given water rights Grant County could be the thirteenth county to repeal their drainage ordinance in the past decade. Teneo has acquired a minority stake in WestExec Advisors, the DC geopolitical firm that was co-founded by secretary of state Tony Blinken. It also will forge a strategic partnership with WestExec and its co-founders Michele Flournoy (former undersecretary of defense for policy), Sergio Aguirre (foreign policy advisor to Sen. Tim Kaine) and Nitin Chadda (strategy advisor to secretary of defense Ash Carter). Declan Kelly, Teneo CEO, said WestExecs expertise will help his firms clients make the best decisions as they navigate the increasingly complex and volatile international landscape. The New York-based global CEO advisory also announced that former Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd has signed on as a senior advisor. The Democrat served for 30 years in the Senate and six years in the House. After retiring from the Senate in 2010, Dodd did a seven-year stint as chairman/CEO of the Motion Picture Assn. and then joined Arnold & Porter as senior counsel. A Cumberland County grand jury has indicted a South Jersey man in the May 2020 stabbing death of his neighbor. Zachary T. Latham, 18, formerly of Vineland, was indicted Friday on second-degree charges of reckless manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault in the killing of William T. Durham Sr., 51, a veteran state corrections officer. The killing followed a long-running feud between Latham and the Durham family that culminated in a May 4 brawl at Lathams home. Latham was armed with a stun gun and knives and stabbed the unarmed Durham Sr. multiple times. Latham, who claimed he acted in self-defense, was charged with aggravated manslaughter and released from jail pending trial, over the objections of the Durham family and prosecutors. He was allowed to relocate to Florida, where he was arrested in January on charges that he threatened a motorist with a pellet gun that resembles an AK-47 assault rifle. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault in that case and released with an ankle monitor, but surrendered to Florida authorities last month after his pre-trial release in New Jersey was revoked. He remains jailed in Florida while he awaits extradition to New Jersey. Durhams family and supporters expressed outrage when Latham wasnt charged with murder last year and Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae addressed public concerns about the charges in a Monday announcement about the indictment. We presented all applicable theories of homicide to the grand jury for consideration and must respect their decision to return an indictment for reckless manslaughter as well as other related and lesser included charges, she said. William T. Durham Sr., a correctional officer at South Woods State Prison, was stabbed to death in a fight with a neighbor. In addition to the main charges, the Cumberland County grand jury also indicted him on two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and one fourth-degree charge of unlawful possession of a weapon. Mike Gallagher, longtime friend and colleague of Durham Sr., expressed disappointment over the news. Unfortunately, its not the charge we had hoped for. We were anticipating first-degree manslaughter, said Gallagher, who is vice president of PBA Local 105. We have to respect the process and the grand jury decision. Issues between Latham and the Durhams began when he allegedly taunted and mocked the family on TikTok after a dispute over him speeding in their Vineland neighborhood. He posted videos of his run-ins with the Durhams and those encounters soon turned physical. Latham was armed with a stun gun and knives and stabbed the unarmed Durham Sr. multiple times. While the Durhams had no weapons, Latham emerged from his house armed and a fight began. Two of Lathams friends joined the battle as his wife recorded with her cellphone. Durhams sons and wife were also charged in the incident. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. The family of a woman who died of COVID-19 has filed a lawsuit against the Sussex County nursing home where she worked, claiming they didnt provide her or other office workers with a mask or other personal protective equipment. Mary Beatriz Guerra, 54, devoted her life providing care for others and worked for more than 20 years at Andover Subacute and Rehab Center in Lafayette Township providing critical care for patients in need, states the suit, filed last week in New Jersey Superior Court. Andover came under fire last year and was the subject of a New Jersey Attorney General investigation after the media reported bodies were stacked up in a makeshift morgue at the facility. (A class-action lawsuit filed in April 2020 claimed more than 80 residents of the facility died of complications from coronavirus). Guerra had worked for many years as a nurses aide at the facility, before she was moved to an office job due to a knee injury, according to her familys attorney, Juan C. Fernandez of Morristown. On March 26, 2020, Guerra was assisting the human resources department in the administrative office at Andover II when she began feeling ill, Fernandez said. Despite not feeling well, Mrs. Guerra continued working without restrictions, the suit states. About the same time, Andover declared an outbreak at their facility, the suit states. The lawsuit states Guerra went for a COVID-19 test, which came back positive. She was soon hospitalized for treatment of the coronavirus, the lawsuit states. As was the case for many suffering from coronavirus symptoms, Guerra was hospitalized alone and isolated in a hospital and her family was unable to see her, the lawsuit states. Mrs. Guerras condition continued to worsen to the point where there was nothing more that the hospital could do for her, the lawsuit states. Guerra, a married mother of three from Hudson County, died on April 6, 2020, experiencing great pain and suffering prior to her death, alone and isolated, the suit states. The lawsuit states that as coronavirus cases spiked across New Jersey, workers at Andover asked for masks and other protective equipment. They were told the supplies werent coming since the bills were not being paid, the suit alleges. The suit alleges that when the Sussex County Sheriffs Office delivered a shipment of protective gear, office workers werent given any equipment. (Andover) made it clear that the protective gear was not available for everyone, the lawsuit claims. It was kept under lock and key and employees were told, Go figure it out. If you want your own PPE, you have to get it. Fernandez, the Guerras family attorney, said the lawsuit is the first filed against Andover by the family of an employee who died. The attorney added that Guerra never knew that bodies were piling up in a makeshift morgue because she had died before those facts became publicized. An attorney for Subacute and Rehab Center did not return a call and email on Monday seeking comment on the lawsuit. Administrators at the facility did not respond to a voicemail seeking comment. In response to a class-action lawsuit last year filed by the families of patients, Andovers owners said the facility had taken steps like social distancing and separating sick patients but that containing the spread in a nursing home still proved difficult. 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. Prince Philip is currently experiencing double pain almost two weeks after being confined in a hospital. Not only is the Duke of Edinburgh battling an infection, but he is also reportedly grieving after losing someone. Royal expert Robert Jobson told True Royalty TV that the day Prince Philip was rushed to the hospital, the same day he lost his royal page. A royal page is a ceremonial position in the royal household of the UK. "His royal page, which was with him for many years, died on the day the Duke went in." Jobson added, "When members of your staff that have been with you daily, and he is a lot younger than the Duke, it is quite difficult." The royal page, though the name is undisclosed, has said to be a staff he has likely seen daily. The royal expert further said that most of Prince Philip's friends have already passed away, as well as his staff. Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip, who will be spending his 14th day in the hospital tomorrow, was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital on Feb. 16 as a precautionary measure for feeling unwell but wasn't the coronavirus. According to BBC, the Duke, who is about to celebrate his 100th birthday in June, traveled by car to the hospital and was in good spirits upon entering the hospital. Prince Philip Hospitalized but Royal Lives Go on Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II has remained at Windsor Castle, while Prince Charles and his wife, Camila Parker-Bowles, have also carried out their official duties. On the sixth day Prince Philip was confined, Prince William revealed that his grandfather is "okay" and that the hospital staff are keeping an eye on him. Pep Talk with Prince Charles However, the 99-year-old Duke has reportedly already summoned his son, the future King, Prince Charles, to plan the royal family's future. According to Dickie Arbiter, who spoke on "The Royal Beat," the dad-of-four wanted to talk to the Duke of Cornwall to "lay the ground." Arbiter guessed that once he comes out, he'll go back to Windsor but would eventually depart. "He was just saying to Charles, 'One day you are going to be the leading man of the family.'" On Feb. 20, Prince Charles was spotted visiting his father in the hospital in London and left teary-eyed. His visit lasted less than one hour, and he was the first member of the royal family to visit the ailing royal after being admitted to rest and tests. READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II Criticized For Allowing Prince Andrew Keep His Royal Roles See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles Stormont's reaction to a "dangerous" new coronavirus variant discovered in the UK for the first time will ultimately decide whether the new variant makes its way to Northern Ireland, a public health expert has warned. There is concern the Manaus strain may spread more rapidly and respond less well to existing vaccines. Dr Gabriel Scally was speaking after Public Health England (PHE) confirmed six cases of the P.1 variant first detected in the Brazilian city of Manaus have been confirmed in Britain - three in England and three in Scotland. Two were confirmed in South Gloucestershire but the third English case has not been located and could be anywhere, as PHE says the person did not complete their test registration card so their contact details are unavailable. The Scottish Government said three residents who returned to north-east Scotland from Brazil, via Paris and London, subsequently tested positive. Dr Scally said the new strain could lead to the pandemic taking hold again and causing more severe illnesses if it is allowed to spread unchecked. However, he said that if the UK Government and Stormont Assembly implement travel restrictions and a proper quarantine system and the public continue to follow public health advice there was no reason to panic. Dr Scally said the Assembly's reaction would decide whether the Manaus variant crosses the Irish Sea. The Belfast-born doctor, who is a member of the independent Sage committee, said it was a "worrying" development as the variant was one of those causing the greatest concern at present due to its impact on vaccines. "It's a warning to us about how dangerous it is to leave borders open and not to have quarantine in place and catch all of these cases," Dr Scally said. "It's a dangerous variant and Manaus was hit extraordinarily hard in the first wave and this new variant has hit it again, including infecting people who had already been infected. It means the virus manages to dodge some of the antibodies that have arisen from the first infection." Dr Scally noted that the Republic of Ireland had a sizeable Brazilian population and said the Assembly would have to work with the UK and Irish Governments to stop the new variant from spreading. "For a lot of international flights that is how people get to Northern Ireland, via Dublin airport," he said. The epidemiologist said it was "almost inevitable" new strains would spread in the UK and Ireland due to open borders. "The UK Government and the Irish Government have not got a good record on keeping variants out and they tend to shut the door after the horse has bolted, in this case they should shut the door now to make sure the variants don't get in," he said. Dr Scally said without action the new variant could prolong the pandemic and "make it yet again more serious in terms of the severity of the illness". He said that while the number of cases was falling, "there is still a lot of transmission going on". "We really need to do three things - get the numbers down, keep them down and we need to keep it out by reducing the opportunity of importing new cases," Dr Scally said. The Church of England should become more involved in politics, the Archbishop of York said yesterday. The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell said that political life had 'shrunk' and that the Church should supply 'vision' for how things could be improved. He declared that 'our compass has slipped; we have allowed ourselves to believe that things can't change, that this is just the way the world is. Politics has... shrunk. There is a loss of vision about what the world could be like'. The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said that political life had 'shrunk' and that the Church should supply 'vision' for how things could be improved Archbishop Cottrell's call for the Church's greater political involvement comes soon after its leaders issued a report on the 'housing crisis' with recommendations on how the Government should supply cheaper homes, and a report on race that signalled support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Archbishop Cottrell told the Observer: 'I simply don't accept a separation between the Church and politics, faith and politics or, for that matter, anything and politics.' The Church set up an 'anti-racism task force' last year after the Archbishop of Canterbury made a speech that compared the Church of England's treatment of black people to the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany. A report from the group at the weekend said: 'The repercussions of the killing of George Floyd have been felt across America and in other parts of the world including in our own country with the wider Black Lives Matter movement pushing racial justice up the agenda. The Church set up an 'anti-racism task force' last year after the Archbishop of Canterbury (pictured) made a speech that compared the Church of England's treatment of black people to the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany 'Protest and demonstrations have been accompanied by public signs of lament and debate about the continuing impact of racism in wider society, including the Church.' The Church has newly-appointed bishops specialising in housing and climate change, and both its archbishops have made controversial political interventions in recent years. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, has condemned the behaviour of internet giants and criticised the gig economy in a speech to the TUC, while Archbishop Cottrell, second in the CofE hierarchy, has steered the Church into backing calls for nuclear disarmament. In this photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, poses with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, second from left, as they stand in front of a military place carrying Sinovac vaccines from China at the Villamor Air Base in Manila, Sunday Feb. 28, 2021. AP The Philippines launched a vaccination campaign Monday to contain one of Southeast Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks but faces supply problems and public resistance, which it hopes to ease by inoculating top officials. Cabinet officials, along with health workers and military and police personnel, were among the first to be vaccinated in six hospitals in Metropolitan Manila, after President Rodrigo Duterte and other top officials received 600,000 doses on Sunday of COVID-19 vaccine donated by China. At the state-run Philippine General Hospital in Manila, the hospital director, Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, was inoculated first by a nurse in a televised event and was followed by Cabinet and Department of Health officials. ''Let's get vaccinated, let's save lives every day. We need to move on,'' Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said in a speech at the hospital, adding he would get vaccinated in about a week after health workers have been immunized. The Philippines was among the last Southeast Asian countries to receive its first batch of vaccine due to delivery delays although it has reported more than 576,000 infections, including 12,318 deaths, the second-highest totals in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. Lockdowns and quarantine restrictions have set back Manila's economy in one of the worst recessions in the region and sparked unemployment and hunger. ''Our economy is really down, as in down so the earlier these vaccinations gain speed, the better,'' Duterte told a televised news conference late Sunday after witnessing the delivery of the Chinese-donated vaccine at an air base in the capital. Duterte said he was considering to further ease quarantine restrictions in the capital and elsewhere once the vaccination campaign gains momentum. With just 600,000 doses available for about 300,000 people to get two doses each, Monday's immunizations were billed as symbolic. Aside from China's donated vaccine from Sinovac Biotech Ltd., the government has separately ordered 25 million doses from the China-based company but no fixed date has been set for the deliveries. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the delivery of an initial 525,600 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine that was initially scheduled for Monday would be delayed by a week due to supply problems. China's donation is a tiny fraction of at least 148 million doses the government has been negotiating to secure from Western and Asian companies to vaccinate about 70 million Filipinos for free in a massive campaign funded by foreign and domestic loans. The bulk of the shipments are expected to arrive later this year amid the global scramble for COVID-19 vaccine. Duterte's administration has come under criticism for lagging behind most other Southeast Asian countries in securing the vaccines, but the president has said wealthy Western countries have cornered massive doses for their citizens, leaving poorer nations scrambling for the rest. Aside from supply problems, there have been concerns over the vaccine's safety, largely due to a dengue vaccine scare that prompted the Duterte administration to stop a massive immunization drive in 2017. There have also been concerns even among health workers over the Sinovac vaccine because of its lower efficacy rate compared to others developed in the West and Russia. Carlito Galvez Jr, who leads government efforts to secure the vaccines, said Duterte saw some surveys showing low public confidence in the Sinovac vaccine and ordered him and other top officials to be inoculated with it. At the Philippine General Hospital, where he got inoculated with the Sinovac vaccine, Galvez said Filipinos could not return to normal life and the economy would not be able to recover if people refuse to get immunized and prefer Western vaccines, which would come later in the year. ''We should not wait for the so-called best vaccine. There is no best vaccine because the best vaccines are those which are effective and efficient and come early,'' Galvez said in a speech at the hospital. (AP) China has maintained its position as the world's largest manufacturing hub for 11 straight years, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the global manufacturing output, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). In the past five years, the value-added industrial output in China has increased from 23.5 trillion yuan (about 3.63 trillion U.S. dollars) to 31.3 trillion yuan, Xiao Yaqing, minister of MIIT, said Monday. During the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) period, the average growth rate of the value-added output from China's high-tech manufacturing sector reached 10.4 percent, up 4.9 percentage points from that of the overall industrial output, MIIT data showed. The information transmission and software and information technology service industries have seen remarkable progress during the period. Their value-added industrial output surged from 1.8 trillion yuan to 3.8 trillion yuan with the proportion in gross domestic product growing from 2.5 percent to 3.7 percent, Xiao added. By the end of 2020, household penetration of fixed broadband in China reached 96 percent, while the mobile broadband penetration rate came in at 108 percent, the data showed. In terms of 5G development, the country has built a total of 718,000 5G base stations by the end of last year, with the number of mobile terminals connected to the network exceeding 200 million, according to the MIIT. 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. all financial figures in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated VANCOUVER, BC, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with an affiliate of the Orion Mine Finance Group ("Orion") to acquire 10% from Orion's current interest in the Hardrock Mine Project (the "Hardrock Project") for consideration of $51 million plus certain contingent payment obligations (the "Hardrock Transaction"). The Hardrock Project is a multi-million-ounce, fully permitted, construction-ready gold project located in Ontario, Canada and currently owned 50% by Orion and 50% by Premier Gold Mines Limited ("Premier"). Equinox Gold will acquire a 50% interest in the Hardrock Project upon completion of the Company's pending acquisition of Premier, as announced on December 16, 2020, and will subsequently increase its interest to 60% upon completion of the Hardrock Transaction. Orion will hold a 40% interest in the Hardrock Project. Christian Milau, CEO of Equinox Gold, stated: "We are extremely pleased to increase our stake in this world-class Canadian gold deposit located in one of the world's top mining jurisdictions. Hardrock will be a low-cost, long-life gold mine, bringing more than 240,000 attributable ounces of annual gold production to Equinox Gold when in production, with significant upside potential from near-mine exploration and underground development. We look forward to working with Orion to advance Hardrock to production, bringing long-term benefits to all stakeholders of the Hardrock Project and particularly First Nations and other communities in the Greenstone region of Ontario." Terms of the Hardrock Transaction include: Payment on closing of $51 million , of which up to $41 million can be paid in shares of Equinox Gold, at Equinox Gold's option; and , of which up to can be paid in shares of Equinox Gold, at Equinox Gold's option; and Assumption of certain contingent payment obligations comprising: $5 million in cash 24 months after a positive mine construction decision for the Hardrock Project; and in cash 24 months after a positive mine construction decision for the Hardrock Project; and delivery of approximately 2,200 ounces of refined gold, the cash equivalent value of such refined gold, or a combination thereof, after production milestones of 250,000 ounces, 500,000 ounces and 700,000 ounces from the Hardrock Project. The Hardrock Transaction is subject to closing of Equinox Gold's acquisition of Premier, which was approved by Premier shareholders on February 23, 2021 and is expected to close in March 2021, subject to regulatory and court approvals and customary closing conditions. Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation and may include future-oriented financial information. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company's ability to obtain the required approvals and complete its acquisition of Premier and the additional 10% in the Hardrock Project from Orion, the Company's ability to successfully advance the Hardrock Project to production and achieve the gold production, cost estimates and other benefits currently estimated for the Hardrock Project, and the upside potential at the Hardrock Project, including production forecasts and timing and potential benefits to stakeholders. Forward-looking statements or information generally identified by the use of the words "will", "look forward", "bringing", "subject to", "potential", and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could" or "should", or the negative connotation of such terms, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company has based these forward-looking statements and information on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and these assumptions include: the timing for approvals in connection with the acquisition of Premier and the 10% interest in the Hardrock Project, and satisfaction of other closing conditions; Equinox Gold's ability to achieve its production, cost and development expectations for Hardrock; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; prices for gold remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects and future cash requirements; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; Hardrock Mineral Reserve and Resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; no labour-related disruptions and no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled development and production, including by blockade; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals being received in a timely manner; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; fluctuations in currency markets; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities and indigenous populations; the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner or at all; changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining including those imposed in connection with COVID-19; increased competition in the mining industry; and those factors identified in the Company's MD&A dated February 28, 2020 and its Annual Information Form dated May 13, 2020, both for the year-ended December 31, 2019, and the Company's MD&A dated November 5, 2020 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's views as of that time with respect to future events and speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement or information contained or incorporated by reference to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements and information. If the Company updates any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. SOURCE Equinox Gold Corp. Samantha Armytage has slammed Kevin Rudd after he appeared to snub her at the end of an interview but said goodbye to her co-host David Koch. The former Prime Minister appeared on Sunrise on Monday morning to call for greater diversity in the Australian media landscape, arguing Rupert Murdoch's News Corp monopoly is a 'cancer on our democracy'. The politician, who claims he received negative coverage from the company during the 2013 election, contended it was 'unhealthy' for 70 per cent of the print readership in Australia to be controlled by 'one man'. But the discussion quickly turned heated debate after Armytage questioned his rationale. Sunrise host Samantha Armytage (pictured) has slammed former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd after he appeared on the show on Monday morning 'There is so much left wing media in this country, and Kevin, the Murdoch press backed you in 2007 to become Prime Minister,' she said. 'Part of being a public person is the argy-bargy. Sometimes you are the statue, sometimes you are the pigeon, sometimes you get backed, sometimes you don't. Isn't that all part of it?' While he agreed, Mr Rudd maintained the media mogul's publications reflect political bias. 'So do you think it's fair that in 19 or the last 19 state elections that the Murdoch media in every state has viciously backed one side of politics over the other? That wasn't the case prior to 2010. It's changed.' As the interview drew to an end, Ms Armytage thanked Mr Rudd for his time and for appearing on the show. The Labor leader and the journalist entered a heated debate about Rupert Murdoch's political influence through his media empire But her name was notably absent from his response: 'Good to be with you. Thanks Kochie'. Ms Armytage appeared taken aback, rolling her eyes and shaking her head with a wry smile. Hours later, the journalist fired up on her Instagram account, issuing a scathing post about her interaction with the former Labor leader. 'It appears I am....... invisible,' she wrote, alongside a clip of the segment. '(And for the record: I interview people I dont agree with alllll [sic] the time, but I always try to be polite.' However, fans were not convinced she was intentionally neglected in Mr Rudd's farewell. 'I think his "Good to be with you" was aimed at you Sam, and the "Thanks Kochie" was aimed at Kochie,' one person commented. Following the interview, Ms Armytage condemned the politician after he did not say her name during his farewell, but said goodbye to her co-host David Koch 'Sam maybe they cut him off before he said your name,' another offered, to which she replied: 'No they did not'. Mr Rudd later apologised to Ms Armytage in the comments, explaining it was a blunder with no malice intended. 'Sorry, Sam. An oversight on my part. Nothing meant by it at all,' he said. 'Thank you both for having me on the program. P.S. I must admit to being a bit distracted by some technical problems. Just prior to going on air, our video link failed and I had to quickly change rooms and find an iPad to link up.' The ex-PM has been campaigning for a royal commission into the media tycoon and his News Corp-owned newspapers, which includes mastheads such as The Australian, Daily Telegraph and The Courier Mail. Appearing at a federal inquiry into media diversity, Mr Rudd claimed on Friday the newspapers spread a 'culture of fear' and that Murdoch held 'enormous influence' over the political future of the country. New York City educators must organize to close all schools and prevent the deepening spread of the pandemic. The New York City Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee is spearheading this fight, and we urge educators in the city and tri-state area to attend our next meeting at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, March 3. Last Thursday, New York Citythe largest school district in the US with over 1.1 million studentsreopened 471 middle schools for approximately 62,000 students in grades 6-8. Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio had already sent back middle school teachers on Monday, and is negotiating with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) to try to reopen high schools by the end of the year. The volatility of the political situation, in which the Democratic Party has undertaken another highly unpopular step in opening more schools, was underscored by Thursdays resignation of the Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza. Students enter P.S. 134 Henrietta Szold Elementary School in New York. Photo taken in December 2020 [Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File] The following day, it was announced that Carranza will be replaced by Meisha Porter in mid-March. Porter, who has been the executive superintendent of the Bronx since 2018, stated during her first news conference Friday that the city is ready to go on reopening high schools. She pledged to meet this goal before the end of the school year, in line with the Biden administrations campaign to reopen the majority of schools by the end of April. On February 11, Carranza first announced that middle schools would reopen, the second phase of the citys plan to resume in-person learning at all schools in order to send parents back to work producing profits for Wall Street. In a message to parents, Carranza falsely stated, We have developed strong practices to help keep school communities healthy and safe. He bragged about the totally inadequate testing program in which only 20 percent of students and staff are tested in each school on a weekly basis. The level of trust parents had in Carranza and de Blasio has been reflected in the low number of returning students, with only 30 percent of parents opting for in-person learning since September. The media have largely attributed the resignation to sharp differences Carranza had with Mayor de Blasios handling of the school systems testing for gifted and talented programs and elite high schools that require an entrance exam for admission. The inequality in education after decades of budget cuts and under-funding of public schools has been framed entirely in racial terms by the Democrats, including both de Blasio and Carranza. Their solution of rationing quality education in the city has caused sharp divisions among these petty-bourgeois layers. It is also likely that Carranza, knowing he would be replaced by a new administration in less than a year, sought to absolve himself of any responsibility for the wave of infections and deaths likely to hit city schools in the coming weeks as middle and high schools reopen. This mass reopening of schools coincides with the anticipated growth of more infectious and lethal variants of SARS-CoV-2, including a new mutation specific to New York City, B.1.526. The campaign to reopen middle schools has had the fulsome support of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). With the collaboration of the UFT and its President Michael Mulgrew, de Blasio first reopened all public schools on September 29. By early November, the seven-day citywide test positivity rate exceeded the 3 percent threshold that the UFT and de Blasio had negotiated for closing schools, prompting de Blasio to close schools. Only days later, de Blasio unilaterally reopened schools for K-5 students on December 7 with the support of the UFT. Both parties abandoned the 3 percent threshold and the positivity rates stood at 7 percent as middle schools opened Thursday morning. Schools only closed last March due to the widespread opposition of educators, who threatened to carry out wildcat sick-out strikes. Despite the seriousness of the rapidly spreading pandemic, de Blasio argued in favor of allowing the schools to remain open. The slow response by the Democrats resulted in the city becoming the first epicenter of the pandemic in the US. The overall number of COVID-19 cases in New York City now stands at 712,389 with 29,088 deaths due to the virus. Once again, de Blasio is now exploiting the likely temporary drop in the daily rate of COVID-19 cases to promote the reopening of middle schools. Mulgrew is reprising his role of cheerleader, recently stating, These strict standards, and the requirement that buildings close temporarily when virus cases are detected, have made our schools the safest places to be in our communities during the pandemic. He added, They will continue to be the strongest protections for the health and safety of students and staff. In other words, the UFT is fine with sending another large group of students and educators back into middle school buildings that no amount of preparation will make safe. Reacting to Carranzas departure, Mulgrew praised him for his role last fall, Richard Carranza was a real partner in our efforts to open school safely. Mulgrew will surely find another real partner in Meisha Porter, who vowed on Twitter to hit the ground running and lead our schools to a full recovery, meaning full reopening as soon as possible. Reflecting the thoroughly collaborative role that the pseudo-left plays within the teachers unions, after the middle schools had opened on Thursday a member of the Movement of Rank-and-File Educators (MORE)the UFT caucus associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)posted an article on their website titled, We Should Wait To Open Schools. The article provides a list of demands for a safe reopening and nowhere mentions the urgent need for educators to organize collectively to shut down schools as part of a broader program to stop community spread of the coronavirus. Similarly, Bidens plan to reopen schools and the lies disseminated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not raised. There is a political logic in this. MORE is addressing the UFT and suggesting that with a series of safe-sounding but totally inadequate measures the UFT can negotiate a deal that MORE will endorse. In this appeal, MORE is following in the footsteps of its allies in the leadership of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which recently negotiated a safe reopening of schools with Chicagos Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Educators must resist the deadly drive to reopen schools in New York City, across the US and internationally by building independent rank-and-file safety committees that will organize the most far-reaching and necessary action to immediately close all schools and nonessential workplaces while providing full economic security for all workers affected. We urge educators in New York City and the tri-state area who seek to implement this program to attend the New York City Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee meeting at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, March 3. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access Bryan Cranston has revealed he is 'grateful' he grew up poor and has described his family as 'fractured'. The actor, 64, was raised by his parents Audrey Peggy and Joe until he was 11 and went to live with his grandparents after his family home was repossessed. His parents later divorced and Bryan went a decade without seeing his father. Childhood: Bryan Cranston has revealed he is 'grateful' he grew up poor and has described his family as 'fractured' Speaking to The Telegraph, the Breaking Bad star recalled how at one point he and his siblings survived on food stamps after Peggy became an alcoholic. He said: 'One of the things I'm most grateful about is that I was poor. My family was fractured. It was bad. There was drug abuse, alcoholism. It was decimated. 'When you go through an experience like that as a boy, you respect it more. So [now] I don't expect any special treatment, I'm just a working actor who's grateful.' Bryan and his brother Kyle tracked down his father when he was 22 and he maintained a relationship with him until his death in 2014. Family: The actor, 64, was raised by his parents Audrey Peggy and Joe (pictured) until he was 11 and went to live with his grandparents after his family home was repossessed When the actor and his daughter Taylor, 28, cleared out his father's home after his passing, she discovered a note that read: 'The highlight of my life was when my children forgave me.' Recalling the memory, Bryan said: 'It's difficult. I don't know if it's entirely accurate. I was on my way to forgiveness, I don't know that I was completely without resentment or anger towards him. He deserted our family, and never really came back in as a fully fledged father. It was a work in progress.' Bryan met his wife Robin Dearden in 1984, with the couple marrying five years later after he proposed in the bathtub, with the ring on his toe. The former Malcolm In The Middle star told how the coronavirus pandemic meant the couple had spent more time in each other's company than they had in years. Couple: Bryan met his wife Robin Dearden in 1984, with the couple marrying five years later after he proposed in the bathtub, with the ring on his toe Saying they have a 'good relationship, the actor explained that if either of them ever wants to go to couple's therapy, it is a 'non-negotiable' that the other must agree to. Having spent more than 40 years as an actor, Bryan said he will no when it is time for him to retire, saying that if his 'faculties' fail him or someone has to feed him his lines, he will quit. The actor is close friends with his Breaking Bad co-star Aaron Paul, who played his character Walt White's former student Jesse on the AMC series. The pair started their own mescal business in 2019 as they didn't get to see each other very often after the show ended in 2013. Asked if he ever worries about cancel culture, the actor said he doesn't, but it does make him wonder if 'forgiveness' has a place in society and he thinks cancelling someone for a joke or comment they made 10 years ago is 'dangerous'. Stocks to watch today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Monday's trading session based on latest developments. Share Market Live: Sensex rises 650 points, Nifty at 14,715; ONGC, HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra top gainers Reliance Industries : Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), announced it has raised its shareholding in investee company skyTran Inc to 54.46 per cent, acquiring additional equity stake for consideration of $26.76 million (Rs 196.9 crore). DLF: The realty firm plans to raise up to Rs 395 crore through issue of debentures. In a regulatory filing, the company informed that the proposal will be discussed on March 3 at a meeting of the finance committee of the board of directors. United Spirits : ICRA reaffirmed credit rating on the company's long term/short term fund based/non-fund based as AA+(Stable)/A1+. Indian Oil Corporation: The state-owned company said it will invest Rs 32,946 crore to expand its oil refinery at Panipat in Haryana to 25 million tonnes per annum capacity and set up chemical units. Axis Bank: Lender said its board has approved a proposal to reclassify United India Insurance Company Ltd (UIICL) as a public shareholder category investor in the bank from promoter category. Affle (India) : The company at its board meeting approved the fund-raising upto Rs 1,080 crore. Bank of Maharashtra : RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 2 crore on the bank for contravention of / non-compliance with certain provisions. Tata Chemicals : The company appointed Nandakumar S Tirumalai as the Chief Financial Officer after John Mulhall elevated to Managing Director & CEO of subsidiary Tata Chemicals North America, Inc. Hindustan Aeronautics : The company declared second interim dividend of Rs 15 per share of Rs 10 each for FY21. Minda Industries : NCLT approved the amalgamation of Harita, Harita Venu, Harita Cheema, Harita Financial Services and Harita Seating Systems with Minda Industries. BEML : The government announced schedule - March 1-22 - for submission of Expression of Interest (Eol) from the bidders for the proposed strategic disinvestment of 26 percent stake in BEML along with transfer of management control. Maruti Suzuki: The country's largest carmaker on Saturday said it has achieved the milestone of 20 lakh cumulative exports. InterGlobe Aviation: The budget carrier company on Saturday said that all its domestic flights having subset series 6E 5500 - 6E 5900 will be operated from Terminal-1 of the city airport here, starting March 10. Godrej Properties : The company has emerged as the highest bidder for two adjacent plots in Navi Mumbai. Biocon: The company arm, Viatris Inc received EU regulator nod for Biosimilar Bevacizumab. KEC International : The company bagged new orders of Rs 1,140 crore across its various businesses. Gayatri Projects : CARE downgrades credit rating on company's long term bank facilities to D from B/Stable. 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. Focused on developing and commercializing high-quality products Pipeline includes several commercial products in ophthalmology and transplant Also has a development stage pipeline in neurology What Aequus Pharmaceuticals does Aequus Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ) ( ) is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing high quality, differentiated products. The Vancouver-based company takes medications that are already available in the US or elsewhere and licenses or acquires the Canadian rights, then takes the clinical data that supported that approval and works with Health Canada, Canadas national health system, to get them approved and commercialized in Canada. Aequus intends to commercialize its internal programs in Canada alongside its current portfolio of marketed established medicines and looks to form strategic partnerships that would maximize the reach of its product candidates worldwide. The company has expanded its pipeline to include several commercial products in Opthalmology and transplant and also has a development stage pipeline in neurology with the goal of addressing a need for improved medication adherence through enhanced delivery systems. In Ophthamology, the company has launched Vistitan, which reduces the pressure inside the eyes of patients with glaucoma and was first marketed by Swiss-owned pharmaceutical giant , as well as Evolve preservative-free, dry-eye products, developed with partner Medicom Aequus has also launched transplant therapy Tacrolimus - also licensed from - which aims to treat and prevent acute rejection following an organ transplant. In its development pipeline, the company has a transdermal cannabis product, AQS1304 for neurological disorders; a transdermal anti-nausea drug, AQS1303; and an epilepsy treatment, Topiramate XR licensed from . How is it doing: Aequus Pharmaceuticals has made a solid start to 2021. On March 1, Aequus Pharmaceuticals announced the commercial availability of the Evolve preservative-free lubricating eye drops for dry eye care. The company said the premium formulations - Intensive Daily drops, with the gold standard 0.2% sodium hyaluronate, and the unique, triple-action Intensive Gel drops, containing hyaluronate, carbomer 980 and glycerol - will provide soothing hydration and symptom relief for patients with dry eye disease. It said the products will be available exclusively for sale by eye care clinics in Canada, where patients can receive the full benefit of dry eye treatment plans when they are diagnosed, prescribed, and monitored by eye care professionals. Launched in 2015 in Europe, the Evolve brand has grown to 5 products across 35 countries. With an array of products, the brand can address the various symptoms involved with dry eye disease and blepharitis including discomfort, stinging, burning, and dryness. Currently in Canada, the dry eye market is estimated at over $90 million, which includes both prescription and over-the-counter products. On other products front, in October last year, Aequus revealed that it had agreed to an extension of terms for its promotional service agreement on the drug tacrolimus immediate-release (tacrolimus IR), which is used to prevent patient rejection after organ transplants. The company said that it has extended its commercial agreement on tacrolimus with Canada Inc to December 31, 2021. Aequus began promoting s generic tacrolimus In December 2015. Tacrolimus has since achieved over 10x growth in Canada through increased brand awareness and new patient adoption programs, according to the company, the group said. In the boardroom, in November last year, the company announced that co-founder Anne Stevens was stepping down as its chief operating officer. Aequus said Stevens will remain a director of the company and continue to serve on its board. Earlier in the year, Aequus revealed that entrepreneur Grant Larsen had been hired as the company's chief commercial officer, effective August 17 2020, noting that he had almost 20 years of senior management positions in North American eye care. And on February 12, 2021, Aequus announced that Marc Lustig had agreed to join its board of directors concurrent with making a $1 million direct equity investment in the company. Lustig currently serves as a director at cannabis companies Cresco Labs and Pharmacielo Ltd, he is also chairman of both cannabis investment firm Trichome Financial Corp and medical cannabis group Cannabis. Looking at financials, on May 31, Aequus reported its first-quarter 2021 results showing an operating loss before other income of $623,636 for the first quarter of 2021, a 53% change from the loss before other income of $408,706 in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The company said the higher loss was primarily due to lower revenue and an increase in product development and regulatory costs related to Zimed-PF as it progresses through the Health Canada review process as well as higher non-cash expenses triggered by the conversion of convertible debt to equity. The company posted first-quarter 2021 revenues of $491,821, a 15% decrease over the $579,450 revenue during the same period in 2020, primarily driven by timing differences resulting from consumer buying patterns and not believed to be attributable to any specific cause or variable controllable by the company. It noted that COVID-19 restrictions continue to be an access barrier in Ontario and Quebec, but said the impact of the restrictions is not measurable. Inflection points: Boost from commercial availability of Evolve eye drops Growth in Tacrolimus sales after agreement extension Further revenue growth and loss reductions What the boss says: In a statement accompanying the firm's Q1 2021 results, Aequus chairman and CEO Doug Janzen commented: We had a productive start to 2021. Despite the many COVID-19 related restrictions that impacted all of Canada, our sales force continued to find creative ways to manage the business. "We were excited to launch our new E-commerce platform www.aequuseyecare.ca. This new tool strengthens our established sales infrastructure and will allow us to more readily take on new products and scale up commercial operations, as needed when sales opportunities are expected to change after current COVID restrictions are lifted. Janzen added: Sales were down slightly in Q1 compared to the same period last year and lower than our record quarter in fourth quarter 2020, which from a timing perspective, appeared to cannibalize some January sales. We were pleased to see sales meet internal forecasts since February and we expect to continue our revenue growth trajectory going forward. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com Michigan will be getting 82,700 doses this week of the new COVID-19 vaccine produced by Johnson and Johnson, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. We couldnt order until final approval, so we will be placing orders today and expect them to be delivered on Wednesday, said Lynn Sutfin, MDHHS spokeswoman. Michigan will be getting almost a half-million COVID-19 vaccine doses this week The J&J vaccine was granted emergency use authorization Saturday, Feb. 27, by the federal Food and Drug Administration. This vaccine has some differences from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines already in use. Below is a look at those differences. 1. Its a single shot. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which require two shots several weeks apart, the J&J regime is only one dose. Thats a huge advantage on three fronts: Supplies will go twice as far in getting people fully vaccinated; more people will be fully vaccinated in a shorter amount time frame, and it relieves the logistical headache of making sure people get a second shot in a timely manner. 2. It kicks in faster. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines offer full protection about five to six weeks after an individual starts the regime, or about two weeks after the second shot. Because the J&J vaccine is only one dose, that process is shortened. The clinical trials showed protection against moderate to severe disease starts about two weeks after vaccinations, and there were no hospitalizations or deaths after four weeks. 3. Much easier storage/handling. The Pfizer vaccine is especially fragile: It must be stored and shipped between -112 to -76 degrees, requiring dry ice and special freezers. Once its thawed, it can only be held in a refrigerator for five days and it must be used within six hours of being diluted. The storage and handling requirements are not as stringent for the Moderna vaccine, but it also must be kept frozen and it has special handling requirements. .The J&J vaccine can be stored in a regular refrigerator for up to three months, making it much easier for distribution by doctor offices and other smaller settings. 4. Lower efficacy, but tested at different period. Clinical trials showed the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were 95% effective once the vaccine fully kicked in. An FDA analysis found the J&J vaccine is about 66% effective overall at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, and has a 86% efficacy rate against severe forms of Covid-19 in the United States, and 82% in South Africa. Experts note the Pfizer and Moderna clinical trials occurred over the summer and early fall, before the emergency of variants, while the J&J shot was tested later as those variants were emerging. Experts are especially pleased by the effectiveness in South Africa because that country is experiencing one of the more worrisome variants. Experts say all three vaccines now on the market are considered highly effective and people should feel comfortable taking whatever vaccine is offered to them. 5. Different bioengineering. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use a new technology called messenger RNA, or mRNA, which deliver genetic material directly into cells via fatty particles. That genetic code gets taken up by cells that follow a genetic code to stimulate an immune response. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses viral vector technology. It also uses a genetic code to stimulate an immune response, but this vaccine delivers it via a common cold virus called adenovirus 26 that is genetically engineered. (The cold virus is modified so it cannot give people a cold and cannot spread in the body.) 6. Wont be widely available at first. J&J has had some production issues, which means distribution of the vaccine will be uneven for the next month. The Biden administration told the New York Times that the company will deliver 3.9 million doses this week but none the week after. J&J will deliver another 16 million doses to the federal government by the end of March, but the majority of that will only come toward the end of the month, the Times reported. Johnson & Johnson initially pledged to deliver 37 million doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June, but the firm is still trying to scale up its production at its new Baltimore plant, the Times said. Read more on MLive: Mental health struggles are surging in Michigan families during the pandemic. Here are their stories. The pandemics psychological toll on our children Letter from the Editor: We asked students, parents and teachers, Are you OK? They said no When will I get vaccinated? The No. 1 pandemic question thats making Michiganders nervous Florida, beach parties and road trips: Not all Michigan colleges canceling spring break this year Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: Gordian Capital, the Asia based independent fund platform specialist announced the hiring of Ms. Phakawee Phatiwet as in-house counsel. According to a press release from the fund platform with licensed operations in Singapore, Tokyo, and Melbourne, Ms. Phatiwet was most recently an Assistant Director in the Financial Markets Development Department at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). "She holds two Master's degrees, one a Master of Laws (Honours), International Economic Law and the second a Master of Laws, Private and Business law, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)," Gordian, which manages US$5.6 billion said in the release. After a short stint at Allen & Overy, she joined the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) where she worked as a Legal Officer (Securities Regulation Department) and then as Executive Officer. At the MAS, she contributed to the launch of the Variable Capital Companies (VCC) framework by preparing public consultation papers and subsidiary legislation, reviewing general and technical feedback, putting forward recommendations, promoting the industry's adoption, as well as working towards enhancements of the framework. Phakawee is a Thai native speaker, fluent in English, and an intermediate French speaker. Gordian's growth trajectory in the VCC space Gordian Capital, which participated in the VCC pilot program, has subsequently, on behalf of non-Singapore-b...................... To view our full article Click here Two people from Colorado recreated an iconic battle scene in the snow with lightsabers from the epic sci-fi drama series Star Wars. Star Wars is one of the most popular and followed film franchises in the world that is equally popular among children, adolescents, or even adults. From purchasing merchandise to social media accounts dedicated to the franchise, it has garnered a cult status. This viral video shows the Star Wars franchise's dedicated fandom. The video was tweeted by Robert C Stern. After the video went viral on social media, several people tagged the original cast of the cult film, while others said it reminded them of the battle between Rey and Kylo Ren in Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens. Some even tried to compare it with the Star Wars sequels. Image Credits- Robert C Stern/Twitter Snow may keep most people inside their warm homes, but it did not stop these devoted Star Wars fans to re-create the iconic lightsaber scene. In United States' Colorado, two Star Wars fans took out their blue and yellow lightsabers and recreated a battle scene from Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens in the snow. Although the short video does not show the entire war, it has garnered popularity across the internet. As per reports, the video was recorded and posted on Facebook by a woman named Anghelie Elizabeth. It has now been shared widely on social media and one user Robert C Stern even tagged actor Mark Hamill from the Star War series on Twitter. Also Read: 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' Gets A Release Date, Disney Plus Makes Official Announcement Also Read: Tom Holland Gave Auditions For 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' But Ruined It, Know How Over the years fans all around the world have re-created scenes and some of them have made parodies of the popular series. The most popular one Star Wars Uncut was produced, edited, and directed by Casey Pugh in 2010. The film Star Wars Uncut consists of 473 fifteen-second segments created and submitted by a variety of participants by giving it a shot-for-shot recreation. In August 2010, the entire film was made available for free distribution on YouTube. Also Read: Where Was 'Attack Of The Clones' Filmed? Check Out The Star Wars Film's Shooting Location Also Read: Rian Johnson Breaks His Silence Over His 'Star Wars' Trilogy; Confirms 'it Is Happening' 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. To the editor: As my career with the Brattleboro Fire Department winds down there are some recognitions that I would like to share. The Brattl Paris, March 1 : A French court has sentenced former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to three years in jail for corruption and influence peddling, but suspended two years of the sentence. The 66-year-old was found guilty of trying to bribe a Magistrate by offering him a prestigious job in return for information about a separate criminal case against Sarkozy, the BBC reported. He is the first former French president to receive a custodial sentence. The Magistrate and Sarkozy's former lawyer got similar sentences. All three defendants are expected to appeal. In the ruling, the judge in Paris said Sarkozy could serve a year at home with an electronic tag, rather than go to prison. The conservative politician "knew what (he) was doing was wrong", the judge said, adding that his actions and those of his lawyer had given the public "a very bad image of justice". The crimes were specified as influence-peddling and violation of professional secrecy. It is a legal landmark for post-war France. The only precedent was the trial of Sarkozy's predecessor Jacques Chirac, who got a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for having arranged bogus jobs at Paris City Hall for allies when he was Paris mayor. Chirac died in 2019. Prosecutors had sought a four-year jail sentence for Sarkozy, half of which would be suspended. The case centred on conversations between the Magistrate involved, Gilbert Azibert, and Thierry Herzog, Sarkozy's then lawyer, which were taped by police in 2014. The investigators were looking into claims that Sarkozy had accepted illicit payments from the L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for his 2007 presidential campaign. The phone line they tapped was a secret number set up in a fictional name, Paul Bismuth, through which Sarkozy communicated with his lawyer. Sarkozy is also due to go on trial in a separate case, from 17 March to 15 April, which relates to the so-called Bygmalion affair. Sarkozy is accused of having fraudulently overspent in his 2012 presidential campaign. He had served as President since 2007 - but his 2012 re-election bid was unsuccessful. Despite his legal entanglements Sarkozy has remained popular in right-wing circles, a year away from a presidential election. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed First they spat angry words at Remy Bazie. Then they struck him in the face with an iron bar, knocking him unconscious. The men who jumped the Ivory Coast migrant at a crowded Moscow train station last November did not rob him. But they damaged his jaw to the degree that doctors had to install a metal plate to hold it in place. It took Bazie four months to raise the $3,600 to undergo surgery. ------------ For the Record Advertisement Africans in Russia: In the Nov. 2 Section A, an article about hostility against African blacks in Russia said there had been 177 reported acts of violence against blacks in Russia since 2010, according to the SOVA Center for Information and Analysis. There were actually 177 reported violent acts against blacks since 2008, SOVA officials say, six of which ended in death. ------------- Most of the time Im harassed, but this was the worst experience, Bazie, 28, said recently as he sat at a parish community center in Moscow where African migrants often seek refuge. His story is not uncommon, Russian civil and human rights leaders say. African migrants face widespread hostility and racism that usually go unpunished. According to the SOVA Center for Information and Analysis, a Moscow-based advocacy group and think tank, 177 acts of violence against blacks have been reported in Russia since 2010. But rights advocates said interviews with Africans living in the capital, as well as anecdotal evidence, indicate that a far higher number have been victims of racial attacks and experienced race-based harassment. Most, however, never report the assaults, the advocates said. Living here in Russia is like living in hell on Earth, said Osman Kamara, 35, a Liberian who fled civil conflict in his homeland 10 years ago, only to fall victim to a skinhead attack in Moscow. They dont like our color. Going out is a problem. Maybe if you go out, you might not return. Some Africans say that after arriving here, they heard the Russian word obezyana directed at them so often that they initially thought it meant black person. It means monkey. Advertisement The situation has improved for blacks somewhat in recent years partly because members of extremist groups, such as skinheads and neo-Nazis, are being prosecuted more often and because the aggressors are targeting other minority groups, such as people from Central Asia and the Caucasus, rights activists said. The brutality Africans face is a far cry from the welcome they received during the Soviet era, when students from the continent were lured in large numbers by offers of a free education, particularly those from newly independent nations that were building communism. Thousands of Africans pursued degrees in the Soviet Union, in fields such as international law and animal husbandry. But with the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. in 1991, much of the funding dried up and most African students returned home, academics said. Today the African ranks are growing again, fueled by asylum seekers, refugees and economic migrants. Many enter Russia illegally and fail to register with authorities, rights workers said. Advertisement Some academics estimate Russias African diaspora at just under 100,000, of which roughly one-third are believed to be undocumented. The remainder includes registered students, African embassy staff members and blacks who hold Russian citizenship. Alexander Panov, a junior research fellow at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said many of the undocumented migrated from Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2011 and 2012 amid political and civil unrest. Those nations, together with Angola, account for the largest number of African migrants in Russia, he said. They are coming to Russia believing there will be a good job and this is a way of getting into Europe, said Penny Grenfell, racial task force coordinator for the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy, which provides medical and legal aid to Africans. A lot of them think this is part of Europe. They think Russia has the same culture as Europe. Africans interviewed here said it was easy to buy a tourist visa to Russia as opposed to obtaining a visa of any kind to Western European nations, and many said they had mistakenly viewed Russia as a way station. Advertisement The migrants often end up stranded, with no official documents that would allow them to get decent jobs and little or no knowledge of the Russian language. The most common work they find is distributing fliers, advertisements and free magazines around subway stations, jobs that earn them less than $50 week. Most live up to 10 people to a room. Compounding these hardships is the unfettered racial abuse. John Steven Abumen, 39, a Nigerian who works part time as an English tutor, said he had been attacked three times in the 15 years he has lived in Russia. He has been stabbed in the arm, suffered a broken wrist and has a protruding lump on his upper chest, an eye injury and a dislocated knee that never healed properly. He walks with a limp but cant afford the surgery that doctors have recommended. A large welt on his shaved head is the result of being hit with an iron bar, he said. Advertisement I woke up in the hospital three days later, " Abumen recalled. I was almost blinded. I still dont sleep properly now. He said he reported two of the attacks to police, but no action was taken. In Russia when you fight back, you are at fault, Abumen said as he flashed the small red canister of pepper spray he now carries for protection. They told me, What are you doing in Russia? Youre to blame. Sometimes law enforcement officials themselves are the antagonists, said Agnes Blais, a volunteer with the Civic Assistance Committee, which offers legal and humanitarian aid to migrants, Advertisement Africans have lots of problems with police, she said. They are threatened with arrest. And the police often take money from them. The committee took up Bazies case and collected donations for his facial surgery. The group provided him with a lawyer and interpreter so he could file a grievance. His case is under investigation. Although the Russian press picked up his story, no one has been held accountable. Leaders of right-wing extremist groups deny that they instigate or condone the mistreatment of Africans. Africans dont present a threat to the Russian population in terms of their numbers inside the country, said Dmitry Dyomushkin, who heads a nationalist coalition and blames skinheads for the attacks. If they came here by the millions, then there would be cultural tensions. Advertisement Fabrice Kanda fled the Democratic Republic of Congo after news stories he wrote charging fraud during the 2011 presidential election made him a wanted man there. A relative helped the 29-year-old journalist secure a plane ticket and visa to Russia. He left behind a wife and two small children. A year after he arrived in Russia, three men jumped him. They stole his guitar and his passport. Kanda filed a police report but was told that it would be too difficult to find the guys, he said. The Russian government also denied his request for asylum. I thought I had escaped from death, that I can find a new life, but my suffering has only continued, Kanda said. Advertisement Some migrants said they would willingly return home if they could afford the plane ticket, and if their lives there werent at risk. But many others said they were ashamed to go home empty-handed, having left to seek their fortunes. Others, like Abumen, who came to Russia on a university exchange program, are reluctant to leave behind Russian wives, partners and children. There is such pressure, said Blais. They would rather live in hard conditions than go back without money. This report was funded by a grant from the International Center for Journalists. MCLEAN, Va., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OBXtek recently launched a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program for all employees. The mission of the company's DEI Program is to continue to maintain an environment that recognizes and values differences. The program seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity to grow and thrive, and build a culture of community and belonging. "At OBXtek, we recognize supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do for our business, but the right thing to do for our employees," said Dale Spencer, president and chief executive officer. "We have always been committed to maintaining a workplace culture that attracts and retains the best talent and supports employees from all communities. The DEI Program will provide even more resources to our employees." For the first event, Dr. Mark Hopson, Associate Professor of Intercultural Communication at George Mason University, spoke to our employees about microaggressions in the workplace. Through the DEI Program, employees can look forward to speakers, trainings, employee forums, continued community support, and much more. To learn more about the programs we provide our employees, including our Veteran Employee Resource Group, please visit: obxtek.com/careers. About OBXtek OBXtek is a relationship-driven cybersecurity, information technology, training and logistics, and program management company committed to excellence. OBXtek's accomplished teams have an established reputation for consistently and efficiently achieving goals for our portfolio of federal government customers. For more information, visit www.obxtek.com. Follow OBXtek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. SOURCE OBXtek Related Links http://www.obxtek.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. She's won a legion of fans thanks to her honest take on documenting life as a single mother in her ITVBe reality show, First Time Mum. And Ferne McCann looked every inch the doting mother as she emerged from the Channel 4 studios in Leeds with her adorable daughter Sunday, three, in tow, after appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Monday. The reality star, 30, cut a stylish figure in a black form-fitting dress, which featured green and white accents, as she departed the studio. TV appearance: Ferne McCann emerged from the Channel 4 studios in Leeds with her adorable daughter Sunday, three, in tow, after appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Monday Accessorising with a pair of gold earrings, the TV personality beamed as she held hands with her adorable offspring, who wore a grey T-shirt and black bottoms as she carried a stuffed toy. During their TV appearance, Ferne and her daughter were seen on camera sharing the star's 'Essex apple and berry crumble', though things didn't go completely to plan, as Sunday had a mini meltdown as her mother was interviews. As she made her way to the studio earlier, Ferne appeared comfortable and casual as she headed inside, wearing grey sweatpants, white trainers and a cream padded jacket. Makeup free-and masked-up in a protective face covering, the former TOWIE star proved a mother's work is never done as brought her little one along for filming. The reality star, 30, cut a stylish figure in a black form-fitting dress, which featured green and white accents, as she departed the studio Adorable Sunday took advantage of the lift from her mum as she chose to go barefoot for the journey to the set. The TV personality welcomed Sunday with jailed former boyfriend Arthur Collins, in November 2017. Ferne and Sunday's appearance comes after they celebrated best pal and housemate Carl Cunard's 30th birthday with a party at their Essex home over the weekend. Also in attendance was Ferne's new boyfriend, Jack Padgett, with the couple posing for a series of loved-up snaps together. Working mum: Ferne carried her adorable daughter in her arms while arriving at the studio Ferne went public with the model in late December after first meeting five years ago, and she recently admitted moving in together so quickly has 'fast-forwarded' her romance with her 'calm and kind' beau. And it's clear Ferne followed her friend's advice as she is now officially loved up with her new boyfriend Jack Padgett. Speaking in an interview with MailOnline, the mother-of-one explained while she initially found the prospect of letting a new man into her life 'daunting', she is confident she has found the 'right person' in longtime friend Jack. She explained: 'You have to want to work at it. You can't just be with someone and that's it, you have to want to be with each other and co-exist. Peekaboo! The reality star, 30, appeared comfortable and casual as she headed inside, wearing grey sweatpants, white trainers and a cream padded jacket 'It's about learning to want to be together and I'm loving it, he's so calm and kind and measured, but also fun. 'I feel very happy and lucky really. It's a new experience being with someone in a relationship which I actually want to work on.' Ferne added: 'Dating right now is completely different and has changed so much for everyone so you've got to be creative. 'I think it's all fast-forwarded, that's why we decided to quarantine together and do this lockdown together, and it's going well so far.' Party time: Ferne celebrated best pal Carl Cunard's 30th birthday with a party at their home over the weekend, where she posed for loved-up snaps with boyfriend Jack Padgett (pictured) The couple first met five years ago while partying in the Spanish holiday hotspot of Marbella and stayed friends, before reuniting on a romantic basis in late 2020. Ferne told MailOnline: 'It makes me laugh when people ask, "Where did you meet?" and I say "Marbella". It sounds like such a typical Essex thing, even though he's not from Essex.' She continued: 'With social media, we've always kept in touch and followed each other on Instagram. 'He does events, so we went to a brunch during the time when restaurants were allowed to be open in the UK last year. 'I was telling my friends I really wanted to go out for food and then Jack was doing an event, and the rest is history. I feel like it was timing, I've known him ages but I feel like it was just our time.' DUBLIN, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) Splitters for Optical Fibers Global Market Forecast & Analysis 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Because of the impact on production, sales, shipment and implementation (and other) caused by the negative effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we estimated a slowdown or negative movement in consumption in 2020 and we are forecasting a sluggish recovery for one or more years. 10-Year Market Forecast This market forecast report is available immediately. The analysis and forecast of global market consumption of planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitters used in optical fiber communication applications. For the purposes of this study, the publisher specifically addresses the PLC splitter, using waveguide circuits and aligned fiber optic pigtails, integrated inside a package. PLC splitters will continue to contribute an important role in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks by allowing a single passive optical network (PON) interface to be shared among many subscribers. PLC splitters are available in compact sizes; therefore, they can be used in aerial apparatus, pedestals or in-ground as well as rack mount or other module-based value-added product. Installation is simple using a variety of connector types or splicing. This report provides a detailed market and technology analysis of PLC splitters, which are largely driven by FTTx / Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and are trending towards commodity manufacturing processes. The market forecast is segmented by the following product categories and split configurations: The information is presented in easy-to-follow illustrations and text. The reasons for the forecasted trends are discussed. The report also outlines the market research methodology followed and the key assumptions made. Terms, acronyms, and abbreviations used are defined. A list of selected optical fiber PLC splitter manufacturers and related companies is provided, along with description of the types of PLC splitters and related technologies that they address. The technology trends of other pertinent fiber optic components and devices in the fiber optic marketplace are presented. Optical communication networks combine voice, audio, data at high and low speeds, video, television (including interactive 3D high resolution television), and other specialized transmission into a single integrated infrastructure. Included within the infrastructure is business Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, unified messaging, web-assisted call centers, and a variety of small-business infrastructures. Residential use includes smart-TV (Internet-based TV), cloud-based video on demand (Netflix/Amazon), e-commerce, small office/home office telecommuting, advertising, medical monitoring, elder care monitoring, childcare monitoring, home and office security. Most existing communications will be built upon an Internet backbone during the period of this study. Reasons for this transition are rooted in demand. The customers are demanding greater speed, more functionality and reliability, and naturally, they expect "perfect" quality of service. Planar waveguide circuits (PWCs) also referred to as planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), incorporate numerous active and passive functional uses for packaged modules. The long-term trend is for a larger share of discrete-circuit (single-function) based PWCs/PLCs being displaced by equivalent performance hybrid (multiple-function) planar devices. The majority of optical functions, such as splitters, variable optical attenuators (VOAs) and array waveguides (AWGs) are currently developed and implemented forming discrete (single function/monolithic) component integration. The combination of the packaging and integrated optics aspects of PWC technology provides for an attractive and powerful technology for devices/modules, which will hold multiple (two or more) functions (integrated multifunction devices); thereby, reducing size, weight, and cost versus larger, bulkier discrete devices/modules. As the demand for larger quantities of optical communication components evolve, technologies, which are friendly to automation assembly processes, will have a competitive manufacturing/cost advantage. Use of silicon wafers, for example, draws extensively on the mass-production techniques of the commercial integrated circuit (IC) production whelm, since the fabrication of PWCs incorporates many of the same pieces of equipment and processes. Fiber-to-the-Home passive optical networks (FTTH/PONs) integrated PLCs, with multiple functions, have promise for a sizable market. The biplexer is an all-in-one transponder that includes the two wavelengths, 1310nm upstream and 1490nm downstream, is one end-use modules based on planar waveguide technology that is required for PON. And some networks will use a 1550nm wavelength for a cable TV overlay, creating the need for triplexers. Key Topics Covered: 1. PLC Splitter Market Forecast Overview 1.1 Executive Summary 1.2 Fiber Optic Networks 1.3 COVID-19 Pandemic Brief 2. PLC Splitter Market Forecast, by Fabrication-Level and Port-Count Configuration 2.1 Overview 2.2 PLC Splitter - Component Device (compact devices) 2.3 PLC Splitter Modules 3. PLC Splitter Market Forecast, by Fabrication-Level, Split Ratio and Application 3.1 Overview 3.2 Passive Optical Network (PON) - FTTX Networks / Service Providers (Telco/CATV) 3.3 Fiber Optic Test/Measurement & Specialty Applications 3.4 Private Enterprise Networks 3.5 Harsh Environment (Military, Industrial, Other) 4. PLC Splitter Technology 4.1 Overview 4.2 PLC Splitter - Component Device (tube or compact box) 4.3 PLC Splitter Modules 5. Selected Company Profiles 6. Research and Analysis Methodology 7. Consultants - Market Analysis & Forecast Data Base (Excel Explanation) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/s3d3gw 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 The House, in a mostly party-line vote Friday night, passed its version of a $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill featuring $1,400 direct payments for most Americans, enhanced unemployment benefits through the summer, an expanded child tax credit, a $15 minimum wage, and additional money for vaccines, schools, bars, and restaurants. Now its the Senates turn to finish the job. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday that the chamber would take up the package this week. Its expected that means no sooner than Wednesday. The process would begin with a procedural vote and then up to 20 hours of debate, perhaps with some scattered amendment votes, followed by another vote-a-rama in which amendments are considered in rapid succession until exhaustion sets in. It could all be done by the end of the week, giving enough time for the House to vote again on any changes and then for President Joe Biden to sign it into law before the ultimate March 14 deadline Democratic lawmakers are working against, when the enhanced unemployment benefits expire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the tight timeline, why are they waiting until at least Wednesday and not starting right now? There are some scheduling conflicts, as Democrats want to confirm at least two more presidential nominees. Theyre also still waiting on additional rulings from the Senate parliamentarian about whether certain items in the legislation, like COBRA subsidies and a fix for multiemployer pension plans in dire fiscal straits, are allowed under budget reconciliation rules. 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 most importantly, Senate Democrats are waiting to introduce the bill because they are still finalizing whats in it. They want to make sure they have a package that has 50 Democratic votes before they introduce it, from Bernie Sanders on the left flank to Joe Manchin on the right, and a united front to beat back Republican amendments once it hits the floor. In other words: The most important alterations to the House bill wont, if Senate leaders have their way, take place on C-SPAN later this week. Theyre happening right now, behind closed doors, or on virtual Zooms. Advertisement We already know about one big change from the House bill. The Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth McDonough, determined last week that a minimum wage increase would run afoul of reconciliation rules. Despite some pressure from progressive groups and members of Congress to get Vice President Kamala Harris, as Senate presiding officer, to disregard the parliamentarian, thats not going to happen. Further, Democratic leaders decided this weekend not to take up a minimum wage workaround that Sens. Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden had been developing. It was too complex, too late, and too, well, lacking in Democratic support to throw into the mix. Advertisement The $15 minimum wage was kept in the Houses bill even after the parliamentarians decision. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may not have had the votes to pass her bill without it. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told reporters on Friday that progressives kept quiet on other issues they had, like $1,400 checks instead of $2,000, because they had been able to secure inclusion of the $15 minimum wage. In the Senate, Sanders was point person for the $15 minimum wagea rally call his two presidential campaigns helped popularize in the national discussionand when that failed, he insisted that his workaround needed to be included in the Senate bill. Neither is in. So which changes, if anything, will progressives look for in the Senate bill to make up for the elimination of one of their top priorities? Advertisement And what about those Democrats closer to the center? Where might they want to give the bill a haircut? One of the more controversial items in the package is its $350 billion for state, local and tribal aid, a larger sum than may be necessary now that budget forecasts have improved. Some Democrats whove expressed such an interest in taking another look at that figure held a virtual meeting with Biden Monday afternoon. Advertisement The meeting at least from my perspective, wasnt talking about reducing the overall cost of the bill, Montana Sen. Jon Tester told reporters afterward, but just targeting the money that was in it. We could see some of that state, local and tribal money transferred to other elements of the bill, like, for example, an additional month of enhanced unemployment benefits. Democrats are also, as my colleague Jordan Weissmann has written, walking straight into a near-term political disaster as those whove been living off unemployment benefits come to face their 2020 tax bill on those unemployment benefits. The Democrats bill doesnt address this, a Democratic aide told me, because of the cost of waiving those tax bills. If some money frees up, its something for them to consider. Advertisement Democrats dont know what Republicans will come up with once the amendment period will start. But these amendments, unlike the amendments to the budget resolution in the previous vote-a-rama last month, would have the force of law. Democrats have no margin for error, and leaders have to be quite careful about not letting Republicans get an amendment through that might jeopardize support from some other element of either the House or Senate. So Democratic senators will have a couple more days to try to affect the product. But once theres an agreement, failure is not an option. Fifty-vote majorities are often described as giving each senator in the majority a veto. Its more like it gives each senator some negotiating power before the moment arrives when they have no choice but to get on board. In the end, who wants to be the one senator who kills the partys overwhelmingly popular signature legislation? Colombia on Friday launched a 7,000-strong elite force to fight rebels financed by drug trafficking and other illegal activities, and which allegedly operate across borders. Surrounded by helicopters, tanks and hundreds of soldiers at the Tolemaida military base in central Colombia, President Ivan Duque described the launch as "historic". The force, he said, will be tasked with "subduing, beating and subjecting the structures of drug trafficking and the... threats linked to the illegal exploitation of minerals, trafficking of species, of persons and, of course, to any transnational form of terrorism." The force will "without qualms" pursue members of the ELN -- the last active guerrilla group in Colombia, as well as drug gangs and ex-FARC rebels who have abandoned the terms of a 2016 peace deal, he said. "Soldiers, it is a morally necessary, morally correct battle... Let's go for the defence of Colombia!" he proclaimed. Duque did not refer to Venezuela. When he first announced the creation of the elite force earlier this month, he said many of its targets "are protected in Venezuela" though he did not mention direct military action in the neighboring country. His statement prompted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to vow to "respond forcefully". In Caracas, he instructed the country's security forces to "clean the barrels of our rifles to answer them at any level we need to answer if Ivan Duque dares violate the sovereignty of Venezuela." Bogota and a string of other countries recognise opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president, prompting Venezuela to break off diplomatic ties with its neighbor in 2019. In 2008, Colombia executed a FARC leader on Ecuadorian soil, sparking a serious diplomatic crisis with Quito, whose president at the time, Rafael Correa, was a socialist ally of Venezuela's. Despite the 2016 peace accord, Colombia continues to battle a multi-faceted armed conflict involving leftist guerrillas, drug-traffickers and right-wing paramilitaries competing for control of the lucrative cocaine and illegal mineral extraction industries. Colombia has repeatedly accused Venezuela of providing refuge to armed groups, which Caracas denies. Seventeen minutes after the launch, the rocket injected Amazonia-1 into its intended orbit NELLORE: Entering the new-age of space commerce, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday launched 19 satellites into space from Brazil, the USA and India with textbook precision in its first launch of the year. This was the first dedicated mission of Isros commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a public sector unit set up under the department of space in 2019. Sundays mission was under a commercial arrangement with Spaceflight Inc, a satellite ride-share and mission management provider based in Seattle. The satellites were hoisted by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C51) rocket, which lifted off from the spaceport at Sriharikota. This was one of the longest flights of the PSLV and lasted one hour, 55 minutes and seven seconds. The rocket carried Brazil's 637-kg Amazonia-1 satellite, Sindhu Netra, a technology demonstrator satellite from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), 13 from the USA and four others from India, taking off from the first launch-pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at 10.24 am. Seventeen minutes after the launch, the rocket injected Amazonia-1 into its intended orbit and in the succeeding one hour 38 minutes, released the other satellites into orbit. Among these, the Satish Dhawan Sat (SDSAT) from Space Kidz India carried an engraved picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as a digital copy of the Bhagavad Gita. Congratulating his team for the precise launch of the rocket and orbiting the satellites, Isro chairman Dr K. Sivan said India and Isro feel extremely proud and honoured to launch the first satellite designed, integrated and operated by Brazil. Brazilian science and technology minister Marcos Cesar Pontes said Amazonia-1 is an important mission for Brazil which also marks the beginning of a new era for satellite development in the country." He emphasised the importance of the partnership between India and Brazil and said they were looking forward to strengthening ties with India. Narayanan G, chairman, and managing director, NSIL thanked INPE Brazil for choosing Isro and NSILs strength and Spaceflight Inc, USA for facilitating this mission. Amazonia-1 is an optical earth observation satellite of Brazils National Institute for Space Research (INPE). It will provide remote sensing data to monitor deforestation in the Amazon region and analyse diversified agriculture across Brazil. The co-passenger satellites included four from IN-SPACe and 14 from NSIL a commercial satellite from India and 13 from the US. Of the four satellites from IN-SPACe, three were UNITYsats designed and built as a joint development by Jeppiaar Institute of Technology, Sriperumbudur, G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur, and Sri Shakti Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. Dr Sivan appreciated the efforts of the teams in building the satellites. "These satellites were the fruition of the new space reforms announced by the government of India wherein Isro promoted and handheld the teams. Im sure this mission will inspire other academic institutions and industries to build satellites." he said. Applications for financial assistance are now available in Dauphin County for both renters and property owners who have experienced hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The countys new assistance program began on March 1. According to the website, the goal to help prevent evictions as a result of the economic hardships created during this pandemic, according to Dauphin County Commissioner George P. Hartwick. Funding for the relief program stems from the CARES Rent Relief Program, established in 2020, and will total $569 million across the state. A total of $10 million is expected to come to Dauphin County for the program from the state of Pennsylvania, with another $8 million in federal money. The assistance money can be used to pay for rent, rental arrears, utilities, and home energy costs. To be eligible, Dauphin County residents must submit several documents such as a rental agreement, tax return or pay stub and proof of residence, as well as meet the following requirements: Qualify for unemployment benefits, or experienced a reduced income, incurred significant costs or other financial hardship due to COVID-19 that threatens the households ability to pay rent Demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability Be at or below 80 percent Area Median Income Applications can be submitted online by clicking here, or can be submitted in person. Details on eligibility requirements and income parameters can be found by calling 211, through email at rentutilityassist@dauphinc.org, or on Dauphin Countys website by clicking here. Xiaomi is planning to launch its Redmi 10 series on March 4 in India. The Chinese brand is expected to announce successors of the Redmi Note 9 line-up from 2020. Besides, the company revealed the launch date through a tweet, Xiaomi Vice President and its Managing Director in India, Manu Kumar Jain tweeted the launch date through his account. The company is also expected to announce its three smartphones in the Redmi Note 10 line-up, which could include the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max, Redmi Note 10 Pro, and the standard Redmi Note 10. Apart from this, Xiaomi will be live-streaming the Redmi Note 10 series launch across its social media channels. In terms of specifications, Redmi Note 10 series are expected to run on Android 11 with MIUI 12 on top. In the series, the Redmi Note 10 Pro is tipped to have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G SoC and a 5,050mAh battery. It is also rumoured to have up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. In terms of price, for the base variant, the Redmi Note 9 was priced at Rs 11,999. On the other hand, Redmi Note 9 Pro started at Rs 12,999. Apart from this, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max has been priced at Rs 14,999. Talking about the display, the Redmi Note 10 series is expected to come with an AMOLED display and would have up to 120Hz high refresh-rate support. LUCKNOW: As the second phase of the nationwide mass COVID-19 vaccination drive began on Monday, Ram Govind Chaudhary, the opposition leader in the UP Legislative Assembly, had asked the Yogi Adityanath government to explain why the vaccine is not being provided free of cost as promised by the Centre earlier. During a discussion in the state assembly, the senior Samajwadi Party leader had sought to know from the states Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh if the COVID vaccine will be provided free of cost to the public or some charges will be taken for the same. Chaudhary was backed by other opposition leaders like Manoj Kumar Pandey (SP), Ajai Kumar of Congress and BSP MLAs Uma Shankar Singh and Virendra Yadav who had also demanded an explanation from the state government over the fee being charged for administering COVID vaccine to those above 45 years of age and with comorbidities. Replying to them, UP Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh said that as per the Centres guidelines, the COVID vaccine is being provided free of cost to the frontline health workers only. The Union Health Ministry has reiterated that all COVID vaccines will be provided to beneficiaries at the government health facilities free of cost, while private facilities cannot charge the beneficiary a sum above Rs 250 per person per dose (Rs 150 for vaccines and Rs 100 as operational charges), the UP Health Minister said. He also cited the Centres guideline that the private hospitals will have to remit the cost of vaccine doses allotted to them in a designated account of the National Health Authority (NHA). The payment gateway for the same is being enabled by the NHA on their website, the Health Ministry order said. The central government has supplied two COVID-19 vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, free of cost to the states and UTs to vaccinate healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers (FLWs) and they will also be able to cover the next priority group i.E. 60 years plus age group and the age group of 45 to 59 years suffering from pre-specified co-morbidities. The states have been requested to operationalise the linkages between the CVCs (both government and private empanelled facilities) with the nearest cold chain points for ensuring smooth vaccine delivery to (CVCs). The second phase of the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive for people above 60 years and those aged 45 and above with comorbidities will begin from Monday (March 1, 2021). People can register themselves on the governments Co-WIN2.0 portal that will open at 9 AM on Monday. Citizens will be able to register and book an appointment for vaccination, anytime and anywhere, using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal or through other IT applications such as Arogya Setu. Registration will open at 9 AM on March 1 at www.Cowin.Gov.In, the Health Ministry said. All citizens that are aged, or will attain the age of 60 or more as of January 1, 2022, are eligible to register, in addition to all such citizens that are aged, or will attain the age of 45 to 59 years as of January 1, 2022, and have any of the specified 20 comorbidities. This information was shared during the orientation workshop organised by the Union Health Ministry and the National Health Authority (NHA) for the 10,000 private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, more than 600 hospitals empanelled under CGHS and other private hospitals empanelled under State Government's Health Insurance Schemes, on Co-WIN2.0. Live TV New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal Emerging Infectious Diseases analyzed a case showing in-flight transmission of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) despite passengers getting tested before departing to New Zealand. Since the first coronavirus wave, New Zealand has had an exceptional response to the pandemic with a system of managed isolation and quarantine for people entering the country. The restrictions also expanded to include testing people for COVID-19 on the third and twelfth day of quarantine. The world currently has over 114 million global cases and over 2.53 million deaths. New Zealand has some of the lowest cases around the globe reporting approximately 2,378 cases and 26 deaths. The study Genomic Evidence of In-Flight Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Despite Predeparture Testing may help scientists and public health officials further understand the exact risk of coronavirus transmission on long flights. The international research team, led by Tara Swadi from the New Zealand Ministry of Health, writes: Combined, these data present a likely scenario of >4 SARS-CoV-2 transmission events during a long-haul flight from Dubai to Auckland. These transmission events occurred despite the reported in-flight use of masks and gloves. Further transmission between travel companions then occurred after the flight, in a MIQ facility. Details on COVID flight transmission between seven passengers The team gathered case data from a coronavirus outbreak on a plane on September 29, 2020, arriving from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Auckland, New Zealand. During the 14-day managed isolation and quarantine, 7 people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The researchers collected data from the Ministry of Health collection for epidemic surveillance. All 7 passengers infected with SARS-CoV-2 came from 5 different countries, and 5 were tested negative on one layover stop in Malaysia. All 7 passengers were seated 4 rows away from each other during an 18-hour flight. During the flight and before leaving the Dubai airport, mask-wearing was optional. Five of the 7 infected passengers wore masks and gloves while on the plane, while 2 did not. ountries of travel origins for 7 passengers who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection after traveling on the same flight (EK448) from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Auckland, New Zealand, with a refueling stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 29, 2020. Asterisks indicate where 6 other genetically identical genomes have been reported. Genomic SARS-CoV-2 data The researchers performed whole-genome sequencing on the test samples of the 7 patients positive for SARS-CoV-2. They found the sequences were genetically identical, and with the exception of one mutation from one passenger, all SARS-CoV-2 samples came from the B.1 lineage. The researchers then compared the 7 genomes to the international database (GISAID) also found 6 identical genomes, with 4 coming from Switzerland and 2 from the United Kingdom. Tracking down the source Based on the results, the team predicts 2 passengers were the source of infection. These passengers had traveled together from Switzerland and had tested negative three days before leaving the country. One of these passengers was the first to report symptoms of COVID-19 infection on October 1, with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result the following day. In addition, they predict 4 passengers became infected during the flight, and one passenger became infected while in mandatory quarantine. Seating arrangement (Boeing 777300ER) for 7 passengers who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on flight EK448 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Auckland, New Zealand, with a refueling stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 29, 2020. Passengers F and G interchanged seats within row 24. Open circles represent nearby passengers who were negative for SARS-CoV-2 on days 3 and 12 while in managed isolation and quarantine. All other seats shown remained empty. Limitations in genomic surveillance pose difficulty in finding the source of transmission However, the researchers suggest limited global sequencing data makes it hard to narrow down the source of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on the plane. These findings were consistent with virus introduction onto the airplane from Switzerland by passenger A, B, or both. Nevertheless, accurately identifying the source of this outbreak may be impeded by substantial biases and gaps in global sequencing data; hence, we cannot explicitly exclude passenger C as the source. Theres also the possibility of an alternative exposure event, such as SARS-CoV-2 transmission at the Dubai airport before boarding. Although, they suggest the close seating makes in-flight transmission a likely option. Although not definitive, these findings underscore the value of considering all international passengers arriving in New Zealand as being potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2, even if pre-departure testing was undertaken, social distancing and spacing were followed, and personal protective equipment was used in-flight. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A specific brand of cheese is linked to a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, are investigating the outbreak linked to queso fresco cheese made by El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. The outbreak has made 10 people ill and hospitalized nine people in four states, including New York. There have been no deaths reported related to this outbreak, according to the CDC and FDA. The Connecticut Department of Public Health collected product samples of the El Abuelito-brand Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheese from a store where a sick person bought the cheese. On Feb. 19, an analysis determined the Listeria monocytogenes found in the samples is a match to the outbreak strain. According to the FDA, El Abuelito Cheese, Inc. ceased production and distribution of all products processed or handled in the same facility as the queso fresco. On Feb. 24, the company expanded its recall to include El Abuelito, Rio Grande, and Rio Lindo brand queso frescos. It also includes El Abuelito-brand Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese), and Requeson (Ricotta) cheeses that are manufactured or handled in the same facility as the Queso Fresco products linked to this outbreak. The FDA recommends that in addition to the recalled queso fresco cheese, consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve any El Abuelito-brand Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese) or Requeson (Ricotta) cheeses. The agency has posted a list of retailers that may have received the recalled Hispanic-styles cheeses, including locations on Staten Island. It is possible that this list may not include all retailers who have received these cheeses, the FDA said. The CDC recommends that consumers not eat any recalled products. If you have them in your home, dont eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store. Listeriosis can cause different symptoms, depending on the person and the part of the body affected. Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches. People with invasive listeriosis usually report symptoms starting one to four weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria. It is treated with antibiotics. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 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 Monday, Lausch said in statement that he was humbled by the support hed received and grateful for the opportunity to remain at the helm of the office, which is one of the busiest in the nation with just over 300 attorneys and support staff. Advertisement The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred by ambulance to St Bartholomew's Hospital in London for 'testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition' following a two-week stay at King Edward VII Hospital. Prince Philip, 99, spent 14 days at the hospital in Marylebone having initially been admitted for a 'few days' on February 16 as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell, making this his longest ever stay in hospital. This morning, he was shielded from public view with a series of umbrellas held up as he made his way into a waiting ambulance at the rear of King Edward VII Hospital where he had been receiving treatment for an infection. Philip - who was today said to remain 'comfortable' - will continue to receive treatment for the infection at St Bartholomew's in the City of London, where he is expected to remain 'until at least the end of the week'. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at 12.30pm today: 'The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred from King Edward VII's Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week.' St Bartholomew's - commonly known as Barts - describes itself as an 'internationally renowned hospital' and a 'centre of excellence for both cardiac and cancer care', located near St Paul's Cathedral. The site includes Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular service at Barts Health Centre, while Barts Cancer Centre has a 'global reputation for treating common and rare cancers', according to the hospital. Staff use umbrellas to shield someone getting into an ambulance outside the rear of King Edward VII Hospital in London today The Duke of Edinburgh, pictured during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle on July 22 last year The Duke of Edinburgh was transferred from King Edward VII Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital in London this morning An ambulance is seen leaving King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning which has been treating Prince Philip Hospital staff stand next to an ambulance outside King Edward VII Hospital today, where Prince Philip was admitted Uniformed officers from the City of London Police were at the entrance of St Bartholomew's this afternoon. Royal expert Phil Dampier, author of 'Prince Philip: A Lifetime of Wit and Wisdom', said today: 'Must be good news that Prince Philip is being treated at a second hospital. If he'd gone home in an ambulance I'd be worried. Here's hoping he can leave soon and walk out.' From a blocked coronary artery to a urinary infection, Prince Philip's ailments in past 10 years Prince Philip has enjoyed excellent health for a 99-year-old and still enjoys an active lifestyle. But in recent years he has struggled a little more with illness, suffering from a number of ailments over the past decade, including: December 2011, four days in hospital: Prince Philip is airlifted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire from Sandringham two days before Christmas after suffering chest pains, and undergoes surgery for a blocked coronary artery four days in hospital: Prince Philip is airlifted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire from Sandringham two days before Christmas after suffering chest pains, and undergoes surgery for a blocked coronary artery June 2012, six days : Philip is taken to hospital after developing a urinary infection during the river pageant to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee : Philip is taken to hospital after developing a urinary infection during the river pageant to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee June 2013, 11 days : He has abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition and spends his 92nd birthday in hospital : He has abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition and spends his 92nd birthday in hospital December 2016: Both the Queen and Philip suddenly cancel plans to leave London for their festive break in Norfolk after they both come down with heavy colds Both the Queen and Philip suddenly cancel plans to leave London for their festive break in Norfolk after they both come down with heavy colds June 2016: The Duke pulls out of a Battle of Jutland anniversary event citing a minor ailment The Duke pulls out of a Battle of Jutland anniversary event citing a minor ailment June 2017, three days : Philip is admitted to hospital as 'a precautionary measure' for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition : Philip is admitted to hospital as 'a precautionary measure' for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition April 2018, 11 days: The Duke spends nearly a fortnight in hospital following his successful hip replacement The Duke spends nearly a fortnight in hospital following his successful hip replacement December 2019, five days: He is treated at King Edward Hospital in London for a 'pre-existing condition' He is treated at King Edward Hospital in London for a 'pre-existing condition' February 2021, 14 days (so far): Prince Philip is admitted to King Edward VII Hospital for treatment for an infection, before being transferred to St Bartholomew's Hospital 14 days later. Advertisement Members of the Royal Family are expected to continue with their official events and meetings this week. Philip is known for his 'no fuss' attitude, and royal biographer Penny Junor said his demeanour in hospital would be important. She said today: 'Let's hope he's not resigned, let's hope he's not being a good patient because I think that would probably be a bad sign - a cantankerous duke is a healthy one. Ms Junor also highlighted how the Queen appeared at ease when she encouraged those who are vaccine hesitant to 'think about other people rather than themselves' during a video call last week. She said: 'I think the Queen looked very jolly in a message that she put out the other day about having the vaccine. She doesn't look to me like someone who is desperately worried and waiting for the phone to ring.' Philip has been patron of the British Heart Foundation since the charity was founded in 1961. In March 2017, he hosted a reception at St James's Palace to mark 55 years in the role, during which he met volunteers, donors, researchers and supporters of the organisation. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the BHF, said this afternoon: 'We're sorry to hear that our patron Prince Philip continues to be unwell and will remain in hospital for the time being. 'On behalf of everyone at the British Heart Foundation, I want to send HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and the rest of the Royal Family our very best wishes.' In December 2011, the Duke was rushed to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the royal family was preparing for Christmas. In what the BBC labelled 'a significant health scare' at the time, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire and had a minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting. The Queen, their children and grandchildren visited during his four-night stay, which saw him spend Christmas and Boxing Day in hospital. Four years earlier, in October 2007, a royal courtier told the Daily Mirror that Philip had been battling a secret heart condition for 15 years. They claimed that he took regular medication with staff briefed to take him to hospital immediately if he was short of breath or dizzy. The newspaper reported at the time that aides had been told 'not to take no for an answer' amid warnings that Philip could have a heart attack at any time. Police officers stand guard outside the St Bartholomew's Hospital in London today where Prince Philip is now being treated St Bartholomew's Hospital, pictured today, describes itself as a 'centre of excellence for both cardiac and cancer care' The Queen is currently in residence at Windsor Castle, pictured today, where Philip had been staying before going to hospital Today, shortly after 11am, a patient was taken away from King Edward VII Hospital in an ambulance, but umbrellas screened them from press and broadcast cameras waiting outside as they were leaving the hospital and entering an ambulance. Medics warn Prince Philip could face weeks more in hospital as he is treated for pre-existing heart condition that saw him need a stent in 2011 Prince Philip could face weeks more in hospital after being transferred to an NHS trust for a pre-existing heart condition, medics warned today. The Duke of Edinburgh was moved from the private King Edward VII Hospital to St Bartholomew's - commonly known as Barts - this morning for 'testing and observation' for an undisclosed, underlying heart issue. Philip, 99, had spent two weeks at the private facility with a infection, having initially been admitted for a 'few days' on February 16 after feeling unwell. It is not clear whether the infection is linked to his heart condition. NHS cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra told MailOnline today that the Duke could be in hospital for 'four to six weeks' and given intravenous antibiotics if it transpires that he has a heart infection. But Dr Malhotra added: 'It's more likely he had an infection elsewhere - it could've been in the urinary tract or a chest infection - and the stress on his body put strain on his heart. Therefore he had to be taken to a specialist cardiac centre to make sure heart is functioning while he is treated for the infection. What makes it more likely is his underlying heart issues.' Advertisement A marked police van blocked the side street at the the exclusive private hospital on Beaumont Street, and a police presence ensured the road was clear. Uniformed officers also stood along the street beside the hospital to keep traffic and passers by moving. At a rear entrance, umbrellas were used to shield the gap between the hospital and the NHS ambulance. While the Palace did not officially confirm whether the ambulance was for the Duke, ITV royal correspondent Chris Ship tweeted: 'We can only imagine - although we don't know - this was for Prince Philip.' NHS cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra told MailOnline today that the Duke could be in hospital for 'four to six weeks' and given intravenous antibiotics if it transpires that he has a heart infection. But Dr Malhotra added: 'It's more likely he had an infection elsewhere - it could've been in the urinary tract or a chest infection - and the stress on his body put strain on his heart. 'Therefore he had to be taken to a specialist cardiac centre to make sure heart is functioning while he is treated for the infection. What makes it more likely is his underlying heart issues.' St Bartholomew's Hospital is Britain's oldest hospital, and Barts Heart Centre, based in its state-of-the-art King George V building, has ten theatres, ten cath labs and more than 300 general, cardiac and critical care beds. The NHS said the centre aspires to perform more heart surgery, MRI and CT scans than any other service in the world. A specialist heart attack centre delivers emergency care 24 hours a day, with rapid access to a team with specialist expertise and equipment. In January 2020 the service was rated number one for cardiac arrest survival rates in London, the NHS said, and the hospital will celebrate its 900th birthday in 2023. The Duke was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital last month as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell - and he walked into the building unaided. Buckingham Palace said in an update last Wednesday that he was 'comfortable' and responding to treatment, also revealing that the stay was related to an 'infection'. Police officers stand outside the exclusive King Edward VII Hospital in London's Marylebone this morning Police officers stand outside King Edward VII Hospital this morning where Prince Philip was treated for 14 days Police at King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning, where the Duke of Edinburgh was admitted on February 16 Police cars are pictured outside King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning where 99-year-old Philip was being treated Prince Charles visited the Duke of Edinburgh at King Edward VII Hospital in London on the afternoon of February 20 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited St. Bartholomew's Hospital on October 20 last year as they met medical staff Both Philip and the 94-year-old Queen received Covid-19 vaccinations last month - and his hospital stays are not related to coronavirus. Timeline of Prince Philip's latest stay in hospital Here is the timeline of the Duke of Edinburgh's stay in hospital since his admission two weeks ago: Tuesday, February 16 - The duke is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital on a precautionary basis after feeling unwell. He travels from Windsor Castle by car. Philip is said to be in 'good spirits' and walks into the private hospital unaided. He is expected to stay for a few days. - The duke is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital on a precautionary basis after feeling unwell. He travels from Windsor Castle by car. Philip is said to be in 'good spirits' and walks into the private hospital unaided. He is expected to stay for a few days. Friday, February 19 - Sources say Philip is now expected to remain in hospital for 'observation and rest' over the weekend and into the next week. - Sources say Philip is now expected to remain in hospital for 'observation and rest' over the weekend and into the next week. Saturday, February 20 - The Prince of Wales makes a 200 mile-round trip to see his father, spending around half an hour at the hospital. - The Prince of Wales makes a 200 mile-round trip to see his father, spending around half an hour at the hospital. Tuesday, February 23 - Seven days after the duke was admitted, the Palace says he is being treated for an infection and is 'comfortable and responding to treatment', but is not expected to leave hospital for several more days. The Earl of Wessex says the duke is a 'lot better' and looking forward to getting out. - Seven days after the duke was admitted, the Palace says he is being treated for an infection and is 'comfortable and responding to treatment', but is not expected to leave hospital for several more days. The Earl of Wessex says the duke is a 'lot better' and looking forward to getting out. T o day - Philip is transferred to St Bartholomew's Hospital for treatment for an infection and testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. Advertisement The only member of the Royal Family known to have visited him so far is Prince Charles, who made a 200-mile round trip from his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire to see his father on February 20. The Queen's ex-press secretary Dickie Arbiter previously said Philip was likely to have 'requested' his eldest son's presence to discuss the future of the Royal Family. This was given recent developments with Buckingham Palace revealing on February 19 that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would not return as senior royals following the announcement of 'Megxit' last year. The Duke, who is just three months away from his 100th birthday on June 10, has also spoken to other members of the Royal Family on the phone while in hospital. The Queen has remained at Windsor Castle where Philip had previously been staying before being taken to King Edward VII Hospital two weeks ago. Last Tuesday, the Earl of Wessex said Philip was 'a lot better' when Buckingham Palace announced that the Duke would spend several more days in hospital being treated for the infection. Prince Edward told Sky News at the time: 'He's a lot better, thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing, so we keep our fingers crossed.' The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited St Bartholomew's Hospital on October 20 last year as they met medical staff and marked the launch of the nationwide 'Hold Still' community photography project. Prince William and Kate Middleton met a small number of staff from the hospital, including pharmacist and photographer Joyce Duah and the two pharmacy technician colleagues she photographed writing on their PPE as they put it on, in a photograph selected to be in the set of 100 images taken during lockdown. Philip, who retired from royal duties in 2017, is the longest-serving royal consort in British history. The Duke and the Queen, whom he married in 1947, have four children, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The RADICS Substations-In-A-Box crankpath being restored as part of the exercise at Plum Island, NY in October 2020. Credit: DARPA Some 330 million Americans rely on the nation's critical infrastructure to keep the country humming. Disruptions to electrical grids, communications systems, and supply chains can be catastrophic, yet all of these are vulnerable to cyberattack. According to the government's 2019 World Wide Threats Hearing, certain adversaries are capable of launching cyberattacks that can disrupt the nation's critical infrastructureincluding electrical distribution networks. In recognition of the disruptions cyberattacks can cause, DARPA in 2016 established the Rapid Attack Detection, Isolation and Characterization Systems (RADICS) program. The goal of RADICS has been to enable black-start recovery during a cyberattack. Black start is the process of restoring power to an electric substation or part of the grid that has experienced a total or partial shutdown without relying on an external power transmission network to get things back online. Researchers in the program have spent the past four years developing tools and technologies that cybersecurity personnel, utilities, and first responders could use to understand and characterize an attack, isolate networks during remediation, and ultimately accelerate the restoration of power to the part of the grid that has been affected. The idea is that, if the U.S. can handle the worst case scenario, it will be well positioned to handle other attacks. "Cyberattacks on the grid can essentially do two thingsmake the grid not tell you the truth, and make the grid operate in an unexpected way," said Walter Weiss, the program manager responsible for RADICS. "For example, the grid could show you that a substation has power when in reality it does not. This could unintentionally prevent power restoration to an entire area since no one thinks there is a need to bring power back online. The technologies developed under RADICS help provide ground truth around grid status, giving responders the ability to quickly detect anomalies and then chart a path towards recovery." Delivering a Greater Grid RADICS researchers developed technologies that deliver enhanced situational awareness to grid operators by providing accurate and timely information about grid state before, during, and after an attack. With this improved awareness, operators are better able to thwart an attack or blunt its effects before it can cause significant damage to any physical infrastructure. To prevent an adversary from continuing attacks on a compromised network during recovery efforts, researchers also developed technologies that isolate emergency networks, allowing for secure responder coordination and communication. In addition to improving situational awareness, RADICS researchers have developed countermeasures to cyberattacks designed to corrupt configuration files, introduce malicious code in control systems, or perpetrate others types of damage. Among these countermeasures are tools that could automatically map and assess the state and configuration of electrical power networks and detect and characterize power-grid malware. To test and evaluate new grid-saving tools developed by RADICS researchers, the program featured a custom-built testbed that replicates real-world conditions that utilities and first responders could encounter during a cyberattack. To design the testbed, RADICS leveraged over a decade of testbed-architecture work by researchers (and program performers) based at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The RADICS testbed is comprised of miniaturized substations that were designed to operate as they do in the real world, but with safeguards to protect the system and those operating the substations. The substations are connected via power lines, forming a multi-utility crank path. With a crank path, power is generated to black start one utility that then powers the next utility and the next until the grid is fully restored. The testbed was designed around commonly deployed systems in North America and configured in ways that actual utilities use. Further, the UIUC team implemented a distributed, state-of-the-art computer network that allowed for the necessary data collection, dynamic reconfiguration, and adaptation of the environment, which was needed to meet the requirements that Weiss and his team at DARPA specified for the program. "Testbeds are more than just hardware and software; they are the people, the knowledge, the data, and the assets that are necessary to build out an environment to serve the designed purpose," said Tim Yardley, the principal investigator responsible for the testbed effort at UIUC. "The RADICS testbed provided a state-of-the-art environment to explore the unknown, test theories and approaches, and accomplish what has never been tried beforelive-fire cyberattacks on critical infrastructure systems in a controlled and observable way." Working collaboratively with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the RADICS team developed and deployed the testbed at Orient Point, New York, which is home to the DHS Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC). The island provided an isolated environment for the safe construction and use of the multi-utility crank path. While first constructed in 2017, the test system was deployed iteratively every six months thereafter to continuously challenge and evaluate the RADICS technology as it advanced and evolved. Starting in 2017, RADICS tools emerging from the research were put to the test against various threat scenarios during a series of evaluation exercises using the testbed. The goal of each exercise was to use the technologies to help power the crank path and restore power to a "critical asset" on the island. Each exercise required consistent communication, collaboration, and problem solving between the research teams and other exercise participants. Volunteers from organizations responsible for the nation's electrical grid were recruited by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the exercises. These utility volunteers partnered with the research teams to restore power and combat a skilled Red Team as it deployed malicious attacks and exploits. Utilities having the ability to see a cyber-attack in an exercise prior to seeing it in the real-world enhances emergency preparedness and the robustness of U.S. response efforts. As such, bringing in real volunteers from utilities was critical to making the exercises relevant. "There was significant participation from our energy sector partners over the two year partnership between DOE CESER and DARPA, resulting in a total of 12 private sector entities sending teams of cyber and power professionals to take part in the exercise and assist DARPA in developing and refining tools" says Michael Toecker, Senior Cybersecurity Advisor in DOE's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER). "The partnership was equally valuable to our energy sector partners, who had the opportunity to observe and respond to simulated attacks in a consequence-free environment not unlike their own electric power environments." The volunteers' expertise and input continuously helped RADICS improve both the technologies in development as well as the exercise. The RADICS technologies were tested one last time during a live five-day exercise in October 2020 and the program concluded at the end of the year. This was the seventh exercise in the evaluation series and was conducted jointly with other U.S. departments and agenciesincluding DOE, DHS, and the National Guard. An already complex task was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team managed to provide a safe work environment through rigorous testing, limited personnel on the island, and the development of a virtual-presence platform that allowed exercise participants to join remotely. "With COVID, the UIUC team was asked to accomplish another monumental taskto make the testbed environment seamlessly accessible remotely to the participants that were scattered around the country, while still maintaining a high level of engagement," said Weiss. The UIUC team delivered an online/remote environment that enabled the successful execution of the final exercise. Today, other government agencies are looking closely at the remote environment for guidance on how to respond to real-world cyberattacks when resources are spread out. "The RADICS exercise held at PIADC grew and matured significantly over the lifetime of the program," said Weiss. "It started out as an exercise operating in the confines of a lab, and evolved into a three-utility testbed with multiple substations and a supporting virtual environment. By the program's conclusion, we weren't just managing one workforce that was trying to build one crank path across the grid, but three separate 'organizations' that had to work together to figure out how to feed power to each other. The testbed and exercise proved beneficial not only for the program, but also for the broader community involved in grid restoration." Amplifying Value Another DARPA programthe Leveraging the Analog Domain for Security (LADS) programalso was able to use the RADICS testbed as a means of program evaluation. LADS is focused on developing low-cost "cyber smoke detectors" to provide real-time situational awareness for the many deviceslike power-grid controllersthat support critical infrastructure and military systems, but cannot be monitored using anti-virus or other current endpoint security technologies. Under LADS, a team (dubbed CASPER) from New-Jersey-based Perspecta Labs, developed a sensor for detecting anomalous software execution on a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) device from a distance. The sensor uses machine learning to measure side-channel, radio-frequency (RF) emanations of the device and correlate those emanations with the normal software that runs on those devices. The CASPER team participated in multiple RADICS exercises, both improving and validating its sensor's performance in a realistic testing environment and, by the final exercise, contributing alerts to warn the RADICS teams of potentially malicious activity in power-grid controllers. "During the first exercise that the team participated in, the LADS sensors were neither hardened to handle a harsh, real-world environment nor tuned to provide the high-confidence indicators needed to support real-time analysis," said Ian Crone, the DARPA program manager leading LADS. "By the end of the program, however, the team was able to deploy a ruggedized and reliable sensor to meet the mission need. The RADICS exercises provided a unique environment to test both LADS and other technologies that could really improve power grid security and resilience today and in the future." A key accomplishment of the final RADICS exercise was the transition of control from the researchers to the participants with day jobs in operational settings. Volunteers from utility companies and the National Guard took over the reins and were able to operate the technologies as they would in a real event. "We often find that research is only usable by the developers or researchers, which in my mind means it's not operationally relevant," said Weiss. "What really changed during exercise seven was this shift from our researchers being the people that operated the tools to the operational people taking charge and running the technologies. This program milestone is helping us chart a path for continued tech transition." Perhaps the most significant output of the final exercise however was proof that the RADICS tools are capable of catching threats on the grid. These tools have proven they work in the controlled, testbed environment but also already have transition into commercialized platforms. One example is Perspecta Labs' SecureSmart solution. SecureSmart is a system for detecting wireless network intrusions, including those involving SCADAs. The system provides real-time network health, anomaly detection, security analysis, and visualization. Utilities are currently using the platform for enhanced situational awareness and network visibility, enabling faster response times to threats. In addition to hastening the transition of RADICS-born technologies for commercial use, the testbed design and accompanying exercise format are expected to transition to the DOE. These value-added outputs of the program will continue to support training and evaluation efforts for utilities and others in the fight against cyberattacks on the nation's critical infrastructure. "DOE CESER and our energy sector partners realized several benefits from working with the RADICS program, most especially in utilizing testbed platforms to inform and enhance exercises, training, and workforce development goals in cyber security for energy systems. We will be examining where RADICS-style cyber-physical testbeds can and should be used to improve DOE's preparedness and coordination efforts" said Brian Marko, CESER's Program Manager for Energy Sector Exercises and Cyber Training. The UIUC team is working to leverage its RADICS work to support future research and looking into how its new know-how applies to workforce development and training. Through curriculum and training development, hands-on demonstration platforms, future exercises, and integration with fundamental and applied research, the university researchers will continue to develop, adapt, and advance the platforms they have built to aid the U.S. and help close remaining security gaps. Girding for More Grid Protection "While we've made significant progress against RADICS' mission of rapid grid restoration, there remains an opportunity to further explore technologies capable of thwarting attacks, such as enhanced forensic analysis on grid devices to better understand the threats," noted Weiss. Today, first responders lack ways of interfacing with infected devices, understanding what these devices are doing under malicious influence, and ultimately applying a fix. Forensicsin this case the practice of deliberately extracting and preserving data about an intrusionis not yet a supported feature of grid devices. This is further complicated due to the difficulty of removing a device from the grid to understand what happened to it after an attack. To address this challenge, a team led by SRI International is developing a forensics port that provides a physical opening in these devices for local access to a variety of diagnostic information. With the port, authorized users can perform a variety of incident response actions, such as memory validation and forensic imaging without compromising vendor IP or a utility's proprietary information. SRI is sharing the design for this port with DOE, vendors, and other community leaders to jumpstart a discussion on what additional tools are needed to properly equip grid response teams. Also still to address is the current need for utilities and grid operators to fall back to manual procedures to restore the grid during blackouts if SCADA or EMS functionality is lost. Today, this involves spending weeks manually creating reliability and resiliency models for tens of thousands of grid nodes. The process typically requires multiple servers and engineers that must rely on incomplete data for grid restoration. To help accelerate this process, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) developed a foundational technology for modeling, simulating, and optimizing power flow of the grid. The prototype software tool, called Simulation with Unified Grid Analyses and Renewables (SUGAR) provides unprecedented speed and robustness for developing real-time grid modelsreducing the process to seconds or minutes from several daysand can be done on a standard laptop. "The continued research happening at SRI and CMU stands to greatly benefit electrical grid restoration efforts," said Weiss. The question of how to prevent an attack from happening in the first place, however still remains. There is additional research happening at DARPA that could help address this challenge by rethinking computer security from the ground up. The Guaranteed Architectures for Physical Security (GAPS) program is looking at more intelligent ways of connecting in-network computers so that these critical assets are not put on computer networks that are directly connected to the Internet. "With GAPS, we are looking at how to filter what is allowed so that a device on the power grid, for example, could still upload everything it needs to, but if someone came in remotely they wouldn't be able to compromise its activities or disrupt the flow of critical data," noted Weiss who is also leading this program. The second program is SSITH, which stands for System Security Integration Through Hardware and Firmware. SSITH is focused on developing secure processors capable of thwarting common hardware attacks that derive from software vulnerabilities. The secure hardware architectures and associated design tools in development on the program could ultimately be used across a wide array of systems, including those found within the electrical grid. Explore further Protecting the power grid from cyber attacks In an industrial neighborhood on the outskirts of Bangladeshs largest city lies a factory with gleaming new equipment imported from Germany, its immaculate hallways lined with hermetically sealed rooms. It is operating at just a quarter of its capacity. It is one of three factories that The Associated Press found on three continents whose owners say they could start producing hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccines on short notice if only they had the blueprints and technical know-how. But that knowledge belongs to the large pharmaceutical companies who produce the first three vaccines authorized by countries including Britain, the European Union and the U.S. Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The factories are all still awaiting responses. Across Africa and Southeast Asia, governments and aid groups, as well as the WHO are calling on pharmaceutical companies to share their patent information more broadly to meet a yawning global shortfall in a pandemic that already has claimed nearly 2.5 million lives. Pharmaceutical companies that took taxpayer money from the U.S. or Europe to develop inoculations at unprecedented speed say they are negotiating contracts and exclusive licensing deals with producers on a case-by-case basis because they need to protect their intellectual property and ensure safety. Critics say this piecemeal approach is just too slow at a time of urgent need to stop the virus before it mutates into even deadlier forms. Last month, WHO called for vaccine manufacturers to share their know-how to dramatically increase the global supply. If that can be done then immediately overnight every continent will have dozens of companies who would be able to produce these vaccines, said Abdul Muktadir, whose Incepta plant in Bangladesh already makes vaccines against hepatitis, flu, meningitis, rabies, tetanus and measles. All over the world, the supply of coronavirus vaccines is falling far short of demand, and the limited amount available is going to rich countries. Nearly 80% of the vaccines so far have been administered in just 10 countries, according to WHO. More than 210 countries with a collective population of 2.5 billion havent received a single shot. The deal-by-deal approach also means that some poorer countries end up paying more for the same vaccine than richer countries. South Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Uganda all pay different amounts per dose for the same AstraZeneca vaccine more than governments in the European Union, according to studies and publicly available documents. AstraZeneca said in an email that the price of the vaccine will differ depending on factors such as production costs, where the shots are made and how much countries order. What we see today is a stampede, a survival of the fittest approach, where those with the deepest pockets, with the sharpest elbows are grabbing what is there and leaving others to die, said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS. In South Africa, home to the worlds most worrisome COVID-19 variant, the Biovac factory has said for weeks that its in negotiations with an unnamed manufacturer with no contract to show for it. And in Denmark, the Bavarian Nordic factory has capacity to spare and the ability to make more than 200 million doses but is also waiting for word from the producer of a licensed coronavirus vaccine. Governments and health experts offer two potential solutions to the vaccine shortage: One, supported by WHO, is a patent pool modeled after a platform set up for HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis treatments for voluntary sharing of technology, intellectual property and data. But not a single company has offered to share its data or transfer the necessary technology. The other, a proposal to suspend intellectual property rights during the pandemic, has been blocked in the World Trade Organization by the United States and Europe, home to the companies responsible for creating the vaccines described as the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus. That drive has the support of at least 119 countries among the WTO's 164 member states, and the African Union, but is adamantly opposed by vaccine makers. Pharmaceutical companies say that instead of lifting IP restrictions, rich countries should simply give more of the vaccines they have to poorer countries through COVAX, the public-private initiative WHO helped create for equitable vaccine distribution. The organization and its partners delivered its first doses last week in very limited quantities. But rich countries are not willing to give up what they have. Earlier this month, Ursula Von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, used the phrase global common good to describe the vaccines. However, by the end of the week, the European Union had imposed export controls on vaccines, giving countries the power to stop shots from leaving their borders in some cases. The long-held model in the pharmaceutical industry is that companies pour in huge amounts of money and research in return for the right to reap profits from their drugs and vaccines. At an industry forum last May, Pfizers CEO Albert Bourla described the idea of sharing IP rights widely as nonsense and even dangerous. AstraZenecas chief Pascal Soriot said that if intellectual property is not protected, there is no incentive for anybody to innovate. Thomas Cueni, director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, called the idea of lifting patent protections a very bad signal to the future. You signal that if you have a pandemic, your patents are not worth anything. Advocates of sharing vaccine blueprints argue that, unlike with most drugs, taxpayers paid billions to develop vaccines that are now global public goods and should be used to end the biggest public health emergency in living memory. People are literally dying because we cannot agree on intellectual property rights, said Mustaqeem De Gama, a South African diplomat who has been deeply involved in the WTO discussions. Paul Fehlner, the chief legal officer for biotech company Axcella and a supporter of the WHO patent pool board, said governments that poured billions of dollars into developing vaccines and treatments should have demanded more from the companies they were financing from the beginning. A condition of taking taxpayer money is not treating them as dupes, he said. In a Feb. 3 interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading pandemic expert in the United States, said all options need to be on the table, including increasing aid, improving production capacity in the developing world and working with pharmaceutical companies to relax their patents. Rich countries, ourselves included, have a moral responsibility when you have a global outbreak like this, Fauci said. Weve got to get the entire world vaccinated, not just our own country. Its hard to know exactly how much more vaccine could be made worldwide if intellectual property restrictions were lifted, because the spare production capacity of factories has not been publicly shared. But Suhaib Siddiqi, former director of chemistry at Moderna, said that with the blueprint and technical advice, a modern factory should be able to get vaccine production going in at most three to four months. In my opinion the vaccine belongs to the public, said Siddiqi, who is still active in the field. Any company which has experience synthesizing molecules should be able to do it. Back in Bangladesh, the Incepta factory tried to get what it needed to make more vaccines in two ways, by offering its production lines to Moderna and by reaching out to a WHO partner. Moderna did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the Bangladesh plant, but its CEO, Stephane Bancel, told European parliamentarians that the companys engineers are fully occupied on expanding production in Europe. Doing more tech transfer right now could actually put the production and the increased output for the months to come at great risk, he said. We are very open to do it in the future once our current sites are running. Muktadir said he was also in discussions last May with CEPI, or the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, one of WHOs partners in a global effort to buy and distribute COVID-19 vaccines fairly, but nothing came of it. CEPI spokesman Tom Mooney said the talks last year with Incepta didnt raise interest, but that CEPI is still in discussions about matchmaking opportunities including the possibility of using Inceptas capacity for second wave vaccines. Muktadir said he fully appreciates the extraordinary scientific achievement involved in the creation of vaccines this year, wants the rest of the world to be able to share in it, and is willing to pay a fair price. Nobody should give their property just for nothing, he said. A vaccine could be made accessible to people high quality, effective vaccines. ___ Cheng reported from Toronto. Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Al-Emrun Garjon in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Andrew Meldrum in Johannesburg, South Africa, contributed to this report. MT. PLEASANT, Mich., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX:ISBA) announced today that the Board of Directors of the Corporation declared a first quarter cash dividend of $0.27 per common share at its regular meeting held on February 24, 2021. The dividend will be payable on March 31, 2021 to shareholders of record as of March 26, 2021. Based on ISBA's closing stock price of $20.50 per share as of February 24, 2021, the annualized cash dividend yield was 5.27%. "The Corporation's continued financial strength reinforces the strategic actions we have taken thus far to improve our performance metrics," said Jae A. Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This dividend also reflects the stability we are maintaining as we address the ongoing challenges of a year old pandemic." About the Corporation Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX: ISBA) is the parent holding company of Isabella Bank, a state chartered bank headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Isabella Bank was established in 1903 and has been committed to serving the local banking needs of its customers and communities for 118 years. The Bank offers personal and commercial lending and deposit products, as well as investment, trust and estate planning services through Isabella Wealth. The Bank has locations throughout seven Mid-Michigan counties: Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw. For more information about Isabella Bank Corporation, visit the Invest in Us link at www.isabellabank.com. Isabella Bank Corporation common stock is quoted on the OTCQX tier of the OTC Markets Group, Inc.'s electronic quotation system (www.otcmarkets.com) under the symbol "ISBA." The Corporation's market maker is Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. (www.boenninginc.com) and its investor relations firm is Renmark Financial Communications, Inc. (www.renmarkfinancial.com). Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements. To the extent that the foregoing information refers to matters that may occur in the future, please be aware that such forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results. Additional information concerning some of the factors that could cause materially different results is included in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Forward Looking Statements" set forth in Isabella Bank Corporation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference facilities and from its website at www.sec.gov . SOURCE Isabella Bank Corporation Phuket COVID-19 vaccinations begin PHUKET: The first injections of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in Phuket began at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town today (Mar 1), with medical personnel the first to receive the injections. COVID-19Coronavirushealth By The Phuket News Monday 1 March 2021, 04:46PM Medical staff register to receive the vaccine. A medical staffer receives her first Sinovac COVID-19 vaccination at Vachira Phuket Hospital today (Mar 1). Photo: Kiattikul Chumanee Medical staff register to receive the vaccine. A medical staffer receives her first Sinovac COVID-19 vaccination at Vachira Phuket Hospital today (Mar 1). Photo: Kiattikul Chumanee Medical staff register to receive the vaccine. A medical staffer receives her first Sinovac COVID-19 vaccination at Vachira Phuket Hospital today (Mar 1). Photo: Kiattikul Chumanee A special area has been set up at Vachira Phuket Hospital to administer the vaccinations. Photo: Kiattikul Chumanee Vaccine received a woman makes her way to the waiting area to observe any immediate effects. Photo: Kiattikul Chumanee Vachira Hospital Ear, Nose, Throat specialist Dr Sawatchai Nawakitrangsan today (Mar 1) became the first person on Phuket to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Image: Apiwat Sudsamai / Screenshot Making history was Vachira Hospital Ear, Nose, Throat specialist Dr Sawatchai Nawakitrangsan, the first person on Phuket to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol confirmed that 4,000 doses of the vaccine arrived at about 9am, the first delivery of any COVID-19 vaccine to Phuket. Among the first to be vaccinated will be 1,500 medical staff on the island, followed by 500 local officers, Dr Chalermpong explained. The vaccine requires two injections, he noted. A total of 1,800 doses will be used to vaccinate 900 medical personnel at the five government hospitals on the island: Vachira Phuket Hospital, Thalang Hospital, Patong Hospital, Chalong Hospital, and Phuket Provincial Administration (OrBorJor) Hospital, Dr Chalermpong said. A further 1,200 doses will be distributed to vaccinate 600 staff at four private hospitals on the island: Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj, Dibuk Hospital and Mission Hospital. We have already arranged staff and set up an area to conduct the eight steps for the vaccination process. Today, we will start injecting the vaccine to our 50 medical staff who already registered to be the first group, Dr Chalermpong said. Vachira Phuket Hospital has the capacity to inject the vaccine to only 400 people per day. However, we will send the vaccine to the other hospitals across the island so that the total rate of vaccination [for Phuket] can be about 1,500 people per day, he said. In the next delivery, we will receive 16,000 doses of vaccine, and another 48,000 doses will come in May. In total, for the first three months, we will receive 68,000 doses of vaccine, he added. In total, the vaccine will be provided to our target groups, comprising those who have high-risk contact with infected patients, those who have chronic diseases, workers in the tourism industry, and elders more than 60 years old, Dr Chalermpong said. [March 01, 2021] Sara Queen to Join MetLife Investment Management as Head of Real Estate Equity Group MetLife Investment Management (MIM), the institutional asset management business of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), has appointed Sara Queen as managing director and head of Real Estate Equity, effective March 15, 2021. Reporting to Robert Merck, senior managing director and global head of MetLife Investment Management's Real Estate and Agriculture business, Queen will succeed Mark Wilsmann, who is retiring at the end of March after more than 30 years with the company. "Sara's passion for commercial real estate, her strong client relationships and her leadership and business development experience make her the perfect choice to lead our Real Estate Equity group into a new era," said Merck. "I thank Mark for his many contributions to the company over the years. He leaves our Real Estate Equity platform well-positioned as he passes the baton to Sara, who throughout her career has proven time and time again that she's eager to roll up her sleeves, build a winning platform and drive real value for institutional clients. We couldn't be happier to have her join the team," added Merck. Queen will oversee MetLife Investment Management's $32.7 billion1 Real Estate Equity portfolio, which comprises core, core-plus, build-to-core, value-add and opportunistic strategies for the firm's institutional clients and MetLife's general account. She joins from Mapletree Investments, a global real estate development, investment and capital management company headquartered in Singapore, where she was head of the company's North America business. After joining Mapletree Investments in 2018, Queen tripled the firm's U.S. real estate equity assets under management (AUM) to $10 billion. Prior to Mapletree Investments, Quee spent 11 years at Brookfield as head of asset management for the company's U.S. office portfolio, in addition to overseeing strategic planning and management of their expanding closed end accounts business. Before Brookfield, she spent nine years at Clarion Partners in a variety of asset management and portfolio management roles. Queen began her asset management career at MetLife in 1991, before departing in 1996 to pursue her MBA from Harvard Business School. She also holds a BA in Economics and History from Wellesley College. MetLife Investment Management's Real Estate group has offices in the U.S. and international markets, including London, Mexico City, Santiago and Tokyo. As of December 31, 2020, MetLife Investment Management had $106.7 billion in commercial real estate AUM2 and $659.6 billion in total AUM.3 About MetLife Investment Management MetLife Investment Management, the institutional asset management business of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), is a global public fixed income, private capital and real estate investment manager providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors worldwide. MetLife Investment Management provides public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, funds and other institutional clients with a range of bespoke investment and financing solutions that seek to meet a range of long-term investment objectives and risk-adjusted returns over time. MetLife Investment Management has over 150 years of investment experience and as of December 31, 2020 has $659.6 billion in total assets under management.3 About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (MetLife), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements in this news release, such as "will" are based on assumptions and expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, including the "Risk Factors" MetLife, Inc. describes in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. MetLife's future results could differ, and it has no obligation to correct or update any of these statements. 1 As of December 31, 2020. At estimated fair value. Represents the value of all real estate equity managed by MIM, excluding commercial mortgage loans included within certain real estate joint ventures owned by MetLife's general account, presented on the basis of gross market value (inclusive of encumbering debt). 2 As of December 31, 2020. At estimated fair value. Represents the value of all commercial mortgage loans (including commercial mortgage loans included within certain real estate joint ventures owned by MetLife's general account) and real estate equity managed by MIM, presented on the basis of gross market value (inclusive of encumbering debt). 3 At estimated fair value, presented on the basis of net asset value (net of encumbering debt). Includes MetLife general account and separate account assets and unaffiliated / third party assets. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005693/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Michael Nagle/Bloomberg News Service Ive been reading Chris Churchills columns about the nursing home deaths here in New York state and, while I'm not an apologist for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, especially regarding not being truthful about the nursing home deaths, I find I have trouble accepting some other of Churchill's assertions. The one I find most troublesome is his railing about Cuomos order that nursing homes accept stable COVID-19 patients from hospitals. Given the situation at the time with hospital rooms at a premium, just where would Churchill have proposed those people be sent? Back home where their families were not capable of handling them? Otherwise, why were they in nursing homes? On the street? Obviously not a viable choice. Keep them in the hospital? Those rooms were needed to treat the most ill patients. It seems to me the only obvious place for them to go was back to the nursing homes. Not a good choice, but the only obvious one. Joe Betz Mechanicville YEREVAN, MARCH 1, 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 28-March 1, 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 borderline. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is made up of around 90 no Black journalists who attend movie junkets each year in search of a better life, co-host Tina Fey said at the top of the Golden Globes. A number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked, co-host Amy Poehler said. Fey and Poehlers opening remarks were one way the Golden Globes addressed the controversy over the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Sunday. The 87-member group of international journalists, which holds the Globes each year, has come under scrutiny for having no Black members. You gotta change that, Fey said in a joint bicoastal monologue, calling the HFPA European weirdos. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler address the HFPA diversity issue during #GoldenGlobes opening: "Everybody is understandably upset at the HFPA and their choices." pic.twitter.com/VdvjlfMStQ The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 1, 2021 Fey and Poehler, who hosted from New York and Beverly Hills in a split screen, joked that awards shows are just a scam from big Red Carpet to sell more red carpet (despite there being no traditional red carpet this year). Later, leaders of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association addressed the groups lack of diversity during the awards show broadcast. A recent wave of criticism of the HFPA followed a Los Angeles Times story that took on the issue, one that director Ava DuVernay said was not news to her and other Black creatives. After the story came to light, DuVernay and others in Hollywood shared an image of a cracked Golden Globe from the Times Up campaign. Reveals? As in, people are acting like this isnt already widely known? For YEARS? pic.twitter.com/FOSuRq4F7o Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 22, 2021 Not a single Black member out of 87, the image said alongside the hashtag #TimesUpGlobes. This year, films from Black Golden Globe nominees were shut out of the best picture categories and Michaela Coels widely acclaimed HBO series I May Destroy You didnt receive any nominations. The HFPA hasnt had a Black member since at least 2002, Variety reported. Tonight while we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do, said Helen Hoehne, a German journalist who is vice president of the HFPA, during the Globes broadcast. Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization. We must also ensure everyone from all underrepresented communities gets a seat at our table and we are going to make that happen, said Meher Tatna, an Indian journalist who is past president of the HFPA and board chair. Thank you Amy Poehler and Tina Fey for bringing the lack of representation in the HFPA to light. Real change must come #GoldenGlobes kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 1, 2021 That mans creating an environment where diverse membership is the norm, not the exception, said Ali Sar, a journalist from Turkey who is HFPA president. Thank you, and we look forward to a more inclusive future. When Schitts Creek creator and star Dan Levy accepted the Golden Globe for best TV comedy, he also called for change. This acknowledgment is a lovely vote of confidence in the message that Schitts Creek has come to stand for, the idea that inclusion can bring about growth and love to a community, he said. In the spirit of inclusion, I hope that this time next year, this ceremony reflects the true breadth and diversity of the film and television being made today because there is so much more to be celebrated. Dan Levy dropping some truth about inclusion and urging the #GoldenGlobes do better at acknowledging diversity during his #SchittsCreek series win. pic.twitter.com/xyxgbT3sPz Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) March 1, 2021 Sacha Baron Cohen, accepting the award for best motion picture comedy for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, took a different approach. Thanks to the all-white Hollywood Foreign Press, he said. Before the show, the HFPA pledged to act. We understand that we need to bring in Black members, as well as members from other underrepresented backgrounds, and we will immediately work to implement an action plan to achieve these goals as soon as possible, the group said in a statement Friday. heres Sacha winning for those who couldnt watch!!! pic.twitter.com/sATQhIJh12 aligrestecp (@aligrestecp_) March 1, 2021 This isnt the only HFPA controversy. The Los Angeles Times also reported on ethics issues among the membership: Paramount Television flew member journalists to Paris, where they were put up in a five-star hotel to attend a junket for the Netflix series Emily in Paris. That show received a nomination for best comedy series and best actress for Lily Collins. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter. 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. At the MoU signing ceremony (Photo: VNA) Caracas - Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Le Viet Duyen paid a working visit to Guarico state from February 25 to 28 to discuss stepping up agricultural production projects and other promising cooperation initiatives. Governor Jose Arturo Vasquez told the visiting Vietnamese delegation of the results of rice production development with Vietnam during the 2015-2019 period. He affirmed that bilateral ties have grown in the fields of socio-politics, agriculture, and energy, and hoped that Vietnam would continue with agriculture projects to boost the states development. Duyen, for his part, said the strengthening of bilateral ties with authorities in Guarico in various fields, especially in agriculture, will make effective contributions to the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Venezuela. As part of economic diplomatic activities, the Vietnamese Embassy also held a seminar to introduce the potential of Vietnams agriculture sector. Duyen reviewed outstanding achievements in bilateral ties in the fields of politics, economy, and socio-culture, and the potential for importing strong Vietnamese farm produce such as rice, coffee, cashew nuts, pepper, and vegetables. Two-way trade last year reached 24.93 million USD, 22.39 million USD of which were exports from Vietnam, including coffee, apparel, footwear, and rubber. The remainders were exports from Venezuela, such as aquatic products, scrap iron and steel, and apparel, leather and footwear materials, worth 2.54 million USD. According to the ambassador, Vietnam is strong in production, workforce, techniques, and varieties, while Venezuela has strengths in soil conditions, climate, and market. With supplementary strengths, Duyen affirmed that the Vietnamese embassy attaches special importance to bilateral cooperation in farming. Those in attendance lauded a Vietnamese rice farming project in the state during 2015-2019 and suggested local authorities work with the embassy to step up the second stage. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed on developing strategic projects in agriculture, high technology, trade, and socio-culture, and in particular the pilot establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Institute for Political-Social Studies in Guarico. During earlier working trips to the states of Yaracuy and Cojedes, the ambassador also held talks with local leaders on agricultural cooperation between the two sides. DETROIT, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT) ("Rocket Companies" or the "Company"), a Detroit-based holding company consisting of tech-driven real estate, mortgage and financial services businesses including Rocket Mortgage, Amrock, Rocket Homes and Rocket Auto today announced that Chief Executive Officer Jay Farner will participate in a fireside chat as part of Morgan Stanley's 2021 Technology, Media & Telecom Virtual Conference beginning at 10:15 AM Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. A live webcast of the event will be available online at ir.rocketcompanies.com, or by visiting morganstanley.webcasts.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website within 24 hours of the conclusion of the event and will remain on the site for one year. The webcast may include forward-looking statements about Rocket Companies. It may also include information about the Company's financial results, operations, and outlook. About Rocket Companies Rocket Companies is a Detroit-based holding company consisting of personal finance and consumer technology brands including Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Rocket Loans, Rocket Auto, Rock Central, Amrock, Core Digital Media, Rock Connections, Lendesk and Edison Financial. Since 1985, Rocket Companies has been obsessed with helping its clients achieve the American dream of home ownership and financial freedom. Rocket Companies offers an industry-leading client experience powered by our simple, fast, and trusted digital solutions. Rocket Companies has approximately 24,000 team members across the United States and Canada. Its flagship company, Rocket Mortgage, has been named to Fortune magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 17 consecutive years. For more information, please visit our Corporate Website , Investor Relations Website , Twitter page , and our LinkedIn page . Forward Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this document are 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. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this document and are based on our management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk factors that are described under the section titled "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this document and in our SEC filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Investor Relations Contact: John Shallcross [email protected] (313) 373-7990 Media Contact: Aaron Emerson [email protected] (313) 373-3035 SOURCE Rocket Companies, Inc. Related Links http://ir.rocketcompanies.com Courtesy photo /U.S. Border Patrol U.S. Border Patrol, with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department, apprehended 34 immigrants illegally present in the country in separate enforcement actions, authorities said. One case was reported on Friday afternoon when Laredo South agents responded to a call for assistance from LPD regarding a possible stash house in central Laredo. A search of the property revealed 25 immigrants from the countries of Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. When David McCarthy came out to his family as a 14-year-old boy, homosexuality was a crime. It would not be decriminalised for another nine years. I remember my father talking about the law change, Mr McCarthy recalls. He said, this sort of change, son, only comes about very rarely. JoyFM president David McCarthy was just 14 when he came out as gay. Credit:Chris Hopkins Now president of Australias only LGBTQI+ radio station, Joy 94.9, Mr McCarthy spent his teenage years and early 20s being treated as a criminal for being himself. On Monday, it will be 40 years since the Hamer Liberal governments repeal of the states sodomy laws came into effect. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-02 03:04:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TALLINN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Estonia's 14-day incidence rate of the coronavirus rose to a record high level and exceeded 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the past 14 days, official statistics revealed on Monday. The 14-day incidence rate of the virus rose to 1,035 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the reporting period, according to the Estonian Health Board. In the past 24 hours alone, the country registered 1,028 new coronavirus cases and nine new deaths. Estonian Minister of Health and Labor Tanel Kiik described the situation on the coronavirus front as "new negative heights," local media reported. "It is the fastest rate since fall. It is only a matter of time, with a trend like this, when the number of patients requiring hospitalization exceeds hospital capacity," Kiik was quoted as saying at a press conference. The government approved on Friday more stringent measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that taking into consideration proposals by researchers, the government has established supplementary rules across Estonia to ensure hospitals have the capability to admit new patients and continue scheduled treatment. She also called on people to make a joint effort and adhere to the agreed rules. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in Estonia and some other countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. A total of 78,759 individuals have so far been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Estonia, and 34,050 individuals have received two doses. Meanwhile, 256 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 74 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. 26. Enditem SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday that his government is eager for talks with Japan to improve relations following years of bitter feuding over historical grievances, adding that those unresolved issues should not stand in the way of developing "future-oriented" ties. "There have been times where issues of the past werent separated from those of the future and became intermingled with each other. This has impeded forward-looking development," Moon said in a nationally televised speech commemorating the anniversary of a 1919 Korean uprising against Japanese colonial rule. "The Korean government is always ready to sit down and have talks with the Japanese government," he said. South Korea and Japan have been struggling to repair relations that sank to their lowest point in decades in 2019 following South Korean court rulings that ordered Japanese companies to pay reparations to Koreans who were forced to work in their factories during World War II. Those rulings led to further tensions over trade when Japan put export controls on chemicals vital to South Koreas semiconductor industry. Another sticking point in relations is the issue of Korean women who were sexually enslaved by Japans wartime military, with survivors denouncing the Japanese government for refusing to accept legal responsibility for their slavery. Japan has insisted that all wartime compensation issues were settled under a 1965 treaty normalizing relations with South Korea and it has reacted angrily to South Korean court rulings saying otherwise. There is a risk for further deterioration of the relationship if South Korean courts eventually order the liquidation of local assets of Japanese companies that have refused to compensate forced laborers. South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a ceremony to mark the March First Independence Movement Day, the anniversary of the 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 1, 2021. (Jewon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP) While Moon said Seoul will continue to support Korean victims of Japanese wartime atrocities, he stressed that the countries "must not let the past hold us back." Moon said improved relations would also benefit the three-way cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the United States, which Washington sees as crucial to dealing with regional issues such as North Koreas nuclear arsenal and Chinas increasing economic and military might. Moon expressed hope that this years Olympics in Tokyo could provide a stage to renew international efforts to resolve the nuclear standoff with North Korea. Seoul has placed much of the blame for bad relations with Tokyo on Japans hawkish former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and has hoped that his resignation for health reasons last September could be a diplomatic turning point. Another notable change came in Washington, where President Joe Biden has signaled a shift from Donald Trump's "America first" approach and his foreign policy team includes major proponents of dealing with North Korea and China through cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha University in Seoul, said Moon may have felt that American pressure to reconcile with Japan was coming and he wanted to appear as the "reasonable" ally by offering the first olive branch. The key now will be whether Japanese Prime Minster Suga Yoshihide responds to Moon's comments with a positive gesture to start a "virtuous cycle," said Easley. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, front left, and his wife Kim Jung-sook, front right, give three cheers during a ceremony to mark the March First Independence Movement Day, the anniversary of the 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 1, 2021. (Jewon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP) South Korean President Moon Jae-in, third right, and his wife Kim Jung-sook, second right, attend at a ceremony to mark the 102nd anniversary of the March First Independence Movement Day, the anniversary of the 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 1, 2021. (Jewon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP) South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a ceremony to mark the 102nd anniversary of the March First Independence Movement Day, the anniversary of the 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 1, 2021. (Jewon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP) South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a ceremony to mark the 102nd anniversary of the March First Independence Movement Day, the anniversary of the 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 1, 2021. (Jewon Heon-kyun/Pool Photo via AP) World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 COVID-19 is posing yet another risk for seniors the risk of getting outcompeted for vaccine. It began Jan. 19, when Pennsylvania, like many states, opened vaccine eligibility to everyone over 65 or chronically ill. Because of vaccine scarcity and high demand, the unintended consequence has pitted older seniors against younger seniors in a race that can favor the swiftest with a computer. For someone who is 80 versus someone who is 65, its not a level playing field, advocates say. Worse, the older senior may well have more dire need for the vaccine. Fred Hunt of Bradford County is 80 but comfortable on a computer. Hes also resourceful and has a network of informed friends and family. Like so many of Pennsylvanias 2.4 million residents 65 and older, he wanted COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible for himself and his wife. He called his local Rite Aid and went to the state-run map of locations, finding frustration but no vaccine. Then his doctor told him if he logged on with the local health system at 8 a.m., he had a shot at a batch of new appointments listed daily. He tried and failed three days in a row. All the appointments were gone in four minutes. I can use a computer, but Im not fast enough, he said. Eventually a friend told him of a local medical practice not shown on the state map, according to Hunt that was compiling a list. Hunt called, resulting in eventual vaccination for Hunt and his wife. All told, it took three weeks to find an appointment. Hunt points out his successful route didnt follow the officially recommended path. Nothing worked through the system. That was word of mouth, he said. Hunt has acquaintances who have had less success, thwarted by things such as a lack of computer skills or relationship with a vaccine provider. One found vaccine only because of a relative working at a medical practice. Another, an 80-year-old whose adult daughter has a severe medical condition, has been unable to find vaccine appointments by phone, Hunt said. You hit a brick wall AARP recently surveyed Pennsylvania members about the vaccination process. About 3,100 responded, using words such as wild west, crap shoot, degrading and hunger games to describe their experiences, said Bill Johnston-Walsh, the director of AARP Pennsylvania. To a large extent, the problem results from the limited supply of vaccine. For example, Pennsylvania expected to receive about 225,000 first doses of the vaccines last week, the largest amount so far. Pennsylvania has about 2.4 million people 65 and older. When counting others such as health care workers, and people 16-64 with chronic illnesses, the number of Pennsylvanians in line for the vaccine rises to about 4 million. As of Friday, about 2.2 million Pennsylvanians had received at least one dose. Still, as Gov. Tom Wolf pointed out this week, the state had so far received about 3 million doses and will need 8 million to fully vaccine the highest priority group, known as Phase 1A. Johnston-Walsh doesnt dispute the difficulties posed by the shortage. But he objects to the way Pennsylvania seniors are largely on their own to find doses. Theyre not even putting them on a waiting list at this moment in time. Thats the frustrating part, he said, referring to the fact that Pennsylvania has no centralized system for connecting with vaccination appointments. As a result, seniors across Pennsylvania are spending untold hours and days scouring for vaccines, with those who are able commonly contacting and traveling to providers in distant counties. Most often, they find busy signals or are otherwise told no appointments are available. You hit a brick wall no matter what you do, said Trish Giordano of Dauphin County. Giordano, 72, is fortunate: she delivers Meals on Wheels and got special access to the vaccine. But she has spent weeks trying to find vaccine for her 93-year-old mother. At first, her moms regular doctors office assured her she had high priority and would soon be offered a shot. But the office wound up with insufficient supply. Working the phones and the internet, Giordano found a slot at a pharmacy in Mount Holly Springs in Cumberland County. But her mother felt she couldnt endure the 50-minute drive each way. As of the middle of last week, Giordano was still trying. Giordano said she has called county and state officials and her local state senator, with all essentially telling her its under state control and they cant help. Shes especially critical of the state map that shows locations of providers who have vaccine. Its up to seniors to call those providers, whose supplies dry up quickly. I dont understand how they could foul this up so badly, she said. Meanwhile, her friends are also scouring for vaccines, sometimes in vain. Those who did find vaccine typically had to travel to a different county, according to Giordano. They are computer savvy people who were on for days and days until they were able to get through, she said. One friend, trying to help an elderly acquaintance with failing vision, was spending hours everyday hunting for vaccine, Giordano said. Calls for central registration Pennsylvania officials including Gov. Tom Wolf have thus far resisted the idea of centralized vaccination scheduling, which is being used in some states. State officials have said health systems and pharmacies, which are distributing the bulk of Pennsylvanias supply, have been upgrading their own systems, and the state sees no reason to add another layer. State officials recently required vaccine providers to offer phone numbers to make reservations, addressing a frequent complaint that many who lacked computer access or savvy were essentially barred from getting the shots. Moreover, the state recently tapped county-based Area Agencies on Aging to give over-the-phone help with finding appointments and transportation. In addition, the states PACE program, which helps seniors with lower incomes afford prescription drugs, created a special call center to provide one-on-one telephone help. That includes finding an appointment for callers, helping them with transportation if necessary and following up with them later if no appointment is immediately available. The program is restricted to the 275,000 PACE/PACENET enrollees. However, AARPs Johnston-Walsh proposes giving the unit enough staff to help any Pennsylvania senior. Thats what Im looking for using something we already have in place, rather than adding a new level of bureaucracy, he said. John Baumgardner, 70, is thankful his wife is technologically skilled. And determined one day she worked two iPads for five hours in an unsuccessful vaccine quest. The Dauphin County couple spent days trying multiple providers in several counties. Eventually, a pharmacist at their local Weis Market said he believed they began filling online appointments at 5 a.m., according to Baumgardner. They rose at 5 a.m. and had appointments fifteen minutes later, although at a location in East Berlin, about 45 minutes away. We are really lucky, he said. I feel bad for those folks who dont have the computer savvy. More from PennLive Third US vaccine could raise question: Which shots are best? On Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, remarked at the White House briefing on the COVID pandemic, Things are tenuous. Now is not the time to relax restrictions. These comments were made in reference to the leveling of declines in new cases of COVID-19, which has public health officials extremely concerned. Since February 20, the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases has remained steady at just above 70,000 cases. Deaths due to COVID-19 have also stalled their decline with approximately 2,000 per day. Meanwhile, the B.1.1.7 variants detection has continued to rise, with 2,102 cases detected across 45 states. Though the number of cases is highest in Florida, they are growing fastest in Michigan, which now has 336 detected B.1.1.7 cases. This Jan. 12, 2021, file photo provided by the LA County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner shows National Guard members assisting with processing COVID-19 deaths and placing them into temporary storage at LA County Medical Examiner-Coroner Office. (Image Credit: Source: LA County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner) New York and New Jersey, where daily COVID-19 cases continue to remain high, are adding new cases most rapidly by comparison to other states. New York City health officials are attempting to downplay the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus, B.1.526, that has independently developed the E484K mutation, known to evade immunity, similar to the B1.351 and P.1 variants from South Africa and Brazil, respectively. Since first detected in November, the New York variant has been rapidly growing, representing 12.3 percent of all the variants detected in the northeast of the United States by mid-February. These developments in the pandemics epidemiological curves are congruent with the analysis made by the CDC and scientists like Dr. Michael Osterholm, who warned that these variants would become the dominant strains in March. Estimates are that B.1.1.7 accounts for 10 percent of all the SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the US and has a doubling time of seven to 10 days. Given its higher infectiousness compared to the wild-type, it implies that the half-measures and limited mitigation strategies in place will not control the viruss spread. Still, the massive efforts to push for school reopening are making for a perfect storm scenario. The warnings of Dr. Osterholm will come to pass. According to Burbios K-12 School Opening Tracker, a significant swath of the midwest, southeast and a portion of the northeast are either in traditional five-day in-person or hybrid instruction where children attend in person two to three days a week. With warming trends in the weather and governors moving to open businesses, the spring surge has the potential for a catastrophe as experienced in Manaus, Brazil, on an unimaginable scale. According to the New York Times, in the last two months, about 120,000 cases of COVID-19 have been linked to colleges and universities. That is a 31 percent increase since the end of 2020. In their survey, at least 17 colleges have reported more than 1,000 cases. In January, at the University of Michigans Ann Arbor campus, three individuals had been identified with the B.1.1.7 variant. In tandem with school openings, many state governors, Republican and Democratic alike, have quickly endorsed relaxing restrictions. For instance, Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina announced that restaurants could serve alcohol up to 11 p.m. and residents could host events with more than 250 people without approval. Leading the pack has been New York Governor Cuomo, who lifted restrictions in his state on gatherings and some nonessential businesses in January. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas is considering pulling back from the statewide mask mandate. Michigan and Virginia are moving to lift restrictions on dining capacity and extending the times these venues can operate. It is in this context that Dr. Walensky warned, We at the CDC consider this a very concerning shift in the trajectory. I want to be clear: cases, hospital admissions, and deaths all remain very high and the recent shift in the pandemic must be taken extremely seriously. I know people are tired. They want to get back to life, to normal. But were not there yet. Dr. Anthony Fauci echoed the CDC directors remarks, adding, We are at that very precarious position that we were right before the fall surge where anything that could perturb that could give us another surge. We dont want to be people always looking at the dark side of things, but you want to be realistic. So, we have to carefully look at what happens over the next week or so with those numbers before you start making the understandable need to relax on certain restrictions. On the one hand, the White House is cautioning against a rapid reopening, and on the other they are all too eager to see schools operating and parents back at work. The warnings being voiced by the pandemic task force wont stem a future surge as no efforts are being made to heed their own warnings. However, they will provide cover for the administration by arguing the populations irresponsibility was to blame for the fourth surge. Worse, with approximately 50 million people (15 percent) having received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the Biden administration is playing a game of brinkmanship with Americans life and safety. They are hoping that the vaccine can blunt the impact on health systems and older adults health before the next surge slams into communities. In the meantime, they are doing little to shore up the public health infrastructure. Even CDC Director Walensky had to admit, the virus is not done with us. There is more energy in the pandemic left to fuel future surges. Like developmental biologist at the University of Calgary, Dr. Malgorzata Gasperowicz, some have called for an approach that New Zealand took early in the course of the pandemic. With 2,376 cases of COVID-19 and 26 deaths total, the island nation has essentially suppressed new cases of COVID-19 down to single-digits. By adopting a strict two-month lockdown, cases could be quickly brought down to near zero. Dr. Gasperowicz told CityNews, Canadian news and current affairs programming based in Toronto, Ontario: Have mandatory quarantine for inter-provincial and international travelers, so we dont bring the new variant anymore. Basically, everything thats nonessential should be shut down. Gasperowicz Chart and Analysis for Alberta The graph above represents Dr. Gasperowiczs modeling analysis of Alberta, Canada, over two months, under different policy assumptions, either lax mitigation measures, similar to those enacted in most states, provinces and countries, and under a strict lockdown scenario. The top line shows that lax mitigation measures, where the reproduction number remains close to 1, leads to a prolonged slow decline in future cases and 1,200 deaths, six times the number of deaths under the strict lockdown strategy where the R number is brought down under 0.6. In the strict lockdown scenario, not only are lives saved, but the burden of the virus is sufficiently low to allow public health officials to utilize testing and contact tracing to stay ahead of new infections. Other doctors have sounded similar warnings. Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, told the Star Tribune, Weve still got 60 percent of our population that is vulnerable to this virus after a year. And look what weve been through with clinical disease and vaccination to get to 40 percent protection. Dr. Gregory Poland, a vaccine immunology specialist at Mayo Clinic, explained that no one could clearly explain the recent declining trends. Still, he worries that it leads politicians and business leaders to call for the lifting of restrictions. He said, It is a race between vaccine and virus. Because we dont have enough vaccine out yet, and because we dont have a policy of giving as many people as we can one dose as quickly as possible, I believe we will see a fourth wavea resurgence. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Director-General of Civil Defence Brigadier Mohammed Al Hutai asserted the support and directives of the Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa to develop the civil defence and building the skills and competency of staff. He also commended the follow up of Chief of Public Security Lieutenant-General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan to step public safety efforts. He made the statement on the occasion of the International Civil Defence Day, which is marked annually on March 1. He said that planning, flexibility in evaluating situations, endless support are the main reasons for the professional performance of civil defence personnel in responding to daily cases and coronavirus-related operations. He pointed out that the protection of lives, property and general safety of the public is a top priority, in which the department dealt with 16579 cases last year. The civil defence carried 192528 disinfection operations until February 26 of roads, buildings, shops and public and private facilities. The department trained 2219 individuals from the public and private sectors and conducted 369 online courses and lectures. 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 Moro and Rodriguez both members of the Latin Kings were upstairs in the same building. When the acquaintance went upstairs to get water and Rodriguez saw the new haircut, Rodriguez grew enraged, indicating it was a Two-Six cut, Eggleston said. Rodriguez went downstairs and asked Castillo about his gang affiliation, and when he said he was a Two-Six, Rodriguez began to punch him in the face. THE minority of UL students who are flouting public health guidelines are letting themselves, their families and their communities down, Minister Niall Collins has said. The Minister of State at the Department of Higher Education was speaking following comments made by students on RTE's Drivetime last week. Several UL students, living in off-campus accommodation, openly admitted attending house parties and social gatherings in breach of the current Level 5 restrictions. Minister Collins said just because students are away from home attending third level institutions doesnt mean their public health responsibilities are left behind them at home. The minority who are behaving in this reckless manner are letting themselves, their families and their communities down and endangering public health. A lot of people are rightly outraged at scenes at funerals in Limerick where a couple of hundred people turned up. What some students are engaging in is no different. People are as equally disgusted and concerned, said Minister Collins. There has been an increase in Covid-19 cases among students in the Castletroy area of Limerick city, associated with household outbreaks in off-campus student accommodation. Limerick City Easts 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 is more than double the national rate. Minister Collins commended the president of the University of Limerick, Professer Kerstin Mey and UL management for going above and beyond in their efforts to suppress the spread of the virus. He spoke of the on-campus mass testing in partnership with Public Health Mid-West; UL funding more than 300 hours of additional high-visibility garda patrols - particularly in housing estates in the Castletroy area; and the leadership shown by Professor Mey. The UL president has expressed her huge disappointment at comments made by students on national radio. 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 lesson Republicans take from this is that Mr. Trump has discovered a potentially winning formula if that formulas power to attract voters to the Republican brand can be separated from the formulas propensity to repel even larger numbers of voters who turn out to elect Democrats. The non-Trump 2024 Republican hopefuls have different strategies for getting the benefit of the Trump brand without suffering from its drawbacks. Governor DeSantis presents himself as a stalwart of Mr. Trumps populist themes including, in his CPAC speech, criticisms of military adventurism, open borders and Big Tech and, like Mr. Trump, adopts a defiant attitude toward his critics and disparages the failed Republican establishment of yesteryear. But he does so with more polish as a politician than Mr. Trump did and with a record of experience that Mr. Trump lacked in 2016. Ambassador Haley, on the other hand, has so far sought to cultivate a niche as a candidate friendly enough to Mr. Trump to be acceptable to his supporters yet softer in tone and closer to the traditional Republican establishment view of foreign policy. Her calculation seems to be that Trump voters are needed to win the 2024 nomination and general election but that an ideological and rhetorical makeover is needed to overcome the resistance that Mr. Trumps politics generates. Still, most Republicans appear more confident in an aggressive stance, under the assumption that without the unusual conditions of the 2020 election, the 2024 contest will look more like 2016s. Mr. Trump might see things that way himself, and given the element of personal rivalry that has characterized his attitude toward figures like George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, seeking a rematch with President Biden in 2024 would be very much in character. Mr. Trump has made more than one comeback before, with business bankruptcies posing no barrier to later successes in television and electoral politics. Other Republicans who have molded or remolded themselves in Mr. Trumps image are more polished than their prototype, but voters may or may not want such political professionalism. The Republican Party is not yet entirely a working-class party, but it is increasingly a party that draws support from less-educated voters. This was true even before Mr. Trumps arrival on the scene, and these voters have been all the more attracted to the party thanks to him. The education divide between the parties is not necessarily an intellectual divide as much as a cultural one: Americas institutions of higher education generally inculcate both a faith in credentialed expertise and a broadly liberal or progressive worldview that Mr. Trump defies. A cultural rejection of the college-educated classes consensus helps to explain the Republican appeal to less-educated voters. But as such Ivy League-credentialed figures as Governor DeSantis, Senators Cruz and Hawley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demonstrate, it is a rejection that some of the best-educated people in the country also share. The Battle of Gettysburg may have been the turning point of the Civil War, but no one told the Confederates that, especially in the West. In August 1864, Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price received an order to take the fight to the North, capture St. Louis and make Abraham Lincoln a one-term president. The resulting offensive was one of the largest mounted cavalry attacks of the war, and it cost the Confederacy dearly. One Union soldier, a 20-year-old private from Iowa, earned the Medal of Honor for compounding the South's failure. A cutting from the 1897 book "The Story of American Heroism" depicts a wounded Dunlavy taking Gen. Marmaduke's weapon, apparently just by virtue of proximity. A lot was going against the Confederates from the get-go. They were terribly outnumbered by St. Louis' defenders. To make matters worse, the cavalrymen were still using long, barrel-loaded muskets that were difficult to reload on the best days and nearly impossible on horseback. They were also low on provisions, with three divisions to arm, clothe and feed. The Confederates began their advance anyway, dead-set on giving Lincoln the October Surprise of capturing Missouri and installing a Confederate government. They encountered mixed success, but overran small Union forces at Fort Davidson, Glasgow and Lexington. Along the way, foraging expeditions resulted in a 500-wagon supply train, including blue Union uniforms that the Confederates happily wore. Their provisioning issues were over, but their real problems were just beginning. And the ill-gotten supplies would be the catalyst for their defeat. When the Confederate troops arrived at St. Louis, they found it much better defended than they expected, so they headed west toward Jefferson City. Although their previous battlefield victories were much-needed wins, they slowed the Confederates down and allowed a pursuing Union force under Gens. Samuel R. Curtis and Alfred Pleasonton to catch up to them near Kansas City. At the Battle of Westport, Price's Confederate cavalry was soundly beaten in an engagement that became known as the "Gettysburg of the West." After Westport, the southerners were forced to retreat through Kansas. Upon arriving at the river crossing near Mine Creek, Confederate troops found their wagon trains hadn't finished crossing. Outnumbering the Union Army by more than 2-to-1, they set up a battle line. The Union cavalry charged, and the fighting quickly devolved into fierce hand-to-hand combat. When the southern cavalrymen couldn't reload their rifles, they used them as clubs. Soon, Union troops were in the Confederate rear, but the rebel infantry were wearing Union blue, making it difficult to tell friend from foe. Pvt. James Dunlavy of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry started shooting into a crowd of rebel soldiers wearing the stolen uniforms. Confederate Gen. John S. Marmaduke, thinking the soldiers were Federal troops and Dunlavy was one of his men, approached the young man, who put a gun to his chest and forced his surrender. Gen. Marmaduke was later elected Governor of Missouri, his opponent apparently forgetting to tell voters he was captured by a private. Within hours, the battle was over -- a lopsided win for the outnumbered Union troops and their superior firepower. The southerners took 10 times the casualties as the attacking Union troops, and Price would later have to destroy the supply wagons at another river crossing to salvage what was left of his army. The Federals chased Price all the way back to Texas; the Confederates never mounted another major offensive in the Mississippi River theater of the war. Dunlavy received the Medal of Honor for capturing Marmaduke, who spent the rest of the war at a prisoner-of-war camp in Johnson's Island, Ohio. -- Blake Stilwell 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. ORLANDO, Fla., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FreeCast and Inspire WiFi are announcing an agreement that will bring streaming television into as many as 25,000 homes in MDUs across the country. These customers will have access to SelectTV, FreeCast's aggregated media service which combines all online video into a one-stop-shop. This deal represents FreeCast's largest agreement to date targeting the multi-family residential space. Inspire WiFi is a 14-year-old WISP, wireless internet service provider, based in Florida, and serving over 30 states. The company provides internet services to a variety of communities including multi-family housing, senior living facilities, healthcare providers, and the hospitality industry. SelectTV will be deployed to select communities, rolling out over the new few years. FreeCast Executive Vice President of Strategic Sales Roy Labrador talked about working with Inspire WiFi and the value of MDUs to the company's growth strategy. "This is an exciting deal, not just because of the number of users it brings in the door, but because it's a perfect example of our advantages in a variety of markets: multi-dwelling, hospitality, telcos and WISPs, and more. We can offer a cost-effective TV solution for a variety of different uses cases, even within a single client organization. It's one of our big strengths in the commercial marketplace." FreeCast CEO William Mobley discussed the synergy between FreeCast and Inspire Wifi: "The diversification of our SelectTV Platform in Multi-Dwelling Units is both timely with NextGen TV growth and an overall incredible value bypassing substantial infrastructure costs once layered in previous hardwire deployments." Inspire WiFi President Don Johnson spoke about FreeCast's TV solution: "We're rolling out SelectTV because it's a streaming video platform that consolidates streaming media in one portal, which is much more efficient and offers a superior user experience versus leaving our residents to deal with the typical patchwork of streaming apps. It's easy for us to deploy because it's app-driven and web-based, with no set top boxes or specialized hardware. This is the next era of TV tech." More Information: Company: https://FreeCast.com Product: https://SelectTV.com This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE FreeCast Related Links https://FreeCast.com A Mumbai court on March 1 issued a bailable warrant against actor Kangana Ranaut after she failed to appear before it in connection with a defamation complaint filed against her by lyricist Javed Akhtar. The Andheri Metropolitan Magistrates court issued a summons to Kangana Ranaut on February 1, ordering her to appear before it on March 1. But Kangana failed to appear on March 1 following which the court issued a bailable warrant against her. Last month, the police submitted a report saying an offence of defamation was made out against the actor. Javed Akhtar had filed the complaint against Kangana for allegedly making baseless and false statements against him which, according to him, damaged his reputation. Photo: NBC On Sunday, hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler kicked off the 78th Hunger Games er, the 2021 Golden Globes with a monologue that poked fun at everything from indoor dining to Emily in Paris to whether this all could have been an email. The most pointed edge of their satisfyingly acerbic opener, however, was saved for Globes organizing body the Hollywood Foreign Press for having zero Black members. Quipped the pair, The HFPA is made up of around 90 international (no Black) journalists, who travel to movie junkets each year in search of a better life. We say around 90, because a couple of them might be ghosts. They also joked about the 87-member HFPAs love of Pixars Soul: Soul is a beautiful Pixar animated movie where a middle-aged Black mans soul accidentally gets knocked out of his body and into a cat, says Fey. The HFPA really responded to this movie, because they do have five cat members. The pair closed out their opener with a sincere plea to the Hollywood Foreign Press to address their lack of diversity. This is probably something we should have told you guys earlier; everybody is understandably upset at the HFPA and their choices, Poehler says. Look, a lot of flashy garbage got nominated, but that happens. Thats, like, their thing. But a number of Black actors and Black-lead projects were overlooked. Even with stupid things, inclusivity is important, and there are no Black members of the Hollywood Foreign Press, Fey explains. I realize, HFPA, maybe you didnt get the memo, because your work place is the back booth of a French McDonalds, but you gotta change that, so heres to changing that. Concluded the pair, So lets see what these European weirdos nominated this year! Later in the show, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association itself addressed the controversy through three members, Helen Hoehne, Meher Tatna, and Ali Sar, who took the Golden Globes stage for a mea culpa. Tonight, while we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do, says Hoehne. Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization. Economic and trade ties between Egypt and the UK have been witnessing a new chapter since the trade deal between the two countries came into effect as of January 2021. Ahram Online sat with Sherine Shohdy, UK-based CDCS Country Coverage Director of Egypt, to discuss how the deal will boost British companies' investments in Egypt and how it will positively affect the companies' businesses - that back to 2003 - in the Egyptian market. Shohdy also stressed that Egypt shows positive signs, unveiling that CDCs investment portfolio in the country exceeds $266 million, with 35 Egyptian companies collectively employing close to 29,000 people. CDC Group is the UKs first impact investor funded by the UK government with 1200 businesses in emerging economies. Ahram Online: How do you see the investment and doing business atmosphere in Egypt? Sherine Shohdy: The investment and business climate in Egypt is showing positive trends. In the World Bank's Doing Business 2020 report, Egypt rose six places compared to the previous index and ranked 114 among 190 economies in terms of the level of ease in doing business. Behind this trend lies ongoing economic reform, a commitment to private sector-led growth, and the ambition to create an environment that attracts more domestic and foreign investment. COVID-19 had a substantial impact on some key sectors of the economy, tourism being one prominent example. On the whole, however, Egypt has dealt well with the economic consequences of the pandemic, thanks partially to strong consumption. The outlook remains uncertain due to a possible resurgence of the virus and the pace of global recovery, but the IMF's latest review expects Egypt to register positive economic growth in FY2020/2021. On this basis and to aid its recovery, we expect Egypt will continue to push on with reforms that will improve its attractiveness as a market for investments and doing business. Macro-economic stability, the diversified and dynamic nature of the economy, green recovery plans and the entrepreneurship ecosystem, should in turn all serve to ensure Egypt remains an attractive market for investors. AO: To what extent is the UK-Egypt trade deal, that came into force in January, expected to boost the investments in both countries? SS: The trade deal is a great testament to the strength of the partnership between the UK and Egypt and will ensure that we continue to share strong commercial ties. It both secures the existing 3.5 billion ($ 4.7 billion) of trade between our two countries and provides a framework to develop our trading relations further. British and Egyptian businesses will be able to draw on new opportunities and make significant savings thanks to the liberalisation of trade in agriculture, agri-foods and fisheries provided by the agreement. Tariff-free trade on industrial products will also create future investment and development opportunities for both countries. AO: How is CDC expected to benefit from the deal regarding its investments in Egypt? SS: The new UK-Egypt trade deal will not influence the scale of our current or future investments in Egypt. For CDC, Egypt has been a significant investment partner for over 18 years. As the UK's development finance institution, CDC is mandated to invest in creating jobs and driving sustainable economic transformation across Africa and South Asia by investing in private sector companies and backing their growth with our expertise. We have over 70 years of experience successfully supporting businesses' long-term development in Africa and South Asia and over half of our portfolio of investments are committed to companies across the continent. I look forward to continuing the growth of our permanent presence in Egypt and expanding our coverage across the country in partnership with many more of Egypt's prominent companies and entrepreneurs. AO: Could you shed some light on CDCs recent investment that had been injected in Egypt's private sector? SS: The COVID-19 pandemic has tested medical staff and healthcare facilities worldwide, highlighting the global imperative need to invest in pandemic preparedness and resilient healthcare systems. In February 2021, CDC announced a $100 million investment in Alfa Medical Group, which includes leading diagnostics companies Alfa Scan and Alfa Laboratories, as well as El-Saha Hospital. Alfa Medical Group is one of the largest healthcare providers in Egypt and consists of over 140 labs and six radiology centers, with a 170-bed hospital, in addition to two further hospitals and the Alfa Medical City currently under construction. Our investment in Alfa Medical Group was encouraged by the leading role it has played in improving healthcare outcomes for millions of Egyptians over the last 25 years. The investment marks CDC's largest equity investment in Egypt and is a testament to our firm commitment to doubling down on investments across the country as well as, partnering with prominent businesses and entrepreneurs in Egypt. This investment will increase public access to high-quality medical care - ensuring healthcare is accessible to all income levels and underserved communities across the country. It also came in line with the Egyptian government's objectives to improve the quality of life and the standard of living of Egyptians, as outlined in Egypt's Vision 2030. AO: What is the total of CDC's investments in the Egyptian market? SS: CDC investments in Egypt date back to 2003 and it is an important partner for our investment activities. Our portfolio of investments in Egypt now exceeds $266 million, with 35 Egyptian companies collectively employing close to 29,000 people across the country. CDC provides the flexible long-term capital that will support the growth of Egyptian businesses, driving a similar mission of creating positive environmental, economic and social change. We provide capital in many forms, including direct and intermediated equity, debt, mezzanine and guarantees to promising companies and projects that stimulate inclusive growth. Our portfolio covers various sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, trade, microfinance, healthcare, business services and financial services. We also have investments in Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) funds with exposure to Egypt and North Africa, such as Ezdehar and Sawari Ventures. So far, we have invested in 12 PE and VC funds with exposure to Egypt and are identifying more opportunities to provide debt/equity to private Egyptian companies and projects which meet our ticket size (this typically worth $20 million up to $150 million). Meanwhile, CDC is a key partner in the 800 MW Benban Solar Park project located in Benban, Aswan with investments recorded at $97 million, covering nine projects with a total capacity of close to 400 MW. This project provided clean, cost-effective power to over 350,000 people and generated up to 6,000 jobs during construction. Moreover, our Africa portfolio of investments supports over 80 investment funds operating in 37 countries across the continent. We currently have investments in over 700 African businesses that collectively employ over 300,000 people across 35 countries and we paid $1.7 billion during 2020 in national tax contributions - supporting governments to deliver essential public services. AO: Based on that, what are CDCs future plans for the Egyptian market? SS: Our establishment of a permanent CDC office in Cairo and my appointment in 2020 are a testament to our long-term mission of supporting the country's private sector, entrepreneurial culture, and the government's national agenda to drive sustainable growth. As CDC's Coverage Director based in Cairo, I will continue developing our pipeline of investment opportunities and strengthening our relationships with new and existing partners along side building our relationships with current and potential investee firms, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial institutions. In Egypt, over the next few years, our strategy will focus on where our capital, technical and operational expertise can make the most substantial environmental and social impact. We will be identifying opportunities, chiefly in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, consumables, infrastructure, renewable energy, desalination and wastewater treatment, industrial parks, and ports sectors. In January 2021, we announced our target to invest $1 billion in African businesses throughout the year. The commitment enables CDC to deploy more capital to many more promising African entrepreneurs, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). In 2021, as ever, we are focusing on job creation as well as accelerating economic and human development. We will continue to deploy and mobilise capital to enhance women's economic participation, building on the success of the 2X Challenge, which has channelled over $4.5 billion in investments to support initiatives that empower women as entrepreneurs, business leaders, employees and consumers. Our climate change strategy is also a fundamental objective for us; as such, 30 percent of our annual commitments in 2021 will go to climate finance. Since 2017, we have committed over $1 billion to climate change mitigation, resilience and adaptation measures as we align our investment approach with the Paris Agreement to ensure that our portfolio will be net-zero emissions by 2050. In November 2020, we partnered with Development Partners International (DPI) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to launch the first pan-African pharmaceutical platform of its kind. The $750 million biopharmaceutical platform will expand access to vital speciality generic drugs across the continent and enable the $250 million acquisition and combination of two leading companies: Egyptian generic drugs manufacturer Adwia Pharmaceuticals and Celon Laboratories Pvt, Indian oncology and critical care specialist. Our partnership with these investors will generate significant cost savings for healthcare providers across Africa and aims to raise a further $500 million to realise its strategy, fund additional acquisitions, develop new drugs and establish new distribution capabilities. We are proud of these initiatives and I am excited to develop them further with our partners in Egypt and beyond. AO: What are the procedures, policies and measures Egypt needs to take for a much more easier and convenient investment environment in the market? SS: Egypt should continue to progress on the various aspects of its ambitious reform agenda, which includes promoting private sector-led growth and foreign investments. Amongst the ways to achieve this are to continue improving transparency and governance, enabling fair competition and public-private collaboration as well as introducing stable tax policies. Collectively these will make doing business in Egypt easier, attract additional long-term foreign investments and further boost sustainable economic growth. Currently, Egypt is already pursuing reforms that address some of these areas. For example, the customs law that was ratified by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in November 2020 should improve and help facilitate cross-border trading. Other initiatives can come in the fiscal space, such as providing incentives for exporters or financially supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, which the Egyptian ministry of planning and economic development is already putting into effect. Critically, developing comprehensive policies that ensure human capital development, will not only foster a strong investment environment but will also serve to entrench sustainable growth and resilience of Egypts economy. The combined forces of climate change and global disruptions resulting from COVID-19 have exposed the urgent need to address widening skills gaps, particularly for women and youth. Prioritising training, re-skilling and upskilling, with a focus on improving digital skills and those relevant to green economic sectors, will have a dynamic impact on the lives of millions of Egyptians and significantly strengthen the countrys socio-economic future. Short link: Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New Delhi, Feb 28 : To celebrate the publication of the sequel to 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' (ACOTAR) titled 'A Court of Silver Flames', American author Sarah J. Maas was in a live conversation with Mumbai-based writer Deepanjana Pal at the 14th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival(JLF). The author talked about the roller-coaster ride of actions and emotions that this book series has been. Maas started writing the first book in the ACOTAR series after she had graduated from college in 2008. This was the time during which there was global recession. Being unable to find a job for 18 months, she immersed herself into writing. She remembers,"I poured a lot of my early doubts about the future into 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'. The book was an escape from a rough and uncertain time in my life." After writing four best-selling books in the series, over a decade later, Sarah delved into the story of the headstrong Nesta, who was a minor but memorable character in the previous books in the series. She added,"I started writing Nesta's story for fun. It was like fan fiction for my own work." But 768 pages later, as moderator and author Deepanjana Pal points out,"Nesta's story will make a lot of readers feel seen." Already a New York Times bestseller within a week of its global release, the author was thrilled that her audiences loved the book as much as she does. "I see the book as a journey of healing and forgiveness, of self-love and self-discovery. It doesn't have a happy ending but a happy beginning. It was joy for me to write 'A Court of Silver Flames'." WASHINGTON (AP) Just five weeks ago, Los Angeles County was conducting more than 350,000 weekly coronavirus tests, including at a massive drive-thru site at Dodger Stadium, as health workers raced to contain the worst COVID-19 hotspot in the U.S. Now, county officials say testing has nearly collapsed. More than 180 government-supported sites are operating at only a third of their capacity. HOW TO GET TESTED: Texas to offer rapid COVID tests for some small business workers Its shocking how quickly weve gone from moving at 100 miles an hour to about 25, said Dr. Clemens Hong, who leads the countys testing operation. After a year of struggling to boost testing, communities across the country are seeing plummeting demand, shuttering testing sites or even trying to return supplies. The drop in screening comes at a significant moment in the outbreak: Experts are cautiously optimistic that COVID-19 is receding after killing more than 500,000 people in the U.S. but concerned that emerging variants could prolong the epidemic. Everyone is hopeful for rapid, widespread vaccinations, but I dont think were at a point where we can drop our guard just yet, said Hong. We just dont have enough people who are immune to rule out another surge. U.S. testing hit a peak on Jan. 15, when the country was averaging more than 2 million tests per day. Since then, the average number of daily tests has fallen more than 28%. The drop mirrors declines across all major virus measures since January, including new cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Officials say those encouraging trends, together with harsh winter weather, the end of the holiday travel season, pandemic fatigue and a growing focus on vaccinations are sapping interest in testing. When you combine all those together you see this decrease, said Dr. Richard Pescatore of the health department in Delaware, where daily testing has fallen more than 40% since the January peak. People just arent going to go out to testing sites. But testing remains important for tracking and containing the outbreak. L.A. County is opening more testing options near public transportation, schools and offices to make it more convenient. And officials in Santa Clara County are urging residents to continue getting tested regularly, highlighting new mobile testing buses and pop-up sites. President Joe Biden has promised to revamp the nations testing system by investing billions more in supplies and government coordination. But with demand falling fast, the country may soon have a glut of unused supplies. The U.S. will be able to conduct nearly 1 billion monthly tests by June, according to projections from researchers at Arizona State University. Thats more than 25 times the countrys current rate of about 40 million tests reported per month. With more than 150 million new vaccine doses due for delivery by late March, testing is likely to fall further as local governments shift staff and resources to giving shots. You have to pick your battles here, said Dr. Jeffrey Engel of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Everyone would agree that if you have one public health nurse, youre going to use that person for vaccination, not testing. Some experts say the country must double down on testing to avoid flare-ups from coronavirus variants that have taken hold in the U.K., South Africa and other places. MAYBE DON'T: Why you shouldn't share your COVID-19 vaccine card on social media We need to use testing to continue the downward trend, said Dr. Jonathan Quick of the Rockefeller Foundation, which has been advising Biden officials. We need to have it there to catch surges from the variants. Last week, Minnesota began urging families to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year as more students return to the classroom. To protect this progress, we need to use all the tools at our disposal, said Dan Huff, an assistant state health commissioner. But some of the most vocal testing proponents are less worried about the declines in screening. From a public health viewpoint, testing is effective if it helps to quickly find the infected, trace their contacts and isolate them to stop the spread. In most parts of the U.S., that never happened. Over the holiday season, many Americans still had to wait days to receive test results, rendering them largely useless. Thats led to testing fatigue and dwindling interest, said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard University. It doesnt exactly give you a lot of gratifying, immediate feedback, Mina said. So people's willingness or interest in getting tested starts to go down. Still, U.S. test manufacturers continue ramping up production, with another 110 million rapid and home-based tests expected to hit the market next month. Government officials long assumed this growing arsenal of cheap, 15-minute tests would be used to regularly screen millions of students and teachers as in-person classes resume. But recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don't emphasize testing, describing it as an additional layer of protection, behind basic measures like masking and social distancing. Even without strong federal backing, educational leaders say testing programs will be important for marshaling public confidence needed to fully reopen schools, including in the fall when cases are expected to rise again. Schools have asked themselves, justifiably, Is the juice worth the squeeze to set up a big testing effort? said Mike Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit that advises districts in more than 25 states. Our message to the school systems we work with is: Yes, you need to stand up comprehensive testing because youre going to need it." ___ Associated Press writer Brian Melley in Los Angeles and AP data journalist Nicky Forster in New York contributed to this report. ___ Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. The Hong Kong government indicted almost four dozens of democracy advocates on Sunday. They were charged for contravening a national security law that bars "conspiracy to commit subversion." The mass arrests were the most extensive roundup since the law was implemented the previous summer. Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Appear in Court Numerous people gathered outside a Hong Kong court on Monday in support of a number of the region's well-known dissidents who have been accused of subversion. The international community voiced out in defense of the 47 democracy advocates. The protesters chanted pro-democracy slogans. These include "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times," and "Release all political prisoners." They were also holding up the three-finger salute witnessed in the Hollywood film "The Hunger Games." It has been regarded as a symbol of defiance against the autocratic rule in Thailand and Myanmar. The indictment of conspiracy to commit subversion is associated with the defendants' participation in 2020 during the unofficial election primaries for Hong Kong's legislature. The activists were taken into custody in February but released. Now, they are denied bail, reported VOA. The charges imposed were the most recent blow to the dwindling aspirations for democracy in the former British colony. It was the most vigorous use yet of the broad-ranging security law. The law has cemented Communist Party dominion over a territory long known for its independent court system, individual freedoms, and rule of law. Beijing is tackling to stamp out defiance in semi-autonomous Hong Kong following swathes of the population hitting the streets in 2019 in huge and at times brutal democracy demonstrations. It has protected the formerly free-wheeling finance hub in a national security law as anti-COVID-19 measures prohibit public gatherings of over four people, reported Inquirer. Also Read: Hong Kong's Security Law Implemented, First Arrest Initiated With Anti-CCP Artist The accused crime is democracy. The punishment: lifetime imprisonment. Sam Cheung is a young activist who cooperated in an unofficial primary election last summer. He was charged following his report to a local police station. He donned a black mask and was accompanied by his wife. According to Cheung, Hong Kong citizens have very tough times nowadays. He hopes everyone would not give up on the nation and fight on, reported Ahram Online. The offense was organizing an informal primary for pro-democracy candidates in July 2020. This was a bid to decide which of them would contend legislative council elections in November, which were later postponed. They include Lester Shum, Benny Tai, and Owen Chow. The unofficial primary last summer was to decide candidates for the city's partially elected legislature in a bid that the pro-democracy bloc could take a majority for the first time and bar government legislation. Hong Kong and Chinese officials interpreted it as efforts to "overthrow" the city's government and therefore a threat to national security. Those arraigned were among the nation's most outspoken democracy advocates. This group includes several opposition lawmakers. The law outlaws four types of actions: subversion of state power, secession, collusion, and terrorism with foreign entities. In practice, it ends the autonomy that Hong Kong had earlier enjoyed under Chinese rule. Related Article: Germany Tells China to Stop Threatening Europe @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Local COVID-19 Case Update for Monday By West Kentucky Star Staff WESTERN KENTUCKY, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Area health departments reported several new cases of COVID-19 on Monday.The Pennyrile District Health Department said they were aware of 14 new cases across its district, including 8 in Trigg County, 2 in Lyon County, 2 in Livingston County, and 2 in Crittenden County.The Graves County Health Department noted 12 new cases, raising the county's total to 3,577.The Southern Seven Health Department confirmed 5 new cases since Friday, including 1 in Alexander County, and 4 new cases in Massac County.Marshall County logged 6 new cases, raising the county's total to 2,526.This list will be updated as we receive more information. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Concerns are growing for a trailblazing Australian Instagram model who vanished from social media without a trace more than a year ago. Jessica Stein, 38, was once a popular travel and fashion blogger, known for uploading idyllic photos of herself exploring the world in designer clothing. She used to work with major international brands, and is widely regarded as one of the first influencers to make a living from sponsored posts. So when Jessica suddenly stopped posting in January last year, her fans were understandably concerned and looking for answers. 'We miss you hope you're okay': Concerns are growing for trailblazing Australian Instagram model Jessica Stein, who vanished from social media without a trace more than a year ago Prior to her disappearance, Jessica, who goes by the online pseudonym Tuula Vintage, had been keeping fans updated on her three-year-old daughter Rumi's battle with a chromosome disorder. The little girl was diagnosed with Mosaic Trisomy 2, with Maternal Uni Parental Disomy 2 - an extremely rare disorder which has been diagnosed just 10 times. Since her departure from Instagram, Jessica's last post has been flooded with comments from followers begging to know if she and her family are okay. Health: Before her disappearance, Jessica, also known as Tuula Vintage, had been keeping fans updated on her three-year-old daughter Rumi's battle with a chromosome disorder Rare: The little girl was diagnosed with Mosaic Trisomy 2, with Maternal Uni Parental Disomy 2 - an extremely rare disorder which has been diagnosed just 10 times 'Hope everything is okay': Since her departure from Instagram, Jessica's last post has been flooded with comments from followers begging to know if she and her family are okay 'How is your daughter going? I noticed you haven't posted anything on Instagram in a long time and I hope she and you are doing well,' one wrote. 'Everything okay?' another asked. After Jessica welcomed Rumi with her partner, Patrick Cooper, in 2017, fans began noticing the once-prolific social media user was posting less frequently. Other priorities: After Jessica welcomed Rumi with her partner, Patrick Cooper (left), in 2017, fans began noticing the once-prolific social media user was posting less frequently Wanderlust: Jessica boasts 2.2 million Instagram followers and was once considered one of the world's most influential travel and fashion bloggers Jessica last posted about Rumi in July 2019, when she uploaded photos of the pair cuddling on the couch at a luxury hotel in Shoal Bay, New South Wales. 'This year has been a blur. One of our biggest hopes for 2019 was to spend as much time at home as possible, but we've somehow spent nearly five months of it living in hospital,' she wrote. Jessica then spent another five months off social media, before returning on January 5, 2020, to share an impassioned post about the Australian bushfires. What is Mosaic Trisomy 2? Trisomy 2 mosaicism is a rare chromosome disorder characterised by having an extra copy of chromosome 2 in a proportion of a person's cells. In infants born with trisomy 2 mosaicism, signs and symptoms vary widely. The severity and specific symptoms present depend on the level of mosaicism (the proportion of cells affected). What is Uni Parental Disomy? Uniparental disomy (UPD) occurs when a person receives two copies of a chromosome, or of part of a chromosome, from one parent and no copy from the other parent. Reported symptoms A flattened appearance in the middle part of the face Abnormally set eyes Intellectual disability Heart defects Deafness Twisted intestines Growth and motor delay Physical asymmetry in the body and face Advertisement She has not posted on social media since. Jessica suffered a rocky pregnancy due to complications from an injury she received after being hit by a car as a teenager. Announcing her pregnancy on Instagram at seven months, Jessica revealed: 'I experienced multiple pelvic and internal injuries after being hit by a car at 16 with ongoing pain and limitations, and was warned of what might never come to be.' Last sighting: Jessica last posted about Rumi in July 2019, when she uploaded photos of the pair cuddling on the couch at a luxury hotel in Shoal Bay, New South Wales 'I experienced multiple pelvic and internal injuries': Jessica suffered a rocky pregnancy due to complications from an injury she received after being hit by a car as a teenager 'I've always wanted to adopt (as my incredible mum was) and my partner and I had been talking about it again just before this unexpected miracle happened,' she added. Jessica also revealed she'd suffered serious complications at 20 weeks when her water broke early as a result of her bladder injury from the crash. 'I don't know the words to describe how hopeless I felt not being able to control my own body, provide for my baby or see hope that we would make it through,' she wrote. 'I don't know the words to describe how hopeless I felt': Jessica also revealed she'd suffered serious complications at 20 weeks when her water broke early as a result of her bladder injury from the crash Struggles: Jessica said that while her partner was a 'rock of support and positivity', she had found the last few months the 'loneliest' of her life Jessica added that while her partner was a 'rock of support and positivity', she had found the last few months the 'loneliest' of her life. In October 2017, Jessica and Patrick launched a GoFundMe page titled 'Our Little Warrior Rumi' to raise money for Rumi's medical treatments. The page, which has since been disabled, raised $235,804 in donations. A Pittsburgh man is facing charges after authorities say he attacked another man with an axe. The incident occurred early Sunday at an apartment on Perrysville Avenue in the citys Perry South neighborhood, WTAE is reporting. Jacob Thrower, 36, is now facing charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats and criminal mischief, TribLive.com is reporting. According to reports, Thrower and another man got into an argument, and Thrower later went to that mans apartment with an axe. The man was lying in bed when Thrower swung the axe at the doors and walls, then hit the man on the arms and face, reports indicate. Wounded and bleeding, he was able to take the axe away from Thrower, who fled, reports indicate. When police got to the scene, they found Thrower with blood on his hands and knuckles, and the apartment was in disarray with overturned furniture, a broken television and holes in the walls and doors, according to reports. Police found the axe, which they say had white scuff marks on the blade, matching the damaged wall and doors, according to reports. The extent of injuries was not available, but reports indicate the man who was hit with the axe refused medical treatment. Thrower is set for a preliminary hearing March 11. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption and influence peddling on Monday and sentenced to one year in prison, marking a historic defeat for the 66-year-old, who has remained popular among conservative voters even as his legal woes mount. The verdict included a two-year suspended sentence, but Sarkozy's attorney said her client would appeal, delaying the sentence from taking effect. Given that short prison sentences in France can typically be waived, it is unclear whether Sarkozy would have to spend any time in prison even if the appeal were to fail. He could also request to serve the sentence at home, subject to electronic monitoring. The ruling followed years of parallel investigations against the former president, and some others are ongoing. Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, will face another trial later this month over accusations that his party falsified accounts during his unsuccessful reelection bid in 2012. The charges over which Sarkozy was sentenced Monday were centered on whether he was behind a deal with a magistrate to illegally receive information on an inquiry linked to him, using false names and unofficial phone lines. According to the prosecution, Sarkozy and his then-attorney and longtime friend Thierry Herzog attempted to bribe the magistrate, Gilbert Azibert, by offering him a high-profile position in return for information. The incident occurred after Sarkozy had left office. The inquiry related to claims that Sarkozy and others had accepted illegal contributions from business executive Liliane Bettencourt, the late heiress of French cosmetics giant L'Oreal, ahead of the 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy was later cleared of those illegal-funding charges. Sarkozy's attorneys also denied the accusations of corruption and influence peddling last year, arguing that as the magistrate did not receive the allegedly promised position, it proved the former president's innocence. Sarkozy said he "never committed the slightest act of corruption." The prosecution argued, however, that there were no doubts that the magistrate had conveyed details illegally. Their evidence was largely based on wiretapped conversations. Azibert and Herzog also were found guilty on Monday and were given sentences similar to Sarkozy's. Both have appealed, France's public broadcaster reported. Prosecutors had originally demanded a four-year sentence for Sarkozy, with a requirement that he serve at least two years. In justifying their request, they cited what they characterized as the damage Sarkozy inflicted on the French presidency. In its ruling, the court agreed that Sarkozy had "used his status as former French president," rendering his offenses more egregious. Sarkozy attempted to run in the 2017 presidential election, but he did not succeed, partially because of his mounting legal woes. He subsequently suggested that his career in politics had come to an end. But Sarkozy has maintained high approval ratings among French conservatives, prompting hope among some of his supporters that he might run in the presidential election next year. In a sign of Sarkozy's continued influence in conservative French politics, he received some prominent backing on Monday. "The severity of the sentence is absolutely disproportionate and reveals judicial harassment," wrote Christian Jacob, president of the center-right Republican Party, which Sarkozy used to lead. Supporters also questioned why Sarkozy was subjected to wiretapping after he left office. Investigators deemed those surveillance measures necessary amid mounting questions at the time over how Sarkozy funded his 2007 campaign. Sarkozy continues to face accusations that he received illegal payments from the regime of then-Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi ahead of the 2007 election. Sarkozy is the second former French president in a decade to be sentenced. Jacques Chirac, Sarkozy's predecessor and initial patron, was given a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for handing nonexistent jobs to political allies during his time as Paris mayor. According to information published by Al Arabiya, frigate Admiral Grigorovich has entered a Sudanese port where Moscow plans to build a naval base on Sudans Red Sea coast. It is the first Russian warship to enter Port Sudan. According to information published by Al Arabiya on March 1, 2021, frigate Admiral Grigorovich has entered a Sudanese port where Moscow plans to build a naval base on Sudans Red Sea coast. It is the first Russian warship to enter Port Sudan. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Admiral Grigorovich 494 is an Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate of the Russian Navy (Picture source: Twitter) Russia previously announced a deal in November which outlined the creation of a logistical support center in Sudan where repairs and resupply operations would take place, as well as providing rest for crew members. The facilitys capacity will be capped at 300 military and civilian personnel, as well as four ships including nuclear-powered vessels and the deal will stand for 25 years. Under the deal Russia will also be given the right to transport weapons, ammunition and equipment via Sudans ports and airports. Russia signed a deal in May, 2019, with Sudan, outlining military and civilian nuclear cooperation, which is set to last seven years. The Admiral Grigorovich-class, also referred to as Krivak IV class, Russian designation Project 11356/, is a class of frigates built by the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad for the Russian Navy. The first of the class, the Admiral Grigorovich, was commissioned in 2016. It is in service by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The Admiral Grigorovich-Class frigates have been designed to conduct anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-air warfare missions. The Admiral Grigorovich Class incorporates a stealthy hull design developed by the Severnoye Design Bureau. The hull and superstructures were designed to have low radar, acoustic and infrared signatures. The Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate is armed with one 100 mm A-190 Arsenal naval gun, UKSK VLS (Vertical Launching System) cells able to launch Kalibr, Oniks or Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles, 24 3S90M VLS cells for 9M317M surface-to-air-missiles, two AK-630 CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), 8 Igla-S or Verba air defense missile systems, two double 533 mm torpedo tubes and one RBU-6000 rocket launcher. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree approving the sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council NSDC against former officials and servicemen who betrayed Ukraine. According to Ukrinform, decree No. 81/2021 "On the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine decision of February 26, 2021 'On the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)'" has been published on the website of the head of state. According to the decree, the NSDC decision of February 26, 2021 "On the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)" has been enacted. NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the NSDC decision. The decree comes into force from the date of its publication. On February 26, the NSDC adopted a decision "On the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)." In accordance with Article 5 of the law of Ukraine "On Sanctions," the NSDC decided to support the proposals made by the Security Service of Ukraine on the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions), and to apply personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) to a number of individuals. The Cabinet of Ministers, together with the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Bank of Ukraine, have been instructed to ensure the implementation and monitoring of the effectiveness of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine must inform the competent authorities of the European Union, the United States and other states about the application of sanctions and raise the issue of them imposing similar restrictive measures. "We decided to apply sanctions against those security officials who betrayed our country. The decision was made against ten people," Danilov said. In particular, sanctions have been imposed against former Rear Admiral Denys Berezovsky, former Major General Stanislav Shaportov, former Major General of Justice Serhiy Nyanchur, former Major General Yuriy Kotovsky, former Major General Oleksandr Yakymenko, former Major General Volodymyr Totsky, former Major General Serhiy Ganzhu, former Vice Admiral Serhiy Yeliseyev, former Rear Admiral Dmytro Shakuro, and former General of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Vitaliy Zakharchenko. op Realty Title announces that W. Brad Lehman has been named president of its Middle Tennessee, Chattanooga, East Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia divisions. Mr. Lehman will be responsible for leading and overseeing operations for 25 offices that conduct closings for the sale and refinance of residential and commercial properties. Mr. Lehman has a background in the title industry, having served in multiple senior management positions for two national title insurance underwriters and working for a family-owned title company local to Brentwood, Tn. for a combined 25+ years. Additionally, he has worked as a sales and marketing consultant with fortune 100 companies in the healthcare, mortgage and insurance loss recovery industries. Mr. Lehmans work on a local, regional and national level has proved to be successful, with the majority of his efforts targeted toward increasing brand recognition, expanding territories and decreasing internal costs for the companies that he has served, said officials. He now looks forward to applying his skills in marketing, strategic planning and management to lead the future efforts of Realty Title. I believe that people with great passion can make the impossible happen, said Mr. Lehman. I am looking forward to bringing Realty Title to new heights. As an active member of his community, Mr. Lehman has served on the Rape & Sexual Abuse board for fundraising, the Fast Track program at Vanderbilt University, multiple boards for local chambers of commerce, and boards within the mortgage and real estate communities. For more information regarding Realty Title, please visit www.realtytitle.com. Mr. Lehman may be reached at (615) 377-0620, or via email at brad.lehman@realtytitle.com. New Delhi: Prophecies say the upcoming solar eclipse on August 21 is a sign of the impending doom brought by Nibiru planet in September. Tales of the doomsday and apocalypse has been around since 2003- claiming that the mysterious planet will collide with Earth. The identical thing was stated in 2012 by various theories. But is it really true? Will the world end in September 2017? Let's analyze what happened in 2012 and what are the chances of the recent predictions of 2017 doomsday. End of World in 2012? Nibiru ideated by Nancy Lieder in 1955 described the Nibiru cataclysm a disastrous encounter between the Earth and a large planetary object. Nibiru is based on the myth of Babylonian and Sumerian mythology. She warned that Nibiru would collide with Earth in May 2003, but when no cataclysmic event occurred her followers chose December 2012 as the new date for a collision, neatly coinciding with the end of the Mayan calendar. However, the idea is not accepted or supported by NASA scientist Dr. John Carlson. Dr. Carlson explained the Nibiru and other stories about wayward planets are an Internet hoax. There is no factual basis for these claims. If Nibiru or Planet X were real and headed for an encounter with the Earth in 2012, astronomers would have been tracking it for at least the past decade, and it would be visible by now to the naked eye. Obviously, it does not exist. Eris is real, but it is a dwarf planet similar to Pluto that will remain in the outer solar system; the closest it can come to Earth is about 4 billion miles. For any claims of disaster or dramatic changes in 2012, where is the science? Where is the evidence? There is none, and for all the fictional assertions, whether they are made in books, movies, documentaries or over the Internet, we cannot change that simple fact. There is no credible evidence for any of the assertions made in support of unusual events taking place in December 2012. Despite the predictions of doomsday theories, the world would not end on December 21, 2012. Doomsday has been predicted in the year 2003, 2007, 2012, and 2015. However, few scientists have raised questions about the existence of Nibiru and have even said the planet is not real. Also Read: Doomsday on May 31, 2017? Viral YouTube video claims end of the world is just a week away What about 2017 doomsday? Earth may face doomsday as a mysterious planet named Nibiru will collide with it in September, according to conspiracy theorists, who believe the upcoming solar eclipse will mark the end of the world as it will call for the apocalypse. North America will witness a solar eclipse on August 21 for the first time in 99 years. The solar eclipse will take place when the moon will pass in front of the Sun. The process will cast darkness across the swaths of Earths surface. On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will witness an eclipse of the sun for the first time in 99 years, where Moon will pass in front of the sun, casting darkness across swathes of the Earth's surface. Called the Great American Eclipse, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial spectacle. David Meade, the author of Planet X The 2017 Arrival, has claimed that Nibiru, a planet also known as Planet X, will hit the Earth on September 23, 2017. However, scientists have denied the existence of Nibiru. Still, Meade believes he is right after having stumbled upon some passages from The Bible and has justified his claims. Earlier, Meade had said that Nibiru will mark the end of the world in October, but now he claims that doomsday will arrive in September. Reports say Meade and other conspiracy theorists are only leaning on passages from The Bible to support their theory and they do not have any strong evidence. He pointed to warnings in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, Chapter 13, Verses 9 to 10, which reads, "See, the Day of the Lord is coming - a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger - to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it. "The Stars of Heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising Sun will be darkened and the Moon will not give its light." According to Meade, this passage is linked to what he has dubbed the "33 Convergence", where a strand of coincidences all includes the number 33. Also Read:Will solar eclipse bring doomsday? Planet Nibiru-Earth collision in Sept, claims conspiracy theory; NASA responds For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. 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. In Nepal, the land is considered an asset of huge importance. Probably, this is a result of the slow growth of the industry, only a few youth working in Nepal, the lack of agriculture products and unstable politics. The general people consider land as one of the most secure places to invest their hard-earned money compared to other businesses. It is not their fault as the Nepali society itself considers land property as a matter of prestige and security. From a legal perspective, it has resulted in several disputes within a family. One of them if about if the parents can choose to deprive their children of inheriting their property or the children can stake their claim over the parents real estate. Lets discuss legal provisions on it in detail. Legal provisions concerning property The majority of matters related to property rights are governed by the Civil Code 2017, which has designated a separate chapter for this. The code in section 251 defines property as any cash or good that can be used or transacted in others names. Similarly, section 252 of the code further classifies property into two categories; moveable property and immovable property. Further, the codes section 255 classifies the property according to the status of ownership. According to this provision, there are seven types of property. Private property Property in common Joint property Community property Public property Government property Trust property Photo: Snappy Goat Private property is described as any property owned by any person through his/her knowledge, skills or efforts, acquired through donation or by the way of lottery or gifts, purchase with the remuneration, acquired by the way of intellectual property or royalty, earned by a woman prior to marriage or acquired from the parental side at the time of marriage. The person owning private property shall be entitled to exclusively deal with his/her private property as prescribed by section 256 and sub-sections of the same. Legal provisions regarding the partitions of property The code in a separate chapter on the partition of property states that in case of any property in common or undivided property, the husband, wife, father, mother, son and daughter shall be regarded as coparcener/successor of the property as per the section 205 of the code. In addition to that, section 206 of the code states that each coparcener/successor shall have equal rights over the property, and if any coparcener/successor is pregnant while dividing property, the baby to be born is also entitled to equal rights over the property. Section 208 of the code states that the child whose father is not traced out shall obtain his/her share of the property from the mothers property. File From the aforementioned provisions, we can conclude that a person has an exclusive right to claim the private property of his/her parents as per the Nepali laws. S/he is privileged to transfer such property into anybodys name or can donate to any social organisation. The children can always claim their rights on the parental property unless the parental property falls under the definition of private property as mentioned in section 256 of the code. It also means the parents cannot choose to deprive their children of property inheritance whenever the children demand it. 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. Credit: CC0 Public Domain During World War II, British intelligence agents planted false documents on a corpse to fool Nazi Germany into preparing for an assault on Greece. "Operation Mincemeat" was a success, and covered the actual Allied invasion of Sicily. The 'canary trap' technique in espionage spreads multiple versions of false documents to conceal a secret. Canary traps can be used to sniff out information leaks, or as in WWII, to create distractions that hide valuable information. WE-FORGE, a new data protection system designed at Dartmouth's Department of Computer Science, uses artificial intelligence to build on the canary trap concept. The system automatically creates false documents to protect intellectual property such as drug design and military technology. "The system produces documents that are sufficiently similar to the original to be plausible, but sufficiently different to be incorrect," said V.S. Subrahmanian, the Distinguished Professor in Cybersecurity, Technology, and Society, and director of the Institute for Security, Technology, and Society. Cybersecurity experts already use canary traps, "honey files," and foreign language translators to create decoys that deceive would-be attackers. WE-FORGE improves on these techniques by using natural language processing to automatically generate multiple fake files that are both believable and incorrect. The system also inserts an element of randomness to keep adversaries from easily identifying the real document. WE-FORGE can be used to create numerous fake versions of any technical design document. When adversaries hack a system, they are faced with the daunting task of figuring out which of the many similar documents is real. "Using this technique, we force an adversary to waste time and effort in identifying the correct document. Even if they do, they may not have confidence that they got it right," said Subrahmanian. Creating the false technical documents is no less daunting. According to the research team, a single patent can include over 1,000 concepts with up to 20 possible replacements. WE-FORGE can end up considering millions of possibilities for all of the concepts that might need to be replaced in a single technical document. "Malicious actors are stealing intellectual property right now and getting away with it for free," said Subrahmanian. "This system raises the cost that thieves incur when stealing government or industry secrets." The WE-FORGE algorithm works by computing similarities between concepts in a document and then analyzing how relevant each word is to the document. The system then sorts concepts into "bins" and computes the feasible candidate for each group. "WE-FORGE can also take input from the author of the original document," said Dongkai Chen, a graduate student at Dartmouth who worked on the project. "The combination of human and machine ingenuity can increase costs on intellectual-property thieves even more." As part of the research, the team falsified a series of computer science and chemistry patents and asked a panel of knowledgeable subjects to decide which of the documents were real. According to the research, published in ACM Transactions on Management Information Systems, the WE-FORGE system was able to "consistently generate highly believable fake documents for each task." Unlike other tools, WE-FORGE specializes in falsifying technical information rather than just concealing simple information, such as passwords. WE-FORGE improves on an earlier version of the systemknown as FORGEby removing the time-consuming need to create guides of concepts associated with specific technologies. WE-FORGE also ensures that there is greater diversity among fakes, and follows an improved technique for selecting concepts to replace and their replacements. Almas Abdibayev, Deepti Poluru Guarini and Haipeng Chen all contributed to this research while with Dartmouth's Department of Computer Science. Explore further Researchers use AI to help businesses understand Code of Federal Regs, other legal docs More information: Almas Abdibayev et al, Using Word Embeddings to Deter Intellectual Property Theft through Automated Generation of Fake Documents, ACM Transactions on Management Information Systems (2021). Almas Abdibayev et al, Using Word Embeddings to Deter Intellectual Property Theft through Automated Generation of Fake Documents,(2021). DOI: 10.1145/3418289 Richard L. Gibson, a veteran officer who served a tour of duty in the US Army, a year in the National Guard as a military police officer, and twenty-six years in California law enforcement before retiring with his wife to Montana, where he enjoys fly fishing and currently works as a city court judge, has completed his new book Healing the Circle: a stirring novel inspired by his lifelong love and respect of Native American art, stories, and people. At long last the earth had had enough. Enough pollution. Enough mistreatment and draining of her resources. Finally, the earth mother rebelled with devastation, disease, fire, earthquakes, and other natural disasters that brought the civilized world to its knees. For untold generations the native people of the continent called North America told stories of the broken circle of the natural world. They warned of the consequences of trespass, misuse, and mistreatment of the mother of us all. They also told stories of the healing of this world. They told of the return of the buffalo and the buffalo people. This is the story of how that healing came to pass. The story of the beginning of the fourth age of the world and how the people came to once again begin a walk down the red road, the sacred path. This is a story of how these people began to walk the path of true human beings once more. Published by Page Publishing, Richard L. Gibsons engrossing tale is a superb choice for avid historical fiction readers. Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase Healing the Circle at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing understands that authors should be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. About 17km from the central city of Da Nang, Nam O Reef is like a beautiful hidden gem, waiting to show its beauty when spring arrives. Nam O Reef, located in Lien Chieu District is in the most beautiful time of the year, attracting many people and tourists. (Photo: VNA) Nguyen Thanh Nam has been leading tours in Da Nang for more than a decade and he says most tourists cannot help but be amazed at the beautiful nature of Nam O Reef. The reefs combine with beautiful sand, clear blue seawater, and green trees to become a must-visit destination for nature lovers when coming to Da Nang, said Nam. During spring, when the tide recedes, rocks of different shapes and sizes reveal they are covered with green moss. They look so beautiful, just like green pearls." Born in Da Nang and spending his childhood living near the reef, Nam has been coming to the place since it was just a pristine beach where fishermen in Nam O Village made their living. The name can be referred to as 'The beach located in the south of Chau O', it also means 'southern gate', said the 35-year-old tour guide. Nam O Reef is about 500m long jutting out into the sea with a dense layer of rock hidden under the cool blue seawater. Therere many rock layers, stacked to form many unique shapes." By lunar January, when the weather warms up, green moss begins to grow on the rocks. The best time to enjoy this moment is dawn when the sun comes up, the tide recedes, beautiful rocks formed in all shapes are revealed, mixed in the sand and covered with a carpet of green moss," he added. Visitor Anh Thu from Thanh Khe district of Da Nang said: Da Nang has many beautiful beaches such as My Khe, Pham Van Dong and Man Thai. However, this is the first time my family has gone to Nam O." The air here is so fresh. At this time of spring, the rocks are covered with a layer of green moss which is so charming. This is an opportunity for my whole family to experience the life of fishermen in the coastal fishing village. This place is also an ideal destination for photographers, said Thu. Speaking of photography, nearby the reef, Quang Thanh from HCM City was looking the best camera angles for his photos. Im a photographer from Saigon and I come here to capture the beauty of this place. It has to be spring if you want to get the best out of it. I took many pictures about the moss season in the central coastal provinces. In Nam O, large and small rocks mix with many different shapes and combine with the dawn light passing through the rocks, creating very vivid and unique photos, he said. After getting up in the early morning, you can buy delights from the sea caught by fishermen in the village. Fresh squid, shrimp, and fish thrashing when being pulled from the sea and the enthusiasm of the local people give tourists an unforgettable experience. This place is also home to the Nam O fish sauce village which has existed for more than 400 years. Last year, the village was honoured as the National Intangible Cultural Heritage./.VNS Source: Xinhua| 2021-02-28 21:43:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Over the past 40 years, China has lifted 770 million rural residents out of poverty, contributing to more than 70% of global poverty reduction. Here's an animation showing part of China's poverty alleviation efforts. #ZeroPoverty #GLOBALink Produced by Xinhua Global Service In our hyper-partisan, always-divided nation, when fully seven out of 10 people can agree on something, thats worth celebrating. Because in general, we are split, roughly 50-50, on every issue under the sun. Its red vs. blue, yes vs. no, right vs. left. Still, recent polls asking the citizenry how they feel about President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus rescue package have found about 70% support. Thats an astonishingly high degree of accord, of course. You might even call it broadly bipartisan. So how then to explain the vote in the House of Representatives that found every single Republican member opposing the widely popular measure? Do GOP members want to be on the record as being against helping the people and looking to aid the economy? One wouldnt think so, but thats where they are. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 219-212. It now moves onto the Senate, where it will be amended, which will necessitate another House vote on the changed measure. With some of the expanded unemployment benefits that are currently in place set to expire on March 14, Democrats are looking to get the plan passed and onto Bidens desk for his signature by that date. It can be done, if things dont go off the rails. In the most basic terms, the rescue plan seeks to get our nation past the continuing difficulties of the pandemic as it puts us on a path toward restored economic growth. It will provide $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, increase unemployment benefits, raise the child tax credit, send billions of dollars to small businesses and states, and help with virus testing and vaccinations. Do congressional Republicans look forward to campaign advertisements stressing that they opposed money for people in need, for getting more vaccines distributed and into peoples arms, for cities and states that were left hurting by the effects of the pandemic? The ads write themselves, really: When President Biden wanted to send you $1,400 to help you get through the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Smith voted against that effort. Because he doesnt care about you or your family, doesnt care about your neighbors, doesnt care to do the job he was elected to do. It makes no sense, really. The people are looking for help, for a way out, but congressional Republicans wont lift a finger. Related: An Oxford University graduate has insisted in court today that he cut off his own penis and exonerated a flatmate accused of amputating it. Andrew Breach, 35, said Spaniard Aaron Beltran had nothing to do with the amputation. The 31-year-old rapper faces up to four and a half years in jail if convicted of wounding the English teacher on March 8, 2019 when the Brit was living and working in the northern Spanish city of Zaragoza. Andrew Breach, 35, (pictured) as insisted in court today that he cut off his own penis and exonerated a flatmate accused of amputating it State prosecutors say Beltran agreed to slice off Mr Breach's manhood with a 12-inch kitchen knife for a sliding scale payment based on the number of views a gory video of the amputation received online - starting at 173 (200) and rising to a maximum of 2,164 (2,500). They have accepted the British expat wanted his penis sliced off because he suffered from gender dysphoria but are arguing that does not exempt the Spaniard from criminal responsibility. But Mr Breach, who claimed Beltran was to blame in one of his police interviews, said today in court at the start of the trial: 'I cut my own penis off. 'It's what I said in my first two statements and I know I changed it in my third statement but that was because I was under a lot of pressure from the police and I was scared. 'I was ill and I was worried that I would face charges. 'I don't owe Aaron anything but at the same time I'm a man of conscience and I don't want to send someone who is innocent to jail.' Speaking via video-link, he told three judges at Zaragoza Provincial Court via a translator: 'I've sworn to tell the truth and I'm not going to make things up. 'What I'm saying today is what happened. Aaron had nothing to do with all this.' The trial opened with Beltran, a rapper who performed under the artistic name of Sanatorio del Atico or Attic Sanatorium in English, insisting he was an innocent man and his flatmate carried out the amputation himself. One of the two police officers who assisted Mr Breach after he found him bleeding heavily in the street outside his flat moments after the amputation, told the court: 'He was covered in blood and he was losing a lot of blood. 'He was saying: "I've done it, I've done it."' The town hall-employed officer, who was identified only by his service number and not his name, added: 'The first thing we did was to control the haemorrhaging otherwise he was going to bleed to death. 'The British man said he had amputated it. 'We followed the trail of blood to where it had come from because we had no real idea what was going on and we couldn't really believe what we were seeing. 'The trail went cold by a lift just inside the doorway of the block of flats where he was living. 'We went up the building floor by floor till we got to the fifth floor and saw blood on the ground. 'The defendant opened the door to us. 'He said the other man had cut his penis off in the bathroom. He gave the amputated member to my colleague in a bag. He told state prosecutor Asuncion Lozada from the witness stand: 'The defendant appeared to be hiding things. He said things which made no sense. He wasn't acting in a normal way.' A police colleague told the court: 'The injured man looked like he was gone. 'Despite the seriousness of the situation he was smiling and saying, "I've done it, I've done it."' Spaniard Aaron Beltran (pictured) faces up to four and a half years in jail if convicted of wounding the English teacher on March 8, 2019 when the Brit was living and working in the northern Spanish city of Zaragoza He added: 'The defendant handed me a rubbish bag with the penis inside it when we reached his flat although I had to pressure him a little. 'My priority at that moment was to run as fast as I could towards the ambulance downstairs because I thought the sooner they were able to try to fix the situation the better.' Beltran was arrested five days after the amputation horror and held in custody for four months before being bailed ahead of his trial. Police investigators told the court the Spaniard became the focus of the criminal probe after Mr Breach incriminated him in one of his statements and another flatmate confessed Beltran had confided in him about the 'sliding-scale payment' he had agreed with the English teacher for the amputation. The lead National Police investigator, who was also identified only by his serial number, also revealed officers had discovered an ad on gay social media app Scruff in which the Brit stated: 'I am looking for a man to film me while I cut my d##k off.' Gerardo Bazan Monasterio, one of the five flatmates at the city centre Zaragoza apartment Mr Breach lived at, said: 'Aaron came to my room the morning of March 8 2019 and said he had been offered money to cut someone's penis. 'He said he was being offered a guaranteed payment for doing it which would go up if the video of it went viral. 'I didn't believe it at first but when I woke up from my siesta and discovered police in the flat, I realised it had happened. 'I had asked Aaron who he was going to do it to and he said, 'To the English guy.' 'The video I didn't want to see was a video showing how it was done. He added: 'Andrew had told me he felt like a woman on occasions but I never thought something like this was going to happen.' Under defence questioning, Mr Bazan admitted he had given a statement to police while he was in a hospital psychiatric wing being treated for mental health problems. He also confessed he had taken drugs including speed the day of the amputation. Jose Luis Melguizo, Beltran's defence lawyer, said before the trial started his client should be acquitted because Mr Breach 'did it himself.' He has also insisted that even if it is proven his client was involved, the victim's penis had been reattached and is working properly and the amputation was a consensual act. The English teacher at the centre of the extraordinary trial describes himself as an Oxford University graduate in English language and literature on his online profile. He taught for nearly five years in Zaragoza after spells in China and the Middle East teaching English as a foreign language. The trial continues. MERIDEN Instead of rakes and lawn mower parts, the former Civalis Hardware store at 1387 E. Main St. will become a health and wellness center with a doctors office, a hemp and CBD product shop, and a glass accessory shop. The new plaza, which has yet to be named, is Tomarin Holdings LLCs latest venture in the city. It is expected to open in several weeks. Its really beautiful, said Tomarin partner Rino Ferrarese. Its really exciting, new businesses, jobs. There is a body of water behind the property. Were cleaning it up and putting in benches. Were going to try to make it as nice as we can. The idea is to create a wellness destination and provide overflow parking for the Willow Brook medical marijuana dispensary next door. The small plaza is estimated to create about 25 new jobs. In addition to Ferrarese, Tomarin Holdings also includes partners Mary Morgan and the late Thomas Schultz. Ferrarese is the chief operating officer and co-founder of CTPharma in Rocky Hill, one of the four licensed producers of medical cannabis in Connecticut. Morgan is the manager of Willow Brook medical marijuana dispensary at 1371 E. Main St. Ferrarese is connected with a well-known leader in the states hemp industry. Luis Vega, a Meriden resident who was among the first 65 people in the state to get a license to grow hemp. Vega operates leased farms in Shelton, Monroe, and two other locations under the name Wepa! Farms and has been featured in Hemp Grower Magazine and Forbes. Vega will manage the 700 square-foot Hemp Wellness Center. One of the things were excited about is having a hemp wellness center here at this location on East Main Street, next to the dispensary, Vega said. This is built up to be a destination. CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana), but does not include the psychoactive THC component. While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant. A lesser-known cannabinoid called cannabigerol (CBG), while not present in large quantities in most strains, has shown promise in treating certain ailments, advocates said. The Food and Drug Administration has approved one drug derived from cannabis and three synthetic drugs, but is working with companies to test other products, according to the FDA website. As a member of the Connecticut Hemp Industry Association, Vega networked with other growers and manufacturers on ideas for businesses and products to retail in the plaza. The Hemp Wellness Center will feature a full line of hemp, CBD and CBG products, and proteins from Wepa! Farms and local manufacturers. The hemp growing and CBD extraction operations undergo the same rigorous state and federal testing standards that Ct Pharma must adhere to, Vega said. In Connecticut, they require our product to match up with their product and it maintains that pharmaceutical model, Vega said. Wepa! Farms has both state and federal licenses. Dr. Nicholas OBrien APRN, PhD, will see patients at the center and can certify patients for a medical marijuana license for purchase at the dispensary. Gary Krol, will operate the glass accessory store. We appreciate the support for the young entrepreneurship thats going on in Meriden, Vega said. Meriden makes you feel comfortable about doing business here. Tomarin initially purchased the property for the overflow parking but decided to renovate the building, and include a medical doctors practice on site, Ferrarese said. After talking to Vega, they added the hemp and CBD store and glass shop. About 200 square foot of space is left for another user to complement the other three businesses. Construction was delayed about three months because of the pandemic, said general contractor Andrew Simonow. Midstate Chamber of Commerce President Rosanne Ford has known Vega for his involvement in local business development. This additional new business activity on East Main Street is very encouraging especially in the midst of the pandemic, Ford stated in an email. Just as encouraging is Luis Vegas commitment to the city of Meriden. As a resident and business owner, he has illustrated that commitment in the time hes been involved with the Midstate Chamber of Commerce and through his activity with our HOLA (Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action) Committee. We wish him the very best with this expansion of his business. As state lawmakers debate Gov. Ned Lamonts proposal to allow for recreational marijuana, Ferrarese doesnt see any future changes for Willow Brook. The current space is too small for a recreational retail operation. Ferrarese said should the laws change, he hopes the state continues to preserve the medical aspect of the cannabis industry. For his part, Vega will expand his operation to include recreational marijuana growing, he said. The General Assembly's Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Lamont's proposed legalization bill. The bill addresses the broad topic of social equity who should benefit from the new industry, including communities disproportionately impacted by criminal marijuana laws but it also defers many questions to an Equity Commission that could make recommendations before the start date in 2022. The governors bill would also create licenses for entry-level portions of the business that would require relatively little capital: micro-cultivator, food and beverage manufacturer, and delivery. Those licenses could be limited to so-called social equity applicants. mgodin@record-journal.com203-317-2255Twitter: @Cconnbiz Two brothers flee their native Eritrea on the northeast coast of Africa along with their mother and another sibling for the hope of a better economic life in Columbia. Non-profit organizations here help them gain the education they need to succeed during a pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 03:53:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Sunday said that time is "not appropriate" for Iran to hold an informal meeting with Europe and the United States. "Considering the recent positions and actions of the United States and three European countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider the time to be appropriate for an informal meeting proposed by the European coordinator of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," said Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh. Last week, the European Union offered to attend an informal meeting between Iran and other parties to the JCPOA, which refers to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, with the United States also attending as a guest. "There has been no change in the U.S. position and behavior yet," Khatibzadeh was quoted as saying by the ministry's website. "Not only has the (U.S.) administration of (Joe) Biden not given up the failed maximum pressure policy of (former U.S. President Donald) Trump, but it has not even announced its commitment to fulfilment of its overall responsibilities in JCPOA and (UN Security Council) Resolution 2231," he said. The road ahead is very clear, the Iranian spokesman said, that the U.S. should end its "illegal" and unilateral sanctions and return to its JCPOA commitments. "This neither does require negotiations nor a resolution of the Board of Governors" of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," he added. Enditem Veteran socialist Eamonn McCann has said he is resigning as a Derry City and Strabane councillor on health grounds. In a statement, the People Before Profit councillor said he has developed a neurological condition Ataxia after being diagnosed with epilepsy 15 years ago. He said he had not found his epilepsy diagnosis disabling in his work as a councillor but said his neurological condition had made it "increasingly difficult" to fulfil his duties towards his constituents. "I have made my intention known to my party, People Before Profit, and have asked the party to set in motion the procedure for selecting a new councillor in my place," he said in a statement on Monday evening. "I thank all those who voted for me in the last council election in 2019. I have done my best to deliver on the mandate given to me." Mr McCann (77) became well-known for his work at forefront of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland and stood for Assembly election unsuccessfully for more than five decades. In March 2016, he was eventually elected in March 2016 at the age of 73 to the Stormont Assembly before losing his seat the next year as the result of a snap election. He returned to politics in April 2019 when he was elected to Derry City and Strabane District Council. Mr McCann said his party's performance in the Northern Ireland council elections showed that there is an appetite for politicians who want to represent "the interests of all the people at the bottom of society". In his statement, Mr McCann also thanked his fellow councillors and council staff, adding that it has been "a privilege to represent the Moor DEA, where I was born and reared". "I have confidence that PBP will nominate a diligent and efficient councillor in my place and that she or he, alongside Shaun [Harkin], will continue to serve the interests of the people of the Moor and contribute to the struggle against oppression and against capitalism, the never-ending source of all our political ills." For four days at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Orlando, speakers at the Conservative Political Action Conference shared a number of contentious views, from echoing false claims about election fraud to undermining the seriousness of a pandemic that has killed more than 512,000 Americans. But some critics also took aim at a seemingly more mundane detail: the shape of the conference stage. Images of the CPAC stage went viral this weekend as many noted a resemblance to the Odal or Othala Rune, a symbol emblazoned on some Nazi uniforms. The Anti-Defamation League has classified the insignia as a hate symbol, which has been adopted by modern day white supremacists. CPAC's organizers vehemently denied any link between the stage design and the Nazi symbology, calling the criticism "outrageous and slanderous." "We have a long standing commitment to the Jewish community," Matt Schlapp, chair of the American Conservative Union, said on Saturday in a tweet. "Cancel culture extremists must address antisemitism within their own ranks. CPAC proudly stands with our Jewish allies, including those speaking from this stage." As the controversy continued on Sunday, Hyatt Hotels said in a statement that it had addressed the concerns with the conference and denounced any use of hate symbols. "We take the concern raised about the prospect of symbols of hate being included in the stage design at CPAC 2021 very seriously as all such symbols are abhorrent and unequivocally counter to our values as a company," said Hyatt, which had faced pointed criticism for hosting the event. The hotel noted that it allowed the event to continue after organizers "told us that any resemblance to a symbol of hate is unintentional." The blowback comes after CPAC organizers disinvited a scheduled speaker, social media figure Young Pharaoh, after liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America reported he had made anti-Semitic comments on Twitter. Pharoah tweeted that Judaism is a "complete lie" and "made up for political gain," and said Jews are "thieving." According to the ADL, hate crimes against Jewish people in 2019 reached the highest number since the organization started keeping track in 1979, with 2,107 incidents, a 12 percent increase from the previous year. The Othala Rune, which was derived from the Germanic alphabet used in pre-Roman Europe, was used by Nazis in an "attempt to reconstruct a mythic 'Aryan' past," according to the ADL. The rune was used as insignia for two units in the Waffen-SS, which was "heavily involved" in carrying out the Holocaust, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. More recently, neo-Nazis and white supremacists have reused the symbol. Members often feature it in tattoos, in logos, or on flags, according to the ADL. The symbol was reportedly seen on at least one a banner at the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. Antisemitic symbols were also used by some members of the pro-Trump mob that violently stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. One man wore a "Camp Auschwitz" shirt, and many held "America First" flags, a reference to a podcast hosted by Nick Fuentes, whose followers call themselves "Groyper Army." According to the ADL the group embraces racist and anti-Semitic views. CPAC this weekend gave a notable platform to Trump, who used the conference to attempt to solidify his hold on the GOP. The former president also said he would consider running again in 2024. Trump's campaign has had to disavow Nazi symbology in the past. In November, his reelection campaign posted dozens of ads on Facebook with red inverted triangle, a symbol used by Nazis to identify political prisoners in concentration camps. Facebook deactivated the ads. Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, claimed that the shape is an "antifa symbol." "We would note that Facebook still has an inverted red triangle emoji in use, which looks exactly the same, so it's curious that they would target only this ad," Murtaugh said. Half Year Accounts Sydney, Mar 1, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Company achieved an operating profit after tax of $126,984 for the half year ended 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: $48,211). The revenue of $486,580 was derived from continuing to provide support and maintenance for IT systems of Tamawood Limited, AstiVita Limited and Advance NanoTek Limited as well as licensing fees for the use of the Company's software ("Software") by Tamawood Limited.There are no contracts in place and this revenue is derived on a month-by-month basis as the services of SenterpriSys are required by these companies. SenterpriSys is resolving the last remaining "bugs" in the Software as part of the beta testing of the Software by Tamawood Limited before the Software is released to external users. It is anticipated the release will happen FY22.To view the report, please visit:About SenterpriSYS Limited Listed on the National Stock Exchange of Australia. Issue Code: SPS Issue Name: SenterpriSYS Limited FPO Issue Type: 01 - Ordinary ISIN: AU0000036337 Industry: Information Technology Nominated Adviser: Geoff Acton Listed Date: Tuesday, 5 February 2019 An award winning hedge fund manager hanged himself after becoming stressed about the financial implications of coronavirus, an inquest has heard. Guy Rushton, 36, who was married with children, was found in a barn near his 3.5million Wiltshire home less than two weeks after he was discharged from a psychiatric hospital. The 292million hedge fund he managed had lost around 180million in value due to the effect the global pandemic was having on the stock market, according to reports. His wife told an inquest that as a result he was feeling 'uncertain about the future' and 'extremely stressed'. He had previously suffered with high blood pressure whic his family attributed to pressure of being sole manager of the high-stakes fund. But his condition worsened when business was hit by the Covid pandemic, particularly because he had his own money in the fund too. He was prescribed anti-depressants and made a previous suicide attempt in April last year before going missing on May 20. Guy Rushton (pictured), 36, who was married with children, was found in a barn near his 3.5million Wiltshire home less than two weeks after he was discharged from a psychiatric hospital Mr Rushton worked at London-based asset management firm Polar Capital and was the sole manager of his UK Absolute Equity Fund. But his company announced in April 2020 that he was unwell and his 292million fund - launched in 2014 when he joined the firm - would be wound up as he was unable to return to work, according to The Times. He had become stressed and anxious as the fund had lost more than a third of its value - around 180million - as global stock markets took a huge hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. At the start of this year, he and his wife, Alannah, who had been married for five years, bought a 3.5million manor in a Wiltshire village, which came with 130 acres of land. But Mr Rushton, originally from Leeds, was found dead by police in a barn on the property, hours after being classified as missing on May 20. In a statement to the inquest his wife said he 'experienced high stress due to a number of factors', including that he was the sole manager of the fund and as such unable to take days off. He then found out he was suffering from raised blood pressure in October 2019 and this contributed to him being 'extremely stressed about work'. Added to this, she said that Covid-19 hitting the headlines made him feel 'uncertain about the future' as he was 'anxious about the value of his own money invested in the fund'. Furthermore, Mrs Rushton added that she was due to give birth in the second week of March 2020 and this made her husband even more anxious. She said: 'Moving up to that period he was extremely stressed and not sleeping.' His wife told an inquest that as a result he was feeling 'uncertain about the future' and 'extremely stressed'. Pictured: His home He was prescribed anti-depressants, but tried to take his own life in April 2020. His wife said: 'He had referred to attempts on his life as rehearsals and said he would never actually kill himself.' He voluntarily admitted himself to Green Lane psychiatric hospital in Devizes, Wiltshire, on May 5 but was discharged six days later. Mrs Rushton added that he was having 'anger outbursts' and 'alluding to never being around'. She raised these concerns with the mental health services. The day before he died, Mr Rushton transferred a 'significant amount of money' to his wife's account then the next day he made her his legacy contact on Facebook. He went for a walk but did not come back. Police were called and they searched for him with a drone and a helicopter until he was found in a barn near the family home. Speaking over a video link at the inquest in Salisbury, Wiltshire, Mrs Rushton's brother Will Russell asked questions of mental health professionals who dealt with Mr Rushton. The family were concerned as to why he had been discharged from the psychiatric hospital and why he had not been detained at any point under the Mental Health Act, despite being classed as having a high risk of self harm. Bronwen Esdaile, from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Service, said Mr Rushton 'appeared to be very agitated or depressed and very very anxious', while suicidal thoughts and panic attacks 'were being experienced on a daily basis'. 'The symptoms he was manifesting were largely as a result of his situation with his work and the associated stress,' she said. When he was discharged from the psychiatric hospital, she said this was because he found the environment 'intimidating', he was 'isolating' himself and 'he didn't seem to be settled on the ward'. She said they 'saw no reason to detain him' under the Mental Health Act, despite concerns raised by the family. She said that although his suicide risk was high when he was discharged, 'he was still engaging [with the service], although not to the extent that we would have liked'. Wiltshire and Swindon assistant coroner Ian Singleton adjourned the inquest for a conclusion after asking the family for further representations. For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Despite the pronouncement last week by the Kwara State government directing all public schools in the state to henceforth allow female students to use the hijab, the last appears not to have been heard on the issue as it concerns schools with Christian heritage. The government had announced the decision on Thursday to end the conflict between the two major religious communities in the state. The conflict is over the use of the hijab by female Muslim students attending schools taken over long ago from their Christian founders by the government. The government had temporarily shut 10 grant-aided secondary schools in Ilorin, the state capital, after Muslim female students insisted on using the head covering in the schools. The schools are C&S College, ST. Anthony College, ECWA School, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, CAC Secondary School, St. Barnabas Secondary School, St. John School, St. Williams Secondary School and St. James Secondary School. The development took the controversy outside the schools. While Muslim leaders insisted students should be allowed to use the head covering in accordance with the Constitution, their Christian counterparts demanded respect for the background of the schools that were established by churches or Christian missionaries. On Thursday evening, the state government approved the use of the hijab in all public schools in the state. According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mamma Jibril, the government considered the submissions of all the major interest groups on the matter in arriving at its decision. Consequently, the government hereby acknowledges and approves the right of the Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab, and directs the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform hijab for all public/ grant-aided schools, which will be the accepted mode of head covering in schools. Any willing schoolgirl with the approved (uniform) hijab shall have the right to wear the same in public/grant-aided schools. Also, the government affirms the right of every child in public schools to freedom of worship. The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools should reopen to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021. Background The crisis that became full-blown in the past week started in 2012 when Christian groups challenged the state governments control of the schools. The military government first proposed to take over missionary schools from churches and Islamic denominations in the late 1960s but did not carry it out until the early 1970s. In 1974, the General Yakubu Gowon-led federal military government completed the process despite dissent from some critics. Many of the affected schools, now grant-aided, had their names changed afterwards while some, like those in Kwara, retained their names. But it has since been a tug of war as many canvassed for the return of the schools to the owners because the purpose of the handing-over appeared to be defeated. For instance, in the late 1970s, the Anglican bishops of the western states said one of their conditions for handing over their schools was that the government would continue the teaching of morals, physical and religious education, and encourage pupils to participate in the activities which would foster personal discipline and character training in the school. As facilities decayed in the schools and the quality of education plummeted, many Nigerians, including a former Minister of Health, Alphonsus Nwosu, and a former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, canvassed for the return of the schools to the missionaries. ADVERTISEMENT Some state governments have since heeded the call. In Delta State, 40 schools were handed over to the missions. These include 27 to the Catholic Mission; eight to the Anglican Mission; four to the Baptist Mission and one to the African Church Group. In Kwara Meanwhile, in 2012, owners of mission schools and some churches in Kwara approached the state government with a demand for the return of their schools. When the state government said it could not grant their request until the states Education Law of 2006 was repealed, the groups headed to court. The Christian groups, including the Incorporated Trustees of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Cherubim and Seraphim and Baptist Convention, filed the suit against the state government. However, some Muslim groups joined in the suit as co-respondents because they were uncomfortable with the likely consequences of the return of the schools for their children. The state high court, in 2016, delivered its judgment in favour of the state government but the Christian groups appealed. However, the Court of Appeal in Ilorin on September 20, 2019, affirmed the judgment. The four-member panel, in a unanimous judgment, said the appeal lacked merit. In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Saidu Hussein, the court held that the state government remains the owner of schools and the refusal of the schools to allow the use of hijab was discriminatory and not in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. The submission made on behalf of the appellants that section 38(3) of the Constitution allows them or gives them the exclusive right to make Christianity the only norm in the schools under focus is only wishful thinking. Such is not tenable in a heterogeneous set-up such as the schools under focus where students and pupils alike do not belong to the same religious community or denomination. The appeal on the whole falls and the same is dismissed as lacking in merit hence the judgement of the High Court of Justice of Kwara State delivered on the 17th May 2016 in Suit No. KWS/20C/2015 is affirmed, the judge said. The appellants have by no means alleged the restriction of Christian students from the practice of their religion or that Christian students were prohibited by the 1st 3rd respondents from the practice of their religion by reason of the control exerted by them in the management of the affairs of those schools. If that were the case, their grievance would have been understood as genuine. This is not the case. Rather, it is the appellants who are not happy to see the 1st 3rd respondents continue to allow certain policies being introduced into those schools. They failed to realise that the schools under focus, some of which are co-educational, multi-ethnic and co-religious institutions, have been run or managed as such public institutions for well over a period of 40 years, the judgment read. The appellants have proceeded to the Supreme Court. Outburst Following the appeal courts ruling, Muslim groups mounted pressure on the state government to compel the schools to permit the use of hijabs. The recent flare in the crisis started at Surulere Baptist Secondary School in Ilorin when the authorities asked some female students who donned hijabs to remove them or go back home. This led to an argument between some clerics and staff of the school. This newspaper learned that it then spread to some other grant-aided secondary schools. When PREMIUM TIMES visited Barnabas Secondary School on Wednesday, one of the officials who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to journalists, said some Muslim clerics stormed the school and insisted that those with Hijab should be allowed into the school premises. The teachers did not allow this and the issue escalated. We are not against the use of hijabs. If the government says we should add it to the uniform, who are we to oppose it? Let the directive come from the government, he said. To put an end to the controversy, the state authorities met with the religious leaders on two occasions but no concrete resolution was reached, our correspondent gathered. The first meeting was presided by the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, and the second by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. They both urged the parties to bury their differences and allow peace to reign. The CAN Director of Ecumenism and Interface in Kwara, Ralph Ajewole, a reverend father, confirmed the two meetings. He said the missionaries are keen on upholding the tradition the founding fathers started regarding dressing. We are saying that there are traditions, there is a culture that goes with the establishment of the schools. Dressing is part of it and all that which we have been managing since that time. Even though they are grant-aided, we still have the ownership taking care of the dressing and all, he told PREMIUM TIMES. I am not unaware that the Muslims want to use hijabs but we are saying that they can do that in Muslim grant-aided schools and not Christian grant-aided schools, and till tomorrow we are still saying that. He said the issue of hijab, although addressed in the court ruling, was not part of the suit filed by the Christian groups. We want the Supreme Court to know that issue of hijab was not part of what we took to court and a few things that were not well judged in that case, we are contesting. We are waiting for the government to act because nobody seems to be changing grounds for now. But we hope that very soon the students will resume. The two communities are also discussing. We both love peace and harmony, Mr Ajewole said Wednesday evening. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday evening, Abubakar Aliagan, a professor of Islamic studies at the University of Ilorin who represented the Muslims at the meetings, said the students should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights since the Supreme Court is yet to rule on the matter. The Christian missionaries have gone to court twice. It was between them and the government. Not until the ownership is given to them, (if the court decides, so be it) the status of those schools remain public schools. As public schools, the government has responsibility to protect the interest of both Muslims and Christian students attending the schools. It is the government that controls the school that has the right to give directives on the uniform it approves. What is happening is that there will be regulation from the ministry of education, the so-called owners of the school will oppose it. Mr Aliagan said if the school is returned to them (missionaries), any Muslim that sends his child to such school must be ready to obey their regulations. However, Sambo Abdulfatah, who holds a PhD in law, reminded the two parties of section 23 of the 1999 Constitution law that preaches religious tolerance. The national ethics shall be Discipline, Integrity, Dignity of Labour, Social, Justice, Religious Tolerance, Self-reliance and Patriotism, the Constitution stipulates. No matter your religion, you have to tolerate other religions, the don said. He said if that section of the law is married with section 10 that allows religious freedom, it will bring a peaceful resolution to the issue. Mr Abdulfatah called on the two religious communities to toe the path of peace, else, the government should take a firm decision. If they are not willing to shift grounds, the government should follow the dictates of the law. We dont want issues of religion to cause chaos and anarchy in a peaceful state like Kwara. The government should be firm, he said. School owners defiant Despite the governments intervention, Christian leaders have rejected the use of hijabs as the school reopens next Monday. Reacting to the governments decision, the proprietors in a communique read by Victor Dada on Sunday said they condemn the use of hijab in Christian missions grant-aided schools as this will cause discrimination in schools and allow terrorists to easily identify our children and wards. Christian mission grant-aided schools should be returned to the owners promptly as most of these schools have churches besides them and unnecessary trespass may lead to break down of law and order. Christian faithful should occupy all grant-aided schools. Christians should have a day for prayers and fasting for God to intervene in the imbroglio. We shall continue to interact and dialogue with the state government on the return of grant-aided schools to the proprietors, Mr Dada said. The spokespersons of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the education ministry both declined to comment on the statement by the Christian leaders. However, an official of the ministry who spoke unofficially on the matter, said the decision of the government stands. The appeal court has ruled that the schools belong to the government and the use of hijab is a constitutional right of the pupils, he said. A nine-year-old girl has been beaten to death during an exorcism carried out in Sri Lanka. Police said Monday they have arrested two people in connection with the death of the girl who was repeatedly beaten during a ritual they believed would drive away an evil spirit. The two suspects - the woman performing the exorcism and the girl's mother - were to appear in court Monday to hear charges over the girl's death, which occurred over the weekend in Delgoda, a small town about 25 miles (40km) northeast of the capital Colombo. Sri Lankan magistrate Wasantha Ramanayake, right and police officers inspect outside a house where a nine year old girl was canned to death in Delgoda, Sri Lanka, Sunday According to police spokesperson Ajith Rohana, the mother believed her daughter had been possessed by a demon and took her to the home of the exorcist so a ritual could be performed to drive the spirit away. Rohana said the exorcist first put oil on the girl and then began to repeatedly hit her with a cane. When the girl lost consciousness, she was taken to a hospital, where she died. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday. The woman who performed the ritual on the girl was known in the area for offering such services in recent months and police were investigating whether anyone else had been abused, Rohana said. Rohana urged the public to be careful about such services as the girl was not the first to die during such a ritual. My oldest son, Miles, is a fourth grader. He really wanted to go back. We were in the car today and he was like, Im so excited, I can barely stand it, said Beverly resident Patrick McNulty. His second grader, Colin, was a bit more nervous with first-day jitters, so McNulty walked both boys to their designated doors, not leaving until they were comfortable saying goodbye. He said the teachers did a good job with remote learning, but it just wasnt the same doing social interaction with the kids. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Directors of collapsed tech darling Appster have been accused of funnelling millions of dollars offshore and breaching directors duties, prompting the federal government to bankroll legal action against the former Melbourne rich listers. An investigation by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald in 2018 revealed small business owners paid large sums of money to Appster to build new mobile apps in the weeks and days before the company went into liquidation. Soon after, liquidators BK and Taylor started probing red flags around the technology startups demise and more than two years later, its final report has now been delivered to creditors. Appsters creditors support the liquidator pursuing legal action against the directors for breaching their corporate duties. Credit:Wayne Taylor I have formed the view that the directors placed their interests over and above those of the companys creditors, the report, obtained by this masthead, said. [February 28, 2021] RS Components collaborates with Phoenix Contact South East Asia to provide factory automation customers with elevated end-to-end industrial control solutions across SEA KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RS Components (RS), a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, today announced a collaboration with Phoenix Contact Southeast Asia, one of the world's leading future-oriented makers of industrial automation technologies. This collaboration will see a significant expansion of the 'COMPLETE line' portfolio of products and essential accessories for control cabinet applications, boasting over 9000 products in all the key areas of building control cabinets. Over 2500 new devices in the range will be available on the RS Southeast Asia platforms, making RS the first high-service distributor to offer the full 'COMPLETE line' in the region. Customers will benefit from having full access to a unique portfolio, reducing overall handling costs and minimising planning and installation times for control cabinet construction and maintenance. The 'COMPLETE line' system comprises an entire suite of coordinated hardware and software products aimed at switching, connection and disconnection, and measuring, controlling and automating applications. Through its standardised design, haptics, and functionality, panel builders are able to optimise work processes in control cabinet development. The system brings together all of the manufacturer's control panel products and essential accessories in one range. It also cuts down time spent on installation, maintenance, and operating existingand new control cabinet solutions. "Having the full COMPLETE line on the RS Southeast Asian platforms allows us to provide factory automation customers with elevated end-to-end industrial control solutions, from build through to maintenance," said Sean Fredericks, President, Asia Pacific at RS. "Our customers in Southeast Asia will quickly realise the benefits from deploying it, helping them reduce space, and accelerating design and installment of new control cabinets." "We have enjoyed a close partnership for more than 15 years with RS, a long-time distribution channel partner for Phoenix Contact," said Lars Kleinegees, International Channel Partner Manager at Phoenix Contact. "Through all its various channels, RS offers its large and global customer base with fast and easy access to more than 25,000 products from Phoenix Contact." "RS Components' wide digital reach coupled with the extensive range of quality products and solutions from Phoenix Contact forms the perfect partnership to bring the value and benefit of COMPLETE line to the customers in South East Asia." Said Charlie Lim, Segment Director at Phoenix Contact. All of the devices in the 'COMPLETE line' portfolio are shipping now from RS Components in Malaysia. About RS Components RS Components is a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers who are involved in designing, building or maintaining industrial equipment and facilities. We aim to offer our customers unrivalled choice of product technologies, solve problems with innovative solutions and deliver a world-class customer experience, making it easy to do business with us. We stock more than 500,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers. We solve problems and provide a wide range of value-added solutions to over one million customers. With operations in 32 countries, we trade through multiple channels and ship over 50,000 parcels a day. Electrocomponents plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2020 reported revenue of 1.95 billion. Electrocomponents plc has six operating brands; RS Components, Allied Electronics & Automation, RS PRO, OKdo, DesignSpark and IESA. Further information is available via these links: Twitter: @RSComponents; @designsparkRS Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/rs-components-asia-pacific/ RS Components https://my.rs-online.com/web/ DesignSpark www.rs-online.com/designspark Electrocomponents plc www.electrocomponents.com SOURCE RS Components [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. The University of Nebraska at Omaha has been Troy Romero's home for nearly 40 years - in more ways than one. This week, Romero, whose doctorate is in psychology, begins his tenure as chair of the Goodrich Scholarship Program. It's a role that he's seemingly been working towards his entire life, though he never would have thought so when he was a Goodrich Scholar, himself, in the early 1990s. "I didn't take college seriously enough," he says. "I knew it was important, and I was capable of doing the work but I just wasn't ready." The Goodrich Scholarship Program was formed nearly 50 years ago to support students who were high-achieving but otherwise at risk to finish their degrees. In that regard, John Bartle, Ph.D., the dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, which houses Goodrich, says Romero's story is a true success story. "It is poetic that we have produced our own leader. It is not just the pay-off of an investment, but it is a realization of the dream of the founders of Goodrich: Senator Glenn Goodrich, and CPACS Founding Dean Hubert Locke, as well as many others." An Early Introduction Like many Goodrich Scholars before and after him, Romero was a first-generation student, but he was actually quite familiar with the UNO campus. His parents worked as custodians in the 1980s and he'd sometimes tag along as they worked or took part in campus activities. "The first time I ever went to UNO was on 'bring your kid to work day' and that's how I got introduced to the university." Romero says that as he entered college he knew he'd need to support himself so he applied for scholarships. It wasn't until his second year, after losing a different scholarship, that he applied for - and received - a Goodrich scholarship. That was when everything changed. Unlike many scholarships, being a Goodrich Scholar not only covers nearly all tuition and fees, but it also places you in a cohort with a specialized two-year curriculum and provides access to dedicated academic and non-academic support services. "It's hard to explain now because I have the ability to be retrospective and look back, but I remember the content was engaging and I was able to connect with the professors." One of those professors was Mike Carroll, Ph.D., who has since retired but kept in regular contact with Romero. "I first met Troy when I had him in an English Composition class in 1994. Now, he's been a friend of mine for over two decades." Carroll says Romero's passion and dedication to others shown through early on and it's no surprise that he's come full circle as Goodrich chair. "He's always had a real dedication to service and outreach. I think that's one of the key reasons he decided to stay in education - to provide service to the community and interact with our students." Home is Where the Heart Is A Recipe for Resilience Romero never imagined himself as one of those same professors that he relied on as a student, but as he was pursuing a terminal degree in psychology, also at UNO, he was presented an opportunity to be a graduate teaching assistant within the Goodrich program."At the time I didn't know something like that existed, where you could get money, work for the program, and connect with students while earning your degree," he says. "But it was great. Being a Goodricher made it easier for me to work with those students."Bartle says that connection is one of the things that has helped make Romero so successful in the classroom."As a Goodrich alum, he has seen the program from every angle, and can empathize with the Goodrich scholars because he was one. Like all Goodrich faculty and staff, he goes well above and beyond to help them when they are in crisis, need a job, or need a nudge."Despite plans to leave, Romero was lured back with another scholarship opportunity, this one to pay for his doctorate as he continued to teach for UNO, which he did. Now, 20 years after his first teaching assignment, Romero is leading the program that gave him the opportunities and support he needed as an undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral student."I think what Goodrich does so well is build resilient students," Romero says. "You've got to be resilient because something is going to happen in your lifetime and it's not going to be easy. Who would have expected where we're at now, living through a pandemic the likes of which we haven't seen in 100 years? The circumstances change over time, but the need for resiliency stays the same.""If you believe in education, you believe in Goodrich," Bartle adds. "I am very proud of the history and excited for the future, because programs like this embody the American dream.""I'm sure Troy would say that, after struggling in his first year, he lucked into the Goodrich Program, and that may be true," Carroll says. "But I've also never seen someone work as hard as Troy has to make that same luck happen for others."For his part, Romero says he'll be standing on the shoulders of former chairs, a mere eight to be exact, who have made the Goodrich Program what it is today: a learning community that has survived nearly five decades, helped graduate nearly 2,000 of at-risk students, and outpaced student retention and graduation rates locally and nationwide. He wants to do for the next generation what Goodrich did for him nearly 30 years ago."When I was able to share my story for the first time, in a Goodrich class, and be supported - that was so important. It's what grounds me at UNO, and at Goodrich. That's what I want to cultivate in our students." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 are the owner of this article. Melissa Caddick may have left behind a million dollar lifeline for her unemployed husband, just as Anthony Koletti and her family face being evicted from her properties. Daily Mail Australia can reveal the Sydney conwoman - whose lost foot has been found washed up on a remote beach - forked out at least $120 per month on a life insurance policy. Caddick's regular payment was revealed by her brother Adam Grimley in court documents where he tallied her family's living expenses after she disappeared in November. Some of Caddick's decomposed remains were confirmed on Friday to have been found inside an Asics running shoe that washed up on a beach near Tathra, on the NSW south coast. Further human remains to turn up along the state's south coast recently - including bones and stomach flesh - are undergoing forensic testing to see if they are Caddick's. If Caddick named her family members as beneficiaries of her insurance policy, it could be a critical contribution to the welfare of hairdresser and DJ husband Mr Koletti, her teenage son and her elderly parents Ted and Barbara. Melissa Caddick with husband Anthony Koletti. Daily Mail Australia can reveal Caddick was paying for life insurance prior to her disappearance from her Dover Heights home about November 11 - but the exact details of the policy aren't known Caddick vanished from her $6.1million Dover Heights home(left) sometime about November 11. Investors in her company, Maliver Pty Ltd, are demanding it be sold A document filed by the Federal Court by Caddick's brother Adam Grimley put 'life insurance for MC (Melissa Caddick)' at $120 per month Precise details of Caddick's insurance policy aren't known. However, Finder.com.au research reveals that an average 50-year-old Australian woman with life insurance pays just shy of $120 a month for about $1million coverage. Caddick's family live across her two properties - a $6.1million Dover Heights cliffside mansion and a $2million Edgecliff penthouse. Investors in Caddick's company want her receivers to sell the properties off to recoup some of the more than $20million the fraudster allegedly rorted from them. The revelation of the life insurance policy raises several questions with few clear answers. Could investors claim a right to the proceeds? Who did Caddick nominate to get a payout? And is suicide covered by Caddick's policy? Contrary to popular belief, many life insurers actually do cover suicide - as senior police last week said they suspected Caddick's death to be. 'Most life insurers offer some form of cover if the life insured (the person who is covered by the policy) dies by suicide,' said Finder insurance expert Taylor Blackburn. 'However, there is usually a 13-month exclusion period after the policy is first taken out where cover will not apply. 'This is used to discourage people from taking out life insurance and then committing suicide soon after.' Of course, the cause of Caddick's suspected death isn't yet known - with police yet to rule out foul play, even as they suspect suicide. Officers are compiling a report for the state coroner. Caddick's decomposed foot was found in a grey and white Asics Gel Nimbus 22 on Bournda Beach, some 550km south of Dover Heights, the Sunday before last Two bones were found on a beach near where missing conwoman Melissa Caddick's decomposing foot was uncovered last week More human remains have been found along the coastline since the discovery of Caddick's shoe - including flesh found at Mollymook, bones on Turra Beach and remains resembling intestines at Cunjurong Point. Only the foot has been confirmed as among Caddick's remains In an unusual intervention on Monday, NSW Police Superintendent Joe McNulty, the Commander of the state's marine command, said Caddick's discovered Asics Gel Nimbus 22 shoe didn't appear at first glance to have been in the water for the past three months. 'Something in the water for that long, say a bit of flotsam or jetsam that washes on to the shore, has got green growth on it,' Mr McNulty told the Daily Telegraph. 'At first examination the shoe doesnt appear to have been in the water for three months. 'The shoe needs extensive analysis to see how long it was in the water. Its a vital clue where hopefully marine biology can provide some answers.' Mr McNulty also told the newspaper he doesn't know of a case where someone has apparently plunged into the water off Sydney's coast only to be found so far down the coast. The shoe was found by campers at Bournda Beach near Tathra, toward the Victorian border, last Sunday - well south of her Dover Heights home. Water police had scoured the sea near the east Sydney cliffs immediately following Caddick's disappearance on November 11 and found no sign of Caddick. Meanwhile, separate bank records seized by investigators revealed that Caddick had made regular payments to Asteron Life, a major insurance life and income protection firm. Daily Mail Australia revealed at the weekend that Melissa Caddick was the covergirl of a financial industry magazine in 2003. She worked for an entirely legitimate planning practice, Wise Financial, and even held an Australian Financial Services Licence in 2004 Some $16,526 was paid to the company from one of her Qantas bank accounts, between August 2019 and July 2020, court documents said. What the payments were specifically for wasn't detailed. In the court paperwork, Mr Grimley also said Caddick paid some $2,000 a month in income protection, a type of insurance which keeps cash flowing if you are sick or disabled and unable to work. Daily Mail Australia approached Bruce Gleeson, the receiver of Caddick's estate. ASIC and Asteron Life declined to comment. There is no suggestion any of Caddick's loved ones were involved in, or had knowledge of, her disappearance or death. For confidential crisis support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 CLEVELAND--African American men in Cuyahoga County have a 60% increased risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and an 80% increased risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to white men, according to data from the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. With a new $2.75 million, three-year grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, researchers at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University will collaborate with a team of community partners in a different approach to fight this health disparity. The Cleveland African American Prostate Cancer Project, directed by Erika Trapl, an associate professor in the department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, will develop and implement a comprehensive, sustainable, community-based program to increase the number of African Americans screened for prostate cancer. Trapl, the research project's principal investigator, director of the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, said prostate cancer does not have any known modifiable risk factors, so early screening is the only way to reduce prostate cancer mortality. "The best bet," she said, "is to identify prostate cancer early and reduce late-stage diagnosis." To do so, Trapl has established a team of researchers that includes expertise in cancer disparities, social work, bioethics, culturally-specific intervention development, urology, genetic epidemiology, community outreach and dissemination and implementation science. The collaboration includes the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Advisory Board, the Urban Barber Association, Cleveland Department of Public Health, Office of Minority Health, The Gathering Place, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer, MetroHealth Cancer Center and the Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology. The team hopes to engage other partners as the work grows. The project is designed to develop and evaluate a community-based prostate cancer screening program, increase the number of African American men who receive baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA), establish awareness of prostate cancer risk and reduce cancer disparities. Elevated or continuously rising levels of PSA--proteins produced by the prostate gland--could be a sign of prostate cancer. Studies to define the normal range of PSA levels are based on mostly white populations. By establishing a baseline for African American men at an earlier age, researchers can establish baseline PSA ranges to help detect cancer at an earlier stage. The initiative has four objectives: Create a culturally and linguistically appropriate approach to prostate cancer screening education and testing in partnership with barbers, community navigators and health care providers. Develop and implement a Community Navigation program that provides supportive services and returns screening results, ensuring that the needs of participants and their families are met. Implement prostate cancer education and screening in barbershops with African American men (ages 40 and older). Convene regional grassroots and institutional partners to raise awareness of prostate cancer disparities and screening. "From our experience addressing health disparities and helping to eliminate barriers to equitable access to quality healthcare around the world, we recognize that this program has the elements needed for success," said Catharine Grimes, program director for the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. "Through the innovative approach that recognizes the value of barbershops as community hubs, strong, deep collaborations facilitated by patient navigators and a comprehensive and strategic plan for implementation and evaluation, we are confident this program will deliver positive impact in the fight against prostate cancer for African American men." Focusing on communities most at risk of suffering the impacts of serious diseases in the regions of the world that are hardest hit, the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation empowers partners to build innovative solutions to advance health equity and improve access to quality healthcare for patients. Its programs are addressing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immunologic disease, as well as clinical trial diversity in the United States, and prevalent cancers in Africa, Brazil and China. The idea for the project was born in a Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Advisory Board meeting last year. Budding research questions are presented to the group to ensure community needs are considered from the beginning of a project through execution. Complicated science was distilled to simplified images and metaphors, making it easier to understand. Waverly Willis, a member of the Community Advisory Board, acknowledges a history of distrust between minority people and others coming into their neighborhoods and communities. "You have to be tactful and meet people where they are," said Willis. Barbershops make up part of the fabric of the neighborhood and are a trusted environment, said Willis, owner of Urban Kutz barbershop, executive director of the Urban Barber Association and chairman of the Ohio Barber and Beauty Alliance. "Our board pushed us to bring the work to locations central to men's lives, such as barbershops," Trapl said. "From there, the idea has taken off, thanks to the partnership of people living in this community facing these genuine issues. We hope it will become a national model." ### About Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve University is one of the country's leading private research institutions. Located in Cleveland, we offer a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. Our leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Our nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 5,100 undergraduate and 6,700 graduate students comprise our student body. Visit case.edu to see how Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the possible. About the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located at Case Western Reserve University. The center, which has been continuously funded since 1987, integrates the cancer research activities of the largest biomedical research and health care institutions in Ohio -Case Western Reserve, University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic. NCI-designated cancer centers are characterized by scientific excellence and the capability to integrate a diversity of research approaches to focus on the problem of cancer. It is led by Stanton Gerson, MD, interim dean of the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Asa and Patricia Shiverick-Jane Shiverick (Tripp) Professor of Hematological Oncology, and director of the National Center for Regenerative Medicine. case.edu/cancer. The minister asked people to choose YSRC for all-round development of Vijayawada city and assured that the ruling party will continue to resolve issues of all citizens. DC file photo VIJAYAWADA: Endowments minister Vellampalli Srinivas Rao announced that Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has allotted Rs. 600 crore for development of Vijayawada in all aspects as promised by the YSRC. This is unlike earlier Telugu Desam regime, which neglected the city's development. It even failed to complete the Durga flyover, which was constructed and opened for public usage by the YSRC government. Srinivas Rao gave this information while campaigning in various divisions of the city on Sunday in support of YSRC candidates. Pointing to the debacle of TD in gram panchayat elections, apart from a humiliating defeat in Kuppam, the minister maintained that N. Chandrababu Naidu should resign owing moral responsibility. He said the former chief minister has not learnt any lessons despite facing humiliating defeats in the general elections in 2019 and in the recent gram panchayat elections. Srinivas Rao recalled Jana Sena chief K. Pawan Kalyans comments on BJP-led central governments programmes as stale laddus. But now, the star had without any morals entered into a pact with the saffron party for political gains. He said that BJP, JS and TD have a secret pact and are colluding with each other. The minister pointed out that the YSRC government is providing welfare schemes to all the eligible without any political, religious or caste bias. Recently, CM Jagan has written a letter to the central government seeking transfer of railway land to the state government to give pattas to poor people living on those lands. The Railways has been offered alternate land elsewhere. The minister asked people to choose YSRC for all-round development of Vijayawada city and assured that the ruling party will continue to resolve issues of all citizens. A large number of leaders and activists belonging to Congress and CPI joined YSRC in the ministers presence. Srinivas welcomed them with party scarves. A Kelowna city councllor is concerned about a "sea of asphalt" around Kelowna General Hospital now that Interior Health has dropped plans for a new parkade in favor of more surface lots. The parkade was to have been built on land between two existing parkades, centre right. State Bank of India on Monday said it has contributed Rs 11 crore to the PM-Cares Fund to support the next phase of the government's COVID-19 vaccination drive. The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive started in the country from March 1. The fight against the pandemic is not yet over, and as a responsible corporate citizen, we consider it our duty to support the government's efforts to vaccinate all. I request everyone to come forward and help in whatever way they can to ensure a successful vaccination drive, the bank's Chairman Dinesh Khara said in a release. Last week, the government had announced that everyone above 60 years of age and those over 45 years with comorbidities will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine from March 1 for free at government facilities and for a charge at many private hospitals. Early last year, had committed 0.25 per cent of its annual profit to support the fight against COVID-19 and also made significant contributions in the form of supply of masks, sanitisers among others to the needy. Additionally, employees had contributed Rs 107 crore to the PM-Cares Fund. (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 passenger plane was reportedly forced to make an emergency landing in Sudan after a cat attacked the pilot shortly after take-off. The plane bound for Doha, Qatar was forced to return to the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum. The 'aggressive' animal had somehow got into the cockpit prior to take-off, according to local media reports. The plane bound for Doha, Qatar was forced to return to the capital city of Khartoum. Khartoum International Airport (above) The Sudanese Tarco flight took off from Khartoum International Airport on Wednesday and had been in the air for half-an-hour when the incident took place. The cat was angry and aggressive, according to a report in local paper Al-Sudani. It reportedly resisted several attempts of restraint and even attacked the captain. The chaos caused the pilot to make the decision to turn the flight around and return to Khartoum. It is not clear how the cat got on board the flight, although a report in Al-Sudani suggested the cat could have climbed onboard unnoticed during a cleaning or engineering check of the plane. The report found that the plane had spent the previous night parked at a hangar at the airport. A dentist, a peanut factory worker, a plumber and a wheel technician are among 13 people charged following the anti-lockdown protest in Dublin on Saturday. Seven people were charged with offences and released on station bail and three juveniles were released for consideration of inclusion in the Juvenile Diversion Programme. Twelve men and one woman appeared in court facing charges of breaching sections of the Criminal Justice Public Order Act 1994. Some of the sections of the Act included Section 6 a breach of the peace; Section 8 failure to comply with an order of a garda to leave an area; and Section 19 obstruction or assault of a garda. Read More All were remanded in custody with consent to bail, with bail set at 200, to appear before Cloverhill District Court on March 5. The conditions of the bail were that they abide by all aspects of the Health Act in relation to Covid-19 restrictions, they do not take part in unlawful assemblies, and they be of good behaviour. Those who were charged with offences under the Act included: Craig Byrne (23), an apprentice, from Crumlin Road, Dublin 12, relating to Sections 6, 8, and 19 at OConnell Street Lower; James Moore (19), Fairways Park, Finglas, Dublin, relating to Sections 6 and 8; plumber Jason Sheridan (27), who is out of work due to Covid, of Pearse House, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, relating to Section 6 at Grafton Street; Kevin and Stephen Fitzgerald, twin brothers aged 26 of Newbury Grove, Clonshaugh, County Dublin, relating to Section 6. Joseph Reynolds, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2; relating to incident in Dawson Street; dentist Fergus Cahill (68) of Aubury Park, Shankill, Co Dublin, in relation to Sections 6, 8 and 19, and his son Coillte Cahill (25) of North Circular Road, Dublin 7; Darragh Tril, Mellows Park, Finglas, Dublin; John Darby (29) of Deerpark Lodge, Tallaght, in relation to incident at Aston Quay; peanut factory worker Sean Brown (21) of Mellows Park, Finglas, Dublin, in relation to Section 6; wheel technician John Lloyd (19) of Farnham Drive, Finglas, Dublin 9; Section 6 incident at Westmoreland Street; and Joanne Kavanagh (24) of Dolphin Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, Sections 6 and 9. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo acknowledged for the first time Sunday that some of his behavior with women may have been insensitive or too personal, and said he would cooperate with a sexual harassment investigation led by the states attorney general. In a statement released amid mounting criticism from within his own party, the Democrat maintained he had never inappropriately touched or propositioned anyone. But he said he had teased people about their personal lives in an attempt to be playful. I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that, he said. Cuomo, one of Americas most prominent governors, is facing the most serious challenge of his decade in office following claims he sexually harassed at least two women who worked for him. Democrats in New York and around the nation arent rallying to his side, including some Staten Island elected officials, leaving him increasingly isolated from traditional allies. His partial admission of wrongdoing came after a day of wrangling over who should investigate his workplace behavior. By days end, Cuomo acquiesced to demands that Attorney General Letitia James control the inquiry. James said she expected to receive a formal referral that would give her office subpoena power and allow her to deputize an outside law firm for a rigorous and independent investigation. This is not a responsibility we take lightly, said James, a Democrat who has been, at times, allied with Cuomo but is independently elected and had emerged as a consensus choice to lead a probe. Calls for an investigation mounted after a second former employee of Cuomos administration went public Saturday with harassment claims. Charlotte Bennett, a low-level aide in the governors administration until November, told The New York Times Cuomo asked questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men, and made other comments she interpreted as gauging her interest in an affair. Her accusation came days after another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, a former economic development adviser, elaborated on harassment allegations she first made in December. Boylan said Cuomo subjected her to an unwanted kiss and comments about her appearance. Cuomo, 63, said he had intended to be a mentor for Bennett, who is 25. He has denied Boylans allegations. Over several hours Sunday, James and other leading party officials rejected two of Cuomos proposals for how an investigation might proceed. Under his first plan, a retired federal judge picked by Cuomo, Barbara Jones, would have reviewed his workplace behavior. In the second proposal, announced Sunday morning in an attempt to appease legislative leaders, Cuomo asked James and the states chief appeals court judge, Janet DiFiore, to jointly appoint a lawyer to investigate and issue a public report. James rejected both plans, demanding a formal referral giving her office authority to subpoena documents and witness testimony. Many of the biggest names in New York politics lined up behind James. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, both Democrats, said they wanted the attorney general to handle the investigation. Republican leaders had, for days, called on James to launch a probe. On Sunday, Republican state Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt called on Cuomo to resign. New Yorks two U.S. senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both said an independent investigation was essential. These allegations are serious and deeply concerning. As requested by Attorney General James, the matter should be referred to her office so that she can conduct a transparent, independent and thorough investigation with subpoena power, Gillibrand said. Cuomos statement that women had misinterpreted comments that were intended to be jokes was met with outrage from some people, who said he appeared to be blaming the women. Is it playful to touch ones employees legs & kiss them on the lips against their will? Bc better men than A Cuomo have been fired for that, tweeted former Fox News and NBC journalist Megyn Kelly, whose sexual harassment allegations against late Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes helped lead to his ouster. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden also supported an independent review that should move forward as quickly as possible. The furor comes amid a new round of criticism over Cuomos leadership style and actions his administration took to protect his reputation as a leader in the coronavirus pandemic. Cuomo won praise as a strong hand during last springs crisis of rising case counts and overflowing morgues. His book, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic, was published in October. But in recent weeks his administration was forced to revise its count of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes following criticism that it had undercounted the fatalities to blunt accusations that some of his administrations policies had made the situation worse. James fueled some of that criticism by issuing a report saying the Cuomo administration had undercounted deaths. Now, his support is eroding faster. Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennetts detailed accounts of sexual harassment by Gov. Cuomo are extremely serious and painful to read, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on Twitter Sunday. There must be an independent investigation not one led by an individual selected by the Governor, but by the office of the Attorney General. ___ Matthews reported from New York City. [March 01, 2021] KBRA Assigns Ratings to Flagship Citadel Multi-Strategy Hedge Funds Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) assigns BBB Issuer ratings to three multi-strategy hedge funds: Kensington Global Strategies Ltd (KGSF), Kensington Global Strategies Fund II (KGSF II), Ltd, and Citadel Wellington LLC (Wellington), and a BBB Senior Unsecured rating to $500 million of notes issued by Citadel Finance, LLC The notes are guaranteed on a several, but not joint, basis by KGSF II, Wellington, and KGSF Offshore Holdings Ltd (wholly-owned subsidiary of KGSF). The guarantor funds are managed by Citadel Advisors, LLC, the investment management subsidiary of Citadel Group. Citadel Group, headquartered in Chicago, is a global hedge fund with a 30-year track record and currently manages over $35 billion in investment capital. The Funds managed by Citadel invest in a range of strategies including commodities, fixed income/global macro, credit, equities, and quantitative strategies. Wellington and the two Kensington funds dynamically invest across all of Citadel's strategies, with a primary focus on liquid markets such as fundamental and systematic equities, as well as global macro rates and currencies. The issuer ratings reflect the Citadel Group and the Funds' long-term performance track record, their ability to attract and retain substantial investment capital, top-tier investment talent, moderate historical performance volatility, and strong institutional risk and liquidity management practices. The ratings assigned to the notes consider the guarantee from the funds. Click here to view the report. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Related Publications Investment Fund Debt Global Rating Methodology Global Asset Manager Methodology Securities Firm Global Rating Methodology Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. This credit rating is endorsed by Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited for use in the European Union and by Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited for use in the UK. Information on a credit rating's endorsement status is available on its rating page at KBRA.com. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com. About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005850/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] KYODO NEWS - Mar 1, 2021 - 13:28 | All, Coronavirus, World, Japan Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. said Monday it will withdraw from its arcade game business in North America due to numerous closures of amusement facilities in the wake of the spread of the novel coronavirus. The company's U.S. unit Namco USA Inc. plans to transfer its 35 directly owned stores and 760 revenue-shared locations to three companies engaged in the business of running amusement facilities on March 31. While the Japanese game maker did not disclose the names of the three companies and business transfer price, it did say it will continue marketing and selling arcade games in North America. Hit hard by the pandemic, Bandai Namco is expecting an operating loss of 1.3 billion yen ($12.2 million) in the arcade game business for the current year through March. It also projected in early February to incur extraordinary losses of 13.0 billion yen in the January-March quarter due to expenses associated with its structural reform. ExtendPX moves DailyPay beyond their traditional On-Demand Pay (ODP) business offering. The announcement of ExtendPX will enable every Payroll, HCM and TMS (Time Management Software) company in the U.S. to offer highly demanded on-demand pay services through a customizable, modular on-demand pay solution that can be embedded into the product suite that they offer to their customers. ExtendPX, the first of its kind for the PayExperience industry, is already active with notable leading global payroll and HCM partners and other organizations. "As the gold standard in the on-demand pay industry, our mission is to unlock the endless possibilities of pay," said Konstantin Getmanchuk, Senior Vice President, Product Management, DailyPay. "With 80% of Fortune 100 companies who offer on-demand pay choosing DailyPay, we have seen the demand for ODP services grow at unprecedented rates. The future is here. We are here to facilitate that change. Within a few years, every company will enable their employees to access the money they have earned, as they need it. It is time to offer an innovative solution to HCM companies." The most robust program of its kind, ExtendPX offers a comprehensive set of services, with the ability to customize based on needs. HCM companies can embed the DailyPay offering into their own product suite using DailyPay APIs, or choose a white-label approach. Both options result in an on-brand experience where the product looks and feels like their own without the hassle of building a native solution. In addition to supporting immediate access to earned income, the full list of services includes employee savings and financial wellness features, off-cycle payment tools and other supporting DailyPay services, such as guaranteed program funding, secure data exchange monitoring and multi-level live domestic employee support. "We were thrilled to have DailyPay integrated into our benefits package," said Bob Frank, SVP and CIO, Adams Keegan . "The ability to seamlessly offer one of the most sought-after benefits that gives employees the power of choice and control over their earned pay will give us a competitive advantage over our competitors and is a game-changer for our clients." The demand for on-demand pay (an employer-based benefit and payroll process also called earned wage access) has grown exponentially due to its proven ability to reduce turnover, promote worker productivity and boost hiring. Given the triple-digit growth in client demand for on-demand pay, HCM, payroll and TMS companies are quickly realizing the need to embrace this new market. "Over the past five years, DailyPay has partnered with key HCM and TMS companies in powerful ways," said Jason Lee, CEO and co-founder of DailyPay. "We have proven that by integrating our gold-standard offering into their platforms, more Americans can enjoy control and flexibility over their pay. After all, it's their money, and they've earned it. This product expansion is just one of the critical steps we are making to move the entire PayExperience industry forward." DailyPay is already a bestselling solution offered on leading HCM marketplaces, and is integrated with six of the 10 largest HCM companies. Click here to see DailyPay's full network of integration partners. The launch of ExtendPX comes on the heels of the recent launch of DailyPay CYCLE , DailyPay's new product for payroll professionals that solves many challenges by digitizing off-cycle payments and making them available real-time. About DailyPay: DailyPay is the award-winning , recognized gold standard on-demand pay platform offering comprehensive pay experience solutions to world-class companies and their millions of employees including Adecco and Berkshire Hathaway. DailyPay has created an ecosystem with the most advanced, modern technology stack in the industry and delivers the most secure, compliant and seamless on-demand pay benefit in our rapidly growing marketplace. DailyPay is headquartered in New York City with operations based in Minneapolis. For more information, visit www.dailypay.com/press Contact: Sehrish Sayani Email: [email protected] Website: dailypay.com SOURCE DailyPay Related Links www.dailypay.com Following a "professional and thorough investigation," the Environment Ministry cleared the Minerva Helen of responsibility for the country's worst oil spill. Minerva Helen Cleared Israel cleared the Greek tanker Minerva Helen of any responsibility in the devastating spill off its Mediterranean coast after an investigation at the port of Piraeus. The Minerva Helen was drifting and waiting for orders in the Eastern Mediterranean. The ship's owners have denied liability for both leaks, arguing that "over the time that the vessel was floating offshore of Port Said awaiting her next employment, [it] was not engaged in any service or in any other incident that could be attributed to an oil discharge at sea." The oil spill has destroyed 170 kilometers of Israel's coastline, rendering it one of the country's worst environmental disasters. Concerns that a second oil slick is threatening Israel's coasts have sparked cleanup efforts. Related Article: Sea Turtles Coated in Toxic Oil Spill Get Healed by Mayonnaise Israeli Oil Spill February 4 to 11, roughly the same time as the spill. Minerva Marine, the vessel's operator, denied any involvement in the spill, pointing out that the vessel was in ballast at the time of the pollution incident, with no cargo on board. According to Minerva, she was not involved in any STS transfers or other activities that could have resulted in a discharge. A PSC inspection on the 22nd in Cartagena found nothing wrong. On Saturday, Israeli and Greek inspectors met the ship in Piraeus. The Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection cleared the tanker of any wrongdoing following their investigation. The ship was finally eliminated as the source of pollution after a thorough, professional, and comprehensive inspection by an inspector from the Environmental Protection Ministry and an inspector from the Shipping and Ports Administration, the ministry said in a statement. The IMO and Israeli authorities originally named about ten vessels as potential suspects in the leak. Still, the ministry announced on Saturday that it is extending its probe to include several more. Continuing Investigation In a statement, Environment Minister Gila Gamliel said, "We are continuing our investigation and are committed to doing everything possible to find the ship that is responsible for polluting Israel's coasts, for the public, nature, and animals." "We'll get where we need to go and use all available tools to get there... We also have a right to know who has abused animals and Israel's coasts, and we must keep [them] responsible." In a statement on Saturday, Gamliel said that the Israeli Air Force had recently detected a possible second slick, which had been analyzed and determined to be benign. According to a recently published study by researchers at Hebrew University, the tar-like spill is most likely crude oil, not HFO. According to the results, the origins vessel is an oil tanker, and the proximate cause is either an STS transfer collision or a spill. Precautions In response to the significant petroleum leak that has impacted Israel's western coastline over the past week, Israel has banned the selling of all domestic Mediterranean-sourced seafood. The embargo, which automatically goes into effect, includes the sale and selling of all Mediterranean fish captured off Israel's coast. "While there has been no proof of any danger associated with fish consumption so far, some samples have been sent to the Agriculture Ministry's lab for examination to rule out the existence of harmful particles," the health ministry told The Media Line. ALSO READ: Florida Fails to Respond to Epizootic Coral Disease: What Happened? For more news about the environment, don't forget to follow Nature World News! Vietnam has a number of large private corporations of international stature over the last 30 years of development. But the number of these enterprises is very modest. Reports all show that though Vietnams private enterprises have been growing rapidly in the last 30 years and Vietnam has dollar billionaires, the private sector has not yet become a powerful force as expected to serve as the important driving force of the national economy. According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), large enterprises just account for 2 percent of total operational private enterprises, and medium enterprises 2 percent. The remaining enterprises, accounting for 96 percent, are small and micro sized. The non-state economic sector makes up 43 percent of GDP, but private enterprises just contribute 10 percent, while the remaining is from individual and household businesses. Pham Chi Lan, a respected economist, commented that the private sector has been undergoing a difficult development process. The Ministry of Planing and Investment (MPI) confirmed that the number of small enterprises growing into medium sized ones, and the number of medium enterprises becoming large are very modest in Vietnam. Meanwhile, VCCI has found a considerable decrease in the number of medium and large private enterprises in the last five years. Vietnam has a number of large private corporations of international stature over the last 30 years of development. But the number of these enterprises is very modest. Vietnam has an economy of mostly small and micro enterprises, and of these, micro enterprises account for 67 percent. Small and medium enterprises are very slow in developing into medium and large enterprises. It takes some enterprises 10-20 years to have medium scale. The noteworthy feature is that in many cases, after gaining some success, many businesses decide to leave the market or merge with other businesses, mostly foreign invested enterprises. This is really a sad situation, Lan commented. In principle, a large scale is a great advantage for enterprises to develop business. However, many Vietnams private enterprises dont want to grow. Analysts attribute this to the unfavorable business environment in Vietnam. The discriminatory treatment is one of the problems. A recent VCCI survey found that 39.5 percent of private enterprises believe that local authorities prioritize foreign investment and state-owned enterprises rather than the private sector. In general, private enterprises always face difficulties when accessing land and capital, and are at a disadvantage in tax and customs procedures compared with FIEs (foreignn invested enterprises) and SOEs (state owned enterprises). Large enterprises are also afraid of the risks from changing policies. VCCI, in its newly released report on improvement of the business environment and national competitiveness, pointed out a worrying problem: the continuous decrease in the capability of predicting changes in policies. The proportion of enterprises which can usually foresee policy changes decreased from 16 percent in 2014 to 5 percent in 2018. Meanwhile, the number of enterprises that can rarely or never predict new policies has increased from 42 percent to 67 percent. The decline in the policy prediction capability is consistent in the last five years, which is a big concern about the business environment in Vietnam. Nguyen Dinh Cung, former head of the Central Institute of Economic Management (CIEM), believes that the unpredictability of policies is a problem that clips enterprises wings. This explains why the right of business freedom has improved, but enterprises safety has not. Resolution No 10 by the Party Central Committee showed the guidelines on developing the private sector into an important driving force of the economy, encouraging the establishment of multi-owned private economic groups capable of joining the regional and global production and value chains. However, VCCI head of Legal Department Dau Anh Tuan pointed out that a lot of legal documents compiled or issued in 2020 are not friendly to private enterprises. The State Bank of Vietnam drafted a circular that restricts credit institutions from buying corporate bonds issued to make capital contributions or buy into other enterprises. The tentative regulation doesnt allow banks to buy the bonds which holding companies in economic groups issue to mobilize capital and use that money to contribute capital to subsidiaries. This will make it difficult for credit institutions to control the purpose of capital use and cash flow. The draft strategy on socio-economic development 2021-2030 says that Vietnam will encourage the establishment and development of large and powerful private groups, competitive in the region and the world. It is expected that Vietnam will have at least 2 million businesses by 2030 and the private sector make up 60-65 percent of GDP. However, Nguyen Van Nam, head of the Institute for Branding and Competition Strategy, said Vietnam is still confused about how to build a system of enterprises. CIEMs deputy head Phan Duc Hieu commented that Vietnams economy is seriously lacking medium and large enterprises that can become bridges that connect to global value chains. Small scale, high unofficial costs, bad management and low technology are the common characteristics of Vietnams private enterprises. Tran Thuy Clearing bottlenecks for development of private enterprises The growth of domestic firms, especially private ones, is expected to cause a significant qualitative change in FDI and export attraction. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2014 Albuquerque Journal New Mexicos high school graduation rate increased more than any other states between 2007 and 2012 welcome news for a state that is often ranked at the bottom of education lists. In 2012, 74 percent of New Mexicos high school seniors graduated in four years, up 15 percentage points from 2007 when 59 percent graduated on time, according to an Education Week report released Thursday. Still, that 74 percent graduation rate lagged behind most other states, ranking 44th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to the study. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Education Weeks method of calculating graduation rates was based on a survey from the National Center for Education Statistics. This differs from the states method, which tracks individual students. The state found that 70.4 percent of students graduated on time in 2012, although state data also showed an upward trend in the graduation rate in recent years. The states graduation rate for 2013 was 70.3 percent. We know that when students graduate from high school, their opportunities for success in life improve, as does the quality of the workforce in our state, Gov. Susana Martinez said in a statement to the Journal. But as we raise standards and put an emphasis on graduation, the response from our teachers and students should be commended. We must continue this progress. The report found the national graduation rate climbed by 7 percentage points, to 81 percent in 2012. And while New Mexico was the state that had the most growth, the District of Columbia saw its graduation rate improve slightly more up 16 percentage points over that span, from 55 percent to 71 percent, according to the report. Education Week is a national weekly publication. Albuquerque Public Schools, which enrolls about a third of the students in the state, saw its four-year graduation rate improve from 46.2 percent in 2008 to 65.1 percent in 2012, according to state data. State data from 2007 is not comparable to more recent figures because the state changed the way it collected graduation data in 2008. But Education Week used survey data from the National Center for Education Statistics, so it was able to include the 2007 graduation rate. In 2013, the state reported APS graduation rate was 68.7 percent. Under the districts own calculation which doesnt count charter schools APS graduation rate was 73.3 percent. APS Superintendent Winston Brooks could not be reached for comment Thursday. While the state has seen significant improvement in its graduation rates, slightly more than half of New Mexicos high school graduates needed to take remedial coursework at state colleges or universities in 2012, a January Legislative Finance Committee report found. And in other national reports, New Mexico has continued to fare poorly in recent years. For example, New Mexicos fourth-grade reading scores tied with the District of Columbia for the nations lowest ranking in the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress. And its eighth-grade reading and fourth-grade math scores were third from the bottom. An anti-lockdown protest organiser has said he will '100%' support Saturday's planned demonstration in Cork city. Diarmaid O Cadhla, secretary of the People's Convention, which is organising the event, said he supports the demonstration, claiming it has been scheduled for nearly four weeks and is unconnected to the violence in Dublin at the weekend. The planned protest in Cork has drawn criticism from public representatives after ugly scenes of violent disorder in Dublin on Saturday. 23 people were arrested after an anti-lockdown protest turned violent in Dublin on Saturday. File picture. Local representatives have said a repeat of the scenes in Dublin cannot happen again and fear the Cork demonstrations will be hijacked by far-right supporters intent on causing mayhem. Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan has said the planned protest is unacceptable and condemned threats of violence against the gardai. Mr Boylan said he is liaising with the members of the city's joint policing committee and the gardai ahead of the weekend's planned demonstration. Speaking to Newstalk, the Cork City councillor said: "To think for one second that somebody might come to Cork City and decide that they are going to do what was done on Saturday to the gardai is unacceptable. We can't put up with an attack on the gardai. An attack on the gardai is an attack on us all." Lord Mayor of Cork, Joe Kavanagh, said he had "every confidence" in the gardai in Cork that they will put preparations in place to ensure the violent disorder from Dublin's demonstration does not happen next weekend. "I have every confidence in the gardai here in Cork that they will put preparations in place here to ensure that there won't be a repeat of what happened in Dublin, here in Cork, well they will certainly do their best anyway," he said. Speaking about the violence in Dublin at the weekend, Mr O Cadhla told RedFM that it was condemnable and endangered both gardai and peaceful protestors". He added: Who benefits from that? It certainly isnt the peaceful protesters and we wouldnt have anything to do with that." Mr O Cadhla said a number of speakers and musicians would be at the Cork event. He said if he saw someone likely to cause any problem he would report them to gardai. Subversive elements Mr O Cadhla comments follow Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond's call for the anti-lockdown protest in Cork to be stopped from taking place. In a statement yesterday, Mr Richmond said the "dangerous" demonstration organised online is being used by subversive elements to spread far-right propaganda. Dangerous conspiracy theorists preyed on the genuine frustrations of many to recklessly bring hundreds of people out in protest against necessary public health measures aimed to fuel the spread of a killer virus. It is clear that subversive elements used the opportunity presented by this protest to spread their far-right propaganda, dangerous anti-science rhetoric and ultimately attack our gardai. Those who may be frustrated by the ongoing restrictions and considering attending protests must be aware of who the Nefarious groups behind them actually are. The consequences for attending protests can be damaging not just because they are super spreader events but because they can quickly descend into illegal chaos. With 23 people arrested and a number of Gardai in hospital, it is crucial that any other protests like this are not allowed to happen. Already we can see online that another dangerous group have planned a protest for Cork next week. Quite simply this protest must be stopped and the organisers held to account for such reckless measures, he said. Saturday's violent protest between the anti-lockdown demonstrators and the gardai in Dublin led to 23 arrests and three injuries to members of An Garda Siochana. "Serious challenges" A member of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), Damien McCarthy has called on the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice to meet with members of the force to discuss the very serious challenges and lack of resources for dealing with events such as the protests in Dublin on Saturday. Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, Mr McCarthy said the State cannot allow the situation to spiral out of control and action needed to be taken to ensure that it didnt happen again. There was a need for a supplementary budget to ensure the force was adequately resourced and protected on the streets, he said. Mr McCarthy said there were obviously significant challenges for the force and it was important to have the capacity to respond to public order situations at short notice. It was clear that such action needed to be prioritised, he added. Little notice Mr McCarthy said that there had been very little notice on Saturday about the protest with no notification as there should have been about a public event. It was quite clear that those that congregated went with the intent of inflicting harm on the Garda Siochana. Those who attended the protest had been intent on causing harm and were well organised, he said. It was obvious that the event had been well planned. It had been only by sheer luck that there had not been more injuries. These were very serious matters and it was now important that the gardai be pushed up the (vaccination priority) list he said. There is a clear case now that they have to be prioritised, he said. Fueled by conspiracy theories and disinformation spreading on social media, the protest turned violent after a video widely shared on social media showed a man launch a firework at gardai policing the demonstration. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said there there will be consequences for those involved in illegal riots like Dublin on Saturday, adding further arrests are likely. Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption on Monday and sentenced to three years in prison, a stunning fall from grace for a man who for five years bestrode the national and global stage. A Paris court found that Sarkozy, 66, had tried to bribe a judge after leaving office, and to peddle influence in exchange for confidential information about an investigation into his 2007 campaign finances. "He took advantage of his status and the relationships he had formed," presiding judge Christine Mee said. Sarkozy served as president from 2007 to 2012 and retains influence among conservatives, even after retiring. He is the second head of state in modern-day France to be convicted of corruption. He may not spend any time in prison, however. Two years of his sentence were suspended, and Mee said she was open to him staying out of prison tagged with an electronic bracelet for the remaining year, although that decision rests with another judge. The court found that Sarkozy had offered to secure a plum job in Monaco for a judge, Gilbert Azibert, in return for inside information about an inquiry into allegations that he had accepted illegal payments from L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy left the court without speaking, but his lawyer said he would appeal, and prove his innocence. "This ruling is extremely severe and wholly unjustified," Jacqueline Laffont told reporters. ANOTHER TRIAL LOOMS Sarkozy had burst onto the world stage as a reformer full of ideas who wanted to break with Frances stagnant past on the domestic front and restore the birthplace of human rights to a place of prominence in international affairs. He earned himself the nickname of the "Gallic Thatcher", undertaking market-driven reforms such as raising the retirement age, loosening the 35-hour work week and adjusting the tax system to encourage overtime. Outside France, he brokered a ceasefire to the Russia-Georgia war in 2008, and in 2011 championed a NATO-led military intervention in Libya to support an uprising against its autocratic leader, Muammar Gaddafi. Investigators had been wiretapping conversations between Sarkozy and his lawyer Thierry Herzog from 2013 as they delved into allegations of Libyan financing of Sarkozy's 2007 campaign. As they did, they learned that Sarkozy and his lawyer were communicating using mobile phones registered under false names. Sarkozy said he had become the victim of a witch-hunt by financial prosecutors who had used excessive means to snoop on him. Herzog and Azibert, who were on trial alongside him, were also found guilty of corruption and influence-peddling. "Such behaviour can only seriously undermine the legitimate trust that the public must have in the justice system," Mee said. Sarkozy and his centre-right party Les Republicains have long said the investigations against him are politically motivated. The only other president of the Fifth Republic to be convicted by a court was Sarkozy's conservative predecessor, the late Jacques Chirac, who was found guilty of corruption in 2011. Sarkozy is due in court again later this month, on charges of violating campaign financing rules during his failed 2012 re-election bid. Prosecutors are also investigating allegations that Gaddafi provided Sarkozys 2007 campaign with millions of euros shipped to Paris in suitcases. Sarkozy denies both allegations. Short link: ORLANDO, Fla., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- National Retail Properties, Inc. (NYSE: NNN) (the "Company") today announced that it has priced its public offering of $450,000,000 of 3.500% senior unsecured notes due 2051 (the "notes"). The notes were offered at 98.132% of the principal amount with a yield to maturity of 3.602%. Interest on the notes will be payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2021. The notes mature on April 15, 2051. The offering is expected to close on or about March 10, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. BofA Securities, Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, TD Securities (USA) LLC and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters for the offering. RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Truist Securities, Inc. and PNC Capital Markets LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Capital One Securities, Inc. and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. are acting as senior co-managers for the offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the notes to redeem all of its outstanding 3.30% notes due 2023, to fund future property acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption under the indenture governing such 3.30% notes due 2023. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, which are part of an effective shelf registration statement the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You may obtain copies of these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained by contacting BofA Securities, Inc., 200 North College Street, 3rd Floor, NC1-004-03-43, Charlotte, NC 28255-001, Attention: Prospectus Department, by telephone: 1-800-294-1322 or by email at [email protected]; Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, 550 South Tryon Street, 5th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Attention: WFS Customer Service, by telephone: 1-800-645-3751, or by email at [email protected]; Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 1585 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10036, by telephone: 1-866-718-1649, or by email at [email protected]; TD Securities (USA) LLC, 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Transaction Management Group, by telephone: 1-855-495-9846, or by email at [email protected]; or U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., 214 N. Tryon Street, 26th Floor, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, Attention: Credit Fixed Income or by telephone: 1-877-558-2607. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. National Retail Properties, Inc. invests primarily in high-quality retail properties subject generally to long-term, net leases. As of December 31, 2020, the Company owned 3,143 properties in 48 states with an aggregate gross leasable area of approximately 32.5 million square feet and with a weighted average remaining lease term of 10.7 years. Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements. These statements generally are characterized by the use of terms such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "may," "estimated," or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the Company's actual future results to differ materially from expected results. For example, the fact that this offering has priced may imply that this offering will close, but the closing is subject to conditions customary in transactions of this type and may be delayed or may not occur at all. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described or at all or that the net proceeds of this offering will be used as described. Completion of this offering on the terms described, and the application of the net proceeds of this offering, are subject to numerous possible events, factors and conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company or are unknown to it. These risks include, among others, the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the world economy, general economic conditions, local real estate conditions, changes in interest rates, increases in operating costs, the preferences and financial condition of the Company's tenants, the availability of capital and risks related to the Company's status as a REIT. Additional information concerning these and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of each filing may be obtained from the Company or the SEC. Such forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as reflections of the Company's current operating plans and estimates. Actual results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in this press release. National Retail Properties, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date these statements were made. SOURCE National Retail Properties, Inc. Related Links http://www.nnnreit.com Heres another contender for that hotly-contested title of biggest company youve never heard of: Advanced. This provider of business management wares calls itself, probably justifiably, the third-largest UK-headquartered software business. Behind the scenes, Advanced has also played a big part in the countrys handling of the Covid crisis yet its finance, ERP, HR, payroll, time & attendance, spend management and other operations IT tools are hardly known to the man or woman on the street. When I got there, it was the largest least known software business in the UK, smiles CEO Gordon Wilson, who arrived in 2015 from a career leading similarly under-the-hood, powerful companies. All our solutions help us serve people in the UK, he says. We have the software that runs and controls the NHS 111 [emergency call line] and weve been pivotal in coordinating the response to the pandemic in the UK. Great regret as Llangollen Railway to enter receivership This article is old - Published: Monday, Mar 1st, 2021 The future of a heritage railway is in doubt after it was announced that that the organisations directors had taken the reluctant step of inviting the bank to appoint a receiver. Llangollen Railway, a major attraction in the Dee Valley, is said to put approximately 8.5 million into the local economy every year. However there is uncertainty over the its future, with the Llangollen Railway PLC accounts showing pre-tax losses of 330,601 in 2018, 329,175 in 2019 and 258,804 in 2020 (pre-audit). In a statement today Llangollen Railway PLC said a number of significant engineering contract disputes, all of which arose in the years prior to the current board taking over in October 2020, have crystallised in the last few days. The company says the claims against the company are compelling and are in excess of 250,000 in total and that there is no prospect of meeting these liabilities, even over an extended period. The statement continues onto say: As a result the balance sheet is now insolvent to the extent of 350,000 approximately, adjusting for intangible assets also. In such circumstances the company cannot legally continue to trade. The directors would like to acknowledge the considerable support of the Welsh Government through two significant grants, and NatWest Bank which, together with furlough payments, have enabled the company to continue to meet its commitments over recent months until now. The Trusts balance sheet remains solvent and there is some cash in hand. The Trust board will need to take steps to negotiate with the receiver to try to secure the line and preserve rolling stock and infrastructure to the extent possible. It is intended to recommence operations in due course but this is dependent upon legal and regulatory approvals, including licensing, all of which will clearly take time. The directors very much regret the impact this will have on our staff and employees, customers, suppliers, locomotive owners and their organisations, and anyone else with connections to the Railway. It is hoped to rehire many of our staff and employees and that it will be possible to maintain connections with many longstanding friends. Customers who have purchased tickets in advance, including driver experiences, deposits for weddings and gift vouchers, will either be refunded (the monies have been reserved) or will hopefully be able to travel at a future date. Where shareholders have ongoing annual ticket entitlements, these will continue to be met through the Trust. Anyone wishing to make a claim in the receivership should contact the Railway by e-mail at commercial@llangollen-railway.co.uk and details will be passed to the receiver. Reacting to todays news, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes, said: I have developed a strong relationship with the Llangollen Railway since becoming the MP for Clwyd South and have held regular meetings and made several visits to different parts of their network. I am very sorry that they have had to invite their bank to appoint a receiver but the combination of Covid and past engineering contract disputes has put an intolerable burden on the Railway. I hope, however, that a way forward is found for the Llangollen Railway so that it can emerge from this crisis with a sustainable long term future and continue to provide great pleasure to the many thousands of visitors to Llangollen in the years to come. Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymrus North Wales MS, said: This is a sorry day for the railway but also for Llangollen and Corwen. This has been a terrible year for the tourist trade, effectively facing three winter seasons consecutively, and I hope that the railway, its staff and volunteers can bounce back quickly. It has been a major attraction in the area for many years and has been an important employer in the town. Its vital that businesses, particular in the hospitality and tourism sector, get the support they need to overcome the battering theyve had in the past year. Ill do all I can as the regional Member of Senedd to make the case for the railway. Hillary Clinton broke her silence on Monday to back an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against New York Gov Andrew Cuomo. Charlotte Bennett, 25, a health policy adviser in the Democratic governor's administration until November, told The New York Times Cuomo asked her inappropriate questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men. Another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, 36, a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor, had already accused Cuomo, 63, of subjecting her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments. In response to the claims, Clinton said in a statement obtained by Fox News: 'These stories are difficult to read, and the allegations brought forth raise serious questions that the women who have come forward and all New Yorkers deserve answers to.' Hillary Clinton broke her silence on Monday to back an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against New York Gov Andrew Cuomo Charlotte Bennett (left), 25, said Cuomo asked her inappropriate questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men and Lindsey Boylan (right), 36, had already accused Cuomo, 63, of subjecting her to an unwanted kiss and inappropriate comments 'Im glad to see that there will be a full, independent, and thorough investigation,' the former secretary of state added. Clinton has joined other politicians who are backing an investigation into the governor. Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted over the weekend that the 'detailed accounts of sexual harassment' by both aides 'are extremely serious and painful to read'. 'There must be an independent investigation - not one led by an individual selected by the Governor, but by the office of the Attorney General,' Ocasio-Cortez said. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also said in a statement that the probe must be 'led by someone fully independent of the governor', adding that the allegations against Cuomo are 'disturbing'. Cuomo acknowledged for the first time Sunday that some of his behavior with women 'may have been insensitive or too personal'. The governor addressed the allegations in a statement and has not been seen in public since last Wednesday. He maintained he had never inappropriately touched or propositioned anyone. But he said he had teased people about their personal lives in an attempt to be 'playful'. 'I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that,' he said. The governor also said he would cooperate with the attorney general's investigation. In response to Cuomo's statement, Bennett released one of her own to the New York Times on Monday. 'As we know, abusers particularly those with tremendous amounts of power are often repeat offenders who engage in manipulative tactics to diminish allegations, blame victims, deny wrongdoing and escape consequences,' Bennett told the newspaper. 'It took the governor 24 hours and significant backlash to allow for a truly independent investigation. These are not the actions of someone who simply feels misunderstood; they are the actions of an individual who wields his power to avoid justice.' Bennett's lawyer, Debra S. Katz, also told the Times that Cuomo's 'remarks were not misunderstood by Ms Bennett'. 'He was abusing his power over her for sex. This is textbook sexual harassment,' Katz added. In response to the claims against Cuomo (pictured on February 22), Clinton said in a statement: 'These stories are difficult to read, and the allegations brought forth raise serious questions that the women who have come forward and all New Yorkers deserve answers to' New York's Attorney General Letitia James said Monday that she's moving forward with the investigation after receiving a letter from his office authorizing her to take charge of the probe. The referral letter allows James to deputize an outside law firm to conduct the inquiry with full subpoena power. When the investigation is finished, the findings will be disclosed in a public report, the letter said. James, in a statement announcing she received the letter, said: 'This is not a responsibility we take lightly as allegations of sexual harassment should always be taken seriously.' The letter authorizing James' investigation said that all state employees have been directed to cooperate fully with the review. Cuomo senior adviser Beth Garvey penned the letter and said she would facilitate interviews with witness and requests for documents from Cuomo's office. The referral came after a weekend of wrangling over who should investigate his workplace behavior. First, Cuomo's office said it would ask a former federal judge to conduct the probe. Then, it suggested James and the state's top judge work together to appoint outside counsel to look into the matter. Finally, on Sunday, Cuomo acquiesced to James' demands to take control of the inquiry. A Clark County, Wash., woman has filed a lawsuit against the city of Vancouver claiming that poor sidewalk maintenance contributed to her brothers death more than a year ago. According to the suit, filed in Clark County Superior Court on Feb. 2, Robert Willard Smith was found dead on the sidewalk on N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd. in the early hours of Jan. 28, 2020, the Columbian reported. The sidewalk at that location was found in a state of serious disrepair, the suit states. A municipality such as the city of Vancouver has a duty to exercise ordinary care in the maintenance of its sidewalks to keep them in a condition that is reasonably safe for ordinary use. The suit was filed by Clark County resident Christine Troutt, the deceased mans sister. Her lawyer, David Mann, said the case is in discovery and theyre ordering an autopsy. Troutt is seeking an undetermined amount in damages, to be proven at trial, the court document states, as well as reimbursement for legal fees. Its unclear from the lawsuit exactly how a sidewalk in poor repair may have led to Smiths death. Corrine Weiss, Vancouvers interim communications director, wrote in an email that the city was recently alerted to Troutts lawsuit. The city is aware of Mr. Smiths death and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones, Weiss wrote. While his death is tragic, we have yet to be presented with any evidence that Mr. Smith tripped on a city sidewalk, let alone that such a trip was the cause of his death. For this reason, the city cannot agree that this is an incident for which Vancouvers taxpayers should bear any liability, she said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Claims Washington A man on Monday shot his wife before fatally shooting himself during an appointment inside a west Houston medical office, according to the Houston Police Department. The woman, who has not been identified, was in stable condition as of Monday evening at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The suspect has only been identified as her 64-year-old husband. Police described the shooting as a domestic violence incident. The suspect fired two pistols, one from each hand, shortly before 3 p.m. in a fourth-floor office at 12121 Richmond Ave., Assistant Chief Wendy Baimbridge said in a news briefing at the scene. I think its tragic, Baimbridge said. Like Ive said before, 50 percent of our aggravated assault incidents in Houston right now and really across the nation, if youre looking at these numbers they are domestic-violence related. When officers arrived, they found the woman in the hallway outside the office. She had been shot once in the chest and again in her right arm. Officers then saw the suspect in the office, dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said the suspect appeared agitated when he arrived for his afternoon appointment with his wife. Before the shooting, he told a witness, Im going to kill you. I want you to die, Baimbridge said. The man pulled the witnesses shirt. The witness pushed him away and ran out of the office, Baimbridge said. Thats when the man turned and shot his wife, she said. Baimbridge said she could not provide more details about the nature of the mans appointment or his medical history. At the time of the news briefing, she said detectives were still looking for additional witnesses. Police had not yet spoken to the wife at the hospital, she said. The office where the shooting occurred is an independent, private medical practice, officials said. It is not affiliated with the next-door hospital, HCA Houston Healthcare West. At the scene, Baimbridge encouraged people to check on their loved ones, especially those in a domestic violence situation. It becomes very difficult for us to do something to intervene, because a lot of this is behind closed doors, she said. So we are really encouraging everyone, especially right now with the additional stressors that are on everybody regarding COVID and losing their jobs and so forth, to reach out and talk to one another. Check on each other. Samantha Ketterer contributed to this report. julian.gill@chron.com Diane Hennessy of Falun, Alta., is the photographer behind the lens of this cheeky photo of four Standardbred yearlings hanging out in the paddock at Rod Hennessy Stables. The photo is featured as the March shot in Standardbred Canadas Heart of Harness Racing calendar. Hennessy captured this photo last spring when her brother and sister-in-law were visiting the farm to check out the new foals. Kevin and Shawna were out visiting the farm, just to get a look at our new babies last spring. Meanwhile, in another paddock, the ever-inquisitive yearlings lined up to say hi and I just happened to take a series of photos. In this one, our JK Royal Flush homebred filly, JK Jelly Bean, made that wonderful face, said Hennessy. When I saw the photo, I was immediately reminded of my childhood family pictures where my mom would line up her five kids to take a good photo and there was always one of us who would make a face and ruin it for her. Now of course those happen to be the best pictures to look back on. Since retiring from the Royal Bank of Canada in 2015, Diane has been spending quality time with her 91-year-old mother and enjoying life at the farm as the wife of one of the most renowned trainers in the west, Rod Hennessy. In the 80's our bank [RBC] used to go to the races at Northlands for group events. It was always a lot of fun but I didn't know much about it until I met Rod, 13 years ago. He took me to the races for the first time at Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie. Since then it has been an amazing journey into the horse racing world. Before meeting Rod, Diane only ever admired the horses, but since then she has become a huge supporter of the industry and immersed herself in many different aspects of the sport. From cheering on the sidelines to helping out in the breeding shed, Diane doesnt shy away from any assignment she is given. I cheer from the sidelines and try to promote the sport as much as I can. I am the owner of a few race horses, as well as having been a breeder. One of the most wonderful things in the sport is watching your homebreds grow and make it to the races, and when they race well or win, boy does it feel great! One of the events that Hennessy enjoys most, but unfortunately missed out on last year, is attending the yearling sales. I wish I could buy all of them which is why I am not allowed to bid, but I do dig my elbow many times into Rod's side which unfortunately doesn't work well. Going to the Harrisburg Sale once was an absolute delight, especially coming home with my favourite horse, Cheddar Jack. After a long year of ups and downs in the harness racing industry due to the COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, Diane is looking forward to the return of racing for good. It seems an eternity since I've been able to watch live racing and see all the wonderful people I've come to know in the racing industry. I think that the lack of human contact is the most difficult part of this pandemic, aside from the financial concerns. I can't wait to see people smiling and happy and just enjoying being out and about and cheering on our amazing sport! Britain plans to use its presidency of the Group of Seven economic powers to push for an internationally recognized system of vaccine passports that could allow world travel to resume, though Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged Tuesday that the idea raises complex ethical issues. The British government previously said it was not considering issuing vaccine passports to people who had been inoculated. But it has now set up a review into COVID status certification that will examine ways people can prove they dont have the coronavirus, either through vaccination or by showing a negative test result. The government said it would look to introduce a system to allow vaccinated individuals to travel more freely internationally. It added it would work with other countries through the World Health Organization, the G7 whose presidency the UK holds this year and other bodies on a clear international framework with standards that provide consistency for passengers and industry alike. Introducing such a system also needs to be fair and not unduly disadvantage people who have yet to be offered or gain access to a vaccine, the government said in a document outlining its plans to lift Britains pandemic restrictions. That being the case, the government does not expect this solution to be available quickly, and restrictions like those in place across the world are likely to continue for the near future. The British government is also looking at how such proof might be used by employers, venue owners or organizers of large events. One option under consideration is using the National Health Service contact-tracing app, which millions of people in Britain have on their phones, to display COVID-19 test results. Johnson said Tuesday that there are deep and complex issues that we need to explore before making a decision. We cant be discriminatory against people who for whatever reason cant have the vaccine, he said. There might be medical reasons why people cant have a vaccine. Or some people may genuinely refuse to have one. I think thats mistaken, I think everybody should have a vaccine, but we need to thrash all this out. TORRINGTON Since he arrived in Torrington in the early 1990s, Jacque Williams has found his niche in the arts and culture scene, and has made his mark with fundraising for local charities. After years of promoting other peoples music, Williams recently recorded his first CD in many years, This Guy, which will be released Monday on Spotify, Amazon and iTunes. Half of any proceeds he earns will be donated to city organizations including Friendly Hands Food Bank and the FISH homeless shelter. An EP from the CD was released in January during an online fundraiser. Williams invited members of the nonprofit community, as well as friends and supporters, to collect money for those groups in a telethon format. The event raised $5,000. Friendly Hands Food Bank is honored to be among the recipients of this endeavor, bringing together music, the arts and awareness to the plight of food insecurity, said Karen Thomas, executive director of Friendly Hands Food Bank. She said the money is being used to keep the food banks shelves filled. Likewise, FISH NWCT is honored and thrilled to be recognized by Jacque Williams and Culture 4 A Cause with a donation, said FISH Executive Director Deirder DiCara. Truly, Jacque and his wonderful community-based group understand the need to support the organizations serving the hungry and the homeless of NWCT. Many in our community struggle with food insecurity every day, she said. And Im personally excited for my friend Jacque, at the release of his album, and commend him for his generosity and service to those in need. Williams, whose stage name is Jacque JJ, said his involvement in the city is twofold: to support other artists and businesses, and to help people in need. Torringtons arts and culture scene is very important, and we have to make sure we support our local artists in a way that helps the community, he said. We also have to get people downtown, because foot traffic will make all the difference. Even if you have to help businesses until they get a foothold, and help sustain them, you should. We need them. Theyll be there for the next generation in the city. He also started Culture4aCause, a nonprofit that uses art and music to promote his missions, and is a DJ on WAPJ radio, also in Torrington. Culture4aCause is just another way to help the greater good. The time was right for me to use the music Ive produced for a cause, to have a collective community impact with it, he said. Donating the sales I feel totally comfortable doing that. Some say thats crazy, and maybe it is, but thats OK. Musicians today have many more options to get their music out into the world, thanks to social media, Williams said. Were living in a day and a time when artists can make a difference, he said. They need to support themselves, but down the road, the ability for them to help people while theyre doing their work, is coming. Williams is an Ohio native who grew up in Dayton, and was drawn to the music scene there. In the 1980s, it was the place to be, he said. I was hanging around with friends and got to meet some celebrities during that time. One of those celebrities was Rob Lowe, who was celebrating his 26th birthday at the time in a TGIFridays, where a friend worked. My friend called me up and said, Hes here, and I can get you on the VIP list if you want to come down. So I had a chance to meet and talk to him, and he left me with some gems of wisdom that Ive carried with me through the years, Williams said. Rob Lowe told me, If you want to get certain roles (or play music) and stay relevant, you have to create an element of mystique. ... That was good advice. He has worked with Marshall Jones, a bass player with the then-popular group The Ohio Players. Marshall Jones planted that funk seed in me, Williams said. Dayton was somewhat of a hotbed for a lot of R&B acts back in the day. It was a cool time for the arts. Williams wanted to pursue his own music career, but in the late 1980s, rap music began to gain popularity. That style of music wasnt in my wheelhouse at the time, he said. Some of the guys I was working with said, If you really love the business, and want to stay relevant, you might have to consider moving to LA or New York City. He relocated to New York City and found more ways to diversify his work by connecting to Broadcast Music Inc. I developed a relationship with that company, he said. I knew I wasnt going to make it unless I put myself in a totally new environment with people I didnt know, who had no preconception of me as a performer. He was living in New Haven and commuting to the city, and got a job at a local Marriott hotel as a bartender near New Haven. I worked all kinds of hours, he said. One night I got a call at 3 a.m. to come in, and when I got there, here comes Tim Lauder and the Marshall Tucker Band. I learned that after the groups that played at Toads Place were done with their gigs, theyd come back to the hotel after hours and relax. I got to meet tons of people in the music business that way, too. As New Havens music scene changed in the late 1990s, Williams was invited to visit Torrington. I was working with a guy who was a graduate of the Hartt School of Music and he was talking about this little town in the northwest hills of Connecticut that had a nice little art vibe, he said. I wanted to get away from New Haven. At that time, Torrington was a happening little town, with cafes aplenty, the whole karaoke thing was taking off. ... I had DJ experience, and I thought, this is a good way to build my brand while working on my music. In the years that followed, the impact of 9/11 and the recession in 2009-10 made working in the music business a challenge. But Williams stuck it out. Then, around 2009, then-Torrington Mayor Ryan Bingham established the first Arts and Culture Commission. Mayor Bingham and Rose Ponte asked me to serve, and it offered me a way to to work in the local arts community and help other artists produce their work, and get their music out there, Williams said. It was a pleasure to do that, and in a lot of ways, it helped refuel this arts renaissance thats taking place throughout the Northwest Corner. That renaissance, he said, is what inspired him to record This Guy. What was happening around me compelled me to record again, and I made that transition, but it was a little harder than I thought, Williams said. In the last 10 years, Ive been pretty focused on community efforts and my DJ business. But when it comes to songwriting, it took a lot of work. ... But these days we have the tool of social media to work with. Its completely changed the way you can get your music out into the world. This Guy is representative of the changes hes seen over the years, since those days in the clubs in Dayton. Williams is also focused on promoting the citys venues, and is working on a dance party at Bad Dog Brewery, which opened in the old firehouse museum on Migeon Avenue in late January. Were just kind of taking notes and perfecting this event, to make it fun for everyone, he said. They have these beautiful rooms upstairs, and it should be good. Those who helped Williams record This Guy include sound engineer Justin Pfaender, a theater audio tech at the Warner Theatre, one of the most talented producers Ive ever worked with, he said. He really is responsible for the quality of the songs Im writing, Williams said. I also have to mention my publisher, P. Debbie Publishing, and Tim Grogean of Red Tube Records in Dayton, whove been promoting and publishing my music for the last 25 years; and Dan Morrison and Dustin for my digital album artwork. The CD This Guy can be purchased at Spotify, I-tunes and Amazon March 1. To learn more about Williams nonprofit, go to www.facebook.com/Culture4aCause . The state of Texas is suing Houston-based electricity retailer Griddy, accusing them of sending "sky-high" bills to customers in the wake of the recent winter storm. Griddy markets itself as a cheap alternative to traditional electricity plans by selling electricity at wholesale prices. The company collects a monthly fee from customers, making no money off the electricity itself. TAKE A LOAD OFF: This drug gets you high and is legal in Texas As the Texas power grid failed, the Public Utility Commission jacked up wholesale prices to nearly $9 per kilowatt hour. Those prices, typically $0.12 per kilowatt hour, were then foisted onto Griddy customers. Some customers who used auto-pay were charged thousands of dollars as the state froze. Once the commission announced the price hike, Griddy alerted its customers and urged them to switch providers, according to Naureen S. Malik of Bloomberg. The Texas Attorney General's Office announced a lawsuit against Griddy early Monday, alleging that Griddy misled its customers by not disclosing the danger of high wholesale prices. The AG's office alleges that the company exploited customers. "As Texans struggled to survive this winter storm, Griddy made the suffering even worse as it debited outrageous amounts each day," Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a press release. The lawsuit seeks refunds for Griddy customers. The AG's office also wants a judge to order Griddy to change how it markets its plans. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Mar, 2021) Emirates airline will boost its frequencies to Sudan with the introduction of daily flights to/ from Khartoum starting on 9th March 2021. The introduction of additional frequencies will provide more options and added convenience for those wishing to travel to Dubai and beyond to Emirates' network of over 90 destinations. Emirates continues to take measured steps to safely and gradually restart operations across its network whilst prioritising the health and safety of its customers and employees across every touchpoint of the travel journey. Khalfan Al Salami, Country Manager Sudan commented on the boost of services to Khartoum, "The increase of frequencies to daily from Khartoum are a direct response to growing passenger demand for Emirates services, and are designed to improve our customers' experience through greater choice and added convenience. Emirates is the top choice for travellers in Sudan, and we are committed to growing our operations to and from Khartoum further to support the country's post-pandemic recovery and help grow opportunities for future trade and investment." Emirates flight EK733 departs from Dubai at 14:50hrs, arriving in Khartoum at 17:10hrs. EK734 departs Khartoum at 18:45hrs, arriving in Dubai at 00:40hrs, the following day. In brief: When the Covid-19 pandemic first struck, tech companies were forced to close most of their physical retail shops, provided they weren't considered essential. Apple was hit particularly hard by these closures: it temporarily shut down a whopping 270 locations throughout the US. However, as the world begins to recover from and vaccinate against the virus, Apple has been able to return to normalcy. As of writing, the company has fully reopened all of its US locations. Obviously, Apple is still being careful. Many locations -- particularly those in highly-populated areas -- are still employing some restrictions and Covid-19 protection strategies. For example, some locations require customers to make an appointment before entering the store or only offer pre-arranged product pick-ups. Neither of those options is ideal, given the walk-in shopping experience Apple Stores previously boasted, but they're certainly better than nothing. All things considered, it's somewhat impressive that Apple has recovered as fast as it has. Its US stores haven't been universally open since March of last year, but that still means the company took just under a year to get back on its feet (not that it's ever necessarily been at risk of collapsing). If you were itching to walk back into your local Apple store throughout 2020, you might finally be able to now -- just be sure to bring your mask. Right before Tom Schierl moved to Jacksonville in 1968 to help oversee the construction of a new factory building, Carnation Co. officials told him, you become Mr. Coffeemate. After a 43-year career spent primarily in the production of the famed non-dairy creamer, Schierl certainly lived up to the name. Schierl was in on the ground floor, literally, of the Carnation now Nestle plant on the northwest side of Jacksonville. He had been with Carnation only about a year in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, when the company decided to build a Coffeemate plant in Jacksonville. More Information If you have a suggestion about someone who should be profiled, send their name and any contact information available to communitynews@myjournalcourier.com. See More Collapse Schierl said that Jacksonville had been chosen as the plant location from among 16 possible sites because of its proximity to the manufacturers of the products two main ingredients, corn syrup and vegetable oil. The area also had excellent transportation access, a good labor market, and officials were willing to work with Carnation Co. After the plant was opened in 1970, Schierl stayed on as assistant plant engineer, then was promoted to chief engineer, then engineering manager. The plant was built to produce 50 million pounds of Coffeemate per year, and at that time the profit margin was one dollar per pound, Schierl said. The plant cost $44 million to construct, so the plant was paid for in one year. We used new technology and efficiencies to eventually increase factory output to 184 million pounds per year. Nestle bought Carnation Co. and its 200 plants in 1985. Nestle had more than 2,000 plants worldwide and they bought Carnation for Jacksonville because that was a money-maker, Schierl said. Schierl said the Carnation plant was designed to be earthquake-proof and sits on 186 pilings that are each 12 inches in diameter and driven 50 feet into the ground. The steel-reinforced concrete walls are 12 inches thick and the concrete floors are 14 inches thick. You feel pretty safe inside. I would say its the sturdiest building in Jacksonville, Schierl said. Schierl said the factory produces the Coffeemate powder pretty much the same way it did when it opened 51 years ago. Corn syrup and vegetable oil arrive in liquid form and are stored in big, heated tanks. These and other ingredients are put into a big mixer and then pumped to the top of the spray dryer, which is more than 100 feet tall. A series of 52 nozzles spray the mixed liquid past gas heaters that cause the substance to change to powder by the time it reaches the bottom. The product is automatically packaged and then shipped across the world. Although the process is the same, on several occasions Schierl coordinated the switch to newer and better machines and methods. Coffeemate was originally packaged in glass containers obtained from Streator, but switching to lighter plastic greatly reduced production and shipping costs. But using plastic meant that other things needed to change as well. We filled the glass package with a vacuum filler, but plastic packages would collapse if you tried to fill them that way, so we had to go to a net weight filler, Schierl said. Another engineer and I went to Australia where they made good net weight filling machines. They were $5 million apiece and we had three lines. Labeling the plastic containers, which were designed with the now-familiar thinner neck to make them easier to grab from supermarket shelves, also presented a challenge. Because of the shape, instead of a roll-on label we had to go with a sleeve that we shrink-wrapped onto the container, Schierl said. But since the neck was thinner, we had to make the material around the neck a little bit thinner and heat it a little hotter, which would cause it to fit closely around the neck. Schierl traveled to Nestle headquarters in Switzerland and acquired machines in that country and in Toronto, Canada, to fill the 3-gram Coffeemate packets that are often found in restaurants and business break rooms. These machines produce between 600 and 1,000 packets per minute, Schierl said. Schierl was also involved in the decision to use the ubiquitous red caps on the Coffeemate containers. Red was chosen because the pigment was about one cent cheaper per unit than other colors. With three factory lines running in Jacksonville that produced about 1,000 caps per minute, using red caps meant a daily savings of about $14,000, Schierl said. Working for Carnation and then Nestle at the Jacksonville plant often required long hours on the job. Schierl remembered working for three straight 24-hour days in the late 1990s when the plant was shut down around Christmas to undergo repair and maintenance. A crucial freight elevator needed to be overhauled, but Otis Elevator Co. workers couldnt get the old shaft removed from the ground, and the plants reopening was just days away. An Otis guy recommended dynamiting the shaft. I couldnt make that decision, so I called my boss and he said heavens no, Schierl said. Finally, an Otis guy figured out a way to hang an acetylene torch on a rod, lowered it 30 feet down into the shaft, and remotely cut a hole for a chain hook that we used to lift the shaft out of the ground. It was the most amazing feat of ingenuity I ever saw. Schierl and his wife, Marilyn, have six children, 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They have been married 61 years, and just recently moved from their Jacksonville home to a retirement community in Springfield. She was Marilyn Schaff and I was Tom Schierl, so I sat next to her in high school in most classes for four years, Schierl said. So we decided, well, we sat together for four years, we might as well get married. We are both from the Dairy State of Wisconsin. My wife was a dairy farmer, so you always just used milk or cream in your coffee, Schierl said. Then this non-dairy product came along and it got so huge. Carnation thought Coffeemate would only last about 10 years. But does Schierl use the product that he helped to produce for 43 years in Jacksonville? I never did. I take my coffee black, Schierl said, but Marilyn uses it. Toronto, March 1 : A disorder called obstructive sleep apnea that occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep is common in people with thinking and memory problems, says a new study. The risk of cognitive impairment increases as people age. "Better sleep is beneficial to the brain and can improve cognitive skills. Yet in our study, we found that over half of the people with cognitive impairment had obstructive sleep apnea," said study author Mark Boulos of the University of Toronto in Canada. "We also found that those with the sleep disorder had lower scores on thinking and memory tests. Fully understanding how obstructive sleep apnea affects this population is important because with treatment, there is potential to improve thinking and memory skills as well as overall quality of life." The study involved 67 people with an average age of 73 who had cognitive impairment. Participants completed questionnaires on sleep, cognition and mood. They also took a 30-point cognitive assessment to determine their level of cognitive impairment. Researchers found that 52 per cent of study participants had obstructive sleep apnea. People with the sleep disorder were 60 per cent more likely to score lower on the cognitive test than people who did not have sleep apnea, according to the study to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting scheduled to be held virtually from April 17 to 22. In addition, researchers found that the severity of obstructive sleep apnea corresponded with the degree of cognitive impairment as well as the quality of sleep for participants, including sleep time, how quickly they fell asleep, the efficiency of their sleep and how often they awoke at night. "People with cognitive impairment should be assessed for obstructive sleep apnea because it can be treated by using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that helps keep the airway open at night," said Boulos. "However, not everyone who tries CPAP chooses to regularly use the therapy, and this may be a bigger challenge to people with thinking and memory problems. "Future research should be directed toward determining ways to diagnose and manage the disease that are efficient and easy to use in people with cognitive impairment," Boulos said. Mamata Banerjee expands Bengal Cabinet, 43 TMC leaders sworn in as ministers: Full List here All 77 BJP MLAs in Bengal to have central security cover BJPs tally in West Bengal assembly down to 75 Saradha Scam: ED summons Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh India pti-Deepika S Kolkata, Mar 01: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the money laundering aspect of the Saradha chit fund scam, has summoned Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh for questioning. Sources in the agency said the former Rajya Sabha MP has been asked to reach the CGO Complex office of the ED at Salt Lake area of the city by 11 am on Tuesday. Ghosh, who is out on bail in the Saradha case, was suspended from the Trinamool in 2013 for alleged anti-party activities. He was later reinstated as the party spokesperson. The former MP headed a TV channel and a daily, which was funded by the now-defunct Saradha group. Employees at the San Francisco-based digital publishing site Medium have voted down a proposal on unionization by a one-vote margin that would have required company management to recognize the group. On Friday the group lobbying for union representation failed to reach the threshold for voluntary recognition agreed on with management, winning 52% of votes but not enough to allow it to bargain with the company, according to a statement from the union. In a recent anonymous online election conducted by a neutral third party, the Communications Workers of America did not achieve the agreed-upon majority needed for a union to be recognized at Medium, a Medium spokesperson said in an email. We will respect our employees collective decision and the elections outcome. We will also continue to listen to and speak with employees directly so we can quickly address concerns, continue to adapt, and together, build a successful company. the statement added. The group announced plans to form a union last month, affiliating itself with the Communications Workers of America union and its newly formed tech organizing arm, the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees, or CODE-CWA. Members of the union painted the outcome as less a referendum on whether the union exists, but what its power would be. In the statement, Medium workers said they had enough votes to win an election at the National Labor Relations Board to force the company to recognize and bargain with them, but didnt plan to do so right now. The group said it would take a break before continuing its organizing work and determining its plans for the future. A group of employees at Google parent Alphabet announced in January they had formed a union that was also affiliated with the CWA. That group is organized as a so-called minority union where members pay dues and organize but arent recognized by the company as a bargaining unit. Minority unions can still organize to advocate for changes inside and outside a company, part of the stated purpose of the Alphabet Workers Union. Employers arent required to bargain with minority unions over contracts, although such unions can bargain for a members-only contract. Tensions were stoked last month when members of the newly formed Alphabet union appeared to be caught unaware when the Switzerland-based Uni Global Union announced that the Alphabet union was affiliating internationally under the name Alpha Global alliance. The Alphabet union previously said it is investigating the issues launched, and the Uni Global Union issued a correction saying it had included them by mistake. Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice [March 01, 2021] Alianza Adds Video Conferencing and Mobile Applications with Acquisition of CounterPath PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alianza, Inc., the full stack cloud communications platform for service providers, announced today the closing of its acquisition of CounterPath Corporation, a Vancouver-based provider of softphones, cloud meetings, and mobile UCaaS solutions. The combination with CounterPath strengthens Alianza's ability to deliver the best end-to-end cloud communications platform for service providers. Service providers are now better positioned to win in the rapidly growing and evolving communications market. Highlights of the combination include: Service providers now have access to modern cloud voice, video conferencing, and text messaging for businesses, in addition to cost-effective residential phone services from a single provider. Accelerates service providers' ability to innovate and keep pace with the ever-changing business cloud communications market while seamlessly integrating with back-office and customer experience workflows. Unmatched expertise in cloud technology, unified communications, and mobile applications extends R&D capabilities for service providers seeking to elevate their go to market strategies. "We are on a mission to help service providers grow market presence and revenue with a one-stop-shop to cloud-source all their communications offerings," said Brian Beutler, CEO, and Founder of Alianza. "By adding CounterPath products, Alianza's customers are able to future-proof their solutions and compete with vertical market players by adding modern messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration tools." "Together, Alianza and CounterPath will change the cloud communications landscape," commented Todd Carothers, Chief Revenue Officer of CounterPath. "The companies share a commitment to empowering service providers with innovative communication products that have a meaningful impact on the bottom line and doing so with a focus on simplicity and high quality." "Alianza's acquisition of CounterPath reflects the growing importance of video meetings and team messaging to the enterprise communications and collboration landscape," says Irwin Lazar, President and Principal Analyst at Metrigy. "Today, more than 60% of companies are now bundling those features into their calling licenses to better support remote work and customer engagement. Alianza's broad offering enables service providers to bundle additional value-add capabilities with their existing network and telephony offerings." CounterPath brings award-winning softphones and collaboration tools to Alianza communications service providers Service providers are looking to grow and add services that digitally transform their offerings to meet customer expectations for consolidated calling, messaging, meetings, and contact center solutions. With the rapid rise and need for remote work communications solutions and video conferencing, the ability to create user-intuitive solutions and rapidly deploy these products with cloud flexibility is a significant benefit to service providers. By combining CounterPath award-winning Bria softphones and Stretto services with the Alianza Cloud Communications Platform, the company will deliver industry-leading voice, video, messaging, and cloud meeting solutions from a single cloud-based technology provider. Alianza platform enables CounterPath service providers, OEMs, and value-added resellers Communications service providers (CSPs) and managed service providers (MSPs) are no longer held back by obsolete and complex on-premises solutions. The combined solution provides existing CounterPath customers with the flexibility of a full turnkey platform or standalone cloud communications products to solve specific market requirements. By utilizing Alianza communications products and platform services, customers can go to market quickly with easy-to-use, easy-to-manage products, while focusing on their core business of customer delivery and experience. Executive Team and Offices Alianza CEO, Brian Beutler, welcomes CounterPath CRO, Todd Carothers, to the Alianza executive team as EVP of Corporate Strategy, joining Justin Cooper, EVP Customer Success & Product, Kevin Dundon, EVP Sales & Marketing, and Clint Peck, CTO. The Alianza headquarters remains in Pleasant Grove, Utah. With the acquisition, Alianza will maintain a significant Vancouver, British Columbia presence. Additional Resources Read more about the Alianza's full stack cloud communications platform on our blog. Download the Alianza Company Fact Sheet. About Alianza Alianza connects people with a full stack cloud communications platform that empowers service providers to rapidly create and deploy high-value communications offerings. With exceptional quality and always-on availability, service providers leverage our product suite to innovate and address the evolving market demands of business and residential customers with an easy to manage, easy to consume, and highly profitable platform. Cloud communication products include voice, video conferencing, and text messaging for businesses, residential phone service, and standalone UC softphones. Our team of experts has a passion for transforming communications delivery and ensuring first-rate customer experiences. Alianza serves more than 600 satisfied customers across 60 countries. Learn more about our solutions at alianza.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Kevin Mitchell Vice President, Marketing (801) 802-6441 PR@alianza.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alianza-adds-video-conferencing-and-mobile-applications-with-acquisition-of-counterpath-301237476.html SOURCE Alianza, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Welcome Guest! You Are Here: "Cannabis laws are out of date and disproportionately cruel and punishing when compared to the rest of the legal code, JAY-Z told investors The out-of-home and digital series draws attention to the hypocrisy of current regulations governing cannabis throughout the US TPCO Holding Corp ( ) (NEO:GRAM.U) ( ) announced Monday that its MONOGRAM brand led by hip-hop superstar Shawn JAY-Z Carter has launched a national campaign to challenge existing cannabis laws in the US. In a statement, the company said MONOGRAM's campaign highlights the lack of progress made since the War on Drugs began 45 years ago, along with the outsized consequences still facing those who have been victimized by its lasting effects across the US. "Cannabis laws are out of date and disproportionately cruel and punishing when compared to the rest of the legal code, JAY-Z said in a statement Monday. We still don't have proper regulation for texting and driving in Missouri, but staying home and smoking weed will get you locked up. The mogul said he has created the campaign to amplify the voices of those who have been penalized for the very same thing that venture capitalists are now prospering from with the emerging legal cannabis market. Far too often we forget that these are real people whose everyday lives and futures have been affected by this outdated legislature - people like Bryan Rone, who can no longer pursue a career in sales because of a cannabis-related conviction in 2003, JAY-Z added. The out-of-home and digital series draws attention to the hypocrisy of current regulations governing cannabis throughout the US, with shockingly factual headlines set against the backdrop of eight portraits of individuals who have been charged for cannabis-related offenses, according to The Parent Company. The campaign will also introduce video testimonials from the eight featured individuals, giving them the chance to share their own experience with inequitable punishment for cannabis offenses in the US. The stories will appear on MONOGRAMs website and social channels. Social equity program Steve Allan, The Parent Companys CEO, told investors that one of the founding principles of the company was to foster social equity in cannabis. The disproportionate effects of the War on Drugs have been devastating, and we believe it is our responsibility to lay the stage to begin the process of righting the many wrongs against the Black and other minority communities, Allan said. With this goal in mind, The Parent Company has funded a social equity ventures program to give Black and other minority entrepreneurs equal opportunity for participation in the legal cannabis industry. Led by Shawn 'JAY-Z' Carter and Desiree Perez (CEO of Roc Nation), this program will identify and fund the next generation of cannabis business leaders who are building value for their communities and diversity in our industry. The social equity ventures program will officially launch in the coming months, according to Allan. In addition, The Parent Company will empower its own house of brands to amplify the message as a part of its own advocacy campaigns. We are proud of MONOGRAM's ground-breaking efforts to address such an important issue, Allan added. Los Angeles-based The Parent Company is a leading vertically-integrated house of brands serving the California market. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas Demand for manufactured goods drove extended growth in factories across Europe and Asia in February, but a slowdown in China underscored the challenges countries face as they seek a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic blow. Restrictions imposed around the world to try and quell the spread of the coronavirus have shuttered vast swathes of the services industry, meaning it has fallen to manufacturers to support economies. But vaccine rollouts and a pick-up in demand provided optimism for businesses that have grappled for months with a cash-flow crunch and falling profits. IHS Markit's final Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) jumped to a three-year high of 57.9 in February from January's 54.8, beating the initial 57.7 "flash" estimate for one of the highest readings in the survey's 20-year history. German factory activity also reached a three-year peak last month and in France the pace of growth accelerated. Italy and Spain also saw a pick-up. However, lockdown measures disrupted supply chains and factories struggled to obtain raw materials, leading to a big increase in delivery times. " shipping delays and strong global demand for raw materials have slowed manufacturers worldwide," said Samuel Tombs at Pantheon Macroeconomics. Factories in Britain, outside the euro zone and the European Union, reported the slowest output growth since May last month. Disruptions and rising costs linked to Brexit and COVID-19 limited their ability to respond to a modest pick-up in orders. ASIAN RECOVERY Manufacturing activity in Japan expanded at the fastest pace in over two years and South Korea's exports rose for a fourth straight month, suggesting Asia's export-reliant economies were benefiting from robust global trade. On the flip side, China's factory activity grew at the slowest pace in nine months, hit by a domestic flare-up of COVID-19 and soft demand from countries under renewed lock-down measures. "In all, the softer pace of activity in today's (Chinese) manufacturing print is likely to be temporary, and we expect the growth momentum to pick back up on the back of a broadening out of the domestic demand recovery and a pick-up in global demand," said Erin Xin, an economist at HSBC. "However, household consumption, while recovering, has not yet fully reached pre-pandemic levels of growth due to continued labour market pressure." China was the first major economy to lead the recovery from the COVID-19 shock, so any signs of prolonged cooling in Asia's growth engine will likely be a cause for concern. With the global rebound still in its early days, analysts said the outlook was brightening as companies increased output to restock inventory on hopes vaccine rollouts normalise economic activity. "The recovery in durable-goods demand is continuing, which is creating a positive cycle for manufacturers in Asia," said Shigeto Nagai, head of Japan economics at Oxford Economics. "As vaccine rollouts ease uncertainties over the outlook, capital expenditure will gradually pick up. That will benefit Japan, which is strong in exports of capital goods," he said. China's Caixin/Markit Manufacturing PMI fell to 50.9 in February, the lowest level since last May but still above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction. Activity elsewhere in Asia remained brisk. The Japan PMI jumped to its highest since December 2018. In South Korea, a regional exports bellwether, shipments jumped 9.5% for a fourth straight month of increase. India's factory activity expanded for the seventh consecutive month on strong demand and increased output, though a spike in input costs could weigh on corporate profits ahead. The Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam also saw manufacturing activity expand in February, a sign the region was recovering from the initial hit of the pandemic. (Reporting by Jonathan Cable and Leika Kihara; editing by Shri Navaratnam, Larry King) (CNN) -- British health officials are racing to track down a person who has been infected with a Covid-19 variant first identified in the Brazilian city of Manaus. The person is one of six cases of the P.1 variant that have been detected in the UK, according to Public Health England (PHE) in a Sunday press release, which added that three of the cases were located in England and another three in Scotland. The unidentified individual did not complete a registration card associated with their test so officials are not able to track them, PHE said. It is asking for anyone who took a test on February 12 or 13 and has not received their result "or has an uncompleted test registration card" to get in contact. Speaking to Sky News on Monday, the UK's vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi believes the individual "would probably got a home kit or a test kit from the local authority." The two other cases identified in England are from one household in the Gloucestershire region with a history of travel to Brazil, PHE said. The two people "have been self-isolating correctly" and there is "minimal reason to believe that there may be further spread," Zahawi added. Contract tracers are getting in touch with all passengers on Swiss Air flight LX318 from Sao Paulo via Zurich, which landed in London on February 10. They will all be tested in their homes, PHE said. The flight landed days before the UK imposed a 10-day quarantine hotel system at their own expense. It however arrived nearly a month after the UK banned direct flights from Brazil. But UK nationals and residents have been able to return via indirect routes. The deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, Angela Rayner, said the P.1 variant's spread was "more evidence that the failure to introduce a hotel quarantine was reckless and dangerous," in a post on Twitter. "The continuing refusal to put in place a comprehensive system leaves us exposed to mutations and new variants coming into our country from overseas. The same mistakes again and again," she added. The P.1 variant is suspected of fueling a resurgence of viral spread in Brazil. It was found in 42% of specimens in one survey carried out in Manaus and cases have since emerged in the US and Japan. The P.1 variant has mutations in common with the variant identified in South Africa, which could mean that it is more contagious and may help it evade vaccines. "It is possible that this variant may respond less well to current vaccines, but more work is needed to understand this," PHE said on Sunday. "Recent reports from Manaus in Brazil, where the P.1 variant is fueling a surge in infections, suggest that this variant is responsible for re-infecting individuals who were previously infected with a different variant of the virus," Lawrence Young, a professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School, said in a release sent out by the UK's Science Media Center. "That's why it's even more important to do everything to stop the spread of this virus and all other variants including strict border controls and an efficient test, trace and isolate system," he said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "UK hunts for person infected with Covid-19 variant first identified in Brazil" LONDON The numbers may be trending downward, but the battle is no less intense. In the land of Churchill, it is likened sometimes to war, the Covid war. In the latest phase of Britains splintered campaign against the coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week laid out a long glide path for Englands gradual reopening from lockdown, from March to June. But despite a speedy vaccine rollout, the schedule for changes was decidedly protracted and declared reversible for good reason. After almost a year of mixed messages, Covid still divides the land between those who know and dread its fearsome reach, and those seduced by unlikely promises and invented deadlines of redemption. The diseases impact has been witnessed most readily in half-empty streets, shuttered shops and missed pints. Its shadow world of suffering remains largely cloistered in cramped intensive care wards, teeming with patients, where doctors and nurses work out of sight to the brink of despair. It is through their heroism that the toll is not worse than it is already more than 120,000 dead. The images sometimes evoke those of combat triage units amid the swirl of battle, with noise and chaos and bleeping monitors and medics tightly enfolded in protective garb, a spectral army thronging spaces overfilled with the most threatened of patients. One of my biggest feelings in the second wave has been anger at how many people are blatantly ignoring the rules and not really thinking about what they are doing out and about, said Susan Jain, a specialist in anesthesia and intensive therapy who works with a team of doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at the Homerton hospital in East London. I want people to know how awful it is, how much a threat this is to all of us, she said. Haydar Sal will tell you. He survived the intensive care ward Dr. Jain oversees. The worst thing was seeing the people around me die, said Mr. Sal, who lost more than 65 pounds in his fight. I saw a lot of people beg every kind of god they could think of to survive. I was the only one in the time I was there who walked out of there, Haydar Sal said of his time in the I.C.U. Other units have been converted to take an overflow of critical patients. Even so, intensive care theaters are crammed. I was the only one in the time I was there who walked out of there, Haydar Sal said of his time in the I.C.U. Other units have been converted to take an overflow of critical patients. Even so, intensive care theaters are crammed. Britons often tried to ignore Covid as it advanced inexorably from Asia to northern Italy to the United States, leapfrogging political and geographic boundaries, carried by airline passengers and cruise ship vacationers just as Britain entered the final phase of its departure from the European Union. The British government says that throughout the pandemic, it has put in place proportionate measures to protect the public and workers at hospitals and care homes, while supporting the National Health Service in every possible way. As we have done throughout this global pandemic the U.K. government continues to take all action necessary to curb this virus, informed by the latest advice from our scientific experts, it said in a statement. Today the battle against the virus is still being waged on myriad fronts. It is fought from emergency rooms to burial grounds; from the parlors of modest homes to the chanceries of state; from the soaring vault of a cathedral-cum-vaccination center to small-town mortuaries designed to cope with quotidian calculations of mortality, not the crushing onslaught of a pandemic. The British government casts its fight in superlatives: the fastest authorization of vaccines, the speediest rollout of inoculations. But there is another, more macabre marker: a higher per capita death toll than any other large country in the world. It finally took the emergence of a much more transmissible variant of the virus in the county of Kent in December to galvanize the country and its government. Last month, Sharon Peacock, the head of Britains genetic surveillance program, said the variant had swept the country and its going to sweep the world in all probability. For years, British physicians say, they have sought funds for the National Health Service to expand intensive care facilities, only to be laughed out of committee rooms, as one of them put it. And so, their charges cling to life in crammed theaters, many in induced comas. The intensive care unit where Dr. Jain works had to expand from 10 patients to 30, nearly all of them on ventilators. We are very packed in our particular unit, she said. It isnt quite as bad as M.A.S.H., but thats what comes to mind. It is not a place Mohammed Malik, 53, a retired I.T. project manager who was discharged in February, recommends visiting. The I.C.U. is the last place you want to end up, he said. Theres nothing after the I.C.U. other than death. While he was there, one of his five daughters, Mariam, who was pregnant, was found to be infected, too. The baby was delivered by Cesarean; his daughter was in a coma for 10 days. It was the darkest of all the darkest moments, he said. They survived. But even now, he said, he experiences strange anomalies, like the absence of a detectable pulse on his right side. He had nothing but praise for his doctors. The I.C.U. operates at triple its usual capacity. It isnt quite as bad as M.A.S.H., but thats what comes to mind, Dr. Susan Jain said. Mohammed Malik clapped as he was wheeled out. They saved my life, he said. The I.C.U. operates at triple its usual capacity. It isnt quite as bad as M.A.S.H., but thats what comes to mind, Dr. Susan Jain said. Mohammed Malik clapped as he was wheeled out. They saved my life, he said. As elsewhere in Europe, the virus seemed to retreat in late summer. Travel restrictions were eased. In England, the government even offered cash incentives for people to eat out in crowded restaurants. Then the caseload curve veered sharply upward again. I never thought it would be so severe, Dr. Jain said. In this wave, she said, the patients seemed to be younger, possibly because of the new variants, though the governments data was inconclusive. But the root is probably in the way it has been handled centrally, by authorities shying from harsher measures earlier. If you let people out of lockdown in December, over Christmas, there was only one way it was going to go, she said. By mid-January Covid fatalities were soaring, along with hospitalization and infection rates. On Jan. 20, the daily tally of death peaked at 1,820 patients who perished within 28 days of testing positive. The fatalities have been especially high among some ethnic minorities. Our workload has increased about 10-fold, said Idris Patel, the founder and Chief Executive of the Muslim Patel Burial Trust/Supporting Humanity, a charitable group. We used to bury two to three a week in summer, four to five in winter. Now its six a day. His nonprofit group has had to augment its single mechanical digger with two more from rental companies to create new graves. The numbers are not the only change. This time round this one seems to have hit a different age group, Mr. Patel said. Were burying people a lot younger, from ages of 40 to 63, under pension age. Normally, funeral rites begin in a mosque with an imam reciting the Janaza, the Islamic funeral prayer. But these days, Kafil Ahmed, who runs the Al Birr Islamic Trust Funeral Service in Greenwich, southeast London, sometimes performs the rites himself, graveside. Kafil Ahmed now wears protective gear to ceremonially wash bodies. Funeral services are straining to keep up with demand. Minority communities have been hit especially hard. Kafil Ahmed now wears protective gear to ceremonially wash bodies. Funeral services are straining to keep up with demand. Minority communities have been hit especially hard. Normal is still a long way off. As in most wars, the most onerous burden falls on those who did not sign up for their unwonted parts in this great 21st century drama. People like Skye Sunderland, 17, already sick with cancer, who was brought low by Covid in January. By the time it was discovered last August, the rare sarcoma had already spread from her adrenal glands to her lungs. Physicians concluded she would need 14 cycles of chemotherapy. It was only a few cycles in that she found it difficult to tolerate the side effects and other medicines, said Judith Sunderland, a lecturer in midwifery, who along with her partner Naomi Sunderland adopted Skye a decade ago. So she stayed at home, apart from one blood transfusion. On Dec. 26, the family learned that Skye had contracted the virus. She died on Jan. 5 at home in the Newham district of East London. Both the cancer and the Covid were listed as contributory causes. Her parents tested positive, too, but survived. Skye Sunderland was buried on Jan. 21 in East London. She was part of a death toll that passed 120,000 in February. Jack OMalley, a funeral director, says hes now working seven days a week. Skye Sunderland was buried on Jan. 21 in East London. She was part of a death toll that passed 120,000 in February. Jack OMalley, a funeral director, says hes now working seven days a week. As the governments vaccination campaign gathers pace, fatalities and infections have fallen sharply from their January peaks. Infections have dropped across all age groups, not just those who have been vaccinated, said a report by scientists at Imperial College, London, suggesting the downward trends are due to lockdown rather than the impact of vaccination. Medical authorities have encountered some resistance, particularly among minority groups. Rumor and misinformation spread online by anti-inoculation campaigners have raised false alarms about forbidden products such as pork, or even microchips, in the vaccines. But the vaccination campaign has largely been welcomed as a glimmer of hope and is being expanded. The process has been accelerated by a decision to limit vaccinations to a single dose in an initial 12-week period, even though the manufacturers of the widely used Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recommend a second dose after three weeks. (Full disclosure: The author of this article had a single dose of that vaccine on Jan. 15. No date for a second jab was offered.) Britons have been vaccinated even in the soaring Salisbury Cathedral. Most of those vaccinated have been over 70. Across the nation, more than 20 million people have received shots so far. Britons have been vaccinated even in the soaring Salisbury Cathedral. Most of those vaccinated have been over 70. Across the nation, more than 20 million people have received shots so far. With the onslaught of disease seeming to be in retreat, fear of infection is being supplanted by an almost palpable yearning for the counter-vision of a Shangri-La where pints are pulled in sunlit pubs, children gambol in brightly painted classrooms, and airlines fly to faraway beaches. Though Mr. Johnsons latest road map out of the lockdown was depicted as cautious by the government, the news made Mike Padgham, the managing director of St. Cecilias nursing home in the seaside resort of Scarborough, northeast England, a little nervous. In the first wave, nursing home residents suffered disproportionate casualties as hospitals moved aging patients into care facilities to free up beds for Covid patients. Up to a third of all deaths in 2020 occurred in facilities catering to older people, many of them suffering from dementia. In the current wave, fewer patients recovering from Covid are being taken to nursing homes, such as Mr. Padghams, where they have a dedicated floor. The risks remain steep. Under the governments new changes set to take effect on March 8, one week before Mothers Day in Britain his charges would be allowed visits by a family member under strict conditions. No hugs. No kisses. But hand-holding is OK. A previous attempt to ease restrictions last year was short-lived because of a spike nationwide in infections, Mr. Padgham said. This time, designated visitors will wear protective clothing and undergo a so-called lateral flow test for Covid before meeting a relative. But, he worries, there could always be the odd person who would give their mum or dad a hug or a kiss. An infection, he said, would spread like wildfire through the 110 residents of St. Cecilias. Most have received only the first of the prescribed two doses of vaccine, adding to the trepidation. I dont think the government has thought it through as clearly as they ought to, he said. We have to take the brakes off very gently. In an article he wrote recently, he measured the Covid war against Churchillian rhetoric midway through World War II warning that the war wasnt over yet. And so we are with Covid-19, he said. Nursing homes like St. Cecilias still receive recovering Covid patients, who are sequestered. But the risk of Covid devastation, like in the first wave, is still great. A contagion could spread like wildfire to others who live there. Nursing homes like St. Cecilias still receive recovering Covid patients, who are sequestered. But the risk of Covid devastation, like in the first wave, is still great. A contagion could spread like wildfire to others who live there. For others, too, there is an uneasy comparison with the closing phases of distant military conflicts in war-weary lands. Somewhere, out there, beyond the immediate palisade, the fighting continues. But it has been overtaken by a yearning for normalcy, once implicit in handshakes and embraces, live music concerts and soccer stadiums packed with roaring fans a shoulder-to-shoulder kind of life, a dream of blinking toward the light after a long sequestration. I think I feel quite cynical about it, Dr. Jain said. I cant honestly see a time when we'll be free to roam around, go to cafes, the theater, go to concerts, be all packed in like sardines on the Tube. Youd have to get the whole world vaccinated to get back to that and make sure the vaccine is effective. For now, she is a servant to the strange rituals of the pandemic, no less tedious for their familiarity and urgency. The donning and doffing of personal protection equipment has assumed an overweening importance in containing infection, said Dr. Jain, who cares for two children at home and her aging parents and a nearby aunt. At the end of the day, I take a shower at work, and as soon as I come home I wont let the children come near me until I have showered again, she said. How do you know what you bring back? The whole time since it started, especially at the beginning, I was convinced I was going to get it, she said. I thought it was inevitable. She has not. Health care workers were some of the first to get vaccines. But for the psychic toll there is no inoculation. In intensive care wards the fight, sometimes quietly, takes its toll. We did the first wave and we were trying to recover, Dr. Jain said. Physically, emotionally, mentally its challenging. In intensive care wards the fight, sometimes quietly, takes its toll. We did the first wave and we were trying to recover, Dr. Jain said. Physically, emotionally, mentally its challenging. When Jack OMalley opened his family business as an undertaker just four years ago, he expected to confront raw grief, too. But not like this, he said. Back then, he expected to oversee three cremations or burials a week. Then it might take 10 days or two weeks to arrange the final rites. Then, taking his black top hat and cane, he would as is the tradition known as paging march solemnly ahead of the hearse and the cortege of mourners. Now the pace of loss has both quickened and slowed. In one week in February, he said, there were nine new bereavements to arrange in two days in his corner of the English Midlands in Cannock. Such is the pressure on crematories that the first available appointment for a person who died on Feb. 1 was on March 19. I dont watch the news anymore, because its the same as what I am doing at work, Mr. OMalley said. My whole life is just work: Im spending all the day dealing with families and funerals. He called it Covid fatigue. The pandemic has created sheafs of regulations and restrictions on the minutiae of life, and death. Mourners may not touch or place flowers on the coffins of the departed. Family members may not carry the coffins on their shoulders. No more than 30 may attend funeral services, and fewer if the venue is not roomy enough to enable social distancing. Singing, chanting, blowing horns and raising voices are all limited. It is not unusual, Mr. OMalley said, for mourners to livestream funeral services from their phones and tablets to enable a broader audience to follow the ceremonies from afar. Funeral workers have felt little reprieve. Coffins are made ready. Theres a real human cost, Mr. OMalley said. Funeral workers have felt little reprieve. Coffins are made ready. Theres a real human cost, Mr. OMalley said. Inevitably, those on the front lines funeral workers, doctors and nurses are often most exposed. So are their kin. In December, Mr. Ahmed, of Al Birr Islamic Trust Funeral Service, said his younger brother, Zia Ahmed, had sickened. When the ambulance did not arrive, he bundled him up himself and drove him to the emergency room. And thats it, he said, from there on they said that he had Covid. So I got myself tested and I was positive, too. His wife, Nasim, who had lost her mother and a brother-in-law to Covid, also tested positive. Neither of them was hospitalized. But it was very hard, Mr. Ahmed said. It breaks you from inside. On Friday, Feb. 19, Mr. Ahmed said, the hospital authorities told him that, if my younger brother survives the weekend, it will be a miracle. On Sunday, Feb. 21, he learned that his brother had died. There had been no miracle. Covid, he said, has turned everything upside down. Senate Democrats will not include a plan to increase workers' wages through tax penalties and tax incentives that lawmakers had navigated. This was supposedly a replacement for raising the minimum wage, according to three people familiar with the subject. This is as lawmakers race to pass the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package in the upcoming weeks. Removal of Minimum Wage Hike From COVID-19 Relief Plan Top Democrats had been mulling over options to raise workers' wages as part of the coronavirus relief plan. This includes imposing tax penalties on companies with at least $2.5 billion in gross receipts that are paying their workers salaries of at least $15 per hour. However, Senate Democrats deliberated on Sunday to not implement the proposal to penalize companies for not imposing a $15 minimum wage to their employees. It is the most recent indication that bolstering the federal minimum wage in this Congress is still a very tall order, according to an individual involved in the talks, reported WRAL. According to Senate Democratic aides, the Senate parliamentarian dealt a potentially lethal blow on Thursday to Democrats' drive to raise the minimum wage. They decided the progressive goal must fall from the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, which is slated to be voted in the Senate, reported Boston. Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate official who handled the role of making the call, deemed that the minimum wage provision contravenes the so-called Byrd rule. The Byrd rule reigns over the types of measures that could be included in bills passed through the budget reconciliation process. The rule was named after the late Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. It bars "extraneous" provisions unrelated to the budget or ones that would increase the federal deficit beyond a 10-year window. Also Read: House Passes $1.9T Biden Relief Bill With $1,400 Stimulus Checks An earlier attempt to hike up the minimum wage ran around the previous week. This was when the Senate's nonpartisan parliamentarian deliberated that the wage increase did not comply with the guidelines that Democrats must follow to pass the legislation without GOP backing. Top Senate Democrats had begun working on the tax proposals in order to find a way to act in accordance with Senate rules, reported The Wall Street Journal. Democrats had a hard time developing the tax provisions in the proposal, according to sources. They were looking at other probable avenues to increase the rate. This underscores the dire chances of increasing the wage after the Senate parliamentarian decided their earlier plan does not fall within the rules of budget reconciliation. Budget reconciliation is a process that enables Democrats to pass the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill with mere 51 votes. President Joe Biden did not find the outcome favorable but respected the parliamentarian's ruling, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki. The Senate has a long tradition of following the parliamentarian's decisions with few exceptions. This is a history that is patrionized by traditionalists like President Biden, who is a 36-year Senate veteran. Democrats narrowly dominate a 50-50 Senate. With Biden's support, Democrats included a measure that would increase the federal hourly minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2025. However, the decision dealt them a defeat. It possibly makes it easier for the party to pass a sweeping relief bill since at least two senators were against the wage hike. Related Article: $1,400 Stimulus Checks to Be Voted on Friday, Gets Unprecedented Push @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. One in three aged care residents in Australia suffers neglect with awful accounts of 'dog-food-like' meals and sexual violence in a damning Royal Commission report. The final report and its 148 recommendations was made public on Monday after a two-year inquiry which heard countless tales of abuse and neglect. Up to 18 per cent of residents had been either physically or sexually assaulted, the commission determined. It also concluded more than 30 per cent of residents experienced substandard care, a reflection on the poor quality of some providers and 'fundamental systemic flaws' in system design and governance. Up to 50 sexual assaults are occurring each week in Australia's aged care facilities, in what is described as a 'national shame' the report found (stock image) Kay Gray, whose case study was detailed in the report, put her husband, who suffered dementia, into a Mildura nursing home for two weeks of respite care. Clive Gray walked in to the residential aged care facility in good health. Kay had to take him out after just 10 days as the poor care he received caused his health to decline to the point he that he left in a wheelchair, dehydrated and with a urinary tract infection, the report stated. Her daughter was so worried she told her mother to get Clive out before he died or ended up in hospital. Mr Gray had needed 24-hour care, prompts to remind him to drink water, and help with eating and personal care. One woman took her dementia-suffering but otherwise healthy husband out of respite care early as he was treated so badly over 10 days he left dehydrated in a wheelchair (stock image) 'She (Kay) found him thirsty, unshaved or unshowered, in dirty clothes and with his food not prepared properly on many occasions during the rest of his time in respite,' the report said. The report found up to half of nursing home residents suffered malnutrition and dehydration because of poor-quality, cheap, and bland food. One woman described how her mother was 'drugged to the eyeballs' and the report found medication was often dispensed incorrectly. Disturbingly, the commission estimated there were as many as 44,131 alleged assaults in aged care homes in 2018-19. Included in that number were up to 50 incidents of alleged unlawful sexual contact each week, the Herald Sun reported. 'This is a disgrace and should be a source of national shame,' the commissioners wrote. One woman said her mother was repeatedly sexually assaulted by staff, who 'threatened to kill her if she spoke about what they were doing'. 'People receiving aged care deserve better. The Australian community is entitled to expect better,' the commissioners wrote. The report described current regulatory arrangements as 'weak and inefficient', a scenario that arose because of the government's desire to restrain spending in the sector. The commissioners have made 148 recommendations Commissioner Lynelle Briggs said successive governments had 'misunderstood and not fulfilled their responsibilities' on governance of the sector. 'At times in this inquiry, it has felt like the government's main consideration was what was the minimum commitment it could get away with, rather than what should be done to sustain the aged care system,' she wrote. In response, the Federal Government announced it would inject $425 million to fix the chronic problems in Australia's aged care sector. Announcing the funding package, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the revelations in the commission's report 'harrowing' and 'deeply distressing'. Some of the commissions recommendations included quicker approval of home care packages to clear the current waiting list and restricting the use of anti-psychotic drugs in nursing homes. Prime Minster Scott Morrison announces his government's response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety on Monday The prime minister described the findings as providing a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity to improve the aged care sector but admitted that addressing them would 'test my government, the budget and test the parliament'. Health Minister Greg Hunt said $18 million would go towards tougher oversight of the government's home care packages, which allow older Australians to continue living at home with extra support. Some $32 million will go to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and more regulation on the use of restraints in care. Nearly $190 million will go to residential care providers and $90 million to create a fund to help facilities facing financial challenges. Commissioner Lynelle Briggs presents the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to Governor-General David Hurley at Admiralty House, Sydney At least 1,500 additional nursing homes will be audited each year along with improved quality control and more transparent fee structures. Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the royal commission had made him question how the system works in Australia. 'We need to look at a fundamental reform of the system,' he said. Morrison announced the Royal Commission in 2018 to address well-publicised failures in the system as one of the first acts of his prime ministership. At Monday's press conference he noted the changes recommended by the commission may take up to five years to implement. The commission found more than 30 per cent of residents had substandard care (stock image) The Commonwealth agreed to tear up the 1997 Aged Care Act in light of the commission's call for new laws that put older people first and provide a universal entitlement for high quality care. Among recommendations, the report calls for home care packages to be approved within a month of assessment and for staff to receive a minimum amount of training, like in childcare. It also wants anti-psychotic drugs to be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a geriatrician, so their use can be restricted in residential settings. An interim inquiry report found there was an overuse of drugs to restrain residents. There is also a recommendation to strengthen the sector regulator. The commission determined up to 18 per cent of residents had been either physically or sexually assaulted (stock image) However, commissioners Tony Pagone QC and Briggs differ in their recommended governance models and funding models, which are based on levying peoples' incomes. 'It is concerning the royal commissioners did not provide a unanimous and clear position of how aged care should be funded in future,' said Pat Sparrow from the Australian Aged Care Collaboration, which represents more than 1000 providers. 'Funding is what supports the employment of more care staff, better trained care staff, better paid care staff and better facilities for residents.' Ms Sparrow said more time was needed to go through the recommendations in detail. In 2018/19, $27 billion was spent on aged care, including $19.9 billion by the Australian government. The inquiry received more than 10,000 submissions and heard from 641 witnesses at hearings across the country. Articles Sorry, there are no recent results for popular articles. (Sharecast News) - AstraZeneca has cashed in on its bet on Moderna, it was revealed on Monday, as the latter's share price rocketed on the success of its Covid-19 vaccine. The FTSE 100 pharmaceuticals giant sold its 7.7% stake in the American firm, the Times reported on Monday morning, with the estimated $1.2bn cash set to help it underpin its own pipeline of drugs in development. Its effect on AstraZeneca's finances would also come in handy as it completed its largest acquisition to date, being the $39bn takeover of US-based rare diseases speciality drugs developer Alexion. According to the Times, AstraZeneca was Moderna's second-largest investor in 2020. Moderna said last week that it was expecting Covid-19 vaccine sales of $18.4bn in the current year, which was well above expectations on Wall Street and markedly higher than the $15bn forecast from rival Pfizer. Both Moderna and Pfizer are selling their vaccines on a commercial basis, while AstraZeneca's shot, co-developed with the University of Oxford, was being supplied under not-for-profit terms. The timing of AstraZeneca's sell-down of its stake in Moderna was not clear, and the Times said a spokesman for the company declined to comment. AstraZeneca still had a partnership with Moderna focussing on diseases other than the coronavirus following the sale. For Subscribers Why South Dakota county officials are shirking state-given water rights Grant County could be the thirteenth county to repeal their drainage ordinance in the past decade. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Sunday that African states have proven over the past year that the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic could not stop the progress of the African Union (AU) 2063 Agenda. The president's remarks came as he inaugurated in a virtual speech the second edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which is held 1-5 March. The second edition of the Aswan forum, which is organised under the theme "Shaping Africas new normal: Recovering stronger, rebuilding better kicked off virtually today with the participation of various African leaders. The president said coronavirus-related challenges and repercussions increase our insistence on proceeding with implementing our plans and restoring construction in a better way in order to achieve the African Union 2063 Agenda. Egypt has been keen to hold the second edition of the forum virtually in order to build on the momentum and success achieved by the first edition, the president said. This keenness also stems from [the Egyptian] belief that the current time is ideal to discuss the other serious challenges facing our continent, El-Sisi said. The president said the forum is also a chance to discuss the best ways and mechanisms to support our joint efforts to recover from the pandemic, restore construction [efforts] in a better way and steer our continent to safety. The president highlighted in his speech that the serious economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have contributed to exacerbating the dangers facing the continent, including the smuggling and proliferation of weapons, human trafficking, irregular migration, and forced displacement. El-Sisi also reiterated the African demand on the international community to ensure the fair distribution of the coronavirus vaccine worldwide. The current stage has brought new challenges, on top of which is securing the vaccine [doses] required for our peoples. I am keen to emphasize on this occasion the African demand of the necessity to secure them in a more equitable and just way, the president said. He called on fellow African leaders to unify efforts to support the African mechanisms which aim to prevent or settle conflicts in the continent, and to enhance various states capabilities in facing ongoing threats. During his speech, the president affirmed Egypts support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying that its activation earlier this year serves as a good example for the success of our collective work. I reiterate Egypts full support for the AfCFTA and the need to accelerate the implementation of its entitlements, complete its negotiation process and activate its policies, the president added. El-Sisi said the continent is currently in need for ambitious projects including in the fields of transportation, roads, cross-border electricity linkage. These projects aim to enhance the desired economic and regional integration, create an appropriate environment to achieve high levels of development and secure job opportunities in a way that contributes to overcoming the economic implications of the pandemic, El-Sisi said. The president also highlighted the pivotal role of information technology in helping nations tackle the impact of the coronavirus, calling for boosting investment in the digital transformation field. Full recovery from the pandemic requires developing sustainable development policies that include economic, social and environmental dimensions, the president said. He also said that the AU theme for this year, titled Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want, reflects the soft power to bring nations together in a way that helps to address challenges with enlightened thought that fits the culture and civilisation of our African nations. The president affirmed Egypts commitment to carrying out its responsibilities in post-conflict development and reconstruction through activating the AU Centre for Reconstruction and Development (AUC-PCRD) in Egypt. 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. Making the case to expand Prez Trump's executive order on overcriminalization | Main | Great and distinctive accounting of a modern evidence-based criminal law reform agenda The title of this post is the headline of this provocative Washington Post commentary authored by Keith Humphreys and Ekow N. Yankah. Here are excerpts: Research shows that many White Americans see incarceration as a Black problem, and the more they see it that way, the less willing they are to do anything about it. Biden and others might surmount this resistance, however, by highlighting a surprising trend: White Americans have been filling jails and prisons at increasing rates in the 21st century. Reducing incarceration, reformers can credibly argue, will benefit Whites as much as Blacks.... Racial codings of social problems influence public attitudes through two basic processes. The first is in-group favoritism, which is greater appreciation of and empathy for people we perceive as similar to ourselves. Such favoritism increases willingness to help a stranger in distress, leave a big tip at a restaurant or grant a promotion at work, among many other kindnesses. In-group favoritism is not limited to race (we can be favorably disposed to someone over something as trivial as sharing a first name or a birthday), and people of all races are prone to it. But race is clearly one of the many dimensions by which we judge similarity, so that as more White Americans understand that more Whites are behind bars, they may feel increased compassion toward prisoners and voice more support for policies to reduce incarceration. The other process in play is more disturbing, because it implies an active attempt to harm others. Sociologists Rachel Wetts and Robb Willer documented that, when told the income gap between White Americans and Black and Latino Americans was shrinking, Whites favored social welfare programs that they believed particularly helped other Whites. But they became less supportive of programs that they thought particularly helped minorities. Wetts and Willer concluded that perceived threats to the racial hierarchy drive White opposition to helping Black Americans. The same Whites who recoiled at a Black man rising to the presidency, for example, might oppose prison reforms (shorter sentences, better health care, early release for the sick and elderly) precisely because they believe that the beneficiaries will mainly be Black. Informing such people that prisoners are increasingly White could soften their hostility. Persuading people to join the fight against mass incarceration because Whites stand to benefit is bound to repulse those already committed to the cause. But because each state runs its own prison system and sets most criminal penalties, building a nationwide coalition is essential. That can happen only by shifting the opinion of people who are not moved by or indeed are even comforted by the thought of prison populations being mostly Black. And exploding the idea that mass incarceration is only a Black problem may allow us to reimagine a broad range of other issues, such as the policing that helps feed it.... In the effort to control Black and Brown people through the criminal justice system, White Americans have shown a stunning willingness to tolerate a huge number of White prisoners as collateral damage. And once such systems are built, they have a remarkable capacity for self-preservation; jail populations, for instance, have stayed constant even as crime has plummeted. So we cannot say how well a strategy drawing attention to the Whitening trend will work. In his book Dying of Whiteness, physician Jonathan Metzl argues that White peoples racial resentment can lead them to cut off their nose to spite their face opposing policies that would help them because they would help Black citizens, too. Indeed, numerous economists have concluded that Americas long history of hostility toward Black people has left it the sole advanced economy without some form of universal health care. If some White Americans are willing to give up health care to keep their place in the racial hierarchy, perhaps they are willing to risk imprisonment as well. Yet the reversal in rhetoric during the opioid crisis shows that entrenched policies can be changed. Whats more, in a remarkable moment of convergence, libertarians, religious leaders and racial-justice advocates oppose mass incarceration for separate but overlapping reasons. Were our country more just and less dismissive of Black pain, growing White incarceration would have no special weight in assessing the moral value of locking up more than 2 million of our fellow citizens. Opponents of mass incarceration including Biden should continue to denounce racism within the criminal justice system. But the president can also remind Americans that our racial fates are joined: All of us would benefit from the end of mass incarceration. By Yang Moo-jin Approximately 40 days have passed since Joe Biden took office. His administration is clearing away the Trump government's policies and setting its own direction, steering away from the U.S.-centric ideology of "America first" and contributing to solving problems around the world. It is stressing a return to traditional diplomacy by taking a scalpel to America's incorrigible maladies. To those who witnessed the "America never known" over the past four years, President Biden's first 40 days are perceived as a stable beginning. Nonetheless, as a political scientist researching Korean Peninsula affairs, I will focus on the Biden administration's foreign policy especially the attitude of valuing the U.S., Japan and South Korea's cooperative trilateral relationship and propose recommendations to ensure the direction of the cooperation is desirable. Since President Biden's inauguration, all of his political appointees have stressed the alliance and cooperation. This could be construed as penance for the ruthless devaluing of these to maximize America's interests during Trump's commercialistic tit-for-tat approach. However, in Northeast Asia valuing the alliances is manifested in the strengthened cooperation between South Korea and Japan whenever North Korean issues are discussed. Those who are appointed have all, without exception, publicly stated their intent to closely cooperate with allies and singled out South Korea and Japan to that end. In the long term, denuclearization of the peninsula, bringing peace and stability to Northeast Asia, and solving the issues of North Korea-Japan normalization are necessary. Cooperating with Japan is especially important. Also, for the Biden administration that emphasizes democracy and human rights, South Korea and Japan are the only countries in the region that share those values, thus, stressing Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation can seem reasonable. However, for the trilateral cooperation to be successful and contribute to solving the North Korea problems, a careful review and actions are required. Firstly, the U.S. should lay the groundwork for voluntary cooperation between South Korea and Japan. Japan colonized Korea for 36 years and still has not sincerely repented for wartime forced labor and sex slavery issues. It is incorrect to question how many times Japan needs to apologize. The correct question is whether Japan seriously repents its past misdeeds and is working to prevent any recurrence. Japan should learn from its wartime ally and perpetrator of war crimes, Germany, which has since demonstrated sincere repentance and offered civic education to gain the trust of victimized countries. South Korea is pursuing a two-track strategy to cooperate on current issues and continue to work on unresolved historical problems simultaneously. Stressing Korea-Japan cooperation by only focusing on current issues while disregarding past problems could adversely affect South Koreans' sentiment. Harvard professor J. Mark Ramseyer's paper illustrating sex slaves as contractual entities is arousing negative reactions, showing that past problems are not to be passed on, but are rather tasks for the present and for future relations. The U.S. should work to build trilateral cooperation on current issues and urge Japanese action to solve fundamental issues in a balanced way. Secondly, the purpose of Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation should be for regional stability and peace. In a climate of intensifying U.S.-China tensions and rivalry, many analyze America's emphasis on Korea-Japan cooperation as a means of pressuring China by linking the trilateral cooperation as part of an alliance system. The Chinese authorities and experts are explicitly portraying mistrust and hostility in this. If the Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation develops as it was in the past, then China will likely respond with North Korea-China-Russia cooperation, and this will be a regression to the Cold War and a return to the security dilemma. Therefore, the cooperation that the U.S. expects from South Korea and Japan should be focused on the global issues of the environment, climate change and nonproliferation. And the Biden administration with its catch phrases of "diplomacy is back" and "America is back" should aim for an open web of cooperation. Thirdly, Japan should earnestly and positively respond to America's Korea-Japan cooperation goal. As democratic and industrialized countries, South Korea and Japan's opportunities for cooperation include culture, economy, politics and defense. Germany and France were longtime adversaries but now stand in cooperation as members of the EU. As such, South Korea and Japan could also one day be trustful neighbors as members of a Northeast Asian peace regime. If Japan depends on America's emphasis of Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation and does not exhibit a willingness to solve Korea-Japan issues, then the vicious cycle could be structuralized. Furthermore, North Korea and Japan's bilateral issues should be approached separately. During the six-party talks formed to tackle North Korea's nuclear problems, Japan persistently raised the issue of North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens, which led to dispersed attention to the North Korean nuclear issue. The abduction problem was discussed in the Koizumi-Kim summit, and the surviving victims returned to their homes in concurrence with the Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration. Japan could make the elegant and bold decision to separate the nuclear and abduction issues, thus widening the path toward the reactivation of the peninsula peace process and taking the first step in improving Japan-North Korea relations. South Korea's active role and flexible response are more needed than ever. The reality requires an alliance with the U.S., a strategic partnership with China and cooperation with Japan, not only in the geopolitical context but also for national security and economic cooperation. It is also true that cooperation differs, and interchanges vigorously by topic. This should be conveyed clearly between the authorities using traditional and public diplomacy, as well as to citizens for their acceptance to make more room for the autonomy of South Korea's diplomatic policies. Yang Moo-jin (yangmj@kyungnam.ac.kr) is a professor at the University of North Korean Studies and vice chairman of Korean Association of North Korean Studies. He is also a standing committee member of the National Unification Advisory Council and policy consultant at the Ministry of Unification. Two suspects are charged in Limestone County after a multi-agency cocaine and meth bust over the weekend. It happened around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, when the Limestone County Sheriffs Office, Huntsville Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation and North East Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force served a search warrant on a vehicle at Camelot Apartments in Athens. The sheriffs office said it found 1 kilogram of meth, 3 ounces of cocaine and $9,000 in cash. Michael Bass, 52, and Craig Montgomery, 44, are charged with two counts of drug trafficking, each. Both suspects, who are from Louisville, Kentucky, were booked in the Limestone County Jail on $100,000 bonds. Montgomery bonded out, but Bass remains in the jail, as of Monday afternoon. The latest research and analysis on comfort and tips for creating a comfortable product, environment or system in product and environmental design are explored in a special supplement to the journal WORK Amsterdam, March 1, 2021 - Comfort is a daily human experience central to the perception of our environment and the continuous processing of sensory input. Environmental factors such as smell, temperature and light can influence comfort, as can our interaction with products, such as the design of a chair or a mattress. Increasingly, researchers investigating the science of comfort and discomfort are focusing on the role of human behavior. A special supplement to the journal WORK presents the latest advances, from optimal seat design in offices and transportation to the influence of smell on comfort and the interaction between time and comfort. "This special supplement adds unique findings to comfort knowledge. It shows that not only is the environment or a product itself comfortable, but also that the comfort experience depends on the way the user interacts with the product or environment," explain Guest Editors Peter Vink, PhD, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands; Susanne Frohriep, PhD, Grammer AG, Ursensollen, Germany; Neil Mansfield, PhD, Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, UK; Alessandro Naddeo, PhD, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy; and Karen Jacobs, EdD, OT, OTR, CPE, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA, and Editor-in-Chief of WORK. The supplement presents 26 peer-reviewed papers from the International Comfort Congress (2019) representing 99 authors and co-authors from 12 countries. In their contribution to the supplement, Dr. Vink and his co-author Maxim Smulders, PhD candidate, also at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, note that comfort research that has no information on the behavior of participants can be incomplete, as major influencing factors can be missed. For example, a straight spine in the sagittal plane is sometimes considered ideal for sleeping, but in reality, humans have different preferred postures and change positions frequently in bed. They discuss how posture and movement can affect comfort. Another study found that in self-driving cars, inattentive occupants move their heads relatively more, which may influence their perception of comfort. Other behavior factors that influence comfort include previous experience, distracting stimuli and time. Two studies found that when a person sits for a long time with no possibility to change posture, such as on an airplane or while taking an exam, comfort is reduced. Among the environmental factors explored in this supplement is the relationship between scent and comfort. One study found that the scent of mandarin is liked by many people, but the preferred intensity varied. Another study found that olfactory comfort is as important as thermal comfort in overall perceived comfort in cars. Radiative heating panels are more energy efficient than air heating in cars and offer the same quality of comfort. High intensity light was found to reduce visual and cognitive fatigue and increase comfort in computer users. Comfort factors related to the body's contact with products such as a floor, seat or bed are also discussed. The best design for a chair, based on several studies, is one that can be adjusted to various positions and buttock forms. A tilted backrest provides the most comfort for texting while in bed. Employees whose work requires that they stand for long periods of time may be more comfortable standing on a platform inclined between 5? and 10?. The supplement includes an important contribution to future research in the field. Comfort is an individual and subjective concept, depending on the personal experience and state of the person over time. Questionnaires are important in the evaluation of a user's experience of comfort or discomfort over time, along with objective measurements. Selecting the most suitable questionnaire in comfort research for product design can be a challenge, even for experienced researchers. A workshop of 55 comfort experts reviewed a number of standard comfort or discomfort questionnaires to develop an instrument for questionnaire selection. The resulting list of Preferred Comfort Questionnaires (PCQ) for product design lets researchers select the most appropriate questionnaire depending on application, design phase and use case. "We expect the PCQ will be a useful instrument for researchers," says Dr. Vink, who was the lead investigator in the study. In conclusion the Guest Editors observe that "Reporting these factors allows for better evaluation and comparison of comfort research results, which should contribute to an increase of scientific knowledge on discomfort." ### Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 28, 2021. (REUTERS/Joe Skipper) Trump Wins CPAC Straw Poll for 2024 Presidential Nominee Former President Donald Trump is still the most popular candidate for the Republican Partys 2024 presidential nomination, according to a CPAC straw poll, with 55 percent of respondents saying they would vote for him in a hypothetical primary. The poll, conducted at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) from Feb. 25 to 28, pitted Trump against 20 other potential GOP primary candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. The results demonstrate that the former president still holds a solid grip on the party, with DeSantis trailing well behind at 21 percent and Noem in third place with 4 percent. Meanwhile, 68 percent of respondents said that they would like to see Trump run for president again in 2024. That compares to 15 percent who said they wouldnt, and 17 percent who said they were unsure. Respondents also were asked who they would vote for if Trump was not a candidate. Polling data found that DeSantis would then become the frontrunner with 43 percent support, with Noem and Donald Trump Jr. trailing at 11 percent and eight percent, respectively. So again, you see how important to everybody herethe grassroots, the base of the conservative movement, the base of the Republican Partyit is either President Trump or a Trump candidate, said pollster Jim McLaughlin, who announced the results on Feb. 28. His firm conducted the poll for CPAC and The Washington Times. Ninety-seven percent of the respondents said they approved of Trumps job performance as president, with 87 percent saying that they strongly approved. Look at it, probably no one in the history of the conservative movement has earned your support the way this president has, McLaughlin said. The poll also found that 95 percent of the respondents would like Republicans to continue with Trumps America First agenda, with only 3 percent saying they would like to see a change in direction. This comes as Republicans assess the path forward in a post-Trump presidency. While some Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), have called for the party to move away from Trump, most support the former president and his agenda. The polling results were released just before Trump was scheduled to address the audience at the annual conservative event. His speech at CPAC was the former presidents first major public appearance since leaving office. During that speech, Trump said that his Make America Great Again movement, which has been his vision these past four years, is far from over. We all knew that the Biden Administration was going to be badbut none of us imagined just how bad they would be, and how far left they would go, he said. Joe Biden has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history. I stand before you today to declare that the incredible journey we began together four years ago is far from over. He also shared his assessment of where he thinks Bidens administration is headed, spoke out against the Chinese communist regime and socialism, and criticized Big Tech for its censorship of conservatives. The poll was conducted among 1,007 attendees at CPAC, which was held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Orlando. Johnson & Johnsons Covid-19 vaccine could protect millions more Americans from contracting the coronavirus. The key will be assuring people that the single-shot vaccine is worth taking, as its overall efficacy appears lower than the two-dose ones already on the market in the U.S. J&Js shot, which U.S. regulators authorized Saturday, is more convenient than the vaccines cleared by the Food and Drug Administration last year. It requires one injection and can be stored for months in a refrigerator. State health officials and the Biden administration see it as a way to quickly host mass clinics as more transmissible virus variants continue to spread. Yet the ease of distributing the vaccine will need to be balanced with the risk of creating the perception that J&Js shot is an inferior option. At first blush, J&Js formula looks less effective than the vaccines from Pfizer Inc.-BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc. It was found to be 72% effective in preventing moderate-to-severe Covid-19 cases in the U.S., and 66% effective globally. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna respectively touted 95% and 94% efficacy in preventing symptoms of the disease. Yet its impossible to directly compare results. J&J conducted the largest Covid-19 vaccine trial to date, including at dozens of sites in South Africa and Brazil, pitting its vaccine against mutant strains of the virus that the earlier vaccines werent tested against. The 43,000-plus participant study began enrollment in September and reported results in late January. Cases were accrued at the pandemics peak globally. This is not the time to be quibbling over decimal places or the levels of efficacy that were seeing, said Michelle Williams, an epidemiologist and dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her message is clear: Vaccines are a public health tool meant to keep people from getting sick, becoming hospitalized, and overwhelming the health-care system. Simple Messaging Thats precisely what J&Js vaccine does. Across all regions, including places where more transmissible variants have spread, the single shot was 85% effective in preventing severe disease after 28 days. Further, it demonstrated complete protection against all Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths. H. Cody Meissner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston and an independent adviser to the FDA, said public health authorities shouldnt prefer one vaccine over another. Its important that people do not think that one vaccine is better than others, he said Friday during a public meeting after which the panel unanimously recommended that the FDA authorize the J&J shot. All vaccines work with what appears to be equal efficacy and equal safety as of this time. Simplicity in messaging will be essential, said Glen Nowak, director of the Center for Health and Risk Communication at the University of Georgia. Health officials should stick to the main talking point: All three vaccines protect people against the strains of the virus currently circulating and causing illness and death in the U.S. When you start to communicate complexity and nuance, you lose people, Nowak said. The Biden administration already is trying to boost confidence in the J&J vaccine, acknowledging concerns that some people may skip it and instead try to get the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. The vaccine thats available to you -- get that vaccine, Anthony Fauci, the U.S.s top infectious-disease official, said during a briefing on Friday. It is important to get as many people vaccinated as quickly and as expeditiously as possible. A February survey found only 7% of people wanted a single-dose vaccine, compared with 58% who said they prefer a two-dose series, according to a presentation Sunday to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. About one in five said they would take either. Of those who said they want a two-dose shot, 28% said they would take a single-shot option rather than wait a month to get another one. The survey was conducted before all of the data on J&Js vaccine became available, which could affect attitudes. Complicating matters, J&J is testing a two-shot version of the vaccine, suggesting that it thinks adding a second shot could improve protection. At the advisory panel hearing on Friday, the companys researchers faced questions from experts on whether people who received the one-shot version would need to get a second dose several months later, should the two-shot version perform better in trials. Easier Shot The Biden administration will start shipping 3.9 million J&J doses to the states this week, immediately accelerating the immunization campaign. A total of 20 million are promised by the end of March, and 100 million by the end of June. With J&Js vaccine, the nations immunization campaign will move swiftly. A one-dose vaccine decreases the burden on the health-care system, while simultaneously lowering the cost of administering the vaccine, Gregory Poland, a virologist and director of the Mayo Clinics Vaccine Research Group, said Friday during the FDA advisory meeting. The vials, which each hold five doses, dont need to be diluted with another substance before being administered like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Also, they can be stored at temperatures the average refrigerator or cooler can handle, so providers wont need to wait as they thaw. These attributes lend themselves to better serving communities that may not have the ultra-cold freezers needed to store Pfizers formula. Plus, a one-shot vaccine opens up possibilities for more easily immunizing people who may be hard to reach or face barriers like transportation. Fauci has pointed to rural areas or those where it has been difficult to get people to return for a second dose as good places for J&Js shot. Doctors offices could end up administering the vaccine as it doesnt have special freezer requirements, a CDC reviewer said Sunday during an emergency meeting of the agencys immunization advisory panel. Utah envisions immunizing people with the J&J vaccine at mobile clinics and inoculating the homeless, those without insurance and agricultural workers, among other groups. North Carolina anticipates J&Js vaccine could be used to immunize people who cant take two days off work for two doses. Currently, the shot is authorized for those ages 18 and older. J&J will soon be launching a adolescent trial, in hopes of expanding its use to children. Balanced Approach The benefits also carry risk. Targeting any one group, especially vulnerable populations, could inadvertently create the impression of a nefarious agenda, said Williams of Harvard. This will be an especially delicate balance among Black communities that are wary of any experiments that could recall the infamous Tuskegee study where government scientists withheld syphilis treatment to Black men for research purposes. Virginia officials are concerned about this possibility, said Danny Avula, the states vaccine coordinator. The state plans to funnel most of the 68,000 doses of J&Js vaccine its set to receive this week to mass vaccination sites, with the idea that the shots will be available to people from all backgrounds in all parts of the state. We dont ever want there to be something that the public questions, especially given over the last year how much distrust of government has grown, he said, even if that means sacrificing ease in rural parts of the state. Some people might actually prefer the J&J vaccine. North Carolina officials have heard from residents who are holding out for one dose and one vaccine appointment, said Mandy Cohen, secretary of the states Department of Health and Human Services, in an interview. The vaccine uses more familiar technology, possibly winning over people who are concerned about mRNA vaccines, Avula said. Its based on a common cold virus that doesnt replicate in the body, but prepares it for infection. North Carolina is trying to avoid brand names, Cohen said. Utah plans to stress the protection that all of the Covid-19 vaccines provide, said Rich Lakin, the states immunization manager, in an interview. Maybe weve become used to the 95% efficacy of Pfizer and Moderna and thats the new norm, Lakin said. When in reality, J&J is still very effective in keeping people from becoming severely ill and hospitalized from Covid. Bedminster: US President Donald Trump doubled down on his warnings to North Korea on Thursday, saying his threat to rain fire and fury on it maybe wasnt tough enough. Speaking alongside Vice President Mike Pence at his New Jersey country club, Trump also said China could do a lot more to pressure Pyongyang to end its nuclear weapons program. Responding to North Koreas dismissal of his dire warnings as nonsense, Trump told reporters: maybe it wasnt tough enough. Theyve been doing this to our country for a long time, many years, he said. Its about time that somebody stuck up for the people of this country and for the people of other countries. So if anything, maybe that statement wasnt tough enough. ALSO READ: North Korea dismisses Trump's threat, warns of 'absolute force' Trump warned North Korea this week it faced fire and fury like the world has never seen if it continued to threaten the United States with its missile and nuclear programs. That prompted a defiant Pyongyang to threaten a missile attack on Guam, a tiny US territory in the Pacific that is home to a major US air and naval facilities. The saber rattling set off diplomatic alarm bells, as well as mixed messages from Trump aides about US intentions. But Trump pushed aside the concerns, telling reporters there are no mixed messages. He said North Korea should be very, very nervous. Because things will happen to them like they never thought possible, okay. He said the United States remained open to negotiations and once again suggested that he expected China to do more to bring North Korea into line. I think China can do a lot more. I think China will do a lot more, he said. I will tell you this, North Korea better get their act together or theyre going to be in trouble like few nations have ever been in trouble in this world, okay? For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Governor Jose Arturo Vasquez told the visiting Vietnamese delegation of the results of rice production development with Vietnam during the 2015-2019 period. He affirmed that bilateral ties have grown in the fields of socio-politics, agriculture, and energy, and hoped that Vietnam would continue with agriculture projects to boost the states development. Ambassador Duyen, for his part, said the strengthening of bilateral ties with authorities in Guarico in various fields, especially in agriculture, will make effective contributions to the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Venezuela. As part of economic diplomatic activities, the Vietnamese Embassy also held a seminar to introduce the potential of Vietnams agriculture sector. Ambassador Duyen reviewed outstanding achievements in bilateral ties in the fields of politics, economy, and socio-culture, and the potential for importing strong Vietnamese farm produce such as rice, coffee, cashew nuts, pepper, and vegetables. Two-way trade last year reached US$ 24.93 million, US$ 22.39 million of which were exports from Vietnam, including coffee, apparel, footwear, and rubber. The remainders were exports from Venezuela, such as aquatic products, scrap iron and steel, and apparel, leather and footwear materials, worth US$ 2.54 million. According to the ambassador, Vietnam is strong in production, workforce, techniques, and varieties, while Venezuela has strengths in soil conditions, climate, and market. With supplementary strengths, Ambassador Duyen affirmed that the Vietnamese embassy attaches special importance to bilateral cooperation in farming. Those in attendance lauded a Vietnamese rice farming project in the state during 2015-2019 and suggested local authorities work with the embassy to step up the second stage. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed on developing strategic projects in agriculture, high technology, trade, and socio-culture, and in particular the pilot establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Institute for Political-Social Studies in Guarico. During earlier working trips to the states of Yaracuy and Cojedes, the ambassador also held talks with local leaders on agricultural cooperation between the two sides. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 49 Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 173 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 173 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 49 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Early Childhood Education Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-early-childhood-education-degree-programs/ 2021 Early Childhood Education Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Arizona State University Ball State University Bluefield College Brigham Young University California Baptist University California Baptist University, Online Campbellsville University Central Michigan University Chaminade University, Honolulu City College of New York City University of New York, Hunter College Clemson University Colorado Christian University East Tennessee State University Eastern Oregon University Florida International University Florida State College, Jacksonville Fort Hays State University Grand Canyon University Indiana University Bloomington Kansas State University Liberty University Marshall University Mount Vernon Nazarene University Northern Arizona University Northwestern College Oklahoma State University Southwestern College Southwestern Community College State University of New York, Buffalo University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Cincinnati University of Dayton University of Florida University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Missouri University of Nebraska, Kearney University of Nebraska, Lincoln University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill UNC Greensboro University of North Dakota University of Pittsburgh University of South Florida University of Washington West Virginia University at Parkersburg Western Carolina University Wilmington University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. Raya and the Last Dragon is the latest entry in Disneys canon of animated films. It hits theaters on March 5 and will available as a Premier Access title on Disney+ at the same time. As any Disney fanatic will tell you, musicals are an integral part of the companys ever-growing library. This includes 90s classics like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, as well as modern favorites like Moana and the Frozen series. With that in mind, many might be wondering: is Raya and the Last Dragon also a musical? How can you watch Raya and The Last Dragon? Raya in Disneys Raya and the Last Dragon, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran. | Disney RELATED: Raya and the Last Dragon: Fans Draw Comparisons to Avatar: The Last Airbender As reported by outlets like Polygon, Disney officially unveiled Raya and the Last Dragon in August of 2019. It was initially planned for a Thanksgiving 2020 release date, but COVID-19 forced a delay to March 2021. Other significant changes took place during the films development as well. Initially, Degrassi star Cassie Steele was cast as Raya alongside Awkwafina as Sisu, the titular Last Dragon. A year later, Variety reported that Steele had been replaced by Star Wars: The Last Jedi star Kelly Marie Tran, owing to changes in Rayas character. The story of Raya and the Last Dragon follows Raya, a warrior from the land of Kumandra who must seek out the worlds last dragon to help fight back against an invading force known as the Druun. The rest of the cast includes Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, and Alan Tudyk. As a Premier Access title for Disney+, Raya and the Last Dragon will be available initially for $29.99 on top of the monthly cost of the service. This will remain in place for three months and on June 4, the film will be made available without an extra charge. The film will be more of an action fantasy than a Disney musical RELATED: Is Black Widow Coming to Disney+? Dont Count on It, Says New Report In Feb. 2020, when details about Raya and the Last Dragon were still slim, Skyler Schuler, Editor-in-Chief at DisInsider, tweeted out a scoop about the films genre. The news initially came as deflating for classic Disney fans hoping for a new musical to fall in love with. Just learned, RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON will NOT be a musical, Schuler said in a tweet. While the likes of Tangled, Frozen, and Moana have established a trend of musicals in Disneys modern era, it hasnt all been show tunes. Raya and the Last Dragon now joins the non-musical ranks of Zootopia, Big Hero 6, and the Wreck-It Ralph series in the companys recent output. Fans hoping for a new hit of Disney musical goodness wont have to wait long, however. The company is slated to release Encanto this Thanksgiving, an animated film about a Colombian family living in a magical house in the mountains. It will feature new songs written by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who previously worked on the Moana soundtrack. MANKATO, Minn. A southern Minnesota woman has entered an Alford plea in the death of her 16-month-old son. Chelsea Rae Olinger, 28 of Mankato, had been charged with 2nd and 3rd degree murder, 1st degree assault, and malicious punishment of a child. She entered the Alford plea Monday to 1st degree manslaughter and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18 in Blue Earth County District Court. An Alford plea means Olinger is not admitting guilt but concedes she could be convicted at trial and will accept sentencing. Olinger was arrested in February 2020 after she brought her child to the hospital in Mankato. The boy was then transferred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester with a brain injury, compression fractures of two vertebrae, seven broken ribs, a laceration of the liver, and numerous bruises. The boy was declared dead two days later. Investigators say Olinger claimed her son had fallen down a flight of stairs but Mayo doctors said the injuries were not consistent with a fall but were what you would see with non-accidental trauma. Olinger remains in the Blue Earth County Jail on $500,000 bond. Since the Biden administration came into office, China has clearly made mending ties with the United States a priority, blaming the Trump administration for the damage. In a much-publicized speech on February 22, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a "reset" in relations between Washington and Beijing, stating, "We stand ready to have candid communication with the U.S. side, and engage in dialogues aimed at solving problems." Nonetheless, he also urged America to respect China's core interests, including its territorial integrity and national sovereignty on issues related to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang. Unfortunately, the olive branch was quickly rejected. Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, Ned Price, immediately tried to accuse China of "averting blame" for the dip in bilateral relations and called out Beijing for "predatory economic" practices. If anything, the United States is demanding that any recalibration of relations must first complement its own interests, which is hardly much different from what Trump and Pompeo dubbed as "reciprocity." China is likely to be patient and bide its time, eager to get off the Cold War path the previous U.S. presidency sought to force it onto, but it's not going to be an easy task. While the new White House is more moderate than the last one, the underlying calculus of American foreign policy toward "great power competition" is not going to change and the political pressures to sustain it are high. This is going to require compromise with Washington, meaning there ought to be an emphasis on "win-win" diplomacy as opposed to tit for tat, giving President Biden the political space to cool things down. But even then, it's unlikely things will be the same again. The Trump administration undertook a fundamental reassessment of American foreign policy, moving away from international terrorism and toward the mantle of great power competition with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Irrespective of Trump's more irrational and brazen moves, there is now consensus in U.S. foreign policy that China represents a "systemic competitor" to American hegemony. This thinking affects several other strategic considerations, including technology and trade, which are also seen as vital to American dominance. However, China is not looking to displace the United States as the global hegemon, and in fact relies on stable relations with Washington to avoid disruption to its national development, something it now sees the U.S. as actively seeking to undermine. As such, Beijing avoided jumping into the zero-sum game of competition which the preceding president, as well as the media, have framed between China and America. As Wang Yi's speech sets out, China holds a firm line on "core issues" such as Taiwan, but it wants stable ties with America, not a global struggle. But how can this be done? America's own strategic view of China is not going to change. There might be some internal differences on "how" to conduct its policies some softer and others more hardline but ultimately the American system sees other large countries as potential threats to its global dominance. Therefore, the question of relations becomes a matter of how to work within this context. At present, Joe Biden is facing expectations to be tough. To give concessions to China, such as by lifting tariffs or removing Huawei from the entity list, would be viewed as appeasement by Republicans. If Biden is to advocate compromise with China, he has to be able to frame it as a "win" as opposed to just giving things out of principle. This is how diplomacy works. The biggest and most obvious avenue for this is the economic front. Biden, like Trump, is emphasizing American jobs and has leapt onto the narrative that China is detrimental to this. Irrespective of the facts that tariffs on Beijing have damaged American industry, they are nonetheless symbolic of a tougher stance. China would be prudent to open up dialogue with the United States and look to negotiate some concessions which the White House could depict as favorable, in exchange for ending tariffs and blacklistings. For example, America desperately wants market access. If China negotiated the same privileges laid out in the EU-China investment treaty, or more, it would give space for U.S.-China ties to be framed in positive and fairer terms. Such action of course will not resolve everything. However, creating space for more balanced and restrained co-existence is possible and ought to be the diplomatic priority. China ought to recognize, however, that this will not come on its own. It needs to be ambitious in making the first move and demonstrating good will toward America. This is the most important international relationship on earth, and definitely needs a reset. The political circumstances in Washington ultimately mean that such a move will require both time and effort Beijing ought to live up to the challenge. Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. He writes on topics pertaining to China, the DPRK, Britain and the U.S. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/TomFowdy.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led by example as he took the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine on Monday (March 1), the day when the vaccination of people above 60 years began, said Union Health and Family Minister Harsh Vardhan. The health minister also urged opposition leaders to take the COVID-19 vaccine and help in ending the vaccine hesitancy. "I have been saying from the beginning that both our vaccines are safe and perfect as far as immunogenicity is concerned. We are thankful to the Prime Minister, he has always told us that you have to lead by example. He took the jab first when the vaccination of people above 60 years has begun," said the health minister. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the first dose of Covaxin, a coronavirus vaccine developed in India by biotechnology firm Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS," PM Modi had tweeted with his picture of receiving the jab. "Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," the Prime Minister had added. Meanwhile, the Union Health Minister added that now we must bury all misconceptions and apprehensions over Covaxin. "Prime Minister Modi took Covaxin, against which a lot of misinformation was spread even when it was scientifically perfect. I think the Prime Minister has given a clear message to the country. All misinformation and hesitancy should be buried once and for all," the Minister said. The Minister also called on the opposition leaders, elected representatives and common people to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible. "I appeal to all citizens who are above 60 years of age, those above 45 years with comorbidities, all MPs, MLAs and even Opposition MLAs to get vaccinated. This would send a message to people that they should get vaccinated at the earliest," he said. "I will do the booking today and I plan to get vaccinated tomorrow," the Minister added. The second phase of the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive for age-appropriate population groups began on Monday (March 1) with the Union Health Ministry calling out eligible people to get an appointment at respective hospitals in the country. 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. Jaipur, March 1 : Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra was administered the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine at Raj Bhavan here on Monday. Governor Mishra thanked the scientists for successfully developing the vaccine within a short time. He appealed to all to take the vaccine shots as and when their turn comes in a phased manner and get both doses of the vaccine on time without any hesitation. He also said that one should not get careless even after being administered with the first dose of vaccine and follow social distancing, should wear a mask and sanitise hands at regular intervals. He was administered the vaccine under the supervision of Sudhir Bhandari, doctor and Principal of SMS Medical College. 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 Alumni in the spotlight February 2021 Catch up on a roundup of Witsie appointments and awards. Appointments SA Corporate Real Estate Limited appointed Seapei Mafoyane (MBA 2012) as independent non-executive director from 11 February. She is currently the MD of Espy Advisory Services a consultancy firm. She has served as Chief Executive Officer of Black Umbrellas. Rob Scott (BA 1985, LLB 1987) appointed by Smart WFM as global lead HCM and behavioral technologist. Scott joined Smart WFM from Deloitte, where he was a principal in the consulting human capital practice. His 30-plus years of HCM, HR and technology experience, includes more than a decade in senior roles at Presence of IT before it was acquired by Deloitte, an earlier stint at Deloitte in South Africa, and nearly 10 years as group HR manager of National Chemical Products (now Dow Chemicals). Access to Finance Rwanda appointed Jean Bosco Iyacu (MCom 2007) as new Country Director. He served as the Director of Programs and has been instrumental in the design and implementation of financial inclusion and development plans in Rwanda. He was Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Business Development Centre an entrepreneurship and business incubation facility. Paul Cook (BSc 2002, BSc 2003), co-founder and managing director of Silvertree Holdings, was appointed as non-executive director at Standard Bank. He is also CEO of Faithful to Nature Proprietary Limited a natural online retailer. Rhulani Mahange (BA 2019) joined Cox Yeats as Candidate Legal Practitioner as part of the Insolvency and Business Rescue Team. Dr Spo Kgalamono (DOH 2001, MSc Med 2010, DPH 2013) was appointed as the executive director of the National Institute for Occupational Health a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, and the chair of Occupational Health in the School of Public Health at Wits. Muhammad Cajee (BA 2003, BA Hons 2004, MA 2005) was appointed as Chief Digital Officer at Primedia. Awards Educator Mandy Gruzd (BA 1993, BA Hons 1994, PDip Ed 1994), deputy head at King David Junior School, was awarded the World ORT Beatrice Wand-Polak Educators Award. The ORT is a global education network driven by Jewish values. The prize is awarded to educators who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them. Michael Moys (BSc Eng 1968) was named among the worlds top 2% scientists who featured in Mining and Metallurgy rankings. The recently published data base from Stanford University list the top 2% of researchers in the world. The research team lead by Dr John Ioannidis, created a database that includes the best scientists in the world, using standard citation indicators. The database categorised 160 000 scientists in 22 scientific fields and 176 subfields according to The Southern African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy. Hashim Tarmahomed (BArch 2017, BArch Hons 2020) winner of the 34th Annual Corobrik Regional Architecture Award. He says the project, titled Re-imagining Avalon Cemetery as Space for Social Integration, was born out of personal reflection on navigating a post-apartheid urban space. The project emphasizes the significance of earth for the dispossessed communities of Avalon Cemetery. There are five regional winners and each will go through to the national round, where the top title is awarded a R70 000 cash prize. Marian de Pontes (BA film and television 2017) won the seventh annual Horizon Award which is given to emerging female and non-binary filmmakers by a mentorship team. The seventh annual Horizon Award mentorship team included producers Cassian Elwes, Lynette Howell Taylor and Christine Vachon, and awarded prizes to the directors of Etana and Sol De La Sol. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) It is not clear when the over half a million coronavirus vaccine doses from AstraZeneca will reach the country as the COVAX facility faces supply shortage, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Monday. The first batch of vaccines from the COVAX facility was supposed to arrive on Feb. 28, but it was delayed by a week. Now, Galvez is saying, there is no assurance when the 525,600 doses will be shipped. "Ang pagkakasabi sa amin indefinite. Hopefully this coming first quarter pa rin darating," he said during the vaccination rollout in the Philippine General Hospital. [Translation: They told us it's indefinite. Hopefully it can still arrive in the first quarter.] The COVAX facility is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization which aims to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The Philippines is set to receive a total of 5.5 million to 9.2 million doses from AstraZeneca. 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. Feb. 28The annual Altrusa Chicken Spaghetti Fundraiser will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 1 at the Palestine Senior Activity Center, 200 N. Church St. Spaghetti dinners are $10 per person and include chicken spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, cake and tea. They are also selling lemon, orange and butter pound cakes for $10 and chicken spaghetti by the quart for $10. "All proceeds form this luncheon will go to Altrusa scholarships to benefit graduating seniors in Anderson County," said Lois Durrant, an Altrusa board member. This year's fundraiser is drive-thru only. Altrusa members will prepare the luncheon at the Palestine Senior Activity Center. People who wish to purchase the spaghetti dinners should drive to the north side of the building. At the first canopy, Altrusa members will take orders and call them into the kitchen volunteers. The person picking up the meals will then drive around the building to the next canopy, where they will pick up their order. Altrusa thanked Ben E. Keith and Sanderson Farms for underwriting the event, and its members for the donations that supported the fundraiser. For more information, or to pre-order your pound cake, contact Lois Durrant at 903-729-0337 or by emailing andersoncounty.altrusa@outlook.com Now we know why Seth Rogens been posting ceramics pictures on social media. The actor, looking surprisingly clean-shaven, announced via Twitter that his weed brand Houseplant will soon be available in California. Launched in Canada in 2019, the company is a collaboration between Rogen and his writing partner Evan Goldberg, along with the cannabis/hemp company Canopy Growth Corporation (which is not part of the U.S. launch) ANZs profits will be cut by $212 million after its Malaysian bank was fined for failing to prevent a global corruption scandal that ended in the countrys prime minister being jailed. ANZ bought a substantial stake in AMMB Holdings Berhad in 2007 five years before disgraced former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak began siphoning millions of dollars from a Malaysian state investment fund into his personal AMMB bank account. The scandal sent shockwaves through Malaysia and around the world, toppling the countrys ruling party that had been in government for 61 years and culminating in Mr Razak being sentenced to prison for 12 years. Malaysias Prime Minister Najib Razak has been sentenced to prison for 12 years after funnelling public money to a bank majority owned by ANZ. Credit:Samsul Said AMMB announced on Friday it had reached a settlement with Malaysias Ministry of Finance over its failure to detect and prevent the fraud, including a penalty of MR2.83 billion ($900 million). The 43 districts identified as the epicentres of the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be the first places to have the COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccination exercise, which begins tomorrow and ends on March 15, will see 25 districts in the Greater Accra, 16 in the Ashanti and two in the Central regions benefiting from the exercise. Announcing this in his 24th address to update the nation on the COVID-19 situation in Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said although the initial exercise would concentrate on the 43 epicentre districts, preparations were being made for the vaccination of 20 million Ghanaians nationwide by the end of the year. The beneficiaries of this exercise will be persons identified by the National Vaccine Deployment Plan as persons most at risk and frontline State officials, as well as essential service providers and other members of the security agencies, who fall in the first two groups in a segmentation plan. From Tuesday, 2nd March, to Monday, 15th March 2021, the Ghana Health Service will begin deployment of the six hundred thousand (600,000) AstraZeneca vaccines. It will be conducted in forty-three (43) districts, which are the epicentres of the pandemic in the country. They are twenty-five (25) in Greater Accra, sixteen (16) in Ashanti, and two (2) in the Central Region. The Ghana Health Service, as from tomorrow, will give precise details, the President said. Deployment plan To ensure a smooth implementation of the exercise, 12,471 vaccinators, 37,413 volunteers and 2,079 supervisors would be deployed for the entire vaccination campaign. Also, President Akufo-Addo said through the National Vaccine Deployment Plan, the population had been segmented into four groups, and that had helped determine which section of the population would get vaccinated at a particular time. The first group includes healthcare workers, frontline security personnel, persons with underlying medical conditions, persons 60 years and above, and frontline members of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. The second group or Group Two, is made up of other essential service providers and the rest of all the security agencies. They include water and electricity supply services, teachers and students, suppliers and distributors of fuels, farmers and service providers in the food value chain, persons in telecommunications services, air traffic and civil aviation control services. Also, persons working in meteorological services, air transport services, waste management services, media, public and private commercial transport services and other members of the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature. Group Three will consist of the rest of the general public, starting from all persons over 18 years, except for pregnant women with the final group - Group Four - made up of pregnant women and persons under the age of 18. The President said the fourth group would be vaccinated when an appropriate vaccine, hopefully, is found, or when enough safety data on the present vaccines is available. Special arrangements will also be made for persons with disabilities who fall within these groups, the President assured. Safety and assurance President Akufo-Addo encouraged people to take the vaccine, giving the assurance that it was safe as it had been certified by the regulatory agency, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), one of the most reputable in Africa and in the world. He said as further proof of its safety and as a reassurance, he was going to lead selected groups of public officials representing the executive, legislature, the judiciary, traditional and religious leaders to take the vaccine, ahead of the commencement of the exercise tomorrow. I want to assure you that the vaccine is safe. That is why tomorrow, on Monday, 1st March, ahead of the commencement of the vaccination programme on Tuesday, 2nd March, my wife the First Lady, the Vice-President, his wife the Second Lady, and I will take the vaccine publicly at two health facilities in Accra. Key public officials such as the Speaker and Members of Parliament, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, Chairperson and Members of the Council of State, the Chief of Staff and senior officials at the Office of the President, and prominent personalities like some Eminent Clergy, the National Chief Imam, the Asantehene, the Ga Mantse, and some media practitioners will also, on Tuesday, take the jab publicly. The President encouraged every qualified person to take the vaccine as it would not only help protect people against the impact of COVID-19 on their health, but it was also a major catalyst to restoring livelihoods and the national economy to the robust level it belonged. He said an all-hands-on-deck approach was needed to encourage people to take the vaccine, and thus 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 number of Illinois residents who have been fully vaccinated receiving both of the required two shots reached 835,597, or 6.56% of the total population. Over the past seven days, an average of 77,876 vaccinations have been administered daily. Home Minister Amit Shah gets COVID-19 shot in phase 2 of the inoculation drive. Shah, 56, took the vaccination on Monday under supervision of staff from Medanta The Medicity. By getting the jab themselves on the first day of the latest round of the government's nationwide anti-Covid vaccination programme, both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah have allyed all apprehensions about the credibility of the vaccine. It is believed the programme is likely to pick up pace after this. The Bharatiya Janata Party has appealed to its MPs and MLAs to buy the private vaccination for Rs 250 to give out the message that those with the capacity to pay must do that and get vaccinated at a private facility. Home Minister Amit Shah gets COVID-19 shot in phase 2 of the inoculation drive. Source: IANS This will ensure that the free vaccination at government hospitals reaches those sections of society that need it the most.Source: IANS The Bharatiya Janata Party has appealed to its MPs and MLAs to buy the private vaccination for Rs 250 to give out the message that those with the capacity to pay must do that and get vaccinated at a private facility. Recommended Reading COVID-19 Vaccination in India: Issues and Challenges India's COVID-19 vaccination program has been launched. It currently uses the vaccines Covishield and Covaxin. There are some issues and challenges that need to be overcome in order to vaccinate all Indians. READ MORE COVID-19: Diet Plan and Lifestyle Modifications for the Unlock Phase Healthy eating habits and adherence to physical activity are required during COVID-19 lockdown. WHO has prepared a set of general tips that you could follow during the lockdown to stay fit and healthy. READ MORE Hidden Health and Wellness Benefits of Covid-19 Pandemic Covid-19 pandemic has made people exercise more and eat healthy food. Researchers say that the data collected will give us a better understanding of how people react during a public health crisis and how we can better prepare for future public ... READ MORE Covid-19 is 'Silent Epidemic of Grief': Here's Why For every death, nine people are affected by bereavement. Bereavement care has undergone major changes in both acute and community settings affecting bereaved people, clinicians, support workers and the wider health and social care system. READ MORE Coronavirus Coronaviruses infect animals, humans, and birds. Human coronaviruses, such as SARS, MERS, and 2019-nCoV cause respiratory distress and even death. The S protein is the infectious agent of the virus. READ MORE Indian Namaste the Preferred Greeting over Conventional Handshake COVID-19 pandemic is causing changes in how we greet each other. The traditional Indian way of greeting with folded hands (Namaste) is now being preferred over handshake. Namaste has more to it than just being a greetings, read to find out READ MORE Top 10 Vaccine Myths Debunked Childhood vaccination has saved many lives, yet lots more has to be done to increase awareness and eliminate myths regarding vaccines. READ MORE Vaccination for Children Vaccines are biological products that impart immunity to the recipient. Vaccines may be live attenuated, killed or toxoids. READ MORE Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 07:51:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Sunday it was disappointed that Tehran had rejected an offer to hold informal talks with European countries and the United States over the Iran nuclear issue. "While we are disappointed at Iran's response, we remain ready to reengage in meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with JCPOA commitments," a White House spokesperson said. "We will be consulting with our P5+1 partners on the best way forward," the spokesperson added. Earlier in the day, Iran said that time is "not appropriate" for Iran to hold an informal meeting with European countries and the United States. "Considering the recent positions and actions of the United States and three European countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not consider the time to be appropriate for an informal meeting proposed by the European coordinator of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," said Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh. Last week, the European Union offered to attend an informal meeting between Iran and other parties to the JCPOA, which refers to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with the United States also attending as a guest. The road ahead is very clear, the Iranian spokesman said, that the United States should end its "illegal" and unilateral sanctions and return to its JCPOA commitments. Enditem The nation heaved a huge sigh of relief while holding its breath at the same time. It was a mix of excitement and apprehension as more than one-in-three of the countrys school pupils returned to classrooms for the first time since Christmas. This must go well to allow every other pupil to get back to in-school lessons in the weeks ahead and, Easter aside, to ensure schools stay open all the way to the summer break. No one will relax until the impact on public health of the return of about 340,000 pupils and their teachers is measured over the next week or so. Will infection rates surge again because so many people are moving about on a daily basis and/or because teachers and children are back in the classroom together? Read More It wasnt the first day of the school year, but it felt like it as pupils reconnected with their friends and teachers, who stood in front of a class for the first time in more than two months. At the 430-pupil Mary Mother of Hope Junior National School in Castaheany, west Dublin, the rich diversity of its pupil population was evident in children bearing bunches of flowers, honouring the Eastern European custom of presenting a bouquet to teacher on the first day of the school year. If floral traditions relatively new to Irish education brought smiles, the familiar habit of parents lingering for a chat at the school gate was taboo and it doesnt appear to have been a problem. The message from everyone from Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn to school principals was for parents to drop and dash or to pick up and push on. The reopening education is not only about meeting target dates for the phased return, but doing everything possible to ensure that schools stay open. That means reducing the opportunity for infection within the school and within the wider community. With a more contagious variant of Covid in circulation since last term, boards of management and staff are doubling down on efforts to minimise the risk of Covid getting into, or spreading, within schools. Parents are being asked to do that as well, not only by not stopping to chat outside the school, but by avoiding playdates. Mary Mother of Hope principal Alma Moran described the much-anticipated return as a very positive experience. It was great to see the smiling faces and hear the voices in the building again. The children so happy to be back they just slotted back into the routine again and parents and staff were really happy too. She said while there was understandable concern about Covid transmission, everyone felt the school is the right place to be from education, health and well-being perspectives. "The challenge now is to stay open so we need everyone in the community playing their part outside of school. At the 550-pupil St Thomas JNS, in Lucan, Co Dublin, principal Teresa Moynihan said most pupils were back. Some parents and staff had been quite anxious but she spoke to them last week and offered reassurances about infection prevention and control measures in place and how well St Thomas had managed last term, when it had no transmission within the school itself. There was great excitement in the yard and among staff seeing each other again It was a great day and we hope we can continue in that vein, said the principal. Like her colleague at Mary Mother of Hope JNS, Ms Moynihan said the community and society at large had to play their part in ensuring schools stay open. As classes drew to a close today, the verdict of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) was that while its too early to assess in detail how day one has gone, its clear it has broadly been a success. Pairic Clerkin, CEO of the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) said everyone was relieved to get back but still there is anxiety that we can keep things safe and hope that those figures go down. He said the day had gone smoothly and there was nothing that couldnt be sorted. At Gorey Community School, Co Wexford, the largest second-level school in the country, principal Michael Finn welcomed back around 260 Leaving Cert pupils and described the day as really lovely. He said the kids were delighted and, on a personal note, it was almost like my first day of being a principal again, the same level of excitement and anticipation. The principal said some members of the school community were worried and he had been a little concerned about attendance, but, in the event, there was a full return by pupils. Conscious that students would be seeing many classmates for the first time since Christmas, he held an online assembly last Friday to reinforce the health-and-safety protocols and the need for vigilance. He had no concerns today. Looking around the school, the vigilance was there, he said. But alongside all the excitement, there was huge disappointment for thousands of marginalised and vulnerable children and pupils with special needs in mainstream classes that have not returned, falling off the priority list for an early return. With the next round of pupils due to return on March 15, teacher unions, principals, school management bodies and other education partners will be keeping a close eye on developments and a meeting with the Department of Education is expected later this week. After todays mass return, the first significant schools testing report will not come until next week, but there will be anecdotal evidence before then of any increase in infection rates. The partners are also awaiting formal recommendations on issues such as the use of ventilation monitors and rapid Covid testing. Read More Paul Schlichtman of Mystic Street, a member of the Arlington School Committee, submitted this letter addressing school reopening and vaccination of teachers: Schlichtman Its difficult to craft sound public policy at the local level when the governor communicates his policy initiatives through press releases. Gov. Charles D. Baker declared he wants to force schools to fully reopen in April. Which schools? Were not sure, but we are certain he is talking about elementary schools, probably not high schools, and we know his effort is independent of current CDC recommendations. The latest recommendations, that opening school requires proper precautions and social distancing, are consistent with our current hybrid program. Bringing only half of our students into the building, and the subsequent reduced class size, is necessary to maintain six-foot social distancing Government by press release leads to more questions than answers. Is the state looking to be a wonderful partner, helping us with the resources we need to fully open, or are they engaging in bullying? One indicator of the states intent is the availability of vaccines. Many states are giving priority to prekindergarten-through-12th-grade teachers; Massachusetts is not. Massachusetts began its program by making vaccine available to the town, which administered doses to first responders. Though Arlington has the capacity of running an efficient clinic that could successfully vaccinate our teachers, the state is now sending its vaccine elsewhere. If we are going to be directed to reduce social distancing to permit a classroom full of children, the employees working with our children deserve to have the opportunity to be vaccinated. Even if the state suddenly allows Massachusetts to vaccinate educators, the troublesome state appointment system would be a barrier to scheduling a vaccination, and travel to a vaccination site on a weekday would likely require taking a day off from work for each of two doses. If the state provides us with enough first doses of Moderna by March 15, or Pfizer by March 22, our educators could be fully vaccinated in town, in time for the first day of school following April vacation. The governor controls the vaccine, so he could put us on a glide path to a substantial April reopening with a simple decree. That would be an offer of a wonderful partnership. If the governor insists on reopening without vaccine for our educators, that would be bullying. Given that the increase in cases over the past month, among our youngest cohort (age 0-19, 24.6 percent), is more than twice the rate of increase for the entire town (12.2 percent), we must work harder to protect the educators who would serve them if we expanded daily contacts and reduced social-distancing requirements. I would love to move forward to bring more children into our schools, but we need more than a press release from the state to move forward. This letter to the editor was published Monday, March 1, 2021. Beshear Declares Kentucky State of Emergency By West Kentucky Star Staff FRANKFORT - Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Sunday evening, Feb. 28, due to extremely heavy rainfall across the commonwealth throughout the weekend. The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management State Emergency Operations Center is activated and monitoring reports from county emergency services agencies.The entire commonwealth received heavy rainfall over the weekend and remained in either a flood watch or flood warning until early Monday morning. This morning, a total of 13 counties and cities have declared states of emergency, including Breathitt, Calloway, Casey, Elliott, Estill, Johnson, Knott, Magoffin, Owsley, Perry and Pike counties and the cities of Paintsville and Salyersville.The Kentucky National Guard has been activated and is responding to assist with high water emergencies.Rounds of heavy rain occurred Sunday night. Most of this additional rainfall is likely to become runoff, leading to the threat of flash flooding. In addition, areal flooding of streams and creeks is likely, along with additional instances of river flooding.By declaring a state of emergency, we can mobilize the state resources needed to support the cities and counties affected by this heavy rainfall, said Gov. Beshear. We are acting swiftly to ensure the safety and security of Kentucky families and to get the needed help to our communities.The impact of extremely heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the commonwealth led to numerous emergency rescues and evacuations in counties from west to east, said Michael Dossett, director of KYEM. The Governors state of emergency activated the National Guard, and we have been coordinating requests for assistance from counties across the state.Dossett added: Weve experienced flooding in numerous regions. Please be aware of the presence of emergency responders and use caution near the many closed local and state roadways due to high water. Oh my gosh, thank you. Thank you, all the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Im so moved to receive this honor, thank you. You know hi, Amy we are a community of storytellers, arent we? And in turbulent, crisis-torn times like these, storytelling has always been essential. You see, stories have a way they can change our hearts and our minds, they can help us see each other in a new light, to have empathy. To recognize that for all our diversity, we are humans first, right? You know, Ive seen a lot of diversity in my long life, and at times Ive been challenged to understand some of the people Ive met, but inevitably, if my heart is open and I look beneath the surface, I feel kinship. Thats why all of the great conduits of perception Buddha, Mohammad, Jesus, Lao Tzu all of them spoke to us in stories and poetry and metaphor, because the nonlinear, noncerebral forms that are art speak on a different frequency. And they generate a new energy that can jolt us open and penetrate our defenses so that we can see and hear what we may have been afraid of seeing and hearing. Just this year, Nomadland helped me feel love for the wanderers among us, and Minari opened my eyes to the experience of immigrants dealing with the realities of life in a new land. And Judas and the Black Messiah, Small Axe, U.S. vs. Billie Holiday, Ma Rainey, One Night in Miami and others have deepened my empathy for what being Black has meant. Ramy helped me feel what it means to be Muslim-American. I May Destroy You has taught me to consider sexual violence in a whole new way. The documentary All In reminds us how fragile our democracy is and inspires us to fight to preserve it, and A Life on Our Planet shows us how fragile our small blue planet is and inspires us to save it, and ourselves. Stories, they really can change people. But theres a story weve been afraid to see and hear about ourselves in this industry, a story about which voices we respect and elevate and which we tune out, a story about whos offered a seat at the table and who is kept out of the rooms where decisions are made. So lets all of us, including all the groups that decide who gets hired and what gets made and who wins awards, lets all of us make an effort to expand that tent so that everyone rises and everyones story has a chance to be seen and heard. I mean, doing this simply means acknowledging whats true, being in step with the emerging diversity thats happening because of all those who marched and fought in the past and those whove picked up the baton today. After all, art has always been not just in step with history, but has led the way. So lets be leaders, OK? Thank you, thank you so much. Nancy Coleman contributed reporting. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Rashida Jones has more than a few strings to her bow. Between roles in a slew of cult TV hits like The Office, Parks and Recreation and Angie Tribeca, writing skills that span everything from poignant indie film Celeste & Jesse Forever to Toy Story 4 and Black Mirror, her Grammy-winning documentary Quincy, and a singing career to boot, Jones is a true multi-hyphenate. Lately, shes been back in the comedy series realm as the larger-than-life Joya in Kenya Barris show #BlackAF. And now theres her lead role in Sofia Coppolas feature On the Rocks. Jones plays Laura, a Manhattan novelist and mother of two, who finds herself second-guessing her husband (Marlon Wayans)s commitment. Joining forces with her errant bon vivant father (Bill Murray), hijinks ensue. Jones cites this as the role closest to her real self, as she muses over some career highlights and favorite memories. My First Acting Lesson More from Deadline I think I learned over the course of time that gaining skill and experience should be the focal point and not gaining the notoriety that goes along with gaining that skill and experience. When I was maybe 26 or 27, I was in an acting class and I workshopped Lost in Translation with Sofia [Coppola]. It was one of those opportunities where theres nothing at the end of the rainbow because I wasnt going to get the jobit just wasnt going to happen that way. But the process part of it was mine to enjoy and explore, and also just to be available to her as a director. I think having that cushion where you could experiment and work together with people in a way where the end result was not determining your experience really set me up to realize that process is everything. Story continues The Best Advice I Ever Received I would say the one thats guided me in the last couple of years is from Mike Nichols, whos a dear family friend and a dear mentor to me. When I had the choice for [working in the industry] to even be a possibility, his whole motto was no aholes. So I dont work with aholes. In acting, you take the jobs you get and you hope that everybody has the same idea about how work happens or whatever, but there are definitely some difficult people. Once I was writing and directing and producing and had more choice as actress, no aholes was my policy. The Part I Always Wanted I think as I get older, my parts are getting juicier, and weirdly, my two favorite parts Ive done were this year, On the Rocks and #BlackAF, because On the Rocks feels emotionally very tied to where I am at this moment, and in #BlackAF, I was morally questionable and gave no fks. It was very fun to just be free with that kind of character. I do still think that theres probably more of me that I dont even know yet, but I would say I feel like Im on par for the roles that I have wanted. Now, finally, this year. My Toughest Role Probably Celeste & Jesse Forever. Its a full existential breakdown of who she believed she was and what was working for her. I had to go there, and I havent had that many opportunities to go there. I had to be actor-y, wear headphones and not talk to people, and Ive never done that before. That pain definitely came from a true place. I think it was this idea that you dont even consider what the thing is thats going to hurt you the most. Especially in your early 30s, you think you know everything and youve got it figured out and youre good to go. Then st happens and life happens, and then youre fked. The Films That Make Me Cry The first film that made me cry was E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Its so stuck in my memory because I was with my parents and I really didnt want them to know I was crying; I wanted to hold that in. I remember that very well. Then I was thinking about Will McCormack, who I wrote Celeste & Jesse with, he recently made an animated film on Netflix that has no words in it called, If Anything Happens I Love You. If you havent seen it and you feel like its time for a cry, just be ready. Theres literally a TikToK challenge where people watch it and theyre sobbing. Its so heart-wrenching, but also delicate. Its about school shootings, and its about grief and love and acceptance. Its 12 minutes long and its a real sobber. My Most Tortured Co-Star I do feel like on Parks and Recreation, Jerry/Gary is always the butt of the jokes. Unfortunately, we did torture Jim OHeir. Hes just so good spirited that he let us do it. So still, in our texts, hes the butt of the joke. Still when we post things, still when we talk about [the show], he is the butt of the joke and always will be. We did our 10-year reunion at the Paley Center and we took a selfie right before we went on, and I was about to post it and I was like, Fking Jerry! He wasnt even in it! I dont know where he was, he just wasnt in it. The Most Fun Ive Had On Set I think I Love You, Man was just the best experience. I would go to set when I wasnt working, which is unheard of, just to say hi and hang out, and sit behind the monitor to watch Jason Segel and Paul Rudd be funny. It was a very, very, very delightful experience. We got to do a lot of improv, and we were still using film at the time. Remember film and cameras? We got some kind of award because we shot 900,000 feet of film. We just kept talking and making jokes, making each other laugh. That scene when Paul is doing slappa da bass, we both had to ADR that whole scene because the crew was laughing so hard. The Character Thats Most Like Me Im going to guess probably Laura in On the Rocks because Im middle-aged and I have a pretty good career. I dont mistrust my partner like that, and Im not that insecure, but I do have a really lovely relationship with my dad, whos a larger-than-life figure. And Im in the middle of asking myself these huge questions about what I want my life to be defined by, and how I fit into my life emotionally, besides just being relative to the people that I love. Thats probably too heavy. My Most Quoted Role They dont quote me, they quote Rob Lowe saying Ann Perkins. They just come up and point and say Ann Perkins and think theyre the first person whos ever done it. People yell at me still about The Office, about coming in between Pam and Jim. Somebody got legitimately angry at me in the early days when the show was still on, yelling at me, You fking suck, Karen! Its good. I really had an impact. My Guilty Pleasure I definitely have spent many years in The Bachelor Nation. And I love any kind of home design makeover shows. Oh, and recently Ive been doing this app called Redecor, which is where you redecorate a room and then you compete and people vote. Its so great. You get virtual fabrics that you can use in your next room. [You win] pretend wood paneling, a new area rug. So sad. Im really desperate. Karaoke Playlist I think people like songs that are just not in their register. And you have to be very clear about that. But my last, greatest karaoke victory was when I was in Japan and I did Notorious B.I.G. I sang the chorus and I did the rap for I love it when you call me big poppa. And it was great. And then my tried and true Bonnie Raitt, I Cant Make You Love Me is a good one. Sad. Theyre sad, but so good. And Journey. I mean, obviously. And Foreigner, I Want to Know What Love Is. Thats a good one. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Advertisement Work is due to start on the world's first 'space hotel' in low Earth orbit in 2025 - and it will come equipped with restaurants, a cinema, spa and rooms for 400 people. Developed by the Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC), the Voyager Station could be operational as early as 2027, with the infrastructure built in orbit around the Earth. The space station will be a large circle and rotate to generate artificial gravity that will be set at a similar level to the gravity found on the surface of the Moon. Voyager Station's hotel will include many of the features you might expect from a cruise ship, including themed restaurants, a health spa and a cinema. It will feature a series of pods attached to the outside of the rotating ring and some of these pods could be sold to the likes of NASA and ESA for space research. No details of cost to build the space station, or the cost of spending a night in the hotel have been revealed, although OAC say build costs are getting cheaper thanks to reusable launch vehicles like the SpaceX Falcon 9 and the future Starship. Developed by the Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC), the Voyager Station could be operational as early as 2027, with the infrastructure built in orbit around the Earth The space station will be a large circle and rotate to generate artificial gravity that will be set at a similar level to the gravity found on the surface of the Moon Voyager station's hotel will include many of the features you might expect from a cruise ship, including themed restaurants, a health spa and a cinema VOYAGER STATION: A SPACE HOTEL BUILT ON RINGS The Voyager space station will be rotating to produce Moon-level artificial gravity. There will be an inner 'docking ring' which is un-pressurised to allow ships to unload passengers and cargo. There will then be a habitation ring which will include a number of modules along the outer edge. This includes a gym, kitchen, restaurant, bar and crew quarters. Other modules will be privately or government owned, including villas, hotels or commercial activity zones. Advertisement The Voyager Class space station will be made up of a series of rings, with a number of 'modules' attached to the outermost of the rings. Some of these 24 modules will be run by the Gateway Foundation and will be for things like crew quarters, air, water and power. They will also include a gym, kitchen, restaurant, bar and other essential facilities for people due to be on the station longer term. The other modules will be leased or sold to private companies and governments. For example, people could buy one of the 20x12 metre modules for a private villa or multiple modules to create a hotel with spa, cinema and more. Government agencies could use the station to house their own science module or as a training centre for astronauts preparing to go to Mars. The idea of an orbiting space station build around a central, circular wheel goes back to the earliest days of space travel, in an idea by Wernher von Braun. He was one of the architects of the NASA Apollo programme and in the 1950s proposed a wheel-shaped habitat spinning to create artificial gravity. The concept for the Voyager station, which is a similar idea but on a much larger scale, first came about in 2012 with the launch of the Gateway Foundation. OAC, the firm established by the foundation to realise the vision of an orbiting station, was established in 2018 with the goal of it being operational by 2027. It will feature a series of pods attached to the outside of the rotating ring and some of these pods could be sold to the likes of NASA and ESA for space research Some of these 24 modules will be run by the Gateway Foundation and will be for things like crew quarters, air, water and power LUNAR GRAVITY Lunar gravity is about 1/6th the level of gravity found on Earth, and this is the level being proposed for the station. Due to the nature of the spinning disk this can be increased or decreased by spinning faster or slower. Lunar gravity is 1.6 metres per second, on Earth it is 9.8 metres per second - due to relative size of stellar bodies. While your mass won't change on the space station, you will feel lighter. At lunar gravity a 140lb person would weigh just over 23lb. The station can also be ramped up to Mars gravity - which is 40% of the Earth's at 3.7 metres per second. This means the same 140lb person on Earth would weigh 52lb. Testing the rate of gravity our body can handle will help in future long-haul spaceflight. Future versions of the space station could see different sections gravity changed at different rates to help with scientific research or to cater for different hospitality sectors. Advertisement If fully realised it will be the largest human created object ever put into space. While the cost of developing and building the space station haven't been revealed, with the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 and in future the SpaceX Starship, it has become more viable to put large objects into orbit. The average cost of launching material to space has been about $8,000 per kg for a long time, but the reusable nature of the Falcon 9 saw this come down to $2,000/kg and SpaceX predicts Starship will bring it to a few hundred dollars. Starship and other future fully reusable spacecraft will make the station viable as it will allow for regular and rapid connections between Earth and Voyager. The team include NASA veterans, pilots, engineers and architects, building a system that includes multiple pods for different purposes and a high-speed 'space train'. Each of these 24 integrated habitation modules will be 20 metres long by 12 metres wide and will carry a different function - from hotel rooms to movie theatres. The firm also expects their ring to include viewing lounges, concert venues, bars, libraries, gyms and a spa - all things you'd see on a cruise ship, but this one will cruise around the whole world every 90 minutes. First the team plan to test the concept with a much smaller scale prototype station and a free-flying microgravity facility similar to the International Space Station. 'This will be the next industrial revolution,' explained John Blincow, founder of the Gateway Foundation, adding it will create a new space industry. Rotation is 'vital' says Blincow, as it isn't viable to have people on a space station without gravity for long periods of time - and people may want to be in space for months at a time, especially when working in a hotel. 'People need gravity so their bodies won't fall apart,' said Blincow, adding that the station can help understand just how much gravity our bodies need as it will be able to increase or decrease the rate of rotation to have higher or lower gravity. While the cost of developing and building the space station haven't been revealed, with the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 and in future the SpaceX Starship, it has become more viable to put large objects into orbit The firm also expects their ring to include viewing lounges, concert venues, bars, libraries, gyms and a spa - all things you'd see on a cruise ship, but this one will cruise around the whole world every 90 minutes Rotation is 'vital' says Blincow, as it isn't viable to have people on a space station without gravity for long periods of time - and people may want to be in space for months at a time, especially when working in a hotel When the testing is complete a robot named STAR - Structure Truss Assembly Robot - will build the frame for Voyager in orbi. The first space construction will be a prototype 61 metre gravity ring in low Earth orbit that can spin up to create gravity at Mars' level - 40% of Earth's gravity. That will take about two years to construct and has been called a 'near-term demonstrator' - when in space putting it together will take three days. While the hotel is the initial goal of the artificial gravity space station, the company hope to lease pod space to agencies including NASA and ESA in future. A sprawling cocaine enterprise, a neighborhood scared into silence and a ruthlessly efficient narcotics ring at the center of it all: Court records for 58-year-old Joseph Nardone read like the script for an episode of The Wire. Only the setting in his case wasnt West Baltimore. It was Charlestown. And the nightmarish gang wasnt fiction. In the late 1980s and early 90s, Nardone worked for the brutal gang that Michael Fitzgerald and John Houlihan ran for nearly four years. The pair led their operation from an unlikely command post in the tough Irish neighborhood: Kerrigans Flower Shop, located only a short walk away from the Bunker Hill Monument. A rigid code of silence hung over Charlestown during the pairs reign, due to either loyalty or fear. With Fitzgerald as the leader of the organization and Houlihan as his second-in-command, the duo commanded the allegiance of numerous street-level dealers, minions who helped supply cocaine to hordes of buyers in Boston, records say. The elaborate network of distributors coordinated most of their sales with electronic pagers, assigning customer codes and setting up rendezvous points. Nardone served in the top tier of the narcotics ring as its headache man, tasked with enforcing the gangs will on both its enemies and friends. In other words, he was the groups prime assassin, helping the Fitzgerald-Houlihan axis dominate the Charlestown drug scene from 1989 to 1993. Fitzgerald and Houlihan imposed a strict code of silence on all who came into contact with them, including their own troops. They dealt severely with persons who seemed inclined to talk too freely, court records say. When the organizations chieftains had a headache, Nardone got rid of it, [acting] as the principal enforcer. Ultimately, a federal grand jury took a wrecking ball to that code of silence, slapping Fitzgerald, Houlihan, Nardone and nine others with a sweeping, 48-count indictment. After the 70-day trial in 1994, the two ringleaders and their enforcer were convicted on a slew of firearm, racketeering, drug and murder-related charges, each sentenced to life in prison. No longer spending his days in a quaint flower shop, Nardone now sits in a cell at the United States Penitentiary, Victorville, California, serving a sentence of life in prison plus another 65 years. After 27 years spent behind bars, though, the former hitman is currently seeking a compassionate release from prison, claiming his age, combined with a long list of medical issues, puts him at risk of severe illness or even death should he contract coronavirus. Edward P. Ryan Jr., Nardones Leominster, Massachusetts-based attorney, filed the motion for his clients release Monday in federal court, noting the inmate is in his 50s and in poor health. The federal government is preparing to respond to that motion. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous high-profile criminals in Massachusetts and beyond attempting to be released from prison due to comorbidities they allege would place them in danger should they catch the virus. Alfred Trenkler, a 64-year-old man who has been imprisoned for 26 years over his participation in a 1991 bombing that killed a Boston police officer and maimed another, has sought a compassionate release due to a complete heart block he suffers. His motion for release, filed Jan. 15, remains under consideration and has been opposed by officers across the state, from Walpole to Provincetown. Edgar Bowser, who shot and killed Shrewsbury Police Officer James Lonchiadis in 1975, was granted medical parole in early February after his health took a turn for the worse following a COVID-19 diagnosis. On Jan. 18, his attorney told MassLive he has been on a ventilator for a couple weeks and was unresponsive. The lawyer for the former Charlestown gang member claimed his clients request for release is based on the extraordinary and compelling reasons and circumstances posed by the ongoing national emergency. The attorney noted theres been a high coronavirus caseload at Nardones prison in California over the course of the public health crisis. As of Feb. 22, the Federal Bureau of Prisons website reported there were 10 cases of the viral respiratory infection among staff and 10 among inmates at USP Victorville, Nardones lawyer wrote in his six-page motion for compassionate release. There have been no deaths linked to COVID-19 at the facility, and 509 prisoners have recovered from the virus, according to the bureaus data. However, Ryan argued, the fact that almost half of the inmates at the prison have contracted coronavirus at various points in the past 11 months shows his client, who has a range of comorbidities, could likely become infected as well. These statistics reveal that in spite of a number of precautionary and preventative steps, this institution like many other similar institutions, simply cannot control the spread of this disease, the lawyer wrote. The former professional assassin is at grave risk of contracting COVID-19, and his various medical ailments render him more vulnerable to infection from the virus, according to Ryan. A fatal outcome would be likely should he develop the disease, the attorney noted. According to Ryan, Nardone has type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney issues and Hepatitis C. The federal prisoner has dealt with a bout of skin cancer in the past as well and is blind in his right eye. He has also undergone surgery in order to avoid having his left leg amputated due to a blood clot. Due to his age, Nardone is an unlikely recidivist too, his lawyer argued, citing research from the U.S. Sentencing Commission that showed older defendants are less likely to re-offend. The former hitman is 58 years old and was 31 when he was put in prison. Although Mr. Nardone was convicted of the most serious crimes of violence, the passage of time, his age and present and various medical issues make it highly unlikely he will return to criminal activity or pose a threat to public safety, Ryan wrote, noting his client isnt requesting that his sentence be reduced to time served. Rather, he requests to be released to home confinement with electronic monitoring and such other terms as the court may deem appropriate to impose. If granted a compassionate release, Nardone plans to return to Massachusetts to live with his sister and her three children in Tewksbury, according to the lawyers motion. The inmate first sought a compassionate release in August of last year, though the warden later denied his request at the end of November. While the warden was reviewing his request, Nardone wrote a letter to U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young of Massachusetts in which he made his medical risks and the severity of the virus known. Due to his array of comorbidities, he was part of the first wave of testing at the prison, and his results came back negative, Nardone noted in the letter. Since then, he has remained in a single cell for 24 hours a day most of the time. In California federal prisons, its running rampant and killing inmates, Nardone bluntly stated in his letter dated Oct. 6. Im not sure how to proceed. Hes not the only incarcerated member of the former Charlestown drug ring whos seeking to get out of prison. The former second-in-command of the gang, Houlihan, also filed a motion for a compassionate release in August. The 70-year-old mans attorney argued his health has precipitously declined due to several chronic and debilitating conditions, the effects of which have severely limited his mobility, restricted his breathing and negatively impacted his overall physical and emotional wellbeing. Houlihan has been limited to either a bed or a wheelchair for 95% of each day, according to George F. Gormley, his Hingham, Massachusetts-based attorney. In a letter to Young dated Aug. 20, Houlihan apologized to all the people he has ever hurt, harmed or brought pain to and claimed he has stayed away from trouble while incarcerated. He also mentioned he has started getting his license to become a physical trainer and taught fellow prisoners in classes about the importance of keeping a healthy, strong mind and body. His motion for compassionate release was denied by the federal judge in October. The court found his request did not present the substantial and compelling circumstances that would warrant relief. Houlihan has since filed a motion for reconsideration. Ive learned through prayer and a lot of self-examination how my actions have made a mess of my life along with others, Houlihan wrote to Young. This I am very sorry for. The man who is credited with breaking the code of silence, landing both Nardone and Houlihan in prison, is George Sargent, a foot-soldier in the criminal enterprise and later an informant for the police, according to court records. Officers arrested Sargent twice in 1992 on drug-trafficking charges. Both times, authorities said, he made voluntary statements that incriminated Houlihan and Fitzgerald, the head of the gang, in the sprawling drug conspiracy, linking them to several murders as well. His testimony also led to evidence being gathered against Nardone, even though Sargent didnt mention the former hitman by name, records say. Before Sargent could testify at trial, though, his life was taken by the gang that sought to keep him and so many others silent. On June 28, 1992, Sargent was ambushed outside his home and shot to death. The murder, records state, was executed by Nardone at the behest of Houlihan and Fitzgerald. The leaders of the narcotics ring feared Sargent was talking to the police. Massachusetts State Police Trooper Mark Lemieux was allowed to testify about Sargents statements from his March 1992 arrest. A redacted version of a taped interview the informant had with detectives in Boston in May of the same year was also permitted in court, according to records. Nardone was eventually convicted of fourteen counts charging him with everything from murder in the aid of racketeering to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and use of a gun in a crime of violence. The code of silence in Charlestown didnt spring up in the 90s, however. It existed long before Fitzgerald, Houlihan and Nardones reign, a New York Times article from 1995 pointed out. The investigation that cracked that code was three years in the making and required the government to spend more than $1 million to protect witnesses, including half a dozen residents who asked to be moved out of the neighborhood for fear of retaliation, according to the Times. The drug rings crimes were known to the police, but authorities still needed someone to come forward to bravely testify, the Times reported. Most of the crime committed over there, we know who did it, former Boston Police Capt. Edward McNelley said in the newspapers article. But our knowing doesnt mean anything. We need a person to come forward and say, I was there and I will testify. " Related Content: 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 marbled crayfish or marmokreb, a mutant species that didnt exist 25 years ago, is considered one of the most invasive freshwater creatures in the world, and its all due to its remarkable capacity to clone itself. The rise of the the marbled crayfish as an internationally recognized invasive species can be traced back to the mid 1990s, when German aquarium hobbyist whom experts prefer not to identify, for privacy reasons, bought a large crayfish described to him as a Texas crayfish. The man was immediately stunned by its size and the enormous batches of eggs it could lay. He started bragging about it to his friends, and giving away specimens. Marmokreb-mania was in its infant stages, but as marbled crayfish started appearing in pet shops, aquarium hobbyists started noticing something peculiar Photo: Wikimedia Commons All marbled crayfish specimens in existence were female, and didnt seem to require a mate in order to produce large numbers of eggs. They just grew up ready to reproduce and would lay hundreds of eggs at a time. It was only in 2003 that scientists confirmed the marmokrebs ability to effectively clone themselves, and by that time, the crustacean was no longer just an aquarium animal, it had already started its quest for world domination. Its easy to understand how marbled crayfish wound up in lakes around Germany and then all over Europe. Hobbyists who started out with just a couple of specimens, quickly found themselves taking care of hundreds of them, and many simply dumped them in nearby bodies of water. It turned out that apart from its amazing cloning ability, the marmokreb was extremely adaptable, being able to thrive in the wild. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IrgendwasMitFisch (@irgendwasmitfisch) Before long, feral populations of marbled crayfish were being reported across Europe, in countries like Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia and Ukraine, as it became apparent that these amazing creatures could walk hundreds of yards to other lakes or streams, thus spreading at an alarming rate. Whenever the reached new lands, the marbled crayfish needed a very short period of time to take over and smother endemic species into non-existence. In Madagascar, where it arrived in 2007, the population is now in the millions and very difficult to contain. The same was true for Japan and parts of the US, like Michigan, where the self-cloning crayfish has been banned, because of the risk it poses to local wildlife. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (@ilinseagrant) Frank Lyko, a biologist at the German Cancer Research Center, told the New York Times that in certain lakes in Germany, marbled crayfish are so numerous that, on any given night, he and a few colleagues can catch over a hundred specimens with their bare hands. Its extremely impressive, said Dr. Lyko. Three of us once caught 150 animals within one hour, just with our hands. View this post on Instagram A post shared by [email protected] (@icb_journal) Dr. Lyko and his team were the first to sequence the genome of the marbled crayfish. They learned that it evolved from a species called the slough crayfish, Procambarus fallax, which can only be found in the tributaries of the Satilla River in Florida and Georgia. The first specimen resulted from the mating of two of these slough crayfish, one of which had a mutated sex cell. It had two copies of each chromosome, and somehow the two sex cells fused and produced a female crayfish embryo with three copies of each chromosome instead of the normal two. Scientists arent sure how all the extra DNA didnt cause any deformities in the resulting mutant crayfish, but she did get the ability to reproduce asexually and pass on identical copies of her three sets of chromosomes to her offspring, which were essentially clones. Being a species made up of clones certainly has its advantages. Every individual marbled crayfish has the ability to produce only fertile specimens, which can help the species take over land areas very fast. In Madagascar, it managed to establish dominion over an area the size of Indiana in about a decade, at the expense of endemic crayfish species. However, there are downsides to clones. For example, if a contagious disease were to develop the ability to affect the species, it could wipe it out entirely in a very short period of time. Its doing quite well for now, but scientists are watching the species with great interest, to see how it does in the long-term. Authorities have identified the woman killed in Fridays shooting outside the Walmart Supercenter as a 20-year-old Allentown woman, Nicolette Law. Laws cause of death was due to gunfire and it was ruled a homicide, the Lehigh County Coroners Office said in identifying Law. A full autopsy is scheduled for Monday. Nathaniel Law II of Georgia, Nicolettes uncle and her mothers brother, told lehighvalleylive.com Sunday he helped raise Nicolette since she was an infant. She attended Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, where she was a member of the schools marching and competition bands, The Georgia Bridgemen. Nicolette has a passion for music and served as first-chair clarinet as a freshman. During her sophomore year of high school, Nicolette moved back to Allentown, where she graduated from Agora Cyber Charter School. She began working for ManorCare Health Services in Allentown and had plans to study nursing. Her personality and spirit were infectious, Nathaniel Law, a Philadelphia native, said of his niece. She had a way of making even strangers smile. Authorities have identified the woman killed in Fridays shooting outside the Walmart Supercenter as 20-year-old Nicolette Law of Allentown. Nathaniel Law said Nicolette was especially close to her biological older sister, Sherrel Law of Allentown, who was her best friend and treated her more like a daughter than a sister. She also was fond of Nathaniels total seven children and stepchildren, who were biologically cousins but treated her more like siblings. Her 1-year-old niece, Empress, was her pride and joy, he said. Nathaniel Law believes Nicolettes late grandmother, Sarah Law, was behind her spirit in helping others at the nursing facility, he said. In her younger years, Nicolette traveled to visit the sick and those who were shut-in with her grandmother to help give Holy Communion, he said. She was loyal and giving, thoughtful and caring, Nathaniel Law said. She would give her all for those she cared about. Nicolette also enjoyed fishing and camping with her uncle. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She was religious and of the Catholic faith. Her death comes just a few months shy of plans to ring in her 21st birthday, Nathaniel Law said. Aside from Nathaniel and her sister, Sherrel Law, Nicolette leaves behind her mother, Natalie Law of Allentown; stepmother, Amie Law of Allentown; and her cousins (like siblings to her): Nathaniel Law III; Alexis Law; Alecia Kaelke; and Santana Law; and step-cousins, Karl Rosip and Makai and Makaela Adams. A candlelight ceremony is planned by family and friends to honor Nicolettes memory in coming weeks, Nathaniel said. Services are being handled by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes in Allentown. Authorities say Edward Joel Rosario-Jimenez, 23, of Whitehall Township opened fire in the parking lot of the Walmart, 2601 MacArthur Road (Route 145) in Whitehall. Responding officers found two victims shortly before 7 p.m. near a parked vehicle with the engine still running in the parking lot, authorities said. Both victims were suffering from gunshot wounds. Law was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where she was pronounced dead at 7:40 p.m. Friday, according to the Lehigh County Coroners Office. The second victim remains hospitalized and is currently receiving medical treatment, authorities said Sunday. Investigators were able to review video surveillance footage from the Walmart store, showing the victims vehicle arriving and parking in an area of the merchandise pick-up lot, authorities said. Within a few minutes, a black Toyota SUV entered and parked directly in front of the victims vehicle. Several witnesses were interviewed by investigators with one reporting she went to the Walmart parking lot to pick up her child, who also is the child of one of the shooting victims. The witness was a passenger in the Toyota, along with Rosario-Jimenez and two other people, police said. Rosario-Jimenez then allegedly got into an argument with one of the victims. The witness reported hearing a gunshot and leaving in the Toyota, but Rosario-Jimenez allegedly remained in the parking lot. Another witness reported seeing Rosario-Jimenez fire several gunshots at the victims, authorities said. Investigators seized a handgun in a snowbank adjacent to where the shooting happened. Rosario-Jiminez was arraigned Sunday before District Judge Donna Butler without bail. He was then taken to the Lehigh County jail. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for noon on March 8 before Butler. Laws death is being investigated by the Whitehall Township Police Department, the Lehigh County Homicide Task Force and the District Attorney of Lehigh County. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Four schools in Hamilton County Schools have earned the Tennessee Pathways Certification for creating regional postsecondary opportunities. The schools are Brainerd High School, The Howard School, East Hamilton High School, and Hixson High School. The certified pathways are as follows: Aviation Flight at Brainerd High School Hospitality and Tourism Management at The Howard School Therapeutic Services at The Howard School Business Management at East Hamilton High School Nursing Services at Hixson High School Launched in 2019 in partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents, the Tennessee Pathways Certification sets clear expectations for alignment, advisement, and partnerships that define strong education-to-career pathways. Beyond establishing standards for program quality and design, the certification elevates and celebrates innovative and exemplary state pathways, said officials. The honor of pathways certification demonstrates the collaborative nature of Hamilton County Schools and the objectives of the larger Chattanooga business community as we all work together to train and prepare students for life after high school, a life filled with opportunity as well as the ability to positively contribute to the growing needs of the vibrant Chattanooga economy, said Blake Freeman, the K-12 officer of Academics for Hamilton County Schools. The HCS CTE programs recognized as Certified Pathways are evidence of Hamilton County Schools commitment to preparing our students to be truly Future Ready. Tennessee Pathways strives to encourage high-quality student pathways in every high school by recognizing exemplary programs and partnerships across the state. Tennessee Pathways creates alignment between K-12, postsecondary education, and employers so that students have a clear and guided pathway to move seamlessly into the workforce. Alongside Tennessees landmark tuition-free college grant programsTennessee Promise and Tennessee ReconnectTennessee Pathways directly supports the Drive-to-55 goal of equipping at least 55 percent of Tennesseans with a college degree or certificate by 2025. A pathway is composed of an elective focus, work-based learning experiences, early postsecondary coursework, and opportunities to earn industry certification and/or articulate credits at a postsecondary partner institution. A pathway should include opportunities for a student to stack credentials that is, build from one certification to the next to gain knowledge and skills that can lead to higher wages and broader employment opportunities. A pathway should accelerate a students progress toward industry or postsecondary credentials, thereby reducing time, costs, and opportunity costs as a student transitions from education to employment. A pathway is a process of discernment, not a destination. Pathways are not intended to place students on tracks. They provide a jumpstart toward a students chosen path. The growing number of Tennessee Pathways Certified schools helps the district advance Accelerating Student Achievement in the Future Ready 2023 five-year action plan. Mayoral candidate Monty Bruell said he plans to renew the relationship between the Chattanooga faith community and city government by establishing a Faith Action Committee to leverage citywide opportunities and begin a new era of cooperation. Here is what Mr. Bruell said he is proposing: Faith is an integral part of any community, and that is certainly true of Chattanooga. According to the latest study by the Barna Group, Chattanooga residents attended church more than any other city in the United States. Fifty-nine percent of Chattanoogans reported attending church at least once a week, compared to an average of 38 percent nationwide. This city has a proud history of faith-based organizations which continue to work toward a more equitable future. Over the past several years, purposeful engagement between the city and its religious community has diminished. A Bruell Administration will focus on strengthening the bond between the city and its faith community. The first step: create a Faith Action Committee composed of religious leaders from across Chattanooga. As mayor, Mr. Bruell will convene monthly committee meetings to identify solutions for the issues facing our neighborhoods. Mr. Bruell is particularly interested in the many ways city government can empower community-based leadership. From churches in Alton Park to East Brainerd, I have sought to better understand how the faith community can play an enhanced role in shaping Chattanoogas future, said Mr. Bruell. There should be a strong partnership between city government and our faith community. Mr. Bruell believes the right leader can unite Chattanoogas faith community by providing a seat at the table for all religious denominations. His Faith Action Committee will serve as the beginning of a renewed relationship between the city government and its religious organizations. We are at a pivotal all hands on deck moment in our citys history," said Mr. Bruell. "It will take every last one of us to fix what is broken in our community economically, spiritually, and emotionally. I find that theres a tremendous amount of goodwill in the faith community, but it just hasnt been properly tapped. We must work together to bring healing to Chattanooga and promote social justice and economic equity. Pastor Steve Caudle of Greater Missionary Baptist Church said he personally endorses Mr. Bruell for mayor because Mr. Bruell understands the issues facing all Chattanoogans. [Monty] is the only candidate who joined us in the prayer protest in front of the sheriffs office, the only one to worship with us at G2, Mr. Caudle said. Im not able to vote in the Chattanooga election, but if I could, I would not hesitate to vote for Monty Bruell. If elected, Mr. Bruell will convene the first Faith Action Committee meeting within his initial month as mayor. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... NO MIDDLE LINE FOR MORRIS: Vicki McGill emails, I have noticed that the center striping on Morris Street NE, north of Menaul, is missing and has been missing for a long time. The road was resurfaced a while back, and striping for bicycle lanes, street-side parking and at intersections is there. I have had several near-misses with other vehicles taking their half out of the middle. Its not coming back, at least for the foreseeable future. Johnny Chandler, public information coordinator for Albuquerques Department of Municipal Development, says it does not have any plans at this time to install a center line on this section of Morris Street. DMD is trying this striping configuration in select locations as a way to slow motor vehicle speeds and create more space for bicyclists. The previous section on Morris had narrow bike lanes, and we widened both of those slightly, creating a 19-foot wide two-way driving space. There is enough room for two motorists to pass each other, because vehicles width averages 6.5 feet. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ As for other test runs, Chandler says there are similar designs on Candelaria west of Rio Grande and Campus between Monte Vista and Carlisle. We are interested in feedback from the community members who use these newly designed roadways that help benefit all modes of transportation. Please call 311 and let us know what you think, Chandler says. WHATS THE DEAL ON YALE AT LOMAS? Thats from Bruce Hinrichs, who says in an email that the impact on westbound traffic on Lomas is pretty intense, narrowing Lomas to one lane in that direction. What is going on and how long is this project supposed to last? A look at hsc.unm.edu/news/2021/01/tower-closure.html (thanks to an assist from Chandler) reveals this is University Hospitals New Hospital Tower Phase II, approved by the New Mexico Board of Finance. Work started Jan. 25, no end date is mentioned, and it includes construction of the new Patient Parking Structure and various supportive logistical structures. Yale between Lomas and Camino de Salud is closed, as is the outer westbound lane on Lomas between the UNMH ER entrance and south Yale. RIGHT LANE REALLY ENDS ON SECOND: Mark Fleisher emails, On Second Street southbound just south of Griegos, a sign reads Right Lane Ends. Only it doesnt end. A few years ago that sign was accompanied by a sign that read Left Lane Closed. But the street was still navigable. What gives? Chandler says, When going southbound on Second Street toward Griegos, the right-hand turn land ends at Griegos. There is enough space on the right shoulder just south of Griegos that ends less than a one-fourth mile south of Griegos. That is why the right lane must turn right. Right-hand-turn drivers from Griegos to southbound Second Street could utilize the shoulder to help merge into southbound traffic. I-25 AT LA BAJADA GETTING FACELIFT IN 2022: Gary E. Cordova says in an email, The southbound inside lane is very uneven and dangerous in spots why did recent resurfacing stop just below and above La Bajada? According to the project website, The pavement in this area is exhibiting settlement expressed as a series of dips, sags, and pavement cracking that requires periodic maintenance and repair. The distressed condition is most evident in the southbound lanes of I-25. The purpose of the proposed project is to stabilize the roadway subgrade and fill slopes and improve roadway drainage. Jim Murray, public information officer for the New Mexico Department of Transportations District 5 office, says, The La Bajada project is expected to be opened for bids by the end of this year, with construction starting next year. More information, including photos of the cracks, is at www.dot.state.nm.us/content/nmdot/en/ProjectsD5.html#5101340. Editorial page editor DVal Westphal tackles commuter issues for the metro area on Mondays. Reach her at 823-3858; dwestphal@abqjournal.com; or 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. -- China's poverty reduction miracle has given birth to a new field of study, according to the report titled "Chinese Poverty Alleviation Studies: A Political Economy Perspective" released by New China Research, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency. -- The report, drawing on Chinese President Xi Jinping's discourses on poverty alleviation as the ideological and theoretical foundations, decodes the "winning formula" in China's anti-poverty fight, explores the rationale behind the fight and discusses its global implications. -- The report summarized Xi's discourses on poverty alleviation as "seven upholds": upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China, a people-centric approach, joint actions to tackle challenges, a strategy for precision, self-reliance, shared development, and a realistic and pragmatic approach. -- The report summarized foreign experts' views of Chinese inspirations for the world as "5Ds:" Determined Leadership, Detailed Blueprint, Development Oriented, Data-based Governance and Decentralized Delivery. BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's history-making success in poverty alleviation has gone beyond established anti-poverty theories and can provide fresh perspectives and experiences for the global fight against poverty, said a research paper released on Sunday. The poverty reduction miracle has given birth to a new field of study, according to the report titled "Chinese Poverty Alleviation Studies: A Political Economy Perspective" released by New China Research, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency. The report, drawing on Chinese President Xi Jinping's discourses on poverty alleviation as the ideological and theoretical foundations, decodes the "winning formula" in China's anti-poverty fight, explores the rationale behind the fight and discusses its global implications. "Based on our national conditions and following the law of poverty reduction, China has adopted a series of extraordinary policies and measures and constructed a whole set of systems covering policy, work and institutions, blazing a poverty reduction path and forming an anti-poverty theory with Chinese characteristics," it cited Xi as saying. The report summarized Xi's discourses on poverty alleviation as "seven upholds": upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a people-centric approach, joint actions to tackle challenges, a strategy for precision, self-reliance, shared development, and a realistic and pragmatic approach. Female employees make garments in a poverty alleviation workshop in Tongxin County, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Feb. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) THE "WINNING FORMULA" Over the past eight years, China's final 98.99 million impoverished rural residents living under the current poverty line have all been lifted out of poverty. The country has met the poverty eradication target set in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule. A "winning formula" in China's poverty alleviation efforts was holding onto positive dialectical thinking and improving the pro-poor market mechanism under the guidance of the government, said the report. In China, the "burden" of poverty has been turned into a source of potential, and human and natural resources in poor areas have become a means to achieve common development and prosperity, it said. By capitalizing on local natural resources, many poverty-stricken areas have developed various businesses and subsequently boosted local economic growth and created job opportunities, the report finds. From a political economy perspective, a key approach of China's poverty reduction is to maintain the goal of national common prosperity by building a "pro-poor market" in which the government, market and society jointly work to emancipate the productivity of the poor and make them contributors to growth. In precise poverty alleviation, the "visible hand" of a capable government is not a "restless hand" but an essential "enabling hand," the report said, noting that an effective pro-poor market is not a distortion of the market, but a reconstruction of the market. Private enterprises, social organizations, and individual citizens are the three new forces of poverty alleviation work in China, while wealthy locals, migrant workers and businessmen, and college graduates from poor areas in China have also played significant roles, the report noted. Contracted family doctors from Zuolong Township Central Hospital visit a villager with chronic diseases in Zuolong Village, Zuolong Township of Langao County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, July 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Xiao) POWERFUL CULTURAL DRIVE Throughout China's poverty fight runs the Chinese traditional culture of helping the poor and those in need, as well as a "world sentiment" that calls for the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, according to the report. Throughout the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization, the idea of common prosperity has been regarded as a quality of an ideal society, it said. China is not only a modern success, but also an outstanding ancient civilization. China must build its future without abandoning its past, observes Amartya Sen, the Nobel laureate in economics. The report stressed that China's poverty-alleviation experience and programs, based on practice and extensive international exchanges, have not only advanced poverty alleviation and development theories, but also reflected a "world sentiment" of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Such a "world sentiment" has long been an important value for China to follow in promoting the cause of global poverty alleviation. China is committed to reaching out to others and helping the world. This "global view," which transcends ideology, the nation-state and political parties, is a "Chinese proposal" for promoting the cause of poverty reduction in the world, it said. Aerial photo taken on Aug. 17, 2020 shows a photovoltaic power station, also a poverty-relief project, at the green industrial development park in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Hainan, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Long) IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WORLD Calling China a "learner, beneficiary and innovator of global poverty alleviation theories," the report summarized foreign experts' views of Chinese inspirations for the world as "5Ds:" Determined Leadership, Detailed Blueprint, Development Oriented, Data-based Governance and Decentralized Delivery. "There is no doubt that poverty alleviation is a vivid manifestation of the leadership of the CPC," the report highlighted the top leader's determined will, which creates a strong national will and drives the allocation of resources, as well as the leadership of the 91-million-member CPC. With the common goal of eradicating absolute poverty, several generations of Chinese leaderships have drawn strategic blueprints and led the nation in successive struggles, which ensured policy continuity and spurred the entire country to work together toward a unified goal. Meanwhile, China has long prioritized economic development in its poverty fight, which is combined with proactive, precise poverty reduction practices that directly pass on the benefits of economic development to every poor household and eliminate poverty completely. Villager Mouse Labo takes photos of a camping tent to be rented to tourists in Atulie'er Village, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 23, 2019. Mouse Labo shares photos and videos about the tourism information of Autlie'er Village via livestreaming, a way to promote his hometown's tourism. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) In the fight against poverty, the Chinese government has also attached particular importance to the development of big data and the digital economy and emphasized the application of advanced digital management, which made China's poverty alleviation success possible in a relatively short period of time. Last but not least, the report attributed the effective implementation of poverty alleviation policies to the "decentralized" nature of China's governance structure, featuring many improvisations at subnational levels to implement national policies. Besides experience sharing, China has committed itself to the global combat against absolute poverty by participating in assistance programs, supporting "capacity development" projects and advocating a shared-solutions approach, according to the report. "China, based on its own experience and theoretical ideas in poverty alleviation, is giving back to the human cause of ending poverty and providing a new reference for other countries and regions," it said. Former US president Donald Trump declared Sunday that he is considering a presidential run in 2024, has ruled out forming a third party, and will devote himself to building up Republican efforts to take on Democrats and others he claimed have targeted his movement. He stated this in his address at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, The Washington Post reported. Trump also launched an attack on President Joe Biden. He alleged that Biden had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history, before attacking the president for his position on border security policy, his erasure of Trump executive orders and his energy policies. He predicted withering Democratic losses in the 2022 midterms and a Democratic loss of the White House four years from now, prompting a standing ovation and chants of USA! and Four more years! He repeated his claims about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, which Biden won. Actually, as you know, they just lost the White House, he said of the Democratic Party. But who knows, I might even decide to beat them for a third time. Later, after predicting a triumphant return of a Republican president in four years, he added, I wonder who that will be. Who, who, who will that be, I wonder. This was Trumps first political speech since leaving the White House. The scientists have demonstrated how to structure light such that its polarization behaves like a collective of spins in a ferromagnet forming half-skyrmion (also known as merons). To achieve this the light was trapped in a thin liquid crystal layer between two nearly perfect mirrors. Skyrmions in general are found, e.g., as elementary excitations of magnetization in a two-dimensional ferromagnet but do not naturally appear in electromagnetic (light) fields. One of the key concepts in physics, and science overall is the notion of a "field" which can describe the spatial distribution of a physical quantity. For instance, a weather map shows the distributions of temperature and pressure (these are known as scalar fields), as well as the wind speed and direction (known as a vector field). Almost everyone wears a vector field on their head - every hair has an origin and an end, just like a vector. Over 100 years ago L.E.J. Brouwer proved the hairy ball theorem which states that you can't comb a hairy ball flat without creating whorls, whirls (vortices) or cowlicks. In magnetism, the elementary excitations in a two-dimensional magnetization vector field have the form of such vortices and are called skyrmions. Going clockwise around the center of such a vortex, we can observe, that the vectors attached to subsequent points on our path can rotate once or many times, clockwise or anticlockwise (Fig. 2). The quantity that describes this feature is called the vorticity. Skyrmions and half-skyrmions (merons) of various vorticities can be found in such different physical systems as nuclear matter, Bose-Einstein condensates or thin magnetic layers. They are also used in the description of the quantum Hall effect, cyclones, anticyclones and tornadoes. Especially interesting are experimental setups, in which one can create various vector fields on demand and investigate the interactions of their excitations. Scientists from University of Warsaw, Military University of Technology, University of Southampton, Skolkovo Institute in Moscow, and Institute of Physics PAS have demonstrated how to structure light such that its polarization behaves like a half-skyrmion (meron). To achieve this the light has been trapped in a thin liquid crystal layer between two nearly perfect mirrors, known as an optical cavity. By controlling the polarization of incident light and the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules they were able to observe first-order and second-order (first experimental observation) merons and anti-merons (vorticities -2, -1, 1, and 2). A relatively simple optical cavity filled with a liquid crystal enables the scientists to create and investigate exotic states of polarization of light. The device can potentially allow to test the behavior of these excitations (annihilation, attraction or repulsion of skyrmions and merons) on an optical table when combined with more exotic optically responsive materials. Recognizing the nature of the interaction between these objects can help understand the physics of more complex systems, requiring more sophisticated experimental methods (e.g. ultra-low temperatures). Physics and Astronomy first appeared at the University of Warsaw in 1816, under the then Faculty of Philosophy. In 1825 the Astronomical Observatory was established. Currently, the Faculty of Physics' Institutes include Experimental Physics, Theoretical Physics, Geophysics, Department of Mathematical Methods and an Astronomical Observatory. Research covers almost all areas of modern physics, on scales from the quantum to the cosmological. The Faculty's research and teaching staff includes ca. 200 university teachers, of which 87 are employees with the title of professor. The Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, is attended by ca. 1000 students and more than 170 doctoral students. ### SCIENTIFIC PAPERS: ,,Observation of second-order meron polarization textures in optical microcavities'', M. Krol et al., Optica vol. 8, 255 (2021). https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1364/ OPTICA. 414891 CONTACTS: Dr. hab. Jacek Szczytko Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw tel. +48 225532764 email: Jacek.Szczytko@fuw.edu.pl RELATED LINKS: http://www. fuw. edu. pl/ The Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw website. http://polariton. fuw. edu. pl Webpage of the Polariton Laboratory https:/ / www. fuw. edu. pl/ press-releases. html Press office of the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw. IMAGES: Fig. 1 FUW210222b_fot01.png https:/ / www. fuw. edu. pl/ tl_files/ press/ images/ 2021/ FUW210222b_fot01. png Spin texture of a second-order half-skyrmion (meron) on the surface of a birefringent cavity. (Source: Physics UW, M. Krol) Fig. 2. FUW210222b_fot02.png https:/ / www. fuw. edu. pl/ tl_files/ press/ images/ 2021/ FUW210222b_fot02. png Vector fields of first-order and second-order merons and anti-merons. (Source: Physics UW, M. Krol) KYODO NEWS - Mar 1, 2021 - 21:30 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima Former prime ministers Naoto Kan and Junichiro Koizumi on Monday urged Japan to stop using nuclear power, saying the country should learn from the Fukushima crisis a decade ago and turn to renewable energy. Both were proponents of nuclear power while in office but became critics following the March 11, 2011, earthquake, tsunami and subsequent triple meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. "Japan has so much natural sources of energy like solar power, hydropower and wind power. Why should we use something that's more expensive and less safe?" said Koizumi, a maverick reformist who held office from 2001 to 2006, at a joint press conference. Kan, who led the response to the disaster at the time, criticized Yoshihide Suga's vow to reduce Japan's net carbon emissions to zero by 2050, calling it a pretense to restart nuclear reactors across the country, most of which have been halted as utilities wait to clear tougher regulations imposed after the Fukushima crisis. While the former prime ministers come from opposite ends of the political spectrum -- Koizumi led the center-right Liberal Democratic Party while Kan headed the now-defunct Democratic Party of Japan, which leaned left -- they said opposing nuclear energy was a nonpartisan stance. The main obstacle to shifting toward renewable energy is structural, Kan said, stemming from the entrenched interests of utility companies, government agencies and academics who constitute the "nuclear power village." Related coverage: Tokyo Electric completes nuclear fuel removal from Fukushima No. 3 unit Q&A: 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and current status FOCUS: Decades-long challenge to scrap Fukushima plant by 2051 in a bind "They know it would be too expensive to build new plants, or that there's no way to properly dispose of nuclear waste. But there are a lot of stakeholders and they want to keep it that way," said Kan, now a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Regarding tritium-laced water at Fukushima Daiichi quickly filling up tanks, Koizumi said in the press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan that plans to release the water into the sea were fiercely opposed by local fishermen and that further research into other options was needed. Japan got 76 percent of its electricity from thermal power in fiscal 2019, compared with 18 percent from renewable energy and 6 percent from nuclear energy, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Under Suga's "Green Growth Strategy," the country is aiming to increase renewable energy to 50-60 percent while thermal power and nuclear energy is to constitute a combined 30-40 percent. Advertisement UK vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said today that the NHS rollout could double in speed over the next 11 weeks, allowing it to continue vaccinating new people at the same rate as now while also dishing out growing numbers of second doses Britain's Covid inoculation rollout could go at twice its current speed over the next three months, No10's vaccine minister claimed today. Nadhim Zahawi promised March will be a 'very big month' for the programme, which slowed down in February because vaccine manufacturers struggled to keep pace with the NHS's demand. But with supply issues resolved and tens of millions more jabs becoming available in March, the health service is planning to turbocharge the drive, which must go smoothly if Britain has any hopes of leaving lockdown in the next few months. Boris Johnson has laid out his ambition to vaccine all over-50s half of the UK population at least once by April 15, and to offer a jab to every adult in Britain by the end of July. The UK this weekend hit the milestone of vaccinating 20million people and England today expanded the scheme to officially invite everyone aged 60 or over to come forward. If the programme can work double-time in March, it could mean those who got their first vaccines in December and early January could get their top-up jab while giving the NHS room to inoculate another 20million people. Mr Zahawi told BBC Breakfast today: 'March will be a very big month for us. We'll probably going to be twice the rate over the next 10 weeks as we have done over the past 10 or 11 weeks.' Despite the roll-out in England having only just officially opened up to over-60s, some younger people are lucking out and scooping up spare doses of the jab that are left behind by appointment no-shows. Even healthy people in their 20s claim they have had vaccines already because local clinics have had doses going spare at the end of the day. The UK this weekend hit the milestone of vaccinating 20million people and today expanded the scheme to invite everyone aged 60 or over to come forward Fears Brazilian Covid variant could derail UK's lockdown exit plans Fears were raised today that the Brazil variant could derail the exit from lockdown as ministers pleaded for a missing UK patient who tested positive for the coronavirus strain to come forward. A huge hunt is under way after health officials admitted that they have no idea who the infected person is, where they were tested or where they have gone. The authorities have revealed that six cases of the P.1 variant first detected in the Amazonian city of Manaus have been confirmed in Britain - three in England and three in Scotland. Two were confirmed in South Gloucestershire but the third English case has not been located and could be anywhere in the nation because they failed to fill in their details when they were tested for Covid. In a round of interviews this morning, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi tried to calm anxiety over the dramatic developments. Experts believe that the strain can sidestep existing antibodies to some degree, potentially raising questions about the effectiveness of current jabs. Mr Zahawi appealed for anyone who was tested on February 12 or 13 and has not received a result, or had an incomplete test registration card, to come forward. It is possible the individual may not even know they were ill, with speculation it was either a home testing kit or part of 'surge' screening. Meanwhile, scientists have raised alarm that if the variant takes hold in the UK it could 'slow things down' in the fight to escape lockdown restrictions as it makes vaccines 'so much less potent'. And the government is facing questions over why it did not act earlier to tighten up the borders - with warnings that foreign holidays will not be possible this summer. Advertisement Mr Zahawi on Breakfast today reassured people they would begin getting invites for their second vaccine doses soon, and that there were enough supplies for everyone to get another jab of the same type as the first one. He said: 'We have already been for now over 10 days reserving second doses. You have seen the numbers tick up of second doses yesterday I think we were at 800,000 second doses. 'And in March you will see that number increase even more, because obviously those who had the first dose in January will be getting their second dose. The NHS have got all the protocols in place to deliver that, as well as of course continuing to do the first dose.' It is thought Mr Zahawi meant to say people who got their jab before January, or during the first week of the year, because of the 12-week gap between doses. He added: 'March will be a very big month for us. Well probably going to be twice the rate over the next 10 weeks as we have done over the past 10 or 11 weeks.' Britain is expected to receive the first batches of a third approved vaccine, made by US company Moderna, in the coming weeks. Nearly two million people aged between 60 and 63 in England will be invited to receive their first coronavirus jab from today, while over-40s will start being called for jabs later this month. Officials will send out 1.9million letters to those over 60 inviting them to book a coronavirus jab, meaning that by the end of the week everyone in the top seven priority groups including clinically vulnerable younger people and those with underlying conditions will have been contacted. NHS England said the programme, which has been proceeding at breakneck speed, will then move to offer jabs to around 5million people in their 50s as soon as next week, which should take two weeks to deliver. With about 2.5million people receiving their first dose of the vaccine per week, Britain is on course to offer jabs to everyone over the age of 50 by the week beginning March 15 almost a month before its target. The over-40s are then expected to receive invitations later this month. But Britain's vaccine roll-out has become a postcode lottery, with younger people already getting their vaccines by lucking out when doses are going spare at their local clinics. People even in their 20s have managed to scoop up a jab ahead of schedule by being in the right place at the right time. Rishi Sunak will fund trials into whether extra vaccine shot could benefit patients Trials to establish whether people would benefit from having a third dose of Covid vaccine will be given funding in the Budget. Chancellor Rishi Sunak will provide the vaccination programme with an additional 1.65billion on Wednesday, aimed largely at ensuring that the target of offering the jab to all adults by the end of July is met or exceeded. The cash will include 22million to fund a UK trial of a 'mix and match' vaccine strategy, where volunteers will be given first and second doses of different jabs. The trial will also examine whether there is any value in giving people a third dose of the vaccine. There will be 33million for a new fund to help test, analyse and deal with new variants, while 5million will be allocated to create a 'library' of vaccines at the Centre for Process Innovation in Darlington, County Durham, for work against different variants. The vaccination scheme, which yesterday passed the milestone of giving a first dose to 20 million people, is seen as central to the government's plan to reopen the economy. Advertisement Twitter user Tracey Spencer claimed her 27-year-old son, a police officer, managed to get a Covid jab in February because the local clinic had jabs 'left at the end of the day by non takers'. Cobain Schofield, a 26-year-old in Liverpool, told The Sunday Times he had got a vaccine when a colleague told him some were going spare at the local clinic. He said: 'There was something of a movie cliche moment where everyone looks at each other before jumping in their cars and going... I didnt want to be taking it from someone who should be getting it. When I arrived I asked the clerk if they were genuinely spare, and she replied, "Yes, there are lots".' And Bridget Burke said in a tweet that her husband received a spare vaccine despite not being on the priority list. She said: 'I was so grateful they agreed to vaccinate him. The roll out is amazing.' It comes after scientists revealed that just one shot of either jab currently being deployed in Britain reduces the risk of being hospitalised by Covid by more than 90 per cent. Public health officials have told ministers that the remarkable results apply for both Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, with the British jab proving slightly more effective. And in another huge boost to Britain's world-beating vaccine, 386,948 additional vaccine doses were registered in England on Saturday, with 27,876 in Scotland and 14,634 in Wales, tipping the number of total people vaccinated past the 20million milestone. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on social media that it was a 'huge national achievement' and praised the NHS staff, volunteers and armed forces for their work in the vaccine rollout. He tweeted: '20million people across the UK have now got the jab - a huge national achievement and a testament to the tireless work of NHS staff, volunteers, the Armed Forces & many more. I urge everyone to get the jab when called. Every jab makes a difference in our battle against Covid.' EU nations including Germany are being far outpaced by Britain in the vaccine race after Brussels was late to place orders with firms including Pfizer and AstraZeneca Health Secretary Matt Hancock said vaccinating more than 20million people against coronavirus across the UK is a 'magnificent achievement for the country'. In a video on his Twitter, Mr Hancock said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that over 20million people have now been vaccinated across the UK it's absolutely fantastic. 'I want to thank every single person who's come forward to get the jab because we know with increasing confidence that the jab protects you, it protects your community and it also is the route out of this for all of us.' Mr Hancock urged everyone eligible for the vaccine to come forward and added: 'Every jab in the arm is another life soon to be protected from this awful disease and means we are a step closer to returning to our normal lives.' Mr Zahawi tweeted: 'BINGO! One Score over 20,000,000 people have had the vaccination (1s dose). What an achievement for February 2021. What a team! Proud to be with you on this journey.' NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: 'Vaccinating 20million people - including 17million across England - in a few short weeks shows the NHS vaccination campaign is firing on all cylinders, and looking out to Easter and beyond it's full speed ahead. 'As we can see from other parts of the world, having vaccines from the manufacturers versus actually administering them to patients can be two different things. 'So this latest milestone is also a tribute to careful health service planning, effective organisation and amazing teamwork across the whole of the country.' It comes after Prince William urged Britons to ignore conspiracy theories about the supposed dangers of the vaccine, warning of 'rumours and misinformation' on social media. The Duke of Cambridge issued the warning during a video call with his wife Kate to two clinically vulnerable women who have been shielding with their families since March. A Mail on Sunday investigation into the poor take-up among some ethnic minorities found people are falling for lies and conspiracy theories spread online. The new one-dose vaccination figures were calculated by comparing Covid hospitalisation rates in those who have received their first dose with those of a similar age who haven't. It helps to explain why the numbers being hospitalised are falling so rapidly in the oldest age groups. Deaths among the over-75s have dropped by 40 per cent, while the number of over-85s being admitted to intensive care units with Covid has dropped close to zero. The strong results for the Oxford vaccine are a rebuke to the German authorities, which last month advised against its use in the over-65s. The Duke of Cambridge's remarks on vaccinations come after the Queen suggested last week that it was selfish to refuse a jab. William and Kate spoke to mother of two Shivali Modha, who has type 2 diabetes, and said she was anxious about her vaccine after reading claims on social media. In a video call, the Duke told her: 'Catherine and I are not medical experts by any means but if it's any consolation we can wholeheartedly support having vaccinations. It's really, really important. 'We've spoken to a lot of people about it and the uptake has been amazing so far. 'We've got to keep it going so the younger generations also feel that it's really important for them to have it. 'So it's great that, Shivali, you're taking the time to work it out and come to the conclusion that 'I need to do this' because social media is awash sometimes with lots of rumours and misinformation, so we have to be a bit careful who we believe and where we get our information from. Especially for those who are clinically vulnerable as well, it's so important that those vaccinations are done, so good luck.' The Duke and Duchess also spoke to Fiona Doyle, 37 an asthma sufferer and her seven-year-old daughter Ciara, who have been shielding at home in Finchley, North London, since the crisis began. She spoke of her anxiety 'knowing that there was this virus out there that was incredibly dangerous for me. It was really difficult.' The challenges facing the NHS were made clear by one GP who told the MoS of his battle to persuade one of his surgery's receptionists to have the inoculation. The doctor, who works at a busy South of England group practice which is co-ordinating vaccinations for the local area, explained: 'She said that she didn't want to have it. 'So one evening I sat down with her and talked through her concerns for 20 minutes. I explained all about how rigorously the vaccine had been tested, how safe it is and how important it was that as many people as possible have it. 'Not to mention the fact that she was working at a surgery where we are seeing lots of elderly and vulnerable people every day. 'But there was just no convincing her. She told me that the vaccine was something 'foreign' and she didn't want it going in her body. And that was the end of that.' A survey by the Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations suggested only half of its community plan to take the vaccine even though more than three-quarters knew someone who had died from the disease and barely any doubted its dangers. Organisers said they were shocked by the results. The vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca is stunningly effective at preventing recipients becoming seriously ill from Covid-19, new analysis shows. It is even better than the Pfizer jab at stopping people getting so sick that they need to be admitted to hospital, Ministers have been told. A single shot of either jab cuts the chance of needing hospital treatment by more than 90 per cent, 'real world' results from the NHS vaccination programme show. But the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, shunned by millions across Europe because of concerns over trial data, is proving slightly more effective at stopping severe Covid-19 illness than the Pfizer jab. Its apparent superiority even holds among over-70s, The Mail on Sunday understands, vindicating the UK drug regulator's decision to approve it for use in older people. The results are a massive boost not just for Oxford and AstraZeneca, but also the Government. Ministers have ordered 100 million doses, making it the workhorse of the NHS vaccination campaign. The landmark results will add to growing confidence that vaccination is breaking the link between infections and deaths. The figures were calculated by comparing Covid hospitalisation rates across England in those who have received a first dose of vaccine in the NHS rollout, to those of a similar age who have not. They follow a Scottish study of Covid hospitalisation rates, published last week, which came to similar conclusions. Edinburgh University researchers found that by the fourth week after injection, 'the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines were shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by up to 85 per cent and 94 per cent, respectively'. Among over-80s, who are at highest risk of severe illness, a single dose cut the risk of needing hospital treatment by 81 per cent from week four onwards, when the results from both types were combined. Well-placed sources said the larger English study found hospitalisation rates in over-70s were slightly lower among recipients of the Oxford vaccine than those who got the Pfizer drug. Last month, German authorities advised against using the Oxford vaccine in over-65s, citing lack of evidence of effectiveness from formal trials. The trials were dogged by low numbers of older volunteers. French President Emmanuel Macron then caused consternation by falsely claiming the Oxford vaccine was 'quasi-ineffective' for over-65s although he has since rowed back by saying he would have it. In a subtle riposte to European critics, Professor Sarah Gilbert, who spearheaded Oxford's Covid vaccine project, said real-world data 'now provides evidence of high effectiveness of both the Oxford-AstraZeneca and BioNTech-Pfizer vaccines in preventing hospitalisation in people over the age of 80, after a single dose, supporting our confidence in using this vaccine in adults of all ages.' The results are already having a stunning impact on Covid statistics, which show hospitalisations and deaths falling fastest among Britain's oldest people. Deaths in over-75s almost all of whom have now had their first jab fell 40 per cent in the last week. By contrast, they fell 23 per cent in under-65s, who remain largely unvaccinated. The number of Covid admissions to intensive care units among over-85s has also dropped to near zero in the last couple of weeks, Public Health England reports indicate. In another boost for Oxford, new evidence also indicates one dose of its vaccine provides more durable protection. Updated trial results show that from three weeks to three months after first dose, the vaccine was 76 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic infection and 'protection did not wane'. Protection from one Pfizer dose dipped from 84 per cent five weeks after injection, to 58 per cent after more than six weeks. Last night it emerged that Germany is reconsidering its recommendation on the Oxford vaccine. Professor Thomas Mertens, head of the country's vaccination commission, said there will be 'a new, updated recommendation very soon', the newspaper Der Spiegel reported. He also lamented the fallout from their January decision, saying they 'never criticised the vaccine', only the lack of data in over-65s. He added: 'However, the whole thing went somehow bad.' Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Help, my partner is here! the 17-year-old boy pleaded with nurses after ringing the emergency intercom at Newman Hospital in the early hours of May 6, 2020. Ive taken it too far, Ive hit her. Lying face down in an empty ambulance bay was the battered body of 18-year-old *Nyaparu, tipped out of a green wheelie bin, her arms stretched out across the pavement. Her head had been so brutally bashed with a rock and her face so swollen and bloodied that one of the emergency nurses at the hospital who knew the young woman did not recognise her. At 4.30am, Nyaparu was pronounced dead in the hospitals parking lot, just weeks after giving birth to her second son. The crime sent ripples through Newman, a small mining town of 7200 more than 1000 of whom are Aboriginal which serves as the epicentre of the remote Pilbara regions lucrative iron ore industry. But after making a few headlines in Perth the tragedy was mostly forgotten. There was no outcry or tribute for Nyaparu, who friends and family described as a beautiful girl full of life and a devoted mother. Just days after her body was pulled out of that bin, Nyaparus story, just like the complex issues that surrounded it, faded into oblivion. It is a story about violence, destitution and neglect in one of the nations richest regions, and a system so flawed it enabled an invisible boy to fall through the cracks until he brutally killed his girlfriend in a relationship banned under traditional law. Advertisement Born to an alcoholic teenage mother and an absent father, the 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, grew up surrounded by drug use and violence in the Pilbara. Raised between Newman and the remote community of Jigalong, his childhood was one of extreme neglect. He was left alone for extended periods of time with no food, and because nobody ever spoke to him, he didnt learn how to talk until he was six. He started sniffing paint at the age of five, moving to solvents and cannabis shortly after. Family friends describe the boy as very traumatised and having spent most of his early years being passed from one relatives care to the next. He suffered constant ear and respiratory infections, skin conditions, and head injuries as his great-grandparents struggled to bring him up with several of his cousins. Some of the details of the boys upbringing are so horrific they have been suppressed by the courts. Later tests confirmed he suffered from a raft of cognitive impairments, including post-traumatic stress disorder, most likely the result of the extreme neglect and drug abuse. He also has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a condition affecting many children growing up in WAs remote communities. Data is limited on the prevalence of the condition in Australia the global rate among children and youth is about 7.7 per 1000 births but estimates by the Australian Medical Association suggest it could be as high as 12 per cent in high-risk Indigenous communities. Trapped between two worlds Advertisement When the boy met Nyaparu he felt noticed for the first time. Hed lived a life where he seemed invisible. But their relationship quickly ran into trouble after elders from both families ruled they were in a wrong skin marriage which was inappropriate under traditional Aboriginal law. Martu society is divided into skin groups assigned at birth according to each persons maternal lineage. These groups determine who a person can marry, their roles and obligations and seek to prevent incest. As a Milangka woman, Nyaparu could only marry a Purungu man, but the boy was a Karimarra, which meant their union was poison and brought shame to both families. Family friends later told of how the couple had been harassed and bullied by fellow Martu people for two years as payback for their relationship, and their relatives punished for failing to intervene. Boarded up homes outnumber occupied properties in some areas of Newman, where BHP owns many of the houses. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola In the months leading up to Nyaparus death, the relationship turned volatile and dysfunctional, marred by heavy drinking, drug abuse and jealousy. Her partner - who had gone through traditional lore to become a man which involves several days of learning about culture and ends in a circumcision ritual just weeks before the murder - had been under growing pressure from elders of both families to break up the union when the pair started arguing at a house party on the night of May 5, 2020. Advertisement Witnesses saw the boy punch Nyaparu and drag her by the hair before the couple disappeared into bushland at the end of the cul-de-sac, where they talked for more than an hour. But as the conversation heated up and she threatened not to allow the teen to see his sons if they separated, he became enraged. He grabbed a rock from the ground and struck Nyaparu repeatedly in the face and head until she lay motionless on the ground. Something made me hit her more, the boy later told his lawyer, Cillian Stockdale. He then scooped up Nyaparus battered body, slung her over his shoulder and walked almost two kilometres to his great-grandparents house in the centre of town, where his great-grandmother told him to go to the hospital. In a panic, he put Nyaparu in a wheelie bin and took her to the ambulance bay outside Newman Hospital, a few hundred metres away. The beautiful girl full of life spent her final hours inside a rubbish bin. Nyaparu was laid to rest next to her grandmother at the cemetery in Wiluna, a hamlet on the fringes of the Western Desert. Her father says he took her two babies, aged 22 months and 10 months, to visit her grave often but it would be years before he could tell the boys what happened to their mother. Advertisement She was our first baby, our beautiful girl, he says. We are all dealing with it in our own way. It builds on itself and makes it hard. Some of my family have turned to drinking. The invisible child Despite being able to read only two-letter words at 17, the boy was only diagnosed with borderline intellectual functioning and FASD after he was arrested. Tests carried out in detention concluded he was so impaired he had the mental ability of an eight-year-old at the time of the murder and could not understand the consequences of his actions or control his impulses. He was sentenced to eight years and four months behind bars, which he will serve at Banksia Hill juvenile detention centre in Canning Vale, 30 kilometres south-east of Perth and 1200 kilometres from his home in Newman. The youth correctional facility, where nobody speaks his language, has the highest number of inmates with FASD and cognitive impairment in the world. It is literally as if he were put on an aeroplane and flown to another country where he knows nobody and does not speak the language, Judge Hylton Quail said during the sentencing on February 12. The findings raised questions among family and friends about whether the crime could have been prevented had the teenager received appropriate help. Advertisement The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Another elections technology firm is objecting to the terms of Louisiana's voting machine search, accusing the secretary of state of trying to manipulate the bid process to benefit its current contractor and raising echoes of the dispute that derailed efforts to get new machines three years ago. Election Systems and Software filed a formal protest with Louisiana's procurement office about the criteria that Republican Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, the state's top elections official, is using to replace 10,000 Election Day and early voting machines. The Nebraska-based voting system vendor, known as ES&S, said Ardoin's bid solicitation will limit the state to choosing a "system virtually identical to the current system." ES&S said it's impossible for any company to meet the criteria except for Louisiana's current contractor, Dominion Voting Systems. "It is a noncompetitive solicitation," ES&S lawyers wrote in the protest filed Friday with Louisiana's chief procurement officer, Paula Tregre. Louisiana Spotlight: The search for new voting machines becomes political minefield If Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin needed another indication about the politically dicey nature of his work to replace Louisiana's voting machi The company successfully disputed Louisiana's last voting machine search in 2018, scuttling a contract award to Dominion and causing Ardoin to redo the replacement work. ES&S is the second interested bidder in Louisiana's voting machine contract to object to the search terms Ardoin issued in January. Tregre has stalled the search process while reviewing the previous complaint filed by Texas-based Hart InterCivic that criticized the bid solicitation as too narrowly drawn. Tregre sent a letter Monday to ES&S saying the temporary pause in the bid solicitation remains in place. It's unclear when Tregre will allow it to resume or if she'll require changes in the approach. Ardoin's office didn't directly respond Monday to the latest protest filing, saying it hadn't yet received a copy from the procurement office. But the elections chief previously defended his office's search for voting machines as fair, saying it was developed in coordination with the Office of State Procurement and abides by state law. 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 Our Views: Dont let social media lies, smears into voting equipment decisions That college students T-shirt suggests that he may look scruffy today, but one day will be a master of the universe: Eat. Sleep. Code. Though specific details of the objections are different, the latest dispute centers on a similar premise to the complaints three years ago: allegations the secretary of state's office is setting contractor search parameters that outright favor Colorado-based Dominion. "It's Deja vu all over again," lawyers for ES&S said in the protest letter. Three years ago, the secretary of state's office started looking for a contractor under Ardoin's predecessor and former boss, Tom Schedler. Dominion was chosen to provide new machines out of three companies that bid for the work, estimating the replacement could cost up to $95 million. But Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration voided the contract award to the company months later amid accusations from ES&S that the secretary of state's office attempted to manipulate the outcome. Tregre said at that time the secretary of state's office didn't follow legal requirements in choosing the winning vendor. Ardoin and Dominion disagreed. But Dominion didn't dispute the matter in court. Lawmakers plan review of Louisiana's voting machine search Louisiana lawmakers intend a close watch as the state shops for new voting machines, a vendor search that comes in the aftermath of a divisive This time, ES&S argues the type of paper trail, screen sizes, pricing requirements and phased-in installation plan sought by Ardoin for new machines prejudice the search in favor of Dominion. Hart InterCivic made similar claims. Meanwhile, Trump supporters are calling on Ardoin to block Dominion as a potential bidder, insisting the company's machines were somehow to blame for Trump's loss in key swing states but not his victory in Louisiana. Dominion has sued several high-profile figures nationally for spreading the baseless claims. The head of the Louisiana Senate's elections oversight committee, Republican Sen. Sharon Hewitt, has called on Ardoin to shelve his current search for voting machines. She said Ardoin rushed into the process without enough public discussion and legislative oversight particularly amid intense national scrutiny about elections. . Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 10:53:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARBIN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Sunday saw its last COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals, local health authorities said on Monday. The Health Commission of Heilongjiang Province said the province now has no confirmed COVID-19 cases or asymptomatic infections after no new COVID-19 cases were reported on Sunday. The announcement came after one locally transmitted, confirmed COVID-19 case and one imported case were discharged from hospitals after recovery, both in the provincial capital of Harbin, according to the commission. Two asymptomatic carriers, one from Harbin and the other from Wangkui County, concluded their medical observation periods on Monday. The province saw a resurgence of COVID-19 cases beginning in January, with new infections subsiding in February amid strict anti-virus measures. Enditem Ethiopia's government is rebuffing calls by the United States to withdraw troops from the embattled Tigray region. In response to U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken's call for Ethiopia to immediately withdraw troops from Tigray, Ethiopia's foreign ministry said that it is an issue to be decided by the Addis Ababa government, not a foreign power. ``It should be clear that such matters are the sole responsibility of the Ethiopian government,'' Ethiopia's foreign ministry said in a statement issued Sunday. ``The Ethiopian government, like any government of a sovereign nation, has in place various organizing principles in its federal and regional structures which are solely accountable only to the Ethiopian people.'' No foreign country should try to ``dictate a sovereign nation's internal affairs,'' said the Ethiopian statement. Alarm is growing over the fate of Tigray's 6 million people as fierce fighting reportedly continues between Ethiopian and allied forces and those supporting the now-fugitive Tigray leaders who once dominated Ethiopia's government. The United Nations in its latest humanitarian report on the situation in Tigray says the ``humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate`` as fighting intensifies across the northern region. ``Aid workers on the ground have reported hearing gunshots from the main cities, including in Mekelle and Shire,'' the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Sunday. ``Residents and aid workers on the ground continue reporting incidents of house searches and indiscriminate looting, including of household items, farming equipment, ambulances and office vehicles, allegedly by various armed actors.'' No one knows how many thousands of civilians have been killed. Humanitarian officials have warned that a growing number of people might be starving to death in Tigray. Accounts of atrocities by Ethiopian and allied forces against residents of Tigray were detailed in reports by The Associated Press and by Amnesty International. Ethiopia's federal government and regional officials in Tigray both believe that each other's governments are illegitimate after the pandemic disrupted elections. 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. TELEMMGLPICT000148112560.jpeg Dangerous drug drivers are escaping prosecution and putting lives at risk because some police forces ration testing kits issued to officers to just one a day, a Government-funded study has revealed. Motorists and other road users are being put in danger by a geographical lottery where the best forces are catching ten times more drug drivers per head of population than the worst, says the report for the Department for Transport. Merseyside police secured 71 convictions per 100,000 of the population, more than ten times the six per 100,000 by the West Midlands force, according to the research by the parliamentary advisory council for transport safety (PACTS). Seven constabularies - Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Northumbria, Avon and Somerset, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire - had fewer than 10 convictions per 100,000 despite a national trebling in drug-related road deaths to nearly 100 a year since 2013. The PACTs report said forces were being deterred from enforcing the law by the 16 cost of drug testing kits which the police had to fund unlike most other countries where their Governments picked up the bill. Some forces ration drug test kits given to roads police officers, making officers more reluctant to drug test all but the most obvious drug drivers. Other forces have specifically asked officers to reduce their use of drug test kits, said the PACTs report. Some forces [are] equipping a roads policing officer with only a single drug test kit when they leave stations. There were also delays of up to five months in police getting test results back from laboratories -which they also had to pay for at a cost of 60 to 400. This meant potentially drug drivers were able to continue driving before any sanction could be taken either by police or a court. Her Majestys Inspectorate of Police said the lack of testing and delays meant drug drivers are being tolerated and allowed to present a continuing threat to communities. Story continues PACTS proposed the Government should change the law to allow courts to recover the costs of tests from those found guilty of drug driving, as is the case with drink driving offences. They also proposed that police forces should use their powers to revoke the licences of persistent and dangerous offenders to prevent them driving from the time of the alleged offence until their trial - which could be as long as a year with both test and court backlogs. They said the need for police to target drug driving was underlined by evidence that they were more likely to be criminals. More than quarter (28 per cent) of those convicted had 10 or more previous offences and four in ten (44 per cent) of recorded offences were committed by reoffenders. The number of drug drive offences doubled between 2017 and 2019 to nearly 12,500 with those aged between 18 and 29 accounting for the bulk of prosecutions. PACTS recommended that there should be a new combined drink and drug driving offence, with a lower drug and blood alcohol limit because of the heightened risk from combining the two. PACTS executive director David Davies said: The police have made big strides in catching drug drivers over the past five years. But it remains a postcode lottery. While some forces are testing hundreds of drivers, others are rationing patrols to a single test. These disparities cannot be explained by differences in drug driving and the danger it creates. A more consistent approach is badly needed, with all forces testing for drug driving where it is suspected. Robert Unanue, the CEO of Goya foods, on August 15, 2013. Yana Paskova/For The Washington Post via Getty Images Goya Foods' CEO said Trump was "the legitimate and the still actual president of the United States." CNN reported the executive praised Trump during the Conservative Political Action Conference. Goya's board voted to bar the CEO from talking to the media earlier this year. Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories. The CEO of Goya Foods said Donald Trump was the "actual" US president nearly six weeks after President Joe Biden's inauguration. Goya Foods CEO Robert Unanue spread conspiracy theories about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election during the Conservative Political Action Conference on Sunday, CNN reported. "My biggest honor today is going to be that - I think we're going to be on the same stage - as, in my opinion, the real, the legitimate, and the still actual president of the United States, Donald J. Trump," Unanue said on the conference stage in Orlando, Florida. Trump lost both the popular vote and the Electoral College to Biden. Elections experts and international observers found no evidence of election fraud. Despite Biden's decisive victory in the election, Unanue said he thought Trump received the majority of the votes, CNN reported. He also baselessly claimed the election was "not legitimate." Goya Foods' nine-person board voted to bar Unanue from speaking to the media without company permission after the CEO baselessly called the election "unverified" in a January interview with Fox Business. Unanue's comments in support of Trump in 2020 led to backlash and boycott threats on social media. In July, Unanue said at a White House event: "We are all truly blessed, at the same time, to have a leader like President Trump, who is a builder." Goya Foods calls itself the largest Hispanic-owned food producer. Latino politicians including Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez and former presidential candidate Julian Castro criticized Unanue's comments, reminding their social-media followers of Trump's insults toward Mexican immigrants and other Hispanic groups. Story continues "Bob Unanue, is praising a president who villainized and maliciously attacks Latinos for political gain," Castro said on Twitter. "Americans should think twice before buying their products." Unanue's grandfather founded Goya in 1936. After taking over as the company's chief executive in 2004, Unanue expanded the brand's availability in regions with growing Latino populations like Florida. "We're nimble because we're family operated, and we can make decisions quickly," Unanue told Hispanic Executive in 2017. "We know who is coming, where they are coming from, and what products will allow us to make a connection with them. It works because we have the infrastructure, quality, and authenticity." Goya Foods did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh, has assured Ghanaians of the Service's resolve to clamp down on activities of homosexuals (LGBT) and groups endorsing the practice. The Criminal Code of Ghana criminalizes unnatural carnal knowledge and provides for a prison term of not more than three years for anyone found guilty of unnatural carnal knowledge. "So far as those laws remain in our statute books, we in the police are going to enforce it, the IGP said and warned that anyone found to have infringed on the laws of the country would be dealt with without fear or favour. If the people of Ghana decide that we are going to legitimise and take it off our books, we are okay with it; but until that is done we will ensure that the laws are complied with, he added. Mr Oppong-Boanuh, who was speaking at the commissioning of a conference hall for the Central Regional Police Command in Cape Coast, however, urged the police to be circumspect in handling cases that involved the LGBT groups. The facility, initiated by the former Central Regional Commander DCOP Paul Awini, is named after the current IGP. It was built with support from Gaso Petroleum Limited and benevolent individuals and would create valuable space for meetings, seminars and other activities of the Command. The IGP cautioned the public to desist from taking the law into their hands in dealing with suspected gays and lesbians. On the recent suicide cases by police officers, Mr Oppong-Boanuh said the Police Administration had begun consultations with the Ghana Psychology Association to provide services to officers who have psycho-social and emotional challenges. The IGP encouraged personnel with psycho-social challenges to avail themselves of counselling services to avert possible suicides. "So long as you do your job properly and in line with the laws of Ghana and in line with our regulations, the Police administration will do everything to protect you," he said. On the alleged assault of a policeman by the District Chief Executive of Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and others, the IGP said the Service had proceeded with the prosecution of the case on the advice of the Attorney General's office. He said the police command would support and protect personnel in the line of duty when they worked within the provisions of the profession. Mr Oppong-Boanuh appealed to the people of the Region to volunteer valuable information to support the Police to combat crime. The IGP pledged 200 bags of cement to support the construction of an on-going operations building complex. The Central Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mrs Habiba Twumasi-Sarpong, expressed gratitude to all those who supported the construction of the building. She appealed for more logistics and facilities for the police in the Region to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Joe Biden, accompanied by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, left, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second from left, attends a virtual meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, March 1, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Gardai have dispersed a large group of people from a cemetery as they celebrated a deceaseds birthday, in what offcers described as a contravention of Covid-19 public health guidelines. An estimated 200 people gathered and played loud music from a stereo system at St Josephs Cemetery, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, today. They brought tables, chairs, food and refreshments, said an informed source. There was little or no mask wearing or social distancing, they added. Gardai were alerted to the scene and cleared the group from the graveyard. Files are to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Shortly before 3pm on Sunday 28th February 2021 gardai from Rathkeale attended at a local cemetery where a large group of people had gathered in contravention of current public health measures, a Garda spokesman confirmed. The organisers of the gathering were identified and those present dispersed peacefully. No arrests were made. The Garda spokesman reminded the public: 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, he said. Read More This method of policing, during the pandemic, has seen gardai engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce. 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, they added. A local source said: This is the lowest of the low here in Rathkeale. Weve had large groups of people gathering for funerals and weddings in the town during the pandemic, but this is just ridiculous. They gathered in their droves inside the cemetery with tables and chairs, having a birthday party in the cemetery, its absolutely ridiculous, and not only that, its insulting to the dead people in that cemetery, they added. Gardai are separately investigating alleged breaches of public health guidelines after a reported 150 people attended a funeral in Rathkeale last month. Last Christmas gardai encountered house parties and other public health contraventions in Rathkeale involving gatherings by large groups at private establishments and on public thoroughfares in the town. Hundreds more stories of sexual assault in school communities will be published on Monday as a growing movement to improve sex and consent education in Sydney private schools extends across the country. More than 4000 graphic allegations of sexual assault have been sent to former Kambala student Chanel Contos in the 10 days since she launched an online petition calling for better consent education in Sydney private schools. On Monday night Ms Contos will launch a website to host thousands more allegations, which now span private, Catholic and public schools from across regional NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Perth. Credit: Dozens of private schools in both Sydney and Melbourne have vowed to take stronger action on consent education in response to the claims, while Victorias Education Minister has called for a nationwide rollout of respectful relationships education. On Monday night Ms Contos will launch a website to host thousands more allegations, which now span private, Catholic and public schools from regional NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Perth. An alleged terror plotter said he wanted to hunt down gay people in the UK, a court has heard. Sahayb Abu, 27, denies planning an atrocity and told the Old Bailey he was just flexing his muscles in a pro-Isis chat group. The court heard that in a message posted to a private group on the encrypted Telegram app, Mr Abu wrote that he had panic attacks when he saw gay people, adding: I need to hunt them down. In another message, he wrote that he saw a woman-man thing and almost battered them while walking down a road near his home in London. The jury was read messages where Mr Abu called Barack Obama the LGBT president and called gay people disgusting. While being questioned by prosecutor John McGuinness QC on Monday, Mr Abu admitted writing the messages but said they did not represent his real views or intentions. He said he brought up the subject to be a bad boy in the pro-Isis chat group, adding: Im bringing it up as an ego trip on my behalf just to flex my muscles. Mr Abu said the story about walking past someone he wanted to batter had been fake, and that he believed all life was sacred. I dont find them disgusting at all, he added, telling jurors that he was once kissed by a man in Londons Heaven nightclub, and told him Im not gay, sir. Mr Abu is accused of planning a terror attack in the UK after being released from prison following a burglary sentence in March 2020, after buying a sword, knife, combat vest and gloves online. The court heard that two of his half-brothers, Wail and Suleyman Aweys, are believed to have died after joining Isis in Syria in 2015. Alleged terror plotter raps about being a 'straight Isis supporter' Three more of Mr Abus relatives were jailed for disseminating terrorist publications in January 2019, jurors were told. Mr Abu denied supporting Isis and said he had posed as a supporter of the terrorist group on different online platforms because he was bored during the coronavirus pandemic. Asked why he had sent pro-Isis propaganda to himself, he said it was just the fact that I was in lockdown bored out of my mind. Mr Abu told jurors he was trolling when writing extremist comments on YouTube, including one saying that Islam is for war, hostage taking, killing infidels, fighting tyranny, taking war booty, taking women of the enemy as concubines dont listen to those who tell you Islam means peace. The defendant called himself sad and pathetic and said he wanted to generate a reaction and receive notifications, adding: I knew it would make people angry, create some kind of thrill to my life. Mr McGuinness said the other explanation was that the posts represented the way that Abu truly felt and thought. But he denied it, adding: Its been a very hard year, during lockdown I was quarantined in my dads room with that phone spending hours on end on it it sounds awful but it wasnt in my heart. Im not an Isis-supporting terrorist, Im not. A screenshot of the weapon that Sahayb Abu attempted to purchase online ( ) Mr Abu told the jury he was trying to change the direction of the Isis-supporting chat group he became part of, and had the groups propaganda videos on his phone because he forgot to delete them after seeking information on his brothers. The defendant said an Isis flag found in the wardrobe of his bedroom belonged to his father and had been there when he moved in, following his release from prison. He added that he had made internet searches for the names of knife attackers because he had chanced across news articles, or was interested in murders and whodunnits. The court heard that he called the Westminster and Reading attacker brothers in messages, but Mr Abu said it was an Arabic thing and did not show approval. Mr Abu, who previously claimed to have been an aspiring rapper, told jurors that lyrics where he called himself a straight Isis supporter and said he was trying to see many Lee Rigbys heads rolling on the ground were not meant to be taken seriously. This is just one rap Ive made out of many many raps, he said. I didnt think I was charged with creating raps. Mr Abu, of South Norwood in south London, denies preparing an act of terrorism. His brother, Muhamed Abu, of Dagenham, denies failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism. The trial continues. The prospect of a 'strong, jobs-led recovery' was hailed by Boris Johnson last night as it emerged Budget forecasts will predict the fastest economic growth for half a century. The Prime Minister said the 'pessimists' would be proved wrong about Britain's fortunes, with the economy expected to bounce back strongly as the lockdown is eased. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to predict the strongest revival for 50 years in tomorrow's Budget. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which provides independent forecasts to the Government, is said to have upgraded its estimates sharply in the light of the successful rollout of the Covid vaccine. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to predict the strongest revival for 50 years in tomorrow's Budget. Boris Johnson has hailed the prospect of a 'strong, jobs-led recovery'. Pictured: Johnson and Sunak in the Chancellor's promotional video One source acknowledged that the Chancellor (pictured in his promotional video) was upbeat, saying his statement tomorrow would be 'serious but optimistic' Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday confirmed for the first time that the vaccine programme is 'breaking the link' between virus cases and deaths fuelling hopes that the lifting of lockdown will prove permanent. The OBR is expected to say the black hole in Britain's finances created by the pandemic is significantly lower than the 29billion it suggested in November and far below the 43billion the Treasury once feared. One source close to the Budget process told the Financial Times: 'The successful rollout of the vaccine is a material change in the last few months.' Treasury sources did point out that part of the reason faster growth was expected was because of the sharp contraction in the economy last year. But one source acknowledged that the Chancellor was upbeat, saying his statement tomorrow would be 'serious but optimistic'. The apparent improvement in economic fortunes led to renewed calls from Tory MPs for the Chancellor to hold off on tax rises. The apparent improvement in economic fortunes led to renewed calls from Tory MPs for the Chancellor to hold off on tax rises Mr Johnson last night confirmed the Daily Mail's report last week that fuel duty will not increase. And former Treasury minister Mel Stride said Mr Sunak should not even consider raising taxes until the autumn and warned that earlier increases could choke off growth. Mr Stride, chairman of the cross-party Commons Treasury committee, said: 'The last thing we want the Chancellor to be doing now is jacking up taxes and dampening down the animal spirits in the economy.' Mr Sunak is expected to raise corporation tax from 19 per cent to 20 and set out a 'pathway' to raising it to 23 per cent. He will also announce a three-year freeze on income tax thresholds, clawing back 6billion from workers and dragging 1.6million people into higher tax bands. Speaking at the weekend, he vowed to 'level with people' about the 'enormous shock' caused to the economy by the pandemic. The Prime Minister struck an positive tone during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent yesterday. He said the Chancellor was right to be 'frank' about the dire state of the public finances, admitting: 'It's been expensive to look after everybody throughout the pandemic.' Pictured: Boris Johnson visited St Mary's C.E. Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent on March 1 Tory MPs are threatening mutiny over the prospect of any tax rises tomorrow, with Downing Street forced to warn last week that anyone who votes against the Budget will face expulsion from the parliamentary party. But the Prime Minister struck an positive tone during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent yesterday. He said the Chancellor was right to be 'frank' about the dire state of the public finances, admitting: 'It's been expensive to look after everybody throughout the pandemic.' But he added: 'I have no doubt that, if we get it right, as I'm sure we can, we can have a strong, jobs-led recovery, that I think could be much stronger than many of the pessimists have been saying over the last six months or so.' Yesterday, Mr Sunak also said the main focus of his Budget would be jobs. The 50billion furlough scheme will be continued until the summer, alongside other Covid support. He is expected to boost apprenticeships and is considering a national insurance holiday for firms that take on new staff. The Chancellor is also under pressure from northern Tories to support high streets. Forty-five MPs from the Northern Research Group called for an extension of the business rates holiday to be followed by 'fundamental reform' after the pandemic. Luka Chuppi which talked about live-in relationships in small towns made audience laugh off their seats with laughter. Kartik Aaryan yet showed that when he decides to mix comedy, romance and his signature quirks, he truly emerges as a winner at the box-office. Today Luka Chuppi celebrates 2 years at the box-office and we give you 5 reasons why you should revisit this film. Kartik Aaryans versatility Luka Chuppi yet again shows what a great actor he is, where at one point him taking an extra mile to marry his girlfriend (Kriti Sanon) makes you fall in love and the next moment his bearded disguise makes you roll with laughter. Hats off to this young talent. Post the success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Aaryan had a huge challenge to continue the success-streak at the box-office and prove his mettle. And he didnt disappoint. Kriti Sanons charm Kriti Sanon played the role of a journalist who loves Guddu (Kartik Aaryan), ready to step into a live-in relationship but is surely confused about the situation that brings them into. Kriti Sanons acting chops surely amazes us. That one scene where she breaks down with Kartik Aaryan and talks about her desires for true-marriage, just proved that this girl means business and shes here to stay. Emotionally uplifting Kartik Aaryans film always has one quirky USP. While earlier his films had monologues, this one has that one iconic bidaai scene. Guddu has to leave his house as hes set to embark on a live-in with his girlfriend. It's hard for him to bid adieu to his folks and what with the melodramatic bidaai track from Hum Aapke Hain Koun titled Sajan Ghar Main Chali playing in the background. Kartiks expressions are hilarious. This scene surely has a different fan base. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saregama India (@saregama_official) Chartbusting busing Right from Coca Cola to 90s hit track being rehashed Poster Lagwa Do, the film packed one great album. Kartik Aaryan killed it with each song with his dance steps, whether it was stepping into Akshay Kumars shoes for the dance number or killing it for a Punjabi track. Kriti Sanon too showcased her best moves on the dance floor. Kartik and Kritis chemistry And every love story on the big screen needs a strong chemistry between the leads. Kartik and Kriti got that bang on. They both compliment each other in this one and made sure that audiences felt their love. Kartiks chemistry with his leading ladies always grabs the eyeballs and its this chemistry that makes the fans go wild. EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season. CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15. GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season. BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career. Vote View Results After reports that Jaish-ul-Hind has claimed responsibility for planting an explosives-laden SUV outside Mukesh Ambani's house in Mumbai, a statement purportedly released by Jaish-ul-Hind has emerged denying any role in the incident and saying the reports of claiming responsibility are fake. A banner, titled 'No threat to Ambani from Jaish-ul-Hind', reads: "We never take money from Kuffars (those who reject or disbelieve in god), and never have any fight with Indian Tycoon". The statement is riddled with grammatical and spelling errors. "This morning, we saw Indian news outlets flashing news that we "Jaish-ul- Hind'' took the responsibility behind an incident that happened outside Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani's residence. We also came to know about a Telegram account in the name of Jaish-ul-Hind has released a banner claiming the same incident," said the letter. The organisation has no relation with the incident that happened outside Mukesh Ambani bunglow, the alleged telegram account, and the poster that was released in the name of Jaish-ul-Hind, it said. "We condemn Indian intelligence agencies for morphing and making fake posters at the behest of Jaish-ul-Hind," it added. The letter reads: "Jaish-ul-Hind will never (demand) ransome from kuffars (kafir) and has no fight with Indian business tycoons. Our fight is against the fascism of BJP & RSS. We are fighting against the misdeeds of Narinder Modi (Narendra Modi) against innocent Muslims of Hind. We are fighting for Sharia not for money. We are fighting against secular democracy not Ambani." Earlier, the Telegram app message claiming responsibility said "a big picture is yet to come". "The brother who placed the SUV near Ambani's house has reached the safe house. This was just a trailer, and the big picture is yet to come (sic)," it read. Meanwhile, the Mumbai police's 10 teams and the NIA are jointly investigating the case. The cops are still going through CCTV footage from Mulund toll naka, where a Toyota Innova SUV, in which the Scorpio driver left, was last seen. On Thursday, February 25, an SUV with unassembled gelatin sticks, a letter, and a fake number plate was found parked on Carmichael Road near Ambani's house 'Antilia'. Jaish-ul-Hind has reportedly demanded money through bitcoin from RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani. The message has also challenged the investigative agencies saying, "stop us if you can." It further addresses the Ambanis and says, "Next time the SUV will ram into your ... kids' car if you don't agree to the demands now." Also Read: 'Yeh sirf trailer hai': Letter found wif explosives outside Mukesh Ambani house Also read: Jaish-ul-Hind claims responsibility, demands money from RIL chairman Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Big changes are on the horizon for New Mexicos tax system, which should make life easier for businesses and New Mexico Taxation and Revenue alike. The state is overhauling its Combined Reporting System, with the first round of changes expected to go live this summer. Starting July 1, businesses will receive individualized forms targeted to their specific needs, rather than a single combined form. That saves the taxpayer a lot of work, said Stephanie Schardin Clarke, cabinet secretary for the state tax department. Schardin Clarke said this change should make it easier for businesses to file straightforward tax returns while helping the department spot errors. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ While everyones tax situation is different, Schardin Clarke said the majority of business owners only pay gross receipts tax, and either wage withholding themselves or through a separate payroll company. However, the current system requires taxpayers to wade through arcane interstate telecom taxes and vehicle surcharges to fill out the lines they need. That can lead to mistakes that force taxpayers to re-file, or even undergo a costly and time-consuming audit, Schardin Clarke said. Theres all these instructions and deductions and credits that dont apply to most taxpayers, that they have to sort through, she said. Its helpful for the tax department as well. Schardin Clarke said having a single combined system leads to processing errors, and she said she expects separating the system makes it easier to process payments and refunds correctly. For those looking to file online, Schardin Clarke said the website will be overhauled as well, becoming more user-friendly and allowing users to get where they need to go just by answering a few questions. Right now, taxpayers have to do quite a bit of searching and sorting to get to the area they need, Schardin Clarke said. The CRS overhaul is just one change going into place in July. Taxpayers should also expect the state to fully implement taxes on internet sales at the local level. Additionally, Schardin Clarke said the department is changing how GRT is collected. That means most sales will be reported at the buyers location, rather than the sellers. More details will be available in the next few weeks, according to the department. Titan raises private equity A New Mexico commercial real estate developer recently raised nearly $100 million in private equity but not in the sector you might be picturing. Titan Development announced that it raised $95 million in capital toward multifamily and industrial developments across the Southwest. Ben Spencer, principal and fund manager for Titans private equity wing, said in an email the company is focusing on smaller markets for its multi-family development, signaling that the trend away from expensive coastal markets may not be dissipating any time soon. While COVID-19 has made an impact, it has largely been a trend accelerator and we believe those trends will continue, Spencer said. This isnt Titans first venture into the private equity world. Spencer said the firm launched its first fund in 2017. That fund committed $108M to 20 projects in six states. Spencer said focusing on private equity makes sense for Titan for a few reasons. He said the firm has a large pipeline of deals, and it makes sense to raise money for all of those deals at once. The approach also gives investors the opportunity to diversify their real estate portfolio with a single investment, and allows Titan to move quickly when lining up projects. Spencer said Titan is taking a more targeted approach with this fund. On the industrial side, Titan is focused on the Interstate-35 corridor in Texas, which encompasses Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. For multi-family development, Titan is expecting people to continue leaving large, expensive markets in favor of smaller cities, like Albuquerque that offer more room and a lower cost of living. Ultimately, our job is to focus on our bigger convictions about the market and asset types we have identified for investment, Spencer said. Stephen Hamway covers economic development, healthcare and tourism for the Journal. He can be reached at shamway@abqjournal.com. A measure just reintroduced in the Senate would dramatically expand disability benefits for veterans injured in combat. The Major Richard Star Act would allow veterans who served less than 20 years before being medically retired due to combat-related injuries to receive both disability compensation and full retirement pay. Currently, only military retirees with at least 20 years of service and a disability rating of at least 50% can collect both benefits in their entirety. Under current law, an estimated 42,000 retirees are ineligible for concurrent benefits. Their retirement pay is reduced by the amount of disability compensation they receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation would remove limits on the level of disability covered, potentially driving up the government's costs significantly with full retirement pay for all such veterans. Read Next: Marine Dies in Surfing Accident Near Okinawa's Ikei Island "When it comes to our nation's disabled veterans, we've got to cut through the bureaucratic red tape that's prevented them from getting the full benefits they've earned," Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said in a statement. He added that the measure "would fix the unfair offset that prevents thousands of veterans living with the wounds of war from accessing both their disability benefits and retired pay." Despite support from both chambers of Congress, the bill failed to pass last year and had to be reintroduced after the new Congress was sworn in. It also has wide support among veterans service organizations. "Retirement pay and VA disability compensation are fundamentally different benefits, granted for different reasons," VFW National Commander William "Doc" Schmitz said in a statement last year. "To deny earned retirement pay from veterans who were unfortunately medically retired early because of wounds or illnesses sustained on the battlefield is an absolute injustice that must end now." The bill's namesake, Maj. Richard Star, was a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan He served as a combat engineer and died in February, according to the Military Officers Association of America. Star was medically retired after an injury on duty and died from metastatic lung cancer after exposure to burn pits overseas. He advocated for veterans to be able to collect full retirement and disability compensation after learning his pay would be offset. His wife left her job to take care of him and relied on that pay. "Maj. Richard Star inspired veterans across the nation as he embarked on this selfless journey to ensure all families of servicemembers will be taken care of," Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, president and CEO of MOAA, said in a statement. "He has earned his rest and now it's our turn. We will honor his legacy by continuing his fight to get concurrent receipt passed for all servicemembers." -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: 30 Years After the Gulf War: Veterans and the Legacy of Toxic Wounds Your ministers report cards (Doves, hawks and dead ducks grading how our ministers have performed during the Covid crisis, Irish Independent, February 26), describe a Cabinet composed of individuals rather than members of the same team with the objective of defeating Covid-19 and protecting the welfare of the entire population. We have Tanaiste Leo Varadkar with his frequent tweeting, podcasts promoting himself and Fine Gael, promoting himself through media, announcing the successes of others and avoiding hard and difficult decisions. Through his cheer-leading for the opening up at Christmas, we now find ourselves in the worst wave of the pandemic. The Fine Gael ministers are no better as they support their leader and promote their own relevance. It is impossible for Taoiseach Micheal Martin to effectively manage a team of such disparate members, with some of his own party members calling for his resignation and all members of Government looking to make themselves relevant in the next election. The pandemic has demonstrated how ineffective our governments have been. We have reeled from crisis to crisis over the past 30 years by using sticking-plaster solutions and pandering to lobby interest groups with no continuing values in the interest of all citizens. The nation deserves better than this. Hugh McDermott Dromahair, Co Leitrim Gathering at school gate may show irony of fair-minded MOST fair-minded people will, quite rightly, condemn the actions of the so-called anti-lockdown protesters on Saturday. But a sizeable cohort of these fair-minded people will congregate in quite large numbers outside school gates, without face masks and social distancing. They may even park their cars illegally in areas clearly defined with School Entrance Keep Clear No Parking. And while awaiting the arrival of little Chloe or Tarquin, they will regale each other with their self-righteous indignation at the illegal gathering in Dublin at the weekend. And thus irony and hypocrisy will coexist in blissful ignorance. Kieran Cunningham Glasnevin North, Dublin 11 Phoenix Park is missing beautiful botanical riches THE Phoenix Park is a wonderful park. Unfortunately, it is very scarce on botanical riches. The deer are lovely to see. The lack of flora and fauna are sub-standard. It is not a bit inviting for many and it fails in comparison to many of Europes great parks which are full of botanical riches. What are the OPW going to do? Paul Doran Dublin 22 Lift lockdown and keep the Garda chief out of politics LETS be careful here. I vehemently disagree with all of Saturdays anti-mask-wearing, violent protests. The gardai have a thankless job now that the lockdown is gnawing at peoples sanity. The Government has chosen restriction, lockdown and closedown as the panacea. The Garda then becomes the administrator of that formula. However, the right to peaceful protest is an enshrined right. Opportunist misinformation from the Garda commissioner, dragging in far-left troublemakers without any evidence is political ball-playing. There is, I believe, an obvious coalition strategy: blame Sinn Fein for everything. The polls indicate this is not working. So coalition, its down to you. Sort this mess out. Give the green light to a sensible lifting of lockdown. And keep the Garda Commissioner out of politics. That is not his job. John Cuffe Dunboyne, Co Meath Gendering kids toys is more inclusive than going neutral IN ONE of the more unusual attempts to be politically correct, the toy company that made Mr Potato Head has announced that it will now be creating a gender-neutral Potato Head. It seems it was doing this to be more inclusive but that is odd. Removing alternatives is less inclusive, whereas creating a range of gendered toys would illustrate that the world is broader than when Mr Potato Head first appeared in 1952. Of course Potato Head could discuss this with the gender-neutral Barbie dolls that currently exist. Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Australia Burma Myanmar Regime Recalls Over 100 Staff From Foreign Missions Anti-coup protesters hold placards demanding civil servants join the Civil Disobedience Movement against the military regime. / The Irrawaddy YANGONMyanmars military regime has recalled at least 100 staff from missions in at least 19 countries, according to leaked documents. The move came after a speech by Myanmars UN envoy U Kyaw Moe Tun to the General Assembly in New York on Friday in which he broke ranks with the military regime to condemn the coup and plead for the international communitys help in restoring democracy to his country. Following the speech, the junta dismissed the envoy and accused him of high treason for insisting that he represented the democratically elected government led by the National League for Democracy (NLD). According to the leaked documents, the military regime on Sunday ordered home officials including minister-counselors and secretaries, as well as other embassy staff, at missions in the US, the UK, Italy, Austria, Brazil, France, Norway, Belgium, Serbia, China, Japan, India, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Cambodia, South Korea and the Philippines. Moreover, the documents include orders transferring more than 50 staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Naypyitaw to vacated positions in those countries. A staffer at the Myanmar Embassy in the US told The Irrawaddy, U Kyaw Moe Tuns action at the UN sent a signal to MOFA staff in foreign countries that they should participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement [CDM] openly. Thousands of civil servants in Myanmar have joined the CDM, showing opposition to the military coup and refusing to work under the military-appointed cabinet. The staffer said some employees of the mission in the US are reluctant to accept the coup, after having worked under the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, adding that many dislike the idea of working under the military regime. Detained Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi served concurrently as the foreign minister after the NLD-led government took office in 2016. Early last month, the military regime recalled Daw Kay Thi Soe, Myanmars first ambassador to the Czech Republic. She said she had been recalled for revealing which party she voted for in the Nov. 8 general election. On Saturday, Daw Kyi Thi Soe wrote on Facebook that she condemned the unjust military takeover and added that as a mother, she shared the sadness of the mothers of those killed and injured during security forces crackdowns on protesters. She said she would return to Myanmar in early March. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Junta Leader Warns Media Against Using Junta or Regime After Embassy Protest, Indonesia Denies Backing Myanmar Regimes Election Plan Myanmar Police Fails to Probe Headquarters Raid: NLD Schools are at risk of succumbing to 'mask anarchy' because of weak rules about the use of face coverings, ministers were warned today. Secondary school pupils have been told to cover their faces in classes when they return to lessons from Monday. But the rule change - which has sparked some controversy among parents - is only advice, which could create a difficult situation in schools, according to Tory MP Rob Halfon. The chairman of the Education Committee demanded ministers introduce 'definitive regulations' that avoid all doubt for parents, pupils and teachers. Speaking in the Commons today he said: He told the Commons: 'Given that the schools minister (Nick Gibb) said that the wearing of masks by pupils on the school estate is advisory guidance, if a pupil or a parent on behalf of a pupil objects to comply with the wishes of a headteacher to wear a mask, are we not in danger of creating mask anarchy? 'Enormous pressure is being put on head teachers in Harlow because of the confusion, like Vic Goddard, head teacher of Harlow Passmores School. 'Is it not better to come down firmly on one side or another and provide clearly definitive regulations to help teaching staff?' Children at secondary schools in England are being advised to wear face coverings in all areas where social distancing cannot be maintained, including classrooms, until Easter under strengthened protective measures. But many parents have attacked the requirement, with some saying it is too restrictive a burden to place on children. Rob halfon (right) demanded ministers introduce 'definitive regulations' that avoid all doubt for parents, pupils and teachers. But Schools minister Nick Gibb (left) replied: 'We said very clearly that we strongly recommend students in secondary schools to wear face coverings in classrooms' How the new rules could work: Children in a class at a school in France wearing masks Mr Gibb responded: 'Well we said very clearly that we strongly recommend students in secondary schools to wear face coverings in classrooms where it's not possible to keep social distances between pupils. 'And we've also said for quite a number of months that where in communal areas of a school it's not possible to maintain social distance, then staff and adults and students in secondary schools should also wear face masks.' It came as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson acknowledged that the pandemic has 'impacted' the attainment gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils. Questioning the minister in the Commons today, shadow education secretary Kate Green said: 'Even before the pandemic, child poverty stood at over four million, up more than 700,000 since Labour left office, and progress on narrowing the attainment gap between disadvantaged and other students had stalled. What targets has the Secretary of State set to address these shocking failures?' Responding, Mr Williamson said 'we recognise that the work that we've done in terms of closing the attainment gap between those who are richest and poorest has been impacted as a result of this pandemic and this is why we are taking a targeted approach in terms of our investment'. Ms Green added: 'But just days from the Budget, there is still no commitment to keep the 20 uplift in Universal Credit, no sign that the Secretary of State will abandon the public sector pay freeze and he's allocated just 43p per pupil per day to support catch up. 'Does he really believe that this is good enough, or will he stand up for children and families and tell the Chancellor they must come first in the Budget?' Mr Williamson replied: 'On this side of the House, we believe passionately in terms of driving up educational standards because we recognise that for children - especially from the most disadvantaged backgrounds - that is the best way to give them the opportunities in life that we want to see every child have.' Education Secretary Gavin Williamson acknowledged that the pandemic has 'impacted' the attainment gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils Mr Williamson also failed to rule out the prospect of the school year being restructured to reduce the length of summer holidays. Conservative MP Imran Ahmad Khan said: 'I was interested reading the Institute of Economic Affairs' recent report entitled 'Back to school and after', which outlines a number of policies that would help resolve critical issues facing our schools. 'Summer holidays are one key area. It appears they prove counterproductive for pupils.' He added: 'I wonder if the minister would kindly look into the proposal of restructuring the school year to reduce the length of summer holidays, a policy that would greatly benefit pupils and parents?' Mr Williamson responded: 'We've asked Sir Kevan Collins to look across a whole and broad range of different ways of giving children a boost in terms of being able to not just catch up in terms of any learning that they've lost, but actually more fundamentally make major changes to actually how we drive educational attainment over a generation and more. 'And of course all of this is something that Sir Kevan will be looking at.' Administrators and union leaders are thrilled by the news that New Jersey teachers will be eligible for coronavirus vaccinations March 15, a step many Hudson County school districts have indicated is a requirement for reopening. Of the districts that are waiting for the vaccine before welcoming students back, several said they will still likely not reopen until at least mid-April. Jersey City is remaining focused on reopening for the fourth marking period on April 22, Board of Education President Mussab Ali said. North Bergen will also likely reopen that month, said Superintendent George Solter. Others, meanwhile, are not ready to commit to April. Union City probably wont decide about whether to reopen until its board meeting at the end of April, said coordinator of data and community development Ralph Passante. And Bayonne Superintendent John Niesz wouldnt hint at the date that the district is considering, though he said the hope is to reopen sooner rather than later. Were all optimistic that this is another step in the right direction, Niesz said. The districts said they are expecting to vaccinate employees by tapping into or expanding on existing municipal vaccination efforts. The Bayonne schools have also applied to the state to create their own vaccination site, and Jersey City has been speaking with the county about a potential partnership, officials said. Weve had this plan to reopen next month, and I think what this does for us is just give us more confidence, Ali said. Attending class in-person would mean a lot to North Bergen students, who have been learning from home for nearly a year, Solter said. I think its going to be huge for the kids to be back in schools with their peers, especially seniors in high school, the superintendent said. They may have some semblance of closure for their schooling at this level. The district plans to welcome teachers back first so they can adjust to the new safety protocols, such as social distancing measures and one-way hallways, he said. That may happen by mid-March he added. He plans to announce a reopening date at the districts Board of Education meeting Thursday. Neighboring Union City, meanwhile, will likely wait to make a decision until the end of April once vaccinations are hopefully well underway, Passante said. We have to see first how many doses of the vaccine we get in and how quickly thats going to be, Passante said. The district is considering welcoming younger students back before older ones and prioritizing higher risk staff members first, he added. Personally, Im excited to get vaccinated because I feel that as a country, we need to move forward with getting our lives back, said Union City Dean of Students Barbara Pinzon, who is also the president of the Union City Education Association. Its great, said Bayonne Education Association President Gene Woods. Im glad that we finally have been put in line to get vaccinated. The county has nearly 71,000 reported cases of COVID-19, and 1,950 related deaths, according to county statistics. Heart-stopping footage shows a four-year-old 'lucky' tot miraculously survive a dramatic fall unscathed - as he plummeted between a steel walkway and a truck while trying to help his grandad at work. When Josh Cann joined his grandad Roger, 63, for the first time on a work trip transporting livestock to Exeter Market on February 19 he was keen to help out as much as possible. In startling footage, the youngster can be seen grinning wildly as he helps his beloved grandad round up the final few lambs before running down the ramp. Josh Cann (left), four, was helping his grandad Roger, 63, and mum Angela (centre) for the first time on a work trip transporting livestock to Exeter Market when he fell off a loading ramp into a muddy puddle. Roger, along with Josh's mum Angela, 36, then lift the ramp to keep the sheep safe inside, with both of them keen to make sure his grandson isn't in the way. But all of a sudden, Josh runs up to help with the final push and completely misses the end of the podium - disappearing from view as he drops off the end with his hands in the air. Despite plummeting down a drop that was bigger than him, the boy 'bounced back up' with only a slight bruise though was covered in mud after landing in a puddle. Mum-of-two Angela said: 'We were loading lambs at Exeter Market and it was Josh's first time unloading sheep. I was really surprised with how well he was doing until he fell. In startling footage, the youngster can be seen grinning wildly as he helps his beloved grandad round up the final few lambs before running down the ramp Roger, along with Josh's mum Angela, 36, then lift the ramp to keep the sheep safe inside, with both of them keen to make sure his grandson isn't in the way 'I did tell him to get back out of the way of the ramp but then he came running back to help close the truck properly. 'We didn't even see him, it wasn't until me and his grandad looked down and saw him that we realised what had happened. 'It was about the same height as Josh, it was a fair drop. I wouldn't have jumped down it myself. He was lucky he didn't get hurt. 'He was absolutely fine, he had a little bruise on his leg. He bounced back up pretty much immediately. He was absolutely filthy as he landed in a muddy puddle. 'There was a little bit of shock but then he wanted to help with the sheep straight away. He got up, brushed the mud off himself and asked "can we load more lambs". 'It's not put him off going at all. Every day he keeps saying he wants to go to the market. He's very outdoorsy and loves to know everything. But all of a sudden, Josh runs up to help with the final push and completely misses the end of the podium - disappearing from view as he drops off the end with his hands in the air Despite plummeting down a drop that was bigger than him, the boy 'bounced back up' with only a slight bruise though was covered in mud after landing in a puddle 'When we watched the video back, we did laugh just at the way his arms flew into the air when he fell.' After footage of Josh's fall was uploaded to social media, people were quick to call the tough kid a 'legend' and 'trooper' for bouncing straight back up from his fall. One person said: 'He brushed himself off and carried on! True legend.' Another wrote: 'What a trooper.' One commenter simply said: 'Bet he got a shock. I had to laugh when he just disappeared.' Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 progressives running the Biden administration are planning a two-pronged strategy to attack traditional suburban families where they live in their homes and schools. The Biden campaign platform, largely written by Bernie Sanders and his supporters, called for initiatives for equity in housing and education. Going forward, these will translate into actions by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assert its policy to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) and for the Department of Education to impose Critical Race Theory (CRT) to attack both real and intellectual property. The strategy got underway with the new president's executive order on equity that calls for "an ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda." Their primary weapon is the concept of disparate impact, a conveniently squishy theory that there needs to be no factual finding of discriminatory zoning or racism in schools to conclude that a community is racist. All disparate impact requires is for a bureaucrat to declare an imbalance of race or income among the residents of a local community or in its school's Advanced Placement courses. To understand the seriousness of the assault, it is necessary to understand the philosophical origins of the left's positions on private property and the class struggle. The first tenet of Marxism is the abolition of private real property. The second is the class struggle between the oppressed proletariat and the oppressing bourgeoisie. In the 1960s and 1970s, Marxism was adapted to education, called Critical Race Theory. Proponents of CRT believe that racism is normal in the U.S. and that black Americans, Latinos, and American Indians are excluded from educational equity. They believe that inequity stems from the "tension" between property rights and human rights. More recently, Black Lives Matter explicitly reframed the Marxist class struggle between the oppressed and the oppressors in terms of blackness and whiteness. HUD's actions during Obama administration provide a template for what is coming. During the Obama administration, HUD targeted specific affluent communities: Marin County on the West Coast and Westchester County on the East Coast. HUD was armed with the Fair Housing Act, which required a determination of discriminatory housing or zoning practices, to force the two counties to build affordable housing units for disadvantaged minorities. Marin caved immediately; Westchester successfully fought HUD. Future attacks on property rights will be carried out by HUD by using the concept of disparate impact to eliminate what it calls exclusionary zoning, which HUD believes has prevented non-white people and low-income families from living in affluent communities with good school systems. The Biden administration may try to legislate this through the HOME Act of 2019, proposed by Senator Cory Booker and House majority whip Rep. James Clyburn. HOME would give states and localities block grants to be used to change single-family zoning policies and local regulations. Even if Congress does not pass the HOME Act, Biden's executive order on equity already gives HUD and the Department of Education new powers to roll out the double-barreled assault. In a number of states, including New York, local zoning is incorporated into the state's constitution. But any state, county, or municipality that needs federal monies for local roadwork would be hard pressed to defy the HOME Act initiatives. The HOME Act would use access to federal dollars as a cudgel to force compliance with an expanded and aggressive AFFH policy. During the Obama administration, for example, in 2009, HUD forced Westchester County under a legal settlement to build 750 affordable units. Westchester County did so, but in 2013, HUD raised the ante to 10,768 units and withheld federal monies. Under HUD's new disparate impact theory, the fact that Westchester County was the third most diverse county in the state and lacked exclusionary zoning was irrelevant. The second prong of the attack is on intellectual property, specifically the next generation being educated in suburban schools. It was already gaining headway in liberal enclaves, but it accelerated with the racial riots in the summer of 2020. For suburban consumption, CRT has been recast as a Culturally Responsive-Sustaining (CR-S) education. The proponents of CR-S present it as happy talk about racial understanding, but CR-S's goal is to dismantle the social structure of the property-based suburbs and their bourgeois values, such as working hard, self-reliance, and belief in the importance of family. The black and LBGT communities are the new virtuous proletariat, and white suburban residents are the new permanent enemy. CR-S's invasion of the suburbs starts with the teachers' unions and liberal-leaning state administrations, instead of a direct assault by the U.S. DOE. In New York, for example, the state Board of Regents adopted a guidance document supporting CR-S in 2018. This encouraged some suburban school districts to talk more about race and displace classic literature with polemics on race and sex differences. In other school districts, race consultants and advocates have moved in, offering courses in whiteness and anti-racism. One of the most active organizations is New York University/Steinhardt Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools (NYU/Steinhardt), which is partially funded by the Gates Foundation. NYU/Steinhardt is conducting an equity "audit" in Westchester County's Pelham schools and managing a secret racial awareness taskforce in Rye. While CR-S is being pitched to suburban parents and school systems as virtuous, nothing could be farther from the truth. CR-S is a divisive pedagogical practice that has already provoked turbulence, the shaming of white students, and opposition by residents. Its teachings undermine parental rights to teach their children that character, not the color of your skin, counts. Its teachings also subvert parent's efforts to encourage students to work hard, be self-reliant, and be ethical, because these attributes are contrary to CRT doctrines due to their association with whiteness. The equity "audits" collect data on student discipline rates, A.P. course enrollment, and other metrics by race and sex identification. It is a foregone conclusion that whatever school system agrees to such an examination by CR-S consultants will be declared racist by disparate impact. Over time, opening up schools to CR-S will result in the diminution of the quality of education by eliminating classic literature, which is so important in building children's vocabularies and love of reading; teaching that American history is based on racism; and dumbing down math. Common Core was the first step in ridding classrooms of classic literature. Very liberal teachers' unions and administrations in some districts have succeeded in promoting toxic versions of American history. Common Core also introduced math curricula that made arithmetic unpleasant and hard to learn. Radical curricula developed by the Pathway for Equitable Math Instruction, also funded by the Gates Foundation, has introduced the concept that it is wrong for teachers to correct mistakes made by minority students in math because it's white racism. If allowed to proceed, CRT/CR-S will result in lower academic achievement in some school districts and a reduction in relative property values. AFFH combined with CRT/CR-S is the way progressives will undermine suburban family culture and the wealth of the suburbs. Americans who live by the traditional values of self-reliance, academic achievement, delayed gratification, hard work, and family need to understand how closely these pillars of economic success and personal happiness are based on intellectual freedom and property rights. The left has bought in to the propositions that race determines equity, that U.S. society is unfairly based on property rights, and that only by destroying the intersection of race and property will Marxian nirvana be achieved. That means annihilating property rights and education in the suburbs. Linda R. Killian is a retired financial analyst. Image via Public Domain Pictures. Disclaimer: The views presented are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Defense Department or its components. Small is not insignificant. Inconsequential is not obscure. Obstacles to success in life come in all sizes and levels of obscurity. Even a seemingly slight affront, while not a barrier or obstacle on its own, can be pieced together with a multitude of other affronts to amass a significant obstacle with consequential effects. Historically, the most challenging obstacle for women serving in the military was changing the hearts and minds (i.e., attitudes) internal to the armed forces, all three branches of government, and the public at large. While silent elements of each group may still oppose women serving in some form -- or at all, such views are of a bygone era. Society has evolved and so too has the military when it comes to female service in the armed forces. But despite the opening of all occupational fields to women, there are still reasons and excuses, as well as prevalent and oppressive "signs" of the past, that are an affront to the acknowledgment of women as equals in the U.S. military. One "sign" left hanging, despite law and policy changes that allow women to serve, can be found in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ. A simple, yet significant, advancement would be to remove from Article 133 of the UCMJ the antiquated and superfluous "gentleman," an affront to those who want the meaning of an "officer" to stand for more. I am an officer, not a gentleman. Article 133 of the UCMJ, entitled Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman, traces its origins from the British Articles of War and the Articles of War of James II in 1688. It was based upon the English and European military systems of the 18th and 19th centuries, when officers were aristocratic "gentlemen" and ranked members of society. Article 133 was first enacted in the United States when, in 1775, the Second Continental Congress established 69 Articles of War to govern the conduct of the Continental Army, and provided for the discharge of any officer convicted of "behaving in a scandalous, infamous manner, such as is unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman." On April 10, 1806, the United States Congress enacted 101 Articles of War (which applied to both the Army and the Navy), and the Article was amended, removing the wording "scandalous, infamous." The military departments continued to operate under the Articles of War until May 31, 1951, when the first UCMJ went into effect, just three years after women were allowed to serve permanently in the military. Instead of removing "gentleman," Article 133 of the new UCMJ provided that "when applied to a female officer the term gentleman is the equivalent of gentlewoman." On Aug. 1, 1984, Article 133 removed references to "gentlewoman" in the discussion and instead redefined "gentleman" to "include both male and female commissioned officers, cadets, and midshipman." Outside the context of the Article itself, the dictionary has historically defined "gentleman" as "a man of noble or gentle birth," and in its more modern usage as "a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior." Conversely, while a "gentlewoman" in the historical context is also referred to as a "woman of noble or gentle birth," the term's modern character reference describes a woman as one "with refined manners." The definitions in themselves present both an outdated historical reference to nobility and a retro-gender construct that portrays a gentleman as someone with a "high standard [of] behavior," a broader construct of character, and a gentlewoman as someone with purely "refined manners," a narrower example of a person who is merely polite and courteous. The title of Article 133 alone is archaic in 2021. Yet deconstructing the text of the Article also reveals an anchor on the past with no purpose. First, as currently defined within the Manual for Courts-Martial, or MCM, "gentleman" is superfluous within the text of the statute and does not add context to the "conduct [that is] unbecoming" it is meant to discourage. The text of the statute states: "Any commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman who is convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman shall be punished as a court-martial may direct." If you superimpose the MCM's definition of "gentleman" into the text of the statute, it does not amplify the context of "conduct unbecoming." It instead attempts to unnecessarily differentiate between conduct that occurs in an official and unofficial capacity. An illustration of how the Article reads with the superimposed definition is as follows: "Any commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman who is convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer and ["personal character, regardless of gender"] shall be punished as a court-martial may direct." The MCM explains that, regardless of whether the violative actions or behaviors took place in an official or personal capacity, there are "certain moral attributes common to the ideal officer and the perfect gentleman" that "seriously compromises that person's standing as an officer." If the capacity (i.e., official vs. personal) in which the conduct occurred is irrelevant and the purpose of the Article is to ensure officers maintain their standing as an officer with "certain moral attributes," then why make the distinction with an antiquated gender-based term? The superfluous term only diminishes the meaning of "officer." We are officers at all times and in every capacity. Second, other than Article 133, nowhere in law or Defense Department policy is "gentleman" used to encompass or describe the personal character of a military officer, including the qualifications for appointment and promotion. The qualifications for appointment as a commissioned officer prescribe that an officer be "(1) a citizen of the United States; (2) able to complete 20 years of active commissioned service before his sixty-second birthday; (3) of good moral character; (4) physically qualified for active service; and (5) has such other special qualifications as the Secretary of the military department concerned may prescribe by regulation." Written instructions to promotion selection boards are required to incorporate, and board members must certify, that officers recommended for promotion are "fully qualified and best qualified to meet the needs of the Military Service" consistent with exemplary conduct provisions that mandate an officer must "show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination." When describing or defining the qualities of an officer, there is no law or DoD policy, other than Article 133, that makes reference to "gentleman" or makes a distinction that qualities that encompass good moral character are separate from the definition, and what is expected, of an officer. Third, and finally, the term "gentleman" does have an apparent place in military customs and courtesies and yet, unlike Article 133, it has not been redefined to include both genders. Military customs and courtesies dictate two or more male officers are addressed as "gentlemen;" two or more female officers are addressed as "ladies;" and a mixed group should be addressed as "ladies and gentlemen." The military has not redefined either one of these greetings to include both genders for convenience or simplicity, nor is it considered redundant to separately address or acknowledge both sexes. Certainly, if a person addressed a room of mixed company as "gentlemen," it would be considered disrespectful, dismissive or even sexist. In a time in our history when military leaders are trying to reinforce that ethical and moral conduct is, and should be, synonymous with what it means to be an officer, why contradict that sentiment by insinuating that an officer and a "gentleman" are two distinct attributes? Likewise, why, when the DoD is still on the forefront of fully integrating women into all occupational positions of military service, would we disrespect or minimize their service by failing to address them properly, or worse, making them an addendum to the masculine form of a word? The term "gentleman" is antiquated and superfluous to Article 133. Its historical depiction of an officer force made up of ranked male aristocrats has never been applicable in the United States. On its face, the term's masculine form excludes female officers. Its compound usage in the statute implies there are separate and distinct moral attributes of an officer and a "gentleman," when in fact its very definition in the MCM concludes there is no distinction -- officers must uphold "certain moral attributes" at all times in order to maintain their standing as an officer. This is just one example of an antiquated relic of the past that may seem small and obscure to some but remains an affront to many. It is an affront to the meaning of, and all those serving as, an "officer." It is an affront to the objectives of the DoD to "remov[e] [gender-based] barriers," but most importantly, it is an affront to the acknowledgment of women as equals in the U.S. military. The solution is remarkably simple. There are many outstanding challenges to ensure women are serving on equal footing that require resources, time and money (i.e., female berthing on ships, equipment, etc.). Removing "gentleman" requires none of those things. Amending Article 133 is an easy, low-hanging opportunity to recognize the true makeup of the force and remove an outdated vestige of the past. -- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. The San Francisco Police Department tracked down the 4-month-old Maltese puppy named Scruggs that was allegedly stolen from its owner's car on Feb. 22. Police said a resident of Richmond, Calif., who asked to remain anonymous, purchased Scruggs in the Tenderloin and later learned through social media the dog had been reported stolen. San Francisco Police Burglary investigators reunited a happy and health Scruggs with his owner on Saturday. The owner, a 23-year-old resident from Los Gatos, parked his Subaru SUV in downtown San Francisco at 200 Sutter Street last Monday at 10 a.m. and left Scruggs in the vehicle, according to police. San Francisco Police Department / The victim told police he returned about 30 minutes later and discovered that someone had broken into his car and Scruggs was gone. Police used surveillance video to identify the suspect as 43-year-0ld Viengphet Sasone. Police said they took Sasone into custody on Feb. 25, but he refused to tell investigators where Scruggs was located. Sasone was booked into the SF County Jail on multiple charges including auto burglary, possession of burglar tools, and a probation violation. Sasone was on probation in San Francisco for a prior burglary offense. The Richmond resident who purchased Scruggs posted a photo of the new dog in social media to share with friends and family and then learned from others that the dog was reported stolen to police. Trump ripped through Joe Biden's administration saying that Democrat President has the worst one month ever. This harsh critique follows after Biden dismantled anything the Trump administration did, that drew fire even from allies. Former President Trump said that Joe Biden just had the worst first month in presidential history. He called the White House in debacles in policy that is almost unbelievable. New administration fails Former President Donald Trump compared the first month of the new administration as akin to a train wreck. He added that his opponent is not the most brilliant politician around, and he has a questionable record, reported NTD. That would translate to something bad but how bad it is cannot be imagined. From the start, Biden was on the left's side and willing to push their agenda. Donald Trump shot at Biden in his first speech after silence for some time. The venue he chose was the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, last Sunday. It was the first time; he spoke his thoughts in a big audience in CPAC. He called the immigration policies illegal and immoral, calling the Democrat's anti-American policy reprehensible. He said they ignored Americans and betrays all the core values. The White House kept hush over what Trump said. Biden aims at conservatives When Joe Biden's Administration took power in an election with many questions, immediately Biden signed executive orders more numerous than any president in the first month. His rules aimed at the executive orders issued by Trump. Biden took 57 executive actions, including 35 executive orders which were criticized heavily even by Democrats. Also read: Trump Endorses Former Aide Max Miller over Rep. Gonzalez Who Voted to Convict Him A record of 9 executive actions signed on his first day alone, with several that were unconstitutional. Biden forced changes in policies with even transitioning slowly, like American First discarded. Instead of limiting border crossing, Biden allowed a surge into U.S. soil with many not checked for COVID-19. Instead of acknowledging rules that were done in Trump's term, part of his agenda is now Biden's. An America first idea was never acknowledged by the new administration. The administration cannot back down from the Chinese communist regime or even cooperate in any field. Trump's action has tied Biden's hands or his administration will have backlash if doing otherwise. China has been calling to lower tariffs but they should be kept because it is a crucial part of foreign policy. The current administration is not like the past and is not as dedicated to America's welfare. Many of the policies taken by the Biden administration has been called unresponsive to the needs of the American people. The Trump administration sought to correct everything done wrong by Obama and earlier. He said the Republican Party will defend every American value and virtue that puts America first, not party first! Another is canceling China and its ill practices that should be stopped by America once and for all. In addition, giant tech companies should be regulated and under control. Donald Trump declared that Joe Biden's administration has the worst performance, too many unknowns if they will work for America's interests. Related article: Think Tank Says Biden's Tax Hike to Negatively Affect Employment, Wages, Economic Growth @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Newser) When Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposed a tax on the ultra-rich during her 2020 campaign, analysts said it would raise around $2.75 trillion. The richest Americans have grown so much richer during the pandemic that the estimate is now more than $3 trillion. Warren and two House Democrats, Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, introduced the "Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act" Monday, with co-sponsors including Sen. Bernie Sanders, CNN reports. The lawmakers said it would raise trillions over the next decade, "without raising taxes on the 99.95% of American households that have net worth below $50 million." The proposal would place a 2% annual tax on the net worth of households and trusts between $50 million and $1 billion, rising to 3% when net worth exceeds $1 billion. story continues below "As Congress develops additional plans to help our economy, the wealth tax should be at the top of the list to help pay for these plans because of the huge amounts of revenue it would generate," Warren said. "This is money that should be invested in child care and early education, K-12, infrastructure, all of which are priorities of President Biden and Democrats in Congress." The tax would affect an estimated 100,000 families, though critics say it could be tough to enforce and might face constitutional challenges. Polls show that around 60% of voters, including a majority of Republicans, support a tax on the ultra-wealthy, the New York Times reports. "A wealth tax is popular among voters on both sides for good reason: because they understand the system is rigged to benefit the wealthy and large corporations," Warren said. (Read more billionaires stories.) Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed Iran for a blast aboard an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman last week but sidestepped a question on whether Israel would retaliate. The MV Helios Ray, a vehicle-carrier ship, was hit on Friday morning as it was sailing out of the Middle East on its way to Singapore. A US official said the blast above the water line had ripped holes in both sides of its hull. The Israeli-owned cargo ship, Helios Ray, sits docked in Dubai after it was damaged by an unexplained blast at the gulf of Oman. Credit:AP The crew was unharmed in the blast, and the ship docked at Dubais port for repairs and inspection on Sunday. It remains unclear what caused the blast. The Helios Ray had discharged cars at various ports in the Persian Gulf before the explosion forced it to reverse course. A man has been charged after the assault and repeated stabbing of another man as he was walking in Sydneys north shore. Tyson Dellosta, 24, was arrested on Darley Street, at Mona Vale on the northern beaches about 11.30am on Monday. Police allege he was one of two men who confronted a 25-year-old man and 39-year-old man as they walked along Park Avenue, Neutral Bay, which borders a park and golf club, about 4pm on Sunday. Tyson Dellosta. Credit:Facebook One of the men allegedly assaulted the 25-year-old man by punching him several times to the face and head, before stabbing him in the head, neck, back and chest. (Newser) With the floodgates set to open on another round of unemployment aid, states are being hammered with a new wave of fraud as they scramble to update security systems and block scammers who already have siphoned billions of dollars from pandemic-related jobless programs. The fraud is fleecing taxpayers, delaying legitimate payments, and turning thousands of Americans into unwitting identity theft victims. Many states have failed to adequately safeguard their systems, and a review by the AP finds that some will not even publicly acknowledge the extent of the problem. The massive sham springs from prior identity theft from banks, credit rating agencies, health care systems, and retailers. Fraud perpetrators, sometimes in China, Nigeria, or Russia, buy stolen personal identifying information on the dark web and use it to flood state unemployment systems with bogus claims. story continues below The US Justice Department is investigating unemployment fraud by transnational criminal organizations, sophisticated domestic actors, and individuals across the United States, said Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the department's criminal division. The Labor Department inspector generals office estimates that more than $63 billion has been paid out improperly through fraud or errorsroughly 10% of the total amount paid under coronavirus pandemic-related unemployment programs since March. California has been the biggest target, with an estimated $11 billion in fraudulent payments and an additional $19 billion in suspect accounts. Colorado has paid out nearly as much to scammersan estimated $6.5 billionas it has to people who filed legitimate unemployment claims. (Click for more on the "frightening levels of fraud.") A four-year-old boy has smashed his head on metal clothes hooks in Kmart (pictured) A four-year-old Australian boy has been left with a painful injury after smashing his head straight into a metal clothes hook placed at eye level while shopping at a department store with his mother. The mum was at the Kmart in Delacombe in Victoria last Tuesday when her son accidentally walked into the clothes rack, causing a cut to the right side of his face and swelling on his ear. Kmart is installing plastic safety covers on the hooks throughout Australia after other children suffered serious eye injuries, but said the rollout had been delayed because of coronavirus border closures, reports 9 News. 'We were just walking around Kmart and he looked away for a second from where he was walking. The next minute he turned around and walked straight into the metal hook,' the mother said. She explained her son was bleeding heavily after the incident and had a large bruise on his cheek. 'It was not like he was being silly, or running or anything. Those hooks are really dangerous and sharp,' she said. This is the clothes hook where Cecilia smashed her face at Chatswood Chase shopping centre on Sydney's Lower North Shore in a previous incident This picture, which Daily Mail has pixelated because it is so graphic, shows Cecilia in hospital with her eyelid hanging off after she hit her head on the clothes rack Kmart and Target had previously committed to huge safety changes across their stores in December 2020 after a girl nearly lost her eye when she fell and hit her face on a clothes rack. The retailers had promised to put plastic covers on the end of metal racks in every Australian stores to stop other children from hurting themselves on the sharp metal. Cecilia Chen, six, was almost blinded while shopping with her grandmother, Jill Huang, at the Chatswood Chase shopping centre on Sydney's Lower North Shore in January. Recalling the accident which happened on January 8 2020, Ms Huang told Daily Mail Australia: 'Cecilia wanted to buy a pink t-shirt and her grandma was helping her find the sizes. Cecilia (pictured before the accident) lost her balance and crashed landed, smashing her right eye on a metal clothes hook in Kmart 'Cecilia saw a pink one on the high racks and tried to help and grab it - but it was too high for her and she lost her balance, landing on the low rack hook.' She smashed her her right eye into a metal clothes hook on the rack below causing her top eyelid to slice off, leaving her wailing in pain. A Kmart Australia spokesperson previously said the company reviewed Cecilia's accident and improved the safety of the 'apparel arm' hook used industry-wide. Following a trial in NSW stores earlier in the year, the company is now placing plastic covers on all apparel arm hooks. There will be 1.2million caps to cover every apparel hook at every Kmart store. Following a trial in NSW stores earlier in the year, the company is now placing plastic covers on all apparel arm hooks (pictured) Injured: Saad Shahzad (pictured) was shopping with his mother and sister in Parramatta, west Sydney last month when he saw a shirt on the floor and bent down hitting his eye 'Trials have shown these to significantly reduce the risk of injury or laceration if someone accidentally hits the apparel arm,' the spokesperson said. 'With millions of customers visiting our stores every year, the safety of our customers is a responsibility we take very seriously.' Ms Huang said she is pleased the stores were making changes and wants to make sure no other child is hurt like Cecilia was. 'I think they should have done it years ago. When Cecilia got hurt I saw there had been previous cases. If they had made those changes earlier then Cecilia would not have gotten injured,' she said. In 2019, a five-year-old boy almost lost his eye when he too hit his head on a metal hook on a clothes rack at Target, also owned along with Kmart by Wesfarmers. Saad's (pictured) mother had to free her son after he was stuck on the hook. He has since recovered and his eyesight was saved Saad Shahzad was shopping with his mother and sister in Parramatta, west Sydney in May when he saw a shirt on the floor and bent down abruptly to pick it up. His face smashed into the metal clothes rack and the hook got lodged in his eye socket with his mother having to free him as blood poured from the wound. Saad, who was temporarily blinded in one eye, was rushed to hospital where he had emergency surgery for a torn eye duct. He has recovered well and his eyesight was saved. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Kmart and Target for comment. The CBI has found 10 more victims of alleged child sexual abuse by the now-suspended Uttar Pradesh Irrigation department junior engineer Ram Bhuwan. He is the alleged paedophile also accused of selling illicit videos involving kids on the dark web, officials said according to PTI. The probe was expanded and the CBI took the statements of the 10 male victims to add to the charges against Bhuwan who was taken into custody along with his wife and a suspected accomplice. The team has discovered 35 victims and is identifying more. The CBI is deciphering digital evidence while searching the premises of Bhuwan and his suspected accomplice. ABC The agency had recently filed its charge sheet before a special court in Banda in which the CBI had presented statements of about 25 victims, all males between the age of 4-22 years, and the reports of digital evidence collected during searches at the residence of Bhuwan. The JE was arrested on November 16, 2020 while his wife was taken into custody on December 28, 2020. They were arrested by a newly established special CBI unit, which is handling online child sexual abuse, after it started tracking and apprehending paedophiles operating on the internet and busted his alleged activities after trailing him for days, they said. The accused, a resident of Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested from Banda by the Special Unit of the CBI specialising in 'Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention/ Investigation (OCSAE). Both are in judicial custody. The agency has charged Bhuwan and his wife under IPC sections related to criminal conspiracy (120-B) and homosexuality (377) along with provisions of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Information Technology Act. WOOD TV The Supreme Court had struck down Section 377 of the IPC but legal advice received by the CBI suggested that since the crime period spans before the law was quashed, the provisions can be invoked. The 50-year old Ram Bhuwan stands accused of allegedly abusing around 50 children in the age group of 4-16 years in three adjoining districts of Uttar Pradesh Hamirpur, Banda, Chitrakoot for over a decade and selling those recorded sexually explicit acts on the dark web. "The accused allegedly used electronic items and gadgets to lure children falling in the age group of 5-16 years. The scrutiny of the emails of the accused had revealed that he was allegedly in constant touch with several individuals (both Indian and foreign nationals) for the purpose of sharing child sexual abuse material," CBI Spokesperson RC Joshi said. He said the accused had allegedly created and shared huge quantity of child sexual abusive material, over the years, through the internet using various social media platforms and websites over the darknet etc. Murray Man Jailed on Gun Theft Charge By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - A Murray man was arrested Saturday on a theft charge.The Murray Police Department said an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle in the Bailey Road area. The officer spoke with the occupants of the vehicle, and during that interaction, he reportedly located a stolen firearm on 21-year-old Avion Cavitt.Cavitt was arrested and lodged in the Calloway County Jail. He's charged with receiving stolen property (firearm). Senior lawyers say an independent, confidential inquiry into allegations that a Cabinet minister raped a 16-year-old girl more than 30 years ago would be possible and could be conducted in a way that protected the mans right to a presumption of innocence. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday gave no indication that he would consider such an inquiry, saying that it would be wrong to ask the minister to step aside and that the issues raised should be left to the police to investigate. Geoffrey Watson, SC, pictured here in 2013. Credit:Rob Homer However the NSW police, who received a complaint from the woman last year, are unlikely to investigate, given the complainant died by suicide in June last year, four months after her report to police. The womans allegations of rape in 1988 have also been sent to the Australian Federal Police, although criminal matters are normally the responsibility of state police forces. Geoffrey Watson, SC, a former counsel assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and now the director of the Centre for Public Integrity said the federal government could mirror the framework established for the confidential inquiry into sexual harassment allegations made against Dyson Heydon, a former High Court judge. Scientists from Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) together with Russian and German colleagues, continue studying antitumor compounds synthesized based on bioactive molecules isolated from a sea sponge. One of them fights cancer cells resistant to standard chemotherapy, and at the same time has an interesting dual mechanism of action. A related article appears in Marine Drugs. Scientists have tested the biological effect of the marine alkaloid 3,10-dibromofascaplysin on various prostate cancer cells, including those resistant to standard docetaxel-based chemotherapy. The compound was first isolated from the sea sponge Fascaplysinopsis reticulata and subsequently chemically synthesized in FEFU. The substance forces tumor cells to die via a programmed cell death mechanism. This process is called "apoptosis" and is considered the most favorable mode of action of anticancer drugs. "The examined compound, while killing cancer cells, even ones resistant to standard chemotherapy, simultaneously activates an enzyme (so-called kinase) protecting these tumor cells. However, it can't be considered as a "good" or "bad" effect. This is just a mechanism of action, an understanding of which suggests us to apply 3,10-dibromofascaplysin together with inhibitors of these enzymes," says Dr. Sergey Dyshlovoy, from the Laboratory of biologically active substances of FEFU School of Natural Sciences, senior researcher in the laboratory of the pharmacology of National Scientific Centre of Marine Biology (Vladivostok, Russia). According to the scientist, the synthesized compound in addition to its own activity, works well in combination with several already approved anticancer drugs, enhancing their antitumor effect. Next, scientists are planning to examine how 3,10-dibromofascaplysin affects non-cancer cells. They already run a related project supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, aiming to report the outcomes during 2021. "Fascaplysins are rather toxic to non-cancer cells. In our laboratory, we are trying to modify the structure of these compounds in order to reduce their cytotoxic effect on normal cells, while maintaining the necessary antitumor effect. The goal is to create a substance for targeted therapy, with a minimum of side effects for healthy cells of the body," says Dr. Maxim Zhidkov, Head of Department of Organic Chemistry, FEFU School of Natural Sciences. Commented on the time needed for the development of the on-the-shelf drug, scientists speak about the horizon of 10-15 years, given the necessity for long preliminary and further clinical trials. ### In the study took part specialists from the Far Eastern Federal University, A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology (RAS, Vladivostok), Martini Clinic (Germany), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany), V.N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry (Russian Academy of Sciences), V.A. Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology (RAS, Moscow). The World Ocean is one of the priority research run in the FEFU. University scientists conduct research on bioactive molecules of marine origin, develop engineering solutions for Arctic ice platforms (exploration and production of minerals), underwater robotics, under-ice communications, etc. LOOKOUT, Calif. A major injury roll-over occurred on County Road 91 in Modoc County on Sunday morning. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported an incident at approximately 10:45 a.m. at mile marker 18, which is approximately 15 miles north of Lookout. According to CHP Officer Tyler Froeming a 38-year-old man from Reno was traveling northbound on 91 while on his way to Portland, Oregon. Officer Froeming said the man told them he became distracted when his attention diverted from the road ahead of him to his cell phone. When he looked back up, he told officers, he was traveling off the road in his 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The jeep rolled at least once, said Froeming, leaving the driver with a head injury. The man was able to get out of the Jeep unassisted, and was alert, oriented, and conscious when the CHP arrived. Due to his head injury, he was flown out to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, said Froeming. He explained the name of the injured man is not being released at this time. You are the owner of this article. Public hearing Regarding Answers on outages, (A10, Feb. 25). While were scrambling to point fingers at whos to blame, lets not ignore the three fingers pointing back at us. Texas voters have by and large bought into the myth of deregulation. Its a mantra for politicians all too willing to exploit it for power and profit. While there is definitely such a thing as radical over-regulation, the consequences of radical deregulation have been demonstrated ad infinitum. Lack of regulatory oversight directly contributed to the Great Depression, the savings and loan crisis of the 80s and 90s, Enron, the financial meltdown of 2007, numerous plant and environmental disasters and now, the Big Freeze. Regulation isnt inimical to capitalism; its essential to it. Or to any functioning government, for that matter. I truly hope the Texas Legislature takes a candid, constructive, non-partisan look at what went wrong. But there I go hoping again. I suspect theyll end up charging windmills, perpetuating the myth that most will continue buying into. Robert Campbell, Katy Regarding Lawmakers accuse PUC of doing too little, (A1, Feb. 26): The Texas legislators and governor can rant and rave all they want about the failures of ERCOT and the PUC. But the truth is the problem starts with them what they did and didnt do over the last several years. The system they created failed. They need to fix it. Free markets are great in many situations, but fail horribly in others. Tom Hix, Houston Since the Big Freeze I have been reading a never-ending litany of blame and finger-pointing about who is responsible for people having no food, water and other necessities. The blame goes from Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, ERCOT, the PUC, windmills, etc. to just about everyone except the person who is really responsible. That person is you! This last event should serve as a wake up to people that, when things are bad, you are responsible for your own well-being. And guess what? Hurricane season is right around the corner. Start making plans now to have the supplies on hand necessary to care for yourself and family. Being prepared provides a great sense of calm during a crisis. Its much better than standing in lines hoping to get an MRE, bottle of water and a gallon of gas from an agency who may or may not be there when needed. Like grandma always said Prepare for a rainy day cause you know what, its gonna rain! Jeff Kesler, Sugar Land Congratulations, Judge Regarding Time Magazine honors Hidalgo for leadership, (A2, Feb. 26): Congratulations to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for being named a Leader on Time Magazines Time 100 Next list. She has been at the forefront of the charge to control COVID-19 in our county, and she was spot on when she told Harris County residents to prepare for the coming winter storm as though it were a Category 5 hurricane. The attacks on her because of her age and ethnicity are completely unwarranted. The proof is in the pudding! Victoria J Swenson, Pasadena ROME, MAR 1 - Sardinia has become Italy's first region to be classed as a low-COVID-19-risk white zone, meaning that many of the restrictions in place in the rest of the country to combat the spread of the coronavirus have been dropped. As result Governor Christian Solinas signed an order early on Monday enabling bars and pubs to stay open to 21:00, restaurants to serve until 23:00 and moving the night curfew, which kicks in elsewhere at 22:00, until 23:30. Restrictions in several other regions, however, have been increased due to a rise in COVID-19 contagion. Basilicata and Molise became high-risk red zones on Monday and Lombardy, Marche and Piedmont went from being moderate-risk yellow to medium-high risk orange. 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. Emilia-Romagna Governor Stefano Bonaccini, the head of the conference of regional governments, said much of the country was set for some tough weeks. "March will be very difficult," Bonaccini told Mediaset television on Sunday. "The third wave (of contagion), which has already hit Germany, England and France, is hitting part of Italy, including Emilia-Romagna. "So we will be ready for every restriction (necessary) to protect people and bring down the contagion curve, which is rising in a major way, in order to have a better spring and summer". (ANSA). Dr Scott Green told the judge he was available for trial Medical authorities in California have vowed to investigate a plastic surgeon who appeared in a videoconference for his trial for traffic offences while operating. Dr Scott Green appeared for his Sacramento Superior Court trial, held virtually and broadcast on the internet because of the coronavirus pandemic, from an operating room. He was dressed in surgical scrubs with a patient undergoing the procedure just out of view. The beeps of medical machinery could be heard in the background. Hello, Mr Green? Hi. Are you available for trial? asked a courtroom clerk as a police officer summoned to appear in trial raised her eyebrows. It kind of looks like youre in an operating room right now? I am, sir, Dr Green replied. Yes, Im in an operating room right now. Yes, Im available for trial. Go right ahead. The clerk reminded Dr Green the proceedings were being livestreamed because traffic trials are required by law to be open to the public, and Dr Green said he understood. He appeared to continue working with his head down while waiting for Court Commissioner Gary Link to enter the chamber. When Mr Link appeared and saw the doctor on the screen, the judge hesitated to proceed with the trial out of concern for the welfare of the patient. I have another surgeon right here whos doing the surgery with me, so I can stand here and allow them to do the surgery also, Dr Green said. The judge said he didnt think it was appropriate to conduct trial under the circumstances. He told Dr Green hed rather set a new date for trial when youre not actively involved or participating and attending to the needs of a patient. Dr Green apologised to the court. Sometimes surgery doesnt always go as... he said, before the judge interrupted him. It happens. We want to keep people healthy, we want to keep them alive. Thats important, Mr Link said. The Medical Board of California said it would look into the incident, saying it expects physicians to follow the standard of care when treating their patients. Dr Green did not return reporters calls for comment. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Swiss franc weakened sharply during the second half if February with the EUR/CHF exchange rate strengthening to 19-month highs near 1.1100. The slide in equity markets late last week triggered a retreat to 1.0963 before fresh gains to above 1.1000 on Monday. Trends in the Swiss franc will continue to be monitored closely in the short term as a barometer of risk conditions and will have important implications for wider trends in the Pound Sterling. Franc weakness would indicate the potential for wider Sterling gains while renewed gains for the Swiss currency would be an important warning sign for the Pound and the risk of a wider correction. Swiss franc will be a key global leading indicator Goldman Sachs notes the old adage is that Swissy never lies, and right now it seems the Franc has a lot to say about the rates selloff. The bank recently recommended buying the Pound-to-Swiss Franc (GBP/CHF) exchange rate. It had a target of 1.30 for the pair and has now increased that target. We now target 1.33 and raise the stop to our initial entry point of 1.24. Commensurate with this, we are raising our EUR/CHF forecasts to 1.13, 1.17 and 1.20 in 3, 6 and 12 months. GBP/CHF traded around 1.2735 on Monday from lows around 1.2580 last week. ING does not expect sustained franc buying; A rocky week for risk assets could see the move briefly extend close to 1.09, but we would expect buyers to return there. After all we see this as a correction in a 2021 bull run for risk assets and like a 1.15 end year target for this cross. Unicredit added; Reflation trades with yield spreads moving in favor of the USD and EUR as well as improving global risk sentiment have probably made a heavy long CHF exposure less attractive and less necessary. The CHF slide is in line with our EUR-CHF long-term call back to 1.13 with risks to the upside. The USD/CHF exchange rate strengthened to 3-month highs around 0.9140 on Monday. Commerzbank notes that the 200-day ma is at 0.9136 and a sustained move above this level is needed to maintain the positive outlook and a target of 0.9296; It has not been the most dynamic break and we suspect that it will need to overcome the 200-day ma to generate upside interest. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and local cops found 17 undocumented immigrants hiding inside an ice cream truck in Texas. CBP said agents from the Laredo South Station made the discovery last Wednesday when they noticed a group of individuals stepping into several vehicles that were being used as part of a smuggling attempt to ferry to the people to other locations in the U.S. CBP agents and officers from the Laredo Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety stopped the vending vehicle operated by a United States citizen, and arrested the person along with a passenger, also an American citizen. The border patrol agents were able to confirm all of the people who were inside the back of the ice cream truck were all in the U.S. unlawfully and took them into custody. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced its agents discovered an ice truck last Wednesday in Laredo, Texas, with 17 migrants from Mexico and Guatemala hiding inside the back of an ice cream truck A group of migrants are crowded on top of each other in the back of an ice cream truck that was found by CBP Laredo South Station agents last Wednesday. The vehicle was one of several that a group of individuals were found stepping into as part of a human smuggling operation According to CBP, the migrants were natives of Mexico and Guatemala. The migrants, who were not wearing personal protective equipment, like masks, were provided medical attention, CBP said. 'This is another example of the lack of regard human smugglers have for those they exploit for profit and the lack of respect for the communities in which they live,' CBP said in a statement. CBP has seen a continuous spike for 'apprehensions, expulsions and inadmissibles' along the southwest border for dating back to May 2020. The federal immigration agency reported 78,323 encounters in January, the highest total since 81,777 enforcement encounters were registered in July 2019 under the administration of former President Donald Trump. CBP statistics do not show how many apprehensions, expulsions and inadmissibles have been documented since President Joe Biden entered office. President Biden's immigration reform plan will gradually allow at least 26,000 asylum seekers to await courts' decisions within the United States. As many as 125,000 migrants will be allowed to file asylum petitions during the fiscal year, a more than eight-fold increase after Trump slashed levels to historic lows. Currently there are three border entry points, one in San Ysidro, California, two others in the Texas cities of El Paso and Brownsville, that are currently allowing migrants to file their asylum petitions. At least 27 asylum seekers from a migrant camp in the Mexican border town of Matamoros were granted admission into the United States last Friday, a week after a first group of asylum seekers were given the green light to pass through the San Ysidro border entry point. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Instagram Permanently Bans Catholic Connect, Top Catholic Social Media Account NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic Connect, LLC March 1, 2021 HOUSTON, March 1, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- In what seems to be a targeted attack on religious freedom, Instagram permanently bans one of the largest Catholic accounts, Catholic Connect, reaching over five million people every week through social media. Within a matter of hours, Catholic Connect got slapped with two copyright infringements and their account was taken down. Immediately, the Catholic Connect team appealed the Instagram ban since Instagram provided no detailed information on some of the content that was reported against Catholic Connect and it did not look familiar to the Catholic Connect team. Within a matter of minutes, Instagram communicated back by email. Once again with no evidence stating to the Catholic Connect team, "your account has been deactivated and you are no longer permitted to use Instagram." No further detailed information was provided to Catholic Connect. Fighting back to what seems like an unfair attack on their religious freedom, Catholic Connect created a new account under the name of @CatholicConnect2.0 and within a matter of hours, Catholic Connect 2.0 surpassed four thousand followers who demand answers from Instagram. CEO of Catholic Connect, Richy Orozco, comments, "We are grateful for the communities support and we will not stand down to an unfair attack on our religious liberty, we look forward to a favorable appeal from Instagram." The Catholic Connect team reached out to the Instagram appeal team and to top Instagram executives including the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri. Catholic Connect awaits a response. Catholic Connect LLC is known as the voice of everyday Catholics, standing one hundred percent with the Catholic Church, sharing traditional values, advocating strongly for Pro-Life legislation, and promoting political leaders who protect the unborn. Catholic Connect has one message for the Church, STOP fully relying on secular technology. It is a great way to evangelize but the Church should never fully rely on secular technology to reach their flock. Catholic Connect has been working tirelessly for three years in developing a state-of-the-art Church CRM, a Donation System to improve recurring donor bases of nonprofits, and a social media app for the Catholic Church that is currently available on all app stores. Follow the new Catholic Connect Instagram account, @CatholicConnect2.0 Click here for more information on Catholic Connect Click here to download the Catholic Connect Social Media App SOURCE Catholic Connect, LLC CONTACT: Richy Orozco, Founder & CEO, 281-624-6768, orozco@catholicconnect.app Jeff Chiu/Associated Press United Airlines is preparing to furlough up to 3,139 workers at San Francisco International Airport as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact travel, the airline said in a statement. Many of these workers were furloughed in summer when the pandemic brought travel to a near standstill. The airline recalled many of these workers to their jobs this winter with federal assistance. The December COVID-19 relief package included $15 billion in payroll assistance for airlines, according to USA Today. To be eligible, airlines were required to rehire thousands of workers and not impose furloughs or pay and benefit reductions until March 31. BNM, MACC and Zeti urged to break their silence over latest 1MDB expose A DAP lawmaker has noted how the 1MDB scandal refuses to disappear after the spotlight landed once again on Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) former governor Zeti Akthar Aziz. Referring to media reports on the issue, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said 48 hours have passed without a response. It is time for the Malaysian authorities to break the silence, he added in a media statement today. He was responding to reports that Singapore police had alerted BNM about suspicious transactions amounting to RM66 million from fugitive businessperson Jho Low to a firm allegedly owned by Zeti's husband and son in 2015 when she was still heading the central bank. According to Lim, three parties are obligated to explain their respective positions over the latest allegation. Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng Since the matter involves the reputation of our central bank, current BNM governor, Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus should step forward to rebut the allegations and announce the actions that can be taken by BNM against the report. Secondly, the MACC has to disclose if any investigation was carried out on the allegations and whether the allegations are true or false. Thirdly, Zeti herself should disclose what legal action she or her family have taken or will take against the allegation, he added. Last December, it was reported that Zeti's husband and their two sons had admitted knowing about receiving money from 1MDB funds. The admission was contained in statutory declarations signed in March 2019. The money was in the accounts of Cutting Edge Industries in Singapore and the three admitted to being the beneficial owners of the accounts. The statutory declarations, according to FMT, were certified as authentic by the attesting lawyers. Meanwhile, controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin had also raised the matter, prompting PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to demand answers from Zeti, who is now the chairperson of Pemodalan Nasional Bhd. Following this, Zeti denied the allegation, describing it as false and malicious. Story continues I wish to reiterate that my family and I have never received any sums of money from 1MDB, the former BNM governor said, adding that she had extended her fullest cooperation with the 1MDB investigations. Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak Zeti also said she had provided the police and the MACC with all the necessary information in relation to the investigations on 1MDB and former premier Najib Abdul Razak. I am unable to make any further statements as I am a potential witness in the ongoing criminal trial of the former prime minister, she added. Last July, Najib was sentenced to 12 years jail and slapped with an RM210 million fine over the misappropriation of funds linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former 1MDB subsidiary. He is also facing another 25 charges of money laundering and abuse of power involving RM2.28 billion of 1MDB funds. Zeti had maintained that she was not aware of the funds which flowed into the former premier's accounts. She claimed that in 2015, Najib had summoned her to his office when he was still the prime minister and tried to convince her to clear him but she refused. In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini following his defeat in the 2018 general election, Najib had claimed that Zeti was aware of the sum in his bank account, which he alleged was a donation from a Saudi prince. If Bank Negara is in the know of these funds and they had an inkling or some knowledge that there could be some doubts about the source of the funds, I expected them to tell me. But nothing of that sort happened. So, I assumed all along that it was fine, he said. Radio stations in Ireland have been urged by equality campaigners to implement comprehensive data-driven plans to counteract the glaring gender disparity of musicians receiving airplay. The Why Not Her campaign compiled data from June to December 2020 on the top 20 most played songs by Irish artists on radio stations across the country, finding that 85% of artists in the top 100 airplay charts across all stations were male. Munster radio stations were among the worst in the country for when it comes to Irish female artists getting airplay compared to their male peers. Led by music industry consultant Linda Coogan Byrne, global development executive Bernadette Sexton, and researcher and academic Dr Brenda Donohue, Why Not Her has now launched an action plan for Irish radio stations to implement in order to tackle the inequality. The campaigns data-led researcher concluded that audiences want to hear more womxn on the radio, and that artists wanted and needed it. Womxn is a term used to be inclusive of trans and nonbinary women. Irish radio stations now have an exciting opportunity to become a global leader by playing more high-quality music by womxn, the Why Not Her campaign said. In order to do so, radio organisations need to commit to equal representation on air, regular reporting of reliable data with measurable targets, and a commitment to be leaders and champions of change within organisations, according to the plan developed by the campaign. The first pillar of the plan involves radio station leaders committing to change, Why Not Her said. Leadership should set out key metrics as part of its organisational strategy and integrate regular reporting on progress into management meetings, it outlined. This would involve appointing committed key sponsors at a senior level, such as a chief executive, to demonstrate a shift in culture. Progress on diversity commitments should be communicated both formally through the likes of board meetings and annual reports, as well as informally through the likes of team meetings and company-wide emails. Data-driven decision-making should form the second pillar of action, the plan said. Data can be a powerful tool to change behaviours. Look at what the following national, regional and commercial radio stations have done since the publication of the first Gender Disparity Data Report back in June 2020. Six months on and RTE 2fm are now at 40% parity, Spin 103.8 at 45% parity and Beat FM at 35% parity. Proving that Irish radio has the opportunity and ability to enact structural change that benefits us all, if it chooses to. Radio teams can monitor and evaluate its own initiatives, use quality data to make decisions, and have a baseline against which to measure progress and drive improvements. Qualitative data sources are readily available across the music industry, it said. The third pillar of the plan involves shifting a sense of change across leaders and managers, Why Not Her said. Shifts in culture should be encouraged and enabled by all staff, it added. Radio stations in Munster have indicated their commitment to change on the back of the plan being published by Why Not Her. Head of music at Beat FM, Niall Power, said: We made a conscious effort in 2020 to support emerging Irish female artists. Im pleased to see our figures increase from 5% to 35% since the last report. Its also very important to us that these are primetime plays so the artists are reaching as big an audience as possible. Variety and diversity matter. Its been made somewhat easier by the quality of artists coming through like Denise Chaila, Lea Heart, Sophie Doyle Rider and Waterfords Carrie Baxter. Head of music at Radio Kerry, Elaine Kinsella, said: "Radio Kerry is committed to increasing airtime for new Irish female artists and will undertake regular self-assessment to ensure the same. New Delhi, March 1 : Just one vaccine shot reduces the risk of being hospitalised by Covid-19 by more than 90 per cent, according to new findings, Daily Mail reported. Public health officials have told Ministers in the UK that the remarkable results apply for both the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, with the British jab proving slightly more effective, the report said. The new one-dose vaccination figures were calculated by comparing Covid hospitalisation rates in those who have received their first dose with those of a similar age who haven't. The report said it helps to explain why the numbers being hospitalised are falling so rapidly in the oldest age groups. Deaths among the over-75s have dropped by 40 per cent, while the number of over-85s being admitted to intensive care units with Covid has dropped close to zero. The strong results for the Oxford vaccine are a rebuke to the German authorities, which last month advised against its use in the over-65s, Daily Mail said. The vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca is stunningly effective at preventing recipients becoming seriously ill from Covid 19, new analysis shows. It is even better than the Pfizer jab at stopping people getting so sick that they need to be admitted to hospital, Ministers have been told, according to the report. A single shot of either jab cuts the chance of needing hospital treatment by more than 90 per cent, 'real world' results from the NHS vaccination programme show. "But the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, shunned by millions across Europe because of concerns over trial data, is proving slightly more effective at stopping severe Covid-19 illness than the Pfizer jab", Daily Mail said. Its apparent superiority even holds among over-70s, The Mail on Sunday understands, vindicating the UK drug regulator's decision to approve it for use in older people. The figures were calculated by comparing Covid hospitalisation rates across England in those who have received a first dose of vaccine in the NHS rollout, to those of a similar age who have not. They follow a Scottish study of Covid hospitalisation rates, published last week, which came to similar conclusions. Edinburgh University researchers found that by the fourth week after injection, "the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines were shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by up to 85 per cent and 94 per cent, respectively". Among over-80s, who are at highest risk of severe illness, a single dose cut the risk of needing hospital treatment by 81 per cent from week four onwards, when the results from both types were combined, the report said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text BUFFALO, N.Y., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB)("M&T") will participate in the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference being held in a virtual format. Representatives of M&T are scheduled to address investors and analysts on March 10, 2021 at 10:40 a.m. (ET). A live audio-webcast of the event will be available via the Internet at: https://ir.mtb.com/events-presentations. The discussion and webcast may contain forward-looking statements and other material information. A replay will also be made available following the event. About M&T Bank M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. 2021 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. Investor Contact: Donald J. MacLeod (716) 8425138 SOURCE M&T Bank Corporation Related Links http://www.mandtbank.com [March 01, 2021] Apex Sells Jayhawk Wind, with Facebook PPA, to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy Apex Clean Energy (News - Alert) today announced that WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) and Invenergy purchased the Jayhawk Wind project, including a renewable power purchase agreement with Facebook (News - Alert) . The more than 190 MW project, located in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas, will help support the tech company's operations in the region. "Establishing and growing strong relationships with the nation's pre-eminent clean energy investors and power purchasers is fundamental to Apex's (News - Alert) core mission and to our ability to bring best-in-class renewable energy assets like Jayhawk Wind to life," said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO. "Because of these agreements with Facebook-a valued Apex customer-and new partners WEC Energy Group and Invenergy, Jayhawk Wind will advance the new energy economy in Kansas and generate significant long-term economic benefits for the local community." The deal marks Apex's fourth renewable transaction with Facebook, following a 61.6 MW PPA with Altavista Solar; a 200 MW PPA with Aviator Wind East, part of the largest single-phase, single-site wind project in the United States; and, most recently, a 175 MW PPA with Licoln Land Wind in Illinois. "We are excited to help bring this new wind project-our first in Kansas-to the grid in support of our operations in the region," said Urvi Parekh, head of renewable energy at Facebook. "At Facebook, we are committed to supporting our global operations with 100% renewable energy and helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy around the world." Jayhawk Wind will help Facebook meet its goal to support its operations in the region with 100% renewable energy and reach net-zero carbon emissions. The tech company stepped in as the project's offtaker after a previous power purchase agreement was mutually dissolved. The purchase of the Jayhawk Wind project is part of WEC Energy Group's $16 billion ESG Progress Plan-the largest five-year capital plan in the company's history. "Our commitment to the Jayhawk project is the next step forward in our comprehensive plan to build a bright, sustainable future, serve strong vibrant customers, and continue to grow earnings from our portfolio of renewable energy assets," said Gale Klappa, WEC Energy Group executive chairman. The Jayhawk facility, which breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, will consist of 70 GE wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MW. The project will provide significant economic benefits for the local and state economies-including the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and 7 long-term operations positions-and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue. About Apex Clean Energy Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 250 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world's most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit www.apexcleanenergy.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About WEC Energy WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), based in Milwaukee, is one of the nation's premier energy companies, serving 4.6 million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. The company's principal utilities are We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources. Another major subsidiary, We Power, designs, builds and owns electric generating plants. In addition, WEC Infrastructure LLC owns a growing fleet of renewable generation facilities in the Midwest. WEC Energy Group (wecenergygroup.com) is a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500. The company has approximately 42,000 stockholders of record, 7,300 employees and $37 billion of assets. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005172/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Patna, March 1 : A 20-year-old youth has been arrested by the Bihar police for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl in the state's Jamui district on Monday. The accused has been identified as Hareram Manjhi, who is a native of Dhamana village near the Aliganj police station in Jamui district. He had come to Khutauna village to attend the marriage of his cousin brother. Manjhi spotted the victim who was playing outside her house at nearly 9 a.m. He lifted her and took her to a nearby deserted house and raped her. The victim's screams were not heard by anybody due to the loud music being played at the marriage venue nearby. After committing the crime, Manjhi tried to flee from the village but the villagers became suspicious and caught him. They found the girl lying in the deserted house, bleeding profusely. Following this, the villagers handed Manjhi over to the police. Pramod Kumar Mandal, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Jamui district said, "We have registered an FIR under the POCSO Act and arrested the accused. He has been sent to judicial custody." "We will soon file a chargesheet in the matter and are committed to bring up the matter in a fast track court for speedy justice," Mandal said. H-E-B Quest for Texas Best is now calling for entries for this years contest that has been expanded to include non-food items. The eighth annual search for the Lone Star States best foods and beverages will now also boast creative innovations in beauty items, toys, home goods, household necessities, gardening supplies, coolers and more. On HoustonChronicle.com: UTHealth mental health experts discuss coping with crisis H-E-B will be taking submissions through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7. A combined $70,000 in cash prizes will be on the table, with the opportunity to have a winning product featured on H-E-B shelves across Texas. Through Quest, we have the opportunity to connect with even more Texas-based innovators each year, which helps us further curate rich and robust offerings for customers, said James Harris, H-E-B director of diversity & inclusion and supplier diversity, in a news release. While we were unable to formally hold the competition in 2020, we still found a number of excellent companies. We look forward expanding that list with the 2021 competition. Participants will have a chance to discuss product development and best practices with H-E-B sourcing and supplier diversity leaders before presenting their products in virtual information sessions on March 2, March 10 and March 11. Participants need to register, and space is limited. Visit www.heb.com/quest to reserve your informational meeting space, review competition details and find out more about the two-minute video that is now required. On HoustonChronicle.com: Students' efforts apparent at the Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show H-E-B started Quest for Texas Best in 2014 and has since taken in more than 4,500 samples of Texas delicious foods and beverages, selected more than 750 products to put on shelves and awarded nearly $1 million in prize money, marketing, supplemental support and mentoring. Suppliers and manufacturers that are interested can submit product information on the website by April 7. Once the call for entries wraps up, H-E-Bs business development managers will choose 20 top applicants. Those contestants will present their products in front of a panel of judges Aug. 24 through Aug. 26 at the San Antonio Food Bank. Judges will then choose the four winning products. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000, the claim to fame of Texas Best and a spot on H-E-B shelves. The first-place winner will take home $20,000 while $15,000 will go to the second-place winner. The third-place winner will receive $10,000. Top hits: Get Houston Chronicle stories sent directly to your inbox Eligible products cannot be sold at any other large chain or retailer, and contestants must agree to sell their products exclusively to H-E-B. All items must be created, produced and co-packed in Texas. According to the release, H-E-B has over $31 billion in sales from more than 400 stores across Texas and Mexico. The San Antonio-based brand is celebrating 115 years this year. tracy.maness@hcnonline.com In a massive revelation, a Massachusetts-based company 'Recorded Future' has issued a report on Monday, stating that a Chinese government-linked group of hackers had targeted India's power grid, possibly leading to Mumbai power outage in October 2020. The report has identified that China-linked threat activity group RedEcho was allegedly behind the attack, amid Indo-China border tensions. The Maharashtra Cyber Team has submitted a report to Home Minister Anil Deshmukh about the 'attack on the state's power grid'. China Cyberattack behind Mumbai powercut? Maharashtra Cyber Cell has submitted a preliminary report on this. The report findings state there is evidence that suggests there might have been a cyber-sabotage attempt. The report handed over to minister Nitin Raut: Maharashtra HM Anil Deshmukh on Oct 2020 Mumbai power outage pic.twitter.com/QhiQEF8yEj ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2021 "When the power went out in Mumbai, I had said that there was something wrong and had constituted 3 committees to probe. I feel media reports that have surfaced are true. Cyber cell has submitted a report on this to Home Minister Deshmukh," said Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut Mumbai Power Cut: Devendra Fadnavis questions Maha govt; calls for proactive approach US report on cyber attack RecordedFuture identified that ten distinct Indian power sector organisations, including four of the five Regional Load Despatch Centres, two Indian seaports were targets in a concerted campaign by the Chinese group. RedEcho reportedly has strong infrastructure and victimology overlaps with Chinese groups APT41/Barium and Tonto Team, while ShadowPad is used by at least five distinct Chinese groups. These groups' online activities had raised concerns of pre-positioning on energy assets to support Chinese strategic objectives like geostrategic signalling during heightened bilateral tensions, supporting influence operations, or as a precursor to kinetic escalation, stated the report. Recorded Future said in the lead-up to the May 2020 border skirmishes, it observed a noticeable increase in the provisioning of PlugX malware C2 infrastructure, targeting of multiple Indian government public sector and defence organisations from at least May 2020, it said. PlugX has been heavily used to alleged Chinese cyber espionage activity. In response to the allegation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Monday rejected the criticism, saying it is irresponsible and ill-intentioned to make allegations without proof. "China is a staunch upholder of cybersecurity. We firmly oppose and fight any kind of cyber-attacks," he said, replying to a question on the report of the cyber-attack on the Indian power grid. Mumbai Power Cut LIVE Updates: CM chairs key meeting; inquiry committee set up India's response to attack In response to the US report, the Union Power Ministry acknowledged the attack on India's power grid by a Chinese cyber group. The government stated that all IPs and domains listed on the national power grid were scanned and cleaned of any antivirus. On October 12, Mumbai faced a power grid failure after tripping of MSETCLs 400 KV transmission system at Kalwa' leading to failure of Tata Power's network. "An email was received from CERT-In on 19th November, 2020 on the threat of malware called Shadow Pad at some control centres of POSOCO. NCIIPC informed through mail on Feb 12 about threat by Red Echo through malware Shadow Pad that Chinese state-sponsored threat Actor group known as Red Echo is targeting Indian Power sector's Regional Load Dispatch Centres along with State Load Dispatch Centres". All IPs & domains listed in NCIIPC mail have been blocked in firewall at all control centres. Log of firewall is being monitored for any connection attempt towards listed IPs & domains. Additionally,all systems in control centres were scanned & cleaned by antivirus," said Power Ministry in a statement. Mumbai's power failure On February 12, many parts of Mumbai experienced electricity failure due to tripping of MSETCLs 400 KV transmission system at Kalwa which supplies to Mumbai and adjoining areas, stated Tata Power. The private power entity explained that MSETCL had taken an emergency shutdown for 400 KV Kalwa- Padghe line -1 to restore a fault and failed to revive it, leading to tripping of 400kV Kalwa-Padghe-2 carrying 633 MW and load drop in Mumbai system. While Mumbai's power grid is equipped with an 'islanding system', it could not hold as an additional 900MW load dropped, leading to complete failure. The power outage affected local train services, operating only for essential workers at that time. Later, power supply was restored from noon onwards using Tata Power's 3 Hydro units and Trombay gas and coal units. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray took serious cognisance of the power outage in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and ordered an immediate probe into it, constituting a four-member committee. Mamata praises Tejashwi after solidifying TMC-RJD alliance; sends 'message' to BJP KYODO NEWS - Mar 1, 2021 - 22:38 | All, Japan Z Holdings Corp., operator of Yahoo Japan online services, and messaging app provider Line Corp. merged on Monday to expand their online services globally as they aim to better compete with U.S. and Chinese tech giants. With a combined user base of about 150 million in Japan, the merger of Z Holdings, a SoftBank Group Corp. subsidiary, and Line will make it one of the biggest information technology companies in the country. "We would like to launch a global smartphone app" in the future to expand online services worldwide with the help of global tech firms in which SoftBank Group's nearly $100 billion Vision Fund has invested, said Takeshi Idezawa, Z Holdings co-CEO and former Line president, at a press conference. Kentaro Kawabe, the other Z Holdings co-CEO said, "We can offer a wider range of services, such as search engine, e-commerce and online financial operations, than those provided by GAFA -- Google LLC, Apple Inc., Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. -- with our group's total power." Related coverage: Fukushima opens free COVID consultation for foreigners via Line app KDDI to offer cheapest plan for large data amid gov't pressure The surviving entity is Z Holdings, under which Yahoo Japan and Line operate their respective businesses. The integrated company said it is targeting sales of 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) in fiscal 2023, compared with the two companies' combined sales of 1.28 trillion yen in fiscal 2019, and aiming to become the largest e-commerce operator in Japan in the first half of the 2020s. The company plans to invest 500 billion yen in artificial intelligence technologies and employ 5,000 IT engineers in the coming five years to strengthen its online services, according to Kawabe. The company said it has started internal talks to integrate Line's "Line Pay" smartphone payment services into "PayPay," operated by a SoftBank group company, by April 2022. Line Pay services, however, will remain in overseas markets as it has gained a substantial number of users in some countries, it said. In Japan, Idezawa said the company aims to launch online medical services, including prescription and delivery of drugs, through its Line app by March next year. Yahoo Japan currently has 68 million monthly users of its smartphone app, while Line has 167 million users in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia. Under the new structure, SoftBank Corp., the wireless carrier unit of SoftBank Group, and Line parent Naver Corp. of South Korea hold 50 percent stakes in a new company named A Holdings Corp., which holds a majority stake in Z Holdings. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, separating the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, comprise two main island groups; the Nicobar Islands and the Andaman Islands. The islands are located in the Bay of Bengal and are possessed by India. Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of 572 islands, of which only 38 have permanent populations. In 2004, a tsunami, triggered by an earthquake in the nearby Indian Ocean, severely damaged the islands, drawing global attention. Location Map showing the location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located on the Bay of Bengals southeastern edge. The two island groups, Nicobar Island and its northern neighbor, form an arc that stretches towards the south for about 1,000 kilometers between Sumatra (Indonesia) and Myanmar. The arc also forms a boundary between the Andaman Sea on the east and the Bay of Bengal on the west. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Map The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are approximately 150 kilometers north of Aceh (Indonesia). The Andaman Sea separates the island group from Myanmar and Thailand. The Andaman Islands are located about 130 kilometers southwest of the Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar, while the Nicobar Islands are located about 1,300 kilometers southeast of the Indian subcontinent. These two island groups are separated by the Ten Degree Channel. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands form Indian Union Territory. Climate The Andaman and Nicobar Islands region experiences a tropical climate, moderated by the sea breeze. Temperatures on the islands rise from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit daily all year round. The region receives plenty of rainfall, averaging 3,000 mm annually. The southwest monsoons, blowing between May and September, and tropical cyclones (October to November) bring plenty of rainfall to the island. Greater Nicobar receives the most rainfall than other places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Geography Facts A stunning beach at Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise 572 islands, spanning 8,249 square kilometers. The two island groups are separated by Ten Degree Channel. The channel is about 10 km long from west to east and 150 km wide from north to south. Its minimum depth is 7.3 meters. The Andaman comprises 325 islands, occupying 6,170 square kilometers. South, Middle, and North Andamans, collectively known as Great Andaman, are the archipelagos main islands. Other Islands are Little Andaman, Interview, Sentinel, Rutland Island, and The Sisters. On the other hand, Nicobar consists of 247 islands, covering 1,765 square kilometers. Its main islands include Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Katchall, Camerota, and Noncowry Islands. Sumatras northwestern tip is approximately 150 km southwest of the island of Great Nicobar. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are parts of the island arc. The island arc is part of several submarine mountain ridges, including Patkai Range, Mentawai Ridge, and Rakhine Mountains. The highest point on the union territory is Saddle Peak, with an elevation of 732 meters above sea level. Saddle Peak is located on North Andaman Island. Other major peaks are Thullier (642 meters) and Mount Harriet (365 meters). The Barren Island on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the only active volcanoes in India and South Asia. Nicobar has a more diverse terrain than Andaman, with some of its islands, like Car Nicobar, having flat surfaces covered by corals. The offshore coral formation makes it difficult for most ships to anchor on the islands. Other islands are hilly and contain numerous streams. Only Great Nicobar has plenty of fresh water in the region. The Andaman Islands has rough terrain, with enclosing hills and valleys. Betapur and Diglipur valleys in the Middle and North Andaman are some of the few valleys on Andaman with flat terrain. Brief History Ruins of the residential headquarters of the British Administration of Indian Penal Settlement in Andaman Islands in Ross Island, Andaman. The Andaman Islands were mainly occupied by the Andamanese people, while the Nicobar Islands were home to various ethnic groups, collectively known as Nicobarese people. From 1014 to 1042 CE, Rajendra Chole I of the Chole Empire used the islands as a naval base to launch an attack against the Srivijaya Empire (now Indonesia) and referred to the island as Ma-Nakkavaram, meaning great naked/open land. The Danish arrived on the islands in 1755 and made Nicobar a Dutch colony the following year. They first named the island New Denmark and later Fredricks Island. However, they abandoned the islands severally due to a malaria outbreak. Between 1778 and 1784, Austria established a colony on the islands, assuming that the Danish had abandoned them. They renamed the islands Theresia Islands. In 1789, the British established a naval base on Chatham Island, the current Port Blair location. In October 1868, the Danish sold the Nicobar Islands to the British, who set up a penal colony for Indian subcontinent convicts. In 1872, Nicobar and Andaman became a single administrative unit, with a chief commissioner based in Port Blair. The islands were included as part of India in 1950 and declared a union territory in 1956. On December 26, 2004, a 10-m high tsunami hit the islands. The tsunami was caused by an undersea megathrust (earthquake), leading to over 2,000 fatalities and rendering 40,000 people homeless. Some of the worst affected islands were Indira Point and Katchal. A significant portion of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was submerged, reducing the union territorys area from 8,073 square kilometers to 7,950 square kilometers. Flora And Fauna Fish swimming among the corals in the Andaman Sea. Most parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are covered in dense tropical rainforests. The forests comprise floral characteristics of Myanmar, India, and Malaysia. There are over 2,200 plant species on the islands, of which 200 are endemic. Common plants include Andaman redwood (narra), fern, and orchid. Deciduous forest covers part of the Middle Andaman Islands, while North Andaman Islands have plenty of evergreen trees. Grassland is only found on the Nicobar Islands. The tropical rainforest has a rich diversity of fauna despite being cut off from the mainland. 50 mammals, including endemic species such as Andaman wild boars, live on the islands. There are also 26 rodents and 14 bat species. Mammals include Andaman and Nicobar wild boars, spotted deer, shrew, elephants, and dugongs, which is Andaman State animal. Birds species are approximately 270, of which 14 are endemic. Economy Andaman and Nicobar Islands economy is based on agriculture and tourism, with agriculture as the main source livelihood source for most households. Approximately 487 square kilometers of land is under agriculture. Paddy is the main crop on the islands, while other crops include pulses and vegetables. Fruits such as orange, mango, and pineapple are widely grown in hilly areas. The islands have pristine beaches that have become attractive tourist destinations. Water sport activities such as sea-walking and snorkeling are increasingly becoming popular on the islands. Plans to develop some islands into luxury resorts are underway. Some of the islands planned for development under the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) are Smith, Avis, and Long Islands. According to recent estimates, 430,000 tourists visited the islands in 2016-2017, up from 130,000 a decade ago. Demography Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman And Nicobar Islands. Although Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise over 500 islands, only 38 are inhabited. The Union Territory has an estimated population of 380,000, of which 53% are males. The Andaman Islands account for about 90% of the total population, while the rest live on the Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is the territorys largest and capital city, with an estimated population of 141,000. There are approximately 450 native Andamanese people in the Andamans, while the Nicobarese are the majority in the Nicobar Islands. The indigenous Andamanese include Sentinelese and Jarawa. The majority of the islanders speak Bengali or Hindi, while Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil are also common. Hindi is the territorys official language. English is also used for official communication. The major religion is Hindu (69.5%), followed by Christianity at 21.7%. Administration Nicobar and Andaman Islands were put into one administrative unit in 1874 by the British. The territory is subdivided into three districts; Nicobar, South Andaman, and North and Middle Andaman. The districts are further subdivided into sub-divisions and townships (taluks). South Andaman has three sub-divisions and four taluks, including Port Blair taluk. The Union Territory is headed by Lieutenant Governor. It is represented in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) by one person from its Lok Sabha constituency. Travel Tourists at Radhanagar Beach of Havelock Island, Andamans. Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands capital and largest city, serves as the entry point to the Union Territory. It can be accessed from mainland India by either sea or air. Port Blair Airport, also known as Veer Savarkar International Airport, is the primary airport serving the islands. It is situated approximately 2 kilometers south of the capital. A flight takes 2-3 hours from mainland India to the airport. It takes 3-4 days to travel from Port Blair to Visakhapatnam, Chennai, or Kolkata. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to spread globally, infecting over 114 million people. The virus first emerged in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, from a potential animal host. Zoonotic diseases have caused outbreaks throughout history, claiming millions of lives. These diseases occur when pathogens from animals jump to humans and cause illness. Now, researchers at the University of Silesia in Katowice and the Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland recommend measures to prevent future zoonotic outbreaks. They emphasized the importance of viral surveillance and research on new viral strains as primary strategies to combat these infections. The coronavirus pandemic The coronavirus pandemic first emerged in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. Since then, it has spread to 192 counties and regions. It has caused a significant burden to healthcare systems, the economy, and public fears. The pandemic served as a lesson and call-to-action for many countries and health agencies to minimize the risk of future viral pandemics. Acting early when an outbreak surface is crucial to reduce the negative impact of the illness. Zoonotic viral infections Zoonotic viral infections represent a critical global health issue. Due to various reservoirs and vectors, it is challenging to track transmission dynamics and impose control and preventive measures. Throughout history, some of the worse outbreaks the world has experienced were diseases that came from animals. These include the H1N1 swine flu, bubonic plaque, coronavirus outbreaks like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and the current COVID-19, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, among others. The spillover of viruses and pathogens from animals to humans and from human to human is extremely rare. However, spillover events can occur and cause widespread infections. The study The current study, published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, highlights several directions through which the transmission and spread of pathogens from animals to humans can be prevented or mitigated. Further, the study elaborated on the role of surveillance systems. It also explains the importance of identifying viral pathogens in animals, reducing ferret farming, changes to wild trade regulations, modifications to the meat production process, and limitations to hunting activities. The study explains how monitoring and identifying novel viral agents can help reduce outbreaks in the future. Surveillance of viral groups tied to animal hosts is essential in understanding current and future epidemiological risks. Past studies point to the zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, with bats being the primary reservoir for its lineage. From bats, scientists believe the virus jumped to an intermediate host before infecting humans. The intermediate host speculated to have transmitted the virus to people in the seafood market in Wuhan City was a pangolin. In previous coronavirus outbreaks, like SARS and MERS, the intermediate hosts were noted to be civet cats and camels, respectively. Considering this, there is an urgent need to continue to screen the bat-associated coronaviruses, identify hotspots, isolate particular strains, and evaluate their potential for cross-species transmission. All these will help prevent another outbreak in the future, which may evolve into a pandemic. The study also highlights the importance of limiting wildlife trade to prevent future zoonotic outbreaks. Today, the international trade of wild animals is currently regulated, wherein countries can implement provisions. However, due to the illegal wildlife trade, the risk of another pandemic is possible. Hence, limiting or banning wildlife trade is essential. Countries can also regulate illegal trades happening in their territories to protect not only animals but also people. The study also discussed mink farming as a potential source of zoonotic diseases. It is known that species from the Mustelidae family are vulnerable to the infection of beta-coronaviruses. Ferrets are usually used as animal models for coronavirus studies. Meanwhile, the American mink is also susceptible to some coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Today, the highest production of mink is Denmark, China, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United States. Though the worldwide resignation from mink farming is unlikely in the future, some areas have noted its decline. Such decisions will have a positive ecological impact since mink production has been tied to increased nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, eutrophication, and water consumption. Other factors that may drive future outbreaks include meat production and hunting activities. Changing practices and regulating these activities can reduce the risk of future coronavirus outbreaks. The present paper considers different strategies, the implementation of which would not only be beneficial from a healthcare point of view but in selected cases could also have positive socio-economic, ethical, and environmental outcomes, the researchers concluded in the study. The Soyuz spacecraft with the Arktika-M satellite for monitoring the climate and environment in the Arctic, blasts off from the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on Feb. 28, 2021. (Russian space agency Roscosmos/Handout via Reuters) Russia Launches Satellite to Monitor Climate in Arctic MOSCOWRussia launched its space satellite Arktika-M on Sunday on a mission to monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic amid a push by the Kremlin to expand the countrys activities in the region. Moscow is seeking to develop the energy-rich region, investing in the Northern Sea Route for shipping across its long northern flank. The Soyuz spacecraft with the Arktika-M satellite for monitoring the climate and environment in the Arctic, blasts off from the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on Feb. 28, 2021. (Russian space agency Roscosmos/Handout via Reuters) The satellite successfully reached its intended orbit after being launched from Kazakhstans Baikonur cosmodrome by a Soyuz rocket, Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Russias Roscosmos space agency, said in a post on Twitter. Russia plans to send up a second satellite in 2023 and, combined, the two will offer round-the-clock, all-weather monitoring of the Arctic Ocean and the surface of the Earth, Roscosmos said. The Arktika-M will have a highly elliptical orbit that passes high over northern latitudes allowing it to monitor northern regions for lengthy periods before it loops back down under Earth. At the right orbit, the satellite will be able to monitor and take images every 15-30 minutes of the Arctic, which cant be continuously observed by satellites that orbit above the Earths equator, Roscosmos said. The Soyuz spacecraft with the Arktika-M satellite for monitoring the climate and environment in the Arctic, blasts off from the launchpad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on Feb. 28, 2021. (Russian space agency Roscosmos/Handout via Reuters) The satellite will also be able to retransmit distress signals from ships, aircraft or people in remote areas as part of the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite-based search and rescue programme, Roscosmos said. As more activity takes place in the Arctic and as it moves into higher latitudes, improving weather and ice forecasting abilities is crucial, said Mia Bennett, a geographer at the University of Hong Kong. There is also an element of data nationalism that is feeding into all this. Countries, especially those that see themselves as space powers, want to be able to rely on their own satellites and data to inform their activities, whether commercial or military in nature, she said. By Tom Balmforth and Susan Fenton 'Priority is to stop BJP at all costs': RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav announces support to TMC India oi-Deepika S Kolkata, Mar 01: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Monday announced his party's support to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress for the upcoming Assembly election in West Bengal. "We will lend support to Mamata Banerjee wherever needed. The priority is to stop the BJP at all costs. To save the country from those who are bent of destroying it," said Yadav after meeting Banerjee at state secretariat Nabanna. TMC leader and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim also joined the meeting. "We will do everything necessary to save the culture, heritage, languages and literatures of the country," he added, adding this is not just about Bengal. Thanking the RJD leader, Mamata said "The biggest thing is support to courage, Tejashwi bhai is fighting, so we are fighting and vice versa." The BJP would not last in Bihar, neither is it going to BJP win in Bengal, Banerjee added. Earlier, an RJD delegation comprising of senior leaders held talks with TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is considered to be the No 2 in the ruling party. It can be noted that there is a sizeable Bihar population residing in West Bengal's Asansol, Howrah and Kolkata areas. If the ruling TMC and Yadav's RJD form a pre-poll alliance, it is expected to give a major boost to Banerjee as her party is facing a tough poll battle against the resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and also the Left-Congress alliance. West Bengal election 2021: Mamata Banerjee may announce first list of TMC candidates today Also, the RJD has announced to contest the Assam Assembly Elections 2021 scheduled to be held in three phases beginning March 27. The results will be declared on May 2. Tejashwi had said his party will contest the upcoming Assam Assembly polls in alliance with "like-minded" parties. Yadav, during his first visit to Guwahati, said he has already spoken to Congress and will hold talks with the AIUDF later in the day to formalise the alliance. Fig. 1 On-bead BS3 cross-linking reveals a highly interlinked complex.(A) Tandem affinity purification of TPC using TML- and AtEH1/Pan1-tagged subunits. The purified complex was analyzed by silver stain on a 4 to 20% SDS-PAGE. All TPC subunits, except LOLITA, were identified on the basis of MS (data file S8) and are indicated between both gels. M, marker; HSP70, heat shock protein 70. EF1, elongation factor 1; TEV, Tobacco Etch Virus. (B) Tandem affinitypurified TML-GS before and after cross-linking with various concentrations of BS3, analyzed by silver staining on a 4 to 20% SDS-PAGE gel. The vast size of TPC, with an expected molecular weight of 914 kDa, is manifested by the loss of individual subunits and the accumulation of proteins unable to penetrate the stacking gel. (C) Cross-linking analysis following tandem purification of TML- and AtEH1/Pan1-tagged subunits expressed in PSB-D cell cultures visualized by Xvis. Each analysis originates from a total of six experiments and combines 1.2 and 5 mM BS3 datasets. (D) An example of the fragmentation spectrum of the intersubunit cross-link between TWD40-1 and TWD40-2, as indicated in (C). Credit: Science Advances (2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe7999 Cells rely on membranes to protect themselves from the outside world. But cell membranes can't be fully closed because nutrients and other molecules have to be able to pass through. To achieve this, cell membranes have many types of channels and pores. Also, there are receptors embedded in the membrane that continuously monitor the outside world and signal to the cell interior. Extensive collaboration between five VIB groups resulted in a better understanding of the machinery that plants use to regulate the protein composition of their outer membrane. This discovery, published in Science Advances, enhances our basic knowledge of how the plasma membrane composition can be adapted based on external stimuli, an essential process for life on earth. The molecular architecture of TPLATE Complex life has complex cells, also known as eukaryotic cells. Unlike bacteria, for example, the cells of complex life have many distinct internal compartments known as organelles. These organelles exchange material among themselves. To do so, the organelles have a few tricks, one of which is vesicle trafficking. This means that they use a part of their own membrane as a bag for the goods to be exchanged. A recent discovery showed that plants heavily rely on a protein complex named the TPLATE complex to do so. This complex is not only present in plants, but also in a wide range of other eukaryotes, which suggests it is evolutionarily old and part of a protein complex family of which all other members are intensively studied. However, because this particular complex is not present in the most-studied model organisms (animals and yeasts), its existence and function remained under the radar for a very long time. In this study, VIB teams have reveal TPLATE's molecular architecture for the first time. They achieved this by crosslinking mass spectrometry and computer simulations. These new insights revealed the orientation of this complex toward the membrane as well as the delicate relationship between the different domains of its subunits. These findings are important to increase the knowledge of crucial eukaryotic processes. Indeed, the structure of this complex now allows us to compare it with known structures of its close relatives that are present in all eukaryotes, including animals and yeasts, allowing researchers to visualize the evolution of these trafficking complexes. To obtain both structural and functional insight into this enigmatic complex required an integrative, collaborative approach. Five VIB research groups and one group from the Czech Republic contributed within their specific expertise to perform experiments ranging from lipid-binding studies to structural biology approaches. The novel structural insight was mostly generated based on crosslinking mass spectrometry, performed with the help of the VIB Proteomics core facility. "A major benefit of working at VIB is that it greatly encourages and facilitates access to knowledge and expertise that allows research groups to successfully embark on joint projects that lie far beyond their comfort zone," says Prof. Daniel Van Damme. This study will form the foundation of further scientific work and will open doors for the generation of novel and safer herbicides or modulation of stress responses in plants. Explore further Researchers decode the structure of the molecular complex that carries detoxifying enzymes in cells to the right place More information: Klaas Yperman et al. Molecular architecture of the endocytic TPLATE complex, Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances Klaas Yperman et al. Molecular architecture of the endocytic TPLATE complex,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe7999 Why do cats purr? BBC Science Focus (Furzy Mouse). This is bigger than just Timnit: How Google tried to silence a critic and ignited a movement Fast Company Has a startup finally found one of food sciences holy grails with its healthy sugar substitute? TechCrunch Study: Antifouling May be a Major Source of Microplastic Pollution Maritime Executive Seagrass Is A Vital Weapon Against Climate Change, But Were Killing It HuffPo #COVID19 First vaccine to fully immunize against malaria builds on pandemic-driven RNA tech The Academic Times China? Why the tanks keep rolling WaPo. Militaries are getting better at overthrowing elected governments. Myanmar Milk Tea Alliance activists across Asia hold rallies against Myanmar coup Reuters A lost generation: COVID-19 takes emotional toll on Indonesias young Channel News Asia India How is erosion affecting the recovery of the Fukushima area? Soils Matter The Koreas North Koreas Missed Opportunity: The Unique, Dovish Moment of the Overlapping Trump and Moon Presidencies (PDF) Korea Institute for Defense Analysis UK/EU Biden Administration Chile emerges as global leader in Covid inoculations with pragmatic strategy Guardian Intelligence Community The Lies Arent Secret The American Conservative Democrats en deshabille Republican Funhouse Texas Big Brother Is Watching You Watch Our Famously Free Press Groves of Academe Zeitgeist Watch I think were getting to a tipping point Welcome to Hell World. Includes an interview with a health insurance billing coder. Class Warfare The Mars Helicopter is Online and Getting Ready to Fly Universe Today Scientists Talked To People In Their Dreams. They Answered NPR Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour 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. Huntsville Hospital is getting more coronavirus vaccine doses. It says the state increased its supply for the Community Vaccination Clinic, so it can now give 2,500 new doses of the Pfizer vaccine a week. This will begin Monday, March 8. As of Monday, there are more than 25,000 people on Huntsville Hospitals vaccine waiting list. With this new allocation starting next week, its reopened its online portal for eligible people to be added. Click here for more information about the waiting list. People on the list will be called when a slot is available. ATLANTA, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Packaging International, LLC ("Graphic Packaging"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC and the primary operating subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), announced today that it launched an offering to sell $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior secured notes due 2024 (the "2024 Notes") and $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior secured notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes" and, together with the 2024 Notes, the "Senior Notes") in a private offering in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), subject to market and other conditions. Graphic Packaging International Logo (PRNewsfoto/Graphic Packaging Holding Compa) The Senior Notes will be senior secured obligations of Graphic Packaging. The Senior Notes will be guaranteed by Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC and Field Container Queretaro (USA), L.L.C., as well as by Graphic Packaging's future material domestic subsidiaries that guarantee obligations under its senior credit facilities and its existing senior notes due 2022, 2024, 2027, 2028 and 2029. The net proceeds from the offering will be used solely (i) to repay in full all outstanding secured term loans under Graphic Packaging's Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of January 1, 2018 and effective as of January 8, 2018 with a syndicate of lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, (ii) to repay a portion of the outstanding secured term loans under Graphic Packaging's Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 1, 2018 with a syndicate of lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and (iii) to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the offering. The Senior Notes and the related guarantees will be offered and sold only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration set forth in Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States, to non-U.S. persons in reliance on the exemption from registration set forth in Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Senior Notes and the related guarantees have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Story continues This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Graphic Packaging International, LLC Graphic Packaging International, LLC, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC and the primary operating subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (the "Company") (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. The Company is a leading provider of fiber-based, sustainable packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies. The Company operates on a global basis, is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and fiber-based foodservice products in the United States, and holds leading market positions in coated recycled paperboard, coated unbleached kraft paperboard and solid bleached sulfate paperboard. The Company's customers include many of the world's most widely-recognized companies and brands. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the Company's web site at www.graphicpkg.com. Forward-Looking Statements Any statements of Graphic Packaging International, LLC's expectations in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, including but not limited to those regarding the offering and the use of proceeds therefrom, are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from Graphic Packaging International, LLC 's present expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions affecting the offering. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Graphic Packaging International, LLC undertakes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law. Additional information regarding these and other risks is contained in Graphic Packaging International, LLC's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graphic-packaging-announces-proposed-senior-secured-notes-offering-301237404.html SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 13:54:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close File photo taken on Sept. 3, 2020 shows then U.S. President Donald Trump participating in a campaign rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Trump claimed that the Biden administration "has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history," labeling the Biden administration as "anti-jobs, anti-family, anti-borders, anti-energy, anti-women and anti-science." WASHINGTON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- In his first public speech Sunday since leaving office, former U.S. President Donald Trump assailed Joe Biden' leadership as president so far, vowed to further unite and strengthen the Republican Party and hinted at a possible presidential run in 2024. BASHING BIDEN PRESIDENCY Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, Trump claimed that the Biden administration "has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history," labeling the Biden administration as "anti-jobs, anti-family, anti-borders, anti-energy, anti-women and anti-science." Pointing specifically to what he said was his successor's "immoral" immigration policies, Trump said Biden's decision to halt the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border triggered "a self-inflicted humanitarian and national security disaster." The former president urged Biden to "get the schools open right now," even at a time when how to safely reopen schools is still a subject of heated debate and when the country is facing potentially more lethal coronavirus variants. He also took credit for the current vaccine rollout, saying what the Biden administration has been doing is to build upon his administration's legacy. "Never let them forget this was us. We did this," Trump said of the Biden administration, which upon assuming office complained about having to start from scratch with regard to vaccine development. A man receives COVID-19 vaccine in the mass vaccination site at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York, the United States, Feb. 5, 2021. (Don Pollard/Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo/Handout via Xinhua) Trump targeted an array of Biden's foreign policy initiatives, including the ones on the Middle East, rejoining the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization, as well as lifting the international travel bans that Trump put in place. On Biden's pivot to clean energy, the 45th president, who oftentimes stressed his support for the fossil fuel industry, said Biden favors "windmills" over traditional energy and would lead the country from energy dominance to disaster. POSSIBLE 2024 RUN The CPAC has always been a friendly venue for the former president, and the unveiling of a golden statue of Trump's likeness as well as the enthusiastic, almost entirely maskless crowd cheering for him while he spoke showed that this year's event was anything but a rational reassessment of Trump's dominant role in the Republican Party. Amid rumors that Trump planned to create a new political party after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that he was accused of inciting, the former president told his ardent supporters at the Hyatt hotel: "We are not starting new parties, and we will not be dividing our power and our strength. Instead, we will be united and strong like never before." Predicting the Democrats would lose in the 2024 election, Trump said, "I may even decide to beat them for a third time," an assertion not only hinting at another presidential run in the next election cycle, but also doubling down on the false claim that had it not been for the widespread voter fraud, he should have won the 2020 election. The only election Trump won was the one in 2016. Trump in his speech reiterated that the election was "rigged" and accused the courts of not doing anything about it, calling on Republicans to waste no time in pushing for comprehensive election reforms. The audience chanted "you won, you won" when Trump falsely insisted that he, not Biden, won the 2020 election. Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) Trump later turned his ire toward Republicans who voted to impeach and convict him like Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Senator Mitt Romney, calling for their removal from the party. Meanwhile, he praised some of his most loyal congressional allies, calling out Congressman Jim Jordan, who was in attendance and who earlier in the day expressed the hope that Trump would run for president in 2024. The former president's remarks came at a time of deepening rift within the Republican Party, as 10 GOP House members voted to impeach him in January and seven senators from the Trump's own party voted to convict him in February, making the impeachment proceedings the most bipartisan in history. "If Republicans do not stick together, the RINOs (Republicans in name only) that we're surrounded with will destroy the Republican Party," Trump said. Still, Trump's grip on the party seemed steadfast, as the CPAC straw poll result released ahead of his speech showed 55 percent of attendees preferred him being their nominee for president in 2024. And Mitch McConnell, who delivered a blistering speech against Trump after the Senate acquittal, recently backed down, saying he would "absolutely" support the former president if the latter becomes the GOP presidential nominee in 2024. To further agitate his supporters, Trump ended the speech by letting the crowd guess who other than him is more qualified for being on the Republican presidential ticket in 2024. "We will first take back the House, and then Republican president will make a triumphant return to the White House. I wonder who that will be?" he asked the crowd, from whom he received a boisterous standing ovation. BEIRUT - New protests were organized on Monday in Beirut after Lebanese military judicial authorities continued to postpone the release of some of the 35 anti-government demonstrators arrested at the end of January during violent protests against the rising cost of life and corruption in Tripoli, a port in the north of the country. Last night, downtown Beirut was at the center of violent protests by groups of demonstrators due to increasingly frequent power blackouts and against the growing lack of essential services for citizens in the country, which declared bankruptcy a year ago. The release of 18 demonstrators, including a minor, was expected over the past few days. But the court did not meet for "procedural" problems, connected to "internet malfunction". The remaining 17 demonstrators were instead formally accused of carrying our "acts connected to terrorism". Dozens of demonstrators have gathered nearly every day for the past two weeks near the military court of Beirut to denounce judicial proceedings against demonstrators in Tripoli. Senior lawyers say an independent, confidential inquiry into allegations that a Cabinet minister raped a 16-year-old girl more than 30 years ago would be possible and could be conducted in a way that protected the mans right to a presumption of innocence. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday gave no indication that he would consider such an inquiry, saying that it would be wrong to ask the minister to step aside and that the issues raised should be left to the police to investigate. Geoffrey Watson, SC, pictured here in 2013. Credit:Rob Homer However the NSW police, who received a complaint from the woman last year, are unlikely to investigate, given the complainant died by suicide in June last year, four months after her report to police. The womans allegations of rape in 1988 have also been sent to the Australian Federal Police, although criminal matters are normally the responsibility of state police forces. Geoffrey Watson, SC, a former counsel assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and now the director of the Centre for Public Integrity said the federal government could mirror the framework established for the confidential inquiry into sexual harassment allegations made against Dyson Heydon, a former High Court judge. Vietnam's banking sector sees greatest year-on-year brand value growth at 23%, according to Brand Finance Banking 500. Nine Vietnam banks in the list increase their global brand finance ranking. VNA Cuomo: More Feared Than Loved No Longer Lauded The Nature of Sex Scandals Andrew Cuomo is in serious political trouble. Over the weekend, a 25-year-old former aide accused him of harassment, saying hed asked her if she ever slept with older men. That followed an account published last week by another former state official who said Cuomo had repeatedly harassed her.Cuomo, the Democratic governor of New York, asked state Attorney General Letitia James to appoint a private attorney to investigate the charges. On Sunday, he issued a statement apologizing for his behavior, while still insisting he meant no harm."I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended," he said. "I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation."That wasn't enough to stop calls for Cuomos resignation , including from Democrats. @NYGovCuomo, you are a monster, and it is time for you to go. Now, tweeted Alessandra Biaggi , a Democrat who chairs the New York Senates ethics committee.Cuomos problems keep compounding. Last month, a top aide admitted that the administration underreported coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes by the thousands, for fear of investigation by the federal Justice Department. Amidst those revelations, Cuomo was accused of routinely bullying and threatening others, including Democratic state Rep. Ron Kim , who said Cuomo had threatened to destroy him if he didnt back him up in regard to the nursing home scandal. Kim has called for Cuomo's impeachment Cuomo became a national media darling thanks to his handling of the pandemic last spring and has been planning to run for a fourth term next year. Now, its a real question whether he will survive his current term.After three terms of hardball, you make a lot of enemies, says Doug Muzzio, a political scientist at Baruch College. You build up enemies more than you build up friends.The opinions of New York progressives about Cuomo have ranged from skepticism to outright hatred, despite his ability to deliver on many of their top policy goals. Whatever the left thought of him, Cuomo easily turned aside progressive primary challengers on his way to easy re-election victories in both 2014 and 2018.Still, theres long been an undercurrent of suspicion regarding the governor. Cuomo shut down an ethics commission in 2014 that his aides had sought to steer around troublesome areas of an investigation. In 2018, a former top Cuomo aide was convicted on corruption charges The charges didnt touch Cuomo directly. Cuomos aggressive style and mastery of the legislative process meant that, while theres been plenty of grousing, hes suffered few direct challenges. He didnt shy from picking up the phone and screaming at those who crossed him. Machiavelli said its better to be feared than loved, Muzzio says. Cuomo is a practitioner of the art of being feared.With the pandemic, Cuomo found himself being loved. His daily news conferences were masterpieces of crisis communication fact-based but full of compassion. Other governors held daily news conferences that became appointment viewing in their states but, given that New York is the media capital of the country, Cuomo received outside attention. His numerous appearances with his brother Chris on CNN may have been the definition of incestuous media relations, but Andrew Cuomo came across in that context as warm and fond.Even when he wasnt likable, the danger and fear involved in the pandemics early stages made him seem like the kind of leader the state needed. In ordinary times, Mr. Cuomos relentlessness and bullying drive New Yorkers crazy,noted a year ago. In the age of the coronavirus, they soothe our battered nerves.New York was the initial epicenter of COVID-19 in this country, but then the aggressive approach Cuomo took helped drive down caseloads and deaths. In October, Cuomo published a book about leadership lessons from the pandemic. It seemed presumptuous, especially at a time when COVID-19 numbers were climbing back up.For months, Republicans have been using nursing home deaths in New York as a talking point against Democratic handling of the disease. Early on, Cuomo blocked nursing homes from refusing to accept patients infected with the coronavirus.That policy was not unique. Other governors took a similar approach in hopes of preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed. Republicans have frequently pointed out that the death toll in Florida remains lower than New Yorks, attributing that in part to GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis decision not to force nursing homes to take back infected patients from hospitals.Governors have prerogative to do what they need to do, DeSantis himself said last June. If that is done, please dont quarantine Floridians in nursing homes in New York.Cuomos nursing home directive was issued on March 25, when the seriousness of the coronavirus threat was just starting to be understood. It may have been the wrong choice, but given the early flatten the curve concerns about keeping hospitals from being overwhelmed, it was justifiable, or at least debatable. And, again, Cuomo wasnt unique in making that particular call.But his administrations efforts to hide the number of nursing home deaths became an immediate national scandal. And, doubtless, it emboldened Cuomos critics to come forward with other kinds of complaints.Cuomo became governor thanks to a sex scandal. Or at least the opportunity became available to him.New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer was a star in Democratic politics when his career was brought to a grinding halt in 2008. He was just over a year into his first term when he abruptly resigned, having been caught in a prostitution ring That was Cuomos chance. Hed run unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination in 2002, then rebuilt his career by winning the attorney generals race in 2006. Spitzer was immediately succeeded by Lt. Gov. David Paterson, but Cuomo elbowed him aside on his way to winning the office in 2010.Cuomo managed his father Marios first run for governor back in 1982. Mario Cuomo was defeated in 1994, when he sought a fourth term. It now seems unlikely Andrew Cuomo could be elected to a fourth term.Last Wednesday, Lindsey Boylan a former New York economic development official now running for Manhattan borough president -- published a Medium post in which she detailed numerous instances in which Cuomo had gone out of his way to touch me on my lower back, arms and legs, asked her to play strip poker on a government plane, or kissed her on the lips.She suggested that her experiences were common, but that women knew Cuomo and his staff would intimidate and harass those who came forward. Andrew Cuomo abused his power as governor to sexually harass me, just as he had done with so many other women, Boylan wrote.On Saturday night,reported that Charlotte Bennett , a former executive assistant and health policy adviser, had received unwanted advances from Cuomo. She said that during the early days of the pandemic, the governor complained to her that he hadnt been able to hug anyone and asked her about her sex life, including her openness to sleeping with older men. I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared, Bennett said.The news fell like a bombshell. Cuomo denied the accusations from Boylan and Bennett, but announced Saturday hed asked Barbara Jones, a former federal judge, to investigate the matter. His critics quickly pointed out that Jones had once worked at a law firm with Steve Cohen, a former top Cuomo aide who had already publicly defended Cuomo against Boylans allegations.Feeling the pressure, on Sunday Cuomo issued his call for Attorney General James to hire a private lawyer to look into the matter. That appears highly unlikely to satisfy lawmakers and others calling for an independent investigation.The allegations of sexual harassment against Gov. Cuomo are abhorrent, said Democratic state Sen. Samra Brouk. I believe survivors, and I admire their courage to speak out against unjust situations." Simon Institute to discuss states legislative agenda with Senate President Don Harmon by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Illinois State Senate President Don Harmon will offer his views on this years legislative agenda during a virtual discussion hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on March 8. Harmon, D-Oak Park, was elected to the state senate in 2002 and became senate president in January 2020. Harmon will also discuss his political career and his role as senate president with John Shaw, Simon Institute director. The discussion, part of the institutes Understanding Our New World series via Zoom, is at 11 a.m. President Harmon is one of the most important and influential political leaders in Illinois state government, Shaw said. We are eager to learn about his assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing Illinois, especially as the pandemic continues to alter our lives and batter our economy. Harmon is a former partner with the law firm Burke Burns & Pinelli, Ltd., focusing primarily on corporate law and civil litigation. During his legislative career, Harmon has advocated for such issues as early childhood education, ethics reform, environmental protections, expanded voter access and civil rights. Harmons 39th legislative district includes Oak Park, Franklin Park and Melrose Park. He earned a law degree and MBA from the University of Chicago and his undergraduate degree in English from Knox College. Registration is open Registration for the free Zoom meeting is available in advance. After completing registration, participants will receive an email confirmation with information about joining the meeting, along with the meeting ID and password. Participants can submit a question to Harmon by email at paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu or by including it in the Questions and Comments section on the registration form. More information on the Simon Institutes events is available at paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/event-information/. Many of the benefits people receive from nature depend on diversity within species, but this intraspecific variation is poorly understood and declining rapidly The rapid loss of variation within species is a hidden biodiversity crisis, according to the authors of a new study looking at how this variation supports essential ecological functions and the benefits nature provides for people. Published March 1 in Nature Ecology and Evolution, the study highlights the need to better understand and conserve variation within species in order to safeguard nature's contributions to people. "Biodiversity means more than the number of species, and when we focus on species-level extinctions we are missing part of the story," said corresponding author Eric Palkovacs, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz. "Intraspecific variation is a neglected aspect of biodiversity, but it has value for people, and we need to start recognizing that and protecting this form of biodiversity." An earlier study led by first author Simone Des Roches, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Santa Cruz now at the University of Washington, showed that the loss of variation within species can have serious ecological consequences. This got Des Roches and Palkovacs thinking about the broader implications of their findings for the values and services nature provides to people, from forest materials and clean water to commercial fisheries and medicines derived from natural products. For the new study, they surveyed the scientific literature for studies showing how intraspecific variation supports ecosystem services and other aspects of nature's contributions to people. They found well documented connections across a wide variety of species, including fish and commercial fisheries, insects and crop pollination, woody plants and forestry products, many different crops and their wild ancestors, and more. "There is a whole suite of documented cases, including several examples of what happens when we lose intraspecific variation," Palkovacs said. "One of the best examples is commercial fisheries, where diverse fish stocks help to stabilize the overall population." Subpopulations of salmon, for example, are locally adapted to the conditions of different watersheds, allowing the overall population to remain stable even as environmental fluctuations cause declines in some subpopulations and increases in others. These "portfolio effects" in salmon are undermined by dams, which block subpopulations from critical spawning habitat, and by hatchery production, which can reduce genetic variation. The loss of intraspecific variation in salmon can lead to boom-bust population cycles that are detrimental to the long-term value of the fishery. Des Roches noted that people have long depended on variation within domesticated and agriculturally important species. "Our coevolutionary history with hundreds of domesticated species is characterized by our continued selection for unusual and beneficial variants within species," she said. "We've often taken this too far and have thus lost critical genetic diversity in domesticated species. We depend on outbreeding with more genetically variable wild type or ancestral populations (when they exist) to restore this diversity." Plants with medicinal value provide other well documented examples of the value of intraspecific variation, Palkovacs said. "Different varieties of the same plant species may have different compounds with different medicinal properties, such as different antimalarial drugs that depend on the genetic diversity of the plants they are derived from." The authors emphasized the importance of collaborating with local and indigenous groups who have deep knowledge of the relationships between intraspecific variation and the natural products and services they use. "We need to take advantage of the local knowledge systems to inform our understanding of these connections," Palkovacs said. He noted that Western science has focused overwhelmingly on species-level extinctions, and only the most well-studied groups of organisms have been characterized from the standpoint of intraspecific variation. Of all the species evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), for example, only about 1 percent have been evaluated below the species level, and many of those show precipitous declines in diversity. "There is strong evidence that the loss of intraspecific variation may be a very widespread problem, but we don't even know what is being lost," Palkovacs said. There are practical steps that can be taken now, he said, to better document this variation, preserve biodiversity, and protect its contributions to the wellbeing of people. New genomic tools, for example, are available to quickly and systematically characterize the variation within species. This intraspecific variation can be directly incorporated into biodiversity assessments, such as those done by the IUCN and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Addressing this aspect of biodiversity should be a major goal of global conservation efforts, the authors said. "The available evidence strongly suggests that the benefits of studying and conserving intraspecific variation will far outweigh the costs," Palkovacs said. He noted that variation within species is the raw material of adaptive evolution. In a rapidly changing world, this variation is critically important to enable species to adapt to the conditions of an unpredictable future. ### In addition to Palkovacs and Des Roches, the coauthors of the paper include environmental economist Linwood Pendleton, senior vice president for science at the Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolution, and Beth Shapiro, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. This work was supported by the University of California and NOAA. New Delhi, March 1 : The vaccination drive against coronavirus for people above 60 years of age and those over 45 years with comorbidities began on Monday with many facing a tough time at several government hospitals in the city. Senior citizens who turned up to get vaccinated at the centres without prior registration expressed their anger as many of them had to return without getting vaccinated. Similarly, many frontline Covid-19 warriors, including security forces personnel who came to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) hospital had to return as there was no alternate plan for immediate registration process. N D Jhariyat, a Delhi police personnel, talking to IANS said, "Three days back I received a message regarding vaccination and when I came here (LNJP), I was informed that there is some technical fault in the system and I had to wait." Devender Singh, a senior who is a resident of Laxmi Nagar, was seen moving from one room to another to get vaccinated. However, the retired medical official had to return without receiving a vaccination shot. He said, "I am 85 years old and as I came to know that senior citizens would be vaccinated, I came here at 10 a.m. Those who came after me were given vaccination shots and whenever I approached the doctors they would ask me to just wait. How long should I keep waiting when there is no clarity in their system?" A senior doctor at LNJP said that a total of 200 registrations were done, including senior citizens and other categories for the first day. However, the problem arose after many people came for vaccination whose names were not registered. "We started the vaccination process a little later due to technical failure in the registration process. Apart from senior citizens and other beneficiaries of vaccination, many have come for their second shot of vaccination," the doctor who was part of the Covid-19 vaccination team, said requesting not to be named. Steinhoff International Holdings NV is in talks with the providers of director liability insurance policies about help settling legal claims resulting from a 2017 accounting crisis that took the South African retailer to the brink of collapse. An agreement with the insurers would be of similar magnitude to what the company concluded with Deloitte & Touche LLP two weeks ago, Chief Financial Officer Theodore de Klerk said in an interview Monday. Deloitte, the auditors at the time of the scandal, offered about 70 million euros ($84 million). Related: South Africa Retailer Steinhoff Offers $1B to Settle Global Accounting Fraud Lawsuits The retailer is pressing hard to reach a deal with claimants such as former Chairman Christo Wiese and settle various class-action lawsuits brought by investors after the stock plunged. De Klerk believes its more likely than not that the global settlement will be successful and those with claims may get payouts late this year or in early 2022. Companies buy directors and officers liability insurance to protect senior staff from personal losses if they are sued as a result of work done as employees. It can also cover the legal fees and other costs the organization may incur as a result of such a suit. Lost Money People have lost a lot of money and we can never give them back what theyve lost, De Klerk said. Its an unhappy situation all round. But we believe the settlement is the best solution for something so unfortunate. Once a deal is finalized, Steinhoff needs to focus on paying debt of about 10 billion euros. The company is in meetings about a share sale of 25% to 30% of European discount retailer Pepco Group after it was postponed last year, and expects the disposal to be completed by end-June, the CFO said. An initial public offering for at least 70% of Fantastic Furniture, an Australian business, is planned by year-end. Mattress Firm, the U.S. business thats seen a rise in sales from home improvement during the pandemic, may be another disposal candidate, De Klerk said. Steinhoff will also look to sell the rest of European furniture chain Conforama, its Swiss Lipo unit and South African property investments, he said. Biggest Asset Steinhoff is using shares in its biggest asset, Africas largest clothing chain Pepkor Holdings Ltd., to help pay for the proposed global settlement, which in turn would reduce its stake to just over 50% from 68%. Once the settlement is in place, hopefully toward end of this year, then we can sit and judge, do we stay above 50% or does it probably make sense to sell down to 35%, De Klerk said. With assistance from Manus Cranny and Yousef Gamal El-Din. Photograph: A company sign stands inside the Steinhoff International Holdings NV company headquarters in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on Monday, May 14, 2018. Photo credit: Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers Claims Directors Officers With a long list of upcoming initial public offers (IPOs) in the pipeline this year, investors may look forward to an action-packed year. As many as 16 IPOs are likely to hit the market in March itself to raise over Rs 25,000 crore. The list of upcoming IPOs includes MTAR Technologies, Kalyan Jewellers India, Power Grid Corporation InvIT, Anupam Rasayan, Laxmi Organic Industries, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, Craftsman Automation, Barbeque Nation Hospitality, Nazara Technologies, Aadhar Housing Finance and India Pesticides, among others. Of this, 11 companies -- MTAR Technologies, Easy Trip Planners, Puranik Builders, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, Laxmi Organic Industries, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, Craftsman Automation, Barbeque Nation Hospitality, ESAF Small Finance Bank and Kalyan Jewellers India -- have received nod from market regulator Sebi for public listing of shares. The strong rally on Indian bourses has set the stage for companies across sectors to raise capital through IPOs to take advantage of this opportune time. Eight companies raised Rs 12,720 crore through this route in the first two months of 2021, while Rs 43,800 crore was raised in the year 2020. Here's a look at the top 11 upcoming IPOs that are scheduled to hit the market in March 2021. MTAR Technologies: The Hyderabad-based precision engineering solutions company will hit the market with Rs 600-crore IPO on March 3. This will be the ninth IPO since the beginning of this year after Indian Railway Finance Corporation, RailTel Corporation of India, Indigo Paints, Home First Finance Company, Nureca, Stove Kraft, Brookfield India REIT and Heranba Industries. The price band for the three-day IPO, which closes on March 5, has been fixed at Rs 574-575 per share. The issue size of IPO is 1,03,72,419 shares, while the lot size is 26 and in multiples thereof, which means investors can bid for a minimum of 26 equity shares and in multiples of 26 shares thereafter. Also read: MTAR Technologies IPO to open on March 3; should you subscribe? Kalyan Jewellers: The home-grown jeweller has filed the draft prospectus for Rs 1,750 crore IPO. The Kerala-based company intends to raise Rs 1,000 crore by fresh issuance of shares, while its promoter T. S. Kalyanaraman and Warburg Pincus will sell stake worth Rs 250 crore and Rs 500 crore, respectively. The exact timeline of the IPO, issue size and price band of shares are yet to be ascertained. Easy Trip Planners: The online travel agency had filed draft papers with capital markets regulator Sebi in December 2019 to float a Rs 510-crore IPO. The company's founders Nishant Pitti and Rikant Pitti will each sell shares to the tune of Rs 255 crore through offer-for-sale mechanism. The company operates online travel firm EaseMyTrip.com. The objective of the public issue is to achieve the benefits of listing the equity shares on stock exchanges. Puranik Builders: The Mumbai-based real estate firm has received Sebi's go-ahead to float its IPO. It consists of fresh issue of shares worth Rs 810 crore, besides an offer for sale up to 18,59,620 equity shares by the company's promoters and existing shareholders. According to market sources, the IPO size could be estimated at Rs 1,000 crore. Aadhar Housing Finance: Backed by private equity firm Blackstone Group Inc, the company has filed for an IPO of up to Rs 7,300 crore. The issue will comprise of fresh shares worth up to Rs 1,500 crore and shares worth up to Rs 5,800 crore by BCP Topco VII Pte Ltd, an entity managed by Blackstone that owns 98.72 per cent stake in the company. Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels: The company has got regulatory go-ahead for its estimated Rs 1,000 crore IPO. The IPO comprises a fresh issue of up to Rs 400 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of up to Rs 600 crore, according to merchant banking sources. The company proposes to utilise the net proceeds towards repayment/prepayment of certain borrowings availed and for general corporate purposes. Also read: SBI Mutual Fund IPO slated for this year; gears to raise $1 billion Laxmi Organic Industries: Speciality chemicals manufacturer Laxmi Organic Industries has received regulatory approval to launch a Rs 800-crore IPO. It comprises fresh issuance of shares aggregating to Rs 500 crore and an offer-for-sale worth Rs 300 crore by the promoter Yellow Stone Trust. Net proceeds from the issue will be utilised for setting up a manufacturing facility for fluoro specialty chemicals, working capital requirements, purchase of plant and machinery and upgrading existing units. Suryoday Small Finance Bank: The company has been granted the go-ahead to float its IPO, which comprises fresh issuance of 1,15,95,000 equity shares and an offer for sale of up to 84,66,796 equity scrips by existing shareholders, according to the draft papers filed with the regulator. Craftsman Automation: The auto component maker has received regulatory approval to launch an initial share sale. The IPO comprises of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs 150 crore and an offer for sale of up to 45,21,450 shares by the promoter and existing shareholders, the draft red herring prospectus filed with Sebi showed. Barbeque Nation Hospitality: Casual dining chain has received Sebi's approval to raise about Rs 1,000-1,200 crore through an IPO. It comprises a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 275 crore and an offer-for-sale of up to 98,22,947 equity shares, according to the draft papers filed with the regualator. ESAF Small Finance Bank: The Kerala-based small finance bank has received approval to launch Rs 976-crore initial public offering. As per the DRHP, the IPO comprises of a fresh issue worth Rs 800 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) aggregating up to Rs 176.2 crore. 70% of spending on 'partial orphan' drugs -- those approved to treat both rare and common diseases -- goes toward treatment of common diseases For more than 30 years, the U.S. government has encouraged drug companies to develop new treatments for rare diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 Americans, and to see if existing drugs might also be effective for these diseases. This "orphan drug" program has led to new options for patients worldwide, under special rules that give drug companies financial incentives as a way of making up for a potentially small market. But a surprising number of orphan drugs are among the world's top-selling drugs - including several so-called "partial orphan drugs" approved to treat both rare and common diseases. A new study, led by a team of University of Michigan and Boston University researchers, looks at how much spending on partial orphan drugs actually goes to treat rare diseases. The study, published in the March issue of the journal Health Affairs, finds that just 21% of the total dollars spent in 2018 on 15 top-selling partial orphan drugs went to the treatment of rare diseases, while more than 70% went to the treatment of common diseases. For one of the drugs, a chemotherapy drug called pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), only 0.6% of dollars spent were for its rare disease use. The study is based on a database of insurance claims data for 12.8 million patients under age 65 who had private insurance. "Our findings raise questions regarding whether the benefits of orphan drug status are always warranted for partial orphan drugs," says Kao-Ping Chua, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the new paper and a health services researcher at U-M. Orphan first or second Chua says the implications of the study differ depending on whether a drug was first developed for a rare disease, or if it was first developed to treat a common disease and was found to be effective in treating a rare disease later on. Among the 15 drugs in the study, eight received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for a rare disease first, and about 40% of spending on these drugs was for common diseases. Chua calls this large proportion of spending for common diseases potentially concerning. Getting approval from the FDA as an orphan drug first is a lower bar for drug companies to clear, because smaller numbers of participants and lower levels of evidence are required for clinical trials of rare-disease drugs. Additionally, rare-disease drugs typically start out with high prices, which can potentially be charged when the drug crosses over to the larger market of patients with common diseases. As a result, companies might be incentivized to seek rare disease approval first, even if they suspect a drug or biological compound might work against a common disease. According to Chua, this "orphan-first strategy" would result in profits that were not intended by the Orphan Drug Act. Companies can also seek an orphan designation for an existing, approved medication as a way of getting additional protection from competition for a time. For the seven partial orphan drugs in the study that started as common disease treatments - such as adalimumab, sold as Humira - only 1 in 12 dollars was spent on rare diseases. "On the one hand, it's good that common-disease drugs with established safety records are being repurposed for rare diseases," says Chua. "At the same time, it's less expensive to re-purpose an existing drug than to bring a new drug to market. It's not clear that sponsors should receive the same level of orphan drug benefits as a rare-disease drug that would not have been developed without these benefits." The costs of granting orphan drug status to partial orphan drugs can be substantial, Chua says, in part because insurance companies are hesitant to exclude orphan drugs from their formularies, a list of drugs covered by the insurer. Orphan drugs - including partial orphans of either kind - are also exempt from discounts usually required for drugs sold to hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. That program subsidizes medication costs for providers that serve a disproportionate share of underserved patients. The authors of the new paper suggest a number of policy changes, including eliminating the 340B exemption for orphan-designated drugs and reducing the level of orphan drug incentives for partial orphan drugs. "The tradeoff is that each of these changes could lower investment in discovering new treatment options for people with rare disease," Chua says. ### Chua, who is a pediatrician at Michigan Medicine, U-M's academic medical center, and his colleagues previously published data on orphan drug spending for children, and on the percentage of all orphan drug approvals that were granted for drugs used in rare pediatric conditions. Chua is a member of the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center and the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. In addition to Chua, the new paper's authors are U-M Law School student Lauren E. Kimmel, who worked as a research assistant at the time of the study, and Rena M. Conti, Ph.D., an associate professor at Boston University Questrom School of Business and the associate director of Pharmaceutical Policy at the Institute for Health System Innovation & Policy at Boston University. Katie Holmes happy on a stroll with her boyfriend Emilio Vitolo Jr. on Monday. The 42-year-old held hands with her beau as they headed to lunch in Manhattan. The Dawson's Creek beauty wore a tweed Alex Mill coat over leggings and a cowl-neck sweater and wore her brunette locks loose. Hand in hand: Katie Holmes and boyfriend Emilio Vitolo Jr. looked happy on a stroll in Manhattan on Monday Katie was first linked to the 33-year-old chef and actor in September. The couple went Instagram official in December and last month Katie shared a photo of some beautiful roses she received from her beau on Valentine's Day. When not on dates with Emilio, Katie spends time with her 14-year-old daughter Suri whom she shares with her ex-husband Tom Cruise. After her divorce from Tom, Katie dated actor Jamie Foxx for several year, splitting up in 2019. Katie and Jamie only went public as a couple in late 2017, though there had been speculation they were an item since 2013. There was a swirl of rumors that Katie's divorce agreement prohibited her from publicly dating anyone for five years after her 2012 split with Tom. Romantic: The couple, who were first linked in September, held hands on their way to lunch Wintry walk: The actress wore a tweed Alex Mill coat over leggings and a grey cowl neck sweater Masked up: Emilio, a chef and actor, looked smart in a grey turtleneck and dark jeans with a sport jacket over the top Katie filed for divorce from Scientologist Tom in 2012 which was finalized only 10 days later, with Suri's mother retaining primary custody, though Tom could visit, according to People. Ron Miscavige, father of Scientology leader David Miscavige, told the MailOnline in 2016 that Katie's misgivings about Scientology - including the effect it could have on Suri - contributed to her decision to leave Tom. Tom has not been pictured with Suri in seven years and an Us Weekly source alleged in 2018: 'Every person is allowed to see their child if they wanted to. He chooses not to because she is not a Scientologist.' Eleven people, including a boy, were killed when unidentified gunmen riding in a truck in the western state of Jalisco in Mexico opened fire on Saturday. According to Reuters, Jalisco is one of the epicenters of Mexico's drug-related warfare, and home to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. In a statement, the state prosecutor's office said police found the bullet-ridden bodies of 10 men, who were attending a party, on the sidewalk in front of a home in Emiliano Zapata street at Tonala, a municipality in the Guadalajara area. DW reported that a boy's body was also found inside the residence, while another boy and a woman were being treated for injuries at a local hospital. Other details were not immediately known. Related article: 18 Bags Full of Human Remains Found in Mexico's Jalisco State President of Mexico Vows to Curb Rising Violence According to DW, when Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office in 2018, part of his commitment was reducing entrenched violence. However, he continued to wrestle with mass killings and tens of thousands of homicides yearly. Almost 100 murders are being recorded every day not only in Jalisco but across the country with a population of 126 million people. DW further noted that more than 82,000 people have disappeared since the war on drugs began in the country in 2006. According to a BBC report, for many, 2009 to 2011 had a record of Mexico's chilling memories since it was the period of ferocious violence between powerful drug cartels. Many of the communities were placed under curfew as shootouts for territorial control were almost ordinary. However, the report noted that the monthly homicide rate in 2020 has become worse, noting that the bloodshed that happened in 2019 and 2020 showed that Mexico may have already slid back into a familiar pattern of violence even though some regions are still under lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Mexican security analyst Alejandro Hope told BBC that security forces situated in the country were already too weak due to the violence that takes place and being overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic. Mexico's Long War on Drugs, Crimes, and Cartels Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said even after more than a decade that former President Felipe Calderon launched a crackdown on drug cartels, violence continues to rage in Mexico. The CFR noted that authorities continued to wage a deadly battle against drug cartels for over a decade, but with limited success. The CFR added that thousands of people, including students, politicians, and journalists, die in the conflict annually, making the country witness over 300,000 homicide cases since 2006. The CFR said the United States has already extended their help, providing Mexico with financial aid to improve their security forces and judicial system. A U.S. News report said former Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval was shot dead at a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta's beach town last December. Earlier this month, Mexican police have also found 18 plastic bags full of human remains at the Guadalajara metropolitan area within the western state of Jalisco. Read also: Maria Teresa Landa: The Miss Mexico Who Killed Her Husband and Spellbound a Jury WATCH: Police on Scene After 11 People Killed by Gunmen in Western Mexico from AFP News Agency Pastor of Belarus church evicted in police raid: 'We are praying for great revival' amid persecution Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment About a week after police evicted his congregation from its church building, the pastor of New Life Church in the capital of Belarus says his church is praying for a great revival in the eastern European country where violations of religious freedom have increased since last years presidential election. We would have expected this kind of situations in the Soviet Union times, when churches were persecuted, Senior Pastor Vyacheslav Goncharenko told Evangelical Focus in an interview. It might be the first case in the history of modern Belarus that we face this kind of injustice, a situation in which they entered forcefully in a church and evicted us. His church in Minsk was evicted and shut down on Feb. 17 by police officers and other authorities who claimed that the church was an unpurposeful use of the building. About 30 bailiffs, police and Housing Repairs and Utilities Association officials arrived. The bailiffs used an angle grinder to cut the door lock to gain entry, according to Forum 18. Authorities had made earlier attempts to close the church down, but the members each time managed to defend the building by standing in a chain. This time it was different, the pastor said. They threatened us with arrest and fines and we were powerless to defend ourselves. So, when they entered and cut the entrance with a circular saw, we were shocked. I was staying there and thought, Is this truly happening? During the eviction, about 60 to 70 church members were praying inside the building. The officers then turned off the sound system, went on the stage and ordered everyone to exit the building, Goncharenko said. As our church members were exiting, I saw some crying, he recalled. He said that he stood outside the building at the time because the officers did not allow him to enter. It was a very sad situation. We were witnessing how we were losing the building we have used for 19 years, he added. The building stands on an old cowshed that the church purchased about two decades ago. The pastor claims that authorities neither allowed church leaders to register the building as a place of worship nor did they provide an alternative place where they could gather. All our efforts in this time to make this building registered for religious purpose were rejected, he was quoted as saying. By not giving us the permission, they were punishing us. The pastor remembers that when the church used a cultural space in the city to hold services before acquiring the building, they were thrown out. Since last August, Belarus has been witnessing protests against the regime of President Alyaksandr Ryhoravich Lukashenko, who describes himself as an Orthodox atheist and was re-elected for his sixth term on Aug. 9 amid allegations of widespread electoral fraud. Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State under President Donald Trump, also warned that the election was not free and fair. Violations of religious freedom and other freedoms and targeting of human rights defenders have increased since then, according to Forum 18, a Norwegian human rights organization. The organization reports that the regime had used Administrative Code Article 23.34 to crack down on those taking part in public prayer events. For example, Catholics organising and participating in prayer events in the street in Minsk, Grodno, Lida, and other towns have been and continue to be accused and fined under Article 23.34, Forum 18 reported last October. As the Human Rights Centre Viasna (Spring) has documented, the same charges are also brought against people organising and participating in peaceful political protests against the regime. Many Protestants participate in such protests. Evangelical Focus previously reported that New Life Church suspects that the final eviction happened after members recorded a video calling for democracy and denouncing the Lukashenko regime's actions against protesters last year. The outlet also noted that three Protestant entities signed a joint statement on Feb. 18 expressing solidarity with the church. Pastor Goncharenko said that he and his church members feel they are standing in this moment right before a revival. We are praying for this nation, that we have a great revival," he told Evangelical Focus. We see that our nation does no longer want to deal with this evidence of evil, lies, the pastor added. We as a population are ready to resist this. People want to separate themselves from this evil and have a desire to become pure. And this is not only that people want to get rid of the government, but many, including non-Christians, are striving for kindness and fairness. The pastor requested Christians everywhere to pray for our country. May God bless these beginnings. Pray that hearts of people turn to God, and find their only hope in Him, and have a supernatural encounter with Him," he said. Details about AMDs Zen 4 5nm EPYC server CPU series, codenamed Genoa, have been apparently leaked. It appears core count will go right up to 96, allowing the potential of 192-thread processing. Along with that, the incredibly powerful EPYC Genoa chips will support 12-channel DDR5 and up to 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker A leak from ExecutableFix has offered up a wealth of information about the Zen 4 AMD EPYC server chips, which are also known as Genoa. The EPYC Genoa series is expected to make an appearance in 2022, after the Zen 3 EPYC Milan range has had an opportunity to amaze the world with its processing power. EPYC Genoa will be based on the 5nm manufacturing process, and it will apparently feature up to a 96-core, 192-thread SKU. Unsurprisingly, with all those extra cores (Milan is expected to only go up to 64 cores) the EPYC Genoa processor is also rumored to be coming with more chiplets. ExecutableFix has posted a mock-up of what a 96-core EPYC Genoa chip could look like with 12 chiplets for the cores and one for the I/O die (see below). Additionally, the same source has stated that EPYC Genoa will offer support for 12-channel DDR5-5200 memory (Milan = 8-channel DDR4-3200) and up to 128 PCIe 5.0 lanes or even up to 160 in a dual-socket configuration. It almost seems like AMD has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the EPYC Genoa server series, which will have a default TDP of 320 W that is configurable up to a whopping 400 W. The final detail mentioned is the SP5 (LGA 6096) socket, while EPYC Naples, Rome, and Milan utilize the SP3 platform and LGA 4094 socket. Everything about EPYC Genoa appropriately sounds epic, and one can only hope this kind of likely impressive generational leap also applies to the Zen 4 desktop and mobile processor ranges. Buy the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X on Amazon Leveraging your data is not a tech problem, it's about your internal coordination, team and resources. Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash Descriptive: these are things you could probably determine if you looked at a user in person (gender, location, age). Transactional: these are things you log as result of transactional engagement (products bought, basket size, timing of transactions). Contextual: these are things you observe based on users engagement with your platform (position in conversion funnel, device patterns, engagement patterns). Inferred: these are produced as the results of running data through augmentation models to provide advanced insights (conversion probability, engagement scoring, predictive modelling, preferences, clustering). Tagging Tracking Data pipelines Metadata Combining Analysing Segmenting Predicting Provisioning Integrating Sharing Manual vs automation Multichannel Optimisation and testing Personalisation Event-level activity Attribution Reporting As businesses and consumers, we are accumulating data faster than ever before. Today, we have progressed far beyond the human ability to act on the firehose of data that flows through all organisations. Fortunately, sophisticated technology creates insight from chaos and presents the potential to establish, maintain, and grow individual and unique concurrent relationships with millions of consumers that simulate human intelligence.This is the dream. The promise. The possibility. For marketers and business leaders struggling for growth, it hints at utopia.Yet this dream has been sold (often oversold) at marketing tech conferences for years by people with evangelist or ninja in their titles, and we have been bombarded with jargon, buzzwords and complicated systems that seem to unnecessarily complicate a complicated matter.The reality is that most of us are struggling to access the data, make basic sense of it, and activate it efficiently let alone living the dream.Admittedly, we make it harder than it needs to be. Most often we get in our own way. Generally, executive mandate isnt wide or deep enough to enable those who have the ability to execute - and top brass dont kick down enough doors to enable execution teams to achieve what they need to.Often, we buy tech (most frequently from the vendors who oversell the dream) that need consultants to operate, and multi-year implementation schedules. The time to value is generally too long and the capital expenditure to get the solution up and running is most frequently simply too much. High cost, plus slow deployment, equals frustrated and annoyed execs. This is particularly amplified when implementation runs across project sponsors tenures and new people inherit the programme.So, where to from here? We need to reframe and understand where the challenge and the solution really lies.Im a firm believer in starting with the end in mind, but you cant skip the things in between. There are foundations to build, lessons to learn and there are corporate legacies to navigate. Your strategy needs to be primed, and groundwork needs to be done.Primarily, we make the common mistake of believing that a data and automation strategy is a tech problem to solve. It isnt. It is an organisational coordination and resourcing challenge.So, if you think you are going to buy tech to solve this challenge, you are going to have a bad time and you are going to hate life for a solid stretch. Technology is absolutely the ultimate enabler you cant do this without it, but you cant lead with it. In short, dont buy or build tech until you know exactly what you have and have mapped exactly what you want to achieve.Tech can never fix a broken strategy, crumbling foundations, or lack of experience. What it does do really well is make mistakes really expensive (and high profile).Importantly, once we get going, it becomes evident (but not always noticed) that we didnt give the people we hold accountable for the outcome strong enough mandate to get things done, and often we dont give the task to a strong-enough personbecause you need some gravitas, guts, stamina, and a thick skin to get this done in a large organisation.Finally, you need to know what you aim to achieve. What are your organisational goals here?Goals disaggregate to objectives that are achieved through value workflows and conversations across the organisation. For example: Do you want a customer to buy something? Map your sales conversation and funnel, and fire it off at the right time, in context, personalised, and relevant to a prospectnow do this on an individual basis, at millions-scale.To effectively define your objectives and goals for a data strategy, you need to interrogate your business model and its core purpose.So, what is your core business? This is a trick question. Yes, you might sell goods or services, but you are also a data, attention, and trust business.In the data rather, insight, attention, and trust market we all compete for limited supply of these valuable consumer resourcesand we compete against a near-infinite demand from businesses which overwhelm our consumers. With this in mind, we must responsibly leverage the data at our disposal, grab attention from anything that takes focus away from our solutions - and build a bank of trust that facilitates our relationship with consumers around our core business.Data, trust, and attention are inherently linked - and form the combined platform to execute your marketing automation strategy from.With this said, we must start building some foundations to compete in this insight, trust, and attention economy.Whilst the execution through automation is sexier, getting your data footing in place will determine your success. Lets take a quick look at the types of data at your disposal.Youll find that 80% of your success comes from insights that are quite easy to obtain. In other words, you dont need expensive data science teams to unlock your first significant tranche of value!That said, the challenge that we face is that we have created irrational system complexity with hundreds of federated solutions holding its data hostage in different formats, on different schemas, and where only functional and practical integration exists to execute an operational task.Once we have made this data accessible, we can get to execution, right? But getting this data timeously, accurately, and consistently is so very often where organisations fall short.At this stagewe must surface this data and create a universal data pool that is consistent, understandable, accurate, and easily accessible via an integration layer that will expose the holistic data (which can be augmented first of course) to other systems for operational efficiencies - and to develop insight using various techniques from simple reporting, to advanced analytics, to data science and machine learning.Importantly, you can surface the data and provision it for use without having to overhaul your entire technology platform. There is so much inertia in large organisations tech clusters that skipping the queue by integrating at a data layer will get you to value significantly quicker and with less pain.This is a tough feat in itself, but until this task has been completed, you cant truly unlock the value you need. That said, keep in mind that perfection is the enemy of progress and that you need only have the base data available to start creating value. But your end game requires a holistic view of a customer and the data that describes them, and their relationship with you and your products.Cross-divisional participation can work if the overarching execs are closely aligned, and there is no conflict in their KPIs and incentive schemes. However, it adds another layer of complexity and drag to something that will produce enough pain without us adding more.I mentioned that we dont give a wide, deep, and strong enough mandate to a strong enough candidate to get things done. You need to appoint a strong person who has matrix competence that can own and add value to the entire data value chain. If you are serious about being successful, you must realise that this is a meaty thing that needs full-time resources allocated to it, whether they sit across your existing divisions or concentrated into a centre of excellence.Youll have an unusual, composite team that includes one or more integration developers, data developers, data scientists, data analysts, marketing tech specialists - and if you are serious about conversion optimisation and agility in terms of creating collateral, you need access to a designer and copywriter too.Then, the head of this band of misfits needs to be a good story-teller; be able to hold conversations with and contribute meaningfully to each dimension of their team; understand the strategic and commercial realities of each division of the organisation to bring them value; have a thick skin, and be fully assimilated into the organisation.Once you have your internal resources and team in place, make sure to take care of your unicorn and be tolerant of failureas long as the overall trajectory is upwards.Youll need to accept the fact that there will be failure and it is important to create a safe environment for failure and throw-away work. You cant have rapid deployment of complicated functions and strategy without risk. Here, it is useful to create guardrails to reduce the consequences of risk. These will look different for each business and team.Get to value quicker by empowering a strong person with an overarching mandate that includes oversight of the following elements of the data lifecycle:Make sure you get what you need by doing it yourself in close cooperation with your product and development department. This includes:: Transform the data you collect, and bake in context and intelligence to create actionable data, by doing the following:Actionable data needs to be prepared and provisioned to work for you. Make sure you include:Once provisioned and primed, marketers and the mar-tech they operate take over to reach out to your customers. Elements to consider here:Consistent feedback of engagement statistics feed your models and triangulates your customers positions in the various conversion funnels - which serve as triggers for your journeys. These include:Thats a mouthful. Lets stop here for now. In the next instalment, we will discuss how to develop a clear route to value for your data strategy. This will include how to offset your liability and risk with the potential benefits, and what these benefits look like. March 1, 2021 - Benign bone tumors may be present in nearly 20 percent of healthy children, based on a review of historical radiographs in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio in partnership with Wolters Kluwer. Although that may sound frightening, non-ossifying fibromas and other common benign bone tumors in symptom-free children are harmless and may resolve over time, reports the new study by Christopher D. Collier, MD, of Indiana University School of Medicine and colleagues. "These findings provide unique evidence to answer many commonly encountered questions when counseling patients and their families on benign bone tumors," the researchers write. Study offers reassurance that benign bone tumors in healthy children are harmless Benign bone tumors are commonly detected in children incidentally on radiographs made for other reasons. Although some benign childhood bone tumors are classified as active or aggressive, these are usually discovered when they cause discomfort or pathologic fracture (caused by underlying disease). When latent benign bone tumors are discovered incidentally in an asymptomatic child, the child is usually evaluated by a specialist, such as a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon or orthopaedic oncologist. For some specialists, children with benign tumors account for more than half of new patients. "Understandably, these tumors cause a lot of anxiety for patients and families as they await confirmation that the tumor is benign," Dr. Collier says. "They need reassurance and often ask how common these tumors are, when did they first appear, and whether they will resolve over time? We don't have much evidence to date to address these questions." The researchers analyzed a unique collection of radiographs from a study called the Brush Inquiry, in which a series of healthy, "normal" children in Cleveland, Ohio, underwent annual radiographs from 1926 to 1942. Although the Brush Inquiry provided valuable information on skeletal growth and development in children, such a study couldn't be performed today for ethical reasons, now that the risks of radiation exposure are recognized. Close to a century later, the Brush Inquiry radiographs provide a unique opportunity to identify benign bone tumors and their outcomes over several years of follow-up. Dr. Collier and colleagues analyzed a total of 25,555 digitized radiographs in 262 children, followed from infancy to adolescence. The results confirmed the high prevalence of benign bone tumors. A total of 35 benign bone tumors were found in 33 children - an overall rate of 18.9 percent when considering that only the left side of the children was radiographed. More than half of the tumors were a type called non-ossifying fibromas, which are masses of connective tissue that have not hardened into bone. These fibromas tended to appear around age five, with another peak around the time of skeletal maturation, possibly related to changing growth rates. Of 19 non-ossifying fibromas detected, seven disappeared over time. Others may have resolved in the years after the children stopped undergoing annual radiographs. Less-common benign bone tumors included enostoses, sometimes called "bone islands"; and osteochondromas or enchondromas, representing areas of abnormal but harmless cartilage growth. These tumors persisted through the last-available radiographs in all patients who had them. The findings are generally consistent with previous studies of the rates of benign bone tumors in healthy adults. It is one of the first studies of benign bone tumors in children, and the only one to provide longitudinal follow-up, including the age at first appearance. Dr. Collier adds: "Despite the inherent limitations of our historical study, it may provide the best available evidence regarding the natural history of asymptomatic benign childhood bone tumors." Click here to read "The Natural History of Benign Bone Tumors of the Extremities in Asymptomatic Children: A Longitudinal Radiographic Study." DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.20.00999 ### About The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS) has been the most valued source of information for orthopaedic surgeons and researchers for over 125 years and is the gold standard in peer-reviewed scientific information in the field. A core journal and essential reading for general as well as specialist orthopaedic surgeons worldwide, The Journal publishes evidence-based research to enhance the quality of care for orthopaedic patients. Standards of excellence and high quality are maintained in everything we do, from the science of the content published to the customer service we provide. JBJS is an independent, non-profit journal. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2019 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit https:/ / www. wolterskluwer. com/ en/ health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth. Lucia O'Grady (9) and sister Jessica (6) get ready to return to Riverview Educate Together National School in Greenhills, Dublin as 340,000 go back to school today for the first time since Christmas. PIC: Arthur Carron About 340,000 pupils are back in school today for the first time since Christmas with hopes of a wider return hingeing on the success of keeping Covid out of their classrooms. Half of primary pupils from junior infants to second class are in the first phase of the return along with 63,000 Leaving Cert candidates. All other primary pupils, and fifth years, are pencilled in for a March 15 return, while post primary classes from first to fourth year will have to wait until after Easter. But the roll-out of the schedule depends on how the virus behaves in the face of the mass mobilisation triggered by todays partial re-opening, involving about one third of the school population. Teacher unions and school leaders will also be watching to see whether the highly contagious Covid variant that is now dominant, and which was only emerging before Christmas, leads to higher transmission within schools. Expand Close Teddy Garrigan, (5), who is starting back to Riverview Educate Together National School, Greenhills, Dublin, pictured at his home in Kimmage. PIC: Arthur Carron / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Teddy Garrigan, (5), who is starting back to Riverview Educate Together National School, Greenhills, Dublin, pictured at his home in Kimmage. PIC: Arthur Carron That will be a key focus in ongoing talks about the next stage of re-opening. In the first instance, Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) general secretary John Boyle said they were awaiting public health data from schools where special classes returned last Monday. Schools have been working hard in recent days to prepare to welcome pupils back. They have been told there must be strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols. There is also a campaign urging parents to play their part in keeping the virus out of the classroom, including not sending children in if they have Covid-like symptoms Taoiseach Micheal Martin said parents needed to be acutely aware of social distancing controls and the necessity to avoid gatherings near schools. Read More He warned they had a critical role to play in ensuring the reopening proved a success and further phased re-openings of classes could take place. Please avoid congregations particularly the parents as they drop off children, The most natural thing is the world is to stop and have a chat, to meet and to engage. But we are asking people: please do not [do that]. Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn has also appealed to parents not to congregate outside schools when dropping off children. Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) general secretary Michael Gillespie said any member of the school community staff or student who had symptoms of Covid or was a close contact of a confirmed case must stay at home. We have already stated that we will not tolerate breaches of key safety measures in workplaces, he said He said at a national level, the situation must be kept under constant and forensic review, while adherence to the measures that protect the health and safety of students, staff and their families must be the key priority in every school. Meanwhile, Education Minister Norma Foley has announced an enhanced package of supports for schools in disadvantaged communities, effective from September. It builds on a number of measures in Budget 2021 and a recognition of the need to bolster schools serving pupils whose education has suffered the most as a result of Covid closures and who are at greatest risk of disengagement It includes extending the number of primary schools in the DEIS scheme for disadvantaged areas that will benefit from an improved pupil-teacher ratio. Among the measures announced in the Budget was a cut in class sizes for the most disadvantaged (Band 1) Deis urban schools that had senior classes only, but now all Deis Band 1 urban schools will benefit from another 50 teaching posts. The School Completion Programme is being extended to include 14 urban primary and 14 post-primary schools included in DEIS in 2017 and will also receive an overall 5pc funding increase Ms Foley has also announced a reduction of the enrolment threshold for the allocation of an additional deputy principal in DEIS post-primary schools, from 700 to 600 pupils. Mr. Ross said the same phenomenon could be seen in the case of Keith Raniere, the convicted leader of the Nxivm cult in Albany, in which some women were branded and coerced into serving as sexual slaves. Five of Mr. Ranieres most ardent followers ended up being charged with him and later pleaded guilty to charges like conspiracy and visa fraud. Other former Nxivm members who had been branded stood by Mr. Raniere after his conviction. The investigation that led to Mr. Rays arrest in February 2020 was prompted by a New York magazine article titled The Stolen Kids of Sarah Lawrence. It described how Mr. Ray, in the fall of 2010 when he was 50, insinuated himself into the lives of his daughters classmates, including Ms. Pollok, whom the magazine identified only by her first name. Mr. Ray had finished serving prison time in New Jersey on charges stemming from a child custody dispute. In the magazine article, Ms. Pollok was quoted saying that she sought guidance from Mr. Ray after a breakup. The magazine said Mr. Ray spent many nights in her room. Im 19, I was having a lot of difficulty making sense of things, I wasnt in a good place, Ms. Pollok said. He started to help me kind of process and make sense of a lot of things I just couldnt make sense of. After graduating in 2013, Ms. Pollok spent time with Mr. Ray in North Carolina, New York and at a house in Piscataway, N.J., where she and another woman lived with him, New York magazine reported. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference at a vaccination site in Brooklyn, US, February 22, 2021. Photo: Seth Wenig/ Reuters New York Governor Andrew Cuomos office has backed down on its plan to choose an investigator to review sexual harassment allegations against him. The governors officials have now asked the states attorney general and an appeals court judge to pick a lawyer to conduct an independent review of the claims. Mr Cuomo (63), one of the Americas most well-known Democratic politicians whose popularity soared during the early months of the pandemic, has faced a string of controversies in recent weeks, including how his administration handled high numbers of Covid-19 deaths in the states nursing homes. Read More Mr Cuomos administration said it wanted the probe to be done in a manner beyond reproach after two former aides came forward in recent days to make accusations of sexual misconduct by the governor, which he has strenuously denied. The office of the governor said on Saturday it had selected a former federal judge, Barbara Jones, to lead the investigation. But in a U-turn yesterday, it said it now wanted to avoid even the perception of a lack of independence or inference of politics. It said it had asked the Attorney General of New York State and the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals to jointly select an independent lawyer without political affiliation to conduct a thorough review and issue a public report. All members of the governors office will co-operate fully. We will have no further comment until the report is issued, said Beth Garvey, special counsel to Mr Cuomo in a statement. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... WASHINGTON The Justice Department said Saturday it will appeal a judges ruling that found the federal governments eviction moratorium was unconstitutional. Prosecutors filed a notice in the case on Saturday evening, saying the government was appealing the matter the to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The appeal comes days after U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevented had overstepped its authority and that the moratorium was unlawful. Although the COVID-19 pandemic persists, so does the Constitution, the judge wrote in the decision on Thursday. In a statement, Brian Boynton, the acting assistant attorney general in charge of the Justice Departments civil division, said prosecutors respectfully disagreed with the judges ruling and noted it only applied to parties in the case, not broadly to others. The CDCs eviction moratorium, which Congress extended last December, protects many renters who cannot make their monthly payments due to job loss or health care expenses, he said. By preventing people from becoming homeless or having to move into more-crowded housing, the moratorium helps to slow the spread of COVID-19. The CDC eviction moratorium was signed in September by President Donald Trump and extended by President Joe Biden until March 31. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Barker, who was nominated by Trump in 2018 to serve in the Eastern District of Texas, stopped short of issuing an injunction in the case. Several property owners had brought the litigation arguing that the federal government didnt have the legal authority to stop evictions. The federal government cannot say that it has ever before invoked its power over interstate commerce to impose a residential eviction moratorium, Barker wrote. It did not do so during the deadly Spanish Flu pandemic. Nor did it invoke such a power during the exigencies of the Great Depression. The federal government has not claimed such a power at any point during our Nations history until last year. State and local governments had approved eviction moratoriums early in the pandemic for many renters, but many of those protections have already expired. To be eligible for protection, renters must have an income of $198,000 or less for couples filing jointly, or $99,000 for single filers; demonstrate theyve sought government help to pay rent; declare that they cant pay because of COVID-19 hardships; and affirm that they are likely to become homeless if evicted. Nearly four million doses of the newest COVID-19 vaccine by Johnson & Johnson were shipped out on Sunday night and will begin to be delivered to states for injections starting on Tuesday. The White House said the entire stockpile of the newly approved single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine went out immediately after being approved on Saturday. J&J will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and 100 million total by the end of June, but the distribution would be backloaded. Another 1,049 deaths were reported Sunday bringing total to 513,091 lives lost Daily case numbers are roughly where they were in October and well below the single-day record of about 300,000 infections set in early January Four million doses of the new Johnson & Johnson have been shipped out and will be ready to be injected into people from Tuesday Though the new shot is easier to administer and requires only one dose, the administration is not altering its distribution plans. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will sit alongside those already offered by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. On Sunday night it was revealed another 1,049 people had died from the disease bring the total to 513,091 lives lost across the United States. There are still 47,352 people in hospital with the virus across the nation, however, this weekend was the first time since November the figure had dipped below 50,000 people hospitalized. The numbers are sure to improve further in the coming weeks following the approval of a third vaccine to combat the coronavirus which was formally approved as of Saturday evening. Although almost 50 million people have received one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, the latest coronavirus variant was discovered in New York City last week and another worrying version of the virus is said to be spreading through California. 'Things are tenuous,' Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Friday. 'Now is not the time to relax restrictions.' On Sunday it was announced that Johnson & Johnson are planning to their vaccine on infants and even newborns, together with pregnant women and in people who have compromised immune systems. Johnson & Johnson is to also trial its vaccines in newborns, teens and pregnant women Bonnie Rybstein, aged 98, from Woodmere, New York got her Covid vaccines as a special pop-up vaccination site for Holocaust survivors and seniors A senior celebrates after receiving a Covid-19 vaccination at a Covid-19 pop-up vaccination site in Lawrence, New York The clinical trials will take place at Harvard's Boston Children's Hospital. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which are now being given to adults, plan to gradually test them in younger age groups. Currently, children 12 and older are being tested. Johnson & Johnson will first test its vaccine in children older than 12 and under 18, but also plans to immediately include a study involving newborns and teens. The company then will test its vaccine in pregnant women, and finally in immunocompromised people. Universities protest purported attempts to politicise them Many have declared a strike after seeing changes proposed by the Education Ministry. Several universities plan to protest against the planned reform of legislation on universities. The amendment drafted by the Education Ministry plans to change the system of managing school bodies and their activities, limiting the freedom and autonomy of universities. The Education Ministry, for example, wants to have its nominees in academic senates, and thus have some mediated influence on school rectors, the Pravda daily reported. The Ministry also proposes reducing their budgets. Schools are afraid about losing their influence on what is happening, and hinted at attempts to politicise the academic environment. They have also warned that the amendment would result in the departure of teachers, scientists and students, Pravda wrote. Education Minister Branislav Grohling said that he still wants to discuss the proposals. Several schools on strike alert Responding to the amendment, Trnava University declared a strike alert in late February, and is ready to start striking. Its representatives were later joined by students, calling for a withdrawal of the draft amendment; and launching an open dialogue with the representatives of academia, which will result in seeking constructive solutions, as reported by the TASR newswire. The students called on their peers at other schools to show their disagreement. Trnava University was later joined by Comenius University in Bratislava, which launched its protest on March 1. It criticised not only the amendment, but also the change in financing of public universities that came into force at the beginning of this year, whose aim is to reduce finances for underfinanced public universities. The changes have been criticised by other schools and associations representing academia, such as the Slovak Rectors Conference, the Club of Faculty Deans, and the Higher Education Council. 1. Mar 2021 at 18:04 | Compiled by Spectator staff Former Startups Minister Park Young-sun, left, celebrates winning the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) primary to choose its candidate for the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election. Park was declared the DPK's sole candidate at the party headquarters on Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap Former Startups Minister Park Young-sun was named the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's candidate to run in the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, Monday. Park, also a former four-term lawmaker, was declared the winner of a party primary against sitting four-term lawmaker Woo Sang-ho, winning 69.56 percent of the ballots cast by voters in and outside of the party over the phone and the internet for four days to Monday. The support rating was calculated to include extra points the party awarded to Park as a female candidate. "By becoming one team with the Moon Jae-in administration and the DPK, I will stably run the city to return happiness to Seoul residents," Park said in an acceptance speech. "Over the next 100 years, Seoul will become the world capital of the digital economy," she noted. India has completed the complex process of purchasing M90FR maritime gas turbine engines from Ukraine and delivery of these engines to a Russian shipyard that is building two of the four advanced P-17 "stealth" Talwar class frigates for India. Another two of these Advanced Talwars are being built in an Indian shipyard. The Talwar is actually an upgraded version of the Krivak IV, first post-Cold War model of the Krivak line of frigates. The first of 40 Krivaks entered service in 1960 and was retired in 1996. So far 40 Krivaks have been built and the Talwars are Krivak V with the Advanced Talwar the same as the Kirvak VI, known in Russian as the Grigorivich class. The Cold War era Krivaks began as 3,100-ton warships. The 3,200-ton Krivak II entered service in 1975, the 3,500-ton Krivak III in 1983 (for the KGB operated Coast Guard) and the similar Krivak IV for the navy was also based on the Krivak II and first appeared in 1977. All the Krivaks were considered successful designs and there was a lot of ship building industry and navy support for further updates. That led to the Talwar that entered service in 2000. Finally there the Russian Grigorivich class that entered service in 2016. The convoluted procurement of gas turbine engines for Russian-built advanced Talwar Indian frigates is the only way India could get the two new Talwars from Russia on time and was done after negotiations with Ukraine to ensure the turbine purchase did not violate the post-2014 Ukrainian cancellation of military exports to Russia. This Ukrainian ban was in addition to Western sanctions which prohibited Russia from getting a wide range of industrial goods from Europe and the United States. Despite the potential difficulty in getting engines for the advanced Talwars, the purchase was an admission of failure by India which expected to be capable of building all its own warships by now. That turned out not to be the case. While two of these Talwars will be built in India, the first two will come from Russia and there will be substantial purchases of Russian shipbuilding technology to enable India to build the other two Talwars. The Russian built Advanced Talwars are actually upgraded Talwars designed for the Russian navy as Admiral Grigorivich class frigates. The main difference between the advanced Talwar/ Grigorivich class ships and the original Talwars was stealthy superstructure and some differences in weapons and electronics. Delivery of the Grigorivich class frigates was delayed because a Russian firm had to develop, test and manufacture a Russian built maritime gas turbine engine comparable to the Ukrainian M90FR. The Russian replacement M90FR was ready for service in 2020 but the Russian Navy had already purchased all the production for the next few years. India knew that the Ukrainian gas turbine firm has lost a lot of sales because of the ban on exports to Russia and was willing to sell and deliver M90FRs to India for all four of the Indian Advanced Talwars, including the two being built in Russia. The only alternative was for India to have the two Russian built Advanced Talwars towed to India where similar maritime gas turbines to be installed after modifications were made to the Russian built Talwars to accommodate a slightly different gas turbine. The solution to this mess that was satisfactory to India, Ukraine and Russia was for India to buy the M90FRs and then deliver them to the Russian shipyard for installation. Once all four of these Advanced Talwars are in service, India will begin construction of seven larger Nilgiri class frigates based on the Talwar frigates. The 6,600-ton Nilgiris are larger than the original Talwars India ordered in the 1990s and based on the design of the Stealthy Talwars planned to build itself in 2001. Stealthy means the ships superstructure is modified to reduce the radar signature, which makes the ship less likely to show up on enemy radars. Improved weapons and electronics were planned as as well, making it a more formidable warship than the original Talwars. India began building the first of three stealth Talwar (Project 17) ships in 2001 and realized it was going to have a difficult time given the current state of Indian warship construction capabilities. India built three of these Project 17 stealth ships but it took nine years for each one to get into service. India decided to solve the shortcomings of its warship construction capabilities by purchasing more experience and manufacturing equipment from Russia. This was done via the 2018 advanced Talwar deal. In 2012-13 Russia delivered the last of three original Talwar class frigates. These were supposed to be the last surface ships India was buying from foreign shipyards. India ordered these three ships (for $1.6 billion) in 2006. These 4,000-ton Talwar's are 124.5 meters (386 feet) long, carry 24 anti-aircraft and eight anti-ship missiles, four torpedo tubes, as well as a 100mm gun, short-range anti-missile autocannon, a helicopter, and anti-submarine weapons (rockets and missiles). The ship has a very complete set of electronics gear, except for a troublesome Indian sonar. There is a crew of 180. All of the Talwars are equipped with eight Indian BrahMos anti-ship missile each. The Talwar is a modified version of the Russian Krivak design. Meanwhile, India was building its own large warships. In July 2014 the Indian Navy received the first (INS Kamorta) of three Indian made corvettes. These are the first locally built modern surface warships for India. The Kamortas are 3,100-ton ships that are 109 meters (355 feet) long and have a top speed of 59 kilometers an hour. They are optimized for anti-submarine warfare and are armed with a 76.2mm gun, two 30mm multi-barrel anti-missile autocannon, two multi (12) barrel 212mm anti-submarine rocket launchers, 16 Barak anti-missile/aircraft missiles and six torpedo tubes. It has a hull-mounted sonar and carries a helicopter that can be armed with four anti-submarine torpedoes. The ship has stealthy features (small radar signature and more difficult for submarine sonar to detect as well.) By 2017 three Kamortas were in service with another under construction. India than plans to order eight more. Before the first three Kamortas were finished it was obvious that Indian warship tech and capabilities needed more help. One problem with the Kamortas was that construction was delayed by inexperience and also took about nine years per ship. China can put similar ships into service in three years. At that point, India realized that it needed to obtain more help with shipbuilding techniques and technology and halted its plan to stop buying foreign (Russian) warships. More ships and shipbuilding tech would be purchased from Russia until India felt its own shipyards could do the job at least as well as the Russians. This now includes aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines as well as frigates and corvettes. The Indian Nilgiri class frigates are actually comparable with the latest Russian surface warship. These are the Admiral Gorshkov class 5,400 ton stealth frigates. These ships can operate in distant waters and are replacing Cold War era destroyers, few of which can still get to sea. Like most new Russian warships, the Gorshkovs arrived late and in far smaller numbers than originally planned. The original plan, from 2003, was for the first of 20 Gorshkovs to enter service in 2011. Construction began in 2006 and the first Gorshkov was launched in 2010. Once the first Gorshkov was in the water it was only about half complete and work slowed down. Already there were money problems and the plan was reduced to 15, then eight and finally four of these ships. A major reason for the delays and reduction of the number of ships was the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine. That meant Russia could not get the gas turbine engines for these ships and that technology was developed and monopolized (during the Soviet period) by Ukrainian plants. The new Russian maritime gas turbine engine was needed for the Gorshkovs as well as the Grigorivich class frigates and the Grigorivich/Talwar versions for India. By purchasing the additional Russian ship building tech that will enable Indian shipyards to build two of the advanced Talwars, Indian will also be capable of building the larger Nilgiri class frigates. Julia Garner had to stay home for the virtual 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards, but that didn't stop her from pulling off one of her chicest looks. The 27-year-old actress had all eyes on her with her ultra-low plunging Prada dress at she competed for the Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series prize for her acclaimed role in Netflix's Ozark. This year is a departure for the Globes, which are bicoastal due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Tina Fey taking to the stage in New York City while her regular cohost Amy Poehler leads the ceremony from Los Angeles. Classic style: Julia Garner, 27, looked like a chic flapper in her cream-and-black Prada dress with an ultra-low plunging neckline at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday Julia's floor-length dress seemed inspired by the fashion of the 1920s with its black sequined belt around her midriff. Her plunging neckline reached to just above her navel and was lined with a stripe of black satin. The cream-colored ruched skirt was enlivened with dotted lines of black sequins that looked like falling raindrops. The Assistant star enlivened her classic outfit with Verdura jewelry, including diamond earrings set with black and gold starbursts. Contrasts: Her plunging neckline reached to just above her navel and was lined with a stripe of black satin, while her dress was belted with black sequins and beads Curly locks: Julia had her iconic blonde curls tied up and styled in a short hairdo and wore a shock of crimson on her lips Sparkler: The Assistant star enlivened her classic outfit with Verdura jewelry, including diamond earrings set with black and gold starbursts A similar design was featured on her thick bracelets, which were also decorated with black and white pearls. She kept her makeup conservative but enlivened it with a splash of crimson across her lips. Julia had her iconic blonde curls tied up and styled in a short hairdo created by beauty pro Bobby Eliot using John Frieda Hair Care. 'My inspiration for this evening was a romantic feeling with a touch of vintage glamour, while still keeping the look cool and modern to match her stunning Prada gown that featured a beautiful deep neck line with beaded details,' Bobby revealed, explaining that he used the John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioner and the Dream Curls Curl Defining Cream Oil to ensure a shiny and defined look. After styling Julia's locks into small S waves, he sprayed the brand's Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hair Spray 'to lock in the wave'. The final product in the line-up was the Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch Up Creme, which helped to create stunning definition - that Julia happily showed off in her photo shoot. One snap also prominently displayed her enormous diamond engagement ring from her husband, Foster the People frontman Mark Foster. Julia's makeup artist Hung Vanngo shared some images of his delicate work to Instagram and clarified that he used Chanel beauty products to style her. Star maker: Julia is the breakout star of Netflix's hit dark crime drama Ozark, which is filming its fourth season now; still from Ozark Tense: She's the quick-witted daughter of a family of petty criminals who takes over a money-laundering scheme for Jason Bateman's character after he flees from a drug cartel; still from Ozark Julia is the breakout star of Netflix's hit dark crime drama Ozark. The series, which is currently filming its fourth season, stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as a couple on the rocks who are forced to stay married and flee to Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri after running astray of a Mexican drug cartel. Jason's character, an account, takes over a rundown resort in order to launder money for the cartel in hopes of staying alive. Julia plays the brains of a local family of troublemakers and criminals whose quick wit proves to be invaluable to Jason's character, who hires him to manage the hotel while he takes care of the books. In good company: The actress was nominated with Gillian Anderson and Helena Bonham Carter for The Crown, along with Annie Murphy for Schitt's Creek and Cynthia Nixon for the One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest prequel Ratched; still from Ozark The actress was nominated with Gillian Anderson and Helena Bonham Carter for The Crown, along with Annie Murphy for Schitt's Creek and Cynthia Nixon for the One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest prequel Ratched. This year's ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. This makes the fourth time that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will be hosting, though the first time that they won't be in the same room. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Although Julia and the other nominees will be filming themselves from home, the presenters will still be appearing in person at the otherwise empty ceremony. New York City authorities are searching for a former cop with a history of mental illness who is suspected of murdering his 78-year-old mother. New York Police Department agents conducting a wellness check last Wednesday discovered the dead body of Maria Diaz inside her room in the two-bedroom apartment she shared with Osvaldo Diaz, the oldest of her nine children. Maria Diaz had a deep laceration on her head. Cop recovered a machete in the apartment, but it is unclear if it was used in the attack. She was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. Osvaldo Diaz has not been charged for his mother's murder. NYPD launched a manhunt for former police officer Osvaldo Diaz, who is wanted in connection to the murder of his mother, who was found dead last Wednesday at the two bedroom apartment they shared in Queens The suspect's brother Christian Diaz told the New York Daily News that the family in the past had attempted to seek assistance for his fugitive brother, who he said was diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia in or around 2004. 'Although I believe my brother did it, thats not the point. The point is that my brother has been suffering from mental illness for many years now, and we have reached out to the mental health department multiple times explaining that we believed our brother was becoming a risk to our mother,' Diaz said. Osvaldo Diaz became a member of the NYPD in July 2005 and was assigned to Manhattan Midtown North Precinct. According to Christian Diaz, his brother's mental breakdown started sometime around his January 2008 firing from the police force while he was still under probation. He was admitted into a psychiatric facility, however, but officials at the site considered that he was not a threat to his mother's welfare, Diaz told the NYDN. Maria Diaz was aware of the dangers that came with living with her son. But she cared more about her mentally ill son's wellbeing at the government-operated health facilities. As Osvaldo Diaz's mental health condition worsened, Christian Diaz noticed a heightened level of paranoia in his older sibling. 'He would not address her as mother but as the lady or sometimes call her a robot,' he said. 'Hes in constant fear and suspects the woman hes living with to be someone different than she was. Its a recipe for disaster, and I hate to say Im right, but look at the ending.' NYPD detectives have offered a $2,500 reward for information on Maria Diaz's murder. Scientists from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation have published their findings on the state of coral reefs in the Chagos Archipelago, considered the last frontier for coral reefs In the middle of the Indian Ocean lies some of the last coral reef wilderness on Earth. The Chagos Archipelago, a collection of atolls, including Earth's largest - the Great Chagos Bank- is home to reefs that have been largely undisturbed by humans for the last 50 years. Some estimates indicate the Chagos Archipelago may contain more than half of the healthy coral reefs remaining in the entire Indian Ocean. These reefs are protected both by their remote location, and in one of the world's largest no-take marine reserves--the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) marine protected area. In 2015, scientists at the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) came to the Chagos Archipelago to assess the status of the reefs. Over the course of two months at sea, an international team of scientists conducted thousands of surveys of the benthic and reef fish communities at over 100 locations across the archipelago. This research was conducted as part of the Foundation's Global Reef Expedition (GRE), a 5-year research mission that circumnavigated the globe to assess the health and resiliency of coral reefs. "The Global Reef Expedition was designed to evaluate the status of the benthic and reef fish communities and assess the impact of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on coral reef ecosystems," said Alexandra Dempsey, the Director of Science Management at KSLOF and one of the report's authors. "One priority for us was to study reefs with minimal human disturbance, and there was no better place on Earth to do that than the Chagos Archipelago." Their findings are detailed in a new report, the Global Reef Expedition: Chagos Archipelago Final Report, which contains detailed information on the diversity and abundance of corals and reef fish species along with valuable baseline data on the state of the reefs at a point in time. What they found during the research mission were reefs with a stunning diversity of coral and an abundance of fish. Of all of the reefs surveyed on the Global Reef Expedition--the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history--the reefs of the Chagos Archipelago were some of the most diverse and had some of the highest coral cover and fish biomass. They also had more fish per square meter than in any country studied on the GRE. "When we first arrived in the Chagos Archipelago, the reefs were stunning," said Renee Carlton, Marine Ecologist at KSLOF and lead author on the report. "We saw reefs covered in a diverse assemblage of live coral, and surrounded by an astounding abundance of fish. It was refreshing to see such thriving reefs." However, even here in what may be the most remote and well-protected reefs on Earth, there were signs of human impacts. Towards the end of the research mission, KSLOF scientists witnessed the beginning of what would become a catastrophic and global mass coral bleaching event, illustrating the expanse of the coral reef crisis. The data contained in the report released today are the last data collected in the Chagos Archipelago before this disastrous bleaching event caused mass coral mortality on the reefs. "Of all the reefs visited on the Global Reef Expedition, those of the Chagos Archipelago were surely the most remote and the most undisturbed," said Sam Purkis, KSLOF's Chief Scientist as well as Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. "To witness a coral bleaching event develop during our research mission was heart-wrenching, but there's compelling evidence that reefs which are spared direct human pressures such as overfishing and coastal development, have amplified resilience, so there was hope that the archipelago would bounce back to health relatively quickly." During the first signs of bleaching, corals in the Chagos Archipelago turned cotton-candy colored shades of pink, blue, and yellow before turning white, as the corals tried to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays after losing their symbiotic algae. As the warm waters persisted, the extent of the bleaching was readily apparent and impacted the vast majority of the shallow-water corals. A study shortly after the bleaching event found live coral fell dramatically from the relatively healthy 31-52% observed on the Global Reef Expedition, to only 5-15%. Since then, there have been promising signs the reefs are recovering, however, it is unlikely the reefs have returned to the same state they were in prior to bleaching. The report released today will provide marine managers with information on what the reefs were like before the devastating bleaching event, so changes to the reef can be tracked over time and monitor how the ecosystem is recovering. The Foundation has shared the report with representatives from the BIOT Marine Protected Area (MPA) as well as scientists and conservation organizations invested in the preservation of these remarkable reefs. The Global Reef Expedition mission to the Chagos Archipelago gave scientists the chance to study some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Their findings illustrate what reefs can be when protected in large no-take MPAs, but they also highlight the perils all reefs face in a changing world. ### VALLEY FORGE, Pa., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard today announced plans to modify the investment advisory arrangements of the $45.5 billion Vanguard U.S. Growth Fund and $1.2 billion Vanguard Variable Insurance FundsGrowth Portfolio. Jackson Square Partners, LLC will no longer serve as an advisor to the funds. The portion of the U.S. Growth portfolio formerly managed by the firm (approximately 13% of fund assets) has been equally apportioned to existing managers Jennison Associates LLC, Wellington Management Company LLP, and Baillie Gifford Overseas Ltd. Wellington Management will serve as the sole advisor to the VVIFGrowth Portfolio. "We employ a rigorous evaluation process in overseeing our funds and advisors to ensure we provide sound, enduring offerings that meet the long-term needs of our clients," said Dan Newhall, head of global oversight and manager search for Vanguard Portfolio Review Department. "After careful review, we have concluded that the new advisory arrangements have the best prospects of delivering valuable outcomes to the funds' shareholders." Following the transition, the target manager allocations for U.S. Growth will be as follows: Jennison Associates, 28%, Wellington Management, 28%, Baillie Gifford, 28%, and Vanguard Quantitative Equity Group, 15%, with the remainder equitized in cash. The investment objectives, philosophies, and primary investment strategies of each of the funds will remain the same, and the expense ratios are not expected to change as a result of the advisor changes. Vanguard is the industry's third-largest active manager1, stewarding $1.7 trillion in active assets across fundamental fixed income strategies, quantitative equity strategies, and external and multi-managed equity mandates. The firm's approach to active management is rooted in identifying and engaging with top-tier investment talent and taking a long-term, disciplined approach to investing. About Vanguard Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment management companies. As of January 31, 2021, Vanguard managed $7.2 trillion in global assets. The firm, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, offers more than 440 funds to its more than 30 million investors worldwide. For more information, visit vanguard.com. Asset figures as of January 31, 2021 unless otherwise noted. For more information about Vanguard funds, visit vanguard.com to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing. All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor. 1 Source: Morningstar, as of December 31, 2020. SOURCE Vanguard A recent bureaucratic report recommends expanding Vermont's sales tax to include food, groceries, electricity, and clothing to..."help the poor." The Vermont Tax Structure Commission (VTSC) argues that "broadening the tax base" will be easier for government, and more equitable than current exemptions because sales tax revenues will be redistributed "equitably" to the poor. Sales taxes are inherently regressive. VTSC acknowledges this quite openly (p.22): Sales taxes are by their nature regressive[.] ... This means that including groceries and other necessities, as we recommend, adds to regressivity. However, we do not make this recommendation in isolation. We note the vital importance of protecting low-income households from bearing any additional burden, and in Chapter 5 we recommend a comprehensive review of the income, transfers, and taxes for low-income Vermonters to ensure that ... no one is bearing an undue burden of taxation relative to their resources[.] But this monstrous report offers nearly zero policy ideas to "equitably" redistribute the money to the poor, blithely offering instead the following: In particular, we believe there are more efficient ways to protect low-income Vermonters from the burden of a sales tax on necessities, and more effective ways to promote public goods than exemptions from the sales tax[.] ... A significant portion of the new revenue resulting from the broadened sales tax would be deployed to strengthen and rationalize the distribution system to support lower-income Vermonters, and to make sure that no one is harmed by the tax changes[.] (pp. 11, 12, 40) But the "particulars" are unstated; the "mechanism to distribute" is unknown (though "important to find"); there is no "distribution system to support lower-income Vemonters." The tax-and-spend doublespeak is, "There are more efficient ways to protect poor people from taxes than exempting them from tax." In contrast, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports: Existing credits and rebates designed to offset the sales tax often fail to provide significant relief for many low-income families. To offset fully the sales tax on food for the low- and moderate-income families on which it imposes a significant burden, a credit or rebate should meet two tests. First, it should be available to all poor and near-poor individuals Second, it should be large enough to offset the sales tax on a family's grocery purchases. (p. 30) Vermont's latest tax restructuring proposal addresses neither of these concerns -- it offers no substantive plans to fairly redistribute sales taxes on food. But there is endless justification of how this plan will help the government: By trying to use the sales tax as a tool to encourage community goods, and exemptions from the sales tax for necessities as a tool to protect low-income Vermonters, the legislature puts itself in the position of having to decide what's necessary, and what's good, and what's not. Food is a necessity; is soda? Is candy? Does the legislature want to be in the business of making judgements about what's necessary if it doesn't have to? (p. 84) But all things are most definitely not equal these proposals would create inequities while increasing bureaucratic administration costs. The VTSC paper also advises expanding Vermont's sales tax to education and most services. It draws distinctions among which classes of health care providers will be taxed (much like soda versus celery). Vermonters tightened their belts under COVID; their state's bureaucracy expanded its belly and is hungry for "broadened revenue streams." The VTSC is optimistic about its amorphous plan: In general, we conclude that exempting broad categories of necessities is not an efficient way to protect low-income Vermonters from the financial burden of paying a sales tax on necessities[.] (p. 68) Vermont's Progressive majority consistently transfers money inefficiently from one group to another, always enlarging the government bite. Now it wishes to tax bread to "feed the poor." Subscribe for John Klar's commentaries at vtliberty.net. Image: Pixabay. WASHINGTON Rep. Ro Khanna has built a brand as a progressive who will take positions even if they are at odds with establishment Democrats. Just over a month into the administration, he is making that clear to President Biden. In recent days, the Fremont Democrat has publicly broken twice with Biden on progressive priorities. Last week, he sharply criticized Biden for conducting air strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria. On Monday, Khanna helped organize pressure from House Democrats who want Biden to use the partys congressional majority to pass a $15 federal minimum wage over a procedural setback, which Biden has said he wont do. Both moves create a potential headache for Biden, who is trying to move an agenda through a zero-margin-of-error majority in Washington. He campaigned as a moderate seeking bipartisanship, but has also worked to keep the support of progressives he will need to enact his priorities. It remains unclear how far Khanna will take the pressure campaign, and whether he and other progressives will consider tanking Democratic bills to send a message to Biden. For now, Khanna told The Chronicle that he will support Bidens coronavirus relief bill even if it doesnt raise the minimum wage, and said he supports the vast majority of Bidens agenda. That said, there are lines on fundamental issues of dignity and of fundamental issues of human rights and justice where we have to take a stand, he said. Khanna said last week that Bidens air strike had absolutely no justification, and on Monday he told The Chronicle that it was unconstitutional and illegal. Also Monday, he helped organize a letter urging Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to overrule the Senate parliamentarians decision that raising the minimum wage was not eligible for a procedure that allows coronavirus relief to bypass the 60-vote threshold to advance legislation in the 100-member Senate. Khanna and the 22 other signatories, including Oakland Rep. Barbara Lee, argued that raising the wage is necessary to boost racial justice as well as economic equality. The wage is already scheduled to increase to $15 an hour in California in 2023. This is our moment to deliver, to do something that is moral and just, Khanna said. We cant let a parliamentarian decision stop a wage increase for Americans. But White House press secretary Jen Psaki said having Harris overrule the parliamentarian is not an action we intend to take, though she added that Biden is committed to finding another way to raise the wage. Khanna said that he and his colleagues intend to vote for the stimulus bill even without the wage increase, but that Bidens actions could influence progressives plans beyond that. If the response is constructive, Im hopeful it will allow us to continue to play this very constructive role, he said. But if the channels of communication arent being constructive, I think youre going to have more and more pressure from the advocacy groups and from progressive groups to take a tougher line. Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 15:54:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HANOI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- A collision between a sleeper bus and a bike in Vietnam's Dong Thap province in the southern Mekong Delta region has killed three people and injured four others, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday. The bus was reportedly running through Dong Thap's Lai Vung district when it crashed into a male cyclist ahead on early Monday morning. The bus then dashed to the left onto electric poles and trees along the roadside, according to the report. The accident killed the 69-year-old male cyclist at the spot. Two passengers of the bus died on the way to the hospital. Four injured people, all on the sleeper bus, were taken to medical centers for treatment. Further investigation is underway into the cause of the accident. In the first two months this year, 2,355 traffic accidents occurred in Vietnam, killing 1,230 people, severely injuring 780 and slightly injuring 968, official data showed. Enditem New Delhi, March 1 : The second phase of the corona vaccination drive which began on Monday for senior citizens who are 60 years and above at hospitals in the national capital went smoothly despite some problems while downloading the Co-WIN app. Speaking to IANS, Mohinder Arya, a 61-year-old resident of east Delhi's Patparganj, said, "I was facing problems in downloading the Co-WIN app in the morning." The hospital was cooperative as his registration was done by the hospital and he was freed within an hour of receiving the vaccine jab, he added. Another senior, Surendra Kumar Rastogi, told IANS he was not able to download the Co-WIN app but with the help of another person at the hospital he downloaded the app and successfully registered for the vaccine jab. Another person Dilip Singh Bisht, 72, who had come for corona vaccination at the Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital in east Delhi's Kalyanpuri, told IANS that, "I got myself easily registered through the Co-WIN app". When he reached the hospital, the vaccination process took only five minutes. Chandra Prakash, aged 65, said the registration process for the Covid vaccination drive was complted easily without any problem. Donald Trump said Sunday he requested 10,000 National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C. before January 6 after realizing his rally would be larger than anticipated but says the request was rejected by congressional leaders. In his latest defense, the former president told Fox News late Sunday evening that he was not actually watching the events unfold in real-time and claimed he reacted immediately when he was alerted to the ongoing attack on the Capitol. Trump said he was focused on his 'lovefest' rally that took place before the violence commenced. His assertion comes after his anticipated return to the political scene on Sunday at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he delivered a 90-minute keynote address to a crowd of adoring supporters. Trump insisted he wanted the National Guard on standby to deploy to the nation's capital, and told Fox's 'The Next Revolution' host Steve Hilton that he was under the impression the message was conveyed to congressional leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The former president said his understanding is that the request for troops was rejected because leaders in Congress didn't like the optics of 10,000 troops at the Capitol. 'So, you know, that was a big mistake,' he said. Donald Trump told Fox on Sunday that he requested 10,000 National Guard troops be brought in before his January 6 rally but it was rejected because congressional leaders didn't like the 'optics' of troops at the Capitol After the Capitol riot, approximately 26,000 National Guard troops were deployed to Washington, D.C. from all over the country. To this day, a few thousands remain in the city Last month, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told Fox host Maria Bartiromo that Trump issued a 'direct order' to have up to 10,000 troops ready before his rally on January 6. During Trump's rally on the White House Ellipse on January 6, he urged a crowd of thousands of his supporters to march to the Capitol and pressure lawmakers not to certify Joe Biden's victory. Trump told Fox on Sunday that the rally he held on the Ellipse before rioters descended on the Capitol was a 'lovefest.' 'It was tremendous numbers of people, not the Capitol, I'm talking about the rally itself,' Trump said. 'It was a lovefest. It was a beautiful thing.' After the siege of the Capitol by thousands of pro-Trump rioters on the day Congress moved to certify the election for Joe Biden, Washington finally called in the National Guard. There is still confusion on the timeline and why they weren't deployed sooner. In the days following the riot, the city filled up with approximately 26,000 National Guardsmen and women from all over the country. All remained in Washington until January 20, when Biden was inaugurated. While thousands were pulled from Washington and went back to their home states after inauguration, a few thousand remained in D.C. as leaders warned of lingering threats in the midst of the impeachment trial against Donald Trump. As it stands, around 5,000 National Guard troops remain in D.C. and are expected to maintain a presence until mid-March. There is also still a security fence with razor wire atop surrounding the entire Capitol Hill complex. Trump told Hilton that he 'hated' to see the riot unfold, but he compared it to the massive riots, including Black Lives Matter demonstrations, in cities like Portland and Seattle. 'I hate to see any of that, but it is a double standard,' he said. Mystery still surrounds the January 6 Capitol attack, including why National Guard were not deployed earlier to the scene as the riot unfolded. Trump said his rally on Ellipse, which was held before the riot ensued, was a 'lovefest' Former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund and House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving could not agree on when the request for National Guard assistance was sent out. Sund told a bipartisan Senate panel last week that he submitted the request at 1:09 p.m. on January 6. Irving, on the other hands, claims he didn't receive the request until after 2:00 p.m. that day. The ex-police chief said he spoke days before the riot with Irving and then-Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Stenger about the request for National Guard. Sunday claims that Irving admitted he was concerned with the 'optics' of having thousands of troops descend on the Capitol. But Irving said this account is 'categorically false.' Trump has not said much about the January 6 riot, and mostly steered clear of the subject during his grand return to the limelight on Sunday. The former president's speech was the first time he addressed his supports since his farewell address in front of Air Force One on January 20. He used his remarks to go after Republicans who rebuked him, attack Joe Biden's policies, promise not to form his own political party and tease a 2024 run for the White House. Uzor Anwuka, a medical doctor, who was allegedly shot during a fracas between the former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, and some youth loyal to Governor Hope Uzodinma, is to be flown abroad for medical treatment, according to The Nation newspaper. Mr Anwuka, an American trained physician, is Mr Okorochas son-in-law. The Nation reported that surgeries done in a Nigerian hospital on Mr Anwukas left leg where he was shot have failed thrice. Mr Okorocha, who is currently a senator, was involved in a fracas with the angry youths, led by Governor Uzodinmas aide who accused Mr Okorocha of forcefully unsealing a hotel that was sealed by the Imo State Government. The senator was arrested and briefly detained at the police headquarters, Owerri. The hotel, Royal Spring Palm Hotel, Owerri, belongs to the senators wife. The government claimed the hotel was built in violation of the city masterplan. Mr Okorochas personal aide, Ebere Nzewuji, told PREMIUM TIMES it was untrue that the senator broke the lock and forcefully entered the sealed property. He said the senator and his entourage only went there to ask questions, before they were attacked. How I was shot Okorochas son-in-law Senator Okorochas son-in-law, Mr Anwuka, on Sunday narrated how he was shot during the Owerri fracas. On the day of the incident, my father-in-law (Okorocha) called me that he was in Owerri to see his seized property and I drove down there to see him. On getting there, I saw a crowd of thugs. They had guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, they started harassing everyone including my father-in-law. It was when they were asked to round us up that they started shooting. I made to climb the fence but I was hit by a bullet and I fell into the bush and I was there for several hours before I was rescued and brought to the hospital, Mr Anwuka said from his hospital bed when Senator Okorocha visited him, according to The Nation report. I have been in this hospital for six days and my leg has been operated on three times but it is not getting better. So I will be going out to get a better treatment, he added. Mr Okorocha said the attack was an attempt on Mr Anwukas life. What I am concerned now is about is life. I thank God he is alive, but the report I am getting from the hospital is not quite pleasing regarding the three surgeries so far conducted since his arrival. We are hoping he should be flown out of the country immediately for further examination, he said. Governor Hope Uzodinma, meanwhile, has explained why his administration is seizing Senator Okorochas property. ADVERTISEMENT He said the state governments action was in accordance with a report of a judicial panel set up by former Governor Emeka Ihedioha before he left office. You will recall that before I became the governor, the Ihedioha administration set up a judicial panel of inquiry to look into acquisitions of lands and conversion of government lands to personal property. The judicial panel of inquiry chaired by a judge met and they concluded their job. And a white paper has since been raised, Mr Uzodinma told reporters last week in Abuja after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. The governor said the senator went with thugs to unseal the wifes hotel. He went there with thugs himself physically, wounded the policemen there, and wounded the civil defense people, the civil defense officer is currently in the hospital. He then broke in and entered. Of course, you must have heard him say he is richer than the government and that he is above the law. I am not directly involved. It is a position taken by the government. There is a difference between governor and government, Mr Uzodinma said. Since he left office as governor in 2019, Mr Okorocha has been having a political battle with his successor, Governor Uzodinma. Both men are members of Nigerias ruling party, APC. A Delaware kindergarten teacher has come under fire for an online yoga lesson that used the history of slavery in the US and an inaccurate one at that to teach different yoga poses. The unidentified teacher pre-recorded a 35-minute yoga lesson for students of the McIlvaine Early Childhood Center in Magnolia. But in a misguided attempt to incorporate some Black History Month education into the lecture, the teacher shared an abbreviated and incorrect history of how enslaved people were brought to the US and made to work, using their boat journey across the Atlantic to teach 'boat pose' and their forced work of the land to teach 'plow pose.' Trouble: A Delaware kindergarten teacher has come under fire for an online yoga lesson that used the history of slavery in the US to teach different yoga poses Yikes: The unidentified teacher pre-recorded a 35-minute yoga lesson for students of the McIlvaine Early Childhood Center in Magnolia Poor choice: Besides the teacher mistakenly referring to Africa as a country, she also makes it seem like enslaved people went to the US and 'became' slaves willingly A video recording of part of the lesson has been making the rounds on Facebook after being uploaded by a parent of one of the students. The online clip starts a partial world map with the image of a boat in the middle of the ocean, with arrows showing how enslaved Africans were taken to other parts of the world, including the US. 'African people came to America on boats to become slaves,' the teacher can be heard saying. 'So here's the great big country of Africa. They crossed the Atlantic to come over to America. So right now, I need you to get into your boat pose.' Besides the teacher mistakenly referring to Africa as a country it is in fact a continent made up of many countries she also makes it seem like enslaved people went to the US and 'became' slaves willingly. Trivialized: The teacher uses enslaved people's boat journey across the Atlantic to teach 'boat pose' and their forced work of the land to teach 'plow pose' Cringe: Commenters on the video have been horrified by the lesson, arguing that it trivializes slavery by relating its horrors to relaxing yoga poses As the parents who is recording the lesson can be heard saying in the background, Africans did not 'come' to America they were stolen from their lands and transported forcibly, often in chains. But the teacher continues to try to find links between slavery and yoga poses. 'Africans were treated very poorly, even though they farmed the land and plowed the fields to make America beautiful and help grow our food,' she says. 'They worked in the fields all day. If you're at home, you can try the plow pose.' Commenters on the video have been horrified by the lesson, arguing that it trivializes slavery by relating its horrors to relaxing yoga poses. Whoops: The school district released a statement on Twitter that it is 'investigating' the lesson and considers it 'unacceptable and not consistent with Caesar Rodney School District values' They wrote that they were 'speechless' and couldn't believe the video was real. 'It's 2021, you'd think this stuff would have ended a long time ago,' said Jessie Welch, a parent of a student in the district, according to the Delaware News Journal. 'But it hasn't because of ignorance. And this is an educator who's supposed to be teaching our kids.' In response to the uproar, on Friday the Caesar Rodney School District released a statement on Twitter that it is 'investigating' the lesson and considers it 'unacceptable and not consistent with Caesar Rodney School District values.' MBABANE - Barely two weeks after the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine was given the green light by WHO, its effectiveness has been highly applauded. Latest studies show that one vaccine jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine proved to reduce COVID-19 hospitalisation by over 90 per cent. This is according to the Daily Mail, which stated that public health officials from the United Kingdom told ministers in the country (the UK) that the remarkable results applied to both Oxford AstraZeneca and Pfizer BioNTech vaccines. It represents another huge boost to Britains world-beating vaccine rollout, which has now achieved nearly 20 million first injections. The hugely successful inoculation programme is threatened only by the small minority who are still refusing to take the jab, read the Daily Mail. Halted Worth noting is that this information comes a month after South Africa halted rolling out the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, after it was discovered and revealed by studies by the University of Witwatersrand that the vaccine was not effective against mild disease and against the South Africa variant. It is the same discovery which made the Eswatini Government to temporarily put its Oxford AstraZeneca order with COVAX facility on hold. However, the Ministry of Health later reverted to its former decision, and recommitted to the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, explaining that the whole point of procuring vaccines was to prevent COVID-19 severe illness and death. Infection Explaining this, the Minister of Health, Lizzie Nkosi, said vaccines, in general, did not prevent against infection but were meant to protect against severe illness. A person who gets infected after being vaccinated with the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine can have sniffles. However, the vaccines will fight against severe illness or death and our main aim is to prevent death, said Nkosi. The country is currently waiting on the delivery of 20 000 Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine doses from India and 108 000 Oxford AstraZeneca doses from COVAX facility. When sought for comment on the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines efficacy, the minister of Health said they were aware that the vaccine was highly effective. That is why we continued with the Oxford AstraZeneca. We held meetings with researchers, AstraZeneca scientists at Oxford University and with the UK Public Health Unit before we committed. We already knew this, said Nkosi. She said the vaccine was a good decision for the country. We need to protect ourselves from severe illness and reduce deaths. As a nation, we took quite a beating from the second wave and we need to prevent that from happening again, said the minister. When asked on the dates when the vaccine is expected, the minister said, We are chasing the dispatches but our logistics team has not heard anything yet. World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Promotion Officer Dr Kevin Makadzange said a lot of evidence with regards to the different COVID-19 vaccines was being fed to the WHO. It is WHOs responsibility to collect all this information that has been submitted and have it tested by our experts before we verify it, said Dr Makadzange. About three weeks ago, Dr Makadzange echoed the ministers sentiments, saying the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine prevented severe illness and death. The said vaccine was listed under the WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL). It is the second vaccine candidate to be enlisted after the Pfizer BioNTech, which has 95 per cent efficacy. Posted Monday, March 1, 2021 8:31 am OLYMPIA In southeastern Washington's Asotin County, thinly staffed public health offices must balance COVID-19 contact tracing investigations with routine inspections of septic systems. In North Central Washington, staff shortages impeded Okanogan County health employees reaching out to educate and test agricultural workers before a coronavirus surge for a time turned their region last summer into the hardest-hit place in the state. And throughout the pandemic, former Washington Health Secretary John Wiesman lost sleep as the Department of Health (DOH) struggled to manage the COVID-19 data necessary to direct the response to the pandemic. "I would wake up many nights at 2 in the morning, at 3 in the morning in a cold sweat ... panicked about how the hell are we going to get the data systems to work today?" said Wiesman, who left recently for a teaching position in North Carolina as part of a long-planned move. The COVID-19 pandemic that marched across Washington encountered a public health system gradually starved of money, staff and attention over the past two decades. Rural health offices like in Asotin, Okanogan and Mason counties have lost roughly half their full-time staff since the Great Recession, local officials say. Meanwhile, DOH, which had for years pleaded with state lawmakers and Gov. Jay Inslee for funds to increase disease investigation, boost the public health lab and update information systems, wrestled to report and post COVID-19 data. Those problems which included troubles reporting the negative test results necessary to estimate the virus's spread made it more difficult for the state and counties to respond to outbreaks and made it harder for the public to have faith in the system, officials and health experts have said. Now, as Democratic lawmakers and Inslee draft a new, two-year operating budget, they're vowing to make amends. The governor has proposed hundreds of millions in pandemic health funding for the next two years. That includes at least $205 million for basic public health services that would be paid for by an assessment on health insurers. No one in Olympia can claim ignorance to the problems. In 2010, Wiesman then the public health director for Clark County co-authored a report that warned of a "severe funding crisis" and called for a predictable, stable funding source for health programs. Such programs include restaurant and wastewater inspections, administering vaccinations to children, helping new mothers and tracking communicable diseases like measles, syphilis and COVID-19. Similar reports in 2015 and 2016 by a group that Wiesman co-chaired called the system "woefully inadequate" and "unable to meet its basic responsibilities." The 2016 report called for modernizing public health data processes. A 2018 report estimated that lawmakers and Inslee would need to provide more than $225 million in additional annual funding to DOH and local health offices to rebuild the system. In recent years, lawmakers and the governor influenced by other needs and priorities have added just a fraction of that estimated need to the budget. In a statement last week, Inslee acknowledged that public health has been "chronically underfunded" and cited the challenge of finding billions of dollars for K-12 schools after the state Supreme Court's order known as the McCleary decision. "States have limited resources and their own unique challenges, such as our yearslong effort to find adequate funding in response to the McCleary decision," said Inslee in prepared remarks. "Our public health system has been chronically underfunded. However, no state, even with the power of hindsight, would have had all the tools at its disposal necessary to avoid COVID's impacts." In an interview, state Rep. Eileen Cody said that before Wiesman departed she told him, "Everybody's been trying to tell us, and I think you should tell us you told us so." "We can't fund the system to be prepared for something like COVID," added Cody, D-West Seattle and chair of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. "But we should have been better prepared than we were." Ballot measures, recession The problem began, state and local health officials say, with a pair of voter-approved initiatives about 20 years ago. Initiative 695 removed the state motor vehicle excise tax, a dedicated source of money to public health programs. Shortly after that, voters approved Initiative 747, which limited property tax increases that helped fund local health districts. Money problems festered as the Great Recession further hammered tax collections, officials say, and as federal funding became more restricted. Those issues created a cycle where every budget brought cuts or difficult spending choices. "Almost in every budget cycle before I came on board, there had been pretty major cuts," said Patty Hayes, who in 2014 became the director of Public Health Seattle & King County. "And when I came on board six-and-a-half years ago we had a $12 million hole" in the budget. She described a series of hard choices as funding dried up. Vaccine clinics stopped, home visits were trimmed back and planning for emergencies like a pandemic fell by the wayside. Hayes described the loss of a program for identifying latent tuberculosis as a great example of how public health programs can save significant dollars. If latent tuberculosis is identified, it can be treated for about $600, said Hayes compared to $15,000 or more if the person develops the disease and later goes to the hospital. Properly funded programs can generate savings to society for a host of ailments, said Anthony Chen, director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. And it's those same programs that will help communities recover from the pandemic. "It's important for people to understand that, if nothing else," said Chen. "Public health is going to be pulling us out of this." Chen started as director in 2008, at the height of the Great Recession, saying, "I walked in the door, they had already done a round of cuts before I started." The department ended programs for tobacco-use prevention and enforcement, said Chen, as well as a domestic violence program: "That's how tight the money was." Competing for money As Washington's economy recovered, lawmakers spent dollars restoring impacted government programs, cutting college tuition, providing state worker raises after years of pay freezes and addressing big court decisions. Front and center was the McCleary decision, which found that Washington was unconstitutionally underfunding K-12 schools by billions of dollars. Legislators also poured money into the state's troubled mental health system, which had drawn critical court decisions and federal inspections. They began directing funds toward Washington's homelessness and housing-affordability crisis. Legislators and Inslee also raised taxes to fund free and reduced college tuition for low-income and middle-income Washingtonians, and implemented new programs providing paid family leave and long-term care benefits. The low-profile mission of public health rarely attracts attention in the scramble for scarce budget dollars, said Sen. June Robinson, a Democrat from Everett who is sponsoring a pair of tax proposals this year to strengthen public health. "The people who can make a real case of a crisis, 'we are in flames, we're going to go out of business or not be able to care for people if we don't get funding,' they just get more attention," said Robinson. Funding for health data systems is not cheap, said Wiesman, and doesn't make for a compelling political victory. "What legislators want is to be able to go back home and show people is, 'look, I got you this new service,' " said Wiesman. "They don't want to say, 'well we've invested hundreds of millions of dollars into data systems and epidemiologists to protect your health." Since 2017, lawmakers have added some new public health funding: $15 million over the 2017-19 budget cycle and $28 million in the current, two-year budget cycle. But that is far short of the $225 million estimated annual need. "Was it anywhere near adequate? Hell no, nowhere near adequate," said Wiesman, adding later: "It made a difference, it's just that it made a difference of a drop in a large bucket." "We suffered because of it" Temporary COVID-19 aid from the federal government has helped public health programs for now. But that money will fade away, officials say, and won't fix long-term problems. Scott Lindquist cites himself as an example of how thin the agencies are stretched. Washington's state epidemiologist, Lindquist is also currently serving as DOH's acting state health officer. And he's helping to administer tuberculosis programs in Spokane and Yakima counties, he said, where interim health officers are filling in and don't have that expertise. Lindquist also recently doubled or quadrupled, or quintupled, depending on how you're counting as Island County's local health officer to briefly help with a vacancy there. "There's just such a lack of funding and a lack of skilled workforce," said Lindquist, adding later: "We can repeat this [scenario] for nurses, we can repeat it for information technology." Since 2011, Asotin County Health Administrator Brady Woodbury has watched his staff of more than a dozen dwindle to six. The same staffers making calls for COVID-19 contact tracing must also still handle inspections and responses for septic systems. "Contact tracing stayed the priority, but once you got enough, you break off and go get an inspection done," said Woodbury. If a septic system suddenly failed, he added, "we had to stop contact tracing." Okanogan County Public Health over the years lost outreach staff who connect with agricultural employees which include Mexican guest workers who work with apples, cherries and pears, said Health Officer James Wallace. "And we suffered because of it, we wanted to test more people, test our farmworkers, provide more communication and education as soon as this pandemic hit," said Wallace. "And because we didn't have the funding and didn't have the people we were behind the ball on that." Wiesman said he's confident Inslee who during the pandemic has seen the system's struggles up close is committed to increasing funding, and cited the governor's budget proposal. "Whether it was the decisions we had to make how to figure out how to slow the virus, or the data challenges," said Wiesman. "Whatever it was, he lived with it every day." [March 01, 2021] Set Your Children Up For Success: Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan Now Accepting Enrollments for 2021-2022 School Year After an academic year like no other, Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM), a full-time online public-school academy serving K-12 students throughout the state, is welcoming students to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year, starting on March 2. HVAM is the state leader in providing safe, alternative education options, while giving your student a personalized experience and providing them with what they need to succeed. HVAM is tuition-free to all students who reside in Michigan, staffed by state-licensed teachers, and is an authorized online public-school program of Mesick Consolidated Schools. They offer a personalized approach to learning, delivering rich, engaging curriculum designed to assist students who seek alternative pathways to education. And HVAM is the only online school in Michigan to offer an Early Middle College Program/a>, where high school students can attend a "13th year" of high school, earning valuable college credits and an Associate's Degree at no cost. "Parents only want their children to be successful and HVAM can provide them with that opportunity," said Mary Moorman, Head of School. "There's no doubt this past school year was unlike any other, but our technology and student-focused curriculum will give your children the advantage they need to do well at the next level." Students choose online school for a variety of reasons including advanced learning, a bullying-free environment, and the ability to support extracurricular pursuits or medical needs. HVAM's online platform gives students the opportunity to pursue their academic goals in a supportive environment and at an appropriate pace for their learning style. Nicole Lee, a parent of 10th grade student Xavier, shared that, "If it wasn't for HVAM's teachers and support staff, my son would still think he couldn't succeed due to his autism. Now he is excited to know that he can succeed in wherever his passion leads him." HVAM is now accepting enrollments for the 2021-2022 school year. Families are encouraged to attend an online information session hosted by the school. More information, how to enroll, and a schedule of upcoming events can be found at https://hvam.k12.com/. About Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM) is a tuition-free online public charter school authorized by Mesick Consolidated Schools that currently serves students in grades K through 12 throughout the state. As part of the Michigan public school system, HVAM is tuition-free and provides families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride Company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build skills for their future. For more information about HVAM, visit hvam.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005004/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Grass10/PBI Webinar - Planning your Spring Grazing with PastureBase Ireland Event Time 7pm Venue Online Are you looking to graze more in March? Are you looking to graze more in March? Join John Douglas, Micheal O'Leary and Joseph Dunphy from Teagasc Grass10 & PastureBase as they go through how you can use PastureBase Ireland to plan your spring grazing. Join the Grass10 and PastureBase team on the night and hear how: Update on Spring grass supply and February grazing from PBI Practical advice on how to make the Grass Wedge, Spring Rotation Planner and Grass Budget work for you on your farm Tips and advice from Grass10 team on managing grass throughout March Also, hear from special guests heavy soils dairy farmer Sean Barry from Co. Limerick & beef farmer JP Hammersley from Co. Tipperary as they discuss how they will manage grass on their farms throughout Spring using the tools on PastureBase. Opponents of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, demanding his resignation, broke into a prefecture in central Yerevan on Monday, a Sputnik correspondent reported YEREVAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st March, 2021) Opponents of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, demanding his resignation, broke into a prefecture in central Yerevan on Monday, a Sputnik correspondent reported. The protesters said they have information that the prefecture employees are calling on people to participate in Pashinyan's rally. Opposition supporters were chanting "Armenia without Nikol" inside the prefecture. Earlier in the day, the demonstrators broke into a governmental building housing several ministries. Orlando, Florida: Why should we give a hoot what Donald Trump has to say any more? Thats what some Americans - let alone people on the other side of the world - were asking as Trump took the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) for his first speech since leaving the White House. Donald Trump was greeted by a standing ovation at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Credit:Bloomberg The reticence is understandable. Hes hoovered up media oxygen since he declared his candidacy in June 2015 that could have been devoted to other topics and left many news consumers with a severe case of Trump fatigue. Of the main three US cable news outlets, only Fox News carried Trumps CPAC speech live - a sign of his diminishing ratings appeal with independent and Democratic viewers. Unrest broke out late Sunday in a southern Algerian town after a blogger and activist was handed a seven-year jail sentence for condoning acts of terrorism, a news website reported Algiers (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :Unrest broke out late Sunday in a southern Algerian town after a blogger and activist was handed a seven-year jail sentence for condoning acts of terrorism, a news website reported. El Watan said protesters burnt tyres and blocked several roads in Ouargla, after a court in the town convicted Ameur Guerrache. In a video posted on social media, protesters were seen hurling stones at police as tear gas filled the air. Guerrache's mother appealed to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to release her 31-year-old son, in another video. According to Algeria's prisoners' support group CLND, the activist was found guilty of condoning terrorism, incitement to acts of terrorism and illegal gatherings, and offending the president. Guerrache, arrested last July, had for years been a key activist behind the "Mekhadma" protest movement, named after a neglected district of the town, according to CLND. Ouargla, some 570 kilometres (355 miles) south of Algiers, is the capital of an oil-rich region where youth unemployment runs high. The official APS news agency said judicial police had found a more than hour-long video message of "hateful sermons" and protest calls on Guerrache's Facebook account, as well as a photograph of an unnamed "terrorist" on his mobile. The justice ministry said Saturday that 59 pro-democracy activists have been released from jail under presidential pardons announced on February 18. Tebboune, who was elected in December 2019 on a very low turnout in a poll boycotted by the protest movement, has made several bids to head off renewed anti-government rallies. But another 700 people were briefly detained on Friday during marches around the country of the "Hirak" protest movement, according to rights groups. amb-sc-agr/hc/pjm Meg Mott was the facilitator of the Putney Town Meeting on Zoom earlier this month. Mott, a professor emerita of politics at Emerson College, will be the moderator of a Zoom debate Tuesday on the value of Town Meeting. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Joe Biden By John Solomou Nicosia [Cyprus], March 1 (ANI): US President Joe Biden has stressed many times that the US will return to the nuclear deal reached in 2015 with Iran -officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - provided that Iran complies with the terms of the deal. For his part, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Tehran would only return to compliance if the US first lifted economic sanctions. However, time is running out and Biden has to act quickly, as there are various developments - such as new restrictions imposed by Iran on UN inspections- that make the reaching of an agreement on the subject very urgent. This is a concern shared by the EU foreign policy Chief Josep Borel, as coordinator of the JCPOA, who stressed last Friday that "we do have a diplomatic window of opportunity to focus on solutions to bring back on track in order for everybody to fulfil their commitments." The US and EU imposed sanctions on Iran in 2010, as there were fears that Iran's nuclear programme was used as a cover to build nuclear weapons. In 2015 Iran reached an agreement with the US, China, Russia, UK, France and Germany, imposing restrictions on uranium enrichment and the type of centrifuges used for enrichment, as well as allowing international inspections of its nuclear facilities, in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Ignoring the opposition of the international community, in May 2018 former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement and imposed draconian sanctions on Iran which had a devastating effect on the country's economy. Responding, the Iranian regime, exceeded the limits set for uranium enrichment and on stockpiles and operated banned centrifuges. Joe Biden in his presidential campaign clearly supported a return to diplomacy with Iran, but the big question now is who will make the first move. Iran insists that the US lift Trump's sanctions first and be compensated for the hardship it suffered as a result of the crippling sanctions, while the US clearly demands that Iran must return to compliance with JCPOA first. Story continues Under a law passed by the Iranian Parliament last December, as from February 23, Tehran will stop allowing short notice "intrusive" inspections of sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency", unless there is an easing of US sanctions. It also said it would erase surveillance footage of its nuclear facilities. This, of course, makes the need to reach an agreement on reviving the JCPOA quite urgent. An incident, which aggravated the existing difficulties for the resumption of negotiations was the recent rocket attack by Iran's proxies on US-led forces in northern Iraq, in which a civilian contractor was killed and a US soldier was injured. The US retaliated in a predawn attack on Friday when two US warplanes destroyed nine buildings and damaged two others at a camp used by Iranian-backed militants. Asked what message he was sending to Iran with the airstrike in Syria, Biden told reporters: "You can't act with impunity. Be careful." Another factor that the Biden administration has to take into account is the fact that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is considered a moderate, will not stand as a candidate in the elections scheduled for next June and he may be succeeded by a hardliner who much more hostile to the West. It seems that the Biden Administration has decided to take a two-step process on the nuclear deal. First to stop Iran's acceleration of nuclear activities, by lifting some sanctions and convince Tehran to return to ICPOA and then reach a more comprehensive follow-up agreement, with the new Iranian government. As Dr Ezgi Uzun, of Sabanci University, points out: "The follow-up agreement envisages the negotiation of the collective package of issues (including the Ballistic Missile Programme, Iran's Shia militia recruitment activities in the Middle East and relations with other countries in the region, all irreversibly brought to the world agenda by the Trump Administration, in addition to the nuclear program) on an international platform that will bring together the US, EU, Iran and several other countries in the region. The Biden administration is waiting for the elections in June for the follow-up agreement." It should be stressed, however, that there are people who say that it is not a good idea to include other issues, such as ballistic missiles, Iran proxies etc, as this will harm the chances of reaching an agreement. Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, told the Atlantic Council on February 23, that "maybe there are other issues that have to be taken into consideration, but don't put everything together at the same time. Then you are going to block the process... if you start talking about pending issues in the beginning, you will never restart." Ali Reza Eshraghi, a visiting scholar at the UNC Center for the Middle East says: "It is highly unlikely that the US and Europe will be able to strike a broader agreement with Iran unless they first rejoin the original JCPOA - under either the current or next government in Tehran. The longer the US takes to rejoin the JCPOA, the greater the support in Tehran for accelerating the Iranian nuclear programme. In the coming weeks, European and US efforts should focus on a swift return to the JCPOA rather than holding out for the unlikely prospect of a new nuclear formula with Iran." (ANI) The more retweets, the more people believe it--even if it's not true CHICAGO --- Public attitude toward COVID-19 and its treatments is more "infectious" than the disease itself, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze tweets about the virus. Researchers studied the influence of Twitter on COVID-19 health beliefs as well as the competing influence of scientific evidence versus the speeches of politicians. The study's key findings: People's biases are magnified when they read tweets about COVID-19 from other users, and the more times it has been retweeted, the more they tend to believe it and retweet it themselves. Scientific events, such as scientific publications, and non-scientific events, such as speeches of politicians, equally influence health belief trends on social media. "In the pandemic, social media has contributed to much of the information and misinformation and bias of the public's attitude toward the disease, treatment and policy," said corresponding study author Yuan Luo, chief Artificial Intelligence officer at the Institute for Augmented Intelligence in Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Our study helps people to realize and re-think the personal decisions that they make when facing the pandemic," Luo said. "The study sends an 'alert' to the audience that the information they encounter daily might be right or wrong, and guide them to pick the information endorsed by solid scientific evidence. We also wanted to provide useful insight for scientists or health care providers, so that they can more effectively broadcast their voice to targeted audiences." The study was published recently in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. How can scientists counter inaccurate information from politicians? "Politicians may talk inaccurately about a certain treatment's effectiveness or say that COVID-19 is no big deal; it's just like the flu," said Luo said, also chief AI officer at Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. "These comments have as strong effect as real scientific evidence and drive people's beliefs. This is what we are concerned about." By understanding how the public's attitudes are affected, scientists can take actions to make sure scientific fact and evidence have a loud enough voice. "As a scientist, you need to be aware that you need to get the science out to people. If you don't put energy into this, your efforts can be easily offset by those who talk irresponsibly," Luo said. "Going forward, we may want to pay more attention to a public information campaign to educate people about the vaccine in order to maximize the inoculation impact." How are people's attitudes toward COVID-19 influenced by tweets? "As a lay person, you should become aware of what you retweet and do a fact check first," Luo said. "And be aware anything you see on Twitter is shaping your attitude. You need to become aware of this before you let others' tweets and opinions shape yours and you become part of that megaphone." "A lot of people aren't aware of how much their beliefs are impacted by tweets, and don't bother to fact check what they read and retweet. When the information is biased, they ignore or did not notice it. It's like a viral marketing effect. It's just about catching eyeballs on a trending topic, but it affects everyone on social media." How is this study novel? The study is novel because it integrates machine learning algorithms and classic epidemiology models to retrospectively investigate the contents on social media and its effects, Luo said. The study also allows other researchers to "look under the hood" to understand how this AI algorithm works. Machine learning and deep learning algorithms are usually opaque, blackbox mechanisms. But in this study, investigators paid special attention to improve the model's interpretability. "We identified the fluctuating trends of public attitudes from the tweets, then aligned the important scientific and non-scientific events that are associated with these trends," Luo said. "As a result, we are offering insights people can take action on." How many tweets did the AI analyze? Luo's team, led by the study's first author Hanyin Wang, a Ph.D. student in the Driskill Graduate Program, retrospectively collected COVID-19-related tweets using the Twitter API. In total, they retrieved 92,687,660 tweets corresponding to 8,967,986 users from January 6 to June 21, 2020. To train the AI model, they randomly selected 5,000 of the tweets for annotation. Each tweet was doubly reviewed to decide if it met any of the four core constructs of the health belief model, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived barriers. Next step: using AI to analyze how social media affects attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines Luo's team is currently integrating machine learning and deep learning in the study of how social media can affect the general public's attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines. The goal is to identify specific public concerns and inform targeted vaccination campaigns to maximize inoculation impact. They are also looking at using social media data as a way to detect gender or race disparities in and out of the pandemic. ### Other Northwestern authors include Yikuan Li, Meghan Hutch and Andrew Naidech. The study was funded in part by grant R01LM013337 from the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. Work to make State Highway 2 between Wainui Road and Opotiki safer for road users is starting this month. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises the contract to complete the first 8 km section of the SH2 Wainui Road to Opotiki Safety Improvements project has been awarded to Splice Construction, with contractors setting up on site last week. Waka Kotahi Director Regional Relationships David Speirs says the project will make this important stretch of state highway safer for all. Its fantastic to be starting construction on the first section of these safety improvements, which will include shoulder widening, side barriers at high risk locations, with centreline and edge line rumble strips and road marking throughout. There are a number of benefits of this project. Not only will these safety improvements save lives, but the project will employ local workers where possible, says Mr. Speirs. Construction will begin between the SH2 intersection with Wainui Road and the SH2 intersection with Ohiwa Beach Road. Work is expected to take four months to complete. The project is split into three sections with initial funding of $7.6 million enabling the completion of safety works for the first section. Waka Kotahi expects to confirm timings for sections two and three in mid-2021. Mr. Speirs says Waka Kotahi has also heard significant concerns from locals about tailgating and dangerous overtaking along this corridor. Waka Kotahi will complete a technical assessment of the current speed limits along this section of SH2 by mid-2021. Once the technical assessment is completed, and if it determines the current speed limits are not safe and appropriate, there will be further steps to complete before changing any speed limits, including engagement and consultation with the community, says Mr Speirs. We will work closely with the local councils, our road safety partners and the community, as local knowledge is a vital contributor to the speed review process. We look forward to making a real difference to safety on this stretch of SH2 for the benefit of all those who use it. There will be seven work sites between the intersections with Wainui Road and Ohiwa Beach Road. To minimise traffic disruption, the contractor will work on a maximum of two sites at any time. During construction there will be Stop/Go traffic management with temporary speed limits in place. Minor delays are expected and motorists are advised to take extra care when driving through the work sites. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 10:56:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A health worker receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine from China's Sinovac on the first day of the vaccination at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Manila, the Philippines on March 1, 2021. The Philippines launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on Monday, less than a day after the arrival of the Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on Monday, less than a day after the arrival of the Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China. Simultaneous vaccination took place in hospitals in Metro Manila on Monday morning. The Philippines' Department of Health said the Sinovac vaccines "will also be rolled out in other parts of the country in the coming days." The government aims to inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos this year to achieve herd immunity, starting with health care workers, the elderly, and the poor communities. The Philippines has an about 110-million population. The Philippines is negotiating to buy over 160 million vaccine doses from different pharmaceutical firms this year, including Sinovac, said Carlito Galvez, the official in charge of the vaccine procurement. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received the COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac Biotech Ltd that arrived in the Philippines on Sunday. "The efficacy is good," he said. Pope Francis is to arrive Friday for the first-ever papal visit to conflict-torn Iraq, aiming to encourage the dwindling Christian community to remain in their ancient homeland, and broaden his outreach to Islam. Among the most extraordinary moments of the trip will be his one-on-one meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the highly reclusive cleric, who is a top religious authority for many of the world's Shiite Muslims. Despite a second deadly wave of coronavirus infections, renewed violence and notoriously poor public services, Francis is fulfilling the dream of a predecessor, late pope John Paul II, by visiting Iraq. Amid war and persecution, the country's Christian community -- one of the world's oldest -- has fallen from 1.5 million in 2003 to just 400,000 today. The 84-year-old pontiff, who will be on his first foreign trip since the start of the pandemic, plans to voice solidarity with them and the rest of Iraq's 40 million people during a packed three-day visit. From central Baghdad to the Shiite shrine city of Najaf, welcome banners featuring his image and Arabic title "Baba al-Vatican" already dot the streets. From Ur, the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham in the southern desert, to ravaged Christian towns in the north, roads are being paved and churches rehabilitated in remote areas that have never seen such a high-profile visitor. "The pope's message is that the Church stands beside those who suffer," said Najeeb Michaeel, Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of the northen city of Mosul. "He will have powerful words for Iraq, where crimes against humanity have been committed." - Ancient roots - Iraq's Christian community is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world, with Chaldeans and other Catholics making up around half, along with Armenian Orthodox, Protestants and others. By 2003, when the US-led invasion toppled then-dictator Saddam Hussein, Christians made up around six percent of Iraq's 25 million people. The pope's visit poses huge security challenges in a country that has seen decades of violence / AFP But even as sectarian violence pushed members of the minority to flee, the national population surged, further diluting Christians to just one percent, according to William Warda, co-founder of the Hammurabi Human Rights Organisation. Most were concentrated in the northern province of Nineveh, where many still speak a dialect of Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. In 2014, jihadists from the so-called Islamic State group seized control of Nineveh, rampaging through Christian towns and telling residents: convert or die. At the time, Pope Francis endorsed military action against IS and considered visiting northern Iraq in solidarity with Christians there. That trip never materialised, but Francis has kept a close eye on Iraq, condemning the killing of unarmed protesters during mass anti-government rallies from 2019. - A long time coming - Pope John Paul II had planned to visit Iraq in 2000 but Saddam Hussein abruptly cancelled the trip. His successor Benedict XVI never made moves towards Baghdad. Soon after Francis was elected pope in 2013, he was urged to visit Iraq by Father Louis Sako -- later appointed as Cardinal and the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church and now a key organiser of the visit. In 2019, President Barham Saleh extended an official invitation, hoping to help Iraq "heal" after years of violence. But as the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged Italy, the pope cancelled all foreign trips from June 2020. He lands on Friday in Baghdad with a security team and accompanied by an entourage of 150 people, half of whom are journalists, who like the pope have already been vaccinated. Just days ahead of the trip, the Vatican's ambassador to Iraq Mitja Leskovar tested positive for Covid-19, but officials insisted it would have "no impact" on the visit. Despite the Covid situation, he will host masses in Baghdad, the Kurdish regional capital Arbil and Ur. Swamped by some 4,000 new coronavirus cases per day, Iraq has imposed overnight curfews and full weekend lockdowns that will be extended to cover the entire visit. Social distancing will be enforced at all church services and those hoping to attend had to register several weeks in advance. - 'A huge impact' - Pope Francis is an outspoken proponent of interfaith efforts and has visited several Muslim-majority countries including Bangladesh, Turkey, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. In Abu Dhabi in 2019, he met Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the imam of the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo, a key authority for Sunni Muslims. They signed a document encouraging Christian-Muslim dialogue. Pope Francis is set to meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in the holy city of Najaf / AFP Francis hopes this week's trip could open a similar door to Shiite Muslims, who number roughly 200 million worldwide but are the majority in Iraq. As part of that effort, he will meet the top cleric for many Shiites, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, at his humble home in Najaf. Sako told AFP in January the pope hoped Sistani would endorse the same "Abu Dhabi" treatise, but clerical sources in Najaf have denied this. Still, the encounter will be a key moment in an emblematic trip. "It's a historic visit -- we're talking about the head of a religious sect that is followed by 20 percent of the world's population," Najaf governor Luay al-Yasserit old AFP. "His visit means a lot. His visit to His Holiness, the top cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, will have a huge impact." The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report, released on Monday, is a crucial guide for our nations desire and obligation to do the right thing for older Australians, ensuring they have the care, choice and respect they need and deserve. The report must drive Australia and our governments to come together to achieve overall world-leading care. Credit:Getty Images There are deviations in this enormous and critical document but the Commissioners agree on the majority of important moves and have analysed so much over two years of potentially life-changing work for our elders and their families. The report must drive Australia and our governments to come together to achieve overall world-leading care. We welcome the Prime Ministers change the paradigm commitment and his emphasis on a new Aged Care Act that will be individually needs-based. 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. 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. Christopher Meloni turned the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards into a family affair on Sunday when he brought his daughter Sophia Meloni as his plus one. The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star looked classy in a dark blue suit while his 19-year-old daughter cut a chic figure in a sleek black dress. Meloni was presenting from New York City, as this year's ceremony is the first time the Golden Globes have been bicoastal due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with Tina Fey hosting from Rockefeller Center and Amy Poehler leading the way in Los Angeles. Well-dressed family: Christopher Meloni, 59, looked dapper in a navy blue suit while arriving Sunday at the Golden Globes in New York City with his daughter Sophia Meloni, 19 Christopher managed to dress down a bit by favoring a suit over a tuxedo, even though he still made it look just as elegant. He was attired in a navy blue Emporio Armani suit with formal peaked lapels and an eye-catching textured look. The 59-year-old actor paired the suit with a matching blue silk necktie with a thick knot and wore classic black Florsheim shoes. Dapper: Christopher managed to dress down a bit by favoring a suit over a tuxedo. He had on a navy blue Emporio Armani suit with formal peaked lapels and an eye-catching textured look Classy: The 59-year-old actor paired the suit with a matching blue silk necktie with a thick knot and wore classic black Florsheim shoes His daughter Sophia was dressed to impress in an intriguing black leather sleeveless number that reached to her knees. The sleeveless outfit featured a plunging neckline and was cinched tight around her waist with an eye-catching jeweled belt that hung down limply. She added some extra spice to her ensemble with pointy gray snake-print heels. Earlier in the day, her father shared a short video of her getting her makeup done ahead of the ceremony to his Instagram account. 'My #plusone for the @goldenglobes getting readied,' he captioned the post. In addition to Sophia, the actor and his wife also share a 17-year-old son named Dante. Back in black: His daughter Sophia was dressed to impress in an intriguing black leather sleeveless number that reached to her knees. Chic: The sleeveless outfit featured a plunging neckline and was cinched tight around her waist with an eye-catching jeweled belt that hung down limply Prepping: Earlier in the day, her father shared a short video of her getting her makeup done ahead of the ceremony to his Instagram account Christopher was among the in-person presenters, and he awarded Gillian Anderson the trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series. The former X-Files star won for playing UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Netflix's hit series The Crown, while also took home the top TV drama prize. Emma Corrin also won the Best Actress award for portraying Princess Diana, while her costar Josh OConnor won for playing Prince Charles. Big night: Christopher was among the in-person presenters, and he awarded Gillian Anderson the trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series High-profile award: The former X-Files star won for playing UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Netflix's hit series The Crown, while also took home the top TV drama prize Christopher's presenting gig comes as he poised to make a high-profile return to network television and the Law & Order franchise that made him a household name. Meloni starred on the first 12 seasons of Law & Order: SVU, before leaving the series a decade ago after failing to agree on a new contract. Now he's returning to the long-running franchise to start his own spin-off, Law & Order: Organized Crime. On April 1, his new show will debut in a two-hour crossover event that will pair him with his old costar Mariska Hargitay from SVU, who is also his daughter Sophia's godmother. Old school: Christopher is returning to the Law & Order franchise in a two-hour crossover episode on April 1 with his old costar Mariska Hargitay, who is Sophia's godmother Reunited: The reunion features one episode of SVU, followed by the premiere of his new series Law & Order: Organized Crime Syria reported Israeli airstrikes in the country on Sunday. The strike may have been in retaliation for an attack on an Israeli ship in the Gulf and followed US airstrikes in Syria. The Syrian state-run SANA news outlet reported Israeli missile aggression targeted posts late Sunday night near Damascus. SANA claimed that Syrian air defenses intercepted most of the missiles, which came from the Golan Heights. Syrias Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the United Nations on Monday to condemn the suspected Israeli airstrikes. Israels public broadcaster Kan reported that the missiles were fired at Iranian targets in response to the apparent attack on an Israeli ship in the Gulf of Oman. On Friday, an explosion occurred aboard the Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray while it was sailing in the strategic waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of being behind the attack. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has denied responsibility. SANA and Syrian opposition media regularly report Israeli missile strikes against Syrian and Iranian targets throughout the country. Israel does not confirm its military actions abroad, but Israel leaders have hinted that they are responsible for such strikes in the past. The last suspected Israeli airstrikes took place in southern Syria earlier this month. The airstrike also followed the United States hitting Iran-backed militia targets in eastern Syria on Thursday. The Biden administration approved the bombing of Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada Iraqi militias supported by Tehran in response to recent attacks on US forces in neighboring Iraq. Vancouver police Saturday night arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with a shooting that left a man wounded in Portlands St. Johns neighborhood that morning. Jaron Mulkey is accused of attempted murder, first-degree assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hes accused of shooting and wounding a man about 8:45 a.m. Saturday in the 10500 block of North Midway Avenue. The man shot was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to survive his injuries, police said. Portland police said they identified a vehicle tied to the North Portland shooting and spotted it about 5:15 p.m. Saturday. North Precinct officers followed it northbound on Interstate 5 into Washington state. Vancouver police stopped the car along Northeast 78th Street in Hazel Dell. Mulkey is being held at the Clark County Jail on a Multnomah County arrest warrant, police said. The Saturday morning shooting is one of at least four shootings this weekend in Portland. The shootings occurred in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland. One man was killed and another injured in a shooting at the Acropolis Steakhouse strip club in Southeast Portland about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night, police said. At 12:19 a.m. Sunday, police received a report of a man shot multiple times near Northeast Failing Street and 141st Drive. The man was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, police said. Then Sunday afternoon, a person was shot and wounded outside a convenience store at the corner of Northeast 102nd Avenue and Wygant Street. The shooting was called in at 1:29 pm. Craig Walker, an area resident, said he heard four to five gunshots. I immediately opened the door and saw somebody down across the street, he said. The person shot was moving and was taken from the scene by ambulance to an area hospital. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Joao Oliveira Wins partypoker MILLIONS Online 6-Max ($74,937) March 01 2021 Jason Glatzer The MILLIONS Online recently crowned five new winners at partypoker including Joao Oliveira, Brener Henrique Vicente, Pedro Madeira, Pascal Lefrancois, and Andras Nemeth. Meanwhile, David Coleman Leads MILLIONS Online #16 Warm Up After Day 1a with two more opening flights to go over the weekend. Read on to learn more about the biggest recent events in the MILLIONS Online at partypoker. Head to the NEW partypoker Hub Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest partypoker news right here on PokerNews? Why not try out the new partypoker Hub! Find Out More Joao Oliveira Wins the MILLIONS Online #13 6-Max ($74,397) It is rare that a tournament's buy-ins will equal exactly the guarantee but the MILLIONS Online #13 6-Max did just that with 100 entrants contributing a $3,200 buy-in to generate $300,000 into the prize pool to match the guarantee. The field was trimmed down to just 17 hopefuls after the first day of play, each guaranteed a $6,383 min-cash when Day 2 resumed. It then took just slightly more than 3 1/2 hours for Joao Oliveira to ship the event on Day 2 for the $74,937 top prize after besting Carlos Henrique Ferreira Da Silva (second - $49,929) in heads-up play. Adam Hendrix joined this duo on the podium and banked $34,855 for his third-place performance. Also at the final table were Julio Chia (fourth - $24,014), Elio Fox (fifth - $17,718), Kevin Rabichow (sixth - $13,956), and Georgios Zisimopoulos (seventh - $11,303). Meanwhile, Brazil's Brener Henrique Vicente won a mini-version of this event featuring a $320 buy-in and a $55,500 prize pool for the $11,714 top prize. MILLIONS Online #13 6-Max Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Joao Oliveira Croatia $74,937 2 Carlos Henrique Ferreira Da Silva Brazil $49,929 3 Adam Hendrix Mexico $34,855 4 Julio Chia Austria $24,014 5 Elio Fox Mexico $17,718 6 Kevin Rabichow Canada $13,956 7 Georgios Zisimopoulos Malta $11,303 Pedro Madeira Wins MILLIONS Online #13 Knockout ($55,699) Pedro Madeira shipped the MILLIONS Online #13 Knockout for $55,699 ($22,323 prize + $33,375 in bounties) after defeating Evaldas Aniulis (second - $30,148) in heads-up play. The $1,600 buy-in event attracted 156 entrants to fall about $14,000 short of the generous $250,000 guarantee to provide tremendous value to the 27 players that cashed for at least a min-cash of $1,763 plus bounties. Madeira entered the second day in second place just behind the Day 1 chip leader Marius Gierse. Unlike Madeira, Gierse bowed out well short of the final table in 16th place for $5,195 ($2,008 prize + $3,188 in bounties). Also at the final table in this event were Daan Mulders (third - $21,799), Giuseppe Di Stasio (fourth - $15,229), Aleksei Barkov (fifth - $12,920), Maksim Bukreev (sixth - $8,374), and Samuel Vousden (seventh - $9,958). MILLIONS Online #13 Knockout Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize Bounties Total Prize 1 Pedro Madeira Brazil $22,323 $33,375 $55,699 2 Evaldas Aniulis Lithuania $22,297 $7,852 $30,148 3 Daan Mulders Austria $15,002 $6,797 $21,799 4 Giuseppe Di Stasio Malta $10,096 $5,133 $15,229 5 Aleksei Barkov Russia $7,342 $5,578 $12,920 6 Maksim Bukreev Russia $5,983 $2,391 $8,374 7 Samuel Vousden Finland $4,630 $5,328 $9,958 Pascal Lefrancois Wins the MILLIONS Online #15 Omaha High Roller ($84,220) Pascal Lefrancois After more than 7 1/2 hours of play, Canada's Pascal Lefrancois defeated a star-studded field of 52 entrants, including eliminating partypoker Ambassador Joni Jouhkimainen (second $51,726) in heads-up play, in the MILLIONS Online #15 Omaha High Roller to win the $84,220 top prize. Russia's Sergei Vasilev took bronze for $33,734 with Dante Fernandes (fourth - $23,389), Aku Joentausta (fifth - $17,317), Andres Torbergsen (sixth - $14,508), and Phillip Mighall (seventh - $12,486) all battling it out on the final table but falling short of the podium. In other news, Hungarian online superstar Andras Nemeth shipped a mini-version of this event featuring a $530 buy-in and a $53,000 prize pool to collect the $13,329 top prize. MILLIONS Online #15 Omaha High Roller Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Pascal Lefrancois Canada $84,220 2 Joni Jouhkimainen Finland $51,726 3 Sergei Vasilev Russia $33,734 4 Dante Fernandes Brazil $23,389 5 Aku Joentausta Finland $17,317 6 Andres Torbergsen Canada $14,508 7 Philip Mighall United Kingdom $12,486 David Coleman Leads MILLIONS Online #16 Warm Up After Day 1a The MILLIONS Online #16 Warm Up kicked off the first of its three opening flights with 163 entrants ponying up the $1,050 buy-in to get about a third of the way there to the $500,000 guarantee slapped on this event. David Coleman by far bagged the most chips of the 24 survivors and will head to Day 2 with a monster stack of 32,895,413. No other player was even close to Coleman, however, three other players did bag seven-figure stacks in Georgios Zisimopoulos (13,609,662), Julien Sitbon (13,023,614), and Noelia Ivars Rico (12,518,522). Joni Jouhkimainen was the sole partypoker Ambassador to make it through to Day 2 on Day 1a and thus far will have the shortest stack after virtually bagging 879,197. Day 1b kicks off today, Feb. 27 at 7:05 p.m. GMT (2:05 p.m. EST) and will conclude when just 15 percent of the field remains. Tomorrow will not only featured a turbo-charged Day 1c with 10-minute blind levels at 3:05 p.m. GMT (10:05 a.m. EST) but also the second and final day of this two-day event at 7:05 p.m. GMT (2:05 p.m. EST). Join the Love Party! Valentine's Day took place already more than a week ago but the love continues for another week at partypoker thanks to its Love Party promotion for both new and existing players. If you don't already have an account, simply download partypoker through PokerNews to take advantage of this promotion and get in on the epic MILLIONS Online action. The first part of the promotion is simply completing a daily Love Party mission. The first step is to opt into the mission via the client's 'Promotions' section. After that you will be presented an easy-to-complete mission such as winning a cash game hand with a suited big slick. You will be awarded a random prize after you complete the mission which could include a MILLIONS Online ticket worth $55! This is not all as partypoker also giving you the chance to claim a mystery prize this week simply by making a deposit using the 'LOVEPARTY' deposit code between now and March 3. The prize could be a freeroll ticket, a SPINS ticket, or even $50 in cold, hard cash! Head to partypoker today to not miss out on the free love before time runs out. The $1.9 trillion budget for the COVID-19 relief bill that will provide stimulus checks to be given to the populace of America is on its way to the Senate after it gains nod from the House. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is still open to segment the handing out of the financial help as the direct payment could be delayed. USA Today noted that the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package is a measure that will provide millions of Americans the financial help, upgrade the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, and prolong the unemployment rate through summer. Read also: Stimulus Checks Put on Hold Prompts Americans to Spend Less on Groceries COVID-19 Relief Bill CNBC reported that the passing of the relief bill is the first major legislative initiative by the current president of the United States. During the voting, House approved the bill in a 219-212 mostly party-line vote with Democrats joining all the Republicans in opposing the budget. Yahoo! News mentioned that the bill known as the American Rescue Plan heads to Senate where it is expected to face the evenly divided chamber. Furthering its transfer of approval, the bill is dubious to receive any support from the Republicans that is why the U.S. President would have to rely on the Democratic senators and the vote from the vice-president to remain its strength and foundation intact. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expresses the importance of taking a vote to lessen the spreading of the notorious virus, inoculate COVID-19 shots in the arms of the Americans, support the populace financially, putting children back to schools, workers in their professions so that the nation can move forward, according to USA Today. Pelosi added her admiration to President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan. Yahoo! News noted that President Joe Biden and the Democrats are pushing to pass the said bill by mid-March before the unemployment insurance benefits provided expire which is included in the relief package given away earlier. USA Today mentioned Biden's words that there is no time to waste; and that faster and bolder response will allow the nation to be ahead of the virus and make the nation's economy moving again. Lowering income treshold With the need for the $1.9 trillion budget passing in the Senate, the handing out of the $1,400 direct payment as financial aid to Americans will also be affected. Newsweek mentioned White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki saying that the President Biden is still open to lowering the income threshold of the stimulus checks. She added that Biden is willing to focus the allocation of the financial help to the Americans who need help the most; however, the President is not willing to have a negotiation regarding the size of the direct payments. CNBC mentioned that the Republicans questioned the large proposal of the COVID-19 Relief Bill of President Biden, criticizing the particular scope of direct payments or the stimulus checks, state and local government support, and school funding. Some economists also questioned the scale of the bill. Related article: Biden Says Next Stimulus Checks Will Be $1,400: Here's What You Can Expect WATCH: "COVID-19 relief bill heads over to the Senate after passed by the House" from ABC News (Newser) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says the Biden administration is working to undo the damage caused by the border separation policy, which he calls "the most powerful and heartbreaking example of the cruelty" of the previous administration. Mayorkas said Monday that the federal government is "dedicating resources full-time" to reuniting families separated at the border and the administration is looking into ways to allow the families to remain in the US, Axios reports. "We are acting as restoratively as possible," said Mayorkas. He said 105 families separated under the now-rescinded "zero tolerance" border policy have recently been reunited. story continues below "We are hoping to reunite the families, either here or in their country of origin," Mayorkas said at the Monday briefing, per the Hill. "And if, in fact they seek to reunite here in the United States, we will explore lawful pathways for them to remain in the United States, and to address the family needs." Advocates praised the move but said the administration needs to be more specific about the "pathways" involved. "The devil is in the details and Secretary Mayorkas has to shed all the caveats and qualifications around his announcement and follow through with everything thats necessary to right the wrong," said ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero. (Critics accused Biden of hypocrisy after a "holding center" for unaccompanied minors was reopened.) Standing true on the poll promise, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday stated that vaccine will be made available for free even in the private hospitals of Bihar. "Vaccination will be absolutely free in the entire Bihar state. This will be made available even at private hospitals. It will be facilitated by the state government," said Nitish. Also Read | Assam shakes up the micro loans universe The central government earlier announced that the government hospitals will carry out the vaccination drive at no cost, whereas private hospitals can levy up to 250 per person per dose. However, the Bihar cabinet had in December approved a proposal to provide free vaccines when they are available. Giving free anti-Covid jabs was one of the poll promises of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded Bihar assembly polls. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a 125-seat majority in the 243-seat strong Bihar Legislative Assembly. Covid-19 vaccination drive phase 2 Meanwhile, the second phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive started on Monday with people over 60 years and those above 45 with comorbidities getting inoculated. "The second phase of the world's largest vaccination drive will start from Monday in which anybody above 60 years, that may not be less than 10 crore people in the country, and 45 years plus with co-morbidities will be given vaccines in 10,000 government medical facilities and also over 20,000 private hospitals," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told a media briefing. "Whoever goes to the government centre will be administered vaccine free of cost. The Indian government will pay for them. The government will purchase the necessary doses and will send them to all the states," Javadekar had added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday was inoculated with the first shot of a home-grown Bharat Biotech's coronavirus vaccine Covaxin, kicking off the expansion of the drive. After Modi took the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the PM wrote on Twitter: "Took my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against Covid-19." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Seoul, March 1 : South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday that his government is ready to talk with Japan amid the prolongation of the frayed ties between Seoul and Tokyo over historical and trade issues. "Our government is ready to sit down and have talks with the Japanese government at any time," Moon said in his nationally televised speech to mark the 102nd anniversary of the independence movement on March 1, 1919 that took place during the 1910-1945 Japanese colonisation of the Korean Peninsula. "I am confident that if we put our heads together in the spirit of trying to understand each other's perspectives, we will be able to wisely resolve issues of the past," Xinhua news agency quoted the President as saying. Seoul-Tokyo relations have been frosty for the past decade over trade dispute and historical issues, such as Japan's sex slavery of Korean women for military brothels and the forceful recruitment of Koreans into hard labour without pay before and during World War II. A South Korean court ordered the Japanese government earlier this year to pay damages to the South Korean sex enslavement victims, but Japan lodged a protest over the court ruling citing the sovereign immunity that allows a state to be immune from civil suit in foreign courts. The Seoul court ruled that the immunity cannot be applied to the case as the wartime atrocities are crimes against humanity committed deliberately, systematically and widely by Japan. Japan claimed that the 1965 treaty, which normalised diplomatic ties between Seoul and Tokyo, resolved all colonial-era issues, but South Korea said the individual right to damages had yet to be resolved. "We should learn a lesson by squarely facing up to the past. It is by no means shameful to learn a lesson from past wrongs, but it is rather a way to gain respect form the international community," Moon said. Moon said his government will always pursue wise solutions based on a victim-centred approach, pledging to do everything possible to restore the honour and dignity of victims. The South Korean leader noted that his government will concentrate more energy on future-oriented development while resolving issues of the past "separately", reiterating the two-track approach to historical issues. Hundreds of Irish residents, on February 27, took to the streets as a part of a demonstration that eventually resulted in a violent clash between protesters and the police. The demonstration, which called on authorities to end the countrys stringent lockdown, saw scores of people trying to march to the City Centre in the Irish capital of Dublin. Protesters, many of whom were dressed in T-shirts carrying the logo of the far-right Nationalist Party, carried posters and placards reading End the lockdown, Let Ireland live amongst others. A violent conflict between the two parties began when a man fired two firework rockets at the police at point-blank range. Police subsequently charged the crowd with batons and arrested 23 people. While nothing is known about the casualties on the protestors' side, it has been reported that one police officer was hospitalised and several others injured. Third lockdown The Irish government recently extended the country's third lockdown, imposed late December, till April. While schools have been allowed to reopen, the move has attracted flak from citizens. "All the non-essential businesses, restaurants, pubs and gyms are to remain shut, the government "stay home" advice has been renewed and a five-kilometre (three-mile) limit travel limit will continue", the Irish premier said in a televised address. The European nation has reported over 219,592 COVID-19 cases till now. Read: Ireland Challenges Brexit Border Plan, Mulls Legal Recourse Amid Straining EU-UK Relations Read: EU Condemns Threats Against Border Staff In Northern Ireland Garda and crowds clash at protest in Dublin Ireland 27 Feb 2021https://t.co/ZepCHDUdDL pic.twitter.com/kA0ZqcugfL conspiracyguy (@donkamion78) February 27, 2021 Read: Ireland Beats Italy 48-10 To Finally Get First Win Read: India, Ireland Discuss UNSC Priorities While Ireland has extended its lockdown, Portugal, another European country could soon end its lockdown due to a plunge in the COVID caseload. However, a study suggested that sticking with the lockdown, and keeping schools closed, through the end of March would bring down the number of COVID-19 intensive care unit patients to around 300. There are currently almost 900 in ICUs, which are under severe strain. Experts noted, however, that it could take weeks before a reduction in the number of infections lowers the number of hospitalizations. Representative Image/AIAIreland AMSTERDAM, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are excited to announce the launch of Talking Points today, a brand new service that will provide IBFD users with market-leading commentary and analysis on the latest and hottest developments in international taxation. Talking Points will showcase thought leadership from around the world on key developments, news items and other important international tax topics. IBFD users will benefit from valuable insights, reasoning, opinions and viewpoints putting tax developments in perspective from some of the most prominent leaders in international taxation. Maarten Goudsmit, Publishing Director, IBFD, says, "We are excited to launch this new format. Talking Points will provide the tax community with timely, insightful commentary and analysis of the impact of the latest hot topics on daily practice, from leading industry experts." To celebrate this launch, we will make the first article on Crossing the Digital Services Tax Divide - But Is It Worth the Journey? available to the whole tax community free of charge. To read the article click here. Monthly Talking Points articles are available to subscribers with Tax News Serviceor log into your accounton the IBFD Tax Research Platform. If you would like to write for Talking Points, please reach out to Stuart Gibson: S.Gibson@ibfd.org. If you would like the PDF of the press release, please contact Phil Windus, Senior Marketing Coordinator: p.windus@ibfd.org. About IBFD IBFDis a leading international provider of cross-border tax expertise, with a long-standing history of supporting and contributing to tax research and academic activities. As an independent foundation, IBFD utilizes its global network of tax experts and its Knowledge Centre to serve Fortune 500 companies, governments, international consultancy firms and tax advisors. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/81cf9f8d-00c5-4928-8f0a-2faca2b86537 New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday pointed out that all top posts in India were currently being held by those who started with nothing and did not come from 'rich families'. Currently India's President is Ram Nath Kovind, who started as student leader, Vice President is Venkaiah Naidu, who worked his way up the political ladder, while the prime minister himself was a tea vendor when he started off. The statement came during his feciltation speech for the welcome of M Venkaiah Naidu as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha minutes after he took oath as Vice President of India. PM Modi's apparent jibe at the 'rich families' ruling Congress was met with a rebuttal by Ghulam Nabi Azad, who recounted the sacrifices of 'rich' yet dedicated social servants who belonged to leading Opposition party, including Jawahar Lal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. It does not matter if a person came from rich or poor family, but what matters is how much they sacrificed in service of the people, Azad said in Rajya Sabha. Follow live updates on the oath taking ceremony and first day of M Venkaiah Naidu as new VP of India For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. More than 67,000 health workers have been inoculated in the 10 days since the national Covid-19 vaccination kicked off. The vaccine is our best chance at reaching herd immunity and combatting the pandemic. Dr Sheri Fanaroff, General Practitioner, Johannesburg. #IChooseVacciNation pic.twitter.com/fSqt5rabMs Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) February 27, 2021 Phase two The start of our vaccination campaign has gone extremely well. It has shown what we can achieve when we work together as government, the scientific community and the private sector, said President Cyril Ramaphosa last night.To date, all provinces have established vaccination sites and have put in place plans for the expansion of the programme as it gains momentum. From next week, the number of sites that will be available for vaccination will be expanded from 17 to 49 sites.Of the 49 sites, 32 will be at public hospitals and 17 sites in private hospitals. This includes sites in rural areas to improve access to rural healthcare workers.Once the vaccination of healthcare workers has been completed, phase two of the vaccination roll-out will begin in late April or early May.Phase two will include the elderly, essential workers, persons living or working in institutional settings and those with comorbidities.For the second phase, more sites for vaccination in the public and private healthcare sector will be activated.We have recently signed an agreement with Johnson & Johnson to secure 11-million doses. Of these doses, 2.8-million doses will be delivered in the second quarter and the rest spread throughout the year.The president who last addressed the nation on 1 February, said government has also secured 20 million doses from Pfizer, which will be delivered from the second quarter.Additionally, we have secured 12-million vaccine doses from the Covax facility and are in the process of finalising our dose allocation from the African Union. We are in constant contact with various other vaccine manufacturers to ensure that we have the necessary quantities of vaccines when we need them, he said. VANCOUVER, BC, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickel Rock Resources Inc. ("the Company") (TSXV: NICL) (OTCQB: NIKLF) is pleased to announce that a drill contract, contemplating approximately 3,000 feet of reverse circulation (RC) drilling, has been signed with Alford Drilling, LLC. of Spring Creek, Nevada. The project calls for a drilling program that will result in up to six exploration holes at the Company's recently expanded claim block at Silver Peak, Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Nickel Rock land package directly adjoins a western portion of neighbouring lithium producer Albemarle's lithium evaporation ponds and covers approximately 2,300 acres (930 Ha) of potential lithium bearing clay and brine deposits within lake sediments and ash beds reported in rough drillers logs of historic water quality monitoring wells on file with the Nevada State Engineers office (permit #66034A). Albemarle recently announced on January 7, 2021 that it will commence exploration for clay and evaluate technology that could accelerate the viability of lithium production from clay resources in the region. It has been widely reported that Albemarle is planning to double its lithium production by 2025 in Nevada at the Silver Peak mine by committing between US$30 million and US$50 million in additional investment on the property. The Nickel Rock land package is also nearby the 5,430 acres of lithium clay properties owned by Cypress Development Corp. referred to as the "Cypress Clayton Valley Lithium Clay Project" which is immediately east of the Albemarle Silver Peak Mine. Exploration and development by Cypress has discovered a large world-class resource of lithium-bearing claystone adjacent to the brine field to the east and south of its property. At this property, lithium mineralization occurs within montmorillonite clays throughout the sediments to a depth of at least 150 meters and metallurgical testing indicates low cost processing can be achieved by leaching with low acid consumption (125 kg/t) and high lithium recovery over 85% Li. These high extractions prove the dominant lithium-bearing minerals present are not hectorite, a refractory clay mineral which requires roasting and/or high acid consumption to liberate the lithium. On February 9, 2021, Cypress Development Corp. announced an upsized bought deal offering of CAD$17,000,000 which shows the significant interest in this property and the lithium clay deposit. Mr. Robert Setter, Company President and CEO comments, "The clay layers encountered in the wells at Nickel Rock's Clayton Valley Lithium Project are beneath gravel and alluvial cover and do not form obvious outcrops. Additionally, the Company claims cover likely concealed faults shown in geophysical studies conducted by Sierra Geothermal Power Corporation in the 2008- 2010, which the Company believes to be important in the formation of lithium-bearing clays. We are excited about capturing this renewed investor interest for the potential of lithium bearing clays in the region." Nickel Rock claims cover various geothermal features like tufa (hot spring limestone carbonate formations) and sinters (sedimentary rock formations primarily composed of silica precipitated from hot waters) representing locations of upwelling hydrothermal fluids that may play a role in the formation of lithium rich clay deposits. Clayton Valley has several known occurrences of lithium bearing clays and tuffs as documented by academic publications and recent drill results released by Cypress Minerals and others. About Clayton Valley Lithium Project Clayton Valley is a down-dropped closed basin formed by the Miocene age Great Basin extension and is still active due to movement along the Walker Lane structural zone. As a result, the basin has preserved multiple layers of lithium bearing volcanic ash, resulting from eruptions from the 700,000-year-old Long Valley Caldera system and related events. These ash layers are thought to be the source of the lithium brines extracted by Albemarle and are also likely involved in the formation of the exposed lithium rich clay deposits on the east side of Clayton Valley. https://nickelrockresources.com/clayton-valley-lithium/ Qualified person Alan Morris is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the technical information contained within this news release. About Nickel Rock Resources Inc. www.nickelrockresources.com Nickel Rock Resources is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a highly focused effort on exploration for high-value battery metals required for the electric vehicle (EV) market. The company recently announced several acquisitions resulting in a significant property package prospective for awaruite, a naturally occurring nickel-iron alloy important in the manufacture of environmentally efficient batteries for the electric vehicle markets globally. Nickel Projects The Mount Sidney Williams Group consists of five claim blocks in four groups with a total area of 6,125.32 hectares in the area surrounding Mount Sidney Williams, both adjoining and near the Decar project of FPX Nickel Corp., located 100 kilometres northwest of Fort St. James, B.C., in the Omineca mining division. Metallic mineralization includes nickel, cobalt, and chromium. At least some of the nickel mineralization occurs as awaruite. The Mitchell Range Group area claim consist of two contiguous claim blocks covering 3,134.70 hectares with demonstrated metallic mineralization including nickel, cobalt, and chromium. Nickel-cobalt mineralization has not been well explored, but the presence of awaruite has been documented. The company is planning detailed exploration for the upcoming exploration season. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Robert Setter" Robert Setter, President & CEO 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 may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guaranteeing future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. Nickel Rock Resources Inc. 1220 789 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1H2 604-428-5690 www.nickelrockresources.com [email protected] SOURCE Nickel Rock Resources Inc. Paris Hilton has said she's still angry with comedian Sarah Silverman who famously trashed her at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, while she was sat in the audience. Speaking on her This Is Paris podcast on Monday, alongside sister Nicky, 37, Paris, 40, said 'It was so disgusting and cruel and mean.' Paris had been due to check into prison hours after the awards for violating her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case and was mocked by Sarah. 'I wanted to die': Paris Hilton has taken to her podcast to reveal her anger over Sarah Silverman's verbal attack at the 2007 MTV Awards hours before jail stint (pictured in 2019) Sarah, (pictured), had said: 'I heard to make her feel more comfortable in prison the guards are going to paint the bars to look like penises' hours before she headed to jail Hilton said she had been nervous to go to the event, so when she was the butt of Silverman's jokes it was intolerable. And her sister Nicky has demanded that Silverman apologise to her sibling, 14 years on. Detailing her version of events, Paris said: 'I was so shocked and surprised because I had actually met her a few years before at an event and she was sweet. Paris said: 'I was very nervous and knew I was about to check into a jail a few hours later, I put on a brave face and she literally pummelled me, so mean so cruel' (pictured at the awards) 'I was obviously very nervous and knew I was about to check into a jail a few hours later, I put on a brave face and she literally pummelled me, so mean so cruel. 'I was sitting there, wanting to die, I was holding back tears, I had tears in my eyes... I literally wanted to run out of the entire room. The whole audience was laughing and she would not stop. 'It was so painful especially with what I was going through in my life, it was really hard.' Paris continued: 'I was so shocked and surprised because I had actually met her a few years before at an event and she was sweet' Sarah had said. 'I heard to make her feel more comfortable in prison the guards are going to paint the bars to look like penises, I am just afraid she is going to break her teeth on those things. Paris served three days of her 45-day prison sentence. Nicky said: 'Mom always told us you don't know someone until you have walked a mile in their she's and here Sarah was.... saying the most disgusting vile, awful hurtful things.' 'I understand she is a comedienne and she is there to be funny and make people laugh, but when you have to put people down and insult people to get a laugh it's not funny. I didn't think it was funny then and I certainly don't think it is funny now.' She then gave examples of how other comedians get laughs without being cruel. 'Look at Will Ferrell, he is funny but is not hurtful to others.' Nicky then said, 'Sarah really took the gloves off!' Sarah recently apologized for poking fun at Britney Spears. At the MTV Video Music Awards in 2007 Sarah called Britney's kids 'mistakes' and also put down her performance earlier that night. During the podcast, Paris also criticized famous host David Letterman who kept asking her about her time in jail when she was on his show, even though her spokesperson had demanded he not do it. In the interview, David repeatedly has asked Paris about her stint in jail after she had violated her probation by driving with a suspended license. She had called her time behind bars a 'really traumatic experience', and was visibly uncomfortable with him. Not impressed: During the podcast, Paris also criticized famous host David Letterman who kept asking her about her time in jail when she was on his show in 2007 Paris said: 'I felt it was a safe place because I had been going on Letterman for so many years. I thought he would keep his word on this and he was wrong. 'There was not supposed to be one question and he kept pushing me and pushing me. I was just getting so uncomfortable and upset. She pressed on: 'Nicky, you were backstage, I remember talking to you after and being up there. 'It was like he was purposely trying to humiliate me and during commercial breaks I would look at him like, "please stop doing this, you promised me you wouldn't talk about this and that's the only reason I agreed to come on the show".' 'He was like okay and then again [brought it up]. It was very cruel and very mean. After it ended I looked at him and said I am never coming on this show again, that crossed the line. 'I didn't tell him off because I'm not that type of person, but I got angry and he was apologizing and sent a case of Chateau Lafite Rothschild wine to our house.' Paris said unlike Silverman, she has since forgiven him. She added: 'I am so happy it's different today, I would never wish what happened to me on my worst enemy.' Nicky added: 'You know what would not happen today is Sarah Silverman going on stage at the MTV Awards, and making disgusting, vile, perverted statements about pop stars, about people sitting in the audience. 'There were certain people they targeted. I would see that with myself, with Britney, Jessica Simpson. There was a certain type of girl they targeted that theyd never do that to a man.' Paris added she could deal with it because she had suffered so much as a teen when she was in boarding school in Utah for two years. Hilton said she was abused when at Provo Canyon. 'It's abuse,' she added of what Sarah did. Nicky said because Sarah apologized to Britney after she slammed her, she now needs to apologize to Paris. 'The sexual, disgusting remarks were so horrific, very, very, very disappointing, that should never of happened to a young girl sitting in the audience or anyone, you should not let a person be humiliated.' Nicky then admitted Paris was 'no angel' when she was young, but she was not doing anything 'malicious.' Paris and Nicky also said that their mother Kathy Hilton lied to them about doing Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills and they had to find out about her casting through People magazine. And they added Kathy is only doing the show because she became so bored from lockdown. Kathy will guest star on the show with her sister Kyle Richards. Congressional and legislative district boundaries in New York have been contorted into many silly shapes over the years. One state Senate district once embodied Abe Lincoln riding a vacuum from the Capital Region towards Syracuse, with a stovepipe hat jutting into the Adirondacks. The earmuff atop Western New York was represented by longtime Democratic Rep. Louise Slaughter, while a slender slice of southern Brooklyn waterfront has long helped Republicans compete in New York by packaging the boroughs most conserative quarters with Staten Island. In 2022, districts could become more physically cohesive, if the Independent Redistricting Commission draws ostensibly nonpartisan boundaries, or even more gerrymandered, if Democrats take advantage of their new legislative supermajorities to press their growing political advantage. New York state lawmakers will determine the new district lines for the 150-seat Assembly, 63-seat state Senate and the as-yet undetermined number of seats in New Yorks congressional delegation. (There are currently 27 members of the House of Representatives from New York, but the state is expected to lose either one or two seats, due to population shifts measured in the 2020 census.) Historically, this has been done mostly behind closed doors, with Democrats calling the shots in Assembly and Republicans in the state Senate. Courts have sometimes stepped in to resolve disputes over the congressional map like in 2012, when a judicial panel drew new lines after the Democratic Assembly and GOP-controlled state Senate failed to reach a deal. RELATED: Mapping Congressional Redistricting This year, that process was expected to change. A state constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2014 mandates that a new 10-member Independent Redistricting Commission oversee the process this time around. The majority and minority leaders in both chambers of the state Legislature have already appointed two people each to the panel, totaling eight members. Those eight then chose the commissions two remaining members. The commissions task is to develop maps this spring, hold public hearings in the summer and then submit a final proposal to the state Legislature by a Jan. 15 deadline. The voting rules for the commission allow seven members to submit a plan to the state Legislature as long as it has the backing of at least one member appointed by each legislative leader. If that many members cannot agree, then the proposal with the most votes moves forward, or two of them if there is a tie. In any case, a two-thirds majority vote in both houses to pass any redistricting plan, which the governor could still veto. If either legislative chamber rejects the commissions proposals twice or the governor does so with a veto, legislators can amend the maps by a two-thirds vote in each chamber. That means if the Democrats can hold their entire caucus together in both chambers, they can overrule the commission and draw the lines the old-fashioned way. The stakes are high beyond New York. Congressional redistricting in the state could determine whether Democrats slim majority in the U.S House of Representatives survives the 2022 midterms, especially with Republicans controlling more state governments than Democrats. Just how many of the eight GOP seats in the state delegation Democrats might flip next year hinges on how politically bold the Democrats are willing to be. Democrats have little sympathy for Republicans 10 years after the GOP used their majority to gerrymander. New census data expected in March will determine how many seats in Congress the state will lose, but the block-level data needed to determine districts themselves will not be available until September. That leaves little time for the commission to submit new maps by mid-January so that state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo can approve them in time for the June primaries next year. That timeline will accelerate by two weeks under a proposed state constitutional amendment passed by both chambers of the Legislature earlier this year. It also lowers the threshold for passing a redistricting plan to 60%, which will allow Democrats to more easily pass a plan that does not have universal support among their ranks. Opponents of the proposed amendment say that it undermines the greater goal of the commission. The majority has injected partisan politics back into the process (by) rushing through a self-serving constitutional amendment in the middle of a pandemic, state Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, a Republican from Western New York, said in a statement to City & State. These changes put politicians back in charge of drawing their own districts, undermining the clear will of the voters. However, the voters will have a chance to make their will known: The amendment has to be ratified in elections this November. Democrats, who now control two-thirds of the seats in both legislative chambers, have little sympathy for Republican claims of victimhood, 10 years after the GOP used their state Senate majority to gerrymander the chamber to their advantage. They argue that the amendment is necessary to get new maps ready in time for the June primaries. Whether it passes or not, Democratic partisans say tough electoral times are ahead for Republicans. Theyre setting it up as much as they can to make a significant effort to screw (the Republicans), one Democratic insider said. 022221-LIMap-00.jpg Alt Text: Long Island map Title Text: Two Republicans, Reps. Lee Zeldin and Andrew Garbarino, currently represent districts on Long Island. Democrats could potentially pit them against each other by drawing a winding district that includes Trump-friendly areas of Nassau County and Suffolk Cou Caption: Two Republicans, Reps. Lee Zeldin and Andrew Garbarino, currently represent districts on Long Island. Democrats could potentially pit them against each other by drawing a winding district that includes Trump-friendly areas of Nassau County and Suffolk County. That would switch the islands delegation from an even partisan divide to being three Democrats and one Republican. Description: Two Republicans, Reps. Lee Zeldin and Andrew Garbarino, currently represent districts on Long Island. Democrats could potentially pit them against each other by drawing a winding district that includes Trump-friendly areas of Nassau County and Suffolk County. That would switch the islands delegation from an even partisan divide to being three Democrats and one Republican. Image Credit: Alex Law/City & State Despite Democrats more than 2-to-1 registration advantage, Republicans clung to control of the state Senate for most of the past half-century by engineering districts with zigzagging lines that protected their electoral chances in places like New York City, Rochester and Syracuse. They pulled out every trick in the toolbox, state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens, said in an interview. Eventually, the states leftward shift overpowered even the GOPs extreme gerrymander in the upper chamber. Democrats now control two-thirds of the seats in the Assembly and the state Senate. Under the current system, Republicans do not have absolute veto power over the plans developed by the Independent Redistricting Commission, but they named four of its members, as did their Democratic counterparts. Commissioners appointed last year include political luminaries like John Flateau, a business professor at Medgar Evers College, who was appointed by Westchester Democrat and state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Eugene Benger, a former assistant state attorney general, was named to the commission by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat from the Bronx. Republican picks include former Assembly Minority Leader Charles Nesbitt of Western New York and former state Sen. Jack Martins of Nassau County. Experts say the commission needs approximately $3 million in funding to do their work over the coming year, but commissioners have yet to even get their hands on the $1 million already allocated in the budget. The Cuomo administration said fiscal rules mean the money can only reach the commission through a registered nonprofit. Commissioners say that approach undermines their independence and results in excessive administrative costs. It could be weeks if not months before the impasse gets resolved. We are stymied by our own elected officials, our own state officials, in trying to do our job," Martins said at a February meeting. Its a disgrace; its an embarrassment. They want state lawmakers and the governor to instead approve direct funding to the commission. Representatives for both Stewart-Cousins and Heastie did not respond to requests for comment by publication time about whether additional funding will be included in theirchambers' respective budget proposals expected later in the month. We would be happy to go along with whatever solution the Legislature can work out," a spokesperson for the Department of Budget recently told the Times Union. While neither of the legislative leaders have publicly ruled out allocating additional funding in the state budget due April 1, that still leaves the commission little time to develop new maps. A spokesperson for the governor did not respond to a request for comment about his openness to getting more funding approved, though there appears to be significant support among lawmakers. I cant speak for the whole body, but I would advocate for it, said Gianaris, who serves as the No. 2 Democrat in the state Senate. We are stymied by our own elected officials, our own state officials, in trying to do our job. Its a disgrace. Its an embarrassment. Independent Redistricting Commission member and former state Sen. Jack Martins With Democratic control of both chambers of the Legislature assured simply by virtue of the state electorates preferences, the biggest question on political observers' minds is how congressional boundaries will be drawn. If and when the issue of funding gets resolved, the commissioners have to figure out how to draw new congressional districts that follow seven guidelines under the constitutional amendment approved in 2014. It's definitely complicated, said Steven Romalewski of the CUNY Graduate Center, who heads the CUNY Mapping Service that researches political redistricting. Its not just one district; its a jigsaw puzzle that involves all the districts. Commissioners have to try to keep villages, towns, counties and cities within the same districts wherever possible while also making sure that they are not diminishing the electoral power of racial and linguistic minorities protected under federal law. And they have to do all of that without favoring one party over the other. Other states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Virginia have adopted nominally less partisan ways to redraw their lines, to much praise by good-government advocates, who say New Yorks commission deserves a chance to do the same. The members of the commission appear to be absolutely determined to draw the lines in as objective and fair a process as possible, election attorney Jerry Goldfeder, who has represented Democrats like former President Barack Obama and then-state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, said in an interview. 022221-SIMap-00.jpg Alt Text: Staten Island map Title Text: A few relatively conservative enclaves in southern Brooklyn have helped make the 11th Congressional District one of the most competitive districts in the state. Freshman Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, however, might not make it to her sophomore term Caption: A few relatively conservative enclaves in southern Brooklyn have helped make the 11th Congressional District one of the most competitive districts in the state. Freshman Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, however, might not make it to her sophomore term if Democrats end up linking Staten Island with liberal Manhattan. New York City would again be without any Republican representatives in Congress. Description: A few relatively conservative enclaves in southern Brooklyn have helped make the 11th Congressional District one of the most competitive districts in the state. Freshman Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, however, might not make it to her sophomore term if Democrats end up linking Staten Island with liberal Manhattan. New York City would again be without any Republican representatives in Congress. Image Credit: Alex Law/City & State Republicans are expected to do some aggressive gerrymandering in states they control as part of their efforts to flip control of the House of Representatives. The New York Times recently reported that Republicans are making moves to cut Democrats out of districts they currently control in places like Atlanta, Houston and northeastern Ohio. The national vote could be the same as this year two years from now, and redistricting by itself would easily be enough to alter who controls the chamber, Samuel Wang, the director of the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, told the Times. In that context, one might expect New York Democrats to bolster their partys national prospects rather than possibly giving away seats to the opposition party through an independent redistricting process. Democratic lawmakers have the final say on the legislative maps proposed by the commission, and their ability to pass plans of their own making will only increase if voters ratify the constitutional amendment in November. The 2014 amendment passed by a comfortable margin, and the latest proposal could benefit this year from being placed alongside popular proposals like the right to clean air and water and no-excuse absentee voting. Democratic turnout will also likely be high because of the New York City mayors race. But even if the amendment does not pass, Democrats will have the votes they need in the Legislature to effectively do what they want in the end. I think the Democrats should screw over the Republicans. anonymous Democratic operative So does that mean Democrats will then use that power to reject nonpartisan maps and draw their own? Party insiders say the outcome may fall somewhere between the GOPs notoriously partisan gerrymanders in states such as North Carolina, and a map that takes no advantage of their legislative majorities at all. We're certainly not looking to help (Republicans), state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs said in an interview. It certainly would be my expectation that we wouldnt look to mirror them in taking extreme advantage of the situation. But some Democrats are urging just that behind closed doors. I think the Democrats should screw over the Republicans, one Democratic operative told City & State. Such a scenario could turn out to be a nightmare for incumbent Republicans. For example, rather than arranging Long Islands congressional districts from east to west, with the electorate leaning further rightward as one gets farther from New York City, districts could be drawn horizontally, with Reps. Lee Zeldin and Andrew Garbarino duking it out in a single district that could hypothetically stretch from Queens to Suffolk County. The reelection of freshman Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of Staten Island could hinge on her ability to sell MAGA politics on the streets of Manhattan, if the citys most Republican borough is paired with its most Democratic. Five of the states eight Republicans are upstate, but upstates relative population loss means theres going to be fewer seats for them. Any number of changes could doom Reps. John Katko and Claudia Tenney of Central New York as well as Chris Jacobs and Tom Reed to the west. Democratic areas of Buffalo, Rochester or Syracuse could get added to their districts, or some of them could end up having to run against each other in a future district where Democrats would pack as many GOP voters as possible. Rep. Elise Stefanik might have to start stumping for votes in blue areas of the Capitol Region that are currently outside the boundaries of her North Country district. Democrats say they would not even have to necessarily use a heavy hand over redistricting to make the GOP suffer electorally, given the changing demographics of the state. The numbers in New York arent on their side, said Kyle Ishmael, executive director of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. So I dont even see it as having to stick it to them just make these districts make sense. That could mean restoring a past congressional arrangement that joined Staten Island with lower Manhattan rather than southern Brooklyn. Or it could mean the end of a little protrusion in the district lines upstate that places Democratic-leaning Saratoga Springs in the Capital Region district of Paul Tonko rather than the North Country district represented by Stefanik. Democrats have dreamed of turning that district blue in recent election cycles, especially since Stefanik became one of former President Donald Trumps leading defenders. Upstate population loss and Democrats growing registration advantage are other factors limiting Republicans future chances at the ballot box. The biggest barrier to Democrats doing whatever they can to stick it to the Republicans might actually come down to Democrats themselves. Incumbents have priorities besides helping their party gain seats. At its most basic, the tension is between maximizing seats and protecting incumbents. The way to get the most Democratic seats is to lump Republican voters into as few districts as possible, while spreading Democrats into districts that lean Democratic by smaller margins. But to increase the number of those seats will inevitably mean creating more seats that arent quite as safely Democratic. And then there are more individual concerns. One member of Congress years ago demanded that his district boundary move one block north to include the site of a future federal facility, according to Jeff Wice, an adjunct professor at New York Law School and former counsel to the state Legislature, who has participated in every redistricting cycle since 1980. Others have simply wanted to make sure that their residences remained in their districts. While that is not an eligibility problem for members of Congress, who only need to be state residents, getting drawn out of ones district can leave one open to a primary challenge from someone who claims to better represent the community by virtue of living in it. Current House members like Rep. Carolyn Maloney might want to consolidate their current tri-borough districts into something simpler that boosts their reelection chances. There are also important constituencies within the Democratic Party that cannot be disempowered. Federal law requires that redistricting not undermine the ability of racial and linguistic minorities to elect some of their own representatives. The theoretical way to craft an all-Democratic state congressional delegation, which would be to draw districts that each replicate in miniature the states overall demographics, could therefore violate the Voting Rights Act by creating all majority-white districts. Black, Latino and Asian groups come together and draw maps to make sure that our communities aren't cut up, said L. Joy Williams, president of the Brooklyn NAACP. Such considerations could limit Democrats' ability to leverage urban areas across the state to their fullest electoral advantage, though a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court has made political gerrymandering otherwise OK under federal law. Republicans could still pursue legal actions against any maps approved by New York Democrats, which adds to the list of unknowns. Voters could defy expectations by rejecting the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot and Democratic lawmakers will have to consider how hard to lean on their powerful supermajorities to get what they want early next year. These decisions are not going to be made until the very end, Wice said. Those who think they know what's going to happen are usually the farthest removed and least knowledgeable about redistricting decisions. 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 SILVER SPRING, Md. - A recent preclinical study by U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) researchers showed that an experimental therapy combining a TLR7 agonist and two broadly neutralizing antibodies delayed viral rebound in SHIV-infected macaques after antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption. The experimental combination therapy consisted of TLR7 agonist GS-986 and two broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), N6-LS and PGT121, targeting different regions of the HIV envelope. The rhesus macaques were initiated on viral suppressive antiretroviral therapy 14 days post infection, a timespan from infection to treatment which mirrors what is feasible in acute HIV infection. Researchers then administered the experimental combination therapy, followed by ART pause and measured how long it took for SHIV viral load to rebound. "This study demonstrated that the combination of TLR7 agonist and dual bnAbs delayed viral rebound after ART interruption by 2-fold," said Dr. Denise Hsu, MHRP Associate Director of Therapeutics. "This approach may represent a potential strategy to target the HIV reservoir in HIV-infected individuals." A critical barrier to curing HIV is the reservoir of latent virus that remains hidden and infects cells throughout the body, leading to viral rebound in the vast majority of HIV-infected individuals after they discontinue ART. The hypothesis behind this strategy is that an agent such as the TLR7 agonist, bolstered by therapeutic bnAbs, can stimulate the immune system to clear latent HIV. The paper was published in PLOS Pathogens. MHRP, part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, collaborates with the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre in Bangkok to identify acutely infected individuals and immediately start them on ART in a study called RV254. For the last few years, small clinical trials within this cohort have evaluated strategies aimed at inducing a cure or long-term remission of HIV. Interventions are wide-ranging and include therapeutic HIV vaccines and broadly neutralizing antibodies. During these studies, volunteers are taken off ART to test the effects of a candidate intervention. This method, called analytical treatment interruption (ATI), looks at the time it takes for the viral load to rebound after the interruption. Participants are followed closely and restart ART when viral load rises to a certain threshold. According to Dr. Sandhya Vasan, HJF Director for MHRP, "While we have seen some promise in our ATI trials, it has become clear that we need a combination intervention strategy to generate longer lasting viral suppression." Based on these new preclinical data and building, MHRP hopes to evaluate the combination of innate immune stimulation, active and passive immunization for the induction of HIV remission in early treated people living with HIV. https:/ / journals. plos. org/ plospathogens/ article?id= 10. 1371/ journal. ppat. 1009339 ### About MHRP The U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, is at the forefront of the battle against HIV/AIDS to protect U.S. troops from infection and reduce the global impact of the disease. MHRP has been recognized as a leader in HIV diagnostics, epidemiology and vaccine research for over three decades and, more recently, has built an international reputation for pioneering discoveries in acute infection and remission. Its research is supported by a cooperative agreement (W81XWH-18-2-0040) between the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF), and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be construed to represent the positions of the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, or HJF. By Kim Bo-eun Chiefs of SK Innovation's affiliates visited senior citizens living alone last Friday to hand out meals and face masks. SK Innovation said Monday that SK Global Chemical CEO Na Kyung-soo and SK Lubricants CEO Cha Gyu-tak, along with their employees, visited 59 households in Seoul. The visits were paid to senior citizens who have difficulties preparing meals on their own. They delivered lunch boxes made by the owners of small restaurants with produce purchased from local traditional markets, as a means to support the local community afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic. SK Innovation said the visits were organized considering the support needed by senior citizens who live alone, as welfare facilities have shut down and volunteer activities have been put on hold amid social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The visits were paid in strict compliance with these guidelines, the company said. "I think the visits provided great comfort to the senior citizens who miss meeting people," Na was cited as saying in a press release. Cha said, "I believe 2020 was a difficult year for all due to COVID-19. I hope the situation improves this year so that we are able to meet with senior citizens more often." SK Innovation said it began a project to provide meals to senior citizens last month, based on SK Group's plan to engage more with local communities. Chairman Chey Tae-won said in his New Year message: "This is a time at which we need a new entrepreneurial spirit, which empathizes with society and endeavors to solve problems." SK Global Chemical employees have been visiting senior citizens living alone in Seodaemun District, western Seoul, since 2016. SK Innovation is funding social venture O2M which manufactures masks and donates them to the underprivileged. The firm donated 10,000 masks to senior citizens Friday. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 coming weeks, Auckland Council will be consulting on its 10-year budget. As it stands, Mr Goff wants to lock in a one-off five per cent increase in your rates, while Watercare is proposing to double your water bill over the next decade. Such hefty increases on rates and water charges will not only financially hurt many property owners, but will no doubt drive up rents as landlords will be forced to pass on the cost to tenants. What is particularly concerning is the 10-year budget continues to heavily favour Aucklands CBD and the south, with Rodney continuing to act as the ATM and remaining the poor cousin of the family. Any good parent would surely juggle the family budget to ensure little Johnny had a pair of shoes to wear to school, which may mean older sister Susan, who had a new dress brought for her last year, may just have to wait before getting the next nice-to-have item she wants. The citys parents should be acting in the same way, making sure everyone has been provided with the basics from Council. The most disadvantaged communities in Rodney continue to be rural households with no Council services provided, other than an unsealed road. The Mayor is proposing to slash the hard fought for existing budget of $121 million to $40 million. Not only is this cruel, it is negligent. Auckland Council has failed to spend $109 million of the fuel tax it has collected, yet Auckland Councils most under-serviced communities will be forced to dig deeper into their pockets for significantly less in return. That is thoroughly unfair. The news, however, isnt much better for Rodneys townships. Of concern, the promised fix to the Hill Street intersection for next year does not appear in the 10-year budget and is also not visible to me in any regional land transport budgets. The Matakana link road and the new wastewater plant at Snells Beach survived the Mayors knife, only because they were already committed to. There are no plans to build new Auckland Transport funded footpaths, purchase new parks, improve the maintenance of the roads, or to build more public facilities in this growing area. In fact, local services already provided by the Council are under threat of being reduced or abolished due to further funding cuts. If Rodney residents believe there has been a miscarriage of Councils core parenting values, then we need to move swiftly. A massive groundswell of submissions from the public could influence the Mayor and a number of my colleagues at Town Hall. Join me, by submitting your concerns via the Auckland Council website, by Googling Ak have your say, or through official feedback forms found at the libraries and Council offices, or by calling 09 301 0101. Copies of the proposed budget are available via the same channels. Local public meetings have been confined to just Te Hana on March 16, with an online webinar option on March 7. The opportunity to submit closes at midday on March 22. Greg Sayers, Rodney Councillor greg.sayers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Peter Gay is the executive director of North Attleborough Community Television Inc. North TV. The views expressed in his column are not necessarily those of North TV. Reach him at pgay@northtv.net . Welcome Guest! You Are Here: www.Baker.Edu These appointments reflect Bakers commitment to fostering an academic, online and campus culture that values diversity and inclusion, said Baker College President Bart Daig. Baker College, Michigans largest, private not-for-profit college and top private transfer school in the state, has announced the appointment of three Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officers. Effective immediately, Dana Clark, Ph.D., Lesa Louch, Ph.D. and Kristina Marshall, J.D. assume leadership for Bakers DEI initiatives, serving as a point of contact for employees and students and responsible for elevating and accelerating the Colleges commitment to inclusive excellence. In addition to their new titles as DEI Officers, Clark, Chief Human Resource Officer; Louch, President of Baker College Online and Center for Graduate Studies; and Marshall, Director of Human Services program, will retain their current roles and responsibilities with Baker. In their new roles, the DEI Officers will work closely with Baker College President, Dr. Bart Daig, the provost, academic deans, faculty, staff and students to ensure that Bakers goals of diversity, equity and inclusion are embraced across all campuses. They will coordinate and advise the development, integration and articulation of Bakers commitments to a more diverse and inclusive community. These appointments reflect Bakers commitment to fostering an academic, online and campus culture that values diversity and inclusion, said Daig. We believe that a more diverse, open and inclusive environment creates a richer experience for our campus community, and we welcome the insights and leadership that our new DEI Officers will bring to our efforts. Bakers newly appointed DEI Officers will amplify the efforts of the schools current DEI Council, which was formed in October 2016, and includes representation from Baker College employees and faculty across the systems campuses and departments. As part of the Councils efforts, Baker recently implemented mandatory professional development DEI training for all staff and faculty. A subcommittee of the DEI Council, the DEI Training Committee, developed 10 learning modules available in a live, virtual format throughout the 2020-2021 academic year. Some of the training topics include: implicit bias and stereotypes; microaggressions, allyship and advocacy; race, power and privilege; intersectionality; cross-cultural communication; LGBTQIA+ and gender equity; ableism and disability justice; respect and inclusion and generational dynamics and challenges. At Baker College, we strongly believe that improving the competence of our staff and faculty will help them achieve their DEI goals, as well as making Baker an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff, faculty, students and stakeholders, said Daig. Baker Colleges commitment to DEI initiatives have recently earned the school national Best Practice recognition from The Centre for Global Inclusion. More information on Baker Colleges DEI initiatives is available at baker.edu. Photos of the DEI Officers may be found here. About Baker College Founded in 1911, Baker College is Michigans largest, private not-for-profit college and the top private transfer school in the state. Baker College has multiple on-ground campus locations and two affiliate sites across the state, as well as an online global campus offering more than 40 academic program options for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learn more at http://www.baker.edu. A report by the UKs Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that educators are among the occupation groups most likely to contract COVID-19. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) Infection Survey: characteristics of people testing positive for Covid-19 in England, 22 February 2021 analysed data between September 1, 2020 and January 2021, putting education workers at the upper end of the continuum. Reception teacher Elizabeth Dockry places signage in a classroom before the reopening of Lostock Hall Primary school in Poynton near Manchester, England, Wednesday May 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Jon Super) The likelihood of all occupations testing positive for the virus fell between the range of 2.1 percent to 4.8 percent. Educational professionals were in the higher risk group, which included caring personal service occupations, protective service occupations, secretarial and related occupations and other managers and proprietors. Educators came fourth out of 25 occupations, with a 4.4 percent likelihood of catching the virus. The differences between those at the top of the continuum and those at the lower end at less risk were found to be statistically significantly different. The government has attempted to conceal the number of infections and fatalities in schools and other workplaces, but an analysis of official figures reveals that at least 570 education workers lives have already been taken by Covid. The latest ONS report was published February 22, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the Conservative governments roadmap for the irreversible lifting of the last lockdown. Publicly embracing the homicidal policy of herd immunity that has led to at least 135,000 fatalities, Johnson declared that the population must accept that there will be more infections, more hospitalizations and more deaths. The economy will fully reopen by June 21, before the virus can be suppressed, with new more deadly strains emerging, and the vaccination rollout only in its early stages. Schools and colleges reopening are pivotal to these plans, forcing millions of pupils and workers, including teachers, support staff, caterers and caretakers into a highly dangerous environment. Schools are to reopen from March 8 in England and the phased reopening of schools began a week ago in Scotland and Wales. The narrative spun by politicians and the media is that attempts to suppress the virus should be measured against the harm this does to the economy, i.e, the profits of the corporations. The ruling elite insists that the working class must accept the new normal and send their children to school so they can go to work and risk death. Discussions are open about what is an acceptable level of death. Former head of Ofsted (schools inspectorate) Sir Michael Wilshaw declared on the BBCs Newsnight that teachers should show a similar commitment as medical professionals, some of whom have sacrificed their lives. The Department for Education (DfE) dismissed the ONS findings on the dangers facing educators with a statement by Professor Viv Bennett, chief nurse and director of maternity and early years at Public Health England. She wrote, It is vital for childrens wellbeing that we get schools open again. Staff, parents and pupils can feel reassured by scientific evidence that shows transmission in schools is low and that children are not drivers of infection in schools or the wider community. The system of controls and the introduction of rapid testing programmes in place in schools offer further reassurance in the measures taken to maximise the safety of the school environment. The clam that opening schools at the height of a deadly pandemic is out of concern for childrens wellbeing is absurd. Education and childrens services have been cut to the bone since the 2008 banking crisis. Progressive child-centred initiatives introduced in the 1960s have long been replaced with rigorous targets and testing, to the detriment of childrens mental health. The assertion that transmission from schools to the community is low is refuted by the governments own Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). The TES, (formerly, Times Educational Supplement) reported minutes from a SAGE meeting that estimated the opening of primary and secondary schools is likely to increase effective R [Reproduction of the virus] by a factor of 1.1 to 1.5 (10 percent to 50 percent). Numerous scientific studies have proved that children do catch, transmit and in some tragic cases become seriously ill with the virus, and die. Recent data from Quebec, Canada suggests children age nine or younger have the highest susceptibility to catching the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant of Covid-19. Rapid testing offers no reassurance that levels of infection can be monitored. Lateral flow tests were previously abandoned, due to impracticalities and because they are not accurate. The measures referred to by Bennett are an even more relaxed version of the ineffectual guidelines produced by the DfE when schools opened in September. Last week, the government reversed its guidelines and said that testing and wearing masks would not be compulsory in schools. Previous guidance that two or more confirmed Covid cases in 10 days constitutes an outbreak has been relaxed to 14 days. SchoolsWeek reported the government anticipates that it will no longer be necessary to advise shielding [for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable pupils and staff] beyond the end of March 2021. Last July 15, the infection rate was seven per 100,000 according to SAGE member Karl Friston of the University College London. He estimates that by March 8 it will be 42 per 100,000. Within two months after the September reopening there were 8,000 outbreaks in schools, so far worse can be anticipated. Reopening schools is being backed to the hilt by the opposition Labour Party and the education unions. Throughout the pandemic, they have supported the government in suppressing educators acting alongside parents to maintain lockdown until the virus is suppressed. Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), responded to the latest ONS report by reiterating the unions support for the governments roadmap, saying only that it must done safely, according to the NEUs Education Recovery plan. But schools cannot be made safe because social distancing is impossible in a school setting. To defuse the growing opposition of educators, the NEU has organised another zoom meeting of its members on March 1, advertised to discuss how to #MakeschoolsSafe. The meeting is being held at 5 p.m. Monday, a week after many education staff nationally were sent back into classrooms. Teachers took to Twitter to express their disgust at the union. One tweet declared, I think your only choice is to ballot teachers and call a strikeparents would support you. Another stated, You cant send your members back to workplaces that are not safe. Youre playing fast and loose with their lives, their families, and children and their families lives. You are their protection. Youve not done a great job so far. Other comments included, You must take a stand. Lives really do depend on it; What on earth do we pay you for? If you dont take action during a global pandemic then when will you? On teacher wrote, Its not a road map; Its a shameful experiment; New Variant v. human lives; It starts on March 8; It lasts 5 weeks. Then they count the dead teachers. And call them statistics. School staff, pupils and their families face great danger. Longer school days and shorter holidays, to be implemented as part the governments catch-up program for lost learning during lockdown, not only means the intensified exploitation of an already exhausted section of the working class. Under such conditions the virus will have greater opportunity to spread. The pandemic can be stopped, but this requires the working class intervening independently of Labour and the trade unions. Educators, parents and students are invited to attend the next online meeting Saturday, March 6 of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee to organise opposition to the unsafe reopening of schools and to demand comprehensive public health measures to combat the pandemic, including financial help for non-essential workers and small businesses. To participate in the meeting and to receive our regular newsletter register here. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced on Monday that officials will permit outdoor dining on public property again as COVID conditions improve starting on April 1, or as soon as the weather permits. Last year, the city proposed an outdoor dining initiative to let restaurants expand onto the sidewalk, helping customers and staff stay safe amid concerns that the virus spreads more rapidly in indoor environments. Officials stopped outdoor dining in December ahead of the winter. Outdoor dining was one of the brightest spots of this experience last summer and fall here in the city of Boston, Walsh said. Walsh said officials will again waive any fees associated with applying, and have a centralized online application process with technical support to help interested businesses. On Monday, Walsh said there were 119 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the citywide case count since the pandemic began to 58,901. There were two new deaths also reported, for a total of 1,273 in Boston. While overall cases, hospitalizations and percent positivity declined citywide in February, officials said there has been a slight uptick in COVID activity in recent days. Its not a cause for concern, but a good reminder not to take the positive trend for granted, Walsh said. We must continue to do everything we can to protect ourselves and the community against the virus. The citys mobile testing sites will also remain open and available to residents through at least March, Walsh said. Following the the Baker administrations plans, Boston moved into a modified version of Phase 3, Step 2 of the states economic reopening on Monday, with two notable differences. Indoor performance venues and indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact will stay closed until March 22, the day the state moves into Phase 4 of the plan, officials said. Additionally, Boston will not allow live musical performances in restaurants until March 22. Elsewhere in Massachusetts, a host of performance venues and recreational activities were given the green-light to reopen and restart, with capacity limits, on Monday. I want to be clear, were also moving forward here in the city of Boston, along with the state, Walsh said. But he added that the public health data will inform how the city proceeds into later stages of reopening. Businesses can apply for an outdoor dining permit at boston.gov/2021outdoorDining. Related Content: Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dubai Chamber) has revealed that members exports to Central Africa and Western Africa recorded a surge of 85% and 57%, respectively, in January 2021, compared to the same month in the previous year. The total value of member companies exports targeting the African continent reached AED 2.9 billion during the same month, marking a 4.2% year-on-year increase achieved despite Covid-19-related economic headwinds. Information from the Chambers Certificates of Origin (COO) database shows that Africas share of the total declared value of Dubai Chamber members world exports was 18% in January 2021, up from 16% in the same month during the previous year. Growing demand from Africa for UAE products and Dubais world-class logistics infrastructure were factors that drove export growth over the past 12 months. The COO figures revealed particularly strong demand for UAE exports in Central Africa and Western Africa, with these regions achieving 85% and 57% year-on-year growth respectively. Egypt represents the most important country in Northern Africa for Dubai Chamber members trading with Africa, accounting for 78% of exports targeting this particular sub-region. Sudan is in second place with a share of 11% and Algeria is in third with 6%. Libya and Morocco each accounted for a 2% share, while Tunisia came in sixth with a share of 1%. In terms of annual growth, Egypt and Sudan were in a leading position among Northern Africa countries with 18% and 21% year-on-year growth, respectively. South Africa accounts for the lions share of Dubai Chamber members exports to Southern Africa, with three quarters of shipments to this sub-region going to the country. Botswana accounts for another 20% of exports, with the countrys low base value in January 2020 enabling it to realise a nearly threefold year-on-year increase. The data also showed that smaller economies in the five sub-regions in Africa are accelerating their imports growth, a trend supported by recent policies and strategies adopted by many African to accelerate economic development, which creates plenty of new export opportunities for Dubai-based trading companies.TradeArabia News Service Courtesy National Weather Service After a cloudy weekend, a cold front is forecast to move into San Antonio Sunday evening that will bring a drop in temperature and a chance of showers and thunderstorms that will last through Monday afternoon. The cold front will hit San Antonio this evening with wind gusts near 25 mph and possible thunderstorm activity. These storms are at a marginal risk for severe weather bringing hail up to one inch and damaging winds are low at this time. However, the rain will continue overnight Sunday into Monday. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Memphis California Memphis Gmail and Google News Memphis New Orleans China India Russia European Union Tennessee (TNS) The computer science industry is filled with talented techies, most of whom are white or Asian. Black professionals make up only 5% of the tech workforce, a segment that increased by only 1 percentage point between 2014 and 2020, according to a recent report. That's unacceptable.Much is made of the digital divide, but little has been done to eradicate it. Bias in artificial intelligence, its algorithms and its training data are direct byproducts of the divide. These biases are more dangerous than ever because they can impact decision-making on a massive scale and at breakneck speeds, hindering business in all sectors of the economy.To help solve this problem, we need to get more underrepresented communities into careers in computing and engineering, especially data science. More, and different, perspectives can only help lead to better products and services. At the same time, we can truly advance a Black and brown middle class, and create generational wealth, boosting economic growth and providing an entire new set of industries and opportunities across the nation.It won't be easy to grow such a culture of tech producers in underrepresented communities, but it is absolutely doable.The organization I lead,-based CodeCrew, and others such as the-based Black Girls Code, are working to build that culture into the heart of Black and brown communities.The potential economic impact is significant. Computer science graduates of CodeCrew's adult coding boot camp make an annual average starting salary of more than $51,000. Before their training, they made an average of just $15,000 per year. That boost in income can be life-changing, providing a comfortable middle-class life inand many other parts of the country.If we are to truly diversify the tech community we are going to need help a lot of it from the business and technology communities.What could they do?Waive the four-year college requirement for entry-level computer science positions at their companies. That is often a barrier for qualified CodeCrew grads.Set goals and targets for diversity in workplaces, especially on engineering and leadership teams, and hold themselves publicly accountable by annually publishing how they are doing, as Netflix did recently. In three years, the company doubled the number of Black employees in its workforce and on its leadership team.At the same time, companies should take an honest look at barriers in their workplaces that prevent them from retaining diverse talent and then eliminate discriminatory or unwelcoming environments and conditions. That could include establishing equitable pay and promotion opportunities, and initiating zero-tolerance policies for harassment, stereotypes or microaggressions.Allow a small percentage of company time for employees to participate in mentoring programs that target underrepresented groups. WorldQuant Predictive's data scientists are working with CodeCrew students to bridge this gap and bring new skills to a diverse workforce. Google officially encourages employees to explore tech ideas not directly related to their assigned projects, a policy that has been credited with launching. Why not have that same moonshot mentality with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion goals? Mentoring is a simple but highly effective means to transmit knowledge and skills.Set up data science/software engineering offices in more regions where there are disproportionate populations of underrepresented groups including such places asandPartner with historically Black colleges and universities, which have been working on these issues for a long time, despite being under-resourced. Then make sure to include these schools, along with diverse coding bootcamps, as sources for talent and increase financial support for them.Lobby the federal government to subsidize or otherwise make broadband internet access affordable in low-income communities, much like food is subsidized. Broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, and should be treated as a utility, like electricity, gas and water.Doing these things can create a new environment for data science and AI. But that is just a means to an overall greater outcome, which is building businesses by increasing the number of people of color in technology.In doing so, we could become more internationally competitive with a rising, advancing, resurgingand unifiedTo bridge the digital divide, we need to catch future techies early. Every child should have access to computer science and computational thinking in school. CodeCrew is working into help secure passage of legislation that requires every high school in the state to offer computer science classes and provide the necessary funding to train teachers to lead these classes.Of the 500 kids CodeCrew works with each week, more than 90% are Black and Latinx youth. The vast majority of our students are more likely to go on to study computer science. With an assist from businesses and tech companies, overdue change like this could happen on a national level and businesses would ultimately be the biggest beneficiaries. Mike Pompeo speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference - Reuters Mike Pompeo, the former US Secretary of State, touted the Trump administration's America-first foreign policy and attacked Joe Biden's agenda in a pitch to conservative voters on Saturday. Mr Pompeo said that while working under Donald Trump, "I sent messages repeatedly to bad guys around the world that if you touch an American, you'll pay dearly", in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida. Mr Pompeo's speech at CPAC, the annual conservative jamboree, has heightened speculation that the former top US diplomat is considering a 2024 presidential run. Whats good news today for me is when youre a diplomat...you have to stay in your lane. I don't have that. Im not a diplomat. Im going to let it rip, he said. During the fiery address, Mr Pompeo praised the assassination of top Iranian general Qassim Soleimani, who was killed by a US drone strike last year. "So how many of you remember Qasim Soleimani?" he asked the audience, mocking: "Allah rest his soul." "He didn't cause trouble for Americans ever again." Mr Pompeo also bragged about the ire his actions had provoked from Iran and China, saying: "The Chinese have sanctioned me [and] the Iranians don't think so much of me either." "But I'm proud of our fight... we have upended the status quo," he said to rapturous applause. He slammed Mr Biden, accusing the new US president of capitulating to China and risking the loss of American jobs through his promotion of green energy. "When President Biden reentered [the Paris Climate accord] I can tell you that [Chinese leader] Xi Jinping was smiling every single minute, and the American worker lost," he said. Mr Pompeo signalled that he would adhere to the agenda of his former boss if he runs for president, repeatedly invoking the accomplishments of the Trump administration and urging Republican voters to be "pipe hitters" for the next four years. Story continues "America First is right for America, he said. The entire world benefits when America is fearless and bold and strong." Mr Pomepo was among a number of Republican 2024 hopefuls who took to the stage in Orlando, Florida to boost their profiles and underscore their conservative credentials to the party's grassroots. The conference had been seen as an opportunity for the Republican Party to consider its next steps after losing the White House and both houses of Congress to Democrats in November's election. However, the three-day event has largely served to underscore Republicans' ongoing devotion to Mr Trump, who will deliver the conference's keynote address on Sunday. Other potential 2024 runners, including senator Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, and Florida governor Ron DeSantis, have all shown they will continue to embrace Mr Trump's legacy by using their speeches to showcase their enduring loyalty to the former president. Another 2024 hopeful, South Dakota governor Kristi Noem, also asserted herself as firmly in Mr Trump's camp as she took to the stage shortly after Mr Pompeo. Ms Noem gained a national platform last year when she railed against coronavirus lockdowns and refused to implement a mask mandate in her state. Despite her state seeing some of the worst per-capita Covid-19 deaths in the country at some points over the last few months, Ms Noem bragged that her strategy had won out. Taking a page from the Trump playbook, Ms Noem criticised the advice of Dr Anthony Fauci, the country's leading infectious disease expert and a key government adviser on the pandemic. I don't know if you agree with me, but Dr Fauci is wrong a lot, she told CPAC attendees to loud cheers. Meanwhile Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in the House of Representatives, largely avoided mentioning Mr Trump during his appearance at the conference. Mr McCarthy has clashed with the former president over his behaviour during the Capitol riots, and was said to have sworn at Mr Trump during a phone call as the January 6 attack was unfolding. Mr McCarthy has attempted to mend relations with Mr Trump since, travelling to his Mar-a-Lago club to discuss the 2022 midterm races and attempting to regain his support. During his address to CPAC, Mr McCarthy praised Mr Trump's work to win House seats during the 2020 races and predicted Republicans could win back the chamber in next year's election. "We're going to get the majority back, we're five seats away," he said. "I would bet my house ... my personal house, don't tell my wife but I would bet it." Watertown, N.Y. A Syracuse man has been charged with stealing $1 million from Fuccillo Auto Group, his former employer, police said. Joseph A. Pompo was working as Fuccillos director of taxation and finance last year when he stole the money, said Trooper Jack Keller, a New York State Police spokesman. The 31-year-old Syracuse man created a company under owner Billy Fuccillo Sr.s name to pocket the money, Keller said. Troopers said the thefts happened between January 2020 and December 2020. Pompo created a company using Billy Fuccillo Sr.s name and dubbed himself the sole owner and president of the new business, Keller said. He diverted money made by Fuccillo Auto Group into the company and withdrew the funds for himself, the trooper said. The $1 million theft was reported to state police in December 2020 by one of Fuccillos lawyers, Keller said. Pompo was arrested Friday and charged with first-degree grand larceny, a felony. He was arraigned virtually in Watertown and released from custody. Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach her at shouse@syracuse.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. Scott Morrison holds the Royal Commission Report into Aged Care on Monday When Scott Morrison stood before Australia to announce his $452million response to the Royal Commission into aged care, he knew he would be grilled on an entirely different issue. In the hot sun outside Kirribilli House, the prime minister was ruthlessly quizzed about a historic rape allegation against a cabinet minister. Under intense pressure, he wiped his brow as he insisted the issue was for police and said he would not be taking any action against the minister. It was that snippet - rather than the government's extra funding for aged care homes - that made headlines on websites and TV stations across the nation on Monday afternoon. The allegation became public last week after the Prime Minister received a letter from a mystery sender on Wednesday evening which included a statement the alleged victim had prepared for her lawyers in 2019. The woman claimed she was raped by a cabinet minister at an event in Sydney in 1988, when she was 16 years old. 'This is my story, plain and simple. It's not pretty, but it is mine,' she wrote in the statement, seen by the ABC's Four Corners. 'And I stand by it, every single word and image in this document is true.' The woman reported her allegation to New South Wales Police in February 2020. Officers were due to travel to her home in Adelaide the following month to take her statement but their trip was postponed due to Covid-19. In June the woman withdrew her allegation and died by suicide the next day, causing the investigation to be suspended. According to Four Corners which first reported the allegation on Friday, the woman had bipolar disorder and had attended a psychiatric hospital in Melbourne in the months before her death aged 49. Friends say she was 'beautiful and clever' but 'consumed with trauma'. Mr Morrison said he did not read the letter but forwarded it to Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw (pictured) The anonymous sender said they were inspired to write the letter (pictured) after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins went public with an allegation she was raped by another staffer As well as leaving her prepared statement, the woman made a 45-minute recording in which she talked about her allegations, according to the Herald Sun. In a letter to a friend she wrote: 'I guess I just worry that a trial has the potential to be an emotional bloodbath, particularly for me and anyone who appears as a witness in the case.' The woman had told several family and friends about her allegation. It was presumably one of them who sent the letter to Mr Morrison, Liberal MP Celia Hammond and two South Australian senators, demanding an investigation. The rape allegation: A timeline 1988: Rape allegedly happens at event in Sydney when woman is 16 Late 2019: Woman engages lawyers and prepares a statement February 2020: Woman reports allegations to NSW Police March 2020: Police postpone trip to visit her due to Covid-19 June 2020: Woman dies by suicide February 24, 2021: Anonymous letter is sent to PM detailing allegations March 1, 2021: PM says minister completely rejects the allegations Advertisement The anonymous sender said they were inspired to write the letter after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins went public with an allegation she was raped by another staffer in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' parliament office in 2019. Ms Higgins' allegations dominated the past two sitting weeks of parliament as ministers were repeatedly grilled over who knew about her claims and when. The sender demanded an inquiry into the 1988 allegation, writing: 'There will be considerable damage to community perceptions of justice... and the parliament when this story becomes public if it is simultaneously revealed that senior people (like yourselves) were aware of the accusation but had done nothing.' The identity of the cabinet minister is known among the media and politicians but cannot be disclosed for legal reasons. The ministerial code of conduct requires a minister to stand aside if charged with a crime - but he won't face court because under NSW law a rape charge can only be laid if there is a living complainant. Mr Morrison said he spoke to the minister on Wednesday evening and he 'vigorously rejected the allegations.' He said he did not read the letter but had been briefed on the contents of the allegations. Asked if he would set up an inquiry, he said: 'I'm not the police force. I have given it to the police to investigate.' Mr Morrison said AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw had not advised him to take any action. He refused to sack the minister, saying: 'We can't have a situation where the mere making of an allegation and that being publicised through the media is grounds for, you know, governments to stand people down simply on the basis of that. I mean, we have a rule of law in this country.' Mr Morrison said the first he substantially heard of the allegation was last week. Before that he had only heard rumours of a journalist making inquiries, he said. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Labor Senator Penny Wong received the unsigned letter and both released statements saying they had contacted the AFP. Senator Hanson-Young said the information she had received regarded a 'disturbing and a very serious allegation of a criminal nature against a senior member of the government'. Senator Wong said it was her understanding the complainant reported the assault to NSW Police and South Australia Police. The Australian Federal Police on Saturday issued a statement saying it would liaise with the relevant state authorities. 'Further enquiries can be directed to the New South Wales Police Force,' it said. 'The AFP will not be making further comment.' NSW Police said in a statement on Friday night that a report of alleged historic sexual violence was received in February 2020 and detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Wyndarra. 'After strike force investigators were advised that the body of a 49-year-old woman was located at a home at Adelaide by South Australia Police (SAPOL) on Wednesday 24 June 2020, the investigation was suspended,' the statement said. Ms Higgins (pictured) alleged she was raped in Parliament House after a boozy night out 'NSW Police understand that reporting sexual assault can be distressing and traumatic for victims and it is always the choice of an individual whether to proceed with an investigation or not.' The alleged victim's lawyers - whom she engaged in 2019 before withdrawing her complaint the day before she died - say the minister should stand down. Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'It's untenable for him not to, I would think. It's not really a legal question, it's a question of propriety. 'It goes to his ability to do his job. It's necessary that his integrity is not under serious question. 'And it's about the integrity of the entire government whether it can carry on with a cloud this huge hanging over it.' Greens leader Adam Bandt also called for the minister to stand down and demanded an inquiry. 'If the Prime Minister doesn't at least stand this man aside while he conducts his own inquiry, then he's sending the terrible message there is space in his cabinet for someone with an unresolved rape accusation,' he said. Demand for workers in HCM City and other manufacturing hubs in the south has been high and rising after the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays driven by a business recovery as COVID-19 recedes. A company in the southern province of Binh Duong advertises job openings. Photo laodong.vn Companies in the citys industrial parks and export processing zones need around 12,000 workers, including 2,540 with a university degree, according to the HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA). Another 4,700 jobs are available for applicants with college and vocational education, and the rest are for manual workers, Hung Hua Quoc Hung, head of HEPZA, said. The textile and footwear sectors have the largest demand, he added. The HCM City Centre for Forecasting Manpower Needs and Labour Market Information said the city overall is expected to need 30,000 workers after the Tet holiday. Do Thanh Van, deputy director of the centre, said trade, services, textile and footwear, food processing, logistics, IT, plastics, and chemicals are among the industries with the highest recruitment demand. PouYuen Viet Nam Co. Ltd in Tan Binh District, one of the companies with the largest demand, needs more than 2,000 workers for various positions such as IT technicians, office and purchase staff, secretaries, quality management staff, and manual workers. Le Minh Tan, director of the city Department of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs, said all businesses have resumed operations after Tet with around 96 per cent of workers returning to work. In Binh Duong Province, a manufacturing hub, more than 95 per cent of workers have returned, according to its Federation of Labour. The federation also said 916 enterprises require 95,983 workers after Tet. Dong Nai Province, another manufacturing hub, too needs thousands of workers to meet the expected increase in production this year. Cao Duy Thai, head of the wage office at the province Department of Labour, Invalid, and Social Affairs, said the worker turnover rate during Tet this year is unusually low since more and more enterprises are offering benefits to retain workers, making it a tough to hire new staff. Positive hiring outlook According to ManpowerGroup Vietnams 2021 Employment Outlook survey, employers in various industries are expecting hiring to recover and grow in the first half of 2021 despite the continuing pandemic. The survey polled 442 human resources and talent acquisition executives in 16 industries. While 36.4 per cent said their businesses were slightly impacted by the pandemic, nearly 50 per cent said they still operate normally. Some 56 per cent anticipated a payroll expansion while 37 per cent said they would maintain the headcount. Only 6.6 per cent plan to lay off workers. Two-thirds expect hiring to increase within the next three months, and 22 per cent foresee an expansion in the next six months. The biggest recruitment plans in the period are in manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail and trading, and transport and logistics. The construction sector saw a revival thanks to economic growth, and accounts for a fifth of all companies planning to hire, the same as manufacturing. Nguyen Thu Trang, country head of permanent recruitment, executive search and consulting services at ManpowerGroup Vietnam, said: Thanks to the effective control measurements and the strong anti-epidemic compliance of the Vietnamese, the economy is showing signs of positive recovery. In addition, foreign investment continues to flow into Vietnam, creating more business and job opportunities. VNS Vocational training graduates in high demand Graduates of vocational schools have many job opportunities due to businesses' increasing demand for workers with practical skills. Thousands of civilians have been subjected to 'unimaginable suffering' including torture, sexual violence and death in detention during a decade of conflict in Syria, United Nations investigators said. The report on Monday said that men, women, boys and girls detained by government or pro-government forces had been subjected to inhuman treatment and torture, including rape. 'At least 20 different horrific methods of torture used by the government of Syria have been extensively documented,' the report said. Syrians walk along a severely damaged road in the northeastern city of Deir Ezzor in this file image taken in January 2014 'These include administering electric shocks, the burning of body parts, pulling off nails and teeth, mock executions, folding detainees into a car tyre and crucifying or suspending individuals from one or two limbs for prolonged periods, often in combination with severe beating.' Tens of thousands of civilians who were detained are unaccounted for, with no trace of their whereabouts, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria found. The three-member panel's report was based upon more than 2,500 interviews conducted over 10 years and investigations into more than 100 detention facilities. It found that almost every major party that has controlled territory in Syria since 2011 has committed detention-related violations and abuses. 'Hundreds of thousands of family members have a right to the truth about their loved ones' fate,' said commission chair Paulo Pinheiro. 'This is a national trauma that needs to be urgently addressed by action from the parties and the international community.' The report stressed that detainees continued to be mistreated in notorious detention facilities even as the conflict approached its 11th year. 'These detainees have endured unimaginable suffering,' the commission said. Mourners attend the funeral of civilians and fighters, who died during attacks by Turkish-led forces on the border town of Ras al-Ain, in a cemetary in Tal Tamr, near the Syrian Kurdish town of Ras al-Ain in October 2019 'This has been happening with the knowledge and acquiescence of the governments who have supported the different parties to the conflict. 'The fate of tens of thousands of civilians who were forcibly disappeared by Syrian government forces, many nearly a decade ago, remains unknown. Many are presumed to have died or been executed.' Commissioner Karen Koning AbuZayd said parties to the conflict had, with few exceptions, failed to investigate their own forces, with the focus seemingly on concealing rather than probing crimes committed in detention facilities. The authors called for all parties in the conflict to stop violations, immediately release certain categories of detainee and allow independent monitoring of detention facilities. Its findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on March 11. Thousands of civilians have been subjected to 'unimaginable suffering' including torture, sexual violence and death in detention during a decade of conflict in Syria, United Nations investigators said. Above, a file image of a boy being rescued from a building in Aleppo in 2014 The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria was mandated by the council to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011 in the country. The commission has repeatedly accused the various sides of war crimes and in some cases crimes against humanity. Since Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, more than 387,000 people have been killed and millions forced from their homes. DARMSTADT, Germany, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today announced a worldwide in-licensing agreement with Debiopharm, Lausanne, Switzerland, for the development and commercialization of xevinapant (Debio 1143). Xevinapant, a potent oral Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAP) antagonist, is the only medicine in its class in late-stage clinical development and has the potential to be first in class. Xevinapant is currently being investigated in the Phase III TrilynX study for previously untreated high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN), in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and standard fractionation intensity-modulated radiotherapy. "As a leading science and technology company, we are constantly evolving our three business sectors to ensure we are best-positioned to create sustainable value. This includes the addition of highly promising technologies, such as the in-licensing of xevinapant. This late-stage asset complements our Healthcare pipeline, which will be one of our key growth drivers in the coming years," said Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "By bringing our expertise and heritage in head and neck cancer to the development of xevinapant, we have the opportunity to explore an important new treatment option in an area of high unmet need where other approaches, including immunotherapy, have seen limited success. The promising long-term efficacy of xevinapant in the Phase II trial suggests that antagonism of IAP has the potential to be a transformative approach in this cancer," said Peter Guenter, Member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO Healthcare. "Looking forward, we will continue to pursue opportunities to augment the in-house innovations in our oncology portfolio with new solutions for patients with cancer." Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, gains exclusive rights to develop and commercialize xevinapant worldwide, including in the U.S. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will co-fund with Debiopharm the ongoing Phase III registrational TrilynX study, a global double-blind, placebo-controlled, 700-patient randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of xevinapant vs. placebo when added to definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cisplatin-eligible patients with high-risk LA SCCHN. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, also will initiate a second global Phase III study to evaluate xevinapant in patients with LA SCCHN who are unable to tolerate high-dose cisplatin in combination with radiotherapy. The agreement also includes development rights for preclinical follow-on compounds to xevinapant. Debiopharm will receive 188 million in upfront payments and up to 710 million in regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalty payments. The parties anticipate the closing of the transaction in early Q2 2021. "The data for xevinapant to date show its potential to enhance the standard of care in this curative setting for head and neck cancer, addressing a significant unmet medical need for patients with this disease," said Bertrand Ducrey, Chief Executive Officer of Debiopharm. "Our partner is exceptionally qualified to advance xevinapant, given their extensive knowledge in head and neck cancer and their commercial oncology capabilities around the world." "Locally advanced head and neck cancer is uniquely debilitating, often impairing the ability to swallow, speak and breathe. With the current standard treatments, at least half of patients will relapse, typically within the first two years. Based on the efficacy seen in the Phase II study, in which adding xevinapant to CRT cut the risk of death by half, this investigational medicine has the potential to offer a much-needed new standard of care," said Prof. Jean Bourhis, Department Head of Radio-Oncology at the University Hospital of Lausanne and lead investigator of the Phase III TrilynX study. Previously reported results from the randomized, double-blind Phase II study showed the addition of xevinapant to standard-of-care CRT provided a statistically significant 21% point improvement in locoregional control rate at 18 months, the primary endpoint, vs. placebo and CRT in patients with high-risk LA SCCHN (54% [95% CI: 39 to 69] vs. 33% [95% CI: 20 to 48]; odds ratio 2.69 [95% CI: 1.13 to 6.42]; p=0.026). A significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit was also observed vs. the control arm after a two-year follow-up period (HR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.76; p=0.0069).1 At three years of follow-up, xevinapant plus CRT showed a statistically significant 51% reduction in the risk of death versus placebo plus CRT (HR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.92; p=0.0261). About two-thirds of patients in the xevinapant arm were alive at three years, compared with 51% in the control arm. Statistically significant improvements in PFS and duration of response were also sustained at three years.2 Xevinapant showed a predictable and manageable safety profile without substantial additional toxicity to standard CRT.1,2 Primary results of the study were published in The Lancet Oncology, and the three-year follow-up data were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Virtual Congress 2020. In February 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to xevinapant for treatment of patients with previously untreated LA SCCHN, in combination with current standard of care, platinum-based chemotherapy and standard fractionation intensity-modulated radiotherapy, based on the Phase II results. About Head and Neck Cancer Worldwide, head and neck cancer accounts for more than 650,000 cases and 330,000 deaths annually, making it the 6th most common cancer type.3 LA SCCHN is a highly debilitating disease that can lead to impaired breathing, swallowing, and speech as it progresses.4 Despite standard-of-care CRT, at least 40% to 60% of patients with LA SCCHN develop locoregional or distant relapses, which are usually detected within the first two years of treatment, underscoring the need to identify new therapeutic approaches.5 About Xevinapant Xevinapant (Debio 1143) is a potentially first-in-class potent oral antagonist of IAPs (Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins). In preclinical studies, xevinapant restores sensitivity to apoptosis in cancer cells, thereby depriving them of one of their major resistance mechanisms. As the most clinically advanced IAP antagonist, xevinapant has established proof of efficacy in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN), with a clinically significant and sustained clinical benefit compared with CRT alone. All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group Website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register for your online subscription of this service as our geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of 16.2 billion in 66 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. 1 Sun XS, Tao Y, Le Tourneau C, et al. Debio 1143 and high-dose cisplatin chemoradiotherapy in high-risk locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a double-blind, multicentre, randomised, phase 2 study. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21: 1173-1187. 2 Bourhis J, Sun XS, Le Tourneau C, et al. Phase II comparing concurrent high-dose cisplatin chemo-radiation plus Debio 1143 (xevinapant) or placebo in high-risk patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Abstract presented at ESMO 2020 (Virtual conference). 3 Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, et al. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin 2018; 68 (6): 394-424. 4 Johnson DE, Burtness B, Leemans CR, et al. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020 Nov 26;6(1):92. 5 Machiels, J-P, Leemans, CR, Golusinski, W, et al. Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx: EHNSESMOESTRO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2020 Nov;31(11);1462-1475. Media Relations [email protected] Phone: +49 6151 72-9591 Investor Relations [email protected] Phone: +49 6151 72-3321 SOURCE Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Related Links http://www.emdgroup.com The 2021 Golden Globes have drawn controversy. (Alberto E. Rodriguez / WireImage ) In a 43-second address during the Golden Globes telecast, leaders of the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. vowed to diversify its ranks but laid out no specifics as to how its organization would evolve. "Tonight, while we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do," said Helen Hoehne, the HFPA's vice president. "Just like in film and television, representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization." Meher Tatna, a former president of the organization, added that the HFPA "must also ensure everyone from all underrepresented communities gets a seat at our table, and we are going to make that happen." "That means creating an environment where diverse membership is the norm and not the exception," concluded current president Ali Sar, noting that the group looks forward "to a more inclusive future." Officials from the 87-member organization made the brief remarks, which the group had teased on its own Instagram account, after a Times investigation into the HFPA's ethical lapses began a wave of industry criticism. The story, published one week ago, revealed that the voting body has no Black members, prompting Time's Up to launch a social media campaign calling on the group to go beyond a "cosmetic fix" moving forward. In an interview with Variety, Tatna revealed the group has not had any Black members in more than 20 years. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. English Lithuanian The leading tour operator in the Baltic States Novaturas Group is increasing the Egyptian program. From March, 4 flights per week will be operated from Lithuania and Estonia to the main Egyptian resorts. "In February 2021, after almost one-year break, we have resumed flights to Egypt. On the 13th of February the first plane to Sharm el Sheikh took off from Estonia, and on the 20th of February - from Lithuania to Hurghada. We have started with two flights per week program from the Lithuanian and Estonian markets. After assessing the demand, in March we have added additional flight chains to the Egyptian resorts from Vilnius and Tallinn. After the period of forced operations suspension, the increase in planned activity volumes gives optimism about accelerating holiday season. More frequent flights will give travelers the opportunity to plan their holidays more flexibly and choose from wider range of holiday durations just as it was usual before the pandemic, says Audrone Keinyte, head of Novaturas group. According to The Company, Egypt has always been the most popular winter holiday destination. During the 2019-2020 winter holiday season 39.4 thousand travelers from all the Baltics travelled to the Egyptian resorts and the Egyptian program accounted for 68% of the whole winter holiday season program. About Novaturas Group AB Novaturas Group is the largest tour operator in the Baltic States, offering summer and winter package holidays in more than 30 destinations worldwide and more than 100 sightseeing routes. In 2019, the group served more than 293 thousand customers. NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte today announced the appointment of John Coykendall, a principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, to lead its U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) sector within the U.S. industrial products and construction practice. Additionally, Coykendall was named Deloitte's global aerospace and defense sector leader. He succeeds Robin Lineberger, who will be retiring from Deloitte in May after a distinguished career. John Coykendall Based in Stamford, Connecticut, Coykendall will lead the overall strategic direction of the A&D sector, as well as the go-to-market strategies for Deloitte's key businesses including audit & assurance, consulting, tax and risk & financial advisory services. Among Deloitte's A&D clients are companies on the Fortune 500, including the aerospace; commercial aircraft; business and general aviation; space and ship building; and defense industries. "We are confident John's sector, client and leadership experience will provide an excellent foundation to continue our momentum in the A&D market," said Paul Wellener, vice chairman, Deloitte LLP and U.S. industrial products and construction leader. "He is well-positioned to help our clients transform amid the multidimensional challenges facing the sector, including and especially recovery from the pandemic. We congratulate John on his new role and thank Robin for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the organization." Most recently, Coykendall served as the consulting leader for Deloitte's global industrial products and construction practice. Over his 25-year career, he has worked extensively with global companies with highly engineered products in the A&D, industrial products and automotive industries. He has led large-scale transformation efforts to help businesses with strategic cost transformation and operations/supply chain initiatives. "The pandemic has created never-before-seen challenges and opportunities for the A&D sector," said Coykendall. "While the long-term impacts for the commercial aerospace sector remain to be seen, rapid innovation in emerging and transformative technologies are ushering in a new era of aviation. I'm honored to take on this leadership role at such a pivotal time in the industry. I look forward to helping our clients, across the sector, navigate the complex and bold moves required to accelerate adoption of industry 4.0 and other generational step-changes that are expected to drive growth and shape the industry of the future." Coykendall has an undergraduate degree from Lafayette College in business and economics; and government and law. He also holds an MBA from Duke University. To learn more about John Coykendall, connect with him on LinkedIn @JohnCoykendall or follow @DeloitteMFG. About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 and more than 7,000 private companies. Our people come together for the greater good and work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today's marketplace delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthier society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Now celebrating 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's more than 330,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. SOURCE Deloitte Related Links www.deloitte.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. Three enemy shellings have been recorded since day-start. Ukraine Army truck carrying military servicemen blew up on an unidentified explosive device in the Donbas warzone. Nine servicemen sustained combat wounds and injuries, the press service of the Joint Forces Operation reported in its evening update on Monday, March 1. "As a result of the explosion of a military vehicle on an unidentified explosive device, one serviceman with the Armed Forces of Ukraine suffered a combat wound, and another eight soldiers sustained combat injuries. The soldiers were rushed to a medical facility, where they are being provided proper medical care by military doctors," the press center informs. It is also reported that since day-start on Monday, Russian armed groups have fired on Ukrainian military units three times. Read alsoDonbas war update: Ukraine reports one KIA on Feb 28Outside the settlement of Vodiane in the Azov littoral, the invaders opened aimed fire using automatic easel grenade launchers, while near Pavlopil they engaged Ukraine positions with heavy anti-tank grenades. Near Bohdanivka, the invaders targeted Ukrainian positions with automatic easel and hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. Ukrainian troops have returned fire. Aggravation in Donbas On February 26, the invaders violated the ceasefire 14 times, resulting in seven Ukrainian soldiers suffering shrapnel wounds and three sustaining combat injuries. Another soldier blew up on a landmine. On Sunday, February 28, Russia-controlled forces in Donbas violated the ceasefire seven times. A Ukrainian soldier was killed as a result of the shelling. Reporting by UNIAN Make no mistake about it, this pandemic has taken an incalculable toll, particularly on peoples mental health, Lightfoot said. We want to make sure people reach out. Call 311. Call 911. Theres an array of services that we offer as a city to safeguard your privacy and your security. But if youre feeling suicidal, please reach out. You are not in this by yourself. UK Seeks Missing Patient With Brazilian COVID Variant as PM Defends Border Measures British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended Englands COVID-19 border measures after the government revealed that it could not identify a person who had tested positive for the Brazilian variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Authorities said on Sunday that six cases of the Brazilian variant had been found in the UK, three in England and three in Scotland. But one of the three infected people in England has so far not been identified, as they did not complete their test registration card. If you had a COVID test on the 12th or 13th of Feb & didnt get your result, please call 119 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland. Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) March 1, 2021 The government has launched an appeal for the person to come forward. Health Secretary Matt Hancock wrote on Twitter: If you had a COVID test on the 12th or 13th of Feb & didnt get your result, please call 119 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or 0300 303 2713 in Scotland. Facing criticism from the opposition, Johnson said: Weve got one of the toughest border regimes anywhere in the world for stopping people coming in to this country who may have variants of concern. If you look at what weve done in the case of the South African variant, massive effort went in there. The same is going on now to contain any spread of the Brazilian variant, he said on Monday during a visit to a school in Stoke-on-Trent. We have no reason not to think that our vaccines are effective against these variants of concern at the present time, he said, adding that Public Health England said the risk to the wider community is considered low. The main opposition Labour Party has called for urgent answers from the government on what risk the British public has been placed under as a result of the failed quarantine system. People will be appalled to hear someone with the Brazilian variant cannot be identified, raising questions about how many others may have been missed by quarantine measures, said Nick Thomas Symonds, Labours shadow home secretary. There is no excuse for continuing to ignore Labours call for a comprehensive hotel quarantine system, he said on Monday in a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel. Under Englands quarantine rules, people arriving from 33 countries on the UKs red list, including southern Africa, South America, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), must quarantine at designated facilities managed by the government. But Labour has called for all international passengers arriving in England to be put into hotel quarantine. In Scotland, the devolved administration is enforcing stricter measures than in England, requiring travellers from all countries except Ireland to quarantine in hotels. . An Israeli-owned cargo ship that suffered a mysterious explosion in the Gulf of Oman came to Dubai's port for repairs Sunday, days after the blast that revived security concerns in Mideast waterways amid heightened tensions with Iran Associated Press journalists saw the hulking Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray sitting at dry dock facilities at Dubai's Port Rashid. Although the crew was unharmed in the blast, the vessel sustained two holes on its port side and two on its starboard side just above the waterline, according to American defense officials. It remains unclear what caused the blast, but the incident comes amid sharply rising tension between the U.S. and Iran over its unraveling 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has sought to pressure President Joe Biden's administration to grant the sanctions relief it received under the accord with world powers that former President Donald Trump abandoned. From the shore, AP journalists could not immediately see damage to the vessel. The dock blocked the view of the vessel's starboard side down to the waterline and the port side could only be seen from a distance. The blue and white ship was anchored near Dubai's storied floating hotel, the Queen Elizabeth 2. An Emirati coast guard vessel was seen sailing behind the ship, with Dubai police and Emirati armed forces vehicles parked nearby. Emirati officials did not respond to requests for comment on the vessel docking in the country. Friday's blast on the ship, a Bahamian-flagged roll-on, roll-off vehicle cargo vessel, recalled a string of attacks on foreign oil tankers in 2019 that the U.S. Navy blamed on Iran. Tehran denied any role in the suspected assaults, which happened near the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil chokepoint. Israeli officials indicated Sunday that Iran was responsible for the explosion on the ship. In a speech for an army intelligence unit, Israeli military Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi indirectly referred to the incident, accusing Iran of carrying out ``operations against civilian targets.'' ``Just this past weekend we received a reminder on one of these fronts from one of the greatest threats in the region, Iran, and we received a reminder that Iran doesn't just represent a nuclear threat,`` he said. Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and U.N., Gilad Erdan, told Israel's Army Radio that ``it was no secret that the Iranians are trying to harm Israeli targets,`` alleging the explosion on the ship bore the hallmarks of previous Iranian attacks. Meanwhile on Sunday, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for firing a ballistic missile and nine bomb-laden drones at ``sensitive sites'' in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh the night before. The group's military spokesman Yahia Sarei added that another six explosive drones targeted ``military positions'' in the southwestern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait. The Saudi interception of the missile set off an apparent explosion over Riyadh that startled residents and scattered shell debris, without causing casualties. The Helios Ray had discharged cars at various ports in the Persian Gulf before making its way out of the Middle East toward Singapore. The blast hit as the ship was sailing from the Saudi port Dammam out of the Gulf of Oman, forcing it to turn to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, for inspection. Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on the ship. The country's hard-line Kayhan daily, whose editor-in-chief was appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alleged the Helios Ray was ``possibly`` on an ``espionage'' mission in the region, without offering any evidence to support the claim. The Sunday report speculated the ship may have been ``trapped in an ambush by a branch of resistance axis,'' referring to Iranian proxies in the region. Iran also has blamed Israel for a recent series of attacks, including a mysterious explosion last summer that destroyed an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at its Natanz nuclear facility and the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top Iranian scientist who founded the Islamic Republic's military nuclear program two decades ago. Iran's repeated vows to avenge Fakhrizadeh's killing have raised alarms in Israel, particularly as the Gulf sees an increase in Israeli traffic following the country's normalization deals with the UAE and Bahrain Short link: Moscow municipal lawmaker to stay under house arrest in rally sanitary breaches case RAPSI 14:47 01/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 1 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court confirmed the lawfulness of a lower courts ruling and held that Moscows municipal lawmaker Konstantin Yankauskas charged with incitement to violation of anti-coronavirus sanitary requirements during unauthorized rallies would stay under house arrest until March 23, the courts press service told RAPSI. Earlier, several persons, including employees of a foundation established by Alexey Navalny, Lyubov Sobol and Oleg Stepanov, Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina and Navalnys brother Oleg and Anastasia Vasilyeva, the head of the medical workers' union Alyans Vrachei (Doctors' Alliance), were put under house arrest as part of the same case. According to police, coronavirus-positive persons ordered to isolation were identified among participants of the Moscow rally. A criminal case over violation of sanitary and epidemiological rules was opened over this fact. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has withdrawn from abroad two employees of the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland, who were detained at the border while trying to export contraband from Ukraine. "Yesterday, two employees of the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland were caught red-handed - they were detained at the border while trying to take a large amount of currency, gold and smuggled cigarettes from Ukraine to Poland in an official car. The case is flagrant for the Foreign Ministry," Kuleba wrote on Facebook on Monday. The Minister decided to withdraw both employees from a long-term business trip. "Their work at the embassy has ended. In the next couple of hours, all formalities on this issue will be completed. We are starting a disciplinary investigation against both employees in relation to the facts revealed. The investigation will be thorough and prompt. Of course, the presumption of innocence has not been canceled. But based on results of the investigation, I will be ready to make any decisions," Kuleba said. He also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and expects from them a quick and impartial investigation and establishment of all the circumstances of the case. "Corruption is everywhere where there are people. The only difference is whether it is tolerated or not. At the Foreign Ministry, it is not. I will never cover up the villains who think that they can use diplomatic status not to serve the state and people, but for personal illegal enrichment. Each person in the diplomatic service system, regardless of ranks and positions, who will cast a shadow on Ukrainian diplomacy, will feel the whole non-diplomacy of my reaction," the minister said. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Burma Ten Journalists Being Held by Myanmars Regime for Protest Coverage An anti-regime demonstration in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy Yangon At least 25 journalists have been detained during the police crackdown against the anti-regime demonstrations across Myanmar between Feb. 14 to March 1 with 10 journalists are still in detention. They were covering anti-coup demonstrations in Yangon, Myitkyina, Monywa, Hakha, Magwe, Pathein, Pyay, Mawlamyine and other cities. Twelve were released without facing charges and two were released on bail after being charged under Article 505(a) of the Penal Code carrying up to two years imprisonment after trying to get a comment from the security forces for a balanced story. The other 10 journalists were being held without facing any charges on Monday. The authorities have deliberately attacked media representatives with batons and slingshots during recent crackdowns. On Monday, two reporters from the Monywa Gazette in Sagaing Region and the Chinland Post in Hakha, Chin State, were detained by the security forces. The Gazette reporter was later released by the police. On Sunday, the security forces arrested five journalists covering crackdowns in Yangon, Pathein, Myitkyina and Mawlamyine, according to their families and employers. Of the five, a detained reporter from 74 Media in Myitkyina, Kachin State, was released on Sunday. Ko Sharr Latt, the elder brother of detained freelance photojournalist Shin Moe Myint, 23, told The Irrawaddy that her whereabouts were unknown. The photographer was arrested near Myaynigone junction in Sanchaung Township, Yangon, on Sunday morning while covering an anti-regime demonstration. Ko Sharr Latt said the family had asked for her at Insein Prison. On Saturday, the security forces arrested eight journalists, including a reporter from the international Associated Press. Three of the journalists from Magwe and Sagaing regions and Chin State were later released without facing charges. Myanmar Nows reporter Ma Kay Zon Nway was arrested near Myaynigone junction on Saturday morning while she was live-streaming the demonstration. She and the other four journalists have reportedly been detained in Insein since Saturday. Ko Ahr Mahn, 7Day News chief editor, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that detaining journalists who were legally covering news events is unacceptable. A 7Day journalist has been detained since Feb. 27. He was covering an anti-regime demonstration on Insein Road near Hledan junction. Journalists are now deliberately being arrested. This is unacceptable. Journalists are just performing their duties, not protesting, said Ko Ahr Mahn. Providing accurate information on the ground is not a crime. By Monday, about 1,132 people, including leaders and lawmakers from the National League for Democracy, political activists, artists, monks, writers, protesters, journalists and government staff involved in the civil disobedience movement, have been detained or face arrest warrants, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners. An estimated 833 people are still in detention or face arrest warrants. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Central Bank Limits ATM Transactions, Account Withdrawals UN Leads International Condemnation of Bloody Crackdowns in Myanmar Myanmar Regime Recalls Over 100 Staff From Foreign Missions Bank of Ireland is to close 15 of its branches in Northern Ireland following a strategic review of operations. The decision is part of an overall plan to close 103 branches across the island of Ireland leaving it with 182 remaining branches. The bank will also move its UK headquarters from London to Belfast. The bank currently has 28 branches in Northern Ireland, with the branches closing predominately self-service locations which do not offer a counter service, according to the bank. The branches to close in Northern Ireland are: Ballymena, Banbridge, Belfast (Lisburn Road), Belfast (Ormeau Road), Belfast (University Road), Crossmaglen, Derry (Strand Road), Downpatrick, Dungannon, Keady, Limavady, Lisburn, Lisnakea, Portadown, Strabane. In 2011, Bank of Ireland had 44 branches in Northern Ireland. Bank of Ireland confirmed the closures would begin from June until "the end of 2021", with more specific dates for branches released "in due course". Bank of Ireland said the change was part of a continuing trend of customers increasingly using digital services. It has also given a commitment that there will be at least one branch in every county. "Technology is evolving, and customers are using branches less. COVID-19 has accelerated this changing behaviour, and over the past 12 months weve seen a seismic shift towards digital banking," they said. Digital banking is growing fast, while branch footfall is dropping sharply. Weve now reached a tipping point between online and offline banking, and thats why weve announced changes to our branch network. However, our agreement with the Post Office means we continue to protect local access to physical banking for those who want it. We know news like this can cause concern for some customers. Were not making these changes immediately, giving us time to communicate fully with all our customers about every option available to them online, in an alternative Bank of Ireland branch, or at a local post office. Bank of Ireland has been serving the community since 1825 and these changes mean we can continue to play a strong role in Northern Ireland for the years to come. Speaking on BBC's Good Morning Ulster, the Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland UK Ian McLaughlin, confirmed that the closures would affect around 120 employees, with the hope most could be redeployed within the company. "Nothing is changing immediately for any of our customers," he said. "We need to adapt and we need to change. We still will have a branch in every county. Access to cash and access to banking services will still exist." Responding to the decision by Bank of Ireland, SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin said the decision is "deeply concerning". "Bank of Irelands review of its operations in Northern Ireland has caused anxiety for staff and personal and business customers," she said. "I am deeply concerned at the implications of the decision to cut back its branch network which will have a devastating impact for staff, customers and also the high streets where these operate. "I am calling on Bank of Ireland to urgently clarify its future plans for Northern Ireland, making clear how it will demonstrate its continued commitment and support for customers, employees and the communities where they operate." Retail NI said the closure of the branches represented "a step too far" and could damage the high street. Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts added: "The closure of these fifteen branches will have a negative impact on our local high streets with less footfall for nearby retailers when lockdown ends. "I have also particular concerns of the impact on rural communities, with further reduced ATM provision and the ability to access cash. "Our high streets face a huge task in recovering with so many businesses closing their doors which will lead to a growing problem of dereliction and shuttered shops." If you would like to know more about the M & M Automotive Group, Inc. lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047. The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC, filed a lawsuit alleging that M & M Automotive Group, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The M & M Automotive Group, Inc. lawsuit, Case No. HG21086853, is currently pending in the Alameda County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. The lawsuit alleges M & M Automotive Group, Inc. violated the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), which gives rise to civil penalties as a result of M & M Automotive Group, Inc.'s conduct. PAGA allows aggrieved employees to step into the shoes of California state regulators to recover civil penalties, which means ordinary citizens are deputized as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code. PAGA authorizes aggrieved employees to file a lawsuit to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code violations. Cal. Lab. Code 226 provides that every employer shall furnish each of his or her employees with an accurate itemized wage statement in writing showing, among other things, gross wages earned and all applicable hourly rates in effect during the pay period and the corresponding amount of time worked at each hourly rate. M & M Automotive Group, Inc. failed to issue to its employees an itemized wage statement that lists all the requirements under Cal. Lab. Code 226. As a result, from time to time, M & M Automotive Group, Inc. provided its employees with wage statements which the California Labor Code. If you would like to know more about the M & M Automotive Group, Inc. lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland K. Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047. Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to helping employees and consumers fight back against employers and corporations for unfair employment practices. If you need help regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment issues in the workplace, contact one of their attorneys today. -THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT- WASHINGTON - In an affluent White neighborhood in Northwest Washington, a volunteer task force wants to atone for the racist policies that forced Black residents from their community a century ago. At another group's Zoom meeting, the moderator talked of rewriting zoning policies to crack the "invisible walls" that have excluded Blacks from their neighborhood. Their agenda, the moderator said, was to determine "what we can do to turn the tide against racism." The nationwide focus on racial equity - intensified by the coronavirus pandemic and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody - has trickled down to the realm of the local zoning board. Advocates in D.C. are invoking the need to correct past wrongs as they demand subsidized housing in affluent neighborhoods where low-cost apartments have always been scarce. The fate of their campaign rests with the D.C. Council, which in the coming weeks will vote on Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser's proposed changes to zoning policy. The revisions would allow taller apartment buildings on key corridors, potentially catalyzing the construction of tens of thousands of housing units, a portion of them subsidized. Bowser's push for more housing echoes efforts in Portland, Ore.; Minneapolis and Sacramento, Calif., where leaders seeking to lower costs have moved to relax zoning laws to allow more building in neighborhoods zoned for single-family homes. Across the Potomac River in Virginia, Fairfax County officials are considering similar changes. As in the past, talk of altering D.C. vistas is triggering opposition from preservationists and fierce debate on neighborhood listservs. Business leaders and developers say additional requirements for below-market units would discourage post-pandemic projects. And a chorus of voices - left-leaning activists among them - say Bowser's plan would add mainly to the city's stock of luxury housing, while doing little for the poor. But there is also conspicuous support for the Democratic mayor's proposed changes, as was evident during a recent community meeting in Cleveland Park, home to multimillion-dollar houses and a sleepy commercial strip that would be primed for 90-foot towers under the plan. "We should be welcoming everyone," Sauleh Siddiqui, a professor and a newly elected advisory neighborhood commissioner, said before voting for a resolution that passed supporting the changes. "I fear if we don't make space for everyone, there's really no way we can say we're going to be an inclusive and diverse community." Another proponent of the zoning changes, Rabbi Aaron Alexander of Adas Israel Congregation in Cleveland Park, recently urged congregants to place their desire for social justice above concerns about traffic congestion and overcrowding. "This might sting a little bit - it stung me," he said in a sermon, recounting what he has learned from advocates and developers during discussions about building affordable housing. "Those most likely to put signs on their lawns for the most progressive causes are also very likely to be the ones in community meetings saying, 'no more development.' " "We need more density, we need more affordable units so everyone has the chance to live in any neighborhood," Alexander said. Mark Rosenman, 77, a retired professor who has lived in Cleveland Park for 22 years, has no signs in his front yard. But he is a veteran of the civil rights movement and has advocated on behalf of the poor. He predicted that the rezoning Bowser wants would mainly generate a gush of new high-priced apartments, with a small number of subsidized units for moderate-income households. It's "offensive" to portray skeptics of the plan as "hypocritical," he said. "It's a way of tarring the opponent." - - - As she drives around the city, Rebecca Barson, a health care advocate, finds herself noticing encampments of people sleeping in tents in Dupont Circle and under highway overpasses. "It just feels unconscionable that this is happening in a city like ours," she said. Barson, 43, joined a grass-roots campaign seeking city support for converting a recently bankrupt hotel near her Woodley Park condominium - the Marriott Wardman Park - into a mix of retail and affordable housing. She has embraced the cause even as she contemplates the potential risk to her property value. "I'm not saying I'm not grappling with it - there could be a financial cost, personally, my apartment may not be worth as much," she said. "I also think I have benefited as a White person from systems I didn't create, and this is an important moment to do what's right for the greater good." Bowser has invoked the displacement of Black residents from a gentrifying city as she sells her plan to build 36,000 housing units by 2025, a third of them affordable. She set the goal in 2019, a year before the pandemic ravaged the economy and slowed real estate development. Since then, roughly 2,000 subsidized units have been built. To catalyze more, the mayor wants to require developers to include subsidized units as part of bigger buildings along rezoned portions of Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues and other corridors. The biggest chunk, about 2,000, would be in prosperous, predominantly White neighborhoods - Cleveland Park, Tenleytown, Friendship Heights and Chevy Chase - which have the smallest share of subsidized units in the city. The D.C. Council is expected to vote on those changes and other proposed revisions to the comprehensive plan - the voluminous guide to the city's future growth - by the end of the month. Under the revised policy, developers would have to devote up to 20% of square footage to below-market units - in some cases, more than double the existing requirement. Bowser's team also is exploring whether to expand inclusionary zoning - the policy that requires developers to include subsidized units in exchange for added density - to currently exempt areas such as downtown and portions of historic districts in Georgetown, Anacostia and Capitol Hill. John Falcicchio, deputy mayor for economic development, said that expanding overall housing supply, including subsidized units, is the path to controlling costs: "We either grow units or we price out residents." But developers and business leaders say D.C. officials should study the pandemic's full effect on city life before setting long-lasting policy. They predict that new regulatory requirements would stall the city's economic recovery, particularly downtown, which has been largely deserted during the pandemic. "It would cost the developers to create that additional housing - it comes out of their profits at a time when they are struggling," said Neil Albert, president of the Downtown Business Improvement District. "We think it's unfair to put that additional burden on landlords and developers." Some neighborhood leaders, particularly in poorer sections of the city, object to the prospect of additional subsidized housing in their communities. "We don't need any more," said Greta Fuller, co-president of the Historic Anacostia Preservation Society. "If we got market rate, there'd be a parade down Martin Luther King Avenue." Across town in Cleveland Park, opponents of the mayor's plan say new high-rises would overwhelm their shopping area, a designated historic district on Connecticut Avenue that includes the shuttered Uptown Theater, a relic of the Art Deco era. "You're going to have a serious impact on the character and nature of our community," Bonnie LePard, a member of the Cleveland Park Historical Society, said at the recent neighborhood meeting, which drew nearly 200 viewers. She added that the new buildings threatened to turn the corridor into a "canyon." Advocates for low-income families, meanwhile, dismiss Bowser's strategy as providing too little for the poor. Of the 9,500 affordable housing units built from 2015 to 2019, 20% were for households identified as "extremely low-income," according to city data, which is up to $37,000 for a family of four. Nearly 60% were affordable at higher income levels, about $80,000 for a four-person household. Of the 989 affordable housing units built under inclusionary zoning, nearly three-quarters were affordable to those earning up to 80% of the median family income for the Washington region, which is about $100,000 for a four-person household. "In the name of racial equity, they're pushing a program that will continue to displace Black people from D.C.," said Parisa Norouzi, executive director of Empower DC, an advocacy group. "All these people want is to sprinkle the word equitable into things that aren't equitable. It's all smoke and mirrors." - - - As other D.C. neighborhoods have transformed over generations, the four Connecticut Avenue blocks that are Chevy Chase's commercial core are a time capsule to a bygone era: one- and two-story buildings, with a toy store over here, a liquor store over there, and a movie theater in-between. A plaque at Chevy Chase Circle - a gateway to D.C. - honors the neighborhood's founder, Francis Newlands, a senator from Nevada who wrote of Blacks as an inferior race and sought to strip them of their voting rights "A lot of people consider our community a quaint little village," said Randy Speck, a neighborhood leader. "It can be other things, too." Speck is part of a volunteer Chevy Chase task force exploring the neighborhood's early racism, when leaders used eminent domain to force out Black families and restrictive covenants ensured they could not return. The Task Force on Racism, as the group is known, wants to find ways to diversify a quiet, leafy neighborhood that a century later remains overwhelmingly White and prosperous. Residents "could continue living our lives as if history does not matter because we can regard ourselves as good people who aren't actively denying another person the opportunity to live here," a task force committee wrote in a report. But, it added, "complacency is a corrosive factor contributing to today's injustices." Lisa Gore, a task force member, said she has learned history during its meetings that she did not know after having resided in Chevy Chase for two decades. "It was surreal because you're living in an environment that wasn't designed for you - and you're talking about it with White people," said Gore, 53, a Black retired federal law enforcement officer recently elected to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. "At the same time, it's history we need to come to terms with." That means more, she said, than removing Newland's plaque from the traffic circle, as some residents have been seeking. It requires allowing "for Black and Brown Washington to get a chance for the affordability pie here in Chevy Chase." The task force endorsed rezoning the neighborhood's commercial core to allow for more housing, including subsidized units. It also recommended that the city rebuild the Chevy Chase Library and Community Center to accommodate affordable apartments - an idea that Mary Rowse, a longtime neighborhood activist, dismissed as unnecessary. "Such a project could take years and millions of dollars without a guarantee that more than a token number of units are available to those in need," she wrote in an email. Instead of new construction, Rowse said, the city could buy and convert to housing retail sites such as Mazza Gallerie and a vacant Lord & Taylor, both in Friendship Heights. Or the government could offer financial incentives to induce apartment owners to sell units that could then be made "available as low-income housing." "Today, in Chevy Chase D.C.," Rowse said, "we have all the buildings we need to create affordable housing units for many people." Peter Gosselin, a journalist also recently elected to the ANC, said local businesses would benefit from overhauling a commercial strip that - particularly since the pandemic - "looks like one of those Midwestern towns where the guts got sucked out because they put a Walmart on the outskirts." "I, like many of my neighbors, find the history tragic and discouraging," he said. "This place is better than its history, and history calls us to do better." But he and others question whether expanding the neighborhood's number of duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes - something the task force suggests studying - would create enough lower-cost housing to make a substantial difference. "We're talking about a drip, drip, drip of units." The disagreements percolating in Chevy Chase, Gosselin said, are not about "the need to act." "The divide," he said, "is on what the solution is." Human activity is changing the surface and temperature of the planet. But new research shows it is also changing the sound of the Earths oceans and seas. Scientists say the changes in the sounds of our oceans, seas, and other waterways affect many marine animals -- from very small shrimp to huge whales. Sound travels "very far underwater, Francis Juanes told the Associated Press. Juanes is an ecologist at the University of Victoria in Canada. He is also co-writer of the recent research published in the magazine, Science. For fish, he explained, sound is probably a better way to sense their environment than light. Sounds help fish and other marine animals survive. They use sounds to communicate with each other. Sounds also help some ocean animals find food and avoid their hunters. Many ocean animals use sounds to find good places to mate. However, increased noise from humans is making it harder for these animals to hear each other. The noise is coming from shipping traffic, motorized fishing ships, underwater oil and gas exploration, offshore construction, and other noisy human activity. For many marine species, their attempts to communicate are being masked by sounds that humans have introduced, said Carlos Duarte. The marine ecologist at the Red Sea Research Center in Saudi Arabia co-wrote the paper with Juanes. Experts at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, explain the term masking on its website. Masking happens when one or more noises in the water block sound important to a marine animals existence. The Red Sea, Duarte said, is one of the worlds most important shipping passages. It is full of large ships traveling to Asia, Europe, and Africa. Some fish and other animals, he said, now avoid the noisiest areas. Also, the overall number of marine animals has gone down by about half since 1970. In some parts of the ocean, scientists now record fewer animals singing and calling than in the past those voices are gone, said Duarte. Juanes and Duarte examined studies and research articles documenting changes in noise volume and frequency in the worlds oceans. Then they put together a detailed picture of how the ocean soundscape is changing and how marine life is affected. Scientists use underwater devices to record fish sounds. These sounds are in the same low frequencies as shipping traffic noise. NOAA experts state that masking is most noticeable when a noise is at the same frequency and loudness as biologically important sounds, such as mating calls. Climate change, the researchers found, also affect physical processes that shape ocean sounds. These include such things as wind, waves, and melting ice Experts at NOAA say that effects of noise on marine mammals are not well understood. However, some studies suggest that noise may cause hearing loss. The stress from human noise might also affect the immune system - an animals natural defense system - as well as reproductive health or behavior. Imagine having to raise your kids in a place thats noisy all the time, said Joe Roman. He is a marine ecologist at the University of Vermont and was not involved in the research. Roman added that it should come as no surprise that many marine animals are showing higher levels of stress due to noise. Another marine ecologist not involved with the paper is Neil Hammerschlag of the University of Miami. When people think of threats facing the ocean, he said, we often think of climate change, plastics, and overfishing. But noise pollution is another essential thing we need to be monitoring. If you make something for the ocean, Hammerschlag suggested, think about how to make it quieter. Scientist Juanes says sound pollution may be easier to deal with than other ocean threats. In theory, he said, you can reduce or turn off sound immediately. Its not like plastics or climate change, which are much harder to undo. Im Anna Matteo. The Associated Press reported this story. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Quiz - Humans Are Making Oceans Too Noisy Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story marine adj. of or relating to the sea or the plants and animals that live in the sea introduce v. to put in communicate v. to give information about (something) to someone by speaking, writing, moving your hands, etc. species n. biology : a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants : a group of related animals or plants that is smaller than a genus volume n. the degree of loudness or the intensity of a sound frequency n. the number of waves of sound or energy that pass by a point every second stress n. a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc. essential adj. extremely important or necessary monitor v. to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose In a photo taken on July 28, 2017, a Korean People's Army guide walks aboard the USS Pueblo at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang, North Korea. A U.S. court has ordered North Korea to pay damages to the crew and family of the spy ship USS Pueblo, who were tortured and mistreated for 11 months in 1968 after being captured by the North Korean navy. AFP A US court has ordered North Korea to pay damages to the crew and family of the spy ship USS Pueblo, who were tortured and mistreated for 11 months in 1968 after being captured by the North Korean navy. The Washington federal court said that the surviving members of the crew and families of those now dead are owed compensatory damages for confinement and suffering of $1.15 billion and doubled that for punitive damages against Pyongyang. It said many of the 83-strong crew, one of whom was killed by the North Koreans when they seized the Pueblo on January 23, 1968, were mentally and physically abused during their captivity. In addition, wrote Alan Balaran, the government-appointed "special master" in the case to decide how damages were to be apportioned, most suffered long-lasting after-effects, both psychological and physical. "As a result of the barbarity inflicted by the North Koreans, almost all required medical and/or psychiatric intervention," Balaran wrote. "Many have undergone invasive surgical procedures to ameliorate the physical damage resulting from the relentless torture they underwent as prisoners," he wrote. "Several have attempted to numb their pain through alcohol and drugs, and most have seen their domestic and/or professional lives deteriorate. A few have contemplated suicide." The lawsuit was only brought in 2018 after the US Justice Department ruled that, despite a law giving foreign government's broad immunity from suits in US courts, they could be sued if the government had been designated a state sponsor of international terrorism. In late 2017 the Trump administration officially declared North Korea a sponsor of terror. The Pueblo was on its first voyage as a US Navy spy ship, under the guise of an environmental research vessel. Pyongyang says it was in North Korean waters when it was captured, which Washington denied. But it came as the US was mired in a war in Vietnam and just as North Korean operators entered South Korea and tried to assassinate president Park Chung-hee. That effort failed, but a number of South Koreans were killed and the seizure of the Pueblo crew complicated Seoul's desire to respond militarily. The crew was freed after nearly a year of negotiations in December 1968, but Pyongyang held onto the Pueblo, making it into a museum. The US Navy still maintains it on its roster of active ships. The court, in a final ruling on Wednesday, awarded damages of $22 million to $48 million to each of the 49 surviving crew members, and smaller sums to about 100 family members. North Korea was not represented in the case, and it was not clear whether and how the victims expected to recover damages. (AFP) A hotel in Roseburg, Oregon, has been fined $31,000 for overcharging dozens of area residents who sought rooms after fleeing a large wildfire in September. The News-Review reports SUBH Investment LLC, which does business as Days Inn by Wyndham in Roseburg, entered into an agreement with the Oregon Department of Justice on Monday. Devon Kumar, who lives in a suburb of Portland, is listed with the state as the owner of the Days Inn. He declined to comment when contacted by the newspaper. Kumar agreed to pay $31,000 in fines to the state department of Justice, spread out in payments over the next six months. At the time of the Archie Creek Fire, the Days Inn rented or offered to rent at least 31 rooms at a price that was at least 15% higher than the normal room price, the agreement said. The single highest rate Days Inn charged in October was $150 a night, yet during the fire the hotel rented 12 different rooms for over $200 a night, including six rooms for over $300 a night, the Department of Justice said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Oregon KANSAS CITY, Kan., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With millions of people in the Southwest still struggling in the aftermath of recent winter storms, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national dairy cooperative of farm families, announced today that it will donate $50,000 through its DFA Cares Foundation to Southwest food banks and Feeding Texas to help with relief and recovery efforts. "As farmers, we work hard each and every day to help make food for our local communities," says Larry Hancock, a dairy farmer from Muleshoe, Texas, and a member of DFA's Board of Directors. "It's important to help others out, and I'm incredibly proud that our Cooperative is helping to feed individuals and families who are facing tough times from this storm." Last spring, as Americans faced unprecedented hardships and demand for food skyrocketed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, DFA launched its DFA Cares Farmers Feeding Families Fund, which was created to help raise money and deliver dairy products to community food banks across the country. To date, the Farmers Feeding Families Fund has raised more than $675,000 thanks to generous donations from DFA farmer-owners, employees and industry partners and has supported rural and community food banks and pantries throughout the Southwest. "The pandemic already pushed more Texans than ever to access food assistance from food banks. But the need is even higher as we strive to help Texas families recover from the impact of the recent winter storms," said Celia Cole, Chief Executive Officer at Feeding Texas. "We are grateful for DFA's support in helping Texas food banks keep their communities nourished through this crisis." For more information about DFA's Farmers Feeding Families Fund or to make a donation, go to dfamilk.com/our-commitment/dfa-cares. About Dairy Farmers of America: Dairy Farmers of America is a national, farmer-owned dairy cooperative focusing on quality, innovation and the future of family dairies. While supporting and serving more than 13,000 family farm-owners, DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including fluid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more that connect our Cooperative's family farms to family tables with regional brands such as Alta Dena, Meadow Gold, Friendly's Ice Cream, Borden Cheese, Plugra Butter and Kemps to name a few. On a global scale, we work with some of the world's largest food companies to develop ingredients their customers are craving, while staying committed to social responsibility and ethical farming. For more information, please visit dfamilk.com . SOURCE Dairy Farmers of America Related Links www.dfamilk.com The Founders Understanding of Equality Commentary All people are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential and unalienable rights. John Adams We have reached a time when each of us must make an effort to rediscover what Adams and Jefferson and the other Founders meant when they declared that we are all created equal. For over a century, instead of trying to help each generation of Americans understand the Founders idea of America, political thinkers in academia and their minions in the press have made a concerted effort to replace the Founders vision. They have worked to redefine the very terms that the Founders used. No term has suffered more at their hands than equality. It is remarkable that while the Founders writings were focused on equality, public discourse today focuses on social and economic inequality; inequality has replaced equality as the term of art in discussing America. This focus on inequality is part of the assault on the American idea that we see every day in the media and in academia. It has become an important source of many Americans confusion about America, causing many Americans to doubt that America is an exemplary country, or even a good one. Today, an ever-expanding notion of inequality dominates public discourse. Assigning grades to schoolwork has come under attack for promoting inequality, as has using merit to determine who is to be admitted to Americas universities. The Founders would have found this preoccupation with inequalityand the understanding of equality implied by itsimply absurd. So if we need to rediscover what the Founders meant when they declared that we are created equal, how shall we go about it? I propose that we begin by turning to the most famous passage in the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. We all are familiar with these words. Our problem is that we are too familiar with them. We have too often heard them without really listening and have skimmed them without striving for their meaning. What to do? When we want to discover how a mechanical device works, one way to proceed is by disassembling and then reassembling it. To give this passage from the Declaration an opportunity to speak to us afresh, I propose that we use the same technique: lets disassemble it into its elements and then put it back together again. Breaking it down gives us these four elements: Self-evident truths Created equal Unalienable rights Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness Restoring the structure and making the structure graphically evident, we get: Self-evident truths: 1. we are all equal 2. we all have unalienable rights 3. among those unalienable rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness This layout makes it clear that number 3 simply offers examples of unalienable rights. Consequently, numbers 2 and 3 can be shown like this: 2. we have unalienable rights a. examples are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness Reassembling the whole now gives us this: Self-evident truths: 1. we are all equal 2. we all have unalienable rights a. examples are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness Let us note that in the Declaration, self-evident truths occupies the highest position. Setting aside that fascinating discussion for now, our layout of the elements makes it clear that the proposition that we are all equal and the proposition that we all have unalienable rights can now be placed side by sideprecisely as they are in the Adams quotation with which we began: All people are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential and unalienable rights. We are all equal; we all possess unalienable rights. These propositions are two sides of the same coin. For the American Founders, we are all equal in that we all possess unalienable rights equally; these two truths are, at heart, one truth. This way of relating our equality and our unalienable rights provides a precise definition of the Founders idea of equality. Endowed equally with unalienable rights by our Creator, we are created equal. After all, what was the idea at the core of the American founding? Was it not the Founders radically new understanding of our rights? According to George Washington, the American Founding occurred at a time when the rights of mankind were better understood and more clearly defined than at any former period. Alexander Hamilton put it like this: The sacred rights of mankind are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of Divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power. The new understanding of the rights of mankind that electrified the Founders was the idea of unalienable rights. Jefferson, Adams, and the other Founders were deeply concerned with unalienable rights. According to the Founders, our unalienable rights, as Adams wrote, are natural and essential. It is all there in the Declaration. Look again at the passage from the Declaration above. Note that the term unalienable rights gets the greater share of attention: twenty-two words, as opposed to six; and two complete clauses, instead of one. That reflects the Founders special emphasis on unalienable rights. Consequently, understanding the Founders idea of equality requires us to understand unalienable rights. And to understand unalienable rights, we must understand why they are referred to as unalienable: that is a very unusual word, familiar to us only because we know it from the Declaration. Unalienable, obviously, means not alienablesomething that is unalienable cannot be alienated. But what does it mean to alienate something? Or rather, what did it mean to the Founders? Today, we mostly use the term with reference to a breakdown in interpersonal relations. The first definition in my dictionary is to cause a person to become unfriendly or indifferent; estrange: alienate a friend. That is not what the Founders had in mind. Here is the definition relevant to their meaning: Law: to transfer property to the ownership of another. We alienate property when we sell it, when we give it away, or when we leave it to our heirs. In common speech in the time of the Founders, to alienate was to transfer the title of a property to another person. The Founders use of unalienable had a clear significance that was readily recognized in their time. The Founders had a special purpose for using the language of the legal transfer of property in the negative (un-alienable), with reference to our rights: to make clear that our natural, essential, and inherent rights are not our property. In fact, they were doing more: they were evoking a subtle and profound argument that directly challenged John Lockes account of rights. That argument takes us to the source of the Founders use of the term unalienable. Here is Francis Hutcheson, in his A System of Moral Philosophy (1755), rejecting Lockes account of our rights: Our rights are either alienable or unalienable. . . . [O]ur right to our goods and labours is naturally alienable. Locke placed property at the core of his account: Man hath by nature a power to preserve his propertythat is, his life, liberty and estate. For Locke, property is the overarching concept; it gets special emphasis by appearing twiceestate is another word for property. By making the case that our rights to our life and to our liberty are such that we cannot alienate them, Hutcheson was arguing that Locke had not correctly characterized our relation to our lives and our liberty. Locke had made what philosophers call a category mistake. Property is alienable; unalienable rights are not property. The Founders faced a double challenge. Their century offered two political paradigms: the facts on the ground the world over; and the challenge to those facts represented by the enormous influence of John Locke. In their time, one could travel around the world and find that virtually everywhere, people were ruled by monarchskings, emperors, the tsarwho claimed to rule by divine right or by the mandate of heaven. Locke, on the other hand, claimed for the peopleor, at least, the subjects of Britains kingcertain rights that they possessed as property. The Founders went beyond Locke to declare that the British king had no right to rule them, doing so without adopting Lockes account of rights. With Hutchesons help, they used Lockes thinking as a springboard for a great leap forward in how we think about our rights. What, then, about property? What is its place in the Founders firmament? Did they simply drop property from the constellation of their ideas? For the answer, lets return to Adams: All people are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness. [emphasis added] Our right to acquire, possess, and protect our property is one of our unalienable rights; it is found with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For Locke, property explained rights. For the Founders, understanding our rights, including our property rights, requires Hutchesons subtle analysis in terms of alienable rights and unalienable ones. With a clear understanding of unalienable rights, we can return to the Founders understanding of equality. For the Founders, our natural equality and our unalienable rights define each other. The golden coin of liberty has two sides: on one side is our natural equality; and on the other, our unalienable rights. The enemies of American liberty in academia and the media have substituted a counterfeit, now in wide circulation in our nation. This debased coin of the political realm is easy to recognize. On one side is the debased understanding of equality; it claims to legitimize government redistributing property, robbing Peter to give to Paul. Call it the CP side, for confiscation of property. On the other side, in place of unalienable rights, are the ever-expanding dictates of political correctness. Call it the PC side. The Founders believed that we have a natural and unalienable right to judge for ourselves. Today in America, political correctness increasingly determines which of our thoughts and feelings are forbidden and which are required. Americans who accept this counterfeit without protest do so because they have forgotten, or never knew, the look and feel of the real thing. The wisdom of the Founders is nowhere more evident than in their profound understanding of equality. They understood that equality decoupled from strong individual rights, rights understood as inherent and unalienable, would inevitably result in despotism. That is what has occurred everywhere in the world where it has been tried. For one example, consider Cuba. Castro promised that communism would establish equality in Cuba. Once in power, Castro and his henchmen set about confiscating the Cuban peoples property and systematically violating their rights to life and liberty. It can happen in the United States, too. The further we as a people drift from the Founders idea of equality, the nearer we come to being a once-free people who have lost our liberty. From RealClearWire. Robert Curry is an independent scholar and author of Common Sense Nation: Unlocking the Forgotten Power of the American Idea and Reclaiming Common Sense: Finding Truth in a Post-Truth World, both from Encounter Books. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. She officially confirmed her romance with her new man earlier this month, with the couple first meeting five years ago. And Ferne McCann looked happier than ever with boyfriend Jack Padgett as the pair shared a passionate kiss while celebrating their pal's 30th birthday on Sunday. The former TOWIE star, 30, dressed up to the nines as she shared a series of Instagram snaps with beau Jack and the birthday boy Carl Cunard. Smooch: Ferne McCann looked happier than ever with boyfriend Jack Padgett as the pair shared a passionate kiss while celebrating their pal's 30th birthday on Sunday Ferne appeared very enamored with the model as she wrapped her arms around his neck as they locked lips in the kitchen. Jack appeared equally as taken with his new girlfriend, whom he recently moved in with, as he placed his arms around her waist. The couple then posed up a storm for another snap, with Ferne seen pouting away at the camera. The mum-of-one was keen to document the night as she shared images of her cosying up to friend Carl, who she also lives with, amid his elaborate birthday decor. Happy couple: The former TOWIE star, 30, dressed up to the nines as she shared a series of Instagram snaps with beau Jack and the birthday boy Carl Cunard Ferne also couldn't resist the opportunity to show off her shimmering champagne party dress which she slipped into for the special occasion. Sharing a clip of her outfit, the TV personality looked incredible as she showcased her toned physique in the skimpy, backless number. Ferne, who added a glittering pair of drop earrings, swept her blonde tresses into a sleek ponytail for the night, while she upped the glam with a sweep of dewy make-up. Strike a pose: The mum-of-one was keen to document the night as she shared images of her cosying up to friend Carl, who she also lives with, amid his elaborate birthday decor All that glitters: Ferne also couldn't resist the opportunity to show off her shimmering champagne party dress which she slipped into for the special occasion Earlier this month, Ferne admitted that moving in together so quickly has 'fast-forwarded' her romance with her 'calm and kind' beau. Speaking in an interview with MailOnline, the mother-of-one explained while she initially found the prospect of letting a new man into her life 'daunting', she is confident she has found the 'right person' in longtime friend Jack. Discussing her new Get Your Groove Back plan on her fitness app, Embodyment With Ferne, she told MailOnline: 'You have to want to work at it. You can't just be with someone and that's it, you have to want to be with each other and co-exist. Glamour: Sharing a clip of her outfit, the TV personality looked incredible as she showcased her toned physique in the skimpy, backless number Flaunt: Ferne, who added a glittering pair of drop earrings, swept her blonde tresses into a sleek ponytail for the night, while she upped the glam with a sweep of dewy make-up 'It's about learning to want to be together and I'm loving it, he's so calm and kind and measured, but also fun. 'I feel very happy and lucky really. It's a new experience being with someone in a relationship which I actually want to work on.' Ferne added: 'Dating right now is completely different and has changed so much for everyone so you've got to be creative. 'I think it's all fast-forwarded, that's why we decided to quarantine together and do this lockdown together, and it's going well so far.' New couple: Earlier this month, Ferne admitted that moving in together so quickly has 'fast-forwarded' her romance with her 'calm and kind' beau The couple first met five years ago while partying in the Spanish holiday hotspot of Marbella and stayed friends, before reuniting on a romantic basis in late 2020. Ferne told MailOnline: 'It makes me laugh when people ask, "Where did you meet?" and I say "Marbella". It sounds like such a typical Essex thing, even though he's not from Essex. 'With social media, we've always kept in touch and followed each other on Instagram. A 'learning' process: The reality star, 30, went public with the model in late December, and she admitted moving in together so quickly has 'fast-forwarded' her romance with her beau 'He does events, so we went to a brunch during the time when restaurants were allowed to be open in the UK last year. 'I was telling my friends I really wanted to go out for food and then Jack was doing an event, and the rest is history. 'I feel like it was timing, I've known him ages but I feel like it was just our time.' Mumbai, March 1 : Television actress Soma Rathod, who is part of the sitcom Jijaji Chhat Parr Koii Haii, says she has always been a big fan of comedy. The actor, who has been a part of comedy projects including Pyar Mein Thoda Twist, Jijaji Chhat Par Hai and Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai, feels that people have always found her funny. "I have never found comedy challenging. I have noticed that wherever I go, I have been able to make people laugh. I have always been fond of making people smile. This is why comedy has always come very naturally to me," she says. One might feel it's tough to make people laugh when one is low, but not Soma. The actor says that no matter how she is feeling personally, she has never made that as an excuse to not shoot her shows. "I have always believed that the show must go on. No matter how my mood is, I know that I need to make my audience laugh. I have shot in 102-103 degree fever and my sugar was like 500. I have still shot my show even at a time when I thought that I cannot even stand. There was this one time when I broke my foot but I continued to shoot and after a few days I went to the doctor and he was amazed," she says. Jijaji Chhat Parr Koii Haii airs on SAB TV and also stars Hiba Nawab and Shubhashish Jha. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text (Natural News) An Oracle executive has built his own personal power grid in Northern California in place of relying on the lower grid. To power his home in the town of Woodside, in Californias San Mateo County, Wim Coekaerts decided to forego connecting to the local power grid. Instead, faced with the cost of having power brought to his home, the Oracle exec instead decided to make his own microgrid. Coekaerts built microgrid due to the unreliability of Californias power grid Coekaerts creation of a microgrid for his home was in part motivated by financial need. New homes without utility service in Woodside are required to pay for wires to be buried underground. In Coekaerts case, he was faced with having to pay Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. (PG&E) roughly $100,000 for engineering work on top of also having to foot the bill for trenching. Combined with the fact that PG&E has often failed to provide stable electricity in recent years amid increasingly ferocious wildfires, Coekaerts decided to go on his own. (Related: California power grid on the brink of collapse.) The first main hurdle that Coekaerts faced was the size of his house, which spans 2,800 square feet. With this in mind, he conducted research on possible microgrid solutions that would allow him to build a self-sufficient energy system that could power his entire house, with the electricity stored on site. This is not a tiny home, said Coekaerts. A lot of people say they are off grid, but they have a tiny house where they only need two solar panels. I didnt want to have a lifestyle where Im just getting by. This is a normal house with normal energy consumption, and I can charge my car if needed. To this end, Coekarts looked at Tesla and its Powerpack battery system. Working with San Francisco-based solar company Luminalt, Coekaerts installed five ground-mounted arrays of 15 solar panels each, 75 solar panels in total, all connected to a 232 kWh Tesla Powerpack. Total cost of Coekaerts grid, including permitting, labor for the installation and a federal tax credit for the solar system, was roughly $300,000. Others also looking into microgrids Coekaerts isnt the only executive looking to microgrids in an effort to lessen their reliance on already shaky power grids around America. Other Silicon Valley executives looking into microgrids include Oracle chairman and chief technology officer Larry Ellison, who has expressed interest in a microgrid for Lanai, the small island in Hawaii that he bought back in 2012. Ellison, who also sits on Teslas board of directors, has already incorporated other Tesla technologies into his island, including the states first Supercharger for charging Tesla vehicles. Tesla has since disclosed in a regulatory filing that director James Murdoch purchased a Powerpack system for the company in 2019 for $600,000. It also noted that, in 2020, a company affiliated with Ellison entered into an agreement for preliminary design services from us for an estimated $400,000, relating to the potential future implementation of a Tesla Energy system. In California, PG&E lists more than half a million residential solar customers, with at least 18,000 having installed some form of battery energy storage system. Solar plus storage has now become a common buzzword in the state. Here, residents use solar panels to harvest sunlight into electricity, then use a home battery to store it for later use, such as at night. But its not just limited to California. Last week the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the flow of electricity to more than 26 million Texans, was crippled after a snowstorm led to widespread power outages that left millions in the cold in their homes. In response to this, early adopters such as Coekaerts are encouraging others who can afford it to invest in a microgrid. Im not a prepper, but I want to be self-reliant, he states. And theres a cool factor to this. If I can do this, other people can do it too. Its nice to be on the forefront of something that is coming. Follow OffGrid.news to learn more on how to live without relying on the power grid, even if you arent a billionaire. Sources include: Bloomberg.com BusinessInsider.com Participants in the meeting on a COVID-19 response extra budget pose at the National Assembly in Seoul, Sunday. From left are Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Lee Nak-yon, floor leader Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon and presidential chief of staff for policy Kim Sang-jo. Yonhap The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the government agreed Sunday to allot 19.5 trillion won ($17.3 billion) for the country's fourth round of COVID-19 relief assistance. The agreement was made during a tripartite meeting of the DPK, the government and Cheong Wa Dae, attended by DPK Chairman Rep. Lee Nak-yon and Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun as well as Kim Sang-jo, the presidential chief of staff for policy. The upcoming aid package will be funded by an extra budget bill worth 15 trillion won, with the remaining 4.5 trillion won to be assigned from the 2021 state budget, according to DPK spokesman Rep. Huh Young. After pushing the budget bill through a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the government is planning to submit it to the National Assembly on Thursday for final approval. For its part, the ruling party is planning to expedite the bill's passage by the National Assembly, so that the new relief funds can be distributed as early as late March, according to the party spokesman. "Having increased the amount of benefit money, the fourth round of relief funds will be provided in a beefier and more extensive manner," DPK Chairman Lee noted, adding that 2 million more people may benefit from the upcoming assistance compared with the past. "I couldn't help thinking about the level of increase in sovereign debts, which will burden the next generations, but the party and the government agreed that recovering the livelihood of people (of today) needs to be the top priority," Prime Minister Chung noted. According to the DPK chairman, the upcoming aid package has been designed to benefit a broader range of small businesses and self-employed people who closed or cut down business operations due to the state's social distancing orders. The party spokesman added that the upcoming extra spending bill has three pillars emergency relief assistance to small businesses and other vulnerable people, emergency employment measures and antivirus plans. The relief assistance, in particular, will newly include micro businesses with five or more employees as its benefiters as well as businesses with annual sales of less than 1 billion won, an increase from the previous cap of 400 million won, according to Huh. Under the package, small business owners or self-employed people will also be given up to a 50 percent discount in electric charges for three months, the spokesman said. The costs for the national COVID-19 vaccination program, including those for vaccine purchases, will be covered by the upcoming extra spending bill, Huh added. Through the previous three rounds of COVID-19 relief funds, South Korea has distributed a total of 31.4 trillion won to small businesses and other vulnerable people hit by the brunt of the pandemic. This also included a total of 14.3 trillion won worth of stimulus checks given to all households in May. (Yonhap) Flash The second batch of China's Sinovac vaccine arrived in Mexico on Saturday, the Mexican Ministry of Health said. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard thanked China for supporting the country by providing the vaccine and said that the arrival of the vaccine has helped the government continue its vaccination campaign. China is "fulfilling the commitment to support Mexico," Ebrard said. "This vividly demonstrates both China's sincere support for its brother and partner, and its dedication to building a community of health for all," Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Zhu Qingqiao said. "China is willing to work together with Mexico, persevering in the spirit of solidarity and mutual support, to further strengthen cooperation in the fight against the pandemic with a focus on vaccine cooperation," Zhu added. On Feb. 20, the first batch of the Sinovac vaccine arrived in Mexico City and the Mexican health authorities distributed the doses this week to the elderly in the municipality of Ecatepec, one of the areas that have been the hardest hit by the pandemic. The vaccination campaign in Mexico began last December with medical and health personnel as the first inoculated group, and in mid-February a phase began to vaccinate older adults in poor areas. Mexico has registered more than 2 million COVID-19 cases and more than 184,000 deaths, and now ranks the third in the number of deaths, behind the United States and Brazil, according to Johns Hopkins University. Comes just weeks after Meghan and Prince Harry revealed that there were expecting their second child Oprah, 67, asks Meghan whether she was 'silent or silenced' - presumably referring to the royals The expectant mother says nothing in the trailer, while fielding questions from Oprah about royal life Duchess of Sussex gazed into the host's eyes and placed hands on her baby bump as she answered questions Meghan, 39, donned a $4,700 Armani dress as she sat down for the 90-minute CBS exclusive interview Advertisement Pregnant Meghan Markle proudly cradled her baby bump while showing off her growing stomach in a teaser trailer for her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey - her most high-profile appearance since she and Prince Harry revealed they are expecting their second child later this year. The 39-year-old emphasized her blossoming baby bump in a $4,700 black Armani dress, which was belted above her stomach and featured floral embroidery over one shoulder. She paired the look with some simple heels from designer Aquazurra and wore a necklace from sustainable designer Pippa Small. Meghan placed a hand on her bump while fielding questions from 67-year-old TV mogul Oprah - who asked her about her brief time as a royal, and her decision to quit palace life with her husband last year. Meghan says nothing in either of the short teaser clips that have been released, however Oprah's line of questioning makes clear the sensitive topics that will be covered - some, if not all of which will likely send fears through the palace over what potentially-uncomfortable revelations may come to light during the primetime sit-down. In what could be seen as a warning to the royal family, Oprah reminds viewers that 'there is no subject that is off limits' while sitting opposite the former Suits star, who simply nods her head in agreement with the bold statement. Oprah then asks a somber-looking Meghan: 'Were you silent or were you silenced?' in what appears to be another jab at the royal family - this time over the palace's treatment of the Duchess. Later in the interview, Oprah refers to comments Meghan appears to have made about life in the royal family being 'almost un-survivable.' Pregnant Meghan Markle is seen cradling her baby bump and clutching Prince Harry's hand in a teaser trailer for the couple's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey - who is seen questioning the Duchess about whether she was 'silenced' The Duchess of Sussex, 39, who is expecting her second baby with Harry, 36, later this year, is not seen speaking during the teaser, however her somber expression speaks volumes about the type of controversial topics that might be covered No subject was off limits. The worlds first look at Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special pic.twitter.com/8hoxc023mX Omid Scobie (@scobie) March 1, 2021 Although Meghan says nothing during the two teaser clips that have been released, the videos are likely to prompt fresh fears within Buckingham Palace about what revelations she may bring to light during the interview, particularly when it comes to her experiences of life within the royal family. In what could well be seen as a warning to the royal family, Oprah reminds viewers that 'there is no subject that is off limits' during the interview Thus far, the Duchess has not addressed her decision to quit royal life directly, and it is likely that her sit-down with Oprah will be the first time that she discusses her reasons for leaving the UK, and what it was like for her to join the royal family. Both are topics that could well bring up potentially-embarrassing revelations for the palace. In another part of her interview with Meghan, Oprah appeared to reference comments Meghan previously made where she called life as a royal 'almost un-survivable.' '"Almost un-survivable" sounds like there was a breaking point,' Oprah said to Meghan. Similarly there are fears about what Prince Harry may disclose during the primetime interview, including the rift with his brother Prince William. The 36-year-old is much more vocal in the teaser clips, reflecting on his late mother Princess Diana's troubled life and tragic death, telling Oprah that his 'biggest fear was history repeating itself', while describing the process of leaving the royal family as 'unbelievably tough'. Harry said he was 'relieved' to be opening up with Meghan by his side - adding that he can't imagine what his mother endured while 'going through this process by herself.' 'I'm just really relieved and happy to be sitting here talking to you with my wife by my side because I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for her going through this process by herself all those years ago,' Harry said. 'Because it's been unbelievably tough for the two of us but at least we have each other.' As the trailer drew to a close, the couple held hands as Oprah said to them: 'You've said some pretty shocking things here.' Oprah's very rare sit-down interview with Prince Harry and Meghan is scheduled to air on CBS at 8pm on March 7. The teaser will raise fears at Buckingham Palace that the interview will be a no-holds barred airing of the couple's feud with the Royals - weeks after their 'petulant' and 'horribly disrespectful' swipe at The Queen telling her 'service is universal' left Prince William and courtiers furious. The way the couple blindsided the Palace and the Queen with the Oprah deal also created anger and prompted the announcement that they would lose their royal patronages. Sitting down with Meghan alone, Oprah asks her, 'Were you silent or were you silenced?' in what appears to be a question about the Duchess' relationship with the royal family The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands as they sat down for the exclusive 90-minute CBS interview which is due to air next week - and has already sparked a host of controversy and questions about what revelations will come to light Speaking volumes: Meghan is not seen speaking during the teaser clips, however Oprah's line of questioning makes clear the sensitive topics that will be covered - something that will no doubt spark serious concerns with the palace It has been unbelievably tough for the two of us but at least we had each other, Harry tells @Oprah in this preview clip first shared on @60Minutes this evening. pic.twitter.com/bf0A06OG5w Omid Scobie (@scobie) March 1, 2021 The trailers for the interview just weeks after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are currently residing in California, confirmed they were preparing to welcome a brother or sister for their son Archie, who will be two in May, later this year. A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry said this month: 'We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.' The couple shared their announcement - aptly on Valentine's Day - by posting a black and white image of Harry resting his hand on Meghan's head as she lay in his lap underneath a tree. 'The photograph of the Duke and Duchess was was taken by the couple's longtime friend Misan Harriman. What wonderful news for the Sussexes!!' their spokesperson added. Harry and Meghan shocked the world last year when they stepped down as senior royals and announced they were moving to North America with baby Archie, who will turn two in May. The couple have been hunkering down at a sprawling nine-bedroom mansion in Montecito that they purchased for $14.65 million last June. Their baby announcement came just days after Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie welcomed a baby boy on February 9. Baby Sussex will be the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's 10th or 11th great-grandchild, depending on whether he or she arrives before or after Zara Tindall's baby, which is also due in 2021. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing to welcome their second child, a spokesperson confirmed this month He or she will still be eighth-in-line to the throne, bumping the Duke of York, Andrew, to the ninth slot and knocking his youngest daughter Eugenie out of the top 10. Last year baby loss charities applauded Meghan Markle for providing a 'vital step in breaking down that stigma and shame' around miscarriage after she revealed the 'unbearable grief' she had suffered after losing her second baby. In an article written for the New York Times, the Duchess of Sussex said she lost her second child after feeling a 'sharp cramp' while changing her son Archie's nappy in July at her Los Angeles home. She wrote in the New York Times: 'After changing his [Archie's] diaper, I felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right'. In the piece called 'The Losses We Share', she said: 'I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second'. She added: 'Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband's hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we'd heal.' INDIANAPOLIS The Indiana Department of Health announced Monday that more than 1 million Hoosiers have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine since late December. A total of 1,000,321 individuals have received at least one dose, and 569,465 are fully vaccinated. Getting 1 million vaccines in arms in just over two months is a game-changer, and it brings me indescribable hope. I am incredibly proud of our Indiana Department of Health, and how they and our local partners have rolled out the Its Our Shot, Hoosiers vaccination plan, Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. We are so fortunate that our health leaders had the foresight to build a centralized appointment system and companion 211 call center to schedule and vaccinate Hoosiers in an orderly, reliable manner. Indiana COVID-19 Dashboard & Map State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, encouraged any eligible Hoosier to sign up now at one of nearly 400 vaccine clinics around the state. The vaccine is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect yourself and those you love against COVID-19, she said. Its an easy process that only takes a few minutes, and it could be the difference of a lifetime for vulnerable Hoosiers. To find testing sites around the state, click here. Hoosiers age 60 and older, along with healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and first responders who are regularly called to the scene of an emergency to render medical assistance, are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule, visit https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211. To date, 69 percent of Hoosiers age 80 and older, 70 percent of those ages 70 to 79, and 49 percent of Hoosiers ages 60 to 69 have scheduled a vaccine appointment or received their first dose. The state and its partners are adding more locations for you to get vaccinated including select Meijer, Kroger, & Walmart pharmacies across the state. Vigo Countys three Kroger locations are included. All locations will show up on the state's vaccination website. It's important to note Meijer and Kroger will have their own appointment sign-up areas on their websites. WALLINGFORD Under normal circumstances, people lining up on a weekday morning at the Toyota Presents Oakdale Theater would be looking to buy concert tickets. But on Monday the Oakdale had more of a life-saving mission. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the fabled music venue made its debut as a COVID-19 mass vaccination site for Hartford HealthCare. The Oakdale mass vaccination center was opened to reduce the size of the crowds flocking to another Hartford HealthCare site, MidState Medical Center. The majority of people that will be coming to the Oakdale in the coming weeks will be individuals getting their second dose of the vaccine, according to Hartford HealthCare officials. Among the first people to get their vaccination Monday was Jacqueline Sweeney of Hamden. Its wonderful to realize that I will be able to be in contact with other people again, the 85-year-old Sweeney said after receiving her shot. Well have a little more freedom. At least I can be in the presence of my family and I can go shopping, which I like to do. Joe Occia is a truck driver from Westbrook and was the first person in line Monday morning to get vaccinated. Occia said he was very excited to be getting his shot. Kind of relieved, too, he said. I am looking forward to the day when we dont have to wear any masks. But for now, Im erring on the side of caution. Among the Hartford HealthCare volunteers administering the vaccine was Dr. Camelia Lawrence, director of breast surgery at MidState Medical Center and The Hospital of Central Connecticut, in New Britain. The vaccine represents hope for me, Lawrence said before she began administering the shots. Its a light at the end of the tunnel. Initially, the Oakdale vaccination center will be open six days per week and has the capacity to give 1,000 shots each day, according to Hartford HealthCare officials. Gary Havican. vice president of Hartford HealthCares Central region, said the logistics in Connecticut already are in place to go well beyond the 1,000 people per day who will be getting their shots at the Oakdale if enough vaccine is made available to the state.. Now that the Johnson & Johnson (vaccine) has gotten approval as well, were going access to more vaccine. Havican said. Its all about the vaccine. The more we can get, the more we can deliver. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com MOSCOW Aleksei A. Navalny, the Russian opposition politician, is going to serve his prison sentence in a penal colony notorious for disciplinary measures considered harsh even by Russian standards, Russian news outlets reported on Monday. Russias decision to transfer Mr. Navalny to a prison known for abusive treatment of inmates came even as the Kremlin faced mounting foreign criticism for the sentencing as well as an assassination attempt on Mr. Navalny last summer. Mr. Navalny returned to Russia in January despite the governments threats of arrest, after spending months in a Berlin hospital recuperating from being poisoned. He was subsequently convicted in a show trial of violating the terms of his parole during his stay in Germany and sentenced to more than two years in prison. On Monday, the European Union placed sanctions on four senior Russian officials considered responsible for his prosecution, the first time the union has exercised that power under a new law to punish human rights violators worldwide. The officials are: Igor Krasnov, the prosecutor general; Aleksandr I. Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, a law enforcement agency; Viktor V. Zolotov, the head of the National Guard; and Aleksandr Kalashnikov, the head of Russias prison service. Regina King, Tiffany Haddish, and Amanda Seyfried attended the 78th annual Golden Globes. E!/Todd Williamson/NBC/Getty Images/Marcus Mam/Sunshine Sachs The 2021 Golden Globes aired live from Los Angeles and New York City on Sunday. Celebrities attended wearing couture looks from designers like Louis Vuitton and Oscar de la Renta. From Regina King to Kaley Cuoco, here are the awards show's best-dressed stars. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Celebrities attended the 2021 Golden Globes on Sunday in a variety of showstopping looks. For the first time, the awards show was bicoastal, with hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in New York and California, respectively. Stars like Tiffany Haddish, Dan Levy, and Regina King attended the awards show in outfits with metallic details. Celebrities also continued to bring red-carpet glamour to the largely remote event - from Amanda Seyfried, who wore a coral-colored dress with handmade floral details, and Kaley Cuoco, who turned heads in a princess-like Oscar de la Renta gown, Here are this year's best-dressed Golden Globes attendees. Regina King wore a sequin-covered Louis Vuitton gown that took more than 350 hours to make. Regina King attends the 2021 Golden Globes. E! The Golden Globe nominee dazzled in a metallic asymmetrical gown. Representatives for Louis Vuitton told People that the dress was covered in more than 40,000 multicolored sparkles and crystals and took more than 350 hours to make. Anya Taylor-Joy turned heads in an emerald-green Christian Dior Haute Couture look. Anya Taylor-Joy attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @luxurylaw/Instagram Taylor-Joy was nominated for best performance by an actress limited series, anthology series, or a motion picture made for TV, and best performance by an actress in a motion picture. The star of "The Queen's Gambit" wore a custom shimmering green dress complete with a matching cape. Taylor-Joy paired the dress with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Kaley Cuoco look liked a modern-day Cinderella in an Oscar de la Renta gray gown. Kaley Cuoco attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @kaleycuoco/Instagram The Golden Globe nominee looked amazing in an Oscar de la Renta gown, Harry Winston jewelry, and Stuart Weitzman shoes. The dress was designed with embellishments throughout the top and skirt that looked like bursting stars. Her stylist, Brad Goreski, told E! that Cuoco cried when she put it on because she had never worn a dress from the designer before. Story continues "Schitt's Creek" star and creator Dan Levy wore a mustard-colored monochromatic Valentino outfit. Dan Levy attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @danlevy/Instagram The "Schitt's Creek" star wore a suit with a sequined top and metallic shoes to match. The outfit was part of the designer's spring 2021 couture collection, which was the first time the label did couture for men, according to Vogue. Angela Bassett wore a royal-purple dress from Dolce & Gabbana. Angela Bassett attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Todd Williamson/NBC/Getty Images Bassett, a Golden Globes presenter, wore a dress with a statement sleeve, thigh-high slit, and feather-covered skirt. She accessorized with a Dina Kemp ring and Graziela earrings. Amanda Seyfried wore an Oscar de la Renta dress with handmade flower details. Amanda Seyfried attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Marcus Mama/Sunshine Sachs Seyfried, who's nominated for best supporting actress, wore a vibrant dress with a neckline covered in silk-taffeta flowers. The flower details were inspired by Savannah, Georgia, the location where she was tuning into the awards show. Tiffany Haddish sparkled in a bronze-colored dress covered in metallic details. Tiffany Haddish attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Todd Williamson/NBC/Getty Images Haddish attended the Golden Globes red-carpet event in a strapless Alberta Ferretti dress with Messika jewelry and pointed-toe shoes. Laverne Cox wore bright-red Thai Nguyen dress with statement sleeves and a plunging neckline. Laverne Cox attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @lavernecox/Instagram The "Promising Young Woman" star's bold-colored dress was embroidered with red-and-black beads. Cox paired it with black-and-silver jewelry from Dena Kemp. "Unorthodox" star Shira Haas wore a Chanel dress from the designer's spring/summer 2021 collection. Shira Haas attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for CHANEL The "Unorthodox" star wore a tweed dress with a sheer skirt and paired it with gold Chanel jewelry. "To wear Chanel has always been a dream of mine. When I tried this dress it was like putting my hand in a glove. It felt so right. It's classic and elegant, but cool and modern at the same time," Haas told E! News on Sunday. Julia Garner wore a dramatic Prada gown with a plunging neckline. Julia Garnet attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @hungvanngo/Instagram On Sunday, the actress told Giuliana Rancic on E! that wearing a Prada design was special to her because it was the first fashion house "to take me under their wing when I started." She paired the floor-length cream-and-black gown with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Elle Fanning wore a reflective, ice-blue Gucci dress with jeweled straps. Elle Fanning attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @ellefanning/Instagram Fanning, who was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her role in "The Great," paired her Alessandro Michele-designed dress with Fred Leighton jewelry. Andra Day looked stunning in a dress from Chanel's summer 2021 Haute Couture collection. Andra Day attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images The star of "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" paired the silver gown with Chanel jewelry. The dress included intricate details, including a halter-style neckline, tulle skirt, and sequined macrame bodice. Sarah Paulson matched her custom, off-the-shoulder Prada gown with a purple cast adorned with the designer's logo. Sarah Paulson attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Sarah Paulson via Getty Images The star, who was nominated for best actress in a drama TV series for "Ratched," wore a black gown with beaded embellishments. Paulson who appears to have injured her arm also made a playful nod to Prada with her cast, which she and stylist Karla Welch decorated with the Italian label's logo, as Vogue reported. Lily Collins wore a colorful paisley one-shoulder dress. Lily Collin attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @lilyjcollins/Instagram The "Emily in Paris" star paired the Saint Laurent dress with Cartier jewelry and her unique see-through diamond engagement ring from fiance Charlie McDowell. Josh O'Connor wore a Loewe suit from the designer's fall/winter 2021 collection. Josh O'Connor attends the 2021 Golden Globes. William Waterworth/Getty Images O'Connor accepted the Golden Globe winner for best actor in a television series, drama for his work as Prince Charles in "The Crown" in a striking black-and-white suit. Emma Corrin said her custom Miu Miu gown was inspired by Pierrot clowns. Emma Corrin attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @emmalouisecorrin/Instagram "The Crown" star and Golden Globe winner for best performance by an actress in a television series told British Vogue that she and her stylist, Harry Lambert, sent the Italian label reference pictures. "It probably sounds a little bit crazy, but we were inspired by Pierrot clowns, with their giant ruffs and androgynous silhouettes," she told the magazine. Nicholas Hoult wore a Giorgio Armani suit for the awards show. Nicholas Hoult attends the 2021 Golden Globes. @nicholashoult/Instagram The star of "The Great" shared a series of pictures on Instagram of his look. He captioned the post: "All dressed up with nowhere to go, but something to watch!" Emerald Fennell wore bright jewel tones to attend the award show from London. Emerald Fennell attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Will Grundy/Getty Images The Golden Globe-nominated director of "Promising Young Woman" wore a yellow gown with emerald-green Manolo Blahnik heels. Jamie Lee Curtis wore bright-yellow while presenting at the awards show. Jamie Lee Curtis attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Christopher Polk/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images The actress wore an Alex Perry gown with dramatic balloon sleeves and a bow in the back. Jane Levy wore a hand-cut Oscar de la Renta dress. Jane Levy attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Thomas McDonell/Getty Images The star of "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" and Golden Globe nominee's dress was also designed with a black satin bow in the back. Sarah Hyland matched the red carpet in a fire-engine-colored gown. Sarah Hyland attends the 2021 Golden Globes. Sarah Hyland/Getty Images The "Modern Family" star, who hosted a pre-show special on E!, wore an off-the-shoulder gown with a sweetheart neckline designed by Monique Lhuillier. Jason Sudeikis looked super comfy in a tie-dye sweatshirt. He picked Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. Handout/HFPA via Getty Images Sudeikis, who won the Golden Globe for best actor in a television series, musical or comedy for his role in "Ted Lasso," wore a sweatshirt from his sister's dance and fitness operation Forward Space. Read the original article on Insider It's easy to take for granted things that are always there for you. As much as this applies to the important people in your life (paging Carolyn Hax!), what I'm talking about here is in the kitchen - the items you use every day, such as knives, skillets, dish towels and cutting boards. You can make a case that all those tools are routinely put through the wringer, but I think the cutting board really takes the most abuse day in, and day out. And I'd wager it's the one that many of us, me included, don't give enough attention to in terms of maintenance. "It's important to understand the why of taking care of the board," says Evelyn Helminen, who with her husband, TJ Jordon, owns custom woodwork business Tudo Azul, which specializes in cutting boards. Knowing what you should and shouldn't is important to keeping the board in good shape. In theory, a well-cared-for board should last "forever," she says. If that sounds like a worthy goal, here's what you need to know about wood cutting board maintenance. - The basics. "Wood is alive," says Jordon, the woodworker of the couple. "Even after you cut it, it moves." So, like the trees they come from, wood cutting boards are susceptible to the elements - water, temperature, ambient humidity. They can warp, crack and lose their smooth surface if not properly maintained. Caring for wood cutting boards is mostly the same regardless of the type of wood or type of board. It does help to understand what style of board you own, though. End-grain boards are formed by using pieces of wood cut parallel to the ground, like a cross section. Generally, Helminen says, end-grain boards are considered more high-end and tend to "heal" themselves better from knife cuts as the fibers close back up. They are more sensitive to moisture, Jordon says (think about the orientation of the fibers in the trees, which absorb moisture from the ground up). End-grain boards are also made from more, shorter pieces, requiring more glue, with more opportunity for cracking. So be attentive to the steps below to ensure they don't get too wet. Edge-grain boards are made from pieces of wood cut perpendicular to the ground. They are made of few, longer planks, in which the grains of wood run parallel to the counter when in use. To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, even with proper washing and maintenance, you should use separate cutting boards for meat and fruits/vegetables/bread. You might even consider a separate board for slicing alliums (onions, garlic, etc.) to prevent other foods from picking up those odors. - Washing and drying. Don't overthink this. All you need to wash your wood board is mild dish soap and hot water. If you worry that's not sufficient enough to kill off bacteria, take comfort in a test conducted by Cook's Illustrated, which had a lab colonize boards with salmonella. The boards were cleaned with one of three methods: Washed with hot, soapy water, sprayed with bleach solution or sprayed with undiluted vinegar. There was no difference in the reduction of bacteria among the methods - all were equally effective. If you feel compelled to use bleach, the U.S. Agriculture Department recommends a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. "Flood the surface with the bleach solution and allow it to stand for several minutes," it advises, then rinse and pat dry. Regardless of method, don't just shove the board in your dish rack to drip dry. Use a dish towel to remove as much surface moisture as you can, as the water can cause the board to crack or warp. Never, ever put your wood board in the dishwasher. EVER. Similarly, be sure not to let your board sit on a wet counter. - Regular maintenance. If you're using the board every day, Helminen recommends treating it with food-grade mineral oil at least once a month. But take a look at it. If the board is looking dull, dry or thirsty (absorbing lots of water), especially if you live in a low-humidity climate, you may need to do it more often. Cook's Illustrated recommends applying a generous amount of oil, letting it sit for a minute and wiping off excess, redistributing as needed to some of the drier spots. Too much oil can actually start to harm the glue. After 24 hours, buff out any more oil that remains on the surface. Don't give in to the temptation to use olive or vegetable oil, which can go rancid and impart off-flavors to your food. You can also use wood conditioners, which incorporate ingredients other than oil, such as beeswax. Helminen says the beeswax and oil work in tandem, with the beeswax helping repel surface water and the oil providing extra insurance against the water penetrating the wood. Helminen and Jordon work closely with Bumblechutes brand. Howard is another they like. Jordon recommends scrubbing the board every three months with salt and a cut lemon, which can help eliminate odors. - When things are looking fuzzy. Eventually, even a board attentively cared for can take on a slightly fuzzy texture, where the wood fibers have been lifted from the surface. The fix is easy enough. Jordon recommends using sandpaper with a grit of 220 or higher to rub down the board and smooth it back out. - Other things not to do. Don't use your wood cutting board as a trivet. Heat can melt the glue that holds it together, Jordon says. (If your board happens to be one solid piece of wood, you might be OK placing warm dishes on it.) Even keeping the board next to the oven risks damaging the glue or warping the wood as moisture is drawn out of it. You can store the board flush on the counter or standing on its side, either on the counter or in a cabinet. Avoid piling other items on top of it. In 2022, the Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 to individuals whose early career work in biomedical science exemplifies outstanding scientific accomplishment and represents a significant contribution to their area of research. Applications will close on June 11, 2021. Recipients of the 2022 prizes will be publicly announced in September 2021. Each recipient will receive a commemorative award and an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000. The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are part of the Vilcek Foundation Prizes program. Inaugurated in 2006, the Vilcek Foundation Prizes raise awareness and visibility of the contributions of immigrants in the biomedical sciences, and in the arts and humanities. The program extols the value of immigration for intellectual and cultural advancement in the United States. "Immigrant scientists have contributed to the United States' position as a world leader in scientific research and discovery," says Jan Vilcek, chairman and CEO of the Vilcek Foundation. "With the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science, we recognize individuals who immigrated to the United States, and who bring unique insight, perspective, and experience to their work." "The Vilcek Foundation's work is important because we are speaking to the value of immigration in a non-politicized way," says Vilcek Foundation President Rick Kinsel. "In honoring immigrants whose scientific and artistic contributions have a positive impact on our society, we amplify the importance of diversity and cultural exchange." Application Link and Contact: The application and full eligibility requirements for the 2022 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are available at the following link: http://vilcek.co/cpp2022biomedpr. Inquiries about the application and eligibility should be directed to [email protected]. Application Details: The application includes an application form and requires the submission of a curriculum vitae, authored works, three short personal essays, and proof of immigration status. Recipients of DACA and asylees are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted from March 1 through June 11, 2021, 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Eligibility: Eligible candidates must have been born outside the United States, be living and working in the United States, and hold a doctoral degree. Eligible candidates should hold a full-time position with an academic institution or research organization as an assistant professor, associate professor, or equivalent. Candidates must have been born on or after January 1, 1983. More information is available at the following link: http://vilcek.co/cpp2022biomedpr. The Vilcek Foundation The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences. The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundationto honor immigrant contributions to the United States, and more broadly to foster appreciation of the arts and scienceswas inspired by the couple's respective careers in biomedical science and art history. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded over $5.8 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals and supported organizations with over $5.2 million in grants. The Vilcek Foundation is a private operating foundation, a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Contact Elizabeth Boylan The Vilcek Foundation 212-472-2500 [email protected] SOURCE The Vilcek Foundation She will adopt new husband Richard Lavender's surname 'at some point'. But until then, Samantha Armytage has to find other methods of protecting her privacy. The 44-year-old TV host revealed on her podcast Something to Talk About last week that she often uses fake names to book Ubers and order food. Incognito: Samantha Armytage has to find ways to protect her privacy, the 44-year-old TV host revealed on her podcast Something to Talk About. 'I give fake names to Uber drivers,' the Sunrise star admitted 'I give fake names to Uber drivers and Deliveroo and furniture delivery guys,' admitted the Sunrise co-host. 'I like the idea... of being a little bit anonymous.' Earlier during the chat with co-host Sarrah Le Marquand, Armytage revealed while she would remain Armytage for now after getting married. 'I do like the idea of privately changing it. So I think at some point it will become Samantha Lavender.' 'When you've been one thing for 44 years, it's hard to change.' A new start: Earlier during the chat with co-host Sarrah Le Marquand, Armytage revealed while she would remain Armytage for now, 'I do like the idea of privately changing it.' Armytage and husband Richard Lavender seen here in April 2020 Meanwhile, Sam and her husband Richard Lavender recently enjoyed a romantic weekend at Tasmania's Satellite Island, following their New Year's Eve wedding. On Sunday evening, the TV personality shared a loved-up selfie of the pair to her Instagram Stories as they headed back home to Sydney. Sam joked online how Richard, 60, 'is slowly getting used to the selfies'. 'He's slowly getting used to the selfies!' Armytage, 44, shared a loved-up photo (pictured) with Lavender, 60, to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, after enjoying a romantic getaway at Tasmania's Satellite Island over the weekend The Channel Seven star, who cut a chic figure in the photo, also told fans how they had a 'happy, happy weekend' and to go 'see Australia'. Sam and her equestrian businessman beau stayed at the Boathouse at Satellite Island, a tiny private island in the south of Tasmania. It is certainly romantic, with visitors able to enjoy a bonfire at sunset, shuck wild oysters straight from the sea, swim in the stunning waters or simply take in the Tasmanian wilderness. Over the weekend, Sam shared glimpses of their travels to her Instagram Stories, including photos of empty oyster shells. When in Tasmania: Over the weekend, the Sunrise host shared glimpses of their travels to her Instagram Stories, including photos of empty oyster shells. Pictured on another occasion Indulging: 'So delicious I forgot to take a pic before demolishing,' Samantha wrote alongside a photo of oyster shells The journalist captioned one photo: 'So delicious I forgot to take a pic before demolishing.' She followed that with a picture of Richard carrying a box of oysters and a bucket, which she captioned: 'My husband... he loves an oyster.' Sam also told her followers that she was enjoying one of the local delicacies recommended to her. 'And to everyone asking, yes we stopped at the Bruny Island Cheese,' she wrote alongside a picture of her dipping bread into a delicious container of cheese. Memories: The journalist followed that with a picture of Richard carrying a box of oysters and a bucket, which she captioned: 'My husband... he loves an oyster' Gourmet: Samantha also told her followers that she was enjoying one of the local delicacies recommended to her: 'And to everyone asking, yes we stopped at the Bruny Island Cheese' Sam and Richard wed in front of a small group of family and friends at Richard's 40-hectare estate in the Southern Highlands on New Year's Eve. The couple reportedly started dating in April 2019 and announced their engagement in June last year. While she has officially taken on Richard's surname, for now, she will continue to use her maiden name professionally. Sorry! This content is not available in your region .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... New Mexico Senate Bill 82 is making its way through the committee process; it calls for a state task force (on radioactive waste). I dont have an opinion on the bill; however, I support the Holtec project, and here are my detailed reasons. 1. Why consolidated storage? The 1987 Nuclear Waste Policy Act requires the government to store used fuel. The Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository in Nevada was the designated site. That project stalled years ago without a clear path forward. Used fuel accumulates at power plants around the country, often close to large populations. The used fuel must be removed before those locations can be available for other purposes. Another objective of consolidated storage is to reduce the probability and consequence of an unlikely release of radioactivity. The consolidated interim storage facility (CISF) will enhance safety by placing spent fuel in new containers in a new facility designed for storage. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ 2. Why locate in southeastern New Mexico? Southeastern New Mexico is a remote, sparsely populated desert like Yucca Mountain. Eddy and Lea Counties are adjacent to where the CISF will be located, with 14 and 16 persons per square mile respectively see ibis.health.state.nm. The CISF location is unpopulated, about 30 miles from Carlsbad and Hobbs, the nearest cities. Southeastern New Mexico has good travel conditions. Weather issues are infrequent, and traffic is usually sparse. The ground is mostly level with clear visibility. Used fuel storage at CISF is regulated by several U.S. agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NRCs title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 72 (10CFR72) is robust, comprehensive and rigorously enforced as explained in the next section. 3. What about transporting used fuel? A Historic Review of the Safe Transport of Spent Nuclear Fuel, FCRD-NFST-2016-00474, Rev 1 documents a long history of shipping. It is available at www.energy.gov/ne/downloads/historical-review-safe-transport-spent-nuclear-fuel. In 2016, it reported about 3,500 shipments in the United States and 25,000 worldwide. The accidents that occurred resulted in little or no damage to the shipping casks and no radiation released. CISF shipments must comply with the NRCs 10CFR71, Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Material. One of many safeguards is mandating backup systems to prevent a release. This regulation covers all actions associated with shipments and requires: A rigorous quality assurance program for payloads, design, testing, certification, purchasing, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and decommissioning. Testing and/or analyses to demonstrate the design meets worst-case hypothetical accident conditions of: One or more 30 foot drops in the most damaging orientations on an unyielding surface, drops on a spike in the most damaging orientations, burning at 1,475 degrees F for approximately 30 minutes. With the cumulative damage, the test unit must pass a rigorous leak test. A water immersion test equivalent of 50 feet deep may be performed on an undamaged unit. Everything must be documented, from procedures to plans for design, purchasing, manufacturing, operation and maintenance. Qualifications for inspectors, welders, operators, and other workers must also be documented, along with all processes, materials and work. Oversight by the NRC, inspections, reviews, and audits verify what was tested, manufactured and operated does comply with licensing documents. Reporting requirements for non-conforming conditions, maintenance issues and any other condition apply to everyone involved with shipping used fuel. Errors and omissions are unlikely because a violation of any regulation may be subject to terminating licenses, civil and criminal penalties. 4. Who benefits besides power plants? Economic benefits for southeastern New Mexico and the state are employee payrolls and related business activity. This is especially helpful through downturns in oilfield work, the areas main industry. In addition, an NRC compliant manufacturing is planned in New Mexico. By taking care of used fuel storage, Holtec frees limited government resources for more productive things, such as new, clean power sources. As a resident of southeastern New Mexico, I expect Holtecs CISF to be beneficial for the local area, the state and the country. Day 1b of the 2021 partypoker MILLIONS Online Main Event has come to an end after more than nine hours of play. The second and last starting flight attracted 493 entries which can be added to the 591 entries which were collected on Day 1a to get to a total number of 1,084 buy-ins. The $5,000,000 guaranteed prize pool was easily surpassed as a total prize purse of $5,420,000 had been created. Out of all the Day 1b entries, 74 players made it through to Day 2 with Canada's Peter Jetten leading the pack with 26,423,338. He earned most of those chips when he scored a big double through partypoker's own Mikita Badziakouski during the bubble for Day 2. Jetten's four-bet got called by the partypoker Ambassador. On the trey-seven-seven flop, Badziakouski check-raised the continuation-bet of Jetten who then decided to shove and got called. They both held a pocket pair but Jetten was ahead with the higher one to jump into the lead during the latter stages of the day, Jetten is followed in the counts by Aleksei Barkov (18,158,570), Pavel Veksler (15,854,702), Viktor Zsemlye (14,593,338), and Sosia Jiang (14,323,488). Other familiar names in the top ten include Christian Jeppsson, Christopher Brewer, and Brock Wilson. 2021 partypoker MILLIONS Online $5,300 Main Event Day 1b Top 10 Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Peter Jetten Canada 26,423,338 189 2 Aleksei Barkov Russia 18,158,570 130 3 Pavel Veksler Ukraine 15,854,702 113 4 Viktor Zsemlye Austria 14,593,338 104 5 Sosia Jiang New Zealand 14,323,488 102 6 Yurii Senchylo Ukraine 13,885,380 99 7 Christian Jeppsson Sweden 13,652,912 98 8 Christopher Brewer United States 13,584,457 97 9 Brock Wilson United States 12,256,520 88 10 Andrei Chernokoz Russia 11,661,181 83 partypoker Twitch Streamer Matt Staples bricked the sats today and had to enter the tournament with a direct buy-in but things didn't fare well for the Canadian. He steadily lost chips and in the end, he had to hand the ones he had left to Joseph Cheong who held the higher kicker. John Duthie didn't do much better and kept it to one bullet today which he busted before the end of the late registration period. Mary Pudmoreff won her Main Event seat when she was selected by Kristen Bicknell on Twitter and even though she took out Timothy Adams and stayed alive a few times, her run came to an end when her stack went in on the turn with pocket kings. Unfortunately for her, Dean Arsenie had hit a set of tens to send the Canadian out of the tournament without cashing. Joao Simao busted twice, Isaac Haxton was taken out by Jesse Wigan with Joni Jouhkimainen falling to Anton Siden. Patrick Leonard ended up finishing in 80th place when he effectively shoved from the small blind to then call for the remainder of his stack against Aki Virtanen who outkicked him. The bubble for Day 2 lasted around 30 minutes before Ali Imsirovic finally got his short stack in with ace-king suited but couldn't beat the king-jack of Timothy Ulmer who turned two pair and rivered a full house for a prettier picture for the end of the day. Zbigniew Gorzycki is the only player who made it through Day 1a and Day 1b so his shortest stack from Day 1a will be forfeited and 160 players will return for Day 2 on Monday, March 1, at 7:05 p.m. GMT to battle it out. They have all secured at least $10,695 but will all be eyeing up that first-place prize of $892,273. When play resumes, the level duration will be increased to 30 minutes each. The first level of the day features a small blind of 70,000, a big blind of 140,000, and a running ante of 17,500. Ten levels of play are on the menu before the remaining players will break for Day 3. Make sure to return as PokerNews will be back too to provide you will all the live updates as they happen. Demi Rose flaunted her assets in a series of snaps for her latest PrettyLittleThing campaign. The model, 25, posed up a storm in a skimpy blue top, barely containing her cleavage and showing off her taut waist. She teamed this with a matching thong, showing off her behind as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Mirror mirror: Demi Rose flaunted her assets in a series of snaps for her latest PrettyLittleThing campaign Leaning on the sink, Demi let her chestnut locks cascade down her back, her lengthy mane falling down past her waist. She showcased a flawless complexion of creamy make-up, adding a smoky look to her lashes. She finished the look off with a slick of nude to her pout as she posed in front of her reflection. She is currently in Ibiza, with the Wolverhampton-born beauty sharing a snap with her 16 million Instagram followers on Wednesday. Who's the fairest of them all? The model, 25, posed up a storm in a skimpy blue top, barely containing her cleavage and showing off her taut waist Busty: She teamed this with a matching thong, showing off her behind as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror Rapunzel Rose: Leaning on the sink, Demi let her chestnut locks cascade down her back, her lengthy mane falling down past her waist She fixed the camera with a sultry gaze as she appeared to make the most of the Balearic party island's warm weather by peeling off her top. Demi let her chestnut locks cascade over one shoulder and down her back as she styled them in loose curls. The model drew attention to her beautiful features with a lick of makeup as she smiled for the camera. She captioned the snap: 'Shes like the ocean, pretty enough on the surface but dive down into her depths, youll find beauty most people never see.' 'You'll find beauty': The Wolverhampton-born beauty said she was 'like the ocean' in the snap which she took while sunning herself in Ibiza Wow! Demi was up to her old tricks once more on Tuesday as she posed up a storm in a tiny bikini during her extended stay in Ibiza On Tuesday, Demi was up to her old tricks once more as she showcased her heaving cleavage in a plunging bikini on her Instagram stories. Demi sizzled in the sexy bikini top, which made the most of her famous curves. She wore her brunette locks in cascading lengths over her shoulders while focusing the camera largely on her eye-popping assets. Demi has been sharing a slew of snaps from her sunny travels in recent months including trips to the Maldives and Tanzania. The brunette recently opened up to MailOnline about how she shot to stardom at the age of 14 after being bullied in school. Demi recalled: 'I was bullied in school, I wanted to make friends outside of it so I ended up spending a lot of time online. 'I was even interested in virtual reality as a kid, I was always on the computer and then MySpace came around and I found my calling.' From the age of 18, the Birmingham native signed with a modelling agency and her career went from strength to strength. West Bengal assembly elections 2021: TMC, RJD may form pre-poll alliance India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Kolkata, Mar 01: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejaswi Yadav is expected to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today to discuss over the pre-poll alliance between the two parties. It is reportedly said that the Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly and the TMC chief will deliberate on a possible seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming West Bengal election. Earlier, an RJD delegation comprising of senior leaders held talks with TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is considered to be the No 2 in the ruling party. It can be noted that there is a sizeable Bihar population residing in West Bengal's Asansol, Howrah and Kolkata areas. COVID-19 vaccinations in Bengaluru: Full list of government, private hospitals for inoculations If the ruling TMC and Yadav's RJD form a pre-poll alliance, it is expected to give a major boost to Banerjee as her party is facing a tough poll battle against the resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and also the Left-Congress alliance. Also, the RJD has announced to contest the Assam Assembly Elections 2021 scheduled to be held in three phases beginning March 27. The results will be declared on May 2. Tejashwi Yadav, who spearheaded the RJD campaign in Bihar election 2020, on February 27 visited Guwahati and declared that his party will contest the upcoming Assam polls with the "like-minded" parties. The Yadav scion informed that RJD is in talks with Congress and Lok Sabha MP Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF to finalsie a pre-poll alliance. Coronavirus: India kick starts 2nd phase of COVID-19 vaccination; Co-Win registration from 9am Earlier, the ECI has announced that the West Bengal Assembly elections 2021 in eight phases. While 30 Assembly seats will go to polls during the first phase on March 27, the second phase will be conducted on April 1 which would cover 30 Assembly segments. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News The third and fourth phase of the polling will be held on April 6 and 10 for 31 and 44 constituencies respectively. The fifth phase of polling will be on April 17 for 45 seats, the sixth for 43 seats on April 22, the seventh phase on April 26 for 36 seats and the last and eighth phase on April 29 for 35 seats. TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This news release is being issued in connection with the filing of an early warning report (the Early Warning Report) pursuant to the requirements of National Instrument 62-103 The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, regarding the change in ownership and control of common shares (the Shares) of Evergold Corp. (the Company) by Charles Greig (the Acquiror). The Issuers head office address is located at 18 King Street East, Suite 902, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1C4. On February 23, 2021, the Company completed a brokered private placement financing, pursuant to which C.J. Greig Holdings Ltd., a company controlled by Charles Greig, acquired (the Acquisition) beneficial ownership or control over 125,000 common shares (Shares) and 125,000 warrants to purchase Shares (Warrants). Prior to the Acquisition, Mr. Greig beneficially owned or exercised control or direction over 5,168,443 Shares and 1,479,575 Warrants, representing approximately 14.47% and 17.87% of the issued and outstanding Shares on an undiluted and diluted basis respectively. Following the Acquisition, Mr. Greig beneficially owned or exercised control or direction over 5,293,443 Shares and 1,604,575 Warrants, representing approximately 7.18% and 9.16% of the issued and outstanding Shares on an undiluted and diluted basis respectively. Copies of the early warning reports for Mr. Greig will be filed on the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and may be obtained by contacting the Acquiror at the following address: C.J. Greig Holdings Ltd. 729 Okanagan Avenue East Penticton, BC V2A 3K7 For additional information, please contact: Advertisement A Banksy-inspired artwork has appeared overnight on the walls of a Grade-II listed Victorian jail where Oscar Wilde was famously held. The artwork, which depicts a prisoner attempting to escape over the wall with a typewriter in his hand, has been etched onto the side of HMP Reading. Irish poet Oscar Wilde was incarcerated in Reading Gaol from 1895-1897 for committing 'gross indecency', and the jail inspired his final poem, The Ballad of Reading Gaol. The graffiti has been likened to Wilde, and locals believe the elusive artist Banksy may have visited the town amid a campaign to save the building after the sale fell through at the end of last year. The artwork, which depicts a prisoner attempting to escape over the wall with a typewriter in his hand, has been etched onto the side of HMP Reading The Banksy-inspired artwork appeared overnight on the walls of a Grade-II listed Victorian jail where Oscar Wilde was famously held How Oscar Wilde was thrown behind bars at HMP Reading at the height of his fame Oscar Wilde was held at HMP Reading from May 25, 1895 to May 18, 1897 Playwright Oscar Wilde was among the illustrious inmates who have languished in Readings historic Grade II-listed jail. Wilde was incarcerated at HMP Reading from May 25, 1895 to May 18, 1897. His time there inspired his last published work, The Ballad Of Reading Gaol. At the very height of his fame, the celebrated writer was sentenced to two years hard labour following a showcase trial which saw him charged with acts of gross indecency after his affair with poet and journalist Lord Alfred Douglas was exposed. Following short stints in Pentonville and Wandsworth prisons he was moved to Reading Gaol, a sprawling prison built in 1844, then home to some of the country's most dangerous men. He was spent his time locked up in wing C number 33 on the top floor of HMP Reading. For Wilde, a sensitive and fun-loving man, the prison experience was devastating and he left a broken man. Wilde recalled Reading Prison in his poems and said: 'Each narrow cell in which we dwell is foul and dark latrine/And the fetid breath of living Death chokes up each grated screen.' Historian Emily O'Neil said that Wilde was often locked up in his dark cell for up to two weeks at a time. Advertisement HMP Reading has been disused since November 2013 and the Government has since struggled to find a buyer. Most recently, in November, developer Artisan Real Estate withdrew its bid. HM Prison Reading was built in 1844 as the Berkshire County Gaol and as a county gaol, its forecourt served as the site for public executions. It was designed by George Gilbert Scott and was considered 'state of the art' when built in 1844. The first public execution took place in 1845 before a crowd of 10,000 and 1,868 executions followed before the last one in 1913. The prison closed as gaol in 1920 and was used as an internment site in both world wars, before being converted into a Borstal, a local prison and a Remand Centre and Young Offenders Institution. In 1973 Reading was re-designated as a local prison and in 1992 became a Remand Centre and Young Offenders Institution, holding prisoners between the ages of 18 and 21 years. In 1895, at the very height of his fame, the celebrated writer Oscar Wilde was sentenced to two years' hard labour after a showcase trial which saw him charged with acts of of gross indecency. Following short stints in Pentonville and Wandsworth prisons he was moved to Reading Gaol, a sprawling prison built in 1844, then home to some of the country's most dangerous men. For the sensitive, fun-loving Wilde, the prison experience was devastating and he left a broken man. Financially ruined and living in exile in exile in France, he penned his last published work The Ballad Of Reading Gaol. In 1897, while in prison, he wrote De Profundis, which was published in 1905, a long letter which discusses his spiritual journey through his trials. Other famous inmates include Hollywood star Stacey Keach who spent six months in Reading prison after being found with cocaine when he arrived at Heathrow airport in 1984. Resident Katie McCabe, 27, spotted scaffolding going up late last night and discovered the painting this morning on her way to work. The estate agent said: 'Last night, I went to KFC with my little sister at around 8pm and after we picked it up and went round the roundabout, we noticed the scaffolding going up. 'We thought it was late for them to be putting it up but didn't think anything of it. I was driving past this morning and noticed people were taking photos and that's when I saw the wall art and took some pictures myself. 'I instantly thought it was Banksy because it was his kind of style and something he would do. 'Everyone was excited; there were so many people stopping to take pictures. People were saying that it looked like Oscar Wilde because of the typewriter'. The images shows a prison inmate escaping over the wall, with a typewriter The sale of the Grade-II listed Victorian jail where Oscar Wilde was held for committing 'gross indecency', has been repeatedly held up. The site has cost 1.8m to secure and maintain. In the foreground of this photo is Reading Abbey The prison - pictured - has been disused since November 2013 and the Government has since struggled to find a buyer Banksy's stunts, from shredding his own masterpiece to setting up a museum exhibition without curators knowing Tube paint job Last year, the renowned street artist boarded a Hammersmith and City Line train dressed in a high-vis jacket, boiler suit, goggles and face mask on July 10, spray painting rats in pandemic-inspired poses inside the carriage and on a platform's wall. It was removed by clueless Transport for London cleaning crews, who were unaware of its origins despite the Bristol-based artist sharing a video of the artwork on his Instagram page. The RMT union raised security concerns three months after the stunt, while TfL has revealed it would not publish the findings of an investigation into how Banksy was able to pull it off. Banksy's artwork on the London Underground was valued at around 7.5million - but clueless cleaners removed it from the Hammersmith and City Line train before it could be preserved Shredding his masterpiece In 2018, Banksy's iconic painting Girl With Balloon dramatically self-destructed moments after the gavel fell for more than a million at a Sotheby's auction. The audience watched on dumbstruck as the 1,042,000 painting was destroyed by a hidden shredder. Banksy later revealed how he created the shredder in a video posted on Instagram. The man who is believed to be the person who shot the video that Banksy uploaded bears a strong resemblance to Robin Gunningham who has previously been named as the elusive artist. A member of auction staff can be seen on the phone to the successful buyer after the painting self-destructed Robin Gunningham was named as street artist Banksy, which he claimed was untrue Setting up his own museum exhibition In 2009, Banksy stunned Bristolians by setting up his largest ever museum exhibition in complete secrecy. The covert graffiti artist snuck into Bristol's City Museum and Art Gallery and replaced many of the artefacts on display there with 100 pieces of his own work, including a burnt-out ice-cream van. The spray-painted van, which sits under a giant melted cone, appears alongside dozens of sculptures, oil paintings and his trademark stencils In 2009, Banksy snuck into Bristol's City Museum to set up his own exhibition Advertisement The local borough council has long wanted to turn the site into a cultural venue, but the Ministry of Justice rejected its bid last year. However, these ambitions recently received a major boost when the Ministry of Justice agreed not to consider any further commercial buyers until it had time to gather funding. Banksy's last piece, the 'Aachoo!!' artwork, appeared overnight on the side of a property in Bristol on December 10. The street in Bristol, the suspected hometown of the anonymous street artist, is believed to be the steepest street in England. The image appears to show a pensioner whose sneeze is knocking over buildings, an effect created by spraying it on the side of the house. Crowds have continued to gather around Vale Street in Totterdown, Bristol, since the 'achoo' piece first appeared. Banksy is yet to post anything on social media or confirm the artwork is his. The artist's publicist has been contacted for comment. Banksy's last piece, the 'Aachoo!!' artwork, appeared overnight on the side of a property in Bristol on December 10 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) The Philippines has sent a note verbale to the US State Department seeking action on the rising criminal acts against Asian-Americans in various parts of the US. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed the note verbale was filed last week, emphasizing the need to raise attention on the surge in hate crimes against Asian-Americans which include Filipinos. "We have requested the State Department's immediate assistance in raising this matter with the appropriate federal and state authorities to further strengthen and assure the security and protection of the lives of persons of Asian descent, including Filipinos and Filipino-Americans," Romualdez said. Romualdez added they are monitoring the cases of violence against Asian-Americans, especially Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, since September 2020. In early February, a 61-year-old Filipino man was slashed in the face on the New York City subway. Stop AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Hate, an advocacy group documenting discrimination and racism against Asians during the pandemic, received over 2,800 firsthand accounts of anti-Asian hate between March and December last year, CNN International quoted the organization as saying. "A majority of those attacksabout 71%were cases of verbal harassment, while shunning or avoidance made up about 21%. About 9% of the incidents involved physical assaults, and 6% included being purposely coughed or spit on," CNN added. The Asian American Bar Association of New York noted in a report published early this month that from January 1 to November 1, 2020, New York Police Department saw an eight-fold spike in the number of hate crimes against Asians compared to the same period in 2019. Major districts in the Seattle metro region are beginning to phase in students for in-person instruction throughout the next month. These plans are being implemented as part of the Biden administrations drive to reopen all US schools by the end of April, which is supported at every level of government in order to maximize the production of profits in the broader economy. On February 16, Washingtons Democratic Governor Jay Inslee encouraged school districts to reopen on the basis of the new politically-motivated CDC guidelines which falsely state that schools can operate safely without teacher vaccinations and at any level of community transmission. District officials and local media outlets are carrying out a relentless propaganda campaign based upon these CDC guidelines and other handpicked research, repeating the lies that children are less likely to infect others, that schools are not centers of spreading the virus in the broader community and that underfunded public schools can be reopened safely. Sixth Grade teacher uses a ruler and pipe to check seat spacings in her classroom. (Image Credit: Jon Supar/AP) Schools in Tacoma, a city located south of Seattle, have already begun reopening on the basis of an agreement reached by the Tacoma Education Association (TEA) and the Tacoma Public Schools. Grades K-2 are currently participating in a hybrid model, and all grades will be phased in with this hybrid model throughout the next month. This reopening plan has already prompted opposition from a group of over 100 rank-and-file educators calling itself Safe Return Tacoma, which held a sickout last Wednesday and is holding another Teach Out meeting this Wednesday. The teachers group stated in an Instagram post: By participating in a sick out on an asynchronous late-start Wednesday, we are having minimal negative impact on students while still being able to send a clear message to the district: look how many of your employees dont feel safe with your hybrid model! The group is demanding that schools remain closed until the entire community has had access to vaccines and case counts within the Puget Sound region are below the numbers recommended for in-person learning by national, state and county health authorities, along with the enforcement of all safety guidelines and retroactive hazard pay for staff who have already had to return. Highline School District, located between Seattle and Tacoma, reached a tentative deal with the local union to return Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade students to intensive academic centers on March 11, with second and third graders returning March 22. In Bellevue School District (BSD), located east of Seattle and home to major tech companies like Microsoft, second graders have been attending school in person at all 18 elementary schools since January 21. On March 1, first grade students and teachers are returning to classrooms at three major elementary schools, and the district and unions are working together to send third through fifth grades back in person as early as March 15. The Bellevue Education Association (BEA) capitulated to the districts urgent demands to reopen schools after the BSD filed a lawsuit against the union for a breach of contract when teachers voted to halt the return of second graders in January, causing substitute teachers to take the place of regular teachers on the first day of school, January 21. A new agreement was approved by the membership by a narrow margin, laying out guidelines for the phased-in reopening model with certain health metrics and school-based safety review teams. Exact dates of reopening, as well as safety measures and other details, will be adjusted over time between the district and the union. Seattle Public Schools (SPS), the largest public K-12 district in Washington state which serves over 53,000 students in an urban area dominated by Amazon and giant tech corporations, has finalized a plan to send roughly 700 educators back into the classrooms for face-to-face instruction in the preschool Head Start program and special education services. These staff members will be required to come in to work on March 8, with students arriving in classrooms on March 11. This final decision was made by the Seattle school board on Friday evening, which labeled these special education staff essential in order to force them to return without requiring an agreement between the SPS and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) teachers union. The district first announced in December that limited instruction would begin on Monday, March 1, but negotiations are still ongoing between the district and union. Both parties agree in principle that students should return to in-person classes as soon as possible, but they are divided over the exact terms of reopening. This agreement will have to be voted upon by union members before it can be implemented, but it is very likely the union will do everything it can to push through the agreement as quickly as possible and prevent strike action, as Seattle teachers experienced in the 2018 and 2019 negotiations. Similarly, in early February, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) pushed through an agreement that herded staff and students back into classrooms. In January, half of SEAs members participated in a survey, which showed that 62 percent are not ready to return until educators have the option to be fully vaccinated. Another 37 percent of educators said they do not support reopening at all this school year, with or without vaccinations. Teachers are rightfully concerned that promises for full safety measures will not be met, given the chronic underfunding of public education, district budget shortfalls and the poor maintenance of school buildings, many of which do not have adequate ventilation. In terms of parents views, the Seattle Times reports, A recent, limited survey of families of about 10,000 students eligible for in-person instruction under the districts reopening proposal showed a split among those ready to send their kids back into school buildings. Among parents of students with disabilities, 40% said they preferred in-person schooling, while 35% opted for remote. Twenty-three percent did not respond. Despite this overwhelming opposition to the reopening of schools among educators and a sizable portion of parents, especially poor and working class families, the SEA tweeted on February 22: We understand the desire to get students back to in-personmany of us are parents of SPS students too & as educators we miss seeing our students in person. SEAs bargaining team is working tirelessly to reach an agreement with SPS as quickly as we can. Furthermore, the union is preparing the grounds to push through a reopening agreement by arguing that they are working toward guidelines that promote racial equity and social justice. In a recent bargaining update, union leaders wrote: Although our trust in the District leadership has been shattered, we remain committed to the work to reach an agreement that dismantles ableist and racist systems and lives up to our school communitys words to do the strategic work that provides equity within SPS. As much as the districts have been uncooperative with the union bargaining teams, the local Washington Education Association (WEA) affiliates, especially the SEA, are playing a key role by giving a radical cover to the school reopening drive and suppressing the active struggle of teachers and staff. Educators must not accept any attempts to justify the reopening of schools, which will necessarily put themselves, students, parents and the broader community at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, suffering from severe complications and dying. These risks are heightened with the new strains and variants of the virus that are spreading throughout the country and internationally, which are potentially more contagious and deadly. Concealed by the mainstream media, a large body of scientific research demonstrates that children are often asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 and can transmit it to everyone else as much as adults. Furthermore, principled scientists correctly point out that empirical data about the day-to-day spread of the virus in schools is hard to find, given the lack of systematic testing and contact tracing. While cases and deaths have steadily fallen in Washington state since November due to limited business restrictions, there will be yet another resurgence of preventable infections and deaths if schools are reopened and restrictions dropped before vaccines are widely distributed, health care infrastructure expanded, and a mass testing and contact tracing system put in place. A report in Nature magazine that analyzed data from multiple countries, titled Ranking the effectiveness of worldwide COVID -19 government interventions, stated that school closures in the United States have been found to reduce COVID-19 incidence and mortality by about 60 percent. In their struggle against the reopening of schools, educators have scientific truth and a groundswell of community support among other teachers, students and working class parents across the country on their side. This mounting opposition must find expression through the building of a Washington Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, joining educators across the US and globally in developing an independent, united and scientifically-based struggle against school reopenings. Educators have already formed these committees in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan, Alabama and many other areas, which are preparing for a nationwide general strike to fight for high quality virtual instruction and the shutdown of non-essential workplaces with full compensation for affected workers. These lockdown measures must be taken until the pandemic is truly contained through the rapid distribution of vaccines in every country. Washington educators, parents and students who support this program to prioritize human life above private profit should sign up today to get involved at wsws.org/edsafety. 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 Cipla seeks price capping waiver, says its close to commit over $1 billion to Moderna Full list of private hospitals where the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 01: India launched its biggest vaccination campaign against COVID-19 today. The day began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being administered his first dose of the vaccine at AIIMS. India initiated the second phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive for people above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities, eligible citizens need to register on the CoWIN portal only to get the vaccination at a nearby registered centre. The government has clarified that the app which is available on Google Play Store is currently meant for administrators and not beneficiaries. In a tweet, the Ministry of Health wrote,"There is no Co-WIN App for beneficiary registration. The App on Play Store is for administrators only." The tweet added saying,"Registration and booking for an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination are to be done through Co-WIN portal (http://cowin.gov.in.)." Meanwhile here is the list of private hospitals where the COVID-19 vaccine would be administered. Full list of private hospitals where the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered: For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 16:59 [IST] Ukraine has no right to lose its chance to reform the judicial system, as this is the main criterion for the country's membership in the EU and NATO, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna has said. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, she said this in her speech at the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. Development of Justice" in Kyiv on Monday. "Trust in justice, an efficient judicial system is the key to Ukraine's independence. Today we have a unique chance when there is political will for transformation, Ukraine's course for EU and NATO membership is secured in the Constitution and, most importantly, our partners see Ukraine as a member of the European Union. In the next three years, we have a unique opportunity, if we have the political will and the will of the president, to reform the judiciary and move Ukraine to the EU and NATO," Stefanishyna said. In this context, she recalled a statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell that judicial reform is the mother of all reforms. "We can talk a lot about how effectively we implement the Association Agreement. We can even agree on great achievements and Ukraine's access to the EU market. We can join big policies and be ambitious. But when there is no trust in Ukraine's judicial system, such achievements are brought to naught in a certain way," she said. According to Stefanishyna, it is important for government officials moving Ukraine towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration that all those involved in judicial reform unite around this idea. "We have no right to give up and lose this chance. [...] I ask for your help so that the main criterion of Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO - the rule of law, trust in the judiciary and transparency of democratic institutions could become a reality," she said. op Ghaziabad : , March 1 (IANS) As the third phase of Covid vaccination took off on Monday for all above 60 years and those with comorbidities above 45 years of age at a minimal price at private hospitals and for free at government units, long queues were witnessed at Ghaziabad hospitals. People at the Yashoda Superspeciality hospital here at this Uttar Pradesh city appeared excited to get vaccinated and many started early morning. Although, some faced problems in registering themselves but none dropped off. Apart from government hospitals, specified private hospitals have also been permitted in the state for administering the corona vaccine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in the third phase on Monday as he took the shot at AIIMS Delhi. Sunil Dagar of Yashoda hospital told IANS, "Today 100 vaccine doses have been provided by the Central government for the third phase of corona vaccination." "Of those administered none have reported any problems. Our staff in the hospital gives a token to each person after noting down the information of the people coming forward for the vaccination. After that they register themselves and then they are kept in observation for sometime." Vinod Khanna, a resident of Ghaziabad, present at the Yashoda hospital for vaccination said, "He has not faced any problem during vaccination, everything has been smooth. I am satisfied with the fee that is being charged for the vaccination." A maximum limit of Rs 250 has been fixed for corona vaccination in private hospitals. So Rs 500 is all one has to pay for the two doses at private facilities. How it works? If a person wants to get a corona vaccine shot, the first step is registration for it. For this, you could register yourself on the Co-WIN 2.0 portal. At the same time, through the Arogya Setu app, one could also register themselves on the Co-WIN website. Apart from this, one could also register themselves by visiting the nearest vaccination centre. Click on to the Co-WIN app or website and enter your mobile number, after which you will receive an OTP following which you will have to provide your name, age, gender details etc. and upload a photo identity card. If a person is above 45 years and is suffering from other diseases then he/ she would have to upload a certificate showing that a person suffers from certain diseases other than Covid-19. Then you have to choose the vaccination centre and date and appointments could be given through a mobile number. Those above 60 years could register themselves via their phones. For this, one have to dial 1507. Nearly 20 diseases have been identified that needs to mentioned if one has comorbidities. People above 60 years do not need to provide any documents. They have to validate their identity through Aadhaar card. Browsers that can not handle javascript will not be able to access some features of this site. On March 1, 1836, two critical questions greeted the delegates gathered at Washington on the Brazos. One of these was how to respond to the calamity facing Texans in the wake of the invasion of General Santa Anna of Mexico. The other lay in discerning the authority with which to award a new military commander. Lets explore the dilemmas surrounding these questions. The dilemma in terms of a response to the crisis centered on whether to work with Mexican Liberals to restore the Federalist Constitution of 1824 or to declare for independence from Mexico. Evidence that the time for declaring for independence had come lay in the signing of the Declaration of Independence on March 2, only the second day of the Convention. Similarly, the answer to the authority of the new commander of the military came quickly. On March 4, Sam Houston received the title of Major General of all forces, regular and volunteer. This decision was profound for multiple reasons lying in the nature of the command system of Texan forces to that juncture. The final stage of the conflict began on Oct. 2, 1835 at Gonzales when Mexican forces under General Cos in San Antonio sought to retrieve a cannon lent to Gonzales patriots earlier. With a sign reading Come and Take it, the Texans prevailed, keeping the canon. Fortuitously, on the heels of Gonzales, Stephen F. Austin arrived from imprisonment in Mexico, to receive, by Oct. 12, command of volunteer forces of Texas. However, Gen. Edward Burleson held the command by the time of Coss defeat on Dec. 9, which command then passed to Frank W. Johnson. Meanwhile, on Nov. 12, at a meeting of Texans called the Consultation, Sam Houston had received appointment to the position of commander of regular forces. Thus, from that date through March 4, confusion reigned in the area of command among Texan fighting forces. There was even a third group: independents, neither voluntary nor regular, under a separate commander. Furthermore, the various commands pursued different strategies. Finally recognizing the futility of the situation, Sam Houston requested and received a furlough on Jan 28, 1836, allowing him to negotiate a great treaty with the Indians of East Texas in February. While thus engaged, he learned that his view was correct that the strategy of the volunteer army was indeed flawed, for all volunteer forces were in a state of defeat as the delegates met in Washington on March first. Hence it was by then imperative both to formally declare for independence and to place Sam Houston in command of all forces. The fruits of these decisions found reference in the Houston-led victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Dr. Robin Montgomery is a native of Montgomery County and an author, historian, retired professor and columnist for The Courier. Atleast he doesn't hide his reality: Ghulam Nabi Azad praises PM for being frank about his past as tea-seller Still in politics, only retired from Rajya Sabha: Azad India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 01: Asserting that he had retired only from Rajya Sabha and not politics, Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad Saturday expressed a resolve to continue his fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and its residents' special rights over jobs and land. The former chief minister also stressed the importance of unity among the residents of the Union Territory to fight the threats from China and Pakistan and said "we need to stand with our forces against the enemies". Ghulam Nabi Azad retired from the Upper House on February 15. "I have retired from Rajya Sabha but not from politics. This is not for the first time that I retired from parliament. Till my last breath, I will continue my services for the nation and will continue my fight for the rights of people," Azad told a 'Shanti Sammelan' organised by the Gandhi Global family here. Cong leaders shower praises on Azad, say he has major role to play in coming months He was joined by senior party leaders including Kapil Sibal, Manish Tewari, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Raj Babbar and Anand Sharma. In an apparent reference to the August 5, 2019 development when the Centre revoked J&K's special status and split it into two Union Territories, he said, "We have lost our identity but we will not give up and continue our fight for the restoration of the statehood within and outside parliament." "We want representatives of the people of all the three regions of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh - to form the government. Leh supported the UT status but Kargil is against it. Every party in Jammu - from BJP to RSS and National Conference to PDP and Panthers Party wants statehood back," he said. "It is the voice of the people and I challenge anyone to come out with a statement that they do not want the restoration of statehood to J&K," he said. He also said he will continue his fight for the locals' rights over land and jobs. "Jammu and Leh face the immediate threat if outsiders start settling in J&K and Ladakh. We are not against the people coming from outside to get jobs here, but in Jammu and Kashmir, resources are limited as we do not have any big industry here," Azad said. In politics, he said the fight continues to ensure that the people get their rights. "Jammu and Kashmir shares its border with China and Pakistan and the enemy is very active unlike any other part of the country. We had many wars in the past but the rift has not ended till date. It is our responsibility that we maintain harmony, peace, love and fight the enemy together," he said, adding it is possible when "we are united and did not fall prey to those who are doing the politics of division". He said every party has a right to come to the power but doing the politics of religion is not good for the country. "You need to take everyone along as was done by Congress in the past. The Congress could not have achieved freedom for the country, had it not welcomed everyone from every region, religion and every community including educated people, farmers, traders and labourers, irrespective of their caste and creed," he said. He said the Congress learnt from former prime minister Indira Gandhi that border residents are brave people who fight the enemy alongside the forces and need to be given a special attention. "We salute our forces for their bravery in the face of challenges from Pakistan and China. We support them and stand with them against the enemy," he said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News "World leaders like US president Joe Biden makes a reference to Kashmir soon after taking over. They do not talk about any other place of the country but we have now lost our identity and have to fight for its restoration," he said. Vaccination of senior citizens began on a slow start at the BKC jumbo Covid-19 centre in due to technical issues. The response to the citizen round, however, is encouraging said the facility at Mulund, the eastern suburb of While on-spot regsitrations began after 9am, actual vaccination could only begin after 11am because of a glitch. Officials are required to register details about allotment before administering doses and were unable to complete this process leading to delay. "There was a one-hour delay in the morning but now the vaccination process is going on swiftly. By afternoon over 100 senior citizens and persons with co-morbidities registered for vaccines. We have capability to vaccinate upto 1,000 senior citizens a day in addition to medical personnel and other frontline workers," said Dr Rajesh Dere, dean of Covid centre at BKC. Pradeep Angre, the Dean of the Mulund facility said that the server started working around 11:45am. People have been able to register themselves on the CoWIN app though. The Daftary's at Mulund registered themselves at 9:10am and turned up at the facility. Eighty-six-year-old Pramod Daftary and his son Hitesh Daftary (57 years) turned up for the shots with their grandson. Hitesh had a paralytic attack and thus qualified for the jab. Doctors from Sion Hospital and Nair Hospital were reviewing the people turning up for the vaccine shot. The BKC centre has been administering doses to around 2,000 medical persons and other frontline workers daily. But their number is now declining, he said. "I came on the first day anticipating less crowd but looks like there are many liked minded people," said 73-year old retired teacher. However despite the delay, Suri was full of praise for the staff and facilities at the centre. "We are happy with the arrangements. Staff was co-operative. We were offered water and tea as we waited in pandal for our turn," she added. "I tried registering on Co-Win app from home but was unable to do it. So I decided to walk in at the centre. I got vaccinated with ten minutes," said 67-year old Swati Kulkarni. The Mulund facility can administer vaccines to 500 people a day. It can be slightly more given the demand. Angre says the turnout is more encouraging with this round - " On most days we were administering doses to 30-40 healthcare or frontline workers. Today already over 50 senior citizens have been given the jab and more are waiting," he adds. The facility which was a dedicated Covid19 healthcare center has been repuposed as a vaccination site. It thus has over 20 beds for recuperation and resusciation, beds are equipped with oxygen supplies and at least one ventilation unit is present at the site. Fifty-two-year-old Ramesh Khatte, who works in the traffic department, was waiting for recovery after he was administered Covishield, the Astrazeneca vaccine made by Serum Institute. "I am not only feeling fine, there is no pain at the vaccination site," Khatte said NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PageUp [https://www.pageuppeople.com], a leading provider of cloud-based talent management software, today announced it has been selected by The University of Alabama to modernize hiring practices with its best of breed Recruitment Marketing solution. PageUp Recruitment Marketing will enable The University of Alabama to attract, nurture and convert high-quality talent with less manual effort. PageUp's solution will allow the University to future-proof its hiring process by attracting new talent at scale while delivering an exceptional job seeker and candidate experience. Founded in 1831, The University of Alabama is the oldest and largest of the public universities in Alabama. As a leader in the knowledge-based sector, The University of Alabama recognizes the need to continually improve its talent acquisition strategies to attract the best staff, faculty and students. Setting out to fulfill an initiative to improve HR services, The University of Alabama chose PageUp for its ability to create personalized careers sites, deliver exceptional jobseeker experiences, and automate time-consuming candidate care. With PageUp, the University will enjoy: A self-service, intelligent careers site that's optimized to convert the right candidates A powerful recruitment marketing CRM to track and manage proactive communication Drag and drop pipelining and smart list recommendations Customized apply processes for hard to fill roles The ability to easily tailor various landing pages and campaigns to provide an excellent job seeker experience Conversion of more quality candidates with less manual effort Amy Heatherly, director of Human Resources at The University of Alabama, says, "A modern recruitment marketing solution will allow us to manage a lot of applicants while also being attentive to each person." Mark Rice, CEO, PageUp, says, "We are proud to have been chosen to provide recruitment marketing solutions for The University of Alabama, one of our longest-standing Higher Education customers. With PageUp Recruitment Marketing, we are demonstrating our commitment to continually innovate the University's hiring processes to attract and win the best talent." Visionaries and first-adopters The University of Alabama was PageUp's flagship US Higher Education client, having used the software since 2014, and maintains this visionary position as the first Higher Education customer to implement PageUp Recruitment Marketing . PageUp was ultimately selected for its reputation, first-class customer support, and proven track record in the Higher Education industry, with universities around the globe using PageUp. About PageUp The powerful PageUp platform optimizes each step of the talent management lifecycle so everyone can reach their full potential. PageUp Talent Management software enhances HR processes with technology that HR professionals, people leaders and employees love to use. From Recruitment Marketing including sophisticated content management, marketing automation and candidate relationship management tools through to Recruitment Management , Onboarding , Learning , Performance , and Succession all underpinned by Analytics . Customers love PageUp for its deep functionality and ability to be configured for a range of workflows and industries, all accompanied by outstanding customer service. Used in over 190 countries, PageUp is a truly global solution. PageUp has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, Dublin and Singapore. SOURCE PageUp Related Links https://www.pageuppeople.com/ Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has told his party there will be no major easing of restrictions until May and warned them to stay on message when publicly discussing Covid-19 rules. In an email to his parliamentary party, Mr Varadkar said there is no reason to be off message after receiving a backlash over government communications. The Tanaiste also outlined seven key steps the Government are taking over the coming months as part of their Covid-19 plan. However, he insisted there will be no major lifting of restrictions until May, apart from easing rules around the 5km travel ban, construction, outdoor activities and click and collect services. Read More The Fine Gael leader said he took on board the reasoned criticisms about communications and said it is now time to for a reset in how we communicate with the public. Its very clear about what (will) and will not happen in the next 10 weeks, he said in reference to the Covid-19 Plan The Path Ahead. Communications is a job for all of us and with this plan there is no reason for any of us to be off message for the next few months. He set out seven key communications points he wants his TDs and senators to take on board when speaking publicly. He said March is about reopening schools, pre-schools and childcare which he said will involve quite a lot of additional movement and interaction. Nphet has advised and we agreed that any further relaxation of restrictions at the same time would be too risky and could jeopardise the safe reopening of education, he said. He said the vaccine programme will be ramped up in March and there will be roughly 100,000 vaccines administered a week. He said this will increase to 200,000 to 300,000 a week in April. He said there will also be a greater focus on ventilation and rapid antigen tests along with more testing, tracing and isolating. He said in the run up to Easter, the Government will consider easing some restrictions if the current trajectory of the virus continues to fall and there is less pressure on hospitals. He said the only measures that will be considered are the relaxation of the 5km rule, the reopening of construction, the return of click and collect services and permitting more outdoor activities. No further easing of restrictions will be considered until the end of April or early May, he added. Mr Varadkar said there will be tougher controls on people entering and leaving the State and pointed to the ban on non-essential travel. He said there is a requirement for all passengers arriving in Ireland to produce a negative PCR test on arrival. He said mandatory home or hotel quarantine of five to 10 days or more depending on country of origin will also be in place shortly. He also said all financial supports introduced for businesses and employees will remain in place until June 30. Read More Thirty-five years since George Parkin Grants Technology and Justice (1986) By Mark Wegierski This article tries to gauge what of George Grants ideas has remained today. 2021 is the 35th anniversary of George Grants Technology and Justice (1986), his last major published work. It was a follow-up to his earlier books, Technology and Empire: Perspectives on North America (1969), and English-Speaking Justice (1974/1985). Grant is best known for his work, Lament for a Nation: The Defeat of Canadian Nationalism (1965), written after the defeat of the staunch Tory Prime Minister, John Diefenbaker, by Liberal Lester B. Pearson, in the crucial 1963 federal election. Grants first major published work was Philosophy in the Mass Age (1959). One could sharply ask today -- is there still really a place for Grantian-type traditionalism in current-day Canada? First of all, it should be remembered that Grants profound and subtle definition of conservatism is very remote from what is its more common definition today, as mostly a tax- and budget-cutting ideology. Indeed, the shallowness of what passes for conservatism in Canada today, is quite apparent. It is generally accepted that almost everyone is socially liberal, and economically conservative. Social conservatism is typically seen as a dour, obdurate outlook. Nevertheless, economic conservatism can be seen as little more than a defense of consumerist capitalism and plutocracy which Grant had severely criticized. The notion of conservatism as a decent, humane outlook has been lost today. Indeed, most people in Canada today cannot wrap their minds around the notion of the genuine idealism of traditionalist dissent in current-day society. Despite his greatly impassioned writing, Grant did not seem to offer much hope for someone wishing to be active in the social, political, and cultural arena of current-day Canadian society. Perhaps a quietistic self-cultivation is the only path available today. However, is this not problematic, for a philosophy that has emphasized public engagement and civic-mindedness? The four main possibilities available today are probably: activism in the current federal Conservative Party; activism in the Canadian pro-life movement; moving out to the countryside; or becoming an independent political writer/blogger. Activism in the current federal Conservative Party (or perhaps other major political parties, such as the Ontario Progressive Conservatives) gives one a sense of immediacy and connection to so-called real political matters. However, one will be in a major party with multifarious factions, many of which may be indifferent or hostile to ones views. While one may feel that one is doing useful work, it may just be a drop in the ocean. Also, if one is able to hold increasingly prominent posts in a given party, the unfriendly public scrutiny ones views undergo is increased, which often results in an ever-increasing downplaying and trimming of ones own ideals and principles. Also, the federal Conservatives have been decisively trounced in the October 2015 federal election. The accusation has been that the Conservatives lost because of their obdurate, reactionary policies. The notion that the Conservative Party had actually followed a very moderate course during their majority government, is not widely accepted. Canada has seen another roaring tide of unabated change under Justin Trudeau, mirroring, to some extent, what happened during the sixteen years of Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1968-1984, except for nine months in 1979-1980). In the 2019 federal election, the Liberals were reduced to a minority government (a plurality of seats in the House of Commons), but they can still govern quite decisively with the support of the New Democratic Party, which is even further left. Activism in the Canadian pro-life and pro-family movement offers a considerable engagement with real political matters combined with an intense idealism. One can read in such publications as The Interim and the Hamilton-based Convivium and Comment, how the pro-life and pro-family people are often the dynamic edge of resistance to the current late modern near-dystopia, and, indeed, how often they do suffer for their beliefs. However, what appears to be the demand for a life of continual martyrdom may not be emotionally sustainable for some people. Ironically, pro-life and pro-family activists are often seen as veritable devil-babies by current-day society. For example, pro-life student clubs have been banned at several Canadian universities. Becoming involved in a minor political party or some kind of ginger group is somewhat akin to being a pro-life activist, although usually with less social impact likely, but also less martyrdom required. Moving out to the countryside represents a sort of secession. The idea is that life in more rural areas is healthier than in the big cities. Perhaps not everyone might find rural life congenial. It requires a considerable amount of quite arduous physical labour with which a person used to living in urban or suburban areas is unacquainted. If one is already living there (or will end up there), one also has to think about having an impact beyond ones immediate physical vicinity. The idea of becoming an independent political writer/blogger may be attractive if one feels one can carry ones weight intellectually and do so with considerable grace and dignity. Having a cultural-political Internet presence today is not necessarily tied to living in a major cultural or political centre although it might help in putting together ones writing output. If one is truly independent, one need not always hew to party and religious lines even as one is generally in opposition to late modern society. Nevertheless, one might become prone to live increasingly as a lone wolf with fewer and fewer personal social interactions a voice crying in the wilderness. It could be argued that Grants thought does indeed have much to say to all persons living in current-day Canada and America, and in so-called late modernity not just to those who are actively in opposition to it. For example, one can easily elicit from Grants philosophy a critique of the economism and the infinite growth mindset that are probably among the main contributing factors to the post-2008 economic crisis. There could also be a role for Grants anti-Americanism (or what might less pointedly be called non-Americanism) in a truly meaningful Canadian conservatism. It is little understood today that before the 1960s, Canada was actually a more conservative society than America (in the better sense of conservatism). Today, one finds that much of what is negative about current-day Canada if one were to carefully look at its real origins -- actually emanates from the U.S. There are, for example, the trends to judicial activism and litigiousness, tendencies of increasing violence and anomie, and the excesses of the North American (U.S. and Canadian) pop-culture. It looks like the best that traditionalists can hope for in Canada today is to maintain some kind of sharp niches of critique in what is likely to become an increasingly hostile society. It may perhaps be suggested that things will have to get even worse, before there can be some hope of things getting better, over the longer term. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home The Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) says the Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mohammed... The Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) says the Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mohammed Tahir, the groups president, over the decision to block the delivery of food items from the north to the south. The AUFCDN is protesting the alleged killing of its members in the south. Their demonstration has entered the fourth day, and dealers are asking the federal government for compensation. Speaking at a media conference in Abuja on Monday, Ahmed Alaramma, AUFCDN general secretary, said the secret police had not released Tahir at the time of the briefing. Alaramma alleged that since they began the strike, the army has been maltreating them. The situation report we were receiving in Zaria, Kaduna state, in Niger, Taraba and Kogi states is that there is intimidation by the Nigerian army. We wrote to all the security agencies about our strike, but unfortunately the army is maltreating us, he said. We want to use the opportunity to let Nigerians know the present situation of our strike. Our members are being frustrated nationwide by the army just because we embarked on a strike. We reject what the army has done to our task force in the four places that we have mentioned. We want to assure our members that our strike is ongoing. Our president is with DSS now. They invited us over our protest. Up till now, he is not out of the place. At the weekend, the defence headquarters had warned traders who obstruct the movement of goods from one part of the country to the other to desist from such acts, or face the wrath of the law. A father-of-six with no previous health problems has died from coronavirus just days after going into hospital. Newcastle United security worker Kevin Knaggs, 52, died on February 18 at South Tyneside District Hospital after falling seriously ill with the virus. Mr Knaggs was fit and healthy with no underlying conditions but during 19 days in hospital he became dependent on oxygen until Covid-19 caused his organs to fail. The beloved family man leaves behind his children Chandler, 23, Ethan, 16, Skye, 13, Logan, 11, Henley, 10 and Bentley, eight, as well as wife Emma, 34. Newcastle United security worker Kevin Knaggs (pictured with his son Ethan), 52, died on February 18 at South Tyneside District Hospital after falling seriously ill with the virus Paying tribute to her husband, Emma said: 'He was a funny, outgoing person, he was a joker, he always had us in creases. 'And he absolutely lived for his kids.' Shortly before his death Kevin, from Newcastle, had been living in Blyth, Northumberland, with nephew Darren Knaggs and his partner Kimberley Etok. Kimberley said it had been a shock how quickly the virus attacked Kevin's body. 'I don't think people actually believe how serious it is until it hits home,' she said. 'It can take a life so quickly - he went into hospital on January 30 and on February 18 he sadly passed away. Nineteen days and we lost him. Mr Knaggs was fit and healthy with no underlying conditions but during 19 days in hospital he became dependent on oxygen until Covid-19 caused his organs to fail 'We had quite a difficult time as a family because we couldn't be with him. He was ventilated on February 1 and he was dependent on oxygen from then, he was never stabilised. 'Kevin was very much a family man. He loved every one of his children; my partner is biologically his nephew, but he's more like a father, brother and uncle all in one to him; he loved being with my children - his whole life revolved around family. 'He was a bit of a jack-the-lad before family life came along, but once it did, that was it for him. 'He had a lot of friends. He was a Newcastle fan and he worked for the club he loved.' Kimberley has now set up an online fundraising page in the hope of being able to give Kevin the send-off he deserves. Donations will also help make memory boxes each of his children, as well as 'memory bears' made from his clothes, Emma said. Kimberley said: 'The kids have been like Trojans, they are just battling on, bless them. 'I'm so proud of them, and I know their dad would be too.' "Encounter" actress Song Hye Kyo continues to make donations alongside Sungshin Womens' University's professor Seo Kyung Duk! Song Hye Kyo and Professor Seo Kyung Duk's Worthwhile Collaboration Song Hye Kyo is recognized for her frequent and large social donations. A source from Song Hye Kyo's agency once shared in an interview that since the actress has traveled extensively for work, she became mindful of the importance for tourists to read the information in their own language. So, with her partnership with Professor Seo Kyung Duk of Sungshin Women's University, they decided to provide brochures of information related to various historic Korean sites and museums around the world. Professor Seo Kyung Duk commended the actress for supporting her country in her own ways. The actress and professor have reportedly donated 10,000 guidebooks to the Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles. This donation was done as part of the "Meet Our Country's History Abroad" series and to honor the Samil (March 1) Independence Movement, also known as the Manse Demonstrations. This is the fifth time that Song Hye Kyo participated in the event as she also donated similar guidebooks to the cities of Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris, and more. The said guidebooks are created for both Korean and English users that introduce the history of the independence movement in Los Angeles. Other things included in the guidebook are information about the Korea National Association Memorial Hall, the Ahn Chang Ho family house, the place in LA that is related to Ahn Chang Ho, Rosedale Memorial Park, and more. The professor expressed his thoughts and said that because of the Hallyu influence worldwide, foreigners are becoming more interested in Korean culture and its history. Professor Seo Kyung Duk added that he hopes that this will help give more information to Korean living overseas and the international students of the history of the independence movement in LA. And because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the situation of the independence movement sites that remain overseas is not very good. It is high time for the general public to pay more attention to this. Song Hye Kyo also gives assistance to Korean education by helping provide Korean language services to famous museums around the world. Song Hye Kyo and Her Notable Works as Actress Song Hye Kyo was born November 22, 1981. The 39-year-old actress became widely recognized internationally for portraying leading roles in television dramas, namely: "Autumn in My Heart," "All In," "Full House," "That Winter," "The Wind Blows," "Descendants of the Sun," and "Encounter." The actress also starred in films such as "Hwang Jin Yi," "The Grandmaster," "My Brilliant Life," and "The Queens." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hyekyo Song (@kyo1122) ALSO READ: Song Hye Kyo Is the New Face of the Famous Luxury Brand Fendi Song Hye Kyo's television dramas success established her as a top Hallyu star. She is known to be one of the most beautiful faces in South Korea and a top endorser of various brands. Kdramastars owns this article. Written by Liza Parker Commonwealth prosecutors will seek to appeal a court's decision to grant bail to a young Melbourne woman accused of communicating with and assisting ISIS terrorists. She is alleged to have collected nearly 1,000 images of ISIS propaganda, including pictures of dead people and beheadings, on her phone before her arrest last year. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also allegedly professed her love for and promised to join a man who left Australia to fight for ISIS while under age and living at her parent's home. Now aged 23, the woman was granted bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday as she faces three charges including associating with and providing assistance to ISIS fighters. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also allegedly professed her love for and promised to join a man who left Australia to fight for ISIS while under age and living at her parent's home (stock image) Her father told the court he believed she had been 'brainwashed' and her views had since changed from that period between 2015 and 2016. Her long-term goal was to become a midwife and live in Afghanistan, the court was also told. Magistrate Ross Maxted agreed to release the woman on strict conditions including a $550,000 surety from her family and a ban on internet access. The magistrate noted alleged offences were internet based and did not involve any physical activity. Mr Maxted said while the case against the woman was not weak, it was not overly strong either. He cited her young age, supportive family, the delay ahead of any trial and the length of sentence she'd likely receive if convicted. Prosecutor Shaun Ginsbourg immediately flagged an intended appeal by Commonwealth prosecutors. It means the accused will remain in custody while the appeal is dealt with. She allegedly communicated extensively with, professed her love for and promised to join 'ginger jihadi' Abdullah Elmir (centre) while still a child A psychologist told the court the woman may have an intellectual or learning disability, and also suffered from an adjustment disorder, including anxiety and depression. An additional charge of recruiting an ISIS fighter was previously dropped. But prosecutors last month told the court the woman faced a separate charge for allegedly failing to provide the passcode for an iPhone when her family home was raided in 2018. She allegedly communicated extensively with, professed her love for and promised to join 'ginger jihadi' Abdullah Elmir while still a child. Elmir left Australia to fight with ISIS in 2014 and subsequently died. Prosecutors said the woman turned her attentions to now-jailed American extremist Akram Musleh, acting as a conduit between him and other IS members. When Dr. Dalila Lewis arrived in Charleston last summer to start her new job at the Medical University of South Carolina, the $389 million Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital wasn't even six months old. But the building where Lewis would start seeing many of her patients had been years in the making. The sail-shaped tower situated on the west edge of Charleston's peninsula was being touted as one of the most technologically sophisticated children's hospitals in the country. Not only that, it served as a sort of symbol of a renewed commitment that South Carolina's top academic medical center was making to children and their families who flock to Charleston for care from all over the state. But there was a problem. Some of the sickest patients with brain and spinal cord disorders were being kept waiting months for an appointment. The new building was beautiful, sure, but what good did it do these children if they couldn't get in? "MUSC just has this reputation of taking forever of getting in to see anybody," said Kimberly Richey, of Columbia, whose 6-year-old son Eli suffered a stroke in the womb resulting in a form of cerebral palsy. "We waited seven or eight months for our initial appointment." This was before Dr. Lewis came on board. An Air Force veteran with extensive experience at children's hospitals across the country and a particular expertise in the area of epilepsy, the 42-year-old doctor recently became the first Black woman to lead MUSC's pediatric neurology department, a specialty marked nationally by a shortage of physicians and locally by significant turnover. According to a study published by the American Academy of Neurology, the demand for all neurologists who treat both children and adults will outpace supply by about 20 percent in 2025, "but shortages for child neurologists alone are even more severe." In Charleston, this shortage has been pronounced for years. "I was struck when I was inquiring about this position that the access to care (it was) significantly limited for many, many years," said Lewis, who settled in Hanahan with her husband and their two daughters. Her family relocated to the Lowcountry from the Midwest, where Lewis, who graduated from high school at 16 and from medical school at 24, served as the medical director of the pediatric epilepsy monitoring unit at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before she arrived at MUSC, the minimum wait time for a pediatric neurology appointment in Charleston was four months, Lewis said, and sometimes as long as nine. Not only that, returning patients and their parents were often met by a new neurologist at MUSC every year as physicians retired or left. "Theyve experienced this revolving door (of doctors)," said Lewis, who sees between 12 and 16 patients a day. "You would think I would be dealing with a lot of angry parents. But that really has not been the case at all." Richey, for one, was stunned by the amount of time Lewis took with her son Eli during their first appointment. In fact, she said she kept looking at the clock in disbelief. "She spent an hour with us," said Richey, who was expecting little more than 15 or 30 minutes with the new doctor. "She asked fantastic, well-thought-out, in-depth questions. ... It was a wonderful appointment." Ashley Parrot, of Florence, whose son Mason was born with a rare genetic brain disease, similarly praised Lewis' demeanor with words like "amazing" and "very thorough." Parrot said Mason has never had a problem getting a neurology appointment at MUSC, but he has been seen by four different neurologists there in three years. Because his condition is unique, Parrot mostly seeks care for Mason outside South Carolina, but the turnover at MUSC has been concerning even during routine appointments, she said. "Initially, theres a fear," Parrot said, "that you're not going to be taken seriously, or we have to explain this all over again." 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! Many pediatric sub-specialists are hard to come by no matter where you live because they only account for a small fraction of all doctors in the United States. There are a few reasons for this shortage. For one, these jobs tend to be filled by unique people. It's one thing to aspire to a career in cardiology or oncology, for example, when you anticipate taking care of adults. It's quite another to perform pediatric heart surgery or prescribe chemotherapy to a child who might die. Pediatric specialists are fueled by their encounters with children and are inclined to view each patient's problem as an opportunity to help, rather than a tragedy, said Dr. Mark Scheurer, chief of childrens and womens services at MUSC. But he acknowledged this type of work isn't for everyone. "Pediatric specialties attract a certain type of physician," he said. "Not everyone is interested in that pathway." The other reason these doctors are in shorter supply than demand dictates is money. Medical school tuition isn't adjusted for future earning potential. It's expensive for all doctors. And pediatricians, across the board, make considerably less than doctors who treat adults. According to a 2019 compensation report compiled by Medscape, pediatricians ranked second-to-last out of 29 medical specialties when it came to salary. "Its very true that adult sub-specialists are better compensated than pediatric sub-specialists. And thats happened for years," said Dr. Andy Atz, chairman of MUSC's Department of Pediatrics. What it's come down to, Atz said, is that there are "tons of positions out there" for pediatric neurologists. "The supply of eligible people is really slight," he said. "We have to work really hard at finding people because they have tons of choices." Before Lewis came on board last year, Atz said he struggled for four years to hire pediatric neurologists for openings at MUSC. "It was the most difficult position to recruit for," he said. "A year would pass without any applications." That obviously creates an HR issue for the hospital, but more importantly, he said, it directly impacts families who have a right to be frustrated. "I completely understand (their) historic frustrations because I have shared them," Atz said. That's why the hospital is so thrilled to have Lewis. "Shes just a very exciting, accomplished woman," Atz continued. "It is not hyperbole. As soon as we got Dr. Lewis in place, weve had a dramatic increase in people who are interested in applying for our available positions. That has certainly made my job incredibly easier." Perhaps, more importantly, appointment wait-times have dropped significantly since her arrival in Charleston. Lewis estimated patients are now waiting a month, and sometimes less, to be seen by her team, which was recently restructured and now includes five physicians. "My goals are to, No. 1, improve access to care and were making strides," she said. Lewis also wants to "inject some stability" into the department. That includes actively recruiting more doctors to join her. "Families have had really good reason to be frustrated, but I havent felt the brunt of that frustration," Lewis said. "Ive been really struck by the graciousness and the gratitude." Sorry! This content is not available in your region Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Mayor Benjamin Magalong confirmed on Monday that a case of the B117 or UK COVID-19 variant was detected in the summer capital. The city's first known case is a 30-year-old female who tested positive for the coronavirus last February 12 and recovered on the 23rd, Magalong told reporters. The results from the genome sequencing, which showed she was positive for the more contagious variant, only arrived on the 28th, he added. The mayor said he is currently not eyeing a lockdown in the city, but assured the public that contact tracing efforts have been intensified. Local officials are also probing if the patient has links to earlier reported UK variant cases in La Trinidad, Benguet and Bontoc. La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda last week said all individuals in his locality have recovered from the variant. Baguio City has 260 active COVID-19 cases as of February 28, according to its public information office. This is from a total case count of 5,665, which include 5,300 recoveries and 105 deaths. CNN Philippines Baguio City-based correspondent Lauren Anuma contributed to this report. Read the full article in the March 2021 digital edition. . . Transfer Proof can be defined as the ability of a cosmetic product to completely resist transferral from one surface to another. It has long been a popular claim across foundation and lip products but the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has made it more relevant than ever before.1 Wearing face masks is now essential to everyday life and consumers do not want to see makeup left behind after masks are removed. This puts increasing pressure on formulation chemists to create color cosmetics that perform,2 and raw material suppliers are developing ingredients to support this transfer-proof performancemost notably, novel film formers.3 Taking a step back, however, it is important to understand what consumers expect when they purchase a product that claims to be transfer proof and what they accept in terms of proven performance. Will they engage with product communications of statistical significance from efficacy testing, or do they seek tangible proof that the product works in real terms? The transfer-proof benefit is now as important as long wear or hydration, so how can it be measured objectively when consumer perception is strongly at its core? This was the focus of the present work, which aimed to strengthen conventional instrumental measurements by first defining transfer proof from the consumer perspective. These insights were then used to design a test method to measure this attribute in test lipsticks. Consumer Survey: Defining Transfer-proof Attributes Before any measurement considerations, it was important to define what exactly transfer proof and transfer resistant meant to consumers. Transfer claims are visual in nature; e.g., lipsticks can noticeably transfer onto face masks upon wearing or ceramic cups during drinking. Transfer proof could be defined as the ability to completely resist transferral, whereas transfer resistant could be considered as having slightly less efficacy in comparison. Yet, either claim on its own could be understood to mean the same thing. Thus, gaining insight into the consumers understanding of transfer proof and transfer resistant was important in order to deliver a product that meets consumer expectations. To define the boundaries between transfer resistant and transfer proof, a survey was conducted in various countries. This survey consisted of a series of images showing ceramic cups with varying degrees of lipstick transfer, including a cup completely free of lipstick. Images of the ceramic cups were taken using an imaging systema and were randomized in a consumer survey for analysis (see Figure 1). Consumers graded which images they considered to be transfer proof, transfer resistant or neither. Opinions from a total of 95 volunteers across China, India, Mexico, Russia and Indonesia were collected with the aim of developing a grading scale to integrate the perceptions of these volunteers. In parallel, colorimetric measurements were performed on each of the cups using a portable camerab, with capabilities previously described in the literature,4, 5 to establish corresponding color values to each cup's condition. Clinical Evaluation of Test Lipsticks Following the outputs of the consumer perception survey, a clinical study was performed to measure the transfer-proof performance of three test lipsticks: an in-house lipstick specifically formulated to resist transferral and featuring wear-enhancing raw materials; a competitor benchmark lipstick advertising transfer-proof claims; and a regular in-house lipstick without transfer-resisting raw materials. The general formulas are provided in Table 1. Note the ingredients are listed in random order. . . .Read more in the March 2021 digital edition. . . References Gerstell, E., Marchessou, S., Schmidt, J. and Spagnuolo, E. (2020, May). How COVID-19 is changing the world of beauty. McKinsey & Company. https://mck.co/3sG7F9n Culliney, K. (2020, Aug 26). UK beauty to decline 10% in 2020: Cosmetics has taken a backseat. Cosmetics Design Europe. https://bit.ly/3iAz9bV Lim, A. (2020, Sep 23). Mask-friendly makeup: Covestro eyes potential for bio-based film former in APAC color cosmetics market. Cosmetics Design Europe. https://bit.ly/35Z9AMA Matias, A.R., Ferreira, M., Costa, P. and Neto, P. (2015). Skin color, skin redness and melanin biometric measurements: Comparison study between Antera 3D, Mexameter and Colorimeter. Skin Res Techno 21 346-362. Messaraa, C., Metois, A., Walsh, M., et al. (2018). Wrinkle and roughness measurement by the Antera 3D and its application for evaluation of cosmetic products. Skin Res Technol 24 359-366. Captions/Footnotes: a VISIA CR 2.3, Canfield Scientific b Antera 3D, Miravex Ltd. According to research by MarketsandMarkets, the Middle East's cloud market is expected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 17.5 percent over the same period, highlighting the growing opportunity in this region. The MoU between Tencent Cloud and the Bahrain EDB will allow for substantial opportunities to boost the local digital economy, empowering local organisations to expedite their digital transformation journey. It will also allow Tencent Cloud to leverage on Bahrain's regional position, and the EDB's connectivity with local and regional stakeholders, including Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. The terms of the MoU include: Tencent Cloud's first IDC in Bahrain and MENA : Tencent Cloud will launch a brand-new IDC in Bahrain , which will go live by the end of 2021. Cloud will launch a brand-new IDC in , which will go live by the end of 2021. Promoting the deployment of Tencent Cloud: Bahrain EDB, together with public and private stakeholders will encourage the continued adoption of cloud services to further the digital transformation agenda. Additionally, support will be offered to partner companies to leverage cloud services in collaboration with local stakeholders such as Tamkeen. Bahrain EDB, together with public and private stakeholders will encourage the continued adoption of cloud services to further the digital transformation agenda. Additionally, support will be offered to partner companies to leverage cloud services in collaboration with local stakeholders such as Tamkeen. Local talent development: Tencent Cloud will explore and set up training initiatives jointly with the local government in universities and educational institutions across the Kingdom to allow for further knowledge transfer and qualified digital technology talents. H.E. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahrain's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said, "This is an important milestone in Bahrain's journey to become the MENA region's cloud and data centre hub and I commend the EDB for their ceaseless efforts in developing the partnership with Tencent and ensuring that Bahrain is a favored destination for investment. Tencent joins leading global cloud giants in setting up in Bahrain which will drive massive growth in data traffic towards MENA. Moreover, the launch of the new data centre stands to create a clustering effect as other global providers turn their attention to the increasingly attractive region, with Bahrain positioned as the destination of choice with proactive initiatives such as the Government's 'Cloud-First' policy and nationwide 5G." Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President, Tencent Cloud International, said, "While the local government in Bahrain has been making significant efforts to grow the local IDC industry, Tencent Cloud is excited to collaborate with Bahrain EDB as part of our ongoing efforts to ramp up the global IDC landscape. We will launch all necessary steps to set up a brand-new IDC in Bahrain to provide better coverage all over the Middle East and North African regions along the Belt and Road, fully supporting Bahrain's 'Cloud-First' strategy." H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board, said, "As a global leader in technology, innovation and cloud services, the EDB is very proud to be partnering with Tencent to set up their first MENA data center hub in Bahrain. We are confident that Tencent will be able to leverage on the Kingdom's regional connectivity, local talent, and business friendly environment to expand their services and reach clients across the region." Raed Fakhri, Managing Director - Investments, Mumtalakat, added, "Innovative technologies, including cloud services and other content driven services, are an area that Mumtalakat is keen to explore and support as Bahrain progresses with its 'Cloud First' policy. As one of the first organisations in the Kingdom to achieve full cloud migration we are excited to witness this milestone that will only further enhance Bahrain's diversification strategy." In 2017, Bahrain introduced the region's first nationwide "Cloud-First" policy to enhance government information and communication technologies, driving the adoption of cloud across state entities and reducing IT costs by up to 90%. Operating in 27 regions and 60 availability zones worldwide, Tencent Cloud is a secure, reliable and high-performance public cloud service provider that integrates Tencent's infrastructure-building capabilities with the advantages of its massive user platform and ecosystem. By harnessing Bahrain's track record of agile and forward-thinking data regulation, as well as its strategic location within the region, Tencent Cloud will enhance its rich array of global services to both the public and private sectors in the region. About Tencent Cloud Tencent Cloud is Tencent's cloud services brand, providing industry-leading cloud products and services to organizations and enterprises across the world. Leveraging its robust data center infrastructures around the world, Tencent integrates cloud computing, big data analytics, AI, Internet of Things, security and other advanced technologies with smart enterprise scenarios. At the same time, we provide a holistic smart enterprise solution for sectors including finance, education, healthcare, retail, industry, transport, energy and radio & television. SOURCE Tencent Cloud State police said a man will face multiple felony charges in connection to intentionally set fires in Meriden and other towns once he is extradited back to the state from Pennsylvania. Old Saybrook police said Richard White, 37, was arrested in Pennsylvania shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday. Pennsylvania State Police took him into custody and impounded his car, police said. Meriden police said they will submit warrants for the incidents that occurred in the city. No other information about the charges White will face was available Monday, Meriden Police Capt. John Mennone said. State police said White will face multiple felony charges in connection to the incidents. State police noted the investigation is not complete, so the charges have not been fully set. White has not yet been charged with a warrant, state police said. According to Pennsylvania state police, White was taken into custody in Northumberland County and is being held on a fugitive from justice warrant pending extradition back to Connecticut. At approximately 4 p.m. Saturday, police said White arrived at Hunters Ambulance base in Old Saybrook and ignited a makeshift Molotov cocktail inside of the employee room. He was seen fleeing in a gray Ford Taurus. Around 5:02 PM, White arrived at Hunters Ambulance on West Main Street in Meriden, Meriden police said in a statement. Whites vehicle approaches the ambulance holding bays, where the occupant of the vehicle is seen throwing an already lit object out of the driver side window, police said. The Molotov cocktail hit the building and the vehicle fled the scene on West Main Street. Meriden police learned White, a Hunters employee, was the subject of a disciplinary hearing and placed on administrative leave earlier in the day. After the hearing, police were told White got into a physical altercation with another employee and left. Mennone said there were no injuries reported from that incident or the Molotov cocktail being thrown at the building. Understandably our staff was shaken by the events occurring on Saturday, February 27th , David Lowell, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Hunters Ambulance, said in an email Monday, We are grateful for the rapid response and services provided by the Fire and Police departments of Meriden and Old Saybrook...Our EMTs and Paramedics work closely with these departments on a daily basis by responding in the community to other people's needs. Saturday we became the victims of senseless acts of violence. Thankfully, due to the swift actions of our staff and of fire and police professionals in the communities we serve, no one was injured and property damage was minimized. Lowell said a person who is the likely suspect in the horrific acts was taken into custody within a few hours. He noted this was a quick and thorough investigation and involved multiple jurisdictions and state communication.The health and safety of Hunters Ambulance employees is their primary concern, Lowell said. After the Meriden incident, police believe White then drove to Roxbury, where state police said he intentionally set fire to a firehouse on North Street and a residential property on Chalybes Road. lsellew@record-journal.com203-317-2225Twitter: @LaurenSellewRJ Gurugram, March 1 : A 16-year-old girl was allegedly held captive and gang raped after she was taken to a hotel by another minor, who was a new acquaintance, the police said on Monday. The incident came to the fore on Saturday after the Class 9 student of a Delhi school along with her family reported the incident to a women's police station in Gurugram. The victim is in hospital. The police filed a case and has since nabbed four persons, including the other Class 9 girl student who accompanied the victim. According to the police, one of the accused studying in Class 12, is an adult. While the other accused and the girl -- are minors and study in Class 9 at private schools. According to the complainant, she met the girl a few days ago at the house of another classmate, after which they had planned to visit a hotel in Gurugram. "On Friday, when the girl and the victim were on way to a hotel, she called the three other accused boy. "When the victim reached the hotel. One of the boys had a room booked, where he allegedly raped the victim. The victim fled the hotel and reached home in the evening and disclosed the matter to her patients. The victim alleged that the other girl was behind the incident," the victim told the police. "The Class 12 boy was produced before a local court, which sent him to judicial custody. While the girl and the other culprits were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) which sent them to a Juvenile home in Faridabad," the police said. A man who allegedly stabbed a love rival multiple times in front of shocked diners while eating breakfast at a popular Melbourne cafe is an alcoholic who suffers from bipolar. Marcus Solin, 42, appeared on videolink on Monday before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court where he was hit with a swag of charges. Witnesses claim two men were having breakfast together at Staple Providore & Cafe in St Kilda when a fight allegedly broke out over a woman on Sunday morning. Baki Baskar was working in his nearby barber shop when he heard the chaos unfold The injured man allegedly suffered multiple stab wounds to the upper body and was rushed to hospital in a serious condition. Solin was arrested at the scene by shocked patrons who witnessed the brutal attack. He appeared jovial when he fronted court on Monday from the Melbourne Custody Centre, joking with guards that he was unable to see the court without his glasses. His lawyer, Jasmine Pisasale, told the court it was the first time Solin had been held in custody. Solin made no application for bail and was remanded in custody until May. The court heard he was an alcoholic who was likely withdrawing from booze after his arrest on Sunday. Ms Pisasale said her client also suffered from bipolar disorder, which saw him require two 500mg doses of sodium valproate - a medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder - each day. She asked that he be forensically assessed upon transfer to the Melbourne Assessment Prison. Prosecutor Sam Davison asked the court to allow police time to analyse nearby CCTV footage collected from around the cafe. Despite being behind bars, police also applied for an intervention order to prevent Solin from going anywhere near his alleged victim. Solin agreed to the order without making any admissions of guilt. Forensic police spent the day hosing down the blood-stained scene at the popular cafe The alleged stabbing unfolded in front of shocked diners at the Staple Providore & Cafe Nearby business owners and bystanders had rushed to the aid of Solin's alleged victim after hearing the commotion on Sunday. Police and paramedics rushed to Fitzroy Street in the seaside suburb about 10am and found the man severely injured. 'All I heard was screams, I went straight there, called the cops and ambulance and was trying to help out,' nearby barber Baki Baskar told Seven News. 'One of the guys was holding a tissue to his throat as there was a lot of blood.' Another witness added: 'They started arguing about his wife or girlfriend or something like that.' Bystanders restrained the other man on the ground until police arrived at the scene. Mr Baskar claims the cafe owner told him that the knife allegedly used wasn't from the cafe. 'It looked like he had been stabbed in the neck. He was still breathing but he was in a bad condition,' nearby cafe owner Ashok Bisht told Nine News. 'Everyone was chilling out having coffee then suddenly this happens. It was horrifying.' Cafe employees left distraught by the horrifying scenes were seen comforting each other before closing early for the day. The cafe was cordoned off as forensic officers hosed off and examined the bloodied scene for evidence. The resumption of direct Air India flights from Delhi to the Russian capital will satisfy pent up demand in both India and Russia. Statistics show that this route is popular with business travelers, students and tourists. The renewal of direct flights between Moscow and Delhi is also expected to encourage and create opportunities for tourism between Russia and India. Air India customers will be able to appreciate the wide range of superior services available at Sheremetyevo Airport. The business class lounge in Terminal D is a winner of the prestigious Business Traveler Russia and CIS Awards in the category of business travel. It offers a buffet, a bar, the latest newspapers and TV, Wi-Fi, shower rooms, a children's playroom and a meeting room. An official celebration of the inaugural flight took place at Sheremetyevo when representatives of the airport management greeted the crew with flowers in a solemn atmosphere. Passengers departing Sheremetyevo for Delhi on February 28 were given a celebratory check-in experience. Sheremetyevo Airport pays special attention to improving the quality of services for passengers and customers. The airport has fully implemented anti-epidemic measures to ensure maximum safety and health protection of travelers and airport and airline staff. Air India is India's leading air carrier and one of the country's premier air travel service providers. The airline is one of the first carriers to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline places great emphasis on continuous improvement of service quality, which aims to provide Air India passengers with an unforgettable flight experience. The airline is part of Star Alliance. Air India passengers enjoy a range of benefits, including extensive global travel transfer options, frequent flyer miles, codeshare agreements for a wide range of flights, and access to over 1000 airport lounges around the world. Sheremetyevo Airport is among the TOP-5 airport hubs in Europe, the largest Russian airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic. In 2020, the airport served 19 million 784 thousand passengers. Sheremetyevo is the best airport in terms of quality of services in Europe, the absolute world leader in punctuality of flights, the recipient of the highest 5-star Skytrax rating. You can find additional information at http://www.svo.aero. SOURCE Sheremetyevo International Airport New Delhi, March 1 : A shootout in Outer Delhi's Nangloi area left two people dead. The deceased have been identified as Zakir and Saleem Qureshi, police said on Monday. Police said that Mohd Ikram shot Zakir , a resident of Nangloi. Ikram was an accused in a murder case of Punjabi Bagh and was out on Parole. "Enraged by this, Raees, who is a friend of Zakir along with Mobin and one unknown accused, shot Saleem Qureshi, Ikram's brother -in-law. Both Zakir and Saleem Qureshi were brought dead at the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital," said Sudhanshu, Additional DCP Outer Delhi. Raees also fired at Highway Patrolling staff of Nangloi Police station while fleeing from the spot, who then fired three rounds and nabbed the culprit. "One pistol , one magazine and two live cartriges were recovered from Raees," the officer added. Several teams have been formed to arrest Ikram who is absconding. YEREVAN, 1 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 1 March, USD exchange rate up by 0.41 drams to 528.37 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 4.10 drams to 636.10 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.05 drams to 7.13 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.89 drams to 736.92 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 601.68 drams to 29606.64 drams. Silver price down by 20.70 drams to 453.31 drams. Platinum price down by 730.99 drams to 20452.94 drams. ALBANY Several members of New Yorks ethics commission are seeking a criminal investigation into the alleged leak of confidential information from someone within the commission to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The commissioners with the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics also want prosecutors to examine a 2019 investigation into the alleged leak that was conducted by the state inspector generals office an inquiry that one JCOPE commissioner has termed a sham. The JCOPE commissioners informal requests for a criminal inquiry, however, have been turned down by Albany County District Attorney David Soares and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., both Democrats. The prosecutors gave rationales for not pursuing a probe that, in JCOPE Commissioner Gary Lavines view, were insufficient given the topics importance. The leak, and more importantly the failure to properly investigate the leak, is a fundamental subversion of the entire ethics administration process of the state, Lavine said. 3 1 of 3 Richard Drew Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Will Waldron Show More Show Less 3 of 3 This week, Lavine, George Weissman and David McNamara all of whom were appointed to JCOPE by state Senate Republicans plan to write a letter formally asking Soares and Vance to conduct a joint investigation. The JCOPE commissioners also will likely write a similar letter to Attorney General Letitia James seeking an inquiry. James, a Democrat and Cuomo ally during her first two years in office, surprised Albany observers with a scathing report issued in January concerning the Cuomo administrations undercounting of nursing home deaths caused by COVID-19. On Sunday, James called for Cuomo to give her the power to do a full and proper investigation of two sexual harassment allegations leveled against him in the past week. After initially resisting her demand, the governor ultimately relented and promised a referral that would enable her to oversee an investigation with subpoena power. Since Cuomos election as governor in 2010, the most significant investigations of his office have come from federal prosecutors. State-level entities to which Cuomo makes appointments, including JCOPE and the inspector generals office, have faced criticism for their lack of independence. County district attorneys have largely stayed out of state Capitol corruption inquiries, with both Vance and Soares citing limited resources in passing on the JCOPE commissioners investigation request. The alleged leak stems from a JCOPE meeting held on Jan. 29, 2019. Commissioners forced by a court order held a closed-door vote on whether to investigate complaints filed by Republicans, who argued that former top Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco broke state law by using state resources while he was managing Cuomos 2014 re-election campaign, and that Cuomo knew about it. Soon after the 2019 JCOPE meeting, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie's top counsel, Howard Vargas, called then-JCOPE commissioner Julie Garcia. She said Vargas told her that Cuomo had complained to Heastie about how the speakers appointees to JCOPE had voted that day. Garcia, a Heastie appointee, reported the apparent breach of confidentiality to then-JCOPE Executive Director Seth Agata. He notified the inspector general's office, which launched an investigation. The probe was kept secret until it was disclosed in late 2019 by the Times Union. Lavine would not discuss whether a vote on Percocos conduct was the matter that spurred the leak controversy. But Lavine charges that a leak did occur, and that the subsequent investigation by the state inspector generals office was intentionally insufficient. The alleged leak of information about the commission's confidential deliberations would be a misdemeanor criminal offense. The inspector generals office never interviewed three key witnesses: Cuomo, Heastie and Vargas. Still, the inspector general's office issued a letter in October 2019 saying the office had been "unable to substantiate" Garcias allegations. The inspector generals office has argued that it conducted a thorough inquiry, including requiring JCOPE officials to sign sworn affirmations stating they did not leak confidential information. The office also subpoenaed phone and text message records, according to copies of the heavily redacted documents the office released to the Times Union last week in response to a Freedom of Information Law request. Cuomos office has maintained that while Cuomo and Heastie have talked about ethics over the years, they have not had any conversations that were inappropriate." Questions of jurisdiction In November, after approaching Vances office, several JCOPE commissioners took part in a conference call that included the Manhattan district attorneys general counsel, Carrie Dunne. According to Lavine, Dunne expressed three main reservations about pursuing an investigation: Vances office in Manhattan might not have jurisdiction, Dunne was not sure how to pursue a case, and the office was busy dealing with a spike in crime in New York City. In response, Lavine argued that Vances office would clearly have jurisdiction, since the JCOPE meeting at the center of the case featured officials sitting in both Manhattan and Albany on a conference call. Lavine contended that Vances office could begin an inquiry by simply asking Cuomo how he had obtained information about a confidential vote something no enforcement agency has done. While Vances office says resources are stretched thin due to the spike in crime, the office has dedicated significant resources to a long-running investigation of former Republican President Donald J. Trump, an investigation in which Dunne is prominently involved. Lavines recollection is that Dunne said Vance's office was unsure how to go about tackling an investigation. But Danny Frost, a spokesman for Vance, clarified that Dunne was asserting that such an investigation would necessarily involve interviews of a large volume of people and the dedication of significant resources all for a matter that had already been investigated by another office with jurisdiction" the state inspector generals office. Vances office recommended going to Albany County District Attorney David Soares, which Lavine did over the winter. 'Par for the course' Soares has experience with a similar leak investigation: In 2008, his office learned that the executive director of the Commission on Public Integrity JCOPEs predecessor agency was illegally leaking information about an investigation to Gov. Eliot Spitzers administration. In August 2008, Soares referred the Spitzer leak matter to then-state Inspector General Joseph Fischs office, citing a conflict of interest in his office. But before the referral, Soares office had conducted interviews of several key figures. Now, Soares office is passing on an inquiry into a matter with similar circumstances but a different governor. Linda Griggs, an assistant district attorney, did not give a reason when she relayed that message, Lavine said. Griggs, who heads the office's public integrity unit, recommended the matter be brought either to James office or to federal prosecutors. In a lengthy statement to the Times Union, Soares criticized the structure of New Yorks ethics enforcement apparatus, while suggesting that the district attorney's office is not focusing on state political corruption and instead trained on gun violence. We have in the past investigated matters involving violations of public integrity in the state Capitol. And we have learned from that, Soares said. We have learned that political treachery is par for the course in Albany, especially when political proxies are appointed to bodies charged with the responsibility of oversight. If New York state were serious about transparency and order, it would strengthen its laws and would devote more resources to independent investigative agencies to ferret out corruption and misconduct. While I am not passing judgment on allegations I have not seen, I want to make it perfectly clear that my priorities are to devote my offices resources to the bullets that keep piercing the skin of Black and brown victims and protecting vulnerable members of our community, Soares added. Since Vance and Soares passed on the probe, the two-year anniversary of the JCOPE meeting where the alleged leak occurred has passed so the statute of limitations for pursuing a misdemeanor offense may have lapsed. But Lavine contends that clock has stopped if the alleged leaker is still a state government official. As Lavine has sought a criminal inquiry into not just the leak itself, but also the inspector generals investigation, he has cited a 2017 decision by New Yorks Court of Appeals, which found that its not "discretionary" for a government official to abdicate their responsibility to pursue wrongdoing if that decision is being made to benefit someone personally. Lavine believes the inspector generals office could be probed for official misconduct, which is also a misdemeanor offense under Public Officer's Law. The JCOPE leak is not the first time the Manhattan district attorneys office has passed on a matter touching high levels of Cuomos office. In fact, Vances office also declined to pursue the issue that ended up kicking off the leak situation: the federal criminal trial of Percoco. During Percocos corruption trial in January 2018, significant evidence emerged that during eight months when he was managing Cuomos 2014 reelection campaign, Percoco had often used a government desk in Cuomos Manhattan office steps from Cuomos own office. The evidence was key context in the bribery case against Percoco, but not the basis of federal charges. 'Completely ducked' In February 2018, then-state Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox filed complaints with both JCOPE and Vance alleging that state law which prohibits the use of government resources for campaign activity had been violated by Percoco, and that Cuomo had illegally abetted the behavior. Cox did not hear back from Vance and wrote another letter in July 2018. In a subsequent phone call, Cox apparently suggested to Vance that the district attorney was intimidated by Cuomo. Cox held that belief because just a month after Coxs complaint requesting a Vance investigation of Cuomo the governor had asked the state attorney general's office to conduct an investigation into whether Vance had improperly handled a sexual assault allegation made against film producer Harvey Weinstein in 2015. Cox believes that action may have dissuaded Vance from pursuing the Percoco matter. In October 2018, Vance wrote a letter responding to Cox which Vances office provided to the Times Union stating that an investigation into the Percoco matter was unwarranted because the statute of limitations had expired on the alleged violations; because Percoco had not been on the public payroll during the period in question; and because an investigation of Percoco, who was already serving a six-year prison term, would direct precious resources away from other matters. In your recent call to me, you stated that our decision not to prosecute Mr. Percoco was the result of my being intimidated by the governor, and that the determination not to proceed was a political one, Vance wrote. I know you, and I respect you, but given that you are the head of the state Republican party, your urging that our office bring criminal charges against member of the Executive Chamber or the governor a Democrat could well be viewed as political and partisan." I choose to believe you did not intend to ask me to use my office for improper political purposes, and hope you will afford me the same consideration, Vance wrote. With regard to your allegation that I am intimidated by the governor, the answer is simply that I am not. Cox said Vance's letter did not adequately address whether Cuomo should also be investigated. He just completely ducked that part of it, Cox said. "He would say something beautiful. Something inspiring. Something that would amplify that little voice inside of all of us that tells you you can, that tells you to keep going, that calls you back to what you are meant to be doing at this moment in history." This is what his wife Taylor Simone Boseman said giving a speech in place of Chadwick Boseman, the talent we lost last year due to cancer. It was tearful speech and an emotional moment for the fans and audience as well. "He would thank Mr. George C. Wolfe, Mr. Denzel Washington. He would thank Ms. Viola Davis, Mr. Glynn Turman, Mr. Michael Potts, Mr. Colman Domingo, Miss Taylour Paige, Mr. Dusan Brown. And I don't have his words. But we have to take all the moments to celebrate those we love, so thank you, HFPA, for this opportunity to do exactly that," she continued. "And, hon? You keep 'em coming," she concluded. Boseman made history this year by bagging his first Golden Globe nomination that he also won posthumously. He won the award for portrayal of Levee Green in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Congratulations to Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (@MaRaineyFilm). - #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/aVUlR7IyHq Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021 Boseman's fellow nominees Riz Ahmed, Gary Oldman and Tahar Rahim were moved by the speech too. Everyone was emotional. Netflix drama The Crown bagged most honours at the ceremony with Golden Globe for best TV drama, best actress for Emma Corrin and an award for Josh O'Connor, who played the role of Prince Charles. Schitt's Creek nabbed two Globes for best comedy and actor Catherine O'Hara. The Queen's Gambit won the award for limites series and actor Anya Taylor-Joy. Chloe Zhao's Nomadland claimed the win for best drama and director. Borat 2 won the award for best comedy and actor Sacha Baron Cohen won too bagged the award for best actor. Soul won the award for best animated movie as well as original score. Boseman had passed away on Aug 28, 2020 after battling colon cancer. He was 43. In defiance of a bloody crackdown that killed at least 18, Myanmar anti-coup protests continued Monday as ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in court over fresh charges from the ruling military junta. The detained elected government leader faced a court to hear two extra charges filed against her via video conference marking her first public appearance since her arrest last month. Suu Kyi's lawyer said she appeared to be healthy. The new charge of prohibiting the publication of information that may cause fear or alarm or disrupt public tranquility, was added to her case, as well as a charge relating to her alleged ownership of walkie-talkies, her lawyer Min Min Soe told Reuters. The additional charges were met with mass demonstrations across the city of Yangon and smaller towns, despite the deadly crackdown over the weekend. The next hearing is set to take place on March 15. Image: Police walk along a road as protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar (AFP - Getty Images) In the northwestern town of Kale, demonstrators held up pictures of Suu Kyi chanting, "democracy, our cause, our cause." As Suu Kyi's charges totaled up to four on Monday, police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse protesters in Yangon. "We have to continue the protest no matter what," Thar Nge said by telephone to Reuters after police firing tear gas forced him and others to abandon a barricade in a Yangon street. "This is my neighborhood. It's a lovely neighborhood but now we're hearing gunfire and we don't feel safe at home." There were no immediate reports of any casualties. On Sunday, at least 18 people were killed, according to the U.N. human rights office making it the bloodiest day since protests erupted in response to the military takeover on Feb. 1. The high death toll prompted widespread condemnation from foreign governments and international rights organizations. We've seen what happens when the generals are allowed to just be unleashed on their people, Tom Andrews, U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, told NBC News. It's clearly intended to send a message to everyone in the end, that they are willing to ratchet up this violence, and they have every intention of doing so. Story continues Image: Protesters run after tear gas was fired during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar (AFP - Getty Images) Live ammunition, stun grenades and teargas were fired at demonstrators in several towns and cities over the weekend as police, backed by troops, attempted to stymie countrywide rallies held in defiance of the military. Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Asia Division, denounced the weekends deadly crackdown, labelling the violence, outrageous & unacceptable and must be immediately halted, in a tweet. Myanmar has been in chaos since the army seized power and detained civilian leader Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership last month, alleging fraud in a November election her party won in a landslide. The coup, which brought a halt to tentative steps towards democracy after nearly 50 years of military rule, has drawn hundreds of thousands onto the streets. Andrews said the toughening of sanctions was a "very viable option," in curbing the crackdown on civilians. So far Western countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom have imposed limited sanctions but Andrew added that these sanctions, "have to get tougher," as Myanmars security forces continue widespread arrests, "detaining scores with each passing hour." Emergency medical workers and journalists have been unlawfully arrested for their relief work, "in deliberate attempts to intimidate anyone attempting to assist pro-democracy protesters," Human Rights Watch said. Foreign governments weighed in on the military junta's actions with U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab labelling the charges as, "politically motivated," and the E.U.'s foreign minister Josep Borrell calling the open fire, "a blatant disregard for international law." National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. is preparing to add additional sanctions in a coordinated effort with allies, "to hold those responsible for violence to account," and reinforce support for the people of Myanmar. Reuters contributed to this report. Blaze: The scene after the house fire in Larne at the weekend The death of an elderly woman in a house fire in Co Antrim has left a community shocked. The woman died after the blaze at her home at Ballyrickard Road, near Larne. The fire took hold at the farmhouse on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services including the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) attended the scene. Three fire service appliances and two officers were tasked. The charity air ambulance was also scrambled to the scene. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control, and the pensioner - who was in her 80s - was rushed to hospital, but died a short time later. The PSNI said: "The fire was reported to police at around 1pm on Saturday afternoon and the woman was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly passed away a short time later. "The fire is not being treated as suspicious." Local DUP councillor Gregg McKeen expressed his condolences and said the community was shocked by what had happened at the remote farmhouse. "It's very sad and a big shock," the councillor said. "Everyone I've spoken to today is shocked by what's happened in such terrible circumstances." Sales dipped when Coalfire first left the platforms, but it didnt take long for customers to learn to order through its website. Bonomi charges a $6.99 delivery fee per order and gives 100% of it to his drivers, who are independent contractors, plus customer tips, with the guarantee that theyll make at least minimum wage. On average they make $25 to $30 an hour, Bonomi said. DUBLIN, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Virtual Clinical Trials Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Design; By Indication; By Phases; By Regions; Segment Forecast, 2020-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global virtual clinical trials market size is expected to reach USD 13.78 billion by 2027 Virtual Clinical Trials (VCT) are a new method of directing clinical trials which is inclusive of web platforms (informed consent, recruitment, adverse reactions, counseling and measurement of endpoints) and taking advantage of technology such as monitoring devices, apps and others. VCT also allows participant to be home-based at all clinical trial stage. VCT are operationally feasible and have lower drop-out rates, higher recruitment rates, better compliance and are faster than traditional method. The growth of virtual clinical trials is mainly owing to the advantages offered by these trials in place of traditional clinical trials. The cost of development of a new drug estimates more than a 2 billion dollars and approximately two-third of the total cost is consumed in clinical testing phase. Moreover, delay in clinical trials is majorly caused by patient recruitment resulting in loss of revenue of millions of dollars per day for the pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, participant drop out is another major challenges faced in the clinical testing. To overcome these challenges major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies and organizations are constantly aiming on adopting new technology by investing in virtual clinical trial solutions, which is expected to escalate the overall market on a global level. The prominent factors favoring the global market growth include scarcity of time in traditional clinical trials, rising R&D for the development of new drugs and vaccines, adoption of telemedicine and increasing demand for patient diversity. Additionally, COVID-19 pandemic has led to upsurge virtual clinical trials given the trials need to be conducted digitally. Thereby, companies all around the globe are aiming on developing virtual trial technologies to meet the growing demand for solutions to fight Covid-19. For instance, in June 2020, TRHC (Tabula Rasa HealthCare), developer of healthcare software solutions, announced its partnership with Regence BlueShield, a health plan provider, for conducting virtual trials for different drug candidates, and to examine the ADEs (adverse drug events) in each. Market participants such as LEO Innovation Lab, Covance Inc., CRF Health, Oracle Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Medable, Inc., Parexel International, Clinical Ink, Inc., PRA Health Sciences, Science 37 and ICON plc. are some of the key players operating in the global market. Players in the market are strategizing on developing new virtual clinical trial technology to cope up with the augmenting healthcare industry and thereby, establish their market place. For instance, in May 2020, AiCure LLC, an advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence company, partnered with Science 37, a clinical research company, to leverage a decentralized research model for enabling home based clinical trial for assessing an experimental drug for major depression disorder (MDD). Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Virtual Clinical Trials Market Insights 4.1. Virtual Clinical Trials - Industry snapshot 4.2. Virtual Clinical Trials Market Dynamics 4.2.1. Drivers and Opportunities 4.2.1.1. Need for digitization in clinical trials 4.2.1.2. Fear among clinical investigators for COVID-19 4.2.2. Restraints and Challenges 4.2.2.1. High upfront costs 4.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.4. PESTLE Analysis 4.5. Virtual Clinical Trials Market Industry trends 5. Virtual Clinical Trials Market Assessment by Design 5.1. Key Findings 5.2. Introduction 5.3. Observational Trials 5.4. Interventional Trials 5.5. Expanded Access Trials 6. Global Virtual Clinical Trials Market, by Indication 6.1. Key Findings 6.2. Introduction 6.3. CNS 6.4. Autoimmune/Inflammation 6.5. Cardiovascular Disease 6.6. Metabolic/Endocrinology 6.7. Infectious Disease 6.8. Oncology 6.9. Genitourinary 6.10. Ophthalmology 7. Global Virtual Clinical Trials Market, by Phases 7.1. Key Findings 7.2. Introduction 7.3. Phase I 7.4. Phase II 7.5. Phase III 7.6. Phase IV 8. Virtual Clinical Trials Market Assessment by Geography 8.1. Key findings 8.2. Introduction 8.2.1. Virtual Clinical Trials Market Assessment, By Geography, 2016- 2027 (USD Million) 9. Competitive Landscape 9.1. Expansion and Acquisition Analysis 9.1.1. Expansion Analysis 9.1.2. Acquisition Analysis 9.2. Partnerships/Collaborations/Agreements/Exhibitions 10. Company Profiles 10.1. Company Overview 10.2. Financial Performance 10.3. Product Benchmarking 10.4. Recent Developments LEO Innovation Lab Covance Inc. CRF Health Oracle Corporation Medable Inc. Paraxel International Clinical Ink Inc. PRA Health Sciences Science 37 ICON plc For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nqzcp 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 Devangana Kalita the feminist activist associated with Pinjra Tod (Break The Cage) Collective in Delhi Shes been unjustly incarcerated since May 2020 for peaceful protests against the CAA Company announcement 3/2021 (28.02.2021) European Energys annual report shows strong growth during 2020. European Energy exceeded its own guidance for 2020 and delivered strong growth in a year where parts of the global economic activities slowed down due to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. European Energy has released its annual report for 2020, and the key figures underline the remarkable growth as EBITDA grew by 38% to EUR 61.2 million, gross profit saw growth of 29% to EUR 73.9 million and equity stood at EUR 235.3 million following an incredible 71% rise since the end of 2019. European Energy is clearly on a path of strong growth, and the company is prepared for further growth in the coming year. European Energys business model has shown its strength in 2020. European Energy has seen an increased interest from investors to invest in renewable energy projects. Renewable energy has indeed become a safe harbour in troubled waters. In 2020, the organisation has been geared to handle the extra volume of renewable energy construction projects that the company is poised to start in the coming quarters. This ensures that European Energy can continue to develop while building, to build while managing assets and to manage assets while selling green power to the market and divesting parts of constructed assets. Despite low electricity prices in Northern Europe, power sale has increased 41% in 2020 from EUR 30.5 million in 2019 to EUR 42.9 million and now represents 22% of the revenue. In 2020, European Energy saw the expansion both in the number of offices and employees. Six new offices were opened in Hamburg, Glasgow, Milan, Barcelona, Sao Paolo, and Vilnius respectively, while at the same time the total number of employees was 203 at the end of 2020 a net increase of 55 new colleagues within a year. During 2020, European Energy made its first investment into Power-to-X with a 24% stake in the Danish e-methanol company, REintegrate. In 2020, European Energy signed seven Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with major companies who wish to minimize their global carbon footprint. The outlook for 2021 reflects European Energys ambitions. Both EBITDA and Profit before tax are expected to grow by more than 30%. European Energys optimism stems from a world market facing a boom in green energy over the coming years. Politicians in most countries show remarkable green ambitions, and investments in renewable energy have never been higher at a time where solar and wind power are the cheapest form of energy. By the end of 2020, European Energy has more than 600 MW under construction and more than 800 MW ready to be built. For further information: Jonny Thorsted Jonasson, CFO: jtj@europeanenergy.dk or phone: +45 5180 0000 This announcement has been made in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation (EU) no. 596/2014, as amended). Attachment China has released explicit details about female Uighurs' fertility, sexual relations and STDs in a campaign to combat growing global pressure over their treatment of the minority group. As allegations of human rights violations in Xinjiang mount, with a growing number of Western lawmakers accusing China of genocide, Beijing is focusing on discrediting the female Uighur witnesses behind recent reports of abuse. Chinese officials have named women, disclosed what they say is private medical data and information about the women's fertility, as well as accusing some of having affairs and one of having a sexually transmitted disease. The officials said the information was evidence of bad character, and that invalidates the women's accounts of abuse in Xinjiang. During a regular daily press briefing last week, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin (pictured) held up images of witnesses who had described sexual abuse in Xinjiang. The account of one of them, he said, was 'lies and rumours' because she had not recounted the experience in previous interviews. He gave medical details about the woman's fertility As part of China's push-back campaign, Xu Guixiang, deputy head of Xinjiang's publicity department, told a news conference in December: 'To rebuke some media's disgusting acts, we have taken a series of measures.' The campaign includes hours-long briefings, with footage of Xinjiang residents and family members reading monologues. James Millward, a professor of Chinese history at Georgetown University and expert in Xinjiang policy, said: 'One reason that the Communist Party is so concerned about these testimonies from women is because it undermines their initial premise for what they're doing there, which is anti-terrorism. 'The fact that there are so many women in the camps ... who don't have the faintest appearance of being violent people, this just shows how this has nothing to do with terrorism.' Beijing has packaged content from its tightly-controlled media events in two volumes titled, 'The Truth About Xinjiang: Exposing the US-Led Lies and Slanders About Xinjiang'. China has released explicit details about female Uighurs' fertility, sexual relations and STDs in a campaign to push back against global pressure over their treatment of the minority group. Pictured: Xu Guixiang, deputy head of Xinjiang's publicity department, speaking in December about action taken by China to 'rebuke' claims made against them In January, the Twitter account of China's U.S. embassy was suspended for a tweet that said Uighur women had been 'baby-making machines' before Beijing instituted its system of camps. 'The biological, the reproductive, the gendered aspect of this is particularly horrifying to the world,' said Mr Millward. China 'seems to have recognised that... You now see them trying in this clumsy way to respond.' During a regular daily press briefing last week, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin held up images of witnesses who had described sexual abuse in Xinjiang. The account of one of them, he said, was 'lies and rumours' because she had not recounted the experience in previous interviews. He gave medical details about the woman's fertility. Xinjiang officials in January said a woman who had spoken to foreign media had syphilis, and they showed images of medical records - unsolicited information that was not directly related to her account. A Xinjiang government official said of another witness last month: 'Everyone knows about her inferior character. She's lazy and likes comfort, her private life is chaotic, her neighbours say that she committed adultery while in China.' Last week, the top spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry, Hua Chunying, tweeted images of four named witnesses, saying they had 'raked their brains for lies', adding 'they will never succeed'. China has declined to provide data on the number of people in the camps. Beijing initially denied the camps existed but now says they are vocational and education centres and that all the people have 'graduated'. As allegations of human rights violations in Xinjiang mount, with a growing number of Western lawmakers accusing China of genocide, Beijing is focusing on discrediting the female Uighur witnesses behind recent reports of abuse. (File image of news conference held in Beijing on December 21, 2020 Uighurs make up most of the million people that a U.N. estimate says have been detained in Xinjiang camps under what the central government calls a campaign against terrorism. Accusations by activists and some Western politicians include torture, forced labour and sterilisations. Joe Biden's administration has labelled China's treatment of the Uighurs as genocide, a stance adopted by Canada and the Netherlands recently. China faces sanctions such as a ban on U.S. purchases of Xinjiang cotton and tomatoes, and calls by some Western lawmakers to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. China's foreign ministry declined to answer questions on Monday on the specific information released about the women but said 'some anti-China forces ignore facts and truth and wantonly fabricate all kinds of Xinjiang-related lies. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including Xinjiang women, live and work in peace and contentment.' Beijing has rejected calls for an independent U.N. investigation into Xinjiang's internment programme. Journalists and diplomats have not been permitted access to the camps outside of tightly controlled government tours. Uighurs in Xinjiang have told Reuters they fear reprisals for speaking to the press while in China. Prime Minister on Monday underlined the need for higher participation of private players in the farm sector, including in research and development. Without making any direct reference to the three farm reform laws and the three-month-old protests by farmers over the issue, Modi said there was a need for expanding options for the countrys farming community to sell agriculture produce. The prime minister was addressing a webinar on the effective implementation of Budget provisions regarding the agriculture ministry. He said a food processing revolution was needed in the country to add value to farm produce and to realise better prices. Today the need of the hour is that farmers of the country get more and more options to sell their produce, he said. The PM said contract farming had been present in one form or the other for a long time now and it should be ensured that such farming was not done just as a commercial concept but should also address the duties towards land of the country. While the Modi government says the three Acts give farmers alternate options to sell their produce, thousands of farmers from Punjab and other states have been protesting at Delhi borders against the laws which they see will end the government procurement at minimum support price (MSP). The prime minister highlighted provisions for agriculture in the Union Budget and said the agriculture credit target had been hiked to Rs 16.5 trillion with priority to animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries sector. He said the Rural Infrastructure Fund had been increased to Rs 40,000 crore and allocation for micro irrigation had been doubled. The Scope of Operation Green Scheme has been expanded to 22 perishable products and 1,000 more mandis with e-NAM will be linked, Modi said. The prime minister laid emphasis on the effective and timely implementation of these Budget provisions so that benefits reach to the maximum people. There is a need for post-harvest revolution or food processing revolution and value addition in the country in the 21st century, amidst ever-increasing agricultural production, he said. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 President Akufo-Addo has received the first dose of the 600,000 Covid-19 vaccines which arrived in the country on Wednesday, February 24. This is to assure Ghanaians that the vaccine is safe. The President in his 24th address to the nation on measures being taken to fight COVID-19 assured the nation that "our domestic regulatory agency, FDA, one of the most reputable in Africa and in the world, has certified the safe use of the vaccine. It will not do so if it had any reservations about the safety of the vaccine, and I have gone on record as saying that no vaccine will be deployed in the country for use without the express certification of the FDA. Taking the vaccine will not alter your DNA, it will not embed a tracking device in your body, neither will it cause infertility in women or in men. As your President, I want to assure you that the vaccine is safe". His wife, the First lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo who accompanied her husband also received her jab the same day at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.. Watch video below Ghana recieved its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines through a UN-backed global vaccine-sharing scheme as part of efforts to enable equitable access to the jabs by low and middle income countries.The consignment, which arrived at the Kotoka International Airport, consisted of 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines, which are expected to be administered first to frontline health workers, and high-risk persons and people over 60 years, to slow the progression of the disease.The vaccines were produced by the Serum Institute of India. 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 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 Samsung Galaxy F62 only lasted a week on top of our trending chart with the newly introduced Redmi K40 Pro+ shooting straight to the top and pushing it down to second. Another new phone - the 4G version of the Galaxy A32 - completes the podium, pushing its high-flying Galaxy S21 Ultra sibling down to fourth. The Samsung Galaxy A12 is fifth, ahead of the Xiaomi Mi 11 and the vanilla Redmi K40. We then have the Galaxy M62 in eight with the Poco M3 in ninth. The third member of the new Redmi lineup - the K40 Pro completes the top 10, meaning we have five phones from Xiaomi and Samsung. The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max misses out, along with the Samsung Galaxy A51 and the Redmi Note 9 Pro. The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and the Poco X3 are the other two members of last week's top 10 to miss out. Biden is determined to return to the (to him) halcyon days of Obama's Iran deal an illegal treaty by which Obama gave Iran money and access to nuclear weapons. The real tragedy of Biden's goal is that, thanks to Trump's relentless pressure, Iran is on the ropes, and Biden has the upper hand he just doesn't know this or, worse, doesn't want to know it. In Iran and the Middle East, when Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, emerges in public, people say he only speaks evil and issues threats. On Monday, February 22, after Iran and the IAEA reached a temporary agreement about nuclear surveillance, Khamenei announced that he would increase uranium enrichment to 60%. At his command, the IRGC ordered the armed Houthis to attach the Yemeni city of Marib, threatening the densely populated city. Iraqi armed groups loyal to IRGC attacked the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and targeted a U.S. military base in Balad in central Iraq, injuring several civilians. A glance at developments in the six weeks since Biden took office shows that Iran is testing the new White House. Khamenei and the IRGC seem to have concluded that the new president is weak, in stark contrast to Trump. Neither Biden nor official Washington has spoken about Iran's aggression and both the administration and the media downplayed, and denied responsibility for, the recent targeted strike in Syria. What Biden doesn't realize is that Khamenei in 2021 is qualitatively different from Khamenei in 2015, when Biden's boss, Obama, was pushing for the Iran deal. When Trump assassinated Qassem Soleimani and started delivering peace in the Middle East, Khamenei's regional imperial dreams suffered a serious blow. Khamenei also had his hands slapped when Asadullah Assadi, an active Iranian diplomat, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Antwerp, Belgium, after a booklet containing his spy networks revealed many of the secrets of Iranian state terrorism. In America, 113 members of the House of Representatives issued a bipartisan resolution stressing that America's policy toward Iran must consider the regime's terrorism and human rights violations, as well as the uprisings in recent years and the desire of Iranians for freedom and democracy. Khamenei has problems within Iran, too. Protests there have explosive potential due to corruption, repression, unemployment, and poverty. For example, on Tuesday, February 23, Baluch citizens captured an IRGC headquarters and city governorate, and IRGC forces fled their bases out of fear. During the protests in Sistan and Balochistan province, the IRGC killed than 40 people and injured 100. In theory, Biden should have the upper hand in any negotiations with Khamenei. In fact, Khamenei intends to use Biden's proven weakness to show that Iran has the upper hand. If Biden were smarter, he'd understand that Iran is facing a serious crisis, much bigger than JCPOA the uprisings in Iran, reflecting years of poverty, corruption, and oppression, threaten to overthrow the regime. In this context, the Biden administration's desire to re-enter the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran is a strategic mistake and a threat to world peace. America can continue to weaken Iran, as Trump did, or it can prop it up just enough for the regime, backed into a corner, to be far more dangerous than it was in 2015. For the mullahs, survival is possible if they continue to develop ballistic missiles and arm their proxy forces in the Middle East. If America pursues a failed policy that was tested exhaustively in the past, there will be irreparable consequences. Seven American presidents, from Carter to Trump, used various methods to negotiate with the evil Iranian government and only Trump made a dent by isolating Iran. The main Iranian opposition, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), understands how to treat Iran's mullahs. It holds that the Iranian regime is only responsive to the language of determination. Lifting of sanctions which is the opposite of determination will pave the way for the Iranian regime's blackmail, nuclear ambition, and internal repression. Future peace negotiations in the Middle East will be in serious jeopardy. Hassan Mahmoudi is a Europe-based social analyst, researcher, independent observer, and commentator of Middle Eastern and Iranian Politics. He tweets under @hassan_mahmou1. Image: Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. YouTube screen grab. 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results There shouldn't be any confusion about what big businesses everywhere mean when they tout "diversity and inclusion." But to clear up any potential misunderstanding that may exist, consider the following incident, recounted by Stephen R. Soukup in his new book, The Dictatorship of Woke Capital. In 2019, as Rupert Darwell writes at The Epoch Times, the general counsel for the National Center for Public Policy Research, Justin Danhof, "tabled a shareholder proposal at Amazon's annual meeting." It read, "Diversity in board composition is best achieved through highly qualified candidates with a wide range of skills, experience, beliefs, and board independence from management." For his trouble, he was "booed and heckled throughout his presentation" and later accused by a representative for Arjuna Capital of "trying to protect white males." That's what "diversity and inclusion" really means in the business world today. The phrase is little more than a euphemism to justify the exclusion of white men. I don't know how we reached a point where this must be explained, but white men aren't a homogeneous category of inherently similar human beings with a racially determined set of traits, experiences, skills, beliefs, or financial status. The suggestion that they are is a blatantly racist proposition. But somehow, we've also reached a point where it is thought to be morally righteous to take the openly racist position that making one's corporate board less composed of white guys is to fundamentally make it better. After all, as many employees of Coca-Cola learned recently, to be less white is to be less oppressive, arrogant, and ignorant while also being humbler and better listeners. None of that's true. It's subjective and unequivocally racist nonsense. What this is truly about is empowering non-white people by denigrating white men in order to deprive them of opportunities they might have otherwise enjoyed, and this is being done as some sort of societal recompense for crimes that these particular white men never committed. Businesses don't say it quite like that, but what they are saying isn't much better. One of the most common of the corporate marketing veils meant to hide this sort of racism is the suggestion that a "company's diversity should mirror both population and customer base," as Recruiter.com advises. In other words, ownership and employees of a business should be demographically shaped to "look like its customers," a peculiarly comfortable expression of racism in hiring being spoken with alarming regularity in the business world. It's a seemingly innocuous assertion, meant to preclude any nuanced consideration. But the simplest of questions should follow: why should employees look like customers? You won't get a good answer to that question, because there isn't a convincing one that manages to hide the racism involved. Presuming that most companies are looking to grow their market share (and businesses that don't aren't often in business for long), one can conclude that the belief driving these efforts is that customers would be more likely to buy from a company if its owners, management, and workers had a more familiar, and therefore agreeable, composition of skin colors and sexes. To point out how utterly insane this is, consider this example. Nearly every time I visit New Orleans, I visit Willie Mae's Scotch House, which is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. And somehow, in spite of my being a white fellow, I've never been uncomfortable in that not once has there been a white employee serving my food, and I have never even considered the current owner's skin color or the skin color of those working in the kitchen as part of my calculation to eat there. The broken logic buttressing the "a business has to look like its customers" nonsense suggests, however, that I would be more likely to patronize the eatery down the street if the restaurant had more white employees or if I knew that it had a white owner. Like most people, I presume, I don't choose to patronize eateries based upon the skin color of the owners, managers, and employees, because I'm not a racist. But countless people do, apparently, and have no shame about it. How else can we explain Yelp and Door Dash proudly offering handy search functions on their apps that will direct racist Americans to eateries owned by people who happen to have a skin color they prefer? Advertising that directs Americans to "find and support white-owned businesses" is something that sounds like a relic of Jim Crow that might have been used to attract racist Southerners seventy years ago. Reversing the discrimination by promoting minority-owned businesses is, presumably, attractive to racist Americans today. We are meant to believe that most Americans have just accepted that such discrimination against white men is okay because minorities and women need a systemically enforced advantage. The notion that the shadowy powers behind the "white patriarchy" need to design unnatural advantages for minorities and women in the marketplace is, in itself, a pretty racist and sexist proposition. This subjective application of racial preference becomes especially apparent when one considers that not all minorities are treated to the same set of advantages. Jews and Asians are undoubtedly the victims of historical racism in America, yet neither group enjoys the same advantages that some other minorities enjoy when applying for college admission, for example. So what we have here is an obvious effort to implement a political system that categorizes people by race and applies advantages and disadvantages to each of them, by varying degrees, to replicate a sort of caste system. And, we are told, Americans agree with that idea so much that they'll scour the landscape for a minority-owned business, because buying from such businesses carries a sort of social credit that's not provided by buying from white people. Is there convincing evidence that Americans actually agree with that idea? I'm skeptical. Most data-driven arguments showing that the marketplace agrees with this neo-Marxist, racist ideology tend to rely heavily on social media sourcing. I know lots of people with money who aren't on social media and some multiple of that number who are on social media but do not comment or engage at all. To say the voices on Twitter, for example, are an amplified minority is a monumental understatement. Pew Research studies have shown that roughly one in five Americans uses Twitter, and only 10 percent of users provide 80 percent of the engagement. Put another way, a mere two percent of Americans are driving the vast majority of the harvested information collected on Twitter. That doesn't seem enough to warrant a conclusion that America's wokeness can be measured by the wokeness found in Americans' tweets. But let's assume, as corporate researchers must, that the customers patronizing American businesses really are so racist that they're calling to diminish white men in the business world and actively seeking to avoid businesses and stores owned or operated by them. Relative to that age-old maxim that we've all come to know, can such a customer actually always be right? Perhaps more importantly, is indulging such customers' racist impulses the right thing for a company to do? Perhaps, among its fits of woke puritanism, that's a good question to ask the Disney corporation, which scrubbed minority actors out of its Star Wars marketing to appease the racist Chinese marketplace while thanking the communist government for allowing it to film in a province that is actively enslaving an ethnic minority and utilizing forced sterilization in what is openly understood to be an attempted genocide. Perhaps politicians and corporate leviathans would be wise to remain silent about what Americans should and shouldn't have a moral responsibility to do in their own commercial activity, given that many of them are in the business of profiting handsomely on those engaged in the evil human rights abuses that Joe Biden casually calls China's "different norms." ??Ahora | La presidenta de la PCM, @VBermudezV, acompanada por la titular del @MimpPeru, preside el acto de donacion de mobiliarios y enseres, destinados a mejorar la calidad de vida de las poblaciones vulnerables que atiende el Inabif, realizado por el proyecto @LegadoOficialPE. pic.twitter.com/TDrntu8VDg Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Swedish payments firm Klarna has nearly tripled its valuation to $31 billion in less than six months with a new $1 billion private fundraising round, the company said on Monday. The new round, which was oversubscribed four times and will make the "buy now pay later" firm the most valuable European startup, confirms a Reuters story last week that it was finalising another private funding round.. It also puts the Swedish fintech on a par with many of Europe's biggest listed financial houses. At $31 billion, the company's value is comparable to major financial houses such as Barclays, Credit Suisse and Swiss Re and is larger than Germany's biggest lender Deutsche Bank. Klarna Chief Executive Sebastian Siemiatkowski told Reuters he believes there was more opportunity ahead. "If you look at this valuation and compare it to some of the large retail banks in this whole industry, we are still a fraction of the opportunity that's out there," he said in an interview. Question marks over the "buy now pay later" business model have arisen during the Covid-19 crisis, with Britain among countries looking to bring in new legislation to protect consumers from over-extending themselves. But investors seem undeterred, and the latest deal caps a meteoric rise in value for Klarna, which completed a $650 million funding round in September from a group of investors led by Silver Lake that valued it at $11 billion. More than 30 new and existing investors took part in the latest funding round with no investor playing the role of an anchor, a source familiar with the matter said. "Spotting early success stories like Klarna and watching them grow into global unicorns is what makes us so bullish about the future of European tech," said Hans Otterling, a partner at venture capital firm Northzone, an early investor in Klarna. Klarna has been widely rumoured to be among a number of looming tech company listings, with bankers expecting it to complete a New York initial public offering (IPO) or a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) - a listed vehicle created to bring private to market. However, Siemiatkowski ruled out a SPAC deal in an earlier interview with Reuters last week and confirmed that the firm was considering a direct listing - a variation on a stock market listing that circumvents the costly marketing process of an IPO. Klarna also said it would pledge 1% of the capital raised to a newly created initiative that focuses on key sustainability challenges around the world and would launch on April 22 on World Earth Day. Siemiatkowski said he hoped the sustainability initiative may inspire other successful tech or fintechs and have a "a big, meaningful impact". Gardai at the scene near Kilacluig, close to Michelstown The Republic's policing watchdog is to review a Cork double axe murder and suicide after it emerged at least one of the three brothers involved had contact with gardai in the hours before the horrific triple tragedy. The contact - in the form of a phone call on Thursday evening - involved the brothers assuring Mitchelstown Garda that a disagreement was being resolved amicably and there was no need for uniformed officers to attend the 25-acre family farm at Corragorm, some 8km from the north Cork town. Following the conversation, gardai were satisfied that concerns brought to their attention by another individual did not warrant sending a patrol car to the property. It is understood that at no stage were fears raised with gardai that any brother was under threat or that there was any suggestion of violence being involved in the family disagreement. However, several hours later, the bodies of Willie (66) and Paddy 'Pa' Hennessy (60) were discovered at the farm after a relative called to ensure everything was all right amid concern that Pa had not returned to his Mitchelstown home. The body of a third brother, 59-year-old Johnny Hennessy, was later recovered from a nearby river. A Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) spokesperson confirmed they are now reviewing the matter. "GSOC received a referral on Friday from a Garda Superintendent related to possible contact between An Garda Siochana and one of the deceased prior to the incident," they said. "The referral was made under Section 102 of the Garda Siochana Act, 2005. "The matter is now under examination by GSOC." Pa was found with severe head injuries in the farmyard where the brothers operated a firewood business and raised cattle. Willie was found with similar severe head injuries in a nearby shed. Both men had suffered horrific trauma injuries to the head consistent with blows from a heavy axe. The body of the youngest brother, Johnny - who lived at the farmhouse - was recovered from the River Funshion at lunchtime on Friday. For operational reasons, gardai have declined to disclose the results of post-mortem examinations conducted on the three Hennessy brothers at Cork University Hospital (CUH) by Locum State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster. A blood-stained axe was found a short distance from where the first two bodies were discovered at Corragorm last Thursday night, some 8km outside Mitchelstown. Gardai now fear the tragedy was linked to a farm income dispute. They are investigating whether Johnny may have been overwrought from financial stress, rural isolation and the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown. Mental health issues are also being investigated. This merry-go-round blame game and altercation by our governors are unnecessary at this point when insecurity has become perhaps the most significant impediment to our peaceful coexistence and development. It is very insouciant to play politics with our security challenges in the country. It is no longer news that Nigeria is currently facing acute security challenges. The country has become a theatre of various conflicts that make millions of Nigerians feel apprehensive and insecure; these are conflicts that threaten Nigerias very existence. The country is gradually degenerating into one of the most unstable environments, globally, with regard to the insecurity of human lives and property. Worldwide, unemployment, bad governance, the lack of quality education or training, paucity of basic infrastructure, corruption and the corrupt practices of government officials, perceived victimisation, arrant poverty amid affluence, ethnic and religious affectations of superiority, domination, and exploitation, are the significant issues that fuel insecurity. The Nigerian case keeps exacerbating as the federating units making up the country do not recognise each other as constituents of one nation, due to prevailing religious, economic, political, and social factors. The appalling security situation in the country is telling on the wellbeing of Nigerians. Security is the pillar upon which every meaningful development is achieved and sustained, and national security is a premise for economic growth and the development of nations. It is only an atmosphere of peace that can attract the much needed foreign investments to the country. Even domestic investors find it difficult to operate in an atmosphere full of tensions and apprehension. All over the world, security constitutes a significant policy challenge to leaders, decision-makers, communities, and groups. This is so because the concept of security remains a complex phenomenon that, in most cases, requires not just countermeasures to deal with but concrete preventive and robust decisions to manage, to avoid the loss of lives and property. In any civilised society, one of the primary responsibilities of government, if not the most important one, is the safeguarding of the welfare and security of the people. Leaders owe a sacred duty to the citizenry to ensure that lives and property are adequately protected. Conversely, effective leadership is the key to tackling security challenges. The recent altercations between some governors in the country over their various states security challenges can only make a bad situation worse. The governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, had gone on air to accuse the Federal Government of shielding Fulani herdsmen who are killing farmers in some parts of the country, wondering whether there are different rules for the Fulani and another for the rest of Nigeria. He alleged that the Federal Governments support for armed herders was the reason for worsening insecurity in the country. According to him, Why is the Federal Government silent about these Fulani people? When will the Federal Government come out to criticise and arrest herdsmen carrying AK-47? Are we second-class citizens in this country? What makes a Fulani man superior to other citizens of this country? We are not their slaves. Then his counterpart in Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, accused Ortom of starting a wave of anti-Fulani sentiments. While condemning the treatment of Fulani herdsmen, especially in the southern region, Mohammed cautioned that the whole ethnicity should not be criminalised because of a few bad eggs among them who are responsible for deadly attacks on others. The governor added that herdsmen need the AK-47 rifles to defend themselves from cattle rustlers and to forestall other road challenges. In a related incident, the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, informed Nigerians about the lack of synergy among Northern states governors in the fight against insecurity. He said that the governors, himself inclusive, are frustrated, and almost helpless over the spate of killings and other criminal acts going on in the North. El-Rufai said, on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, that, I am frustrated in my state. Many governors are frustrated in their states. We are called chief security officers only in name, but we have no control over state coercive instruments. We are all frustrated. We are almost helpless. Governors must ensure that they, by words or actions, are not seen as ethnic, religious, or tribal bigots, demagogues or champions. Their utterances carry a lot of weight, as such their statements should be measured and deliberate to ensure that they do not fan the increasing embers of hate and division in the country. El-Rufai was upbraided by his Kano State counterpart, Abdullahi Ganduje, who accused him of being ill-informed about insecurity in the North. Ganduje repudiated El-Rufais claim of a lack of synergy amongst the governors, accussing the cerebral author of The Accidental Public Servant of lacking in the understanding of the issue. He stated that no matter the cooperation among governors, they would still have different approaches in tackling security issues. In Kaduna, there are ethnic and religious issues. This is Kadunas issue, every security challenge in each state depends on the efforts of the state and security agents with its people. Like in Kano here, we have a harmonious working relationship with security agencies, Ganduje said. Ganduje also attacked Bala Mohammed on his statement in support of herders carrying AK-47 rifles. Those herders travelling from the North to South should be banned. Those that are saying they should not be banned from trekking to the southern part of the country for grazing should use their children to do so, he said. The Northern Elders Forum added its voice to the contention, concluding that the Federal Government was no longer able to protect its citizens against the marauding criminals in different parts of the country. The group advised Northen governors to explore all lawful means to improve the security of citizens within their domain. This merry-go-round blame game and altercation by our governors are unnecessary at this point when insecurity has become perhaps the most significant impediment to our peaceful coexistence and development. It is very insouciant to play politics with our security challenges in the country. What Nigerians need at this point is a lasting solution to the security concerns that we face. The recent meeting of all the governors of the 19 states of the North is a welcome development. We expect that they will come up with a plan, and a clear, coherent voice on how they will synergistically tackle the national insecurity, which is more prevalent in the North. Presently, their voices are discordant, and some of them are even in denial of the seriousness of the security threat confronting their region. As part of the governors social contract with the people who elected them, it is a must that they protect lives and property and provide enabling environments for people to live and thrive in. It is the failure of this social contract that may be fuelling insecurity and hopelessness among the people. Although the challenges of terrorism and banditry resonate more in the North-Eastern and North-Western parts of the country, it is indisputable that virtually the whole country is groaning under acute insecurity. Available statistics paint a gory picture of a country ravaged by security challenges. Nigeria is said to have recorded a total of 8,279 deaths linked to insecurity in the past one year. These are only official records in a country where record keeping has always been anathema. Governors must ensure that they, by words or actions, are not seen as ethnic, religious, or tribal bigots, demagogues or champions. Their utterances carry a lot of weight, as such their statements should be measured and deliberate to ensure that they do not fan the increasing embers of hate and division in the country. The governors should realise that as chief security officers of their state, they are entrusted with safeguarding everyones lives and property within the states borders, despite places of origin, ethnicity, or religion. Much has been said about the governors being the chief security officers of their states only on paper, however with the substantial resources set aside for security available to most governors, they can find creative means of tackling their peculiar security challenges within our current security architecture. This is time to put everything on the table and discuss how to solve most of Nigerias problems, including insecurity and take Nigeria to the next level. This may be an opportunity to re-evaluate the whole structures and formations in our polity to create a better system that will take care of our existing inadequacies This is also where we need to rethink our existing federal structure and redefine it to fit our current realities. The quasi-federal structure of the 1980s that we operate today may not be fit for purpose at this time. As they are currently constituted, states may not have what it takes to deal with their myriad problems. They cannot aggregate all their resources to tackle problems, without relying on external forces such as the Federal Government and other non-state actors. Is it not yet time for Nigeria to practice true federalism whereby states are in control and only get help from the centre when they cannot solve their problems locally? The issue of state police has come to the fore. How can a governor be the states chief security officer without control of the police in his state? ADVERTISEMENT The lack of unity among our political and religious leaders is one of the reasons they have been unable to curb the spate of insecurity bedevilling the country. Many known criminals engaged in acts of terror and banditry have escaped punishment because they enjoy tacit support of some political leaders who see them as useful tools in their pursuit or perpetuation of political power. Some of these criminals are always used as thugs by a section of the political class and their political parties during elections. They become untouchables, given free rein to terrorise and extort innocent citizens. What is needed is the collective efforts of governors in collaboration with the Federal Government to tackle insecurity and promote harmonious and peaceful coexistence among citizens and all ethnic nationalities. The governors should engage less in irredentism and focus more on mapping out strategies for partnering with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all relevant stakeholders in the entrenchment of communal harmony, peace, and security in Nigeria. In the long run, they should map out a strategy to tackle poverty and underdevelopment, create jobs and wealth for the teeming population in their states, and enthrone justice and equal opportunities for everyone. The absence of these is the root cause of terrorism, banditry, and insecurity. It is only in this way that they can create a sustainable and conducive atmosphere for socio-political and economic growth and development of the states, in particular, and the country at large. Insecurity in the North is a national issue. How can a part of the country with a higher population and landmass have a problem, and some still think it is a northern problem? Fundamentally, we must change this perception of insecurity as majorly a Northern issue, and have all resources channelled towards solving it. It may have started in the North, but it is now reverberating across the country. We must turn these threats into opportunities. This is time to put everything on the table and discuss how to solve most of Nigerias problems, including insecurity and take Nigeria to the next level. This may be an opportunity to re-evaluate the whole structures and formations in our polity to create a better system that will take care of our existing inadequacies and evolve a new ecosystem that will make Nigeria great. We must not miss this chance. Dakuku Peterside is a policy and leadership expert. Amanda Reeves, Global Chair of the Antitrust & Competition Practice noted, "The last few years have seen a notable uptick in activity among competition agencies around the world, and Latham is armed with a highly experienced team to navigate this new antitrust era. Among our many differentiators both as a firm and as a practice, our ability to deploy the right team with the exact set of capabilities and experience anywhere in the world is an incredible boon for our clients." At Latham, Conner will apply his unique skillset and knowledge base to advise multinational companies on a wide variety of antitrust issues, particularly with regard to merger control and conduct investigations. He is experienced in the pharmaceutical, technology, oil and gas, retail services, telecommunications, transportation, and healthcare industries. "Bringing Ian onboard further enhances our elite team and enables us to apply up-to-date enforcement thinking gained directly in the field to the complex global challenges our clients face today, as well as to help companies see around corners. He's a wonderful addition and we're thrilled to continue to invest and extend our top global capabilities in antitrust," Reeves added. Most recently, Conner served in the Bureau of Competition at the FTC, joining in 2017 as Deputy Director before rising to Director in 2019. There he oversaw nearly 300 lawyers and staff in bringing merger and civil non-merger enforcement matters during the most active enforcement fiscal year since 2000. When the pandemic began in March 2020, he was tasked with running the Bureau remotely. Prior to joining the FTC, Conner spent a decade in private practice. He began his career as a Trial Attorney in the Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture Section of the DOJ Antitrust Division, which he joined through the Attorney General's Honors Program. Daniel Lennon, Managing Partner of Latham's Washington, D.C. office, noted, "We are thrilled to welcome Ian to the firm, where his experience working at the FTC and the DOJ will enrich the multidimensional legal roadmaps we create for our clients, particularly as the US regulatory environment continues to evolve rapidly." Conner's arrival expands Latham's deep and still growing bench of seasoned antitrust litigators who have served in enforcement agencies around the world. In the US, Alan Devlin and Amanda Reeves served at the FTC as attorney advisors to Maureen Olhausen and Tom Rosch respectively, with Alan serving as Acting Deputy Director of the agency's Bureau of Competition before joining Latham, while Lawrence Buterman, Niall Lynch, Elizabeth Prewitt, and Daniel Wall previously served in the Antitrust Division of the DOJ. Alumni of the European Union's European Commission include Lars Kjlbye and Elisabetta Righini. From the UK's Competition and Markets Authority Latham brought aboard Gregory Bonne, David Little, and Jonathan Parker. Additionally, Hui Xu brings clients experience from his time at the China Chamber of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce of China. "Antitrust issues are typically make-or-break issues for companies, and in an increasingly regulatory-focused environment, Latham has all the ingredients to develop and sustain a successful partnership between client and counsel a broad and seamless platform, renowned antitrust practitioners, and a global footprint," Conner said. "The synergies between Latham and my experience at the federal US enforcement agencies mean I will be able to create new opportunities and develop innovative legal approaches to address clients' stickiest antitrust issues. I'm also looking forward to integrating into the firm's team-based culture and tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit for which Latham is famous." During his time at the DOJ, Conner served as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia U.S. Attorney's Office. He has held various leadership positions within the ABA Section of Antitrust Law, including as the Vice Chair of the Mergers & Acquisitions Committee (2017-2019), Vice Chair of the Civil Practice and Procedure Committee (2014-2017), and Founder and Co-Chair of the Agriculture & Food Committee (2010-2012). Conner received his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University and his JD from William & Mary's Marshall Wythe School of Law, where he also served as an adjunct professor from 2008 to 2010. About Latham & Watkins (lw.com) Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world's largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability. Notes to Editors 1 Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Contacts Daniel Lennon Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner, +1.202.637.2200 Amanda Reeves, Global Chair, Antitrust & Competition Practice, +1.202.637.2183 SOURCE Latham & Watkins Related Links http://www.lw.com French President Emmanuel Macron has told the nation that the 6pm to 6am curfew must stay for at least another month as health chiefs claim the restrictions are 'working very well'. Macron had been speaking with a group of industrial trade trainees during an official trip to Seine-Saint-Denis on Monday. He was asked by one student if the start time of the curfew could be pushed back by one hour to 7pm 'because it is hard'. But the head of state was quick to stress that the curfew would need to remain in place for another four to six weeks amid indications that coronavirus cases are on the rise in France once again. French President Emmanuel Macron has told the nation that the 6pm to 6am curfew must stay for at least another month as health chiefs reveal the restrictions are 'working very well'. Pictured: Police in Paris preparing to enforce curfew earlier today An initial 8pm curfew began in the country on December 15 but was brought forward to 6pm just one month later on January 16. Pictured: Crowds along the riverbanks in Paris earlier today An initial 8pm curfew began in the country on December 15 but was brought forward to 6pm just one month later on January 16. Several clips released in recent days show officers continuing to police the banks of the River Seine in Paris as they enforce the curfew and shepherd crowds home. And photos taken in the French capital on Monday evening show completely deserted streets. Macron's comments have since been confirmed by the Elysee who told Le Parisien: 'It's a moment where the vaccination will be developing. In four to six weeks, we will have vaccinated more French people, which will affect the evolution of the epidemic. It added: 'The strategy is not changing. We are continuing to take the necessary measures, as always on a case-by-case basis.' The government holds weekly assessments every Thursday and, most recently, stated that 20 departments were placed under 'reinforced surveillance' amid a rise in coronavirus cases in those areas. The curfew would need to remain in place for another four to six weeks amid indications that coronavirus cases are on the rise in France once again. Pictured: Woman walking on the empty street in Paris after 6pm Photos taken in the French capital on Monday evening show completely deserted streets (above) The area around the Louvre was also completely empty as residents of Paris continue to adhere to the curfew Macron had been speaking with a group of industrial trade trainees during an official trip to Seine-Saint-Denis earlier today (pictured) On Sunday France registered 19,952 new coronavirus infection cases and 122 Covid-related deaths, according to figures released by the Public Health Agency. But France's top public health official Jerome Salomon has hailed the nationwide curfew imposed by the government. He told the Journal de Dimanche: 'The situation is obviously very tense, but the government has taken strong braking measures, notably the curfew, which is working very well.' Salomon added: 'We can still avoid confinement if everyone is mobilised.' Nikita Jacob, who is accused along withDisha Ravi in connection with allegedly being involved in sharing a "toolkit" on social media related to the farmers' protest, Monday moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail. The application moved by Jacob, who is charged with the case of sedition, is likely to come up for hearing Tuesday before Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana. She had got transit anticipatory bail from Bombay High Court on February 17 for three weeks with direction to approach the court concerned in Delhi, where the case is lodged. The court on February 23 had granted bail to climate activist Disha Ravi who was arrested by the Delhi Police from Bengaluru. The sessions court in Delhi on February 25 granted protection from arrest to another co-accused, Shantanu Muluk,till March 9, when it will hear his anticipatory bail application. Muluk was granted transit anticipatory bail fromAurangabad Bench on February 16 for 10 days. He approached Delhi court on February 23. Ravi, Muluk and Jacob were booked for alleged sedition and other charges. Ravi was arrested by a Cyber Cell team of the Delhi Police from Bengaluru and brought to Delhi. (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.) [March 01, 2021] Leonard Nimoy Digital Collectibles are Coming to the WAX Blockchain! GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via CryptoCurrencyWire A special collection of digital collectibles featuring never seen before pictures and memories of the late Leonard Nimoy will soon be available to fans of this celebrated actor. Nimoys untimely passing was due to complications related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This cause is near and dear to the hearts of Nimoys daughter, Julie, and her husband, David Knight. Their commitment to continuing Nimoys message and contributing to his cause has led them to the WAX Blockchain, where a portion of the proceeds will go towards fighting COPD. Intimate photographs from Nimoy's family life and career will be available to the legendary actors fans. These photographs will be in the form of digital collectibles, called NFTs, and will go on sale March 25, 2021, at 12 p.m. EST. Learn more about the release here: https://on.wax.io/Nimoy. The first series of Leonard Nimoy collectibles on WAX will feature 255 unique trading cards in six stunning rarities. The collection also features a fun collecting and trading system called sharding. Cards are composed of three different shards. When you combine the three matching shards for any given card, the full card and its rarity is revealed. Once collectors have NFTs or packs, they can sell and trade them on WAX-powered marketplaces and dAPPS. Single WAX NFTs have sold on secondary marketplaces for over $65,000. Blockchain technology allows collectors to buy and sell digital Leonard Nimoys collectibles. Launching on WAX marketplaces means Nimoys fans can buy the packs with a credit card, not just cryptocurrency. Buyers can then easily trade their digital collectibles with others, showcase their inventory on various WAX marketplaces and share on social media. The WAX Blockchain hosts some of the most high-profile NFT sales and is known as the King of NFTs. Following sellout collections from fellow Star Trek alumnus William Shatner, Topps, deadmau5 and more, packs of Nimoys NFTs will go on sale March 25, 2021, just in time for Leonard Nimoys 90th birthday on March 26. To celebrate his birthday,WAX is giving away a special birthday NFT memory. Read more about it on https://on.wax.io/Nimoy. Fans can choose from two pack sizes: Pack of 10 NFTs: $9.99 Pack of 30 NFTs: $24.99 Past NFT pack sales on WAX have quickly sold out in under 9 minutes and very high demand is anticipated for the beloved actors first-ever NFT sale. The Nimoy family is very excited to join WAX in commemorating him. Dad was passionate about photography and he loved technology, his daughter, Julie, states. My husband, David, and I are thrilled to be partnering with WAX Blockchain! It's absolutely the "logical" place to share some intimate photos chronicling my father's life and legacy! One of my most treasured photos was taken at his vacation beach home in Malibu, California, shortly before he passed away on Feb. 27, 2015. This was the last photo of us taken together. As WAX Blockchain is forever, our hope is that future generations will remember and appreciate him not only as "Mr. Spock" from Star Trek but also as a loving family man and a wonderful friend who had many passions and interests. Join the Leonard Nimoy NFT community and learn more about the sale here: https://on.wax.io/Nimoy. About Leonard Nimoy: Leonard Nimoys career as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist and photographer spanned over 50 years. He is one of Hollywood's most recognizable and loved entertainers. Additional information can be found at the official Leonard Nimoy website via the following link: RememberingLeonardFilm.com About WAX: WAX is the safest and most convenient way to create, buy, sell and trade virtual items. WAX has created a full suite of blockchain-based tools that allows anyone to trade digital or even physical items instantly and securely, to anyone, anywhere. Since 2017, WAX has facilitated the trade of more than 100 million digital items. For more information, please visit https://wax.io , and follow along on Twitter and Telegram . Jassy Jackson marketing@wax.io 800.203.2049 Wire Service Contact: CryptoCurrencyWire (CCW) New York, New York www.CryptoCurrencyWire.com 212.994.9818 Office Editor@CryptoCurrencyWire.com Attachments Nimoy Collection Leonard Nimoy [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bareilly : , March 1 (IANS) Four months ago, a 27-year-old Muslim man had allegedly 'eloped' with a girl from another faith to get married, which had created a lot of sensation. The man was later caught and jailed for over a month. The couple has since been waiting for permission from the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) to get 'legally' married but has been asked to wait for another month. The couple has an Allahabad high court order, giving them freedom to get married and an exemption from notice period under special circumstances by the marriage officer. SDM Sadar area, Vishu Raja, said, "The law favours the couple, but they would have to wait for a police report to ensure there is no law-and-order issue. The couple had come with their friends who agreed to sign as witnesses on Saturday but the girl's family is still against the marriage." The SDM said that the couple represented themselves personally, as well as through their legal counsels, for the application of marriage under the special act. They produced an Allahabad high court order which stated that days of notice period can be exempted under special circumstances by the marriage officer. "The judgement favours them. However, we are seeking a verification report on 12 points to ensure that neither of the persons is already married, their actual place of residence, possibility of law-and-order issue, etc. Police report is crucial here as well. This proceeding may take less than 30 days to complete and the permission would be granted to the couple for marriage after that," said the SDM. In January, the Allahabad high court had held that the requirement of publication of notice of intended marriage under Section 6 and inviting/entertaining objections under Section 6 and inviting/entertaining objections under Section 7 of the Special Marriage Act is not mandatory. Justice Vivek Chaudhary had observed that making such publication mandatory would invade the fundamental rights of liberty and privacy. The couple, it may be recalled, had eloped on October 17. A few days later, scores of members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) held a protest and vandalised the Quila police station, alleging inaction on 'love jihad'. The couple was later tracked to Rajasthan and the man was put in jail. He was later released on bail. Bareilly's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rohit Singh Sajwan told reporters, "Police do not have any objection to the marriage. We may even provide them security in case they are threatened by their family or relatives." Report blames rising piracy in Gulf of Guinea on weak response by Nigerian government by IHUOMA Chiedozie March 01,2021 | Source: ICIR Nigeria A report by a British maritime security intelligence group Dryad Global has blamed weak response by the Nigerian government for the escalation of piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea. Countries within the Gulf of Guinea the northeasternmost part of the Atlantic Ocean include Nigeria, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The Gulf of Guinea is a major route for petroleum products. The Gulf of Guinea is considered as the most dangerous sea in the world for piracy and accounted for 95 percent of 195 seafarers kidnapped from their vessels in 2020, the highest ever number, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Dryad Global, in its 2021 annual report, noted that the activities of Nigerian pirates were largely responsible for the escalating insecurity in the area. The West African maritime security situation is at breaking point; seafarers lives are at risk from ever-increasing violent attacks and Nigerian pirates are operating with increased impunity, the report said. If there is an epidemic of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, then Nigeria is undoubtedly the epicentre, the report noted. Dryad Global further observed that although Nigerian authorities had continued to implement programmes aimed at curbing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the measures had not been effective. Thus far, however, programmes aimed at tackling the root of the issue through social-economic coastal development and community regeneration are limited, the report said. As part of the non-binding Yaounde Code of Conduct and the binding Lome charter, Nigeria has several international obligations, which include investment in equipment, operations and training to improve maritime security and safety. In 2019, Nigeria launched the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as Deep Blue Project (DBP), which aims to address insecurity and criminality in the countrys territorial waters. The Deep Blue Project is estimated to have cost 195 million dollars and will oversee all security matters in Nigeria. If implemented in the expected timeframe, the DBP is likely to lead to a reduction in piracy in 2021. Also, the Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced that the DB Abuja and DB Lagos two multi-purpose surveillance vessels would be deployed with eight fast interceptor attack boats in the Lagos Security Anchorage Area (SAA). The federal government had enacted the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act (SUPMOA) in 2019, with a view to to suppressin piracy, armed robbery and other unlawful acts in the maritime domain. Going by SUPMOA provisions, piracy is punishable with life imprisonment and payment of N50 million naira fine, in addition to restitution to the owner of the hijacked vessel. But the Dryad Global report said the efforts being made by the Nigerian government to counter piracy were lacking in substance. Unfortunately, whilst strong on rhetoric, Nigerias efforts to combat piracy are, thus far, short on substance, the report said. The report pointed to the unsatisfactory implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act as a sign that the federal government was not really committed to the fight against piracy. The recent dismantling of the privately-run Security Anchorage Area at Nigerian ports by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari was also cited as a sign that Nigeria was merely paying lip service to the anti-piracy campaign. A Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) is an area outside the Lagos port that the Nigerian Navy, with a private company, had established as a secure place where vessels could anchor safely from the threat of pirate attack. But Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of the NPA, announced that henceforth, private security companies would no longer provide SAA services. The Dryad Global report said, The prosecution of a private company involved in the transfer of a ransom payment as the first conviction under the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act is symptomatic of a wider trend in which the Nigerian government appears more focused on holding the commercial balance of power over third-party security providers than combating piracy. 2021 - All Rights Reserved. International Centre for Investigative Reporting Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Dhanya Mani always thought her friend would one day go public with her account of being raped when she was 16 by a man who later rose to Federal Parliament. But the woman took her own life in June last year. The police investigation into her claim ended after her death, and no complaint can now proceed. Only now, when the woman would have turned 50, has her claim made headlines. Former Liberal Party staffer Dhanya Mani says a woman who accused a federal cabinet minister of rape would have eventually gone public. Credit:Janie Barrett Mani believes her friend has been denied dignity in the whirlwind that began with an anonymous letter last Friday. Some of the media coverage has played on the sordid features of the alleged rape and the identity of the alleged perpetrator, but her friend has been lost. She was wonderful. I saw her as an elder sister. I loved her and saw her as my family, says Mani. The European politician is to arrive in Ukraine on March 2. President of the European Council Charles Michel will be visiting Ukraine on March 2 and March 3. On the first day of his two-day visit, Michel will go to the east of Ukraine, the European Council said in an announcement on its website. Read alsoUkraine's envoy links increased shelling in Donbas with sanctions against Medvedchuk In Donbas, at 13:00 Kyiv time on March 2, he is to begin a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky; at 13:10 Kyiv time, he is to meet with representatives of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, and agencies involved in humanitarian action. A joint press conference with President Zelensky is to begin at 14:30 Kyiv time on that day. On March 3, the European politician is to arrive in Kyiv, where he is scheduled to meet with representatives of institutions fighting corruption (at 08:00 Kyiv time). At 10:30 Kyiv time, he is to visit a vaccination center, and at 11:15 Kyiv time, he is to take part in a ceremony at the Maidan monument to honor those killed during the Revolution of Dignity (2013-2014). At 11:40 Kyiv time, he is to start a meeting with Zelensky and at 13:15 Kyiv time, he is to hold a joint press conference with the Ukrainian leader. Before arriving in Ukraine, the President of the European Council will be visiting Georgia on March 1. Ukraine and EU: Priorities in cooperation On February 9, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with President of the European Council Charles Michel in Brussels. The Ukrainian premier invited Michel to visit Ukraine on behalf of President Zelensky. At their meeting, Shmyhal highlighted one of Ukraine's top priorities. The Ukrainian authorities want to start a dialogue on updating the parameters of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU. Ukraine is looking forward to agreeing with the EU on a specific time frame for launching a comprehensive review process to achieve Association Agreement objectives. Reporting by UNIAN One year since what was described as an 'earthquake' election in the Republic of Ireland, Sinn Fein remain the most popular party. How and why this has happened is commonly misunderstood as being a result of young voters uninitiated with the atrocities of the Troubles. However, what the RTE/Irish Times exit poll revealed last year was that the party was the most popular even among those aged 55-64. So what happened? How did Sinn Fein emerge as a prominent force and the most popular party south of the border? The answer has two parts to it. The first relates to demographic changes that opened up the country to the rise of left-wing political parties. For many decades the south was sui generis in the context of European democracies due to the comparative lack of support for left and centre-left political parties. Although the Labour Party would typically receive 10-15% in a national election, they were underperforming their European peers by an average of 20%. The reasons commonly given for this are threefold: a lack of industrialisation undermined the rise of trade unionism; secondly, the dominance of the Catholic church sustained support for the status quo among working class voters, and thirdly, a relatively high share of the population owned their own home in Ireland. Until the early 1980s, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consistently won over 80% of the vote in elections. However, since that point support for the two parties has declined at a relatively steady rate of just under 10% per decade. That 40-year period follows the long decline of both the Catholic church and homeownership - two central anchors of conservativism, which we recognise from the impact owning your own home had for support for Thatcher's government in the 1980s. The second part relates to how exactly Sinn Fein has come to dominate opposition to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in the south. The answer to this must focus on the election itself. A UCD/Ireland Thinks exit poll asked respondents approximately 40 different questions on their attitudes and demographics to try and understand what it was that caused voters to vote in the way that they did. What is quite clear from this data is that support for Sinn Fein is a function of economic disaffection. Among those that earned under 20,000 per annum support for Sinn Fein was over 30%, whereas among those that earned over 60,000 per annum, support for Sinn Fein was less than 8%. Income is of course relative to one's circumstances. At the last election 40% of voters reported that their economic situation had disimproved in the preceding six months and Sinn Fein won 40% of these voters. By contrast, Fine Gael dominated (45%) those that had felt that their economic situation had improved of the same period. Looking at the tally data one can see that Sinn Fein dominates with upwards of 80% of the vote in some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Dublin. Since the election it is these two tribes that have emerged as dominant in Irish politics, Fine Gael benefited from a significant increase in support over their handling of the first wave of Covid-19 at a time when many governments, even Donald Trump, benefited with what political scientists termed a 'Rally Round the Flag' effect. In a political system in which there was much stability this seems to have cemented the establishment of two tribes in Irish politics - a working-class left led by Sinn Fein and middle-class right led by Fine Gael. While many believe that Sinn Fein is likely to lead the next government there is a fly in the ointment for the party. In its rise to dominating working-class Ireland, it is also dominating two incohesive groups of people. Much like the British Labour Party's recent troubles in keeping it's coalition together in the context of Brexit, Sinn Fein is also likely to struggle to contain a party that might be broadly on the left economically but has a mix of people from a social policy perspective quite differentiated. Indeed, in relation to Covid-19, Sinn Fein is the party which contains the most people who want the government to open up the economy immediately - a position normally adopted by people with a right-leaning perspective. It is also the party which contains the most who want the government to introduce greater restrictions to contain the virus - a position normally adopted by people with a left-leaning perspective. Indeed, when asked "why" they voted for Sinn Fein, voters typically asserted that they were merely opposed to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, or that they wanted a change, rather than having any specific admiration for Sinn Fein. In that context the party may lose support to the Social Democrats or Labour from the left and perhaps Aontu from the right. However, in opposition to Fine Gael, they may even consolidate their position further. We will have to wait and see. Dr Kevin Cunningham is a lecturer in politics in TU Dublin 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. LUND, Sweden, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncorena, dedicated to developing a unique and potential breakthrough therapy for metastatic renal cancer, today announces the Swedish Medical Products Agency's approval of the Phase 1/2 of First in Patient trial of the first-in-class compound, orellanine in patients with metastatic renal cancer in dialysis. Preclinical evidence shows that orellanine, a well known fungus toxin, specifically exerts powerful anti-tumor effects on metastatic renal cancer in different preclinical models. Orellanine has a unique mode of action. All preclinical activities have been completed and the Swedish Medical Products Agency has approved Oncorena's first clinical trial in patients with metastatic renal cancer on dialysis. "Evaluating orellanine in patients with metastatic renal cancer is a key milestone in our efforts to demonstrate the clinical features of this promising compound," said Lars Grundemar M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oncorena. "I am thrilled that Oncorena now is transforming into a clinical stage company. The scientific advances Oncorena has made during the years can be crucial for patients in the future. In the same way, the progress is crucial for the company's continued development and enables new ventures in the field of kidney cancer," said Andreas Segerros, Oncorena's Chairman of the Board of Directors. About the clinical Phase 1/2 trial The Phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label, clinical trial of orellanine, to be conducted at the Centre for Clinical Cancer Studies at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, will enrol patients with metastatic renal cancer already on dialysis due to renal failure. Orellanine will be given intravenously. The trial is divided into a dose escalation part followed by a repeated dose expansion part to examine safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and signs of anti-tumor effects. The Phase 1/2 trial will include up to 40 patients and will be expanded also to other countries. About orellanine Orellanine is a well known nephrotoxin from the Cortinarius family of mushrooms. Since many people have inadvertently ingested the mushroom the effects of orellanine are well documented and are limited to the kidneys. Experimental studies have shown powerful anti-tumor effects on metastatic renal cancer. Orellanine has a novel mechanism of action. The target group for the potential orellanine treatment is patients with metastatic kidney cancer who are undergoing dialysis. These patients have renal failure, however, they have an urgent need for treatment of the metastatic disease and may potentially benefit from treatment effect of orellanine. About kidney cancer Approximately 400,000 patients are affected by kidney cancer globally and more than 131,000 die of the disease every year, source WHO. 80% of the patients are between 40 and 69 years of age when they are diagnosed. The disease can often be cured by surgery if detected in time, but unfortunately the diagnosis is often made when the tumor has already spread to other organs. The prognosis is then considerably less favorable and certain groups have a median survival of less than two years. Today the disease is treated with various types of targeted and immuno-active drugs, often with severe side effects, and standard chemotherapy drugs have only very limited effect. There is therefore an urgent and high unmet medical need for new, effective and safe drugs. For further information, please contact Lars Grundemar, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Oncorena AB E-mail: [email protected] Telephone +46 (0)76 209 5518 Pal Falck, Ph.D., Chief Business Officer, Oncorena AB E-mail: [email protected] Telephone +47 920 36 764 About Oncorena Oncorena AB is a Swedish privately-held limited pharma company headquarted in Lund. The company develops a completely new and potentially revolutionizing treatment for patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The treatment is based on research at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, led by professors Borje Haraldsson and Jenny Nystrom. The project was initially developed with support from Vinnova, Sweden's Innovation Agency, and GU Ventures at the University of Gothenburg and is now mainly financed by the biotechnology company AQILION AB and HealthCap, a major European venture capital fund investing globally in life sciences.For more information, please visit Oncorena's website at www.oncorena.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/oncorena-ab/r/oncorena-receives-approval-of-first-in-patient-trial-with-orellanine-as-a-potential-breakthrough-the,c3297461 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/20340/3297461/1380304.pdf Press release (PDF) https://news.cision.com/oncorena-ab/i/lars-grundemar-ceo-oncorena-ab,c2882692 Lars Grundemar CEO Oncorena AB SOURCE Oncorena AB SPARTANBURG A medical school that opened 10 years ago near downtown Spartanburg is expanding its community outreach in the underserved Northside neighborhood with the opening this week of a new primary care clinic. Northside Medical Clinic also got a grand opening visit March 1 from Gov. Henry McMaster, the same day the clinic saw its first patients for coronavirus vaccinations. The clinic, less than a block from the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, is staffed with members of the college faculty and medical students, many of whom were on hand at the opening to see patients. The 9,400-square-foot facility has 16 exam rooms, an X-ray room and a room for procedures enough space to see potentially hundreds of patients a day, said Michael Cannon, dean of the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. The medical school is a stone's throw from the clinic on College Street and its students are lining up to work there for practical experience with the community. The clinic is partnering with ReGenesis Health Care as one of a chain of federally subsidized healthcare centers for low income communities. The clinic will take Medicare and Medicaid as well as patients who are privately insured. It also will take patients with no insurance and work with them on a sliding scale to help them pay for care, Cannon said. Cannon, a doctor of osteopathy, said students learn by watching their professors interact with the public. "Students that see physicians that are affable, that are gregarious, that are enjoying what they're doing, that are loving their job, it's not that they have to go to work, they get to go to work," Cannon said. "And they see this and that kind of further encourages them to pursue a path in primary care. And that's what we so desperately need in our country is more primary care physicians." With about 160 graduates each year, Cannon said his school annually produces more than 100 students whose focus is one of four primary care fields family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics. The vast majority 90 percent stay in primary care after launching their careers, he said. First-year medical student Allison Dunne, 22, said she is eager to get vaccinated against the coronavirus so that she can start volunteering at the clinic. "It gives you just that firsthand exposure to the community," the Toledo native said of working in the clinic. "So that way, you have a vision in mind once you come out of medical school, and you're like, 'Oh, I know what I need to do to help these people because I've already been exposed to it.'" The Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (V-COM) had already brought jobs and attracted new investment into the Northside community before the clinic came to fruition, Spartanburg state Sen. Josh Kimbrell said. Kimbrell helped fast-track the clinic's certification for administering coronavirus vaccines this winter as the Department of Health and Environmental Control found its hands full with a new director coming in and COVID-19 cases at an all-time high in the state. 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! The clinic, he said, provides an additional boost to Northside. "This area has historically been an area that's economically disadvantaged, that's economically hurting," Kimbrell said. Standing with Kimbrell, McMaster and state Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers at the March 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony was DHEC's new director, Ed Simmer. "We're about to get our millionth dose in arms," McMaster said. "We're doing a lot better than the numbers show. The numbers get tangled up in the reporting. We are doing extremely open. Our economy is open." Minutes later, Chris Stasack, 68, of Boiling Springs sat in an exam room with her husband, John, waiting for her first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Stasack said the pandemic has seriously delayed visits with her three school-aged grandchildren in Upstate New York. Their last visit was two years ago. "You want to get up and go, and you just can't," Stasack said. "You gotta be careful where you go, and who you're with. You got to wear the mask all the time. It's frustrating." She hopes to get a visit from one of her grandchildren as soon as she gets her second vaccine shot in a few weeks. Second-year medical student Katherine Bohn carefully pulled the skin tight on Stasack's left arm, inserted the needle and injected the dose. "I didn't feel anything," Stasack said. Bohn's eyes crinkled with happiness, her smile hidden by a mask. "We got a little bit of training," she said. by Nirmala Carvalho Horror in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh over another episode of brutal violence. After the discovery of the body, the anger of the village exploded. Sister Liza of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Grace: "An inhuman crime on the eve of March 8" Mumbai (AsiaNews) - A 16-year-old Dalit girl was raped and killed on Sunday 28 February in the Aligarh district of Akrabad, Uttar Pradesh. According to media reports, the girl went to a field to get some wheat when she was allegedly raped. Later her lifeless body was found near the field with signs of severe injuries. The incident aroused the anger of the villagers who started a protest, burning police vehicles and preventing officials from taking the body away demanding justice. Eye witnesses also refer to clashes. Initial reports indicate the girl had been living with her maternal relatives since the age of five. When they did not see her return at the scheduled time, yesterday afternoon her relatives asked for help from the villagers, who began looking for her. Akrabad Police Superintendent Muniraj G. explained that the girl's body was found in the agricultural area earlier today and was eventually taken away for an autopsy. Measures - he added he - will be taken on the basis of the investigation. This new tragedy is yet another in a long list of violence of this kind targeting Dalit girls: just a few days ago, three other minors who went out to collect fodder were attacked, two of them were killed. Before that, on the eve of the Deepavali party, it was the turn of a 6-year-old girl. Deep sorrow for the incident was expressed by Sister Liza, of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Grace (FSLG), who is in charge of the hospital that the religious order runs in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Born in the 1980s as a small dispensary, today the Nostra Signora delle Grazie hospital is a fully equipped medical centre that takes care of mothers and children. This heinous crime - Sister Liza explains to AsiaNews - is inhumane and unspeakably barbaric and I condemn in the strongest possible terms, the strictest punishment must be meted out to the perpetrators. Womens Day is coming up on 8th March, and this kind of news is very painful and distressing, human values have been drastically marginalized. The atrocities on our girls and women has consequences on us all. PARLAMENTUL REPUBLICII MOLDOVA 2010 The Moldovan Parliaments website design was supported by the Democracy Support Programme in Moldova" an initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe 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. Police are today investigating the 'unexplained' deaths of two sisters whose bodies were found in the same house. Officers discovered the bodies of the women after smashing into the home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, yesterday. Neighbours say the red-brick property, on Stonegate Road, is home to two sisters who have 'not been seen in weeks'. One of the women is said to have disabilities, while the other is her carer, according to neighbours. Police have not yet released the identities of the women, but say they are aged 78 and 81. A neighbour said: 'One of the sisters was disabled and the other cared for her. Officers discovered the bodies of the two women after smashing into a home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, yesterday 'Neither of them had been seen for a couple of weeks now and someone contacted the police to check if they were okay. 'It's very sad. They were devoted to each other.' West Yorkshire Police say they attended the property on Sunday, February 28, after receiving a call from concerned neighbours. A cordon was in place at the home yesterday. The bodies of the two women were later driven away in a private ambulance. Police are currently treating their deaths as 'unexplained'. West Yorkshire Police say they attended the property (pictured: Forensic teams at the scene) on Sunday after receiving a call from concerned neighbours A West Yorkshire Police spokesman stated: 'At 12:28pm yesterday (28/2) police received a call from a neighbour raising concerns for the elderly occupants of an address in Stonegate Road, Moortown. 'Officers attended and found the two women, aged 78 and 81, dead inside the property. 'Their deaths are being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.' Kourtney Kardashian put on a very busty display in a strapless black bustier as she attended Dolce & Gabbana's virtual fashion show on Monday. While giving her more than 112 million Instagram followers a glimpse of her toned midriff, the 41-year-old reality star posed in front of a large window. In the eye-catching image, the mother-of-three rocked a barely-there black mini skirt, thigh-high stockings and a large gold statement necklace. Fierce: Kourtney Kardashian put on a very busty display in a strapless black bustier as she attended Dolce & Gabbana's virtual fashion show on Monday 'Love these vintage inspired pieces from todays virtual @dolcegabbana fashion show,' she captioned her sultry snap, which showed her opening the curtains to get some more sunlight. Kardashian added: 'Late 90s/early 2000s nostalgia vibes #DGNextChapter.' Her waist-length tresses were in loose curls and she sported a glamorous makeup look, which included bronzer, blush and a nude matte lipstick. Nineties gal: Her waist-length tresses were in loose curls and she sported a glamorous makeup look, which included bronzer, blush and a nude matte lipstick Within an hour, she received more than 479,000 likes and 2,424 comments on her post. Later, the POOSH founder added two more images. In the fresh photos the star was laying on her side in front of a lit fireplace. She put her hand on her side then it seemed as if she waved to the camera but she was really throwing a black scarf. By the fire: Later, the POOSH founder added two more images. In the fresh photos the star was laying on her side in front of a lit fireplace A toss: She put her hand on her side then it seemed as if she waved to the camera but she was really throwing a black scarf In her caption, she credited the designer again as sister Kim hit the like button. On Saturday, she posted a duo of photos taken during a visit to her beau Travis Barker's recording studio. In the snaps, the Poosh founder was seen enjoying a lollipop while sitting on a spiky decorative couch as the Blink 182 drummer rocked out. Hanging out: On Saturday, Kardashian shared a duo of photos that had been taken during a visit to her boyfriend Travis Barker's recording studio Interesting decorations: The reality television personality was pictured enjoying a lollipop while sitting on a spiky couch Kardashian and Barker first met in 2005 and stayed in touch over the years; the Blink-182 drummer is seen in 2019 Her 45-year-old boyfriend reposted the first of her images to his Instagram story and added two emojis, one of which was a black heart. The new couple first met in 2005 while the social media personality's sister Kim was working as an assistant to Paris Hilton, whom the musician briefly dated. They stayed in touch over the years, and Barker eventually moved into the reality star's home base of Calabasas. He has made a few appearances on Keeping Up With The Kardashians over the years. Barker was also the focus of his own short-lived reality program, Meet The Barkers, which ran from 2005 until the following year. The pair did not begin taking their relationship seriously until the latter part of last year and refrained from sharing anything concrete until last month when they went Instagram official just after Valentine's Day. Kardashian's photo showed her holding Barker's right hand as they kept each other company while sitting in a car. No one in India or for that matter in Pakistan seems too enthused by the joint statement of the two directors-general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan recommitting to the spirit of the November 2003 ceasefire. It essentially means an attempted quieting of the Line of Control and removal of the dangers of escalation caused by the artillery exchanges and missile attacks on villages and fortifications which cause casualties among the civilian and uniformed elements in the LoCs vicinity. The cynicism is understandable; renewed attempts have been made in the past too but unless actions in the military domain are accompanied by those in the political, diplomatic and social domains the glue for peace and stability just doesnt set. Quoting statistics of ceasefire violations (CFVs) over the years is meaningless. Its more important to understand how and why those ceasefire agreements did not succeed. CFVs have three connotations. First is the tactical purpose; usually to give covering fire for terrorist infiltration, a practice which has been on the wane with quieter means of infiltration. Second is a reminder to the world by Pakistan to project the continued existence of the J&K issue; a few casualties, civilian or military, does get sentiments high in both India and Pakistan, with the world worrying about escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The initiation of such CFVs by Pakistan is often in conjunction with politico-diplomatic events like the UN General Assembly session or timed with visits of important international leaders to either country. The third is usually a spirit of competition, also called moral ascendancy; and no specific reason for CFVs except something contrived such as an allegation of construction of fresh fortifications. What it takes to keep the ceasefire in place without violations is the existence of a conducive political and diplomatic environment, absence or minimisation of infiltration related events and stability in hinterland streets. The November 2003 ceasefire, many times incorrectly called a unilateral ceasefire by Pakistan, was a result of tremendous backroom work by the political leaderships and diplomats who too understood the significance of a quiet LoC on the overall peace process. This time Moeed Yusuf, Pakistans national security adviser, has denied any back channels were worked between him and Indias NSA Ajit Doval and ascribes the ceasefire agreement to military-to-military discussions and consultation. This appears to be Pakistans way of trying to prove the initiative didnt come from it but rather from India. In other words, that Pakistan had minimal compulsion to call for a ceasefire and attaches little importance to it. That is usually a ploy by a country known to resort to violations of international norms. Even if we agree that its unimportant about who took the initiative, will a political-diplomatic situation exist in the near future to allow the ceasefire to persist without CFVs. It is best not to expect a zero CFV situation in the near future as flexibility towards the agreement may actually help to give it more substance. Imran Khan and Moeed Yusuf have both tried to focus on one theme -- that is the absolute lack of any change by Pakistan in its J&K policy -- even as the ceasefire comes into effect. In the 2004-08 the ceasefire held with minimal CFVs except in some areas like Mendhar. Both sides continued back channel discussions and didnt allow CFVs to upset them. It lasted as long as there was no big-ticket event; Mumbai 26/11 effectively put an end to them and the CFVs multiplied progressively. A big-ticket event remains a threat this time too. The strategic environment of the emerging times appears different from the recent past. Internationally, there appears a trend towards dilution of confrontation to assist the world recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. The passing of the Donald Trump era is marked by new hope which Americas new President Joe Biden and his administration is attempting to facilitate. Pakistans importance due to its influence in Afghanistan and the high-end relationship it has with China gives it scope to punch above its weight. It also knows that handling Afghanistan if the US withdraws fully is going to be a Pakistani responsibility. With China also not averse to finding an exit from the embarrassment it suffered in Ladakh, Pakistan, by initiating the ceasefire recommitment, is reaping the benefits of the emerging environment. If it can reduce violence and curtail the chances of a larger conflagration on its eastern border, it can handle Afghanistan far better; that wins US support too as it helps in an easier drawdown and eventual departure of US troops. With Ladakh cooling down, theres little sense for Pakistan to keep the LoC or Kashmir hot. But everything is temporary, for how long it cannot be said. Yet, it provides a window for all stakeholders to revisit their core interests and examine their bottom lines for any possibilities of permanent peace. With Pakistan reiterating there is no change to its J&K policy and India going strongly in the direction of full and final integration of the people and territories of J&K under the Indian Constitution, the ceasefire seems only a positive blip in the canvas of conflict and despair. No one expects any change in either policy, and theres no finality of outcomes expected anytime soon. The ceasefire is something which creates a more congenial environment in which to improve ties, which can then eventually help resolve the tenuous issues between the two countries; no one expects any miracles in the short term. Noticeably, in the midst of all the buildup of negativity on the J&K and Ladakh fronts, it was only Imran Khan who continued his fusillade, personal and otherwise, against the Indian leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained a statesmanlike approach, not naming the adversaries or indulging in name-calling, with the fullest regard to the future, in which he knew negotiation and discussion will be with the very same people you abuse. The obstacles to the ceasefire are many, the chief one being the lack of acceptance of peace with India by Pakistans Deep State, and the intent of the jihadi elements to disallow any peace. It is only a special effort by the Pakistan Army, civil society in Pakistan and the media which can hope to ensure that the ceasefire lasts and becomes a stepping stone to the beginning of a peace process between India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) and Premier Li Keqiang sing the national anthem at a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of China's entry into the Korean War, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on Oct. 23, 2020. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Signs of Infighting Within Chinese Leadership Surface in Leaked Document An ongoing internal struggle exists within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) between Xi Jinping, the head of the regime, and Premier Li Keqiang over their different visions for the Partys management of the nations economy, according to an internal document recently leaked to The Epoch Times. The confidential circular, issued by the Shijiazhuang City Commission for Discipline Inspection (CDI)a branch of the CCPs anti-corruption agency, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI)on May 25, 2020, mentioned that the CCDIs investigation team conducted research earlier that month to coordinate epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development. The document shows the CCDI getting involved in State Council affairs, giving guidance to local authorities on resumption of work and production. Li, who has the reins of Chinas economy, is the chair of the State Council. Under Xi, the CCDI has become the CCPs main watchdog. It has been taking aim at rampant corruption in the CCPa personal mission of the regimes leader. Given that most officials are Party members, the CCDI has a wide reach, investigating allegations that include bribery, money laundering, embezzlement of public funds, and other corruption concerns. But it appears from the confidential circular that the CCDI is no longer limited to that scope. The document, entitled Conveying Opinions from the Investigation Team of Commission for Discipline Inspection was provided to The Epoch Times by an anonymous insider. Shijiazhuang citys CDI requests local Party committees to provide increasing, targeted support to enterprises, especially the small and micro ones. Then, departments of local government are required to thoroughly communicate the decisions of resuming work and production, and shoulder responsibilities in strengthening safety management and maintaining product quality while organizing work resumption and production. The requirements set out in the circular are a sign that the CCDI is meddling in the affairs of the State Council, says Li Linyi, a U.S.-based China affairs expert. Li said issues related to product quality and safety management, and the investigation of the work on the resumption of work and production are supposed to be the job of the State Council, or more specifically, the local government, rather than that of the CCDI. Even though the CCP dominates the Chinese political system, to direct and administer economic affairs and urban and rural development are the areas of the State Councils power, according to the website of the chief administrative organ. A Sign of Ambition in CCDI The confidential circular, issued by the Shijiazhuang City Commission for Discipline Inspection (CDI)a branch of the CCPs anti-corruption agency, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), on May 25, 2020. (The Epoch Times) On Jan. 22, the CCDI held its fifth plenary session in Beijing. Xi addressed in the session with a speech that stressed the importance of ensuring the development goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan Period (20212025) are fulfilled, according to Xinhua, the CCPs mouthpiece. Li pointed out that the 14th Five-Year Plan focusing on the economy became the priority of the CCDI. The implication is that it has assumed supervision for economic officials, or even state councilors. Xis remark hints that the division of labor between Chinas two most powerful men has become blurred. The CCDI has been a tool to consolidate Xis control since he came to power. Since its inception in 2012, the [anit-corruption] campaign [led by CCDI] has found over 1.5 million government officials guilty of a variety of corruption-related charges. Five former deputy CCDI secretaries were appointed as ministers, or members of the State Council, between November 2016 to January 2017: the Minister of State Security Chen Wenqing, the former Minister of Civil Affairs Huang Shuxian, the former Minister of Supervision Yang Xiaodu, and the former Minister of Justice Zhang Jun. In December 2020, another deputy secretary moved into the State Council. Chen Xiaojiang was appointed head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, a cabinet-level executive department of the State Council. In addition, Liu He and He Lifeng, both top-ranking members of the State Council, have a long-term connection with Xi. He Lifeng (pdf), the minister in charge of the National Development and Reform Commission, which is the State Councils top economic planning agency, is a regular in Xis inner circle. His connection with Xi can be traced back to the mid-1980s, when he worked with Xi in the Xiamen municipal government. Vice Premier Liu He went to school with Xi during the 1960s and is now his closest economic adviser. Hes in charge of Chinas economic policies and financial issues as the director of the office serving the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission of the CCP. Li seems to be eclipsed by Xis amassing of great power. The political infighting has surfaced several times since May 2020, when Li said at the annual National Peoples Congress that at least 600 million Chinese people were living on an income of 1,000 yuan ($155) per month. The revelation was an affront to Xis goal of developing China into a moderately prosperous society. Li proposed a street-stall economy as a way to spur consumption amid the fallout of the COVID-19 epidemic. It was a policy proposal that triggered a backlash from the partys mouthpieces. Authorities in Beijing city, led by Cai Qi, who is close to Xi, cleared away street vendors. It was again a widely recognized sign of discord spilling into the open between Xi and Li. Mumbai, March 1 : Actress Bhumi Pedenekar has remembered late actor Sushant Singh Rajput on the second release anniversary of their film Sonchiriya. She recalled him asan actor with a "restless mind". She also tagged Sushant as a "rare mind" in Bollywood. She says: "Sushant became a friend and someone I admired very fast. He was a true blue gem of a person and an actor with a restless mind. We really had the best time on set. His rare mind with brilliant ideas kept me very intrigued through our Sonchiriya experience." "I got to meet and work with a creative mind like Sushant Singh Rajput due to the film. I had the best time exchanging notes with him," she added. About working in the film, she said: "Sonchiriya' gave me the chance to work with a brilliant cast and people I admired deeply. It's an experience I'll deeply cherish more because of the collaboration I had with Sushant and Khushiya, the little girl who played Sonchiriya. Khushiya has become a part of my life forever." Bhumi said that Sonchiriya will always be a special film in her filmography because it taught her a valuable lesson. "It told me to dream, to explore, and to take bigger risks as an artiste with every film. (Director) Abhishek Chaubey opened my eyes to what I could achieve if I trusted myself and pushed myself to the edge of the cliff. I thank him for his faith in me as a performer." She added: "A film like Sonchiriya is rare, it comes maybe once in a lifetime for an artiste and I'm fortunate that I got to do this project. Abhishek Chaubey's vision with this film was so unique and original that it literally blew my mind. The love and respect that I have got from people across the world for this project is truly humbling." The film also stars Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed A burglar who broke in through the window of a sleeping woman's bedroom and sexually assaulted her as she fought to escape has been jailed for 10 years. The woman described at the Central Criminal Court how she awoke in bed to find Ibrahim Elghynaoui (28) on top of her kissing her with his hand on her throat. She said she believed she was going die as Elghynaoui then strangled her during a struggle on her bedroom floor. She realised no one was coming to help her so began to fight back by pushing her thumbs into his eyes, kneeing him in the groin and biting him on the hand. She said she told herself: If you don't get yourself out of this you are going to die. As she got up to run for her bedroom door, she said Elghynaoui put his fingers forcefully into her vagina. She described this as having the force of an open-handed blow. She ran from the room and Elghynaoui escaped back out the ground floor window in her room back onto the street. Elghynaoui admitted to gardai that he was the burglar but denied sexually assaulting the woman. Elghynaoui of no fixed abode, had pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault of the woman and burglary at her home in Dublin on July 17, 2019. He was convicted by a jury of both counts following a trial last December. Elghynaoui pleaded guilty to the burglary of another man's nearby apartment earlier the same night and attempted burglary of another home on July 12, 2019. Moroccan national Elghynaoui, who was homeless at the time of these offences, has 33 previous convictions across three jurisdictions. He has 22 Irish convictions for offences such as burglary, possession of a knife and failing to appear in court. He has been in custody since July 18, 2019. The court heard today that Elghynaoui came to Ireland in 2017 and first appeared on the PULSE system in August of that year. He has no immigration status to be in Ireland and a deportation application was submitted by gardai in January 2018. He was in custody on foot of charges in April 2018 and applied for asylum. Elghynaoui was released from custody on the basis of that application but failed to engage with the process and the application was closed. Another deportation order is currently in place. Michael OHiggins SC, defending, said Elghynaoui will not apply to reactivate the asylum process and will be bound by the deportation order. Mr Justice Paul McDermott today said the accused man had subjected the woman to the terror of a sexual assault on her own bed in the dead of night. He noted she had been in a vulnerable and defenceless position. He said she demonstrated very impressive fortitude and courage during the incident. Mr Justice McDermott said the effects of the attack on the woman had been devastating and long-lasting affecting her life, employment and relationships. He said the attack had been grossly humiliating and degrading with a clear overhanging threat of serious violence. The woman, who was alone and at her most defenceless, had been terrified and feared for her life as the accused made continuous efforts to keep her subdued. The judge said Elghynaoui bore a high degree of culpability and set a headline sentence of 12 years for the sexual assault and nine years for the burglary. He noted in mitigation that Elghynaoui had accepted the evidence in the case to a significant degree and acknowledged he was present but did not plead guilty or express remorse. He took into account the guilty pleas to the other burglaries and that Elghynaoui will serve his sentence in this country where he has no friends and will have social and cultural difficulties. Mr Justice McDermott imposed a sentence of 1years for the aggravated sexual assault, seven and a half years for the burglary of the woman's home. He imposed a sentence of three years for the earlier burglary and 18 months for the attempted burglary with all sentences to run concurrently. Bank of Ireland is to close three branches in Offaly as part of plans 103 branches on the island of Ireland. Details of the branches to close were announced after staff were informed of the decisions this morning. The three branches in Offaly that will close are Banagher, Edenderry and Clara. No closures are expected to happen before September. Once the closures are complete, that will leave two branches of Bank of Ireland operating in Offaly in Tullamore and Birr. Bank of Ireland states that a new partnership with An Post will provide banking services locally. The new partnership with An Post means that Bank of Ireland customers can now avail of banking services at their local post office Banagher, Clara and Edenderry all have a post office and there are 15 more in the county. Bank of Ireland says that the changes are in response to 'significant trends in how people are banking'. Bank of Ireland is closing a number of branches nationwide and footfall at the closing branches is down on average by c60% since 2017, while digital usage has increased by one third. (CNN) Apple blew through its December quarter record for sales in China when it reported earnings last month. Sales in the greater China region grew a whopping 57% from the same period in the previous year, topping more than $21 billion, thanks to strong demand for the iPhone 12. The results marked a big win in a key market for Apple China sales made up nearly 20% of the company's total revenue in the quarter. But the iPhone maker hasn't always been able to count on such a strong performance in the market. In mid-2018, analysts slashed iPhone sales projections, citing weakness in China as one of several reasons for the slowdown. In January 2019, Apple warned investors to expect lower sales during the December quarter due primarily to "lower than anticipated" sales in China because of the trade war with the United States. Then Covid-19 outbreak began in China in early 2020, and it became the first place where Apple had to learn how to manage despite shuttered stores and factory closures. Yet analysts are optimistic that Apple's success in China in the most recent quarter was not an anomaly. "China was kind of like a thorn in Apple's side," said Dan Morgan, senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust Company. "Now, the pendulum has completely swung to the other side." A key market Though sales in China haven't always been steady in recent years, the market remains a crucial one for Apple. The country's large middle class has big spending power. Mobile applications for services such as shopping and banking are especially popular with Chinese consumers, creating the potential for Apple to earn more incremental revenue from its App Store and software services. And there's still room for growth Apple's global 2020 smartphone market share was 14.8%, but it was only 10.1% in China, according to data from Gartner. China is expected to account for roughly 20% of total iPhone upgrades in the coming year, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note to investors last week. China remains "a key ingredient" to Apple's success, he added. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently granted a rare interview to Chinese college student and tech influencer He Shijie, a move likely to drum up even more support among young Chinese consumers. Cook said there are "a ton" of Apple product features that were inspired by Chinese consumers, including the QR code scanner and night mode for the iPhone. "We listen very carefully to our customers there and wind up creating things based on that that are then given to the world," Cook said. "We get a lot of feedback from China." 'A record number of upgraders' The iPhone 12 was a major contributor to Apple's China sales growth in its last quarter, though Cook said during the earnings call that other products, including the iPad and wearables, also contributed. Analysts say many consumers in multiple markets held off on buying the last few iPhone models, because smartphone lifecycles have gotten longer, and there weren't enough novel features to make consumers shell out for a new device. By the time the iPhone 12 with 5G launched in October, consumers were overdue for an upgrade. There are several reasons the iPhone 12 was poised to be especially popular in China, where Cook said there were "a record number of upgraders" during the holiday season. One reason is that China's 5G networks are more robust than in many other markets, giving consumers there greater incentive to upgrade. In the United States, by contrast, people might have to wait until 5G is more widely available. "(There has been) a very aggressive build out of 5G in China; in the United States, we're getting there but we haven't been as committed," Synovus' Morgan said. China's economy also recovered faster from the pandemic-related downturn than other countries it's currently about two quarters ahead of Western Europe and North America, said Gartner analyst Annette Zimmermann so its consumers may have more cash to spend on new devices. Apple sold 8% more smartphone units in China in 2020 than the year before, according to Gartner, and that number only includes about two months of iPhone 12 sales. "We will still see very positive growth over the next two quarters," Zimmermann said. "There are a good number of people who still need to upgrade to the next generation and (who will be) driven by 5G." Apple may also be benefitting from Chinese competitor Huawei's struggles. Recent US policies have cut off Huawei's access to top-tier American tech, leaving it unable to use software from Google, for example, in its smartphones, making them less appealing to some consumers. Apple's share of the smartphone market in China ticked up nearly 5 percentage points during the December quarter, while Huawei's dropped by more than 10, according to data from IDC. Whether Apple's strong growth in China continues will likely depend in part on analysts' predictions of an iPhone 12 upgrade "supercycle" coming true and many still think it will. "I'm bullish that these December China numbers aren't just a quick aberration," Synovus' Morgan said. "I'm optimistic that we are, in fact, going to get that cycle and that this quarter was evidence that is beginning." This story was first published on CNN.com "Apple had a blowout quarter in China. But can its success there continue?". Scientists who study capuchin monkeys on a nature reserve in Brazil found that stone tools are used for digging, seed pounding, and stone-on-stone percussion. The monkeys can serve as a model to help understand how humans evolved to use tools. A group of researchers including Tiago Falotico, a Brazilian primatologist at the University of Sao Paulo's School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities (EACH-USP), archeologists at Spain's Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES) and University College London in the UK, and an anthropologist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, have published an article in the Journal of Archeological Science: Reports describing an analysis of stone tools used by bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) that inhabit Serra da Capivara National Park in Piaui State, Brazil. It is the first systematic study to characterize the tools used by capuchin monkeys living in the wild. The animals use the tools for digging, seed pounding, nut cracking, and stone-on-stone percussion. The ultimate aim of the study was to find out whether these different activities created use-wear marks that pointed to the purpose for which the tools were used. "Archeologists in the field analyze the tools found in a dig and the use-wear marks they bear," Falotico said. "In our case, we had both the tools used by these monkeys and the chance to observe their behavior, to see how they used the tools. This is the first comparative analysis of the different tools used by wild capuchin monkeys for different purposes. We concluded that the tools displayed different patterns of use and wear in accordance with the activities involved and that these use-wear marks served to identify the activities performed by each type of tool and by the individuals that used the tools." The animals concerned inhabit the Caatinga, Brazil's semi-arid shrubland and thorn forest biome. To crack open encapsulated seeds or fruits, such as locust fruit or jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) and cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), they pound them with a stone on another that serves as an anvil. They also use stones to dig or scrape the soil in search of tubers, roots, and spiders. "They also hammerstones with other stones. The purpose of this stone-on-stone percussion, in the case of the groups we studied in Serra da Capivara, is to crush quartzite cobbles so that they can lick the powder and smear it on their bodies," Falotico said. "We've only ever observed this behavior by the animals inhabiting the study site. We have a few theories to explain it, such as the use of quartz to combat parasites by eating the dust, or ectoparasites such as lice by rubbing themselves with it. We have yet to test these hypotheses. The behavior isn't seen all the time but it's commonplace in the population concerned." The research is supported by Sao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP via a Young Investigator Grant for the project "Cultural variation in robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.)". Evolutionary environment The capuchin monkeys found in the Caatinga and the Cerrado, Brazil's savanna biome, are more terrestrial than those in the Amazon or Atlantic Rainforest. "The latter don't use stone tools. They're arboreal and rarely seen on the ground. These tools are used on the ground," Falotico said. As an evolutionary environment, he added, Serra da Capivara is very similar to that of the first hominins. According to reputable sources, the term hominin is now defined as the group consisting of modern humans, extinct human species, and all our immediate ancestors (including members of the genera Homo, Australopithecus, Paranthropus, and Ardipithecus). As these ancestors evolved, they too began spending more time on the ground and using stone tools. "Capuchin monkeys can serve as a model to help us understand which factors led to the use of tools by the first hominins," Falotico explained. Individuals may use the same tool in more than one activity, but this is unusual. "It also depends on the environment. In Serra da Capivara, there are lots of rocks and stones, so they can easily switch between tools," he said. "In places with less stone available, they may use the same tool for different purposes. We have sightings of monkeys using a stone to dig and then pound a tuber they've found by digging." The capuchin monkeys of Serra da Capivara also use twigs, sticks, and other kinds of wood as tools. "In this case, the tools may be used off the ground, and they modify the shape and size by removing leaves and branches, for example. They may understand the physical properties of these tools," he said. "We expected to observe this behavior in other less terrestrial populations, but it appears not to be the case. We have reports that it occurs occasionally but not habitually, as in Serra da Capivara." The monkeys may also use different tools in the same activity. "They may use a stone to enlarge a rock crevice and then use a twig to probe the hole for food, for example," he said. As a rule, males handle objects more than females, but skill does not vary by sex. "Males and females are good at manipulation once they've become adult and acquired the skill," he said. Primate tool library Primate archeology, Falotico explained, is a relatively new field. Among non-human primates, only chimpanzees, capuchin monkeys, and long-tailed or crab-eating macaques use tools. "We now know that when capuchin monkeys bang stones together, they create flakes that closely resemble those made by the first humans," Falotico said. "The same goes for the simpler percussive tools - stones used for hammering and pounding - which can be confused with tools used by humans for the same purposes. In short, we provide more data for archeologists, who often come across these remains." Creating a primate tool library is one of the aims of the Young Investigator project. "If the tools are described, it will be easier for archeologists and anthropologists to know at a later stage which groups used them and for what purpose," he said. In this study specifically, the sample comprised 29 tools: 16 were used solely for pounding, 12 for digging, and one for stone-to-stone percussion. The technological analysis was based on a classification into active elements (hammers) and passive elements (anvils). The scientists set out to establish use-wear patterns, and to this end analyzed attributes such as general tool metrics, raw material, and surface traces such as fractures, impact points, battered areas formed by superimposed impacts, and percussive mark location. The digging tools had fewer conspicuous use-wear marks on their surfaces when analyzed microscopically. Tools used to crush quartz most frequently had perceptible use-wear traces. Soft fruit and cashew nut processing tools displayed a wider spatial distribution of pounding marks than digging tools, although they also displayed a low degree of physical modification. According to Falotico, tools differed more in terms of size than in terms of use-wear marks, especially those used for stone-to-stone percussion, which were much larger and heavier than the rest. "Digging stones are typically smaller," he said. "Pounding stones vary according to the chosen object. The monkeys prefer larger stones to crack open a hard object." The researchers looked for traces of pollen among the residues found on the tools, in order to discover which plant species the monkeys preferred. "We identified starch grains and other non-pollen palynomorphs, such as fungal spores, algae and other organic elements found alongside pollen in palynology, the subdiscipline of botany in which pollen grains are examined and identified," Falotico said. "We experienced some difficulty for lack of a reference library to identify the origin of the pollens and starches occurring in this part of the Caatinga." ### About Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) Kim Kardashian has reportedly suffered another blow as a trespasser attempted to visit her $60million Hidden Hills mansion. According to claims, the 24-year-old man entered the gated community in Los Angeles, but was stopped by security and a local sheriff before he could get in close proximity to the KUWTK star's 15,667-square-foot home. The businesswoman has been in the centre of headlines after filing for divorce from musician Kanye West last month, after almost seven years of marriage. Terrifying: Kim Kardashian has reportedly suffered another blow as a trespasser attempted to visit her at her $60million Hidden Hills mansion (pictured in 2019) A source alleged to TMZ that the intruder - who has since been released from authorities - told law enforcement that he wanted to see Kim and claimed she was her wife. The beauty mogul and the Jesus Walks hitmaker, 43, bought the home in 2014 for $20M and are said to have spent four years and another $20M in renovations before they finally moved into it in 2018. An insider revealed to Page Six earlier this year that Kim reportedly owns the land, but Kanye owns the actual house. In February 2012, another trespasser appeared at the front door of her Beverly Hills house. MailOnline has contacted Kim's representatives for further comment. Close call: The man, 24, is said to have entered the gated community in LA, but was stopped before he could get in proximity to the TV star's 15,667-square-foot home (pictured last month) It's over: The businesswoman has been in the centre of headlines after filing for divorce from musician Kanye West last month, after almost seven years of marriage (pictured in 2016) The reality star is asking for joint legal and physical custody of their four young children: North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, Psalm, 21 months. It was claimed that neither will contest their pre-nup and they are far along in their agreement over how to split their property. Kim is worth almost $1B thanks to her makeup, fragrance and intimates lines, while rapper is worth a reported $1.3B with his music, concerts, and apparel and shoe lines. A source has claimed they plan for their children to remain in California, despite the fashion designer splitting his time between LA and Wyoming. The Selfish author has had very little contact with the artist since last October, after tensions grew when he decided to run for President of the United States in July. During a rally, the outspoken star claimed Kim wanted North aborted, and also called his mother-in-law Kris Jenner 'Kris Jong Un.' An insider told People Magazine that Kanye is now 'resigned to reality' over the divorce filing, branding the decision 'a sombre day for him.' They said: 'It's as amicable as possible, but amicable doesn't mean joyful or ideal. It just means that they're being adults about the whole thing.' Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Public lockdown skepticism and Euroscepticism are not driven by the same psychological valuesdespite high-profile lockdown skeptics holding pro-Brexit views, a new analysis has found. The findings, from researchers at King's College London and the European University Institute are based on a survey of over 2,000 people using an established psychological model of 10 basic human values. The researchers examined the results alongside the same people's views on whether the UK should accept limits on civil liberties in order to fight coronavirus or instead protect civil liberties at all costs. They found that those who prioritized civil liberties over combatting the viruslockdown skepticsdisproportionately valued hedonism, stimulation, power and achievement. By contrast, those who were more accepting of limits on freedoms during the pandemic overwhelmingly valued security, conformity, universalism and benevolence. These different sets of values, the researchers conclude, do not fit at all well with the values divide that characterized Brexit. In the case of the EU referendum vote, people who valued universalism were the strongest supporters of Remain, and those valuing security and tradition were the strongest backers of Leave. But, the researchers conclude, "these two groups now find themselves somewhat united in support of lockdowns". The analysis suggests that Nigel Farage's new political party, Reform UKwhich initially focused on promoting lockdown skepticismis unlikely to find an easy coalition of support among the public, because the values held by lockdown skeptics are at odds with the values that drove support for Brexit. The analysis also found that the psychological values motivating each side of the lockdown debate underpinned views on other aspects of the coronavirus crisis, too. For example, the values that predict lockdown skepticismsuch as hedonism, stimulation and poweralso predict a lower likelihood of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King's College London, said: "It's been said that although far from all Brexiters are lockdown skeptics, almost all lockdown skeptics are Brexitersand this is certainly the case with skeptics in the public eye. But despite the appearance that the two groups might share the same values, we found that such a link doesn't hold up. Our analysis shows that lockdown skepticism is not another front in the UK's supposed 'culture wars', where people's views on a given issue are increasingly tied up with their political identity, such as whether they're Leave or Remain. The values that have so divided the UK over Brexit are not also dividing us over COVIDif anything, they are uniting the country in the fight against the virus." James Dennison, part-time professor at the Migration Policy Centre of the European University Institute and researcher at the University of Stockholm, said: "We were motivated to carry out this study because what an individual values in their own life has repeatedly been shown to predict their political views and voting behavior, with Brexit being a prime example. We show that this is also the case with one's preferences regarding how the government should respond to the pandemic. However, rather than repeating what we've seen since 2016when those who yearn for security, conformity and tradition were pitted against those who prioritize more open values like universalismthis time the motivations are quite different. Valuing security and universalism, especially, both strongly motivates favoring lockdowns, taking vaccines and prioritizing 'health over wealth'. By contrast, those who value power, ambition, stimulation and hedonismsome of the typically less politicized valuesare highly motivated to protect civil liberties and prioritize the economy. This matters because understanding the value-based motivations of all sides is the best way to get buy-in, for example, by increasing the effectiveness of government communications." The 10 basic human values are defined as follows: Universalism: Understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and for nature. Benevolence: Preservation and enhancement of the welfare of people with whom one is in frequent personal contact. Tradition: Respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs and ideas that one's culture or religion impose on the individual. Conformity: Restraint of actions, inclinations, and impulses likely to upset or harm others and violate social expectations and norms. Security: Safety, harmony, and stability of society, of relationship and of self. Power: Attainment or preservation of a dominant position within the more general social system. Achievement: Personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards. Hedonism: Pleasure or sensuous gratification for oneself. Stimulation: Excitement, novelty, and challenge in life (a varied life, an exciting life, daring). Self-direction: Independent thought and action choosing, creating, exploring. Explore further Values influence where we spend our time and money More information: Lockdown scepticism and Brexit support: Lockdown scepticism and Brexit support: www.kcl.ac.uk/policy-institute d-brexit-support.pdf Dr Sebastian Breitenbach exploring possible passages in an ice-filled cave in Siberia. Credit: Northumbria University, Newcastle Northumbria University is to play a leading role in a major study to assess the long-term impact of global warming on Siberia's thawing permafrost. Permafrost is frozen ground that stores vast amounts of fossil carbon. Given that permafrost holds twice as much carbon as the atmosphere, and that almost a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere is covered in permafrost, this frozen land plays an essential role in stabilizing climate change. Thawing permafrost is considered one of the key climate tipping elements that would lead to long-term irreversible changes to global climate. However, today's warming global temperatures mean permafrost is beginning to thaw and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Northumbria University is home to a team of world-leading academics specializing in reconstructing climate and environmental changes through the millennia. They have been awarded a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant of 489,000 to reconstruct Siberia's climate over the past 500 to 800 thousand years and estimate the long-term fate of Siberia's permafrost under today's rising temperatures. The researchers will work in partnership with experts from Germany's Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Potsdam. A record high of 38 degrees was reported in Eastern Siberia in June 2020. This led to an unprecedented number of wildfires in the region, releasing further carbon into the atmosphere. The links between wildfire and permafrost stability are complex, but evidence suggests that permafrost thaw and degradation has tripled in recent years in response to more and hotter fires. The four-year study will assess how Siberia's permafrost expanded and contracted in response to the changing climates of the past, and the role of the cold glacial and warmer interglacial periods. The study will be the first to collectively combine the archives of permafrost ice, cave deposits and crustacean fossils to reconstruct past temperatures and regional climate histories. Previous studies have only examined these archives individually. Permafrost ice originates from, and preserves, atmospheric precipitation, meaning it holds records of winter and summer temperatures. The composition of the ancient permafrost ice samples will allow the researchers to decipher the climate conditions at the time the ice formed. In a similar vein, cave deposits can inform on the long-term mean temperature changes, and crustacean fossils tell the story of the summer temperature, each containing an important climate archive. The researchers hope the holistic view obtained by combining findings from each of these archives will give new insights into how temperatures changed, which can help to reveal seasonality changes in the past. The team have found several sites which they describe as having great promise to provide them with the important samples and data they need from caves, ice and lake deposits. They will use tiny shallow lakes and permafrost ice from the Arctic seaboard, from the Batagay Megaslump and the Mamontova Gora site in Central Yakutia; the Botovskaya Cave in southern Siberia; and the so far unstudied Kirensk Karst region, more than 500 miles northeast of Lake Baikal. Caves hold crucial evidence of past environmental conditions. Carbonate formations known as speleothems can only grow when water flows into the cave from the soil above. As in permafrost all water is frozen, this means speleothems could only have grown at a time when the climate was warmer and the land above the cave was not frozen. The fossils of tiny shrimp-like creatures, known as ostracods, also hold much promise for the research team. At just 0.5 to 2 mm in size, ostracods only live for a few months in summer and build a carbonate shell similar to mussels. The fossilized carbonate shells from shallow ponds in the permafrost region will provide researchers with an archive of data on the temperatures at the time they were formed. Thanks to a recent investment in a mass spectrometry lab in the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Northumbria, the researchers will use a method known as clumped isotope geothermometry to extract details on the isotopic composition of the fossilized carbonate shells and reconstruct northern Siberia's summer temperatures across the millennia. Similarly, the team will use speleothems to explore the long-term temperature development during interglacial periods. Dr. Sebastian Breitenbach, Vice-Chancellor's Senior Fellow in Northumbria University's Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences said: "The Siberian permafrost formed mainly, but not exclusively, during cold periods, known as ice ages or glacials, in the last two million years, while at least some of the permafrost thawed during warm stages, known as interglacials. "If we look at temperatures in Siberia today, we see that they vary by up to 90 degrees across the year, from -60 in winter up to approximately 30 degrees in summer. However, we need to see this seasonal amplitude in proxy. Was the change in temperature always the same as we know it today, or was it different in the past? How much warmer were past summers, how different the winters? "We know that the way permafrost responds to climate change and long-term climate controls appears to be more complex than simply reacting to warmer or colder temperatures. We therefore believe that if we can provide evidence on the interplay of temperature and precipitation on a seasonal scale, we can answer the crucial question of whether past permafrost formation and degradation can be attributed to specific climate conditions or seasonality patterns. "This study will enable us to reconstruct climate conditions and hopefully create a new understanding of whether the past formation, and especially degradation, of permafrost can be attributed to specific temperatures or seasonality patterns." Dr. Hanno Meyer, Head of the Stable Isotope Facility at AWI Potsdam and expert for isotope-based permafrost palaeoclimatology said: "The combination of multiple isotope signals from several climate archives across East Siberia offers an exciting possibility to unravel past climate dynamics on different temporal and spatial scales for both glacials and interglacials. "Combining this palaeoclimate information with geological evidence of permafrost formation, stability or degradation will help us to identify potential thresholds in different climate parameters that were responsible for the response of the permafrost system to past climate changes. This knowledge will help us to estimate the future effects of Global Warming on the permafrost in East Siberia and the consequences for local communities as well as the feedback mechanism to the global climate system." Dr. Breitenbach added: "With the installation of our new mass spectrometry lab, Northumbria becomes one of just four universities in England to be able to undertake the detailed clumped isotopic tests required to reconstruct these temperature conditions. We are very excited to begin to use our new equipment and establish Northumbria as a leading center for geothermometry and carbonate research." Explore further Permafrost in the Arctic can thaw faster than presumed The Biden administration will allow separated migrant families the option of being reunified either in the United States or their county of origin, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said on Monday. 'We are hoping to reunite the families, either here or in the country of origin. We hope to be in a position to give them the election,' Mayorkas said during the daily White House press briefing. If the families choose to be reunited in the United States, the administration would look to help them remain in the country. 'If, in fact, they seek to reunite here in the United States, we will explore lawful pathways for them to remain in the United States, and to address the family needs, so we are acting as restoratively as possible,' he added. The Biden administration will allow separated migrant families the option of being reunified either in the United States or their county of origin, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Mayorkas, who heads President Joe Biden's task force on reuniting families, did not mince words when talking about the immigration system he was left to deal with by Biden's predecessor, former President Donald Trump. Michelle Brane of the Women's Refugee Commission would head the administration's task force for the reunification of families United States Customs and Border Protection - the agency that deals with border issues and immigration policy - resides in the Department of Homeland Security. Mayorkas twice used the word 'cruelty' the Trump-era policy of separating migrant families at the border. Trump eventually disbanded the policy under heavy public pressure. The Homeland Security secretary called the separation policy 'the most powerful and heartbreaking example of the cruelty that proceeded this administration.' He also announced Michelle Brane of the Women's Refugee Commission would head the administration's task force for the reunification of families. Given his role as head of the department, most of the heavy lifting will fall to her. Biden established the task force via an executive order in early February - one of a series of executive orders he signed to overturn or amend actions taken by Trump. Mayorkas noted that 150 families have been reunited, work done by pro-bono lawyers and advocates. But those volunteers said they had yet to find the parents of 506 children. The parents of about 322 of the children are believed to have been deported. Mayorkas said he didn't have a time frame on when all the children would be reunited with their families. 'We are working around the clock - seven days a week - to make that time frame as short as possible,' he said. 'Our overarching goal is, of course, to be as humane as the law provides - to be as restorative as the law enables us to be to bring justice to these families,' he added. Immigrants seeking asylum hold hands as they leave a cafeteria at the ICE South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, in August 2019 - several centers have been reopened to handle the influx of migrants crossing the border Migrant teens held at a camp in Tornillo, Texas - although 150 children have been reunited with their families, more than 500 still need to be He also advised immigrants now is not the time to come to the United States. 'We are not saying don't come. We are saying don't come now,' he said. Additionally, Mayorkas blasted the destruction to the immigration system he claims took place under President Trump. 'The prior administration dismantled our nation's immigration system in its entirety,' he said. 'The entire system was gutted.' In addition to her own career, Watson was a mentor to young performers in Chicago, sharing her contacts and giving advice. Online tributes have followed the news of her death, including from filmmakers, fans and Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx, who tweeted: Im sorry to hear about the passing of Erica Watson. Erica was a talented, bright light. With every conversation, she made you feel as if you had been friends for years, even if you had only met virtually. I send my prayers to her friends and family. Mumbai, March 1 : Adopting a unique approach to highlight the spiralling fuel prices, all Congress Ministers and legislators on Monday took to the roads on bicycles and furiously pedalled to the Maharashtra Legislature on the opening day of the Budget Session, here. Leading the bicycle rally, state Congress President Nana Patole and city party chief Bhai Jagtap attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre of "looting" the hard-earned money of the people by hiking taxes on fuel which have resulted in zooming prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. "The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made life difficult for the people. Though the prices of crude oil in the international markets is at a record low, the Centre is fleecing the masses by the taxes on fuel," Patole said. He said that excluding taxes, petrol costs around Rs 32.72 per litre and diesel Rs 33.46 per litre, but the Centre has imposed excise duties of 820 and 258 per cent respectively which has shot the prices of the two essential fuels to the current exorbitant levels. Similarly, Jagtap said that the Modi government has "crossed all limits of shamelessness" by another hike of Rs 25 in the price of cooking gas (LPG) to now Rs 825 per cylinder which has created huge distress to the ordinary masses. Besides, Patole and Jagtap said that Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan rubbed salt on the wounds of the people by claiming that the fuel price hike was due to the winter season. Demanding that the Central taxes on fuel be rolled back, Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said that the BJP leaders screaming hoarse over the fuel prices hike before 2014, "but today, these same leaders are looting the people blatantly with daily price hikes". "The Modi government is deaf and blind to the pain and sufferings of the people. Through this bicycle rally, we are conveying the people's distress to the Centre and demand that the fuel taxes be removed forthwith," Thorat said. After paying homage to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in south Mumbai, majority of the Congress ministers in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and almost all MLAs and MLCs joined the bicycle rally to the Vidhan Bhavan. -- 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. YREKA, Calif-- On Sunday, Yreka California Highway Patrol announced that two missing twins from Vancouver, Washington have been found safe. According to Yreka CHP, yesterday morning the CHP Yreka Communications Center received a notification from the Clark County Sheriff's Department to be on the look out for a man that was being accused of taking his twin two-year old nephews from their home in Vancouver, Washington. Police say that they were informed that the suspect, Ronald M. Hidalgo, was driving a 2018 Grey Jeep Renegade and could be in the area. According to Yreka CHP, they were tipped off by the Hornbrook Agricultural Station, that Hidalgo's Jeep had recently driven through their facility and was last seen traveling southbound on I-5. Police say that the Jeep was located and stopped by a CHP Yreka unit on I-5 northbound in North Yreka. That's when the suspect was taken into custody, without incident, and both children were found safe in the vehicle. The suspect has been booked into the Siskiyou County Jail and the children were taken to the CHP Yreka Area Office. Both children have since been picked up by their parents, who drove down from their home in Washington. CLEVELAND, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) ("Sherwin-Williams" or the "Company") today announced that David B. Sewell, President and Chief Operating Officer, has notified the Company of his decision to resign effective as of the close of business on March 12, 2021, to become chief executive officer of another company outside of the coatings industry. "We thank David for his many contributions to Sherwin-Williams over his 14 years with the Company, and we wish him much success in his future endeavors," said Sherwin-Williams Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John G. Morikis. "Our deep and experienced global team continues to move forward with great momentum, focused on delivering solutions to our customers and executing on initiatives that will drive sustained long-term success." Mr. Sewell's Chief Operating Officer role will not be filled immediately. Mr. Morikis will serve as President in addition to his current role and assume Mr. Sewell's primary duties and responsibilities. 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 . 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 A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Domestic edible oil prices not risen as much as global rates: Piyush Goyal Higher fare in trains: Some special trains introduced to meet additional demands, says Piyush Goyal Kerala CM Vijayan 'lying about attack' on nuns in UP: Piyush Goyal PM Modi is working for 18-19 hours, spoke at 1 am to review pandemic situation: Piyush Goyal Opposition will get even fewer seats in next LS election if it continues to misguide farmers: Goyal India pti-Deepika S Shimla, Mar 01: Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said if the opposition continues to "misguide" farmers, it will end up getting even fewer seats in the next Lok Sabha election. The Union minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry, and Consumer Affairs was speaking to the media at Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur''s official residence here. "Opposition should not misguide farmers (on farm laws)," he said. Avoiding a question on how much loss the Railways incurred due to the farmers'' agitation, Goyal alleged the opposition Congress had misguided people on various issues and that was why electors reduced it to just a few seats in the general election, and the party was unable to secure the post of the Leader of Opposition. "If the opposition continues misguiding farmers like this, it would get even fewer seats in the next general elections," he said. Govt's silence indicates it is planning steps against farmers' stir: Tikait Congress had won 44 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. It''s tally improved marginally in the 2019 general election to 52. Goyal stated that the farm laws brought by the government are in the interest of the farmers and the country. Majority of farmers, including those from Himachal Pradesh, are in favour of new farm laws, and only some are "misguided", he said, adding that a solution would soon be reached. Riot police advance towards a barricade during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 27, 2021. EPA-Yonhap Opponents of military rule in Myanmar planned protests on Sunday a day after the security forces launched their biggest crackdown, arresting hundreds of people and shooting and wounding at least one. State television announced that Myanmar's U.N. envoy had been fired for betraying the country, after he urged the United Nations to use "any means necessary" to reverse the Feb. 1 coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He vowed to fight on. "I decided to fight back as long as I can," Kyaw Moe Tun told Reuters in New York. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power and detained Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership, alleging fraud in a November election her party won in a landslide. The coup, which stalled Myanmar's progress toward democracy, has brought hundreds of thousands of protesters onto the streets and drawn condemnation from Western countries, with some imposing limited sanctions. People scoured hardware shops on Saturday for helmets and items they could use for masks and shields, posts on social media showed, with the Burmese-language tag #iwillbeonthestreet. People react as riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators during a protest against the military coup at Sanchaung township in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 27, 2021. EPA-Yonhap Saturday saw turmoil in towns and cities across the country as police moved forcefully to stamp out the protests, firing tear gas, setting off stun grenades and shooting guns into the air. Uniformed police and plain-clothes security men set upon some people with clubs, witnesses said. State-run MRTV television said more than 470 people had been arrested in all. It said police had given warnings before using stun grenades to disperse people. Several journalists were among those detained, their media organisations and colleagues said. "People are protesting peacefully but they're threatening us with weapons," youth activist Shar Yamone told Reuters. "We're fighting to end this military bullying which has been going on for generation after generation." Betrayed Country One woman was shot and wounded in the central town of Monwya, 7Day News and an emergency worker said. 7Day and two other media organisations had earlier reported that she was killed. Buddhist monks lead an anti-coup protest march in Mandalay, Myanmar, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. "CRPH" in the placards stands for "Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw," where Pyidaungsu Hluttaw means the country's legislature, or, the Assembly of the Union. AP-Yonhap Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife Samira has received their jabs of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the Police Hospital in Accra. In a short address, Dr Bawumia urged Ghanaians to discard the conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo and his wife, Rebecca had also taken their vaccination jabs at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. Watch video below Ghana recieved its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines through a UN-backed global vaccine-sharing scheme as part of efforts to enable equitable access to the jabs by low and middle income countries.The consignment, which arrived at the Kotoka International Airport, consisted of 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines, which are expected to be administered first to frontline health workers, and high-risk persons and people over 60 years, to slow the progression of the disease.The vaccines were produced by the Serum Institute of India. 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 A bloody weekend leaves Kansas City right back on pace for another historically deadly year. This time around it'll be harder to blame Prez Trump, social injustice, some tragic guy killed by police in another state, COVID or whatever other social evil Anderson Cooper offers the plebs. Accordingly and after three Sunday murders . . . KANSAS CITY IS NOW ON PACE TO REPEAT THE RECORD BREAKING HOMICIDE PATTERN OF 2020!!! IF LOCALS DON'T HOLD THE KCPD CHIEF & MAYOR Q ACCOUNTABLE FOR SHARING SOME KIND OF VIABLE ANTI-CRIME PLAN . . . THE BLOODY CRISIS WILL PERSIST!!! So far all we've heard is propaganda, partisan hack arguments and hype. Mayor Q is mostly blaming the deaths on gun rights, Republicans and the 2nd Amendment. Callously, the KCPD promotes their performance after one of the deadliest years in KCMO history. Of course there's enough blame to go around . . . But here's an impossible request . . . IF THE MAYOR & THE POLICE CHIEF AREN'T GOING TO SHARE ANY REAL PLANS WITH THE PUBLIC ABOUT HOMICIDE PREVENTION AMID HISTORIC KILLING THAN THEY SHOULD ADVISE US THAT THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DO TO CONTROL THE SLAUGHTER AND ADMIT THEIR FAILURE SO WE CAN MOVE ON!!! So far the media spin we've seen from City Hall & 12th & Oak merely serves to distract or provide fantastical excuses that mostly serve to target political opposition. In the final analysis . . . Kansas City is a town of grown ups and if record breaking killing year after year is now the "new normal" post-COVID then Kansas City deserves to know as much. You decide . . . MIDDLETOWN, Ohio A woman is facing a murder charge after police say she reported her 6-year-old son missing, then admitted he had been killed and his body dumped in the Ohio River. Brittany Gosney, 29, also is charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence in the death of her son, James Hutchinson. Gosneys boyfriend, James Hamilton, 42, has been charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Police say Gosney reported her son missing Sunday morning. The department organized search teams in an attempt to find the boy. However, police say investigators continued to question Gosney and Hamilton and learned that Hutchinson had been killed a few days earlier in Preble County, which is northwest of Middletown on the Indiana border. Police say they brought the body back to Middletown, where they live, then later put the body in the Ohio River. Police say they currently are searching the river for the body but are being hampered by high water levels. Two other children who live in the home with Gosney and Hamilton have been removed, police say. Brittany Gosney, 29, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of her 6-year-old son, James Hutchinson. (Middletown Police Department) WORTH COUNTY, Iowa - What began as a vehicle fleeing deputies before it spun out resulted in a lengthy search where two people ended up in custody. The Worth County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle early Saturday morning in the 4700 block of Wheelerwood Ave. The vehicle spun out and entered the ditch. At that point, the two occupants, Calvin Myhre, 24, of Glenville, and Theresa Book, 35, ran from the scene. Book stopped and was taken into custody while a search for Myhre began. A lengthy foot track was conducted and followed through fields to a residence in the 600 block of Silver Lake Rd. Residents said they were startled when they found Myhre in their home. A short time later, a 911 call was received about an intruder in a shed in the 4900 block of Wheelerwood Ave. At the scene where the incident began, methamphetamine was located. Myhre is facing two counts of felony burglary, felony drug possession and multiple driving charges. He is being held on $15,300. Book had valid warrants and is now facing felony drug charge and is being held on $5,500. Delhi: Chinese state hackers infected Indias power grid with cyber malware last year over a border dispute in the Himalayas, a report has claimed. China is accused of inserting illicit programmes into control systems managing Indias power supply, as well as a high-voltage transmission substation and a coal-fired power plant. The disclosure lends weight to the idea that a massive power cut in Mumbai last year was a deliberate Chinese attack to warn India not to press its border claim, The New York Times reported. An Indian army convoy moves on the Srinagar-Ladakh where India has border disputes with China. Credit:AP The October12 blackout in Indias financial capital shut down the stock market and trains, and forced hospitals to run emergency backup generators. Alex Sinclair, CTO of GSMA, said in his speech: "The world has witnessed inspiring commercial rollout of 5G in the past two years. By 2030, 5G will have evolved into the most dominant mobile technology that will create huge value to society." Wu Hequan, an Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, shared a similar view. "One year into commercial deployment worldwide, 5G has outperformed its predecessors 3G and 4G in commercial scale and progress. To keep up with the development of network deployment and user scales, 5G must continue to innovate in application ecosystem and technological standardization so as to stimulate new services." Business Demand Is the Main Driving Force Behind Continuous 5G Evolution Optimizing experience is a continuous pursuit for consumer businesses. The growing popularity of 2K and 4K video, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) services is driving a significant increase in data of usage (DOU), which is projected to exceed 100 GB by 2025. This shows how critical it is to further expand the capacity of mobile networks. With the rise of XR Pro and other innovative applications, mobile networks will also be required to guarantee Gbps experience while noticeably reducing transmission latency, which is crucial for providing an immersive experience in virtual worlds. 5G must be further integrated with vertical industries to build an engine to drive digitalization across vertical industries. A guest shared the experience of applying 5G in the automobile manufacturing industry: "5G has played an essential role in our factory. It has been widely implemented for visual recognition and smart data collection to greatly improve productivity. We believe that, with continuous evolution, 5G will provide high uplink bandwidth and high-precision positioning to better support digital transformation across industries." Dr. Tong Wen, Huawei Fellow and CTO of Huawei Wireless, shared his insight into the major driving forces behind continuous 5G evolution. The increasingly higher requirements on consumer service experiences and constantly diversifying IoT applications require 5G networks to further improve capabilities. Additionally, the introduction of uplink centric broadband communication, real-time broadband communication, and harmonized communication and sensing will open up tremendous new business opportunities. The continuous evolution of 5G will also be important to maximize the business value of the IoT industry worth US$100 billion. Industrial Collaboration to Draw the Blueprint of 5G Evolution Looking back, the success of the global wireless communications industry is mainly attributed to the unified standardization and collaboration across industry chains. In the coming 10 years, 5G evolution will open up infinite possibilities. At the summit, participants called on all industrial partners to define 5G evolution under the 3GPP framework so as to accelerate the maturity of technology. Ms. Huang Yuhong, Deputy General Manager of China Mobile Research Institute, shared 5G Wireless Evolution White Paper China Mobile released in collaboration with industrial partners. This white paper delves into the driving forces behind and technical directions for 5G evolution based on the technological principle of building intelligent and simplified 5G networks. "We believe that 5G RAN will continue to evolve in four technical directions: intelligent and efficient mobile networks to improve 5G efficiency; enhanced eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC capabilities to improve 5G performance; reconstructed use patterns of sub-100 GHz spectrum to maximize spectral efficiency; and new technologies to enable industrial applications, such as sensing communication, high-precision positioning, and other new capabilities to open up a new space for business," said Ms. Huang. Mr. Kalvin Peng, Head of R&D, Ericsson North East Asia, and Mr. Li Yan, Senior Director of Technical Standards at Qualcomm Technologies, also shared their thoughts in this regard by referring to the white paper. The panel discussion chaired by Mr. Huang Haifeng, a well-known Chinese science and technology commentator and we-media content creator, culminated the 5G Advanced Summit. Ms. Chen Yurong, Deputy General Manager of China Mobile Shanghai Institute of Research and Development; Mr. Zhu Jinkang, professor of University of Science and Technology of China; Mr. Andy Guo, Executive Director of Frost & Sullivan, Greater China; and Mr. Jason Dai, President of Huawei Cloud Core Network Strategy & Business Development Dept. joined the panel to discuss the driving forces behind and technical directions for 5G evolution. They also called for greater collaboration across industries and more showcase projects while jointly creating new value of industrial development for all parties involved. Each new generation of mobile technology dominates for a decade, continuously evolving to strengthen its capabilities, before being superseded by the next generation. The coming 10 years will belong to 5G. All partners should work together to develop an industrial consensus and define how to evolve 5G to ensure a sustainable future. SOURCE GSMA Transaction in own shares Posted by Publisher Internet Griffin Mining Limited https://www.commodity-tv.com/play/griffin-mining-chinese-zinc-producer-resource-just-increased-by-50/ announces that on 26 February 2021 it purchased 25,000 ordinary shares of $0.01 each (\Ordinary Shares\) on the London Stock Exchange through Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited, in accordance with the terms of its share buy-back programme (the ?Buy-back?) announced on 25 February 2021 (the ?Programme?). The purchased shares will be held in treasury. Date of purchase:???????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 26 February 2021 Aggregate number of ordinary shares purchased:????????? ??????????????????????????????????? 25,000 Lowest price paid per share (pence per share):? ??????????????????????????????????? 143 Highest price paid per share (pence per share):? ??????????????????????????????????? 143 Volume weighted average price paid per share (pence per share):????????? ??????????? 143 The total number of ordinary shares of the Company (including treasury shares) following the purchase is 174,492,894. The Company now holds 565,000 shares in treasury. The total voting rights of the Company following the purchase is 173,927,894. The total voting rights figure (173,927,894) may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in Griffin Mining Limited under the FCA\-\-s Disclosure and Transparency Rules. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation), the schedules below contain a summary of and detailed information about the purchases made by the Company\-\-s broker, Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited on behalf of the Company. 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 New airport project denounced as pork barrel The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has set a bad precedent for a pork barrel project by approving a bill at the National Assembly on building a new airport in Busan. On Friday, the controversial bill was passed through the Assembly's plenary session in a 181-33 vote with 15 abstentions. Both the DPK and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) cannot avoid criticism for colluding in the legislation to woo voters ahead of the April 7 mayoral by-elections in the nation's two largest cities Seoul and Busan. It is regrettable for the rival parties to go too far in their bids to win the polls. The passage of the bill represents the pinnacle of populism. Building a new airport on Busan's Gadeok Island is no doubt a glaring example of pork-barrel politics. The Moon Jae-in government and the DPK have spearheaded the project to appease Busan residents who have turned their backs on the ruling camp since Mayor Oh Keo-don resigned over sexual harassment allegations last April. The ruling camp has also been hit for Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon who killed himself following similar allegations involving his secretary last July. The conservative PPP is now also under fire for trying to take its traditional power base back from the DPK at all costs. It should have made efforts to block such hasty and shoddy legislation. Much to the disappointment of the public, the PPP served only as a rubber stamp. It should reflect on its failure to check the Moon administration and the DPK's mishandling of state affairs. The rival parties should pay more heed to criticism by the Justice Party, a smaller progressive party, that the passage of the airport bill constituted the act of "vote buying." President Moon and the DPK must have forgotten that they lambasted former President Lee Myung-bak for pushing for the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project which they described as shovel ready. We call on the Moon administration and the ruling party to reconsider the airport project which is deemed unfeasible. The liberal Roh Moo-hyun administration proposed a new airport on Gadeok Island to meet growing air traffic to and from nearby Gimhae International Airport. But in 2016, the Park Geun-hye government decided to expand the Gimhae airport after conducting a rigorous study. There is no reason to reverse the decision other than political purposes. More serious, the bill lacks any legitimacy, ignoring basic procedures. It has not undergone enough discussion and review. It only reflected Busan residents' aspiration for a new airport without any national consensus. It is also irrational to allow the new airport project requiring more than 10 trillion won ($8.9 billion) without a feasibility study. DPK lawmakers also ignored concerns about flight safety on the island with high waves and strong winds. That's why the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation voiced skepticism over the project. The government and the DPK should stop their pork-barrel politics. It is imperative to scrap the legislation to prevent the waste of taxpayers' money. If not, legislators should at least revise the bill to correct its grave flaws. Take action before it is too late. 25 years ago: Spanish right wins narrow victory Aznar in June 1996, after being sworn in as prime minister On March 3, 1996, the right-wing Popular Party won a narrow victory in Spains national elections. It was only the second time in history that power passed from one party to another since the Spanish Civil War and the coming to power of the fascist dictator Francisco Franco. The election brought an end to more than 13 years of rule by Spains Socialist Party and its leader Felipe Gonzalez. Yet the Popular Party and its incoming prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, whose father and grandfather were prominent Franco supporters, won by a margin of just 1.4 percent of the vote, barely 340,000 out of the more than 25 million ballots cast. The outcome left the Popular Party 20 votes short of a parliamentary majority and without any plausible claim to a popular mandate to enact new policies. Aznars only hope of governing was to win the support of the Catalan Nationalists and Christian Democrats of Convergencia i Unio, a party which he had denounced throughout his campaign for its support of the Socialist Party government. While far less sweeping than anticipated, the defeat of Gonzalezs Socialist Party was rooted in the deep economic and social crisis facing the Spanish working class and the series of political scandals which had been enveloping the government. At the time, the unemployment rate in Spain was the highest in all of Europe, at 22.7 percent. Meanwhile, Gonzalezs former Interior Minister Jose Barrionuevo was indicted on charges of organizing a secret campaign of police assassinations of Basque separatists in the 1980s. The Spanish and European bourgeoisies supported a change in government. Having played a critical role in containing the movement of Spanish workers in the aftermath of the Franco dictatorship, Gonzalez and the Socialist Party had outlived their usefulness. 50 years ago: Two million workers walk out in UK against anti-strike law TUC General Secretary Vic Feather addressing London rally against Industrial Relations bill, February 1, 1971 On March 1, 1971, two million workers in the Britain mounted a one-day strike to oppose the Tory government of Edward Heaths proposed Industrial Relations Bill. The strike was led by workers organized in the Amalgamated Engineering Union, which was made up of workers in the auto industry, shipbuilding, the dockyards, and publishing. The strike took place amid two other major strikes by Post Office workers and Ford auto workers, who were going into their seventh week and fifth week of strike action, respectively. The strike shut down the docks and major manufacturing plants. No major newspapers were published on account of the printers strike. Quickly, smaller general manufacturing plants were forced to close when the workers in these factories refused to cross picket lines and joined the strike. The Industrial Relations Bill was a major piece of union-busting legislation focused on limiting workers right to strike. The law tightened legal restrictions on unions and imposed narrow conditions on when a strike could be considered legal. The law effectively banned wildcat strikes. To have legal rights, unions would be required to register with the government. Even then, the law granted the businesses and corporations more room to impose no strike clauses into workers contracts and to scuttle legal strikes once they had started. Registered unions would be subordinate to the National Industrial Relations Court, which would be empowered to settle labor disputes and outlaw injurious strikes. The bill was widely despised by workers who saw it as a direct attack on their democratic right to withhold their labor. Mass opposition was demonstrated by the historic size of the March 1 strike and other demonstrations against the bill. Workers in London on February 21 had mobilized against the bill, holding a large protest march that saw 140,000 pour into Trafalgar Square. The demonstration was the biggest convened in London since the 1926 General Strike. Despite mass support among workers to extend the one-day strike into an indefinite strike to oppose the Industrial Relations Bill, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) bureaucracy feared more than anything else the development of a revolutionary confrontation with the Heath government. In the aftermath of the March 1 general strike and responding to calls from workers to deepen the struggle against the Tories, the TUC issued a statement to workers saying that continuing the general strike would, harden public opinion against the unions. The Socialist Labour League (SLL), the British Trotskyist movement at the time, articulated the revolutionary program of the working class. It rejected the strategy of the TUC, which was in effect to throw up its hands and allow the bill to be passed. The SLL called for an indefinite general strike aimed at both ending the Industrial Relations Bill and removing the Tories from the government outright. 75 years ago: Winston Churchill delivers iron curtain speech Churchill On March 5, 1946, former British prime minister Winston Churchill delivered a speech entitled, The sinews of peace, at Westminster College, in Fulton, Missouri, before an audience that included US President Harry Truman. Churchill, who had served as British prime minister from 1940 to 1945, warned against the growing influence of the Soviet Union throughout Eastern Europe, and called for close British and US ties to combat the threat, in an oration viewed as one of the opening volleys of the Cold War. Churchill famously warned that an iron curtain had descended across the [European] Continent, and declared that Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in many cases, increasing measure of control from Moscow. Churchill stated that this was not the liberated Europe we fought for in World War II, nor is it one which contains the conditions for permanent peace. Expressing the fears of the English ruling elite over the decline of British imperialism, Churchill called for a special relationship between the United Kingdom and a US, which he declared stood at the pinnacle of world power. It would be necessary, Churchill insisted, for Britain and the US to ensure a unified response of the capitalist states in Europe, aimed at containing the threat of a further extension of Soviet influence. In a thinly veiled call for military aggression, Churchill insisted that there was nothing which they [the Soviets] admire so much as strength, and there is nothing for which they have less respect than for military weakness. At the same time, the stance of hostility towards the Soviet Union would serve to bring Europe together, and, Churchill argued, would prevent a return to the inter-imperialist conflicts that had resulted in two imperialist wars and revolutionary upheavals over the previous decades. The speech was well received in Britain. The Stalinist bureaucracy responded with a mixture of resentment and fear. Under Stalin, it had collaborated with the imperialist powers in seeking to stabilize capitalism in Western Europe and had signed deals in the latter stages of the war providing for the carve-up of Europe and the world. This entailed the conscious betrayal of revolutionary movements around the world, including in Greece and Italya crucial service provided to Washington and London. 100 years ago: Kronstadt rebellion begins in Soviet Russia Red Army soldiers move on the island fortress of Kronstadt over the ice of the Gulf of Finland On March 1, 1921, a sailors revolt against the Soviet state began in the island-fortress of Kronstadt in the Gulf of Finland, outside of Petrograd. A crowd of 15,000 people assembled in the islands main square and demanded free elections to soviets without Bolshevik candidates and freedom of the press for anti-Soviet socialist and anarchist publications. They further demanded changes to the rationing system and the disbandment of special Bolshevik units in the Red Army. The next day sailors formed a Provisional Revolutionary Committee and arrested 326 Bolsheviks. Bolshevik leaders were forced to flee the island for their lives. Over the next two weeks of the revolt, French imperialism began to organize supplies for the rebels, and they received at least verbal support from various White Guard forces that had been driven from the country. The Soviet government was adamant that the rebels had to lay down their arms and surrender. While by 1921 the Red Army had defeated the counterrevolutionary armies across four fronts, and the imperialist armies of the American, British, French, and Japanese had been forced to withdraw, seven years of world war, revolution and civil war had dislocated the economy of the country. Many years later the Trotskyist writer John G. Wright described the situation at the beginning of 1921: Vast sections of the population faced the immediate prospect of dying from hunger or freezing to death. With industry in ruins, transportation disrupted, millions of men demobilized from the army, the masses on the point of exhaustion, fertile soil was indeed available for the intrigues of the counterrevolution. The rebellion was a part of a broader discontent by the peasantry and the middle class more generally in response to the extreme hardships of the civil war. By one count, there were 155 peasant uprisings across Russia in February 1921. On March 7, during a severe snowstorm, Red Army units commanded by Mikhail Tukhachevsky crossed the ice from Petrograd and assaulted the fortress but were driven back. Finally, on the 15th, Red Army forces were able to retake the fortress during the night and under conditions of fog. The American consulate estimated that 10,000 Bolsheviks died, including 15 delegates to the ongoing 10th Congress of the Communist Party. While the casualties among the rebels appear to have been much lower, the Bolsheviks took about 2,000 prisoners, many of whom were executed. The revolt has been used by anarchists and anti-Communists in the decades since to falsely associate Bolshevism with Stalinism. But Leon Trotsky accurately summed up the class dynamics of the episode: the Kronstadt uprising was nothing but an armed reaction of the petty bourgeoisie against the hardships of social revolution and the severity of the proletarian dictatorship. Jessie Guerrero has joined Alliant Insurance Services in Houston as senior vice president, Energy & Marine. Guerrero has extensive experience in all segments of the private and public energy sectors. He will be drawn upon to deliver enhanced consulting solutions for Alliant power and downstream clients. Guerrero will manage the placement of operational and construction coverages and provide strategic advice to power, LNG, downstream and energy clients. Prior to joining Alliant, Guerrero was a managing director in the energy practice for a global insurance brokerage firm. His expertise reaches across the entire spectrum of energy and heavy chemical. His passion is to provide strategic advice beyond the renewal, ensuring his clients have the best available information to make decisions. Guerreros energy career includes construction project management of power plants, six sigma designations, energy asset trading, and he was the director of Strategic Procurement for a large energy company with responsibility for the contractual relationship with EPCs and vendors to build simple cycle, combined cycle and renewable power plants, as well as environmental control projects for fossil plants. Guerreros 30-plus year career began with hands-on operation and supervision of nuclear power plants on board U.S. Naval Submarines. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander and has been designated as a Chief Nuclear Engineering Officer by the Department of Naval Reactors. Source: Alliant Insurance Services CAIRO - The NGO for which Patrick Zaki worked said a court has extended by another 45 days the pre-trial custody of the Egyptian student of the University of Bologna. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) announced on Facebook a day earlier than expected the outcome of Sunday's hearing, quoting the student's lawyers. "The lawyers of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) learned today about the decision taken yesterday by the terrorism department to renew for 45 days the preliminary custody of Patrick George Zaki, researcher for the initiative", the NGO said on its Facebook account. One of the student's lawyers, Hoda Nasrallah, said at the end of the hearing on Sunday that the outcome would be announced tomorrow. SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- San Clemente's People's Choice Ole Awards, as published by the SC Times, spotlights businesses in the community that have gone above and beyond to serve their clientele. In the 2021 edition of the Best of San Clemente Awards, YNG Studios is featured as the Golden Ole winner aka first place. This recognition is special as it was earned through the votes from members of the community. Over the last year, which was tumultuous due to COVID-19, YNG Studios remained steadfast in their commitment to serve their community. They utilized downtime to renovate the interior of the studio and install a state of the art UV-C Light Sanitizing System. A study conducted by Hiroshima University profiled HERE shows researchers found that using Ultraviolet C light with a wavelength of 222 nanometers, which is safer to use around humans, effectively kills SARS-CoV-2. YNG Studios is a studio developed by locals, for locals that is infused with the heart and soul of the community. Owners Deborah Miller and Todd Mace take great care in providing the members of YNG with the safest environment possible to enjoy their practice in. This way, members can spend less time worrying and more time exploring, finding peace and being playful on the mat. "We are proud to have earned the Golden Ole recognition in the 2021 Best of San Clemente Awards. Our commitment to the community is unwavering, and our enduring spirit is inspired by the support of our members who are the lifeblood of our studio." -Deborah Miller, Owner, YNG Studios About YNG Studios: YNG Studios is the original hot yoga studio of San Clemente, California. Serving the community for over 25 years, the studio offers traditional yoga classes combined with modern, functional movement. The classes are taught by some of the most respected and beloved instructors within the community who integrate smart, safe sequencing in every class, in an inclusive and diverse environment. YNG thinks locally and acts globally. They give back through free commUNITY yoga classes once a week, support fellow small businesses, and take a stand for social injustice. YNG's vision is to pave the way for an enlightened tomorrow though inspire'YNG change today. Learn More: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | YNG Studios.com ### Contact: Paula Steurer Sterling Public Relations Direct: 949. 200. 6566 [email protected] SOURCE YNG Studios Related Links https://yngstudios.com/ (Alliance News) - One-third of Britain's biggest listed companies are not cutting carbon emissions by enough to help meet global climate goals, despite pledges to become far more green, according to a survey. A total 31 companies on London's FTSE 100 index a and not only oil and mining giants a are emitting levels of carbon dioxide that tally with global temperature increases of more than 2.7% by 2050, according to data from investment group Arabesque and seen by AFP on Monday. The Paris climate agreement aims to limit global temperature rises to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to go down to 1.5 degrees. Experts believe this can be achieved only by the world reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. "Businesses hold the key to meeting Paris Agreement goals and the biggest firms must lead from the front," said Todd Bridges, Arabesque's head of research and sustainable investing. "But this data shows the FTSE 100 still needs to make progress on limitingA global warming to well below two degrees Celsius." Britain's tackling of climate change is in sharp focus ahead of its hosting of the COP26 climate summit in November in the Scottish city of Glasgow. Britain has meanwhile committed into law a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.A Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week urged fellow leaders to take immediate action on the climate crisis or face worsening global instability. source: AFP Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill is now up to the Senate, and lawmakers are talking about making changes to the legislation that passed the House early Saturday morning. We must move swiftly and pass it in the Senate, Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez tweeted after the House vote. The people need help now. But the bill that will emerge from the Senate will be different than the one the House sent the chamber. Some senators already have discussed making changes, and there will be other amendments as the bill winds its way through the various committees, just as it did in the House. This is democracy in action, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. We know that the bill will look different on the way out. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage Here are three ways the Senate bill could be different from the House version: 1. $1,400 stimulus checks. The House-passed version included $1,400 checks for individuals making up to $75,000 and couples filing jointly making up to $150,000. Those were the same thresholds in the first two rounds of stimulus payments. Senators of both parties have discussed better targeting the payments to lower income individuals by reducing the threshold for receiving any checks. The current proposal would phase out the checks for individuals making between $75,000 and $100,000, and couples making between $150,000 and $200,000. Is that the sort of focus American people would want? U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said on CNNs State of the Union Sunday. I think they would like a little bit more focus. Biden is willing to negotiate further on who should get a payment, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. He has not been willing to negotiate on the size of the checks, but there has been a targeting to ensure that it hits the Americans who need that help the most, Psaki said on CNN. Thats an idea that has come up in meetings with Democrats and Republicans. And hes certainly open to hearing from their ideas. But New Jersey lawmakers have said that reducing the thresholds would hurt New Jersey and other states with higher costs of living. 2. State and local aid. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., has suggested that $50 billion of the $350 billion in federal assistance for state and local governments included in the stimulus bill be reallocated to expand high-speed internet connections. Three House members, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., have called for something similar. As Congress considers additional relief efforts to manage the virus, it must continue to recognize that an investment in high-speed broadband internet for all Americans is a necessary component of our nations recovery, Gottheimer and two other lawmakers, Rep. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., and Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., said in a letter to House leaders. The president of the National Association of Counties, Republican Judge/Executive Gary Moore of Broome County, Kentucky, said his county already is expanding broadband, so the federal government doesnt need to tell him how to spend the aid. Infrastructure creates jobs, he said on a conference call with reporters last week. It restarts the economy and it could be a huge boost to counties across the country. Some senators cited a recent report from Moodys Analytics, which said states and localities faced a budget gap of $61 billion, far less than the $350 billion in the bill. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, however, pegged the shortfall at $300 billion, not including the extra expenses associated with the coronavirus, such as providing personal protective equipment for first responders, and help for residents suffering from the economic downturn. The progressive research group said state and local government employment was down by 1.4 million people due to the pandemic. 3. Minimum wage. The House voted to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour in increments by 2025, a year after New Jersey would reach that level. The federal bill also would include tipped restaurant workers, unlike New Jersey But Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough said the provision couldnt be included in the Senate version under reconciliation, the procedure Democrats are using to prevent Republicans from filibustering the stimulus and allow it to clear Congress by majority vote. That has Senate Democrats scrambling to raise the wage in a way that would pass muster with the parliamentarian. Were going to make this happen, Senate Banking Committee Chair Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. Were going to find a way to. Its just too important not to. Still, two Democratic senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, have said they wont support a $15 an hour minimum wage. If Im someone who is always willing to negotiate with Republicans, Im willing to negotiate with Democrats as well, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said on CNN. Lets start with what we all agree on, that the federal minimum wage of $7.25 is too low. It has to be raised. Every Democrat and many Republicans agree with that. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has invited applications for apprentices under the Nasik division for 2021-22 at its official website- hal-india.co.in. Interested candidates can visit the official website to submit their applications for the HAL Recruitment 2021. The candidates should know that the last date to apply for HAL Recruitment 2021 is March 13, 2021. Prior to submitting their application, they should go through the official notification on the website to check all the important details regarding the recruitment. HAL Recruitment 2021: Total posts: 475 Fitter- 210 Turner- 28 Machinist- 26 Carpenter- 03 Machinist- 06 Electrician- 78 Draughtsman (Mechanical)- 08 Electronics Mechanic- 08 Painter (General) 05 Sheet metal worker- 04 Mechanic- 04 Computer Operator and Programming Assistant- 77 Welder- 10 Stenographer- 08 The candidates should follow the steps given below to apply for the Apprentice Recruitment 2021: 1. The candidates should first register at HAL-Nasik's portal- apprenticeshipindia.org 2. Candidates should open the link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedzB_fpt897wM2tfNJNprEZargN205xKzUU4Y DKml1IkxK_g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0 to see the requisite details expected from them 3. They should enter all the details asked in the application form and hit the submit button 4. Candidates will receive an email on their successful submission of applications 5. Candidates should take the printout of the acknowledgment that their page was submitted Live TV Eligibility: The candidates must be ITI passed from the respective trades and must be recognized by NCVT. Stipend: The selected candidates will get a monthly stipend as per the Apprentices Act 1961. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says sexual assault allegations made against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are 'serious and credible' while calling for due process in the investigation. Pelosi joined a growing number of Democrat and Republican politicians calling for investigations into Cuomo after a second former aide came forward with sexual harassment allegations. 'The women who have come forward with serious and credible charges against Governor Cuomo deserve to be heard and to be treated with dignity,' Pelosi said in a statement to Fox News. 'The independent investigation must have due process and respect for everyone involved.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, center, has said sexual assault allegations made against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are 'serious and credible' On Sunday, Cuomo said that he was 'truly sorry' and acknowledged he'd been 'insensitive' in response to the sexual harassment claims Charlotte Bennett, 25, (left) came out on Saturday and said Cuomo told her he was open to dating women in their 20s and asked her questions about her personal life in June. It comes after Lindsey Boylan, 36, (right) claimed he asked her to play strip poker and kissed her on the lips without her permission when she worked for him in 2017 Cuomo has been accused of asking Charlotte Bennett, 25, inappropriate questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men while she was a health policy adviser. Lindsey Boylan, 36, recently accused Cuomo an unwanted kiss and asking her to play strip poker while working as a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor, which he has denied. On Sunday, Cuomo said that he was 'truly sorry' and acknowledged he'd been 'insensitive' in response to sexual harassment claims against him. Cuomo added that he had 'never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm'. He explained that he would often be 'playful and make jokes that I think are funny... (and) tease people in what I think is a good-natured way. I do it in public and in private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times.' The embattled governor, 63, said that his 'joking' was an attempt to add 'levity and banter' to 'serious business.' 'I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended,' he said. 'I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.' Cuomo added: 'To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to.' Pelosi's call for due process came after New York Attorney General Letitia James rejected Cuomo's attempt to appoint his own investigator into the allegations. James, pictured, has demanded Cuomo refer the entire investigation into alleged sexual harassment to her New York state Sen Alessandra Biaggi branded Andrew Cuomo a 'monster' as politicians on both sides of the aisle turn their backs on the governor Biaggi, chair of the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee, led lawmakers in condemning Cuomo on Saturday Cuomo agreed James could handle the probe - but only if his ally, Judge Janet DiFiore, worked alongside her. But James has demanded he refer the entire investigation to her with 'subpoena power', saying: 'To clarify, I do not accept the governor's proposal. The state's Executive Law clearly gives my office the authority to investigate this matter once the governor provides a referral. 'While I have deep respect for Chief Judge DiFiore, I am the duly elected attorney general and it is my responsibility to carry out this task, per Executive Law. The governor must provide this referral so an independent investigation with subpoena power can be conducted.' Cuomo added that his office heard that people reached out to Bennett to 'express displeasure' at her claims. 'My message to anyone doing that is you have misjudged what matters to me and my administration and you should stop now - period,' Cuomo said. On Friday, he had promised a review of the allegations by former federal judge Barbara Jones - who was appointed by Bill Clinton. Cuomo was in Clinton's cabinet as Housing and Urban Development secretary. But that decision sparked outrage, with many noting Jones had also worked with Cuomo's close ally Steven M. Cohen, who has served as secretary to the governor. New York state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi branded Cuomo a 'monster' and called on him to resign on Saturday as politicians on both sides of the aisle turned their backs on the governor. '@NYGovCuomo, you are a monster, and it is time for you to go. Now,' Biaggi, a Democrat from the Bronx, wrote on Twitter. At least 25 lawmakers have since backed James in calling for an independent investigation. 'There must be an independent investigation not one led by an individual selected by the Governor, but by the office of the Attorney General,' Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Sunday. Carl E. Heastie, the Assembly speaker, tweeted: 'I believe the Attorney General should make an appointment to ensure that it is a truly independent investigation.' Democratic state senator Liz Krueger said: 'With all due respect, you can't pick a federal judge who works with your good friend and decide that that's going to be the investigator.' Even White House press secretary Jen Psaki chimed in calling for 'an independent review looking into these allegations,' which she said President Joe Biden supports. 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 UTICA, N.Y. Oneida County has filed an appeal after a judge denied the countys motion to dismiss a lawsuit concerning the Nexus Center project in Utica. Heuber-Breuer Construction is suing Oneida County and the Upper Mohawk Valley Memorial Auditorium Authority for $10 million, after claiming the entities breached their contract by misrepresenting the funds available to support the project. The company claims the county said there was a $49 million fund to pay for the project, which didnt exist at the time the company signed the contract. The company is seeking $10 million for unpaid work completed on the project. Two of the construction companys initial motions were dismissed in November, but an amended complaint was filed in December. On Feb. 23, the countys motion to dismiss the new complaint was denied. They filed an appeal of that decision on Feb. 25 Construction work on the Nexus Center stopped in May of 2020. The US special envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad held discussions on Monday with a senior Afghan official in Kabul over ways to accelerate the peace process, before heading to Qatar, where negotiations with Taliban representatives are ongoing. US-brokered peace talks between the Afghan government and the militant group began in September but progress has slowed and violence has risen, while there is also uncertainty over whether international forces will pull out troops by May as originally planned. The State Department said in a statement on Sunday that Khalilzad and his team were visiting Kabul and Qatar. It said the US diplomats would also visit other regional capitals as part of a mission aimed at working toward "a just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire". It did not provide dates or other details of where they intended to go, though Pakistan is a neighbour with keen interest in how the Afghan conflict plays out. On Monday, Khalilzad discussed the peace process with Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, and he was also expected to meet other Afghan officials. "Development of the peace process, accelerating the process and the assessment of the Doha peace agreement by the US new administration were main topics of the discussion," said Fraidoon Khwazoon, a spokesman for Abdullah. President Joe Biden's administration is conducting a review of a February 2020 deal struck between the Trump administration and the Taliban to determine whether to stick by a deadline to withdraw the remaining 2,500 US troops from Afghanistan, and end America's longest war. The Taliban's deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani made a speech on Friday, broadcast on the group's media channel with excerpts posted on Twitter, warning the United States against going back on a commitment to withdraw. "Today ....we have the technology to use drones, we have our own missiles. This time if the Mujahideen resume fighting the enemies, it would be something they have never seen before. They will wish the battlefield was like in the past," he said, referring to Taliban fighters. US and European officials have said the Taliban has not fulfilled commitments it made in an accord reached with the United States in Doha a year ago, that set up the move towards peace talks involving the Afghan government. The Taliban has largely denied responsibility for a rash of attacks in Afghanistan since beginning talks with the government in September. Short link: IN the space of one month, the families of 326 people were left in shock and heartbreak after losing their loved ones to the Covid-19 virus. May 2021 was the deadliest month of the pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago and the month with the highest number of Covid-19 cases. The United States will not share any of its COVID vaccine supply with Mexico, the White House announced Monday ahead of President Joe Biden's virtual summit with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. 'No,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said bluntly when asked about the issue at her press briefing. Lopez Obrador plans to make the request of Biden during their first face-to-face meeting. 'The president has made clear that he is focused on ensuring that vaccines are accessible to every American. That is our focus,' Psaki said. 'Once we accomplish that objective, were happy to discuss further steps beyond that.' Also on the agenda for Monday's meeting is immigration issues, drug trafficking and economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. It's Biden second virtual meeting with a world leader in the past two weeks. Last week, he held a virtual summit with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he seeks to repair U.S. relations in the post-Donald Trump era. Lopez Obrador has been one of the most vocal leaders in the developing world pressing the richest countries to improve poorer nations' access to the vaccines. He has called the current distribution system 'totally unfair.' 'We fully expect that to come up,' the White House official said when asked whether Lopez Obrador was likely to raise a request for shared vaccines when the leaders hold their first virtual meeting since Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration. President Joe Biden listens during a virtual bilateral meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will ask President Joe Biden to share part of the U.S. coronavirus vaccine supply White House press secretary Jen Psaki said 'no' the U.S. would not share any of its vaccine supply as its focus is on vaccinating Americans A Mexican official said Lopez Obrador would ask for a loan of the U.S. vaccine supplies, to be paid back when vaccines that Mexico has contracts for are delivered later in the year. The U.S. has faced international pressure to cough up some of its COVID vaccine supply. At a virtual meeting of G7 leaders last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for vaccine access for the world's poorer countries, especially in Africa. At the time, 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. The issue also came up in Biden's meeting with Trudeau as Canada struggles to find a supply of the vaccine. But the thorniest issue in Biden's meeting with Lopez Obrador will be migration, along with law enforcement cooperation and economic development plans for southern Mexico and Central America. Mexico had a testy relationship with Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, though Lopez Obrador, an often abrasive leftist, forged a mutually beneficial partnership with the Republican president as they worked to stem migration from impoverished Central America. Lopez Obrador said he intends to propose to Biden a new Bracero-style immigrant labor program that could bring 600,000 to 800,000 Mexican and Central American immigrants a year to work legally in the United States. President Joe Biden (C), flanked by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas (R), meets virtually with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at the White House Then-U.S. vice president Joe Biden shakes hands with Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, then candidate for president of Mexico, in March 2012 Migration will be the thorniest issue discussed in Monday's U.S.-Mexico summit A senior Biden administration official declined to say to the Associated Press whether the U.S. president would back or oppose the proposal, saying only that both countries agree on the need to expand legal pathways for migration. The original Bracero program allowed Mexicans to work temporarily in the United States to fill labor shortages during World War II and for a couple of decades after the war. Biden has been undoing what his White House has called 'draconian' Trump-era immigration policies that closed off routes to asylum in the United States, while trying to curb an increasing flow of new undocumented arrivals until the system for legal migration is overhauled. But Biden, through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has kept extraordinary pandemic-related powers in place to immediately expel anyone arriving at the U.S. border from Mexico without an opportunity to seek asylum. Mexicans and many Central Americans are typically returned to Mexico in less than two hours under Title 42 authority - so named for a section of a 1944 public health law. Biden aides have signaled they have no immediate plans to lift it. Yet Biden has also shown an openness to immigrants who previously came to the country illegally. He is backing a bill to give legal status and a path to citizenship to all of the estimated 11 million people in the country who dont have it. Biden also broke with Trump by supporting efforts to allow hundreds of thousands of people who came to the U.S. illegally as young children to remain in the country. Lopez Obrador said Saturday that an aging United States will also need temporary immigrant workers from Mexico to sustain economic growth. 'It is better that we start putting order on migratory flows,' he said he plans to tell Biden. Pressures are building at the U.S. southern border with an increase in children crossing into the country without visas. This has created a challenge for the Biden administration. Border Patrol agents are apprehending an average of more than 200 children crossing the border without a parent per day, but nearly all 7,100 beds for immigrant children maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services are full. The Biden administration has also preserved a policy, imposed at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, of quickly expelling people captured along the border and has tried to dissuade people from attempting the journey. 'This is not the time to come to the United States,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at a February briefing. 'We need the time to put in place an immigration process so people can be treated humanely.' Also during the meeting, Biden will seek to turn the page on Trump. A White House official said Biden was determined to move away from the former presidents 'governing by tweet' and re-establish more traditional contacts. The official made clear that while Biden is focused on 'getting jabs in the arms' of Americans, the United States recognizes the need to forge a strategy to assist its neighbors since national borders cannot seal it off from the pandemic. 'Once we actually get the pandemic under control, the economic recovery is one where we're going to have to eventually open our borders,' the U.S. official said. 'But we cannot open our borders if Canada and Mexico have not similarly addressed the pandemic. So collaboration with Mexico is a top priority.' While Biden has increased funding for international efforts to combat COVID-19, he could face political fallout if he moves too fast to ship vaccines to other countries when the United States is ramping up but still struggling to meet domestic needs. Mexico's inoculation program has been delayed by slow shipments, despite agreements with international drugmakers meant to purchase doses for the country's 126 million people. With Pfizer Inc deliveries running behind schedule, Mexico has scrambled to fill the gap, landing initial deliveries of Russia's Sputnik V and China's Sinovac. The government has given a first shot to just over 1.8 million people, or 1.4% of the population. Mexico has had more than 185,000 COVID-19 deaths and more than 2 million coronavirus infections. Another source of U.S.-Mexican tension was a now-dropped U.S. drug investigation into former Mexican defense minister Salvador Cienfuegos. The U.S. arrest of Cienfuegos in October ruffled feathers in Mexico, which retaliated with restrictions on U.S. drug enforcement operations. There are also questions of whether Lopez Obrador will warm to Biden's efforts to address climate change and move to cleaner energy sources. The Mexican president supports a measure to make that country's national grids prioritize power from government plants, many of which burn coal or fuel oil. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Monday denied accusations by Taiwan that a ban on pineapples from the island was about politics, saying it was purely a matter of biosecurity, in an escalating war of words that has added to existing tensions. China announced the ban last week, citing "harmful creatures" it said could come with the fruit, threatening China's own agriculture. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, says there is nothing wrong with its pineapples and that Beijing is using the fruit as another way to coerce the island. China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the decision was "totally rational and necessary" and that customs had a responsibility to prevent diseases carried by plants from entering the country. "The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have deliberately misrepresented and maliciously interpreted technical issues, taking the opportunity to attack and discredit the mainland," it said, referring to Taiwan's ruling party. The DPP has neither the will nor the ability to solve practical problems, and they can only evade their own responsibility by "slandering the mainland", it added. While Taiwan is best known internationally for exporting semiconductors, the sub-tropical island has a thriving fruit industry developed when it was a Japanese colony, and last year more than 90% of its exported pineapples went to China. Politicians have rallied behind pineapple farmers, posting pictures of themselves in fields with farmers and tucking into the fruit on their social media pages, encouraging domestic consumers to pick up the slack. The government has also been asking Taiwanese companies to make bulk purchases, and looking for alternative export markets. President Tsai Ing-wen on Sunday visited a pineapple farm in southern Taiwan, where the bulk of the fruit is grown and where the DPP traditionally enjoys strong support. China has ramped up pressure to get Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty, including regularly flying fighter jets and bombers near Taiwan or into its air defence identification zone. (Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Writing and additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Nick Macfie) Honolulu police arrested state Rep Sharon Har (pictured), 52, on February 23 near the intersection of Piikoi and Beretania streets A Hawaii lawmaker reportedly asked police if they knew who she was when they arrested her for driving under the influence after she was observed going the wrong way down a one-way street last week. Honolulu police arrested state Rep Sharon Har, 52, at 10.20pm on February 23 near the intersection of Piikoi and Beretania streets. The Oahu Democrat said in a statement emailed by her attorney, Howard K.K. Luke, on Tuesday that she has been taking prescription cough medicine with codeine to control symptoms of an upper respiratory illness. But a damaging police report released just days after her arrest claimed that Har was slurring and smelled of alcohol. Officer Christopher Morgado, said Har 'began asking if I knew who she is,' according to Hawaii News Now. 'Sharon then related that she was going to be the next governor but "this" will mess up her plans,' the report claims. Officer Clinton Ono said in the report that Har 'began to yell that she was embarrassed, that her wrists hurt, questioned us as to why there needed to be so many officers at the scene, and stated "Black Lives Matter".' 'She then began to yell at officers Ting and Tory to hurry up because she needed to call people,' Ono said. Scroll down for video Har (pictured) reportedly asked police if they knew who she was when they arrested her for driving under the influence after she was observed driving the wrong way down a one-way street last week Honolulu Police Sgt Adam Lipka also said he could 'smell the odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from her breath and the interior of the vehicle'. In the statement from Har's attorney, the lawmaker said she had a beer with dinner after a late evening at work, which together with her medication contributed to her impaired driving. 'While I didnt realize it at that time, that decision coupled with my medication is something I will regret for the rest of my life,' Har said in the statement. 'I am extremely sorry for not anticipating the effect of this combination on my driving. I deeply apologize to my constituents, friends, family and colleagues, and to the public for this failure on my part,' she said in the statement. Har thanked the police for being professional during her arrest and said she was grateful no one was hurt. However, police accounts claimed that Har told officers 'that she is not currently taking prescription medication,' according to Hawaii News Now. Har is seen apologizing and explaining the incident to fellow lawmakers last week Har, who is tough on drunk driving law, also refused to take a field sobriety test, police said. House Speaker Scott Saiki in a statement called the incident 'unfortunate'. 'We are wishing Representative Har and her family the best right now,' he said. Har represents Kapolei and Makakilo. She was first elected to the state House in 2006. She is also an attorney specializing in real estate, land use and construction litigation. Har was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, police said. She posted $500 bail and was released. A shocking plot to assassinate Kashmiri Pandit activist Sushil Pandit came to light over the weekend with the Delhi Police arresting two persons, who are also allegedly linked to handlers in Dubai and Pakistan. In light of this, a promonent forum of Kashmiri Pandits globally has remarked how this dastardly plot is a reflection of the dangers that members of their community face. The Indo-American Kashmir Forum (IAKF) which seeks the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley with the assured security and freedom to exercise their religious faith and ways of life without fear of intrusion, on Sunday said that "The failed attempt on Sushil Pandit had once again highlighted the risks to the communitys secure life and liberty." READ | Delhi Police Arrests 2 For Plotting To Assassinate Kashmiri Activist Sushil Pandit IAKF that was founded in 1991 and informs the world of the threats against the Kashmiri Pandits that forced them to move out from Kashmir due to terrorism. The board that includes Vijay Sazawal, Rajiv Pandit, Lalit Koul, Raj Koul, and Rahul Pandit as its members were quoted by PTI as saying This targeted plot is a grim reminder of the havoc brought upon the entire aboriginal Kashmiri Hindu community, who have been driven from their homeland in the Kashmir Valley through repeated pogroms over the past few centuries, most recently beginning in 1990. READ | Sushil Pandit Assassination Plot Linked To Dubai & Pak Handlers; Special Cell To Probe Now, the IAKF has also sought the help of the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi while seeking official security for Sushil Pandit, if not already undertaken. "While IAKF thanks Delhi Police for foiling this attempt, it also demands thorough and swift investigation of this plot, and expects Delhi Police and judiciary to expeditiously bring the masterminds of this plot to justice," IAKF said. The Delhi Police special cell is now probing the case after the two alleged assassins were booked under sections 120(B) and 115 of the IPC. During interrogation, the accused confessed that they were sent to Delhi on the orders of 'Prince' alias Tutim, who is currently facing a murder trial in Punjab. The duo was offered Rs 10 lakh to assassinate Sushil Pandit. Four pistols and four cartridges and a mobile phone containing a photo of their target were recovered from the nabbed individuals. READ | Pakistan Walking Into A Swamp Of Criminal Jihad Inspite Of FATF Grey List: Sushil Pandit READ | Sushil Pandit Reviews Shikara, Says it Airbrushes Horrors Of Brutal Cleansing From J&K' World Insurance Associates LLC (WIA) has acquired Corporate Risk Services LLC and Midwest Risk Management Services Inc. (collectively Corporate Risk Services) of Rogers, Arkansas. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Corporate Risk Services is an independent insurance brokerage firm. Their products include workers compensation, as well as all aspects of commercial insurance from the traditional placement to alternative funding solutions. They have access to multiple markets that enable them to service a broad spectrum of their clients insurance needs. They specialize in a variety of exposures, including manufacturing, healthcare, schools, municipalities, retail and transportation. Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla provided legal counsel to WIA. Kutak Rock provided legal counsel to Corporate Risk Services. No other advisors, diligence firms or legal counsel were disclosed. World Insurance Associates is headquartered in Tinton Falls, N.J. Source: World Insurance Associates LLC Topics Mergers Arkansas Farmworkers lined up and received COVID-19 shots Sunday at a Morgan Hill farm turned pop-up clinic that organizers hope will foreshadow more mobile outreach to a community thats been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Santa Clara County health officials said 1,000 workers from nearby farms were expected to receive vaccination shots Sunday and Wednesday at the Monterey Mushrooms facility. The people who were doing the hardest work picking the fruit and processing it were the most hard hit by COVID-19, and it continues, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez told a news conference outside the dusty farm location with large signs announcing the clinic in English and Spanish. The best way we can honor our frontline workers is what were doing today, which is getting them vaccinations. The countys first mobile vaccination clinic targeted farmworkers, in line with newly expanded vaccine eligibility to include workers in the education sector, emergency services, and in food and agriculture. County officials expect to move next to a site in agricultural Gilroy. Our goal is to make sure that everybody has access to vaccinations when they become eligible, especially those who are working in sectors that have been hardest hit by COVID, Santa Clara County Director of Public Health Dr. Sara Cody told the gathering. These mobile vaccination clinics that come to communities, that meet people where they work and where they live, this is how we will get ourselves out of this pandemic. Farmworker advocate Rogelio Lona, a Monterey Mushroom employee for 46 years, addressed the gathering in Spanish.We have been suffering the penalties of this sickness, and we have not received the attention that we deserve, he said. I thank the county for coming to our place of work and allowing us to be the first farmworkers in the area to receive the vaccine, and I hope these efforts continue so that our community may combat this. The United Farm Workers union joined the county and Monterey Mushrooms, a longtime, large agricultural producer, in partnering to organize the event. Farmworkers have been one of the hardest hit communities since the start of the pandemic. The coronavirus rapidly spread as many feared missing work and wages due to sickness. Fear of deportation deterred some from seeking health care. Language barriers also prevented workers from taking advantage of public health resources, surveys have found. A UC Berkeley study found that 13% of Salinas Valley farmworkers tested positive for the coronavirus from mid-July to November. In comparison, only 5% of Californians overall tested positive from the start of the pandemic in March to November. Place-based vaccination sites and door-to-door outreach and phone calls will allow officials to reach vulnerable communities with information and access to shots, Chavez said. Vanessa Arredondo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vanessa.arredondo@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @v_anana The serious nutjobs at the World Economic Forum just overplayed their hand with this insane tweet: Not surprisingly, after universal Twitter outrage, the WEF has deleted the tweet. But don't for a minute think this isn't what the globalists really think. Sky News host Cory Bernardi put it perfectly. The World Economic Forum, he said in a recent broadcast, is the granddaddy of all global organizations. The WEF is the architect of the great reset and the fourth industrial revolution. They coined the #buildbackbetter hashtag that is actually proving so popular with big government elites right across the globe and they even predict that by 2030 you'll own nothing and you'll be happy. They call this servitization which is a term and an agenda that looks a lot like servitude to me... Severtization begs the question if you don't actually own anything who will own what you're renting? Wel,l the answer lies within the WTF premier forum that's at Davos. Davos is the gathering of global elites including big business CEOs, industry chiefs, government leaders, bureaucrats and multi-billionaires with political agendas. Under the WEF vision the Davos attendees will own what you'll be renting and trust me on this. It's not going to be a philanthropic enterprise. They'll all be looking to make more money than they currently do and actually to take more control of your life under the guise of equality by reducing you to a mere user rather than an owner. The world does actually become more equal because it will concentrate power authority and money in the hands of a tiny few. All the rest of us become mere economic vassals for these oligarchs. So make no mistake severtization is just a new name for economic slavery. It's socialism on a global scale. So now you see how the WEF can view the lockdowns that have destroyed many small businesses, put millions on the dole, caused suicides and mental depression, as "quietly improving cities." Lockdowns are improving cities for the elitist monsters as they learn what levers to push to gain more power over the populous--and shrink the global population. I am not kidding. Here is the video that accompanied the tweet that was taken down. They see the lockdowns as a positive: TORONTO - When earnings season rolls around, Duncan Fulton spends days preparing for calls with media, analysts and investors, but hardly ever gets a chance to deliver his messages directly to the people who frequent his Tim Hortons coffee shops or Popeyes drive-thrus. The icon for the social media app Clubhouse is seen on a smartphone screen in Beijing, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Mark Schiefelbein TORONTO - When earnings season rolls around, Duncan Fulton spends days preparing for calls with media, analysts and investors, but hardly ever gets a chance to deliver his messages directly to the people who frequent his Tim Hortons coffee shops or Popeyes drive-thrus. That changed in February when the chief corporate officer of Restaurant Brands International joined chief executive Jose Cil on Clubhouse an emerging audio platform that gives anyone with an iPhone and an app the ability to host and access discussions on every topic imaginable. "It's like reimagined talk radio with calls, but we are the producer," said Fulton, who hosted an "open kitchen" talk the day after RBI released its latest quarterly earnings. "Our guests don't care about our adjusted EBITDA. They care about real stuff, about our food, our brands, and so we said, 'Why don't we use Clubhouse?'" Fulton and Cil are the latest Canadian executives to turn to the app started by San Francisco serial entrepreneurs Paul Davidson and Rohan Seth last spring as a new way to host public conversations. As COVID-19 spread throughout the globe and lockdowns kept millions of people at home, executives from top venture capital and tech firms began to jockey for access to the invite-only audio platform. By the start of 2021, hundreds of business leaders and other Canadians had joined Clubhouse, which has offered increasing numbers of invites since late last year. Members have been able to hear SpaceX CEO Elon Musk discuss whether he believes in aliens, Shopify executives Tobi Lutke and Harley Finkelstein wax poetic about entrepreneurship and Wattpad founder Allen Lau talk about his recent decision to sell the company. "It's really democratizing corporate Canada and corporate America in a way," says Fulton, "because normally consumers wouldn't get this access to senior business leaders." He pitched a Clubhouse talk to Cil after being introduced to the platform by Ottawa restaurateur Stephen Beckta, who got his invite from Finkelstein. After dipping into music conversations, Fulton found he liked the exploratory nature of the platform and that moderators have control over who can speak and when. "If you're a business leader that wants the safety of not taking questions, you can still go on there, share your views, and there's lots of people that are happy to not participate, not ask questions and just listen," he said. Richard Lachman, a digital media professor at Ryerson University, agreed the platform can be helpful for executives wanting to manage their image, but said users will quickly drop out of conversations if a speaker is boring them or recognize when someone is too scripted. Though executives go through media training, he said a few "embarrassments" will likely arise on the app if people don't know how to respond to "aggressive" questions or can't kick someone out of a discussion fast enough. While the app doesn't overtly market itself as private, its invite-only nature has built a casual atmosphere, even as its userbase grows. Clubhouse did not respond to a request for comment, but has a "rule" banning transcribing, recording or sharing personal information heard on the app. The company recently removed a bot it found sneaking into discussions to restream them to people without the app. Still, a quick search on social media reveals dozens of recordings and quotes from the app available online. Prominent venture capitalists faced criticism last year when audio leaked of them ridiculing New York Times journalist Taylor Lorenz and complaining that so-called cancel culture sometimes described as withdrawing support for someone caught misbehaving or using outmoded language and expressions had gone too far. There have also been privacy complaints from users who opted not to give the app access to their contact lists, but say it is detecting their sign-ups and alerting friends whose numbers they have stored. Once on the app, some users reported they stumbled upon misogyny and racism in discussions, despite rules against abuse and bullying and a feature to report problematic users. "Some of the challenges (Clubhouse) is facing is that this content is very unmoderated and we are not in 2003 in (Facebook founder) Mark Zuckerberg's dorm room, pretending that anything we make we know where it'll go and we'll just let the market figure it out," said Lachman. "We know what might happen. Online spaces can be incredibly toxic, they can be harsh and we know that things can be taken out context very quickly and easily duplicated on other platforms." Despite the issues, Deepak Anand, chief executive of medical cannabis company Materia Ventures, joined the app. He hosts several pot discussions on it every week, but is careful in his approach. He doesn't share anything on Clubhouse he wouldn't be comfortable with if it were leaked, but has seen several instances of people not realizing how public the app is. "People generally like to share more than they normally would on the platform because it's easy to get carried away and it almost seems like you're having a conversation with friends," he said. Among the positives, Anand saysClubhouse has helped him discover new ways to network while stuck at home during the pandemic and increased his social media followers. He's unsure the app will continue to be his go-to because a competitor, Twitter Spaces, has caught his eye. Tech Crunch reported that users who mined Twitter's coding have found Spaces, which is still in pilot mode, experimenting with ways to embed tweets into discussions, offer transcription for users with disabilities and enhance blocking capabilities. Facebook is said to be developing a similar platform, but hasn't formally released any details. The number of emerging audio apps and the flood of new Clubhouse users will make it even tougher for executives to stand out, Lachman predicted. "This might have value right now, but in a year or two from now, that might get lost." This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:QSR, TSX:SHOP) Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version included an incorrect title for Duncan Fulton. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 are no barren cassava and maize fields as seen in the past on hillsides in Mo Cong hamlet in Son La province. The hills are now covered with passion fruit, bringing growers billions of dong a year. On pre-Tet days, Thao A Ho in Mo Cong hamlet was still busy working in his field taking care of passion fruit trees. The work took him only half a day, while he spent the other half going to market to do shopping for Tet. According to Ho, Mo Congs people were happy as they have collected big money from yellow passion fruit sale. Ho has earned VND100 million, while households which have larger growing areas could earn up to VND500 million. In the past, Ho grew cassava on an area of two hectares, which bring little money. Later, he shifted to grow purple passion fruit, but the price of this fruit has always been low in the last years. He last year sold purple passion fruit at VND2,000-3,000 per kilogram only. He tried to grow 400 yellow passion fruit trees on an area of 0.5 hectares. Though he harvested 10 tons of this fruit, he still could earn big money thanks to the high price. So, he and his family members had a comfortable Tet holiday. The passion fruit is farmed in accordance with VietGAP standards. An enterprise provides standard seeds, fertilizer, bioproducts and technical officers to farmers and commits to collect all passion fruit output if farmers strictly observe their instructions. Farmers dont have to make high investments to grow passion fruit. The passion fruit tree can bring higher profit than maize, and it is not a strenuous work, he said. Also according to Ho, there are tens of households in the hamlet cooperating with the enterprise to grow yellow passion fruit. Sung A Dinh, 28, has become a DONG? millionaire in the mountainous village. Dinh and his wife had two hectares of sweet passion fruit area which gave output of 50 tons. With the selling price of VND15,000-26,000 per kilogram, he collected VND800 million and made a profit of VND500 million. Nguyen Thach Tung Linh, director of the passion fruit company in Moc Chau, Son La, said he began cooperating with local farmers to grow passion fruit in late 2019 and began harvesting in 2020. The total growing area has reached 100 hectares. Linh found sweet passion fruit in 2017 when he implemented a project with a Taiwanese partner. At first, he developed five hectares of passion fruit for export to China. However, the products could only be exported across border gates, not through official channels. Therefore, he decided to focus on the domestic market. Tam An Keeping opportunities fresh in fruit and vegetable exports The export of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables is worth hundreds of millions of US dollars each year but is so far impeded by the lack of appropriate preservation technology. We work in a diverse global economy that is continuously changing. At Gumbiner Savett, we embrace that diversity in many ways, all of which promotes the perspective were able to bring to our work, said Managing Director Rick Parent. Gumbiner Savett Inc. has been selected as one of 10 cosponsors for the George Willie Ethnically Diverse Scholarship & Internship Program, administered through the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The George Willie program provides a scholarship and internship to ethnic minority accounting students who intend to pursue their CPA licensure. It runs during the January-April busy season with recruiting currently taking place for the 2022 season. The PCPS picks 10 students to participate in the George Willie program at a cosponsoring firm and awards up to $10,000 scholarship per student to help with tuition for their final academic year. Applicants pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting or an accounting-related major with at least a 3.0 GPA must plan to sit for the CPA exam. We work in a diverse global economy that is continuously changing. At Gumbiner Savett, we embrace that diversity in many ways, all of which promotes the perspective were able to bring to our work, said Managing Director Rick Parent. To be sure, we value the different traits in all of us and understand those varying qualities make us stronger. Gumbiner Savett is eager and proud to participate in this program created in honor of George Willie, CPA, CGMA, a former chair of AICPA's PCPS Executive Committee and the AICPA Minority Initiatives Committee. The firm supports the tenants of Mr. Willies 35-year career, during which he promoted the benefits of a career in accounting to students and young professionals in pursuit of the CPA license. Interested accounting students can visit aicpa.org/pcpsscholarship for more information or go to ThisWayToCPA.com to complete the online application. Applications are currently open, with a deadline of April 16, 2021 (all applicants will be notified by email of the final selection by July 31). About Gumbiner Savett Inc. (http://www.gscpa.com) Gumbiner Savett Inc. is a full-service accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Its purpose is to enrich clients lives by facilitating the achievement of their financial objectives and providing career fulfillment for its employees. Gumbiner Savett an independent member firm of BKR International is dedicated to being a preeminent assurance, tax, and business advisory firm for growth-oriented businesses, middle-market enterprises and high-net-worth individuals in Southern California. In addition to traditional private and public company accounting, auditing and tax services, it specializes in general business consulting, estate and trust planning, fraud examination studies, business management, business services, bookkeeping and litigation support. Two people linked to the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party were arrested and sent to pre-trial detention for allegedly criticizing Cambodias use of the Chinese-made Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. Police arrested Thon Chantha, a former CNRP activist from Phnom Penhs Tuol Kork district, and Mey Sophorn, a party supporter, last week on the alleged charge of incitement, said San Sokseiha, a spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Municipal Police. For this case, we sent them to the court [on Sunday]. And according to the information received, it seems that [they] were sent to prison already, he said. The Cambodian government has already arrested more than two dozen CNRP supporters for comments they have made online, and occasionally in private communications, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Y Rin, a Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesperson, confirmed that an investigating judge sent Thon Chantha to pretrial detention at Phnom Penhs Correctional Center 1, and Mey Sophorn to Correctional Center 2 on an incitement charge. The Cambodian government started vaccinating priority groups on February 10 using the Sinopharm vaccine, which is produced in China. The government attempted to alleviate concerns over the efficacy of the vaccine, which got off to a shaky start when Prime Minister Hun Sen decided to not get the vaccine because he was above the suggested age bracket for this specific medication. The Healthy Ministry released a long list of ailments and medical conditions that would exclude someone from getting the vaccine. However, a stream of senior government officials, including two of the prime ministers sons, have got the vaccine on public displays to show support for Sinopharm. Mey Sophorn posted on her Facebook on February 9 that given that Cambodia did not have a large number of COVID-19 cases, there was no need to rush vaccinations. Why is the one-party government rushing to call on the Cambodian people to be injected by Chinese vaccines, which have not yet been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO)?, she wrote on Facebook. On February 18, Thon Chantha posted on his Facebook account that Cambodians were being forced to take the vaccine, even though they did not want to be inoculated. Am Sam Ath, the deputy director for monitoring at rights group Licadho, said the government was arresting former CNRP members who were turning to Facebook for their news or to express their opinions because of the lack of independent media in the country. And if the accusations refer to the charge of incitement, we have to check on the meaning of these Facebook posts and see whether they are incitement or expression of an opinion, he said. San Sokseiha, a spokesperson at the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, said these were not opinions because they were not constructive. But this is incitement. It is a form of false information that incites people to misunderstand the problem, he said. Last week, a Chinese journalist working in Cambodia was detained and deported for publishing a story about Chinese nationals allegedly receiving text messages promising them a shot of the Sinopharm vaccine for a fee. The journalist has been barred from reentering the country. The Cambodian government issued a directive last week stating they would deport and ban the reentry of any foreign nationals for spreading fake news about the COVID-19 vaccines. Ukraine boosts agri-trade with EU Trade turnover between Ukraine and the EU last year amounted to $10.2 billion, with the surplus standing at $3.1 billion. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter West Bengal election 2021: Mamata Banerjee may announce first list of TMC candidates today India oi-Madhuri Adnal Kolkata, Mar 01: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to announce the first list of Trinamool Congress' candidate list for the upcoming West Bengal assembly election 2021 on Monday. The TMC supremo likes to be ahead when it comes to the declaration of candidates. Reportedly, the party's working committee meeting on the same day when EC would release the poll dates indicates a similar turn of events. Elections for the West Bengal assembly will be held in eight phases, up from seven last time, beginning with polling for 30 seats on March 27, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said while announcing the poll schedule. The second phase of West Bengal's assembly elections has been scheduled for April 1 and will cover 30 constituencies, followed by the third phase on April 6 for 31 seats, the fourth on April 10 for 44 constituencies, the fifth on April 17 for 45 seats, sixth for 43 seats on April 22, seventh phase on April 26 for 36 seats and last and eighth phase on April 29 for 35 seats, Arora said. The Election Commission will appoint two special observers for West Bengal and a third can also be sent if required, Arora said in response to queries on whether enough arrangements are in place for the polls in the state, where many have been raising questions about political violence. West Bengal assembly elections 2021: TMC, RJD may form pre-poll alliance Responding to questions on the increased number of phases in West Bengal, the CEC said when the EC assesses the law and order situation, the assessment is based on several factors. "Afterall the elections to West Bengal (assembly) in 2016 was in seven phases. The Lok Sabha was in 7 phases. So, 7 to 8 (phases) is not such a big deal because we also have to see the movement of forces, we also have to see the current charges and counter-charges (by political parties). Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News "We have to kind of find a way out. That is why we are sending two expenditure observers to Tamil Nadu and two police observers to West Bengal," Arora explained. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Apollo Hospitals announced its increased reach with a nationwide rollout of its omni-channel healthcare platform, Apollo 24|7, which leverages the power of Microsoft Azure to transform last-mile delivery of health services in India. With the vision of providing world-class healthcare solutions using innovative technology, the platform can reach consumers across the country through an easy-to-use interface available on web and mobile. The platform combines Apollo Groups extensive physical network and capabilities with a comprehensive and distinctive digital ecosystem that includes online medicine delivery, virtual doctor consultation, online diagnostic test booking, condition management and personal health record maintenance. Shobana Kamineni, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals, said, We are happy to have Microsoft working with us in our endeavor towards transforming healthcare in India and be an important support for the Apollo 24|7 platform. We are able to offer seamless customer experience with no compromise on the privacy and security of the user. Reimagining healthcare in the new normal combined with changing expectations of patient care and wellness has driven a rapid surge in tele-health processes. Apollo 24|7 connects different information sources to deliver a complete personalized experience for every customer. Using connected devices, a cloud-powered clinical intelligence platform and online personal health records, the Apollo 24|7 platform offers a consumer-centric health ecosystem of the future. Backed by a network of over 7,000 doctors across Apollo hospitals and clinics across the country, the Apollo 24|7 platform offers round-the-clock virtual consultations with Apollo-certified doctors within 15 minutes. With more than 4000 stores in India, the platform provides seamless medicine deliveries across 15,000 pin codes of India, with a special promise of two hours delivery in select cities. It also includes the only comprehensive condition management solution in India, which blends wellness and clinical advisories. Users can also take a quick mental health scan and read health and wellness blogs on the platform. In view of the pandemic, the platform is offering a coronavirus cough and risk scanner, post-Covid care as well as information around vaccines. Apollo 24|7 will soon include an AI-based health predictor, wellbeing partner offerings for pre-clinical health needs and targeted health insurance programs. Sashikumar Sreedharan, Managing Director, Microsoft India, said, In an ever-changing healthcare environment, Microsoft is on a mission to help organizations set the course for resiliency and reimagining tomorrow. With the trusted cloud, Apollo 24|7 can enhance patient engagement significantly and provide intelligent health insights for better patient outcomes. Built for scale using Azure Database for PostgreSQL, Azure Kubernetes Services and Azure DevOps, the platform enables patients to access an integrated suite of healthcare services and transact securely. The platform will also use Azure Communications Services for building rich and secure communication experiences at scale including chat, voice, video and text messaging. LAKE CHARLES, La., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex recently contributed CPR kits to two local high schools through its support of the American Heart Association (AHA). Because the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted non-profit organizations by limiting volunteer and event participation opportunities, CITGO is working hard to leverage partnership benefits in ways that directly connect with the community. Through the American Heart Association Greater Louisiana, CITGO was able to donate a CPR in Schools Training Kit to LaGrange and Vinton High Schools for use in the required CPR certification classes. "With a strong emphasis on health and safety at our own facility, we believe it is our duty to inject health and safety-focused educational opportunities into our schools," said Jerry Dunn, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex. "We are thankful to AHA for providing us with this avenue to furnish LaGrange and Vinton High Schools with much needed supplies to fulfill their CPR certification classes." "The American Heart Association wants all students and educators to learn CPR, putting more Heartsavers in our communities. Training school-age children to perform CPR instills confidence and a positive attitude towards responding to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest event. Through the support of CITGO, we have an opportunity to save lives within our community by teaching our next generation how to respond in a cardiac emergency," said Kerin Spears, vice president of the Greater Louisiana American Heart Association. About CITGO Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry with a well-known brand. CITGO operates three refineries located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, La.; and Lemont, Ill., and wholly and/or jointly owns 42 terminals, six pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,400 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO is ranked as the sixth-largest, and one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products and supplies a network of approximately 4,600 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc. SOURCE CITGO Corporation Related Links www.citgo.com Mayor Bill de Blasio has said up to 75 percent of the COVID-19 vaccines given out at state-run centers in New York City have been given to people who are not residents. In an apparent shot at embattled the state's governor Andrew Cuomo, de Blasio told reporters Monday that the big sites 'do not perform like we'd like to see'. The Democrat confirmed 75 per cent of the shots administered at the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens have been given to non-New Yorkers. He said 42 percent of those given out at the Javits convention center were given to out of towners. De Blasio said: 'I want to be clear that in terms of NYC, these sites do not perform what we hope to see, which was more and more focus on equity.' Cuomo is facing allegations of sexual harassment from two former aides; he also faces accusations of a cover up of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes across the state. The mayor said Monday it had been hoped the large state run sites would improve 'equity' in racial disparity seen in vaccinations across the city. Data from January shows that black and Latino New York City residents are receiving COVID-19 vaccines at far lower rates than white or Asian New Yorkers. The coronavirus pandemic has also killed minorities at disproportionately high rates. Mayor Bill de Blasio, pictured, has said up to 75 percent of COVID-19 vaccines given out at state-run centers are given to people who do not live in New York City De Blasio added: 'Look, I want everyone to get vaccinated, everyone in the tri-state area, everyone in the suburbs to get vaccinated. We are all in this together. We all connect with each other.' City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi said the inequity issue 'is why it's so important...that we get our fair share of the allocation so that we can keep it, and most importantly, get as many New York City residents vaccinated as possible.' More than 1.9 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in New York City. De Blasio said he hopes to vaccinate five million New Yorkers by June. Two federal sites in Queens and Brooklyn are reserved for residents of those boroughs. That also applies to the Yankee Stadium and Citi Field vaccination centers. The Democrat confirmed 42 percent of those given out at the Javits convention center, pictured, are given to out of towners De Blasio said 75 per cent of the shots administered at the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens, pictured, are given to non-New Yorkers De Blasio also on Monday slammed Cuomo over his apology to his sexual harassment accusers, calling for an investigation into that and the nursing home scandal and suggesting the governor was not fit to serve in public office. Over the weekend, Cuomo issued an apology to two former aides who said he sexually harassed them with inappropriate remarks when they worked for him. He said they'd misinterpreted what he called 'kidding' around at work. On Monday morning, de Blasio said his apology was 'not an apology' and that he was trying to let himself 'off the hook'. After giving an update on the COVID-19 numbers, de Blasio was asked by a reporter what he thought of Cuomo's apology. He said: 'That's not an apology. He seemed to be saying I was just kidding around. Sexual harassment's just not funny. It's serious. It has to be taken seriously. 'Clearly he was just letting himself off the hook for something that for the women involved, sounded pretty terrifying. We need a full investigation. We need the whole truth of what happened.' He then went on: 'We need to make sure it never happens again and we need to look at the nursing home issue. 'We cannot just look at one or the other - we need a full investigation into the nursing home issue, where thousands of people died. Information was covered up on purpose. 'And we still don't know if our seniors are safe, our elders. 'We have not got a full accounting of the facts. Both these issues need to be looked in to.' More than 1.9 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in NYC Asked if Cuomo should resign over the claims, de Blasio said: 'What we can say here is we've got two women who worked for him... 'Anything like that, if someone purposefully tried to use their power to force a woman to have sex with them? 'Of course that's someone who should no longer be in public service.' De Blasio also went on New York City radio station Hot 97 to say the allegations 'sickened' him. He said: 'The thought of a powerful man trying to take advantage of his power, intimidate a young woman and just the sense that he was treating her like again these are allegations and we need a full investigation but if that was what truly happened it was like he was treating her like she was his property. 'Just disgusting, creepy.' 'Sexual harassment is not funny. Who the hell tries to explain that by saying I was just joking around? 'I've seen him be abusive in a way that would not be accepted by anyone in leadership,' he said. On Saturday, Charlotte Bennett, 25, told The New York Times the governor asked her questions about her sex life, whether she had monogamous relationships and if she ever had sex with older men. She said it happened in June, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Days earlier, another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, 36, a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor, elaborated on accusations she first made in December, saying Cuomo had subjected her to an unwanted kiss and made inappropriate comments about her appearance. Bennett, right, told the New York Times the governor asked her questions about her sex life, whether she had monogamous relationships and if she ever had sex with older men all during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Days earlier, Boylan, left, elaborated on accusations she first made in December, saying Cuomo had subjected her to an unwanted kiss and made inappropriate comments about her appearance He initially denied all of the allegations but on Sunday, released a statement saying that he had been misunderstood by the women. 'Questions have been raised about some of my past interactions with people in the office. I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends. 'At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. ' You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business. 'I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that. 'To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to. 'That's why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations. 'Separately, my office has heard anecdotally that some people have reached out to Ms. Bennett to express displeasure about her coming forward. My message to anyone doing that is you have misjudged what matters to me and my administration and you should stop now - period.' De Blasio also on Monday slammed Cuomo over his apology to his sexual harassment accusers, calling for an investigation into that and the nursing home scandal and suggesting the governor was not fit to serve in public office Cuomo is facing allegations of sexual harassment from two former aides; he also faces accusations of a cover up of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes across the state He then wanted to appoint his own investigators to look into the claims. New York State Attorney General has launched an investigation instead. Washington lawmakers have demanded an investigation into Cuomo's administration's handling of the nursing home scandal which sent 6,000 elderly COVID-19-infected patients back into homes. It was the result of a directive that the health department gave. Initially, the number of nursing home deaths in the state seemed much smaller than it actually was because Cuomo's administration was counting many of them among hospital deaths. If a person was living in a nursing home, contracted COVID but then died in hospital and not in the home, Cuomo's health department counted it as a hospital death and not a nursing home death. He has always defended it, saying the final number never changed. Many have accused him of a deliberate cover up. TAMPA, Fla., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation's healthcare system continues to suffer from nursing shortages, today Gale Healthcare Solutions announced the completed acquisition of two regional healthcare staffing companies and the launch of new divisions that expand its technology-based marketplace and growing network of healthcare professionals. Gale now employs more than 25,000 clinicians in 34 states, with more than 100,000 clinicians registered nationally for per diem, contract, permanent placement, and travel assignments in acute and post-acute healthcare facilities. As one of the fastest growing firms in the nation's $18 billion healthcare temporary services industry, Gale also launched an updated brand and website that better reflect its industry leadership and expanding operations. "Since launching, Gale Healthcare Solutions has focused on solving the national nursing shortage," said Tony Braswell, President and CEO. "Through our technology-based marketplace, pay innovations, and strategic expansion efforts, we're helping healthcare facilities secure the clinical support they so urgently need to deliver quality care." The need for nursing professionals has never been greater: Citing BLS data, the American Nursing Association estimates 1.1 million nurses are needed to meet U.S. demand. estimates 1.1 million nurses are needed to meet U.S. demand. A June 2020 study found that more than half of nursing homes have insufficient staffing levels, while an HHS study found the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this challenge. found that more than half of nursing homes have insufficient staffing levels, while an study found the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this challenge. CDC data shows more than 1.3 million people live in the nation's 15,600 nursing homes. Gale Healthcare's expansion includes: Travel and Acute Care Divisions. Based on success serving post-acute care facilities, Gale expanded its technology marketplace with an acute care division, offering service in Calif., Ill., Ky., N.Y., and Texas . Gale also launched a travel division to make its large clinical workforce available nationally. Based on success serving post-acute care facilities, Gale expanded its technology marketplace with an acute care division, offering service in Calif., Ill., Ky., N.Y., and . Gale also launched a travel division to make its large clinical workforce available nationally. Regional Acquisitions. To further increase services, Gale acquired Scrubbs Healthcare in Louisville, Ky. , and Zactly Healthcare in Colorado Springs and Denver . To better serve nurses and healthcare facility managers, Gale launched a new website that includes job search capabilities, blog posts on healthcare topics, and other features for healthcare professionals. About Gale Healthcare Solutions Based in Tampa, Gale Healthcare Solutions offers a technology-based marketplace to address the national nursing shortage. Since its launch in 2016, Gale has been a leader in bringing healthcare facilities on demand workforce solutions for recruiting, credentialing, scheduling, time and attendance, communications, and pay. The mobile and web-based Gale app connects nursing professionals directly to healthcare facilities in need of clinical staff, and provides caregivers with daily pay. Media Contact: Sandra Germann 813-327- 4909 [email protected] www.galehealthcaresolutions.com SOURCE Gale Healthcare Solutions ROYAL OAK, MI -- A 35-year-old Royal Oak man was shot by police Saturday night after a standoff that lasted several hours and involved the suspect firing at officers. According to the Associated Press, the suspect has been identified as Jason Raymond Sugg. Sugg was taken to a nearby hospital following the shooting, but eventually died from his injuries Sunday morning. Police say they were called to a house in Royal Oak around 2 p.m. Saturday for a domestic dispute involving Sugg and his father. When police arrived, Sugg was allegedly intoxicated, wearing body armor and was armed. Sugg refused to come out of the house and fired shots through the windows at police. He also made repeated threats to shoot police during the ordeal. A police drone sent into the house was disabled according to police. Sugg was eventually shot by officers around 8:30 p.m. when he appeared near the front of the house and leveled his rifle at police. READ MORE: Son of U.P. defense attorney charged with kidnapping, assaulting 15-year-old girl Michigan State Police nab driver doing 155 mph in 55 mph zone 14-year-old Michigan girl arrested in grandmothers slaying Assault suspect found hiding in hunters tree stand after police chase IN the space of one month, the families of 326 people were left in shock and heartbreak after losing their loved ones to the Covid-19 virus. May 2021 was the deadliest month of the pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago and the month with the highest number of Covid-19 cases. Snapshots from Kaley Cuoco's Instagram story she uploaded on Saturday afternoon. Kaley Cuoco/Instagram Actress Kaley Cuoco was nominated for a Golden Globe for the first time this year. She posted an emotional Instagram story the day before the award ceremony. Her husband Karl Cook, who was traveling for work, came home early to surprise her and celebrate. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Actress Kaley Cuoco has had an emotional run during the 2021 awards season so far. After bursting into tears upon learning she was nominated for her first-ever Golden Globe award, Cuoco once again found herself crying tears of happiness the day before the show. On Saturday afternoon, Cuoco's husband Karl Cook surprised her by coming back to their shared home earlier than planned. Cuoco shared the happy news with her followers on her Instagram stories. "Most of you know [Karl Cook] has been away for many weeks and has many weeks of travel so I knew he wouldn't be back to celebrate the globes with me," she wrote in the video's caption. "The event is virtual so I wasn't gonna force him to fly home for it, I knew he had a crazy schedule." But Cuoco said she opened her front door and was shocked to see Cook standing there. Kaley Cuoco and Karl Cook. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images) "He came back!" she said. In her Instagram story, which has since expired, Cuoco was still visibly emotional. She pointed out a smattering of wet spots on her sweater, and said those were her tears. Cook is an equestrian rider, so he's frequently traveling to competitions around the world. Cuoco and Cook live in Riverside, California, where they have a large number of animals. Cuoco even recently joked in an interview that they might have an "illegal" amount of dogs. On Sunday, Cook posted a photo of Cuoco all dressed up in her Golden Globes virtual-red-carpet look. "DAMN!!!" Cook wrote in the caption. "Why did you decide to marry me! [Kaley Cuoco] you're the most amazing woman ever! Congratulations, here we go golden globes!" Cuoco is nominated for best actress in a musical or comedy TV series for her leading role in HBO's "The Flight Attendant." The 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards air on NBC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills and the Rainbow Room in New York City. Read the original article on Insider Boris Johnson is secretly trying to set up a charity to help pay for a costly makeover of his official flat by his fiancee, it has been claimed. The scheme is based on one used by the White House to raise millions of dollars for interior design, antiques and art. The presidential charity is bankrolled by private donors and the proposed Downing Street version is expected to be funded largely by wealthy Tory benefactors. Boris Johnson is secretly trying to set up a charity to help pay for a costly makeover of his official flat by his fiancee, it has been claimed The restyled decor is said to have been inspired by celebrated eco interior designer Lulu Lytle (pictured) The founder and director of Soane Britain 'designs and makes British-made furniture, upholstery, lighting, fabrics and wallpaper' (sample designs pictured) It runs the risk of claims of conflict of interest if it is seen as a back-door way of providing a financial benefit to the Prime Minister. Mr Johnson has complained the cost of the refurbishment by Carrie Symonds was 'totally out of control', the Daily Mail has been told. He reportedly said during one meeting that the sum amounted to 'tens and tens of thousands'. On another occasion he said it was 'over a hundred grand'. He is said to have told one minister he was particularly alarmed by the cost of wallpaper chosen by Miss Symonds, saying she appeared to have ordered 'gold wall coverings'. Mr Johnson has asked multi-millionaire financier and Tory peer Lord Brownlow, who has close links with the Royal Family, to run the charity. It is believed that an application to register it with the Charity Commission is under way. The official purpose of the charity is to raise funds to preserve No 10 and No 11 Downing Street for the nation on heritage grounds. But insiders say the proposal stemmed from the soaring cost of a makeover of the No 11 flat, which is preferred by prime ministers with families because it is bigger than the No 10 flat. Floor plans show the second floor of the complex has a large number of bedrooms The Camerons' flat featured billowing light and black-and-white Vogue-style family photographs and the kitchen was dominated by Nigella-standard units and surfaces Bringing your work home: David Cameron working on one of his red boxes in the flat above Number 11, with Samantha Cameron in the kitchen Samantha Cameron, wife of then Prime Minister David Cameron, having breakfast in her 11, Downing Street apartment with Philip Kiley (left), eight, from Chorley in Lancashire, and Stevie Tyrie, eight, from Manchester, as part of her support for the charity Contact A Family which helps families with disabled children The restyled decor is said to have been inspired by celebrated eco interior designer Lulu Lytle. The founder and director of Soane Britain 'designs and makes British-made furniture, upholstery, lighting, fabrics and wallpaper' based on 'traditional crafts including blacksmiths'. Prince Charles visited her rattan workshop last year just before the pandemic. Miss Lytle's fabrics start at 100 a metre. Work on refurbishing the No 11 flat is believed to have been completed in recent months. It went on for more than a year and was disrupted by Covid. Mr Johnson first expressed concern at the rising cost early last year. He is said to have commented there was 'no way' he could pay for it after being informed by the Cabinet Office that the maximum taxpayer contribution was 'around 30,000'. Lytle's designs (pictured) combine a riot of bold colours and showstopping old-fashioned glamour Soane's clients include five-star hotels and restaurants, private members' clubs, boardrooms, yachts and private houses all over the world Top designer who inspired Carrie's chic makeover The woman said to have inspired Carrie's lavish makeover is Lulu Lytle one of the UK's most influential and successful interior designers. Her designs combine a riot of bold colours and showstopping old-fashioned glamour. Think oiled-oak shelving, rattan furniture, shimmering gold wallpaper and intricate textiles. A marble bathroom, perhaps, with wrought iron finishings. She is especially passionate about sustaining traditional British craftsmanship. She built up her Soane Britain interior design studio by scouring the country for the best artisan blacksmiths, cabinet makers, upholsterers and stone carvers creating furniture, lighting and fabrics using skills going back to the 18th century and beyond. In 2011, she put her money where her mouth is and bought the last rattan-weaving workshop left in England and started an apprenticeship programme. Prince Charles, himself passionate about sustaining traditional craftsmanship, visited the Leicester workshop a year ago, just before lockdown, to admire its creations. Soane's clients include five-star hotels and restaurants, private members' clubs, boardrooms, yachts and private houses all over the world. Mrs Lytle, 49, says her furniture, upholstery, lighting, fabrics and wallpapers all aim to 'contribute to the joyful atmosphere of any interior'. Born and raised in Worcestershire, the youngest of four sisters, Lucy Elizabeth Kottler, known as 'Lulu', developed a romantic passion for Egypt and took a degree in Egyptology. She met her husband Charles Patrick St John Lytle, known as Charlie, when he was training as a barrister. He is now a senior investment banker at Goldman Sachs. Mrs Lytle worked in antiques for four years, before starting Soane when she was 25, originally from the couple's one-bedroom flat in Notting Hill, west London. Her plan was clear and has never changed to create beautifully made contemporary furniture based on antiques. She said: 'The life of an object is endlessly fascinating, there's a depth to old things.' The Lytles moved to a flat in one of London's nicest squares, close to Hyde Park, in 1999. They then bought its neighbour and knocked through to create a 4million home, which is now a stunning exhibition of Mrs Lytle's interior design genius and often showcased in glossy magazines. It mixes old and new Soane pieces, along with textiles collected worldwide, paintings, maps and artefacts. Searing Chinese yellow walls make a study area dramatic, while hand-painted lapis lazuli rocks bring luxury to the master bedroom's Carrara marble ensuite bathroom. The couple share their home with their three children Tom, 20, Bunny, 18, and Xan, 15 as well as a greyhound named Panther and Hammy the hamster. By Sam Greenhill, chief reporter for the Daily Mail Advertisement That left a massive shortfall. Despite his salary of 150,000 a year as Prime Minister, Mr Johnson has taken a big pay cut because he earned 500,000 as a newspaper columnist and author before entering No 10. In addition he has had an expensive divorce from his ex-wife, Marina Wheeler. This newspaper understands that there were several meetings in No 10 where Mr Johnson discussed the possibility of asking Conservative donors to bridge the gap was discussed, either directly or via Tory Party HQ. After being warned that could be unethical, his advisers came up with an alternative scheme. They said the most practical and ethical way to secure extra financial help to pay for the refurbishment was by establishing a new charitable fund. Its purpose would be to maintain not just the No 11 flat, but also other parts of Downing Street, including the state rooms. That way, it way could be presented as having a wider heritage purpose that would benefit future prime ministers, not just Mr Johnson, he was advised. He is said to have agreed to the proposal. However, according to some sources, in reality the real purpose was to bail out Mr Johnson and pay for Miss Symonds' expensive tastes. It is believed that the new charity will be designed to allow money to be used to pay for the refurbishment. It is modelled on a similar scheme used to maintain the White House, where the US president's wife customarily plays a big role in interior design. Incoming presidents and their families are allowed to spend up to $100,000 (72,000) on restyling the Washington mansion. When David and Samantha Cameron occupied the No 11 flat, they paid the bulk of a 100,000 redesign by Mrs Cameron, including a new kitchen. Pictures of the flat during their residence provide the most recent look at the home. An ally of Mr Johnson last night defended the charity plan, saying: 'Downing Street is as iconic as Windsor Castle but is in danger of becoming tatty because the Civil Service does everything on the cheap. 'A new charity with privately raised money to preserve it in great shape for all time is great value for the taxpayer and a great idea.' Friends of Miss Symonds deny she has been extravagant. 'The makeover is appropriate for a building of such huge importance,' said one. 'Carrie has exquisite taste. It is classic, stunning, stylish and chic. She should be congratulated not criticised.' The Prime Minister's official country residence, Chequers in Buckinghamshire, is maintained by a trust with funds from Lord Lee, who gave the house to the nation a century ago. A No 10 spokesman said: 'The Downing Street complex is a working building, as well as containing two ministerial residences. 'As has been the case under successive administrations, refurbishments and maintenance are made periodically. 'Matters concerning works on the Downing Street estate, including the residences, are covered in the Cabinet Office annual report and accounts.' The spokesman declined to answer further questions from the Mail, including whether Mr Johnson had voiced worries about the cost of the refurbishment and whether he discussed asking Tory donors to help pay for it or asked Lord Brownlow to take charge of the proposed charity. The Charity Commission said it was not aware of any application to set up a Downing Street charity. Mrs Lytle, 49, says her furniture, upholstery, lighting, fabrics and wallpapers all aim to 'contribute to the joyful atmosphere of any interior' Born and raised in Worcestershire, the youngest of four sisters, Lucy Elizabeth Kottler, known as 'Lulu', developed a romantic passion for Egypt and took a degree in Egyptology Conservative Party HQ, the Cabinet Office, Lord Brownlow and Miss Lytle declined to comment. According to one insider the idea of creating a blind trust, an arrangement wherein a public figure's investments are handled by others whose identity is not disclosed to him or her to avoid a conflict of interest, was also discussed as a funding option. This is said to have been ruled out on the grounds that the identity of the Tory donors would almost certainly be known to the Prime Minister. Miss Symonds is involved in another charity controversy. She recently announced she was joining the staff of the Aspinall Foundation, whose financial governance is now being probed by the Charity Commission. Founded by the late John Aspinall, a friend of Lord Lucan, the foundation helps gorillas in the Congo and runs other conservation projects. The commission has launched a probe into concerns about 'financial management and wider governance'. She built up her Soane Britain interior design studio by scouring the country for the best artisan blacksmiths, cabinet makers, upholsterers and stone carvers The non-profit foundation allows its founder's son, gambling tycoon Damian Aspinall, to live in a 30-room manor for a fraction of normal market rates. He is charged just 2,500 a month for Howletts mansion, a Grade II-listed Palladian pile it owns in rural Kent. The charity is also shelling out large sums of money to Mr Aspinall's wife Victoria. Miss Symonds has suggested the Charity Commission's inquiry is all perfectly normal. She said: 'The commission made a number of ongoing routine inquiries at the end of last year as part of its regular checks.' However, commission sources told the Daily Mail: 'A routine check of their accounts in November raised a number of red flags, and these concerns are now being looked at.' The creeping cost of Downing Street redecorations led by Tony Blair and David Cameron By Sam Greenhill, chief reporter for the Daily Mail Expectations have clearly risen since Margaret Thatcher slapped down a proposed refurbishment of the No 11 flat in 1979, saying the public would not be impressed. She dashed the hopes of her chancellor Geoffrey Howe, who had complained the 1960s-style kitchen was 'positively antediluvian, with iron gas rings, antique sinks and sombre decor', records show. So the flat remained a product of the 1960s until Tony and Cherie Blair took up residence in 1997. Cosy: Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron in the No 11 flat in 2011 after recent refurbishments 'I won't sleep in Ken Clarke's bed,' Mr Blair declared of the Conservative chancellor, the most recent tenant, when he became PM and opted for the four-bedroom No 11 flat instead of the smaller one at No 10. In the Blair years, the flat above No 11, frequently littered with toys belonging to baby Leo, born in May 2000, had 127,000 spent on refurbishments between 1999 and 2005, according to official records. In came 70-a-roll wallpapers, new artwork and a set of custom-made glass-fronted bookcases for Mrs Blair's office. When Gordon Brown moved in with his wife and two sons, in 2007, he appears to have been perfectly content with it there are no records that he spent a penny on upgrades. But in 2010, David and Samantha Cameron went to town on the place, which clearly fell well short of their Notting Hill standards. Out went a mirrored exercise room where lifestyle guru Carole Caplin had put the Blairs through their paces. Old carpets were ripped out too, and expensive black granite worktops installed in a new kitchen. As part of a 64,000 makeover, extensive work was carried out in a bathroom, with everything apart from a towel rail stripped out and a new floor and ceiling installed. Some of the costs were met from the flat's annual 30,000 maintenance grant, and the rest by the Camerons. The couple went for an ultra-modern, minimalist design of brushed steel and floating shelves in the second kitchen, leaving the original 1960s-style kitchen in its original state. A 3,400 Britannia range cooker complete with dirty oven gloves was the centrepiece. Theresa May is not reported to have changed anything during her time in Downing Street. ... And the White House fund Boris envies If the new Downing Street charity follows the lead set by America, then Carrie Symonds could play a major role. Incoming presidents and their families are allowed to spend $100,000 (72,000) on redecorating the White House. By tradition, the First Lady takes an active part in the White House Endowment Trust which maintains the fabric of the building. Funded by private donors, it has reported assets of around $50million (36million). Rosalynn Carter, wife of Jimmy Carter, is credited with a major shake-up of the White House Endowment Trust in 1978, including raising large sums of cash. George Bush's spouse Barbara handed oversight of the trust to the White House Historical Association. And Hillary Clinton, wife of Bill, increased the trust's wealth to more than $35million (25million). A White House Furnishings Committee established by John F Kennedy's wife Jacqueline was replaced in 1964 by the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, which includes top interior designers who advise on makeovers of the Oval Office study. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis believes that the Lublin Triangle initiative, which unites Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland, brings Ukraines European integration closer. He said this during an interview with Radio Liberty, Ukrinform reports. I think this format is very useful. I am sure that this format can be expanded and can cover more than just politics. We could also discuss common history, geopolitics, economics, and more. Such communication allows structuring our cooperation to some extent... This is certainly very useful and brings Ukraine's European integration closer, he said. He also believes that the Crimean Platform initiative is "crucial not only to find concrete solutions but also to remind of the problem [the occupation of Crimea]." As a reminder, the Lublin Triangle is a trilateral format of interaction among Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland, created by the foreign ministers of these countries in July 2020. The first meeting of the Lublin Triangle was held by the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland on January 29 online. The format participants agreed to coordinate actions to protect international law in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine, both in trilateral coordination and in international organizations, including NATO, UN, EU, Council of Europe and OSCE. The Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to improve the efficiency of the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, step up international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupying power and to achieve the de-occupation of Crimea and its return to Ukraine. The Crimean Platform is to be launched officially at an inaugural summit in Kyiv on August 23, 2021. ish She recently revealed she is expecting her third child with fiance Dane Goodson. And Casey Batchelor looked every inch the doting mother as she posted an adorable snap with her two daughters. The glamour model, 36, beamed for the camera with daughters Florence, two, and Sadie, 13 months, in the snap she shared on Instagram on Monday. Like mother like daughter: Casey Batchelor looked stunning as she posted an adorable snap with her two daughters Florence, two, and Sadie, 13 months, on Instagram on Monday Casey, who is due in June, looked stunning as she cuddled her girls while wearing a brown roll neck top. She swept her raven locks to one side and added a lick of makeup to highlight her natural beauty. Her bump was just visible as she sat her youngest daughter on one knee and looked cheerful in the snap. Radiant: Casey, who is due in June, looked every inch the doting mother in the snap and joked she'll want to dress in matching outfits to her girls 'Not long till number three is here': The proud mother gushed over her daughters in the snap she shared on Instagram The former Celebrity Big Brother star held her arms round her girls, who sported matching brown tops with ruffled collars and red and pink leggings. Casey joked that she will start buying four outfits when her new arrival gets here because she wants to match her girls. She wrote: 'My Girls. Not long till number three is here. Will be buying three matching outfits, ok maybe 4 as Ill want to match too #YesImOneOfThoseMums'. Doting mother: Casey admitted she 'lived my life to the full' in her twenties before she became a mother to her two girls Last week, the star admitted she's glad she 'lived my life to the full' before she became a mother. The yoga instructor said: 'I spent my twenties partying, going out to all hours of the morning. Now I have completely switched my days around. I lived my life to the full with the partying, private jets and yachts. 'I message one of my mum friends, laughing at how much our lives have changed. I am so happy that I really enjoyed my life prior to the kids, had such a great time because now I know I am ready to move to the next stage in my life.' She added that she's open to expanding her family further and is planning to walk down the aisle by the time she's 40 amid her two-year engagement to the office supply owner, also 36. Casey told The Sun: 'If we do have the fourth I would have spent the whole of my thirties being pregnant. It will be quite nice to have some normality back in my forties. I cant wait to get married. I want all the children at the wedding. 'Whether we go for a fourth one will determine when the wedding happens. I said I want to be married by the time I am 40. When you are in that baby mode, you are used to disrupted sleep, used to early mornings.' The attack took place in Belfast city centre A man who knocked his victim out in a one-punch attack in Belfast city centre has been jailed for five months. Andrew Elliott, 21, targeted the other man outside a fast-food restaurant on November 8 last year. The 21-year-old, of University Street in the city, pleaded guilty to what his lawyer described as a random assault. Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the victim was challenged as he tried to walk past a branch of McDonald's. Elliott stopped him, said something and pushed him towards the front of the restaurant. "The defendant then struck the injured party, who walked away holding his head and later slumped to the ground outside McDonald's," a prosecutor said. "He seems to have blocked his way and then punched him to the face, rendering the victim unconscious." Defence counsel Richard McConkey stressed that Elliott made admissions and apologised. "It was a one-strike, and obvious remorse," the barrister said. Mr McConkey also told the court his client has had a difficult upbringing. "His mental health has suffered quite badly during the period of lockdown because he had been somewhat isolated," he added. Imposing a five-month sentence for the assault, District Judge Amanda Henderson said: "It clearly crosses the custody threshold." 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. Mark43 will implement IPOS for its first international customer, the 18,000-user New South Wales Police Force NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mark43, the leading cloud-based public safety software company, today announced that it has signed on to be the designated technology partner for the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), becoming the first American single-platform Records Management System (RMS) and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) provider to sign a contract of this size in the international market. Mark43 will provide and implement the call-taking, dispatch, records, investigations, and forensics components of the new Integrated Policing Operations System (IPOS) for NSWPF. After the rigorous process of choosing a vendor, NSWPF has selected Mark43 to institute transformational change across the force and bring a modularized solution that will create process efficiency for users, reduce data entry time, decrease incident response times, and improve officer safety through real-time field monitoring and in-time information. Working with over 100 public safety agencies across North America, Mark43 builds the world's most powerful public safety CAD, RMS, analytics, and property and evidence platform the cloud-based suite is constantly updated to guarantee that applications are always improving. With a dedicated customer support team for NSWPF, Mark43 provides unwavering support to address customer needs and questions as they arise. As one of the largest police forces in the world, NSWPF's approximately 18,000 sworn officers will leverage Mark43's technology to make operations more efficient across the state of New South Wales. NSWPF is Australia's oldest and largest police organization providing community-based policing to a population of nearly 8 million people in the state of New South Wales. With more than 400 stations, NSWPF also serves a wide range of ethnic communities that speak over 30 languages. "Ensuring the safety of the community of New South Wales is our top priority," said Deputy Commissioner Corporate Services, Mal Lanyon. "In partnership with Mark43, NSW Police Force is equipping our frontline police with the best digital technology and capabilities available in the world to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime and serve the needs of our community," said Deputy Commissioner Lanyon. "Signing with New South Wales Police Force solidifies Mark43's presence in the international public safety market," said Scott Crouch, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mark43. "With this historic partnership, Mark43 is bringing our tried and true approach to one of the largest police forces in the English speaking world, and we look forward to working side by side with the New South Wales Police team to modernize public safety technology in Australia." About Mark43 Mark43 builds the world's most powerful public safety CAD, RMS, Analytics, and Property and Evidence platform, while maintaining industry-leading customer support. Public safety has changed in the last 30 years. Technology vendors haven't. Mark43 provides a proven enterprise implementation experience and product for over 100 public safety agencies of all sizes, with a special competency in servicing major agencies. The cloud-based products utilize the latest technologies and are constantly updated, guaranteeing that the platform will continue to outpace the rest of the market. For more information, visit www.mark43.com. Press Contact: Solange Pittet [email protected] SOURCE Mark43 Related Links http://www.mark43.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. - Commercial launch anticipated in Summer 2021 - MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Nuvo Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX: MRV) (OTCQX: MRVFF) d/b/a Miravo Healthcare (Miravo or the Company), a Canadian focused healthcare company with global reach and a diversified portfolio of commercial products, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nuvo Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) DAC trading as Miravo Healthcare (Miravo Ireland), has entered into an exclusive license and supply agreement (the License Agreement) with The Mentholatum Company for the exclusive right to commercialize the Resultz formula and technology in the United States under the Mentholatum brand. The Mentholatum Company, a global, U.S.-based company is focused on the commercialization of innovative consumer healthcare brands, such as the Mentholatum brand with more than 130 years in the U.S. market and a strong equity and trust among American families. Resultz is cleared for marketing as a Class 1 medical device by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. commercial launch is anticipated to commence during the summer of 2021. The non-prescription head lice treatment market in the U.S. was valued at over US$125 million in the past 12 months based on Company estimates. "The combination of The Mentholatum Company's experience in launching new and innovative consumer health products, plus the strong equity of the Mentholatum brand makes them an ideal partner for Resultz in the U.S.," said Jesse Ledger, Miravo's President & CEO. "The upcoming commercial launch of Resultz leveraging the Mentholatum brand in the U.S. marks another important milestone in the expansion of Miravo's international Licensing and Royalty Business segment." License Agreement Details The License Agreement grants The Mentholatum Company the exclusive rights to import, market, sell and distribute Resultz.in the U.S. The Mentholatum Company will manage all U.S. specific commercial activities. Miravo Ireland will receive revenue pursuant to the supply of finished product to The Mentholatum Company. The COVID-19 pandemic has created some uncertainty regarding the traditional seasonal demand for head lice treatments. Due to physical distancing regulations currently being enforced, many children in the U.S. are not physically attending school or daycare and are not able to participate in group activities, the traditional environments where head lice outbreaks occur. The License Agreement has been structured with an 18-month term, which will allow both parties to reassess market dynamics related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine if a longer-term agreement is warranted in a post-pandemic commercial environment. Resultz is currently manufactured by the Company's contract manufacturing partner in Europe. About Resultz Resultz is a pesticide-free pediculicide rinse that addresses the challenge of increasing pesticide resistance in lice and concerns about patient safety through exposure to pesticides. In as little as a 5-minute application (the shortest treatment time for head lice products in the U.S.), Resultz acts to disrupt the wax covering of the head louse resulting in their dehydration and death. Resultz lice and egg removal kit facilitates removal of lice, nymphs and nits with efficacy of up to 100% when used as directed. If necessary, a second application approximately 7-10 days later will eliminate any remaining lice. The Resultz lice and egg removal kit and its unique physical mechanism of action allows Resultz to work even with pesticide resistant super lice. Resultz is indicated for treating both children and adults. It has an excellent safety profile and contains active ingredients commonly found in many cosmetic products. Resultz was first launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2005 and more than ten million patients have been treated globally to-date. Current global licensees include Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Heumann Pharma GmbH & Co. and Fagron Belgium NV. Resultz is also pending registration in Japan, where the local license is held by Sato Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Resultz is protected by a portfolio of 35 issued patents globally. About The Mentholatum Brand Since 1889, mothers have soothed their children when they were sick with Mentholatum chest rubs applied with the power of a loving touch. In the U.S., Mentholatum is a topical relief expert addressing common cough and cold symptoms with natural menthol remedies, while being a highly trusted family brand passed from generation to generation. The trust mom has that Mentholatum will help them take care of themselves and their families as a home staple brand has allowed Mentholatum to expand its equity into different segments globally (including skin care, lip care, pain relief, personal products, and cough and cold treatments). In the U.S. in 2020, Resultz, branded as Mentholatum Lice, showed a very strong purchase interest among moms in quantitative research conducted by The Mentholatum Company. About Miravo Healthcare Miravo is a Canadian focused, healthcare company with global reach and a diversified portfolio of commercial products. The Company's products target several therapeutic areas, including pain, allergy, neurology and dermatology. The Company's strategy is to in-license and acquire growth-oriented, complementary products for Canadian and international markets. Miravo's head office is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the international operations are located in Dublin, Ireland and the Company's manufacturing facility is located in Varennes, Quebec, Canada. The Varennes facility operates in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment respecting the U.S, Canada and E.U. GMP regulations and is regularly inspected by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For additional information, please visit www.miravohealthcare.com. About The Mentholatum Company Mentholatum was founded in 1889 in Wichita, Kansas and grew into a global health and wellness company with a reputation for quality and value. In 1988, Rohto Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. acquired The Mentholatum Company. Rohto Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. was founded in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, and today it is the second largest consumer health company in Japan, commercializing with The Mentholatum Company in more than 110 countries. Establishing its position as a global health and wellness company, Rohto provides non-prescription pharmaceutical, healthcare, and cosmetic products worldwide. Driven by scientific research, technology, and keeping a pulse on consumers' aspirations, The Mentholatum Company is dedicated to providing effective solutions for consumers' personal needs through developing high quality, innovative new products. The Mentholatum Company in the U.S. commercializes a number of recognized, national brands, including Oxy Acne Medications, Mentholatum, Softlips Lip Care, Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Care, Red Cross Oral Care, Rohto Cooling Eye Drops and Phisoderm among other brands. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" as defined under Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). The words "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "goals", "seek", "strategy", "future", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "projected", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would", "should", "might", "likely", "occur", "be achieved" or "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances, including the anticipated launch of Resultz in the United States, the potential impacts of COVID-19 and related public health policies on sales of Resultz and the possibility that the Company and The Mentholatum Company may enter into an amended or new long-term supply agreement. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances surrounding future expectations which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company as of the date of this press release, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and may prove to be incorrect. Material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements, and material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, include but are not limited to, delays in launching Resultz in the United States, interruptions in supply chains and other delays in the supply of finished products and samples to The Mentholatum Company, prolonged or unexpected adverse impacts of COVID-19 and related public health policies on the market for head lice treatment in the United States and sales of Resultz in the United States, the inability or unwillingness of the Company or The Mentholatum Company to agree on an amended or new longer-term agreement, and other adverse impacts (including the prolonged or unexpected impact of COVID-19) on the Company's, the Company's contract manufacturing partner's and The Mentholatum Company's operations, business and financial results and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Additional factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the risk factors included in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form dated February 24, 2020 under the heading "Risks Factors", and as described from time to time in the reports and disclosure documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory agencies and commissions. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. All forward-looking statements are based only on information currently available to the Company and are made as of the date of this press release. Except as expressly required by applicable Canadian securities law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. SOURCE Nuvo Pharmaceuticals Inc. Related Links nuvopharmaceuticals.com There has been one further death due to Covid-19 and 687 new cases of the virus confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) this evening. This takes the total number of deaths in Ireland from the virus to 4,319, while the current case count has risen to 220,273. The death reported today occurred in January. 285,780 have received their first Covid-19 vaccine as of last Friday according to the latest HSE data, with 140,290 people now fully vaccinated. The positivity rate continues to fall with it measuring at 4.3pc for the last seven days. Read More There have been 240 new cases confirmed in Dublin, 49 in Limerick, 44 in Offaly, 40 in Galway, 36 in Louth and the remaining 278 cases are spread across 19 other counties. County Longford reported no new cases today. Yesterday was the first day that there were no new admissions to ICU due to Covid-19 for the first time since St Stephen's Day. As of 8am today, 540 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 120 are in ICU. There were 14 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. Of the cases notified today; 352 are men and 334 are female; 71pc are under 45 years of age and the median age is 30 years old. The national 14-day incidence rate has fallen to 209 cases per 100,000, Dr Ronan Glynn confirmed. Dr Glynn also said yesterday was the first day that there were no new admissions to ICU due to Covid-19 for the first time since St Stephen's Day. There were 691 deaths due to Covid-19 in February, compared to 1,309 deaths in January, almost a 50pc reduction. Case numbers are declining but "slowly" Professor Philip Nolan said, adding that the number of admissions to hospitalisations also appear to be declining. There were over 100 admissions per day for several days in mid-January, this has fallen to 14 admissions today, Prof Nolan said. "This is a sign that we are coming to the end of this period of the pandemic," Prof Nolan said. As children from junior infants to second class returned to school, Prof Nolan said incidence among children under 12 remains below the national average. Professor Pete Lunn, Head of the Behavioural Research Unit, ESRI said that while people are finding it tough going, the large majority (79pc) believe that preventing the spread of Covid-19 is more important than the burden of restrictions. Just 10pc disagreed with this. Professor Lunn said that while people are feeling "frustrated, bored and tired" of restrictions, it does not mean that they are willing to give up on them. Data compiled by the ESRI shows that less than half the population (48pc) met anyone outside their household in the last 48 hours. Prof Lunn said that the most socially active people - those meeting three to six people over 48 hours - still think they are meeting fewer people than on average. There is a systematic misperception that most people believe that others are enjoying more of a social life than they are. Those who are in fact most socially active do not realise this. The finding is important, and we need to try to correct this misperception. When people appreciate effort being made by others, they typically become more likely to follow," Prof Lunn said. Speaking about large crowds gathering at protests at the weekend, Dr Glynn said that "it can't be condoned, it should not have happened and should not happen again. The silent majority in this country are fed up and annoyed. They do not want this pandemic to be going on a day longer than it has to, but they're sticking with it. "We don't see what they're doing as they are doing it quietly in their own homes and I think that's the message need to remember when they see the actions of a very small minority". "I think there were people in that crowd that are genuinely frustrated, they come from a broad church and have a variety of issues.. but I'd ask them to reflect on what the population and the country has done in the last year. Be proud of what the country has done rather than focusing on the negatives or a small minority," Dr Glynn said. Nphet's lower estimation of cases for the end of February was 200-400 daily cases and while Dr Glynn acknowledged that they would prefer if numbers were much lower, "the key point is that we are still making progress". Despite having far more prevalence of the UK variant compared to other EU countries, Dr Glynn said Ireland has made "significant progress" compared to those other countries. Prof Nolan said that child-to-child and child-to-adult transmission is "quite rare" and that it is just as likely that this would occur at home as in school. Dr Glynn said he thinks that there will be some element of public health measures still in place by the end of the year but said he hopes that they are within an environment which is "far closer to what we understood as normal in 2019". "What that exactly looks like, no one can say right now," Dr Glynn said. He said encouragement should be taken from the fact Ireland has one of the most receptive populations to receiving a vaccine in Ireland. Professor Philip Nolan said that while the risk of dying from Covid-19 for those under 55 is "almost negligibly low" he said the risk of becoming severely ill and having a long recovery from the virus is "quite high". This is why we must be "very careful" with balancing reopening society versus rolling out the vaccination programme. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly met with his European counterparts today to discuss the threat posed by emerging variants of Covid-19 and the streamlining of authorisation processes for vaccines. Minister Donnelly said, We need to act now to combat the threat posed by emerging and future variants of Covid-19. It is vital to protect and maintain the effectiveness of existing and newly developed vaccines. Minister Donnelly also reiterated Irelands support for the EUs contribution to COVAX and underlined the EUs leadership role regarding equitable global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines: This is the ethical thing to do and is in everyones interest, as no one will be safe until everyone is safe. More to follow.. Navalny to serve Ives Rocher embezzlement sentence in Vladimir Region RAPSI, Nikita Shiryayev 10:50 01/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 1 (RAPSI) Convicted Alexey Navalny has been transported to a penal colony in Russias Vladimir Region, RAPSI has learnt from the secretary of Moscows public monitoring committee Alexey Melnikov. In early February, a Moscow court ordered Navalny to be jailed for 3.5 years in the Ives Rocher embezzlement case. Later, the ruling was upheld. The blogger is to serve about 2.5 years behind bars. In December 2014, Navalny received a 3.5-year suspended sentence, a 500,000-ruble fine ($6,500 at the current exchange rate) for embezzlement and 5-year probation after the sentence is served. In August 2017, probation was extended for a year. In August 2020, a plane departed from Tomsk to Moscow with Navalny onboard urgently landed in Omsk after the blogger became heartily sick. He was taken to a hospital in coma. Later, he was transported to Berlin. Russian medics said no poison was found in his body. In late December, FSIN officials warned Navalny of the possible replacement of his suspended sentence with a real prison term because of breaching obligations imposed by court and evasion of the penitentiary control. According to the penitentiary authorities, Navalny left a German hospital yet in September. However, he has failed to appear in a correctional inspection as necessary since then. On January 17, the blogger was arrested at the Sheremetyevo Airport on his return from Germany based on the search warrant issued in late December. Upon a court order, he was placed in detention until February 15. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., speaks during a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on the nomination of Rep. Debra Haaland, D-N.M., to be Secretary of the Interior on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. (Leigh Vogel/Pool via AP) Two U.S. senators from states with declining manufacturing sectors are pushing to invest $8 billion through tax credits to create clean energy jobs. U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan unveiled legislation Monday that aims to help rural communities that have lost jobs in the coal and and fossil fuel industries. The proposal is meant to incentivize companies producing batteries, electric and fuel cell vehicles, semiconductor chips and other renewable energy technologies. The two Democrats said it would aim to uplift Appalachia, where the decline of coal has devastated local economies, and other parts of the country where manufacturing has declined. Half of the $8 billion would go to communities where coal mines have closed or coal power plants have shuttered. The other half would target the auto industry, Manchin said. "This is basically what we need for people to make the investments so that people can have good jobs in the area where they want to live," Manchin said. The bill is similar to a 2009 tax credit Stabenow authored to help the manufacturing sector recover from the Great Recession. She said the new proposal would help produce parts and technologies necessary for a clean energy supply chain. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., speaks with reporters as the Senate proceeds in a rare weekend session for final arguments in the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, at the Capitol in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) "We don't have to be counting on it coming from overseas. We don't have to have China doing the majority of the solar panels, or the majority of the batteries," she said in a Zoom news conference with Manchin. "We can do that here. And these are great paying jobs, they are union jobs." Explore further Life after coal: The decline and rise of West Virginia coal country 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Claudia Marroquin 06 A 2006 graduate of Bowdoin and a first-generation college student, Marroquin currently serves as director of admissions at the College. In her new role she will oversee Bowdoins highly selective admissions program and a financial aid program that this year is distributing more than $43.6 million in need-based aid to more than half of the student body. She will succeed Whitney Soule, who was recently named vice provost and dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. Marroquins appointment was announced by Bowdoin President Clayton S. Rose. Claudia brings to this critical leadership role deep experience and great skill in the work, remarkable creativity, and an unwavering commitment to bring to Bowdoin the most amazing students. said Rose. And she knows the College. She knows just how special a Bowdoin education is, and how it changes lives. She has lived it. Bowdoin could not be more fortunate to have Claudia leading admissions and student aid, and helping to guide the College for many years into the future. As senior vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid, Marroquin will join Bowdoins senior leadership team, reporting directly to the president of the College, and will lead one of the nations most successful undergraduate admissions and financial aid programs. Last year, Bowdoin received 9,325 applications for approximately 500 spots in the first-year class. These applicants came from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and four US territories, sixty-three foreign countries, and 4,845 high schools. Bowdoin is also one of only nineteen colleges or universities in the country that provide need-based financial aid, meet full demonstrated need for all four years, and do not require loans in student aid packages. This year, half of Bowdoin students are receiving need-based aid from the College, with an average grantmoney that does not have to be repaidof nearly $48,000. In her work at Bowdoin, Marroquin has overseen the expansion of multicultural recruitment efforts, increased the Colleges partnerships with community-based organizations across the US, and served on various working groups at Bowdoin to help support students. As a strong advocate for access, affordability, equity, and inclusion in admissions and across the College, she collaborated on efforts to ensure all students can thrive. She has worked directly with high school students through the College Horizons summer programs and through Bowdoins long partnership with QuestBridge. I am incredibly humbled to continue working for Bowdoin in this new capacity and for the trust the College has placed in me, said Marroquin. As a high school senior, I could not have anticipated how much Bowdoin would come to mean in my life. The education I have received as both a student and professional have been impactful beyond words and have led to this point. I am thrilled to continue helping to shape the Bowdoin of tomorrow and to be working with my talented and committed colleagues in admissions and student aid and our partners across campus. Marroquin is originally from the Koreatown neighborhood in central Los Angeles, California, where she lived after immigrating to the United States from Guatemala with her mother and two sisters. She discovered Bowdoin through her association with the One Voice College Scholars Program, an organization that prepares and supports low-income students from Los Angeles who are seeking a college education. An art history major with a minor concentration in government and legal studies, Marroquin joined the Bowdoin admissions staff in 2010 as assistant dean following four years with EF Educational Tours in Boston. In 2012, she was named associate dean of admissions and director of multicultural recruitment, responsibilities she retained when she was named director of admissions in 2016. She completed the Harvard Institutes Management Development Program and is currently working toward a masters degree in higher education at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Marroquin is a member of Northeast Counselors of Color Bridging Access to College, where she has served as chair of the finance committee; Coalition for College; the National Association of College Admissions Counseling; the International Association of College Admissions Counseling; and the Council of International Schools. She is a past member of the Institute for Civic Leadership and a past board member at Hardy Girls, Healthy Women, both in Portland, Maine. 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. Russia hopes Armenia will observe the agreement on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, regardless of the events unfolding in Yerevan. This is what Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian State Duma Valentina Matviyenko told RIA Novosti. We really hope that the leaders of Armenia take responsibility, regardless of the development of events. Any movement or step that contradicts this agreement may lead to a big tragedy, she said. The parliamentary speaker reminded that the signing of the agreement helped stabilize the South Caucasus. The processes continue, but the important thing is that the agreement was reached, and now we need to aspire to make sure it continues to be implemented, Matviyenko emphasized. Touching upon the current situation in Armenia, Matviyenko stated that Armenia hasnt addressed Russia for assistance. Whatever is happening in Armenia is Armenias domestic affairs. The Armenian leadership and my counterpart (Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia) havent asked Russia for assistance in any regard, she said and emphasized that Russia never becomes entangled in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. Of course, we are following all this with concern, and we are interested in a speedy stabilization of the situation in Armenia. This is important for Armenia and the Armenian people, as well as for stability in the region, she added. UNITED NATIONS (AP) The new U.S ambassador to the United Nations urged the international community on Monday to ramp up pressure on Myanmars military to restore democracy at a wide-ranging press conference where she also said she hopes to work with Russia and China on some key issues. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who arrived at the U.N. last Thursday, strongly reiterated President Joe Bidens determination to re-engage with the world and make the United States again a nation that leads. Speaking on the first day of the U.S. presidency of the Security Council in March, she touched on a number of other global hotspots, saying the Biden administration was disappointed that Iran started restricting international inspections of its nuclear facilities last week. We think its an opportunity that they have really lost and we hope that they will reconsider that, she said. Thomas-Greenfield said Biden has made clear that Iran will never attain a nuclear weapon, and has also made clear that if Iran resumes full compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement that former President Donald Trump pulled out of, the U.S. is prepared to do the same. Tehran has rejected a European Union invitation to join a meeting with the U.S. and the other original participants in the agreement As for North Korea, which faced increasingly tougher Security Council sanctions before Trumps failed efforts to get the countrys leader, Kim Jong Un, to commit to specifics on ridding the country of nuclear weapons, Thomas-Greenfield said the North remains a global threat to international peace and security. The United States has a vital interest to try to deter North Korea toward that goal, to defend against its provocations or use of force, and above all to keep the American people and our allies safe, she said. The Biden administration is reviewing U.S. policy toward North Korea and will continue to press for denuclearizing the country, she said. In the Middle East, Thomas-Greenfield called the humanitarian situation in conflict-torn Yemen gut-wrenching and said the U.S. signature event during its council presidency will be on conflict-induced starvation and hunger in Yemen and Ethiopia on March 11. Story continues On the Feb. 1 coup in Myanmar, and the current military crackdown on protesters, Thomas-Greenfield reiterated U.S. support to the people of Myanmar, saying We stand strongly with them. We do have to ramp up the pressure, she said, not only in New York but internationally to press the military to reverse the coup and restore the democratically elected government. The Security Council adopted a press statement on Feb. 4 strongly backing a return to democracy in Myanmar and calling for the immediate release of detainees including Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party overwhelmingly won the countrys November election. Thomas-Greenfield said the council plans to hold discussions on Myanmar this month, sooner rather than later, and she hopes to push for more intense discussions." It is clear the world is watching the situation in Burma, she said, using the countrys former name, and its clear that we cant sit still and watch people continue to be brutalized and their human rights to be destroyed. Last week, Russias deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky said the red carpet will be rolled out for Thomas-Greenfield and Moscow is ready to work with Bidens administration -- but it takes two to tango. Thomas-Greenfield said Monday she met Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia last Friday and looks forward to working with him. We have our differences, she said. But we also have areas where we hope to cooperate with the Russians, particularly as we work together on the Security Council to bring peace, prosperity and security to the world. Its incumbent that we find ways to find common ground. At the U.S. Senate hearing on her nomination, Thomas-Greenfield described China as a strategic adversary that threatens the world, and called a speech she gave in 2019 that praised Chinas initiatives in Africa but made no mention of its human rights abuses a mistake. That speech drew sharp criticism from some Republicans who voted against her saying they feared she would be soft on China. Asked Monday about the U.S.-China relationship, she said she had also met Beijings Ambassador Zhang Jun and called it very complex. There will be areas where we will significantly disagree, in particular as it relates to human rights, Thomas-Greenfield said, but there are some areas where ... we hope to work with the Chinese in a cooperative way" including on climate change. But as we look at our relationship moving forward ... we will never give up on diplomacy in trying to achieve what are our ultimate goals and that is to put values and transparency into how the United Nations works, and we hope to be able to work with the Chinese on improving that, she said. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Kampala (Uganda), 1 March 2021 (SPS) - An inter-parliamentary group of friendship between the Republic of Uganda and Saharawi Republic was created in an act at the Saharawi embassy in Kampala. Uganda National Assembly underlined that announcing the establishment of such group on the occasion of SADR anniversary translates Ugandas strong solidarity with the struggle of the Saharawi people against Moroccos illegal occupation of parts of the Saharawi Republic. Speaking on the occasion, Charge d'affaires of the Saharawi embassy Mr. Mohamed Ali Mohamed briefed the audience on the resumption of war in Western Sahara, as a result of Moroccos violation of the ceasefire concluded under the auspices of the United Nations and African Union. He also highlighted the grave situation of human rights in the occupied Saharawi territories, southern Morocco and inside university sites. The ceremony also attended by members of Uganda Movement of Solidarity with Western Sahara. (SPS) 089/090/T Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the coronavirus vaccine when his turn came in. Pradhan wrote on Twitter, "Getting inoculated after our health workers and frontline warriors and only when his turn came proves why he is the #PradhanSevak of the country". According to Pradhan, PM Modi taking COVID-19 jab will instill confidence among those who are eligible to take the vaccine. PM Shri @narendramodi always leads by example. Getting inoculated after our health workers & frontline warriors and only when his turn came proves why he is the #PradhanSevak of the country. This will instil confidence in all those who are eligible to take the #Covid19 vaccine. pic.twitter.com/DKyo0rNKve Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 1, 2021 Further, Pradhan said that PM Modi's "proactive leadership ad deft handling of COVID-19 united India like never before". While appreciating the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign, Pradhan said it galvanised the entire country to convert "challenges into opportunities". From #JanataCurfew to lockdown to now the #LargestVaccineDrive, PM Shri @narendramodis proactive leadership & deft handling of the #Covid-19 situation united India like never before. His call for an #AatmanirbharBharat galvanised us to convert challenges into opportunities. Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 1, 2021 "Thank PM @narendramodi ji for making a huge impact on the way the world looks at India, especially in these times," Pradhan added. Today, India has emerged as the pharmacy to the world. I salute our doctors and scientists for their grit and determination in ensuring a #Covid19-free world. Thank PM @narendramodi ji for making a huge impact on the way the world looks at India, especially in these times. Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 1, 2021 On Monday, the prime minister took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi. The PM was administered Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN by Sister P Niveda from Puducherry. The prime minister posted a picture of himself taking the first dose of the vaccine, in which he is seen sporting an Assamese 'gamocha' and getting inoculated with a smile on his face. He also wrote a tweet where he said, "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in a quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19". The PM also urged people, who are eligible to take COVID-19 vaccine, to take the jab in order to make India coronavirus-free. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he said. Last week, the Centre had announced that everyone above 60 years of age and those over 45 years with comorbidities, will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine for free at government facilities and for Rs 250 at private hospitals from March 1. Citizens will be able to register and book an appointment for vaccination, anytime and anywhere, using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal or through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu. So far, a total of 1,43,01,266 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the country. These include 66,69,985 healthcare workers (first dose), 24,56,191 healthcare workers (second dose) and 51,75,090 frontline workers (first dose). India started its coronavirus vaccination drive on January 16. Also read: 'Let us make India Covid free': PM Modi gets first dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin TOKYO - In the month since China put into force its coast guard law -- legislation stipulating conditions for the use of weapons by its coast guard -- Chinese patrol vessels increasingly intruded into Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. A total of 14 Chinese marine patrol vessels entered Japan's waters from Feb. 1 to the evening of Feb. 28, according to the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters based in Naha. That compares with six in January, and zero to 12 a month last year. On almost every occasion in February, the Chinese vessels tracked Japanese fishing boats operating in the area. Some of the Chinese vessels were equipped with what appeared to be cannons. The Chinese patrol vessels "have been approaching Japanese fishing boats more frequently than ever," a Japan Coast Guard official said. There is no sign that China will stop its provocative activities in the waters around the Senkaku Islands. The Japanese government wants to put international pressure on China by convincing the world that the Chinese coast guard law is problematic under international laws. China unilaterally claims territorial rights to the Senkaku Islands. The Chinese patrol vessels have been demanding that Japanese fishing boats leave the waters via radio and electronic bulletin boards. China's coast guard law grants its maritime patrol agencies the authority to force other countries' vessels to leave its jurisdictional waters. It also stipulates that weapons can be used if China's sovereignty or jurisdiction is violated. "The coast guard law contains provisions that are ambiguous in terms of the applicable sea areas and problematic in terms of the authority to use weapons and consistency with international laws," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a press conference Friday, reiterating his criticism of the law. The Japanese government is wary of a situation in which Chinese vessels claim that the area around the Senkakus is "Chinese territorial waters" and uses weapons against fishing boats and other vessels. To avoid such a situation, the Japanese government has been protesting through diplomatic channels each time there is an intrusion into its territorial waters, and has been trying to cooperate with Europe and the United States. At a Feb. 19 teleconference of the leaders of the Group of Seven countries, in which the main topic of discussion was measures to combat the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga deliberately raised the issue of the East and South China seas, in an effort to share awareness of the problem. Suga's efforts paid off, as a spokesman of the U.S. Defense Department warned against China's provocative activities in a press conference Feb. 23. Another sign of concern within the Japanese government and the ruling parties was the government's legal interpretation in late February that the Japan Coast Guard and the Self-Defense Forces may be able to fire "harmful shots" that could injure the other party if a Chinese vessel approaches the Senkaku Islands for the purpose of landing there. According to diplomatic sources, China is expected to use small boats loaded onto coast guard vessels to chase Japanese fishing boats in the future. This is because the coast guard law stipulates that other equipment and tools on site can be used. A senior Japanese Defense Ministry official said, "If the Chinese coast guard, which is dispersed in the South China Sea, gather around the Senkakus, the Japan Coast Guard will be no match for them." Patrols by protective services officers at Melbourne train stations must return to pre-pandemic numbers, the Victorian opposition says, in a bid to give office workers more confidence to return to the CBD. Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said that as well as coinciding with Mondays shift up to 75 per cent office capacity, redirecting PSOs back onto public transport on evenings and weekends would help revive the number of revellers supporting Melbournes nightlife. A resource strain has prevented protective services officers from returning to their former patrol numbers. Credit:Jason South Before the coronavirus pandemic, PSOs guarded all 212 metropolitan train stations plus four regional sites from 6pm until the last train. That number has since dropped to 93 metropolitan stations. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scorpio Gold Corporation (Scorpio Gold or the Company) (TSXV: SGN) reports an announcement made by Titan Mining Corporation (Titan) on February 26, 2021 regarding the Companys 100% owned Mineral Ridge project, Esmeralda County, Nevada. Titan Mining Corporation can earn an 80% joint venture interest by spending a total of US$35 million over a staged period of five years. If Titan spends the initial US$7 million of expenditures by January 1, 2022, it will also have the right to acquire a 100% interest by paying Scorpio Gold US$35 million on or before December 31, 2022. The Titan February 26, 2021 press release is quoted as follows: Titan announced that in satisfying the reporting requirements of the British Columbia Securities Commission Titan commissioned an independent consultant to prepare a technical report on the Mineral Ridge Project. The technical report for Titan was based on a technical report with an effective date of January 2, 2018, summarizing a feasibility study that was prepared for Scorpio Gold on Mineral Ridge. The technical report prepared for Titan differs in some respects to that prepared for Scorpio Gold given the more recent effective date of the report of December 1, 2020, and includes the reclassification of the Measured Mineral Resources within the existing heap leach pad to Indicated Mineral Resources, an addition of a surge pile to accommodate the crusher which modified the capital cost estimate, changes to the power costs that modified the operating cost estimate, review of commodity prices, and review of inputs to the economic analysis including changes to the gold price used in the analysis. The results of the study indicated that approximately 14,000 ounces of gold had been recovered from continued leaching from the existing leach pad since the 2018 technical report. While the independent consultant has confirmed that the volume of material on the leach pad is generally unchanged (outside of the 14,000 ounces of gold recovered from continued leaching), the extraction has made it unclear where the reported Measured Mineral Resources estimated for Scorpio Gold are precisely located on the leach pad. As a result, the independent consultant revised the Measured classification to Indicated. The below updated estimate of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves reflects the foregoing revisions. Table 1: Mineral Resources Summary Mineral Resource Estimate for Mineralization Contained within the Heap Leach Pad Classification Tons ('000) Gold (opt) Silver (opt) Contained Gold ('000 oz) Contained Silver ('000 oz) Indicated 7,290 0.015 0.015 107.7 109.3 Inferred 78 0.014 0.023 1.1 1.8 Notes: The effective date of the Mineral Resource estimate is December 1, 2020. The QP for the estimate is Mr. Ian Crundwell, P.Geo. Mineral Resources are quoted inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are contained within the Mineral Ridge leach pad facility with the following assumptions: a long-term gold price of $1,216/oz; assumed process costs of $11/t; and metallurgical recovery for gold of 91%. Silver was not used in the consideration of reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. Silver recoveries from heap leach pad material are projected to be 24%. Rounding may result in apparent differences when summing tons, grade and contained metal content. Tonnage and grade measurements are in Imperial units. Grades are reported in ounces per ton. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate for Run of Mine Remnant Areas Area Classification Tons ('000) Gold Grade (opt) Contained Gold ('000 oz) Brodie Measured 455.7 0.063 28.6 Indicated 237.9 0.056 13.4 Subtotal Measured and Indicated 693.6 0.060 41.9 Custer Measured 147.8 0.083 12.3 Indicated 75.4 0.088 6.6 Subtotal Measured and Indicated 223.2 0.085 18.9 Drinkwater HW Measured 527.3 0.046 24.3 Indicated 209.2 0.049 10.3 Subtotal Measured and Indicated 736.6 0.047 34.6 Mary LC & Bunkhouse Measured 721.4 0.072 51.7 Indicated 403.3 0.074 29.8 Subtotal Measured and Indicated 1,124.7 0.072 81.5 Oromonte Measured 235.8 0.162 38.3 Indicated 169.0 0.074 12.6 Subtotal Measured and Indicated 404.8 0.126 50.9 Combined Measured 2,088.0 0.074 155.2 Indicated 1,094.8 0.066 72.6 Total Measured and Indicated 3,182.8 0.072 227.8 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for Run of Mine Remnant Areas Area Classification Tons ('000) Gold Grade (opt) Contained Gold ('000 oz) Brodie Inferred 2.4 0.034 0.08 Custer Inferred Drinkwater HW Inferred 180.1 0.059 10.61 Mary LC & Bunkhouse Inferred 0.1 0.061 0.01 Oromonte Inferred 0.4 0.092 0.03 Combined Total Inferred 182.9 0.059 10.73 Notes: The effective date of the Mineral Resource estimate is December 1, 2020. The QP for the estimate is Mr. Ian Crundwell, P.Geo. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves at a gold cut-off grade of 0.01 opt. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are constrained to the area within the grade-shell wireframes. The areas outside of these grade shells are assumed to be at zero grade. These Mineral Resource are considered to be amenable to open-pit mining. Conceptual Whittle pit shells used the following assumptions: a long-term gold price of $1,350/oz; assumed combined operating costs of $12.36/t (mining, process, general and administrative); metallurgical recovery for gold of 95%, and variable pit slope angles that ranged from 3842. Rounding may result in apparent differences between when summing tons, grade and contained metal content. Tonnage and grade measurements are in Imperial units. Grades are reported in ounces per ton. Table 2: Mineral Reserves Summary Mineral Reserve Estimate for the Heap Leach Pad Mineral Reserve Classification Tons ('000) Gold (opt) Silver (opt) Contained Gold ('000 oz) Contained Silver ('000 oz) Probable 7,290 0.015 0.015 107.7 109.3 Less material remaining in place due to facility designs (260) 0.015 0.015 (3.8) (3.9) Total Probable 7,030 0.015 0.015 103.9 105.4 Notes: The Mineral Reserves have an effective date of December 1, 2020. The QP for the estimate is Mr. Jeffery Choquette P.E. Mineral Reserves are contained within the Project leach pad facility with the following assumptions: long-term gold price of $1,300/oz; assumed total ore process costs of $10.59/t; metallurgical recovery for gold of 91%, and 24% for silver, refining and smelting cost of $28.39/oz of gold. Allowance has been made for the facility location which excludes 260,000 t; this material must remain in-place, based on the heap material mining and tailings placement design. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in summation differences. Mineral Reserve Estimate for the Run of Mine Remnant Areas Pit Area Mineral Reserve Classification Tons ('000) Gold (opt) Contained Gold ('000 oz) Brodie Proven 51 0.042 2.1 Probable 12 0.027 0.3 Subtotal Proven and Probable 63 0.039 2.5 Custer Proven 314 0.047 14.8 Probable 144 0.032 4.6 Subtotal Proven and Probable 459 0.042 19.4 Drinkwater Proven 836 0.038 32.1 Probable 352 0.033 11.7 Subtotal Proven and Probable 1,189 0.037 43.7 Mary LC Proven 470 0.035 16.3 Probable 276 0.035 9.7 Subtotal Proven and Probable 746 0.035 26.0 Bunkhouse Proven 239 0.047 11.1 Probable 4 0.021 0.1 Subtotal Proven and Probable 243 0.046 11.2 Oromonte Proven 563 0.071 39.8 Probable 449 0.030 13.7 Subtotal Proven and Probable 1,012 0.053 53.5 Total Combined Proven 2,474 0.047 116.2 Probable 1,239 0.032 40.1 Total Proven and Probable 3,713 0.042 156.3 Notes: The Mineral Reserves have an effective date of December 1, 2020. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffery Choquette P.E. Mineral Reserves are reported within the pit designs at a 0.01 opt gold cut-off grade. Pit designs incorporate the following considerations: base case gold price of $1,300/oz; pit slope angles that range from 3847; average life-of-mine metallurgical recovery assumption of 93%; crushing costs of $1.81/t, process cost of $5.79/t, general and administrative and tax costs of $2.90/t; and average mining costs of $1.42/t mined. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in summation differences. A technical report in support of the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves in this news release, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) titled Mineral Ridge Project, Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA with an effective date of December 22, 2020, has been filed on SEDAR concurrently with the issuance of this news release. Readers are encouraged to review the final technical report in its entirety. Data Verification Data verification performed in support of the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for Mineral Ridge included in the technical report prepared for Titan included site visits; review of QA/QC data, sampling analytical data and programs from Scorpio Gold and predecessor company drill campaigns; database verification; review of metallurgical data and metallurgical recovery assumptions including leach pad performance; review of mine and recovery plan assumptions; and review of commodity price, capital and operating cost assumptions. Drilling performed by Scorpio Gold primarily in the period 20142017 supports the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates. Scorpio Gold employed a QA/QC program of certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks, and field duplicates inserted in the sample stream at the rate of approximately one control for every 20 samples. The same QA/QC program was generally employed for all samples submitted to each laboratory and the Scorpio Gold on-site assay laboratory. QA/QC procedures implemented during the 20142017 drill programs are generally acceptable to support the analytical precision and repeatability. The nature, extent, and results of the sample preparation, security, and analytical procedures, and the quality control procedures employed, and quality assurance actions taken by Scorpio Gold provide acceptable confidence in the drill hole data collection and processing to support Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation, and mine planning. Gold and silver assays can be used to estimate Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves for the heap leach pad. Silver was not routinely assayed for in the remnant area drill programs. As a result, only gold estimation can currently be supported for these areas. Qualified Person The Qualified Persons who co-authored the technical report include Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. Bruce Genereaux, RM SME, Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Brian Arthur, RM SME, Mr. Ian Crundwell, P.Geo., and Mr. Kevin Lutes, P.E. The Qualified Persons supervised the preparation of the information that forms the basis for this news release. Brian Lock, Chief Executive Officer of Scorpio Gold commented: While there are no significant differences in the reconfirmed results in the Titan technical report, it is additional verification of the resources and reserves contained in the Mineral Ridge Project. The Company looks forward to the results of Titans ongoing exploration program. About Scorpio Gold Scorpio Gold holds a 100% interest in the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge property in Manhattan, Nevada with a fully permitted underground mine and a 400 ton per day mill facility and a 100% interest of the Manhattan Property situated adjacent and proximal to the Goldwedge property. The Company is in the process of finalizing the acquisition of the adjacent Kinross Manhattan property. Scorpio Gold is party to an earn-in option agreement with Titan Mining Corporation whereby Titan can earn an 80% joint venture interest on the Companys 100% owned Mineral Ridge gold project located in Esmeralda County, Nevada. To maintain the option Titan must spend a total of US$35 million over a staged period of five years. If Titan spends the initial US$7 million of expenditures by January 1, 2022, it will also have the right to acquire a 100% interest by paying Scorpio Gold US$35 million on or before December 31, 2022. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD SCORPIO GOLD CORPORATION Brian Lock, CEO & Director For further information contact: Brian Lock, CEO Tel: (604) 889-2543 Email: block@scorpiogold.com Diane Zerga, General Manager Tel: (775) 401-1637 Email: dzerga@scorpiogold.com Anthony Simone, Investor Relations Tel: (416) 881-5154 Email: ir@scorpiogold.com Website: www.scorpiogold.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. The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Companys current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, suggest, indicate and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys plans with respect to the exploration of its Goldwedge project. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, including risks involved in mineral exploration programs and those risk factors outlined in the Companys Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. The president of a California teacher's union has been branded a hypocrite after he was caught dropping off his two-year-old daughter at her private preschool - despite saying it was unsafe for kids to be in classrooms. Matt Meyer, president of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, has fought for what he called the 'gold standard' for educators in his district - insisting public schools should reopen for in-person learning only when the teachers are vaccinated, among other criteria, according to KQED. However, he has since come under fire from angry parents after a group known as Guerrilla Momz followed Meyer and his daughter to her pre-school, where they captured him dropping her off for in-person lessons on February 18. 'Meet Matt Meyer. White man with dreads and president of the local teachers union,' the group wrote on Twitter. 'Hes been saying it is unsafe for *your kid* to be back at school, all the while dropping his kid off at private school.' In a separate post to YouTube, the group added: 'Matt Meyer Berkeley Federation of Teachers President blocks opening public schools in-person, yet has had his own child in in-person school since June 2020. Stop the hypocrisy. Our children are suffering. Open schools full-time Now.' Scroll down for video Matt Meyer (above), president of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, has been branded a hypocrite after he was caught dropping his two-year-old daughter off at her private preschool for in-person lessons - despite saying it was unsafe for kids to be in classrooms Parents of students in the district are angry with Meyer after he pushed for closures of all local public schools until teachers were vaccinated, among other requirements Who is Matt Meyer? Matt Meyer, originally of Cincinnati, Ohio, was elected the head of of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers (BFT) in fall 2019. He previously worked as a teacher in Washington DC and Ohio before moving to the West Coast. Prior to his BFT appointment, Meyer spent the majority of his career working as a economic teacher at Berkeley High School. In a profile in the Berkeley High Jacket, Meyer said he was drawn to BFT because 'theyre really at the core of where education happens teachers who work with students directly need to have a voice.' He added that he previously considered a career in law, but chose to be a teacher so he could 'tackle and teach big issues' to directly impact the world around him. '[Ill] definitely go back to teaching ... whenever I decide to not do this [serve as President of the BFT], I will be back in the classroom,' he said. The BFT is comprised of 800 teachers, counselors, librarians, substitutes, and school psychologists who serve BUSD students. Advertisement All schools in the Berkeley Unified Public School District (BUSD) have been closed since March last year. A group called Reopen California Schools reacted to the footage of Meyer last week, writing: 'Why is it safe for him but not the rest of BUSD families???' Also reacting in outrage to the footage is Meyer himself, who called the actions of Guerrilla Momz 'very inappropriate' and an intrusion on his daughter's privacy, though her face is blurred in the video. The embattled union president also added that there were 'no public options for kids her age'. 'There are major differences in running a small preschool and a 10,000 student public school district in terms of size, facilities, public health guidance and services that legally have to be provided,' Meyer told Fox News. 'We all want a safe return to school. The Berkeley Federation of Teachers is excited that Berkeley Unified will be reopening soon with a plan, supported by our members and the district, to get our students back in classrooms starting later this month.' Berkeley parent Mara Kolesas, a former PTA Berkeley Council president, told KQED that while she understands parents' anger, and agrees that schools should be open, she believes Guerilla Momz's video crosses a line. 'For me, you don't need to attack people personally, you need to address it politically. When you start getting personal, you mix up dimensions, and you don't get to discuss the real thing,' Kolesas said. 'Here, the real thing is [Meyer] put fear before science, and the right of teachers before the right of kids. That's the issue.' The embattled union president said that there were 'no public options' for kids of his daughter's age A tentative plan has been hatched between BUSD and the union that would see public schools reopened in March and April, contingent upon staff members receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Under that plan, phased reopening for preschoolers through to second grade would begin under a hybrid model as early as March 29. Grades three through to eight, and 10-12, meanwhile, would begin as early as April 12 and April 17, respectively - depending on how fast the city makes additional vaccine doses available. Additionally, staff would be required to obtain a COVID test every two weeks, which would be provided at each school site. Both the district and the union would also encourage families to participate in COVID-19 testing at least once every two weeks. Teachers who are identified as high risk, or who live with someone who is, will be allowed to continue to work remotely for the time being, the plan outlines. However, a group known as BUSD Parents has accused the union of dragging its heels and are pushing for earlier school openings. Those parents argue that schools are safe to attend without jabs for all teachers a position with which the Center For Disease Control and Prevention has agreed. The further argue that remote learning has 'exacerbated racial and class segregation between schools, increased the achievement gap, [and] triggered enormous learning loss that translates to higher dropout rates, lower lifetime earnings, and reduced life expectancy.' BUSD Parents also claimed pro-long school closures have 'sparked steep increases in adolescent mental health crises - including suicidal ideation and cutting, caused sharp decreases in child abuse reporting, and prompted a general erosion of the physical health and mental well-being of students glued to screens.' 'There are major differences in running a small preschool and a 10,000 student public school district in terms of size, facilities, public health guidance and services that legally have to be provided,' Meyer told Fox News Meyer attempting to shield his face but putting up the hood of his Berkeley Federation of Teachers hooded sweatshirt when he saw the camera Speaking to KQED about their decision to tail Meyer, Guerrilla Momz, who declined to identify any of their members by name, said: 'We'd heard for a while that he sent his kid to private preschool and we've been hearing him make crazy claims at the school board meetings it was 'too dangerous' for schools to open because kids wouldn't wear masks. Meanwhile, his kid is wearing a mask at school.' According to the outlet, the for every one teacher at Meyer's daughter's school, there are four to five children. The school wasn't named. Despite Meyer's protestations that there's a difference in running a small pre-school and a public school district, Jonathan Zachreson, the founder of Reopen California Schools, said parents will view Meyer's actions through the lens of their own experiences. With smaller children 'they're probably interacting even more than you would at school,' Zachreson said. 'So it's the hypocrisy that's really frustrating.' Yalda Modabber, the founder of a non-profit pre-school and elementary school, agrees that in-person pre-school could pose more risks for teachers. 'The older the children are, the more able they are to control their bodies and they need less physical comforting. So in a preschool setting, you have children that will throughout the day need to be comforted and held,' Modabber said. 'And so there's no way to maintain that proximity (like social distancing).' She also, however, cautioned that that smaller children aren't as likely to spread COVID-19 as older kids due to lower lung capacity and fewer of the cell receptors that make viral transmission more viable. 'So in seeing this video, I'm sort of torn,' she told KQED. On the other hand, she said, with Berkeley's school district, 'We're talking about 10,000 students and the class sizes are large. So you have one teacher for 20 to 30 kids. It's very different from a preschool or daycare where they may have one teacher for six kids.' A letter signed earlier this month by Berkeley families and public health and medical professionals urged the BUSD Board of Education to reopen schools as soon as it's safe to do so The goal, according to the signers of the letter, is to have kids in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade back in school five days a week before the end of the school year More than 75 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered across the US, the CDC announced Sunday A letter signed earlier this month by Berkeley families and public health and medical professionals urged the BUSD Board of Education to reopen schools as soon as it's safe to do so. The goal, according to the letter, is to have kids in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade back in school five days a week before the end of the school year. 'Our children are watching to see if we will live up to the values we espouse,' the letter concludes. 'Their future, and the future of public education in Berkeley, depends on our ability to do so.' The United States has surpassed 28.6 million COVID-19 cases and 513,000 related deaths as of Monday, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University. California accounts for 3.4 million of positive cases in the US and nearly 52,000 deaths, while Berkeley has reported more than 3,000 cases and 35 deaths. More than 75 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered across the US, the CDC announced Sunday. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Chinese vaccine manufacturer Sinopharm has submitted its application for emergency use of its COVID-19 shots in the Philippines, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Monday. "It has been filed. They have already filed with the FDA an application for EUA [Emergency Use Authorization] for Sinopharm vaccine," he said in a media briefing. Roque received the news during his briefing. But minutes later, FDA Director General Eric Domingo said he is unaware of such application. He said he does not know if the Chinese firm applied online over the weekend, adding they have not yet started the evaluation. The regulatory chief also said it will take FDA longer to decide on Sinopharm's application since it has not received an EUA for its COVID-19 vaccine from any stringent regulatory body. "Similar siguro sa Sinovac, hindi namin kaya ng 21 days [ang pag-approve]. Siguro a month, 4 to 6 weeks dahil hindi pa sila nakakakuha ng EUA from a stringent regulatory authority or from WHO. Depende kung in between ng application nila, magkaroon sila ng ganun," he said in a separate media briefing. [Translation: Similar to Sinovac, we cannot approve it in 21 days. It will probably take us one month or 4-6 weeks because they have not received an EUA from a stringent regulatory authority or from the World Health Organization, unless they receive it during our review.] President Rodrigo Duterte's vaccine brand of choice is Sinopharm, Roque previously revealed. However, the 75-year-old President is unable to receive the only vaccine available in the country Chinese-made Sinovac since the vaccine is not recommended for those aged over 59. The application of Sinopharm has been long awaited following news that several of President Rodrigo Duterte's security detail have received smuggled COVID-19 doses as early as September 2020 despite the absence of an FDA approval. Allegations that "thousands" of government officials, police, and soldiers have also illegally received the vaccine were recently revealed by former special envoy to China Mon Tulfo. The Presidential Security Group was recently given compassionate special permit to use 10,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines even without an EUA, but it is not retroactive. PSG and Tulfo are facing several investigations. Gordon Elliott, trainer of three Grand National winners including Tiger Roll, has given his explanation for the photograph that appeared of him sitting on a dead horse. And what an explanation it is, too. A cynic might even argue he is flogging a - well, you know. 'The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops,' Elliott said. Gordon Elliott has provided his explanation for the photo of him sitting astride a dead horse 'At what was a sad time, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned. I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it...' Sat down on a dead horse, that is. Just to clarify the key fact missing from that sentence. 'I sat down [on a dead horse] to take it.' Pray continue. '...hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished.' Ah, so that would be the apparent V for victory sign Elliott is making in the image. He's signalling two minutes. As in: 'Give me two minutes to sit on this dead horse and finish this call, and then I'll get up from sitting on this dead horse and be right with you.' Actually, Elliott is not so much sitting on the unfortunate animal as astride it. Not a natural resting position, astride. Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board are investigating Elliott for bringing racing into disrepute Many people sit down to take a telephone call, very few sit astride on hearing the ringtone. Pavlov's Jockeys, maybe. In the park, folk are often found sitting on benches. Not astride benches, mind, even though they can. They sit facing forward. That's the human sitting position. Cocking one leg over, certainly across an expanse as big as a dead horse, takes calculation, effort and is uncomfortable. Even horsey folk don't tend to sit astride, on anything but horses; although not, we hope, on dead ones. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board are now investigating Elliott under the catch-all remit of bringing the sport into disrepute. There are no specific rules against using dead horses as incidental furniture, probably because it never occurred that an individual - certainly one engaged in an industry that purports to love horses - would display such an absence of decency and respect. Elliott, pictured last month, faces a fight to restore his reputation after the picture was shared Yet disrepute punishments range from fines to bans and licence suspension. The British Horseracing Authority is also considering its position, and issued a statement saying it was 'appalled' by the photograph. Inside the sport, some are making the distinction between the treatment and status of horses in different parts of the world. The gilded existence of the animals at some stables is not always replicated. In Ireland, it is argued, racing is steeped in farming traditions, with attendant attitudes towards life and death. Farm animals die without the grief afforded pets. If racehorses are an extension of farm animals, attitudes will be hardened. Yet racing is not simply a country pursuit. It has a national following, and an emotional connection. Popular horses - Red Rum, Desert Orchid - are afforded human characteristics. Their deaths are mourned. Sentiment aside, it is important all horses are treated with kindness and an appreciation of their selfless qualities. Many will find the photograph of Elliott hugely offensive. Betfair have already dropped him as an ambassador. Elliott led Tiger Roll (pictured after winning at Aintree in 2019) to successive National triumphs And, no doubt, with the Cheltenham festival and the Grand National meeting coming up, we will hear much about animal welfare, perhaps in the face of fatalities. And we will be told, as always, that nobody cares for horses more than those involved in racing. Given, however, that Arab owners still support and participate in savage endurance contests in the Middle East, and a much-respected Grand National trainer thinks nothing of parking it for five minutes on a lifeless equine carcass, is it any wonder these mitigations are met with increasing scepticism? If Elliott is at Cheltenham this year he is fortunate; and luckier still that no spectators will be present. It is unlikely such a lame explanation would be taken sitting down. Ben Bonnema (pictured) said he was fired from a Trader Joe's location in New York City after he sent a letter to the grocery chain's CEO demanding stricter mask requirements for customers Trader Joe's has been threatened with a boycott after an employee revealed he was fired for sending a letter to the grocery chain's CEO demanding stricter mask requirements for customers. Ben Bonnema shared his story in a Twitter thread on Friday, claiming that he was sacked from a Trader Joe's location on New York City's Upper West Side because he doesn't 'share the company's values'. Bonnema posted a photo of the letter he sent CEO Dan Bane, in which he recommended five changes to improve safety amid the pandemic, including implementing a 'three strike policy' to ban customers who repeatedly flout mask rules. 'We put our lives on the line every day by showing up to work,' he wrote. 'Please, show up for us by adopting these policies.' Bonnema's tweets quickly went viral and sparked calls to boycott Trader Joe's more than 500 locations nationwide. Bonnema shared his story in a Twitter thread on Friday, claiming that he was sacked because he was told he doesn't 'share the company's values' Bonnema posted a photo of the letter he sent CEO Dan Bane, in which he recommended five changes to improve safety amid the pandemic, including implementing a 'three strike policy' to ban customers who repeatedly flout mask rules 'We put our lives on the line every day by showing up to work,' Bonnema wrote. 'Please, show up for us by adopting these policies.' Pictured: Maskless customers crowd a Trader Joe's store in Miami Beach, Florida, during the coronavirus pandemic In his letter Bonnema asked that no one be allowed inside stores without a mask for any reason - noting that the company already offers to shop for customers with a medical condition that precludes them from wearing one. In explaining his three strikes policy for removing 'uncooperative' people, he described how he was recently 'shouted and sworn at by a customer who would not wear a mask above his nose'. Bonnema's other three recommendations involved improving air quality in stores by installing a more advanced filtration system, increasing Air Change per Hour and limiting store capacity based on CO2 levels. He cited recent articles and studies about air filtration to drive home his point that more could be done to protect workers. The letter was signed by Bonnema and another employee at the Upper West Side store, whose name was redacted in the version posted on Twitter. In a subsequent tweet Bonnema shared the termination letter he received. 'In a recent email, you suggest adopting a '3 strike' policy against customers and a policy enforcing the same accommodation for every customer with a medical condition that precludes them from wearing a mask,' the letter read. 'These suggestions are not in line with our core Values. In addition, you state that Trader Joe's is not 'showing up for us' without adopting your policies. 'It is clear that you do not understand our Values. As a result, we are no longer comfortable having you work for Trader Joe's.' In a subsequent tweet Bonnema shared the termination letter he received (pictured) Bonnema's thread racked up more than 140,000 likes and retweets as of Monday. Outraged users praised Bonnema for speaking up and slammed the company for firing him as a result. Many said they wouldn't shop at Trader Joe's until Bonnema is reinstated and his proposed changes are addressed. 'Thanks for stepping up to let us know what is happening at Trader Joes. Boycott these bastards,' one woman wrote. 'Time to start a boycott of Trader Joes. Disgusting way to treat their staff,' a man added. A Twitter account lobbying to create a workers union for Trader Joe's staff said it was throwing its weight behind Bonnema. 'We've spoken with @BenBonnema and are extending unequivocal support and solidarity,' the Crew for a Trader Joe's Union account wrote. 'We will not be providing comment outside what Ben decides to share, but are supporting him in every way possible in this fight. An injury to one is an injury to all.' The tweet also captured the attention of David Michaels, a longtime head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 'Retaliation for raising safety concerns is against the law,' Michaels wrote. '@OSHA_DOL should investigate & require #TraderJoes to reinstate @BenBonnema w back pay immediately.' Bonnema's thread racked up more than 140,000 likes and retweets as of Monday. Outraged users praised Bonnema for speaking up and slammed the company for firing him as a result A Twitter account lobbying to create a workers union for Trader Joe's staff said it was throwing its weight behind Bonnema The tweet also captured the attention of David Michaels, a longtime head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) A spokesperson for Trader Joe's addressed the outcry on Saturday, telling Insider that the store's leadership moved to fire Bonnema because of the 'disrespect he showed toward our customers'. 'We have never, and would never, terminate a Crew Member's employment for raising safety concerns,' the spokesperson said on Saturday. 'Nothing is more important at Trader Joe's than the safety of our Crew Members and customers. We encourage all Crew Members to take an active role in store safety, and share their suggestions with leadership. 'During his short tenure with Trader Joe's, this Crew Member's suggestions were listened to, and appropriately addressed.' Trader Joe's did not immediately return DailyMail.com's request for comment on Monday. Oil prices rose more than $1 on Monday, supported by optimism over COVID-19 vaccinations, a U.S. stimulus package and growing factory activity in Europe despite restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus. Brent crude was up $1.08 or 1.7% to $65.50 per barrel by 0959 GMT, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped $1.04 or 1.7% to $62.54 a barrel. Both contracts finished February 18% higher. "The three major supportive factors are the prevalent vaccine rollouts, the optimism about economic growth and the view that the oil balance will get tighter as a result of the first two points," PVM Oil Associates analyst Tamas Varga said. Also supporting oil was a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday. If approved by the Senate, the stimulus package would pay for vaccines and medical supplies and send a new round of emergency financial aid to households and small businesses, which will have a direct impact on energy demand. The approval of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 shot also buoyed the economic outlook. Manufacturing data from around the world were mixed. China's factory activity growth slipped to a nine-month low in February, but German activity hit its highest level in more than three years, brightening the outlook for Europe's largest economy. Euro zone factory activity raced along in February thanks to soaring demand. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, will meet on Thursday and could discuss allowing as much as 1.5 million barrels per day of crude back into the market. ING analysts said OPEC+ will need to be careful to avoid surprising traders by releasing too much supply back into the market. "There is a large amount of speculative money in oil at the moment, so they will want to avoid any action that will see (those investors) running for the exit," the analysts said. Separately, Iran on Sunday dismissed the idea of opening talks with the United States and the European Union to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, insisting Washington must first lift unilateral sanctions that have sharply reduced Iran's oil exports. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London, additional reporting by Jessica Jaganathan and Florence Tan in Singapore; editing by Jason Neely) 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! Teachers set up transparent screens on desks at a high school in Daegu, Feb. 23, ahead of the upcoming new school semester. Yonhap By Bahk Eun-ji Kindergartens and elementary, middle and high schools will open Tuesday to provide in-person classes for the new school year, despite lingering concerns over COVID-19 infections. Although regular classes are permissible under the current social distancing level, the health authorities remain vigilant as the country's daily new coronavirus cases are still hovering over 300. In addition, vaccinations for teachers have yet to begin and children are not included in the government's vaccine program at all. According to the Ministry of Education, Monday, kindergarteners, first and second graders at elementary school, high school seniors and special education students across the country will have in-person classes every day. Students in other grades will go to school two or three times a week and take online classes for the other days, according to attendance caps in each region. Teachers and student will have to install a self-diagnosis app to record their daily health condition, such as whether they show respiratory symptoms or fever a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius. Those with symptoms should get tested immediately and not attend school until cleared. A medical worker prepares Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine at the National Medical Center in Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap While the fiancee of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is demanding that the kingdoms crown prince be punished after a US intelligence report unveiled on Feb. 27 found that Mohammed Bin Salman had approved the operation to murder him in 2018, Turkey a strong critic of the royal has remained silent. In a statement posted on Twitter, Hatice Cengiz noted that it was essential that the crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia be punished without delay for the murder and dismemberment of the Saudi dissident by the crown princes associates at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. The Turkish government has yet to comment on the report's findings, which chime with many of Turkeys allegations against the prince. Nor has it said anything about the administrations visa ban and sanctions slapped on Saudi officials linked to Khashoggis killing. Analysts say Turkey's silence speaks to its own contradictions. Ankara must be disappointed that Washington spared Mohammed Bin Salman known widely by his initials MBS by leaving him off the sanctions list. Yet, at the same time, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan must be relieved that a fellow autocrat eluded punishment from Washington. I do know that people in Ankara have been keeping a close eye on this because they want to get a sense of how Biden is going to deal with democracy and human rights violations, said Selim Koru, an analyst at the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey. They are watching whether Biden is going to be tough on MBS. If he is, it signals a willingness to cut back on interests in favor of values. The sanctions package and subsequent comments from US officials that no new measures targeting the crown prince are in store suggest that a middle ground has been found. Biden rang Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, MBS's father, a day before the sanctions were announced. The new US president has yet to call Erdogan, a fellow NATO leader who is increasingly perceived by Western allies as a rogue actor over Turkeys purchase of Russian-made S-400 missiles, sabre-rattling in the eastern Mediterranean and appalling human rights record, among other things. Ankaras state defense procurement agency has already been hit with sanctions under the Countering Americas Adversaries Act. Further punishment may be in the works when a case against Turkish state lender Halkbank over its key role helping Iran evade sanctions kicks off this month in a federal court in Manhattan. Merve Tahiroglu, Turkey program coordinator at the Project on Middle East Democracy, a think tank in Washington, notes that the so-called Khashoggi ban is a welcome effort to deter foreign officials from engaging in transactional repression and Erdogans government is among the top offenders in this realm. However, exempting MBS the top culprit" undercuts that message and exposes the limitations of Bidens pro-human rights agenda. At the end of the day Erdogan will see this as Bidens readiness to let leaders like MBS get away with murder in order to preserve broader strategic interests, Tahiroglu said. MBS and Erdogan hate one another. The pair are vying for dominance over the Sunni Muslim world, with Erdogan and the Muslim Brotherhood-friendly emir of Qatar aligned against a bloc led by MBS, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Turkey has led a noisy campaign to publicly shame the crown prince, whose associates lured Khashoggi to the consulate under false pretenses, then murdered and cut him into pieces with a bone saw. Even as Turkey maintained its distinction as the worlds leading jailer of journalists, the government leaked batch upon batch of incriminating evidence in the hope that King Salman would dump him as his successor. The Saudi government initially denied all the claims, but as Turkey continued to present embarrassing evidence, the Saudis then claimed that rogue security officials had carried out the killing. The Turkish government and Turkish intelligence played a vital role in establishing the facts of the murder, with audio and video recordings making it impossible for Saudi to keep up its absurd denials that Khashoggi had left the consulate of his own accord, said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Democracy for the Arab World Now, a Washington DC-based advocacy group founded by Khashoggi. It does raise questions, of course, about what and when Turkey knew about the arrival of a hit squad and whether it could have done something to prevent their movement to the consulate, Whitson added. Theres no doubt in anyones mind that the Turkish government's exposure of MBS crime in Istanbul had everything to do with scoring political points and little to do with real outrage at the murder of a critical journalist. Turkeys own track record at persecuting critical journalists and politicians is a far more telling measure of its commitment to journalistic freedom. Chandigarh, March 1 : To eradicate the menace of illicit and spurious liquor in the state, the Punjab Cabinet on Monday gave its approval to amend the Punjab Excise Act of 1914 and to introduce a Bill in this regard in the ongoing Budget session of Vidhan Sabha. This decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here. According to a government spokesperson, the Cabinet decided a systematic change in the excise Act to introduce deterrent punishment to anyone indulging in such malpractices in wake of unfortunate tragedy in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts, whereby several lives were lost due to consumption of spurious and adulterated liquor in July 2020. It was felt to bring a paradigm shift to strengthen the Act to deal with cases sternly where due to consumption of adulterated or illicit liquor, death or severe injury is caused. The underlying objective of such provisions to be introduced in the Punjab Excise Act is to instil fear of law amongst the law breakers and to impose stiff punishment on the offenders. The Cabinet also made provision by amending the Act to provide compensation to the victims' families by the manufacturer and seller of spurious liquor. To Pottsville, the Democrats didnt waste their time on the impeachment trial. It was necessary, and anyone who says it was unconstitutional is just repeating lies, so take off your blinders. Jan. 6 was a disgrace and the whole world was watching. Would you feel differently if one of your family members would have been injured or died in that melee? Pottsville George Floyd getting slowly murdered by that cop for everyone to watch was the final straw. Millions protested in cities throughout our country all summer. It was so horrific that it touched people all over the world. Germany, France, etc., took part in protesting racial bigotry and violence. Mahanoy City Democracy only works when there is a peaceful transfer of power to the next president. The attack on the Capitol was so dire because Trump lied to his followers that he had won the election just so he could stay in power. If the insurrectionists would have succeeded, it would have been the end of democracy. Auburn I am calling about the 43-year-old woman from Hegins whose picture was on the front page getting a COVID shot because she was a lifetime smoker. I know people that are in their 70s, have heart problems that we never smoked a day in our lives and we cant get a shot. What kind of people would do this and who gave that shot? This is ridiculous. Williamstown The United States spent billions of dollars to spend a spacecraft to Mars. How many people are out of work in our country? How many people are going hungry, dont have anything to eat, are dying of COVID and other serious diseases and they can spend billions of dollars to send a spacecraft to Mars? Taking care of the people is more important. Pottsville The people stormed the Capitol building in Washington. Trump may have instigated part of this, but also I believe the American people are just so tired and fed up with the politicians that this was going to happen eventually. I am surprised that it took so long. Pottsville To the caller from Hegins, you forgot to mention that Trump swept the virus under the rug for months and that is why we have the present disaster. Also, Trump promised to balance the budget but instead it has ballooned to astronomical proportions. The only way to balance the budget and get it anywhere near reality is to increases taxes. That is a fact. Frackville To the person from Pottsville wondering if the Lions club is still collecting glasses, yes they are. There is a drop off by the Schuylkill Haven library. Schuylkill Haven Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. CARLINVILLE Blackburn College has announced that Jameela Brown, a junior majoring in creative writing, from Belleville, is the recipient of the 2020-2021 Martin Luther King Student Leadership Award. The award is presented annually to a student who exemplifies the values of diversity and inclusion at the college. The Student Life and Career Services department coordinates the nomination process and a committee of students, faculty and staff chooses the winner. As the 2020-2021 award recipient, Brown received a $100 gift card, a certificate from Blackburn President Mark Biermann, and will have her photo displayed on the MLK Legacy Wall. Northern Croatian waters inhabited by potential threat to fishing, tourism by Lauren Simmonds March 01,2021 | Source: Total Croatia News Northern Croatian waters are inhabited by something lurking in the deep which could pose a real threat to both the Croatian fishing industry and to tourism. As Morski writes, known as the "sea walnut", this strange primitive invasive organism originates from the northeastern coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico, according to a report from Dnevnik.hr. Mnemiopsis leidyi, or sea walnuts, can cause significant damage to the fishing industry, drastically reducing the stock of small blue fish such as sardines and anchovies which are always popular. Although they are harmless to human swimmers, their presence potentially threatens tourism as the high density of gelatinous organisms is far from pleasant. "If there is a significant warming up of the sea at the end of spring and the beginning of summer, a mass appearance of sea walnuts along the coast of western Istria can be expected," said doc. dr. sc. Paolo Paliaga from the Faculty of Natural Sciences in Pula. Italian, Slovenian and Croatian scientists are cooperating intensively in the research of cone jellies such as the so-called sea walnuts, and the importance of the problem at the local level has been recognised by the cities of Rovinj, Porec and Novigrad-Cittanova, all of which are located along Northern Croatian coast, and is being financially supported by some previous research. A large number of cone jellies were first observed in Croatian waters back in July 2016 and since the summer of 2017 they regularly appear between May and November in the coastal belt of western Istria, the Gulf of Trieste and in Northern Croatian waters. "Since Northern Croatian waters are the most productive areas of the Mediterranean in terms of fish stocks, creating a very important resource for the Croatian, Italian and Slovenian economies, it is extremely important to monitor the development of the situation and the impact of the invasion of these cone jellies," warned Paliaga. The most famous example of the impact of these bizarre organisms was recorded back in the 1980s in the Black sea where fishing collapsed, with damages estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars and where the system hasn't fully recovered to date. Similar situations were recorded in the 1990s in the Sea of Azov and in the Caspian sea. International studies have shown that these organisms feed on zooplankton, fish and shellfish larvae and that the have no natural enemies. An egg-shaped individual with an average length of seven centimetres is able to consume all of he living zooplankton in one litre of sea in just ten hours. The reproductive potential of the species is extremely high since they are hermaphrodites that can fertilise themselves and release several thousand fertilised eggs every single day. In addition, these marine creatures have a great tolerance when it comes to temperature and salinity and are able to spend the colder months in Northern Croatian waters without much difficulty. The population peaks in September when they're ubiquitous in the Northern Croatian surface waters, and the number then decreases drastically from late December to April due to low temperatures and less food availability. In addition to having a direct and deeply negative impact on fish stocks, the introduction of invasive cone jellies has contributed to a significant reduction in the biodiversity of exposed systems and disrupted their natural balance, scientists have warned. They are now investigating other impacts of cone jellies on the marine ecosystem, including their release of organic matter into the sea and the impact on the abundance and structure of the microbial community that is fundamentally important for the marine environment. The Centre for Marine Research in Rovinj of the Rudjer Boskovic Institute, the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Juraj Dobrila University in Pula, the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split and the University of Dubrovnik are all participating in the studies. Croatian experts are intensively cooperating with their Slovenian colleagues from the Marine Biological Station in Piran and Italian scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics in Trieste on the matter. 2020 Total Croatia News. All Rights Reserved. Theme(s): Others. Border guards in the northern province of Cao Bang have caught 13 Vietnamese citizens attempting to enter the country illegally via the Vietnam-China border to dodge compulsory quarantine for COVID-19 prevention and control. The border jumpers were detected in the border area in Thong Nhat Commune, Ha Lang District early Sunday morning, the provincial border guard officers confirmed. They were escorted to the Quang Long border guard station for verification. The border jumpers said they hail from multiple Vietnamese provinces, namely Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, Dak Nong, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, and Tra Vinh. They had entered China against the law to work since 2017. The Vietnamese citizens were then required to fill out health declaration forms, had their body temperature measured, and brought to local quarantine centers in accordance with regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control. Vietnamese border jumpers are handed over by Chinese authorities to border guard officers in Cao Bang Province, Vietnam, February 28, 2021. Photo: Xuan Chien / Tuoi Tre In related news, 34 Vietnamese citizens were handed over by Chinese authorities to the border guard unit at Tra Linh Border Gate in Cao Bang Province on Sunday. They previously entered China unlawfully via the northern border to find jobs from 2019 to early 2021. They have been quarantined in accordance with current regulations. According to the Vietnam Border Guard Command, a total of 101 people were caught attempting to sneak into China and Cambodia from Vietnam on Sunday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Irish community has rallied behind an expat living in Australia after he was left paralysed from the chest down in a freak swimming pool accident. Stefan Carroll, 28, moved to Brisbane five years ago from Tullow, 93km southwest of Dublin, to work and live abroad. But the tradesman's trip of a lifetime has been marred by tragedy after he suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries at a friend's home on February 13. Mr Carroll moved to Australia from Ireland five years ago and had been working as a pipe layer for Carroll Plant and Haulage As he dived into a pool, Mr Carroll's head smacked the bottom tiles, shattering his C6 vertabra and breaking the C5 and C7 vertebrae. He was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital where he underwent two major surgeries within 24 hours to stabilise his neck and replace the C6 with a titanium cage. 'Hes off the ventilator now; hes speaking and hes eating and drinking hes able to move his arms but not his hands or his fingers, but he has no feeling from his chest down,' his mother Clodagh Carroll Sibbald told The Nationalist. 'Theyve told us hell possibly get the feeling back in his hands, but theyve said no to anything else.' Mr Carroll's hospital expenses are covered through a reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Ireland but he will not be eligible for any government assistance once he is discharged. A GoFundMe campaign set up by one of his friend's to cover the costs of his long medical journey as he rebuilds his life has so far reached $133,015 of its $150,000 goal. 'Stefan will require significant rehabilitation, medical treatment, mobility equipment, not to mention, ongoing care and support. It would be great to have the opportunity to explore alternative treatments and therapies available,' the fundraiser page reads. 'Stefan is a fun loving, caring person who is always up for a laugh or to help out. We ask for this help in order to give Stefan the best future possible and provide him with his independence.' Fundraisers have also been held in Tullow to assist Mr Carroll, who was employed as a a pipe layer at Carroll Plant and Haulage prior to the accident. His parents said they are incredibly thankful to the people who have supported their son. 'People have really shown up and turned up for Stefan. Its incomprehensible the amount of messages and calls weve had, what people have done, both from home in Ireland and friends here its just been amazing,' Ms Carroll Sibbard 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. Rep. Greg Steube, Republican of Florida, participates in the House Judiciary Committee hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry into US President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Dec. 9, 2019. (Jonathan Ernst/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Regimes Forced Organ Harvesting an Egregious Crime: Rep. Steube The Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) practice of killing prisoners of conscience for their organs is but one example of its egregious crimes that makes it among the worst human rights violators in the world, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has said. The congressman, in a video message to an online conference on the CCPs practice of forced organ harvesting on Feb. 25, spoke of the regimes detention of more than 1 million Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in the region of Xinjiang. It is here that many organs are harvested from their prisoners and sold to the black market, Steube said. This is an atrocious example of religious persecution. A 2019 peoples tribunal concluded, after a yearlong investigation, that the CCP was forcibly harvesting organs for the transplant market, with imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners being the main source. It also found that detained Uyghurs in Xinjiang were at risk of organ harvesting. In China, adherents of Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline also known as Falun Dafa, have been the main target of persecution by the CCP since July 1999. According to estimates from the Falun Dafa Information Center, millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been thrown into prisons, psychiatric wards, and other facilities, while hundreds of thousands have been subjected to torture, rape, and other abuses. Allegations of forced organ harvesting from detained Falun Gong adherents first emerged around 2006. The congressman said holding the CCP accountable for its various abuses was one of his top priorities. Steube added the CCPs human rights abuses was one of the many reasons why our country needs to be tough on China. The United States also needs to hold the regime to account for its efforts to steal American technology and its coverup of the CCP virus pandemic, he said. In December, U.S. lawmakers from both chambers of Congress introduced the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act that would impose sanctions on foreign officials and entities that engage in or support the forced removal of organs from unwilling victims. Kristina Olney, director of government relations for the Washington-based nonprofit Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, which co-hosted the online event, described the bill as one of the most comprehensive legislative initiatives ever introduced on the issue of organ trafficking. We urge the U.S. Congress to swiftly enact this bill, and for international governments to pass similar legislation, Olney stated. Frank Fang contributed to this article. [March 01, 2021] TripleBlind Secures $8.2 Million in Seed Funding, Investor Group Reflects Strong Support for Breakthrough Data Privacy Approach All Prior Investors Exercise Pro-rata Rights, Highlights Fintech and Healthcare Industries Need for Private Data Sharing and Collaboration TripleBlind Improves AML Initiatives, Accelerates Creation of Accurate Diagnoses, Generates New Revenue Opportunities Dolby Family Ventures Andrew Krowne Joins TripleBlind Board KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TripleBlind , creator of a new rapid, efficient and cost-effective data privacy and API-driven virtual exchange solution, announced today it has closed $8.2 million in seed financing led by Dolby Family Ventures with strategic investment from Okta Ventures, NextGen Venture Partners, Operator Partners, Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health, AVG Basecamp Fund, Anorak Ventures, Quiet Capital, Clocktower Technology Ventures, Parity Responsible Technology Fund and Manresa Ventures. Existing investors from the first round, including Accenture Ventures, Flyover Capital and KCRise Fund, exercised their pro-rata rights and participated in the round, as did several angel investors. The round was oversubscribed. Closing a new round after completing a pre-seed round last November, combined with the breadth and profile of investors, demonstrates the widespread support for TripleBlinds new, novel data privacy and API-driven virtual exchange approach: All previous investors exercised their pro-rata rights, Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health and Operator Partners are experienced healthcare industry investors, Clocktower Technology Ventures and NextGen Venture Partners open the banking and financial services markets to TripleBlind. Okta is on a mission to securely enable any organization to use any technology. A key part of that is providing transparency into how data is being used. TripleBlind will enable our joint customers in regulated industries to leverage enterprise data that today goes largely untapped due to regulations such as CCPA and GDPR, and without compromising consumers privacy, said Monty Gray, senior vice president, Corporate Development at Okta, Inc. TripleBlind offers synergies with our existing data privacy investments and we are excited to further our relationship to provide added benefits to our customers. Collaboration around highly sensitive data can add tremendous value and groundbreaking innovation to address ientity, fraud management, macroeconomic analysis, payments and customer success. However, most businesses are limited in their ability to access or share sensitive data due to privacy concerns and government regulations, such as HIPAA, GDPR and CCPA, as well as data residency requirements in regions such as Southeast Asia. TripleBlinds patented, automatic de-identification and data privacy solution facilitates more efficient and scalable collaboration than alternatives like homomorphic encryption and secure enclaves. With a portfolio of healthcare and biotech companies, many of which face data exchange issues, Dolby Family Ventures is enthusiastic about TripleBlinds approach that creates and enables a more fluid data sharing process, said Andrew Krowne, Managing Director. We appreciate companies that build on strong, novel technical solutions and are thrilled to support TripleBlinds potential impact across healthcare, financial services and other industries where exchange of sensitive data needs to happen. How TripleBlind Works TripleBlind encrypts but never decrypts data and algorithms, allowing only approved operations to be executed. Its API-driven virtual exchange ensures compliance for all collaborating parties as they never share raw data. On the other side, data scientists can perform all the operations they ordinarily would without the risk of working with raw data. The return of all previous investors, the breadth of new investors and the oversubscription of the round demonstrate to us that data privacy experts support our new, breakthrough approach for enforcing data privacy while enabling organizations to leverage and gain insights from data, said Riddhiman Das, co-founder and CEO of TripleBlind. Thanks to our forward-looking investors, TripleBlind can accelerate our mission to free trapped data so enterprises can collaborate while concurrently enforcing data privacy and regulatory standards. Relevant News Accenture Makes Strategic Investment in TripleBlind to Bolster Data Privacy and Increase Data Collaboration Opportunities TripleBlind Expands into Asia Pacific to Accelerate Data Collaboration Opportunities among Enterprises TripleBlind Collaborates with Mayo Clinic on Next Generation Algorithm Sharing and Training on Encrypted Data Contact us today by emailing contact@tripleblind.ai or visiting https://tripleblind.ai/contact/ to learn how TripleBlinds efficient and cost-effective data privacy and API-driven virtual exchange solution can help your business. About TripleBlind TripleBlinds patented breakthroughs in advanced mathematics arm organizations with the ability to share, leverage and monetize regulated data, such as PII and PHI, and mission-critical enterprise data, such as tax returns and banking transactions. It unlocks the estimated 105 petabytes of data stored by enterprises today that are inaccessible and unmonetized due to privacy concerns and regulations. With TripleBlind, decision-makers generate new revenue for their organizations by gaining deeper insights faster, creating improved modeling and analysis, and collaborating more effectively with customers and partners and even competitors, while enabling enterprises to enforce todays regulatory standards, such as HIPAA, GDPR and PDPA. For more information, please visit tripleblind.ai . Contact Victoria Guimarin UPRAISE Marketing + Public Relations for TripleBlind tripleblind@upraisepr.com 415.397.7600 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The All-China Women's Federation has decided to honor 310 women role models ahead of International Women's Day. Among them, 10 were granted the title of national "pacemakers," a top honor. The awardees include a senior engineer with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a community official from the city of Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province, a lathe operator with Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group Co.,Ltd., the head of a volunteer group helping people trace their missing children, the general manager of a Shanghai-based restaurant who founded "Women's Home" to help self-employed women in need, the head of a rural poverty eradication work team in the city of Bozhou, east China's Anhui Province, the president of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, a professor at the National University of Defense Technology, the head of Beijing No. 2 Experimental Primary School, and a Communist Party of China member from the city of Wuzhong, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, who is still active in volunteer activities at the age of nearly 70. A total of 199 organizations and groups were also honored for the outstanding performance of their female workers. ADVERTISEMENT A Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) driver, Olutoyin Tegede, on Monday, appeared before a Magistrates Court in Badargy, Lagos for alleged reckless driving and causing the death of a bus driver and three pedestrians. The police charged the defendant, 57, who lives at No. 30 Aremu Omoniyi St., Ayobo, Lagos, with manslaughter and driving without valid documents. The prosecution counsel, Uko Ikem, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on February 5, around 11.45 a.m., at Cinac Nursery and Primary School along LASU, Iyana-Iba area of Lagos. Mr Ikem said the defendant, who drove a LAWMA truck with registration number KSR-25 YC, parked the vehicle on the highway and obstructed oncoming vehicles. He said a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number KRD-380 XZ rammed into the parked truck and the driver, Darlington Nwadike, and three others died as a result of the accident. The prosecutor said the defendant also drove the vehicle on the highway without a valid drivers licence. ALSO READ: Driver who knocked police officer into canal remanded He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 103 and 001 Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State, 2012. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. Mr Adekomaiya ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed. He adjourned the case until March 30, for mention. (NAN) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: (Photo : Getty Images: Robertus Pudyanto / Stringer) Disabled people are said to be two to three times more likely to have chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer which put them at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Now, parents await the response of the CDC as they advocate for their disabled children to be vaccinated. D.C., as well as Maryland, Alabama, and several other states, are leaving out Phase 1a proposals for people with disabilities residing in large facilities and group homes, instead of transferring them to 1b or 1c. Group homes have been moved to Phase 2 in Indiana and Rhode Island, with the possibility that vaccines are months away. In their vaccination programs, most states make no mention of disabilities, leaving people with intellectual and physical disabilities panicking and uncertain about how long they would have to wait. Spokeswoman for the Union County Public Schools Tahira Stalberte said that the school system was working to clear roadblocks and make it safe for students who want to come back to the classroom. When asked if students must be vaccinated before attending class, Stalberte responded, "Absolutely not." "We've had in-person classes since August, with virtual learning as an alternative," Stalberte explained. "In fact, starting today, our teachers are only getting vaccinated." It's unclear how many parents are in the same position, who are trapped at the back of the vaccine line with no hope of getting their disabled children vaccines anytime soon. READ: Parents in Los Angeles Demand Schools to Reopen Saying Conditions Have Improved Advocates for Vaccination of Children with Disabilities A regular phone call for people with disabilities and the organizations that serve them is hosted by German Parodi, co-director of an organization focusing on natural disaster response. Parodi, a quadriplegic, has watched as a vulnerable group has been made even more vulnerable with each new challenge: disabled support staff being passed over for protective equipment, research locations that are inaccessible to wheelchairs, budget cuts to in-home care services, and now, difficulties getting vaccinated. "It feels like fighting against Goliath for our oppressed culture," Parodi said. The most recent blow in that battle: Congress did not provide additional community funding amid months of urgent pleas. "When we are left out of relief packages like this, Congress is telling us they don't care whether we live or die," said Julia Bascom, executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. ALSO READ: COVID-19 Bill to Pay Government Employees With Kids up to $21,000 Bascom and other advocates were hindered as they attempted to get the federal government to report the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in facilities for disabled people, in the same method as in nursing homes. Researchers such as Syracuse University's Scott Landes have sought to fill the gap by exploring what little state-level knowledge is available to learn how the disabled population is impacted by COVID-19. Before he looked at a single figure, Landes realized that the conditions were stacked against people with disabilities. For now, parents would rather keep their children in the virtual academy as long as they could, just like Lundin-Erickson. She said, "And even in the fall I would wait if she didn't have the vaccine. ... I'd rather be safe than sorry." READ MORE: How to Keep Your Children From Eating Too Many Sweets DOVER, Del. (AP) Anthony Tarke had 31 points as Coppin State routed Delaware State 94-74 on Sunday. Tarke made all 11 of his shots and also had seven assists. DeJuan Clayton had 15 points and reached 1,500 career points at Coppin State (9-12, 8-4 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). Yuat Alok added 14 points. Nendah Tarke had 13 points, nine rebounds and five steals. The 94 points were a season high for Coppin State. Dominik Fragala scored a career-high 28 points for the Hornets (2-15, 0-10). Myles Carter added 14 points and six rebounds. DMarco Baucum had 13 points. The Hornets 50 second-half points marked a season high for the team. The Eagles are undefeated in four games against the Hornets this season. Most recently, Coppin State defeated Delaware State 81-68 on Saturday. ___ 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 ___ PUBLISH SETTINGS: URGENCY: Routine PLATFORM: AUDIENCE: CATEGORY: Sports CONTENT TYPE: Game Story NAMED ITEM: SOURCE: Automated Insights LANGUAGE: en Mumbai, March 1 : Actor Atul Kulkarni, will soon be hosting a crime show and he hopes that the audience learns something from the series. The show "Faraar Kab Tak" aims at presenting a different format by showcasing a dual perspective -- the cop's and the criminal's. "I am excited about this new adventure I am about to go on with, titled 'Faraar Kab Tak'. The audience will surely like the new approach and storytelling concept. I hope they enjoy and learn from it as much as I have," said Kulkarni. The National Award-winning actor, who has been part of films such as "Chandni Bar" (2001) , "Khakee" (2004), "Delhi 6" (2009), "Jazbaa" (2015) and others, feels it is important to stay alert about one's surroundings. "It is important to be aware of our surroundings and the people around us, especially in today's world. This show will enlighten and make the viewers abreast of the various unsolved crime cases around them and warn them to be more careful and safe," he said. The show will go on air from March 15 on Ishara. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA In this video you can watch an excerpt from our Sunday 5:00 p.m. newscast with Action News Now anchor Scott Rates providing the latest updates on the Covid-19 situation in California and the North State. HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS More vaccines are on the way to California. Governor Newsom said on Sunday that approximately 380,000 should arrive in the state early this coming week. More vaccines are on the way to California. Governor Newsom said on Sunday that approximately 380,000 should arrive in the state early this coming week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted Sunday to recommend usage of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for people who are at least 18-years-old. Doses should be available in California within the next few days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just over 7.5% of the US population is fully vaccinated from Covid-19. Dr. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allery and Infectious Diseases, said, If I were not vaccinated now and I had a choice of getting a J-and-J vaccine now or waiting for another vaccine, I would take whatever vaccine that would be available to me." Dr. Carlos del Rio, the Executive Associate Dean of the Emory University School of Medicine, stated, "We're really right now in a race between variants and vaccines, and we have to do whatever we can to shut down this virus." We show a vaccine supercenter in Chula Vista in the far south of the state and discuss the return of teachers to their classrooms. In San Diego County there are roughly 80,000 teachers, creating a challenge for opening back up public school classrooms. Butte County has provided approximately 55,000 vaccines, but other North State counties have provided much fewer. You can see the map and the numbers in this video. No new cases have been reported in the North State over the weekend. For the latest North State Covid-19 case statistics, CLICK HERE. For North State information on signing up for vaccinations CLICK HERE. In January 2020, when the U.S. launched a drone strike to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, 2,000 American troops at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq braced for a retaliatory attack. They thought it probably would be a volley of rockets lobbed into their base, each carrying at most a 60-pound warhead. Inside the attack that almost sent the U.S. to war with IranThe toll of an Iranian ballistic missile attack Instead, Iran began moving ballistic missiles carrying warheads weighing more than 1,000 pounds into place for a full bombardment. An Army intelligence officer gave Major Alan Johnson his assessment of the Iranian threat: "Their intention is to level this base and we may not survive."Like many Americans on the base, Johnson, 51, turned on his phone to record a final goodbye for his family: "Just know in your heart that I love you," he tearfully told his 6-year-old son. "Bye buddy." Nearly 7,000 miles away, at Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida, General Frank McKenzie had a plan to evacuate half of the troops and nearly all the aircraft but he didn't want to move too soon. "There's a bit of an art there, how you do it," McKenzie told 60 Minutes. "If you move too early, then they refresh and they adjust their plans. If you move too late, you look like (the commanders) at Pearl Harbor." McKenzie knew the stakes couldn't be higher "war or peace," he said because if Americans were killed, the U.S. would retaliate against Iran. While U.S. intelligence agencies watched Iran fill its missiles with liquid fuel, McKenzie waited until he was sure the Iranians had downloaded the last of the commercial satellite photos they collected every day to observe the base. Air Force Master Sergeant John Haines divided up the men and women under his command by age. "Who's our youngest?" he asked. "Let's get them out of there." Some troops would have to remain to defend the base against a possible ground attack, and Lieutenant Colonel Staci Coleman, the Air Force Commander at Al Asad, believed she was making "life and death decisions." For those who stayed, she said, "I thought that would be the last day we . . . woke up and saw the sun and sucked in a big gulp of oxygen." Story continues Air Force Master Sergeant John Haines divided up the men and women under his command by age. "Who's our youngest?" he asked. "Let's get them out of there." "The wave of the future is the youngest airmen," Haines explained, "because they're the pipeline for the Air Force to continue." About 1,000 troops were evacuated and about as many remained. Correspondent David Martin during one of his remote interviews for this report. Haines, head of the security forces protecting the base, was patrolling in his armored vehicle when the first missile hit just 75 yards away at 1:34 a.m. It was like "old videos of Hiroshima," Haines said. "The bright light after it exploded, the cloud and the brightness."The Iranian missiles continued in waves, and Americans left on the ground didn't know when another barrage was coming or where it might land. Johnson was knocked temporarily unconscious by the first blast. "The next thing I recall is our First Sergeant yelling at us . . . 'Everything's on fire. We gotta get out of here!' And that's when I realized, like, the fire was just rolling over the bunkers, you know, like 70 feet in the air . . . It's imperative we get out of the bunker or we're going to burn to death." Johnson took off across open ground, sprinting for better cover when a loudspeaker blared out another alert: "Incoming! Incoming! Take Cover! Take Cover!" The missiles sounded like freight trains roaring by, he said. "We get to the next bunker and realize there's roughly 40 people trying to stuff themselves into this bunker that's made for about 10 folks. . . I'm . . . the last person in line. . . and I grabbed the guy in front of me and, like, 'You got to get in the bunker!' and just like shoved everybody in there." Army Sergeant Kimo Keltz held his ground in a guard tower on the exposed perimeter of the base. One salvo hit just 30 yards away. Keltz curled into a fetal position to protect his vital organs. The blast wave lifted him two inches off the floor. When it was over, Keltz and the other Americans emerged from their positions celebrating what seemed to be a miracle no one was killed and there seemed to be no serious casualties. It would take hours, even days before they realized more than 100 soldiers and airmen suffered traumatic brain injury. Keltz was one of them "because of how many blasts I took within such a close radius of me." Keltz's symptoms were like "someone hitting me over the head with a hammer over and over and over." Doctors have told him he has "concussive syndrome," a condition which may afflict him for the rest of his life. A drone captured video of the attack on Al Asad Airbase From first launch to last explosion, the bombardment lasted 80 minutes. The Iranians fired 16 missiles, 11 of them landing at al Asad. Although the Iranians later claimed they had deliberately aimed their missiles to avoid killing anyone, McKenzie estimated that had he not ordered the evacuation, 100 to 150 Americans would have been killed or wounded and 20 to 30 aircraft destroyed. It was the largest ballistic missile attack against Americans ever. "It has never happened in history that a ground force has been exposed to 11 theater ballistic missiles," said Army Major Robert Hales, the top doctor at al Asad. Trump gives first public speech since leaving office and declares "journey" is not over A tragic milestone: 500,000 Americans lost to COVID-19 "CBS Weekend News" headlines for Sunday, February 28, 2021 The Duke of Edinburgh began his third week in hospital today as his treatment for an infection continues amid claims the Queen is unlikely to visit him. Prince Philip, 99, has now been at King Edward VII Hospital in London for 14 days after being admitted on February 16, making this his longest ever stay in hospital. The Duke has only so far had a visit from Prince Charles who saw him on February 20, but one royal correspondent said the lack of other visitors was unsurprising. The Queen and Prince Philip look at wedding anniversary cards at Windsor last November Police officers stand outside King Edward VII Hospital in London's Marylebone this morning ITV royal editor Chris Ship said in The Royal Rota podcast: 'We've been outside the hospital before, the Queen didn't come during the hip operation. 'She didn't come when he was last in the hospital. I doubt very much that she's going to come at all now because of the Covid situation and being aged 94.' He added that Princess Anne 'might go' because she visited him when he was in the same hospital for a hip operation in 2018 after he had been there for nine days. The Duke also previously spent 11 days in hospital in June 2013 after an operation on his abdomen, a stay which included his 92nd birthday. Police officers stand outside King Edward VII Hospital today where Philip has been for 14 days Police at the hospital in London this morning, where the Duke was admitted on February 16 He was admitted last month as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell, and walked into the building unaided. Buckingham Palace said last week that he was 'comfortable' and responding to medical treatment. Both the duke and the Queen, 94, have received Covid-19 vaccinations and Philip's infection is not related to coronavirus. Charles made a 200-mile round trip from his home at Highgrove in Gloucestershire to see him. Police cars at King Edward VII Hospital today where 99-year-old Philip is being treated Prince Charles visited to the Duke of Edinburgh in London on the afternoon of February 20 The Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said Philip was likely to have 'requested' his eldest son's presence to discuss the future of the Royal Family, given recent developments with Prince Harry. The Duke, who will turn 100 in June, has also spoken to other members of the Royal Family on the phone. The Queen has remained in Windsor. Speaking last week, Prince Edward said Philip was 'a lot better', but admitted he was frustrated to be in hospital. He told Sky News: 'He's a lot better, thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing, so we keep our fingers crossed.' CLEVELAND, Ohio Vipal Patel, a longtime federal prosecutor, will take over the lead in the largest bribery investigation in Ohio. Patel became the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio on Monday, replacing his former boss, David DeVillers, whose last day was Friday. Former President Donald Trump appointed DeVillers. President Joseph Biden will name a successor in the coming months, based on Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Browns recommendation. These are huge shoes to fill, and Im humbled and honored to fill them, Patel said in a statement the Justice Department released. He takes over the investigation into House Bill 6, the piece of legislation that has shaken the Ohio Statehouse. The scandal broke last summer, and federal prosecutors already have gained three guilty pleas, though authorities say that is just the start. FirstEnergy and its affiliates stand accused of funneling $60 million in bribes to Larry Householder, the former speaker of the Ohio House, and four others to pass a $1.3 billion legislative bailout of two nuclear plants, according to court records. A subsidiary of FirstEnergy once owned the aging plants in Oak Harbor and Perry. Neither FirstEnergy nor any of its employees have been charged in the investigation as of Monday. The Akron utility says it is cooperating in the investigation. Householder has denied the allegations. His political strategist, Jeffrey Longstreth, and lobbyist Juan Cespedes have pleaded guilty, as has a nonprofit at the heart of the scandal, Generation Now. Sentencing dates have not been set. Patel, 53, had served as the offices first assistant for years, a job that required him to oversee its daily operations in Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton. He has been a federal prosecutor since 2000, first in Los Angeles and later in Dayton. He has worked in civil, criminal and appellate divisions. His tenure includes working in Afghanistan in 2011 as a Justice Department adviser on corruption and narcotics prosecutions. DeVillers, 55, is expected to enter private practice. His work in the Justice Department included assisting in Saddam Husseins prosecution in Iraq and advising corruption investigations in Eastern Europe. He made his name in Columbus by prosecuting street gangs. He said in an interview last week that his office has ongoing local and state investigations. Since last February, it has prosecuted three members of Cincinnati City Council on corruption-related charges. Reporter Andrew J. Tobias contributed to this story. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 man accused of murdering another man and leaving his body on the side of the road in Sydneys west has told a court he dumped the body very quick in the middle of the night because he wanted to get it away from him, but did not kill anyone. Alex Dion, 40, is on trial in the NSW Supreme Court accused of murdering Wachira Mario Phetmang, 33, in May 2018. He has pleaded not guilty. Wachira Mario Phetmang died in 2018. Credit:NSW Police Mr Dions barrister Madeleine Avenell SC previously told the court her client does not deny that Mr Phetmang suffered very significant and fatal injuries at Mr Dions apartment building. However, Mr Dion is adamant his housemate caused those injuries, not him. Mr Phetmangs body was found in bushland next to Homebush Bay Drive at Sydney Olympic Park on the evening of June 6, 2018, by a truck driver who had vehicle troubles. Mr Phetmang, who had extensive head injuries, had been bound and gagged and his body was covered in plastic sheeting. STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Foundation Software, LLC provider of construction-specific products and services like FOUNDATION construction accounting software, ProjectHQ project management software, and payroll service Payroll4Construction will be sponsoring a free, four-part Legal Series from Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP, a top firm in construction law, beginning on Thursday, March 4. Because of the changes in the industry due to COVID-19, Foundation Software CEO Mike Ode believed it was necessary to provide resources for contractors to stay up to date with policy. "Hahn Loeser is a great firm that stays on top of any changes in construction and construction law, and we're glad to be able to work with them to share their industry knowledge with our audience," Ode said. "With everything that's happened over the last year, it's important for contractors to have a reliable source on what exactly has changed and how it'll affect them moving forward." Hahn Loeser's Chair of Construction Law Practice, Rob Remington, also noted the importance of providing resources that keep contractors updated on policy changes. "Hahn Loeser is proud to collaborate with Foundation Software to offer this webinar series to address some of the leading legal issues impacting the construction industry," Remington said. All webinars are free and will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST. They will cover a variety of issues related to construction law and best practices. The kickoff webinar, " The Road Ahead for Contractors: Predictions of What to Expect in 2021 ," will discuss what contractors may anticipate in 2021 as the economy emerges from the financial setback of 2020. After the first presentation, the following presentations will take place on March 23, March 31, and April 13. The webinar sessions will be run by different teams of the following presenters: Rob Remington, Aaron Evenchik, Steve Seasly, Ann Knuth , Jeff Roush, Chad Van Arnam , Sonja Rice, John Paul Lucci, Rob Port and Sarah Lewis . A popular joint-webinar series previously debuted in April 2020 to educate contractors and subcontractors on Paycheck Protection Program Loans and more changes brought about by COVID-19. Visitors can register online on Foundation Software's event page. About Foundation Software, LLC Foundation Software delivers job cost accounting, project management and mobile applications, along with payroll services, to help contractors run the business side of construction. For information, call (800) 246-0800 or email [email protected] . Media Contact Tracie Kuczkowski | Director of Marketing [email protected] (800) 246-0800 x 7933 SOURCE Foundation Software, LLC A foreign woman wears a mask as she walks her dog along the West Lake in Tay Ho District, Hanoi, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh. Police in Hanoi's Tay Ho District said a gang of 25 men is suspected of carrying out violent attacks, including sexual, on foreign women strolling around West Lake. They have appealed to victims to help identify the culprits, Vietnam News Agency quoted a police source as saying. They said the gang is comprised of young men always traveling on motorbikes. The police recently received complaints from a group of foreign women that they were attacked violently, with the attackers throwing bricks at them or hitting them with belts. Following the attacks, expats have created a Facebook group called Hanoi Nightwatch as a platform to report cases of sexual assault and suggest ways in which members can protect themselves. It has over 4,200 members. The U.K. Embassy in Hanoi also warned British citizens on its official Facebook page: "We are aware that there has been a recent spike in reports of personal attacks, including rape and sexual assault, on foreign nationals in Hanoi. Some reports are of women being victims of indecent assault and harassment including inappropriate touching and groping." Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press briefing last week that her ministry would discuss with relevant Vietnamese agencies to verify the information and deal with cases mentioned by the U.K. Embassy. "We affirm that Vietnam always pays attention to ensuring security, order and safety for Vietnamese people and the expat community in Vietnam and strictly deals with lawbreakers." Some 91,000 foreigners from more than 100 nations and territories live and work in Vietnam, mainly in HCMC and Hanoi. Russias appetite for influence and lucrative arms sales in Southeast Asia has been whetted by the latest coup in Myanmar, where isolated generals remain distrustful of China but still require allies on the United Nations Security Council. Chinese investments had flourished in Myanmar under the now-deposed civilian government effectively led by former opposition figure Aung San Suu Kyi, and the military, also known as Tatmadaw, benefitted through state-owned enterprises brought under its control before Suu Kyis National League for Democracy won historic 2015 elections. However, relations between junta leaders and Beijing have long been strained over Chinese interference across their common border an existential threat not shared with Russia and Beijings assistance to long-running ethnic insurgencies, including the sale of weapons to rebels. Bradley Murg, a senior research fellow at the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, said Russia and China are both manoeuvring to protect their vested interests in Myanmar. Weve seen Russia step up to the plate twice with its actions in the Security Council on the Myanmar question and again joining with China and others in the human rights council to potentially oppose any form of condemnation of the new regime, he said. Russia and China used their power in the Security Council to water down the world bodys response to the coup, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. China labeled the coup a cabinet reshuffle while Russia called it a purely domestic affair, and, according to The Irrawaddy, a news site, even asked the international community for practical assistance to the new authority of Myanmar. That was despite the message from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said he would do everything in his power to pressure Myanmar and make sure that this coup fails. Guterres has also consistently slammed the repression and violence inflicted upon protesters. Numbering hundreds of thousands, resistance groups have held nonviolent protests, marching through cities, promoting boycotts and labor strikes in response to the Feb. 1 coup and the Tatmadaws refusal to accept the November elections results. The United States, Canada and New Zealand have already imposed sanctions on military leaders and pressure is mounting on the European Union, Australia and Japan to follow suit. Faced with the threat of sanctions from the West, Myanmar sees Russia as a natural ally in thwarting Western pressure and in managing regime consolidation, said Mohan Malik, visiting fellow at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, a U.S. Defence Department institution in Washington. Given Chinas tendency to extract maximum concessions for its backing of the junta, Russia plays an important role as a counterweight to China both as an arms supplier and as a permanent member of the UNSC, he said, referring to the U.N. Security Council. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Myanmar spent $2.4 billion on weapons between 2010 and 2019, including $807 million on Russian-made arms and $1.3 billion on Chinese munitions, often criticised as faulty. Moscow has faced growing criticism at home from its own Muslim community incensed over Myanmars alleged ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in 2017, blamed on Min Aung Hlaing. Protests have erupted in Grozny, where Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov warned he would oppose policies that support the Myanmar junta and has reportedly found support among Muslims in the neighboring Caucasus regions and elsewhere in the Russian Federation. Analysts, though, said Moscows appetite for access to railroads, seaports and trade routes and its liking for barter deals, which appeals to the junta, would counter any opposition at home. The most interesting thing I think we see in the Russian case is some of the frankness on the Russian side about what this means for the future of Myanmar-Russian relations, Murg said. ADVERTISEMENT You see defence contractors, others, basically licking their lips saying this is a new day, there are a lot of new opportunities for Russians in a post-coup Myanmar, he added. An initial military-technical agreement was reached between Myanmar and Russia in 2001, according to the Warsaw Institute, a nonprofit Polish think tank. Myanmar has since acquired 30 Russian-made MiG-29 jet fighters, 12 Yak-130 jet trainers, 10 Mi-24 and Mi-35P helicopters, and eight Pechora-2M anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-tank and artillery systems and six Su-30SME warplanes. In late 2019 Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin confirmed progress in fresh efforts at developing military cooperation with Myanmar, along with Cold War allies Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Then, a week before the coup, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu went to Myanmar and signed off on a deal to supply the formidable Pantsir-S1 air defence system, Orlan-10E surveillance drones and radar equipment. He also finalised a flight safety agreement. Arun Sahgal, a senior fellow for strategic and regional security at the Delhi Policy Group in India, said democracy remains an issue but, importantly for Moscow and Naypyitaw, India a major buyer and servicer of Russian arms would continue to do business with the junta. Sahgal said India will need to have a dealing with the government of Myanmar whoever is there and from inside to push the generals on the path of reconciliation with the political class rather than make a big song and drum about it. But they also look at Russia as a source of reasonably cheap weapons systems which are good, and which suits their purpose and there is also an eye that whatever they buy it can be maintained either by Russians or through contacts with India, Sahgal added. VOA IS PREMIUM TIMES SYNDICATION PARTNER. WE HAVE PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH Indian Medical Association in an official statement on Monday has urged the government to make the Co-WIN portal more people-friendly. The IMA also requested the Centre to provide COVID-19 vaccination free of cost to healthcare workers and people of the nation. The Union Health Ministry had developed Co-WIN to monitor real-time COVID-19 vaccine delivery. "We request the Government of India to make the online vaccination portal more people-friendly. We also request to provide the Covid-19 vaccination free of cost to the HCWs & people of the country," read the IMA's statement. The association congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi who took the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier on Monday. "We congratulate our Prime Minister Honorable Shri. Narendra Modi who has taken the first shot of Covid-19 vaccine. We are proud of the leader of our country," read the statement. IMA emphasised the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, stating, "Vaccination is an effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases. Vaccination is a gift of modern medicine to the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination continues to be critically important.". "At Indian Medical Association, our National President Dr J A Jayalal, past World Medical Association President Dr. Ketan Desai, Hon. Secretary General Dr Jayesh Lele along with all leaders have proved the safety & necessity of vaccination to people of the country," added the IMA. The IMA stated that it stands with the PM and the government for the mass COVID-19 vaccination drive. The second phase of the mass COVID-19 vaccination drive began on March 1. In the second phase people above 60 years and above 45 years with comorbidities will be administered the vaccine. Registrations on the Co-WIN 2.0 platform began at 9:00 am on Monday. Also read: PM Modi taking COVID-19 vaccine to instil confidence among people, says Dharmendra Pradhan Also read: 'Let us make India Covid free': PM Modi gets first dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin Jillian Van Hefty was a winner of Nickies Prize for Humor Writing and a finalist in the A Hotel Room of One's Own: The Erma Bombeck | Anna Lefler Humorist-in-Residence Program in 2020. Her essay She Spins Like Saturn took honorable mention in the global human interest category of the 2018 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition. Her work has appeared in Points in Case; Love What Matters; Haute Dish Literary Journal; Prometheus Dreaming; Eat, Darling, Eat; and the Minnesota Womens Press. She is currently working on a memoir about her Alzheimer's mama titled It Was Shiny When the Snow Collapsed and a humor book inspired by her idol, Erma Bombeck. Her passions include true crime podcasts, improv comedy, making soup, proper etiquette and all things British (with the one exception of Boris Johnsons haircut). She lives in small-town Minnesota with her husband, two sons, rescue Corgi and emotional support Keurig. Local Democratic and Republican party leaders have begun preparing for the special election to replace state Sen. John Blake. Select Republicans and Democrats will choose their party nominees for the special election, but candidates registered as independents or in other parties can get on the ballot, too, through a different process. A lot of details remain unknown, including the elections date and exactly when the main political parties will nominate candidates, but party officials provided some details of the processes for replacing Blake, whose resignation takes effect March 8. Blake announced last week he will resign for a job as U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwrights district director. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has 10 days after the resignation to set the special election date, which is expected to coincide with the May 18 primary election. All voters, regardless of party registration, can vote in the state Senate special election, but not for the other public offices at the primary. Primaries are usually only for choosing Democratic and Republican nominees. The 22nd Senate District includes all of Lackawanna County and small parts of Luzerne and Monroe counties. On the Republican side, the state party oversees the process. In districts spread across more than one county, Republican state bylaws call for appointing conferees from each county who would listen to potential candidates and vote on nominating someone, Lackawanna County Republican Party Chairman Lance Stange Jr. said. Votes cast for former President Donald Trump will determine each countys share of the conferees. For each 1,000 or fraction of 1,000 Trump votes, a county gets one conferee, based on the state party bylaws, Stange said. Lackawanna County would have 53 because Trump received 52,334 votes here. Figuring Luzernes and Monroes conferees gets trickier. In Luzerne, the district includes only Avoca, Dupont and Duryea boroughs and Pittston Twp. They cast 4,240 votes for Trump, according to figures posted on Luzernes election results webpage. That would give Luzerne five conferees. In Monroe, its Barrett, Coolbaugh and Price townships. They cast 4,940 votes for Trump, according to figures posted on Monroes election results page. That would also give Monroe five conferees. In all, thats 63 conferees. Stange cautioned he hasnt received official instructions from the state party. The instructions will lay out the process in greater detail, he said. So far, hes going by the state bylaws. He expects the directions to include information on where prospective candidates should apply. Stange said he has asked the state party for guidance on whether he or someone else names the conferees. County Democratic Chairman Chris Patrick said committee members from each voting precinct in the district will choose nominees at a virtual nominating convention that hasnt been scheduled. Each precinct has two committee members. In Lackawanna County, which has 163 precincts, that adds up to 326 members. The Luzerne towns total 10 precincts, or 20 committee members. The Monroe towns total seven precincts, or 14 members. Thats 360 in all. State Democratic Party spokesman Brendan Welch said interested candidates will submit biographies or resumes to the three counties Democratic parties, and eligible voting committee members will get copies. Members will vote electronically, by telephone or, in Lackawannas case, in person. More details will be announced later, but Patrick said hes aiming to schedule the meeting for March 13. Independent and other party candidates can also get on the ballot. They will need at least 1,185 voters to sign nominating papers, Lackawanna County Director of Elections Beth Hopkins said. So far, state Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton, Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-112, Blakely, and attorney Francis McHale of Scranton have said they will seek the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, only attorney Dominic Mastri of Moscow has formally announced he will seek the nomination, though others are considering it. New Orders, Production & Employment Growing Supplier Deliveries Slowing at Faster Rate; Backlog Growing Raw Materials Inventories Contracting; Customers' Inventories Too Low Prices Increasing; Exports and Imports Growing TEMPE, Ariz., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in February, with the overall economy notching a ninth consecutive month of growth, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. The report was issued today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee: "The February Manufacturing PMI registered 60.8 percent, an increase of 2.1 percentage points from the January reading of 58.7 percent. This figure indicates expansion in the overall economy for the ninth month in a row after contraction in March, April, and May. The New Orders Index registered 64.8 percent, up 3.7 percentage points from the January reading of 61.1 percent. The Production Index registered 63.2 percent, an increase of 2.5 percentage points compared to the January reading of 60.7 percent. The Backlog of Orders Index registered 64 percent, 4.3 percentage points above the January reading of 59.7 percent. The Employment Index registered 54.4 percent, 1.8 percentage points higher from the January reading of 52.6 percent. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 72 percent, up 3.8 percentage points from the January figure of 68.2 percent. The Inventories Index registered 49.7 percent, 1.1 percentage points lower than the January reading of 50.8 percent. The Prices Index registered 86 percent, up 3.9 percentage points compared to the January reading of 82.1 percent. The New Export Orders Index registered 57.2 percent, an increase of 2.3 percentage points compared to the January reading of 54.9 percent. The Imports Index registered 56.1 percent, a 0.7-percentage point decrease from the January reading of 56.8 percent." Fiore continues, "The manufacturing economy continued its recovery in February. Survey Committee members reported that their companies and suppliers continue to operate in reconfigured factories. Issues with absenteeism, short-term shutdowns to sanitize facilities, and difficulties in hiring workers remain challenges and continue to cause strains that limit manufacturing-growth potential. Optimistic panel sentiment increased, with five positive comments for every cautious comment, compared to a 3-to-1 ratio in January. Demand expanded, with the (1) New Orders Index growing at a strong level, supported by the New Export Orders Index expanding at a faster rate, (2) Customers' Inventories Index remaining in 'too low' territory (at 32.5 percent, tying its all-time low), and the (3) Backlog of Orders Index growing 4.3 percentage points compared to January. Consumption (measured by the Production and Employment indexes) contributed positively (a combined 4.3-percentage point increase) to the Manufacturing PMI calculation. Five of the top six industries reported moderate to strong expansion. The Employment Index expanded for the third straight month, but panelists continue to note significant difficulties in attracting and retaining labor at their companies and supplier facilities. Inputs expressed as supplier deliveries, inventories and imports continued to indicate input-driven constraints to production expansion, at higher rates compared to January, as indicated by the Inventories Index returning to contraction territory and another month of slowing supplier delivery performance. Imports marginally slowed in the period, driven by port backlogs. The Prices Index expanded for the ninth consecutive month, indicating continued supplier pricing power and scarcity of supply chain goods. "Of the six biggest manufacturing industries, five Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products registered strong growth in February. Petroleum & Coal Products moderately contracted. "Manufacturing performed well for the ninth straight month, with demand, consumption and inputs registering strong growth compared to January. Labor-market difficulties at panelists' companies and their suppliers continued to restrict manufacturing-economy expansion and will remain the primary headwind to production growth until employment levels and factory operations can return to normal across the entire supply chain," says Fiore. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 16 reported growth in February, in the following order: Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Paper Products; Chemical Products; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Wood Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Furniture & Related Products; and Nonmetallic Mineral Products. The two industries reporting contraction in February are: Printing & Related Support Activities; and Petroleum & Coal Products. WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING "The coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic is affecting us in terms of getting material to build from local and our overseas third- and fourth-tier suppliers. Suppliers are complaining of [a lack of] available resources [people] for manufacturing, creating major delivery issues." (Computer & Electronic Products) "Supply chains are depleted; inventories up and down the supply chain are empty. Lead times increasing, prices increasing, [and] demand increasing. Deep freeze in the Gulf Coast expected to extend duration of shortages." (Chemical Products) "Steel prices have increased significantly in recent months, driving costs up from our suppliers and on proposals for new work that we are bidding. In addition, the tariffs and anti-dumping fees/penalties incurred by international mills/suppliers are being passed on to us." (Transportation Equipment) "We have experienced a higher rate of delinquent shipments from our ingredient suppliers in the last month. We are still struggling keeping our production lines fully manned. We anticipate a fast and large order surge in the food-service sector as restaurants open back up." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products) "Overall capacities are full across our industry. Logistics times are at record times. Continuing to fight through shipping and increased lead times on both raw materials and finished goods due to the pandemic." (Fabricated Metal Products) "Prices are going up, and lead times are growing longer by the day. While business and backlog remain strong, the supply chain is going to be stretched very [thin] to keep up." (Machinery) "Things are now out of control. Everything is a mess, and we are seeing wide-scale shortages." (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components) "Labor shortages at suppliers are affecting material deliveries and prices." (Plastics & Rubber Products) "We have seen our new-order log increase by 40 percent over the last two months. We are overloaded with orders and do not have the personnel to get product out the door on schedule." (Primary Metals) "A sense of urgency is being felt regarding new orders. Customers are giving an impression that a presence of stability is forthcoming and order flow is increasing." (Textile Mills) "Prices are rising so rapidly that many are wondering if [the situation] is sustainable. Shortages have the industry concerned for supply going forward, at least deep into the second quarter." (Wood Products) MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE February 202 1 Index Series Index Feb Series Index Jan Percentage Point Change Direction Rate of Change Trend* (Months) Manufacturing PMI 60.8 58.7 +2.1 Growing Faster 9 New Orders 64.8 61.1 +3.7 Growing Faster 9 Production 63.2 60.7 +2.5 Growing Faster 9 Employment 54.4 52.6 +1.8 Growing Faster 3 Supplier Deliveries 72.0 68.2 +3.8 Slowing Faster 60 Inventories 49.7 50.8 -1.1 Contracting From Growing 1 Customers' Inventories 32.5 33.1 -0.6 Too Low Faster 55 Prices 86.0 82.1 +3.9 Increasing Faster 9 Backlog of Orders 64.0 59.7 +4.3 Growing Faster 8 New Export Orders 57.2 54.9 +2.3 Growing Faster 8 Imports 56.1 56.8 -0.7 Growing Slower 8 OVERALL ECONOMY Growing Faster 9 Manufacturing Sector Growing Faster 9 Manufacturing ISM Report On Business data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories indexes. *Number of months moving in current direction. COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE AND IN SHORT SUPPLY Commodities Up in Price Acetone; Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Plastic (2); Aluminum (9); Aluminum Extrusions; Capacitors; Copper (9); Corrugate (5); Corrugated Boxes (4); Crude Oil (3); Diesel (2); Electrical Components (3); Electronic Components (3); Fiberglass Products; Freight (4); High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) (2); Lumber (8); Methyl Methacrylate; Natural Gas (2); Nylon Fiber (2); Ocean Freight (3); Oil-Derived Products; Packaging Supplies (3); Paper Products (3); Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gloves (3); Plastic Resins (6); Plywood; Polyethylene; Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET); Polypropylene (8); Polyurethane Foam Products; Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) (5); Precious Metals (2); Propylene (2); Resin-Based Products; Resistors; Rubber Products; Semiconductors; Solvents Other; Soybean Products (5); Steel (7); Steel Carbon (3); Steel Cold Rolled (6); Steel Hot Rolled (6); Steel Scrap (3); Steel Stainless (4); Steel Plate; Steel Products (6); and Wood Pallets (3). Commodities Down in Price Dairy. Commodities in Short Supply Acetone; Aluminum; Computer Displays/Monitors; Corrugate (2); Corrugated Boxes (4); Electrical Components (5); Electronic Components (3); Freight Ocean; Isocyanates; Methacrylate; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gloves (12); Plastic Products; Polypropylene; Propylene; Semiconductors (3); Steel (3); Steel Cold Rolled (2); Steel Hot Rolled (4); Steel Specialty; and Steel Products. Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item. FEBRUARY 2021 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES Manufacturing PMI Manufacturing grew in February, as the Manufacturing PMI registered 60.8 percent, 2.1 percentage points higher than the January reading of 58.7 percent. This equals the highest reading since February 2018 (60.8 percent); prior to that, the PMI registered 61.4 percent in May 2004. "The Manufacturing PMI continued to indicate strong sector expansion and U.S. economic growth in February. Four of the five subindexes that directly factor into the PMI were in growth territory and at a higher level compared to January. Of the six biggest manufacturing industries, five Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products expanded. The New Orders and Production indexes continued to expand at strong levels. The Supplier Deliveries Index continued to reflect suppliers' difficulties in maintaining delivery rates, due to factory labor-safety issues and transportation challenges. Nine of 10 subindexes were positive for the period; a reading of 'too low' for Customers' Inventories Index is considered a positive for future production," says Fiore. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting. A Manufacturing PMI above 43.1 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the February Manufacturing PMI indicates the overall economy grew in February for the ninth consecutive month following contractions in March, April, and May. "The past relationship between the Manufacturing PMI and the overall economy indicates that the Manufacturing PMI for January (60.8 percent) corresponds to a 5-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis," says Fiore. THE LAST 12 MONTHS Month Manufacturing PMI Month Manufacturing PMI Feb 2021 60.8 Aug 2020 55.6 Jan 2021 58.7 Jul 2020 53.7 Dec 2020 60.5 Jun 2020 52.2 Nov 2020 57.7 May 2020 43.1 Oct 2020 58.8 Apr 2020 41.7 Sep 2020 55.7 Mar 2020 49.7 Average for 12 months 54.0 High 60.8 Low 41.7 New Orders ISM's New Orders Index registered 64.8 percent in February, up 3.7 percentage points compared to the 61.1 percent reported in January. This indicates that new orders grew for the ninth consecutive month. "Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, five Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products expanded at very strong levels. Petroleum & Coal Products retained its previous-month reading of 50 percent," says Fiore. A New Orders Index above 52.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau's series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars). Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the 13 that reported growth in new orders in February in the following order are: Paper Products; Wood Products; Primary Metals; Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products. The only industry reporting a decline in new orders in February is Miscellaneous Manufacturing. New Orders %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 42.4 51.2 6.4 +36.0 64.8 Jan 2021 37.0 51.0 12.0 +25.0 61.1 Dec 2020 40.3 45.1 14.6 +25.7 67.5 Nov 2020 35.9 50.1 14.0 +21.9 65.7 Production The Production Index registered 63.2 percent in February, 2.5 percentage points higher than the January reading of 60.7 percent, indicating growth for the ninth consecutive month. "Five (Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products) of the top six industries expanded at moderate to strong levels," says Fiore. An index above 52.1 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board's Industrial Production figures. The 14 industries reporting growth in production during the month of February listed in order are: Paper Products; Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Wood Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Furniture & Related Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The two industries reporting decreased production in February are: Printing & Related Support Activities; and Nonmetallic Mineral Products. Production %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 36.8 51.7 11.6 +25.2 63.2 Jan 2021 30.8 57.8 11.4 +19.4 60.7 Dec 2020 32.3 54.6 13.1 +19.2 64.7 Nov 2020 33.7 52.0 14.3 +19.4 62.2 Employment ISM's Employment Index registered 54.4 percent in February, 1.8 percentage points higher than the January reading of 52.6 percent. "The Employment Index grew for the third month in a row, with five (Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; and Fabricated Metal Products) of the six big industry sectors expanding. Continued strong new-order levels, low customer inventories and an expanding backlog indicate potential employment strength for the rest of the first quarter. For the sixth straight month, survey panelists' comments indicate that significantly more companies are hiring or attempting to hire than those reducing labor forces," says Fiore. An Employment Index above 50.6 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment. Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the 11 industries to report employment growth in February in the following order are: Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The four industries reporting a decrease in employment in February are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Furniture & Related Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Paper Products. Employment %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 19.2 68.5 12.3 +6.9 54.4 Jan 2021 13.9 72.2 13.8 +0.1 52.6 Dec 2020 14.9 68.8 16.3 -1.4 51.7 Nov 2020 14.8 66.4 18.9 -4.1 48.3 Supplier Deliveries The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was slower in February, as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 72 percent. This is 3.8 percentage points higher than the 68.2 percent reported in January. "Suppliers continue to struggle to deliver, with deliveries slowing at a faster rate compared to the previous month. Transportation challenges and challenges in supplier-labor markets are still constraining production growth and to a greater extent compared to January. The Supplier Deliveries Index also reflects difficulties suppliers continue to experience due to COVID-19 impacts combined with strong growth in economic activity. Since stable manufacturing began in August 2020, the index has gone up every month, indicating that suppliers are experiencing greater difficulties in meeting factory needs. Supplier labor and transportation constraints are not expected to diminish in the near-to-moderate term due to COVID-19 impacts," says Fiore. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries. Of the 18 industries, 16 reported slower supplier deliveries in February, listed in the following order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Paper Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Wood Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Primary Metals. No industries reported faster supplier deliveries in February. Supplier Deliveries %Slower %Same %Faster Net Index Feb 2021 45.4 53.1 1.5 +43.9 72.0 Jan 2021 39.9 56.5 3.5 +36.4 68.2 Dec 2020 39.5 56.3 4.2 +35.3 67.7* Nov 2020 27.5 68.4 4.1 +23.4 61.7 *Supplier Deliveries is no longer seasonally adjusted; however, due to more precise rounding, this number increased by 0.1 percentage point. Inventories The Inventories Index registered 49.7 percent in February, 1.1 percentage points lower than the 50.8 percent reported for January. Inventories contracted after four consecutive months of marginal growth, following three months of contraction. "Inventory-growth stability in light of ongoing supplier constraints indicates that supply chains are meeting near-term production demand, despite transportation challenges and COVID-19 headwinds. However, supplier delivery rates are not strong enough to grow inventories, as most panelists would prefer," says Fiore. An Inventories Index greater than 44.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars). The six industries reporting higher inventories in February listed in order are: Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; and Fabricated Metal Products. The five industries reporting a decrease in inventories in February are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. Seven industries reported no change in February compared to January. Inventories %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 19.8 63.1 17.1 +2.7 49.7 Jan 2021 18.1 65.6 16.3 +1.8 50.8 Dec 2020 22.1 53.5 24.4 -2.3 51.0 Nov 2020 18.1 62.4 19.4 -1.3 50.8 Customers' Inventories ISM's Customers' Inventories Index registered 32.5 percent in February, 0.6 percentage point lower than the 33.1 percent reported for January, indicating that customers' inventory levels were considered too low. "Customers' inventories are too low for the 55th consecutive month, a positive for future production growth. This reading is tied with December 2009 as the lowest reported since the subindex was established in January 1997. For seven months in a row, the Customers' Inventories Index has been at historically low levels," says Fiore. Of the 18 industries, the only one reporting higher customers' inventories in February is Printing & Related Support Activities. The 16 industries reporting customers' inventories as too low during February listed in order are: Fabricated Metal Products; Wood Products; Machinery; Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; Petroleum & Coal Products; Paper Products; Furniture & Related Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Plastics & Rubber Products; Textile Mills; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. Customers' Inventories % Reporting %Too High %About Right %Too Low Net Index Feb 2021 79 4.8 55.4 39.8 -35.0 32.5 Jan 2021 75 3.3 59.6 37.1 -33.8 33.1 Dec 2020 75 7.2 61.4 31.4 -24.2 37.9 Nov 2020 78 6.7 59.3 34.0 -27.3 36.3 Prices The ISM Prices Index registered 86 percent, an increase of 3.9 percentage points compared to the January reading of 82.1 percent, indicating raw materials prices increased for the ninth consecutive month. This is the index's highest reading since May 2008, when it registered 88.1 percent. "Aluminum, copper, chemicals, all varieties of steel, soy, petroleum-based products including plastics, transportation costs, electrical and electronic components, corrugate, and wood and lumber products all continued to record price increases," says Fiore. A Prices Index above 52.7 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials. All 18 industries reported paying increased prices for raw materials in February, in the following order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Furniture & Related Products; Paper Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Petroleum & Coal Products; Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; Transportation Equipment; and Computer & Electronic Products. Prices %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 73.1 25.7 1.2 +71.9 86.0 Jan 2021 64.3 35.7 0.0 +64.3 82.1 Dec 2020 57.8 39.7 2.6 +55.2 77.6 Nov 2020 36.7 57.3 6.0 +30.7 65.4 Backlog of Orders ISM's Backlog of Orders Index registered 64 percent in February, a 4.3-percentage point increase compared to the 59.7 percent reported in January, indicating order backlogs expanded for the eighth consecutive month. February's reading is the second-highest since January 1993, when reporting for this subindex began, exceeded only by April 2004 (66.5 percent). "Backlogs expanded at faster rates in February, indicating that new-order intakes more than fully offset production outputs for the eighth straight month. Five (Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products) of the six big industry sectors' backlogs expanded with significant strength," says Fiore. The 14 industries reporting growth in order backlogs in February, in the following order, are: Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Wood Products; Textile Mills; Paper Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Furniture & Related Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. No industries reported a decline in February compared to January. Backlog of Orders % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 91 38.5 51.0 10.5 +28.0 64.0 Jan 2021 91 32.1 55.2 12.7 +19.4 59.7 Dec 2020 90 31.4 55.4 13.2 +18.2 59.1 Nov 2020 89 28.9 56.1 15.0 +13.9 56.9 New Export Orders ISM's New Export Orders Index registered 57.2 percent in February, up 2.3 percentage points compared to the January reading of 54.9 percent. "The New Export Orders Index grew for the eighth consecutive month at a faster rate. Five (Transportation Equipment; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products) of the six big industry sectors expanded. New export orders were again a positive factor to the growth in the New Orders Index," says Fiore. The 13 industries reporting growth in new export orders in February in the following order are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Wood Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Primary Metals; Computer & Electronic Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Chemical Products. The only industry reporting a decrease in new export orders is Furniture & Related Products. New Export Orders % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 73 20.5 73.4 6.1 +14.4 57.2 Jan 2021 75 17.6 74.6 7.7 +9.9 54.9 Dec 2020 72 20.1 74.8 5.1 +15.0 57.5 Nov 2020 73 22.3 70.9 6.8 +15.5 57.8 Imports ISM's Imports Index registered 56.1 percent in February, a decrease of 0.7 percentage point compared to the 56.8 percent reported for January. "Imports expanded for the eighth consecutive month, at slightly lower rates compared to January, reflecting continued increases in U.S. factory demand and interest in increasing on-shore inventory. Panelists continued to note record-breaking backlogs in ports of entry, as well as difficulties in arranging drayage and operating within the domestic transportation market," says Fiore. The 10 industries reporting growth in imports in February in the following order are: Textile Mills; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Transportation Equipment; Primary Metals; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. Two industries reported a decrease in imports in February: Furniture & Related Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products. Six industries reported no change in imports in February compared to January. Imports % Reporting %Higher %Same %Lower Net Index Feb 2021 85 21.0 70.3 8.7 +12.3 56.1 Jan 2021 84 21.9 69.9 8.3 +13.6 56.8 Dec 2020 85 19.2 70.8 10.0 +9.2 54.6 Nov 2020 85 17.1 76.0 6.9 +10.2 55.1 The Supplier Deliveries, Customers' Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders and Imports indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments. Buying Policy Average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures increased in February by one day to 142 days. Average lead time for Production Materials decreased in February by one day to 67 days. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies decreased in February by one day to 38 days. Percent Reporting Capital Expenditures Hand-to- Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days Feb 2021 23 6 8 15 29 19 142 Jan 2021 21 6 10 15 30 18 141 Dec 2020 24 5 10 17 28 16 132 Nov 2020 22 6 10 16 27 19 140 Percent Reporting Production Materials Hand-to- Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days Feb 2021 11 31 27 20 9 2 67 Jan 2021 9 35 26 20 7 3 68 Dec 2020 9 33 27 21 7 3 69 Nov 2020 10 35 24 22 6 3 67 Percent Reporting MRO Supplies Hand-to- Mouth 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 1 Year+ Average Days Feb 2021 33 37 16 11 3 0 38 Jan 2021 31 36 19 11 3 0 39 Dec 2020 32 37 17 12 2 0 37 Nov 2020 34 36 16 10 3 1 40 About This Report DO NOT CONFUSE THIS NATIONAL REPORT with the various regional purchasing reports released across the country. The national report's information reflects the entire U.S., while the regional reports contain primarily regional data from their local vicinities. Also, the information in the regional reports is not used in calculating the results of the national report. The information compiled in this report is for the month of February 2021. The data presented herein is obtained from a survey of manufacturing supply executives based on information they have collected within their respective organizations. ISM makes no representation, other than that stated within this release, regarding the individual company data collection procedures. The data should be compared to all other economic data sources when used in decision-making. Data and Method of Presentation The Manufacturing ISM Report On Business is based on data compiled from purchasing and supply executives nationwide. The composition of the Manufacturing Business Survey Committee is stratified according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and each of the following NAICS-based industry's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP): Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing (products such as medical equipment and supplies, jewelry, sporting goods, toys and office supplies). The data are weighted based on each industry's contribution to GDP. According to the BEA estimates for 2018 GDP (released October 29, 2019), the six largest manufacturing subsectors are: Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. Beginning in February 2018 with January 2018 data, computation of the indexes is accomplished utilizing unrounded numbers. Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month. For each of the indicators measured (New Orders, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, Imports, Production, Supplier Deliveries, Inventories, Customers' Inventories, Employment and Prices), this report shows the percentage reporting each response, the net difference between the number of responses in the positive economic direction (higher, better and slower for Supplier Deliveries) and the negative economic direction (lower, worse and faster for Supplier Deliveries), and the diffusion index. Responses are raw data and are never changed. The diffusion index includes the percent of positive responses plus one-half of those responding the same (considered positive). The resulting single index number for those meeting the criteria for seasonal adjustments (Manufacturing PMI, New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories) is then seasonally adjusted to allow for the effects of repetitive intra-year variations resulting primarily from normal differences in weather conditions, various institutional arrangements, and differences attributable to non-moveable holidays. All seasonal adjustment factors are subject annually to relatively minor changes when conditions warrant them. The Manufacturing PMI is a composite index based on the diffusion indexes of five of the indexes with equal weights: New Orders (seasonally adjusted), Production (seasonally adjusted), Employment (seasonally adjusted), Supplier Deliveries (seasonally adjusted), and Inventories. Diffusion indexes have the properties of leading indicators and are convenient summary measures showing the prevailing direction of change and the scope of change. A Manufacturing PMI reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally declining. A Manufacturing PMI above 43.1 percent, over a period of time, indicates that the overall economy, or gross domestic product (GDP), is generally expanding; below 43.1 percent, it is generally declining. The distance from 50 percent or 43.1 percent is indicative of the extent of the expansion or decline. With some of the indicators within this report, ISM has indicated the departure point between expansion and decline of comparable government series, as determined by regression analysis. The Manufacturing ISM Report On Business survey is sent out to Manufacturing Business Survey Committee respondents the first part of each month. Respondents are asked to report on information for the current month for U.S. operations only. ISM receives survey responses throughout most of any given month, with the majority of respondents generally waiting until late in the month to submit responses to give the most accurate picture of current business activity. ISM then compiles the report for release on the first business day of the following month. The industries reporting growth, as indicated in the Manufacturing ISM Report On Business monthly report, are listed in the order of most growth to least growth. For the industries reporting contraction or decreases, those are listed in the order of the highest level of contraction/decrease to the least level of contraction/decrease. Responses to Buying Policy reflect the percent reporting the current month's lead time, the approximate weighted number of days ahead for which commitments are made for Capital Expenditures; Production Materials; and Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies, expressed as hand-to-mouth (five days), 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, six months (180 days), a year or more (360 days), and the weighted average number of days. These responses are raw data, never revised, and not seasonally adjusted since there is no significant seasonal pattern. ISM ROB Content The Institute for Supply Management ("ISM") Report On Business (both Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing) ("ISM ROB") contains information, text, files, images, video, sounds, musical works, works of authorship, applications, and any other materials or content (collectively, "Content") of ISM ("ISM ROB Content"). 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Report On Business, PMI, and NMI are registered trademarks of Institute for Supply Management. Institute for Supply Management and ISM are registered trademarks of Institute for Supply Management, Inc. About Institute for Supply Management Institute for Supply Management (ISM) serves supply management professionals in more than 90 countries. Its 50,000 members around the world manage about US$1 trillion in corporate and government supply chain procurement annually. Founded in 1915 as the first supply management institute in the world, ISM is committed to advancing the practice of supply management to drive value and competitive advantage for its members, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable world. ISM leads the profession through the ISM Report On Business, its highly regarded certification programs and the ISM Mastery Model. This report has been issued by the association since 1931, except for a four-year interruption during World War II. The full text version of the Manufacturing ISM Report On Business is posted on ISM's website at www.ismrob.org on the first business day* of every month after 10:00 a.m. ET. The next Manufacturing ISM Report On Business featuring March 2021 data will be released at 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 1, 2021. *Unless the New York Stock Exchange is closed. Contact: Kristina Cahill Report On Business Analyst ISM, ROB/Research Manager Tempe, Arizona +1 480.455.5910 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Institute for Supply Management Related Links https://www.ismworld.org Lenox High students are selling saplings to offset their use of paper. Lenox Students Planting Trees to Offset Paper Use The school is partnering with Tree-plenish, which started at Mansfield High School. Here Mansfield students Peter Oldow, Will Giffen, and Cam Eddy are ready to plant last year. LENOX, Mass. Lenox Memorial High School students want to plant 100 trees as a way to replace one million sheets of paper. And they're looking for help from the community to purchase the saplings and plant them on April 24. "Basically we're trying to offset our school's paper usage by getting people to buy trees and then getting volunteers to come with us to go plant them in their homes," said student Sabrina Lewis. "I'm really excited, but also, we do need people to buy more trees." Community members can buy an 18 inch to 24 inch red maple or river birch sapling for $5, which includes delivery and COVID-19 safe planting. The goal is to replace the estimated million sheets of paper that the school uses each year. Students have already sold around 21 trees. This event was organized by the school's Climate Crisis Control Club in partnership with Massachusetts non-profit organization Tree-Plenish, which began as a senior project in Mansfield and now reaches around 20 states. The student-led nonprofit says it's on target to plant 14,000 trees through partnerships with 90 schools. The club was started by Lewis and classmate Medeja Rudzinskaite last year and currently has around 13 members. "Even though we're remote now and we use less trees, we're still trying to offset our usage from previous years," Rudzinskaite said. Tree-Plenish reached out to Grade 9 world literature teacher Scott Wade at the beginning of the school year and the club was happy to partner with it. Wade explained that the club is also planning an Earth Day cleanup to beautify local spaces and have a few other projects in the works. Earth Day is on Thursday, April 22. He said this project has also made him realize that many class handouts could be replaced with a Google document or other virtual rendering. Saplings can be purchased at tree-plenishevents.org/lenox. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has logged a total sale of 1,64,469 units in February 2021. This comprises 1,47,483-unit sales in the domestic market and export of 11,486 units. The sale to other OEMs stood at 5,500 units in the last month. On a year-on-year basis, the brand has registered an 11.8 per cent growth over the same period last year. In the passenger vehicles category, the mini and compact segment consisting of the Alto, S-Presso, Wagon R, Celerio, Swift, Ignis, Baleno, and Dzire recorded 1,04,476-unit sales. The sales of utility vehicles and vans (Gypsy, Ertiga, S-Cross, XL6, Vitara Brezza, and Eeco) was at 38,775 units which is a 14.6 per cent rise when compared to the sales in the same period last year. On the flip side, the mid-size sedan, Ciaz witnessed a decline of 40 per cent in sales with 1,510-unit sales. The total passenger sales by the company in India was 1,44,761 units. Besides the passenger vehicles, Maruti Suzuki sold 2,722 units of its Super Carry commercial vehicle. The sales to OEMs also rose by a remarkable 103 per cent from 2,699 units last year to 5,500 units in February 2020. Maruti Suzuki has also started to manufacture and export the Jimny SUV to international markets of North America. Recently, the company also revealed that it is evaluating the plans of launching the Jimny in the country. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza 7.51 Lakh Onwards Maruti Suzuki | vitara brezza | Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza A $6.95 'miracle' cleaning product with a huge following in the UK has landed in Australia for the first time. The Pink Stuff has been making waves for its ability to remove super tough stains, dirt, grease and grime, leaving surfaces shiny clean without hours of scrubbing - all while using 99 per cent natural ingredients. The Mrs. Hinch-approved cleaning paste can be used on most surfaces in all areas of the home, including tiles, glass, paintwork, outdoor furniture, cooktops, ovens, pans, door handles, sinks, baths, showers, BBQs and even trainers. The product is very easy to use, simply leave a layer of the pink paste on stubborn stains for a few minutes before gently sponging off. Before and after: A $6.95 'miracle' cleaning product with a huge following in the UK has landed in Australia for the first time (picture showing the result after a shopper used the paste to get her oven glass sparkling clean) The Pink Stuff has been making waves for its ability to remove super tough stains, dirt, grease and grime, leaving surfaces shiny clean without hours of scrubbing - all while using 99 per cent natural ingredients The product has been popular among thousands, including queen of cleaning Sophie Hinchliffe, aka Mrs. Hinch, who raved about the paste on her Instagram page with more than four million followers, calling it nothing short of miraculous. 'Get your tub of Pink Stuff and start Hinching away all those stubborn marks on the inside of the oven and glass,' Mrs. Hinch said. 'Or work a decent amount of the paste onto the filthy underside of a saucepan. Leave for a bit and then work your [sponge] in circular motions to work the paste into the pan then scrub off any burnt-on debris.' The Pink Stuff is produced by Star Brands, a British company dedicated to designing cleaning products that allow you to clean your home with ease. The Mrs. Hinch-approved cleaning paste can be used on most surfaces (left of a pair of white shoes after a shopper was able to remove scuffs using the paste and right of a polished pan) The Mrs. Hinch-approved paste can be used on most surfaces, including pots and pans The Pink Stuff can be used on most surfaces, including the rims on car wheels Thousands are swearing by the product for removing stubborn marks, baked-in stains and even rusty items including doorknobs, towel rails, toasters, kettles, sinks and bins Dozens have been sharing their incredible results on social media after using the cleaning paste, including one who was able to remove 10 years worth of grease and grime from her oven. Thousands are swearing by the product for removing stubborn marks, baked-in stains and even rusty items including doorknobs, knockers and handles, towel rails, toasters, kettles, sinks and bins. Shoppers also using the paste on wheels and frames from old bicycles or scooters to bring the piece back to life while the product works well on lifting rust off outdoor metal chairs and tables to make them shining like new again. The cleaning paste is sold exclusively on CleanHQ online store for just $6.95 for a tub of 500g, or shoppers can find great deals on bundles - including The Pink Stuff and Scrub Mommy twin pack for $13.50 or a three-piece set for $19.50. 'Scrub Mommys is non-scratch so you won't damage your pans, leaving them as good as new,' Mrs. Hinch added. RICHMOND, Virginia The Delta Chi chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University has been suspended after a 19-year-old freshman was found dead following a rush event at the fraternity, reports say. Adam Oakes was found dead Saturday morning at an off-campus residence, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. Oakes cousin, Courtney White, tells the Times-Dispatch that Oakes died after a night of hazing that involved alcohol. Officers arrived and found Oakes down and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police tell WTVR Channel 6. The Medical Examiner will determine cause and manner of death. The Times-Dispatch reports that White says during the rush event Friday night, Oakes was told to drink a large amount of whiskey. Then, while blindfolded, he ran into a tree and struck his head, the Times-Dispatch reports. Oakes was led back into a house and put on a couch, reports say. He was found unresponsive Saturday morning. He is all we had. He is everything we had in our life, Oakes father, Eric Oakes, tells WRIC Channel 8. We had one child, hes a lovely kid. He just totally enjoyed life. NBC Washington reports the Delta Chi chapter has been suspended by the national chapter and the university as the investigation continues. The Times-Dispatch reports a student at the school is trying to get the fraternity and the students involved permanently expelled. We want some answers, you know, we deserve answers, Eric Oakes tells NBC Washington. Adam deserves answers. In the era of online interactions via Zoom, most conversations do not end when people want them to, a new study reports. US psychologists conducted two studies totalling 932 conversations between loved ones and between strangers. They asked people to report when they had wanted a conversation to end and to estimate when their call partner had wanted it to end. Both studies revealed that conversations almost never ended when both people wanted them to end and rarely ended when one person wanted them to end. The average difference between the desired conversation duration and the actual duration was roughly half the duration of the conversation itself. In the era of online interactions via Zoom, most conversations do not end when people want them to, a new study reports ZOOM 'THE MOST DOWNLOADED APP FOR iPHONE IN UK': APPLE Zoom is the most-downloaded free iPhone app in the UK in 2020, Apple revealed at the start of December. The placing reflects the public's increasing reliance on video calls to accommodate working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. Second-placed on the list is the NHS's Covid-19 app released back in September. Zoom and the Covid-19 app overtook WhatsApp and Instagram, the first and second-placed free UK Apple Store downloads in 2019. Apple didn't announce exact download figures, however. The rest of the top 10 most popular free Apple Store apps in the UK were TikTok, WhatsApp, Houseparty, Instagram, Microsoft Teams, YouTube, Snapchat and Facebook. More: Zoom and NHS Covid-19 app 'most downloaded free iPhone apps' Advertisement Researchers had wanted to find out if a conversation is typically 'an exercise in discoordination that ends when precisely no one wants it to' although it wasn't specific to Zoom calls, which have soared since the start of the pandemic last year. The study has been authored by experts from Harvard University, as well as University of Pennsylvania and the University of Virginia. 'Do conversations end when people want them to? Surprisingly, behavioural science provides no answer to this fundamental question about the most ubiquitous of all human social activities,' the team say in their paper. 'Social connection is essential to physical and psychological well-being, and conversation is the primary means by which it is achieved. 'And yet, scientists know little about it about how it starts, how it unfolds, or how it ends. 'Our studies attempted to remedy this deficit, and their results were surprising conversations almost never end when anyone wants them to.' Overall, people were poor at estimating their partner's desire to end a conversation and did not realise how different their partner's desire was from their own. The study could help people address new and more direct strategies for ending video call conversations, which can last much longer than anyone needs them to. When it comes to remote working, phone calls have been criticised as pointless and for wasting time during the working day. 'At a moment in history when billions of people have been forced to curtail their normal social activities, a scientific understanding of conversation could hardly be timelier,' say the experts. The team conducted two studies in which participants reported when they had wanted their conversation with one other person to end and estimated when the participant's partner had wanted it to end. The research was conducted pre-pandemic, meaning conversations were face-to-face interactions rather than phone conversations. Although conversation is among the most ubiquitous of social activities, it is unclear whether conversations end when people want them to end HOW TO GET OUT OF A CONVERSATION Although some conversations are terminated by external circumstances, such as a train arriving or a school bell ringing, in many cases people have to take it upon themselves to end a conversation often with awkward results. Psychologists, linguists, and communications scholars have studied the 'closing rituals' that people use to end their conversations including 'stock phrases' like 'it's been great talking to you' and subtle segues ('so anyway'). But these experts have not studied how and when people decide to use them and whether a conversation has outstayed its welcome with either party decides to terminate it. 'If conversants come to a conversation with the same goal, then we might expect their conversation to end when they have achieved it,' the researchers point out. 'If they come with different goals, then we might expect their conversation to end when the first of them has achieved it. 'Two employees who meet to find the best date for the company picnic may part ways when they find one, and two strangers who chat for pleasure at a party may continue until one of them grows weary, makes an excuse, and wanders away. 'If conversation is a means by which people achieve a variety of goals, then conversations should end when one or both conversants has done just that.' Advertisement In study one, they examined people's conversations with 'intimates' romantic partners, friends or family members in everyday life, and in study two they examined people's conversations with strangers in the lab. In the first study, 806 respondents 367 female and 439 male completed an online survey about their most recent conversation with an intimate. They were then asked to report whether there was a point during the conversation at which they had felt ready for it to end, and if so, to estimate that point, and if not, to estimate how much longer they wished the conversation had continued. When participants were asked whether there was a point during the conversation at which they had felt ready for it to end, 66.51 per cent answered yes. Participants who answered yes also enjoyed the conversation considerably less than did those who answered no. On average, participants wished their conversations had been 1.91 min longer than they were. In the second study, 252 participants were paired with a complete stranger to discuss anything for as long as they wanted, so long as the conversation was longer than one minute and shorter than 45 minutes. 'We asked participants whether there was a point during the conversation at which they had felt ready for it to end, and 68.65 per cent answered yes and 31.35 per cent answered no,' the team said 'These values are nearly identical to the values seen in study one, which were 66.51 per cent and 34.49 per cent, respectively. As in study one, participants who answered yes enjoyed the conversation less than did those who answered no. In study one people wanted to talk a bit longer on average, while in study two people wanted to talk a bit shorter however, both numbers were 'essentially zero', study author Adam Mastroianni at Harvard told MailOnline. 'That's not because people actually left when they wanted, though it's because the people who wanted more and the people who wanted less cancelled each other out. Few people actually got what they wanted. 'Percentage-wise, more people wanted to go sooner. That means the minority of people who wanted to go longer wanted to go quite a bit longer, whereas the people who wanted to go shorter wanted to go only somewhat shorter.' Although some conversations are terminated by external circumstances, such as a train arriving or a school bell ringing, in many cases people have to take it upon themselves to end a conversation often with awkward results. Psychologists, linguists, and communications scholars have studied the 'closing rituals' that people use to end their conversations including 'stock phrases' like 'it's been great talking to you' and subtle segues ('so anyway'). But these experts have not studied how and when people decide to use them and whether a conversation has outstayed its welcome with either party decides to terminate it. 'If conversants come to a conversation with the same goal, then we might expect their conversation to end when they have achieved it,' the researchers point out. 'If they come with different goals, then we might expect their conversation to end when the first of them has achieved it. 'Two employees who meet to find the best date for the company picnic may part ways when they find one, and two strangers who chat for pleasure at a party may continue until one of them grows weary, makes an excuse, and wanders away. 'If conversation is a means by which people achieve a variety of goals, then conversations should end when one or both conversants has done just that.' The study has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Results of a 2018 multirocket launch at Poker Flat Research Range north of Fairbanks, Alaska, will help scientists better understand the impact of more water vapor accumulating near the fringe of the Earth's atmosphere. "This is the first time anyone has experimentally demonstrated that cloud formation in the mesosphere is directly linked to cooling by water vapor itself," said Irfan Azeem, space physicist at Astra LLC in Louisville, Colorado, and principal investigator of the Super Soaker mission. The NASA-funded project, named Super Soaker, involved launching a canister containing about 50 gallons of water skyward to create an artificial polar mesospheric cloud on the night of Jan. 25-26, 2018. A ground-based laser radar (lidar) detected the cloud that formed 18 seconds after the water release 50 miles overhead. A time-lapse photograph captures the Super Soaker launches on Jan. 25-26, 2018. Three rockets launched with the mission, two using vapor tracers to track wind movement and one releasing a water canister to seed a polar mesospheric cloud. The green laser beam visible at the top left is the LIDAR beam used to measure the artificial cloud. Findings of the Super Soaker experiment were published this month in the Journal of Geophysical Research in a paper authored by Richard Collins, director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Graduate School and a professor of atmospheric sciences at the Geophysical Institute, with Azeem and a team of scientists from across the United States. Geophysical Institute graduate students Jintai Li and Jennifer Alspach, who developed lidar systems for the project and participated in the experiment, were among the paper's 10 co-authors. Undergraduate student Mikayla Grunin worked with Li to develop one of the lidar systems. The Super Soaker experiment showed that water vapor contributes to cloud formation in the upper atmosphere in two ways: by making the air more humid and by cooling the air. This moisture-driven cooling is distinct from the "greenhouse effect" warming that water vapor causes in the lowest level of the atmosphere -- the troposphere. Increased water vapor comes from methane, which is being produced by humans in rising quantities. Methane rises into the mesosphere, where it oxidizes in sunlight to form water vapor and carbon dioxide. Space traffic also adds to the amount of water vapor collecting in this region of the atmosphere, as water vapor is common in rocket engine exhaust, the paper notes. Increases in space traffic will result in more water being deposited in the upper atmosphere. What are the implications of this cooling of the upper atmosphere? "We expect that a more humid atmosphere should be cloudier, just as we see fog form over ponds on cold mornings. What we found that is new is that the water vapor appears to actively cool the atmosphere to promote cloud formation," Collins said. "We don't believe it's going to cause a radical effect at the ground, but it helps us understand long-term climate trends in the atmosphere and the role of water vapor in the climate system," he said. "And it also allows us to understand better our weather and climate models, where a lot of times cloud formation is the acid test of whether all the parts of your weather and climate model are working." Polar mesospheric clouds exist at the edge of space at an altitude of 47 to 53 miles. Water vapor at these altitudes freezes into ice crystals, forming the clouds. These clouds can be seen as they glow brightly after sunset when they are lit from below by sunlight against a dark sky. Polar mesospheric clouds are also called night-glowing or noctilucent clouds. The clouds appear naturally in the Arctic or Antarctic during summer. Researchers chose to create the artificial cloud in the winter to have a controlled setting. These clouds have long been used as indicators of climate change. First reported in the late 1800s, the clouds have been seen more often in the 20th and 21st centuries. The Super Soaker experiment consisted of three rocket launches from Poker Flat Research Range within about 40 minutes. The first two rockets dispersed trimethyl aluminum, which, when it reacts with oxygen, produces the harmless products of aluminum oxide, carbon dioxide and water vapor, as well as a bluish white glow. By tracking this glow, researchers can determine the winds over a wide range of altitudes, letting them see the weather conditions into which the water was released. The third rocket, launched 90 seconds after the second rocket, carried the water canister. The canister was detonated at an altitude of 53 miles to create a small polar mesospheric cloud that was detectable only by the lidar. Researchers are eager to conduct a second Super Soaker, one that will eject much more water. "What we saw was very, very fine, and we'd like to get more water up there to get a thicker cloud and see if we can directly measure the cooling effect rather than inferring it from the fact that the cloud formed," Collins said, referring to data acquired from the ground-based lidar. ### Other co-authors of the paper represented the Space Science Division at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.; Astra LLC of Boulder, Colorado; the Department of Physics, Center for Atmospheric and Space Sciences at Utah State University; the Department of Physics at Clemson University; GATS Inc. of Boulder, Colorado; and the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. Poker Flat Research Range is owned by the UAF Geophysical Institute and is operated under a contract with NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, which is part of the Goddard Space Flight Center. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 On Wednesday, another aide, Lindsey Boylan, described several years of uncomfortable interactions with Mr. Cuomo, including an invitation to play strip poker on a government airplane. Mr. Cuomos response Mr. Cuomo has denied Ms. Boylans allegations. In an initial response to Ms. Bennetts allegations, Mr. Cuomo said that he believed he had been acting as a mentor and had never made advances toward Ms. Bennett, nor did I ever intend to act in any way that was inappropriate. On Sunday, the governor went further, acknowledging that some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation and apologized. His promise of an investigation also underwent revisions: He first said on Saturday that he would appoint a former federal judge, Barbara Jones, to lead an inquiry into the allegations, but backtracked after critics pointed out the judges close ties to one of the governors longtime advisers. Then he said he would ask Letitia James, the state attorney general, and Janet DiFiore, the chief judge of the court of appeals, to jointly select an independent and qualified lawyer to review the allegations. But Ms. James and others said the plan did not empower her to do an investigation with subpoena power. Late Sunday, Mr. Cuomo again changed course, saying in a statement that Ms. James alone would be responsible for choosing an outside investigator and granting subpoena power to that person. 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. Mumbai, March 1 : Actress Preity Zinta marked her fifth wedding anniversary on Monday with a social media post for husband Gene Goodenough. The actress tied the knot with Gene on February 29, 2016. The wedding took place in a private ceremony in Los Angeles. Although the marriage took place in 2016, the couple was dating from 2011, evident from Preity's new tweet where she speaks about clocking a decade together. "Happy Anniversary my love. You're the reason I look down at my phone and smile and then walk into a pole. Cannot believe we clocked a decade together. How time flies ... Miss you .... Wish you were here. #5years #Happyanniversary #Hubby #Love #29feb," Preity tweeted. Preity often takes to social media to share romantic messages for her husband, referring to him as "Pati parmeshwar". "Love gets a whole new meaning with you in my life. Happy Valentine's Day my darling ... I love you #HappyValentinesday #Patiparmeshwar," the actress shared on Instagram on the occasion of Valentine's Day. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Digital.com, a leading independent review website for small business online tools, products, and services, has announced the best web design firms in San Jose. The top companies were selected based on multiple services, size of the firm, and industry focus. Experts at Digital.com examined companies with additional branding or marketing services that would enable businesses to scale up. Each firm was expected to demonstrate industry expertise in specific areas like manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. The guide also features large and small firms to meet a variety of budgets and service needs. Our experts spent hours reviewing many web design companies in San Jose that can offer a broad range of services and industry expertise, says Josephine Miller, PR Manager of Digital.com. This guide will help businesses narrow their search for top-rated firms. Researchers at Digital.com conducted a 40-hour assessment of over 49 companies across the city. To access the complete list of best web design companies in San Jose, please visit https://digital.com/web-design-companies/san-jose/. 14 Best Web Design Companies in San Jose ABOUT DIGITAL.COM Digital.com reviews and compares the best products, services, and software for running or growing a small business website or online shop. The platform collects twitter comments and uses sentiment analysis to score companies and their products. Digital.com was founded in 2015 and formerly known as Review Squirrel. To learn more, visit https://digital.com/. Smoke rises following an Israeli missile attack in Damascus, Syria, on Feb. 28, 2021. A fresh Israeli missile attack targeted positions in the vicinity of Damascus on Sunday night, state TV reported. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A fresh Israeli missile attack targeted positions in the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday night, state TV reported. Citing a military source, the Israeli attack was launched from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, said the report. It added that the Syrian air defenses responded to the attack, destroying most of the missiles. Residents in the capital watched the air defenses' firing while tracing the Israeli targets in the sky amid sound of explosions. The Sunday attack comes a couple of days after the United States struck positions of pro-Iran fighters in eastern Syria, killing 22. "We are thrilled to have Tonita lead us in our mission," said Zach Gose, Chair of Verity's Board of Directors. "She has a strong vision for harnessing financial tools, data and technology to enhance the lives of underserved members of our community. Her deep connections in the Puget Sound region and a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion will help Verity further promote vibrant communities." Throughout her career, Webb has been breaking barriers, beginning with her service as a security police officer in the U.S. Air Force at a time when very few women occupied the role. Webb will begin at Verity on April 5; she will be the first woman and the first member of the BIPOC community to lead Verity as CEO. "I am excited to be a part of Verity's mission; serving the community is my life's passion," said Webb. "I am a true believer in the community's ability to thrive, and I believe the credit union industry's mission is to assist while ensuring equity." This commitment to community is evident in her work with multiple non-profits, including serving as Board President for the Lupus Foundation of America, Board Secretary for the African American Credit Union Coalition, and as a board member for SouthEast Effective Development (SEED), Pioneer Human Services, and the Capital Projects Oversight and Capital Facilities Advisory Committees for Highline Public Schools. Webb has an extensive educational background, including a bachelor's degree from Saint Leo University and an MBA from Walden University. She also attended the Advanced Leadership Institute at Harvard Business School, and a three-year CEO Institute put on by the Credit Union Executive Society (CUES). Currently, Webb is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate at City University of Seattle. She also holds credentials as a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), Certified Chief Executive (CCE), Senior Human Resources Manager (SHRM-SCP) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). High-resolution headshots, images and more are available HERE. Verity leadership is available for interviews upon request. About Verity Credit Union Verity Credit Union is a state-charted $700 million financial cooperative serving members through eight branches located throughout the Seattle area. Membership at Verity is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in the state of Washington. The credit union was first chartered in 1933 as Postal Works Credit Union #8, making it one of the oldest credit unions in Washington state. Verity provides its members with a full suite of financial products and services, including mortgage and investment services. To learn more about Verity, visit veritycu.com. SOURCE Verity Related Links http://www.veritycu.com The strategy can pay off. Mr. Yang rode the Staten Island Ferry and made positive headlines for helping defend a photographer from an attack. Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, and Carlos Menchaca, a Brooklyn city councilman, even held an unusual joint campaign event in front of the Phoenix Hotel in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, to call for converting empty hotels into affordable housing. Mr. Adams said in an interview that his long days usually start with meditation at 6 a.m., and a recent evening ended with a dinner with South Asian leaders at 9 p.m. Every second is utilized, he said. From the time I wake up to the time I hit my pillow. A campaign of (stolen) ideas One candidate accusing another candidate of appropriating their campaigns ideas: Its a time-honored complaint on the trail. The Democratic primary for mayor is no different. Several candidates for mayor are proponents of some version of universal basic income, one of Mr. Yangs campaign platforms from his run for president. Now, some candidates are accusing Mr. Yang of pilfering their campaign ideas. Mr. Adamss campaign faults Mr. Yangs campaign for stealing ideas to provide pregnant women with doulas and use shuttered storefronts as vaccine distribution centers. Stu Loeser, an adviser on Mr. McGuires campaign, accused the Yang campaign of appropriating their idea to allow small businesses to keep their sales tax receipts for a year to help recover from the pandemic, and to create a teachers corps to tutor students. Mr. McGuires campaign grew so annoyed that they decided to do a bit of internet trolling: Anyone who heads to yangpolicy.com is automatically redirected to Mr. McGuires campaign website. The official registration for the web address is anonymous, but Mr. McGuires campaign claimed credit. Prosecutors on Monday offered a plea deal to Central pastor Tony Spell, who last spring was cited for violating the governors restrictions on crowd sizes when he held multiple large services during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Spell, the preacher at Life Tabernacle Church, was charged with six counts of violating Gov. John Bel Edwards mandate aimed at blunting the spread of the virus. At the time, little was known about how it spread within communities and Edwards declared a public emergency in an effort to control it. The East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorneys Office offered a plea deal during a Monday court hearing that would allow Spell to plead no contest to one of the misdemeanor charges in exchange for the five other charges being dropped. District Attorney Hillar Moore said he doesn't expect Spell to take the deal and is anticipating the matter going to trial. Jeff Wittenbrink, Spell's lawyer, said they are awaiting an opinion from the states 1st Circuit Court of Appeals on whether the governors order, which at the time limited crowd sizes to 10 people, was constitutional. Weve got to follow it all the way out," he said. +13 Court: Gov. John Bel Edwards' coronavirus order trumps Tony Spell's First Amendment rights Another judge has ruled that Gov. John Bel Edwards' effort to protect the public during a pandemic trumps a church pastor's claim that the Fir Even though a no-contest plea doesn't require a person to admit guilt, it eliminates paths to appeal criminal charges. While the pandemic was intensifying in the state last year, Spell set up several showdowns with authorities by holding several services that drew hundreds of worshippers at the Hooper Road church. Separately, Spell also faces an assault charge after authorities said he nearly backed into a man with a school bus as he was protesting outside of the church along the road. 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 That case remains pending, and he has pleaded not guilty to that charge. +4 As coronavirus cases soar, some Louisiana bars continue to challenge governor's restrictions Liz Breaux says Red's Levee Bar is "legal as can be" and has been for nearly 70 years, even though the small bar in rural St. Martin Parish ha Spell has argued Edwards' restrictions are infringements on constitutional protections to freely exercise religion, and he has sought relief in state and federal courts, which have either declined to take up the matter or ruled in favor of the governor. Though his challenges have been unsuccessful, recent rulings including a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last November ruling preventing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo from imposing restrictions on religious services may see courts rehear cases that werent taken up. Since filing challenges to the governors orders, Edwards relaxed restrictions on crowd sizes, prompting the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans to find that one of Spells challenges was no longer relevant. The U.S. Supreme Court last year declined to hear the case months after the lower court's decision. Others have filed similar lawsuits, and state and federal courts have largely ruled Edwards has the authority to impose certain restrictions during an emergency. Spell hasn't appeared in any of his in-person court hearings because of courthouse officials require that masks be worn, and he refuses. Supporters and members of his congregation have often accompanied the pastor outside of the downtown courthouse on the days he's had hearings. He is set to return to court in June. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. Value, savings, and significant competitive advantage Talented first-year students admitted to Bryant's Class of 2025 will have the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree in three years and move directly into Bryant's acclaimed one-year MBA program for completion of both degrees in four years. The selective Fourth-Year (3+1) MBA Program offers value and significant advantages over more traditional five-year BS/MBA options, building on the innovative curriculum and degree programs that make Bryant one of the nation's top ranked schools for learning outcomes and return on investment. "Bryant is a national leader in providing an exceptional return on education investment," notes President Gittell. "Since the University's integrated business and liberal arts curriculum was introduced in 2004, Bryant has been at the forefront in preparing students with the combination of critical skills most in demand by employers." "That real-world connection is exactly why Bryant graduates are in high demand now, even in a weak labor market. It's why they succeed and why they earn starting salaries that are among the highest in the country," adds President Gittell, an economist, management educator and frequent business and government policy advisor. "Our focus on the success of each individual student allows us to tailor their undergraduate experience to their personal interests. Currently, 30% of Bryant students graduate with double BS and BA degrees, double majors, and/or triple concentrations," says Provost Sulmasy. "We are proud to offer this accelerated dual-degree opportunity to help future leaders build the experience and credentials that will prepare them at a faster pace to be real-world ready on day one," adds Sulmasy. "This is one more way that Bryant adds value and provides students with opportunities to gain a distinct competitive advantage in today's unpredictable marketplace." Choose the accelerated path this fall Interested students must select the accelerated program in their first year. The undergraduate curriculum includes coursework completed over the three summer terms between year one and year four, as well as experiential learning experiences such as internships-for-credit and faculty-led international travel either in undergraduate or graduate segments of the program. Students in the Fourth-Year MBA Program reside on campus for the three undergraduate years, with dedicated first-year housing offering a private study hall, a dedicated resident assistant, and academic advisor. On-campus housing options are available for the fourth year. Learn more about enrolling Admitted students who are interested in learning more or enrolling in the accelerated Fourth-Year MBA (3+1) Program may contact the Office of Admission at 800.622.7001, or email [email protected]. Bryant's accelerated Fourth-Year MBA (3+1) Program for undergraduates at-a-glance: The Bryant accelerated Fourth-Year (3+1) MBA Program is an innovative academic choice for outstanding students seeking increased value and more options to fast-track completing their undergraduate and graduate education to gain a competitive advantage Eligible students will complete Bryant's integrated business and liberal arts undergraduate curriculum and MBA in four years, which offers an exceptional return on investment and significant savings over traditional five-year BS/MBA options Students live in dedicated campus housing for the three undergraduate years, with housing options available for the fourth year A faculty director is dedicated to overseeing this program and the Honors Program. A dedicated resident assistant and study lounge are available in first-year cohort housing Scholarships carried from year three to year four are subject to a 3.5 GPA and continued program enrollment Classes can be offered both in a traditional on campus setting as well online in the summer The program features experiential learning experiences such as internships-for-credit and faculty-led international travel either in undergraduate or graduate segments of the program. For 158 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. Located on a contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron's. Visit https://www.bryant.edu/. CONTACT: Cecilia Cooper, 401-232-6932, [email protected] SOURCE Bryant University Related Links www.bryant.edu Its finally happening. The United States District Court for the Northern District of California has set a date of May 3 for the court hearing for the Epic Games versus Apple antitrust lawsuit. Apple versus Epic Games antitrust lawsuit is finally coming to a conclusion. The hearing is set for May 3rd. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has said that due to the cases significance it will be an in-person trial. However, if the cases begin to rise, the first hearing might take place on a Zoom call, with the future hearings being in-person. Foss Patent has also reported that even if the trial is heard in the courthouse, the number of people allowed to be involved at any given time will be limited. Moreover, the judge has said that anyone using COVID-19 as an excuse will have to go through consequences. The judge wont take it lightly if someone whos a COVID denier on Facebook or goes on extensive travel for other purposes asks to be excused from showing up in person for the trial. She expects counsel for the parties to investigate the witnesses in that regard. The courtroom is also, reportedly, being set up with plexiglass shields. This will be done to avoid any contamination, and it will also allow the witness to speak without the need to wear face masks. The in-person trial, for now, is set for May 3 with the circumstances subject to change with the COVID-19 situation. Epic Games filed an antitrust case against Apple when its game, Fortnite, was removed from the App Store for bypassing Apples in-app purchasing system. Since then, a lot has happened with the case. Most recently, Epic Games was trying to locate the former iOS software chief to testify against Apple. Epic Games has also filed a similar case in the European Union court. Who do you side with in Apple versus Epic Games battle? Do you think Apple having a monopoly in iOS app distribution is justified? Let us know in the comments section below! ATLANTA, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Napoleon B. Rutledge, Jr, Senior Vice President of Finance, to the additional role of Chief Accounting Officer of the Company. In his expanded role, Mr. Rutledge will be responsible for the Company's corporate finance and accounting, including its regulatory accounting matters, financial reporting, financial planning and analysis and accounting policies. Paul Donahue, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Napoleon has been a key financial officer of the Company for more than 10 years, and he is well-qualified and deserving of his new leadership role. We know he will do an outstanding job, and we look forward to his continued contributions to the Company." Carol Yancey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, added, "We are both pleased and fortunate to have Napoleon in the role of Chief Accounting Officer. In his 21 years with the Company, Napoleon has been instrumental in advancing our corporate finance and accounting functions, and his leadership skills, financial knowledge and accounting experience make him an excellent fit for this important position." At Genuine Parts Company, Mr. Rutledge has worked in a variety of financial management roles and has extensive experience in corporate finance, treasury, risk management, audit and SEC reporting. Most recently, Mr. Rutledge has served as Senior Vice President of Finance since 2018, and previously was Vice President of Finance from 2016-2018 and Vice President of Finance and Assistant Treasurer from 2012-2016. Prior to joining the Company in 1999, Mr. Rutledge spent four years in public accounting with Ernst & Young. About Genuine Parts Company Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a global service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. The Company's Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium. The Company's Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. In total, the Company serves its global customers from an extensive network of more than 10,000 locations in 14 countries. Genuine Parts Company had 2020 revenues of $16.5 billion. Further information is available at www.genpt.com. SOURCE Genuine Parts Company Related Links http://www.genpt.com Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, U.S. Feb. 28, 2021. (Reuters/Joe Skipper) Trump: Biden Needs to Re-Open Schools Right Now Former President Donald Trump, in his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Sunday, said President Joe Biden needs to open schools right now after months of lockdowns due to the CCP virus pandemic. Children must get back [to school] and get back right now, Trump said. The White House, he added, is selling out Americas children to the teachers unions and has shamefully betrayed Americas youth and he is cruelly keeping our children locked in their homes. No reason for it whatsoever. On behalf of all the moms and dads, I call on Joe Biden to open the schools and get them open now, Trump added. Days ago, Biden promised that a majority of elementary schools will be open five days a week by the end of his first 100 days in office, restating his goal after his administration came under fire when aides said schools would be considered open if they held in-person learning just one day a week. Biden had pledged in December to reopen the majority of our schools in his first 100 days but has since faced increasing questions about how he would define and achieve that goal, with school districts operating under a patchwork of different virtual and in-person learning arrangements nationwide. He said comments by White House press secretary Jen Psaki earlier this month that one day a week of in-person learning would meet his goal were a mistake in the communication. I said open a majority of schools in K through eighth grade, because theyre the easiest to open, the most needed to be open in terms of the impact on children and families having to stay home, Biden said. Trumps remarks Sunday come as parents and children in Los Angeles rallied for schools to re-open. Similar scenes have emerged across the United States in recent weeks. We have felt the most vulnerable, we have failed for 180,000 kids of color. We have failed, LA School Uprising founder Ross Novie told KTLA. Thats our record so whatever we say we want to do, were not doing it, were hurting the children, and its got to stop. He added: We understand there are families that are at risk, there are teachers that are at riskpeople who are at risk should not go back to school, we understand that. But there are many more who are OK to go back, and with proper mitigation, we have seen it can be a safe place to teach and workjust like every other workplace that has opened up. The Epoch Times reached out to the White House for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In a heart-stopping moment, the toddler loses her grip and plunges to the ground - only to be caught by Manh He raced to climb onto a roof to get into a better position to catch the girl guyen Ngoc Manh, 31, was waiting to deliver a package in Hanoi when he saw the toddler hanging off the high-rise building This is the astonishing moment a heroic delivery driver caught a two-year-old girl who fell from a 12th storey balcony in Vietnam. Nguyen Ngoc Manh, 31, was sitting in his truck waiting to deliver a package in Hanoi on Sunday when he saw the toddler hanging off the high-rise building and clinging onto the edge with one hand. The father-of one reacted instinctively and raced out of his car and climbed onto a tile roof at the bottom level of the building to get into a better position to be able to catch the girl. In a heart-stopping moment, video footage shows the two-year-old lose her grip before plunging to the ground from 164 feet - but somehow Manh was able to reach for the girl, who fell onto his lap. HEROICA ATRAPADA! Un repartidor le salvo la vida a una nina de 3 anos que cayo del piso 12 de un edificio en Vietnam. La nena sufrio fracturas en la pierna y en los brazos, pero esta viva gracias a la heroica accion de Nguyen Ngoc Manh, quien sufrio un esguince.#VIRAL pic.twitter.com/eI03quT0IM Unicanal (@Unicanal) March 1, 2021 Nguyen Ngoc Manh, 31, was sitting in his truck waiting to deliver a package in Hanoi on Sunday when he saw the toddler hanging off the high-rise building and clinging onto the edge with one hand This is the moment Manh, who had climbed onto a tile roof, caught the girl who fell onto his lap Hero Nguyen Ngoc Manh 'I was sitting in the car and waiting to deliver some belongings for a client in the opposite building when I heard a child crying - I just thought that the baby had been scolded by their parents,' Manh told local newspaper Anninhthudo. 'However, soon after, I heard someone screaming for help. I stuck my head out of the car, looked around, and saw the girl climbing out of the balcony. 'I jumped out of the car immediately, trying to find ways to climb the nearby building. I mounted on a two-metre-high tile roof to seek a proper position to get the girl.' But the roof was crooked and as Manh stood on it, he lost his footing - and at the same time the toddler suddenly lost her grip and began falling. Manh flung himself forward to catch her and somehow she landed perfectly on his lap, the impact leaving a dent in the roof. But when Manh hugged the girl in delight, he saw that blood was leaking from her mouth. But when Manh hugged the girl in delight, he saw that blood was leaking from her mouth. The toddler (pictured) was taken to a nearby hospital The toddler was taken to the nearby National Children's Hospital and was treated for a dislocated hip, according to local media reports. Meanwhile, Manh, who has been hailed a hero by locals, suffered a slight sprain in his arm. Since the incident, Manh revealed he acted instinctively as he has a daughter of his own who is also two-years-old. 'When the incident happened I did not think much,' he said. 'Seeing the baby I immediately thought of my daughter at home and hurriedly tried to save her.' 'Everything happened within a minute,' he told VN Express. 'I didn't understand how I could scale the roof that quickly. I couldn't believe I saved the girl's life.' Manh's life has 'turned upside down' since saving the toddler from death and he has received thousands of positive messages on social media. '[My life] has not just changed - my life has turned upside down. Normally my Facebook posts draw only a few dozen responses, now I get tens of thousands,' he said. Manh is humble about his brave act and said: 'I don't see myself as a hero. I just want to do good.' Gov't should match frontliners' heroism with vaccine offensive It is said to be the first shot in our nation's counterattack against the virus. That it was given to Dr. Gap Legaspi, ground commander of the biggest COVID-19 hospital, only underscores the moral responsibility of this government to support the continuing heroism of our frontliners with a vaccine offensive. It is also government's duty to broaden the vaccine source. Hindi lang galing sa isang bansa, pero sa buong mundo. The best vaccines the best human minds had developed. The vaccines have arrived as we are letting our people go out of their towns freely. Our vaccine arsenal should then grow as fast as we are allowing people to move around unrestricted. Without vaccines, the virus will be faster and smarter than us. The newly signed COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act brings big business to the bakuna drivenot to profit, but to use their massive wealth in vaccinating as many people as fast as possible. With many sectors now enlisted in vaccine procurement and administration, the national government should lead from the front and not from the rear. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) says it has disrupted a ring of former and current Ukrainian diplomats accused of smuggling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of goods -- including gold and foreign currency. In a statement on March 1, the SBU said the diplomats, whose identities were not disclosed, used the diplomatic mail system and diplomatic documents to smuggle excise goods to and from the European Union. According to the statement, the group of diplomats illegally moved foreign currency, gold, and tobacco items across the border. The SBU said its counterintelligence officers, along with investigators from the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR) stopped a truck with diplomatic license plates at the Yahodyn customs point on the Ukrainian-Polish border. Officials of the Foreign Ministry had tried to use the truck to smuggle to the European Union $140,000, 67,200 euros ($81,100), 11,600 Polish zlotys ($3,060), 16 kilograms of gold worth some $530,000, tobacco goods worth of $53,000 at black market, it added. The statement added that a probe has been launched into the affair, saying the suspects, the number of whom was not made clear, have not been officially charged. "It is important to shine light on such cases, make them public. We need to break the shameful approach of not taking the trash out of the house. It needs to be taken out or we will be living in trash," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a post on Facebook. Delve into the deep-rooted culinary heritage embodied by Asias oldest and longest road with Zee Zests Grand Trunk Rasoi, based on the iconic route that connects Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Conceptualised as an ode to the unique and rich palate that the Sarak-e-Azam epitomizes, the show will be hosted by renowned chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. This exciting journey begins on Indias newest and leading lifestyle channel, Zee Zest on 1st March. An amalgamation of centuries of history, dishes range from the barbequed temptations of Peshawar and Rawalpindi to the best-kept secrets of majestic Dastarkhans of Delhi and Agra; from the succulent kebabs of the Awadh region to the inspiring vegetarian feast of Banaras and tempting sweets of Bengal. Indeed, Grand Trunk Rasoi will be the best introduction to the culinary essence of the subcontinent. The show set against the backdrop of a modern dhaaba, takes viewers on an exhilarating trail that explores a kaleidoscope of food, traditions, rituals and ethos of our country. Through its different segments, the Grand Trunk Rasoi will give viewers a glimpse into the beautiful local marketplaces, share recipes of authentic regional home-cooked delicacies and those from some of the oldest and most popular dhaabas that dot the highways. Chef Sokhi, in his inimitable style narrates Itihas ki tasty kahaniya and busts myths around various ingredients, dishes and cuisines that are the heart and soul of these regions. Excited to share his personal anecdotes chef Harpal Singh Sokhi said, I am thrilled to take viewers on this culinary journey across one of the longest and most significant roads in Asia. The Grand Trunk Road evokes memories and is especially close to me. It is the route my mother took during the Partition, to crossover to India from Rawalpindi and then finally settled at Kharagpur near Kolkata. I have grown up on stories of that bygone era and cant wait to share more about these authentic cuisines and long-forgotten recipes through GT Rasoi. Unearth lesser-known facts about Indias spice trade and heartwarming stories such as the Chappali Kebab, a mouthwatering Peshawari delicacy that represents a flat chappal that weary travelers frequented bazaars for. Relive vedic folklore dating back to the Mahabharata, savour gourmet delights from Royal daawats to the famed street-side chaats all through the Grand Trunk Rasoi. Co-Powered by Goldiee Spices, Cookware Partner: Vinod cookware, Special Partner: Food Fortification Resource Centre and with Associate Sponsor: ITC Nimwash, the Grand Trunk Rasoi will air every Monday-Wednesday at 1 pm only on Zee Zest. The mystery around the disappearance of Melissa Caddick, a woman accused of defrauding her family and friends of $25 million, is a source of significant public interest and debate. However, facts are hard to come by. To date, aside from the accusation of fraud, the only information we have is that on the 10th November 2020, following an investigation, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, froze Caddicks bank accounts and properties, and banned her from leaving the country. The following day, officers from ASIC raided her home in Dover Heights, in Sydneys eastern suburbs. Melissa Caddick hasn't been seen since November 12. On November 12, around 5:30am, Caddicks son heard the front door of their home close, assuming his mother had gone for a run. She didnt take any personal belongings, such as her phone, with her. And that is it. Caddick had vanished. Until February 21, when campers south of Tathra, on the NSW South Coast, found a trainer containing the remains of a foot, which was later confirmed via DNA to belong to Caddick. A search continues along the coastlines of NSW, looking for more human remains. A report is being prepared by NSW Police for the Coroner, who will ultimately decide what has happened to Caddick. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 23:21:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday asked for generous donations for humanitarian operations in war-torn Yemen. Some 3.85 billion U.S. dollars is needed for 2021 to support 16 million Yemenis who are on the brink of catastrophe, he told a high-level pledging event for Yemen. "This is not the moment to step back from Yemen. ... I implore all donors to fund our appeal generously to stop famine engulfing the country. Every dollar counts." Donations will make an enormous and concrete difference. In many cases, the difference between life and death, he said. "The assistance you pledge today will not only prevent the spread of famine and save lives. It will help create the conditions for lasting peace." The United Nations and its partners across Yemen are ready to scale up aid operations. Delivering aid in Yemen is challenging. But humanitarian workers are up to the challenge, said Guterres. Throughout 2020, UN agencies and partners helped more than 10 million people each month, working in every one of Yemen's 333 districts, he noted. The UN chief urged all parties to heed the requirements of international humanitarian law to facilitate rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access. More than 20 million Yemenis need humanitarian assistance and protection, with women and children among the hardest hit. More than 16 million people are expected to go hungry this year. Nearly half a million Yemenis are already starving to death in famine-like conditions, he said. Enditem AUSTIN, Texas, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Facilities Commission's North Austin Complex Phase One achieved substantial completion last week, on time and in budget. The project includes a nine-story office building, central utility plant. and 1,850-space parking garage. When the COVID pandemic hit, over 300 construction workers each day were on site. Adhering to social distancing protocols was one of the biggest challenges for Vaughn Construction, the contractor overseeing the project. Their COVID-19 policy mandated a reduction in crew size, from 15-person crews, down to three or four people. Crews worked together, in the same area, every day, for the entire week to reduce the possibility of COVID spread and to facilitate contact tracing. Weekly safety and production meetings that previously involved up to 100 people were reduced to individual crews; meetings were held outdoors. Face-to-face meetings with Texas Facilities Commission and the design team were replaced with virtual meetings. When the State of Texas issued stay-at-home orders for all state employees, building inspectors were no longer allowed to visit job sites. So, Vaughn hosted virtual inspections of the work progress to maintain the schedule. Delays in equipment manufactured outside the United States presented the only major schedule impact to the project. When an elevator factory in Mexico shut down for an extended period due to COVID-19, the 12 to 14-week lead time for the 10 elevators stretched to four months. Once the elevators arrived, the elevator contractor provided extra crews to work on each elevator concurrently. The additional workforce effectively reduced the delay to six weeks. The pandemic also disrupted the City of Austin's municipal operations, delaying the connection of the building's gas line to city services. In the meantime, construction crews installed a temporary boiler to fire up the HVAC system and regulate the building's temperature, so crews could continue working inside the building. The collaborative effort between all the workers with enhanced sanitation, additional personal protective equipment, and social distancing, allowed this essential project to be delivered on time. Approximately 1,500 employees from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will occupy the building in June 2021. For more information about the TFC North Austin Complex, visit https://tfc-nac.com/ For more information about Vaughn Construction, visit www.vaughnconstruction.com SOURCE Vaughn Construction Related Links https://vaughnconstruction.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 03:43:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BUCHAREST, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- President of the European Council Charles Michel on Sunday reiterated the European Union (EU)'s support for Moldovan President Maia Sandu and her reform agenda. "I am sending a clear message of support from the European Union for further reforms and the fight against corruption," Michel said while meeting with Sandu during his visit to Moldova, according to the presidency's press service. "The EU is a reliable partner of the Republic of Moldova," said Michel, who was visiting the capital of Moldova, the first leg of his journey to Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine between Feb. 28 and March 3. "Fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law are the only way forward. The president's very ambitious agenda is the right direction to strengthen relations with the EU," said Michel. "Our support goes hand in hand with reforms," he said. For her part, the Moldovan president thanked Michel for the EU's sustained and sincere support for her country. "Your decision to visit our country is a clear signal of support from the European Union for our citizens. Thank you for being with Moldova in this difficult period," said Sandu after her talks with Michel. "Reform and anti-corruption fight need the support of the parliament. The sooner we hold early parliamentary elections and confirm a government with full parliamentary support, the better for my citizens," she said in a statement. Moldova entered a political stalemate because of the conflict between the head of state and the majority of the parliament, as the country's Constitutional Court on Tuesday declared unconstitutional a presidential decree, under which Sandu named again a prime-minister designate soon after the latter was rejected by the parliament in a vote of confidence, a move that will bring a snap general election in case of another veto by the parliament. Under Moldova's constitution, an early parliamentary election is triggered if parliament fails twice to vote in a new government. Enditem NANCHANG, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- East China's Jiangxi Province has stepped up cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since the beginning of this year, the provincial commerce department said. In January, the province's enterprises invested some 30.54 million U.S. dollars in BRI countries, up 7,589.48 percent year on year. Meanwhile, their turnover of contracted projects with BRI countries saw a year-on-year increase of 53.94 percent last month. According to the commerce department, local companies have recently won bids for stadium maintenance, super-tall building and water projects in countries along the BRI. Jiangxi will intensify efforts in overseas market development, and guide and encourage competent enterprises to raise the speed of going global, said the bureau. Enditem [ Editor: Junye ] YEREVAN -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has said that he is prepared to hold snap parliamentary elections provided the opposition agrees to certain conditions. Political tensions in Armenia are high, with supporters of Pashinian and the opposition each staging massive rallies at separate sites in the capital. Pashinian is confronted with an ongoing political crisis after the army demanded that he quit last week, a move he said amounted to a coup attempt. "If the parliamentary opposition agrees to early elections, we will agree to early elections," Pashinian told thousands of supporters gathered in Yerevan's central Republic Square on March 1. He also proposed holding a referendum in October on adopting a new constitution that would expand presidential powers to avoid future crises, and suggested parliamentary factions sign a memorandum promising not to elect someone else as prime minister if he steps down to clear the way for early elections. Pashinian has faced mounting protests and calls from the opposition for his resignation following a six-week conflict between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. Many Armenians see the deal as a humiliating loss. At the heart of the turmoil is the Russian-brokered deal Pashinian signed in November that brought an end to 44 days of fierce fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, where Armenian forces suffered territorial and battlefield losses from Azerbaijan's Turkish-backed military. The prime minister was forced to cede control over parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and all seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan that had been occupied by Armenian forces since the early 1990s. Last week, the discontent spilled over into the military after Pashinian dismissed Tiran Khachatrian, the first deputy chief of the general staff, who mocked the prime ministers analysis of Russian weapons used in the war against Azerbaijan. In response, several dozen high-ranking military officers signed a letter accusing Pashinian and his government of bringing the country to the brink of collapse and said it will no longer be able to make adequate decisions in this critical situation for the Armenian people." Pashinian said the move amounted to "an attempted military coup" and immediately fired Onik Gasparian, the chief of the military's General Staff. President Armen Sarkisian, however, has refused to sign the order, prompting some members of Pashinians My Step alliance to call for the presidents impeachment. Addressing the rally of his supporters, Pashinian on March 1 again urged Sarkisian to endorse the dismissal of the General Staff chief for meddling in politics. At the same time as Pashinian's rally, thousands of opposition supporters held a competing demonstration outside the National Assembly building, calling for the prime minister's resignation. "We must reaffirm that we will not tolerate the dismantling of all state institutions by one person, we will stand by our army and the president of the republic, we will defend our statehood until the end, demanding the same from other structures," the organizers of the rally said in a statement. "The removal of this government is inevitable. Let us unite our forces and resolutely achieve the departure of the traitor," it said. Earlier on March 1, a group of protesters demanding Pashinian's resignation broke into a government building in the capital. Dozens of protesters invaded the building on March 1, warning that there was no building in the country where Pashinian could hide. There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and Interfax ALEPPO, Syria Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Syrias northwestern province of Idlib, this month launched a campaign of wide-scale arrests against prominent leaders and members of Hurras al-Din (Guardians of Religion Organization), which is affiliated with al-Qaeda. It appears that the arrests against the jihadi organization are a continuation of the security campaign Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a while ago to weaken Hurras al-Din and perhaps even eliminate it. On Feb. 20, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrested Abu Abdullah al-Souri, Hurras al-Din's leader in Aleppo, at his residence in Salqin in the Idlib countryside. He is the son of a former prominent leader in Jabhat al-Nusra, Radwan Namouss. Namouss, also known as Abu Firas al-Souri, was killed in an airstrike in 2016 in the Idlib countryside. On Feb. 15 in Maarrat Misrin in north Idlib, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrested Abu Hreira al-Masri. He is the son of former Hurras al-Din Sharia official Abu Dharr al-Masri, who was killed in an airstrike in west Idlib on Oct. 15, 2020. Also in February, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham also arrested foreign fighters and people affiliated with Hurras al-Din in Salqin and Jisr al-Shughur in the Idlib countryside, including Abu Youssef al-Faransi and Seif Allah, who has Morroccan roots and holds French citizenship. Allahs personal bodyguard, two Turkish fighters independent of the organization and French journalist Moussa al-Hassan also were detained. On Feb. 10, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrested Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ourdouni, a Sharia leader of Hurras al-Din, at a temporary checkpoint while he drove his car around a residential neighborhood in the center of Jisr al-Shughur in west Idlib. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham also detained a Frenchwoman called Umm Asia with her two children in a raid of her house in Atma in north Idlib. Umm Asia is the wife of jihadi Shamel al-Faransi, a leader of the French jihadi group Furkat-al-Ghuraba in Idlib. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham had arrested Faransi along with the commander of Furkat-al-Ghuraba, Frenchman Omar Omsin, and two other people in August 2020. Tensions between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Hurras al-Din had escalated since December 2019 due to mutual arrests between the two groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has continued its brawl against and encroachment of Jurras al-Din in Idlib; Hurras al-Din is more attractive for extremist figures. It appears that the efforts of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham which is designated by the US and the UN Security Council as a terrorist group in part because of its former ties with al-Qaeda are part of the Syrian group's policy to steer away from jihadism and paint itself as a moderate Islamist group and part of the Syrian national opposition. Even its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, was recently interviewed by PBS correspondent Martin Smith in Idlib. On Feb. 21, Hurras al-Din published a message by senior Sharia leader Sami al-Oraydi; this followed an earlier message released in the wake of a US announcement about its financial reward of up to $5 million for anyone with information about Oraydi. In his four-page message Feb. 21, Oraydi called for greater cooperation to preserve the unity of Muslims and achieve victory. Muslims must cooperate, support each other and encourage righteousness and mercy. Muslims must unite in the war against polytheism and they must mobilize all their resources and energy to fight the Americans and the Zionists. They must avoid side battles and rise above minor disputes, while directing their battle against the infidels, he added. The new message seems important as it coincides with the weakness of Hurras al-Din in Idlib due to Hayat Tahrir al-Shams ongoing security campaign against Hurras al-Din's leaders and officials. A military leader in the National Front for Liberation (affiliated with the Free Syrian Army in Idlib) told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity for of security concerns that the campaign of arrests by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham against Hurras al-Din leaders shows Hayat Tahrir al-Sham "is still afraid of the organization and wants to weaken it further and scatter its leaders before disintegrating it through its campaigns. The military official said, The recent arrests targeted prominent first-rank figures in the organization, in addition to jihadi figures close to the organization rather than affiliated with it. He said, I expect the campaign of arrests to continue in the coming phase. Even if [Hayat Tahrir al-Sham] could not annihilate the organization, its constant pressure and encroachment will push the remaining leaders to consider escaping outside Idlib. Hurras al-Din is currently weak, and its leaders and members are moving cautiously for fear of arrests or being killed. Istanbul-based researcher at the Jusoor Center for Studies, Abbas Sharifeh, told Al-Monitor, The recently published message by Oraydi is directly linked to the situation of Hurras al-Din in Idlib due to the security pursuits and arrests by [Hayat Tahrir al-Sham] against the organization. Oraydis message reflects the weakness of the organization and the fear its leaders have of arrest. Oraydi, who is in hiding, has been taking security precautions and posting written messages to avoid appearing in person. Sharifeh added, The tone of Oraydis message seemed tempered, in what appeared to be an indirect attempt" at reconciliation with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, whose name was not mentioned. "Oraydi said the organizations priorities do not include engaging in battles with other Islamist groups unless they were fighting apostates. This constituted a direct message to [Hayat Tahrir al-Sham] and its soldiers that Hurras al-Din has no intention of fighting with them. Sharifeh said he did not expect Hayat Tahrir al-Sham "to take Oraydis message seriously or react positively to it." He said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will continue its security operations and arrests against the organization in Idlib because "Golani simply does not want any competitors in Idlib, especially from a jihadi current affiliated with al-Qaeda, which it is trying to steer clear of by all means. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Gandhinagar, March 1 : There was an average of around 64% polling in the local body elections for municipalities, district and tehsil panchayats in Gujarat on Sunday. Voting for 8,473 seats in municipalities, 980 in district panchayats and 4,773 in taluka panchayats took place across 36,008 booths. The counting of votes will take place on March 2. According to the State Election Commission (SEC), around 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the elections to Gujarat's 81 municipalities, 31 district panchayats and 231 taluka panchayats which were held in a largely peaceful manner. As per the figures provided by the State Election Commission (SEC), there was 58.82 percent voter turnout across 81 municipalities, 65.80 per cent in 31 district panchayats, and 66.60 per cent in 231 taluka panchayats. The average voting percentage across all these local bodies together was around 63.74 per cent. The SEC officials said voting for 8,473 seats, comprising 2,720 in 680 wards in 81 municipalities, 980 in 31 district panchayats and 4,773 in 231 taluka panchayats took place across 36,008 booths. Out of them, 237 seats remained unopposed, and no forms were filled for two seats in taluka panchayat. The elections were held on a total 8,235 seats for which the BJP had fielded 8,161 candidates, Congress 7,778, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 2,090, among others, said the SEC. Besides these, by-elections for two seats in taluka panchayats and 24 seats in municipalities, was also held on Sunday, where there was 47.63 percent voter turnout in municipality by-elections and 68.65 per cent in taluka panchayats by-elections. Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil led a road show in Navsari, while Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Paresh Dhanani, took part in a motorcycle rally in Amreli. Aam Aadmi Party head and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal sought votes during a road show in Surat on the last day of campaigning on Friday. For the first time, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded candidates in minority-dominated seats in Godhra, Modasa and Bharuch municipalities. According to the Director General of Police Ashish Bhatia, over 44,000 policemen along with 54,000 Home Guards were deployed to ensure incident-free voting on Sunday. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text A dual Australian-Saudi citizen is suspected of facing extradition to Saudi Arabia from Morocco where he has been detained for three weeks. Dr Usama al-Hasani was detained upon arrival in Morocco under the request of Saudi authorities, according to the Saudi human rights group Prisoners of Conscience. He was due to be extradited to Saudi Arabia soon, the group said, an event that posed a real threat on his life. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance [...] to an Australian detained in Morocco. Citing privacy considerations, DFAT refused to give further details. An image of Saudi-Australian Dr Usama al-Hasani in a statement of support by Prisoners of Conscience. Credit:Twitter/Prisoners of Conscience Prisoners of Conscience posted few details of the detention on Twitter on Sunday. The Czech Republic can begin to use the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine not waiting for its registration with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Sunday. "It might be sufficient to receive the approval from the Czech pharmaceutical regulator (the State Institute for Drug Control). Why should we wait for [a decision] of the European Medicines Agency?," he said in an interview with the CNN Prima. "The Russian vaccine manufacturer will not apply to the EMA for Sputnik V registration. <> Believe me, in a couple of months other EU member states will want to have Sputnik V. I said that at a meeting of the European Council." He stressed he is confident in the Russian vaccine. He recalled that in the socialist bloc era, people in the Czech Republic had been inoculated with Soviet vaccines and there had been no claims to their quality and efficacy. He noted that the anti-Sputnik V campaign was politically or ideologically motivated. "We have people who want to be inoculated with Sputnik V. Sixty-five world nations want to have the Russian vaccine, six of them are European Union members," he said, adding he had spoken with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov in early February about possible supplies of Sputnik V. "We are working [to have the Russian vaccine as soon as possible]. The State Institute for Drug Control will consider the vaccines documents and after that the health ministry is to issue a permit for the use of the vaccine [in the Czech Republic]," TASS cited him as saying. Czech President Milos Zeman told CNN Prima on Saturday he had sent a letter to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin asking to supply Sputnik V to the Czech Republic. He said it would be done soon. The Czech health minister said earlier on Sunday that the countrys coronavirus-related death toll had reached 20,339 and the overall coronavirus tally stood at 1,235,480. The vaccination campaign against the novel coronavirus infection kicked off in the Czech Republic on December 27, 2020. Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines are being used. Microsoft has invested a lot of money and time into game streaming technology, which they believe will become the future of gaming. The company is reportedly developing an Xbox Game Streaming app for Windows 10, which will enable users to stream games from either their Xbox Series X/S or xCloud on to their PC. At the moment, the app is being tested by Microsoft developers internally, and once launched, it will be designed to bring Xbox console gaming experience to the Windows 10 PC. This is currently not possible with the existing Xbox Console Companion app. scoop: heres a look at Microsofts unreleased xCloud app for Windows. This app lets you stream Xbox games from an Xbox Series X / S console, or from xCloud. Full details here: https://t.co/ymyjQDmaeH pic.twitter.com/V3U3PXe7LO Tom Warren (@tomwarren) February 27, 2021 The app will offer the option of streaming Xbox games through a local network on a connected Xbox Series X and Series S, or users can stream games through Microsofts cloud streaming service called xCloud. There will be support for touch inputs, which will be great for Microsoft Surface users who do not have or want to use a controller. Another experimental feature that Microsoft is trying to bring is support for Gyro sensors in the app, which should enable more immersive game experiences. It supports resolutions of up to 1080p, which isnt a surprise as Microsoft recently upgraded their xCloud servers to include Xbox Series X hardware. There are no exact details about Microsoft plans to complete its development or when they will have a global rollout. Rumours suggest that Microsoft will have a whats new for gaming event next month, where they might reveal more xCloud news. Source The Spanish Health Ministry on Friday published the fourth update to the countrys Covid-19 vaccination protocol. The new guidelines establish that individuals under the age of 55 who have recently contracted the virus will only receive one dose of the vaccine. As per the previous update, this dose will be administered six months after the date of the positive diagnosis. This decision has been made given that people who have had the coronavirus generate 140 times more antibodies than those who have not. The change does not affect people aged 55 and over. According to the updated protocol approved by the Inter-Territorial Council of the National Health System, which brings together health officials from the central and regional governments the next stages of the vaccination drive will target people aged 60 and over a group that comprises 12.1 million people. Age is the variable more closely linked to serious Covid-19 cases and deaths nearly 95% of all Covid victims in Spain were over the age of 60. Spains regions which are in charge of the vaccination campaign as well as controlling the pandemic in their territories have already begun vaccinating people aged 80 and over. According to the new document, this group will be followed by individuals aged between 70 and 79, then those in the 60 to 69 age bracket. People who have had the coronavirus generate 140 times more antibodies than those who have not Once these age groups are vaccinated, the council will target people under the age of 60 with serious conditions that make them vulnerable to Covid-19. This group will receive a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, which is based on the RNA messenger, or another treatment that has proven in clinical trials to be effective among people with health problems. Spain has so far ruled out using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on people over the age of 55, on the grounds that there was not enough clinical evidence of its effectiveness in older patients. It also decided not to use the vaccine on individuals with certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer and neurological disease, as they were not included in the clinical trials for the vaccine. Experts, however, are struggling to define the new priority group as it is not clear from the current research which comorbidities should be prioritized when it comes to younger cases. People with organ transplants or who are suffering from obesity, diabetes or kidney problems are among the candidates who may be prioritized once all seniors are vaccinated. The updated protocol states that the decision will take into account what is most feasible. A decision that, by trying to identify all groups that must be prioritized, makes the vaccination process so complex that it unduly slows it down or makes citizens confused about when they are going to be vaccinated, would not be ethical, it says. Once the vulnerable groups are defined, people aged between 56 and 59 will receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or another treatment proved to be effective in this age group. In the meantime, most of Spains regions have begun vaccinating essential workers under the age of 55 with the AstraZeneca vaccine. This group is made up of teachers in early, primary and secondary education, law-enforcement officers from the National Police, the Civil Guard, and regional and local agencies, firefighters and prison workers, as well as healthcare professionals who are not considered frontline workers, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Once this group has been vaccinated, the AstraZeneca vaccine will be administered to people aged between 45 and 55. The updated protocol does not provide any more details. It is not yet known when the under-45s, who have no pre-existing medical conditions, will be vaccinated, but it is not likely that this will happen until summer, given that this group faces a very low risk of developing a serious case of Covid-19. Nearly 95% of all Covid victims in Spain were over the age of 60 The new protocol from the Health Ministry allows for some flexibility. Regions can choose to vaccinate different priority groups at the same time in order to speed up the process. As the document indicates, the first phase of the drive which prioritized staff and residents of care homes, frontline health workers and adults who need daily assistance but do not live in residences has still not been completed, although it is close to reaching the end. Although the percentage of people vaccinated in Spain remains small, just 3.7% of the general population, of the 351,936 people in senior residences and other care homes, 94% have received the first dose and 82% the complete treatment, and already a smaller percentage of hospitalizations from senior residences is beginning to be seen, the protocol explains. The type of vaccine administered to each group may also change in the future. Although the AstraZeneca vaccine is currently restricted to people between the ages of 18 and 55, this could change if more data becomes available on its effectiveness among older age groups, said the secretary of state for health Silvia Calzon last Thursday. Preliminary studies already support this possibility. On March 11, the European Union is also expected to approve a new vaccine by Janssen. Unlike the vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca, this inoculation only requires one dose, meaning double the population can be vaccinated with the same number of jabs. Spains Inter-Territorial Council of the National Health System will have to decide whether to administer this vaccine to anyone or only specific groups. According to the contract with Janssen, the first doses will start to arrive in April. English version by Melissa Kitson. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro after the successful launch Amazonia-1 satellite onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C51) . "Congratulations President Jair Bolsonaro on the successful launch of Brazil's Amazonia-1 satellite by PSLV-C51. This is a historic moment in our space cooperation and my felicitations to the scientists of Brazil," PM Modi wrote on Twitter. Congratulations President @jairbolsonaro on the successful launch of Brazil's Amazonia-1 satellite by PSLV-C51. This is a historic moment in our space cooperation and my felicitations to the scientists of Brazil. @isro Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2021 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s PSLV-C51 has lifted off with Brazil's Amazonia-1 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Sriharikota Range (SHAR). This is the first lift-off of 2021 by the national space agency. Amazonia-1, an optical earth observation satellite, which was launched at 10:24 am on Sunday, successfully separated from the fourth stage of PSLVC51 and injected into orbit, ISRO informed in a tweet. Marcos Ceaser Pontes, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Brazil in his address at the launch event said, "We have been working on this satellite for many years. This satellite which was launched today has a very important mission fro Brazil. It will monitor the deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory." Pontes termed the launch of satellites as the "beginning of stronger relations" between India and Brazil. "It represents a new era for the Brazilian Satellite Industry. There could be no better place than to be here in India with all our partnerships and this is one step for the partnership that will be going to grow. We are going to work together, a lot. Today is the beginning of stronger relations between both countries," he said. ISRO chief K Sivan congratulate the Brazilian team on the occasion and said that India and ISRO feel proud to launch Brazil's Amazonia-1 satellite. "In this mission, India and ISRO, feel extremely proud, honoured and happy to launch the first satellite designed, integrated and operated by Brazil. I congratulate the Brazilian team for this achievement. The satellite is in very good health and I congratulate all for this and compliment the entire Brazilian team," Sivan said after the launch event. PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Government of India company under the Department of Space. The NSIL is undertaking this mission under a commercial arrangement with Spaceflight Inc. USA. PSLV-C51 is using the 'DL' variant of PSLV equipped with two solid strap-on boosters, according to ISRO. The 637-kg Amazonia-1 is a satellite of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the research unit of Brazil's ministry of science. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 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. The mystery around the disappearance of Melissa Caddick, a woman accused of defrauding her family and friends of $25 million, is a source of significant public interest and debate. However, facts are hard to come by. To date, aside from the accusation of fraud, the only information we have is that on the 10th November 2020, following an investigation, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, froze Caddicks bank accounts and properties, and banned her from leaving the country. The following day, officers from ASIC raided her home in Dover Heights, in Sydneys eastern suburbs. Melissa Caddick hasn't been seen since November 12. On November 12, around 5:30am, Caddicks son heard the front door of their home close, assuming his mother had gone for a run. She didnt take any personal belongings, such as her phone, with her. And that is it. Caddick had vanished. Until February 21, when campers south of Tathra, on the NSW South Coast, found a trainer containing the remains of a foot, which was later confirmed via DNA to belong to Caddick. A search continues along the coastlines of NSW, looking for more human remains. A report is being prepared by NSW Police for the Coroner, who will ultimately decide what has happened to Caddick. (CNN) -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Saturday for the withdrawal of Eritrean and Ethiopian regional forces from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, and an end to killings and human rights violations there. His call came a day after investigations by CNN and Amnesty International into the massacre of civilians in two separate assaults in the northern Tigray region late last year. Thousands of civilians are believed to have been killed since Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a military operation against leaders in the Tigray region. CNN has previously reported that soldiers from neighboring Eritrea have perpetrated many of the extrajudicial killings, assaults and human rights abuses in the Tigray region. "The United States is gravely concerned by reported atrocities and the overall deteriorating situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia," Blinken said in a statement Saturday. "We strongly condemn the killings, forced removals and displacements, sexual assaults, and other extremely serious human rights violations and abuses by several parties that multiple organizations have reported in Tigray." He added that "those responsible for them must be held accountable." Eyewitnesses told CNN that a group of Eritrean soldiers opened fire on Maryam Dengelat church in Dengelat village, eastern Tigray, on November 30 while hundreds of congregants were celebrating mass. Dozens of people died over three days of mayhem, with soldiers slaughtering local residents, displaced people and pilgrims, they said. Ethiopia responded to CNN's request for comment with a statement that did not directly address the attack in Dengelat. Eritrea has yet to respond to a CNN request for comment. Amnesty International charged in a report Friday that Eritrean forces killed hundreds of unarmed civilians in the city of Axum in November through indiscriminate shelling and shooting and extrajudicial killings, in what the human rights organization said could amount to a crime against humanity. In his statement, Blinken recognized the Ethiopian Prime Minister's commitment to allow humanitarian aid to the region, adding: "The international community needs to work collectively to ensure that these commitments are realized. "The immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces and Amhara regional forces from Tigray are essential first steps," Blinken said, referring to forces from Ethiopia's Amhara state, which neighbors Tigray. "They should be accompanied by unilateral declarations of cessation of hostilities by all parties to the conflict and a commitment to permit unhindered delivery of assistance to those in Tigray." Blinken said the US was committed to working with the international community to achieve these goals and that the US Agency for International Development would send a disaster assistance response team to Ethiopia. "We ask international partners, especially the African Union and regional partners, to work with us to address the crisis in Tigray, including through action at the UN and other relevant bodies," he added. After seizing control of Tigray's main cities in late November, Abiy declared victory and maintained that no civilians were harmed in the offensive. Abiy has also denied that soldiers from Eritrea crossed into Tigray to support Ethiopian forces. This story was first published on CNN.com, "US calls for withdrawal of Eritrean forces in Ethiopia following investigation into massacre" In a landmark ruling involving FBD, it was decided pub owners were entitled to be compensated for disruption to their businesses due to Covid restrictions. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins A number of test case lawsuits are expected to be filed shortly by restaurants whose insurers have refused to pay out for business interruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite a landmark ruling in a case involving FBD that pub owners were entitled to be compensated for the disruption to their businesses, hundreds of restaurants, cafes and hotels have been unable to successfully claim from their insurers. They include businesses with so-called business combined policies, which provide cover where there is an outbreak of disease on a premises. In the FBD case, the polices provided cover for an imposed closure of the businesses following the outbreak of disease within 25 miles of the premises. The Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) wrote on behalf of over 400 businesses to 12 insurers around the time of the FBD ruling in February, but so far only two of those have committed to paying out on policies. It is understood a number of insurance companies maintain the FBD ruling is limited to that insurers public health policies. Read More Correspondence seen by the Irish Independent reveals how one insurer has been refusing to pay out on business combined policy claims on the basis there was no outbreak on the premises and that restrictions on the use of the premises were not brought about specifically due to an outbreak there. Dublin law firm Robinson Solicitors, which is representing RAI members, is expected to issue a number of test cases shortly to get court decisions on disputed policy interpretations. It is thought many claims on policies will ultimately end up being dealt with by arbitration. The RAI has written to the Central Bank, which regulates financial services providers, including insurance companies, informing it of the associations intention to join it as a notice party. The association also wants the Central Bank to pay the legal fees involved. RAI chief executive Adrian Cummins accused the insurance industry of circling its wagons in the wake of the FBD ruling. Their strategy is a war of attrition. The longer this goes on, the more businesses that will fail. The less pay out they will have to make, he said. They will deny it, but to me it is very clear what they are trying to do here. In the aftermath of the FBD ruling, Insurance Ireland said there was no insurance market in the world which provided widespread insurance coverage for pandemics and Ireland was no exception. It described issues around business interruption claims as complex. A single shot of either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid jab reduces the chance of needing hospital treatment by more than 80%, an analysis in England shows. The Public Health England data showed the effect kicked in three to four weeks after vaccination. It was based on people aged over 80 who were the first to receive the jab. Government scientists hailed the result, but stressed that two doses were needed for the best protection. It comes after similar findings were published by Scottish health authorities last week, which they hailed as "spectacular". Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street briefing on Monday the latest vaccine results were "very strong". He added: "They may also help to explain why the number of Covid admissions to intensive care units among people over 80 in the UK have dropped to single figures in the last couple of weeks." Also speaking at the news conference, England's deputy chief medical officer - Prof Jonathan Van-Tam - said the data offered a glimpse of how the vaccine programme "is going to hopefully take us into a very different world in the next few months". But he said it was "absolutely critical" that second doses "are still part of the course of immunisation against Covid-19 and no less important". Prof Van-Tam stressed there was a "significant likelihood" that a second dose of a vaccine would "mature your immune response, possibly make it broader and almost certainly make it longer than it would otherwise be in relation to a first dose only." More than 20 million people in the UK have had their first dose of a vaccine - over a third of the adult population. Meanwhile, another 104 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus have been reported in the UK, and a further 5,455 new cases, according to the latest figures. 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 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. All samples of bird droppings collected from Zoo in the third round of serological surveillance have tested negative for virus, authorities said on Monday. According to the officials, the Zoological Park (NZP) had sent these samples to the Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, for checking. "This is the second time when the serological surveillance results of NZP for Avian flu have come negative," an official said. Earlier six serological samples of Zoological Park sent to NIHSAD, Bhopal, on January 19 were found negative for virus. The fourth round of serological surveillance samples will be collected on March 4 by a team of Animal Husbandry (AH) Department of government and sent to NIHSAD. "NZP has been consistently following protocols and monitoring the health and hygiene of enclosures and wetland areas," the official said. Last month four serological samples of bird droppings collected from Zoo were found positive for virus. In an official statement on February 9, the NZP had said that all safety measures are being taken and the zoo will remain closed. It had said that surveillance will continue, and samples collected would be sent for further serological examinations. Zoo is already closed and will continue furthermore, it had 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 WHO team arrives in Wuhan city to investigate pandemic origins, in Hubei Province, China, on Jan. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Tailored to Chinas Terms: Faucis Deputy Had to Sign Beijing-Approved Confidentiality Form Before China Visit Anthony Faucis deputy was required to sign a confidentiality agreement tailored to Chinas terms before joining a World Health Organization team in China early last year to collect data about the novel coronavirus, according to an email obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. A WHO technical officer informed Dr. Cliff Lane, the Fauci deputy, would have to sign a confidentiality form and a disclosure of interest approved by Chinese authorities, according to a Feb. 15, 2020, email. The forms this time are tailored to Chinas terms so we cannot use the ones from before, Mansuk Daniel Han, a technical officer at WHOs headquarters in Switzerland, wrote to Lane, who serves as deputy director for clinical research at the National Institutes for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Han asked Lane to complete a DOI, or disclosure of interest, along with the confidentiality form. The DCNF obtained the email through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit (FOIA) filed on its behalf by Judicial Watch, the conservative watchdog group. The DCNFs FOIA request sought Fauci and Lanes emails referencing the World Health Organization and China. These new emails show WHO and Faucis [National Institutes of Health] gave special accommodations to Chinese communist efforts to control information about COVID-19, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement. President of Judicial Watch Tom Fitton speaks at the High School Leadership Summit, a Turning Point USA event, at George Washington University in Washington on July 26, 2018. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) It is not clear what restrictions Beijing included in its confidentiality forms. They were not included in the emails turned over by the government to Judicial Watch and the DCNF. The WHO did not respond to a request for comment. The Chinese government has maintained a tight grip on scientists both inside and outside China studying the virus. Chinese officials have been accused of silencing doctors, whistleblowers and journalists who tried to alert the public about the virus in December 2019. Beijing also delayed a World Health Organization team that visited Wuhan last month to investigate the origins of the virus. On Jan. 4, WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the setback disappointing. The team was able to visit Wuhan last month, but some scientists on the mission said Chinese authorities had refused to turn over raw data on early coronavirus patients in Wuhan. Members of the World Health Organization team depart from the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital after a field visit in Wuhan, China, on Jan. 30, 2021. (Ng Han Guan/AP) Chinas delay tactics earned a stern rebuke from the Biden administration, which called on authorities to turn over the raw data. Theyre about to come out with a report about the origins of the pandemic in Wuhan, China, that we have questions about because we do not believe that China has made available sufficient original data into how this pandemic began to spread both in China and then eventually around the world, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said of the WHO during a Feb. 21 interview. By Chuck Ross From The Daily Callar News Foundation Tanya Hope keeps surprising her audiences by picking roles that are distinctly different from one another. After playing a biker girl in her upcoming flick Idhe Maa Katha, Tanya is set to take up Jaguar, a film based on highway bandits. While she refuses to comment on her role in the film, she gives us an insight into the film as such. The film involves highway bandits and extensive travelling; technically, its a road film. I portray an intense kickass character, which I immediately agreed to do when I heard the script, says Tanya. The Paper Boy actress goes on to tell us that shed soon commence workshops for her character in Jaguar, which is a TeluguTamil bilingual to be shot on the highways of Goa, Chennai, Delhi and Hyderabad. I need a lot of preparation in terms of getting the swag, body language and a certain type of diction of the character I play right, she states. In the meanwhile, Tanya is fast wrapping up the shoot of another of her bilingual thrillerdrama titled Kulasamy. Giving a peek into the film being directed by Saravana Sakthi, the Disco Raja star says, The film is about a prostitution racket in a medical college, which shocks the students there and they start protesting, and I lead the revolt. A life full of learning Tanya, who believes in doing interesting roles in multiple languages so it lends diversity to her career graph, will soon commence shooting for her Kannada film, Bell Bottom 2, the sequel to the 2019-Kannada film Bell Bottom. The beauty of working in various industries is that it gives a sneak peek and a sense of understanding over the culture and practices, she elaborates. I believe working in multiple industries will only drive us to push the envelope of acting. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Vaccine advisers of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unanimously voted on Sunday to recommend the distribution of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The move follows the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) announcement Saturday about its emergency-use approval of Johnson & Johnsons coronavirus vaccine. The new vaccine could start rolling out as early as this week, and will be distributed in the United States for people ages 18 and older, according to the FDA. In fact, vaccine arrivals could occur as early as Tuesday. Prior to the FDAs approval, Johnson & Johnson stated they would ship close to four million doses, and another 16 million by the end of March, the report states. Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D., said the approval for the third-vaccine shows standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization. The authorization of this vaccine expands the availability of vaccines, the best medical prevention method for COVID-19, to help us in the fight against this pandemic, which has claimed over half a million lives in the United States, said Woodcock. Johnson & Johnson pledged they would provide 100 million doses by the end of June to states across America. Once fully approved, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be the third shot available -- joining immunizations created by Moderna and Pfizer -- in the country. Unlike the other two, two-dose vaccines, Johnson & Johnson can be stored at standard refrigeration temperatures for at least three months. And it will be released nearly one year after the coronavirus shuttered most of the U.S. Heres what you need to know: The Johnson & Johnson vaccine showed an overall efficacy against moderate to severe COVID-19 of 66% at least 14 days after vaccination across all geographic areas. The vaccines level of protection varied by region, Johnson & Johnson said, with the shot registering 72% effectiveness in the United States and 64% in South Africa, where a highly-contagious variant is now rapidly spreading. However, the shot showed even higher efficacy to prevent severe COVID-19 after the immunization took full effect about 28 days after inoculation with the vaccine showing an 86% effectiveness against severe forms of COVID-19 in the U.S. and an 82% protection against severe disease in South Africa. The FDA said there were no safety concerns for the vaccine related to age, race and co-morbidities. The most common side effects of the vaccination were headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and fever. The shot had similar effectiveness across various age groups and also of different racial demographics, according to the FDA. However, the shot did show a lower efficacy 42.3% for people over 60 who had risk factors, like heart disease or diabetes, though the FDA noted that figure came with statistical uncertainty. While overall less effective than Moderna and Pfizers vaccines at preventing any symptoms, Johnson & Johnsons one-shot option, made in partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, offers a convenient alternative to the two-shot vaccines produced by those companies. The shot requires only basic refrigeration, compared to more stringent requirements for both Moderna and Pfizers vaccines. Johnson & Johnson has a contract to supply the U.S. federal government with 100 million doses of their vaccine by the end of June. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK*** FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER The Illinois law firm of Salvi Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is pleased to announce the firm has earned a prestigious BBB Accreditation that tells customers a business is trustworthy and reputable. Companies recognized as a BBB Accredited Business have passed a rigorous review process from the Better Business Bureau and are known for business ethics and integrity. A recent study by Iron Monk Solutions found that Americans value an A+ BBB rating more than a 5-star rating on Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard was established by attorney Patrick Salvi in 1982. With offices in Chicago and Waukegan, the firm has 19 lawyers and is supported by more than 35 staff members. The firm represents clients in a variety of medical malpractice, personal injury and wrongful death cases. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard has recovered more than $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured clients, including more than 260 cases resulting in awards of $1 million or more. In 2017, the firm won the largest compensatory personal injury jury verdict in the state of Illinois, $148 million for a dancer paralyzed by a collapsed pedestrian shelter at OHare International Airport. The firm has been routinely listed as one of the top law firms in the state with the highest reported settlement totals in the Jury Verdict Reporter / Chicago Daily Law Bulletins Settlement Survey. For more information, please contact Marcie Mangan at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com. China's State Council Information Office will in the near future issue a report on the human rights violations in the United States in 2020, an official statement said Monday. Titled "The Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020," the 15,000-Chinese-character document details facts regarding Washington's incompetent pandemic containment leading to tragic outcomes, American democracy disorder triggering political chaos, ethnic minorities suffering racial discrimination, continuous social unrest threatening public security, growing polarization between the rich and the poor aggravating social inequality, and U.S. trampling on international rules resulting in humanitarian disasters. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc around the world, posing a major threat to human security. It went out of control in the United States following the government's reckless response, notes the report. The United States, home to less than 5 percent of the world's population, accounted for more than a quarter of the world's confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly one fifth of the global deaths from the disease, the report says. More than 500,000 Americans lost their lives due to the virus, it adds. The document says that disorder in American democratic institutions led to political chaos, further tearing the fabric of society apart. Money-tainted politics distorted and suppressed public opinion, turning elections into a "one-man show" of the wealthy class, and people's confidence in the American democratic system dropped to the lowest level in 20 years, it adds. The report notes that ethnic minority groups in the United States suffered systematic racial discrimination and were in a difficult situation. People of color made up about one third of all minors under the age of 18 in the United States but two thirds of all of the country's imprisoned minors, it says. African-Americans were three times as likely as whites to be infected by the coronavirus, twice as likely to die from COVID-19, and three times as likely to be killed by the police, according to the report. One in four young Asian-Americans had been the target of racial bullying. The document points out that gun trade and shooting incidents hit a record high in the United States where people's confidence in social order waned. More than 41,500 people were killed in shooting incidents across the United States in 2020, an average of more than 110 a day, and there were 592 mass shootings nationwide, an average of more than 1.6 a day, it notes. The report draws attention to the widening gap between the rich and the poor in America where the people at the bottom of society were living in misery. The pandemic led to mass unemployment in the United States, and tens of millions of people lost health insurance coverage, it adds, calling vulnerable groups the biggest victims of the U.S. government's incompetent response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The report stresses that at a time when global unity is needed to fight the pandemic, the United States, however, persists in pursuing an agenda of "America first," isolationism, and unilateralism, imposing sanctions wantonly, bullying and threatening international organizations, and treating asylum seekers cruelly. In doing so, America is becoming the biggest troublemaker to global security and stability, it says. (Natural News) Toxic, black globs of tar started washing up on beaches along Israels Mediterranean coast on Feb. 18 due to an offshore oil spill, according to a recent report from Live Science. The spill affected over 100 miles, or roughly 90 percent, of Israels Mediterranean coastline. Authorities are yet to identify the culprit responsible for what they said was one of the worst ecological disasters Israel has seen. The government closed all beaches along the coast to the public on Feb. 22 because of health concerns. Thousands of volunteers showed up at the affected beaches to remove the tar globs after environmental groups asked the public for help. Israeli soldiers were also sent to help with the cleanup efforts. But due to the massive scope of the spill, Israels Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) fears cleanup could take months, if not years. The Environmental Protection Ministry added that the country may be looking at roughly 1,100 tons of tar that washed ashore. Based on satellite images from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the spill had very likely originated around 31 miles off Israels Meditteranean coast. Toxic sludge could be poisoning marine animals It is still too soon to determine the exact impact of the oil spill on local marine wildlife. But it doesnt look good since authorities suspect that a 55-foot-long fin whale that washed up dead on a beach in southern Israel might have died from ingesting tar. Authorities surmised this after INPA veterinarians performed a necropsy and found black, viscous liquid in the whales lungs and stomach. Scientists are testing samples to determine if the liquid is from the oil spill. Distressing pictures of tar-covered juvenile sea turtles are also circulating online. The turtles had washed up on affected beaches. Some were taken to the Israeli Sea Turtle Rescue Center, but most had washed up dead. Whales, turtles and even sea birds are some of the most at-risk animals when it comes to oil spills because they stay close to the surface of the water to feed. Most spilled oil floats on the surface. Ruth Yahel, a marine ecologist with INPA, said it is as if the tar is suffocating marine animals. (Related: Oil companies in Saudi Arabia use nanotechnology for petroleum extraction to minimize environmental pollution.) Sadly, dead whales and sea turtles might only be the tip of the iceberg. Marine scientists fear that there is much more tar in the sea poisoning wildlife as it ebbs closer to the shoreline. Judge slaps gag order on probes into oil spill Tar balls along beaches are usually remnants of oil spills. But in the case of the oil spill in Israel, the oil became concentrated blobs of congealed oil because rough sea conditions broke up the oil slick on the water. The oil mixed with seawater for several days and eventually washed up along the coastline as slick globs of tar. But environmentalists are less concerned about the tar balls than about what government authorities now plan to do about the oil spill. Environmental groups, the INPA included, have criticized the Israeli government after several failed attempts to establish programs that deal with oil spills. There are some speculations as to the possible origin of the spill since there were a number of ships believed to be in the vicinity of the spill around the time it happened. Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel announced in a tweet that they will submit a proposal for resolutions to rehabilitate the government. However, a judge issued a gag order on Feb. 22 on details about the oil spill. The order bars Israeli media from publishing details about the suspected culprits or about the vessels involved in the spill, including their destination and port, for a week. Israeli news outlet Haaretz called the move unusual and said it might suggest a coverup attempt. Various news outlets, including Haaretz, submitted a request to the Haifa Magistrates Court for the gag order to be canceled or for its scope to be reduced. Go to Environ.news to read more articles about the environmental consequences of oil spills. Sources include: LiveScience.com Haaretz.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 Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March New Delhi, March 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of Covid vaccine here at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday, leading the country in the third phase of the inoculation drive as a massive chunk of population aged above 60 and those above 45 with comorbidities prepare to take the shots. Modi was administered Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS," he informed on Twitter. At the time of the vaccination, Modi wore a "gamchha" (scarf) from Assam, which is regarded as a symbol of blessings of women from Assam. The Prime Minister has been seen wearing it on many occasions. The vaccine dose was administered by a nurse from Puducherry P. Niveda, who was assisted by another nurse from Kerala Rosamma Anil. The Prime Minister decided to get the jab at 6.25 a.m. to avoid media glare as scores of people could be queuing up at the hospital. He remained under observation for half an hour in the hospital and left around 7 a.m. "Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," Modi later wrote on Twitter. He also appealed that those who could take vaccines should come forward for it. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," Modi said. The ongoing vaccination drive will now reach to around 27 crore people who are on the list of priority for vaccination after the healthcare and frontline workers, starting Monday. Vaccination will be provided free of charge at the government health facilities and will be on a payment basis in the private health facilities. All private hospitals can charge Rs 150 for vaccines and Rs 100 for service charges fixed by the central government. Around 10,000 hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY and 687 hospitals under CGHS can be used by states as Covid vaccination centres (CVCs). The COWIN portal will provide the facility for booking an appointment based on the vaccination centres declared by the states/UTs, with their location, the dates on which appointment slots are provided and the capacity declared as open slots and the vacancies available at the time of booking. Besides, all beneficiaries, regardless of the mode of access, i.e through online registration or mobilization through on-site registration are advised to carry the following for verification at the time of vaccination -- Aadhar Card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC); and Certificate of comorbidity for citizens in the age group of 45 years to 59 years. 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 A mother and her children take a walk at the Trocadero Square near the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, France, Nov. 16, 2020. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) - Europe, including France, should strengthen cooperation with China to meet challenges for the good of humanity. - France and China share special responsibilities in many fields. PARIS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- After leaders of China and France talked on bilateral ties, French experts have said that Europe, including France, should strengthen cooperation with China to meet challenges for the good of humanity. In a telephone conversation on Thursday with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the two countries should cement mutual trust, respect and accomodate in earnest each other's core interests and major concerns, and effectively implement their major cooperation agreements. With numerous global challenges, including those in health, climate, security, sustainable economy, populism and natural resources, it is the responsibility of the European Union (EU), including France, and China to coordinate, collaborate and unite for the good of humanity, said Leon Laulusa, executive vice president of Paris-based ESCP Business School. The EU-China investment agreement, mentioned by the two heads of state during the conversation, was a big step forward, noted Laulusa, also executive director of the European Business Confucius Institute. China and the EU jointly announced the completion of China-EU investment agreement negotiations at the end of last year. In his talk with Macron, Xi called for concerted efforts to enforce the agreement at an early date. Aerial photo shows a China-Europe freight train bound for Helsinki, Finland departing from Putian Station of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 20, 2020.(Xinhua/Hao Yuan) "Its rapid entry into force will allow us to have expanded mutual access to our two respective markets for our enterprises, fairer conditions of competition, and a strengthening of sustainable development projects essential to our planet," said Laulusa. "Its application will accentuate the creation of new development models which are fairer and more sustainable for our society," he added. The EU-China investment agreement marks an important milestone, said Lyazid Benhami, founder of Mulan Road, a communication agency specialized in France-China relations, adding that the deal should be ratified quickly so that European and Chinese entrepreneurs will seize the opportunity for their mutual benefit. In his conversation with Macron, Xi emphasized that as permanent members of the UN Security Council and responsible major countries, China and France should continue to champion multilateralism, and inspire global efforts to uphold equity and justice, coordination and cooperation, as well as openness and inclusiveness, so as to make due contributions to achieving an early victory in humanity's fight against COVID-19 and promoting world peace and development. Benhami, also vice-president of the Paris Association of French-Chinese Friendship, added that France and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, must be two partner countries for the purpose of settling international conflicts. Merouane Debbah (2nd R), director of the R&D Center of Huawei France, attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony of Huawei's sixth research center in France, in Paris, Oct. 9, 2020. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) As China has been fully implementing the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative and France and other members of the international community increasing their involvement in Africa, Benhami said the debt reduction, which has weighed heavily on African countries for a long time and become even worse since the COVID-19 crisis, is a possible field for cooperation. He recalled that Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in January said China-Africa cooperation has never been closed or exclusive, and that China stands ready to actively promote tripartite or multi-party cooperation with Africa, so as to jointly play a constructive role in promoting peace and development in Africa. The China-France cooperation is very relevant and complementary in Africa, said Laulusa. "Two major axes of this Sino-French cooperation could be that of education and health, which Africa badly needs," he added. The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines made by the Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech is unloaded upon its arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Feb. 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) As for the cooperation in COVID-19 vaccines, Laulusa highly appreciated the initiative and solidarity of China in providing vaccines for developing countries. "This is also the recent proposal of the French president as he asked Europe to give vaccine doses to developing countries for international solidarity," he said. For Benhami, France and China share special responsibilities in many fields. "Our cooperation in the field of research has been very important in recent years, especially in setting up cutting-edge laboratories," he said. "It must be amplified." "Our two countries must support the efforts to modernize the World Health Organization," he added. "We must remain united in the effort and in the face of health crises." 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. To the Editor: When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed raising the gasoline tax by 45 cents per gallon, Im sure she expected to negotiate with legislators. Nobody is in favor of adding 45 cents all at once. Perhaps 10 to 15 cents would pass and then finance the rest with bonds. When I was on the Michigan Aeronautics Commission in 1994, that is what Gov. John Engler did. A way to pay off the bonds must be figured out. Michigan also has to compete with Ohio and Indiana. In 1994, no increase was put onto diesel fuel. There was no increase in aviation gasoline tax although we wanted to increase it. It has been three cents per gallon since 1927 when it was first passed. Im sure one-third increase to 4 cents per gallon would make MAC very happy. Lowell E. Kraft Pigeon 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 world-leading digital humanities platform preserving and showcasing the history of Australian live performance has been rewarded with a UNESCO Memory of the World accolade. AusStage, hosted by Flinders University, is now a model being replicated around the world - including the Victoria & Albert Museum-led UKStage and IbsenStage (University of Oslo). The UNESCO Australian Memory of the World program honours documentary heritage of significance in Australia and around the world, and advocates for its preservation. The registration follows a significant Australian Government funding boost for the database last year in the form of two major Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme grants for further AusStage development - led respectively by chief investigators at Flinders University and the University of Melbourne, with multiple partners around Australia. Flinders chief investigator, AusStage co-founder Emerita Professor Julie Holledge, says the recognition by UNESCO is "a crucial reminder of the importance of such artistic activity ... showing the interconnected networks of people, places and organisations over the entire history of Australia's written documentation, including evidence of indigenous historical performance sites before the First Fleet's arrival in 1788". Along with information on 117,000 productions in 240 genres, performed in 11,300 venues and performance sites, involving 17,650 organisations and 166,900 people, it also holds 71,500 associated resources, ranging from articles to menus, programmes to costumes, 13,900 which have links to fully digitised content. "The extensive database provides an unparalleled catalogue of cultural heritage in Australia: it enables researchers and members of the public to explore the evolving patterns in live performance," Professor Holledge says. "A database is an ideal way to retain the rich history of performance in Australia." AusStage covers everything from plays, musicals, burlesque, dance and corroboree, to circus performances and performance poetry - to name just a few. It is regularly accessed by users around the world. For the Adelaide Festival and Fringe alone, the database has recorded 3418 Fringe shows and 1036 Festival shows (between 1960 - 2021). AusStage users include academic researchers, performers and practitioners, students, government representatives, and people from the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums sector (GLAM). AusStage is managed by a consortium of 27 universities, six industry partners and members of the GLAM sector in Australia and abroad. The database is more than simply a registry of events. Among other things, it has completed Virtual Reality reconstructions of six lost Australian theatres - including the colonial Queen's Theatre in Adelaide (1841), Victoria Theatre in Newcastle (1891) and Mill Theatre in Geelong. AusStage executive officer Ms Jenny Fewster says the Visualising Lost Theatres Project, led by Professor Holledge and University of Queensland expert Professor Joanne Tompkins, will expand virtual reality capabilities and a gamified approach to immerse viewers in interactive experiences based on the original sites. "The room-scale VR locomotion with six-degrees of freedom relies on a 'teleport-style' method to move around the virtual spaces, explore the stalls, dress circle, upper gallery, foyers and stage," Ms Fewster says at Flinders University. "The new 'auralisation' feature will allow researchers to experience the acoustics of the theatres from different positions and achieve a greater sense of immersion through a holistic approach that mixes the visual and acoustic aspects." In addition, the LIEF Australian Cultural Data Engine project will facilitate robust, comparative and innovative analysis of the cultural sector by combining the rich data resources - for example by mapping demographic, employment, touring and funding, to determine cultural policy, creative and governance outcomes. "There are performances taking place in this country that will be forgotten forever, because there's nothing left behind except for maybe somebody's memory," Ms Fewster says. "So recording what happens in the field of performance is really important otherwise it can simply be lost forever." ### Axe77 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 2,366 Thanked: 3,919 Times Re: Skoda Superb vs Toyota Camry Quote: sgunasek Originally Posted by I agree that the price difference after discount is 8L less for Superb. So is it worth stretching for this price difference? 1. 4 - 5 ownership range 2. Accounting for any extraordinary costs / time wastage re the Skoda factor 3. Differential mileage. In "your" context, I think the Superb might make more sense (at that price difference), subject to your doing the calculations as well. But these are some of the specific aspects you could try to price / account for, for pure cold calculation purpose. Of course that in turn can be balanced to what your heart wants between the two. 1. With that ownership timeline, you can take comfort that an Extended Warranty will protect you against unforseen reliability related costs in the Skoda. 2. The price difference will more than cushion any mileage differential. Plus if fuel cost is something you can expense out then the additional money on fuel also won't sting so much. 3. Money saved upfront also has its own compounded growth effect if invested so not to be ignored. 4. Resale price: I am guessing the Camry will command a better resale at 5 year mark than the Superb. Please factor the relative benefit of that in the context of the up front savings. 5. Reliability issues are not just about the cost and ability to mitigate the cost. Its also about the car being available at your disposal. I have a friend who simultaneously owned a Laura and an X3. His Laura spent so much time in the garage for some niggle or the other (including long wait for parts) that he actually calculated the number of days the car was actually unavailable to him compared to the X3. That was one of his biggest peeves from the ownership experience. So if you think through the above aspects perhaps it can help you zone in on the right car for you. All in all it would seem that the Superb will still come out on top but good to go in with your eyes open, calculations done and of course balance that with what you are really leaning towards. I think the following are the key factors, in the context of the 8 lakh price difference:1. 4 - 5 ownership range2. Accounting for any extraordinary costs / time wastage re the Skoda factor3. Differential mileage.In "your" context, I think the Superb might make more sense (at that price difference), subject to your doing the calculations as well. But these are some of the specific aspects you could try to price / account for, for pure cold calculation purpose. Of course that in turn can be balanced to what your heart wants between the two.1. With that ownership timeline, you can take comfort that an Extended Warranty will protect you against unforseen reliability related costs in the Skoda.2. The price difference will more than cushion any mileage differential. Plus if fuel cost is something you can expense out then the additional money on fuel also won't sting so much.3. Money saved upfront also has its own compounded growth effect if invested so not to be ignored.4. Resale price: I am guessing the Camry will command a better resale at 5 year mark than the Superb. Please factor the relative benefit of that in the context of the up front savings.5. Reliability issues are not just about the cost and ability to mitigate the cost. Its also about the car being available at your disposal. I have a friend who simultaneously owned a Laura and an X3. His Laura spent so much time in the garage for some niggle or the other (including long wait for parts) that he actually calculated the number of days the car was actually unavailable to him compared to the X3. That was one of his biggest peeves from the ownership experience.So if you think through the above aspects perhaps it can help you zone in on the right car for you. All in all it would seem that the Superb will still come out on top but good to go in with your eyes open, calculations done and of course balance that with what you are really leaning towards. "We've made a commitment to pour back into the lives and health of our team members" - Jack Lane, President, Southern Trust Mortgage Southern Trust Mortgage has been named as one of the 2021 Best Mortgage Companies to Work for by National Mortgage News and Best Companies Group. This annual survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in the U.S. mortgage industry. National Mortgage News honored all the winners and revealed the final rankings in a special report published in March 2021. Being recognized in back-to-back years as a Best Mortgage Company to Work for is both humbling and encouraging. said Jack Lane, President of Southern Trust Mortgage. Its no secret that lenders everywhere asked a lot of their people this year and we made a commitment to equally pour back into the lives and health of our team members. Building a great team is done on purpose, no matter the market climate. Companies from across the United States entered a two-part survey process to determine the National Mortgage News Best Mortgage Companies to Work for. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings. The companies that are a part of this years ranking have demonstrated exemplary support for their teams during an unprecedented year of upheaval, said Heidi Patalano, editor-in-chief of National Mortgage News at Arizent. Theyve been nimble in adapting to circumstances surrounding the pandemic at the same time that origination demand has exploded. Each of this years honorees should be proud of the company culture they have fostered at such a challenging time. About Southern Trust Mortgage: Southern Trust Mortgage is a mortgage lender founded in 1998 with the mission of making the home buying process simple, creative, and consistent. For more than 20 years, Southern Trust Mortgage has served more than 70,000 families of all different needs and backgrounds About National Mortgage New and Best Companies To Work For: To be considered for participation, companies had to be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity operating a facility with at least 15 employees working in the United States for at least one year. Additional conditions applied; for more information on eligibility and other aspects of the program, please visit http://www.bestmortgagecompaniestoworkfor.com. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Albuquerque police arrested a man as part of the investigation of a hit and run accident that killed a pedestrian near Central Avenue on Sunday afternoon. Police said in a news release that Kirstin King was booked into jail on charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. A person who police havent identified was struck and killed near Central and Pennsylvania on Sunday at around 3 p.m. Central was redirected in both directions after the crash. The suspect vehicle fled to Bell and Chama, and police said they identified King as the driver. A news release said King showed signs of intoxication and a warrant was obtained for her blood. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ 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. Mount Holyoke College President Sonya Stephen apologized Sunday night for the extraordinary stress caused by her administrations handling of the decision to close the Gorse Childrens Center. She is now promising to listen more, form a committee to address the controversy. The Gorse center remains on track to close this June. Options will be explored, the president promised. I am writing to acknowledge and sincerely apologize for the extraordinary stress that the Colleges recent announcement to suspend on-campus child care operations at the Gorse Childrens Center has caused for so many in our community. The Center is clearly beloved on campus and more widely, and for good reason, the president said in letter to the college community. Stephens Feb. 28 letter via email came just 72 hours after faculty, staff and parents who access the Gorse Childrens Center daycare and learning facility staged a protest at the colleges main gate on Route 116 Thursday evening. Over the weekend, we engaged in a challenging but necessary interrogation of our decision, as well as of the process leading up to it. Learning from this process, and from the response to this decision, will be critical in informing future consultation, collaboration and both short-term and long-term decision-making that serve the best interests of the College and advance Mount Holyokes mission, Stephens wrote. Thursdays resistance also including delivering petitions to Stephens that vociferously object to closing the child center. One written by parents Joe and Allie Lepper, whose children attend the Gorse Center was forwarded to Stephens, on Friday, with 950 signatures. As of Monday, this petition has 1,350 signatures, according to the parents who organized it.In an interview, Allie Lepper said: about a third of signer are families of current and former Gorse users. She said about a third include residents in South Hadley and surrounding communities that support the cause. And, about a third are faculty, staff and Mount Holyoke students -- including those that dont want to see the pedagogical dimension of the center ended, she said. The colleges website says the Gorse center serves as the lab school for Mount Holyokes Psychology and Education Department. More than a hundred faculty and staff sent their own petition to the president. We are very grateful for and moved by the many emails, texts, individual conversations and personal testimonies shared in response to the announcement, Stephens wrote in the Sunday email. I want to express my deep appreciation for your continued engagement with us, and with each other, as we try to find the best way forward together, she wrote. Eight killed in Myanmar crackdowns bloodiest day WORLD: Myanmar security forces opened fire on protestors yesterday (Feb 28), killing at least eight in the bloodiest action so far to smother opposition to the military coup four weeks ago. Myanmarviolencedeath By AFP Monday 1 March 2021, 09:12AM Protesters attempt to contain tear gas fired by police trying to disperse them during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon yesterday. Photo: AFP. The junta is battling to contain a massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with top political allies at the start of the month. Yesterday brought a significant escalation in force, with fatal shootings of protesters in at least four cities around the country, as police and soldiers attempted to bring the civil disobedience campaign to heel. The United Nations condemned the deadly crackdown and said it had received credible information that as many as 18 people may have been killed. We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters, Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, said. AFP could not independently confirm the UN toll. Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the southern coastal hub of Dawei. Rescue worker Pyae Zaw Hein said the trio were shot dead with live rounds, while the injured were hit by rubber bullets. More wounded people keep coming in, he told AFP. Two teenagers were gunned down in Bago, a two-hour drive north of commercial capital Yangon. Ambulance driver Than Lwin Oo told AFP he had sent the bodies of the 18-year-olds to the mortuary at Bagos main hospital. Officers in Yangon began dispersing small crowds minutes before the slated beginning of the days protest, with a 23-year-old man shot dead in the citys east. His wife is heartbroken, Win Ko, a social worker who visited the mans widow, told AFP. Shes three months pregnant. In Mandalay, an emergency doctor told AFP that two men had died from gunshot wounds. Elsewhere protesters took up positions behind barricades and wielded homemade shields to defend themselves against the onslaught, with police using tear gas to clear some rallies. Hundreds of people had been arrested by evening and transported to the citys notorious Insein Prison, where many of Myanmars leading democracy campaigners have served long jail terms under previous dictatorships. At least one journalist documenting yesterdays assaults by security forces was beaten and detained further north in Myitkyina, a city at the headwaters of the Irrawaddy river, according to local outlet The 74 Media. Another reporter was shot with rubber bullets while covering a protest in the central city of Pyay, their employer said. A spokesman for the ruling junta did not respond to phone calls seeking comment on yesterdays violence. Before yesterday, at least five people had died in anti-coup unrest since the army takeover, including three killed on February 20. One police officer also died while attempting to quell a protest, the military has said. Weeks of unrest Myanmar has been roiled by giant demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign encouraging civil servants to walk off the job since the February 1 military takeover. Yesterdays crackdown followed a similar wave of violent action against angry but largely peaceful anti-coup rallies around the country a day earlier. Several journalists documenting Saturdays assaults by security forces were detained, including an Associated Press photographer in Yangon. Human Rights Watch said medical volunteers helping to treat wounded protesters were also being targeted for arrest by security forces. More than 850 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group. But the weekend crackdown was expected to raise that number dramatically, with state newspapers reporting 479 arrests on Saturday alone. International condemnation of the military regime has been fierce, with the United States, European Union and others denouncing violence against protesters. We condemn the Burmese security forces abhorrent violence against the people of Burma & will continue to promote accountability for those responsible, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted after yesterdays killings, using the countrys old name. We stand firmly with the courageous people of Burma & encourage all countries to speak with one voice in support of their will, Blinken added. Anything can happen Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken into custody during pre-dawn raids in the capital Naypyidaw. A court hearing will be held today for the ousted leader, who faces obscure charges for possession of unregistered walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings. But her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told AFP he had still been unable to meet with Suu Kyi ahead of the hearing. As a lawyer, I put my trust in the court, he said. But in this period of time anything can happen. State media announced Saturday that the junta had sacked the countrys United Nations envoy, who gave an impassioned plea for help on behalf of Myanmars ousted civilian government. The West Africa International Press has conferred on the founder and Chief Executive Officer of End Point Homeopathic Clinic, Dr Kofi Adu-Boateng, the Africa International Award of Merit. Dr Adu-Boateng who has on several occasions been awarded as one of the renowned medical doctors in Ghana received the award during the International Conference on Political/Civil Strife in Africa organized by the West Africa International Press (WAI). The multiple award-winning doctor was awarded for his vast charitable works, exceptional dedication and professionalism exhibited in the healthcare sector, and his contribution to the growth and economic advancement of this country. As part of his humanitarian works, Dr Adu-Boateng has constructed two 6- classroom modern facilities for the Eye of the Lord Orphanage and the Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Education Winneba (UEW). Receiving the award on behalf of Dr Adu-Boateng, Mrs Deborah Paintsil thanked the organizers and said Dr Adu-Boateng deserved every honour bestowed upon him. According to her, Dr Adu-Boateng is humbled and motivated to do more in the healthcare sector and society as a whole. His outfit, End Point Homeopathic Clinic, has been a provider of quality healthcare and unparalleled services; promoting and advancing the science of homoeopathy for the past ten years. The clinic received several prestigious awards, including having been adjudged the Most Result-Oriented Homeopathic Clinic in West Africa and winning the Outstanding Homeopathy Hospital of the Year-2016 awards. 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 Hong Kong, March 1 : Police in Hong Kong have charged 47 activists, who were arrested in January, for "conspiring to subvert state power". The defendants aged between 23 and 64 will stand trial in West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency. The police arrested 53 people last month on suspicion of "subverting state power" under the national security law imposed by China on Hong Kong for organising and participating in the so-called "primary election" last year. China enforced the law criminalising "subversive" acts, saying it was needed to bring stability, the BBC said in a report. About 100 people have so far been arrested under the security law, including media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who was denied bail and is in detention awaiting trial. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... WASHINGTON Eight years after carving the heart out of a landmark voting rights law, the Supreme Court is looking at putting new limits on efforts to combat racial discrimination in voting. The justices are taking up a case about Arizona restrictions on ballot collection and another policy that penalizes voters who cast ballots in the wrong precinct. The high courts consideration comes as Republican officials in the state and around the country have proposed more than 150 measures, following last years elections, to restrict voting access that civil rights groups say would disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic voters. A broad Supreme Court ruling would make it harder to fight those efforts in court. Arguments are set for Tuesday via telephone, because of the coronavirus pandemic. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ It would be taking away one of the big tools, in fact, the main tool we have left now, to protect voters against racial discrimination, said Myrna Perez, director of the Brennan Center for Justices voting rights and elections program. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, said the high court case is about ballot integrity, not discrimination. This is about protecting the franchise, not disenfranchising anyone, said Brnovich, who will argue the case on Tuesday. President Joe Biden narrowly won Arizona last year, and since 2018, the state has elected two Democratic senators. The justices will be reviewing an appeals court ruling against a 2016 Arizona law that limits who can return early ballots for another person and against a separate state policy of discarding ballots if a voter goes to the wrong precinct. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the ballot-collection law and the state policy discriminate against minority voters in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act and that the law also violates the Constitution. The Voting Rights Act, first enacted in 1965, was extremely effective against discrimination at the ballot box because it forced state and local governments, with a history of discrimination, including Arizona, to get advance approval from the Justice Department or a federal court before making any changes to elections. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the portion of the law known as Section 5 could no longer be enforced because the population formula for determining which states were covered hadnt been updated to take account of racial progress. Congress must identify those jurisdictions to be singled out on a basis that makes sense in light of current conditions, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for a conservative majority. It cannot rely simply on the past. Democrats in Congress will try again to revive the advance approval provision of the voting rights law. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act failed in the last Congress, when Republicans controlled the Senate and President Donald Trump was in the White House. But another part of the law, Section 2, applies nationwide and still prohibits discrimination in voting on the basis of race. Civil rights groups and voters alleging racial bias have to go to court and prove their case either by showing intentional discrimination in passing a law or that the results of the law fall most heavily on minorities. The new Supreme Court case mainly concerns how plaintiffs can prove discrimination based on the laws results. The arguments are taking place against the backdrop of the 2020 election, in which there was a massive increase in early voting and mailed-in ballots because of the pandemic. Trump and his Republican supporters challenged the election results by advancing claims of fraud that were broadly rejected by state and federal courts. But many Republicans continue to question the elections outcome, despite the absence of evidence. GOP elected officials have responded by proposing to restrict early voting and mailed-in ballots, as well as toughen voter identification laws. The challenged Arizona provisions remained in effect in 2020 because the case was still making its way through the courts. But Brnovich said last years voting is another reason the justices should side with the state. I think part of the lesson of 2020 was that when people dont believe that elections have integrity or that their vote is being protected, it will lead to undermining the publics confidence in the system, Brnovich said. Civil rights groups said the court should not use this case to make it harder to root out racial discrimination, which still poses a unique threat to our democracy, as the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund put it in a brief. Nearly 75 businesses, including PayPal, Levi Strauss and Impossible Foods, joined in a brief urging the court to fully preserve the Voting Rights Act. The Justice Department will not be part of Tuesdays arguments, a rarity in a voting rights case. The Trump administration backed Arizona. The Biden administration, in a somewhat cryptic letter to the court, said this month that it believes neither Arizona measure violates Section 2s results test, but doesnt like the way its predecessor analyzed the issues. The suggestion from the new administration could give the court a narrow way to uphold the Arizona provisions without making any significant changes to voting discrimination law. A decision is expected by early summer. Nutanix announced additional ransomware protections in the companys cloud platform. These include new threat monitoring and detection, as well as more granular data replication and robust access controlsall natively built into the Nutanix stack. These new capabilities build on Nutanixs rich data services for network security, files and objects storage, virtualization, and business continuity to help enterprises prevent, detect and recover against ransomware attacks across multiple cloud environments. At a time when attacks are becoming even more common due to the rise of remote work, these capabilities make it easier to implement security and business continuity best practices at the infrastructure level, rather than rely on a complex matrix of bolt-on security products. A recent Gartner report shared that, in 2020, in particular, there have been swift changes to threats with increased remote work and targeted malware campaigns that take advantage of worldwide events, such as COVID-19. Ransomware has evolved beyond the commodity, widespread attacks intended to infect a single endpoint to include more advanced techniques, such as fileless malware and data exfiltration []. These new strains of ransomware make prevention and planning more important than ever to prevent ransomware attacks. Organizations, especially those with large remote user populations or hybrid work environments, can no longer rely on a single action or tool to protect themselves. They need to ensure their IT infrastructure allows them to best respond to these incidents. Balakrishnan Anantharaman, VP and MD-Sales, India and SAARC, Nutanix, said, Over the past year, we have witnessed more business decision makers in India view security as core to their enterprise, and in the same breath, Ransomware as a threat to their business. In fact, 53 percent of the respondents in our third annual Enterprise Cloud Index report for India stated they are migrating to cloud-enabled infrastructure to improve their security postures and be better prepared. Security is core to Nutanixs design and with these new updates to the Nutanix cloud platform, Nutanix can drastically simplify the process of protecting infrastructure and implementing a recovery solution which will, in turn, lower operational cost and the time needed to resume business operations without having to pay a costly ransom. Nutanix is focused both on being intrinsically secure and providing solutions that help prevent malware spread and create a path to quick remediation. Indias enterprises can have a higher level of assurance about their cloud environments as they adopt hybrid work models to cater to the Work from Anywhere paradigm today. Detect and Recover From Network and Data Threats The Nutanix cloud platform now delivers anomaly detection based on machine learning and IP reputation services with the companys security networking operations and monitoring solution, Flow Security Central, a feature with Nutanix Flow. Flow Security Central helps identify known attack vectors, including potential ransomware, at the network level before reaching the application and data layers. Specifically, Flow Security Central now monitors networks for anomalies, malicious behavior, as well as common network attacks that propagate by searching for additional vulnerable targets. Flow Security Central also monitors endpoints to identify traffic coming from disreputable locations, something especially helpful for defending Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) deployments that are prime targets for initial ransomware infection and spread. Closer to the application layer, the Nutanix cloud platform now also includes native ransomware detection for file storage services within Nutanix Files. File analytics, which is a feature included with Files, now detects abnormal and suspicious access patterns and identifies known ransomware signatures to block data access in real-time. To help ensure snapshots are available when needed, File analytics now identifies file shares where replication and snapshots have not been configured appropriately and alerts IT administrators to this potential risk. Nutanix Files also provides immutable snapshots preventing tampering and deletion which are common attack vectors in ransomware payloads to hinder recovery attempts. Recovery is accelerated via native snapshot capabilities when enabled on file shares. With these capabilities natively integrated into Nutanix Files, IT professionals can not only detect but also quickly recover from ransomware attacks using native tools. Protect Data and Applications To further protect application data from ransomware attacks, the Nutanix cloud platform now includes new features within the object storage solution, Nutanix Objects. Objects includes more granular permissions to access object data for primary and secondary storage. Specifically, Nutanix Objects now offers the ability to configure Write Once Read Many (WORM) policies for individual files and objects selected by an IT team to help guard against unauthorized deletion or encryption of data, thwarting many common ransomware attacks. These WORM protections can be automated by simply classifying data under a legal hold to prevent tampering or malicious destruction. Additionally, Objects locking features were reviewed and attested to by Cohasset Associates as meeting the non-rewritable, and non-erasable storage requirements for electronic records as specified under the relevant SEC, FINRA, and CFTC regulations . Objects now also provides data access permissions at a granular bucket level so IT administrators can better secure multi-tenant environments. Lastly, the Nutanix platform now delivers support for Microsoft Windows Credential Guard for virtual machines and virtual desktops running on the AHV hypervisor. Credential Guard adds operating system (OS) protection from malware using credential theft attacks on Microsoft OS environments, a common vector used by ransomware to gain administrative privileges. Ensure Business Continuity While detection and prevention are both key aspects of an effective strategy to protect against malware and ransomware, all companies should have a plan to ensure business continuity in the event of an attack. Nutanix Mine, the companys secondary storage solution, now provides direct backup to Objects when using Mine in conjunction with solutions from partner HYCU Inc. This means all ransomware protection natively available in Objects, such as immutability and WORM, will also be applied to this secondary storage solution. Additionally, Nutanix has obtained new interoperability qualifications, including Veeam Object Immutability as well as certifications with other leading backup vendors, to extend ransomware protections to secondary storage. CIOs and CISOs know that there is no one solution that provides 100% protection against ransomware or other types of malware attacks, and the current remote and hybrid work models widen an enterprises attack surface, said Rajiv Mirani, Chief Technology Officer at Nutanix. Enterprises need a defense in depth approach to security, starting with their IT infrastructure. However, the right security tools need to also be simple and seamless to implement. Nutanix delivers a strengthened cloud platform out of the box, with an even richer set of ransomware protections available now. Antiques Roadshow viewers were left stunned last night when a genuine painting by one of Britain's 'most faked' artists Laurence Stephen Lowry was valued at 80,000. The portrait was brought onto Sunday evening's programme - filmed at Stonor Park in Oxfordshire - by a gentleman who picked it up at Christie's, after he'd just purchased a vintage bike he'd had his eye on. Explaining he was left with some 'surplus cash' having bagged a bargain on his bicycle, he paid 1,300 for the painting, entitled Figure Standing One, which came with a label from the Lefevre Gallery, which represented Lowry and sold much of his art. Presenting it to expert Lawrence Hendra, the owner explained: 'I was a teddy boy and it looks like a teddy boy,' he said, adding that his son joked 'a fool and his money are soon parted' when he brought the artwork home. Antiques Roadshow viewers were left stunned last night when a painting by one of Britain's 'most faked' artists Laurence Stephen Lowry was valued at 80,000 The portrait was brought onto Sunday evening's programme - filmed at Stonor Park in Oxfordshire - by a gentleman who picked it up at Christie's, after he'd just purchased a vintage bike he'd had his eye on. Viewers couldn't believe its value (pictured) Lawrence admitted that whenever he sees a painting purported to be by Laurence Stephen Lowry on the Antique's Roadshow he 'should get very excited... but to tell you the truth I get a bit nervous'. 'Not only was Lowry one of the most distinctive, popular and valuable artists of the British 20th century, he was also one of the most faked,' he explained. Lawrence told how many people were drawn to Lowry's work because he was 'totally unpretentious'. 'He painted pictures of people, but they werent portraits, they were more studies of his surroundings and where the country was at at the time in the specific area where he lived,' he said. At auction, Lawrence said he would expect to see the painting sell for between 60,000 and 80,000. Giving a wry smile in reply, the owner replied: 'I like the sound of that' Who was L.S. Lowry? Laurence Stephen Lowry was an English artist whose drawings and painting depicted life in the industrial districts of North West England in the mid-20th century, where he lived and worked for more than 40 years. The artist holds the record for rejecting five British honours, including a knighthood in 1968. A collection of his work is on display in The Lowry, a purpose-built art gallery on Salford Quays. Critics have previously noted that Lowry was 'probably the most faked British artist', with his 'deceptively simple style of painting making him a soft target for forgers'. Advertisement Explaining how he knew this painting was the real deal, he cited the Lefevre Gallery label and an accompanying letter from the gallery director, dated 1998. It read: 'The painting by Lowry was sold by us in 1965 for 175.' At auction, Lawrence said he would expect to see the painting sell for between 60,000 and 80,000. Giving a wry smile in reply, the owner replied: 'I like the sound of that.' One viewer tweeted in response: 'Fair play to that chap. Went to buy an antique bicycle and ended up with an 80k Lowry. Fez doffed.' Another wrote: 'Blimey, I was pitching that Lowry at maybe around 30k!' And one remarked: 'How much was he willing to pay for a bike if he had that much spare change after buying it...' Antiques Roadshow airs on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One. The UK government has provoked a storm of condemnation after more than halving its aid to Yemen, where hundreds of thousands are living in famine conditions and millions more are short of food. James Cleverly, the Middle East minister, announced at a UN donor conference on Monday that UK aid would fall to 87m, from 214m in 2020. The UN had been seeking a total of $3.85bn (2.76bn) in assistance for Yemen. The move was immediately met with outrage from charities and MPs. Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign secretary, said he was deeply disappointed and added that the timing is inexplicable with the UN warning only last week that Yemen faces the worst famine the world has seen for decades. Andrew Mitchell, the Tory former international development secretary, said the decision was unimaginable amid the coronavirus crisis. He added: Britain is the lead country at the UN on Yemen, yet this decision will condemn hundreds of thousands of children to starvation. It makes no foreign policy sense at all. Rather, it is the consequence of breaking a promise made in our manifesto. The government should urgently put this issue to a vote in the House of Commons before they cut any more lifesaving projects which are clearly in Britain's national interest. Labours Sarah Champion tweeted: This is dramatically below previous commitments from the UK and far below what is needed to save lives. And Layla Moran, of the Liberal Democrats, called the decision appalling and heartless. Save the Children accused the government of abandoning starving Yemeni children. Kevin Watkins, its UK chief executive, said in a statement: In September last year, the UK announced a global call to action to avert famine. Six months later, it is slashing aid to a country on the verge of the largest famine the world has seen in decades. Global Britain should be standing up for the 400,000 children under five who might starve to death in Yemen this year, not abandoning them in their hour of greatest need. Mr Watkins called on ministers to reverse course and to scrap chancellor Rishi Sunaks plan to cut overall foreign aid from 0.7 to 0.5 per cent of GDP, which breaks a Tory manifesto pledge. Yemens war began in 2014 after Houthi rebels seized Sanaa, the capital, after which Saudi Arabia, backed by the US and UK, intervened to restore the internationally recognised government. Some 130,000 people have been killed in a conflict with widespread civilian casualties. Britain has faced criticism for selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Last summer, it was announced those sales would resume despite fears UK weapons had been used in war crime incidents. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 18 May 2021 Horse-drawn carriages drive through the mudflats near Cuxhaven, northern Germany dpa via AP World news in pictures 17 May 2021 Kanoya Onishi in action during the Cycling BMX Free Style of Tokyo 2020 Olympics test event at Ariake Urban Sports Park in Japan EPA World news in pictures 16 May 2021 Rescuers carry Suzy Eshkuntana, 6, as they pull her from the rubble of a building at the site of Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City Reuters World news in pictures 15 May 2021 A ball of fire erupts from the Jala Tower as it is destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza city AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 May 2021 Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers inside the Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh AP World news in pictures 13 May 2021 Muslim girls ride on a mini train after attending the Eid Al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya AFP via Getty Images World news in pictures 12 May 2021 Israeli artillery fire as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border EPA World news in pictures 11 May 2021 Maya Nakanishi competes in the womens long jump - T64 category during a para-athletics test event for the 2020 Olympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo AFP/Getty World news in pictures 10 May 2021 A Palestinian man helps a wounded fellow protester amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound, ahead of a planned march to commemorate Israels takeover of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War AFP/Getty World news in pictures 9 May 2021 Falconer Giovanna Piccolo performs with her Eurasian eagle-owl at 'Roma World' theme park, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Rome Reuters World news in pictures 8 May 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is introduced as a starter against the St. Louis Blues at T-Mobile Arena. USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 6 May 2021 Buddhist monks and believers attend a lantern parade in celebration of the upcoming birthday of Buddha at a temple in Seoul, South Korea Reuters World news in pictures 5 May 2021 Russian MiG-29 jet fighters of the Strizhi (Swifts) and Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) aerobatic teams fly in formation over the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin in Moscow during a flypast rehearsal for the WWII Victory Parade AFP/Getty World news in pictures 4 May 2021 An elevated metro line collapsed in the Mexican capital on Monday, leaving at least 23 people dead and dozens injured as a train came plunging down, authorities said AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 May 2021 Lightning bolts strike buildings during a thunderstorm in Bangkok AFP/Getty World news in pictures 2 May 2021 Samaritan worshippers arrive to take part in a Passover ceremony on top of Mount Gerizim, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus AFP/Getty World news in pictures 1 May 2021 A Gilet Jaune, or yellow vest, protestor stands in front of a burning barricade holding his hand up with an inscription calling for President Macron to resign as May Day Protest turn violent near Place de la Republique in Paris, France Getty World news in pictures 30 April 2021 A demonstrator from the Rio de Paz human rights activist group digs a symbolic grave in front of rows of bags symbolising bodybags on Copacabana beach, during a protest against the Brazilian governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, in Rio de Janeiro AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 April 2021 An aerial picture shows dead carp fish flushed to the shores of al-Qaraoun reservoir in Lebanons Western Beqaa District in the countrys east. Tonnes of fish have washed up dead on the shoreline of the highly polluted artificial reservoir in eastern Lebanon in recent days AFP/Getty World news in pictures 28 April 2021 Health workers wearing PPE attends to coronavirus patients inside a banquet hall temporarily converted into a covid care centre in New Delhi AFP/Getty World news in pictures 27 April 2021 The full moon, known as the Super Pink Moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Reuters World news in pictures 26 April 2021 Balinese people lay wreaths with names of the crew on board the sunk Indonesian Navy submarine KRI Nanggala during a prayer at the sea near Labuhan Lalang, Bali, Indonesia EPA World news in pictures 25 April 2021 An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian worshipper walks around the Edicule, the place believed to be where Jesus Christ was buried, during Palm Sunday celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 April 2021 Fans of Wuhan Three Towns FC cheer for their team during the 1st round match Wuhan Three Towns FC and Beijing Institute of Technology FC during Chinese Football League One in Wuhan, China Getty World news in pictures 23 April 2021 A girl prays in front of the Dome of the Rock, in the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalems Old City, on the second Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, as coronavirus restrictions ease around the country, in Jerusalem Reuters World news in pictures 22 April 2021 People walk through the art work 'THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS' by Yayoi Kusama, during the press preview of a retrospective exhibition of the Japanese artist at the Martin Gropius Bau museum in Berlin, Germany AP World news in pictures 21 April 2021 Hungary's Sara Peter competes in the Women's floor qualifications during European Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the St Jakobshalle, in Basel AFP/Getty World news in pictures 20 April 2021 South Korea university students gets their heads shaved during a protest against Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, in front of the Japanese embassy, in Seoul Reuters World news in pictures 19 April 2021 A spectator wearing a football jersey of Argentina's forward Lionel Messi attends the ATP Barcelona Open tennis tournament singles match between Japan's Kei Nishikori and Argentina's Guido Pella at the Real Club de Tenis in Barcelona AFP/Getty World news in pictures 18 April 2021 People raise their fist during a demonstration near the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis, Minnesota AFP/Getty World news in pictures 17 April 2021 Security personnel stand guard outside a polling station during the 5th phase of West Bengal's state legislative assembly elections in Kolkata AFP/Getty World news in pictures 16 April 2021 Palestinians take part in the first Friday prayers of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty World news in pictures 15 April 2021 A firefighter inspects the site of a car bomb attack in Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 14 April 2021 This picture shows the 100 days countdown till the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games displayed on the illuminated Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo on April 14, 2021 AFP/Getty World news in pictures 13 April 2021 This photo taken and received courtesy of an anonymous source shows Buddhist monks gesturing while taking part in a demonstration with protesters against the military coup in Mandalay during the Myanmar New Year festival of Thingyan AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 April 2021 An Indian holi man during the Kumbh Mela royal bath (Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage) in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Thousands of pilgrims are gathering and taking holy dip in Kumbh Mela that is a mass Hindu pilgrimage which occurs after every twelve years and rotates among four locations EPA World news in pictures 11 April 2021 Nasa released images of of sand dunes on Mars captured using infrared reflections NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU World news in pictures 10 April 2021 People watch devotees pulling a chariot in Biska Jatra Festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal AP World news in pictures 9 April 2021 Maintenance workers clean the monument of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in Moscow on April 9, 2021. - Sixty years ago Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space, marking it a new chapter in the history of space exploration. AFP/Getty World news in pictures 8 April 2021 Protesters hold a banner and burning red flares during a demonstration of called by unions of healthcare and social workers in support of their sector and to demand a bonus in their pay in Paris AFP/Getty World news in pictures 7 April 2021 Protesters laying on the street near the Election Commission office in Kolkata during a demonstration demanding the halt of the ongoing state legislative election and campaign rallies amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases AFP/Getty World news in pictures 6 April 2021 Voters stand in queue to cast their votes at a polling booth during third phase of West Bengal state elections in Baruipur, South 24 Pargana district, India AP World news in pictures 5 April 2021 The Statue of Christ appears behind clouds from the Sao Jorge Castle in Lisbon as the Portuguese government eased coronavirus restrictions AFP/Getty World news in pictures 4 April 2021 Christian worshippers light candles during an Easter service in Yerevan, the Armenian capital AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 April 2021 Anti-coup protesters hold improvised weapons during a protest in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmars military Junta continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance of live ammunition Getty World news in pictures 2 April 2021 A rescue works at the site after a train derailed in a tunnel north of Hualien, Taiwan Reuters World news in pictures 1 April 2021 Man flashes three-finger salute next to burning tires during a protest against the military c Reuters World news in pictures 31 March 2021 Mannequins wrapped in barrier tape stand in front of Berlins landmark Brandenburg Gate as part of German artist Dennis Josef Mesegs Corona Memorial called It is Like it is AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 March 2021 A ship heads down the Suez Canal, in Ismalia, Egypt EPA World news in pictures 29 March 2021 Flocks of flamingos are pictured in a pond in Navi Mumbai AFP/Getty Campaign Against the Arms Trade called Mr Cleverlys aid announcement on Monday heinous. Sarah Waldron, a spokesperson, said: This is a devastating cut to aid and is all the more heinous given that this is a crisis that the UK has helped to create. The UK bears direct responsibility for this unfolding catastrophe through its weapons supplies, and unquestioning support for the Saudi-led coalition that has destroyed so much of Yemens infrastructure. This is a time to work for peace, not profit. The international community must step up to prevent famine and the UK must show leadership by stopping the arms sales that are fuelling this tragedy and focus its efforts on supporting an inclusive peace process. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: The UK remains steadfast in our support to the Yemeni people as one of the biggest donors of lifesaving aid and through our diplomatic efforts to bring peace. Since the conflict began, we have supported millions of vulnerable Yemenis with food, clean water and healthcare, and will continue to do so. We are using our UN Security Council seat and working with our allies to push for a lasting resolution to the conflict. Yemens leaders must meaningfully engage with the UN to agree a ceasefire. Slovakia has received its first shipment of 200,000 Sputnik V doses, the second European Union member state to obtain the Russian-made coronavirus vaccine. Slovakia has had the world's highest per-capita death rate related to COVID-19 in the past week, according to the Our World in Data website. The country follows Hungary in rolling out the Russian vaccine even though it lacks approval by the EU drug regulator, the European Medicines Agency (EMA). "It is right to buy the Russian vaccine as COVID-19 does not know anything about geopolitics," Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic said on March 1. "I do not have a problem getting a Sputnik [injection] myself." Slovakia is buying 2 million Sputnik V vaccines and expects the first half to arrive this month. Health Minister Marek Krajci said Sputnik V's use would be approved on March 1 and vaccinations could begin in several weeks. In the neighboring Czech Republic, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the country could use the Sputnik V vaccine to battle the worlds highest per capita infection rate. In August, Russia approved Sputnik V, the worlds first COVID-19 vaccine, prompting scientists around the world to question its safety and efficacy because it was registered before the results of Phase 3 studies were made available. But in early February, peer-reviewed, late-stage trial results published in The Lancet medical journal showed the two-dose regimen of Sputnik V was 91.6 percent effective against symptomatic COVID-19, about the same level as the leading Western-developed vaccines. The vaccine has now been approved for use in some 30 countries. Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP Police officers can spend hours sorting through different systems hunting for information about forensic exhibits, logging incident reports or checking someones criminal history. But a new partnership with an American technology company will propel the decades-old systems into the 21st century, making it faster, simpler and safer for officers responding to emergencies and investigating crimes. NSW Police will implement a new technology system that will streamline their systems, allowing them to work faster and safer. Credit:Mark43 NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller signed a partnership with US-based public safety software provider Mark43 on Monday to roll out the system. The cloud-based program, known as the Integrated Policing Operating System (IPOS), will replace the forces 27-year-old central database and will be used for everyday operations including triple zero calls, arrests and charges, criminal investigations and forensics. By Ivan Ssenabulya The Uganda Law Society is mourning the death of one their own Bob Kasango, who passed on from Luzira Prisons Murchison Bay Hospital. Kasango who had been incarcerated since 2018, over various controversial cases, died last evening before being transferred to Mulago hospital. The law society president Phiona Wall describes the late Kasango as a hardworking person who groomed many young lawyers in Uganda. She is saddened that Kasangos persistent requests to be taken for specialized treatment were not considered by prison authorities. The Uganda Prisons Services Spokesperson Frank Baine says they await a post-mortem report from Mulago hospital. The Anti-Corruption court in 2018 convicted Kasango for embezzlement of over Shs.15 billion, together with former ministry of public service staff. He was serving a 16 year jail term. TBILISI -- During a visit to Georgia, European Council President Charles Michel has called on the countrys political parties to engage in a dialogue to defuse an ongoing crisis sparked by last years general elections and exacerbated by the recent arrest of a top opposition leader. Raising concerns about the "worsening crisis, Michel said in Tbilisi on March 1 that the EU is calling on all parties to step up their efforts to defuse the situation and come together to find common ground. Speaking at a joint news conference with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, he said that "political stability reinforced by an open democracy, by an efficient and independent judiciary, is essential to deepen the partnership between Tbilisi and the bloc. Georgia, a former Soviet republic, is a close U.S. ally and has aspirations of joining NATO and the EU, although membership in either organization is not imminent. Michel also held talks with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili as part of his February 28March 2 trip to the Georgian capital. He was also expected to meet with parliament speaker Archil Talakvadze and opposition leaders. After Tbilisi, the EU official will head to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. He earlier visited Chisinau, Moldovas capital. Georgia's opposition parties have refused to enter the new parliament to protest what they call the rigging of the October 31 parliamentary elections. The crisis deepened after a court ruled last month to send Nika Melia, the leader of the United National Movement (UNM) party, to pretrial detention after he refused to pay an increased bail fee in a case denounced by the opposition as a political witch hunt. Melia's arrest on February 23, along with several opposition activists, has sparked mass anti-government protests in Tbilisi demanding their release and snap parliamentary elections. 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. The country is set for another year of staycations with fewer than one-in-six (15.9pc) Irish people intending to holiday overseas in 2021, a survey carried out by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has found. In November 2020, 50.6pc of respondents anticipated their next international flight would be sometime in 2021. However, in February 2021, this expectation was reported by 15.9pc of respondents. About 40pc of people said they intended to take a holiday in the Republic of Ireland for at least one weeks duration in 2021, in comparison with the proportion of respondents (30.9pc) that said they took such a holiday in a typical year prior to the onset of Covid-19. Almost three-in-four (73.3pc) respondents reported that, in a typical year prior to the onset of the pandemic, they would take a holiday overseas. Less than one-in-six (15.9pc) respondents reported that they intended to holiday overseas in 2021. More than one-in-four (25.8pc) respondents reported they would not take a holiday in 2021, compared with one-in-nine (11.2pc) that would normally not take a holiday in a typical year before the onset of Covid-19. Commenting on the results, statistician Claire Burke said: The findings of the survey highlight the impact that Covid-19 is having on society. Read More The survey also analysed the publics attitude towards vaccines, with 87pc of respondents yet to receive the Covid-19 vaccine saying they would get vaccinated next week if it were possible. A total of 5.4pc of respondents said they did not want to get the vaccine, with female respondents being four times more likely to say they do not want to get the vaccine than males. Two-in-three (66.2pc) respondents who do not want to get the vaccine said they were worried about long-term side-effects. Separate statistics have identified that the most popular air traffic routes out of Ireland, apart from Great Britain, were Spain (14,700 arrivals, 11,700 departures), Poland (11,300 arrivals, 7,100 departures) and France (9,800 arrivals, 8,100 departures). Some 14,700 passengers arrived on Spanish routes and 11,700 passengers departed on these routes in the month of January. A further 11,300 passengers arrived on Polish routes and 7,100 passengers departed on these routes. Commenting on the release, statistician Gregg Patrick said: The Air and Sea Travel Statistics for January 2021 show a substantial fall in overseas travel compared to the preceding month. In January 2021, 108,000 overseas passengers arrived in Ireland, compared to 164,400 in December 2020, a decrease of 34.3pc. In January 2021, 118,700 overseas passengers departed from Ireland, compared to 178,800 in December 2020, a decrease of 33.6pc. Mr Patrick said the results showed that continental routes contributed most to the passenger traffic. Some 79,500 passengers arrived on continental routes and 64,600 passengers departed on continental routes. By way of contrast, 15,100 passengers arrived on cross-channel routes and 36,700 passengers departed on cross-channel routes. Just 4,900 passengers arrived via transatlantic routes and 8,600 passengers departed via these routes. Overseas travel remained considerably lower than in January 2020, when 1,235,100 passengers arrived, and 1,239,800passengers departed. In 2020, Harrys Bar spent thousands of dollars on a parklet to help remain financially afloat amid the pandemic, but the restaurant is at risk of losing a third of its space this month after a disagreement with the property owner next door, as first reported by KRON. Charles Johnson, manager at Harrys Bar, told SFGATE that the city of San Francisco wants a third of the parklet removed by March 15. Johnson hopes that the bar can get an extension until San Francisco restaurants are able to open for indoor dining at 50% capacity. San Francisco County is expected to begin indoor dining at 25% capacity on Wednesday. We spent $30,000 on that parklet and we did it in good faith, Johnson said. I know we have to take that part out, but were just asking the city to give us time. Harrys Bar was temporarily closed for months during 2020, until last summer, when it completed building its parklet and welcomed guests back for outdoor service. At the time, Johnson said that Harrys Bar had received permission to build a parklet as part of the citys Shared Spaces Program. He said that Harrys Bar had likewise received permission from James Perse, the former retailer next door at 2028 Fillmore St. But after the James Perse closed, Johnson said that the property owner of 2028 Fillmore St. implied that she couldnt lease the vacant space because the parklet covers its storefront. We absolutely try to be a good neighbor and are supportive of other businesses, Johnson said. I understand what the neighbors concern is, but I dont think our parklet helps prevent them from leasing the storefront. We have no problem getting rid of that section [of the parklet] but we want the city to give us more time. SFGATE reached out to the San Francisco Planning Department who shared a statement via email regarding the parklet at Harry's Bar. "In situations where one merchant wishes to occupy a neighbors frontage with a Shared Space, the City requires written consent from that neighbor; either the groundfloor tenant or in the absence of a groundfloor tenant, the property manager or owner," the Planning Department said via email. "This requirement still applies if your neighbor changes their mind, or a new tenant is established in the neighboring groundfloor space." Harrys Bar has set up a petition on Change.org where it hopes to get 1,500 signatures that it can present to the city of San Francisco. As of Monday afternoon, the petition has received 531 signatures and counting. Johnson said Harrys Bar has taken a huge financial hit amid the pandemic and he worries that if the bar loses a third of its parklet space about 21 feet according to an Instagram post the business will be financially impacted once more. According to the Change.org petition, adding a parklet has allowed the bar to hire a staff of 16 cooks, servers, bussers and bartenders. The amount of seats we have at the parklet allows us to continue with our business, Johnson said. This whole pandemic has made it very difficult. Its been a struggle but were trying to claw our way back. Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from San Francisco Planning Department. 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 NSW is pleading with the federal government for information about how many AstraZeneca vaccine doses it will receive, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying her state is still in the dark three weeks before a wider rollout is to begin. Ms Berejiklian said on Monday that NSW had vaccinated 10,339 quarantine workers in the first week of the Pfizer vaccine rollout, but that the government was unable to plan for the subsequent rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, after 300,000 doses arrived in Australia on Sunday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard look on as NSW Health worker Andrew Santoso receives his COVID-19 vaccination at Westmead Hospital. Credit:Dean Lewis This is the issue: we would like to know as soon as possible how many doses NSW is receiving, she said. Our teams are ready and willing to step up and increase our capacity, but well just need to know exactly how many doses were getting beyond week four. The Premier pressed the need for greater information, pointing to the complex logistical exercise involved in safely storing, refrigerating and distributing the vaccine, as well as ensuring staffing levels to administer the jabs. Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). Biden defends US airstrike on Iranian-backed militia, the Foreign Ministry demands an end to US aggression, and Syrian Negotiations Committee calls on the EU. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend. President Joe Biden said Friday that a US airstrike against an Iranian-backed militia in eastern Syria, the first since he took office, should be seen by Iran as a warning, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported. Asked what the message was from the airstrike, Biden said: You cant act with impunity. Be careful, he added, speaking in Houston during a tour of relief efforts after a huge winter storm in Texas. Syria and Iran on Friday condemned the attack with Damascus calling it a bad sign from the new Biden administration and Tehran saying it would further destabilize the region. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said two F-15E Strike Eagles dropped seven precision-guided munitions on Thursday on facilities in eastern Syria used by militias believed to be behind a spate of rocket attacks on US troops in Iraq. The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Saturday called upon the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities and immediately move to stop the US acts of aggression on the Syrian territories and to prevent their repetition, SANA reported. In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council, the ministry reiterated, with regard to Washingtons violation of the provisions of the international law and the UN Charter, that this aggression is one of a series of US attacks under flimsy pretexts. The ministry stressed that this aggression contradicts the supposed role of the US as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, concerned with safeguarding international peace and security. A new batch of Military Academy students graduated on Saturday. According to SANA, the representative of the celebrations sponsor Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Defense Minister, Lt. Gen. Ali Abdallah Ayoub delivered a speech in which he conveyed Syrian President Bashar al-Assads congratulations to the students, wishing them success in performing their duties and missions. Ayoub called upon the students to shoulder their responsibilities in defending the homeland and confronting the heinous war waged against it. On Friday, Anas al-Abdah, the President of the Syrian Negotiations Committee, called on the European Council to pressure the Syrian government to become involved in the political peace process, warning that wasting time causes Syrians to shed blood, be hungry, and poor. This statement, according to North Press, was made during a meeting between the Syrian Negotiations Committee and the European Council delegation on Friday. Abdah stressed the importance of activating the European Councils role in pressuring the Syrian government and its allies pushing the political solution to support Syrians and their revolutions demands. All these attempts are void, as long as the Syrian regime continues its obstinacy and ignores the importance of the Constitutional Committees work, an opposition source who preferred to be unnamed told North Press in a phone call. They have been recalled. Two employees of the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland have been caught red-handed at the border while trying to smuggle foreign currency, gold and cigarettes into that country. "Yesterday, two employees of the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland were caught red-handed they were detained at the border while trying to smuggle a large amount of currency, gold and cigarettes in an official car from Ukraine into Poland. That's outrageous for the Foreign Ministry," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Facebook. According to the minister, both employees have already been recalled from a long-term mission abroad. "Their work at the embassy has ended. All formalities on this issue will be completed in the next couple of hours," the official said. Kuleba added a disciplinary probe would be launched against both employees. More news reports Reporting by UNIAN OnScene Police are looking for the assailant responsible for shooting a man to death Monday in a bullet-ridden car. The man, believed to be in his 30s, was a passenger in a car, which police found around 12:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Arbor Place. More shell casings were found on Emancipation Avenue on the edge of Houston's Riverside Terrace neighborhood, investigators said. [March 01, 2021] The Town of Petawawa is converting food waste into clean energy with support from the Government of Canada OTTAWA, ON, March 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Canadians want cleaner air and cleaner water for their children and grandchildren. That's why the Government of Canada's strengthened climate plan is helping Canadians cut pollution in their communities, while saving on energy costs and creating good jobs across the country. Using cleaner fuels to power our vehicles and heat our homes is an important part of our plan to create a healthier future. Today, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Neil R. Ellis, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced an investment of approximately $2.7 million from the Low Carbon Economy Fund to support a project that converts food waste into renewable energy in Petawawa, Ontario. The Town of Petawawa will upgrade its digesters to divert food waste from landfills by turning it into clean energy. The Town is also contributing $2.7 million, and the total funding will increase the production of biogas and help process more organic waste to generate electricity and supply energy to the plant. Over the lifetime of this project, the Town will see a cumulative reduction of about 300,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissionsequivalent to taking approximately 92,000 cars off the road for one year. It will also divert 280,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill over the next 10 years. The federal funding for this project comes from the Champion stream of the Government of Canada's Low Carbon Economy Challenge, which invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create good jobs. Canada's strengtheed climate plan is reducing emissions and creating jobs across the country. A key part of the plan to create a cleaner and healthier future is investing in powering our communities with clean energy. Quotes "The Government of Canada is proud to support innovative projects that reduce emissions and create good jobs. This project will cut pollution equal to removing every car in Renfrew County from the road for one year. It's a great example of the type of innovative leadership that municipalities across the country are taking to help Canada exceed its 2030 Paris Agreement target and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050." Neil R. Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "The Town of Petawawa is committed to leading by example on climate change by transitioning the delivery of essential services in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions generated from our own biogas produced through wastewater operations. Upgrading anaerobic digester technology at the wastewater treatment plant from a traditional to resource-recovery process supports a clean economy focused on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. This net-zero initiative promotes environmental sustainability through food waste diversion from landfills and the optimization of existing municipal facilities. Town Council acknowledges Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Low Carbon Economy Fund for providing the financial opportunity to build upon local assets, access advanced infrastructure solutions and, ultimately, to improve the quality of life in our "Dynamic by Nature" community." Bob Sweet, Mayor, Town of Petawawa Quick facts The Town of Petawawa project will divert 280,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills over 10 years, with the potential to continue to reduce emissions and divert waste in subsequent years. The food waste diversion will have a direct impact on the effective lifetime of existing landfills, diminishing the need for new landfill sites. project will divert 280,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills over 10 years, with the potential to continue to reduce emissions and divert waste in subsequent years. The food waste diversion will have a direct impact on the effective lifetime of existing landfills, diminishing the need for new landfill sites. The Low Carbon Economy Fund is supporting energy-efficiency projects in provinces and territories across Canada , which will help Canadians and businesses save money by lowering energy bills. Additionally, support is available for industries to put in place clean technologies that will help them be more efficient and innovative, creating jobs and savings across Canada . , which will help Canadians and businesses save money by lowering energy bills. Additionally, support is available for industries to put in place clean technologies that will help them be more efficient and innovative, creating jobs and savings across . The Low Carbon Economy Fund is an important part of Canada's climate action plan, helping put Canada on a path to meet and exceed the Paris Agreement target for 2030. Associated links Low Carbon Economy Fund Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change Canada's strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Stormont ministers will convene on Monday to discuss final details of Northern Irelands lockdown exit strategy. There is uncertainty whether the plan also will be made public on Monday as ministers had originally intended or if its publication will be pushed back until later in the week. First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill plan to unveil the strategy on the floor of the Stormont Assembly when it is ready. Ministers have already made clear the blueprint will be led by data, not dates. First Minister Arlene Foster (right) and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill (Presseye/PA) The plan is likely to outline the sequence in which current lockdown restrictions will lift, with moves taken when the public health situation allows. Mrs Foster has said the devolved executive will review the level of restrictions every three weeks. Northern Irelands current lockdown and accompanying stay-at-home message is in place until April 1. Ministers are due to review that policy on March 18. The executive has already outlined plans for a phased return of face-to-face learning at schools in Northern Ireland. Only vulnerable children and those of key workers have been attending classes in mainstream schools since January. P1 to P3 primary school children will return to school on March 8, and on March 22 secondary school children in key exam years years 12-14 will go back to class. On that same date, the P1 to P3s are currently due to revert to home learning for one week ahead of the Easter holidays to mitigate the impact on infection rates of the secondary school cohorts return. However, officials from the departments of health and education were tasked last week to examine that aspect of the plan and Mrs Foster has expressed hope that those primary pupils will ultimately be able to remain in school that week. No date has so far been given for the return of the wider school population. He died unexpectedly following a seizure earlier this month at age 68. And Alaskan Bush People is set to air a tribute to the show's late patriarch Billy Brown on Sunday that features never-before-seen footage of him and his family. In a clip shared Friday, Billy has a heartwarming conversation with his oldest daughter Snowbird Brown to mark her birthday. Celebrate Billy Brown and his legacy with a special #AlaskanBushPeople Sunday at 8p on @Discovery. pic.twitter.com/f1XoA6CKIu Alaskan Bush People (@AlaskanBushPPL) February 26, 2021 Saying goodbye: The Discovery Channel shared a new clip from a tribute episode airing Sunday in honor of Alaskan Bush People's late patriarch Billy Brown, who died February 7 of a seizure The new clip opens with Billy meeting up with his daughter, who's hard at work in a tent and has black grease smeared across her face. 'It's fall, it's heading into winter, so that means your birthday is coming,' he says with a dramatic flair. In a later confessional, Birdy places her father within her reverence for nature. 'The part of being in the bush and being with the animals and in the woods is like, dad is a part of that,' she says affectionately. Happy birthday: The new clip opens with Billy meeting up with his daughter to off her a birthday present Becoming an adult: 'It's fall, it's heading into winter, so that means your birthday is coming,' he says with a dramatic flair Loving family: 'The part of being in the bush and being with the animals and in the woods is like, dad is a part of that,' his daughter Snowbird says affectionately 'I've carried this in my pocket for almost 30 years,' Billy continues as he pulls out a nondescript knife. 'This thing has brought home meat when almost nothing would.' He adds, 'There's a lot of brothers. There's only one of you.' In the later footage, Birdy explains how her father will always be part of her experience of the great outdoors. 'None of us are what dad is. When I think of the bush, dad's there. His laugh. He is part of the bush, when I think about it,' she says. Present: 'I've carried this in my pocket for almost 30 years,' Billy continues as he pulls out a nondescript knife Remembering him: 'None of us are what dad is. When I think of the bush, dad's there. His laugh. He is part of the bush, when I think about it,' Birdy says in confessional In his own confessional moment, Billy explains his philosophy of parent succinctly. 'I've tried to give them a basis of basically what they need and then I've backed up and left them alone,' he says. 'They don't give up when they feel, they just keep doing it until they get it right. It's been our philosophy our whole life for the guys.' He and Birdy share a sweet hug at the end of the clip, before he tells her she'll pass down the knife to one of her daughters someday. On the move: Alaskan Bush People has aired on the Discovery Channel for 12 seasons since 2014, originating in Alaska before the family moved to Washington in later seasons Alaskan Bush People has aired on the Discovery Channel for 12 seasons since 2014. The series originally followed the self-sufficient Brown family as they roughed it up in Alaska, but the family moved down to Washington state in later seasons. Billy died on February 7 after suffering a seizure. 'We are devastated to hear of Billy Browns sudden passing. He has been part of the Discovery family for years a trailblazer, a lovely man, and most definitely one of a kind,' Discovery tweeted after his death. 'Our heart is with his family and those that knew him and loved him as they deal with this devastating loss.' Bear Brown, one of Billy's sons, also paid tribute to him at the time on Instagram. Saying goodbye: Billy's son Bear paid tribute on Instagram after his death. 'He was our best friend a wonderful and loving dad, granddad and husband and he will be dearly missed' 'We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved patriarch Billy Brown passed away last night after suffering from a seizure,' he began. 'He was our best friend a wonderful and loving dad, granddad and husband and he will be dearly missed. He lived his life on his terms, off the grid and off the land and taught us to live like that as well. 'We plan to honor his legacy going forward, and to continue with his dream. We ask for privacy and prayers during this painful time! God bless everyone!' Paris, TX (75460) Today Thunderstorms likely, especially during the morning. High 77F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. LONDON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- J P Jenkins Ltd. is pleased to announce that shares of Innovative Power Generation Limited have been admitted onto its share dealing platform. Protecting the environment and sustainability is the global focus of the international community. Innovative Power Generation Limited (IPG) has embedded ESG and sustainability into the core of all we do. Bringing together complimentary leading technology, we offer total Waste to Energy (WTE) scalable, off grid, bespoke solutions. We convert plastic, tyres, food waste, farm waste, hospital hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and Bio waste into green renewable energy. The electricity, hydrogen, RNG, heat, organic compost and construction materials produced will support global CO2 reduction in industry, leisure, hospitals, education, and communities. This will also lead to significant reductions in energy and waste management costs. IPG is a committed supporter of those affected by autism. The global waste to energy market is expected to reach 66.3 billion by 2027, ascending at a CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period. Governments are emphasising on the development of alternate energy production sources such as Waste to Energy (WTE) plants owing to surging power demand along with the rapid depletion of conventional energy sources, The UK government aims to have all vehicle electrically powered by 2030. LNG/RNG as a green means to provide power to off grid systems is faced with massive demand and delivery Expected market growth of 100% between 2018-2023. Asia and Europe are the biggest markets, Forecast market size 3.5b between 2018-2030, RNG/LNG container market expected to rise quicker than LNG due to Off-Grid power demands Oil based Off-Grid demand converting to Biogas/LNG at a rate of 5%-8% per annum. and are the biggest markets, Forecast market size 3.5b between 2018-2030, RNG/LNG container market expected to rise quicker than LNG due to Off-Grid power demands Oil based Off-Grid demand converting to Biogas/LNG at a rate of 5%-8% per annum. It is estimated that over 1.7trillion euro will be directed into ESG and sustainability projects over the next 5 years. Brian McGee, Chairman of IPG commented: "We are pleased to announce this private placement offering, which will allow us to continue to invest in our business and execute on our business plan where we see us as central to the Governments Green Revolution Plan to offer a total off grid bespoke circular waste to energy solution for the betterment of the environment, communities and to drive down CO2 emissions." J P Jenkins is the oldest established trading platform in UK for unlisted or unquoted companies which enables shareholders and prospective investors to trade their shares on a matched bargain basis. Should shareholders wish to trade their shares they can do so through their stockbroker. The indicative price and transaction history are available on J P Jenkins's website (www.jpjenkins.com). For more information please call +44 (0) 20 7469 0937. Veronika Oswald, Director of J P Jenkins said: "We would like to welcome Innovative Power Generation Ltd to our unique share trading platform and we look forward to working with a company that has ESG principles and sustainability at its heart. IPG is not only looking after how energy is produced or converted but the company is also supporting Autism charities in their local area." For further information, please contact: J P Jenkins Ltd. Veronika Oswald Director +44 (0)20 7469 0937 Innovative Power Generation Limited Brian McGee +44 (0) 7702 004582 Chairman Jim Cunningham +44 (0) 7741 067861 Group Managing Director SOURCE J P Jenkins Ltd Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 A hotel booking engine, powered by Artificial Intelligence, says it is transforming the way travellers find their perfect stay online as well as enabling hoteliers to upsell. Allora, created by hotel data firm, Avvio, is a system used exclusively by hotels on its websites, not travellers, to find out exactly what they want when booking stays. This can be anything from advertising suites it thinks the customers will be interested in to promoting spa days they can upgrade to. The AI platform is focused on learning from online interactions between hotels and guests and has currently analysed over 400million online searches in the pursuit of hotel guests having the best possible stay. Allora, an Artificial Intelligence system, claims to help guests find a hotel perfect for them It already has a far reaching impact with Avvio currently providing technology to over 500 hotels around the world and powering 3billion in transactions. This is Money takes a look at the system and finds out exactly how it works and how it determines what guests really want from their hotel experience. How does Allora work? Allora, which launched three years ago, analyses large volumes of data and identifies which variations will create the best booking. The AI learns across millions of website interactions and alternates the messaging and imagery on websites to show relevant messages to the user rather than generic brochure material. It quickly knows what website visitors are interested in by analysing their behaviour and acts accordingly. The platform is used only by hotel websites, and not holidaymakers, to find their dream stay. For example, if guests are tempted by a spa, Avvio aims to offer them an unmissable deal or if they fancy a more luxurious suite, it incentivises them to book it. To do this it uses data on both an individual hotel and a network level. On a hotel level, it takes a hotel's data and looks for the best outcome for that particular visitor. On a network level, across the portfolio of 500 Avvio hotels, it draws on years of data across millions of individual Avvio website interactions, constantly learning in order to offer the best outcome to support the guest. Hotels sit on large amounts of information they typically don't have the manpower to crunch but Allora does this for them, whilst building its intelligence. This means each property can learn from similar properties to improve their performance much more quickly than if they were to rely solely on their own data. What is its aim? The aim of Allora is to increase a customer's website experience and therefore increase bookings for the hotel and the take-up of relevant special offers and packages. Hotels that use the AI will have more bookings initially as well as second bookings, Avvio claims. It says that its services pay for themselves very quickly, as the hotels it works with significantly increase their revenue by using it. Hotels also benefit by taking back control of their guests as opposed to having all their bookings through third party sites such as Booking.com and Expedia. Commission can be high, as much as 35 per cent per booking, when hotels get bookings through such sites, meaning they lose a large chunk of profits. By having bookings direct, they can make more money and, in many cases, offer guests a better deal than online. Calling or emailing a hotel and asking for their prices directly is recommended as you can often find they will upgrade you for free, or cut the cost of a stay, if you mention you have seen them on a third party site. Allora learns across millions of website interactions between guests and hotels online Is guest data safe? One concern some guests may have by using a website that hosts this type of technology is whether their data will be kept safe and secure. However, Avvio says their data is completely safe and will be secured under UK and European General Data Protection Regulation rules with card payment details always protected by PCI compliance, the industry recognised standard. How does it make money? Most hotel technology companies traditionally charge a fee when a consumer books a room but in the hotel industry cancellations run at between 20 per cent and 40 per cent. The fee for Avvio's AI-powered hotel booking engine, Allora, is only paid when the guest checks out taking a no risk approach for hotels. It takes three per cent commission for each completed booking. Avvio has said lockdown has actually helped its business as more people have time to choose How has lockdown impacted the service? Lockdown has decimated hotels around the world as they have had to shut for months on end. Like so many other industries, hotels have been forced to look at the effectiveness of their traditional sales channels, and how they can improve them in a post-Covid world. However, Avvio said this time has led to a significant growth for them, as hotels try to move away from the online travel agents, such as Booking.com and Expedia.com, who charge an average of 20 per cent in commission per booking, a significant amount for them to pay. It said in order to take business away from these online travel agents, hotels have realised they need to improve their website and how it interacts with online visitors. Avvio can help by offering hotels website design, an AI booking engine and digital marketing. It added that during lockdown many consumers have more time on their hands and become far more savvy about how they book. Therefore, rather than just going to somewhere like Expedia.com, a consumer will now decide on a location, explore the options, look at a few hotels, go back and investigate the ones they like, before finally booking. This means that a hotel has more of a chance of getting the booking through its own website, so long as it offers the customer a satisfying experience. A direct booking like this means the hotel can maximise the guest's experience, even before they arrive, as well as their own revenue, which is absolutely crucial at the moment. Avvio said that, as lockdown measures move towards lifting, the UK and other domestic markets are experiencing huge pent-up demand meaning now is a good time for hotels to ensure they offer their visitors the best experience. by Bernardo Cervellera Msgr Ramousse died yesterday of Covid. He was expelled from Phnom Penh in 1975. He returned there in 1989. He focused heavily on the growth of a Khmer Church and on the flowering of local priestly vocations. It was also thanks to him that the Catholic Church is now recognized by the Cambodian government. Collaboration with PIME for the rescue of 2,000 Cambodian and Vietnamese boat people. Rome (AsiaNews) - Bishop Yves Ramousse, apostolic vicar of Phnom Penh until the Khmer Rouge took power and then again vicar in the reopening of Cambodia (from 1992 to 2001), died yesterday at the age of 93. He witnessed the destruction of the Cambodian Church during the regime of terror inaugurated by Pol Pot, but he was also among those who returned to the country, contributing to the rebirth of Christian communities. Born on February 23, 1928 in Sembadel (Haute-Loire), he entered the seminary of the foreign missions in Paris in 1947 and in 1953 he was ordained a priest. In 1957 he left for Cambodia. At the young age of 35 he was appointed apostolic vicar of Phnom Penh on November 12, 1962. He participated in several sessions of the Second Vatican Council. It was during this time after meeting two bishops from Laos, that he had the idea of creating a Conference of the Bishops of Cambodia and Laos who in an effort to distance the local church from the overwhelming influence of Vietnamese Catholics. On his return to Back in Cambodia, he promoted the use of the Cambodian language in the liturgy, for the study of Buddhism among Christians, for the translation of the Bible. In 1968 he was successful in gaining Romes approval for the division of the Vicariate of Phnom Penh into three, adding the Vicariate of Battambang and Kampong Cham. He also tried to open a Khmer seminary, but the civil war intervened effectively bring his work to a halt. At the outbreak of the war, the Vietnamese who worked in the Church returned to Vietnam and the Christian community dropped from 65 thousand faithful to 7 thousand, including 183 religious, who decided to stay. Most of them will die during the Pol Pot years. In 1975, when the Khmer Rouge were about to arrive in the capital, Msgr. Ramousse ordained a Cambodian bishop, Msgr. Joseph Chmar Salas, who returned on purpose from his studies in France. On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge took Phnom Penh and a few weeks later all foreigners were expelled. Later, Msgr. Ramousse will define exile as "the denial of being sent on a mission. We are rejected as useless. And then we are faced with a void. Many missionaries have fallen into depression because they have never been able to fill this void. While the sacrifice unfolded of Msgr. Salas and all the religious personnel, and a large part of the population, Msgr. Ramousse immediately turned his attention to the plight of Cambodian refugees who fled the oppression of the regime. A collaboration was born between Msgr. Ramousse and the PIME Center in Milan for the rescue of about 2 thousand Cambodian and Vietnamese boat people. After the fall of Pol Pot and the end of the civil war, in 1989 the bishop returned to Cambodia with an aid committee. He was preceded by Fr. Emile Destombes and Fr. Francois Ponchaud and Msgr. Andre Lesouef. Together and with great patience they rebuilt relations within the Christian community, whose faithful had been dispersed or killed. Thanks to his friendship with King Sihanouk, Msgr. Ramousse was renamed apostolic vicar of Phnom Penh; in 1994 Cambodia established diplomatic relations with the Holy See and in 1997 the Catholic Church was recognized as a religious reality, and not as an NGO, as it was until then. His commitment focused on fostering a diocesan clergy, a task that from 2001 was also taken up by his successor, Fr. Emile Destombes. Bishop Ramousse remained in Cambodia until 2013, then he retired to Montbeton in France. Yesterday, hospitalized, he died of Covid-19. Eglises d'Asie, the site of the Foreign Missions of Paris concludes his eulogy thus: "His patience, his vision, his perspicacity, his courage, his resilience and his sacrifices have allowed the Church of Cambodia to be reborn from ashes in the 1990s. The baptized young people do not know Msgr. Yves, but if they are happy to follow Christ today, it is largely thanks to Msgr. Ramousse." 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. Despite pleas from frustrated parents, the Scranton School District will delay in-person instruction as engineers continue to evaluate ventilation systems. In an 8-0 vote Monday night, directors approved a gradual move to synchronous learning, meaning students will have live virtual lessons that mimic a normal school day. While officials consider the installation of specialized air filters, the purchase of air purifiers and the future of two school buildings, the district must also deal with a staffing shortage for when in-person instruction eventually resumes. As of Monday, 76 of approximately 800 teachers have requested accommodations or medical leave due to health concerns for themselves or a family member. Leaders had expected staffing concerns to be an issue, but said Monday there are not enough substitute teachers to cover classes. Monday nights vote came after a small protest outside the Administration Building in the afternoon, and after comments from more than 30 teachers, parents and community members during the 4-hour meeting. Were losing our kids, and this synchronous learning we have nothing more to give you, said Brandi Solomon, the mother of two students. The synchronous learning is going to break us. Were going to lose our kids even more. With synchronous learning, students will follow their normal class schedule, as if they were in-person. The district will also make accommodations for students, including those who now have jobs during the day, Superintendent Melissa McTiernan said. Other districts in the region have also followed this model. We can be successful doing this, our students need it, McTiernan said. Our students need to be in person, but in the time being, students need to be engaged more with our teachers. This is something we need to move forward with. The school board voted last month to bring elementary students back for the first time in a year, starting with preschool through second grade students on March 15, and third through fifth graders on March 22. No date for secondary students had been set. The last thing I want to do everyday is to stare at the computer screen, said Hope Polishan, an eighth grade student at South Scranton Intermediate School. Life is about evolving and rolling with the punches, so why does it feel like were stuck in March 2020? Now, synchronous virtual learning for sixth through 12th grades will begin March 15, followed by third through fifth grades on March 22. Preschool through second grades will transition on March 22 to live virtual lessons daily. Teachers may remain remote during the lessons. While students continue to learn from home, contractors will continue to evaluate and make repairs to school ventilation systems and consider installation of MERV 13 filters and bipolar ionization equipment to try to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The draft of the district ventilation study, which the board commissioned in the fall and did not have the results of before last months vote, also found a lack of ventilation and system issues at George Bancroft Elementary School and the Whittier Elementary School annex. Engineers have recommended the buildings not be used with the current condition, and both could close permanently this summer under the district reconfiguration plan. Administration must find a place for those students for the anticipated return to in-person instruction this spring. Diversity training Many community members spoke out against comments made last month by Rosemary Boland, president of the Scranton Federation of Teachers. Members of the school board said the comments perpetuated negative stereotypes, and many people have called for her resignation. If one thing is clear, its that we can all do better, board President Katie Gilmartin said. We really want to set some plans to keep this conversation top of mind. The board secured a commitment from the teachers union to engage in equity and inclusion training, and the board will also seek more training, she said. On March 15 at 6 p.m. the Financial Recovery Advisory Committee will meet to review information on the potential closing of Bancroft, and have a Spanish interpreter available, since many of the families at the school speak Spanish and did not have the ability to participate in a hearing earlier this year. Following that meeting, the district will hold a panel discussion for ways to increase diversity in the teaching staff. Personnel changes Directors voted 6-2, with Tara Yanni and Sean McAndrew dissenting, to appoint two current administrators to new titles: Assistant Principal Kevin Kearney to assistant supervisor of transportation, operations and asset management, at a salary of $93,458; and Assistant Director of Technology Julie Maloney, to supervisor of technology and transportation, at a salary of $99,739. The board also approved the resignations of principals Christopher Lazor and Meg Duffy, who obtained jobs in other districts, and the retirement of Kathleen Bevilacqua, director of transportation. The board also approved the resignation of West Scranton boys basketball coach Jack Lyons, who was suspended by the district last month after an accusation of verbal and physical abuse by one of his players. Sorry! This content is not available in your region .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... YEREVAN, Armenia Political tensions in Armenia heightened Monday, with supporters of the embattled prime minister and the opposition each holding massive rallies at separate sites in the capital. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced opposition demands to resign since he signed a peace deal in November that ended six weeks of intense fighting with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Russia-brokered agreement saw Azerbaijan reclaim control over large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas that had been held by Armenian forces for more than a quarter-century. Opposition protests seeking Pashinyans ouster abated during the winter but intensified last week amid a rift between him and the countrys military leaders. The spat was sparked by Pashinyan firing a deputy chief of the militarys General Staff who had laughed off the prime ministers claim that only 10% of Russia-supplied Iskander missiles that Armenia used in the conflict exploded on impact. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The General Staff then demanded Pashinyans resignation, and he responded by dismissing the General Staff chief, Col. Gen. Onik Gasparyan. The dismissal has yet to be approved by Armenias largely ceremonial president, Armen Sarkissian, who sent it back to Pashinyan, saying the move was unconstitutional. Pashinyan quickly resubmitted the demand for the generals ouster, and the prime ministers allies warned that the president could be impeached if he fails to endorse the move. Sarkissians office responded with a strongly worded statement condemning inadmissible speculation about his move and emphasizing that his decision was unbiased and driven exclusively by national interests. Addressing a rally of thousands of his supporters, Pashinyan voiced hope the president would endorse the dismissal of the General Staffs chief for meddling in politics. He blamed the countrys former leader who lost power in the 2018 velvet revolution for influencing the military brass and trying to set the army against the legitimately elected authorities and the people. The prime minister also suggested calling a constitutional referendum in October to ask voters about expanding presidential powers to avoid future crises, although he didnt spell out specific changes. After an hour-long speech, Pashinyan led his supporters on a march across Yerevan under the heavy escort of police and security officers. Thousands of opposition supporters rallied at a separate location, demanding that the prime minister resign, and some later marched to the presidents residence to support him in the rift with Pashinyan. The two marches proceeded along separate routes amid tight police cordons. At one point, scuffles broke out between some from the rival camps, but police quickly pulled them apart. Amid the escalating tensions earlier in the day, a group of protesters broke into a government building in central Yerevan to press for Pashinyans resignation, but they left shortly afterward without violence. Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a leading member of the opposition Dashnaktsutyun party, promised that the protests will continue Tuesday. He also called for another rally Wednesday, when Pashinyan is expected to appear in parliament. Saghatelyan urged opposition supporters to gather in front of parliament that day to clearly convey our voice. Pashinyan, a 45-year-old former journalist who came to power after leading large street protests in 2018 that ousted his predecessor, still enjoys broad support despite the countrys humiliating defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh and the opposition calls for his resignation. The prime minister has defended the peace deal as a painful but necessary move to prevent Azerbaijan from overrunning the entire Nagorno-Karabakh region, which lies within Azerbaijan but was under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a separatist war there ended in 1994. The fighting with Azerbaijan that erupted in late September and lasted 44 days has left more than 6,000 people dead. Russia has deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to monitor the Nov. 10 peace deal. Armenia has relied on Moscows financial and military support and hosts a Russian military base ties that will keep the two nations closely allied regardless of the outcome of the political infighting. Last week, the Russian Defense Ministry rebuked the Armenian leader for criticism of the Iskander missile, a state-of-the-art weapon touted by the military for its accuracy. The Russian military said it was bewildered to hear Pashinyans claim because Armenia hadnt used an Iskander missile in the conflict. In a bid to repair the damage to Armenias ties with Moscow, Pashinyan rescinded his claim Monday, acknowledging that he made the statement after being misled. Associated Press writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed. Shopping centers open door to innovation From:ChinaDaily | 2021-03-01 07:34 Creative thinking appeals to customers during pandemic Chen Miao, a 28-year-old bank clerk in Beijing, found to her surprise that her spending last year was double that of the previous year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic keeping her home for almost five months. "I didn't have any major new expenses, such as rent or paying for a car, last year," she said. "If I had to attribute a reason for the rise in my expenditures, I would put it down to 'revenge spending' during the pandemic, as I had much more time for online shopping from home," she said. With many businesses failing due to COVID-19, the retail industry, especially high-end players, have been through tough times. However, some of them performed well last year, as they stepped up to the challenge with innovation and services that appealed to customers. SKP Beijing department store, the nation's biggest and most productive retailer in 2019, saw 15 percent year-on-year revenue growth last year, with sales expected to reach 17.5 billion yuan ($2.7 billion), the company announced in December. The high-end fashion and luxury shopping mall is located in the capital's Chaoyang district, near the central business area, where most foreign companies set up their China headquarters. Lin Xiaoxiao, 26, a white-collar worker who lives near the mall and often goes window shopping there, said she bought three luxury-brand handbags costing 20,000 yuan to 50,000 yuan there last year because she could not travel overseas due to the coronavirus. "I used to buy luxury jewelry and bags at duty-free shops when I traveled abroad. The pandemic has made this impossible, so I decided to buy from the department store," she said. Lin said last year had been "super hard", so she wanted to give herself the best items she could afford. "I don't view this as revenge spending, because I've always shopped like this in previous years. I just changed my purchasing channels," she said. "In addition, I have found that department stores and shopping malls have become more creative than before the pandemic emerged. They seem to be providing more interactive experiences in an attempt to attract and retain customers." Lin said it costs more to buy the same type of handbag in a department store than at a duty-free shop, but the better shopping environment and service provided by a store compensate for this. Xie Dan, deputy general manager of the SKP Beijing department store, said China's success in controlling and preventing COVID-19 has created a relatively good business environment for domestic companies. "Due to the pandemic, SKP has attracted many consumers who used to shop for high-end luxuries overseas," she said. "Chinese consumers now contribute 35 percent to global fashion consumption, whereas previously only a small proportion of that total came from China." In 2019, the company opened SKP-S, a new outlet one street away from SKP Beijing. In addition to traditional luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Balenciaga, the new venue boasts niche ones, including Rick Owens, Jil Sander, Stone Island and Moose Knuckles, which are popular among young customers. SKP Group, the mother company of Beijing SKP, has expanded its market share elsewhere in China. According to local media reports, on Jan 18, the group signed an agreement to launch a store in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. In 2018, the group opened an SKP store in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, its second after the Beijing outlet. Last year, it also launched department store projects in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, and Chengdu, the Sichuan provincial capital. Beijing's second-largest shopping center, Chaoyang Hopson One, which occupies an area of 190,000 square meters, has staged a series of promotional activities to boost consumption during the pandemic. By the end of May, customer flow at the center had returned to the level seen the previous year. Now, about 100,000 customers a day are visiting the venuea significant rebound for the center, which is reshuffling the brands it stocks. To broaden visitors' shopping experience, the company has introduced new energy cars, designer clothing for children and a fitness training center. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) The countrys vaccine czar has a possible solution in case negotiations with Pfizer on supply delivery regarding indemnification fail to work out: the signing of a side letter. Mayroong sulat ang WHO kay (Pfizer) CEO (Albert) Bourla na kailangan lang yung tinatawag na yung COVAX indemnity agreement plus yung side letter ay pirmahan po namin yun, said Carlito Galvez Jr. during a briefing Monday. Sa ngayon po, pinag-aaralan po ng ating mga lawyers and I believe pwede naman pong mapirmahan yun. [Translation: The World Health Organization has written to CEO Bourla that only the COVAX indemnity agreement is needed along with a side letter that we have signed. Right now, our lawyers are looking into this and I believe we can sign it.] A side letter is a document ancillary to another agreement and aims to either clarify, supplement or vary the original contract. So yung isang tinatawag natin na [one that we call a] remedy is to have that side letter," said Galvez. "Once na [that] we agree on that side letter to be signedPfizer can deliver. Some 117,000 doses of the American companys vaccine were supposed to reach the country by mid-February through the WHO-led COVAX facility, but talks on its indemnification agreement with the Philippines have led to the deliverys delay. Galvez earlier mentioned that officials were caught off-guard when the vaccine maker asked for a bilateral deal on their indemnification clause at the last minute. He likewise said the Philippines has two deals on indemnity: one with the facility, and specific ones with manufacturers like Pfizer. President Rodrigo Duterte has likewise inked the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, which allots funding worth half a million pesos to compensate vaccinees that might experience serious adverse effects or even die after getting shots. The Philippines received its first COVID-19 vaccines 600,000 doses of Chinese firm Sinovacs CoronaVac this Sunday. It formally kickstarted its vaccination drive on Monday, with Dr. Gap Legaspi, director of the Philippine General Hospital, receiving the countrys first legal coronavirus vaccine shot. Other health workers and select government officials followed suit. Too often, political discussions and media coverage portray rural Ireland in simplistic terms. This is an unhelpful approach that rarely gets to the heart of the issues involved. In reality, rural areas are as diverse and complex as cities. My constituency of Cork South West has the rugged Mizen and Beara peninsulas, all manner and sizes of farms, and the towns of Clonakilty and Kinsale, which are rightly held up as models for other communities to emulate. Rural Ireland is presented as conservative but the results of recent referendums on social issues paint a different picture. County areas are also incubators of innovation, as evident from the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen and the frequent Young Scientist successes from West Cork areas. To achieve regional development and support rural communities, we need three key interventions: equal access to public services, decentralisation of decision-making, and a just transition. Regardless of where you live, you should have reasonable access to healthcare, education, and other services, not to mention affordable housing, proper childcare, and broadband. This requires the Government to move beyond an austerity mindset and instead focus on a rights-based approach. For example, the provision of disability services is a postcode lottery, with some families having to travel hours to get basic therapeutic support for their children, or many people with disabilities under 65 living in nursing homes because there is not enough supported accommodation available. A rights-based approach that guarantees basic services is the only way to right these wrongs. These are incredibly important issues for rural communities. The potential downgrading of Bantry Hospital in West Cork is a major concern because it is over an hours ambulance drive to Cork University Hospital. While this is a terrifying prospect for locals, it seems to just be a budgetary decision for the HSE and Government. Ireland needs balance. Centres of excellence are absolutely necessary, but we equally need well-resourced primary care centres in all towns, and fully functional regional hospitals. Secondly, too much decision-making in Ireland is centred in Dublin and the cities. We need to empower communities to work with experts and public officials to make the best decisions for an area. Too often, plans and projects are imposed on communities, in rural and urban areas alike. Flooding is a clear example. After years of pleas for assistance, the OPW engages in tokenistic consultations rather than harnessing local knowledge. Residents and business owners understand where the problems are in their area, and often have very simple, but effective, solutions. Engineers and planners should be proactively working directly with local groups. Bantry, Co Cork, with the statue of St. Brendan the Navigator in the foreground. Picture: Denis Minihane The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a good, but under-resourced, approach. It allows villages and towns to work with local authorities to apply for practical funding to help develop their town, such as the purchase of stage and amplification equipment for community events and concerts in West Cork or the revamp of Macroom town centre. The only issue with the scheme is that it is not funded enough. Nonetheless, it presents a model for local funding which is based on local knowledge and priorities. This is the type of public policy that works; it is value for money and helps empower communities, business associations, and voluntary groups. Finally, we need a just transition. Rural areas are feeling the impact of climate change. Storms, floods, and droughts in recent years can be devastating to agriculture. The only way we can succeed in the face of climate change is if the action we take helps these communities. To find out how we do this, we need to ask those communities. The Government narrative for too long has suggested that climate action will negatively affect rural areas and negatively reshape Irish agriculture. The result is the very communities that will be the most severely impacted by climate change are the ones that are most scared of climate action. Most farmers want to be more sustainable; they understand and value the land. However, too often, policies which represent vested interests and big players promote practices that harm biodiversity and damage the environment for future generations. Government departments and local authorities have to engage with communities more to develop viable solutions. Too often policies are punitive rather than empowering. Public policy has to be based on sustainability that can future-proof our rural areas and encourage practices that enhance our natural environment. All schemes should emphasise sustainable development and job creation. The vision of a thriving and sustainable rural Ireland, with good jobs and strong services, will not be achieved by the same old policies. That vision requires fresh thinking, and a new narrative. We need to move away from tired cliches which pit rural and urban against one another, and instead recognise that we will all benefit from policies that boost investment in the local economy, build strong public services, and deliver a just transition. For me, this is the essence of social democracy. It might also be called common sense. Holly Cairns is Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West and party spokesperson for agriculture and the marine; and rural and community development. Sage Group PLC - Newcastle Upon Tyne-based accounting software firm - Completes the disposal of its Polish business to funds advised by Mid Europa Partners LLP for GBP66 million. Mid Europa Partners is a buyout investor focused on the growth markets of Central and Eastern Europe. Sage first announced the sale of its Polish business in its full-year results announcement released late November. Additionally, the company is planning to sell its businesses in Switzerland, as well as some of its businesses in Asia and Australia. The sales are aimed at "further simplifying the business". Current stock price: 569.00 pence Year-to-date change: down 2.2% By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. As the vaccine rollout continues in North Alabama, we're hearing more from those who do and do not want it. WAAY-31 spoke with a local chef and caterer on why she doesn't want to get the coronavirus vaccine once it's made available to group 1C. Charlyn Frazier is a private and personal chef in Huntsville, and she told us even though the next group of those who can get vaccinated includes her, she won't be getting it due to personal health reasons. "With me being in holistic health care, I'm not into any immunizations. I think everything should be done holistically with herbs and naturally," she said. Frazier owns her own business called Fyooshen Cuisine, which is where she can cater, be a personal chef or assist in cooking with you due to personal health concerns. Even though she won't be getting her shot, she thinks the fact that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine has a higher efficacy rate on the most aggressive strain of COVID-19, will possibly make it more appealing to those who do want the shot. "Once they sit there and hear it's 85% effective on the new strain, I believe they'll jump on that more so than having 2 or 3 doses of the other one," said Frazier. With the FDA approving the emergency use of Johnson and Johnson's vaccine, it will help Alabama push toward group 1C, and that includes people in food services, like Michael Collins. He owns a food courier service called Rocket City Delivery and is ready for his turn to be vaccinated. "I see no sense in not getting it. I'm a former military and defense contractor so I've had every shot imaginable, and I don't mind getting a couple more...I just want one and done. I don't want to have to come back in 2 weeks. One is just less hassle," he said. Right now, the Alabama Department of Public Health is working with the federal government to determine how much of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine the state will receive and when. The Telegraph Gold is hovering around the $1,900 an ounce mark, which means the precious metals price has risen by 55pc over the past five years and trades at barely 7pc below last autumns record high. By contrast, shares in Centamin, the gold miner, are no higher than they were in June 2016 and stand at barely half the peak reached last year. It is therefore tempting to argue that either the gold price or the share price is wrong and given the current macroeconomic backdrop this columns inclination is to believe that the share price is too low rather than the gold price too high, even allowing for Centamins history of operational disappointment. Americas Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are showing little or no inclination to tighten monetary policy. This is despite the fact that near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing were described as emergency policies when they were introduced in the West in 2008-09 and despite signs that inflation is gathering last months 4.2pc year-on-year rise in the US consumer price index was the fastest rate of advance in more than a decade. The central banks view is that this surge will be temporary because it is partly the result of pent-up demand and supply-chain dislocations as lockdowns ease and partly due to the low base for comparison offered by the economic downturn of 2020. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Financial Crimes and Money Laundering Prosecution announced that the High Criminal Court of Appeals ruled yesterday to rectify the appealed verdict concerning the sentences of confiscation, jail and fines in a money laundering case. The defendants in the case are Future Bank and five of its officials, as well as several Iranian banks and the Central Bank of Iran. The court accepted the appeal lodged by the Public Prosecution in relation to the confiscation and amended the confiscation amount imposed against the defendants (natural and legal persons) to $21,500,000 of their funds and properties while upholding the remaining aspects of the appealed verdict. On October 28, the High Criminal Court sentenced Future Bank officials to five years in prison and to BD1 million fine each and ordered the confiscation of $3 million in funds and property. The court also fined the legal persons BD1 million each and ordered the confiscation of $3 million in funds and property. However, the public prosecution appealed the verdict due to an error in applying the law regarding setting the number of confiscations at $3 million. Evidence documents showed that the amount subject of the crime was $21,500,00, which the verdict should rule for its confiscation or the confiscation of its value in the funds and properties belonging to the defendants. Following the appeal by the Public Prosecution, the court ruled for the correction of the confiscated amounts. The Public Prosecution had announced earlier that its investigations have revealed a plot that enabled several Iranian entities, including those involved in terrorism funding, and/or subject to international sanctions, to execute international transactions while evading audit. Investigations show that the Future Bank, which operated under the Bank Melli Iran and Bank Saderat Iran, facilitated thousands of international transactions while providing cover to the implicated Iranian entities through the deliberate concealment and removal of basic information when transferring funds through the SWIFT network. Investigations are still ongoing on the rest of the facts, which include a number of Iranian banks, mainly the Central Bank of Iran, exploiting Future Bank in executing international transactions in violation of the Law on Prohibition and Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, as well as banking laws and regulations. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Natalia Zinets and Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian medical facilities have thrown away some unused COVID-19 vaccines after doctors failed to show up for their own appointments to be vaccinated, ruling party lawmakers said on Monday. Ukraine has just begun vaccinating its 41 million people against COVID-19 after receiving a first batch of 500,000 doses of Indian-made AstraZeneca shots last week, but faces a battle against vaccine scepticism that predates the pandemic. The government has prioritised giving shots to frontline medical workers but cited statistics showing that 47% of Ukrainians do not want the vaccine. "It is important for us to understand how all the processes are set up, why doctors refuse to be vaccinated," Oleksandr Korniyenko, the head of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's Servant of the People party, told a televised meeting. "This is very bad, but there is no other option... if a person does not come, it (vaccine bottle) can be kept open for 2-3 hours, after which it must be disposed of," the head of parliament's health committee Mykhailo Radutskyi said. A total of 3,141 shots were administered of Feb. 28, including just 90 shots in the past 24 hours, health ministry data showed. Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said the government was working to ensure vaccines do not get thrown away, adding this also happened in other countries. He was vaccinated on television on Monday and said Zelenskiy would take the shot soon. "I proved by my own example that the vaccine we are vaccinated with is an absolutely safe vaccine, it is an effective vaccine," he said. A significant part of the population of Ukraine, like many post-Soviet republics, is traditionally wary of vaccines, fearing side effects from poor quality drugs. Such mistrust allowed a measles outbreak to grow into an epidemic in 2019. COVID-19 cases have picked up after a lull during a tight lockdown at the start of the year, especially in Kyiv and western Ukraine, where the government set up mobile hospitals to cope with a sharp spike in cases. Ukraine has registered 1.3 million cases with 26,050 deaths from COVID-19 as of March 1. In the northern city of Chernihiv, only 87 out of 280 doctors agreed to be vaccinated, the secretary of the city council said in a Facebook post on Feb 24. (Editing by Matthias Williams and Peter Graff) Jessika Power has apologised to her British fans for saying she felt like she's 'dying' after being rushed to hospital with a 'really bad kidney infection' on Friday. The former Married At First Sight star, 29, told her Instagram followers that she was joking and claimed her fans from the UK don't understand her sarcasm. 'I woke up this morning to a few messages from people in the UK because obviously I was in the hospital over the weekend and was really sick with a kidney infection,' she said. Apology: MAFS' Jessika Power (pictured) has apologised to British fans for saying she feels like she's 'dying' after being rushed to hospital with a 'really bad kidney infection' 'In one of my videos I said "I'm in the hospital and I'm basically dying"... but it's called sarcasm. I know you Brits are a bit dry.' Jessika explained she has been receiving cruel messages from fans. 'I'm sorry to hear if anybody has gone through that in their life or lost anybody due to any serious illness, but me saying I'm dying doesn't mean I'm a bad person,' she said. Sarcasm: The former MAFS star told her Instagram followers she was joking and claimed her followers from the UK don't understand her sarcasm She continued: 'It doesn't mean I'm looking for attention and doesn't mean I need to learn common decency for other people that are actually sick.' 'This is my platform and if you don't like it bi**h, there is an unfollow button and you can go press it.' On Friday, Jessika revealed that she was rushed to hospital after coming down with a nasty kidney infection. On the mend: On Friday, Jessika was rushed to hospital after coming down with a nasty kidney infection. Looking worse for wear in her hospital gown, Jessika said: 'I'm dying, basically' Looking worse for wear in her hospital gown, Jessika said: 'I'm dying, basically.' After returning home, she told fans that she had been suffering from a 'really bad kidney infection.' 'I had been in bed with immense pain for four days, Filip was really worried about me,' she said, referring to her boyfriend Filip Poznanovic. "It made us all cry." In what has become a heartbreaking pattern in the Bay Area, another French Bulldog has been stolen. Rollie was taken Sunday night by someone who grabbed him from over a fence and ran into a car. Video Transcript - A family in San Jose is heartbroken after they say a thief stole their French bulldog. It happened around 7:00 last night on Coyote Creek Road. The crime caught on a Ring camera. The family tells ABC 7 they were getting ready to leave their home, when their dog Rollie was unintentionally left outside. That's when someone grabbed the dog from over the fence and ran off into a car. The San Jose police department is investigating. French bulldog thefts are on the rise because the breed is in high demand. 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. [March 01, 2021] Crescent European Specialty Lending Announces Unitranche Financing for Frontier Medical Crescent Capital Group LP, a leading alternative credit investment firm, announced today that its European Specialty Lending strategy has provided unitranche financing to support the recapitalisation of Frontier Medical, a UK-based manufacturer of medical devices specialised in the pressure ulcer prevention segment. Kester Capital acquired Frontier Medical Group in 2013 and has helped it to grow from a successful family-owned business into a global medical device business with significant revenue, EBITDA and head count increases since its investment. Headquartered in Blackwood, Wales, and founded in 1966, Frontier Medical has grown to become a leading manufacturer and supplier of pressure ulcer prevention products to healthcare providers in the UK as well as export markets around the world. "As a globally-renowned producer and innovator in the growing field of medical devices, Frontier has shown the ability to grow through innovative devices, and our expectation is for its expansion and relevancy to continue," said Christine Vanden Beukel, Managing Director and head of Crescent's European Specialty Lending strategy. "This transaction is our second thus far this year with Kester Capital, and we are excited to add them to our roster of leading sponsors who come to Crescent for its ability to provide flexible capital and tailor-made olutions." Frontier Medical won the award for "Business Transformation Management Team" at the BVCA Wales Management Team Awards 2019 and was also included in The London Stock Exchange Group's "1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019," an annual celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small- and medium-sized enterprises in the UK. Frontier Medical also won the inaugural National BVCA "Responsible Portfolio Company Award" in 2017. About Crescent Capital Group Crescent Capital Group is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Boston, London, and New York. With more than 85 investment professionals and approximately 180 employees, the firm invests at all levels of the capital structure, with a significant focus on below investment grade credit through strategies that invest in senior bank loans, unitranche loans, high yield debt, mezzanine debt, and other private debt securities. As of December 31, 2020, Crescent Capital Group managed approximately $30 billion, with a relatively equal split between marketable securities and privately originated debt investments. For more information about Crescent Capital Group, visit www.crescentcap.com. About Kester Capital Kester Capital is a primary buy-out specialist, led by entrepreneurial and experienced investors, and focused on UK businesses that require capital in order to unlock their potential. Established in 2007, Kester has been making European private equity investments focused on Healthcare, Business & Financial Services, TMT and Niche Consumer. For more information, please visit http://www.kestercapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005073/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] More than four years of work by a volunteer group that includes two Manitobans culminated last year with the publication of a hymnal that will be used in Mennonite churches throughout North America. Opinion More than four years of work by a volunteer group that includes two Manitobans culminated last year with the publication of a hymnal that will be used in Mennonite churches throughout North America. Paul Dueck of the RM of Cartier and Darryl Neustaedter Barg of Winnipeg have been a part of the Mennonite Song and Worship Committee, the 13-person binational group tasked with curating the hymnal, since 2016. The hymnal, titled Voices Together, was published in the fall by MennoMedia, an agency of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. It is the successor to 1992s Hymnal: A Worship Book. Dueck, a retired high-school and college music teacher who has led singing and worship throughout North and South America, applied for the committee after receiving encouragement from his pastor. "I didnt hesitate too long," recalls Dueck, 64. "I thought hey, might as well give it a try." Neustaedter Barg, who works in communications and multimedia at Mennonite Church Manitoba and Canadian Mennonite University, also had people encourage him to apply. "Making a hymnal is a bigger project than probably any of us could ever have imagined," says the 52-year-old musician, who has led worship for more than three decades. "I didnt really know what I was getting into, as most of us on the committee would probably attest." To create the hymnal, the committee met in person three times a year for about four years, with many Zoom meetings in between. In the process, committee members screened more than 10,000 songs and worship resources (prayers, readings and artwork). The final product contains 1,069 items. In addition to the pew version, which most people will become familiar with in their congregations, Voices Together is available in a number of additional formats: a large-print edition, an accompaniment edition, a worship-leader edition, a projection edition and an app. A collection of audio recordings of selections from the hymnal is also available. Virtual launch events, including one in December and another in January, have replaced in-person launch events that had been planned for Winnipeg and Elkhart, Ind. prior to COVID-19. The irony of launching a hymnal titled Voices Together, no less in the middle of a pandemic, when large gatherings and group singing are prohibited, is not lost on committee members. "Its horrible, really," Neustaedter Barg says. "For many of us, music is the peak expression of worship not for everybody, but for many of us. And to not be able to do this together is super odd and sad." Until congregational singing can happen again, Dueck hopes people take the time to study the texts and readings, as well as enjoy the artwork contained in the hymnal. "Theres a lot of good options to still study the book and appreciate everything thats in there," he says. The two men are thankful for their time on the committee. They formed new friendships and had a hand in creating something that will serve the church for decades to come. "People just really respected what other people brought to the table," Neustaedter Barg says of the committee. "Thats a highlight. That doesnt always happen, even in the church." "Its been quite a ride, let me tell you, and what a privilege," Dueck adds. "Its been life-giving to me as I continue on with music in the church." A third Voices Together virtual launch event is scheduled for March 10 at 6:30 p.m. Visit voicestogetherhymnal.org for details. If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com. The 2021 Toyota lineup is packed with models that sport intuitive technology, provide ample performance and plenty of value to their owner. The 2021 Toyota lineup provides several models for drivers to choose from whether they are focused on fuel efficiency, off-road performance, technology, or enjoying the outdoors. Those interested in viewing new 2021 Toyota vehicles and test driving them are invited to visit Toyota of San Luis Obispo, where there are nearly 100 new Toyota models from the 2021 model year in stock. The 2021 Toyota models available at Toyota of San Luis Obispo include but are not limited to the 4Runner, Venza, Tacoma, Supra, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla Hybrid, C-HR, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid. Drivers who want to learn about the brands intuitive features like infotainment displays that provide smartphone integration or the brands Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features can visit the Toyota of San Luis Obispo blog, which covers the specs and features of each model, dealership news and brand-related content. Those interested in learning more about Toyota of San Luis Obispo can visit its website at https://www.toyota-slo.com/. Toyota of San Luis Obispo is located at 12350 Los Osos Valley Road and its team can be contacted by dialing 805-543-7001. Democrats cancel culture sinking one of their own By Rachel Alexander When the Democrats get caught doing not as they say, they often ignore it and act like hypocrites. But some offenses theyve made so grave that they cant get away with it. Their latest likely victim is Neera Tanden, who The New York Times suggests will be First Cabinet-Level Casualty of the Twitter Age? Biden nominated Tanden for Director of the Office of Management and Budget. She has a staunch left-wing background. She served as policy adviser for the Clinton White House, advised Hillary Clinton as senator and presidential candidate, served in the Obama administration, and most recently, served as president of far left think tank the Center for American Progress. Whats holding up her nomination is things shes tweeted about four senators, for which she has since apologized. Three moderates in the Senate, Susan Collins (R-Maine), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), have said they will not vote to confirm her for that reason, derailing her nomination since the Democrats need at least one of their votes. Whats interesting is most people wouldnt think much about her tweets. A few years ago, nobody would have objected to them. About Collins, Tanden tweeted, She is the worst, "a fake defender of Roe v. Wade," and accused her of "flat out deception" for her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. About Murkowskis praise of Republican efforts to cut corporate taxes, she tweeted, No offense, but this sounds like youre high on your own supply. You know, we know, and everyone knows this is all just garbage. Just stop. Another tweet directed at Ted Cruz said, vampires have more heart than Ted Cruz. She called Mitch McConnell Moscow Mitch and Voldemort, a reference to the evil dark Wizard in the Harry Potter series. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has previously confronted Tanden on her past tweets about him and his progressive allies, and has not indicated yet which way he will vote. She tweeted in 2017 that Russia helped Sanders in the presidential election. Sanders has been very critical of Tanden for allowing her think tank CAP to accept $33 million in corporate donations, including roughly $5.5 million from Walmart and $800,000 from Facebook. Many of us tweet things similar to Tandens every day, and say even worse behind closed doors. Nothing happens. No one really believes her tweets were atrocious. The Democrats' vicious attacks on the right for free speech are backfiring. Trump got away with his sarcastic tweets because the right supports free speech. The three moderates who oppose Tanden arent bound by free speech principles. Its not conservatives who oppose her for her tweets, they oppose her for her far left positions. Theyre not hypocrites. The Founding Fathers would not have been able to serve in office if they were held up to the Democrats new standards for free speech. Thomas Jefferson once said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it's [sic] natural manure." Patrick Henry declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" in a famous speech requesting Virginia troops for the Revolutionary War. Thomas Paine said, Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. George Washington said, Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore to resolve to conquer or die. John Adams wrote, I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Its hilarious reading the lefts attempts to defend Tandens tweets. Out of one side of their mouth, they denounced President Trump constantly for his tweets. The left wingers who control Facebook, Twitter etc. are constantly banning conservatives for the slightest things. Out of the other side of their mouth, they sound like conservative free speech advocates it feels like Im reading my own writing defending her. Michael Hiltzik at The Los Angeles Times wrote an entire column defending Tanden, saying such language is fairly standard for a Twitter account. But hes a complete hypocrite. He wrote an article defending Twitter for banning Trump. Hes fine with Twitter canceling Trump over what he labels lies, vulgarity and hate. If Trumps tweets fit this description, why dont Tandens? Tanden wasnt the only collateral damage. A Washington Post reporter no conservative who showed Tandems tweet about Murkowski to the senator was viciously attacked. The photo of Seung Min Kim showing Murkowski the tweet went viral. One person told her over email using profanity to go back to China. Someone else labeled Kim a snitch for supposedly messing up another POC nomination on behalf of whites. What should happen is the Democrats acknowledge theyve gone too far with politically correct censorship and publicly adopt a policy opposing the cancel culture. But they wont. They have a pattern of throwing their own under the bus when their contradictory policies collide. Theyve made so much progress silencing conservative political speech through the fake offense method that theyre not going to give it up to save some of their own. Shalanda Young, nominated by Biden as deputy director of OMB, is rumored to be replacing Tanden as the nominee. Well probably find out this week whether Tanden is withdrawn or how the Senate votes on her. This hole is just going to get deeper, almost everyone has tweeted something in their past that wouldnt pass the Democrats new standards. Whos next? Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications.mericano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home Parliamentarians need explanations about the quality of the vaccine. Ukrainian lawmakers say they want to invite Health Minister Maksym Stepanov to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, for a report on the COVID-19 vaccine in Ukraine. "I ask and demand an immediate report from Health Minister Maksym Stepanov during a Q&A hour in parliament," Deputy Speaker Olena Kondratiuk said during a Conciliation Council meeting of faction leaders and parliamentary committees' chairpersons, according to an UNIAN correspondent. "He must clearly explain to people what quality the vaccine he brought has, how much it costs, whether it was bought directly or through intermediaries," she said. Read alsoOver 3,100 Ukrainians vaccinated against COVID-19 in first four daysShe added Stepanov should report on the proven effectiveness of the vaccine expressed as a percentage. First Deputy Chairman of the Servant of the People faction Oleksandr Korniyenko also spoke in favor of the need to invite Stepanov to the Rada to report on the "current state of the epidemic and vaccination." Other related news reports Reporting by UNIAN (Newser) A Texas man has been charged with spraying chemicals on a line of officers during the Capitol riot, and CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reports that the suspect's own comments on video contributed to the arrest. Prosecutors say Daniel Caldwell, 49, of The Colony, sprayed some type of irritant on the officers. In a video that surfaced on the right-wing site Parleryou can see it via ProPublicaCaldwell speaks of the incident, reports CNN. "They sprayed us with pepper spray," he says of officers. "Kept spraying. I was like, 'Dude, do it again and we spray you back.' And he did. And I sprayed back, got like 15 of them." Caldwell is charged with assaulting federal officers, obstructing law enforcement, knowingly entering a restricted building, and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. story continues below Over the weekend, reports surfaced that authorities were investigating an unnamed assailant believed to have sprayed chemicals, possibly bear spray, on Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick and others. The 42-year-old officer later died at the hospital, though his cause of death remains under investigation. Caldwell has not been charged in Sicknick's death, and Politico notes that multiple rioters were believed to have deployed mace, pepper spray, bear spray, and other irritants during the riot. (One Capitol rioter called his ex-girlfriend a "moron," and she turned him in as a participant.) Assad forces defector Sami Al-Kurdi has been acquitted of crimes against humanity, writes Al-Souria Net. The French judiciary threw out a lawsuit against the officer who defected from the Bashar al-Assad forces and the former spokesperson for the Free Army in the Central Region, Sami al-Kurdi. On Saturday, France 24 said, on January 25, an anti-terrorism investigative judge issued a ruling dismissing the case against Sami al-Kurdi, who was suspected of committing crimes against humanity since 2017. France 24 added that the judge ordered halting the prosecutions against Kurdi, after a judicial investigation was opened in April 2017 into crimes against humanity, torture, and war crimes. Kurdi is one of the officers who defected from the Assad forces and emerged during the battles between the Free Army and the regime forces in 2012 in Homs. Kurdis story dates back to March 2012, when he released a video announcing his defection from Assads forces, which he described as the forces of killing and destruction. Kurdi, who was born in the city of Talkalakh in the countryside of Homs, had the rank of Maj. Gen. from the 11th tank division and Commander of the 135th regiment missile company, before he defected. Kurdi subsequently joined the Military Council in the Central Region of the Free Army and became its official spokesperson in the region. He became prominent through the media, by talking about the battles with the Assad forces in the region and the factions control at that time over large swaths of Homs and its countryside. In October 2013, Kurdi left Syria for France with his wife and three children. He then submitted an asylum application, and the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) referred his case to the courts, on suspicion of committing crimes against humanity, torture, and war crimes. According to the court, no victim has ever testified, and no specific crime can be attributed to him, for according to his legal file, Kurdi chose exile instead of crimes. This came days after a German court in Koblenz issued its verdict against a former member of Assads intelligence, Eyad al-Gharib, accused of participating in committing war crimes. The defendants family rejected the courts decision and said it will appeal it given that Gharib defected early from the intelligence service, refusing to participate in the crackdown. He added that there is no claim against him and that the court had relied on his testimony to condemn the Assad regime for suppressing the demonstrations and torturing detainees. 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. Rapid COVID-19 testing in Ahvaz, Iran as virus roars back 03/01/21 Source: Tehran Times A COVID-19 rapid testing program is being implemented across the city of Ahvaz, southwestern Khuzestan province, as a new wave of the virus has pushed the city into a high-risk red zone. Teams of emergency medical services are settled in crowded parts of the city to rapidly identify those individuals who are suspicious of being infected with the disease. With the spread of the UK mutated variant of the virus in the province, some officials suggested that all the cities should be completely locked down, but unfortunately, some businesses have remained open, putting the city in a dangerous situation. Khuzestan is in a dangerous situation with 11 high-risk "red" cities and 8 medium-risk "orange" cities. Iraqi nationals visiting Iran have worsened the coronavirus pandemic in the southwestern Khuzestan province, IRNA quoted the province's governor-general, Qassem Soleimani-Dashtaki, as saying on February 22. More than 300 Iraqi nationals cross Chazzabeh and Shalamcheh borders on a daily basis, he said, adding that the issue has contributed to a rise in the number of coronavirus cases. So far Iran has closed five crossing points with Iraq to prevent the spread of the UK variant of coronavirus. On February 13, President Hassan Rouhani emphasized the necessity for people to follow health protocols, as a new wave of coronavirus may hit the country within the next two months. He called on the people to observe the hygiene principles, insisting that anyone who enters the country should undergo the COVID-19 test. "We should all join hands to prevent the fourth wave of the outbreak," he asserted. A group calling itself FOOT soldiers eye has through a petition pleaded with President Nana Addo to appoint Col Kwadwo Damoah as Commissioner General of GRA. They noted that We are by this petition humbly requesting you to consider Col Damoah who is a known NPP party member in your government at Commissioner-General. They further provided in their petition that, Col. Kwadwo Damoah as the commissioner for customs created two key deputy commissioner portfolios (Petroleum and mining). This has led to increasing in the number of portfolios for customs and more positions to be filled. This has generated lots of excitement in customs. He is a team player and a very good man. He is the only customs commissioner to have toured almost every customs operations area(be it barriers, a checkpoint, a port, or a station) and listened to the concerns of customs officers. Col. Kwadwo Damoah brought peace and assurances to customs after a turbulent start of the year 2017-2019 when officers were interdicted on daily basis. He was able to use his managerial skills to win the heart and support of the officers. Again, his personal relationship with customs earned the party serious support. He works very closely with some of the party faithful in customs. Find attached the full petition 26th February 2021 H.E The President Jubilee House Ghana - Accra Dear Sir REQUEST TO APPOINT COL KWADWO DAMOAH AS COMMISSIONER GENERAL I write this petition on behalf of Foot Soldiers Eye. FootSoldiers EYE is a pressure group politically affiliated to the New Patriotic Party that seeks to encourage informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and exert influence on government and the policy-making process. We seek to encourage informed and active participation in government works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and to promote accountability at all levels of governance. We are by this petition humbly requesting you to consider Col Damoah who is a known NPP party member in your government at Commissioner General. Col. Kwadwo Damoah as the commissioner for customs created two key deputy commissioner portfolios (Petroleum and mining). This has led to increase in the number of portfolios for customs and more positions to be filled. This has generated lots of excitement in customs. He is a team player and a very good man. He is the only customs commissioner to have toured almost every customs operations area(be it barriers, a check point, a port or a station) and listened to the concerns of customs officers. Col. Kwadwo Damoah brought peace and assurances to customs after a turbulent start of the year 2017-2019 when officers were interdicted on daily basis. He was able to use his managerial skills to win the heart and support of the officers. Again, his personal relationship with customs earned the party serious support. He works very closely with some of the party faithfuls in customs. FOOTSOLDIERS EYE seeks to express the views of minority groups in the community who might not otherwise receive a hearing. Footsoldiers Eye wishes to use our expertise to provide the government with important information. This will often be in relation to motoring governmental organisations, agencies and ministries such. FOOTSOLDIERS EYE seeks to offer an alternative source of advice to the government, separate from that coming from the Public Service. In conclusion, we are pleading with the President to consider Col Damoah due to his selfless nature and unflinching support for the party. Yours Faithfully Benjamin Gyewu Appia 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 A group of theologically conservative United Methodists has announced the creation of a new denomination once the United Methodist Church officially separates due to its long-standing debate over homosexuality. The Wesleyan Covenant Association and the 17-member Transitional Leadership Council released a statement on Monday morning announcing the creation of the Global Methodist Church. According to the statement, the theologically conservative denomination will not be officially launched until the UMC General Conference, scheduled for 2022, passes a separation measure known as the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. The Protocol, which will be up for debate at the General Conference, involves allowing conservative churches to leave the UMC to form their own denomination. Source:The Christian Post Lagos State Government has further extended its work-from-home directive to civil servants. It affects those on Salary Grade Levels ... Lagos State Government has further extended its work-from-home directive to civil servants. It affects those on Salary Grade Levels 12 and below, according to the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. His statement announced that the extension takes effect from Monday March 1 to Friday March 26. The government said it was important to sustain existing measures, evident in the steady decline in the number of COVID-19 cases The HOS said the directive does not preclude any of the exempted Grade Levels from reporting for duty whenever the Accounting Officer deems it necessary. All are advised to continue to stay safe by observing all COVID-19 Protocols, such as Physical/Social Distancing, regular use of face mask and hand hygiene, he noted. Accounting Officers were ordered to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols in offices. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Available from $32,100 excluding destination charge, the more wagon-esque sibling of the Telluride was revealed at the end of February with great pomp and circumstance. Its one of the coolest minivans out there on exterior styling alone, and its generously equipped right off the bat as well.In total, the South Korean automaker offers five trim levels ranging from the LX to the SX Prestige. Regardless of the equipment group of your liking, all of them come with front-wheel drive and best-in-class 290 horsepower. That figure comes courtesy of a direct-injected V6, the same 3.5-liter engine in the Telluride . Capable of 262 pound-feet (355 Nm) on full song, the free-breathing motor drives the front axle with the help of an eight-speed auto.Best-in-class passenger room and cargo room behind the first row are two more accolades that should attract new customers to the brand, especially those family-oriented individuals who are currently considering the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, or Chrysler Pacifica. Speaking of which, those three are retailing for $34,460, $32,090, and $35,045 at the time of writing.Manufactured at the Sohari plant in Gwangmyeong, the Carnival replaces the outgoing Sedona, and its the first Kia in the United States to feature the automakers new logo. Capable of towing 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms), the Carnival multi-purpose vehicle promises better safety performance thanks to the same vehicle platform as the Sorento crossover and K5 sedan.As far as standard features are concerned, Kia has gone all out. No fewer than 12 advanced driver-assisting systems open the list of goodies, along with Smart Key, hands-free power sliding doors, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with cordless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available with seven or eight seats, the Carnival will arrive at dealers in the second quarter of the year. NEW YORK A year ago, Isabella Pollok was portrayed by prosecutors as the victim of a Svengali-like older man who moved into his daughters dormitory at Sarah Lawrence College and recruited her friends into a cult, subjecting them to years of sexual exploitation and physical abuse. Pollok was only 19 when she fell under the sway of the man, Lawrence Ray, prosecutors said. She cut off ties with her family and followed him up and down the Eastern Seaboard for a decade. When Ray was arrested last year at a house in New Jersey, Pollok was one of two women living with him. Now, in a surprising twist, prosecutors have accused Pollok of being a willing accomplice who assisted Ray, 61, in various criminal schemes, even helping him collect millions of dollars in profits from one of her former classmates whom prosecutors said he had forced to become a prostitute. That the government started out depicting Pollok as Rays victim and now has charged her as his co-conspirator speaks to the complexity of the psychological manipulation he is said to have used and how it may complicate a prosecution. For Polloks family, the sudden change in her legal status has been bewildering. Her aunt, Liz Jeffrey, said that Ray brainwashed her niece and it made no sense to her that prosecutors repeatedly described Pollok, 29, as a victim, a victim, a victim up until they want to charge her. I dont care what they found, Jeffrey said. It is all under duress. She has been under his spell for 10 years. Experts on human trafficking and cults said the line between victim and accomplice can be hard to judge. Taryn Merkl, a former federal prosecutor who supervised human-trafficking cases in Brooklyn, said prosecutors must decide where duress ends, and victimization can no longer be the understood reason for behavior that crosses the line over to more deliberate criminality. Rick Alan Ross, founder of the Cult Education Institute and an expert on persuading people to leave cults, said that if Pollok was unwilling to cooperate with the prosecution, shes cast her lot with Larry Ray. Ross said the same phenomenon could be seen in the case of Keith Raniere, the convicted leader of the Nxivm cult in Albany, New York, in which some women were branded and coerced into serving as sexual slaves. Five of Ranieres most ardent followers ended up being charged with him and later pleaded guilty to charges like conspiracy and visa fraud. Other former Nxivm members who had been branded stood by Raniere after his conviction. The investigation that led to Rays arrest in February 2020 was prompted by a New York magazine article titled The Stolen Kids of Sarah Lawrence. It described how Ray, in the fall of 2010 when he was 50, insinuated himself into the lives of his daughters classmates, including Pollok, whom the magazine identified only by her first name. Ray had finished serving prison time in New Jersey on charges stemming from a child custody dispute. In the magazine article, Pollok was quoted saying that she sought guidance from Ray after a breakup. The magazine said Ray spent many nights in her room. Im 19, I was having a lot of difficulty making sense of things, I wasnt in a good place, Pollok said. He started to help me kind of process and make sense of a lot of things I just couldnt make sense of. After graduating in 2013, Pollok spent time with Ray in North Carolina, New York and at a house in Piscataway, New Jersey, where she and another woman lived with him, New York magazine reported. The original indictment, released in February 2020, named Ray as the sole defendant and said he gained control over the students through lengthy therapy sessions, during which he learned intimate details about their private lives, vulnerabilities and mental health struggles under the pretense of helping them. Ray also subjected them to interrogation sessions that typically involved verbal and physical abuse, the indictment said. The new indictment, unsealed Jan. 29, for the first time named Pollok as a co-defendant with Ray. It said he had recruited her to join the criminal scheme. The indictment charged her and Ray in various conspiracies to commit racketeering, extortion and sex trafficking. It said that Ray and Pollok tried to gain their victims trust before psychologically manipulating and controlling them, through threats and violence and by depriving them of food and sleep. Prosecutors, as well as lawyers for Pollok and Ray, all declined to comment. The two defendants have pleaded not guilty. Last year, prosecutors presented a different portrait of Pollok. At a hearing in March 2020, they successfully argued against bail for Ray, noting that there were still victims under his control at the time of his arrest, including the two women living with him. Both are women he exploited and abused for years, including physical abuse and sexual exploitation, one of the prosecutors, Danielle R. Sassoon, said. Sassoon did not identify the two women, but the government made it clear that Pollok was one of them during her recent arraignment in federal court in Manhattan. The other woman who was living with Ray has not been charged. In August, prosecutors wrote to the judge, claiming that Ray, using his father as an intermediary, was sending coded messages from jail to the two women. Ray also amassed videos that contain graphic sexual content of these two women, including sexual acts performed at Rays direction that appear designed to debase and control them, the prosecutors said. Rays messages from jail to the women were plainly designed to tamper with witnesses and deter these women from cooperating in the governments investigation, the prosecutors said. In one call, for example, Ray told his father to tell the women that they had signed on forever. Most troubling, the prosecutors wrote, the calls suggest that Rays ongoing communications are designed to ensure the ongoing loyalty of these women and to inhibit their ability to detach from the influence he commanded over them for nearly a decade. One sign that Rays influence still looms large over Pollok surfaced at her arraignment, where her lawyer, Peter M. Skinner, said he was concerned that Pollok may not be competent to stand trial, and suggested the judge order a psychological evaluation of his client. Then Skinner noted that Pollok disagreed with his view. She feels that she is competent to proceed and doesnt feel that any hearing on competency is necessary, Skinner said. On Wednesday, the judge, Lewis J. Liman, ordered that Pollok undergo the evaluation. Prosecutors have not said why they chose to charge Pollok now or whether they still are seeking her cooperation against Ray, perhaps in return for a recommendation of leniency at sentencing. Some counts against her carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Ross, the cult expert, suggested the prosecutors may be trying to send Pollok a message. The worst place for a cult is in court, Ross said. Its no longer a place of myths and make-believe and whatever the leader says is right. Regardless of whether she chooses to deal with reality or not, he added, reality will deal with her. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. District medical officer Dr M Suhasini said the department conducted a primary inquiry and there was no evidence to show the death was due to a reaction from the corona vaccine. (Representational image: DC photo) Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh reported 117 fresh corona infections but no pandemic-related death in the past 24 hours, it was officially stated on Sunday evening. A complaint has, meanwhile, been filed by a family suspecting that the death of a woman member was due to covid vaccination. The corona infections totaled 8,89,916 in the state, while the death toll stood at 7,169. The mortality rate was put at 0.81 per cent. The number of recoveries increased to 8,82029 as 66 more patients recovered. There were 718 active cases in the state in the past 24 hours. As many as 39122 samples were tested and the total sample tests touched 13954131 in the state. Chittoor district reported the highest single-day tally of 41. Guntur district reported 17 positive cases followed by Krishna 11, Srikakulam 10, Nellore 9, Kadapa 8, Visakhapatnam 6, West Godavari 5, Anantapur 4, East Godavari 2, Kurnool 2, Prakasam 1, Vizianagaram 1. Anganwadi worker Md Gulshad Begum (35) died three days after taking corona vaccination in Sanath Nagar in Vijayawada. Her husband Md Taslim said Gulshad Begum got Covid vaccinations first dose on January 25 and the second dose on February 24. Gulshad fell ill on Saturday night with foam and blood emanating from her mouth. Her husband and family members immediately tried to shift her to a private hospital for treatment but died on the way. The family members suspect this was due to reaction from the vaccination and lodged a complaint at the Penamaluru police station. District medical and health officer Dr M Suhasini said the department conducted a primary inquiry and there was no evidence to show the death was due to a reaction from the corona vaccine. Nine others have also taken the second dose on February 24 along with Gulshad Begum and they all are fine. Begum also did not complain of any difficulty. Dr Sushasini said doctors who attended on her are suspecting pulmonary embolism as the cause of death and are conducting further inquiry to know the exact cause of the death. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Two UN human rights experts have called for an international investigation into the poisoning of Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, saying evidence points to the "very likely involvement" of Russian government officials. In a joint statement on March 1, Agnes Callamard, the UN's top expert on extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions, and Irene Khan, an expert on freedom of opinion and expression, demanded Navalny's "immediate release" from prison. "Given the inadequate response of the domestic authorities, the use of prohibited chemical weapons, and the apparent pattern of attempted targeted killings, we believe that an international investigation should be carried out as a matter of urgency in order to establish the facts and clarify all the circumstances concerning Mr. Navalny's poisoning," they said. Navalny, 44, Putin's top critic, was arrested on January 17 after returning to Russia from Germany, where he was treated for a nerve-agent poisoning that he says was ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin has denied. Navalny's poisoning was part of a trend of unlawful killings and attempted killings of critics at home and abroad, meant to send a "sinister warning" to quash dissent, Callamard and Khan said. The detention sparked outrage across the country and much of the West, with tens of thousands of Russians taking to the streets in rallies on January 23 and 31. A Moscow court last month sentenced Navalny to 3 1/2 years in prison after ruling that, while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an older embezzlement case that is widely considered politically motivated. Given time already spent in detention, the court said Navalny, who was transferred last week to the No. 2 Penal Colony in Pokrov, will serve around 2 1/2 years. Callamard and Khan also released the text of a December 30 letter to Russian authorities, notifying Moscow that they were looking into the poisoning. The letter said that, if allegations were confirmed, Russian officials may be subject to criminal liability "both for participating in or ordering attempted murder or for failing to ensure that subordinates do not engage in these actions." Fresh Sanctions 'Approved' Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said on March 1 that EU member states have approved sanctions that will be imposed on four senior Russian justice and law enforcement officials involved in Navalny's detention. According to two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to the French news agency AFP, the names would be published in the bloc's official journal on March 2. The sources -- confirming earlier reports -- said the targeted Russians are Aleksandr Kalashnikov, the federal prisons administrator; Aleksandr Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee of Russia; Igor Krasnov, the prosecutor-general; and Viktor Zolotov, the director of the National Guard. The four would be the first individuals to be targeted under the EU's new human rights sanctions regime, which came into effect in December. Reacting to the reports, Russia's Foreign Ministry said the endorsement of new sanctions by the EU would lead to "an impasse" in bilateral relations. "This is not a surprise for us. We have commented on this repeatedly," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko told journalists on March 1. "The European Union keeps following an absolutely unlawful way, and this way certainly leads to an impasse," Grushko said. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and Interfax A half-asleep Japanese woman jumped in shock when she felt a Sydney chiropractor sexually assault her during a massage, a jury has heard. The woman was receiving treatment for lower back and groin pain when Riaz Behi asked her to remove her underwear and began massaging her legs, groin and buttocks, the NSW District Court heard on Monday. Dazed from a night of poor sleep, the woman recalled feeling one of Behi's fingers go inside her. 'I felt it, I was shocked and then my body reacted in a jumping manner,' the woman, through an interpreter, told the jury in Darlinghurst. 'I did not want to have this kind of experience but I didn't know what to say to Behi.' Chiropractor Riaz Behi (pictured) has been accused of sexually assaulting a female patient. Pictured leaving the NSW District Court during a break in proceedings on Thursday Behi, 45, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of aggravated sexual assault and eight counts of aggravated sexual touching, with his lawyer suggesting the incidents during 10 consultations from January to April 2019 never occurred. The woman said the assault on February 7 only occurred for a second, at most. She couldn't recall what occurred next in the consultation but remembered asking herself over and over what was going on. The woman became tearful when explaining his treatment away from her genitals was making her feel better and that she'd begun to believe she should not doubt 'a doctor' and his treatments. She said she had been 'shocked' at the start of an earlier consultation when Behi instructed her it was 'necessary for my treatment' to remove clothes and underpants. But her friend, who paid for the consultations with the chiropractor, addressed her concerns by questioning why she didn't trust Behi. 'In my understanding, (he said) something like 'Behi is a medical doctor and he has good reviews, why don't you trust him?'' she said. The Crown alleges Behi's assaults included episodes of digital penetration and oral sex. The trial has heard the woman mostly communicated with Behi and her friend through Google Translate. Riaz Behi (pictured left) has been accused of sexually assaulting a Japanese woman while treating her for lower back and groin pain. 'In Japan, removing pants never happened for the purpose of massaging absolutely never happened,' the woman said. 'But, in Australia, I thought it was common to remove my underpants for the purposes of treatment so I didn't pay much attention to it.' The chiropractor agrees none of the touching alleged by the woman constitutes appropriate chiropractic treatment. The jury has been told a live issue will be why the woman kept returning for treatment if such 'horrendous things' were happening. 'No one in the circumstances outlined by the Crown would dare be putting up with that kind of treatment,' Behi's barrister, William Brewer, has told the jury. Mr Brewer says his client has never had a personal or professional complaint against him in 18 years of practice. The trial resumes on Tuesday. PRAGUE (AP) Police and military forces in the Czech Republic set up 500 checkpoints across the country as one of the European Union's hardest-hit nations marked the first anniversary of its coronavirus outbreak on Monday by significantly limiting free movement. Some 30,000 officers were involved in an unprecedented operation to enforce a tight new restriction that bans people from traveling to other counties unless they go to work or have to take care of relatives. It's part of a series of measures that took effect Monday as the Central European nation seeks to slow down the spread of a highly contagious virus variant first found in Britain. Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the measures goal was to prevent the country's hospitals from collapsing under the stress of caring for COVID-19 patients. Amid a surge of infections from the U.K. variant, of the 7,049 COVID-19 patients in Czech hospitals on Sunday, 1,507 needed intensive care. Both the numbers are close to the records set earlier last week. Since the Czech Republic registered the first three people infected with coronavirus on March 1 last year, the nation of 10.7 million has see over 1.24 million confirmed cases with 20,469 deaths. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases has risen from 70.75 new cases per 100,000 people on Feb. 14 to 109.82 per 100,000 people on Sunday, the worst per-capita rate in the world, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of Monday, people in the Czech Republic who go out for exercise should not leave their municipality. Nursery schools and schools for children with disabilities were also closed while only stores selling essential goods remain open. Experts, however, say the measures dont go far enough to stop the virus. I consider the most important measures those that havent been applied, biochemist Jan Trnka told the Czech Public radio. That is to limit contacts at work, especially in the industry. The government also approved a plan to require mandatory mass testing of employees. It will start in the companies with more than 250 workers on Wednesday followed by those with at least 50 employees on Friday. Story continues Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlicek said around 10,000 firms and companies are expected to test 2.1 million workers in the next two weeks. Havlicek has previously rejected calls to close at least some plants and factories as unrealistic. Meanwhile, the country is speeding up its vaccination program with general practitioners joining inoculation centers. Over 650,000 vaccine doses have been given out. Babis said 1 million vaccine shots were expected to arrive through an EU program in March and another 2.6 million in April. In a sign of solidarity, three states in neighboring Germany have sent the Czech Republic 15,000 dozes of the AstraZeneca vaccine to try to control contagion at the border. Babis and pro-Russian President Milos Zeman also said they would use Russias Sputnik V vaccine even if its not approved by the European Medicines Agency. ___ Follow all of APs pandemic coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak London: The Queen has cracked jokes about a new life-sized bronze statue of herself during the 94-year-olds first video call to Australia. The monarch held the call with South Australian Governor Hieu Van Le, Premier Steven Marshall and sculptor Robert Hannaford to mark the installation of the work in the grounds of Adelaides Government House late last year. The Queen has held her first video call to Australia. Credit:Buckingham Palace Speaking from Windsor Castle, the Queen laughed and said oh, really?! when Le informed her the statue was the most popular place for people to take photographs, Maam. They feel very close to you, through standing in front of this statue, he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Over a year since the country's first coronavirus case, the Philippines the last among its neighbors in southeast Asia kicked off its inoculation drive on Monday. Hundreds of medical frontliners across six hospitals in Metro Manila were inoculated on Day 1. Alongside them, a handful of government officials were also vaccinated with the limited doses of Sinovac vaccines donated by China. Adhering to the government's vaccination priority list, the first shot officially administered was received by the director of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Gerardo "Gap" Legaspi. He was followed by Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo, MMDA Chief Benhur Abalos, and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. Testing czar Vince Dizon, meanwhile, was injected with Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine at the TALA Hospital during the vaccination activity simultaneously held in different hospitals in the capital region. Health experts and the World Health Organization have stressed the need to prioritize the protection of healthcare workers because they are at high risk of contracting the highly-transmissible disease due to their work. The Philippines has only received 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines, which will be good to inoculate 300,000 people. In contrast, there are 1.7 million frontline health workers in the country. PGH was able to vaccinate 124 medical staff on the first day. Several frontliners from PGH were apprehensive to receive Sinovac vaccines because the company has not yet published its phase 3 clinical data findings and it offers lower protection against mild COVID-19 compared with other brands. Other healthcare workers from the Lung Center of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and Sanitarium, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, PNP General Hospital, and V. Luna Medical Center also received their much- awaited shots. DOH said 404 health workers were vaccinated across the seven hospitals, but they are still waiting for the data from Veterans. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the vaccination of government officials aims to prove that the vaccines made by Sinovac are safe to use. Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez expressed hope that the first rollout will bring optimism to the public amid the global crisis. "Itong start ng rollout, this can bring heightened optimism sa lahat" [Translation: The vaccine rollout can bring heightened optimism to everyone], Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said during a separate virtual briefing. Hospitals target to vaccinate more of their workers in the coming days in the hopes of completing the vaccination of their sector this month. Galvez said doses will be sent to Cebu City and Davao City this week so their government hospitals can also start their vaccination drive. It will also be shipped to other regions. The official added there will be 70,000 doses that can serve as buffer stock. Elderly officials opt out While it has been admitted that several government officials jumped the priority line as early as last year using smuggled Sinopharm vaccines, some elderly Cabinet members opted to wait for a different brand of vaccine. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana opted not to get the vaccine following the recommendation of FDA that CoronaVac is not ideal for those above 59 years old since Sinovac did not include elderlies in its clinical trials. "Ang sabi ni Secretary Duque, huwag muna, kasi above 59 years old ka na, sabi niya. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang epekto. So we will follow what our Secretary of Health will say," Lorenzana said at the ceremony in Veterans. [Translation: Secretary Duque said I am over 59. We do not know the effect, so we will follow what he said.] DOH said Duque, who is 64, will also wait for an "appropriate" vaccine for him. The Food and Drug Administration, upon granting of the emergency use authorization, cautioned against using CoronaVac vaccines on healthcare workers due to the lower efficacy rate at 50.4% when tested in Brazil on workers directly dealing with COVID-19 patients. However, the government's health experts overturned this just days before the national vaccination rollout. The National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the DOH's Technical Advisory Group found that Sinovac's CoronaVac is 50.4% effective in preventing mild symptoms, but 100% effective against moderate and severe symptoms. This means it can effectively reduce diseases and deaths the main goal for prioritizing medical frontliners in the vaccination program, Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said. Duque revealed that the donation from China was worth P403 million or less than P680 per dose. But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque argued China's goodwill is "unquantifiable in pesos and cents." The next batch of vaccination remains uncertain since only 600,000 doses of Sinovac good for 300,000 people have arrived in the country. The vaccine czar said they have placed a purchase order for one million doses of Sinovac, with a price tag of P700 million, set to arrive this month. He added that Beijing's Sinovac and Russia's Sputnik V are the only ones available in the market due to heavy global supply demand. Meanwhile, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) hopes the vaccine rollout will signal the gradual reopening of the countrys economy. ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis emphasized the national government must thoroughly review its protocols, especially for the workers welfare, while the vaccine rollout is ongoing to ensure there will be no problems once quarantine measures are relaxed. There are still things that can be done in reviewing protocols and procedures that can enable employees who have not gone to work to come to work and companies which are not thinking of continuing operations to make money again while employing people, Ortiz-Luis told CNN Philippines The Final Word on Monday. The Philippines is the last in ASEAN to rollout its vaccination drive despite having the second highest number of cases. Coronavirus cases in the country hit 576,352, with over 2,000 new infections recorded in the past four days. The country now has 12,318 deaths since recording its first fatality on February 2 the first death outside of China, where the virus was first detected. SELBYVILLE, Del., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on Global Market Insights Inc., report, the Perfluoropolyether Market size was estimated at $540 million in 2020 and is slated to surpass $895 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 6% from 2021 to 2027 primarily owing to increasing demand for PFPE products from the aerospace industry. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the top winning strategies, wavering industry trends, drivers & opportunities, top investment avenues, competitive scenarios, market estimations & size. Global Market Insights Inc. PFPE Z market should grow at a CAGR of over 6% by 2027 owing to its increased demand from the aerospace industry as it provides better performance application. On the other hand, the perfluoropolyether Y market surpassed USD 135 million in 2020 pertaining to its ability to prevent corrosion on metal parts of a vacuum pump. Request a Sample Report: https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1625 Food industry applications should surpass USD 6.8 million by 2025. The perfluoropolyether lubricants are food-grade owing to their wide application in the food industry which should drive the perfluoropolyether market growth. PFPE lubricants reduce the wear of machines caused by two metal contact and are therefore used in the food industry for machinery applications. A growing population and increased demand for packaged food and beverage products should accelerate the food and beverage industry. An increasing number of working individuals has increased the demand for ready-to-eat and packaged food products which should boost the food industry market thereby driving the demand for perfluoropolyether. A rising shift of manufacturers toward automated machines for the production of packaged food and beverages shows significant opportunities for the perfluoropolyether market share. Textile application should surpass over USD 2.5 million by 2027 which should positively impact the market growth. PFPE products offer enhanced performance and shelf life to textile machines and equipment owing to its application in the textile industry. The product offers lubrication at high temperatures and enhances the performance of textile manufacturing machine parts including gearboxes, high-speed motors and reel bearings which should stimulate the perfluoropolyether market demand. Request customization of this report: https://www.gminsights.com/roc/1625 Europe should register over 6.5% gains by 2027 on account of rising technological advancements in the automotive sector in the region. The growth of the automotive industry in the European region should boost the market growth over the forecast period. Perfluoropolyether lubricants offer high functionality owing to its versatile properties which should drive the PFPE demand. Stringent government regulation has led the demand for high-quality lubricants for contribution to low carbon emissions and reduced environmental pollution. High-quality lubricants in old engines reduce the emission of toxic gases thereby increasing the demand for the product from the automotive industry which should stimulate PFPE market growth in the region. The perfluoropolyether industry share is fragmented which includes companies such as M&I Materials Limited, IKV Tribology, Metalubgroup, Lubrilog SAS, Daikin Industries Inc., Solvay, The Chemours Company, Kluber Lubrication, Nye Lubricants. About Global Market Insights, Inc. Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider. Offering syndicated and custom research reports, growth consulting and business intelligence services, Global Market Insights, Inc. aims to help clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data that aid in strategic decision making. GMIPulse, our business analytics platform, offers an online, interactive option of exploring our proprietary industry research data in an easy-to-use and dynamic manner. Clients get to explore market intelligence across 11 top-level categories and hundreds of industry segments within them, covering regional, company level and cross-sectional statistics that make our offering a stand-out for decision-makers. Contact Us: Arun Hegde Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights, Inc. Phone: 1-302-846-7766 Toll-Free: 1-888-689-0688 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.gminsights.com Related Images perfluoropolyether-market-outlook.jpg Perfluoropolyether Market Outlook - 2027 Related Links Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) Market Report - 2025 Personal Protective Equipment Market Statistics - 2026 SOURCE Global Market Insights, Inc. A look at the major movers on the London market on Monday Several retail stocks are getting a lift from reports that the Budget will see 5bn of grants offered to high street shops, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to help them through the difficulties of lockdown. But Card Factory PLC (LON.CARD) has gone above and beyond. Its shares have jumped 19.39% or 8.95p to 55.1p in the wake of a late announcement on Friday updating the market on discussions with its bankers. The company said: "The banks have provided further waivers in respect of anticipated covenant breaches through until 31 March 2021, taking account of the company's cash flow projections, subject to certain conditions. We are engaged on a plan to refinance the company, and will provide a further update in due course. Coupled with the expected reopening of the vast majority of the store estate during April, the Board is confident the business is well placed to deliver for the benefit of all stakeholders." 2.20pm: Energy business gives positive financing update Tlou Energy Limited (LON.TLOU) has seen its shares spark up after positive news on the financing of its Lesedi power project in Botswana. The company has been working with a number of possible partners to provide project financing to build a transmission line from the Lesedi project to the existing electricity grid as well as electrical sub-stations, gas and solar generation assets. The most advanced discussions are with "a very reputable Botswana based entity" which it cannot name at the moment due to confidentiality agreements. But Tlou said the potential partner was favourably disposed to its proposal: "They are now proceeding to get a third-party technical review of the project as part of their due diligence process. Once this report is assessed an investment decision can be made" Tlou shares have added 0.73p or 23.39% to 3.83p. 12.01pm: Healthcare group in demand MyHealthChecked PLC (LON.MHC), has seen its share price soar on talk of a significant contract in the pipeline. The Welsh healthcare group, whose COVID-19 testing service was added to the UK government's approved providers list at the end of last year, has played down some of the speculation. Responding to the price rise it said: "Whilst the company is engaged in commercial discussions with a number of parties for the supply of COVID-19 testing kits, no contracts have been signed to date, nor is there any certainty that any of these discussions will result in commercial agreement." That has done little to dampen enthusiasm for the shares. They are up 0.75p or 23.08% at 4p, only marginally down from the day's high of 4.05p. 10.37am: Wagamama owner ready for reopening Restaurant Group PLC (LON.RTN), the owner of Wagamama and Garfunkels among others, is in demand after it announced a new long term financing arrangement and unveiled plans for re-opening outlets when lockdown ends. The company has signed new debt facilities of up to 500mln, which will not mature until at least 2025. This will improve its liquidity at a time when it is burning cash at the rate of 5.5mln per four week period of shutdown. It said: "The cash burn rate is expected to stay at this level until the end of the current restrictions for hospitality businesses, which as per government guidance on 22 February are due to end no earlier than 17 May 2021." But it has been doing well selling takeaways from around 200 sites, with sales during the current lockdown running at 2.5 times pre-COVID-19 levels at Wagamama and 5 times at other businesses. It said: "With this strong operating platform in place, the group has good capability to deliver an accelerated reopening plan for dine-in trading, once the current restrictions for hospitality businesses end, with all viable sites being reopened within two weeks." Its shares have climbed 9.7p or 8.91% to 118.6p. 9.40am: Oil company surges Another day, another blockchain fueled rise. Wildcat Petroleum (LON.WCAT) has jumped 16% or 0.2p to 1.45p after the company appointed cryptocurrrency specialist Professor Olinga Taeed as a blockchain advisor with immediate effect. The company said: "[Professor Taeed} was the first person to achieve a professorship in blockchain when he was appointed to the position at Birmingham City University in 2018. He is also currently an advisor to the Chinese government, the largest and most developed blockchain market in the world, with a Digital Yuan currently being piloted." Wildcat describes itself as targeting investment opportunities in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry as well as exploring the implementation of blockchain technology within the sector. Mandhir Singh, chairman of Wildcat, said: "[Professor Taeed's] extensive experience of the regulatory and technical issues surrounding the launch of new cryptocurrencies will be invaluable as we seek to transform the way the Oil & Gas industry transacts. "We believe that many of the oil producing Gulf States are looking to diversify their economies and have an interest in blockchain technology, particularly in its applications towards current global sustainability and climate change agendas. Professor Taeed has advised a number of these states on the use of this technology, and his contacts in the region could also prove useful to Wildcat and its growth ambitions." 8.46: McColl's in demand as it extends Morrison deal Investors are snapping up shares in McColl's Retail Group (LON.MCLS) after the convenience store operator extended a partnership with Morrison Supermarket and unveiled a new agreement with its banks. Morrison has supplied a range of branded products to McColl's estate of 1,200 shops since 2017, and under the new deal this agreement will now run for a further three years to January 2027. On top of that, some 31 of McColl's stores have been converted to a Morrisons Daily format, selling Morrison own branded goods, and the plan now is to extend that to 300 stores. McColls said: "The 31 existing Morrisons Daily stores in the McColl's estate have consistently delivered positive like-for-like sales performance, driven by their higher mix of grocery sales, breadth of offer and value proposition. These stores have performed strongest during the pandemic and are in the best position to meet customer demand in the future." The company's banks are supporting the deal by offering improved headroom against banking covenants and an extended maturity date to February 2024. On current trading McColl's said it saw like for like sales growth of 7.9% in the 12 weeks to 21 February 2021, although a shift away from more expensive impulse buys led to lower gross margins overall. It admitted to uncertainty over the outlook but added: "As lockdown restrictions ease through the course of the year, the Company would expect the sales mix to normalise. Regardless, McColl's will adapt its business to changing customer demand, whilst focusing on its strategy to become a grocery-led convenience retailer." The news has pushed up McColl's share price by 1.8p or 7.56% to 25.6p in early trading. Elsewhere Speedy Hire PLC (LON.SDY) has jumped 7.19% or 4.6p to 68.6p after it sold its Middle East business to its principal customer ADNOC Logistics and Services for US$18m. It also issued a positive trading update, saying full year profits would be well ahead of expectations after a pick up in its equipment and tool hire business. Chief executive Russell Down, said: "The successful exit from the Middle East operations is an important strategic step for Speedy and we wish the whole of the ADNOC team every success in the future. Looking ahead, we are well positioned to take advantage of the market opportunities in the UK and Ireland as activity levels continue to improve." Proactive news headlines ( ) said its SYNE-COVTM machine learning algorithm for Covid risk prediction has received regulatory approval for use in the UK. CentralNic Group PLC ( ) said revenues and underlying profits soared in 2020 helped by organic growth combined with acquisitions. ( ) said the level of global investment in hydrogen is at unprecedented levels with an increasing awareness of the benefits of its technology. AFC reported a cash balance of 31.6nmln at the end of October. ( ) highlighted a strong start to the year as it reported a number of new contract wins. Plant Health Care chief executive Chris Richards said its soybean seed treatment has the potential to be truly disruptive following the preliminary results from trials of its technology in Brazil. Limited ( ) has acquired a UK based solar photovoltaic (PV) portfolio for 64.3mln that once fully up and running will increase its installed capacity by around 13%. ( ), the life sciences data specialist, agreed to acquire software group The Edge for up to 8.5mln as part of a growth strategy where it is aiming to become a consolidator of software and technology businesses in the pharmaceutical and life sciences market. Minexia has announce the completion of a partnership agreement with Ragnar Capital Partners LLP, a successful London-based finance house with a strong focus on corporate finance advisory and capital raising in the technology and Fintech sectors. The Minexia and Ragnar team have been working together for some period and have decided to formalise an exclusive arrangement for access to the www.NRPrivateMarket.com platform for the purposes of 'fintech' deals. ( ) confirmed the acquisition of an additional 15% interest in the Biscathorpe project, in the Humber Basin onshore UK, taking its stake in the project up to 45%. FastForward Innovations Ltd ( ) said it has invested 17,215 in the 13mln IPO share placing by the David Beckham-backed ( ). PLC ( ) said the clinical sample pipeline for the COVID-19 test developed by its investee Paraytec is now fully operational. BATM Advanced Communications Limited ( ) announced it has exercised the option to sell its subsidiary NGSoft, a software provider, for US$33mln (23mln). ( ) received two new orders worth a total of US$750,000. Sativa Wellness Group Inc (LON:SWEL, ) said its CBD therapeutics division has achieved the highest food safety standards. ( ) has provided an operational update on exploration activities in the second half of calendar 2020. The exploration programme resulted in a new discovery at Zafer, announced in January 2021. ( ) confirmed the start of its maiden drill programme at the Donovan 2 project in Mexico. Drilling began ahead of schedule on Thursday, February 25. Learning Technologies Group PLC ( ) has announced the acquisition of getBridge LLC and related assets (Bridge) has now completed. ( ) told investors it has extended the exclusivity period for its letter of intent with Poseidon Enhanced Technologies, until April 1. If concluded the agreement will see a reverse takeover. ( ) has begun the Canadian listing process for its joint venture with ( ), Pty Ltd. has gold exploration interests near the historic mining centre of Ballarat in the Gold Fields of Victoria. PLC ( ) has released an operational update for shareholders. "Through the past two years, as evidenced by our market updates, we have built a global resource exploration and development company, with precious, base, and strategic metal interests in North America, Africa, and Australia, said chief executive Paul Johnson. ( ) posted a loss after taxation for the half year ended 30 November 2020 of 193,243. ( )(USOTC:SMCDY) has confirmed the rollover of access to the magnetite stockpile in New Mexico. Meanwhile, at the Leigh Creek copper mine in Australia, the impact of higher copper prices is being assessed. Bacanora Lithium PLC ( ) said it has received 21.8mln from Sonora Lithium Ltd (SLL) after Ganfeng Lithium Co Ltd exercised a share option. 4d Pharma PLC ( ) has further prepared for its New York listing by appointing a chief financial officer and a non-executive director with extensive US corporate experience. E-Therapeutics PLC ( ) said Professor Trevor Jones will be its new non-executive chairman, with Ali Mortazavi to continue in his role of chief executive and dropping the title of executive chairman that he has held since October. Bango ( ) appointed Matt Garner as its new chief financial officer after Carolyn Rand announced her intention to step down after almost two and half years in the role. (LON:HZM, ) has appointed Michael Drake as the companys head of projects, to oversee the development of the flagship Araguaia and Vermelho nickel projects. (LON:COIN, ) has appointed Federica Velardo as a non-executive director of the company with immediate effect. She is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales and, having applied for dual qualification in Italy, also practices Italian law. ( ) will present at the upcoming AD/PD 2021 conference taking place online on 9-14 March 2021, one of the most presigeous conferences on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in the year. IXICO will make one presentation and two poster presentations. ( ) will provide a live presentation to accompany the interim results, presented by CEO, David Budd and CFO, Matthew Fowler, on Friday 26 March at 10.00am. The presentation will be hosted through the Investor Meet Company platform. ( ) told investors that a loan, of 14.85mln, to Proger Managers & Partners srl reached maturity on February 25 and payment must now be made within the next five business days. ( ) said it is posting a circular to shareholders convening a general meeting to be held at 11am on 18 March 2021, to approve the 25mln placing and subscription agreed last Friday. ( ) reported the vesting of restricted stock units to the executive management team, under the companys incentive plan. Chief executive Rusty Hutson sees his equity holding in the company increase to 20.92mln shares (2.96%) and chief operating officer Brad Gray now has 2.36mln shares (0.33%). STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Authorities are asking the publics assistance in locating two Staten Island teenagers reported missing. Quamir Carter, 14, of 58 Barker Street in West Brighton, was last seen at about 5 p.m. Thursday inside his residence, according to a written statement by the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Informations office. Carter was described by police as having a dark complexion, about 4-feet-six-inches tall and weighing 100 pounds. He has a thin build, brown eyes and black hair in cornrows. Police say he has a tattoo on his left arm that reads Q Grizzly, and one on his right forearm that reads Loyalty. He was last seen wearing a red and white Tommy Hilfiger jacket, gray sweatpants and black and red Jordan sneakers. Davon Gonzalez, 15, of 20 Roxbury Street in Mariners Harbor, was last seen leaving his residence at about 4 p.m. Friday. Gonzalez is described by police as Hispanic, about 5-feet-6-inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds. He has brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a red shirt, burgundy coat, gray and white sweatpants and black and red sneakers, the statement reads. Anyone with information in regard to either incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public also can submit tips by logging onto the NYPD CrimeStoppers website, or on Twitter @NYPDTips. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 22:16:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland's suspension of pineapple imports from the Taiwan region starting from Monday is a normal preventive measure to ensure biosecurity and is completely reasonable and necessary, said a mainland spokesperson. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks on Monday in response to a query about the accusations from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority against the mainland regarding its decision. Zhu said that the law-based customs inspection of imported agricultural products is a requirement for executing relevant laws, regulations and standards, preventing plant diseases and safeguarding people's rights and interests. The DPP authority has made a malicious interpretation of what is actually a technical issue in an attempt to attack and smear the mainland, said Zhu. Zhu said the mainland has always attached great importance to the safety of agricultural products and will continue tight control of it. Enditem World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Copyright 2006-2021 Exchange Rates UK. All rights reserved. The advice provided on this website is general advice only and does not constitute as a financial recommendation. Any news, opinions, research, analysis, values or other information contained on this story, by Exchange Rates UK, its employees, partners or contributors, is provided as general market commentary. Exchange Rates UK will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to, any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Today is the day most of us have been waiting for since Covid-19 pandemic began. India has commenced the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccine drive with CoWin app, where people over the age of 60 and individuals with co-morbidities over the age of 45 are eligible to get vaccinated. Twitter While everyone was really excited about getting their jab of the COVID-19 vaccine that could protect them against the novel coronavirus, this excitement turned into utter disappointment while registering the names for the vaccination, with the CoWin app suffering server issues. How to register for CoWin App? People eligible to receive the vaccine were asked to register themselves on the CoWin app. They could either do this on their smartphones (through the CoWin app from Google Play Store) or their PC via a browser. All they need to do is enter their mobile number in CoWin app, register using OTP, and as soon as they receive the OTP, enter the necessary details and book slots for the nearest vaccination centre. CoWin App OTP issue While many manage to download the CoWin app and enter the mobile number to commence registration, when the app tries to verify peoples numbers using OTP, the app simply conks-off with the device not receiving an OTP to complete the registration process. This CoWin app issue was highlighted by several users on the microblogging platform, and they are clearly disappointed. Twitter However, this wasnt the only issue that they faced. Some individuals who tried registering on the browser were lucky enough to get past the OTP phase however, they got stuck at the next step when they had to select slots in their particular region, with the site crashing for several other users. Several users complained that no slots were available on CoWin app -- definitely not a good sign. Twitter It seems like the CoWin App servers have been overwhelmed by the response, more so after Prime Minister, Narendra Modi got a jab of COVID-19 vaccine this morning, encouraging others to join the drive. Hopefully, these glitches will eventually be fixed, allowing people to get vaccinated. BCCL Did you experience something like this in CoWin app or did you manage to book a slot successfully? Tell us in the comments below. Three new Moto-branded Wear OS manufactured by one of Motorolas partners eBuyNow, is expected to launch this year. In fact, the Moto 360, which was launched back in early 2020, was manufactured by the same Canadian company. In a presentation showing off Motorolas product roadmap this year, two new smartwatches Moto G smartwatch scheduled for June and Moto Watch & One scheduled for July launch, which is a month later. Notably, the Moto G, which resembles Moto 360, is expected to be either mid-range or low-end device. As we can see from the image, there are two buttons on the right side, and it lacks a rotating crown. The other Moto Watch looks like an Apple-inspired device with a rectangular display with a single button. Furthermore, the Moto Watches is expected to come with Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform, since the company in its presentation has listed Qualcomm as one of its strategic partners. On top of that, the presentation shows a 3rd-gen Moto 360 watch with a transparent back case, revealing the charging coils and other circuits. If everything goes according to the plan, the Moto smartwatches will compete directly against other WearOS devices like Fossil and others. On the smartphone department, Motorola recently announced a new global strategic partnership with rugged smartphone maker, Bullitt group. Under the partnership, Bullitt group will license the Motorola brand and design, develop a ruggedised smartphone to be launched into the market. Source | Via Researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Nanjing Normal University recently reported a strategy for boosting the electrocatalytic performance of palladium (Pd) in ethanol oxidation reaction, the key anodic reaction of direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), offering a rational concept for finely engineering the surface of electrocatalysts used in high-efficiency energy conversion devices and beyond. The study was published in Cell Reports Physical Science on Mar. 1. DEFCs, with ethanol as fuel, have the advantage of high energy density, low toxicity and easy operation. However, the lack of active and robust electrocatalysts for anodic ethanol oxidation impedes the pace of commercialization. Typically, Au@Pd nanoparticles with a core-shell construction have higher activity and stability during ethanol electro-oxidation than do Pd particles alone. Unfortunately, the larger lattice spacing of Au creates tensile strain in thin Pd shells, which endangers their catalytic performance by strengthening the absorption of poisonous reaction intermediates on their surfaces. "A rational design that fully takes advantage of core-shell architectures and simultaneously inhibits the lattice tensile effect in Pd shells induced by Au cores would definitely be favorable for further improving their performance in the electro-oxidation of ethanol molecules," said Prof. YANG Jun from IPE, the corresponding author of the study. The researchers demonstrated this concept by coupling alloying effects with core-shell construction to optimize the surfaces of Pd shells in order to achieve high-efficiency ethanol electro-oxidation. The scientists alloyed Fe atoms into thin Pd shells to compensate for their lattice expansion. Electrochemical evaluations show that the core-shell Au@FePd nanoparticles prepared this way exhibit the highest mass activity and specific activity for catalyzing ethanol electro-oxidation ever observed in an alkaline medium. "Next, we are going to optimize a number of parameters, e.g., the size of the core, the thickness of the alloy shell, and the composition of transition metals in alloy shells," said Prof. YANG. In this way, the researchers hope to create more electrocatalysts with higher efficiency and lower cost in order to propel the development of direct alcohol fuel cells. ### The socially distanced broadcast of the Golden Globes ceremony found most stars beaming in on Zoom to accept their gongs. I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that what the world doesn't need right now is another Zoom conference call, even if it features Hollywood celebrities in sequins rather than members of the Handforth Parish Council in stained cardigans. Take away the cleavage and the stardust and glorious Nicole Kidman in Louis Vuitton, looking like something that should be carved on the prow of a ship, and we were still stuck in a global Zoom, with all the technical glitches, bad lighting and awkward pauses it brings to the party. 'Can you hear me?' asked Daniel Kaluuya, the London-born actor who won a gong for his supporting role in the film Judas And The Black Messiah. Nominee Elle Fanning (left) had the Golden Globes gloss in a bespoke ice-blue silk Gucci gown, costing around 8,000 while Anya Taylor-Joy (right), Best Actress for The Queen's Gambit, donned emerald Dior and Tiffany gems Crown star Olivia Colman (left) donned her 'armour' of a silver Armani Prive jacket while Rosamund Pike (right) must have been grateful not to have to move from the sofa in her impractical Molly Goddard layered tulle dress The Crown's British winner Emma Corrin, in a Miu Miu design with giant ruffles and puff shoulders, which was inspired by Pierrot the clown The sound kept failing during his acceptance speech, the first of many cringe moments on a night of big wins for British stars. The Crown won four prizes, including best TV drama, a triumph for the royal Netflix series written by Peter Morgan. Josh O'Connor won for his cuff-twiddling turn as Prince Charles, while newcomer Emma Corrin triumphed for her luminous portrayal of Princess Diana. Rather more remarkably, Gillian Anderson also won a supporting role award for her Crown depiction of Margaret Thatcher. This was despite giving the former prime minister a 45-degree stoop and a panoply of facial tics that would shame a sneezing woodpecker. 'Thank you to Peter Morgan, for imagining that I could inhabit Mrs T,' she said of her on-off boyfriend Morgan, who grinned onscreen and seemed to be sequestered in a nearby dog house. Other notable British winners included Sacha Baron Cohen, who picked up two awards for Amazon's Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, despite many critics deciding it was not nearly as funny as it should have been. The wonderful John Boyega won for his supporting role in the BBC mini-series Small Axe and was rather overwhelmed. 'I'm so shocked,' he said on Zoom, revealing he was at home wearing tracky bottoms under his tuxedo and dress shirt. Meanwhile, Anya Taylor-Joy won best actress in a limited TV series for The Queen's Gambit and had hired an 'image architect' to perfect her look for the night. Award night presenter Margot Robbie wore a 9,000 Chanel silk maxi with a tiered ruffled skirt and thigh-high split The Undoing star Nicole Kidman (left), looked immaculate on her grey minimalist sofa in a fitted black halter-neck gown by Louis Vuitton while Star of Emily In Paris Lily Collins (right) chose French fashion house Saint Laurent for her colourful 1980s-inspired embroidered robe Hollywood legend Jane Fonda accepts her award in a cream tuxedo by Australian designer Richard Tyler Nicole Kidman with her husband Keith Urban and their daughter Faith Margaret 'Thank you to the audiences,' she said, clutching her hands over her heart like a penitent, showing off a chess-inspired manicure and a stunning green Dior gown. She looked amazing, as did Lily Collins in Saint Laurent and Elle Fanning in a bias-cut ripple of ice-blue Gucci silk. For those of us pandemic-starved of Hollywood glitz, it was heaven: like watching a crop of perfect snowdrops thrusting through the blasted earth at last. For almost a year, the richly groomed glories of Hollywood's leading ladies have been little more than fond memories of things past; ghostly footsteps gliding down the red carpet of our collective memory; stardust scattered among the tumbleweed of a shattered industry. Now, here they are risen again, visions of loveliness to gladden the weary eye. They seem like the Covid cavalry, galloping over the hill to rescue us from the unremitting drab at last. Even Rosamund Pike, who won in the best actress category for her film I Care A Lot, made a splash in a crazy, teapot-shaped dress of red tulle, with comfy bovver boots underneath. Eighty-three-year-old Jane Fonda was one of the few stars to turn up in person, sporting a great haircut and a lot of attitude. 'Let's be leaders,' she said, accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award while urging more diversity within the film industry. Back in Blighty, Olivia Colman looked elegant in a silver blazer, but for once did not take home an award, which meant we were spared one of her aw-shucks, little-old-me speeches. All in all, it was win-win all round. Unguarded moments that made it all the sweeter Jodie Foster (left) celebrates winning for The Mauritanian with wife Alexandra Hedison in Prada PJs and Emma Corrin (right) the morning after Kate Hudson, wearing a low-cut Louis Vuitton gown, kept it in the family with daughter Rani, partner Chris and mum Goldie Hawn Amanda Seyfried nominated for her role in movie Mank tucks into Girl Scout cookies as hairstylist Renato Campora gets her 'red-carpet' ready Picture research: Claire Cisotti The Transformational Power of Forgiveness: The Anchor of the Soul is a book that discusses the benefits of forgiveness to a persons physical, mental, and spiritual health. The Transformational Power of Forgiveness: The Anchor of the Soul is the work of published author Mary D. McKenzie, an accomplished woman of faith and influence with a passion for healing and wholeness. McKenzie shares, The Transformational Power of Forgiveness reveals precious biblical pearls that will unlock the portals to divine healing and inner peace to your body, spirit, and soul. Inside you will discover that forgiveness offers a wealth of mental and physical benefits, while unforgiveness is linked to many health challenges, including the possibility of cancer. You will uncover that the act of forgiveness gives you the power to make a difference in the world. Also, you will find an interactive study guides packed with valuable tools to strengthen, encourage, and empower you through the healing journey. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Mary D. McKenzies new book offers forgiveness as a powerful act in this otherwise unforgiving world. This book also includes interactive study guides with valuable tools for the readers to strengthen, encourage, and empower themselves throughout their healing and forgiving journey. View a synopsis of The Transformational Power of Forgiveness: The Anchor of the Soul on YouTube. Consumers can purchase The Transformational Power of Forgiveness: The Anchor of the Soul at traditional brick & mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about The Transformational Power of Forgiveness: The Anchor of the Soul, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Press Release March 1, 2021 Pangilinan supports PGH doctors' call for HTAC review of Sinovac AS Sinovac vaccines are expected to arrive in the country today (February 28), Senator Francis Pangilinan urged the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) to fast-track its review and recommendation on the use of the China-made vaccines, the first anti-Covid-19 doses in the Philippines. "Tulad ng mga taga PGH (Philippine General Hospital), gusto natin ng mas science-based na impormasyon tungkol sa mga bakunang ituturok sa atin. Gusto natin ng pinaka-mabisa at pinakaligtas na bakuna para sa ating mga kababayan (Like those in PGH, we want more science-based information on vaccines that will be administered to us. We want the most effective and the safest vaccine for all our fellow Filipinos)," Pangilinan said. "Calling on Dr. Marita Reyes of HTAC. You promised us in the Senate Committee of the Whole hearings last January that you would not allow politics to interfere with your decision. We trust your words. Please make your decision on Sinovac known soonest," he said. Pangilinan, who had called for Senate Committee of the Whole hearings on the government's vaccine roll-out, backed the call of the PGH Physicians' Association seeking appraisal of the Chinese-manufactured Sinovac "to facilitate individual informed decision-making" before it is administered to the population. In making the call, the group emphasized that the PGH's "ideals of ethical and evidence-based medicine" should be upheld. "Makinig tayo sa mga eksperto. The best ang ating mga doktor sa PGH. Makinig tayo sa kanila (Let's listen to the experts. Our doctors in PGH are the best. Let's listen to them)," Pangilinan said, noting that Filipinos continue to face the threat of Covid-19 as they await the arrival of the vaccine. "Sinovac, being the only available vaccine for now, must be reviewed by HTAC. Purchased or donated, NO vaccine that will arrive and will be used in the country should be exempted from this requirement," he added. Created by the Universal Health Care Law, HTAC is a group of experts tasked with the unique role of reviewing any health technology, including vaccines and medicines, to be used for public health programs. HTAC reviews the cost, ethics, and community impact of drugs that will be introduced to the public. The council is also mandated to undertake technology appraisals by determining their clinical and economic values in the Philippine healthcare system, with the aim to improve overall health outcomes and ensure fairness, equity, and sustainability of coverage for all Filipino citizens. "Gusto nating nagdaan ang anumang bakunang ituturok sa atin sa kinakailangang pagsusuri. Kalusugan natin, ng ating mga anak, maging ng ating ekonomiya ang nakataya (We want the jabs that will be administered to Filipinos to undergo mandated review. Our health, our children's health, even our economy's health are on the line)," he added. A Mumbai court on Monday (March 1) issued a bailable warrant against Kangana Ranaut. The actress reportedly failed to appear before the court in connection with Javed Akhtar's defamation complaint filed against her. The Andheri metropolitan magistrate's court a month ago, on February 1, 2021, issued summons to Ranaut directing her to appear before the court on March 1. Following the failure to appear, the court issued a bailable warrant against the actress and postponed the matter for further hearing on March 22. Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing on behalf of Akhtar, told the court that Kangana was aware of the case but still did not appear. Grover cited Kangana's tweet responding to a news article about the court summons for her. She also pointed out that the actress has not filed for an exemption application. Akhtar's lawyer also cited three witnesses to demonstrate how Ranaut maligned his image in the eyes of right-thinking members of society, members of the film fraternity, and friends and acquaintances. On the other hand, Kangana's lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee opposed the plea and said that his client would be challenging the order as the witnesses were not verified under oath. In response, Metropolitan magistrate RR Khan said, "You are at liberty to challenge the order (issue of process & summons) but that cannot absolve you from appearance here." For the unversed, Akhtar had filed the complaint against Ranaut for allegedly making baseless and false statements against him during interviews. The veteran lyricists claimed that the statements damaged his reputation. The complaint was filed under sections 499 and 500 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint came after Kangana made claims about a mafia existing in Bollywood during a Republic TV interview after Sushant Singh Rajput's death. In the interview, Kangana Ranaut said "there are people like Javed Akhtar and company, who call themselves atheists." She claimed that the group is about keeping an eye on people within the industry to check whether they are pro-Islam or not. She added then that the group 'filters' Islam-friendly people in the industry and promote them. ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut Summoned By Mumbai Police In Defamation Case Filed By Javed Akhtar ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut Summoned By Mumbai Court In Javed Akhtar Defamation Case; Calls Herself A 'Lioness' He is not just an action star and a pilot, but also an avid bicyclist. Harrison Ford was spotted leaving Helen's Bikes in Los Angeles on Sunday. Though he wasn't seen with his bicycle on him, the 78-year-old actor may have likely been dropping it off for a tune-up. Harrison took safety precautions against the coronavirus with a grey face mask, and bundled up against the weekend chill with a green jacket. Wheel-y fun! Harrison Ford was spotted leaving Helen's Bikes in Los Angeles on Sunday He finished off the look with jeans, rugged brown shoes, and a suave, slicked back hairstyle. The next morning the Six Days Seven Nights actor was seen getting out of his Tesla in a pair of shorts as he picked up a cup of coffee. His latest outing comes over a month after he reportedly waited in line for two-and-a-half hours to receive a vaccine for COVID-19 in Los Angeles County. Harrison, who is in a priority category because of his age, made his own appointment to receive the first dose according to Variety. Staying safe: Harrison took safety precautions against the coronavirus with a grey face mask, and bundled up against the weekend chill with a green jacket Man of style: He wore a green windbreaker jacket, jeans, and rugged brown shoes. His representative did not comment any further than offering gratitude to medical volunteers and staff working in the field. The Indiana Jones icon reportedly went to El Camino Community College in Torrance, California to get his first jab. Harrison is currently hunkering down in Los Angeles with his third wife Calista Flockhart whom he has been married to since 2010. The next day: He was seen on Monday morning stopping to get coffee in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles This past December it emerged that Harrison will be returning to the role of Indiana Jones whom he has played in four movies thus far. The upcoming movie will reportedly be the last time Harrison ever plays the character that he originated in Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981. In the 1989 film Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade his father was played by his fellow screen legend Sean Connery who died this past Halloween at the age of 90. Steven Spielberg, who directed the first four movies, has decided not to return for the fifth one, Variety reported last February. However he will remain involved with the project in a producing capacity, with the directing gig going to James Mangold of Ford Vs. Ferrari fame. Seth Rogen has announced the U.S. launch of his weed company Houseplant. The Pineapple Express actor, 38, revealed that his brand of 'handsmoked' marijuana will be arriving in California on March 11. 'If you know anything about me at all, I'm going to assume it's that I really love weed,' Seth began on his Instagram account. 'But what you probably don't know about me is that I have been working on my own weed company for the last 10 years and we are finally ready to launch in America. Coming soon! Seth Rogen has announced the U.S. launch of his weed company Houseplant 'It's called Houseplant, and what we're doing is bringing you the best strains of weed that have been handpicked - and by that I mean handsmoked - by me. It's just the weed that I love that I want to be smoking, it comes in these adorable little tins. We have an orange one for sativa and a purple one for indica. And it even stacks!' Not only does Houseplant include Seth's favorite strains of weed, but it also comes with accessories such as table lighters, a vinyl box set, and even an ashtray set designed by the actor. 'We have things like this block table lighter, which is a table lighter with an ash tray for the lid,' he said. 'I lose my lighters all the f**king time, but no more because this dude is hard to lose! This is just the beginning. This is honestly my life's work, and I've never been more excited about anything. I hope you enjoy it.' Seth initially launched Houseplant, a line of pre-rolled joints and softgel capsules, in 2019 with Evan Goldberg. Starting a buzz! Not only does Houseplant include Seth's favorite strains of weed, but it also comes with accessories such as table lighters, a vinyl box set, and even an ashtray set designed by the actor 'It comes in these adorable little tins': Rogen showed off the stylish tins holding his product Snazzy: The orange tins will carry his line of sativa weed, whereas his purple tin will hold sativas The products were sold in several Canadian provinces, but now Houseplant will be made available in California. Products will initially be available for purchase on the Houseplant website, followed by plans to sell it in several California dispensaries this Spring. Rogen and Goldberg 'personally' tested hundreds of strains before landing on the three available at launch: two sativas, Pancake Ice and Diablo Wind, in addition to an indica, Pink Moon. Passion: Rogen called the line his 'life's work' 'I get to sell weed': Rogen showed off a handful of his sativa, Pancake Ice 'Houseplant was born out of our love and passion for cannabis, design and art,' Seth said in a press release. 'Evan and I also recognize that our lifelong dream of starting a cannabis lifestyle brand like Houseplant comes with a commitment to changing the unjust and racist cannabis laws that still exist in todays society. 'We understand our responsibility to help right those wrongs and are dedicated to creating a more diverse, equitable cannabis industry.' History: Rogen initially launched Houseplant, a line of pre-rolled joints and softgel capsules, in 2019 with Evan Goldberg Istanbul, March 1 : The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi on Monday demanded that Saudi Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud be "punished without delay" over the murder. "It is essential that the Crown Prince, who ordered the brutal murder of a blameless and innocent person, should be punished without delay," the BBC quoted Khashoggi's fiancee Hatice Cengiz as saying in a statement. "This will not only bring the justice we have been seeking.... but it could also prevent similar acts recurring. "If the Crown Prince is not punished, it will forever endanger us all and be a stain on our humanity," she added. In the statement, Cengiz, a Turkish academic researcher, made an appeal to world leaders to distance themselves from the Crown Prince and impose sanctions on the Kingdom. "Starting with the (US President Joe) Biden Administration, it is vital for all world leaders to ask themselves if they are prepared to shake hands... I urge everyone to put their hands on their hearts and campaign to punish the Crown Prince." Cengiz's statement comes three days after a de-classified US intelligence report released on February 26 assessed that the Crown Prince approved an operation to "capture or kill" Saudi Khashoggi in 2018. "We assess that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman approved an operation in Istanbul, Turkey to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi," the report released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said. Saudi Arabia has rejected the report. Khashoggi, the 59-year-old prominent journalist known to have covered the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the rise of the late Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, was killed by a team of Saudi agents during a visit to the Kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, to obtain papers he needed in order to marry Cengiz. In its probe, the Saudi public prosecution concluded that the murder was not premeditated, the BBC reported. It said the killing was ordered by the head of a "negotiations team" sent to Istanbul to bring Khashoggi back to the Kingdom "by means of persuasion" or, if that failed, "by force". The slain journalist's remains remain missing till date. Last December, the Riyadh Criminal Court sentenced five people to death for "committing and directly participating in the murder of the victim", while three others were handed prison sentences totalling 24 years for "covering up this crime and violating the law". But, the state media reported last month that the five death sentences were commuted to 20-year jail terms. The Crown Prince has denied involvement in the murder. -- 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. "Vincenzo" is currently one of the most-watched K-dramas on Netflix, and apart from getting immersed in the story, we're also interested in the cast of characters of record-breaking mafia-themed drama. Headlined by the superstar Song Joong Ki, he portrays the titular character Vincenzo Cassano, a ruthless lawyer with strong ties to the Italian mafia. He was born in South Korea but was adopted by an Italian family. One day, he comes back to his birth country and crosses paths with Hong Cha Young, Jeon Yeo Bin's character. Jeon Yeo Bin might not be a household name just yet, but watch out! Because based on her acting skills, it wouldn't be surprising that the K-drama actress will rise to the top! Here's a rundown of facts we got while discovering more about rising star Jeon Yeo Bin. Jeon Yeo Bin was born on July 26, 1989. In her career as an actress, her biggest role yet is her current drama with leading man Song Joong Ki, "Vicenzo." Jeon Yeo Bin is an Award-Winning Actress Jeon Yeo Bin, indeed, is a force to be reckoned with! She showcased her acting prowess mostly in films, and the actress rose to prominence after an amazing performance in "After My Death" (2017). She portrayed the character of a high school student Young Hee who is falsely accused of the disappearance of her classmate. Because of the pressure and being emotionally battered by questioning her innocence, Young-Hee decides to take her own life. Jeon Yeo Bin's fascinating performance in this project earned her numerous awards, such as the Actress of the Year Award at the 22nd Busan International Film Festival and the Independent Star Award at the 2017 Seoul Independent Film Festival. Jeon Yeo Bin Considered Quitting Acting if She Didn't Get Her Big Break by 30 Jeon Yeo Bin considered quitting showbiz, and take on a different career path. However, it seems that acting is her destiny! She was able to receive her big break just before she turned 30! In an interview with Elle Korea, Jeon Yeo Bin revealed that she didn't have a second career so, she somehow felt stressed about it. But the anxiety she was feeling during that time motivated her and made her even stronger. The actress revealed that her strong personality is her greatest asset. Jeon Yeo Bin also shared her words of wisdom, stating, "To have hope, you always have to embrace yourself and believe that you can do better." Jeon Yeo Bin Reveals Her Mom is Her Inspiration Jeon Yeo Bin shared that her mother is the source of her determination and good work ethic. Her mother raised her alone when her father passed away. The actress revealed that her mother once told her: "Do you think a person who doesn't know the basics can become a great person? You should learn and master the basics first." At first, she didn't understand her mother since everyone was telling her to dream big. However, as time went by, she eventually realized that she needed to do the right job in the place where her feet were planted. She was able to gain courage out of small things. We can't wait to see more of Jeon Yeo Bin as Hong Cha Young in "Vincenzo"! Kdramastars owns this article. Written by Liza Parker Charges were filed Friday in the deaths of four women and wounding of another in a September attack that police said resulted from a case of mistaken identity. The killings were planned as revenge against two women who gave police information that led to the arrest and conviction of gang member Jesus Carlos Rodriguez, police said. However, the two witnesses weren't present when the suspects allegedly opened fire on a car carrying six women, police said. The men, Rodriguez, 25, Guadalupe Guerra, 20, Roberto Gene Garza, 19, Ricardo Cabello Martinez, 21, Mark Anthony Reyna, 24, and Rodolfo Alvarez Medrano, 23, all are members of the Tri City Bombers gang, police said. Guerra, Garza, Reyna and Medrano, were charged Friday with one count of capital murder, two counts of attempted capital murder, and one count of engaging in organized criminal activity. The four were being held in the Hidalgo County Jail on a bond of $2 million each. Rodriguez, who is accused of ordering the murders from prison, is serving time in Abilene for other crimes and will be charged later. Martinez is wanted and believed to be hiding in Mexico. Police said two women who worked at Garcia's Place in Donna witnessed a shooting on March 31, 2001. "The two women gave accounts to the police which led to (Rodriguez's) arrest and subsequent conviction," said Capt. Roy Quintanilha, spokesman for the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department. On Sept. 5, 2002, the suspects, armed with assault rifles and semiautomatic pistols followed six women _ all of them Garcia's Lounge employees who were leaving the bar after work _ as they drove away in a red Pontiac Grand Am. The suspects believed the two witnesses were in the car, police said. When the women arrived at a trailer park where they lived, the gunmen pulled up behind them and began shooting, police said. One woman escaped injury by hiding in nearby bushes and another was shot but survived her injuries. At least nine rounds ripped through the Grand Am and about 10 others hit two nearby trailer homes. Investigators recovered more than 50 shell casings at the scene. The four dead were Celina Linares Sanchez, 21, Lourdes Yesenia Araujo Torres, 20, Danitzene Lizeth Vasquez Beltran, 21, and Maria De La Luz Bazaldua Cobarrubias, 31. All four were illegal immigrants from Mexico, police said. Medrano and Garza also have been charged in the killings of six men on Jan. 5 in Edinburg. Investigators at that scene said some victims were shot so many times they were unrecognizable. Donna is a town of about 15,000, located 15 miles north of the border and 40 miles west of Brownsville. UPDATE: Woman, 77, identified as victim in fatal Flint Township fire GENESEE COUNTY, MI One person is confirmed dead in a Sunday morning house fire in Flint Township. Firefighters responded to the scene, in the 3200 block of Southgate Drive shortly after 8 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 28, a news release from the Flint Township Fire Department states. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke from the first floor windows of the home. Firefighters entered the house and found high heat and heavy smoke conditions on the main floor, the release states. Crews extinguished the fire as they conducted a search for a woman believed to be trapped inside. Firefighters found the woman deceased in her bedroom. Her name has not been released. One other occupant of the home was injured during the incident. He, along with the remaining members of the home were taken to a local hospital, the release states. The Flint Township Fire Department was assisted by the Flint Township Police Department and a Michigan State Police Fire Investigator on scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Also on MLive: Oakland County deputy shoots armed suspect after standoff in Royal Oak Suspect arrested after Midland County stabbing sends two to hospital Huron County Road Commission plows path to safety for Bad Axe man rescued in woods WHO team members Peter Daszak (R) and Marion Koopmans (L) are accompanied by Peter Ben Embarek (C) as they leave their hotel in Wuhan, a city in central China's Hubei Province on Feb. 10, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) WHO Probe Under Scrutiny Over Investigators Ties to Chinese Regime International critics are questioning the impartiality of a World Health Organization (WHO) team that recently conducted a fact-finding mission in Wuhan to probe the origins of the CCP virus. The team consisted of 17 Chinese experts and 17 foreign experts from 10 countries. They began their work in the central Chinese city of Wuhanthe epicenter of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus outbreakin late January before presenting their preliminary findings at a virtual press conference on Feb. 9. However, the composition of the WHO team has come under scrutiny. In particular, some experts have relationships with the Chinese regime, raising conflict of interest issues. Leung Man-to, a political science professor at Taiwans National Cheng Kung University, told The Epoch Times that the independence of the findings was compromised by the fact that foreign experts chosen by the WHO needed to first be approved by Beijing. In October last year, Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHOs Health Emergencies Program, said during a meeting that a list of candidates has been submitted to the Chinese authorities for their consideration and for next steps in order to deploy that team. Given the experts were vetted by Beijing, Leung said that it was unlikely their findings would stray from the CCPs narrative of the virus origins. Simply put, we can reasonably infer that the conclusions of the findings were long written up, and [Beijing] simply needed people [foreign experts] to lend their support, Leung said. He added that the independence of the findings was further compromised by the fact that Chinese experts were part of the team. The experts, who were in China for four weeks, two of which were spent in quarantine, were reliant on Chinese authorities to do the actual investigation, according to WHO adviser Jamie Metzl. The Chinese regime also refused to provide raw data on early COVID-19 cases to the health body, according to one WHO team member. The WHO has not yet released its final report on its findings in Wuhan. However, Peter Ben Embarek, who led the team, said on Feb. 9 that the possibility of the virus being leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology was extremely unlikely. Days later, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appeared to walk back on this statement, saying that all hypotheses remain open and require further study. Ties to the CCP At least two of the foreign experts on the teamPeter Daszak and Marion Koopmanshave ties to the Chinese regime. Koopmans is a Dutch virologist, while Daszak is a U.S.-UK dual national who heads EcoHealth Alliance, a New York-based nonprofit that works in pandemic prevention. In September 2018, Daszak said that EcoHealth was a recipient of CCP money, while taking part in a conference sponsored by Chinese state broadcaster CGTN, the international arm of Chinas state broadcaster CCTV. Our organization has been working in China in collaboration with Chinese scientists in the government of China for over 15 years, supported by federal funding from the U.S. and federal funding from China, Daszak said. EcoHealth also channeled money from the [U.S.] National Institute of Health to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, according to a January article by New York Magazine. The institute, one of Chinas top virus research labs, has been at the center of speculation that it could have been the source of the pandemic through an accidental lab leak. Researchers at the lab have conducted extensive research on bat coronaviruses. A fact sheet released by the U.S. State Department in late January stated that it had reason to believe several researchers at the institute fell ill with symptoms consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses in the autumn of 2019. A senior researcher at the institute previously said in July 2020 there was zero infection among lab staff and students. The sheet also said the lab was engaging in secret animal experiments for the Chinese military since 2017. It was also conducting gain-of-function research on viruseswhich involves creating artificial viruses with new or enhanced capabilities, according to the fact sheet. Beijing has repeatedly refuted suggestions that the virus was leaked from the institute. On Jan. 18, Chinas foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chungying during a daily briefing accused the fact sheet as being filled with conspiracy theory and lies. Daszak took Chinas position on the lab leak theory early last year, at a time when the Wuhan lab was under intense scrutiny as being the source of the virus. In February 2020, Daszak was among a group of 27 public health scientists who issued a joint statement strongly condemning conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin. The group said the coronavirus originated in wildlife after analyzing its genomes. The Lancet statement was organized by Daszak, and his spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal in January that it was prepared as a showing of support for Chinese scientists, who at the time were allegedly receiving death threats. Last September, Daszak appeared in a CCTV documentary on Chinas fight against the pandemic. He praised Chinas early responses to the outbreak, saying it was unprecedented and is incredibly efficient. Prior to the pandemic, Daszak also praised Chinas flagship foreign policy project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to a 2018 article on the website of Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Daszak praised the regimes efforts to work with other countries under the BRI to fight emerging infectious diseases, saying it would benefit the world. Beijing rolled out BRI in 2013 in an effort to expand its global influence and build Beijing-centered trade networks by financing infrastructure projects throughout Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Koopmans also has ties to the CCP as evidenced by her biography page on the provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in southern Chinas Guangdong Province. The bio page stated that she was hired in 2008 to work as the centers science adviser. She also lauded Chinese regimes responses to the outbreak. According to a February 2020 article from the CCPs official mouthpiece Peoples Daily, the Dutch virologist praised Beijing for how quickly it was able to build a field hospital in Wuhan to treat patients. Daszak and Koopmans did not respond to requests for comment. Concerns Some in the U.S. health community have voiced concerns about the apparent conflicts of interest in the WHO team. Dr. Daszak has a clear-cut conflict of interest that shouldve disqualified him from participation on the WHO team, stated Michael Weinstein, president of the Los Angeles-based nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, according to a Feb. 10 statement. He added: Now, any conclusions of the investigation will be tainted by one more fragment of uncertainty. Regrettably, the only plausible way out of this situation is to start overto disband the WHO team, and charge a neutral, non-political body with reconstituting it. To ensure the highest degree of independence, all members of the new team should have the full protection of diplomatic immunity. Leung told The Epoch Times that had former U.S. President Donald Trump won his re-election bid, his administration would either reject the WHO findings outright, or be a more forceful critic of the body than the Biden administration. On Feb. 9, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the jurys still out on whether Beijing gave full transparency to the WHO team. Days later, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan issued a statement questioning the process by which the team reached their findings. He also called on the regime to release its data from the earliest days of the outbreak. Daszak criticized the White Houses skepticism of Chinas transparency during the WHO probe, saying in a Feb. 9 tweet that President Joe Biden has to look tough on China. He added, Please dont rely too much on US intel: increasingly disengaged under Trump & frankly wrong on many aspects. Several former Trump officials have rebuked the WHO team and its findings. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Feb. 9 told Fox that there was significant evidence that the virus originated from the Wuhan lab, despite the WHOs statements. A day later, former director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe criticized the WHO findings as disingenuous. On Feb. 21, Matt Pottinger, the former deputy national security adviser, told CBS that the WHO team was deeply conflicted. Its made up of people who have benefited from public funding to work in the very lab where this thing may have actually originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Pottinger said. He concluded: [I]ts not a credible exercise that weve seen undertaken to get to the roots of where this thing originated. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 19:10:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) on Monday announced its decision to arrest Gong Dao'an, former vice mayor and police chief of Shanghai Municipality, for suspected bribe-taking. The National Supervisory Commission has completed an investigation into Gong's case and handed it over to prosecutors, the SPP said. Gong has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws. Further handling of the case is underway. Enditem Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Research Future (MRFR) Has Announced a New Release on the Contraceptive Pills Market highlights the current and future status of market and regional level analysis with the help of industry trends and market performance. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2019 through 2022. Also, a five-year historic analysis is provided for these Contraceptive Pills Market. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Global Contraceptive pills Market Competitive Analysis Merck & Co., Inc (US), Pfizer Inc (US), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel), Bayer AG (Germany), Allergan plc. (Ireland), Janssen Global Services llc. (US), Mankind Pharma Ltd. (India), Piramal Enterprises Ltd (India), Reckitt Benckiser Plc (UK), Church & Dwight (US), The Female Health Company (US), Mayer Laboratories (US), Cooper Surgical (US) are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the Global Contraceptive Pills Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis. Global Contraceptive pills Market Overview Contraceptive pills are likely to witness considerable demand in the years to come. The observation offered by Market Research Future (MRFR) unfolds that the global contraceptive pills market is expected to enter a phase of maturity in the foreseeable future. According to the report, the market is prognosticated to record a CAGR of 2.2% across the projection period 2016 to 2022. Anti-conception medication pills which are also called as oral contraceptive pills are a kind of female hormonal anti-conception medication technique and are extremely viable at avoiding pregnancy. These pills are small tablets that a patient swallow every day. These birth control pills are been used from ancient times but the save and effective methods are introduce and available from 20th century. Fill Out Details To Receive FREE Sample Here: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2122 Contraceptive drugs are used to prevent the unwanted pregnancy by blocking the normal process of ovulations or by altering the process which support the fertilization of egg. Most pills contain two sorts of manufactured (man-made) female hormones: estrogen and progestin. These are like the estrogen and progesterone regularly made by the ovaries. These pills are called combination oral contraceptives, and there are a wide range of these kinds. Globally the market for contraceptive pills is growing at a low rate but with increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases will upsurge the growth of this market in coming future. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, the global contraceptive pills market is booming and expected to gain eminence over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2022, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a prominent CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 2022). Increasing need of population control and increasing incident of abortion has driven the growth of the market. Governmental initiatives for minimizing unwanted pregnancy, increasing awareness and healthcare expenditure, and increasing in use of contraceptives drugs has provided fuel for the growth of the market. While the side effects of the treatment and strict governmental rules in many countries may hamper the growth of the market. Geographically, North America commands the largest market for the contraceptive drug market. Approximately 3 million women in North America experiences unplanned pregnancy. Beside this 90 % of the women use some of the method of contraception. Thus increasing number of abortion and rate of unplanned pregnancy has driven this market in North America. Major market of North America is contributed by US which is followed by Canada. Increasing awareness and minimizing the healthcare expenses by curbing number of abortion in US encourage contraceptive use among women. North America contraceptives drug market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9 % during forecasted period. Browse Complete Report at https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/contraceptive-pills-market-2122 . The market for contraceptive pills is characterised by the presence of several well-established and small players, the global market of contraceptive pills appears to be highly competitive and fragmented. Major players are increasingly expanding their footprint in the emerging nations, making it putting pressure on the regional players, especially in terms of features such as type, product portfolios, and pricing. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to get more intensified further during the forecast period. The contraceptive pills market appears to be highly competitive owing to the presence of several large and small key players accounting for a substantial market share. Well established players are getting into various product launches in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position. For instance, in 2015, Pfizer Inc. has introduced SAYANA, first injectable contraceptive in UK which can be self-administered. While, in 2015, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has launched Beyaz which is a generic contraceptive drug. It is one of the most successful product of the company and in 2016 it has annual sales of approximately $133 million in the US. Recently, in March 2017, the company has launched a new product Minastrin in the market. Moreover, the company has launched the generic version of Janssens birth control pills Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Into the brand name of Tri-Lo-Sprintec (norgetimate and ethinyl estradiol) tablets. Therefore, the growing partnerships and product launches to expand their presence in various parts of the globe for their competitive products has spurred the growth of the market. About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. San Francisco, March 1 : US President Joe Biden has offered his support to unionisation efforts of workers, as employees of Amazon in an Alabama warehouse vote on whether to unionise. While Biden did not mention Amazon, the reference was clear when he mentioned "workers in Alabama" in a video produced by the White House. He defended the workers' right to decide whether to form a union without intimidation by employers. "Workers in Alabama -- and all across America - are voting on whether to organize a union in their workplace. It's a vitally important choice -- one that should be made without intimidation or threats by employers," the US President said in tweet introducing the video late on Sunday. Amazon workers at the Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse started voting by mail starting February 8. Nearly 6,000 workers are to mail back their ballots by March 29 on whether to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). "Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union, but especially Black and Brown workers," Biden said in the video. "There should be no intimidation, no coercion, no threats, no anti-union propaganda. No supervisor should confront employees about their union preferences." He said that unions put power in the hands of workers and that they level the playing field. "They give you a strong voice for your health, your safety, higher wages, protection from racial discrimination and sexual harassment," Biden said. Amazon's bid to postpone a union vote at a warehouse in Alabama was earlier rejected by the country's National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Amazon appealed in January to prevent a mail-in vote by the warehouse workers on whether to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. The NLRB, in its ruling, said that Amazon's appeal raised "no substantial issues warranting review," CNBC reported. The voting is being closely watched as it is the first major unionisation effort within Amazon since 2014 when similar efforts by repair technicians at a warehouse in Delaware failed as they could not get enough votes required for joining a union. In what appears to be a bid to discourage the union drive, Amazon set up a website reminding workers that joining a union will cost them money in the form of membership dues. "Why pay almost $500 in dues? We've got you covered* with high wages, health care, vision, and dental benefits, as well as a safety committee and an appeals process. There's so much MORE you can do for your career and your family without paying dues," said the website doitwithoutdues.com in its appeal to Bessemer employees. The Married At First Sight couples would normally wait until the first commitment ceremony before moving in together. But it appears that the show's producers have decided to switch things up for this year's newlyweds. Making a surprise announcement following Monday's dinner party, 'love expert' John Aiken announced the couples will instead be moving in together immediately. Plot twist: During Monday's episode of Married At First Sight, expert John Aiken (pictured) revealed the couples would be moving in together before the first commitment ceremony 'Congratulations everyone on your nuptials. But the honeymoon is now well and truly over,' he began. The 50-year-old resident expert continued: 'We're shaking things up this year, there is no commitment ceremony this week. 'Instead, tomorrow you will start setting up house as man and wife when you move into your new apartment.' Shake up: The show's producers have decided to switch things up for this year's newlyweds. Pictured: Samantha Harvey John explained that each of the couples' relationships will be tested, while put under the microscope by the experts. 'You will need to get along with one another, learn about personal space and really get into the nitty gritty of your relationship,' he told the couples. 'There's no hiding. It is something that will take you way out of your comfort zones and require all of you to turn to your partner, be honest and get along.' 'We're shaking things up this year, there is no commitment ceremony this week. Instead, you will start setting up house as man and wife when you move into your new apartment,' said John New home: The couples were photographed moving into SKYE Suites Sydney in September, and remained there until the final vows were filmed in December Spotted: Alana and Jason were among the couples spotted filming multiple takes while checking into their temporary Sydney residence Just married: Melbourne-based luxury car dealer James Susler, 44, (right) and his 'wife' Joanne Todd, 39, (left) were also spotted Casual: James was seen carrying two Gucci bags, and opted for comfort, wearing a black T-shirt and white tracksuit pants The couples were photographed moving into SKYE Suites Sydney in September, and remained there until the final vows were filmed in December - unless, of course, they'd already left the experiment by then. The complex offers a 24-hour concierge service, five-star fitness centre and swimming pool, and plenty of local amenities. When they weren't required on set, the participants would often be found shopping in the city or relaxing in one of several nearby cafes. Settling in: Newly married Beth Moore, 39, (left) and her 'husband' Russell Duance, 37, (right) were all smiles as they made their way into the Sydney apartment Newlyweds: Melbourne fashion designer Sam Carraro (left) and his bride Coco Stedman (right) were seen chatting as they also made their way into their apartment Settling in: Jake Edwards and Rebecca Zemek(both pictured), who married in the first episode, appeared to be impressed with their new digs Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. 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 Suspected Islamist militants riding 4x4 vehicles and armed with machine guns killed nine civilians in attacks on three villages in central Mali late on Sunday, local officials said. Two different sets of assailants struck the ethnic Dogon villages of Gorey, Simikanda and Djamnati in Mali's Mopti region, which has been ravaged in recent years by Islamist and inter-ethnic violence, the officials said. Moulaye Guindo, the mayor of Bankass, which is near Gorey and Simikanda, blamed the attacks on the same militants who killed eight people in attacks on a Malian military post and a gendarme base last Thursday. Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State regularly attack Malian security forces, UN peacekeepers and civilians in the area, and they have stoked ethnic conflict between farming communities like the Dogon and Fulani herders. Guindo and Yacouba Kassogue, the deputy mayor of Doucoumbo, which is near Djamnati, said four people were killed in Gorey, four in Djamnati and one in Simikanda. 'They attacked, set fires and stole cattle,' Kassogue told Reuters. Mali has been in crisis since Islamist militants seized its desert north in 2012, forcing France to intervene the following year to push them back. But they have regrouped and extended their operations into central Mali and neighbouring countries in West Africa's Sahel region Short link: Sand mining company pulls out of Papua New Guinea March 01,2021 | Source: RNZ A campaign to stop sand mining along 38 kilometres of Papua New Guinea's Madang coast has been successful. A Singaporean company, Niugini Sands, had applied to mine the sands but concerns were raised about the impact on coastal communities and the environment, which includes nesting grounds for the endangered leatherback turtle. A court injunction was sought to try and force the Mineral Resources Authority to conduct further consultations with local communities within the Sumgilbar local government district. But the authority advised environmentalist, Wenceslaus Magun, who led the campaign, that Niugini Sands had withdrawn its application to mine the sands. He said the people were delighted with the outcome. A Director of Niugini Sands, Marcus Ong, told RNZ Pacific earlier that all mining was harmful so the critical issue was how this was managed and how affected zones were rehabilitated. He also said preliminary information showed the Madang sands were of too poor a quality for many other uses. Radio New Zealand 2021 Theme(s): Others. Salary $83,179.20 - $127,025.60 Annually Location Arlington *METRO-accessible*, VA Job Type Full-Time Permanent Department Department of Environmental Services Job Number 3117-21A-DES-SD Closing Continuous Position Information The Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management (OSEM) within the Department of Environmental Services is seeking a highly skilled technical and programmatic Energy Program Manager with an entrepreneurial sense of emerging energy markets and technologies, to strategically lead climate and energy efficiency renewable programs. The OSEM operates as Arlington County's core agency for climate mitigation and adaptation programs, and a growing portfolio of cross-departmental and community-facing energy programs. Additionally, Arlington County adopted and updated the Community Energy Plan (CEP) 2019 which reflects the climate, energy, and social will of its citizens and businesses. The CEP sets defined goals for renewable energy resourcing and arriving at a carbon-neutral community, integrates emerging technologies in the transportation and storage sectors, creates a pathway toward energy resilience and introduces energy equity into policy and program design. Specific duties include: Providing technical assistance and strategic planning to the climate and energy programs which address the broader community greenhouse gas reduction goals; Leading strategic design and development of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and projects with an emphasis on performance and cost-effectiveness; Planning and implementing strategies for County operations to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2025; Organizing utility contract specifications, developing work scopes for energy efficiency projects, and participating in negotiations related to energy efficiency, clean transportation and renewable energy projects; Determining and assessing opportunities for on-site renewable installations at government sites and facilities; Developing, managing and implementing energy programs and initiatives to reduce the county's energy consumption; Developing scopes of work for energy efficiency projects including energy performance contracts, budgets, and timelines for projects, and performing return on investment analyses; Conducting regular reviews of energy monitoring, including utility bill payments, account review activities and providing energy-related input into the design and operation of County facilities; Supporting or leading grant project development application and execution; Communicating and improving complex energy concepts to staff, elected officials, and the public through verbal presentations, written memos, position papers, and Board Reports; Representing the County on regional and state-wide committees and participating in regional, interdepartmental and community work groups on energy and sustainability issues; Addressing VA Assembly proposals and legislation, and statewide utilities commission initiatives; Maintaining relationships with Dominion Energy and other utilities to enhance potential partnerships and future negotiations; and Performing other duties as assigned. The successful candidate will possess: Demonstrated expertise in renewable energy resources and transactional mechanisms (e.g., power purchase agreements and off-site virtual power purchase agreements, and renewable energy credits); Experience in clean transportation vehicles of various vehicle classes, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure; Ability to assess grid demand and load data, knowledge of demand-side management and distributed generation; Familiarity with greenhouse gas inventories and developing effective reduction strategies that align with energy, buildings, transportation, renewables and other optimization and conservation measures and technologies; Familiarity with state and national energy regulation and legislation; Experience with national or state programs, including ARRA, Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grants, and carbon tax-funded grant programs; Familiarity with design and installation of energy efficient system modifications; Experience developing operational procedures, detailed reports and proposed legislation; Experience with energy accounting, including benchmarking, weather adjustments, and consideration of utility rate schedules; and Experience supporting calculation of cost effectiveness, rates of return, and consideration of future energy price escalations. Selection Criteria Minimum: Bachelor's degree in environmental science, physical sciences, engineering, planning, or related field, plus three years of experience in environmental planning, environmental management, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs or related program areas. Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience. Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's Degree in related field and experience/certification(s) in one or more of the following; Certified Energy Manager (CEM) by the Association of Energy Engineers; Driving regional partnerships with other local governments, utilities and/or private-sector stakeholders; Identifying and understanding indicators and impacts of environmental justice and equity in the energy sector; Effective communication and outreach experience with low-to-moderate income, underserved or disadvantaged communities; and Energy procurement and contracting skills. Special Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record. A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. Additional Information Work hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday- Friday, may include some weekend and evening work. Currently teleworking under COVID-19 practices and policies. The official title for this position is Environmental Management Specialist, Principal. Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will be rejected. NOTE: This position is listed as "open continuous" with a preferred filing date of March 29, 2021. Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed, and qualified applicants referred on a continuous basis. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered. Arlington County Government employee benefits depend on whether a position is permanent, the number of hours worked, and the number of months the position is scheduled. Specific information on benefits and conditions of employment can be found on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: (see application details) Permanent, Full-Time Appointments All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available: Paid Leave : Vacation leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. Leave accrual increases every three years until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. There are eleven paid holidays each year. Health and Dental Insurance : Three group health insurance plans are offered - a network open access plan, a point-of-service plan, and a health maintenance organization. A group dental insurance plan is also offered. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. A discount vision plan is provided for eye care needs. Life Insurance : A group term policy of basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance is available with rates based on the employee's age and smoker/non-smoker status. Retirement : The County offers three vehicles to help you prepare for retirement: a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service. The County also contributes to this plan. For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)) . The County also matches your 457 contribution, up to $20 per pay period, in this plan. The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to set aside money on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your base pay. Other Benefits: The County also offers health, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; long-term care insurance; tuition assistance; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other employee benefits. Permanent, Part-Time Appointments: Part time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week. Limited Term Appointments: Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status. Temporary Regular Appointments: Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments: Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements. A batch of Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first Covid-19 vaccine to reach the Southeast Asian country. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the unloading of the vaccines at a Philippine Air Force base located in the capital, the Xinhua news reported. "I convey my sincere gratitude to the Chinese people and the government of China for this gesture of friendship and solidarity," Duterte said in a televised address. Duterte said receiving the CoronaVac vaccines from China makes another step forward in the Philippines' fight against Covid-19. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that it not only shows the friendship between the two countries and peoples but also signifies the intent of both militaries in jointly fighting against Covid-19 and deepening defence cooperation. China has provided support to the Philippines's efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic early last year. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the arrival of the Chinese vaccines is a sign of continued friendship between the Philippines and China. "We are celebrating the arrival of the Sinovac vaccines," Roque said during the live coverage of the vaccine arrival. The landing of the aircraft that brought the vaccines to the Philippines "symbolizes hope," he added. --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.) Firefighters put out a fire in a Kona Electric vehicle in Daegu, Jan. 23. Yonhap By Baek Byung-yeul With Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution (LGES) deciding to replace battery packs for the former's 82,000 electric vehicles (EVs) including the Kona EV, it appeared that the two companies have not reach an agreement over how they will share the recall expenses estimated at around 1 trillion won ($892 million). According to the battery industry, Monday, no progress has been made yet about how much cost they will incur, and given the sensitivity of the matter, attention is growing on whether the two companies will seek legal remedies to minimize impact. The recall announcement comes after Hyundai Motor announced its first recall of 77,000 Kona EVs four month ago as more than 10 of the cars were reported to have caught fire both here and abroad. Despite Hyundai updating its battery management system (BMS), more fires were reported after the recall, so the carmaker decided to launch an additional recall on Feb. 24 in order to replace the battery packs in some 82,000 EVs. On the same day, the transport ministry said it had confirmed the risk of fire was due to an issue related to the way anode taps were used in the battery cells, which appears to have drawn out lithium residue from the cells. The ministry added, however, it has yet to replicate any of the reported fires. The ministry said some battery cells manufactured at LGES' factory in Nanjing, China, between September 2017 and July 2019 were found to have defects and added this defect could lead to fires. As the cause of the fires is not clearly identified, LGES has claimed that a structurally compromised anode tap in the battery cells could not be a direct cause for the fires, since the transport ministry couldn't replicate the case. But Hyundai Motor wants to resolve the case as soon as possible, as the company recently unveiled its new EV model IONIQ 5. At a time when carmakers are rushing to release EVs, the IONIQ 5 has drawn keen attention from consumers worldwide based on its retro-modern design and longer travel range compared to its competitors. Hyundai Motor will reportedly decide the cost-sharing ratio within this week so that the recall costs could be reflected in its 2020 fourth-quarter results, but a company official denied the speculation saying "nothing has been decided yet." "There is no deadline for the matter. We are discussing the issue with LG and trying to reach a peaceful resolution," the Hyundai Motor official said. LGES also wants to settle the issue amicably. The company representative said "the two companies are discussing the matter and expect they can come to an amicable settlement." Hyundai Motor's Kona EV / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor A mock wedding between a 12-year-old child bride and her 37-year-old fiance is staged in Oslo on October 11, 2014. The wedding was part of a campaign against child marriage. (Audun Braastad/AFP via Getty Images) More Orange County Cities Look to Condemn Child Marriage The boycott of child marriage is gaining momentum in Orange County, where two more cities are considering joining a movement to ban the practice. Costa Mesa city council will vote March 2 on an End Child Marriage Under 18, No Exceptions law. Aliso Viejo city council will vote to adopt the same resolution March 3. (It was scheduled to do so during its Feb. 17 meeting, but the motion was delayed.) Its legal for minors to get married with parental consent and judicial approval in California. Sexual relations between minors and adults are allowed for, which would be illegal without marriage. California has no minimum age to marry and no restrictions on the age differences between the partners. The movement among Orange County cities to ban child marriage began Sept. 14, 2019 during a forum hosted by Global Hope 365, a non-profit based in Tustin. During the event, more than 100 Orange County elected officials and community leaders called for policies that bring an end to child marriage. If Costa Mesa and Aliso Viejo approve the motions, the cities will authorize the use of their websites and social media platforms to post information related to ending child marriage. Says a Costa Mesa city report: It is negligent for communities and societies as a whole, to lock child brides and their families in a cycle of poverty that can persist across generations. Ending child marriageenabling girls to finish school, delay motherhood, find decent work and fulfil their potentialcould provide a secure future and limitless opportunities for success. If approved during the cities council meetings, the resolutions will take immediate effect. The issue of child marriage has previously been addressed in several other Orange County cities. Fullerton became the most recent Orange County city to adopt a resolution against child marriage last November. Irvine, Anaheim, Newport Beach, and Yorba Linda passed the same resolution last year. All of the resolutions passed unanimously. Bigg Boss Kannada 8, the new season of the Sudeep-hosted reality show has finally premiered in Colors Kannada, on February 28, Sunday. Among the 18 promising contestants who entered the Bigg Boss Kannada 8 house, Divya Uruduga has already garnered attention with her charming personality. Divya Uruduga is a budding actress, who has appeared in several television series and films. The young talent hails from a small village named Uruduga in Thirthahalli of Shimoga district. During her introduction to the Bigg Boss Kannada 8 house, Divya Uruduga described herself as a naughty, little childish, extrovert, and fun-loving person. The actress, who is also a social media influencer, stated that she is overwhelmed to be a part of Bigg Boss Kannada, which is unarguably the biggest reality show in the Kannada television industry. Divya Uruduga, who grew up in Thirthahalli, completed her higher studies in Mangaluru. The young actress completed her B.Sc. in Multimedia, from a prestigious institution in Mangaluru. She received the first acting offer after the makers of her debut show Chitte Hejje, spotted her pictures on social media. Post Chitte Hejje, Divya Uruduga appeared in quite a few television series including Ambari, Khushi, and Om Shakti Om Shakti, and so on. The actress made her Kannada movie debut with the 2017-released movie Huliraya, and received rave reviews for her performance. She later appeared in several films including Dhwaja, Face To Face, Joru, Nishkarsha, and so on. In an interview given to a leading media, Divya Uruduga had made it clear that she wants to be selective with the films she pick. Also Read: Bigg Boss Kannada 8 Grand Opening Live Updates: Nidhi Subbaiah, Chandrakala Mohan & Others Enter The House Bigg Boss Kannada 8: First Picture Of The House Of This Season Is Out! Highlights Oppo has announced the Find X3 series will be launched on March 11. This is going to be a global launch of the two new phones. The Oppo Find X3 Pro will come with Snapdragon 888 chipset and 10-bit colour system. Oppo Find X3 Pro launch date is March 11. The 2021 flagship from Oppo will go against the likes of Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Mi 11 and for that, it is going to leverage the power of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. Not just the processor but other hardware in Find X3 Pro is also going to be phenomenally better than what we saw on last year's Find X2 Pro. The most interesting change -- which also happens to be what the tagline "Awaken Colour" seems to be referring to -- is the new 10-bit colour system. Last year, Oppo confirmed X3 Pro will go for a full DCI-P3 colour gamut that three main components will support, the camera, the storage, and the display. Tagging along will be the Oppo Find X3, which will be the regular variant in the series. However, unlike the last time, the Find X3 is rumoured to not have the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 888 processor inside. Instead, according to Geekbench, the Oppo Find X3 may rock the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, which is a slightly tweaked version of the Snapdragon 865 meant for almost flagships this year. But regardless, both Oppo Find X3 Pro and the Find X3 are going to be 5G smartphones. Oppo Find X3 series launch event date, time Oppo will launch the Find X3 series smartphones, the X3 Pro and the X3, on March 11. The event is slated to begin at 11.30 am GMT, which translates to 5 pm IST. This is expected to be a global launch, so it is likely Oppo may announce the India pricing at the event. But on the flip side, Oppo is also likely to hold a separate India event for the launch of the Find X3. Oppo Find X3 series specifications The Oppo Find X3 Pro is said to come with a 6.7-inch 1440p OLED screen with an adaptive refresh rate that ranges between 10Hz and 120Hz, which means the power consumption will be improved on the device. In the leaked images, the phone can be seen with a punch-hole on the left side of the display. The Find X3 Pro is going to have a 25X microscope macro lens with a light ring around it. Two of the cameras could be Sony sensors: one of them may be the unannounced 50MP custom main sensor that Sony is making in collaboration with Oppo while the other one could be an ultrawide sensor. And finally, the third camera could be a zoom lens with maybe 2X or 3X optical zoom. Notably, the Find X3 Pro will replace the telephoto camera that was there on the Find X2 Pro. Moreover, the Oppo Find X3 Pro is said to have wireless charging, along with support for fast wired charging. Rumours are rife there will be 65W fast wired charging and 30W wireless charging on the phone, which means we may not see the 125W fast charging technology materialising on a phone yet. And most importantly, the Oppo Find X3 Pro will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which is already confirmed by the company. What else is confirmed is the 10-bit DCI-P3 colour system across the hardware components inside the Find X3 Pro, which will change the way colours are perceived on smartphones. As for the Find X3, it was spotted on a benchmarking website with possibly the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, meaning it will not offer flagship performance in the series. It is also expected to have an AMOLED display with a high refresh rate. However, not much is known about this phone right now. Many materials in the modern world--from the plastics that dominate it to the electronic chips that drive it--are constructed of polymers. Given their ubiquity and the evolving requirements of our world, finding better and more efficient methods of making them is an ongoing research concern. In addition, current environmental issues necessitate the use of methods and input materials that are environment friendly. Recent research by scientists from Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan, has been in this vein, adding a new twist to a polymerization technique that has been around and successful since the 1980s: living cationic polymerization, where the polymer chain growth does not have the ability to terminate until the monomer is consumed. The scientists have, for the first time, demonstrated metal free organocatalysis for this reaction at room temperature for vinyl and styrene polymers, two of the most common polymers used in plastics. Their method is not only more efficient than current metal-based methods, but also environment friendly. Their findings are published in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Polymer Chemistry. In their study, they first tested the applicability of non-ionic and multidentate (or several electron-pair accepting) halogen bonding organocatalysts, specifically two iodine-carrying polyfluoro-substituted oligoarenes, to the living cationic polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether. Mentioning one of their reasons for choosing this, Dr. Koji Takagi, lead scientist in the study, explains in an aside: "The non-ionic characteristic is advantageous because the catalyst is soluble in less polar solvents like toluene which is more suitable for such polymerization of vinyl monomers." They found that with the tridentate variant, the reaction smoothly progressed even at room temperature, producing good yield--though less than the theoretical limit--in a reasonable amount of time, without the catalyst decomposing or appearing as an impurity in the product. As Dr. Takagi explains, this could be a good advantage over existing metallic catalysts used in industry: "While metal-based catalysts have significantly contributed to the materials sciences over the past century, the contamination of remaining metallic impurities often brings about a decrease in the produced materials' lifetime and performance. We believe that the present finding will lead to the production of highly pure and reliable polymeric materials." In saying this, he is, of course, referring to the other major finding in the study as well. The second part of their study involved evaluating the applicability of ionic iodoimidazolium catalysts with various counter anions (the negative ions accompanying the positively charged group) to the polymerization of p-methoxystyrene (pMOS) and unsubstituted styrene, the latter of which is more difficult to polymerize than the former. pMOS easily polymerized at room temperature within two hours and with no catalyst decomposition of a bidentate 2-iodoimidazolium salt that had a triflate counter anion. Unsubstituted styrene gave maximum polymer yield via a reaction at -10C for 24 hours with an anion-stabilizing and bulky counter ion-containing catalyst. Speaking of the products yielded, Dr. Takagi says: "Although the obtained polymers are not intended for any specific purpose, our methodology is expected to be applied to the synthesis of conductive polymers and degradable polymers, which should not include metallic impurities if they're to be constructed for practical use." Indeed, the findings are invaluable for moving forward with the more efficient production of polymeric materials for a variety of applications. However, the successful use of organocatalysts at room temperature also offers several other advantages. For one, organocatalysts lack sensitivity to moisture and oxygen, taking care of the sometimes serious problem that the relatively hygroscopic nature of ionic catalysts poses to such controlled polymerization reactions. Further, they are readily available and therefore, low cost. They are also not toxic to the environment. And when reactions are conducted at room temperature, the energy requirements are low. This study is, thus, paving the way for low cost electronics in the future that are made of environment friendly materials in sustainable ways. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Syracuse, N.Y. The top coronavirus expert from St. Josephs Health Hospital will answer your questions on Facebook today about Covid-19 and vaccines. Dr. Helen Jacoby is the medical director of infectious disease at St. Josephs and has headed the hospital systems coronavirus battle since it began a year ago. Jacoby came to St. Josephs in 2003 and was promoted to medical director in 2012. She chairs the hospitals infection control committee. Before coming to Syracuse, Jacoby worked at Beth Israel Hospital and other medical facilities in Boston, where she specialized in HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. She chaired the Boston hospitals AIDS task force for four years. She has also co-authored a book on HIV and another on preventing opportunistic infections. Jacoby believes the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic is behind us, although the threat remains. The number of new cases is falling and the rollout of the vaccines is gathering steam, although substantial transmission remains in Onondaga County, according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jacoby will answer questions from 3-3:30 p.m. today on the Syracuse.com Facebook page. You can ask questions in the comments, or you can send them ahead of time to gcoin@syracuse.com. Well get to as many as we can. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Covid still a threat in CNY, but as one expert says: The worst is behind us A Covid-19 variant has reached CNY: How concerned should we be? Covid-19 in Onondaga County: No new deaths during three of past seven days Thousands in CNY get second Covid vaccine: sore arms, fevers and a huge relief Rush was the greatest but we have to have more than just talk By Greg Strange There is little I can add to the encomiums that have poured in for Rush Limbaugh. He pioneered conservative talk radio at the national level, paving the way for countless others to follow. He was wildly funny and entertaining as he skewered the absurdities of liberalism, all with half my brain tied behind my back. Like most conservatives, I loved the guy. Because I spend a lot of time in a car, I spend an inordinate amount of time listening to conservative talk and its hard to imagine a world in which listening to Rush is no longer an option. But I have to say that I listened to him far less in recent years. That was partly due to the fact that through podcasts one can listen to virtually anyone at any time and I was able to discover new people who, frankly, were more action- and results-oriented than Rush seemed to be. Dont misunderstand. Its not that Rush didnt want to have a significant effect on the country by calling out liberalism and leftism. Of course he did, he loved America profoundly and he wanted to help preserve the values that made it great by exposing the insanity of the other side. The problem is, as weve seen all too clearly, all the talk in the world cant seem to slow down, let alone stop, the leftist tsunami that has washed over virtually everything. The left has proven to be impervious to criticism, rational debate and even mockery, which Rush wielded so expertly. So, perhaps the passing of Rush is the perfect time to ask a rather profound question: After all these decades of not just Rush, but an army of conservative talking heads who have absolutely ruled the radio airwaves, what good did any of it do ultimately? The country has never been as far left as it is now. The left controls every institution and is bent on destroying everything that ever made America great. Ironically, liberal talk show hosts have barely been able to get a word in edgewise, at least at the national level. Air America, an attempt to do just that, was an abysmal failure and quickly went the way of the dodo bird. So conservatives have been able to talk over the radio airwaves till they were blue in the face. But if the point of all that hot air was to save the country from leftism, then what good did any of it do in terms of practical results? The inescapable conclusion is, none. And that obviously begs the question, why? It might be an oversimplification but the answer would seem to boil down to a simple homily: all talk and no action. Trump used to say that about his Republican rivals, and politicians in general, on the campaign trail back in 2016. The problem for conservatives is, all talk and no action is far more descriptive of Republicans than Democrats. Democrats, who are now basically neo-Marxists, will typically fight like rabid dogs in the street to promote what they believe in and get the results they want. Thats because Marxists have zero gratitude, hate everything under the sun and are highly motivated to tear it all down. In the meantime, most Republicans can barely manage to raise an eyebrow in consternation or lift a pinkie to promote conservative policy. Theyre like prehistoric insects frozen in amber. But why? Why are they so feckless? The only answer I can come up with is that theyre terrified of what has proven to be the lefts ultimate rhetorical weapon: Racist! Homophobe! Islamophobe! Xenophobe! Transphobe! White supremacist! Bigot! Hater! All Democrats have to do is scream these calumnies till the cows come home. Then, whenever they say, Jump! Republicans, after melting into a puddle of quivering Jello, say, How high? Nor does it help that Republicans are mired up to their necks in the swamp. The upshot is that the great and beloved Rush Limbaugh, along with hordes of other conservative talkers, can talk until doomsday, but without an effective political party to fight for conservative values, it all comes to naught. Until conservative voters read the riot act to the Republican Party, nothing will likely change and the talkers can bloviate until hell freezes over and it will be like water off a ducks back. I mentioned earlier that I discovered some podcasters who are action- and results-oriented. The single best example is a guy named Daniel Horowitz (not to be confused with David Horowitz), who is associated with Glen Becks outfit, Blaze Media. He is a prolific writer and podcaster, but what makes him different is he doesnt just complain or waste time commenting on the endless soap opera and tit-for-tats. Instead, he offers strategies and solutions for all our major political problems and he constantly questions why Republicans refuse to grab even the lowest hanging political fruit that could easily be used against the opposition. Horowitz was even recognized by Rush himself who said on the air last year that Horowitz had brought him to an important realization about the Supreme Court and the concept of judicial supremacy. Rushs website provided a link to an article by Horowitz entitled Time for Trump and conservatives to crush judicial supremacy: Heres how, those last two words being the most important. Heres how you do it, Republicans but of course they didnt. Horowitz had been somewhat critical of Rush and most other conservative talkers in recent years for not pushing harder on the Republican Party to take much needed action to stem the tide of leftism. But after Rushs passing, he paid tribute to the man who had inspired him as a mere child to eventually pursue a career in political policy and commentary. Horowitz doesnt have that special personality and chemistry that Rush did (nor does anyone else), but he is absolutely brilliant when it comes to solutions and political strategizing. Thats exactly what the right needs if it isnt to be totally crushed by the left. Rush was an inimitable and matchless titan in national conservative talk radio who was loved by tens of millions. Hell be sorely missed and another one like him shall not pass this way again. Now is the time to take the talk to another level and demand action from those who claim to represent us. Otherwise, all that endless talk is just a bunch of self-indulgent hot air. Greg Strange can be reached at gpstrange30341@yahoo.com. (c) 2021 Greg Strange. Home Coronavirus fragments have been detected in wastewater in Melbournes west, with residents urged to get tested. The Department of Health and Human Services has urged residents in Werribee, Werribee South and Hoppers Crossing to get tested should they have coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild. As Victoria recorded no new local or international cases of coronavirus for the third day in a row, the viral fragments were found in a Werribee wastewater plant on February 25 with no known people in the area who have recently had COVID-19. Independent testing confirmed the result on Monday. The detection comes as 75 per cent of Victorian office workers were able to return to the workplace on Monday following an easing of restrictions on Friday. Victoria had 11 active cases on Monday, four fewer than yesterday, and the state reported 6972 tests had been processed on Sunday. It may seem as though the best way to ensure your food lasts longer is to throw it all into the fridge - but experts have warned coffee should be firmly kept in a cupboard. Coffee, whether ground or whole beans, should never be stored in the fridge as doing so can ruin the flavour. The reason is that coffee naturally functions as a deodoriser - so if it's stored along with other groceries that give off an odour, such as fish, meat and cheese, it will easily absorb these smells. Instead, British experts have recommended it is stored in an airtight container in a cupboard to prevent it from going stale, according to The Telegraph. It may seem as though the best way to ensure your food lasts longer is to throw it all into the fridge - but experts have warned coffee should be firmly kept in a cupboard (stock photo) Martin Isark, a food and drink taster who founded the Can I Eat It website, said: 'So much coffee is spoilt by poor storage which makes the coffee producers want to weep. 'A coffee bean is a natural product and like wine it will deteriorate if stored wrongly,' he added. The food guru said that to ensure drinkers were tasting their coffee at its best, the beverage should be enjoyed within a few hours of the beans being roasted and ground. Despite many experts explaining that storing coffee in a fridge will taint its aroma, several supermarkets - including Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Ocado - still suggest customers should keep fresh ground coffee in a fridge or freezer once opened. Tesco, Waitrose and Harrods say ground coffee and beans should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard. Paul Rooke, of the British Coffee Association, told the publication: 'Coffee, like many food and drink products when exposed to air, will bring about a deterioration process. Cool and dry are the key words: the ideal storage is an inert, airtight container stored in a cool place.' The UK website Barista Del Caffe added that the most effective way of storing ground coffee is in an airtight container or vacuum sealed bags. However, it said 'particular coffee profiles' could be stored in the fridge if done correctly. For instance, some coffee experts use it during the extraction process to create a richer and thicker espresso body. HANGZHOU, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Doctors in an eastern Chinese hospital said they successfully performed the country's first double lung-liver transplant surgery to save the life of a man. The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, in Zhejiang Province described the combination surgery on Saturday as one of the toughest for transplant surgeons. The patient, identified as a man in his 40s, received the two lungs and liver from a female donor after being diagnosed with late-stage pulmonary fibrosis and late-stage liver cirrhosis. Two surgeons renowned for performing lung and liver transplants led the surgery, which the hospital described as timely for the patient who was "at his last gasp." Doctors replaced the patient's two lungs before proceeding to the liver transplant, a tough test for the newly transplanted lungs and medics alike, according to the surgeons. The hospital said they removed the respirator on Sunday after the patient reported a sound recovery in lung and liver functions. Kathmandu, February 28 A United Nations committee has recommended Nepals graduation from the status of a least developed country into a developing one after 2026. The United Nations Committee for Development Policy has recommended for Nepals graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category with a preparatory period of five years, the Nepali Mission to the United Nations in New York informs in a statement. The CDP, in its triennial review held from February 22 to 26 made this recommendation as Nepal had met the criteria for graduation for three consecutive reviews, the statement reads, Out of three indices which the CDP considers while deciding on the question of graduation GNI per capita, human assets index (HAI), and economic and environmental vulnerability index (EVI), Nepal met the thresholds for the latter two, thus being eligible for graduation. This recommendation needs to be endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) which shall then be noted by the UN General Assembly later this year. It is noted that Nepal had met these criteria for the first time in 2015, however, the government had requested the UN to defer the graduation citing the 2015 earthquake and its impact on development activities. Further, Nepal feared it would miss out on various economic aids from the international community after the promotion. This time also, the government of Nepal has requested the UN to extend the preparatory period to five years although, in normal times, it would be three years citing the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to Nepal, Bangladesh and the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic have also been recommended for graduation by the CDP. The CDPs recommendation is an important milestone in Nepals development trajectory towards the national ambition of Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali and the nations development aspirations as reflected in the Fifteenth Periodic Plan, the statement says. Advertisement U.S. health officials have warned America that it's not time to relax even as new COVID cases fell below 50,000 nationwide for the first time since October 18. At a press conference on Monday, Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said she was 'deeply concerned' as some states roll back COVID-19 restrictions. She noted that current figures shows national case counts have flattened off at around 70,000 per day and deaths at around 2,000. 'I am really worried that states are rolling back the same restrictions that helped us. We cannot be resigned to 70,000 cases a day, 2,000 daily deaths,' she told reporters. 'At this level of cases, we stand to lose the hard-earned ground we have gained...This is the not the time to relax critical safeguards...We have the potential to stop the surge of cases. Stay strong in convictions.' It comes after nearly half of all states - 20 and the District of Columbia - reported a rise in case for the first time in more than a month, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins data. On Sunday, the U.S. recorded 51,204 infections, a decline of 5.4 percent over last week, one of the slowest declines seen over the last fee weeks. There were also 1,097 daily deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. However, on Monday, cases dipped again to less than 50,000 for the first time since October, with just 48,092 new reported, according to the Covid Tracking Project, and 1,241 deaths. The figures were based on 45 states as five had not reported at the time they were published. It comes as the country saw a record 306 new coronavirus variant infections on Sunday. Health officials say cases have increase five-fold over the month of February - and nearly all of the new cases were in Florida, Michigan or Texas. A homegrown variant that first appeared in New York is stirring increasing concern among officials, including Fauci, who highlighted at a press briefing the fact that it appears to evade either antibodies from prior infection or those triggered by vaccines. However, laboratories that run tests to determine if coronavirus samples are variants are not allowed to tell patients if they are infected with a mutant strain due to federal rules that control what information labs can share. Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Monday she was 'deeply concerned' as some states roll back COVID-19 restrictions Meanwhile, on Sunday, Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, also expressed his concern. Over the past week, the nation recorded multiple days of daily news cases around 70,000. Despite plunging from a high of nearly 300,000, Fauci said it's not enough. 'We've been in this situation before, when you start to see a decline in number of cases, if you prematurely lift the restrictions, we have a few examples of the rebound back,' Fauci, the director for the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease said on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday. 'Our baseline of daily infections now, even though it's way down from where it was, 300,000-plus per day, is down to around 70,000. That baseline's too high. 'Let's keep our feet on the accelerator right now, because we are going in the right direction.' Fauci also said he would take any of the vaccines that are approved in the U.S. - Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson - because all showed protection against severe disease and death. Fauci (pictured) encouraged that Americans get whichever vaccine is available to them after J&J's shot received emergency use authorization from the FDA last month 'All three of them are really quite good, and people should take the one that's most available to them,' he told NBC. 'If you go to a place and you have J&J and that's the one that's available now, I would take it. I personally would do the same thing. I think people need to get vaccinated as quickly and as expeditiously as possible.' On Saturday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the J&J one-shot vaccine for emergency use one day after an independent panel of advisors recommended that it be approved. The inoculation was found to be 86 percent effective at preventing serious disease overall with 72 percent efficacy in the U.S. and 64 percent in South Africa. By comparison, Pfizer's vaccine as well as Moderna's are about 95 percent effective at preventing severe disease. 'It's not the weaker vaccine. They are all three really good vaccines,' Fauci told NBC. The first doses of J&J's long-awaited one-dose COVID-19 vaccine began shipping overnight, and the first shots could be given as early as tomorrow, the firm's CEO said Monday. 'We think literally between the next 24 to 48 hours, Americans should start receiving shots and arms,' said Alex Gorsky on NBC's Today. J&J started shipping four million doses of America's third coronavirus vaccine overnight on Sunday, after it received emergency authorization from the FDA. On Monday, cases dipped again to less than 50,000 for the first time since October, with just 48,092 new reported, according to the Covid Tracking Project, and 1,241 deaths J&J's vaccine was approve for emergency use authorization, which should help boost the number of daily vaccinations even higher than the current average of 1.7 million per day Vaccine rollout is picking up speed across the U.S., with about 15% of the population having received one or more doses It comes after the firm hit production delays, forcing it to walk back its original pledge to deliver 10 million doses in its first shipments, but CEO Alex Gorsky said J&J can 'absolutely' meet its new delivery goal. J&J still thinks it can deliver 100 million doses of the vaccine by July. Combined with the promised doses from Moderna and Pfizer, that would give the US enough vaccine to inoculate every adult in the nation. The firm's highly-anticipated vaccine couldn't come soon enough. After six weeks of promising declines in COVID-19 case numbers, there are signs the trend may be stalling. Vaccine rollout is picking up speed across the U.S., where 15 percent of the population has now had one or more doses, according to Bloomberg data. But the race to inoculate Americans is heating up, too, as the nation tries to out outpace the spread of highly infectious variants from the UK, South Africa and Brazil, as well as its own homegrown mutant forms of coronavirus. Cases of the coronavirus variants in the U.S. increased five-fold over the month of February from 471 to 2,463 across 47 states, with a high number of cases reported on Sunday at 306 It comes as the U.S. reported a record-high number of coronavirus variant cases on Sunday at 306. The majority of the increase was seen in three states: Florida, Michigan and Texas. Florida saw an increase of 104 cases to a total of 605, Michigan was up 85 cases to 421, and Texas saw a rise of 41 cases to 102. At least 2,400 cases are linked to B.1.1.7, which was first seen in the UK and that the CDC says will become the dominant strain in March. Over the month of February, the nation has seen variant infections increase five-fold from 471 to 2,463 across 47 states. However, laboratory officials say they cannot tell patients or their physicians if they have been infected with a mutant strain. The tests needed for detecting variants, known as genome sequencing tests, have not been authorized by the FDA as a diagnostic tool, according to Kaiser Health News. What's more, there are federal rules which dictate what information university labs can report and to whom, meaning health officials counties don't even know which counties in states have cases. The testing is only performed by certain labs that are not required to tell patients or doctors their results. Recently, a new study found that every coronavirus variant of concern has been circulating in Houston at a low level for at least six to eight weeks, The New York Times reported. This makes Houston the first city in the country to not only find all the variants that have come from abroad but also homegrown variants first seen in New York and California. The findings highlight how the true prevalence of the variants are all unknown and how there are no surveillance measures in place to track their fast spread. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 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. One of California's most notorious serial rapists and killers, known as the I-5 Strangler, has died after allegedly being attacked in prison. Roger Reece Kibbe, 81, was discovered unresponsive on the floor of his cell at Mule Creek State Prison at around 12.45am on Sunday. Kibbe's cellmate, convicted murderer Jason Budrow sporting a '666' tattoo on his forehead, was found standing next to the mortally injured man. California's I-5 Strangler Roger Reece Kibbe, 81 (left), died in prison after being found in his cell next to fellow inmate Jason Budrow, 40 (right) Kibbe's death at Mule Creek State Prison is being investigated as a homicide Kibbe was taken to the prison's medical facility, where he was pronounced dead at 1.30am, Fox 40 reported. Amador County Undersheriff Gary Redman said Kibbe's death was 'being investigated as a homicide.' Officials did not say how Kibbe died, or whether a weapon was used. Budrow, 40, who is serving a life sentence on a 2011 second-degree murder conviction, has been moved to an administrative segregation unit. As of Monday afternoon, he has not been charged in connection with Kibbe's death. Kibbe was serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole for raping and killing at least seven women and girls over the span of 30 years. Kibbe, a married furniture maker whose brother was a police detective, was initially convicted in 1991 and sentenced to life in prison for strangling to death 17-year-old Darcie Frackenpoh. The runaway from Seattle was killed after she disappeared from a West Sacramento street frequented by prostitutes, and her naked body was found in the mountains south of Lake Tahoe in 1987. Kibbe (left), a former furniture maker, was serving multiple life sentences for raping and killing at least seven women, including Lou Ellen Burleigh, 21 (right), in 1977 Darcie Frackenpohl- a 17-year-old prostitute killed by Roger Kibbe Kibbe took a plea deal in 2008 to avoid the death penalty and was sentenced to multiple life sentences DNA evidence from six other murders, in which the victims were throttled, linked Kibbe to the crimes that were committed between 1977 and 1987. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to murder counts with special enhancements of rape and kidnapping stemming from the killings of Lou Ellen Burleigh, Lora Heedrick, Barbara Ann Scott, Stephanie Brown, Charmaine Sabrah and Katherine Kelly Quinones. Budrow is serving a life sentence on a second-degree murder conviction from 2011 Burleigh, 21, had left her Walnut Creek home in 1977 for a job interview but never returned. She was kidnapped to Lake Berryessa, tied up, raped and murdered. Her skeletal remains were recovered in a creekbed in 2011, some 34 years after her death. Brown, 19, of Sacramento, was sexually assaulted, strangled, and her body dumped in a ditch. A crumpled map was found near her car parked along I-5. Sabrah, 26, a mother of three from Sacramento, disappeared after her car broke down along I-5 and she drove off with a strange man who offered to help. Her strangled body was found three months later. Heedrick, 21, of Modesto, was last seen getting into a car. Her body was found along I-5 five months later. Scott, 29, was kidnapped in Pittsburg. Her body was dumped at Lone Tree Gold Course in Contra Costa County, reported CBS San Francisco. Prosecutors said in 2009 that Kibbe, who was an avid skydiver, used parachute cords to restrain his victims. He cut the womens clothing into irregular shapes with scissors that belonged to his mother, and kept the pieces of fabric, as well as locks of his victims hair, as souvenirs, reported The Mercury News. Late last year a work colleague and I started discussing end-time theology. The discussion was centred around the rapture and whether Christians would be raptured before, during or after the tribulation. This lead us on a journey of reading articles, commentaries and watching various YouTube videos to try and grasp the different theories and theologies surrounding this mysterious part of biblical prophecy. At first we did not share the same view of end-times doctrine and at one point we were quite convinced of our differing views, but in the end it was me whose mind was changed. As I started to delve deeper in research and discussion on the topic a funny thing started to happen. YouTube started recommending videos for me, based on my searches on end-time doctrine and this is where the fun began. Rapture dreams and end-time scenes In amongst meaty theological videos on the end-times that I was watching, these videos of people of all ages started popping up, giving their viewers a quick run-down on a rapture dream they have just had. Most, if not all stated quite emphatically: make sure you are right with Jesus, he is coming sooner than you think! I must have watched a dozen of these videos and all of a sudden I was getting quite stressed and quite excited about Jesuss imminent return. All of a sudden more videos started getting recommended to me. Some of the titles were provocative and loud. END OF THE WORLD 2028 URGENT RAPTURE IMMINENT URGENT END-TIMES PROPHECY You get the picture? All of a sudden, I have gone from watching videos on peoples personal rapture dreams, to these other individuals who somehow know exactly when Jesus is coming back, exactly when the Anti-Christ will be revealed, and that Donald Trump will be President in 2021. I had gone from watching and reading solid biblical-based literature to being sucked in by emotional, short and high-octane videos about the end-times, that at one point I was utterly convinced that what I was watching was definitely true. Stewardship lacking Good thing Im pretty grounded in my faith and it didnt take me long to settle down and go back to solid biblical doctrine, however; these videos unfortunately attracted hundreds of thousands of views, sometimes even millions. The effect this had on Christians was quite profound. Fear and apathy abounded. What I started to see and hear about were testimonies of Christians selling up, leaving their jobs, purchasing properties in the outback, building bunkers, stocking up in supplies and people were going to wait out the tribulation because they were told Jesus is coming back this year, the end of the world will happen in 2028 etc. etc. Then I heard another testimony from a friend of mine whose cousin and their family have decided to stop everything: no more study, no more encouraging their kids to do well at school, no longer saving their money, Jesus is coming back this year, so there is no point living life to the max., its time to bunker down and wait for our Lords return. History repeating Whenever life hits the fan and something affects the global community, there is always a group of end-times chasers who start spouting the age-old adage the end is nigh. People currently warning the Christian community that Jesus is coming soon or that the world will end on particular date, are just doing what many others have done over the past 2000 years. Unfortunately for some Christians, this has caused fear to envelop them, apathy to strike and they no longer live in the confidence and fullness of life that God has given them. What this has also revealed is that many Christians do not know their bibles, they do not wrestle with Gods word, and they do not seek understanding from those who have studied the word of God. Instead they follow thoughtlessly the many doomsday videos that have plagued YouTube. What we know What we know for sure is that Jesus will return one day; we know the saints will be raptured; we know there will be persecution of those who call Jesus their Lord and Saviour. This is all explicitly explained in scripture. There should be no surprise that Christians will lead a tough existence here on Earth, but this is no cause for fear and uncertainty. Be diligent with the gifts the Lord has bestowed on you, be good stewards of the resources given to us by God, and be the shining light of the world that so desperately needs Jesus. Things will get worse and not just for us. We are now entering into a period where it is the Body of Christs time to shine. For most of my audience, we face very little persecution, and chances are we will not face prison or death for our faith, but this is a reality for millions of Christians in the developing world. Rather than building our bunkers, giving up on progressing our lives and hiding because we think the end is nigh, pray for those who are persecuted, share the gospel with your unsaved friends and family members, love those who are shunned by society, bless your enemies. And keep your eyes on Jesus and off YouTube. 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. Online registration for COVID-19 vaccination kicks off on March 1 Ukrainians may sign up for vaccination through the Diia (Action) mobile app, the Diia portal, as well as through the Health Ministry's call center. Online registration for vaccination against COVID-19 began in Ukraine on Monday, March 1, 2021. "From today, Ukrainians will be able to register online or by phone for a free vaccine shot against COVID-19. The database of submitted applications will allow for proper logistics and let [the authorities] provide people with safe vaccines as soon as possible," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at a regular conference call chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to the presidential press service. Read alsoCOVID-19 vaccination campaign launched in Joint Forces Operation zone in Donbas (Photos)Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov explained Ukrainians might sign up for vaccination through the Diia (Action) mobile application, the Diia portal, as well as through the Health Ministry's call center (0 800 505 201). "This is a high-quality online product for every Ukrainian to apply for being put on a waiting list. When there is the appropriate stage in keeping with the vaccination road map, citizens on the e-waitlist will be offered to sign up for a vaccination point by choosing a specific date and time of the visit," he said. Vaccination in Ukraine On February 22, the Ukrainian Health Ministry registered the Oxford/AstraZeneca (Covishield) COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The vaccine was developed by the University of Oxford in partnership with the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and authorized by the UK, the European Union, and India. On February 23, the first batch of the Covishield vaccine arrived in Ukraine. On February 24, Ukraine launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign. About 160 healthcare workers were first who got vaccinated. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Pennsylvania took a small step back toward normalcy from the coronavirus pandemic Monday, as the Wolf Administration issued orders easing limits for attendance at indoor and outdoor public gatherings and eliminated restrictions on out-of-state travel that had been in place through most of the fall and winter. Under the new orders, which take effect immediately: Indoor events and gatherings are limited to 15% of maximum occupancy regardless of venue size, subject to the distancing requirements that would require individual groups in attendance to be separated by at least six feet from other groups in attendance. Face masks would also still be required. Until now, indoor events had been limited to 10 percent of maximum occupancy for a facility, with an absolute cap of 500. This could apply to events like concerts, sporting events and public meetings, though residents should check with the organizers of any specific event to see how they are choosing to operate with regard to public attendance. Outdoor events and gatherings are limited to 20% of maximum occupancy also regardless of venue size, subject to the same distancing and masking requirements. This would appear to open the door to limited public attendance at outdoor sporting events, concerts, festivals and the like. These venues had previously been limited to 15 percent of maximum occupancy, with an absolute cap of 2,500. The new capacity rules apply everywhere except in the city of Philadelphia, which announced last week that it would adopt the state Department of Healths existing rules - including the absolute attendance caps of 500 indoors and 2,500 outdoors - as of March 1. It was not immediately clear if or when the city would move to the new state guidelines. In Pittsburgh though, shortly after the state announced the new limits, Pittsburgh Pirates President Travis Williams issued a statement saying that the team will welcome back fans to its home games this spring, with announcements regarding ticket availability and other protocols to follow in the next few days. We cannot wait to open PNC Park and host our fans for a summer-long celebration of reconnecting with family and friends around Pirates baseball, Williams said. The state is also lifting orders requiring proof of COVID-19 tests and/or quarantines for Pennsylvanians returning from out-of-state travel. I think what were basically acknowledging is that there does need to be movement in the way of incrementally relaxing mitigation measures so that as a society we can safely progress into something that feels more like normalcy, said Acting Health Secretary Allison Beam. With that being said, all of this is being done with abundant caution and tremendous real-time evaluation of what the level of risk posed by Covid to our Commonwealth continues to be. Beam said these and all of the remaining mitigation orders applying to bars and restaurants, movie theaters, fitness centers and other personal services business will continue to be reviewed through the spring, based on case counts, variant presence, hospitalizations and vaccination rates. Gov. Tom Wolf cautioned that with the looser rules comes continued responsibilities for all Pennsylvanians. The reason we are seeing cases drop can be attributed, in part, to people following the mitigation efforts we have in place, the governor said. Mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene are making a difference and need to continue even as we see more and more people fully vaccinated. We need to balance protecting public health with leading the state to a robust economic recovery. We are lifting mitigation efforts only when we believe it is safe to do so. Carla Bruni said 'the fight continues' in an Instagram post today after her husband former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption. Sarkozy was today handed a three-year prison sentence, with two years suspended and the option of being detained at home with an electronic bracelet for the third year. He immediately appealed, sparking a new lengthy legal process. He will remain free during his appeal, with no arrest warrant issued. The appeal process could take years to conclude. 53-year-old singer-songwriter Bruni took to Instagram to express her anger at the court's verdict. A caption alongside a picture of the pair reads: 'What insane relentlessness my love @nicolassarkozy.... The fight continues, the truth will emerge #injustice.' Carla Bruni, wife of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy who has been found guilty of corruption, has said 'the fight continues' in an Instagram post following her husband's guilty verdict Carla Bruni was seen out on the streets of Paris only minutes after her husband Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption Not long after her husband was found guilty and she posted her message on Instagram, Carla Bruni was spotted out and about in Paris. It comes as former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption today at at the Paris Tribunal and convicted for trying to illegally influence a judge during his time in office. The verdict, during a three-week trial, is the latest twist in the tumultuous political career of the 66-year-old, who was France's president from 2007 to 2012 and remains a favourite for many on the right. The conviction is likely to undermine any attempted comeback to frontline politics, an ambition he has denied, but which has been promoted by many supporters ahead of 2022 presidential elections. Only one other French president, Sarkozy's political mentor Jacques Chirac, was put on trial after leaving office, but he was excused from having to attend his 2011 corruption trial because of ill health. Chirac received a two-year suspended sentence over the creation of ghost jobs at the Paris city hall to fund his party when he was mayor. The last French head of state to go to prison was Marshall Philippe Petain, the wartime Nazi collaborator. Sarkozy, wearing a dark suit and tie with a white shirt, bowed his head, but otherwise remained motionless as the verdict was read out. A Paris court on Monday found French former President Nicolas Sarkozy (pictured, arriving at court this morning) guilty of corruption and influence peddling and sentenced him to one year in prison and a two-year suspended sentence The verdict on Monday related to a case of influence peddling and corruption, one of at least four separate investigations into the former leader, who married former supermodel and singer Carla Bruni while in office. Sarkozy was accused of offering to help a judge obtain a senior job in Monaco in exchange for putting pressure on an inquiry into his campaign finances. The former president told the court during the trial he had 'never committed the slightest act of corruption'. Prosecutors called for him to be jailed for four years and serve a minimum of two, and asked for the same punishment for his co-defendants - lawyer Thierry Herzog and the judge Gilbert Azibert. They were also found guilty and sentenced to the same punishment as Sarkozy and also said they would be appealing. Frances National Financial Prosecutors Office, the PNF, had accused the three defendants of working out a corruption pact to advance their careers. Jean-Francois Bohnert, the head of the PNF said he found the Sarkozy offences particularly serious, having been committed by a former president of the Republic who was once the guarantor of an independent judiciary. 'The events would not have occurred if a former president, as well as a lawyer, had kept in mind the magnitude, the responsibility, and the duties of his office,' prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon told the court as the trial wound up in December. The graft and influence-peddling charges - among several legal cases against him - carry a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of one million euros ($1.2 million). Prosecutors say Sarkozy and Herzog tried to bribe judge Azibert over an inquiry into claims the former leader had received illicit payments from L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt during his successful 2007 presidential campaign. The state's case is based on wiretaps of conversations between Herzog and Sarkozy, with prosecutors accusing him of 'using secret telephone lines' to cover up his attempt to infiltrate the court. The 66-year-old politician, who was president from 2007 to 2012, was convicted for having tried to illegally obtain information from a senior magistrate in 2014 about a legal action in which he was involved Only one other French president, Sarkozy's political mentor Jacques Chirac, was put on trial after leaving office, but he was excused from having to attend his 2011 corruption trial because of ill health. Pictured: Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy leaves his home in Paris on March 21, 2018 Prosecutor Celine Guillet said it had been established 'with certainty' that judge Azibert transmitted confidential information about the Bettencourt case to his friend Herzog. One conversation 'overwhelmingly' showed that Sarkozy had promised to intervene to get Azibert a post in Monaco, she said. Sarkozy's lawyer Jacqueline Laffont lashed out at the flaws and 'emptiness' of the prosecutor's accusations, with the defence also claiming that the tapped conversations had been just 'chats between friends'. Azibert, who was a senior adviser at France's highest appeals court at the time, never got the job in Monaco. Sarkozy's lawyers argued this pointed to the absence of corruption, but prosecutors said French law makes no distinction between a successful corruption attempt and a failed one. Sarkozy was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing in the Bettencourt affair but still faces a raft of other legal woes. Also found guilty with him were his lawyer, Thierry Herzog, 65, (left) and Gilbert Azibert (right), the 73-year-old retired judge who was said to have been bribed - with both having denied wrongdoing On March 17 he is scheduled to face a second trial over accusations of fraudulently overspending in his failed 2012 re-election bid. He has also been charged over allegations he received millions of euros from Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi for his 2007 election campaign. And in January, prosecutors opened another probe into alleged influence-peddling by Sarkozy over his advisory activities in Russia. The Paris home Sarkozy shares with Ms Bruni was raided by fraud squad officers within two days of him losing his presidential immunity from prosecution in 2012. Sarkozy's long-running legal travails helped sink his comeback bid for the 2017 presidential vote, but he has surfed on a wave of popularity since announcing his retirement from politics in 2018. Lines of fans queued over last summer to have him sign his latest memoir, 'The Time of Storms', which topped best-seller lists for weeks. In 2011, Sarkozys one-time political mentor and predecessor as president, the late Jacques Chirac, was convicted of embezzlement and misusing public funds. He was tried in absentia, however, because of his alleged poor health at the time. Chiracs crimes related to his time as Paris Mayor, and he was given a two-year suspended prison sentence. Before that, Marshal Philippe Petain, Frances wartime leader, was found guilty of collaborating with the Nazis. He was given a death sentence, but because of his age and First World War record this was later reduced to prison. Sarkozys appearance in the dock comes as France drops the convention that the countrys executive is in a sacredposition, and so above the law. Instead, there is growing frustration at the way politicians have used public funds for their own benefit. In June last year, Sarkozys former Prime Minister Francois Fillon and his British wife, Penelope Fillon, were given prison sentences after being found guilty of fraud. Judges sitting at the Paris Correctional Court ruled that the couple had created fake jobs that paid Mrs Fillon the equivalent of close to 1million in public funds. Fillon, 66, was given a five-year sentence, with three years suspended, while his 65-year-old wife received a three-year suspended sentence. Both have appealed their sentence. 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. Harvey Norman's billionaire founder Gerry Harvey has defended pocketing $14.5million in JobKeeper wage subsidies despite posting a 116 per cent profit increase. The 81-year-old chairman's furniture and electrical retailer made a record $462million after tax profit in the six months to December 31 as lockdowns made consumers more inclined to update their home furnishings. That $248.4million increase - compared with the second half of 2019 before the pandemic - marked a 116.3 per cent half-year net profit surge. Harvey Norman's billionaire founder Gerry Harvey has defended pocketing $14.5million in JobKeeper wage subsidies despite posting a 116 per cent profit increase. The chairman is pictured with his wife Katie Page, the chief executive of Harvey Norman Despite its success in the face of lockdowns, Mr Harvey defended pocketing $14.5million on JobKeeper wage subsidies, mainly in the first half of 2020, as Australia suffered its first recession in almost three decades. 'I'm sick of talking about JobKeeper because I've been on the phone talking about it all day,' he told Melbourne radio broadcaster Tom Elliott. 'I don't want to go into it, it's like going down a rabbit hole talking about why and where.' The retail king, who last year made The Australian Financial Review Rich List with a net worth of $2.6billion, argued the JobKeeper money went to wholesale operations and therefore was not propping up the successful retail side of the business. 'We took a view that the businesses that got that JobKeeper money desperately needed it and the ones that didn't get it didn't need it,' Mr Harvey said. 'That went to areas of our business that were suffering at the time. The 81-year-old chairman's furniture and electrical retailer made a record $462million after tax profit in the six months to December 31. That $248.4million increase - compared with the second half of 2019 before the pandemic - marked a 116.3 per cent half-year net profit surge. Pictured is a Harvey Norman store in Malaysia 'It's not as if it went to Harvey Norman regular shop, that didn't happen.' Harvey Norman's annual report showed it received $7.6million from JobKeeper to help struggling franchisees. The business was eligible for $22.3million in government wage subsidies. Releasing its half-yearly results on Friday, the retailer also revealed it received $3.6million from taxpayers for its wholesale operations. Shareholders were also the big winners with interim dividends climbing to 20 cents a share, up from 12 cents a share a year earlier, and investors don't have to pay tax on this under franking credit laws. A woman has revealed how she discovered her husband was a bigamist with a secret double life 100 miles away. Nurse Yve Gibney, 60, could not believe it when she saw the smiling wedding day image of her oil boss husband and father of her child Maurice Gibney on Facebook. The blushing bride on the happy photograph was not Mrs Gibney. The picture had in fact been taken 17 years after she and Maurice had tied the knot, following a whirlwind three-month romance in the late 1990s when they met at a nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria. Maurice had been juggling his time between two women. He is still married to the second woman, Suzanne Prudhoe, who lives in Stourbridge, Worcestershire - 100 miles away from Mrs Gibney's home in the Wirral. Both had been blissfully innocent, unaware of the subterfuge surrounding them. Suzanne believed Maurice was divorced. In 2014, he received a six month suspended sentence for the crime. Mrs Gibney describes the dreadful day, in April, 2013, that she discovered her husband had again walked down the aisle. Yvonne and Maurice Gibney on their wedding day, 11 weeks after they first met Gibney and Suzanne Prudhoe at their wedding in the Gulf state of Oman in 2013 'I was looking at some of his family's Facebook pages and I saw his sister wearing a fascinator and his other sister all dressed up in wedding attire. 'I had this bizarre gut feeling that my husband had married someone else, but my friend said, ''don't be ridiculous''. But I couldn't shake that feeling.' In a 2019 interview with This Morning, Mrs Gibney said: 'I knew it was him, but I couldn't believe it was him. I rang my friend and said, ''I can't believe what I'm seeing''.' Maurice had been juggling his time between two women. He is still married to the second woman, Suzanne Prudhoe (pictured) When Mrs Gibney first met Maurice, she was working as a nurse, and he was a quantity surveyor. She had a son, he had a daughter, but neither had been married before. Those care-free early years swirled in Mrs Gibney's mind as she studied the Facebook wedding picture. Maurice, the husband believed for so long was a happy, easy-going family man - they had a son, now 22, together - was a bigamist. Divorced and with a new man in her life, the 60-year-old has now turned her near unbelievable story into a bombshell book, Face Of A Bigamist. Mrs Gibney said: 'The overwhelming emotion is one of absolute betrayal. It's not just an affair. 'Marriage is a declaration of love and commitment. When you believe you're in a contented relationship it's not something you can ever contemplate. 'I was a victim of bigamy and I was emotionally scarred, but it doesn't define me and I chose not to stay a victim. The best thing that came out of this, is that I and my sons are free of him.' Mrs Gibney and Maurice had spent long periods apart due to his jet-setting work, and they were in the throes of getting divorced when the true depths of his deception were discovered. 'With hindsight, for us to have lived apart we had to have a tremendous amount of trust,' Mrs Gibney said. 'It wasn't the traditional marriage, but for us, it worked. I trusted him and loved him unconditionally and I felt that he loved me back in the same way.' They had begun life as man and wife overseas, then Mrs Gibney returned to her Wirral roots, while Maurice continued to work in the Middle East. Nurse Yve Gibney (pictured) could not believe it when she saw the smiling wedding day image of her oil boss husband Maurice on Facebook In 2014, Maurice Gibney received a six month suspended sentence for the crime It worked - or, rather, Mrs Gibney believed it worked. And it took 17 years before that security was stained by suspicion and doubt. 'His trips home became shorter and more infrequent which he put down to the pressures of work,' Mrs Gibney recalled. The work pressure was nothing to the complex domestic roles being played out by Maurice. In reality, he had met the Stourbridge teacher in Oman in September 2011. They were engaged eight months later and married in March, 2013. It was a lavish, 45,000 ceremony in Oman. Just two months before that wedding, Mrs Gibney and Maurice had decided to end their own marriage, but were still legally an item. Mrs Gibney and her son had travelled 3,000 miles to be with Maurice, working in Oman, for Christmas. The trip was wasted - the disappointed pair were told he had been forced to carry out a job in the desert. In reality, Maurice was in Stourbridge with the new woman in his life. She was looking forward to having Maurice home during another seasonal holiday, only to be told he was suffering from depression and couldn't make the trip. In reality, he was already in England with Suzanne. Driven by suspicion, Mrs Gibney traced a car Maurice had hired to a Stourbridge address - the home, she believed, of a work colleague. She was stunned when that individual introduced himself as Maurice's brother-in-law. Mrs Gibney's gut-feeling was accurate. The lie that had been Maurice's life was eventually exposed by a simple hire-car booking. She said: 'I was getting worried because he wasn't replying to texts and had said he was feeling quite depressed. 'He told me he was too depressed to come home. It turns out, he actually was in England and had registered a hire car to an address in Stourbridge. 'I searched the names online and found the guy who lived there on LinkedIn. 'He was a partner in a gas and oil construction company which had offices in Birmingham and Oman which was the field my husband worked, so I assumed they were friends and he had gone there to recover while he was depressed. 'I rang the family in Stourbridge and made up a story about the car hire. In the conversation he said to me, ''Maurice is my brother-in-law''. 'It didn't make sense. He then said, ''when Maurice comes back to England he always stays with us''. 'His new family were completely unaware of my existence, he had told them we were divorced for several years and had kept it a secret to protect our son.' Mr Gibney said: 'For Maurice's first Christmas in Oman, my son and I travelled 3,000 miles to spend the holidays with him, but he told us he had to work in the desert. 'I later discovered, after tracing email IP addresses, he had actually spent Christmas in Stourbridge with Suzanne Prudhoe and her family, having only met her three months before. 'He left me and my son in Oman even though we had flown out to be with him.' Maurice and Suzanne are still together and married. Its about to get bone-chillingly cold, as a strong Arctic front is expected to batter Massachusetts with unseasonably cold temperatures, strong winds and bitter wind chills for the early part of this week. Massachusetts should get blasted by the cold Arctic air Monday through Tuesday, ushering in gusty northwest winds, negative wind chills and even some snow showers or squalls, according to the National Weather Service. Gusts will peak at 40 to 55 miles per hour throughout the state, and below-zero wind chills are forecast for much of southern New England late Monday and early Tuesday, the weather service said. A wind chill advisory has been issued for the Berkshires as well as western Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties, where forecasters are warning of wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero. The weather service has also issued a wind advisory generally for the entire state. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result, the federal agency said. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. Rain ends from northwest to southeast late this morning into this afternoon. Strong wind gusts develop with the arrival of arctic air tonight into Tuesday. Peak wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph are possible. Turning much colder for Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/Folu0FIhbs NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) March 1, 2021 Wind chills late Monday and early Tuesday are expected to reach as low as -2 degrees on Cape Cod, -7 degrees in Boston, -9 degrees in Worcester, -6 degrees in Springfield and -13 degrees in the Berkshires, according to meteorologists. The bitter wind chills will be compounded by strong to potentially damaging gusts that are expected to clock in at 45 to 50 mph throughout the state. The Cape should see slightly heavier gusts of 50 to 55 mph, forecasters said. Due to the Arctic airmass headed in the direction of southern New England, low temperatures Monday night will plummet to 17 degrees on the Cape, 12 degrees in Boston, 9 degrees in Worcester, 12 degrees in Springfield and 7 degrees in the Berkshires, according to the weather service. The combination of these temperatures and the strong winds will result in wind chills bottoming out in the single digits below zero to -20, the agency noted. Have a bit more confidence in wind chills of -15 to -20 along the eastern slopes of the Berkshires. [Gusty Winds & Unseasonably Cold Mon Night - Tues] Arctic cold Monday night into Tuesday ushers in gusty northwest winds & low wind chills. Gusts up to 55 mph possible. Below zero wind chills expected for much of Southern New England Monday night/early Tuesday AM. pic.twitter.com/GdPHH9DPzU NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 28, 2021 Isolated or scattered snow showers and possibly squalls are forecast Monday evening as well, especially before midnight. Accumulations will be minimal, though squalls could impact the evening commute, according to forecasters. The interior of Massachusetts and areas near the states border with New Hampshire and Vermont should be affected the most. The chilly weather will continue through Tuesday, with afternoon highs only reaching 30 degrees on the Cape, 28 degrees in Boston, 26 degrees in Worcester, 28 degrees in Springfield and 24 degrees in the Berkshires, meteorologists said. Temperatures are expected to return to above-average levels by midweek before turning cooler and unsettled late in the week into the weekend, according to the weather service. Related Content: Arctic air, burst of snow to hit Massachusetts Monday; Temperatures well below normal to last through Tuesday New Delhi: The Modi Government has asked all the higher educational institutions to take students to memorials of freedom fighters and residences of martyrs on the ocassion of 70th Independence day celebrations. Students from different universities and institutions will also be taking pledge on Wednesday across the country to make nation a terrorism-free, caste-free, corruption-free, uncleanness-free and poverty-free society. Faculty should be requested to conduct guided tour of students to memorials of freedom fighters and places/houses of any martyr from military, para-military and police, to acquaint the students about contribution of the freedom fighters, UGC secretary J.S. Sandhu said in a communication to vice-chancellors of all universities. Prime ministers endeavour to have a terrorism-free, caste-free, corruption-free, uncleanness-free and poverty-free society would only actualise with the help of the society and make his vision a reality. Accordingly you are requested to kindly organise pledge-taking ceremony on August 9 at 9.30 am, he added. A quiz competition will also be organised for students based on the contribution of freedom fighters and the events as they unfolded during the freedom struggle. Besides talks by eminent educationists, debates and declamation contests, are also in the activities listed by UGC for commemoration of the 75th year of Quit India Movement and 70th year of Indias Independence. While Doordarshan will be telecasting programmes on nationalistic theme, movies promoting patriotism, similar programmes will also be held in educational institutions. Also Read: UPSC main exam 2017: Civil services main examination date released A woman has revealed she was left devastated after she was told waving to her 80-year-old father through his care home window was 'illegal' by staff. Oriana Criscuolo, 46, from Stockport, wanted to drop off some treats for her father Attilio, who suffers from Parkinson's disease and dementia, at Bamford Grange care home earlier this month. After handing over the supplies to the carer at the front door, she said that she was going to pop over to her dad's window to wave at him, but claims she was told it would be 'illegal' to do so. A stunned Oriana then attempted to walk over to her father's ground-floor window, only to find the curtains had been shut, despite it being the middle of the day. She has since tried to visit a second time, but her father's curtains have remained closed, revealing: 'It's just unbelievable. I cannot understand how care home staff people who are being paid to care - have become so uncaring. Their behaviour is inhumane and cruel. It's beyond belief.' Maria Percival at Four Seasons Health Care Group, the company that owns the home, has promised to investigate the matter. Oriana Criscuolo, 46, from Stockport, has revealed she was left devastated after she was told waving to her 80-year-old father Attilio through his care home window was 'illegal' by staff Oriana branded staff at the 1400-a-week care home 'inhumane and cruel' after they said she was not allowed to wave at her father through the glass Oriana said she began dropping off treats for her father after growing increasingly concerned by his weight loss during the pandemic. She explained: 'It's been difficult knowing what food to bring my dad because care home staff keep telling me he's not able to eat certain things due to him having trouble swallowing and suffering from choking fits. 'In the past, I've brought him home-made pasta dishes, cakes, biscuits and chocolate, which he tells me he rarely gets. 'When I've asked about this, the staff say he's not always able to eat the stuff I bring, but they never tell me what actually happens to the food he doesn't get. I'm guessing they must throw it away.' Oriana said her father (both pictured), who suffers from dementia and has Parkinson's, has been left heartbroken over the waving ban Oriana said she began dropping off treats for her father after growing concerned about his weight loss, but was told by staff that he cannot eat certain things due to choking fits A stunned Oriana said she attempted to walk over to her father's ground-floor window, only to find the curtains had been shut, despite it being the middle of the day This has been a worry for Air B&B host Oriana, because her father has lost a huge amount of weight since being admitted to the care home in March 2020 after a bout of pneumonia, dropping at one point from his usual 74 kgs to a dangerously low 40 kgs. What are the rules around window visits at care homes? According to the gov.uk website, as of 6 January, visiting care homes should be supported and enabled wherever it is possible to do so safely in line with this guidance and within a care home environment that takes proportionate steps to manage risks. All care homes, except in the event of an active outbreak, should seek to enable: outdoor visiting and screened visits visits in exceptional circumstances including end of life should always be enabled Visits should happen in the open air wherever possible (this might include under a cover such as an awning, gazebo, open-sided marquee etc.) For these visits: the visitor and resident must remain at least 2 metres apart at all times the visit can take place at a window Some providers have used temporary outdoor structures sometimes referred to as visiting pods which are enclosed to some degree but are still outside the main building of the home. These can be used. Advertisement She said: 'The staff tell me my dad eats a lot and that he often has double portions so I don't know why the weight's falling off him. 'I made a formal complaint a few months ago and, since then, the weight is slowly going back on. 'He's now up to 50 kgs. I bring him extra food to help build him up. He's so skinny.' Last Thursday, nobody knew that Oriana was planning to come but she didn't think it would be an issue. She explained: 'I was out shopping and decided on a whim to pick up some bits for my dad. He's been getting pretty depressed at the home since the latest lockdown, so I try to pop by whenever I can.' When Oriana has brought food for her dad in the past, she'd drop it at the front door, then stop by his window to give him a wave and she planned to do the same last week. After handing over the supplies to the carer at the front door, she told the member of staff that she was going to pop over to her dad's window to wave at him. The carer told her that the rules had changed and that visitors were no longer allowed to do that. 'I laughed at first,' Oriana recalled, 'and told the carer not to be silly. I thought she was joking. 'That's when the carer told me that if I went to wave at my dad, I'd be breaking the law she actually suggested that waving at him through his window was illegal.' The carer disappeared inside the home, and the care home manager came out to speak to Oriana. Oriana said: 'The manager confirmed that waving through residents' window was against the law - and that I wasn't to do it under any circumstances. 'I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was lost for words.' The manager continued talking, explaining that it wasn't her decision to ban waving and that it was the local authority that had made the new rule. 'I just stared in disbelief,' confessed Oriana. 'The Covid restrictions at the home are hard enough to accept as it is, but this was insult to injury. 'I was feeling a bit frustrated by this stage so I angrily said 'b****cks to that I'm going to wave at my dad!' and strode off across the car park.' When Oriana reached the window of her dad's room, however, the curtains had been pulled tightly shut. She said: 'I couldn't believe it. His curtains were drawn so I couldn't wave to him! Attilio, who is originally from Italy, and who once appeared on TV's Homes Under The Hammer, is very disappointed not to have seen his beloved daughter 'There was no other reason for the curtains to be closed: it was the middle of the day! Even when residents have daytime naps, they don't close the curtains.' The baffled mother left the care home grounds in a daze, explaining: 'I told a couple of friends about the incident and they said I should have filmed it. I realised they were right. 'I should have recorded everything and I had my phone in my pocket - but I just didn't think of it. I was so shocked by what I was being told, it didn't cross my mind.' Two days later, on Saturday afternoon, Oriana returned to 1400-a-week Bamford Grange and filmed the interaction she had with staff. Oriana's father has been living in the care home since March 2020 after a bout of pneumonia (pictured together when Oriana was a baby) In the video footage, Oriana can be seen asking a member of staff who's come to the front door whether it's OK to wave at relatives through their windows. The staff member, dressed in a navy uniform with a red trim and sporting a blue surgical mask, replied: 'No, you have to book an appointment.' Care home residents allowed one visitor inside from next month From March 8, at the first stage of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, each care home resident will be able to nominate a regular indoor visitor. These indoors visits are in addition to other visiting guidelines, which have been in effect for several months. The nominated visitor: Will be allowed to regularly visit the person indoors, including holding hands with their loved one; Has to test negative for coronavirus before each visit and wear PPE during the visit; Doesn't need to have had their coronavirus vaccine; Won't be able to change once chosen. It's at the discretion of the care home to allow more than one named visitor in exceptional circumstances. These visits will be suspended if there's an outbreak of coronavirus in the care home. Advertisement Oriana has claimed this hasn't been the case on previous visits, saying: 'The carer was talking rubbish. 'I've had many window visits over the past year and have never once made an appointment: I've always just turned up and gone to my dad's window.' In the clip, Oriana continued: 'So you can't even open the curtains so I can just say hi to my dad?' The masked carer responded: 'We're not meant to, no. Oriana calmly asked where that rule has come from. 'From Stockport Council,' the woman declared She then asked why the council have any say in what happens at a private care home and the carer replied: 'Because they pay for his bed here.' 'No, they don't,' Oriana contradicted. 'My dad pays for his bed himself.' The staff member insisted that the home is obliged to go by what the council says and, although Oriana argued that the new rule 'is not law', the woman in the mask shook her head. She replied: 'I'm just the deputy manager: I just do as I'm told.' She then said she had to go and turned away, pulling the door shut behind her. The disgusted daughter then made another quick video to show where her dad's room is, pointing out that the curtains are closed once again. 'That's my dad's bedroom there,' she said, pointing to a ground floor window. 'And the curtains have been drawn now both times I've come here to wave to him... And I'm not allowed' On the subject of the 'no waving' rule, she added: 'I can't accept for a second that any local authority would come up with such pointless rule.' Oriana has since contacted the Quality Care department at Stockport Council, who were unable to confirm whether or not the 'no waving' rule existed. They told her the care home had informed them that they had closed her dad's curtain because she was filming. According to Oriana, this is not true because she didn't take her phone out of her pocket during her original visit, saying: 'By lying like this, they have broken my trust.' She has also had a video call with her dad since the incident. Attilio, originally from Italy and who once appeared on TV's Homes Under The Hammer, is very disappointed not to have seen his beloved daughter. The 46-year-old regularly drops treats and meals over to her father's care home and often waves to him from the carpark (pictured, Oriana as a baby with her father) Oriana said her father has become confused as to why she can't wave to him through the glass pane anymore (left and right) 'We had a nice chat,' said Oriana, 'but he was very sad. He likes it when I wave to him and doesn't understand why I can't do that any more. To be honest, nor can I. It makes me want to cry.' In December, the Manchester Evening News reported the Care Quality Commission deemed the facility to be in breach of regulations and putting its residents 'at risk of harm'. At the time, the Four Seasons group said: 'The Covid-19 pandemic has created immense challenges for all organisations in the health and social care sectors and we continue to strive every day to protect everyone in our homes. Maria Percival at Four Seasons Health Care Group, the company that owns the home, has promised to investigate the matter (above, Oriana with her father) 'We deeply regret that Bamford Grange Care Home has fallen below the standards that the Care Quality Commission requires and that we expect. 'We fully accept the areas for improvement identified in the report and since the inspection have been working to address them. 'We are pleased that the report recognised the caring and respectful nature of our staff and the positive impact this has on our residents. As ever, their safety and wellbeing is our priority. 'Our teams are working tirelessly to care for our residents and to support visits where it is safe to do so and in accordance with local guidance. At Bamford Grange, we simply ask that family members book an appointment for a window visit to ensure we can fairly accommodate visits for all our residents, including those who do not have a window that is easily accessible from street level. 'This requires using spare rooms in the home, which need to be thoroughly cleaned between uses. The vast majority of people have very willingly followed this request, understanding that it is in the interests of safety for everyone and we thank them for their understanding.' Could Nine be ready to switch regional affiliates again? Will 10 be heading back to Southern Cross? That may be on the cards with a report that Nines exclusive period to talk with Southern Cross Media Group expired on Sunday -with no deal in place. This leaves the broadcaster open to discuss with Bruce Gordon-owned WIN Television. Nine parted company with WIN in 2016 for Southern Cross ending a 28 year partnership, while 10 paired with WIN (Seven remains with Prime7). WIN Corp is also Nines biggest shareholder with a 14.9% stake. Outgoing CEO Hugh Marks told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Were clearly advanced in understanding the proposal that theyve made. Post-that we will engage with both Southern Cross and WIN Corp to understand what the final proposals will be so I imagine well be making a decision in March on what our new affiliate will be going forward. The benefit will be reasonably significant to the business under each of those scenarios. We would be silly not to explore all the options in the market. Southern Cross chief executive Grant Blackley indicated at the companys results last week that it is looking to renew its deal with Nine. Current affiliate deals expire on July 1st. Related Last April, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield marked Easter morning with the ringing of steeple bells as Masses were suspended and churches closed mid-way through Lent by the diocese in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Practicing Catholics in the four counties of Western Massachusetts that the diocese covers were advised at the time that Bishop Mitchell Rozanski would celebrate the televised Chalice of Salvation Mass Easter Sunday on WWLP Channel 22. This year, many observances related to Holy Week, which begins Palm Sunday, March 28, and includes Good Friday as well as Holy Saturday in leading to Easter Sunday, April 4, will return with some modifications to diocesan parishes that began, like other houses of worship in the state, to re-open for services in May under state directives. Holy Week observances will be guided by diocesan regulations as well as mandatory safety standards in the commonwealth that transitions Monday, March 1, to Phase 3, Step 2, of its phased reopening. Diocesan protocols state, among other guidelines, that Palm Sunday processions be minimized or omitted and very strict social distancing observed; the evening Mass of the Lords Supper on Holy Thursday should not involve the rite of foot washing; Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday could be collective silent prayer before the cross done by worshippers remaining in their pews. As we enter our second season of Lent in COVID, we must again adapt to our circumstances with creative zeal, said Bishop William Byrne in a Feb. 26 letter to clergy announcing diocesan Holy Week regulations. The guidelines and protocols are based on Vatican recommendations issued last year as infected travelers spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the respiratory disease that has upended life around the globe from China where it was first detected in late 2019. Governor Charlie Bakers declaration of a state of emergency in the commonwealth last March as COVID-19 cases rose in the state was followed by regulations that ordered temporary closure of services considered non-essential, and restricted indoor gatherings at the time to 10 people or less. The state started to ease some regulations in May and continues on its reopening timeline toward Phase 4, what has been dumbed the new normal, as recent data tracks declines in the number of deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19 in Massachusetts. A number of factors are credited with this including the introduction of vaccines against the virus in December and the continuation of preventative measures. The mandatory safety standards for houses of worship in Phase 3 include adhering to capacity at 50 percent of permitted occupancy as well as the wearing of face coverings and maintaining social distance requirements. Dozens of COVID-19 clusters linked to houses of worship and hundreds of new cases of the respiratory disease were identified in early December, prompting Baker to ask all of our faith leaders and residents who practice to engage in safe protocols, policies, and procedures. The state, on its website, says houses of worship are encouraged to hold services virtually or outdoors, and are required to report to their local board of health in the community where a service was held if any attendee tests positive for COVID-19. The recommendations from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments note a more normal pattern of worship is being resumed in some countries. Members of many faiths, including Christians, Jews and Muslims, have turned to remote services during the pandemic, though the Vatican guideline announcement reportedly referred to problematic aspects observed in connection with this and encouraged social media be used for faithful who are unable to attend their own church to follow the diocesan celebrations as a sign of unity. Some of the parishes in the Springfield Diocese have begun to post on the diocesan website their Holy Week services, including which will be live streamed during the Easter Triduum, which begins with the Mass of the Lords Supper on Holy Thursday, April 1. The posting for St. Michaels Parish in East Longmeadow shows that if seating capacity is reached for Easter Sunday Masses at 8, 10 and noon, the liturgies, in addition to being live streamed, will be broadcast on a radio channel so they can be heard by attendees in their cars who will also be able to receive Holy Communion after the Mass. St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow will offer Holy Week services that will also be live streamed. If attendance Easter Sunday exceeds capacity allowed, Masses will be broadcast on a radio channel so attendees can listen in their cars. (Photo by Anne-Gerard Flynn, Special to The Republican) Related content: Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 1 (ANI): Abu Azmi, leader of Maha Vikas Aghadi's partner Samajwadi Party, has asked the Maharashtra government to bring a resolution against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)-National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the ongoing state assembly session. He warned of taking to streets against the state government if it fails to do it. "I request the state government to bring resolution against CAA-NRC in ongoing assembly session. I also demand that a law on 5 per cent Muslim reservation should be passed too. Or else, we will take to the streets against the state government if it fails to do it," Azmi said. Reacting to Abu Azmi demand, Maharashtra Government's Cabinet Minister Aslam Shaikh said, "We are committed to giving the Muslim community a reservation in the coming days. We will take decisions regarding this matter soon." The CAA was passed by the parliament in December 2019. The law grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and came to India before 2015. The NRC for Assam is a record maintained by the Central Government for the people of Assam. It contains names and certain relevant information for the identification of citizens in the state. Currently, the register exists only for Assam. However, on November 20, 2019, Home Minister Amit Shah declared during a parliamentary session that the register would be extended to the entire country soon. The register was first prepared after the 1951 Census of India. (ANI) DMK leader on Monday sought to make light of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's allegation of corruption against his party, saying it was the BJP that "stands by corruption" by aligning with the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. Ridiculing Stalin for speaking on corruption issues, Shah had at a rally in Villupuram on Sunday asked him to "look within," asking "who did the 2G (spectrum allocation) scam" in which party MPs Kanimozhi and A Raja are accused. The DMK was part of the Congress-led government when the lead party did "Rs 12 lakh crore" worth scams, he had said. On Monday, Stalin told reporters that earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier spoken on similar lines, "now has spoken and tomorrow all BJP leaders coming from the Centre will only say the same thing." "They held the hands of OPS (Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam) and EPS (CM K Palaniswami), who are steeped in corruption, commission and collection. That shows who stands by corruption," he said in an apparent reference to Modi holding the hands of the two leaders at a government function here last month. "Corruption, commission, collection" is an oft repeated statement by Stalin to target the ruling AIADMK over graft charges. Further, Stalin said seat-sharing talks in the DMK-led alliance have commenced from Sunday while the party manifesto was also getting ready. A 'special' meeting will be held on March 7 at Tiruchirappalli by the party where he will release a 10-year "vision document" to make Tamil Nadu numero uno in all sectors in a decade, Stalin 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.) Hyundai Card Vice Chairman and CEO Chung Tae-young speaks during the Da Vinci Motel event at Hyundai Card Space in Seoul in this 2019 file photo. Courtesy of Hyundai Card By Park Jae-hyuk Hyundai Card Vice Chairman and CEO Chung Tae-young implied that he may one day hand over leadership of the company to a digital expert who may have no financial industry experience. "If financial firms should only be led by financial experts, tech firms by engineers, press by journalists, universities by professors and fashion companies by designers, are these the right principles in this era of innovation where boundaries are disappearing?" he wrote on Facebook, Saturday. "I've always felt uncomfortable with the word expert. Such individuals have a good understanding of their fields, but are not related to things like designing the future. Elon Musk was not a car expert, and Jeff Bezos was not a retail expert." His remarks came in response to the credit card unit of Hyundai Motor Group revising bylaws on its governance structure last Wednesday. The revised rules enable people without experience in the financial sector to be appointed as the card firm's CEO, if the board of directors recognizes them for their talents and abilities. Until now, the position of CEO was only open to candidates who had worked as department leaders at financial companies or their affiliates for more than five years or served as executives of such companies for more than three years. Hyundai Card said it decided to lower hurdles for specialists in various sectors to join the company, so that it can better cope with the changing business environment in terms of digitization, mobility and eco-friendliness. Before the recent revision, the company amended bylaws on its governance structure in December 2019 to calling on its chief executive to nurture candidates for his successor. This raised speculation at the time that Chung might step down when his term ends in March this year. However, he is able to lead the company until March 2024, following Hyundai Motor Group's reshuffle last December which was carried out under the leadership of Chung Euisun, who became the group's chairman last October as the successor to his father, Chung Mong-koo. The Hyundai Card CEO was one of the two vice chairmen who were allowed to retain their seats in the previous reshuffle. He is a brother-in-law of the group chairman as he is married to Chung Myung-yi, Chung Mong-koo's second-oldest daughter and an executive of Hyundai Commercial. Some observers interpret Hyundai Card's recent revision of its bylaws as an attempt to consolidate the incumbent CEO's control, considering the ambiguity in the recognition by the board of directors and Chung's position as the board chairman. Chung will be 63 years old when his term ends in 2024. He has served as the Hyundai Card CEO since 2003. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga acknowledged on Monday that the scandal surrounding his eldest son's contacts with high-ranking officials seriously undermines public confidence in the head of government, USA News Today reported. He said this during a debate in the budget commission of the lower house of parliament in response to questions from opposition deputies. The current situation, the Prime Minister said, seriously undermines the people's trust in me. I am deeply remorseful and apologize. Earlier, the Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan for Public Relations, Makiko Tanaka, resigned. In particular, she was engaged in organizing public speeches of the Prime Minister, and previously was a high-ranking employee of the Ministry of Administrative Affairs and Communications, which, in particular, is responsible for issuing licenses to television and radio companies. In this capacity, she had at least one dinner in 2019 at the expense of Seigo Sugi, the Prime Minister's eldest son, who works for a satellite broadcasting company. This requires obtaining licenses from the Ministry. For the dinner, the prime minister's son paid 70 thousand yen (more than $650), which is regarded as a violation of the code of conduct of officials, which prohibits receiving gifts and offerings. With the resignation of the cabinet secretary, the Kyodo news agency notes, the government would like to put an end to the current scandal. Makiko Tanaka was also urgently hospitalized on Monday, which may prevent her from being summoned to parliament again for questioning on the case. Earlier, Kyodo reported that at least 11 officials of the Ministry of Administrative Affairs and Communications took part in the dinners paid for by the son of the head of government. Yoshihide Suga has previously issued a public apology for the scandal. At the same time, he stressed that he had never discussed his work with his son. Bengaluru gangrape case: Two accused shot in the leg while trying to escape Rape in Bengaluru: Time to wake up to the grave threat of illegal Bangladeshi crime syndicates in India Victim, who was tortured and gangraped in viral video, traced in Kozhikode, brought to Bengaluru Bengaluru: 97-year-old first to get COVID-19 vaccine in Manipal Hospital India oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru, Mar 01: A 97-year old man became the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine here as the drive for inoculating the general public got underway in Karnataka on Monday. After the vaccination drive since January 16 covered health workers and frontline workers, the next phase started from Monday for all people above 60 years of age and those over 45 with comorbidities. Senior citizens sporting face masks queued up at private Manipal Hospitals here for getting the vaccine shot. Some of the beneficiaries were wheelchair bound. "Ramaswami Parthasarathy, 97-year-old, was the first to get vaccinated," Manipal Hospitals said in a statement. The hospital appealed to the senior citizens and people above 45 years with comorbidities to register themselves for inoculation. "We at Manipal Hospitals have started the vaccination drive today. The registrations for the vaccination can be competed online through the CoWIN app, and people in the age group of 60 plus can directly walk-in for the vaccination," it said in the statement. The hospital was cooperating with the government and abiding by the standard procedures and protocols for the vaccination drive, it added. Meanwhile, the government hospitals too started the preparations for vaccination. Punjabi singer Sardool Sikander dies in Mohali hospital, was diagnosed with COVID-19 "Today only we got direction from the government. We are starting the registration process from today and will begin the vaccination drive once the preparations are over," Director and Dean of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Dr C R Jayanthi told PTI. The state government has said vaccination will take place at all its taluk and district level hospitals and two identified private hospitals in each district. According to the state health department, vaccination days will be Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in government facilities and all working days in private hospitals. The number of vaccinations would be limited to 200 per day per session site and would be on a first come first serve basis. However, online registered beneficiaries would be allotted a specific time in a day. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 16:04 [IST] Katharine McPhee has become a mother. ADVERTISEMENT Billboard confirmed Wednesday that McPhee, 36, welcomed her first child with her husband, musician and music producer David Foster , 71. People said McPhee gave birth to a son. "Katharine McPhee and David Foster have welcomed a healthy baby boy," McPhee's rep said. "Mom, Dad and son are all doing wonderfully." Foster also has five daughters, Allison, 50, Amy, 47, Sara, 40, Erin, 38, and Jordan, 34, from previous relationships. He was previously married to B.J. Cook, Rebecca Dyer, Linda Thompson and Yolanda Hadid. McPhee and Foster married in London in June 2019. News broke in October that the couple were expecting their first child. "Since work has slowed down for both of them, they knew this year would be a great time for it to happen," a source told E! News. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! "They told their immediate family members ... and everyone was very shocked and excited." McPhee showed her baby bump in a photo Sunday at the Beverly Hills Hotel. McPhee came to fame as a contestant in "American Idol" Season 5. As an actress, she played Karen Cartwright on the series "Smash" and Paige Dineen on "Scorpion." Biocon Biologics Ltd, a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd is one step closer to bagging a marketing approval for its biosimilar cancer drug Bevacizumab in the European Union member countries. The company said the product received a positive response from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). With the committee recommending the marketing authorisation of Bevacizumab, the company now needs final approval from the European Commission (EC), expected by May 2021. Co-developed with Viatris, and to be marketed as Abevmy (injection bevacizumab 100mg and 400mg), the drug is a biosimilar to Roche's Avastin, prescribed for all indications including metastatic colorectal carcinoma, metastatic breast cancer, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, glioblastoma, ovarian, cervical and renal cancer as part of a specific regimen. "CHMP's decision to recommend approval of our biosimilar Bevacizumab brings us a step closer to enable affordable access to this biologic therapy for cancer patients in the EU along with our partner Viatris. It is an outcome of our commitment to expand access for patients leveraging our science and global scale manufacturing for a range of biosimilars. Through bTrastuzumab and bPegfilgrastim we are already making a difference to lives of cancer patients in several EU countries. We look forward to a final decision from the European Commission approving biosimilar Bevacizumab, which will add to our efforts in cancer care," Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Biologics, said Abevmy is a recombinant 'humanized' monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and neutralises its biologic activity. It inhibits the formation of tumor vasculature, thereby inhibiting tumor growth, the company said. Once approved, the product can be marketed in the 27 European Union (EU) member countries and European Economic Area (EEA) member states of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The company says that for the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's "reliance procedure" will be followed, and the U.K. marketing authorisation can be expected shortly after the EC decision. Biocon Biologics claims to be a fully integrated 'pure play' biosimilars organisation that leverages cutting-edge science, innovative tech platforms and advanced research & development capabilities to lower treatment costs while improving healthcare outcomes. It has a platform of 28 biosimilar molecules across diabetes, oncology, immunology, dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology, rheumatology and inflammatory diseases. Five molecules from Biocon Biologics' portfolio have been taken from lab to market, of which three have been commercialised in developed markets like United States, EU, Australia, Canada and Japan. Also read: Companies 'feel betrayed' due to capping of COVID-19 vaccine price: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies with a few passing clouds. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Another month, another delay. Carnival Cruise Line said last week it will not return to the seas until June at the earliest. The next voyage of its Sunshine cruise ship from Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston has now been pushed to June 3 a four-day sailing to Carnival's private Half Moon Cay island in the Bahamas. This is at least the 10th time the Miami-based leisure operator has extended its hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down pleasure trips from U.S. ports nearly a year ago. "We continue to work on plans to resume operations and are encouraged by the focus to expedite vaccine production and distribution which are having a demonstrated impact on improving public health, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. "We appreciate the support of all of our guests, employees and trade partners who we know are looking forward to our return." As it has done throughout the pause, Carnival is providing guests on cruises that have been canceled the choice of a future cruise credit plus an onboard credit package or a full refund. A mighty wind A French company that makes underwater electric cables in Goose Creek is sizing up the wind conditions from an economic standpoint. In a letter to the Bureau of Energy Management, Nexans asked the agency to upgrade the financial benefits of a New York wind-power project to "major" from "minor." It said the federal agency underestimated the impact the proposed South Fork Wind Farm and all wind farms, for that matter could have on jobs and spending. "Based on actual experience in Europe, this industry can be expected to trigger the creation of thousands of jobs, revitalize port communities, create a U.S. supply chain and invest billions in the United States economy," Emmanuel Martin-Lauzer, director of business development for the Nexans plant in Berkeley County, wrote to the bureau. "A study by the American Wind Energy Association from March 2020 states that the U.S. offshore wind (industry) could support up to 83,000 jobs and $25 billion per year in economic output by 2030," Martin-Lauzer wrote. His letter was in response to the bureau's draft environmental impact statement for the wind farm. Nexans is investing $200 million to upgrade its manufacturing site adjacent to the Cooper River at the Charleston International Manufacturing Center. The facility produces submarine cables in unbroken lengths of up to 50 miles. Nexans also is building special ships to load the cables at its dock before steaming to locations worldwide. Nexans said one of those locations could be the South Fork project about 35 miles east of Montauk Point on Long Island. The wind farm with 15 turbines will deliver power to the town of East Hampton, N.Y. "The decisions that will be made in the coming months by regulatory agencies are key to the future and the economic viability of the offshore wind industry in the U.S.," Martin-Lauzer wrote. "When all externalities are considered, this industry will be one of the major components for a durable, sustainable, and economic energy mix that will be needed to power our economy into the future." Visionary transaction A Charleston-area vision-care practice with nine locations around the region has unloaded some of its owner-occupied real estate holdings in the blink of an eye. Affiliates of Carolina Eyecare Physicians recently sold four of its offices to a single buyer for a combined $12.1 million, according to Charleston County land records. The new landlord is Nashville, Tenn.-based Montecito Medical Real Estate. The purchases appear to be the first investments in the South Carolina market for the Music City company, according to its website. Montecito's priciest acquisition among the four was a standalone Mount Pleasant building at 1101 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., a.k.a Clarity Lane. It fetched more than $4.8 million. The other Carolina Eyecare offices to change hands are on Tricom Street in North Charleston and Charlie Hall Boulevard in West Ashley. Privately held Montecito said its has been investing in commercial real estate owned and occupied by physician groups for 15 years. Typically, the sellers lease back their spaces. We pioneered a unique model that treats sellers of medical office properties as long-term partners rather than mere participants in a transaction. We help them unlock the financial potential of their real estate," the company said. Capital idea The capital of the Sunshine State has landed some capital from a Charleston-based real estate developer. Mountain Shore Properties opened the doors to its newly built Hyatt House in Tallahassee about two weeks ago in the panhandle citys Railroad Square Art District. The five-story, extended-stay property has 120 guestrooms, including 77 with full kitchens, along with most of the other traditional lodging amenities, such as a pool, fitness center, meeting rooms and retail space. Mountain Shore, which is based in The Refinery development on Meeting Street Road and has roots in West Virginia, said Tallahassee "offers a unique and dynamic mix of government, university and business interests," noting that its home to the Legislature, Florida State University and Florida A&M University. 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! "We think the demand for travel in the back half of 2021 is going to be extremely strong," CEO Stephen Wendell said in a statement. "The underlying demand generators, pre-COVID 19, still exist and show no signs of stopping. The fact is that some aspects of business travel cant be done virtually. It is my belief and hope that we are going to be in a far different world come summer." Mountain Shore's most recent hotel project in the Charleston region also flies the Hyatt House flag. It opened in 2019 near the Midtown development along Hungryneck Boulevard in Mount Pleasant Big VA-rma A landlord for a local Department of Veterans Affairs outpost is feeling pretty upbeat about its decision to buy the agency's new local mail-based pharmacy last year. The drug distribution hub in North Charleston was one of the highlights of Easterly Government Properties Inc.s quarterly call with investors last week as CEO William Trimble summarized the firms 2020 acquisitions. The Washington D.C.-based landlord, which invests in real estate leased to federal agencies, made its latest local purchase in early November. It paid a private development group $17 million for a new 97,718-square-foot warehouse in North Charleston thats now serving as the VAs new Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy. The medication clearinghouse is on an 8.6-acre site in an industrial park between Ladson and Ashley Phosphate roads. It replaced a smaller, outdated distribution center the VA had operated on Rivers Avenue. Easterly pointed out to analysts last week that the federal government has demonstrated its long-term commitment to this location by inking a lease that expires in September 2040 and cant be canceled. Also, the company noted that the VA has invested heavily in the property, which generates slightly north of $1.38 million in annual rental revenue, or about $14.16 per square foot. The veterans agency was running six pharmacies that use the mail to deliver prescriptions when it expanded the concept to South Carolina in 1997 in a former Kmart store. In recent years, as many as 26 million orders for VA patients were filled in North Charleston, which is one of only two locations authorized to handle controlled substances. Easterly has previously said the new pharmacy site would run on a two-shift schedule, each staffed by about 190 workers Locally, the real estate company also owns the partly historic federal courthouse annex in downtown Charleston. It paid $24 million for the Broad Street property in 2018. Previously, Easterly shelled out $25 million for the Faber Place building that houses the Immigration and Customs Enforcements offices in North Charleston. Combined, the two properties generate more than $6 million in annual rental income. Taking off One of South Carolina's busiest airports is drawing some fly-by looks. Myrtle Beach International was voted the "Best Small Airport" in the 2021 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The annual awards highlight overachievers in the travel industry. Nominees are chosen by a panel of experts in conjunction with 10Best editors. The top 10 were determined by vote over four weeks in January. "The airport team is incredibly proud of this win," said Scott Van Moppes, director. "This title places MYR in the national spotlight, allowing the rest of the country to see why our airport is a favorite among travelers and continually growing in popularity." Back in the office The CEO of one of South Carolina's largest publicly traded companies is back on the job after a month-long brush with COVID-19. John D. Williams returned to the corner office at Fort Mill-based paper and packaging giant Domtar Corp. on March 1 after a medical leave of absence that was announced Jan. 29. In the interim, company finance chief Daniel Buron had been pulling double duty as chief executive. Williams made it back in time to announce the closing of Domtars previously announced sale of its personal care division to American Industrial Partners under a plan to refocus on its paper, pulp and packaging businesses. The proceeds from the $920 million deal will be used to pay down debt and buy back stock. Williams has been president and CEO for 12 years at Domtar, which traces its roots to an English company that was started in 1848. Its name is taken from the former Dominion Tar and Chemical Co. Ltd. After this weeks divestment, the company's global payroll fell by about 2,100 to about 6,600 workers at 50 sites. Game of chicken A Lone Star State dining chain that pushes poultry is eyeing the South Carolina market. Dallas-based Pollo Campero said it's aiming to open 10 franchise locations in the state over the next five years, including the Charleston area. The chain the name is Spanish for "country chicken" got its start in Guatemala in 1971 as a family-owned operation. Its recipes include fried, citrus grilled and extra crunchy chicken offerings along with side items. The restaurant operator currently has 77 locations in operation or development in 19 states in the U.S. and 400 worldwide, but wants to add 250 new sites nationwide. For now, it has no presence in the Palmetto State. The brother of a young father 'senselessly gunned down' in a suspected road rage attack 12 years ago has made an emotional plea as he joins forces with police to search for answers. Father-of-two Omega Ruston was shot dead on the side of the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads, on the Gold Coast, at about 10.25pm on Australia Day, 2009. The 32-year-old construction worker was behind the wheel of his white 2001 Holden Rodeo ute and travelling with two friends when he pulled over following a traffic incident with another car. He was gunned down after exiting his vehicle with one of his passengers to talk to a group of men who had stopped behind him in a small maroon sedan. Father-of-two Omega Ruston was shot dead on the side of the Gold Coast Highway at Burleigh Heads in 2009 Omega's family have joined forces with Queensland Police as part of a fresh appeal to search for answers and find those responsible for the labourer's death Two shots were fired from the rear passenger seat, one of them fatally wounding Omega, in what police describe as a random attack. Omega's family have joined forces with Queensland Police as part of a fresh appeal to search for answers and find those responsible for the labourer's death. His brother Nick told a press conference on Monday that Omega was 'senselessly gunned down on the side of the road' by a 'coward'. 'His children have had to grow up without their father being part of their lives and our family have had to carry on with the knowledge that his killer remains at large,' he said. 'We know that there are people out there that have information. If you're remaining silent out of some sense of allegiance or loyalty, please know that the man you're protecting is a coward. 'To the man that shot Omega, the opportunity to right your wrongs does not come around often. You may have been scared or held some misplaced sense of hatred in your heart but what's done is done and you now need to make amends.' Pictured: The scene of the suspected road rage incident where 32-year-old Gold Coast man Omega Ruston was gunned down on January 26, 2009 Nick said the killer's actions took the life of an innocent man who merely wanted to return home to his family following a day of celebrations. 'My brother will not grow old, but you'll grow old forever as a coward. Do the right thing and turn yourself in before it's too late,' he said. Omega (pictured) was 'senselessly gunned down on the side of the road' by a 'coward', his brother Nick told a press conference on Monday On Monday, detectives said the gunman and his companions were believed to have links to crime and bikie gangs. 'We believe they were linked to Gold Coast and Sydney chapters of organised crime syndicates, and outlaw motorcycle gangs,' Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn told reporters. He said the people the men turned to for help after the slaying were also believed to have links to those gangs. '(They) are being investigated as accessories after the fact to murder, which is a life imprisonment offence in Queensland.' Det Insp Ahearn has launched a multi-state appeal for new information saying loyalties change and new witnesses have been identified on the Gold Coast, Sydney and elsewhere. 'We are seeking assistance from anyone who is or was a member, associate, family member, or spouse of an outlaw motorcycle gang member linked to this shooting. Witnesses reported seeing three men of middle eastern appearance in the maroon vehicle involved in the shooting, which happened on the highway near the intersection with 5th Avenue about 10.25pm on Monday, January 26, 2009 'Relationships and loyalties change. People who were once scared may now no longer be. We would encourage these persons to come forward. This may be their chance at redemption.' Witnesses reported seeing three men of middle eastern appearance in the maroon vehicle involved in the shooting, which happened on the highway near the intersection with 5th Avenue about 10.25pm on Monday, January 26, 2009. One rear passenger was seen holding a black semi-automatic style pistol. After the shooting the car left the scene travelling south. Anyone with further information is urged to contact police. Genealogy platform MyHeritage has released a feature called 'Deep Nostalgia' that animates faces in still photos using video reenactment technology. According to MyHeritage, the technology for animating the faces in photos was licensed from D-ID, a company that specializes in video reenactment using deep learning. Deep Nostalgia uses several pre-recorded driver videos prepared by MyHeritage, which direct the movements in the animation and consist of sequences of real human gestures. A preferred driver is automatically selected for each face based on its orientation, and then seamlessly applied to the photo. The result is a short, high-quality video animation of an individual face that can smile, blink, and move. To achieve optimal results, the photos are enhanced prior to animation using the MyHeritage Photo Enhancer, which brings blurry and low-resolution faces into focus and increases their resolution, according to MyHeritage website. Introducing Deep Nostalgia! This groundbreaking feature animates the faces in still photos! TRY IT NOW --->>> https://t.co/0O2wrfcLoV See your family photos come to life! Just announced at #RootsTech!#RootsTechConnect #RootsTech2021 pic.twitter.com/QQ4ipRCK0C MyHeritage (@MyHeritage) February 25, 2021 Getting started: According to a tutorial on the platform's website, to animate new photos that havent been uploaded to MyHeritage yet, users can upload and animate them at myheritage.com/deep-nostalgia. Click Upload photo to choose a file from your computer. Or, drag and drop a photo of your choice into the photo frame. Once users upload a photo, they will be asked to sign up to MyHeritage to animate the photos. Signing up is free. If users already have a MyHeritage account and arent logged in, they can select the Log in option on the bottom of the popup. Once the photo has been uploaded, users can select a face to animate from among the individual faces that have been detected in the image. Animating one face in a photo typically takes between 10 to 20 seconds, depending on the length of the driver video that were applying to it. Videos that consist of a longer sequence of gestures take longer to create. Once the animated video is ready it will start playing immediately. Hover over it to pause the video at any point. Animating photos already on MyHeritage Users can also animate any photo that is already on MyHeritage by visiting the My Photos section of the website. Select one of the photos, and click the new Animate button. If only one face is detected in your photo, the platform will begin animating it right away. If there is more than one person in the photo, users can choose which face to animate by selecting from the bar below the photo which shows all the individual faces detected in the image. Once complete, users will be able to watch the output video of the animation. Animating your photos using the mobile app Deep Nostalgia is also available on the free MyHeritage mobile app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. If users already have the app, they will need to update it first to make sure they are using the latest version. Users can animate photos from the Photos section in the app or upload new photos to be animated. The platform recommends using the mobile apps built-in scanner. READ | UAE welcomes recent India-Pakistan ceasefire; picks unviable Kashmir border description READ | Second phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive begins; here is all you need to know According to a blog post on MyHeritage, over 1 million photos were animated in the first 48 hours alone, since February 25. Deep Nostalgia is the newest AI-based photo tool on MyHeritage and comes on the heels of two highly-acclaimed features that the company released last year, the MyHeritage Photo Enhancer and MyHeritage In Color, which colourizes black and white photos and was recently expanded to also restore the colours in faded colour photos. Abraham Lincoln brought to life by #DeepNostalgia pic.twitter.com/YXABWUsw98 Brandon Jacobs (@brandorak) February 28, 2021 Kind of surreal to take a photo of the singularly inspiring Bhagat Singh -- a revolutionary voice in 1920s India, who was hung by the British in 1931, at the age of 24 -- run it through the Heritage AI algorithm, and see him reanimated. pic.twitter.com/CfC0Gu6Gxk Keerthik Sasidharan (@KS1729) February 28, 2021 "Youll have a wow moment when you see a treasured family photo come to life with Deep Nostalgia," said Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage. "Seeing our beloved ancestors faces come to life in a video simulation lets us imagine how they might have been in reality, and provides a profound new way of connecting to our family history." READ | PM Modi takes first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS as 2nd phase of inoculation begins READ | As PM Modi gets 1st COVAXIN jab; here's all you must know about the Bharat Biotech vaccine COLUMBIA Hundreds of South Carolina's public school teachers have left their jobs since the school year started, pushing pre-pandemic shortages past the crisis level and making it even more difficult to catch students up. More than 500 vacancies remain in K-12 schools as of February, according to the Center for Education Recruitment, Retention and Advancement (CERRA) at Winthrop University, which issued a first-ever, mid-year update. "Districts are in survival mode right now and probably are not tracking why their teachers are leaving. Theyre just trying to fill spots at this point, said Jennifer Garrett, a CERRA analyst. "Had the pandemic not happened, I think I would be a little more optimistic, but this is going to have a lingering effect." After years of reporting on a worsening teacher shortage, CERRA seemed to have a bright spot in its initial report for 2020-21, with fewer teachers leaving their position between last school year and this one. The nearly 6,000 who left for various reasons, including retirement and changing schools, represented at least a five-year low. But fewer hires over the summer brought a spike in vacancies instead. The 699 openings when the school year started represented a 26 percent increase over 2019, according to CERRA. Its February update brought more bad news, with 677 additional teachers resigning over the last six months; 515 openings are what remain after district officials have filled whatever slots they can, many with long-term substitutes, and combined positions. The mid-year departures are particularly concerning, as it indicates teachers are so eager to leave, they're willing to risk losing their teaching license, at least temporarily, for breaking their contract. Were hemorrhaging teachers in this state, Patrick Kelly, a teacher who lobbies for the Palmetto State Teachers Association, told a House panel Feb. 25. Kelly asked legislators to "lock in" on finding ways to recruit and retain teachers. "Our students suffer when there is no teacher," said the Blythewood High history teacher, who spoke to legislators virtually from a classroom that was empty because the school couldn't find enough substitutes. "If we dont do something about this as a state, were not going to look at a one-year negative impact of the pandemic on our students. This will truly be a generational impact. "At the end of the day, if we dont have great teachers, we dont have a great educational system." How many departures are directly due to the pandemic is unknown. That was not part of CERRA's report. Legislative response Lawmakers of both parties agree with Kelly. "There's just no substitute for a well-trained, qualified live teacher in a classroom that cares about his or her students, said state Senate Education Chairman Greg Hembree, R-Little River. If we could increase the size of that army by 20 percent, that'll be what turns the corner for us. But what the Legislature will do about it, particularly this year, is unclear. Before the pandemic hit, legislators were poised to give every teacher a $3,000 raise. The $210 million cost would have represented the biggest single-year increase in South Carolina teachers' salaries ever. Instead, the Legislature froze state spending, putting even teachers' normal, paltry increase for an additional year of experience on hold. Legislation passed by the House, and expected to win approval in the Senate, would spend up to $50 million to retroactively restore those salary boosts. Other proposals have zero chance of passing. That includes a bill that aims to keep young teachers in the classroom by offering to erase their college loan debt after theyve taught at least five years in a South Carolina classroom, provided they graduated from an in-state college. Research shows many teachers leave the profession within the first five years. According to CERRA, more than 40 percent of the teachers who left their job last school year had been in a classroom five or fewer years. A House panel took testimony Feb. 24, but when its members heard it would cost an estimated $31 million per 1,000 teachers in the first year alone, the response was laughter from members of both parties. However, they indicated they may be open to a similar, less costly incentive once the economy improves. Its an interesting idea, but may be a little too expensive for us to do, said Rep. David Weeks, D-Sumter. Particularly at this time when were struggling just to maintain the status quo and keep up with expenses, added the panels chairman, Rep. Garry Smith, R-Simpsonville. Kathy Maness, director of the Palmetto State Teachers Association, asked that the Legislature consider ways to forgive teachers loans after the state emerges from the pandemic. We are experiencing a teacher shortage crisis in South Carolina in everything, she said, noting they used to be confined to certain subjects and grades. When we cant find elementary and early childhood teachers in South Carolina, were in a crisis. When she talks to new teachers at their orientation, one of their major concerns is paying off their student debt, and yall know teachers dont make a lot of money, Maness told the panel. This may be a way to retain teachers. It would build on the state's existing loan forgiveness program designed to find teachers for positions that have been tough to fill for decades. Teachers who work in a school with 20 percent turnover or above can get their student loans erased over three to five years, depending on what they teach. It's long been a problem that teachers often leave for a better-performing or less rural school after staying long enough to have their loans forgiven. But like the shortage problem, turnover is also worsening. Nearly one third of the state's public schools or 416 post three-year teacher turnover rates of at least 20 percent. That's up from less than 10 percent of schools four years ago. What districts are doing School districts are trying to grow their own pipeline with programs that encourage aspiring teachers, who will hopefully come back home to work after they graduate. That includes programs like TeachCharleston, a three-year program which involves high schoolers taking classes to prepare for jobs teaching math and science, as well as English to students learning the language positions that are particularly hard to fill. Since starting in 2018, 37 high school students have signed on, said Bill Briggman, head of Charleston County Schools human resources department. That's a small number for the state's second-largest school district. But every bit helps. "We're finding the need to grow our new teachers, and we're really taking an intentional strategy for more teachers of color because we need more diversity in our schools," he said. "We have 50,000 students in our own backyard." The South Carolina Parent Teacher Association is also worried about the long-term impacts of poorly staffed schools. Its president, DeVane Trigiani, believes school districts must find local solutions as legislative efforts wane. Over the last two years, the House and Senate passed vastly different versions of legislation aimed at improving K-12 education, before the pandemic ended the session early last March and made the entire process moot. These effects are going to hit us six, 10 years down the road. I just think we really need to come back to the table and decide that education is going to be a priority, and we're going to start in our communities, Trigiani said. We've been talking about it for so long that the action has waned, and nobody knows what to do. LONDON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled "Vaccines Market by Indication (Influenza, Rotavirus, DTP, COVID-19), Route of Administration (Intramuscular, Subcutaneous, Oral), Type/Antigen (Conjugate Vaccines, Live Attenuated Vaccines), and Valence (Multivalent, Monovalent Vaccines)Forecast to 2027", published by Meticulous Research, the vaccines market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2020 to 2027 to reach $108.02 billion by 2027. Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5076 The high prevalence of diseases, increasing government initiatives towards immunization, technological advancements in vaccine production, the strong pipeline for vaccines globally, and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic are the key factors expected to propel the growth of the vaccines market. Besides, the increasing epidemic potential, growing focus on therapeutic vaccines, and emerging markets are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players operating in the vaccines market. Over the last decade, the field of vaccine development has received huge support from the pharmaceutical industry as well as governments due to successful vaccination programs that helped eradicate infectious diseases such as chickenpox and polio globally, saving billions of dollars' worth of healthcare expenditure. Vaccines are one of the most powerful and cost-effective health interventions available. Yet many preventable diseases still cost millions of lives and billions of dollars every year. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has further led to the expansion of the vaccines market. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Vaccines Market The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a rise in mortality rates globally. For instance, as per the WHO, globally, as of 26th February 2021, there were 112.2 million confirmed cases and 2.4 million deaths. Overall, 31% of cases, 45% of hospitalizations, 53% of ICU admissions, and 80% of deaths associated with COVID-19 were among adults aged 65 years and over, with the highest percentage of severe outcomes among persons aged 85 years and over. With the increasing severity of the COVID-19 crisis, the global population is eagerly anticipating a vaccine capable of combating the virus. Speak to our Analysts to Understand the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Business: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/speak-to-analyst/cp_id=5076 As the COVID-19 contagion has spread worldwide, governments and medical regulators are speeding up the vaccine development process. To encourage rapid progress, the FDA granted the 'fast track' status to several promising products. On 13th July 2020, the FDA announced that Pfizer and Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) earned the fast-track designation for two COVID-19 vaccines, and as of December 2020, Britain's medicines regulator, the MHRA, had approved the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for mass vaccination. In July 2020, the Government of India speeded up the regulatory clearances needed for the Serum Institute of India's upcoming phase-3 trial of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by the University of Oxford, and it is stated to be available for mass vaccination by April 2020. Thus, the pandemic has led to the growth of the vaccines market. The vaccines market study presents historical market data in terms of values (2018, 2019, 2020) and forecasts for 2027 by indication (influenza, rotavirus, DTP, COVID-19), route of administration (intramuscular, subcutaneous, oral), type/antigen (conjugate vaccines, live attenuated vaccines), valence (multivalent vaccines, monovalent vaccines), and geography. The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes their market shares at the global and regional levels. Based on disease indication, the pneumococcal diseases segment accounted for the largest share of the overall vaccines market in 2020 due to the rising incidence of pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, febrile bacteremia, otitis media, and sinusitis; the development of quality vaccines such as PPSV23; and initiatives by government and private sector organizations to prevent and control outbreaks of pneumococcal diseases. However, the human papillomavirus (HPV) segment is expected to record the highest CAGR due to the rising incidence of cervical and anal cancers and increasing initiatives by government & private sector organizations for early screening & vaccination. Quick Buy Vaccines Market Research Report: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/Checkout/55326643 Based on the route of administration, the subcutaneous segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by factors such as no requirement of trained professionals, improved adsorption of the vaccines, and the availability of a large number of injection sites for multiple dosing. Based on valence, vaccines are classified as monovalent or polyvalent (multivalent). In 2020, the multivalent vaccines segment commanded the largest share of the overall vaccines market and is slated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. New launches of the multivalent vaccines, increasing investments by key players in the R&D of multivalent vaccines, and technological advancements in multivalent vaccine production are the major factors contributing to the large share of this segment. The report also includes an extensive assessment of the key strategic developments by leading market participants over the past four years. The vaccines market has witnessed several approvals, agreements, collaborations, partnerships, expansions, and acquisitions in recent years. For instance, in September 2020, Pfizer Inc. (U.S.) signed an agreement with BioNTech AG (Germany) to supply 200 million doses of the BNT162 mRNA-based vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 to the European Union (EU) member states. Also, in July 2020, Sanofi (France) & GlaxoSmithKline PLC (U.K.) collaborated with the U.S. government to accelerate the development and manufacturing of a COVID-19 recombinant protein-based vaccine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense will help fund the development activities and secure the scale-up of Sanofi's and GSK's manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. for the recombinant protein-based vaccine. The vaccines market is highly consolidated with major players, such as Sanofi (France), Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.), GlaxoSmithKline plc (U.K.), Pfizer Inc. (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (Japan), Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Japan), CSL Limited (Australia), Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (U.S.), and AstraZeneca PLC (U.K.) competing for larger market shares. To gain more insights into the market with a detailed table of content and figures, click here: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/vaccines-market-5076 Scope of the Report: Vaccines Market, by Indication Pneumococcal Diseases Influenza Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DTP Meningococcal Disease MMR Rotavirus Poliomyelitis (Polio) Hepatitis COVID-19 Other Indications (Note: Other Indications Include Varicella, Herpes Zoster, Chlorella, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and Rabies) Vaccines Market, by Route of Administration Intramuscular Subcutaneous Oral Intradermal Nasal Vaccines Market, by Type/Antigen Live Attenuated Vaccines Inactivated Vaccines Subunit and Conjugate Vaccines Toxoid Vaccines Combination Vaccines Vaccines Market, by Valence Monovalent Vaccines Polyvalent (Multivalent) Vaccines Vaccines Market, by Geography North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe (RoE) (RoE) Asia-Pacific (APAC) (APAC) China Japan India Rest of APAC (RoAPAC) Latin America Middle East & Africa Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5076 Amidst this crisis, Meticulous Research is continuously assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on various sub-markets and enables global organizations to strategize for the post-COVID-19 world and sustain their growth. Let us know if you would like to assess the impact of COVID-19 on any industry here- https://www.meticulousresearch.com/custom-research Related Reports: Vaccine Storage Equipment Market by Type (Electric Refrigerator, Solar Refrigerator, Ultra low temperature (ULT) Freezer, Consumables), End User (Hospitals and Medical Institutes, Distributors and Logistics) and Geography- Global Forecast to 2027 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/vaccine-storage-equipment-market-5160 COVID-19 Diagnostics (PCR Testing, Antibody Testing) and Therapy (Immunotherapy, Vaccines, Antiviral, Cell-based, Plasma Therapy) Market Opportunity Assessment and Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/COVID-19-impact-assessment-health-and-life-sciences-industry-5098/ In-vitro Diagnostics Market (IVD Market) by Product & Solution (Consumables, Systems, Software & Services), Technology (ELISA, Rapid Tests, PCR, Microbiology), Application (Infectious Diseases, Oncology), End User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories) Forecast to 2027 https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/ivd-market-4858 About Meticulous Research Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since the inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze and present the critical market data with great attention to details. With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth. Contact: Mr. Khushal Bombe Meticulous Research Direct Lines: +1-646-781-8004 (North America) +44-203-868-8738 (Europe) +91 744-7780008 (Asia-Pacific) Email- [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/ Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research Content Source: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/pressrelease/94/vaccines-market-2027 SOURCE Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd 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 SEATTLE March 1, 2021 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center today announced the recipients of the 2021 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in graduate studies in the biological sciences. The 13 award recipients were selected for the quality, originality and significance of their work, representing a diverse range of research topics. Nominations for this prestigious annual award are solicited internationally. This years awardees come from across the U.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to Harvard University and three international recipients from the University of Basel, Switzerland, the University of St. Andrews, UK, and the Institute of Science and Technology, Austria. The awardees study a range of biological topics including adoptive immune cell transfer, gene expression regulation, inter-brain neural dynamics and tumor cell interactions that increase cancer spread. The Weintraub Award began in 2000 and is now in its 22nd year. Its named for Dr. Harold Hal Weintraub, who helped found the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutch and died of brain cancer in 1995 at age 49. The award honors Weintraubs scientific leadership in the field of molecular biology and his legacy as an extraordinary mentor, colleague, collaborator and friend. Hal was admired for his scientific rigor and creativity. He frequently asked himself and his colleagues, How do you know that? Why do you believe that? until he had defined the borders between knowledge and belief, said Dr. Stephen Tapscott, a longtime friend and postdoctoral student of Weintraubs who is now a member of the Human Biology Division at Fred Hutch. The award is supported by the Weintraub/Groudine Fellowship for Science and Human Disease, which was established to foster intellectual exchange through the promotion of programs for graduate students, fellows and visiting scholars. The Weintraub Graduate Student Awards commemorate Hals commitment to advancing knowledge and recognizes insightful scientific contributions to our scientific community. Our outstanding awardees have answered the question How do you know that? which will help us all refine our approach to the important questions in science, Tapscott said. 2021 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award recipients: Amin Aalipour Ph.D., bioengineering Stanford University Januka Athukoralage Ph.D., biology University of St. Andrews Lindsay P. Cameron Ph.D., neuroscience University of California, Davis Grace Johnson Ph.D., biology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lyle Kingsbury Ph.D., neuroscience University of California, Los Angeles Malinda J. McPherson Ph.D., brain and cognitive sciences Harvard University Dasha Elena Nelidova Ph.D., neurobiology University of Basel, Switzerland Shayan Shamipour Ph.D., cellular biology Institute of Science and Technology, Austria Eric Hoyeon Song Ph.D., immunobiology Yale University Katherine Susa Ph.D., chemical biology Harvard Medical School Mengni Wang Ph.D., neuroscience University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Emma Wren Ph.D., molecular and cellular biology University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Lynn Yap Ph.D., neurobiology/neuroscience Harvard University Photos of award recipients and more information on their projects are available contact Molly McElroy for details. # # # At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutchs pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nations first National Cancer Institute-funded cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the COVID-19 Prevention Network and the Womens Health Initiative. CONTACT Molly McElroy mwmcelro@fredhutch.org Vichar never missed his morning walks. Daily exercise enlivened the 84-year old. Until that Thursday. An assailant ran across the street, and threw the grandfather to the ground, fatally injuring Vichar. I never see him again, said his daughter. Vichars family calls it a hate crime. Five years ago I felt the same pain. Anger, exasperation, and disgust. At 82, my dad also loved his walks. Like Vichar, he called San Franciscos skinny streets home. Dad, (Baba as wed call him) waved at everybody, smiled and said hello. Coming from a big Asian family of 13 siblings, hes always been outgoing. And even with dementia, he never forgot his walks. Left on Anza, two blocks to buy doughnuts, one block to get a Subway sandwich, then back home up the hill. Shop owners knew sweet Stephen would come every day. Youre so good, hed tell them. Then the hospital called. Baba was there. He pushed me to the ground, and I couldnt get up. That person ran away, He couldnt understand. You see a lot of sweet, good people every day. They are weak but strong. You want to guard them but dont want to hover, because you know it makes them weaker. This time I wanted to hover. I should have been there. Sure I had my dream journalist job in New York. Ten hours away door to door. But was it worth it? Today, my dad lives in a nursing home, just blocks away from where Vichar lost his life. My dads Alzheimers has now robbed him of the ability to eat or speak. He cant walk anymore, not down the hall, not down to get his sandwiches and doughnuts. When I see the assaults on video of Vichar and other kind people who are older, I cry. Why are we this way? In recent weeks, many Americans seethe with me. All at once the spike in hate crimes leaves us with huge unanswered questions. My dad cant defend himself. So that is why they attack? Of the dozens of incidents in recent weeks, one person died, many gravely injured and in hospitals, and communities need answers. Why are hate attacks up 20 times? Were living through a selfish pandemic. Hate is now cheap. Who cares what you think my view is whats right. I can go after age, race, gender or sexuality they arent as human as me. They dont deserve America like me. This is the first time Ive told my dads story. In a way, Im part of the problem. Journalists like me are supposed to keep us accountable to our American democratic values. But I couldnt and didnt tell my own story. I didnt know if it was racially motivated or not. I didnt want to know. Tell your stories. Everybody. No matter your color, your language, your family, your love. Tell it. Loudly. We need to understand Americas birthright is about others, about selflessness. This land is made for you and me. And this too share stories of folks not like you the ones who inspire. Like Jacob Azevedo, who saw the video of Vichar shoved to the ground. He saw an opportunity for solidarity. So he took to social media, offering to walk with anyone through Oaklands Chinatown who felt unsafe. This is important because this community just needs healing, he told CNN. Hundreds of volunteers now walk with Jacob. But Jacob, youre 26. Youre walking with 70- and 80-year-olds. Youre Hispanic American and walking with Asian Americans. The image isnt right. Thats why it is. In a recent study from Stanford University, researchers measured the stress levels of participants meeting people of different backgrounds. The result was surprising the stress of prejudice was gone after three face-to-face meetings. So do the Jacob. Walk with people who arent like you. Make a list of those you think youd never spend time with. Then walk with them. Build your Id Never Be Seen with EQ and IQ. Im starting to do the Jacob more too. Little by little, Im learning how not to bystand, and how to upstand. Sorry Dad, we can be better. Richard Lui is an anchor for NBC News/MSNBC. This piece is adapted from his upcoming book, Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness from HarperCollins/Zondervan, available March 23. Covid-19: Non-essential shops in Mumbai can now operate 7 am to 2 pm on alternate days, says BMC Report says massive power outage in Mumbai may have been handiwork of China India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 01: A massive power outage in Mumbai in October may have been the handiwork of China. The outage which stopped trains and shut down hospitals may be linked to a Chinese threat activity, the report says. The report says that a China linked threat activity group, RedEcho targeted the Indian power sector. The links to the Mumbai outage provides additional evidence suggesting the coordinated targeting of Indian Load Dispatch Centres, the report further stated. The flow of Malware was pieced together by Recorded Future, a US based company that studies the use of internet by state actors. It found that most of the malware was never activated. Because Recorded Future could not get inside India's power systems, it could not examine the details of the code itself. All India Power Engineers Federation threaten strike against Electricity Bill "From mid-2020, Recorded Future's midpoint collection revealed a steep rise in the use of infrastructure tracked as AXIOMATICASYMPTOTE, which encompasses ShadowPad command and control servers, to target a large swathe of India's power sector. 10 distinct Indian power sector organisations, including four of the five regional load dispatch centres responsible for the operation of the power grid through balancing electricity supply and demand, have been identified as targets in a concerted campaign against India's critical infrastructure. Other targets identified include two Indian seaports," the report said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News Further it also said that there was a clear and consistent pattern of Indian organisations being targeted in this campaign through the behavioural profiling of network traffic to adversary infrastructure. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 12:43 [IST] Rehabilitation walks around City Recreation Ground see fundraising target smashed A WOMAN battling cancer has turned her rehabilitation into a bid to raise vital funds for the hospital that saved her life. Julie Mullis, who lives with husband Steve in Newbury, was diagnosed with lung cancer in September last year and has since undergone two separate operations to remove tumours from both her right and left lungs at Guys Hospital in London. And now the 72-year-old, who has 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson, is using her daily walks around City Recreation Ground to travel the equivalent of the distance from her home to the London hospital and is fundraising along the way. Mrs Mullis, who has previously had breast cancer and also has an eight-inch titanium plate in her back because her spine is crumbling, is facing this latest battle with a smile. You have to win the mental battle before you can win the physical one, she said. I had to do some exercise between the two lung operations, but I hate it. Guys have given me extra years; the care in the hospital is second to none and I thought I wanted to do the exercise for them. If I dont feel like going out for that walk, I think its not for me its for Guys and so I do it. We go out every day, rain or shine and if I could do more I would. I am a stubborn old woman and if I say I will do something, I will do it. Mrs Mullis heads out with her husband for the walk every afternoon after he returns home from his shifts as a volunteer NHS driver. She set an initial target of 500 but has already exceeded that and is now hoping the total keeps increasing. I couldnt wish for a better husband either; hes so caring and he gives me every encouragement possible, Mrs Mullis said. Steve has been a brilliant nurse, as I cant do anything at the moment. The cancer is something we have to deal with so we just get on with it. The couple are no strangers to fundraising, having previously taken on charity parachute jumps, glider flights and a loop-the-loop in a Tiger Moth, as well as regular events for the RAF Association, as Mr Mullis is a veteran of the service. From Newbury to Guys Hospital is approximately 70 miles or 112,654m and Mrs Mullis said she hopes to complete her own walk there by the end of the year. To donate to her fundraising you can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/julie-r-mullis China has charged ahead with a bold effort to remake the way that government-backed money works, rolling out its own digital currency with different qualities than cash or digital deposits. The countrys central bank, which began testing eCNY last year in four cities, recently expanded those trials to bigger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, according to government presentations. The journey of how you pay, its very similar to that of other Chinese payments apps, Huang said of the eCNY experience, though she added that it was not quite as smooth. After joining the lottery through the social media app WeChat, Huang, 28, a business strategist in Shenzhen, received a digital envelope with 200 electronic Chinese yuan, or eCNY, worth around $US30 ($38.58). To spend it, she went to a convenience store near her office and picked out some nuts and yoghurt. Then she pulled up a QR code for the digital currency from inside her bank app, which the store scanned for payment. The effort is one of several by central banks around the world to try new forms of digital money that can move faster and give even the most disadvantaged people access to online financial tools. Many countries have taken action as cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which has recently soared in value, have become more popular. But while Bitcoin was designed to be decentralised so that no company or government could control it, digital currencies created by central banks give governments more of a financial grip. These currencies can enable direct handouts of money that expire if not used by a particular date and can make it easier for governments to track financial transactions to stamp out tax evasion and crack down on dissidents. Over the last 12 months, more than 60 countries have experimented with national digital currencies, up from just over 40 a year earlier, according to the Bank for International Settlements. The countries include Sweden, which is conducting real-world trials of a digital krona, and the Bahamas, which has made a digital currency, the Sand Dollar, available to all citizens. Loading In contrast, the United States has moved slowly and done just basic research. At a New York Times event last week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen indicated that might change when she said a US digital currency was absolutely worth looking at because it could result in faster, safer and cheaper payments. This content is expired! Unfortunely this content is expired and cannot be viewed anymore; if You are the owner of this content please login to our Website, go to our access panel and enable this content again. Over at MSNBC, they are calling those who think like me Dead-Enders, people who will follow Donald Trump into the bunker and die with him. Its supposed to be an insult. Thats all right. Ive been called worse -- domestic terrorist, white supremacist, racist. None of those slurs are accurate, but they sure do hurt. Which is the point. My smart-beyond-her-ninth-grade-education mother warned me about the power of political name-calling a long time ago. Back in the 1960s when I was a precocious ninth-grader myself, my mom told me never to join the Students for a Democratic Society, a left-wing antiwar group that kept sending me mail asking for a donation. If you do send them money, my mom said, then you are going to have a target on your back. Sometime, maybe years later, powerful people will come after you, call you a communist, and try to punish you. She knew all about name-calling because she had lived through the Red Scare of the 1950s. People lost their careers for joining the wrong group, for attending the wrong rally -- for having the wrong beliefs. Lives were ruined. Blacklists kept people in fear. It was hard to believe for a young man like me who loved his country that there would ever come a time again when Americans could be marginalized and have their livelihoods threatened just for taking a political stand. But here we are again. Today, you cant be a Trump conservative or, heaven forbid, a Trump Republican without having not just your patriotism questioned, but your very sanity. Over on CNN, folks like me are targeted as the Republicans trying to roll back your right to vote. John King, who was once a real journalist, should know better. But there he is, telling the useful idiots who watch CNN that defending against election fraud is somehow an attack on voting rights. This kind of loose talk legitimizes attacks on people like me since he states as a fact that we are working to undermine democracy. Although I used to watch CNN and MSNBC on a regular basis, its pointless now unless I want to find out exactly how the left is gaslighting the American public. There is no news anymore; there is just the 24/7 propaganda war aimed at conservatives. King says that Republicans around the country are only working to reform the voting process because of what he calls the big Trump lie about massive 2020 fraud. Talk about a big lie! The most tiresome one promoted by the Fake News Media these days is that Donald Trump is some sort of political Svengali who has a magic power over certain naive voters or mindless jackal Republican officials and can manipulate them into doing his will. Nothing could be further from the truth. Trump is not a leader in the traditional sense of inspiring his supporters to believe as he does, but rather someone who gains his strength and power from his ability to reflect the beliefs of those whom he leads. If you want to know why I am a Trump Republican, it is because only Trump has consistently and effectively put into words the values and beliefs I was armed with long before he appeared on the scene. He hasnt always been able to effectuate those values in policy changes, but Im willing to forgive him his failures because he -- like me -- has been the victim of cultural and political elites who despise him. They have proven they would stop at nothing to bring him to his knees, so it was no surprise to me that they rigged the election against him by changing voting rules and then blamed him for the chaos that resulted. The canard of the second Trump impeachment was that the 45th U.S. president had incited an insurrection against the government of the United States by promoting the supposedly baseless conspiracy theory that Democrats had stolen the election. That presumes that his rather lackluster speech at the Ellipse on the morning of Jan. 6 had the capacity to inspire a rebellion, which it didnt, but more importantly it deprives those who recklessly entered the U.S. Capitol of their agency and responsibility in breaking the law. It also assumes that people like me who studied the evidence and concluded that there was indeed fraud in the 2020 vote are dupes of the Great and Powerful Oz, er, Trump. That mistake has been repeated throughout Trumps candidacy and presidency -- over-estimating Trumps persuasiveness and under-estimating the savvy of his audience. It wasnt Trump who shaped the conservative movement in America, but rather the conservative movement that shaped Trump like Pygmalion into the political embodiment of heartland American values: free speech, law and order, good jobs, secure borders, equality but not equity. If some fair-minded historian wants to make an honest attempt at writing the story of the Trump movement, that is where they should begin -- with the understanding that Trump was called into being by necessity. His genius, if you will, was recognizing the spirit of the times and riding it into the White House. As one of the earliest media supporters of Donald Trumps candidacy in 2015, I had the good fortune to play a minor role in catalyzing the marriage between Trumps dynamic personality and what remained of the Tea Party movement that had nearly fizzled out since 2010. It was not by accident that the first three collections of my columns were published under the general title of Why We Needed Trump. There was never any doubt in my mind that no one besides Donald Trump could galvanize the untapped potential of the forgotten men and women of America and overthrow the corrupt governing system that eventually became known as the Swamp. It turned out that he didnt do it. The Swamp was bigger and dirtier than anyone suspected, but you know what? So far, the Swamp hasnt won completely, It hasnt vanquished Trump and it hasnt convinced the Deplorables to go away and hide. The Russia hoax? He beat it. Ukraine impeachment sham? He beat it. Impeachment 2.0? He beat it. Yep, the Democrats are right. Hes a fighter. He doesnt just curl up and surrender like Liz Cheney and Mitch McConnell and Ben Sasse and Nikki Haley. If you want to know why Im a Dead-Ender, a Trump Republican to the end, its this: No one else will fight like hell for the country I grew up in, the country I believe in, and the country that my forefathers died for. Trump may not be perfect; neither am I. But he damn sure didnt have to hypnotize me or manipulate me or mislead me to get me on his side. Ill confess: He had me at Make America Great Again. File photo taken on Jan. 6, 2021 shows supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump gathering in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office will in the near future issue a report on the human rights violations in the United States in 2020, an official statement said Monday. Titled "The Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020," the 15,000-Chinese-character document details facts regarding Washington's incompetent pandemic containment leading to tragic outcomes, American democracy disorder triggering political chaos, ethnic minorities suffering racial discrimination, continuous social unrest threatening public security, growing polarization between the rich and the poor aggravating social inequality, and U.S. trampling on international rules resulting in humanitarian disasters. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc around the world, posing a major threat to human security. It went out of control in the United States following the government's reckless response, notes the report. The United States, home to less than 5 percent of the world's population, accounted for more than a quarter of the world's confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly one fifth of the global deaths from the disease, the report says. More than 500,000 Americans lost their lives due to the virus, it adds. The document says that disorder in American democratic institutions led to political chaos, further tearing the fabric of society apart. Money-tainted politics distorted and suppressed public opinion, turning elections into a "one-man show" of the wealthy class, and people's confidence in the American democratic system dropped to the lowest level in 20 years, it adds. The report notes that ethnic minority groups in the United States suffered systematic racial discrimination and were in a difficult situation. People of color made up about one third of all minors under the age of 18 in the United States but two thirds of all of the country's imprisoned minors, it says. African-Americans were three times as likely as whites to be infected by the coronavirus, twice as likely to die from COVID-19, and three times as likely to be killed by the police, according to the report. One in four young Asian-Americans had been the target of racial bullying. The document points out that gun trade and shooting incidents hit a record high in the United States where people's confidence in social order waned. More than 41,500 people were killed in shooting incidents across the United States in 2020, an average of more than 110 a day, and there were 592 mass shootings nationwide, an average of more than 1.6 a day, it notes. The report draws attention to the widening gap between the rich and the poor in America where the people at the bottom of society were living in misery. The pandemic led to mass unemployment in the United States, and tens of millions of people lost health insurance coverage, it adds, calling vulnerable groups the biggest victims of the U.S. government's incompetent response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The report stresses that at a time when global unity is needed to fight the pandemic, the United States, however, persists in pursuing an agenda of "America first," isolationism, and unilateralism, imposing sanctions wantonly, bullying and threatening international organizations, and treating asylum seekers cruelly. In doing so, America is becoming the biggest troublemaker to global security and stability, it says. The U.S. Army's top enlisted leader unleashed a Twitter rant Sunday morning aimed at shaming unit leaders into administering the Army Combat Fitness Test, or ACFT. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston told unit leaders in the operational force that they need to make the ACFT a priority so their soldiers' scores can be entered into the Digital Training Management System, or DTMS. That will build more data to evaluate the official replacement for the Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT. "It doesn't help me to tell soldiers to 'take the test' when our leaders are hiding equipment away in the [Conex box], and company commanders are refusing to schedule the test. (Your Soldiers are pretty vocal about that last point on Instagram, btw)," Grinston tweeted. Read Next: Air Force Wing Commander Fired Due to 'Loss of Trust and Confidence' "We're preparing the way-ahead for ACFT. At the end of the day, policy needs to be DATA DRIVEN. So far, only 24% of the total Army has uploaded scores into DTMS, and only 7% have taken it more than once," he tweeted. "So again, leaders, administer the test. Upload scores into DTMS." Grinston's Twitter lecture comes as Army leaders are wrestling with how to keep the ACFT gender-neutral while also figuring out a fair method to assess scores for male and female soldiers at promotion time. The ACFT is also under congressional scrutiny. A requirement in the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act has resulted in the Army launching an independent review of the test, which is more challenging than its predecessor, to ensure it's fair for all soldiers. All soldiers in the active-duty, National Guard and Reserve force have been authorized to take the ACFT since Oct. 1, 2020, but test scores will not count against troops until March 2022. "There are still no admin actions (good or bad) from taking the test. But that data is crucial to helping us inform policy moving forward," Grinston tweeted. "The test will remain gender neutral to pass. Every soldier must do the same amount of each exercise to be a soldier. Only one scoring table." But the Army recently confirmed that the service is evaluating a new version of the ACFT that could create "gender-specific" evaluation categories for promotions. The move would backtrack on the Army's original plan to have the new six-event test be gender-neutral in all aspects in recognition of data showing that physiological differences cause individual scores to differ by 100 points on average by gender, according to an Army official familiar with the effort. The ACFT 3.0 will likely eliminate the three separate scoring categories for military occupational specialties and move to a single scoring standard for all soldiers. But instead of judging men and women's raw scores against the same rubric, the Army is proposing separate percentile bands for men and women that would be gender-blind when soldiers go before a promotion board. "This test is NOT designed to exclude or disadvantage any group. There are still a lot of policy Qs on using it for promotion/assessments, but the answers have to come with testing data," Grinston tweeted. "We need to baseline the Army on these minimums during the next year before final implementation which is still on track for March 2022." Grinston also pointed out that women account for "less than 8% of all testing data we have. And the majority of that is from operational units. We can't (and shouldn't) make decisions based on this information." One commenter, who goes by username Pam Pam, said that the "fact there's less than 10% females that have taken it says a lot. They're either reluctant to take one, or COs to have them take it." Some commenters pointed out that leaders need to be held accountable for not administering the ACFT. A commenter going by the name SJJ tweeted, "Until there are 'real consequences' for plain ole not doing what is right, then you will always have leaders/subordinates not doing what's right." Commenter Andy W, who said he is an Army warrant officer, agreed. "There's a lot of truth there--I'd also add that until it's a commander's priority, it's not a priority." More than one commenter said that the equipment needed to take the ACFT has not been fielded to all units yet. Grinston was quick to respond, telling commenters to message "me your unit. Equipment is 100% fielded. Someone needs to open the [Conex box]." In June 2019, the Army struck a $63.7 million deal with Atlantic Diving Supply Inc. in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Sorinex Exercise Equipment Inc. in Lexington, South Carolina, to supply 36,608 battalion sets of fitness equipment. The ACFT is nearly twice as effective as the APFT in predicting a soldier's ability to conduct basic warrior tasks and battle drills, Grinston said. "Meaning, if you JUST PASS you're more likely to be able to perform the basic tasks (react to contact, move through an obstacle, move a casualty, throw a grenade, etc) than if you can pass the APFT," Grinston tweeted. "The readiness imperative here is clear." -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Army's Revamped ACFT Would Create 'Gender-Specific' Promotion Evaluation Categories Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 21:23:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes any country creating tension and increasing its military presence in the South China Sea under the pretext of "freedom of navigation," said the Ministry of National Defense on Monday. The ministry made the remarks when asked to comment on the French Navy's recent dispatch of warships on a "freedom of navigation" mission in the South China Sea and the British Navy's upcoming operation in the region. At present, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and regional countries are working to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, said the ministry. The ministry said China's will and determination to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea are rock solid, adding that China firmly opposes any country interfering in regional affairs under the pretext of "freedom of navigation" and damaging the common interests of regional countries. The ministry called on relevant countries to make constructive contributions to peace and stability in the South China Sea, and refrain from making trouble and provoking tensions in the region. Enditem Highway robbers attacked a taxi on the Subinso No 2-Nchiraa road in the Wenchi Municipality last Saturday killing a passenger and injuring three others. The deceased has been identified as Erica Adufah, 25, a nurse working with the Nchiraa Health Clinic. A victim in the incident, Ofosu Nuamah, alias Seniorman who is a mason aged 50, who is on admission at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital, told journalists that the incident occurred at about 8 p.m. He said he and his apprentices had gone to Subinso No. 2 for an assignment and on completion had hired the taxi to take them back to Nchiraa, a distance of about 15 kilometres since it was late and night had fallen. Mr Nuamah said even though the taxi was full, the deceased, who was the only one at the lorry station at the time and was on her way to work, had to be accommodated. He said about five kilometres into the journey, some men on two motorbikes and using flashlights ordered the taxi to stop. "Initially, I thought they needed help but they began to shoot indiscriminately when we got closer," he said. He said in the course of the shooting, a bullets pierced his hand which was placed on the passenger door and hit the nurse. Mr Nuamah added that he was thereafter forcibly pulled out of the taxi by the robbers who searched his pockets as he feigned to be dead so his life could be spared. According to him, after a little over 30 minutes when the robbers had departed, a "Good Samaritan" who chanced on the scene, picked them up and sent them to the Subinso No. 2 Health Centre before they were referred to the Wenchi Methodist Hospital for further treatment. The Medical Director of the Wenchi Methodist Hospital, Dr Oman Abraham, said he called for duty moments after the victims had been referred to the hospital. He confirmed that a victim in the robbery incident had died, adding that the condition of three other victims were very critical and had to be rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for further treatment. The three, he said, had been identified as Ofosu Nuamah, Sampson Sonyam, and Stephen Amoah. As at the time of filing this report, efforts were being made to get the police at Wenchi for their take on the incident. 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 Making his first public appearance since leaving office not six weeks ago, former President Trump lashed out Sunday at his successor and some fellow Republicans during a fact-challenged and grievance-laden speech in which he teased another presidential run in four years. In an address seemingly designed to assert continued control over his political party at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, Trump made clear he's not over his defeat and continued to lie about the outcome. But he reserved his strongest vitriol not for President Biden, who won by 7 million votes, but Republicans who he believes didn't fight hard enough on his behalf. Frustrated by GOP lawmakers who broke with him over his months-long, falsehood-filled campaign to overturn an election, he expressed particular contempt for the 17 Republican lawmakers who joined Democrats voting to impeach and convict him for his role in inciting a mob of supporters to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6 to stop the counting of electoral votes. Five people, including a police officer, died in the insurrection. Trump did not speak to the crowd of 1,400 activists about the riot or mention those who partook in it. He focused instead on punishing Republicans who he believes betrayed him in the aftermath, making it clear he would be supporting efforts by more pro-Trump candidates to oust them next year in primaries. "Get rid of them all," he said. +4 Examining the state of Louisiana's GOP, who's sticking with Trump and an emerging divide In the wake of Donald Trumps loss at the polls and his supporters storming of the U.S. Capitol two months later, Republicans across the coun The 90-minute speech to some of his most diehard supporters made clear Trump is unchanged, despite having been defeated electorally and banned from Twitter, his beloved social media platform. CPAC offered him his largest audience since departing Washington on Inauguration Day, hours before Biden's swearing-in. The enthusiastic audience erupted in cheers when Trump hinted at another presidential campaign in 2024 by saying his political journey was "far from over." In continuing to perpetuate the falsehood that the election had been stolen from him, he quipped he "may decide to even beat [Democrats] a third time." More than anything, the speech confirmed that Trump's post-presidential project will be focused on something other than philanthropy or a library: revenge. Even as he described the GOP as "unified" and tamped down his own talk of forming a third party separate from the GOP, Trump name-checked every lawmaker of his own party who supported the Democratic impeachment effort against him, singling them out as "grandstanders" and calling for their defeats in primaries next year. Trump puts Mitt Romney, "Little Ben Sasse," Richard Burr, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Pat Tomney, and all the House Republicans who voted for his impeachment on blast by name -- concluding with Liz Cheney pic.twitter.com/Me5JvoIslq Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 28, 2021 Calling Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), the No. 3 Republican in the House and one of his most outspoken critics, a "warmonger," Trump claimed with glee that her poll numbers were going down. "Hopefully they'll get rid of her with the next election," he said. Referring to the group as "Republicans In Name Only," or "RINOs," Trump told supporters the more independent lawmakers "will destroy the Republican Party, the American worker, and our country itself." He also savaged the Supreme Court, claiming the justices, three of whom he appointed, "didn't have the courage to act" in backing his legal election challenges that had already been dismissed by dozens of lower courts. "They should be ashamed of themselves for what they've done to our country." Trump continued to perpetuate the falsehoods that underpinned the attack on the Capitol, claiming again that "the election was rigged." He called for Republicans to alter state election laws to eradicate mail and early voting, claiming falsely that Democrats "used the China virus to change all the election rules." Trump was far more animated in attacking Republicans than he was in going after Biden. "Joe Biden has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history," Trump said. Deviating from his scripted remarks in the teleprompter, he added: "That's true." Of course, Biden's approval rating 56% in last week's Gallup poll is higher than Trump's ever was. And Biden gets even higher marks for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephanie Grace: Bill Cassidy's not worried about GOP criticism. Here's why he shouldn't be. Hes been condemned by his own state party for his vote to convict former President Donald Trump for inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Ca The flatness of his broadsides against his former campaign rival carried the tone of a lament, acceptance of the reality that Biden, now ensconced in the Oval Office, has already set about reversing many of his administration's policies, specifically with regard to immigration and foreign policy. Complaining about Biden having rejoined the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization, Trump suggested Biden had already "gone from 'America first' to America last." And he claimed that the new administration was "recklessly eliminating our border security measures" and triggering "a massive flood of illegal immigration into our country the likes of which we have never seen." Although officials at the border are seeing an uptick in attempted crossings that began in late 2020, it's far smaller than the influx of migrants seen in 2019 after Trump put some of his strictest immigration policies in place. Biden has yet to repeal Title 42, the controversial policy Trump put in place last March in the name of public health that effectively closed the border and pathways to migrate legally. Trump, who called on Biden to reopen America's schools and suggested the Democratic administration's fealty to teachers unions was "a scandal," sought to claim credit for the vaccination efforts currently underway. 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 "I handed the new administration what everyone is now calling a modern-day medical miracle," Trump said, focusing on his administration's pressure on pharmaceutical companies and the FDA to fast-track the development of a vaccine. He did not, however, discuss the dearth of distribution plans Biden encountered upon taking office after a transition period in which Trump's administration refused to cooperate with the incoming officials. But Trump did refer to Biden's criticism on that score, joking that he "didn't really know what the hell was happening." "Never let them forget, this was us," Trump said, referring to the country's ongoing recovery. Just before Trump took the stage, the conference released the results of its straw poll of attendees a sign that Trump's grip on the Republican Party, and its 2024 presidential nomination should he choose to seek it, is not ironclad. Although he was the top choice to be the GOP nominee again in 2024, drawing 55% of the total vote, 32% of those present said they hoped he wouldn't run again, a significant percentage considering the pro-Trump bent of the party's base. Despite GOP outcry, Cassidy 'at peace' with impeachment vote Trashed on social media and censured by Louisiana Republicans, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy described himself Wednesday as "at peace" with his vote Two Republican governors who also spoke at CPAC, Ron DeSantis of Florida and Kristi Noem of South Dakota, finished behind Trump in the 2024 straw poll. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., one of the pro-impeachment Republicans Trump singled out, said earlier in the day that the former president's focus on retribution would continue to divide their party. "I think we are a party that's been for too long peddling in fear, using fear as a compelling way to get votes. And fear does motivate," he said in an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation." "But after a while, fear can destroy a country, can destroy narratives, and it can destroy a democracy," he said. "And we have to quit peddling that." A few other elected Republicans also aired misgivings about Trump's bid for continuing dominance of the GOP, questioning whether the conservative gathering hosting him reflects the party as a whole. "CPAC is not the entirety of the Republican Party," Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who voted to convict Trump in his second Senate impeachment trial, said on CNN's "State of the Union." Cassidy was one of seven Republicans who joined Democrats in a 57-43 vote to convict Trump, short of the two-thirds tally necessary to convict him. Without naming Trump, Cassidy urged against "putting one person on a pedestal and making that person the focal point." "Over the last four years we lost the House, the Senate and the presidency that has not happened in a single four years under a president since Herbert Hoover," Cassidy said in the CNN interview, which aired hours before Trump's CPAC speech. "If we idolize one person, we will lose, and that's kind of clear from the last election." Even among Republicans who are working hard to remain in Trump's good graces, some have parted ways with the ex-president's continuing false claim that the election was rigged. "Did Joe Biden win this election fair and square?" interviewer Chris Wallace, host of "Fox News Sunday," asked Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. "Absolutely," Scott replied. "Joe Biden is the president," Scott continued. "We went through the constitutional process. Joe Biden won the election." The Florida Republican also pledged support for all Republican senators seeking reelection a stance that flies in the face of the Trump camp's threats to mount GOP primary challenges to those deemed insufficiently loyal to the ex-president. Scott said he believed Trump is "going to be helpful" in reelecting incumbent Republican senators, without mentioning those Trump has vocally attacked. Times staff writer Molly O'Toole contributed to this report. ___ (c)2021 the Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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. It would be overstating things to say that the resultant film feels fully realized. Of necessity, it is an eclectic, sometimes choppy blend of the cinematic and the theatrical, of close-ups, split-screen effects and more more traditional swaths of action filmed on a mostly bare Studebaker stage. Given that reality, its impossible for the performers to size and scale their work consistently and so those levels vary. But the effort, deep in commitment, captures the milieu and honors characters typified by their strength and resilience. This is a notable achievement under incredibly difficult circumstances. 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. Peter Nordens first experience of navigating the byzantine aged care system was after he had an operation last year. The 71-year-old founder of Jesuit Social Services, prison reform advocate and honorary fellow at Deakin University is no intellectual slouch, but he says the process of organising support in his home was confusing and bureaucratic. Ive been working at a fairly high level teaching and writing and research and I couldnt understand what it was all about, Dr Norden says. Peter Norden found the aged care system difficult to navigate. Credit:Justin McManus When I started trying to change providers, there were so many barriers and hoops to jump through that you almost felt it was a waste of time; you make so many damn phone calls. I found it bureaucratic, complex and difficult to feel any sense of control or that I was a partner in this. Vineet Kumar Singh Opens Up About The Time He Played Duplicates And A Dead Body, Says 'Mera Career Ek Ek Scene Se Bana Hai' Vineet Kumar Singh is an impeccable actor and anyone who has seen his performance in films like Mukkabaaz, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Gold or Bard Of Blood would not even think of disagreeing. The actor was seen in a supporting role in Gangs of Wasseypur, and shot to famme with Mukkabaaz. However, he hasn't always gotten roles where he was visible. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vineet Kumar Singh (@vineet_ksofficial) In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the actor opened up about doing uncredited roles for a long time. He revealed, Its not as if I havent done this already. In my career, Ive performed as the duplicate heroes, too. In a film called Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav (2005), I played Suniel Shetty sahabs duplicate. There was a film called Rakht, there was a big star and the shot was about a dead body. It was the last shot, and they wanted someone with the same height and structure, it was me. Ive done these uncredited roles. Mera career ek ek scene se bana hai, maine jahan kaam kiya, wahan logon ke mujhe repeat kiya. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vineet Kumar Singh (@vineet_ksofficial) In fact, the actor who will next be seen in a film called Aadhar, said that he co-wrote Mukkabaaz because he wasn't getting a good opportunity in Mumbai. He said, I did Bombay Talkies, Gangs of Wasseypur... tareef bauhaut mili, lekin jis cheez ke liye main Mumbai aaya tha, woh nahi ho raha tha. Thats why I took this decision to write a story for myself, and I co-wrote Mukkabaaz with my sister. We hope we get to see more of Vineet on the big screens and he gets more opportunities of his likings in the future. Defiant Hong Kong protesters risked arrest outside a local court in the biggest demonstration in months, as dozens of the city's most prominent pro-democracy activists were jailed on subversion charges and authorities in Beijing moved to limit the opposition's role in future elections. The arrests of 47 opposition figures including key protest organizers Joshua Wong, Benny Tai and Jimmy Sham over their roles in an informal election primary last year represented the most sweeping use of the national security law imposed by China last year. The assembled activists appeared in a mass hearing Monday before Chief Magistrate Victor So. The proceedings drew hundreds of supporters outside the courthouse in the West Kowloon area. Not only did participants risk arrest by attending an unauthorized rally, some chanted "Liberate Hong Kong! Revolution of our time!" -- a slogan banned by authorities since the security law's enactment. "I'm here to support our comrades," said Kwan Chun-sang, a district councilor. "As long as this breath lasts, I'll fight until the end." In another court in the same complex, a handful of other prominent activists -- including Martin Lee, Hong Kong's so-called Father of Democracy, and media tycoon Jimmy Lai -- were being tried on separate charges over their roles in an unauthorized rally. The latest charges were condemned by the U.S. and the European Union, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for the "immediate release" of the activists. The security law case was just one of several moves by authorities to clamp down on the opposition ahead of a legislative election planned for later this year, after being delayed in September. The move comes ahead of China's annual legislative session, with senior Chinese officials calling for an overhaul of Hong Kong's election system that could further reduce the already-limited influence of pro-democracy politicians. Xia Baolong, the head of the Chinese agency responsible for the city, is meeting Hong Kong officials over the mainland border in Shenzhen to discuss electoral changes. "The decision to charge these people also suggests that the government wants to do real and lasting damage to the political opposition in Hong Kong, above and beyond the 2021 election cycle," said Thomas Kellogg, executive director of the Georgetown Center for Asian Law. "It may be that we're seeing the end of formal opposition politics in the SAR, which would be a real shame," he said referring to Hong Kong's status as a special administrative region. Beijing is tightening control over the Asian financial center after a wave of historically large and sometimes violent democracy protests in 2019. The national security law carries sentences as long as life in prison depending on the severity of the offense, and has been criticized by lawyers, rights groups and international governments as a violation of Beijing's promise to respect Hong Kong's freedoms and "high degree of autonomy." The opposition figures detained Sunday are being prosecuted over their roles in helping organize a primary that drew more than 600,000 voters in July to choose candidates for Legislative Council elections. Authorities say the primary, as well as plans to force the resignation of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam using a provision of the mini-constitution, were part of an illegal attempt to paralyze the city's government. The election was eventually postponed by a full year, with the government citing the coronavirus. Critics said the pro-China local administration hoped to avoid a repeat of an election defeat in local district council polls in late 2019. The charge facing Wong, who testified before the U.S. Congress during the protests, was the first for him under the national security law. He is already serving a sentence of more than a year in prison handed down in December for a separate charge related to a protest in 2019. Authorities didn't charge American lawyer John Clancey, who was involved in the primary and was among those arrested in January. He told reporters after having his bail extended Sunday that he was asked to report to the police again in early May. Former Legislative Council President Rita Fan told officials at the Shenzhen meeting that district councilors should be barred from the 1,200-person committee that selects the chief executive, according to the Standard newspaper. The 2019 victory for democracy advocates in 17 of 18 local district councils gave the opposition around 117 seats on that committee, giving them a better chance of blocking Beijing's choice to lead the city. "The central government is really worried about the elections," said Dongshu Liu, a City University of Hong Kong assistant professor of Chinese politics, adding that the plan to force Lam's resignation alarmed Beijing. "The central government was really shocked that they seemed to be likely to succeed." While almost 100 people have been arrested under the new law, prosecutors had previously only brought charges against 10 of them. The most prominent is media mogul Lai, who has been denied bail and is awaiting trial on charges that he colluded with foreign powers to impose sanctions or engage in hostile activities against Hong Kong or China. "People just want to express their wish on how the pro-democracy camp can get more seats in the Legislative Council, but they're being accused of 'subversion,'" District Councilor Angus Wong said outside the court. "The future of Hong Kong is very gloomy." A cabinet minister stands accused of a violent rape in 1988. Tragically, the police investigation ceased when the complainant committed suicide last year. Now that the nation knows some details about these allegations but not the ministers identity or his ministry, the government has a legal and political dilemma. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: Should the issue be simply left to the police to investigate or should there be some different form of investigation or should both occur? Should the ministers identity be revealed? Since last Fridays airing of the allegation, the police investigation would have been reignited. They would now have a range of contemporaneous records that the complainant made detailing the very grave allegations. She complained to multiple witnesses. The fact that the complainant has now died does not necessarily mean there cannot be a criminal prosecution. Hearsay representations, both documents and oral statements, can be admitted in criminal proceedings if they were made shortly after the event and in circumstances that make them highly likely to be reliable. The decision to prosecute will hang on whether or not the complainants statements fall into that category. The historical nature of the allegations is not unusual at all. People are commonly tried for historical sex offences. Bahrain has delivered nearly 30,000 residential units and services to eligible citizens across the kingdom over the past five years. The drive follows the royal order issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to construct 40,000 units for citizens, said a statement from Ministry of Housing. The ministry is currently distributing 5,000 housing units to eligible recipients following an order issued by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These include ownership apartments, units and residential plots in each of East Hidd Town, the Buhair Project, Salman Town and other key areas across the kingdom. According to the ministry, construction has been completed on Salman Town, East Hidd Town, Ramli residential project over the past five years, while work on East Sitra Town is currently on track. The ministry has also completed work on 40 other residential blocks across the kingdom, which contributed to meeting the needs of thousands of Bahraini families, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Stassi Schroeder joyously welcomed her first child, daughter Hartford, with husband Beau Clark in January. And seven weeks after giving birth, the Vanderpump Rules alum, 32, is speaking candidly about her postpartum body struggles and the pressure women often feel to 'bounce back.' '1st postpartum OOTD- I dont know who needs to hear this but its been 7 weeks since I gave birth and my maternity jeans are still the only ones that fit me,' began Schroeder, who posed for a self-portrait in front of a full length mirror for Instagram. Feeling the pressure: Seven weeks after giving birth, Vanderpump Rules alum Stassi Schroeder is speaking candidly about her postpartum body struggles and the pressure women often feel to 'bounce back' The reality star looked effortlessly gorgeous in a black oversized button down, which she styled with dark denim maternity skinny jeans and a pair of stylish Chanel slingback heels. Stassi's signature blonde hair was parted down the middle and styled in soft waves that framed her face for the Instagram snap. She continued: 'Im also wearing spanx to hold in what looks like a 4 month pregnant belly. I thought it would be way easier to bounce back, and everyday I wake up like a kid on Christmas morning hoping that when I look in the mirror, Im going to see my pre-pregnant body once again and that obvs never happens.' Schroeder marveled at 'how f***ed up is it that [she is] so obsessed with bouncing back when [her] body has just made, housed and delivered a baby.' New mom: Stassi joyously welcomed her first child, daughter Hartford, in January; Stassi and Hartford pictured on February 17 Bouncing back: I thought it would be way easier to bounce back, and everyday I wake up like a kid on Christmas morning hoping that when I look in the mirror, Im going to see my pre-pregnant body once again and that obvs never happens,' wrote Stassi; Stassi pictured in December 2019 She revealed that, since giving birth to her daughter, her 'body issues consume [her] thoughts about 97% of the day, and it is a major hole [she] struggle to dig [herself] out of.' 'Were told we have to eat enough calories to breastfeed but dont overdo it because then we wont get our bodies back. 'All the while Im trying to stay mentally and emotionally healthy for my baby, my husband and myself,' Stassi lamented. Despite receiving tons of messages from her 2.3million followers urging her to give herself 'grace,' the positive reenforcement has not been enough to stop her intrusive thoughts. Conflicted: 'I also feel like an a**hole for complaining about my body when I was given the most perfect baby,' she wrote; Hartford pictured on Friday 'Ive read some kind dms from people telling me to give myself grace but Im not gonna lie, I truly dont know how to give myself grace and thats a depressing fact. 'I also feel like an a**hole for complaining about my body when I was given the most perfect baby,' she wrote. 'Totally wish I wasnt so vain, but unfortunately I am. All I can say is thank the lord shirt jackets are in.' To close out her candid post, Stassi stressed that she hoped her words 'helped at least one other postpartum mama feel a little less alone today,' before jokingly adding: 'On a positive note, my Chanel sling backs fit.' In a hole: She revealed that, since giving birth to her daughter, her 'body issues consume [her] thoughts about 97% of the day, and it is a major hole [she] struggle to dig [herself] out of'; Stassi pictured in December Big reveal: Stassi and Beau officially welcomed baby Hartford on January 8, but did not reveal their child's arrival on social media until January 21; Hartford pictured Stassi and Beau officially welcomed baby Hartford on January 8, but did not reveal their child's arrival on social media until January 21. 'Beau & I have spent the last couple of weeks enjoying every moment with our daughter. Every cuddle, every sound, every poop, all of it,' captioned the star, who included a peaceful snapshot of the newborn. 'Its her two week birthday and I feel like Im finally ready to share my little girl. Meet Hartford Charlie Rose Clark, the best thing thats ever happened to me. My heart is so freaking full. I cant believe I get to keep her.' Stassi had a grandmother called Rosemary who died in 2019 and Beau's father is named Charlie, hence the baby's middle names. Parenthood: Stassi shares her newborn Hartford with husband Beau Clark; Beau and Stassi pictured The couple got married in September in a small casual outdoor ceremony after their big wedding plans had to be put on hold due to the pandemic. 'We went and did it anyway. Married sept 2020. Hopefully Italian dream wedding oct 2021,' Stassi revealed in an October post to Instagram. They got engaged in July 2019, and the proposal aired on the last season of Vanderpump Rules before Stassi was fired for past racially insensitive actions. The past Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana, the Right Reverend Seth Senyo Agidi, has been laid to rest at Ho. The Rt. Rev. Dr Agidi died on October 10, 2020, after a short illness at the Ho Teaching Hospital. He was 65 years old. He was buried at the Ho-Kpodzi Missionary cemetery at the E.P. Church Headquarters. Dr Agidi was the second Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church after a change from the Synod status. He trained as a teacher and attended the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon. He pursued postgraduate studies at the Eden Theological Seminary, United States of America. Rev. Dr Lt. Col Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd), the Moderator of the General Assembly, E. P Church, Ghana, in a sermon, said the death of a man of God was not the end of God's power. He said Jesus never promised Christians a storm-free life. "The death of the late Moderator does not mean God has deserted the Church," he added. Rev Dr Agbeko said it only meant that the time had come for that person to take a rest, indicating that even in death God's power was still active. The Moderator said when the late Moderator fell ill, the Church prayed to God and whatever support he needed was provided. "God knows what will be best for the late Moderator and the Church," he added. Mrs Madeleine Akpene Kadji-Agidi, the wife of the late Moderator, in a tribute, described the husband as a peace-loving person who never got angry nor held grudges for long. "He preferred to make known his displeasure and then let go of the issue," she added. She said the husband was a selfless man, who could go months without his salary but ensuring that other workers were paid their earnings. She said the husband truly loved the family but loved the E.P Church Ghana more than his own life. "All these sacrifices, hard work and dedication to God's work, precisely, the E.P Church Ghana, had a devastating effect on his health," she added. She said the husband's faith was in God, his heart was his family and his blood was the E.P Church, Ghana. The Church in its tribute described the late Moderator as a man, who was passionate, firm, methodical, conservative and articulate yet approachable and willing to listen. It said the late Rt. Rev Dr Agidi made theological education and ministry training available to all and did well to promote additional training opportunities for Pastors. "This enabled many to be well equipped in ministry and service and also empowered for witness and mission in a changing world," the Church said. The Church said "His spirituality, faithfulness to the gospel and integrity as a Pastor and leader was nothing short of admirable." It said the Rt. Rev. Dr Agidi inspired the entire membership of the Church to grow in integrity. The late Very Rev Dr Agidi was married with four children. Earlier, a letter addressed to Presbytery Moderators of the Church and signed by Dr Emmanuel Komla Amey, Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church, said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Church would be represented at the burial service only by members of the General Assembly Executive Council, all Pastors serving in the Ho East and Ho West Presbyteries of the Church, Dumedefor and Ho Kpodzi Church Choirs. The directive is to minimise the spread of the COVID-19. The burial service was telecast live on Ghana Television. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo through Dr Archibald Letsa, the Regional Minister, donated 20,000 cedis to the family and the Church. The National Democratic Congress Parliamentarians donated 20,000 cedis and former President John Dramani Mahama through Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo donated 5,000 cedis. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close A man has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in an offer to supply Class A drugs following an investigation into the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform (Niall Carson/PA) A man has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in an offer to supply Class A drugs following an investigation into the EncroChat encrypted messaging platform. The 33-year-old was detained in the Newry, Co Down, area by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). He was also accused of being concerned in an offer to supply class B controlled drugs, conspiracy to import class B controlled drugs and entering into an arrangement to acquire criminal property. The PSNI seized 14 vehicles, many of them high-end, valued between 500,000 and 750,000. The arrest was part of the National Crime Agencys Operation Venetic investigation into crimes being committed on encrypted mobile phones. EncroChat, an encrypted messaging platform, was shut down by the authorities in June. Detective Inspector Craig McCamley said: Detectives from Criminal Investigations Branch continue to play their part in the UKs biggest law enforcement operation against serious and organised criminality. As part of this, officers carried out a search of three properties in the Newry area. The detective added: This is an example of our ongoing commitment to bring those involved in criminal activity to justice. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of organised crime gangs. We recognise the harm caused in our communities as a result of organised crime and we will continue to keep people safe from this activity. It wasnt an easy task as the police only had a few selfies captured in what appeared to be the basement of a house and several with an area of water in the background to go on. But a unit of the Local Police of Malaga whose task is to track social networks to ensure compliance with Covid-19 measures, soon identified the location of an alleged clandestine party in the south of Spain. The officers had discovered four different social media profiles from which images of the same party had been published. One of them was of a young girl who took a selfie with several friends, although in the background you could see rotating lights, music, a bar and none of the people who appeared in the images wore a mask or respected social distancing measures. The Local Police also found the profiles of another girl and two other boys who published images in which numerous people were seen dancing and singing, as well as using a hookah. There was also an image taken outside the property with a area of water in the background. The water was soon identified to be La Vinuela reservoir and everything seemed to indicate that the rule-flouting party had been held in a nearby town. With the help of the Periana Local Police, the officers managed to locate the basement of the house where the secret event was held. When the owner was contacted he explained to the police that the house was rented out to a third party for a period of eleven months. As a result of the police investigation nine people have been reported for breaching some of the Junta de Andalucia restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) dismissed claims made by a pilots' association that the South African Airways flight transporting a consignment of Covid-19 vaccines was an unnecessary expensive exercise as untrue... The second consignment of Johnson and Johnson vaccines arrived in SA on Saturday. Image: Twitter Intensifying cargo business According to a report , the chair of the SAA Pilots' Association (Saapa), Grant Back, said the flight would cost tax payers and the government about R5m, "a price tag that could have been avoided if the government used another commercial flight scheduled for the same day".At the moment Saapa members, who have been locked out since 18 December last year because no agreement could be reached on ending an apartheid-era Regulating Agreement (RA) (in existence since 1988). SAAPA are only representing a minority of pilots, the statement from DPE said.SAAPA has done everything in its power to discredit the commencement of flights at SAA because it is happening without their members. They have raised unfounded allegations of safety in the last week regarding the preparations for vaccine repatriation flight. They are now raising a new allegation about the financial viability of the flight, it said.Once again a minority of SAA pilots tried to protect their own self-interests and pockets by attempting to discredit a flight to transport vaccines back into the country to protect health workers from the Covid-19 pandemic."The flight to Brussels also serves as a test relaunch of the SAA Cargo business. Many airlines around the world, including Lufthansa and Ethiopian, have intensified their cargo businesses while the passenger loads declined sharply, in order to bring in revenue. There will be many such flights by SAA in the months to come. This will also include transport of vaccines from manufacturers to African countries during the next months," the statement said.The Brussels flight to bring back the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is proof that a restructured and well-managed airline operated in a professional and sustainable manner can support key economic sectors including travel, tourism and even cargo to solidify South Africa as an African gateway to international markets.It would also ensure that sovereign logistics capacity is sustained just as when repatriation flights were used to bring back home South Africans stranded in various parts of the world under Level 5 lockdown.Over time cargo will become a profitable business. Partnerships with private sector will be considered at the appropriate time. These flights will become commercially viable.The current flight carried goods to Brussels and will bring back the vaccine and more cargo on the return leg and this was to ensure that the flight and the overall operation is cost effective, says the DPE. UNDER A WHITE SKY The Nature of the Future By Elizabeth Kolbert A few years ago YouTube recommended I watch a video with the word carpocalypse in its title. I clicked the link of course I did and stared in awe at what resembled a mash-up of a video game, nature documentary and war movie. I saw a river full of fish leaping from the water like chaotic piscine fireworks and men in speedboats yelling and holding out nets to catch them as if they were wet and weighty butterflies. Fish hitting people in the face, fish landing in boats, fish flapping between peoples feet in a mess of slime and blood. This, the video informed me, was the annual Redneck Fishing Tournament in Bath, Ill., the object of which was to kill as many Asian carp as possible. An invasive species that has spread throughout the Mississippi basin since its introduction as a safe agent of biological control in the 1960s, Asian carp jump when they feel in danger, and the sound of boat engines is sufficiently alarming to push them en masse into the air. The video was a startling coincidence of science, culture and environmental disaster, and I thought of it often as I read Elizabeth Kolberts excellent new book. I did so partly because her opening chapter deals with the continuing struggle to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes system, with solutions ranging from electrified water barriers to thrillingly impractical suggestions from members of the public to stop them with flying knives. But as I read on, I was reminded of the carp for a different reason. They seemed no longer just a sign of environmental disaster or a ready metaphor for xenophobia. In my mind they became proxies for us creatures in mass panic, leaping out of their comfort zone, desperate to avoid catastrophe. Under a White Sky is a fascinating survey of novel attempts to manage natural systems of all sizes, from preserving tiny populations of desert fish to altering the entire atmosphere (the title refers to the color the sky would turn were solar engineers to implement plans to spread mineral particles in the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and cut global warming). One of the great science journalists, Kolbert has for many years been an essential voice, a reporter from the front lines of the environmental crisis. Her new book crackles with the realities of living in an era that has sounded the death knell for our commonly held belief that one can meaningfully distinguish between nature and humanity. Our world is too much changed for nature to be preserved simply by leaving it alone. Humans, she explains, are producing no-analog climates, no-analog ecosystems, a whole no-analog future. The systems that support us are now hybrid human-natural ones, and maintaining them increasingly requires us to adopt inventive strategies to correct for our previous attempts at control, efforts that have frequently led to highly unfortunate outcomes. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A proposal headed to the state Senate would remove mandatory sentencing enhancements for habitual offenders an attempt to give judges more flexibility in considering defendants with prior felony convictions. The legislation, House Bill 114, also would remove possession of drugs as one of the prior convictions that can trigger an increased sentence for habitual offenders. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ It passed the House 45-25 Sunday and now heads to the Senate. Rep. Micaela Lara Cadena, a Mesilla Democrat and sponsor of the bill, said the measure would give judges flexibility they need for defendants struggling with addiction. They could still impose the sentencing enhancement generally an extra one, four or eight years, depending on how many prior felony convictions defendant has but it would be optional. Lara Cadena said the enhancements create incredible disparities in how different offenders are sentenced for the same underlying crime. The enhancements, she said, havent succeeded in improving public safety, and some defendants rack up repeated convictions because of an underlying addiction that can be solved with treatment. Substance-use disorder in New Mexico is a health care issue, Lara Cadena said, and we as a state havent gotten anything out of having these mandatory sentences on the books. The bill won approval over the objection of every Republican in the House. Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell, R-Roswell, said New Mexico doesnt have the necessary treatment programs to make it safe to let repeat offenders out of prison earlier. Its not helping them one iota, she said, and its not helping our communities. One Democrat, Rep. Marian Matthews of Albuquerque, voted against the bill. One independent, Rep. Phelps Anderson of Roswell, voted in favor. Analysts for the state Corrections Department said the bill would likely decrease incarceration costs, though they didnt provide a savings estimate because of uncertainty over how judges would use the new discretion. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Arctic Siberia, near the Markha River, the earth ripples in ways that scientists does not fully understand and can't affirm why these hills in the Russian Arctic ripple with stripes. NASA researchers posted earlier this week, a set of satellite images of the strange wrinkled landscape to the Earth Observatory website of the agency. Conflicting Explanations Given to NASA The photos, taken with the Landsat 8 satellite display the land on both sides of the Markha River waving with flipping dark and light stripes. The puzzling effect is apparent in all four seasons, but it is obvious in winter when white snow makes a conflicting pattern even harsher. But why is this particular section of Siberia marked by stripes? Scientists are not really sure, and several experts offered conflicting explanations to NASA. A single feasible explanation is written in the glassy ground. This region of the Central Siberian Plateau according to NASA uses about 90% of the year covered in permafrost, although it sometimes melts for short intervals. Read Also: Man-Made Barrier Surrounding the Earth Found by NASA Space Probes The Patterned Ground Scientists reported in the journal Science published in January 2003 that patches of land that constantly freeze, melt and freeze again have been known to take on circular or stripy designs called patterned ground. The consequence takes place when soils and stones sort themselves naturally during the freeze-melt cycle. Even so, other examples of patterned ground such as the stone circles of Svalbard in Norway are usually much smaller in scale than the stripy ones in Siberia. Erosion is another possible explanation. A geologist with the United States Geological Survey, Thomas Crafford, told NASA that the stripes look like a layer cake geology, a pattern in sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary Rock Pieces Crafford said these patterns occur when snowmelt or rain flows downhill, scrapping and flushing sedimentary rock pieces into piles. The process can show pieces of sediment that look like slices of a layer cake with the darker stripes symbolizing steeper areas and the lighter stripes representing flatter areas. According to the image depicted, this kind of sedimentary layering would stand out more in winter weather, when white snow lays on the flatter areas, to make them appear even lighter. Crafford added that the pattern dims as it advances towards the river, where sediment assembles into more uniform pieces along the banks after millions of years of erosion. This explanation according to NASA seems to fit well, but it remains one of those quintessentially Siberian curiosities until the region can be studied up close. Self-organization of Patterned Ground Striking circular, polygonal, and stripy patterns of stones self-organize in many polar environments. These forms arise because freeze-melt cycles cause an interrelation between two feedback mechanisms. One of which is the formation of ice lenses in freezing soil sorts stones and soil by removing soil toward soil-rich domains and stones toward its domains. Secondly, stones are transferred along the axis of stone domains, which are tightened and confined as there is an expansion in freezing soil domains. Related Article: Finnish Company Uses NASA's Concept to Create Food from Thin Air For more news, update about satellites and similar topics don't foget to fiollow Nature World New! "Were committed to the Canadian market and are making significant investments to maximize the impact for our stakeholders," said Ed OMalley, NFPs executive vice president and head of insurance brokerage and consulting. NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides property and casualty (P&C), corporate benefits, retirement, and individual solutions, today announced that John Haas has joined the company as president of NFP in Canada. In this role, Haas will oversee all strategic and operational aspects of NFPs business in Canada, collaborating closely with the current leadership team to advance NFPs people-first culture and elevate value for clients. Haas was previously executive vice president, Canadian Corporate Risk and Broker Leader & North American Natural Resources Leader for Willis Towers Watson. He has more than 30 years of experience working successfully with global clients to deliver strategies for managing complex risks. Prior to Willis, Haas served as a managing principal with Integro Insurance Brokers, a managing director with Marsh Canada and an executive risk underwriter with Chubb Insurance Company of Canada. Haas succeeds Greg Padovani, who took on the role in July 2019 while the company assessed a longer-term leadership strategy. Padovani remains a member of the senior leadership team in a role focused on strategic growth opportunities and long-term planning for NFPs Canadian business. Haas will report to Ed OMalley, NFPs executive vice president and head of insurance brokerage and consulting, and partner directly with the following members of the existing leadership team to elevate value for the business, clients and employees. John Belyea, chief operating officer Tara Carruthers, chief financial officer Greg Dunn, managing director, personal lines Sally Hagan, managing director, group benefits Dean Howard, managing director, benefits and retirement Daryn McLean, managing director, commercial lines Mandeep Singh, managing director, commercial insurance operations Domenic Tesone, managing director, transportation Brian Timmis, managing director, Private Client Group Mark Waxman, managing director, life and wealth management John is an excellent addition to the NFP family and our exceptional team in Canada, said OMalley. His extensive experience, depth of knowledge of the Canadian market and belief in what we can accomplish as an organization will complement the ongoing efforts of our established leadership team and the results theyve produced. Were committed to the Canadian market and are making significant investments to maximize the impact for our stakeholders. The team is well positioned to elevate our ability to help companies across industries, as well as individuals, address complex risks with specialized expertise and tailored solutions. Im excited to be joining NFP and have the opportunity to be part of an organization with such a clear commitment to people, growth and delivering the focused solutions clients need to address risk, said Haas. NFPs leadership has established an impressive foundation in Canada that includes specialized expertise, deep relationships and talented people. I look forward to working together, continuing the momentum and elevating our results across the business. About NFP NFP is a leading insurance broker and consultant providing specialized property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement, and individual solutions through its licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP enables client success through the expertise of over 5,800 global employees, investments in innovative technologies, and enduring relationships with highly rated insurers, vendors, and financial institutions. NFP is the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue, 5th best place to work in insurance and 6th largest US-based privately owned broker (Business Insurance); 9th commercial lines agency by P&C commercial lines revenue and 10th largest property and casualty agency (Insurance Journal); and 12th largest global insurance broker (Bests Review). Visit NFP.com to discover how NFP empowers clients to meet their goals. New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) In response to the urgent appeal made by Madagascar for international solidarity and assistance to deal with the humanitarian crisis in South of Madagascar due to severe drought, India is sending a consignment of 1000 metric tonnes of rice and 100,000 tablets of HCQ to Madagascar. The humanitarian assistance is being delivered on-board Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa, which will leave with the food and medical assistance on March 3 and is expected to reach the Port of Ehoala in Madagascar between March 21-24. The prompt Indian assistance to Madagascar was conveyed on Monday by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in a phone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Madagascar Dr. Tehindrazanarivelo Djacoba A.S Oliva. During the phone conversation, Dr Jaishankar recalled the excellent bilateral ties of friendship between India and Madagascar and that India has always been among the first responders when it comes to assist the people of Madagascar in such humanitarian crisis. In September 2018, a consignment of 1000 metric tonnes of rice was delivered on-board an Indian Naval vessel to Madagascar. Indian Navy was the first to respond when Cyclone Diane struck Madagascar and prompt assistance was delivered under Operation Vanilla by INS Airavat in January 2020. In March 2020, INS Shardul visited the port of Antisiranana and delivered 600 tonnes of rice as HADR assistance to Madagascar from India for dealing with heavy floods in the Northern region of Madagascar. Dr Jaishankar assured the Foreign Minister of Madagascar that as a maritime neighbour across the Indian Ocean, the Government and people of Madagascar can always count on the support and solidarity of the Government and people of India. The two Foreign Ministers also discussed other issues of mutual interest.During this trip, INS Jalashwa will also have on-board an Indian Naval training team which is being deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks.INS Jalashwa will also call at Port Anjoun in the Republic of Comoros where it will deliver a consignment of 1000 metric tonnes of Indian rice. The supplies of food assistance and support for capacity building to the friendly countries of Madagascar and Comoros is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of SAGAR and Indias time-tested role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. UNI VT A transgender woman who assaulted a family friend who was trying to break up a fight outside a bar has been jailed for a year. Shauna Kavanagh (33), previously known as Sean Kavanagh, has transitioned to a woman since the assaults took place and is now known as Shauna. A gender recognition certificate was handed up in court. Kavanagh of Priory Hall, Whitehall Road, Kimmage Manor, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of assault causing harm and two counts of assault on James Street, Dublin on December 9, 2017. Defence barrister Cathleen Noctor SC told Judge Elma Sheahan at a previous sentence hearing last month, that there are only two transgender women in the Irish prison system. Both are being held in women's jails and kept separate from the rest of the prison population. 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 James 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 bar man, 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. Judge Sheahan said today that a custodial sentence was warranted in the case because of the determination to continue with violence demonstrated by Kavanagh on returning to the bar to engage in a third assault. The judge said Kavanagh demonstrated a wilful disregard to all present and that is why Mr Coogan was so badly injured. She also noticed Kavanagh had used two bottles in the earlier assaults. She accepted, however, that Kavanagh, had not intended to cause the injuries sustained by Mr Coogan. Judge Sheahan acknowledged the letter from Mr Coogan and also a submission made today by Ms Noctor that Mr Byrne contacted her side of the house and advised that he viewed Kavanaghs behaviour towards him in the bar as akin to a scuffle. Judge Sheahan sentenced Kavanagh to two years in prison but suspended the final 12 months having accepted Kavanaghs remorse and shame and lack of previous convictions for violence offences. She said Kavanagh should serve her sentence in the womens prison and be administered any of the medication as previously prescribed to her by the doctors. The judge also acknowledged that Kavanagh was psychologically vulnerable at the time, having suppressed her true identity as a transgender woman and also accepted she will have difficulty serving time in prison. President of the European Council Charles Michel has met with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili in Tbilisi earlier today and stated that his visit demonstrates the EUs commitment to countries in the region, including Georgia. He has promised that the EU will do its best to ensure the timely distribution of coronavirus vaccines to Georgia via the Covax international platform, Agenda.ge reported. The President of the European Council has expressed the EUs commitment to Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity and called on political parties in the country to step up their efforts to deescalate the current political tension. Michel said that the EU is concerned by the current tension in the country and that unity on major values are crucial. One of the major problems, however, is that schools cannot implement the proper mitigation strategies if they dont have the staff to implement them. ... Most schools dont even have the staff to implement a decent instructional program, he continued. For example, tens of thousands of students are going to return to so-called in-person learning, only to sit in the classroom to look at the screen so they can learn from a teacher who is teaching from home, and the CEO and the mayor are not mentioning that extremely important fact when they talk to the public about reopening, which puts principals in a horrendous situation with parents when their childrens experience in so-called in-person learning doesnt match the expectations. In an unprecedented manner that harks back to the darkest days of totalitarianism, the Dutch State demanded that the Government of St. Maarten distance itself from Pro Soualiga. It elevated a small foundation with a board consisting of two individuals to the level of a national threat. Indeed, the financing of the entire country was made dependent upon the government distancing itself from Pro Soualiga which was indeed an unprecedented demand. This begs the question: What could Pro Soualiga Foundation have possibly done to alarm the Dutch State to such an extent? The government was asked specifically to denounce the following statement made by Pro Soualiga: The Kingdom Charter is an invalid legal instrument and cannot be used as (the) basis for any legislation. This of course strikes at the very heart of the Kingdom arrangement and will eventually bring the Kingdom as we know it to an end. The fact that Pro Soualiga is aware of this flaw in the Kingdom Charter, and has made it public, explains the fear of the Dutch State. How did Pro Soualiga determine that the Kingdom Charter is invalid? Actually, it was the Dutch State that provided Pro Soualiga, albeit indirectly and unintentionally, with this information. During a case at the International Court of Justice between Great Britain and Mauritius, the Kingdom of the Netherlands submitted a so-called Written Statement of the Kingdom to the Court. In that document, the Kingdom presented itself as a champion of the right to self-determination and defended the position that there are international legal consequences to a possible violation of the right to self-determination. It went on to state that if the right to self-determination is violated the results of such an act are null and void. The debate concerning the Kingdom Charter took place at the United Nations (UN) in 1955. After that debate, the UN passed Resolution 945X on December 15, 1955. In that resolution, the UN members pointedly refused to state that the people of the Netherlands Antilles had exercised their right to self-determination. This was remarkable because in every other decolonization resolution during the 1950s, the United Nations always stated that the people concerned had exercised their right to self-determination. Pro Soualiga also knows why this came about. Many members did not believe that the Kingdom Charter, which basically ushered in a new colonial relationship, could be an expression of self-determination. The UN clearly signaled by its action, or lack thereof, that the Kingdom Charter was a violation of the right to self-determination. In the Written Statement of the Kingdom, the Dutch State defended the position that any situation brought about by a violation of the right to self-determination is null and avoid, and urged third party states not to recognize a situation created as a result of a violation of the right to self-determination. Additionally, because we know that the UN holds that the Kingdom Charter is not an expression of the right of self-determination, one can safely conclude that the Kingdom Charter is an invalid legal instrument. It is this knowledge, provided by the Dutch State itself, that perhaps can explain the Dutch States trepidations with Pro Soualiga. Pro Soualiga Foundation by Francis Khoo Thwe Demonstrations in Yangon and Lashio. The UN condemns the use of lethal bullets, tear gas and stun grenades against protesters. Aung San Suu Kyi in court. A Yangon police chief, Tin Min Tun, says he "does not want to serve under the present military regime." Tom Andrews, UN human rights expert in Myanmar: Words are insufficient. Action must be taken. Yangon (AsiaNews) - Demonstrations continue today in different parts of the country, after yesterday's bloody toll on marchers. Protesters shout that "democracy is our cause" and that they will fight "to the end", while the army seems to have raised the level of violence against civilians. In the economic capital, the police used armoured vehicles and fire hydrants to disperse the crowds that gathered in different neighbourhoods; other marches are registered in Lashio (in Shan State). On social networks and verbally, the protesters shout that what they are experiencing is not a "social unrest" (the definition used by the military junta), but "it is violence caused by Gen. Min Aung Hlaing ", the supreme head of the army and the coup d'etat. Yesterday, in several cities, and especially in Yangon, the police and the army opened fire on the crowd, killing, throwing tear gas and charging demonstrators. Christian and Buddhist religious men and women demonstrated asking the policemen not to shoot the people (photos 2 and 3). According to the UN Human Rights Office, ""Police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force that according to credible information received by the UN Human Rights Office has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded. Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku. Tear gas was also reportedly used in various locations as well as flash-bang and stun grenades" the UN office said. Yet the population continues to demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, who today presented herself before the judges, accused of illegally buying walkie talkies and violating anti-Covid directives. Meanwhile, defections from the police force are growing, in addition to the demonstrators. Today a video was released in which a major of the Yangon police, Tin Min Tun (photo 4), declared that he "does not want to serve under the present military regime". On social media, he recalls having served the police since 1989 and states: If this military regime remains in power, we will not achieve what we want in the next 20 or 25 years. We will lose once again. Condemnations is also growing among the international community, but the ASEAN countries, along with China, Russia and India, remain rather cautious and eager not to break with the new military leaders. Tom Andrews, UN expert on human rights in Myanmar has called for greater involvement of the international community against the junta. He proposed an embargo on arms sold and sanctions from multiple nations against those responsible for the coup, as well as a complaint to the International Tribunal. The words of condemnation are welcome - he added, but they are insufficient. We have to act. She recently hit back at internet trolls who criticised her trip to Barbados amid the UK's national lockdown. Yet Lucy Watson put the drama behind her as she took to Instagram on Sunday to promote her new sustainable underwear range in a sizzling snap. Proving that she is her own best model, the former Made In Chelsea star, 30, showcased her washboard abs in a tiny black lingerie set from Renue. Wow: Lucy Watson took to Instagram on Sunday to promote her new sustainable underwear range in a sizzling snap Lucy opted for a triangle top which displayed her ample assets and paired it with high-rise bottoms which highlighted her toned torso. Posing in her bathroom, the reality star left her brunette locks loose and hid her face behind her iPhone as took a collection of sizzling snaps. Lucy captioned the photo with: 'The nue naked @renuethelabel #sustainableissexy.' It comes after the former MIC star hit out at trolls after she received a barrage of abuse for enjoying a festive trip abroad during the coronavirus pandemic. Ab fab! Proving that she is her own best model, the former Made In Chelsea star, 30, showcased her washboard abs in a tiny black lingerie set from Renue She insisted she has followed 'all necessary precautions' and flew out to Barbados with fiance James Dunmore before Boris Johnson plunged London into Tier 4. Lucy said she would not accept people 'taking out their frustration on me' in the message. In a lengthy post uploaded to her stories, Lucy wrote: 'I understand people are angry, upset and frustrated at the moment. These are unpredictable and unfortunate times, with disappointment around every corner. 'However, I will not accept anyone taking out their frustration on me, be it during a pandemic or not. Work it: Lucy opted for a triangle top which displayed her ample assets and paired it with high-rise bottoms which highlighted her toned torso 'Hateful comments will be deleted and always have been, regardless of their relation to Covid. I want my feed to be a positive place, and although some people feel like I've broken the rules, I have not. 'I left London pre tier 4 and followed all necessary precautions in Barbados. I was and am still negative for Covid. I've 3 tests in the last 3 weeks. 'This was not a last minute trip booked just to escape the U.K. This was a trip that had been booked for nearly a year, James's family spend half their time in Barbados and we go there every other Christmas. Annoyed: It comes after the former MIC star hit out at trolls after she received a barrage of abuse for enjoying a festive trip abroad during the coronavirus pandemic with fiance James Dunmore 'Regardless of the above, I truly hope I have not offended anyone, that is never my intention. Please take care of yourself and your mental health. We will get through this.' Lucy flew out with fiance James, her sister Tiffany and dad Clive just before Tier 4 restrictions were imposed. At the time London was in Tier 3, with residents advised not to take holidays abroad. Lucy became engaged to her boyfriend of five years James in September last year after he popped the question during a romantic getaway in Greece. The couple have been going strong ever since meeting on the E4 series back in 2015, following her ill-fated flings with Andy Jordan, Jamie Laing, Spencer Matthews and Oliver Proudlock. A white nightdress-type garment could be the key to discovering the identity of remains found in East Cork in January. Gardai have issued an appeal for information, as it has been confirmed that skeletal remains discovered just off the Shanty Path at Roxborough, Midleton, were not related to any missing persons cases nor was a positive DNA match found. DNA samples were compared against the National DNA Database, but gardai have confirmed a positive match has not been obtained at this time, while examinations of missing persons records have not identified any potential matches. The remains are believed to be those of a female older than 70 years of age at the time of her death. She is believed to be between 5 and 5 2 in height and large framed. She is also believed to have suffered from arthritis and she wore dentures. During the course of a nine-day search of the surrounding area an item of clothing was also recovered which is described as a white nightdress type garment. Superintendent Adrian Gamble, Midleton Garda station said: At the time, and during the course of the search, the deceased was wearing a white faded garment, similar to a nightdress-type garment, on the upper part. He said that gardai are hopeful this garment, which is approximately 50 inches in length, would help to jog peoples memory. Partial human remains were discovered in undergrowth on Tuesday January 5 2021, close enough to the surface by construction workers, working on behalf of Cork County Council, who were clearing a path for the Greenway from Midleton to Youghal. The area next to the proposed Midleton to Youghal greenway at Shanty Bridge near Midleton, Co Cork where Gardai recovered a near-complete skeleton. Picture Dan Linehan Following the discovery a garda search team was dispatched to the scene. The follow-up search resulted in the discovery of complete skeletal remains. Speaking outside Midleton Garda Station on Monday, Supt Gamble said: The message here today is that someone in the community must know how the female skeletal remains came to be at this locally known tipping point off the Shanty Path at Roxborough, Midleton, County Cork. An Garda Siochana are determined to formally identify the deceased and treat her with the respect and dignity that she deserves. We need to provide closure for a family that, at this early stage, remain unknown and ensure that the remains are brought to a final resting place. Supt Gamble confirmed that gardai have launched a criminal investigation, adding that once the remains were identified the investigation would proceed accordingly. He said the current theory is that the remains have been at the location for ten years or less. House to house enquiries have been undertaken in the local area, local missing person records have been reviewed as have missing person records retained by the Garda National Missing Persons Unit. The investigation is ongoing and further scientific resources, including Carbon Dating have been engaged as part of the investigation. Supt Gamble also appealed for anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant they believe it to be, to come forward and contact investigating Gardai at the incident room at Midleton Garda Station 021 4621550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Angus Mordant/Bloomberg From trading houses in Geneva to Wall Street banks, much of the oil world agrees that global markets could use some more barrels. The big question is whether OPEC+ will provide enough of them. A crude glut that piled up during the pandemic is vanishing fast. Global inventories are plunging at the steepest rate in two decades, according to Morgan Stanley. Prices have rallied to pre-virus levels, while U.S. production has taken a hit from freezing storms. Talk swirls of market supercycles, and even the return of $100 oil. With the need for more supply evident, traders expect the OPEC+ coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, will agree to increase production when it meets on March 4, reversing some of the output cuts made last year. But its unclear if the group will act vigorously enough. Wary of the viruss persisting threat to demand, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has urged fellow producers to remain extremely cautious. If the alliance agrees an output hike that falls short of requirements, however, it could trigger a further price surge -- and the group would be forced to deal with its unwelcome consequences. Theres a real risk theyre going to over-tighten the market, said Bill Farren-Price, a director at research firm Enverus and veteran observer of the cartel. Its already super-tight, and if OPEC just focuses on keeping prices up, thats going to eventually provoke supplies from their rivals. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies rescued the global oil industry from an unprecedented slump last year by slashing production when the coronavirus crisis pummeled demand. The strategy has revived international benchmark Brent crude to $67 a barrel, shoring up revenues for the producers battered economies. The 23-nation coalition continues to idle just over 7 million barrels of daily output -- about 7% of global supply -- and on Thursday will decide whether to revive a 500,000-barrel tranche in April. In addition, the Saudis will confirm whether an extra 1 million barrels theyve recently taken offline will return as scheduled. Demand Recovery Global oil markets are signaling that they could comfortably absorb the full complement of 1.5 million barrels. Demand in China, the worlds biggest oil importer, is back above pre-virus levels as its containment of the disease allows much of normal life and economic activity to resume. India, another key customer, warns that high prices are jeopardizing the global economic recovery. Propelled by cold weather, fuel use in Japan, the fourth-largest oil consumer, posted in January its first year-on-year increase since mid-2019. In the U.S., stockpiles of crude oil and refined products are back near levels last seen a year ago. Though demand for aviation fuels remains depressed, purchases of products that cater to working and consuming at home -- like diesel for trucks and plastics -- have boomed. OPECs own data show it can go ahead with this years scheduled production increases and still manage to deplete world oil inventories, whittling them down to their five-year average -- the groups desired target -- by August. Futures markets testify that supplies are tightening sharply. Near-term Brent contracts are commanding a sizable premium over later months known as backwardation, with the six-month spread standing at $3.22 a barrel. That reflects a sustained, strong short-term deficit of about 2 million to 3 million barrels a day, according to Giovanni Serio, global head of market analysis at Vitol Group, the worlds biggest oil trader. Bullish Calls The shift to a tightening market has sparked a wave of bullish projections. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. sees Brent hitting $75 a barrel in the third quarter as a new commodities supercycle beckons, while trading giant Trafigura Group says its very bullish on the months ahead. Socar Trading SA, a unit of Azerbaijans state oil company, predicts $80 could be reached this summer and triple digits within two years. The fear is that in 12 months there will be a shortage even if OPEC+ revives output, said Socar Chief Trading Officer Hayal Ahmadzada. It will drive the price very high, very fast. Its still unclear what exactly OPEC+ will decide. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has signaled that the country once again wants to proceed with an increase, noting on Feb. 14 that the market is balanced already. Saudi Arabia sounds more reserved, urging its counterparts to recall the scars of last years collapse. Prices are still far below the levels most OPEC nations need to cover government spending, and the International Energy Agency -- a leading forecaster -- anticipates a market setback in the second quarter as a seasonal lull briefly causes inventories to accumulate again. If Riyadh wants to limit the overall size of the groups increase, it has a powerful bargaining chip: the pace it chooses to return the extra 1-million barrel cutback thats supposed to expire at the end of next month. But for some in the market, the kingdom should instead be opening the taps wide. Keeping prices high will only rekindle investment by U.S. shale drillers, they contend, and bring a flood of new supply that cancels out OPECs hard work. Even the full 1.5 million barrels isnt sufficient to satisfy demand, says Jan Stuart, global energy economist at Cornerstone Macro LLC. The market needs more -- but I dont hear anybody talking about more, said Stuart. Theres an acute need for oil. The most obvious risk is they keep holding too much oil back. Freezing winds blow through a vast hangar in the Russian Arctic, where giant, once-gleaming machines are still, and a layer of snow has covered empty vats. Owned by the mining giant Norilsk Nickel, a leading operator in the northwestern resource-rich region of Murmansk, the Nikel metallurgical plant was a major source of pollution for decades. In 74 years of operation, the plant near the Norwegian border produced more than 2.4 million tonnes of nickel, a non-ferrous metal that gave the town of Nikel its name. Each year, the smelter spewed out four times as much sulphur dioxide as all of Norway's industries, devastating vegetation and poisoning the region's air. But the former howl of turbines has now given way to silence. Closed in December, the Nikel factory with its near-dilapidated buildings and outdated technology is to be dismantled by 2029. Strolling among the frost-covered machinery, production assistant Vladimir Bezushkov does not hide his bitterness over the death of a factory to which he gave 25 years. "I would have liked to continue working as I did before. It's a shame, but what can be done?" Bezushkov says. Asked about the plant's sulphur emissions and resulting pollution, he responds: "Maybe, but we met all the standards." - Lessons learnt - The closure of the Nikel smelter is part of a global strategy aimed at transforming Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel, into an environmentally friendly company -- or at the very least, limiting its environmental impact. The shift in strategy comes in the wake of one of the Arctic's worst ecological disasters. In May, more than 20,000 tonnes of diesel leaked into lakes and rivers after a fuel reservoir collapsed at a power plant owned by Nornickel. The company, which was slapped with a fine roughly equal to $2 billion (1.7 billion euros) by the Russian government, claims to have "learnt an important lesson". One of the world's biggest polluters and an essential cog in Russia's Arctic development, the company now plans to invest $5.5 billion over the next 10 years to modernise equipment, clean up existing pollution and support national parks. Story continues One of those initiatives includes reducing emissions on the Kola peninsula -- home to Murmansk and bordered by Norway and Finland -- by 85 percent by the end of 2021. "Nornickel has completely stopped dumping pollutants on the territory of Nikel and the surrounding region," the deputy director of the company's local subsidiary, Maxime Ivanov, told AFP. Recognising that sulphur dioxide emissions "have caused some environmental damage," Ivanov added: "The production of metals using modern green technologies is our strategy, our goal, and that is what we are striving to do." - 'Not enough' - Nikel's metallurgical production has been partly transferred to the huge Monchegorsk factory farther south in the Murmansk region, where these new technologies are to be implemented. Vadim Menchenin, a director of one of the plant's sectors, told AFP that with a new refining unit the company plans to double copper production to 150,000 tonnes per year. "There will be no negative impact on the environment," Menchenin said. Today, Nornickel's Monchegorsk plant produces copper, cobalt and nickel. But its smelter, like the one in Nikel, is to be closed by March 1 in favour of the more environmentally friendly refinery. Neighbouring Norway welcomed the closure of the Nikel plant, with local environmental NGO Bellona Foundation describing it as a "gift to nature". In 2007, the plant's emissions were so severe that Oslo considered evacuating its border residents. Yet despite significant investments in new technologies and reduced emissions, Nornickel's plants remain among the main sources of Arctic pollution. "The closure of factories that have had their day is a step in the right direction. But it is not enough compared to the production volumes of this company with revenues amounting to several billion," Yelena Sakirko of Greenpeace's Russian branch told AFP. "The Arctic has a very vulnerable ecosystem which takes a long time to regenerate," she added. "In our eyes, there are regions that should be protected from human activities." pop-emg/wai DARIEN Despite the restrictions forced by the pandemic, Saturday was still a delicious day in Darien. Something Sweet on Tourthe Parks and Recreation Departments annual dessert-festtook place amidst some drizzly weather Saturday afternoon for the fourth year. Eight food establishments took part in the friendly dessert wareach sharing an in-house specialty item. Patrons were able to purchase an advance ticket and then traveled around to the different locations to pick up their treat and later vote on what they felt was the best one. Its a great thing for the community and my kids love it, said Scott Zimmerman of Darien, who joined other residents who made their stops at the different establishments, including Browne & Co., Burgers, Shakes & Fries, Darien Diner, The Goose, Heights Pizza, Michael Josephs, Ninos, and Rorys. Jarret Liotta for Hearst Connecticut Media / Jarret Liotta In an effort to keep lines moving, Jami Gore, program supervisor, and her Parks & Rec staff distributed sweet packets from Town Hall between 12:30 and 1 p.m., after which participants had two hours to make the rounds. This is an effort to create a floating attendance at each establishment for COVID, she said, but also will just create a better experience for the participants in general if we avoid long lines. Its kind of fun, said parent Dallas Rockne of Darien, who found a short line at Rorys to pick up some flourless chocolate mousse cake. Were doing it with a bunch of kids, she said, so its nice to get out. I think any event where can just cater to our town and people can pop in, if theyve never been here before, is great, said Laura Stansfield, assistant manager with Rorys. Jarret Liotta for Hearst Connecticut Media / Jarret Liotta She and Fiona Malcarney, daughter of the restaurants owner, were buys in a tent outside handing out desserts, but also proudly displaying the trophy they won in last years contest. Results of this year werent due to be released until early this week, but she said they were hoping for a repeat win. We make all of our desserts here, except for our key lime pie, Stansfield said. Next door at Ninos Restaurant, 300 dishes of tiramisu were outside waiting for pickup. Its homemade, explained Mimma Califano, co-owner. We make it here on the premises. Like other establishments, she said the contest is a chance for people to discover their place, which only last year moved into town following 48 years in Stamford. I think its a great opportunity, she said. Its good exposure, agreed Olga Giapoutzis, co-owner of the Darien Diner. Its also kind of fun the way they did it this year, she said, proudly pointing out the 300 orders of homemade baklava she helped make for the event. We make all our desserts, she said. Plus a lot of people who dont know we exist can come in and try something. I think its amazing, Lilya Zilber of Darien said of the event while waiting to pickup her desserts. I feel like with the coronavirus and the whole pandemic, with this you can do something different, she said, especially in the wintertime. Ultimately, Browne & Co. took top honors with their smores cake pops. In second place, Burgers, Shakes & Fries won out with their classic brownie & shake shot. In third place, a tie for Michael Josephs with their Everything Cookie and Rorys with their flourless chocolate mousse cake. Gore said the contest had two firsts with this years results. We have a repeat winner for the first time with Browne & Co. and we also have our first tie. With 250 votes being cast, the everything cookie and the flourless chocolate mousse cake received the exact same amount to tie for third place! All of the desserts received plenty of votes of course as they were all absolutely delicious, Gore said. SEATTLE, April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The pandemic has upended the meaning of home and prompted many of us to rethink how and where we want to live. A new Zillow survey finds more than 1 in 10 Americans (11%) say they have already moved in the past year1 -- by choice or by circumstance -- contributing to the Great Reshuffling, and millions of additional households could enter the real estate market as a result of the pandemic. Business datasets in emerging markets are notoriously inaccurate and incomplete, shared Geoffrey Michener, CEO, dataPlor. Yet this data powers everyday consumer experiences, like map and ride-sharing apps, as well as expansion strategies for multinational corporations. dataPlor, a leading provider of emerging markets business and point-of-interest (POI) data today announced the launch of its licensable Latin American dataset. The offering expands dataPlors regional coverage from Mexico to include millions of new verified data records across Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. Using a novel approach to data gathering and validationincluding AI bot calling and human-powered quality assurancedataPlor expands its delivery of rich datasets to meet the commercial data needs of global enterprises. Business datasets in emerging markets are notoriously inaccurate and incomplete, shared Geoffrey Michener, CEO, dataPlor. Yet this data powers everyday consumer experiences, like map and ride-sharing apps, as well as expansion strategies for multinational corporations. Emerging markets are home to 400 million small businesses; over 10x the size of the US SMB market. However, because building and sustaining robust datasets in these markets is difficult, few data companies maintain offerings. Those that do exist are error-prone and incomplete. Publicly available data fares worse as record keeping is stymied by outdated techniques, bureaucracy, and limited funding. Michener noted how demand is surging for multi-country, regional datasets as companies seek to capitalize on burgeoning emerging market economies, growing consumer classes, and widely-available broadband and mobile technology. Notably, by 2025, the geospatial data market is expected to surpass $90 billion. Our Mexico dataset is licensed to some of the largest companies in the world and across multiple industries. We also recognize that enterprises are eager for more. While single market access is nice, pan-regional datasets are ideal to fit land-and-expand product and service models, shared Michener. As dataPlor expands the breadth and depth of its dataset offerings, new enterprise use cases emerge. The company sees strong demand from a variety of service providers from insurance and financial enterprises to ecommerce, mapping, and GIS companies. Rich, reliable data is a competitive advantage, shares Aldo Bucio, Head of LATAM and APAC for dataPlor. Companies need wide-reaching regional data for everything from underwriting and risk assessment, to firmographic sales insights. dataPlor is actively generating new datasets for other global markets and expects to announce additional regional product availability in Q2 2021. About dataPlor dataPlor helps companies succeed in emerging markets by delivering high quality business and POI datasets. Using a proprietary platform featuring AI-automation and human-driven quality assurance, dataPlor delivers licensable datasets for hard-to-reach global markets. The company is backed by leading investors including Quest Venture Partners, ffVC, and Space Capital. To join other Fortune 100 companies licensing dataPlor data in Mexico, Brazil and beyond, visit http://www.dataplor.com. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala took over as the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General on Monday. This post has remained vacant since August 31, 2020, when the former head of the organization, Roberto Azevedo, left it before the expiration of his term, TASS reported. Upon arriving at WTO headquarters on Monday morning, Okonjo-Iweala told the press pool of the UN-accredited correspondent association that she considered a successful conclusion of negotiations on fisheries subsidies as quickly as possible as one of the highest priorities. We believe that overfishing, as well as illegal fishing, cause significant damage, she said, recalling that negotiations on this topic in the WTO have been underway for 20 years, and that's enough. As Okonjo-Iweala noted, she very much hopes that the talks will be completed this year, given that the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference is scheduled for June in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the general director did not hide the fact that there are still many critical issues requiring approval. In this regard, she spoke in favor of joint work in order to achieve results with public organizations that are strong partners. Amaravati, March 1 : Following the detection of substandard Azithromycin antibiotics in Andhra Pradesh recently, the state's Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has dispatched a team of officials to Chandigarh as the wholesaler who supplied those drugs are located there. "The substandard drugs we received came through a wholesaler located in Chandigarh. So the investigation is happening in Chandigarh now," a DCA official told IANS on Monday. The team has been fortified with the addition of an inspector from the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) and also officials from the relevant drugs control department in Punjab. "After completing its probe in Chandigarh, the team will visit Uttarakhand as well," the official said, as the manufacturer is believed to be located there. Meanwhile, the DCA conducted an awareness programme for medicine wholesalers in all the 13 districts of the southern state on Monday. In each district, the DCA assistant director and his team members conducted the programme to educate the wholesalers as to where they are procuring the medicines from and if the sellers had a licence. "We told them that they have to check if the product has a licence and the company has a licence. The wholesale buyers have to verify all these details and only then they should buy the medicines," said the official. The official shared two phone numbers, 0863-2330909 and 0863-2339246, to call and alert the department if they stumble upon spurious drugs. An email address has also been provided for the purpose -- dca-grams@ap.gov.in. Recently, the DCA seized different strengths and combinations of substandard manufactured antibiotic Azithromycin from Rajahmundry, Bhimavaram and Vijayawada, prompting the department to launch a hunt to identify the culprits and nip the crime in the bud. MPOLONJENI The bucopho nominations at Mpolonjeni Umphakatsi exerted a lot of pressure to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) officials when they tried to ensure that the COVID-19 regulations were observed by the over 300 residents who crowded the area. In total, according to the register of people who participated during the nominations for bucopho held on Saturday at the chiefdom, 330 were in attendance. The umphakatsi voters roll has 1 891 people eligible to vote. According to the register of temperature screening by the polling staff, the highest recorded temperature during the event was 37.5 degrees Celsius with the lowest stood at 33 degrees Celsius. People started to arrive at the umphakatsi as early as 8am and the nomination process started at around 11am and finished at 1pm. Ideally, not more than 100 people are allowed in outdoor gatherings, according to the COVID-19 regulations though an exception was made for the nomination process. EBC officers, Lubombo Elections Officer Siboniso Nhleko, Mlamuli Shabangu and Zikodze Khumalo were kept on their toes for the better part of the day trying to control and sensitise people to observe social distancing during the exercise. Even though some complied, others were seen seated closer to each other and some were mingling without adhering to the social distancing rule. Notable was that the commission made sure that temperature screening and sanitising was done at the point of entry when people registered their particulars. Officers The presence of police officers also ensured that order was maintained for the duration of the nomination process. About 12 candidates were nominated for the bucopho position. In essence, during nominations, eligible voters are expected to nominate their preferred candidates. In the upcoming elections slated for March 27, the commission has identified three polling stations under this chiefdom namely; Emncitsini, Nyetane and Emphakatsi with only Egushede for the Sitsatsaweni Chiefdom. This has been done to avert overcrowding. The nominated candidates have been vetted; a process that determines if the individual complies with the laws of the country in paying taxes and not have been sentenced to more than five years in jail. Present during the event were Mpolonjeni Member of Parliament (MP) Jacob Siwela, EBC Commissioner Bishop Sipho Tembe and Mpolonjeni Umphakatsi Indvuna Magunya Dlamini. EBC Head of Secretariat Richard Phungwayo acknowledged the massive response from the residents. He said the commission did a commendable job in making sure that everyone adhered to the COVID-19 regulations by wearing masks, sanitising and temperature screening. He said the commission hired the polling staff to make sure that the regulations were being followed. We have tried our best to make sure that the exercise is conducted in a manner that will ensure we comply with the regulations. We have our staff and police officers who continue to remind those mingling to stop and maintain social distancing, he said. Phungwayo further lauded the turnout of the residents and observed that people had embraced a positive attitude towards politics compared to the past. massive In fact, people now want to elect candidates they want to put in power. That is evident with the massive turnout today and we are optimistic that the elections would also see the same figures even though they wont be together like today as we have tried to separate the polling stations to ensure that we comply with the COVID-19 regulations, he said. Meanwhile, MP Jacob Siwela thanked the residents for coming in numbers to support and make sure that the event was a success. Siwela also appealed to the residents to elect someone who would embrace and execute their wishes. I wish all those nominated today luck, but they should know that they have to work hard to convince the community members that they are the right candidates ahead of the elections next month. It is commendable that the event started and finished in peace and we expect the same conduct even in the upcoming elections, he said. It was a nice day for a spacewalk. Astronauts Kate Rubins and Victor Glover Jr. began their spacewalk outside of the International Space Station at 6:12 a.m. ET and ended at 1:16 p.m. on Sunday. The spacewalk assisted with a continuation of upgrades for the space station orbiting Earth. The activity lasted for seven hours and four minutes. High definition video streamed live from Rubins' helmet camera for the first time, providing the clearest look yet at the perspective of an astronaut as they work outside of the space station. Previously, the helmet camera only provided standard definition video. Both NASA crew members are veteran spacewalkers at this point. Glover had already conducted two spacewalks since arriving at the space station in November. Sunday's was his third. Rubins previously conducted spacewalks during her first rotation on the space station in 2016, so this was her third as well. If this spacewalk seemed earlier than previous spacewalks -- especially given that it occurred on the weekend -- well, it was. But "it's not really a Monday through Friday kind of program," reminded Kenny Todd, deputy manager for the International Space Station program, during a press conference Wednesday. Rubins and Glover prepared for upcoming solar array upgrades by assembling and installing modification kits. While the station's current solar arrays are still functioning well, they are degrading. This degradation is expected because they only have about a 15-year life and were installed in December 2000 -- so they've outlasted the warranty, so to speak. Brand-new solar arrays will be placed in front of six of the arrays currently on the station later this year, boosting the station's power from 160 kilowatts to 215 kilowatts, according to NASA. The solar arrays will begin launching to the space station on a SpaceX vehicle in June. Rubins will also pair up with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi for a spacewalk on March 5 to complete a number of tasks, including more solar array upgrade kit installation, venting ammonia from the Early Ammonia System, replacement of a wireless video transceiver assembly, and installation of a "stiffener" on the Quest airlock thermal cover. This will prevent the cover from blowing out when atmosphere escapes whenever the hatch is opened. This was the 235th spacewalk in the history of the station. From Earth to space Earlier this week, Vice President Kamala Harris called and spoke with Glover on the space station. "Victor, it is so good to see you, the history-making you are doing, we are so proud of you," Harris said. Glover is the first African American to fly a long-term mission on the space station in the history of the orbiting laboratory. During their conversation, Harris and Glover discussed those who came before Glover and inspired him. "I think about that piece often," Glover said. "All seven of us up here are a part of an amazing legacy of human spaceflight. It is a time we should celebrate and that we should be appreciative of, but really what I am most excited about is the future of human spaceflight and the fact that this is going to be the future. This is what we're going to do. We want to make sure we can continue to do new things." Harris agreed. "My mother would say to me, 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things. Make sure you're not the last.'" When Harris asked Glover about his first two spacewalks and his perspective of Earth, Glover said he took the advice of his fellow crew members to "keep your world small, keep your focus on the thing right in front of you and slowly widen out that world-view." The first time he saw Earth during a spacewalk, he wanted to revel in it for hours, Glover said. But he focused on the many tasks ahead and the spacewalk was "busy and beautiful." Glover also talked about how fragile Earth looks from space, especially our thin atmosphere and "just how special it is for there to be human life on this planet." "It makes me want to do all that I can to protect that," Glover 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. 5 things you need to know Monday News The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has said it won't allow Gordon Elliott to race horses in Britain while he is being investigated by Irish officials. The major development comes just two weeks before the Cheltenham festival is due to take place where several prestigious horses trained by Elliott are due to race. He is under investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) after an image emerged of him sitting on a dead horse holding a phone and gesturing to the camera. The image was taken at his Meath gallops but it has not yet been confirmed when it was taken. In a statement the BHA said it will not allow him to race in the UK using "powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation. "The action taken by the BHA recognises that Mr Elliott is licensed in Ireland, whose regulatory body, the IHRB, is carrying out its own investigation. "However, Mr Elliott has entered horses to race in Britain, from which point the British rules of racing apply to him," it said. Owners for horses currently trained by Mr Elliott are permitted to transfer them to a different trainer and run them at a British meeting, providing they comply with the relevant rules. Since confirming its investigation the IHRB has not made any further comment. Read More Yesterday Mr Elliott issued a statement saying he apologised for any offence that this photo has caused which was taken some time ago. He added: I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth. I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished. There has been widespread condemnation over the image and a petition for Elliott to be banned by British authorities has been signed almost 2,000 times. Betting exchange giant Betfair has also ended its involvement with him. However, despite the widespread criticism, the Gigginstown-stud owned by Michael OLeary has pledged its support for the top trainer. Mr Elliott and Gigginstown have had a lengthy fruitful partnership with Cheltenham Gold Cup success for Don Cossack in 2016 and successive Aintree Grand National victories for Tiger Roll among a string of high-profile prizes. In a statement Mr OLeary said he accepts that the photograph was a momentary lapse of judgment and not in keeping with their 15-year experience of his concern and attention to the welfare of their horses. We all make mistakes, and what is important is that we learn from them and ensure we do not repeat them. We accept Gordons profound, sincere and unreserved apology, and we will continue to support him and his team at Cullentra as they work to recover from this deeply regrettable incident, Mr OLeary said. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said he was appalled by the photograph of Mr Elliot sitting on a dead horse. In a statement, he said: The photograph is not reflective of the highest animal welfare standards we demand for the sector nor does it reflect the tremendous care horses receive in Ireland. It is not the kind of image we want associated with horse racing in Ireland. "I am aware of the investigation being carried out by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body (IHRB) and support the move. As this is an ongoing investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further, he added. Green Party Cabinet Minister Pippa Hackett has said she found the photograph of Mr Elliot sitting on a dead horse quite sickening and welcomed the investigation by the IHRB. Gordon Elliot has shown a very concerning and disturbing error of judgment and I look forward to a swift investigation by the IHRB, Ms Hackett told Independent.ie. The Minster of State in Department of Agriculture added that it is appalling to see a high-profile trainer behave in such a manner. The Green Party senator breeds races horses on her Offaly farm which have gone on to win high-profile races. The Department of Agriculture has oversight of State funding for horseracing. OnScene Police are looking for the assailant responsible for shooting a man to death Monday in a bullet-ridden car. The man, believed to be in his 30s, was a passenger in a car, which police found around 12:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Arbor Place. More shell casings were found on Emancipation Avenue on the edge of Houston's Riverside Terrace neighborhood, investigators said. COLUMBIA, Md., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Classic Brands , ("Classic" or the "Company"), a leading designer, distributor and manufacturer of sleep products, sleep accessories and furniture, has named Matthew Sibole as its new Chief Financial Officer. Sibole will serve as a principal member of Classic's executive leadership team, providing his strategic insights and financial expertise as the Company continues to expand. Scott Burger, CEO of Classic Brands, said, "After an extensive search, we're pleased to have found a trusted partner in Matt. Matt is an effective functional leader with decades of experience building successful teams, implementing first-rate processes and systems, and driving profitable growth across various situations and organizations. As our new CFO, Matt will oversee and streamline our financial processes as the Company continues to move forward." Sibole is a proven executive leader with extensive experience in Fortune 50 and private equity-backed manufacturing companies. Throughout his twenty-year career, Sibole has served in a variety of finance, commercial, and operations roles for companies including APEX Tool Group, Stanley Black & Decker, EnTrans International, General Electric, Schneider Electric and IBM. Sibole holds an Executive MBA from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. "I am honored to be joining Classic Brands' powerhouse team at such an exciting time for both the company and the industry," said Sibole. "Together, I look forward to continuing to improve Classic's positioning in a rapidly changing market, increasing profitability, and streamlining the Company's financials as Classic continues to grow and evolve." ABOUT CLASSIC BRANDS Founded in 1971 with headquarters in Columbia, Maryland and distribution capabilities nationwide, Classic Brands is a leading designer, distributor and manufacturer of sleep products, sleep accessories and furniture, with a focus on the finest quality mattresses. The company has a long history of providing product development, sourcing, and logistics services to a diverse set of leading retail customers throughout the U.S. Classic Brands is constantly seeking to deliver quality and comfort at an affordable price. The company uses the finest materials from around the world, including all-natural and high-performance covers, Talalay and Dunlop latex, memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, innerspring and wrapped coil hybrids. Classic Brands is committed to being on the cutting edge of designing and producing innovative products for people to sleep healthier. Its sleep systems are designed to help achieve the maximum benefit from each night of sleep. For more information, visit www.ClassicBrands.com . CONTACT Liz Holman Gaffney Bennett [email protected] SOURCE Classic Brands 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. Some residents of Oyo State, on Monday lamented the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise called petrol in Ibadan, the state capital. Transporters were stranded as many filling stations across the city did not have fuel. Also, many private and commercial transporters jostled to buy the black market on roadsides. At places where there was fuel, there were long queues of vehicles. Our correspondent who travelled through the city spoke with some residents and commuters. Hike Following the hike, commercial transporters have reportedly increased transport fare in the city. Many people were stranded at various bus-stops on Monday afternoon as workers returned from work and students from schools. There was huge traffic and queues at petrol stations today due to petrol scarcity, a resident, Razaq Mumin, told PREMIUM TIMES. We started noticing the queue last night but it became stressful today. I was on the queue for more than three hours before I could buy fuel this morning at Oke Ado. Another resident, Rachel Akinyemi, who journeyed from Olodo Garage to Iwo Road told our correspondent that before Mondays scarcity, transport fare was between N70 and N80 but it has now increased to N150. We have to pay because it is necessary that we go out and return home. The increase in transportation is not limited to this place because we can see that truly, there is scarcity. The situation is the same in most parts of the state capital like Ijokodo, Sango, Bodija, Agodi Gate, Eleyele, and Molete, she said. A barber, Aluko told our correspondent that he was forced to by black market to fill my generator because I have customers in my (barber) shop who wanted to cut their hair. Asked how much he got the black market petrol, Mr Aluko said I got one litre for N250. I wont buy it on a normal day but I cannot disappoint my customers who are already waiting at the shop. Even if I dont make any gain, I must satisfy my customers. PREMIUM TIMES also learnt that some residents who could not afford to buy from the black market were still stranded at filling stations as of the time this report. This newspaper reported that similar challenges were faced in many other parts of the country. Stop hoarding Meanwhile, the Oyo State government on Monday asked the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to sanction marketers hoarding petroleum products in the state. The State Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Daud Sangodoyin, who made the call in Ibadan, said the sight of long queues of vehicles in some filling stations in Ibadan was unacceptable. Mr Sangodoyin said there was no basis for the queues at fuel stations, which started to surface on Sunday. ADVERTISEMENT Some filling stations in Ibadan are not selling fuel to motorists while those selling are experiencing long queues now causing traffic gridlock in some parts of the metropolis. As government, we are doing all we can to make life easy for the people of Oyo state and this is reflected in the number of infrastructural projects around the state. For some people to be creating artificial scarcity of fuel for unknown reasons is wrong and inhuman. DPR should, as a matter of urgency, swing into action and arrest the situation, the commissioner said. (NAN) Boris has produced the roadmap out of lockdown and now we are about to see its mirror image for the economy when Rishi Sunak presents his Budget this week. There are three stages to the economic response to Covid-19: emergency support, getting back to work and payback time. A year on, we are still stuck in Stage One. Some crisis loan schemes are being scaled back. There are also indications that parts of the economy which can adapt to lockdowns have learned to do so. The next stage: Chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to seize the opportunity and help Britain back to work Auto-engine production came to a near standstill in the first lockdown but now runs at almost 70 per cent capacity. There are sectors where this is not possible. Non-food retail and hospitality are stuck in the deep freeze and 4.5m workers remain reliant on furlough. We are a long way from an economy strong enough to contemplate Stage Three and payback. The economy is far too fragile for the Chancellor to start raising taxes to tackle the 2trillion-plus debt mountain. Shifting to Stage Two will be hard but cannot be put off for much longer. Furlough has been hugely expensive and created a false sense of security. It risks marooning people in jobs that would not be viable without state support. The Chancellor needs to start the transition to a post-pandemic economy, where we learn to live and work alongside Covid-19. It means a focus on jobs: keeping them where possible, changing them if necessary, and creating them wherever we can. There will be measures building on the Plan for Jobs, as Sunak branded his quasi-Budget in the summer, including doubling the cash incentives for firms taking on an apprentice, 126m of new money for 40,000 new traineeships and a new flexi-job apprenticeship scheme. His 'Kickstart' scheme, launched last summer to incentivise firms to offer jobs to 16-24-year-olds, has generated 120,000 placements. It is due to end in December but could be extended. Cutting employer's National Insurance Contributions or raising the threshold where they become payable would be an incentive to hire new staff. The British Chambers of Commerce suggests a temporary increase in the threshold for employer NICs from 8,788 to 12,500 for at least 12 months after furlough ends. Green initiatives such as making batteries for electric vehicles should be pushed harder. Big electric van users would love to use UK-made vehicles and it would be fantastic for jobs. But we currently lack the battery production to make it realistic. As for raising the rate of corporation tax, it would be bad for employment as it discourages investment and sends out negative signals to potential overseas investors. The virus should prompt some wider thinking about employment taxes. The current system is predicated on an old-style model where most people worked in offices, shops or factories on defined hours and formal contracts. It needs to adapt for the gig economy and for working from home. If WFH becomes the norm, there will be a lower tax take. Salaries of staff working at home tend to dwindle, and there will be less spending in the office supply chain, on sandwiches, suits and the like. That will need to be addressed at some stage. The Government is to suspend all inward visas for travellers from its red list of countries requiring mandatory quarantining on arrival. The move, to be debated at Cabinet on Tuesday, is intended to to reduce the risk of new variants of Covid-19 entering Ireland. Visa-free travel to Ireland for nationals of South Africa and all countries in South America had previously been suspended but allowed visa holders to travel. At the end of last week Health Minister Stephen Donnelly designated an additional 13 countries for the Red List: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. They join 20 countries previously designated: Angola, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The move means nationals of these countries cannot arrive into Ireland without a visa, while visa applications will be denied. This means only Irish nationals can return home, along with citizens of the EU. Anyone arriving from these 33 countries and territories or transiting through must now complete a full mandatory 14-day period of self-quarantine, even if they receive a negative PCR test result after arriving in the State. This applies even if the passenger remains airside in any of the countries during transit on their journey to Ireland. A spokesman for Minister Helen McEntee said she was separately extending a ban from January that might otherwise have lapsed. And he said the Department envisaged that in future it could have to add other countries and even members of the EEA (European Economic Area) to the list. [March 01, 2021] Altius Renewable Royalties Announces Its First Energy Royalty From Apex Clean Energy Altius Renewable Royalties Corp. (TSX: ARR) ("ARR" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the creation of a first royalty to its jointly controlled entity, Great Bay Renewables, LLC ("Great Bay"), under its portfolio-based royalty financing with Apex (News - Alert) Clean Energy ("Apex"). Great Bay is entitled to receive a 2.5% royalty on the 190 MW Jayhawk Wind project in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas. The announcement made by Apex today is as follows: Apex Sells Jayhawk Wind, with Facebook (News - Alert) PPA, to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy PPA for full capacity represents Facebook's fourth power purchase from Apex Charlottesville, VA - March 1, 2021 - Apex Clean Energy (News - Alert) today announced that WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) and Invenergy purchased the Jayhawk Wind project, including a renewable power purchase agreement with Facebook. The more than 190 MW project, located in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas, will help support the tech company's operations in the region. "Establishing and growing strong relationships with the nation's pre-eminent clean energy investors and power purchasers is fundamental to Apex's core mission and to our ability to bring best-in-class renewable energy assets like Jayhawk Wind to life," said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO. "Because of these agreements with Facebook-a valued Apex customer-and new partners WEC Energy Group and Invenergy, Jayhawk Wind will advance the new energy economy in Kansas and generate significant long-term economic benefits for the local community." The deal marks Apex's fourth renewable transaction with Facebook, following a 61.6 MW PPA with Altavista Solar; a 200 MW PPA with Aviator Wind East, part of the largest single-phase, single-site wind project in the United States; and, most recently, a 175 MW PPA with Lincoln Land Wind in Illinois. "We are excited to help bring this new wind project-our first in Kansas-to the grid in support of our operations in the region," said Urvi Parekh, head of renewable energy at Facebook. "At Facebook, we are committed to supporting our global operations with 100% renewable energy and helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy around the world." Jayhawk Wind will help Facebook meet its goal to support its operations in the region with 100% renewable energy and reach net-zero carbon emissions. The tech cmpany stepped in as the project's offtaker after a previous power purchase agreement was mutually dissolved. The purchase of the Jayhawk Wind project is part of WEC Energy Group's $16 billion ESG Progress Plan-the largest five-year capital plan in the company's history. "Our commitment to the Jayhawk project is the next step forward in our comprehensive plan to build a bright, sustainable future, serve strong vibrant customers, and continue to grow earnings from our portfolio of renewable energy assets," said Gale Klappa, WEC Energy Group executive chairman. The Jayhawk facility, which breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, will consist of 70 GE wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MW. The project will provide significant economic benefits for the local and state economies-including the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and 7 long-term operations positions-and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue. About Apex Clean Energy Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world's most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit www.apexcleanenergy.com About WEC Energy WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), based in Milwaukee, is one of the nation's premier energy companies, serving 4.6 million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. The company's principal utilities are We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources. Another major subsidiary, We Power, designs, builds and owns electric generating plants. In addition, WEC Infrastructure LLC owns a growing fleet of renewable generation facilities in the Midwest. WEC Energy Group is a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500. The company has approximately 42,000 stockholders of record, 7,300 employees and $37 billion of assets. About ARR ARR is a recently formed renewable energy company whose business is to provide long-term, royalty level investment capital to renewable power developers, operators, and originators. The Company combines industry expertise with innovative, partner-focused solutions to further the growth of the renewable energy sector as it fulfills its critical role in enabling the global energy transition. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are introduced with language such as "we believe", or which refer to opinions and expectations of management. By their nature, these statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by securities laws. The Company does not take responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information incorporated herein from the Apex press release and is providing such information for information purposes only. The Company has not independently verified the statements made therein, including any forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005869/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have shown a surge in new COVID-19 cases contributing to 87.25 per cent of 15,510fresh infections reported in a day, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. India's total number of active COVID-19 cases was recorded at 1,68,627, comprising 1.52 per cent of the total infections, the ministry said highlighting five states that account for 84 per cent of the total active cases in the country. Maharashtra alone accounts for 46.39 per cent of India's total active cases, followed by Kerala with 29.49 per cent. "A total of 15 states and union territories have registered more than 1,000 active cases. Kerala and Maharashtra are the two states with over 10,000 active cases, while the rest of the 13 states and UTs have between 1,000-10,000 active cases," the ministry said. The total number of cases with the UK, South Africa and Brazil variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the country as on date has reached 213, the ministry said. A total 15,510 new cases were registered in a span of 24 hours. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 8,293, followed by Kerala with 3,254 cases while Punjab has reported 579 new cases. The Centre is continuously engaging with the states and union territories manifesting higher number of active cases and those reporting a rise in the daily new COVID-19 cases. States and UTs have been advised to maintain a continued rigorous vigil for containing the spread of COVID-19. Need for effective testing, comprehensive tracking, prompt isolation of positive cases and quick quarantine of close contacts are strongly emphasised, the ministry said. "Eight states are displaying an upward trajectory in the daily new cases," it underlined. So far, a total of 1,43,01,266 vaccine doses have been administered to beneficiaries through 2,92,312 sessions. These include the first dose to 66,69,985 healthcare workers, second dose to 24,56,191 healthcare workers and 51,75,090 frontline workers who have taken the first dose. "The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination has commenced from today for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified comorbid conditions. "A simplified process of registration has been set up, whereby potential beneficiaries can have the option of advance self-registration, on-site registration or facilitated cohort registration," the ministry said. More than 1.07 crore (1,07,86,457) people have recovered so far with 11,288 patients having recuperated in a span of 24 hours. The ministry said 85.07 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states. Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 4,333 newly-recovered cases. A total of 3,753 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours, followed by 490 in Tamil Nadu. Besides, 106 deaths were reported in a span of 24 hours. Five states account for 86.79 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties of 62 deaths. Kerala followed with 15 daily deaths and Punjab has reported seven fatalities in a span of 24 hours. A total of 20 states and UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Ladakh (UT), Andman and Nicobar Islands, Uttarakhand and Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Also read: COVID-19 in India: Cases cross 1.11cr; fatality rate drops to 1.41% A South Jersey child is hospitalized with serious injuries and her mother is jailed on aggravated assault and endangering charges, according to police. Elinette S. Muniz, 21, of Millville, and her boyfriend brought her unconscious 4-year-old child to Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill last week, where medical personnel found multiple, severe injuries, including bleeding on the brain and damage to her chest, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The girl, who was placed on a ventilator, also had bruises all over her body and cuts to her mouth and nose. She was tranfered to A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. Muniz told doctors that the child fell from a bunk bed, but the injuries didnt match that explanation, according to police. She also told investigators that the child was injured in Glassboro, but later admitted it happened in Millville after police seized her cellphone to get GPS location data. Muniz and her boyfriend agreed to a police search of their Millville apartment, where investigators found multiple pieces of bloodied childrens clothing and blood spatter on the walls of the girls bedroom. Muniz admitted disciplining the child and striking her in the mouth and nose hard enough to draw blood, which she claimed accounted for the spatter on the walls. She went on to say the injuries to her head and body were the result of multiple falls because she suffered from seizures and kept hitting her head, according to police. The boyfriend claimed he had seen Muniz pop the child in the mouth. He also said he had seen the girl fall multiple times and hit her head. Police noted in their report that the couple stopped for gas and visited a liquor store on their way to the hospital with the unconscious girl. They stated they did not go to Vineland Hospital which was closest because they did not want Munizs family to find out, the report adds. The child has suffered multiple seizures since being hospitalized, remains on a ventilator and doctors are trying to determine the extent of her brain injuries, said Anita Simms-Doughty, the childs great aunt. The family is monitoring the childs progress and hoping for the best. They dont know for certain if she will survive. We dont know. Theres no definite answer, Simms-Doughty said. I pray to God its not too late. The girl had previously stayed with Simms-Doughty and she recalled her as the perfect angel. Shes the sweetest little girl. She was always playing with our cats. She was so loving. The boyfriend is not the girls father, she said. The parents are no longer together, but the father has been speaking with police and is hoping to see his child today, Simms-Doughty said. Her nephew had faithfully visited his child in the past in an effort to remain a part of her life, she said. Muniz was placed in Cumberland County Jail pending a detention hearing. The boyfriend has not been charged. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. A Welsh NHS chief has been disciplined for comparing non-Welsh speakers to black victims of apartheid. James Moore, once responsible for organisational design and development at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), made the comparison in a Facebook post last week. Mr Moore, from Sheffield but living in Llansteffan, wrote: 'Just imagine if you changed the word English to 'black' or (historically in South Africa) 'coloured' perhaps non-Welsh speakers should use different buses? Maybe different drinking fountains?' He had been working on a 'secondment contract' with HEIW for 18 months when he wrote that non-Welsh speakers should 'stand up to the oppressors'. The Welsh Ambulance Service said 'appropriate' action would be taken. James Moore (pictured), once responsible for organisational design and development at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), compared the plight of non-Welsh speakers in Wales with black victims of apartheid in a Facebook post last week He had been working on a 'secondment contract' with HEIW for 18 months when he wrote that non-Welsh speakers should 'stand up to the oppressors'. The Welsh Ambulance Service said 'appropriate' action would be taken His comments came in response to proposals to change the primary teaching language at two primary schools - Model Church in Wales and Ysgol Y Felin - to Welsh from September 2022. He left his post after 'internal discussions' with his former employer were sparked by an intense backlash to his remarks. Aled Roberts, the Welsh Language Commissioner, and Eluned Morgan, the Minister for the Welsh language, criticised his comments while Plaid Cymru MS Bethan Sayed called for him to resign. Mr Moore has now returned to his 'substantive employment' with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, the HEIW said. The trust described the comments as 'ill-judged and inflammatory'. It said they 'fly in the face' of its 'commitment to the Welsh language'. Mr Moore compared Welsh speakers to white people in South Africa during the time the country was under a system of institutionalised racial segregation, which ended in the 1990s. Mr Moore has now returned to his 'substantive employment' with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, the HEIW said. Pictured, an ambulance drives on the A470 near Pen y Fan mountain on January 3 in Brecon, Wales A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We are aware of ill-judged and inflammatory comments by a member of our staff who until recently had been on secondment to Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) for 18 months. 'We neither condone nor support these comments, which fly in the face of our commitment to the Welsh language and our role as the national ambulance service of Wales. The appropriate action has been initiated in line with the NHS Wales disciplinary policy.' In his Facebook post Mr Moore said: 'The English language is the single most important export from the UK and gives us all a huge advantage in the world. Anything that undermines this in the cause of meeting nationalist zealotry harms us all. Corporate affairs boss Keith Hann, 66, was axed from his 102,000-a-year job last week after shoppers threatened to boycott the High Street chain's Welsh stores following his remarks 'As was the case in South Africa where the whites were a small minority, is it time for the 80% non-Welsh speakers to stand up to the oppressors to stop the ongoing apartheid?!' He added: 'Bilingualism is great in many parts of the world; however, narrow mindedness, insularity and petty nationalism (which seems to be entirely linked to the Welsh language) opens your mind only to yourselfleaving Wales trailing even further behind in an increasingly global world.' HEIW works alongside Health Boards and Trusts as the only Special Health Authority within NHS Wales and has a role in the education and training of health workers in Wales. Iceland's headquarters, where Mr Hann works, is situated in Deeside in Wales - but he lives in Cheshire, just two miles over the Welsh border in England It comes after a top executive who was sacked by Iceland for calling the Welsh language 'gibberish' revealed he received death threats over the comments. Corporate affairs boss Keith Hann, 66, was axed from his 102,000-a-year job last week after shoppers threatened to boycott the High Street chain's Welsh stores in protest. Mr Hann made a stream of anti-Welsh comments despite the supermarket's HQ being in Wales, with thousands of Welsh workers among its 30,000 staff. In a column from 2014 which recently resurfaced on Twitter, Mr Hann shared what he now claims were 'intended to be humorous comments' about the Welsh language. He described the ancient tongue as 'a dead language that sounds uncannily like someone with bad catarrh clearing his throat.' The father-of-two later said 'inhabitants of the UK's Celtic fringe loathe all visitors' - referring to people travelling to Wales - in a tweet which has since been deleted. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Gov. Andrew Cuomo has acknowledged for the first time that some of his behavior with women had been misinterpreted as unwanted flirtation. He said Sunday he would cooperate with a sexual harassment investigation led by the states attorney general. In a statement released amid mounting criticism from within his own party, the Democrat maintained that he had never inappropriately touched or propositioned anyone. But he said he had teased people and made jokes about their personal lives in an attempt to be playful. He said he now understands that some of his interactions had been insensitive or too personal. GOVERNOR'S FULL STATEMENT: "Questions have been raised about some of my past interactions with people in the office. "I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends. "At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business. "I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that. "To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to. "That's why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations. "Separately, my office has heard anecdotally that some people have reached out to Ms. Bennett to express displeasure about her coming forward. My message to anyone doing that is you have misjudged what matters to me and my administration and you should stop now - period." On May 31, 2019, a 12-year-old girl had her innocence ripped away. She spent nights in her room afraid; worried a man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted her would come back. For months, the little girls family wondered if the man who shattered her life would be caught and brought to justice. On Monday, there was no more wondering. Joshua Besaw, the Connecticut man who last year pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 12-year-old girl in Webster and sexually assaulting her, was sentenced to prison in a Connecticut federal court. The young girl didnt speak but her statement was read aloud by federal prosecutor Nancy V. Gifford. The girl talked about being clueless and gullible that day. She thought she was helping someone. Besaw, who worked as a truck driver and was 35 at the time, approached the girl at a park in Webster in May 2019 and tricked her into getting into his car. He told her he needed help. Besaw identified himself as Chuck and drove the girl to a wooded area in Thompson, Connecticut, where he sexually assaulted her, authorities said. The girl told investigators she began kicking and hitting Besaw and tried to push him down a hill. Besaw told her he had a gun. In her statement, the girl told a federal judge she was worried she was going to die that day. But I wouldnt let him get away with this, the girl wrote. So Im happy it was me so nobody else would have to suffer this. He messed with the wrong girl. The federal judge noted the victims words were powerful. You have shown courage, strength and resilience, the judge told the victim. After Besaw kidnapped and assaulted the girl, he took her to a neighborhood she didnt know in Dudley, Massachusetts, and refused to give back her phone before driving off, authorities said. The girl borrowed a phone from a stranger to call her parents. They reported the assault to police and a sexual assault examination was performed at a medical facility. Surveillance video from residences and businesses in Connecticut and Massachusetts were used to identify Besaw as the suspect, authorities said. On July 10, 2019, investigators conducting surveillance of Besaw collected cigarette butts that Besaw had discarded, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. The DNA evidence collected from the discarded cigarette butts matched DNA evidence collected from the minor victim on May 31, 2019. Besaw was arrested on July 17, 2019. Family and friends of the little girl spoke for roughly 30 minutes before Besaw was sentenced. Monster, nasty creep and animal were the words used by those family members and friends to describe Besaw. He stole her innocence and changed her into a completely different person, one person said. Hes not a man, hes an animal, one of the victims aunts added. What he took from her cannot be given back. The girls mother recalled hearing her daughter on the other end of the phone that day. The mother recalled hearing her daughter describe what happened to her. As the days passed, the little girl no longer wanted to ride her bicycle outside and she feared being alone in the dark. The mother said Besaw will have the length of his sentence to think about what he did but, my daughter has the rest of her life. The victims father, who was inside the courtroom, called Besaw a coward but all he saw in court was a predator. He doesnt deserve freedom, the father said. He deliberately did this to my daughter. The federal judge sentenced Besaw to serve 20 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. He was ordered to give a DNA sample, undergo mental health and sex offender treatment and register as a sex offender. Besaw will also have any computers or electronic devices he uses, upon release, equipped with software that allows for federal probation officials to monitor his use. Besaw cannot have contact with minors and was ordered to stay away from any area where minors congregate. The judge also ordered Besaw to have no contact with the victim or her family. William Paetzold, Besaws defense attorney, said before the sentence was issued that his client became addicted to pain pills after a crash and then began to use heroin and later fentanyl beginning in 2017. Psychological testing showed Besaw was emotionally immature and had antisocial behavior, the defense lawyer told the court. Paetzold said his client has a relatively minor criminal history with no history of deviant behavior. Besaw, while addressing the court, apologized to the victim, her family and his own family. I wish I could rewind time and take that awful day back, he said. Besaw also wrote a statement that was sent to court. He said he understood his actions caused the girl to relive trauma daily. I have no one to blame but me and I plan to work hard in prison to make sure that this will never happen again, he wrote. This time in prison will not be wasted. Besaw, now 37, said he planned to undergo counseling during his incarceration. Gifford cast doubt on Besaws sincerity telling the court he sent letters from prison minimizing what happened, blaming law enforcement and even calling what he did as nothing. Related Content: Advertisement Nearly 2million people aged between 60 and 63 in England will be invited to receive their first coronavirus jab from today, while over-40s will start being called for jabs this month - as more than 20million people in the UK have now been given their first dose of a vaccine. Health officials will send out 1.9million letters to those over 60 inviting them to book a coronavirus jab, meaning that by the end of the week everyone in the top seven priority groups - including clinically vulnerable younger people and those with underlying conditions - will have been contacted. NHS England said the programme, which has been proceeding at breakneck speed, will then move to offer vaccinations to around 5million people in their 50s as soon as next week, which should take two weeks to deliver. With about 2.5million people receiving their first dose of the vaccine per week, Britain is on course to offer jabs to everyone over the age of 50 by the week beginning March 15 - almost a month before its target - with the over-40s then expected to receive invitations later this month. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce a further 1.65billion to cover the costs of the inoculation programme in his Budget. He is also also expected to say there are billions left in reserve which could be used to pay for a third jab to combat mutant strains, the Telegraph reports. It comes as more than 20million people in Britain have now been given their first dose of a vaccine as news findings revealed that just one shot reduces the risk of hospitalisation by more than 90 per cent. Public health officials have told Ministers that the remarkable results apply for both the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, with the British jab proving slightly more effective. And in another huge boost to Britain's world-beating vaccine, 386,948 additional vaccine doses were registered in England, with 27,876 in Scotland and 14,634 in Wales, tipping the number of total people vaccinated past the 20 million milestone. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on social media that it was a 'huge national achievement' and praised the NHS staff, volunteers and armed forces for their work in the vaccine rollout. He tweeted: '20 million people across the UK have now got the jab - a huge national achievement and a testament to the tireless work of NHS staff, volunteers, the Armed Forces & many more. I urge everyone to get the jab when called. Every jab makes a difference in our battle against Covid.' Health Secretary Matt Hancock said vaccinating more than 20million people against coronavirus across the UK is a 'magnificent achievement for the country'. In a video on his Twitter, Mr Hancock said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that over 20million people have now been vaccinated across the UK - it's absolutely fantastic. 'I want to thank every single person who's come forward to get the jab because we know with increasing confidence that the jab protects you, it protects your community and it also is the route out of this for all of us.' Mr Hancock urged everyone eligible for the vaccine to come forward and added: 'Every jab in the arm is another life soon to be protected from this awful disease and means we are a step closer to returning to our normal lives.' Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted: 'BINGO! One Score over 20,000,000 people have had the vaccination (1s dose). What an achievement for February 2021. What a team! Proud to be with you on this journey.' In other coronavirus developments: Six cases of the Brazilian strain of coronavirus have been detected in Britain, while health officials launch a hunt for a missing Covid patient who did not complete their test registration form; Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned the coronavirus crisis has had an 'enormous toll' on the public finances as he appeared to pave the way for a series of tax rises at the Budget on March 3; A quarter of frontline NHS workers in London are refusing the vaccine; A poll found 81 per cent of voters think it should be compulsory for medics and care home workers to have the vaccine, while 54 per cent support vaccine passports as a condition of entry to restaurants or on public transport; Boris Johnson's poll ratings have surged since he announced his 'roadmap' out of lockdown, which is supported by more than two-thirds of people; Almost three-quarters of care homes bosses said they wanted to implement a 'no jab, no job' policy; New Covid cases have fallen by 28 per cent over the past seven days to 7,434, while deaths dropped by more than a third to 290; The number of first-dose vaccinations administered surpassed 19.6 million, with more than 750,000 people having their second jab; Tributes were paid to Captain Sir Tom Moore at his funeral at the weekend; EU leaders have been warned it could be 2023 before the bloc manages to offer a jab to all of its adult population; Pubs and restaurants complained they were facing a nightmare of red tape if they wanted to reopen for alfresco service on April 12, in line with Mr Johnson's roadmap. Members of the public receive their Covid-19 vaccinations at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire on February 26, 2021 A nurse draws up vaccine the public receive their Covid-19 jabs at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire on February 26, 2021 Nurse Elspeth Huber from Hannage Brook Medical Centre administers the COVID 19 vaccine during home visits to the most vulnerable people amid the outbreak of coronavirus near Wirksworth, Derbyshire Members of the public receive their Covid-19 vaccinations at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire on February 26, 2021 Vaccine boost propels Boris Johnson and the Tories to a seven-point poll lead Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party have extended their poll lead over Labour to seven points, according to a new survey. An Opinium poll put the Tories on 43 per cent and Labour on 36 per cent, the biggest gap recorded by the firm since July of last year. The numbers suggest Mr Johnson is enjoying a 'vaccine boost' as the Government's roll-out of coronavirus jabs continues to exceed expectations. The survey, conducted between February 24-26, found that approval of the Government's handling of the pandemic has increased this week. Some 36 per cent now approve, an increase of three points, while 45 per cent disapprove which is unchanged. Approval of the Government's handling of the vaccine roll-out has also gone up. Some 68 per cent of respondents approve of the job ministers are doing, up six per cent, while 12 per cent disapprove. Overall, the poll puts the Tories on 43 per cent and Labour on 36 per cent in terms of general election voting intention. Advertisement NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: 'Vaccinating 20 million people - including 17 million across England - in a few short weeks shows the NHS vaccination campaign is firing on all cylinders, and looking out to Easter and beyond it's full speed ahead. 'As we can see from other parts of the world, having vaccines from the manufacturers versus actually administering them to patients can be two different things. 'So this latest milestone is also a tribute to careful health service planning, effective organisation and amazing teamwork across the whole of the country.' It comes as nearly two million people aged 60 to 63 in England are being invited to book a coronavirus jab, with the letters due to start arriving on Monday. NHS England said the letters will explain how people can make an appointment through the national booking service. They have been sent out after more than three in four people aged 65 to 70 took up the offer of a vaccination, it added. A further 149 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 83,123, NHS England said on Sunday. Patients were aged between 23 and 103 and all except six, aged between 34 and 89, had known underlying health conditions. The deaths were between January 8 and February 27. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show there is no evidence of newly discovered coronavirus variants spreading after concerns that case rates are rising in one in five areas. He added: 'That's not what I've seen in any of the data.' Pressed if there was any evidence of more new variants, he said: 'No.' Mr Sunak also said the Government should reach its conclusion on vaccine passports in 'a few months' time' and that the Prime Minister had taken a 'cautious but irreversible approach' with his road map but there was a 'sense of confidence and optimism about the future'. Asked if the data was better than expected, the PM's road map could happen quicker, he told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday: 'What we want is a cautious but irreversible approach. 'That's why we've taken the approach that we have and those will be the earliest dates that we think we can do the various things we've laid out.' He added: 'What businesses don't want is a stop-start approach to this, we want to know that it's a one-way road and that's why it's cautious. 'We've given the earliest of dates to give a sense of timing and a sense of direction and then obviously we might have to adjust those if things are not going exactly as we would like, but look the early signs are promising. EU nations including Germany are being far outpaced by Britain in the vaccine race after Brussels was late to place orders with firms including Pfizer and AstraZeneca A single shot of either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or Pfizer jab cuts the chance of needing hospital treatment by more than 90 per cent, 'real world' results from the NHS vaccination programme show Hunt for MISSING UK patient with Brazilian Covid strain: Farcical search for traveller with 'more resistant' mutant who didn't fill out form - after six cases are found but scientists say vaccines WILL likely still work A hunt for the missing Covid patient thought to be one of the first people in Britain to have the Brazilian mutant variant has begun after health officials last night admitted that they have no idea who the infected person is or where they were tested. Public Health England (PHE) yesterday announced that six cases of the strain, which scientists fear could be more resistant to vaccines, have been detected. Three cases have been found in North East Scotland after flying into Aberdeen from Brazil via Paris and London, the Scottish Government said - while two cases were confirmed in South Gloucestershire. However, the sixth case has not been located and could be anywhere in the nation as the person did not complete their test registration card - meaning that their contact details are unavailable. The Gloucestershire cluster was said to originate from one individual who travelled back from Brazil and arrived in London on February 10 - five days before the Government's quarantine hotel regime came into force. There are concerns that vaccines might be less effective against the Brazilian strain, with trials of the Johnson & Johnson jab finding it was slightly less effective in Latin America at preventing mild or moderate cases. However, the trials found it still prevented hospitalisations and deaths. No studies have tested the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against the P1 variant, while Moderna and Pfizer say their mRNA coronavirus vaccines should work against variants with the E484K mutation, with early results showing that these vaccines are only slightly less effective against the P1 variant. NHS Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis immediately sought to calm public fears about the variant by explaining that vaccines can be quickly adapted to tackle new strains. Officials said the missing case is not believed to be linked to the others because the virus was found to have slight genetic differences, and said their test was processed on February 14 - meaning that it is likely they took it a day or possibly two earlier. They believe that person is unlikely to have taken their test at one of the regional test sites, where staff can check contact details, but it could have been a home test or from local surge testing. Health officials have now issued an appeal asking anyone who took a test on either February 12 or 13 and who has not received a result or has an incomplete test registration card to come forward immediately. They are also tracking down hundreds of passengers on Swiss Air flight, LX318 travelling from Sao Paulo, through Zurich, and landing in Heathrow on February 10, and will deploy 'surge testing' in five areas of the county to hunt down any more cases. Advertisement 'We're seeing great news with the rollout of the vaccine, not just the take-up of it but also the efficacy of the vaccine, the data that we're getting is showing us that it is working, so I think that should give us all a sense of confidence and optimism about the future that we can make progress on that road map and hopefully slowly get our lives back to normal.' Prince William urged Britons to ignore conspiracy theories about the supposed dangers of the vaccine, warning of 'rumours and misinformation' on social media. The Duke of Cambridge issued the warning during a video call with his wife Kate to two clinically vulnerable women who have been shielding with their families since March. A Mail on Sunday investigation into the poor take-up among some ethnic minorities finds people are falling for lies and conspiracy theories spread online. The new one-dose vaccination figures were calculated by comparing Covid hospitalisation rates in those who have received their first dose with those of a similar age who haven't. It helps to explain why the numbers being hospitalised are falling so rapidly in the oldest age groups. Deaths among the over-75s have dropped by 40 per cent, while the number of over-85s being admitted to intensive care units with Covid has dropped close to zero. The strong results for the Oxford vaccine are a rebuke to the German authorities, which last month advised against its use in the over-65s. The Duke of Cambridge's remarks on vaccinations come after the Queen suggested last week that it was selfish to refuse a jab. William and Kate spoke to mother of two Shivali Modha, who has type 2 diabetes, and said she was anxious about her vaccine after reading claims on social media. In a video call, the Duke told her: 'Catherine and I are not medical experts by any means but if it's any consolation we can wholeheartedly support having vaccinations. It's really, really important. 'We've spoken to a lot of people about it and the uptake has been amazing so far. 'We've got to keep it going so the younger generations also feel that it's really important for them to have it. 'So it's great that, Shivali, you're taking the time to work it out and come to the conclusion that 'I need to do this' because social media is awash sometimes with lots of rumours and misinformation, so we have to be a bit careful who we believe and where we get our information from. Especially for those who are clinically vulnerable as well, it's so important that those vaccinations are done, so good luck.' The Duke and Duchess also spoke to Fiona Doyle, 37 an asthma sufferer and her seven-year-old daughter Ciara, who have been shielding at home in Finchley, North London, since the crisis began. She spoke of her anxiety 'knowing that there was this virus out there that was incredibly dangerous for me. It was really difficult.' The challenges facing the NHS were made clear by one GP who told the MoS of his battle to persuade one of his surgery's receptionists to have the inoculation. The doctor, who works at a busy South of England group practice which is co-ordinating vaccinations for the local area, explained: 'She said that she didn't want to have it. 'So one evening I sat down with her and talked through her concerns for 20 minutes. I explained all about how rigorously the vaccine had been tested, how safe it is and how important it was that as many people as possible have it. 'Not to mention the fact that she was working at a surgery where we are seeing lots of elderly and vulnerable people every day. 'But there was just no convincing her. She told me that the vaccine was something 'foreign' and she didn't want it going in her body. And that was the end of that.' A survey by the Harrow Association of Somali Voluntary Organisations suggested only half of its community plan to take the vaccine even though more than three-quarters knew someone who had died from the disease and barely any doubted its dangers. In an ignominious climbdown, health chiefs in both countries have now suggested they could update their policies for the Oxford University researched jab after initially refusing to give it to the over 65s. France changes its tune on AstraZeneca jabs following Ursula von der Leyen's praise for the vaccine France's government has said it wants to 'rehabilitate' the AstraZeneca vaccine as EU leaders try to undo the doubts they sowed about the jab which have led to low uptake despite its proven effectiveness. The French health ministry admitted that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine had an 'image deficit' which had led to 'feeble' usage of the jab, with only 107,000 people immunised with it so far. It comes after Emmanuel Macron himself raised doubts about the jab's effectiveness and claimed that Britain had taken a risk by authorising it so soon, while French regulators refused to approve it for over-65s. Meanwhile the French government is considering new local restrictions to deal with a worsening Covid-19 situation as it scrambles to avoid a new national lockdown. 'We will use all possible levers to rehabilitate the vaccine,' the French health ministry said, according to Le Telegramme, days after real-world data in Scotland showed the AstraZeneca shot reducing Covid hospitalisations by 94 per cent. Germany's government is also pleading with people to take the AstraZeneca jab, while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said that she herself would take it - despite her furious row with the drugmaker last month over missing shipments to the EU. That struggle is set to continue into the spring with as many as 90million doses missing from AstraZeneca shipments in the second quarter of 2021. An EU official involved in talks with the firm says AstraZeneca has warned that it may deliver only half of its promised 180million doses from April to June, having slowed supplies in January because of delays at a Belgian factory. The new shortage could hamper the EU's ability to meet its target of vaccinating 70 per cent of adults by summer - with Britain promising to offer one dose to 100 per cent by July 31. The EU supply shortage is seen as one of the main reasons for a widely-criticised vaccine roll-out which is lagging far behind that in Britain. While the UK has handed out 27.0 doses per 100 people, the EU is lagging behind on 6.2 and has not significantly sped up its progress in recent weeks. Von der Leyen defended her policies by pointing out that the EU had handed out 27milion doses in total compared to 17million in Britain - but the bloc of 27 countries has a population more than six times larger. She also noted that Italy had given double-doses to more people than Britain, but it has handed out far fewer doses overall. Catching up to Britain will be made even harder if AstraZeneca shortfalls continue into the early summer, as an EU official told Reuters last night. Von der Leyen told the Augsburger Allgemeine that 'I would take the AstraZeneca vaccine without a second thought, just like Moderna's and BioNTech/Pfizer's products,' Advertisement Organisers said they were shocked by the results. The vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca is stunningly effective at preventing recipients becoming seriously ill from Covid-19, new analysis shows. It is even better than the Pfizer jab at stopping people getting so sick that they need to be admitted to hospital, Ministers have been told. A single shot of either jab cuts the chance of needing hospital treatment by more than 90 per cent, 'real world' results from the NHS vaccination programme show. But the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, shunned by millions across Europe because of concerns over trial data, is proving slightly more effective at stopping severe Covid-19 illness than the Pfizer jab. Its apparent superiority even holds among over-70s, The Mail on Sunday understands, vindicating the UK drug regulator's decision to approve it for use in older people. The results are a massive boost not just for Oxford and AstraZeneca, but also the Government. Ministers have ordered 100 million doses, making it the workhorse of the NHS vaccination campaign. The landmark results will add to growing confidence that vaccination is breaking the link between infections and deaths. The figures were calculated by comparing Covid hospitalisation rates across England in those who have received a first dose of vaccine in the NHS rollout, to those of a similar age who have not. They follow a Scottish study of Covid hospitalisation rates, published last week, which came to similar conclusions. Edinburgh University researchers found that by the fourth week after injection, 'the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines were shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by up to 85 per cent and 94 per cent, respectively'. Among over-80s, who are at highest risk of severe illness, a single dose cut the risk of needing hospital treatment by 81 per cent from week four onwards, when the results from both types were combined. Well-placed sources said the larger English study found hospitalisation rates in over-70s were slightly lower among recipients of the Oxford vaccine than those who got the Pfizer drug. Last month, German authorities advised against using the Oxford vaccine in over-65s, citing lack of evidence of effectiveness from formal trials. The trials were dogged by low numbers of older volunteers. French President Emmanuel Macron then caused consternation by falsely claiming the Oxford vaccine was 'quasi-ineffective' for over-65s although he has since rowed back by saying he would have it. In a subtle riposte to European critics, Professor Sarah Gilbert, who spearheaded Oxford's Covid vaccine project, said real-world data 'now provides evidence of high effectiveness of both the Oxford-AstraZeneca and BioNTech-Pfizer vaccines in preventing hospitalisation in people over the age of 80, after a single dose, supporting our confidence in using this vaccine in adults of all ages.' The results are already having a stunning impact on Covid statistics, which show hospitalisations and deaths falling fastest among Britain's oldest people. Deaths in over-75s almost all of whom have now had their first jab fell 40 per cent in the last week. By contrast, they fell 23 per cent in under-65s, who remain largely unvaccinated. The number of Covid admissions to intensive care units among over-85s has also dropped to near zero in the last couple of weeks, Public Health England reports indicate. In another boost for Oxford, new evidence also indicates one dose of its vaccine provides more durable protection. Updated trial results show that from three weeks to three months after first dose, the vaccine was 76 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic infection and 'protection did not wane'. Protection from one Pfizer dose dipped from 84 per cent five weeks after injection, to 58 per cent after more than six weeks. Last night it emerged that Germany is reconsidering its recommendation on the Oxford vaccine. Professor Thomas Mertens, head of the country's vaccination commission, said there will be 'a new, updated recommendation very soon', the newspaper Der Spiegel reported. He also lamented the fallout from their January decision, saying they 'never criticised the vaccine', only the lack of data in over-65s. He added: 'However, the whole thing went somehow bad.' But the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, shunned by millions across Europe because of concerns over trial data, is proving slightly more effective at stopping severe Covid-19 illness than the Pfizer jab Germany and France look set to approve the AstraZeneca Covid jab for the over 65s in a major U-turn aimed at speeding up their shambolic vaccine drives. Pictured: A near empty vaccination centre in Germany earlier this month The NHS vaccine programme is already having an impact on the number of people being hospitalised due to Covid-19 Statement of Senator Joel Villanueva on the roll out of the government's vaccination program: 1,000 shots given, 100 million more to go. The journey of a hundred million shots begins with a single jab. But today's events shouldn't be seen as a mere symbolic start but as the start of something sustained, without let up, and in numbers increasing by the week. For that is how we can meaningfully mark the first year of the lockdown on March 15, by demonstrating our will to end Covid's reign of terror, one injection at a time. Sa ganun din pong pamamaraan natin mabibigyang parangal at saysay ang matinding sakripisyo ng ating mga medical frontliners. We can honor them more by providing them with more vaccines to choose from which our government should provide them and our people. Mumbai, March 1 : As credit flow from banks improve with the acceleration in economic activities post the gradual lifting of the lockdown restrictions, credit growth has not been on the same lines across sectors. As per the the Reserve Bank of India's data, loans towards large industries declined on the back of stressed assets in the segment, while that in the services sector increased. Industrial credit includes credit to micro, small, medium and large industries, depending upon the firms' investment in plant and machinery and their turnover. Large industries constituted around 82 per cent of the credit offtake to the industrial sector, while the micro, small and medium industries together constituted the rest in November 2020. Credit to the industrial sector has generally remained weak in the recent years. A peak of 6.9 per cent was achieved in April 2019 but there has been a continuous decline in credit offtake since then, with credit growth turning negative in October 2020, it noted. The recent decline in credit growth was mainly due to the large industries. "Owing to the stressed assets in large industries, there was a general reluctance on the part of bankers to lend to these industries, with the problem getting compounded by the pandemic," it said. The central bank's bulletin, however, noted that although credit growth to large industries turned negative in November 2020, the silver lining has been the robust growth of credit to the medium industries. The services sector, on the other hand, witnessed a robust credit growth. Unlike the sharp moderation in growth of industrial credit and personal loans due to the pandemic, credit growth to the services sector has bucked the downtrend and posted an accelerated growth. "This acceleration has been primarily due to 'transport operators' and 'trade'. Further, 'tourism, hotels and restaurants' also registered accelerated growth notwithstanding the pandemic," said the report. Credit extended by both public sector banks and private sector banks to the services sector has exhibited resilience in 2020-21 so far. The RBI bulletin showed that credit growth to agriculture and allied activities accelerated in November 2020 as compared to a year ago. Credit growth to this sector has been increasing in the recent months with the growth in November 2020 being the highest since June 2019. "The increase in credit to agriculture sector, which is a part of priority sector lending, is indicative of good performance of this sector," said the RBI report. Irish oncologists have seen success with virtual clinics according to a new study surveying patients. In response to the risks of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, cancer doctors started doing consultations online. Considering that cancer patients are immunosuppressed and at high-risk for the virus, these virtual clinics are invaluable to provide resources to patients and keep them safe from contracting COVID-19. The Growth of Telemedicine When the pandemic forced physical distancing and governments around the world began mandating lockdowns, a wide variety of fields have been adapting by utilizing online technology and video conferencing software. To overcome the challenges of the pandemic, education, law, medicine, and more are taking their appointments online. Telemedicine has become much more viable. Not only does it allow people to stay home and physically distance from others, it removes the communal hospital environment where people can contract the COVID-19 virus. Whenever an in-person appointment can be avoided, doctors are opting for virtual visits and consultations. NHS Guidelines The NHS in the United Kingdom put together guidelines in response to this need to this shift. Essentially the goal is to minimize any appointments that can be done online. If a physical examination is needed or blood needs to be taken, then the person will need to come into a hospital, but if only a consultation is necessary, it should be done over video conferencing. This outlook also helps staff who are high-risk or currently isolating to continue to work online from their home. Overall there are less people interacting in these environments, mitigating the risk of transmission. As the virus has come to dominate our lives, virtual clinics and remote appointments are mitigating the spread. Virtual Oncology Clinics The study from Irish oncologists surveyed over 100 people, most of which who said that they were as equally or nearly as satisfied with virtual clinics as in-person appointments. 82 percent of people said there would be a role for virtual clinics after the pandemic ends and 61 percent said that they were relieved to avoid exposure to the virus in a hospital environment. Since cancer patients are at-risk, they should avoid contracting the virus at all costs. These online methods provide new ways to go through with business as usual while keeping patients safe. They need consultations and these appointments can be done with telemedicine. The Future of Remote & Virtual Technology Beyond the benefits of telemedicine, virtual and remote technology will continue to improve our lives. The pandemic has forced to all kinds of sectors to overcome challenges and work towards getting work done safely. According to McGinley Solicitors, which is a team of personal injury lawyers who are experts in patient safety, virtual technology doesnt just mitigate the spread of the virus it will provide opportunities. So many different fields could have been utilizing technology to cut down on travel and expenses. Now that the world has been forced to physically distance from others, the benefits of the pandemic will be used in ways they werent before it. With the success of virtual meetings in not just oncology but in court hearings, educational classes, and more, these technologies arent going away after the pandemic. They will continue to be utilized after the COVID-19 crisis is over. Of course it is difficult to see the silver lining of this pandemic, but it has forced the world to advance technology and the use of technological tools that we werent taking advantage of. Oncology is integral to treating cancer patients. While virtual clinics were created to avoid exposing these people to the COVID-19 virus because their immune systems are compromised by their illness, the benefits that have resulted will be taken from successful measures like it and expanding these advantages to all the different parts of our world. Telemedicine is proving that multiple facets of modern life can be fulfilled online with virtual video conferencing technology, remote appointments, and other tools that can minimize the amount we are traveling to and from facilities and get more done from the comfort of our homes. Like remote work, the world is advancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. SirajPower, UAEs leading distributed solar energy provider, has announced yet another significant solar leasing agreement signed with Airlink International UAE, one of the leading providers of cargo and logistics in the UAE. SirajPower has been appointed as a long-term partner to finance, operate and maintain a 1.3 MWp solar rooftop plant for Airlinks Logistics Centre in Jafza. The project covers over 2,000 solar panels that will annually produce 2.1 GWh of clean energy and offset nearly 1,500 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, corresponding to approximately 6,000,000 kilometres driven by an average vehicle passenger (or equivalent to more than 24,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years). With over 45 years of history, Airlink provides supply chain solutions, combining international air and ocean freight with comprehensive value-added logistics and supply chain services. The deal with SirajPower represents Airlinks first major green undertaking. Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of SirajPower, said: We are starting the new year on a high note, with a significant partnership between two of the most highly regarded, locally-owned businesses, providing end-to-end services in their respected fields. SirajPower and Airlink International UAE are both committed to offering a holistic experience to their customers while at the same time making energy consumption more efficient and mitigating climate change impacts. By doing so, we are also contributing to the UAEs long-term vision for a greener economy to make the country one of the most sustainable in the world. SirajPower will spare no effort to continue encouraging and helping more local businesses in their transition to clean energy. Maitha Juma Saif Bin Bakhit, Chairperson of Airlink, said: As a leading local company in the travel and logistics industry, we have a duty to support our governments sustainability objectives. Our country has set ambitious targets, and we firmly believe that large local conglomerates like us can make a difference and accelerate our transition to clean energy. This project marks our key contribution to the UAE and the world for a greener environment as we celebrate our 45th year of operation in the market. We entrusted SirajPower to turn Airlinks initiative of a sustainable energy-saving and greener footprint feasible. Earlier this year, SirajPower reported significant growth as it doubled its solar assets in 2020 to achieve a 100 MWp distributed solar portfolio, making it the most extensive in the region. The company currently operates over 180 solar plants across the UAE. -- Tradearabia News Service Karnataka, which is home to Indias first Aerospace SEZ, electronics city and several IT parks, is now ready with Indias first integrated machine tool park. The park, spread over 530 acres at Vasanthnarasapura, about 90 kms from Bengaluru, is developed under the scheme of Enhancement of Competitiveness in Indian Capital Goods Sector (ECICGS), jointly by the state government and the Department of Heavy Industries, Government of India. The Indian Machine Tools Manufacturers Association (IMTMA), has provided the technical assistance to the countrys biggest machine tool park which is ready for occupation. Both the state and central governments have set up a special purpose vehicle named Tumakuru Machine Tool Park (TMTP) to develop the new industrial cluster. It has 158 ready-to-build industrial plots of various dimensions. The park is fully developed with proper layout, concrete roads, footpath, drainage, electricity, water linkage and even bus shelters. The government of India has set an ambitious target of achieving $5 trillion economy by 2025, of which the manufacturing sector contribution will be around $1 trillion. Within the manufacturing sector, the role of machine tools is vital. To achieve these targets, we need to build a robust machine tool ecosystem and TMTP is an attempt in that direction, V Anbu, Secretary, Director General & CEO of Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers Association (IMTMA) told DH. Tumakuru Machine Tool Park. Credit: DH Infographics He said the machine tool park was conceived about eight years ago and with the support of department of heavy industries, the government of India and Karnataka governments, the park has become a reality and is set to play an important role in consolidating Karnatakas numero uno position in the manufacture of machine tools. Already, Karnataka is the third highest contributing state for heavy engineering in India. It accounts for 52% of Indias total share in machine tool production and 62% of machine tool exports. The machine tool industry is estimated to have dropped by 30% to touch Rs 6,500 crore in 2019-20 and is set to bounce back in FY21. Many global and Indian companies such as TaeguTec, Yuken, HMT, BFW, AMS, Makino, Bosch, Kennametal and Liebherr are operating out of Karnataka. The Tumakuru Machine Tool Park is developed at a cost of Rs 508 crore, of which Rs 125 crore each is the equity contribution of Karnataka and Central governments. Out of 158 industrial parks at TMTP, some of the large companies have taken 22 plots spread over 128 acres and the balance plots are available for sale. The TMTP will have some of the common facilities like common engineering facility centre, test & certification centre, incubation centre for startups, technical centre for training, seminars and conferences. It is located within the Tumakuru Industrial Township on the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. The main idea of TMTP was to develop the machine tool industry. The park is located at the Tumakuru node of Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. Very soon, there will be a dedicated railway line between Tumakuru and Davanagere that will pass through Vasanthnarasapura, N Shivashankar, CEO, TMTP said. Over the next few years, Tumakuru will emerge as a massive industrial hub in Karnataka, he added. Advantages The advantages of TMTP are its proximity to Dabhol-Bangalore gas pipeline, and quick access to Bangalore international airport (105 kms). The nearest seaport at Mangaluru is just about 350 kms away. It is also located 4 kms from the national highway connecting Bengaluru with Pune. At TMTP, the land is offered at a concessional rate of Rs 1 crore per acre, while the cost of land at other industrial parks nearby is in excess of Rs 1.20 crore per acre. All new manufacturing industries coming into production by March 2023 will have a reduced corporate tax rate of 15%, which is a major step to encourage investments in the machine tools park, said P J Mohanram, Senior Advisor, IMTMA. The big advantage for machine tool companies to establish their plants at TMTP is not only the domestic market, but that they can look at serving the entire south east Asian market. It will offer huge cost advantage compared to operating from Germany, he said. Another major advantage is that the TMTP is situated opposite the upcoming Japanese Industrial Township, where industrial plots are offered to only Japanese companies. At TMTP, plots are reserved exclusively for machine tool companies (both Indian and multinational). In addition to the land, there is an availability of trained manpower in the surrounding areas. Tumakuru is home to three engineering colleges that produce required engineering graduates. Some of the machine tool companies that have taken land at TMTP include Coastal Chrome India, Ace Multi Axes Systems Ltd, Anupam CNC Machining Pvt Ltd, Amwin Machining Pvt Ltd, Advance Cooling and Nayak Precisions among others. Many other companies like Pragati Automation, BFW, Trishul, Ace Designers and Jyoti CNC have evinced interest to acquire land in the park, according to KIADB. Former Coronation Street star Victoria Ekanoye has welcomed a baby boy with her partner Jonny Lomas. The actress, 37, took to Instagram on Sunday night to reveal the happy news as she held hands with her baby, writing: 'Our prince, our love, our world, our miracle.' The star is yet to reveal her son's name after announcing her pregnancy in December. Coronation Streets Victoria Ekanoye has given birth! The actress revealed on Instagram on Sunday she has welcomed a baby boy with her partner Jonny Lomas Victoria, who played Angie Appleton in the ITV soap, left the show in 2019. But a host of stars from the soap took to the comments section to offer their oongratulations. Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, wrote: 'Oh wow! Beautiful news.. huge congratulations to you all darling girl! Xxx.' Lucy Fallon, who played Bethany Platt, wrote: 'Congratulations guys! So pleased for you both xxxx.' Congratulations: While the couple are yet to reveal their son's name, they announced the news with a sweet picture of Victoria holding the tot's hands Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster, wrote: 'Omg congratulations .' And Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, also wrote: 'Omg!!!! Congratulations .' Victoria previously joked she had become pregnant in lockdown because there was 'nothing else to do.' Speaking to The Sun, she candidly explained: 'A lockdown baby, what else were we to do? We're due in January so it's going to be an amazing start to 2021.' Support: Victoria, who played Angie Appleton in the ITV soap, left the show in 2019, but a host of stars from the soap took to the comments section to offer their oongratulations She first announced her happy news in Hello! magazine at the beginning of November - when she was already six months pregnant. The actress said she and her boyfriend Jonny decided to delay revealing their baby news, partly due to her suffering with sickle cell anaemia. The couple, who celebrated their four-year anniversary in October, admitted that the pregnancy came as a 'surprise' as they had planned to start trying for a baby in 2021. Victoria told the publication: 'We thought we would try next year. So when this pregnancy came along we were like: "It's happening". 'It did come as a bit of a surprise but it's so unbelievably exciting.' Makes sense: Victoria quipped that she became pregnant during lockdown as there was 'nothing else to do' (pictured in February 2020) Despite being thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents, Victoria had said there were a few reasons they decided to wait to tell their nearest and dearest the big news. She explained: 'We know friends that have miscarried and so we waited until we were 12 weeks before we even told our parents. 'Then, with my health condition, we wanted a little bit more security and stability in knowing that everything is okay with baby and with me.' Victoria was first diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia when she was just 22 years old and has dealt with the chronic illness ever since. Surprise: Victoria, who played Angie Appleton in the ITV soap, kept her first pregnancy private, only announcing her happy news at the start of November Sickle cell disease is when faulty stem cells produce red blood cells that are crescent shaped, leading to blockages that deprive parts of the body of oxygen. She added: 'Chronic illness in general is not easy to live with but to have that during Covid-19 and to be pregnant was a lot.' The star added that because of her illness she is regarded as a 'high-risk' pregnancy and praised the 'amazing' health professionals at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester who've looked after her. Victoria and Jonny have opted to have a hospital birth, with the TV star expected to be induced around 39 weeks, as she had to have a blood transfusion straight after the birth. Donald Trump Jr. slammed US President Joe Biden at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this weekend over Biden's decision to bomb Syria. The comments by the former presidents son show a divide in the Republican Party on Middle East policy and war. Not long into his speech at the marquee event for US conservatives, which began Thursday and ended Sunday, Trump Jr. criticized the president for taking military action so early into his first term. Who would have thought that within 33 days wed be bombing the Middle East again? I would have, said Trump Jr. on Friday. The military industrial complex? Im surprised it took them 33 days. Trump Jr. referenced the Biden administrations decision to bomb Iran-backed militias in eastern Syria. On Thursday, the US military conducted airstrikes against Iraqi groups Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, who are supported by Tehran and also operate in Syria. The strike was in response to recent attacks on US troops in Iraq. The strike was also criticized by members of both parties in Congress. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who is known for his anti-war views, condemned the action. So did Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who said Biden lacked congressional authorization. Various progressive members of congress also slammed the decision and questioned its legal justification, including former Democratic Party presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Trump Jr. went on to criticize Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. Cheney is the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney and is a prominent Republican critic of Trump Jr.s father. She made headlines last week when she said ahead of CPAC that the elder Trump should not have a role in the partys future. In his speech, Trump Jr. alluded to her familys role in the 2003 US invasion of Iraq during George W. Bushs presidency. Speaking of bombing the Middle East, have you seen Liz Cheneys poll numbers? he said. Im sure she has a lot of bipartisan support because if theres one thing that she and Joe Biden definitely want to do it's bomb the Middle East. Many Republicans are hawkish on Iran and its Middle Eastern allies. Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised Biden for striking the militias in Syria. Other Republicans, including Sens. Paul and Lee, are generally averse to military action in the region without congressional authorization, a view shared by some Democrats as well. Trump Jr.s speech was demonstrative of this internal conflict in the Republican Party on Middle Eastern conflicts. The elder Trump frequently criticized the Iraq War and railed against endless wars during the 2016 primary election. He continued this theme in 2020 and slammed Biden for voting for the war in 2002. In November, Trump ordered a reduction of US troops in Iraq. In 2017, he ended covert support for Syrian rebels. Trump did not always follow his anti-war rhetoric, however. At CPAC, Trump Jr. did not mention that his father bombed Syria himself in April 2017 less than three months into his presidency. Trump also never followed through on his 2019 declaration that he would remove US troops from northeast Syria. Middle East policy came up at other times during the conference as well. Trumps Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the former administrations decision to stay out of wars during his CPAC speech. He also touted their sanctions on Iran and pro-Israel policies. Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman also spoke at the event. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 11:30:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A firefighter walks past a damaged house in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan, on March 1, 2021. A fire at a residential area in Koto Ward in the Japanese capital of Tokyo on Monday morning left two people injured and a number of houses damaged. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi) TOKYO, March 1 (Xinhua) -- A fire at a residential area in Koto Ward in the Japanese capital of Tokyo on Monday morning left two people injured and a number of houses damaged. Firefighters received an emergency call at around 5:00 a.m. local time reporting a fire at an unoccupied house located in Ojima area of Koto Ward. About five hours later the blaze was said to have been subdued. According to the police, two people suffered minor injuries in the fire. A woman in 90s was taken to hospital after reporting difficulty in breathing, while a women in 60s suffered minor head injuries when escaping from her house. Police and firefighters are investigating the cause of the blaze. The baffling discovery 400 kilometres from Sydney of a running shoe containing human remains since confirmed to be those of Melissa Caddick has raised doubts about the likelihood of a shoe having drifted so far. However, a possible explanation has come as a result of an extraordinary phenomenon in Canada. Melissa Caddicks foot was found on Tura Beach. Credit:SMG, Angi High For years, Canadians were mystified when at least 21 disembodied feet washed up along the British Columbian coast. Really large numbers of individual feet washed up on beaches of the west coast of Canada, British Columbia and the adjoining US state of Washington, Dr Matthew Orde, a forensic pathologist with the University of British Columbia, said. The big difference in the return to school for thousands of children today is that a more contagious form of coronavirus is circulating. Since December when they finished up for holidays, the UK variant has gained ground and now accounts more than 90pc of cases. UK variant and children It is more infectious, so it spreads more amongst children and adults. However a study by Public Health England shows children under 10 are around half as likely as adults to transmit this form of the virus to others. Teenagers are more likely to spread it than primary school children. Schools as safe places The experience during the first term of the school year before they closed for Christmas holidays was that they were generally safe places. A lot of hard work by teachers, staff and pupils themselves adhering to new infection-prevention rules led to a successful return to the classroom. It was not without problems, with instances of poor communication by the HSE about cases and some teachers saying they had to do their own contact tracing. A new system put in place by the HSE is aimed at avoiding these difficulties. Cases of Covid-19 are much less common in children and they get a milder infection. They may be infected and have no symptoms. In general, children who tested positive in school picked up the infection at home. The positivity rate in schools averaged 2.4pc for most of the first term although it rose to 3.5pc in December. Read More Testing children It is expected the HSE public health teams who will oversee cases in schools will test more contacts of an infected child than previously. So parents can now expect their child to be tested if there is a case. This is because the UK variant is more contagious. Once a child tests positive, the local public health teams need to determine if he or she was at school while they were infectious. They will risk-assess who should be tested. Areas such as ventilation, the playground and the age of the children would be taken into account. The good weather forecast for their first week back may allow for windows to be opened which will help with ventilation. School gates and parents Public health officials have repeatedly said the problem is not with schools but the movement of people they generate. In a letter to parents and guardians, deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn has appealed to parents not to congregate at the school gates. He said children should not have play dates or be involved in after-school activities which involve household mixing. The same caution should apply to parents tempted to meet up for a coffee after the school run. The phased return to school will be a major test of what will happen as lockdown eases generally. Since the new variant gained dominance, the country has been in lockdown and its impact has therefore been blunted. However we still dont know how it will affect the spread of the virus once the country starts opening up again. 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. Urging Athens and "all elements involved in push-backs" to end their violations of international and EU law, as well as human rights and a 2016 migration deal between the EU and Turkey, the Foreign Ministry released a statement following two separate incidents on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 when Greek forces assaulted groups of asylum seekers, took their valuables and left them stranded on an island in the middle of the Maritsa River between the two countries. On both occasions, Turkish authorities rescued a total of 51 asylum seekers and migrants - including women and children, said the statement, adding that interviews with them had revealed that some were foreign nationals who came to Greece via Serbia and Bulgaria and were pushed back to Turkey, Anadolu agency reported. The statement also cited another incident in which Greek forces removed 13 Afghan refugees from a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos on Feb. 18 and pushed them back to Turkey after beating them and taking their personal belongings. Over 80,000 asylum seekers have been pushed back to Turkey in the last four years, it said, accusing Greece of conducting a "systematic policy" for years on the push-backs with the involvement of the EU border agency FRONTEX. It also called on the EU to monitor its members' implementation of EU law and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights "on the basis of human dignity." 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 21:35:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Britain's leading insurer Aviva announced on Monday it will reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040. It plans to cut 25 percent in the carbon intensity of its investments by 2025 and of 60 percent by 2030 -- ahead of the 50 percent cut required by the Paris Agreement -- and to reach net zero carbon emissions from its own operations and supply chain by 2030, the company said in a statement. By the end of 2022, it will divest from all companies which make more than 5 percent of their revenue from coal unless they have signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative, a coalition established in 2015 which aims to enable companies to set emission reduction targets in line with leading climate science, the company said. "We have a huge responsibility to change the way we invest, insure and serve our customers. For the world to reach net zero, it's going to take leadership and radical ambition. And it is going to take Aviva to play our part," said Aviva Group Chief Executive Officer Amanda Blanc. "In order to reach our 2050 climate target, we must work with companies like Aviva to harness the strength of the UK's world leading financial sector to unleash the private capital necessary to reduce carbon emissions and support new jobs as the UK builds back greener," Britain's Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said. Britain made a legally binding commitment in 2019 to bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, becoming the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by mid-century. The international community, including both developing and developed countries, already recognized the importance of joining hands in tackling climate change. In 2021, China and Britain will host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), respectively. Enditem Advertisement Venice's famous canals ran dry this weekend for the second time in three years after a low tide and lack of rain brought water levels in the historic lagoon down to rarely-seen depths. Gondolas were stranded in muddy, dried-up canal beds after the waters fell to nearly 19 inches below sea level on Saturday, with forecasters expecting the tide to drop even lower early this week. The phenomenon is thought to be linked to the February full moon - also known as the 'snow moon' - because full moons cause the biggest fluctuations in the tides of the Venetian lagoon. It is also caused by a high-pressure weather system across Italy, which is less prone to forming clouds and therefore less likely to bring rain to fill up the canals. Stranded: These Venetian gondolas had nowhere to go on Sunday after the water in the famous canals virtually dried up, leaving a muddy canal-bed, in a phenomenon caused by the full moon and a lack of rain in Italy Beached: The water transport that Venice relies on was left useless after water levels in the canals receded to unusually low levels, with forecasters expecting the tide to plumb even lower depths on Monday Dried up: The water had vanished entirely in this section of the Venetian canals, leaving a gondola covered in blue tarpaulin with no means of escape from its muddy canal-bed Forecasters in Venice say the water levels could drop to 20 inches below sea level on Monday before the tides return to less extreme levels later in the week. While some of the water transport that Venice relies on was rendered useless, locals did get to see algae and molluscs living on the walls of buildings that are usually partly underwater. In January 2018, the water levels fell even further to a low point 26 inches below sea level - while the all-time record was set in February 2008 when they dropped to minus 33 inches, according to Italian media. Venice authorities say that 'on the days of new moon and full moon, the effects of sun and moon result in the highest tidal fluctuations' which can be predicted many years into the future. This is because the alignment of sun and moon that are necessary to bring about a full moon in the sky mean that both are exerting a powerful pull on the Earth's seas and oceans, causing especially high and low tides. The February full moon is sometimes known as the 'snow moon' because much of the Northern Hemisphere typically sees its heaviest snowfall in that month. Low levels: Some water was left in these canals, but the embankments had dried up after the water in the historic lagoon reached dramatically low levels this weekend Exposed: The ends of these two gondolas were entirely above water after the combination of a full moon and low pressure over Italy brought low water levels with it Debris: The dried-up canals exposed detritus that was lying on the canal-beds as well as algae and molluscs on the walls of buildings Left behind: These gondolas were left stuck in the latest dramatic phenomenon to hit the Venetian canals after huge flooding in 2019 and sudden clear waters brought about by the coronavirus lockdown in early 2020 Venetians have also lived through disastrous flooding in recent years, which submerged St Mark's Square in up to six feet of water in November 2019, the highest level since 1966. Basements and ground floors in much of Venice are frequently flooded when the 'acqua alta' (high water) phenomenon occurs, forcing residents and visitors to don their rubber boots and use raised walkways. Last year a multi-billion-euro flood barrier called Mose which had been delayed for years because of corruption and ballooning costs finally helped to protect the city from high tides. But it needs 48 hours to be activated, and authorities were caught off guard by a subsequent flood which pushed into Venice and left parts of the city underwater last December. And in the spring of 2020, the coronavirus pandemic - which hit Italy especially hard during the first wave - led the water in the canals to turn clear after gondola traffic came to a virtual halt. With no mud and garbage being churned up by the boats, Venetians could see tiny fish swimming in the clear waters and enjoyed unusual jellyfish and octopus sightings in the city. Venice usually welcomes more than five million tourists a year, but has had to shut down much of its economy because of the series of lockdown measures over the last year. JANUARY 2018: Gondolas are stranded on the Grand Canal in Venice on a previous low-tide occasion when the water levels reached an even lower depth than they have this month JANUARY 2018: A bridge to nowhere in the Grand Canal as exceptionally low tides drained the lagoon city that year NOVEMBER 2019: Venice had extreme weather of a very different kind 16 months ago when high waters overran St Mark's Square, before a long-delayed flood barrier finally came in last year Steel giant to manufacture containers for first time in Vietnam Steelmaker Hoa Phat plans to manufacture 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit containers a year to mitigate a shortage since containers are stuck at ports after Covid-19 hit trade. It plans to build its first container manufacturing factory in Binh Duong or Dong Nai province and near Cat Lai Port in HCMC and Cai Mep Thi Vai International Port in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province. The southern region has an especially high demand for containers. Market research by Hoa Phat in fact found that three out of every four containers are used there. Nguyen Manh Tuan, vice chairman of the Hoa Phat Group, said the containers would be made of weather-resistant hot-rolled coil steel with enhanced corrosion resistance produced at its Hoa Phat Dung Quat 2 steel plant to be launched in early 2022. The container production will start in Q2, 2022. The logistics sector is suffering from a severe container shortage since many remain in various ports around the world, unable to offload their goods, while demand for containers to export to Europe and the U.S. is high. At the end of 2020, the Vietnam Maritime Administration had to order container shipping lines to publicly declare their freight rates and surcharges, saying it had received numerous complaints about inflated prices due to a shortage of containers and warning it would not tolerate gouging. Most shipping lines have hiked freight by 2-10 times in the last three months. In Vietnam, there is no container production. Tuan explained that the price of weather-resistant hot-rolled coil steel used for making containers is high, and would cause losses for companies if they have to import it. "Hoa Phat can produce this type of steel," he said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. France registered 19,952 new infection cases and 122 related deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures released by the Public Health Agency on Sunday. The cumulative number of cases in France now stands at 3,755,968, and the total number of fatalities at 86,454 since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country, the Xinhua news reported. Over the past seven days, 9,613 Covid-19 patients were in the hospital, of whom 1,871 were put on ventilators, the agency added. In an interview with Le Journal de Dimanche (JDD) on Sunday, Jerome Salomon, director-general of public health, said the virus variant first detected in Britain now became dominant in France, with 53 percent of positive cases attributable to this more infectious strain. The first case of this virus in France was spotted on Dec. 26, 2020, prompting the country to impose travel restrictions. "The situation is obviously very tense but the government has taken strong braking measures, notably the curfew, which is working very well," Salomon said. "We can still avoid confinement if everyone is mobilized." As of Feb. 27, 2,967,937 people in France have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. France aims to inoculate all the citizens aged over 65 by the end of May and all adults before September. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized vaccines. Meanwhile, 255 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 73 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 February 23. --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.) Guangzhou further expanded its nucleic acid testing as the city battles the spread of Covid-19, with Haizhu and Yuexiu districts starting mass testing on Sunday. In Haizhu district, residents queued for hours in the rain to get tested on Sunday. The city reported four new local and three new imported cases, and confirmed 14 cases originally reported as asymptomatic on Sunday May 31, 2021 05:47 PM [March 01, 2021] Incident Response to SolarWinds Orion Software Compromise for SMEs SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In early December 2020, it was revealed that a state-sponsored cyber attack had been launched through a supply chain compromise of the SolarWinds' Orion monitoring software, initially affecting FireEye, a cybersecurity company. The cyber threat worked by inserting a backdoor, known as Sunburst, into the software to enable hackers to remote control the SolarWinds platform and use it to exfiltrate sensitive data from private-sector businesses, organizations, and government agencies. The attacks appear to have started in September 2019 and were discovered almost a year later. More recently, it was learned that a separate, unconnected attack -- also believed to be state-sponsored -- was launched at the same time on certain government payroll systems. Now, others have been attacked. While SolarWinds announced it has patched the vulnerabilities, investigations into the incidents are ongoing, especially in light of additional attacks via Microsoft 365 and the Azure cloud environment. "These hacks present ongoing risks to businesses and organizations, with the potential to compromise networks, employee and consumer data, and intellectual property," said Chris Clements, vice president, solutions architecture, Cerberus Security Officer, Cerberus Sentinel. "Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be particularly vulnerable, often operating with smaller staffs and limited budgets." Cerberus Sentinel Corporation (OTC: CISO), a cybersecurity consulting and managed services firm based in Scottsdale, Ariz., reinforces the need for all organizations to be vigilant in keeping their cybersecurity defenses up to date. Specifically, the company offers the following counsel to SMEs to ensure protection against exploitation of mission-critical operations, resources, and software by the SolarWinds attack. Questions for IT Teams Do you know if your organization has a SolarWinds product installed in production or if IT has tested it in a free trial demo? If not, do the following: Contact your IT department and ask if the SolarWinds Orion product suite is or has ever been in use in your environment. The known affected software of the Orion platform are as follows: Application Centric Monitor (ACM) Database Performance Analyzer Integration Module (DPAIM) Enterprise Operations Console (EOC) High Availability (HA) IP Address Manager (IPAM) Log Analyzer (LA) Network Automation Manager (NAM) Network Configuration Manager (NCM) Network Operations Manager (NOM) Network Performance Monitor (NPM) NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA) Server & Application Monitor (SAM) Server Configuration Monitor (SCM) Storage Resource Monitor (SRM) User Device Tracker (UDT) Virtualization Manager (VMAN) VoIP & Network Quality Manager (VNQM) Web Performance Monitor (WPM) If IT cant say for certain or needs help determining with assurance whether backdoored instances of SolarWinds product are present, consider utilizing a network inventory or scanning tool or working with a third party to assist with detection. If you know you are using or have used a SolarWinds product in the past, do the following: Review all instances of the product (e.g., production, DR, lab) to learn what version of the software is installed. Versions of the software known to contain the Sunburst malware are: v2019.4 HF5 v2020.2 (no hotfix) v2020.2 HF1 If infected versions of SolarWinds are detected, enact the organizations incident response plan but at a minimum: Block outbound network access from the SolarWinds system(s) or take them offline. Apply the Solar Winds v2020.2.1 HF1 or v2019.4 HF6 patches that remove the Sunburst backdoor. Reset any passwords used by the SolarWinds software to monitor organization computer or network devices. Review the rest of the environment for known indicators of compromise (IoC)s to determine the extent of the exposure. Do you know if any of your vendors or business partners utilize SolarWinds? What to do: Ensure your vendor list is current plus ensure you have a clear understanding what data your vendors have access to. Communicate with the vendors point of contact and ask what response the vendor has taken as part of the attack revelations. If a vendor has been affected, enact your incident response plan to ensure that you have contained any exposure that may stem from a compromise of the affected vendor(s). Are you prepared for the next SolarWinds style supply chain attack from other vendors? What to do: Review or create a comprehensive vendor (compliance) management program to ensure all vendor interaction with your organizations network or data are understood and that the appropriate contractual requirements are in place for vendors to demonstrate they follow information security best practices. Review all available internal controls that may be implemented to limit exposure stemming from a future vendor supply chain attack. Ensure your incident response plan takes into consideration #1, and #2. For additional information, contact Cerberus Sentinel advisors at https://www.cerberussentinel.com, 480-389-3444 About Cerberus Sentinel Cerberus Sentinel is a U.S. provider of consulting and managed services, focused solely on cybersecurity. The company seeks to expand by acquiring world-class cybersecurity talent and utilizes the latest technology to create innovative solutions that protect the most demanding businesses and government organizations against continuing and emerging security threats. Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements including words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "plan," "will," "may," "look forward," "intend," "guidance," "future" or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Because these statements reflect Cerberus Sentinel's current views, expectations and beliefs concerning future events, these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Investors should note that many factors, as more fully described under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Cerberus Sentinel's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and as otherwise enumerated herein, could affect Cerberus Sentinel's future financial results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these risk factors. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause the Cerberus Sentinel's actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Contact: Charles J. Zigmund, Vice President Cerberus Sentinel 617-838-4183 charles.zigmund@cerberussentinel.com Cathy Morley Foster Eskenzi PR 925-708-7893 cathy@eskenzipr.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. High school sweethearts who rekindled their love in 2019 have had a whirlwind two years after moving in together, getting in engaged - and having two lockdown babies. Scott Gretton, 33, and Rachel Taylor, 32, from Hartlepool, County Durham, welcomed little Oscar days into the first lockdown on March 31 2020, followed by another little boy less than 11 months later on February 24 this year. Last week's arrival completed a crazy couple of years for the pair, who only got back together two years ago after enjoying a childhood romance that ended aged 16. Scott Gretton, 33, and Rachel Taylor, 32, welcomed little Oscar days into the first lockdown on March 31, followed by another bundle of joy less than 11 months later on February 24 Scott Gretton and Rachel Taylor with baby Oscar born March 31 2020, just days after the UK first went into lockdown Rachel and Scott, pictured aged 16, dated at high school but then went their separate ways They hit the headlines a year ago when Scott proposed by having the words, 'Mammy will you marry my Daddy?' embroidered onto their newborn baby Oscar's sleep suit. The youngster was less than 24 hours old at the time and fantastic photos show the moment Scott executed his plan, which happened while the family were still in hospital. Scott and Rachel were high school sweethearts but split up aged 16 before reuniting on February 24, 2019 - two years to the day before baby number two came along. The couple haven't named their latest arrival yet but say they can't wait for lockdown to end so they can show him off to friends and family. Scott popped the question to new mother Rachel with an embroidered message and a ring placed on baby Oscar's onesie Hospital proposal! Scott got down on one knee after Rachel gave birth. The couple have had a whirlwind two years after getting back together, welcoming two babies and getting engaged She said: 'The last two years have been a real whirlwind, we've certainly been busy. 'I can't imagine there are any other couple's out there crazy enough to have two babies in lockdown. 'We haven't heard anyone else has done the same so we could be the first.' Scott, who runs a construction firm, added: 'We've certainly had a productive lockdown. The proud parents with Oscar, who was born in March last year. Their friends and family have mainly met him through windows or on the doorstep because of lockdown 'I'm delighted to say that mum and both babies are doing brilliantly. We're so happy and I'm very proud of them.' Rachel, who runs a beauty business, said it's been 'difficult' to give birth and also raise a newborn amid the pandemic but she 'couldn't be happier' with how things have ended. She added: 'The last 12 months have been nothing like we imagined. 'When you give birth you expect to come home to a house full of people with lots of support from friends and family. 'Due to the circumstances, we obviously couldn't have that, which is a real shame. 'Our friends and family have had to meet Oscar through windows or on doorsteps, so it's sad they have been deprived. 'But we always try to be positive and the good thing about all this is that it's meant Scott and I have had loads of time with Oscar. 'I feel like it has brought us all really close together and we're grateful for that. 'When I pictured my family in my head this is exactly what I imagined, so I couldn't be happier.' When Rachel gave birth to Oscar last year, she said the hospital felt 'deserted' during her 25-hour labour, but luckily Scott was able to be by her side Rachel said it was 'strange' giving birth at the University Hospital of North Tees on March 31, only five days after the first national lockdown was announced. She added: 'It was like the calm before the storm. The whole place was deserted so I felt like I had the most amazing private care.' Despite her excellent treatment, Rachel's difficult labour went on for 25 hours. She said giving birth at the same hospital 330 days later was 'completely different' - mainly because the labour was significantly shorter at two hours. Rachel added: 'Second time round it was really busy, I think plenty of people had the same idea as us to have a baby. 'The care we received was still incredible, it hadn't slipped at all in the year despite all the strain the workers have been under. Rachel said that lockdown has meant lots of extra bonding time with Oscar, which she feels grateful for, despite the strange circumstances Rachel welcomed baby Oscar at the start of lockdown last year, after 25 hours of labour 'We were both incredibly impressed and feel very thankful for the way we were treated.' Although Rachel enjoyed a shorter labour second time round, she only had paracetamol for pain relief so the birth itself was more difficult. Fortunately, Scott was able to be at his partner's side for each of the births, which were planned, in line with guidelines that allow one person to be in attendance. The family-of-four have returned home now and Rachel and Scott are planning to catch their breaths after a hectic couple of years. She said: 'We don't have any plans for baby number three. I think doing this all over again in another 11 months would be a bit too much.' The next major milestone in their calendar is New Year's Eve 2022, when they will tie the knot. Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull says the cabinet minister accused of a 1988 rape should make a public statement because he owes it to the government and the people to answer the claim against him. Mr Turnbull said the ministers identity was so widely known that it was untenable for him to remain silent on the allegation of horrific rape three decades ago. Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:James Brickwood The fact is he owes it to his colleagues and the country to step out, step forward to say, right, Im the person referred to and then set out all the details, he said. The call challenges Prime Minister Scott Morrison over his argument on Monday that the cabinet minister had denied the claim and that it was a matter for the police rather than a wider inquiry. TORONTO, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tequity, an M&A advisory firm with an exclusive focus on global enterprise B2B Cloud, SaaS, and IT companies, acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Toronto-based Strongpoint in their acquisition by Netwrix, a cyber security software company headquartered in Irvine. Strongpoint has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Netwrix. The combined entity is majority-owned by growth private equity firm TA Associates. Strongpoint Acquired by Netwrix Corporation Strongpoint's SaaS solution provides native tools for Oracle NetSuite and Salesforce that make customized enterprise cloud software easier to manage through a comprehensive solution for change management, deployment, system documentation, compliance, and impact analysis. Without sacrificing speed or safety, Strongpoint lets companies make better and faster decisions to keep their systems clean and optimized. On working with Tequity, Mark Walker, Strongpoint's Founder and CEO said, "It was great working with the Tequity team. They have a deep understanding of the SaaS marketplace, particularly as it relates to the Salesforce and Oracle NetSuite ecosystems. Without their strong, practical advice, I don't think we would have arrived at this point." Alex MacKay, Managing Partner at Tequity said, "2021 is going to provide shareholders with very favorable market conditions to explore a transaction. With the shift to work from home and a focus on increased security and efficiency, the demand by buyers for cloud software companies is greater than ever." About Strongpoint Strongpoint develops documentation, optimization, change management and governance solutions for Salesforce and Oracle NetSuite. Strongpoint automatically documents everything and maintains the core documentation describing each customization. The solutions make heavily customized enterprise software easier to manage, with industry-leading, award-winning tools. About Netwrix Netwrix is a cyber security company that makes compliance and data security easy, thereby simplifying how professionals can control sensitive, regulated and business-critical data, regardless of where it resides. Founded in 2006, Netwrix has earned more than 150 industry awards and been named to both the Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500 lists of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. Netwrix is backed by TA Associates, a leading growth private equity firm. About Tequity Tequity assists Executives and Shareholders of Enterprise B2B Cloud, SaaS, and IT companies with business growth and exit strategies. Our mission is simple: Achieve the best outcome for our clients. With decades of combined experience as executives, consultants, and owners of software and technology companies, we leverage our deep industry knowledge across tech ecosystems and our relationships with strategic, tech-focused buyers around the globe to drive successful M&A transactions. The right buyer, the best transaction. www.tequityadvisors.com Contact: Diane Horton, Managing Partner Tequity Advisors [email protected] +1 416.483.9400 SOURCE Tequity Advisors SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine out of 12 current Springfield City Council members have signed a letter addressed to Baystate Health CEO Dr. Mark Keroack urging him to reach an agreement with Baystate Home Health nurses that values their dedication and allows them to provide safe patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. "I am the son of a home health nurse and if this pandemic has shown anything, it is that we should not be taking those on the frontlines for granted," said Marcus Williams, President of the Springfield City Council. "Every time they've entered a home during this pandemic, they've put their own well-being at stake. Our nurses not only deserve a fair contract but one that sets the example for how much we value their service. Without these nurses, the health of those who need home services would fail. We cannot afford that reality like we cannot afford to lose these hidden gems of our community." "Nurses are critical to the safety and quality of our healthcare system, and they deserve pay and benefits that recognize and respect their contributions and sacrifice, especially, but not only, during the COVID-19 Pandemic," said At-Large Councilor Jesse Lederman, who Is Chairman, Health and Human Services Committee. The letter reads, in part, "We have heard from nurses about their concerns as they try to negotiate a new contract and support them in trying to reach a fair agreement. The nurses at Baystate Home Health have put their health at risk and provided exceptional care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home Health nurses are on the frontlines all the time. They are out in our communities caring for people with complex medical needs, enabling patients to remain at home and stay safe. This is no time to try and take hard-earned benefits away from our frontline workers." The following Springfield City Councilors have signed the letter: Marcus Williams, President; Tracey Whitfield, Vice President; At-Large Jesse Lederman; At-Large Councilor Justin Hurst; At-Large Councilor Sean Curran; At-Large Councilor Kateri Walsh; Ward 3 Councilor Melvin A. Edwards; Ward 4 Councilor Malo Brown; and Ward 6 Councilor Victor Davila. Please email [email protected] for a copy of the letter. The MNA represents 27 nurses who work for Baystate Home Health caring for patients in Springfield, South Hadley, West Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow and Wilbraham and Hampden. "We have put our health at risk and try our hardest every day to provide exceptional care during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Heather Rising, a nurse with Baystate Home Health and Co-Chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee. "We care for people with complex medical needs who are being sent home from the hospital sooner and sooner. Many times, they do not have anyone at home to care for them and we are their lifeline. Our work enables patients to remain at home and stay safe." "Baystate Health is failing to support nurses and our patients by contributing to high levels of turnover," said Cristina Ribeiro, a nurse with Baystate Home Health and Co-Chair of the MNA Bargaining Committee. "We cannot recruit and retain the nurses we need to care for patients because Baystate has made our working conditions worse and worse. Now, at the bargaining table, Baystate is trying to cut our sick time and other benefits, while also refusing to propose a fair wage increase. This would mean more nurses would leave Baystate Home Health and it would be even harder to get nurses to care for our patients." MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses ____________________________________________ Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association Related Links http://www.massnurses.org Snowflake announced Jon Robertson will join the company in early March as President of the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. Jon will be responsible for driving the adoption and expansion of Snowflakes Data Cloud in the local market, empowering local enterprises to mobilize their data for valuable business insights. Jon is an experienced executive who, prior to joining Snowflake, served VMWare in the APAC region for the last 14 years. Most recently, he served as President of VMWare Japan K.K., responsible for all aspects of the virtualization, digital workplace and cloud business in Japan. Prior to that, he was General Manager at VMWare ASEAN from 2012 to 2015 and served as Area Vice President at VMWare Japan K.K. beginning in 2007. Throughout his tenure at VMWare, Robertson was involved in strategic planning, business development, and client engagement, playing an instrumental role in growing the business to its current status as a multi-billion-dollar leader in the cloud market. Throughout his career, Jon also held senior positions in Sales and Field Management at EMC, SAP and M3i in Japan and APJ markets. He is fluent in Japanese, French, and English and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Snowflake Chief Revenue Officer, Chris Degnan, said, Jon brings extensive knowledge of the local market and a strong track record of success in the cloud computing industry to both the Snowflake team and our customers in the APJ region. Jons leadership and expertise will expand Snowflakes footprint and empower local enterprises to mobilize their data for business value. Snowflake President, APJ, Jon Robertson, said, Data is at the core of the most successful businesses today, and local enterprises can realize deep benefits from the power of Snowflake Data Cloud. Im proud to join the Snowflake team and work with clients across the region to show whats possible for their businesses with Snowflakes platform. I will continue the Snowflake commitment of putting customers first, within our local APJ organizations. [March 01, 2021] Set Your Child Up For Success: Lonestar Online Academy at Roscoe Now Accepting Enrollments for 2021-2022 School Year After an academic year like no other, Lonestar Online Academy at Roscoe (LSOA), a public school program of the Roscoe Collegiate Independent School District serving students in Preschool through 6th grade statewide, is welcoming students to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year. LSOA provides a safe, alternative education option, while giving students a personalized education experience and providing them with all they need to succeed. LSOA is tuition-free to all students who are full-time, Texas residents in grades Pre-K-6. Staffed by Texas-certified teachers, LSOA offers a personalized approach to learning, delivering rich, engaging curriculum designed to assist students who seek alternative pathways to education. "Parents want their child to have a school that supports their growth," said LSOA Head of School Elizabeth Nelson. "Our team is ready to show families that our school is more than prepared to help students thriv in the virtual classroom. We are designed to be online and know what it takes to lead students to success." Students choose online school for a variety of reasons, including advanced learning, a bullying-free environment, and the ability to support extracurricular pursuits or medical needs. LSOA's online platform gives students the opportunity to pursue their academic goals in a supportive environment at an appropriate pace for their learning style. LSOA is now accepting enrollments for the 2021-2022 school year. More information on LSOA and enrollment requirements can be found at lsoa.k12.com or by downloading the free K12 mobile app for iOS and Android (News - Alert) devices. About Lonestar Online Academy at Roscoe Lonestar Online Academy at Roscoe (LSOA) is a public school program of the Roscoe Collegiate Independent School District that serves students statewide in grades Pre-K-6. LSOA is tuition-free for full-time, Texas residents and gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12, a Stride company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build their skills for the future. For more information about LSOA, visit lsoa.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005008/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ADVERTISEMENT More than 20 million people across the United Kingdom have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine shot, data showed on Sunday as the country made more progress with Europes fastest vaccination programme. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the milestone represented a huge national achievement and he paid testament to the countrys health, workers, volunteers and armed forces. I urge everyone to get the jab when called, Johnson said. Every jab makes a difference in our battle against COVID. Britain has suffered the highest COVID-19 death toll in Europe it currently stands at 122,849 and the heaviest economic shock among big rich countries, according to the headline measures of official data. But the pace of its vaccination roll-out has raised the prospect of a gradual lifting of its current lockdown restrictions between now and the end of June. On Sunday, finance minister Rishi Sunak promised to help the economy while the country remains under restrictions. In a budget statement on Wednesday, he is expected to announce more borrowing on top of his almost 300 billion pounds ($418 billion) of COVID-19 spending and tax cuts. Official data showed a total of 20.09 million people in Britain have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and almost 800,000 have received a second dose. Britain also reported on Sunday a further 6,035 cases within the previous 24 hours, and 144 more deaths within 28 days of a positive test.Last week, Britain said more than one in three adults had received their first vaccination. The latest figures meant cases over the past seven days were down 21.2% compared with the previous seven-day period of Feb. 15-21, and deaths were down 33.5%. (REUTERS) France 24 is Premium Times syndication partner. We have permission to republish. SPRINGFIELD The organization that operates the Friends of the Homeless resource center and shelter on Worthington Street is preparing to buy the adjacent 5th Alarm strip bar property to expand its efforts. Karin Jeffers, president and CEO of Clinical & Support Options, which operates Friends of the Homeless, said the purchase should become final next week. The agency is buying the 5th Alarm property at 775 Worthington St. and a parking lot across the street. The agency is considering expanded housing or clinical support space for the properties, Jeffers said. We really are looking at this as an opportunity to further develop supports for the individuals that we serve, Jeffers said. We dont have any definite, finalized plans for what we are going to do with it, but we are looking at potentials from either additional housing or additional clinical support space for those individuals that we are serving that area. CSO is planning a full strategic study of its own needs and the needs of the community in that area so we can put some investment in the community and the people that were serving through out mission there, Jeffers said. Jeffers said the agency, based in Northampton, will most likely rehabilitate the existing 5th Alarm building rather than tear it down. The property is currently owned by James Santaniello of Longmeadow, under the company BSC Realty. The purchase price and other details are not yet available. In January, New York developer expressed interest in buying the 5th Alarm for a proposed housing development, but said Monday the deal never came to fruition. Hammad Graham, a managing member of Brooklyn-based Brisa Developer LLC originally considered buying the 5th Alarm and the Center Stage strip bar property at 265-267 Dwight St., also owned by Santaniello. While the 5th Alarm is off the table, Graham said he is still interested in pursuing the Center Stage site. His proposal includes a grocery store on the first floor and apartments on the second floor. Both bars have been closed nearly a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Friends of the Homeless, CSO provides emergency shelter for men and women, as well as meals and support services. It also owns and operates 110 low-income housing units on the Worthington Street campus. Related content: COLUMBIA While South Carolina's manufacturers were among the first industry sectors to return to work during the pandemic, COVID-19 travel restrictions have kept many new international companies considering locations in the Palmetto State from getting operations off the ground and delayed potential economic development deals. Companies have reported essential personnel not being able to travel to the state, particularly those specializing in installation and operation of equipment and processes, said state Commerce Department spokeswoman Alex Clark. And in terms of in-person marketing activities, there were several months where prospects, especially those from abroad, were not coming here. While these pandemic-related setbacks are not unique to South Carolina, the state has relied heavily on its seaport and ability to attract international firms to grow its economy. Foreign direct investment capital has totaled about $50 billion in the past 15 years, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The state also has one of the highest ratios of foreign direct investment per person in the country, giving slips in those sectors an oversized effect. Brazilian chemical company, Inbra Chemical, had been running its new Orangeburg facility for six months when COVID-19 arrived in South Carolina. The plant had to stop training the new operators it had hired and the trainers had to return to Brazil. Another six months passed before the trainers could return and the plant could begin ramping up production. "But return was not easy, said plant manager Carlos Lollato. Travel restrictions meant the trainers had to quarantine for two weeks after leaving Brazil before they could get to work training the company's roughly 20 new hires, Lollato said. And the six month closure meant many of the previously trained employees either had to be replaced or retrained. Lollato said learning to trigger the chemical reaction needed to turn soybean oil into an additive used in making PVC products requires on the job training that can't be taught in a classroom alone. A second training trip and quarantine meant even more lost days of work and higher travel costs in January, setting the company back roughly $5,000 each time. And while the plant is running now, it will likely be another six months before it reaches ideal production levels, Lollato said. Progress on other Orangeburg County economic development projects also has been put on pause. 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! Pure Blue Fish, an Israeli fish farm that announced in October 2020 it would establish operations in Orangeburg, has been grappling with how to engineer and design its new facility from afar. And the county had to extend the construction deadline as part of the tax incentive deal for Italian agricultural manufacturer Valagro, which has struggled to go vertical while its architects and engineers are grounded overseas. These are both projects that would normally be far more advanced in the construction process, said Orangeburg County economic development director Gregg Robinson. "There are a lot of companies feeling this impact," Robinson said. "When you cant fly, it is just a reality." Newberry County was lucky enough that KRA, a South Korean supplier to the nearby Samsung plant, was able to get operational just before the pandemic in late 2019. The company is already making expansion plans, Newberry economic development director Rick Farmer said, as appliances like the washers made in Newberry are flying off shelves. On the other hand, Farmer has a German project that is still delayed because the company, as a policy, will not make a new location decision before upper management can physically visit the site. And the pipeline for new projects has slowed. Farmer hasn't been overseas on recruiting trips to market the county to potential investors since late 2019 and has found himself dialing into overseas teleconferences at 10 p.m., trying to adjust for time zone differences. "Missing one is not a big deal but, trip after trip, it becomes a problem," he said. "South Carolina actually had a pretty good year last year," Farmer added, in terms of new deal volume. "It would have been better." HELSINKI (Reuters) - The Finnish government declared a state of emergency on Monday due to rising COVID-19 infections, a step that would allow the Nordic country to shutter restaurants and to impose other measures to blunt the pandemic. The decision comes as new variants contribute to a sharp rise in infections in the country, which has already closed its borders. The state of emergency would also allow the government to further shut schools and limit movement between regions. "The government sees it necessary that we all have fewer contacts," Prime Minster Sanna Marin told a news conference. "Everyone now has the opportunity to impact how the spring and summer will turn out." Several Finnish regions have seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 infections in the past two weeks, with outbreaks among skiers in Lapland and workers at shipping yards and construction sites. Finland, among the European countries least affected by the virus so far, has recorded 58,064 cases and 742 deaths since the start of the pandemic with 210 people currently hospitalized. (Reporting by Essi Lehto, Editing by Michael Kahn and Catherine Evans) 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Review by Larry Nutson +VIDEO Muscle is alive and well Larry Nutson Executive Editor/Chicago Bureau Chief THE AUTO CHANNEL The first time a Hemi engine sat under the hood of a Dodge was back in 1953. This Red Ram V8 continued until 1957. Many of those engines found their way into hot rods and dragsters of the 1960's. The Hemi engine reappeared in 1964 as the 426 race Hemi used in NASCAR for only one year. It was so good it was banned because it diluted the competition. However, it was the engine to beat in sanctioned Super Stock and Pro Stock drag racing for many, many years. It still is today! Dodge introduced the Street Hemi in 1966 in a slightly milder state of tune than the race Hemi. That engine continued to dominate the streets into the early 1970's. The third generation Hemi came along in 2002, and was found under the hood of Dodge cars and trucks. Further development by the SRT engineering team gave us the 485 horsepower 392 Hemi, and then the outrageous 707 horsepower supercharged Hemi Hellcat in 2015. Then to everyone's jaw dropping surprise the 808 horsepower Challenger SRT Demon limited production widebody street legal drag racer was introduced in 2017. Fast forward to today and new for 2021 is the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody. With a 797 horsepower supercharged 6.2 liter Hemi pulled from the Challenger SRT Demon its capable of a top speed of 203 miles per hour, making it the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world. Widebody exterior is standard with integrated fender flares adding 3.5 inches of width. New 20-inch by 11-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli 305 35 Z R 20 tires make the grip. The induction air box has three fresh air sources. A functional hood scoop, a mail slot grille opening and an opening near the front wheel liner. Launch assist and line lock launch controller help get the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody down the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds at 129 miles per hour. The Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody is yours with its base price of $78,595. What is amazing to consider is, anyone can visit a Dodge dealer, plunk down the money and drive away with this production hot rod. I call it a street-legal race car. On the weekend load up your family for a visit to your local drag strip. You can make a few passes in sub 11 seconds covering the quarter mile just as quickly as the pro drag racers in their purpose-built Super Stock Dodges did in the '60's and '70's. Technology has come a long way. The Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody has much more capability than just driving in a straight line. The very robust engineering, high performance competition chassis tuning, adaptive suspension, Brembo brake system with 6 piston calipers, performance wheels and tires, all make for great track capability. Last Fall, on the invite of Dodge, I participated in a Dodge product briefing program, held in a city that celebrates the sport of auto racing, Charlotte, North Carolina. Dodge opened up Carolina Motorsports Park for a long afternoon running laps around the 2.28 mile 14-turn road course. Accelerating along the straights to 125 miles per hour, braking heavily, making the turn in and rolling into the throttle to accelerate again was done repeatedly over many laps. The balance and refinement is evident and rewarding in the complete performance package of this variant of the Charger. True performance, ultimate performance, American performance, as well as fast and powerful very accurately describe the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. My most recent drive experience reinforced the streetability of this Charger. It seats five, has a big trunk, is loaded with the latest tech for comfort, safety and driving enjoyment. Alcantara, suede and carbon interior trim bring a premium finish and feel. Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, six speaker Alpine audio system, Uconnect 4C navigation system all make for great road-trip comfort and enjoyment. The Hemi's throttle will get you going very quickly. The exhaust rumble and the whine of the supercharger are music to the enthusiast's ear, plus they turn some heads. The widebody look and the Hellcat Redeye badge will get you some thumbs up. If you're easy on the pedal you can get 21 miles per gallon, or even better cruising the highway. Cars aren't dead. Sedans, coupes, convertibles and station wagon will continue at about twenty to twenty five percent of the U.S. market. The muscle car segment is not very large, but buyers are all fulfilling the want in their brain with Dodge cars. It's all about WANTS versus NEEDS. Looking to the future, Dodge acknowledges that it will need to grow with the times for its products to remain relevant, adapting to emission and Cafe standards, and adding more offerings to its current vehicle lineup. But for now, Dodge's strategy seems to be working. Lastly! Want some track time? Dodge is the official sponsor of the Bondurant High Performance Driving School in Chandler, Arizona, where guests get behind the wheels of the fastest street-legal cars in the world with professional instruction and time on the track. Customers who buy a new SRT model receive one full-day session as part of the Dodge SRT Package, and they have the opportunity to learn how to get the optimum performance from their new vehicles in a controlled environment. For more information on this program, visit https://www.dodgegarage.com/track-experience. 2021 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy LANDINGVILLE An Eagle Scouts project putting in a new floor at a borough church is not only beneficial for its members, but for the wider community. Everyone loves it, said the scout, Nathaniel Zellner, of Auburn. Im constantly reminded of how good a job Ive done. Zellner, a member of Boy Scout Troop 624 of Orwigsburg, completed his Eagle Scout project Sept. 10, a month before he earned Boy Scoutings highest honor on Oct. 20. It involved replacing carpeting in the fellowship hall at Welcome United Methodist Church with a new hardcore wood flooring. His family are fourth-generation members of the church on Main Street. It had been damaged by years of flooding from the nearby Mahannon Creek, a tributary of the Schuylkill River, the most serious occurring in 2006. The 18-year-old Blue Mountain High School senior said the old carpeting was in the hall since the mid-90s. His mom, Deb Zellner, said because the hall sits lower than the rest of the church, it tends to bear the brunt of the damage from flooding. He said he was originally going to install vinyl flooring, but said it gave us too much trouble installing, so they went with the harder type. Zellner said he went with installing a new floor at the suggestion of the churchs Board of Trustees during a 2018 meeting. I felt it was something nice to do, he said. Zellner began fundraising in 2019, with the majority of funds raised through three ham and chicken pot pie sales in the winter of 2019-20, as well as donations from church and family members. The work began last fall, having been delayed from last spring due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He was assisted by 17 people, including from Troop 624, other troops, Troop 624 members families and church members. Volunteers signed their name on the floorboards as they installed them. We had plenty of help, Zellner said. He said figuring out how to put the flooring in correctly was the hardest part of the project. Once it was figured out, he said installing it was easy. Once you get the first couple of rows down, (the work) just flies, Zellner said. Deb Zellner added that the scouts worked well together on it. I think everyone was surprised, once they got the rhythm, how well they worked together, she said. The new floor, Zellner said, is more appealing, especially with groups that rent the fellowship hall, and easier to clean. It looks nicer, he said. You dont have to put on special treatments, use a special carpet cleaner. You can just sweep and mop it. Deb Zellner said the new floor is a morale booster for everyone. It lifts everyone up, she said. Tim Christman, the churchs pastor, said the new flooring is a fine endeavor, adding the space is not only used by the Welcome United Methodist Church, but by the public. Its good to have the upgrade, he said. The space is an extension of the congregation with events. Christman said with Zellner taking the lead on the project, he refurbished it from top to bottom, stating that it is one of the nicest places in the borough. Im glad for Nathaniel, he said. Hes a fine young man and knows what scouting 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. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 49 Game Design Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 209 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 209 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 49 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Game Design Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-game-design-degree-programs/ 2021 Game Design Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Academy of Art University Arkansas Tech University Art Center College Of Design Baker College Becker College Bradley University California State University, Chico Champlain College Cleveland Institute of Art Cogswell University of Silicon Valley Columbia College Chicago DePaul University DigiPen Institute of Technology Drexel University Ferris State University Fitchburg State University Full Sail University George Mason University Hampshire College Kennesaw State University Laguna College of Art and Design Lawrence Technological University Liberty University Lindenwood University Marist College Miami University Michigan State University New Jersey Institute Of Technology New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Quinnipiac University Ringling College Of Art And Design Rochester Institute Of Technology Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design Savannah College of Art and Design Shawnee State University Southern New Hampshire University The Art Institutes The New School University Of Advancing Technology University of Baltimore University of California, Irvine University Of California, Santa Cruz University Of Denver University of Southern California University Of Utah University of Wisconsin, Stout Worcester Polytechnic Institute About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. The UK is trying to trace a person infected with a Brazilian variant of the that authorities say may be more resistant to vaccines. Six cases of the mutation, which originated in the Amazonian city of Manaus, have been detected in the UK, Public Health England said on Sunday. While five have been found, the identity of the final patient is still unknown because they failed to complete a test registration card, leaving health officials without the information needed to find them. Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi toured the broadcast studios on Monday morning to appeal to anyone who took a Covid-19 test on Feb. 12 or 13 and hasnt yet had a result to contact the National Health Service. He told Times Radio that the authorities are working with the postal system to try to identify the missing patient. The arrival of the variant in the UK opens the government up to criticism about its quarantine policy, which was finally introduced on Feb. 15 -- several weeks after scientists said blanket restrictions were needed. Compulsory hotel quarantine is now in place for arrivals from 33 countries and territories, including Brazil, while those coming from elsewhere are asked to isolate at home. The latest variant has been designated of concern as it shares some important mutations with the variant first identified in South Africa, PHE said. It is possible that this variant may respond less well to current vaccines, but more work is needed to understand this. Health officials are contacting all passengers on the Feb. 10 Swiss Air flight LX318 from Sao Paulo to London Heathrow via Zurich in order to test them and their households, PHE said. Zahawi said surge testing is also taking place in Gloucestershire -- where two of the cases were detected -- as a precaution. Theres minimal reason to believe that there may be further spread because they have been isolating correctly, he told Sky News. He defended the UKs border policy, saying that even in Australia, which has a stricter regime, authorities have had to deal with variants. By Samuel Shen and Andrew Galbraith SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Bitcoin's 300% price surge since October has revived China's grey market in cryptocurrency trading, putting regulators on alert over financial risks and capital outflows as volatility spikes. China shut down its local cryptocurrency exchanges in 2017, smothering a speculative market that had accounted for 90% of global bitcoin trading. Onshore investors now trade bitcoin on platforms owned by Chinese exchanges that have relocated overseas, including Huobi and OKEx. Once-dormant Chinese trading chatrooms on social media have become busier. "I've come to look for investment opportunities," said Paris Chang, who opened an account last month at cryptocurrency exchange Binance. Brushing aside worries over the volatility and the recent sell-off, he said: "This market is for the big hearts." China-focused cryptocurrency exchanges are not licensed on the mainland, but individuals can easily open accounts and trade online if they upload details of their Chinese identity cards. Exchanges such as Binance and MXC bar the use of yuan and only allow trading between cryptocurrency pairs, such as bitcoin versus the dollar-linked stablecoin tether (USDT). But Chinese investors can use peer-to-peer markets to buy USDT using yuan, with payment made via bank cards or online transfers. This process does not violate Chinese laws. But Chinese individuals appear to be moving capital overseas under official quotas to obtain their USDT, under the guise of making medical or other legitimate purchases, a regulatory source told Reuters. The loophole allows investors to get around China's strict capital controls. China's securities market watchdog told its regional bureaux last week to adopt tighter oversight of cryptocurrency trading, said the source, who has direct knowledge of the matter but is not authorised to speak to the media. He added that overseas-registered exchanges are outside Beijing's remit. Story continues The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Huang Mengqi, a lawyer at Beijing DHH Law Firm, said regulators' inability to govern offshore cryptocurrency exchanges could blind them to potential risks. "You cannot stop people from trading bitcoin, because Chinese law recognises the value of virtual assets. Anything with value should be allowed to change hands," Huang said. The absence of data and investor information on those exchanges, however, complicates China's anti-money laundering efforts and blunts the effectiveness of capital controls, the lawyer said. In 2020, $17.5 billion worth of digital assets flowed out of Chinese exchanges to foreign venues, 53% more than in the previous year, suggesting a rise in capital flight out of China, consultancy PeckShield said in its anti-money laundering report. Changhao Jiang, co-founder and CTO of Cobo, a Chinese cryptocurrency custodian and digital wallet provider, saw a jump in business this year. "China remains a very big market for cryptocurrencies," said Jiang, whose firm's mission is to "make it easy to own and use cryptocurrencies." (Editing by Vidya Ranganathan and Jacqueline Wong) Mar. 1GROTON Town Police have issued a shelter-in-place order to neigbors due to an incident in the area of a mobile home park at 1290 North Road, also known as Route 117. Police said they put out the order early Sunday night as a precautionary measure. The park is located north of Route 184. Police said they were "facilitating resources to get out there and help out." Police did not immediately provide details about the nature of the incident. . What could have been another story of two dead koalas after a dog attack is instead a story of two koalas surviving. The koalas, a mother and joey, were spotted by Ipswich Koala Protection Society volunteers in bushland near Lowood in October 2020. The injured koala mother Fluffy and its joey at the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital. Credit:Claire Phillips, Ipswich Koala Protection Society The volunteers were investigating reports of a dog attack on a koala - with dog attacks one of the worst threats to koalas, the carers were especially worried. Dogs kill about 110 koalas in Queensland each year, according to 2018 figures. New research has determined the prevalence of private security systems may be robbing the general public of the police services they need. Dr. Ross Hickey is an economist in UBC Okanagan's Faculty of Management and the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Along with a team of researchers, Hickey examined data from a social survey of Canada victimization, where people answered whether they had added security measures to their homes to protect themselves from crime. "We are seeing more expenditures on private security systems installed in homes and, as economists, we have to ask why. We know that crime rates are down and expenditure on police is up," says Hickey. "But private security purchases are at an all-time high." Hickey says the research team first thought about the classic supply and demand equations. The government provides the supply, or resources, for policing and there is a demand for public protection. However, when you combine a supply of private security products, then add criminals to the mix, Hickey says the basic supply and demand equation doesn't add up. There are many different types of security measures people can take--anything from putting bars on windows to getting a dog, or adding motion-detection lights, house alarms and security cameras. And while they may make people feel more secure, it's also been proven that a barking dog may deter a thief more effectively than cameras and alarms. Hickey says security systems that automatically alert police, even though it may be a false alarm, can divert police from other duties. "All of these innovations in private security don't prevent the crime, they increase the chances of the person getting caught. When the police are called to homes using these technologies, we see the police being taken away from responding to another, perhaps, more urgent call," says Hickey. Hickey says their research demonstrates a classic case of inequity between segments of society. "This is a dimension of inequity that doesn't show up directly," he says. "The inequity is in how some people are accessing this public good. It is available for everybody but some people are getting more of it, because they have chosen to install these private systems. And police are responding to those systems." The research, says Hickey, means that municipalities should consider police budgets differently than they currently do. Right now, just adding more money to the system does not change the inequity that will continue with the prevalence of home security systems. "We need to think more carefully about this. In a world where private security investments are happening, we may need to look at different methods of funding the police," he says. Hickey says just adding extra funding into the mix is not the solution. Currently, people are not being uniformly protected by police services. And the police are being drawn toward particular segments of society who have privately invested in their own home protective measures. "Are the people with lower incomes, or those living on the street, getting the same service from police? And we have to ask--if the city adds more police services next year, is that really going to make downtown much safer?" ### The research was published recently in the Journal of Public Economic Theory. More than 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have now been administered across the state of Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health reported 99,420 more vaccine doses administered in its noon update Monday. Since the rollout began in mid-December, 1,025,411 total doses have been administered. The vaccines previously available in Louisiana, Pfizer and Moderna, both require two doses. So far, 368,146 people are fully vaccinated in Louisiana. A total of 657,265 people have started the series of vaccines. Out of the entire population in Louisiana, an estimate 7.9% of people are fully vaccinated. An estimated 14.1% of the population has received at least one dose of a vaccine. FDA clears Johnson & Johnsons single-dose shot, giving U.S. 3rd coronavirus vaccine WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & The Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine will arrive in Louisiana soon. It will be the third vaccine authorized for use in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health said Monday that 37,900 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be delivered to the state this week. Louisiana could see the highest dose allotment for a single week this week. Click here to see where doses will be available this week. Louisiana could receive biggest coronavirus vaccine shipment this week; here's where to get them Louisiana could see its largest shipment of coronavirus vaccine doses this week, especially after the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine r The agency also reported 299 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 18 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Monday. The number of hospitalizations decreased by one, and the number of patients in need of ventilators stayed the same. 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 There are also 60,257 total "probable" coronavirus cases in Louisiana, according to the agency's dashboard. Louisiana COVID numbers: Data on cases, deaths, hospitalizations, vaccines Editor's Note: Due to changes in the importance of various metrics used to track the pandemic, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate r These are another few key statewide statistics as of Monday: Total confirmed cases: 370,247 Total "probable" cases: 60,257 Total confirmed deaths: 8,941 Currently hospitalized: 629 Currently on ventilators: 91 Vaccine series initiated: 657,265 (updated twice weekly) Vaccine series completed: 368,146 Presumed recovered: 408,463 as of Feb. 22 (updated weekly) Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff calculates daily case count and confirmed death increases based on the difference between today's total and yesterday's total of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The Louisiana Department of Health releases a daily case count on its dashboard that includes probable cases as indicated by a positive antigen test. That case count can be different than the one listed here. Here are some of the parishes with the highest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases, based on the Monday report: Orleans: 39 Jefferson: 34 East Baton Rouge: 29 Caddo: 24 St. Tammany: 21 You can view more graphs and charts breaking down the data by clicking here. Louisiana began reopening for Phase 1 on May 15-16 then moved to Phase 2 on June 5. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana's Phase 2 restrictions twice in August before moving the state to Phase 3 on Sept. 11. The governor then moved the state back to a modified Phase 2 near the end of November. This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come. If you're a sole proprietor, independent contractor, or self-employed entrepreneur, now is the best time to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. On Monday, the Small Business Administration is expected to release an update to the sole proprietor version of the PPP loan application, accounting for a rule change that allows companies with no employees to get more money from the PPP than they were previously allotted. Companies with fewer than 20 employees also now have an exclusive window in which to apply for funds, through March 9th. The changes are part of a spate of revisions requested by the Biden administration aimed at making the $284.5 billion forgivable loan program more equitable and accessible to the smallest businesses. "It's a sea change," says Sam Sidhu, vice chairman and COO of Customers Bank, a regional lender based in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, in reference to the revised sole proprietor calculation. He notes that some of his business clients will see vastly different loan amounts than they received in the first PPP round using the original calculation. One client, a fitness instructor, will now be eligible for $12,900, up from $1,100; another, an Uber driver, will qualify for a loan as high as $20,833, up from $3,300. Here's how it'll work: Starting as soon as Monday, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals may apply for a PPP loan equivalent to the figure listed on line 7 of their Schedule C tax form--that is, their gross income. Previously, businesses needed to list their net income, or line 31 on the form, which removes taxes and other expenses from the calculation. As Sidhu notes, there is massive upside for these businesses. But, as with all things PPP, it's not all clear cut. There are plenty of open questions. Can existing borrowers apply for more money? First, it's unclear if the upsizing of the loan will be retroactive for those who've already received a first-draw PPP. In a town hall discussion on Thursday, Neil Bradley, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's chief policy officer, noted that this question may get cleared up by forthcoming guidance the SBA is expected to offer along with the updated application. Under current rules, Bradley notes, you wouldn't be able to go back and get that additional money. But he adds, the SBA may alter this rule. At the very least, Bradley says, even if it's not retroactive, you're basically guaranteed to get more money for your second draw than you did for your first. Note that you still need to demonstrate a 25 percent revenue drop in any one quarter in 2020 compared with 2019, or a 25 percent loss for the full year of 2020 over 2019. Does the forgiveness test change for these borrowers? Under the PPP, businesses are required to apportion 60 percent of their loan proceeds to payroll costs, while the remaining 40 percent can be spent on an array of expenses including rent, PPE, and tech gear. For sole proprietors, independent contractors, and the self-employed, Bradley points out that it's generally assumed that all of their loan proceeds are actually their payroll costs. In other words, you don't currently need to split your loan up so that 60 percent is spent on payroll while the rest is devoted to other allowable expenses, because "the assumption is that the whole thing is going to support your income," he says. That assumption might not hold since gross income--that is, before taxes and expenses--is inherently greater than your net income, suggests Bradley. If the point of the PPP for Schedule C filers is to replace the net income you would have received had the pandemic not occurred, it doesn't track, then, to suddenly have a higher number than what you actually earned prior to the pandemic. In the end, Bradley suggests, it may be hard to justify a blanket treatment of loan proceeds. But that's up to the SBA to assess. What is a payroll expense for Schedule C filers, really? There's also a lack of clarity around what actually counts as a payroll expense for this group of business owners. While Bradley notes that it's generally assumed that a Schedule C filer's loan proceeds are considered to be all payroll, the question has never been specifically addressed by the SBA. If these borrowers aren't held to the same forgiveness standard as employers--that is, they can use most of a loan's proceeds for things that aren't strictly speaking considered payroll--they can spend down their first-draw loans almost immediately, provided the SBA changes the timeline in which a borrower may use the funds. Currently, the covered period begins as soon as the loan funds reach a borrower's account, and lasts eight-weeks. The SBA has expressed interest in shortening this timeline to just 14 days, confirms Sidhu. Should this happen, he adds, there's nothing stopping Schedule C filers from applying for both their first- and second-draw loans at the same time. He notes that many of these borrowers have amassed huge debts during the pandemic, so it would not be at all difficult for them to find eligible uses for their first-draw loan's proceeds, besides payroll. They could, for example, pay off back rent on a storefront or unpaid equipment leases, he suggests. "If you're a first-draw borrower, and you use the funds according to SBA guidelines--that is, you spend the first-draw money first--you can actually apply for a [second-draw] loan, and you can do it in the same timeline between now and March 31," he says. "It's really going to make a massive impact." ROME, MAR 1 - Riccardo Muti and the Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra have renewed their commitment to promote music and help Italy's theatres by contributing to keep them 'virtually open' with a tour organised by the Ravenna Festival. The tour will cross Italy from north to south, with concerts in Bergamo, Naples and Palermo that will be streamed online for free on March 21, 26 and 28 respectively. The event at Bergamo's Donizetti theatre is a gift from BPER Banca to the city and it will feature the Don Pasquale Symphony and Beethoven's Eroica. It will be broadcast by BPER Banca's site. In Naples Muti and the Cherubini Orchestra will perform the symphony from Mercadante's I Due Figaro and Schubert's Symphony No. 9. This show was made possible thanks to collaboration with the Napoli Teatro Festival, which will play host to it on its website. The web TV of Palermo's Teatro Massimo will screen Schubert's Symphony No. 3 and Dvorak's From the New World Symphony. The three concerts will remain available for 30 days after they are first broadcast thanks to collaboration with RMMUSIC. It will also be possible to access them via Ansa.it thanks to a partnership with the agency that is part of the 'ANSA per la Cultura' (ANSA for Culture) project, as well as via ravennafestival.live. March 21, the first day of spring, was chosen for the Bergamo concert in a message of hope that comes a year after the first COVID-19 lockdown and is a sign of the attention BPER Banca has for an area that suffered so much because of the coronavirus. Riccardo Muti celebrated the 50th anniversary of the start of his career at the Teatro Donizetti in 2016 with the Don Pasquale Symphny. At the time he said this was because "I want to leave everyone with a sense of hope, a smile and a laugh". Today that desire seems all the more urgent and necessary. The homage to Bergamo composer Donizetti is doubly meaningful as Muti has a deep bond with Don Pasquale. The intrinsic value of the opera, which is the finishing line for a great tradition, that of the Neapolitan school and of Mozart, is on top of a personal factor - this was the first work directed by Muti in Salzburg at the invitation of Herbert von Karajan. The programme at the Donizetti is completed by Symphony No. 3, Beethoven's powerful Eroica, which features a funeral march of solemn melancholy infused with the ideals of equality, liberty and fraternity. The concert, which will be recorded on March 10, will be available from March 21 on bper.it, Ansa.it and ravennafestival.live. The deep love and constant commitment Muti has shown in promoting the rediscovery of the composers and works of the Neapolitan school and their fundamental contribution to European musical history could not fail to be the star in Naples. The programme of the concert at the Teatro Mercadante, which is also a taster for the 2021 Napoli Teatro Festival, opens with the Spanish Symphony that Saverio Mercadante composed for I Due Figaro. The manuscript was discovered in Madrid in 2009 by Turin scholar Paolo Cascio; I Due Figaro was created for the Spanish capital in 1826 to a libretto by Felice Romani. The dive into the opera world is counterposed by the symphonic universe, with Franz Schubert's Symphony No.9 in C major D 944, the 'Great' work composed between 1825 and 1826, but not performed in public until 1839, when it was directed by Mendelssohn after Schumann discovered it in the author's papers. The concert, which will be registered on March 19, will be available from March 26 on live.napoliteatrofestival.it, cultura.regione.campania.it, Ansa.it and ravennafestival.live. Schubert also features in Palermo, the last part of this tour, this time with Symphony No.3 in D major, D 200. Here Muti will be awarded honorary citizenship of the city for his work to promote the values of peace and communion between peoples via the universal language of music. Composed by Schubert in 1815, a few months after his 18th birthday, Symphony No.3 was also performed publicly for the first time much later, in London in 1881. The musical itinerary ends with a story of social integration. In 1892 Antonin Dvorak was invited by arts patron Jeannette Thurber to direct the New York National Conservatory, one of the first schools to admit women and African Americans. Having come into contact with Native American music and African-American spirituals, the composer combined two folk traditions, the Czech and American ones, in his Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World", Op. 95, B. 178 - a look towards the future. The concert will be recorded on March 21 and will be available from March 28 on the theatre's web TV, which can be accessed via theteatromassimo.it home page, and via Ansa.it and ravennafestival.live. (ANSA). STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. After St. Johns University announced its commencement ceremonies would be virtual for the Class of 2021 amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, two seniors from the Staten Island campus on Grymes Hill have started a petition for an in-person graduation. Seniors Leanna Rivera and Evan Didia began the Change.org petition Thursday evening, which has nearly 1,800 signatures as of Monday afternoon, urging St. Johns to host in-person commencement ceremonies for Staten Island students due to the small class size. According to the petition, last years graduating class was just 328 students on the Staten Island campus, and the Class of 2021 is about the same size. The petition stated that the decision to cancel an in-person graduation made with only the Queens campus in mind disregarding the smaller Staten Island campus. We started the petition because our whole time at St. Johns, a lot of the decisions have been made I feel like pretty much were on behalf of the Queens campus, Didia told the Advance/SILive.com. They dont really take into account the size of our campus, just the whole different dynamic of how our campus operates...we have about 300 graduates. I know the governor obviously has tight restrictions in place where you can only have 150 people but still, theres so many ways that they could have made it happen, and I think they rushed to this premature decision. On Thursday, St. Johns University announced that commencement ceremonies for all undergraduate and graduate-level students will take place virtually over a week-long stretch in May. The undergraduate commencement ceremony is slated for Sunday, May 23. The Rev. Brian J. Shanley, president of St. Johns University, claimed that the school made the decision reluctantly, after considering various, modified options for an in-person ceremony, but ultimately concluded that constantly shifting health and safety guidelines, coupled with capacity restrictions on large gatherings, make a virtual ceremony the most prudent decision. In addition to the Virtual Recognition Ceremonies, Shanley stated he hopes the school will be able to host an in-person ceremony later this year. Both Didia and Rivera said they feel that the announcement regarding a virtual graduation was made too soon. If theyre not going to hold an in-person graduation right now, give us an update on holding one later on, Didia said. At least not rushing to make the decision to hold it virtual right away. The petition called the news of a virtual ceremony just one more devastating blow to a senior class that has spent the last year trying to navigate these uncertain times. Didia told the Advance/SILive.com: Every graduate dreams of this day, we worked so hard, spent so much money to get here. Especially with everything going on this year with the pandemic, I had COVID, several of my family members had COVID, my dad was in the hospital, my mom and my grandma live out of state so they were looking forward to coming in and celebrating after the rough year everyones had, she added. The petition offered suggestions for in-person ceremonies at the Grymes Hill campus, such as a ceremony on the Great Lawn or in the gymnasium. Other suggestions included renting out the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in St. George or finding a venue option in New Jersey. Whether a commencement ceremony is hosted on- or off-campus, the petition stated that students would follow all safety protocols, including mandatory testing if deemed necessary. Another student at St. Johns Universitys Queens campus also started a petition for an in-person commencement, which has over 2,300 signatures. Didia said there is an ongoing joint effort to present both petitions to the schools events office and Shanley. Brian Browne, university spokesperson, explained that current New York State social gathering limits restrict the schools ability to gather as one University community for traditional Commencement Exercises. For social events beginning March 15, venues are restricted to 50% capacity, with no more than 150 people per event, according to current state guidelines. St. Johns University is operating within existing public health guidelines to plan events. Our first and foremost priority is to ensure the health and safety of our graduates, their families, and the broader St. Johns community, said Browne. We are committed to honoring our graduates in a special and distinguished way in May. While we will confer degrees and celebrate our graduates in a virtual format, we hope to hold modified, in-person celebrations in the future hopefully later this summer when public health and safety guidelines permit us to gather in larger groups. School Zone: A new newsletter with the updates you need as our schools try to get back to normal. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. A teenage girl claims two boys from an elite $18,000-a-year private school spent two hours planning to rape her because she was 'poor'. The former student was invited to a party on the Gold Coast in 2007 where the birthday girl's parents allegedly supplied 'copious amounts of alcohol'. She said a male student from All Saints Anglican School followed her around all night because she rejected him, before she went to one of the bedrooms in the house to nap when she realised she had too much to drink. When she woke up, the girl claimed her underwear was 'gone' and the boy who had been harassing her, and a friend, were lying on either side of her. The girl alleged that two boys from All Saints Anglican School (pictured) sexually assaulted her She accused them of digitally penetrating her. 'I started yelling and a couple of people ran in. The boys told them I had vomited and they were trying to help me. This was of course a lie and there was no vomit,' she told news.com.au. The following day, the girl was shocked to allegedly receive threats from the birthday girl saying her rich parents would 'come after' her if she reported the boys. She quickly realised the school was so cliquey that it was normal for girls to protect boys who assaulted 'outsiders', particularly when the alleged victims were from less wealthy schools. 'I also learned afterwards that the two boys had planned the assault for hours beforehand, and had first inquired with friends of mine as to what my father did for a living. They were only planning on assaulting me if I was poor, which I was,' she said. When she told police about the alleged assault, the schoolgirl claimed they laughed at her and told her to forget about it. They asked if she was drunk and, when she said she was, officers said she 'didn't have a chance', she claimed. Patrick Wallas, the All Saints Anglican School Headmaster, described the allegations as 'harrowing'. Hundreds of girls who attended Sydney private schools has claimed they were sexually assaulted and raped by private school boys. Pictured: Chanel Contos, who is calling for better sex education He said the school took the allegation seriously and was concerned for the alleged victim's welfare. 'Now she has come forward I hope the police might get involved and investigate the matter further. We shall of course co-operate fully with any investigation that is launched,' he said. The allegations follow thousands of testimonies gathered by former Kambala student Chanel Contos. Ms Contos, 22, was inspired to collate the statements because she was forced to perform oral sex on a boy when she was 13. The testimonies uncovered disturbing accounts by former students who claimed they were raped while drunk or asleep, forced into sexual acts and fed alcohol against their will. She is petitioning for schools to start teaching children about consent early in their education. A desperate search for an 18-year-old man who was swept from rocks off Western Australias rugged coastline near Albany continues for a third day, with rescue crews facing extremely dangerous conditions. The search resumed at first light on Monday with rescue crews facing easterly winds up to 25 knots and strong gusts of about 30 knots. Waves in the area are expected to reach 2.5 metres and 3 metres in offshore waters. The man had been fishing from rocks off Mermaid Beach, about 70 kilometres east of Albany, with two friends on Saturday when a large wave swept the teenager and one of his friends into the treacherous Southern Ocean. Swells at the time were about 4-6 metres creating the extremely dangerous environment and treacherous conditions, Southern Police Superintendent Ian Clarke said. More remains have been found along the NSW south coast in the search for missing Sydney conwoman Melissa Caddick. The 49-year-old millionaire was declared dead by police last week after DNA testing revealed that her decomposed foot wedged inside a sneaker drifted ashore This was followed by flesh and bones washing up on other beaches on the NSW south coast in following days. Now a fifth set of remains has been found at Warrain Beach in Culburra in the state's Shoalhaven region on Sunday morning, 300 kilometres north of where the decomposed foot washed up seven days earlier. Police said on Monday evening they would forensically examine the latest remains to determine if they belonged to Ms Caddick. More human remains have been found as the search for Melissa Caddick (pictured with her husband Anthony Koletti and their pets) continues A fifth set of remains were found at Warrain Beach in the NSW Shoalhaven region on Sunday morning Possible human remains have been found at three other beaches hundreds of kilometres apart along the NSW south coast since the first confirmation of Ms Caddick's decomposed foot last Friday. The latest discovery comes after a large piece of torso flesh which included a belly button was found in the sand 150km away at Mollymook Beach five days later on Friday night. Remains resembling human intestines were also found 200km north at Cunjurong Point on Saturday. But two bones that were found washed up on Turra Beach near Merimbula on Saturday night have been confirmed to come from an animal. There's also a possibility the remains found in recent days belong to a snorkeller who vanished off Batemans Bay in late January. The man, 39, was last seen entering the water at Richmond Beach in the Murramarang National Park around 200km north of where Ms Caddicks foot was found. 'We have to wait for the results of testing to see what direction the investigation takes,' Assistant Police Commissioner Mick Willing said on Monday. Two bones were found on a beach near where missing conwoman Melissa Caddick's decomposing foot was uncovered last week Her disappearance was just days after police raided her home in an investigation that found she swindled at least $20million from clients, including friends and family. Ms Caddick was believed to still be alive until the decomposing foot was found by campers on Bournda Beach on the NSW south coast, and though she is confirmed dead, when she died is still to be determined. Superintendent Joe McNulty, commander of NSW Marine Command, said the condition of her body made it appear she was on the run for weeks before her death. 'Something in the water for that long, say a bit of flotsam or jetsam that washes on to the shore, has got green growth on it,' he told the Daily Telegraph. 'At first examination the shoe doesn't appear to have been in the water for three months. The shoe needs extensive analysis to see how long it was in the water. It's a vital clue where hopefully marine biology can provide some answers.' Mr McNulty, who has been working in marine recovery for 30 years, said he has never heard of a case where a body that entered the water in Sydney could float hundreds of kilometers down the south coast. Human remains including what appeared to be stomach flesh and a belly button have washed ashore on a beach 150km away from where missing Caddick's (pictured) foot was found A walker made the grisly discovery on Saturday afternoon at Tura Beach on the NSW south coast, a day after police confirmed Caddick's death after her foot was found inside a shoe at nearby Bournda Beach Discovery of the human remains on Friday night comes after the decomposed foot of Melissa Caddick (pictured in the shoe) was found by campers on the NSW south coast on February 21 Experts have started mapping the tidal patterns to determine whether is was possible that Caddick entered the ocean around her clifftop home, but police scoured the area following her disappearance and did not see a body. Search teams would likely have spotted clothing in the ocean or buoyant jewellery. But Mr McNulty explained that dead bodies will float for a few days in the water, before the lungs, stomach and intestines fill with heavy salt water and sink for two or three days. The bloated corpse then resurfaces in a state of decomposition, meaning it was very likely police would have seen Caddick's inflated corpse in the ocean during intensive search operations. Though it is possible for a body to get caught in the East Australian Current and float along for 100km in a single day, investigators with decades of experience say it is unheard of. Pictured: Police and locals at the site of grizzly human remains on a south coast beach The bones are now being tested to determine if they are human remains or if they belong to an animal Pictured: Map shows the distance between where Caddick's foot was found, where she was last seen and Friday night's latest discovery of decomposing body parts 'That's never happened in my time in the water police,' Mr McNulty said. Investigators believe the likelihood of some or all remains, aside from the foot, belong to a Canberra man who went swimming just north of Bateman's Bay with his family. The 39-year-old disappeared on January 25 with goggles, a snorkel and flippers at about 3pm, and was never seen again. Police over the weekend expanded their search to a third beach, with officers sent to Cunjarong point - about 30km north of Mollymook where the stomach was found. Expert criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett said if the decomposing stomach belongs to Caddick, it could mean she was alive much longer than suspected and prove she was murdered and did not commit suicide. 'For a stomach to be recovered three months later, after summer months, is a little more unusual. It could suggest the person died more recently. There's certainly a lot of questions around this,' Dr Mallett told The Sunday Telegraph. Experts previously thought Melissa Caddick (pictured with her husband Anthony Koletti) suicided The discovery of stomach flesh including a belly button on Friday is being DNA tested to confirm if they belong to missing conwoman Melissa Caddick (pictured right with her husband Anthony Koletti) 'Three months is quite a long time, I would be interested to know the decomposition level to determine if the body was in the water immediately after she disappeared.' Police initially suspected Caddick took her own life, because she could have reached the Dover Heights clifftops - 300m from her home - without being tracked by CCTV cameras. Dr Mallett also admitted it was possible Caddick entered the water at Dover Heights and for her body parts to then wash ashore hundreds of kilometres away on the NSW south coast, although three months is a long time for body parts to remain intact. She also said when she heard Caddick's foot had been recovered she was not convinced at that stage she was dead because a person could still be alive without the limb attached. The rotting limb was found by campers inside an ASICS Gel Nimbus shoe 50km north of the Bournda National Park. The group of three teenage campers were near Tathra on Sunday when one of them found the shoe lying on the sand. The route from Caddick's $6.1million home on Wallangra Road in Dover Heights (pictured) to nearby clifftops is believed to not have any CCTV cameras facing the road or street Police were called to Mollymook Beach (stock image) on the NSW South Coast about 9.30pm on Friday When he turned the shoe upside down as he went to throw it out, he discovered there were human remains inside. Police later used footage from the raid of Caddick's home - which had featured vision of her feet - to help identify her as the shoe's owner. Days after she was reported missing on November 13, NSW Police used modelling to determine where her body might wash up if she had died in the water near her Dover Heights home. The modelling deemed it possible that her body could have drifted as far south as Bermagui, about one hour north of Bournda. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said the modelling was done in the wake of Ms Caddick's disappearance, as crews conducted extensive land, air and sea searches. In a sworn statement tendered at the Federal Court, and recently made public, ASIC investigator Isabella Allen alleges Caddick hit her with a barrage of questions when authorities raided her $6.2million Dover Heights mansion on November 11. ASIC investigator Isabella Allen alleges Caddick hit her with a barrage of questions when authorities raided her $6.2million Dover Heights mansion on November 11 (pictured is bodycam footage of the raid) Caddick (pictured centre) is survived by her husband Anthony (pictured right), a 15-year-old son, parents Barbara and Ted Grimley and brother Adam. Caddick allegedly demanded answers on how she was to abide by a court order freezing her assets. Those questions includes: When would she have to appear in court? Where would she drop off her passports? Did one order mean she couldn't use her credit cards, because she used them for all transactions? Caddick also asked how quickly she had to write up a description of her assets and liabilities, and asked: 'how am I supposed to do that when you have taken my computers?' The investigator replied: 'I am unable to answer that question and it may be best that you speak to a lawyer. Do you have a lawyer?' It is believed ASIC had been investigating her for three months before the raid. Caddick is survived by her husband Anthony, a 15-year-old son, parents Barbara and Ted Grimley and brother Adam NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing (pictured on Friday) confirmed remains of the missing businesswoman have been found on the NSW far south coast. Also pictured is an exhausted looking Gretchen Atkins (left), the detective who has led the investigation Mr and Ms Grimley are said to be 'furious at ASIC' for the death of their daughter. The conwoman used investors funds to prop up a lavish lifestyle, including extravagant overseas trips and designer items. Her victims were mostly wealthy friends, some of whom invested life savings in Caddick believing they were making returns. When ASIC and the Australian Federal Police raided the clifftop home, they seized about $1million in couture gowns, designer clothes, handbags, shoes and jewellery. Corporate watchdog ASIC said on Wednesday the investigation into Caddick and her company would continue as they try and return funds to investors. 'ASIC's priority is to seek the return of funds to investors in the most efficient way possible,' an ASIC spokesperson said. If Ms Caddick had been found alive, NSW police would have been able to arrest the high-flying financial fraudster. Liquidators allege the self-styled financial adviser 'meticulously and systematically' deceived those who entrusted millions of investment dollars to her over seven years, then used the money to fund her lavish lifestyle. 'Melissa's family were informed of the identification last night and are obviously distressed,' NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing told reporters on Friday. Campers found a decomposed foot and ASICS shoe washed up on Bournda Beach (pictured) on the NSW far south coast near Tathra 'Police have always kept an open mind in relation to what the circumstances were for her disappearance, including the fact that Melissa may have taken her own life.' One of the investor victims ripped off by Ms Caddick reacted with shock when told by 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham. Cheryl Kraft Reid entrusted almost $1million of her superannuation with Ms Caddick, whom she considered as a friend and last heard from two months prior to her disappearance. 'Wow, that's a sad tragic outcome for her son but its also just a sad tragic outcome for us because we just don't get closure,' Ms Kraft Reid told the radio program. 'Besides the news we're unlikely to see any return of that, it's pretty devastating.' 'It's not just the money, it's the consequences of what's happened to us and for the many years we've worked for zero returns because she decided to live an entitled and frivolous life.' Kathmandu, March 1 The United Nations has recognised a troop of Nepals Armed Police Force that is currently in Juba of South Sudan as a part of the UN peacekeeping mission as the best team among the peacekeepers in the country. The APF says its Formed Police Unit (FPU)-1 has received the highest 32 marks in a recent evaluation. The UN has deployed six FPUs in the conflict-hit North African country currently. SSP Kumar Nepane, the commanding officer of the troop, says his team received full marks in the evaluation. The troop has 180 APF officers and personnel. The UN assesses the troops on the basis of the knowledge of the mandate, command and control, civil security, operation readiness capacity, logistic capacity, administration, training and health, and welfare, it has been learned. The announcement today of Bank of Ireland closing three branches in Laois has been met with dismay. The three branches are in Mountrath, Durrow and Rathdowney. It leaves Laois with just four branches, in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix. Read more here. Mountrath businessman Eddie Phelan says it will leave the western half of Laois with no banks at all. "There might not be as many businesses in towns now but businesses can work anywhere now in the countryside," he said. He said the news of the closure comes as a shock. "The Bank of Ireland was the only bank left in Mountrath after AIB left. They promised it would stay open. It will be a shock for a lot of people. A lot of people and businesses depend on it. We will have to find another way around it now. We will have to drive to Portlaoise," he said. "The only thing left here now is the credit union and the post office. And how long will we be left with those?" he said. He believes that the staff in Mountrath will be transferred to another branch in Laois. Mr Phelan runs a restaurant and catering service. "If as they say the level of lending drops when a bank leaves, it will make it harder for anyone to start up a business. If you don't want a big loan and you needed help, the bank was there and you knew the person. That's all gone now. When I started 42 years ago you could have a chat with the bank manager, now it takes weeks. We had AID and the Munster and Leinster and they were all busy back then," he said. Being able to do lodgements and withdrawals at the post office will be a help Mr Phelan said. "It will help older people," he said. Kim Kardashian shared three new photos to Instagram on Monday morning. In the cute snaps, the 40-year-old TV star was seen hugging and kissing her second child, son Saint West, aged five, that she shares with estranged husband Kanye West; they also have son Psalm as well as daughters North and Chicago. This comes after she a trespasser reportedly attempted to visit her $60million Hidden Hills mansion. New week, new post: Kim Kardashian shared three new photos to Instagram on Monday morning with her son Saint In the new photos, Kim has on heavy eye makeup with her hair in two long braids as she models a gray top. 'My saint boo,' said the billionaire in her caption for her 207M Instagram followers. Saint had on a maroon T-shirt with his hair in braids. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star is on the steps of her mega mansion which she and Kanye purchased for $20M then put another $40M into. Her cutie: In the cute snaps, the 40-year-old TV star was seen hugging and kissing her second child, son Saint West, aged five, that she shares with estranged husband Kanye West; they also have son Psalm as well as daughters North and Chicago This comes hours after a report that a 24-year-old man entered the gated community in Los Angeles, but was stopped by security and a local sheriff before he could get in close proximity to the KUWTK star's 15,667-square-foot home. A source alleged to TMZ that the intruder - who has since been released from authorities - told law enforcement that he wanted to see Kim and claimed she was his wife. The beauty mogul and the Jesus Walks hitmaker, 43, bought the home in 2014 and moved into it in 2018. With her little one: Kim has on heavy eye makeup with her hair in two long braids as she models a gray top. 'My saint boo,' said the billionaire in her caption for her 207M Instagram followers An insider revealed to Page Six earlier this year that Kim reportedly owns the land, but Kanye owns the actual house. In February 2012, another trespasser appeared at the front door of her Beverly Hills house. MailOnline has contacted Kim's representatives for further comment. Kim filed for divorce from Kanye in February. The reality star is asking for joint legal and physical custody of their four young children: North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three, Psalm, 21 months. She loves to post photos of her kiddies: Here is an image of son Psalm in her SKIMS clothes It was claimed that neither will contest their pre-nup and they are far along in their agreement over how to split their property. Kim is worth almost $1B thanks to her makeup, fragrance and intimates lines, while rapper is worth a reported $1.3B with his music, concerts, and apparel and shoe lines. A source has claimed they plan for their children to remain in California, despite the fashion designer splitting his time between LA and Wyoming. Close call: This comes after she a trespasser reportedly attempted to visit her $60million Hidden Hills mansion (pictured last month) Early days of love: West and Kardashian visit The Bay Queen Street to celebrate the Canadian debut of her jewelry line Belle Noel in Toronto, Canada in 2012 The Selfish author has had very little contact with the artist since last October, after tensions grew when he decided to run for President of the United States in July. During a rally, the outspoken star claimed Kim wanted North aborted, and also called his mother-in-law Kris Jenner 'Kris Jong Un.' An insider told People Magazine that Kanye is now 'resigned to reality' over the divorce filing, branding the decision 'a sombre day for him.' They said: 'It's as amicable as possible, but amicable doesn't mean joyful or ideal. It just means that they're being adults about the whole thing.' The White House defended its decision to not target Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after a U.S. intelligence report linked the royal to the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "Historically and even in recent history, Democratic and Republican administrations, there have not been sanctions put in place for the leaders of foreign governments where we have diplomatic relations and even where we dont have diplomatic relations," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. "We believe there are more effective ways to make sure that this doesnt happen again and also to leave room to work with the Saudis on areas where there is mutual agreement," CNN cited Psaki as saying. "That is what diplomacy looks like. That is what a complicated global engagement looks like and weve made no secret and have been clear that we are going to hold them accountable on the global stage," Psaki said, adding that the administration took steps through the Treasury and State Department. On Friday, Treasury slapped sanctions on the crown princes security detail, known as the Rapid Intervention Force. It also sanctioned the former deputy head of the kingdoms intelligence service, Ahmad Hassan Mohammed al-Asiri, who is accused of being a ringleader in the plot. Meanwhile, the State Department imposed visa restrictions on 76 Saudi individuals "believed to have been engaged in threatening dissidents overseas, including but not limited to the Khashoggi killing." Khashoggi, a 59-year-old U.S. resident and a widely known critic of the Saudi royal family, went to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2, 2018. He never emerged following the scheduled appointment. He was killed inside the Saudi government building and later dismembered. His remains were never recovered. (Natural News) On Tuesday, Feb. 16, the attorney general of New York sued Amazon over allegations that the company failed to adequately protect its employees during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Attorney General Letitia James filed court documents with the New York Supreme Court suing Amazon over allegedly failing to properly enforce safety regulations at two of its facilities in the state, which employ more than 5,000 workers. According to the lawsuit, Amazon failed to disinfect these two facilities when it found out that workers infected with the coronavirus had been present. The company also supposedly failed to contact workers that were exposed to the virus, and made employees work so much that the company didnt have time to disinfect workstations or keep workers socially distant from each other. Throughout the historic pandemic, Amazon has repeatedly and persistently failed to comply with its obligation to institute reasonable and adequate measures to protect its workers from the spread of the virus in its New York City facilities, read the suit. Amazons flagrant disregard for health and safety requirements has threatened serious illness and grave harm to the thousands of workers in these facilities and poses a continued substantial and specific danger to the public health. While Amazon and its CEO made billions during this crisis, hardworking employees were forced to endure unsafe conditions, said James. This lawsuit comes several days after Amazon attempted to file a preemptive lawsuit against James. The company argued that the attorney generals office does not have the legal power to intervene on matters of worker safety. It is suggesting that this matter should be handled by a federal court and by federal regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In this lawsuit filed Friday, Feb. 12, Amazon argued that surprise inspections made by the New York City Sheriffs Office found that its warehouses performed above and beyond safety requirements. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel added on Wednesday that the company does not believe James lawsuit presents an accurate picture of Amazons industry-leading response to the pandemic. The case comes as many politicians and government agencies are alleging that Amazons success during the pandemic comes off the backs of its thousands of underpaid and overworked employees. It has further entrenched its leading position in Americas e-commerce industry, and its stock has risen more than 50 percent in the past 12 months alone. (Related: Pandemic profiteering: Watchdog accuses Amazon of price gouging as Bezos wealth soars to $200 billion.) We care deeply about the health and safety of our employees, as demonstrated in our filing last week, said Nantel in a statement provided to Reuters. In its preemptive suit, Amazon listed some of the measures it supposedly employed to take care of its workers, including regular coronavirus testing, providing employees with personal protective equipment and implementing temperature checks in its facilities. The company also claims to have spent around $11.5 billion last year on COVID-19-related expenses. Amazon also fired an employee who tried to raise concerns regarding working conditions New Yorks lawsuit against Amazon also accused the company of illegally dismissing an employee who publicly raised concerns regarding working conditions in Amazons warehouses. In Amazons Staten Island fulfillment center, named JFK8, employees held a walkout to get the company to change its health and safety policies and to provide workers with hazard pay. This protest was one of many held by Amazon workers around the country who have argued that Amazon has not done enough to keep them safe against the coronavirus. In the JFK8 demonstration, Christian Smalls, a process assistant and one of the employees who organized it, was fired soon after. New Yorks suit alleges Smalls firing was in retaliation for his mail role in the protest, as well as his posts on social media that are critical of Amazon. The suit also claims that two of the companys employees in human resources have agreed in writing that Smalls should not have been let go. The company argued that Smalls was dismissed because violated social distancing guidelines. Amazon said Smalls was ordered by his managers to quarantine after he came into contact with a co-worker who tested positive for coronavirus. The attorney generals lawsuit argued that Smalls never violated social distancing guidelines because he never entered the facility during the demonstration, and the company never asked him to leave JFK8s parking lot where the protest was held. Smalls is one of several other Amazon workers who have been claiming that they were wrongfully terminated by the company for speaking out. Amazon claimed in its complaint last week that James threatened to sue the company if it did not concede to New Yorks demands, which include decreasing its performance and production requirements and paying large sums of money to Smalls. The lawsuit itself is asking New Yorks highest court to offer Smalls his job back and to pay him for causing emotional distress as well as for other damages. The suit is also asking the court to make sure Amazon is protecting its workers by monitoring the company and forcing it to change its internal policies. This latest case against Amazon adds to the many challenges the retail and e-commerce giant is facing. It is currently trying to prevent workers in one of its facilities in Alabama from voting to form a union. California is currently investigating how the company is treating its independent sellers in its online marketplace. Authorities in Connecticut are also investigating how Amazon sells and distributes its e-books. Natural News has covered a lot of the violations Amazon has done in the past. Learn more about them by reading the articles at JeffBezosWatch.com. Sources include: FT.com APNews.com iApps.Courts.State.ny.us WSJ.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. India: NFF opposes Sagarmala Project across the country March 01,2021 | Source: Herald Goa The National Fishworkers Forum on Saturday resolved to oppose the Sagarmala Project across the country and the proposal of setting up fish farms along the coastline beginning with Goa. Olencio Simoes was elected as the general secretary of the Forum following the two-day annual convention held in Margao. Incidentally, the Forum was started by Olencios uncle late Matanhy Saldanha, 40 years ago in Goa. Briefing the media persons, NFF Chairperson Narendra Patil said that the government is coming up with new laws without consulting the Forum. He pointed out that some of the laws are totally against the Forums interest and vowed to continue fighting such laws. He said, The government is asking the fishing community to install new equipment ostensibly for the safety of the fishing community. But the equipment recommended is very expensive and beyond the purchasing capacity of the ordinary fisher men. The Automatic Identity System and DASH recommended by the Coast Guard is too expensive for most of the fishermen and hence the government should come up with some relief for the fishing community, he said. He also demanded that the fishermen should be exempted from paying the Excise Duty on diesel purchased for their vessels and pointed out that earlier when Atal Behari Vajpayee was the prime minister fishing community was charged only Rs 1.5 as Excise Duty on diesel while now it is nearly Rs 35 per litre. Narendra also pointed out that the survey of the oil exploration being carried out in the sea is hampering the fishing activity of the fishermen as they have to maintain a distance of 8 kms radius from where the survey is being conducted. Olencio said, The Forum has decided to oppose the Sagarmala Project across the country. The Forum will launch their movement shortly as this project is aimed at annihilating the traditional fishermen and replace them with fish farmers who will be big industrial houses. He said that the Forum is also opposed to the proposal of breeding fish in cages along 200 kms of the Goan coast line. While pointing out that nobody has demanded such farming, Olencio asked the government to instead implement the ban on LED lights being used for fishing. Even though LED lights are banned since 2017 one can still see them out in the sea and the Fisheries Department is doing nothing about it, he said and also questioned the Union Ministers claim of investing Rs 400 crore on Goan marine culture. Olencio said, The fishing community is totally opposed to the three linear projects in Goa as they are aimed against them. Further, he demanded that the public hearing on Coastal Zone Management Plan should be postponed as one day hearing is not sufficient. The fishing community and some villages have already submitted the Coastal Zone Management Plans and the government will try to adopt these plans instead of going on with the farce of a public hearing to prepare fresh plans, he said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Letter to Sonia Gandhi was written with Congress's best interest in our hearts: Anand Sharma Know your facts Anand Sharma: Congress vs Congress spat goes further public 'Should have discussed': Anand Sharma slams party's tie-up with ISF in Bengal India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 01: Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Monday slammed the party''s tie-up with Indian Secular Front (ISF) led by Muslim cleric Abbas Siddiqui in West Bengal, saying it was against the "Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism" and the party cannot be selective in fighting the "communalists". Sharma, a former union minister and a leader of the group of 23 which had written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanding organisational overhaul, said the issue of "alliance" with a radical party like the ISF should have been discussed and approved by the Congress Working Committee (CWC). "Congress'' alliance with parties like ISF and other such forces militates against the core ideology of the party and Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism, which forms the soul of the party. These issues need to be approved by the CWC," he said on Twitter. He also sought clarification from West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for attending the joint rally in Kolkata where ISF leaders were present, alleging that his presence and endorsement was "painful and shameful". "Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations, irrespective of religion and colour. The presence and endorsement by West Bengal PCC President is painful and shameful, he must clarify," the senior party leader said. However, Chowdhury said the West Bengal PCC has not taken any decision of its own. Any decision in this regard has been taken jointly in consultation with the party leadership, he said. Sources said the Congress'' seat-sharing arrangement is with the Left in the state and the Left parties will accommodate ISF in their share. The CWC is the highest decision-making body of the party. West Bengal polls: TMC likely to drop several sitting MLAs Sharma is a member of the CWC and the deputy leader of the Congress in Rajya Sabha. The Congress is contesting the West Bengal assembly elections in alliance with the Left and ISF but is fighting the CPI-M in Kerala as the principal opposition party. Leaders of the Left, Congress and the ISF addressed a joint rally at the Brigade Parade ground in Kolkata on Sunday. Joining the Left and Congress leaders at the dais was Abbas Siddique of the iconic Furfura Shareef and founder of the Indian Secular Front (ISF), a recent member of the opposition alliance in the state. Sharma and several other ''G-23'' leaders had gathered in Jammu on Saturday and said that the party was weakening, in an apparent show of dissent. The ''G-23'' leaders had earlier written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanding elections to all party posts, including the CWC, and an organisational overhaul with a new ''active'' party chief. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 22:35 [IST] A Patterson, N.J., has expanded its recall of its soft cheese products because of the potential for them to be contaminated with listeria. El Abuelito Cheese in February had issued the first recall for some Queso Fresco products. that has now been expanded to include all Queso Fresco products such as string cheese (Quesillo) and ricotta cheese (Requeson). According to the announcement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. All Queso Fresco products with sell by dates through March 28, 2021; all Quesillo (Oaxaca, string cheese) products with sell by dates through April 16, 2021; and all Requeson (Ricotta) products with sell by dates through March 14, 2021, are recalled. The FDA said that the CDC has reported 10 people infected with the same strain of listeria in four states. As part of this outbreak investigation, the Connecticut Department of Public Health collected product samples of El Abuelito-brand Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses from a store where a sick person bought cheeses. On 2/19/2021, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis conducted by the Connecticut State Laboratory determined that the listeria monocytogenes found in the samples is a match to the outbreak strain. The products are sold as El Abuelito Cheese brand in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. In Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland they are Rio Grande Food Products brand; in North Carolin and Maryland they are Rio Lindo. The products were distributed through Feb. 16, 2021, to supermarkets, wholesalers and retail stores. Some may have been repackaged. Stores in Pennsylvania that received the products are located in Ambler, Bensalem, Croydon, Dublin, Hatboro, Hazleton, Norristown, Philadelphia, Pipersville, Quakertown, Scranton, St. Lansdale, Upper Darby, Warminster, Warrington and Wilkes-Barre. Added to the recall are: El Abuelito Cheese, Quesillo Abuelito, 12 ounces, vacuum pack, UPC code 673130200000. El Abuelito Cheese, Quesillo Abuelito, 5 pounds, vacuum bag loose bag, UPC code 673130500001. El Abuelito Cheese, Quesillo Abuelito, 10 pounds, vacuum bag loose bag, UPC code 673130600008. El Abuelito Cheese, El Abuelito Requeson Ricotta, 12 ounces, clam shell container, UPC code 673130300014. The FDA advises that anyone who purchased the products should not eat them and should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The FDA also recommends that anyone who purchased the products use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Listeria can survive in refrigerated temperatures and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces. For more information, call El Abuelito at 973-345-3503 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon EST on Saturdays. READ MORE Armed police swooped on four supercar drivers after they tried to stage a photoshoot outside Buckingham Palace. The owners of a Ferrari, Bugatti and two Lamborghinis were all spoken to by the Metropolitan Police after the stunt. They had first parked up outside the Victoria Memorial near the Queen's London home where they were moved on by officers. But when they decamped to Birdcage Walk just after 2pm they were told off by officers, who checked all of their papers. A source said: 'Four drivers all driving super cars including a Ferrari, Bugatti and two Lamborghinis were all issued tickets by the met police after they did an impromptu photo shoot outside Buckingham Palace. The owners of a Ferrari, Bugatti and two Lamborghinis were all issued fines by the police This red Ferrari was among the luxury supercars visited by officers yesterday near the palace 'They moved barriers that forced armed police to swoop on them. 'There they were filmed being given tickets by cops before the video spins round to show Buckingham palace at the end of the clip.' The supercar owners parked nose to tail so they could take pictures of themselves and their vehicles in front of the Queens official residence. But when they moved barriers armed police arrived to shut down the shoot. A large crowd had gathered on the pavement by the time the officers wrote the tickets. The drivers were moved on by officers after they parked near the Queen Victoria Memorial The cars then moved to Birdcage Walk where officers checked their papers and sent them on The whole scene was captured from a passing car. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Service told MailOnline: 'A group of cars where moved on by officers after they parked near the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace shortly after 1.30pm on Sunday, February 28. 'The cars then moved to Birdcage Walk. 'They were spoken to by officers and their driving and insurance details were checked. They then left the scene, shortly after 2pm.' Kelly Pantaleoni stands next to the painting "Homeless II by Li Yuan at "The Art of Zhen Shan Ren" exhibit in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jack Bradley/The Epoch Times) Art Exhibit Shows Persecution in China, Brings Tears to Fullerton Audience FULLERTON, Calif.As artist Caron G. Rand looked upon a painting titled Organ Crimes, depicting a young man in China having his organs forcibly harvested, she was moved to tears by it. Rand was one of the attendees at The Art of Zhen Shan Ren exhibit and concert in Fullerton, California, on Feb. 25. Zhen Shan Ren translates to truthfulness, compassion, tolerancethe three main principles of the spiritual meditation practice Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong. The international exhibition, which has been held in 50 countries, features work by artists who practice Falun Dafa and also highlights atrocities committed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against practitioners. The CCPs persecution of the practice, now in its 22nd year, includes the forced harvesting of organs from live practitioners, to fuel Chinas lucrative transplantation industry. The events host, Dr. Dana Churchill, has worked for years with the nonprofit Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting to raise awareness of these crimes. But the event also highlighted the beauty and hope the spiritual practice brings to many amid trying times, and the strength of the human spirit. Rand said: Our spirits are what makes us human. This pain that [the artist, Dong Xiqiang] is showing is his spirit in pain. [He] depicted all of that incredibly, beautifully, powerfully well. She noticed a letter depicted in the painting, one written by the victim to his mother. It had fallen out of his pocket and lay on the floor by the operating table. As a mother herself, that detail was heart-wrenching, she said. Tony Chen, a Falun Dafa practitioner and critically acclaimed musician and composer, performed at the event. He told The Epoch Times he hoped to share the beauty Falun Dafa had brought to his life. Positive Message Todays world is very messy, Chen said. There are so many different temptations, violence, lies, bad stuffalso COVID-19. I know lots of people are experiencing depression. I hope that my music can bring this positive message to everybody and spread the principles of Falun Gongtruthfulness, compassion, tolerance. Chen said his practice of Falun Dafa inspires his music. Musician and composer Tony Chen performs at The Art of Zhen Shan Ren exhibit in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2021. (William Kidston) Sometimes life has ups and downs. After some tribulation, after some hardships, normally I will have some new inspiration coming, Chen said. I have different types of music. Some are very energetic, some are very peaceful and beautiful. I want to give this kind of a balance of yin and yang so that people can find a balance in life. After seeing Chens performance, actress Kelly Pantaleoni told The Epoch Times she felt really inspired and that it made her want to create some change in the world. You walk away feeling like you want to do more in life, she said. Its really important as artists to use your voice for good and use your platform to raise awareness. [Chens] lyrics have a lot of meaning. Even the music without lyrics makes you feel something. A painting that stood out to her was Homeless II by Li Yuan, which shows a woman peacefully asleep with the book Zhuan Falun, the main text of Falun Dafa, held close to her heart. Above her, an angel plays the violin. No matter what darkness surrounds this woman, shes just being draped in this light that I believe is coming from the book, Pantaleoni said. As long as we do remain hopeful, and we have faith in whatever it is that guides us, the light will always shine through in the darkness. Vanessa Browne, a real estate agent and philanthropist, was among the attendees. She told The Epoch Times that a painting that touched her was another by Dong Xiqiang, titled An Orphans Sorrow. It shows a little girl holding her parents ashes outside of a forced labor camp. Untold numbers of Falun Dafa practitioners have been held in camps throughout the persecution, and many have died there. My heart was so moved. [It] brought me tears to see this child thats now parentless. All she has are the remnants of a very selfish, diabolical, evil governmentCCPthat needs to be brought down and brought to justice, Browne said. Vanessa Browne stands next to the painting An Orphans Sorrow at The Art of Zhen Shan Ren exhibit in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jack Bradley/The Epoch Times) This is just so moving and heart-wrenching to see these poor people of China that have lived under such terrible persecution to be used as objects and not as a human being. Their dignity has been stripped from them. Churchill, the host, told The Epoch Times: A lot of times, [attendees will] see the pictures and the persecution, and theyll get angry. Theyll feel like, I need to do something about this, and I think thats great for people. They need to stand up. He said he wanted to host an event at his office that would inspire that feeling, but also be a little bit lighter, so he invited Chen to sing alongside the paintings. Dr. Dana Churchill speaks at The Art of Zhen Shan Ren Art exhibit he hosted in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2021. (William Kidston) I love his music, Churchill said of Chen. At a similar, previous event at Churchills office, Chen sang one of his award-winning pieces, the theme song for the documentary film Free China: The Courage to Believe. I think everybody had a tear in their eye, Churchill said. The Courage to Believe Johanna Schwaiger, an art teacher and sculptor who was in attendance, told The Epoch Times, Art has the power like no other media to really reach peoples hearts. A Tragedy in China by Li Yuan was the painting that most stood out to her. This painting tells the true story of a woman who lost her husband to the persecution. She sits near her husbands body, crouched with her arms crossed, which I find a very expressive way of showing the grief, Schwaiger said. Johanna Schwaiger stands next to the painting A Tragedy in China at The Art of Zhen Shan Ren exhibit in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jack Bradley/The Epoch Times) The husband is holding a piece of paper that his persecutors tried to force him to sign to say he had given up his belief in Falun Dafa, which he didnt do, and therefore he had to die, she said. She also commented on Chens song, The Courage to Believe. When I hear it, I have tears in my eyes. Because the courage to believe is really the strongest issue a human has. And theres so many stories in history where people held on to their belief and didnt let go. Thats a strength that everybody has inside of themselves, she said. The courage to believe is really the strongest virtue that a human being can have. IN the space of one month, the families of 326 people were left in shock and heartbreak after losing their loved ones to the Covid-19 virus. May 2021 was the deadliest month of the pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago and the month with the highest number of Covid-19 cases. A Ukrainian soldier was killed in clashes with Russian-backed separatists in the war-torn east on Monday, as European Council chief Charles Michel was set to arrive in the ex-Soviet country. During a two-day visit beginning Tuesday Michel is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian military. He will also accompany Zelensky on a trip to the east. Ukraine has been fighting Russian-backed separatists in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions since 2014, and Michel's visit comes during an increase in violence. The military said on Monday that enemy shelling killed a Ukrainian soldier near the village of Pyshchevyk in the Donetsk region. Separatists had used mortars, grenade launchers and large-calibre machine guns, Kiev said. The latest casualty brought to eight the number of Ukrainian servicemen killed since mid-February, shattering a ceasefire brokered last year. Ukraine has been fighting Russian-speaking separatists following a pro-Western uprising in Kiev and Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014. The fierce fighting has claimed more than 13,000 lives, according to the United Nations, but the number of new fatalities has been decreasing in recent years. Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Russia of sending troops and arms to support the separatists, claims Moscow denies. Last week Ukraine launched a nationwide campaign to inoculate its population against the coronavirus after delays that sparked anger against the government, and Michel is expected to visit a vaccination centre. Zelensky has blamed the delay on wealthier Western countries, and urged the EU to help eastern European countries. 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. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Govt should deploy all resources in saving lives than in building PM Modi's new house: Priyanka Gandhi BJP keeps mum on implementing CAA in Assam: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra India pti-Deepika S Lakhimpur, Mar 01: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday claimed that BJP leaders talk about implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in various parts of the country, but lack the courage to mention it in Assam. Assam witnessed violent protests against the CAA in 2019 and five persons lost their lives. The grand alliance of the Congress and six other parties will form the government in Assam after the election as people are fed up with the false promises made by the BJP, she said. "The BJP makes tall promises before elections but during the next five years, they do nothing to fulfil them and people have realised it," the Congress leader told reporters after addressing a meeting of party workers here. BJP leaders move around the country talking about implementing the CAA but are silent about it when they come to Assam, Gandhi said. Bodoland People's Front to be part of 'Grand Alliance' in Assam assembly polls 2021 "They lack the courage to mention it in the state and people of Assam should never allow them to even talk about it, let alone implement it," she said. The objective of the CAA is to grant Indian citizenship to people of minority communities Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who had come to India till December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution in these countries. Denton, TX (76205) Today Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 60F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. The land rental scene is a total scramble at the moment, says auctioneer Padraic Murtagh of James L Murtagh Auctioneers in Mullingar. Farmers from all sectors tillage, beef, sheep and dairy are looking for land. The prospective tenants include farmers of all kinds, from new entrants to established farmers worried about nitrates. Mr Murtagh is getting in excess of 200/ac for grazing ground and expects the price to rise as the supply of land tightens. His current portfolio includes a wide range of farms for rent, and all come without entitlements. Among them is a 114ac property at Clondriss, 10km from Mullingar and just off the N52. The place has a good-sized yard and cattle handling facilities and is for lease on a 5-year basis for cattle only and I expect to get over 200/ac. said Mr Murtagh. At Glenidan, Collinstown, Co Westmeath, he is letting a 20ac parcel of sheep grazing with a rental price in excess of 200/ac. All in one block, it has no facilities and maps are available. It is to be let on a short-term lease until December 1, 2021. A parcel of 37ac located between Kinnegad and Edenderry is available for cattle only on a five-year basis and guided at more than 200/ac. It comes without facilities, and has maps available. It would make a fine out-farm and could also be used for meadowing and silage. A 55ac parcel of grazing at Archerstown, Delvin on the Westmeath/Meath border is in two large divisions and available on a five-year lease at over 200/ac. Suitable for cattle only, it has good handling facilities, a water supply and maps are available. At Piercetown, Rochfortbridge, Mr Murtagh is leasing 50ac of ground with no facilities. He describes it as a well-sheltered farm on a good vein of land suitable for all seasons and available on a five-year lease for cattle only. Maps are available and the lease is guided in excess of 200/ac. Expand Close This 50ac of grazing land near Rochfortbridge is available on a five-year lease for cattle only / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp This 50ac of grazing land near Rochfortbridge is available on a five-year lease for cattle only I could do with a lot more leasing land, said Mr Murtagh, particularly in the Kildare/Meath/ north Dublin areas and Im looking for farms of between 50ac and 300ac, I have customers for them. Looking ahead to this years land sales, he expects prices to hold steady. Everyone has been talking about the dairy buyers over the last few years, but we sold very little land to dairy farmers in 2017, 18, 19 and 2020. However, Im seeing signs of a change this year and expect more demand in this area from the dairy sector. HONG KONG Holding banners and shouting slogans, hundreds of people assembled outside a court in Hong Kong on Monday in a rare act of defiance after 47 of the citys most prominent pro-democracy politicians and activists were arrested. The brief gathering of supporters, who held bright yellow signs reading Release all political prisoners, was an echo of the huge pro-democracy demonstrations that regularly filled the streets of Hong Kong in 2019. They lined up around the West Kowloon court complex, where the 47 opposition figures were being arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion. Such demonstrations have become an unusual sight in Hong Kong in the past year or so, after the city enacted restrictions to fight the pandemic and Beijing imposed a harsh national security law in June. The police warned the crowd they could be in violation of the security law or illegal-assembly rules. In the afternoon, the police set up security lines around the court, forcing demonstrators to disperse. Rich Danker writing in the American Thinker writes: In a trail of observations that began with Trump's campaign in 2015 and peaked during the last year of his life, the late Rush Limbaugh, as he was in and out of the studio battling cancer, was on a path to the previously unthinkable. He was ready to let go of the ideology he'd spent three decades promoting Reaganite conservatism and replace it with right-wing populism. Specifically, the right-wing populism of the just-defeated Republican president. Why? Limbaugh, the self-proclaimed "mayor of Realville," was constantly trying to see around corners. What he saw was a political movement that offered more staying power and strength against the left than the ideological one he'd been associated with since 1988. That calculus wasn't based on election outcomes. It was informed by the first Republican voter realignment to occur since Reagan's election. Here is how Limbaugh described it in the days after Trump's Republican convention speech on the White House South Lawn last year: Now, what emerged was the new Trump Republican Party. And it's a fascinating change. It's the party of the little guy. It's the party of working America, not politicians, not elitist think-tank denizens. It is literally the party of working Americans. Limbaugh never missed the chance to rib what might be called Cruise Ship Conservatism. As an entertainer with a massive following, he found it ridiculous that other media personalities would cultivate the small-time celebrity role. But "elitist think-tank denizens" was a stand-in for the country club set, too. With a small-town upbringing and blue-collar audience, Limbaugh relished the idea of his being "the party of the little guy." Limbaugh realized that right-wing populism was more appealing than conservatism to the little guy. This was a counterintuitive conclusion for a movement conservative like him to reach. The Reagan coalition was heavy on union members and other disillusioned Democrats. But for all its success through the 1980s, it didn't survive the end of the Cold War, something Limbaugh would rue for the rest of his life. He even took it personally. This was his response just six weeks ago to one of the many listeners who called in to credit him with the listener's political conversion: You know, I'm not gonna sit here and deny that. But, folks, I gotta tell you, there's a large part of me that feels like I have failed in such a major way, in a political sense. I've had 30 years here to try to convince people, to try to persuade people, to try to encourage people to think critically think on their own, to realize the difference between conservatism and liberalism, the difference between the Republican Party and the Democrat party as it relates to conservative versus liberal. This was a lament not that conservatism has lost to liberalism, but that most people weren't voting by ideology in the first place. He recognized over the Obama and Trump years that voters are situationally rather than ideologically oriented. Along the way, in a conversation with me in April 2016 for his Limbaugh Letter, he recounted a lunch with Ted Cruz ahead of that year's Republican presidential race. Limbaugh warned the conservative hopeful that most of his own 25-million-member audience didn't even identify with the conservative movement. My message in conversation with Limbaugh was that conservatives could use Trump's success to achieve big ideas, a thought that was considered unconventional at a moment when many Republican leaders dreamed of sabotaging Trump's nomination. But even that prediction proved shortsighted. Trump would remake the GOP. By 2020, it had changed from a conservative party to a right-wing populist party. Is the difference between conservatism and right-wing populism really more than just nuance, or the presence of Trump? After all, conservatism won with a populist coalition under Reagan. And much of Trump's agenda from tax cuts to deregulation to judicial nominations came straight from the conservative playbook. A look under the surface of these outcomes shows fundamental differences. Using my mentor the late Jeff Bell's definition of populism as "optimism about people's ability to make decisions about their lives" (from his 1992 book Populism and Elitism), it's clear that a reckoning was coming once the foundations of postwar American politics collapsed. Conservatism demands an allegiance to institutions rather than to a public. For powerful conservatives, it could be whatever institution they called home, whether that was the U.S. Senate or a magazine that took subscribers on cruises. Limbaugh, like Trump, was never part of an institution that needed to be conserved. Each owed his platform to massive consumer followings that presaged the rise of digital media. Eventually, those and all the other followings that formed the public superseded institutions in politics. Until that happened, elitism, which Bell defined as essentially the opposite of populism "optimism about the decision-making ability of one or more elites, acting on behalf of other people" had not yet outlived its usefulness. Cold War presidents were on average several years older and better credentialed than their predecessors. Public trust in the media was strong. White-collar bosses often lacked college degrees like their employees. The economic power of any one set of elites was limited in pre-internet times by regional geography. Elites and ordinary people related relatively well with one another. Limbaugh came of age politically under the three-legged stool conservatism that Reagan had cultivated out of postWorld War II America. It was a challenge to the liberal-moderate consensus on economics, social issues, and foreign policy of the earlier Cold War years that was itself the reaction of both parties to the four presidential elections won by FDR. Postwar conservatism called for an ideological change of American positions on various issues, not class-based change. Conservatism won the Cold War but struggled to find traction in peacetime. The 1990s conservatism that Limbaugh is closely associated with is now most remembered as an effective check on Bill Clinton. George W. Bush was re-elected during wartime in 2004 as a legacy conservative, but Reagan revivalism was finished off by the 2008 financial crisis. So was the political momentum of elitism. Bell lamented two decades after the publication of Populism and Elitism that the book had mainstreamed the concept of elitism in American politics but not populism. He only had to wait a few more years for vindication in 2016. What changed? Was it when management jobs finally ran out for the uneducated? Was it when the technology revolution consolidated corporate power after manufacturing jobs has been offshored? Or was it when broadband internet allowed voters to instantly scrutinize politicians, and smartphones enabled them to become informed by one another rather than just by media elites? Former CIA analyst Martin Gurri in his book's title calls this technologically-driven redistribution of elite and populist power The Revolt of the Public. Suddenly, a Republican frontrunner was winning primaries in rich and poor ZIP codes alike by trampling on the reputation of every party leader who had come in Reagan's path. A party that had a tradition of giving its presidential nomination to the previous runner-up and been respected for its conservative institutional pedigree was now up for grabs. What would Limbaugh do? Contrary to popular framing, Limbaugh and Trump were not friends before 2016. Limbaugh's decision to back Trump's hostile takeover was the result of methodical analysis. His radio program in the Trump years became a search for the political movement that respected conservatism while acknowledging that it was essentially over as we knew it. As Limbaugh said on that show after Trump's 2020 convention speech: You know the old concept of conservatism might have gone into the chasm, too, 'cause it's time to maybe rethink how conservatism's existence is going to evolve and how conservatives mature into whatever this new party is. Limbaugh had forever demanded, especially after Republicans lost presidential elections, that the party accommodate conservatives, not the other way around. Yet there he was, saying conservatives had to "mature" into their party. But it wasn't the party establishment he was referring to this time; it was a "new party" of the same name but changing voters blue-collar but also multiracial, nationalist, and consumerist. Unlike the white professional class that underpinned the post-Reagan Republican coalitions, these voters weren't deluged by left-wing programming in offices or college classrooms. Their detachment from the four institutions most captured by the left corporate America, academia, mainstream media, and mainline Protestantism made them valuable holdouts to the critical theory version of liberalism sweeping the culture in 2020. They were more likely to be anchored on the right wing of populist appeals than the left wing. If this was true, it had the makings of a durable Republican realignment that could outlast even its standard-bearer president. Limbaugh claimed that he knew the left better than anybody. It seems likely he concluded that liberalism with its ambition to politicize everything could not be contained by conservatism. It was not a fair fight. Conservative critics have said Limbaugh became darker in the Obama and Trump years. In the moments when that was actually true, it was a recognition of this reality that they didn't have. Limbaugh also knew there are many more conservative voters than liberal voters, even though conservatives sometimes voted for liberal candidates because they voted situationally rather than ideologically. Right-wing populism held the potential to turn latent conservatism into reliable Republican voting. The only way Limbaugh complained about his terminal illness during the last year was that it threatened doing what he loved every day demystifying politics for his audience. That role must fall to others now. But Limbaugh left behind enough clarity to see beyond the horizon to see how far a realignment from conservatism to right-wing populism could take this new Republican Party. Source: Was Rush Limbaugh Done with Conservatism? - American Thinker Protesters have been demanding the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP) Political tensions in Armenia are intensifying as supporters of the embattled prime minister and the opposition plan rival rallies in the capital. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced opposition demands to resign since he signed a peace deal in November that ended six weeks of intense fighting with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Russia-brokered agreement saw Azerbaijan reclaim control over large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas that had been held by Armenian forces for more than a quarter of a century. Opposition protests seeking Mr Pashinyans ouster abated during the winter but intensified again last week amid Mr Pashinyans rift with the countrys top military. Expand Close The protests were sparked by the Armenias defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The protests were sparked by the Armenias defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP) The spat was sparked by Mr Pashinyan firing a deputy chief of the militarys General Staff who laughed off his claim that only 10% of Russia-supplied Iskander missiles that Armenia used in the conflict exploded on impact. The General Staff then demanded Mr Pashinyans resignation, and the prime minister responded by dismissing the General Staff chief, Colonel General Onik Gasparyan. The dismissal is yet to be approved by the nations largely ceremonial president, Armen Sarkissian, who sent it back to the prime minister, claiming that the move was unconstitutional. Mr Pashinyan quickly resubmitted the demand for the generals ouster, and his allies are warning that the president could be impeached if he fails to endorse the move. Mr Sarkissians office responded with a strongly worded statement condemning inadmissible speculation about his move and emphasising that his decision was unbiased and driven exclusively by national interests. Amid the escalating tensions, a group of protesters broke into a government building in central Yerevan on Monday to press their demand for Mr Pashinyans resignation, but left shortly after without violence. Later on Monday, Mr Pashinyans supporters and the opposition plan rival rallies in the Armenian capital. Mr Pashinyan, a former journalist who came to power after leading massive street protests in 2018 that ousted his predecessor, still continues to enjoy broad support despite the countrys humiliating defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh and the opposition calls for his resignation. Expand Close Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (Tigran Mehrabyan/PAN Photo via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (Tigran Mehrabyan/PAN Photo via AP) The prime minister defended the peace deal as a painful but necessary move to prevent Azerbaijan from overrunning the entire Nagorno-Karabakh region, which lies within Azerbaijan but was under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a separatist war there ended in 1994. The fighting with Azerbaijan that erupted in late September and lasted for 44 days has left more than 6,000 people dead. Russia has deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to monitor the November 10 peace deal. Armenia has relied on Moscows financial and military support and hosts a Russian military base ties that will keep the two nations closely allied regardless of the outcome of the political infighting. Last week, the Russian Defence Ministry rebuked the Armenian leader for debasing the Iskander missile, a state-of-the-art weapon touted by the military for its accuracy, saying it was bewildered to hear Mr Pashinyans claim because the Armenian military had not fired an Iskander missile during the conflict. In a bid to repair the damage, Mr Pashinyan rescinded his statement on Monday, acknowledging that he made the statement after being misled. Of course, the two are but dozens of some 200-odd county taxing bodies that could be gotten rid of or consolidated. Illinois has more taxing districts, special districts and commissions estimated at more than 7,000 than any other state in the nation. An altercation between two cousins early Sunday in Bricktown, Oklahoma led to one man dead and another facing a murder complaint, police said. Around 2:25 a.m., Oklahoma City police responded to a call at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 101 E Main St., where they found Mario Vines, 48, dead inside a hallway. Police said Vines was involved in an altercation with his 39-year-old cousin, Tarius Reed, when Reed pulled out a pistol and shot Vines to death. Vines was pronounced dead at the scene. Reed was booked into the Oklahoma County jail on a murder complaint. He was being held without bond. The cousins are from Daphne and were in Oklahoma City for work, authorities said. The shooting death is the twelfth homicide in Oklahoma City this year. ___ (c)2021 The Oklahoman Visit The Oklahoman at www.newsok.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. New Dlehi: BJPs Jammu and Kashmir unit has blamed Article 370 of the Constitution for the creation of separatist emotion and time has come to revoke the article on Thursday. Virender Gupta, BJP Jammu and Kashmir unit spokesperson, said, Its time for the people to say goodbye to Article 370 and Article 35 A. Gupta added, Both the articles have done more damage to the state than benefiting it. He added the two Articles of the Constitution is hampering progress of the state. Article 35 A empowers Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent citizens. While, Article 370 grants special status to J&K while Gupta claims that Article 370 has created a separated psychology and is acting as a breeding ground for separatist emotions. He added that the Article is responsible for keeping the ongoing issue of Jammu and Kashmir alive and alienation of people of the valley from mainstream. Due to the articles external forces are managing to interfere in the internal matters of our country and challenge the integrity of the nation, said Gupta. The BJP spokesperson added Jammu and Kashmir is still underdeveloped and backward in may fields in spite of huge fund support from the Central government. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Genomic surveillance of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has varied across countries. England's increased coronavirus sequencing helped it uncover the B.1.1.7 variant last fall. In contrast, countries such as the United States have reported little sequencing data. With an increasing number of variants appearing in various countries, ending the pandemic requires global collaboration in understanding variant mutations. Mutations in variants found in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and California have been shown to increase SARS-CoV-2's survival by increasing the rate of viral transmission or resisting neutralizing antibodies. A free public browser called COVID-19 CoV Genetics (COVID-19 CG) was developed to help scientists track and analyze virus mutations by location. This is possible from the collection of viral data available through the GISAID database. Doing so allows COVID-19 CG to track SARS-CoV-2 single-nucleotide variation, lineage, and clades. Research led by Benjamin E Deverman from the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard provided evidence of COVID-19 CG's effectiveness in tracking SARS-CoV-2 mutations by location. Understanding mutational changes in the virus are needed to adjust the pandemic response and develop effective treatments. The authors write: "Collecting virus genomic data is particularly relevant to regions that are experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases. If only sparse genomic data are sampled, we risk the late detection of SARS CoV-2 variants that exhibit enhanced transmissibility, virulence or resistance against therapeutics or vaccination programs in these pandemic hotspots." The study, "COVID-19 CG enables SARS-CoV-2 mutation and lineage tracking by locations and dates of interest," was recently published in eLife. Detecting single nucleotide variation in the spike protein Single-nucleotide variations in SARS-CoV-2 can change over time. In one case study, the researchers found that an S477N mutation in the spike protein's receptor-binding domain was the dominant coronavirus variant in Australia in December 2020. However, this variant made up only 6% of SARS-CoV-2 genotypes worldwide. Before July 2020, the RBD N439K mutation was not detected in Ireland but made up 42% of the viral genome there from mid-July to August before declining. The S477N mutation found in the receptor-binding domain was detected in 1% of Australian sequences before June 2020. However, it comprised 84% of SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequences from June through December. New SARS-CoV-2 mutation may alter diagnostic methods The team found several single nucleotide variations that could potentially affect the accuracy of COVID diagnostic primers. They found several variants worldwide containing different C29144T mutations at the very 3' end of the same NIID_2019-nCoV_N_F2 diagnostic primer could change its sensitivity. Other single nucleotide variations proximal to the 3' ends of primers were also found to potentially change 10 other diagnostic primer pairs used in several other countries. COVID-19 CG detects new variant found in Australia The B.1.125 variant with the S477N mutation took over as the dominant strain in Australia between June and September 2020. However, the single nucleotide variations associated with the S477N mutation in Australia differ from those in the United States. However, this difference may be due to limited genomic surveillance data available in the GISAID database. The researchers also suggest the possibility of sequencing error when there is a singular, sporadic variant. Because of the reasons above, it is too early to rule out that the variant came from local transmission. Updates planned for COVID-19 CG database With variants such as B.1.1.7 becoming the dominant strain in England and soon in the United States, developers of COVID-19 CG plans to upgrade the system with better detection features. The upgrades will help scientists find mutations and variants of concern circulating in local populations more readily. Given that mutations emerge, disappear, and potentially reappear over time, the research team concludes that countries need to update their genomic surveillance data continually. "When each country actively contributes to the database of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, this protects against sampling biases that can impact the ability to perform phylogenetic analysis and interpret global SARS-CoV-2 data. Toward this goal that affects all of humanity, we advocate for the increased sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from patients (and infected animals) around the world, and for these data to be shared in as timely a manner as possible." Doing so will help vaccine developers update the design and testing of their experimental coronavirus vaccines, antibodies, or other treatments. Scientists can use this data to create hypotheses and test the impact nearby variants have on product-specific interaction interface or antigen. Victor Cha, a senior adviser and the inaugural holder of the Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), speaks remotely, Thursday, during an online forum, titled "Free and Unified Korea: Options for the New U.S. Administration," hosted by the Global Peace Foundation at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul hotel. Courtesy of Global Peace Foundation By Kang Seung-woo Former U.S. government officials who dealt with the North Korean nuclear issue for previous presidents have advised the new Biden administration to take advantage of China, the North's key ally and economic patron, in resolving the decades-long problem. U.S. President Joe Biden took office last month and his national security team is reviewing its policy toward Pyongyang, which will likely result in the undoing of many of the Donald Trump administration's foreign policies. "China obviously plays an important role in any negotiation, but given the state of U.S.-China relations, I think we have to approach that particular aspect with a great deal of sobriety, and so I think that means working tactically with China. But strategically our interest may diverge too much to think that there could be some sort of grand bargain over North Korea," Victor Cha, a senior adviser and the inaugural holder of the Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said during an online forum, titled "Free and Unified Korea: Options for the New U.S. Administration," hosted by the Global Peace Foundation, Thursday. Cha served as deputy head of the U.S. delegation to six-party denuclearization talks in 2007 under the George W. Bush administration. "So I think there the principle is to work tactically with China but not have our policy dependent on China's cooperation to be successful," he added. Robert Gallucci, who was the chief U.S. negotiator during the North Korean nuclear crisis of 1994, expressed a similar view. "I think, in terms of what we should do, I'm pretty sure I understood Victor's point about the Chinese doing things tactical rather than attempting the strategic here, so I think I'm consistent with it," Gallucci said. "I would want from the Chinese to sign them up to encourage the North to continue restraint I guess the best I put it not to look for opportunities to enhance their bargaining position by some sort of provocation that will just set us back six months or more." Gallucci also warned against prejudging the North Korean regime, citing it as a "fundamental error." "The new realism in Washington which I have no sympathy for is saying that 'look, North Korea is never going to give up its nuclear weapons, so let's just get past that and see what we can get' and that strikes me as a fundamental error at least because we actually don't know about what North Korea is thinking and shouldn't pretend we do," he said. Some experts claim that the Biden administration needs to shift toward the goal of arms control in its negotiations with the North as an interim step before complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the North. "Even though denuclearization may not come soon, there still needs to be efforts to manage the threat from North Korea," Cha said, adding this could mean freezing their capabilities, capping them or trying to codify agreements not to test missiles or things of that nature. "There's a threat management component that has to be a part of any negotiation," he added. However, Kim Hong-kyun, another participant and former special representative for the Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs at South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opposed the idea, claiming it will end up allowing the North to buy time for the development of its nuclear weapons program. "Korea and the U.S. have to review and come up with a common strategy on the denuclearization of North Korea as early as possible. A comprehensive agreement needs to be pursued even if its implementation will be gradual," Kim said. "An interim agreement, a so-called small deal, without clear definition on a final goal or timeline, will be exploited by the North to recognize it as a de facto nuclear weapons state." Meanwhile, Moon Hyun-jin, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, said the time is ripe for fresh strategic thinking that a unified Korea aligned with fundamental freedoms and human rights should become the clearly stated and actively pursued policy of the U.S., South Korea, their allies and the United Nations. "This would provide a clear angle for Korea policy and a framework for all negotiations," he said. France registered 19,952 new coronavirus infection cases and 122 related deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures released by the Public Health Agency on Sunday. The cumulative number of coronavirus cases in France now stands at 3,755,968, and the total number of fatalities at 86,454 since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country, the Xinhua news reported. Over the past seven days, 9,613 Covid-19 patients were in the hospital, of whom 1,871 were put on ventilators, the agency added. In an interview with Le Journal de Dimanche (JDD) on Sunday, Jerome Salomon, director-general of public health, said the virus variant first detected in Britain now became dominant in France, with 53 percent of positive cases attributable to this more infectious strain. The first case of this virus in France was spotted on Dec. 26, 2020, prompting the country to impose travel restrictions. "The situation is obviously very tense but the government has taken strong braking measures, notably the curfew, which is working very well," Salomon said. "We can still avoid confinement if everyone is mobilized." As of Feb. 27, 2,967,937 people in France have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. France aims to inoculate all the citizens aged over 65 by the end of May and all adults before September. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, 255 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 73 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 February 23. ANN ARBOR, MI - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed an amicus brief in support of the University of Michigans prohibition of firearms on its campus, which is being challenged in a lawsuit pending in the Michigan Supreme Court. Nessel filed the brief on Monday, March 1. In the case, plaintiff Joshua Wade is challenging UMs authority to ban firearms on campus, though Nessel argues the university is acting within its rights. In her amicus brief, Nessel notes the U.S. Supreme Court while hearing previous cases focused on the Second Amendment of the Constitution has recognized that firearms may be prohibited in certain places. When it declared the rough contours of the Amendment, the Court was careful to single out core areas in which governments may regulate firearms including longstanding prohibitions on guns at school, Nessel wrote. From the first colleges on American soil to the present day, states and colleges have exercised their authority to regulate firearms in myriad ways, from outright bans to clear permission to carry. The Universitys prohibition fits within this range of permissible options. Nessel also notes in her brief that restrictions on carrying firearms exist in sensitive places like churches and schools, and also for certain individuals, such as the mentally ill or convicted felons. This is a very important case for the university and were grateful for the attorney generals support, UM Spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald said. Wades attorney, Steven Dulan, could not be reached for comment. UMs campus gun ban was upheld by the Michigan Court of Appeals in June 2017. In a 2-1 opinion, the court said a 2001 ban making all properties owned, leased or controlled by the university weapons-free doesnt violate the U.S. Constitution. In an opinion issued for the majority, Judge Mark Cavanagh upheld the ban and disagreed with Wade, who argued it was unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. The schools policy only allows military and law enforcement agents to carry weapons on campus. Wade sought and was granted leave to appeal the 2017 judgement of the Court of Appeals in May 2019. In his appeal, Wade argued the university is not a sensitive place because it is not a school as that word is commonly understood. In his dissension, Judge David Sawyer argued that the universitys ban was preempted from regulating firearms under the provisions of state law in areas of the university that are open to the public. In November 2015, Michigan Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens granted the universitys motion for summary disposition, dismissing Wades original lawsuit. She ruled the state Constitution grants the university the autonomy to promulgate its own firearms regulation, according to the opinion. Wade appealed the decision to dismiss the lawsuit against UM in December 2015. Wade also was involved in a gun controversy within Ann Arbor Public Schools in 2015. He openly carried a gun into Pioneer High School. The Board of Education then enacted policies that ban guns from schools. READ MORE: University of Michigan campus gun ban upheld by Court of Appeals Report: Ann Arbor gun advocate Joshua Wade sues U-M over open carry ban Librarians, archivists, curators seek to unionize at University of Michigan (CNN) -- Former President Donald Trump returned to the public stage on Sunday with a familiar kind of Trump speech -- a speech filled with debunked lies. Most notably, Trump's first post-presidency address, at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, included his usual lies about the 2020 election. He continued to falsely insist he was the legitimate winner and continued to falsely insist the election was "rigged." Trump repeated a bunch of other false claims we regularly heard from him as president, on subjects ranging from trade with China to his stance on the war in Iraq. He also offered up some new false claims about President Joe Biden's early days in office. We are still going through the transcript of Trump's remarks, but here is an initial breakdown of some of the things he said. 2020 election results Who won the election Trump repeated various versions of his usual lie that he won the 2020 election. He said that Democrats "just lost the White House," said that "it's not possible" that he lost, said "no" after asking the rhetorical question "did Biden win?" and said another election win in the future would be his "third." Facts First: This is all false. Trump lost the 2020 election, fair and square. Democrat Joe Biden won a 306-232 victory in the Electoral College -- earning over seven million more votes than Trump, good for a margin of 51.3% to 46.8%. Mail-in ballots and dead voters Trump repeated his attack on mail-in voting and claimed that dead people voted in the election. "(T)ens of millions of ballots. Where are they coming from? They're coming from all over the place." He then claimed that "dead people are voting." Facts First: Both of these claims are wrong. As we have fact checked many times before, mail-in voting is not rife with fraud and there were not tens of millions of ballots that came from unknown origins. CNN looked into several claims of dead people's ballots being cast in the election and found no evidence of widespread fraud. Early morning vote batches Trump repeated the claim that some nefarious vote-dumping occurred in the earlier hours of the morning after the election. "What happened at 3:02 in the morning?" Trump asked the CPAC audience. Facts First: There's nothing inherently suspicious or mysterious about large batches of votes being reported late at night or even after Election Day. Votes from mail-in ballots were often reported later on Election Day and afterwards because they couldn't be counted ahead of time in many states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. And in several lawsuits over the election, judges determined the witness affidavits claiming they saw literal late night dumps of ballots were baseless and not evidence of fraud. More votes than people Trump repeated another of his arguments about voter fraud, claiming that in multiple cities there were more votes than people. He specifically called out Detroit, Michigan, which came under scrutiny shortly after the election when Republican county election officials tried to block the certification of election results. "We have a little problem adjusting in Detroit, we seem to have more votes than we have people. A lot more votes. An election changing number," Trump said. Facts First: It's false that there were more votes than people in Detroit. The city saw 250,138 votes cast this election, less than half the number of registered voters (504,714) and far fewer than the 670,031 people in the city as of 2019, according to the US Census Bureau. Trump's insistence that there are "more votes than people" likely refers to precincts that are out of balance, which means the number of voters recorded didn't match the number of ballots cast in certain places. However, former and current Michigan state officials told CNN these imbalances are often clerical errors which are addressed as part of the canvassing process and not indicative of widespread fraud. Votes in Pennsylvania Trump also claimed that "in Pennsylvania, they had hundreds of thousands of more votes than they had people voting." Facts First: This is false. State officials and fact checkers have repeatedly explained that the claim that Pennsylvania had more votes than registered voters is just not true; Trump may have been relying on an incorrect figure from a Republican state legislator, who had relied on incomplete data. Biden Biden and the Keystone Pipeline Trump claimed that Biden had not said during his campaign that he was planning to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline. "In one of his first official acts -- which was incredible, because again, he talked about energy, he never said he was going to do this -- he canceled the Keystone pipeline," Trump said. Facts First: This is misleading. Biden's campaign announced in May 2020 that he would cancel the Keystone XL pipeline if elected, and reiterated that position later in the campaign. An initial search of newspaper and television archives did not turn up any examples of Biden personally speaking about his plan to kill Keystone, so there may be a narrow basis for Trump's claim that Biden himself "never said" he would do so. But given that the Biden campaign's announcement was widely reported, the facts don't support Trump's broader suggestion that the cancellation was a surprise move. Gas prices Trump said, "Under the radical Democrat policies, the price of gasoline has already surged 30% since the election." Facts First: This is misleading. First, Trump was ignoring the impact of factors unrelated to either party's policies, particularly the severe winter storm in February that caused prices to spike in February. Second, by comparing gas prices today to gas prices at the time of the election, Trump appeared to be assigning blame to President Joe Biden for the portion of the increase that occurred during the Trump presidency; there has been a much smaller increase, about 13%, if you compare current prices to prices on Biden's first full day in office. The increase in the national average at the pumps is indeed in the ballpark of 30% if you compare prices the weekend Trump spoke at CPAC ($2.71 per unleaded gallon, according to data provided to CNN by AAA) to prices on Election Day in early November ($2.12) -- that's about a 28% spike. But it's unfair for Trump to hold Democrats responsible for increases in November, December and the first 19 days of January, when Trump himself was in office. The national average on Biden's first full day as president, January 21, was $2.39; the $2.71 price this past weekend was about 13% higher than that. Asked about Trump's claim, AAA spokeswoman Jeanette Casselano said in an email that prices have steadily increased since the end of November because of higher crude oil prices driven by optimism about coronavirus vaccines, while "the recent spikes (the last 2 weeks) are a direct result of the winter storm that hit Texas and took 26 refineries offline." Biden and fracking Trump claimed Biden reversed his stance on fracking between the primary and the general election, stating, "During the primary, 'no fracking.' As soon as he got through that, he said 'no, of course, everybody can frack.'" Facts First: While Trump's characterization of Biden's stance on fracking is inaccurate, there is some basis for the Trump campaign's continued criticism that Biden flipflopped on the issue. Biden's written plan never included a complete ban on fracking but his comments over the course of the campaign did create confusion about his position on the issue. During the July 2019 Democratic primary debate, CNN's Dana Bash asked whether there would be "any place for fossil fuels, including coal and fracking, in a Biden administration?" to which Biden responded, "No, we would -- we would work it out. We would make sure it's eliminated and no more subsidies for either one of those, either -- any fossil fuel." After the primary, Trump referenced these past remarks from Biden in the final presidential debate, prompting the former vice president to falsely insist he never said he opposed fracking. Biden then tried to clarify his position and claimed his past opposition was specifically about fracking on federal land only. But Biden did not go so far as to express the unbridled support for fracking Trump implied and his comments should not be construed as such. Biden's plan during the general election proposed "banning new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters," not ending all new fracking anywhere or ending all existing fracking on public lands and waters. A week after taking office, Biden signed an executive order ordering a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal land and water areas. Refugees Trump said: "Your family still can't go out to eat at local restaurants, but Joe Biden is bringing in thousands upon thousands of refugees from all over the world. People that nobody knows anything about. We don't have crime records. We don't have health records." Facts First: While it is true that Biden is planning to significantly increase the number of refugees the US accepts, it's wrong to suggest that the US doesn't know "anything about" the refugees it brings in. Refugees are rigorously vetted; the admissions process includes an interview assessment by US government personnel, medical screening, and various types of background checks, including fingerprint checks against databases maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense. Trump reduced the maximum number to a historic low of 15,000 for the 2021 fiscal year; Biden plans to raise the cap to 62,500 for 2021 and then to 125,000 in his first full fiscal year, 2022. President Barack Obama set a cap of 85,000 in his last full fiscal year in office, 2016. Obama raised the cap to 110,000 for his final partial fiscal year, 2017. Biden and schools Trump called for children to return to school "immediately," then said, "The only reason most parents do not have that choice is because Joe Biden sold out America's children to the teachers unions." He said Biden is "cruelly keeping our children locked in their homes." Facts First: It's not true that Biden, who has called for the reopening of most schools by his 100th day in office, is personally keeping children locked out of school or that Biden's position on the issue is "the only reason" some schools continue to offer only virtual instruction. While the federal government can issue guidelines for the reopening of schools, it is up to state and especially local officials to make the actual decisions on when to reopen. Also, the current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not tell schools that they cannot reopen. It says: "At any level of community transmission, all schools have options to provide in-person instruction (either full or hybrid), through strict adherence to mitigation strategies." Biden's administration can be fairly criticized for shifting from its original position on what would count as meeting his goal of having a majority of schools open within 100 days. (You can read more here on its shifting explanations. But it's not fair to say Biden is the one person keeping children out of classrooms. Recent polling shows a majority of adults support waiting until any teacher who wants a vaccine can get it. And it's worth noting that Trump himself could not open schools as president even when he wanted to; Trump suggested in 2020 that he might cut off federal funding to schools that did not reopen, but experts said he could not unilaterally carry out that threat, and he did not end up trying. Trump's repeated falsehoods Florida, Ohio and Iowa Trump claimed that "no president has ever lost an election after carrying Florida, Ohio and Iowa." Facts First: This needs context. Richard Nixon won Florida, Ohio and Iowa in 1960 but lost the election to John F. Kennedy. Unlike a previous version of this claim, in which Trump declared that nobody at all ever lost the election after winning those three states, this "no president" version is not flat false because Nixon was not an incumbent president at the time. Still, Trump omitted the fact that somebody has won these three states and been defeated. Also, of course, this historical tidbit does not tell us anything about the legitimacy of Trump's defeat. Deportations to Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador Trump repeated an old false claim about Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, saying that before he took office, those countries were "refusing to take back illegal alien gang members, including MS-13." He added soon after: "We'd fly 'em in, they wouldn't let the plane land. We'd bus 'em in, they wouldn't let the buses get anywhere near the border." Facts First: This remains false. In 2016, just prior to Trump's presidency, none of the three countries was on the list of countries that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) considered "recalcitrant" (uncooperative) in accepting the return of their citizens from the US. Randy Capps, director of research for US programs at the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington think tank, noted to CNN in 2019 that in the 2016 fiscal year, the last full year before Trump took office, ICE reported that Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador ranked second, third and fourth for the country of citizenship of people being removed from the US. The same was true in the 2017 fiscal year, which encompassed the end of Barack Obama's presidency and the beginning of Trump's. ICE did not identify any widespread problems with deportations to these countries. ICE officials said there were some exceptions to the three countries' general cooperativeness, but Trump's general declaration that the countries were uncooperative was never true. Trump's stance on the war in Iraq Trump repeated his usual false claim about his pre-war stance on the war in Iraq. "Iraq: remember I used to say don't go in, but if you're gonna go in, keep the oil. Well, we went in and we didn't keep the oil," he said. Facts First: Contrary to his repeated claims, Trump did not publicly express opposition to the invasion of Iraq before it occurred. He began criticizing the war in 2003, after the invasion, but he also said that year that American troops should not be withdrawn from Iraq. He emerged as an explicit opponent of the war in 2004. We could not find any examples of Trump saying anything before the war about keeping Iraq's oil. (We asked the Trump-era White House communications staff if it could provide any evidence; we never got a response.) Trump appeared to be describing comments he made during the war, in which he did talk about taking Iraq's oil, as if he made them during the run-up to the war. Past tariffs on China Trump repeated a familiar claim about how, before he took office, China "never gave us 10 cents," but then, under him, the US took in "hundreds of billions" from China because of his tariffs. Facts First: This was wrong in two ways. First, studies repeatedly showed that it's not true that China paid Trump's tariffs; Americans bore the majority of the cost. Second, Trump's claim that the government had not previously received "10 cents" from tariffs on China is also false. The US has had tariffs on China for more than two centuries; President Barack Obama imposed new tariffs on China; FactCheck.org reported that the US generated an "average of $12.3 billion in custom duties a year from 2007 to 2016, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb." China also made tens of billions of annual purchases of US exports under Obama -- more than $100 billion in goods purchases every year from 2011 through 2016." The trade deficit with China Trump repeated one of the most frequent false claims of his presidency -- his lie that, in the past, the US used to have a trade deficit of about $500 billion with China. "We used to lose $504 billion trade deficit with China...not million; $504 million is a lot...now take $504 million, make it $504 billion; we had deficits with China," he said. Facts First: Trump was wrong again. The US had never had a $504 billion (or $500 billion) trade deficit with China before Trump took office. The record was set in the Trump era: a $380 billion deficit in goods and services trade with China in 2018. The goods and services deficit with China declined to $308 billion in 2019. (We don't have final figures for 2020.) US deaths in Afghanistan Trump said, "Not one American soldier has been killed in Afghanistan in over a year." Facts First: This is true if you are talking specifically about combat deaths but not true if you count all deaths. There have been at least three US soldiers killed in Afghanistan since February 28, 2020, one in a non-combat vehicle rollover and two in other non-combat incidents. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Fact check: Trump delivers lie-filled CPAC speech" It's normal to think whether you had COVID-19 without realizing it if you had a 'bad cold' this winter or just suffered from a cough that wouldn't go down. This is particularly valid now that infectious disease researchers agree the pandemic was still circulating when cities decided to shut down and introduce social distancing initiatives. Fauci: After being infected with COVID-19, new signs may occur Is it possible that you had Covid-19 without realizing it? "Many patients who have coronavirus have a basic fever that may be mistaken for a cold or influenza," says infectious disease specialist Amesh A. Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Protection. Furthermore, some patients show no signs at all - up to 40% of diseases are asymptomatic, according to reports, as per Esquire via MSN. Read also: J&J's Single-Dose COVID Vaccine Receives FDA Advisers Backing This week was a turning point for those who contracted COVID-19 and are now enduring the effects months, if not years, later. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the president's chief medical adviser and head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, reported that $1.15 billion would be spent investigating the problem, which he now refers to as "post-acute complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection" (or PASC). "After the virus has been largely removed from the body, new signs may occur long after the period of diagnosis or develop over time, and they may persist for months, varying from slightly irritating to fully incapacitating." Read also: How Long To Get the Second COVID-19 Vaccine Amid Delays of Distribution Due To Winter Storm Sure signs that you had COVID-19 Unfortunately, there's no way to tell for sure if the infection you had last winter was COVID-19 or if you picked up an asymptomatic disease at any stage. However, certain symptoms may suggest that you have already had COVID-19, according to experts. Here are the most important ones to be aware of, according to EatThis: Losing sense of taste or smell Dr. Fauci said many people have a loss of smell and taste when infected with COVID-19. This loss of senses is often the most significant symptom of getting COVID-19 and for some, it never comes back. Meanwhile, Dr. Deborah Lee noted that ENT experts are still unsure if the loss of taste and smell occurs as the COID-19 virus damages the olfactory nerve directly, or if it is due to nasal inflammation and obstruction. Feeling fatigued Dr. Fauci warns of "extreme exhaustion" during PASC, citing a University of Washington study, published in JAMA, that showed more than 30% of people with PASC had symptoms, with fatigue being the most frequent. The authors wrote, "Fatigue was the most frequently identified symptom, consistent with current literature." It's close to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, which has no remedy. Shortness of breath Even a mild case of COVID-19 can cause lung damage, which can result in long-term shortness of breath, which is another sign of anxiety. It's just one in a slew of disturbing signs. Dr. Fauci said, "We know for a fact that there is a post-COVID syndrome." "Anywhere from 25% to 35%-or more-have lingering effects that go beyond what you'd assume from post-viral syndrome-like influenza or others. It's fatigue, shortness of breath, body aches, dysautonomia, and so on..." Sleep disorders Long haulers have complained of headaches, disturbing hallucinations, nightmares, and restless leg syndrome. The infection can damage the body's nervous system, making a typical night's sleep unlikely. Aches and pains can also make it difficult to sleep, as per EatThis. Fevers or temperature fluctuations With post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), you can catch a fever, then lose it, just to have it return. Scientists theorize that your body may be actively battling an infection, even though the virus has already left the body. Chills can also arise as a result of this. Read also: Life Expectancy Drops by a Year, While 20 Million Years Are Lost Due To COVID-19, Study Claims @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. PM Modi's move to get inoculated would instil confidence among people, remove hesitancy: AIIMS chief India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Mar 01: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to take the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on the very first day of India opening up the inoculation drive for senior citizens and those aged 45 and above with comorbidities should eliminate any hesitancy from the minds of people about the vaccine, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria said on Monday. PM Modi chats with AIIMS nurses | What did he say | Oneindia News Modi received the indigenously developed Covaxin jab by Bharat Biotech on Monday morning. AIIMS was intimated about the prime minister''s visit to the hospital to take the vaccine late Sunday night and as such no special arrangement was made for him, Guleria told PTI. "As it was a week day, he chose to come early in the morning so as not to cause any inconvenience to patients at the hospital," Guleria said. "The prime minister taking the jab on the very first day would instill confidence among public and remove any hesitancy and doubts that they might have about the vaccine. People should come forward to get themselves inoculated and get India rid of the disease," he said. Guleria said that Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry who administered the Covaxin jab to the prime minister, was informed about her high-profile task only in the morning. The AIIMS director said that Modi took the shot at around 6.30 AM after which he was kept under observation for half-and-hour as per protocol, after which he left. What PM Modi said after taking first vaccine shot "He is fine after taking the vaccine," Guleria said. Modi on Monday took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS here and appealed to all those who are eligible to get inoculated. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," Modi tweeted after taking the vaccine shot. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he said. Nurse Niveda later told reporters that the prime minister, after being administered the vaccine shot, remarked "Laga bhi diya, pata bhi nahin chala (Already done? I didn''t even feel it)." The government had announced on Wednesday last that everyone above 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with comorbidities will be able to get COVID-19 vaccine from March 1 for free at government facilities and for a charge at many private hospitals. Citizens will be able to register and book an appointment for vaccination, anytime and anywhere, using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal -"http://www.cowin.gov.in"www.cowin.gov.in or through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu. There is also a walk-in provision for the beneficiaries to get themselves registered at the nearby session site to get vaccinated. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 13:02 [IST] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Bengaluru, March 1 : The Bengaluru police on Monday arrested five burglars involved in 13 cases and recovered stolen gold ornaments and silver articles worth Rs 80 lakh from their possession. "Gold ornaments weighing 1.5 kg, whereas 1.6 kg of silvers articles were recovered from them," police said. The accused were identified as Yasin Khan, Kadir Ahmed, Akram Pasha, Gopal and Kailash, all are the residents of Bengaluru. According to the police, the gang used to conduct a recce during daytime to find the locked houses in the area and then gain entry to those houses from backdoors after breaking open the locks. "They used crowbar to break open the rear entrances of all those houses where the burglaries were carried out," the police added. Patna, March 1 : In a bid to offer her the party's support in the forthcoming assembly elections, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav met Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Monday. Mritunjay Tiwari, the RJD state spokesperson confirmed the development. Yadav met the CM at her official residence in Kolkata's Kalighat area. "The RJD earlier had one MLA in West Bengal and it has a sizeable vote bank in the state's border areas. The districts connected to Purnea, Kishanganj, Katihar have a significant population of Yadavs and Muslims. Besides, large numbers of these two communities live in Kolkata city, outer Kolkata and Asansol. Put together, they have the capacity to change political equations," Tiwari said. The West Bengal assembly election will be held in 8 phases from March 27 to April 29. Keeping this in view, the RJD has already sent two senior leaders -- Abdul Bari Siddiqui and Shyam Rajak -- to West Bengal. They met Abhishek Banerjee, one of the main strategists of the Trinamool for the West Bengal polls. Sources have said that both Trinamool and RJD have reached a mutual understanding for the polls. At present, Mamata Benerjee and Tejashwi Yadav are the only two leaders in the country who are taking on PM Narendra Modi. Tejashwi single-handedly took the Mahagathbandhan close to victory in the Bihar assembly elections. As far as the BJP is concerned, its leaders believe that West Bengal is the final fortress they want to breach. Bhai Virendra, the MLA from Maner and chief spokesperson of RJD, told IANS: "The main objective of the party is to prevent the BJP from coming to power. The people of West Bengal are very intelligent and they know the ground reality. They know the tricks of the BJP. Mamata Benerjee has played an important role in development of West Bengal. Every RJD member is dedicated towards Mamata Didi and we will make her CM once again in West Bengal." "RJD will do a pre-poll alliance with the TMC. The seats distribution between these two parties will be decided later on," Virendra further said. Dr Nikhil Anand, chief spokesperson of BJP hit back at RJD and said that Tejashwi Yadav is doing political tourism in West Bengal and Assam. "Tejashwi Yadav is competing with Rahul Gandhi when it comes to political tourism. Tejashwi wants to give an impression that he is a larger-than-life leader in the RJD. He was trying to achieve more bargaining capacity with the Congress in Bihar, hence the RJD announced it will contest elections in West Bengal, Assam and Kerala," Anand said. Olympic athletes and vaccination As the Japan summer games near, countries like Israel, Hungary and others have announced plans to push Olympic-bound atheletes to the front in the vaccination line. But in some other nations including the United States, Britain and Italy, there is opposition to the idea that athletes should be given priority for vaccination. The debate squares off those who argue on the lines of morality against others calling for basic exceptions in extraordinary times. In this context, how the countries proceed could determine whether the Olympics will be a celebration of crisis times, or a global virus super-spreader event. Read here Let's look at the global statistics Global infections: 114,067,962 Global deaths: 2,531,004 Nations with most cases: US (28,605,650), India (11,112,241), Brazil (10,551,259), Russia (4,198,400) United Kingdom (4,188,827). Source: John Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center Philippines kicks off vaccinations, thanks to China In a boost to diplomatic relations, Philippines has rolled out its vaccination programme using the shots donated by China. The country's President Rodrigo Duterte plans to visit China later this year to personally thank President Xi Jinping. The country aims to vaccinate up to 70 million citizens this year, or over half the population. However concerns linger around the vaccination programme in the country. For one, there is low public confidence in the vaccines given by China. That aside, some experts fear the Chinese donations may compromise the country's position on pressing issues such as the South China Sea, where Philippines and China are locked in a territorial dispute. Read here Covid has taken wind out of Dutch politics Despite being one of the slowest to rollout the vaccines, and Covid-induced curfew clashes and arrests in the last month, the coalition government led by prime minister Mark Rutte is in a dominant position to form the government once again as election looms. Analysts say the has almost completely pacified the political debate and taken all the energy out of politics. There are no dominant themes emerging with little real campaigning. The voting is due to begin on March 15, and it will be continued for two more days to offset the virus impact. Read here New Zealand PM under pressure over latest Covid cluster Auckland will remain under level-three curbs, with everyone asked to stay at home as authorities found a community infection of unknown origin. In the meanwhile New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern is under pressure over how to respond to those undermining the country's Covid response. The opposition is pushing for greater enforcement of self-isolation directives and fines for those flouting the rules. Ardern said breaking the rules was unacceptable and that those who had done so were facing the full judgement of the entire nation. The priority was containing this cluster, she said. Everyone is angry. I absolutely accept that people want to see repercussions." Read here WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday amid growing pressure to find a workable immigration policy, as he faces criticism from liberal Democrats for detaining migrant children and accusations from Republicans that he is recklessly throwing open the nation's borders amid a pandemic. Biden and Lopez Obrador issued a joint declaration affirming their will to cooperate on migration issues, particularly the long-term goal of creating more jobs in southern Mexico and Central America. But whether Biden can get Mexico's immediate help to contain the growing border influx was not clear. A surge of unaccompanied minors at the border has put an early strain on Biden's presidency as he pushes to reverse the immigration policies of former president Donald Trump. Biden has frozen construction of the border wall, curbed deportations and welcomed asylum seekers that his predecessor sought to keep in Mexico. In Monday's meeting, Biden made it clear he felt ties between the two countries could improve significantly. "There's a long and complicated history between our nations, and we haven't always been perfect neighbors with one another, but we have seen over and over again the power and purpose when we cooperate," Biden said. Lopez Obrador also hinted that relations between the two countries have left something to be desired. "It is important that we base our good relationship on constant dialogue," he said. "I know our relations in the future will be even better." Mexican officials said the meeting, scheduled for 45 minutes, stretched on for twice that time, and was cordial. The topics included migration, development, the economy, climate change and the pandemic. Mexican officials said they emphasized the importance of opening up more legal pathways for migrants, an idea that the Biden administration has supported. There is little doubt the immigration issue has vexed the early weeks of the Biden presidency, and the political stakes are only likely to increase in coming weeks. Lopez Obrador came to Monday's meeting with requests of his own, including help in ensuring that coronavirus vaccines are available to poorer countries such as Mexico, which has been devastated by the pandemic. "We're going to talk about that," Biden said Monday, but declined to say whether he would agree. The Mexican president also planned to propose a new temporary worker program that could bring 600,000 to 800,000 Mexican and Central American immigrants into the United States annually. The challenge of immigration was evident elsewhere Monday as well. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it was sending personnel from northern and coastal stations to the Rio Grande Valley, where agents have been increasingly diverted to cope with the growing numbers of families, teens and children crossing from Mexico. And a day after Trump blasted Biden's border policies, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said it was Trump's administration that was at fault for the growing number of unaccompanied minors held in U.S. custody after crossing the Mexico border. The former president's policies left Biden with a "gutted" immigration system, Mayorkas said, adding that detention of children represents a "challenge" rather than a "crisis." "We are challenged at the border," Mayorkas said. "It is a stressful challenge." The virtual session continued Biden's effort to restore traditional alliances after Trump's fiery tenure, including solidarity across North America. Biden met last week with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was clearly relieved to be dealing with Biden instead of Trump. The meeting with Lopez Obrador was more fraught. Lopez Obrador, a left-wing populist, was among the last major foreign leaders to recognize Biden's victory. He had forged a surprisingly close partnership with Trump; both were charismatic campaigners who built popular movements as political outsiders. The coronavirus pandemic has now given another twist to U.S.-Mexico relations. Lopez Obrador is a vocal critic of global inequity in vaccine distribution, and he said Monday before the meeting that would be a top subject at the session with Biden. A reporter asked Lopez Obrador whether he would press Biden to authorize U.S.-based firms to sell their vaccines to other countries. "If President Biden wishes, he can give us an answer in the conversation about the vaccines," Lopez Obrador responded. "We have to be respectful, but it's a subject that matters a lot to us." But the overriding issue between the two countries remains migration. Biden during his campaign often denounced Trump's treatment of migrant children in particular as "inhumane." But he angered some fellow Democrats last month when his administration opened its own tent facility in South Texas to cope with the growing number of minors in government custody. That facility was far different from the austere Border Patrol warehouse that was central to Trump's 2018 family separation crackdown, but many activists still found it hard to square with Biden's promise of a more humane approach. A U.S. diplomat familiar with Latin American issues said the Biden administration wants to work with Lopez Obrador migration, as well as other issues, but acknowledged that "it's a complicated relationship right now." He spoke on the condition of anonymity to deliver a frank assessment. Speaking before Monday's meeting, the diplomat said that on border security, the message would be that "we're open to ideas" because the current situation "is just not tenable." "It's their country," the diplomat added, emphasizing that Biden would respect Mexico's sovereignty. However, he said, "What we're not going to do is pretend there's no problem." Meanwhile, Trump - who rode a tough-on-immigration message to the White House in 2016, and has hinted at another run in 2024 - has wasted little time attacking Biden as soft on the issue. "When I left office just six weeks ago, we had created the most secure border in U.S. history," Trump said Sunday in a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference, disregarding the rising number of illegal crossings recorded during his last several months in office. "It took the new administration only a few weeks to turn this unprecedented accomplishment into a self-inflicted humanitarian and national security disaster," Trump said. - - - Sieff reported from Mexico City. UW Construction Management Program Offers Two New Scholarships The University of Wyoming Construction Management Program is now offering its first two scholarships. The first is the Joseph and Patricia Grabowski Scholarship in Construction Management, established by Joe, a 1982 UW alumnus, and Patty Grabowski. The second, the Marcy Civil and Architectural Engineering Excellence Fund, was established by Dewey Marcy, a friend of UW and the personal representative for the Samuel J. Marcy Estate. These are the first two program scholarships dedicated to the new Construction Management Program at UW, says Francois Jacobs, a UW associate professor of civil and architectural engineering in the Construction Management Program. Students in the program will be eligible to receive the scholarships to help support their construction management academic journey at UW. The Grabowskis made a total gift commitment of $25,000 to establish a nonendowed scholarship. The purpose of this nonendowed scholarship is to recruit and retain well-rounded individuals who are residents of the United States and who are enrolled in UWs Construction Management Program. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must demonstrate strong academic achievement, with a minimum 3.0 overall grade-point average (GPA), which could include a combination of UW and transfer GPAs. Recipients also must be positive representatives for the Construction Management Program. One or more recipients will be selected annually, with yearly amounts of $2,500 awarded. It has been an honor and privilege for Patty and me to support the development of the new Engineering Education and Research Building and, now, to continue that support through establishing a new scholarship program for construction management students, Joe Grabowski says. Over 40 years ago, UW placed a bet on a long-haired kid and awarded a full scholarship to get my masters degree. We are forever grateful to UW and the state of Wyoming, and remain humbled for the endless opportunities that provided us throughout our lives and careers, Grabowski continues. Patty and I have been truly blessed as a result of UWs generosity 40 years ago and, now, we are placing our own bet on the next generation of UW students. Sam Marcys estate made a total gift commitment of $170,000 to establish an endowed excellence fund. Appropriations for expenditure from the fund will be used to foster excellence and provide financial support to the UW Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering. The fund may support student scholarships in areas such as the Construction Management Program. Because this is an excellence fund that can support both the department and scholarships, there is no set annual scholarship award. Rather, it will be at the discretion of the department to use the funds strategically, says Teddi Freedman, a director of development for the UW Foundation. As executor of my brother, Sam Marcys estate, I had the opportunity to talk with Sam about possible choices for the charitable donation portion of his estate, Dewey Marcy explains. Sam was agreeable to giving a gift to the University of Wyoming Department of Civil Engineering. Sam Marcy received a Ph.D. in civil engineering, was a Wyoming resident, and took the time to visit UWs civil engineering department, Dewey Marcy says. Sam was always interested in what the students were doing, and became actively involved by suggesting several possible senior design projects, Dewey Marcy says. One suggestion was to synchronize binoculars so that one person could help another to find a point of interest. The University of Wyoming patented this suggestion and received a patent, which has Sams name on it as co-inventor. How to eliminate piles of tumbleweeds that accumulate against snow fences along the highways was another project suggested by Sam Marcy. Our family is pleased to see that the civil engineering department at the University of Wyoming will have this gift from Sams estate to help with their continuing work with civil engineering students, Dewey Marcy says. To learn more about UWs Construction Management Program, visit www.uwyo.edu/civil/construction-management/index.html. Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for shipping over 500 thousand 'Made in India' COVISHIELD vaccines to the nation lauding India for 'generously and selflessly' assisting the Caribbean in their fight against COVID-19. Taking to Twitter to thank India, Prime Minister Gaston Browne also shared an image of him and PM Modi from the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting where the two nation-heads had last interacted with each other. Thanking PM Modi for the 500K AstraZeneca vaccines that he generously and selflessly shared with the Caribbean to assist in the fight against COVID. circa 2019.@PMOIndia @IndiainGuyana @drkjsrini pic.twitter.com/mrx4Dcl8z9 OPMAntiguaBarbuda (@AntiguaOpm) March 1, 2021 As a part of its vaccine diplomacy, India on Monday shipped half a million COVID-19 vaccines destined for over 4 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries and Suriname. Sharing the development on Twitter, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the move came as part of India's commitment to the Caribbean Community. Keeping our CARICOM commitment. Made in India vaccines arrive at Antigua for Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines and Suriname. pic.twitter.com/qfabgZfcfx Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 1, 2021 Read: SAARC Nations Thank PM Modi For Vaccines; Support All 5 Proposals After COVID-19 Workshop Read: Justin Trudeau Thanks India Over Fighting COVID, Securing Vaccine Doses For Canadians India's Vaccine Maitri earns international applause Emphasizing its 'neighbourhood first' policy, India began sending millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccines as grants to friendly to SAARC member nations, after its two vaccines were approved by the DGCI. To date, India has supplied it's 'Made in India' vaccines to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Seychelles Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Mauritius. Later, the nation broadened its ambit by supplying vaccines to distant countries with friendly ties such as Brazil, Ghana and several other nations in the Caribbean and the Middle East. The nation has also won global praise for its Vaccine Maitri programme which aims to aid poor countries amidst the global pandemic. WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also personally expressed his gratified to Prime Minister Modi and India for sharing the COVID-19 vaccines remarking how its commitment was helping more than 60 countries to start vaccinating their health workers and other priority groups. PM Modi has responded to the WHO chief saying-- "We are all together in the fight against this pandemic" and that India is committed to sharing resources, experiences, and knowledge for global good. The nation has also vowed to supply 2,00,000 doses of vaccines to the United Nations for vaccinating the peacekeepers, which has also gained the appraisal of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Read: All Together In Fight Against Pandemic: PM Modi Responds To WHO Chief's Vaccine Gratitude Read: WHO Chief Thanks India And PM Narendra Modi For Supporting 'vaccine Equity' Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Lockdown without aid package is inhuman and will cause huge suffering and damage: AAP Miss India Delhi 2019 joins AAP India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 01: Former Miss India Delhi Mansi Sehgal joined the Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of party leader Raghav Chadha, the AAP said in a statement on Monday. Speaking on the occassion, Sehgal, Miss India Delhi 2019, said she was "inspired by the honest governance of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal" and therefore chose to join the AAP. For any nation to prosper, health and education are the two main pillars and there has been a "tremendous change" in these fields in the last few years under the leadership of Kejriwal, she said. "Inspired by the honest governance of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and hardwork of MLA Raghav Chadha, I chose to join the Aam Aadmi Party, and I feel that through clean politics, we can bring about a substantial change in the world that we live in," Sehgal stated. AAP sets eyes on 2022 Guj Assembly polls after strong show in Surat Chadha inducted Sehgal into the AAP at Naraina Vihar Club in the presence of several residents. "I am delighted that the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal instill confidence in young people to join politics and serve the people, and the AAP family is growing leaps and bounds with each passing day. I welcome Mansi into the AAP family," Chadha said. Sehgal is also a TedX speaker, trained engineer and an entrepreneur with her own startup, the party statement said. Calling upon youth and women to be an active part of politics and to join the AAP, Sehgal said, "I would urge our youth and particularly our women to come and join us, and bring about the change that we all wish to see." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News Chadha said several eminent persons from Naraina in his constituency inspired by Kejriwal's "pro-people" governance model have joined the AAP. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 13:03 [IST] The Managing Director and founder of JetsGo Holidays, which specialises in UK holidays to Mallorca, Daniel Reilly, is all set to resume operations to the island but he made it clear to the Bulletin this week that, as far as Spain and the Balearics are concerned, there are still too many variables and more clarity is needed. Daniel, who spends most of the year based in Mallorca, founded JetsGo Holidays in 2016 after having moved into the tourist industry full time in 2010 after having spent five years serving in the Merseyside Police Force. And now, he is all set to resume flights to Mallorca in the post Covid era. The announcement made by the British government was very welcome, at least it was clear and it gave us some dates to work on, it allowed us to set out a roadmap. Personally, I doubt it will be take off on May 17, weve opted for the middle of June to be safe and to prevent any further complications, set backs and false starts for our customers. That said, it would be helpful if members of the British government would stop contradicting what Boris Johnson outlined in his lockdown lifting announcement. There is a lot of pent up demand but its still going to be a very tough season. Sadly its going to be the year of the haves and have nots. There are those who have spent some 15 months on furlough, sitting at home and have more money to spend than they would usually. They will be going on holiday and have more options. On the other hand there are those who have lost their jobs and, if they can afford a holiday are going to be watching their pennies. That said, weve had a number of cancellations from people who had booked but can no longer afford a holiday this year due to a downturn in their financial situation. And this is where Mallorca has got to be very careful. Ive been in negotiations with hoteliers over the past few months and many are determined to put their prices up. Over the past few years, Mallorca has become an expensive destination. I know hoteliers have invested in upgrading their hotels to four star and want a return on their money. But this is not the year. Reports of a 500 percent increase in bookings with easyJet, for example, are what hoteliers are basing their price increases on. But theyve got to be realistic. In easyJets case, for their bookings to return to anywhere near normal, they would need a 10,000 percent increase in bookings. So, hoteliers have got to be careful they dont price Mallorca out of the market. As weve seen. Greece has come in very hard this year and is ready to open its doors. Apart from offering extremely good value for money and competitive prices, it also has its travel requirements clearly laid out. The Greek tourism authorities have been in close talks with London for months and have worked out that the best approach is to allow tourists in who have either had a vaccine or a a test and a rapid antigen test is accepted. And this makes sense. PCRs are far too expensive and take time. For a family of four, if they need to have just the one PCR each, thats an extra cost of 400 pounds, if they need more, it does not make the holiday financially viable and this is where Spain needs to start transmitting a positive message. Last year Madrid and Palma were extremely vocal about the need for air corridors etc., now theyve gone quiet. We need clarity from Madrid and Palma. There is still a lack of confidence in the UK market, people want to travel, they are desperate, but they want safety and security. They want to know what is going to happen, whats the protocol in resorts. And, I cant stress enough that price is going to be king more than ever this year, so Mallorca needs to decide very quickly how it intends to open this year - otherwise it could miss out. If its plan is to wait for a late booking market, it may find its missed the boat this year and we cant afford to waste another season considering that the opportunity is now there to slowly start getting back to normal. If the bars are going to start reopening gradually this week, we need to know what is going to be happening in four months time otherwise people will look elsewhere. Weve got four flights per week out of Belfast, Derry, Inverness and Teeside and 70 percent of those who lost their holidays last year, have rebooked for this year, so we are in quite a good position. Plus two of the airports have contracted companies to carry out the rapid test. That means people get tested prior to checking in and then get their result 15 minutes later. These tests are quick and cheap. The vaccine passport is going to take months to roll out, and thats providing it all works first time. Its all too complicated and we need to know what the Balearics are planning because the industry in the UK is ready to fly and so are millions of Britons. 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 Trinamool Congress is likely to axe several sitting MLAs from its candidate list for the upcoming elections, sources said on Monday. The party is planning to nominate more youths, women, and leaders with clean image and acceptability in their area, they said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met the party's 12- member election committee in the afternoon at her residence in Kalighat and brain-stormed over the nominations. "Today, the election committee authorised Mamata Banerjee to take the final call regarding selecting candidates," a senior TMC leader said. Nearly 30 per cent of the 294 constituencies, including those of the 19 MLAs who have switched over to BJP, are likely to have new candidates, the sources said. "Reports by Prashant Kishor's I-PAC on every MLA and their constituencies are likely to play a key role in the candidate selection," another TMC leader, who was present at the meeting, said. "How the MLAs have performed in the last five years, their image in the area and acceptability will be the main parameters. This time we won't be taking any chances," he added. Another party leader said that elderly MLAs with age above 75 are likely to be dropped. "Stress will be given on nominating more woman leaders. Last time our candidate list had around 33 per cent woman candidates. This time it will go up further," he said. In 2016, the TMC won 211 seats in the 294-member House. The Left-Congress alliance had bagged 77 seats, and the BJP three. The elections this time, which are seeing a stiff contest between the TMC and the BJP, will be held in eight phases, beginning with polling for 30 seats on March 27. Votes will be counted on May 2. After having a marginal presence in the politically polarised state for decades, the BJP has emerged as the ruling Trinamool Congress's main rival over the last couple of years, managing to win 18 out of 42 seats in the Lok Sabha polls of 2019 and following it with inducting popular TMC MLAs, MP and ministers into the party. Associated Insurance Administrators Logo I feel confident with Patrick Albrecht at the helm of AIA and an empowered and cross-functional organizational structure in place, that we can transform our considerable expertise into more competitive product offerings that will drive revenue growth as well as customer satisfaction. Associated Insurance Administrators (AIA) today announced the appointment of Patrick Albrecht as President. The position of President was previously filled externally by a member of the AIA Board of Directors and the move brings the authorities and responsibilities into the day-to-day operations. This shift to having in-company leadership will help guide the company through an internal reorganization to a more agile corporate structure. Prior to becoming President, Albrecht was the Senior Vice President for AIA. He is a 20-year veteran of the insurance industry. Albrecht serves on the Board of Directors for the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA). He is active in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a Colonel with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations (SAF/IEI), the Pentagon, Arlington, VA. Associated Insurance Administrators (AIA) is a program administrator and wholesale supplier of the highest-quality Workers Comp Insurance products to Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers, providing exclusive carrier relationships, highly-customized underwriting, and expert risk mitigation and claims management. Primarily serving agencies in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, AIAs expertise in the niches it serves is unmatched by any other program administrator in the region. Some of its specialty Workers Comp coverages include temporary staffing, healthcare, public sector, school systems and universities, social services, and not-for-profit organizations. In this new cross-functional structure, marketing, underwriting, and claims, will work together, led by Alisha Seal in a newly created position of Chief Insurance Officer. By breaking down the traditional silos of their business, AIA expects to deliver what the market wants in an innovative, energetic and synergistic way. President Albrecht explains the importance of the reorganization to AIA. He said, I am very proud to step into the role of President at this important time in AIAs history. Our employees are some of the most experienced and brightest people in the industry. This reorganization will unleash them to be more responsive and creative. It will add a sense of urgency and provide a structure that allows them to work more interactively. Out of this structure I believe we will deliver products with compelling value for our customers. AIA is also going through a refresh of its exclusive workers comp program with National Liability & Fire, an A.M. Best rated A++, XV, Berkshire Hathaway company. Expected changes from this refresh include more competitive pricing for profitable accounts, changes in guidelines to streamline underwriting authorities, expanding supporting product line offerings for targeted industries, and improved responsiveness on submissions. AIA expects these changes will provide significant growth opportunities for their independent agency partners. AIA CEO Bill Dean emphasized the importance of this move. In the rapidly changing Workers Comp insurance climate, we realized we were not able to serve our customers as well as we needed from a static structure. I feel confident with Patrick Albrecht at the helm of AIA and an empowered and cross-functional organizational structure in place, that we can transform our considerable expertise into more competitive product offerings that will drive revenue growth as well as customer satisfaction. ABOUT AIA Since 1993, Associated Insurance Administrators, Inc. (AIA) has specialized in offering the highest-quality commercial insurance products to retail insurance agencies. We give our customers the tools and support they need to provide exceptional protection for the heart and soul of any company its people. Through exclusive industry partnerships, skillful underwriting and expert claims administration, AIA offers a proven track record of delivering great value to our agency customers. For more information about AIA, visit https://aiamga.com/, or follow us on LinkedIn, FaceBook, and Twitter. Email us at marketing@aiamga.com, or call 1-800-891-4242. Contact: Christine Heine, 309-840-3702; chris.heine@onefire.com Several TV channels were broadcasting the vaccination process live. Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has had his COVID-19 vaccine shot. The minister got vaccinated in public at Kyiv's Oleksandrivska Clinical Hospital in the presence of journalists, an UNIAN correspondent reported. Several TV channels were broadcasting the vaccination process live. Prior to the vaccination, the minister held a press briefing. Read alsoOnline registration for COVID-19 vaccination kicks off on March 1When asked how he feels after the shot, Stepanov said: "Perhaps better than before the vaccination." The minister also thanked the medical staff for their job done. "If you do not get vaccinated, you are playing a game. If, God forbid, you contract the virus, you do not know what the course of the disease could be. And if you are vaccinated, you will definitely either not get sick at all, or your case will be mild," he said. Stepanov said he had proved by his own example that the vaccine that Ukrainians were being vaccinated with was "absolutely safe and effective." The minister reiterated he was feeling well after the vaccination. "A small percentage always have some reactions this is understandable, but when you evaluate this reaction and the benefits of the vaccination, it is clear it is even impossible to compare," Stepanov added. Vaccination in Ukraine On February 22, the Ukrainian Health Ministry registered the Oxford/AstraZeneca (Covishield) COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The vaccine was developed by the University of Oxford in partnership with the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and authorized by the UK, the European Union, and India. On February 23, the first batch of the Covishield vaccine arrived in Ukraine. On February 24, Ukraine launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign. About 160 healthcare workers were first who got vaccinated. Reporting by UNIAN SPRINGFIELD Municipal and health officials, including representatives of city-based hospitals, praised the continued positive trends for the coronavirus in Massachusetts and newly eased restrictions on Monday, but continued to urge vigilance. The optimism was voiced at the weekly update conducted at City Hall by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, department heads, and top administrators for Baystate Health and Mercy Medical Center. There were 414 new COVID-19 cases in Springfield last week, Feb. 21-27, reflecting a decrease 179 cases (30.2%) from the prior week. There wee 593 new cases the week of Feb.14-20. That compared to the week of Jan. 3-9, when the city peaked at 1,177 new cases, which has been followed by a gradual decline in new cases over the past two months. .Clearly, we are seeing a dramatic decrease in our cases from what we were seeing back in Jan. 3, said Helen Caulton-Harris, the citys commissioner of health and human services. That is definitely good news for us. Both Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, and Dr. Robert Roose, chief medical officer of Mercy Medical Center, said they support the eased restrictions in Massachusetts given the recent positive trends in reduced new cases, reduced hospitalizations and deaths. The relaxed restrictions, announced by Gov. Charlie Baker, included allowing restaurants to open at full capacity, but under COVID restrictions. Caulton-Harris said it is important that the public understand that although restrictions were eased, the city remains in the red category of being at high risk of COVID-19. No one should relax their behavior at this point, Caulton-Harris said. This is not the time to celebrate. This is not the time to think that this virus, this pandemic is dissipating because we dont know that. City and hospital officials said they continue to push the state for increased vaccinations to help continue the trend for reduced cases of COVID-19. The increase in vaccination and continued adherence to guidelines such as wearing of face coverings, social distancing, and staying away from congregations of people is critical for dissipating the virus, local officials said. They praised the pending addition of a third vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. Sarno and Caulton-Harris said their requests for more vaccines include efforts to create five neighborhood locations in Springfield, particularly to expand the outreach to minority communities. In Springfield, there were seven new deaths of Springfield residents related to COVID-19 last week, city officials said. The relaxed restrictions in Massachusetts also allow all businesses to reopen at an increased capacity of 50%, excluding employees. Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters and other spaces are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 people allowed inside. Baystate Health reported having 78 patients with COVID-19, as of Monday, as compared to 86 patients a week earlier. Mercy Medical Center reported having 19 patients as of Monday including four in intensive care. A week earlier, Mercy reported having 30 patients. City departments reported a continued trend of few employees being out with COVID-19. There Police Department had one officer out due to COVID-19, and the Fire Department had one employee out with the virus as well, continuing a trend of numbers in the low single digits. Cybersecurity When water utilities get hacked, who should they call? The federal government's leading cybersecurity agency said a potentially lethal breach of a Florida water treatment plant last month was caused by two factors: a desktop sharing application being widely used due to the coronavirus pandemic and an outdated operating system no longer receiving security updates. The close call is now prompting lawmakers to question what entities govern cybersecurity at water utilities and what changes must be made before a future attack succeeds in harming the public. Cybersecurity regulations for different industries vary because the rules are set by whichever government agency or panel is responsible for that sector. For water treatment facilities like the one in Oldsmar, Fla., the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible. That designation comes from an Obama-era policy directive that stated the EPA is the sector-specific agency for water and wastewater systems. In the event of a compromise, such as what happened Feb. 5, EPA partners with the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to investigate. EPA is also charged with administering requirements in America's Water Infrastructure Act, according to an agency spokesman. Any plant serving more than 3,300 people has to plan for "malevolent acts" such as a cybersecurity threat and maintain risk assessments as well as emergency response plans. Those efforts are managed by the water security division which assists facilities in "preparing for, identifying, responding to, and recovering from" cybersecurity threats," according to the spokesman. While the EPA requires that water utilities certify their response plans and risk assessments are completed, the agency does not receive copies of those documents, the spokesman added. The EPA's 2021 budget request included approximately $7.7 million for assisting local and state water utilities with preparing their infrastructure against both physical and cybersecurity threats. The funding goes toward in-person training workshops, conducting tabletop exercises to improve mutual aid agreements among facilities and "advancing recognition of vulnerabilities and needed responses related to cyber risk management," according to the agency's budget justification documents. Lawmakers in the latest spending bill funded the EPA's homeland security portfolio, which includes other programs in addition to water systems, slightly higher than the agency's requested amount. "While much emphasis has been placed on physical and cybersecurity needs, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need to also ensure that a sufficient number of trained personnel are available at all times to operate these critical systems," lawmakers wrote in a report accompanying the spending bill. But is an agency like the EPA equipped to set the cybersecurity standards for water utilities and is there a viable path for change if not? The answer, cybersecurity experts tell FCW, is not clear cut: a higher level of cyber expertise across the board of the federal government is necessary, but expecting CISA to become a regulatory arbiter or for lawmakers to yield ground on the jurisdiction of cybersecurity appears to be unrealistic. "Having separate regulators is important because each industry faces unique challenges in cybersecurity," said David Forscey, managing director of the Aspen Cybersecurity Group. "The federal agencies who oversee the nuclear and healthcare sectors employ people who understand those realities and are less likely to write rules that make zero practical sense." Forscey added that a single cybersecurity regulator is probably not politically viable either. The structure of congressional committees provides dozens of panels with some level of jurisdiction on the issue. Centralizing authority with CISA would also effectively cordon off the issue of cybersecurity for dozens of lawmakers and their committees, something Congress has historically resisted when members previously proposed a select committee on cybersecurity. Sarah Powazek, an analyst at the Institute for Security and Technology, said it is appropriate that the EPA would manage systems for water facilities given their understanding of the sector. But there is an opening for an agency like CISA to play a larger role in setting standards and best practices. "Though this would require a significant increase in authority and funding, this role change has support," she said, referring to a panel of cybersecurity experts who made a similar suggestion to House lawmakers in February. "The 101 federal civilian agencies are simply not in a position to secure themselves all by themselves. And the reason for that is the lack of resources, the lack of personnel and the and the lack of follow through," Chris Krebs, the former director of CISA, told the House Homeland Security Committee. But if CISA were to take on a bigger role as a regulator, that could jeopardize the relationships it has worked to build outside government, said Matt Hayden, formerly a senior official at DHS and CISA during the Trump administration. Because CISA approaches companies, agencies and other non-governmental organizations as a partner trying to help, rather than a regulator that will potentially alter policy, CISA is able to have much more candid conversations, Hayden said. "That's where CISA as a partner to existing regulators has such a strong presence," he added. "There probably needs to be a federal action to provide these municipalities a way out of their legacy environments to provide for better cybersecurity protections and more modern solutions," he added. At least one lawmaker is already eyeing specific changes. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top lawmaker on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, recently sent a letter to the FBI and Environmental Protection Agency asking if the Oldsmar facility was compliant with the 2015 Water and Wastewater Systems Sector-Specific plan and if that plan should be updated. "This incident has implications beyond the 15,000-person town of Oldsmar," he wrote. "While the Oldsmar water treatment facility incident was detected with sufficient time to mitigate serious risks to the citizens of Oldsmar future compromises of this nature may not be detected in time." The Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which provides advice to the federal government through the water sector coordinating council, did not respond to requests for comment for this story. Regardless of what Congress or regulatory agencies do in the coming months, Forscey, the Aspen Cybersecurity Group official, argued the "jury is out" on what effect cybersecurity regulations actually have in protecting public utilities. "You can show with convincing data that federal aviation safety rules have reduced airline disasters," Forscey said. "But you will be hard pressed to find anyone who can prove cybersecurity regulations for finance, healthcare and energy or transportation industries have reduced cyber risk. We just don't have that data." New water regulations planned for Wales will 'kill off' family dairy farms and boost industrial scale dairy production, according to a farming union. The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has warned that tenants, young farmers and small family farms are at risk of the plans, to be rolled out this year. The Welsh government will introduce a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) designation across the whole of Wales in a move that has angered industry groups. NVZs are areas within Wales that contain surface water or groundwater susceptible to nitrate pollution from agricultural activities. Agricultural pollution incidents 'remain very high', according to the Welsh government, averaging over three per week in the last three years. It said some of these had led to the contamination of drinking water sources and the destruction of plant and aquatic life in parts of waterways. But FUW Milk Committee Chairman, Dai Miles said the regulations would have massive financial and production impacts for dairy farms. He said his committee had an overwhelming view that tenants and small dairy farms would most likely go out of production as a result of the all-Wales NVZ. The anger has triggered Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, Llyr Gruffydd to table a Senedd debate, to be held on 3 March, proposing that the regulations be annulled. For many family farms this will be the end of production, as the level of investment needed will be the final straw," Mr Miles said. "These regulations will decimate the tenanted dairy sector and scupper the plans of many young farmers and farmworkers who want to get a foothold on the dairying career ladder. "Senedd Members need to understand that when they vote on this issue on the 3 March. He warned that the average dairy business in Wales would not be able to afford the extra land and infrastructure needed for the plans. "[This] will likely be taken over by large companies operating mega dairies that can afford slurry treatment plants and use the redundant small farms as dumping ground for the treated manure. A number of Senedd members have spoken out against large herds and super dairies, and those individuals need to fully understand the implications of supporting these regulations. "The knock on effect to large parts of the rural economy will be even more dramatic and the effect on suppliers and those other up-stream industries will have far reaching consequences. However, the Welsh government said in January that the industry has had the past four years to address the issue of pollution. The Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said agricultural pollution had affected water bodies across Wales for 'far too long'. "I am determined to act to protect the Welsh countryside, while supporting our farmers that want to do the right thing," she said. "We continue to face a rate of more than three agricultural pollution incidents per week, and against such a backdrop, we are bound to do all we can protect the public and the environment. "This also provides an opportunity for farmers to uphold exceptional standards that in turn will bolster the image of Wales agricultural industry." Initial 'good practice requirements' for the NVZ roll-out will be introduced from 1 April 2021. ROME - A reported 12,655 people have been rescued by Turkish coast guards in territorial waters in 2020, including migrants and asylum seekers, according to data published by the general command of Ankara's coast guards. Rescue missions at sea were 935 last year, the same source said. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, a 176% increase of rescued people was registered, along with a 41% increase of operations compared to the previous year when 4,592 people were rescued in 662 operations. Turkish authorities have repeatedly accused Greece of illegally pushing back migrants that departed from Turkey's coasts to travel to the Greek island in the Aegean Sea. According to Turkish coast guards, the majority of operations (11,494) concerned people who were illegally sent back by Greek officials. Greece has always denied the allegations that were also made by investigative media reports and by NGOs. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-02 01:05:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean Vice President Kembo Mohadi resigned from his post on Monday in the wake of "immoral" allegations which have dogged him in the past few days. "I am stepping down as the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe in terms of Section 96(2) of the constitution of Zimbabwe (No.20) Act, 2013 with immediate effect," he said in a statement published by the Information Ministry on Twitter. In tendering his resignation, Mohadi maintained his innocence, saying he is a victim of "information distortion, voice cloning, and sponsored spooking and political sabotage." Enditem RIO DE JANEIRO - The senior health official looked into the camera, eyes wide. He had a message for those who wouldn't stop partying, wouldn't wear a mask, wouldn't take the coronavirus seriously. "We have no ICU beds for your mother," Rondonia state Health Secretary Fernando Maximo said. "We have no ICU beds your father, your aunt, your son, your girlfriend. We have no ICU beds for you." On the opposite end of the country, more than 1,000 miles away, Santa Catarina state Health Secretary Andre Motta had a similar warning: "We are reaching capacity!" And in the northeast: "Our health system will reach capacity and Brazil will be in chaos in two weeks," Bahia state Gov. Rui Costa said. While much of the world is using restrictions and vaccines to try to tame the coronavirus, Brazil's outbreak is worse than it has ever been. Deaths have hit a new high, averaging 1,208 per day over the past week. Public hospital occupancy is peaking. Health systems in more than half the country's 26 states are at or near capacity. And a highly transmissive and potentially more dangerous variant is spreading nationwide. From the earliest days, the severity of Brazil's outbreak has set the country apart from its peers. Under the chaotic leadership of President Jair Bolsonaro, the country has been consumed by internal divisions, set upon by medical quacks, unable to pull itself out from the abyss. More than a quarter million Brazilians are now dead, a toll surpassed only by the United States. The country's vaccination campaign is bogging down in shortages and delays. "In this scenario, if nothing is done, by March people will be fighting for both hospital beds - and graves in the cemetery," said Domingos Alves, the director of the Health Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Sao Paulo in Ribeirao Preto. "We are going to need to open new graveyards to bury the bodies." Health analysts warn that the global implications are significant. Brazil has shown a capacity to spawn new, potentially more dangerous mutations of the coronavirus. The variant known as P.1, which was discovered earlier this year, has stampeded the Amazonian city of Manaus, leading to more deaths in January and February than in all of 2020. "If Brazil does not control the virus, it will be the largest open laboratory in the world for the virus to mutate," said Miguel Nicolelis, an epidemiologist and neuroscientist at Duke University. "It could not only be the epicenter of the pandemic, but the epicenter of the dissemination of more lethal and infectious variants. It's in the interest of the entire planet." Nicolelis was visiting his mother in his native Brazil when the coronavirus arrived. He believed he'd be more of a help here than in the United States, so he decided to stay and advise. He has been studying the numbers ever since. Now the moment he long feared and predicted has arrived: "All regions are synchronized." When the virus hit Brazil last year, it targeted the cities first, then spread to the rural areas. That delay was a crucial break for Brazil. Health-care systems are heavily concentrated in the state capitals. So by the time people from rural communities began flooding city hospitals, the facilities had had time to regroup after the initial surge of urban patients. But the mass gatherings during the country's November elections, then the holiday parties and finally Carnival all put much of the country on the same ascent, pushing medical systems nationwide to the brink. "It's the first time in Brazilian history that two-thirds of the medical systems in the Brazilian capitals are collapsing at the same time," Nicolelis said. "And I'm not talking about Manaus. I'm talking about Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo. The wealthiest city in the Southern Hemisphere. It may have two weeks until it collapses." Nicolelis and Alves both urged an immediate nationwide shutdown for three weeks to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. "We are not going to be able to manage the bodies," Nicolelis said. "We can either right the country, or it will go downhill. And this time, I guarantee the abyss will be bigger than Brazil." But a coordinated nationwide effort to control the virus appears unlikely. Bolsonaro, who has from the beginning urged Brazilians to all but ignore the pandemic, has sought in recent days to minimize the shortage of hospital beds, criticized new restrictions being imposed by local officials and fretted about the side effects of using a mask. "They could harm children," he said late last week. "The side effects of masks are beginning to appear." He said they included irritability, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Some cities have imposed new restrictions, such as a curfew in Brasilia and the closure of nonessential businesses in Porto Alegre. Health analysts say they're woefully insufficient. But leaders have been extremely hesitant to fully shut down. Unemployment is peaking. The pandemic has plunged millions of Brazilians into poverty. The emergency cash payments the federal government offered last year have now been cut off. In Brazil, a country of vast inequality and social instability, shutting down without additional benefits could generate hunger and violence. Ligia Bahia, a public health professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, said the tragedy of Brazil has been the triumph of doubt over reason, politics over science. "We've lost," she said. "The scientists, we've lost. It ended up creating all of this polarization." But she said there was time for the government and the people to act. Brazil once had one of the strongest vaccination programs in the developing world. It has the capacity to vaccinate millions of people every day. A population largely willing to receive it. And the vaccine is here. Bahia worries, however, about what the coming weeks will bring. "It will get worse, certainly," she said. "There will be no letup." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 01, 2021] The MolinaCares Accord Donates $250,000 to Feeding Texas The MolinaCares Accord ("MolinaCares"), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Texas ("Molina"), has donated $250,000 to Feeding Texas to support millions of Texans struggling in the aftermath of severe weather and record-breaking cold endured throughout the state. "The pandemic already pushed more Texans than ever to access food assistance from food banks," said Celia Cole, CEO at Feeding Texas. "The need is even higher as we strive to help Texas families recver from the impact of the recent winter storms. We are grateful for MolinaCares and Molina Healthcare of Texas' support in helping Texas food banks keep their communities nourished through this crisis." The Feeding Texas network is the largest hunger-relief organization in Texas. Together with 21-member food banks, the organization reaches over four million Texans annually with food and resources. "Our hearts go out to Texans affected by the devastating storm that left millions without adequate food, clean drinking water, heat, or power," said Anne Rote, president of Molina Healthcare of Texas. "Molina Healthcare of Texas is honored to lend a hand during this trying time." About The MolinaCares Accord: Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. About Molina Healthcare of Texas: Since 2006, Molina Healthcare of Texas has been providing government-funded care for low-income individuals. As of December 31, 2020, the company served approximately 357,000 members through Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, Medicare Medicaid Program (MMP), and Health Insurance Exchange programs with service areas across Texas. For more information, visit MolinaHealthcare.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005827/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Prince Philip could face weeks more in hospital after being transferred to an NHS trust for a pre-existing heart condition, medics warned today. Buckingham Palace revealed The Duke of Edinburgh had been moved from the private King Edward VII Hospital to St Bartholomew's - commonly known as Barts - this morning for 'testing and observation' for an undisclosed, underlying heart issue. The Prince, 99, had spent two weeks at the private facility with a mystery infection, having initially been admitted for a 'few days' on February 16 after feeling unwell. His infection is not related to coronavirus and it's not clear whether it is linked to his heart condition. NHS cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra told MailOnline the Prince could be in hospital for 'four to six weeks' and given intravenous antibiotics, if it transpires that he has a heart infection, which he said was possible given his medical history. But Dr Malhotra added: 'It's more likely he had an infection elsewhere - it could've been in the urinary tract or a chest infection - and the stress on his body put strain on his heart. 'Therefore he had to be taken to a specialist cardiac centre to make sure heart is functioning while he is treated for the infection. What makes it more likely is his underlying heart issues.' Buckingham Palace suggested the Duke could be discharged by the end of the week and insiders said it was 'good news' he'd been moved to a second hospital. Despite enjoying an active lifestyle and carrying out Royal engagements until 2017, Prince Philip has suffered with an undisclosed heart condition for 30 years, which was only made public in 2007. The Duke - patron of the British Heart Foundation - also had a stent inserted during surgery for a blocked artery in 2011 after experiencing chest pains. The following year he developed a urinary infection and in 2013 he underwent abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition. More recently, he was admitted for an infection 'arising from a pre-existing condition' in June 2018 and again in December 2019 due to complications from an underlying problem. Dr Malhotra told MailOnline it was 'difficult to draw conclusions' about the Prince's current condition with the limited information. Prince Philip (pictured last July) could face weeks more in hospital after being transferred to an NHS trust for a pre-existing heart condition, medics warned today The Duke of Edinburgh was today moved from the private King Edward VII Hospital to St Bartholomew's - commonly known as Barts - for 'testing and observation' for an undisclosed, underlying heart issue (pictured being transferred) Police officers stand guard outside the Barts NHS hospital this morning From a blocked coronary artery to a urinary infection, Prince Philip's ailments in past 10 years Prince Philip has enjoyed excellent health for a 99-year-old and still enjoys an active lifestyle. But in recent years he has struggled a little more with illness, suffering from a number of ailments over the past decade, including: December 2011, four days in hospital: Prince Philip is airlifted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire from Sandringham two days before Christmas after suffering chest pains, and undergoes surgery for a blocked coronary artery four days in hospital: Prince Philip is airlifted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire from Sandringham two days before Christmas after suffering chest pains, and undergoes surgery for a blocked coronary artery June 2012, six days : Philip is taken to hospital after developing a urinary infection during the river pageant to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee : Philip is taken to hospital after developing a urinary infection during the river pageant to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee June 2013, 11 days : He has abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition and spends his 92nd birthday in hospital : He has abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition and spends his 92nd birthday in hospital December 2016: Both the Queen and Philip suddenly cancel plans to leave London for their festive break in Norfolk after they both come down with heavy colds Both the Queen and Philip suddenly cancel plans to leave London for their festive break in Norfolk after they both come down with heavy colds June 2016: The Duke pulls out of a Battle of Jutland anniversary event citing a minor ailment The Duke pulls out of a Battle of Jutland anniversary event citing a minor ailment June 2017, three days : Philip is admitted to hospital as 'a precautionary measure' for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition : Philip is admitted to hospital as 'a precautionary measure' for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition April 2018, 11 days: The Duke spends nearly a fortnight in hospital following his successful hip replacement The Duke spends nearly a fortnight in hospital following his successful hip replacement December 2019, five days: He is treated at King Edward Hospital in London for a 'pre-existing condition' He is treated at King Edward Hospital in London for a 'pre-existing condition' February 2021, 14 days (so far): Prince Philip is admitted to King Edward VII Hospital for treatment for an infection, before being transferred to St Bartholomew's Hospital 14 days later. Advertisement Dr Malhotra added: 'This is all speculation, it's difficult to draw conclusions with the limited information. 'He's far healthier than the average person of his age and is clearly a very robust and resilient man. I wish him very well and hope he gets better soon.' Barts describes itself as an 'internationally renowned hospital' and a 'centre of excellence for both cardiac and cancer care', located in the City of London near St Paul's Cathedral. The site includes Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular service at Barts Health Centre, while Barts Cancer Centre has a 'global reputation for treating common and rare cancers', according to the hospital. The clinic offers both private and NHS treatment. The NHS said the centre aspires to perform more heart surgery, MRI and CT scans than any other service in the world. A specialist heart attack centre delivers emergency care 24 hours a day, with rapid access to a team with specialist expertise and equipment. In January 2020 the service was rated number one for cardiac arrest survival rates in London, the NHS said, and the hospital will celebrate its 900th birthday in 2023. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said today: 'The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred from King Edward VII's Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. 'The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week.' Shortly after 11am today, Prince Philip was taken away from King Edward VII Hospital in an ambulance, but umbrellas screened him from press and broadcast cameras as he was helped into the back of an ambulance. A marked police van blocked the side street at the the exclusive private hospital on Beaumont Street in Marylebone, and there was also a police presence ensuring the road was clear. Uniformed officers also stood along the street beside the hospital to keep traffic and passers by moving. At a rear entrance, umbrellas were used to shield the gap between the hospital and the NHS ambulance. The Duke was admitted to the King last month as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell and walked in unaided. Buckingham Palace said last Wednesday he was 'comfortable' and responding to treatment. Both Philip and the Queen have received Covid-19 vaccinations and his infection is not related to coronavirus. On February 20, Prince Charles made a 200-mile round trip from his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire to see him. The Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter previously said Philip was likely to have 'requested' his eldest son's presence to discuss the future of the Royal Family, given recent developments with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirming they would not be returning as senior royals. The Duke, who is three months away from his 100th birthday, has also spoken to other members of the Royal Family on the phone. The Queen has remained at Windsor Castle where Philip had previously been staying. Last Tuesday, the Earl of Wessex said Philip was 'a lot better' when it was announced the Duke would spend several more days in hospital being treated for the infection. Prince Edward told Sky News: 'He's a lot better, thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing, so we keep our fingers crossed.' Timeline of Prince Philip's latest stay in hospital Here is the timeline of the Duke of Edinburgh's stay in hospital since his admission two weeks ago: Tuesday, February 16 - The duke is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital on a precautionary basis after feeling unwell. He travels from Windsor Castle by car. Philip is said to be in 'good spirits' and walks into the private hospital unaided. He is expected to stay for a few days. - The duke is admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital on a precautionary basis after feeling unwell. He travels from Windsor Castle by car. Philip is said to be in 'good spirits' and walks into the private hospital unaided. He is expected to stay for a few days. Friday, February 19 - Sources say Philip is now expected to remain in hospital for 'observation and rest' over the weekend and into the next week. - Sources say Philip is now expected to remain in hospital for 'observation and rest' over the weekend and into the next week. Saturday, February 20 - The Prince of Wales makes a 200 mile-round trip to see his father, spending around half an hour at the hospital. - The Prince of Wales makes a 200 mile-round trip to see his father, spending around half an hour at the hospital. Tuesday, February 23 - Seven days after the duke was admitted, the Palace says he is being treated for an infection and is 'comfortable and responding to treatment', but is not expected to leave hospital for several more days. The Earl of Wessex says the duke is a 'lot better' and looking forward to getting out. - Seven days after the duke was admitted, the Palace says he is being treated for an infection and is 'comfortable and responding to treatment', but is not expected to leave hospital for several more days. The Earl of Wessex says the duke is a 'lot better' and looking forward to getting out. T o day - Philip is transferred in an ambulance to St Bartholomew's Hospital for treatment for an infection and testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition, Buckingham Palace says. The duke is shielded from public view by large umbrellas as he leaves King Edward VII's Hospital. Advertisement (Natural News) Journalism watchdog Project Veritas has released footage of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressing concern about COVID-19 vaccines. A company insider sent the footage, allegedly taken from an internal weekly question and answer session. Zuckerbergs comments in the July 2020 footage expressed clear concern about the effects of Wuhan coronavirus jabs on ones DNA and RNA. The Facebook CEO said that time: I do just want to make sure that I share some caution on this [vaccine], because we just dont know the long-term side effects of basically modifying peoples DNA and RNA. [Also,] the ability to produce those antibodies and whether [the vaccine] causes other mutations or other risks downstream. So, theres work on both paths of vaccine development. But months later, Zuckerberg appeared to be singing a different tune. The Facebook head hosted a public live stream with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in November 2020. Zuckerberg said during the stream: Just to clear up one point, my understanding is that these vaccines do not modify your DNA or RNA. So thats just an important point to clarify. If Im getting anything wrong here, of course correct me. Fauci seconded Zuckerbergs statement, adding: First of all, DNA is inherent in your nuclear cell. Sticking in anything foreign will ultimately get cleared. Facebook did not respond to a request for comment sent by The Epoch Times on the matter. The social media platform had imposed strict guidelines on COVID-19 content that people can post. It has banned or restricted a number of users who flout these policies. A blog post penned by Facebook Vice President for Integrity Guy Rosen laid out the sites plan for dealing with misinformation about COVID-19. In a Feb. 8 update to the post, Facebook said it would expand efforts to remove false claims about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines and vaccines in general during the pandemic. The update came after consultations with leading health agencies, including the World Health Organization. Some of the additional claims that Facebook would remove include those that posit COVID-19 is man-made or manufactured and that vaccines are ineffective and cause autism, the post said. Prior to the blog post by Rosen, Facebook had already banned anti-vaccine content in advertisements. Posts claiming vaccinations are unsafe and will cause death and those going against health authorities guidance on vaccination were prohibited on the platform. However, the social media platform did not prohibit ads discussing vaccine legislation. Facebooks pro-vaccination stance only shows its clear bias toward Big Pharma Facebook banning anti-vaccine content on the site reveals its complicity with Big Pharma in pushing for harmful cures. It had earlier censored posts and videos that presented alternative ways of addressing certain illnesses. (Related: The censorship war on health information escalates as Facebook deletes health group for advocating low-carb eating habits and good nutrition.) Back in July 2020, NewsBusters reported that Facebook actively censored posts that promoted hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a treatment for COVID-19. The conservative news outlet cited a report by free speech advocacy group Reclaim The Net, which called the social media sites censorship a case of digital imperialism. Reclaim The Net also released a report confirming Zuckerbergs censorship of HCQ as a possible COVID-19 treatment. We do not want to become the arbiters of truth. But on specific claims, if someone is going to go out and say that [HCQ] is proven to cure [COVID-19], we think that we should take that [claim] down, the Facebook CEO told House lawmakers during a hearing. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) challenged Zuckerbergs statement, saying that doctors should be the one to decide if HCQ is the right medication for COVID-19. But the Facebook CEO insisted that the social media platform would have the final say on HCQ regardless of what actual medical professionals decide. Zuckerberg defended his anti-HCQ stance: Stating that there is a proven cure for COVID when there is, in fact, none, might encourage someone to go take something that could have some adverse effect. Zuckerbergs defense of his anti-HCQ stance followed a press conference that featured several doctors supporting the drugs use against COVID-19. The events organizer Dr. Simone Gold said treatment options for the Wuhan coronavirus should be debated and spoken about rather than being censored and silenced. (Related: Facebook bans Alzheimers, Dementia prevention education videos.) Visit MarkZuckerberg.news to read more stories about Facebooks censorship of alternative medical opinions. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com ProjectVeritas.com About.FB.com Facebook.com NewsBusters.org ReclaimTheNet.org COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. Investigators say that a man arrested in Douglas County on Friday was responsible for a string of fraud cases that stretched from Arizona, to Washington state, and ended in Oregon. 40-year-old Tyrone Curtis Powell allegedly used the alias "John P. Hope" as he established multiple fake non-profit organizations to bilk victims out of money and property. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, deputies began investigating Powell in the later months of 2020 in connection with an organization called the "Impossible Roads Foundation." An elderly victim originally planned to donate three acres of land to the foundation, thinking that it was a legimitate non-profit dedicated to building tiny homes for disabled veterans. Powell leveraged the donation to get almost 31 acres and a shop, then began using them as his own property, the Sheriff's Office said. "After the transaction for the property, Powell obtained Restraining Orders against the victim and filed criminal reports accusing the victim of other crimes, such as burglary and theft," the agency said. "Powell filed these reports and court documents using the alias of 'John Hope.'" Deputies later learned about Powell's true identity. The investigation found that Powell was raised in California before attending Yale Unversity and moving to Arizona, where he "became involved in fraudulent activity." During his time in Arizona, the Sheriff's Office said, Powell operated a number of fake non-profits including The Missing Piece Foundation, True Story World, The Missing Piece Foundation Endowment, Machine Seven Super Car Tour, and Love. In 2009, Powell was arrested in Arizona for buying a vehicle with a loan and removing the VIN and license plate, then reporting the vehicle stolen. He was also in civil court for defaulting on loan payments. "Powell made claims to law enforcement that he was a victim of identity theft resulting in hundreds of thousand dollars in loss," the Sheriff's Office said. An obituary for Powell was printed in the local newspaper in 2010. He fled the state a few years later, the Sheriff's Office said. After a brief stop in Alaska, Powell ended up in Bellingham, Washington. It was there, the Sheriff's Office said, that Powell began using the name John Hope. Powell managed to get a Washington ID and Social Security card under the new alias. Douglas County deputies visited Bellingham in January of 2021, interviewing multiple people who knew Powell as John Hope. The investigation found that the Impossible Roads Foundation had its roots in Bellingham, but most of the items donated to Powell through the fake non-profit were either abandoned or sold off, including shipping containers that had been donated with the understanding that they would be turned into tiny homes. "Deputies also investigated some of Powells history in Arizona and were able to contact an individual who was able to provide detailed history on Powells behavior and sudden disappearance from Arizona," the Sheriff's Office said. After a five-month investigation, deputies arrested Powell on Friday while executing search warrants at properties in Elkton and Cottage Grove. Powell was arrested and taken to the Douglas County Jail on a long list of charges, including Aggravated Theft. Additional charges may be added, the Sheriff's Office said. The Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information in regards to this investigation or Powell to please contact the Douglas County Sheriffs Office at dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us or through the tip line at 541-957-2099. Pro-life activist at CPAC slams 'anti-woman culture' that encourages abortion Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pro-life activists slammed the anti-woman culture that causes women to believe that having a baby will prevent them from achieving their life and career goals during a panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference Saturday. Moderated by the New York Posts Kelly Jane Torrance, the "Hard Questions for the Hard Cases: How to Defend Life" panel included Emily Berning, the CEO of the nonprofit pro-life organization Let Them Live; Alison Centofante, the director of external affairs at the pro-life group Live Action; and Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn. Torrance acted as devils advocate throughout the panel, asking the passionate pro-life activists to respond to some of the most common arguments from abortion supporters. She acknowledged widespread opposition to third-term abortions among Americans who describe themselves as pro-choice but noted that tougher questions come at the beginning or when there are medical issues. Responding to an inquiry about what to say to mothers who are seeking abortion because they find themselves in a difficult financial situation or think they are too young or because they are not in a relationship, Berning stressed that circumstances are temporary and abortion is permanent. Berning also took issue with the anti-woman culture thats saying if you have a baby, you cant do anything. You cant do it. You have to kill your child to be successful. That is what the culture is telling women and we have to be so opposite of that. She then described the work of her organization, Let Them Live, where she and her staff counsel pregnant women and explain that those temporary circumstances do not define you as a mother, they do not define you as a person, and we will help you get out of that so that you can make a life-affirming decision. Politics is downstream from culture, so if we expect to change anything, we need to change the culture and that starts with letting women know that we are here for them, she added. Torrance also referenced comments made by actress Michelle Williams, who, at last years Golden Globe Awards, said she didn't think she would've had the career she had if she didn't have an abortion at a young age. Berning rejected that argument: Its not one or the other. Why does our society say it has to be one or the other? You either choose your education or your child. You either choose paying for your rent or you choose your child. It does not have to be a one or the other situation, she asserted. Women are strong enough to do what they want to do in life and have a child if they choose. Asked to weigh in on exceptions to abortion bans if the life of the mother is at risk, Centofante explained that we have done so much research talking to the worlds leading OB/GYNs who say that the goal is to always, should be, to save them both. Centofante added, if that baby needs to be separated from that mother, the answer is early delivery, early induction or C-section, not dismembering that child. There is no need to go in and intentionally kill that child, she continued. An emergency C-section to help that mother can be done in under an hour or two, a third-trimester abortion that occurs after 24 weeks when these high-risk cases can develop takes two to three days. So you tell me whats safe. When Torrance asked what should be done if a doctor informs a mother that her baby would be born with serious, serious disabilities or serious developmental issues where the child will either die very quickly or will have a horrible, burdensome life, Centofante maintained that the child is a human being worthy of our legal protection. Torrance brought up a hypothetical situation in which a doctor says to a mother, this childs going to have a miserable life because of Down syndrome or another condition that will keep them from having a fulfilled life. In response, Berning pushed back on that way of thinking: Its no one persons job to decide for another person if their life is fulfilled. Health professionals need to speak up and speak out and be done with abortion, Centofante asserted as she recounted how during her pregnancy, a doctor asked her if she wanted to do prenatal testing to determine if her child had Down syndrome. She lamented that 90% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in the United States are killed. When a pregnant woman walks into Planned Parenthood, they see money, Centofante contended. When they walk into Let Them Live, Live Action, a pregnancy resource center, were like, Lets just help you. Centofante alleged that the reason abortion is so intertwined in politics and culture is because Planned Parenthood receives government funding. Pull their taxpayer funding and you will see the pro-life movement step in to take care of women and the abortion industry fade out. Its because were propping it up with our own money. Torrance then asked the panelists how one can convince atheists or agnostics who don't have an easy in to being pro-life that results from practicing a religion to oppose abortion. Science is showing us so much about the humanity of the unborn, Fischbach responded. I have five grandchildren and another on the way and when my children were born, you had those little grainy ultrasounds, she recalled. Now youve got the 4D and you can see if the babys smiling. The pro-life issue is not just a religious one, Berning added. It doesnt have to be religious, supporting women supporting unborn children; its just something we should do as human beings. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will join the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections from Tuesday. The BJP is preparing to launch a monumental attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's political fort and party sources claim that this will be one of the biggest election rallies in West Bengal. The party is planning a long schedule of Yogi Adityanath's election tour in the coming days. Adityanath is expected to give a glimpse of the development model he has followed in Uttar Pradesh to the voters in West Bengal, which is mired in poverty and backwardness. The BJP's strategy, apparently, is to respond to the ruling Trinamool Congress and their leaders in an aggressive manner. Yogi's aggressive campaigning style and influence on Hindu votes is expected to turn tables in favour of the BJP. The Yogi model of dealing with mafias and criminals in Uttar Pradesh, enrichment of cultural heritage and self-reliance in economy, are expected to be the main talking points of his speech in West Bengal, sources said. Yogi Adityanath, it may be recalled, was the only chief minister of the BJP, who campaigned in the municipal elections in Hyderabad. The effect of his election campaign was also seen in the election results. The BJP won 48 seats and pushed Owaisi's party to number three position. Earlier in the Bihar elections, people had seen Yogi Adityanath's prowess as a campaigner. He influenced the results on more than 75 seats in Bihar elections by 19 meetings in 17 districts. In the early stages of his candidacy, President Joe Biden was emphatic. Under his administration, Saudi officials implicated in the operation that led to the grisly death of dissident Jamal Khashoggi should "pay the price," Biden said during a Democratic debate, adding that his government would "make them in fact the pariah that they are." This wasn't just a barbed jab at a particular coterie of Saudi elites, most prominently Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Biden said he found "very little social redeeming value" in the Saudi government, a longtime U.S. ally, as a whole. Those words ring awkwardly now. Sure, the Biden administration is turning the page on "the grotesque and unprecedented coddling of Saudi Arabia by former president Donald Trump," as a Post editorial noted. But Biden opted to eschew direct punitive measures on the crown prince for his role in Khashoggi's assassination, even after his administration released a U.S. intelligence report that confirmed the U.S. assessment that the crown prince had approved of the operation in 2018 to target Khashoggi. "Since 2017, the Crown Prince has had absolute control of the Kingdom's security and intelligence organizations, making it highly unlikely that Saudi officials would have carried out an operation of this nature without the Crown Prince's authorization," read the report. But the White House has opted against imposing direct sanctions on the crown prince. "The relationship with Saudi Arabia is bigger than any one individual," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a Friday news conference. The Biden administration did pass sanctions on other prominent Saudi figures linked to the crown prince and introduced the "Khashoggi ban" - visa restrictions for foreign governments found implicated in "serious, extraterritorial counter-dissident activities." To many liberal commentators, activists and politicians, this is not enough. The Open Society Justice Initiative, which has been fighting in court since early last year for the release of intelligence on the Khashoggi murder, said "the U.S. and other governments must take immediate measures to hold the Crown Prince and the Saudi government accountable for their flagrant disregard for the rule of law." Some commentators want to see the crown prince subject to the same U.S. bans and restrictions slapped on perceived adversaries in Venezuela and North Korea. "Instead of imposing sanctions on M.B.S., Biden appears ready to let the murderer walk," wrote New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, using a common abbreviation for the crown prince's name. "The weak message to other thuggish dictators considering such a murder is: Please don't do it, but we'll still work with you if we have to." "The lack of action against the Crown Prince sends a clear message across the globe that those at the top can escape consequences," tweeted Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.). "When we make exceptions for our allies in situations like this, we project to the rest of the world that our values only go as far as our relationships. We show countries like Russia and China that we may have convictions, but consequences are never guaranteed." Those exceptions, others would argue, were baked into decades of American foreign policy. Strategists in Washington have long enabled or at least tolerated a catalogue of human rights-abusing potentates for reasons of geopolitical expediency, and this is no different. "The underlying geopolitical reality remains unchanged," wrote the Atlantic's Graeme Wood. "And the reality in Saudi Arabia is that the United States is, not for the first or last time, stuck in a miserable situation, and the end of this sordid episode will probably be an American official shaking hands, once again, with a murderer." Biden and his allies say they have embarked on a "recalibration" of U.S.-Saudi ties. That gentler approach, experts argue, is more practical than the possible rupture that sanctions on the crown prince could provoke, especially at a time when Biden needs Riyadh on his side amid other challenges in the Middle East. Nevertheless, left-leaning activists stress that the Saudis no longer have the same oil-driven leverage they perhaps had over Washington a generation ago and that Trump's cynical and transactional embrace of the Saudis needlessly emboldened the brash crown prince. The "recalibration" is already on view with Biden's freezing of arms sales to Riyadh that were greenlit by Trump over the objections of Congress. It would also involve keeping the crown prince - who had a famously direct line to the White House via Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner - at arm's length and even possibly working to convince the Saudi king to reconsider the line of succession and bring a number of rival royals sidelined by the crown prince out from the cold. There's a clear incentive for the Saudis to course correct. The Arabs "need to grow up," a senior Israeli defense official told journalist Neri Zilber, writing in Newlines magazine. "They don't need to arrest every activist, and they don't need to pick a fight with Congress." At the same time, the crown prince is the most influential figure in arguably the most important Arab country in the Middle East for American interests - and, given his youth, could remain in place for half a century to come. U.S. policymakers have to reckon with a future shaped by the crown prince's ambitious plans for modernization. "MBS has accelerated an economic and social transition that is necessary and should be encouraged. Eventually moving toward 'normality' will mean either revolution in Saudi Arabia, or a less authoritarian government," wrote Annelle Sheline of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. "Biden should help support Saudi Arabia in this transition. But to avoid the Iran model, i.e., Saudi Arabia going through a violent revolution and 40 years of hostility toward the U.S., Biden should support Saudi normalization, despite MBS' murderous despotism." That's cold comfort for Khashoggi and his allies. In an interview with Today's WorldView, Omar Abdulaziz, a Canada-based Saudi dissident and friend of Khashoggi, pointed to the mysterious disappearance of another Saudi dissident based in Canada just last month after he entered the Saudi embassy in Ottawa (he later emerged in Saudi Arabia, in circumstances that activists fear may have compromised a whole network of dissidents abroad). Abdulaziz said some of his relatives and friends have been thrown into prison because of the regime's dissatisfaction with his dissident views. "Releasing the report and naming MBS is a good step," Abdulaziz said. "But the CIA knew that other people got hurt by the Saudi regime and did nothing." IRKUTSK, Russia -- Rights activists are questioning official reports that an inmate committed suicide after he was found dead in a prison in Russia's Siberian region of Irkutsk. Relatives of Adygzhy Aimyr-Ool, an ethnic Tuvinian, told RFE/RL on February 28 that they had found out about the death from other inmates who had managed to get word to them. Vladimir Osechkin, the coordinator of the Gulagu.net human rights group, told RFE/RL that Aimyr-Ool was found dead on February 26 during an evening roll call. Subscribe To RFE/RL's Watchdog Report Watchdog is our curated digest of human rights, media freedom, and democracy developments from RFE/RL's vast broadcast region. In your in-box every Thursday. Subscribe here. "There are traces of violence on [his] body. However, the prisons's administration says it was a suicide," Osechkin said, adding that it was not clear why the 26-year-old Aimyr-Ool was transferred from a medium-security penitentiary to a maximum-security prison for especially dangerous convicts. Aimyr-Ool's daughter-in-law, Anaikhal Aimyr-Ool, said that no one from the family was informed of the prison transfer. "Other inmates told us that Adygzhy started having problems with the guards after he officially filed complaints about conditions at the prison. He refused to withdraw the complaints. According to the inmates, 'two guys' entered his cell a day before his death. We do not believe it was a suicide," Anaikhal Aimyr-Ool said. On February 25, Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) said probes had been launched against an unspecified number of guards and 10 inmates who allegedly tortured an inmate, Tahirjon Bakiev, at another penitentiary in Irkutsk. The FSIN has rejected allegations by some rights groups that the incident carried any ethnic motives. Bakiev had Central Asian roots. Gulagu.net reported in December that another inmate, Kezhik Ondar, a Tuvinian, was tortured in Detention Center No. 1 in Irkutsk. On February 22, the FSIN said that wardens at Detention Center No. 1 and the Correctional Colony No. 6 had been suspended as preliminary investigations began into the reports. Gulagu.nets founder, Vasily Osechkin, told RFE/RL on February 25 that some of the inmates had confessed to beating and torturing other inmates and testified that they did so on commands from guards at the facility. Bakiev and Ondar initially served their terms at Correctional Colony No. 15 in the city of Angarsk in the Irkutsk region. Last April, inmates at that penitentiary staged a large riot, after which many inmates were transferred to other prisons in the region. Human rights groups cited some of the inmates as saying that they had faced beatings and torture after they were transferred to other prisons, where guards used other inmates who agreed to cooperate with the administration to force them to confess to organizing the riot. New Delhi, March 1 : A Mumbai court issued a bailable warrant against actress Kangana Ranaut on Monday after she failed to appear for the hearing of lyricist Javed Akhtar's defamation case against her. Akhtar's advocate Vrinda Grover then filed an immediate response asking the court to issue a non-bailable warrant against the actress. Talking to IANS over a whatsapp text, Vrinda Grover said: "In defiance of the court's order of 1st February, Ms. Ranaut did not appear before the court today. On the basis of Javed Akhtar's verification statement, material evidence, including the Republic TV program where Ms. Ranaut made defamatory remarks, and the police report inquiry examining the witnesses, the Ld. Magistrate has summoned Ms. Ranaut as an accused. It is a matter of record that there is no application filed by Ms. Ranaut against this Order and no stay of proceedings in her favour. Thus, the court in accordance with law issued bailable warrants against Ms. Ranaut on my submissions. The defamation complaint filed by Mr. Javed Akhtar shall now proceed to the next stage in law." Akhtar had filed a defamation case against Ranaut after she accused him on a national news channel of being part of a "coterie" in Bollywood. She made the comment after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput last year. The Andheri metropolitan magistrate had issued a bailable warrant on February 1, asking Kangana to appear on March 1. When contacted, the actress's lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui said, "I have already challenged. I appeared in the court today before the judge. I have told the judge very categorically that the process of law is not being followed. Section 200 compliance is not being done. The judge knows that I will be quashing the entire proceedings. I will either apply for revision or quashing. Most probably I will be going for quashing. Therefore the judge has given the date of March 26." Explaining what Section 200 means and why the proceeding from Javed Akhtar's side are incomplete, Siddiqui said: "Section 200 is when you file a private complaint, saying 'I am Javed Akhtar and this has what has happened to me and I have got four witnesses and I name these witnesses in the complaint. So, my verification oath has to be done as well as for all witnesses'. In this case only Javed Akhtar's verification oath was done, whereas no verification oath was done for other witnesses. So, this is a mandatory provision. I am challenging the whole thing." Will the actress be appearing in court on March 26? "I really don't think so, but can't say. We will see while building the case up, exactly what the requirements are. But 99.9 per cent she won't be making an appearance," said Rizwan. Thieves have pulled off an underwater booze heist by stealing 1,000 pints of beer that were left to age in the wreckage of a sunken ship off the coast of Argentina. Three local breweries had stashed the limited-edition beer in the remains of a scuttled fishing vessel three miles off the South American coast last November. But 131 gallons of the beer were found missing last week when divers went to retrieve the barrels so that the brewers could bottle up the artisan beer. Barrels of artisan beer were stashed underwater and attached to the remains of a sunken fishing vessel off the coast of Argentina - but have now gone missing Divers found the metal casing empty when they went to retrieve the barrels so that the brewers could bottle them up and sell them The stolen booze belonged to three local breweries - Heller, La Paloma and Baum - which had recruited divers to bury their beer late last year. It was fastened to the wreckage of a Soviet-era fishing vessel, Kronomether, which found its way to Argentina after being abandoned following the end of the USSR. After it was scuttled in 2014, it became a popular site among divers - and was chosen as a hiding place by the brewers as they sought to take up an artisan trend. Eduardo Ricardo, one of the owners of Heller Brewery, had hit on the idea after hearing about similar projects elsewhere, although none were at this depth. After being retrieved from the seabed, it was intended to be blended with another drink before being bottled up and sold. Some of the money generated from beer sales was expected to raise money for the Lorenzo Scaglia Municipal Museum of Natural Sciences in Mar de Plata. But divers were horrified to find empty metal casings and 131 missing gallons of beer when they went to recover the stashed goods. The beer barrels were stored underwater last November after three breweries recruited divers to help them make an artisan drink The barrels were hoisted into the sea last year and attached to a former Soviet fishing vessel which was scuttled in 2014 after finding its way to Argentina A diver named Carlos Brelles, 52, who owns the Thalassa Diving School and participated in the initial dive in November, said he cried when he discovered what had happened. 'I guess we are talking about two or three people that were behind this that travelled to a sunken ship and after diving 20 metres, stole the barrels,' he said. 'The dreams of brewing beer at the bottom of the ocean have gone. They didn't only steal the barrels, they stole the hopes of businessmen and wage-earners who have not had a good year. 'They stole the possibility to raise money that would have helped fund the Museum of Natural Sciences of Mar de Plata.' The organisers said it took more than a year to get the permits, saying they were devastated at the loss of 2,000 bottles that would have gone on sale. There have been no reports on any suspects. The stolen booze belonged to three local breweries - Heller, La Paloma and Baum - which had recruited divers to bury their beer late last year New Delhi, March 1 : After Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has also announced that he has received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine at a government hospital in Chennai, kicking off an expansion of the country's immunisation campaign that began in mid-January with healthcare workers. "I took my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Government Medical College, Chennai today. I will be taking the 2nd dose after 28 days," the Vice President said on Monday in a tweet. The Vice President, 71, appealed to the people to come forward and receive the vaccine to defeat the deadly virus which has infected over 1,11,12,241 people and claimed the lives of 1,57,157 people so far. "I appeal all the eligible people to get themselves vaccinated proactively and join in the fight against novel coronavirus," Naidu tweeted. The Vice President took the first jab of the Covid vaccine after Prime Minister Modi-- the first prominent leader to take a Covid vaccine shot on Monday, as nationwide vaccination of persons above 60 and those over 45 with illnesses began. The Prime Minister's vaccination at Delhi's AIIMS hospital featured symbols from states that will vote later this month as he wore a scarf from Assam and nurses from Kerala and Puducherry -- Rosamma Anil and P Niveda-- administered him the vaccine. Niveda administered the vaccine while Rosamma was assisting her. India, which has reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world after the United States, has so far vaccinated more than 12 million health and front-line workers. The country is now expanding its vaccination drive beyond healthcare and front-line workers, offering the shots to older people and those with medical conditions that put them at risk. Those now eligible to be vaccinated include people over 60, as well as those over 45 who have ailments such as heart disease or diabetes that make coronavirus infections more dangerous. The shots will be given for free at government hospitals and will also be sold at over 10,000 private hospitals at a price not more than Rs 250 per shot. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 As the U.S. House passed the Equality Act on Thursday, some members of Congress helpfully demonstrated why it is needed. The bill would ensure that rights protected under labor and civil rights laws explicitly to include sexual orientation and gender identification as covered characteristics. Those non-discrimination requirements pertain to employment, housing, loan applications, education access, public accommodations and any other matter covered by the existing laws. Federal legislation is necessary because some states, shamefully including Pennsylvania, do not provide those anti-discrimination protections. One day after the House passed the bill, Sen. Rand Paul launched into a transphobic tirade during the confirmation hearing as assistant secretary of health for Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvanias former health secretary, who would become the highest-ranking transgender federal official in history. Rand suggested that Levine, a pediatrician, hadnt considered childrens welfare in her work on the medical, ethical and psychological aspects of gender assignment. Some Republican House members twisted the equal rights bill into a supposed attack on religion. And the woeful Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia placed a sign outside her office taunting Democratic Rep. Marie Newman of Illinois, who had displayed a transgender symbol at her nearby office in support of her transgender daughter. For all of that sound and fury, this is at root a fundamental matter of equal rights that the Senate should pass. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-02 00:25:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Transformation of rural China that has been realized courtesy of agriculture modernization offers crucial lessons for Kenya amid its quest to lift its rural population from poverty and hunger, an expert from Kenya said on Monday. Cavince Adhere, an international relations expert said that China's success in rural poverty alleviation through leveraging technology-led farming methods is an inspiration to Kenya and other developing countries. "Contrary to many countries where development is often associated with investments in cities and other urban centers, China prioritized rural areas in its poverty reduction efforts where agriculture played a major role," Adhere said in a commentary published by the Star Newspaper. "China's efforts offer good insights for Kenya's socio-economic transformation," he added. He said that China recently became the first developing country to achieve the first of the UN's 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), adding that modern farming has hastened the realization of that feat. "Hoisted by modern farming methods, targeted institutions as well as progressive policies, the shift from subsistence to comprehensive agricultural production, economically empowered China's rural majority, and formed a key component of its poverty reduction feat," said Adhere. He said that China's agriculture sector has undergone a series of improvements ranging from land reforms, the formation of cooperatives, robust marketing, and the adoption of technology. "Kenya must move beyond traditional one-dimensional agriculture into a multifaceted enterprise driven by science and technology," said Adhere. "In this way, the country could realize low consumption, high quality and efficiency in its agricultural value chains," he added. He said that the agriculture sector if modernized rapidly could boost Kenya's quest to realize its ambitious blueprint on food security, manufacturing and health. "Kenya has much to learn in terms of leveraging agriculture within rural spaces to quicken its inclusive socio-economic development," said Adhere. He said that the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre that is hosted by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is an ideal knowledge, technology and innovations hub that Kenya can leverage to revolutionize farming, achieve food security and boost rural incomes. Enditem New reconstructions of two famous ancient human ancestors have been produced by a team of academics. The models of Lucy and the Taung child were made from silicone casts, with skin pigmentation and individual hairs painstakingly applied by hand. Researchers sought to create the most lifelike reconstructions of these specimens ever produced by basing their constructs solely on data and leading theories. This, the international team of experts say, is long overdue as previous attempts to visualise our ancestors led to a multitude of purported appearances which are at odds with one another and have often been based on stereotypes and biases rooted in 'racist and misogynistic ideas and tribal concepts'. Lucy and the Taung child are well-preserved individuals of different extinct hominin species which were found in Africa in 1974 and 1924, respectively. Scroll down for video The models of Lucy and the Taung child were made from silicone casts, with skin pigmentation and individual hairs painstakingly applied by hand. Pictured, how the team believe Lucy would have really looked Researchers sought to create the most lifelike reconstructions of Lucy and the Taung child (pictured) ever produced by basing their constructs solely on data and minimising artistic interpretation The authors said depictions of Lucy that tended to show her with her "husband" and one or two children (pictured), were incorrect. They added: 'Such biases and stereotypes are moreover particularly relevant because they are profoundly related to longstanding constructed narratives about our "cosmic purpose" and about "progress", which are in turn deeply linked to racist and misogynistic ideas and tribal concepts' Lucy lived 3.2million years ago and is the most famous member of the species Australopithecus afarensis. The Taung child lived around 2.5million years ago and belongs to the cousin species Australopithecus africanus WHO WAS LUCY? 'Lucy' is the fossil remains of a female Australopithecus afarensis, one of the oldest early humans. Lucy was unearthed from a palaeontological dig site called Hadar, in northern Ethiopia, in 1974. The remains which comprise 40 per cent of a complete skeleton have been dated to 3.2 million years ago. She had a small skull and walked upright although some experts believe she may have spent time dwelling up trees as well. In 2016, researchers proposed that Lucy may have died falling out of a tree. Advertisement Study author Dr Rui Diogo from Howard University outlines one error which distorted the public view of our extinct ancestors away from the evidence and the truth. 'Many depictions of Lucy tend to show her alone in the wide savannah with her "husband" and one or two children, while the empirical data available tell us that such a concept of a small nuclear family is actually a very recent construction of human history,' he says. 'Such biases and stereotypes are moreover particularly relevant because they are profoundly related to longstanding constructed narratives about our "cosmic purpose" and about "progress", which are in turn deeply linked to racist and misogynistic ideas and tribal concepts.' Lucy was an adult female of the species Australopithecus afarensis who was found in Ethiopia and is thought to have lived around 3.2 million years ago. Her remains are kept at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa and a cast of her remains are on display. The Taung child was a member of the species Australopithecus africanus who died when aged three and lived in what is now South Africa around 2.5 million years ago. Only the skull was discovered and it is now in storage at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Lucy was an adult female who was found in Ethiopia and is thought to have lived around 3.2 million years ago. Her remains (pictured) are kept at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa and a cast of her remains are on display The Taung child was a member of the species Australopithecus africanus who died when aged three and lived in what is now South Africa around 2.5 million years ago. Only the skull was discovered and it is now in storage at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg The researchers tried to address confusing previous reconstructions which present inconsistent images of these specimens. Pictured, two differing views of what the Taung child would have looked like which were made one year apart. Researchers say inherent bias means version A (left) is more human-like whereas version B (right)is more ape-like. This at the discretion of the artist/scientist creating the model Pictured, a reconstruction of Lucys soft tissues (without hair and pigment) produced in 2018 Timeline of when human ancestors started walking upright 55 million years ago - First primitive primates evolve 15 million years ago - Hominidae (great apes) evolve from the ancestors of the gibbon Seven million years ago - Primate exists which lives in the trees and swings. It cannot walk on two legs. This species diverged into two lineages, one would produce humans, the other would give rise to bonobos and chimps. 4.4 million years ago - Ardipithecus ramidus exists. The fossil Ardi is one of this species. It has hands similar to its ancestor which are suited to life in the trees. Its feet also had a grasping toe, which helped with branch life. 3.9-3 million years ago - Lucy, a member of the species Australopithecus afarensis, is alive. It is believed she is a descendent of Ardi and she has a pelvis which indicates she walked upright. She is missing the 'grasping toe' and had hands which were more dexterous than Ardi and had 'the ability to use human-like precision grips'. The million years or so between Lucy and Ardi has been described as a 'big evolutionary jump'. First evidence of stone tools being used. Around 2.8 million years ago - First Homo species evolve from Australopithecus 2 - 1.6 million years ago - On the other branch of this evolutionary family tree, the descendant of the species which lived seven million years ago splits into two different species. This gave rise to the modern chimp and bonobo. 1.85 million years ago - First truly 'modern' hand emerges 400,000 years ago - Neanderthals first begin to appear and spread across Europe and Asia 300,000 to 200,000 years ago - Homo sapiens - modern humans - appear in Africa 50,000 to 40,000 years ago - Modern humans reach Europe Around 40,000 years ago - Neanderthals go extinct Advertisement Dr Ryan Campbell, co-author of the study from the University of Adelaide, says he was shocked when he compared a reconstruction of Lucy he saw at the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky with other versions on display around the world. 'I expected to find consistency in those reconstructions displayed in natural history museums, but the differences, even there, were so severe that I almost thought all previous practitioners had never encountered a single hominid reconstruction before commencing their own,' he says in a blog post. The team set about collecting as much data as possible on both the specimens to determine their likely appearance. 'Our work shows that methods for achieving scientifically justified reconstructions are still not quite in our grasp, despite what many artists and institutions readily advertise,' says Gabriel Vinas, an artist from Arizona State University who was a co-author on the study and the person tasked with bringing the hominins to life. He adds that previous attempts to show what ancient ancestors looked like have duped both the public and scientists with their stunning lifelike appearance and therefore avoided methodological scrutiny. 'We have assumed validity of a process before questioning artists as to how they validate the reliability of their methods, the applicability of their data, or even how they produce and publish data at all,' he says. The project, published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, saw the experts explain how they decided on Lucy and the Taung child's most likely appearance. Skin colour was the most noticable difference between the two, with Lucy having darker skin than the Taung child. 'The color of the Taung child's skin was reconstructed to appear similar to modern Homo sapiens native to Southern Africa,' the researchers write in the study. 'The decision to reconstruct the skin in this way is based on what is known about the function of epidermal melanin. 'Melanin evolved as a physical and chemical barrier to filter ultraviolet radiation [from the sun]. 'In humans there is a strong relationship between latitude and skin color and variation in skin color is the result of differences in concentrations of melanin. 'High concentrations of melanin are evolutionary advantages for populations in close proximity to the equator because it is the optimal arrangement for ultraviolet filtration in that environment. 'We assumed that for the Taung child to survive in Southern Africa there would have been no advantage in having low concentrations of melanin. 'Indeed, since it would have been a disadvantage and since ultraviolet radiation is the only known selective pressure for evolutionary change in melanin concentrations, we inferred that the skin of the Taung child would have been dark in appearance. 'However, even if this assumption is true, Lucy was reconstructed using exactly the same logic, although the results are very different.' That said, every once in a while, a DUI arrest truly beggars belief. Like this incident that went down in Carson City, Nevada, last week: police attempted to pull over a 28-year-old man in a black sedan doing 100 mph (161 kph) on city streets with the front and lateral airbags deployed. And thats just the icing on the cake in terms of how strangely this incident played out.Imagine one of those very bad, poorly-written, and even worse-executed D-rate comedies where the main character does like a thousand stupid things a minute, and no one is able to stop him. Thats pretty much how this reads.The statement released by the City-County of Carson City Sheriff's Office (as cited by Carson Now ) notes that police were alerted of a possible DUI by other drivers. When they arrived at the location, they noticed the sedan driving at a very high speed despite the airbags having deployed. They immediately engaged in a pursuit and remarked that the driver was unable to maintain lanes. By this time, he was driving slower and was even able to stop at a traffic light.When the light turned green, he ignored warnings from the patrol and tried to make a left turn, crashing into the traffic pole. With the car stopped, police got out of their patrol vehicle to make an arrest, but the driver put his own car in reverse, aiming for the patrol car. Police ran to their vehicle and, within seconds, the chase was back on.The driver eventually pulled at a gas station, crashed into a wall in the nearby fast-food restaurant's parking lot, and came to a complete stop. Police ran to his car and tried to get him out, but he was neither visible inside (because of the same airbags) nor responding to them. When the officers got the airbags out of the way, they found the man casually trying to light a cigarette.They eventually got him out (which is when he went limp, presumably on purpose) and found an open can of beer inside the cabin. The car and the driver both smelled of alcohol, and the breathalyzer returned a BAC reading of .404. For comparison, the legal limit in Nevada is .08.The man was arrested on charges of second DUI, failure to maintain a lane, driving without a valid drivers license, driving with an open container in the vehicle, failure to lead to an emergency vehicle, and driving without proof of insurance, as per the release. Strangely, he wasnt hit with a heavier reckless driving charge or speeding, despite the factand this cant be emphasized enoughthat he was doing 100 mph with zero visibility due to the airbags. TORONTO, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tanzanian Gold Corporation (TSX:TNX) (NYSE American:TRX) (TanGold or the Company) is pleased to announce and welcome Michael P. Leonard, CPA, CA as Chief Financial Officer of Tanzanian Gold Corporation. Mr. Leonard has had a distinguished career as a financial leader in the gold industry with broad, progressive experience in investor relations and corporate global finance. He had an impressive, respected and esteemed career of more than 17 years in financial leadership at Barrick Gold and possesses the vision and foresight needed by the Company as a vital member of our leadership team. He brings his extensive knowledge and experience to the Company and is renowned for his knowledge of the gold industry, big picture outlook, and results oriented mindset. He is respected for his integrity, frankness, and financial prowess, and is a venerable addition to the Companys strategic management team. As CFO, he will assist the Company in its inevitable digital transformation and fill a vital role for the Companys strategy moving forward, including use of state-of-the-art technology, and development and implementation of financial models, financial controls and procedures for financial management. It is with great pleasure on behalf of Tanzanian Gold Corporation that we welcome Michael P. Leonard as Chief Financial Officer. Michael has a consistent track record of successful performance in finance and for achieving results. He has broad knowledge of the gold industry and a proven exemplary record of success during his many years with Barrick. We are excited to have Michael be a part of our executive team in developing our long term strategic planning on behalf of the Company. The development of financial controls and procedures is vital in good, strategic management, said Stephen Mullowney, CEO. Mr. Leonards background includes extensive experience in implementing global investor relations strategy, acting as a primary interface communicating with the external market, advising management on investor perceptions and creating market transparency on strategy and performance. He has the experience to address the daily needs of the Company and the ability to project current needs into long term financial planning and focus as a Chartered Professional Accountant. We are delighted to have Michael Leonard join our executive team. The CFO plays such an important role in our corporate development. Michael brings knowledge, vision, and experience to our executive management team. We are moving forward and growing at such a fast pace, we need the highest caliber executive team. Michael is the superior choice for CFO in every regard and will serve with distinction, said James E. Sinclair, Executive Chairman. I am very excited to be a member of the executive team for Tanzanian Gold Corporation. I know my years of experience with Barrick will be invaluable in the Companys endeavours and further successful achievements in Tanzania. I welcome the opportunity to bring my background and experience to the Company in moving us forward as a successful gold mining enterprise in Tanzania. Chief Financial Officer Michael P. Leonard, said. About Tanzanian Gold Corporation Tanzanian Gold Corporation along with its joint venture partner, STAMICO is building a significant gold project at Buckreef in Tanzania that is based on an expanded Mineral Resource base and the treatment of its mineable Mineral Reserves in two standalone plants. Measured Mineral Resource now stands at 19.98MT at 1.99g/t gold containing 1,281,161 ounces of gold and Indicated Mineral Resource now stand at 15.89MT at 1.48g/t gold containing 755,119 ounces of gold for a combined tonnage of 35.88MT at 1.77g/t gold containing 2,036,280 ounces of gold. The Buckreef Project also contains an Inferred Mineral Resource of 17.8MT at 1.11g/t gold for contained gold of 635,540 ounces of gold. The Company is actively investigating and assessing multiple exploration targets on its property. Please refer to the Companys Updated Mineral Resources Estimate for Buckreef Gold Project, dated May 15, 2020, for more information. Tanzanian Gold Corporation is advancing on three value-creation tracks: Strengthening its balance sheet by expanding near-term production to 15,000 - 20,000 oz. of gold per year from the processing of oxide material from an expanded oxide plant. Advancing the Final Feasibility Study for a stand-alone sulphide treating plant that is substantially larger than previously modelled and targeting significant annual gold production. Continuing with a drilling program to further test the potential of its property, Exploration Targets and Mineral Resource base by: (i) identifying new prospects; (ii) drilling new oxide/sulphide targets; (iii) infill drilling to upgrade Mineral Resources currently in the Inferred category; and (iv) a step-out drilling program in the Northeast Extension. Andrew M. Cheatle, P.Geo. is the Companys Qualified Person as defined by the NI 43-101 who has verified the data disclosed in this news release and has otherwise reviewed and assumes responsibility for the technical content of this press release. For further information, please contact Michael Martin, Investor Relations, m.martin@tangoldcorp.com, 860-248-0999, or visit the Company website at www.tangoldcorp.com The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our SEC filings. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in the applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, intends, estimated, potential, possible and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results will, may, could or should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Tanzanian Gold managements expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, recoveries, subsequent project testing, success and viability of mining operations, the timing and amount of estimated future production, and capital expenditure. Although TanGold believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. The actual achievements of TanGold or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in costs; future prices of gold and other minerals; mining method, production profile and mine plan; delays in exploration, development and construction activities; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business. These risks are set forth under Item 3.D in Tanzanian Golds Form 20-F for the year ended August 31, 2020, as amended, as filed with the SEC. The information contained in this press release is as of the date of the press release and TanGold assumes not duty to update such information. Note to U.S. Investors US investors are advised that the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimated disclosed in this press release have been calculated pursuant to Canadian standards which use terminology consistent with the requirements CRIRSCO reporting standards. For its fiscal year ending August 31, 2021, and thereafter, the Company will follow new SEC regulations which uses a CRIRSCO based templet for mineral resources and mineral reserves, that includes definitions for inferred, indicated, and measured mineral resources. [March 01, 2021] Ecolab Contributes More Than $23 Million to Communities In 2020 In 2020, Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services, continued its long-standing commitment to supporting communities through more than $23 million in contributions, including more than $11 million of cleaning, sanitizing and public health products to help the fight against COVID-19. The company also provided increased financial support to nonprofits focused on pandemic relief, racial and social justice, and the recovery of the hospitality industry. "In 2020, we saw increased need for our cleaning and sanitizing product donations and financial support due to the public health and financial hardships caused by the pandemic," said Kris Taylor, vice president of Ecolab Global Community Relations. "We are fortunate that we were able to provide this support, and incredibly thankful to our colleagues and nonprofit partners for their efforts to help our communities in this year of great challenges for the world." Ecolab and Ecolab Foundation Grants For more than 35 years, the Ecolab Foundation has supported the communities where Ecolab associates live and work. In 2020, cash grants of more than $9 million were provided, including $5 million in grant funding for organizations, including the United Way, that provided COVID-19 relief and supported basic needs and job training, as well as more than $3 million to organizations focused on early childhood education, college access programs, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, and arts and environment organizations. In-Kind Product Donations In partnership with relief organizations World Emergency Relief and Global Citizen USA, Ecolab donated more than $11 million of cleaning and sanitizing products to communities in 16 countries throughout the world, including Canada, Chile, Columbia, Ghana, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uruguay and the U.S. "World Emergency Relief is incredibly grateful for Ecolab's long-term support of our programs," said Kristy Scott, CEO of World Emergency Relief. "Our partnership has spanned 25+ years, but our work together has never been more important than it is now. Our collaborative COVID-19 response reached individual households, first responders, nonprofit organizations and small businesses with essential cleaning and disinfecting supplies to help fight the spread of the virus." Industry Support Ecolab continued its long-standing support for the restaurant and hospitality industry, supporting pandemic recovery efforts through expanded partnerships with key industry organizations, including the National Restaurant Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Asian American Hotel Owner's Association and the World Travel & Tourism Council, and a new partnership with the U.S. Travel Association. Much of the support provided by Ecolab focused on helping restaurant and hospitality employees respond to the inancial impact of the pandemic. Building on a decades-long partnership with the National Restaurant Association, Ecolab made a significant investment in the association's Restaurant Revival Campaign, aimed at bolstering the industry's recovery and demonstrate ongoing commitment to the health and safety of employees and guests. Ecolab also supported the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which provided financial assistance to U.S. restaurant workers, and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's "Change is on The Menu" campaign, which is dedicated to providing restaurant workers training, education and financial support to advance their careers. Employee Giving and Volunteerism Volunteerism is a core component of Ecolab's culture. Despite the challenges faced in 2020, Ecolab employees generously supported charities in their communities by volunteering more than 74,000 hours, a value of over $2 million.* In addition, employees also gave more than $3 million in contributions to nonprofit organizations around the world through the company's Community Giving Program. The Ecolab Foundation matched these employee donations with an additional $500,000. Ecolab employees also supported those in need by creating care packages, organizing products for donation and coordinating socially distanced volunteer events. As an example, Corporate Accounts Vice President Ashley Pridon and her team organized care baskets with cleaning supplies and other essential items in high demand at the onset of the pandemic for families with children at the Ronald McDonald House Charities. "The worst times often bring out the best in people - and that was evident in our team's eagerness to volunteer their time and energy," said Pridon. For more information about Ecolab's community giving initiatives and the Ecolab Foundation, visit the Community Involvement section of Ecolab.com. *Calculated using average values determined by Independent Sector. About Ecolab A trusted partner at nearly three million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and vital resources. With annual sales of $12 billion and 44,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights and personalized service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world. www.ecolab.com Follow us on LinkedIn (News - Alert) @Ecolab, Twitter (News - Alert) @Ecolab, Instagram @Ecolab_Inc and Facebook (News - Alert) @Ecolab. (ECL-C) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005126/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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 Canadian Press As COVID-19 vaccine supplies ramp up across the country, most provinces and territories have begun planning to give second doses in the coming weeks. More than 23 million people across Canada have now had at least one dose of a vaccine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says by the summer, Canada will have enough vaccines so that every eligible resident will have gotten their first dose, and by September, it will have enough doses for everyone to be fully vaccinated. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended that Canada turn toward the ultimate goal of fully immunizing the population, now that supplies of COVID-19 shots are increasing. The advisory panel said those at highest risk of dying or becoming severely ill should be prioritized for second shots, either after or alongside first doses for anyone else who is eligible for a vaccine. Since the novel coronavirus is still circulating in Canada, NACI is still recommending that the second dose be received up to four months after the first dose, in order to maximize the number of people who get at least one shot. Here's a list of the inoculation plans throughout Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador All people in the province aged 12 and older can now book an appointment for a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. So far 2.19 per cent (11,446) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Nova Scotia Appointments for an initial COVID-19 vaccine shot are now open to people 12 years of age and older. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for use in children aged 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is only available for those 18 and older. Under the province's accelerated vaccine plan, someone who received their first dose of vaccine on March 22 and is due for a second dose on July 5 will now be able to reschedule their second appointment for as early as the week of June 20. The province has stopped the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine as a first dose. The Health Department says the decision was based on "an abundance of caution'' due to an observed increase in the rare blood-clotting condition linked to this vaccine. The department also says it will reschedule anyone who was to receive AstraZeneca to instead be inoculated with Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna "in a timely manner." --- Prince Edward Island In Prince Edward Island, residents as young as 16 can book a COVID-19 vaccine. People 16 years and older who have certain underlying medical conditions, pregnant woman and eligible members of their household can also get a vaccine. So far 8.11 per cent (12,868) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- New Brunswick Residents in New Brunswick aged 12 to 17 are now eligible to book an appointment for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Officials also say residents 55 and older who received an Astra-Zenaca vaccine for the first dose at least eight weeks ago can now get a second dose of the vaccine with informed consent. So far 5.08 per cent (39,633) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Quebec In Quebec, all residents 12 and older can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. The province's health minister says Quebecers 12 to 17 years old will be fully vaccinated by the time they return to school in September. Quebec also says it will shorten the delay between first and second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to eight weeks from 16 weeks. The province says more than 5.8 million doses of vaccine have now been administered, with more than 58.1 per cent of the population having received at least one dose. --- Ontario All adults in Ontario can now book COVID-19 vaccine appointments. People turning 18 in 2021 can book Pfizer-BioNTech shots. Youth aged 12 and older can also book appointments across Ontario. They can book through the provincial online portal, call centre and through pharmacies offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the only shot authorized by Health Canada for use in youth aged 12 and older. Ontarians, meanwhile, are getting the option to shorten the interval between COVID-19 vaccine doses. Most people are being scheduled for doses four months apart, but officials say the new interval could be as short as 28 days. The plan will start with seniors aged 80 and older this week and the province will later offer second shots based on when people received their first. People will keep their original appointments if they dont re-book. The province aims to see all eligible Ontarians fully vaccinated by the end of September. Ontario is also resuming use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine but only as a second dose. Those who received the first dose of AstraZeneca between March 10 and March 19 during a pilot project at pharmacies and some doctor's offices in several Ontario communities will be first in line to receive their second dose. Ontario says more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered across the province. So far 4.68 per cent (687,894) of the population has been fully vaccinated --- Manitoba Manitoba is using the Pfizer vaccine for everyone aged 12 and up, and the Moderna vaccines for people aged 18 and up. These are available through a few channels including so-called supersites in larger communities. The province is also allowing anyone 40 and over to get an Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through pharmacies and medical clinics, subject to availability. People 30-39 can get a shot if they have certain underlying health conditions such as chronic liver failure or severe obesity. The province has opened up second-dose appointments to all Indigenous people aged 12 and up, to people with certain medical conditions such as severe heart failure and Down syndrome, and anyone who received their first dose on or before March 29. Provincial health officials say they now expect 70 per cent of Manitobans aged 12 and older to get a dose by the end of June. So far 7.75 per cent (106,678) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Saskatchewan Saskatchewan says it reached the step two threshold of its reopening roadmap released last week, with over 70 per cent of residents age 30 and older having received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That means restrictions will begin to be relaxed June 20, which includes easing capacity limits on retail, personal care services, restaurants and bars, although they must still maintain physical distancing among occupants or have barriers in place. The rules also raise caps on private indoor gatherings to 15, while capacity limits jump to 150 for both public indoor gatherings and all outdoor assemblies, whether public or private. Premier Scott Moe says once 70 per cent of the entire adult population is vaccinated, Saskatchewan can move to the third step of its plan and remove almost all of the remaining public health orders. Saskatchewan residents aged 12 and older are now eligible to book their first COVID-19 vaccine appointment. A school immunization program for those aged 12 to 18 will be introduced in June, but eligible residents of that age can also be immunized at clinics offering the Pfizer vaccine. Anyone 85 and older or anyone who received their first vaccine dose before February 15 can now book their second dose. Anyone diagnosed with cancer and solid organ transplant recipients will be receiving a letter of eligibility in the mail which will allow them priority access to a second dose. There are drive-thru and walk-in vaccination clinics in communities across the province. The province says 6.60 per cent (77,767) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- Alberta Every Albertan aged 12 and older is now eligible for a vaccine. As of May 27, 60.3 per cent of Albertans over the age of 12 had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The milestone means the province's second stage of easing restrictions can begin on June 10. It is subject to hospitalizations being below 500 and trending downwards. Some of the restrictions that would be lifted include allowing outdoor gatherings including weddings and funerals with up to 20 people. Restaurants would be allowed to seat tables with up to six people, indoors or outdoors. Retail capacity would also increase, and gyms could open for solo or drop-in activities with three metres of distancing. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province's chief medical officer of health, has said people who are immunocompromised can book a second dose three or four weeks after their first shot. All other Albertans are eligible to get their second dose three to four months after the first. For the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the province lowered the minimum age to 30. They are, however, reserving the remaining supply for second doses when people are eligible. More than 250 pharmacies are offering immunizations. So far 8.82 per cent (388,200) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- British Columbia British Columbia is setting an end-of-summer target for everyone in the province to receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has also announced a decrease in the time between the first and second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, cutting the interval to eight weeks from 16 weeks. But the interval for people who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as a first dose and are waiting for their second AstraZeneca shot may take longer. Henry said the province is waiting for results from international data on AstraZeneca, including the effectiveness of mixing vaccine shots and ongoing concerns about rare blood clots. Henry said the rollout of second doses will be similar to the first dose, with those at the greatest risk at the top of the list. Seniors, Indigenous people and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable were to start getting their invitations to book a second shot by the end of May. The province will try to ensure that everyone gets the same vaccine they were first administered, but a shortage of the Moderna vaccine may mean people will have to substitute it for a Pfizer shot. Henry said the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has reviewed the evidence on using different vaccines and has updated the guidance, confirming that while it is preferable to have the same product, it's not always possible. Pfizer and Moderna are the same type of vaccines. Families can get vaccinated together in B.C. as the government allows youth between the ages of 12 and 17 to get their COVID-19 shot. The shots will be administered at community clinics instead of in schools based on feedback from families, with 310,000 children in B.C. eligible to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which has been approved for that age group. As of Friday, about 3.1 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines had been administered in B.C., which means about 63 per cent of those eligible have got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. So far 3.14 per cent (160,885) of the population has been fully vaccinated. --- Nunavut Chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson says Nunavut has placed an order for doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine with the federal government to vaccinate people ages 12 to 17 in the territory. The Moderna vaccine is currently the only one available in Nunavut. Nunavut has opened vaccinations to anyone 18 and older. It is also offering shots to rotational workers coming from Southern Canada. In the territory, 36.44 per cent (14,113) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories is now offering vaccinations against COVID-19 to young people between 12 and 17. The territory, which has only been using the Moderna vaccine, recently exchanged some of that for doses of the Pfizer product, which Health Canada has now approved for anyone as young as 12. So far 51.74 per cent (23,344) of the territory's population has been fully vaccinated. --- Yukon The territory is now vaccinating children aged 12 to 17. The government says clinics in most communities will be held in schools, while those in Whitehorse can get their shot at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre. The children will be getting the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The territory says because of limited supply and stricter handling requirements, the vaccine will only be available for a short time. It says second doses for those 12 to 17 will start on June 23 and medical travel will be supported for youth who aren't able to make the clinic date in their community. The Moderna vaccine is available to adults 18 years of age and older. The government says 59.34 per cent (24,763) of the population has now been fully vaccinated. --- This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2021. The Canadian Press United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that a "disappointing" $1.7 billion had been pledged for humanitarian aid in Yemen in 2021, warning that "cutting aid is a death sentence." The United Nations has been seeking $3.85 billion to avert a large-scale famine in Yemen. Guterres said in a statement the $1.7 billion raised on Monday was "less than we received for the humanitarian response plan in 2020 and a billion dollars less than was pledged at the conference we held in 2019." Short link: Rep. Perry: Designate CCP a Transnational Criminal Organization Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) says the Biden administration must designate the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) a transnational criminal organization, to allow Americans to understand the regimes vision for not only China, but also the United States. Were making a differentiation between the people of China and the Communist Party of China, the lawmaker told The Epoch Times on Feb. 28 at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida. We need to designate them as that which recognizes who and what they are. In October 2020, Perry introduced legislation to designate the CCP as such, and to eliminate sovereign immunity for Chinese officialswhich would allow them to be tried in U.S. court for criminal prosecution. They claim they have sovereignty, because they are a government of a country, but I think thats very specious. Theyre a criminal organization involved in criminal acts. Its not a matter of conjecture, Perry said. Its easily proven fact, whether its the distribution or the allowance of the distribution of fentanyl across our borders and right into the United States, or whether its the human rights violations. So were somehow giving them a pass, because they say we have sovereign immunity as a government. Sovereign immunity as a government doesnt allow you to commit horrific acts of violence against your own citizenry, or anybody else, whether its in your borders or notthe world has not allowed that, he said. Perry introduced the legislation with Reps. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.) last year that would add the CCP to the Department of Justices Top International Criminal Organizations Target (TICOT) list, which seeks to identify and eliminate international criminal organizations that pose the gravest threat to U.S. national interests. He said on Feb. 28 that the designation would allow the DOJ to deal with the Chinese regime and prosecute those responsible for issues ranging from intellectual property theft to the regimes crimes against humanity. That will get the American people fully understanding who the Communist Party of China is and what their vision is for not only for China, for the United States of America, Perry said. A soldier wearing a mask gestures outside the Forbidden City in Beijing on Oct. 22, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) Transnational organized crime is defined by the FBI as self-perpetuating associations of individuals who operate transnationally for the purpose of obtaining power, influence, and monetary and/or commercial gains, wholly or in part by illegal means, while protecting their activities through a pattern of corruption and/or violence, or while protecting their illegal activities through a transnational organizational structure and the exploitation of transnational commerce or communication mechanisms. These are all crimes and theyre not being dealt with, Perry said, referring in part to the human rights abuses being committed against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Chinas northwestern Xinjiang region, forced organ harvesting, the Chinese regimes social credit program, the intellectual property theft on U.S. soil, the distribution of narcotics, and proliferation through China into the United States through Mexico. So I think that it sets everybodys frame of mind and especially businesses, because I dont think most businesses want to be dealing with a criminal organization, and most businesses certainly dont want to deal with some of this with an organization that is involved in the concentration camps and the oppression of the 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. While the Biden administration has agreed with the designation, 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. President Joe Biden has indicated he would focus on extreme competition with the Chinese regime, although the administration has shed little light on concrete plans, pending a review of Trump-era China policies. The administration also faces pressure from Congress to continue a hardline stance toward the regime, an area that enjoys bipartisan support. Cathy He contributed to this report. Drugmaker Mesoblast has been forced to go to the market to secure a private placement as it waits for critical milestone payments from partners to come through, having burnt through $77 million in cash in past six months. Shares in the stem cell treatments developer were halted on Friday ahead of details of on an announcement by the company in relation to a proposed private placement to a targeted industry investor. Later that evening Mesoblast dropped its half-year financial results that showed the business was running at a $US48.9 million loss, had $US77.5 million in cash on hand and needed cash from its existing partnerships to land to meet our forecast expenditure and continue as a going concern. The firm had outflows of $US60.1 million for operating activities. Mesoblast shares have been on a rollercoaster the past six months but the company is yet to get US regulatory approvals. Mesoblasts auditors PwC noted in the half-year report the company needed the placement and partnership income to be able to continue operations. Chhattisgarh Budget: Bhupesh Baghel presents state budget of Rs 97,106 cr for FY 2021-22 India oi-Madhuri Adnal Raipur, Mar 01: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who also holds the Finance portfolio, tabled the Budget for fiscal 2021-22 on March 1 during the Budget Session of the Assembly. The total estimated receipts for 2021-22 is Rs 97,106 crore. This budget ensures the prosperity of farmers and economically weaker sections of the state, economic progress of villages, new dimensions of quality and progress in education, expansion of health and medical facilities, welfare of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and backward classes, holistic development of women and children, creation of new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship for the youth, rapid development of rural and urban infrastructure and a feel of sensitive administration for the people. Here are the highlights: Our various development schemes have been appreciated by the government of India and other state governments 5.32% was the projected rate of growth. CG achieved the growth of 5.10% despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The state's agriculture sector registers a record growth of 4.6% Godhan Nyay Yojana has been a great success. CG is moving towards organic farming. Central and other state govts have appreciated the innovative scheme and are looking to adopt the Godhan Nyay Yojana Central and other state govts have appreciated the innovative scheme and are looking to adopt the Godhan Nyay Yojana 71,300 quintals of vermi compost produced by Self Help Groups since the start. More than 4 lakh quintals of forest produce has been purchased by the CG govt last year CG govt shall continue to promote freedom of press and reinforce the law for their protection Chhattisgarh is a leading state in Minor Forest Produce procurement. More than 4 lakh quintal of forest produce has been purchased by the CG govt last year. Helpline for the senior citizens of the state to be setup CG has been the judged the cleanest state for the past 2 years. Swachta Didis to get monetary increment 119 new govt english medium schools to be established in the upcoming financial year Special Police Force named Bastar Tigers for all districts of Bastar division Establishment of C-Marts" to make Chhattisgarhi handicraft, forest and agriculture produce and other products and cuisines available under one roof Fisheries will be granted the same status as agriculture 119 new English schools under Swami Atmanand English Medium School Yojana Scheme Addressing the media, Assembly Speaker Dr Charan Das Mahant had said the budget session will conclude on March 26 after 24 sittings. March 2 and 3 will see discussion on income and expenditure in the budget. The department wise discussion will be held from March 4 to 23. Himachal Pradesh Budget Session: Governor cuts short address to Assembly amid uproar by Congress members The final discussion is due on March 24. The session started with the address of Governor Anusuiya Uikey followed by the tabling of motion of thanks on the governor''s address, he said. SGF proudly welcomes Dr. Emily Barnard to its Washington, D.C. - K Street and Towson offices. I promise to take the extra minute to listen, support, and be fully present for patients no matter where they are in their journey. I will work diligently to help my patients achieve their goals and will seek answers to every question they have about this ever-evolving field. Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) is proud to announce that reproductive endocrinologist, Emily Barnard, D.O., has joined the practice and will begin seeing patients at SGFs Washington, D.C. - K Street and Towson offices in April 2021. Dr. Barnard will provide a full range of state-of-the-art, in-house diagnostic and treatment options for female and male infertility, elective egg freezing, LGBTQ family building, and fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. I wanted to join SGF because they have a strong reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centered care, expresses Dr. Barnard. While SGF is a private practice, they also emphasize research to improve patient outcomes and teach the next generation of medical students, residents, and fellows. Dr. Barnard earned her doctorate of osteopathic medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, ranking in the top five of her graduating class of 227 students. It was there that Dr. Barnard first experienced the joy of sharing news of a pregnancy with a couple who struggled with infertility and was inspired to pursue reproductive endocrinology. Upon completing medical school, Dr. Barnard returned to her home state of Minnesota for her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Mayo Clinic. During that time, Dr. Barnard was awarded the 2016 Mayo International Health Program Scholarship to fund her travels to Kampala, Uganda, for an obstetrics elective. That same year, she earned the 2016 Pfizer Presidents Award from the Society for Reproductive Investigation, which was awarded to the 25 most meritorious abstracts submitted by investigators in training to encourage consideration of a research career. Following her distinguished residency, Dr. Barnard completed her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dr. Barnard holds leadership positions in several professional organizations including the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. An ardent advocate for those struggling with infertility, Dr. Barnard can be found participating at events with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. She has also traveled across the country presenting on topics including fertility preservation, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. I promise to take the extra minute to listen, support, and be fully present for patients no matter where they are in their journey, expresses Dr. Barnard. I will work diligently to help my patients achieve their goals and will seek answers to every question they have about this ever-evolving field. I will be there to offer a smile or hug of support, condolence, or celebration. Dr. Barnards Washington, D.C. - K Street colleague and SGFs Chief Medical Officer, Eric Widra, M.D., had this to say about Dr. Barnards introduction to the SGF family, Dr. Barnards holistic view of medicine aligns perfectly with SGFs mission to offer uncompromised patient care to each persons unique infertility story. I speak for the SGF team when I say that Dr. Barnards future with SGF is exciting and bright. Patients may schedule a new patient virtual physician consultation with Dr. Barnard by calling 1-877-761-1967 or submitting this brief form. About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and 5,000+ 5-star patient reviews. With 37 locations throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients virtual physician consults, deliver individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including 100% refund guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com. A prototype of South Korea's first indigenous fighter jet, KF-X / Yonhap South Korea will showcase a prototype of the country's first indigenous fighter jet in April, the arms procurement agency has said. Jung Kwang-sun, heading the KF-X program at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, said the planned rollout event will be a "landmark moment" for the country and the aerospace industry. "After working only with the blueprint so far, we will now have something we can actually see and test whether what we have been studying actually works," Jung told reporters at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in the southern city of Sacheon on Wednesday. South Korea has been working on the next-generation fighter development project since late 2015 to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 jets. With a maximum payload of 7,700 kilograms, the new warplane will have 10 pods for air-to-air missiles and other weapons, capable of flying at 2,200 kph with a flying range of 2,900 km. Leading the 8.8 trillion-won (US$7.9 billion) project is KAI, the country's sole aircraft manufacturer. At its Sacheon plant, engineers were busy giving the final touches to assemble the trial model. Currently in a yellow-green color, the prototype jet similar to stealth aircraft in design will be painted in dark gray prior to its showcase event. The company plans to complete the construction of three prototypes by the end of the year and wrap up assembling another three by the first half of next year. The first flight test is scheduled for 2022, with the entire development set to be completed by 2026. Separately, two additional copies will be made for ground tests to examine the jet's durability, officials said. All of the trial jets were designed slightly differently to conduct various tests before its official release. Some are single seated, while others are for tandem. Dubbed a 4.5-generation fighter, the KF-X plane is not a stealth aircraft, but officials said they will continue research for a possible conversion with additional features in the future. "As we have the platform, we do obviously have derivative models in mind," Jung said, adding that such conversion will have to be preceded by the military's requirement. "We will not leave this platform unused." When the development is complete, 40 units will be delivered to the Air Force by 2028 and another 80 units by 2032, according to officials. South Korea is also eyeing a bid for foreign aircraft upgrade programs. "Our assessment before launching this project was that we could export some 300 to 500 jets abroad considering countries that are planning to replace their aging warplanes," Jung said. Amid speculation that Indonesia, a partner for the project, is seeking to quit the business, Jung said talks are under way to find a middle ground that mutually benefits the two countries. The Southeast Asian country promised to shoulder 20 percent of the total development cost, but it has stopped making payments after investing 227.2 billion won with around 600 billion won overdue. "This joint development program is a matter of trust and cooperation between two countries," the director general said, stressing that Indonesia has been the leading importer of South Korea's defense products. Officials declined to comment on the jet's target price. It will be decided based on the market situation by the time the aircraft enters the stage of mass production, they said. Halfway through the development, over 11,800 people have joined forces for the project with 2,500 new jobs created in 2020 alone, according to the arms procurement agency. "We had difficulties in the face of the COVID-19 situation, but we managed to overcome the crisis," KAI CEO Ahn Hyun-ho said. "I hope we can complete the project as planned so it can become a pillar of our self-reliant national defense." (Yonhap) Burma Myanmar Military Sues Suu Kyi and President with Further Charges Anti-military regime protesters last month call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest in Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region. / The Irrawaddy YANGON In the latest attempts to legalize the detention of Myanmars democratically elected leaders, President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the military regime issued more charges against them on Monday. The pair have been remanded in custody since early February. During a video conference court hearing in Naypyitaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi faced two more charges for incitement and using walkie-talkies without a license under 505(b) of the Penal Code and Telecommunications Law. She has already been sued under the Export and Import Law for possessing illegally imported walkie-talkies. On Feb. 16, she was handed another charge under the Natural Disaster Management Law, probably for allegedly breaching COVID-19 restrictions during the recent election campaign. She now faces four charges, carrying a total of nine years imprisonment. On Monday, the junta also sued U Win Myint and Naypyitaw Mayor Dr. Myo Aung under Article 505(b) for incitement. Article 505(b) punishes anyone deemed to be causing fear or alarm through an offense against the state or public tranquility with up to two years in prison. The president was sued under the Natural Disaster Management Law last month for allegedly breaching COVID-19 restrictions during the election campaign. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has still not met her lawyer after a month in detention. U Khin Maung Zaw, one of her two lawyers, said she asked the judge on Monday to see her legal advisers. The judge told the police to make it happen, he said. U Khin Maung Zaw said a submission for paperwork was made to the police for Daw Aung San Suu Kyis signature on Feb. 16 to allow the lawyers to represent her in court. There has been no reply. He said she has the right to legal representation in court. So far she has not received a fair trial as there is no lawyer to represent her. Her human rights have been abused, U Khin Maung Zaw added. Protests against the regime, calling for the release of the president, state counselor and other detainees, have been continuing throughout the country for more than three weeks. You may also like these stories: US Citizen Among the Advisers to Myanmar Military Regime Despite Sanctions Imposed by US Myanmar Medics in Hiding as Regime Targets Hospital-Led Disobedience Movement Myanmar Military Targets Striking Civil Servants Married At Fist Sight bride Beth Moore looked sensational in a red frock at Monday's dinner party. But eagle-eyed fans noticed an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction she suffered while getting ready with TV 'husband' Russell Duance. As the pair were finalising their outfit choices, a mirror reflection behind Beth revealed the awkward blunder. Scroll down for video Did YOU spot it? MAFS bride Beth Moore (pictured) suffered an unfortunate wardrobe fail in her red dinner party ensemble on Monday night's episode The 39-year-old, who was smiling and upbeat in the scene, appeared completely unaware of the price tag still dangling from the back of the garment. Beth was giving advice to Russell on what pocket square he should use, but he failed to address the prominent tag. While one private Facebook MAFS fan page slammed Russell for not telling her sooner, Beth 's outfit appeared without the price tag for the rest of the evening. Priceless: Eagle-eyed fans noticed Beth's unfortunate wardrobe malfunction while getting ready with TV 'husband' Russell Duance. Her price tag was STILL hanging off her garment On Sunday's episode of the show, Beth was left sobbing when she didn't feel a spark with new 'husband' Russell at their wedding. According to The Wash, the newlywed's romance goes pear shaped just a few weeks into the experiment. The website claimed that Dan Andrews lookalike Russell, 37, allegedly spilled the details of his split with Beth, 39, to a woman at a Sydney bar in December. Over: On Sunday's episode of Married At First Sight Australia, bride Beth was left sobbing when she didn't feel a spark with new 'husband' Russell Duance (pictured). According to The Wash, the romance goes pear shaped just a few weeks into the show During conversation, Russell, who was visiting Sydney from his native Adelaide to do some promotional work, reportedly said the couple were done. The woman alleged to the website: 'He kept showing his empty ring finger when everyone asked if he was still together. 'I think he told me he made it to about week six from memory,' she added. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment. Married At First Sight continues Tuesday from 7:30pm on Channel Nine Press Release March 1, 2021 Bong Go commends PRRD for signing coco levy trust fund law; cites crucial role of coconut industry in economic growth and recovery Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go commended President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law a measure he co-authored which provides for the utilization of the Coco Levy Fund to benefit the country's coconut farmers. "I commend the President for signing this law that would benefit and promote the welfare of our less fortunate coconut farmers," Go said. "Bilang isa sa mga malalaking producers ng coconut sa mundo, napakahalaga po ng coconut industry sa ating bansa. Napakarami sa ating mga magsasaka ang nakikinabang at nakasalalay ang pamumuhay sa industriyang ito. Kaya naman po nagagalak tayo na sa wakas ay may batas na na magsusulong ng kanilang mga karapatan at kapakanan," he added. The President signed Republic Act No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act on Friday, February 26. Under the law, the Philippine Coconut Authority is tasked to craft the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan which will "set the directions and policies for the development and rehabilitation of the coconut industry within 50 years." The law also mandates the Bureau of Treasury to transmit PhP10 billion to the trust fund in the first year; PhP10 billion in the second year; PhP15 billion in the third year; PhP15 billion in the fourth year; and PhP25 billion during the fifth year. Around PhP5 billion from the coco levy trust fund will be utilized for the plans and programs of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, including the training of coconut farmers and their families, planting and replanting of hybrid coconut seedlings, among others. The law also strengthens the PCA to ensure the implementation of the plan. Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar earlier welcomed and supported the measure, saying that the "decades-long awaited legislative measure will greatly help rehabilitate and modernize the country's coconut industry." Dar added that the law will help unleash the potential of the Philippine coconut industry by paving the way to further increase the country's export revenues from the coconut agriculture sector. During a Senate public hearing on the measure in September last year, Go, who co-authored the measure, had earlier asked its sponsor, Senator Cynthia Villar, as to the number of coconut farmers who will benefit from the measure. Villar responded, saying that the latest figure in 2017 is 2.4 million. Villar also mentioned that the intended beneficiaries came from 67 coconut producing provinces, five cities and 1,346 towns in the Philippines. Go then sought assurance that the initial funding for the measure is enough to be able to uplift less fortunate coconut farmers. President Duterte vetoed in 2019 an earlier version of the measure approved during the 17th Congress, citing the lack of "vital safeguards" in a letter addressed to Congress. Duterte explained that establishing an "effectively perpetual" trust fund would violate Article IV Section 29(3) of the 1987 Constitution. In the new bill, the management and disbursement of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund will be implemented by the PCA based on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and as approved by the President of the Philippines. The said plan will also lay out the rehabilitation of the industry in the next 99 years, the suggested lifespan of the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund seeks to establish facilities for the coconut industry and empower coconut farmers' cooperatives and organizations. It will also be utilized for farm improvement, scholarship grants, and health and medical programs for members of the industry. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the opening of the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Adviser to Floridas Governor Touts States Success Against COVID-19 A free-market advocate who helped advise Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on how to combat COVID-19 said on Feb. 28 that the states success navigating the pandemic stemmed from a flexible approach. When the virus initially hit, no one knew what to do, really, anywhere in the country. All of the experts were wrong initially. And so after the initial two-week lockdown, if you remember two weeks to slow the spread, Gov. Ron DeSantis decided to do really three things, Robert McClure, president and CEO of the James Madison Institute, told The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders program during CPAC 21 in Florida. He said, first were going to protect the most vulnerable, which were the elderlyFlorida has the second-largest elderly population in the country. We were going to protect the immunocompromised, those with issues all around the state. And then third, were not going to close down our states economy; we are going to socially distance, were going to wear masks where appropriate, but we are going to trust the people of Florida to make the decisions that were best for them. McClures think tank, based in Tallahassee, was part of a reopening task force that DeSantis took advice from when deciding which rules to issue in 2020. DeSantis, like the overwhelming majority of governors in the country, forced many businesses to close down in March 2020 and enacted restrictions on individuals. But he was among the first governors to ease rules, as state officials chose to focus on protecting the elderly and others with serious underlying illnesses while keeping statewide restrictions light for the general population. Every Floridian has a right to earn a living and all businesses have a right to operate, DeSantis, a Republican, told a crowd at CPAC. Florida got it right and the lockdown states got it wrong. Seniors and first responders wait in line to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Lakes Regional Library in Fort Myers, Fla., on Dec. 30, 2020. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) According to federal data, Florida has seen 144 deaths involving COVID-19 per 100,000 residents since the beginning of the pandemic. That compares favorably with large states that enacted stricter measures. New York, for instance, has seen 245 deaths per 100,000 residents. McClure noted that Florida is a diverse state, comparing Miami-Dade Countys 2.7 million people with the states smallest county, Liberty County, which has just 10,000 residents. There was no way that the governor could have kind of this top-down, one-size-fits-all response to this issue. So he allowed each municipality, each county to make their own decisions. And he said we are not going to close down the state of Florida. And so thats how you had the genesis of keeping our economy open, unlike a lot of other states around the country, he told The Epoch Times. Lockdowns as a result of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, have wreaked devastation across the country, but Florida has done well to date protecting its sizable elderly population with focused measures. You have the second-largest senior population in the country, and many of them are vibrant and healthy and still work, and yet, theyre more at risk than, say, you or I. And so there was a level of quarantining if you had been exposed, contact tracing and those kinds of things, he said. Those are all perfectly logical responses to a virus that has been devastating across the country. But we never closed our economy. Small businesses stayed open; small businesses represent 40 percent of the states economy. Now tourism is the biggest driver of the states economy. Agriculture, tourism, and small business are kind of the three-legged stool for Florida. And so closing down those businesses would have been devastating. March 01, 2021 Biden Breaks Campaign Promise On MbS Punishment - Psaki Lies To Hide That - Guardian Fakes Quote To Hide Psaki's Lie Updated below (and headline changed to reflect that) During his campaign President Joe Biden promised to punish Saudi Arabia's clown prince Mohammad bin Salman for ordering the murder of the Muslim Brotherhood propagandist Jamal Khashoggi. Like with most of his other campaign promises Biden of course never had the intention to follow through on that. Biden's press secretary Jen Psaki, known for bullshit spoken in an assertive tone, defended Biden's falsehood with another lie: The White House on Sunday defended its decision to not target Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after a U.S. intelligence report linked the royal to the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "Historically and even in recent history, Democratic and Republican administrations, there have not been sanctions put in place for the leaders of foreign governments where we have diplomatic relations and even where we don't have diplomatic relations," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" program. Here is the video clip of Biden's and Paski's lies. Her quote starts at 1:58 min. The Office of Foreign Assets Control has a Sanction List Search feature which allows anyone to look up entities and persons who are under U.S. sanctions. The pic below shows the entry for one LUKASHENKA, Alyaksandr Hryhoryavich, who's title is noted as 'President'. The pic below shows the entry for one MADURO MOROS, Nicolas, who's title is noted as 'President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela'. The pic below shows the entry for one KHAMENEI, Ali Husseini, who's title is noted as 'Supreme Leader of Iran'. The 'Additional Sanctions Information' says that he is 'Subject to Secondary Sanctions'. There are several more presidents and heads of states under U.S. sanctions than those three above. Here is for example President of the Syrian Arab Republic. You can click here to find more. If one of Trump's press secretaries had issued the above lie the media would of course have lambasted them for that. Do not expect such outcries with anything that is coming from the Biden administration. While it is running the same imperial policies as the Trump administration, the media will defend those for Biden just as they condemned them when Trump was reigning. Update (20:01 UTC): Stephen McIntyre points out that the Guardian 'modified' the Psaki quote to hide her lie. It writes: The White House spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said on Monday: We reserve the right to take any action at a time and manner of our choosing. But she added the US has not typically sanctioned government leaders of countries where we have diplomatic relations. Guardian Screenshot bigger The words 'not typically' do not occur in the video clip (1:58m) of Psaki's CNN appearance. They were added by the Guardian writers Michael Safi and Julian Borger to hide Psaki's lie which was made to defend Biden's falsehood. A lie begets a lie begets a lie ... How deep will they nest those? End-Update Posted by b on March 1, 2021 at 18:53 UTC | Permalink Comments Tijjaniya Muslims Movement of Ghana (TMMG) has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his decisive stand on the LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Tijjaniya Muslims Movement of Ghana (TMMG) has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his decisive stand on the LGBTQ activities in Ghana. It is our belief that the actions of groups such as the LGBTQ and other inhuman acts perpetrated against humanity in general are the main causes of the big problems mankind go through, the group said in a statement. The statement signed by Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, Executive Secretary, and copied to the Ghana News Agency at Tema, said inaction of leaders to stop and prevent such heinous crimes against humanity was clear disobedience to the will of Almighty Allah. The Movement said it found it appropriate to commend President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his bold stand which will go a long way to protect the moral fabric of the society. The Group expressed optimism that future governments would continue the path to discourage the practice of homosexuality in the country. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video OK guys, let's keep it all friendly please. Remember the written word can always be misinterpreted as having a certain tone, which the writer actually may not have meant at all. Likewise, when writing it is useful to sometimes read before posting, so as to avoid any potential misinterpretation. In my opinion nobody is wrong. If the poster chooses to prefer Government websites then that is his choice. It is also Stephen's forum right to be able to post regarding his personal experiences. Nobody is wrong. Let's keep this forum friendly It is what sets it apart from so many other country forums. We don't want it to slide into the nitpicking, slanging matches we see elsewhere Cheers guys. Gemma Dry - Discover Namibia Safaris Armenia's Security Council strongly condemns all attempts to involve the Armed Forces in the political process, urging Armenian President Armen Sarkisyan to dismiss Chief of the General Staff of Armed Forces Onik Gasparyan, the council said in a statement. "The RA Constitution clearly defines the inadmissibility of the Armed Forces to be involved in political processes, the fact of being under civilian oversight. According to the law, the discretion of the head of government is on the basis of the proposal to appoint and dismiss the Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces," the statement reads. "The RA President, being the most important institution monitoring the observance of the Constitution, is obliged to unequivocally show a corresponding approach," News.am cited the statement as saying. "Based on the above-mentioned, the Security Council calls on the President of the Republic to grant the RA Prime Ministers petition to dismiss the [serving] Chief of the General Staff and sign a corresponding decree," the statement added. South Africa: MEC demands urgent action in hijacking of KZN social worker KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, wants law enforcement to take urgent action after a social worker was hijacked at gunpoint at the Social Development offices in Eshowe, last Thursday. The social worker was assisting survivors of the Khumalo family massacre with psychosocial services after the shooting of six members at their Eshowe home. The suspect in the shooting is a social worker based at the Ongoye office in Esikhaleni and is said to be related to the family he brutally massacred. He has appeared at Inkanyezi Magistrate Court and the matter was adjourned to 5 March 2021. However on Thursday, 25 February, the social worker who had been dispatched to assist the surviving family members was hijacked before handing over the matter to his colleagues at the Inanda office, and had not yet completed his assignment. We did not expect that a social worker can be involved in such a horrific incident that wiped out a family. At this stage, we don't know what could have led to such an incident, but we want to give assurance to the Khumalo family that government feels their pain and will support them throughout their painful journey. "It is equally painful that we assigned one of our social workers to provide support to some family members, who were moved to Inanda after the horrendous incident, and was hijacked. [The assigned social worker] was supposed to hand over the matter to his colleagues at the Inanda office but was hijacked at gunpoint on the premises before completing his assignment," Khoza said. The deceased, including two pensioners - Christopher (70) and his wife Octavia (63), Mbali (29), Thabo (10), Sinothile (18) and eight-year-old Langelihle Sigampu, were gunned down while watching television in the lounge. The suspect allegedly stormed into the Khumalo homestead on Saturday, 20 February and opened fire. He was later arrested in Greytown last week Monday. According to media reports, a family dispute is said to be at the centre of the massacre. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-03-01. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma gave an impassioned speech over the weekend at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Orlando, Florida. The Republican senator was on hand as a speaker during the conversative event, in which he spoke about freedom of religion and how the Biden Equality Act serves as a threat to people's beliefs. Last Thursday, a divided House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, a bill that codifies 1964 Civil Rights Act to include protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The new legislation, which was passed with a vote of 224-206, was surprisingly supported by three Republican representatives: Reps. John Katko and Tom Reed of New York, and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Philadelphia, Vox reported. Now, Sen. Lankford, who has been consistently against the Biden Equality Act, is highlighting the threat that the new legislation poses on religious freedom. According to the Christian Post, Sen. Lankford said during his CPAC speech on Friday that the Biden Equality Act will force people to hide their faith, which he explained "you don't have to take off" any time of the day, including when you leave the church or go to work to fulfill your duties. He also pointed out that "If you don't practice your faith every day, you really don't have a faith, you just have a religious hobby." The 52 year-old senator, who also served at the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and the Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center in Davis, Oklahoma, criticized the left for passing the Biden Equality Act. He said, "The in-group in our society doesn't get to define who can and cannot have faith, what their faith would look like in public or in private. We don't have to submit to the in-crowd's secular humanism." While the Biden Equality Act is designed as an anti-discrimination law that adds protections for members of the LGBTQ community, Sen. Lankford warned that under the new legislation, "People of faith cannot say you have faith." At CPAC, Sen. Lankford warned that such language as seen in the Biden Equality Act is designed to "discriminate against people of faith." Under the Biden Equality Act, citizens will see similar cases as when the Little Sisters of the Poor, a religious institute for women, was forced by California attorney general Xavier Becerra to "choose between shutting down their ministry to elderly poor or to violate their religious beliefs." Sen. Lankford said that under Becerra, who supports the Biden Equality Act, there was blatant "hostility toward religious people who did not want to fund contraception and abortion-inducing drugs in their employer-sponsored healthcare plans." CBN News reported that over the weekend, Sen. Lankford reiterated the importance of living one's faith, despite the threats that the Biden Equality Act poses on religious freedom. He took to Twitter to say, "Liberal professors and left-wing politicians can't push faith out of the public view because they don't like it, we have a First Amendment. Your faith is yours, not the governments." [March 01, 2021] moneycorp Americas Expands Canadian Business with New China Division moneycorp Americas, a leading provider of global payments and currency risk management solutions, announces the opening of their Canadian based China Division. The division will aim to support Chinese Canadian business owners, importing or exporting to and from China, and high-net worth individuals by helping streamline their FX risk management and payments overseas. By minimizing their foreign exchange exposure to suppliers, business operators in Canada can protect their bottom line by hedging their payments to and from China. "This expansion represents a key strategic growth initiative for our company in response to the increasing market demand for payments and FX risk management solutions," said Bob Dowd, Chief Executive Officer of moneycorp Americas. "James Lei, our China Division lead, and his team's understanding of payments requirements from both a supplier and vendor perspective makes this offering a seamless move for our business. By expanding our team of experienced professionals through the China Division, we are able to help Canadian Chinese businesses achieve operational efficiency and overall profitability." James Lei, Senior Corporate Dealer at moneycorp Americas added, "We understand the challenges and opportunities facing Chinese Canadian businesses. There is a significant need for them to address their global payments and FX risk management requirements in order to protect their bottom line. Our team offers unmatched personalized customer service, competitive rates and customized solutions, thereby mnimizing their FX risk in a volatile market." moneycorp has recently expanded their Canadian team to support this growth, including William Wang, as Senior Business Development Advisor. William brings more than 27 years of experience including previously managing Saskatchewan's economic relations with the Greater China area since 2007 and working in cooperation with Saskatchewan Intergovernmental Affairs. China is Canada's second largest trading partner. According to the Government of Canada, since 2001 Canada's relationship with China has grown faster than their trade relationships with any other global partner. With a high volume of goods being imported and exported between the two countries, Canadian businesses must evaluate their payments and FX risk, especially during volatile times. moneycorp's Canadian based China Division works alongside their Hong Kong office to enable businesses to receive CNH payments instead of USD. To learn more, please click here. About moneycorp Americas moneycorp Americas is a leading provider of global payments and currency risk management solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering high touch service and innovative technology products that put our customers' business first. Our team of knowledgeable, seasoned professionals create tailor-made solutions and leverage our global network for seamless cross border payments and safeguarding FX risk exposure. Established in 1979, moneycorp serves global clients across North America, South America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Visit www.moneycorp.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005110/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A?key Vatican official in Baghdad has tested positive for the coronavirus less than a week before Pope Francis is set to depart on an historic visit to the country, according to media reports. Mitja Leskovar, the apostolic nuncio to Iraq, is in quarantine, according to the Adnkronos news agency, which cited Vatican sources. Pope Francis / AFP-Yonhap Hunter said recent area wildfires have caused a shortage of construction workers who can build new homes, also driving up costs. The bottom line is, theres high demand for such homes, Hunter said. And the buyers are willing to pay. Im getting calls every day about the project, he said. Some buyers are even doubling up. Hunter said that of the 35 units that have been sold, two buyers each bought two units: one bought an adjacent unit, another bought one home in one phase and one in another phase. Currently, only one or two units are being used as rentals, said Hunter. A unit in phase two, 1624 Third St., was previously advertised for rent for $4,000 per month. That unit includes three bedrooms and 3.5 baths, said a listing. Phase three homes are built atop a first-floor parking garage with entry on Wilson and Seminary streets. From that first floor, housing rises another two and three more floors. Bedrooms on the fourth floor provide some expansive views of downtown and south of Third Street. A passcode-protected elevator will carry residents up and down. Veteran Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon will use an event to mark the 25th anniversary of John Howards first election win as leader to urge his party to learn from Australias second-longest-serving prime minister and broaden its electoral appeal. The outspoken backbencher, who quit the frontbench last year following 18 months of disagreement over the oppositions policy direction on energy, tax and climate change, will warn his colleagues against repeating past mistakes of underestimating their opponent. Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon will say the lesson to learn from the Howard government is that to be a successful party of government in a two-party system, you must build a broad coalition of community support. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen He will say Labor keeps losing elections because it has developed a form of institutional elitism, fuelled by an unhealthy belief in its intellectual and moral superiority. [Prime Minister] Scott Morrison is the latest to benefit from Labors failure to take its main opponent sufficiently seriously, Mr Fitzgibbon says in a draft version of the speech to be delivered on Tuesday. Former US President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 28, 2021. Photo: REUTERS/Octavio Jones Former US president Donald Trump last night hinted at a possible run for president again in 2024, attacked President Joe Biden, and repeated his fraudulent claims that he won the 2020 election, in his first major appearance since leaving the White House nearly six weeks ago. Our movement of proud, hard-working American patriots is just getting started, and in the end we will win. We will win, Mr Trump said in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida. Refusing to admit he lost the November 3 presidential election to Joe Biden, Trump offered a withering critique of his Democratic successors first weeks in office and suggested he might run again. They just lost the White House, the Republican former president said after criticising Mr Bidens handling of border security. But who knows, who knows, I may even decide to beat them for a third time. Mr Trumps tumultuous final weeks in office saw his supporters launch a deadly attack on the US Capitol on January 6 in an attempt to block Congress from certifying Bidens election victory, a win that Mr Trump falsely claimed was tainted by widespread fraud. A civil war has erupted within the Republican Party with establishment figures like Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell eager to put Mr Trump in the rearview mirror and others, like Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham, believing the partys future depends on the energy of the pro-Trump conservative base. Mr Trump declared the Republican Party is united and said he had no plans to try to launch a third party, an idea he has discussed with advisers in the last couple of months. Were not starting new parties. We have the Republican Party. Its going to be united and be stronger than ever before. I am not starting a new party, he said. The results of a straw poll of CPAC conference participants gave Mr Trump a strong show of support, with 55pc saying they would vote for him in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came in second place with 21pc. Without Mr Trump, Mr DeSantis led the field with 43pc, and other potential Republican candidates had single digits. But not everyone supported Mr Trump. A separate question on the poll asked whether he should run again in 2024 and it led to a mixed result, with 68pc saying he should run and 32pc saying opposed or having no opinion. Its tough to get seven out of 10 to agree on anything, pollster Jim McLaughlin told CPAC in explaining away the results. Still, Trump fervor at the four-day CPAC event has been so strong that Trumps eldest son Donald Trump Jr declared it T-PAC and participants rolled out a golden statue of the former president. In the short term, he is making plans to set up a fund-raising political organization to support candidates who mirror his policies, an adviser said. Starting his speech more than an hour late, Mr Trump said he wanted to save the culture and identity of the US. He sought to position himself as the lead critic of the new president, including on immigration and security along the US border with Mexico, and the slow reopening of schools closed due to the pandemic. Joe Biden has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history, Mr Trump said. Recent polls have given Biden a job approval rating well past 50pc, a strong showing from Americans. Driving home along the motorway one afternoon, Janey Semp suddenly felt a strange tingling spreading across her left hand. By the time she'd pulled up outside her house in Manchester, 30 minutes later, the sensation 'Like a very painful form of pins and needles' had spread to her arm, which she struggled to even lift. 'I'm not the type to panic but I was a bit alarmed. I mean, it really, really hurt and I couldn't work out what it was,' recalls Janey, who works in accounts for an electrical company. 'It just didn't make sense. I hadn't done anything strenuous.' However innocuous it was in the beginning, the pain in her arm heralded the start of a rapid physical descent that left Janey severely incapacitated. Previously fit and active as a regular walker and an enthusiastic member of an amateur dramatics group, today the mother-of-one can barely walk without a stick, slurs her speech and has constant pain in her head and limbs. Janey Semp, 58, from Manchester, was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder after two years Yet it has taken over two years, repeated doctors' visits, countless hospital appointments and even accusations that 'it's all in the mind' for Janey, 58, to get a diagnosis. Janey has functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition thought to affect around 50,000 Britons a year that can begin without warning and impacts how the brain and body send and receive signals between them. Unlike a stroke, which shows up in specific areas on brain scans, FND affects the brain's messaging mechanisms which are not visible this way, leading to FND being too often overlooked by medical professionals, say experts. Indeed Janey's lengthy route to diagnosis is worryingly common, not least because suggestions that puzzling symptoms are 'all in the mind' can deter people from seeking help quickly. 'In FND people suffer symptoms such as paralysis, seizures and tremors and these are very real, very genuine,' explains Jon Stone, a professor of neurology at the University of Edinburgh and founder of one of the UK's first FND clinics. Unlike a stroke, which shows up in specific areas on brain scans, FND affects the brain's messaging mechanisms which are not visible this way, leading to FND being often overlooked 'But FND is a bit like a software problem on a computer. The 'hardware' of the brain isn't damaged but there is a problem with the 'software', so the computer doesn't work properly. The condition is caused by a problem with the brain's messaging capabilities,' he adds. 'For example, this might create an inability to send messages such as those to move the legs. So you won't see damage, say, to the brain or legs on a scan. That's why sadly some patients are dismissed as having purely psychological symptoms.' The condition is caused by a problem with the brain's messaging capabilities FND has been established as a neurological disorder for more than 200 years, and was the second most common reason for patients to see a neurologist after a migraine headache, according to a study of 4,000 new outpatients conducted in Scotland by Professor Stone and his colleagues. 'All of which raises issues about what doctors should be doing,' says Professor Stone. 'In medicine are we only interested if we see something on a scan, or can we do more? Diagnosis of FND is one of the worst examples of this mindset.' Mark Edwards, a professor of neurology at St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, concurs, describing FND as a 'medical no-man's land' between brain science (neurology) and mind health (psychology). 'So there is a lot of 'buck passing',' he says. 'Some neurologists may say it's psychological and basically not treatable through specific drugs or surgery, while psychologists may say it's physical. We need a better approach for people with FND to diagnose them correctly and so get them into appropriate rehabilitation and treatment.' Janey's initial visit to her GP revealed no answers as the doctor couldn't find a reason for her symptoms. She repeatedly returned to the surgery over the next few months as her symptoms increased; she suffered constant headaches and her toes began to curl under, making walking awkward. The mother-of-one was told 'it's all in the mind' but can barely walk without a stick Blood tests, brain scans and even a private visit to an orthopaedic surgeon provided no answer. 'The headaches in particular were very debilitating,' recalls Janey, who lives with husband Alan, 78. 'I wanted to scream in frustration because I couldn't get anyone to believe there was something the matter.' 'I'm not the sort of person who sits around feeling sorry for myself I have a full-time job, before this started I was very involved in amateur dramatics and I also look after Alan, who has various health issues. I was used to being busy.' With acute conditions such as a brain haemorrhage ruled out by tests and scans, hospital specialists and Janey's GP started to ask if she was suffering from stress caused by the death of her mother a few months earlier. HOME REMEDIES: Treatments found in your kitchen cupboard TRY: Pumpkin seeds for prostate trouble Once men hit middle age, many start developing signs of an enlarged prostate. This triggers symptoms such as needing the loo more often, feeling as if the bladder cannot empty as normal and reduced flow. Medication that can help alleviate symptoms and, in some cases, surgery may be necessary. However, there may be another option worth trying: a daily handful of pumpkin seeds. 'Many of my patients swear by this,' says Marc Laniado, a consultant urologist at Frimley Health NHS Trust in Surrey and Nuada Medical in London. 'It is thought the oils interfere with hormonal receptors in cells and so slow down the growth of the prostate.' Lab studies confirm this. Advertisement Janey says: 'Mum was 82 and extremely poorly and her death had not been unexpected. I felt the medical professionals were clutching at straws. Meanwhile my symptoms were getting worse, my speech was slurred, my legs were weak and I could feel the right-hand side of my face dropping. Yet nothing happened.' The cause of FND is unknown, although a previous physical injury, infectious diseases such as flu, panic attacks or migraine are all associated with it. 'People who have had a past psychological trauma may also be at greater risk of developing FND,' says Professor Edwards. 'But not everyone will.' Matters finally came to a head for Janey 12 months ago when she was rushed to hospital after her right eye lid 'dropped' and she began to shake uncontrollably. 'I was absolutely terrified I couldn't see out of my eye,' she recalls. 'I was shaking so badly I couldn't hold a cup in my hand. I was desperate for someone to find out what was wrong with me.' Doctors suspected a stroke or brain tumour but again scans were normal. Salvation came in the form of a neurologist who diagnosed FND. 'I had no idea what he was talking about but I didn't care,' says Janey. 'I was elated that I wasn't going mad. Finally someone believed me.' Doctors diagnose FND using the Hoover test, where the patient lies on their back and is asked to lift their 'bad leg' (one is usually worse than the other). They may have difficulty pushing it back down again, but when asked to lift their 'good leg', movement in the bad leg returns temporarily to normal. This automatic response shows there is a messaging problem between brain and body rather than any other cause. There is no cure and treatment depends on how the disease affects the individual patient. In Janey's case, she has been prescribed medication for pain and anxiety as well as physiotherapy. 'The fundamental way forward is management through rehabilitation using specific exercises to help patients relearn lost skills,' says Professor Edwards. 'In theory, patients have a capacity to improve and recover. There's no irreversible damage to nerves, but it is a disabling problem just as disabling as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. That's why it's so wrong for patients to be told there isn't a problem.' Professor Edwards believes that every neuroscience centre in the UK should have a multidisciplinary team to diagnose and treat patients with FND. 'At the moment we look after people with FND in an appalling way,' he says. 'We're in an insane position with patients in the system for years having endless consultations, tests and medication they don't need because nobody is prepared to come off the fence with a diagnosis.' The United Nations has sanctioned a Houthi official in Yemen for alleged human rights abuses against women. The UN Security Council designated Sultan Saleh Aida Aida Zabin on Thursday. Zabin is the director of the Criminal Investigation Department in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. He was sanctioned for alleged crimes against women, the council said in a press release. He has played a prominent role in a policy of intimidation and use of systematic arrest, detention, torture, sexual violence and rape against politically active women, said the council. Women have been forcibly disappeared, raped, tortured and denied medical treatment at sites Zabin is responsible for and he has administered torture himself on some occasions, according to the release. Zabins department is part of the Houthi administration in Yemen. The Gulf state has been experiencing a brutal civil war since 2014. The Iran-backed Houthi forces control Sanaa and other parts of the west. The UN-recognized government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi controls most of the rest of the country. The Hadi-led government is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. Zabin was sanctioned under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 2140, passed in 2014. This measure imposes a travel ban and asset freeze on sanctioned individuals or entities for one year. The resolution was passed specifically for anyone who supports acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Yemen. The resolution sanctioning Zabin passed the security council 14-0 Thursday, with Russia abstaining, The Associated Press reported. Both sides of the Yemeni conflict have been criticized by observers for numerous human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and torture. A millionaire who installed CCTV cameras to spy on his fashionista wife has won his Appeal Court fight to overturn her 3.45m divorce payout after judges ruled his wealth had been 'overstated'. Fashion consultant Tracey Ratcliffe had been awarded the sum last year following a divorce court battle with millionaire property mogul ex Nicholas Ratcliffe, which a family judge said was 'among the most acrimonious' he had ever dealt with. During the case, the judge slammed the 'deplorable level of coercive control' she had been subjected to by Mr Ratcliffe, who had installed CCTV to monitor her in their home. In a 'creepy' bid to force her out, he had also locked internal doors at their 1.3m Cheshire home to restrict her movements, and left Post-it notes on kitchen items saying 'clean me.' The couple married in 1994 and split in 2016, following which Judge Bernard Wallwork last year ordered an equal split of a family fortune he assessed as worth about 6.9m. Mr Ratcliffe last month appealed, in a move the wife's lawyers described as another example of his 'controlling' behaviour, but was today backed by top judges who had the payout overturned. Multi-millionaire property mogul Nicholas Ratcliffe (left) was locked in an acrimonious court battle with his estranged wife, fashion consultant Tracey Ratcliffe (right) Nicholas and Tracey Ratcliffe's 1.3m former marital home (right side of image) forms part of a large Victorian mansion in affluent Bowdon, Greater Manchester Court of Appeal judges said Judge Wallwork's assessment of the size of the family fortune 'overstated the true position' at the time - and ordered that the case be heard and decided again. 'Regrettably, given the long and troubled history of the proceedings, I have come to the conclusion that the judge's decision was flawed,' said Lord Justice Moylan. The court heard Mrs Ratcliffe was living with her parents and studying for a business degree at Liverpool University when she met her future husband in 1992. Ten years her senior, he was a chartered surveyor who went on to earn most of his money as a consultant finding potential sites for Sainsbury's supermarkets. Although well-educated, Mrs Ratcliffe, now 51, did not pursue a career after having the first of their two sons and instead worked as part of Mr Ratcliffe's consultancy business, which was essentially a 'joint enterprise.' They had two children before separating in March 2016, but continued to live under the same roof, with Mr Ratcliffe, 61, then embarking on a 'creepy' bid to force her out, the wife's barrister Anne Hussey QC said. Previously at the Family Court last year, Judge Bernard Wallwork ordered the couple split their assets down the middle, with each receiving about 3.4m, but this has now been overturned Two judges - first Deputy District Judge Dunn and then Judge Wallwork - have since made highly critical findings about Mr Ratcliffe's conduct, she said. 'Despite being aware of her 'fragile mental health', the husband showed a 'deplorable level of control' and embarked on a campaign 'designed to drive the wife from the family home',' said Mrs Hussey. 'The husband's behaviour found to include installing and using CCTV to monitor the wife in the former matrimonial home and locking internal doors was described in the first judgment as 'creepy'.' In June 2018, Mr Ratcliffe was finally ordered to leave the family home by Judge Dunn and has since lived in rented accommodation. He has not worked since 2007, but is in the middle of carrying out a multi-million pound 'luxury' 30-house development on prime rural land he partly owns in Lower Peover, near Knutsford. At the Family Court last year, Judge Wallwork ordered that the couple split their assets down the middle, with each receiving about 3.45m of the 6.9m wealth he found they would have when the profits are counted from the development. As well as getting the 1.3m home and valuable shares, a judge ordered that Mrs Ratcliffe be paid 1.2m in cash instalments Ruling on the case, he said: 'This case ranks among the most acrimonious financial remedy cases I have ever dealt with. The bitterness and rancour has been considerable and has permeated the proceedings.' He slammed Mr Ratcliffe's attitude towards his wife, particularly given he knew she had been suffering with mental health problems. 'I think his behaviour has been designed to drive the wife from the family home - and I am stressing the words 'her home',' he said. 'Closed-circuit television was installed within the house to monitor the wife's movements. 'Locks were placed on internal doors and the husband did not demur when I expressed concern that Post-it notes were left on occasions in the kitchen bearing such messages as, 'clean me', 'unhygienic' and so on. 'It appears to me that knowing of the wife's fragile mental health these actions were oppressive.' As well as getting the 1.3m home and valuable shares, he ordered that Mrs Ratcliffe be paid 1.2m in cash instalments. She would be left with as much liquid cash as possible due to the 'deviousness' of Mr Ratcliffe during the divorce proceedings, said the judge. Appealing, Mr Ratcliffe argued that his own age, future earning capacity and housing needs had not been properly taken into account by the divorce judge. And although Lord Justice Moylan said there was 'no possible basis' to challenge the 3.45m payout on those grounds, he said a flawed approach to the decision meant it could not stand. Various figures had been put forward for the value of the family's fortune, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding what profit the housing development will net. In coming to the 6.9m figure for the amount to be split, the judge had 'double counted' some elements, resulting in a sum that 'significantly overstated the true position.' Allowing the appeal, Lord Justice Moylan, sitting with Lord Justice Popplewell and Lord Justice Phillips, declined to make a new ruling themselves and instead sent it back to Judge Wallwork. 'In some respects, both parties have some responsibility for this, because the figures they each put forward had similar flaws in the approach they both adopted,' said the appeal judge. 'In the circumstances, and in accordance with the overriding objective, I consider that the right course is for the case to be remitted to the judge for him to redetermine his award. 'This will save a considerable amount of time and expense. Although the scope of the rehearing will be a matter for the judge, he will clearly not have to revisit many of the issues he addressed in his judgment. 'He will however - and in saying this I appreciate the likely costs impact - have to revisit the value he ascribed to the development. 'It is now two years since the judge heard this case. The development was then at an early stage and, as the judge noted, a project of this type has significant intrinsic uncertainties. 'It would not be right that the court should now determine what award is fair on the basis of evidence as to the development which is historic. 'This does not, of course, mean that, however unlikely it might appear, it is not open to the parties to resolve these proceedings by agreement.' A delivery man magically caught a three-year-old girl falling from the 12th floor of an apartment building in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi late on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred at the apartment building at 60B Nguyen Huy Tuong Street in Thanh Xuan District at around 5:30 pm on Sunday, Major Nguyen Minh Thang, deputy head of the police division in Thanh Xuan Trung Ward, confirmed later in the evening. Three-year-old N.P.H. climbed over her flats balcony on the 12th floor of block 12A and hung there for a few seconds, according to a residents recorded video. Residents at the apartment building screamed for help when they noticed the toddlers situation. Footage by a resident records a young girl climbing over the railing and falling from the apartment building at 60B Nguyen Huy Tuong Street in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi on February 28, 2021. At that time, Nguyen Ngoc Manh, a 31-year-old delivery man dwelling in Dong Anh District who was waiting for a customer at the location, heard the residents cry and came to H.s rescue. I looked around and looked up, then I saw a baby climbing the railing on the upper floor," Manh recounted. "Seeing that, I immediately opened the car door and tried to climb onto the metal roof [right on the ground floor of block 12A] to catch her in case she falls. After I just climbed onto the roof of about two meters high, I saw the baby falling. "At that time, I slipped, but tried to extend my hands forward to reach out. Luckily, the baby fell into my arms. Both the baby and I fell down and slammed into the metal roof." CCTV footage records a man catching a toddler falling from the apartment building at 60B Nguyen Huy Tuong Street in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi on February 28, 2021. According to Manh, blood was flowing out of the toddlers mouth after the fall. He immediately brought her to the ground before some residents rushed the toddler to hospital for emergency treatment. The toddler has broken arms and legs, but her health has been temporarily stable, according to Major Thang. For Manh, he suffered a sprain after the incident. My daughter is around her age," Manh said. "Even though I had a sprain, it felt like I was able to do something meaningful. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police officers can spend hours sorting through different systems hunting for information about forensic exhibits, logging incident reports or checking someones criminal history. But a new partnership with an American technology company will propel the decades-old systems into the 21st century, making it faster, simpler and safer for officers responding to emergencies and investigating crimes. NSW Police will implement a new technology system that will streamline their systems, allowing them to work faster and safer. Credit:Mark43 NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller signed a partnership with US-based public safety software provider Mark43 on Monday to roll out the system. The cloud-based program, known as the Integrated Policing Operating System (IPOS), will replace the forces 27-year-old central database and will be used for everyday operations including triple zero calls, arrests and charges, criminal investigations and forensics. Two Injured in Murray Collision By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - A two-vehicle collision in Murray on Saturday left two people injured.At 2:24 pm, the Murray Police Department responded to a two-vehicle injury collision at North 12th Street and Northwood Drive.At the scene, 39-year-old Angelita Turner of Murray told officers her vehicle was struck by another vehicle as she was crossing 12th Street.Officers then spoke with 57-year-old Scott Mclean of Hardin, who said he was traveling north on 12th Street when a vehicle pulled out of Northwood Drive in front of him, causing the two vehicles to collide.EMS took both Turner and Mclean to the emergency room for treatment of possible injuries. A thug who attacked an Australian TV reporter with a screwdriver while she was covering the George Floyd protests in London has been jailed for 18 months. Soofuu Yakr, 27, yelled 'Allahu Akbar' at Channel 9 reporter Sophie Walsh, 34, and made stabbing motions at her stomach during her broadcast in Hyde Park on June 3. Ms Walsh managed to push the Algerian asylum seeker away before her cameraman chased him through the park where he was arrested. Soofuu Yakr, who attacked an Australian TV reporter with a screwdriver while she was covering the George Floyd protests in London, has been jailed for 18 months Nine News' Europe correspondent Sophie Walsh was seen shaken after the attack in London last summer Nine's Europe Correspondent Sophie Walsh has been assaulted live on air while covering upcoming protests from London. @sophie_walsh9 #9News pic.twitter.com/C7Oin84kiy 9News Perth (@9NewsPerth) June 3, 2020 Yakr admitted assault by beating, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and possessing cannabis resin when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court last July. Prosecuting Matthew Barrowcliffe had told the court: 'Ms Walsh is a TV journalist for channel Nine News in Australia and was in Hyde Park doing a broadcast there for that channel. 'He (Yakr) grabbed her and made stabbing motions to her stomach screaming 'Allahu Akbar'. Ms Walsh believed that Yakr was a terrorist and that he would kill her, the court heard. Ms Walsh managed to push the Algerian asylum seeker away before her cameraman chased him through the park where he was arrested 'She said she was terrified and believed it was a knife. 'She managed to push him away, and her cameraman and other witness ran after the defendant.' Magistrate Nicholas Tarry had told Yakr: 'This was a very serious incident, this was a public gathering. 'Your actions, which were extremely threatening, put a reporter in fear of her safety and possibly her life.' Footage showed the attacker being detained by two police officers and held against a car bonnet Yakr, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today because he was being dealt with for other offences in the northeast including theft and possessing a false identity. He was jailed for 12 months for the Hyde Park offences with six months consecutive for the other offences making a total of 18 months. Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette, said: 'The defendant's behaviour was wholly unacceptable and he will now, no doubt, be realising the consequences of his actions. I hope that today's sentence brings some closure for the victim, and that Yakr uses his time in prison to reflect upon the consequences of his behaviour.' Hundreds of Perth Myanmar Community members took to Parliament House on Monday to protest against the military coup that has killed about 18 people in the southeastern Asian nation. Undeterred by the downpour in Perth on the Labour Day public holiday, the group, including family members of Australian citizens stuck in Myanmar, took a stand to seek justice and urge Australian governments to support innocent people caught up in the civil unrest. Hundreds protested the Myanmar miltary coup with placards urging the southeastern nations president be released. Credit:Daniel Lian It comes after security forces in Myanmar opened fire and made mass arrests on Sunday as they sought to break up protests against the militarys seizure of power, with reports of at least 18 people killed and 30 wounded. Myanmars military seized power on February 1 after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders, with the army alleging the recent landslide election win by Ms Suu Kyis party was marred by fraud. She urged supporters to protest against the coup. The people of Myanmar are not intimidated by the generals who seized power four weeks ago in a coup. The protest rallies, the civil servant strikes, have only grown. We have now seen the generals response. Troops are opening fire with live ammunition on unarmed civilians. The Myanmar military killed at least 18 peaceful protesters on Sunday, according to the UN, the deadliest day since the military annulled parliament. This is a calculated escalation of violence in this south-east Asian nation of 55 million. Protesters defend themselves with makeshift shields during clashes with riot police on Sunday. Credit:Getty Images Yet still the people are unbowed. A BBC reporter on Hledan Road in the countrys main city, Yangon, said: Two people were shot dead here and one was badly injured. But the people did not retreat. On the contrary: More protesters occupied the road, blocking the area with shields and carts and readying themselves to take on the police. The people waited more than half a century for the army to give them their democratic due from the 1962 military coup until the election that allowed Aung San Suu Kyi to take the leadership in 2016. HONG KONG, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New World Development ("NWD" or "the Company") has committed to the Business Ambition for 1.5C, a global call to action from the United Nations as well as business leaders for climate change mitigation under the Paris Agreement. NWD is one of 14 real estate companies globally, and the third in Asia, to have committed to setting science-based targets (SBT) that would help limit global warming to 1.5C. SBT provide companies with a clearly-defined path to reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals, aiming to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and future-proof businesses. The commitment, which covers the Company's major properties and construction activities in Hong Kong and mainland China, is in line with New World Group's continued focus on building sustainable communities via New World Sustainability Vision 2030 (SV2030), a long-term strategy that references the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) with four pillars: Green, Wellness, Smart and Caring. Adrian Cheng, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NWD, said, "We call on more organisations globally to join us on this journey to reduce carbon footprint, protect the environment and create shared value for all stakeholders." "Historically, the real estate industry has contributed significantly to global carbon emissions which has catalysed climate change. It is incumbent on the industry leaders to ramp up climate change mitigation efforts now for a more liveable future. In fact, I urge the industry to not only see this as a wake-up call but actually as an opportunity to rethink the way we develop and do so in a far more sustainable approach. Taking climate action is our responsibility to the next generation and also a business opportunity. Our bold commitment to SBT will support Hong Kong's plan for net zero carbon by 2050 and Mainland China's target of carbon neutrality by 2060." Taking action on climate change is not new to NWD. Since 2018, the Company has been working towards SV2030, which targets to halve its environmental impact in energy and carbon emissions intensity from the levels in FY2015 across different business units. It is also a leader in building globally renowned certified green buildings such as Victoria Dockside and K11 ATELIER King's Road in Hong Kong, being an early supporter of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and establishing Impact Kommons, Asia's first startup accelerator focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The latest commitment to Business Ambition for 1.5C steers the company to further decarbonise its operation and additionally focus on setting targets in 2023 to reduce both direct and indirect emissions by 2030. Ellie Tang, Head of Sustainability of NWD, said, "Committing to Business Ambition for 1.5C is an exciting milestone to accelerate our sustainable building efforts and echo the global call for imminent climate action. It sends a clear signal that New World Group is connecting its business success with positive impact on people and the planet. Business as usual is not enough to address climate risks: we must adopt global best decarbonisation practices and work with our business partners to reduce the impact of global warming. Looking ahead, the Company sees business opportunity in climate action, for example, in terms of global recognition and sustainable finance. NWD maintained its five-star (highest) rating in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) in 2019 and 2020 and was rated first globally for climate resilience disclosure in 2020. It also recently became the world's first real estate developer to issue a USD Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB), with a target to power its rental properties in the Greater Bay Area of China by 100% renewable energy by 2026 which forms part of the Company's greater commitment of using 100% renewable energy for all Greater China rental properties by 2031. About New World Development Founded in 1970, New World Development Company Limited ("The Group", Hong Kong stock code: 00017) was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1972 and is a constituent stock of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index. A premium brand infused with a unique personality best defined by The Artisanal Movement, New World Group's core business areas include investment in property and property development, and investment in and/or operation of roads, commercial aircraft leasing, construction, insurance, hotels and other strategic businesses. Its Greater China operations, especially in the Greater Bay Area, had a total asset value of approximately HK$600.2 billion as of 30 June 2020. The Group's two listed companies are NWS Holdings Limited (61%), and New World Department Store China Limited (75%). New World China Land Limited is wholly owned by the Group. SOURCE New World Development Company Limited Carol Vorderman appeared in great spirits as she marked St David's Day on social media on Monday. The former Countdown presenter, 60, wished her followers 'happy days and daffodils' as she embarked on a five-mile walk to ring in the Welsh celebration. Putting on a patriotic display, the mathematician was dressed in a Superman-themed jumper, complete with a flag of the country. Special occasion: Carol Vorderman appeared in great spirits as she marked St David's Day on social media on Monday The media personality said in a beaming clip shared to Instagram: 'Happy St David's Day everybody! Happy days and daffodils.' 'Happy St David's Day everybody. Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus pawb Sending leeks and daffodils to all my Welsh fam and all my good mates from other lands. #DoTheLittleThings', the brainbox captioned the post. Later in the day, the host uploaded a photo from an afternoon stroll, alongside the note: 'Happy walk for 5 Miles wearing what? ...ooh hang on...... 'gosh it's my @welshrugbyunion scarf....Wonder why I'm draped in it today? Said the cheeky Welsh Witch.' (sic) Active: The former Countdown presenter, 60, wished her followers 'happy days and daffodils' as she embarked on a five-mile walk to ring in the Welsh celebration Patriotic: The mathematician was dressed in a Superman-themed jumper, complete with a flag of the country Sweet: The media personality looked youthful in her patterned sweatshirt as she recorded the short video in her kitchen St Davids Day is an annual feast day that commemorates the patron saint of Wales, Saint David, on the day he died in 589 AD. The Pride of Britain star's mother Edwina, who passed away in 2017, was Welsh, while her late father Tony was Dutch. Last month, Carol received her first coronavirus vaccine at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol. The broadcaster lauded the staff and volunteers for their hard work and meticulous organisation. The honey-blonde beauty revealed her experience was made even more eventful when she bumped into a childhood friend who was carrying out the injections. Carol joins in a long-line of stars who have shared the news of receiving their jab, including Shirley Ballas and Gary Lineker. 'It was an emotional experience': Last month, the TV star received her first coronavirus vaccine at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol In a lengthy Instagram post, the TV star wrote: 'I've had my vaccine jab this morning. This was so well organised and really quite an emotional experience. 'From the smiley lady directing people in the car park and putting everyone at ease to the volunteers and staff at @ashtongatestadium Bristol. 'A huge coincidence happened tho. I love chatting and was blathering away to the wonderful Dr Susan Clompus who gave me my jab. And it turns out we were at school together HUNDREDS of Miles away in Rhyl, North Wales. 'I went to her brother's birthday party and apparently I was a very nice Prefect cos I didn't tell anyone off... oh I do love this world'. (sic) By analyzing blood samples from individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, researchers in Singapore have begun to unpack the different responses by the body's T cells that determine whether or not an individual develops COVID-19. The study, published today in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), suggests that clearing the virus without developing symptoms requires T cells to mount an efficient immune response that produces a careful balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. Many people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus do not develop any symptoms, and the infection is cleared by both antibodies and T cells that specifically recognize the virus. In some cases, however, this protective immune response can trigger excessive inflammation that damages tissues and causes many of the symptoms associated with COVID-19. What determines whether or not an infected individual develops symptoms remains unknown. Some studies have suggested that asymptomatic individuals produce fewer anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than individuals that develop symptoms. But whether their T cell responses are also reduced was unclear. "Asymptomatic individuals constitute a variable but often large proportion of infected individuals, and they should hold the key to understanding the immune response capable of controlling the virus without triggering pathological processes," says Antonio Bertoletti, a professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. Bertoletti and colleagues, including Nina Le Bert, a senior research fellow at Duke-NUS Medical School, and Clarence C. Tam, an assistant professor at the National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, studied a group of migrant workers who were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in their dormitories in April 2020. Over the course of six weeks, the researchers took regular blood samples from 85 workers who were infected but remained asymptomatic and compared their T cells to those of 75 patients who were hospitalized with mild to moderate COVID-19. Surprisingly, the researchers found that, shortly after infection, the frequency of T cells recognizing SARS-CoV-2 was similar in both asymptomatic individuals and COVID-19 patients. "The overall magnitude of T cell responses against different viral proteins was similar in both cohorts," Nina Le Bert says. However, the T cells of asymptomatic individuals produced greater amounts of two proteins called IFN- and IL-2. These signaling proteins, or cytokines, help to coordinate the immune system's response to viruses and other pathogens. Accordingly, the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 appears to be more coordinated in asymptomatic individuals. Bertoletti and colleagues challenged some of the blood samples with fragments of viral proteins and found that the immune cells of asymptomatic individuals produce a balanced, well-proportioned mix of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. In contrast, the immune cells of COVID-19 patients produced a disproportionate amount of proinflammatory molecules. "Overall, our study suggests that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals are not characterized by a weak antiviral immunity; on the contrary, they mount a highly efficient and balanced anti-viral cellular response that protects the host without causing any apparent pathology," the researchers say. The molecular details of this response, and how it safely controls SARS-CoV-2 infections, can now be studied in more detail. However, because most of the participants in the study were male and of Indian/Bangladeshi origin, the researchers caution that their results will need to be confirmed in women and other populations around the world. ### Le Bert et al. 2021. J. Exp. Med. https:/ / rupress. org/ jem/ article-lookup/ doi/ 10. 1084/ jem. 20202617?PR About Journal of Experimental Medicine Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM) publishes peer-reviewed research on immunology, cancer biology, stem cell biology, microbial pathogenesis, vascular biology, and neurobiology. All editorial decisions on research manuscripts are made through collaborative consultation between professional scientific editors and the academic editorial board. Established in 1896, JEM is published by Rockefeller University Press, a department of The Rockefeller University in New York. For more information, visit jem.org. Visit our Newsroom, and sign up for a weekly preview of articles to be published. Embargoed media alerts are for journalists only. Follow JEM on Twitter at @JExpMed and @RockUPress. The RTE Short Story Competition 2021 in honour of Francis MacManus is now open for entries, the broadcaster announced today. Writers have until Friday, May 7 to submit their short story to the competition, which will be judged by writers Lisa McInerney, Declan Hughes and Lucy Caldwell. Since its inception 35 years ago, the RTE Short Story Competition has been a critically important launchpad for new and emerging writers in Ireland. Set up in 1986 to honour writer and broadcaster Francis MacManus, the competition recognises and rewards the best new Irish fiction writing for radio. Ten stories will be shortlisted and broadcast with a top prize of 3,000 on offer. Last years competition, which coincided with Irelands first Covid-19 lockdown, attracted record numbers of entries with over 4,000 submissions. Lisa McInerney, Judge for 2021, said: "I'm delighted to join the judging panel for this competition, not least because it acknowledges the short story as oral as well as written tradition. One of the reasons Irish people have such an affinity for the short story, I think, is our lively, playful vernacular, our love of timing and tall tales, and commanding the attention of an audience. What I love to find in a short story is a fresh twist in the telling, whether through a clever turn of phrase, or special clarity of character. And all the better if we can hear the heart beating in every sentence." The RTE Short Story Competition has been championing new talent for decades; past winners and shortlisted writers include Claire Keegan, Danielle McLaughlin, Anthony Glavin, Chris Binchy, Nuala OConnor, Liz Nugent, Colin Walsh and Sarah Gilmartin. All shortlisted stories are produced for radio, voiced by some of Irelands most talented actors. In recent years these have included Cathy Belton, Eamon Morrissey, Ali White, Ingrid Craigie, Janet Moran, Kathy Rose OBrien, Emmet Kirwan and Andrew Bennett. When youre writing your story for the RTE Short Story Competition, you are writing for the listener, even more than for the reader. I still think its a kind of magic, that a strangers voice can travel over that mysterious thing called airwaves, and reach us, enter us, disarm or distract or maybe even change us, said Judge Lucy Caldwell. These are your super powers. Use them wisely use them well. I cant wait to hear your stories. And Declan Hughes says: "The Irish short story is in rude health, with a vigorous infrastructure of literary journals and magazines, awards and independent publishers providing opportunities for writers at every level to place new work, produce collections and win prizes. I read a lot of work in progress and can testify to the seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy and talent out there. Im very much looking forward to reading the submissions for RTEs Francis MacManus Short Story award, which has played an important role in the development of Irish short fiction for over 30 years." A shortlist of ten stories will be announced in September, and the top prizewinners will be announced on an Arena special programme some weeks later. The overall winner will receive 3,000, while 2,000 and 1,000 will be awarded to the second and third place prize winners respectively. A further seven runners-up will receive 250 each, and all 10 shortlisted stories will be published on rte.ie/culture and broadcast in a season of new writing on RTE Radio 1 in the autumn. For competition rules, information on how to enter, and to read and listen to past winning stories, see rte.ie/writing. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 16:15:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Fiji received a total of 22,000 GeneXpert test kits on Monday from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) as part of the Fijian government's efforts to boost the island nation's testing capacity of COVID-19. According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Fiji's Minister for Health Ifereimi Waqainabete said on Monday that the new test kits, valued at around 900,000 Fijian dollars (about 441,270 U.S. dollars), will strengthen the nation's capacity to screen samples at the borders and the high-risk community as well. The minister said this form of testing is much faster as it will only take 45 minutes to get the results. Meanwhile, Fiji's Ministry of Health said on Monday that a total of 30,607 laboratory tests have been conducted in Fiji, with a daily average of 209 tests per day over the last seven days, and a weekly average of 1,162 tests per week over the last two weeks. The ministry said they hope to continue testing vigorously to ensure the island nation maintain its COVID contained status as it awaits the beginning of vaccinations locally. Fiji has had 59 cases in total, with 54 recoveries and two deaths since its first case was reported on March 19 last year. The last 41 cases have been international travel associated cases detected in border quarantine. Currently, there are 766 people who have recently arrived from overseas undergoing mandatory 14 day quarantine in government supervised border quarantine facilities. Fiji still maintains a strict travel restriction to date for foreign visitors alongside a nationwide curfew effective from March 30 last year. Enditem Ukraine hopes for the support of the United States of America in restoring peace in Donbas and in its early progress towards NATO membership. The newly appointed ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Oksana Markarova, said this in an interview with Ukrinform. She emphasized that Ukraine requires maximum pressure and tougher sanctions from the United States and its European partners, so that the cost of aggression against our country for Russia not only does not decrease but increases all the time until the aggressor reverses his behavior. The next thing is Ukraine's involvement in the collective security system and our entry into NATO. This is a very important priority, and we hope, with the support of our strategic partner, to do everything within the country to ensure that the MAP and our accession to the Alliance become a reality as soon as possible, Markarova said. She noted that there are many formats of bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and the United States through the conclusion of various agreements, which we will definitely develop. As for the movement towards NATO, Ukraine has clearly defined its position, and we wrote this in the Constitution. Since 2008, our partners have supported the decision on Ukraine's future entry into the Alliance. Therefore, our goal now is to make this way as quickly as possible, obtain the MAP in the shortest possible time, and most importantly, develop our military capabilities in accordance with NATO standards, the ambassador emphasized. As Ukrinform reported, on February 25, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on the appointment of Oksana Markarova as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States of America. ish A Spanish rapper will go on trial later today accused of cutting off a British teacher's penis with a 12-inch kitchen knife for 200 Euros. State prosecutors want Aaron Beltran jailed for four years and six months if he is found guilty of a crime of wounding. An indictment released ahead of trial says the 35-year-old Briton, an English teacher named only as Andrew B, offered his flatmate a deal where payment would depend on the number of times a gory video of the amputation was viewed on social media. Spanish rapper Aaron Beltran (pictured) will go on trial later today accused of cutting off a British teacher's penis with a 12-inch kitchen knife for 200 Euros The minimum payment would be 200 Euros (173) and the maximum 2,500 Euros (2,164). The extraordinary agreement leading to the March 8 2019 amputation is due to be outlined by prosecutors at a court in Zaragoza. Police were called to a city centre street after the expat, who worked at a language academy in Zaragoza, was spotted bleeding heavily near the rented home he shared with Beltran and two other tenants. A local paper claimed at the time police had subsequently discovered he had registered on a social networking app a few weeks earlier in search of a candidate to film him mutilating himself. Officers later dismissed the reports. Prosecutors admit the amputation was consensual but argue that does not exempt the Spaniard set to stand trial from criminal responsibility. Police found the Brit's sex organ in a plastic bag inside their flat and it was re-attached in an emergency op at Zaragoza's Miguel Servet Hospital (pictured) The Brit whose penis he cut off has not pressed charges and has waived his right to compensation. He spent three weeks in hospital after the incident before returning to the UK. Prosecutors have accepted he suffers from gender dysphoria. His penis was successfully re-attached during an operation and is understood to be functioning properly. Beltran's lawyer is expected to argue in court his client was not responsible for the amputation and seek his acquittal. The indictment released ahead of trial states: 'On the morning of March 8 2019 Andrew offered the defendant a payment of 200 Euros to amputate his penis, on the basis that it would go up to 2,500 depending on the number of times the video they planned to film it with was viewed on social media. 'The accused accepted this proposal. 'On the afternoon of March 8, just before 7.15pm when both men were in the victim's bedroom, Andrew tied his pyjama cord round the bottom of his penis to avoid haemorrhaging. 'The accused, who was sat on a chair in front of him, cut his penis with a 12-inch kitchen knife which was never found because the accused got rid of it.' Beltran's lawyer is expected to argue in court his client was not responsible for the amputation and seek his acquittal It is not yet clear what the Brit at the centre of the extraordinary tale will tell the court when he gives evidence as a witness. Beltran's defence lawyer has already been quoted as saying he will call for his acquittal because Andrew 'did it himself'. He has also insisted that even if it is proven his client was involved, the victim's penis was reattached and is working properly and the amputation was a consensual act. The other witnesses will include the pair's two flatmates. Beltran was arrested five days after the horror incident and spent four months in prison before being released on bail ahead of trial. Reports around the time the British man left hospital in Spain and returned to the UK said he and the accused had boozed on four bottles of white wine and took valium to muster up courage before going through with the amputation. Police found the Brit's sex organ in a plastic bag inside their flat and it was re-attached in an emergency op at Zaragoza's Miguel Servet Hospital the same day as the amputation. Beltran was identified soon after the incident as a rapper who goes by the artistic name of Sanatorio del Atico - Attic Sanatorium in English. He used to publish videos of his music online from his home in Zaragoza. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 06:26:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ABUJA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Nine people were killed and 41 others injured in a road accident involving multiple vehicles in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kano on Sunday, a local official said. A truck and two cars were involved in the accident at Kunar Dumawa village of Dambatta local government area of the state, said Zubairu Mato, a commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kano. Mato told Xinhua that the incident was caused by brake failure in one of the vehicles. The driver of the vehicle had lost control while on top speed, hitting two other vehicles, he said. "The victims who lost their lives are three males, six females, while the remaining 41 victims sustained serious injures," he noted, adding the injured are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. According to him, the police have launched a further investigation into the accident. Deadly road accidents, often caused by overloading, bad road conditions, and reckless driving, are frequently reported in Nigeria. Enditem ADVERTISEMENT The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, on Monday, decried the dearth of potable water in the state capital. The council in a communique at the end of its congress appealed to the state government to step up efforts at providing potable water to residents of the state. The congress said the perennial water scarcity, which has caused hardship to the people, especially those in the state capital, was unacceptable. The NUJ also appealed to the state government to enforce the Enugu State Tenancy Law to check the astronomical rise in house rents in the state capital. The union expressed concern that residents of the state capital and its environs were left at the mercy of house owners, lawyers and property agents, with regard to house rents. The congress commended the state government on its plan to build a flyover at the T-Junction along Nsukka-Abakpa Road which would go a long way to ease the suffering of road users. The council, however, urged the state government to consider building more flyovers in order to reduce the incessant traffic on major junctions in the state capital. On insecurity, the congress urged the state government to holistically tackle the clashes between herders and farmers in the state, pointing out that women could no longer go to farms for fear of their lives. The council also wants the state government to enforce the law against open grazing as adopted by the South East Governors Forum. The state government should also beef up security in Oruku Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area, in order to douse the tension in the area. More so, the council urges the South East Governors Forum to speak up on the military invasion of Orlu, Imo State, just as any other burning national issues, it said. The council encouraged parents and guardians to enroll their children and wards in public schools, adding that this would compel the government to upgrade the infrastructure in public schools and as well enhance the welfare of teachers. (NAN) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 18:30:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China has maintained its position as the world's largest manufacturing hub for 11 straight years, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the global manufacturing output, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). In the past five years, the value-added industrial output in China has increased from 23.5 trillion yuan (about 3.63 trillion U.S. dollars) to 31.3 trillion yuan, Xiao Yaqing, minister of MIIT, said Monday. During the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) period, the average growth rate of the value-added output from China's high-tech manufacturing sector reached 10.4 percent, up 4.9 percentage points from that of the overall industrial output, MIIT data showed. The information transmission and software and information technology service industries have seen remarkable progress during the period. Their value-added industrial output surged from 1.8 trillion yuan to 3.8 trillion yuan with the proportion in gross domestic product growing from 2.5 percent to 3.7 percent, Xiao added. By the end of 2020, household penetration of fixed broadband in China reached 96 percent, while the mobile broadband penetration rate came in at 108 percent, the data showed. In terms of 5G development, the country has built a total of 718,000 5G base stations by the end of last year, with the number of mobile terminals connected to the network exceeding 200 million, according to the MIIT. Enditem ADVERTISEMENT We are living through an age of untold suffering. Over 500,000 people have died from coronavirus in the U.S. alone, over 120,000 in the UK, and over two million worldwide. With COVID-19 dominating the news cycle, you would be forgiven for forgetting that other diseases still exist. And yet we know full well that diseases dont stop just because one is hogging all the limelight. There have been plenty of reports on the troubling cost of the pandemic and associated lockdowns or shelter-in-place orders on peoples mental health. For example, it has had a profound effect on those living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Studies from Europe show that between a third and half of those suffering from OCD had their symptoms worsen during the pandemic. Young adults seem to have been particularly affected by the emotional burdens of isolation and insecurity. In a recent survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., 63% of 18-to-24-year-olds reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, with 25 per cent reporting increased substance use to deal with stress, and 25 per cent saying theyd seriously considered suicide. Crucially, these issues wont abate as soon as the pandemic is over. Even when the crisis recedes, Shekar Saxena of the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that 10% of these young people will have to live with the long-lasting effects of the mental illnesses they are currently enduring. The damage done by the pandemic to mental health has already attracted well-deserved attention. It has highlighted the importance of looking beyond coronavirus deaths to assess the success of global pandemic responses. Cancer tells a similar, and equally distressing, story. Cancer care in the pandemic Throughout 2020, hospitals across the UK, U.S. and Europe cancelled or postponed urgent cancer operations because they could not cope with the rising number of desperately ill coronavirus patients. Determining cancer prognosis is complex, but early evidence suggests that even a four-week delay in treatment can raise the risk of death by up to 10%. The danger is not just physical, but psychological too. Despite these distressing figures of cancellations and waiting times, we dont yet know much about the emotional toll these delays will have on people living with cancer today. Stories are, however, starting to emerge. One man, diagnosed with stage-4 bowel cancer in June 2020, had his December surgery postponed, and then cancelled indefinitely. Even in the 19th century, doctors and patients alike were acutely aware of the importance of timely treatment. As I argue in my book, The Cancer Problem, the do not delay principle in cancer treatment has its origins in the early 1800s. Surgeons implored cancer sufferers to seek their advice as soon as they had identified any unexpected lumps or bumps. And in their writings, patients expressed extreme distress at waiting for a diagnosis or cure. Doctors lamented the patients who, because of their praiseworthy modesty, consulted too late for effective treatment. Medical textbooks designed to be read by patients told their readers that were proper means used in due time, cancer might often be prevented, but after the disorder has arrived at a certain height it generally sets all medicine at defiance. Looking at this long history of cancer reminds us of the emotional and physical costs of any delays. After all, even if these waits have only minimal effects on patients survival or long-term health, we must also think about the psychological trauma of living in limbo. Particularly when that limbo is associated with cancer, a disease that has long carried with it a sense of profound anxiety, so much so that in the 19th century it was often termed the dread disease. It is often understood as an alien invader, now very much outstaying its welcome. As the COVID-19 crisis slowly abates, we must not just look back with regret at the number of people killed by the virus or celebrate the success of vaccines. We must instead assess the pandemics impact in the round and consider the physical as well as emotional costs of a disease that turned our world upside down. When the next pandemic comes, we must be prepared to not only treat the victims of epidemic disease but to continue to provide the fundamental healthcare services we need to stay both healthy and happy. BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A research paper titled "Chinese Poverty Alleviation Studies: A Political Economy Perspective" was released Sunday by New China Research, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency, summarizing some of the glossaries related to the country's poverty alleviation practices as follows: DRIP IRRIGATION EFFECT "Drip Irrigation Effect" is a new concept based on China's precise poverty alleviation strategy. It offsets declining "trickle-down" effect of economic growth, highly summarizes the distinctive characteristics of China's precise poverty alleviation from "flood irrigation" to "precise drip irrigation." The "trickle-down theory" holds that as long as the total economic volume is large, wealth will naturally benefit the bottom by "trickling down," and the poor will get rid of poverty. However, when poverty alleviation is carried out to a certain extent, the "trickle-down" effect will be greatly attenuated, making it difficult to solve the poverty problem completely. Compared with the non-directional "trickle-down" effect, the "drip irrigation effect" directly points to every poor household and is an effective way to eliminate poverty completely. SIX PRECISE MEASURES To secure drip-irrigation effect, poverty relief workers need to figure out the answers to four questions: "To whom help and support will be offered," "Who will offer the help and support," "How to offer the help and support" and "How to measure the end of poverty alleviation." On the ground "six precise measures" were invented, which refer to precisely identifying the poor, accurate project arrangements, proper use of funds, household-targeted measures, precise stationing of poverty-relief officials in villages, and measurable effects of poverty relief. Through the six precise measures and other policy moves, China has strengthened its front-line poverty alleviation efforts and methodically targeted its resources, funds, and projects directly at the poor. RELOCATION PROJECT It is a special poverty alleviation project targeting impoverished people who lived in areas with harsh living environment. In the last five years, more than 9.6 million people have been relocated to alleviate poverty, which is equivalent to moving a country with a medium-sized population. They completely changed their fate through relocation. For example, Atulieer Village, located in the hinterland of Daliang Mountain in southwest China, is called "Cliff Village" due to its dangerous terrain. In the past, the villagers could only rely on 17 sections of ladders made of vine and wood to access the outside world. In 2017, through a local poverty alleviation campaign, a steel ladder with 6,000 steel pipes was built. In May 2020, more than 80 poor families in the village walked down the cliff along the steel ladder and moved into their new homes near the county seat. ECO-FRIENDLY POVERTY ALLEVIATION In 2016, data showed that 95 percent of China's poor population and most of the poor regions were in areas with fragile and sensitive ecological environments under key protection. Though these places are usually with abundant natural resources, the problems that "the environment fails to feed the local people" are quite prominent. In China's efforts of precise poverty alleviation, the country has taken various measures such as ecological compensation and relocation. It has stepped up efforts to restore the ecological environment in poor areas, built green industrial systems with regional characteristics, combined industrial development, relocation of poor people and ecological construction, guided the poor people to take jobs in green industries, and has explored an eco-friendly poverty alleviation path taking both ecological environment protection and poverty alleviation development into consideration. FERRYMEN This refers to China's village-based poverty relief cadres, who have combined the role of leader, coordinator, mobilizer and supervisor. These "ferrymen" utilize policies and resources to build "boats" to "ferry" impoverished communities and individuals to common prosperity. The 3 million-strong support team covers every poor village and has been stationed in villages for several years, playing a key role in identifying the poor population, finding out the causes of poverty, implementing policies on poverty relief and exit. Along with this buzzword is another well-known phrase: Village-based Poverty Relief Mechanism. Inheriting and carrying forward the fine tradition of cadres eating, living and working together with the masses, China has implemented this mechanism as a village-based work team structure. The aim of the mechanism is to ensure that policies to strengthen agriculture, benefit farmers, and enrich the rural areas in poverty-stricken villages and households are well implemented and that poverty-alleviation resources are used precisely in those villages and households. POVERTY ALLEVIATION WORKSHOPS This is a mode of production organization that helps the poor obtain employment in local and nearby areas. By using idle rural land and houses, factory workshops or home-based decentralized processing workshops have been established. These workshops have created jobs for a large number of poor people in sectors including industrial and agricultural product processing, handicraft, farming and breeding, playing a positive role in helping impoverished people increase incomes and get rid of poverty. More than 32,000 "poverty alleviation workshops" were established in impoverished communities, enabling 437,000 people to work close to home. Apart from such workshops, other localized innovations organically sprang up, including "e-commerce poverty alleviation" and "tourism poverty alleviation," among others. Take e-commerce poverty alleviation for instance. With the help of e-commerce, poverty-stricken people in rural areas can obtain employment, start businesses, and sell their high-quality, local agricultural products online. Such an approach of "connecting the world via the Internet" breaks the limits of time and space hindering the sales of agricultural products, provides products from remote areas with a "channel" to urban markets, and enables Internet development to deliver greater benefits to the poor areas and people. EAST-WEST PAIRING-UP PROGRAM Just as term implies, more prosperous areas in the east have paired up with the underdeveloped areas in the west to help the latter get rid of poverty. Unremitting efforts and cooperation in industries, labor service, talent support, financial support and mobilization of social forces have ensured that the rural poor population under the current standard in the western region has shaken off poverty, and all poor counties have been lifted out of poverty by 2020 with overall regional poverty being eradicated. A typical example of the country's traits in mobilizing all parties to the maximum extent to fight absolute poverty, the pairing-up program tapped into the country's traditional values of "helping each other" and "helping those in need." LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that not a single individual or family should be left behind in the efforts to ensure all farmers live a happy life during his inspection in Jiangsu Province. China's fight against poverty includes all people irrespective of their ethnicity, region and family background so that the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020 can be achieved. Since 2012, the poverty alleviation work has changed from "flood irrigation" to "precise drip irrigation," targeting the poorest of the poor with the slogan "leaving no one behind." The unification of target orientation and problem orientation, as well as the combination of strategic perspective and feasibility, have become the most vivid generalization of precise poverty alleviation, which also shows the Party's firm implementation of its commitment to "common prosperity." Enditem [ Editor: JYZ ] Presidential, parliamentary nominees posts to be obliged to declare cryptocurrency deals Fotolia/123dartist 13:25 01/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 1 (RAPSI) - The Government Law-Making Commission has considered an initiative on the obligatory declaring of cryptocurrency dealings for presidential nominees, parliamentary and governor candidates, Chair of the Association of Russian Lawyers Vladimir Gruzdev has told RAPSI. According to the bill, the said nominees will be obliged to declare not only property and other assets but also dealings on the purchase of digital financial assets and cryptocurrency committed by the candidates themselves, their spouses and children. In early 2020, the Law on digital financial assets and cryptocurrency took effect, Gruzdev reminded. The legislation sets legal status financial assets and cryptocurrency, order of their circulation and transactions with them. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. By An Puzhong and Wang Lingshuo BEIJING, Mar. 1 -- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) released the 2020 blue paper on China's space exploration activities in Beijing on February 24, 2021, which reviewed the world's space activities in 2020 and unveiled the CASCs plan for space missions in 2021. As a leading force in China's space industry, the CASC's Long March carrier rockets had conducted 34 space launch missions in 2020, sending a total of 82 spacecraft into space, accounting for 92.1% of the total number and 99.2% of the total weight launched by China in 2020. In this way, the CASA led its global peers in the volume of space launch missions. According to the blue paper, China is expected to launch more than 40 times in 2021; the manned space station project will enter the stage of key technical verification and construction; the Tianwen-1, China's first Mars probe, will reach Mars to achieve orbiting, landing and roving; several civil space infrastructure satellites will be launched to meet China's needs for economic and technological development. It is learnt that China's crewed space exploration program has entered the stage of preparation for space station construction. The core module of the space station is planned to be launched by the Long March-5B rocket at China's Wenchang Satellite Launch Center this spring. The crewed space exploration program plans to complete a total of 11 space launch missions from 2021 to 2022 to send the space station's core module, experiment modules, crewed spacecraft and cargo vessel into space. New Delhi: Actress Alia Bhatt is ready to don a new hat. The Dear Zindagi star has opened a production house called Eternal Sunshine Productions. Alia took to Instagram to share this news. And I am so happy to announce....PRODUCTION!! Eternal Sunshine Productions. Let us tell you tales. Happy tales. Warm and fuzzy tales. Real tales. Timeless tales, Alia captioned her post. In a subsequent post, Alia also announced the first movie to be made under her banner, in which she will be starring and is co-produced with superstar Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Production. "Announcing #Darlings, my first ever production under @eternalsunshineproduction, in association with my fav @iamsrks @redchilliesent!", wrote Alia. Many celebrities and Bollywood biggies congratulated Alia on her announcement. Filmmaker Karan Johar, who launched Alia in Bollywood commenting on Alias post wrote, You go girl. Ishaan Khatter cheekily commented, Hahaha thats the best logo ever. The logo has two cats, a black one peeping from the top and a white one pulling a string from the letter I, in the word sunshine, where instead of a dot on the letter 'i', a fish is placed. Alia is a cat mother and is known to be very fond of them. Ranveer Singh, Riteish Deshmukh, Zoya Akhtar, Rakul Preet Singh were among others who congratulated Alia on her new venture. Alia Bhatts mother, veteran actor Soni Razdan dropped in the sweetest comment. Congratulations! Super duper proud, wrote Soni. Alia had earlier on November 26, 2020, launched a fully homegrown clothing line for kids aged between 2 to 14 years, called Ed-a-Mamma! The actress is also an investor in startups and has invested in Nykaa and StyleCraker. On the acting front, Alias kitty is full with Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Gangubai Kathiawadi, Ayan Mukherjees Brahmastra, S. S. Rajamoulis RRR, and Darlings directed by Jasmeet K Reen. A series of controversial deals that took place before Wirecard AG purchased an appeared to be an evolving international fraud, a panel of London judges has said. The transactions in 2015 are being scrutinised in courts in London and Chennai, with the former minority holders of I-Tickets saying they were cheated of millions of dollars. They allege that they were duped into selling their stake in the business to the companys majority shareholders only to see it sold on again at a vastly inflated price to Wirecard. On Monday, UK appellate judges said that the minority shareholders were right to be suspicious of the substantial misrepresentations told by one of the purchasers as they overturned part of a lower court ruling. It was a continuing fraud because of the concerns and suspicions of the minority shareholders, the judges said. While much of the attention on Wirecards demise focuses on Germany, the UK court case has shed light on the complexity of the task facing investigators trying to decipher some of the companys overseas transactions. was sold at a valuation of $40 million, before being acquired by Wirecard for more than $250 million. Wirecard isnt part of the suit, but former Chief Financial Officer Jan Marsalek who is now a fugitive played a key role negotiating the purchase of Hermes, said the judges. The lower court ruling failed to properly take into account the substantial falsehoods told by brothers Ramu and Palaniyapan Ramasamy, the former majority shareholders of Hermes, the judges added. A lawyer for the Ramasamys didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment. MPSC annual report marks a year focused on ensuring reliability and customer assistance during global pandemic MPSC annual report marks a year focused on ensuring reliability and customer assistance during global pandemic FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1, 2021 Media Contact: Matt Helms 517-284-8300 Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555 Michigan.gov/MPSC Twitter The Michigan Public Service Commissions 2020 Annual Report documents an extraordinary year dominated by efforts to maintain access to safe, reliable and affordable energy and telecommunications for Michiganders whose lives were upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. The MPSC tackled critical issues including expanding financial help for utility customers hit hard by the pandemic and a shaken economy, and easing access to assistance programs. The agency also worked with providers to ensure vital energy and telecommunications service continued uninterrupted despite challenges to keeping front-line workers safe. As the COVID-19 pandemic set in, MPSC Staff brought together Michigan utility companies, state agencies including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), non-profit organizations and other stakeholders to ensure protections for vulnerable Michigan utility customers in a rapidly escalating crises. That meant streamlining energy assistance processes and developing more effective ways of reaching Michiganders to educate them on obtaining energy assistance. Utilities agreed to pause shutoffs in the early days of the pandemic, waive late fees and restore service to more than 3,500 disconnected customers. Michigan received $162 million in federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds, and Congress appropriated an additional $35.1 million in CARES Act pandemic stimulus funds to help struggling households pay energy costs. The MPSC and MDHHS leveraged $18 million of the CARES Act funding, in coordination with several utilities, to develop a special program called LIHEAP Energy Direct that streamlined energy assistance for nearly 41,000 low-income households behind on their utility bills. The Michigan Energy Assistance Program awarded more than $55 million in grants that provided energy assistance payments and self-sufficiency services to more than 55,600 low-income Michigan households. The MPSC assisted more than 9,100 customers with complaints or questions about utility and telecommunications service and ensured more than 258,000 income-eligible customers received Lifeline phone and broadband discounts. At the same time, MPSC Staff transitioned to working remotely, all the while maintaining the agencys regulatory work at the heart of its mission: completing multiple rate cases, holding more than 40 public hearings, meetings and stakeholder forums and managing more than 19,000 filings and comments submitted to the MPSCs E-Dockets system. Meetings have been held via Microsoft Teams, with public access also available by phone for Commission meetings. Among 2020s highlights, the MPSC: Handled hundreds of cases involving rate and policy determinations resulting in the Commission approving 591 orders and other actions. That included approving $570.7 million in rate increases in 2020, $542.1 million less than requested by utilities. Infrastructure investments meant to improve reliability and replace aging infrastructure were the primary drivers of the rate increases. The Commission also approved deferrals of rate increases from several utilities, offsetting the need for additional rate increases given the economic challenges the pandemic posed to Michigan customers. Marked the completion of the first year of MI Power Grid, the multiyear effort in partnership with Gov. Whitmer to guide the states utility sector transition from aging central power plants to clean, distributed sources of energy including solar, storage and energy waste reduction. The goals include a modernized electric grid that improves reliability and facilitates adoption of new technologies such as microgrids, electric vehicles, and smart sensors and controls. More than 30 stakeholder sessions were held. Staff issued five reports with recommendations for Commission action, and the Commission issued 10 related orders. Brought a renewed focus to broadband expansion as the pandemic made clear the importance of high-speed internet access to everyday life. The MPSC worked with Connected Nation Michigan, state agencies and other stakeholders on a statewide map of free public WiFi hot spots to help those without home broadband access while the state and local governments and the private sector pursue longer-term solutions. MPSC Staff participated on a steering committee with other state agencies on Connecting Michigan Communities broadband grants involving about $30 million to expand broadband into unserved areas of Michigan. Staff also will work on required licensing with Michigan telecommunications carriers whove received awards of $363 million in Rural Digital Opportunity Funds, announced in December 2020, through the Federal Communications Commission to expand service to nearly 250,000 more unserved locations over the next 10 years. The MPSCs annual report must be delivered to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature each year by the first Monday of March under Act 3 of 1939. Commission members are Chair Dan Scripps, Commissioner Tremaine Phillips, and new Commissioner Katherine Peretick, appointed in 2020 by Governor Whitmer. The MPSC has a staff of about 180 full-time employees with expertise in engineering, law, accounting, finance, economics and other fields across its eight divisions: Administrative Services, Customer Assistance, Energy Operations, Energy Resources, Regulated Energy, Regulatory Affairs, Strategic Operations, and Telecommunications. There also is a staff of administrative law judges who are part of the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules. In other 2020 highlights, the MPSC: Conducted 980 inspection person-days on new and existing natural gas pipelines, including Consumers Energys Saginaw Trail Pipeline project that replaced 94 miles of transmission pipelines in Saginaw, Genesee, and Oakland counties; investigated 17 natural gas incidents, and authorized the replacement of 300 miles of gas distribution lines and 22,000 gas meters inside homes. Concluded its investigation into the January 2019 fire at the Consumers Energy compressor station in Macomb Countys Ray Township that led to a statewide natural gas emergency amid a polar vortex cold snap. Staff identified a violation of federal safety standards during an emergency shut down of the station and resolved the enforcement action with Consumers agreeing to pay a $10,000 fine, the maximum amount allowed by law. Approved Indiana Michigan Power Co.s IM Plugged In plug-in electric vehicle pilot program that will include rebates up to $2,500 for workplace, multi-unit dwelling and fleet incentives and $20,000 for interstate corridor direct current fast charging infrastructure. The Commission also reviewed projections for DTE Electric Co.s EV programs and tariffs in 2020 and approved Consumers Energy Co.s three-year PowerMIFleet pilot project to study the impact of increasing electrification of business vehicle fleets on the power grid. Updated the Technical Standards for Gas Service, which promote safe and adequate gas service to the public, provide standards for uniform and reasonable practices by utility companies, and encourage efficiency and safety. The update reflects emerging technological advances in metering, equipment inspections and tests, removes obsolete technical specifications, and implements nation-leading cybersecurity standards. Worked with a telecommunications provider in the aftermath of the failure of the Edenville Dam in the Midland area and a telephone outage in the Pentwater area to ensure repairs were done as quickly as possible and service was restored to customers. Worked on the agencys response to Governor Whitmers MI Healthy Climate Plan, which seeks economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050, including consideration of the goals in the utility integrated resource planning process. Established a dedicated website, www.michigan.gov/mpscline5, to allow the public to learn about Enbridge Energys application for siting approval for its proposal to replace the existing Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac with a new pipeline located in a tunnel beneath the lakebed. Hundreds of people have participated in the Commissions virtual public hearings in the pending case, which attracted more than 1,500 written comments by the end of 2020. A decision is expected by the end of 2021. Continued supporting the efforts of the Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force in its assessment of the energy needs and challenges facing the U.P. Launched Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts within the MPSC to focus on pressing issues of inequality and discrimination raised by Staff. The Staff-led efforts include examining the MPSCs practices and identifying opportunities to promote equity in recruiting, hiring and advancement and in the agencys regulatory strategies. Updated the MPSCs strategic plan to reflect the return of employees to the MPSC after the dissolution of the Michigan Agency for Energy, new leadership at the MPSC and fast-paced changes within the energy realm in Michigan while maintaining the agencys focus on ensuring safe, reliable, accessible energy and telecommunications at reasonable rates. For information about the MPSC, visit www.Michigan.gov/MPSC, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs, or follow the Commission on Twitter or LinkedIn. # # # Press Release March 1, 2021 De Lima on Prosecution's presentation of self-confessed drug lord witness vs her: Dereliction of duty or subornation of perjury? Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has questioned whether the Prosecution team committed subornation of perjury or dereliction of duty when they allowed convicted murderer Joel Capones to be presented in court as their witness against her. In a Manifestation before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 256 dated Feb. 24, De Lima, through her lawyers, stressed that it is important to know whether or not the Prosecution believes their own witness. "If the Prosecution does not believe that Joel Capones was telling the truth, and yet they presented him as a witness before the Court, then the Prosecution would have committed the offense of subornation of perjury or, at the very least, violated their lawyer's oath," De Lima said. "On the other hand, if the Prosecution does believe that Capones committed illegal drug trading, then they are currently in the act of committing the criminal offense of dereliction of duty, punishable under Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code [RPC]," she added. Article 208 of the RPC punishes "any ... officer of the law, who, in dereliction of the duties of his office, shall maliciously refrain from instituting prosecution for the punishment of violators of the law, or shall tolerate the commission of offenses." In his testimony before the court, Capones confessed that he committed illegal drug trading within the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) together with his 13 mayores in the Sigue Sigue Sputnik Gang from January to October 2014. Yet, Capones was not included as an accused in the said case or any drug case for that matter. During the hearing held last Feb. 23, Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo, Jr. laughingly commented that he does not understand why De Lima's Defense Counsel was still conducting cross-examination if they believed the testimony of Capones admitting to his involvement in the illegal drug trade. De Lima said her counsel has the right to conduct cross-examination "to show the falsity, incredibility and extreme selectiveness of Joel Capones's memory." "It is one thing for Joel Capones to make admissions against his own interest under oath and in open court; and quite another for him to implicate other persons, including herein Accused De Lima," she said. "In fact, through cross-examination, not only were gaping holes in his memory revealed, so is the existence of another sworn statement that the Prosecution withheld from the Court and from the Defense, giving them no opportunity to inspect the same for inconsistencies and other possible exculpatory evidence," she added. If the Prosecution had any doubts as to the truthfulness of Capones' claims, De Lima said it was their duty to probe its truth before ever presenting him before the court. "If the Prosecution is to be believed, for more than four (4) years, they were aware that Joel Capones confessed under oath to having engaged in illegal drug trading," she said. "And yet, to this date, none of them has taken any appropriate action to prosecute the commission of a crime that was brought to their attention at least as far back as October 2016," she added. If the Prosecution insists on continuing to take irreconcilable positions, to the point that they are knowingly allowing a self-confessed drug lord to go unpunished, De Lima stressed that "the Honorable Court is free to draw therefrom the conclusion that Joel Capones's testimony is a bargained-for-testimony." In example, De Lima said it is possible that Capones "gave his testimony in exchange for assurances that he will not be prosecuted and will not suffer any adverse consequences despite his confession under oath and in open court." Earlier, De Lima likened Capones to Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Officer-In-Charge Rafael Ragos, former National Bureau of Investigation agent Jovencio Ablen Jr., and Bilibid inmate Engelberto Durano whom she firmly asserts are all "perjured witnesses", saying that Capones' story about her alleged receipt of drug money from Jaybee Sebastian is a blatant lie. In a subsequent tweet, De Lima said: "For me, what is worse than the lies of witnesses under oath is subornation of perjury by prosecutors." In a personal letter to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra dated Feb. 22, the lady Senator from Bicol urged him to use all the powers available under his office to prosecute anyone, without fear or favor, who has been involved in illegal drug trading in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), such as Capones. De Lima, the most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, recently marked her fourth year in unjust detention last Feb. 24. She was recently acquitted in one of the trumped-up drug charges against her. She has consistently and firmly maintained her innocence of all these charges. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi - The central city of Da Nang is set to be part of the global supply chain network and a gateway on the East-West Economic Corridor by 2030, a meeting in Hanoi on March 1 heard. Discussing adjustments to the citys master planning by 2030 with a vision towards 2045, the meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. By 2030, the city is also expected to become a destination for global lifestyles, a centre of tourism and services, and a maritime economic hub in Vietnam and the region at large. In the long term, it eyes becoming a special urban area and an international city. Its population is predicted to stand at about 1.79 million by 2030 and its urban area is to cover 31,836 ha, or more than 32 percent of the local land area. The municipal Peoples Committee signed a contract with a joint venture between Sakae Corporate Advisory Ltd. and Surbana Jurong (Singapore) on the project adjusting the master planning. During the process of building the project, the municipal Peoples Committee organised three international workshops and collected feedback from local residents, businesses, departments, and agencies. In an assessment, the Ministry of Construction said the project identified the position and role of Da Nang as a core urban area of the Hue-Da Nang-Chu Lai-Ky Ha-Dung Quat (Van Tuong)-Quy Nhon urban area chain, forming the Da Nang urban region, encompassing Chan May (Lang Co), Da Nang, Dien Ban, Hoi An, and Nam Hoi An. In his remarks, PM Phuc lauded Da Nangs coordination with ministries and agencies as well as its response to opinions from local residents and socio-economic organisations in the planning work. Da Nang should develop beyond its current status as a first-tier urban area, he said, becoming a special city. Given that it boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, he urged the city to pay more attention to waste water treatment and climate change issues and suggested it seek new development drivers apart from tourism. Corruption and other misdeeds in planning adjustment and implementation must be prevented, he reminded all in attendance, noting that planning and realisation must be in tandem. State officials are asking for up to $244 million over the next five years to overhaul the unemployment system that failed for millions of Floridians during the pandemic last year. In a Monday hearing before state senators, Department of Economic Opportunity Director Dane Eagle said the online unemployment system, known as CONNECT, did a disservice to the people of Florida. He said the system wasnt worth saving, comparing it to an iPhone purchased in 2013 that had hardly been updated. The solution, he told senators, was spending up to $73 million on a new system, plus $24 million in maintenance and $146 million over five years in additional costs brought on by the pandemic. The new system would be online by July 2023. That price tag is magnitudes above the nearly $80 million Florida initially spent on CONNECT, which launched more than seven years ago amid a tangle of technical malfunctions that never got resolved heading into the pandemic. Eagle cautioned that those proposed costs were the ceiling and that they could go down as the agencys workload diminishes. Senators on Monday gave no indication whether they would approve it. That solution, if approved by lawmakers, is part of the costly fallout from CONNECT, which epically failed last year when millions of jobless Floridians needed it most. For months, it was offline more than it was online, prone to an absurd number of glitches that kept Floridians from filing and receiving their jobless benefits. While nearly every state struggled to pay benefits on time last year, CONNECTs failure caused Florida to become the second-worst state in the country at getting money into the pockets of unemployed residents. Frustrated DeSantis puts someone new in charge of fixing Florida unemployment system The recommendations to replace the system came from a third-party analysis, which the Department of Economic Opportunity paid up to $247,000 for last year. The report, by Florida-based ISF, recommends shifting the new system into the cloud, where it could more easily handle a rise in claims. CONNECT is currently housed on state servers. Story continues ISFs report doesnt go into details about the longtime underlying problems with CONNECT, however, including allegations by lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis that the system was designed to fail. Instead, the company blamed CONNECTs meltdown on the historic rise in jobless claims that began in mid-March, in the first weeks of the pandemic. Florida would receive more claims in nine months than it had in the previous eight years combined, the report states. This unprecedented stress test revealed weaknesses in the CONNECT system that must be addressed. Mondays hearing was the first serious discussion state lawmakers have had about CONNECTs future since it melted down last year, and the questions by some senators were contentious. Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami Beach, on Monday questioned why the report didnt mention CONNECTs longstanding problems. He said he wondered if that omission was intentional. Eagle responded that the report was focused on fixes to the system, and that a forthcoming investigation from the state inspector general, requested by DeSantis, should answer many of those questions. That report will be released later this month, Eagle said. The issues with CONNECT started 10 years ago, when the state hired Deloitte Consulting to create a new unemployment system. The project quickly ran into cost overruns, and when CONNECT went live in 2013, it immediately crashed and took months to function properly. While Deloitte has taken much of the blame for the systems problems over the last year, the company has had nothing to do with the system since 2015, when its contract with the state ended. Unlike states with other Deloitte systems, such as Massachusetts and New Mexico, Florida officials made no apparent effort to upgrade the system in seven years leading up to the pandemic. This CONNECT system is garbage, and everyone knows that, said Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Orlando. Why wasnt there an effort to deal with the CONNECT system before the pandemic? We didnt have the resources that may have been necessary to perform the upgrades, said Eagle, an attorney and former state lawmaker who took over the agency that oversees the system in September. ISFs report did note that CONNECT has known, open defects that created potential system stability issues. It did not say why those defects were not fixed in the seven years before the pandemic, though. State auditors flagged defects that remained unfixed in reports issued in 2015, 2016 and 2019. To handle the unprecedented workload of claims during the pandemic last year, the department installed 72 more servers on top of the four already in place, hired about 500 more employees and spent millions to hire call centers to take calls. In all, the pandemic cost the jobs agency $39 million, according to the report. Eagle is asking lawmakers this year to approve hiring another 435 employees, many of whom would answer complex unemployment claims. Eagle said that one of the bright spots during the last year has been the tireless work of the agencys employees. These are state employees that are dedicated to their service, Eagle said. Theyre owed our thanks. HALIFAX - On evenings when Sean Hoskin collapses into bed, heart pounding and mind foggy from his yearlong battle with COVID-19, he wonders when a clinic to treat his symptoms might emerge in Atlantic Canada. Sean Hoskin stands on a neighbourhood street in Halifax on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Hoskin was diagnosed with COVID-19 almost a year ago with symptoms that still persist. Some provinces have established programs to deal with long-term sufferers but Atlantic Canada, with relatively low numbers of patients, has yet to provide a resource to assist them. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX - On evenings when Sean Hoskin collapses into bed, heart pounding and mind foggy from his yearlong battle with COVID-19, he wonders when a clinic to treat his symptoms might emerge in Atlantic Canada. "My fear is that I'm going to be like this forever," the 50-year-old Halifax resident said in a recent interview. The issue of a lack of timely treatment for the so-called "long haulers" people who suffer symptoms such as shortness of breath and physical exhaustion months after their first bout of the illness has been raised across the country by support groups. Specialized clinics have opened in Western and Central Canada, in some instances offering access to occupational therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, nurses and referrals to specialists. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service announced the formation of a network of 60 such clinics in December. However, on Canada's East Coast, patients say they are still searching for a similar, one-stop site to treat symptoms that range from difficulty drawing a breath to tingling pain in their limbs. "In Atlantic Canada, we're at the mercy of how well we've done containing the virus, leading to our low numbers of infected patients," Hoskin said. "It's had an impact on what we can expect to see from the provincial government in terms of specialized clinics." International studies currently predict about 10 per cent of COVID-19 patients develop longer term symptoms. In Atlantic Canada, where about 4,100 cases have been officially documented, this suggests long haulers may eventually number in the hundreds, rather than the thousands expected in larger provinces. But Hoskin argues the lower infection rates shouldn't mean he and others are left to rely solely on family doctors, who may be unaware of how to treat their symptoms, while they spend months awaiting appointments with cardiologists, neurologists and other specialists. In New Brunswick, which is fighting a second wave of infections that emerged earlier in the year, Emily Bodechon says she has largely assembled her own treatment effort. "While it's great that our COVID-19 case count is low, it's not been great as a patient to find out nobody knows how to treat you," she said in an interview last week. Almost a year since her infection, the 45-year-old health worker still has respiratory issues, searing headaches and "brain fog" that makes it hard to process new information. Bodechon sought online information from a post-COVID-19 clinic in New York and took part in video calls for patient information. "I went through a six-week program on my own, and it was the most helpful thing I had," she said. She said she hopes provincial governments in the region collaborate to set up centralized clinics that employ telemedicine, so that she can actually speak to doctors with expertise. In Halifax, a senior physician with Nova Scotia Health says doctors with the province's health authority are turning their attention to potential pilot projects. Dr. Christy Bussey, the medical lead for COVID-19 in-patient care in the authority's central zone, said in an interview on Thursday that in the longer term, family doctors will need training on how to care for the lingering impacts of the illness. But in the short term, she's advocating for a post-COVID-19 clinic, potentially attached to an existing clinic in Fall River, N.S., which already treats people with conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome. She said she has noticed "a gap in the system for following patients who developed new or ongoing symptoms." The physician added it's too early to know how much additional provincial or national funding is needed for an Atlantic post-COVID-19 clinic, as a formal proposal has yet to be completed, but she argues the need for added resources is evident. "Some of these patients are nearly completely disabled by the symptoms they're having," she said. Dr. Alexis Goth, a lead physician at the Fall River clinic, said the first long haulers are starting to trickle into her clinic. She is hopeful resources can be added to pay for a larger numbers of patients by early summer. She said one model for COVID patients may be an adapted version of an eight-week, Zoom-based treatment the clinic uses for fibromyalgia, an illness that can cause muscle pain, fatigue and sleep issues. She said the online treatment could be combined with one-on-one therapy, making use of the occupational therapist, nurses and other experts at the clinic. Susie Goulding, the leader of a national long-haulers support group, cautions that as new clinics and research projects emerge, they should be open to the many patients who didn't receive a formal diagnosis of COVID-19, often due to a lack of testing in the early months. "Most people dont have a positive test," she said in a recent interview. "They should still be included." Meanwhile, Hoskin said he's continuing to search for placement in a research study that includes treatment, finding he still feels like collapsing after a brief trip to buy groceries. "At 50 years old, my heart rate is often at 110 (beats per minute) when I stand up, and I still can't smell and taste other than very basic odours," he said. "We really need to find out what is causing this." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 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. MIDDLETOWN A 61-year-old kindergarten teacher is thrilled to be getting her COVID-19 vaccination this week, but she had hoped the schedule would follow the governors age group guidelines among those who just became eligible. Wesley Elementary School instructor Judy David, a 26-year teacher there, is upset older teachers werent prioritized. It should have been done not to be mean or selfish age-wise. They should be the first to go. I dont get it, she said. Im so excited Im going to have my turn, but Im disappointed the way its being rolled out. When teachers, as well as individuals ages 55 to 64 were added Monday to those eligible for COVID-19 immunization, it made 600,000 more people in Connecticut able to get the vaccine. Teachers, support staff and bus drivers at four elementary schools will be vaccinated Wednesday and Friday at the high school, according to Marco Gaylord, director of school operations and communications. There will be another clinic next week for those working at both middle schools, the high school and in adult education, he said. Were going to do what it takes to make sure teachers and staff at the elementary level are vaccinated, he said. Public school students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade will return to school buildings four days per week beginning March 15. Older children will remain in the hybrid model for the time being. My main thing is being safe, for me, my kids and my family and not bringing it home, David said. David has a second job at the Recreation and Community Services Department after her school duties end for the day, so she will be pressed for time Friday, she said, and worried about having to wait for her vaccination that day. Shes most concerned about her 93-year-old mother who lives next door, whom she hasnt been able to visit. Her 70-year-old sister, who got her first dose of the vaccine last week and also resides with their mother, managed to the mother registered for a second dose, David said. Davids sister has been adamant about her not coming over because David is exposed to children, she said. David and her husband get tested frequently, she said. Middletown High School history and social studies teacher Kathy Adams, 64, the Middletown Federation of Teachers union vice president, said while older students observe all COVID protocols while theyre in school, shes seen many outside class hanging out with one another, and hears others talk about trips theyve taken. If teachers have family members at home who may be older or immunocompromised, Adams said, we cant use that as an excuse to stay home. We have to be there. Adams is eager to be vaccinated. Ill feel a wash of relief over me. It means I can walk in there with confidence, and I can go other places, too. I dont have to live so circumscribed a life. Janice Pawlak, 51, president of the teachers union, said teachers have been very anxious to be inoculated. The vaccine will provide an extra layer of protection for those working with young people. Even if they get COVID, its not going to be as bad when [students] go back, she said. Those in the 16 to 34 age group will be eligible beginning May 3, according to the state. Clinical trials are underway for the younger population. The Community Health Center, which is offering shots at the Vine Street mass clinic as well as the smaller one on Grand Street, opened up several hundred more appointments to assist the 55-and-older cohort, according to Vice President of Communications Leslie Giannelli, who said Monday afternoon that slots were filling up fast. Middlesex Health is experiencing the same thing, said Director of Communications Amanda Falcone. From the day we opened our vaccine clinic, the demand for the vaccine has significantly exceeded the supply, she said. As more doses arrive each week, staff are adding appointments, but these are taken very quickly, she said. As more become eligible, Falcone said, she expects increased demand. We will do our best to help as many people as possible based on the number of vaccine doses we receive from the state, she said. Cases have dramatically decreased in Middletown in the past week, according to Acting Health Director Kevin Elak, who said the case rate per 100,000 now is better than most municipalities with comparable populations. He presented his weekly report to Middletown officials Sunday. Weekly vaccination clinics are being conducted in Cromwell, Durham, and Middlefield for those 65 and older, as part of Middletowns regional health district effort. City of Middletown employees 55 and older will be getting their vaccines during a dedicated clinic to be set up shortly, Elak said. The department anticipates soon receiving doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which require a single dose. For information, visit portal.ct.gov, MiddlesexHealth.org/Vaccine, chc1.com or middletownct.gov. A 26-year-old Vietnamese man claims to have radically changed his appearance with the help of plastic surgery, after being laughed at during a job interview, because of his looks. TikTok user o Quyen has been getting a lot of attention on Asian social media, after posting photos of what he claims is his former self before undergoing nine plastic surgery procedures. Looking at the difference in appearance, its easy why people are shocked; the guy looks like a completely different person, from the shape of his face, to his eyes and nose. He claims that he turned to plastic surgery after trying to get a job and being laughed at by the interviewer, because of his unattractive looks. I think its safe to say that if these before and after photos had been shared by someone other than o Quyen, it would have been hard to believe that they are the same person. In fact, even o has had to deal with a lot of skepticism from people who just couldnt believe it was him. The young man, who currently works as a makeup artist in Saigon, told his TikTok followers that he spent an estimated 400 million dong ($17,400) on nine major plastic surgeries, including rhinoplasty, chin implants, porcelain veneers, lip reshaping, double eyelid surgery and lip implants. Speaking on why he turned to plastic surgery, the 26-year-old said that his inferior looks made it hard for him to get a job, and after being ridiculed by a potential employer during a job interview, he decided it was time to make a change. His family isnt exactly well-off, so he had to fund the cosmetic procedures from his own savings. The first time I came home after plastic surgery, my parents did not recognize me, o Quyen said. I expected as much, but I still could not hold back my tears. The young makeup artist regularly posts photos of and videos of himself on Instagram and TikTok, including transition clips which emphasize his dramatic transformation. Even though he has his share of critics, o Quyen has no regrets about turning to plastic surgery, and tells his followers that they should all do whatever makes them feel comfortable. Always be strong and find the beauty that you are most confident in, he said The standard of beauty for me is that when you look at yourself in the mirror and you feel satisfied and confident. The Israeli-owned cargo ship, Helios Ray, sits docked in port after arriving earlier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Sunday (Kamran Jebreili/AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of attacking an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman last week. Mr Netanyahu spoke to Israeli public broadcaster Kan and said that it was indeed an act by Iran, thats clear. Iran is the greatest enemy of Israel, I am determined to halt it. We are hitting it in the entire region, Mr Netanyahu said. The explosion struck the Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray, a Bahamian-flagged roll-on, roll-off vehicle cargo ship, as it was sailing out of the Middle East on its way to Singapore on Friday. Expand Close The Helios Ray sitting in port in Dubai (Kamran Jebreili/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Helios Ray sitting in port in Dubai (Kamran Jebreili/AP) The crew was unharmed but the vessel sustained two holes on its port side and two on its starboard side just above the waterline, according to US defence officials. The ship arrived in Dubais port for repairs on Sunday, days after the blast that revived security concerns in Mideast waterways amid heightened tensions with Iran. It remains unclear what caused the blast. The Helios Ray had discharged cars at various ports in the Persian Gulf before the explosion forced it to reverse course. Iran responded to Mr Netanyahus statement by saying it strongly rejected the claim that it was behind the attack. In a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said the Israeli leader was suffering from an obsession with Iran and described his claims as fear-mongering. Mr Netanyahus office declined to comment on reports that Israeli officials were in Dubai on Monday investigating the attack. Expand Close Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Alex Kolomoisky/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Alex Kolomoisky/AP) Overnight, Syrian state media reported a series of alleged Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, saying air defence systems had intercepted most of the missiles. Israeli media reports said the alleged airstrikes were on Iranian targets in response to the ship attack. Israel has struck hundreds of Iranian targets in neighbouring Syria in recent years, and Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel will not accept a permanent Syrian military presence there. Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah have provided military support to Syrian President Bashar Assad in the more than decade-long Syrian civil war. Iran also has blamed Israel for a recent series of attacks, including a mysterious explosion last summer that destroyed an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at its Natanz nuclear facility, and the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top Iranian scientist who founded the Islamic Republics military nuclear program two decades ago. Iran has repeatedly vowed to avenge his killing. It is most important that Iran doesnt have nuclear weapons, with or without an agreement, this I also told to my friend (Joe) Biden, Mr Netanyahu said. Iranian threats of retaliation have raised alarms in Israel since the signing of normalization deals with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in September. Albany, N.Y. New York will receive over 878,000 total doses of Covid-19 vaccines this week, its highest-ever weekly allotment. The shipments will include over 164,000 doses of the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which won emergency use approval from the Food and Drug Administration over the weekend. New Yorks own vaccine advisory panel also recommended the shot, Gov. Andrew Cuomos office announced today. Unlike the first two Covid vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson shot requires just one dose instead of two. Its easier to ship and store as well. New York is also getting over 422,000 first doses and over 290,000 second doses of the earlier Covid shots from Pfizer and Moderna. The good news on vaccines comes exactly one year after New York confirmed its first Covid case. One year ago today, the unimaginable tragedy of Covid-19 began for New Yorkers, Cuomo said in a press release. Weve faced great pain and loss over the last 365 days, but theres reason to be hopeful for the future, and the states Clinical Advisory Task Forces recommendation of the next vaccine for Covid is part of that ongoing convalescence Johnson & Johnsons single-shot vaccine with less restrictive storage requirements will make it easier for the state to reach more New Yorkers, faster. Theres a lot of work ahead, but this vaccines approval gives us cause for optimism as we move forward to a post-Covid future. The vaccine announcement is the sort of thing Cuomo would normally have trumpeted at one of his Covid press conferences. But the governor is currently staring down allegations of sexual harassment from two former aides and dealing with ongoing criticism of his administrations response to the pandemic in nursing homes. His last briefing where he took questions from reporters was a week ago. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Covid still a threat in CNY, but as one expert says: The worst is behind us CNYs top coronavirus doctors: Kids need to get back to school Johnson & Johnsons 1-dose shot cleared, giving US 3rd Covid-19 vaccines Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 The ramp-up March is shaping up to be a critical month for the vaccine rollout in the United States, as a new vaccine comes online and the production and delivery of doses surge. Johnson & Johnsons one-shot vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration over the weekend, giving Americans access to a third shot. The company is expected to deliver nearly four million vaccine doses this week and another 16 million by the end of the month. The vaccine supplies from Pfizer and Moderna are also set to increase considerably this month. Pfizer said that it would be able to ship 13 million doses per week by the middle of this month, up from around five million at the beginning of February. Moderna said that it expected to double its shipments to more than 10 million doses by the end of the month. Together, that means the U.S. will have enough doses on hand by the end of this month to vaccinate about 130 million Americans, or roughly half of all eligible adults, and 40 percent of the total population. Millions of animal species roam the earth. Only a few dozen end up on posters for the zoo, though, or featured in calendars mailed out by environmental organizations. These animals, which tend to be impressively large, all have a certain star quality: the elephants, the giraffes, the gorillas, the big cats. In the phrase used by zoologists and conservationists, they are charismatic megafauna. A pride of lions on a fund-raising pitch can be relied on to bring in money that can be used to save the ground squirrel and the lilac-breasted rollers. Back when the restaurant ecosystem was functioning healthily, it had its charismatic megafauna, too. These were the places that people halfway around the world have heard of, the ones whose names would be mentioned whenever the best food cities came up for debate; the ones around which a whole class of tourists would plan international food safaris. But a citys most famous restaurants arent always its most important, just as the giant panda isnt necessarily the species most crucial to the health of its habitat. If this distinction wasnt already obvious, it has been made clear over the past year. Some of New Yorks most avidly followed kitchens have been dark for most or all of the pandemic, including the Grill, Atomix, Per Se, Balthazar and Le Coucou. One predictable, if still very weird, effect of this is that these restaurants, once constant attention getters, are now talked about so little that its as if they never existed. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Russian warship has entered a Sudanese port in a strong sign ahead of the construction in the African country of the first Russian military base in Africa. Admiral Grigorovich, reportedly docked at Port Sudan Sunday, becoming therefore the first Russian military vessel to arrive in the African country. The arrival followed a May 2019 deal between the two countries concerning military and civilian nuclear cooperation, which is set to last seven years. November last year, President Vladmir Putin approved Moscows plan to establish a naval base on the shores of the Red Sea in Sudan. Also approved by Khartoum, the future facility will house 300 military and civilian personnel, as well as four ships including nuclear-powered vessels. The contract will last 25 years and be subject to renewal if both parties agree. Russia, under the deal, will also transport weapons, ammunition and equipment via Sudans ports and airports. In Keep an Eye Out, Buron is a police officer interrogating Fugain about a homicide that he has reported. Its late at night in a nearly empty police station, and Buron, played by Belgian actor Benoit Poelvoorde, pecks with two fingers on a typewriter. Hes determined to work through the night on his investigation, but also finds many reasons to interrupt the process. Fugain, played by French comedian and actor Gregoire Ludig, doesnt seem particularly concerned, although Buron is questioning whether he is a murderer. Fugain says hes hungry and would rather they resume the investigation in the morning. When Buron needs to leave the office, he asks another policeman to keep an eye on his suspect. Though hes the only other person in the room, Philippe (Marc Fraize) doesnt want to be bothered or keep one eye on Fugain. When Buron insists, Philippe turns to embrace the task, revealing that he has only one eye. It seems like a bad joke in the making. This mix of obvious and dark humor is French director Quentin Dupieuxs signature. Dupieux, who also is an electronic musician who performs as Mr. Oizo, has carved out a niche for his offbeat films. He made his mark with Rubber, a sort of conceptual slasher film about a killer tire that rolls through the tumbleweed towns in the American Southwest. The tire hides out in cheap hotels and menaces the highways with the police in pursuit. More recently, Dupieux released Deerskin, about a man who believes a deerskin jacket will imbue him with a little more personality. He becomes obsessive about the jacket and starts making a film about himself in the jacket, which escalates in an absurd and violent direction. Keep an Eye Out is similarly quirky, but also is borderline surreal. One character smokes out of a hole in his chest. Buron brainstorms possible alibis for Fugain, as if his only duty is to record any good story on his crime report. Fugain claims that he doesnt know how he came to find a dead body outside his apartment. But he goes out of his way to cover up things for which he is not responsible. Dupieux also seems to bend time. There are scenes with Fugain and Philippes wife, Fiona (Anais Demoustier), in which they talk about events that have not yet happened and are the reason that they would meet each other. Its not clear whether Fugain is imagining the encounters, or if Dupieux is toying with magical realism as he advances his story. The film is visually stylized in a way that gives it character, as in many Coen brothers movies. The police offices and wardrobe are mostly in beige and brown, with a retro 1970s style. Characters appearances are quirky, like Fugain with his bushy mustache, or comically unflattering. While there are some abrupt happenings and dead bodies, the movie is more absurd. The pace is slow, and the movie is short for a feature. The banter between Buron and Fugain seems like its meant to do a lot to carry the films humor. The movie is in French, and the English subtitles dont do any favors for that tension. As with previous films, Dupieux sticks to his concept, though the deadpan humor here doesnt revolve around something as obvious as a fetishized killer tire or obnoxious jacket. Keep an Eye Out opens March 5 at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge. Chalmette Movies has closed Chalmette Movies, a six-screen theater on West Judge Perez Drive, has closed. General manager Ellis Fortinberry made the announcement via the Trump: Big Tech Companies Should Be Punished for Censoring Conservative Voices Big tech companies such as Twitter, Google, and Facebook should face major penalties if they continue to engage in censorship of conservative voices, former President Donald Trump told an audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Trump, in his first major appearance since leaving office, took the opportunity to renew calls to sanction Silicon Valley companies that have engaged in what is perceived to be unbalanced moderation of user content that typically targets conservative voices and viewpoints. The time has come to break up big tech monopolies and restore fair competition, Trump said during his address on Sunday. Big tech giants like Twitter, Google, and Facebook should be punished with major sanctions, whenever they silence conservative voices. Trump and his administration have been calling for the abolishment or reforms to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to remove liability protections for companies that engage in the censoring of political speech. They have accused the companies of acting as publishers rather than online platforms when they engage in targeted moderation of user content. Protections under Section 230 arent intended to be used to protect publishers. A number of antitrust investigations into big tech companies are underway. The Justice Department previously said they have opened antitrust probes into major digital technology firms and have filed a lawsuit against Google over anti-competitive allegations. Similarly, Texas has also filed its own antitrust lawsuit against Google. Some states are exploring legislation to prevent big tech companies from using their monopoly to police speech they dont agree with. Florida proposed that it would seek to penalize social media companies that de-platform candidates during an election. The legislation would fine companies $100,000 a day until the candidates access to the platform is restored. Texas is also considering similar legislation. Many of the regulatory moves were made in response to increased policing of user speech, in particular, during the lead up to the Nov. 3 election and after the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. The social media companies moderation saw Trumps account permanently suspended on Twitter and indefinitely banned on Facebook and Instagram. An appeal over Facebooks decision to ban Trump is currently under consideration by what is said to be an independent oversight commission paid for by the platform. Republicans and conservatives must open up our platforms and repeal section 230 liability protections. And if the federal government refuses to act, then every state in the Union, where we have the votes, which is a lot of them, Trump said. He praised Florida and Texas for their willingness to address the issue. If Republicans can be censored for speaking the truth, and calling out corruption, we will not have democracy, and we will have only left-wing tyranny, he added. Meanwhile, these digital behemoths are also facing pushback from governments around the world that are concerned over the power these companies yield over public discourse and business competition. Australia is the latest country to pass legislation making Google and Facebook pay for news content. The law backs public-interest journalism and aims to provide a level playing field between these platforms and media companies, which have been losing advertising revenue to these platforms. Other countries have signaled an intention to follow in the footsteps of Australia. Unconstitutional Attack While big tech is policing speech in the private sphere, Democrats in Congress are rapidly attempting to push forward the passage of a bill known as H.R. 1, or For the People Act, that conservatives warn would further limit political speech. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), who introduced the 2021 version of the bill, said it seeks to overcome rampant voter suppression, gerrymandering and a torrent of special interest dark money in American elections. However, critics say the bill also imposes new restrictions on speech about the campaign as well as prevents Americans from publishing and organizing into groups to advocate their government. H.R. 1 and S. 1 would force onerous and unworkable standards upon the ability of Americans and groups of Americans to discuss the policy issues of the day with elected officials and the public, the Institute of Free Speech said in a blog post. Other provisions would violate the privacy of advocacy groups and their supporters, stringently regulate political speech online, and compel speakers to include lengthy government-mandated messages identifying some of their supporters by name in their communications. Trump during his speech warned about the enactment of such legislation, saying that it would empower the federal government to shut down dissent and turn the Federal Election Commission into a partisan political weapon. We have no time to waste Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress are racing to pass a fragrantly, flagrantly unconstitutional attack on the First Amendment and the integrity of our elections, known as H.R. 1, he said. He also raised concerns over some of the bills proposals such as limiting the operation of voter ID requirements and letting unaccountable, unelected bureaucrats in charge of drawing congressional districts, through independent redistricting commissions. This monster must be stopped. It cannot be allowed to pass, he said. Now more than ever is the time for tough, strong, and energetic Republican leaders who have spines of steel. We need strong leadership. We cannot have leaders who show more passion for condemning their fellow Americans than they have ever shown for standing up to Democrats, to the media, and the radicals who want to turn America into a socialist country. Investors gained nearly Rs 3 lakh crore in the first trading session of March 2021 as market made a partial recovery from the crash it suffered on February 26. Sensex closed 750 points or 1.53% higher at 49,849 today after investors cheered Q3 GDP data and resorted to value buying. Nifty ended 232 points or 1.60% higher at 14,761. Market cap on BSE rose by Rs 2.95 lakh crore today to Rs 203.76 lakh crore. On Friday, market wealth on BSE fell by over Rs 5 lakh crore to Rs 200.81 lakh crore as investors resorted to panic selling after global markets crashed on rise in US bond yields and US airstrikes on Syria. On February 26, Sensex crashed 1,939.32 points or 3.80 per cent to close at 49,099.99 its worst one-day fall since May 4 last year. Nifty had plunged 568.20 points or 3.76 per cent to close the session at 14,529.15 the biggest single-day drop since March 23 last year. Encouraging February auto sales also led the market higher today. BSE auto index ended 532 points higher at 23,470. On Sensex, 29 components ended in the green. Top gainers were PowerGrid , ONGC , UltraTech Cement and Asian Paints rising up to 6%. Bharti Airtel share was the only Sensex loser falling 4.45%. Market breadth was positive with 1,948 shares ending higher against 1121 falling on BSE. 198 stocks were unchanged. Number of stocks hitting 52-week highs stood at 294 against 54 falling to 52-week lows. Bharti Airtel stock slips over 6% after Integrated Core Strategies sells 3.7 crore shares Banking and auto stocks led the gains in trade today. BSE bankex climbed 635 points to 39,616. Nifty auto index 241 points higher at 10,411. All 19 BSE sectoral indices ended higher today. Share Market Live: Sensex up 700 points, Nifty at 14,750; ONGC, PowerGrid, Titan, Asian Paints top gainers Market volatility index India VIX fell 9% to 25.62 today. On February 26, the index rose 22.89% to 28.13. Commenting on today's market movement, Gaurav Ratnaparkhi, Senior Technical Analyst, Sharekhan said, "Nifty had a swift bounce on March 1, after a sharp fall on February 26. The index had reached the junction of 40 DEMA and the daily lower Bollinger Band on Friday. These parameters together act as a good support and the same was seen in this case. The index has seen a lower Bollinger reversal and is expected to head towards the middle line in the next few sessions. The overall structure shows that the index is likely to stay in a consolidation phase for the short term where the range would be 15000-14400. The daily Bollinger Bands are in contraction phase, which is in line with the expected consolidation." Ruchit Jain, Senior Analyst - Technical and Derivatives, Angel Broking said, "On the upside, 14,900-15,000 will be the immediate resistance range of the index and one should look to lighten up trading longs on pullback towards this range. A move above the recent swing high of 15,178 will only negate the recent short term corrective structure. On the flipside, 14,630 followed by 14,500 are the immediate supports for the index." Credit: CC0 Public Domain A team of international researchers led by a Florida State University assistant professor has analyzed reams of data from the Neolithic to Late Roman period looking at migration patterns across the Mediterranean and found that despite evidence of cultural connections, there's little evidence of massive migration across the region. "Because of the prevailing scholarly attitude of the 'connected' Mediterraneanone with high degrees of mobility and migration that drive the archaeological patterns we seewe'd imagined we'd see comparatively high levels of migration reflected in the strontium isotope data," said Thomas Leppard, assistant professor of anthropology at Florida State. "That instead we saw low levels of migration, and that these in fact decreased over time, was very surprising." Leppard and his colleagues found that from about 7,500 BC to AD 500, migration rates ranged from about 6% to 9% of the population within the dataset. These rates seem to have decreased over time. The research is published in the Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology. Many historians and archaeologists consider the Mediterranean basin to have been interconnected for much of its history. However, that theory is largely built on material culture that suggests such connectionsfor example, Greek-looking pots in Sicily in the Late Bronze Age, Arabic coins in Medieval Sardinia, or Roman-style dining sets in 2nd century AD Portugal. Leppard wondered if the same pattern would be obvious if they brought human biochemistry into the mix. For several years, scientists have been able to understand individual life histories by analyzing the chemistry of human remains. In humans, bodily tissues, including most bones, remake themselves constantly so that their chemical composition reflects their current environment. However, dental enamel and a small skull bone called the petrous portion are extremely hard and don't remodel, so once a human reaches adulthood, the isotope ratios in those two areas of the body don't change. "As a result, if you spend childhood somewhere, and then move as an adult to a different place with different underlying chemistry, we can see a difference in the chemistryand critically in the ratios of different strontium isotopesbetween your dental enamel and your other bones," Leppard said. "If, however, you grew up and died in the same location, the ratios will be the same. That means we can start to quantify percentages of locals, and percentages of nonlocals in a given area." Archaeologists have employed this technique for a while in the Mediterranean, but the sample sizes are generally very small because the experiments are expensive and there often aren't many samples of human remains. Leppard and his colleagues compiled all the data from many smaller experiments capturing a large time frame and re-analyzed it. He cautioned that this is a starting place to assess the migration patterns of this region. "It's important to say that migration is only one aspect of human mobility; we can't access seasonal or habitual mobility with this method, for example," Leppard said. "That said, we thought this would be a powerful method for assessing large-scale trends in Mediterranean migration across time. That these trends don't really match the current scholarship should generate productive debate and prompt new research." Explore further Modern economic theory explains prehistoric Mediterranean societies More information: Esposito, M. et al, The Bioarchaeology of Migration in the Ancient Mediterranean: Meta-Analysis of Radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr) Isotope Ratios. Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology, 33(2), 211241. Esposito, M. et al, The Bioarchaeology of Migration in the Ancient Mediterranean: Meta-Analysis of Radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr) Isotope Ratios., 33(2), 211241. doi.org/10.1558/jma.18784 New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will commence her two-day visit to poll-bound Assam from Monday (March 1) to campaign for the Congress party. In her first stop, the Congress general secretary will arrive at Guwahati, where she will visit the Kamakhya temple to offer prayers on behalf of the party, and then will fly to Lakhimpur to start the poll campaign. Since the Upper Assam region had witnessed strong protests during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act movement, Congress banks on public resentment against the law. Her visit is expected to give momentum to her party's campaign as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already visited the region thrice. Priyanka is expected to visit several districts on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, where the BJP and its ally, the AGP, are understood to have a strong presence. The BJP-led government has announced several development projects in view of the upcoming elections. She is expected to launch an indoor-protest for unemployed youths in Lakhimpur besides visiting two shrines - Mahadev's Janmasthan in Letekupukhuri and Madhabdev's Janmasthan in Rangajan, Bihpuria. The Congress general secretary will reportedly hold a meeting with women labourers in Gohpur after paying homage to Majabhairav temple in Tezpur. Live TV She will address a rally at Hazarpar Stadium in Tezpur. Later, she will also hold an interaction with female tea workers in Sadhary Tea Estate in Biswanath. BPF joins Congress-led Mahagathbandhan Ahead of her visit, the Bodoland People`s Front (BPF) on Sunday joined the Congress-led grand alliance to fight the Assembly polls against the saffron party with the `Mahagathbandhan` leaders urging the other local parties to join it. The leaders of the Mahagathbandhan said that its chief ministerial candidate would be decided in consultation with the other constituents of the alliance after the Assembly elections are over. With the joining of the BPF led by veteran tribal leader Hagrama Mohilary, the number of parties in the grand alliance rose to seven. AICC Secretary Anirudh Singh told the media that with the joining of the BPF in the Congress-led grand alliance, the aspirations of the people of Assam are about to find a voice. Assam Congress President Ripun Bora claimed that it is certain that the Congress-led alliance will come to power on May 2 after the polls in March-April. (With Agency Inputs) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Regular individuals may begin rolling up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccine shots as early as May, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday. Nakikita natin sa 2nd quarter po natin makukuha yun once na dumating na po yung ibang ano po ng COVAX (facility), responded the official once asked when inoculations for the general public will begin, confirming that May is the very target for these vaccination efforts. [Translation: We are looking at 2nd quarter once (vaccine doses) from the COVAX facility arrive.] Galvez noted that the Philippines expects to receive around 5.2 million to 9.5 million doses of Pfizers and AstraZenecas vaccines from the facility during that period. Initial vaccine procurements from manufacturers Sinovac and Novavax, along with the private sectors purchase of 2.6 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses, are also expected to arrive then. The Philippines formally commenced its vaccine rollout today, with health workers and select government officials getting the first legal shots in the country across six state hospitals in Metro Manila. The vaccine czar said the first three months of 2021 will solely be dedicated to inoculating medical frontliners against the contagious disease. Galvez likewise emphasized the acute shortage in the global vaccine supply, adding officials have been trying to haggle on earlier deliveries. He also cited governments efforts to negotiate by paying more to speed up the arrival of procured doses. The government hopes to inoculate 50 to 70 million Filipinos against COVID-19 by year-end. Government gives the go-ahead for Muslims to collaborate in the construction or restoration of Christian places of worship. A decision that follows the fatwa issued at the end of January by the Egyptian grand mufti. But some of the faithful are against it: "Christianity is blasphemy". Cairo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Muslims in Egypt will be able to collaborate with Christians in the construction of churches, being employed as "paid workers" in all respects. It is a radical change in a nation with a large Muslim majority in which, in the past, this choice was often considered a taboo and Muslims were forbidden to contribute to the construction of Christian places of worship. Following the official green light, Muslims will be able to contribute to the construction of each of the 44 churches currently being built in Egypt. They will also be able to collaborate in the restoration of the 16 historic Coptic churches affected by renovations. The government's approval is linked to the fatwa issued on January 24 by the Grand Mufti of Egypt Shawki Allam, with which he granted Muslims the opportunity to "work or take part in the construction of churches, in exchange for a salary". The decision welcomed by human rights activists and associations, Christian and otherwise, but which has sparked indignant reactions from some of the Islamic faithful. Mohammad Fouad, an Egyptian Muslim, writes on social networks of an anomalous fatwa Christianity is blasphemy and blasphemy is the gravest sin of all in the eyes of Allah. How could I help them build a church, free or for a fee? . Menna Mahmoud adds: "It is much better for a Muslim to work in a mosque ... Oh Allah, do not lead us to the humiliation of serving the churches, but grant us the honor of serving only our mosques." Christian activist Tom Doyle, of Uncharted Ministries, who speaks of a "big step" because in this case "this is the government saying, We are giving our okay for this. And thats another good sign. So we are thankful for that. And we pray that there will be better relations between Muslims and Christians. Because we know as Muslims become exposed to the Gospel and see the joy of the Lord and believers, its attractive to them. They want to know more. In recent years, under the al-Sisi presidency, the authorities have legalized hundreds of churches, already built or under construction. Nonetheless, there are still thousands of places of worship and buildings awaiting permits. Christians (mostly Orthodox Copts) are substantial minority (10 per cent) in Egypt, a Muslim majority country of almost 95 million people. In 2016 and 2017, several violent attacks were carried out against the Christian community. For this reason, this years Christmas celebrations were held under tight security, especially around churches and Christian-owned buildings. For experts, such places are a weak link and easily accessible to extremists who target them because of their high international visibility. The Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 to early-career immigrant researchers in biomedical science in 2022 NEW YORK, March 1, 2021--The Vilcek Foundation has announced that in 2022 it will award three Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. The foundation has allocated $150,000 to make three awards of $50,000 each to early-career biomedical scientists who have already demonstrated significant accomplishments. The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are part of the Vilcek Foundation Prizes program. Inaugurated in 2006, the Vilcek Foundation Prizes raise awareness and visibility of the contributions of immigrants in biomedical science and in the arts and humanities. The program extols the value of immigration for intellectual and cultural advancement in the United States. "Immigrant scientists have contributed to the United States' position as a world leader in scientific research and discovery," says Jan Vilcek, chairman and CEO of the Vilcek Foundation. "With the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science we recognize individuals who immigrated to the United States, and who bring unique insight, perspective, and experience to their work." "The funding that recipients of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise receive is unrestricted," says Vilcek Foundation President Rick Kinsel. "The prizes are intended to support young research leaders at a critical point in their careers." Since 2009 the Vilcek Foundation has awarded 31 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science, totaling over $1.3 million. These prizes highlight the contributions that foreign-born researchers make to biomedical science in the United States. The program honors and encourages the innovative approaches and perspectives that immigrant scientists bring to their respective disciplines. In September 2021, the Vilcek Foundation announced the recipients of the 2021 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science: Mohamed Abou Donia, born in Egypt, received the award for his research demonstrating the potential of the human microbiome as a source of novel drugs and uncovering the basis of microbiome-driven drug metabolism. Ibrahim Cisse, a native of Niger, received the honor for using super-resolution biological imaging to directly visualize the dynamic nature of gene expression in living cells. And Silvi Rouskin, born in Bulgaria, received the award for developing methods to unravel the shapes of RNA molecules inside cells, aiding the potential development of RNA-based therapeutics. ### Further Information: Information and full eligibility requirements for the 2022 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are available at the following link: http://vilcek. co/ cpp2022biomedeapr . Inquiries about the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science should be directed to creativepromise@vilcek.org. The Vilcek Foundation The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences. The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation--to honor immigrant contributions to the United States, and more broadly to foster appreciation of the arts and sciences--was inspired by the couple's respective careers in biomedical science and art history. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded over $5.8 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals and supported organizations with over $5.2 million in grants. The Vilcek Foundation is a private operating foundation, a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3). NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fry Family Food Co., a LIVEKINDLY Collective heritage brand, today launches a national retail partnership in the U.S. with Sprouts Farmers Market. Fry's has been at the forefront of the plant-based movement for decades; founded in the Fry family kitchen in 1991, the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Fry's products available at Sprouts: Chick'N Nuggets, The Big Fry Burger, Chick'N Patties, Breakfast Links, Pea Protein Grounds From today, five of Fry's top plant-based products will be available in the freezer aisle at all Sprouts locations: Chick'N Nuggets, The Big Fry Burger, Chick'N Patties, Breakfast Links and Pea Protein Grounds. All Fry's products are made with non-GMO, plant-based ingredients including soy, wheat and pea protein. They're great sources of protein, are naturally cholesterol-free and are low in saturated fat. Plus they're full of flavor and have earned the approval of the brand's taste-testers: the Fry family grandchildren. Ready in minutes, Fry's Chick'N Nuggets are lightly rolled in bread crumbs and are a quick and easy family favorite. The Big Fry Burger actually sizzles on the grill as it cooks and is seasoned with fresh and herbs and spices including coriander seeds, paprika, pepper, parsley and turmeric. Flavorful Chick'N Patties are the ideal foundation for a variety of sandwich creations while the Breakfast Links are a tasty way to start the day. The versatile Pea Protein Grounds are an easy swap for ground meat in a wide variety of dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna and burritos. In 1991, Wally Fry was inspired to make homemade, plant-based protein alternatives for his vegetarian daughter, Tammy Fry, and his wife, Debbie Fry, eventually becoming a vegetarian himself. Today, the passion and innovation that began in the Fry's family kitchen has fueled global growth with over 40 products on supermarket shelves in 30 countries around the world. "Sharing our made-with-love recipes and being a part of American families gathering together around the kitchen table is a long-time dream and truly an honor for us," says Global Brand Leader and Fry daughter, Tammy Fry. "We are passionate about inspiring a healthier, more compassionate and sustainable lifestyle that's attainable for everyone. Partnering with Sprouts allows us to make our convenient and delicious plant-based products accessible to all whether they're omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans." For more information, visit FryFamilyFood.com/us and for a store locator, visit Sprouts.com. About Fry Family Food Co. and LIVEKINDLY Collective LIVEKINDLY Collective was founded by Blue Horizon Group on the belief that plant-based alternatives have the power to make the global food system sustainable. As a collective of entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the globe, LIVEKINDLY Collective is uniquely positioned to create impact with speed, at scale because of its unique capabilities and purpose-driven mission to effect change through sustainable, cruelty-free, plant-based alternatives. Through its portfolio of brands, Oumph!, The Fry Family Food Co., LikeMeat and No Meat, LIVEKINDLY Collective is making plant-based eating the new normal and providing consumers around the world with healthy, sustainable, delicious food options. Furthermore, LIVEKINDLY Collective is the voice of the plant-based movement, communicating informative, entertaining and inspiring content through its media and lifestyle platform, LIVEKINDLY. Press Contact: Katie Cycan Crier Communications 310-274-1072 x 207 [email protected] SOURCE Fry Family Food Co. The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package pending before the U.S. Senate would give Florida state and local governments $16 billion in one-time aid, more than enough to wipe out the states $2 billion shortfall, but Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday said the funding formula is unfair to Florida because it is tied to unemployment. You shouldnt be penalizing states for doing a good job, which is exactly what this bill does, DeSantis told reporters Monday, adding his voice to a chorus of GOP officials opposed to President Joe Bidens first legislative initiative. Instead of using the share of the population, they are using the number of unemployed in the state, which means states like Florida that have lower unemployment are getting penalized. DeSantis joined with 22 governors to sign a letter criticizing the bill just hours after it passed the U.S. House on Saturday. The measure is now awaiting approval in the Senate, where Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his 50-member caucus are opposing it as too expensive. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday the Senate will begin considering the bill this week after Biden urged a bill to pass before additional unemployment benefits expire on March 14. Under the measure, the federal government would direct $350 billion to state and local governments. Of that, $25.5 billion would be divided equally to every state, with each receiving at least $500 million. Another $169 billion would be divided based on the states share of unemployed workers nationally, giving Florida a total of about $10.3 billion. Another part of the package would divide $130 billion among cities and counties based on population, giving Florida cities and counties another $6 billion in direct aid ($531 million for Miami-Dade County, $382 million for Broward, $293 million for Palm Beach, $15 million for Monroe, and $129 million for the city of Miami). As Florida lawmakers meet in regular session Tuesday, they must find a way to close an estimated $2 billion budget deficit. DeSantis said he is confident the state will be able to handle its budget shortfall without the federal money, but, he warned, the formula will give the state $1.2 billion less than if the money were based on its share of the population. Story continues If they keep this formula, it will probably be even worse for Florida because we firmly expect that our 6.1% unemployment rate in December is going to be revised further down. And so that will hurt us in terms of getting relief from this bill, DeSantis said. Although the formula does not recognize mortality rates from COVID-19 deaths, the governor said that another unfair feature of the bill is that Floridas mortality rate is less than other states that have higher unemployment rates and were putting people to work. Florida Rep. Joe Geller, an Aventura Democrat, dismissed the concerns over the proposed formula. We will certainly be helped more than other states are helped, he said. I dont think its a disadvantage to us if were not the highest recipient. The bottom line is, if money comes here thats a good thing. Period. If it helps to overcome our projected deficit, thats an even better thing. And just because some other state might get more, it doesnt make that a disadvantage for us. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, authored the letter signed by DeSantis and other governors. He noted that unlike all previous federal funding packages that distributed aid based on population, the Biden plan punishes states that took a measured approach to the pandemic and entered the crisis with healthy state budgets and strong economies. The letter, signed by only one Democrat, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, estimates that 33 states will lose money under the proposed formula. A states ability to keep businesses open and people employed should not be a penalizing factor when distributing funds, McMaster said. If Congress is going to provide aid to states, it should be on an equitable population basis. Mary Ellen Klas can be reached at meklas@miamiherald.com and @MaryEllenKlas Flash Another 6,035 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 4,176,554, according to official figures released Sunday. The country also reported another 144 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 122,849. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test. The latest figures were revealed as more than 20 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of the coronavirus vaccine. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the latest development in the country's vaccine rollout as a "magnificent achievement". "I want to thank every single person who has come forward to get the jab because we know with increasing confidence that the jab protects you, it protects your community and it also is the route out of this for all of us," he said in a video posted on Twitter. "There's a long way still to go but we're making big strides," he added. 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. On Feb. 22, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his long-anticipated "roadmap" exiting the lockdown. Schools in England will reopen from March 8 as first part of the four-step plan, which Johnson said was designed to be "cautious but irreversible". 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. Actress Angelina Jolie has sold a Moroccan landscape painting by British premier Winston Churchill for more than 8million, smashing the previous record for one of the World War Two leader's artworks. The painting, which is called 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque', sold at London auction house Christie's for a staggering 8.3million. It was completed after the 1943 Casablanca Conference, where Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt planned the defeat of Nazi Germany - and was later gifted to the US President as a memento of their trip to Marrakech. Prices for Churchill's work have gone up in recent years, with his painting of goldfish at his Chartwell home selling for 1.8million at a Sotheby's sale in 2014. The image of the 12th-century mosque in Marrakech at sunset, with the Atlas Mountains in the background, was sold by the Jolie Family Collection, but the buyer - reportedly Belgian - was not immediately named. The same client bought all three Churchill paintings in tonight's sale, including 'Scene at Marrakech' (c. 1935) for 1.8million and 'St Paul's Churchyard' (c. 1927) for 1million - all well above their estimates. 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque', the only piece of art that Churchill completed during the war, sold at London auction house Christie's for a staggering 8.3million on Monday Actress Angelina Jolie sold a Moroccan landscape painting by Churchill for more than 8million, smashing the previous record for one of the World War Two leader's artworks The painting was sold by Roosevelt's son after the President's death in 1945, and had several owners before Jolie and partner Brad Pitt bought it in 2011. The couple separated in 2016 and have spent years enmeshed in divorce proceedings, amid speculation about the division of their extensive art collection. They were declared divorced in 2019 after their lawyers asked for a bifurcated judgment - meaning that two married people can be declared single while other issues, including finances and child custody, remain. It was completed after the January 1943 Casablanca Conference, where Churchill and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt planned the defeat of Nazi Germany. The two leaders visited Marrakech after the conference so that Churchill could show Roosevelt the city's beauty, before he gave the painting to the US President as a memento of the trip Churchill the painter Churchill was introduced to painting during a family holiday in June 1915 when his political career was at a low ebb. He continued this hobby into his old age, painting over 500 pictures of subjects such as his goldfish pond at Chartwell and the landscapes and buildings of Marrakesh. After the 1915 Gallipoli campaign, for which Churchill was widely held responsible, he was removed as First Lord of the Admiralty with demotion to Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Depressed about the the turn of events and worried about the direction of his career, he hired a country house in Sussex for a holiday with family including his sister-in-law, Lady Gwendoline ('Goonie') Churchill. Goonie was an amateur artist and encouraged Churchill to take up painting, starting with watercolour before moving to oil. He was most fond of oils, writing: 'Just to paint is great fun. The colours are lovely to look at and delicious to squeeze out.' Though Churchill was reelected to Parliament in 1924 and later became Britain's wartime prime minister, he was known to set up his easel outdoors to capture the grounds of his country home in Kent. He would also work during his travels to Egypt, Italy, Morocco, and the south of France, among other locations. Famously, Churchill painted his 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque' during World War Two, before gifting it to President Roosevelt in 1943, after the Casablanca Conference, as an act of goodwill between the two nations. US President Dwight D Eisenhower was also so taken by Churchill's paintings that he decided to try the hobby for himself, and even set up a studio in the White House - reportedly the only US president to do so. Advertisement Nick Orchard, Head of Modern British Art at Christie's, said: 'Christie's is delighted to offer such a historically significant painting as the leading highlight of the Modern British Art Evening Sale. 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque was created following the Casablanca Conference where it was agreed by the Allied forces that only complete surrender by the Axis powers would be acceptable. 'It is the only work that Churchill painted during the war, perhaps encouraged by the recent progress made by the Allies in what he considered to be one of the most beautiful countries he had encountered. 'Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque is therefore arguably the best painting by Winston Churchill due to the significance of the subject matter to him, and the fact that it highlights the importance of the friendship between the two leaders. 'The gifting of the work to Roosevelt underlines the fact that Churchill held the American President in such high regard and points to their joint efforts in guiding the Allied powers to the outcome of the Second World War.' Churchill was introduced to painting during a family holiday in June 1915 when his political career was at a low ebb. He continued this hobby into his old age, painting over 500 pictures of subjects such as his goldfish pond at Chartwell and the landscapes and buildings of Marrakesh. Churchill began painting scenes of Morocco after being encouraged to visit the country by his painting tutor, Sir John Lavery. Upon his first visit in 1935, he felt that the light and scenery were unrivalled, creating some 45 paintings of the country. On Roosevelt's death in 1945, painting passed to his son Elliot, who sold it in 1950 to a private collector. It was then sold to the producer of a 1964 documentary on Churchill, called The Finest Hours. Pitt and Jolie bought the work from a New Orleans antiques dealer to add to their 18million art collection in 2011, partly housed at their Chateau Miraval residence in France, before agreeing to divorce in 2016. Prices for Churchill's paintings have increased recently, with some experts suggesting his portrayal by John Lithgow in the Netflix hit series The Crown may have sparked further interest in his works. A painting of goldfish at his Chartwell home sold for 1.8million in 2014, while an oil and canvas depicting his favourite Johnnie Walker whiskey sold for 983,000 last year. When most are fast asleep at 2 a.m., Chamroeun Sophon is walking into her newly purchased shop to make donuts. Getting to work at 2 a.m. is difficult, but that is why we do it. Having everything be extremely fresh is important to us, said Sophon, the new owner of Glazy Squares Donuts, off of Troy Road next to Joes Market Basket. She purchased the Edwardsville location, 443 S. Buchanan, in mid-February. Every morning, Sophon and her husband make donuts, croissants and kolaches for the day. Whatever they dont sell that day, they give away to start anew the next day. We have given them to the police station, the fire station and, also, our neighbors, who are really happy to receive them, said Sophon. The seamless transition of ownership was coordinated by Sophon and previous owner, Jennifer Divac, who owned the shop for the past three and a half years. While we loved being a part of the community, our family is expanding and its time for us to have a more relaxed lifestyle, wrote Divac in a Facebook post. Donut shop life is challenging, with early mornings and late nights, so with the birth of our first grandson and second grandson on the way, it became evident that it was time to pass the baton to someone with more energy and more time. Sophon explained how she has the energy and drive to keep the donut shop growing. In the coming weeks, Sophon intends to extend the range of products and change the name of the business. We will offer more boba teas, smoothies and different kinds of donuts and croissants, said Sophon. The range of products comes from her experience in running donut shops for the past three years. She left her previous shop in Columbia, Missouri, Yummy Donut Palace, in the care of her sister when she and her family moved to Edwardsville a few weeks ago to run Glazy Squares. She will adopt the name Yummy Donut Palace and rename the business once paperwork with the city is complete. I want people to see the Yummy Donut Palace name in Missouri and Illinois and know they are getting the freshest donuts, said Sophon. The response to the transition has been positive, especially in regards to the freshness of the donuts. Many customers have told us that it feels like the donut just melts in their mouth, said Sophon. Sophon will plan a rebranding celebration when the name change is official with free coffee and a free fresh donut in the coming weeks. 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. Hyderabad: TRS Dalit MLAs on Sunday flayed BJP state president Bandi Sanjay for his alleged comment that Dalits are like sandal-makers and crooks. They warned him: Control your language, or else our community will target your office. MLAs Balka Suman, Guvvala Balraj and Durgam Chennaiah wrote an open letter to Bandi Sanjay in which they said the BJP state chief already enjoyed the ill-repute of being one who indulged in loose talk. However, his comment against Dalits showed what the BJPs ideology is, they said. Sanjay once again proved that the BJP encouraged social evils like untouchability and believed in oppression of the dalits. Dr B.R. Ambedkar gave rights to Dalits who had been deprived of education due to oppression for generations. Dalit youths are now looking for opportunities of education and employment, they said. They said that after taking power in Telangana state, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao made efforts to see that Dalit children got higher education and rose to higher status. Hundreds of schools were established for the community. Now, educated Dalit children compete with everyone and some of them stand up as top rankers, the MLAs said. Dalit children have climbed Mount Everest. Apart from achieving ranks in IITs, IIMs and NEET, Dalits have got seats in leading universities and won gold medals, the MLAs said. Help Identify Marshall County Theft Suspects By West Kentucky Star Staff MARSHALL COUNTY - The Marshall County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help with identifying two shoplifting suspects.On Monday, deputies were dispatched to Dollar General on U.S. Hwy 68 near Moors Camp Highway for a shoplifting complaint.Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marshall County Sheriff's Office. ANN ARBOR Concordia University Ann Arbor officials have released the Fall Honor's List for the 2020-2021 academic year. To be eligible for the honor, students must achieve a minimum 3.60 GPA and complete at least 12 undergraduate credits. Among the area students named to the list was Emily Belinsky, from Beulah, who is studying exercise science. Founded in 1963, Concordia University Ann Arbor, 4090 Geddes Road, offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and is affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The campus is located on 187 acres overlooking the Huron River. Far North Queensland is set to be hit by a category three cyclone within hours, as weather experts warn locals to prepare for flash flooding. Cyclone Niran is moving slowly north-east away from the coast, while damaging winds are expected to hit Cairns on Tuesday morning. A tropical low approximately 215km east of Innisfail, south of Cairns, has triggered an urgent warning, with ferocious winds of up to 120km/h predicted by this afternoon. Residents are advised to cancel non-essential travel, secure their premises, find a safe place to shelter and stay home. More than 40,000 homes have already been left without electricity after high winds caused powerlines and trees to fall. More than 40,000 homes have already been left without electricity after high winds caused powerlines and trees to fall (pictured: a home in Far North Queensland) Cyclone Niran is moving slowly north-east away from the coast, while damaging winds are expected to hit Cairns (pictured) on Tuesday morning The wild weather has also forced 38 schools in Far North Queensland to close on Tuesday. Lucinda, a three hour drive south of Cairns, received a 259mm downpour in less than 24 hours. The Bureau of Meteorology says a tropical low is forming along the monsoon trough 200km east of Innisfail and is expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone by Tuesday morning. It says there are a range of scenarios for the cyclone, to be called Niran, but a direct coastal crossing is unlikely. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Chief Superintendent Steve Smith said there is increasing confidence about the cyclone forming. 'The intensity is forecasted to grow over the coming days,' he said. 'The modelling at this point is showing that it will reach a category two, with potential to become a bit stronger. 'However, it is a little bit far out at this point as to whether it will actually grow and strengthen beyond that.' Far North Queensland (pictured above) is on cyclone watch as a tropical low threatens the coast of Cairns A tropical low approximately 215km east of Innisfail, south of Cairns, has triggered an urgent warning, with ferocious winds of up to 120km/h predicted by this afternoon Residents and guests in Port Douglas (pictured above) have been warned to expect cyclone conditions on Tuesday (stock image) QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said personnel were positioned and ready to respond with pre-deployed fire and rescue services and swiftwater technicians at Tully, Halifax and Ingham. The system is expected to remain off the coast before tracking southeast later in the week. Cyclone Niran may drift close enough to coastal districts to bring gale force winds, heavy rainfall and abnormally high tides to areas along the coast, the bureau says. Gale warnings are current for Palm Island, Cairns and Townsville waters, and strong wind warnings are in place for Cooktown and Mackay waters. These strong winds are likely to continue throughout the week as the system tracks towards the southeast corner of the state. Showers and thunderstorms are increasing for the southeast, with the risk of severe thunderstorms in the southeast interior on Monday and Tuesday. Motorists have been also been advised to avoid parking their cars in low-lying tidal areas and to not drive through floodwaters. Rainfall of up to 150mm has also been predicted in some areas, with Bureau of Meteorology expert Jackson Browne revealing flash and river flooding is likely over the next 48 hours. 'Soils and catchments are already saturated after weeks of rain on the north tropical coast,' he said. 'Flooding could extend as far south as Mackay as the low strengthens.' Forecast tracking have predicted the cyclone could reach a dangerous Category 2 by Wednesday. The Queensland Bureau of Meterology (pictured above) showing a tropical low developing off the north tropical coast Experts are also predicting rainfall of up to 150mm in some areas as well as flash flooding (stock image) A tropical cyclone likely (pictured above) to likely to form around north Queensland on Tuesday Huge swells are also predicted as the state of Queensland braces itself for some wild weather on Tuesday (stock image) 'Gales are possible as the system reaches cyclone strength. Heavy rainfall is also likely,' the forecast confirmed. On Monday morning, commuters endured lengthy delays on the Captain Cook Highway driving south towards Cairns. A number of trees fell across the Gillies Range Rd at Gadgarra in Queensland's Tablelands Region, resulting in further delays after traffic was reduced to one lane. Meteorologist Michael Gray revealed the extreme weather in far north Queensland was due to the development of a monsoon trough as well as a reach of high pressure along the east coast. 'Since 9am on Saturday, we have seen rainfall totals up around 100mm around the Proserpine River and over 50mm through large parts of an area from about Mackay up towards Cairns,' he told the Courier Mail. 'We will still see fairly significant rainfall (from Mackay to Cairns) that will continue at least to Wednesday... or possibly through to later in the week.' Across the rest of the eastern states of Australia, the forecast for Monday is partly cloudy and mostly sunny, with a slight chance of a shower tonight in Brisbane. WEATHER IN YOUR CITY SYDNEY TUESDAY: Min 19. Max 25. Possible shower. WEDNESDAY: Min 17. Max 23. Shower or two. THURSDAY: Min 17. Max 25. Partly cloudy FRIDAY: Min 16. Max 25. Partly cloudy. BRISBANE TUESDAY: Min 23. Max 34. Possible shower. WEDNESDAY: Min 23. Max 29. Shower or two. THURSDAY: Min 21. Max 28. Possible shower. FRIDAY: Min 19. Max 28. Partly cloudy. ADELAIDE TUESDAY: Min 13. Max 24. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 12. Max 25. Mostly sunny. THURSDAY: Min 12. Max 26. Sunny. FRIDAY: Min 15. Max 29. Partly cloudy. CANBERRA TUESDAY: Min 13. Max 25. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 10. Max 24. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 9. Max 27. Sunny FRIDAY: Min 11. Max 27. Partly sunny. MELBOURNE TUESDAY: Min 12. Max 17. Cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 12. Max 18. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 12. Max 20. Cloudy. FRIDAY: Min 15. Max 20. Cloudy. PERTH TUESDAY: Min 17. Max 27. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 19. Max 27. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 20. Max 28. Possible storms. FRIDAY: Min 19. Max 27. Cloudy. HOBART TUESDAY: Min 9. Max 16. Windy. Cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 9. Max 19. Cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 13. Max 21. Cloudy. FRIDAY: Min 11. Max 18. Partly cloudy. DARWIN TUESDAY: Min 25. Max 32. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 25. Max 32. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 26. Max 33. Partly cloudy. FRIDAY: Min 26. Max 33. Partly cloudy. Source: Bureau of Meteorology Advertisement A medical worker passes by a state-run COVID-19 vaccination center run by the National Medical Center in central Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap No severe reactions reported after vaccinations By Jun Ji-hye The government's COVID-19 inoculation program proceeded smoothly for the third day, Sunday, raising hope among members of the public that their lives may return to normal and that they will be able to go out freely without wearing a face mask. AstraZeneca's vaccines began to be administered to workers and patients under the age of 65 at geriatric hospitals and nursing homes, Friday, while the administering of Pfizer's vaccine began the following day for medical and other workers at hospitals designated to treat COVID-19 patients. "The vaccine management, storage and vaccination process at the site was enough to give trust to all citizens. I would like to convey to the people the hope that a return to normal life is not far off," President Moon Jae-in wrote on social media after a visit to a public health center in Seoul, Friday, to check on the vaccination process. Concerns had mounted over the safety of vaccines before the inoculation program began, as the vaccines have been developed only recently. But any severe reactions such as anaphylaxis have yet to be reported, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. According to the KDCA, the country added 356 more COVID-19 cases, including 334 local infections, for Saturday, raising the cumulative number of cases to 89,676, amid the ongoing third wave of infections that began here in mid-November. The new daily case decreased from 415 identified Friday, due mainly to fewer tests over the weekend. Health authorities said the latest fall in the number of virus patients can hardly be seen as a sign of slowdown in infections, as sporadic cases have continued to be reported across the country, including a cluster of 191 patients traced to a plastic factory in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. Eight more patients died from the disease, raising the death toll to 1,603. The KDCA said the government's vaccination program has been going according to plan, noting that a total of 20,322 people across the country have received vaccinations as of Saturday 20,022 got their first shots of the two-dose AstraZeneca vaccine, while 300 received their first shots of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. The administering of the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine would be completed at geriatric hospitals by March 5, and at nursing homes by the end of next month. Medical and other workers at COVID-19 hospitals will receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine by March 20. A sanitary worker working at wards designated to treat COVID-19 patients receives the first shot of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine at a state-run vaccination center run by the National Medical Center in central Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. A convicted burglar who looted a shop during Storm Emma in 2018 will not face extra jail time despite the Court of Appeal finding that his original sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal indicated on Monday that, having read positive probation reports regarding David Berney, they would increase the suspended portion of his sentence rather than send him to prison. Berney, of Suncroft Park, Tallaght, Dublin pleaded guilty in 2018 to burglary at a Centra store in Jobstown, Tallaght on March 2, 2018. During a sentence hearing at the Circuit Court lawyers said Berney was, like many people, reminded of his childhood by the heavy snowfall. But unlike others he was high on cocaine at the time, Eoin Lawlor BL, defending, told Judge Cormac Quinn. He was on bail at the time awaiting prosecution for a burglary of a private home at Rocklodge, Stepaside on December 3, 2014 and has since pleaded guilty to that offence. Judge Quinn imposed a two-year sentence for the 2014 burglary. He imposed a further 18 months for the looting incident but suspended this term on condition that he keep the peace and engage with addiction and social reintegration services. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence on the grounds it was unduly lenient. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy at the Court of Appeal on Monday said the sentence for the looting offence was unduly lenient given that Berney was on bail for a similar offence at the time and had a previous conviction for burglary. But, she added, his progress has been good, he has a favourable probation report and has begun a new job. Therefore, she said the court would "mark the seriousness of the offence" by imposing a suspended sentence on certain conditions. Berney, who could not attend court today because he is beginning an apprenticeship as a plumber, will be sentenced at a later date. Additional evidence Detective Garda David Jennings told Eoghan Cole BL, prosecuting, that in March 2018 gardai in Tallaght became aware of looting at the Centra store. At the time most shops had closed due to the severe weather warning. He said because of the severe weather, officers travelled to the shop in an official jeep. They were forced to abandon the 4x4 before reaching the shop because the road was impassable with the snow and other abandoned vehicles. He said there were around 20 people at the scene. A con saw had been used to cut a hole in the security shutters and people were running in and out of the shop. People began shouting garda garda to alert others who were still inside the shop, but the shop's alarm was ringing so the shouts could not be heard from inside, Det Jennings said. He said Berney had entered the shop about 90 seconds before gardai arrived. While others were looting the shop, Berney and two other men had gone to the store room at the back of the shop. Another man had a sledgehammer and used this to smash the store room door open, and the three then entered the cash room inside. Dan Warner Dans leadership and achievements in finance over two decades have proven his ability to help lead our efforts to reach the companys strategic goals. Senior executive Dan Warner has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer, consolidating Crowley Maritime Corporations enterprise-level financial strategy, resources and services under his leadership. Warners new position will help the company improve financial process efficiencies and implement new information technology for enhanced data analysis to support the companys goals of increasing cost efficiencies, accelerating revenue and earnings growth and providing higher value to customers. He will oversee Crowleys treasury, tax, controllership, procurement, internal audit, and financial planning and analysis functions. Warner is based in Jacksonville, Fla., and reports to Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley. Dans leadership and achievements in finance over two decades have proven his ability to help lead our efforts to reach the companys strategic goals, said Crowley. The unified finance group will play a crucial role in supporting our growth, efficiency and digital transformation by helping us enhance our financial management and capital funding objectives and strategies. Warner has served as senior vice president and treasurer and member of the companys senior leadership team since 2005. He began his career with Crowley in 2001 as a senior analyst for the corporate planning group and later served as finance director for both the companys logistics and Puerto Rico and Caribbean liner services organizations. Prior to joining Crowley, Warner held various finance positions, including vice president at Citigroup in New York. He has a bachelors degree from Northwestern University and a masters in business administration from Cornell Universitys Johnson Graduate School of Management. Warners new role begins as John Calvin, senior vice president and controller, prepares to retire later this year. Calvin has transitioned to a new leadership role as senior vice president for financial and transformational change, within the finance group. Since joining Crowley more than 30 years ago, Calvin has held positions of increasing responsibility, including vice president, Caribbean Islands Services; corporate director of strategic and financial planning; and division controller. About Crowley Jacksonville, Fla.-based Crowley Holdings Inc. is the parent company of the 129-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, a privately-held, family- and employee-owned company that provides worldwide logistics, government, marine and energy solutions. Crowley operates with four business units: Crowley Logistics, a supply chain management division that includes logistics and ocean liner cargo transportation services; Crowley Shipping, which encompasses ownership, operations and management of conventional and dual fuel vessels, including tankers, container ships, multipurpose tugboats and barges; sustainable energy solutions for the emerging offshore wind and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors; engineering; project management; naval architecture and vessel construction management; Crowley Fuels, a fuel transportation, distribution and sales division in Alaska; and Crowley Solutions, which focuses on global government services and program management including, ship management, expeditionary logistics, technology solutions, energy solutions and freight transportation and logistics services. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found at http://www.crowley.com. A woman in East Chinas Anhui Province drew wide attention on Fri after saying she had received a package with only a box of yogurt inside after buying an iPhone online. In a video spread on Weibo on Friday, the woman surnamed Liu said she spent 10,099 yuan ($1,563) to buy an iPhone 12 Pro Max (256G) on Apples official website on February 16, only to receive a package with a box of apple-flavored yogurt inside two days later. Liu said she didnt directly get the package from the courier. The courier said he put the package in a parcel locker in my residential community, and I didnt [complain], she said in the video. Local police said on Thursday that Lius case appeared to be one of theft. Earlier, both Apple and Express Mail Service (EMS) a courier company under China Post that delivered Lius package told Liu that they are launching an investigation. An EMS customer service staffer told the Global Times on Friday that the incident is still under investigation. We have appointed colleagues to specially deal with it, she said. Apple gave a similar response, saying the investigation is still ongoing. Lius experience sparked heated discussion on Chinese social media on Friday, with many Weibo users guessing at the possible wrongdoers behind the case. I think it might be courier company employees who replaced the iPhone, wrote a Weibo user. He added that he had a similar experience days earlier he received an empty shoe box after buying a pair of limited-edition shoes on Nikes official shopping site. Some users guessed that Liu bought her iPhone from a fake site instead of Apples official one. There are many copycat shopping sites, one user wrote. Legal expert Zhang Bo didnt rule out this possibly, saying that it may turn into an organized fraud case if Liu spent the money on a scam website that is disguised as Apples official site. Other possibilities include a mistake with the packaging or the possibility that someone stealthily substituted the iPhone during the delivery process, Zhang said. If it was the Apple staffers mistakenly sending a wrong item, Liu can ask Apple to compensate her and give her a new iPhone, Zhang told the Global Times on Friday. If it was someone intentionally taking the iPhone away during the delivery, the person responsible would face punishment. Zhang also suggested online shoppers like Liu should be more cautious and protect themselves from possible financial losses. Double check whether it is a legal and formal website before paying, and open the package when the courier is there, he said. Call the police as soon as possible if theres something wrong. Major steel mills in China and Turkey increased offers to $675-685 per tonne cfr Singapore on a theoretical weight basis, on the fast rebound of ferrous scrap prices around the world.Turkish steel mills are hesitating to offer rebar export cargoes now, especially with raw materials prices increasing, a major Singaporean buyer told Fastmarkets.A major Chinese steel mill also increased its offer by $20 to $665 per tonne fob China, which is equivalent to $685 per tonne cfr Singapore. Import scrap prices in Turkey surged rapidly last week on restocking for the Ramadan holidays in the country, hitting $452.50-454.00 per tonne cfr Turkey for cargoes from the United Kingdom and the Baltic Sea. Scrap import prices in Asia have also increased, with Chinese buyers willing to... This week in Christian history: Bob Jones U interracial dating ban, John Wesley dies, Vassy Massacre Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance. Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births, notable deaths and everything in between. Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while other happenings may be previously unknown by most people. The following pages highlight events that happened this week Feb. 28 through March 6 in Church history. They include Bob Jones University ending its ban on interracial dating, a 16th-century massacre of Huguenots and John Wesley's death. A policeman has appeared in court in Zimbabwe facing charges of soliciting a bribe from an unlicensed driver, who did not have a COVID-19 exemption letter. According to the state-controlled Herald newspaper, Broadway Jongwe appeared before Harare magistrate, Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro, and was denied bail on suspicion that he is likely to abscond and interfere with witnesses. He was caught red-handed by some members of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Unit while attempting to collect his gift from the driver, whose national identity card and two cellphones worth US$45 were in possession of the policeman. Jongwe allegedly used the national identity card and mobile phones as surety for the gift or consideration for the solicited bribe. Zimbabweans are required under the countrys lockdown restrictive measures to get an exemption letter if they wish to travel in cities and rural areas. The country is under level four COVID-19 lockdown. Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on Monday expected to announce new COVID-19 lockdown measures amid of declining cases of coronavirus in the country. No person died of the disease on Saturday and 31 tested positive for COVID-19. The Ministry of Health reports that as at February 28, 2021, Zimbabwe had 36,089 confirmed cases, 32,666 recoveries and 1,463 deaths. VANCOUVER, BC, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds of up to CAD$5 million. ABOUT XEBRA: Xebra is a cannabis cultivation and products company, with global brands and intellectual property. Our products focus includes beverages, wellness and leisure. Xebra is expecting a decision by the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico, pursuant to which it may be granted an injunction authorizing it to be the first in Mexico to legally commercialize hemp derived cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. The injunction requested aims to include the right for the importation of seeds, cultivation anywhere in Mexico without a specific limitation on size, harvesting, processing, the creation of cannabis products with less than 1% THC, and the right to sell those products domestically or by export. Xebra has also been selected by the Dutch government, out of a competitive pool of applicants, as one of only five companies to compete for two exclusive licenses to cultivate medicinal cannabis in the Netherlands, with an initial six-year guaranteed government contract for each successful party, estimated at 70.5 million. Management of Xebra intends to pursue a direct listing of its shares on a recognized Canadian stock exchange in Q2 2021. For additional information about Xebra, or to view our presentation, visit our website: www.xebrabrands.com. PRIVATE PLACEMENT: The Private Placement is for up to 25 million units at a price of CAD$0.20 per unit. Each unit is comprised of one common share of Xebra (a "Share"), and a half warrant. Each full warrant entitles the holder, on exercise, to purchase one Share at a price of CAD$0.35, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue. The warrants will be subject to accelerated expiry if the shares trade on a stock exchange at or above $0.50 per share for 10 consecutive days. Fees will be payable in connection with the private placement. Xebra intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement to fund its business. Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.'s ("XEBRA" or "XEBRA'S") expectations in respect of its ability to successfully execute its business plan or business model; its ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type, in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, or elsewhere; its ability to raise capital and fund its ongoing operations; its ability to list its shares on a stock exchange or attain a public listing, its ability to successfully apply for and obtain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, or elsewhere; its ability to manufacture cannabis beverages, wellness products, or other products; its ability to commercialize or sell cannabis beverages, wellness products, or other products, in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the Netherlands, or elsewhere; its ability to commercialize or to sell Vicious Citrus Lemonade in 2021 or at any time, in any jurisdiction; its ability to commercialize or to sell Elements wellness products in Mexico, in Colombia, or in any jurisdiction in 2021 or at any time; its ability to make cannabis beverages that taste good; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; financial projections including expected revenues, gross profits, and EBITDA (which is a non-GAAP financial measure); plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management's expectations, beliefs and assumptions; events or developments that XEBRA expects to take place in the future; and general economic conditions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words "aim", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "intends", "continue", "plans", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by XEBRA as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of XEBRA to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; the inability of Xebra to list its shares for trading on a stock exchange; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete a potential acquisition for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; and the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approval for license applications. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and XEBRA undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect XEBRA's actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, XEBRA. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements. SOURCE Xebra Brands Ltd. The European Commission expects permanent post-Brexit border control posts to be ready in Northern Ireland by the middle of this year. Commission spokesman Daniel Ferrie said the UK had obligations to meet under the Northern Ireland Protocol, which governs the trade in goods from the rest of the UK. Irish Sea checks required under the terms of the protocol are currently taking place at existing repurposed port buildings and other temporary facilities. A Stormont powersharing minister representing the DUP has been challenged by devolved executive colleagues over his controversial decision to halt work on permanent inspection posts. Mr Ferrie said: We have received reassurances that these announcements last week are not going to affect the current work of the temporary border control posts in Northern Ireland, so the relevant checks and controls are continuing to take place as usual. We expect the same commitment when it comes to the UK Governments obligations under the protocol regarding the permanent facilities that need to be put in place by the middle of this year, by the middle of 2021, in line with the protocol and also in line with the Joint Committee decisions from last December. Permanent facilities are due to be built at Belfast, Larne, Warrenpoint and Foyle ports. Physical construction has not commenced at any of the sites, with work currently still in the design and preparatory phases. The DUP and other unionist parties in Northern Ireland are pushing for the protocol to be ditched, claiming it has driven an economic wedge between the region and Great Britain which undermines the union. The move by DUP Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons to abandon the building projects at the ports was debated during a scheduled meeting of the Stormont executive on Monday. Ministers from Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party, the three pro-remain executive parties, contend that he does not have the authority to act unilaterally on issues considered significant or controversial. Rival Stormont Assembly members on Monday accused Mr Lyons of stunt politics. He replied: The steps that I have taken are as a result of the practical barriers and the legal uncertainties that currently exist. I think the steps that Ive taken have been entirely reasonable and I would ask people whether their opposition to what I have done is based on common sense and practicality or is it just based on opposition to anything that they dont like in relation to Brexit and the protocol. It is understood Attorney General Brenda King has advised that, under the terms of the ministerial code, Mr Lyons would be required to bring such proposals to the wider executive. Mr Lyons is set to hold talks with Ms King ahead of further discussions on the matter on Tuesday. Explaining his rationale on Friday, Mr Lyons said his move was in response to the practical difficulties caused by the protocol. He cited uncertainty over the movement of goods when grace periods currently limiting protocol bureaucracy end at the start of April. The minister has said he did not expect the permanent border posts to be ready until the middle of next year. He told the PA news agency on Friday: The latest information I have on it is that the final builds wouldnt have been in place until the end of the 2021/22 financial year. So that would have been really this time next year. That was timetable before his move to halt work on Friday. Stan Swamy had conspired with Maoists to create unrest in country: Court Bhima Koregaon case: SC to hear bail plea of activist Gautam Navlakha on Wednesday India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Mar 01: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday the bail plea of activist Gautam Navlakha in the alleged Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case. The activist, on February 19, had moved the top court against the Bombay High Court order of February 8 dismissing his bail plea. The high court had said that "it sees no reason to interfere with a special court''s order which earlier rejected his bail plea". A three judge bench of the apex court comprising justices U U Lalit, Indira Banerjee and K M Joseph would take up the appeal of Navlakha for hearing on March 3 against the high court''s order. According to police, some activists allegedly made inflammatory speeches and provocative statements at the Elgar Parishad meet in Pune on December 31, 2017, which triggered violence at Koregaon Bhima in the district the next day. Police also alleged that the event was backed by some Maoist groups. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting a probe into the case. Navlakha had approached the high court last year, challenging the special NIA court''s order of July 12, 2020 that rejected his plea for statutory bail. On December 16 last year, the high court bench reserved its verdict on the plea filed by Navlakha, seeking statutory or default bail on grounds that he had been in custody for over 90 days, but the prosecution failed to file a charge sheet in the case within this period. SC to hear plea against TN law granting 69% quota in jobs, admissions The NIA had argued that his plea was not maintainable, and sought an extension to file the charge sheet. The special court had then accepted NIA''s plea seeking extension of 90 to 180 days to file the charge sheet against Navlakha and his co-accused, activist Dr Anand Teltumbde. Navlakha''s counsel had told the high court that the NIA was granted the extension to file its charge sheet. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal had said Navlakha had already spent 93 days in custody, including 34 days of house arrest, and that the high court must count house arrest as a period of custody. While he was under house arrest, Navlakha''s personal liberties remained curtailed, Sibal had said. However, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, who appeared for the NIA, had argued that Navlakha''s house arrest could not be included in the time spent in the custody of police or NIA, or under judicial custody. Raju argued that the Pune police arrested Navlakha in August 2018, but had not taken him into custody. He said the accused remained under house arrest, and the Delhi High Court quashed his arrest and remand order in October 2018. The FIR against him was re-registered in January 2020, and Navlakha surrendered before the NIA on April 14. He spent 11 days in the NIA''s custody till April 25, and since then he in judicial custody in the Taloja jail in neighbouring Navi Mumbai. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News Raju had argued that if the court "looked from the other angle, it would see that if he (Navlakha) was arrested on August 28, 2018, he should have been enlarged on bail." "He was a free man till April 2020. He was neither on bail nor in custody. There cannot be a gap in the custody and detention period," Raju had said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 14:45 [IST] Advertisement Heavy downpours have prompted flash flood warnings, evacuations and water rescues across the South while forecasters warn Northeast residents to prepare for frigid temperatures and snow squalls this week. Heavy thunderstorms pounded parts of Appalachia on Sunday and Monday, sending rivers out of their banks and leading to multiple water rescues, mudslides, road closures and power outages, officials said. Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency Monday due to heavy rainfall across the state. 'We are acting swiftly to ensure the safety and security of Kentucky families and to get the needed help to our communities,' he said in a statement. He said a total of 13 counties and cities had declared states of emergency and the Kentucky National Guard was activated and was assisting with high water emergencies. The National Weather Service (NWS) has received more than 100 reports of flash flooding from Kentucky to western Maryland. Videos showed first responders rescuing people from submerged cars and flooded homes after parts of Kentucky received up to 7 inches of rainfall over the weekend. Other parts of Kentucky received between 1.5 to 4 inches of rain, forecasters noted. Scroll down for video Life-threatening water levels have occurred in parts of the Ohio Valley and the South prompting flash flood warnings and forcing road closures as forecasters warn of more flooding rainfall into Wednesday for several southern states Flash flood warnings are still in effect in parts of Texas to West Virginia (depicted) Flood watches have been issued in parts of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee This satellite image shows the storm system moving across several southern states on Monday Members of the Brodhead Fire Department in Kentucky are seen evacuating two homes on Chestnut Grove Road Firefighters are seen evacuating a Kentucky resident (left) from their home. One firefighter was also seen preparing to rescue the resident's dog (right) Floodwaters cover a parking lot on Euclid Avenue in Paintsville, Kentucky, on Monday Ricky Keeton (left) of the Oil Springs Fire Department, and Michael Oiler, of the Thelma Fire Department, conduct a water rescue in Paintsville, Kentucky Floodwaters cover the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Bridge Street in Paintsville, Kentucky, on Monday A vehicle is surrounded by floodwaters in the parking of the Johnson County Judicial Center in Paintsville, Kentucky, on Monday Flood waters surround Rockhouse Freewill Baptist Church in Johnson County, Kentucky, on Monday. Heavy rain across Appalachia has led to water rescues, mudslides, road closures and power outages, officials said A car is partially submerged in flood water on Kentucky Route 7 in Salyersville, Kentucky, on Monday A street in downtown Paintsville, Kentucky, was left flooded on Monday after heavy rain went through the area Randy Fitch clears debris from a mudslide on Wheeler Lane in Johnson County, Kentucky, following heavy rain on Monday In Lee County, Kentucky, some homes in Beattyville were evacuated Monday. County Judge-Executive Chuck Caudill told WYMT-TV that rescue crews used county dump trucks to help people escape their homes. In Magoffin County, Kentucky, the Salyersville Nursing and Rehabilitation center was among places evacuated Sunday. The facility decided to evacuate residents to assure they remain safe, CEO Joshua L. Calhoun said in a statement to WYMT. He said residents were taken to either a middle school or a hospital. 'While we do not have any water in the facility at this time and it is still accessible, due to the risk of flooding we made the decision to relocate,' he said. On Monday morning, the NWS tweeted: 'Over the past 24 hours there have been numerous reports of flooding, mainly across the TN and OH Valleys, as multiple rounds of heavy rain fell atop already saturated soils.' 'Precipitation activity will move south and east with coverage diminishing throughout the day,' forecasters added. The NWS in Kentucky issued a rare flash flood emergency in Todd County. Forecasters said the flood waters prompted evacuations of several homes Elkton. 'A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued for Todd County KY. This is an extremely dangerous, life-threatening situation unfolding for the Elkton, KY and surrounding areas of the county. Do not attempt to travel in this area unless you are fleeing an area subject to evacuations,' the NWS tweeted on Sunday. Also on Sunday, the NWS also issued a tornado watch for portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky, saying: 'A few tornadoes are possible, along with large hail & damaging winds.' The NWS said Highway 41 south of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was closed because it was 'impassable due to high water over all 4 lanes' In Murray, Kentucky, local authorities reported flooding of homes, businesses and major highways. Kentucky firefighter Eddie Stacy recalled the water rescue, saying in an interview that he was turning his fire truck around in the dark while responding to storm damage when he noticed a tiny light coming from the flooded Red River. It was a cellphone a woman was waving from a car inundated with water that was rising by the minute. Stacy and other members of the Hazel Green Fire Department sprang into action Sunday night, pulling five victims from the car where water was up to the dashboard. First responders rescued five people, including an infant, from a truck (pictured) that was trapped in flood waters in DeKalb County, which is about 60 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee Authorities said the vehicle (pictured) was swept off the road by rising flood waters and became partially submerged in a creek In another water rescue, a mother and her 11-year-old daughter were taken to safety after being trapped in high flood waters in Jackson County late Sunday night A first responder is seen standing in rushing floodwaters holding the young girl as her mom is seen sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle The first responder is then seen rescuing the mother after getting her daughter to safety This aerial image shows a view of flooding on Saturday after nearly three inches of rainfall in Kentucky Homes were left surrounded by flood waters on Saturday after heavy downpours in Kentucky Among those rescued were a 17-month-old boy and a woman who appeared to be having a seizure, Stacy said in a telephone interview Monday. 'We don't do too much training on this water rescue,' Stacy said. 'Instinct, it just kicks in.' Stacy said that 'nobody could hear from where she was'. 'That little flashlight when I was driving down the road just caught my attention. It was God, I tell you. It was God to have me in that place where I was supposed to be.' Stacy attached a 100-foot rope to the truck and himself and helped retrieve the car's occupants. Wolfe County Sheriff Chris Carson used a front-end loader to lift out the woman who had the seizure. The car's occupants were brought to the nearby fire station to be checked out by emergency technicians. The woman with the seizure eventually recovered, Stacy said. A similar rescue occurred in central Tennessee, where four adults and an infant were removed from a partially submerged truck that slid off a water-covered bridge in DeKalb County. Authorities said the vehicle was swept off the road by rising flood waters and became partially submerged in a creek. In addition, a child was injured in Nashville when he tripped over a downed power line while playing outside, officials said. In another water rescue, a mother and her 11-year-old daughter were taken to safety after being trapped in high flood waters in Jackson County late Sunday night. Rescuers from Jackson County Rescue Squad and other agencies responded to an area along Flatt Dyer Road around 10pm. First responders in Wittensville, Kentucky, went door-to-door to make sure residents had evacuated At least two people were rescued from a partially submerged vehicle in Wittensville, Kentucky Firefighters were also seen rescuing a dog from the vehicle in Wittensville, Kentucky In Texas, up to three inches of rainfall is predicted to fall in parts of the state through Tuesday. Forecasters said they are 'continuing to keep an eye on rainfall over the Sabine, Neches, and Trinity rivers for possible out-of-bank flows and minor flooding early this week'. In West Virginia, flooding hit some areas that were ravaged by power outages from ice storms last month. Floodwaters inundated roads in more than a dozen counties, highways officials said. Mineral County authorities said some roads were blocked by up to three feet of water. A reservoir also overflowed onto Highway 34 near the town of Hurricane. The National Guard assisted with some evacuations Sunday night in the Dunlow area of Wayne County. And about a dozen people had to be assisted at a church in the Kanawha County community of Cross Lanes on Monday after high water cut off access to a road, WCHS-TV reported. In Roane County, residents in one public service district were asked to conserve drinking water after a flooded water plant broke down and was inaccessible. The Clay Roane Public Service District said in a social media post that water tanks were dangerously low and cannot be refilled until the floodwaters recede and the problem is repaired. Some schools were closed or delayed classes due to flooding concerns and about 18,000 customers were without power in Kentucky and West Virginia, according to poweroutage.us, a utility tracking service. In other parts of the US, several roads were closed due to high flood waters in Switzerland County, Indiana, and Pike County, Ohio. Severe thunderstorms are expected to hover over parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky through Monday morning In addition to the rainfall received by several states already, forecasters warned that the threat isn't over. The heaviest additional rain will fall through Monday morning in parts of Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama Up to three inches of additional rain will fall in some areas Meanwhile, the Northeast is being warned to brace for colder weather by Tuesday and snow squalls (depicted top right) Floodwaters are seen in West Liberty, Kentucky, which is still under flood warnings until Monday afternoon A road was flooded by water in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, after heavy rainfall over the weekend First responders survey dangerous roadways covered with floodwater in Prestonsburg, Kentucky A large body of flood water is seen covering a road in Prestonsburg, Kentucky In addition to the rainfall received by several states already, forecasters warned that the threat isn't over. The heaviest additional rain will fall through Monday morning in parts of Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, according to Weather.com. Up to three inches of additional rain will fall in some areas. Severe thunderstorms are expected to hover over parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky through Monday morning. The storms threaten to bring damaging thunderstorm winds, tornadoes and large hail. Meanwhile, the Northeast is being warned to brace for colder weather by Tuesday and snow squalls. A quick-moving area of snow is expected to push through the Great Lakes region through Monday night. 'As this very cold air moves over the modestly warm lakes, heavier snow showers will develop downwind. Snow squalls will be possible late Monday afternoon and continuing into Monday evening, especially across Upstate New York,' AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rossio said. Rossio added that 'some of the squalls this week will be intense enough to threaten whiteout conditions and drop visibility to near zero at times'. Forecasters are predicting lighter snow showers across parts of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. A quick snow shower could reach parts of eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey. Featured stories Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost asks Supreme Court to suspend indicted Cleveland Councilman Ken Johnson (Read more) Man with mental illness disappeared hours after release from Cuyahoga County Jail, family accuses jail of switching meds (Read more) $46 million in federal coronavirus relief wasnt enough to cover revenue lost at Cleveland airports (Read more) Heres why $65B in coronavirus relief didnt solve airlines woes, and why more aid is likely (Read more) Coronavirus in Ohio The Ohio Department of Health reported Sunday that the number of confirmed or probable infections of the novel coronavirus had risen to 967,422, up 1,268 since Saturday.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com Ohio reports 1,268 new coronavirus cases, 60 deaths: Sunday update (Read more) Six Northeast Ohio establishments cited for violating coronavirus health orders (Read more) What you should know about what happens to leftover COVID-19 vaccines in Ohio (Read more) Crime Man shot to death after breaking into ex-girlfriends home in Clevelands Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood (Read more) Man found fatally shot in Clevelands Central neighborhood (Read more) Bedford man found dead in wooded area on Clevelands East Side, police say (Read more) FBI seeking help to find man accused of robbing Macedonia bank (Read more) Man wanted in July 2020 Cleveland homicide arrested in Las Vegas, U.S. Marshals say (Read more) Cleveland police arrest suspect in shooting on Case Western Reserve University campus, school says (Read more) Two boys charged in fire at historic Elyria commercial building due in court Monday, records say (Read more) Cleveland / Cuyahoga County Jaleesa Bennett uses a sign to shield her face from pepper spray May 30 in Cleveland. [Photo contained in a lawsuit] Cleveland settles lawsuit with Euclid woman over officers actions during George Floyd protests May 30 (Read more) Cleveland reports 39 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths: Sunday update (Read more) Lillian Kuri promoted to newly created No. 2 post at Cleveland Foundation (Read more) Local news East Liquor permit for Floods Urban Seafood Lounge in Warrensville Heights will be suspended for 120 days for coronavirus order violations (Read more) Local news West Nine injured in Elyria Township after car flips over, State Highway Patrol says (Read more) Brooklyn City Schools begins transition into all-in instruction (Read more) Akron area 14-year-old Akron girl dies after Hinckley sledding accident; father dies at hospital of heart attack (Read more) State The Ohio legislature was considering a bill to allow schools to skip standardized testing this spring, but the U.S. Department of Education is requiring tests so schools and the public can see how children have been affected by learning during the pandemic. (John Sharp, al.com photo) Ohio lawmakers scrambling to change standardized testing deadlines weeks before they begin (Read more) Former Donald Trump aide Max Miller announces GOP primary bid against U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez claiming endorsement from Trump (Read more) Former Trump adviser Bob Paduchik elected chairman of Ohio Republican Party (Read more) Republican Ohio Senate candidate Josh Mandel bashes Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine at CPAC conference (Read more) Josh Mandel releases details of sealed divorce (Read more) Ohio private employers will soon pay less in workers comp premiums (Read more) At least 18 killed in Myanmar on bloodiest day of protests against coup Protest against the military coup in Yangon (Reuters) - Myanmar police fired on protesters around the country on Sunday in the bloodiest day of weeks of demonstrations against a military coup and at least 18 people were killed, the U.N. human rights office said. Police were out in force early and opened fire in different parts of the biggest city of Yangon after stun grenades, tear gas and shots in the air failed to break up crowds. Soldiers also reinforced police. Several wounded people were hauled away by fellow protesters, leaving bloody smears on pavements, media images showed. One man died after being brought to a hospital with a bullet in the chest, said a doctor who asked not to be identified. "Police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force that according to credible information received by the UN Human Rights Office has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded," the U.N. human rights office said. Myanmar has been in chaos since the army seized power and detained elected government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership on Feb. 1, alleging fraud in a November election her party won in a landslide. The coup, which brought a halt to tentative steps towards democracy after nearly 50 years of military rule, has drawn hundreds of thousands onto the streets and the condemnation of Western countries. Among at least five killed in Yangon was internet network engineer Nyi Nyi Aung Htet Naing, who a day earlier had posted on Facebook about his concern at the growing crackdown, medics said. Teacher Tin New Yee died after police swooped to disperse a teachers' protest with stun grenades, sending the crowd fleeing, her daughter and a fellow teacher said. Police also hurled stun grenades outside a Yangon medical school, sending doctors and students in white lab coats scattering. A group called the Whitecoat Alliance of medics said more than 50 medical staff had been arrested. Story continues Three people were killed at Dawei in the south, politician Kyaw Min Htike told Reuters from the town. Two died in the second city of Mandalay, Myanmar Now media and a resident said. Resident Sai Tun told Reuters one woman was shot in the head. Police and the spokesman for the ruling military council did not respond to phone calls seeking comment. Police broke up protests in other towns, including Lashio in the northeast, Myeik in the deep south and Hpa-An in the east, residents and media said. 'OUTRAGEOUS' Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing said last week authorities were using minimal force to deal with the protests. Nevertheless, at least 21 protesters have now died in the turmoil. The army said a policeman had been killed. The crackdown would appear to indicate determination by the military to impose its authority in the face of defiance, not just on the streets but more broadly in the civil service, municipal administration, the judiciary, the education and health sectors and the media. "We are heartbroken to see the loss of so many lives in Myanmar. People should not face violence for expressing dissent against the military coup. Targeting of civilians is abhorrent," the U.S. embassy said. The Canadian Embassy said it was appalled. Indonesia, which has taken a diplomatic lead within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the crisis, expressed deep concern. Activists across Asia held rallies to support Myanmar's protesters in Myanmar with the rallying cry "Milk Tea Alliance" which first united pro-democracy activists in Thailand and Hong Kong. State-run MRTV television said more than 470 people had been arrested on Saturday. It was not clear how many were detained on Sunday. Youth activist Esther Ze Naw said people were battling the fear they had lived with under military rule. "It's obvious they're trying to instil fear in us by making us run and hide," she said. "We can't accept that." A day after the junta announced that Myanmar's U.N. envoy had been fired for opposing its rule by calling for action from the United Nations, the foreign ministry announced that diplomats at several other embassies were being recalled. It gave no reason, but some diplomats have been among civil servants to join a Civil Disobedience Movement that has paralysed a swathe of official business. While Western countries have condemned the coup and some have imposed limited sanctions, the generals have traditionally shrugged off diplomatic pressure. They have promised to hold a new election but not set a date. Suu Kyi's party and supporters said the result of the November vote must be respected. Suu Kyi, 75, who spent nearly 15 years under house arrest, faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios and of violating a natural disaster law by breaching coronavirus protocols. The next hearing in her case is on Monday. (Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by William Mallard, Clarence Fernandez, Frances Kerry, Philippa Fletcher) Bank of Ireland has announced that it is to shut 103 branches permanently across the island of Ireland later this year (Brian Lawless/PA) Bank of Ireland is to close 103 branches across the island of Ireland. The bank is to shut 88 outlets in the Republic, reducing its network from 257 to 169, while in Northern Ireland the network will be reduced by 15 from 28 to 13. It follows a deal with An Post to offer customers access to banking services at more than 900 locations. Bank of Ireland said the majority of the branches that are closing are self-service locations which do not offer a counter service. The closures come after Ulster Banks parent company, NatWest, last month announced that it was withdrawing Ulster Bank from the Irish market. Weve seen a seismic shift towards digital banking over the past 12 months Francesca McDonagh, Bank of Ireland Bank of Ireland group chief executive Francesca McDonagh said: Technology is evolving and customers are using branches less, year on year on year. Covid-19 has accelerated this changing behaviour and weve seen a seismic shift towards digital banking over the past 12 months. Ms McDonagh said Bank of Ireland has reached a tipping point between online and offline banking, with its mobile app the most popular way to bank. In contrast the number of people visiting branches has sharply declined and is now just over half of what it was in 2017. We know news like this can cause concern for some customers and for the communities that we serve, she added. Were not making these changes immediately no branches will close in the next six months. That allows us to ensure the An Post partnership is up and running before any branches close, and gives us time to communicate fully with all our customers about every option available to them online, in a nearby BOI branch, or at a local post office. Speaking on RTE Radio 1s Morning Ireland programme, Ms McDonagh said there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of the branch closures. Two hundred people, colleagues, are impacted, she said. They have choices. If they want to work in another branch they can work in another part of the business and obviously new ways of working means people have more access to jobs in different locations. Or if they choose they can take voluntary redundancy but there is no compulsory element to the announcements were making today. Ms McDonagh said the closures will start in September. This isnt a cost take out, she said. This is about putting our resources in, investing, where our customers want to bank with us. Even before the pandemic, two years before the pandemic, the number of people visiting branches was down by a quarter. In the last 12 months its now gone down by a half and its over 60% down in the branches were closing, and in direct contrast weve seen massive pick-up in digital usage including really good take-up of our new mobile app. Bank branches are intrinsic to the commercial and social life of rural towns. Once theyare gone, theyare gone. Mass branch closures using the cover of the pandemic must be paused. https://t.co/Tl0vj3kV9X Ged Nash TD (@geraldnash) March 1, 2021 Labours finance spokesman, Ged Nash, described Bank of Irelands plans as a kick in the teeth for thousands of loyal customers and staff, and called for a pause on branch closures during the pandemic. There is no doubt that Bank of Ireland is exploiting the Covid-19 crisis to drive down its costs, he said. The banks ruthlessly opportunistic plans to cull 88 branches in towns across the state will have an even more severe and direct impact on the fabric of communities across the country than Ulster Banks recent announcement, given their extensive reach. This move has been on their agenda for some time and it was telling that the bank refused to share the terms of reference of the operational review which has provided the basis for this decision with the Financial Services Union, who represent the bulk of branch staff. Mr Nash added: Last March, Bank of Ireland unilaterally closed over 100 branches without due statutory notice and many of those branches are now only partially reopened. They cannot be allowed to get away with an unparalleled branch closure frenzy of this magnitude with impunity. As a 16% shareholder in the bank, the Minister for Finance must play a public interest role along with the Central Bank to pause bank branch closures for now and to fully interrogate Bank of Irelands decision and hold bank management to account. We have new tibuonas for the sixth season of the popular Sony Channel show Shark Tank Mexico ! Deborah Dana Beyda , Alejandra Rios Spinola and Marisa Lazo will add their expertise in business to the advice of Arturo Elias Ayub , the funny phrases of Carlos Bremer , the ideas of Marcus Dantus , the stories of Rodrigo Herrera and the administrative skills of Braulio Arsuaga . Alejandra Rios Spinola Image: Sony Channel CEO of Ambrosia, a position that it assumed in 2019 with the goal of positioning the brand of its different business units: Ambrosia, Ambrosia Centro Culinario , BOK Ludoteca within the main ones in the country. Before joining Ambrosia, he completed an MBA at Harvard University Business School (HBS). Previously, in Alsea it was Senior Financial Planning Manager for International Operations and M & A financial analyst and ADR - Lazrd, boutique investment bank in CDMX. Additionally, he is an angel investor in projects such as Basicos de Mexico , a digital commerce venture for basic clothing made in Mexico under a fair and sustainable maquila model; The Positive Foods (thepositivefoods.com), a healthy food brand; MeProject , a wellness platform focused on modifying long-term habits; among other projects. He is also part of the venture capital investment fund, SFA (Soldiers Field Angels), where, together with a group of alumni from Harvard Business School, they invest in projects with great growth potential and extraordinary entrepreneurs. Through this fund, Alejandra has invested in companies such as Cerveceria de Colima, Fitpass, Someone Somewhere, UnDosTres, among others. Deborah Dana Beyda Image: Sony Channel Founder and CEO of CanastaRosa.com , the number 1 digital platform in Mexico to buy and sell unique, local and handmade products. Under his leadership, it has consolidated its dominant position in the sector and today it is the app with more than 16 thousand Mexican entrepreneurs with 1 million visits per month. Prior to Canasta Rosa Deborah was Managing Partner of the private equity fund, Soldiers Field Angels, a fund formed by alumni from Harvard Business School in Mexico, investing in success stories such as eldeforma.com, Cerveceria de Colima, Fitpass, iVoy, UnDosTres, Billpocket, among others. He also co-founded Kiwilimon , the number 1 cooking recipe portal in Latin America and which has more than 30 million people on different digital platforms. Deborah acted as CEO of Kiwilimon from its inception until the company reached profitability and institutional funding. The experience at the head of both companies, in addition to an MBA from Harvard Business School and a degree from ITESM CSF, have equipped her to function successfully in the business ecosystem of our country. Marisa Lazo Image: Sony Channel He founded Pastelerias Marisa in 1992. Currently, it is the largest chain of pastry and ice cream shops, without franchises, in Mexico, with more than 90 branches, a family of brands that employs more than 1000 people. In 2019 she created Fundacion Marisa, with the purpose of contributing to the integral development of women and for equal opportunities. Marisa recognizes the value of citizen participation as the main tool for social transformation, which is why she is part of various Business Councils, Academics, Financial Institutions and Civil Society Organizations, as well as the GAIN seed capital fund. She is currently Regional President of Tecnologico de Monterrey, being the first woman to hold this position. He has received various awards and recognitions for his social and entrepreneurial work; Among them, business trajectory 2015 ENDEAVOR de Mexico and EY Entrepreneur of the year 2016. Their business philosophy is based on seeking to build a business that is beneficial not only for the people who collaborate in it, but also for society. This led her to receive the Jalisco 2020 Prize in the Labor field awarded by the Government of the State of Jalisco. Passionate about continuous learning and new ideas, she trusts that generosity generates abundance, which leads her to share her knowledge, experience, leadership and philosophy of life. With a singular optimism and an ability to recognize the value in each person, he manages to inspire and transform entrepreneurs with the purpose of building a fairer and more egalitarian country. Image: Sony Channel The new season of Shark Tank Mexico will premiere on Sony Channel and Claro video with a date to be confirmed. Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved A massive freight train plowed into a large semi truck that was stuck on the tracks, splitting the vehicle into two pieces. The incident took place on Friday in Bremen, Georgia, which is located about 45 miles west of Atlanta. In footage posted by ViralHog.com, the semi truck is seen standing still as one half of the vehicle managed to make it over the tracks while the rear of the trailer remained on the other side. It's not clear if anyone was hurt in the incident. DailyMail.com has contacted the Haralson, Georgia, County Sheriffs Office for more information. The image above shows a white semi truck stuck on train tracks in Bremen, Georgia on Friday. It is unclear if the man next to the truck is the driver Video released by ViralHog.com shows an oncoming train collide into the truck The moment of impact is captured in the image above. The vehicle was cut into two pieces by the train, which did not appear to have sustained any damage In the video shot from a cell phone by a motorist who was passing by, the train, which has yet to enter the frame, can be heard sounding the horn as it approaches. Seconds later, it rams into the idle truck, cutting it into two pieces. President Joe Biden returned to the White House around noon Monday after spending a weekend in his adopted hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. Biden's only public appearance was a visit to his church, St. Joseph on the Brandywine, attending Sunday morning mass with grandchildren Hunter and Natalie, the children of his late son Beau. The president returns to Washington, D.C. as the Senate picks up his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package sans the $15-an-hour minimum wage bump that the Senate parliamentarian ruled couldn't be passed through the body's reconciliation rules. President Joe Biden returned to Washington, D.C. around lunchtime Monday after spending a quiet weekend in Wilmington, Delaware where he took two of his grandkids to church The president made a solo return to Washington Monday as the Senate takes up his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, after the House passed the package in the early hours of Saturday morning The president, photographed at Joint Base Andrews Monday, will virtually join the Senate Democratic luncheon on Tuesday President Joe Biden (right) holds an umbrella up over his grandkids Natalie (left) and Hunter (center) as they leave mass on Sunday President Joe Biden (second from left) departs church with granddaughter Natalie (left) and grandson Hunter (center), accompanied by Secret Service agents and aides The first scheduled thing he did upon return was meet virtually with a group of eight or nine Senate Democrats, the White House said. The list of attendees included Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who has imperiled at least one of Biden's cabinet nominations, as well as Sens. Maggie Hassan, John Hickenlooper, Angus King, Jeanne Shaheen, Jon Tester and Mark Warner. The Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Sen. Dick Durbin, was listed as 'tentative.' Before Biden departed Saturday afternoon for Delaware he made brief remarks highlighting the House's passage of the bill, which had happened overnight. If the Democrats use reconciliation to pass the Senate bill, which they will, they only need a majority vote, which they have - meaning it could be passed as early as this week. Senate Democrats also decided against adding in a proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, that would penalize corporations who didn't pay workers the $15 minimum. That was scrapped as lawmakers are looking at a March 14 deadline to get the bill passed and signed by Biden before some Americans' unemployment benefits expire. During the White House briefing on Monday, press secretary Jen Psaki had the TV monitors at her sides say '14 DAYS: Unemployment Insurance Benefits Start to EXPIRE for 11 million Americans.' She encouraged lawmakers to pass the bill - which will have to go back through the House since the versions differ - before the deadline. On Tuesday, Biden will virtually join the Senate Democrats' weekly luncheon as well. Zero House Republicans voted for the House version of the bill early Saturday. So far, there's no Senate Republican support for the bill. The White House has been pointing to polling data as opposed to Congressional support to tout the bill's bipartisan nature. IRON MOUNTAIN, MI -- A 25-year-old Wisconsin man has been charged with nine felonies after he allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at a house party in August. According to WLUC 6, Andrew Joachim Seibold, of Florence, Wis. is facing charges of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and multiple counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, among others. A preliminary exam was held on Tuesday, Feb. 23, after charges were brought against Seibold in December. Seibold is currently free on a cash bond of $55,000 and is expected to be arraigned in Circuit Court on eight of those charges at some point, but an exact date has not been set. One count of assault with intent to commit penetration has been dropped. The charges stem from an alleged incident at a party on Aug. 14, 2020 where Seibold is accused of forcing the victim to engage in sexual acts with him. Police were called immediately after the incident took place and police say Seibold attempted to flee when they arrived on scene. He was eventually captured and a search warrant was executed. During that search, police seized several items, including a bedsheet which was tested for DNA evidence. Although Seibold is being charged in Dickinson County, he is being prosecuted by Menominee County Prosecutor Jeffrey Rogg due to a conflict of interest. Seibolds father, Gregory Seibold, is a defense attorney in Iron Mountain and it was determined by Dickinson County Prosecutor Lisa Richards that it would be a conflict for her office to prosecute the matter. Gregory Seibold is representing his son in the criminal case and Rogg was appointed to the case by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. READ MORE: Michigan State Police nab driver doing 155 mph in 55 mph zone 14-year-old Michigan girl arrested in grandmothers slaying Assault suspect found hiding in hunters tree stand after police chase One dead in hit and run outside Plymouth, officials say Two people, dog rescued after falling through ice near Cadillac Online Cybersecurity Degree Pursue lucrative and in-demand roles with Utica College's 100% online cybersecurity degree. You'll choose from four specializations to tailor your degree to your career goals. Study at an institution designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE/CDE). Request Information A cyber intruder broke into the computer network of the water treatment system of a Florida city and attempted to poison it with lye. News of the attack was made public Monday by officials of Oldsmar, who revealed the attack was foiled by an operator at the facility within minutes of its launch. After gaining access to the city's water system through software used by employees for remote network access, the intruder increased the levels of sodium hydroxide in the system from 100 parts per million to 11,000 parts per million. Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, is the main ingredient in liquid drain cleaners. In the water system, it's used in small amounts to control the acidity of the city's drinking water. The Oldsmar plant provides water to businesses and about 15,000 residents. "Because the operator noticed the increase and lowered it right away, at no time was there a significant adverse effect on the water being treated," Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said at a news conference. "Importantly, the public was never in danger," he observed. Oldsmar Mayor Eric Seidel added that the good news is that the monitoring protocols the city's water department have in place work. "Even had they not caught them, there's redundancies that have alarms in the system that would have caught the change in PH level, anyhow," he asserted. On Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri gave a press conference surrounding the unlawful intrusion to the City of Oldsmar's water treatment system. He was joined by Mayor Eric Seidel and City Manager Al Braithwaite. "The important thing is to put everybody on notice," he continued. "And I think that's really the purpose of today is to make sure that everyone realizes these kinds of bad actors are out there. It's happening. So take a really hard look at what you have in place." The incident is currently being investigated by the sheriff's office, FBI and Secret Service. TeamViewer Targeted In staging the attack, the threat actor used TeamViewer, a popular remote control program that was being used by the water administration team to control the chemical mix of the water, explained Chris Risley, CEO of Bastille, in San Francisco, a provider of protection from mobile and wireless threats. "The attacker compromised TeamViewer, perhaps by hacking the passwords, and took over the mouse to reset the chemical balance," he told TechNewsWorld. "It comes down to the notion that people think that as long as they have a password on something, they can secure it," observed Rick Moy, vice president of sales and marketing at Tempered Networks, an identity-based micro-segmentation provider in Seattle. "That's not true," he told TechNewsWorld. "People can guess passwords. There are hacker tools out there to do that." Amateur Actor Although details about who mounted the attack are unknown, their modus operandi reveals something about them. "We can reasonably speculate this was an amateur," noted Bryson Bort, CEO of Scythe, a computer and network security company in Arlington, Va. "It shows in their timing -- during the day when they could be seen -- and the use of the tool without obfuscating what they were doing," he told TechNewsWorld. Moy agreed that an experienced hacker would have entered the system in a more clandestine manner. "It was a pretty low-tech attack," he added. Since the intruder grabbed control of the operator's workstation while the operator was sitting in front of it, it's possible the threat actor wanted to be caught in the act of sabotaging the chemical mix of the water, maintained Saryu Nayyar, CEO of Gurucul, a threat intelligence company in El Segundo, Calif. "There is a very slim possibility that the attacker did it when and how they did as a wakeup call to the operator," she told TechNewsWorld. "So-called White Hat Hackers have been known to execute an exploit to prove a point when someone has ignored their repeated warnings about a vulnerability," she explained. "That would be the very unlikely 'best case' scenario here," she added. Inside Job? The length of time the intruder was on the system -- once in the morning and again in the afternoon, both for very short periods of time -- may also add something to their profile. "The attacker knew what they were after," said Israel Barak, CISO of Cybereason, an endpoint security and response company in Boston. "If that's the case, it suggests that the attack was done by someone who knew the system well," he told TechNewsWorld. "They may have even had the password for the remote supervisory system." Since the attack lacked sophistication, it's unlikely a nation-state was behind it, Risley asserted. "It might have been from overseas," he said, "but it doesn't show the depth, precision or persistence of a nation-state attack." "Honestly, a nation-state attack might have worked," he added. When we think about industrial control systems attacks, there's a misconception about what the adversary profile is, Barak explained. "It's common to think these attacks are nation-state operations," he said. "While these facilities are attractive to nation-state groups, they're also targeted on an ongoing basis by a lot of different cybercrime threat actors." "A lot of times they're targeted because they're low hanging fruit.," he continued. "In a broad network scan, a threat actor will find a remote supervisory interface, the password might be easy to guess, and they'll get into the system looking for a quick payday with a ransomware attack." More Attacks Coming Mayor Seidel appears to have had a good reason to raise the alarm about bad actors targeting municipal infrastructure. "We can expect more of these attacks," Risley said. "There are dozens, or hundreds, of published vulnerabilities and municipalities are not great at keeping up with the latest security patches on their computer equipment. So, there are many opportunities for hackers to execute these kinds of attacks." "Given the pandemic time we are in, remote tools and software are becoming ubiquitous for all types of industries and verticals," added Krishnan Subramanian, a security researcher at Menlo Security, a cybersecurity company in Mountain View, Calif. "This could mean more room for attackers to take advantage of weaknesses in such tools," he told TechNewsWorld. Chloe Messdaghi, vice president of strategy at Point3 Security, a provider of training and analytic tools to the security industry in Baltimore also warned that municipalities should expect more attacks. "Attackers know that people aren't communicating with their colleagues and IT staff like they used to, and they know many people aren't even physically on site," she told TechNewsWorld. "Picture a thief walking around a dark parking lot checking car doors," she said. "The chances he comes across an unlocked door are good." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. A man has been charged after the assault and repeated stabbing of another man as he was walking in Sydneys north shore. Tyson Dellosta, 24, was arrested on Darley Street, at Mona Vale on the northern beaches about 11.30am on Monday. Police allege he was one of two men who confronted a 25-year-old man and 39-year-old man as they walked along Park Avenue, Neutral Bay, which borders a park and golf club, about 4pm on Sunday. Tyson Dellosta. Credit:Facebook One of the men allegedly assaulted the 25-year-old man by punching him several times to the face and head, before stabbing him in the head, neck, back and chest. A 25-year-old nurse (name withheld) has been killed in a robbery attack at a village near Wenchi in the Bono Region. One other person is said to be in critical condition and has been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital while four others including 50-year-old Ofosu Nuamah are at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital. The deceased, in her uniform, was among passengers onboard an opel astra taxi cab with registration number GW 4850 X which was enroute to Nchiraa from Subinso II. Narrating how it all happened, Mr Nuamah said: I am a mason and I went to work at Subinso II. After close of work it was a little late so I decided to board a taxi. A few kilometers to reach Nchiraa, we saw that some people on two motorbikes were flashing us with torchlights to stop. We thought a vehicle has broken down so we slowed down only to see they were robbers. A female nurse who joined us was shot to death. They fired three times and killed her, put their hands in her pocket and took everything. It happened around 7:30pm. I suspect the guns used were AK47. According to him, it took police several minutes before they arrived at the scene to rush them to a health facility. Medical Director at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital, Dr Oman Abraham, revealed that one person has been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. He explained that two persons are currently resuscitating, but are in critical condition. Source: adomonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video By Silke Koltrowitz ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss voters will decide on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Indonesia on Sunday, with lower tariffs on palm oil imports the main issue in what the polls predict will be a tight referendum. The Alpine country signed the pact with Indonesia in 2018 together with the other European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Under the FTA, both parties will gradually reduce or abolish import duties on industrial products. For palm oil, Switzerland will reduce tariffs by about 20%-40% for up to 12,500 tonnes per year, but only if sustainability standards are met. Indonesia is the world's top producer of palm oil, which is used in cosmetics, food products and biofuels. Palm oil has faced scrutiny from green activists and consumers, who hold it responsible for forest loss, fires and worker exploitation. The Swiss parliament ratified the deal in 2019, but the "Stop Palm Oil" movement - backed by the Greens as well as environmentalist and anti-globalisation NGOs - called a referendum under Switzerland's system of direct democracy. In the latest poll by market researcher GFS Bern for broadcaster SRG, 52% of voters said they intended to back the deal. "I oppose free trade agreements because they eliminate customs duties that are there to prevent unfair competition from low-cost countries," said Willy Cretegny, an organic wine producer in western Switzerland who initiated the referendum. "They lead to a throwaway society that wastes resources. Standards to protect the environment or people's health and safety also disappear along the way," he said. The referendum committee said the deal would boost demand for cheap palm oil, destroying tropical forests and hitting Swiss rapeseed and sunflower oil production. The government recommends the FTA, saying it would give Switzerland's export-oriented economy better access to growth market Indonesia while promoting more sustainable palm oil production as only certified oil could enjoy tariff reductions. Switzerland has more than 30 free trade agreements with countries outside the European Union and EFTA. The European Union is also negotiating a trade deal with Indonesia. (Reporting by Silke Koltrowitz; editing by Barbara Lewis) The Ministry of Construction will coordinate with localities to further inspect and investigate to detect, prevent, and punish ghost real estate projects in a timely manner. In Hanoi, several golden land areas of real estate big owners have long been forgotten. Some projects have been adjusted after being put to pasture for a decade. The Ministry of Construction recently responded to Gia Lai provinces voters petition which had requested that the Government focus on inactive real estate projects that have misused resources, badly affected rights and benefits of people and the State, and caused social frustration. At the same time, the Government should seriously deal with ghost, deceitful and stagnant real estate projects which have triggered social irritation in localities. In response to the voters recommendations, the Ministry agreed that the inactive projects have caused a waste of resource, negatively impacting on the rights and benefits of people and the Sate, and frustrating society. According to the Ministry of Construction, under current laws, there are specific regulations on planning formulation, approval, management and implementation. Rights of organizations and individuals in planned areas are also regulated. The viewpoint of the Ministry was reaffirmed that the State shall ensure legal rights and benefits of the people living in the areas of inactive projects. To publicize and be transparent about approved projects, the Ministry has finalized the National Information Portal on Construction Planning at http://quyhoach.xaydung.gov.vn. The Ministry also issued formal documents to request localities to publish their construction planning information on the website under their responsibility in management and implementation of local construction planning. With regard to future management, the Ministry will coordinate with other ministries and localities to further carry out other responsibilities with a number of solutions such as strengthened instructions to localities in planning management and implementation to promptly detect and punish violated projects by suspending delayed projects and penalizing officials who have caused stagnancy and loss for developers and the State and affected the legal rights of people. The Ministry has asked localities to review construction planning to timely adjust or withdraw delayed and unfeasible projects, to develop and publicize planning implementation under governments regulations, formulate urban development programs and strictly monitor urban development process and quality; further spread information on urban development and land management regulations to people and businesses to improve their understanding about and application of these regulations to ensure proper and effective land usage; and timely deal with violations in planning implementation. Currently, there are a number of inactive projects in big cities. In Hanoi, several golden land areas of real estate big owners have long been forgotten. Some projects have been adjusted after being put to pasture for a decade. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said these must be inspected and information given to the media about over 300 abandoned projects in Hanoi. According to the news, over 300 inactive and abandoned projects in Hanoi have caused difficulties for the life of the people in the areas, especially a waste of land. This is not new. However, effectively solving them is a non-stop chorus. The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Hanoi Peoples Committee to inspect the press information. Increased inspection of ghost projects The Ministry will continue to demand localities to focus on effective realization of tasks and solutions assigned by the Prime Minister under Directive No. 11 According to the Ministry of Construction, current regulations in Land Law, Investment Law, Construction Law, Housing Law, and Real Estate Business Law are adequate and transparent about all aspects of real estate business, from construction procedures and process, qualified business conditions, responsibilities of developers, and penalties on violations. Regulations on administrative and criminal violations are legalized under laws on administrative and criminal offense. However, some individuals and organizations continue to intentionally break those regulations. They set up unreal projects or brought unqualified projects to the market (ghost projects) to cheat people, leading to social frustration and disorder in some localities. There are many causes for the situation. According to the Ministry, unclear information on projects is the main reason. Some individuals and organizations have taken advantage to publicize and provide wrong information about projects to earn benefits. Their illegal activities were not quickly detected and prevented, and thus violations were not punished in time. In the coming time, the Ministry will continue to demand localities to focus on effective realization of tasks and solutions assigned by the Prime Minister under Directive No. 11, namely improved transparency and clarified information about projects planned in areas in an aim to avoid fraud. The Ministry is also coordinating with localities to intensify inspection and investigation to promptly detect, prevent, and deal with potential violations and strictly discipline those violations under their responsibility. Furthermore, the Ministry shall study, set up, adjust, and improve the Governments Decree No. 117/2015/N-CP on constructing, managing, and utilizing the information system on housing and real estate market to submit to the government for approval, in order to provide publicly transparent information for a healthy and stable real estate market and to minimize fraud and delays. Hong Khanh Outstanding construction projects in Hanoi this year Lets take a look at several outstanding construction projects in Hanoi that have contributed to significantly changing the appearance of the capital this year. BJP leaders aide arrested in Kolkata drug seizure case India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Kolkata, Mar 01: An aide of BJP leader Rakesh Singh has been arrested here in connection with the New Alipore drug seizure case, a senior police officer said on Monday. With the fresh arrest, six persons, including two BJP leaders have been held so far in connection with the case. The accused was nabbed from a shed beside Adi Ganga canal near Orphangunge market in Watgunge police station area late on Sunday night, the officer said. Mehenga hai lehenga: When customs officials seized drugs worth Rs 1.7 crore "He was instructed by Rakesh Singh to wait near Kidderpore Post Office with a scooter. Amrit Singh, who is wanted in the case, escaped from the post office on that scooter," the IPS officer said, adding the vehicle has been seized. The arrested person will be produced before the Alipore Court during the day. Police had arrested BJP youth wing leader Pamela Goswami and two of her associates after seizing 90 gm cocaine from the car the trio was travelling in. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News Following her accusation that she was "framed" by party colleague and BJP state committee member Rakesh Singh, Kolkata Police nabbed him and another person in Galsi in Purba Barddhaman district while they were trying to escape. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 13:22 [IST] Jamal Khashoggis fiancee has said Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman must be punished after a US intelligence report found he had approved the killing of the journalist. Khashoggi, who wrote opinion columns for The Washington Post criticising Saudi policies, was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. On Friday, a US intelligence report found the crown prince had approved the killing and Washington imposed sanctions on some of those involved but not the Saudi leader himself. The Saudi government, which has denied any involvement by the crown prince, rejected the reports findings. It is essential that the crown prince ... should be punished without delay, Hatice Cengiz said on Twitter. If the crown prince is not punished, it will forever signal that the main culprit can get away with murder which will endanger us all and be a stain on our humanity. Ms Cengiz added: Starting with the Biden administration, it is vital for all world leaders to ask themselves if they are prepared to shake hands with a person whose culpability as a murderer has been proven. On Friday, US president Joe Bidens administration imposed a visa ban on some Saudis believed to be involved in the Khashoggi killing and placed sanctions on others that would freeze their US assets and generally bar Americans from dealing with them. Asked about criticism of Washington for not sanctioning the Saudi leader directly, Mr Biden said an announcement would be made, but did not provide details. HARTFORD A city woman died after being hit by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash on Albany Avenue late Friday night, according to police. Police identified the victim as Kedine Campbell, of Vine Street. She turned 32 the day before the accident. It was shortly before midnight Friday when patrol officers were dispatched for a reported pedestrian hit by a vehicle in the 1000 block of Albany Avenue, police said. Officers found the 32-year-old unresponsive in the roadway. Police said the vehicle that hit the woman fled before officers arrived. She was rushed to Saint Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead from her injuries, police said. Police said preliminary information and video footage of the incident indicated that a smaller, dark-colored SUV was driving on Albany Avenue near Oakland Terrace when it hit the woman who was in the westbound lane. The driver then left the scene, police said. The make, model and registration of the involved vehicle was not immediately clear, nor was the identity of the driver, police said. Investigators said they do not believe excessive speed was a factor in the crash. The fatal incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information can is asked to call the tip line at 860-722-TIPS, lead investigator Officer James Fierravanti at 860-757-4311 or assisting investigator Detective Eric Lemke at 860-757-4125. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Saudi Aramco is reportedly seeking to extend a $10-billion loan, according to Reuters, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter, who confirmed an initial report by a Reuters-related news outlet. Aramco took the loan from a group of banks last year in May to finance its acquisition of Sabic, the Saudi petrochemicals major, which cost the energy company some $69 billion and wrapped up in June 2020. The loan was supposed to be repaid from the proceeds of a bond that Aramco issued later last year. However, the company did not repay the Sabic loan. It raised $8 billion from the bond. It was the second bond Aramco issued in as many years, after placing a $12-billion bond with international buyers in 2019. Saudi Arabia, like its fellow Gulf oil producers, has taken to raising debt to weather the effects of two oil price crises in the past ten yearsthe more recent one particularly devastating. For Aramco, debt is a better option than reducing its dividend, as most of this goes into the rulers of the Kingdom, who are also majority owners of the company. The news that the worlds largest oil company by reserves wants to extend the loan suggests it has not yet recovered enough to start paying its dues even though Brent is still trading above $60 a barrel. Related Video: Top 5 Uses of Petroleum In addition to loans, however, Aramco has also put some assets up for sale, notably its pipeline business. The company was even reportedly ready to offer prospective buyers a loan of up to $10 billion to secure a deal. According to the latest reports, bidders for the pipeline business, which Aramco will only sell a part of, include Apollo Global Management and Global Infrastructure Partners. Bloomberg reported last month that BlackRock, Brookfield Asset Management, and Chinas Silk Road Fund Co. had also submitted non-binding bids for the assets. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: SEATTLE, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, The Sigourney Trust honors up to four individuals or organizations with The Sigourney Award, an international, independent prize recognizing achievements that make outstanding contributions to the psychoanalytic community. Now through June 30, those whose work may qualify for The Sigourney Award-2021 can apply for this prestigious distinction and substantial cash prize ranging between $25,000 and $40,000. "Our founder Mary Sigourney sought to reward those expanding psychoanalysis and to celebrate its ability to benefit the public good across the globe," says Barbara Sherland, JD, co-trustee of the wholly independent organization which has presented The Sigourney Award since 1990. A 2021 applicant's work must be innovative and promote the understanding or evolution of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic thinking. All theoretical orientations are welcome; work must have occurred between 2010-2020. Each applicant completes an online submission with a curriculum vitae, examples of work, a photo, and two letters of support. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2021 in all languages that can be translated by Google tools. The distinguished independent judges' panel for The Sigourney Award holds strong to the Trust's mission and remains anonymous to support an unbiased and thorough evaluation process. Award recipients will be announced in October. Applicants whose work does not win are welcome to enter again. Visit www.sigourneyaward.org to apply and learn more. "We look forward to reviewing exceptional work applied in evolutionary ways throughout the world and welcoming new recipients to our unique community," says William A. Myerson, PhD and MBA, co-trustee for The Sigourney Trust. About The Sigourney Award The Sigourney Trust, an independent nonprofit organization established by Mary Sigourney in 1989, bestows The Sigourney Award annually as international recognition and reward for outstanding work that advances psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic thought. Ms. Sigourney was a psychotherapist, publisher, and community activist who had a passionate interest in psychoanalysis and understood its ability to benefit and extend human conversation across various disciplines. To date, 133 Award Recipients from 22 countries represent her global vision. The Sigourney Award recipients' ground-breaking work has significantly contributed to human affairs on topics ranging from clinical psychoanalysis, neuroscience, feminism, and political oppression. Media Contact: Kelly Wisecarver, Wisecarver Public Relations Phone: 773-218-7285 or Email: [email protected] SOURCE The Sigourney Award Related Links http://www.sigourneyaward.org Allegations of sexual harassment and a scandal over New Yorks pandemic response in nursing homes have sparked talks from some of impeaching Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Republicans and even some Democrats are saying Cuomo must go, either by resignation or removal from office. But how does New Yorks impeachment process work? Who would take over if Cuomo is removed? READ MORE: Who is Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul? Heres a look: New York impeachments begin in the state Assembly, according to the state constitution. A majority of the chambers 150 members would have to vote in favor of impeaching Cuomo for the process to continue. An impeachment vote in the Assembly is just a charge. It doesnt mean Cuomo is removed from office at that point. If the Assembly votes in favor of impeachment, the matter goes to a special impeachment court established by the constitution for a trial. The constitution also mandates that the lieutenant governor, currently Buffalo native Kathy Hochul, would serve as acting governor after Cuomo is impeached by the Assembly and until the trial is finished. The states impeachment court includes members of the state Senate and the seven judges on New Yorks Court of Appeals, the states highest court. The court normally includes the lieutenant governor as well, but that official is excluded if a governor is on a trial. The temporary president of the Senate, currently Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat, is also excluded from the impeachment court if a governor is on trial. Those exclusions would leave the court with 69 members. A two-thirds majority vote would be required to convict Cuomo and remove him from office. Thats a total of 46 votes in favor of conviction. If Cuomo is convicted, Hochul would take over as governor and serve the remainder of Cuomos current term. Shed have to run for governor in the 2022 election if she wanted a four-year term of her own. Hochul would also take over and serve the rest of Cuomos term if he resigns. If Cuomo were convicted, lawmakers would also have the option to bar him from holding public office in the future. If Cuomo were acquitted, Hochul would cease serving as acting governor and Cuomo would resume his duties. Hochul would return to serving as lieutenant governor. New York Attorney General Letitia James is planning an investigation of the sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo. Its unclear how long the probe will take, but the Legislature will most likely wait for James report before making any decisions on impeachment. Only one New York governor has been impeached in the states history so far. William Sulzer was removed from office in October 1913. The case involved campaign finance fraud and perjury. Although his term as governor ended, he was elected to the state Assembly a month later. He had previously served in the chamber for eight terms. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 After decades spent fostering interest in the wild beauty of the universe, Coop took his place among the heavens. A fixture at Keystone College and founder and namesake of the Thomas G. Cupillari 60 Astronomical Observatory, the longtime physics, math and astronomy teacher died Sunday morning after a yearlong battle with cancer, his family said. He was 81. Known affectionately as Coop to almost all who met him, Professor Cupillari was loved and respected by everyone at Keystone for his work educating students in the classroom and at the (observatory) in nearby Fleetville, which he founded and directed for so many years, college spokesman Fran Calpin said in a statement. He was a true Keystonian and exemplified the values of Keystone each and every day. He will be greatly missed by all. A lifelong learner and natural teacher, Cupillari held class at Keystone College for four decades, becoming a campus staple. His approach with students was one that allowed the students to enjoy it back, said his daughter Kristin Cupillari. Kristin Cupillari, principal at Scranton Preparatory School, said she is both grateful she had him as a father and, as an educator, to have seen him in action. Her father was knowledgeable, but in a down-to-earth, understandable way. He was a great neighbor, a great friend, a great colleague, she said. It sounds so cliche but its true. While Cupillaris personality may have been grounded on Earth, he also helped bring the cosmos to Northeast Pennsylvania. In 1971, as a professor at the college, Cupillari saw an advertisement in Sky and Telescope magazine for a 16-foot domed observatory and accompanying telescope for sale. The telescope had been owned by Dave Garroway, the first person to host NBCs Today Show. Keystone bought the telescope and observatory, which opened in spring 1973. The professor worked to expand it over the years. He retired in 2007 but continued to work as the observatorys director until 2015. Even after he stepped down, he continued to hold presentations there for several years. Whether it be the direction of comets or the way Jupiters massive gravity tugs at the asteroid belt, Cupillari could explain complex topics in simple but elegant terms his students could easily understand, said John Sabia, a member of the Lackawanna Astronomical Society. He leaves large footprints in the astronomical world here, Sabia said. PM Narendra Modi took his first dose of the COVID19 vaccine at AIIMS Delhi today. He was administered Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN. PM Narendra Modi took his first dose of the COVID19 vaccine at AIIMS Delhi today. He was administered Bharat Biotechs COVAXIN. Ever since India approved its Covid-19 vaccine a section of the population had been expressing concerns and doubts regarding the efficacy of the vaccine. In an attempt to reinstate public trust, Prime Minister administered the vaccine jab and Modi was seen talking to the nurses while he received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Two nurses Sister P Nivedita from Puducherry and Rosamma Anil from Kerala administered the vaccine to PM Modi at AIIMS. PM Modi will need his second dose in 28 days. P Niveda, the main nurse revealed PM Modi chatted with them calmly and remarked after receiving the vaccine: Laga bhi diya aur pata bhi nahin chala (Already done? I didnt even feel it). The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had approved Oxford AstraZenecas CoviShield and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin for restricted use in India. The governments expert group has primarily identified 3 priority groups for the vaccination, which include healthcare workers, frontline workers, and senior citizens above 50 years of age with co-morbidities. In a major hope to battle the global pandemic, India is gearing up for for its 2.0 process of immunisation. IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad announced the launch of the Covid-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system to manage and keep track of the country-wide immunisation programme. Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free! pic.twitter.com/5z5cvAoMrv Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2021 Registration and booking for appointment for #COVID19 vaccination are to be done through #CoWIN portal: https://t.co/GAlicKy5QI. There is no #CoWIN App for beneficiary registration. The App on Play Store is for administrators only: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/e453o80S9E ANI (@ANI) March 1, 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. Police in Myanmar's biggest city on Monday fired tear gas at defiant crowds who returned to the streets to protest the military's seizure of power a month ago, despite reports that security forces had killed at least 18 people around the country a day earlier. The protesters in Yangon were chased as they tried to gather at their usual meeting spot at the Hledan Center intersection. Demonstrators scattered and sought to rinse their faces with water in vain attempts to ease the irritating effects of the gas. In the capital, Naypyitaw, the country's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi made a court appearance Monday via videoconference, the independent Now online news agency reported. It said she received a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for allegedly inciting unrest. Further details of the court appearance were not immediately available. Suu Kyi had already been charged with two other offenses possession of walkie-talkies that had been imported without being registered, and violating an order issued under the Natural Disaster Management Law limiting public gatherings in order to fight the spread of the coronavirus. The 75-year-old Suu Kyi was initially detained by the military at her Naypyitaw residence, but fellow members of her National League for Democracy party are uncertain of her present whereabouts. If she is convicted, the charges against her could provide a legal way of barring her from running in the election the junta has promised in a year's time. At least five people were believed to have been killed Sunday in Yangon when police shot at the protesters, who are demanding that Suu Kyi's elected government be restored to power after being ousted in a Feb. 1 coup. The protesters' civil disobedience movement has adhered so far to the the tenets of nonviolence despite provocation from the security forces and pro-military counter-demonstrators. People erected makeshift sidewalk shrines at the spots where several of the victims were shot and also paid their respects by standing outside the hospitals from which the bodies of the victims were being released to their families. In Dawei, a small city in southeastern where an estimated five people were killed Sunday, the number of protesters on the streets Monday was lower than usual. Marchers there split into smaller groups, parading through the city to the applause of bystanders who also made the three-finger salutes adopted by the resistance movement to show their support. The coup reversed years of slow progress toward democracy in after five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi's party would have been installed for a second five-year term in office, but the army blocked Parliament from convening and detained her and President Win Myint, as well as other top members of Suu Kyi's government. The U.N. said it had credible information that at least 18 people were killed and 30 were wounded around Myanmar on Sunday. Counts made by other sources, such the Democratic Voice of Burma, an independent television and online news outlet, put the death toll in the 20s. Any of those reports would make it the highest single-day death toll since the military takeover. Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku, the U.N. Human Rights Office said in a statement, referring to several cities, adding that the forces also used tear gas, flash-bang grenades and stun grenades. Confirming the deaths of protesters has been difficult amid the chaos and general lack of news from official sources, especially in areas outside Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw, the capital. But in many cases, photos and video circulated showed circumstances of the killings and gruesome photos of bodies. In a long statement published Monday in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, Myanmar's Foreign Ministry restated the military's rationale for its takeover and declared that the junta is exercising utmost restraint to avoid the use of force in managing the violent protests systematically, in accordance with domestic and laws in order to keep minimum casualties. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the crackdown, calling the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters and arbitrary arrests unacceptable, and expressed serious concern at the increase in deaths and serious injuries, said U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The U.N.'s independent expert on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, issued a statement saying the reports of Sunday's deaths were horrible but not surprising news. He said Myanmar's ruling junta was sending a clear message: They are going to continue their assault on the people of Myanmar. What the world is watching in Myanmar is outrageous and unacceptable," Andrews said. "Words of condemnation are necessary and welcome but insufficient. The world must act. We must all act. (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 partnership will provide a comprehensive design verification ecosystem for accelerating regression testing using the Metrics Cloud Platform Ottawa -- March 1, 2021 Metrics Design Automation, the first vendor to provide EDA as a Service in the cloud, today announced the launching of a new partnership program with semiconductor intellectual property (IP) vendors. IP is a critical component of todays ASIC designs and the goal of the Metrics partnership program is to ensure their customers will have support of all of the IP required for ASIC regression testing. This partnership led by Metrics is for the benefit of our mutual customers were proactively establishing business relationships with IP vendors to ensure our customers have the validated IP simulation models that they require for their regression testing, said Doug Letcher, founder and CEO of Metrics. Now that the ASIC design industry is realizing the proven performance, cost-effectiveness, and security benefits of EDA as a SaaS cloud computing model, Metrics is investing time and resources to ensure the same comprehensive verification ecosystem used in on-premises datacenters for many years is now available in the public cloud.. In addition to the prior working relations with IP vendors such as Avery Design Systems, SmartDV, Imperas, Omni Design, and Google Cloud, Metrics has welcomed three new IP vendors to the program Codasip, PLDA, and Silicon Arts. Metrics anticipates expanding their partnership program to include the majority of the almost 100 IP vendors providing IP to the ASIC design community today. SiliconArts can bring our RTL closer to developers and customers via Metrics scalable compute model through cloud access, enabling quick IP evaluation, regression and integration in SOC designs early in the design process, key for large complex designs says Dr. Hyungmin Yoon, CEO and founder of SiliconArts. We are excited for the Metrics design flow to enable our world leading IP in customers SOC projects. Codasip sees the cloud as a game-changer for EDA, especially for tasks like regression simulations that work in batch mode said Karel Masarik, CEO Codasip. We welcome the opportunity to join the Metrics IP Vendor Partnership. About Metrics Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Metrics was founded in 2017 and is led by an experienced group of EDA and business executives. The companys first product is a fully compliant SystemVerilog simulator implemented in the Google Cloud Platform. The company plans to be the first EDA company to offer a complete RTL-to-GDSII cloud-based design flow and tools on all the major cloud platforms. Find out more at www.metrics.ca About Codasip Codasip delivers leading-edge RISC-V processor IP and high-level processor design tools, providing IC designers with all the advantages of the RISC-V open ISA, along with the unique ability to customize the processor IP. As a founding member of the RISC-V Foundation and a long-term supplier of LLVM and GNU-based processor solutions, Codasip is committed to open standards for embedded processors. Formed in 2014 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, Codasip currently has offices in Europe and China, with sales representatives worldwide. For more information about our products and services, visit www.codasip.com. To learn more about RISC-V, visit www.riscv.org. About SiliconArts SiliconArts provides world class ray tracing graphics processor IP optimized for performance and power dissipation utilizing patented MIMD technology for real-time applications in visualization, gaming and other advanced graphics use cases requiring photo realistic rendering. Formed in 2010 and headquartered in Seoul, Korea, SiliconArts also has offices in Silicon Valley and provides for both cloud and client based rendering solutions. For more information about our products and capabilities, visit www.siliconarts.com. Chennai, March 2 : With the Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu round the corner, the BJP and the Congress are fighting for their political survival against the background of Dravidian parties ruling the roost in the southern state. The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in a single phase on April 6. The results will be declared on May 2. While the AIADMK has offered 15 seats to the BJP in the Assembly elections, the DMK has offered 22 seats to the Congress. Both the national parties are trying to increase their share of seats, but both the AIADMK and the DMK don't seem to be in a mood to budge. The reason for the Dravidian parties giving a cold shoulder to the national parties is based on the poor performances that they'd shown in the previous assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has set its eyes on Tamil Nadu for some time now. In a surpise move, the party had named former student leader Murugan as the party's state unit president. Murugan hails from the Dalit community and the BJP is trying a social engineering gambit by bringing in a Dalit leader as its state unit chief. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been time and again quoting profusely from "Tirukkural", trying to connect with the Tamil community. Modi on his recent 'Mann Ki Baat' programme said that he regrets not being able to learn the world's oldest language, Tamil, during his long political innings, both as a Chief Minister and as a Prime Minister. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is widely considered as the main architect behind BJP's electoral victories across the country, had also apologised to the people of Tamil Nadu for not being able to speak in Tamil. Congress leader and former AICC President Rahul Gandhi has visited the state four times in recent times, engaging with people from all hues and cries. On Monday, he told a gathering at Kanyakumari that only the people with Tamil culture and Tamil roots will rule the state. Both the BJP and Congress are looking for survival and the 2021 elections will be a major pointer as to whether these parties will have a say in Tamil Nadu politics. For decades, authorities and experts have tried restricting excessive borrowing by private equity investors, since its been repeatedly shown that they leave lots of bankruptcies in their wake. And these abuses continue because private equity looting fee structures result in general partners making out handsomely whether or not the business does well. In 1987 (no typo), the Treasury proposed limiting the deduction of interest on highly leveraged transactions. That idea went by the wayside thanks to the 1987 crash. Other proposals to restrict debt levels have similarly not gone anywhere. Yet now an important ruling looks set to deliver where regulators and legislators have failed. The decision is related to bankruptcy ruling, In re Nine West LBO Securities Litigation, in early December. Im late to it; several readers called it to my attention via a William S. Cohan op ed in the New York Times, The Private Equity Party Might Be Ending. Its About Time. I think Cohan is overstating its significance; investment bankers and lawyers are prone to howling loudly about anything that might reduce the size of their meal tickets while working full bore to preserve them. But Nine West does appear likely to restrict very highly leveraged deals by pinning the liability tail for likely insolvencies on the directors and officers of the selling company. The very short version of this story is that the directors of the selling company approved a sale transaction that they knew would saddle the company, renamed Nine West, with more debt than its own bankers had said it could support while removing its best assets. They sat pat as the buyer revised the deal to load even more borrowings on the acquisition, despite having a fiduciary out clause. The directors and officers lost a motion to dismiss litigation filed by the creditors of the Nine West alleging breach of fiduciary duty. Judge Jed Rakoff accepted some of the creditors motions, , because the board had a duty to creditors and approved actions that would render the company insolvent. As Ropes & Gray, counsel to Bain among many others, put it (emphasis theirs): Under Nine West, directors of a selling corporation face a serious risk of personal liability where they do not assess a buyers post-transaction viability. Given its potentially drastic implications, Nine West should be carefully reviewed by corporate directors and market participants. Now to unpack the facts and reasoning a bit more (the opinion is embedded at the end of the post). The Jones Company owned a series of clothing and shoe brands including Nine West. Most were flagging save two recently-purchased, outperforming stars: Stuart Weitzman and Kurt Geiger. The directors decided to explore a sale of the company in 2012. Their banker, Citigroup, said the business could support up to 5.1x its then estimated 2013 EBITDA. In 2013, private equity firm Sycamore responded to Citis shopping of the company and offered a $15 a share deal, with four additional things happening more or less simultaneously with the purchase of shares from the current owners: 1. Merging Jones Company into a new entity to be called Nine West 2. Contributing $395 million in new equity to the company 3. Increasing debt from $1 billion to $1.2 billion 4. Stuart Weitzman, Kurt Geiger and one other business would be sold to other Sycamore entities for less than their fair value The board tried to have it both ways. It approved the Merger Agreement but postured that it was nixing the extra debt and the sale of the prime assets. But the Merger Agreement obligated the seller to assist Sycamore with both activities. Sycamore made more changes before the deal closed, namely increasing the additional debt by $355 million and reducing the equity addition from $395 million to $120 million. Notice how even before you get to raiding the best assets, the deal walks and quacks like a cash out? The buyers are providing only $120 million in equity but adding $550 billion in debtwhich they could easily partly or fully dividend out. The ruling also describes how Sycamore provided obviously false financial forecasts to Duff &= Phelps to get them to provide an inflated value RemainCo, meaning Nine West after the best bits were spun out. Duff & Phelps came up with $1.58 billion. That means even with not-credibly rosy forecasts, Sycamore planned to put debt on the company that was virtually equal to its total value. The board chose to ignore the clearly dodgy forecasts even as the performance of the company kept decaying before closing. Needless to say, this structure also gave RemainCo, soon to be Nine West, a higher leverage ratio that the sellers bankers had said the company could support even if it had retained its prize businesses. Before the transaction closed, some shareholders sued, arguing the $15 a share was too low and therefore a breach of fiduciary duty. After some jousting, the claims were dismissed with prejudice. When the deal closed, key executives and board members received golden parachute payments ranging from $425,000 to $3 million. Nine West went bankrupt in 2018. Nine West settled with Sycamore but not with the former officers and directors of the seller, Jones Group. Those claims were transferred to a Litigation Trust for the benefit of the bankrupt estate, as in the creditors. The Jones Group defendants made the usual handwaves: the resolution of the shareholder litigation these claims, and the directors were entitled to business judgment protection under Pennsylvania law and the companys by-laws. They landed like duds, hence the alarm across Corporate America. The matter of the dismissed shareholder suit doesnt have big significance precedent-wise, but it still gave the opportunity for a delicious shellacking by Judge Rakoff: The 2014 Settlement extends only to claims that could have been brought by the shareholder plaintiffs in their capacity as shareholders. Fraudulent conveyance claims, however, can be brought only by or on behalf of creditors. Because the shareholder plaintiffs could not have brought these fraudulent conveyance claims in their capacity as shareholders, the claims are not barred by the 2014 Settlement. As for the related question of res judicata (emphasis original): It is well-established that a judgment rendered in derivative action brought on behalf of the corporation by one shareholder will generally be effective to preclude other actions predicated on the same wrong brought by other shareholders. Whereas the shareholder plaintiffs argued that the directors and officers breached their fiduciary duty by failing to generate enough money for the shareholders, the Litigation Trustee now argues that the directors and officers breached their fiduciary duty by distributing too much money to shareholders, thereby rendering the Company insolvent. While the two sets of claims challenge the same one transaction, the incentives of the shareholder plaintiffs to generate more money for the shareholders were directly opposed to those of the Litigation Trustee, who seeks in this very action, for example, to claw back money paid to the shareholders as fraudulent conveyances Now to the meatier part, the rejection of the notion that the directors can hide behind their assertion that they exercised business judgement, too bad about the smoldering wreck the left behind. Turning the mike over to Governance & Securities Watch: The headline issue that has people up in arms is the courts holding that directors of a selling corporation may lose the benefit of the business judgment rule and be held liable, under a breach of fiduciary duty theory, for not undertaking a reasonable investigation into the companys post-sale solvency and the propriety and effect of any contemplated post-closing transactions that could be considered part of the same overall transaction when such transactions may affect the post-sale solvency of the company. In other words, according to the court, a director may be liable for not taking into account transactions expected to occur after the sale closes, the companys shareholders receive the sale consideration, and new ownership and directors take over. The court similarly determined that directors of the selling corporation may be liable, on an aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty theory, for actions undertaken by the future board of the buyer corporation if the selling corporations directors had actual or constructive knowledge of the fiduciary breach of the buyers directors. This liability may attach even if the buyer directors were not yet directors, and therefore owed no duties, at the time of their misconduct. In the eyes of this court, its no longer a my watch, your watch world. Even though Jones and Nine West were governed by Pennsylvania law, the relevant provisions of Delaware law are sufficiently similar so as to be causing some consternation. One troubling element of the legal write-ups I have seen so far (Ropes & Gray, Quinn Emanuel) is that they give prominent play to how this decision complicates the duty of a board to maximize shareholder value. This sort of blather confirms that the M&A bar has been captured by Wall Street. Directors have duties to the corporation, not to shareholders in particular. As weve repeatedly explained, the maximizing shareholder value fetish was created by economists, not by statute or precedent, although it saddly has been turbo-charged with equity-linked executive compensation schemes. These lawyers need some brain bleach. The Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance thinks the alarm about Nine West is overdone but prudent sellers should nevertheless take some precautions, such as: Based on Nine West, the target board involved in an LBO should evaluate the likelihood of post-closing solvency of the company. The equity and debt being provided for the deal are being provided by sophisticated parties who have negotiating leverage and access to all relevant information. The equity being contributed meaningfully exceeds any value to be distributed to the buyer or its affiliates shortly following closing. There was more than one bid for the company, with pricing and a capital structure roughly similar to that in the approved transaction.. The buyer provides representations and warranties in the merger agreement relating to the post-closing solvency of the company. If there are red flags as to a risk of insolvency post-closing, a broader evaluation may be warranted. Note that the Nine West asset shuffle did indeed result in Sycamore pulling out more dough at closing than it put in thanks to the grab of the crown jewel businesses. I havent heard a peep as to whether Judge Rakoffs assessment, that the Jones board was reckless, would void its D&O insurance if confirmed in later rulings, making the directors liable. But even if not, as in the Litigation Trustees prevail, their insurer will get a big bill and D&O insurers generally will be on notice that they actually might have to pay out claims now and again. So expect to see additional behavior changes as this case moves forward. Outsourcing multinational Bunzl saw revenues and profits rise last year and hiked dividend payouts as it was bolstered by robust demand for the protective masks and gloves it supplied in the coronavirus crisis. Known for making small acquisitions aimed at growing specific parts of its business over the years, Bunzl bought eight companies during the pandemic, some of which making PPE and similar Covid-related equipment. The business supplier spent 445million on such acquisitions last year, its 'second highest level in its history', which allowed it to offset a significant decline in the sale of products to food service and retail companies badly hit by the pandemic. In demand: Bunzl sells products companies need to do business but do not sell directly to customers, such as cleaning gear, food packaging and hard hats - and now also PPE Bunzl sells products companies need to do business but do not sell directly to customers, such as cleaning gear, food packaging and hard hats - and over the past year also PPE. Revenues rose 9.4 per cent to 10.11billion in 2020, while pre-tax profits leapt 22.6 per cent to 555.7million. The FTSE 100 company, which has increased shareholder payouts for now 28 consecutive years, raised its final dividend by 7 per cent to 38.3p per share. It has returned 1.6billion to shareholders through dividends since 2014, it said. Shares in Bunzl were flat at 22.39 in afternoon trading on Monday. Chief executive Frank van Zanten said: 'As a result of our extensive supply chains and our Asia sourcing and auditing operation, we were able to quickly source and deliver significant quantities of quality-assured Covid-19 related products, such as gloves and masks. 'Consequently, we were able to offset the negative impact that restrictions had on many of our customers' businesses, particularly in the food service and retail sectors.' The company said it expects sales of non-Covid-19 related products to accelerate as restrictions ease, although new hygiene trends will continue to support growth. It has also revealed another three acquisitions since the start of the year. In January it bought Deliver Net, a healthcare distributor to care homes in the UK, followed by the acquisition of Disposable Discounter, an online distributor of disposable products for the food industry, and Pinnacle, a Canadian company selling cleaning and hygiene products. Bunzl, which has operations around the world, said organic revenue grew by 2.6 per cent in the UK and Ireland, which together make up 13 per cent of the group's revenue. In Europe, the company's performance has been very strong, with revenue growing by 15.1 per cent on the continent, which provides a fifth of the company's total revenue. Profits in the Americas, which makes up 58 per cent of Bunzl's revenue, rose 1 per cent. David Madden, an analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: 'It was a challenging year for a lot of companies but Bunzl managed to power through. It spent 445million on acquisitions, its second highest level in its history, which says a lot about its outlook.' 'The group managed to repay the employee-related government assistance, which is not only a good public relations exercise, it indicates the strength of the group.' .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Lets start with an assumption: All your personal data is available on the dark web. The dark web contains stolen information. Steve Symanovich, in an article for computer security firm Norton, states: When theres been a data breach, theres a chance the accessed information from Social Security numbers to bank card numbers will end up on the dark web. An article by Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, Inc., states that on the dark web you can buy credit card numbers, all manner of drugs, guns, counterfeit money, stolen subscription credentials, hacked Netflix accounts, and software to break into other peoples computers. Computer hacks in recent years have impacted many corporations, including medical firms, banks, brokerage firms, and government agencies. The most recent major hack of the computer software company SolarWinds is likely still infecting computers throughout the U.S. This is not a problem we can ignore. It was recently reported that theft of money from 401k investment accounts is increasing. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ If we accept that our financial and personal information is already accessible to criminals, our job is to protect ourselves as much as possible. I recommend three strategies. Review your bank statements, investment accounts, and credit card statements every month. Financial firms want us to agree to stop receiving paper statements. I disagree with this, because it makes it more likely that a consumer/investor will forget to check the statements online. It is easy to forget doing this perhaps for many months. Regardless of whether your statements arrive via snail mail or online, I strongly recommend you check them every month. Look for any suspicious entries, and call the financial firm immediately if you find something unusual. Stolen credit card numbers being used fraudulently is common, and fortunately, most credit card companies have become extremely helpful when this occurs. However, you must notify them quickly of the fraudulent activity. Never respond to unexpected emails or phone calls. I hear far too often of people falling prey to scams. These can come through phone calls or through an email that looks legitimate, but is not. I recommend you hang up on any caller who you do not know. You can also set up caller ID and not answer any unexpected calls. For emails, never open a link or respond to an email you are not expecting. Cyber criminals are creative, and often send emails with names and logos from credit card firms, banks, etc., that look legitimate. You do not need to become an investigative expert, but it is important to be diligent and cautious. Freeze your credit files with the three main credit reporting agencies. This strategy is extremely important! I recommended it to all my clients after the Equifax breach in 2017, which exposed the personal information of an estimated 147 million people. The Equifax breach was the wake-up call that warned us that much of our personal information had been stolen and is on the dark web. Freezing your credit files is the best way to prevent someone from accessing your credit. Although it doesnt prevent all nefarious activity, it prevents someone from accessing your credit report. This prevents fraudsters who would need your credit report to open a loan or credit card in their name. Placing a freeze on your credit reports does not prevent people who already have access to your credit history, but it prevents unauthorized access. As of 2018, freezing your credit with the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion is free, and does not impact your credit score. It can be done online or via a phone call. You must keep the username and passwords you set up for each credit bureau. Keep them in a safe place so they are accessible when you want to lift the credit freeze. Each credit bureau uses a different system on their websites, so it is likely that your passwords will not be the same for each bureau. Therefore, be careful and keep good notes as you go through the process. The credit freezes will stay in place unless you unfreeze them. If you want to buy a car and take out a loan you will likely need to lift (reverse) the credit freeze. However, the merchant can often tell you which credit agency they use. If they say they need to pull a credit report from TransUnion, then you only need to unfreeze the TransUnion file. If you refinance your mortgage or take out a new mortgage, or if you change cell phone services, or if you are requesting a new credit card, these activities will likely trigger a request for a credit report. The credit bureaus will allow you to unfreeze your credit for a specified number of days or permanently. Note that the credit agencies will try to sell you services on their websites. I recommend you skip these, as well as services like LifeLocka. Freezing your credit files helps prevent criminals from accessing your financial information. In other words, you are preventing the fraud from occurring. LifeLocka and similar companies provide after-the-fact services that, in my view, are far less useful. You have worked hard to grow your savings and investments, and financial security is important. Take the steps described above, and you will be helping to protect your financial future. Donna Skeels Cygan, CFP, MBA, is the author of The Joy of Financial Security. She has been a fee-only financial planner in Albuquerque for over 20 years, and is the branch manager for the Mercer Advisors office in New Mexico. Contact her at dscygan@sagefuture.com. The fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, will open in Beijing on Thursday. The decision was made at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee on Monday. The proposed agenda for the session includes hearing and deliberating a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a report on how the proposals from political advisors have been handled since the previous session. Members of the CPPCC National Committee are expected to sit in on the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, which is scheduled to open on Friday, as non-voting participants. They will hear and discuss documents including the government work report and the draft 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, according to the proposed agenda. Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor, who is retiring from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court at years end, unveiled a plan Monday to turn over the reins of the states highest judicial body a few months early. Although he will not depart the bench until December, Saylor said he will transfer the post of chief justice to Justice Max Baer on April 1 to ensure an orderly transition. Saylors retirement is mandatory because the law requires judges to step down at the end of the year in which they turn 75. He has been chief justice since January 2015. He has been a Supreme Court justice for 23 years and has written about 400 main opinions on both criminal and civil issues. I am grateful to have led a productive Court, composed of collegial and dedicated jurists, and I appreciate the support I have received from the other justices and court system personnel throughout my tenure, Saylor said. I have every confidence that Justice Baer, who has been my friend and colleague for many years, will be an able steward of both our Supreme Court and the Pennsylvania Judiciary. Baer, a former Allegheny County judge, was elected to the Supreme Court in 2003. Chief Justice Saylor has long been lauded for his distinguished service and extraordinary leadership of an independent judiciary, Baer said. We have been discussing this transition for some time, and I particularly value the opportunity to have him close at hand as I take on the myriad additional responsibilities of chief justice. I hope to follow his example of strong, collaborative, and effective leadership during the remainder of my time on the court, Baer said. About this forthcoming transition on the states high court, Commonwealth Court President Judge P. Kevin Brobson issued a statement recognizing Saylor for his judicial service. Chief Justice Tom Saylor has been a tremendous leader of our courts for more than six years. The judges of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania thank him for his collegial demeanor, thoughtful decision making, and commitment to an independent, fair, and impartial judiciary, Brobson said. We look forward to working with and supporting Justice Baer as the incoming chief justice and congratulate him as he begins his transition to this new leadership position. * This post has been updated to include Judge Brobsons statement. Protesters run during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, March 1, 2021. Updated at 7:47 p.m. ET on 2021-03-01 Southeast Asian foreign ministers will hold a special meeting on Tuesday on the political crisis in Myanmar, the Indonesian foreign ministry said, as the regional and international community condemned a deadly weekend crackdown against pro-democracy protesters. The online meeting was scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Jakarta time (8 a.m. GMT) and would be hosted by Brunei, this years chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said on Monday. We are making preparations for the meeting, Faizasyah told BenarNews. Indonesia and Malaysia were the first ASEAN nations to call for such a meeting on the Myanmar militarys ouster of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb 1. A special ASEAN foreign ministers meeting will be convened via video conference tomorrow and where we will listen to the representative of the Myanmar military authorities, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in parliament on Monday, according to a transcript of his remarks on the foreign ministry website. "We therefore call on all parties in Myanmar to engage in discussions and to negotiate in good faith, to pursue a long-term peaceful political solution to achieve national reconciliation, including a return to the path of democratic transition. And we believe this can only begin if President U Win Myint, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, and the other political detainees are immediately released," he added. On Sunday, Myanmar clearly ignored Indonesias recent call to exercise restraint and avoid bloodshed. At least 18 people were killed and more than 30 wounded on Sunday across Myanmar, as security forces shot flash-bang and stun grenades and fired live and rubber bullets at protesters. The violence occurred days after Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told her Myanmar counterpart in a face-to-face meeting in Bangkok that the safety and well-being of the Myanmar people was an utmost priority. Following Sundays bloodshed, Indonesia said it was extremely concerned about the escalating violence in Myanmar, in a rare comment by an ASEAN country on the internal affairs of a fellow member of the 10-nation group, Indonesia calls on security forces to exercise restraint and not to resort to violence to avoid further loss of lives and prevent the situation from worsening, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday. 'Inexcusable' use of lethal force on civilians Other ASEAN neighbors on Monday also joined calls for an end to violence in Myanmar. We are deeply concerned over the loss of innocent lives and injuries during the ongoing situation in Myanmar, Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said in a statement. All relevant parties must exercise utmost restraint from the use of violence that could affect the safety of members of the public and further escalate the situation in the country, he said, after talks with his Brunei counterpart Erywan Yusof in Bandar Sri Begawan. Amid criticism that ASEAN countries are not taking a uniform and strong stand on the Myanmar coup, Hishammuddin said the regional bloc must play a more proactive role to contribute toward the return to normalcy in the country. It is crucial that ASEAN leads a sincere discussion and constructively engages with Myanmar and all stakeholders to show that ASEAN is effective as a cohesive regional grouping, in addressing the expectations of our external partners, and in avoiding unnecessary unilateral responses that may affect the region unfavorably, he said. Myanmars use of lethal force against civilians, was inexcusable, Singapore's top diplomat, Balakrishnan, said in parliament on Monday, according to regional media. We are appalled by the violence and we will say that tomorrow, the minister said in an interview on Mediacorp Channel 5s News Tonight, about Tuesdays scheduled meeting. ASEAN foreign ministers will remind the Myanmar military that the coup will cause grievous damage to the country, Balakrishnan said. Retno and her Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai met in Bangkok last Wednesday with the Myanmar juntas foreign envoy, Wunna Maung Lwin, prompting criticism from activists who said that doing so gave legitimacy to the generals in Naypyidaw. Retno defended the meeting, saying to do nothing is not an option. Singapores Balakrishnan said that ASEAN can play a constructive role in helping a return to normalcy and stability in Myanmar even though the blocs foundational principle is non-interference. Still, this could only work if Myanmars junta releases Suu Kyi and other political detainees, Balakrishnan said. More than 1,100 people have been arrested, charged and sentenced since the military declared a state of emergency a month ago, according to the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. US condemns 'abhorrent violence' United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the Myanmar violence. The Secretary-General urges the international community to come together and send a clear signal to the military that it must respect the will of the people of Myanmar as expressed through the election and stop the repression, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday. Myanmars people have the right to assemble peacefully and demand the restoration of democracy, U.N. Human Rights Office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said on Sunday. These fundamental rights must be respected by the military and police, not met with violence and bloody oppression, she said. Meanwhile, the United States may impose additional sanctions on those responsible for the violence in Myanmar, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement on Sunday. The U.S. Treasury Department on Feb. 11 had announced financial sanctions against ten individuals and three entities connected to the military apparatus responsible for the coup. We will continue coordinating closely with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world to hold those responsible for violence to account, and to reinforce our support for the people of Burma, Sullivan said on Sunday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also condemned the abhorrent violence by Myanmar's security forces against the protesters. We will continue to promote accountability for those responsible, Blinken said on Twitter. The Myanmar Service of Radio Free Asia, a sister entity of BenarNews, and Muzliza Mustafa in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. SK hynix next generation DRAM plant in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of SK hynix By Kim Hyun-bin SK hynix is strengthening its semiconductor business to better meet the shortage in the global chip sector. The world's second-largest DRAM manufacturer inked a deal worth 4.74 trillion won ($4.3 billion) with Netherlands semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML Holding to obtain its EUV scanner equipment for the next five years. The move comes as the semiconductor sector is entering a super cycle which is expected to increase chip demand drastically. According to the company, the deal will help it secure mass production of next-generation chips and the payments will be made through five-year installments. EUV has a wavelength 14 times smaller than the wavelength of ArF, the laser that is most widely used to carve transistors on silicon wafers, enabling more defined circuit patterns. Only Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) have implemented the technology. The additional large investments come amid SK hynix's acquisition of Intel's NAND flash business worth 10 trillion won. The company is scheduled to pay 8 trillion won ($7 billion) for its first batch payment by the end of the year, while the remaining 2 trillion won needs to be submitted by 2025. It is unknown how much SK hynix plans to inject for the EUV equipment this year but industry watchers believe the price to be in the hundreds of billions of won. The company is predicted to bring in up to three EUV equipment suppliers this year with each unit costing around 200 billion won. The EUV equipment will be implemented in the newly established M16 plan that aims to produce next-generation DRAM. Although it is an investment for the future, the additional 5 trillion won will inevitably increase the company's financial burden. Last year, NICE Information Service downgraded SK hynix's credit rating from stable to unstable due to the pricy acquisition of Intel's NAND business. Moody's also put the company's outlook to negative. In addition to the investments, there are other areas requiring financial assistance. The company announced it would set its dividends at 1,000 won by the year end and hand out an additional 5 percent of its free cash flow (FCF) to shareholders. Luckily the company has nearly 4.94 trillion won in cashable assets and the semiconductor super cycle is expected to noticeably enhance its earnings, while the DRAM price has broken the $4 threshold for the first time since April 2019, soaring over 50 percent from Dec. 1 due to a global shortage in chips. 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. 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. Albany, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo has repealed a requirement that schools ask teachers if they have been vaccinated for the coronavirus and report the data to the New York State Department of Health. Instead, the executive order signed this weekend says local health departments already have the data on teacher vaccinations and will report it to the state. The form and manner will be determined later, the order says Cuomo said in the order local health departments are now required to report the number of school teachers and school staff who have been vaccinated to the state health department upon request. However, what isnt clear is if individual school districts will have to report the number of staff vaccinated in their schools or if the information will be made public. The executive order doesnt address that. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said Monday afternoon he can only report how many educators are vaccinated in his county pod. On Feb. 22, Cuomo announced school districts in New York would soon be required to start reporting statistics on teacher vaccinations to the state. He had said it would start last Friday. Robert Lowry, deputy director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, said his group hadnt taken a position on reporting vaccination numbers. However, he said the new order will reduce the burden on school districts to collect and report the vaccination numbers. Cuomo has said the data on the number of people vaccinated will help the state craft policy on reopening school buildings for more in-person learning. Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com BRENTWOOD, Tenn., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Delek US Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DK) ("Delek US") today announced the appointment of Todd O'Malley to EVP, Chief Commercial Officer effective March 1, 2021. "We are pleased to welcome Todd to the Delek family" said Uzi Yemin, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delek US. "Todd brings a wealth of private equity, trading, capital markets, operations, and management expertise in the energy and renewable sectors to his role at Delek. This aligns our company for future growth with strong proven leadership." Prior to joining Delek in 2021, Mr O'Malley served as a special advisor to a number of private equity and public company CEO's and boards regarding corporate strategy, M&A/divestments, financial structuring, and commercial optimization. He has previously held C-suite positions at Citizens Companies (President and CEO), Gulf Oil (EVP and Chief Commercial Officer), PBF Logistics (President), and PBF Energy (SVP and Chief Commercial Officer). He has also worked extensively in the investment banking, hedge fund, commodity trading, and electric and natural gas sectors. He holds an undergraduate degree from Colgate University (Cum Laude) and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. About Delek US Holdings, Inc. Delek US Holdings, Inc. is a diversified downstream energy company with assets in petroleum refining, logistics, asphalt, renewable fuels and convenience store retailing. The refining assets consist of refineries operated in Tyler and Big Spring, Texas, El Dorado, Arkansas and Krotz Springs, Louisiana with a combined nameplate crude throughput capacity of 302,000 barrels per day. The logistics operations consist of Delek Logistics Partners, LP (NYSE: DKL) ("Delek Logistics"). Delek US and its affiliates also own the general partner and an approximate 80 percent limited partner interest in Delek Logistics. Delek Logistics is a growth-oriented master limited partnership focused on owning and operating midstream energy infrastructure assets. The convenience store retail business operates approximately 253 convenience stores in central and west Texas and New Mexico. Information about Delek US Holdings, Inc. can be found on its website (www.delekus.com), investor relations webpage (ir.delekus.com), news webpage (www.delekus.com/news) and its Twitter account (@DelekUSHoldings). SOURCE Delek US Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.delekus.com/ Williamstown Board to Receive Training on Communicating with Constituents WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Select Board last week accepted the offer of a local social worker to help the panel better engage with members of the public. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts professor of social work Kerri Nicoll suggested that the board could benefit from training in light of the twin strains of a controversy that has engulfed the town over the last year and a pandemic that has forced a new mode of conducting meetings in a virtual environment. "I would be willing to work to plan and facilitate a training/retreat of some kind that would give you all an opportunity to collectively think about your roles as Select Board members, particularly in light of new levels of civic participation," Nicoll said. "This is acknowledging the fact that this is not unique to Williamstown. I think a lot of elected bodies and public officials are rethinking how they interact with the public because the public is more engaged at every moment, in part because it is wonderfully more convenient for people to engage from their own home. "But also because people have a heightened awareness of the issues facing their community." Specifically, Nicoll talked about the board exploring different ways of listening to and engaging with the community during the "petitioners requests" or public comment portions of its twice-monthly meetings. In recent months, those portions of the meeting have led to at times heated comments from some residents and pleas for civility from the chair. Nicoll, who serves on the town's Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee, said that the Select Board members could lead by example in changing the tone of public discourse at the meetings. "As we have thought about different ways of engaging in restorative practices or other possibilities for moving forward as a community and engaging with each other in different ways, this is one discrete step that can be taken, one thing you as town leaders can do to do something about the way you are engaging with the community," Nicoll said. "I say that's one piece because I don't think that the five of you can change everything in the community. "But I do think if you demonstrate a commitment to wanting to engage with the community in different ways, other people may pick up on that." Nicoll told the board members that they should reserve at least two or three hours for the kind of training she has in mind and that, usually, such training might happen over several sessions. "I think in an hour, you'll barely break the surface of what you think and not get into different ideas," Nicoll said. In the meantime, Chair Jane Patton announced she is suspending the board's usual practice of taking petitioners' requests until further notice. "I think we're going to take a little bit of a pause in the public comment portion of the Select Board meetings for a bit while we go through this training," Patton said. "It's not a question of not wanting to lean into hard conversations. It's not a question of being uncomfortable. I think all of us would be well served, members of the board and members of the community to step back, take a breath and recognize where we all have contributed to where we are today. "I spend a lot of time wondering how to manage that piece better so it's more productive and people have the opportunity to be heard being mindful of everyone in the room, literally and figuratively." Patton said the board would not be accepting public comment "maybe for the next meeting or so, "but that members of the public were welcome to reach out to any members of the board or the town manager individually with concerns that the whole board could address at its next meeting. The first order of business on Monday was the board's ratification of an undisclosed separation agreement between Town Manager Jason Hoch and the town. Three days before, Hoch had publicly announced that he was giving the town 60 days' notice after 5 1/2 years on the job. The board voted 4-1 to ratify the agreement with Patton as the lone dissenting vote. "I want to clarify that [the no vote] has to do with the terms of the agreement and not the separation," Patton said of an agreement that was negotiated between Hoch and the board in executive session. The Select Board then discussed its effort to hire an interim town manager who will be able to take the helm in the spring and the search the town is conducting to hire an interim police chief. Patton said the former search would be handled by the five members of the board while the latter will involve a community advisory panel to make a recommendation to Hoch. Members of the board emphasized the need to get an interim town manager in place quickly to allow a seamless transition when Hoch's term ends. "This is really someone who is going to hopefully have a lot of experience with Mass General Law, understands the ins and outs of doing this," Patton said. "We hope to be able to find someone in the fairly near term. Because this is very much intended to be an interim search, we're just going to manage it as the Select Board and not with an advisory committee. "Folks may be making suggestions and sending comments in. That's always fine. But in this case, no advisory committee, which is different from the interim police chief process." Andy Hogeland said that he started the ball rolling by writing up a job description for the interim town manager for the rest of the board to review and reaching out to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, which maintains a list of qualified managers who are interested in an interim appointment. It was noted that the town could be at a disadvantage given its geography, but in answer to a question from the board, Hoch said he thought an interim manager could do the job largely remotely without necessarily relocating to the northwest corner of the commonwealth full-time. Per the town charter, the full-time town manager the board hires down the road does have to live in Williamstown. The search for the town's next permanent town manager will involve a search committee and, more than likely, a head-hunter. Hogeland agreed Monday to get quotes for a town manager search from the recruiters the board is considering to help with a search for a permanent police chief. As for the interim police chief search, Hoch informed the board that the town had 21 residents respond to a call to serve on an advisory committee to consider candidates and make a recommendation to Hoch. Patton and Anne O'Connor agreed to sit down with Hoch and find a half dozen or so who represent a cross-section of the community. Hoch also clarified that since, by law, the police chief is hired by the town manager and the ad hoc committee would be technically advisory, it would not be subject to the commonwealth's Open Meeting Law. That does not mean the advisory group could not choose to make its deliberations public; it just means it would not be compelled to do so by state law. "If the advisory committee reaches a consensus on a recommendation of candidates, I'll proceed with negotiating terms of employment with that candidate," Hoch said. "Again, I think it's important to note that my real desire on this is that the advisory committee is the source of coming up with their recommendation. "I'm not looking for a recommendation of two or three viable candidates. I'd like to take the direction with the comfort of the advisory committee." Covid-19 staff at Portlaoise hospital had a relatively small number of patients with Covid-19 at the end of February but more than half of those in hospital were critically ill and people are still being admitted to the Laois hospital with the virus. Staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise were treating five patients who were sick with the disease on Sunday, February 28 according to the latest figures from the HSE. The HSEs Covid-19 Daily Operations Update also shows that there were three critically ill patients at the Laois hospital on February 28. The number of very sick Covid-19 patients peaked at 12 in early February. There were six general beds and two available ICU bed at the hospital by 8 pm on Sunday night. Portlaoise is part of the Dubin Midland Hospital Group which includes Tullamore, Naas, St James's and Tallaght in Dublin. The report shows that there were 17 confirmed cases at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. The Offaly hospital had no suspect cases. Staff were treating five critically ill Covid-19 patients going into Monday. There were just seven general and no ICU beds available at the Offaly hospital. Naas General Hospital had 10 people who were sick with the virus at the end of the weekend. There were three suspected cases while nobody was critically ill patients in the ICU. The Kildare hospital had 26 general care beds and one ICU bed available. Tallaght and St James's hospitals are in the same group. There were 29 confirmed and seven suspected cases at Tallaght on Sunday night. The Dublin hospital had 8 general beds but no ICU beds available. There were nine critically ill Covid patients in ICU. St James's continues to be the busiest hospital. It had 67 confirmed and 62 suspected cases by 8 pm February 28. It had 22 general beds and one ICU beds available going into Monday. There were 20 confirmed and one suspected Covid cases in its ICU which is similar to recent weeks. Nationally, there were 537 people in hospitals by 8 pm on Sunday night February 28. This contrasts with 928 in hospitals two weeks earlier. There were 136 suspected in hospitals with 19 people were admitted with the virus in the previous 24 hours. There were 138 critically ill people in hospitals on Sunday. Of these, six were suspected cases. Of the total, 96 were ventilated (94 confirmed, 2 suspected). Covid-19 was a factor in three ICU deaths on February 28. NPHET figures published on March 1 show that as of 8am Monday, 540 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 120 are in ICU. There 14 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, the Department of Health said in the NPHET statement that progress is being made. While the number of daily cases and the number of people in hospital and critical care remain high, we continue to make progress. In the last 24 hours, we have had no new admissions to critical care, the first time this has happened since St. Stephens Day. This is one more tangible signal of the efforts that people continue to make and how those efforts are impacting positively on the trajectory of COVID-19 in Ireland. Please stick with this over the coming weeks, he said. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President M. has also announced that he has received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine at a government hospital in Chennai, kicking off an expansion of the country's immunisation campaign that began in mid-January with healthcare workers. "I took my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at Government Medical College, Chennai today. I will be taking the 2nd dose after 28 days," the Vice President said on Monday in a tweet. The Vice President, 71, appealed to the people to come forward and receive the vaccine to defeat the deadly virus which has infected over 1,11,12,241 people and claimed the lives of 1,57,157 people so far. "I appeal all the eligible people to get themselves vaccinated proactively and join in the fight against novel coronavirus," Naidu tweeted. The Vice President took the first jab of the Covid vaccine after Prime Minister Modi-- the first prominent leader to take a Covid vaccine shot on Monday, as nationwide vaccination of persons above 60 and those over 45 with illnesses began. The Prime Minister's vaccination at Delhi's AIIMS hospital featured symbols from states that will vote later this month as he wore a scarf from Assam and nurses from Kerala and Puducherry -- Rosamma Anil and P Niveda-- administered him the vaccine. Niveda administered the vaccine while Rosamma was assisting her. India, which has reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world after the United States, has so far vaccinated more than 12 million health and front-line workers. The country is now expanding its vaccination drive beyond healthcare and front-line workers, offering the shots to older people and those with medical conditions that put them at risk. Those now eligible to be vaccinated include people over 60, as well as those over 45 who have ailments such as heart disease or diabetes that make infections more dangerous. The shots will be given for free at government hospitals and will also be sold at over 10,000 private hospitals at a price not more than Rs 250 per shot. An 18-year-old traveller who met her husband in a car park has revealed she is financially dependent on him and he 'pays for everything'. Kathleen Johnson, who lives with her husband in a caravan near Cardiff, has racked up more than 67,000 TikTok followers by sharing candid videos of what life is like inside the traveller community. Speaking in a recent video, Kathleen, 18, explained she met her husband, who is not a traveller, when she was 17 after he asked her friends to introduce them in a car park. Kathleen Johnson, who lives with her husband near Cardiff, has racked up more than 67,000 TikTok followers by sharing candid videos of what life is like in the traveller community Speaking in a recent video , Kathleen, 18, explained she met her husband, who is not a traveller, when she was 17 after he asked her friends to introduce them in a car park Kathleen shares photos of her husband but does not reveal his name or what he does. The pair exchanged Snapchat details and quickly became 'best friends' before their relationship turned romantic. Kathleen explained her parents paid for their wedding but that after she married she became her husband's financial responsibility. 'In the gypsy and traveller community, the mum and dad pays for everything, like for your wedding,' she explained, in response to a question from a follower. 'And obviously when you are living together and married to the boy he pays for everything.' The couple live together in a modest caravan that also features in Kathleen's TikTok videos. In one she revealed how her impressive clothing collection takes up almost all of the available storage. Kathleen explained her parents paid for their wedding but that after she married she became her husband's financial responsibility. Pictured, the happy couple on their wedding day 'Every cupboard is literally all my clothes,' she told fans, before pointing to two small cupboards by the ceiling and adding: 'My husband's is just them two.' The teenager also opened up about how people discriminate against her for being a traveller and said that while she refers to herself as a 'gypsy' she prefers to be referred to as a 'traveller' by people outside the community. 'The hardest thing about being a gypsy is no matter what you do, what you wear, literally anything, you will always get judged,' she said. The couple live together in a modest caravan that also features in Kathleen's TikTok videos. In one she revealed how her clothing collection takes up almost all of the available storage 'You can be the quietest person in the world and not do anything to a person and youd still get judged. 'It is hard and when you go into some shops and youll see some people who are not gypsies, and theyll whisper "oh theres gypsies" or they will pull a face and walk away.' Kathleen's fans regularly post messages of support in the comments section and thank Kathleen for shedding a light on what it is like to be a traveller. Teton County Reporter Previously the Scene editor, Billy Arnold made the switch to the county beat where he's interested in exploring Teton County as a model for the rest of the West. When he can, he still writes about art, music and whatever else suits his fancy. Vaccine rollouts in many countries are bringing hope that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), will come to an end in the foreseeable future. Several vaccines have shown high protective efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe disease. Study: Effect of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection on humoral and T-cell responses to single-dose BNT162b2 vaccine . Image Credit: F8 studio / Shutterstock A new study by researchers at Imperial College London, UK, discusses the effect of a vaccine dose, specifically the BNT162b2 candidate (also known as the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine), on neutralizing antibody titers in individuals who have already been infected with the virus. Single-dose regimen The UK government has already vaccinated many healthcare workers (HCWs) and other front-line workers with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. To expand coverage and contain the spike in cases, the interval between vaccine doses has been increased to 12 weeks. Not much information is available on the results of single-dose vaccination. Moreover, the nature of responses to vaccination following natural infection remains unclear. The current study explores the serology, neutralizing responses and T cell responses to a single dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. The study includes 72 HCWs who were vaccinated in the same week. The BNT162b2 mRNA encodes the spike antigen of the virus. Infected prior to vaccination Baseline blood samples at the time of their first dose showed antibodies to the viral nucleocapsid and spike (anti-S) proteins in 16 patients. Another five patients had strong T cell reactivity to non-spike viral antigens after vaccination and were also considered to have had prior viral exposure. The immune response in this group did not show any correlation with age. The remaining 51 participants were negative for immune responses to the virus and were called infection-naive. Higher antibody to spike after vaccination After one dose of the vaccine, the participants showed markedly higher antibodies to the spike antigen if they had a history of natural infection compared to the naive individuals. The median anti-spike titer was ~16,000 AU/mL in the first group, versus ~600 AU/mL in the second, indicating an almost 30-fold difference. The five participants with isolated T cell responses had spike antibody responses following vaccination that was somewhere between the seropositive group and the naive group. The naive group developed antibody titers inversely correlated with age. Those above 50 years had a substantially weaker response to the vaccine compared with younger participants, at a median of ~200 AU/mL, versus 900 AU/mL. Live virus neutralization To examine the neutralizing capacity of the vaccine-induced antibodies, the researchers tested four samples each from the infected and naive groups, before vaccination, for liver virus neutralization on Vero cells. Another post-vaccination sample set was also tested at 12 naive versus three infected samples. The researchers found very strong neutralizing responses had been induced in those with previous exposure, even in those whose baseline neutralization titers had been undetectable or very low. In contrast, naive individuals showed neutralizing activity in 15/16 sera, but with much lower titers. The 50% neutralization titers, NT50, showed a twenty-fold difference, at 1/30 for this group, compared to 1/1,600 for the infected group. T cell responses The study also examined T cell responses following vaccination using enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISpot) against a set of five viral peptide pools. They found very strong T cell responses to the spike peptides in the previously infected subjects following vaccination, at over ten-fold the median responses in naive individuals. In fact, about half of the 48 participants in this part of the study had negative T cell responses. There was no correlation between age and T cell response. Thus, a single dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine appears to create strong humoral and cellular responses in individuals who have already been infected with SARS-CoV-2, associated with high live virus neutralizing capacity. Both neutralizing antibody and T cell responses are weak, in contrast, among the infection-naive group, following one dose. What are the implications? The study shows that robust immunity is generated following vaccination in people with a history of prior infection. On the contrary, a proportion of previously uninfected people show very poor responses to the vaccine, hinting that both clinical disease and viral shedding might occur in this subset. Moreover, the immunity level may be too low to persist for the newly determined 12-week interval until the second dose. Anecdotally, it may be observed that one such individual developed clinical disease, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), at five weeks from the first dose of vaccine, with the anti-spike antibody titer after vaccination being 60 AU/mL. The age-dependent decrease in vaccine-elicited immune responses seen in the infection-naive group is an obvious concern. Of the group of ten who were older than 50, seroconversion did not occur, and eight had low antibody titers below 250 AU/mL, insufficient for neutralization as judged by the relationship between anti-S antibody levels and virus neutralization in the current assay. Not only is this group at higher risk of severe disease, but they show a minimal vaccine response, according to these findings. This may indicate the need to prioritize infection-naive individuals and those over 50 years for a complete vaccination regimen. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to be alert even after vaccination, including the use of personal protective equipment as before, to avoid either contracting infection or spreading the virus via asymptomatic viral shedding. African leaders have lauded President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's efforts to consolidate cooperation and solidarity among African countries and achieve peace and development across the continent. Addressing the opening session of the second Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development on Monday, African leaders called on the international community to work on providing COVID-19 vaccines for the people of Africa on a fair basis. Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the coronavirus pandemic has shed light on the importance of healthcare in Africa. He stressed that strenuous efforts should be exerted to provide COVID-19 vaccines for Africans and support the continent's health system to ensure the independence of countries in Africa. For his part, Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba said the forum aims to discuss ways of strengthening the immunity of African peoples against the COVID-19 pandemic. He warned that the economic condition of African countries would further deteriorate if the COVID-19 pathogen did not end. Ondimba also praised the role played by El-Sisi to achieve peace and development in Africa. South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit said the world faces difficult circumstances due to the outbreak of the pandemic. He stressed that the forum provides an opportunity to exchange talks with regional and international partners to reach a joint vision, which could benefit the whole world. Meanwhile, Senegalese President Macky Sall said the forum is of great importance to achieve solidarity among African governments amid the COVID-19 crisis. He stressed the need to facilitate the delivery of vaccines to African countries as soon as possible. Short link: (Natural News) A senior British lawmaker has called on other lawmakers worldwide to stand up against the bullying done by social media site Facebook. The U.K. legislators comments followed the Big Tech firms move to block all news content in Australia. He further remarked that Facebooks decision to do so will only stiffen the resolve of lawmakers in other countries to double down on legislation against technology companies. Member of Parliament (MP) Julian Knight, who chairs the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the British Parliament, made the remarks Feb. 18. He told Reuters on that day: [This] bully boy action that [Facebook has] undertaken in Australia will, I think, ignite a desire to go further amongst legislators around the world. The Conservative MP continued: We represent people and Im sorry, but you cant run [a] bulldozer over that. If Facebook thinks itll do that, it will face the same long-term ire as the likes of Big Oil and [Big] Tobacco. Knight further described the decision by Facebook as an attempt to bully a democracy. The rift between Facebook and the Australian government stemmed from proposed legislation aimed at it and its fellow Big Tech firm Google. The Land Down Under is proposing that both Facebook and Google pay news outlets whose links drive traffic to their platforms, either through commercial deals or exclusive agreements. Because of this, the social media site said it blocked a number of pages in Australia as the draft law did not clearly define what news content was. Facebooks move shocked the country and established a dangerous precedent throughout the global news industry. It also exacerbated the predicament of the news industry, whose business model was flipped over by technology companies. Facebook added that its commitment to combat misinformation had not changed and it would restore pages mistakenly removed. British news outlets have echoed Knights remarks against the social media giant News outlets in the U.K. appeared to mirror the Conservative MPs comments against Facebook. Newsquest Media Group Chairman Henry Faure Walker said Facebooks banning of Australian pages amid the pandemic was a classic example of a monopoly power being the school yard bully. He continued that Facebook was trying to protect its dominant position with scant regard for the citizens and customers it supposedly serves. Walker also chairs the News Media Association, the trade group for U.K. news media. Other British news outlets voiced out their concerns regarding Facebooks move. A MailOnline spokesman said: So much for Facebooks commitment to free speech. We are astonished by this inflammatory move. The Guardian Media Group meanwhile said it was deeply concerned by the social media sites decision. Dominant online platforms are now a key gateway to news and information online. We believe that public interest journalism should be as widely available as possible in order to have a healthy functioning democracy, a spokesman for the media company said. Knight compared the innovation and disruption brought about by American technology companies to the invention of the printing press in Europe. However, he said that the legal issue between Australia and Facebook would be one of the defining battles of the current period calling it a real test case. The Conservative MP favored using competition rules to scrutinize Big Tech firms and force them to pay for content. Knights suggestion appears to be gaining ground in the U.K. as the government has commissioned reviews into digital competition and news media sustainability. Some of the countrys biggest media publishers have agreed to partner with Google and Facebook. But industry sources have commented that they are pushing for more government action, emboldened by the Australian government. The British legislators comments align with that of a Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), a lawmaker who has been vocally opposing Big Tech censorship. Back in October 2020, the legislator from the Lone Star State slammed Big Tech censorship as crossing a threshold thats never been crossed before. Cruzs comments followed the social media suppression of two stories ran by the New York Post about Hunter Bidens illicit deals in foreign countries. During an interview with conservative commentator Glenn Beck, he described the censorship as Silicon Valley oligarchs declaring the authority to determine what the press is allowed to report and whos allowed to see it. (Related: What the hell is going on? Sen. Graham and Cruz to subpoena Twitter, Facebook CEOs over New York Post censorship.) FacebookCollapse.com has more news about countries around the world standing up against Big Tech censorship. Sources include: News.Trust.org NYPost.com Breitbart.com A biochemist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Peter Twumasi has thrown more light on the coronavirus vaccine which arrived in Ghana on Wednesday. Ghana received 600,000 first consignment of the Covid-19 vaccines to combat the devastating disease in the country. Since the vaccines arrived in Ghana, there has been mixed reaction as some believes the vaccines will alter their DNA, hence wont take the vaccination. On his Facebook page, Prof Peter Twumasi has given more insight about the vaccines which reads, Hello Guests, the vaccine is made from one of the proteins of SARS CoV2 virus which causes the COVID-19 disease. This protein is Spike protein (S-protein) which forms the spikes on the virus shell. Gene code (nucleotides ) of this portion was expressed using recombinant DNA like all other vaccines Once injected, the body will perceive the protein as a full virus and start making antibodies which will help to fight real viruses of COVID-19 when a vaccinated person becomes infected with the Coronavirus Its efficacy is a little over 60% which means that 6 out of 10 people vaccinated by this COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access) vaccine will effectively produce antibodies for protection The vaccine protein is safe as it does not induce serious allergies or reactions in people. Mind you, the real virus does not produce antibodies as high as vaccines although people already infected has some amounts of the antibodies. REMEMBER only one of 10 persons infected by the virus will develop mild to serious illness even without a vaccine. This vaccine now in Ghana will help reduce illness to near zero percentage point. ****** Prof Peter Twumasi (Biocheinfected 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 Adams County Republican Committee censured U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey this weekend, citing his vote to convict former President Donald Trump during the second impeachment trial. The resolution was sent to Toomey on Saturday, according to the release, and the committee has not received a reply from the senator as of late Sunday night. Adams County is the latest central Pa. county to censure Toomey, following in York Countys footsteps. In the resolution sent to Toomey, the committee said the second impeachment trial, which was held after Trump left office, was unprecedented, constitutionally infirm and motivated by the same hyper-partisan interests that sought to impeach the President during the preceding four years. The committees censure called the trial a felonious proceeding which was endorsed by Toomey. Adams County Republican Committee of Pennsylvania condemns, in the strongest terms, the actions of United States Senator Patrick Joseph Toomey, Jr. for his failure to defend the Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees, the censure states. Trump was acquitted by a 57-43 Senate vote. Irans government has turned down a proposal for talks with the United States and the European Union over reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. Citing recent positions and actions of the US and three European countries, Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh on Sunday said his government deemed the time is not right for holding talks. Khatibzadeh pointed the finger at the Biden administrations continuation of economic sanctions on Iran that remain from the Trump administration, which Tehran has demanded the United States remove before engaging in talks. There has been no change in Americas positions and actions, he said in a statement. President Joe Bidens stated policy is that Iran must first return to its commitments under the 2015 deal before the United States rejoins the agreement. Tehrans stance is being interpreted by some Western officials as posturing for leverage. The Wall Street Journal first cited Western officials as saying the move appears aimed at ensuring that at least some sanctions relief results from the discussions. The EU last month invited the United States and Iranian representatives to sit down for face-to-face talks that would also include Russia and China. The United States quickly accepted the proposal. Irans government also responded privately to the EUs invitation, referencing a different approach put forth last month by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in which the EU would broker a piecemeal return to compliance with the deal between the United States and Iran, the Journal reported. That answer reportedly has Western diplomats confident that the setback is not a final blow to international aspirations to resuscitate the deal. Irans rejection of the proposal comes just after Biden authorized the first military strike of his presidency against a facility used by a Tehran-backed militia in eastern Syria, though there is no sign the two are related. The US strike comes in response to a string of rocket attacks targeting US and international coalition positions in Iraq. Iran denied having a role in the attacks in Iraq, but the US military has warned Tehran not to assume it has plausible deniability. Saudi Arabia too has come under a spate of aerial attacks in recent weeks from Yemens Houthi rebels, who have ties to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has dialed up the pressure ahead of talks by announcing new violations of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. The United Nations' nuclear energy watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is set to review a quarterly report summarizing Irans nuclear violations on Monday. Iran threatened to restrict on-site visits and turn off security cameras at inspection sites if the United States does not lift sanctions by late February. The IAEA came to an agreement with Tehran to avoid those restrictions, extending wider access for some three months. The Biden administration is hoping to return to the deal to limit Tehrans capacity to obtain a nuclear weapon, as the United States looks to focus on a greater strategic challenge on the horizon: the economic and military rise of China. The United States accuses Iran of supporting groups and activities that threaten to destabilize a fragile Middle East still torn apart by conflicts that followed the 2011 Arab Spring and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. The Trump administration unilaterally walked out of the 2015 nuclear deal, replacing US compliance with a regime of economic sanctions in an attempt to force Tehran to scale back its ballistic missile program and support for proxy militias in places like Syria, Iraq and to some extent Yemen. Iran has publicly refused to engage in discussion about its regional influence campaign or ballistic missiles in the proposed renewal of JCPOA talks. Biden administration officials have said they intend negotiations about those issues to follow progress on nuclear talks. In the face of recent sexual assault scandals and mounting political criticism, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) apologized if anything he said may have been misinterpreted as an unwelcome flirtation. But denied ever touching or proposing to someone in his office. NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo denied sexual harrassment allegations According to The Washington Post, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo changed his mind and said he would send the charges against him to the New York attorney general for investigation. Cuomo released a statement saying, "To be sure, I never sexually kissed anybody and I never wanted to make anybody feel awkward, but these are accusations that New Yorkers deserve answers to." After White House officials, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, a group of activist state legislators, and several members of Congress joined a growing group of progressives and Democratic lawmakers calling for an impartial investigation into allegations of sexual harassment raised against Cuomo by two former aides, the governor made his decision. Cuomo's calls for an independent investigation--first by a federal judge of his choice, then by a private prosecutor, were considered unacceptable by many. The governor's resignation has been requested by others, capping a chaotic week for Cuomo, who has been involved in multiple controversies. Cuomo's resignation was called for only one day after a second former aide, Charlotte Bennett, openly accused him of sexual harassment, telling the New York Times that he asked her inappropriate personal questions that she mistook for sexual advances. Another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, outlined sexual assault charges last week against Cuomo that spanned multiple years. Read also: McConnell Says He 'Absolutely' Would Support Trump If Party Picks Him as GOP Nominee in 2024 Cuomo agrees to the demand for a legal referral to investigate After his effort to name his attorney was roundly mocked, Cuomo was forced to pull back and recommend that Attorney General James and Chief Judge Janet DiFiore appoint an independent investigator. Meanwhile, the attorney general has been quiet, only recommending that Cuomo give her a legal referral so that her office can monitor the prosecution and, most notably, compel testimony. James said, "I do not support the governor's suggestion...The governor must make this referral so that an impartial investigation can be performed with subpoena power." If James conducts the investigation herself or names a special prosecutor from outside her office, sources told Kramer, she needs the authority to force people to cooperate. It is the power of a subpoena, as per CBS Local. The news emerged after Charlotte Bennett, 25, alleged that Cuomo harassed her when she was an executive assistant and health care aide at the governor's office. Cuomo's team has refuted claims made by Lindsey Boylan, a former aide, that he kissed her and asked her to play strip poker in 2017. Boylan is a runner for the mayor of Manhattan. Read also: Will a Fourth Stimulus Check Be Possible as the Third Nears Its Distribution To Eligible Americans? New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he's 'truly sorry' Faced with mounting criticism after two sexual harassment complaints in less than a week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo admitted on Sunday that some of his office comments "may have been offensive or too personal." He added he was "truly sorry" to those who "misinterpreted the remarks as an unwelcome flirtation." Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, has insisted that he never touched or propositioned someone sexually, rejecting a former aide's claim that he kissed her on the lips during a one-on-one briefing, as per CNN. Cuomo, who has held a firm hold on the workings of the state government over his ten years in office, indicated an understanding of the gravity of the scandal, which might jeopardize his position and hopes for reelection to a fourth term next year. The latest complaint attracted the attention of top state elected officials, leading White House press secretary Jen Psaki to ask for "an independent review of these allegations" on CNN's "State of the Union." Psaki defined them as "serious," adding that the second allegation had been "hard to read as a woman." Read also: Former President Trump Hints 2024 Run, Denies Creating a New Party @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New Delhi, March 1 : The Delhi government on Monday announced that it has suspended the subsidy given under its electric vehicle (EV) policy to Tata Nexon EV XZ+ vehicles. The delisting came after receiving complaints from an owner of the said model. According to the Delhi government, a complainant, who is the owner of a Tata Nexon EV XZ+ vehicle, said that his car did not perform as per the company claims. He had written in the complaint that while the company claimed that the car can travel a distance of 312 km on a single charge, his vehicle never provided a range more than 200 km. The complainant had bought the vehicle under the EV policy of the Delhi government. The Delhi government had also issued a showcause notice to Tata Motors and sought its reply in the matter. Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot tweeted, "The Delhi government has decided to suspend subsidy on an EV car model, pending final report of a committee, due to complaints by multiple users of sub-standard range performance. We are committed to support EVs, but not at the cost of trust & confidence of citizens in claims by manufacturers." "Given the aforesaid view, coupled with the need to avoid/prevent any further adverse fall out on the EV policy itself and its salient and fundamental objectives, as well as in the public interest, it is necessary/imperative to suspend the listing of the subject EV, i.e., Tata Nexon EV, as an eligible EV from the list of eligible models availing subsidy under the Delhi EV policy. The EV, Tata Nexon, will not be eligible for EV subsidy till the committee submits its report and decision is taken accordingly," the government order read. Tata Motors had also submitted its reply on the matter. However, the Delhi government found the reply to be non-satisfactory. Tata Motors insisted on the range of 312 km solely on the basis of a test result of ARAI. But the government said that the sole piece of evidence is not sufficient to displace the basis of the complaint. -- Syndicated from IANS School students were paid nearly $40million in compensation after being sexually assaulted over the past two decades, government figures have revealed. The data follows more than 2,000 young women sharing harrowing stories of sexual abuse at the hands of their first boyfriends or older schoolboys after a petition calling for better sex education in schools went viral. New South Wales Department of Education figures showed the state government paid $9.4million to 40 survivors in 2019 after time limits on reporting sexual assaults were lifted three years earlier. The total given to victims in 2019 is more than double the $4.4million paid in compensation in 2016 before the law was changed. Chanel Contos collected testimonials from thousands of former private school students who were allegedly raped and assaulted by their male peers. New figures have showed nearly $40million was paid in compensation to school students in New South Wales More than $30.6million has been paid to 131 survivors who were assaulted before 1989 Pictured: Ms Contos, who said she was forced to perform oral sex on a boy President of The Blue Knot Foundation Dr Cathy Kezelman said compensation helps 'acknowledge' crimes of childhood sexual abuse - while not making up for it Three-quarters of the compensation paid in the last 20 years was given to 131 survivors who were assaulted before 1989. Chanel Contos, 22, was a former student of Sydney's Kambala School who started the online petition after hearing stories of teenagers who weren't aware they had been abused until it was too late. Many anonymously revealed they lost their virginity to their rapists while they slept or were too drunk to consent. Childhood trauma charity The Blue Knot Foundation welcomed the payouts for recognising the trauma of students who had been sexually assaulted at school. 'Compensation does not make up for a childhood betrayed but it can be an acknowledgment of the crime committed,' the charity's president Dr Cathy Kezelman told The Daily Telegraph. Ms Contos said Kambala High School (pictured) gave her a 'great consent education but they gave it too late' Ms Contos said many school-aged boys often didn't even realise what they'd done constituted sexual assault A Department of Education spokesman told Daily Mail Australia it apologised 'sincerely and unreservedly to survivors of sexual abuse'. 'Since the 1990s systems to protect children in institutions have vastly improved and the nations focus on the protection of childrens rights throughout Australia has dramatically increased,' the spokesman said. The latest data conducted by La Trobe University in 2018 suggests 23 per cent of students in grades 10 to 12 (ages about 16 to 18) have had some form of unwanted sexual contact. Jacqueline Hendriks, who runs Curtin University's sexology curriculum, said young people need to be taught how to have 'really positive, enjoyable sexual relationships' in school. Ms Contos' petition went viral and has thousands of signatories - most of whom detailed their own shocking experiences of abuse 'At the moment, schools can get away with doing the bare minimum,' Dr Hendriks said. 'We need to keep up with the times... Ideally, we want to teach young people to have really positive, enjoyable sexual relationships.' Ms Contos said many school-aged boys often didn't even realise what they'd done was wrong, or considered sexual assault. Instead, they would brag to friends about their sexual conquests while the young girls were left often feeling ashamed or worried rumours would spread that painted them in a negative light. Neither party realised the potential legal ramifications of what had happened, because they often did not realise anything illegal had taken place. Ms Contos believes earlier education in schools and at home would be beneficial for both boys and girls How to introduce the concept of 'consent' at a developmental age Dr Hendriks says sex education is important at any age - as long as it is age appropriate. Children start learning about the human body during primary school, and by grades five and six, they should be entering early discussions about puberty, to align with changes happening to their own bodies. The next step, starting from early high school, is to begin discussing sex. But Dr Hendriks says it is never too early to learn the meaning of consent. KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR FOUR While students in this age group mightn't necessarily be using the word 'consent', they should be learning about the necessities of giving and gaining permission. A kindergartener might be taught that they must ask to use a toy if another student is already playing with it, or ask to borrow colouring in pencils. Similarly, students are taught they have the right to say no to these requests. If a child is enjoying playing with a certain toy, they do not have to grant permission to another child to use it simply because they asked nicely. As students get older in this age bracket, they are taught that it is okay to not want to hug or kiss a family member, that they can say no to certain requests among peers on the playground and that they have the autonomy to make their own choices. YEAR FIVE AND YEAR SIX The final stages of primary school are when students are generally given lessons on puberty, how our bodies change and a more thorough look at the differences in male and female anatomy. Students are more likely to ask questions about the human body and discussions around consent and choices become more practical. HIGH SCHOOL Dr Hendriks says high school students should be taught via a 'sex positive' education program which reminds them (at an age appropriate level) of all the benefits and 'positive' outcomes of sex. She said current curriculums tend to focus heavily on the negatives like sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy, while not touching on why so many people have sex in the first place. Students 'want to learn more about relationships, falling in and out of love and moving on' instead of focusing wholly on the repercussions of the activity itself. Schools must also ensure they are being inclusive in their sex education, which is something that 'can be improved across the board' she says. In particular, classroom discussions still tend to be heteronormative, which mightn't be as beneficial for every person in the classroom. Advertisement Ms Contos believes earlier education in schools and at home would be beneficial for both boys and girls. Consent itself should actually taught in an implicit way in classrooms from kindergarten right through to senior years, Dr Hendriks said. Children mightn't be taught the word itself, but they're told to ask permission to use another person's belongings, and taught that it is okay to say no to somebody - whether it be a family member or friend - if they'd like a hug or a kiss. As students get older and health lessons skew more to the 'birds and the bees', Dr Hendriks explained it's important to make these conversations more explicit. 'Students need to be taught it's not simply a case of ''yes'' or ''no''. People must be actively and enthusiastically engaging for consent to be given,' she said. 'It's not just stumbling forward and into something and hoping the person doesn't say no.' Chantel Contos' petition now has signatures from former and current school students across Australia Among the 2,000 first hand experiences detailed by young women in the petition, many had startling similarities. They detailed how boys their age - or a few years older - would pressure them into sex or force themselves on young girls who were blackout drunk at parties. RAPE AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN AUSTRALIA - There were 374 juvenile sexual assault cases reported in NSW in 2020. - Chanel Contos gathered thousands of rape and sexual assault testimonies from private schoolgirls. - About 38 per cent of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced sexual harassment. - 66 per cent of 14-year-old boys have been exposed to sexual material within the last 12 months. - 72 per cent of children between 14 and 17 have been exposed to porn in the past six months. - About one in five Australian women have experienced sexual violence. - Only 28 per cent, or 14,994 cases, of alleged rape victims come forward in NSW. - Only three per cent of rapes reported to NSW Police in 2018/19 ended in a conviction. - About 346 cases were withdrawn. Source: ABS and NSW Police Advertisement 'I woke up in an ex-Cranbrook boy's bed with him on top of me and his friend lying next to me as they both took turns having sex with me. I was drunk and have no recollection of how I got there,' one young woman revealed. 'One night after a party we were hooking up, I made it really clear I didn't want to have sex yet (never had before) and woke up to him a few hours later on top of me. I bled for a few days after that. When ever I'd see him at parties after that he'd have a big smile on his face, come up and say hi like nothing happened,' another said. Dr Hendriks said while there are no excuses for sexual assault, she does agree some of the young boys discussed in the petition mightn't have realised they had commit a crime. 'I understand how some young males could get confused. If they're not seeing active consent on their television screens, or being taught it at home or at school, they might just assume their partner is into it because she hasn't verbalised anything,' she said. 'But now, all people need to understand that societies expectation is active consent, and they must check in to ensure consent.' Dr Hendriks worried increased exposure to pornography could also be impacting behaviours and expectations. 'Pornography is a big issue. If they're not getting adequate information at school or at home, they're getting it from somewhere, and a lot of the time that's online. 'Studies show 80 to 90 per cent of pornography is really violent, aggressive, there is minimal communication let alone explicit consent. The safe sex practices like condoms aren't really prevalent and anal sex is quite popular. 'If that's what they're digesting online and that's what they think sex is, then they're more likely to try to be more aggressive or perform violent acts.' The flip side to that, Dr Hendriks said, are the young men who actively avoid 'asking the question' because they think they're entitled to sex or see it as a 'conquest'. Several schools prominently featured among the confessions - including $38-a-year Cranbrook School and The Scots College, have vowed to do better to teach their male students. If this story has raised issues for you, please contact 1800 Respect 1800 737 732, Lifeline 13 11 14, beyondblue 1300 224 636, Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 PACEMAKER BELFAST 01/03/2021 The scene on Downpatrick Street in rural Crossgar, County Down after a major road traffic accident occurred shortly after 4.30am this morning. .Credit Conor Kinahan/Pacemaker Press Several cars and shop fronts have been damaged, after a car collided with a number of parked vehicles in Crossgar on Monday. The incident happened just after 4:45am on Downpatrick Street in the village. Two men were taken to hospital for their injuries. Reacting to the crash, local councillor Cathy Mason said the incident caused significant damage to a local business. Councillor Mason said: "The local community have been left shocked by what happened. Its a miracle that neither the occupants of the vehicle, nor local residents were killed following in this reckless incident. There is absolutely no place for this type of behaviour in our society; and those responsible must now face the full rigour of the law. Police have advised that the road is expected to remain closed for some time, with local diversions being in place. The PSNI advise anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information or dashcam footage to contact police on 101, quoting reference 171 of 1/3/21. A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. COVID-19 deaths in the United States now number over 500,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. While this devastating milestone reinforces reason for concern and the need for vaccination, there is some good news. The weekly average of hospitalizations and deaths is declining throughout the nation and in Michigan. Additionally, vaccine manufacturers must now include research regarding effectiveness against new variants in their reporting and information about vaccination side effects has been updated. Overall COVID-19 cases decline, despite large death total In mid-February, it was reported that the average number of new COVID cases among all states had decreased for five weeks in a row, representing a 68.9% decline in new cases. Despite the smaller number of new cases, a spike was reported Feb. 17 that included more cases than had been reported during the first weeks of the pandemic. However, the overall trend is still considered good news that could be attributed to several factors, including continued health safety practices and more vaccinations. The total number of cases in Michigan is now approximately 584,000, including over 15,400 deaths. Michigan has also experienced a decline in total new COVID-19 cases. A total of 8,344 new cases was reported on Nov. 30, 2020. That number decreased to 1,066 by Feb. 23, 2021. Vaccine manufacturers to include new variants in research The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new guidelines requiring that vaccine manufacturers, including those whose vaccines have been approved for emergency use, must address the currently known COVID-19 variants and potential variants. The impact or potential impact of variants must also be included in information submitted with diagnostic and therapeutic products. As new variant cases emerge in the United States, the goal of the guidelines is to anticipate the effectiveness of new vaccines submitted for approval on the variants. FDA also is allowing for modification to current products to include the new variants as research becomes available. Just as expanded knowledge of variants of other infectious diseases, including flu and HIV, improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention, adding new research will help in managing and preventing COVID-19. More being learned about vaccine side effects As more people receive COVID-19 vaccines, various reports are emerging about side effects. CDC has revised its information about what to expect after a shot is administered. Common side effects may occur near the site of the shot in the arm and in other parts of the body. Near the point of vaccination on the arm, pain or swelling may occur. Beyond the arm, fever, headache, chills and fatigue have also been reported. To relieve these symptoms, CDC recommends consulting with a physician who may recommend over-the-counter medications. Unless a previous reason exists for an individual not to take them, they may include ibuprofen, aspirin or antihistamines. They should not be taken before the vaccine is administered as a preventative measure. For pain at the site of the shot, exercising the arm is thought to be effective, as is applying a wet, clean, cool washcloth. To reduce fever, drinking plenty of fluids is recommended. If redness or tenderness persists after a 24-hour period, a physician should be notified. A doctor should also be advised of other side effects continue for several days. For the available Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, two shots are required for them to be effective. The second dose should be administered as close to the recommended date as possible. The second shot should be taken, even if mild side effects were experienced after the first one. It is also important to remember that because the vaccine needs to be in the body for a time before it is effective, health safety practices should still be followed during the weeks after vaccination. Food not considered a COVID-19 carrier Concern has been expressed among the public about the possibility of o food and its packaging being sources of virus transmission. In response, FDA has issued a statement declaring that food and food packaging are very unlikely to spread COVID-19. FDA specifically stated that food people eat, and its packaging, are not effective ways to spread the coronavirus. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness most commonly spread through person-to-person contact. To learn more about a variety of health conditions, management and treatment, log on to vascularhealthclinics.org. Do you have questions about your heart health? Ask Dr. Haqqani. If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Please submit your questions to Dr. Haqqani by e-mail at questions@vascularhealthclinics.org . Omar P. Haqqani is the Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland. Craving a taste of Italy? You can travel virtually and live vicariously by watching Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, a mouthwatering six-part sampler of the countrys regional specialties. Episode 3 of the first season airs tonight, February 28, at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET on CNN. Dont have cable? You can still watch Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy LIVE for FREE on Sling. (3-day free trial) or Hulu + Live TV (free trial). In the CNN Original Series, Oscar nominee Tucci explores the countrys regional cuisines from spaghetti carbonara in Rome to pizza in Naples and their vital role in its history and culture. On the menu this week: pasta bolognese and other specialties of Bologna, often dubbed the food capital of Italy. During a time when everyone wishes they could travel, the series will transport you through Italys cultural past and present through its extraordinary cuisine, said Tucci in a statement. The food tells the story of this countrys unique history, and Im thrilled to serve as a guide through this journey. The series is already a hit with viewers and has been renewed for Season 2. Last weeks Rome episode was the most-watched program in cable news for the day, according to CNN. Heres what you need to know in order to watch tonights episode of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy and the rest of the inaugural season: What: Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, Season 1 When: Sunday, February 28 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET (New episodes air every Sunday at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET) TV Channel: CNN Watch the show live online: If you dont have cable, you can watch the show LIVE for free with Sling (3-day free trial). If you have run out of Sling free trials, you can also watch it on Hulu + Live TV (free trial), if you prefer that platform and their pricing plans. You can find out more about which channel VH1 is on by using the channel finders here: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish. Tim Brown, The Oregonian/OregonLive | @timfsbrown Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. More from around the web and on how to watch the latest live sports on TV: [March 01, 2021] INVESTIGATION ALERT: The Schall Law Firm Announces it is Investigating Claims Against Ormat Technologies, 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 Ormat Technologies, Inc. ("Ormat" or "the Company") (NYSE: ORA) 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. Ormat is the subject of a report published by Hindenburg Research on March 1, 2021, titled, "Ormat: Dirty Dealings in 'Clean' Energy." According to the report, the Company "has engaged in what we believe to e widespread and systematic acts of intentional corruption." Hindenburg adds that it "expect[s] the blowback to these revelations to be severe, threatening Ormat's contracts in its most lucrative markets." The report alleges that Hindenburg "uncovered evidence tying Ormat to corruption with senior government officials," and states that there is "direct evidence tying Ormat to corruption with senior Guatemalan government officials" and that "Ormat paid contractors in Kenya tied to corrupt government officials." 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/20210301005844/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 01, 2021] Snowden Lane Partners Welcomes Wells Fargo International Team in Miami Snowden Lane Partners, an independent, advisor-owned, wealth advisory firm dedicated to providing client-focused advice in a values-driven culture, today announced that former Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director, Armando A. Urena, has joined the firm to expand Snowden Lane's international wealth advisory business, a key focus area for the industry-leading and award-winning independent firm. Based in Snowden Lane's Coral Gables office, Urena will form The Urena Wealth Management Group, as a Senior Partner and Managing Director. He will be joined by Vice President and Financial Advisor, Huston A. Lorenzo, who joins from Axio Financial, and Investment and Planning Analyst, Johanna Haza, and Senior Operations Associate, Omar J. Macias, both of whom join from Wells Fargo. "Having built relationships with clients and their families over a twenty-year career, I felt the need to be in a place where I can provide services and advice on a myriad of financial matters, not just those that were the focus of my previous firm," said Urena. "Snowden Lane has a reputation of being an accommodative firm that provides opportunity for advisors with a domestic and international client roster. I'm privileged to now be a part of such a successful and forward-looking team." "The Urena Wealth Management Group's success is built on a foundation of trust and clear communication," said Richard Ganter, Managing Director of the Southeast for Snowden Lane. "In my 25 plus years of experience, I can say Armando is the consummate professional, centered around a fundamental belief that clients always come first. As a highly successful advisor he has earned impressive designations year after year such as Premier Advisor and Forbes Best in State in 2018, 2019 and 2020. He was an active member of Wells Fargo's National Diversity Council and a member of Wells Fargo Advisor's International Private Client Services Advisory Council. As a highly decorated advisor, he built lasting client reltionships with families in the U.S. and Latin America and his team's client assets of $360 million reflect a blend of both." Ganter added, "Armando has remarkable credentials, and the personal touch and rapport he establishes with his clients makes him an asset to any team. As we continue our growth trajectory in South Florida, talent like his will continue to differentiate Snowden Lane and keep our name at the center of any industry conversation about international capabilities." Urena began his financial services career at Lehman Brothers' (News - Alert) Private Investment Management Division serving international high-net-worth and institutional clients. In 2006, he moved to Wells Fargo where he received the Premier Advisor designation for his exceptional client service. Prior to entering the financial services industry, Armando served as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department working in several embassies. He also spent three years with the U.S. Army. "Snowden Lane has its origins in international wealth advisory," said Snowden Lane President and COO, Greg Franks. "We have highly customized international capabilities and, for the right financial advisors, can be a wonderful home. We're a national brand, committed to international clients, and we welcome discussion with high quality advisors looking for the right fit for their business." Added Snowden Lane CEO Rob Mooney: "Growing our international business certainly signifies strength, and our strategy has always been to grow consistent with our core mission and values. Armando's team joining aligns perfectly with that strategy and we're excited at what this represents for us not just this year, but for many years to come." Since its founding in 2011, Snowden Lane has rapidly built a national brand, attracting top industry talent from Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, UBS, JP Morgan, Raymond James, and Wells Fargo, among others. The firm has 12 offices around the country: Pasadena and San Diego, CA (News - Alert) ; New Haven, CT; Coral Gables, FL; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; Baltimore, Salisbury and Bethesda, MD; San Antonio, TX; Buffalo, NY, as well as its New York City headquarters. The Financial Times (News - Alert) named Snowden Lane to its elite FT 300 list in 2012 for the sixth-straight year, recognizing it as one of the top independent RIA firms in the U.S. Many of the firm's advisors have been recognized as FT 401 Top Retirement advisors, and a number by Forbes/Shook as Forbes Best-In-State Wealth advisors. About Snowden Lane Partners Snowden Lane is a nationally branded, open-architecture, hybrid registered investment advisor and broker-dealer that provides wealth advisory services to high net worth individuals, families, and institutional clients. Snowden Lane is led by an experienced team of industry executives, including Lyle LaMothe, Chairman of the Board of Managers, Rob Mooney, Managing Partner & CEO, and Greg Franks, Managing Partner, President & COO, who are dedicated to building a client-focused, nationally branded, boutique wealth advisory partnership. Snowden Lane is headquartered in New York City and operates an SEC (News - Alert) registered investment adviser and a broker-dealer. Snowden Lane provides a multi-custodian, multi-currency platform, with aggregated performance reporting and leading analytical tools for clients and advisors. It further provides full operational, finance, compliance, human resources, and financial advisor transition support to its financial advisors. For more information about Snowden Lane, please visit www.snowdenlane.com. References to "Snowden Lane" and "Snowden Lane Partners" are references to Snowden Capital Advisors LLC, an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and its affiliated entities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005781/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Malcolm Turnbull has said a cabinet minister accused of rape should out himself like Kerry Packer once did and then stand down until his name is cleared. The former prime minister said it was 'just not tenable' for the minister to remain anonymous in cabinet after he was accused of raping a woman at a Sydney event in 1988. Mr Turnbull was Mr Packer's lawyer in 1984 when the media mogul was wrongly accused of being involved in drug trafficking and tax evasion as part of the Costigan royal commission into organised crime in New South Wales. Mr Turnbull was Mr Packer's lawyer in 1984 when the media mogul was wrongly accused of being involved in drug trafficking. Pictured: Kerry Packer with son James in 2005 The report only referred to a businessman dubbed 'Goanna' but Mr Packer outed himself and denied the allegations which were later found to be baseless. 'They have to do what Packer did. This minister has to have the courage Kerry Packer did to out himself and provide a comprehensive response,' Mr Turnbull told ABC Radio National on Tuesday. The former prime minister warned the allegation would hang over everything the government does and urged the minister to stand aside. 'Until such time as the minister is able to present a comprehensive and compelling exculpation of himself, it is impossible for him to function in that cabinet,' Mr Turnbull said. 'I mean, are we seriously going to have a question time where the opposition asks every single minister whether they are the person named in the complaint? Ask the Prime Minister who the minister is? And you're just going to get one stonewalling response after another. It's just not tenable.' Mr Turnbull warned the allegation would hang over everything the government does and urged the minister to stand aside The allegation against the minister became public last week after Scott Morrison received a letter from a mystery sender which included a statement the alleged victim, who last year took her own life, had prepared for her lawyers in 2019. Mr Turnbull said he also received the 'harrowing' account when the woman sent it to him that year. He told the woman she was doing the right thing by contacting police and she officially reported her allegation to New South Wales officers in February 2020. Police were due to travel to her home in Adelaide the following month to take her statement but their trip was postponed due to Covid-19. In June the woman withdrew her allegation and died by suicide the next day, causing the investigation to be suspended. According to Four Corners which first reported the allegation on Friday, the woman had bipolar disorder and had attended a psychiatric hospital in Melbourne in the months before her death aged 49. Friends say she was 'beautiful and clever' but 'consumed with trauma'. Mr Morrison said he did not read the letter but forwarded it to Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw (pictured) The anonymous sender said they were inspired to write the letter (pictured) after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins went public with an allegation she was raped by another staffer As well as leaving her prepared statement, the woman made a 45-minute recording in which she talked about her allegations, according to the Herald Sun. In a letter to a friend she wrote: 'I guess I just worry that a trial has the potential to be an emotional bloodbath, particularly for me and anyone who appears as a witness in the case.' The woman had told several family and friends about her allegation. It was presumably one of them who sent the letter to Mr Morrison, Liberal MP Celia Hammond and two South Australian senators, demanding an investigation. The rape allegation: A timeline 1988: Rape allegedly happens at event in Sydney when woman is 16 Late 2019: Woman engages lawyers and prepares a statement February 2020: Woman reports allegations to NSW Police March 2020: Police postpone trip to visit her due to Covid-19 June 2020: Woman dies by suicide February 24, 2021: Anonymous letter is sent to PM detailing allegations March 1, 2021: PM says minister completely rejects the allegations Advertisement The anonymous sender said they were inspired to write the letter after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins went public with an allegation she was raped by another staffer in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' parliament office in 2019. Ms Higgins' allegations dominated the past two sitting weeks of parliament as ministers were repeatedly grilled over who knew about her claims and when. The sender demanded an inquiry into the 1988 allegation, writing: 'There will be considerable damage to community perceptions of justice... and the parliament when this story becomes public if it is simultaneously revealed that senior people (like yourselves) were aware of the accusation but had done nothing.' The identity of the cabinet minister is known among the media and politicians but cannot be disclosed for legal reasons. The ministerial code of conduct requires a minister to stand aside if charged with a crime - but he won't face court because under NSW law a rape charge can only be laid if there is a living complainant. Mr Morrison said he spoke to the minister on Wednesday evening and he 'vigorously rejected the allegations.' He said he did not read the letter but had been briefed on the contents of the allegations. Asked if he would set up an inquiry, he said: 'I'm not the police force. I have given it to the police to investigate.' Mr Morrison said AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw had not advised him to take any action. He refused to sack the minister, saying: 'We can't have a situation where the mere making of an allegation and that being publicised through the media is grounds for, you know, governments to stand people down simply on the basis of that. I mean, we have a rule of law in this country.' Mr Morrison said the first he substantially heard of the allegation was last week. Before that he had only heard rumours of a journalist making inquiries, he said. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Labor Senator Penny Wong received the unsigned letter and both released statements saying they had contacted the AFP. Senator Hanson-Young said the information she had received regarded a 'disturbing and a very serious allegation of a criminal nature against a senior member of the government'. The Australian Federal Police on Saturday issued a statement saying it would liaise with the relevant state authorities. 'Further enquiries can be directed to the New South Wales Police Force,' it said. 'The AFP will not be making further comment.' Ms Higgins (pictured) alleged she was raped in Parliament House after a boozy night out NSW Police said in a statement on Friday night that a report of alleged historic sexual violence was received in February 2020 and detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Wyndarra. 'After strike force investigators were advised that the body of a 49-year-old woman was located at a home at Adelaide by South Australia Police (SAPOL) on Wednesday 24 June 2020, the investigation was suspended,' the statement said. 'NSW Police understand that reporting sexual assault can be distressing and traumatic for victims and it is always the choice of an individual whether to proceed with an investigation or not.' According to a press release published by Department of Defence on February 26, 2021,the U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats USCGC Adak (WPB 1333) and USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Greek guided-missile frigate HS Hydra (F452) in the Persian Gulf. According to a press release published by Department of Defence on February 26, 2021,the U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats USCGC Adak (WPB 1333) and USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Greek guided-missile frigate HS Hydra (F452) in the Persian Gulf. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Hydra F-452 Hydra-class frigate at Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi (Picture source: Defence Redefined) The exercise included advanced maneuvers and communication drills flexing the crews abilities to operate together in a dynamic environment, and test and refine combined command and control processes. Greece is a vital NATO ally, showing a commitment to regional peace and stability. Greece, the host of U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, is an enabler for U.S., Allied, and partner nation forces to operate and transit in and across critical sea lanes. Exercises like this serve as a demonstration of the U.S. Navys continued commitment to strengthening coalition partnerships in the region. Adak and Maui are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. The HS Hydra recently represented Greece at NAVEX 21 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The U.S. 5th Fleet AOO encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. The Greek Frigate Hydra (F-450) is the lead ship of the Greek Hydra frigate class and the flagship of the Hellenic Navy. The ship was built in the same shipyard as the Blohm + Voss MEKO 200 frigate class, on which its design was based. The ship was delivered to the Hellenic Navy on 15 October 1992 and first sailed in Greek waters on 28 January 1993. The HS Hydra has a crew of 173 people including 22 officers and 151 sailors. It can sail at a maximum speed of 31 knots (57 km/h) with a maximum range of 4,100 nmi. (7,600 km). Main armament includes one naval artillery gun Mk 45 Mod 2A, two Mk15 Phalanx 20 mm cannon CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), 48 Mk141 Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers, Mk 48 Mod 2 vertical launcher for 16 RIM-162 ESSM to protect ships from attacking missiles and aircraft, and 2 Mk32 Mod 5 2 324 mm (13 in) torpedo tubes for Mk46 torpedoes. The vaccine will now be checked by authorities, probably offered after two weeks. A batch of the Russian vaccines Sputnik V has arrived in Slovakia. Our paywall policy: The Slovak Spectator has decided to make all the articles on the special measures, statistics and basic information about the coronavirus available to everyone. If you appreciate our work and would like to support good journalism, please buy our subscription. We believe this is an issue where accurate and fact-based information is important for people to cope. The vaccine was brought onboard the military plane Spartan, which took off to Moscow on the night of February 28, landing back in Kosice a day later. The first to break the news was the Dennik N daily. Id like to thank Russia for its correct approach, PM Igor Matovic (OLaNO) told the press. I believe that by meeting the deadlines and promised supplies, Russia will prove that its a stable partner we can rely on in these hard times. The vaccine will now be transported to the stores of the Imuna Pharm company in Sarisske Michalany (Presov Region) and subsequently checked by the State Institute for Drug Control (SUKL). It will probably be put to use in mid-March, Health Minister Marek Krajci (OLaNO) said. Vaccination voluntary Related article Sputnik vaccine orbits Slovak politics Read more Slovakia received the first batch of 200,000 vaccines, and will receive another 800,000 doses in March and April. Another 1 million vaccines are set to arrive in May and June. The vaccine has not been registered by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), but can still be used in Slovakia as an unregistered medicine based on an exemption from the health minister. Both Krajci and Matovic hope the vaccine will speed up vaccinations in the country. The Sputnik V vaccination will be voluntary. Matovic said that the vaccine also had good results with higher age groups, meaning that there will not be the same limitation as for the AstraZeneca vaccines, now officially recommended only to people younger than 55 years. Related article Related article Deputy minister: I hope Sputnik producers reconsider their incomprehensible attitude Read more Read more about coronavirus in Slovakia: 1. Mar 2021 at 18:34 | Compiled by Spectator staff Dutch Qualitys catalogue of stone veneer products includes seven profiles characterized by unique shapes, rugged textures and rustic, natural colors. Shown: Tuscan Ridge in Elkwood. Dutch Quality has been a pillar for Borals Stone Division throughout the Midwest, and we are thrilled to elevate the brand onto the national stage. Dutch Quality Stone, manufacturer of easy-to-install stone veneer products, has announced a brand refresh with a new logo design and color palette to accompany a new website that is positioned to cater to a national audience of specifiers and consumers. Dutch Quality Stone, a member of the Boral North America family of brands, offers a catalogue of traditionally crafted products that exhibit all the unique qualities of nature for application in a range of residential and commercial settings. Dutch Quality Stone products are defined by pride and dedication, with a distinctive craftsmanship that we are excited to showcase in a new way, said Sarah Lograsso, Director of Marketing for Dutch Quality Stone. Visitors to the website will enjoy a refreshed layout enabling users to draw inspiration from our image galleries and learn about our products. In the near future, we also plan to curate a collection of blog articles for builders, designers and end users. Dutch Quality has been a pillar for Borals Stone Division throughout the Midwest, and we are thrilled to elevate the brand onto the national stage. TWEET THIS: A new website, logo and brand colors are all part of the brand refresh from stone veneer manufacturer @DutchQuality_. The new website features a modern interface, enhanced product portal and an Inspiration Gallery of interior + exterior spaces. http://bit.ly/DutchQuality Dutch Quality Stone Featured Profiles Created by a tight-knit group of local artisans based in Ohios Amish country, Dutch Quality Stone combines traditional craftsmanship with modern processes to provide dependable, easy-to-install options for homes and commercial properties. The catalogue of stone veneer products includes seven profiles characterized by unique shapes, rugged textures and rustic, natural colors. A wide selection of styles, colors and sizes provides ample selection to fit any design vision, budget and time frame. The two Weathered Plank profiles capture the grain and character of natural wood to recreate the appearance of reclaimed barn wood. Tuscany Veneer is a smooth, monochromatic stone veneer that channels the appearance of natural, quarry-cut stone. Its large shapes allow for fast installation, making it a particularly smart choice for commercial projects. New Website Provides Seamless User Experience Visitors to the new Dutch Quality Stone website are met with a modern, upgraded homepage and can easily navigate throughout the site pages. The homepage is highlighted by featured gallery images that scroll horizontally on an endless loop. An enhanced product portal outlines the key features of each profile and color palette, including design characteristics and dimensions. Each page also features a button that offers users the opportunity to search for a local dealer with just one click. Users can scroll through an Inspiration Gallery to view large, beautiful images of interior and exterior residential and commercial spaces featuring Dutch Quality Stone profiles and color palettes. Over the next several months, the website will launch a new blog section with articles on topics such as incorporating stone into interior and exterior design, caring for stone veneer and the specification process. Dutch Quality Stone Refreshes Logo and Brand Colors Alongside the new website, Dutch Quality Stone reveals a new brand identity, including primary and secondary logos, creative fonts for all marketing materials and new brand colors, DQS blue and DQS stone. To learn more about Dutch Quality Stone and its catalogue of products, visit the newly redesigned DutchQualityStone.com. About Dutch Quality Stone Created by a tight-knit group of local artisans in Ohio, Dutch Quality Stone manufactures stone veneer products that exemplify the hard work, tempered skills and straightforward solutions that have formed the brands identity since its humble beginnings. Dutch Quality Stone products exhibit all the unique qualities of nature for application in a range of residential and commercial settings. Pride goes in. Proud comes out. For more information, visit DutchQualityStone.com. The lawyer for El Chapos wife has claimed that the US government leaking rumours about her cooperation with authorities is designed to get her family murdered. Emma Coronel Aispuro, 31, is being held in a Washington DC prison after being arrested at Dulles Airport and charged with helping her drug lord husband run his multi-billion dollar empire. Her attorney Jeffrey Lichtman claimed that rumours she is prepared to turn on the Sinaloa cartel is designed to kill her family. And he told WABC that the planting of the story is absolutely the most despicable thing, probably the worst prosecutorial governmental misconduct Ive ever experienced in 30 years. And Ive been involved with fabrication of evidence, destroying evidence, lying to judges, lying to juries by the feds, but to actually put this out there is an attempt to murder her and her family, he added. Lets be clear about this. Shes got two 9-year-old girls that are exposed, obviously, and to put this out there so flippantly is designed to kill them. Ms Aispuro, who has dual US and Mexican citizenship, and Joaquin El Chapo Guzman have twin girls together, Emali Guadalupe and Maria Joaquina. Law enforcement sources told the New York Post on Sunday that Ms Aispuro was definitely cooperating and was a candidate for witness protection. But Mr Lichtman strongly denied that was the case. If there was cooperation that was going on or was about to go on, its been destroyed, he said. So youve got federal agents that dont care about the fact that theyve sworn to uphold the law, have violated it and have destroyed any ability to exploit any cooperation by her, he said. Ms Aispuro refused to cooperate with authorities when her husband stood trial in New York in 2019. The Mexican cartel boss was subsequently sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. Working conditions for the foreign in deteriorated in 2020 with Beijing expelling 18 correspondents, the largest since the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of (FCCC) said on Monday. The FCCC, which periodically puts out reports on the state of conditions faced by the foreign media in China, said the Chinese authorities "track, trace, expel" restricting the reportage on the COVID-19 pandemic. "Chinese authorities dramatically stepped up efforts in 2020 to frustrate the work of foreign correspondents. All arms of state power including surveillance systems introduced to curb coronavirus were used to harass and intimidate journalists, their Chinese colleagues, and those whom the foreign press sought to interview," the report said. "For the third consecutive year, not a single correspondent said working conditions improved, in response to an annual survey conducted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China, it said. "Foreign correspondents were targeted in alleged national security investigations and told they could not leave the country. cancelled press credentials and refused to renew visas, resulting in the largest expulsion of foreign since the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square massacre more than three decades ago," it said. In the first half of 2020, China expelled at least 18 foreign from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post, it said. Asked for his reaction to the FCCC report, Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing here that "we have never acknowledged this organisation you mentioned." "The so-called report' is based on preconceptions rather than facts in an attempt to sensationalise and scare. I'd like to stress that China is a country governed by law. Anyone in China must abide by Chinese laws," he said. "We welcome media and journalists from different countries working in China in accordance with laws and regulations, and will continue to provide them with convenience and assistance. That being said, we reject ideological bias against China, fake news fabricated in the name of freedom of the press, and acts that violate professional ethics of journalism," he said. On the coverage of the coronavirus, which first emerged in Wuhan in December 2019, the FCCC report said the media outlets were obstructed to uncover the pandemic. "As China's propaganda machine struggled to regain control of the narrative around this public health disaster, foreign press outlets were repeatedly obstructed in their attempts to cover the pandemic," the report said. "China has used the pandemic as yet another way to control journalists. New surveillance systems and strict controls on movement implemented for public health reasons have been used to limit foreign journalists," it said. The report said that China deployed "a new tactic in its longstanding practice of weaponising visas". "Since September 2020, Chinese authorities have refused to issue new press cards to correspondents accredited with US news organisations. Instead, journalists have been handed letters and granted residence permits of two to three months at a time. Those left in this limbo without formal press credentials include journalists from Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the US, it said. "China is gearing up to host the Winter Olympic Games in February 2022, a time when journalists, athletes and spectators from all over the world are expected to gather in Beijing," it said. "The FCCC is extremely disappointed to note this rapid decline in media freedom in China, and more broadly, freedom of speech, in direct contrast to longstanding Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship, it 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.) 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. The mother of a teenage girl caught on camera throwing punches in a violent schoolyard scrap has defended her daughter's actions. 'We don't condone fighting at all, but my daughter had every right to defend herself,' the mother of a 14-year-old girl involved in the ugly fight said. Shocking mobile phone footage emerged of the brawl at Taminmin College in Humpty Doo, about 30km south of Darwin, on February 12. The video shows two teenage girls grappling each other before falling to the hot concrete ground. They then roll around punching and kicking each other as other students rush in to drag them apart. The footage ends with the girls physically separated. Fellow students could be heard screaming 'f**king smash her' in the audio, which has been redacted. Last Friday, a 13-year-old boy was hospitalised after another fight at the troubled school that had a series of brawls in February. The boy was pulled to the ground by his hair and punched in the face several times by a senior student until he lost consciousness. Two girls could be seen in the shocking video, rolling around punching and kicking each other These two teenaged girls got into a vicious fight and fell to the hot concrete during the scrap The senior student has been suspended, and Taminmin College posted a warning notice on its Facebook page. 'There was an incident at our school today involving some of our students,' the message said. 'We are working with the parents of each of the students involved and assisting where appropriate. 'Violence and bullying of any kind is not condoned in our school and we take matters like these very seriously.' Taminmin College, which teaches Years 7 to 12, has a school-based police officer - but the officer was absent during the attack. The mother of a girl who witnessed the disturbing incident told the NT News that the senior student used a one-liter water bottle to hit the younger boy. 'It scared the crap out of me and honestly makes you think twice about wanting to send your kids to school,' she said. 'There are fights every week.' The mother of the injured boy said the senior apologised and that she was satisfied with the way the school handled the incident. Taminmin offers a VET program and an agriculture facility where students learn aquaculture and horticulture. Worried parents have complained about the fights at school in February Taminmin College issued this statement after a 13-year-old boy was hospitalised after being beaten unconscious by a senior last Friday. The older boy has now been suspended The violent melee shocked parents at the remote Top End school High temperatures and humidity associated with the winding down of the Top End's Wet Season may also be influencing student behaviour. In 2018, Dr Mary Morris, a senior psychology lecturer at Charles Darwin University conducted research linking the tropical heat with a spike in physical aggression. The phenomenon is called 'going troppo' or 'mango madness'. 'Whether it's a collection of symptoms, whether it's a syndrome, how it manifests in different people depends on a whole lot of things. There's no question that people can feel it,' Dr Morris told the ABC. 'They feel different moods, and they feel different levels of depression, anxiety, stress; things like that,' Dr Morris said. Taminmin College, which offers students both academic, VET training and agricultural science pathways, had 1,067 students enrolled as of 2018, with a capacity to increase to a maximum of 1,496 students. The high school's website says it is now under an enrolment management plan, which is required when school enrolments near 85 per cent of capacity. The joint-most expensive tournament of the 2021 GGPoker Super MILLION$ Week festival has reached the final table. In Event #6 Super High Roller with a price tag of $25,500, a field of 114 entries emerged to surpass the $2.5 million guarantee. Only the top 15 finishers received a portion of the $2.85 million prize pool and once the bubble burst, it didn't take long to set up the nine-handed final table. American High Roller regular Seth Davies topped the leaderboard with a stack of 2,233,202, closely followed by Matthias Eibinger with 2,146,502. The next duo is also close in chips as Arsenii Malinov (1,874,837) and Aleksejs Ponakovs (1,739,135) are separated by just four big blinds. Joao Vieira turned a max late entry into a stack of 1,294,484 while Jason Koon required a third entry to advance with a stack of 916,566. David Coleman (554,716), German player "REPTAR" (428,118), and Daniel Dvoress (212,440) completed the final table line-up. Final Table Super MILLION$ Week Event #6 $25,500 Super High Roller Position Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Seth Davies United States 2,233,202 74 2 Matthias Eibinger Austria 2,146,502 72 3 Arsenii Malinov Russia 1,874,837 62 4 Aleksejs Ponakovs Latvia 1,739,135 58 5 Joao Vieira Portugal 1,294,484 43 6 Jason Koon United States 916,566 31 7 David Coleman United States 554,716 18 8 "REPTAR" Germany 428,118 14 9 Daniel Dvoress Canada 212,440 7 Among those who cashed but failed to make it to the final table were Chi Zhang, David Yan, Viacheslav Buldygin, Bruno Volkmann, Sami Kelopuro, and Jargo "bungakat" Alavali. Mike Watson ended up as the bubble boy and was one of many well-known top pros in the poker scene to make an appearance during the high stakes showdown. The blinds for the final table will be rolled back to ensure an average of at least 40 big blinds and the action of the final table will be streamed on Tuesday, March 2, on the GGPoker Twitch channel. The Action of the Day Fedor Holz Poker Stream on Twitch More than 30 players were registered when the cards went in the air and among them was also GGPoker ambassador Fedor Holz. The "retired poker pro" was streaming his Super Sunday action including the $25,500 Super High Roller and enjoyed a decent start into the tournament, quickly becoming one of the early big stacks. However, Holz ran out of steam after the registration closed and sent his stack over to Arsenii Malinov when he jammed ace-queen into pocket aces. Another player to dominate the action at the tables was Michael Addamo. The Aussie quickly doubled after entering during the late registration and stormed to the top of the leaderboard by quite some margin. That all changed when he was caught bluffing in a big pot by Seth Davies. Addamo then sent the remainder of his chips over to Aleksejs Ponakovs. In the final hour of late registration, the chips went flying and the all-in showdowns continued every other minute for an extended period. The very same thing happened after the registration closed, as most late entrants vanished in quick succession. It didn't take long to reach the final three tables and that's when everything finally slowed down. Justin Bonomo sent his chips over to Davies and Guillaume Nolet jammed into aces to miss out on the money as well. The departures of Kyle Menard and Mike Watson made it three Canadians in a row with Watson ending up as the bubble boy after a tense hand-for-hand period. Once the min-cash was secured, one short stack after the other faltered. Matthias Eibinger soared to a big stack thanks to a spectacular double elimination and it was all over for the night a few minutes later. Late surge propels Matthias Eibinger into second place for the final table Stay tuned for the conclusion of this event on March 2, as the PokerNews live reporting team will be back then to provide the action from start to finish. CANBERRA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese investment in Australia plunged by more than 61 percent in 2020, according to new data released by the Australian National University (ANU) on Sunday night. Figures from the Chinese Investment in Australia Database (CHIIA) showed that the drop followed a 47 percent fall in 2019, and is the lowest over the past six years. "It reflects the effects of COVID but also more scrutiny of foreign investment by the Australian government, particularly that from China," said Shiro Armstrong, Director of the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research where CHIIA is based. In 2020, CHIIA recorded just over 1 billion Australian dollars (about 770 million U.S. dollars) of investment, down from 2.6 billion in the previous year, and 16.5 billion in 2016 when the investment peaked. A total of 20 Chinese investments were recorded, compared with 111 in 2016. A table of Chinese investment in Australia by sector and by year showed that in 2020, 45 percent of the Chinese investment was in rental, hiring and real estate services, 40 percent in mining and 15 percent in manufacturing. Other sectors including transport, energy, construction, health care and agriculture which saw Chinese investment in the previous years recorded zero in 2020. Researchers also found that in 2020, about 86 percent of Chinese investment in Australia originated from Chinese companies already established in the country, which means purchases were made via Australian subsidiaries rather than by Chinese companies directly. Dr. Armstrong said that this is a pattern that intensified in 2019, when 91 percent of new Chinese investment was sourced from within Australia. In an email interview with Xinhua, he said that investment environment in Australia "has become more uncertain." "There have been two recent high profile cases that relate to China," he said. "One was the withdrawal of a bid by China Mengniu Dairy's for the drinks business of Lion Drinks and Dairy, a division of Japanese brewing group Kirin, with the Australian Treasurer explaining the sale was contrary to the national interest. The other was the state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corporation withdrawing its bid for Australian construction company Probuild after the Treasurer said that he would reject it." China had been an important investor in Australia. Armstrong believed that plummet of the Chinese investment in Australia could result in lower asset values in Australia from removal of a large source of capital and a large bidder as well as the retreat of economic integration between Australia and China. "Foreign investment increases trade and can act as a ballast in relations between countries," he told Xinhua. Armstrong noted that the drop could last "as long as it takes for certainty and openness to return to Australia's investment screening regime." "To have sustained investment that is diversified across industries, there will have to be a return to a more open investment environment that brings equal treatment to regulation between foreign and domestic owned companies in Australia," he said. Talking about advice, he mentioned the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, awaiting approval in writing, which he said will "give Chinese investors in Europe more certainty while opening up the Chinese market to foreign ownership." "It may take time but Australia and China should aspire to a similar arrangement in upgrading the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA)," he suggested. Pinning the death of Jamal Khashoggi on Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is important to those who want to return to the Obama-era alignment of the U.S. with Iran, not Saudi Arabia, as our principal relationship with the Middle East Muslim world. MbS, as he is known, is a committed modernizer, favorable to warming relations with Israel. Damaging his global standing with the tar of culpability for the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi could even lead to his fall from the pinnacle of power in Riyadh. Caroline Glick explains who Khashoggi really was not an actual "journalist" or "columnist" for the Washington Post (he was a non-salaried contributor of op-eds that were published from time to time): As Lee Smith reported after he was found dead in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, there were a lot of things about Khashoggi that made him a strange hero for Americans of any stripes. He was a Qatari agent of influence. He was a former Saudi intelligence officer who sided with the Wahabist jihadists in the royal family who supported al Qaeda. He was friends with Osama bin Laden and mourned his death. The al Qaeda, ISIS, Iran and Hamas supporting Qatari regime was essentially writing his columns in the Washington Post. On its face, Khashoggi's receipt of a green card made no sense given his open support for al Qaeda. On its face, his gig as a columnist at Jeff Bezos's paper made no sense given his relationship with Saudi intelligence and with the Qatari ruling family. But they made perfect sense in the context of the efforts made by Obama's deep state friends, particularly former CIA director John Brennan, who opposed MBS from the outset to empower the Muslim Brotherhood and the Iranian regime. When seen in this light, it is clear that Khashoggi, a terror supporting Qatari agent who opposed the modernizing, pro-American, anti-jihadist and pro-Israel Saudi Crown Prince was an important political warfare asset for Obama's clique. His job was to discredit MBS and legitimize the terror-supporting Qataris while making pro-jihadist progressives feel good about themselves. But for the Obama Middle East diplomatic team that seems to have returned under Biden, it is important to downplay Iran's role of the pre-eminent state sponsor of terror in the world and hype the notion that Saudi Arabia is an unrealizable partner, especially its leader MbS. Damaging MbS seems to be the transparent aim of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in releasing a shockingly vague and shoddy report pinning blame for the assassination of Khashoggi on MbS. Stephen and Shoshana Bryen write for the Epoch Times: What is surprising is that the report on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi is just three-quarters of a page of amateurish innuendo. OK, there were four pages released: a cover page; a page with the executive summary (below); a page that repeats the executive summary, then adds four bullet points of innuendo; and a list of individuals trailing down the third page to get to a fourth page. The entire executive summary is worth reading: "We assess that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman approved an operation in Istanbul, Turkey, to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "We base this assessment on the Crown Prince's control of decision-making in the Kingdom, the direct involvement of a key adviser and members of Muhammad bin Salman's protective detail in the operation, and the Crown Prince's support for using violent measures to silence dissidents abroad, including Khashoggi. "Since 2017, the Crown Prince has had absolute control of the Kingdom's security and intelligence organizations, making it highly unlikely that Saudi officials would have carried out an operation of this nature without the Crown Prince's authorization." No evidence. "We assess" not with confidence, not with human sources (even anonymous or redacted sources), not with physical evidence, not with evidence at all. Just "we assess" because the crown prince had "control of decision-making" and "absolute control" of the intelligence operations. We needed a report for that? Elsewhere, the report uses the word "probably," meaning a degree of uncertainty. The Bryens ask the key question: While the crown prince could perfectly well have dirty hands in this sordid affair, why is the CIA saying it when it clearly doesn't know? And even if we did know for sure, why would we seek to create a political crisis in Saudi Arabia, an important ally, and a major oil producer? They answer: [T]he report was released by the administration to topple the crown prince from power. It doesn't matter whether the report is credible it matters that President Joe Biden says it is. And it matters that it works in favor of Iran. Biden is on a "charm offensive" to woo the Iranians back into negotiations over a new pact on the Iranian nuclear program. The Iranians expect to be paid in advance, and undermining Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a hot ticket. Caroline Glick suspects where this is leading: I don't know if MBS will survive this blow or not. There is reason to fear that at the end of the day, the leaders of the UAE and of Saudi Arabia will decide they are better off making an arrangement with Iran supported by the U.S. than standing up for their sovereignty and their interests with Israel. And if they do, it will be a disaster of epic proportions. The danger of war will rise exponentially. Jihadists of the Sunni and Shiite varieties will be empowered as never before. And Israel will be in a pretty horrible position. But in the midst of all of this, leave it to the fake human rights activists and real terror supporters and jihad sympathizers like Malley and his comrades in Obama's new administration to pat themselves on the back for ushering in an "authentic" era in the Middle East. (snip) [B]y branding MBS a murderer, the administration is making it politically unfeasible for Israel to make peace with Saudi Arabia. (snip) So the move against MBS is a move to block further progress towards ending the Arab conflict with Israel. Imagine if the Biden team were upfront about this goal. Hat tip: Clarice Feldman. This enormous shark is sure to make jaws drop. A tiger shark weighing a whopping 394.5kg has been caught off the coast of Sydney, by Captain Paul Barning and the crew of the Dark Horse. The fishermen spent just over 45 minutes reeling in the deadly shark before hauling it onto the back of their boat and taking it to shore for a weigh in at Port Hacking in Sydney's Sutherland Shire. It looks like they need a bigger boat! An incredible photo has emerged of Sydney fishermen reeling in a giant tiger shark weight 395kg Fishermen weigh the giant shark at Port Hacking. Tiger sharks are known to move down the east coast during the warmer months (above - two other big catches) Game fishers in New South Wales are having one of their best seasons in 30 years, but many are wary about showing off their big catches online due to growing criticism about the sport. 'The anglers are within their rights to take the fish, but it is looked upon as being a bad sport,' Luke Palmer, owner of a bait and tackle shop, told the ABC last year. Tiger sharks were not endangered but the International Union for Conservation of Nature had listed them as 'near-threatened'. A recreational fisher in NSW is only allowed to have one tiger shark in their daily catch. There were eight fatal shark attacks in 2020, with Charles Cernobori killed by a 4m suspected tiger shark while body boarding at Cable Beach in Western Australia Tiger sharks are common waters throughout Australia. The beasts can grow 7.62 metres and weigh in at more than than 800kgs. They are second only to great whites in attacking people. with the most recent deadly encounter taking place in November, when Charles Cernobori, 59, was killed while bodyboarding at Cable Beach in Western Australia. The tropical to sub-tropical species of shark is known to move down the east coast during the warmer months following food with the current. Malin Andersson shared a throwback photo of her pregnant silhouette on Monday as she discussed the tragic loss of her newborn daughter, Consy. Consy tragically died following complications from being born premature, as the former Love Island star, 28, said she believes she will 'never get over losing a child'. She penned on her moving Instagram post: 'TRIGGER I dont know why. But I had an overwhelming urge to tell you all this. Heartbreaking: Malin Andersson shared a throwback photo of her pregnant silhouette on Monday as she discussed the tragic loss of her newborn daughter, Consy 'Whenever I start my period it just reminds me that Im not pregnant.. it might sound weird. But thats what comes into my mind when Im due on.. even though I know Im not pregnant. 'The PMS symptoms I get are pretty bad leading up to the actual day.. the bloat, emotion, cravings, tiredness, elevated body temperature.. these are all triggers to me in a weird sense. They are also pregnancy symptoms to me too. 'The thing is - I think truly I will never get over losing a child.' Malin continued her post: 'I just learn how to deal with different triggers at different times.. I have this sort of system I use to keep my strength up. Devastating: Consy tragically died following complications from being born premature, as the former Love Island star, 28, said she believes she will 'never get over losing a child' 'I block myself from seeing pregnant people online.. (there seems to be a lot of babies on my timeline recently) I remind myself that I will be a mum again at some point.. and that all these feelings are normal but importantly TEMPORARY.. and I have the power to choose how I turn my pain into purpose. 'If youre reading this and you feel like certain things make you sad, and constant reminders bring you back to an all time pain.. understand that this is normal. We are normal. I am normal. You are normal.' She concluded the upload by sending words of encouragement to other women suffering with grief or pain. Malin said: 'Youre gonna be just fine. Do whatever you need to do to survive your heartache and do NOT feel selfish for this. 'You are your priority': She penned a moving Instagram caption as she discussed dealing with grief while also sending words of encouragement to other women who are suffering 'You are your priority. If you need help @sandscharity.' (sic) The past few years have been incredibly tough for Malin, and in January, her violent ex was freed from prison following an attack in which he broke her hand, leaving the Love Islander to up the security on her London home. Tom Kemp, 28, Consy's father, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court in September after admitting to actual bodily harm, which left the reality star 'black and blue'. The Sun reported that he has served three months of a ten month sentence and will serve the remaining seven months of his term on Home Detention Curfew. Precious: Her baby daughter was born seven weeks premature in December 2018 and was being treated at Great Ormond Street hospital, but sadly passed away aged four weeks on 22 January, 2019 Malin previously accused her 'narcissistic' ex Kemp of being abusive in Instagram posts last year and shared pictures of herself with a cut cheek and bloodied nose. But Kemp, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, denied the claims at the time, branding her a 'liar with mental health issues'. Following the news of Tom's release and before Tier 4 was introduced across huge parts of England, Malin took to her Instagram Story and said she was jetting to Dubai for Christmas because it's 'so depressing here,' and said 'that's all I've got to say.' Malin and Kemp had an on-off romance, splitting briefly during her pregnancy, amid claims Kemp had been unfaithful to her, but reconciling shortly before the birth. Their baby daughter Consy was born seven weeks premature in December 2018 and was being treated at Great Ormond Street hospital, but sadly passed away aged four weeks on 22 January, 2019. Tragedy: Malin's daughter Consy died a year after she lost her mother Consy-Gloria to stomach cancer In March they split again, with Malin admitting it was better to end things between them as she and her partner struggled with their grief. In October, Malin told how she believes the physical abuse Tom subjected her to while she was pregnant was a factor behind her daughter's death at just one month old. She revealed Kemp 'slapped and punched' her while she was six months pregnant, causing her to fall on her back and her stomach to hit the side of a bed. Speaking to The Sun, Malin said she is convinced the incident contributed to Consy's death as after a few days, she noticed she wasn't moving around as much. Sentenced: The past few years have been incredibly tough for Malin, and earlier this year her violent ex Tom Kemp was freed from prison following an attack in which he broke her hand (pictured together in April 2019) A month later, the movements reduced again and Malin insisted Kemp drive her to the hospital where doctors discovered Consy's irregular heartbeat, leading her to have an emergency cesarean that day at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She said: 'When Tom threw me about, I'd tense my stomach so much, I could feel her pausing inside me. The doctors didnt understand what happened to her, but I know in my heart.' In June last year, Malin posted a lengthy Instagram post, captioned: 'The third and final lot, I am NOT a victim anymore.' Calling their romance 'toxic and unhealthy', she said 'it has been an ongoing battle to emotionally let go as dealing with the grief from both my mum and daughter I've had him as my comforter.' Accusing Kemp of emotional and physical abuse she said: 'Including being spat at, hit, pushed, kicked, scratched, spoken down to, controlled, manipulated, cheated and so much more I experienced the worst pain yet to come last night.' Malin claimed she had received a phone call from a woman asking why the star had been texting her 'boyfriend.' She wrote: 'After a calm and collected call with her we had finally came to the confirmation they have been speaking since January (when our daughter was in intensive care).' 'While I've been focusing on my mental health I've been receiving multiple emails, calls, texts from one extreme to the other (I'm a bad mum, my mum hates me I'm going to hell to the extreme of I love you I can't be without you etc. 'This ladies is a fine example of a narcissistic man. I will NOT be another victim to domestic violence, I will not be beaten mentally or physically when I've fought through so much worse than this. Adding that she was 'exhausted, heartbroken and confused' she urged her followers to 'listen to your gut and learn to love yourself.' Horrific: Malin previously shared pictures of her injuries on social media, which included a broken hand, a bloodied nose and a bruised cheek Malin then told MailOnline: 'Tom is clearly embarrassed about his behaviour and will say anything he can to defend himself. 'I dont want to get into a slanging match with him, I know the truth as do his family (who coincidentally are supporting me), but I share everything with my followers, the good, bad and ugly. 'I have gone through some of the worst pain imaginable over the past couple of years and if me speaking out and showing my strength can help even one person in a similar situation and encourage them to leave an unhealthy relationship then its worth any negative things he has to say about me. I will not be mistreated any longer.' Malin also discussed the long-lasting effects she had suffered as part of her abusive relationship, revealing that she now suffers sleepless nights due to the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) she deals with following the abuse. Injuries: Tom also left Malin with broken bones and bruises in a violent tirade She said that as well as the physically violence, Tom mentally abused, manipulated and would say things about her late daughter and mother. Malin's daughter died a year after she lost her mother Consy-Gloria to stomach cancer. The reality personality said her abuser would even say things about them to her following her tragic loss, as he aimed to get to her 'where it hurt'. Anyone affected by the death of a baby who wants to talk about their experience can call Sands on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, call Refuge's freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 Authorities have released the names of two people killed in a Saturday crash on Interstate 59 in Fairfield. The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the victims as Montez Undra Tolbert Jr., 25, of Bessemer, and Bishop Jones, 23, of Hueytown. The crash happened at 12:45 p.m. Saturday near the 118-mile marker in the southbound lanes of I-59. According to Alabama State Trooper Justin ONeal, two vehicles sideswiped each other, causing one of them a Chevrolet Cobalt - to lose control, run off the roadway and overturn. Tolbert and Jones were ejected from the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead on the scene at 12:46 p.m. The passengers of the other vehicle were taken to UAB Hospital and the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. Troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash. Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have shown a surge in new COVID-19 cases contributing to 87.25 per cent of 15,510fresh infections reported in a day, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. India's total number of active COVID-19 cases was recorded at1,68,627, comprising 1.52 per cent of the total infections, the ministry said highlighting five states that account for 84 per cent of the total active cases in the country. Maharashtra alone accounts for 46.39 per cent of India's total active cases, followed by Kerala with 29.49 per cent. "A total of 15 states and union territories have registered more than 1,000 active cases. Kerala and Maharashtra are the two states with over 10,000 active cases, while the rest of the 13 states and UTs have between 1,000-10,000 active cases," the ministry said. The total number of cases with the UK, South Africa and Brazil variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the country as on date has reached 213, the ministry said. A total 15,510 new cases were registered in a span of 24 hours. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 8,293, followed by Kerala with 3,254 cases while Punjab has reported 579 new cases. The Centre is continuously engaging with the states and union territories manifesting higher number of active cases and those reporting a rise in the daily new COVID-19 cases. States and UTs have been advised to maintain a continued rigorous vigil for containing the spread of COVID-19. Need for effective testing, comprehensive tracking, prompt isolation of positive cases and quick quarantine of close contacts are strongly emphasised, the ministry said. "Eight states are displaying an upward trajectory in the daily new cases," it underlined. So far, a total of1,43,01,266 vaccine doses have been administered to beneficiaries through2,92,312 sessions. These include the first dose to 66,69,985 healthcare workers, second dose to 24,56,191 healthcare workers and51,75,090 frontline workers who have taken the first dose. "The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination has commenced from today for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified comorbid conditions. "A simplified process of registration has been set up, whereby potential beneficiaries can have the option of advance self-registration, on-site registration or facilitated cohort registration," the ministry said. More than1.07 crore (1,07,86,457) people have recovered so far with11,288patients having recuperated in a span of 24 hours. The ministry said 85.07 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states. Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 4,333 newly-recovered cases. A total of 3,753 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours, followed by 490 in Tamil Nadu. Besides, 106 deaths were reported in a span of 24 hours. Five states account for 86.79 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties of 62 deaths. Kerala followed with 15 daily deaths and Punjab has reported seven fatalities in a span of 24 hours. A total of 20 states and UTs have not reported any COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Ladakh (UT), Andman and Nicobar Islands, Uttarakhand and Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. (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.) Former US president Donald Trump has signaled he will seek revenge on fellow Republicans who voted to impeach him last month, and he followed through Friday, endorsing an ex-aide against an Ohio congressman. Trump threw his "complete and total" support behind Max Miller, a 2020 deputy campaign manager and White House advisor challenging Representative Anthony Gonzalez, one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the deadly January 6 riot at the US Capitol. "Max Miller is a wonderful person who did a great job at the White House and will be a fantastic congressman," Trump said in a statement. "Current Rep. Anthony Gonzalez should not be representing the people of the 16th district because he does not represent their interest or their heart," Trump added. It is believed to be the first endorsement Trump has offered to a challenger of one of the Republicans who voted for his ouster. "I will never back down and will never betray my constituents," Miller, 32, said in a tweet highlighting Trump's endorsement. Trump was impeached on January 13 but acquitted one month later by the Senate. He has said he aims to play a role in Republican efforts to win back the House in 2022. (AFP) Last week Israel concluded a deal with Syria, via Russia, to return an Israeli woman who crossed the border to Syria earlier this month. In exchange, Israel returned two Syrian shepherds who crossed into Israel this month and agreed on the early release of a Golan Heights woman who had been convicted of incitement. However, all the above was the less controversial part of the deal. It was later revealed by the media (and at first censored by Israel while officially denied by Syria) that Russia received more than US $1 million from Israel to finance the delivery of Russian COVID-19 vaccines to Syria. Russia's vaccine, Sputnik V, bears symbolic, political and economic significance. As a result of the prestige of having been the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved in the world, the economic gains involved and for other reasons, Sputnik V is providing new global leverage for Russia in a world desperate for solutions to the pandemic. This is particularly significant because Russia's current economic condition does not allow Moscow to throw money around easily. Therefore, Russia often uses what is known as "technical-military cooperation," that is, selling defense products or providing other military assistance such as advisers to increase its international presence. The vaccine provides meaningful soft power leverage that is perceived far more favorably by the international community than military outreach. While Russia's military cooperation is mostly restricted to non-Western countries, the vaccine is gradually attracting the interest of leading Western countries such as Germany (Germany's use of Sputnik V, however, depends on the vaccines approval by the relevant European regulatory authority). If media reports about the deal are accurate, the deal culminated in a positive result for the three parties involved, yet Russia emerged as the winner. First, it managed to free an Israeli woman and successfully broker a deal between regional foes, which solidifies its position as a major player and intermediary in the Middle East. Furthermore, it managed to negotiate an agreement between an American ally, Israel, and the sanctioned, pariah Syria. In practice, the agreement demonstrates Russia's good connections with conflicting parties in the region, Israel and Syria, and reflects the success of its strategy of maintaining good relations with all parties to a conflict. Symbolically, this deal is not in the spirit of the latest American sanctions, based on the 2019 Caesar Act, that restrict international parties from conducting transactions or striking agreements with the Syrian regime. Israel appears to have done exactly that, although in the name of a humanitarian cause. Furthermore, it was conducted through another target of US sanctions Russia that is severely criticized by the United States and the West for its human rights practices and malign subversive involvement in the affairs of other states through cyberattacks and other means. The new American administration didn't comment on the deal, at least not publicly. This might reflect Syria's low priority on the Biden administration's agenda. The muted American response could also suggest that other US allies in the Middle East can coordinate with Russia on humanitarian issues (a broadly interpreted term) in Syria without criticism or repercussions from the US administration. From an Israeli perspective, the reported covert deal of payment for vaccines was referred to by many critics and much of the Israeli media as Syrian/Russian extortion. Accordingly, its leakage to the media embarrassed the Israeli government and drew public discontent in some Israeli circles. Many questioned the reasoning behind Israeli willingness to pay for vaccinations destined for an enemy state and attributed the motivations behind the deal to electoral and not national considerations (general elections are to take place in Israel next month). In addition, the Israeli government was criticized for its inability, in the context of vaccine diplomacy, to conclude the ongoing effort to bring back two Israeli citizens and the bodies of two Israeli soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza. Others criticized the deal because it is likely to set a precedent and the starting point for future negotiations of this kind. However, all options considered, the deal seems to be less costly for Israel in terms of public support, especially during an election period. Israelis traditionally support doing whatever necessary to "bring the boys back home," whether live soldiers or the bodies of warriors held by the enemy. This approach is rooted in Judaism and Israeli national-communal sentiment of mutual responsibility. The Israeli/Russian/Syrian deal seems more reasonable than a trade involving the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, as has happened in previous exchanges of this kind. In the past, thousands of prisoners, including some with blood on their hands, were released in exchange for even a single Israeli hostage. This drew considerable criticism from the Israeli public (which simultaneously celebrated the return of the hostage). In this respect, the deal stresses Russia's and Syria's pragmatic approach (which was rewarded), as opposed to the stalemate with Hamas in Gaza. Hamas still presents excessive demands in the spirit of previous agreements mentioned above, yet the Israeli public is less and less willing to accept disproportionate deals. The current deal with Syria was described by official Israeli spokesmen as humanitarian, and followed two other such deals with Russian involvement. The was the 2019 return of the remains of an Israeli soldier from Syria, which the Russians obtained while risking their soldiers' lives. Second was the release of an Israeli woman detained in Russia following allegations of drug trafficking. However, unlike these two previous cases, where nothing was known officially to have been given to Russia directly for its humanitarian assistance, the current Russian gesture came with a price tag. It is reasonable to assume that previous Russian involvement was not free either and may have involved expectations from the Russian side for constructive Israeli assistance, perhaps with regard to Washington. In case such expectations have not been met, it is realistic to assume Russia demanded an immediate, concrete compensation for its efforts. Russia seems keen to assume the position of an intermediary between Israel and Syria. A Russian TV channel just aired a new documentary apparently showing Eli Cohen, a legendary Israeli spy who was hanged in Syria in 1965 and whose remains are still in Syria. The documentary was shot by the Russian military attache in Syria at the time. Notably, it was released just days after the deal that brought the Israeli woman back from Syria. For Israel, the recent deal is the latest example of the strategic and tactical benefits of the continued coordination in the Syrian arena with Russia that demonstrated Moscow's readiness to act constructively, although not for free. The question that follows assuming Russia is willing and able to advance the strategic interests of Israel (and its allies in the Middle East) in Syria is what the cost would be to limit Iranian military expansion and arms smuggling there. PLAINFIELD A homeowner punched an alleged burglary suspect in the face when he confronted two people in his garage early Sunday morning, according to police. Officers were dispatched to a Jackson Road home in the Central Village section of town around 1:30 a.m. Sunday for a report of two male suspects going through a homeowners vehicles that were parked in the driveway. The homeowner told police he was woken up by his Ring cameras and saw two people going through his wifes SUV in their driveway. When he walked out of his house, he found the two people looking around his garage, police said. When confronted, one of the males panicked and shoved the homeowner, police said. The homeowner was able to punch the male in the face, which knocked him down to the ground. Both males then fled from the garage and ran down the driveway, which was several hundred feet in length. The man reported a few dollars in loose change was missing from his wifes vehicle, police said. A police dog did a track and led officers to another long dirt driveway, but did not locate the suspects. Further investigation showed the suspects possibly left the area in a vehicle parked nearby before police arrived. One of the suspects was described by police as skinny, in his early 20s, about 6-foot-2, wearing a blue and white bandanna on his face and a hooded sweatshirt. Police said the second individual was described as in his late teens, about 5-foot-6, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a bandanna on his face. The police department reminded residents to remain vigilant and to lock their cars and homes. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 860-564-0804. A new Covid-19 variant detected in New York City that's now traveled through various city neighborhoods is being watched closely by U.S. health officials, Anthony Fauci said on Monday. The variant, known scientifically as B.1.526, likely started off in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, Fauci, a top adviser to President Joe Biden on the pandemic, said during a news briefing. It is one of five concerning variants now being tracked nationally by health officials. Recent research suggests B.1.526 needs to be closely watched "for its ability to evade both monoclonal antibody and, to a certain extent, the vaccine-induced antibody," said Fauci, who also heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "It's something we take very, very seriously," Fauci said. The variant may have arisen in November in immunocompromised people who remained sick despite treatment over a long period of time. Fauci said infectious disease specialists are often asked whether immunocompromised people should get vaccinated. "The answer is absolutely, yes," he said. "Absolutely, yes, because that's not only important for them for their own health. But that could be the breeding ground of the variant and the emergence of a variance." Rochelle Walensky, the chief of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, again warned that Covid-19 cases appeared to have halted their decline, leveling off at what is still a high level. She said variants and the case load could combine to reignite the pandemic before vaccinations take hold. "At this level of cases, with variants spreading, we stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground we have gained," Walensky said. "These variants are a very real threat to our people and our progress." Last week, reports by researchers at the California Institute of Technology, Columbia University in New York and the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center identified the variant and said it was quickly gaining ground in the city. Anthony West, a senior research specialist at CalTech, first raised the possibility that some portion of vaccine-induced immune response against the coronavirus "might be less effective because of the mutations" in the New York variant. But the studies haven't yet been peer-reviewed. And Eric Topol at the Scripps Research institute in California, said that while the mutations noted in the variant probably have some impact, further significance remains unproven. Four other mutations worrying public health officials have also emerged: From the U.K., known as B.1.1.7.; from South Africa, named B.1.351; from Brazil, named P.1; and from California, known as the B.1.427/429 variant. The mutation that emerged from the U.K. remains on pace to become the dominant Covid-19 variant in the U.S. by the end of this month, according to the CDC. More than 2,400 cases have now been identified in 46 states. The variant that emerged from South Africa has now been seen in 53 cases in 16 states. 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. Bank of Ireland is set to shut down over a third of its bank branches in the Republic and more than half in Northern Ireland as it announced the closure of a total of 103 branches. Some 88 branches in the Republic of Ireland will start closing down in September, reducing the network to 169, in a move branded as 'ruthlessly opportunistic' by critics. In Northern Ireland, the bank will shut down 15 of its 28 branches, leaving just 13 open, the lender said today as it unveiled its annual results. Branch closures: Some 88 branches in the Republic and 15 in Northern Ireland will close down from September The news comes just 10 days after NatWest said it would withdraw from the Republic of Ireland, where it owns Ulster Bank. Bank of Ireland said the majority of the branches that are closing are self-service locations which do not offer a counter service. Around 200 members of staff will be affected by the branch closures, although the bank's boss said there would be no compulsory redundancies. Bank of Ireland's chief executive, Francesca McDonagh, said the number of people using branches has 'sharply declined', with now just over half of what it was in 2017 and down 60 per cent at the branches earmarked for closure. 'Technology is evolving and customers are using branches less, year on year on year,' she said. 'Covid-19 has accelerated this changing behaviour and we've seen a seismic shift towards digital banking over the past 12 months.' McDonagh added that Bank of Ireland has reached a 'tipping point' between online and offline banking, with its mobile app the most popular way to bank. Closures, which will start in September, follow a deal with An Post to offer customers access to banking services at more than 900 locations. Only 10 days ago NatWest said it would withdraw from the Republic of Ireland, where it owns Ulster Bank 'We're not making these changes immediately - no branches will close in the next six months,' McDonagh said. 'That allows us to ensure the An Post partnership is up and running before any branches close, and gives us time to communicate fully with all our customers about every option available to them online, in a nearby BOI branch, or at a local post office.' Speaking on RTE Radio 1's Morning Ireland programme, McDonagh said there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of the branch closures. 'Two hundred people, colleagues, are impacted,' she said. 'They have choices. If they want to work in another branch they can work in another part of the business and obviously new ways of working means people have more access to jobs in different locations. 'Or if they choose they can take voluntary redundancy but there is no compulsory element to the announcements we're making today.' Labour's finance spokesman, Ged Nash, described Bank of Ireland's plans as a 'kick in the teeth' for thousands of loyal customers and staff, and called for a pause on branch closures during the pandemic. 'There is no doubt that Bank of Ireland is exploiting the Covid-19 crisis to drive down its costs,' he said. 'The bank's ruthlessly opportunistic plans to cull 88 branches in towns across the state will have an even more severe and direct impact on the fabric of communities across the country than Ulster Bank's recent announcement, given their extensive reach. 'This move has been on their agenda for some time and it was telling that the bank refused to share the terms of reference of the operational review which has provided the basis for this decision with the Financial Services Union, who represent the bulk of branch staff.' Nash added: 'Last March, Bank of Ireland unilaterally closed over 100 branches without due statutory notice and many of those branches are now only partially reopened. 'They cannot be allowed to get away with an unparalleled branch closure frenzy of this magnitude with impunity. 'As a 16 per cent shareholder in the bank, the Minister for Finance must play a public interest role along with the Central Bank to pause bank branch closures for now and to fully interrogate Bank of Ireland's decision and hold bank management to account.' Tino Plunert/picture alliance via Getty Images Police are investigating a shooting in a junior high school in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A student was shot and injured in the shooting. The Pine Bluff Police Department initially said the student died, but later said they were not dead and that "bad information was released." Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. One student was injured after an unknown person opened fire at a junior high school in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, according to KATV, an ABC News affiliate. One person had been shot, KATV's Marine Glisovic reported. The identity of the person shot, a child, is not yet known. The child was in serious condition after the shooting. The Pine Bluff Police Department initially issued a statement saying the student had died from their injuries, but later issued a correction saying the student was not dead and that "bad information" was released, a PIO from the department confirmed to Insider. "The victim of the shooting at Watson Chapel Junior High School has not died," the department said in a statement. "Bad information was released. The hospital will keep us updated directly to prevent further erroneous" information. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The shooting occurred at Watson Chapel Junior High School on the first day back for in-person learning, KATV reported. A male suspect has been brought into custody, according to CBS affiliate WREG. His name and age have not yet been released. It is not immediately clear what the motive behind the shooting was, but police said the shooting appears to be targeted, according to local news outlet KSFM. All campuses within the school district were immediately put on lockdown and SWAT teams began scouring rooms and buildings, according to local reports. "This was an isolated incident and all students students [sic] are safe at this time," a post on the Watson Chapel School District Facebook page read. "The parent of the student hurt has been notified so if you have not been notified by the school your student is safe and secure." Story continues Shortly after posting that initial update, the page said parents are able to pick up their children from school. "There will be a supervised release at the Jr High starting now," the post read. "Parents can pull through the drive thru and request for their child to be released. If the parents are not able to pick up their child, then the students can stay on campus until release at the end of the day. All students are safe!" This story is developing. Please check back for updates. Read the original article on Insider In spring 2018, Lemley was offered the opportunity to become an instructor teaching tech mathematics. I was in charge of an entire classroom for the first time, alone and terrified again, as this was the Big Leagues as far as I was concerned, he said. He taught the classes in addition to his own full-time class load in engineering courses, a job in the campus cafe and a part-time job, while he also continued to struggle internally with his earlier educational experiences. Teaching was without question one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. I love it, he said. I taught both levels of tech mathematics for a year and a half and loved every minute. I talked with students who were really struggling with math about my history with school and I feel like it helped a lot to give them that perspective. Chris entered my class as a student and emerged as a confident leader among his cohort, says Dr. Forest Quinlan, instructor of chemistry. It is no surprise that Chris was asked to teach the technical math course for the machine tool program. He had the experience, knowledge, and the ability to relate to, and to lead, those students pursuing that certification. In fact, he was so good at teaching the course, he ended up teaching it for four semesters for NVC. HOUSTON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), ("Group 1" or the "Company"), an international, Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced the appointment of Steven C. Mizell to its Board of Directors effective today, and the expansion of its board's membership to ten directors. Mr. Mizell is currently a top-level executive at Merck & Co., Inc., one of the leading global pharmaceutical companies and his previous business experience also includes key executive roles at world class companies such as Monsanto and Westinghouse. At Merck, Mr. Mizell serves on the Executive Committee with human resources responsibility for over 69,000 employees and is responsible for the company's talent acquisition and development, diversity and inclusion, and wellness. Steve Quinn, Group 1 Automotive Chairman commented, "We are extremely pleased to add a person of Steve's broad and extensive human resources experience to our board at Group 1. The key to our success at Group 1 has always been driven by our fantastic workforce and Steve's perspective and input in this area will no doubt be very valuable." Prior to joining Merck, Mr. Mizell served in a variety of executive roles at Monsanto from 2004 until the company was acquired by Bayer in 2018. At Monsanto he was responsible for all human resources activity and supported the company's aggressive acquisition and growth strategy. Earlier in his career Mr. Mizell spent 14 years in a variety of executive roles at Westinghouse Electric Corporation and a period as Senior Vice President, Chief Corporate Resource Officer at Zilog, Inc, an international semiconductor company. Group 1 CEO Earl Hesterberg added, "Steve's wide-ranging business experience fits perfectly with the breadth of our business activities and will be a valuable resource for our senior management. In addition to his vast experience with human capital issues and concerns, he has been involved in a variety of different transactional businesses, as well as many M&A environments, which will support us in our growth efforts." Mr. Mizell is currently a board member of Allegion plc. (NYSE: ALLE) a home and business security company, and previously served as a director of Oshkosh Corporation, a global manufacturer of military vehicles, fire trucks and lift equipment. Mr. Mizell holds a B.S. degree from Georgia Tech Institute of Technology as well as a M.S. in Management from Carnegie Mellon University. ABOUT GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. Group 1 owns and operates 182 automotive dealerships, 236 franchises, and 49 collision centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil that offer 31 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts. Investors please visit www.group1corp.com , www.group1auto.com , www.group1collision.com , www.acceleride.com, www.facebook.com/group1auto , and www.twitter.com/group1auto , where Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations. Investor contacts: Sheila Roth Manager, Investor Relations Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 713-647-5741 | [email protected] Media contacts: Pete DeLongchamps Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 713-647-5770 | [email protected] or Clint Woods Pierpont Communications, Inc. 713-627-2223 | [email protected] SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Related Links http://www.group1auto.com Ramseyer should also withdraw paper on sex slaves Professor John Mark Ramseyer of Harvard Law School acknowledged recently his mistake of describing Japan's wartime sex slaves as "voluntary prostitutes." "I don't have any Korean contracts," Ramseyer was quoted as saying by fellow Harvard Law School professor Jeannie Suk Gersen. Disclosing an email she received from Ramseyer, the ethnic Korean professor went on to quote him as saying, "I haven't been able to find it. Certainly you're not going to find it." Earlier, Ramseyer triggered wrath here by defining the forced sex slavery as contractual between brothel operators and would-be prostitutes in his paper titled "Contracting for Sex in the Pacific War" published by the journal, International Review of Law and Economics. Global criticism and protests have spread fast against Ramseyer after he was found to have failed to confirm the basic facts and provide evidence for his claim. Rather, he has been desperate to defend himself, citing the need to ensure "academic freedom." Some 2,400 international economic scholars including Harvard professor Eric Maskin, a Nobel laureate, purportedly signed a statement condemning Ramseyer. They criticized him for having justified the sex trading and human trafficking of women and children. According to the Feb. 26 edition of The New York Times, the scholars criticized Ramseyer for having utilized game theory with the goal of justifying the disgusting war crimes. It also went on to say that an increasing number of historians have begun to raise their voices calling on Ramseyer to withdraw the paper, as it distorts the history of Japan's wartime misconduct and makes claims identical to Japan's far right wingers. Now it has become clear that Ramseyer published his report despite it falling short of the basic requirements needed for a paper and notwithstanding his status as professor of the renowned Harvard University. Ramseyer has yet to clarify his stance despite the flurry of criticism. He should officially withdraw the paper and offer a sincere apology to the victims of wartime sex slavery upon whom he dealt another blow. It is like rubbing salt deep into their wounds. An apology is the only way for him to keep whatever integrity he has left as a scholar. Looking back on our responses to such an incident, we cannot help but point out the bungling reactions of the government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in particular. It is no wonder Japan's right-wing figures have continued to create a stir with their distortions of history regarding Japan's wartime crimes. Japan has continued its moves to influence international academic circles with its own theories on its past misdeeds committed before and during World War II. In contrast, we have done little toward that end. We have yet to make efforts to globally spread our own research findings into wartime sex slavery. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family compiled an English book of testimonies from surviving South Korean sex slaves two years ago, but has failed to globally publicize it. It is time for a policy shift on how we deal with the issue to come up with a more proactive approach. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... NEW YORK Democrats across the country celebrated New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the face of governing competence as President Donald Trump fumbled his administrations response to the exploding pandemic last year. Now, the Democratic governor is struggling through a sexual harassment scandal thats testing the limits of his partys support as Democrats grapple with one of the first political headaches of the post-Trump era. So far, few Democrats have come to Cuomos rescue. But they havent explicitly condemned him, either. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Both of New Yorks Democratic U.S. senators have publicly embraced the state attorney generals nascent investigation into Cuomos behavior. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday described the allegations as deeply troubling and deeply concerning. And on Monday, President Joe Biden, a longtime Cuomo ally, declined to stand behind the embattled governor. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the president supports the state attorney generals probe. She noted that Biden requires people to be treated with civility and respect in his administration. The presidents view has been consistent and clear, Psaki said when asked about Cuomo. Every woman coming forward should be treated with dignity and respect. The scrutiny of Cuomo comes at a delicate moment as Democrats work to project unity and competence in contrast to four years of near-constant scandal and norm-shattering behavior under Trump. Cuomos scandal also threatens the moral high ground Democrats have sought on issues related to gender and sexual harassment which are top of mind to many women who abandoned Republicans in droves last fall to help fuel Bidens victory. While Democrats across the country are not rallying behind Cuomo, few are calling for him to step down. For now, Rep. Kathleen Rice is the only Democrat from New Yorks congressional delegation to explicitly call for Cuomos resignation. Thats in contrast to the treatment of former Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, who ultimately bowed to pressure from within his own party to step down in 2018 after facing accusations of sexual impropriety from several women. At that time, New York Sen. Kisten Gillibrand was the first Democrat to call on Franken to resign. On Sunday, Gillibrand called the allegations against Cuomo serious and deeply concerning and called on State Attorney General Letitia James to conduct a transparent, independent and thorough investigation with subpoena power. Republicans highlighted the relatively cautious response from some Democrats, although the GOPs criticism of Cuomo directly was somewhat muted given the long list of sexual harassment allegations against Trump. A Trump spokesman declined to weigh in when asked Monday. Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel offered a written statement seizing on Bidens unwillingness to condemn Cuomo more forcefully. Biden claims he is this unifying leader, but if Cuomo is not worthy of his criticism, then who is? McDaniel said, noting that Biden last year described Cuomo as the gold standard for his leadership through the pandemic. Cuomo was already facing criticism for his administrations undercounting of pandemic-related nursing home fatalities last week when a former aide, Lindsey Boylan, elaborated on harassment allegations she first made in December. Boylan said Cuomo subjected her to an unwanted kiss and comments about her appearance. Calls for an investigation mounted when a second former aide went public Saturday with harassment claims. Charlotte Bennett, a low-level aide in Cuomos administration until November, told The New York Times Cuomo asked questions about her sex life, including whether she ever had sex with older men, and made other comments she interpreted as gauging her interest in an affair. Cuomo acknowledged for the first time Sunday that some of his behavior with women may have been insensitive or too personal, and said he would cooperate with a sexual harassment investigation led by the states attorney general. In a written statement, he said he had teased people about their personal lives in an attempt to be playful. Cuomo, the 63-year-old son of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, is in the midst of his third four-year term as the top elected official in the nations fourth most populous state. He has been expected to seek another term next year; New York has no term limits for governors. Cuomos daily coronavirus briefings brought him into the living rooms of millions of voters across the country last year, but he has long been viewed more as a regional player in Democratic politics. Still, he briefly considered a presidential bid before the last election and currently serves as the chairman of the National Governors Association. A spokesman for the National Governors Association did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. The notion that this has some larger ranging political impact beyond those who read the insider tip sheets I think is misguided, said Cuomo pollster Jefrey Pollock. And at least for now, Cuomos team doesnt see any risk to his 2022 reelection. Anytime you have to deal with chaos, it always has the potential to impact a race, Pollock said. But right now, there is no race. There is nobody running against him. And in the past when theres been much excitement about challengers, each one of them has been vanquished by a large margin. Cuomos challenge underscores a stark political reality well-known across New York: the Democratic Partys far-left wing has never liked him very much. At least two Democratic lawmakers have called on Cuomo to resign, but the most aggressive early criticism has been confined to progressives who have tried and failed for years to defeat him. His last primary challenge from the left came from actress Cynthia Nixon, whom Cuomo defeated by more than 30 points. On Monday, Nixon encouraged Cuomos critics on social media and called out Gillibrand for not delivering a stronger rebuke. Cat got your tongue @SenGillibrand??? Nixon tweeted. Gillibrands office had no immediate response. Meanwhile, James, the state attorney general, said shes moving forward with an investigation into the the allegations against Cuomo after receiving a letter from his office Monday authorizing her to take charge of the probe. The referral letter allows James to deputize an outside law firm to conduct the inquiry with full subpoena power. When the investigation is finished, the findings will be disclosed in a public report. Cuomo has been untouchable for a really long time, said New York-based progressive strategist Sophie Ellman-Golan, of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, which has called for Cuomos resignation. Our state deserves so much better. ___ AP writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report. CAMBRIDGE, England, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Darktrace, a leading autonomous cyber security AI company, today announced that Sir Peter Bonfield CBE, FREng has agreed to join the Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director. Sir Peter Bonfield has more than 50 years' experience in the international technology sector, leading businesses in the fields of electronics, computers and communications. He is currently Chairman of Netherlands-based NXP, a world leading semiconductor company. He is also Director and Chair of Audit at TSMC in Taiwan, on the Board of Imagination Technologies in the UK and on the US Board of the EastWest Institute, an international not-for-profit think tank. He is a member of The Longreach Group Advisory Board, Senior Advisor to Alix Partners and Board Mentor for CMi. Sir Peter's prior positions include CEO of BT Group, Chairman and CEO of ICL plc and Deputy CEO of STC plc. He has served on the boards of 12 international companies including Sony, Ericsson and AstraZeneca. He is also an elected Fellow of The Royal Academy of Engineering. Knighted in 1996 and awarded the CBE in 1989, Sir Peter has received honorary doctorates from 11 universities. "I look forward to joining Darktrace, the most transformational leader in the AI cyber security industry," said Sir Peter Bonfield. "Darktrace is a critical technology for thousands of organizations around the world as they contend with increasingly sophisticated cyber-attackers. I am excited to be working with Darktrace's Board of Directors to advance the company's important mission and success." About Darktrace Darktrace is a leading autonomous cyber security AI company and the creator of Autonomous Response technology. It provides comprehensive, enterprise-wide cyber defense to over 4,500 organizations worldwide, protecting the cloud, email, IoT, traditional networks, endpoints and industrial systems. A self-learning technology, Darktrace AI autonomously detects, investigates and responds to advanced cyber-threats, including insider threat, remote working risks, ransomware, data loss and supply chain vulnerabilities. The company has 1,500 employees and 44 office locations, with headquarters in Cambridge, UK. Every second, Darktrace AI detects a cyber-threat, preventing it from causing damage. Media Contacts Amy Longo Edelman (US) +1 (646) 912 3210 darktrace@edelman.com Charles Pretzlik / Caroline Daniel Brunswick Group (UK) +44 20 7404 5959 darktrace@brunswickgroup.com Aliya Anwars Golin +65 9172 3242 darktrace@golin.com Nikhol Hui Brands2Life (UK) +44 (0) 7908 714 331 darktrace@brands2life.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1425205/Darktrace_Logo.jpg Risk appetite fell on Tuesday as disappointing economic data piled on top of warnings from Chinese regulators that US and European stock markets were over-priced compared to economic growth and Chinas own domestic property prices were in a bubble. Australias stock market turned a 1 per cent opening gain into a 0.4 per cent decline, closing 27.3 points lower at 6762.3 points. BHP hit an all time high of $50.81 before closing 1.9 per cent lower at $49.13. And Rio Tinto also hit new highs of $130.30 before closing 0.4 per cent lower at $127.18. Shaw and Partners investment advisor Craig Sydney said Tuesdays session was weak, but only when compared to Mondays surprisingly strong session. We are only back to where we were last Wednesday, he said. I think there is an element of profit taking and we were probably getting a bit ahead of ourselves this morning...I guess our market, unlike the US, is not so dominated by tech. Futures markets were pointing to declines on Wall Street overnight after very strong sessions on Monday. Australian housing approvals data plunged 19.4 per cent, seasonally adjusted, compared to expectations of a milder 3 per cent fall in January. Chinas financial regulator dampened risk appetite during Tuesdays session, warning about assets bubbles in US and European financial markets and property bubbles in China. Portfolio manager at Tribeca Investment Partners, Jun Bei Liu, noted this commentary would have spooked markets, even though Chinese authorities have been warning about leverage for some time. It is as we expected, but the equity market does not like the commentary, she said. Australias gross domestic product data was due out on Wednesday and was expected to be quite reasonable given what we have seen in terms of activity on the ground, she added. The consensus forecast was for quarterly growth of 2.5 per cent. Both Oil Search and Qantas dropped after going ex-dividend, while Fortescue Metals fell 4.7 per cent, and Afterpay dropped 1.7 per cent on news a major competitor was building a $US1 billion warchest. Gold miners dragged as falling bond yields eased inflation concerns. And Telstra dragged with a 1.3 per cent fall to $3.11. Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and NAB closed higher, while Westpac declined slightly. And supermarket stocks Coles, Metcash, and Woolies outperformed the index. What is clear is that under this policy, the city will be demanding more money from Chicagoans who have already been coping with the financial damage brought on by the pandemic. Poor residents less equipped to deal with the costs and hassles of a ticket, and late fees that can pile up quickly, are likely to be hit harder. Its another cost to living in the city at a time the city is struggling to attract new residents. KISELYOVSK, Russia -- A journalist in Siberia whose critical articles often target local authorities says she has fled her city with her daughters amid fears for their safety. Natalya Zubkova, the chief editor of the Novosti Kiselyovska (News of Kiselyovsk) online newspaper, said in a statement on YouTube that an unknown man attacked her late on February 25 as she was walking her dog. According to the journalist, the attacker pushed her down and pressed her face against the snow and threatened that she and her daughters would face further violence if "you open your mouth again." Zubkova said in the video issued over the weekend that she is currently at an undisclosed location. She said that "if something happens to me or my children," Russia's Prosecutor-General Igor Krasnov, the governor of the Kemerovo region, Sergei Tsivilyov, and the mayor of Kiselyovsk, Maksim Shkarabeinikov, "will be fully responsible. Last month, Zubkova was summoned for questioning in a libel case. She said at the time that the case was about her article on possible corruption by the city's education officials. In August 2020, lawyer Anton Reutov physically attacked her in a courtroom during a hearing based on Zubkova's report about alleged fraud involving Reutov that led to an elderly woman losing her apartment. Zubkova said she received several death threats following that incident. In August 2019, Shkarabeinikov accused Zubkova of inciting social discord for interviewing Kiselyovsk residents who had asked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide them with asylum after local authorities were unable to solve environmental problems they faced. There was no official statement from the authorities of Kiselyovsk or the Kemerovo region regarding Zubkova's statement on YouTube. ELK RAPIDS, MI Shorts Brewing Company is set to release a powered-up version of one of its flagship beers. For a limited time at the end of March, Shorts Brewing Company is releasing Double Soft Parade, a variant of its wildly popular fruit ale made with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. In addition to massive fruit additions, the beer will feature bright, fruit-forward deliciousness and a higher ABV than regular Soft Parade, which already checks in at a powerful 7.5% ABV. The super limited release will be limited to independent retailers in Michigan, many of which struggled amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the early part of 2021. Many small Michigan businesses are struggling right now, and we want to make sure that they have our full support so they can come out on the other side of COVID. Said Pauline Knighton-Prueter, Sales Director. These local shops are often the hub of their communities, and theyve believed in our fearless beverages from the start, way back in 2004, so this is a small gesture of thanks to these partners. Soft Parade, which has been around nearly as long as the Northern Michigan brewery has been in business, helped put Shorts on the map as a leader in the Michigan beer scene. Double Soft Parade will be brewed using the same recipe as the original high-gravity version that debuted in the 2007 Imperial Beer Series. Not all of our wild experiments are for everyonebut Soft Parade is a beer that people love at first sip. Especially folks who would come to the Pub early on looking for wine or cocktails. Joe Short, Founder and Visionary stated. Double Soft Parade is going to be a real treat. Double the fruit, double the fun. Soft Parade is available year-round, and over time has evolved into its own spin-off brands including Soft Parade Shandy, a blend of the fruit ale and lemonade available starting early April, and Soft Parade Seltzer, which debuted last summer and again in late 2020. Double Soft Parade will be available at the Bellaire Pub and Elk Rapids Taproom starting on Friday March 19, with distribution of six packs and draft product to independent retailers across the state throughout the following 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. Francisca Rangya is the managing director at Sunrays Rent A Car Safaris Limited, a car hire, and tours and travel company based in Nairobi. She shares some quickfire tidbits about the business. ***************** We started this business in 2005. We have hit a number of milestones over the past sixteen years. But there is no milestone that beats the pride we got from getting a contract from the American Embassy in July 2015. We were contracted for the transport and logistics of the historical visit of Barack Obama to Kenya. I took a lot of prestige in that job. It was a moment of vindication that even a local company run by a woman can be trusted. I have had the opportunity to be part of the SheTrades Commonwealth Forum. This is a forum that trains and supports women-owned businesses with over 51 percent shareholding by women. Out of this, I have learned the importance of separating personal and business accounts. You cannot achieve cash flow if you use the same account for your individual and business expenditures, investments, and savings. The forum has been seeking to connect up to one million women entrepreneurs to the global market. I currently do not have a money-saving method. Previously, I saved my money using the money market fund. I dont save without a goal, and prefer to direct my funds elsewhere until I get a solid financial goal. I have learned that there is no reward in hurrying to make more money. Be patient. There is no quick money in business. It takes time to build a solid enterprise and for the money to come in. The year 2020 was not good for business. The coronavirus resulted in our biggest business loss yet. Our revenue relied 80 percent on corporate and international clientele. However, we managed to stay afloat by leveraging on our partnerships. We have since shifted to the business to business model (a transaction between businesses) within the local market which is working out well. Since July last year, we have been on the recovery journey. The business is now able to pay for its statutory bills and salaries despite the prolonged impact of Covid-19. At the very least, we have broken even from the economic ravages of year 2020, and can now aim for profits. Passion and efficiency go hand in hand. You must love what you do for you to be effective. Sweat it out until you accomplish your goal. Manu Chandaria, one of the business leaders I admire, says that you must never stop until you can feel the heat in your belly. Talenom Plc Press release 1 March 2021 at 13:00 EET Talenom Plc welcomes new franchise entrepreneurs in Oulu and Kerava Talenom Plc has concluded new franchise agreements and welcomes Ville Vittaniemi in Oulu and Henri Palovesi in Kerava as the company's new franchise entrepreneurs. The agreements bring Talenom's total number of franchisees to 22. In the franchise model, independent franchisees offer the same accounting services to their customers locally as Talenom's other offices and acquire new customers for Talenom. The bookkeeping activities are concentrated in Talenom's highly automated units in Oulu and Tampere, which utilize scalable production processes. The franchising model allows for expanding the business efficiently also to smaller market areas in Finland. "It is great to welcome Ville and Henri to our franchise chain. With franchise entrepreneurs, we want to further strengthen our organic growth and distribution network. I wish success to our new franchise entrepreneurs!" says Otto-Pekka Huhtala, CEO of Talenom. Talenom is a growth company that generates new accounts through active sales efforts. Expanding the franchise model supports the company's organic growth strategy. The company intends to continue expanding its franchise chain to new locations also in the future. TALENOM PLC Further information: Otto-Pekka Huhtala CEO, Talenom Plc +358 40 7038 554 otto-pekka.huhtala@talenom.fi Talenom is an agile and progressive accounting firm established in 1972. Our business idea is to make day-to-day life easier for entrepreneurs with the easiest-to-use digital tools on the market and highly automated services. In addition to comprehensive accounting services, we support our customers' business with a wide range of expert services as well as financing and banking services. Our vision is to provide unbeatable accounting and banking services for SMEs. Talenom has a history of strong growth - the average annual increase in net sales was approximately 15.5% between 2005 and 2020. At the end of 2020, Talenom had 912 employees in Finland and Sweden at a total of 47 locations. Talenom's share is quoted on the main list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange. DISTRIBUTION: Main media www.talenom.fi Myanmar's elected civilian government was ousted in a military coup on Feb. 1. Myanmar's U.N. Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun appealed to the United Nations on Friday "to use any means necessary to take action against the Myanmar military" to restore democracy to the Southeast Asian country. "I hope to use our time as president of the council to push for more intense discussions," Thomas-Greenfield told reporters, adding that she planned to have a Security Council discussion on Myanmar "sooner rather than later." The Security Council voiced concern - in a statement last month - over a state of emergency imposed by the Myanmar military for one year, but stopped short of condemning the coup due to opposition by Russia and China. Police in Myanmar have dispersed protests against the coup with tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets. On Sunday, police fired on crowds in several places, killing 18 people, the U.N. human rights office said. Thomas-Greenfield said Washington was ready to use its renewed engagement at the United Nations and internationally "to press the military to reverse its actions and restore a democratically elected government." Video Transcript LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD: And the US is committed to using our renewed engagement here in New York but internationally to press the military to reverse its actions and restore a democratically elected government. But the violence we're seeing happening now does not indicate that they are ready to make that what I would consider easy decision for them to make. So we do have to ramp up the pressure. The Security Council, I was pleased, expressed in a unanimous press statement its concerns about the situation in Burma. So that's a sign that we can come together and cooperate in areas where it matters. So I hope to use our time as president of the council to push for more intense discussions on that issue. The Telegraph Gold is hovering around the $1,900 an ounce mark, which means the precious metals price has risen by 55pc over the past five years and trades at barely 7pc below last autumns record high. By contrast, shares in Centamin, the gold miner, are no higher than they were in June 2016 and stand at barely half the peak reached last year. It is therefore tempting to argue that either the gold price or the share price is wrong and given the current macroeconomic backdrop this columns inclination is to believe that the share price is too low rather than the gold price too high, even allowing for Centamins history of operational disappointment. Americas Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are showing little or no inclination to tighten monetary policy. This is despite the fact that near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing were described as emergency policies when they were introduced in the West in 2008-09 and despite signs that inflation is gathering last months 4.2pc year-on-year rise in the US consumer price index was the fastest rate of advance in more than a decade. The central banks view is that this surge will be temporary because it is partly the result of pent-up demand and supply-chain dislocations as lockdowns ease and partly due to the low base for comparison offered by the economic downturn of 2020. MP Tracey Crouch has hit back at 'fake and sexist' rumours Boris Johnson's partner Carrie Symonds acts like Lady Macbeth now that she is living in Downing Street. It emerged last week that society bible Tatler is featuring an explosive profile charting the 'rise and rise' of Miss Symonds this month, who is described as the 'most powerful woman in Britain' and questioning if she is a 'scheming Lady Macbeth'. Tracey, 44, who represents Chatham and Aylesford constituency in Kent, slammed the suggestions, telling The Times: 'I think it's a bit sexist. I also think it's really rude to Boris; it's really patronising. The idea that somehow we say something and our other half immediately goes off and does it doesn't happen in real life.' Meanwhile the politician, who was diagnosed with cancer in June, said Carrie had been hugely supportive of her cancer battle and 'made a point of remembering all her treatment dates and sending a message'. Carrie Symonds, 32, 'sent manuka honey' to MP Tracey Crouch, 44, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the politician has revealed Tracey, who represents Chatham and Aylesford constituency in Kent, revealed in June that the cancer has been caught early and she would be receiving treatment from the NHS The friends met when they worked together at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport where Carrie was then the special adviser to the culture secretary at the time, John Whittingdale. Tracey recalled bonding with Carrie over their dislike of hunting, and said they would 'gang up' on Whittingdale about the issue. She said the two became so close that Carrie knew she had found a lump and was going to a clinic to have it checked, with the 32-year-old sending her a jar of manuka honey after the diagnosis. It is made from the flowers of the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) found only in New Zealand and contains ingredients that scientists believe boost its antibacterial properties, The friends met when they worked together at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport where Carrie was then the special adviser to the culture secretary at the time, John Whittingdale Tracey also revealed how the Prime Minister 'left voice messages', while explaining: 'Before chemotherapy started in August, we went over for tea with them at Chequers. They were chilled and relaxed.' The politician said that after her final radiotherapy session, Carrie texted, 'You did it' with a gold star emoji. The MP also fought back on rumours Carrie acts like Anne Boleyn now that she is living in Downing Street, calling the reports 'fake'. Days ago, one of Miss Symonds's former colleagues claimed she has effectively become Boris Johnson's Downing Street chief of staff. The war between Ms Symonds and ousted No10 aides intensified at the weekend after she was accused of 'running Downing Street' - with the assistance of her dog Dilyn Miss Symonds's 'unelected and unaccountable' role in Government is 'damaging to democracy,' according to Nic Conner, who worked with Miss Symonds on the Brexit campaign. He told the Daily Mail that he has no grudge against the former director of Tory communications and was not being sexist, but is concerned she is acting unconstitutionally as friends are hired and rivals fired inside No 10. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER? Breast cancer can cause a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. According to NHS Choices you should also see your GP if you notice any of the following: A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts Discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood A lump or swelling in either of your armpits Dimpling on the skin of your breasts A rash on or around your nipple A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Advertisement Mr Conner said: 'In light of my experience working with Carrie Symonds, I am deeply concerned that she should have any role in governing the country without authority or accountability. 'Anyone holding so much unelected power, and who cannot be removed, is not only unconstitutional but is damaging to British democracy.' Mr Conner's comments came after the conservative think tank, the Bow Group of which he is a research fellow called for an independent inquiry into the role of Miss Symonds within government. Bow Group chairman Ben Harris-Quinney added: 'No romantic partner of the PM has ever involved themselves to this degree. It's completely unjustifiable in a modern democracy, and calling me or the Bow Group sexist doesn't change that.' The Bow Group wants an inquiry into Miss Symonds's alleged role in pushing out key Downing Street advisers. It also claims she was instrumental in appointing her close friend Nimco Ali as a Home Office adviser, and recruiting other allies to Downing Street. Mr Harris-Quinney said: 'Failure to clarify Ms Symonds' position and authority, and to ensure that Ms Symonds is not and cannot take any action in governing the United Kingdom, potentially has huge hazards for the Government, the Conservative Party, and the nation. The public take a very dim view of cronyism, democracy in Britain is and must always be sacred, and no one should be involved in running our country without accountability to the people.' The most prominent casualty of Miss Symond's alleged influence was Mr Johnson's right-hand man Dominic Cummings, who left in November after clashing with her. Mr Cummings's ally, communications chief Lee Cain, soon followed him out of the door amid claims that Miss Symonds was calling the PM 20 times a day, and had been nicknamed 'Princess Nut Nut' by her detractors. In their place, a new group has grown in Downing Street consisting of allies of Miss Symonds and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove. A poll conducted by the magazine reveals 69 per cent of British adults believe Miss Symonds 'influences decision-making at No 10'. One in three young adults say they prefer Miss Symonds to Boris Johnson. Pictured, Miss Symonds with Boris Johnson in March 2020 These include her friends Henry Newman and Baroness Finn. Brexit negotiator Lord Frost, who was close to Mr Cummings, is thought to have tried to quit in protest at their arrival but was persuaded to stay and has been rewarded with a place in Cabinet. Fresh battles became public on Friday when Oliver Lewis, another Cummings supporter, resigned as head of the Union Unit. It was claimed that he had been briefing against Mr Gove and had been forced out as a result. But in a weekend of briefing and counter-briefing, it was also claimed Mr Gove had masterminded Mr Lewis's departure over fears he was being sidelined by the PM. Meanwhile Miss Symonds has been appointed head of communications at conservation charity the Aspinall Foundation, which is run by gambling tycoon Damian Aspinall. Earlier this month it was revealed that the organisation is being investigated by the Charity Commission amid concerns about what it calls 'financial management and wider governance'. A spokesman for Miss Symonds declined to comment on the allegations against her at the time they were originally published in the Daily Mail. Less than half of Pennsylvanias counties have substantial spread of the coronavirus and the states rate of positive tests for COVID-19 continues to drop, Gov. Tom Wolfs administration said Monday. Statewide, 26 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties are considered to have substantial spread of COVID-19. Last week, the Wolf administration said there had been substantial spread of COVID-19 in 40 counties, so 14 counties are no longer considered to have high transmission. The Wolf administration uses three categories to gauge the transmission of COVID-19: low, moderate and substantial. The positive test rate for COVID-19 fell to 6.3% for the week of Feb. 19-25, down slightly from 6.5% during the previous week. The positive test rate has now dropped for 11 consecutive weeks after reaching a high of 16.2% in December. The declining positive test rate is an encouraging sign, but health officials have said a positive test rate higher than 5% is a source of concern. As cases and hospitalizations have dropped, Wolf said Monday the state is easing capacity limits for outdoor and indoor events, although venues such as arenas and stadiums are still capped well below full capacity. Wolf also said he has eliminated out-of-state travel restrictions which called for visitors from other states to show proof of negative tests. As we continue to review our data, we see encouraging news that our cases, hospitalizations and positivity rates are decreasing across the state, Wolf said in a statement. Even with the mitigation restriction changes announced today, we need to stay the course and continue practicing social distancing, washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask among other things to keep our neighbors safe in our communities. The number of counties with high spread of the virus has dropped steadily in recent weeks. There had been substantial transmission in every county of the state through much of December and January. Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have dropped in recent weeks. Statewide, 1,720 coronavirus patients are being treated in hospitals, down from a peak of more than 6,300 earlier this winter. A closer look The states two most densely populated counties - Philadelphia and Allegheny - are now designated as having only moderate spread of COVID-19. In central Pennsylvania, Cumberland and Franklin counties have moved from substantial spread to moderate transmission over the past week, the Wolf administration said. State officials have urged school officials to evaluate the extent of community spread of COVID-19 in determining whether students should be in school or educated remotely. Local school leaders retain the authority to decide if schools should hold classes in person, remotely or with a mix of distance learning and face-to-face instruction. There are 37 counties now deemed to have moderate spread of COVID-19, while only four counties are designated as having low transmission of the virus. Low: Cameron, Forest, Fulton and Sullivan Moderate: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Montour, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Susquehanna, Tioga, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland and Wyoming Substantial: Adams, Beaver, Bucks, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Pike, Potter, Union, Wayne and York Vaccine rollout State officials say they are aiming to ramp up the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, which has received criticism from lawmakers and some advocates for seniors as moving too slowly. Wolf and other health officials have said the vaccine rollout can be improved but the most serious challenge remains the fact that the demand far exceeds the available supply of vaccines. Over the weekend, federal regulators approved a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson. With that step, there are now three federally approved vaccines available. Healthcare officials have welcomed the arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to boost supplies, particularly since it only requires one shot. Johnson & Johnson expects shots to be administered later this week. About 740,000 people in Pennsylvania are considered fully vaccinated and nearly 1.7 million have received their first shot, according to state figures. Across Pennsylvania, more than 930,000 people have contracted the coronavirus and more than 24,000 deaths have been tied to COVID-19. Most of those who have been infected experience relatively mild symptoms and many people dont even feel sick. But doctors and healthcare experts say the coronavirus poses risks to everyone, particularly seniors and those with health issues or high-risk factors. More from PennLive Pursuit of COVID-19 vaccine devolves into hunger games for Pa. seniors Washington, March 1 : A non-partisan US watchdog group said that the House of Representatives-approved $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief bill includes measures not directly related to the pandemic, urging the Senate to pass a better targeted one. Commenting on the giant relief bill that cleared the House on February 27, Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said in a statement that while some of the funds would go to key priorities, it is clear that the targeting of this bill could be improved, reports Xinhua news agency. "It directs significant resources to those who have not been harmed by the pandemic or recession. Those policies may be popular or sensible, but they do not belong in this emergency bill," MacGuineas said. "Specifically, state and local government budgets aren't in anywhere near as dire a situation as initially projected." The $1.9 trillion package includes $350 billion dollars to help pandemic-hit state and local governments balance their budgets. MacGuineas argued that the third round of rebate checks will go to many households that "don't need them", right as US incomes continue to "show strong growth". According to data released last week by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, personal income soared 10 per cent in January, and personal consumption expenditures increased 2.4 per cent. "Furthermore, the bill directs a substantial amount of funds to unrelated political objectives that have been around for years," MacGuineas noted. The watchdog group estimated that the relief package includes at least $312 billion of policies that "have little to do with the current crisis". Among the unrelated provisions are a pension bailout, expansions of the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the child care tax credit; an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour; and Affordable Care Act expansions, according to the group. "These may be worthwhile proposals, but they should not be stuck in legislation intended to help deal with this emergency -- particularly if they are intended to last beyond this crisis," MacGuineas said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi however, said in a statement that the relief plan is "coronavirus-centric", as it delivers the "decisive action" that families and small businesses demand and need. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Twitter that as an economist and an American, she applauds "the House's favourable vote on the American Rescue Plan". "There's a broad consensus among economists: people need more help putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their head until the virus is under control. This plan does that," she said. MacGuineas said that as the bill goes to the Senate, hopefully lawmakers will use this opportunity to reflect on "how much aid we've already provided, what's necessary to accelerate vaccinations, and where additional fiscal relief will do the most good". According to the group's analysis, Congress has allocated around $4 trillion of Covid-19 relief at a net cost of over $3.4 trillion since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. "Adding to the deficit still comes with risk and should be done judiciously," MacGuineas said. "A better targeted relief bill would still get money where it's needed without making our long-term fiscal outlook worse than it needs to be." By Agustin Geist BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Scientists have unearthed in Argentina's Patagonian wilderness fossils of what may be the oldest-known member of the dinosaur group known as titanosaurs that includes the largest land animals in Earth's history. Researchers said on Monday the fossils represent a dinosaur species named Ninjatitan zapatai that lived 140 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. They identified Ninjatitan as a titanosaur, a group of long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs that walked on four pillar-like legs. The dinosaur's incomplete skeletal remains were discovered south of the city of Neuquen. The researchers said Ninjatitan demonstrated that the titanosaurs as a group first appeared longer ago than previously known. "It is the oldest record known, not only from Argentina but worldwide," study lead author Pablo Gallina, a researcher at the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research of Argentina (CONICET), told Reuters. "Titanosaurs are recorded on various sides of the world, but the oldest-known records were more modern than this find." At a length of about 65 feet (20 meters), Ninjatitan was a large dinosaur, but much smaller than later titanosaurs such as Argentinosaurus that reached a length of around 115 feet (35 meters). The researchers also said the presence of such an early titanosaur in Patagonia supports the idea that titanosaurs originated in the Southern Hemisphere. The findings were published in the scientific journal Ameghiniana. Titanosaurs are part of a larger dinosaur group called sauropods that includes others with similar body designs such as Brontosaurus and Diplodocus that lived in North America during the Jurassic Period, which preceded the Cretaceous Period. A number of the titanosaurs that inhabited Patagonia achieved gigantic proportions such as Argentinosaurus, Patagotitan and Dreadnoughtus. Jose Luis Carbadillo, another CONICET researcher, told a local university publication http://www.ctys.com.ar/index.php?idPage=20&idArticulo=3796 that the age of Ninjatitan's remains could have led people to assume that the bones belonged to a dinosaur group that pre-dated titanosaurs. "In Patagonia, titanosaurs are only known about from less than 120 million years ago," he said. (Reporting by Agustin Geist; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Will Dunham) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Doha, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Qatar held a third round of political consultations, co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Senik and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Ahmed Al-Hammadi. This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. "The parties discussed steps to further develop Ukrainian-Qatari cooperation in the political, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian sectors," the report reads. The interlocutors praised the sustainable growth rate of trade turnover, which in 2020 reached a record level in the history of bilateral relations USD 139 million. Food security of Qatar was also discussed during the consultations. "Ukraine is ready to help ensure food security in Qatar and expand supplies of high-quality agricultural products and food to the Qatari market," Senik said. The Ukrainian diplomat thanked Qatar's partners for providing humanitarian medical assistance to Ukraine to counter the spread of COVID-19 in 2020. The parties also discussed the development of a legal framework and cooperation within international organizations. They agreed to continue the practice of holding political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries on a regular basis. As a reminder, the previous round of political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Ukraine and Qatar took place in Kyiv in April 2019. ish By Juliet Nalwooga Police spokesperson Fred Enanga has revealed that the list of missing people is with the Internal Affairs minister General Jeje Odongo who will present it to parliament. Enanga has as such urged relatives of the abducted persons to patient. The deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Paul Lokech, was last week expected to release the list of the suspects and their offences in vain. This was days after president Museveni in his national address on security revealed that government can account for all missing persons and that security agencies will soon present a list of all people missing. Many of those detained are said to have participated in the November 18 and 19 protests violent protests which left 54 people dead, the followed the arrest of NUP party leader Robert Kyagulanyi The missing people are said to have been abducted from that time to the election period in January by security personnel driving Toyota vans commonly known as drones. Enanga says the long awaited list contains particulars of those arrested, their charges, the detention centers they are being held in and the court that will hear their cases. Ramon Abass also known as Hushpuppi has hired a top-rated criminal defence lawyer, Loius Shapiro to represent him in his trial in the United States where he is facing fraud-related and money laundering charges. Hushpuppi hired Shapiro after top Chicago lawyer Gal Pissetzky and California-based criminal defence lawyer Vicki Podberesky, withdrew their services as his attorneys. The duo had accused the former Instagram celebrity of refusing to communicate to them. After a Judge granted their withdrawal from the case on February 22, a request seeking the approval of Mr Shapiro as Hushpuppi's new defence counsel was granted on February 25. Premium Times reported that Mr Shapiro who earned his law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, began his career with the New York State Attorney General, Elliot Spitzer. He also worked at several agencies including Legal Aid Societys Immigration Detainee Unit and clerked for the federal public defenders office in Los Angeles. Mr Shapiro, a certified criminal law specialist by the State Bar of California, serves as a Criminal Justice Act Federal Trial Panel attorney for the Central District of California. Source: LIB 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 Many of the aged care systems failings and weak regulation are a result of successive governments desire to rein in spending across the sector, the aged care royal commissions landmark final report has found. The 2800-page report, released on Monday, said the extent of substandard care in the system was unacceptable and deeply concerning. A philosophical shift that put people in care at the centre of quality and safety regulation was needed, it said. Acknowledging the reports shocking findings, Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed an extra $452.2 million to address immediate issues and said the government would provide a comprehensive response in the May budget. The report estimated the collective decisions of successive governments had cut more than $9.8 billion from the budget for aged care in 2018-19. As the number of reported injuries and deaths following COVID vaccines continues to climb in VAERS, the CDCs official vaccine adverse event reporting system, social media users also point to Facebook posts by people who enthusiastically got the vaccine, but have since died. Facebook users have identified people who posted having a COVID-19 vaccination and then dying within hours. The most recent Facebook post of 39-year-old Brittany Hall Perez of Atlanta on Jan. 12, for example, shows her wearing a mask while holding up a vaccination card with the slogan, SAVE LIVES. Say Yes to COVID-19 vaccine, and framing her photo. An obituary for Brittany Hall Perez of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama on Tribute Archive announced the death of the mother of two young girls on Jan. 13, but does not say how she died. Other Facebook users have pointed to the latest post of Julie Schlachter Splattstoesser, a 50-year-old from Grand Island, Neb., whose Facebook page features the motto The love of a family is lifes greatest blessing and shows her most recent post on Dec. 31, 2020 with her husband and a heart-shaped logo saying, I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE! An obituary in The Grand Island Independent states that Splattstoesser, the mother of five sons, died unexpectedly on Dec. 31, 2020. She had been A Clinical Research Coordinator at CHI Health Cancer Treatment Center. A report from the governments Vaccine Adverse Event Report System (VAERS) describes a 50-year-old Nebraska woman who died Dec. 31 on the same day that she received a Moderna vaccine after suffering from cardio-respiratory arrest. [918518] A few deaths following vaccinations have been reported in the mainstream media. A celebrated 68-year-old Detroit news anchor died suddenly the day after she received a COVID-19 vaccine, CBS Detroit reported. Karen Hudson-Samuel, who had been a Detroit media celebrity for decades, was found dead at her home by her husband, though the cause of her death is still unknown. We suspect it may have just been a stroke, but because of the normal side effects of the vaccine it may have masked that. Hopefully, well know soon from the autopsy report, her husband, Cliff Samuels, told the news outlet. A man in his 70s collapsed 25 minutes after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at the Javits Center in New York, KVOA News reported. He died later in hospital and New York health officials said he did not have an allergic reaction. The Windsor Star reported that a womans death after the COVID-19 vaccination was being investigated but provided few details. As of Feb. 12, 929 deaths, 616 life-threatening adverse events, 316 cases of permanent disability, and more than 5,000 hospitalizations and emergency room visits after COVID vaccinations were reported to VAERS, which is updated weekly. VAERS reports alone cannot be used to determine if a vaccine caused or contributed to an adverse event or illness, according to the CDC VAERS website. Rather, it is considered to be a tool for detecting signals or patterns of significant problems with vaccines. Any healthcare worker, vaccine manufacturer or member of the public can submit a report to VAERS, so interpretation is limited. Still, many VAERS reports give detailed pictures of adverse events that have occurred. For example, the 929 COVID-19 vaccination-associated reported deaths include information about the patients age, state and how long after vaccination their symptoms began as in the following samples: A 58-year-old Washington woman took Pfizers first dose of COVID vaccine at about 9 a.m. on Jan. 4 at the medical center where she worked as a housekeeper and one hour later began to complain of nausea and feeling like she was going to pass out. By 3 p.m. that day, she appeared tired and lethargic, according to a VAERS report, and about 4 p.m. she went into cardiac arrest and was unable to be revived. [921768] A 56-year-old man who worked at an extended care community facility in Florida received a second dose of Pfizers COVID vaccine on Jan. 12 and was found unresponsive, within one hour. He was pronounced brain dead the same day and died two days later. [944595] A 58-year-old woman walked to her car 20 minutes after receiving the first Pfizer vaccine dose in the state of Virginia on Jan. 30. According to a VAERS report, she was leaning out of her car saying that she couldnt breathe and began vomiting. She was administered two epi-pens and an epinephrine gas but became unresponsive shortly after she was put in an ambulance, where a large amount of fluid was suctioned from the patients lungs, and she was pronounced dead at the emergency department. [989006] A 23-year-old New York man received a first dose of Pfizers COVID vaccine on Jan. 17. Patient developed 104.4 temp approximately 48 hours after being given the vaccine. I treated him with antibiotics, IV fluids, cooling methods, stated one report filed by a physician. Unfortunately, he suffered a cardiac arrest on 1/21/21 in the early morning and expired. [960841] A 28-year-old New Jersey man was due for his second dose of Pfizers vaccine Jan. 11 but was found unresponsive at his workplace in the hospital. His pupils were fixed and dilated, according to a VAERS report, and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. [943397] A 33-year-old woman died on Jan. 28 following her first dose of Pfizers vaccine. The report filed by a physician stated that 16 hours after receiving the vaccine (the) patient was found dead at her home. [1000669] A 43-year-old man who received Modernas COVID vaccine on Jan. 8 in New York died the following day. [933578] A 43-year-old woman with no pre-existing medical conditions and no known medications died six hours after receiving Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 13, according to a VAERS report made by a pharmacist. An autopsy was not performed. The cause of death was unknown, death unexplained. No follow-up attempts are possible. No further information is expected, the report stated. [965441] A 48-year-old Tennessee woman experienced a temperature, nausea and vomiting after her first dose of Modernas COVID vaccine on Jan. 30 and died Feb. 1. [994913] A 49-year-old Alabama woman had her first dose of Modernas vaccine on Jan. 15 and died within hours after suffering a seizure and heart attack. [950057] A 53-year-old California man who received an injection of Pfizers COVID vaccine on Jan. 4 began to feel unwell immediately, according to one VAERS report. He went right home and went to bed. The man slept intermittently and began vomiting and developed trouble breathing. He was taken by ambulance to an urgent care facility, where became increasingly agitated, he continued vomiting and was dehydrated. The following morning, according to the VAERS report, The patient stated that he couldnt breathe, and his mind was racing. He died at 10:15 am on Jan. 6 and, according to the VAERS report filed by his brother, it was reported that none of the symptoms occurred until the patient received the vaccine. [934968] A 58-year-old Virginia pharmacist developed fatigue and shortness of breath hours after receiving Modernas second dose vaccine on Jan. 21. He was hospitalized two days later as his condition worsened, but he repeatedly tested negative for COVID-19. He died on Feb. 5. [1006168] A 52-year-old Hawaiian woman died two hours after receiving Modernas first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, after having a stroke. [930910] There are numerous reports of nursing home residents dying after COVID vaccinations. VAERS data descriptions of hundreds of cases of life-threatening and disabling illnesses include allergic shock reactions (anaphylaxis), paralysis, Guillain Barre Syndrome, sudden hearing loss, sudden blindness, seizures, strokes and encephalitis. The UN said it has received credible reports that 18 people were killed and 30 others were injured after security forces in Myanmar opened fire as they sought to break up protests against the militarys seizure of power. Protesters are demanding the return to power of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi after it was ousted in a coup on February 1. About 1,000 people are believed to have been detained during demonstrations on Sunday. Expand Close A wounded protester is carried away in Mandalay (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A wounded protester is carried away in Mandalay (AP) The UN Human Rights Office said security forces also used tear gas as well as flash and stun grenades, adding: Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku. An Associated Press journalist was taken into police custody on Saturday morning while providing news coverage of the protests. The journalist, Thein Zaw, remains in custody. The AP has called for his immediate release. Ian Phillips, AP vice president for international news, said: Independent journalists must be allowed to freely and safely report the news without fear of retribution. AP decries in the strongest terms the arbitrary detention of Thein Zaw. The Foreign Correspondents Club of Myanmar also condemned the arrest. Expand Close The UN has strongly condemned violence by the security forces (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The UN has strongly condemned violence by the security forces (AP) The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reported that there had been 19 confirmed deaths in nine cities, with another 10 deaths unconfirmed. The independent media company counted five deaths in Yangon and two in Mandalay, the largest and second-largest cities, respectively. It registered five deaths in Dawei, a much smaller city in south-eastern Myanmar that has seen tens of thousands of protesters take to the streets nearly every day since the coup. Witnesses said Sundays march was also large and people were determined not to be driven off the streets. Confirming the deaths of protesters has been difficult amid the chaos and general lack of news from official sources, especially in areas outside Yangon, Mandalay and the capital of Naypyitaw. But in many cases, photos and video circulated online showed circumstances of the killings and gruesome photos of bodies. Expand Close Police and security forces had toughened their response to protests on Saturday (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police and security forces had toughened their response to protests on Saturday (AP) The independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners reported it was aware that about 1,000 people were detained on Sunday, of whom they were able to identify 270. That brought the total number of people the group has confirmed as being arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup to 1,132. Gunfire was reported almost as soon the protests began on Sunday morning in Yangon, as police also fired tear gas and water cannon while trying to clear the streets. Photos of shell casings from live ammunition used in assault rifles were posted on social media. Before Sunday, there had been eight confirmed reports of killings linked to the armys takeover, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the crackdown, calling the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters and arbitrary arrests unacceptable, and expressed serious concern at the increase in deaths and serious injuries, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. US officials including secretary of state Antony Blinken also condemned the violence. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan issued a statement saying the US is alarmed by the violence and stands in solidarity with Myanmar people who continue to bravely voice their aspirations for democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Washington has imposed sanctions on Myanmar because of the coup, and Mr Sullivan said it would impose further costs on those responsible, promising details in the coming days. The February 1 coup reversed years of slow progress towards democracy after five decades of military rule in Myanmar. Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party would have been installed for a second five-year term in office, but the army blocked parliament from convening and detained her and the president, Win Myint, as well as other top members of Ms Suu Kyis government. Coronavirus: India kick starts 2nd phase of COVID-19 vaccination; Co-Win registration from 9am India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, Mar 01: India on Monday began inoculating its elderly citizens against coronavirus in the second phase of the world's largest vaccination drive. In this phase, people above the age of 60 years and those above 45 years who are in the high-risk category will be administered the jab. Accoridng to the latest version of the Co-Win application, it will be open to people for registration starting at 9am. Citizens will be able to register and book an appointment for getting the vaccine, anytime and anywhere, using the Co-Win 2.0 portal or through other IT applications such as Arogya Setu, etc. PM Modi takes his first dose of vaccine against COVID-19 It can be seen that Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the first dose of vaccine at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The 70-year-old Prime Minister reached the hospital at 6:25am to get Covaxin shot, which is indigenously developed by Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical firm Bharat Biotech. In the second phase of the inoculation drive, vaccines will also be available at private hospitals. While it will be given for free at government hospitals, private hospitals have been allowed to charge no more than Rs 250 per person per dose Rs 150 for vaccines and Rs 100 as operational charges. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News State, districts required to pre-register COVID-19 Vaccination Centres on Co-WIN app The health ministry has said there will be only one live appointment for a beneficiary at any point of time for each dose. Appointments for any date for a Covid Vaccination Center (CVC) will be closed at 3:00 pm on that day for which the slots were opened, it added. A slot for the second dose will also be booked at the same CVC on the 29th day of the date of appointment of the first dose. If a beneficiary cancels a first dose appointment, then the appointment of both doses will be cancelled, according to the health ministry statement. Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan recently left his fans concerned when he dropped a cryptic post about his health on social media. The veteran actor wrote about undergoing a surgery due to a medical condition. The Shahenshah of Bollywood took to his blog and dropped a five-word message that read, "medical condition .. surgery .. can't write." His fans and well-wishers got worried after reading his post and wished him a speedy recovery. Later, the veteran actor posted a bunch of praying hand emoticons on his Twitter page hinting at a 'thank you' message. He even took to his blog and expressed his gratitude and love for concern and wishes after undergoing surgery. Amitabh Bachchan wrote, "My gratitude and love for the concern and the wishes ..AB." If news reports are to be believed, the superstar has undergone cataract surgery, and will be back home in 24 hours. However, there is no confirmation yet on these reports. Last year, the senior actor and his three other members of his family - Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan, had battled COVID-19. During his stay at Mumbai's Nanavati hospital, Big B used to regularly share updates about his health. Workwise, Amitabh Bachchan is currently busy shooting for Ajay Devgn's directorial project Mayday. The film marks their reunion on the big screen after eight years. The film also stars Rakul Preet Singh in a prominent role. Further, the makers of Big B's upcoming film Jhund announced the release date of the film a few days ago. The social drama helmed by Nagraj Manjule, is slated to release on May 8, 2020. Besides these two films, the superstar will also be seen in Rumi Jaffery's Chehre, Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra and Nag Ashwin's yet-to-be-titled film with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone. ALSO READ: Amitabh Bachchan Elated About Jaya Bachchan And Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Returning To Work After A Long Gap! ALSO READ: Amitabh Bachchan Gets Nostalgic As He Revisits Deewar Location To Shoot Ajay Devgn's Mayday New Delhi: Former Miss India Delhi Mansi Sehgal joined the Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of party leader Raghav Chadha, the AAP said in a statement on Monday. Speaking on the occassion, Sehgal, Miss India Delhi 2019, said she was "inspired by the honest governance of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal" and therefore chose to join the AAP. Mansi Sehgal For any nation to prosper, health and education are the two main pillars and there has been a "tremendous change" in these fields in the last few years under the leadership of Kejriwal, she said. "Inspired by the honest governance of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and hardwork of MLA Raghav Chadha, I chose to join the Aam Aadmi Party, and I feel that through clean politics, we can bring about a substantial change in the world that we live in," Sehgal stated. Chadha inducted Sehgal into the AAP at Naraina Vihar Club in the presence of several residents. AAP "I am delighted that the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal instill confidence in young people to join politics and serve the people, and the AAP family is growing leaps and bounds with each passing day. I welcome Mansi into the AAP family," Chadha said. Sehgal is also a TedX speaker, trained engineer and an entrepreneur with her own startup, the party statement said. Calling upon youth and women to be an active part of politics and to join the AAP, Sehgal said, "I would urge our youth and particularly our women to come and join us, and bring about the change that we all wish to see." Egypt detected 595 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing its total infections tally nationwide to 182,424 since the outbreak last year, a statement by the health ministry said. The health ministry reported 49 new deaths, bringing overall fatalities from the virus nationwide to 10,688. The statement added that 432 patients have been discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours to mark total recoveries at 140,892. After vaccinating hundreds of medical staff members in quarantine hospitals since January, Egypt's health ministry activated on Sunday the registration process for eligible categories of citizens to obtain coronavirus vaccines via a designated website. Though citizens above the age of 18 could apply for vaccination via the website, the eligible categories, who have priority, are the patients suffering from chronic diseases per the ministry's database. In a separate statement issued earlier on Sunday, the ministry said around 45,429 citizens registered online for a vaccination date and location in the first 12 hours after the launching the website, including 6,615 medical workers, 32,172 chronic diseases patients, and 6,642 seniors. Minister of Health Hala Zayed revealed last week that citizens would get the two-shot vaccine at a cost of no more than EGP 200 (around $13), with needy families and individuals to be exempt from the charge. Short link: SEATTLE, Mar. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Treehouse's annual Champions Luncheon fundraiser is usually held in a ballroom with more than 1,000 supporters from throughout the community. Youth impacted by foster care share stories about their journeys and triumphs in partnership with the nonprofit organization. This year because of the pandemic, the event will be shifting online on March 17, from noon to 1 p.m. "We're excited because now we're not limited to how many people will fit in one room. Everyone can attend, and no one is limited by geography," said Spencer Sheridan, Community Engagement Manager at Treehouse. "Treehouse is a statewide organization serving more than 7,800 youth, and supporters in Tacoma, Spokane and beyondwho all make that possiblecan be together at the same time." Prior to the event, Treehouse will be sending out a video to everyone who registers that showcases Paris, an aspiring chef and Treehouse participant. Paris will demonstrate in the video how to prepare a special meal to eat during the event as a nod to its in-person luncheon origins. Champions will feature live content and also debut two impact videos. One story features a caregiver who has partnered with Treehouse throughout the organization's more than 30 years. Along the way she has fostered numerous children, eventually adopting eight of them. Another story highlights the very special relationship of three sisters, all of which are in Treehouse's Graduation Success program and working toward high school completion with lofty plans for the future. The theme of Champions this year is the power of partnership which is absolutely key to Treehouse's success and even more so during the pandemic. "We partner with children, youth and young adults, always listening to what it is we can do to support them as they unlock their own potential," said Dr. Lisa Chin, Treehouse CEO, who will speak live during the event. "To provide that support, we must continue to partner broadly throughout the community and challenge ourselves to change the system together to best serve youth." Register for the free event at treehouseforkids.org/champions. About Treehouse Founded in 1988 by social workers, Treehouse is Washington's leading nonprofit organization addressing the academic and other essential support needs of more than 7,800 youth in foster care. We're committed to youth in care statewide achieving a degree or other career credential, living wage job and stable housing at the same rate as their peers. With fierce optimism, we fight the structural inequities that impact all of us. Learn more at treehouseforkids.org. Media Contact: Trent Freeman [email protected] 206.267.5128 SOURCE Treehouse Related Links http://www.treehouseforkids.org/about-treehouse/co Ignatius Annor, the France-based Ghanaian journalist who recently opened up about his gay status, has taken a swipe at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the latter's recent comments on the subject of LGBTQ+ and same-sex marriage in Ghana. After days and several calls for the president to also speak about the subject after it generated lots of conversation online, especially too after it was reported that an LGBTQ+ office had been opened in Accra, the president finally did. At a church service for the Installation and Enthronement of Rt. Rev Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith as the 2nd Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Ghana, at Asante-Mampong, in the Ashanti Region, on Saturday, February 27, 2021, President Akufo-Addo stated emphatically that same-sex marriage will not happen under his watch. It will not be under the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legalized in Ghana; it will never happen in my time as president, he reiterated, having earlier posited same in an interview on foreign news media Al Jazeera in 2017. But, reacting to the president's comment in a Facebook post, the EuroNews journalist stated how stupefied he was at watching the video and the president make such a stance yet again. "As I pen this down, it is unclear if the Ghanaian president condemned the violent reactions/treatment being meted out to people like myself for just being who we are and will be. Mind you we hurt absolutely no one for simply loving," he wrote. He went on to describe how disappointed he was in the president's stance, stating that such comments are clearly "against our fundamental human rights as beings." Earlier in the post, Ignatius Annor had stated that he continues to receive threats on his life for having come out to announce his sexual preference for men, adding that he knew it was time to speak up after "I denied my sexuality for years." On Monday February 22, 2021, I proudly came out and shared my story about why I denied my sexuality for years. I knew it... Posted by Ignatius Annor on Sunday, February 28, 2021 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 Sinn Fein TD for Longford-Westmeath Sorca Clarke has called on the government to take action to avoid a crisis in womens healthcare. Deptuy Clarke said: The state of womens healthcare in this country is in terrible danger of reaching a crisis stage. There are several factors contributing towards this. The fallout from the Cervical Check scandal has resulted in a loss of trust in the HSE by many women in this country. Also read: Shots fired through window of occupied Longford house I was shocked to learn that cervical cancer checks were 100,000 less last year, before the lockdown, than expected. I would like to encourage every woman in this country to please take part in cervical checks and other programmes run by the HSE. The programmes are, despite the mistakes of the past, the most effective and proven way we have of identifying cancers at an early stage and the programme has resulted in a 7% reduction in the number of women with cervical cancer. I would also like to emphasise the fact, however, that a lack of trust in the system is not the sole reason that women are not receiving their screenings. It was recently reported that it was stated at the Irish Hospital Consultants Association that over 90% of women did not respond to the invitation for cervical screening. This is simply not true. In order to accept such an invitations women must go through their GPs and, when this is not possible, they are recorded as having not responded. Also read: Longford's N & E Precision Engineering among finalists for prestigious awards There is an onus on the government to facilitate women in being able to avail of these checks as well as to begin to build confidence back up in the system. Women are turning to alternative treatments out of a lack of options and an understandable lack of trust. The government and the healthcare authorities only have themselves to blame for this. The media did not make them conceal information for so long from women falsely diagnosed. Another issue is the staff shortages. It is essential that the gaps are filled as soon as possible. The proposed new laboratory in the Coombe hospital may not be opened as scheduled due to a recruitment shortfall. This is according to Fiona Murphy, the National Screening Services Chief. This lab is intended to be opened in 2022 to take over the screening services from Quest Diagnostics. A failure to open this on time would be a disaster. Also read: Longford is being ignored when it comes to 'absolute shambles' of vaccine rollout According to reports, it could take three years to screen the 153,000 women currently awaiting mammograms, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the reduced capacity in the health service. There have been suggestions that it could take up to 3 years to clear the backlog. On top of all of this we have a huge backlog in gynaecological appointments which is where many women are diagnosed with cancer or referred for testing. This together with the issues surrounding cervical checks, the recruitment shortfall, the possible delay in the opening of the new laboratory in the Coombe and the backlog in Breast Check appointments is creating the perfect storm for a healthcare disaster for women in this country. Also read: Announcement of closure of Granard's Bank of Ireland branch a 'kick in the teeth' for rural Ireland The government must immediately invest in recruiting the adequate numbers of staff to clear these backlogs and ensure the opening of the Coombe hospital laboratory goes ahead as planned. A more streamlined process for women to avail of these checks will also need to be introduced. This is a life or death issue for far too many." Five local contractors allegedly implicated in the San Francisco City Hall bribery scandal are now prohibited from doing business with the city, the product of a new anti-corruption rule that allows the suspensions even while the executives cases are still winding through criminal court. City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who introduced the new legislation last year, on Monday announced the suspensions of the following executives and their companies: Nick Bovis and his company SMTM Technology LLC. Alan Varela and William Gilmartin and their company ProVen Management Inc. Florence Kong and her companies SFR Recovery Inc. and Kwan Wo Ironworks Inc. Walter Wong and his companies W. Wong Construction Co. Inc., Green Source Trading LLC and Alternate Choice LLC. All of those suspended have already been charged in a far-reaching federal case that alleges bribery between contractors and high-ranking city officials. Mayor London Breed signed the new rule in November, and it took effect on Christmas Day. Prior to the new legislation, contractors suspected or even charged with corruption were not officially blocked from bidding on or receiving contracts with the city until their cases were adjudicated. Now we have another tool to keep government clean, and were going to use it, Herrera said. Corruption will not be tolerated in our city. The new legislation was intended as a speedier and less burdensome precursor to debarment, in which contractors who committed willful misconduct are banned from city bidding for five years. Debarment, however, requires a high legal threshold, and a process can stretch on for years. Federal officials last year cracked open their years-long investigation into City Hall with the arrest of Mohammed Nuru, the former Public Works director accused of attempting to bribe an airport commissioner. Nuru, who was charged with fraud, is accused of being a key player in a convoluted web involving contractors, department heads and nonprofit groups accused of taking or offering bribes in exchange for insider help on lucrative city contracts. Alongside the federal governments criminal case, the City Attorneys Office launched its own public corruption investigation into potential policy violations. Bovis, a restaurateur arrested alongside Nuru last year and listed as a co-defendant in the alleged attempted bribe of an airport commissioner, has agreed to plead guilty to fraud charges and to cooperate with federal investigators. Kong last month was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to bribing Nuru with a Rolex watch. Wong, who has agreed to plead guilty to his own fraud and money laundering charges, was also a key informant for federal officials building a case against former Public Utilities Commission chief Harlan Kelly. Kelly has been charged with allegedly accepting bribes from Wong and has denied any wrongdoing. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson 303-810-1816 Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com Golden, Colorado March 1, 2021 On The Caring Generation This Week Golden CO- Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson hosts The Caring Generation podcast show for caregivers and aging adults. This coming Wednesday, March 3, 2021, the topic is How to Get Rid of Annoying Relatives. Wilson releases a new podcast in The Caring Generation series every Wednesday, sharing tips and conversations about aging, caregiving, and family relationships to help caregiving families plan for what's ahead. The podcasts are available on Wilson's website and all major podcast sites. How to Get Rid of Annoying Relatives During this podcast, Wilson offers insights into how to manage family caregiving situations where relatives are interfering in care for aging parents. Other concerns include families who have moved in togetherelderly parents living with children or children living with elderly parents. When boundaries are not established for appropriate behavior, family caregiving situations can become annoying and destructive to relationships. When families join together because of caregiving needs, aging parents and adult children experience a wide range of emotions. Anger, yelling, criticism, control issues, threatening or intimidating behavior, and silent treatment contribute to the emotional traps that can make caregiving relationships feel impossible. The complications of COVID and caregiving concerns resulted in many families moving in together for various reasons, job losses, sick parents, parents not wanting to move into assisted living communities. These situations may last for some time. Wilson offers insights into how caregivers can identify the issues contributing to annoyance and frustration. She also shares a humorous personal story of her Aunt, who temporarily moved into her family home for care, and how Wilson's mother eventually encouraged her to move back home. How Does Religion or Spirituality Effect Health, Well-Being, and Relationships? Wilson shares an interview with Dr. Kevin Seybold that answers the question, do people who embrace religion or spirituality experience better mental and physical health? Can being religious or spiritual impact the way we look at and the quality of our relationships? The research shared indicates that persons with high religiousness typically have higher levels of social support. Also discussed is how the act of helping others benefits the helper. Helping Elderly Parents Make Decisions Helping elderly parents make decisions is a significant part of being a caregiver. Whether one is an adult child caring for aging parents or a spouse caring for a spouse, decision-making about aspects of health and day-to-day living have long-term effects. Caregiving responsibilities affect the caregiver and the person receiving care. Caregiving responsibilities affect careers, education, family relationships, and the health of the caregiver. Burned-out caregivers may be too mentally exhausted or physically worn out to offer the level of attention needed by elderly parents or a spousewith the result being unintended harm. Wilson works with caregiving organizations and corporations worldwide to educate about the role strain that caregivers experience and how to be proactive to plan ahead for health and aging issues. More about Wilson's online courses for elderly care: How to Get Guardianship of a Parent and Taking Care of Elderly Parents, caregiver support, webinars, and speaking engagements is on her website www.pameladwilson.com. Pamela may also be contacted at 303-810-1816 or through the Contact Me page on her website. # An Irish animation studio is having a virtual staff party tonight as they take part remotely in the Golden Globes. Animators at Kilkenny's Cartoon Saloon will tune in via video to cheer on Wolfwalkers, which is up for Best Animated Feature Film at the glitzy awards. This year's Golden Globes sees the strongest Irish showing in years, with Normal People nominated for best limited series and its star, British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, in the running for best actress. Brendan Gleeson is also in contention for an acting nod for his fearsome portrayal of Donald Trump in miniseries The Comey Rule. The virtual party has been organised by Wolfwalkers' directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart who are hosting the celebration from the spacious animation studios in the run up to the awards. "There are no animators in work at the moment, so we may as well use it for something," smiled Tomm as they revealed their plans. Read More The co-directors and their partners will be in the studios while hundreds of animators are joining in from home. "They've made a little living room. Two of our editors, Alan and David, are great cameramen. So they've set up the cameras, it will be a bit of an event. We'll have some Prosecco and snacks. It'll be nice, because we've all been at home. We're doing it all on video conferencing." Tomm and Ross are dusting down their tuxedos as they will be on camera during the show which is being broadcast around the world. "I haven't worn real pants in a year. I've been going around in dungarees and elasticated waists," said Tomm. "I tried to put on my old tux from four years ago, for (colleague Nora Twomey's film) The Breadwinner and there wasn't a hope in hell. Thankfully, Louis Copeland sorted me out. Wolfwalkers tells the story of a young apprentice hunter and her family who come here from England to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumoured to turn into wolves at night. The movie has become an international smash after being picked up by Apple TV. It marks the biggest success yet for the Kilkenny animation studio set up 21 years ago. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 19:00:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A C919 large passenger aircraft lands at the Turpan Jiaohe Airport in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 28, 2020. (Photo by Liu Jian/Xinhua) SHANGHAI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China Eastern Airlines and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) signed a purchase contract for five planes on Monday, marking the official entry into market operation for China's indigenously-developed C919 large passenger aircraft. The new planes will be used on routes from Shanghai to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu, according to the airline company. China Eastern Airlines has been participating deeply in the development of the C919 since a very early stage. In 2016, China Eastern Airlines signed a cooperation framework agreement with COMAC, becoming the world's first user of the C919. The C919, China's first self-developed trunk jetliner, has 158-174 seats and a range of 4,075-5,555 km. The plane conducted its successful maiden flight in 2017. A Connecticut EMT wanted in connection with four Molotov cocktail attacks across the state was arrested after fleeing to Pennsylvania, authorities said Sunday. Richard White, a 37-year-old resident of Torrington, was charged with arson and burglary, according to a statement by the Old Saybrook Fire Department. He was picked up Saturday at 10 p.m. in Turbot Township, Pennsylvania, and will be held pending his extradition to Connecticut, state police there said. White was located through signals from his mobile phone, Connecticut state police trooper Pedro Muniz told NBC New on Monday. The mayhem was traced back to a "physical altercation" White had "with another employee" at Hunter's Ambulance at about 10 a.m. on Main Street in Meriden, Connecticut, police there said. The dispute arose from "a disciplinary hearing that resulted in White being placed on administrative leave," police said. White allegedly "ignited a makeshift Molotov cocktail inside of the employee room" at Hunter's Ambulance in Old Saybrook at 4:17 p.m. before fleeing in a 2004 gray Ford Taurus, Meriden police said. Then at 5:02 p.m., White's Taurus was spotted again at Hunter's Ambulance on Main Street in Meriden where "the occupant of the vehicle is seen throwing an already lit object out of the driver side window," striking the building, police said. This individual has targeted those who we count on to save lives," according to a statement by Old Saybrook Police Chief Michael A. Spera. Our officers have worked diligently all evening obtaining both search and arrest warrants in an effort to quickly stop these violent attacks against public safety and cause the suspect to be taken into custody. White is suspected of two similar attacks, at one more location in Meridien and at a fire house in Roxbury, Muniz said. It wasn't immediately clear if White had worked or lived at these locations but "there was a (previous) connection to him" at all those crime scenes, Muniz said. A representative for Hunter's Ambulance could not be immediately reached for comment. It wasn't clear if White had hired an attorney by Monday and no one picked up the line at his publicly listed mobile phone number. White has been a licensed EMT in Connecticut since August, 2017, according to state records. ADVERTISEMENT Unidentified gunmen in the early hours of Monday attacked a police station in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigerias South-south. This is the latest in a series of attacks against police officers and police facilities lately in Nigerias South-east and South-south regions. It is unclear, for now, if the attacks are coordinated or isolated incidents. The police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom State, Odiko MacDon, who confirmed the attack to PREMIUM TIMES, Monday afternoon, said a part of the Essien Udim police station and some old vehicles, which were parked as exhibits at the station, were set on fire by the gunmen. Mr MacDon said the commissioner of police in the state visited the scene of the attack and has ordered an investigation into the incident. Essien Udim has been notorious for cult-related killings and violence. Two police officers were killed about six days ago in the local government area when suspected cultists attacked a police checkpoint in the area. In the neighbouring Cross River State, four police officers were killed on Thursday by gunmen in Calabar, the state capital. The police spokesperson in the state, Irene Ugbo, said the police in the state have been thrown into grief by the incident which she said was very bitter and ugly. The killers would not have a place to hide as the force would fish them out and serve justice on them, she said. It is quite unfortunate. We feel really sad. The Command is in mourning over the death of the four officers who lost their lives. We are investigating the matter and will surely root out the culprits, no matter how far they run or hide. We must get them and that I can assure you, the police spokesperson said. In Abia State, Nigerias South-east, two police stations were attacked in separate incidents last month. The gunmen razed down the stations, killed some officers, and carted away arms and ammunition. The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is launching its newest fundraising campaign: Bubbles of Hope. The Austin Hatcher Foundation is partnering with businesses through the Bubbles of Hope Campaign. This campaign will raise funds by selling point of sale pin up bubbles at the businesss locations. Customers have the option to donate $1, $5, or $10 at checkout and sign their name on the bubbles that the store will display. The donations raised with Bubbles of Hope will fund services provided to families that have been impacted by childhood cancer. The Austin Hatcher Foundation offers services such as individual and family therapies, family programs, and neurocognitive testing at no cost to the affected families. The first business to partner with the foundation for Bubbles of Hope is Lil Mamas Chicago Style Hoagy in downtown Chattanooga. During the month of March, Lil Mamas employees will encourage their customers to purchase a paper bubble at checkout to be displayed alongside the foundations logo in the restaurant. In addition to partnering with Lil Mamas Chicago Style Hoagy, the foundation hopes to expand this campaign to other Chattanooga, Cleveland, and North Georgia businesses for the remainder of 2021. Businesses interested in partnering with the foundation for this campaign may contact Paige Holloway at paige@hatcherfoundation.org London: Mathias Cormann has made it to the final two candidates in the race to become the secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The former Australian finance minister has now defeated eight contenders for the top international post and will face Swedens candidate Cecilia Malmstrom in the final stage of the selection process. Greek candidate Anna Diamantopoulou withdrew from contention on Monday after failing to find enough support among the OECDs 38 member countries. Former finance minister Mathias Cormann is running to become the OECD secretary-general. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Cormanns path was also further cleared when Swiss candidate Philipp Hildebrand who made climate change a core plank of his campaign strategy pulled out last Friday. A healthcare worker holds a dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine against the COVID-19 coronavirus as South Africa proceeds with its inoculation campaign at the Klerksdorp Hospital on February 18, 2021. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images) Over the weekend, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Johnson & Johnsons one-shot COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. Its now the third vaccine to be distributed across the nation, behind Moderna and Pfizer and their two-shot mRNA vaccines. Nearly 4 million doses of the newly approved vaccine were shipped out across the country on Sunday night, the first dose of which is set to be administered Tuesday. Deploying another vaccine will mean much to so many: to people itching to get a shot so they can see their grandkids; to the families of the more than 500,000 Americans whove died of COVID-19; but also, to the researchers and scientists whove worked tirelessly over the past year to help create a solution to our global crisis. Hanneke Schuitemaker, PhD, the vice president and global head of viral vaccine discovery and translational medicine at Johnson & Johnson, is one of those researchers. She helped develop the vaccine and has since been involved with analyzing the data from the Johnson & Johnson trials. I spoke with her back in April, when she was working 14-hour days to create a vaccine she deeply hoped would work. When her team released first released their phase three trial data showing their study determined the vaccine was safe and effective in January, I reached out to catch up. From her home office in The Netherlands, Dr. Schuitemaker spoke with me via Zoom in anticipation of the milestone achieved over this past weekend, telling me that her team is happy with their results, and have even carved out time in their schedules to celebrate some of their big wins virtually. But theyre also not done fighting. Theyre looking for ways to improve their vaccine, and planning for how theyll handle the new coronavirus variants sprouting up across the globe. During our call, she leaned in close to her camera, clasped her hands together, like she was about to let me in on a big secret, and said: Theres always more work to be done. Story continues Last time we talked in April, you were still in early stages of vaccine development, and had just picked a vaccine candidate to run with but had only tested it on animals at that point. Now, youre so close to getting emergency approval for your vaccines. How do you feel? Indeed, a lot has happened. When we first looked at the data from our phase three clinical trial, it said it was 66% effective overall and 72% effective in the U.S. in preventing symptomatic COVID. This was after we already knew Pfizer and Modernas efficacy numbers. At first, we thought oh, no, this is not 90%. But we then realized, theres no direct comparison. And our aim was always to have a vaccine that was 70% efficacious after one shot, because we know that is what will make a difference in this pandemic. It will prevent disease significantly. When we looked into the data more deeply, we realized that across countries and virus lineages, or variants, we have very high protection against severe COVID-19. About 85%. Full protection against hospitalization. And we had no deaths in the vaccine group, when there were deaths in the group that received the placebo shot in our trial. That is quite an amazing result after one dose. Whats been your biggest challenge and your biggest win? Keeping everybody focused and energized has been tough, because the work conditions are so challenging. We cannot celebrate our highs because were just all by ourselves in our home offices, like everyone. The team is dedicated, but to work day and night and be in the dark about what the results will be for so long? Sometimes it was tough. You get to the end of your rope. Youre tired. You want sleep, and then in your sleep, youre still dreaming about the vaccine. But now, were pushing toward FDA emergency approval. What am I complaining about, really? We have a vaccine! Did you do anything specific to keep morale up among your team? And how did you practice self-care yourself? My team had a daily meeting where we motivated each other. We talked about the progress we were making. And it helped me personally to go walk my labrador, Figo. When I was worried, Id think, Well, the sun will come up tomorrow, right? Time will help us. Keep breathing. Last time we spoke, you were working 14-hour days. Is that still the case? Sometimes its higher. But of course, I need to eat, sleep, and walk my dog. The time that I work keeps increasing in the evening. My dog is so fed up with it. He has started to bark. He is 11 years old and has never barked, but now realizes he needs to make sound to get some attention. Now I do my evenings with my laptop and him lying at my feet. He deserves attention, and it makes me realize that when this is over, Ill need to log off and spend some time doing nothing and playing with him. Right now, in the Netherlands, we have a lockdown and a curfew, so theres not much to distract us. So we could just keep pushing and doing our work. Its not a healthy life. I couldnt do this forever. But I realize what a privilege it is to be part of this. I need to do all that I can to bring this global pandemic to an end. That weighs much heavier on me than the hours I need to put in. If a vaccine can be rolled out and it helps us get out of this crisis, its worth every minute. That must be a lot of pressure, right? Yes, it was tremendous pressure, especially once the virus variants came into play. We had to get immune response data for all regions in case we saw lower immune responses in areas where there were new variants. Everyone kept asking me where the data was. What can you tell us? When will you know? I was like, I cant rush this. We need to let people do their work. I was ready to say that my internet broke so I couldnt take the calls anymore. But that would have been childish. Now I feel more relaxed again, but theres still a lot of work ahead of us. The trial is still ongoing. Were working towards the FDA emergency use authorization. There are new challenges. Youve been quoted saying: Treatments save lives, but vaccines save populations. Can you tell me more about that philosophy and how its kept you going? What you see in this crisis is that we can treat people, but we see around the world that the health care system is overwhelmed. So even if you have treatment, there are capacity limits for who can receive it. If we can prevent overwhelm with vaccines, we can save the population from the consequences and suffering of this pandemic. And thats why were working tirelessly. We need herd immunity to save the population. What do you think about the vaccine rollout so far? I dont know about for your country, but here its going pretty slow. Its been heartbreaking to see these very old people whove felt unsafe for almost a year now. But when they get the vaccine, it gives them back their hopes. They can see their families and meet their grandchildren again. But I think we could do a better job. I think we need to produce faster and more. Across the world I think we should do everything to get these vaccines to everybody. Will the J&J vaccine help with that? Yes. With our vaccine, one shot is enough. Its great for people in remote areas, because they wont have to come back after three, four weeks. It can be transported at more favorable temperatures than some of the others. Not saying it shouldnt be rolled out in the Western world, but I think it has potential to be rolled out in more challenging areas of the world especially, to bring the vaccine to everybody. Have you had your vaccine? No! Its funny, people say its not fair because Ive worked on it all year. But I think it is fair. Because everybody is dealing with this crisis. Everybody wants to be vaccinated. I think it makes complete sense that the people who need it the most get vaccinated first. My only risk factor is my 20-year-old son, and I tell him every day to be careful. Im not at high risk for contracting the virus, so those who are should be vaccinated first. Once the process of getting this vaccine authorized is finished, what will you do next? I know youve worked in the past on other therapeutic vaccine candidates, like HIV, Ebola, and HPV. Will you go back to that work or focus on new generations of COVID-19 vaccines? Ill do both. Im so proud of teams that have kept our other vaccine programs going. Our Ebola program is doing well. But were also working on next generation COVID-19 vaccines. We need to figure out: Do we need to do an update for the lineages circulating now? As a virologist, I believe theres an end to what a virus can do mutation-wise. It still needs to bind to its host. The less the virus spreads, it will stop the emergence of new lineages which will get us out of this crisis. At a certain point, a virus needs to accept that it will be neutralized by antibodies and cant escape any more. But were figuring out what our next steps will be. Last time we talked, you said when this was all over, you were going to the Alps to hike. Do you think that will happen for you this year? Do you have hope that life will be normal enough for us all to do things like that in the next year? Yes, I have two friends, and we said on New Years Eve of this year that were definitely going to go camping there this year. Well do it unless we cannot, due to COVID restrictions. But its my hope that well have more immunity so that everybody can move around a little bit more. Im so ready to hike and think of nothing for at least a week. This interview has been condensed for length and clarity. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? Johnson & Johnson's One-Dose Vaccine FDA Approved How Johnson & Johnson's Single-Shot Vaccine Works Why Are COVID Vaccines Only In Wealthy Communities Marie Hunt of CBRE Ireland says there is hope a busier second half to 2021 is now in prospect. Photo: Mark Condren Retailers are negotiating rental discounts of up to 20pc in many cases, as they continue to be affected by Covid-19 restrictions. More substantial discounts are being achieved by shops negotiating new lettings in certain locations, according to agents CBRE in its latest bimonthly market report. This is creating opportunities for those retailers that are in a position to commit to specific and strategic moves in the current climate. As more leases are signed in the retail sector over the coming months, this will recalibrate the tone of rental levels and offer greater transparency, CBRE said. The Covid-19 pandemic has, over the past year, wreaked havoc on a significant proportion of street retailers, many of whom were already facing difficulties due to the rise in online shopping. Until the retail sector is back trading in a meaningful way, it will be difficult to gauge the full extent of the impact that Covid-19 has had on the high street and retail schemes throughout the country, the CBRE report says. The demise of many UK retailers, in particular Debenhams and the Arcadia Group, has left a noticeable gap in the commercial property market here, according to the report. The closures of these stores, which included TopShop and Dorothy Perkins, has significantly increased vacancies in many schemes and retail locations. Meanwhile, there has been a notable increase in retailer demand for shops since the start of this year. Grocery and convenience retailers, the majority of whom have been able to remain open during the Level 5 lockdowns, are especially active. The commercial property market remains calm overall, with a more positive outlook for the second half of this year, according to the report. There is a particularly strong appetite for industrial and logistics property, while demand for investment in homes in the private rental market continues. Marie Hunt, head of research at CBRE Ireland, said: The property market is hopeful that an end is finally in sight and that a busier second half to 2021 is now in prospect. Pricing has been relatively consistent over recent months and investor demand for Irish property remains strong, which is very encouraging. The Dublin office market has been more subdued than normal during January and February, the report has found. The Wrap Naomi Osakas announcement that she would not be competing in this years French Open is striking a chord with stars from the sports world and Hollywood, alike. Osaka, who is the second-ranked female tennis player in the world, took to Twitter on Monday to share that she is withdrawing from the prestigious tournament for the sake of her mental health. She also shared that she struggles with depression and social anxiety. The news comes less than a week after Osakas controversial decision to not speak to media at the competition, citing the same reason. The tennis champ has faced some backlash for the announcement, most notably from Piers Morgan, who accused Osaka of withdrawing, because of the backlash to her attack on the tennis media for doing their job. However, the response from athletes and other celebrities has been overwhelmingly positive. Check out what some of Osakas famous supporters had to say. Billie Jean King, widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, applauded the 23-year-olds bravery. She also asked that we respect Osakas privacy and wish her well. Its incredibly brave that Naomi Osaka has revealed her truth about her struggle with depression. Right now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs. We wish her well. Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 31, 2021 Another female tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, sent her own well-wishes. She also noted, As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift. This is more than doing or not doing a press conference. I am so sad about Naomi Osaka.I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift. This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi- we are all pulling for you! Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 31, 2021 Osaka also got major props from Steph Curry. The NBA superstar tweeted his admiration for her decision, So damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be dont protect their own. Major respect. You shouldnt ever have to make a decison like this-but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be dont protect their own. major respect @naomiosaka https://t.co/OcRd95MqCn Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) May 31, 2021 The NFLs Russell Wilson and the NBAs Ja Morant simply but sweetly stood in solidarity with Osaka. We are with you @naomi #Courage https://t.co/Zo840pPRcJ Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) May 31, 2021 we with you @naomiosaka https://t.co/JvkNMR1JJS Ja Morant (@JaMorant) May 31, 2021 Womens Basketball Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie expressed both her sadness and support regarding Osakas situation, Its so sad that we are in a time that when a young person tells you that they need help or a break, people respond with anger and lack of support! I stand with you @naomiosaka. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Its so sad that we are in a time that when a young person tells you they need help or a break, people respond with anger and a lack of support! I stand with you @naomiosaka Your mental health is just as important as your physical health Lisa Leslie (@LisaLeslie) May 31, 2021 Filmmaker Ava DuVernays advice to the tennis star is that she use this time out of the spotlight to take care of herself. Take care of yourself like Naomi Osaka. Ava DuVernay (@ava) May 31, 2021 Actress Rosanna Arquette praised Osakas prioritization of her mental health while also reminding us what Naomis actual job is. I have so much respect for Naomi Osaka for her self care under tremendous pressure .shes an amazing athlete and thats what is important its not about her doing interviews . rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) May 31, 2021 Activist David Hogg also tweeted a supportive message. Respect and support to Naomi Osaka David Hogg (@davidhogg111) May 31, 2021 Even Candace Owens believes that Osaka made the right decision, writing, Mental illness is serious and it is always an act of courage to step away to deal with personal issues. Emphasis on the word personal. Naomi Osaka made the right decision. Mental illness is serious and it is always an act of courage to step away to deal with personal issues. Emphasis on the word personal. Its becoming too fashionable for one persons experience to transform into a demand for everybody else Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) May 31, 2021 Read original story Steph Curry, Martina Navratilova and More Offer Support to Naomi Osaka: Major Respect At TheWrap MOSCOW: A Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Sunday carrying Russia's first satellite for monitoring the Arctic's climate, the Roscosmos space agency said. Russia has successfully launched its first satellite to monitor the Arctic's climate and environment, the country's space corporation Roscosmos statement added. The Arktika-M spacecraft was delivered to the orbit at 12.14 p.m., Xinhua news agency quoted the space corporation as further saying in the statement. The creation of a satellite system in highly elliptical orbits is necessary for information collection to solve operational meteorology and hydrology problems, and monitoring the climate and environment in the Arctic region, it said. The Arktika-M will provide round-the-clock continuous monitoring of the northern territory of Russia and the seas of the Arctic Ocean, Roscosmos added. The satellite will be able to transmit overview images of the Earth's northern polar region and the adjacent areas at least every 15-30 minutes. UK scientists last month reported ice was disappearing across the world at a rate that matched "worst-case climate warming scenarios". The team from the universities of Edinburgh and Leeds and University College London found that some of the largest losses in the last three decades were from Arctic Sea ice. Air fares from Heathrow Airport London to rise in April due to pandemic tariff 1 killed, 8 injured after Rockets hit US base in Iraq NHAI's great work! Creates record laid 25km of single lane in 18 hours Byron York reassesses Donald Trumps response to the Wuhan coronavirus. His points will be familiar to faithful readers of Power Line. Indeed, his reassessment is essentially the same as our initial assessment. There are two aspects to Trumps response. They are: (1) attempts to limit the virus spread, pre-vaccine and (2) attempts to develop and deploy vaccines. Clearly, Trump deserves very high marks on the latter aspect. As Byron writes: President Trump pushed and cajoled and threw money at vaccine makers in the form of Operation Warp Speed. Critics scoffed at Trumps vow to have a vaccine in record time, before the end of 2020. But he did just that. Its just breathtaking that that got done in 11 months from when we first knew about this virus, National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins told Axios last week. It is at least five years faster than it has ever been done before. James Hamblin, a doctor who writes on the virus for The Atlantic, tweeted, It is honestly beyond my wildest expectations that wed have three extremely effective vaccines a year into the pandemic. Furthermore, its beyond dispute that the U.S. has done a much better job than Europe (other than the UK) at getting vaccines into arms. This was true while Trump was president and it remains true. The vaccinations per day trend line in the U.S. has stayed essentially the same since Bidens inauguration, as the chart in Byrons post shows. In Europe, the vaccination program has been a quite disappointing, as even leftist journalists acknowledge. The Europeans are well behind us. A friend of our family living in France told me she doesnt expect her parents, both of whom are older than 75 and live in the Bordeaux region, to get a first dose until late March or April. My wifes 88 year-old French cousin, who lives in Nice, finally got an appointment for her first dose, to be administered in mid-March. Another cousin, a Parisian who is 75 with serious respiratory problems, didnt have an appointment a week ago when we spoke with him. What about Trumps efforts to halt the spread of the virus before vaccines were approved? On this score, as Ive written repeatedly, the U.S. comes out about the same as major European countries other than Germany. Thats not surprising. First, the virus was the same whether in Europe or the U.S. Variants didnt spring up until recently, as far as we know. Second, no one knew how to combat the virus. It was novel. A friend compared it to an alien invasion force with superior technology. Until we developed new technology, the vaccine, there was no effective way to keep it from killing lots of people, mostly the elderly. Third, the U.S. tried to cope with the virus in essentially the same way most of Europe did through lockdowns, social distancing, good hygiene, and masks. The policies in most U.S. states were similar to those in most major European nations. No wonder the results, measured in per capita deaths, were so similar. Joe Biden went big when it came to lying about Americas performance during the pandemic. He insisted that the U.S. was doing worse than the rest of the world in preventing deaths from the virus, and even tried to blame Trump for every American death. Big lies are common in presidential campaigns. However, you might have to go all the way back to 1960 to find lies as big as the ones Joe Biden told. In 1960, John Kennedy claimed that the U.S. was behind Russia in the arms race and that the Eisenhower administration was doing nothing to stop Cuba from becoming communist. Kennedy knew from briefings that there was no missile gap and that the CIA was developing a plan to attempt the overthrow of Castro. He also knew that his opponent, Richard Nixon, couldnt divulge those plans. In 2020, Biden knew that U.S. firms were on the verge of developing a vaccine and that deaths per capita in the U.S. were in line with the rates in comparable European nations. This knowledge didnt stop him from lying about the situation. And, not surprisingly, it is only now that the leftists quoted in Byrons report are reassessing Trumps record in dealing with the Wuhan coronavirus. Myanmars military is using surveillance and hacking Myanmars generals, who staged a coup a month ago, are back in charge with a sophisticated tech arsenal: Israeli-made surveillance drones, European iPhone cracking devices and American software that can hack into computers and vacuum up their contents. Many of the products were purchased from Western countries during Myanmars five years of civilian-military rule that ended with the coup on Feb. 1. Some of the tech helped people in Myanmar go online, and other systems like spyware were portrayed as integral to law enforcement. But now, critics say the armed forces used the facade of democracy to justify the sensitive cybersecurity and defense purchases. Some of these technologies are being deployed by the military to target opponents. Documents show that the security forces have triangulated between their critics social media posts and the addresses of their internet hookups to find where they live. Proof: Government budget documents viewed by The New York Times catalog millions spent in recent years on technology that can mine phones and computers, track peoples live locations and listen in on their conversations. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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) Mercer County Sheriff Jose Lopez and Commissioners Jerry Allen, Shane Grooms and Zachary Martin on Monday, Feb. 22, signed an ordinance known as the Mercer County Missouri Second Amendment Preservation Act. With that signing, Mercer became the latest Second Amendment sanctuary county in Missouri. The Second Amendment sanctuary, also known as a gun sanctuary, is a state, county or locality in the United States that has adopted laws or resolutions that oppose, prohibit or impede the enforcement of certain gun control measures. The Mercer County Sheriffs Office posted the occasion on Facebook. This morning (02/22/2021) Sheriff Lopez and the Commissioners of Mercer County, Jerry Allen, Shane Grooms and Zachary Martin, signed into effect the Mercer County Missouri Second Amendment Preservation Act. This is a step in the right direction when it comes to protecting the law abiding citizens of Mercer Countys second amendment rights, the Mercer County Sheriffs Office wrote. Attached is a copy of the actual act for further details. If you would like a hardcopy you may request a copy at the courthouse as well. The ordinance stated: All federal acts, laws, orders, rules and regulations passed by the Federal Government and specifically any Presidential Administration whether past, present or future, which infringe on the peoples right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1 Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution shall be invalid in the county, shall not be recognized by this county and specifically rejected by this county, and shall be considered null and void and no effect in this county. It also stated that it must be the duty of the courts and law enforcement agencies to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and that no person, including a public officer or county employee, can have authority to enforce or attempt to enforce any federal laws, orders or rules infringing on the right to keep and bear arms. (Related: Citizens sue to restore their Second Amendment rights in Colorado, Connecticut.) According to the ordinance, any person while acting as an official, agent or deputy of the United States government who enforces or attempts to enforce any infringement on the right to keep and bear arms may be permanently ineligible to be hired as law enforcement officer or to supervise law enforcement officers in the county or exceeds the authority of the Mercer County Missouri Commission. But the ordinance made an exception for local deputies and sheriffs when assisting any and all federal agents in the arrest of suspected criminals. Missouri House approves Second Amendment Preservation Act Earlier this month, the Missouri House approved a measure that subjects state and local police departments to lawsuits if officers enforce federal gun laws. Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Republic) has sponsored the legislation known as the Second Amendment Preservation Act. He deemed it important to pass the legislation because of a Congress and president that are so openly against the Second Amendment. Violation of the Second Amendment Preservation Act carries a minimum penalty of $50,000. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) pointed out that there is no upper limit included in the legislation, but Taylor had a ready answer. The best way to get the departments attention, and to make sure that they follow this law and to make sure they protect our Second Amendment rights, is to hit them in the pocketbook, Taylor said. Some argued the measure would be unconstitutional, but Taylor said the anti-commandeering doctrine makes it legal. According to that doctrine, Congress cannot require states to enforce or adopt federal laws, giving states the ability to define their own laws. Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) was elated with the result. As a mother of six I need to be able to protect myself and my family and I will never let politicians in Washington decide what Missourians, who elected me and you to sit in these chairs, what laws we pass here in this state, Coleman said. The bill did not get any support from the Democrats in the Missouri House as the bill passed on party lines, 103-43. Rep. Peter Merideth (D-St. Louis) pointed out that laws such as background checks and gun dealer licensing are federal laws that police in Missouri could no longer enforce. Quade said, by passing this legislation, Republicans failed in their duty to protect the people of this state. As gun violence continues to spread unchecked in Missouri, House Republicans today advanced dangerous legislation to make the situation far worse, she said. Missouri recorded its highest levels of gun violence in history last year. Some Democrat lawmakers also noted that the Second Amendment Preservation Act would allow domestic abusers to have firearms. Federal law prohibits domestic abusers, people with restraining orders and those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes from having guns, said Rep. Richard Brown (D-Kansas City). The only people who should be fighting me on this are wife beaters. But Rep. Nick Schroer (R-OFallon) countered that judges in state courts have the ability to restrict Second Amendment rights for abusers who are deemed a threat to other people. Follow Guns.news for more news and information related to guns and gun rights. Sources include: TheGatewayPundit.com StlPublicRadio.org The Telegraph Gold is hovering around the $1,900 an ounce mark, which means the precious metals price has risen by 55pc over the past five years and trades at barely 7pc below last autumns record high. By contrast, shares in Centamin, the gold miner, are no higher than they were in June 2016 and stand at barely half the peak reached last year. It is therefore tempting to argue that either the gold price or the share price is wrong and given the current macroeconomic backdrop this columns inclination is to believe that the share price is too low rather than the gold price too high, even allowing for Centamins history of operational disappointment. Americas Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are showing little or no inclination to tighten monetary policy. This is despite the fact that near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing were described as emergency policies when they were introduced in the West in 2008-09 and despite signs that inflation is gathering last months 4.2pc year-on-year rise in the US consumer price index was the fastest rate of advance in more than a decade. The central banks view is that this surge will be temporary because it is partly the result of pent-up demand and supply-chain dislocations as lockdowns ease and partly due to the low base for comparison offered by the economic downturn of 2020. LONDON Thirteen days after he was first hospitalized, Prince Philip was transferred on Monday to a second London hospital, increasing concerns over the health of the 99-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth. Buckingham Palace said in a statement that doctors would continue to treat him for an infection but would also undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. Prince Philip remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week, the brief statement said, adding that he had been transferred to St. Bartholomews hospital in London. He was originally taken from Windsor Castle, where he had been staying during the latest coronavirus lockdown, to King Edward VIIs Hospital on Feb. 16 after feeling unwell. He traveled to London by car and walked into the hospital unaided, rather than as an emergency admission for a visit that was described as a precaution. At the time Buckingham Palace said that he was expected to remain there for a few days of observation and rest. [March 01, 2021] Experience Matters: Insight School of California Now Accepting Enrollments for 2021-2022 School Year After an academic year like no other, Insight School of California (ISCA), a full-time online public-school academy serving students throughout the state, is welcoming students in grades 9-12 to enroll for the 2021-2022 school year starting tomorrow. ISCA is the state leader in providing safe, alternative education options, while giving your student a personalized experience and providing them with what they need to succeed. ISCA is tuition-free to all students who reside in California, staffed by state-licensed teachers, and is an authorized online public-school program accredited by The Accrediting Commission for School Western Association of Schools and Colleges. They offer a personalized approach to learning, delivering rich, engaging curriculum designed to assist students who seek alternative pathways to education, or who need some time for educational recovery. "One of the biggest things this pandemic showed us is that students, and parents, need consistency in their education," said Kimberly Odom, head of school. "Our world-class technology and student-focused curriculumwill give your children a reliable advantage they need to succeed throughout high school, and beyond." Students choose online school for a variety of reasons including advanced learning, a bullying-free environment, and the ability to support extracurricular pursuits or medical needs. ISCA's online platform gives students the opportunity to pursue their academic goals in a supportive environment and at an appropriate pace for their learning style. ISCA is now accepting enrollments for the 2021-2022 school year. Families are encouraged to attend an online information session hosted by the school. More information, how to enroll, and a schedule of upcoming events can be found at https://ca.insightschools.net/. About Insight Schools of California Insight Schools of California (ISCA) are full-time online public charter schools for students in grades 9-12 who are behind in their education or need additional support to graduate from high school. The schools are available for students in Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Orange (News - Alert) , Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Tulare and Ventura counties. ISCA is tuition-free and provides families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride Company (NYSE: LRN). Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultants can help address your technological and computer questions and needs. Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build skills for their future. Learn more at ca.insightschools.net. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005006/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Denton, TX (76205) Today Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 60F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. The test, known as covidSHIELD, appeared on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations online list of approved molecular diagnostic tests on Monday. U. of I. has relied on the test to keep its three campuses open for in-person learning since the fall, garnering national attention for the innovation and running more than 1.5 million samples to date. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Koreas Disease Control and Prevention Agency has allowed health workers to squeeze extra doses from vials of coronavirus vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Pfizer. The decision on Saturday came after some health workers who were administering the AstraZeneca shots reported to authorities that they still saw additional doses left in the bottles that had each been used for 10 injections. KDCA official Jeong Gyeong-shil said skilled workers may be able to squeeze one or two extra doses from each vial if they use low dead-volume syringes designed to reduce wasted medications and vaccines. However, she said the KDCA isnt allowing health workers from combining vaccines left in different bottles to create more doses. The KDCA had previously authorized 10 injections for each AstraZeneca vial and six for each Pfizer vial. South Korea, which launched its public vaccination campaign on Friday, is administering the AstraZeneca shots to residents and workers at long-term care facilities and the Pfizer ones to front-line medical workers. South Korea on Saturday reported another 405 coronavirus cases. In other developments around the Asia-Pacific region: Over 500,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday following a two-day delay due to export procedures, offering a second inoculation option for the city. The Pfizer-BioNTech shots will be offered to about 2.4 million eligible residents from priority groups such as those aged 60 and above and health care workers. About 70,000 residents who have registered for the vaccination program, which kicked off on Friday, will receive the shots developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac. The Sinovac vaccines were the first to arrive last week. Registration details for those wishing to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech shots haven't been announced yet. Hong Kong has struck deals for a total of 22.5 million doses, with 7.5 million each from Sinovac, AstraZeneca and Fosun Pharma, which is delivering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. The government has so far approved the Sinovac and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. - New Zealands largest city of Auckland is going back into a seven-day lockdown after a new unexplained coronavirus case was found. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement Saturday evening after an urgent meeting with top lawmakers in the Cabinet. She said the lockdown would take effect from Sunday morning. Auckland earlier this month was placed into a three-day lockdown after new cases of the more contagious variant first found in Britain were found. New Zealand has pursued a zero-tolerance elimination strategy with the virus, and had successfully stamped out community spread before the latest cases were found this month. Ardern said the latest patient had experienced symptoms since earlier in the week and could have infected others. The rest of New Zealand will also have increased restrictions. Sri Lankas Health Ministry has decided to vaccinate everyone aged 30 and above in the high-risk areas of the capital Colombo and suburbs where COVID-19 cases are rising. There were 466 new cases in the last 24 hours. Sri Lankan began its inoculation drive in January starting with health workers. So far, more than 406,000 people have received their shots. The Agona West Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Mrs. Nancy Ekyem, has urged Ghanaians to stop paying lip service to the COVID-19 safety protocols, as it will thwart efforts aimed at controlling the further spread of the deadly pandemic. She has, therefore, charged everyone to fully embrace all safety measures outlined in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and stop disregarding them so as to stem the continuous spread of the virus and protect themselves and others from contracting it. Stakeholders meeting Mrs Ekyem was speaking at a days stakeholders engagement on guidelines for the re-opening of schools organised by the Agona West Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) at Agona Swedru in the Central Region, recently. The meetings objective was to deliberate on and explain the various guidelines to all stakeholders in order for them to fully adhere to their implementation. Touching on the number of positive cases recorded in the municipality, she said from May 23, 2020 to September 30, 2020, the area recorded 23 positive cases with one death, saying as we speak, all of them have fully recovered and have been duly discharged. She added that from October 2020 to January 2021, the municipality did not record any positive case, stressing unfortunately, between February 1 and 19, 2021, the municipality recorded 14 new positive cases, out of which two have fully recovered whilst the rest are still on treatment. It is very worrying that some people step out to go about their normal duties without wearing masks at all, she said. Chiefs role critical Mrs Ekyem urged traditional rulers to use the power they wielded in their respective communities to champion the strict enforcement of the various protocols to reduce the spread of the virus. Traditional leaders obviously have a critical role to play in the fight against the pandemic since their subjects respect and adhere to directives emanating from them; they should join the campaign to get the message to the people, she said. Additionally, she entreated people to wear the standardised masks and desist from dropping their masks under their chin since it would expose them to the virus. Schools safe The Municipal Director of the GES, Mr Joseph Kingsley Akwaboah, said the directorate had received personal protective equipment (PPE) which had been distributed to all the schools. He said the directorate was ensuring strict compliance with the safety measures in all schools to protect both staff and students, adding luckily for us, we have not recorded any positive cases in schools within the municipality. Mr Akwaboah said: The directorate has put in place the necessary measures to ensure that no staff or school pupil is affected which will warrant the closure of a particular school. Each school has been mapped to a nearby health facility so that such facilities would be the first port of call to attend to suspected cases, he added. He said due to over population of some basic schools in the midst of the pandemic, the directorate with support from stakeholders was considering introducing the shift system in some selected schools in accordance with the social distancing protocol. He disclosed that the directorate had earmarked more than 20 basic schools in communities such as Agona Swedru, Agona Abodom, Agona Nyakrom and Agona Bobikuma to run the shift system. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video One of the leaders of Congress' dissenting group, Anand Sharma, on Monday objected to the Congress-Left alliance in West Bengal, saying that the core ideology cannot be compromised, adding that the Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations. "Congress' alliance with parties like ISF and other such forces militates against the core ideology of the party and Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism, which forms the soul of the party. These issues need to be approved by the CWC," Sharma said. "Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations, irrespective of religion and colour," he added. The Left and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) are in talks with the Congress over seat sharing arrangements in poll-bound Bengal. The Congress and the Left are in alliance with the ISF and want to make the Assembly polls a triangular contest, and not only between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. The saffron party has placed itself as the main opposition in the state after winning 18 seats in the Lok Sabha polls there in 2019. I dont feel like it is safe yet, and If I still have the option and support from their teachers to continue learning from home, Ill rather have that. ... It worries me that many parents that I know do not want to get the vaccine because they believe in some theories and stories about it. Marilu Villeda, Saucedo parent NEW YORK, Mar. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vilcek Foundation has announced an open call for applications for the 2022 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. Apply now for a 2022 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. Applications will be accepted through June 11, 2021. In 2022, the Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 to individuals whose early career work in biomedical science exemplifies outstanding scientific accomplishment and represents a significant contribution to their area of research. Applications will close on June 11, 2021. Recipients of the 2022 prizes will be publicly announced in September 2021. Each recipient will receive a commemorative award and an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000. The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are part of the Vilcek Foundation Prizes program. Inaugurated in 2006, the Vilcek Foundation Prizes raise awareness and visibility of the contributions of immigrants in the biomedical sciences, and in the arts and humanities. The program extols the value of immigration for intellectual and cultural advancement in the United States. "Immigrant scientists have contributed to the United States' position as a world leader in scientific research and discovery," says Jan Vilcek, chairman and CEO of the Vilcek Foundation. "With the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science, we recognize individuals who immigrated to the United States, and who bring unique insight, perspective, and experience to their work." "The Vilcek Foundation's work is important because we are speaking to the value of immigration in a non-politicized way," says Vilcek Foundation President Rick Kinsel. "In honoring immigrants whose scientific and artistic contributions have a positive impact on our society, we amplify the importance of diversity and cultural exchange." Application Link and Contact: The application and full eligibility requirements for the 2022 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are available at the following link: http://vilcek.co/cpp2022biomednews. Inquiries about the application and eligibility should be directed to [email protected]. Application Details: The application includes an application form and requires the submission of a curriculum vitae, authored works, three short personal essays, and proof of immigration status. Recipients of DACA and asylees are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted from March 1 through June 11, 2021, 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Eligibility: Eligible candidates must have been born outside the United States, be living and working in the United States, and hold a doctoral degree. Eligible candidates should hold a full-time position with an academic institution or research organization as an assistant professor, associate professor, or equivalent. Candidates must have been born on or after Jan. 1, 1983. More information is available at the following link: http://vilcek.co/cpp2022biomednews. The Vilcek Foundation The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences. The foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation to honor immigrant contributions to the United States, and more broadly to foster appreciation of the arts and sciences was inspired by the couple's respective careers in biomedical science and art history. Since 2000, the foundation has awarded over $5.8 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals and supported organizations with over $5.2 million in grants. The Vilcek Foundation is a private operating foundation, a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Press Contact Elizabeth Boylan Communications Manager The Vilcek Foundation [email protected] (212) 472-2500 Additional information about the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise is available upon request. Follow the Vilcek Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Related Images the-vilcek-prizes-for-creative.png The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science Apply now for a 2022 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. Applications will be accepted through June 11, 2021. Related Links The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science SOURCE The Vilcek Foundation Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 07:32:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The House-approved 1.9-trillion-U.S.-dollar COVID-19 relief package includes a controversial provision to raise the federal minimum wage to 15 dollars, which is expected to face tough tests in the 50-50 split Senate. "As we send this legislation to the Senate, the House will continue our fight for 15, which would give 27 million American workers a raise," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the lower chamber, said in a statement Saturday. Pelosi noted that the minimum wage increase is a "financial necessity" for American families, an effective stimulus for the economy and a moral imperative for the country. The federal minimum wage went up to 7.25 dollars in 2009, and hasn't been raised in over a decade. Raising the federal minimum wage is one of President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign promises, and has been an important Democratic agenda. "We know that a 7.25-dollar federal minimum wage is insane. It is a starvation wage, and we've got to raise it to at least 15 dollars an hour over the next several years," Bernie Sanders, who serves as Senate Budget Committee chairman, said in a recent video. "Walmart, the largest employer in America, is owned by the richest family in America ... But the company they own starts workers off at 11 dollars an hour. That is outrageous," Sanders said. Despite strong support from Democrats, Republican lawmakers have opposed the idea, arguing that it would lead to a loss of jobs, and could hurt vulnerable businesses, especially under a pandemic. "Democrats' so-called relief bill includes Senator Sanders's minimum wage proposal that would kill 1.4 million American jobs," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said in an earlier tweet. "Killing jobs and destroying opportunity -- that's their idea of pandemic relief?" On Thursday, the nonpartisan Senate parliamentarian ruled that an increase to the federal minimum wage violates the budget reconciliation process, which only needs a simple majority in the Senate, and cannot be included in the COVID-19 relief bill. The parliamentarian's ruling was welcomed by Republicans, who have criticized the Democrats' use of budget reconciliation to push through the 1.9-trillion-dollar relief bill in Congress. "Very pleased the Senate Parliamentarian has ruled that a minimum wage increase is an inappropriate policy change in reconciliation," Senate Budget Committee ranking member Lindsey Graham said on Twitter. "This decision reinforces reconciliation cannot be used as a vehicle to pass major legislative change -- by either party -- on a simple majority vote," said the Republican senator. The ruling, meanwhile, prompted backlash. "It turns out that an unelected person who is called the parliamentarian of the Senate can determine whether the minimum wage provision was germane to the overall bill," Sanders said, adding that he "strongly" disagrees with the parliamentarian's ruling. "In the coming days, I will be working with my colleagues in the Senate to move forward with an amendment to take tax deductions away from large, profitable corporations that don't pay workers at least 15 dollars an hour and to provide small businesses with the incentives they need to raise wages," Sanders said. "That amendment must be included in this reconciliation bill," he added. Ron Wyden, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, also said Friday that he is exploring a tax penalty for mega-corporations that refuse to pay a living wage. "This isn't over," he said. Vice President Kamala Harris, as the president of the Senate, could overrule the parliamentarian's decision, but Brian Deese, director of the White House National Economic Council, told CNBC Friday that the vice president isn't going to weigh in on the decision. 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. (Natural News) A group of Utah doctors have discovered something terrifying in recent mammogram screenings taken at the Breast Care Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah. Women who were recently injected with experimental COVID vaccines suffer from abnormal inflammation of the lymph nodes in their breasts. According to the Intermountain Healthcare doctors, women who take the covid-19 vaccines are showing symptoms of breast cancer. Dr. Brett Parkinson, MD., warns, Whenever we see these on a normal screening mammogram, we call those patients back because it can either mean metastatic breast cancer which travels to the lymph nodes or lymphoma or leukemia. Instead of dealing with the cause of this problem (vaccines), the doctors are now telling women not to get mammograms after vaccination. Out of sight, out of mind. Experimental vaccines causing systemic inflammation in breast tissue The vaccines are not only causing an inflammatory response in the arm of recipients, as seen with most vaccines, but the shots are also causing systemic inflammation throughout womens breast tissue. The doctors are concerned because the inflammation goes up with each vaccine dose. After the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, women, on average, have 11 percent swollen lymph nodes in their breast tissue. After the second dose, the inflammation increases to 16% of their lymph nodes in breast tissue. The Moderna vaccine is built on the experimental mRNA platform that metaphorically terraforms human cells so they can support foreign virus replication. The mRNA platform alters cellular processes, causing unpredictable inflammation as the immune cells respond to these newly developed virus properties. (Related: Curb inflammation with these 8 natural supplements,) Concealing vaccine injury and cancer causes becomes top priority for oncologists In order to conceal the evidence of this widespread vaccine injury, the doctors are changing mammogram guidelines and refusing to screen the breast tissue of women who were recently vaccinated for covid-19. The doctors now advise all women patients to reschedule their yearly mammograms, either before the first dose or four weeks after the second dose. We dont want these patients to get a false positive to have this sort of alarm, Parkinson said. Oncologists typically respond to all positives (false or real) in an aggressive manner, recommending surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. However, when it comes to finding vaccine-induced inflammation in the lymph nodes of breast tissue, the doctors are suddenly ready to call the evidence a false positive. The cancer industry isnt about to unveil the causes of cancer and talk about real solutions. The doctors pride themselves in saving lives through early detection of breast cancer, but when it comes to vaccine injury, the doctors turn a blind eye and delay the screening process. Obviously, women and the rest of society are being deceived about the origins of cancer and chronic disease. Women are being misled about the underlying causes of inflammation that create the conditions for breast cancer to develop. Vaccination initiates an inflammatory process. The experimental mRNA vaccines are designed to reprogram cellular functions, to create spike proteins that will create even more inflammation throughout the body. The fact that the doctors are willing to forgo breast cancer detection after a woman is vaccinated, shows just how far the medical establishment will go to cover up vaccine injury and the true origins of cancer. For more on dealing with a cancer diagnosis, visit Cancer.news. Sources include: Fox13Now.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com Key findings: Despite increasing concern for the economy, Americans are still wary about re-opening too soon; More Americans than not think the Covid-19 vaccine rollout is being handled poorly, despite their increased willingness to take the vaccine; Following the inauguration of Joe Biden , confidence has grown in the President's handling of the pandemic; , confidence has grown in the President's handling of the pandemic; Americans' preference for Working From Home continues to drive greater job satisfaction and productivity; Approval of businesses' response to the pandemic decreased since December, across all industries. According to James Johnson, Senior Advisor for Research at Kekst CNC, "As the United States continues down the path toward full reopening, Americans are watching the vaccine rollout closely to determine when restrictions may be lifted. Our study indicated that 36% of respondents feel the rollout is going poorly, and 41% feel it is happening too slowly." Despite 34% of respondents highlighting a need to prioritize the economy over slowing the spread of COVID-19, 48% of Americans indicated they would only feel comfortable fully lifting restrictions when most adults in the world had received the vaccine. Generally, Americans indicated an interest in loosening many restrictions, but keeping some in place. Johnson noted, "In addition to highlighting the widespread need for vaccinations to remove COVID-19 restrictions, 64% of respondents showed an increased willingness to take the vaccine, up from 58% in December. While confidence in the vaccine has grown, only 36% of respondents indicated that they are comfortable removing restrictions for people who have received the vaccine more quickly than those who have not." "While the past year has been challenging in many ways, Americans continue to show a preference towards Working From Home. American respondents indicated a 24% net increase in job performance, a 19% net increase in concentration while working, and an 8% net increase in happiness at work. These numbers were by far the highest of any market surveyed, with every other market besides Sweden reporting net decreases in these indicators," concluded Johnson. The survey found that public opinion of American institutions, with the exception of the President, has generally decreased since December. President Biden had a net approval rating of +15%, compared to his predecessor's final net approval rating of -15%. Approval of the Federal government remained static at -6% net approval, while approval of the CDC, State, and Local governments continued to fall. In assessing the positive and negative impacts of certain industries during the pandemic, all sectors saw a decline in approval from December of 2020. Despite this, online and food/essential retailers continued to receive relatively high net approval ratings of +51% and +42%, respectively. Of all industries included, only the social media sector held a negative approval rating, which it has done since the survey began. Comparing the U.S. to the other countries surveyed: Over half of Americans (50%) were worried about local businesses in their area, a close third behind Germany's 51% and the U.K.'s 57%, but far from Sweden and Japan's 32% and 29% respectively. 51% and the U.K.'s 57%, but far from and 32% and 29% respectively. American respondents were the second-most concerned about the health of people in the country as a whole (55%), the highest it had been since July (57%). 58% of the respondents in the U.K. were also worried about the health of people in their country as a whole, the highest level recorded since April. Less than half of respondents in Germany (48%), France (46%), Sweden (39%), and Japan (35%) expressed a high level of concern for the health of people in their country as a whole. (48%), (46%), (39%), and (35%) expressed a high level of concern for the health of people in their country as a whole. U.S. and French respondents were the most likely to say they feared for their own health (46%), followed by those in Germany (44%), the U.K. (41%), Japan (34%) and Sweden (31%). Methodology and Full Results Nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults in The United States , 1,000 adults in Great Britain , 1,000 adults in France , 1,000 adults in Germany , 1,000 adults in Sweden , and 1,000 adults in Japan , 1,000 adults in , 1,000 adults in , 1,000 adults in , 1,000 adults in , and 1,000 adults in Fieldwork took place from February 11 th 21 st , 2021 21 , 2021 Quotas and weights on gender, age, and region in each country Margins of error of +/- 3.3% for all markets Full results of the global survey available at: https://www.kekstcnc.com/insights/covid-19-opinion-tracker-edition-7 About Kekst CNC Kekst CNC is a leading global strategic communication consultancy. The team of over 250 experienced professionals serve clients from 14 offices in New York, London, Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Dallas, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Stockholm. As trusted advisors, the firm contributes its expertise on such high-stake matters as: M&A, shareholder activism and governance, crisis communications, restructurings, regulatory investigations, litigation support, investor relations, IPO communications, issues and reputation management, change management and employee engagement, as well as digital and social communications. For more information, please visit: www.kekstcnc.com. Media Contacts: For the U.S. Jeffrey Taufield 212-521-4815 [email protected] For the U.K., France, Germany, and Sweden James Johnson +447826714286 [email protected] For Japan Jochen Legewie +819027547776 [email protected] SOURCE Kekst CNC Related Links http://www.kekstcnc.com Police are investigating the deadly shooting of a Jacksonville man Sunday. Officers were called to the 800 block of Hoagland Boulevard because of a report of shots being fired about 5:23 a.m. As police were investigating at the scene, a man arrived at Passavant Area Hospital across town for treatment of a gunshot wound. The 26-year-old man, who has not been identified pending notification of relatives, died from his injuries about 6:52 a.m. A cause of death is pending results of an autopsy, but police are investigating it as a homicide. Jacksonville police, the Morgan County coroners office and the Morgan County states attorney are handling the investigation. No other details were released. Police have asked that anyone with information contact Morgan, Scott & Cass Crime Stoppers at 217-243-7300 or online at morganscottcrimestoppers.webs.com or the Jacksonville Police Departments investigation division at 217-479-4636. The charging of 47 democracy activists and opposition politicians with "subversion" in Hong Kong under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sparked an international outcry on Monday, amid calls for their immediate release. "The decision to charge 47 Hong Kong politicians & activists for subversion under the [law] is deeply disturbing," U.K. foreign secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement on Monday. "It shows in the starkest terms the [law is] being used to eliminate political dissent rather than restore order, contrary to what the Chinese Government promised," Raab said. Washington was also quick to condemn the move, which has left almost all of the city's prominent pro-democracy figures and social activists either behind bars or in exile. "We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement as the defendants appeared in court. "Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The U.S. stands with the people of Hong Kong," Blinken said via his official Twitter account. Australian foreign minister Marise Payne said the 47 defendants -- who are being charged with "subversion" for taking part in a democratic primary in July 2020 -- "were peacefully exercising their rights." The German foreign ministry called on the Hong Kong authorities to release the defendants and schedule postponed elections to the Legislative Council (LegCo) "in a fair & democratic manner." Hong Kong-based British diplomat Jonathan Williams told journalists outside the court on Monday that the law was certainly not being used in its narrowest sense. The Chinese and Hong Kong authorities promised that the national security law would be used in a very narrow sense. and its clear that that is no longer the case," Williams said. Hak-yin Li, associate professor at the Institute for International Strategy at Tokyo International University, agreed. "Most of the democratic camp have been arrested now, and it looks as if the entire political system, including the District Council, LegCo, and the elections for chief executive are going to change," Li told RFA. "What this means is that no political opposition to Beijing or the central government will be tolerated in future." Sweeping changes seen Media reports have indicated that the CCP is getting ready to make sweeping changes to elections in Hong Kong at the National People's Congress (NPC) annual session, which opens this week in Beijing. "Foreign officials are predicting that Hong Kongs political system will get even less liberal now that these democrats have been arrested," Li said. "That's why they are making strong statements about democracy in Hong Kong now." Kenneth Chan, associate professor in political science at Hong Kong Baptist University, said the international community is witnessing wave upon wave of assaults on the pro-democracy camp in Hong Kong. "There is nothing normal or natural about the situation in Hong Kong right now, so they are expressing their concern," Chan said. He said Williams' presence at the arraignment hearing on Monday was significant. "In the past, even though they may have had major concerns about the number of public order cases linked to protests, they probably still had some confidence in the independence and rationality of the courts," Chan said. "Today, I think there is far more attention being paid to just how much autonomy the courts have when handling national security cases," he said. The New York-based Human Rights Watch has described the law as "Beijings most aggressive assault on Hong Kong peoples freedoms since the transfer of sovereignty in 1997." The law provides for sentences ranging up to life imprisonment for words or actions deemed seditious, secessionist, or subversive by the authorities, including public criticism of the governments of Hong Kong and China and overseas lobbying or fund-raising. Reported by Lau Siu Fung, Lu Xi and Gigi Lee for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Firefighters were battling a large blaze Saturday evening at an industrial building in northwest Harris County, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of injuries and initial reports indicated the storage facility on the 16200 block of Texas 249 was unoccupied when the fire started, according to the Harris County Fire Marshals Office. Citing preliminary information, a spokeswoman for the office said the building had been used to produce WD-40 products but may have stopped those operations two years ago. More recently, it may have been used to produce personal hygiene products, spokeswoman Rachel Neutzler said. NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: Sign up for breaking news email alerts from HoustonChronicle.com here Images of the fire shared by the fire marshals office showed giant flames extending out of a building underneath a cloud of black smoke. The offices hazardous materials unit and fire investigators responded to the scene. Firefighting efforts continued into late Saturday night. alejandro.serrano@chron.com Vancouver, British Columbia - March 1, 2021 (Investorideas.com Newswire, MiningSectorStocks.com and RenewableEnergyStocks.com) Mining/Metals/ Green Energy Stock News- Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals") (TSX-V: DEFN / OTCQB: DFMTF/ FSE:35D) is pleased to announce that it has received additional pre-pilot hydrometallurgical test work utilizing high-grade rare earth element (REE) mineral concentrate produced during the Company's highly successful 26-tonne flotation pilot-plant that yielded a mineral concentrate averaging 7.4% NdPr oxide (neodymium-praseodymium)[1]. The road accessible Wicheeda REE Property is located close to infrastructure approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Prince George, British Columbia (BC). The Wicheeda project has indicated mineral resources of 4,890,000 tonnes averaging 3.02% LREO (Light Rare Earth Elements) and inferred mineral resources of 12,100,000 tonnes averaging 2.90% LREO[2]. Highlights of the additional infill hydrometallurgical test results, which centred around optimizing gangue leach test conditions, conducted at SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") Lakefield Site are as follows: Gangue leach optimization resulted in increased manganese rejection from ~40% (pH 4) to ~85% (pH 3) from the flotation concentrate resulting in only minimal REE losses of approximately 1% (Figure 1) resulted in (pH 4) (pH 3) from the flotation concentrate resulting in only minimal REE losses of approximately 1% Increased concentrate weight reduction from <10% gauge loss to >20% Ongoing hydrometallurgical optimisation test work being conducted at SGS Lakefield is investigating options for reducing the caustic crack retention time, and acid concentrations in the caustic crack residue leach towards reducing acid consumption and downstream neutralization requirements. Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, stated: "Defense Metals is extremely pleased with rapid advances being made in our pre-pilot hydrometallurgical optimization. We continue fine-tune our gangue leach, via milder conditions versus base case[3], with an eye to striking the optimal balance of high front-end impurity rejection with minimal REE losses. The results announced today speak to the success of these efforts." Figure 1. Pulp pH Versus Gangue Leach REE and Mn Extraction, and Weight Loss [1] See Defense Metals News Release dated September 23, 2020 [2] Technical Report on the Wicheeda Property, British Columbia, effective June 27, 2020 and prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd. (Steven J. Nicholls, B.A. Sc., MAIG and Kristopher J. Raffle, B.Sc., P.Geo.) is available under Defense Metals Corp.'s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) [3] See Defense Metals News Release dated February 18, 2020 About the Wicheeda REE Property The 1,708 hectare Wicheeda REE Property, located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia, is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is nearby to infrastructure, including power transmission lines, the CN railway and major highways. Geologically, the property is situated in the Foreland Belt and within the Rocky Mountain Trench, a major continental geologic feature. The Foreland Belt contains part of a large alkaline igneous province, stretching from the Canadian Cordillera to the southwestern United States, which includes several carbonatite and alkaline intrusive complexes hosting the Aley (niobium), Rock Canyon (REE), and Wicheeda (REE) deposits. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Property has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a director of Defense Metals and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Raffle verified the data disclosed which includes a review of the analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained therein. Methodology and QA/QC Hydrometallurgical product assays for neodymium was determined via lithium-borate fusion of a 0.5-gram sample analyzed via wavelength dispersion X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF). The remaining rare earth elements for the head sample were determined via 0.5-gram sodium-peroxide fusion multi-element ICP-MS. The SGS analyses included a quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program including the insertion of rare earth element standard and blank samples. Defense Metals detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data. Defense Metals is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. SGS is an ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO9001:2015 accredited laboratory. SGS is independent of Defense Metals Corp. About Defense Metals Corp. Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, military, national security and the production of "GREEN" energy technologies, such as, high strength alloys and rare earth magnets. Defense Metals has an option to acquire 100% of the 1,708 hectare Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol "DEFN" on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D". For further information, please contact: Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd. Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: (778) 994 8072 Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to, plans for its Wicheeda Property, the advancement and development of the Wicheeda Property, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law. 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Disclosure : this news release featuring Defense Metals Corp. is a paid for service on Investorideas.com ($750) More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp About Investorideas.com https://www.investorideas.com/About/ Sign up for free stock news alerts at Investorideas.com https://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp DUBLIN, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product; By Distribution Channel; By Regions; Segment Forecast, 2020-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global cannabis pharmaceuticals market is expected to reach USD 5.72 billion by 2027 Favorable legislation in the market, policies across developed economies, and investments in the research and development for cannabis-infused drugs are the key factors responsible for the market growth. Moreover, technological innovation to decide the accurate dose of cannabis-infused drugs with cutting edge delivery methods to ensure therapeutic and psychoactive events, to contain drug abuse among adults also favoring market growth for cannabis pharmaceuticals. Blockchain technology in the pharmaceutical industry could be used to maintain strain purity and product formulations to have effective treatment for the therapeutic cause and will also enable us to capture dosage data for future considerations, thus technology could also play important role in shaping the market future of the cannabis pharmaceuticals industry. The global market for cannabis pharmaceuticals is fragmented based on product, distribution channel, and region. In terms of product, the market is segmented into Epidiolex, Marinol, Cesamet, and Sativex. Based on distribution channel, the cannabis pharmaceuticals industry is further bifurcated into hospital, online, and retail pharmacies. Segment Highlights Sativex segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2019 owing to the growing usage of drug for the muscle spasticity. In addition, growing demand for plant-based pharmaceuticals is expected to drive market demand for cannabis pharmaceuticals. Based on distribution channel, the hospitals pharmacies segment is projected to account for a significant share by 2027. The high share is attributed to the fact that most of the physicians recommend medicines from in-house pharmacy stores driving the cannabis medicines market growth. Europe accounted for the largest share in 2019 in terms of revenue on account of the increasing demand for plant-based medicines and the increasing awareness pertaining to the medicinal benefits associated cannabis. List of Key Players GW Pharmaceuticals Valeant Pharmaceuticals Insys Therapeutics, Inc. Corbus Pharmaceuticals Teva Pharmaceutical Avicanna Solvay Pharmaceuticals Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market Insights 4.1. Cannabis Pharmaceuticals - Industry snapshot 4.2. Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market Dynamics 4.2.1. Drivers and Opportunities 4.2.1.1. Increased use in different therapeutic areas 4.2.1.2. Increased support in the form of clinical evidence 4.2.2. Restraints and Challenges 4.2.2.1. Shelf life of cannabidiol and cross reactions 4.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.4. PESTLE Analysis 4.5. Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market Industry trends 5. Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market Assessment by Product 5.1. Key Findings 5.2. Introduction 5.2.1. Global Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market, By Product, 2016-2027 (USD Million) 5.3. Sativex 5.4. Epidiolex 5.5. Marinol 5.6. Cesamet 6. Global Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market, by Distribution Channel 6.1. Key Findings 6.2. Introduction 6.2.1. Global Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market, By Distribution Channel, 2016-2027 (USD Million) 6.3. Hospital Pharmacies 6.4. Online Pharmacies 6.5. Retail Pharmacies 7. Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market Assessment by Geography 7.1. Key findings 7.2. Introduction 7.2.1. Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market Assessment, By Geography, 2016-2027 (USD Million) 8. Competitive Landscape 8.1. Expansion and Acquisition Analysis 8.2. Partnerships/Collaborations/Agreements/Exhibitions 9. Company Profiles GW Pharmaceuticals AbbVie Inc. Valeant Pharmaceuticals Insys Therapeutics Inc. Corbus Pharmaceuticals Teva Pharmaceutical Johnson & Johnson Avicanna Solvay Pharmaceuticals Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Portola Pharmaceuticals Kao Corporation Ogeda S.A. Pfizer Bristol- Myers Squibb For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/evmh03 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 CVT 4WD ES is how the Japanese automaker calls the entry-level grade, which is available with S-AWC all-wheel drive for $1,000 more. As standard, the base version flaunts 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch Smartphone Link infotainment system, front USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a flurry of safety kit that includes Rear Automatic Emergency Braking.The ES Convenience Package, SE, SE Launch Edition, SE Tech Package, SEL, SEL S-AWC Launch Edition, and SEL Touring Package round off the range, which tops at $36,445 for the latter specification, obviously before options. As expected, the most expensive Outlander of the lot is loaded with creature comforts and luxury features, including a 10.8-inch HUD, semi-aniline leather, and BOSE audio.Offered with 10 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers) of warranty for the powertrain, the compact utility vehicle was crafted under the I-Fu-Do-Do design ethos. Mitsubishi claims thats Japanese for authentic and majestic, two adjectives that I would never use to describe an Outlander.Criticism aside, I cant help myself but like the styling language of the 2022 model a lot more. The highlight of the Outlander is the cabin, though, thanks to the minimalist yet functional design of the center console and dashboard.Instead of a Mitsubishi-developed motor, the three-row crossover features a Nissan-sourced engine. Codenamed PR25DD, the 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated and direct-injected mill is connected to an eight-speed continuously variable transmission. Dont believe the eight-speed part because thats just marketing claptrap. As a rule of thumb, noout there features proper gears. A belt or chain and two adjustable pulleys are used to vary the drive ratio continuously, and at most, Mitsubishi refers to pre-set ratios.The only advantage over a torque-converter automatic or a dual-clutch transmission is the gas mileage. 2WD models are listed by the Japanese manufacturer with 27 miles to the gallon (8.7 liters per 100 kilometers) on the combined cycle whilemodels make do with 26 mpg (9 l/100 km), the same ratings as the 2021 Nissan Rogue on which the Outlander is based. Peter Navarro, former top adviser to President Trump, Sunday morning brought a ray of hope to those of us who have been dismayed at the output to date of the Durham special counsel probe: a slap on the wrist for Kevin Clinesmith, an officer of the court who lied to a federal judge in order to spy on an American citizen. Speaking with Maria Bartiromo on her Sunday Morning Futures program on Fox News, he "guaranteed" at least three more prosecutions coming from the probe. The video of the interview is embedded below. The first question that automatically raises itself is, how would he know? Shipwreckedcrew, a former federal prosecutor who writes at RedState, asks the same question: My initial reaction was that Navarro occupied a position in the Trump Administration that wouldn't have afforded him access to this kind of "inside information" with regard to the status of a closely-held criminal investigation. At the same time, however, his background and portfolio of responsibilities made him one of only a limited number of people who were part of the true inner circle of the Trump White House. (snip) Bartiromo pressed Navarro on his prediction of three indictments from Durham, and his answer was a bit deflating. He told her that his prediction was based on the reporting earlier this week by John Solomon with respect to the release of additional FBI internal documents on the activities of FBI informant Stefan Halper in the summer of 2016 to target individual Trump campaign members in order to locate one who might be working with the Russians to dig up dirt on Hillary Clinton. You can find the Solomon report here: "Once-secret FBI informant reports reveal wider-ranging operation to spy on Trump campaign." It mainly focuses on the activities of FBI and CIA informant Stefan Halper, who energetically tried to "find 'anyone' inside GOP campaign tied to Russia who could be get dirt 'damaging' to Clinton, newly declassified memos reveal." I am no expert on the law governing intelligence-gathering, but like SWC, I do not see any glaring illegalities in what Halper did. What is far more troubling is that he acted at the behest of FBI people like Strzok and McCabe to find a crime in the Trump campaign, rather than to investigate a crime whose predicate had already been established as FBI procedures justifiably demand. A "fishing expedition" is the polite term for it, and the raw expression for this approach is Lavrenty Beria (Stalin's secret police head)'s infamous taunt: "Find me the man, and I'll find you the crime." I am not sure if FBI agents opening up and pursuing an investigation without the necessary predicate is a crime. It ought to be, for it invites the sort of totalitarian abuses that characterized Stalin's rule. Here is the complete interview, just over five minutes: Photo credit: YouTube screen grab. The nation's stocks of blood and plasma are critically low as hospitals tackle a pandemic-driven backlog and a decline in donors. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on Tuesday issued an urgent plea for an extra 22,000 donors in the next two weeks. All blood and plasma types are needed but in particular O-, A-, A+ and B- types as these stocks are all running low. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (pictured) on Tuesday issued an urgent plea for an extra 22,000 donors in the next two weeks Lifeblood needs 31,000 donations (pictured) every week across Australia to help people Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said there were fewer donors as well as an increase in elective surgery as hospitals deal with the backlog after thousands of operations were deferred during last year's coronavirus lockdowns. 'Hospital demand is up seven per cent compared to this time last year and we have around 10,000 fewer people donating now than we saw at the peak of the pandemic,' Ms Stone said in a statement on Tuesday. 'We need more donors to roll up their sleeves to ensure fridges are well stocked. We have 22,000 extra appointments to fill during the next two weeks. 'We need all blood types every day.' Lifeblood needs 31,000 donations every week across Australia to help people undergoing trauma, surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and a host of other situations. All blood and plasma types are needed but in particular O-, A-, A+ and B- types as these stocks are all running low (pictured) Wheel loaders fill trucks with ore at the MP Materials rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, Calif., on Jan. 30, 2020. (Steve Marcus/Reuters) US May Boost Rare Earths Mining to Counter Threat From China WASHINGTONThe Chinese communist regime has recently signaled that it could leverage its dominance in rare earth minerals, a threat that has prompted the Biden administration to take action to reduce U.S. reliance on China for rare earths that are used in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles to fighter jets. In 1992, Chinese paramount leader Deng Xiaoping predicted the importance of rare earths to Chinas future when he famously said: The Middle East has oil. China has rare earths. Today, China is the dominant global supplier of the minerals, a group of 17 chemical elements used in the production of critical components of key technologies, which could easily be used as a weapon against other countries in a trade war or a conflict. Beijing has already demonstrated that it could use rare earths as a retaliatory tactic. In 2010, China abruptly cut off exports of the minerals to Japan during a conflict over a fishing boat. At the height of the U.S.China trade spat in 2019, Beijing sought to use rare earth exports as a counter-weapon against the United States. And most recently, the Chinese regime officials reportedly explored whether curbing such exports to the United States could cripple its production of F-35 fighter jets. Faced with the threat of losing access to these essential materials, the Biden administration is seeking ways to reduce the United States deep reliance on China. President Joe Biden on Feb. 24 signed an executive order to help create more resilient and secure supply chains for critical and essential goods. The order focuses on choke points in the supply chains of four key products, including rare earth minerals, semiconductor chips, large-capacity batteries for electric vehicles, and pharmaceutical ingredients. It directs federal agencies to immediately conduct a 100-day review to identify supply chain risks and vulnerabilities for these key products. Julie Swann, a supply-chain expert who heads North Carolina State Universitys Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, told The Epoch Times: We dont even know the full extent of the vulnerability, or the potential impact. I think this is just the beginning. According to Swann, there are likely other products and supply chains that will come under review as the administration continues to detect more vulnerabilities. Its unclear what actions the administration will take following the review; however, there are different options depending on the product. Speaking at a press conference, Peter Harrell, senior director at the National Security Council for international economics and competitiveness, said that all tools are on the table for the administration. Were expecting well be using a mix of incentives to encourage production here. Were looking at ways to ensure theres surge capacity available for things that might need to be ramped up quicklystockpiling, he said. He added that the administration would also consider working with allies and partners to take collective actions to address future supply shocks. Swann said it may be prohibitively expensive for any country in the world to try to be self-sufficient, especially across numerous specializations and capabilities. What is likely to be a more sustainable approach is to make sure that a supply chain is robust to disruptions, she said. Rare Earths Are Abundant Rare earths play a vital role in many industries including consumer electronics, green technologies, medical tools, and defense. Rare earth magnets, for example, are used in many hybrid and electric vehicles. These metals are also key to the production of weapon guidance systems, jet engines, sonar devices, and laser weapons. The elements are abundant and easy to mine; they are called rare because they are difficult to separate and refine into a usable form. In the 1980s, the United States was the world leader in the production of these elements, and almost all U.S. production was coming from the mine operated near Mountain Pass, California, which was closed in the 1990s. The mine was reopened in 2013 after China restricted supplies. In recent decades, China has gradually become the dominant power in both the mining and the refining of these elements. Today, China controls about 80 percent of the global supply, even though it contains only a third of the worlds reserves, according to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data. Currently, the United States is fully dependent on imports, with 80 percent directly coming from China. China can absolutely limit exports of rare earths to the United States, according to Lewis Black, CEO of Almonty Industries, a Canada-based mining company that specializes in tungsten, a rare metal. The mechanism to do so has always been in place and was recently strengthened in December 2020 with new laws that allowed the state to stop exports if deemed in the national interest, Black told The Epoch Times, referring to Beijings new export control law, which came into effect on Dec. 1, 2020. To counter this threat, the United States has the potential to catch up and expand the mining and refining domestically. Rare earths are plentiful, but its really a question of whether local communities would welcome a mine opening up nearby, Black said. The processing required to produce the minerals is environmentally challenging and also threatens human health. Mining left the United States in part not just because of cost but also for the optics as communities often objected to the presence of a mine, Black said. The biggest hurdle, he noted, would be reassuring the public that these mines can operate safely and environmentally responsibly. Most people have heard or seen horror stories regarding older mines, and given mining has not been a dominant industry in the USA for a generation, this reeducation of the public regarding modern methods will take time, he said. While rare earths are critical to the economic and national security of the United States, its unclear whether the Biden administration may promote ramping up domestic production and processing due to environmental challenges. Japan Conflict Beijing abruptly cut off rare earth exports to Japan during a diplomatic clash in 2010 after a Chinese fishing boat collided with two Japan Coast Guard ships in the East China Sea. The export ban sent the prices for raw materials through the roof. The huge price spike worked against Beijing, as it encouraged new production in countries such as Australia and destroyed demand for Chinese metals. The resulting supply chain disruption led Japan, the United States, and the European Union to jointly launch in 2012 a dispute settlement case through the World Trade Organization, which ruled against China two years later. An increase in prices led to an influx of capital in the mining industry, which helped kick-start mining projects in other parts of the world. However, this exploration boom was short-lived as the supply threat passed and the prices came down. Thats also the case now, according to Harvard Business School professor Willy Shih. The real question is whether domestic sources will be economically sustainable over time, he wrote in a recent op-ed in Forbes. A group of investors in 2018 restarted limited production of at least two rare earth elements at the mine in Mountain Pass. As a result, the domestic production of critical rare earth mineral concentrates jumped 44 percent in 2019, making the United States the largest producer of concentrates outside of China, according to USGS. But almost all raw materials had to be shipped to China for processing because it creates toxic waste that is difficult to deal with. In July 2019, President Donald Trump determined that rare earths are essential to national defense and activated Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to allow the U.S. military to fund private-sector efforts to build a domestic refinement capability. The U.S. Department of Defense on Feb. 1 awarded more than $30 million to Australias Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. to build a Texas processing facility. Upon completion of this project, if successful, Lynas will produce approximately 25 percent of the worlds supply of rare earth element oxides, the Defense Department stated in a press release. Last year, the U.S. firm MP Materials also received Pentagon funding for its rare earths separation facility in California. To redevelop the U.S. supply chain, a bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers introduced proposals last year aimed to boost domestic capabilities through tax incentives. Alice Sun contributed to this report. Churches with small congregations could be sold off and converted into free and affordable housing with services held on Zoom, a reforming reverend has suggested. Up to 12,000 places of worship across England are said to be little more than 'museums gathering dust' with less than 30 people attending. Most are prohibitively expensive to maintain and will at some point fall into disrepair or into the hands of property developers anyway, according to The Reverend David Keighley. The sale of all 'virtually empty' church buildings across England would raise tens of millions of pounds for good causes and provide homes to the UK's poorest and most vulnerable people, it is claimed. The Church of England was accused of openly flouting the Christian message by holding on to its 'property goldmine' for no good reason and ignoring the needy when it has the capacity to help. The proposals were drawn up by the Reverend, a leading advocate of Church reform, and submitted to Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, this week. Reverend Keighley, 72, insisted Selling off the churches would not lead to the end of service Reverend Lucy Winkett, rector of St James's Piccadilly, delivers a service via a webcam Rev Keighley, 72, who retired in 2017 after 40 years of service, said: 'Selling off these churches is not killing the Church. It is simply responding to the needs of the 21 st century Christian community and using funds in a more practical, and fundamentally Christian, way. 'The vast majority of churches in England have been little more than museums for some time, and the cost of their upkeep cannot be justified when considering the minimal level of use. The wastefulness of the Church in this respect could almost be considered sinful. 'According to my own research, around 75 per cent of English churches had a congregation of 30 or fewer regular parishioners before the Covid crisis. This will only continue to decline after the pandemic has abated. 'The only rational, and Christian, thing for the Church to do given the ongoing decline in church attendance is to sell off churches that are, literally, a waste of space.' The Rev Keighley is the author of 'Poems, Piety, and Psyche: Progressive Poems for Rebellious Christians', which challenges outdated Christian teachings and calls for urgent Church reform. He added: 'Many former churches have been converted into affordable or social housing, so there is clearly a precedent here that would help alleviate the suffering of the homeless and vulnerable across England. Rev Keighley thinks abandoned churches should be changed into flats to help homeless 'The money netted by the Church in selling off the buildings, meanwhile, would be nothing short of a blessing to struggling communities, especially during these particularly challenging times.' According to the Church of England's Statistics for Mission 2019 report, the number of worshippers who regularly attend church has fallen by as much as 20 per cent since 2009, now standing at 1.11million. In multi-church benefices, it is common for one vicar to be spread among as many as five parishes, rotating services among the churches with as few as 100 parishioners in total. The continuing decline in the number of churchgoers has only been accelerated by the Covid-19 crisis, which has led to the Church of England closing some churches during lockdown. Instead, many worshipers have quickly adapted to online services conducted via Zoom or other video platforms, which Rev Keighley believes will become a permanent fixture once the pandemic is over. The ongoing decline in worshippers has, meanwhile, led to serious financial difficulties for the Church, with many of the 42 dioceses being close to bankruptcy. Rev Keighley, whose last parish was within the Diocese of Winchester, says the average parish church costs 60,000 per year to run, and the average service costs over 200 per congregation member. The cost of maintaining near-empty buildings as well as the associated costs of heating and lighting is unsustainable, he argues. Under his plans, it makes more financial and 'charitable' sense to close and sell off all churches that have a regular attendance of 30 or fewer worshippers, converting the buildings into residential apartments. In multi-church benefices, all but one of the churches would be sold off and the congregation instead 'funnelled' into the remaining church. This, he says, could help plug the UK's chronic shortage of affordable and social housing, which has only worsened during the pandemic. There are now over one million households on the social housing waiting list, according to housing charity Shelter. While an analysis by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has found that the Government will not meet its target of building 300,000 new homes a year until 2032 - eight years later than planned. The money raised from the sale of churches would be reinvested in struggling communities, as well as helping to support impoverished clergy. He added: 'In today's pandemic world, fundamental Christian values such as compassion, care, and looking each other are needed more than ever. 'Most churches are serving no real purpose in today's society. They should be sold off to local authorities to provide urgent new housing for the homeless, vulnerable, and first-time buyers. 'The money raised from the sales, meanwhile, should be used by the Church to fund charitable causes in our most stricken communities such as food banks, homeless and domestic abuse shelters, children's mental health care, and youth clubs or community groups. 'Now that online services have been embraced, there's no putting the genie back in the bottle. There will always be a place for physical services, but within multi-church benefices these should be funnelled into the one remaining place of worship.' Chaos reigns as CoWIN keeps shutting down To bookmark you need to sign in The excitement for getting vaccinated on Day 1 of the third phase of massive immunization drive turned into a chaos after the CoWIN portal kept shutting down intermitently while processing the inoculation exercise, several hospitals complained while speaking to IANS. It resulted into hours long delay for those who came early for registration on-site and even those who self-registered through the portal. Many hospitals like Moolchand closed walk-in registration as early as 1 p.m. to control the crowd waiting for their turn to get inoculated against the novel Coronavirus. Madhu Handa, Medical Superitendent at south Delhi-based Moolchand Hospital said that the CoWIN portal is crashing every now and then. Many alleged that they were not told that the vaccination would start from 12 noon. Jaswinder Singh from Gurugram, who brought along his father and father-in-law to Moolchand Hospital said that he has been waiting for over two hours. My parents are above 80 years of age and they are forced to stand in a queue. There is no management," he said. "I chose private facility for better convinience. If this is the situation here, god knows how things will unfold at government centres," said 70-year-old Tarkeshwar Rana, who has been in queue for vaccination since 10.30 a.m. The situation at Moolchand Hospital was similar to other hospitals. Many hospitals reported same experience and blamed the technical issues of CoWIN. "We have the capacity to manage but the delay caused in vaccination is making them anxious. Besides, the staff deployed from the government is also not cooperating," a senior doctor from a large private hospital told IANS. 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. The baffling disappearance of conwoman Melissa Caddick is set to be made into a TV drama billed as 'a gripping crime thriller'. Caddick was declared dead on Friday after her decomposing foot was found inside a shoe washed ashore on a NSW south coast beach hundreds of kilometres from where she was last seen alive in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Confirmation by police the fraudster is no longer alive has led to production based on her life being given the green light. The joint Channel Nine and Stan effort will be made by an external production house and explore the story behind her missing millions and the bizarre find of her foot inside an Asics trainer by campers on Bournda Beach on February 21. A TV drama centred on the life and disappearance of conwoman Melissa Caddick (pictured) has been given the green light in a joint Nine and Stan effort Confirmation of Caddick's death came after her decomposed foot (pictured in the shoe) was found by campers on the NSW south coast on February 21 Toni Collette (left) and Rachel Griffiths (right) are rumoured to be among the front runners for the role of Melissa Caddick in a TV drama about her life 'The mystery of Melissa Caddick's disappearance and the missing millions has all the elements of a gripping crime thriller, as well as a moving personal tragedy,' Nine's head of drama Andy Ryan told The Australian. According to the publication, rumoured contenders for the role of Caddick include Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths. Asher Keddie, Danielle Cormack and Yvonne Strahovski are other names said to be in the mix. Mr Ryan said the drama will be made in a way Caddick's family and victims would be treated with 'sensitivity'. Early planning work on the TV drama had been quietly underway before police issued their statement on Friday confirming Caddick's death, with her story already gripping the nation before the foot was uncovered. Caddick vanished from her home in Dover Heights a day after it was raided by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The 49-year-old was accused of swindling at least $20million from clients, including friends and family, before disappearing on November 12. It is believed ASIC had been investigating her for three months before the raid. Police suspect Caddick took her own life because she could have reached the Dover Heights clifftops - 300m from her $6.1million home - without being tracked by CCTV cameras. Caddick's disappearance sparked wild theories as to her whereabouts but detectives now believe she either committed suicide or met with foul play. Caddick (pictured left with husband Anthony on the right) has been accused of swindling at least $20million from clients, including friends and family, before disappearing on November 12 Pictured: Map shows the distance between where Caddick's foot was found, where she was last seen and Friday night's latest discovery of decomposing body parts Two bones were found on a beach near where missing conwoman Melissa Caddick's decomposing foot was uncovered last week Mystery further deepened when a large piece of torso flesh which included a belly button was found in the sand at Mollymook Beach on Saturday, and two bones washed up on Turra Beach on Sunday. Forensic testing is underway. Remains resembling human intestines were also found 200km north at Cunjurong Point. Days after Caddick was reported missing, NSW Police used modelling to determine where her body might wash up if she had died in the water near her Dover Heights home. The modelling deemed it possible that her body could have drifted as far south as Bermagui, about one hour north of Bournda. But detectives believe her remains are too fresh to have been in the water since when she went missing. Caddick was believed to still be alive until the decomposing foot was found, and though she is confirmed dead, when she died is still to be determined. Superintendent Joe McNulty, commander of NSW Marine Command, said the condition of her body made it appear she was on the run for weeks before her death. Experts have started mapping the tidal patterns to determine whether is was possible that Caddick entered the ocean around her clifftop home but police scoured the area following her disappearance and did not see a body. Caddick is survived by her husband Anthony, a 15-year-old son, parents Barbara and Ted Grimley and brother Adam. Caddick (pictured centre) is survived by her husband Anthony (pictured right), a 15-year-old son, parents Barbara and Ted Grimley and brother Adam. The route from Caddick's $6.1million home on Wallangra Road in Dover Heights (pictured) to nearby clifftops is believed to not have any CCTV cameras facing the road or street Mr and Ms Grimley are said to be 'furious at ASIC' for the death of their daughter. The conwoman used investors funds to prop up a lavish lifestyle, including extravagant overseas trips and designer items. Her victims were mostly wealthy friends, some of whom invested life savings in Caddick believing they were making returns. When ASIC and the Australian Federal Police raided the clifftop home, they seized about $1million in couture gowns, designer clothes, handbags, shoes and jewellery. Corporate watchdog ASIC said last Wednesday the investigation into Caddick and her company would continue as they try and return funds to investors. 'ASIC's priority is to seek the return of funds to investors in the most efficient way possible,' an ASIC spokesperson said. Sacha Baron Cohen's politically-charged sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm earned two awards on Sunday night during the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards. And the comedian, 49, came out swinging as he sarcastically thanked the 'all-white' Hollywood Foreign Press Association during his initial acceptance speech, before ripping into his nemesis and unsuspecting costar Rudy Giuliani. Later on in the show, Cohen joked that former president Donald Trump was 'contesting' his Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical win referencing his failed bid to overturn Joe Biden's recent win. Winner! Sacha Baron Cohen's politically-charged sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm earned two awards on Sunday night during the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards Besides his Best Actor in a Comedy nod, Cohen's highly anticipated Borat sequel also walked away with the Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical. 'Thank you to the all-white Hollywood Foreign Press,' began the English comedian, who was referencing to the recent uproar around the absence of black journalists in the HFPA. He then went on to thank his 'co-star,' with audiences at home automatically assuming he was referring to actress Maria Bakalova, who played Borat's 15-year-old daughter in the film. But in actuality, Cohen was jokingly gushing over his 'costar' Rudy Giuliani, who he admitted 'this film could not have been possible' without. Taking digs: And the comedian, 49, came out swinging as he sarcastically thanked the 'all-white' Hollywood Foreign Press Association during his initial acceptance speech, before ripping into his nemesis and unsuspecting costar Rudy Giuliani Cringe: In the film Rudy was seen leaning back after actress Maria Bakalova took his mic off and seemingly putting his hands down his pants 'Who could get more laughs out of one unzipping? Incredible,' he continued, referencing to Giuliani's infamous hand-in-pants moment during a hotel scene with Maria. Rudy has since insisted that he performed the action in order to adjust his microphone and that it was void of inappropriate intent. Sacha continued: 'Our movie was just the beginning for him. Rudy went on to star in a string of comedy films, including Four Seasons Landscaping, Hair Dye Another Day and the courtroom drama A Very Public Fart.' After ruthlessly laying into Giuliani, Sacha put his jokes to rest and went on to thank those who made the Borat sequel possible. When returning to the screen to accept his Best Actor honor, Sacha made sure his political bases were covered, as he openly mocked Donald Trump's outrage over the recent presidential election. His side of the story: Late last year, a beleaguered Giuliani insisted he was tucking in his shirt in the movie scene and didn't have his hand down his pants 'Hold on, Donald Trump is contesting the result,' began Cohen as he pretended to hold a phone to his ear. He was joined on screen by his wife of over 10 years, Isla Fisher, who could hardly contain her laughter. She was also seen leaning in to give him a kiss. 'He's claiming that a lot of dead people voted, which is a very rude thing to say about the HFPA,' Sacha quipped. In January, Cohen revealed the purpose of his Borat sequel was to convince viewers to vote against Trump in the presidential election and the infamous Giuliani honey trap scene that captured him with his hand down his pants makes him 'happy'. Cohen released the mockumentary comedy Borat Subsequent Moviefilm in October during the build up to the presidential election and it shows him crashing the Conservative Political Action Conference. Fictional daughter: Actress Maria Bakalova, who played Borat's daughter in the movie and who was able to honey trap Giuliani, pictured above He also filmed a fake interview with Trump's lawyer Giuliani and rubbing shoulders with QAnon conspiracy theorists at anti-lockdown protests. The movie tells the story of his character Borat Sagdiyev, a fictional Kazakhstani journalist, venturing to America to offer his daughter Tutar, played by Maria Bakalova, as a bride to Vice President Mike Pence. 'I dont want to egotistically imply that people would watch Borat and not vote for Trump, but that was the aim,' Cohen said in a feature interview with Variety. In one scandalous scene Borat's daughter tries to interview Giuliani at a hotel suite for a documentary called Keeping America Alive, but he was clueless it fake, and once there he laid on the bed and put his hand down his pants. 'I do feel happy that every time his name is mentioned as he tries to undermine the election, people are reminded that this is the guy with his hand down his underpants,' Cohen said on the scene. Antics: In the film Borat put on a Trump mask and crashed CPAC carrying his daughter over his shoulder shouting to speaker Vice President Mike Pence, 'I have the woman for you!' He claims that scene almost didnt take place because Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City, refused to take a rapid COVID test, violating the strict safety protocols Baron Cohen and his producers set to shoot the film amid the pandemic. 'There was this debate of what do we do? Do we go ahead with this scene? What happens if he has coronavirus? We concluded that it was worth the risk,' the comedian revealed. Footage of the scene immediately went viral and Giuliani insisted he was tucking his shirt in but the Borat cast disagree. He believed he was going to be genuinely interviewed and had no idea it was a set-up. 'The movie is out, and everybody can see it the way they want to see it,' Bakalova, who had pretended to try to interview him in the scene, said. 'I felt like he would not do that with a man, and I should be seen as a woman and not as a sexual object,' she added. Joker: Cohen later joked that former president Donald Trump was 'contesting' his win for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical. Pictured with wife Isla Fisher Much of the film sought to expose the shortfalls of Trumps administration and the then-presidents bigotry. This year's Golden Globes ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, were pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Guess who's back? Besides his Best Actor in a Comedy nod, Cohen's highly anticipated Borat sequel also walked away with the Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical Nominees will be tuning into the ceremony remotely but presenters have been asked to appear in person. The impressive list of presenters this year includes; Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Annie Mumolo, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig and Renee Zellweger, Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Margot Robbie, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Kate Hudson and Kenan Thompson. Satchel and Jackson Lee, children of three-time Golden Globe nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and producer/philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, are serving as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Jane Fonda, 83, is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The acting icon has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in 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. Thankful: 'Thank you to the all-white Hollywood Foreign Press,' began the English comedian, who was referencing to the recent uproar around the absence of black journalist in the HFPA Nominations were announced on February 3 with streaming giant Netflix receiving 42 nominations across film and television. David Fincher's Mank lead with six nominations across film, while The Crown also topped the TV categories with the same number of nominations. Netflix smash-hit Emily in Paris found itself as one of the more controversially nominated shows, landing a nomination for best TV series, musical or comedy. The show's star, Lily Collins, also got a nod for best actress. Much of the uproar surrounding the nomination stems from the snubbing of Michaela Coel, whose HBO drama I May Destroy You failed to land any nominations. Deborah Copaken, one of the writers of Emily in Paris, even spoke out to criticize the Hollywood Foreign Press for shunning Coel. In good company: He was joined on screen by his wife of over 10 years, Isla Fisher, who could hardly contain her laughter Copaken tweeted that it was 'just wrong', and later expanded on her thoughts in an op-ed for the Guardian. 'Am I excited that Emily in Paris was nominated? Yes. Of course. I've never been remotely close to seeing a Golden Globe statue up close, let alone being nominated for one,' she wrote. 'But that excitement is now unfortunately tempered by my rage over Coel's snub. That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, it's what is wrong with everything. 'We need art that reflects all of our colors, not just some. But we also need to give awards to shows (and music and films and plays and musicals) that deserve them, no matter the color of the skin of their creators,' she went on to write. Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020. Sealed with a kiss: As they celebrated his big win, a proud Isla leaned in to give the screen star an affectionate kiss on the lips Over 12,000 new accounts have been opened with brokers in 2021, up almost 20pct from the previous year, the head of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), Radu Hanga, told an online press conference on Monday, according to AGERPRES. "We are pleased to look back at 2020 to see that we have seen a maximum in terms of transaction volume, a record high. We are pleased to see more than 12,000 new accounts opened with brokers in 2021, growing by almost 20pct compared to the previous year. Also, the valuations of the listed local companies are approaching the maximum.We still have a few percentages to reach the maximum we had in 2007. I think that in Central and Eastern Europe we are the market that is the closest to that level. We are looking forward with great confidence. We are waiting for new companies, new investors," Hanga said. On Monday, the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) organized the official opening of the trading session dedicated to listing the shares of Agroland Business System, the company that operates the largest network of agricultural stores in Romania. The shares are listed on BVB's Multilateral Trading System (SMT) and are traded under the symbol AG. (Photo : Google) The moment you see Google Photos, you have been warned. If you are someone who is fond of using the 'High Quality' storage mode for your pictures, videos, and other compilations, you might consider not using it for a while. Google sent an email to its users about the bad thing that could happen if they continue to use the application. Why Should You Not Use the 'High Quality' Mode of Google Photos? The users often use the 'High Quality' mode to store their photos. The two options are the more favored ones since it compresses 16MP so users can still put more media files inside. On the other hand, the second option, the 'Original Quality', lets the user store the pictures and retain their real resolution upon capturing them. However, the latest email from Google revealed that those who continue to use 'High Quality' images could encounter a problem when it comes to the characteristics of the photos. According to Google Photos, the pictures might render extreme pixelation, so your shots' quality will instead decrease rather than increase in quality. Furthermore, the images' deterioration is evident since the heavily pixelated quality will let you down upon your expectation. The subscriber's email also noted that the original quality images were the ones who got the real details more vividly, even if you zoom them in. You can also crop photos and print the less pixelated photos than the so-called 'High Quality' images. It should not be the actual case, given that its name can surely hook you up to use it. If you compare the previous claims of the company regarding the "High Quality" uploads, you can deduce that it is close to the original version of the photo that you took, but that did not really happen, according to a report by Slash Gear. Read Also: Google Teases Dark Mode for Desktop Search It now boils down to a single question: why does Google Photos now issue a warning to the users about "High Quality" uploads even though not all of them produced a pixelated result? Just imagine comparing a 16MP and a 33MP image, and you can see that compressed snaps frequently lead to the said instance. The Possible Reason Behind This Warning According to Tech Radar, it is possible that this reason rings loud to others is because Google Photos will no longer feature unlimited storage starting on Jun. 1. This will now immerse the users to subscribe to the Google One subscription plan, so more perks could be adopted along the way. Upon the deadline, the photos that you uploaded to Google Photos will now head to the 15 GB Drive cap. You might be forced to buy the plan since that 15GB space seems to be too small for those who love photography. You can also consider other options like switching storage from other sources. The Google One subscription costs $1.99 per month, which offers 100 GB for photo storage. This is not only for the Google Photos service since the pictures from your Gmail and Google Drive can also be stored here. If you want to take the opportunity to use the unlimited storage of Google Photos, it is possible but does not overdo the usage when it nears June 1. After that, you are expected to buy the subscription plan of Google so you can enjoy taking pictures often. Related Article: Google Photos Hidden Map Tracks Places You've Been to, Stores Photos You Took at a Certain Location This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Natural News) The leaders in charge of the Satanic Temple in Texas are suing the Lone Star State for not allowing them to perform abortions on demand, which they claim is their religious right. Texas informed consent laws, these Satanists claim, are a violation of religious freedom because part of worshipping Satan means aborting human babies as a sacrament, similar to how Christians take communion or get baptized. Murdering unborn children is what Satan demands, and yet Satanists in Texas are prohibited from performing abortions without an abortion facility first providing informed consent to women at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. This includes requiring abortion facilities to do an ultrasound and share the unborn babys image with the mother as well as provide an informational packet about the abortion, fetal development, abortion risks and resources for parenting and adoption, Harbingers Daily explains. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of an anonymous Texas woman who is pregnant, and who claims that Texas abortion laws infringe on her religious beliefs. Im particularly interested to see how your a****** Attorney General Ken Paxton replies to this because he likes to march around the nation taking issue with other states issues, said Satanic Temple spokesdemon Lucien Greaves. If hes not trying to sue them for not electing his preferred president, hes often releasing press releases about the state of religious liberty in other states and what he feels should be done. He likes to use the language of religious liberty, where it seems to me quite obvious [sic] he means religious privilege for a specific viewpoint. Satanic Temple offered free abortions at raffle to raise funds for planned lawsuits Back in August, the Satanic Temple of Texas proudly admitted that part of its belief system involves murdering babies as a sacrament to Satan. That same month, it also held a raffle to raise money for this and other planned lawsuits. The winner of the raffle was given a free abortion as part of a ritual that affirmed the choice of women who get pregnant to murder their unborn children in the name of womens health. The ritual goes like this: Before the abortion takes place, surgically or medically, a member of The Satanic Temple will look at her reflection, be reminded of her personhood and responsibility to herself, take deep breaths, focus on her intent and make herself comfortable, Greaves added. When ready, she will say the third and fifth tenet of the temple aloud. The third tenet affirms a key platform of Satanism, do as thou wilt, except in the context of women getting an abortion. The fifth honors science as the be all, end all source of truth in the world, urging Satan worshippers not to distort scientific facts to fit ones beliefs. It is the same platform of the Democrat Party, which worships science, abortion, and lawlessness. In fact, the Satanic Temple might as well be the Democrat Party, as the two entities share the same beliefs. The Satanic Temple attempted similar lawsuits in Missouri, all of which failed. In 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court dismissed one such suit after Judge Laura Denvir Stith and four fellow justices explained that Satanic members could have just refused to accept the informed consent pamphlet. In tandem with Planned Parenthood, the Satanic Temple is heavily involved in promoting abortion across America. Its members are also known to harass pro-life sidewalk counselors who attempt to help women choose life instead of death for their unborn children. In 2016, pro-life advocates outside of a Detroit, Michigan Planned Parenthood faced a disturbing scene when a group from the Satanic Temple arrived to counter-protest wearing baby masks and carrying whips, reports indicate. They held a similar protest on Good Friday in 2017. More related news about the Satanic obsessions with baby murder can be found at Abortions.news. Sources for this article include: HarbingersDaily.com NaturalNews.com Maria, who has been homeless for five years, stands in front of the tiny home village where she has been given interim housing in the North Hollywood neighborhood in Los Angeles, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jamie Joseph/The Epoch Times) LAs Tiny Home Village Offers Hope to the Homeless LOS ANGELESIn a fenced compound in the heart of the San Fernando Valley sits a young woman wearing a black mask covered with gold-glitter butterflies. The compound, on Chandler Boulevard in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, opened last month on what used to be an overgrown, empty lot. Now, the lot is lined with 39 red, white, and blue shedsand the young woman calls one of them home. Maria, 25, moved into the Chandler Boulevard Bridge Home Village in North Hollywood on Feb. 2. Its the latest supportive housing development to help Los Angeles Countys growing homeless population. For homeless people such as Maria, the tiny home villages facilities and services offer them 90 days to turn their lives around. She said thinking of her son gives her the strength and motivation to carry her over the 90-day transitional threshold. I have a difficult time trying to even open up about my life, Maria told The Epoch Times, as her eyes became glossy. Her father died before she was born, and she grew up on a block where she was always surrounded by drug deals and violence, she said. Shes been homeless for about five years now, in and out of gang activity in the valley. She got pregnant in the midst of it all. Her son, who will be 2 this year, was taken away from her, though she didnt say why. So, me having to go through so muchbeing homeless twice, having to lose my sonhas me more motivated than ever to actually complete my goals, she said. Some of those goals include enrolling in an online school, earning her GED diploma, getting her Social Security card, going to counseling, and getting her son back. Maria said her room at the new tiny home village, and the services provided there, will make that possible. The tiny home village community for the homeless in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jamie Joseph/The Epoch Times) Inside a tiny home in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jamie Joseph/The Epoch Times) Inside a Tiny Home Each of the communitys 64-square-foot homesalso known as palletscontains two beds, lights, power outlet, laundry basket, smoke detector, emergency exit, heat, and air conditioning. For personal items that dont fit inside the unit, residents are provided with extra storage: their own 60-gallon bins, locked away behind a chained fence on the premises. In the Chandler Boulevard village, 35 of the 39 units are currently occupied. Each pallet houses one person due to COVID-19 regulations, except in cases of couples. The village admits people aged 18 and above. Security guards monitor the grounds 24/7, and there are also cameras on site. When residents return to their homes, they go through a security checkpoint. No weapons or drugs are allowed inside the community. The tiny homes are great, said one resident, flashing a thumbs-up to visiting The Epoch Times staff. Maria said the community has helped her by providing basic stuff that most people take for granted, like showers, meals, and a washer and dryer to clean her clothes. Case managers are on-site five days a week. They check in with the residents, and help them get their state documents organized so they can transition into permanent housing in three monthsthough it may take longer for those with serious drug addiction and mental health issues. Maria is confident shell be ready to transition out of the program at the end of the 90-day period. I have overcome a lot, she said. Reflecting on her past, Maria said dysfunctional families and the areas they were raised in contribute to a person becoming homeless. A lot of that violent activity that comes with drugs, it comes with domestic violence. It comes in [mental] abuse, verbal abuse, mental illness. And at the end of the day, I do fall under all those categories, she said. But she realized that if she continued to be a gang member, causing all this commotion and crisis in the neighborhood that I live in, in the end, she wouldnt be happy. Because Im not happy, I lost my son, she said. So she turned to Hope of the Valley, the faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the homeless, to turn her life around. She compared what shes going through to a metamorphosis. School wasnt really such a good experience for me, which made me toughit made me layered upbut now, I am a butterfly, she said. The Tiny Homes Movement Chandler Boulevards tiny home villagethe first in the city of Los Angelesis run by staff and volunteers of Hope of the Valley, which operates nine shelters throughout the San Fernando Valley. Redondo Beach previously debuted its own similar Tiny Homes village last year, and three more San Fernando Valley locations are scheduled to open in 2021. According to Rowan Vansleve, Hope of the Valleys chief finance and administration officer, each unit cost $6,000 to buildbut because the land was a dumping ground before construction began, the costs spiked. For us to use it as a safe facility, I know they spent over $2 million preparing the land and getting it ready, but it is still the cheapest bed cost in the city at $55,000 per bed, Vansleve said. It was an unused piece of land that was overgrown. It had an encampment on it. It had no power, no sewageboth of which they had to install. The developers erected two telegraph poles to bring power to the site and ran a 600-foot sewage line for waste disposal, Vansleve saidboth costly. According to a December editorial in The Los Angeles Times, the cost to set up the village was $5.2 million; by contrast, it stated, the city of Riverside set up a village of 30 tiny homes in 2019 for about $514,000. I know a lot of people want to throw stones at the price tag, because you see these very big numbers, Vansleve said, but housing people in L.A. is incredibly expensive. He says its worth it. When you house people, they stay housed. People change. What weve got to do is, weve got to address the whole problem, he said. We are going to have to accept that building housing in Los Angeles is not going to be fast, and its not going to be cheap. The city of Los Angeles is a massive city. And like any big city, theres a bureaucracy. The tiny home village on Chandler Boulevard in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jamie Joseph/The Epoch Times) The tiny home village, which offers temporary housing to the homeless, in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles, on Feb. 25, 2021. (Jamie Joseph/The Epoch Times) The Catch Zone Finding homeless people interested in housing is another hurdle for outreach workers to overcome. Christopher Hernandez is one of the case managers on site. He told The Epoch Times that outreach workers cover a 3.5-mile radius around the tiny home community called the Catch Zone, where they reach out people in need and explain their options for temporary housing. If theyre interested, the outreach workers will offer information. But the transition into living in any kind of shelter isnt easy for them, said Hernandez, adding that many have gotten used to the lifestyle on the streets and suffer from crippling PTSD. The transition is a little hard too, just because a lot of these people, theyve been homeless for quite a while, and theyve kind of learned how to survive on their own, doing what they need to do to survive, not having anybody tell them what to do, how to follow certain rules or being back at a certain time, he said. Residents have a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and if theyre gone for more than three days, theyre not allowed to return to the village. We cant force anybody to come here, because theyre adults, said Hernandez. If they need drug treatment, you know, we can refer them, but we cant make them do anything they dont want. He said the village is typically quiet during the day, because many residents venture back out onto the streetsbut they generally return before curfew. However, some still have tents outside the tiny home fences, he added. New Paperwork One of the biggest challenges many homeless people face is not having a birth certificate, Social Security card, or any federal documentation typically needed for employment or getting into low-income housing. The nonprofit is doing all it can to help the residents, including providing counseling services, rehab referrals, and employment resources. Hernandez said one of the most rewarding experiences is seeing the smiles on peoples faces when they receive their documents. Many have had theirs stolen while on the streets, or have just lost them over the years. Its just amazing and thats just the document, thats just a form of identification. And that makes them really happy, he said. Jamie Carmona, an on-site Hope of the Valley outreach worker, told The Epoch Times that based on her experience, many homeless people come to California from another state. In the tiny homes village, seven participants are originally from other states, she said, but have been in California since the pandemic began. Carmona, who has worked in homeless services for six years, said shes heard from participants in her programs that people come to California for the weatherand because the state specifically gets all this money for the homeless. She said temporary housing is a good way for outreach workers to keep track of people, so theyre ready when its their time to be placed into supportive housing. Workers often seek out clients who have housing vouchers when housing becomes available, only to find theyve disappeared. The clients go back to their encampments after receiving the vouchers, but when the worker seeks them out there to follow up, Where did they go? They moved their encampments because of the sweep, she said. So the interim now is a great place for them to be like, OK, now we know that youre in housing, some type of housing. [It] is not going to be your permanent housing, but at least you have a roof over your head, we know where youre going to be, and youre not going to miss out on that opportunity that comes up again. Solution for a Growing Problem? In October, Los Angeles Controller Ron Galperin released an Action Plan to Advance Proposition HHH, a measure passed by voters in 2016 to issue $1.2 billion in general obligation bonds with the aim of creating housing for the homeless. Galperins report found the rate of homelessness was increasing faster than housing was being built. Only three projects under Proposition HHH funding had been completed, containing 179 supportive housing units and 49 non-supportive units, five years after the measure passed. Meanwhile, over 41,000 people were homeless in L.A. in the latest Greater Los Angeles homeless counta 16 percent increase from 2019 to 2020, and a 45 percent jump from 2016. Nearly 70 percent of them were unsheltered. According to recommendations made by Galperin, the county should apply a portion of Proposition HHH funds to develop easier-to-construct temporary housing units, like the tiny home villages, to provide shelter while larger supportive housing projects remain in the pipeline. Hope of the Valleys Vansleve said the problem needs to be addressed, no matter who does it. When you walk through North Hollywood, you are left heartbroken by the number of people that you will see in encampments within a stones throw of the tiny home community, Vansleve said. And I truly believe that if we dont address this, youre gonna hurt your business community. People arent going to want to walk the streets and frequent your restaurants and go to your shops if they dont feel safe, and overwhelmingly what North Hollywood has become, in certain parts, is what so much of Los Angeles is. Vansleve said the solution doesnt just work if its just the government or the nonprofits, or either of those in isolation. He said there needs to be a public-private partnership between the city and its citizens. The Chandler Boulevard tiny home village was built, funded, and developed by the city of Los Angeles. City Councilman Paul Krekorian, who spearheaded the construction, didnt respond to requests by The Epoch Times for comment by press time. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are also worrisome for those working in homeless services. Thousands of layoffs in California, combined with an economy thats not fully reopened, may result in a new wave of unsheltered people, officials fear. We know that homelessness is gonna explode; with seeing the numbers weve seen anecdotally, its coming, Vansleve said. I would conjecture that a lot of the people who are becoming homeless are still couch surfing, or theyre still, you know, renting a garage where theyre packed in, and theyre doing what they can. My fear is, probably three or four, maybe six, months from now, were going to see a wave. Its going to overwhelm the system. The next village, with more than 100 units, is slated to open in the San Fernando Valley next month. Carlos Sainz has played down reports that he crashed last week whilst testing Ferrari's new-for-2022 18-inch tyres. Eyewitnesses claimed that Ferrari's new Spanish driver crashed during the Pirelli test at Jerez. "I don't know how much I can say about that according to the contract," Sainz is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick. "But if something happened, I would say that it was very insignificant," he smiled. Before the 18-inch debut, Pirelli has tweaked the design of the current 13-inch tyres for 2021. When the drivers tried the 2021 tyres late last season, many of them were heavily critical. "This was a completely normal reaction," Pirelli boss Mario Isola told Auto Motor und Sport. "When drivers test new parts, they always hope for better performance. In this case, the focus was only on durability." Pirelli simulations reportedly show that the projected laptime deficit for the tyres between 2020 to 2021 is between 4 and 5 tenths. The tyres are also more prone to understeer, but Isola insisted: "You can react to that with the setup. "Once the teams have adjusted to the new tyres, the difference won't be that big anymore." (GMM) A total of 1,950,014 in Government funding has been allocated to Kilkenny for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability according to Deputy John McGuinness who has welcomed the announcement. The funding comes as part of 75m fund for Housing Adaptation Grants across the country announced this morning by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien TD and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD. The fund, which supports home adaptations for older people, those with a disability and people with mobility issues, is 80% exchequer funding through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority. According to Deputy John McGuinness grants of up to 30,000 are available to assist people with a disability in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs, up to 8,000 to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to 6,000 for mobility aids. This is very positive news for Kilkenny as it will help our older citizens and those with disabilities to make vital changes to their homes in order to meet their medical and mobility demands, said Deputy McGuinness. Im aware of many individuals and families locally that will benefit greatly from these grants and will see a huge improvement in their quality of life once adaptions are carried out to their homes. It will give many the opportunity to remain living independently, he said. Also welcoming the news, Chairman of Kilkenny County Council, Andrew McGuinness said, Im delighted with todays announcement as we have been crying out for an increase in funding to meet the huge volume of applications for these grants. This will mean that Kilkenny County Council will be able to approve many more applications for families and individuals who really need the assistance. This grant scheme is one of the most important schemes available as it gives our elderly and people with disabilities the opportunity to make necessary adaptations to their homes so they can live comfortably and independently. The grants will create employment opportunities for local contractors, said Chairman McGuinness. The fund, which supports home adaptations for older people, those with a disability and people with mobility issues, is 80% exchequer funding through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority. The funding was also welcomed by Deputy John Paul Phelan. Grants of up to 30,000 are available to assist people with a disability in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs, up to 8,000 to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to 6,000 for mobility aids, Deputy Phelan explained. Containers lined up at Cat Lai Port in HCMC. Photo by Shutterstock/Hien Phung Thu. Vietnam achieved a trade surplus of $1.3 billion in the first two months of the year as both exports and imports rose sharply. Exports were up 23 percent year-on-year to $48.5 billion, 76.4 percent of them by foreign companies, according to the General Statistics Office. Exports of heavy industry products and minerals were worth $26.6 billion, up 27.8 percent, while those of light industry and handicraft products were worth $17.3 billion, up 18.8 percent. Agricultural and forestry product exports rose 22.2 percent to $3.6 billion. The biggest markets were the U.S., China, the E.U., ASEAN, South Korea, and Japan. Imports increased by 26 percent to $47.2 billion, 66.9 percent by foreign companies. Consumer goods accounted for nearly $3 billion. China was the biggest source of imports ($17.3 billion), followed by South Korea, ASEAN, Japan, the E.U., and the U.S. In 2020, Vietnam total exports reached $281.5 billion, up 6.5 percent year-on-year, while imports was $262.4 billion, up 3.6 percent. Israel's president on Monday formally received the first-ever ambassador from the United Arab Emirates to the former, following last year's historic agreement between the countries to normalise ties. UAE envoy Mohamed Al Khaja, who arrived in Israel earlier Monday, delivered his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at a ceremony in Jerusalem. After greeting Khaja in Arabic, Rivlin said: "The entire Israeli people welcomes you with joy. "This will be your most important mission -- to welcome the hands reaching out to you... treaties are signed by leaders, but real, sustained peace is made between peoples, face to face," the president said. Khaja said he would "work tirelessly to strengthen the political ties between our two countries, in the service of our peoples and regional stability." The UAE was the first country to agree to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, a pact brokered by former US president Donald Trump. The agreement made the UAE only the third majority Arab nation to form official ties with Israel, following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan have subsequently joined the Abraham Accords. Earlier Monday, Khaja met Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi in Jerusalem, who wished him success in his "historic mission". Khaja told Ashkenazi he was "very proud and honoured to be the first Emirati ambassador to the State of Israel". Israel opened its UAE embassy in January, with veteran diplomat Eitan Naeh heading the Abu Dhabi mission. Israel and the UAE have already signed treaties on direct flights and visa-free travel, along with accords on investment protection, science and technology. On Tuesday, Khaja was scheduled to visit Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial and education centre. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Short link: The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. A former BBC producer has been jailed for selling crystal meth to clients of his interior design business in an enterprise dubbed 'Changing Rooms on drugs'. Alexander Parkin won nine Sony awards for his work with the BBC and worked on the popular Radio 3 show Late Junction. The 45-year-old, who now runs his own interior design business, stashed 123 grammes of the class A drug around his flat in Kennington, southwest London. Kingston Crown Court was told he befriended clients before inviting them to his parties and selling chemsex drugs at 'cost prices'. Parkin was first convicted of drug dealing at the Old Bailey in 2016, when he admitted selling the Class C drug Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) to celebrity barrister Henry Hendron, 40. Former BBC radio producer Alexander Parkin was jailed for 21 months today after he admitted possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of crystal meth Left, Alexander Parkin at Southwark Court in 2017. Celebrity barrister Henry Hendron (right in 2016) bought 1,000 of Mephedrone and GBL from Alexander Parkin Hendron had bought 1,000 of Mephedrone and GBL from the BBC producer to take to parties. But the barrister awoke on the morning of January 20, 2015 to find his teenage lover Miguel Jimenez, 18, dead beside him at his exclusive flat in London's Temple - the collection of chambers where Britain's top lawyers and judges are based. The teenager had suffered a lethal overdose of a combination of Mephedrone, known as 'meow meow', and GBL. Parkin was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work and lost his job at the BBC after he admitted supplying Methedrone and GBL. Hendron - whose previous clients include Tory MP Nadine Dorries, the Earl of Cardigan and The Apprentice winner Stella English - was ordered to do 140 hours of unpaid work. Parkin was then cleared of dealing in 13,000 worth of drugs - including crystal meth, ecstasy and GBL - and offering them for sale from his flat after a trial in 2017. But he was jailed for 21 months today after he admitted possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of crystal meth after police raided his flat last September. David Povall, prosecuting, said it was a 'networked supply situation' which takes place 'within the individual's own social lives'. Henry Hendron (left) had bought 1,000 of Mephedrone and GBL from the BBC producer to take to parties. But the barrister awoke in 2015 to find his teenage lover Miguel Jimenez (right) dead beside him Mr Povall said: 'It is the Crown's case that this is supply, largely within a known group of individuals, known to each other, all known by name and all involved in the same social and sexual scene. 'There was substantial turn over of drugs, substantial payment, and that there was some financial motivation to the supply that was happening. 'While there were a number of concealed hides for paraphernalia and drugs, it has been described as 'Changing Rooms on drugs,' not a high level of sophistication.' He said the street value of the drugs was between 6,000 and 18,000. It emerged today Hendron gave a statement against Parkin and claimed the former BBC producer once had to be stopped from strangling one of his drug dealers. Judge Jonathan Davies told Parkin: 'We all know the destructive nature of that drug and those who use it. There was more to it than being a generous party host. 'A quantity it was necessary to purchase in bulk. Ledgers for drug dealing showed someone owing you several thousands of pounds. 'That clearly colours the position and in my judgement there's more to it than just parties, this was partly a business.' Parkin, from Kennington, admitted possession of crystal meth with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug. He was jailed for 21 months. Reception rekindles brotherhood and advocates peace By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-02-26 19:40 A Lantern Festival reception was held in the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum on February 26, gathering people engaged in friendly exchanges between China and foreign countries. Located on the site of the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue built in 1927 in Shanghais Hongkou district, the museum is the only one in China that documents Jewish refugees life in Shanghai during World War II when few countries were willing to accept them. Since it was established in 2007, the museum has been promoting cultural exchanges between China and the world. Currently, the virtual exhibition hall of the museum had been launched on the website of Chicago Sister Cities International. (Xue Feng gives a speech at the event.) Xue Feng, president of Chicago Sister Cities International, said that the museum is representative of Shanghais inclusiveness and openness. The launch will help more people in America to know the museum as well as Shanghai and China.We look forward to working with the museum to promote Shanghai to Chicago, said Xu. An excerpt of the musical Shanghai Sonatas, which celebrates the historical attachment between Jewish musicians and contemporary Chinese classical musicians, was introduced at the event for guests to enjoy. It is the first musical co-produced by Chinese and American musicians, and recalls the bittersweet days when the Jewish refugees gratefully took up residence in Shanghai. (Screeen shot of the musical) According to Gao Xiang, a Chinese musician living in the U.S. and the executive producer and lead creator of the musical, since the relationship between China and the US is at a crossroads and the world is still divided, he feels like we are bringing to the world a musical that is incredibly timely and important. He hopes the work can promote unity, peace, and cultural understanding and teach the young to cherish peace. (Gao Xiang talks about his creation of the musical.) Combining Broadway musicals, Chinese opera, Western classical music and new-style visual arts, the musical transported the audience to Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s, to glimpse the scenes of Shanghai Jewish refugees living with hope in this war-torn city. Michelle Carmichael testifying at the landfill resource consent hearings in December. She says it is astounding that waste from New Caledonia could end up in the Dome Valley. Waste Management has confirmed waste from New Caledonia will likely be dumped in the Dome Valley landfill should plans for the controversial facility proceed. The issue came to light after a reader alerted Mahurangi Matters to the fact that Waste Management holds dozens of permits from the Environmental Protection Authority that allow it to import hazardous waste from New Caledonia and French Polynesia. The permits allow Waste Management to import numerous chemical and other forms of dangerous waste, including used lead-acid batteries, crushed fluorescent tubes, vapour sodium lamps, oils and oil sludges, alloys of mercury, solvents, and waste pesticides and herbicides, which are off-specification, outdated or unfit for their original intended use. A Waste Management spokesperson said the company had international contracts for the treatment, and in some cases, disposal of wastes from New Caledonia, because the French territory did not have treatment and disposal facilities constructed to an international standard of its own. The spokesperson added that New Zealand had an obligation under international treaties to accept and treat waste from Pacific Island countries if they were unable to process it safely themselves. On arrival in New Zealand, the hazardous waste is sent to Waste Managements technical services division, located at Neales Road in East Tamaki, for treatment. Once treated, the waste is currently dumped at Waste Managements Redvale Landfill & Energy Park, which the Dome Valley landfill is designed to replace. It is expected the Redvale landfill will stop receiving waste in 2028. Asked if it was likely that once the Redvale landfill is retired from service, the treated waste will end up in the Dome Valley, the spokesperson responded: Yes, but not necessarily. Once treated it could be disposed of in any Class 1 landfill in New Zealand. A Class 1 landfill will accept some industrial waste and contaminated soils, along with residential and commercial waste, but will not accept hazardous waste. Waste Management refused to divulge how much treated waste from New Caledonia it disposed of at Redvale. This information is commercially sensitive and confidential, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson did say that regardless of source, treated waste must be sampled and tested to demonstrate that it complied with the landfills acceptance criteria. Should the Auckland Regional Landfill (Dome Valley landfill) go ahead, it will have strict waste acceptance criteria as a condition of its resource consent, the spokesperson said. But Fight the Tip, Save the Dome campaigner Michelle Carmichael said it was astounding that Waste Management would likely be importing waste from New Caledonia to its proposed Auckland Regional landfill. It makes you wonder where else waste will be coming from to dump in this local landfill, she said. Ms Carmichael said Waste Managements main consultation booklet to the community in connection with the landfill was titled, Meeting Aucklands future needs. A more apt title may have been, Meeting Waste Managements future needs, she said. The prospect of a landfill in the Dome Valley has prompted widespread opposition in Mahurangi, including numerous demonstrations, the placement of a rahui on the proposed landfill site and a protest march down Queen Street in central Auckland. Several weeks of hearings to consider a resource consent application by Waste Management to construct the landfill concluded at the end of January. Commissioners who presided over the hearings are currently considering the evidence with a view to making a decision on the consent application. Their decision is expected in the first half of this year. The Pound to US Dollar exchange rate fell today as the US ISM Manufacturing PMI for February bolstered USD higher. At the time of writing the pair are currently trading at around $1.3920. Pound (GBP) Struggles as Markets Await Spring Budget The Pound struggled against the US Dollar today as markets await the UKs spring budget on Wednesday. Even a positive UK Manufacturing PMI from IHS Markit couldnt lift Pound sentiment today. Rob Dobson, Director at IHS Markit was cautious surrounding the figures saying: The UK manufacturing sector was again hit by supply chain issues, COVID-19 restrictions, stalling exports, input shortages and rising cost pressures in February. In fact the biggest contributor to the headline PMI reading was a near-record lengthening of supplier delivery times. However, while normally a positive sign of an increasingly busy economy, the recent lengthening was far from welcome, more often than not linked to problems resulting from Brexit and COVID related. Pound investors also remain cautious over the UKs coronavirus situation, despite lockdown easing expected in the next few weeks the more transmissible Brazil variant of the virus has now been found in England and Scotland. US Dollar (USD) Bolstered by Positive US Manufacturing PMI The US Dollar has found support from the USs own ISM Manufacturing PMI today. PMI jumped to 60.8 in February of 2021 from 58.7 in January. Timothy R. Fiore, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee said on the report that: Manufacturing performed well for the ninth straight month, with demand, consumption and inputs registering strong growth compared to January. The manufacturing economy continued its recovery in February. Issues with absenteeism, short-term shutdowns to sanitize facilities, and difficulties in hiring workers remain challenges and continue to cause strains that limit manufacturing-growth potential. UK Budget in Focus Pound investors will be looking towards Chancellor Rishi Sunaks spring budget on Wednesday, with the Chancellor expected to announce more measures to help those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Any dovish commentary from Sunak regarding the UKs economic recovery from the pandemic could cause Sterling to suffer. US Dollar investors will themselves be focusing on key employment data in the coming days, with non-farm payroll data expected to push the currency higher. The Pound to US Dollar exchange rate will also be moved by global risk-sentiment, with a continuing risk off-mood muting the US Dollar. Alex Ilgner has been named as an account administrator within the Environmental and Construction Professional (ECP) Practice of RT Specialty. He is based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. In this role, he will support the account management and policy servicing activities offered by senior management to the organizations national network of agents, brokers and business partners. Prior to RT ECP, Ilgner supported the day-to-day account activities performed at Diversified Insurance Industries of Hunt Valley, Maryland. RT ECP is a part of the RT Specialty division of RSG Specialty LLC, a Delaware limited liability company based in Illinois. It provides wholesale insurance brokerage and other services to agents and brokers. Source: RT Specialty Topics Pollution Construction The Saolta University Health Care Group is currently recruiting staff to support the roll out of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. The Group is looking for clinical staff (a minimum of 19.5 and maximum 39 hours per week) who are eligible to administer vaccines for an initial 3 month contract, which may be extended. The Group is also recruiting Health Care Assistants and administrative staff to support the vaccination centres. Vaccinations Centres will be located in Galway, Sligo, Letterkenny, Castlebar, Carrick on Shannon and Roscommon. The vaccination programme will run 7 days a week over a 12 hour day. Paul Hooton, Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the Saolta University Health Care Group is leading out the vaccination programme on behalf of Saolta alongside colleagues in Community Healthcare 1 and Community Healthcare West. Commenting Paul said, The COVID-19 vaccination programme is going to be one of the biggest immunisation programmes ever undertaken in this country. Our aim is to protect people and reduce the illness and deaths caused by this virus. "Since the end of December across the Saolta Group we have administered more than 15,000 first doses and 10,000 second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to frontline healthcare workers. We will shortly be moving towards supporting the public vaccinations centres which will enable the wider vaccination of the general public over the coming weeks and months in a safe and efficient way. We are looking for clinical staff to help us deliver an effective COVID-19 vaccination programme to frontline healthcare workers, community services and the wider community. Specifically we are looking for registered healthcare professionals including Nurses, Midwifes, Doctors, Advanced Paramedics, Paramedics, Emergency Technicians, and Pharmacists who are available to work a minimum of 19.5 hours per week to work in the COVID-19 vaccination programme. We are also recruiting Health Care Assistants and administrative staff to support the vaccination centres. We will provide the training necessary and every member of the vaccination team will be given the COVID-19 vaccine. Details are available on the Saolta website at the following link: https://www.saolta.ie/jobs/saoltacovid19vaccteam0221. Video link: Paul Hooton, Chief Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Saolta University Health Care Group on the recruitment campaign for COVID-19 vaccinators - https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=a1Zlg3QlZH8 Advertisement The first 3.9 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's long-awaited one-dose COVID-19 vaccine began shipping overnight, and the first shots could be given as early as tomorrow, the firm's CEO said Monday. 'We think literally between the next 24 to 48 hours, Americans should start receiving shots in arms,' said Alex Gorsky on the Today show. Gorsky also told CNN that the firm is already working on a booster shot to better defend against variants like those from South Africa and Brazil, which appear somewhat resistant to all three shots available in the US. 'While were encouraged and were confident in the current vaccine that we have, youve always got to be preparing for the future, and frankly for the unknown,' said Gorsky. 'So, were doing that as we speak.' The firm is also planning trials of its shot in pregnant women and infants, J&J scientists told the FDA's vaccine committee meeting last week. Johnson & Johnson started shipping America's third coronavirus vaccine on Sunday, after it received emergency authorization from the FDA, which came on Saturday. It comes after the firm hit production delays, forcing it to walk back its original pledge to deliver 10 million doses in its first shipments, but CEO Alex Gorsky said Johnson & Johnson can 'absolutely' meet its new delivery goals. The single-shot vaccine prevented 100 percent of COVID-19 deaths and was 72 percent effective in US trials, and had a slightly lower efficacy of 66 percent worldwide, due in large part to the presence of 'super-covid' variants in Brazil and South America. J&J still thinks it can deliver 100 million doses of the vaccine by July. Combined with the promised doses from Moderna and Pfizer, that would give the US enough vaccine to inoculate every adult in the nation. Vaccine rollout is picking up speed across the US, where 15 percent of the population has now had one or more doses, according to Bloomberg data. But the race to inoculate Americans is heating up, too, as the nation tries to out outpace the spread of highly infectious variants from the UK, South Africa and Brazil, as well as its own homegrown mutant forms of coronavirus. The first doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine could be in Americans' arms within 24 to 48 hours, firm CEO Alex Gorsky said during a Monday Today show interview The US is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two (file) The firm's highly-anticipated vaccine couldn't come soon enough. After six weeks of promising declines in COVID-19 case numbers, there are signs the trend may be stalling. However, the seven-day rolling average of new infections was 64,398 on Sunday - the lowest it has been since October 23 - including 51,204 positive tests yesterday. Another 1,097 Americans died of coronavirus yesterday, bringing the seven-day rolling average to 1,847 fatalities a day. The death toll stands at a staggering 513,092 as of Monday morning. Meanwhile, there are encouraging early signs that COVID-19 vaccines may, in fact, reduce transmission of the infection - an effect that lightning-fast trials did not prove the shots had - said a former FDA commissioner in a Monday 'Squawk Box' interview. There's still no definitive proof, but 'the accumulating evidence is very convincing that there's a reduction in transmission,' said Dr Scott Gottlieb, who was FDA chief from 2017 to 2018 and now sits on Pfizer's board of directors. He said that both data from Israel - which has vaccinated a greater share of its population than any other country in the world - and from a J&J trial suggest that vaccines are driving down viral loads and, in turn, the spread of coronavirus, which is critical to not just ending deaths from the pandemic, but ending the pandemic itself. J&J's vaccine could be a critical weapon in the American arsenal. Like Moderna's and Pfizer's vaccines, J&J's shot performed a little more poorly against variants from South Africa and Brazil, but not much worse. It was still about 64 percent effective in South Africa, where the potentially vaccine-evading B1351 variant has become dominant. So far, there are just 53 cases of coronavirus caused by B1351, but if it becomes more widespread, it could compromise the US progress toward ending the pandemic. Against the UK B117 variant that officials predict will become dominant this month, the J&J vaccine worked about as well as it does against older forms of coronavirus. The White House said the entire stockpile of the newly approved single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will go out immediately. Its efficacy against the variant further adds to its value to the US supply of vaccines. J&J will deliver another 16 million doses - 20 million in total - by the end of March and 100 million total by the end of June, but the distribution would be backloaded. Though the new shot is easier to administer and requires only one dose, the administration is not altering its distribution plans. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted overwhelmingly on Sunday to recommend the vaccine for adults 18 years old and up. The ruling followed emergency clearance of the vaccine by US regulators a day earlier. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer. So far, more than 75 million doses have been administered to health care workers, nursing home residents and other high-risk Americans. On average, the US is giving about 1.7 million COVID-19 vaccines a day. That figure still reflects the delay of six million doses of vaccine that were delayed as historic winter storms swept the country. On each Saturday and Sunday, a record 2.4 million doses of vaccine were distributed across the US. Top Biden administration advisor, Dr Anthony Fauci, had optimistically predicted that April would be 'open season' for vaccinations, meaning that he thought that the US would have enough doses that any US adult who wanted a vaccine could get one. Distribution has not progressed evenly across states, or across populations. In New Jersey, the Riverside Medical Group partnered with Eva's Village, a non-profit, to help vaccinated its clients and staff members in under-served parts of the state (file) But logistical stumbling blocks and Johnson & Johnson's own 'disappointing' smaller stockpile of doses available upon FDA authorization have stymied that hope, Dr Fauci said last month. He now anticipates that that shots will be offered to anyone who wants them sometime between mid-May and early June. Vaccine availability also varies from state to state. CDC insisted that schools can safely reopen before vaccines are offered to teachers, but also said states should make educators and school staff priority for vaccination. Most states have followed that guidance and begun vaccinating these groups. But others lag behind. Georgia is currently dead last for vaccinating its population. Just 12.1 percent of the population has had one or more doses, and the state is still in phase 1A of rollout, while much of the country is in phase 1B. Republican Governor Brian Kemp finally said last week that the state would expand access to teachers and school staff, adults with intellectual disabilities and the parents or caregiver of children with serious medical conditions, starting March 8. On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska has vaccinated more than one in five of its residents. The state has raced ahead of most of the country, thanks in part to its large Native American/Alaskan Native population, which receives vaccines through a separate federal allocation, in addition to what the government allocates to the state. The island city of Sitka, Alaska, is so far ahead that it became one of the first places in the country to start vaccinating teenagers 16 and older (J&J's and Moderna's vaccines are only authorized for people 18 and older, but Pfizer's can be given to those 16 and up). Vaccine rollout is not going so smoothly everywhere in the US. Utah is canceling about 7,200 coronavirus vaccine appointments after an error in the state health department's registration website allowed people without qualifying conditions to register for the shots. Department spokesman Tom Hudachko said in a statement that the error allowed residents who are not 65 or older or who don't have an underlying medical condition to sign up. The Salt Lake Tribune reported Sunday those appointments are being canceled. People who meet the state's conditions can keep their vaccine appointments scheduled through Vaccinate.utah.gov. Public school teachers and first responders also are eligible for vaccines. Utah so far has administered more than 680,000 vaccine doses and estimates that 10 percent of its 3.2 million population has been fully vaccinated Mattia Binotto has confirmed reports that he will not attend every race in 2021. The Ferrari boss stayed at Maranello on several grand prix weekends last year, and he will once again be replaced trackside on occasion by Laurent Mekies this season. "I will of course be there at the beginning when it comes to assessing our performance and ensuring that everything goes according to plan on the track," Binotto said. "But at some point I will stay in Maranello to concentrate more on the project for 2022." Indeed, Binotto said that while Ferrari has worked hard to address its engine and aerodynamic problems of 2020, the real focus is on the sweeping new rules for 2022. "Based on the simulations, I expect that the powertrain and the aerodynamics won't be such a big problem for us again this year," he said. "I think our car is better than last year. But we have to remain realistic. The gap to the fastest cars was very large last year and that cannot be closed in a single winter," the Italian added. "Our focus in the coming season is already on developing the 2022 car. That is our main task," said Binotto. Therefore, he admits that race wins in 2021 are unlikely. "For me, the will to win is important, but that doesn't mean that we will win. We have to be realistic about that," he said. (GMM) Sidney Powell speaking during a press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington on Nov. 19, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Supreme Court Rejects Sidney Powells Lawsuits Challenging Election Results in Wisconsin, Arizona The Supreme Court on March 1 formally rejected two of Sidney Powells lawsuits that challenged the results of the Nov. 3 election. The Supreme Court didnt offer any comment about dismissing the lawsuits. One lawsuit was filed in Wisconsin and the other in Arizona. The petitions for writs of mandamus are denied, the court stated. One of Powells mandamus petitions stated: A submission directly to this Court seeking an extraordinary writ of mandamus is unusual, but it has its foundation. While such relief is rare, this Court will grant it where a question of public importance is involved, or where the question is of such a nature that it is peculiarly appropriate that such action by this Court should be taken. The Epoch Times has reached out to Powell for comment. She didnt appear to have posted a comment about Supreme Courts decision on her Telegram page on March 1. A day before President Joe Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20, Powell withdrew another lawsuit in the Supreme Court challenging Georgias election results. Powell also announced that she launched a super PAC dedicated to freedom of speech, constitutional rights, and the sacred right of free and fair elections. Powell in late January said she created the Restore the Republic Super PAC, which is an independent expenditure-only political action committee that may receive unlimited contributions and may engage in unlimited political spending on initiatives, provided it doesnt coordinate directly with campaigns or candidates. The American people deserve a voice that exposes and rejects the self-interest of political parties, the control of tech giants, and the lies of the fake news, she said. Meanwhile, after the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, Twitter suspended the accounts belonging to a number of conservatives, including Powell. Powell, in a statement to The Epoch Times at the time, said there was no warning at all about her Twitter account being deleted, adding that it is stunning. Twitters actions and those of banks who shut down accounts of people who went to DC are fascism in its purest form. It is a communist coup that has been long and well-planned, she said in a January email. Powell, who successfully defended retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, was introduced by the Trump legal team in November 2020, although the team later distanced themselves from her and said she was now working independently. Separately, Dominion Voting Systems filed a $1.3 billion lawsuit against Powell as well as similar lawsuits against Rudy Giuliani and Mike Lindell. Powells lawyer, Lin Wood, implied in statements last month that she did nothing wrong. Sidney and I will not be intimidated, Wood said, adding that he and Powell will not go quietly into the night. Tom Ozimek contributed to this report. Jaipur, March 1 : After suffering for 12 long years subsequent to marriage at the tender age of seven, 18-year-old Mansi Gurjar has finally summoned courage to initiate steps to annul her child marriage. A resident of Paladi village of Rajasthan's Bhilwara district, Mansi knocked the doors of Bhilwara's Family Court and filed the case for annulment of her child marriage on which Family Court Judge Mukesh Bhargava has issued summons to her so-called 'husband'. Manasi elicited the support of Dr. Kriti Bharti, Managing Trustee and Rehabilitation Psychologist of Sarathi Trust, Jodhpur, in her quest to break free from child marriage. Dr. Bharti, known for launching a campaign that facilitates annulment of child marriages, said that Mansi, 18, was married at the age of seven in 2009 to a young man from Banera tehsil. The child bride is busy pursuing her first year of graduation. Her marriage took place in 2009 under social pressure. All of seven years, old, Mansi realised what had happened only a few years ago. After Mansi became an adult, she refused to accept the marriage. Since then, her in-laws have been putting pressure on her family and Mansi. They've even threatened the family with dire consequences. Certain caste panchs have also been threatening the family of penalty and social boycott if the child marriage was annulled. Mansi and her family became depressed for a long time owing to pressure and personal fear of caste panchayats. Now, with help from Dr. Kriti Bharti of Saarthi Trust, Mansi has shown courage to annul the child marriage. Dr. Bharti helped Mansi file a child marriage annulment case in the family court of Bhilwara District. In the petition, Dr. Bharti pleaded on behalf of Mansi and presented the facts related to her age and other facts in the court. Family Court Judge Mukesh Bhargava showed enormous sensitivity in the case of child marriage annulment and immediately issued summons to the so-called husband. Judge Mukesh Bhargava said that swift and serious action will have to be taken at all levels to end the practice of child marriage. The moral of the story there was don't go on the Gerry Ryan Show when you're drunk. Peter Phillips, founder of Tedfest is regaling me with stories from the festivals fifteen years. Last weekend instead of heading to Inis Mor at the end of a blustery February, Phillips underwent a partial knee replacement. In line with Covid-19 guidelines, the organisers have moved the annual celebration of Father Ted to October, when they are hoping to welcome 250 Tedheads to the Aran island. It is really weird, he booms over the phone from his base in Wales. I can't say I'm looking forward to the operation, but there has not been a more convenient time for me in forty years to have a knackered knee. Phillips is giddy, just as you would expect someone who dreamed up a festival devoted to Father Ted would be. An event organiser of note, prior to dreaming up Tedfest, Phillips was running Europes largest Elvis festival. The idea for the festival on Inis Mor came to him in Sri Lanka, he explains. It was the middle of a Sri Lankan civil war. I was involved in a Welsh charity that was funding an arts-based project there. It was a gorgeous area but not a very nice place to be in the middle of a civil war as you can imagine. Through mutual friends, Phillips was introduced to a man named Fergal McCarthy, who was filming some of the charity work taking place in the area. The two men got down to business, the best way they knew how. For three days, Fergal and I got through the fact that there was no electricity and therefore no cold beer, by talking about the idea of running a festival for Father Ted. Joe Rooney AKA Fr Damo pictured with Sr Kate Finnegan, Michael Morrin as Pat Mustard, Suzie Queripel as Mrs Doyle and Sr Eimear O Dea at TedFest. Picture: Doris Gerth Quite excited but not really thinking anything of it, the pair agreed to meet for a pint in Neachtains pub in Galway the following year to discuss the prospect of taking people to their version of Craggy Island. We never expected it to be more than a self-indulgence, laughs Phillips. With a venue on Inis Mor secured thanks to a friend who owned a pub, a date was set for the first festival, to take place in 2007. We decided to do it at the end of February, being honest, because it fitted our diaries. The other reason was that we would be assured of shite weather and that will give us what we are looking for. Plus, it gives the island a busy weekend when they would normally be closed. February was even more appropriate, given that the anniversaries of both Dermot Morgan and Frank Kelly's deaths fall on February 28. We got the news about Frank while we were at Tedfest in 2016. The duo were adamant about one thing. Tedfest would not be your average television show convention. The premise that we had very early on was that we didn't want some sort of cheesy TV convention where we were all sitting in a room watching reruns of the show. We wanted it to be about Craggy Island and giving people to live the Craggy Island dream for a weekend. Accommodating between 250 and 300 people on the island for the weekend, there is a major sense of high jinx. So much so, that Phillips says that most people attend every five years because they get absolutely wrecked. Attendees mean business. They come armed with outfits to dress up in think Mrs Doyle, or a holy statue and My Lovely Horse plays on repeat throughout the weekend. Some of the crowed at TedFest Its just a bit of craic, says Phillips. Youd be surprised to find that most of the people who make the pilgrimage to Craggy Island are actually Irish. He puts this down to the Gerry Ryan Effect. For some reason and I dont know why Gerry decided Tedfest was a great idea. And once he said it, everyone else began to think it. The support of the RyanLine led to madcap events, like a forty-day journey pushing a milk float around Ireland. The idea came from a throwaway comment that Phillips made on the Gerry Ryan Show. This is what I mean when I say dont go on the radio under the influence he laughs. In January 2008, Phillips was joined by 1000 volunteers as he pushed a 70-year-old milk float on a journey of 798 miles the charity push raised money for Down Syndrome Ireland. Tedfest is not without scandal. Phillips roars laughing when telling me to Google Tedfest Oz. We took Tedfest to Australia and it was carnage! I think there is still news footage on the internet. Indeed there is. Tedfest Oz was shut down by police after several community complaints about the noise. Irish ex-pats tried to make the case for Tedfest to Prime News Australia We got up to a few things last night but the police came in then and they wrecked it, so they did, a young man in an ONeills jersey and an illuminous yellow sun hat laments. When Tedfest returns to the island in October, it will be like Lord of the Flies on crack, says Peter Phillips. But hes only messing. He can't wait to welcome the TedHeads back to Craggy Island. Especially the widow and widower who found true love at Tedfest and return every year. Stories like this are why I keep doing it, Phillips tells me. When you think of how many people know about Tedfest, it's an event that is only as big as a wedding - and it's known all over the world. C++ is a general-purpose systems programming language that is now more than 40 years old, having been designed in 1979. Far from losing steam, C++ still ranks near the top of multiple programming language popularity indexes. Smoothing the path to C++ usage is broad support for the language among the makers of IDEs, editors, compilers, test frameworks, code quality, and other tools. Software developers also have at their disposal many excellent libraries to assist with building C++ applications. Here are 10 that C++ developers rely on. Active Template Library From Microsoft, Active Template Library (ATL) is a set of C++ classes for building COM (Common Object Model) objects, with support for COM features such as dual interfaces, standard COM enumerator interfaces, connection points, and ActiveX controls. Available with the Visual Studio IDE, ATL can be used to build single-threaded objects, apartment-model objects, free-threaded model objects, or both free-threaded and apartment-model objects. Asio C++ library The Asio C++ library is used for network and low-level I/O programming, offering a consistent asynchronous model. Providing basic building blocks for concurrency, C++ networking, and other types of I/O, Asio has been used in applications ranging from smartphone apps and games to highly interactive websites and real-time transaction systems. Projects using Asio include the WebSocketPP library and the DDT3 remote debugger for the Lua language. Asio is available as free open source under the Boost Software License, and supported on Linux, Windows, MacOS, and FreeBSD. Cinder Cinder is an open source library for creative coding in C++. Useful for applications such as audio, computational geometry, graphics, and video, Cinder supports platform-native windowing and event-handling, along with I/O abstraction, and has a built-in API for XML and JSON parsing. Designed around idiomatic C++ 11 features such as shared_ptr, the library ships with numerous samples. Cinder supports MacOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Windows UWP. Eigen Eigen is a C++ template library for linear algebra, including matrices, vectors, numerical solvers, and related algorithms. All matrix sizes are supported, from small, fixed matrices to arbitrarily large, dense matrices. Algorithms are selected for reliability. All standard numeric types are supported. For speed, Eigen features expression templates to intelligently remove temporaries and enable lazy evaluation. Freely available under the Mozilla Public License 2 and downloadable from the Eigen project page, Eigen has been fitted with an API described by proponents as expressive and clean and natural to C++ programmers. The test suite for Eigen has been run against many compilers to ensure reliability. FloatX FloatX, or Float eXtended, is a header-only library for low-precision, floating point type emulation. While natively compatible with C++ compilers, FloatX can be called by other languages such as Python or Fortran. Floating point types are extended beyond the native single and double precision types. Template types are provided that allow the user to select the number of bits used for the exponent as well as significant parts of the floating point number. FloatX is based on the idea of the FlexFloat library for emulating reduced-precision floating types, but implements a superset of FlexFloat functionality in C and provides C++ wrappers. FloatX emerged from the Open Transprecision Computing initiative. It is available free under the Apache License 2.0. OpenCV OpenCV, or Open Source Computer Vision Library, is a computer vision and machine learning library written natively in C++, and available under a BSD license. OpenCV was built to provide common infrastructure for computer vision applications and accelerate the use of machine perception in commercial products. More than 2,500 optimized algorithms for face recognition, object detection, object classification, 3D model extraction, image search, and much more, OpenCV has amassed a user community of more than 47,000 persons. Available from the OpenCV project website, the library provides C++, Java, Python, and Matlab interfaces and supports Windows, Linux, Android, and MacOS. CUDA and OpenCL interfaces are in development. Poco C++ Libraries Intended to simplify C++ development, the Poco (Portable Components) C++ Libraries are cross-platform C++ libraries for building Internet and network applications to run on systems ranging from desktops and servers to mobile and IoT devices. The libraries also can be used to build microservices with REST APIs for machine learning or data analytics. The Poco libraries are similar in concept to the Java Class Library, Microsofts .NET Framework, or Apple Cocoa. Developers can use Poco libraries to build application servers in C++ that talk to SQL databases, Redis, or MongoDB, or to build software for IoT devices that talk to cloud back-ends. Among the features of the libraries are a cache framework, HTML form handling, an FTP client for transferring files, and an HTTP server and client. The Poco libraries are available free under the Boost Software License and downloadable from GitHub. Windows Template Library Originally from Microsoft, the Windows Template Library (WTL) is (since 2004) an open source library for building lightweight Windows applications and UI components. Positioned as an alternative to the Microsoft Foundation Classes toolkit, WTL extends ATL and provides a set of classes for controls, dialogs, frame windows, and GDI objects. Wt Wt is a web GUI library in modern C++ that allows developers to build interactive web UIs with widgets, without having to write JavaScript. A server-side solution, Wt does request handling and page rendering, providing built-in security, PDF rendering, a 2D and 3D painting system, an object-relational mapping library, a charting library, and an authentication framework. The core library is open source, providing a hybrid single-page framework that can be deployed on Linux, Unix, or Windows. Developed by software engineering company Emweb, Wt is compatible with HTML5 and HTML4 browsers as well as with plain HTML user agents. And Wt can integrate with third-party JavaScript libraries. With Wt, an application is defined as a hierarchy of widgetsranging from generic widgets such as push buttons to specialized widgets such as an entire blog widget. The widget tree is rendered as HTML/JavaScript in the browser. Wt can be downloaded from the project webpage. Both open source and commercial usage terms are available. Yocto/GL Yocto/GL is a collection of small C++17 libraries for building physically-based graphics algorithms. It is written in a data-oriented style for ease of development, and split into small libraries to make code navigation easier. Data is stored in simple structs and accessed with free functions or directly. Yocto/GL includes code from the PCG random number generator, boost hash_combine , and external libraries from the public domain or that are included with their own licenses. The developers of Yocto/GL prefer a functional approach rather than an object-oriented one, favoring free functions to class methods. Functions and data are defined in sibling namespaces contained in the yocto namespace. Yocto/GL is released under the MIT license and available from GitHub. A C++17 compiler is required. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PHOENIX Phoenix police said Saturday they have arrested a 20-year-old man not previously linked to a fatal shooting stemming from an argument between two customers and a person working at a mall kiosk Alexi Acosta, the man arrested Friday on suspicion of murder and aggravated assault, was somehow associated with the employee but information on the nature of their relationship wasnt immediately available, said Sgt. Andy Williams, a police spokesman. Acosta was arrested after investigators obtained information through witness interviews and surveillance video, a police statement said. Police previously hadnt said a fourth person was involved in the Feb. 14 incident at Desert Sky Mall that involved an argument over merchandise. Police also said previously that one victim displayed a firearm and then both victims were shot. Police have identified the customer who was killed as 17-year-old Alejandro Martinez and said the second victim, a 20-year-old man, suffered serious injuries. The kiosk employee was not injured and police said after the incident that the employee was cooperating with investigators. Acosta remained jailed Saturday and online court records didnt indicate whether he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf about the accusations. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Advertisement The winning images in a photo competition set up to honour the spirit of the great adventuring Australian photographer James Francis (Frank) Hurley have been revealed - and Mr Hurley himself would surely have been mightily impressed. Frank Hurley (1885 1962) photographed some of the biggest events of the 20th century and was described by author Tim Griffiths as 'Forest Gump with a camera' - because he turned up everywhere. He photographed World War I battles and visited Antarctica six times. The inaugural Frank Hurley Photography Awards, with prizes totalling over AUS$30,000 dollars (16,000), attracted over 1,200 entries from 26 countries, with an international panel of judges naming American photographer Jason Gulley the overall winner for an underwater image he took on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It won Mr Gulley of Tampa, Florida, an all-expenses Antarctic expedition cruise (donated by Sydney-based Chimu Adventures) and other prizes valued at about $20,000 (11,000). Mr Gulley was also the 'portrait of adventure' category winner, with the other four categories - nature and wildlife, polar, scenic and composition - all won by Australians. One of the organisers of the awards, which was presented by the Mawson's Huts Foundation, said it was an outstanding success and helped to illustrate the depth of photography in Australia. Marketing co-ordinator Sam Edmonds said: 'For the Frank Hurley Photography Awards' inaugural year, our panel of judges faced an enormous task to whittle down a pool of entrant images that was both large and of an extremely high standard. Except for the overall winner, all other category winners hail from Australia - a statistic we are proud of in helping to promote Australian photography. But at the same time, given our entrants came from 26 countries, we are elated to say that the Frank Hurley Photography Awards has already established itself as a truly international contest.' Scroll down for a look at some of the breathtaking winning shots. American photographer Jason Gulley was declared the overall winner of the inaugural Frank Hurley Photography Awards with this stunning underwater image he took on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It was also the winning image in the portrait of adventure category Australian photographer Will Eades was the winner of the scenic category with this dramatic snap of a storm cell off the coast of Port Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia This mesmerising picture of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentine Patagonia was snapped by Canadian photographer Dean Heliotis. The judges handed it the accolade of finalist in the scenic category An epic shot by Spanish photographer Juan Aizpuru that was a finalist in the portrait of adventure category. The inaugural Frank Hurley Photography Awards attracted over 1,200 entries from 26 countries This striking image by Australian photographer Sharon Jones was a finalist in the polar category. It shows icebergs in Paradise Harbour in the Antarctic Malaysian photographer Alex Wong was a finalist in the scenic category thanks to this incredible shot of shattered pieces of ice on the shore of Lake Baikal in Russia Rare asperitas clouds, which resemble rippling ocean waves, gather over the town of Bowden, North Dakota, in another amazing shot by Will Eades. The image was a finalist in the scenic category Australian photographer Andrew Dickman was declared the winner of the nature category thanks to this amazing snap of gentoo penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula This jaw-dropping image of a pair of rhinos in South Africa's Zimanga Private Game Reserve was snapped by Australian photographer Alison Langevad and was a finalist in the nature category Photographer Clement Chua was the winner of the nature category thanks to this incredible shot of a flying fox - a type of bat - skimming across the water in Sydney's Centennial Park This charming image of cheetahs getting soaked by rain on the Ndutu Plains, Tanzania, was taken by Indian photographer Zhayynn James. It was a finalist in the nature category LEFT: Todd Kennedy was named a finalist in the portrait of adventure category thanks to this starry scene he captured near Tumbarumba in New South Wales, Australia. RIGHT: A solitary iceberg drifts on a fjord in Northeast Greenland National Park in this stunning image by Australian photographer Craig McGowan. The shot was a finalist in the polar category Australian photographer David Sinclair was declared the winner of the polar category with this majestic shot of a polar bear in the Arctic This cute shot of a family of emperor penguins in remote Antarctica by Australian photographer Joshua Holko was a finalist in the polar category Another incredible image by Joshua Holko that was a finalist in the polar category. This one shows a pair of polar bears in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard American photographer Brent Leftwich was a finalist in the polar category with this striking shot of a pair of penguins on King George Island off the Antarctic Peninsula Marco Marcone from Italy was named a finalist in the portrait of adventure category thanks to this fascinating image he snapped on the Yamal Peninsula in Siberia. It shows a lady belonging to the area's indigenous Nenets people, who are known for breeding reindeer This beautiful, yet spooky, underwater snap was a finalist in the portrait of adventure category and was taken by Australian photographer Kerrie Burow. It shows a diver exploring a shipwreck off the coast of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea A stunning black-and-white image called 'In The Glacier' that was a finalist in the portrait of adventure category. It was taken by a photographer only known as Marella This haunting image of a tree in the Garland Valley on the eastern edge of Wollemi National Park in New South Wales was taken by Peter Ogden, a photographer originally from Manchester in the UK. The image was a finalist in the scenic category Indian photographer Dipanjan Pal was a finalist in the scenic category with this amazing drone shot of the Icelandic landscape near Lomagnupur - a subglacial mound that is 2,507ft (764m) high A Gucci-loving bikie boss has been extradited to Sydney several weeks after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Comancheros bikie boss Tarek Zahed, 40, was escorted by heavily-armed officers from in handcuffs through Sydney Airport after touching down on a flight from Melbourne about 4.20pm on Monday. Renowned for his love for luxury fashion labels, Zahed was casually dressed in a black Nike T-shirt and blue and red tracksuit pants. He refused to answer questions from reporters asking what he had been doing in Melbourne, and whether he was avoiding police, but smiled under his mask when asked about his Gucci outfit. Tarek Zahed (pictured) is driven away by police after he was extradited to Sydney on Monday afternoon Tarek Zahed enters the terminal at Sydney Airport moments after he touched down from a flight that arrived from Melbourne He was led into a police car to be moved to the Surry Hills police station. The NSW Police have been hunting the Comancheros national sergeant at arms, who was wanted on an outstanding revocation of parole warrant. The warrant was issued after Zahed was charged with affray when he allegedly punched another diner in the toilet of a swanky Italian restaurant at Sydney's new Crown casino in January. He was granted bail but had to report to police daily as part of his strict conditions ahead of facing court this week. The State Parole Authority later issued a warrant for Zahed's arrest as he was on a court-appointed parole order at the time of the alleged assault. He had been released on parole in December after he appealed his sentence for dealing with the property proceeds of crime. Police launched a public appeal to track down Zahed to revoke his parole. Comancheros bikie boss Tarek Zahed (pictured) was extradited to Sydney on Monday several weeks after a warrant was issued for his arrest Comanchero National Sergeant at Arms Tarek Zahed (pictured) was casually dressed in a black Nike T-shirt and blue and red tracksuit pants as he was led away by Strike Force Raptor officers Heavily armed officers from Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police arrested Zahed in Altona North in Melbourne's south west last Friday as he returned home from a mosque. Zahed is believed to have been living in nearby Point Cook since fleeing to Melbourne. He was taken to Melbourne West Police Station and appeared in Melbourne Magistrate Court on Monday where NSW Police applied for his extradition to Sydney, which was granted. 'The Raptor Squad will assist to return the man, who is a high-ranking member of the Comanchero OMCG, into the custody of Corrective Services NSW,' a police statement read. Defence lawyer Damian Sheales requested a few moments with Zahed ahead of his hearing in Melbourne, the Daily Telegraph reported. 'We have been trying to speak with the client, because of all the restrictions, if I could just have five minutes with the client,' he asked the court. Tarek Zahed (pictured in handcuffs) was escorted through the Sydney Airport terminal by heavily armed officers after arriving from Melbourne on Monday 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. By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) - Britain, France and Germany are pressing ahead with a U.S.-backed plan for a resolution by the U.N. nuclear watchdog's board criticising Iran for curbing cooperation with the agency, despite Russian and Iranian warnings of serious consequences. The International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation Board of Governors is holding a quarterly meeting this week against the backdrop of faltering efforts to revive Iran's nuclear deal with major powers now that U.S. President Joe Biden is in office. Iran has recently accelerated its violations of the 2015 deal in an apparent bid to raise pressure on Biden, as each side insists the other must move first. Tehran's breaches are a response to the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and the reimposition of U.S. sanctions that had been lifted under it. The latest breach was to scale back cooperation with the IAEA last week, ending extra inspection and monitoring measures introduced by the deal, including the power given to the IAEA to carry out snap inspections at facilities not declared by Iran. The three European powers, all parties to the 2015 deal, circulated a draft resolution for the Vienna meeting voicing "serious concern" at Iran's reduced cooperation and urging Iran to reverse its steps. The draft, sent to IAEA board members and obtained by Reuters, also expresses "deep concern" at Iran's failure to explain uranium particles found at three old sites, including two that the IAEA first reported on last week. Iran has bristled at the prospect of such criticism, threatening to cancel a deal struck a week ago with the IAEA to temporarily continue many of the monitoring measures it had decided to end - a black-box-type arrangement valid for up to three months and aimed at creating a window for diplomacy. Diplomacy, however, is making limited progress. Iran said on Sunday it would not take up a European Union proposal to hold a meeting with other parties to the deal and the United States. Story continues It is unclear how many countries would support a resolution. In a position paper obtained by Reuters before Iran's announcement, Russia warned that a resolution could hurt efforts to revive the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that it would oppose it. "Adoption of the resolution will not help the political process of returning to the normal comprehensive implementation of the JCPOA," Russia's note to member states said. "On the contrary it will hugely complicate those efforts undermining the prospects for the restoration of the JCPOA and for normal cooperation between Iran and the Agency." Asked about the tussle, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said he did not want anything to jeopardise his inspectors' work in the Islamic Republic. "What I hope is that the work of the agency will be preserved. This is essential," he told a news conference, before taking an apparent swipe at Iran over its threat. "The inspection work of the IAEA should not be put in the middle of a negotiating table as a bargaining chip." (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Mark Heinrich) California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state leaders rolled out a plan Monday to get most public school kids back in the classroom by the end of March. This news comes as most major school districts across the San Francisco Bay Areaincluding San Francisco Unified, Oakland Unified and San Jose Unifiedhave not met in person since last March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Districts are struggling to reach agreements with teachers' unions on how to safely return students and staff to the classroom. Many unions are demanding that all education staff receive vaccines before a return even though the Centers for Disease Control has stated this shouldn't be a requirement. Newsom will be providing more details on how he plans to reopen schools in an 11 a.m. press conference that you can watch here. Under the deal, public schools could get $6.6 billion from the state Legislature if they return to in-person instruction by the end of March. Newsom, who could face a recall election later this year spurred by his handling of the coronavirus, has been at odds with legislative leaders on the best way to encourage school districts to return students to the classroom. California cant order schools to return to in-person instruction, but state officials can offer a lot of money to those that do. The agreement sets aside $6.6 billion for schools that return to in-person instruction by March 31. The bill is a deal between Newsom, state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, all Democrats. It was confirmed by Atkins office. Newsoms office has scheduled a formal announcement for late Monday morning. The details of the plan are complicated and were confirmed by two state officials with knowledge of the plan who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. California counties are divided up into different coronavirus infection level tiers, with each tier having specific rules about how businesses and other public spaces can operate during the pandemic. To be eligible for this new money, districts in the most restrictive tier -- known as the purple tier -- must return to in-person instruction at least through second grade, the officials said. Districts in the next highest tier, the red tier, must return to in-person instruction for all elementary school grades, plus at least one grade in middle and high school, the officials said. The bill would not require all students and staff to be vaccinated before returning to the classroom. And it would not require districts to get approval from teachers unions before returning, the officials said. Testing is required for schools in the purple tier. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Auckland, New Zealand--(Newsfile Corp. - February 28, 2021) - Besra Gold Inc. ("Besra" or the "Company"), announced today that the special meeting ("Meeting") of holders of 3% unsecured convertible redeemable notes ("Notes") of the Company scheduled for 2pm ET on February 26, 2021 was adjourned, in accordance with the terms of the Notes, to Thursday March 18, 2021 at 2 p.m. ET. The purpose of the Meeting was to present a Noteholder Extension Resolution regarding approval of extending the deadline for completing a reorganization of the Company and recognized stock exchange listing and maturity date of the Notes, and amendment to the terms of the Notes as more particularly described in the Management Information Circular dated January 19, 2021, filed on SEDAR. The terms of the Notes provide that the chairman of any meeting of holders of Notes at which a quorum is present may, with the consent of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate in principal amount of the Notes represented thereat, adjourn the meeting. The Company completed mailing of the Circular to registered Noteholders on January 25, 2021. In normal times, 25 days would be considered sufficient to disseminate the package by mail. However, in the midst of the covid crisis, and with the large surge of cases in recent months and new covid variants circulating, there have been renewed lock downs in many countries and restrictions on international travel, air transportation and business operations generally. In addition, there was a large scale covid outbreak at the central Canada Post distribution facility outside Toronto, Canada, announced in late January, just as the mailing should have been processed, with significant mail delivery delays expected within and from Canada. To date, there has been an unexpectedly low level of participation in voting from the Noteholders. The Company became aware that many Noteholders still have not received their meeting packages in the mail due to mail delays. Mr. John Seton, CEO and a director of the Company, noted as Chair of the meeting that he held proxies in support from well in excess of the majority of Noteholders present in person or by proxy. He therefore requested and obtained consent of the meeting for a further adjournment until 2:00 pm Toronto time on Thursday March 18, 2021. The Company expects that this should be sufficient time to address the postal delays. The Company will hold the adjourned Meeting in a virtual only format via live webcast online. Details regarding participation at the Meeting are set out in the Management Information Circular. Online and telephone voting has now been reopened for registered Noteholders. How to Vote: ahead of time , to be lodged prior to 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on March 18, 2021 direct online at www.investorvote.com (enter the 15-digit control number provided on your form of proxy to vote) or, by phone via the online proxy (call 1-866-732-8683 toll-free in North America and enter the 15-digit control number printed on their form of proxy. Follow the interactive voice recording instructions to vote), or, a pdf scan of a new proxy dated after their old proxy sent to the Company. , to be lodged prior to 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on March 18, 2021 vote at the virtual meeting on March 18, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. (Toronto time). Registered Noteholders have been sent a form of proxy containing a 15-digit control number, which will be required to vote online at the virtual Meeting, by internet, or by telephone. Any Registered Noteholder who wishes to vote and has not received their form of proxy should contact the Company. For further information: John Seton, Chief Executive Officer, E: john@besra.com, James Hamilton, Investor Relations, jim@besra.com Besra:www.besra.com James W. Hamilton Investor Relations Services Phone: +1-416-471-4494 Email: jim@besra.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/75677 English Francais Espanol Download PDF Sierra Leones David Sengeh is taking an inclusive approach to digitalizing the countrys education system and economy David Moinina Sengeh tries to see the beauty in everyday thingsa challenge under the circumstances of the past year. In his dual roles as Sierra Leones minister of basic and senior secondary education and chief innovation officer, he is motivated by the magic of a simple line of code for a government application and novel ways of reaching students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has driven the government to find innovative ways to use technology to manage the health crisis, provide aid to families, and support remote learning for the countrys large public education system. In this interview with F&Ds Adam Behsudi, Sengehwho holds a PhD in biomedical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technologydiscusses how his country has found new ways to meet the challenge of the past year. F&D: Tell us about Sierra Leones digital innovation strategy launched last year and the progress made. DS: The government is using the National Innovation and Digital Strategy to inform not just how it implements innovation across government but also how it supports the medium-term national development planthe road map that drives our budget and sets priorities for ministries, departments, and agencies. The objective of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) is to ensure government delivery of the national development plan and design of an innovation ecosystem. At the core of this effort is total digitalization. Digital identity, a digital economy, and digital governance really drive what we do and how we get involved. With COVID-19, the strategy is going full speed ahead. F&D: How specifically have technology and innovation helped respond to the pandemic? DS: In a couple of waysinformation dissemination for one. An app and mobile phone solutionstext messagingare available to our citizens to access and share information, and for COVID testing and health self-assessment. An online travel portal allows us to track passengers whove been tested. We have a quarantine app to manage monitoring of service delivery to quarantine facilities and homes, and we have been synchronizing the districts health information systems. Our application programming interfaces use the data we collect to build dashboards for decision makers. During lockdowns, drones monitored and evaluated compliance with stay-at-home orders. Anonymized call data records and surveys help us understand the effects of government policies. F&D: Can you explain how your two roles dovetail? DS: In my role as chief innovation officer I lead the DSTI, whose job is to spur and coordinate innovation in government, and I advise the president on technology and innovation across the board. Education is the governments flagship program. Some 22 percent of our budget is devoted to education. Thirty percent of the population is receiving free public education. We added 9 percent more students to the total in-school population between 2018 and 2020. The countrys 11,400 schools employ about 80,000 teachers. A lot of the work we coordinate is school subsidies. We pay tuition for every student in government and government-assisted school as well as exam fees for all students. Providing effective and efficient education services including learning materials and school meal programs requires data and digitalization. So as the lead on basic education, it helps that I am also chief innovation officer. The two roles are deeply intertwined and very much priorities of the government. The DSTI leads the national COVID emergency response centers ICT and data effort. I sit on the presidential task force for COVID. On the education side, we set up an emergency education task force. Whether its education or COVID, the messages are the same, and technology plays a critical role. F&D: Has the pandemic accelerated the education divide in Sierra Leone? What steps are you taking to address a growing divide, especially as it relates to girls and women? DS: In Sierra Leone we closed schools the day we recorded our first COVID-19 case; we then made plans to revamp our radio teaching program, which was initially launched during the 2014 Ebola crisis. The radio teaching program kick-started one week after schools closed. During the COVID-19 pandemic school closures we expanded and extended its reach to nearly all districts by working with community radio stations and procuring new radio transmitters. When schools finally reopened in July 2020 for examination classes, we brought back over 450,000 students for in-class learning and supported them via radio and online instruction. In many parts of the country we provided physical materials and books along with teaching support. Recently, we launched an SMS and USSD accessible dictionary. Many people take dictionaries for granted, but not everyone here has access to one. Some 87 percent of our people, however, do have mobile connectivity. The pandemic has made us think about how to be more inclusive in our provision of services. We have a policy called radical inclusion, which means that we will ensure that every childregardless of family origin, location, gender, or disabilityis educated. To that point, we overturned a ban on pregnant girls going to school. We saw during Ebola there were a lot of girls who got pregnant and were excluded from school. We didnt want to leave those girls out of school again this time. F&D: Every crisis is also an opportunity. How has this crisis spurred positive change in health care, social support, education, or other areas? DS: As a government we have expanded and revamped our social welfare base. During the pandemic, weve provided lots of direct supportcashto women in particular, including direct cash transfers in various informal sectors. And the support is ongoing. People with disabilities and vulnerable groups are getting new consideration and are being taken into account. Within the health care system, we have published information and expanded ways that facilities can make more beds available. A new travel portal system is in place at airports and borders. Under our epidemic control system, we can connect with people entering the country by air and land. These are all investments in a more robust health system. F&D: What lessons from this pandemic have been most important for you as a policymaker? As a father? DS: When we build solutions in normal times, were not usually leading with inclusion. Were not thinking about everyone. But in an emergency, solutions must include all people, because everyone is vulnerable. The key lesson is that solutions should work for everyone, not just in emergencies. I think thats really important. We havent always considered the labor and the loss of time that stay-at-home parents face when juggling childcare and other responsibilities. This period has helped us see that, and as a father, I have newfound appreciation for them. F&D: You are a prolific musician with a recently released album. What inspires you, and what do you hope to convey? DS: The album is called Love Notes to Salone. I think its really about my love for Salone [the Krio word for Sierra Leone] and public service. I listen to a lot of music, which inspires me, and I hope to inspire others as well. Its music written for young people, for people who must have hope. Dear Salone is how it opensthe song is a love letter to Sierra Leone that talks about the countrys history and its future. It also talks about the love and power of young people. The song helps us think about our power in a really nice way. I say things in my songs that maybe people consider political, but its how I feel; its art. People can interpret it how they want. Once you create a work of art, its not really yours anymore. The road to Gaeseong in North Korea remains closed in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, in this April 2013 photo. Korea Times file By Do Je-hae Some experts call for companies from China, Russia and other countries to do business in North Korea's Gaeseong Industrial Complex, to prevent the symbol of inter-Korean economic cooperation from being shut down whenever inter-Korean relations go sour. It has been five years since the industrial complex in the North Korean border city was closed abruptly Feb. 10, 2016, during the Park Geun-hye administration, to protest North Korea's nuclear tests. The complex remains closed, despite calls from the businesses that took part in the project to reopen it. The Ministry of Unification has said this week that Seoul will continue to seek the reopening of the complex within the framework of international sanctions against North Korea. Pro-engagement experts have stressed that globalizing inter-Korean economic cooperation could be effective by making the two Koreas accountable not only to each other, but also toward a host of other countries with which they have normal diplomatic relations and trade commitments or security cooperation. During an online international forum hosted Feb. 18 by the Gaeseong Industrial District Foundation, former Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun proposed the "globalization" of the complex through investments from other countries such as China and Southeast Asia, as a way to ensure its sustainability regardless of the political situation surrounding the two Koreas. North and South Korea are seeking bilateral cooperation with China and Russia, and both countries have stated a clear interest in promoting economic cooperation with Seoul and Pyongyang. Therefore, some analysts are eyeing the prospect that their overlapping security and economic interests could be harnessed to facilitate a multilateral format for engaging North Korea economically, and thereby promoting regional peace and prosperity. "Opening Gaeseong to foreign participation would be the way to restore it, to revive the dream of the complex as a really productive zone. It is conceivable that Chinese enterprises might be interested at some stage. It's also possible that Russian and other foreign interests might look into the idea," said Donald Kirk, a columnist on Korean Peninsula Affairs. "Opening Gaeseong to foreign investment presents possibilities that need to be explored from the economic, diplomatic and military viewpoints, though we may not know the answers for some time." Heads of businesses that operated in Gaeseong Industrial Complex hold a rally in front of Cheong Wa Dae, Feb. 9, to call for reopening of the complex. Yonhap Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed new plans to reopen shows in the West End this summer. The Phantom of the Opera, Lloyd has stated, will begin performances from 21 July 2021, while Joseph, running at The London Palladium, will begin its run on Thursday 1 July. New casts for both shows have been found and are set to be revealed. Finally, Lloyd Webber has cemented a new date for the first performance of Cinderella, which will have its opening night on 14 July and begins rehearsals today. In a statement, Lloyd Webber said: "I am buoyed by the government's roadmap announcement last week and am absolutely prepared to do my part to get theatre open again this summer. It is thrilling to see the big music festivals like Reading and Leeds on sale and that they have sold out in record time. "I want to lead the way and give others confidence to follow suit by getting major musicals back open they are the powerhouse of the West End and have been out of action for almost a year now. "So I have put the wheels in motion for a summer reopening. We start rehearsals for my new musical Cinderella at The Gillian Lynne Theatre today. The script is by multiple Golden Globe-nominated Emerald Fennell and isn't like any Cinderella you will have seen. We have just finalised the new cast for The Phantom of the Opera, and Tim Rice and my first ever musical Joseph will return to The London Palladium this July. "I cannot wait to welcome back audiences to live theatre and bring life, employment and joy back to our capital city after a harrowing past year." Judas and the Black Messiah star Daniel Kaluuya was named Best Supporting Actor in a Film at the Golden Globe Awards ceremony Sunday. ADVERTISEMENT John Boyega earned the honor for Best Supporting Actor on TV for Small Axe. The Globes honor excellence in film and television. They are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Amy Poehler is hosting the NBC event from California, while Tina Fey is serving as emcee for the New York portion of the broadcast. Nominees are appearing virtually from their homes and other locations. 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. Ghanaian-born country musician and advocate, Samuel John Adotey Allotey, known in showbiz circles as Allor, is calling on stakeholders in the Ghana music industry, particularly, organizers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) to include a country music category in the awards. The composer of the current pledge and anthem of the Ghana Air Force, Wing Commander Samuel Allotey Rtd., in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, stated that the music industry in Ghana is being denied a whole genre of music that is quiet popular elsewhere. I had high hopes back in 2017 when I released my first album, Whispers of Love, and thought country music would come up as a category in the VGMA. Unfortunately, it was not mentioned. I was very disappointed because that is a whole genre that has been overlooked. The retired avionics engineer and former member of the popular evangelistic group, Joyful Way Incorporated, attributed the lack of interest in country music to certain perceptions about the genre. First, we see the genre as foreign, because of its mid- western origins. Meanwhile, the likes of dancehall were also unknown till we became used to them and now have artistes fighting over who is the best and cashing in on the genre. People also think of country songs as music for oldies and expats within an aristocratic society. What such people fail to see is that some of the songs we enjoy today were originally country music. Take Whitney Houstons I Will Always Love You for instance. It was originally composed by country musician Dolly Parton before Whitney polished it to what we know now. The former aide de camp to the late President Rawlings is also calling on promoters of songs, especially Disc Jockeys (DJs) and Presenters to help stir up interest in country music. By all means, one cannot get everybody to like country music; it is for a certain niche. However, if our DJs and radio presenters will give some amount of airplay to country music, especially those being sang by local artistes like me, people will develop the interest and begin to come on board. A song like Jerusalema by Master KG from South Africa caught up with Ghanaians like wildfire because of the constant airplay DJs and presenters were giving to it, even though we do not understand the words in it. We can do the same for country music. Let us promote what our local artistes are doing in the genre. Allor is currently a business consultant and lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). Allors Whispers of Love album, which is his first, consists of nine (9) songs which can be downloaded from Apple Music, Deezer, iTunes, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, among others. The full album is also available as a visualizer on YouTube. Allor is managed by Blue Butterfly Records and is currently working on his second album. 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 Egypts Ministry of International Cooperation announced on Monday the launch of a global digital campaign that aims to demonstrate the value of public-private partnership (PPPs) and work towards a greener economy. The campaign has been launched under the title GameChangers, as part of the ministrys Global Partnerships Narrative (People & Projects & Purpose), and will feature several testimonials by the private sector including entrepreneurs as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). 2021 is the year of private sector engagement. We have put private sector engagement, empowerment and enablement at the fore of our principles of economic diplomacy, concluding strategic partnerships to provide a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation and accelerates job creation, said Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat. The campaign will run across social and digital media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin, targeting young people locally and globally. The campaign started today with the story of the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperations partnership with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to finance IND for Construction and Solar Energy, one of the startup private sector companies working on the construction of Egypts Benban solar project. The company has received development financing worth EGP 6.4 million through the cooperation between the international cooperation ministry and the SFD, with EFG Hermes as the financial intermediary. The high ambitions for a greener future in Egypt are based on strong political commitment, as well as the capacity to enable a green transformation in the country. In 2019, Egypt unveiled its Benban solar field, the worlds largest, which generates over 1500 mw of power spanning 36 square kilometres of desert on 32 plots developed by over 40 companies from 12 countries, according to the international cooperation ministry. Egypt is on a mission not only to think green, but also act green in all policies and projects to help preserve the environment and bring sustainable energy to the countrys population, Al-Mashat illustrated. Egypts mission towards a sustainable energy-sufficient future is outlined in the 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES), which involves increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency in the power sector. Accordingly, the government has set targets for renewables to make up a share of 42 percent of the countrys electricity by 2035. The partnership between the international cooperation ministry and the SFD has financed more than 2,180 projects in various sectors and contributed to creating about 12,000 new jobs in 27 governorates. A grant worth EGP 225 million was extended to EFG Hermes to finance existing or newly established projects operating in the fields of new and renewable energy, healthcare, industry, and agriculture with a focus on Upper Egypt and Delta governorates. In line with Egypt's strategy towards bridging the gap between financial institutions and MSMEs, Saudi Arabia has awarded another grant, worth $200 million, dedicated to supporting MSMEs and facilitating their access to financing. The grant is entrusted to the SFD for supervision and execution, according to the ministry. In Egypt, there are 34 projects within the ministry's portfolio answering SDG 7, which is Affordable and Clean Energy, with a total of $5.95 billion, making up 23.2 percent of the official development assistance (ODA) the country received in 2020. Short link: James OKeefe: Project Veritas Going on the Offense With Lawsuits Watchdog group Project Veritas is starting to go on the offense against news organizations that defame them, Project Veritas founder James OKeefe said over the weekend. We believe its time to go on offense. Were going to start suing these places, OKeefe told The Epoch Times Crossroads at CPAC 2021. Project Veritas last year sued The New York Times for defamation, after the paper accused the watchdog of spreading misinformation in its expose of a money-for-ballots scheme in Minnesota. In the complaint in New Yorks Supreme Court, the nonprofit says the papers story ran counter to the video and audio evidence it presented, as well as interviews it conducted. It accused the paper of conspiring with a left-leaning group of academics and college students to near-simultaneously have that group publish a blog post making the misinformation claim, quickly followed by the papers story hyping the blog post. They worked together to convince the public that Project Veritas investigation should be disregarded outright as a deceptive, untruthful report, published not by a journalistic organization, but a conservative activist.' The group in question is called the Election Integrity Partnership. The group, which includes researchers from the University of Washingtons Center for an Informed Public, claimed the Project Veritas video was part of a domestic, coordinated elite disinformation campaign. The papers lawyers in a motion to dismiss cited Wikipedias description of Project Veritas and said the nonprofits reporting was widely criticized and failed to link Rep. Ilham Omar (D-Minn.) to the alleged ballot harvesting scheme. The lawyers also argued that articles do not have to be fair and balanced and, even if false, wouldnt warrant a judgement unless actual malice were proven. They also appeared to acknowledge that reporters didnt seek comment from Project Veritas. The New York Times building in New York City, N.Y., on Feb. 7, 2013. (Carlo Allegri/Reuters) In my review of the Video, I observed no material credibly supporting the Videos claim that Representative Ilhan Omars campaign was engaged in an illegal ballot-fraud scheme, reporter Maggie Astor added in a separate filing. OKeefe countered the allegations in the motions, telling The Epoch Times: If a videotape of cash in exchange for ballots is considered misinformation, thats about the most Orwellian thingthats beyond George Orwell, thats craziness. So that concerned me. I realized I had no other option. It was a choiceless choice. My lawyers informed me its gonna cost millions of dollars to get to a jury verdict, but we will win. We will win because we cant settle. We dont settle. OKeefe said that other lawsuits are in the works. CNN has lied about us. Brian Stelter lied about me last week. Fidelity, which is a banking institution, has told our donors that Im under criminal investigation. Thats false. Thats in Texas. Were going to start suing all of these people, and the reason why is, obviously, its actual malice. You cant defame someone, he said. But also, in the discovery process of litigation, you force them to answer questions under oath, that is videotaped. That is content, as if we went into their institutions with a hidden camera. So we look forward to deposing the head of The New York Times, Brian Stelter, Anna Cabrera, all of the folks that have defamed Project Veritas. The only thing they understand is power. So we look forward to seeing them in court. Europe's drug regulator is auditing the manufacturing site of the Serum Institute of India (SII), a source with knowledge of the matter said, a necessary step before AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine made there can be exported to the bloc. SII, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, is producing the vaccine, developed with Oxford University, for dozens of poor and middle-income countries. The precise reason for the audit of SII's manufacturing processes and facilities was not clear, but a green light would mean the drug could be exported to the European Union, the source said, declining to be identified because the review is confidential. The EU and Britain are mainly supplied by local facilities, but production problems have cut deliveries by the British-Swedish drugmaker to the EU, forcing it to look elsewhere. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Commission, which has overseen the bloc's supply contract with AstraZeneca, declined to comment specifically on the audit. But spokespeople for both organisations confirmed in emails the EMA would need to approve the site and change marketing authorisation for the shot to be exported to the bloc. A drugmaker would have to submit an application to the EMA to approve the change, the EMA spokesman said. SII and both declined to comment on the matter. On Thursday, chief executive Pascal Soriot told EU lawmakers he hoped to boost shipments to the 27-nation bloc in the second quarter, after the drop in the first three months of the year. Under its contract with the EU, the company has committed to delivering 180 million doses in the second quarter. He said the company will increase output in the second quarter using factories outside the EU that had no production problems, including in the United States. He did not mention SII. A senior EU official involved in talks with AstraZeneca told Reuters previously that SII could be a potential supplier. The Commission spokesman said the advance purchase agreement (APA) the EU has with AstraZeneca allows for manufacturing to happen elsewhere if authorised by EMA. "We therefore continue to discuss with the company possible ways to deliver the doses in line with the EU regulatory framework, with the APA and with our international commitments," he said in the email. News of the audit comes after Reuters reported last month that the British drug watchdog has also been carrying out checks on the factory. The EMA has been evaluating the Serum plant for a week and could be finished by March, the source said. "You have to look at all the steps of production. The process right now is in a phase of virtual contacts and data requests," he said. "No need for an in-person visit if the data are convincing." As the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) carried out an audit with a physical visit, that might be enough for the EMA not to have to make its own checks on the ground, as it is a trusted agency. Brussels has set a target of vaccinating 70% of the EU's adult population by the end of the summer, but has struggled to secure the doses promised by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech partners and AstraZeneca. Last week, SII said it was prioritising domestic vaccine needs and asked for patience from foreign governments awaiting their supply of COVID-19 shots. (Reporting by Emilio Parodi; additional reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt and Krishna Das in New Delhi; Editing by Josephine Mason, Elaine Hardcastle and Lincoln Feast.) 1MDB scandal: Well done with Ambank, now go after auditors - Pua A top opposition figure said the Finance Ministry had "done well" to secure RM2.83 billion from Ambank over the 1MDB scandal but must now train their sights on accounting giants KPMG and Deloitte. Damansara MP Tony Pua said the previous Pakatan Harapan administration had prepared claim documents against the two firms over their role in the 1MDB scandal just prior to the change of government on March 1 last year. The government needs to finish the job, he said, either through courts or settlements. "I call upon the Finance Ministry to now set their focus on the claims against the former 1MDB auditors, KPMG and Deloitte Malaysia. Like the Ambank case, the claim documents against both entities were completed by the professionals more than a year ago. "However, unlike the degree of forthcoming cooperation shown by Ambank, these international auditors have failed to demonstrate any remorse and have refused to acknowledge any degree of culpability in the RM50 billion scandal despite clear evidence of their failure to carry out their audit responsibilities in a competent and diligent manner," he added. For much of the past 10 years, Pua was 1MDB's chief critic. He later played an instrumental role in the efforts to recover 1MDB assets as the political secretary to the finance minister between May 2018 and February 2020. In 2015, Pua filed complaints against KPMG and Deloitte with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). The hearing is ongoing. Pua accused KPMG of failing to consider material disclosures of the transactions involving 1MDB's US$1 billion investment in PetroSaudi International Limited in 2009 and 2010. This investment was later proven to be a sham, where US$700 million was siphoned off by fugitive businessperson Low Taek Jho, or better known as Jho Low, through a company called Good Star Limited. READ MORE: DOJ traces three phases of money-laundering through 1MDB In his complaint to the MIA, Pua alleged that KPMG signed off on 1MDB's 2010 financial audit within three weeks after replacing Ernst & Young in September that year. Story continues As for Deloitte, Pua accused the company of intentionally or negligently failing to conduct the necessary due diligence and audit of 1MDB's cash flow and liquidity risk. Deloitte quit as auditors in 2016 after the US Department of Justice revealed findings of its probe on 1MDB. Past and present figures from both KPMG and Deloitte have filed suits in order to reverse findings by the MIA that they were involved in "unprofessional conduct". Meanwhile, Pua said he was "happy" that the Harapan administration's efforts to reclaim losses caused by the 1MDB scandal was bearing fruit, in part due to the cooperation granted by Ambank's senior management, unlike the aforementioned audit firms. "I believe that the settlement of RM2.83 billion, which amounted to nearly 30 percent of the bank's market capitalisation is a fair sum, given the level of cooperation provided to the government," he said. Pua also paid tribute to the many lawyers and accountants who were involved in preparing the comprehensive claims against all the parties who were directly or indirectly culpable for the billions of ringgit lost or misappropriated. "These claim documents were completed in the final weeks before the betrayal against the people's mandate for Harapan by unprincipled members of Parliament to form a new government," he said. In a related development, AMMB Holdings Bhd - the parent company of Ambank - said the group has strengthened and enhanced its processes to meet current regulatory standards. "To this end, the AMMB Group has decided to resolve these historical matters to allow the group to focus fully on its business," said the company. The firm will not be paying any dividends for the year ending March 31, 2021, but claimed to remain highly liquid. Health officials in Britain are desperately hunting a mystery Covid patient thought to be one of the first in the country with a Brazilian variant that may spread more rapidly and evade vaccines. Six individuals infected with the variant of concern have been detected in Britain, health officials said last night. But Public Health England (PHE) officials have admitted they have no idea who one of them is, nor where they were tested, and have begun a scramble to try to find the person, and to track down hundreds of passengers on a series of connecting flights into the UK from Brazil last month. PHE is particularly concerned about this Brazilian variant called P1 because its mutations share hallmarks with a South African variant that has been found to respond less well to vaccines. It was first detected circulating in Manaus, Brazil, in December. Until now, outside of Brazil, it had been picked up only in travellers going to Japan. It is thought to be more contagious than the original strain of Covid, similar to the Kent strain that contributed to a rise in cases in the UK in recent months. A second less worrying variant from Brazil called P2 was found in the UK in January. Two of the cases in England are in south Gloucestershire, where two more contacts within the same household have tested positive for Covid, but await the results of gene sequencing to determine whether they have the new variant. Health officials said they would deploy surge testing in five areas nearby, to hunt down more cases, and to increase the number of positive cases that are sequenced. The third case in England is thought to be unlinked. An investigation is under way to find the person who tested positive for the variant, as they did not fill in their test registration card, officials said, admitting they had no idea where they may be. Officials are also seeking to find those on a Swiss Air flight from Brazil that entered Heathrow via Zurich on February 10 carrying up to 136 passengers five days before Britain introduced hotel quarantine. One of the Gloucestershire cases was on this flight. Three cases have also been found in Scotland, and involve individuals who came back from Brazil via Paris, then London before taking a flight to Aberdeen. Labour MP Yvette Cooper, chair of the Commons home affairs committee, said: This troubling development shows the weaknesses in the governments Covid border measures. The Brazil variant was first identified many weeks after the prime minister was warned that indirect flights were a problem, yet the government delayed putting stronger measures in place. She said there were too many holes in the UK hotel quarantine system. Read More Visit our Covid-19 vaccine dashboard for updates on the roll out of the vaccination program and the rate of Coronavirus cases Ireland Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] KYODO NEWS - Mar 2, 2021 - 23:04 | All, World, Japan An American man and his son accused of helping former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan in 2019 while on bail were taken into Japanese custody on Tuesday after the two were handed over for extradition by the United States. A flight from Boston carrying Michael Taylor, 60, a former Green Beret, and his son Peter Taylor, 28, touched down at Narita airport near Tokyo in the afternoon. The handover came after they lost their battle against extradition last month. The two men were arrested in Massachusetts in May last year by U.S. authorities at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office's request. After arriving, the two were moved inside the airport under tight security, with a tarp held by authorities covering them from sight. The pair were placed at the Tokyo Detention House, where Ghosn himself had been detained before he was granted bail, and they will face questioning by Japanese prosecutors. The Taylors' lawyers had sought help from the U.S. government, requesting, in a letter dated early February, that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken halt their extradition to Japan. The letter said the two men will likely face repeated and extended interrogation in Japan under conditions amounting to torture. But Hiroshi Yamamoto, deputy chief prosecutor, said at a press conference they will be treated properly. The prosecutors obtained arrest warrants in January last year for Ghosn and the Taylors, who are suspected of helping smuggle the former auto tycoon out of Japan hidden inside a box used to transport music equipment on a private jet on Dec. 29, 2019. The two are suspected of taking Ghosn to a hotel in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, from his home in central Tokyo before putting him on the private jet leaving from Kansai International Airport despite knowing his bail conditions did not allow him to travel overseas. After arriving in Istanbul, Ghosn, who headed Nissan for nearly two decades, flew on a different jet to Lebanon, the Middle Eastern nation where he spent his childhood and now lives. Last October, the U.S. State Department approved turning them over to Japan. The Taylors fought extradition but their appeal was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in February in line with previous rulings by a federal court in Massachusetts and a higher court in Boston. U.S. prosecutors have said the men received more than $1.3 million from Ghosn and his family for their role in the plot. Ghosn has claimed his arrest, the first of which came in 2018, was the result of a coup staged by Nissan executives and that he fled Japan to escape what he called its "rigged" justice system. The 66-year-old was set to face trial in Japan on allegations that he misused Nissan funds and understated his remuneration by billions of yen in financial reports over multiple years. Japan does not have an extradition treaty with Lebanon and has been seeking to have Ghosn detained via Interpol. Japanese prosecutors have also obtained an arrest warrant for George Zayek, a 61-year-old Lebanon-born U.S. citizen, who is suspected of working with the Taylors on Ghosn's escape. Related coverage: Ex-Nissan CEO testifies against Ghosn in alleged financial misconduct U.S. Supreme Court allows extradition of Ghosn's escape plotters Lebanon yet to begin probe into Ghosn's escape: top prosecutor 3 1 of 3 HANDOUT / National Institutes of Health / AFP via Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 John Minchillo/AP Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Fifty-six new COVID-19 cases were confirmed Monday in Webb County, bringing up the number of active cases in the area to 285 following Sundays report of no new cases. Over the last seven days only 4.5% of tests administered in Laredo have come back positive. Over the course of the pandemic, 14.1% of the 303,543 tests taken have been positive. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Australia will on Monday release January figures for home loans, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In December, home loans were up 8.7 percent on month and investment lending rose 8.2 percent. Australia also will see Q4 figures business inventories and company profits, as well as February results for the Performance of Manufacturing Index from AiG. Inventories are tipped to add 0.2 percent on quarter after sinking 0.5 percent in Q3, while profits are expected to fall 4.0 percent after climbing 3.2 percent in the previous three months. The manufacturing index score in January was 55.3. South Korea will provide February figures for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are expected to jump 12.3 percent on year after adding 3.1 percent in January. Exports are called higher by an annual 9.5 percent, slowing from 11.4 percent in the previous month - when the trade surplus was $3.96 billion. Indonesia will see February numbers for consumer prices, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 0.09 percent on month and 1.38 percent on year - slowing from 0.26 percent on month and 1.55 percent on year in January. Core CPI is pegged higher at 1.52 percent on year, down from 1.56 percent in the previous month. Thailand will release January figures for unemployment and February results for its business confidence index. In December, the jobless rate was 1.5 percent, while the business confidence index score was 44.2 in January. Several of the regional countries will se February results for their respective manufacturing PMIs from Markit Economics, including Australia, Indonesia, Japan (Jibun), Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and China (Caixin). Finally, the markets in South Korea and Taiwan are closed on Monday in observance of Independence Day and Peace Day, respectively. Both return to action on Tuesday. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de 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. Explained: What caused power cuts in Mumbai, how dangerous is the outage? Report says massive power outage in Mumbai may have been handiwork of China Cyber attack, sabotage behind 2020 Mumbai power outage: Nitin Raut India pti-Deepika S Mumbai, Mar 01: The massive power outage in Mumbai in October last year was caused by a cyber attack" and it was an act of "sabotage, Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut said on Monday, citing preliminary information. Mumbai power outage in october was caused by a China linked threat activity group?| Oneindia News On October 12, a grid failure in Mumbai resulted in a massive power outage, stopping trains on tracks, hampering those working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hitting the economic activity hard. Interacting with media persons outside the Vidhan Bhavan here, Raut said the state government, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and the Central Electricity Authority had set up separate committees to probe the cause of the power outage and their reports have been received. 'No impact' on power grid operations due to malware attack: Centre We had then complained to the cyber cell and their report is awaited. But the preliminary information I have, there definitely was a cyber attack and it was a sabotage, he said. Raut, a Congress minister, did not share more details. His comments came in the wake of a US company''s report claiming that amidst the border tension in Ladakh last year, a Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted India''s critical power grid system through a malware. The report raised suspicion whether the massive power outage in Mumbai was a result of the online intrusion. Former Head of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Mr. Alex Mould, has challenged a rejoinder fom the World Bank which sought to portray that he lied about the international financial institution providing guarantees to four Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to cover Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under the erstwhile John Mahama administration. According to him, the IPPs he referred to were not those emergency power barges (Dumsor power barges) that were signed between the periods of 2014 to 2016, but were of the four IPPs which are yet to start producing power including the Amandi, Early, Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC) and one other which the WB was directly involved in their selection. Speaking in an interview on Okay Fm's Ade Akye Abia programme, he explained that his interview was premised on the accusations of the current government against the former Mahama-led administration for signing unproductive PPAs under 'Take-or-Pay' agreements. The current administration has always held that part of the country's economic woes is the issue of paying for unused power due to the signing of needless Power Purchase Agreement (PPAs) which is draining the state of its financial resources. In response. Mr Mould revealed that the World Bank provided a credit guarantee to the Government of Ghana which was subsequently used to back the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to raise funds from the banks to construct the power plants in the country. But the Bretton Woods institution, clearly not enthused to have its name roped in the matter of IPPs PPAs, issued a statement to set the records straight; an action that has gotten Mr Mould to counteract. The Briton Woods institution stated that it has not made financing or guarantees to IPPs to cover Power Purchase Agreements with the Electricity Company of Ghana during the (Dumsor) energy crisis between 2014 and 2016. I never said the WB gave guarantees to the IPPs, Alex Mould, former CEO of GNPC corrected. I said they supported Ghana government by giving guarantees, that is, backing the GCSA that Government of Ghana had to give to the IPPs. Watch Interview 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 Staff members unload vaccines donated by China at a Philippine Air Force base in Manila, the Philippines on Feb. 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on Monday, less than a day after the arrival of the Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China. Simultaneous vaccination took place in hospitals in Metro Manila on Monday morning. The Philippines' Department of Health said the Sinovac vaccines "will also be rolled out in other parts of the country in the coming days." The government aims to inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos this year to achieve herd immunity, starting with health care workers, the elderly, and the poor communities. The Philippines has an about 110-million population. The Philippines is negotiating to buy over 160 million vaccine doses from different pharmaceutical firms this year, including Sinovac, said Carlito Galvez, the official in charge of the vaccine procurement. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received the COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac Biotech Ltd that arrived in the Philippines on Sunday. "The efficacy is good," he said. New Delhi: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday (March 1) said that mandatory use of FASTag would help save about Rs 20,000 crore on fuel cost every year. He also said that it would boost the revenue by at least Rs 10,000 crore. "Making FASTags mandatory for highway users for collection of electronic toll has significantly reduced delays at toll plazas. This will result in a significant saving to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore per annum on fuel cost," Gadkari was quoted as saying by PTI. The minister launched a live monitoring system to assess the condition at toll plazas across the country. He said through live monitoring of toll plazas, one can not only access the live situation at the particular toll plazas, including delays but will get a history of the traffic and an almost realistic forecast of the traffic situation. He also released a rating system - 'Rating and Ranking of National Highway Stretches' - on the occasion. Gadkari said that it was a step towards achieving perfection in terms of highway use, construction and quality. Gadkari further said that the government is planning to bring a new GPS-based system for tolling. Under this system, the highway commuters will be required to pay only for the distance travelled on the basis of entry and exit points. He, however, said that the system will take about two years to be introduced. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said that the toll collection has consistently grown after the usage of FASTag was made mandatory. It said that its daily toll collection through FASTag has reached about Rs 104 crore. "There is zero waiting time at 80 per cent of the total toll plazas and toll collection through electronic tolling has reached 93 per cent from 80 per cent during the last fortnight after the FASTag was made mandatory," Gadkari said. He also said that e-tagging of plants will be done in order to improve green plantation cover beside highways. Live TV HONG KONG and SYDNEY, Feb. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Princeville Capital, an investment firm focused on backing rapidly-growing technology-related companies around the world and Privatus Capital Partners Pty Limited, an advisory and merchant banking firm focused on the private capital market in Asia Pacific, have entered into a strategic alliance in relation to the Australia and New Zealand region (Australasia). The alliance will focus on sourcing investments and executing transactions for all of Princeville Capital's Investment mandates, assisting portfolio companies, fundraising and the promotion of Princeville Capital in Australasia. "Australasia in an increasingly relevant region for growth technology investments" said Joaquin Rodriguez Torres, Partner, Princeville Capital. "There is an abundance of talent in Australia and New Zealand with experience in scaling technology businesses. Our partnership with Privatus means we have secured on the ground experience and connectivity of some of the most senior bankers in Australia and New Zealand. The Princeville Capital investment strategies are also particularly well suited to the tech growth capital opportunities in the region." As part of this Alliance, Princeville Capital appoints Privatus Capital Partners as its representative in Australasia. "We have a strong cultural and strategic fit with Princeville Capital and are excited to be able to access their global tech expertise and represent them in this region. With the signing of this alliance, Privatus will be able to provide Australasian technology focused growth companies with a unique pathway to access global technology expertise and capital. Our alliance will also enable us to offer Family Offices and HNW investors access to exciting opportunities through Princeville's global investment vehicles." said James McMurdo, Partner, Privatus Capital Partners. About Princeville Capital: Princeville Capital, is an investment firm focused on backing rapidly-growing technology-related companies around the world. The firm currently invests out of two growth-stage funds, Princeville Global, which focuses on investing in software and internet companies and Princeville Climate Technology, which invests in technology companies with a positive impact on climate change targeting both impact and financial returns. Princeville Poema Global, is a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) affiliated with the firm and focused on private technology businesses ready to become US listed companies. Princeville Capital has offices in Berlin, Hong Kong and San Francisco. About Privatus Capital Partners Pty Ltd Privatus Capital Partners, founded by James McMurdo and Sean Walsh, is a Sydney based Advisory and Merchant Banking firm established to serve the rapidly growing Private Capital market in the Asia Pacific region. The firm acts as an advisor and investor for growth companies in the region. SOURCE Princeville Capital After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, the nurse who administered it to him, Sister Niveda from Puducherry, has shared her experience. She was quoted by DD News saying, "I was called here to vaccinate, and after arriving here in the hospital, I got know that I am going to vaccinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I felt good after meeting and speaking to him. Sir (PM Modi) has been vaccinated with Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN first dose."' She added, "After the vaccination, he asked us how are we and where we come from, and right after receiving the dose he said, 'Oh, its already done? Didn't realize'. " READ | Bihar Vaccine Phase 2: CM Nitish Fulfils Poll Promise; Offers Free Covid Shots To All READ | PM Modi Takes First Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine At AIIMS As 2nd Phase Of Inoculation Begins Phase 2 of the vaccination drive begins The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program started at over 10,000 designated government facilities and 20,000 private hospitals and vaccination centers on Monday. While the first phase of the Coronavirus vaccination drive focused on healthcare and frontline workers, the second phase is dedicated to those above 60 years of age and those above 45 years with co-morbidities. The Union Ministry announced that the pricing for a COVID-19 vaccine dose has been capped at Rs 250 at private hospitals. Meanwhile, like the first phase, doses will be available free of cost at government centers with the Centre bearing the cost of the inoculation. On January 3, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted permission for its restricted use in an emergency situation. Covaxin is one of the two Covid-19 vaccines approved for emergency use in India, the second is Serum Institute of India's Covishield. The interim results of the clinical trials indicated that the Indian 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). Bharat Biotech has signed an agreement with Brazil for the supply of 20 million doses of the Covaxin vaccine. US-based biopharmaceutical firm Ocugen Inc has also sealed an agreement with Bharat Biotech to co-develop, supply, and commercialize Covaxin for the United States' market. READ | Karti Chidambaram's Query on PM Modi's Covid Vaccine Jab Doesn't Go Far; Gets Quick Answer READ | As PM Modi Gets 1st COVAXIN Jab; Here's All You Must Know About The Bharat Biotech Vaccine Detroit police officers were watching the motel where Moore was believed to be staying when he exited about 9:50 a.m. Monday, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said. He said police went to the motel after receiving information that Moore was there. At the end of Salah al-Din Street in Jerusalem, just north of the Old City, a sign reads in French Tombeau des Rois or the Tombs of the Kings. The funerary complex is known to Jerusalemites as the Tombs of the Sultans. Pausanias, a Greek author, historian and geographer of the 2nd century AD, described it as the second most beautiful tomb in the world, after the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Tombs of the Kings was closed to visitors in 2010, when France conducted a major restoration project that went on until the summer of 2018 at a cost $1.1 million. The French Consulate in Jerusalem reopened the site in June 2019 but soon had to close again. The reopening was marred by a dispute between agents of the French Consulate and Israelis who attempted to enter the tombs without reserving the required tickets. The French Consulate condemned the scuffle, calling on the Israeli authorities to maintain calm in the area and ensure respect for France's control over the site. We hope that the climate necessary for the organization of small group visits, according to the procedures defined by the Consulate General in Jerusalem, can be established as soon as possible, the consulate said in a statement. We also hope this site, just like all French national edifices in Jerusalem, will remain available to the public in all its diversity. The site was reopened again months later. Jerusalem archeologist Abir Ziad told Al-Monitor, The Tombs of the Kings is an archaeological masterpiece carved into the rock, with an area of 250 square meters. This archeological gem dates back 2,000 years to the Roman era and is deemed one of the most beautiful in the city of Jerusalem. She described a compound featuring a stairway leading to underground vaults supported by columns. The discovery included ancient coffins and a rainwater catchment and storage system. Ziad said some coffins were sent to the Louvre Museum in France. One of the coffins had an Aramaic inscription engraved on it. The burial site's facade also bears engravings of geometric shapes and inscriptions of artichokes and pyramids. Visitors are allowed to enter the burial site for only a few hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tickets must be booked online for 10 shekels ($3) for tours of no more than 30 people. Robin Abu Shamsiyya, a researcher in the history of Jerusalem, told Al-Monitor, The unique architecture of the Tombs of the Kings shows it was constructed for an aristocratic family during the Roman period. The ancient Romans believed that burying their dead inside the rocks would provide more stability for the deceased to return to another life, unlike burial under the soil. He added, The tombs are arranged on two levels: the upper floor that comprises four chambers and the lower one with three. All of them contain coffins and stone slabs. The French Consulate closed them off with metal mesh to protect and preserve them. He continued, Information shows that the French government acquired the tombs after the Pereire brothers bought them from the Ottoman Empire in 1878 AD. They donated them to the French Republic, which now classifies them as a national monument. Abu Shamsiya continued, Large groups of hard-line settlers frequently visit the tombs to pray at the entrance. Jews believe the site contains the tombs of King David and King Solomon. They also claim one of the sarcophagus is for Queen Helena of Adiabene, who converted to Judaism and moved to Jerusalem. MONTREAL - Quebec's vaccination campaign against COVID-19 accelerated in Montreal on Monday as mass vaccination sites, including at the Olympic Stadium and the downtown convention centre, opened to city residents as young as 70. A dose of COVID-19 vaccine is prepared at a vaccination clinic in Montreal's Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson MONTREAL - Quebec's vaccination campaign against COVID-19 accelerated in Montreal on Monday as mass vaccination sites, including at the Olympic Stadium and the downtown convention centre, opened to city residents as young as 70. And while some people grumbled about long lines, one of the largest vaccination centres had virtually no wait times by mid-afternoon. Julie Provencher, a spokeswoman with the health authority for east-central Montreal, asked people not to be too harsh because it was the first day. "For the first day of the biggest mass vaccination in the history of humanity, I think it's going OK," she said in an interview at the Olympic Stadium. On Monday morning, hundreds of people, many holding walkers or in wheelchairs, waited in lines inside the stadium; some were discouraged, others were angry. "It's a catastrophe," Jean-Yves Plourde, 75, said moments after being vaccinated against the virus that has killed more than 10,000 people in the province, mostly seniors. Plourde said his appointment was for 11:45 a.m. but he wasn't vaccinated until 1:20 p.m. "For the elderly, it seems to me that this is not a nice way to act," he said. Another man in line nearby commented: "This is badly organized." Others were visibly relieved after they had received a shot. "I will be able to get out of the house and see my grandchildren," said a delighted Pasqualina Mancini, 72. It was a different scene at the Montreal convention centre, where the only wait was the 15 minutes people were asked to stay after they received their vaccination a precaution intended to monitor people for adverse reactions. Serge Tremblay, who was sitting in the waiting room, said it took about 18 minutes from the time he arrived until he got his injection. Nearby, Andre Falardeau said, "It went faster than I expected; I made my appointment for 3:30 and at 3:10, the shot was done." Falardeau said he was pleased to get the vaccine. Its going to make life easier, thats for sure. You cant fool around for the time being, but at least you feel secure and thats the important part, he said. The province announced last week it was booking appointments for seniors aged 85 and up across the province, or 80 and above in Montreal. On Monday morning, however, that was expanded to anyone 70 and older in Montreal, Laval and the Cote-Nord region, while the age limit was lowered to 80 in three other regions, including Quebec City. At the convention centre, 2,000 people were scheduled to get vaccinated Monday, said Dr. Louis-Xavier D'Aoust, medical co-ordinator of the vaccination campaign for the regional health authority in south-central Montreal. The facility is able to handle 3,000 people a day but is limited by the supply of vaccine. "We timed all the appointments and the different steps of the process to avoid any wait times and, so far, we're pretty happy about that," he said in an interview. Those vaccinated at the convention centre on Monday also received appointments for their second dose, scheduled to take place in 84 days. As of Monday morning, 200,000 vaccine appointments had been booked, Health Minister Christian Dube said on Twitter. Quebec began accepting appointments last Thursday. Quebec expects to receive 100,620 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine this week, with no deliveries of the Moderna vaccine scheduled. The Health Department said 6,308 doses of vaccine were administered Sunday, bringing the total so far to 438,815. Some regions started vaccinating members of the general population late last week, but the campaign is expected to speed up considerably. Outlying regions are scheduled to ramp up vaccinations after the March break holiday, which takes place this week. Quebec has so far concentrated its vaccination effort on health-care workers, people living in remote regions and seniors in facilities such as long-term care and private care residences. The province has chosen to delay giving second doses in favour of administering a first jab to as many people as possible, but Dube said last week it will provide second doses beginning March 15. The campaign began as health officials on Monday reported the lowest number of new, daily infections since September: 613 COVID-19 cases. Officials reported six more deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus, including one that occurred within the previous 24 hours. Hospitalizations rose by 11, to 612, and 122 people were in intensive care, a rise of five. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2021. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. An upsurge in anti-social behaviour across Northern Ireland this weekend has sparked a call for an action plan to deal with the disorder, Police in Co Tyrone broke up a crowd fight of around 250 people on Sunday that had gathered for a fight. And in Belfast, a large crowd of youths had to be dispersed from the Waterworks by the PSNI. Separately, youths attacked the police in Woodvale Park and others clashed in the Westland area. North Belfast SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon said: "What took place last night was totally unacceptable and it was dangerous, particularly in the middle of a pandemic when emergency services are already stretched. "Residents in north Belfast are being tortured by anti-social behaviour. It has to stop and before some young person gets seriously hurt." She also called for more support for a targeted multi agency intervention, and for all elected representatives to show leadership and be responsible in their public commentary. "The SDLP is calling for an urgent localised north Belfast plan to tackle this issue, with youth providers on the ground playing a key role in shaping this," Ms Mallon said. "Young people have been one of the hardest hit groups by the Covid restrictions and youth workers need to be empowered and supported to reach out and help them. "Times like this and problems like this require leadership. "I would call on all locally elected representatives to be part of the solution rather than the problem by making inaccurate public comments that can only serve to inflame things. Police confirmed officers dealt with incidents at Marrowbone Park, Westland Drive, Bell Steele Road and the Waterworks on Friday and Saturday nights. A further incident was reported in east Belfast on Saturday night after youths had gathered in the Rocky Road area. Superintendent Gerard Pollock said: "This is reckless behaviour, which is even more irresponsible during this global pandemic when we all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and each other by staying at home, and staying in our bubble." The gathering in Co Tyrone happened at a disused yard in on Battleford Road near Benburb. The PSNI said it was "clearly" in breach of Covid regulations. "Significant engagement took place between our officers and those in attendance and the crowd subsequently left the area," Chief Inspector Barney O'Connor said. Scientists have warned that Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine could be less effective in obese people. When compared to healthier individuals, extremely overweight healthcare workers only developed half the antibodies needed to combat the disease after two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Obese people may need a further or higher dose of the vaccine, as per Italian researchers. Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine less effective in obese people According to Daily Mail, obese people are also believed to be at a greater risk of becoming seriously ill or dying if they get sick. Obesity, identified as a BMI of 30 or higher, is also considered to decrease the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, experts said. Based on previous studies, the flu vaccine, which is given during winter, could only be half as effective in highly obese people. However, the Italian study, which is still being examined by other scientists, is considered to be the first time the same relation has been discovered for the coronavirus. Doctors noted that bearing extra weight will cause the immune system to be continually inflamed, impairing its function. In healthy individuals, it only creates inflammation while they are battling an infection. Based on the figures, about a third of adults in England and nearly 40 percent in the United States are obese. Read also: Michigan Transplant Patient Dies from COVID-19 2 Months After Receiving Lungs That Carried the Virus Obesity raises the chance of COVID-19 Obesity already impacts millions of people all over the world, which is related to several diseases and conditions, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity raises the chance of COVID-19, a disorder caused by a novel coronavirus, as per Times Now News. Even as vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have started in different parts of the world, priority is being given to the aged, frontline employees, and people with comorbidities. Researchers debate whether or not obese people should be included in the priority list, as a recent study found that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, may be less effective in obese people. Previous research has linked COVID-19 risk to obesity, citing factors such as how obesity and excess body fat affect metabolic changes such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and other factors that make it difficult to fight infections. Inflammation can affect the immune system's ability to fight pathogens. Previous research has found that flu vaccines are only half as effective in obese people as they are in healthy people. Aldo Venuti and his colleagues from Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri in Rome, assessed the antibody response after two doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in 248 healthcare workers. The review showed that 99.5 percent of them developed an antibody response after seven days of receiving the vaccine. This response was greater than the recorded result of people who recovered from COVID-19. But the response was less in overweight and obese people. Read also: J&J's Single-Dose COVID Vaccine Receives FDA Advisers Backing Obese people are prone to COVID-19 reinfection Certain immune responses, such as those performed by B and T cells that cause a protective response after vaccination, can be compromised by this constant state of low-grade inflammation. Separate research has found that the flu vaccine is just half as effective in obese people as it is in healthy people. The new study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, is the first to offer direct proof that a related concern could emerge with COVID-19 vaccines, The Guardian reported via MSN. Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London, and his collaborators found that individuals with a high BMI were more likely to be reinfected with Sars-CoV-2 and had poorer antibody responses to the initial infection in a separate study of Brazilian healthcare workers. Read also: You May Have Had COVID-19 Without Realizing It If You Experience These Signs @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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 Pashinian said last week that the Iskander missiles did not explode or exploded by 10 percent. He also suggested that the sophisticated missile system might be outdated. Pashinians remarks provoked a storm of criticism from Russian pro-government lawmakers and pundits. They accused him of incompetence and deceit. Russias Defense Ministry said on Thursday that it was bewildered and surprised by the remarks. The ministry spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, said the Armenian army did not fire any Iskander missiles during the six-week hostilities stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire on November 10. In all likelihood, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian was misled, Konashenkov said. Pashinians press secretary, Mane Gevorgian, gave the same explanation on Monday. An analysis of available facts and data has led the Armenian prime minister to conclude that he did not receive correct reports about this matter, she said, adding that Pashinian and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed it in a February 25 phone call. Gevorgian went on to stress that Russian weapons are one of the best in the world and that Armenia intends to deepen military ties with Russia. The Kremlin publicly accepted the explanation. It is very important that the truth about this issue has been restored, Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. Several Armenia media outlets quoted on February 24 the first deputy chief of the Armenian armys General Staff, Tiran Khachatrian, as also refuting Pashinians claim. Khachatrian was sacked hours later. In a statement issued the following morning, the armys top brass strongly condemned the sacking, accused Pashinians government of incompetence and misrule and demanded its resignation. The prime minister responded by accusing the military of attempting to stage a coup detat and moving to fire the chief of the General Staff, Onik Gasparian. ALBANY An investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by two women against Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is set to begin, with State Attorney General Letitia James confirming Monday that her office received the necessary referral letter from Cuomo. The statement emailed by James on Monday marked the formal end of cycle that began Saturday evening, when the New York Times posted a story detailing a second set of allegations made against the governor by a former staffer. Cuomo initially suggested an investigation by a lawyer of his choosing, then under immense political pressure said he'd allow a "review" to take place by a person chosen by James and a Cuomo-appointed judge. After James rejected both proposals, Cuomo finally agreed to refer the matter to James for a full investigation with the authority to issue subpoenas and compel testimony. James will now select a law firm that will be deputized by her office to conduct the investigation. The attorney general was adamant throughout the day Sunday that she expected a full referral, which is required to allow her to open the investigation. Today, the executive chamber transmitted a referral letter to our office, providing us the authority to move forward with an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment claims made against Gov. Cuomo," James wrote Monday. "This is not a responsibility we take lightly as allegations of sexual harassment should always be taken seriously. As the letter states, at the close of the review, the findings will be disclosed in a public report. Two women in the past week have accused Cuomo of sexually harassing them while they worked for him. The first, Lindsey Boylan, who is running for Manhattan borough president, published an online essay saying Cuomo kissed her without her consent at his Manhattan office and once asked her to play strip poker on a private plane. Cuomo denied those allegations. The second, 25-year-old Charlotte Bennett, was the subject of the Times article published Saturday night. Bennett said Cuomo allegedly asked her if she had ever slept with an older man, told her he'd be interested in being with a woman of her age, and made other comments about her sex life. Cuomo released a statement Sunday afternoon saying he had in the past attempted to be "playful" at work, including taking part in interactions that were perceived as "insensitive or too personal." "I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that," Cuomo said. Bennett issued a public statement on Monday rejecting Cuomo's apology and framing of the events. The Governor has refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for his predatory behavior. As we know, abusers particularly those with tremendous amounts of power are often repeat offenders who engage in manipulative tactics to diminish allegations, blame victims, deny wrongdoing and escape consequences," Bennett wrote. "It took the Governor 24 hours and significant backlash to allow for a truly independent investigation. These are not the actions of someone who simply feels misunderstood; they are the actions of an individual who wields his power to avoid justice." Cuomo's legal counsel, Beth Garvey, signed the letter sent to James. The text of the letter was attached to James' announcement, and Garvey said she would be the point of contact for the governors office on any matters related to the investigation, including providing any records in response to subpoenas. All state employees had been directed to cooperate fully with the probe, Garvey said. Some lawmakers of both parties have said the embattled governor should instead step down immediately. In addition to the harassment allegations, Cuomo is under federal investigation for his administration's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes and for withholding data about deaths of nursing home residents. Several Democratic members of the Assembly sent out statements calling for Cuomo's resignation over the weekend, as well as Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, D-Westchester. A number of Republicans have said the same in recent weeks. "Could (Cuomo) effectively focus on the pandemic response, on the fiscal crisis, economic crisis, while at the same time focusing ... on two separate investigations on two separate issues?," Senate Republican leader Rob Ortt said in a Monday-afternoon press conference. He added that while he wasn't prejudging Cuomo's guilt, both the governor and the women who have accused him deserve due process. "You have a toxic culture that exists and has clearly been condoned by the governor for a long time," Ortt said. "As less and less people are afraid of this governor, I think more and more people will come forward." He added that the dual investigations into Cuomo would inevitably affect this month's budget negotiations between Cuomo and the Legislature, as well as any issues that arise between now and the end of the session in June. A few hours after Ortt's remarks, Assembly Democrats canceled their planned session for Monday afternoon. Republicans in the chamber pounced: "Assembly Democrats were elected to do a job, and they're running from it," said Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay in a statement. "There is a crisis going on. When has it been more important for us to act, to legislate or to lead?" Figo Chan (3rd R), the convener of the pro-democracy group Civil Human Rights Front, speaks to the media outside of the West Kowloon Magistrates Court in Hong Kong on March 1, 2021. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times) International Outcry After 47 Opposition Figures in Hong Kong Charged Under National Security Law The United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Taiwan have voiced concern at the Hong Kong governments subversion charges directed at 47 pro-democracy activists under the pro-Beijing national security law on Sunday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken took to Twitter late on Sunday night to condemn the detentions and charges against the activists, saying that freedom of expression should not be a crime. We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kongs elections and call for their immediate release. Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The U.S. stands with the people of Hong Kong. Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) March 1, 2021 A State Department spokesperson also told The Epoch Times in an email, The United States condemns the re-detention of these individuals under Hong Kongs National Security Law. We call on the Hong Kong authorities to immediately release those still held and to drop the charges against them. Political participation should never be a crime. These individuals simply sought to exercise their rights by participating or helping others to participate in elections. This is yet another example of how the National Security Law is used to stifle dissent, not improve security, the spokesperson added. The subversion charge was in connection to participation in an unofficial primary vote held by Hong Kongs pan-democracy camp in July last year, ahead of the Legislative Council (LegCo) elections in September 2020. The objective behind the vote was for the camp to field the most promising candidates to run for legislative officeultimately with the goal to secure a majority or more than 35 seats in LegCo. Over 600,000 Hongkongers cast ballots in the primary vote, which were held on July 11 and July 12 last year. The LegCo elections, initially scheduled for Sept. 6 last year, were eventually postponed by Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, at that time citing the local surge in CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus infections, which causes the disease COVID-19. We continue to call on Beijing to stop undermining Hong Kongs autonomy and democratic processes and to uphold Chinas obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the spokesperson concluded. Among those charged were former lawmakers Claudia Mo, Leung Kwok-hung, and Alvin Yeung; district counselors Jimmy Sham and Tiffany Yeun; and Benny Tai, former Hong Kong University law professor and organizer of the primary elections. They were detained overnight and are scheduled to appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates Court on Monday. Yellow banners outside of the West Kowloon Magistrates Court in Hong Kong on March 1, 2021. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times) On Sunday, pro-democracy organization Civil Human Rights Front issued a statement on Facebook urging Hongkongers to queue up for the court hearing the next day to support the 47 activists. At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, nearly 1,000 locals have shown up outside of the courthouse voicing support, many queueing up for the court hearing. Many chanted Release all political prisoners while others gestured five fingers, which represent the five demands including universal suffrage that Hong Kong protesters have been calling for since they took to the streets in mass protests in June 2019. Hongkongers hold up five fingers in support of 47 pro-democracy activists charged under the national security law in Hong Kong on March 1, 2021. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times) On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab took to Twitter to say that the decision to charge the 47 activists was deeply disturbing. It shows in the starkest terms the NSL [national security law] being used to eliminate political dissent rather than restore ordercontrary to what the Chinese government promised, Raab wrote. In a statement on Facebook, the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao said the charge was of great concern. The nature of these charges makes clear that legitimate political pluralism will no longer be tolerated in Hong Kong, it wrote. The EU calls for the immediate release of those arrested. Joseph Wu, Taiwans foreign minister, critized the CCP over the subversion charge on Twitter. This proves the #CCP cares nothing for freedom & individual rights, only power, Wu wrote, before adding a few words of encouragement to the 47 activists. Friends! Hang in there. Long & dark is the night, but the sun always rises. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) called on the Biden administration to take further action. The Biden administration should invoke the sanctioning powers established in the Hong Kong Autonomy Act to hold accountable those responsible for this aggression, Toomey wrote. The Hong Kong Epoch Times Bureau contributed to this report. What might be Asias longest-missing bird just came out of hiding. For the first time in 170 years, researchers reported last week that a black-browed babbler has been found in Indonesia. The discovery of the muted black, gray and chestnut-brown bird solves what an authoritative birding guide describes as one of the great enigmas of Indonesian ornithology. When we actually got confirmation of the identification, I did a little prayer and bowed down to celebrate, said Panji Gusti Akbar, an ornithologist and lead author of the paper describing the new species. I felt excitement, disbelief and a lot of happiness. Ornithologists first described black-browed babblers around 1850 following the collection of the one and only known specimen of the species. The specimen was at first mislabeled as having come from the island of Java rather than Borneo, stymieing early attempts to locate additional black-browed babblers. But even after ornithologists cleared up the geographic mix-up, no one managed to find the bird. It has not helped that, traditionally, few birders and ornithologists have ventured to the Indonesian side of Borneo. In 2016, that began to change with the founding of BW Galeatus, a bird-watching group in Indonesian Borneo. BW Galeatus members have reached out to local people to teach them about the avian diversity in their provinces. Two of those local men, Muhammad Suranto and Muhammad Rizky Fauzan, were curious about the identity of a black and brown bird they sometimes saw flitting around during their trips into the forest in South Kalimantan, one of Indonesias provinces on Borneo. Last October, Mr. Suranto and Mr. Fauzan managed to catch one of the birds and text photos to Joko Said Trisiyanto, a member of BW Galeatus. Turkey to ease anti-Covid restrictions Ankara has 4 degrees of risk, students back in school tomorrow (ANSAmed) - ROME, MARCH 1 - Turkey is preparing to ease anti-Covid-19 restrictions. On Monday afternoon President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair a cabinet meeting that is expected to give the green light to a reduction of restrictions on a territorial level. The country will be divided according to four sectors of risk connected to new cases, degree of saturation of hospitals and vaccinations. At the moment, according to data released by the health ministry, 30 provinces out of 81, for a total of about 24 million residents, would be at low or medium risk, with a maximum of 35 cases every 100,000 residents. The other 60 million Turks are in areas considered at high or very high risk. Meanwhile, starting tomorrow elementary school students, along with those in the final years of middle and high school, will be back in the classroom after the return last month of nursery schools students and those studying in village schools. As far as the vaccination campaign is concerned, Turkey in a month and a half has administered 8.7 million doses of the vaccine, including 1.7 million of second doses of Chinese vaccine SinoVac. The first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are expected in the coming days with the government expecting 4.5 million by the end of the month. The stated objective is to reach 50 million of vaccinated people, including the second dose, before the summer. Since the start of the pandemic, Ankara has registered over 2.7 million cases and 28,569 victims. (ANSAmed). Press Release March 1, 2021 Senate honors Pasig Mayor for International Anticorruption award The Senate today adopted a resolution commending and honoring Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis Nubla Sotto, popularly known as Vico Sotto, for being recognized by the U.S. State Department as one of the 12 "International Anticorruption Champions." Senate Resolution No. 657, introduced by Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid, was adopted in consideration with Senate Resolution No. 660, authored by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Panfilo Lacson. In his sponsorship speech, Lacson said Mayor Sotto has set the bar high in public service. He said Pasiguenos are fortunate to have a leader who "embodies wise thoughts, prudent actions and selfless intentions to advance the well-being of his constituents." The U.S State Department said Mayor Sotto is a standard -bearer of a new generation of Philippine politicians who prioritize anti-corruption and transparency in their election campaigns and in the office. "This recognition by the U.S. State Department bestowed upon Mayor Vico Sotto, the only Filipino public servant in the roster of honorees, meaningfully uplifts the morale and dignity of the Filipino people amid the challenging times of global pandemic," Sotto and Lacson said in their resolution. Sotto lauded his nephew and godson for accomplishing the things he did despite being relatively new in the political arena. Sotto said the young mayor's accomplishments are truly impressive and laudable. "His new and fresh perspective have led to many positive changes in the local government of Pasig City... like saving billions for the city government coffers as a result of transparent bidding, 140 percent in the increase in salary of health aides and the regularization of contractual workers who had been serving the government for more than 20 years," Sotto said in his co-sponsorship speech. "And now by reason of his earnest efforts against corruption and his commitment to transparency initiatives, Mayor Vico received a recognition awarded by the U.S. State Department. This has brought optimism in a government where corruption is the norm and goodness and honesty are the exceptions," he added. Undeniably, Sotto said, Mayor Vico is a true leader in words as well as in deeds. He said the young mayor exemplified the true essence of a public service, which is selflessly serving others and not himself. "To my nephew and godson, I already knew from the start that you are destined for greater heights. Your journey is still long and your tasks are many, if not endless. But with your current unparalleled achievements, I am certain that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish," Sotto said. According to the resolution, Mayor Sotto has been steadfast in his commitment to rid corruption by eliminating kickbacks in the awarding of city contracts. He established a 24/7 public information and complaints hotline for the purpose. The young mayor also involved civil society organizations in the city's budgeting and policymaking He mandated at least a 10 percent reduction in the value of city government contracts, a measure intended to reduce bribery in the contract awarding process. The resolution also lauded Mayor Sotto for his proactive and innovative approach amid the coronavirus pandemic. It was more than a decade ago that former prime minister Kevin Rudd declared climate change the great moral challenge of our generation. Regrettably, the generation that has walked the halls of power since that time, most notably in Federal Parliament, has largely proven not up to the task. And those who will be most affected by a warming planet the younger generation are not happy. In pre-pandemic times, the most public display of this was the tens of thousands of students who took time out from school to flood the streets in protest across Australia. Despite being criticised by some politicians, it was a striking display of the passion that many younger people brought to the issue. While collective action has been curtailed by COVID-19, eight teenagers from across Australia have taken their demands for stronger action from the streets to the courts. In a landmark class action that begins in Melbournes Federal Court on Tuesday, the group is challenging the federal Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, to protect young people from climate change and the future harms of coal mining. The five-day trial will determine the future of the proposed Vickery open-cut coal mine extension in NSW. The proposal would increase the mines coal production by about 25 per cent and emissions by 100 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over its lifetime. The teenagers want the minister to call a halt to the mines expansion. The principal lawyer in the case, David Barnden, described it as public interest litigation, saying politicians and other people in power have specific rights and responsibilities to protect the vulnerable. We are asking the court to recognise that the Environment Minister has a duty to protect younger people from the impacts of future climate harm. Its the first time the court has been asked to recognise such a duty, he 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. Ireland's bid to become an observer on the Arctic Council Event Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland Simon Coveney, introduces Irelands application for observer status to the Arctic Council at a webinar hosted by the Institute for International and European Affairs and the Department of Foreign Affairs on 1 March 2021. Keynote address by Simon Coveney, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and for Defence. It is always a pleasure to take part in events organised by the Institute for International and European Affairs and I am delighted to have the chance to speak with you this afternoon and to introduce Irelands bid to become an Observer to the Arctic Council. The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is recognised as the primary forum for international cooperation and coordination in the Arctic region. Its members are the eight Arctic states and there are also thirteen Observer states. That is the grouping that Ireland seeks to join this year and we submitted our application in December 2020. Why is Ireland applying to the Arctic Council is a question I have been asked on a number of occasions in recent months. I believe that the answer is quite simple. Ireland needs to become involved in the work of the Council because we are an island nation at the edge of Europe in the North Atlantic and we have a culture, heritage and identity intrinsically linked to the seas that surround us. We are not in the Arctic but we can certainly say that we are part of the wider Arctic neighbourhood. There are fundamental changes taking place in the region that impact directly on Ireland as a country as well as being of wider global concern. With the changes we are seeing and experiencing year after year in our climate, there is a growing awareness that the only successful way forward is to work together with others in developing solutions to the problems and challenges we all face. Irelands foreign policy is based firmly on the belief that states working together in cohesive multilateral organisations is the best way to achieve global progress and sustainable development. From the earliest days of our independent statehood when we played an important role in the ill-fated League of Nations to our modern day membership of the United Nations and its many subsidiary organisations and, of course, the European Union, we have worked together with like-minded countries on global issues such as disarmament, human rights, peacekeeping and fighting poverty and hunger. Our election last year, for the second time in twenty years, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council speaks to the respect in which Ireland is held as a pragmatic and neutral actor in the international community. Ireland will approach Observer status to the Arctic Council, if we are successful in our application of course, in the same spirit of committed and pragmatic multilateral action. We accept that the eight Member States of the Council and the communities that live in the Arctic will be the primary decision makers and shapers of the regions future, but we offer ourselves as an Observer state with a track record as a respected and respectful global citizen. A commitment to the rule of international law is enshrined in the Constitution of Ireland and is one of the core principles of our foreign policy. We will seek as an Observer to learn, to assist and to contribute. Working with the Arctic states to understand and address the effects of climate change is a central reason why Ireland needs to engage with the Council. I read recently that every year the Arctic ice-cap loses an area the size of Austria. This is a seismic change in any sense. Climate change in the Arctic threatens not only the people of the region and the wildlife and fauna, but all of us. The Arctic permafrost is a huge natural storehouse of carbon. As it melts, it releases greenhouse gases, which will accelerate global warming. Since 1979, the volume of the Arctic ice has shrunk by 75% and in summer it is now feasible to navigate from the Atlantic to the Pacific without needing an icebreaker. This has been compared to a new Suez canal through the North Pole. For the indigenous communities of the Arctic, this development and the growing interest in the region might create jobs and economic activity and lead to extension of roads, railways, telecommunication networks and electrical grids. But new routes and increased shipping also mean risks for indigenous communities and already fragile ecosystems. This may have a negative impact in terms of accidents and pollution. Industrial accidents can have devastating effects on the environment and local communities. Irelands world class development cooperation programme has proven capabilities in empowering and giving voice to vulnerable communities in a spirit of partnership and justice. We will use this experience to engage with the indigenous peoples of the Arctic region and to build cross-cultural exchanges. We will work to ensure that their voices are heard when decisions are made that affect the future of their region. Ireland can bring scientific and technical expertise to the role we hope to play as an Observer to the Council. The application submitted by the Government in December is firmly grounded in the ability of our scientific community to understand and address the issues at stake in the Arctic region today. They are already active in many intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations working in the region. We will hear later from Richard Cronin, head of marine environment policy in the Irish Government, who is the current chair of the OSPAR Commission, about important collaborative work that the Commission, under Irish leadership, is undertaking with Arctic partners. Ireland has a cutting-edge research and development sector characterised by outstanding levels of collaboration between government, industry and academia. We believe that, accordingly, Ireland can contribute significant expertise that aligns with the mandates of the existing Council working groups. This application for Observer status was developed as a truly national collaboration. By contributing to an understanding of the dynamics of change in the region, the impact on all who live there and in promoting and empowering action, Ireland will be serving not only its interests as an island nation geographically close to the Arctic, but also those of the wider world. I hope that this event today with its distinguished and knowledgeable panel from Ireland and abroad will bring our vision of an active, collaborative and engaged Observer state to a wider audience. I hope too that the governments of the Member States of the Arctic Council will consider Irelands application for Observer status in the spirit in which we have made it; as an engaged global citizen keen to play our part in helping increase knowledge of and search for solutions to the difficult ecological problems facing the region. Previous Item | The 18-year-old was shot in the leg in an alleyway in the Curryneirin area of the city on Saturday night. (Niall Carson/PA) Police last night described as "repugnant" the paramilitary-style shooting of a teenager in Londonderry. The 18-year-old was shot in the leg in an alleyway in the Curryneirin area of the city on Saturday night. It brings the total number of people injured in so-called punishment shootings and assaults in the last year to more than 50. "These type of attacks are simply unacceptable and there can never be any justification for them," investigating officer Detective Sergeant Richard Donnell said. "Carrying out attacks like this during a global health pandemic is particularly repugnant." The shooting in Milldale Crescent was reported to police shortly before 9.10pm. The victim was taken to hospital, but his injuries are not life threatening. This is the fourth paramilitary-style shooting in Derry since the start of the year, including an attack on two men in early February. A man was shot in the leg in the Southway area of Derry on January 6 in an attack described by the PSNI as "barbaric". Two days later, a man was shot in the leg outside a house in the Creggan Heights residential area. The PSNI reported that 15 people has been shot in this type of attack in the year to the end of January, compared to 18 the previous 12 months. A total of 43 people were assaulted, a drop from 64 the previous year. Derry City and Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Fleming condemned the shooting. "The shooting of a teenager in Curryneirin tonight is wrong and I condemn it," Mr Fleming said. "There is no place for guns on our streets and those responsible should get off the backs of the community." The representative urged anyone with information to bring it to the police. Det Sgt Donnell said officers are continuing inquiries into the "callous attack". "We know the majority of people are working hard to keep their community safe and to protect the NHS, yet these violent criminals are endangering lives and increasing pressures on our emergency services and frontline workers," he said. "We want to hear from anyone who was in the area at around 9pm and saw what happened, or has information about this attack, to call our detectives at Strand Road on 101, quoting reference number 2092 of 27/02/21/02/21." No group has claimed responsibility for any of the recent shootings in Derry, with the earlier ones happening in the Creggan Heights and Ringmore areas of the city. Following the shootings of two individuals last month, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said "the people of Derry do not want this" while calling on those responsible to "stop terrorising our community now". Of the 15 paramilitary-style shootings in the 12 months to the end of January, eight happened in Belfast, while there was a decrease from eight to three in Derry City and Strabane. Checkout No resources available in your cart Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. A World War II code breaker who helped hunt down Nazi U-boats turns 100 on Tuesday and will be honored with a parade past her house in Pittsburgh. Julia Parsons, who served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or Navy WAVES, said her work was aided enormously by the sheer arrogance of the German High Command in believing that the allies couldn't possibly break their vaunted "Enigma" code despite warnings from their own U-Boat commanders. She told Military.com of deciphering messages from a U-boat commander who surfaced his submarine to contact his controllers. The gist of his message was, "Every time I surface, within a half hour there's an airplane overhead. I think they're reading our code," Parsons said. Read Next: Air Force General: Field This Next-Gen Fighter in Time to Beat China "As soon as they surfaced, they would radio off to control," she said. "It was their own stubbornness that did them in because they didn't believe anybody could read their code. That's how we got our best clues. They kept using it, which we were very happy about." For her 100th birthday on Tuesday, the nonprofit Veterans Breakfast Club of Pittsburgh, which provides a forum for veterans to meet and tell their stories, has organized a parade of local police and firefighters, veterans and current service members past her house. There will also be a virtual birthday party open to any who'd like to attend. "Julia's story is simply incredible and, as a long-time member and participant with Veterans Breakfast Club, we are honored to celebrate this milestone with her," Todd DePastino, founder and executive director of VBC, said in a statement. Those wanting to wish Julia a happy 100th can join her virtual birthday party beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern on Zoom. Does Anybody Here Speak German? Parsons -- then Julia Potter -- was among a remarkable group of women recruited for the WAVES and Women's Army Corps, or WACs, to assist in super-secret intelligence work against the German and Japanese war machines. Their overlooked story was recounted by Liza Mundy in her book, "Code Girls -- the Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II." The book focuses on those recruited from historically women's colleges such as Bryn Mawr, Wellesley and Goucher College in Baltimore, whose dean was Dorothy Stimson, a cousin of Secretary of War Henry Stimson. Parsons came to the job by a different route. She grew up in Pittsburgh in the era of belching steel mills, which cast a permanent pall over the city. Her father, a teacher at Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University), often came home at midday to change his no-longer white shirt collar, she said. She went to Carnegie Tech, where she received a bachelor of science degree in humanities. She volunteered for the WAVES in 1942. "If the war hadn't come along, I'd probably have gone to library school and become a librarian," Parsons said. But she saw in the Pittsburgh newspapers that the Navy had started taking women; if they had a degree, they'd be sent to Smith College in Massachusetts for three months of specialized training. At the end of the training, one of the instructors addressed the women and asked, "Does anybody here know German?" "I raised my hand and said I had two years in high school," Parsons said. "Well, I was the only one who put my hand up so they sent me down" to a closely guarded communications annex in Washington, D.C., that worked on German submarine traffic. "I don't know how I got to be there," she said. "We had no special training in any kind of code work. They had taught us to use a teletype machine, but that was about it." The women were sworn to secrecy, and there was no time for social life. But Parsons admitted to telling a fib to attend a party at one of the big hotels. There was a reception for a group of young men from Oklahoma who were about to be commissioned in the Army. Word went out to the WAVES that anyone from Oklahoma was invited to attend. Parsons had a girlfriend from Oklahoma who didn't want to go alone, so she fixed herself up with a bogus name tag saying she was from Duncan, Oklahoma. One of the new lieutenants came over to ask about mutual acquaintances in Duncan. She tried to keep up the pretense, but he saw through it. She would marry Donald Parsons before the war ended. Her husband would go on to serve in the Philippines and New Guinea and left the Army as a captain, she said. In later years, he would tease her by saying that her fib about being from Oklahoma was grounds for divorce, Parsons said. She and the other "Code Girls" worked off versions of what was called the "Bombe" machine, one of the earliest computers. It was developed by British mathematical genius Alan Turing to break the Germans' Enigma code with the aid of more than two thousand women recruited for the task at the now-famed Bletchley Park site, northwest of London. The Army and Navy later developed their own versions of the Bombe machine based on the work at Bletchley Park, codenamed "Ultra" -- the subject of several movies. "Alan Turing and his gang did a fantastic job with that computer," Parsons said. "Between the computer and the Enigma, we finally got most of the messages done ,but it took a lot of work and a lot of people. And I loved the work. "It was like doing anagrams every day or crossword puzzles or something," she said. "It was fun but also frustrating" in that she was sworn not to talk about it. She said she honored her oath long after the war. The decoding work at Bletchley Park and in the U.S. was declassified in the 1960s, but Parsons did not learn of that until 1997, when she was finally able to tell her husband of what she did in the war before he passed away. "But my parents never did learn of what I did," she said. The secret has now been shared with her three children, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, said Parsons, who is still grateful for the chance the Navy gave her to serve. "The Navy never stops giving," she said. "I met my husband through them and had the job of my life through them. And I got my [COVID-19] shots through them." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Related: WWII Veteran Wants to Be Buried in Uniform, so She Made One Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan minister of Interior of the Government of National Accord, Fathi Bachagha, Sunday held talks with the deputy secretary-general and coordinator of the UN Support Mission in Libya, (UNSMIL), Raisedon Zenenga, on the methods and means for the success of the ongoing political process in Libya that should result in the national elections for 24 December. Bahagha and Zenenga reviewed the security situation in the western region in general and Tripoli, in particular, and discussed a certain number of common issues between the Interior ministry and the UN Support Mission in Libya, according to a statement issued by the Libyan Interior ministry. Bachagha expressed the hope that the House of Representatives (Parliament) would give the national unity government its confidence in the next days to come, expressing his satisfaction with the selection of the members of the national unity government and a new presidential council. He also stressed the support of the Interior ministry for all results from the political process to ensure security for the country. -0- PANA BY/IS/MSA/RA 28Feb2021 During a working visit to Qatar, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Senik met with the management of the Qatari company QTerminals to discuss the implementation of the concession agreement for Olvia Sea Port in the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv. This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Embassy in the State of Qatar. Senik got acquainted with the state-of-the-art infrastructure and technical capabilities of Hamad Port, which is one of the largest ports in the Middle East and the Gulf region. "The deputy minister held a meeting with the management of Hamad Port, as well as negotiations with the top management of the Qatari companies Milaha and QTerminals. The parties discussed the implementation of the agreement between the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine and the Qatari company QTerminals on the concession of Ukraines Olvia Port (Mykolaiv)," the report reads. Senik invited Qatari partners to visit Ukraine to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral investment cooperation in the area of infrastructure. As reported, on August 20, 2020, the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the State Enterprise Administration of Seaports of Ukraine and the Qatari company QTerminals signed an agreement on the transfer of Olvia Port into concession to Qatars QTerminals. The Qatari company is committed to invest UAH 3.4 billion over the next five years into the development of the Ukrainian port and its infrastructure. The implementation of this project in Olvia Port will be the largest foreign direct investment in the port industry of Ukraine since 1991. ish The fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi today demanded that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman be 'punished without delay' after the US directly accused him for the first time of ordering the grisly killing. Hatice Cengiz said that 'the truth is now so clear as it is irrefutable' after the Biden administration released a four-page intelligence report which the Trump White House had kept under wraps blaming MBS for Khashoggi's murder in Istanbul. 'If the crown prince is not punished, it will forever signal that the main culprit can get away with murder which will endanger us all and be a stain on our humanity,' Cengiz said. The US state department has imposed visa bans on 76 Saudis in the wake of the report, but Biden is under pressure to take more concrete action against the prince. Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee Hatice Cengiz (right) has called for the US to punish Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman 'without delay' following the release of an intelligence assessment accusing him of involvement in the journalist's killing Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, pictured, is widely suspected of involvement in the killing but Riyadh denies this Cengiz, a Turkish citizen, was waiting for Khashoggi outside when he made his fateful trip to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. He had gone to the consulate to pick up paperwork relating to their planned marriage, but once inside he was confronted and killed by Saudi operatives. Khashoggi had once been close to the Saudi royal family but before his death had written critical pieces in the Washington Post about MBS and his policies. The crown prince came under worldwide suspicion over Khashoggi's death and a UN investigator's report in 2019 said there was credible evidence of his involvement. Now, the US has released its four-page report saying: 'We assess that [MBS] approved an operation... to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi'. The report says Prince Mohammed's control over security and intelligence made it 'highly unlikely' that Saudi operatives would have acted without his approval. MBS likely 'fostered an environment in which aides were afraid that failure to complete assigned tasks might result in him firing or arresting them,' it says. 'This suggests that the aides were unlikely to question Mohammed bin Salman's orders or undertake sensitive actions without his consent.' The report adds that the suspected 15-man hit squad included seven members of MBS's personal protective detail, known as the Rapid Intervention Force. These bodyguards had previously taken part in 'dissident suppression operations' both inside and outside Saudi Arabia, Washington claims. 'The crown prince viewed Khashoggi as a threat to the kingdom and broadly supported using violent measures if necessary to silence him,' the report says. Khashoggi, pictured, was once close to the Saudi royal family but became a critic of the prince who berated his policies in his Washington Post articles Last moments: Khashoggi was last seen on October 2, 2018, entering the consulate in Istanbul where he was accosted and killed by alleged Saudi agents While Biden's administration has placed sanctions on some Saudis, freezing their assets and barring Americans from dealing with them, Cengiz is among those calling for stronger retribution against the prince. 'Starting with the Biden administration, it is vital for all world leaders to ask themselves if they are prepared to shake hands with a person whose culpability as a murderer has been proven,' Cengiz said. 'Ignoring this fact and remaining in limbo without any punishment will cause us to lose our universal values of humanity. 'How can that be reconciled with the human rights values the US and the West have espoused for so long? 'I urge everyone to put their hands on their hearts and campaign to punish the crown prince for this crime. It will be the greatest shame for humanity if justice is in the end denied.' Asked about the criticism of being too soft on MBS, Biden said an announcement would be made on Monday, but no major new steps were expected. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Sunday that there were 'more effective ways to make sure this doesn't happen again' than to impose sanctions. She told CNN that Biden wanted to 'be able to leave room to work with the Saudis on areas where there is mutual agreement'. US president Joe Biden, pictured, is under pressure to take more concrete action against the crown prince after an intelligence report directly accused MBS of being behind the killing Turkish police searching for Jamal Khashoggi's body after his disappearance in October 2018. His remains have never been found Riyadh now insists that the killing was a rogue operation, having changed its story multiple times after initially denying that Khashoggi died at all. A Saudi court sentenced the five alleged killers to death in December 2019 after trials held in near-secrecy. Another three were given jail terms totalling 24 years, while a further three were acquitted, prosecutors said. However, no charges were brought against either the crown prince himself or his former right-hand man Saud al-Qahtani. UN investigator Agnes Callamard, who wrote the report setting out 'credible evidence' of the prince's involvement, said the verdicts were a 'mockery of justice'. The watchdog Reporters Without Borders voiced fears that the five men's death sentences were 'a way to silence them forever and to conceal the truth'. A Turkish investigation alleged that 15 Saudi agents were sent from Riyadh to carry out the killing by strangling Khashoggi and cutting his body into pieces. His remains have never been found. In a 99-page report in 2019, Callamard said experts found it 'inconceivable' that a sophisticated 15-man mission to kill Khashoggi could have happened without the prince's knowledge. Two of the alleged hit squad had used diplomatic passports, and that the encounter at the consulate was 'only possible because of the pretense of government service', she said. Chinese Christian woman persecuted for faith reveals why time in prison was 'wonderful' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment When Voice of the Martyrs Todd Nettleton traveled to China in 2002 to interview Sister Tong, a Chinese Christian who was sentenced to six months in one of the countrys notorious prisons because of her faith, he wasnt prepared for her response. Oh yes, that was a wonderful time, she told him. Baffled, Nettleton asked Sister Tong to explain. Was she not imprisoned for six months because she hosted a church an illegal religious gathering under Chinese law in her home? Were government officials not trying to re-educate her, forcing her to become less Christian and more Chinese? I'm thinking shes going to paint a picture for us of how miserable her life was in prison. How hard the bed was, how cold the cell was, how big the rats were, Nettleton told The Christian Post. But instead, she looked at me with this heavenly smile." Sister Tong shared how, during her time in prison, God was right there with her, every step of the way. "He felt so near to me during that time," she said. She was also able to start a womens ministry in prison, sharing Christ with those who had never heard His name. So, yes, it was an absolutely wonderful time, Sister Tong said. As a relatively new member of the VOM team, Nettleton said he was blown away. I couldnt imagine myself being in prison and thinking it was a wonderful time, he said. Sister Tong changed my perspective on how I view persecution. What if we all had the attitude, when we faced difficulties like unemployment or sickness, that Jesus was giving us an opportunity to minister and witness to others? Stories like Sister Tongs, compiled over 23 years of ministry with VOM, inspired Nettleton to write his latest book,When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians. In it, he shares stories of Christians from around the world who took a stand for their faith even when it meant severe persecution. From India to Turkey, Nettleton gives a voice to the voiceless and challenges his readers to boldly follow Christ, whatever the cost. One hundred percent of the royalties from the book will go toward providing help to persecuted Christians. The premise of the book is, why don't you come with me, Christian reader, and take a trip for 40 days. Lets sit down with these brothers and sisters, hear their stories, and drink tea. Lets meet these amazing followers of Jesus Christ," he said. "Because I think, by the end of the journey, the reader is going to be challenged and inspired and think about their faith differently after meeting brothers and sisters who are willing to give their lives for Christ. The common thread hes seen among persecuted Christians around the world, Nettleton said, is that they all counted the cost of their faith ahead of time. Jesus said, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world, Nettleton said, adding: Thats the message our brothers and sisters in hostile and restricted nations understand from the very first moment that they follow Christ. But in the West, Christians are told that once they follow Jesus, their life will get better, he explained. So they arent prepared when trials or oppositions come. The Gospel message that's presented in hostile and restricted nations is a very different Gospel message than we hear in the West, he said. It is, 'if you come to Jesus, your life here on Earth is probably going to get worse. Your family might reject you, you might get thrown in prison, you might get beaten up. But Jesus will be with you. And you have the promise of eternity with Christ.' Still, over the last two decades, Nettleton told CP that hes been encouraged by how many Christians in the West are increasingly aware of the state of Christian persecution around the world. The scriptural mandate is that, when one part of the body suffers, we are all supposed to feel that pain, he said. We can't do that unless we have an understanding of what's happening around the world. We can't do that unless we start to know the names and the faces and the places where our brothers and sisters are suffering. I think that awareness has increased. I hope that sense of being part of the Body of Christ and being connected has also increased as well." He predicted that though persecution is likely going to increase particularly in countries like China, India, North Korea, and in the Middle East it also means that the Gospel is spreading. As we see persecution increase, the other side of the coin that we need to recognize is the Church is growing. That's part of the reason persecution is increasing. So as we look to the future, I think we will see more persecution, but we will also see the Church grow. Christ promises the gates of Hell will not prevail against my Church. When it comes to coming alongside persecuted Christians, Nettleton advised believers in the West to do three things: Pray, educate yourself, and then say 'yes to whatever God calls you to do in response. The first thing they ask for is prayer, he said. We need to educate ourselves so we can pray effectively using their names, the names of their families, and addressing the particular challenges theyre facing. As youre praying, as you're educating yourself and learning more about our brothers and sisters who face persecution, I think God will say, OK, this is what I want you to do, whether it's writing to imprisoned Christians or advocating on their behalf. And then it's up to us to be obedient to what God is asking us to do. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-02 00:27:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- China's three northeastern provinces, Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Jilin, all achieved positive economic growth in 2020, a sign of the country's economic resilience against the backdrop of the world's worst pandemic in decades. -- Five years ago, the region began to show a sharp decline in its economic performance indicators, as the northeastern "rust belt" has long been afflicted by an aging population, dwindling investment and talent outflow. -- Global industry leaders like LyondellBasell and SK Hynix, covering a range of fields, including chemical production, new-energy vehicles and semiconductors, have piled into the region since 2020. BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China's three northeastern provinces all achieved positive economic growth in 2020, a sign of the country's economic resilience against the backdrop of the world's worst pandemic in decades. Last year, the GDP of Liaoning, Heilongjiang and Jilin, once China's major industrial bases, grew 0.6 percent, 1 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively, while the country gained a 2.3-percent increase as a whole, making itself the only major economy in the world to achieve positive economic growth in 2020. The region's economic activity has maintained this gratifying momentum since the beginning of 2021. Jilin's fiscal revenue in January reached 16.46 billion yuan (about 2.54 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 22.7 percent, the second highest growth of all the provinces in China. And the figure for Liaoning during the same period also hit 33.14 billion yuan, up 3.7 percent year on year. Five years ago, the region began to show a sharp decline in its economic performance indicators, as the northeastern "rust belt" has long been afflicted by an aging population, dwindling investment and talent outflow. Lagging behind the national average, the region's economy suffered a body-blow dealt by the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, with a cluster of cases surfacing not long before the Chinese Lunar Spring Festival. However, all of the three northeastern provinces staged a strong recovery in the final quarter of 2020, bringing the full year's GDP growth to positive terrain. Staff members work at a workshop of the Harbin Electric Machinery Company Limited of Harbin Electric Corporation in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 22, 2021. (Photo by Wang Jianwei/Xinhua) HARD-WON LAURELS In 2020, the fixed-asset investment in Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang notched up growth of about 2.6 percent, 8.3 percent, and 3.6 percent, respectively. The industrial growth of the provinces also remained steady. Ansteel, a state-owned steel producer in Liaoning, reported record high profits last year. China First Heavy Industries, a state-owned equipment manufacturer based in Heilongjiang, saw its profits increase 60 percent over the previous year. It seems that the region is also determined to improve its image as an investment destination, with the business environment further improved and approval procedures streamlined. Foreign funds are pouring into the region as a result. Global industry leaders like LyondellBasell and SK Hynix, covering a range of fields, including chemical production, new-energy vehicles and semiconductors, have piled into the region since 2020. Li Kai, vice-president of China Academy of Northeast Revitalization, described the region's positive growth as a "hard-won achievement". He added that it has withstood downward pressure amid a complex internal and external environment. "It indicates the strong resilience of China's economy and the fact that the fundamentals sustaining China's steady and long-term economic growth remained unchanged," Li said. Photo taken on April 1, 2019 shows engineers work at Xinguan Technology, a semiconductor high-tech enterprise in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng) INNOVATION-DRIVEN SUCCESS In recent years, local governments have made vigorous efforts to advance the development of the emerging industries with strategic importance, which have in turn fostered new drivers for its economy. In 2020, Liaoning bid up its investment in the high-tech manufacturing industry by 33.4 percent, and significant growth has been seen in the sectors of optical fiber, lithium battery manufacturing and rare earth materials. The total revenues and profits in Liaoning's 269 "gazelle companies" -- a term that refers to high-growth companies that have increased their revenues by at least 20 percent annually for four years or more -- grew by 32 percent and 38 percent, respectively, year on year in 2020. The number of newly recognized high-tech companies in Jilin during the same period has expanded by 46.9 percent compared with the previous year. Heilongjiang has also established 13,000 new science and technology companies. The Harbin Electric Corporation received a letter of thanks for its great contribution to the development of the country's first self-designed third-generation nuclear reactor, Hualong One. As the only domestic supplier capable of producing the reactor coolant pump, the Harbin Electric Corporation provides a core component for Hualong One. "We deem innovation to be the most powerful weapon when competing in the world arena," said Si Zefu, chairman of the company, noting that it will keep on forging ahead with more innovations. A worker checks on a furnace at a plant of Ansteel Group Co., Ltd. in Anshan, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) ENVELOPE-PUSHING REFORMS It is the region's reforms of local state-owned enterprises that rekindled hope. Dongbei Special Steel Group in Liaoning entered bankruptcy and restructuring procedures in 2016 due to debt problems. The company was bailed out when Shagang Group, a private steel producer, and Benxi Steel Group, a state-owned steel enterprise, joined in its restructuring plan in July 2017. The hybrid model of ownership restructuring reform gave the company a new lease of life. In 2020, its net profit saw a spike of almost 270 percent. In Heilongjiang, over 100 state-owned enterprises have successfully completed mixed-ownership reforms in the past few years, receiving tens of billions of yuan in investment from the private sector. According to China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, China will push corporate reforms at 8,000 state-controlled enterprises during the country's 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) to further optimize asset structures and improve market-oriented operating mechanisms. The revival of the northeastern region manifests the country's economic resilience. "Northeast China has made a great contribution to the steady economic development of China as a whole," said Li Kai of China Academy of Northeast Revitalization. "While the northeast still grows at a slower pace than the national average, key factors such as investment, industrial growth and employment are continuing to pick up, highlighting its growth potential and vitality," he added. (Video Reporters: Si Xiaoshuai, Duan Xu, Gao Ming and He Shan; Video editor: Zhang Qiru) Fortis Healthcare Ltd, one of India's leading private healthcare chains, has started Covid-19 vaccinations in at least nine hospitals today. While its hospitals in Ludhiana and Mohali have got permission to vaccinate 100 and 200 persons, respectively, in a day, its Shalimar Bagh hospital in Delhi has received 1,000 doses for the first week. While six Fortis hospitals in the National Capital Territory of Delhi are expected to start Covid-19 vaccinations, one is in Bengaluru. Dr Bishnu Panigrahi, group head, medical strategy and operations, Fortis Healthcare, said government approvals for more hospitals are expected in the coming days. Fortis has 36 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4,000 operational beds and over 400 diagnostics centres (including JVs) under its control. According to Dr Panigrahi, Fortis has been part of the first phase of the government's vaccination drive from January 15 onwards. "We gave it to all our staff, doctors, nurses, everyone. Then we gave it to other frontline workers, municipal workers, all these hospitals were available for that too," he said. Incidentally, the hospitals have no role in choosing the vaccine. "The nodal point is the district collector. They decide which hospitals are vaccination centres and how many shots they will be given. Alos, the vaccines have been given randomly. Some have got Covaxin (Bharat Biotech), others Covishield (Serum Institute)," he adds. The hospitals will have to inform vaccine companies about any adverse reaction on a daily basis. "So far, we have not had any severe adverse reaction, no hospitalisation and no deaths", Dr Panigrahi says. The government has also introduced a mechanism to credit Rs 150 out of each Rs 250 that will be charged by the hospital for Covid-19 vaccination to a dedicated account of National Health Mission on a daily basis. "At the end of the day, the number of shots are calculated and the hospital will have to deposit the amount," Dr Panigrahi explained. He also said that private hospitals have been allowed to vaccinate people after spot registration. "Not everyone is tech-savvy so people can come with their Aadhar card or any other identity to the hospital which is designated for vaccination and get themselves registered and vaccinated. There are timeslots. In Fortis, Okhla, Delhi for instance, up to 3 pm, only those who have registered can visit. After that those who are not registered can come on a first come first serve basis and register for the remaining slot, and get vaccinated," Dr Panigrahi adds. Also read: PM Modi taking COVID-19 vaccine to instil confidence among people, says Dharmendra Pradhan Also read: 'Let us make India Covid free': PM Modi gets first dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin New Delhi, March 1 : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said that with the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the government is committed to create multiple opportunities for MSMEs, boost tourism with the help of upcoming infrastructure projects. Addressing the webinar on 'MSME Travel and Hospitality Industry', organised by FICCI, Gadkari said, The infrastructural projects in the pipeline as part of the central Government's plans have laid the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat and will also boost domestic tourism in the country. Innovation is key to the revival of the travel and hospitality sector. Industry players such as FICCI, OYO Hotels || chr(38) || Homes and IATO should take advantage of the government schemes to come together and support MSMEs. The Minister added that the government's initiatives, such as collateral-free automatic loans for business, including MSMEs; Rs 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds, will generate tremendous business opportunities. It will turn into a win-win situation for the industry. The domestic tourist destinations, including hills, forests, and religious pilgrimage, will benefit from upcoming projects such as Char Dham Road, New Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, 22 Green Express Highways, and others. There's a huge potential for small hotel partners, agents to tap into this and look at expanding their offerings catering to the needs of tourists, he said. The webinar saw active participation of 200+ OYO hotel partners and travel and tour agents. The discussion focused on the future of hospitality and tourism, including strategies and steps taken by the government to support MSME players, boosting the country's infrastructure and thereby focusing on promoting domestic tourism, which is an integral contributor in building India's robust revival story. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Thursday signed off on banning the sale, ownership and breeding of tegus, iguanas and other invasive reptiles that have overrun native wildlife populations. Many of the new rulesapproved in a unanimous vote over pushback from reptile breeders and sellerswill be phased in over coming months to give businesses time to comply. The toughest measurea total ban on commercial breeding in Florida of tegus and iguanaswon't go into effect until June 2024. Pet owners will have 180 days to comply with new regulations mandating concrete enclosures for reptiles kept outdoors. The rules represent the strictest crackdown from Florida wildlife managers yet on an exotic pet trade that scientists blame for the state's worsening problem with invasive reptiles. The infamous Burmese python, which has largely wiped out small mammal population in the Everglades, is only one of many invasive species that pose a high risk of spreading across subtropical South Florida. Its sale and import in the state was blocked in 2010. "We have to put our foot down. People want to move to Florida because of nature, because of our environment. The time has come to take a bold stand against these real threats to our environment," said Rodney Barreto, FWC's newly elected chairman. In a board meeting Thursday, wildlife managers placed on FWC's prohibited list of species all species of tegu lizards and the green iguana, as well as green anacondas, Nile monitor lizards and six species of pythons. FWC is targeting the exotic pet trade because most invasive fish and wildlife in Florida were established through the escape or intentional release of captive animals. They say there is evidence the 16 targeted species in the new legislation already have local populations or may become established and negatively impact Florida's ecology, economy or human health and safety. The new rules group species like tegus and green iguanas into the same category as pythons and Nile monitor lizards, which cannot be sold as pets. The rules also ban importation of these species. FWC said the exotic species pose a significant threat to Florida's fragile ecosystems like the Everglades, and that current regulations are no longer effective in managing their expansion and damage. With more than $10 million spent annually on invasive species, joint efforts by FWC and other state and federal agencies are nowhere near controlling some of the more widespread invaders. "The global movement of products and people, the increased demand in the global market for exotic animals and the ease to acquire them has increased the potential for nonnative fish and wildlife to escape or be released and ultimately cause impacts. Invasive fish and wildlife are considered the second most significant threat to biodiversity, after habitat loss," FWC said in a presentation during the meeting. Reptile breeders and pet owners said the new regulation is unfair, not based on science and ineffective to address the problem cause by invasive reptiles that are already established. "The proposed rules are far from reasonable and they won't help resolve the problem the state has with invasive species," said Phil Goss, president of the national U.S. Association of Reptile Keepers. He said the new regulation targets breeders and enthusiasts who are responsible reptile owners. FWC said Florida has the most invasive reptile species in the U.S. because of its welcoming subtropical climate and plentiful food availability, multiple ports of entry and vibrant trade in exotic animals. Commercial breeding for sale and pet ownership play a significant role in raising the odds that an invasive species will become established because it increases the number of animals that can potentially escape or be intentionally released, FWC said. Ecological impacts can include feeding on native species, as the case of Burmese pythons eating small mammals like marsh rabbits, raccoons and even small deer, as well as competition with native animals for food. Habitat alteration, which iguanas have been documented to cause in Florida, can also affect native species. Explore further Florida wants to stop these reptiles from becoming the next invasive species in the Everglades 2021 Miami Herald Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Jenn Swain is the director of global sustainability for Burton Snowboards and a resident of South Burlington. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer. CLEVELAND, Ohio Sharon Rosche was on a mission to get the COVID-19 vaccine for her 87-year-old father. For 10 days Roche, 54, endured two-hour waits on the Giant Eagle website just to be allowed into a virtual queue. While she was at work, shed call up the website on her phone, put in her earbuds and listen for an alert telling her that she could go onto the website to search for a vaccine appointment. Sometimes she tried at 6 a.m. or midnight. No luck. Finally, her father was able to get immunized at University Hospitals. But like many Ohioans, Rosche, 54, of Akron, said she was mad at Gov. Mike DeWine. Ohioans 65 and older have needed lots of patience, determination and free time to navigate the states COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Demand has outstripped supplies at pharmacies and hospitals, forcing some people to drive hours away to find the shot if they can find an appointment. Those who are computer-savvy, like Roche, have outpaced others in the race to snap up vaccine appointments. Many rely on children or friends to help them. Or even strangers; two Northeast Ohio women have devoted weeks to helping locate and schedule appointments. How can they say theyre going to have vaccine for the most vulnerable population, but keep pushing people out? Its very frustrating, Roche said. If its this bad now, everyone worries what it will be like when the rollout expands to younger people in a few weeks. In mid-January, the state of Ohio moved its vaccine rollout to phase 1B, making people 80 and older eligible to get the shots. Currently, people age 65 and older, along with those with severe congenital, developmental or early-onset medical conditions, are in line for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine seekers must consult a list of providers on the Ohio Board of Health website. The state should have looked into how vaccines would be distributed earlier and come up with a better plan, said Terry Foreman, 64, of Willoughby. He and his niece Heather Foreman, 38 worked for days to locate a vaccination appointment for Foremans 84-year-old mother. It seemed as if the state was not prepared even though, they had a lot of time, Foreman. The initial information was not as good as it could have been. He fears that when the vaccination rollout is extended to people under 65, the system will be overwhelmed. Heres a look at where the vaccine rollout stands, and what some Ohioans are saying about it. Easing supply problems The problem is a lot more demand than supply, Gov. Mike DeWine said during a coronavirus briefing on Thursday, Feb. 25. The number of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines allotted to Ohio is expected to increase by more than 90,000 next week, DeWine said. More drug stores, including independent pharmacies, will begin offering vaccines soon. County health departments and hospitals will be getting a larger supply as well. Plans also call for a $3.6 million centralized state-wide vaccine signup system allowing Ohioans to type in a ZIP code and find appointments within 20 miles. The state is considering organizing 100 potential mass vaccination sites. Things are looking a lot better, DeWine said. MetroHealth received a shipment this morning from Pfizer containing 975 doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, December 15, 2020, in Cleveland. Vaccinations will proceed tomorrow for MetroHealthOs front line coronavirus health workers.John Kuntz, cleveland.com Pharmacies supplies dont meet demand On Feb. 11, the U.S. government launched a program to distribute doses of the vaccine to more than 40,000 pharmacies across the country. Rite Aid, Giant Eagle, Discount Drug Mart and Walgreens are among the pharmacies already offering vaccine appointments in Cuyahoga County. Those appointments fill up quickly because supply is so limited. Rite Aid has said its 1,160 participating pharmacies in five states are only getting 100 doses of the vaccine per week. Giant Eagles supply also varies on a weekly basis, company spokesperson Jannah Jablonowski said. To date, we have successfully vaccinated tens of thousands of Ohioans, but recognize there continues to be significant demand for appointments, Jablonowski said in an email. Rite Aid and Giant Eagle have not established waiting lists for anyone seeking the vaccine, and have not commented on whether they could do so in the future. Both companies encouraged anyone seeking a vaccine to check their online schedulers, because appointments are added as new supply becomes available. CVS now has 26 vaccination locations across Ohio. Eligible individuals can go to the CVS website or call 1-800-746-7287 to book an appointment. Paula Deal, 70, knows firsthand that COVID-19 vaccine appointments fill up quickly. She feels skeptical about the states future plans to expand vaccine distribution to younger age groups. They had one year to know it was coming. Why not have IT people on this? said Deal, of Fairview Park. I think the whole state has been a failure at this. During her search, she registered with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, to no avail. I never heard a thing. Not one word. Its so disappointing, she said. Drug Mart contacted her to offer a next-day appointment for her husband, and offered her the shot as well even though she wasnt in the eligible age group. I didnt ask why, Deal said. Then I felt guilty. Hospitals plans Some local hospitals are helping to distribute the vaccine to more people and making it easier for those without computers or internet access to get information. The Cleveland Clinic has expanded its vaccine distribution program to include any Ohio resident in category 1B as well as Clinic patients, Dr. Michelle Medina said in an email. Medina is a leader on the Clinics vaccine steering committee and the associate chief of clinical operations within Cleveland Clinic Community Health. Patients who have received care at the Clinic in the past two years and use MyChart will automatically receive a scheduling ticket when as appointment is available, she said. Patients who have not been seen in the past two years, and non-Clinic patients, can register for the hospital systems vaccine waitlist via web registration form or vaccine hotline at 216-448-4117. More information can be found at clevelandclinic.org/covidvaccine. Those who dont have a computer or internet connection can call the Clinics vaccine hotline to get scheduled over the phone. We are also planning to set up regular vaccine clinics at Langston Hughes community center to meet the vaccine needs of the central Cleveland neighborhoods, Medina said. We are also working with a variety of community organizations to educate the public, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities, about the vaccine and how to access it. University Hospitals will give the vaccine to any Northeast Ohio resident in category 1B, whether they are an established UH patient or not. Pre-register to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at UH using this website or by calling 216-844-3339. Those who dont have internet access can call 216-844-3339 and choose option two to make a vaccination appointment, UH said. Leave a voicemail and someone will call back to help you pre-register. MetroHealth Systems is offering the vaccine primarily to its established patients. Summa Health is making appointments on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the hospital systems website. All appointments must be made through Summa Health MyChart; they cannot be made over the phone. The Clinic, MetroHealth and UH have collectively immunized almost 52,000 community members as of mid-February. Those numbers, provided by the hospitals, dont include shots given to healthcare workers. Evan MacDonald contributed to this story. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. KEC International advanced 2.93% to Rs 443 after the EPC company bagged new orders of Rs 1,140 crore across its various businesses. The company's Transmission & Distribution business secured orders of Rs 963 crore for T&D projects in Middle East and Africa. Railways business bagged an order of Rs 113 crore for 2 x 25 kV Overhead Electrification (OHE) and associated works for speed upgradation in India. Lastly, Civil business secured an order of Rs 64 crore for infra works in the Hydrocarbon segment in India. KEC International is a global infrastructure Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) major. It has presence in the verticals of Power Transmission and Distribution, Railways, Civil, Solar, Smart Infrastructure and Cables. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ukraine to face new threat if Nord Stream 2 launches Naftogaz CEO Everything must be done to prevent increasing Russian aggression, Kobolyev believes. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 09:39:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ACCRA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's National Peace Council on Sunday urged stakeholders involved in the presidential election petition to uphold peace as the Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment Thursday. "The National Peace Council respectfully calls on all the parties in the dispute, the former president, John Dramani Mahama, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as the Electoral Commission to strictly adhere to the ruling of the Supreme Court regardless of who wins or loses in the yet to be delivered judgment," the peace council said in a statement. It also urged media, political commentators and all citizens to be circumspect in their reports and discussions about the issue and to use nonviolent means to address their concerns. "The peace council respectfully appeals to all the people of Ghana to resort to time-tested nonviolent mechanisms to address any outstanding election-related complaints peacefully, either through the judicial process or by any means available alternative dispute resolution mechanisms," it said. Enditem Our company is a government-owned enterprise now needs to import rapeseed oil from Russia to China. The amount is around 3000t per month. The product details will be discuss later on. Contact with me if you are a russian rapeseed oil supplier. U.S. destroyer docks in Sudan for the first time in decades U.S. navy vessel docks in Sudan PORT SUDAN (Reuters) - A U.S. naval destroyer docked on Sudan's Red Sea coast on Monday in the latest sign of thawing relations with the United States, a day after a visit by a Russian frigate. The visits are a sign of international competition for influence in Sudan, which sits in a volatile region bridging the Horn of Africa, the Gulf, and North Africa, following the 2019 overthrow of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir. Some 300 marines standing at attention aboard the USS Winston Churchill were greeted by a Sudanese military band in Port Sudan, a strategically important city on the Red Sea that serves as Sudan's main port. Russia plans to set up a navel base there capable of mooring nuclear-powered surface vessels, and on Sunday the Admiral Grigorovich frigate became the first Russian warship to enter the port, Interfax news agency reported. Before Bashir's overthrow, both Qatar and Turkey had signed deals to restore the nearby Red Sea port of Suakin. The United States and Sudan have started to rebuild political and economic ties, and late last year Washington removed Sudan from a list of state sponsors of terror. Under Bashir, Sudan was accused of harbouring militant groups. "The reason I'm here is because I want to learn more about your country [and] develop partnerships with your navy," said Rear Admiral Michael Baze, director of maritime affairs for the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet. The visit came "after a break of more than 30 years and is considered a visit with great significance and is a return to the American-Sudanese relations in the framework of visits of warships," said Colonel Ibrahim Hammad, fleet commander for the Port Sudan Naval Base. In late January, officials from the U.S. Africa Command in visited Sudan and discussed "opportunities for future military to military engagements," with Sudanese officials, a U.S. statement said. Sudanese officials will tour the ship, the U.S. 6th Fleet said, and "explore opportunities to work together and establish a basis for a relationship committed to security and stability" with U.S. counterparts. (Reporting by Eltayeb Sidding, writing by Nafisa Eltahir, editing by Giles Elgood) ADVERTISEMENT The Non-Interest Financial Institutions Association of Nigeria (NIFIAN), on Friday in Abuja elected the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank Plc. Hassan Usman as its pioneer president. Mr Usman was inaugurated alongside other six EXCO members to steer the affairs of the umbrella body of all corporate organisations offering non-interest financial and related services in the country for a first term of 2 years. Those elected include Hajara Adeola, Managing Director/CEO, Lotus Capital Limited as Vice-President; Norfadelizan Abdulrahman, Managing Director/CEO of TAJBank Limited as Treasurer; and Fatai Ola Bakare, of SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited as the Secretary-General. Other EXCO members inaugurated yesterday include Thaibat Adeniran, Managing Director/CEO, Cornerstone Takaful Nigeria Limited; Aminu Tukur, Managing Director/CEO, Noor Takaful Limited, and Dr. Basheer Oshodi, CEO, TrustBank Arthur Limited. The Executive Council is expected to steer the affairs of the Association towards the realisation of its objectives for the advancement of financial inclusion through non-interest finance in Nigeria. In his inaugural address, Hassan Usman said the journey started more than a decade ago with Nigeria Islamic Finance Working Group, a multi-institutional platform under the auspice of EfinA (Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access.). Mr Usman said: As today marks a new chapter in our pursuit, I will like to reiterate the fact that we are not there yet. This course is a journey and not a destination. While the overarching objective remains constant, the detailed operational and strategic initiatives of the Association shall continue to evolve to meet the requirements of the day. To this end, I will like to pledge that over the course of my tenure, I will like to work with my colleagues in the Council to push some prominent initiative including promotion of sound Islamic banking and financial system and practice in Nigeria; growth and development of requisite market infrastructures such as an efficient non-interest inter-bank system. ALSO READ: Jaiz Bank to open more branches in Southwest Nigeria Pursuit of harmony in Shariah pronouncements (fatwas); represent the interest of members locally and internationally; provide advice and assistance to members pertinent to the development of their institution and deepen public awareness. I look forward to working with members to make Nigeria the Islamic Finance Hub of Africa. Earlier in his opening address, Babayo Saidu, Chairman of NIFIANs Board of Trustees said the Association was registered on 28th August 2020, and duly incorporated at the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Parts of the objectives of NIFIAN is to promote common interest of member-organisations towards developing the non-interest financial services industry in Nigeria, creating an enabling regulatory environment through advocacy as well as deepening financial inclusion through market engagements and financial literacy. In addition, the Association aims to improve market resilience by fostering collaboration across the industry, promoting policies and programmes on Financial Inclusion, and sensitization of the populace for the economic development of the country through non-interest financial services offering. MILFORD Chamber of Commerce President Pam Staneski didnt serve as a Milford alderman, Board of Education member and state representative without learning a thing or two about negotiating. So when her husband got a job offer in North Carolinas Triangle area, she agreed to the relocation with a condition. I said if this is going to be our last move, I want to be closer to our granddaughter, Staneski said. Shes 11 years old, and just started playing softball in the Virginia Beach area. I wanted to be able to finally go and see her games without making an 8-hour drive. So his commute is going to be a little longer. Staneski, who has led the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce for the past two years, has lived in Milford longer than anywhere else in her life. She said she knew the city was home from the first time she set foot on the Milford Green 23 years ago. We were living in Illinois, and we knew we wanted to get back to the East Coast because we had family here, Staneski said. So we were looking for a place to buy a house. It was October and the leaves were in full bloom, and that was a big change from Illinois, which is totally flat. The Staneskis found themselves sitting on the Green, sipping coffee and looking at the foliage when future 5-term mayor Jim Richetelli walked by, ice cream cone in-hand, Staneski said. He said hello and asked us how we were doing, and we said we were thinking of moving here, she recalled. And he said, You cant find a better place to live. We just fell in love with the place immediately. Staneski said that was one thing she will always remember about Milford, that after years of moving from place to place as the daughter of a military father and then the wife of a businessman, moving to a place she had never been felt like coming home. I remember after wed lived here about four years, I was visiting my mother and she asked when I was coming home, Staneski said. I told her I had finally found home. But even as she leaves the city and the business community that she has been part of for decades, Staneski said she is excited for Milfords future, and especially for the Chambers future. Im sitting here right now in the Chamber office, and there are five people in the conference room, and 20 more on the monitor having the weekly business conference, she said. Just a few months ago it would have been just me in the room and five people on the screen. But thats what this Chamber is. Its people who see the vision, and stay the course. Although there is no date for Staneskis last day, she said it likely would be some time in early April. In the meantime, board chairman Paige Miglio said the chamber would immediately form a search committee to review applicants and recommend a replacement. Miglio credited Staneskis personal connections in the area with helping her to leave the Chamber in a better position than it was two years ago. Pam has played a critical role in the development and success of our organization with her personal energy, extensive experience and involvement in the Milford community on so many levels, Miglio said. We thank her for her dedicated service to the Chamber and specifically for her work alongside our board during our recent move. The move, from the historic Taylor Library on the Milford Green to a suite of offices in the Connecticut Post Mall, was necessitated by a surge in membership that marked Staneskis tenure. In 2019, her first year on the job, 60 new businesses joined the Chamber. Another 42 joined in 2020. Staneski said she was optimistic that the new president would continue the Chambers recent run of success. The Chambers been here for 66 years, and its survived financial crises, a pandemic, and its still here, she said. It will be here long after Pam Staneski is gone, and its a very lucky person that will get to step into this position, in this community. deng@trumbulltimes.com A fourth grader from California broke down in tears when she learned she'd finally be returning to in-person learning after 358 days out of school during the pandemic. Like many children around the US, nine-year-old Clara Zanotto from Redondo Beach has been home doing virtual school since COVID-19 began sweeping the US last March, according to ABC. But now, just a week shy of the one-year anniversary of in-person classes being canceled, Clara is going back to school to see her friends and teachers again and her mother Tarine caught the emotional moment she found out on camera. Virtual learning: Clara Zanotto from Redondo Beach, California has been home doing virtual school since March 13, when COVID-19 began sweeping the US A very long time: She's been home just under a year, 358 days Surprise! Her mother revealed to her last week that she is returning to in-person learning this Wednesday, March 13 In the two-minute video, Tarine summons her daughter to the dining room table, where she holds up a slip of paper reading '358 days.' 'Long time right?' reads a second piece of paper. 'A lot has happened since March 2020,' reads a third slip that Tarine pulls out of her lap. Clara reads out loud as her mother holds up more papers, recounting how school was cancelled on March 13, 2020. 'But we have some news,' the messages go on. 'Guess what?' Here, Clara tries to guess what good thing her mother is trying to tell her and hopefully asks if they're getting a dog. Yay! Immediately, an emotional Clara bursts into tears as she tells her mom: 'I haven't been to school in such a long time!' Emotional: Clara continues to sob as her mother pulls her into a hug, jumping up and down in an effort to turn the tide of the little girl's overwhelmed reaction But her mom just holds up two more slips of paper, first with Wednesday's date 3/3/2021 and then with the big surprise. 'You are going back to school,' the final slip of paper reads. Immediately, an emotional Clara bursts into tears as she tells her mom: 'I haven't been to school in such a long time!' Clara continues to sob as her mother pulls her into a hug, jumping up and down in an effort to turn the tide of the little girl's overwhelmed reaction. Soon, Clara is jumping up and down and smiling through her tears, clearly thrilled for the return to some normalcy. Woohoo! Soon, Clara is jumping up and down and smiling through her tears, clearly thrilled for the return to some normalcy Pumped! She said that while she has learned well at home because there are fewer distractions, she really misses seeing her friends Tarine shared the video with 'Reopen California Schools' last week. 'Im really, really excited because I get to go back and see all my friends,' Clara told the Daily Caller. 'I know when I was at school, I was never home much and I didnt get to be home a lot. So thats the like good part that staying home, but I guess its bad on the part that we cant go to school. Cause we cant see our teachers and friends. Though she said she actually found home learning a bit easier because there were fewer distractions, she misses socializing. 'I guess its just harder to talk, have a conversation with one of your friends on zoom,' she said. According to an interactive map, most schools in Southern California are still restricted to distanced learning only. A few school districts are offering a hybrid, while only a small number in the area have returned fully to in-person schooling. Forest fires, a global pandemic, endless hours stuck at home and increased levels of stress in youngsters - this is just a snippet of the year 2020. The last year has been a compilation of many different emotions, and the one thing that people are aching to do now is taking a break. A break to finally head out, unwind, relax and make way for new hopes and aspirations. So what better than to head for a spacation?! (Well, for all you novices, a spacation is when you plan a whole vacation around every facility a spa or a spa resort has to offer. Doesnt that sound fantastic?) Weve done the research, and one of the best places to relax in the lap of luxury is Abu Dhabi, just a four-hour flight from India. Here is a list of the best spas that Abu Dhabi has to offer, as well as their must-try treatments: 1. The Pearl Spa & Wellness at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi The Pearl Spa & Wellness An elegant and luxurious spa hidden away from the crowd and noise of the city, The Pearl Spa & Wellness is the best place for the most unique and relaxing treatments. It houses the only quartz sand therapy available in the emirate and the facility is always brimming with fresh scents, soothing music and upmarket products from brands such as Biologique Recherche and Sodashi. Every individual can relax in expansive treatment rooms while also taking advantage of the separate mens and womens fitness centres, complete with heated hydro-pools, saunas, hammams, ice fountains and heated lounge chairs. Must-try treatment: Memories of Arabia; Full-body coffee exfoliation using emollient oils of camel milk and warm aromas. 75 minutes, AED890/Rs.17,698. 2. Remede Spa at The St Regis Abu Dhabi Remede Spa Overlooking the expansive Arabian Gulf and the Corniche, Remede Spa has 11 treatment rooms, including couples and VIP suites, plus an outdoor terrace and a nourishing menu of refreshing juices, tonics, herbal elixirs, and light bites. Using only the best products sourced from luxury British skincare brand Elemis, this spa includes a combination of signature and classic treatments, such as a firm-a-lift facial and the Balinese massage. Must-try treatment: The Remede Customised Massage; Bespoke treatment centred around releasing fatigue and restoring energy. 90 minutes, AED830/Rs.16,505. 3. Anantara Spa at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara Anantara Spa Sitting enclosed amongst the golden dunes of the worlds largest sand desert, the Empty Quarter, the Anantara Spa at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara transports you into an entirely new dimension of serenity and rest. Combining Middle Eastern remedies and Thai expertise, the facility hosts a number of signature treatments, in addition to wellness amenities such as an ice room, sauna, heated jacuzzi, and Moroccan hammam. With mind-blowing views of the Arabian desert, the spa is home to five luxurious treatment suites as well as relaxation areas and private changing rooms. Must-try treatment: Qasr Al Sarab Indulgence; Immerse yourself in argan seeds polish that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin with a younger, healthy glow. This is combined with hot stone and heated Rub Al Khali sand poultice massage techniques that will melt away your stress. 120 minutes, AED 1,300/Rs.25,851. 4. The Emirates Palace Spa The Emirates Palace Spa A mystical blend of Moroccan-inspired treatments, the Emirates Palace Spa is home to 1,500 square metres featuring seven opulent suites and two authentic hammams, one spacious and luxurious, the other intimate and secluded. With a number of facials and massages to choose from, you can enjoy everything from cleansing and detoxification to sculpting and stress release. Fitted with two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, and a unique heated marble ice cave, the Emirates Palace Spa is a dream come true. Must-try treatment: Palace Rose Hammam; Relaxing full-body treatment combining rose ghassoul clay and rose shea butter to brighten and nourish the skin. 90 minutes, AED 1,105/Rs.21,973. 5. Chi, The Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Chi, The Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Inspired by the legendary Shangri-La valley, a fictional place enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains, Chi, The Spa offers a number of massages and facials based on the principles of natural healing and traditional Asian practices. Each treatment is performed using high-quality ingredients rich in coconut and passionflower that helps hydrate, soothe and relax. The facilities include a health club, two gyms, a yoga room, and a lap pool. Must-try treatment: Revitalising Salt Stone Massage; Full-body massage using heated salt crystal stones to balance the bodys electromagnetic field, central nervous system and meridians. 90 minutes, AED 780/Rs.15,510. 6. SoSPA at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche So Spa at Sofitel Working with some of the most coveted French brands, including Carita and Cinq Mondes, the SoSPA hosts a wellness centre with multiple treatment rooms and a fitness centre comprising a gym, swimming pool, and whirlpool. The facility exudes rest, rejuvenation and relaxation focused around both the mind and body. With a treatment menu that includes massages, facials, and hammams, SoSPA is the ultimate spa destination. Must-try treatment: Hot stone massage; Full-body treatment combining Ayurvedic practices with North African techniques. 90 minutes, AED 640/Rs.12,726. These are just the tip of the iceberg, with Abu Dhabi being home to many more spas and spa resorts even more luxurious than the next. So, whether you are planning a vacation with your partner, or a girls trip, head to Abu Dhabi and make sure to add a few days filled with relaxation and some much-deserved pampering! A female police officer was responding to a domestic violence callout when a woman allegedly set her dog upon the cop. Officers were called to a home in West Kempsey, on the NSW mid north coast, on Sunday afternoon following reports of a domestic violence-related incident. On arrival, police spoke to a 34-year-old woman who allegedly armed herself with a metal pole. The woman allegedly released a dog from the backyard, and when police attempted to arrest her the dog bit one of the officers on the right calf and thigh She then allegedly threatened the female cop, who was forced to use pepper spray to subdue her. The woman allegedly released a dog from the backyard, and when police attempted to arrest her the dog bit one of the officers on the right calf and thigh. The officer was taken to Kempsey Base Hospital with serious leg injuries. The woman was taken to Kempsey Police Station where she was charged with two counts of intimidation (Domestic Violence), armed with intent, resist arrest and dog attacks person due to in charge person reckless act. She was refused bail and will appear before Kempsey Local Court on Monday. Ben Caspit speaks this week with Ambassador Alon Pinkas, Israels former consul general in New York and an expert on Israel-US relations. Pinkas discusses what the US declassified intelligence report on Jamal Khashoggi means for Israel-Saudi ties and US-Israel relations. Faced with this new reality, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to tread carefully with every step he makes together with his Saudi allies, keeping the US informed constantly. State-owned Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) plans to order 70 airliners from Airbus and Boeing, Saudi news outlet Maaal reported on Monday, citing unidentified sources. Saudia is in talks with local banks to raise 11.5 billion riyals ($3.07 billion) to partly finance an order for Airbus A321 narrow-bodied jets and Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner wide-bodies, Maaal said. The report did not breakdown how many aircraft of each type Saudia was planning to purchase. A banker, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Saudia was in the market to raise debt for an order of around 70 new jets. The airline's fleet of 144 aircraft already includes A321, 777 and 787 jets. Saudia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An Airbus spokeswoman said the planemaker was always in talks with its customers on their fleet requirements, declining comment further. Boeing declined to comment. Company documents reviewed by Reuters showed that the airline received at least $7 billion in direct payments and other financial support in 2019 and 2020 from the government, as the carrier struggles with losses and the impact of the pandemic. ($1 = 3.7505 riyals) Short link: The overall relief bill is Bidens biggest early legislative priority. It looms as an initial test of his ability to unite Democrats in the Senate where the party has no votes to spare and risks lasting damage to his influence should he fail. Republicans are strongly against the legislation and could well oppose it unanimously, as House GOP lawmakers did when that chamber approved the bill early Saturday. Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March VIZIANAGARAM: Scion of Vizianagaram P. Ashok Gajapati Raju, former union minister, and his daughter Adithi are spearheading Telugu Desams campaign for Vizianagaram Municipal Corporation. Both are taking head on the powerful YSRC led by local MLA Kolagatla Veerabhdra Swamy. YSRC had won all the nine assembly segments and MP seat in the district during general elections. Apart from YSRC, Ashok Gajapati Raju has an adversary from his own party in the form of former MLA Meesala Gita, who was denied party nomination in the last general elections. She has raised a banner of revolt against Raju and established a separate TD party office, though it had been from an office in Vizianagaram Fort for decades. Fearing that Gita would interfere in party affairs for ensuing elections, the TD high command made her Bobbili in-charge. The party has been divided vertically between Ashok and Gita, a strong BC leader in Vizianagaram district, said a senior Telugu Desam leader. As a result, the contest between ruling and opposition parties could become a one-sided match in favour of YSRC, the leader pointed out; saying Gita might even dissuade BC leaders from campaigning for party candidates. Another senior leader said TD has had to field SC and BC candidates from some OC wards, as none came forward to contest polls under the leadership of Ashok Gajapati Raju. Yet, Adithi is vigorously campaigning for party candidates by visiting all wards, particularly that of K. Samantakamani, wife of Kandi Murali Naidu, senior party leader. TD has announced that Samatakamani will be its mayoral candidate. Ruling YSRC is also not bereft of rebels threat. Ruling party leaders have filed nominations as independent candidates from 19 of the total 50 wards. Some of them are allegedly backed by minister Botsa Satyanarayana and others by Avanapu Chinnammalu, wife of former chairman Suribabu, apart from her sons Vijay and Vikram. All the three have filed their papers. The rebels issue will be settled on the last date of withdrawing nominations. It will be the high command decision whom to make a mayor and whom corporator, said the ruling party MLA Veerabhdra Swamy. Though YSRC has not yet announced its mayoral candidate, it is likely that the MLAs daughter Kolagatla Sravani could hold the post of deputy mayor but be the de facto mayor. Incidentally, the mayoral post has been reserved for BC women. MLAs loyalist Asapu Sujatha is likely to be the choice of the party, sources said. NVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST For the attention of Interested Investors Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) would like to send our best regards to potential investors. Vinachem is the developer of a Rock Salt Exploitation and Processing Plant Project in the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. Below is brief information about the project: Location: Nong Bok district, Khammouane province, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic; Resources reserve: about 29.5 millions tonnes of KCl; Plant capacity: 320,000 tonnes of KCl (KCl 95 per cent) and 300,000 tonnes of NaCl (NaCl 98 per cent) per year; Total investment: $522.466 million; EPC contractors: a consortium consisting of TTCL (Thailand) K-UTEC (Germany) CECO (Vietnam). Vinachem is currently looking for interested investors to rearrange the project investment structure through the transfer of Vinachems capital at the project to other domestic and foreign economic organisations. Vinachem would like to send this Invitation for Expression of Interest to the investor community and invite investors looking to partake in this investment opportunity and co-operate with Vinachem in the above project to send a Letter of Interest (attached below) to Vinachem at the following address: 1A Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi, Vietnam. Telephone number: +84.243 824 0551. Submissions are accepted until March 31, 2021. *----------------------------------* (Company title) LETTER OF INTEREST Attention to: Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem). Company: Head office: Address: Telephone:............................Email: Business registration number: Main business activities: Charter capital: Legal representative:.............Title: We acknowledge that Vinachem is looking for investor(s) to co-operate with in the Rock Salt Exploitation and Processing Plant Project in the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic. By this Letter, we confirm that we are interested in the Project and want to work with Vinachem to discuss cooperation and investment opportunities. We are committed to maintaining confidentiality regarding all information related to the Project provided by Vinachem. Your sincerely, Legal representative (Signature with company Stamp) Date (Enclosed document: Company profile). In a repeat of a Valentines Day protest, a group of anti-maskers with picket signs congregated outside of a Trader Joes in Santa Cruz to protest the citys mask mandate. Unlike the organizations earlier February demonstration, in which they stormed into the grocery store and took food from the shelves while leaving cash at registers for cashiers who refused to serve them this protest took place almost exclusively outside. This go-around, a line of Trader Joes employees guarded the entrances prohibiting entry for the group of protesters while letting masked customers enter. Sunday, in fact, was allegedly known as National Maskless Day, based on fliers hung up by the group around the city, reported the Santa Cruz Sentinel. The group regularly protests outside the city's farmer's market. It also offers "free hugs," according to Lookout Santa Cruz. The Sentinel also reported that signs held up by the protesters read: Maskless Lives Matter and Enforce Love. The collective reportedly heckled masked shoppers, with one asking a customer if they were wearing a jockstrap. Trader Joes did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE. Officers did not cite or arrest any of the protesters, but were at the scene in their vehicles. Santa Cruz police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE. Trader Joes has experienced a spate of anti-mask protesters throughout the state and elsewhere in the West Coast. In January, a Fresno Trader Joes temporarily shuttered after anti-maskers blocked the entrance to the shop. A few weeks later, a manager at a Salem, Oregon branch went viral for intervening after unmasked shoppers demanded to peacefully shop inside the premises. Also, last week, an employee was allegedly fired after asking the company's CEO for more-stringent safety measures for workers. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 man who was fatally shot outside a Ravenhall pool hall has been identified as a young father from Deer Park. Ikenasio Tuivasa, 33, was fatally wounded when an assailant drove past All Star Lounge on Westwood Drive, an industrial area in Ravenhall in Melbournes west, and shot four rounds into a crowd of people outside the venue. The All Star Lounge in Ravenhall, in Melbournes west. Credit:Chris Hopkins Friends and relatives of Mr Tuivasa drove him to hospital after he sustained his injuries, but he died. Police yesterday said Mr Tuivasa may not have been the target of the killer, who remains at large. A second man, 24, from Williams Landing, was shot in the thigh but was discharged from hospital on Sunday and returned to the scene to retrieve his car. True, the people who fired gunshots on March 1, 2008 are not revealed, but the murders and the backdrop on which the murders were committed are revealed. This is what Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said during todays rally at Republic Square in Yerevan. Public events have been held in Armenia on March 1 for the past 13 years. After the events that took place on March 1, 2008, the events have been held in commemoration of the ten victims. However, on March 1, 2021, we are holding the event in a totally different situation. We are facing new challenges in terms of security, foreign policy, regional issues and domestic politics, and the future of our country and people depends on how we resist those challenges. We have made all the possible mistakes over the past 31 years of independence. Over the past two years and ten months, my Cabinet and I personally have made all the possible mistakes, and I would like to apologize to all citizens of Armenia, Diaspora Armenians and all citizens of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Unfortunately, my government is not the only government that has made mistakes in Armenia, and as Prime Minister of Armenia, I want to apologize to the people for all the mistakes made by all the governments of the Third Republic of Armenia, Pashinyan said, adding that there have also been achievements and stated that the major achievement is that the people have power to form a government. The right of the people to form power must not be at risk at all. In Armenia, only the people must determine who must be in power, he added. According to him, the events that took place on March 1, 2008 were a major milestone in the struggle of the people for power. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A drill-rapping thug who hit a random pub-goer in the head with a hammer during a string of violent crimes has begged three judges for less jail time. Dahcell 'Celly' Ramos, 22, a former member of western Sydney drill group OneFour, is in prison for a minimum of six years' jail over two violent attacks after being sentenced in late 2019. In July 2018 he smashed a random man in the head with a hammer then stomped on him during a savage pub brawl at the Carousel Inn, Rooty Hill. Ramos was only 19 years old at the time, but he left his victim unconscious, lying in a pool of blood. Just two months later he took part in an armed robbery together in which he punched one person and threatened another with a knife. Ramos appealed against the 'manifestly excessive' six-year sentence to three NSW Supreme Court justices by videolink from prison on Monday. His lawyer told the court that Ramos' sentence had been 'infected by error' and should have been shorter than those of his co-offenders because he had 'shown remorse'. Dahcell 'Celly' Ramos (pictured) beat a man with a hammer and then stomped on his head The moment the 'artist' known as 'Celly' (dressed in black, on right side) kicks in Troy's head The Crown prosecutor strongly argued against this claim, referring to the hotel attack, the Daily Telegraph reported. 'The applicant was the one who hit (a victim) in the head with a hammer and stomped on his head a number of times,' he told the court. NSW Supreme Court Justices Geoffrey Bellew, Fabian Gleeson and Ian Harrison have reserved their judgment for a later date. The victim who Ramos bashed 'can't remember a thing' from the night he was repeatedly bludgeoned in the head with a hammer and left in a pool of blood. Court facts obtained by Daily Mail Australia describe in chilling detail the rappers and their friends' attack on two men at Rooty Hill's Carousel Inn in Sydney's west. The brutality of the attack is revealed in a blow-by-blow account of the melee involving three Mount Druitt drill rappers who struck about 1am on Saturday July 21, 2018. The documents reveal how the pub's owner desperately tried to intervene, warning the thugs: 'You're on CCTV. We have hundreds of cameras here. 'Whatever you're thinking of doing, you don't want to do it here.' Shocking attack: Dahcell 'Celly' Ramos - an on-again, off-again member of OneFour - attacks a man with a hammer during the brawl at the Carousel Inn in Rooty Hill, NSW The drill rap group from Mount Druitt, OneFour, has two of its main members - Lekks (left) and YP (second from left) behind bars over a brutal pub bashing in July 2018. The rest of the group's four official members, Spenny (third) and J-Emz, were not involved The documents said after the fight eased off, the owner told the attackers 'police have been called!' - and was promptly knocked out. He was smacked in the right side of the face with a timber chair leg by Dahcell 'Celly' Ramos - an on-again, off-again member of the band. Celly and well-known stars Salec 'Lekks' and Pio 'YP' Misa are all serving jail terms for the shocking melee. But it's cold comfort for the brawl's main target. Daily Mail Australia has been told the tradesman, Troy, has no memory of the bashing. The victim suffered skull, nasal, septum, sinus wall and eye socket fractures, lacerations to his cheek, eyebrow and eyelid and 'significant' facial swelling. Both of his ears were wounded - from his earrings being tugged from his ears, court documents said. His friend, Anthony, was not as badly injured. Troy had been recovering well until the recent spate of publicity, a source said. 'He was in a good place. But all of this has really stirred s**t up again. 'We didn't know it was coming out in the media.' The man only recently had the wrenching experience of reliving the whole night by watching the evening's CCTV footage. OneFour has been described by GQ as 'The Western Sydney Rap Group Taking Over Hip Hop' . Their 'drill' music is a sub-genre of hip hop and lyrics often focus on gang life, guns and drugs How the brutal night unfolded The three OneFour members involved in the crime had been at a house party before deciding to kick on to the pub just before midnight. Lekks - who would be described as the instigator of the brutal attack - had been drinking heavily. About the same time, the two victims, Troy and his best friend Anthony, were at the poker machines in the outdoor gaming room, sitting next to one another. An agreed statement of facts, tendered during Lekks' court case and seen by Daily Mail Australia, explains what happened next: INJURIES OF THE VICTIM OF CAROUSEL INN ATTACK Non-displaced fracture to the right side of the skull near the temple Fractures to both sides of the nasal bone A displaced nasal septum fracture Two right sinus wall fractures Fractures to the floor and lateral wall of the right eye socket A laceration to his cheek and lip that breached the dermis and epidermis A 5cm laceration to his right eyebrow A 4cm laceration to his right eyelid Significant swelling to the face, particularly around the right eye A wound on both ears as a result of earrings being pulled from his ears Advertisement 12:59AM: Lekks enters the room in a black hooded jumper. He walks to a poker machine and says hello to another player. Then he wanders back out to the carpark. 1AM: Security guards tell Lekks and his rowdy group to keep it down. Lekks then re-enters the pub, returns to the poker machine next to Troy, and stands behind it. Troy asks: 'Why are you looking at my f***ing machine?' Lekks fires up and gets 'aggressive'. The security guard explains to Troy: 'He's just watching his friend play.' But they continue to argue and Lekks is asked to leave. 1:05AM ONWARDS: Lekks slams a gate on the way out. He continues to 'yell and gesture' at the victims. 'Come outside, we'll fight! Come out,' he says. Both victims get up from their seats. Five of Lekks' friends - including YP and Celly - run over. Pio 'YP' Misa was the first of the group to throw a punch - or, rather, a chair leg One asks 'what happened?' Lekks and his mates then try and enter the gaming area but are blocked by security. Celly, YP, Lekks and a friend, Timothy Willett, try and burst into the gaming room through another door. Security try and intercept them. But at the same time, two more of their friends, Jimmy Vaafusuaga and 'Lausii' manage to get in through the unguarded entrance. Lekks shouts at the men and challenges them to a fight. Three security guards try and get in between him and the victims and successfully hold him back. But Lekks's rap group mates, YP and Celly, attack. YP pulls a timber leg from inside his clothes and then smacks Anthony over the head with it twice. Above, CCTV captures the moment he strikes one of the two of the two victims, Anthony, with a chair leg Anthony backs away, but YP follows and hits him a third time. Then Celly pulls a hammer from his jacket and smashes Troy in the head several times. Their friend Vaafusuaga punches the victim in the head. Celly then stomps on Troy's head 'multiple times'. Celly raises his hammer to attack again but is pulled away. Their friend Timothy Willett punches the second victim, Anthony, in the head. Troy is left sprawled on the ground and the fight seemingly ends. Sua picks up Troy's head by the hair and shakes it. Assault: Lekks, one of the most prominent members of the rap group, picks up the man's head by the hair and shakes it 'Lekks', or Salec Sua, never steps out in public without covering his face - unless he's at the pub, above 1:08AM: A pub employee calls the police. 1:12AM: Police arrive. The group leave and run away. Lekks jumps in a waiting gold Ford sedan with a woman. But they don't get far with police turning their sirens on. Lekks is arrested. The rest of the group are rounded up over the following hours. They are taken to Riverstone Police Station and all decline police interviews. Back on tour but missing members: What happened next Lekks was jailed for at least four-and-a-half years, Celly - the hammer attacker - for a decade, and YP for four for their roles in the bashing. At Lekks' sentencing, Judge James Bennett said it was 'tragic' what had unfolded and that the rapper had 'great potential'. The court was told: 'They [the rap group] have the capacity to succeed if they remove themselves from any temptations the street has to offer'. (Neither of the other key members of OneFour - nicknamed Spenny and J-Emz - were involved in the incident.) The rap group has since travelled to Auckland on tour, but J-Emz was refused entry into the country. Lekks' little brother has reportedly filled in his role. OneFour claim their Australian events have come under pressure to be pulled by police, a claim denied by the NSW Police Force. One thing is for sure - Celly, Lekks and YP's victims won't be attending one of their gigs anytime soon. A man who allegedly stole a car, wedding ring and other valuables has been granted bail at Derry Magistrates Court. Ryan Michael Harkin, 28, of Glenabbey Close, has been charged with burglary, aggravated taking and causing damage to a vehicle and using a vehicle that was in a dangerous condition and was likely to put other people in danger. He is further charged with two counts of fraud by false representation, using a motor vehicle without insurance, having no driving license and theft. All charges relate to alleged incidents on November 5, 2020. On that date the injured party reported that a Vauxhall Antara had been stolen from his home at Balmoral Avenue in the city around 5am. A police officer said the incident was captured on CCTV. After speaking to the owner of the vehicle, he said the car keys were kept in a jug and they were stolen along with a gold wedding band, a wallet containing a Revolut card, 110 cash, a purse containing 200 and tools to the value of approximately 340. The court heard that the debit card was used at a car dealership in Claudy and then at a service station in Faughan Valley. CCTV was operational in both business premises and a male suspect was identified. A spare wheel had been put on the car and another was damaged, a police officer said, to the extent that it was producing sparks when driven. The court was told the defendant wore a face mask similar to those being worn during the pandemic. Human hair was found in the vehicle which is being tested. The 28-year-old was located at Glenabbey Close on Sunday, February 28, where he was arrested and found to have been drinking alcohol which amounted to a breach of bail. Objecting to bail, a police officer said the defendant is on bail for other incidents and is continuing to breach conditions. He added that since being released from prison in the Republic of Ireland, Harkin has come to police attention for 29 offences. The officer believed that Harkin would continue to breach bail and said addresses proffered by his legal representatives were unsuitable. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client was given two entirely conflicting sets of bail conditions. It was a very messy set of bail conditions, he added. One set ordered him to reside at Glenabbey Close and the other at Ernest Street and they specified different curfew times. Mr Quigley said bail conditions had been breached in one of those cases but not in the other. He asked for his client to be released to reside at Glenabbey Close. The defence solicitor acknowledged that forensics will be important in the case. Deputy District Judge McStay said the breach of bail didnt appear to be associated with any further offending. I would be minded to admit him to his own bail of 250. Conditions need to be regularised, he added. The defendant must reside at Glenabbey Close, will have a curfew, must sign bail three times per week and is prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs and must have no contact with the alleged injured parties. Harkin will appear at a court sitting on March 25. No 10 says it does not know how many travellers arriving in the UK fail to fill in a Covid-19 test registration card, amid the scare over the Brazilian variant. Health officials are hunting for a mystery patient, one of six people infected with the variant of concern but the only one who provided no information about themselves. Asked how many passengers fail to fill in cards, Boris Johnsons spokesman said there were only very few rare cases but admitted he did not have a percentage. A scramble has begun to try to find the missing person, as well as to track down hundreds of passengers on a series of connecting flights into the UK from Brazil earlier this month. The Brazilian variant called P1 has sparked particular concern because its mutations share features with a South African variant which has been found to respond less well to vaccines. Asked how many passengers similarly fail to provide details, the spokesman said: In a very, very few rare cases individuals do not complete that information, which means that extra action has to be taken to track them down. That is what we are currently doing with regards to the Brazil variant. The spokesman was unable to say what the punishment was for failing to fill in a registration card, or whether the government had any plans to tighten up the procedures. It is believed the missing person either completed a home test, or one provided by a local authority, as officials at testing centres should check that contact details are submitted. Keir Starmer said the discovery of the Brazilian variant in the UK showed ministers had not secured our borders in the way we should have done. It demonstrates the slowness of the government to close off even the major routes, but also the unwillingness to confront the fact that the virus doesnt travel by direct flights, the Labour leader said. We know from last summer that a lot of virus came in from countries where it didnt originate in, but people were coming indirect and thats the way people travel. British nationals or residents have continued to be allowed to return to England but not Scotland from Brazil using indirect fights, without going into a hotel. But Mr Johnson rejected the charge, claiming the government had moved as fast as we could to launch its hotel quarantine policy. We have got one of the toughest border regimes anywhere in the world for stopping people coming in to this country who may have variants of concern, he said. Downing Street also said schools will reopen from next Monday as planned even in South Gloucestershire, where two cases of the Brazilian variant have been found. We have deployed the extra surge testing in Gloucestershire to ensure that if there are any other cases in that local area we can identify then and ensure those people are isolated, he said. From aged blues to processed American slices, cheese comes in a huge range of forms. While cheesemakers spend years crafting their cheeses, the process still leaves a lot to chance, with some batches ripening for months, or even years, before a problem is discovered. Now, scientists have developed what they're describing as a 'pregnancy test for cheese', which allows cheesemakers to test the quality of their produce earlier and more precisely. The team hopes the test could give manufacturers a better chance to react to issues with the ripening process, without wasting any produce. Scientists have developed what they're describing as a 'pregnancy test for cheese', which allows cheesemakers to test the quality of their produce earlier and more precisely (stock image) HOW DOES THE TEST WORK? To develop the test, the team looked at different commercial cheddar cheeses, and applied a type of biological anlaysis known as multi-omics. Dr Ashfari said: 'Once we knew the unique properties of a finished cheese, we compared them to ripening batches and worked out which compounds distinguished the best cheeses.' The team believes this technique could allow manufactures to see if key compounds have developed early in the ripening process, indicating whether or not the batch will age properly. And while the grading of a cheese's quality and maturity is currently left to human senses, the technique could allow this grading to be assessed more accurately. Advertisement The cheese test was developed by researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne, and relies on cheese's biomarkers, which show unique combinations of things like chemicals and milk-derived components. Dr Roya Ashfari, who led the study, said: 'Once we know the chemical profile of a successful cheese, we can compare it to new batches as soon as 30 days into the ageing process. 'It's like a pregnancy screening test for cheese - we analyse the biological data early in the development to see if there are any red flags. 'This could be done alongside traditional analyses like tasting to highlight future potential problems.' To develop the test, the team looked at different commercial cheddar cheeses of varying maturities, and applied a type of biological anlaysis known as multi-omics. Dr Ashfari explained: 'Once we knew the unique properties of a finished cheese, we compared them to ripening batches and worked out which compounds distinguished the best cheeses.' The team believes this technique could allow manufactures to see if key compounds have developed early in the ripening process, indicating whether or not the batch will age properly. And while the grading of a cheese's quality and maturity is currently left to human senses, the technique could allow this grading to be assessed more accurately. The team hopes the test could give manufacturers a better chance to react to issues with the ripening process 'Cheese chemical fingerprints can be compared against those found in the perfect product, along with traditional grading methods,' Dr Ashfari explained. 'Now we can identify different types and grades of cheese more accurately than a taste test.' And it's not just cheese that the researchers believe the test could be used on. It could also be applied to other food or beverages, including cheese's best friend - wine! The cheese test was developed by researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne, and relies on cheese's biomarkers, which show unique combinations of things like chemicals and milk-derived components Professor Harsharn Gill, chief supervisor of the project, said: 'Some product's fingerprints are so unique and detailed that we can narrow down a sample to its origin. 'Clues like the type of grapes used to the fermenting process can be answered by studying wine and comparing results to a trusted sample. 'We're still a long way off from having the technology affordable and therefore widely accessible but we're open to working with industry using facilities in the RMIT Food Research and Innovation Centre.' 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 ADDISON, Texas, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MPOWERHealth today announced that it has invested more than $7 million over the past two years to develop the advanced data analytics and information technology infrastructure needed to better drive quality outcomes and efficiencies with clinically integrated networks in the healthcare company's home state of Texas, as well as Ohio, Georgia and other states across the country. MPOWERHealth's investments have focused on building a foundation of data analytics and healthcare informatics through technology and ensuring independent physicians receive the support their businesses need through key personnel hires. The infrastructure supports quality-focused clinically integrated networks for independent musculoskeletal physicians that MPOWERHealth is establishing in several parts of the country. The network will help drive better outcomes and create efficiencies as the industry moves toward value-based care. For example, MPOWERHealth has the largest quality-driven independent clinically integrated network of its kind in Texas, with more than 40 practices across the entire state. "The massive infrastructure that we have developed to support our clinically integrated networks will allow independent physicians to maintain their autonomy while giving them access to the tools needed to improve outcomes and bring value-based care to their patients in need," said Scott LaRoque, chief executive officer and founder of MPOWERHealth. "We are driven by a vision to empower better healthcare, which is why we're thrilled to establish comprehensive quality-focused networks. Independent physicians are the heartbeat and foundation of our healthcare system, so championing their success is critical." In addition to maintaining their independence, the benefits to physicians of joining MPOWERHealth's network include the ability to improve quality outcomes, efficiencies and patient experiences through proprietary data analytics and information technology tools that help establish best practices and deliver increased value in musculoskeletal care to the market. To learn more about MPOWERHealth and its clinically integrated network offerings, visit www.mpowerhealth.com. About MPOWERHealth MPOWERHealth is dedicated to empowering better healthcare through innovative solutions for specialty physicians, hospitals and payors. Its services include integrated physician networks that support collaboration between neuromusculoskeletal physicians to promote quality improvements; best-in-class intraoperative neuromonitoring and surgical assist services for physicians, hospitals, health systems and medical facilities; and bundled solutions for payors and employers that create direct access to the highest level of conservative spine care at a set cost. Headquartered in Addison, Texas, MPOWERHealth serves more than 400 physicians, 40,000-plus patients annually and more than 300 facilities in 24 states. For more information and to see the company's comprehensive service offerings, visit MPOWERHealth.com Media contact: Sabrina Diaz [email protected] 612.375.8549 SOURCE MPOWERHealth Related Links http://www.mpowerhealth.com Hyderabad farmer developed wheat strains that were fortified with Vitamin D and this month, he received a patent for the wheat he developed. DC Image Hyderabad: Hyderabad and two of its residents figured prominently in Sundays Mann Ki Baat weekly radio address of the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi said it was the fortune of his government that an individual from Hyderabad was presented with the Padma Shri award last year. Speaking about science and how an individuals effort can bring valuable changes in the society, the PM said Chintala Venkat Reddy, a farmer from Hyderabad, wanted to provide additional Vitamin D to people through food. The farmer had heard from a doctor friend how lack of Vitamin D impacted health and led to diseases. He wanted to find a solution. He developed wheat strains that were fortified with Vitamin D. This month, he received a patent from World Intellectual Property Organization for the wheat he developed, Modi said. The PM also answered a question Aparna Reddy from Hyderabad sent to him the other day. The question was Mr Narendra Modi, you are a PM for many years. Before that a CM for many years. Anything you feel you had wanted to pursue but couldnt. I am keen to know. Modi said the question made him think. It was a simple question but difficult to answer. I thought about it and told myself that one thing I have not been able to learn is Tamil, the worlds oldest language. I could not make an effort to learn it. Many have told me about the beauty and grace of Tamil, Modi said in reply. Singapore-based Kelley Aerospace has officially launched the world's first supersonic unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Called 'Arrow,' the drone is designed with a single-shell made of lightweight carbon fiber that allows it to reads speeds up to Mach 2.1 exceeding the speed of sound. The UCAV is fitted with a reduced radar cross-section and infra-red signature, and is designed for multiple combat or reconnaissance roles. The firm says it has already received more than 100 pre-orders for the war machine, which costs between $9 million to $16 million. Scroll down for video Singapore-based Kelley Aerospace has officially launched the world's first supersonic unmanned combat aerial vehicle 'The Arrow is designed to complement manned aircraft and be a force multiplier in the aerial battlefield,' Kelley Aerospace shared on its website. A manned combat aircraft would control 'multiple' Arrow UAVs, tasking 'each with a different missions.' This would allow military officials to add a variety of weapons depending on the mission. Kelley also says that Arrow can launch autonomously or be remotely controlled by two ground station controllers. Called 'Arrow,' the drone is designed with a single-shell made of lightweight carbon fiber that allows it to reads speeds up to Mach 2.1 exceeding the speed of sound The firm says it has already received more than 100 pre-orders for the war machine, which costs between $9 million to $16 million Arrows maximum weight is 37,038 pounds, but its monocoque design 'endows the Arrow with outstanding strength and stiffness,' the firms shared in a statement. However, what makes this machine so special is that it is the first to travel faster than the speed of sound, which is Mach 1 but Arrow can reach Mach 2.1. It is estimated that it will not cost more than $16 million with prices going as low as $9 million. Kelley notes that this 'allows more airframes to be purchased and yet, have a multi-role supersonic UCAV to perform high-risk missions as it does not necessarily need to return home.' The firm conducted the first scale prototype test flights in 2014, Flight Global reports. Kelley Aerospace plans to be a big player in the supersonic area, and its Arrow UCAV may be the push it needs to take over the space. A manned combat aircraft would control 'multiple' Arrow UAVs, tasking 'each with a different missions.' This would allow military officials to add a variety of weapons depending on the mission At a launch event in Singapore in December 2020, the company disclosed it was also developing a supersonic business jet. And two prototypes are reporting undergoing testing in the USA and Sweden. Kelley Aerospace chief executive Ian Lim says: 'UAVs are known for their persistenceloitering, [but] are never known for their speed. So with the Arrow supersonic UAV, you will overcome the issues of speed and reach.' Other fighter jets do have the ability to reach supersonic speeds, but most are only capable of doing so for short bursts. Last year, the Pentagon announced plans to commission a prototype for prototype of a new supersonic Air Force One that could one day ferry the president around the world at nearly twice the speed and half the time currently required to travel And new F-35 fighter jets is one of them. The jets, which have also been bought by the US Navy and Marine Corps, are at risk of 'structural damage' when hitting their top speeds of around 1,200mph, potentially hindering their ability to intercept other planes, according to a report by the US Department of Defense. Last year, the Pentagon announced plans to commission a prototype for prototype of a new supersonic Air Force One that could one day ferry the president around the world at nearly twice the speed and half the time currently required to travel but the innovation is still in early developmental phases. Mayor's Office Press Release Mayor Turner Partners with Faith Leaders and Labor Unions to Assist Houstonians Recovering from Winter Storm February 28, 2021 -- An army of volunteers led by Mayor Sylvester Turner, the National Association of Christian Churches, and several labor unions provided relief supplies to thousands of Houstonians during a mass distribution Sunday afternoon. Organizers planned the event to assist families recovering from the recent severe winter weather. The mass distribution served more than an estimated three thousand vehicles and 10,000 people. As cars pulled into the NACC headquarters warehouse on Air Center Blvd, volunteers handed each occupant a hot lunch and placed cases of water, snacks, a meal kit to last four days, and other relief items in the backseat or trunk. "Even though the power is on and the water pressure is normalized, there are thousands of homes and apartments that have been affected because of busted pipes," said Mayor Sylvester Turner. "They still do not have water, so there is a tremendous need." "We activated with less than 24 hours to respond to an emergency need for food and water in the community, and Mayor Turner accepted the challenge. We made good for the people," said the NACC's David "General Diaz" Diaz. xxxEvent organizers included Pastor Jose Ortega of the NACC and labor union leaders Robert Mele of Teamsters Local Union 988, Mike Silva, Teamsters Local Union 919, Robert Clever, Teamsters Local Union 19, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, CWA Dist. 6 President Ray Rodriguez and Gulf Coast Seafarers International Vice President Dean Corgey. The event would not have happened without the volunteers and the spirit of Houstonians. I know we have faced one challenge after another, but I would not trade this city for any other city on the face of the earth," said Mayor Turner. "I wish we could control the weather, but that is not within our power. But how we respond to it says a lot about our city because we are coming together as a group, including labor, business, volunteers, government workers, and local faith leaders." Janice Weaver of the Mayor's Health Equity Response (H.E.R.) Task Force, Council Member David Robinson, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, staff from Council Member Abbie Kamins office, union members and employees from the Houston Solid Waste and Public Works Departments also assisted with the distribution. There were more Bay Area restaurant closures seen throughout February as we approach the March 16 anniversary of when six Bay Area counties first announced mandatory shelter-in-place orders a year ago. Among the February closures were both Arguello and the Commissary restaurants that operated in partnership with celebrated chef Traci Des Jardins, Bon Appetit Management Company and the Presidio Trust. Daly Citys Moonstar Buffet, a Bay Area business that had operated for 30 years, also closed its brick-and-mortar so that it could pivot into a takeout only model from a central kitchen. It was a difficult decision, but the lease was also ending. The buffet style isnt going to work after the pandemic for a while, owner Daisy Li told SFGATE. Customers will still be concerned about COVID. Other restaurateurs said they closed their businesses because of rent-related issues. In one case, the owner of Espresso Roma told Berkeleyside that he planned to close his business because he was unable to pay his $18,000 monthly rent. The impact each closure had on its community was immense, but theres hope that restaurants can hold on longer as Bay Area counties moved into Phase 1B of Californias vaccination timeline this month, inoculating those 65 and older and essential workers in agriculture, education and emergency services. San Mateo and Marin counties also announced Feb. 23 that they moved into the less restrictive red tier, as part of Californias four-tier system, which allows restaurants to being indoor dining at 25% capacity. San Francisco County is expected to move into the red tier by March 3. To see the list of restaurants that closed in January, click here. To restaurant closures throughout 2021, click here. Visual Street Films Arguello Celebrated chef Traci Des Jardins ended her partnership with Bon Appetit Management Company and the Presidio Trust, which owns both Arguello and the Commissary restaurants. The businesses announced their permanent closure on Instagram. "The Presidio Trust decided to change the leasing deal and didnt want to go forward with the previous structure we had," said Des Jardins. Read more. Black Oak Restaurant The longstanding Vacaville restaurant off I-80 announced its permanent closure Feb. 20 in a Facebook post. Its unclear what decisions led to the closure of the 50-year-old restaurant, but customers will best remember Black Oak Restaurant for its generous portions. Read more. Campo Di Bocce KPIX reported that Campo Di Bocce, a popular Italian restaurant in the Livermore Shopping Plaza, has closed after 15 years. The owners told KPIX that everchanging COVID-19 rules finally took their toll. Camo Di Bocce has a Los Gatos location that is temporarily closed for renovations, according to its business website. Espresso Roma David Sandy Boyd, the owner of Espresso Roma in Berkeley, told Berkeleyside that his business would permanently close as soon as his landlord finds a replacement. Boyds reason for closure resulted from an inability to pay $18,000 in rent while only making about $300 a day, he told Berkeleyside. Read their story here. Moonstar Buffet Months after Daly Citys Moonstar Buffet transitioned into a takeout format, owner Daisy Li announced that she would be closing her 30-year-old business and transition once more. Moonstar will now operate in conjuncture with MoonChef, its sister company at 405 S. Canal St., South San Francisco, where it will continue to serve meals to-go from a central kitchen. Another reason that led to her decision to close the brick-and-mortar was that the lease was ending. Read more. Muddy's Coffee House Muddys Coffee House, which had been a fixture to San Franciscos Mission District for 27 years, announced that it would close after failing to negotiate its lease, according to Mission Local, which first reported the closure. Read more. Outback Steakhouse The restaurant chain, known for its blooming onion appetizer, has closed its Fremont location, the Mercury News reports. Outback Steakhouse continues to have other Bay Area locations. Virgil's Sea Room Lila Thirkield, owner of Virgils Sea Room, announced that the Mission bar would permanently close after a struggle to stay afloat amid the pandemic. "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce our closure," read the Instagram announcement. We are another victim of the times. After a year of constant loss, not enough help from the feds, and a mental fatigue that cant quite be described Virgils has made the tough decision to close." Read more. Protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay on February 22, 2021 Myanmar's military seized power on February 1, arresting the country's democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. This sparked a massive opposition street movement that the junta has since battled to contain, with the crackdown escalating on Sunday. A recap of events: - Back to the old days - The generals stage a coup on February 1, detaining Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi and her top political allies in pre-dawn raids. It ends Myanmar's decade-long experiment with democracy after close to half a century of military rule. The generals claim fraud in November's elections, which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won by a landslide. The putsch draws global condemnation, from Pope Francis to US President Joe Biden. - Walkie-talkies - Two days after the coup, authorities bring an obscure charge against the 75-year-old Suu Kyi -- over unregistered walkie-talkies at her home, an offence under import and export law. - Internet blocked - Resistance to the coup begins with people banging pots and pans -- a practice traditionally associated with driving out evil spirits. The junta tries to block social media platforms including Facebook, which is hugely popular in Myanmar. Later, nightly internet blackouts are imposed. Suu Kyi, not seen in public since the coup, is under house arrest and "in good health", her party says. - Bold defiance - Popular dissent surges over the weekend of February 6 and 7, with tens of thousands of people gathering on the streets calling for the release of Suu Kyi. Workers begin a nationwide strike on February 8. - Curfews declared - The military warns of a crackdown and imposes night-time curfews including in Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw -- the country's three biggest cities. - Police fire on protesters - A young woman is shot in the head and another person is wounded after police fire on crowds in Naypyidaw on February 9. Despite the violence and a raid on the NLD's headquarters in Yangon, tens of thousands of people take to the streets of the city for a fifth successive day. UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews warns that the junta "can't steal the hope and resolve of a determined people". - US sanctions - The same day Washington announces sanctions against several military officials, including General Min Aung Hlaing, the army chief now in charge. - New Suu Kyi charge - On February 16 Suu Kyi's lawyer says she has been hit with a second charge, this time under the natural disaster management law. The next day thousands rally in Yangon vowing to "fight till the end", despite the build-up of troops. Britain sanctions three Myanmar generals on February 18 for post-coup rights violations, as Canada takes similar measures. - Four protesters die - The protester shot 10 days earlier dies on February 19, becoming a symbol of opposition to the junta. Over the next days, two more demonstrators are killed and around 30 are injured as police fire on a protest in Mandalay. In Yangon, a man on neighbourhood patrol against night arrests is shot dead. - International backlash - UN chief Antonio Guterres rebukes the junta's "brutal force", with the European Union later agreeing to sanction the military. The G7 group of the world's wealthiest nations add their condemnation the following day. - Facebook bans military - The next day the social media giant and its subsidiary Instagram turn the screw on the junta by banning all accounts linked to the military. The World Bank also confirms it has told the regime all lending will be cut off. - Bloodiest day - In a significant escalation of force on Sunday, troops and police fire live bullets on unarmed demonstrators across the country. The UN says it has credible information at least 18 people had died. AFP independently confirms eleven deaths in the day's violence, although there are fears the toll could be much higher. - More charges - Appearing in court via video link on Monday, Suu Kyi is hit with two new criminal charges. Her lawyer says she is now also accused of a violation of communications laws as well as intent to incite public unrest. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 painful tradeoff between a number of infected and negative economic impact must be considered before deciding on the lockdown strategy within a city. As national economies continue to crumble, citizens wonder whether their governments did a good job at regulating the lockdown measures. Russian city of St. Petersburg is at the frontlines of this ongoing war with Covid-19. To combat this situation effectively, Russian government allocated significant funds for the research. Results followed. Scientists from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) modified the existing SIR class pandemic prediction model. Now it is better. But why? What is the nature of this modification? Why is it necessary? And what kind of benefits does this modification provide? Let's take a look: Existing SIR (Susceptible - Infected - Recovered) class of models is widely known. There are many modifications to the SIR model. One of them is SEIR (Susceptible - Exposed - Infected - Recovered) The SEIR model was taken as a basis and then expanded to include another group: individuals in isolation or quarantine. That was the modification. But why is this so important? To account for individuals in isolation or quarantine? Let's read the quote from the study: "This modification of the SEIR model allows the number of susceptible individuals available for infection during modelling to be adjusted according to isolation scenarios (i.e., measures designed to prevent susceptible people from becoming infected). This means the model becomes more accurate, as the reduction of individuals in contact during the pandemic is objectively present in society. Moreover, the modification creates the possibility for scenario modelling. Scenario modelling involves assessing the epidemiological consequences of various strategies for countering the spread of an infectious disease in a given region." This model has been tested on data from St.Petersburg. A set of six experiments was sufficient to assess the impact of quarantine measures. The initial data for each experiment include isolated industries that indicate the timing of the introduction and lifting of isolation measures. The results of this first group demonstrate that the dynamics of the virus' spread have a nonlinear dependence on the number of workers employed in the isolated sectors of the economy. For example, the isolation of three economic sectors, which make up approximately 42% of the total number of workers, reduces the peak number of infected people by 6.2 times and the total number of patients by 4.83 times. Isolation of six sectors of the economy, accounting for 80% of the total number of workers, reduces the peak number of infected people by 75 times and the total number of recovered individuals by 56 times". The results of the second group show that the introduction of measures to isolate the economy and public life in the early stages of virus' spread can reduce the incidence of the disease and bring an earlier end to the pandemic. Conversely, the late introduction of isolation measures affects the dynamics of the disease's spread to a lesser extent. These results support assessments made by leading epidemiologists. These results indicate that the optimal disease-countering strategy is total isolation as early as possible. This modified version of the SEIR model can be used to develop strategies for countering the spread of infectious diseases. It also enables researchers to assess the possible mortality in each case as a proportion of the total infected and recovered population. The article develops a methodological apparatus of a SIR-class model for practical use in decision-making by regional leaders. ### The lawyer for El Chapo's beauty queen wife says the US government is trying to get her family murdered by leaking rumors that she is preparing to cooperate with prosecutors following her arrest. Emma Coronel Aispuro, 31, a dual US-Mexican citizen, is being held in a Washington, D.C. prison after she was charged last week with helping her drug kingpin husband run his multibillion-dollar criminal empire. Her lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman, who also represented her husband Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, has accused federal agents of planting rumors that Coronel Aispuro is planning to cooperate with the US government to help take down the Sinaloa cartel. Lichtman told WABC's The Other Side of Midnight program that the rumor 'was designed to kill her family'. 'I'm not going to comment on what she is or what she isn't going to do,' Lichtman said. Emma Coronel Aispuro, 31, is being held in a Washington, D.C. prison after she was charged last week with helping her drug kingpin husband, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, run his multibillion-dollar criminal empire He described the alleged planting of the story as the 'most despicable thing' and the 'worst prosecutorial governmental misconduct' he has experienced in 30 years. 'I've been involved with fabrication of evidence, destroying evidence, lying to judges, lying to juries by the feds but to actually put this out there is an attempt to murder her and her family,' he said. Her lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman, who also represented her husband Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, has accused federal agents of planting rumors that Coronel is planning to cooperate with the US government to help take down the Sinaloa cartel 'Let's be clear about this. She's got two 9-year-old girls that are exposed, obviously, and to put this out there so flippantly is designed to kill them.' Coronel and El Chapo have twin daughters, Emali Guadalupe and Maria Joaquina, together. Multiple law enforcement sources have said Coronel turned herself into authorities last week in a sign of a cooperation agreement, which would require information or testimony in exchange for leniency in her case. Coronel refused to cooperate with investigators when her husband stood trial in the US in 2019. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. The two, separated in age by more than 30 years, have been together since at least 2007. She was arrested a week ago at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Her arrest was a surprise, in part, because authorities had made no move to arrest her over the past two years, even after she was implicated in her husband's crimes. She was charged in a single-count criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana in the US. She was arrested a week ago at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. It was a surprise, in part, because authorities had made no move to arrest her over the past two years, even after she was implicated in her husband's crimes. She is pictured above during a February 23 court appearance Coronel refused to cooperate with investigators when her husband stood trial in the US in 2019. She is pictured outside the Brooklyn Federal Court during his 2019 trial She is also accused of helping her husband escape from a Mexican prison in 2015 and participating in the planning of a second prison escape before Guzman was extradited to the US. Coronel worked with Guzman's sons and a witness, who is now cooperating with the US government, to organize the construction of the underground tunnel that Guzman used to escape from the Altiplano prison to prevent his extradition to the US, according to court documents. The plot also included purchasing a piece of land near the prison, firearms and an armored truck and smuggling him a GPS watch so they could 'pinpoint his exact whereabouts so as to construct the tunnel with an entry point accessible to him,' the court papers say. 'Narco-soap opera' life of El Chapo's wife Emma Coronel Aispuro and how her arrest could spell the end for the Sinaloa drug cartel - if she turns on her husband's associates The life of Emma Coronel Aispuro reads like a soap opera script: teenage beauty queen marries drug kingpin, helps him escape from prison, becomes famous as she stands by his side when he's tried and convicted, and then gets arrested herself. Now the 31-year-old's story could be reaching it's climax, as US officials look to her to help take down the Sinaloa cartel. Coronel and Guzman, who is more than three decades her senior, tied the knot when she was 18 in 2007 and went on to spend the majority of their married life with Guzman either in jail or on the run as one of the world's top drug lords. When Guzman finally went on trial in 2019, Coronel stepped into the spotlight, attending court in designer outfits with their two twin daughters in a show of loyalty. Coronel had refused to cooperate with investigators and turn on her husband - who was easily convicted anyway and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years. After Guzman was put away, Coronel leaned even further into her newfound fame, garnering a 579,000-strong following on social media, launching a clothing brand in the US and appearing on a reality show about mafia families. Everything came crashing down after Coronel's arrest. US investigators are said to be confident that putting pressure on Coronel will finally make her crack and cooperate - potentially providing information that could bring the Sinaloa cartel down altogether. The life of Emma Coronel Aispuro (pictured) reads like a soap opera script: teenage beauty queen marries drug kingpin, helps him escape from prison, becomes famous as she stands by his side when he's tried and convicted, and then gets arrested herself Coronel has been enmeshed in the cartel world all her life, having grown up with a father and brother who were both drug traffickers. When she married Guzman, then 50, the families 'merged' and he brought her brother and father in to be his 'top lieutenants', according to former DEA Chief Mike Vigil . 'Emma Coronel has always been a narco princess,' Vigil told the Sun this week. 'The cartels trust their family members more than anybody else. 'She can provide a lot of information that can lead to US-based indictments against Sinaloa cartel members.' It remains unclear whether Coronel intends to cooperate, or if she plans to continue standing by her husband's side. Vigil said he thinks it could go either way. 'Her life is in danger if she cooperates,' he said. 'Her motivation for co-operating would be her young twin daughters. She goes to jail, she has a life without them.' The Sinaloa cartel, which was established in Culiacan in the 1980s, has only increased its power in the wake of Guzman's arrest, authorities say. It continues to send millions of dollars of drugs into the US each month under the presumed leadership of Guzman's longtime partner, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada. Zambada is believed to be sharing that role with Guzman's sons - Jesus Alfredo Guzman, Ivan Guzman and Ovidio Guzman, who go by the moniker 'Los Chapitos'. The cartel's leadership structure has long been elusive, but cooperation from someone as high up as Coronel could change that. The Sinaloa cartel has held its power even after Guzman's arrest and continues to send millions of dollars of drugs into the US each month under the presumed leadership of Guzman's longtime partner, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada (pictured) Guzman's sons - Jesus Alfredo Guzman, Ivan Guzman (left) and Ovidio Guzman (right), who go by the moniker 'Los Chapitos' - have also taken a more active role in the cartel since his arrest In the wake of her arrest, speculation arose that Coronel, who lived in relative obscurity before Guzman's trial, may have put a target on her own back when she embraced the limelight. Her actions violated unwritten rules about family members, especially wives, keeping a low profile. Until the trial, 'Emma had remained anonymous like practically all of partners of Sinaloa cartel capos,' Adrian Lopez, executive editor of Sinaloa's Noroeste newspaper, told the Associated Press. Then, 'she begins to take on more of a celebrity attitude. ... This breaks a tradition of secrecy and a style specifically within the leadership of the Sinaloa cartel.' Late last year, the Mexican investigative journalist Anabel Hernandez - who has written extensively about the Sinaloa cartel, including a 2019 book about the diary of cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada's son - said a source told her that Coronel's mother, Blanca Aispuro, was worried about the turn her daughter's life was taking. Concern was also building among Guzman's sons and Sinaloa cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, said Hernandez, who was the first journalist to ever interview Emma Coronel. 'Her mother was also worried that an enemy cartel could harm Emma because she was unleashed, was out in the street a lot, the clubs, excessive in her social life,' Hernandez said the source told her. 'Her mother worried something like that could happen or she could become a target of the government.' Scotland's Deputy First Minister will face a motion of no confidence if ministers continue to refuse to publish vital legal advice they obtained in their battle with Alex Salmond. So far, John Swinney and the Scottish Government have failed to hand over the advice given to them over their botched probe into harassment complaints against the former First Minister. But yesterday, MSPs issued a fresh demand for the documents, which will reveal when ministers were first warned they would lose the legal challenge he launched against them. Mr Swinney, the minister responsible for dealing with the issue, previously told the Holyrood committee he was keen to find a 'practical way' for the advice to be handed over. However, this has yet to happen. Yesterday, the Scottish Conservatives disclosed that they will seek to bring a motion of no confidence against Mr Swinney this week if it is not released. Scotland's Deputy First Minister John Swinney will face a motion of no confidence if ministers continue to refuse to publish vital legal advice they obtained in their battle with Alex Salmond Support for Scottish independence plummets to less than half of all Scots and 39% of voters believe Sturgeon's government covered up 'conspiracy' to jail Salmond for sex assault Support for Scottish independence has plummeted amid the bitter row between SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon and her predecessor as First Minister Alex Salmond. The majority of people in Scotland no longer want to break away from the rest of the United Kingdom following recent infighting, a bombshell survey has revealed. The Survation poll, carried out for the Sunday Mail , concluded that support for independence has fallen from 58 per cent in the same poll carried out in October to just a 50 per cent split. It is the first time in 22 consecutive polls that a Yes vote has not been favoured. The row has broken out amid the ongoing Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government's 'botched' investigation of sexual harassment claims against Mr Salmond. Advertisement Leader Douglas Ross said: 'We are giving the Scottish Government one last chance to be transparent and respect the will of the Scottish parliament. 'Twice, opposition parties united to call for the legal advice to be released. The cross-party Holyrood committee have pleaded with the Government to produce it. 'The Government said they would listen but they clearly have not. The legal advice remains hidden. 'This evidence is crucial to uncovering the specific mistakes that lost more than 500,000 of taxpayers' money and let the women at the heart of this investigation down.' The ultimatum came after Mr Salmond warned that, if the case was pursued with Nicola Sturgeon's knowledge against advice, this would be a breach of the ministerial code. Ministers have been accused of attempting to obstruct the Holyrood inquiry into the affair, which left taxpayers with a bill of more than 500,000 paid out to Mr Salmond to cover his legal fees. The Scottish parliament has twice voted to compel the release of the advice ministers and officials obtained during the judicial review brought about by the former SNP leader. However, they have so far refused to do so, citing legal privilege. In January 2019, the Government was forced to admit it had acted unlawfully and its investigation had been 'tainted by apparent bias' after Mr Salmond successfully challenged its investigation into complaints against him. The outcome of the probe was set aside when it emerged that the investigating officer had prior contact with two women who made allegations against Mr Salmond. It was previously revealed that the issue had been identified months before the Government conceded. But the inquiry is keen to know when ministers and officials were advised to drop their defence and admit defeat. The latest motion will go before the Scottish parliament's bureau, which meets tomorrow. Mr Ross said his party would 'gladly withdraw this motion' if the legal advice is released by the Government. The ultimatum came after Mr Salmond warned that, if the case was pursued with Nicola Sturgeon's knowledge against advice, this would be a breach of the ministerial code The Liberal Democrats have already pledged to support the Tory move. MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said Mr Swinney was currently standing 'in contempt of parliament' and warned that his refusal to hand over the advice 'impedes' the Holyrood inquiry. The Scottish Labour Party and Scottish Greens have yet to say whether they will support the motion, but they have not ruled it out. As a minority government, the SNP would be defeated if the opposition voted in favour of the Conservatives' motion. Appearing at the Holyrood inquiry on Friday, Mr Salmond claimed that, if the legal advice to the Government was that it was likely to lose the judicial review and 'the case was continued in the knowledge of the First Minister against that legal advice, that would be a breach of the ministerial code'. If found to have breached the code, Miss Sturgeon would be expected to resign. However, she has denied any wrongdoing. A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'The Government has provided the committee with detailed evidence on its legal position at all the key points of the judicial review. 'If there is a need to further information, the Scottish Government stands ready to discuss that with the committee.' The State Highway 1 checkpoint was located just south of the turn off to State Highway 12 and Maungaturoto. Signs in Kaiwaka warned of a checkpoint. Mangawhai Heads Four Square. Mangawhai Heads Super Liquor. The checkpoints that locked down the Kaipara district towns of Kaiwaka and Mangawhai, along with the supercity last month, may have been illegal. Additionally, Police have also refused to confirm that the confusion over the checkpoint boundaries wont be repeated should Auckland be put into lockdown level 3 again. Section 18 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights guarantees the freedom of movement within New Zealand. Retired lawyer and Mangawhai resident, Clive Boonham, says that right can only be interfered with if criminal law is triggered or if government legislates around it. The right to freedom of movement can also be overturned by a person appointed by legislation such as the Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield. However, when the country was placed in lockdown on February 14, the Government and the Director-Generals message was consistently clear that Auckland was in level 3 lockdown and Northland was in level 2. On the morning of February 15, Kaiwaka and Mangawhai residents woke to find Police checkpoints had cut them off from the rest of Northland. Schools closed, stores shut and residents heading to work were turned back at the checkpoints, grinding the local economy to a halt. Residents on social media also pointed out that Aucklanders were able to visit Mangawhai and Kaiwaka without being screened at a checkpoint. Mahurangi Matters visited police officers at the checkpoint and was told that Mangawhai and Kaiwaka were in level 3, and that residents could not pass through the checkpoint without exemption from the Government. Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith was also told that the towns were in level three and took to Facebook to inform citizens. This was subsequently reported by local and national media. Rodney-based MP Marja Lubeck was a lone voice on the day, attempting to counter rapidly spreading misinformation, assuring Kaipara residents they were not in lockdown level 3. Her enquiries to the Governments Covid-19 group confirmed that Mangawhai and Kaiwaka residents ought to have continued enjoying their legal freedoms. By evening, Police backtracked and issued a statement without explanation announcing that checkpoints would be moved back to the legal regional boundary, where they had been during the regional lockdown last August. The Government subsequently issued a statement saying there had been a misunderstanding between agencies. We acknowledge some confusion resulted and we apologise for the inconvenience people have experienced, it said. Similarly, last week Police responded to questions from Mahurangi Matters, again citing a miscommunication between agencies. When Auckland moved to alert level 3 at 11.59pm on Sunday, February 14, the northern boundary checkpoint was initially placed at a position different to that set by the Health Order, Inspector John Thornley says. As soon as this was identified, agencies worked together to seek the best way to resolve the issue, with the result that Police quickly shifted the checkpoint to align with the boundaries set out in the Health Notice. No assurances that the towns would not be put into further lockdowns with Auckland were made, nor apologies issued. Police also did not respond to queries as to whether the checkpoints were legal. Legal experts believe the events and decisions made by Police have implications for the rule of law. Police do not have the lawful power to apply their own interpretation of the law. They must comply with the letter of the law, Mr Boonham says. He says that had Police arrested someone for refusing to comply with the checkpoint, it would have likely been unlawful detention. Further, businesses and residents who lost money as a result of the lockdown may even have the right to make a compensation claim against Police. NZ Council of Civil Liberties spokesperson Kevin McCormack says at face value, it appears there may have been a breach of the Bill of Rights. However, he points to a recent case where lawyer Andrew Borrowdale challenged whether the first lockdowns in 2020 were legal as they had not explicitly been ordered by the Director-General of Health. In that case, the High Court agreed that the process of putting the country into lockdown had been unlawful, but no official censure was made as it was seen as justified under the circumstances. The fact that the decision was made in haste and quickly corrected limits the capacity to be too critical, Mr McCormack says. However, Mr McCormack says there is a danger that acquiescence by citizens may in time be viewed as a softening of the public to future measures under the guise of public safety. So far, the evidence suggests that the SolarWinds hack, named for the company that made network-management software that was hijacked to insert the code, was chiefly about stealing information. But it also created the capability for far more destructive attacks and among the companies that downloaded the Russian code were several American utilities. They maintain that the incursions were managed, and that there was no risk to their operations. Until recent years, Chinas focus had been on information theft. But Beijing has been increasingly active in placing code into infrastructure systems, knowing that when it is discovered, the fear of an attack can be as powerful a tool as an attack itself. In the Indian case, Recorded Future sent its findings to Indias Computer Emergency Response Team, or CERT-In, a kind of investigative and early-warning agency most nations maintain to keep track of threats to critical infrastructure. Twice the center has acknowledged receipt of the information, but said nothing about whether it, too, found the code in the electric grid. Repeated inquiries by The New York Times to the center and several of its officials over the past two weeks yielded no comment. The Chinese government, which did not respond to questions about the code in the Indian grid, could argue that India started the cyberaggression. In India, a patchwork of state-backed hackers were caught using coronavirus-themed phishing emails to target Chinese organizations in Wuhan last February. A Chinese security company, 360 Security Technology, accused state-backed Indian hackers of targeting hospitals and medical research organizations with phishing emails, in an espionage campaign. Four months later, as tensions rose between the two countries on the border, Chinese hackers unleashed a swarm of 40,300 hacking attempts on Indias technology and banking infrastructure in just five days. Some of the incursions were so-called denial-of-service attacks that knocked these systems offline; others were phishing attacks, according to the police in the Indian state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai. By December, security experts at the Cyber Peace Foundation, an Indian nonprofit that follows hacking efforts, reported a new wave of Chinese attacks, in which hackers sent phishing emails to Indians related to the Indian holidays in October and November. Researchers tied the attacks to domains registered in Chinas Guangdong and Henan Provinces, to an organization called Fang Xiao Qing. The aim, the foundation said, was to obtain a beachhead in Indians devices, possibly for future attacks. A post-Brexit move to dilute human rights laws in the UK would undermine Northern Irelands historic peace agreement, academics have warned. Amending the provisions of the Human Rights Act (HRA) risks upsetting the delicate constitutional balance achieved in the 1998 Good Friday accord, experts from Queens University claim. The concerns of the academics from Queens Human Rights Centre are outlined in a submission to the UK Governments recently commissioned independent review of the Act. The Act translates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into domestic UK law. The UK Government announced a review of the Act and how it is functioning in December amid long-standing calls from Eurosceptics to significantly redraft or ditch it. Former Court of Appeal judge Peter Gross is leading the independent examination of how the Act is being interpreted in UK courts. Professor Christopher McCrudden, one of the authors of the Queens submission to the review, said: We consider the current review into the Human Rights Act to be neither welcome nor timely. We see no need to diminish in any way the protections that the Human Rights Act currently offers to the people of Northern Ireland. Any move that would be widely viewed as undermining the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and its strong commitment to the advancement and protection of human rights would be highly regrettable. The Queens academics state the UKs continued ratification of the ECHR is a significant part of the Good Friday/Belfast agreement. They highlight the accord contains an important section on the protection of human rights and equality. A crucial element of these guarantees is the effective delivery of ECHR rights in Northern Ireland domestic law, the submission states. The HRA is seen in part as the mechanism that delivered on the agreements promises in this respect. The HRA therefore has a constitutional function in Northern Ireland that is unique in the UK. Tinkering with it risks upsetting a delicate constitutional balance. The submission argues the Act plays an important role in policing in Northern Ireland and in the handling of the legacy of the Troubles. It notes the human rights and equality provisions of the Agreement are underpinned by an international treaty between Ireland and the UK, adding: Any significant modification of the HRA in Northern Ireland that leads to a diminution of rights will attract international attention and concern. Prof Christopher McCrudden is one of the authors of the submission (Christopher McCrudden/PA) It said the reaction, particularly from influential US politicians, to the UKs threat to override elements of the Brexit Withdrawal Deal through provisions of its Internal Market Bill should serve as a salutary warning of the potential political fall-out, not least in the United States, to any weakening of the HRA. The academics warn that Northern Irelands constitutional settlement could be collateral damage to a review exercise it claims has little to do with the realities of human rights practice in Northern Ireland. They further highlight that Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol is in part designed to protect rights currently afforded to people in the region. They said this Northern Ireland-specific commitment would further complicate the introduction of changes to the Act on a UK-wide basis. The deal to restore powersharing in Northern Ireland created a special Assembly committee to consider the long-delayed introduction of a specific Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The academics claim the Government-ordered review of the HRA cuts across the ongoing work of the committee. They warn of the risk of exacerbating political divisions around rights in Northern Ireland. Indeed, the debate in Northern Ireland is currently focused on the potential extension of human rights, rather than their diminution, the submission adds. The massive power outage in in October last year was caused by a cyber attack" and it was an act of "sabotage, Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut said on Monday, citing preliminary information. On October 12, a grid failure in resulted in a massive power outage, stopping trains on tracks, hampering those working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hitting the economic activity hard. Interacting with media persons outside the Vidhan Bhavan here, Raut said the state government, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and the Central Electricity Authority had set up separate committees to probe the cause of the power outage and their reports have been received. We had then complained to the cyber cell and their report is awaited. But the preliminary information I have, there definitely was a cyber attack and it was a sabotage, he said. Raut, a Congress minister, did not share more details. His comments came in the wake of a US company's report claiming that amidst the border tension in Ladakh last year, a Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted India's critical power grid system through a malware. The report raised suspicion whether the massive power outage in was a result of the online intrusion. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Lehigh Valley is coming off a challenging year in jobs, with unemployment reaching 16.7% last April before dipping down and holding steady for the final three months of the year. The unemployment rate remains higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic, which means there are still people looking for work. And Lehigh Valley employers are continuing to look for workers -- by the thousands. Which occupants and industries are growing the fastest? What employers are doing the most hiring, and what job certifications are most in demand? To answer these questions, we looked at job trend data compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry for online job postings in January across the Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Area covering Lehigh and Northampton counties. The listings represent a diversity of openings, according to an analysis by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. The job postings reflect the robustness of the Lehigh Valley job market, even during the pandemic, said Karianne Gelinas, LVEDC vice president of business development and talent supply. They show a wide range of occupations available to workers of all education and skill levels, and the diversity of Lehigh Valleys economy with major employment sectors such as health care, manufacturing, logistics and retail. Many of these postings are for essential workers, highlighting the jobs in demand during a pandemic, but it also points to the needs of Lehigh Valleys biggest employers that require technical expertise. That can be found in Lehigh Valley, where our institutions have built a strong talent pipeline. Job seekers can learn more about whats available through careerlinklehighvalley.org. Following are a series of charts looking at the 25 Fastest Growing Occupations in the Lehigh Valley, 25 Fastest Growing Industries in the Lehigh Valley, 25 Lehigh Valley Employers with the Most Job Listings and Lehigh Valleys Most In Demand Job Certifications. You can click the links in this paragraph to view them, since they may not display properly on all platforms. Here is additional context on the Lehigh Valley employment scene compiled by the LVEDC, which offers a look into Lehigh Valley Hot Careers 2020-2021 at lehighvalley.org: Apartmentlist.com , a leading source of U.S. rental information, reported that 38% of Lehigh Valleys workforce had jobs deemed essential in the pandemic economy and that could not be done from home, putting the Valley in the top 10 metropolitan regions in the country with that high of a percentage. The job postings were offered by some of the regions biggest employers: St. Lukes University Health Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Air Products, B Braun and FedEx Ground. Besides the hospitals and distribution centers, the employers who added the most job postings include a medical device manufacturer, B Braun. That exemplifies the growth weve seen in the life science sector. Other life science companies including OraSure Technologies, U.S. Specialty Formulations and CryoConcepts have announced either facility expansions or equipment investment thats expected to add hundreds of jobs to the Lehigh Valley. Job postings show distribution companies were offering pay of $15 an hour and up for people with a high school education during a recession. More recently, one company was advertising for $23 an hour. While employment in the transportation and distribution industry initially suffered during the pandemic, it recovered by the end of the second quarter and continued to climb. Employment in the larger metropolitan area, which also includes Carbon and Monroe counties, were higher in December year over year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The distribution industry, galvanized by the rise in e-commerce during the pandemic, is particularly noteworthy. The region has attracted national logistics companies for years and that footprint expanded during the pandemic because the access the interstates give not just to the Northeast market but inland ports like Nashville and Columbus. The region had about 9 million square feet in industrial buildings under construction at the end of 2020, about 6% of its inventory. That put Lehigh Valley among the top industrial markets in the nation in terms of construction as a percentage of industrial inventory, behind only Nashville and Austin, according to CoStar. RELATED: 42M square feet of Lehigh Valley industrial and warehouse space have been proposed in 6 years Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Transgender employees at one of Australia's largest energy providers can now take an extra six weeks' paid leave to give them time to 'affirm their gender'. AGL Energy made the announcement on LinkedIn last week, revealing the new initiative was for workers who needed time away from the office. 'The leave can be used for things like medical or legal appointments, recovery periods, changing dress and presentation or attending counselling,' AGL said. The energy provider has a employee-driven network called AGL Shine with 558 members dedicated to building an inclusive workplace for its LGBTI+ workers. AGL Energy took to LinkedIn to announce they are offering leave to staff requiring time off to affirm their gender Working professionals were quick to congratulate AGL for making the 'bold' decision to support its transgender employees. 'What a bold step,' wrote one lawyer, before asking for clarification on whether the leave was only for workers recovering from a medical operation. 'The leave is available for social gender affirmation,' AGL replied, without directly answering whether workers undergoing 'social transition' were entitled to the same leave. 'I think this is a step forward compared to many employers. As an employee, I would seek out employers who think along these lines. To me, thats an employee value proposition. These are the things I value,' wrote graduate lawyer Angela Tydeman. According to their current workplace diversity statistics AGL Energy has 5.1 percent of employees identifying as LGBTI. AGL Energy was recognized at the 2020 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion awards as a Gold employer AGL Energy is not the first Australian company to offer gender transition leave for its employees. In 2018, Westpac implemented a similar leave program allowing its employees to access up to four weeks of paid leave and 12 months of unpaid leave to undertake a gender transition. Deakin University also allows its continuing and fixed term staff to have ten days of leave while to undertake their gender affirmation or define their gender identity. Origin Energy also offers up to six weeks of paid leave or 12 weeks leave at half pay for employees going through a medical gender affirmation. AGL Energy was contacted but no comment was made at the time of publication. What youre looking at is a 1989 Toyota Soarer . The nameplate first came to be in Japan in 1981, and starting with 1986, it was based on the A70 platform that also underpinned that eras Supra . In the U.S., the model arrived in 1991 as the Lexus SC.That means this particular one is a Toyota the American market never got to see. Even more so, its not just a Toyota, but one that got handled by factory-supported tuner Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport (TOMs) and transformed into something called the Aerocabin Limited Edition.That means the roof on the thing is removable, going away into the trunk in a three-step process, but leaving the rest of the cabin where it is. Unlike the regular Soarer, which somehow managed to squeeze people in the rear, TOMs variant can seat only two.Being handled by TOMs means the car also got things like a Stage 2 shift kit, lowering springs, and BBS-wheels. As standard, it comes equipped with air conditioning, electric windows and locks, Alpine premium sound system with CD changer, and cruise control, among others.Powering the Soarer around is a 3.0-liter straight-six mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and good for 232 hp.The right-hand-drive beast is for sale as part of the Barrett-Jackson auction taking place later this month. It arrived in the U.S. using the 25-year rule, and the odometer on it reads over 82,800 miles (133,000 km).There is no estimate on how much it is expected to fetch. Still, given its rarity (the Soarer nameplate was discontinued from Japan as well when Lexus arrived there in 2005) and all the hardware it packs, we wouldnt be surprised if it went for a small fortune. Hyderabad, March 1 : Covaxin, India's first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19, received a shot in the arm with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, among other senior politicians, choosing to take the jab on Monday. As the leaders opted for Covaxin on the first day of the third phase of vaccination, the number of its takers is now likely to go up. The vaccine developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech so far had few takers in the country though many countries are evincing interest in procuring Covaxin. Though the vaccination for healthcare workers began on January 16 and subsequently other frontline workers were also vaccinated, there were few takers for Covaxin compared to Covishield, the other vaccine which is part of the national immunisation programme for Covid-19. Bharat Biotech was obviously upbeat over Monday's development. "Inspired and humbled by PM's remarkable commitment to build an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Yes, we all shall fight Covid-19 together and emerge victorious," the company said. Bharat Biotech's Co-founder and Joint Managing Director, Suchitra Ella, also hailed Odisha Chief Minister's gesture. "Hon CM of Orissa Sri Naveen Patnaik ji, leading by example of getting vaccinated today. Covaxin's Team & Bharat Biotech is thankful & honoured by the gesture," she tweeted. When the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) cleared Covaxin for emergency use along with Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharmaceuticals company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, Pune, questions were raised on the indigenous vaccine's efficacy. The move to include Covaxin for national rollout even before publication of data from its Phase 3 trials came under criticism from some quarters. However, the regulator defended the decision, saying both the vaccines are totally safe. Bharat Biotech has developed Covaxin in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). Doctors and other healthcare workers at various places, including Bharat Biotech's home Hyderabad, were reluctant to take the vaccine as the DCGI had authorised restricted use of Covaxin under the clinical trial mode. Bharat Biotech also released a factsheet advising people not to take Covaxin if they have allergies, fever, bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners, if they are immune-comrpomised or are on a medicine that affects immune system. It also said that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take the vaccine. "As with any new medicine, this vaccine will be closely monitored to allow quick identification of any new safety information," Bharat Biotech had said. The company said in case of any Serious Adverse Events (SAV), vaccine recipients will be provided medically recognised standards of care in the government designated and authorised centres/hospitals. The compensation for Serious Adverse Events will be paid by Bharat Biotech International Limited and if SAV is proven to be casually related to the vaccine. The compensation will be determined by the ICMR Central Ethics Committee, as appropriate. In Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials, Covaxin demonstrated the ability to produce antibodies against Covid-19. However, the clinical efficacy of Covaxin is yet to be established and it is still being studied in phase 3 clinical trial. In ongoing clinical trial, Covaxin has been shown to generate immunity following two doses given four weeks apart, the firm said. According to data provided by the government in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha last month, only 16 of the 37 states and Union Territories had started to administer Covaxin as on February 9. Telangana had received 1,72,960 doses of Covaxin, second highest consignment among all states but it had the third lowest administration rate of the vaccine. Telangana's Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinivasa Rao was the first person in the state to take Covaxin shot on February 8. However, not many frontline workers came forward to take the vaccine. Experts also tried to dismiss talks of vaccine hesitancy. "Both vaccines are equally effective. There should not be any doubts in the minds of people," eminent breast cancer surgeon Dr P. Raghu Ram told IANS "AIIMS director who is the main force leading the drive against the pandemic and all the staff in AIIMS have taken Covaxin. This speaks volumes," added Dr Raghu Ram. Riyaz M. Khan, CEO, Continental Hospitals believes that misinformation may be creating reluctance among some people. "Both the vaccines have gone through a robust testing programme and these are stable technologies. The inactivated technology used for Covaxin is the same technology used for almost all other vaccines. Covishield is based on vector-based technology. These technologies have gone through trials. To say that one is safe over the other may not be safe comparison," he said. The reluctance at home is in contrast to the orders Bharat Biotech is receiving from various countries. Last week it announced that the Brazilian government has signed a deal to procure 20 million doses of Covaxin. Several other countries have evinced interest in buying covaxin. Ukraine's health minister Dr Maksym Stepanov last week visited Bharat Biotech's facility in Hyderabad's Genome Valley and discussed with the company officials the plans to procure Covaxin. The Indian government has so far procured 5.5 million doses of Covaxin and issued a letter of comfort to company for another 4.5 million doses. FOREST CITY, Iowa A Lake Mills man gets a third sentence for drugs in North Iowa. Michael Lee Groe, 28, pleaded guilty in Worth County District Court to possession of methamphetamine-3rd or subsequent offense. Authorities say he was arrested after a December 2, 2020, traffic stop where meth was found in his vehicle. Groe has been sentenced to three to five years of probation. Groe was also arrested on August 13, 2020, in Forest City. Authorities say he was caught with 9.1 grams of methamphetamine, 40 pills of alprazolam, and a grinder with marijuana residue in it. He was arrested again in Leland on October 21, 2020, and accused of having meth and marijuana oil in his possession. Groe pleaded guilty in Winnebago County District Court to two counts of possession of meth and failure to use a drug tax stamp and was sentenced to three to five years of supervised probation. Nearly two weeks ago, having shivered their way through the first round of the winter blast, residents of Leander braved the cold and flocked to the local H-E-B to purchase supplies for the week ahead. Then the power went out. Confronted with dozens of anxious shoppers and no way to collect payment, store employees simply said, Go ahead, and let their patrons leave, baskets of food in hand. Texans helping Texans. Amid our first truly statewide disaster in decades, press reports and social media feeds immediately filled with stories reflecting Texans remarkable humanity and generosity. Those fortunate enough to have power, heat and water took in less fortunate neighbors; community members organized mutual aid efforts and impromptu food and water distributions; and donations flowed to food banks and other critical nonprofits. As proud as we should be of the goodness of individual Texans, however, many of us are equally enraged by the collapse of a system intended and expected to keep our residents safe. Make no mistake: This was a man-made disaster. As we mourn the senseless loss of dozens of lives and offer our heartfelt condolences to grieving families and loved ones, we also must seek accountability from the institutions that utterly failed all of us before and during the storm. Lets start with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, the entity charged with the integrity of our independent electric grid with a name that would be comical were it not for the magnitude of its failure. The councils sole focus is keeping the lights on, which includes ensuring our infrastructure is weatherized. After our last major winter storm in 2011, federal officials and national industry representatives recommended ERCOT implement mandatory weatherization protocols for power generators. It failed to do so, with deadly consequences. Whats more, as ERCOT mandated load sheds and supposedly rolling outages to stabilize the grid, it failed to communicate effectively about the situation. Its demands resulted in blackouts that, in many cases, lasted days and caused irreparable harm. As frustration set in, ERCOTs leaders removed information about its board members one-third of whom, before mass resignations Thursday, were not Texan from its website, confusing an anxious public desperate for information. Its inactions failed to live up to the public trust, warranting due consideration about ERCOTs structure, governance and independence. Of course, ERCOT doesnt act alone. It is overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, an agency charged with regulating the states electric power generators, distributors and providers. Reports indicate it bears equal responsibility by allowing utility companies to ignore weatherization practices commonplace elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad. The absence of those protocols left generators of all kinds unable to produce power and millions of Texans in the cold. House and Senate investigatory committees convened last week, and in time what the energy regulators and providers did, could have done or failed to do will come to light. Count me among the legislators who want to get to the bottom of this and ensure it does not happen again. Ultimately, however, much of the responsibility lies with the Texas Legislature. For decades we have debated big versus small government. No matter its size, Texans the H-E-B employees in Leander, the good Samaritans taking care of their neighbors deserve a government that is responsive and responsible, and it is my hope we will act accordingly. The Legislature undoubtedly will pass reforms, ask difficult questions and help resolve spiking energy bills in the coming weeks, but real change will take time, introspection and bipartisan collaboration. That must begin with reconsidering the orthodoxy that brought us to this point. Regarding the energy market, that means questioning the merits of hands-off oversight and an independent grid, but this years cascading crises warrant a broader view: Is less government really the path to human flourishing, or can we find a middle ground between bare-bones minimalism and bloated bureaucracy? I believe we can, and we must. Texans have demonstrated repeatedly their unmatched compassion, kindness and resiliency this year. Our government must too. State Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo represents Texas District 21. 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. SARATOGA SPRINGS Monday's opening of the 80th season of harness racing at the Saratoga Casino and Hotel marks another slog to survive a COVID-restricted world with fewer races and smaller purses. And now the local industry must contend with another blow that horse owners say could devastate them a provision in Gov. Andrew M. Cuomos 2021-2022 budget proposal that would allow Rivers Casino & Resort to defer millions in purse payments to the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association until six months after all coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Joe Battaglia, secretary and treasurer of the association, said the budget proposal blind-sided them and leaves them starved. We are not trying to be unreasonable here, but when you care for horses, you cant cut back on your costs, Battaglia said. They need the same care regardless of what your revenue is. We had full cost through shutdown. You cant cut back what you feed them, the vet bills. With this proposed budget, its a hit. We are worried we cant continue to cover the costs. The association represents owners, trainers, breeders, caretakers and drivers of standardbred horses for harness racing. Related: Hurting Saratoga harness horse owners look to Rivers Casino for relief But Rivers Casino & Resort, which pays between $4 and $5 million a year to Saratoga harness racers, said they dont have the funds because the pandemic has adversely affected them too. Rivers Casino was in a precarious economic situation prior to the pandemic and is now in far worse shape because of the extended shutdown and other COVID-19 restrictions, said Greg Carlin, CEO of Rush Street Gaming, which operates the casino. He called the purse payments a windfall. Our priority at Rivers is the economic viability of Schenectady and the well-being and job stability of our 1000 team members, Carlin said. We look forward to working with the Governor and the legislature to pull out of this economic crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented economic disaster to the City of Schenectady and the state of New York, so we are encouraged that the Governors budget prioritizes stabilization of the upstate casinos, and the preservation of casino jobs. The proposal follows a unilateral decision by the Schenectady betting house to not pay its first quarter 2020 payment of $825,116 into the horseperson's purse account, the coffer for the trotter winnings. That led to a shorter season with smaller purse payments. It also prompted feed stores set up food banks for horses. But the hay, veterinary and farrier bills continue to mount. Rivers reopened in September, but it still hasnt paid anything into the purse account in 2020. The purse payments are set by law, part of the agreement between Rivers and the Saratoga Casino when the state approved the Schenectady casino, which opened in 2017. It was a way to make up for the financial hit that Saratoga Casino, which pays 75 percent of the harness track's cost, would take if another casino was built nearby. Sarah Burger, the attorney for the Horseperson's Association, called the governor's Rivers' proposal a corporate giveaway. She also said she doesnt understand how this proposal got into the state budget because it doesnt do anything to help the states fiscal shortfalls, but it could kill harness racing in Saratoga Springs an industry that she said supports 679 members. She also said that harness racing contributes $15.2 million into the economy. Its a sweetheart deal for Rivers, Burger said. It gives Rivers, run by a multi-billion corporation out of Illinois, an out not to pay the money they owe for two years or more. That really hurts us. Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, agreed. Lets be clear, this is a case of a wealthy large corporation asking the state to support them in taking money away from the 670 families that are the Saratoga horsemen, said Woerner whose district includes Saratoga Springs. It is not be the job of government to put our thumb on the scale to favor one private business or entity over another. Rivers Casino is legally obligated under the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act of 2013 to hold the Horsemen harmless by providing purse support payments. Further deferment of payments for up to six months after the pandemic has officially been declared over has the potential to decimate standardbred racing in Saratoga. The governors proposal would require Rivers to pay its first quarter payment of $825,000 and that's all. The Horseperson's Association said that rather than demand another $3 million, it would be happy to accept $1.7 million for 2020. Freeman Klopott, spokesman for the state budget office, defended the proposal. As you are aware, there is no horse racing at Rivers Casino, Klopott said. When originally enacted, this was a temporary measure to mitigate potential losses at Saratoga related to the opening of Rivers. During the period in question, Rivers was closed and moreover there has been no meaningful impact of Rivers Casino on Saratoga and therefore the justification for the provision is no longer relevant." Battagilia said the association is not unreasonable and that it would credit Rivers for the six months it was closed. But payment deferrals cannot continue. "If this carries into 2021, it makes a financially tenuous situation worse," Battaglia said. Trump Hints at 2024 Run, Blasts Biden, Calls for Unified GOP ORLANDO, Fla.In his first speech since leaving the White House, former President Donald Trump declared his America First movement to be far from over, criticized the Biden administration, charted the course for the future of the Republican Party, and hinted that he may run for president again in 2024. Speaking before an energized crowd at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump said that President Joe Biden had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history. Trump cautioned that Biden has followed a radical socialist path that could lead to communism. We will save and strengthen America, and we will fight the onslaught of radicalism, socialism, and indeed, it all leads to communism, Trump said. We all knew that the Biden administration was going to be bad, but none of us imagined just how bad they would be, and how far left they would go. Trump devoted a significant portion of the speech to a critique of Bidens early actions on immigration. He said Bidens reversal of his actions on immigration has resulted in a flood of illegal aliens, especially minors. Bidens radical immigration policies arent just illegalthey are immoral, they are heartless, and they are a betrayal of our nations core values, he said. Trump projected that Bidens immigration policies alone are enough for the Democrats to lose the White House in 2024. He then hinted at a potential run for the presidency. Who knows, I may even decide to beat them for a third time, Trump said, prompting a loud ovation from the audience. Trump called on Biden to reopen schools and accused the president of acting at the behest of teachers unions, which are resisting reopenings. He touted his administrations successes in dealing with the CCP virus pandemic. Trump also criticized Biden for rejoining the World Health Organization, canceling the Keystone XL pipeline, and reentering the Paris climate accord. Trump addressed the rift in the Republican Party fueled by a small number of Republicans who voted in favor of impeachment and conviction before the Senate acquitted the former president. Trump named each Republican who voted against him by name. The Republican Party is united. The only division is between a handful of Washington, D.C., establishment political hacks, and everybody else all over the country, Trump said. The former president affirmed that hes not interested in starting a third political party, saying that we have the Republican Party. Trumps remarks marked his first public appearance since he left the White House on Jan. 20. He was banned from Twitter and Facebook before he left office, compounding his absence from the limelight. The former president said, the time has come to break up the Big Tech monopolies. Trumps position as the leader of the conservative movement was clear throughout the four days of speeches and panels at CPAC, with the crowd often breaking into cheers when Trumps name was mentioned. None of the speakers criticized the former president. A straw poll taken at the conference showed that 95 percent of the attendees want Trumps policies to be continued, and 97 percent approved of his performance in office. Trump also garnered more than twice the support of any other GOP candidate in a hypothetical 2024 presidential ballot. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received 21 percent of the vote compared to 55 percent who chose Trump. Trump laid out the agenda for the Republican Party, identifying election integrity as one of the top priorities. He said the election was rigged, prompting a chant of we won from the crowd. He said the Supreme Court didnt have the courage to take up the Texas election challenge. The speech often resembled his signature rally addresses with a message akin to that of a campaign platform. We believe in standing up to China, shutting down outsourcing, bringing back our factories and supply chains, and ensuring that America, not China, dominates the future, he said. Companies that leave America to create jobs in China, and other countries that have ripped us off for years, should not be rewarded; they should be tariffed, fined, and punished. The future of the Republican Party is as a party that defends the social, economic, and cultural interests and values of working American familiesof every race, every color, and every creed, Trump said. Republicans believe that the needs of everyday citizens must come first. A man who doused a friend in petrol and set her alight will not serve any more jail time after a Brisbane judge found mental health a key factor in his crimes. The behaviour of Matt James Nolan, 30, was described as 'robotic' when he arrived at the north Brisbane home where Sigourney Coles was sleeping in July 2017. He found a jerry can at the property, spread petrol around her room and ignited it before leaving as abruptly as he arrived. Matt James Nolan, 30, leaves Brisbane District Court on Monday a free man after receiving a four-and-a-half year sentence suspended after the 263 days he already served. Nolan was suffering schizophrenic psychosis after taking methamphetamine at the time of the attack Ms Coles required a skin graft and has scars from burns to her arms, hands, chest, neck and lip, but has been 'extraordinarily generous' in her forgiveness. 'It is a horrifying act to set another person on fire, ordinarily it would warrant a very significant sentence to condemn that conduct on behalf of the community,' Judge Vicki Loury said in the Brisbane District Court on Monday. 'The person who would most want to condemn your conduct does not want to see you go to jail.' Nolan stayed at Ms Coles' home the previous night after a barbecue before leaving in the morning and returning a few hours later. Sigourney Coles (pictured) was left with life-long injuries after being doused in petrol and set alight while asleep in her home by Matt James Nolan, a schizophrenic suffering psychosis who had taken methamphetamine as he thought his medication wasn't working He was arrested in hospital later that day after having a mental health episode that required sedation and tested positive for methamphetamine, indicating use in the previous three to four days. Nolan's family cried in the courtroom on Friday as his lawyer Joseph Briggs recounted several failed attempts to get him help for his schizophrenia in the lead-up to the attack. 'You were suffering from an exacerbation of psychotic symptoms at the time of your offending, you used methamphetamines to alleviate some of your symptoms when you did not receive any assistance at the hospital,' Judge Loury said. 'In fact, the use of methamphetamines led to an exacerbation of your psychotic symptoms and it contributed to some extent to your mental state.' Mr Briggs noted the attack didn't appear to be planned because Nolan did not bring the jerry can to the home and his robotic behaviour was 'consistent of a mind governed by profound psychoses'. Ambulance and police officers pictured outside the Bracken Ridge home where Matt James Nolan, in the grip of psychosis, set fire to Sigourney Coles Burnt carpet and bed sheets from the scene where Ms Coles was set alight Judge Loury said Matt James Nolan (pictured) said Nolan's mental health treatment since the attack was successful and ongoing treatment would protect the public from Nolan reoffending Sigourney Coles (right) has been left with terrible burns from the attack but she still didn't want Matt James Nolan to go to prison He said Nolan's course of treatment since the attack had been 'remarkably successful'. Judge Loury agreed that the support systems in place and ongoing treatment would help protect the community from potential reoffending. 'Returning to custody is likely to have a significant adverse effect on your mental health,' she said. Nolan pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm. He received a sentence of four and a half years, suspended with 263 days served. Sigourney Coles was asleep at her home in Bracken Ridge, Queensland on July 25, 2017, when Matt James Nolan doused her in petrol and set her on fire. Sigourney Coles was doused in petrol and set alight in 2017 by her ex-boyfriend who was suffering from schizophrenic psychosis and had taken methamphetamine in an attempt to self-medicate. She suffered burns to 10 per cent of her body and her life will never be the same The night before the attack, Nolan had attended a barbecue at Ms Coles' home and stayed the night before leaving the following morning. He returned two hours later, about 10.30am, and silently set her on fire. Distraught housemates helped Ms Cole in the aftermath of the fire, putting out the flames on her body with a garden hose. Housemate Leonii Grant described the horrific moment she woke to her friend's screams and discovered her on fire, saying it was 'on her face and everything'. Police at the scene in 2017. Paramedics found Ms Coles in the shower, barely conscious 'She was just on fire with all of her clothes and she was wearing flannelette pyjamas,' Ms Grant told 7 News. Paramedics arrived to find Ms Coles in the shower, barely conscious, and she was rushed to hospital with burns approximately 10 per cent of her body. Family and friends were worried at the time that Ms Coles, who was put in an induced coma, would never regain 'full mobility of her hands and arms'. Ms Coles' housemate Leonii Grant (pictured) described the horrific moment she woke to her friend's screams and discovered her on fire, saying it was 'on her face and everything' After surgery and skin grafts, however, she has somewhat recovered although still suffers scars from burns to her arms, hands, chest, neck and lip. Almost 90 per cent of her burns required skin grafts and she suffered third degree burns to her hands and fingers. Ms Coles' mother Paula became her daughter's full-time carer after her release from the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital's burns unit. Nolan, who was Ms Coles ex-boyfriend, was tracked down by the police in another suburb following the incident and was arrested. His case was not heard in the mental health court at the time, as drugs affected his capacity to determine that his actions were wrong. In the lead up to the attack, Nolan was repeatedly turned away from the emergency department when a new schizophrenia treatment made him feel worse. He also tried to self-medicate with methamphetamines, under the wrong impression they would alleviate his ongoing auditory hallucinations. Advertisement New York's embattled governor Andrew Cuomo's women issue may have gotten worse today when pictures emerged of him appearing to get cozy with his closest aide - the woman who admitted his administration had downplayed the number of nursing home COVID deaths - less than two weeks after she got married. 'He was quite brazen about it. It was all in public view in a restaurant,' said an eyewitness who snapped pictures of Andrew Cuomo and Melissa DeRosa as they finished dinner in New York City in 2016. DailyMail.com has now obtained those pictures. The new photos may pile further pressure on the governor who has been accused of sexual harassment by two women over the past week. The pictures show Cuomo, now 63, and DeRosa, 38, in the Knickerbocker Bar & Grill in Lower Manhattan on September 8, 2016. DeRosa had married former Cuomo spokesman Matthew Wing just 12 days earlier on August 27. Photos taken in September 2016 show New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, 63, getting cozy with his closest aide Melissa DeRosa, 38, at dinner The photos obtained by DailyMail.com show the pair seated closely in a booth with a source saying Cuomo appeared to touch her thigh at the Knickerbocker Bar & Grill DeRosa has been a constant presence at Cuomo's side at his numerous press conferences during the coronavirus pandemic and she often travels with him as part of her official role. They're pictured in June 2020 A witness who snapped the photos told DailyMail.com, that they sat in a booth typically reserved for parties of four or more The pictures show DeRosa's brand-new wedding ring as she sits with Cuomo, who is wearing a white shirt and purple tie. She is drinking red wine while he has a cocktail in front of him DeRosa and her husband Matthew Wing, who is now Uber's head of communications, live in a co-op in Brooklyn that they bought for $2.2 million a couple of months after their wedding. They met when Wing was a press secretary for Cuomo At the time Cuomo was in a long-term relationship with celebrity chef Sandra Lee. They were living together in her sprawling home in Mt. Kisco, New York until they eventually split in 2019. Lee was spotted out in Los Angeles over the weekend on a heated phone call. When told about the photos, Sandra Lee told DailyMail.com 'I have no comment.' Before Lee, Cuomo had previously been married to Kerry Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy's seventh child. They divorced in 2005. The governor and his aide had been dining with another man who left shortly after 8pm, recalls 'James,' one of the men who took the pictures. Neither man wants to be publicly identified for fear of retaliation from the famously combative governor. 'He put his hand under the table and it looked like he was touching her thigh.' DeRosa said in a statement to DailyMail.com, 'There have been misogynistic rumors in Albany and in government for years but I never thought I'd have to respond to them in the press. The Governor and I have never had an intimate relationship. The Governor and I have been close friends and colleagues for over ten years we've had countless meals together and suggestions or innuendo around that is inappropriate, offensive and wrong.' The pictures show DeRosa with her brand-new wedding ring as she sits with Cuomo, who is wearing a white shirt and purple tie. She is drinking red wine while he has some kind of cocktail possibly a vodka and grapefruit juice in front of him. 'He had at least two drinks in the 20 minutes or so that they were alone together,' said 'Tom,' the second of the men. 'They sat at the back in a cozy booth. Normally those booths are reserved for parties of four or more but I guess if you are the governor you get to sit where you want.' DeRosa had married former Cuomo spokesman Matthew Wing just 12 days earlier on August 27, 2016. Pictured at their wedding. The couple got married at the swanky Sagamore Hotel which is on an island in upstate Lake George. Cuomo was among the guests as was Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, a former schoolmate of DeRosa At the time Cuomo of the dinner was in a long-term relationship with celebrity chef Sandra Lee and they were living together in her sprawling home in Mt. Kisco, New York. They have since broken up Sandra Lee was seen for the first time Sunday since the explosive sexual misconduct allegations came out against Cuomo. Lee was seen out in Los Angeles with a positive message-filled T-shirt while on an intense phone call The two men say they were having dinner with three friends and arrived at the restaurant around 7.30 for an 8pm reservation. 'When we arrived we had a couple of beers at the bar and we noticed a lot of Cuomo's security detail hanging round having soft drinks. 'At one stage they came to the table and we thought we had been spotted taking pictures. They spoke to the governor and he carried on as if nothing had happened.' Cuomo is under intense pressure after two women came forward over the past few days accusing him of sexual harassment. He has initiated an inquiry into the allegations, asking state attorney general Letitia James to pick someone to head the inquiry. President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, New York's two Senators, Chuck Schuer and Kirsten Gillibrand as well as New York Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jerrold Nadler were among Democrats who called on Cuomo to initiate the inquiry. The first woman to come forward with her allegations was Lindsey Boylan, a former state economic development officer. She claimed on Wednesday Cuomo had harassed her several times between 2016 and 2018, at one time planting an unwanted kiss on her lips in his Manhattan office, and on another occasion asking her to play strip poker on his taxpayer-funded jet as they flew back from a meeting in western New York. Boylan, 36, said Cuomo 'has created a culture within his administration where sexual harassment and bullying is so pervasive that it is not only condoned but expected. 'His inappropriate behavior toward women was an affirmation that he liked you, that you must be doing something right, she wrote on Medium.com. 'He used intimidation to silence his critics. And if you dared to speak up, you would face consequences.' An eyewitness who snapped the photos tell DailyMail.com: '[Cuomo] was quite brazen about it. It was all in public view in a restaurant' The two witnesses they were having dinner with three friends and arrived at the restaurant around 7:30 for an 8pm reservation. 'When we arrived we had a couple of beers at the bar and we noticed a lot of Cuomo's security detail hanging round having soft drinks' The witnesses said 'At one stage [Cuomo's security detail] came to the table and we thought we had been spotted taking pictures. They spoke to the governor and he carried on as if nothing had happened' Then on Saturday Charlotte Bennett, 25, claimed she was in Cuomo's office in Albany, on June 5 last year, when he asked her if she thought age made a difference in relationships and said he was open to having affairs with women in their 20s. She also said that he had told her of his loneliness during the pandemic saying he 'can't even hug anyone.' 'I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared,' said Bennett, who was an executive assistant and health policy advisor in the Cuomo administration before she quit in November. 'I was wondering how I was going to get out of it and assumed it was the end of my job.' In a statement, Cuomo initially said: 'I never made advances toward Ms. Bennett nor did I ever intend to act in any way that was inappropriate. The last thing I would ever have wanted was to make her feel any of the things that are being reported.' He also said he was trying to be a 'mentor' to her. Cuomo's problems deepened on Monday when video of him urging reporter Beth Cefalu to 'eat the whole sausage' at the 2016 New York State Fair emerged. Cefalu said she found nothing inappropriate about his remark although others have called it 'creepy' and 'cringey.' But as Cuomo's personal political crisis grew he apologized and accepted that his remarks 'may have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation.' 'I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended.' These new photos may pile further pressure on the governor who has been accused of sexual harassment by two women over the past week One of the witnesses noted that Cuomo had at least two drinks in the 20 minutes or so that the pair were alone together. The pair had initially been dining with another man who left shortly after 8pm 'They sat at the back in a cozy booth. Normally those booths are reserved for parties of four or more but I guess if you are the governor you get to sit where you want,' a witness said He asked the public to reserve judgment on the allegations until the inquiry is complete. If he were to step down from his post which he has held for more than a decade, lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul would take over. DeRosa's official title is secretary to the governor. Cuomo hired her in 2013 and promoted her to her current position four years later. She had previously been acting chief of staff for former New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman who resigned in 2018 after four women accused him of physically assaulting them during sex. She has been a constant presence at Cuomo's side at his numerous press conferences during the coronavirus pandemic and she often travels with him as part of her official role. Last month, she privately apologized to Democratic state lawmakers for underreporting the number of nursing home residents who had died of COVID-19 because Cuomo's administration feared they would 'be used against us' by federal prosecutors after former President Donald Trump had attacked him.' 'Basically we froze,' DeRosa said. Her remarks were leaked to The New York Post. Charlotte Bennett (left), 25, accused Cuomo of sexually harassing her during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in his Albany office, including quizzing her about dating older men. Lindsey Boylan (right) accused him of attempting to kiss her on the mouth in 2018 DeRosa earns $207,323 a year. At one point her salary was higher than Cuomo's but he has since had a pay raise DeRosa's official title is secretary to the governor. Cuomo hired her in 2013 and promoted her to her current position four years later. She had previously been acting chief of staff for former New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman who resigned in 2018 after four women accused him of physically assaulting them during sex Last year the New York Times called DeRosa 'the most powerful appointed official in the state.' 'If you're an Albany lawmaker and you get a call from Melissa DeRosa, you're essentially getting a call from the governor,' Cuomo's former re-election campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith told the paper. 'She is by no means a ''yes'' woman. And, as you may imagine, [Cuomo] does not relish hearing no. But he trusts her and values the fact that she's a straight shooter.' DeRosa earns $207,323 a year. At one point her salary was higher than Cuomo's but he has since had a pay raise. She has faced her own experiences of sexual harassment. She told the Poughkeepsie Journal that while working as a lobbyist, she was on a conference call with her boss and a client who she said was a national figure in progressive politics. 'My boss said, ''Melissa will be taking the lead on the project,'' and [the politician] said, ''Why doesn't she take the lead right up to my hotel room?''' DeRosa said. Cuomo is seen presenting his Covid-19 Mountain during his coronavirus briefings. DeRosa admitted to underreporting the number of nursing home residents who had died of COVID-19 because Cuomo's administration feared they would 'be used against us' by federal prosecutors after former President Donald Trump had attacked him' DeRosa dropped Cuomo in hot water last month when she admitted his administration had deliberately underreported the number of nursing home residents who had died of COVID 'I remember just thinking to myself what do people think about me when they look at me? Is this how people see me?' she told the paper. 'How many things do I need to accomplish and how many years do I have to work and how many titles do I have to hold before they will look at me the same way that they would look at a man in this position with the same level of respect and treat me the same way?' She and her husband, who is now Uber's head of communications, live in a co-op in Brooklyn that they bought for $2.2 million a couple of months after their wedding. They met when Wing was a press secretary for Cuomo. They got married at the swanky Sagamore Hotel which is on an island in upstate Lake George. Cuomo was among the guests as was Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, a former schoolmate of DeRosa. Stefanik has now called for the criminal prosecution of both Cuomo and DeRosa for covering up the nursing home COVID deaths. 'This is more than a nursing home scandal, this is a massive corruption and coverup scandal at the highest level of New York State Government implicating the Governor, the Secretary to the Governor, the New York State Health Commissioner and the Governor's staff,' Stefanik tweeted on February 11. At the weekend Stefanik called on Cuomo to resign because of the growing sexual harassment scandal. She called Charlotte Bennett's accusation against the governor 'so horrific it makes your skin crawl.' Cybersecurity Mandatory breach reporting bill on deck, lawmakers say Key industry leaders welcomed the prospect of a first-ever national cybersecurity breach reporting law for private companies, as floated by members of Congress from both parties at a hearing on Friday to look at the fallout from a massive hack linked to vulnerabilities in SolarWinds' IT management software. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) announced that he and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), both members of the House Homeland Security Committee are working on a bill that would establish the Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency as a kind of 911 for breach notification. McCaul said his legislation is designed to protect companies from repercussions in the market by removing sources and methods and company names out of reporting. "It would just simply send a threat information itself to CISA so that they could deal both industrywide and federal government wide and state, the threat information they would need to address it on a larger scale," McCaul said at a joint hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the House Homeland Security Committee on Feb. 26. Microsoft President Brad Smith supported notification legislation at the hearing and noted that there are victims of the hack who have not identified themselves to the public as having been hit. "Some of the largest companies in our industry, that are well-known to have been involved in this that still have not spoken publicly about what they know," Smith said. "There's no indication that they even informed customers. And I'm worried thatto some degree some other companies, some of our competitors even, just didn't look very hard." The hack has affected about 100 private firms and at least nine federal agencies, but it appears from testimony at the hearing that the hackers were particular about what they were looking for. According to information shared by Langevin in his questioning, about 77 individual email accounts were accessed in the hack, which has been said by federal officials to have been likely perpetrated by Russian intelligence. That number, Langevin observed is quite small when compared to the total number of accounts across the thousands of organizations that installed compromised SolarWinds' code. "I think that was indicative of the stealthy practices that this actor tends to deploy, namely, to take great care to be very discreet," Smith said. The damage assessment's going to be based on the content of the emails," FireEye CEO Kevin Mandia said. "How that information is intended to be used -- we dont know. That's the problem. We have to get our arms around all the content, and all the potential use and misuse of all that content." SolarWinds CEO Sudhakar Ramakrishna, said it is closer to understanding how the malware was injected into company updates for its Orion IT management software product. They're focused on three possibilities, he said. One is the password spraying; the next, credential theft, and the third is through a vulnerability in third party software used by the company in their on-premise infrastructure. "Just like other companies on this witness stand, we use a lot of third-party software as well, and we are looking at it in those three dimensions at this point. We are evaluating several petabytes of data to be able to sift through this in the hopes that we can pinpoint patient zero in this context," Ramakrishna. Lawmakers also honed in on a claim from SolarWinds that one possible vector of compromise was the use of an insecure password -- SolarWinds123 to provide access to company servers. "I've got a stronger password than SolarWinds123 to stop my kids from watching too much YouTube on their iPad. You and your company were supposed to be preventing the Russians from reading Defense Department emails," Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) said to Ramakrishna. "Do you agree that companies like yours should be held liable when they don't follow best practices, yes or no," Porter added. Ramakrishna didn't answer directly, but the issue of liability has proven a sticking point for breach notification legislation in the past. As far as how hackers got into U.S. federal government networks, witnesses told lawmakers that once hackers were in a network, they were able to take advantage of lapses in basic cybersecurity practices. Its likely they were able to access Justice Department accounts using methods like stealing passwords, Smith said. Some lawmakers also asked focused questions about cloud migration and threat hunting, the practice of looking for cyber threats in a network proactively. The ability for CISA he ability to conduct threat hunting on federal agency networks, as provided by the 2021 NDAA, is "exactly the right thing to do," Mandia said. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) asked how the federal government can support private companies that threat hunt on federal networks. The most important step will be centralized cyber breach reporting, Smith told him, as well as sharing information back out to the private sector. The area will need more legislation, he said. One hurdle Congress will also need to address is the ways that agencies restrict contractors from sharing their cybersecurity information about what they are seeing with other parts of the federal government. "One of the specific things that we had to do in December was go to each agency, tell them that we had identified that they were a victim of this and then we had to say, 'you need to go over to this person in the other part of the government to let them know. Please do that, we cannot do that for you,'" Smith explained. Baker: State Told Johnson & Johnson Ramping Up Vaccine Production MATTAPAN, Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday said the commonwealth has been told to expect a "lot more" of the single dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the month. In the meantime, he stressed that all vaccines are safe and effective and encouraged residents to get whichever vaccine they can as soon as they are eligible and can make an appointment. "The information on the J&J vaccine in terms of volume is a little up in the air," Baker said Monday morning. "What I'd say is it is likely we will get, for next week, a shipment. That shipment will probably be distributed pretty evenly across what we think of as the vaccinating community across Massachusetts. "The message from the feds is, '[Johnson & Johnson] has made some, and we will distribute those through our own channels and to [states].' 'Through their own channels' means the CVSs and Walgreens, the pharmacy channel that they've got. And then you should expect there will be a bit of a pause as they ramp up production, and you probably won't see significant amounts of additional vaccine until later this month." The pharmaceutical company is expected to ship an initial 3.9 million doses nationwide and state officials last week estimated up to 80,000 could be coming to the Bay State. Massachusetts has been receiving about 130,000 to 140,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna combined per week. Baker for weeks has been predicting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, once approved, would be a "game-changer" in efforts to vaccinate the population against the novel coronavirus. Over the weekend, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for distribution in the United States. "J&J is a really big company, and they have a ton of manufacturing and production capability," Baker said during his daily COVID-19 briefing. "I don't want to speculate on how fast or how much at this point in time because anything I say at this time would be speculation. "But I would anticipate that by the time we get toward the end of the month of March, we're going to know a lot more about the flight plan for Pfizer, Moderna and J&J and what April, May and June is going to look like. That will tell us a lot about how to think about distribution generally, not just here in Massachusetts but around the country." Baker made his remarks from the sanctuary of Mattapan's Morning Star Baptist Church, where he was joined by officials from Mattapan Health Center, Boston Medical Center and Bishop John M. Borders III, whose church is hosting a vaccination clinic for people in the Boston neighborhood. Baker and Borders both talked about the role that churches do play and can play in reaching people of color who are victims of institutional racism, disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and often hesitant to trust the vaccine. "After people sit in the observation room after they're vaccinated, there have been no side effects, no complaints," Borders said. "I have not seen one person complaining about adverse side effects. So you can trust it. "You can trust this church, you can trust these institutions and you can trust this vaccination." State Rep. Russell Holmes, D-Mattapan, said there is a debate nationwide and in the commonwealth about balancing the need to vaccinate as many people as possible against the need to have equity in the distribution model. Russell said the system can do both. "When the governor talks about structural racism, many folks will still say structural racism doesn't exist," Holmes said. "I know folks get tired of hearing me repeat it, but 400 years -- 250 years of slavery; 100 years of, essentially, apartheid; 55 years since the Civil Rights bills; and quite literally you had the Nixon court, the Reagan court and, now, the Trump court taking away whatever gains we had through the '60s. "For folks who don't understand what that looks like quantifiably, I have to still say that, from a numbers perspective, structural racism in Boston looks like $8 for every Black person in wealth and $247,500 for every average white family. When you put things together like what we're doing here at Morning Star, they're critical. They're critical because the community is going to do more than just vaccinate. We're going to feed, we're going to make sure we get the masks. We're going to do things that are intentional about the fact that we believe structural racism exists." And, Borders said, his church's effort to vaccinate the community dovetails with its mission to serve the faithful. "We have seen scores of people from this congregation alone die of the coronavirus who were unable to have a regular funeral service for their loved ones," Borders said. "But, by this effort, we'll be able to see, very soon, men and women coming back again for public worship and coming back for any other services that our congregation provides." More locally, the Berkshire Vaccination Collaborative has been focused on ensuring those who received their first doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine get their second dose. There are no current appointments for vaccinations but the website will be updated as soon as those become available. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... TUCSON, Ariz. Two additional teenagers have been arrested in the Feb. 20 shooting death of a University of Arizona student, a very random act of violence resulting from an encounter in a campus parking garage, police officials Saturday. The two youths arrested Friday and one arrested Thursday are all 17 years old and are not university students, police said. The three youths were all arrested and jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder and drive-by shooting in the killing of Forrest Keys, police said. The Associated Press generally does not identify juvenile criminal suspects. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Keys, 20, was a sophomore from Philadelphia majoring in communications. University Police Chief Brian Seastone said during a news conference the killing was a very random act of violence. I wish we could put a magic boundary around our campus and around our city but we cant do that, Seastone said. According to police, Keys was walking home with friends at about 11 p.m. when a verbal altercation took place between him and people riding in a car. The incident began when at least one person in the car taunted Keys and his companions, Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus said. Mr. Keys responded and the vehicle turned around, Magnus said. Mr. Keys then approached the vehicle, exchanged words through an open window and punched a passenger once. Keyes was then shot several times at close range, the police chief said. The youth arrested Thursday was believed to be the cars driver and one of the two arrested Friday was believed to be the shooter and the third persons actions contributed to the shooting, Magnus said. Magnus said police hoped the arrests would provide some comfort to Keys family and friends. Look, there is no good ending to a homicide because there is no way to bring a victim back but we are dedicated to bringing the suspects in this case to justice, he said. Keys was a true leader and a charismatic figure on our campus, university President Robert Robbins said. This has been a very devastating week with the loss of a very beautiful young man. Police said their investigation continued. They said they were still looking for the car as well as individuals who might have been involved or have information. Online court records didnt indicate whether the three arrested teens had defense lawyers who could comment on their behalf. 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 23:37:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China will push forward reform and opening-up from a higher starting point, bringing new opportunities for the comprehensive China-Tajikistan cooperation. Xi made the remarks during his telephone conversation with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon. The Chinese president pointed out that since last year, the Chinese and Tajik people, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transformations rarely seen in a century, have sticked together through thick and thin, joined hands in unity and coordination, and achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields, especially in battling the pandemic. Xi said the two sides have supported each other on issues involving each other's core interests, which fully reflects the high level of the China-Tajikistan comprehensive strategic partnership. China firmly supports Tajikistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and stability, and is willing to strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Tajikistan's national development strategy until 2030, so as to promote the continuous development of China-Tajikistan relations, he added. Xi called on the two sides to push forward bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, agriculture, interconnection and digital economy in an integrated manner, and to give priority to the construction of key BRI projects. China is ready to import more quality agricultural products from Tajikistan that meet market demands, Xi said, adding that China is also willing to provide assistance of COVID-19 vaccines to Tajikistan in a bid to promote the building of a community of common health for mankind. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Xi said China will give full support to Tajikistan, currently holding the rotating presidency of SCO, and strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan, so as to promote greater development of the organization from a new starting point. Enditem A Cork woman who clocked up her 100th theft conviction was jailed for 10 months at Cork District Court. Mary Foley, who is aged around 40, pleaded guilty to five thefts as Sergeant John Kelleher said the accused woman came before the court with 95 previous convictions for shoplifting. Judge Olann Kelleher noted that Foley was pleading guilty to five new shoplifting offences, one of engaging in threatening behaviour and three of being drunk and a source of danger. Out of Foleys 250 previous convictions, 21 of them were for engaging in threatening behaviour and 47 were for being drunk and a danger. Defence solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, said the accused was herself the victim of a very serious assault and that she suffered a serious head injury. Mr Kelleher said the accused suffered depression from an early age and she became addicted to the medication that was being prescribed for her. This was compounded by an alcohol addiction. Mr Kelleher said: Generally, she gets this overwhelming compulsion to get more alcohol. It is a very difficult lifestyle. She caused no difficulty to the gardai and pleaded guilty to all matters. Judge Kelleher said there was 370 worth of stolen property that had not been returned and for which there was no prospect of repayment. The judge imposed a total sentence of 10 months on Mary Foley. The shoplifting incidents included thefts at Supervalu in Merchants Quay, Lifestyle Sports on St Patricks Street, Hennessys beauty salon and the theft of a ring from a jewellers in the city centre and one further incident. As well as being drunk and a danger at Togher Road, Anderson Street and Oliver Plunkett Street during incidents last October and November, Foley was also threatening and abusive to gardai on Anderson Street, near the entrance to the Simon shelter premises where there was a disturbance. Other previous convictions for the accused included counts for robbery and handling stolen property. HARRISBURG Local officials in Pennsylvania are facing another election without extra time to process mail ballots, likely leading to delayed results and putting increased pressure on counties reeling from the most expensive contest ever. House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, and Rep. Seth Grove, R-York, told the New Castle News last week they likely wouldnt consider any election-related legislation until after the House State Government Committee completes its 14 election oversight meetings, the last of which is scheduled for May 5, less than two weeks before the May 18 primary. The municipal primary which includes races for local and appellate court judges, school board members, and township positions typically has much lower turnout than a presidential race. But election officials said they cant predict how many voters will take advantage of the states no-excuse mail voting law during an off-year election. Its just not possible, even with a small election, to get everything counted in one day plus run another election, said Marybeth Kuznik, Armstrong Countys election director. Last year, county election officials repeatedly asked the Republican-controlled legislature to pass a bill giving them time before Election Day to begin processing, or pre-canvassing, mail ballots. A staggering 2.6 million people voted by mail in November, the first general election under a state law that allowed anyone to cast a ballot in that manner. House GOP leadership last year tied pre-canvassing to banning drop boxes and relaxing restrictions on partisan poll watchers. Gov. Tom Wolf vowed to veto that measure, and the legislature failed to pass any changes. As a result, election officials could only begin the process at 7 a.m. Nov. 3, which led to false claims that Democrats were stealing the election from Trump as more mail votes for Joe Biden were counted after Election Day. Local election officials faced a flood of complaints and blame over the delayed results, and more than 20 have left their positions since the General Assembly enacted no-excuse mail voting. Months later, theyre still waiting for that extra time. I cant say Im expecting it, Kuznik said. I never expect anything with the legislature. Ive learned long ago not to. A spokesperson for Grove said it would be premature to comment on legislation until the election oversight hearings are completed and all voices are heard. Republican leaders in the House and Senate did not respond to questions from Spotlight PA and Votebeat about any election-related changes expected before May. I think we always believed that the [General Assembly] session schedule was not going to be conducive to getting any changes done in time for the May primary, said Lisa Schaefer, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. Schaefer is instead eyeing the lawmakers schedule in the second half of the year and hoping they consider legislation before they break for the summer in July. She said making any election-related changes after the legislature returns from its summer recess in September six to eight weeks before the November election would create a challenge for the election directors tasked with implementing and familiarizing themselves with those changes. Making changes in that time frame isnt good for election directors, isnt good for voters, she said. Schaefer said she isnt expecting the May primary to be as problematic as the November election. County staff have now been through two elections under the new vote-by-mail law and should be more familiar with the process. The off-year primary also typically means fewer voters are casting ballots, which helps election directors manage the workload better. And theres not a string of litigation going on that could potentially change the rules here and there, Schaefer said, referring to state Supreme Court rulings that affected the way mail ballots were processed in the days and weeks leading up to the November election. Were hopeful that it just wont be as intense as it was in November, said Indiana County commissioner Sherene Hess, who chairs the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Election Reform Committee. Those rule changes which included last-minute guidance from the Department of State on how voters should be notified about mistakes on their mail ballot envelopes and what counties should do with late-arriving ballots have been on full display at the House State Government Committee election hearings, with Republicans focusing on the ways counties inconsistently applied that guidance. A spokesperson for Wolf said some GOP members are using the meetings to manufacture bogus claims about voter fraud so they can make it harder for people to vote. US Focused on Reuniting Illegal Immigrant Families, DHSs Mayorkas Says Could fly parents to the United States The top official at the Department of Homeland Security said on March 1 that the Biden administration believes it is a moral imperative to reunite families of illegal immigrants, as he blamed the previous administration for the waves of people that agents have encountered at the southern border in recent weeks. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who is heading a task force dedicated to family reunification at the direction of President Joe Biden, said options include flying to the United States the parents of unaccompanied minors caught at the border. We are hoping to reunite the families either here or in the country of origin; we hope to be in a position to give them the selection, he told reporters during a briefing at the White House in Washington. And if, in fact, they seek to reunite here in the United States, we will explore lawful pathways for them to remain in the United States and to address the family needs. So we are acting as restoratively as possible. Mayorkas shared calls with top officials of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvadorthree major sources of people illegally entering the United Stateson Feb. 26, according to summaries released by the White House on March 1. The DHS secretary spoke with the three officials about the Biden administrations comprehensive approach to addressing irregular migration, including through a regional strategy to address its root causes and improve migration management, according to the summaries. He also spoke about combating trafficking, working on additional options for legal pathways for migration, and the need to counter false narratives about migration. The Biden administration is working with the countries, nongovernmental groups, and Congress to reunite minors with their families, Mayorkas told reporters. This is not only an all-of-government but all-of-society effort to do what is right, he said. Families of migrants registered under the Migrant Protection Protocols cross into the United States accompanied by staff from the United Nations International Organization for Migration, through the Paso del Norte-Santa Fe international bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico, on Feb. 26, 2021. (Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty Images) Migrants stand in lines on the U.S. side of the Gateway International Bridge to be processed to seek asylum in the U.S., in Matamoros, Mexico, on Feb. 26, 2021. (Go Nakamura/Reuters) The United States is seeing a rise in illegal border crossings in recent weeks as the new administration rolls back some of former President Donald Trumps signature policies, such as requiring asylum-seekers to wait outside the country. Critics of the Biden administration say those rollbacks, along with new rules, are driving the increase. The president is basically not, as the Constitution suggests or orders, taking care to faithfully execute laws of the United States or secure the borders of the United States. And what is that doing? Its causing an empowerment of cartels. And it is causing an attraction of human beings to come here where they think theyre going to get here and get amnesty, and a rush to our border, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) told The Epoch Times over the weekend. And that endangers the lives of American citizens, but importantly, it endangers the lives of immigrants who are seeking to come to our country. But Mayorkas on March 1 claimed the past administration engaged in cruelty and blamed its policies for the situation at the border. To put it succinctly, the prior administration dismantled our nations immigration system in its entirety, he said. We are dedicated to achieving and quite frankly are working around the clock to replace the cruelty of the past administration with an orderly, humane, and safe immigration process. It is hard and it will take time. But rest assured we are going to get it done. The Biden administration must rebuild the immigration system virtually from scratch, the newly confirmed official added. Jan Jekielek contributed to this report. A former Fleet Street editor and journalism lecturer could lose his university post after he revealed his unapologetic support for bombing campaigns carried out by the IRA. Roy Greenslade, who edited the Daily Mirror and held a top job at The Sun, secretly wrote for the republican newsletter An Phoblacht and even provided bail surety for an IRA man accused of involvement in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. While his republican views first emerged some years ago, he has now 'come out of hiding' in an article for the British Journalism Review to say he was in 'complete agreement about the right of the Irish people to engage in armed struggle', adding: 'I supported the use of physical force.' Last night IRA victims said Mr Greenslade's position as honorary visiting professor of journalism at City, University of London, was 'untenable'. The university said it was not aware of the article prior to publication and would now be 'reviewing' the content to see whether it 'needs to take any action'. Former Fleet Street editor and journalism lecturer Roy Greenslade (pictured with wife Noreen Taylor in 2004) could lose his university post after he revealed his unapologetic support for bombing campaigns carried out by the IRA Roy Greenslade, who edited the Daily Mirror and held a top job at The Sun, secretly wrote for the republican newsletter An Phoblacht and even provided bail surety for an IRA man accused of involvement in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. Pictured: The aftermath of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing Mr Greenslade guaranteed bail for convicted IRA member John Downey (pictured), who was accused of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers died The former Guardian columnist retired from a full-time post at the university, where he lectured in 'ethics', in 2018, but he has 'occasionally' returned as a guest speaker. In the article, which was published in the Sunday Times, Mr Greenslade, 74, who is now a member of Sinn Fein, said he had first become involved in republican causes shortly after Bloody Sunday in 1972, when paratroopers shot dead 13 demonstrators. He went on to hold senior roles at The Sun and the Sunday Times, as well as the editorship of the Daily Mirror in 1990 and 1991, but 'regularly' contributed to An Phoblacht contradicting his newspapers which denounced the IRA's campaigns. Mr Greenslade guaranteed bail for convicted IRA member John Downey, who was accused of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers died. Downey's criminal case collapsed when he produced a so-called 'on the run' letter, providing assurances that he would not be prosecuted for alleged past crimes. However, a judge at the High Court ruled in 2019 that he was an 'active participant' in the bombing. Despite this, Mr Greenslade wrote that all he knows of Downey is his 'dedication to peace'. Downey is currently on bail accused of the murder of two Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers in Enniskillen in 1972. The Remembrance Day bombing in November 1987, when Greenslade was managing editor of The Sunday Times, saw 11 civilians killed and 63 people injured. Pictured: a funeral hearse passes the wreckage from the bombing in Enniskillen Mr Greenslade added: 'I continued to keep my views on the IRA to myself. However much I believed its tactics to be valid, I could not hope to convince colleagues that the killing of civilians, albeit by accident, was justifiable.' Mark Tipper, whose brother Trooper Simon Tipper was killed in the Hyde Park bombing, said: 'His academic peers should be taking a look at him. He is preaching hatred. You often hear the pen is mightier than the sword and he has preached violence.' Solicitor Matthew Jury, whose firm McCue & Partners has represented hundreds of families affected by IRA attacks, said of Mr Greenslade's university position: 'People have become far too tolerant toward IRA terrorism. If Professor Greenslade openly supported Al Qaeda or Isis [Islamic State] his university position would undoubtedly be untenable. Why should it be different supporting IRA violence?' The Ballygawley bus bombing in August caused the deaths of eight British soldiers while 28 more were wounded by the roadside bomb in County Tyrone Kenny Donaldson, of the South East Fermanagh Foundation victims' association, which helps about 2,000 families whose relatives were killed in IRA atrocities, including the 1987 Enniskillen bombing, said: 'As a group that supports victims of terrorist attacks, we are bemused by his comments. 'John Downey stands accused of the murder of two soldiers. There is no sense he is a peacemaker. He is a committed terrorist with a long career in terrorism. 'Those with pens can be equally as dangerous as those who pull the trigger and detonate bombs.' In 1989, 11 Royal Marines bandsmen were killed in the Deal barracks bombing in Kent, England A bomb set off in a bin at Victoria Station killed one person and injured 38 in 1991 Paul Young, a former soldier and police officer serving in Northern Ireland, questioned whether Mr Greenslade could have provided sensitive information to the IRA. He added: 'It would be incredible if he didn't given his such strongly held views. I think any university position is now untenable.' Mr Greenslade's former editor at The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, said: 'So while trying to attract readers as editor of the Daily Mirror, Roy Greenslade didn't care that the IRA would kill a few.' A spokesman for City, University of London, said: 'We will review the article and see whether the university needs to take any action.' Mr Greenslade could not be reached for comment. 'Vile duplicitous scum': Outrage as Guardian columnist and ex-newspaper editor Roy Greenslade reveals his long-held support for the IRA and says 'the killing of civilians' was 'justifiable' By Jack Elsom, for MailOnline Former newspaper editor Roy Greenslade has revealed his secret support for Irish republicanism and the extreme violence used by paramilitary forces - prompting a harsh backlash from media peers. Mr Greenslade, who held various positions on Fleet Street titles, including the editorship of the Daily Mirror, also confirmed he is a member of Sinn Fein. During the conflict that gripped Northern Ireland, most of the mainstream British press was united in condemning the barbaric violence of the IRA - whose death toll includes hundreds of civilians. Mr Greenslade said his sympathies with the republican cause developed in the 1970s when he was working as a journalist - but kept his views to himself for fear of being sacked. He is married to Noreen Taylor, the former Daily Mirror journalist and mother of actress Natascha McElhone. He describes Noreen, born in Donegal and raised in a part of Glasgow where 'everyone seemed to hail from her county', as having been 'imbued with a republican spirit'. Now deciding to 'come out of hiding', he has made a full-throated justification for the murderous atrocities carried out by the IRA during the Troubles. Former newspaper editor Roy Greenslade has revealed his burning support for Irish republicanism and the extreme violence used by paramilitary forces Police officers and firefighters inspecting the damage caused by a Real IRA bomb explosion in Market Street, Omagh, 1998 He said: 'I came to accept that the fight between the forces of the state and a group of insurgents was unequal and therefore could not be fought on conventional terms. In other words, I supported the use of physical force.' Critics have now blasted Mr Greenslade's endorsement of paramilitary murderers. One journalist wrote: 'Roy Greenslade taught me ''journalism ethics'' at City Uni which I found pretty strange as I thought the whole ''don't murder people'' was a pretty basic part of ethics.' Meanwhile Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was left permanently disabled by an IRA bomb at the Conservative Party's 1984 conference in Brighton, told the Sunday Times: 'I presume that the extension of his argument is that those who disagree with him are entitled to kill him.' Mr Greenslade (right) is married to Noreen Taylor (left), the former Daily Mirror journalist and mother of actress Natascha McElhone (centre, pictured in 1988) Left to right: George Clooney, actress Natasha McElhone and director Steven Soderbergh arrive for the UK charity film premiere of their new film Solaris at the Electric Cinema in London's Portobello Road, 13 February 2003 The Financial Times' Whitehall Editor Sebastian Payne said: 'As a former student of Roy Greenslade, this makes me feel deeply sick.' Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie said: 'I always knew Roy Greenslade was a s***. I didn't know he was a pro violence IRA supporting s***. 'In the Sunday Times he reveals that while working for me at The Sun, editing the Mirror and being a media critic he backed IRA scum killing our people. A complete c***.' He added: 'So while trying to attract readers as editor of the Daily Mirror Roy Greenslade didn't care that the IRA would kill a few. What a vile duplicitous scumbag he is. And still City University keep him on as a media professor. They are as bad.' Noreen Taylor and Roy Greenslade, 2014 Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Greenslade revealed how while working on the sub-editors' desk at The Sun, he fell in love with now-wife Noreen. He writes: 'Soon after we met, I accompanied her one Saturday while she sold a paper produced by a small left-wing Irish group, Clann na hEireann, in the pubs of Kilburn.' Mr Greenslade later adds: 'As for so many in Ireland, Bloody Sunday was a turning point for me. We joined a demonstration in Whitehall the following Saturday with the ambition of embarrassing the prime minister, Ted Heath, by placing 13 coffins on the doorstep of No 10. 'Although there were no gates to Downing Street in those days, the authorities were not going to allow it and a riot broke out. We got right up to the police lines and Noreen's glasses were broken by a wayward blow from a truncheon.' He then goes on to admit that he 'came to accept' that the 'fight between the forces of the state and a group of insurgents was unequal and therefore could not be fought on conventional terms'. Alan Sked, emeritus professor of international history at LSE, called Greenslade a 'contemptible hypocrite'. Kate Bevan said: 'I've just read Roy Greenslade's piece and now I feel quite sick. It's a grotesque piece, devoid of any thought of our sympathy for the victims of the violent s***s he cheers on.' One social media user said: 'As someone with relatives who spent years on IRA hit lists, and whose parents and grandparents lost friends to IRA bombs, that utterly deplorable Roy Greenslade piece is a good reminder of the British hard left's blood lust and moral bankruptcy over Northern Ireland.' Pictured: Aftermath of a terrorist attack in Belfast's city centre. Mr Greenslade said his sympathies with the republican cause developed in the 1970s when he was working as a journalist - but kept his views to himself for fear of being sacked Critics have now blasted Mr Greenslade's endorsement of paramilitary murderers Journalist Etan Smallman said: 'My @cityjournalism cohort had to endure weekly journalistic ethics lectures from Roy Greenslade. I'm told he is still doing them, now once a term. 'You might think that advocating mass murder would make that untenable...' Mr Greenslade, 74, recalled keeping his opinions closely guarded so not to fall out of favour with his newspaper bosses. Writing in the British Journalism Review, he said: 'I knew that to own up to supporting Irish republicans would result in me losing my job... 'I needed a wage because I was on the verge of taking on a mortgage. Better, then, to button my lip and carry on.' He added: 'However much I believed its tactics to be valid, I could not hope to convince colleagues that the killing of civilians, albeit by accident, was justifiable.' The ex-editor said he employed 'journalistic entryism' whereby he 'worked as required by my employers while holding polar opposite political views'. Mr Greenslade (pictured with his wife in 2001) who is now emeritus professor of journalism at City University, has previously been linked with Irish republicanism He said it became increasingly difficult not to express his views as the conflict developed into the 1980s. 'I was outraged by the way the prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, handled the hunger strike in which 10 prisoners fasted to death in protest against her government's withdrawal of special category status. 'Above my desk, I put up a photo of the first of the 10 to die, Bobby Sands, and it has remained there ever since. I regard him as a hero, as I do all of them.' Bomb disposal expert Peter Gurney runs from a burning van after the mortar bomb attack of Downing Street Mr Greenslade, who is now emeritus professor of journalism at City University, has previously been linked with Irish republicanism. In 2008, one of his former Guardian colleagues revealed he had written articles for Sinn Fein newspaper An Phoblacht in the 1980s - which he has now confirmed. He also confirmed acting as a bail guarantor for IRA member John Downey, who was accused of participating in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing of the Queen's Household Cavalry which killed four soldiers and seven horses. 'All I know of him is his dedication to peace,' Mr Greenslade writes in the article. A brush fire continues to burn Monday afternoon at the City of Hartselle landfill. It started Saturday, Feb. 13, around 8 p.m. when a brush pile spontaneously combusted. The brush pile consists of limbs, pieces of trees, small brush and more that were picked up from homes in the city or brought into the landfill. When the fire was detected, Hartselle Public Works and Hartselle Fire & Rescue began working to limit the exposure and to extinguish the combustion. The city says with the fire being internal, spraying water would not help, so they reached out to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to learn how to manage it. Employees began pulling small amounts of the smoldering and burning brush and debris from the burning pile with a track hoe, a news release from the city on Monday said. Water is now also being applied to the fire, but weather conditions last week made the process slower. Crews hope to have the fire completely extinguished by the end of next week. The City of Hartselle Administration and employees certainly understands the public concern over this matter, but all can be assured that the landfill itself is not burning and no hazardous materials are involved," Mondays news release said. As to the future, the City has recently budgeted, purchased, and is installing a state-of-the art air curtain incinerator for disposal of such materials, which will not only dispose of these materials in a manner friendly to the environment, but extend the service life of the landfill significantly. The air curtain incinerator has also been approved and permitted by ADEM. [March 01, 2021] Instem Announces Acquisition of The Edge; Extends Reach within Discovery R&D Instem, a leading provider of IT solutions and services to the global life sciences market, announced today that it has acquired The Edge Software Consultancy Ltd. ("The Edge") as part of its mission to enable clients to bring their life enhancing products to market faster. The further consolidation of key application areas will help customers streamline and accelerate their research and development processes, while access to a broader range of data from across the R&D continuum will increase the power of future in silico modelling and prediction solutions. The Edge offers technology and services to improve the efficiency of drug discovery research and development, improving client productivity while ensuring that critical high-quality data from studies and experiments are efficiently captured, stored and shared, maximizing their value to organizations around the world. Formed in 2005 and headquartered in Guildford, United Kingdom, The Edge's flagship BioRails platform enables automated high-quality data capture over the entire drug discovery and development process. The Edge are Pharmaceutical domain experts, especially in the areas of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, in vitro & in vivo Pharmacology and Formulations, and their platform incorporates a broad range of software modules which can be deployed individually or as a suite, either in isolation or across an enterprise. Designed by scientists for scientists, The Edge technology solutions offer a perfect blend of Laboratory Information Management Systems, Electronic Lab Notebooks and data analytics in one seamless workflow. The Edge are well known for offering the perfect blend of IT and science to keep their clients productive as they look to identify and advance drug candidates in the journey towards clinical trials. Since their founding, The Edge have captured the attention of many of the world's most influential pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and contract research organizations. They have cemented strong collaborative relationships with their clients by helping them to eliminate bottlenecks, increase innovation and more cost effectively rduce their times to market. "The go-to partner for many of our Instem clients looking to revolutionize their R&D processes, we couldn't be happier to welcome The Edge into the Instem family," comments Gregor Grant, Executive Vice President of Instem's Study Management Solutions group. "We have been very interested in strengthening our position within Discovery to help us meet growing interest for the wider sharing of data. Clients of The Edge that are using our Provantis software suite for preclinical safety assessment study management, for example, will certainly benefit by being better aligned and ultimately interconnected. The Edge are very well versed in helping clients bring together data from disparate sources, which is a complete fit into our overall mission in the life sciences." Grant continued, "The Edge have established an excellent delivery reputation and their products are pivotal systems trusted by biologists and chemists alike to help them collaborate using insights from safe, centrally stored data. They excel in translating their scientific credentials into tangible technology-driven benefits, and along with their excellent support model, are fully aligned with our commitment to deliver an exceptional client experience." Instem sees the acquisition of The Edge as an integral part of its transformational growth strategy, enabling it to further deliver solutions that meet the rapidly expanding needs of life science organizations for faster data-driven decision making, leading to safer, more effective products. "Combining our story with a well-established and proven life science leader like Instem further validates our entire approach in the market and offers new and exciting opportunities for our clients and staff," states Andrew Lemon, Managing Director at The Edge. "Our missions are nearly identical, and our customers are the real winners here. Harnessing the global resources, processes and reach of Instem will give us exactly what we need to take the next step in our journey to bring our innovative solutions to more scientists around the world." More about The Edge Solutions, now part of Instem The Edge helps create new and efficient processes for capturing and analyzing data in the laboratory that can easily be distributed across scientific teams. Through highly-refined, automated data capture software, clients are able to reduce cycle times by establishing reliable scientific workflows which enables them to execute tests more quickly and efficiently. BioRails BioRails is a multi-tiered platform for workflow-driven data management, which can be deployed on-premise or via SaaS (News - Alert) , offering the following modules: BioHub - A single consolidated store for corporate knowledge that acts as a central location for all of a client's research data BioRails DM - A comprehensive approach to study definition, data collection, analysis and data management BioRails PTO - Study project planning, tracking, ordering and optimization BioRails INV - Study inventory management, ordering and tracking BioRails MT - Materials registration for biospecimens, biologics and formulations Morphit Morphit provides powerful features for reading, managing and visualizing data. Clients are able to uniquely and seamlessly analyze biological data from instruments and transform raw data into validated results. The capabilities of Morphit empower clients to gather extensive knowledge about experiments, which in turn refines subsequent tests for greater success. About Instem A global provider of leading software solutions and scientific insight services, Instem is helping clients bring their life enhancing products to market faster. From Concepts to Cures, we enable organizations in the life sciences to more efficiently collect, report and submit high quality regulatory data, while offering them the unique ability to generate new knowledge through the extraction and harmonization of actionable scientific information. Every day, across the entire drug development value chain, Instem solutions are meeting the rapidly expanding needs of life science organizations for data-driven decision making, leading to safer, more effective products. Instem supports its global roster of clients through offices in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, and India. http://www.linkedin.com/company/instem/ https://twitter.com/Instemsoftware View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005081/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. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Counseling Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 191 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 191 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Counseling Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-counseling-degree-programs/ 2021 Counseling Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Adams State University Alaska Pacific University Angelo State University Arizona Christian University Assumption College Auburn University Capella University Chadron State College City Vision University Clarks Summit University Cornerstone University Delaware Valley University Drexel University Edinboro University Emmanuel College Fort Valley State University Gallaudet University Grace College and Seminary Grand Canyon University Hobe Sound Bible College Hope International University Indiana University Bloomington Indiana Wesleyan University Lamar University Lee University Lesley University Marshall University Messenger College Mid-Atlantic Christian University Morningside College North Carolina Central University Ohio State University Oregon State University Point University Regent University South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary Southwestern Assemblies of God University Tarleton State University Toccoa Falls College Trinity Baptist College Trinity College of Florida University of Arizona University of Denver University of Louisiana, Monroe University of Massachusetts, Boston University of Minnesota University of Missouri University of the Cumberlands Vanderbilt University Western New Mexico University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. Feb. 28Norman Mayor Breea Clark has a new goal to get Norman residents up and moving. To accomplish that mission, the City of Norman, along with the Parks and Recreations Department, kicked off a new monthly initiative called "Move with the Mayor" Saturday morning at the 12th Ave. Recreation Center. "It has two missions first, to get people to realize what we have right here in Norman in terms of recreations and opportunities to move your body, " Clark said. "Secondly, COVID-19 has really highlighted how being unhealthy and obese can actually be very detrimental to your health. This can really introduce you to different ways to be physical." The series, scheduled for the fourth Saturday every month through October, will feature different activities at various parks and outdoor locations around Norman and is meant to show off the feature of new facilities. "We've been working so hard with Norman Forward to create new facilities for residents to enjoy," Clark said. "And COVID has everyone at home, so they might have missed what has opened and what their tax dollars paid for." During the kickoff of the series, Jolly Brown, one of four volunteers from the OKC Pickleball Club, gathered a dozen participants who were anxious to learn the rules to a game many have never played. She was encouraged by the diversity of the crowd in attendance. "Part of what we hope to accomplish is to introduce people to the sport," Brown said. "Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US and a lot of people still don't know about it. But the other thing about it is it's for all ages. We have younger kids that play, there's college students in their 20's to people in their 60's, and we are all playing together." The club also took the opportunity to educate the public on locations where they can play the game, a key goal of the series. "We have six outdoor pickle ball court out here [at 12th Ave. Rec Center] that are just gorgeous," said Brown. " They are more open play, so it's more of a show up and play situation. It's just a fun great sport that is easy to pickup. It's just for everybody." Story continues While some on the courts applauded the series as a way to try new sports, Pickleball player Neva Hanes sees it as another way to keep herself and other safe and healthy. "One of the things they don't address as much as other things like washing your hands and staying away from people is taking care of your immune system," said Hanes. "Typically, these kinds of athletes are healthy, they take care of themselves and stay healthy. I think it's a really good thing for her (Clark) to do [to come] up with really good new ideas to bring a community together and get them outside. I think its a fabulous thing." While Clark is encouraging Norman residents to attend the series, participants are still required to follow COVID-19 protocols with masks and social distancing, with some exceptions in place. "With the rules, there is an exceptions for sports where you're breathing heavily so I probably won't be wearing a mask when I'm running a couple of miles at Ruby Grant," said Clark. "But everything else we expect you to have your mask on and be socially distant to stay safe. We're lucky the [case] numbers are going down and we want to keep it that way." The next outdoor activity in the series will be a hike at Saxon Park on Saturday, March 27. To find a complete list of activities that the series will offer, visit normanok.gov/events/move-mayor-pickleball. LONDON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the beginning of the global pandemic, many indicators have pointed towards vaccines as being the sole means of exiting the crisis. Without herd, immunity there was very little that could be done to tame the COVID-19 beast. Now, as global vaccination has already been rolled out, the world, and especially the aviation and tourism industries, are placing their hopes that the vaccines will prove to be the saviour that's needed. Unfortunately, the vaccination programmes of many countries are proving to be slower than anticipated, meaning it could be several more months until the results become clear. However, one country's proactive approach to vaccination has the potential to become a global blueprint, and an example of how an effective vaccination can change the situation rapidly. Even early into the global vaccination roll outs, Israel is already leading the way in the sheer numbers that have been vaccinated. To date, over 3.8 million residents have received the first vaccine dose and over 2.4 million have received the second dose. These impressive numbers mean that almost 28% of Israel's population has already been vaccinated against the worst virus in living memory. Plus, according to the data so far available, it appears to be working. Since the beginning of the Israeli vaccination roll out, on December 20, 2020, over 80% of people over the age of 60 have already been vaccinated. Sine that time, the country has seen 56% fewer infections, 42% fewer hospitalisations, and 35% fewer COVID-19 deaths after the second dose had been administered in this age group. As an incentive for younger people to vaccinate, and as a means of reviving the tourism industry, Israel has made mutually beneficial tourism agreements with both Greece and Cyprus. Vaccinated individuals will be presented with a 'Green Pass' - displayed on a Health Ministry App indicating the vaccination status - allowing them to travel freely within these countries without being subject to the mandatory quarantine rules. Additionally, it is reported that the Israel is already involved in talks regarding the introduction of similar arrangements with United Kingdom, Estonia, Romania, Serbia, Georgia, and Seychelles. Israel's vaccination plan, which is already demonstrating its effectiveness, does not cheap. It has been whispered that Israel is paying significantly more than the EU for each dose of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine - reportedly about 23 per dose for Israel compared with the 12 paid by the EU. If these reported prices are correct, in order to reach herd immunity - according to immunologists this would require 70-80% total population inoculation - the country's vaccination bill would roll in at between Euro 290 million and Euro 330 million. That figure does not include infrastructure, labour, or any other additional and associated costs. While Israel is already calling for everyone over the age of 16 to receive the Covid-19 shot, other countries around the world are still struggling with even the preliminary vaccination roll out. In January of 2021, and despite the low numbers of vaccinations elsewhere in the world, the Technical Group of Global Tourism Crisis Committee - created by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) -met to coordinate a plan of action to aid the hard-hit tourism industry. The meeting focused on the integration of vaccines with a unified approach to safe travel, while also launching a coordinated effort to promote confidence in this course of action. With this in mind, it is growing more and more likely that vaccination passports may become the key that reopens the global travel and tourism industries. Iceland became the first Schengen country to issue digital Covid-19 vaccine certificates. Travellers in possession of the certificate will no longer need to undergo screenings, and will be exempted from official border restrictions. Sweden, Singapore, Hungary, Thailand, and Australia have also already expressed their endorsement of, or plans to roll out some form of vaccination or immunity passports. While other countries, like Denmark and the United Kingdom, either faced public protests or simply rejected such proposals themselves. Nevertheless, it is possible that proof of vaccination will become a necessity for travel in the future. It must be remembered that similar vaccination passport procedures, aimed at tackling Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and other diseases, are still required while travelling to many countries, most especially in Africa and Asia. However, like all new rules and regulations, these introductions won't come without a fight from their opponents. Currently, there are several vaccines that despite being actively used to vaccinate people, are not globally recognised. These vaccines include Sputnik V, already being used throughout Russia, and the Chinese vaccine Sinovac. The use of 'unrecognised' vaccines raises another significant problem. If countries globally adopt a COVID-19 vaccination protocol - allowing those in possession of a recognised 'COVID Passport' to cross their borders - residents of countries like Russia and China who have received the 'unrecognised' vaccination may be refused entry. If that should happen, we may see significant changes in the aviation industry. Airlines may need to change their destinations as we witness new agreements being reached between countries affected by regulations restricting or allowing entry. Such changes could give rise to a private charter boom as the easiest and most convenient means of air transport to both China, and Russia. As of right now, it is still too difficult to imagine what will happen in a month, or two because of the rapidly changing and evolving situation. But, one this is certain, with the steadily growing numbers of individuals being vaccinated, and the slow loosening of restrictions, the aviation and tourism industries, missed by thousands around the world, are preparing for their rebirth. About Gediminas Ziemelis: Gediminas Ziemelis is a founder and chairman of "Avia Solutions Group" - one of the largest aerospace servicing companies presented in more than 67 countries. In 2016, G. Ziemelis received a prestigious European Business Award in recognition for his visionary business management and development skills. The same year, under his leadership, Avia Solutions Group was named a national public champion in the category of Entrepreneurship, earning a spot in the top 110 of European businesses. Twice, in 2012 and in 2014, Ziemelis was acknowledged as one of the top 40 most talented young leaders in the global aerospace industry by the leading USA aerospace magazine "Aviation Week". 2014 - 2017 Gediminas Ziemelis personally supported and consulted Chinese Banks (including ICBCL, CMBL, and Skycop) with regard to financing aircraft sale-leaseback transactions in the CIS region. His total value of transactions - more than $ 2 B. 2006 - 2013 Gediminas executed successful IPOs of 4 companies at OMX and WSE and raised public capital worth more than $ 100 M. More info: www.gediminasziemelis.com For media inquiries: Vilma Vaitiekunaite +370 686 16336 vilma.vaitiekunaite@aviasg.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1446415/Gediminas_Ziemelis_Chairman_Avia.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1039700/Avia_Solutions_Logo.jpg The Tech Zero taskforce aims to accelerate the governments plans for reaching net zero emissions and make Britain the top global destination for green investment. Photo: Stefan Rousseau-WPA Pool/Getty Images The prime ministers net zero business advisor, Andrew Griffith, is working with fifteen of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK to tackle the climate crisis. The Tech Zero taskforce aims to accelerate the governments plans for reaching net zero emissions and make Britain the top global destination for green investment. Founding members of the taskforce include the leaders of companies such as, Bulb, Citymapper, GoCardless, Habito, MoneySuperMarket Group, Revolut and Starling Bank, backed by industry body Tech Nation. It will be led by Hayden Wood, co-founder and chief executive of Bulb and will work in partnership with the government's Council for Sustainable Business. Bosses of the founding taskforce members are set to hold a launch summit in the coming months, where theyll agree on commitments to reach net zero, boost green investment and help consumers make greener choices. Britain has vowed to cut emissions by 68% of its 1990 levels by 2030. We need bold action to avert the climate crisis, so weve brought together the UKs most exciting and innovative tech companies to determine the best path to net zero as fast as possible, Hayden Wood of Bulb said. Tech Zero will go beyond targets - we want to boost access to finance and make the UK the number one destination for green investment in the world. Meanwhile, Andrew Griffith said: Theres never been a better time for companies to pledge to take action on climate, said. The UK is one of the global leaders in technology so it's fantastic to see our country's leading tech companies come together to commit to net zero in the run up to COP26, READ MORE: Companies with green ambitions unveiled as COP26 climate summit sponsors The group aims to get at least 1,000 UK tech firms to sign up before COP26, the UN climate conference, held in Glasgow later this year. The COP26 conference, which is being held between 1 and 12 November, will be the largest summit the UK has ever hosted. It will have dozens of world leaders in attendance and bring together representatives from nearly 200 countries, including experts and campaigners. Story continues It was originally scheduled for November 2020 but was delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be the largest summit that the UK has ever chaired and has been described as the most significant climate event since the global Paris Agreement was secured in 2015. In January, Alok Sharma resigned from his role as UK business minister in order to lead the United Nations COP26 climate change summit. Sharma, who is president of this years climate summit, told Boris Johnson that he would rather give up his position as business secretary than leave his role in the climate change envoy. WATCH: Climate conference can't be a side-hustle Coronavirus fragments have been detected in wastewater in Melbournes west, with residents urged to get tested. The Department of Health and Human Services has urged residents in Werribee, Werribee South and Hoppers Crossing to get tested should they have coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild. As Victoria recorded no new local or international cases of coronavirus for the third day in a row, the viral fragments were found in a Werribee wastewater plant on February 25 with no known people in the area who have recently had COVID-19. Independent testing confirmed the result on Monday. The detection comes as 75 per cent of Victorian office workers were able to return to the workplace on Monday following an easing of restrictions on Friday. Victoria had 11 active cases on Monday, four fewer than yesterday, and the state reported 6972 tests had been processed on Sunday. Early last summer, Chinese and Indian troops clashed in a surprise border battle in the remote Galwan Valley, bashing each other to death with rocks and clubs. Four months later and more than 1,500 miles away in Mumbai, India, trains shut down and the stock market closed as the power went out in a city of 20 million people. Hospitals had to switch to emergency generators to keep ventilators running amid a coronavirus outbreak that was among Indias worst. Now, a new study lends weight to the idea that those two events may well have been connected as part of a broad Chinese cybercampaign against Indias power grid, timed to send a message that if pressed its claims too hard, the lights could go out across the country. The study shows that as the standoff continued in the Himalayas, taking at least two dozen lives, Chinese malware was flowing into the control systems that manage electric supply across India, along with a high-voltage transmission substation and a coal-fired power plant. The flow of malware was pieced together by Recorded Future, a Somerville, Mass., company that studies the use of the internet by state actors. It found that most of the malware was never activated. And because Recorded Future could not get inside Indias power systems, it could not examine the details of the code itself, which was placed in strategic power-distribution systems across the country. While it has notified Indian authorities, so far they are not reporting what they have found. Stuart Solomon, Recorded Futures chief operating officer, said that the Chinese state-sponsored group, which the firm named Red Echo, has been seen to systematically utilize advanced cyberintrusion techniques to quietly gain a foothold in nearly a dozen critical nodes across the Indian power generation and transmission infrastructure. The discovery raises the question about whether an outage that struck on Oct. 13 in Mumbai, one of the countrys busiest business hubs, was meant as a message from Beijing about what might happen if pushed its border claims too vigorously. News reports at the time quoted Indian officials as saying that the cause was a Chinese-origin cyberattack on a nearby electricity load-management center. Authorities began a formal investigation, which is due to report in the coming weeks. Since then, Indian officials have gone silent about the Chinese code, whether it set off the blackout and the evidence provided to them by Recorded Future that many elements of the nations electric grid were the target of a sophisticated Chinese hacking effort. It is possible the Indians are still searching for the code. But acknowledging its insertion, one former Indian diplomat noted, could complicate the diplomacy in recent days between Chinas foreign minister, Wang Yi, and his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in an effort to ease the border tensions. The investigators who wrote the Recorded Future study, said that the alleged link between the outage and the discovery of the unspecified malware in the system remains unsubstantiated. But they noted that additional evidence suggested the coordinated targeting of the Indian load dispatch centers, which balance the electrical demands across regions of the country. The discovery is the latest example of how the conspicuous placement of malware in an adversarys electric grid or other critical infrastructure has become the newest form of both aggression and deterrence a warning that if things are pushed too far, millions could suffer. I think the signaling is being done by to indicate that we can and we have the capability to do this in times of a crisis, said retired Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, a cyberexpert who oversaw Indias borders with Pakistan and Its like sending a warning to that this capability exists with us. Both India and maintain medium-size nuclear arsenals, which have traditionally been seen as the ultimate deterrent. But neither side believes that the other would risk a nuclear exchange in response to bloody disputes over the Line of Actual Control, an ill-defined border demarcation where long-running disputes have escalated into deadly conflicts by increasingly nationalistic governments. Cyberattacks give them another option less devastating than a nuclear attack, but capable of giving a country a strategic and psychological edge. Russia was a pioneer in using this technique when it turned the power off twice in Ukraine several years ago. And the United States has engaged in similar signaling. After the Department of Homeland Security announced publicly that the American power grid was littered with code inserted by Russian hackers, the United States put code into Russias grid in a warning to President Vladimir V. Putin. Now the Biden administration is promising that within weeks it will respond to another intrusion it will not yet call it an attack from Russia, one that penetrated at least nine government agencies and more than 100 corporations. So far, the evidence suggests that the SolarWinds hack, named for the company that made network-management software that was hijacked to insert the code, was chiefly about stealing information. But it also created the capability for far more destructive attacks and among the companies that downloaded the Russian code were several American utilities. They maintain that the incursions were managed, and that there was no risk to their operations. Until recent years, Chinas focus had been on information theft. But Beijing has been increasingly active in placing code into infrastructure systems, knowing that when it is discovered, the fear of an attack can be as powerful a tool as an attack itself. In the Indian case, Recorded Future sent its findings to Indias Computer Emergency Response Team, or CERT-In, a kind of investigative and early-warning agency most nations maintain to keep track of threats to critical infrastructure. Twice the center has acknowledged receipt of the information, but said nothing about whether it, too, found the code in the electric grid. Repeated inquiries by The New York Times to the center and several of its officials over the past two weeks yielded no comment. The Chinese government, which did not respond to questions about the code in the Indian grid, could argue that India started the cyberaggression. In India, a patchwork of state-backed hackers were caught using coronavirus-themed phishing emails to target Chinese organizations in Wuhan last February. A Chinese security company, 360 Security Technology, accused state-backed Indian hackers of targeting hospitals and medical research organizations with phishing emails, in an espionage campaign. Four months later, as tensions rose between the two countries on the border, Chinese hackers unleashed a swarm of 40,300 hacking attempts on Indias technology and banking infrastructure in just five days. Some of the incursions were so-called denial-of-service attacks that knocked these systems offline; others were phishing attacks, according to the police in the Indian state of Maharashtra, home to By December, security experts at the Cyber Peace Foundation, an Indian nonprofit that follows hacking efforts, reported a new wave of Chinese attacks, in which hackers sent phishing emails to Indians related to the Indian holidays in October and November. Researchers tied the attacks to domains registered in Chinas Guangdong and Henan Provinces, to an organization called Fang Xiao Qing. The aim, the foundation said, was to obtain a beachhead in Indians devices, possibly for future attacks. One of the intentions seems to be power projection, said Vineet Kumar, the president of the Cyber Peace Foundation. The foundation has also documented a surge of malware directed at Indias power sector, from petroleum refineries to a nuclear power plant, since last year. Because it is impossible for the foundation or Recorded Future to examine the code, it is unclear whether they are looking at the same attacks, but the timing is the same. Yet except for the blackout, the attacks have not disrupted the provision of energy, officials said. And even there, officials have gone quiet after initially determining that the code was most likely Chinese. Yashasvi Yadav, a police official in charge of Maharashtras cyberintelligence unit, said authorities found suspicious activity that suggested the intervention of a state actor. But Mr. Yadav declined to elaborate, saying the investigations full report would be released in early March. Nitin Raut, a state government minister quoted in local reports in November blaming sabotage for the Mumbai outage, did not respond to questions about the blackout. Military experts in India have renewed calls for the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to replace the Chinese-made hardware for Indias power sector and its critical rail system. The issue is we still havent been able to get rid of our dependence on foreign hardware and foreign software, General Hooda said. Indian government authorities have said a review is underway of Indias information technology contracts, including with Chinese companies. But the reality is that ripping out existing infrastructure is expensive and difficult. On Friday night, in a move that has become all too familiar, the Supreme Court blocked a ban on church services in Santa Clara County, Californiathe latest in a line of shadow docket decisions limiting state and local COVID-19 restrictions on religious worship. The courts brief, unsigned order was apparently decided by a 63 vote, with all three liberals dissenting. It contained exactly one sentence of legal analysis: This outcome is clearly dictated by this Courts decision in South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Newsom. Advertisement But what, exactly, was that decision? In South Bay, decided in February, the Supreme Court blocked Californias statewide ban on church services in COVID hot spotsagain, by a 63 votebut did not explain why. There was no majority opinion revealing the courts reasoning, as there usually is when the court makes law. Instead, four justices wrote separate concurring opinions proffering their own preferred theories of the case, with various others joining in. Yet in Fridays order, the Supreme Court insisted that this confusing, scattershot patchwork of opinions clearly rendered Santa Clara Countys regulation unconstitutional. Even though no one knows what the court actually held in South Bay. Even though Santa Clara Countys rule differed from Californias broader regulations in fundamental ways. And even though the most plausible interpretation of SCOTUSs recent COVID decisions suggests that the conservative justices have quietly overruled precedent that, in theory, still remains binding on the lower courts and requires them to uphold laws that place only incidental, nondiscriminatory burdens on religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Amy Coney Barrett joined the court, everything changed. What are state and local officials attempting to fight the deadliest pandemic in a century supposed to do with this sprawling mess? Can they craft any public health restriction on religious services that will hold up to this courts scrutiny? The Supreme Courts COVID jurisprudence might be incoherent, but its underlying message is relatively clear: Religious exercise now gets special benefits above and beyond all other First Amendment activities. Why? We dont really know. Without issuing any signed opinions of the court, SCOTUS has revolutionized the constitutional law of religious freedom. Thanks in large part to Justice Amy Coney Barrett tipping the balance, the court has elevated religion to the top of its constitutional hierarchy, at the expense of government authority to fight a deadly virus and the publics right to basic health protections. Advertisement The Supreme Courts COVID doctrine can be neatly divided into two categories, and those categories are temporal, not logical: those decisions issued when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg sat on the court, and those issued after Barrett replaced her. In the pre-Barrett COVID cases, the high court turned away challenges to state restrictions on indoor religious services, deferring to the judgment of democratically elected lawmakers. This approach squared with the courts long-standing approach to public health emergencies as well as its decision in 1990s Employment Division v. Smith, which upheld burdens on free exercise that stemmed from religiously neutral laws. The courts position through the first half of the pandemic was consistent and cogent: States could restrict worship services so long as they restricted comparable secular activities, like plays, and did not single out religion for disfavored treatment. Advertisement Advertisement After Barrett joined the court, everything changed. First, she cast the decisive fifth vote to block a New York restriction on indoor religious services in November, complaining that the state let more people go to secular businesses than houses of worship. But as Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted in dissent, it made no sense to compare churches, where people congregate and communicate indoors for lengthy periods of time, to secular businesses like supermarkets, where they do not. The proper comparison would have been secular activities like plays and concertsand New York actually gave religious gatherings more leeway than these comparable secular events. Under Employment Division v. Smith, the case was not remotely a close call: New York was not merely neutral to religion, but generous to it. Advertisement Then, in Februarys South Bay decision, the majority doubled down, blocking Californias statewide worship ban just as a new variant of the virus swept across the state. Because the court didnt explain its logic, we can only guess why it found this ban unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Roberts, who had voted with the liberal wing of the court over the spring and summer, suddenly switched his position and now considered the burden on religion too severe to justify, in a rationale that does not even pretend to adhere to Smith. Justice Neil Gorsuchs opinion, meanwhile, suggested that California had unlawfully targeted churches by assigning them their own row in the states spreadsheet summarizing its pandemic rules and by allowing retail stores to remain open. 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. Even under Gorsuchs ultrastrict standard, however, Santa Clara Countys worship regulations should be constitutional. Unlike California, Santa Clara County did not place churches in their own distinct category when setting COVID rules. It also went out of its way to apply its regulations equally to religious and secular activities. No longer could churches be compared to Nevada casinos or New York bike shops that were subject to lesser regulation. The county decisively barred public gatherings across the board, no matter where they took place. Churches could open their doors to individuals wishing to pray or seek spiritual guidance, just as bookstores could open their doors to readers wishing to buy a book or discuss new releases with an employee. But churches could not allow group worship services, just as bookstores could not allow book readings. Religious and secular activities were now being treated exactly the same. But the majority declined to address the new regulations, sweeping them away under the same (still unknowable) theory of South Bay. These cases are the same, they asserted. Move along. Advertisement Maybe one way to think about it is this: The law by necessity operates by way of analogy. Courts liken one set of facts to another and try to create rules that apply neutrally across different situations with similar circumstances. But the decisions in these cases themselves must operate based on their similarities to the cases that came before. This growing soup of COVID cases massed on the shadow docket fails on both fronts. For one thing, the court continues to treat COVID restrictions that apply neutral rules to everyone as though theyre somehow singling out religious entities for abuse. This substantive error is compounded by a procedural one: By insisting that cases that are fundamentally different are exactly the same and that the resolution is clearly dictated by the earlier order, the court extends the fiction that it created a coherent rule in the first instance. Without any analysis or explanation, the majority are deciding new cases with the breezy claim that the brief unsigned order in a prior case quite obviously demands the briefer unsigned order in this next one. Advertisement This is doctrine built of vapors. Theres no road map, just the shrugging sense that this is all perfectly obvious to all and sundry. And the fact that each of these cases is rushed through as an emergencydespite the fact that the Santa Clara regulation, like those in some previous cases, was poised to expire in days or weeksmeans that religious liberty exists in a persistent state of exigent crisis. The justices, under this guise of emergency, dont explain, and the rest of us are denied the benefit of full briefing, oral arguments, and careful deliberation. SCOTUS will never admit that it values free exercise above all other rights, but it demonstrates its favoritism by fast-tracking religion cases to the detriment of orderly judicial process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result of all this isnt merely the absence of institutional transparency or the inability to build an enduring or coherent doctrine to apply in future cases. Public health officials and lower court judges alike are inevitably chilled by the prospect of future rulings casting aside their best efforts to balance pandemic health regulations against constitutional freedoms. Their impulse will be to stop trying because they will reasonably conclude that they no longer have a fair shot at persuading SCOTUS. And who can blame them? Making law without providing a reasoned explanation isnt judging. Its exercising raw power without bothering to provide a pretense. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 burglar who broke in through the window of a sleeping woman's bedroom and sexually assaulted her as she fought to escape has been jailed for ten years. The woman described at the Central Criminal Court how she awoke in bed to find Ibrahim Elghynaoui (28) on top of her kissing her with his hand on her throat. She said she believed she was going die as Elghynaoui then strangled her during a struggle on her bedroom floor. She realised no one was coming to help her so began to fight back by pushing her thumbs into his eyes, kneeing him in the groin and biting him on the hand. She said she told herself: If you don't get yourself out of this you are going to die. As she got up to run for her bedroom door, she said Elghynaoui put his fingers forcefully into her vagina. She described this as having the force of an open-handed blow. She ran from the room and Elghynaoui escaped back out the ground floor window in her room back onto the street. Elghynaoui admitted to gardai that he was the burglar but denied sexually assaulting the woman. Elghynaoui of no fixed abode, had pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault of the woman and burglary at her home in Dublin on July 17, 2019. He was convicted by a jury of both counts following a trial last December. Elghynaoui pleaded guilty to the burglary of another man's nearby apartment earlier the same night and attempted burglary of another home on July 12, 2019. Moroccan national Elghynaoui, who was homeless at the time of these offences, has 33 previous convictions across three jurisdictions. He has 22 Irish convictions for offences such as burglary, possession of a knife and failing to appear in court. He has been in custody since July 18, 2019. The court heard on Monday that Elghynaoui came to Ireland in 2017 and first appeared on the PULSE system in August of that year. He has no immigration status to be in Ireland and a deportation application was submitted by gardai in January 2018. He was in custody on foot of charges in April 2018 and applied for asylum. Elghynaoui was released from custody on the basis of that application but failed to engage with the process and the application was closed. Another deportation order is currently in place. Michael OHiggins SC, defending, said Elghynaoui will not apply to reactivate the asylum process and will be bound by the deportation order. Mr Justice Paul McDermott on Monday said the accused man had subjected the woman to the terror of a sexual assault on her own bed in the dead of night. He noted she had been in a vulnerable and defenceless position. He said she demonstrated very impressive fortitude and courage during the incident. Mr Justice McDermott said the effects of the attack on the woman had been devastating and long-lasting affecting her life, employment and relationships. He said the attack had been grossly humiliating and degrading with a clear overhanging threat of serious violence. The woman, who was alone and at her most defenceless, had been terrified and feared for her life as the accused made continuous efforts to keep her subdued. The judge said Elghynaoui bore a high degree of culpability and set a headline sentence of 12 years for the sexual assault and nine years for the burglary. He noted in mitigation that Elghynaoui had accepted the evidence in the case to a significant degree and acknowledged he was present but did not plead guilty or express remorse. He took into account the guilty pleas to the other burglaries and that Elghynaoui will serve his sentence in this country where he has no friends and will have social and cultural difficulties. Mr Justice McDermott imposed a sentence of ten years for the aggravated sexual assault, seven and a half years for the burglary of the woman's home. He imposed a sentence of three years for the earlier burglary and 18 months for the attempted burglary with all sentences to run concurrently. Additional Evidence To this day I do not feel safe, the woman told the court in her victim impact statement, describing the effect of being attacked in the privacy of her own bedroom. Nowhere feels safe. She said she lives in a state of hyper-vigilance and lives in constant fear it will happen again. I am fighting hard to heal from the ordeal. I do not want to look back in anger or regret but know my life, or my life before the crime is gone, and I am still grieving for that life. This crime which probably only lasted a few minutes has left an irreparable mark on my life and life of my family, she told Justice McDermott. She said after the crime, the trial process was the second worst experience of her life. She described how she had been in the dark for 18 months not knowing if she would have to face her attacker in court. I was terrified of seeing him and putting a face to the nightmares, she said. She said talking about her body and intimate details during the trial in a room full of strangers had been very traumatic and an experience she was still recovering from. Detective Sergeant Aine Grogan told Michael Delaney SC, prosecuting, that a man awoke from sleep to find an intruder in his apartment shortly after 3am on July 17, 2019. The intruder, Elghynaoui, left when challenged. Gardai were alerted and it was discovered an Apple Mac laptop had been taken. Elghynaoui then made his way to the woman's ground floor apartment, which she shared with two friends, each having separate bedrooms. She had left her bedroom window slightly ajar but had believed it was locked in position. The trial heard it was possible to gain entry through the window. During the trial the woman described how she awoke in her bed to the sensation of someone on top of her kissing her face. She screamed, struggled and succeeded in jumping from the bed but Elghynaoui threw her to the floor and put his hands on her throat more forcefully. The woman said she believed she was going to die and fought back by trying to get her thumbs into his eyes, kneeing him in the groin and, when he put his hand over her mouth to silence her, she bit down. She drew blood which she spat out. Elghynaoui got off her and she prepared to run for the bedroom door. She said as she did Elghynaoui put his fingers quite forcefully into her vagina. She described this as having the force of an open-handed blow. She managed to push him away and ran for the door but found it was locked. I thought that's it, I am dead, she said during the trial. She said she looked over her shoulder expecting to see the man coming but instead he was running away. She got out, slammed the door behind her and screamed to her flatmates that there was a man in the house. Her last view of him was as he ran in the opposite direction to the window. He escaped onto the street. The woman and her flatmates hid in a courtyard in the apartment complex. They alerted gardai and hailed at taxi using a mobile app. The taxi came a few minutes later and gardai, who had been investigating the earlier burglary, arrived at the same time. While enroute to the apartment the gardai had met Elghynaoui who gave his name, date of birth and moved on. The woman discovered two mobile phones, an iPad, some jewellery and handbag had been stolen. She was brought to a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) where she was examined and found numerous cuts and abrasions including to her neck and genital area, as well as a bit mark on her breast. Elghynaoui was interviewed by gardai and admitted stealing items from the woman's home but denied sexual assaulting the woman. Det St Grogan agreed with Eoin Hardiman BL, defending, that Elghynaoui had volunteered his correct name when stopped and complied with all that was required of him in custody. She agreed that Elghynaoui gave information that he took drugs and lived on the streets. In her victim impact statement, the woman told the court that as well as the physical injuries she sustained, she also had to take medication to prevent sexually transmitted infections and prevent HIV, as well as having blood taken for a number of months until she got the all clear. She said immediately after the offence she was in a state of shock and disassociation, which recurred at the SATU when the bite marks, accused man's blood and cut to her vagina were discovered. She panicked that there might be other aspects of the attack she could not recall. She said she developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and cannot bear to be touched, something that has caused heartbreak in her very close and tactile family. She says she cannot bear to be alone, needs someone with her at night and suffers violent nightmares and flashbacks. She described how she suffers bad insomnia but is too frightened to take sleeping tablets because she is terrified of being unconscious and unable to defend herself if attacked. Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, submitted that while there had not been a guilty plea in relation to the burglary and sexual assault at the womans house the case had been conducted in such a way as to minimise trauma to the woman. He asked that his client's guilty pleas in relation to the other burglaries be taken into account. Mr O'Higgins said personal detail about his client was scant and getting instructions from Elghynaoui had been difficult. He said he believed this was not out of malice but borne of a deep distrust of anyone in authority. He said Elghynaoui was a Moroccan national, having left there when he was 16 and moved to Spain where he did odd jobs. He then moved to Brussels, and onto the UK for a number of years before coming to Ireland in 2017. He said his client had been living an aimless and rootless existence at the time of the offending, staying in a dilapidated squat and was not on social welfare. He said he did not advance intoxication as mitigation but did refer to it to explain his clients actions in circumstances where they appear to be significantly out of character. Benjamin Netanyahu said today that Israel was 'striking back' at its 'greatest enemy' Iran as he blamed the Islamic republic for a recent attack on an Israeli-owned ship. The Israeli PM said the blast on the MV Helios Ray which left two holes in the vessel's side in the Gulf of Oman last week was 'indeed an Iranian act, that is clear'. 'As for a reaction - you know my policy,' he continued. 'Iran is Israel's greatest enemy, I'm determined to block it, we're striking at it throughout the region.' Netanyahu's remarks came hours after Syrian air defences intercepted what they said were Israeli missiles over Damascus, in an area where Iranian Revolutionary Guards and their Hezbollah allies are believed to be present. It also comes days after Joe Biden ordered airstrikes on Syria to target an Iranian-backed militia, with the US president warning Tehran that it cannot act with impunity. But Iran denied the allegation that it was behind the ship explosion, accusing Netanyahu of suffering from 'an obsession with Iran'. Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured, said Israel was 'striking back' at its 'greatest enemy' Iran as he blamed the Islamic republic for an attack on an Israeli-owned ship last week The damaged Israeli-owned cargo ship Helios Ray sits at a port in Dubai on Sunday following the blast last week which Netanyahu is blaming on Iran The Israeli army had refused to confirm its involvement in the missile launch towards Syria, where there were no immediate reports of casualties. Syrian air defences were activated in the capital, as well as its southern suburbs, on Sunday night to repel an Israeli missile attack, according to state media. State TV quoted an unnamed military official as saying that most of the Israeli missiles were shot down before reaching their targets near Damascus. Iran's Revolutionary Guards and associated militias are believed to have a strong presence in a string of underground bases on the outskirts of Damascus. In a briefing to supporters of his party on Friday, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said Israel was taking action 'almost weekly' to harass Iranian forces in Syria. Israel has launched hundreds of strikes against Iran-linked military targets in Syria over the years but rarely acknowledges or discusses such operations. Earlier this month, Israeli missile strikes against arms depots near Syria's capital killed at least nine pro-regime militia fighters, the Observatory reported. It came days after the Thursday explosion that hit the Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray, a vehicle carrier travelling from Saudi Arabia to Singapore. It was not clear what caused the explosion, which punctured the boat's hull but did not cause any casualties among the crew or damage to the engine. The Syrian government claims to have shot down Israeli missiles over the capital of Damascus (map pictured) - just days after President Biden launched his first military action targeting Iran-backed militias in the country The attack comes after the United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday (aftermath pictured) which targeted facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militias Also last week, the US launched airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed militia operations near the Iraqi border, in the first military action by the Biden administration. The US dropped seven 500-pound munitions on a crossing used by the militia groups to move weapons across the border. The Pentagon said the strikes were retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq earlier this month that killed one civilian contractor and wounded a US service member and other coalition troops. Israel has also long accused arch-foe Iran of trying to acquire nuclear weapons, a charge always denied by Tehran. World powers have been trying to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran since Joe Biden took office in January, replacing Donald Trump who quit the pact in 2018. Netanyahu supported Trump's withdrawal from the deal but said in his Monday remarks that he had spoken to Biden about the Iran issue. The Israeli leader said it was his country's top priority that 'Iran won't have nuclear weapons, with or without an agreement.' 'That's what I also told my friend President Biden,' Netanyahu added. Critics have questioned whether Netanyahu would be able to coordinate the Israeli position on the volatile issue with Biden. On Sunday, Iran dismissed a European offer for an informal meeting involving the US. Bengaluru, March 1 : As many as 1,576 senior citizens above 60 years of age took the first dose of the anti-Covid vaccine in private and state-run hospitals across Karnataka on Monday. "A total of 1,576 senior citizens who registered for the vaccine on the first day received the first dose at notified government and private hospitals across the state and no side-effect or adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) was reported from any of them," a state health department official told IANS here. In Bengaluru, which has been the epi-centre of the pandemic since March last year, 686 senior citizens, including a 97-year-old man took the first shot in 15 private and 3 government hospitals. "Ramaswami Parthasarathy, 97, was the first to get vaccinated at our hospital earlier in the day," said Manipal Hospital director Manish Rai in a statement. As citizens above 45 years with comorbidities were also allowed to take the vaccine, 374 received the first dose across the southern state. "In all, 3,809 citizens, including healthcare workers (1,185) and frontline warriors (674) were inoculated during the day in the third phase of the vaccine drive," said the official. The vaccine was given free at all state-run hospitals and for Rs 250 per dose at private hospitals as notified by the Union Health Ministry. Cumulatively, 8,24,202 citizens, including 4,48,190 healthcare workers (first dose) and 2,13,501 (second dose) and 1,60,561 frontline warriors (first dose) have been vaccinated across the state since January 16 when the drive was launched nationwide. Meanwhile, state Health Minister K. Sudhakar appealed to all senior citizens to get vaccinated at the earliest without hesitation by registering their names online on Co-Win portal or offline at any of the 270 designated government or private hospitals across the state. "Why hesitate when even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the vaccine at AIIMS in New Delhi earlier in the day and set an example for others to follow," asserted Sudhakar, a medical doctor by profession, at Sirsi in Uttar Kannada on the state's northwest region after flagging off the drive. According to the health department, the state has about 50 lakh people above 60 years of age and 16 lakh with comorbidities. "As serious consequences of infection can be prevented through the vaccine, it is essential for every citizen to take the jab, with seniors on priority," the minister reiterated. Cautioning people against rumours in the social media about the anti-Covid vaccine, Sudhakar said only government authenticated information should be followed. "If anyone gets infected after vaccination, there won't be much side-effects. Balanced food and disciplined lifestyle will ensure good health, which will also contribute to economic and education growth. There is no progress without health," added Sudhakar./Eom/450 words. Low-lying Florida, surrounded by the sea, is one of the most vulnerable U.S. states to ocean level rise driven by climate change. State Republican legislative leaders on Friday announced a $100 million-a-year plan to tackle the issue. House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, said at a news conference that measures in the upcoming session of the Legislature would address flooding and sea level rise. With sea level rise, we are seeing that risk grow exponentially, from storm surge and tidal flooding to groundwater and flash flooding. The impacts are devastating, Sprowls said. This is something that members of both chambers and both parties can agree on, said Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg. It is irresponsible for us to sit and do nothing. Several bills are being introduced for the legislative session, which begins Tuesday in Tallahassee. They include: $100 million a year from 2022-23 to deal with sea level rise and flooding. This plan will be updated by the state Department of Environmental Protection. A grant program providing money to local governments for the costs of planning and dealing with sea level rise. Encouraging formation of regional resilience groups to coordinate local governments around the state to work together. There are about 200 local governments involved in these coalitions already. Establishing a Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation that would intensively examine the states vulnerability and solutions for the future. Other legislation would offer tax breaks to anyone whose property is elevated to prevent flood damage. Those improvements would not increase property taxes. Nine of the top 10 counties in terms of total estimate economic damage across the entire U.S. are in the state of Florida, said Sen. Ray Rodrigues, a Fort Myers Republican. So this issue is personal to me and my neighbors. The measures come after years of resistance to climate change legislation in Tallahassee, including former GOP Gov. Rick Scotts directive that people in government avoid using that phrase. Scott is now a U.S. senator. An advocate for addressing climate change, Yoca Arditi-Rocha, executive director of the non-profit Cleo Institute, welcomed the proposals. We applaud state leaders for beginning to address the chronic flooding and rising seas that are impacting real estate values and insurance costs in Florida. We must adapt to rising seas but, we also must lower the heat and rising temperatures causing seas to rise, she said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Florida Climate Change For the first time in nearly a year, all 270 Apple Stores in the US are open. When the pandemic first made its way stateside and Apple announced it was temporarily closing some of its retail locations, the company said the plan was to start reopening on March 27th, 2020. But as the pandemic progressed and the situation changed, Apple was forced to adapt. In May of last year, the company started to reopen the majority of its stores. However, following a recent set of closures in Texas , it wasn't possible to visit every store. That changed today when stores in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio reopened to the public. That said, as 9to5Mac notes , many locations are still operating with some form of restrictions in place. For example, your local Apple Store may only offer in-person shopping if you make an appointment. In yet other states and cities, they may only be open for express pickup and Genius appointments. It should go without saying, the situation could change at any moment as Apple responds to updated health guidelines. (Natural News) European researchers are raising the possibility that the Milky Way galaxy is teeming with rocky planets that harbor continents and massive oceans like Earth. In a paper published this February in the journal Science Advances, the researchers discussed how rocky planets might have formed from small water-bearing dust particles that could give rise to the formation of oceans and continents. How water emerges on planets Scientists are still trying to figure out how water emerged on Earth. One of the prominent theories points to water-bearing comets or icy asteroids that slammed the planet in its infancy. But the researchers are calling that theory into question, positing that water has been present since a planets birth. This is true not only for Earth but also for Venus, Mars and many other rocky planets in the galaxy. All our data suggest that water was part of Earths building blocks, right from the beginning. And because the water molecule is frequently occurring, there is a reasonable probability that it applies to all planets in the Milky Way, explained Anders Johansen, a professor of planetary science at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and the lead researcher of the study. Johansen and his team used a computer model to determine how rocky planets formed. Their model indicated that millimeter-sized dust particles containing ice and carbon accreted 4.5 billion years ago to form what would later become Earth. Up to the point where Earth had grown to one percent of its current mass, our planet grew by capturing masses of pebbles filled with ice and carbon. Earth then grew faster and faster until, after five million years, it became as large as we know it today, Johansen said. Over time, surface temperatures rose sharply, according to Johansen, causing the ice in the pebbles to turn to gas. Other rocky planets in the Milky Way might have also formed via pebble accretion as water molecules are found everywhere in the galaxy. With optimal temperatures, according to Johansen, these planets started out with the same amount of water and carbon as Earth and probably continue to harbor the same amount of water to this day. Alien life in the Milky Way? The teams model also suggests that other planets in the Milky Way share a similar land size as Earth, according to Martin Bizzarro, Johansens colleague at the University of Copenhagen and one of the study researchers. This, according to Bizzaro, should provide good opportunities for the emergence of life. But if the amount of water that formed were random, then planets would look vastly different. Some would be too dry while others covered completely by water. These extreme environments, in turn, could not possibly give birth to complex life forms. A planet covered by water would, of course, be good for maritime beings but would offer less than ideal conditions for the formation of civilizations that can observe the universe, Johansen explained. (Related: Researchers discover 45 potentially habitable exoplanets.) The researchers are looking forward to the next generation of space telescopes, which will offer far better opportunities to observe planets outside the solar system. According to Johansen, these telescopes could help scientists tell how much water is present on a planet. Last year, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration detected an Earth-size planet using one of its newest space telescopes, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Located more than 100 light-years away, the planet orbits its stars habitable zone, the orbital region around a star where conditions are just right to allow the existence of liquid water on the surface. Read more fascinating studies about space at Cosmic.news. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com Space.com NBCNews.com NASA.gov The Food and Drug Administration approved Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday for use in the U.S., the third vaccine to be approved since the pandemic began. Texas could initially receive more than 200,000 doses, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, but the agency hasnt received a timeline for when they would arrive. The company has said it plans to ship 20 million shots in the U.S. by the end of March and an additional 80 million doses before the end of June. Texas received about 1.5 million vaccine doses by Pfizer and Moderna this week, including doses that had been undelivered earlier in the month because of the winter storm. Unlike those vaccines, Johnson & Johnson's formulation is the first to only require one dose, and it can be stored at regular refrigeration temperatures. The others require two doses, and Pfizer doses must be stored at below-freezing temperatures. In clinical trials, the new vaccine worked especially well in protecting recipients from severe disease and hospitalizations, but its efficacy rate of 72% in U.S. trials is less than its competitors, which were shown to be 94% to 95% effective against COVID-19. However, Johnson & Jonshons vaccine was tested while COVID-19 variants were becoming more widespread; it's unclear whether the other two vaccines efficacy rates could be affected by variants. Five million vaccine doses have been administered overall in Texas as of Feb. 25. That equals about 5.8% of the states population a long way from the 70% to 80% that experts estimate is necessary to achieve herd immunity. It would require nearly 100% of adults to be vaccinated to reach those figures, according to census numbers. Comal County adds 8 more COVID-19 deaths to its data The deaths of eight Comal County residents, including three each from New Braunfels and Cany Scientists are still monitoring how well vaccines prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and health officials advise those who are vaccinated to continue wearing masks, social distance and follow other COVID-19 safety guidelines. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that he and other state officials are considering when to remove the statewide mask mandate and other emergency orders related to COVID-19. He said he would make an announcement pretty soon. But even as hospitalizations and deaths have declined in recent weeks, U.S. health officials have warned governors to avoid removing restrictions too soon. Those declines may be stalling, said Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a COVID-19 White House briefing Friday. The CDC has also continued to sound the alarm about variants of the virus that continue to spread in the U.S, he said. Its important to remember where we are in the pandemic. Things are tenuous, Walensky said. Now is not the time to relax restrictions. This was first published by The Texas Tribune. The Texas Tribune is proud to celebrate 10 years of exceptional journalism for an exceptional state. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey is declaring March 2021 to be Womens History Month in Arizona to celebrate the many contributions of women to the success of the state and entire nation, and to recognize the women medical professionals who have made history during the pandemic. This month, Arizona is proud to celebrate the women who have helped shape our great state, said Governor Ducey. Right now, 40 women are leading our communities in the state legislature the most in state history. Over the last year, women working in the medical field have made history by stepping up day after day to protect Arizonans and administer the vaccine. Theres no shortage of trailblazing women to look up to in Arizona. We are proud to celebrate the determination, integrity and leadership of women that has led to prosperity across the state and nation. Womens History Month was established in 1987, and has been recognized by every U.S. president since 1995. Arizona became the tenth state to grant women the right to vote in 1912, eight years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote nationally. In 1999, Arizona inaugurated five female statewide officeholders the first time women held all statewide elected offices in United States history. Arizona has 40 women currently serving in the Arizona State Legislature, the most in state history. Governor Ducey has issued a Womens History Month proclamation every year since 2016. View the proclamation HERE and below. *** WHEREAS, women in Arizonas history have transformed the state and entire nation through leadership in a wide range of fields including elected and appointed public service, military service, public safety, entrepreneurship, business, education, medicine, the arts, philanthropy, and charitable service; and WHEREAS, the first woman United States Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day OConnor; first woman state Chief Justice in United States history, Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorna Lockwood; one of the first women in the United States elected to a state legislature, Representative Rachel Emma Allen Berry are from Arizona; and WHEREAS, Arizona inaugurated five female statewide officeholdersGovernor, Secretary of State, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Treasurer, and Attorney Generalin 1999, the first time women held all statewide elected offices in United States history; and WHEREAS, Arizona became the tenth state to grant women full voting rights in 1912, nearly eight years before the United States Congress ratified the 19th Amendment and granted women the right to vote nationally; and WHEREAS, Arizona celebrates the women whose tenacity, courage and grit contributed to the development and continued growth throughout Arizona communities; and WHEREAS, women working in the health care and medical industries throughout Arizona have made history during the pandemic, including those who have dedicated time, energy and resources to vaccinating Arizonans and saving lives; and WHEREAS, 40 women are currently serving in the Arizona State Legislature, the most in state history; and WHEREAS, women from across the United States have contributed to the achievements, prosperity and continued growth of our nation and these examples of leadership and determination should be honored and recognized; and WHEREAS, Congress passed legislation in 1981 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as Womens History Week; and WHEREAS, in 1987, Congress passed a law which designated the month of March 1987 as Womens History Month; and WHEREAS, Every President since 1995 has issued annual proclamations designating March to be Womens History Month. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim March 2021 as WOMENS HISTORY MONTH IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Arizona GOVERNOR DONE at the Capitol in Phoenix on this Twenty-Second day of February in the year Two Thousand and Twenty-One and of the Independence of the United States of America the Two Hundred and Forty-Fifth. ATTEST: SECRETARY OF STATE You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close At December 31, 2020, the company had cash reserves of $2,560,665 and revenue continues to grow with the outlook for the financial year 2021 remaining positive. In the first half of FY21 K2fly has had continued wins in consultancy and advisory contracts, including with Tier 1 clients ( ) enjoyed a strong half-year ending December 31, 2020, with total revenue at A$3.413 million representing growth of 29% on the revenue of A$2.652 million in the corresponding period of FY20. Annual recurring revenue in K2flys SaaS subscriptions business is up to A$2.4 million or 175% compound annual growth rate to the end of December 2020 and total contract value growing to more than A$6.8 million by December 31, 2020. This increase in revenue is due to the continued growth of the company, new contract wins and sales to Tier 1 clients. RCubed contracts Much of the sales success in FY20 is attributed to the introduction of the RCubed software which focuses on mineral resource and reserves reporting across several industry reporting standards including SK-1300, JORC, SAMREC, NI43101 and works for several international bourses including NYSE, LSE, ASX, JSE and TSX. When K2fly acquired the RCubed solution, major clients using the software solution for their mineral resource and reserve reporting included (NYSE:TECK) (TSE:TECK) (OTCMKTS:TCKRF) and Anglo Gold Ashanti Limited (JSE:ANG). In the 12 months leading up to the end of FY20, K2F won significant contracts for the RCubed software solution. Newcrest Mining Ltd ( ) (TSE:NCM) (FRA:NMA) (OTCMKTS:NCMGF), Glencore Canada, Nexa Resources SA (NYSE:NEXA) (TSE:NEXA) (FRA:NE0), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX:RIO) (FRA:CRA1) (OTCMKTS:RTNTF), Gold Fields Australia (a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited ( ) (JSE:GFI) (FRA:EDGA)), Newmont Mining, Kinross Mining and Sibelco joined the growing numbers of clients using this solution. In H1 FY21 K2fly also contracted with Orano (Paris) a French-owned international uranium producer. Additionally, on January 25, 2021, K2fly announced that USA Corp ( ) signed a new five-year contract for RCubed software solution, for its global operations and major projects, and this will commence immediately. Quarterly Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Total Contract Value (TCV) growth. Infoscope solution The Infoscope platform underpins the companys ground disturbance, rehabilitation, community and heritage and land access solutions, as well as having a role in underpinning the new tailings solution. The company continues to work with cornerstone customers like Limited ( ), Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX:WGX) (FRA:0W2) (OTCMKTS:WTGRF) and The Keeping Place, as well as new client ( ) (FRA:F5J) (OTCMKTS:MALRF). In January 2021 K2fly announced a three-year contract with Rio Tinto Limited (ASX:RIO) (FRA:CRA1) (OTCMKTS:RTNTF) to rollout the heritage solution to their operations in the Pilbara. SATEVA suite and acquisition In H1 FY21 K2fly acquired the assets of SATEVA which enhanced its solution suite in the geological operations and technical assurance space. The model manager suite integrates directly to the resource inventory solution but can also be sold as a standalone solution and was launched in late in H1 in December. There are also other pieces of IP from the SATEVA acquisition which K2fly is now marketing. Notably, the automated ore blocker completed a successful trial at one of the world's biggest iron ore mines in H1 and is due to contract in Q3 FY21. The company is confident the pipeline for model manager is growing rapidly, as are the opportunities for drill tracker in other tier 1 bulk iron ore miners. K2fly Solution Suite. Dams tailings solution In July 2020, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Decipher, whereby K2fly will acquire (subject to shareholder approval) the business assets including the IP of Decipher for mining and its tailings solution. Decipher offers cloud-based software-as-a-service monitoring and compliance solutions in tailings management and rehabilitation for mining industry customers. Additionally, after the balance date, on February 1, 2021, the company announced it had executed a business sale agreement (BSA) to acquire assets held by CSBP Limited (CSBP) and Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers Limited (WesCEF) used in the operation of the Decipher for Mining business. The company was also awarded SAP Premium Certified Endorsed app status. Bank of Ireland's decision to shut three branches in Laois is a 'disaster' for Laois in particular for the towns in the south of the county according to Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley. The Laois Offaly TD responded to the news that three of the 103 closures will be in Laois. This is a disaster for the county and in particular for south Laois. The news that branches in Rathdowney, Mountrath and Durrow are to close is going to have a huge effect right across the south of the county and will leave the whole area without any banking services. "AIB pulled out of these towns years ago, and now these closures will impact badly on businesses and commercial life in these local areas. It is also a sad day for the banking staff who provided a great service in the local community. "Walk-in and face to face banking services are essential as not all business can be transacted online," he said. Dep Stanley, who is chairman of the Dail Public Accounts Committee said action is needed with An Post allowed to fill the void. "The Minister for Finance and the Government now need to address the absence of these services with Bank of Ireland in the first place and also with An Post. "An Post have been reconfiguring their services and branch network. Now they must be allowed to provide full banking services in their own right and not just an agent for either Bank of Ireland or AIB," he said. As the lawmakers are now considering making changes to the mammoth bill, the $1.9 trillion Biden bill faces a potential wood-chipper in the Senate. On Friday, the House passed the legislation, which sent the Biden bill to the Senate where it could come up a week after. The leadership aimed to get the bill signed into law by the middle of March, with the responsibility of moving it through Congress quickly. Biden Bill Faced With Potential Wood-Chipper However, before the Democrat senators can pass the bill, they will need to go through voting sessions for hours and hours which is known as a vote-a-Rama, wherein every senator will be offered the chance to make an amendment. Any changes will require the COVID-19 relief plan to go back to the House. According to the Hill, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) shared that there have been conversations regarding a different approach on some of the provisions but he clarified that they do not want to derail reconciliation, referring to the process that the Democrats are utilizing in advancing the legislation. Durbin also added that they want to do something that is feasible politically with the cooperation of the House. When asked as to what to expect from the Republicans, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said that for him, people are eager to have a chance in laying down the markers and making their point. As the action in the Senate normally is tightly controlled, vote-a-Rama gives one of the few chances for senators to force votes. Earlier this month, the vote-a-Rama on the budget resolution which teed up the COVID-19 relief bill has attracted not less than 800 amendments, as the debate that started in the afternoon lasted until after 5 a.m. Read also: House Passes $1.9T Biden Relief Bill With $1,400 Stimulus Checks However, most of the amendments on the previous vote-a-Rama during the debate were non-binding, which made little more than political messaging. In the upcoming debate, the stakes are being raised, as an amendment that will be successful would change the bill and force it back to the lower chamber, CNBC reported. Cornyn also added that he thinks they already got a little bit of a preview, but the budget resolution is not a law. He also added that a robust amendment process should be expected. Moreover, other bipartisan discussions about the idea of having additional changes on the COVID-19 relief plan are still ongoing. In addition, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also shared that she was talking with the Democrat senators regarding the potential amendments, such as raising the income threshold for individuals who will be receiving the stimulus payments, as those who are earning $200,000 upwards will be receiving a partial check. When asked regarding the comments, Durbin mentioned that it is one of the topics the bipartisan group of senators has raised from the start. During the vote-a-Rama on the budget resolution, a bipartisan group of senators filed an amendment to voice support for making sure upper-income taxpayers are not eligible. The said amendment which was non-binding ended up being adopted in a 99-1 vote, NBC News reported. Related article: Biden Urges Senate to Waste No Time and Quickly Pass $1.9 trillion COVID-19 Relief Package @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Every day when he took his lunch break from the downtown office-supply store where he worked, Patrick F. Smith would load his camera, make sure he had a handful of quarters in his pocket, and head for Old Town. This was the mid-1970s, when Portlands Old Town was still unmistakably old. Many locals called it Skid Road. The swank neighboring Pearl District didnt yet exist. Signs on crumbling buildings advertised Shower baths and Go-Go Girls Luncheons. Smith, just out of high school, always came upon memorable people on his midday stroll: immigrant shop owners, dockworkers between shifts, the idle men who lived in the flophouses that dominated the area. Hed smile, say hello and ask if he could take their picture. The results started showing up on social media 45 years later. And Smiths modest online following started to grow -- and grow. Old Town street portraits. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) It was the pandemic that brought these images into the world. With lockdowns and social distancing, Smiths Portland portrait-photography business dried up, and so, looking to keep busy, he started going through 35-millimeter negatives hed had in storage for years. Smith, now 63, doesnt think very highly of some of the old photographs hes posted; the images of Portland signs and streets and buildings are what he calls in between shots -- throwaways, artistically speaking. But these are the ones, he noticed, that seem to cause the most interest from people. The reason is easy enough to understand: nostalgia, sparked by places now gone, is powerful stuff. And for those too young -- or too recently arrived -- to make personal associations with the images, theres the shock of seeing their city, not so very long ago, radically different. Old Town street portraits. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) Old Town street portrait. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) Portland was a working-class, industrial town then, Smith says. There was not a lot to see here. But change already was in the air. And thanks to against-the-grain real-estate developers such as Bill and Sam Naito, that New Portland coming down the pike was perhaps most discernible in Old Town. Wrote The Oregon Journal in 1974: Seemingly, a bridge is being built over that imaginary deep ravine that traditionally has separated the lower Northwest area from the lower Southwest area -- that is, between downtown proper and Old Town. (In the 1970s, Old Town was a new name for the neighborhood, invented by the Naito brothers.) (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) The Journal wasnt convinced the owners of the new shops and bistros north of Burnside had made a wise choice. On both sides of lower W. Burnside Street, reeling, soiled, blank-eyed drunks still torment the sidewalks and clutter building fronts with their empty mickeys of tokay, reporter Jack Pement wrote. The entrances of crumbling, reeking stores, hotels and bath houses, some too far gone for rehabilitation into bright little boutiques and craft shops, are still haunted by the presence of benumbed and homeless wine drinkers. The winos still pass out on the sidewalks. Their wastes still foul gutters and doorways. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) Smith doesnt remember it being quite so cinematic. He found most everyone in Old Town to be both conscious and friendly. The teenager was fascinated by the smoky card rooms in the neighborhood, the little groceries that sold cigarettes by the stick, and the old repair shop that had stacks and stacks of bodies for old Bakelite radios. One Romani shopkeeper would nod every day in response to a cheerful hello and then politely shake his head when Smith asked to take his picture. This frustrated the young photographer, who thought the man was the coolest-looking person hed ever seen. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) Some men, out on the street while the rooms at their residential hotels were being cleaned, agreed to pose in exchange for a quarter. Others would enthusiastically mug for the camera without thinking about compensation, happy to be noticed. Smith once offered a quarter to a neighborhood denizen who, it turned out, was a longshoreman, a union man. He laughed at me and handed me five dollars, Smith remembers. I was shocked. I was making $1.60 an hour. Patrick F. Smith continued shooting Portland streetscapes through the 1980s and '90s. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) By the end of the 1970s, local developers were earning praise for revitalizing Old Town without demolishing its historic buildings. The Portland Historical Commission honored the Naito brothers and a handful of others for recognizing that buildings can be old and yet still a part of the community. Even with this ahead-of-its-time commitment to preservation, Old Town and other Portland neighborhoods are so different today from how they were four decades ago that Smith, a Rose City native, doesnt always know the location of a place he captured on film. I sometimes go on Google to try to identify where a picture was taken, and Im just lost, he says. I cant figure out where I was. Its amazing. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) His fans on social media love to examine his old photographs for landmarks they recognize, for long-gone businesses they used to patronize, but its the portraits that tend to truly stick with people. Smith doesnt know anything about these Portlanders he caught with his Minolta SR-T 100 all those years ago. I wasnt Dorothea Lange, he says. I didnt ask them any questions. Its OK that Smith didnt take after the legendary Depression-era photojournalist. The faces of the people he photographed tell their stories -- and Portlands -- and have hit many of Smiths followers in the gut. Time apparently has added to their power, he says. I shopped those portraits at the time, he says. Nobody was interested. Theyd say, Why would anyone want to look at bums? Old Town street portraits. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) (Check out more of Smiths historic Portland photographs at his Facebook page. You can contact him at patrick@pfsmithphoto.com.) Despite concerns among some business owners in the 1970s, the bums didnt hold back Old Towns redevelopment and popularity. In fact, the new and old in the neighborhood quickly learned how to live together, even profit together. One longtime resident stood on a corner every day and recited poetry, an upturned hat at his feet so that those moved by the words could show their appreciation with a coin or two. Another neighborhood regular would stop businessmen on their way to lunch and offer to show them a picture of his straight and pretty granddaughter. (Copyright Patrick F. Smith) Tourists say it is the bums that give the authentic touch to Old Town, the owner of a boutique on Northwest Second Avenue told The Oregonian in 1977. Tourists. That wasnt a word you heard very often in Portland back then. Smith says the first time he saw visitors walking around pointing at local landmarks, in town not for Mount Hood or the Historic Columbia River Highway but to actually check out Portland, was in the late 1980s. It made him realize his city was changing -- and fast. I never ever thought tourists would come to Portland to look around, he says. It took me a long time to get my head around that. -- Douglas Perry dperry@oregonian.com @douglasmperry Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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, March 1 : The coronavirus vaccine - one of the world's most in-demand commodities - has become a new currency for international diplomacy, in which India seems to be having an upper hand over its competitor China. Ashish Srivastava New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) The coronavirus vaccine - one of the world's most in-demand commodities - has become a new currency for international diplomacy, in which India seems to be having an upper hand over its competitor China. With an unmatched vaccine manufacturing power, India is giving away millions of doses to its neighbours, friendly and estranged alike. Recently, neighbouring countries in South Asia like Nepal and Sri Lanka have received the shots in plenty while around 40 nations have been benefited by the goodwill gesture of India. However, India is in no mood to slow down and would be offering the doses to 34 more nations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed IANS during an exclusive interaction. He said that around 34 countries are in the queue to receive Covid vaccines from India within a few days. "We have provided vaccines to around 40 countries and around 34 are in the queue to receive them further. We have finalised the list of who will be obtaining the vaccines within the next few days," Jaishankar told IANS. He said that vaccinating the world along with India's own people comes as a moral responsibility for India, adding that 'the whole world trusts' the country for this. "Being the world's biggest vaccine manufacturer, it's natural that India will not just immunise its own population, but will extend it to the other parts of the world. The whole world trusts us on this," Jaishankar said. When asked about the countries who would be benefiting further, he said that they are scattered across the globe. "It includes our neighbouring countries, South Asian nations, countries in the Gulf region, small islands near Australia, and South American countries. So I'll say that we are reaching out to nations across the globe," Jaishankar informed IANS. India is also a part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) COVAX facility in which the country will share as well as receive vaccines to and from 81 other lower and middle income countries. One such dispatch was done on February 26 when around 6,00,000 doses of Covishield were shipped to Ghana from the Serum Institute of India's Pune factory, which is manufacturing it in india. However, not many nations seem to be taking homegrown Bharat Biotech's Covaxin since it was mired in a controversy regarding its safety and yet to be known efficacy. The confidence on Covaxin is not at par with the Covishield, which is a counterpart of AstraZeneca/Oxford university developed AZD122, currently manufactured in India by the Pune-based SII. The bone of contention is efficacy data which Bharat Biotech failed to produce during the approval of Covaxin. India's drug regulator had approved Covaxin and Covishield on January 3 under an accelerated approval scheme. While Covishield obtained Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA), Covaxin received Restricted Emergency Use (REU) approval. However, Jaishankar said that there are countries which have shown interest in Covaxin. "Many nations have shown interest in Covaxin. We are completing the formalities and its modalities are being worked out. Soon a decision would be taken on this," he said. Commenting further, Jaishankar said that Covishield has been able to find more appeal because it was developed and manufactured way before Covaxin. So it's natural that nations will ask for the vaccines which are more in production. I don't see any factor of trust deficit here. I'm sure Covaxin will catch-up with time," he said. The minister also said that apart from the two vaccines, India will be having a huge portfolio of different kinds of vaccines. "I'm told that we have as many as 30 vaccines under development. Of them, five or may be seven might get approval as well. So we are so far so good," he added. On Monday, Jaishankar himself received the first vaccine shot at the AIIMS here. When asked how he was feeling after the shot, the minister said: "Perfectly fine and confident." One man was killed and four people were injured in shootings in the city in a 24-hour-period, New Orleans police said Monday. Here's what we know from authorities about the shootings. Man injured in shooting on I-10 A 22-year-old man driving on Interstate 10 was shot by someone in a passing vehicle Sunday night, police said. The man was driving east around 6 p.m. on I-10 near the Orleans Avenue exit, police said, when a man pulled next to the driver's side and began shooting into the windshield. The shooter's vehicle was a dark blue sedan with a Florida license plate, police said. No other details were immediately available. Man, woman shot during argument on road A 27-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were injured in a shooting Sunday night in the Desire area, police said. The shooting happened around 10:40 p.m. at Alvar and Abundance streets near the overpass (map). The man and woman were in a vehicle when they stopped and "got out due to an argument," according to preliminary information from police. Four other people approached and fired at them. The man and woman got back in their vehicle and tried to turn around when police say the four people fired at them again, hitting both of them. The injured man and woman went to a hospital and their conditions were not immediately available. No other details were available, including a description of the shooters. 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 Man shot in the leg while inside his home A 67-year-old man was shot in the leg around midnight Sunday in the Pines Village area of New Orleans East, police said. The man said he was inside his home in the 1400 block of Jourdan Avenue (map) when he heard gunshots. He dropped to the floor for cover, police said, and realized he had been shot in his leg. No other details were immediately available, including the man's condition or information about possible shooters. Man killed in shooting in West Lake area A man was killed in a shooting Monday morning in the West Lake area of New Orleans East, police said. The shooting happened around 5:40 a.m. in the 6800 block of Mayo Boulevard (map) near the intersection with South I-10 Service Road, according to preliminary information from police. Officers found the man unresponsive and laying in the street. He had been shot multiple times and died at the scene, police said. No other details were immediately available, including his name or age. A LUAS passenger who was asked to wear his face mask properly attacked security guards with a can of pepper spray, leaving one "screaming in pain," it is alleged. Lee ODonoghue (27) is accused of spraying and injuring the security men as he was being escorted from a tram. Judge Brian O'Shea refused to grant him bail and remanded him in custody when he appeared in Dublin District Court. ODonoghue, with an address at Wheaton Court, Inchicore, is charged with two counts of assault causing harm and possession of a canister of pepper spray as a weapon. Dublin District court heard the offences were alleged to have happened on the Luas Red Line on February 22. Objecting to bail, the prosecuting garda said a report was received that the accused had assaulted Luas security staff by using pepper spray at the Drimnagh stop on Davitt Road. Read More He was a passenger who had been approached for not wearing a face covering properly according to public health guidelines, and became aggressive to staff, it was alleged. The accused was escorted from the tram and it was alleged he withdrew the pepper spray, threatened the staff and deployed it, hitting two of them in the face. Mr ODonoghue was detained at the scene and the alleged victims were brought to Tallaght Hospital for treatment for injuries to their eyes, the garda continued. He said the incident was filmed on the security mens body cameras which captured the accused taking the can from the pocket of his tracksuit bottoms and saying he would use it if they approached him, before discharging it. As the security guards tried to disarm him, one of them could be heard on the footage screaming in pain, the garda said. Mr O'Donoghue was restrained until the gardai arrived and the pepper spray was recovered. The accused was allegedly caught red-handed clearly committing the offences on the body cameras, the garda said. Defence solicitor John Quinn said his client, who was presumed innocent, had given an explanation that he felt in fear at the time. He had been homeless but now had stable accommodation and would abide by bail conditions, Mr Quinn said. Mr O'Donoghue told the judge its not that I wasnt wearing a mask, my mask slipped down from my nose and was on top of my mouth underneath my nose. Judge OShea said the defence seemed to be raising issues of necessary use of force, but it was a source of concern that someone would be allegedly walking around with a can of incapacitant spray. He said they were serious charges and he was refusing jurisdiction. SACRAMENTO Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have reached a deal on requirements for reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic that could get more California students back into the classroom by the end of the month. The plan would provide $2 billion to school districts that resume at least some in-person instruction by March 31, and forgoes some conditions on collective bargaining with teachers unions and testing and vaccinations for school staff that have held up an agreement for months. To receive the money, schools in counties that fall in the purple coronavirus tier, the states most restrictive, would have to bring back students in transitional kindergarten through second grade, along with the most vulnerable students in all grades, including foster youth, English language learners and those who are homeless. In counties that have reached at least the red tier, the second most restrictive where the daily coronavirus case rate has dropped below 7 per 100,000 residents schools would need to reopen for all elementary grades and at least one additional grade in middle or high school, as well as for students with special needs, to receive the state money. Students would have the option to return or continue with remote instruction. The Legislature is expected to vote on the bill Thursday. But there is no guarantee that shuttered schools will reopen soon, as the decision would then shift to the local level, where many districts remain locked in negotiations with employee unions over safety measures. Newsom joined Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon at an elementary school in Elk Grove (Sacramento County) on Monday to discuss the deal. Although the agreement does not force schools to reopen, the governor said he expected it would encourage more districts to bring back additional grades as they see it begin to work. Once you dip your toe in, once you build a cohort confidently, once you built trust, Newsom said, then we will start to see a cadence of reopening across the spectrum. Newsom first put forward a schools plan in December that proposed offering financial incentives to districts to reopen by Feb. 15. But administrators balked at the costs of proposed safety measures, and teachers unions objected to returning to the classroom before their members were vaccinated. Another approach offered last month by Assembly Member Phil Ting of San Francisco and other Democrats aligned more closely with union demands and envisioned in-person instruction resuming by mid-April. But it stalled after Newsom declared that it would bring back too few students on too slow a timeline. Negotiations have picked up in recent weeks as community spread of the coronavirus dropped dramatically in California and Newsom promised to set aside 10% of all first vaccine doses for educators starting in March, prompting more large school districts to reach their own agreements to reopen. Vocal frustration from some parents, and the looming threat of a recall election, also increased pressure on the governor to show progress toward getting children back into classrooms. The new agreement, which also includes $4.6 billion to make up for lost learning, gives districts a strong enticement to resume in-person instruction by the end of this month. But it does not set how many days a week students would need to be back in the classroom or define what the instruction should look like. Schools that have not reopened by April 1 would lose a portion of their share of the $2 billion every day they remain closed, up to 30% of the money if they do bring students back by May 15. Unlike previous proposals, there would be no testing requirement for school staff and students for any district that reopens by the end of March, while schools in the purple tier that resume in-person instruction starting in April would have to test all staff and students every two weeks to be eligible for the additional state money. The plan also includes no mandate that teachers or other school staff receive vaccines before returning to work and does not require districts to reach a collective bargaining agreement with their employees to reopen schools, a provision that could have forced some districts that have already reopened back to the negotiating table. Because of existing contracts, however, many districts still must bargain with their local unions over the exact timelines and conditions of their return. The two statewide teachers unions, the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers, released statements Monday calling the plan an encouraging step toward in-person instruction, but expressing concern that it did not include more safety requirements. Asymptomatic testing of teachers and students, even after educators are vaccinated, remains a sticking point. Many school officials consider the step expensive and unnecessary. All research shows that asymptomatic testing for educators and students continues to be important for a safe reopening, said E. Toby Boyd, president of the California Teachers Association. We appreciate the legislation requiring testing for schools with high community transmission rates but continue to support robust testing programs for all schools. Newsom said the plan pulled from the collective wisdom of an alphabet soup of schools groups. The bottom line is, we created a framework that we believe is consensus, he said. Consensus doesnt mean everybody is happy. As fears mount that some districts caught in intractable negotiations with their employees may not be ready to bring students back for in-person instruction even by the next school year, Newsom suggested that he could act more decisively to force reopenings in the fall. We want the schools to safely reopen, period, full stop, he said. We have all the expectation that schools will be safely reopened across the spectrum come this fall. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff "Lucky: How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency" By Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes. Crown. 498 pp. $30 - - - Sometimes a book is so eager to take readers behind the scenes that it neglects to spend enough time on the scenes themselves. This is often so with works chronicling presidential elections, obsessed as they are with the machinations of high-priced operatives, the strategizing of rival campaigns or the "optics" of who stands where on a debate stage. Read enough of them and it gets hard to discern whether that is all the authors choose to emphasize, or if that is all there really is to see. "Lucky," a brisk and detailed account of the 2020 presidential race by political journalists Jonathan Allen of NBC News and Amie Parnes of the Hill, is the first volume to tell the story of this unusual electoral contest, with several competing works scheduled later this year and into 2022. Four years ago, Allen and Parnes co-authored the best-selling "Shattered," an examination of Hillary Clinton's failed 2016 campaign, in which they placed the blame largely on the ineptitude of the losing side. In this sequel, they are only slightly more generous with the Democratic nominee. Joe Biden won, of course, but mainly because he "caught every imaginable break." He was the "process-of-elimination candidate," emerging from a crowded set of more exciting Democratic contenders. He was "lousy in debates and lackluster on the trail," prevailing despite "a bland message and a blank agenda." Biden, they argue, got lucky. The fiasco of the Iowa caucuses, where the app designed to report the results failed miserably, temporarily obscured Biden's fourth-place showing. "This was a gift," a campaign aide later explained. Luck returned when rival Democrats such as Pete Buttigieg (who ended up winning Iowa) and Mike Bloomberg (who won American Samoa) suffered debate night takedowns by Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren - and when Biden survived his own hit from Kamala Harris over his past positions on school busing and desegregation. (That almost cost Harris the subsequent veep nod, Allen and Parnes report.) Fortune smiled again when the entire Democratic Party establishment rushed to Biden's side after his victory in the South Carolina primary, even if it was less about devotion to him than panic that Bernie Sanders might secure the nomination. "On Super Tuesday, you got very lucky," President Donald Trump told Biden at their first debate. The Democrat did not disagree. But Trump offered his rival some luck, too, when the president failed to deal effectively or humanely with the coronavirus pandemic. Allen and Parnes quote then-senior campaign official Anita Dunn, now a White House adviser, discussing how the outbreak affected Biden's prospects. "COVID is the best thing that ever happened to him," she told an associate early in the crisis, according to the authors. It's a cynical way to regard a disease that would go on to take the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, even if it was, they write, what Biden campaign aides "believed but would never say in public." Well, it's public now. Such blunt, insidery talk is the lifeblood of "Lucky." Biden campaign pollster John Anzalone, for instance, worries about the vagueness of his candidate's speeches. "No one knows what this 'soul of America' bulls--- means," he complains. At a New York event with Black corporate leaders in the fall of 2019, Barack Obama praised Warren's candidacy and listed several reasons Buttigieg couldn't win. "He's thirty-eight, but he looks thirty," the former president said, eliciting laughs in the room. "He's the mayor of a small town. He's gay, and he's short." And top Sanders campaign adviser Jeff Weaver chewed out fellow adviser Chuck Rocha as the early Nevada primary results came in. "Where are the Latinos? You spent three million dollars. Where are the Latinos?" A simplistic focus on identity is evident throughout the Democratic field, with new aides often hired to make staffs look young and more diverse - only to complicate things by, you know, having ideas of their own that diverged from those of entrenched advisers. Allen and Parnes portray a Biden campaign split along "deep fault lines mostly based on generation, race, ideology, and time in Bidenworld." Biden was in the middle of it, in every sense, hewing to centrist positions on health care, racial justice and law enforcement, no matter the pressures from his campaign team and his party. He may not have been "Sleepy Joe," but he remained "Unwoke Joe," Allen and Parnes quip. "That was the ugly truth many Democrats had to face in the aftermath of the 2020 election: To beat Trump, they had to swallow their progressive values and push forward an old white man who simply promised to restore calm." That "simply" is a little deceptive. The 2020 race transpired against the backdrop of a deadly pandemic, widespread racial-justice protests and threats to American democracy emanating from the presidency itself. In "Lucky," such context matters largely to the extent that it affects the candidates' rhetoric and fundraising. (George Floyd's death, for instance, required some "nimble positioning" by Biden, Allen and Parnes write, trying to keep both moderate White voters and party activists happy.) As a result, the moments of high drama in "Lucky" can feel small-bore. Should Biden leave New Hampshire and head to South Carolina before the Granite State's full primary results are announced, thus potentially alienating supporters there for the general election? (Spoiler: He did leave early. It was fine.) And how do longtime Biden campaign staffers react when the interloping new campaign boss, Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, receives a glowing write-up in The Washington Post's opinion section, complete with a portrait-type photo? "The profile landed like the mother of all bombs in the civil war between the Obama veterans and Biden's primary crew," Allen and Parnes overwrite. There are memorable and telling insider moments in "Lucky," revealing vital negotiations or highlighting simple truths that parties and campaigns would rather obfuscate. For example, planners of the Democratic Party's virtual convention thought about featuring a national map that would highlight the locations of various speakers, thus countering the notion that the party was a club for coastal elites - only to can the idea when they realized multiple speakers would be broadcasting from Martha's Vineyard. And the all-important endorsement of Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina was in play when Clyburn cornered Biden during a commercial break at a Charleston debate and urged him to promise to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court. "This wasn't offered as a condition of Clyburn's endorsement, but it was an expectation," the authors write, parsing a bit too finely. Biden awkwardly complied. Unfortunately, Allen and Parnes clutter their story with italicized descriptions of what various players are really thinking at particular moments, a tic that carries over from "Shattered" but that here grows more noticeable. "Obviously, we are not able to read minds," they acknowledge in an author's note, explaining that they divine such thoughts from first- or secondhand sources, or from "documents that suggest what a person was thinking." Even so, these asides are distracting and often unnecessary. "(BEGIN ITAL)How the hell can they do that?(END ITAL)" Trump thought when Fox News called Arizona for Biden on election night. (Yes, we all heard he was upset.) And Warren's supposed inner monologue before eviscerating Bloomberg on a Las Vegas debate stage closely resembled - no shock - what she said to Bloomberg's face on national television. Note to political reporters and nonfiction authors: Italics are not a get-out-of-quote free card. The most persuasive case that Biden "barely won" the presidency, as the book's subtitle states, is found not in the details of Allen and Parnes's reporting but in their description of the election's final tallies. Yes, Biden received 81 million votes, the most in U.S. presidential history, but "many voters didn't realize how close the president had come to winning a second term." Allen and Parnes note that Trump's collective margin of defeat in three states that would have given him an electoral college victory - Wisconsin, Georgia and Arizona - was 42,918 votes, less than the 77,000-plus votes that cost Clinton Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania four years earlier. That is certainly close. "Lucky" provides useful detail to understand Biden's victory, even if the framing is not particularly novel. What candidate has not experienced some luck or misfortune during a long presidential bid? One time it might be a major health crisis, another time, a self-righteous FBI director. Stuff happens, and the best candidates figure out how to react. "Knowing who he was, and where he wanted to be politically, allowed Biden's campaign to capitalize when luck ran his way," Allen and Parnes write in their final pages. In other words, Biden was more than lucky. And for political reporters as for political candidates, spending too much time on optics is just not a good look. Businesses have been urged to start preparing immediately for additional post-Brexit checks that will come into force from April 1 (Niall Carson/PA) Businesses have been urged to start preparing for additional post-Brexit checks that are coming into force at the end of the month. April 1 will mark the end of a three-month grace period, meaning health certificates will then be needed for all products of animal origin, as well as regulated plants and related products. Tom Talbot, head of the Revenues customs operations at Dublin Port, said the best way to avoid additional delays to exports is for businesses to start preparing now. Expand Close Tom Talbot gives a briefing on the operation of Dublin Port (Julien Behal/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tom Talbot gives a briefing on the operation of Dublin Port (Julien Behal/PA) He told a briefing on Monday: Its the unknown, will there be delays? Thats why were emphasising today to everybody to get ready for this. Preparation really is the key. Weve learned that, if nothing else, from the 1st of January. Those who were prepared and have everything in place, it worked and it worked very well. Others are still catching up. In terms of are there going to be delays, I really have to emphasise, everybody in that supply chain today not tomorrow, dont leave it a week, dont leave it a month look today. Where am I in that supply chain? What do I have to do to make sure that the exports from Ireland into the UK work on the 1st of April? Does your business export goods to Great Britain? Revenue has outlined the customs export requirements at https://t.co/26txNvzQu9 Revenue (@RevenueIE) March 1, 2021 From the beginning of next month, the UK will introduce new import controls on products of animal origin, including all meat, dairy, fish and composite products incorporating products of animal origin, as well as regulated plants and plant products. This will mean that, in addition to customs formalities already in place, exporters in the Republic exporting to or through the UK will face a number of new requirements. UK importers will have to pre-notify the UK authorities of the goods, and health certificates will be required from the Irish authorities to move the goods. Declan Hughes, from the Department of Enterprise, said: Its important exporters and producers in Ireland come to terms with and understand the issues that they will have to deal with, and what those new documentary requirements will be for the first of April. Expand Close Hazel Sheridan, of the Department of Agriculture, warned that trainers heading to the Cheltenham Festival will need health certificates for their horses (Niall Carson/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hazel Sheridan, of the Department of Agriculture, warned that trainers heading to the Cheltenham Festival will need health certificates for their horses (Niall Carson/PA) Horse trainers travelling to the UK for the Cheltenham Festival later this month have also been warned that their animals will require health certificates for their journey. Hazel Sheridan, from the Department of Agriculture, said: Theres a requirement for advanced notification on horses that are coming back into the country. There will be a requirement in relation to health certification. There are details in relation to that on our website. Its really important that people are familiar with those and that they just be ready. The horses will have to stop in the ports for a check. We have plenty of experience in carrying out those checks at this point in time, and its not taking a particularly long length of time, provided you have all the documentation. EU Mandatory Disclosure of Reportable Cross-Border Arrangements (DAC6) https://t.co/zw7kEJcXKn Revenue (@RevenueIE) March 1, 2021 Since the start of January, the Revenue has successfully processed more than 2.6 million customs declarations, compared with 1.6 million in the whole of 2020. Additionally, more than 320,000 export declarations for goods movements to Great Britain were processed. A total of 13,650 calls to Revenues 24/7 Customs Helpline were answered for the period January 1 to lunchtime on February 25 2021, according to figures from the Revenue Commissioners. Patented Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and Intellectual Property (IP) A Tier 1 customer base Experienced leadership What Plurilock Security does: Plurilock Security Inc ( ) (OTCMKTS:PLCKF) is a cybersecurity company that provides multi-factor authentication (MFA) and true continuous authentication using AI-driven behavioral biometrics to confirm a users identity. With more people working and shopping from home due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, cyber protection needs are only expected to grow in the months and years ahead. Unlike competing MFA solutions, Plurilock does not require users to complete lengthy login workflows using mobile messaging or code generators and, unlike competing continuous authentication solutions, the company provides true full-workday authentication in the background. The Victoria, British Columbia-based companys expertise is in applying machine learning to human movement to verify identity and enhance cybersecurity, which enables two key capabilities: anomaly detection and continuous authentication sectors. Plurilocks Enterprise Software as a Service (SaaS) offering targets long-term agreements, leading to a higher customer retention rate with more recurring revenue. The company describes its ideal customer as mid-market regulated enterprises in North America with deep security needs. Plurilock targets sales, both direct and through channel sales, in the financial services, government and defense, and healthcare sectors through an engaged network of partners and value-added resellers. The company is currently focused on growing its sales amongst mid-market financial institutions in North America, which it estimates is a $300 million market opportunity based on an average deal size of $100,000. Plurilock is also pursuing a Mergers & Acquisition (M&A) strategy, targeting synergistic businesses with positive cash flow and between $500,000 and $3 million in annual revenue. The company is led by CEO Ian Paterson, a 10-year data analytics entrepreneur with a proven track record in commercializing data science solutions and landing multi-million dollar accounts. How is it doing: In late January, Plurilock announced that one of its subsidiaries had entered into a reseller agreement with Tantallon Ltd, a UK-based distributor of cyber defence solutions. Through the agreement, Tantallon will distribute Plurilock's core authentication solutions to Fortune 1000 clients and government organizations within the financial sectors of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Earlier in the same month, the company said it had entered into a non-exclusive reseller agreement with X10 Networks Inc, a network engineering solutions provider, in which X10 will promote and deliver Plurilock's products to a wide range of clients across various industry verticals such as education, government, healthcare, and industrials. Plurilock also announced recently that it had renewed its contract with a regional bank based in the Northeastern US, thus continuing the financial institutions use of Plurilock's MFA solutions requiring at least two forms of identity proof to confirm the identity of a digital user. During the latter half of 2020, the company reported that it had completed the first milestone of a US$198,000 contract with the US Department of Homeland Security to continue its development of advanced machine-to-machine authentication and anomaly detection tools, for which Plurilock received US$70,000. As well, it was awarded a US$42,000 annual recurring contract by a major US financial services firm to deploy Plurilock's core authentication solutions. On the financial side, Plurilock Security generated $351,705 in revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2020, a 29% increase from the same period last year. The company also saw its license revenues climb to 71% of its total revenue during the first nine months of fiscal 2020, from 47% in the comparable period of 2019. Plurilock also recently raised more $5.1 million in total gross proceeds via two non-brokered private placements, the first at a price of $0.45 per unit and the second at price of $0.48 per unit. The company said it intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate requirements to further pursue its growth initiatives. And the company received approval to begin trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the ticker "PLCKF" on January 21. Inflection points: Potential acquisitions to grow its market distribution Securing new patents to increase the companys competitive moat Launch two platform integrations to accelerate sales What the boss says: Commenting on the companys recent equity financing, Plurilock Security CEO Ian Paterson said in a statement: We are pleased to see increased institutional support in these past financings as they highlight the high level of interest and confidence the investment community has in Plurilock and the cybersecurity industry. He added: With over $5.1 million in gross proceeds raised, we are now in a position to deploy our resources into key growth initiatives while advancing our M&A strategy in order to establish a stronger footprint in the fragmented North American cybersecurity industry. Contact Sean at sean@proactiveinvestors.com DO YOU AGREE TO COMMIT TO THE SAFEST BEHAVIORS POSSIBLE AND IN DOING SO KEEPING THE SCHOOLS SAFER? So asks the LA Unified School District Covid QR code admission ticket app. Do you promise to love, honor and obey Bill Gates? Admit it, you've sent your kids to school once or twice when they were maybe not feeling so great. Call it under the weather. Maybe had a touch of a fever. A bit of a cough. Parents have shoved a handful of tissues in the lunch box and dosed their kids with Tylenol or Motrin to take down a low fever so that they could go to work for a very long time. When kids are sick, parents face tough choices. The Covid lock down has brought this into sharp focus for EVERYONE all at once. Los Angeles is introducing a daily QR code "ticket" made by Bill Gates' Microsoft in which the teachers, parents, visitors and children would have to lie if they had a sniffle from anything to go to school. How about truancy? Kids are smarter than your average bear, if they say they haven't felt well, will their daily pass will be a hall pass out of school for the day? The honor system is long gone. We must report in and obey. After far too many school shootings, American schools went into an earlier, literal version of lock down mode. The physical kind. Locked doors with intercom systems. A number over every doorway for emergency response teams. Name tags for everyone in the building. Limited visitors. Windows no one can open on a warm Spring day. We got "used" to it, didn't we? And now? The bullet has now been replaced by the virus. Daily health passes with a QR code for entrance. Wow. It's here. Starting of course, in California, with COVID. What and where will be next? ### Read all about the Daily Pass here. Los Angeles Unified has launched a one-stop shop web app built specifically for the District to ensure that we get students, faculty and administrators back to schools and district offices as safely as possible. In addition to completing a daily health check through the app, users will be able to book COVID-19 tests and receive test results and messages. This innovative tool was developed in partnership with Microsoft to bring our students back into the classrooms with the following easy steps: Students, parents and visitors will access the Daily Pass on any computer, tablet or mobile device at dailypass.lausd.net. Answer the daily health check questions (not more than a two-minute process!) If the individual has recently tested negative for COVID-19 and completes the online health check, a QR code will be generated for that day and specific site location School staff members dedicated to be Welcomers will be at every site to scan the QR code and take your temperature at the entrance. NOTE: More information on the frequency of testing will be available in the coming weeks. Los Angeles Unified is committed to ensuring the safest way to provide our greater school community the assurance of a protected return to school when health conditions permit. CFSB Center Vaccination Site Open Wednesday By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - The Calloway County Health Department will open up its Regional Vaccination Site on Wednesday at Murray State University.Vaccinations will take place from 10 am to 4 pm at the CFSB Center. Appointments will be scheduled directly from the health department's sign-up list.Those receiving vaccinations will include individuals in the over 70 community, others in phase 1b, and some in phase 1c. You must have a previously scheduled appointment to be vaccinated at the Regional Vaccination Site.Anyone interested in receiving the vaccine can sign up at the link below.On the Net: 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 recent CPAC Straw Poll was a big win for Trump. One of the contenders Ron DeSantis is the second in line. In Florida, the CPAC convened and conservatives converged in the Sunshine state to see what comes next for America's conservatives. This year is important as Trump engages the Republicans to set the pace till 2024. Trump emerges as the top choice In the CPAC, former President Donald Trump got the top for the Conservative Political Action Conference straw poll. It is the gauge who can be the top presidential candidate for 2024, reported the Blaze. A poll was done to get the consensus for conservatives and their top choice in the CPAC. The ex-president gave his much-awaited speech. Those opposing the liberals want to know what he'll say. One issue that was raised is election integrity in connection to the 2020 election. The CPAC attendees (62%) were adamant that election integrity be resolved. Another 48% said that said constitutional rights must be upheld not broken. Immigration and kick-starting the economy were also integral issues to conservatives. Not surprising is the common consensus of where the Republicans are headed and what agenda is desired. Of all the conservatives, about 95% screams to Trump's agenda and policies to continue driving the GOP. Even after office, the ex-president got 97% with CPAC attendees that were bolstered with 87% to approve while in office. These numbers are not like those used by the current administration when it comes to Biden's. A consensus from the attendees is 68% that says Trump should run in 2024. Should he win, he'll be 78-years old like Biden. Also read: WaPo Reporter Gets Attacked Online Because of Tweet About Neera Tanden Should 2024 be the real deal for another Trump White House with 55% and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was the runner-up at 21%. This makes DeSantis a successor to Trump, while GOP Gov. Kristi Noem at 4% and Nikki Haley at 3% were the next ones in line. Successor to Trump's agenda Part of the CPAC straw poll is who will be the next in line, which is significant should Trump not commit in 2024. The top choice for conservatives is DeSantis (43%), with Noem at 11%, Donald Trump Jr. with 8%, Ted Cruz got 7% and others getting 3% each like Tucker Carlson, Josh Hawley, Ivanka Trump. In the 2016 CPAC, it was Ted Cruz with 40% the followed by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)., but Trump did not come to the 2016 CPAC and got 15% only. Last Friday, DeSantis nuked immigration, big tech control of media, last is election security in his CPAC speech. He said that Florida leads on conservatives' issues that matter. Added that it is not all talk that is hollow, but action not sitting back. Saying that the Republican establishment is not enough, there should be more done to change the GOP. Remarked that open borders are not wanted with American sovereignty, also uphold the American worker. He scoured that everything should be done to support the American worker. The CPAC Straw Poll indicates that Trump is poised for another run but he'll say when it is a go. Related article: Pence, Trump not at odds During Republican Meeting, Says GOP Lawmaker @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New Delhi, March 1 : It was a moment of great surprise for P.Niveda, nursing officer at AIIMS here, when she was asked to administer the first shot of vaccine to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning. She learned about vaccinating the Prime Minister only minutes before his arrival to the hospital. "I am posted at the vaccine centre. I was called. We found out PM sir is coming today. It was great to meet PM sir," she said. Niveda said that for her, inoculating Modi was a moment of great surprise and of honour. Modi reached early around 6.30 a.m. for his immunization under phase three which has been initiated in the country from Monday covering 27 crore people aged above 60 and those above 45 with comorbidities. Hailing from Puducherry, Niveda was the main nurse to inoculate Modi. She has been with the hospital for the last three years. Image Source: IANS News Niveda said that the Prime Minister chatted with the staff and remarked after receiving the dose: "Laga bhi diya aur pata bhi nahin chala (Already done? I didn't even feel it)." "He asked where we are from and interacted with us," she added. Modi took indigenous homegrown vaccine for Covid-19, Bharat Biotech's Covaxin at AIIMS. Niveda said that he will need the second dose in 28 days for full immunisation against the viral disease. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS," Modi informed on his Twitter handle. "Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," Modi added. He also appealed that those who could take vaccines should come forward for it. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," Modi said. The Prime Minister decided to get the jab early in the morning to avoid inconvenience to the public that may have occurred due to his security protocols, officials said. Vaccination will be provided free of charge at the government health facilities and will be on a payment basis in the private health facilities. All private hospitals can charge Rs 150 for vaccines and Rs 100 for service charges fixed by the Central government. Around 10,000 hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY and 687 hospitals under CGHS can be used by states as Covid Vaccination Centres (CVCs). Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- Syndicated from IANS The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned a former senator, Umaru Argungu, on charges of criminal misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N419million. Mr Argungu, who represented Kebbi North in the 6th Senate, was arraigned before the Sokoto State High Court in Sokoto. The anti-corruption agency accused Mr Argungu of diverting the total N419, 744, 612. 30 invested in his company by Sokoto State Government to create jobs and boost the economy of the state. The money was said to have been paid by the Sokoto State Government as 40 percent equity stake in the former senators firm Hijrah Investment Nigeria Limited, owners of Hijrah Textile Ltd. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge. READ FULL STATEMENT Ex- Kebbi Senator Arraigned for N419m Scam in Sokoto The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Sokoto Zonal Office today March 1, 2021 arraigned Senator Umaru Tafida Argungu before Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Sokoto State High Court on one count charge of criminal misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N419, 744, 612. 30 (Four Hundred and Nineteen Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira, Thirty Kobo). The former Senator who represented Kebbi North in the 6th Senate, is alleged to have diverted the said sum which was paid by the Sokoto State government as 40percent equity stake in Hijrah Investment Nigeria Limited, owners of Hijrah Textile Ltd. The Sokoto State government had entered into an agreement with the former Senator to buy a 40 per cent stake in his company Hijrah Investment Nigeria Limited in order to create jobs and boost the economy of the state. However, investigations revealed several withdrawals and transfers from the said account to individuals not remotely connected to the objectives of turning around the company. A visit to the company promises by investigators, showed a company in severe state of abandonment and dilapidation. The charge reads: That you Senator Umar Tafida while being the Chairman of Hijrah Textiles Company Limited and Hijrah Investment Nigeria Limited sometime between 2016 and 2017 at Sokoto within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice Sokoto State, being entrusted with the total sum of N419, 744, 612. 30 (Four Hundred and Nineteen Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira, Thirty Kobo) paid by the Sokoto State government, representing 40% investment of shareholding in your company to boost the economy of the state, dishonestly misappropriated the money in violation of the mode in which such trust was to be discharged and thereby committed Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Law CAP 89, Laws of Northern Nigeria and punishable under Section 312 of the same Law. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Based on his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.H. Saad asked the Court for a date to commence trial while defence counsel, Ibrahim Abdullahi move a verbal motion for the bail of his client. Justice Mohammed granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million (Fifty Million Naira) and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must reside and have property within the jurisdiction of the Court. The judge further ruled that the defendants international passport be deposited with the Court. The case has been adjourned till March 18, 2021 for commencement of trial. Wilson Uwujaren ADVERTISEMENT Head, Media & Publicity 1 March, 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. A French court has found Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of influence peddling in a landmark corruption case. The former French president, who led the country from 2007 until 2012, was sentenced to three years in prison, with two of those suspended. Sarkozy has 10 days to appeal Mondays ruling, and the presiding judge said prison time could be substituted by him wearing an electronic bracelet. The trial is the first time a former French president has stood trial on corruption charges, after being accused of attempting to use his political influence to bribe a judge. Sarkozy, 66, was found guilty of offering judge Gilbert Azibert a post in Monaco in exchange for inside information relating to a probe into financing for his 2007 presidential campaign. Azibert never received the Monaco job but prosecutors said the clearly stated promise constituted corruption under French law. The allegations were based on secretly recorded conversations between Sarkozy and his lawyer Thierry Herzog from February 2014. Both Azibert and Herzog were also found guilty and handed the same sentence. During the trial, Sarkozy consistently denied committing any act of corruption and claimed that he was the victim of a smear campaign. No pact has ever existed. Neither in my head, nor in reality. I want to be cleared of that infamy, he told the court in December: What right do they have to drag me through the mud like this for six years? Is there no rule of law? He also questioned the methods by which the evidence against him was gathered. You have in front of you a man of whom more than 3,700 private conversations have been wiretapped, he said. What did I do to deserve that? Sarkozy faces a separate trial later this month relating to his 2012 presidential campaign. He faces charges alongside 13 co-defendants of spending nearly double the authorised limit to finance the campaign, which he lost to Socialist candidate Francois Hollande. Jacques Chirac is the only former French president to have previously faced trial after leaving office. Sarkozys predecessor received a two-year suspended sentence after being found guilty in 2011 of misusing public money during his time as Paris mayor. Tracking suckler herds participating in BDGP and in ICBF's Herdplus over the past five years, Aidan Murray Teagasc Beef Specialist recently highlighted suckler herds performance in this area has been fairly flat. This is despite huge efforts by Teagasc to encourage farmers to calve heifers earlier. Murray said heifers calving at 22-26 months is 'taboo' with many farmers despite other farmers regularly achieving the target. "Concerns centre around too small at bulling, too difficult to calf, they won't calve down again as second calvers or it will stunt them," he said. However, he said Teagasc is not asking farmers to take a step into the unknown, adding that the blueprints are there in terms of target bulling weights, weight at first calving etc. "If you can have heifers at 60pc of their mature weight at bulling, they are on target. So a mature cow weight of 700kg will need heifers to be around 420kgs at bulling. "The notion that calving at 22-26 months will stunt their growth is simply not true. "Time and time again at open days and farm walks we have demonstrated heifers that have calved at 2 years old have matured into 700kg plus cows and they are able to calve down again as second, third and fourth calvers," he said. Murray did concede that heifers are more troublesome at calving. However, he said that is true of all heifers citing ICBF figures. "It is not uncommon that over 50pc of all heifers calving need some level of assistance at calving irrespective of their age at first calving. "But we have a level of control here by having them sufficiently well grown at calving, but more importantly, we breed them to the correct bull. We need to use proven easy calving bulls with no greater heifer calving difficulty than 7.5%. "We also need to keep heifer condition up after calving particularly if they are housed for a number of weeks before going to grass, so supplementation will be needed," he said. Murray said calving heifers at 22-26 months will improve overall costs and will deliver on environmental efficiencies. He advised farmers to look at their yearling heifers ask are any of them on target to reach the targeted bulling weight by early May and should he push them on a bit more while they are housed? or better still how quickly can he get them to grass? [March 01, 2021] Pexco LLC Acquires Altaflo Pexco LLC, a leading North American specialty plastics extruder, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Altaflo, LLC. Based in Sparta, NJ, Altaflo produces high-performance fluoropolymer and fluoroplastic extrusions for a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, electronics and filtration. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005997/en/ Pexco LLC Acquires Altaflo (Photo: Business Wire) Founded in 2006 by Mary Hyde and Chris Bishop, Altaflo has built a strong reputation for developing exceptional fluid handling solutions for aggressive applications, delivering the highest possible purity levels. Altaflo also maintains a large inventory of fluoropolymer tubing and pipe, allowing them to provide exceptional delivery times for most orders. Pexco CEO Sam Patel stated, "We are extremely pleased to welcome Altaflo to the Pexco family. They are well known for their strong customer focus and agility in expanding product lines and material offerings to meet rapidly evolving needs and requirements. The acquisition of Altaflo significantly expands our high-performance polymer capabilities and technical expertise and brings a proprietary suite of highly sought after branded products. Pexco looks forward to growing Altaflo by broadening the spectrum of solutions available to their customers." Owners Chris Bishop & Mary Hyde remarked, "Pexco's scale and expertise in custom extrusion creates an excellent opportunity for our organization an our customers, providing a robust platform for future growth. We are excited to begin this new chapter for Altaflo and look forward to continuing our mission of offering the highest quality fluid-handling products on the market" Since 2009, Pexco has executed on multiple acquisitions as it has grown into the largest custom industrial extrusion company in North America. Pexco was acquired in 2018 by AEA Investors, the global private equity group. The purchase of Altaflo Inc. represents Pexco's eighth acquisition under its new ownership. Patel stated that "This acquisition is an important step in our continued efforts of diversifying our capabilities and knowledge base as a diversified supplier of critical polymer products to a variety of industries." About Pexco LLC Based in Atlanta with multiple plants across the United States and Mexico, Pexco is a North American leader in the design and fabrication of custom extruded and injection molded plastics products. It provides standard and specialty parts and components to manufacturers and end-users for a broad range of custom applications, including the specialty industrial, lighting, traffic safety, fence, filtration and electrical insulation industries. Pexco offers a full range of custom design, engineering and fabrication services. Pexco meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 registration for all of its manufacturing operations. For more information, visit www.pexco.com or contact 770-777-8540. About Altaflo Altaflo is a custom provider of high-performance fluoropolymer and fluoroplastic tubing and pipe extrusions. Based in Sparta, NJ, Altaflo was founded in 2006 by Mary Hyde and Chris Bishop. The company specializes in fluid handling solutions for challenging applications, including those requiring exceptional purity. Altaflo has developed a strong reputation for delivering uncompromising quality and service, creating precision extrusions for a wide array of industrial markets, including filtration, energy, and electronics. About AEA Investors LP AEA Investors LP was founded in 1968 by the Rockefeller, Mellon and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. as a private investment vehicle for a select group of industrial family offices with substantial assets. AEA has an extraordinary global network built over many years which includes leading industrial families, business executives and leaders; many of whom invest with AEA as active individual investors ("Participants") and/or join its portfolio company boards or act in other advisory roles. Today, AEA's approximately 90 investment professionals operate globally with offices in New York, Connecticut, London, Munich and Shanghai. The firm manages funds that have over $15 billion of invested and committed capital including the leveraged buyouts of middle market companies and small business companies and mezzanine and senior debt investments. AEA Private Equity invests across three sectors: value added industrials, consumer, and services. The AEA Small Business Funds is a strategy within AEA that currently manages $1.8 billion of invested and committed capital. The team seeks to help grow and transform companies at the lower end of the middle market by sponsoring growing companies with proven management teams and superior business models. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005997/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Credit: CC0 Public Domain In early 2020, daily life in Northern China slammed to a halt as the region entered a strict period of lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19. Emissions from transportation and industry plummeted. Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) from fossil fuels fell by 60 to 70 percent. And yet, environmental researchers noticed that ground-level ozone pollution in Beijing and the Northern China Plain skyrocketed during this time period, despite the decrease of NO x , a component of ozone. The region is no stranger to severe ozone pollution but until about five years ago, most ozone events occurred during the summer. Recently, the ozone season in China has been getting longer, spreading into early spring and late winter. As it turns out, the COVID-19 lockdown can help explain why. Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST) have found that another component of ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), may be to blame for the increase in winter ozone. The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). "The COVID-19 lockdown was an involuntary experiment in which the emissions decreased abruptly and a lot of ozone appeared suddenly," said Daniel J. Jacob, the Vasco McCoy Family Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Engineering at SEAS and co-corresponding author of the paper. Ozone is formed through a series of chemical reactions, starting with the oxidation of VOCs. This reaction forms chemical radicals, which drive reactions between NO x and VOCs to produce ozone in the presence of sunlight. In a previous study, researchers from SEAS and NUIST found that in the summertime, particulate matter (PM2.5) acts like a sponge for the radicals needed to generate ozone pollution, sucking them up and preventing them from producing ozone. In that paper, the researchers found that air pollution policies instituted by the Chinese government that reduced PM2.5 were causing an increase in harmful ground-level ozone pollution, especially in large cities. In this research, the team found that NO x plays a similar role in the wintertime, scavenging radicals and preventing them from forming ozone. As NO x levels decrease, either all of a sudden with lockdown or gradually with air pollution controls, there are more radicals available for VOCs to react with. This enhanced oxidation of VOCs by radicals would amplify by producing more radicals themselves, and this process optimizes the ozone production efficiency of NO x . "The COVID-19 experience helps explain the trend of increasing ozone pollution in the late winter and spring in China," said Ke Li, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS and first author of the study. "As NO x emissions have decreased, the ozone season in China is getting longer." The research highlights the need to better understand the sources and species of VOCs and regulate their emissions. "VOC emission controls would stop the spread of the ozone season and have major benefits on public health, crop production, and particulate pollution," said Hong Liao, Professor at NUIST and co-corresponding author of this work. Explore further China's war on particulate air pollution is causing more severe ozone pollution More information: Ke Li el al., "Ozone pollution in the North China Plain spreading into the late-winter haze season," PNAS (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Ke Li el al., "Ozone pollution in the North China Plain spreading into the late-winter haze season,"(2021). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.2015797118 With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third formula on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery. The push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Nearly 20% of the nations adults or over 50 million people have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 10% have been fully inoculated 2 1/2 months into the campaign to snuff out the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Johnson & Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June. That adds to the supply being distributed by Pfizer and Moderna and should help the nation amass enough doses by midsummer to vaccinate all adults. The White House is encouraging Americans to take the first dose available to them, regardless of manufacturer. In other developments: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (March 1) wished Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on his birthday through a post on Twitter. The Prime Minister also praised him for undertaking numerous measures for the development of the state. "Best wishes to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji on his birthday. Under his leadership, the NDA Government in Bihar is undertaking numerous measures for developing the state. Praying for his long and healthy life," PM Modi tweeted. Best wishes to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji on his birthday. Under his leadership the NDA Government in Bihar is undertaking numerous measures for developing the state. Praying for his long and healthy life. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2021 Janata Dal (United) workers are celebrating Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars 70th birthday as Vikas Diwas across the state. Reports suggest Nitish Kumar may take the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on his birthday at 1 pm. The party workers distributed laddus (sweets), notebooks, pencils and milk among the poor. The workers also offered prayers at Mahavir Temple near Station Golambar in Patna. They will also cut a 70-pound cake at the party's headquarters in the state capital and will offer milk to his picture. Besides this, all party workers will gather at their respective polling booths to celebrate the leaders birthday. Live TV Feb. 28Nerdwallet Student loan scammers have a brand-new hook: "Biden student loan forgiveness" or "stimulus forgiveness." Behind the pitch is the same old fraudster playbook, one that persuades federal student loan borrowers to pay for services they could get for free or to share personal account information in exchange for forgiveness. The extended pause on federal student loan payments and revived talk in Congress of debt forgiveness make such deceptions easier to believe. "Debt relief scams proliferate when there is a large amount of financial suffering or a lot of confusion, and we have both going on right now," says Persis Yu, a staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center and director of its Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project. To be clear, there is no new broad-based loan forgiveness program available beyond the existing, often difficult-to-get options, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness or Borrower Defense to Repayment. There's also no application or fee necessary to receive the federal student loan payment pause that's been in effect since March 13, 2020, and will continue through Sept. 30, 2021. About that 'stimulus forgiveness' It's safe to dismiss any out-of-the-blue offer to discharge debt, consolidate loans or alter your repayment plan as a scam. "There isn't a person or entity on the planet who can get you a better deal on your student loan or access a program that you can't get yourself by working directly with your servicer," says Betsy Mayotte, president and founder of the Institute of Student Loan Advisors. Mayotte says she's seen an uptick in complaints from borrowers about "Biden relief" and COVID-19 relief student loan scams. In one instance, a borrower sent Mayotte the transcript of a fraudulent voicemail making an enticing offer: "It looks like your student loan has been flagged eligible for the recent stimulus forgiveness and relief legislation, however, your application needs to be completed." Story continues The caller sounded legit (she provided a name and an agent ID number) and expressed urgency to call back on a "dedicated eligibility line." Then the caller further emphasized time sensitivity, saying the discharge would be first come, first served. "What's interesting is that this number came in as a D.C. number, which I'm sure just adds credibility to their scam," Mayotte says. Borrowers should continue to be on guard as student loan scams proliferate, largely due to the "whack-a-mole" effect: As soon as one company is shut down, another pops up in its place, says Michelle Grajales, staff attorney with the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Red flags to watch for The maxim "If it sounds too good to be true, it is" goes hand in hand with spotting scams. But the most effective ones often mix fact and fiction, Grajales says. Tactics like using of-the-moment phrases or claiming to work for the federal government make false promises more appealing to financially vulnerable people. "They've heard something about loan forgiveness," Grajales says. "They've heard something about the CARES Act. Scammers try to sound legitimate by throwing in words that are very much in the public ear." The basic structure of student loan scams has remained the same for years, Yu says: Companies promise some kind of forgiveness in a short period of time, charge and pocket a large upfront fee, then get access to a borrower's account to consolidate their debt and enroll them in an income-driven repayment plan. "If they even do something (with the debt), that's what they tend to do, or they just take the borrower's money," Yu says. Experts say it's critical to avoid handing over cash upfront or your Federal Student Aid identification information, or FSA ID, which allows fraudsters to act on your behalf. "What they're doing is inserting themselves between you and your servicer," says Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance. "Oftentimes they'll change your mailing address, email address so all the servicer communication will go to these scam artists. Then when they don't do what they're supposed to do, you won't know until it's too late." Use caution if a company expresses urgency to "apply now" or offers to provide a service you could do yourself, such as enrolling in income-driven repayment or applying for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. When in doubt, contact your servicer directly using a phone number on its website not a number given to you by a third party. What to do if you've been scammed If you were conned, remember that you're not the first student loan borrower who's been victim to predatory tactics. "It has nothing to do with how smart you are; it has more to do with how good they are at their swindle and how vulnerable you are at the time that they reach you," Mayotte says. Regaining control of your account is the most important first step to take if it happens, experts say. Here's how: Sever all ties with the scammer. Contact your servicer to report the account breach. You may need to request a new FSA ID. Check the contact information on your account and make sure all ongoing correspondence goes to you. Contact your bank to stop any automatic payments to the scammer. Freeze your credit. Seek legal assistance for help recovering any money. Report the scam to enforcement agencies. How to complain about a scam You can, and should, report any scam correspondence to multiple sources. The more complaints these agencies receive, the more ammunition they'll have to pursue legal action against fraudsters. Scams can be reported to and are tracked by: Your federal student loan servicer. The Federal Trade Commission. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Your state attorney general's office. The U.S. Department of Education's FSA Feedback Center. A man with 256 previous convictions pleaded guilty to burglary of the Parochial House in Annaduff in 2019 and was sentenced to three years to run concurrently with a six year sentence he is already serving. Appearing before Carrick-on-Shannon Circuit Court last week was 39-year-old Michael O'Leary, from 2 St Matthew's Park, Ballymahon, Co Longford, on a plea of guilty to burglary at the Parochial House, Gortinty, Aughamore, Co Leitrim on March 13, 2019. The court heard the defendant was a chronic heroin addict at the time of the offence. Garda Tom Currid, Carrick-on-Shannon, gave evidence of investigating the break-in that occurred between 3pm and 3.30pm on March 13, 2019 while Fr John Wall PP was away from the property. Entry was gained through a bedroom window. No property was taken but a wooden bedroom door was broken and an architrave was damaged. The defendant was identified through CCTV footage. He was in custody in Longford Garda Station on March 25, 2019 and was questioned on the Leitrim matter. He offered no comment throughout the interviews. Garda Currid then outlined Mr O'Leary's 256 previous convictions 67 of which are for burglary, 54 for theft, 9 for criminal damage, 10 for possession of stolen property, 32 for the unauthorised taking of a vehicle, 2 for dangerous driving, 2 for drink driving, 4 for possession of knives or other articles, 8 for simple possession, and a number of others. His first conviction was recorded in 1996 with the first conviction for burglary in 2000 and the most recent being in 2020. Garda Currid said the trend of the burglaries appeared to be churches, parochial houses and hospitals and there was never any issue of violence. In reply to counsel for the defendant, Niall Flynn BL, instructed by Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors, Garda Currid agreed there was nobody on the premises at the time, Mr O'Leary did not have any implements on him, he didn't try to conceal his identity and he did not ransack the property. Mr Flynn said Mr O'Leary has been in and out of custody his entire adult life. He received his first detention order at the age of 15 and all his offences were attributable to a chronic heroin addiction. He said all were relatively minor offences, breaking in to properties to try to feed his habit. Michael O'Leary apologised for being on the premises but said he was in the middle of a serious addiction at the time and didn't care about himself never mind anyone else. He accepted it was a traumatic experience for the people involved. He explained the offences took place because he got involved in drugs and, in his own words, it got out of hand. He injected and smoked heroin from a young age but said it wasn't an excuse and he deserved to go to prison. Mr O'Leary said he has spent 16 years in prison since he was 21. He is now 39 and has two children and is hoping to build a relationship with them. He has a good relationship with his mother. I think what's made me open my eyes is that my mother is not well and I know by the time I get released she will pass away. I've been sentenced to 6 years with 18 months suspended. There's no way she's going to live for four and a half years, he said. Mr O'Leary said he hopes to engage in residential treatment in Coolmine Drug Rehab Centre in Dublin after he is released from prison. He said he is addiction free now and is 'clean'. He is currently serving a sentence imposed by Judge Melanie Greally last December in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin for burglary at four hospitals in Dublin between November 2018 and March 2019, including the theft of two laptops from Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. He was further sentenced by Judge Keenan Johnson at Longford Circuit Court for burglary offences and given two 3-year concurrent sentences, consecutive to the sentence imposed by Judge Greally but suspended in its entirety. Mr O'Leary is also due to appear before Judge Francis Comerford in Roscommon Circuit Court this week. Judge John Aylmer said the offence before the court in Carrick-on-Shannon came at the tail end of a bout of similar offences between November 2018 and March 2019. He said they were of a very similar nature, burglaries of hospitals or church property with no question of violence and most were dealt with by Judge Greally in the Central Criminal Court last December. Judge Aylmer said the most aggravating feature of the case is the fact that Mr O'Leary is such a recidivist and has such an appalling history of this type of offending and said the offence before the court merited four years imprisonment. However, in mitigation, he noted Mr O'Leary cooperated and pleaded guilty and was a chronic heroin addict at the time. Judge Aylmer said Mr O'Leary is in serious need of rehabilitation and every encouragement has been given to him by his colleagues in that regard. He said that to remain consistent the appropriate order was for him to deal with it in the same way as Judge Greally dealt with it and he imposed a three year sentence concurrent with Judge Greally's sentence and backdated it to March 27, 2019. In effect, he said the sentence will run entirely concurrent with Judge Greally's sentence. Donal Keane BL, appeared for the State, instructed by Noel Farrell, State Solicitor. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Last month, Bacanora signed a new joint venture agreement with its cornerstone investor and offtake partner, Ganfeng Bacanora Lithium PLC ( ) has received 21.8mln from Sonora Lithium Ltd (SLL) after Ganfeng Lithium Co Ltd exercised a share option. The news comes after authorities in the People's Republic of China approved their joint venture. SLL, the holding company for the Sonora Lithium Project, has now issued 73.9mln new ordinary shares to Ganfeng, which now owns 50% of SLL. Bacanora said the funds will be applied towards the development of the project, located in Mexico. The board of SLL now comprises two Bacanora appointed directors and two Ganfeng appointed directors, with the chairman being one of the Bacanora directors. Bacanora, the operator of the project, said it has now commenced pre-development work on site, while Ganfeng will be responsible for leading the engineering and procurement for the battery grade lithium hydrometallurgical processing plant. Last month, the AIM-listed firm signed a new joint venture agreement with its cornerstone investor and offtake partner, Ganfeng. "We are pleased that the approvals have now been received and that Ganfeng has completed the exercise of its option, said Bacanoras chief executive Peter Secker in a release. The finalising of the engineering work with Ganfeng is proceeding well and we look forward to updating the market with further news as we head towards the start of construction." Shares advanced 5% to 43.98p on Monday at the opening bell. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. New Delhi: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde asked the accused if he would marry the woman who was allegedly repeatedly raped by him as a minor. "Are you willing to marry her, was the question posed to the government public servant on Monday (March 1). While hearing the plea for bail filed by a technician in Maharashtra State Electricity Production Company Ltd, who is also an accused in the rape case of a minor girl and faces charges under the severe POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, the bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde aksed him if he would marry the girl who accused him of raping her. The accused replied that he is already married and he was asked to seek regular bail from the concerned court. The bench also comprised Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian. If you are willing to marry her then we can consider it, otherwise you will go to jail. We are not forcing you to marry, the bench asked. After registering the query posed by the judges, the counsel of the petitioner added that the accused was initially willing to marry the girl but she had refused. Now he is already married to someone else. After the counsel added that the accussed is a public servant, the bench said, You should have thought this before seducing and raping the girl. You knew that you are a government servant. You apply for regular bail. We will stay arrest, the bench added. As the charges are yet to be framed against the accused, the apex court granted him protection from arrest for four weeks. Live TV Video by Oh Jung-meen, Cho You-bin A group of Myanmarese people living in Korea has staged a rally near the Chinese Embassy in Seoul on Feb. 18, denouncing the Chinese government for supporting the recent military coup in Myanmar. Dozens of pro-democracy protesters, mostly Myanmarese workers in Korea, have been massing outside both the Chinese embassy and Myanmar embassy in Korea since the military took power in a coup on Feb. 1. They denounced what they called Beijing's backing for Myanmar's military coup. They also demanded the release of civilian leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi and withdrawal of the military from politics. The group behind the weekends violent anti-lockdown protests are planning another event on St Patricks Day. A senior source said gardai were concerned Saturdays event, protesting against Covid-19 prevention measures, was just the first, ahead of a March 17 protest and another planned for March 20. There were ugly scenes from Saturdays gathering, with video footage showing a man shooting fireworks at the gardai. Officers were forced to break up the crowd and there were 23 arrests. It has emerged that gardai have identified the man who they suspect shot a firework at officers during the riots. The 30-year-old man, from Dun Laoghaire, is known to gardai and has previously appeared in court in connection with a drugs search. Officers were searching for him last night with the intention of bringing him into custody. A photograph of the suspect was widely distributed among gardai on Saturday night and it is likely that he could face a reckless endangerment charge in relation to the incident. Gardai have been monitoring the activities of all the groups involved in organising this protest and will continue to monitor their activities, a senior source said. Gardai were ready for this on Saturday when a special policing plan was put in place and will be ready for future protests, the source added. Read More It is understood that there are concerns among gardai about a protest organised for this Saturday in Cork. TD Neale Richmond said the authorities needed to act immediately to ensure there was no repeat of the scenes in Dublin city centre. Already we can see online that another dangerous group has planned a protest for Cork next week. Quite simply this protest must be stopped and the organisers held to account for such reckless measures, he said. The events are being advertised on social media, including on Facebook. Yesterday, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar described conspiracy theories spread by some anti-lockdown protesters as bonkers. He said he was concerned people were forming groups on social media to find, organise and encourage people to disobey our emergency public health laws. He said this ranged from organising protests to encouraging people to open their businesses in breach of Covid-19 restrictions. I am a strong believer in free speech, and that includes tolerance for and protection of people saying things you do not agree with. However, this is a national and global health emergency. What we saw on the streets of Dublin this week cannot happen again, he said. Ill be writing to the digital platforms to press them on their responsibility to moderate and remove content that encourages such behaviour. Taoiseach Micheal Martin called the attacks thuggish and said those who gathered for the protest showed a complete lack of respect to the people who have made huge sacrifices during this pandemic. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: This mindless thuggery showed a wilful and blatant disregard for the public health rules which are needed to help us all and keep us safe. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said yesterday the incident highlighted a need for early vaccination for gardai. Damien McCarthy, who represents the DMR South Central Division where many of the gardai on duty on Saturday are based, said the incidents highlighted the multitude of dangers faced by gardai policing the Covid restrictions. It is clear that a certain element turned up at the demonstration to inflict harm on gardai. Our priority is the health and welfare of members and our immediate concern is that those injured on Saturday make a full recovery and receive all the support they need. There were at least a dozen gardai who sustained injuries as a result of missiles thrown, and one member was hospitalised and will be undergoing surgery later this week, he said. He said these engagements meant members came in close contact with numerous people who refused to follow public health advice and were therefore more likely to have the virus. Our members normal duties involve close physical contact with people but on Saturday we were involved in hundreds of physical engagements with people who are at higher risk of infection, he added. Unfortunately, the vaccination programmes of many countries are proving to be slower than anticipated, meaning it could be several more months until the results become clear. However, one country's proactive approach to vaccination has the potential to become a global blueprint, and an example of how an effective vaccination can change the situation rapidly. Even early into the global vaccination roll outs, Israel is already leading the way in the sheer numbers that have been vaccinated. To date, over 3.8 million residents have received the first vaccine dose and over 2.4 million have received the second dose. These impressive numbers mean that almost 28% of Israel's population has already been vaccinated against the worst virus in living memory. Plus, according to the data so far available, it appears to be working. Since the beginning of the Israeli vaccination roll out, on December 20, 2020, over 80% of people over the age of 60 have already been vaccinated. Sine that time, the country has seen 56% fewer infections, 42% fewer hospitalisations, and 35% fewer COVID-19 deaths after the second dose had been administered in this age group. As an incentive for younger people to vaccinate, and as a means of reviving the tourism industry, Israel has made mutually beneficial tourism agreements with both Greece and Cyprus. Vaccinated individuals will be presented with a 'Green Pass' displayed on a Health Ministry App indicating the vaccination status allowing them to travel freely within these countries without being subject to the mandatory quarantine rules. Additionally, it is reported that the Israel is already involved in talks regarding the introduction of similar arrangements with United Kingdom, Estonia, Romania, Serbia, Georgia, and Seychelles. Israel's vaccination plan, which is already demonstrating its effectiveness, does not cheap. It has been whispered that Israel is paying significantly more than the EU for each dose of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine reportedly about 23 per dose for Israel compared with the 12 paid by the EU. If these reported prices are correct, in order to reach herd immunity according to immunologists this would require 70-80% total population inoculation the country's vaccination bill would roll in at between Euro 290 million and Euro 330 million. That figure does not include infrastructure, labour, or any other additional and associated costs. While Israel is already calling for everyone over the age of 16 to receive the Covid-19 shot, other countries around the world are still struggling with even the preliminary vaccination roll out. In January of 2021, and despite the low numbers of vaccinations elsewhere in the world, the Technical Group of Global Tourism Crisis Committee created by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) met to coordinate a plan of action to aid the hard-hit tourism industry. The meeting focused on the integration of vaccines with a unified approach to safe travel, while also launching a coordinated effort to promote confidence in this course of action. With this in mind, it is growing more and more likely that vaccination passports may become the key that reopens the global travel and tourism industries. Iceland became the first Schengen country to issue digital Covid-19 vaccine certificates. Travellers in possession of the certificate will no longer need to undergo screenings, and will be exempted from official border restrictions. Sweden, Singapore, Hungary, Thailand, and Australia have also already expressed their endorsement of, or plans to roll out some form of vaccination or immunity passports. While other countries, like Denmark and the United Kingdom, either faced public protests or simply rejected such proposals themselves. Nevertheless, it is possible that proof of vaccination will become a necessity for travel in the future. It must be remembered that similar vaccination passport procedures, aimed at tackling Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and other diseases, are still required while travelling to many countries, most especially in Africa and Asia. However, like all new rules and regulations, these introductions won't come without a fight from their opponents. Currently, there are several vaccines that despite being actively used to vaccinate people, are not globally recognised. These vaccines include Sputnik V, already being used throughout Russia, and the Chinese vaccine Sinovac. The use of 'unrecognised' vaccines raises another significant problem. If countries globally adopt a COVID-19 vaccination protocol allowing those in possession of a recognised 'COVID Passport' to cross their borders residents of countries like Russia and China who have received the 'unrecognised' vaccination may be refused entry. If that should happen, we may see significant changes in the aviation industry. Airlines may need to change their destinations as we witness new agreements being reached between countries affected by regulations restricting or allowing entry. Such changes could give rise to a private charter boom as the easiest and most convenient means of air transport to both China, and Russia. As of right now, it is still too difficult to imagine what will happen in a month, or two because of the rapidly changing and evolving situation. But, one this is certain, with the steadily growing numbers of individuals being vaccinated, and the slow loosening of restrictions, the aviation and tourism industries, missed by thousands around the world, are preparing for their rebirth. About Gediminas Ziemelis: Gediminas Ziemelis is a founder and chairman of "Avia Solutions Group" - one of the largest aerospace servicing companies presented in more than 67 countries. In 2016, G. Ziemelis received a prestigious European Business Award in recognition for his visionary business management and development skills. The same year, under his leadership, Avia Solutions Group was named a national public champion in the category of Entrepreneurship, earning a spot in the top 110 of European businesses. Twice, in 2012 and in 2014, Ziemelis was acknowledged as one of the top 40 most talented young leaders in the global aerospace industry by the leading USA aerospace magazine Aviation Week". 2014 2017 Gediminas Ziemelis personally supported and consulted Chinese Banks (including ICBCL, CMBL, and Skycop) with regard to financing aircraft sale-leaseback transactions in the CIS region. His total value of transactions more than $ 2 B. 2006 2013 Gediminas executed successful IPOs of 4 companies at OMX and WSE and raised public capital worth more than $ 100 M. More info: www.gediminasziemelis.com For media inquiries: Vilma Vaitiekunaite +370 686 16336 [email protected] SOURCE Avia Solutions Group PLC ALBANY An investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by two women against Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is set to begin, with State Attorney General Letitia James confirming Monday that her office received the necessary referral letter from Cuomo. The statement emailed by James on Monday marked the formal end of cycle that began Saturday evening, when the New York Times posted a story detailing a second set of allegations made against the governor by a former staffer. Cuomo initially suggested an investigation by a lawyer of his choosing, then under immense political pressure said he'd allow a "review" to take place by a person chosen by James and a Cuomo-appointed judge. After James rejected both proposals, Cuomo finally agreed to refer the matter to James for a full investigation with the authority to issue subpoenas and compel testimony. James will now select a law firm that will be deputized by her office to conduct the investigation. The attorney general was adamant throughout the day Sunday that she expected a full referral, which is required to allow her to open the investigation. Today, the executive chamber transmitted a referral letter to our office, providing us the authority to move forward with an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment claims made against Gov. Cuomo," James wrote Monday. "This is not a responsibility we take lightly as allegations of sexual harassment should always be taken seriously. As the letter states, at the close of the review, the findings will be disclosed in a public report. Two women in the past week have accused Cuomo of sexually harassing them while they worked for him. The first, Lindsey Boylan, who is running for Manhattan borough president, published an online essay saying Cuomo kissed her without her consent at his Manhattan office and once asked her to play strip poker on a private plane. Cuomo denied those allegations. The second, 25-year-old Charlotte Bennett, was the subject of the Times article published Saturday night. Bennett said Cuomo allegedly asked her if she had ever slept with an older man, told her he'd be interested in being with a woman of her age, and made other comments about her sex life. Cuomo released a statement Sunday afternoon saying he had in the past attempted to be "playful" at work, including taking part in interactions that were perceived as "insensitive or too personal." "I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that," Cuomo said. Bennett issued a public statement on Monday rejecting Cuomo's apology and framing of the events. The Governor has refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for his predatory behavior. As we know, abusers particularly those with tremendous amounts of power are often repeat offenders who engage in manipulative tactics to diminish allegations, blame victims, deny wrongdoing and escape consequences," Bennett wrote. "It took the Governor 24 hours and significant backlash to allow for a truly independent investigation. These are not the actions of someone who simply feels misunderstood; they are the actions of an individual who wields his power to avoid justice." Cuomo's legal counsel, Beth Garvey, signed the letter sent to James. The text of the letter was attached to James' announcement, and Garvey said she would be the point of contact for the governors office on any matters related to the investigation, including providing any records in response to subpoenas. All state employees had been directed to cooperate fully with the probe, Garvey said. Some lawmakers of both parties have said the embattled governor should instead step down immediately. In addition to the harassment allegations, Cuomo is under federal investigation for his administration's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes and for withholding data about deaths of nursing home residents. Several Democratic members of the Assembly sent out statements calling for Cuomo's resignation over the weekend, as well as Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, D-Westchester. A number of Republicans have said the same in recent weeks. "Could (Cuomo) effectively focus on the pandemic response, on the fiscal crisis, economic crisis, while at the same time focusing ... on two separate investigations on two separate issues?," Senate Republican leader Rob Ortt said in a Monday-afternoon press conference. He added that while he wasn't prejudging Cuomo's guilt, both the governor and the women who have accused him deserve due process. "You have a toxic culture that exists and has clearly been condoned by the governor for a long time," Ortt said. "As less and less people are afraid of this governor, I think more and more people will come forward." He added that the dual investigations into Cuomo would inevitably affect this month's budget negotiations between Cuomo and the Legislature, as well as any issues that arise between now and the end of the session in June. A few hours after Ortt's remarks, Assembly Democrats canceled their planned session for Monday afternoon. Republicans in the chamber pounced: "Assembly Democrats were elected to do a job, and they're running from it," said Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay in a statement. "There is a crisis going on. When has it been more important for us to act, to legislate or to lead?" Syracuse, N.Y. New Covid-19 cases are falling rapidly in Onondaga County; so are hospitalizations and deaths. The dreaded Christmas spike never materialized. Tens of thousands of Central New Yorkers have been vaccinated, and the rollout is accelerating. Warm weather nears. Is the worst of the pandemic over? I do think the worst is behind us, said Dr. Helen Jacoby, medical director of infectious disease at St. Josephs Health, in Syracuse. The numbers are getting so much better and were heading into spring and summer, where theres every reason to believe things will get better. Jacoby and other experts caution that even if weve emerged from the darkest times, the pandemic is far from over here. People are still getting sick and dying. Cases are far fewer than they were in January but remain troublingly high. At least one of the more-contagious mutations is in Central New York. If we suddenly loosen up on mask-wearing, social distancing and other precautions, the virus could surge again. We have to remember this could reverse itself until we get longer-lasting immunity in the community, said Brian Leydet, a professor of epidemiology and infectious disease at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. We are just days away from the anniversary of our first confirmed finding of the novel coronavirus in Central New York, and that year has been rife with pain: 667 dead of the disease, thousands hospitalized, tens of thousands out of work. As we emerge from the dark winter, its time to mark our progress. Recent events illuminate a hopeful path: The number of new cases has fallen by more than 80% since early January, the grimmest days of the pandemic. In the past week, Onondaga County has confirmed about 73 new cases a day, down from the one-day peak of 370. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon last week called it a stark turnaround. Daily hospitalizations have fallen from a peak of 336 in late December to 51 on Thursday -- a drop of 85%. Deaths, the last indicator to turn around, are also falling. In December, Covid-19 was killing more county residents than anything else; in the past week, the county has had 10 fatalities. In the worst week, in late December, 72 people died. The percentage of positive tests has plunged. The highest one-day peak was 13.6% in early January. The average over the past week is just under 1%. The county has the highest vaccination rate of any large county in New York, with about 100,000 residents having received at least one dose of the two-shot series. Thats about 28% of the countys adults, McMahon said. Its not just Central New York. The United States, after passing the tragic milestone last month of half a million deaths from Covid-19, has the virus on the run, with cases and deaths dropping nationwide. New cases in the past week are less than a third of what they were the first week of January. What I see now is giving me great optimism that we could have a very good summer, said Dr. Stephen Thomas, chief of the infectious disease division at Upstate Medical University. Thomass optimism is tempered by a history and the year-long battle against a newly emerged, highly infectious virus. We are coming out of our most recent surge, but as they saw with the (flu) pandemic in 1918, and as we have seen across multiple continents and in the U.S., dont count this virus out, he cautioned. It does not take much for the planets to align and another surge to occur. Amid the encouraging trends, there are warning signs. Yes, confirmed cases in Central New York have fallen since Christmas, but theyre coming down from a deadly and frightening peak. Were nowhere near the low level of transmission of summer 2020: This week, seven times as many people tested positive as at the low point of the epidemic, in mid-September. Onondaga County, in fact, remains in the throes of substantial transmission of the novel coronavirus, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers look good but we still have a lot of cases 70 cases per day is a high rate of disease, Leydet said. Theres still a threat to people in the community, especially for people who have an increased susceptibility to severe illness. The virus is also morphing into variants that are more contagious and perhaps more deadly. If one of those variants becomes the dominant strain, as federal officials fear, that mutated virus could spread faster to the millions still unvaccinated and could weaken the vaccines protectiveness. The variant first uncovered in the United Kingdom has been confirmed in Onondaga County. Other variants have popped up in Brazil and South Africa; even New York has its own new version. In a tightly connected world, when a newly evolved virus can cross oceans in a single plane flight, the experience of other countries should give us pause. One of the good examples is Brazil, where theyve seen a huge increase in cases despite evidence that theyve already had a lot of their population infected and thus presumably immune, Leydet said. We need to know that reinfection is real. Onondaga County has confirmed that 32,000 residents have been infected with the virus, but thats an undercount. There are likely tens of thousands more who had Covid-19 and never knew it because they had no symptoms or tests were in short supply. The real number could be four times that high, local experts say. Add that to the 100,000 vaccinated, and up to half of all county residents may have some protection against the coronavirus. Each immune person represents a dead-end street for the virus, which survives only when passed along. Spring and summer will be our allies, experts say, suppressing spread of the virus and buying us time to get more vaccines in arms. Viruses tend to like colder, drier environments, not the warm, humid summers of Upstate New York. More importantly, as weather warms well leave our houses and head into parks and back yards, where the virus has a hard time moving from person to person in the limitless air exchange of the outdoors. The fruits of our social shift outside were evident last summer, when Onondaga County on some days confirmed fewer than 10 new Covid-19 cases. The novel coronavirus scientifically known as SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to disappear. On a planet of 7 billion people, the virus will spread and find hosts for years as vaccinations roll out across other continents. And as the virus, like all viruses, continues to mutate, we may need periodic booster shots, like we do with tetanus or the flu. Covid is here to stay, said Thomas, who has worked on other viral diseases, including Ebola and Zika. Except in very rare circumstances, once these things find their way into the population, theyre going to continue. The hope is that it will just become an annoying cold-and-flu-season, fall-and-winter thing. McMahon is confident the county will gain control of the pandemic this year. He sees a big increase coming in vaccine production especially the just-approved, one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which will make it easier to inoculate hard-to-reach populations like the homeless. The county has vaccinators and sites ready when more vaccine comes. I think this has been a war, and weve been our heels a lot over the past year, McMahon said. Right now I feel like were playing offense in a big way. David Larsen, a public health professor at Syracuse University, said he believes the worst is over, in the U.S. and in Central New York, but we need to remain vigilant. Were not going to see another 500,000 deaths, Larsen said. Im optimistic that the pandemic will come to an end, and I hope our return to normal lives is coming more quickly than we realize as the vaccine rolls out and we keep the masks on. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS More Onondaga County residents died in 2020 than in at least 50 years. It wasnt all Covid A Covid-19 variant has reached CNY: How concerned should we be? Covid-19 in Onondaga County: No new deaths during three of past seven days Thousands in CNY get second Covid vaccine: sore arms, fevers and a huge relief By Baek Byung-yeul Hyundai Motor Group has hired a veteran aerospace expert as the chief technology officer (CTO) of its Urban Air Mobility Division, seeking to bolster the business as its next growth engine. Ben Diachun, the former head of a California-based aerospace startup called Opener, will serve as CTO, effective immediately, to develop technology strategy and vision to bring Hyundai's urban air mobility (UAM) vehicle to market by 2028, the automotive group said. Ben Diachun, Hyundai Motor Group's chief technology officer for its Urban Air Mobility Division / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group The British Council in Cairo connected in a virtual roundtable event on 25 February FameLab alumnus and this years FameLab finalists with journalists to create a conversation around science to keep laymen connected to the environment they live in and remain aware of the impact of science communications on our day-to-day decisions and well-being. Among the speakers were five FameLab Alumni. Doctor Marianne Azer, member of the Egyptian parliament; Abdullah Anan, founder of The Science Street YouTube channel; Mohamed Soliman, science communications officer at the AUC; Tarek Abdel-Ghany, Newton Mosharafa scholar, teacher assistant, and PhD student at New Castle University in the UK; and Marina Gerges, quality control analyst and founder of the Kidzstein team to teach science to kids in under privileged communities. The 12th edition of the FameLab competition will take place on 13 March 2021, where seven Egyptian finalists will use their science communications skills to explain their chosen scientific concept. Participants will have three minutes to win over the judges and audience with a scientific talk that excels for its content, clarity, and charisma. The event will be streamed live on the British Councils Facebook page. Since 2007, the British Council has partnered with the Cheltenham Science Festival in managing the science communications competition FameLab, strongly positioning itself as a cultural organisation fostering science communication in Egypt and around the world. Scientists contribute to the development of society, and science communication has the opportunity to increase funding to research in many areas. For instance, Abdel-Ghany unequivocally utilised his science communications skills and succeeded in securing PhD research funding from the Newton-Mosharafa programme. Now, Abdel-Ghany is filling the position of teaching assistant at New Castle University in the UK and completing his PhD. In every country, three pillars are of paramount importance: science, research, and innovation. They represent significant drivers of attractiveness for the country in the eyes of people overseas and can reposition countries as well. Meanwhile, Azer uses her science communications skills to promote dialogue and openness between scientific people and laymen, accentuating the importance of increasing public engagement into different areas to include political engagement. As science is always catered to people who are already interested in the subject, Anan, using effective science communications skills, presents science through people who the audience can relate to. Anan used a common figure of rhetoric and created for himself a new space in the edutainment field, opening opportunities for other young Egyptians with science communications skills to increase their employability. Crowding out of other regular jobs, Soliman shaped a new role around science communications. After excelling in the FameLab competition, Soliman was nominated to be the first holder of a Science Communications officer job at the AUC. He is working on several projects to break the wall between science and society. FameLab brings universities a framework for broader skills development for their researchers, recognising the importance and value of public engagement with an international perspective. It supports internationalisation at home and helps to increase public trust in science, said Director of the British Council in Egypt Elizabeth White. I read that the origin of the word science is Latin and means knowledge, we can build on how by definition and peoples perception it forms also trust and credibility. And in todays scene of misinformation and ambiguity, we aim to continue our commitment in fostering science communications through digital transformation, policy making, have our contribution to topics like the pandemic and climate change being top science projects of the decade, White continued. Gerges, on the other hand, figured out that the interests of the child are of paramount importance. She founded the Kidzstein team that can extend the reach of science communications to include more non-scientific people in the conversation. Knowing that many children do not search actively for science, Gerges said she can utilise her science communications skills to open a dialogue with young future scientists. Short link: "Who cares where they died? They died." Andrew Cuomo Everybody has a COVID-19 story these days. My tale begins in March 2020, when the Wuflu was new in America and Doctor Gucci (AKA Fauci) was still ambivalent about those masks. Last spring, you may recall, state governments like New York were paying lip service to social distancing. Concurrently, the NYC subway system was running COVID through the five boroughs on disinfectant-free express trains. At the same time, Governor Andrew Cuomo was flushing sick old folks out of hospitals and back to nursing homes, where agony, if not death, was a near certainty. Beds were at a faux premium back then. Concurrently, the Cuomo administration immunized the nursing home industry, a big Democrat campaign contributor, from wrongful death lawsuits. Today, New York has the highest COVID death toll in America, mostly elderly, and mostly from the Big Apple, a liberal Democrat political sierra hotel (nee sinecure). New York State has nearly 50 thousand COVID deaths, mostly elderly. We have some vintage "friends," my wife's prep school chums to be precise, who now reside in New York City. Back in March, our New York friends, let's call them the Hegiras, like many urban snowflakes, decamped from the Big Apple and fled to less hazardous venues, like our fair city. Yes, husband, wife, and two kids crossed three states to find refuge with a centenarian grandparent three blocks up the hill from us. Four untested New Yorkers, seeking refuge and "safety," put their aging grandfather, et al. in harm's way in Washington, D.C. after fleeing the Big Apple. You should not be surprised to learn that all four are adult, lockstep liberals. We should note that before decamping, the Hegiras sublet the apartment they were sub-letting. Subletting rent-controlled apartments in NYC is every liberal's favorite racket. The Hegira daughter is a graduate of a tony emporium of pre-pubescent white girl privilege in the Big Apple. The wandering New Yorkers spent a good part of two months in Washington, D.C. on daily walks through our neighborhood, often regaling Beltway rubes with tales from the Big Apple, often chatting with my wife over the fence. One day they came by to recite the virtues of the Cuomo clan as the "only adults in the room," embellishing the argument with claims that they, like Cuomos, as academics, "followed the science." One day I asked Hegira mom how four selfish cliff-dwellers moving in with a vulnerable senior represented charity, compassion, common sense, or science. The clan immediately rallied around Mom and insisted that Mom was only trying to "protect" her family. With that, a "friendship" that had endured for half a century crashed and burned on the altar of candor. My wife, in no way responsible for my insensitive question, was subsequently canceled. Today, we know a lot more about geriatric genocide in New York than we did last spring. Few dare call Andrew Cuomo "the only adult" in the room anymore. Even CNN refuses to allow brother Chris (AKA Fredo) to have Governor Andrew on for guest propaganda spots anymore. Defending callous COVID policy, the Cuomo clan now has more blood on its hands than the entire American Mafia since the turn of the 20th century. As a former Catholic, I have a personal theory about Cuomo's moral reasoning. Never mind that, like most urbane thugs, Andrew is a liar, braggart, and bully. What I see in the Cuomo family is Mafia logic, the reasoning of cafeteria Catholics, multiple-choice Christians. Social mores or rules, surely the commandments, are "choices" for many Catholics today, not mandates. A cafeteria Catholic gets to choose, as from a menu, the rules or laws he wants to follow. The rest is window dressing. Hence, "devout" (sic) Catholics like Joseph Robinette Bidden and Andrew Cuomo can rationalize abortion and euthanasia and condemn capital punishment in the same breath. In practice, kill innocents while absolving the guilty, the worst among us at taxpayer expense for life. While the Cuomo clan was flying under the ethical and legal radar in New York, the American Fourth Estate was busy blaming Donald Trump for the COVID carnage. Indeed, you had to read the N.Y. Post, or a foreign tabloid like the Guardian, to get the truth, the forensic details about gubernatorial euthanasia up in the Big Apple. Andrew Cuomo probably reasoned that those hospitalized elders had one foot in the grave anyway, so why not free up some beds for folks who might survive to vote? Cuomo is the cynic's edition of the banality of political evil. President Biden calls Cuomo the "gold standard" governor in COVID-19 leadership indeed, such a good performer that Hollywood literally gave Andrew Cuomo an Emmy this year for pandemic propaganda. That's how things are done in the Big Apple. After the carnage, you "leave the gun and take the cannoli." The author was born in the Bronx, an erstwhile Catholic, schooled at three New York Catholic institutions, grade school through college. Caricature by Donkey Hotey (cropped) CC BY 2.0 license. Two polar bears scored according to the Polar Bear Score Card Standard Fatness Index. The bear on the left is categorized as thin, a score of 2/5, while the bear on the right is considered very fat, 5/5. Credit: Doug Clark, USask University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Doug Clark is launching a first-of-its-kind research project that will engage citizen volunteers to help advance knowledge about polar bear behavior by analyzing a decade's worth of images captured by trail cameras at Wapusk National Park in northern Manitoba. "This is a totally different way to do polar bear research," said Clark, an associate professor at USask's School of Environment and Sustainability. "It's non-invasive, it involves the public for the first time, and it's being done in a way that can carry on through the pandemic without endangering anyone in northern communities." Non-invasive research also is of considerable interest to northerners because it's not stressful for animals, he said. Clark is collaborating with Oxford University penguinologist Tom Hart on the project, which will be run on Zooniversea "people-powered" online platform that has more than two million volunteers worldwide who assist researchers in almost every discipline to sort and organize data. Hart has been using Zooniverse to help with his Antarctic Penguin Watch and Seabird Watch projects. He's helping Clark and his students to set up the polar bear project by aggregating and uploading data, and will work with Clark on the analysis. (The platform gets institutional support from Oxford University and the Adler Planetarium, and receives grants from a variety of sources.) "This allows people, who might otherwise just passively consume images on TV and social media, to participate in polar bear research and understand how these bears are interacting with people and other wildlife in what we know is a rapidly changing environment," said Clark. The volunteers are supplied with a field guide and asked to count the number of bears in photos, their gender, cubs, body condition and other factors, choosing from provided options. Beta testing with more than 60 volunteers showed the process works well. The photos will be uploaded in tranches over the coming months, allowing volunteers to work through one batch before moving on to the next. A polar bear captured by a trail camera in Wapusk National Park near Churchill, Man., in 2014. Credit: Doug Clark, USask "Volunteers can help us process data in ways that are incredibly labor-intensive, which otherwise would take us and our students years to do. Frankly, Zooniverse produces more robust data and more robust analyses than if we were tiredly flipping through photos on our own." The project was launched Feb. 27, on International Polar Bear Day. The research project began in 2011 when Clark was asked by Parks Canada to find out if the field camps it established in Wapusk attracted or repelled polar bearsa question that still hasn't been conclusively answered. Other questions his team is trying to answer are: What are the drivers of polar bear visits to human infrastructure/activity? (i.e. is it environmental, is it a result of a lack of sea ice/nutritional stress, or is it a response to human activity?) Are there changes over time in where/when polar bears, and all the other Arctic and boreal species seen in the photos, are observed? Researchers have installed five non-invasive trail cameras at each of three field camp sites, and eight more at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre that operate year round, and have captured more than 600 discrete polar bear observations over 10 years, along with images of other species such as wolf, caribou, grizzly bears, moose, Arctic and red foxes, and even occasional wolverines. The four sites are along the Hudson Bay coast and are separated by almost 200 kilometers, across the ecological boundary between boreal forest and tundra providing invaluable data on multiple species in a changing environment. Ryan Brook, an associate professor in USask's College of Agriculture and Bioresources, is taking advantage of the lucky "by-catch" of Clark's projectthe images of caribou and wolvesto conduct research on these species, especially caribou populations, at a time of Arctic warming and changing weather patterns. Explore further We found grizzly, black and polar bears together for the first time .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Patients enrolled in the COVID-19-to-Home program receive a console and a finger-touch emergency wrist band to immediately connect with medical professionals.When last falls nationwide upsurge in COVID-19 threatened to overwhelm hospitals in New Mexico and elsewhere, Dona Ana County organizations came together to fight the spike with remote-monitoring technology. Local public and private entities rapidly assembled a novel COVID-to-Home program that combined cutting-edge telemedicine with broad community coordination to closely monitor patients at home or in hotel rooms, allowing area hospitals to reserve beds for the most critical COVID-19 patients. Public officials and medical providers say the program staved off potential overload at two Las Cruces-based facilities, Memorial Medical Center and MountainView Regional Medical Center. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The hospitals here were facing a critical moment as the number of COVID patients rapidly climbed to peak levels, said county Health and Human Services Director Jamie Michael. But they never reached capacity because the program kept people at home in a safe environment, with physicians remotely monitoring them. The program, which launched in late November and continues today, has freed up about 250 hospital beds for the most at-risk patients, said Dr. Danielle Pattison, a physician with Memorial Medical Centers family residency program. During the peak of the crisis, we were able to take care of patients with some oxygen requirements who would usually be treated in the hospital, Pattison said. We monitored them at home, checking in with those patients daily, or more often, depending on how sick they were. That freed up beds for patients who really needed it while taking care of other people in a safe manner at home. The Las Cruces-based telemedicine company Electronic Caregiver helped set up the program, supplying all the monitoring technology and coordinating electronic connections around the clock between patients and medical providers. But its Dona Ana Countys broad community collaboration that paved the way for program success, said Tim Washburn, Electronic Caregivers chief clinical officer. Apart from the medical centers, New Mexico State Universitys nursing program, the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and New Mexico Department of Healths Medical Reserve Corps have all assisted in care coordination. The county and the City of Las Cruces each contributed $50,000 to pay for the program, allowing patients to receive services for free. The community really came together because, if we ran out of hospital beds, wed all be impacted, Washburn said. The program shows that combining tele-monitoring with effective care coordination creates an amazing difference in the overall management of illness. Cost savings Apart from freeing up hospital beds, the program has saved patients and providers a lot of money, said Mark Francis, chief digital health integration officer at Electronic Caregiver. The national Health Affairs Journal estimates that 10 days of in-hospital COVID-19 care costs an average of about $14,300 per patient. In contrast, remote monitoring through the COVID-to-Home program costs $300 per patient for 30 days of care. As of mid-February, 247 COVID-19 patients had participated in the program, costing about $74,000. That compares to about $3.5 million had all those patients received in-hospital treatment. The program frees up hospital beds at 1/50th the cost of in-hospital care, Francis said. Its tremendous savings and, under the COVID-to-Home program, theres no cost for patients to participate and no proof of insurance is required. That breaks down real or perceived barriers to health care accessibility and helps to mitigate uncontrolled community spread of the virus. High-tech tracking Under the program, Electronic Caregiver provides each patient with a Pro Health package of remote monitoring devices that track vitals while maintaining a constant connection with medical professionals. That includes a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels, a non-contact thermometer and a blood pressure cuff, all of which are electronically connected to a small console that health care staff access remotely through a secure web portal that complies with federal health information privacy regulations. Patients also receive a watch-like wrist band with an emergency button to immediately connect with a nurse or clinical staff. The voice-driven console acts like a mobile phone, avoiding broadband or online connectivity issues. We program everything before the patient goes home, Francis said. They just plug in the console and it all works through cellular technology. $55M investment Electronic Caregiver has invested about $55 million to develop a broad base of remote-monitoring technology for health care providers since launching in 2009. Demand for its services has spiked during the pandemic, demonstrating the advantages of telemedicine in managing the COVID-19 crisis and health care services in general. Without COVID-to-Home, many participating patients might not have received any medical care, said Dr. John Andazola, who heads Memorial Medicals family residency program. I think building a structure where we can treat people at home so the higher-resource needs are available to those who need it is really what this program has demonstrated, Andazola said in a statement. Intel Corp. awarded a $150,000 grant in late December for Electronic Caregiver to further develop and potentially deploy the COVID-to-Home program in more communities. The grant comes from Intels $50 million Pandemic Response Technology Initiative, which the company launched at the start of the pandemic to support and accelerate new point-of-care solutions for patients. Patient feedback Program participants say COVID-to-Home met all their needs. Las Cruces resident Joyce Jones, 58, said doctors told her she nearly died from the virus during a two-week stay in the hospital in December. The hospital discharged her on Dec. 15, but she was still having trouble breathing, so medical staff enrolled her in the remote-monitoring program, and sent her home with oxygen tanks and an electronic albuterol inhaler. Apart from the emergency wristband to connect with health care professionals, she also received a necklace with the same push-button connection capability as a backup emergency device in case she fell. And she spoke daily with doctors. Thats what I liked most being in close contact with doctors, Jones said. They made lots of suggestions, like how to help with my breathing, but just having a medical professional on the phone listening to me every day was wonderful. It gave me real peace of mind. Candice Swanepoel turned heads in a sizzling promotional photoshoot for her swimwear brand, Tropic Of C. The 32-year-old supermodel posted a set of photos to her Instagram account on Saturday to give her fans a glimpse at a set of new products. The entrepreneur is regularly featured in promotional shots for her brand, which she initially founded in 2018. Hot stuff! Candice Swanepoel shared a set of promotional photos for her brand Tropic Of C to her Instagram account on Saturday Swanepoel was dressed in a houndstooth print pair of shorts and a matching top that put her impressively toned tummy on full display to her 15.1 million followers. The South African's gorgeous blonde hair was swept back for the photoshoot. The Victoria's Secret model kept her accessories minimal and was pictured with a single gold ring and a set of earrings. Double trouble: In the photos, the supermodel wore a black-and-orange patterned set of shorts and a matching top Keeping it minimal: The South African native accessorized with a single gold ring and a pair of earrings during the photoshoot The supermodel initially made her name with appearances in various fashion-related magazines, including several international versions of Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar, among various others. She would go on to walk on runways for numerous brands, including Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, throughout of her career. In 2010, the fashion industry figure was named a Victoria's Secret Angel and regularly participated in the lingerie brand's annual Fashion Show. Three years after being given the Angel title, Swanepoel landed the coveted honor of featuring on the cover of the company's Swim Catalog. High profile: Swanepoel was named a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2010 and was featured on the cover of the company's annual Swim Catalog three years later After years of working as a model, the entrepreneur decided to branch out and founded Tropic Of C. Swanepoel founded the company with the intention of creating swimwear that was constructed from recycled materials and ethically manufactured. In speaking about keeping her personal and professional lives in check, the model spoke to The Cut and remarked that she attempts to maintain a healthy divide between the two and to stay adaptable. 'Having a balanced lifestyle between personal and work. Its being happy and healthy...Its really whats comfortable for my body at the time and whats best at that moment,' she expressed. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 19:07:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses the opening of a training session for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), March 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on young officials to carry on glorious traditions and fine conduct of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and make contributions to fully building a modern socialist country. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the opening of a training session for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance). Enditem Kendallville, IN (46755) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 73F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. MarginFuel launches a free tool to help operators react and plan for a post-Covid world MarginFuel, a leading supplier of pricing optimisation software for rental vehicle operators have announced the launch of MarginFuel Insights, a live tool which gives pricing and demand data for worldwide locations. (TRAVPR.COM) NEW ZEALAND - March 1st, 2021 - MarginFuel, a leading supplier of pricing optimisation software for rental vehicle operators have announced the launch of MarginFuel Insights, a live tool which gives pricing and demand data for worldwide locations. Andrew Pascoe, CEO of MarginFuel said "With Covid vaccines rolling out around the world, understanding future demand and pricing trends in the market is now critical for car rental operators to make the most of a future travel bounce back. We've seen from our experience in New Zealand and Australia that there is significant yield management opportunity due to lower fleet volumes and we all want to avoid a race to the bottom." The pricing data is presented in an interactive format, with the ability to see pricing hotspots around the world rising and falling versus the previous week, and a selection of graphs is provided to dive deeper into destinations and see pricing trends by future travel months, vehicle category. This is a sample of the data that MarginFuel offers with their global pricing repository, and car rental operators can utilize the insights to make pricing decisions on scale. Future demand for destinations is the holy grail of pricing, and MarginFuel have partnered with Skyscanner using their Travel Insight API to give daily data on flight searches and checkouts on over 500 city destinations globally. The cumulative number of check outs for future travel months are compared to last year to gain a view on which destinations and travel periods are recovering faster, along with a breakdown of domestic versus international demand. The MarginFuel Insights tool currently supports 26 countries across The Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East with plans to add more destinations. Rental operators can also sign up for a free weekly email update which offers notable demand and pricing insights by region, and a bonus 12-month booking pace graph. Andrew Pascoe said Weve had really positive feedback from our customers that they are surprised this is being offered for free and we've answered that we are here to help in any way we can. This industry has been devasted by the last 12 months events but being ahead of the curve is what our platform helps solve. With everyone de-fleeting, the V curve bounce back will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity and pricing with effective strategies at scale will be paramount. ### The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani Embassy in Georgia organized a visit of Georgian journalists and experts to the liberated territories, Karabakh bureau of Trend reported. The journalists and experts from the Georgian TV channels "Pirveli TV", "Mtavari Arkhi", "Imedi TV" and "POS TV" visited the Fuzuli region of Azerbaijan, liberated from occupation. During the visit, representatives of foreign media also visited Jabrayil and other regions of the country, where they witnessed the vandalism committed by the Armenians during the period of occupation. The journalists took photos and videos while visiting these territories. More than 300,000 students have returned to classrooms across the country for the first time since December after pandemic restrictions were lifted. After 33 lost school days, 60,000 Leaving Cert Students and another 260,000 junior primary have returned to in-person learning. Special needs schools, having returned on a limited basis two weeks ago, are returning to full capacity on Monday. Ronan Mac Grianna, a principal at Scoil Naomh Lorcan in Omeath, Co Louth said his pupils were overjoyed to be back. He told the PA news agency: When the children arrived, the vast majority of them literally ran up the hill to the school here. Our school is located on a hill overlooking Carlingford Lough here, and they just literally ran up. Everyones very happy, everyones delighted. Its joy, even more so than relief. Id say theres a lot of relief among parents though. Not only the students, but also teachers and staff are happy to be back in the classroom again, Mr Mac Grianna said. Welcome back to the early years primary and Leaving Cert students heading to class this morning! Thanks to the teachers and all the school staff for their hard work too. Enjoy the day and #staysafe pic.twitter.com/fy9FjqIRMp MicheAl Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 1, 2021 For myself personally, the reason you go into teaching is for the human interaction every day. That face-to-face contact and communication and interaction, thats a huge part of teaching, he said. I definitely didnt go into teaching to sit doing Zoom lessons all the time. Its draining, its very difficult to know if you have full engagement with everybody. I know from speaking to the rest of the staff, they all feel the same as well. We have five teaching staff, three SNAs and a secretary here. Everybodys delighted to be back. He added: The school closures Im sure has been most challenging for families, but its been challenging for teachers too. Trying to know that youre doing everything you can for the children. Mr Mac Grianna said that while there had been challenges with new procedures, parents and teachers worked together to ensure the smooth return to the classroom. He said: We have a great relationship with the parents and the wider school community. People are more than happy to do what it takes. We do try to have very good relationships with the parents and it means then when anything needs doing, they work with us. And its great to have that support. In a video posted to her Twitter account, Education Minister Norma Foley wished students and teachers well on their return to the classroom. She added: A particular word of thanks and gratitude to all the staff in our schools, who have worked so hard throughout lockdown, and indeed are working hard to ensure that everything is in place for you today and over the next couple of months. Thank you and well done to all of you. And again as I conclude, just to remind you all, were asking you all very specially not to congregate at school gates. To remember to do what we need to do, wash our hands, keep our distance and stay safe. Expand Close Principal Ronan Mac Grianna of Scoil Naomh Lorcan in Omeath, as junior Infants to 3rd class pupils return to school.(Liam McBurney/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Principal Ronan Mac Grianna of Scoil Naomh Lorcan in Omeath, as junior Infants to 3rd class pupils return to school.(Liam McBurney/PA) The Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) has said vigilance will be required by all to ensure that the phased return to school students is safe and sustainable. General secretary Micheal Gillespie said: We have always stated that the preference of our members is a return to face-to-face teaching and learning in safe working environments. As the phased return to schools continues, there is understandable anxiety among all in school communities, particularly given concerns around new strains of the virus. At a national level, the situation must be kept under constant and forensic review, while adherence to the measures that protect the health and safety of students, staff and their families must be the key priority in every school. It is essential that social distancing measures be adhered to, and the additional space in school premises as a result of the phased return allows the opportunity to further enhance this critical measure. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News: Invesco Enhanced Income Ltd - investment trust that aims to provide consistent and high level of income to investors - Signs terms for proposed merger with City Merchants High Yield Trust Ltd. Deal will create firm with net assets in excess of GBP300 million. "The board believes that the proposals will enable IPE shareholders to benefit from greater economies of scale that are expected to result from the enlarged asset base of BIPS whilst retaining the same investment approach and manager," Invesco Enhanced says. City of London Investment Trust PLC - investment firm - Agrees to issue GBP30 million of fixed rate 25-year secured private placement notes with an annual coupon of 2.67%. "The net proceeds will be applied in reducing borrowings currently drawn down through the company's overdraft facility," company says. Asimilar Group PLC - investment firm focused on big data, machine learning, telematics and the internet of things - Subscribes for 30 million Dev Clever Holdings PLC shares at 10 pence each, GBP3.0 million in total. AFH Financial Group PLC - financial investment management firm - Shares suspended after court meeting and general meeting scheduled for Monday was adjourned. In January, AFH agreed to the takeover by Cortina, a company controlled by funds managed by Chicago-based private equity firm Flexpoint Ford LLC. Under the acquisition's terms, Flexpoint will acquire the wealth manager for 463 pence per share. CIP Merchant Capital Ltd - AIM-listed closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey - Granted option to acquire further 41.6% of shares in 7Star Srl, or Happy Friends, an Italian firm operating chain of veterinary hospitals. CIP to exercise option for a nominal consideration. Ventus VCT PLC, Ventus 2 VCT PLC - venture capital trusts - Propose disposal of assets to return proceeds to shareholders. Duo note their assets have finite lives and their value wanes over time, meaning current dividend payments will be unable to be funded from income. Abbey PLC - Hertfordshire, England-based building and property development, plant hire and property rental company - Offer by Gallagher Holdings Ltd extended to March 26. Abbey agreed to Gallagher takeover in December, valuing company at GBP328.8 million. Gallagher already owned 93.6% of Abbey. As of February 28, Gallagher had received valid acceptances from 2.4% of Abbey shareholders, which amounts to 55.2% of shares Gallagher did not already own. Gulf Marine Services PLC - Abu Dhabi-founded provider of self-propelled self-elevating support vessels for oil, gas and renewable energy industries - Agrees further extension of deadline to conclude improved terms for debt structure. "Discussions with the banks remain positive and the company is confident that an agreement, favourable to both GMS and its lenders, can be reached in the near term," Gulf Marine says. Strategic Minerals PLC - minerals company with operations in the US and Australia, as well as a development project in the UK - Reports ninth yearly rollover of access to Cobre magnetite stockpile. Also notes a recent rise in copper prices, a "significant impact" on profitability of its Leigh Creek copper mine. Based on current prices, pretax free cash flow at project will be USD56.5 million, up from USD19.2 million at the acquisition. Operating margin improves to 58%, from 39%. Goldstone Resources Ltd - resource development company with projects in West Africa - Agrees with Asian Investment Management Services Ltd for further deferment of gold loan interest payment to June 30. Says on track for first gold pour within two months of February 11 award of environmental permit. By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. 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. Security forces in Myanmar fired on protesters Sunday, killing at least 18 people and leaving more than 30 others injured on the deadliest day of demonstrations since the February 1 military coup, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office. Throughout the day, in several locations throughout the country, police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force, said a statement from U.N. human rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. The statement called on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters. Later Sunday, the U.N. special rapporteur, Tom Andrews, released a statement that listed options for U.N. member states and the security council to take action. As the military junta of Myanmar ratchets up its violence against the people, I believe it is imperative that the international community ratchet up its response, Andrews said. Among the options laid out in his statement are a global arms embargo, sanctions against businesses owned or controlled by the junta, and the convening of the U.N. Security Council to discuss the issue. On sanctions, Andrews urged countries that have already established some to immediately consider more. The United States late Sunday condemned the bloody crackdown on protests and hinted at potential sanctions. We are preparing additional actions to impose further costs on those responsible for this latest outbreak of violence and the recent coup. We will have more to share in the coming days, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. Witnesses to Sundays bloody protests say police used tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannon and in some cases live ammunition in the countrys biggest city, Yangon. According to the Associated Press, photos of shell cases from live ammunition were posted on social media. Media videos show demonstrators dragging some of those injured away from the protests, leaving bloody smears on pavement. Police also aggressively sought to break up protests in other cities, including Mandalay and Dawei. Popular protests have been staged across Myanmar on a daily basis since the military detained de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the civilian government, claiming widespread fraud in last Novembers election, which Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party won in a landslide. The European Union condemned violence against protesters Sunday, calling security forces shooting unarmed citizens a blatant disregard for international law. The military authorities must immediately stop the use of force against civilians and allow the population to express their right to freedom of expression and assembly, EU Minister of Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said in a statement. Last week, junta commander Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the military was using minimal force to deal with protests. But at least 21 protesters have been confirmed killed during demonstrations, and the army has said one policeman has been killed. The junta has declared a one-year state of emergency. Min Aung Hlaing has pledged that new elections will be held to bring about a true and disciplined democracy, but did not specify when they would take place. Myanmars electoral commission denied the militarys claims of election fraud. The United States and other Western nations have demanded the release of Suu Kyi and her lieutenants and called on the junta to restore power to the civilian government. Some information in this report was provided by Associated Press and Reuters. VOAs Margaret Besheer contributed to this story. ADVERTISEMENT VOA is Premium Times syndication partner. We have permission to republish. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 28, 2021) - Bluestone Resources Inc. (TSXV: BSR) (OTCQB: BBSRF) ("Bluestone" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the findings of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") that highlights an optimized project which doubles the gold resource ounces and production profile which effectively triples the NPV 5% of the project to $907 million. The recent completion of advanced engineering and optimization work has significantly enhanced the understanding of the project and presented an opportunity to capitalize on its near-surface, high-grade mineralization through an open pit development scenario. This is a major change to Bluestone's corporate strategy that will fully maximize the value of the Cerro Blanco gold project for all stakeholders. Jack Lundin, CEO, commented, "This new development scenario outlines a great project which is capable of producing over 300,000 ounces of gold per year at first decile AISC. With the onboarding of key project personnel and completion of a successful drill campaign, 2020 presented us with the opportunity to dig deep into the technical and social elements of the project and evaluate all aspects. Following an initial review of the viability for a surface mining operation, discussions were held with key national stakeholders and authorities to confirm the endorsement for a project of this scale in Guatemala. Bluestone is committed to adopting world class responsible mining practices for the future of sustainable mining." Preliminary Economic Assessment Highlights Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are stated in U.S dollars ("$"). The Base case was completed at a gold price of $1,550/oz and a silver price of $20/oz. Peak production of 334,000 ounces and average annual production of 231,000 ounces gold over the life of mine ("LOM"). Average life of mine all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $642/oz (net credits). Average annual free cash flow of $186 million per year and LOM total free cash flow of $2 billion. Net present value ("NPV 5% ") of $907 million after-tax. After-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 28.5%. Initial capital of $548 million with an after-tax payback period of 2.6 years. Life of mine production of approximately 2.4 million ounces of gold and 10.3 million ounces of silver over an initial 11-year mine life. Measured & Indicated Resources of 3.0 million ounces of gold and 13.2 million ounces of silver (61.5 million tonnes at 1.5 g/t Au and 6.7 g/t Ag). At $1,800/oz gold, the NPV 5% increases to $1.3 billion and the IRR to 36% with a payback of 2.2 years. David Cass, Vice President of Exploration commented, "The pivot to surface mining is a culmination of our increased understanding of the geology and grade distribution that will realize the full potential of the Cerro Blanco low-sulphidation mineralization. The inverted wedge shape of the deposit with its upper half forming the Cerro Blanco hill lends itself to surface mining with a low strip ratio. The extensive drilling undertaken to date of the high-grade vein swarms and their surrounding low-grade mineralized envelopes show impressive intercepts, including 203.8 meters grading 2.3 g/t Au and 4.1 g/t Ag (CB20-420) and 87.2 meters grading 5.3 g/t Au and 26 g/t Ag (UGCB18-89). The low-grade mineralization present in the Salinas cap rocks, where we currently have five drill rigs operational, make up a fifth of the Measured & Indicated Resource ounces and show excellent potential to further grow the resource by additional drilling." Cerro Blanco Preliminary Economic Assessment Study The Cerro Blanco Gold Project is located in south-eastern Guatemala and currently hosts 3.0 million ounces ("Moz") of gold in the Measured & Indicated Mineral Resource category and 0.25 million ounces of gold in the Inferred Mineral Resource category, as set out in Table 3. The PEA evaluates recovery of gold and silver from a 15,000 tonne-per-day ("tpd") open pit operation, with a conventional process plant that will include crushing, grinding, and agitated leaching followed by a carbon-in-pulp recovery process to produce dore bars. Table 1 - Summary of the Economics of the Cerro Blanco PEA Gold price (base case) $1,550/oz Silver price (base case) $20.00/oz Exchange rate (Quetzal to US Dollar) 7.5:1 Exchange rate (CAD to US Dollar) 0.78:1 Peak annual gold production 334,000 ounces Average annual gold production (years 1-4) 277,000 ounces Average annual gold production (LOM) 231,000 ounces Total gold production (LOM) 2,449,000 ounces Strip Ratio (w:o) 2.36:1 Average gold head grade 1.60 g/t Average silver head grade 7.27 g/t Average gold recovery 91.0% Average silver recovery 85.0% Nominal Throughput 15,000 tonnes per day Mine life 11 years Operating costs Mining - $2.95/tonne mined Processing - $13.30/tonne milled Site Services - $3.98/tonne milled G&A - $2.28/tonne milled Total operating costs $28.78/tonne milled Cash costs (LOM net credits) $570/oz Au All-in Sustaining Cash Costs (LOM net credits)* $642/oz Au Initial capital (including contingency) $548 M Sustaining capital, including closure costs $173 M Average annual after-tax free cash flow $272 M per year (years 1-4) Total production after-tax free cash flow $2.0 B NPV 5% (pre-tax) $1,115 M IRR (pre-tax) 35% NPV 5% (after-tax) $907 M (base case), $1,305 M ($1,800/oz gold) IRR (after-tax) 28.5% (base case), 36% ($1,800/oz gold) *all in sustaining cash costs (net credits) = (operating costs + offsite costs + royalties + sustaining and closure capital - value of payable silver ounces) / payable gold ounces Table 2 - Economic Sensitivities, Leverage to Gold Price Gold price ($/oz) $1,400 $1,550 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 After-tax NPV 5% ($M) $669 $907 $987 $1,305 $1,633 After-tax IRR 23.4% 28.5% 30.0% 36.0% 41.6% After-tax Payback 2.9 2.6 2.5 2.2 1.9 Permitting and Environmental Baseline Data Bluestone continues to advance the Cerro Blanco Project application through the national processes, which is well understood and defined. The Company is supported by a reputable in-country expert with extensive experience in permitting natural resource and industrial projects in Guatemala. The Company's goal is to prepare a coordinated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment document that aligns with the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards, Equator Principles, as well as national requirements. Engagement with local communities and other stakeholders is essential to Bluestone and will remain on-going throughout the permitting process. Bluestone plans to advance the development of the Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") document in 2021 for submittal prior to the end of this year. Jack Lundin, CEO, commented, "The timeline and path to production is being worked through in detail. We plan to follow the well-defined process in Guatemala to advance an EIA application, in parallel with completing a bankable Feasibility Study by the end of 2021 and early in 2022, respectively. This Feasibility Study will serve as the blueprint for our development which we are targeting to initiate in late 2022, when we anticipate receiving our EIA permit." PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT DETAILS Geology and Mineral Resource Cerro Blanco is a classic hot springs-related low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver deposit comprising both high-grade vein and low-grade disseminated mineralization. Most of the high-grade mineralization is hosted in the Mita unit as two upward-flaring vein swarms (North and South Zones) that converge downwards and merge into basal feeder veins where drilling has demonstrated significant widths of high-grade mineralization, e.g. 15.5 meters 21.4 g/t Au and 52 g/t Ag. Bonanza gold grades are associated with ginguru banding and carbonate replacement textures. Sulphide contents are low, typically <3 volume %. The Mita rocks are overlain by the Salinas Unit, a sub-horizontal sequence of volcanogenic sediments and sinter horizons approximately 100 meters thick that form the low-lying hill at the project. Low-grade disseminated and veinlet mineralization within and as halos around the high-grade vein swarms is well documented in drilling since discovery of the deposit, with grades typically ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 g/t Au. The overlying Salinas cap rocks are also host to low-grade mineralization associated with silicified conglomerates and rhyolite intrusion breccias. In profile, the inverted wedge-shape of the high-grade veins (upward flaring arrays) and their low-grade halos overlain by the mineralized Salinas cap rocks to surface render the deposit amenable to exploitation by surface methods with a low strip ratio. The mineral resource has a footprint of 800 x 400 meters between elevations of 525 meters and 200 meters above sea level. The mineral resource estimate is the result of 141,969 meters of drilling by Bluestone and previous operators (1,256 drill holes and channel samples by Bluestone) with the majority of meters drilled after the completion of the current EIA. The 3.4 kilometres of underground infrastructure that was invested as a result of this permit allowed underground mapping, sampling, and over 30,000 meters of underground drilling that was critical to Bluestone's current understanding and validation of the Cerro Blanco geological model. The mineral resource estimate is based on a scenario that considers open pit mining methods and therefore required improved geological models of the lithologic units. These broad mineralized lithologies are host to the high-grade veins that have been the focus of the potential underground mining scenario. The resulting domain models and estimation strategy was designed to accurately represent the grade distribution. Table 3 - Cerro Blanco Mineral Resource Estimate at a 0.4 g/t Au Cut-Off Resource Category Tonnes (kt) Gold Grade (g/t) Silver Grade (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Contained Ag (koz) Measured 20,388 1.93 9.01 1,266 5,906 Indicated 41,135 1.30 5.54 1,716 7,327 Measured and Indicated 61,523 1.51 6.69 2,982 13,233 Inferred 2,287 0.56 3.41 42 251 The mineral resource statement is subject to the following: Effective date: December 31, 2020. All mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions, as required under NI 43-101. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$1,600/oz gold, US$20/oz silver and a number of operating cost and recovery assumptions, including a reasonable contingency factor. The PEA is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The mineral resources may be affected by subsequent assessment of mining, environmental, processing, permitting, taxation, socio-economic and other factors. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines and may result in summation differences. Sensitivity to cut-off grade, as shown in Table 4 below, the mineral resource estimates for Cerro Blanco (Base Case in bold). Table 4 - Cerro Blanco Mineral Resource Estimate Sensitivity Analysis Resource Category Cut-off Grade (Au g/t) Tonnes Gold Grade (g/t) Silver Grade (g/t) Contained Au Ounces Contained Ag Ounces Measured 0.2 28,629,085 1.46 7.07 1,342,194 6,507,552 0.3 23,860,565 1.70 8.07 1,304,282 6,190,775 0.4 20,388,333 1.93 9.01 1,265,639 5,906,052 0.5 17,742,672 2.15 9.90 1,227,643 5,647,353 0.6 15,700,806 2.36 10.73 1,191,764 5,416,421 Indicated 0.2 81,498,560 0.79 3.89 2,081,779 10,192,724 0.3 56,048,662 1.04 4.75 1,880,933 8,559,524 0.4 41,135,218 1.30 5.54 1,715,979 7,326,799 0.5 31,438,906 1.56 6.33 1,576,822 6,398,260 0.6 25,065,443 1.82 7.08 1,464,914 5,705,574 Inferred 0.2 7,747,410 0.37 3.10 90,941 772,163 0.3 4,219,647 0.46 3.32 62,921 450,407 0.4 2,287,137 0.56 3.41 41,531 250,748 0.5 1,130,156 0.68 3.84 24,872 139,528 0.6 573,986 0.08 5.0 15,228 91,532 Mineral Resource Estimation Methodology The mineral resource estimates for Cerro Blanco were prepared to industry standards and best practices and verified by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., an Independent Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. The mineral resources were estimated using commercial mine modelling and geostatistical software. The deposit was segregated into multiple estimation domains based on geologic models for each of the mineralized veins and the Salinas and Mita host lithologies including sinter units. Gold and silver block grades were estimated from capped composited samples in a single pass. The mineral resources were estimated using inverse distance to the third power interpolation for the continuous vein domains, and the Salinas and Mita host units were estimated using ordinary kriging. Search ellipse anisotropy and orientation were guided by the orientation of the vein solids models and omni-directional ellipsoids were employed in the host and sinter zones. Specific gravities were assigned to individual rock types and assigned on a block-by-block basis. Cautionary Statement The PEA is preliminary in nature, it may include mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The mineral resources may be affected by subsequent assessment of mining, environmental, processing, permitting, taxation, socio-economic, and other factors. Mining An open-pit mining scenario is the basis for this PEA. The owner-operated mining fleet will utilize 65 tonne trucks matched with 7.0 cubic meter hydraulic shovels supported by 8.2 cubic meter front-end wheel loaders. The mine designs and scheduling were engineered to feed 5.04 Mt per year (15,000 tpd) of mill feed to the process plant at a strip ratio of 2.36 and LOM mining cost of $2.95/t. A total of 52.2 Mt of mill feed averaging 1.60 g/t gold and 7.26 g/t silver (1.68 g/t Au Eq.), is to be processed over the life of mine from the main pit area. Mill feed will be trucked to a primary crusher located to the east of the main pit. Waste totalling 123.5 Mt will be placed in a waste storage facility. Open-pit mining dilution has been estimated with a dilution skin of 0.5 meters resulting in 7.2% dilution at a grade of 0.30 g/t gold and 2.29 g/t silver. Standard pit slopes were applied to the mine design. The pit slopes are designed with inter-ramp angles of 52 degrees with an overall slope angle of 49 degrees. Mining will take place on 5-meter benches. Table 5 - Cerro Blanco Mill Feed Material Mill Feed Material Tonnes (000's) Au Grade g/t Ag Grade g/t Contained Gold (000's Oz) Contained Silver (000's Oz) Measured 19,370 1.96 9.26 1,222 5,764 Indicated 32,880 1.38 6.08 1,463 6,427 Measured & Indicated 52,250 1.60 7.26 2,686 12,191 Stockpile 30 5.35 22.59 5 22 Total Mill Feed 52,280 1.60 7.27 2,691 12,213 T he mill feed material is subject to the following: The Qualified Person for the Mill Feed estimate is Antoine Champagne, P. Eng. of G Mining Services Inc. The cut-off grade for mill feed material was estimated using a $1,500/oz gold price and gold cut-off grade (CoG) of 0.48 g/t AuEq. Other costs and factors used for gold cut-off grade determination were process, G&A, and other costs of $20.21/tonne, a royalty of $30.64 /oz Au and a gold metallurgical recovery of 91%, and a silver metallurgical recovery of 85%. Bulk density of mineralized material is variable but averages 2.68 t/m3. The average strip ratio is 2.36:1. Tonnages are rounded to the nearest 1,000 tonnes, metal grades are rounded to two decimal place. Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units; contained gold and silver are reported as thousands of troy ounces. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines and may result in summation differences. Processing The PEA is based on treating 5.04 million dry tonnes mineralized material per year at an average feed grade of 1.60 g/t gold and 7.26 g/t silver through a conventional cyanide leach process plant to produce dore. The flowsheet is very similar to the previous underground mine option and includes primary crushing, single train semi-autogenous (SAG) mill and ball mill to produce a target grind size of 80% passing 53 microns, atmospheric pre-oxidation, 48-hour cyanide leach, carbon-in-pulp carousel adsorption circuit, Zadra elution circuit, gold room and filtered tailings. Based on PEA metallurgical test work, the expected recoveries are 91% for gold and 85% for silver. Filtered tailings will be configured in a dry stack facility and eliminate the need for the construction and operation of a traditional tailings impoundment. The adoption of this technology puts the Cerro Blanco Project at the forefront of responsible mining practices being adopted for the future of sustainable mining globally. Capital & Operating Costs Initial capital to fund construction and commissioning is estimated at $548 million. The Cerro Blanco Gold Project benefits from a significant amount of infrastructure already in place including a water treatment plant, maintenance and warehouse facilities, offices, and communications systems. The project benefits from being located eight kilometres from the Pan American Highway. Table 6 - Cerro Blanco Capital Cost Estimate Capital Cost Estimate ($M) Initial Capital ($M) Sustaining Capital ($M) Life of Mine ($M) Infrastructure $18.2 $0.0 $18.2 Power & Electrical $37.9 $0.0 $37.9 Water Management $40.2 $56.3 $96.5 Surface Operations $31.9 $19.8 $51.7 Mining $48.7 $61.8 $110.5 Process Plant $153.8 $0.0 $153.8 Construction Indirects $70.0 $0.0 $70.0 Owner's Costs $46.6 $0.0 $46.6 Pre-Prod, Start-up, Commissioning $23.4 - $23.4 Pre-Prod Mining and Pre-Stripping $31.9 - $31.9 Subtotal $502.6 $137.9 $640.5 Contingency $76.5 $0.0 $76.5 Closure - $35.0 $35.0 Pre-Production Revenue $31.3 - $31.3 Total Capital Costs $547.8 $172.9 $720.7 Table 7 - Cerro Blanco Operating Cost Estimate Operating Cost Estimate Cost per Tonne Milled ($/t) Mining $9.22 Processing $13.30 Site Services (includes dewatering) $3.98 G&A $2.28 Total Direct Operating Costs $28.78 Table 8 - All-in Cash Costs Including Sustaining Capex Mining $475.9 Processing $686.6 Site Services $205.3 Site G&A $117.7 Refining & Transport $22.7 Royalties $81.2 Sustaining Capital $172.9 By-product Credits $204.8 Total ($M) $1,557 M All-in Sustaining Cash Costs (net of credits) ($/oz) $642/oz Au All-in sustaining costs are presented as defined by the World Gold Council less corporate G&A. Calculated as: (refining costs + third party royalties + operating costs + sustaining capital costs + closure capital costs - payable silver ounces value) / payable gold ounces. Infrastructure The project is located approximately 160 kilometres southeast of Guatemala City. The site is accessible via the Pan-American Highway (CA1) through the town of Asuncion Mita. Existing infrastructure is in place to provide year-round access, an upgraded access road, bridge, and a new power transmission line will be installed as part of the construction of the project. Guatemala has 400 kilometres of coastline, with the closest deep-water port (Puerto Quetzal) on the Pacific Ocean, which is connected by good highway access to the project. Corporate Social Responsibility and Economic Benefits Bluestone is a values-based company where environmental and community stewardship are integral to our core values. We live in the communities we operate in and follow best practices to maximize benefits for our stakeholders. The project and local team have been part of the local community for over a decade and Bluestone is active in engaging with the stakeholders around the project. The development of the project is expected to provide substantial economic benefits to Guatemala, both locally and at a national level. The project is expected to generate direct employment of over 500 people once in operation. It is estimated that during production the mine will contribute about $160 million annually and approximately $1.8 billion over the life of the mine to the Guatemalan economy through direct employee wages, consumables, taxes, and royalties. In addition, the project is expected to generate several thousand additional indirect jobs with local suppliers and service providers. A key priority will be to continue to train and develop skills of the local workforce as the project advances which is in line with Bluestone's philosophy of working with our stakeholders and communities. In 2020 Bluestone engaged a third-party consultant to complete an updated environmental social impact assessment that was used as the basis to complete environmental and social due diligence to International Finance Corporation Performance Standards. In addition, Bluestone completed an initial Sustainable Development Summary, chronicling environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Our goal is to build stakeholder trust by providing a transparent account of our contributions, impacts, and relationships over time. We are working toward alignment with Global Reporting Initiative, the Equator Principles, and the International Finance Corporation Environmental and Social Performance Standards. For further information on Bluestone's Sustainable Development Summary, please click HERE. Technical Information Bluestone engaged a consortium of independent consultants, led by G Mining Services Inc., an international engineering firm with extensive experience in both the construction and operation of mining projects, to complete the Preliminary Economic Assessment. The Technical Report summarizing the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment is being prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and will be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR within 45 days of this press release. The Qualified Persons have reviewed and verified that the scientific and technical information in respect to the PEA in this press release is accurate and approve the written disclosure of such information. The Qualified Persons who will prepare the Technical Report are: Qualified Person Company QP Responsibility Mathieu Gignac, P. Eng. G Mining Services Inc. Project Management, Environmental/ Permitting/Social, CAPEX, OPEX, Economic Analysis Antoine Champagne, P. Eng. G Mining Services Inc. Mining Methods and LOM Plan Carl Burkhalter, P. Eng. NewFields Tailings Management Neil Lincoln, P. Eng. G Mining Services Inc. Metallurgy, Recovery Methods Joel Lacelle, P. Eng. G Mining Services Inc. Infrastructure Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. Geology, Mineral Resource Estimate Other than as set forth above, all scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by David Cass, P.Geo., the Company's Vice President Exploration, a Qualified Persons under NI 43-101. Bluestone will be hosting a webinar on March 1, 2021 at 8:00 am EST. Conference call and webcast: To receive conference call details and PIN register at Diamond Pass HERE: You will receive an email with the conference call number and unique pin. Germany Tollfree: 0800-180-1954 Switzerland Tollfree: 0800-802-457 UK Tollfree: 0808-101-2791 Presentation Webcast HERE: The conference call will be archived and available on our website. Audio replay will be Canada/USA TF: 1-800-319-6413 International Toll: +1-604-638-9010 Replay Access Code: 6313 About Bluestone Resources The Cerro Blanco Gold Project is an advanced stage near surface development project. A PEA on the project highlighted an asset capable of producing over 300 koz/yr with an average annual production of 231 koz/yr at all-in sustaining costs of ~$642/oz (as defined per World Gold Council guidelines, less corporate general and administration costs) over an initial 11-year mine life. The Company trades under the symbol "BSR" on the TSX Venture Exchange and "BBSRF" on the OTCQB. On Behalf of Bluestone Resources Inc. "Jack Lundin" Jack Lundin | Chief Executive Officer & Director For further information, please contact: Bluestone Resources Inc. Stephen Williams | VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations Phone: +1 604-757-5559 info@bluestoneresources.ca www.bluestoneresources.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that Bluestone Resources Inc. ("Bluestone" or the "Company") believes, expects, or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation: the estimated value of the Cerro Blanco Project (the "Project"); the planned open pit development scenario for the Project; the estimated gold production volume per year from the Project; gold and silver price estimates used in the preliminary economic assessment ("PEA"); additional financial estimates of Project economics resulting from the PEA, including peak and average annual gold productions amounts, average all-in sustaining costs, average annual free cash flow, after-tax net present value ("NPV"), after-tax internal rate of return, initial capital requirements, life of mine gold and silver production amounts, measured and indicated resources and NPV assuming a higher gold price estimate; the Company's plan to advance an EIA application in parallel to completing a bankable Feasibility Study by the end of 2021; the Company's target to initiate Project development in the second half of 2022; anticipated receipt of an EIA permit in the second half of 2022; mineral resource estimates; the estimated tonne-per-day recovery volume of the planned open pit operation; the planned conventional process plant and associated processing methods; the Company's goal to prepare a coordinated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment document that aligns with the IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles as well as national requirements; engagement with local communities and stakeholders to remain on-going through the process; the Company's plan to advance the development of the EIA document in 2021 for submittal prior to the end of the year; the reasonable prospect of eventual economic extraction demonstrated by reported mineral resources; gold and silver price estimates and a reasonable contingency factor used as the basis for mineral resource estimate cut-off grades; reasonable expectation that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration; results of mineral resource estimate sensitivity analysis; uncertainty that the PEA will be realized; the potential for subsequent assessment of mining, environmental, processing, permitting, taxation, socio-economic and other factors to affect mineral resources; estimated diluted mill feed to be processed over the life of mine from the main pit area; planned trucking of mill feed to a primary crushed located to the east of the main pit; amount of waste to be stored in a dump adjacent to the main pit; estimated open-pit mining dilution; measured and indicated mill feed amounts; estimated process plant capacity in tonnes per day of ore; planned processing rate measured in dry tonnes per year and average feed grade thereof; details of planned processing, including pre-oxidation, 48-hour leach and carbon-in-pulp absorption circuit elements and expected gold and silver recovery percentage to produce a dore; estimated initial capital required to fund construction and commissioning; beneficial existence of a significant amount of development already in place, a water treatment plant, maintenance and warehouse facilities, offices and communications; capital and operating cost estimates; estimated all-in cash costs including sustaining capex; planned installation of a new power transmission line as part of the construction of the Project; the Project's expected economic benefits to Guatemala. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to Bluestone and often use words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "may", or variations thereof or the negative of any of these terms. All forward-looking statements are made based on Bluestone's current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by Bluestone and information currently available to Bluestone. Generally, these assumptions include, among others: the presence of and continuity of metals at the Cerro Blanco Project at estimated grades; the availability of personnel, machinery, and equipment at estimated prices and within estimated delivery times; currency exchange rates; metals sales prices and exchange rates assumed; appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in economic analyses; tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operations; the availability of acceptable financing; the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); anticipated mining losses and dilution; success in realizing proposed operations; and anticipated timelines for community consultations and the impact of those consultations on the regulatory approval process. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of Bluestone to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Bluestone. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: potential changes to the mining method and the current development strategy; risks and uncertainties related to expected production rates; timing and amount of production and total costs of production; risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain necessary licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining development activities; risks and uncertainties related to the accuracy of mineral resource estimates and estimates of future production, future cash flow, total costs of production, and diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources; risks associated with geopolitical uncertainty and political and economic instability in Guatemala; risks related to global epidemics or pandemics and other health crises, including the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); risks and uncertainties related to interruptions in production; the possibility that future exploration, development, or mining results will not be consistent with Bluestone's expectations; uncertain political and economic environments and relationships with local communities and governmental authorities; risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the mineral identified as mineral resources from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; developments in world metals markets; and risks related to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. For a further discussion of risks relevant to Bluestone, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2019, available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Bluestone disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Although Bluestone believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. 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. Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures The Company has included certain non-International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") measures in this news release. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company and to compare it to information reported by other companies. The non-IFRS measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. All-in sustaining costs The Company believes that all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") more fully defines the total costs associated with producing gold. The Company calculates AISC as the sum of refining costs, third party royalties, site operating costs, sustaining capital costs, and closure capital costs all divided by the gold ounces sold to arrive at a per ounce amount. Other companies may calculate this measure differently as a result of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus non-sustaining capital. AISC reconciliation AISC and costs are calculated based on the definitions published by the World Gold Council ("WGC") (a market development organization for the gold industry comprised of and funded by 18 gold mining companies from around the world). The WGC is not a regulatory organization. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/75689 Commuters in Melbourne are terrified that police who stormed carriages during peak hour were looking for 'bombs'. Heavily armed tactical officers marched through Flinders Street Station in the city's CBD about 5pm on Monday. All services were halted and passengers told to 'seek alternate transportation'. Passengers used Twitter to upload footage of officers with helmets and large guns marching through the busy station and sweeping carriages. Officers marched through Flinders Street train station in the city's CBD at about 5pm on Monday (pictured) Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia they were doing 'safety checks' at Flinders Street train station (pictured) One user wrote: 'Victoria Police Critical Incident Response Teams are doing a bomb sweep of trains. Stay safe.' Train passenger Elizabeth DeLoria wrote on Twitter that she was 'bomb squadded off a train'. 'A bomb threat was made relating to a train. That's all I know. I'm guessing, given that all the other trains got evacuated and we got THIS, that it was ours, but that's guessing and we weren't told anything,' she wrote. 'When they got on the train we weren't told anything. While we waited stationary for 15 minutes beforehand, we weren't told anything. 'Genuinely thought I'd have to duck and cover or something when I first saw them but thankfully I'm safe and have managed to get home.' Another witness said there was 'chaos' at the station, as all lines were suspended. 'Heavily armed police seen leaving a platform at Flinders St Station,' he wrote. 'Chaos as all lines suspended. Passengers here are being told to seek alternate transportation.' One woman was furious because the 'safety checks' meant she could not go wedding dress shopping (right) One user said: 'Victoria Police Critical Incident Response Teams (CIRT) are doing a bomb sweep of trains (pictured) Metro Trains warned passengers at about 5.20pm that all services were stopped from arriving or departing Flinders Street station 'due to a police request' (pictured) Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia officers were 'doing safety checks'. 'Police have closed the area down as a safety precaution while they conduct their checks,' a spokesman said. Metro Trains warned passengers at about 5.20pm that all services were stopped from arriving or departing Flinders Street station 'due to a police request'. 'Please listen for announcements and check information display screens for travel information,' the transport organisation wrote on Twitter. The station has since been deemed 'safe' by police and trains are expected to resume. The Ukrainian Health Ministry is awaiting the arrival of a shipment of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine Coronavac, produced by Chinese company Sinovac and acquired by the Health Ministry using funds from the budget, Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov told Interfax-Ukraine on Monday. "We are awaiting a shipment of Coronavac. Under the contract, the vaccine is due to be supplied before March 6, together with all documentation confirming its effectiveness," Stepanov said. "The government is fully protected from the point of view of bank guarantees," he said. The range of producers of COVID-19 vaccines is broadening, Stepanov said. "Vaccine producers are being added to the list all the time. That is three to four producers worldwide today, but there may be ten tomorrow," he said. Madam Joyce Bawa Mogtari, a lawyer and Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama has reacted to a statement released by the lawyers for the Ghana Judicial Service. The statement had asked media houses with damaging stories against the Justices of the Supreme Court to pull it down. According to Madam Mogtari, the statement should have come after the ruling of the ongoing 2020 election petition. "Maybe if this had come after the ruling; considering the timing in terms of the context, even reading the content of that correspondent leave enormous room and cause for worry . . ." she intimated. "They might have very good reason why they have taken this step but as a practitioner and a student of the law, I would like to just state without any fear of equivocation that I would expect that we do not turn this jurisdiction of contempt into a fetish but that we should seek to legislate accordingly and give clear guidelines and in that sense people will understand and people will get it". Nonetheless "I have no doubt that criticism will surely come . . . " Background Lawyers for the Ghana Judicial Service says it is "unacceptable" for media houses to "publish on your platforms, speeches and statements and publications which excite anger, hate and passion against the Justices presiding over the election petition". In a statement addressed to all media houses in the country, such "statements and speeches interfere with the due administration of justice as Justices of our client are threatened with ominous consequences following their decisions which do not meet the expectations of some members of the society". This concern has been heightened by the flurry of statements and speeches directed at our clients Justices, especially after the commencement of hearing of the election petition in the suit intituled John Dramani Mahama v Electoral Commission & Nana Addo, the statement read. The legal counsel is therefore demanding that the media houses involved "pull or cause to be pulled down and cleared from your platforms, all statements and speeches which convey and/or insinuate hateful, spiteful, vengeful and incendiary communication against Justices of our client especially those hearing the election petition". Failure to do this, action will be taken against them "to ensure that you do not abuse the right to free speech by deploying and/or permitting your platform to be deployed in a manner that not only threatens our constitutional order and democracy but obviously, adversely interferes with the due administration of justice and also, brings it, into disrepute". The statement, however, stopped short of mentioning the media houses involved. 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 Jose Luis Magana / Jose Luis Magana/AP The Senate Republicans who voted to convict former President Donald Trump deserve the thanks of the nation. The senators who voted to acquit, cowering behind a technicality a technicality cynically engineered by the then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who refused to convene the Senate for a trial prior to the inauguration deserve the disdain, contempt and condemnation of if not their constituents history. Thomas J. Raleigh (Reuters) - Myanmar police fired on protesters around the country on Sunday in the bloodiest day of weeks of demonstrations against a military coup and at least 18 people were killed, the U.N. human rights office said. Police were out in force early and opened fire in different parts of the biggest city of Yangon after stun grenades, tear gas and shots in the air failed to break up crowds. Soldiers also reinforced police. Several wounded people were hauled away by fellow protesters, leaving bloody smears on pavements, media images showed. One man died after being brought to a hospital with a bullet in the chest, said a doctor who asked not to be identified. "Police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force that according to credible information received by the UN Human Rights Office has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded," the U.N. human rights office said. Myanmar has been in chaos since the army seized power and detained elected government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and much of her party leadership on Feb. 1, alleging fraud in a November election her party won in a landslide. The coup, which brought a halt to tentative steps towards democracy after nearly 50 years of military rule, has drawn hundreds of thousands onto the streets and the condemnation of Western countries. Among at least five killed in Yangon was internet network engineer Nyi Nyi Aung Htet Naing, who a day earlier had posted on Facebook about his concern at the growing crackdown, medics said. Teacher Tin New Yee died after police swooped to disperse a teachers' protest with stun grenades, sending the crowd fleeing, her daughter and a fellow teacher said. Police also hurled stun grenades outside a Yangon medical school, sending doctors and students in white lab coats scattering. A group called the Whitecoat Alliance of medics said more than 50 medical staff had been arrested. Story continues Three people were killed at Dawei in the south, politician Kyaw Min Htike told Reuters from the town. Two died in the second city of Mandalay, Myanmar Now media and a resident said. Resident Sai Tun told Reuters one woman was shot in the head. Police and the spokesman for the ruling military council did not respond to phone calls seeking comment. Police broke up protests in other towns, including Lashio in the northeast, Myeik in the deep south and Hpa-An in the east, residents and media said. 'OUTRAGEOUS' Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing said last week authorities were using minimal force to deal with the protests. Nevertheless, at least 21 protesters have now died in the turmoil. The army said a policeman had been killed. The crackdown would appear to indicate determination by the military to impose its authority in the face of defiance, not just on the streets but more broadly in the civil service, municipal administration, the judiciary, the education and health sectors and the media. "We are heartbroken to see the loss of so many lives in Myanmar. People should not face violence for expressing dissent against the military coup. Targeting of civilians is abhorrent," the U.S. embassy said. The Canadian Embassy said it was appalled. Indonesia, which has taken a diplomatic lead within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the crisis, expressed deep concern. Activists across Asia held rallies to support Myanmar's protesters in Myanmar with the rallying cry "Milk Tea Alliance" which first united pro-democracy activists in Thailand and Hong Kong. State-run MRTV television said more than 470 people had been arrested on Saturday. It was not clear how many were detained on Sunday. Youth activist Esther Ze Naw said people were battling the fear they had lived with under military rule. "It's obvious they're trying to instil fear in us by making us run and hide," she said. "We can't accept that." A day after the junta announced that Myanmar's U.N. envoy had been fired for opposing its rule by calling for action from the United Nations, the foreign ministry announced that diplomats at several other embassies were being recalled. It gave no reason, but some diplomats have been among civil servants to join a Civil Disobedience Movement that has paralysed a swathe of official business. While Western countries have condemned the coup and some have imposed limited sanctions, the generals have traditionally shrugged off diplomatic pressure. They have promised to hold a new election but not set a date. Suu Kyi's party and supporters said the result of the November vote must be respected. Suu Kyi, 75, who spent nearly 15 years under house arrest, faces charges of illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios and of violating a natural disaster law by breaching coronavirus protocols. The next hearing in her case is on Monday. (Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by William Mallard, Clarence Fernandez, Frances Kerry, Philippa Fletcher) New York, March 1 : Former US President Donald Trump has roared back into the political arena with a hint that he may run for office in 2024 and a jet of vitriol against members of his Republican Party not loyal to him, as well as Democrats. Speaking in public on Sunday for the first time since leaving office, Trump did not admit defeat in the November 3, 2020, election and instead said "I may even decide to defeat them a third time". He tamped down speculation that he may start a third party calling it fake news seeking to divide the Republican vote "so that you can never win". "We have the Republican Party it's going to unite and be stronger than ever before," he said even as he announced an enemy's list of several members of his party who voted for this impeachment or to convict him. He flexed his political muscle at the annual conference of the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) where an informal poll showed that 68 per cent of the participants wanted him to run again and 95 per cent supported his policies. The group represents the more conservative wing of the Republican Party reflecting his base and the crowd, many of them unmasked and not socially distanced, repeatedly chanted, "We love you". Trump's hold on a broad base of the party presents a dilemma for the party. He is a divisive figure who caused many unaffiliated voters and those in the middle to vote against him. Yet the party cannot win without his supporters. Trump said: "The only division is between a handful of Washington, D.C. establishment political hacks and everybody else all over the country." He named the Republicans like Senator Mitt Romney and Representative Liz Cheney, who have criticised him and also voted against him during the impeachment, and said: "Get rid of them." Trump criticised the Supreme Court, which rejected his case against the election of hi successor Joe Biden. The court has a conservative majority bolstered by his three nominees none of whom came to his rescue. "They should be ashamed of themselves for what they've done to our country. They didn't have the guts or the courage to make the right decision." He said "our election process is worse than that in many cases of a third world country," and called on the party to work for election reforms. Among the flaws he listed is some US states not requiring IDs for voters, which would not pass muster in most countries. Trump attacked Biden, who has been in office for just 39 days, asserting that "in just one short month, we have gone from 'America First' to 'America Last'". "We all knew that the Biden administration was going to be bad, but none of us even imagined just how bad they would be and how far left they would go," he said. His main criticism was on Biden's decision to undo his immigration measures, but he also made a distinction between legal immigrants who contribute to the US and illegal and criminal immigrants, who he said were allowed to go free. He wanted the US to welcome "people coming into our country based on a system of merit". He said, "So they come in and they can help us". Trump appeared as his usual ebullient self -- a rabble-rousing superpatriot. Criticising Beijing, he blamed it for the economic setbacks caused by the "horrible thing from China". Also slamming Biden's decision to return to the Paris Climate Change Agreement, he bracketed India with China and Russia as polluters "pouring fumes". His speech had the ring of an election campaign as he set out his record in office. He claimed credit for the Covid-19 vaccines, which he said were made available within a year contradicting the longer timeline set by experts, because of the calculated risks he took. Biden had made a muddled claim that there were no vaccines when he took office, but Trump pointed out that he had been vaccinated in December 2020 and ridiculed him saying that he was not being malicious, but one unaware of it. He also took credit for the economic gains and the low unemployment before the pandemic as well as the rebound since. Trump crticised the tech giants for what he said was their limiting free speech and said the states ruled by his party should impose taxes on them. Twitter and Facebook have banned him. Trump faces the likelihood of criminal cases against him. They may relate to his finances and his taxes, or even his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. However, there is no explicit legal ban on a convicted criminal running for President. A conviction by the Senate on the impeachment charge of instigating an insurrection through the January 6 riot could have prevented him from running for office, but he was acquitted. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The falling number of West Australian students choosing ATAR and the ever-expanding pathways to university has education researchers searching for more ways to measure student success. The number of WA year 12s achieving an ATAR has dropped 10 per cent from 2015 (58.3 per cent) to 2020 (48.4 per cent), with an increasing amount of students choosing different paths to further their education or find employment. All Saints College students and teachers working together to find new measures of success. All Saints College dean of teaching and learning Esther Hill said universities were looking at broader measures of success for students to enrol. Universities are taking a lot of students through those different pathways so students are engaging in their studies in different ways; theyre doing their certificates, vocational education and training, theyre looking at more broad options, she said. A school bus containing 12 students rolled into a parked car on Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City Monday, but the students escaped the crash unharmed, authorities said. The crash occurred near Stuyvesant Avenue at 10:10 a.m., in front of the Congregation of Mosdos school at 2737 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. While the students, who are 10 and 11 years old, were not hurt, the person in the parked car that was struck suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. The bus was later seen parked in a lot next to the school, with noticeable damage to the hood. A person who answered the phone at the Congregation at Mosdos office repeatedly said It doesnt matter, when asked a series of questions about the crash. He declined to provide his name, saying It doesnt matter. Hundreds of protesters returned to the streets of the southeastern city of Dawei on Monday, a day after a deadly crackdown by Myanmar police on demonstrators across the country. A U.N. human rights official said it had credible information that at least 18 people were killed and 30 were wounded when security forces opened fire and made mass arrests Sunday as they sought to break up protests in various cities. The Democratic Voice of Burma reported that as of 5 p.m. in Myanmar, there had been 19 confirmed deaths in nine cities, with another 10 deaths unconfirmed. The independent media company broadcasts on satellite and digital terrestrial television, as well as online. DVB registered five deaths in Dawei, a city that has seen tens of thousands of protesters nearly every day since the coup. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) The closure of three of the seven remaining Bank of Ireland branches in Laois is "another nail in the coffin for rural life, according to the Laois Irish Farmers Association. The branches in Durrow, Rathdowney and Mountrath are to close. Read more here. Laois IFA President John Fitzpatrick says that farmers as well as rural dwellers will be hurt most, with 80% of the branch closures in rural areas. "It is very disappointing, it's like another nail in the coffin for rural areas. First the garda stations, then the post offices were tightened up. "They say there are new electronic ways to bank, but a lot of farmers have no access to broadband. Not every farmer is equipped to go down that road, whether its age related or broadband. Not just farmers but rural dwellers. "We are being forced down this road, forced to a machine to lend you money whether you like it or not. the personal contact has gone. That's not good. Post offices are already inundated, they are not able to provide an efficient service as it is with the increases in mail since Covid and closures there too. They are absolutely overworked," Mr Fitzpatrick (pictured below) told the Leinster Express. The IFA President Tim Cullinan said todays announcement from Bank of Ireland is very disappointing news for farming and rural communities. This comes as a slap in the face to farmers and rural communities who rely on local branches for banking services. We estimate that over 80% of the branches identified for closure are in rural locations. The withdrawal of this vital service will discommode those without internet access and people whose preference is to do their banking in person. The IFA says it is worrying that the branch closure programme disproportionately targets rural Ireland, with the bulk of branch closures in rural locations. The farming organisation will be seeking an urgent meeting with Bank of Ireland senior management to raise the unfair targeting of rural Ireland with the closure programme. "Similar to AIB and Ulster Bank, the bank has signed a deal An Post which will allow personal and business customers to use their local post office for certain services, including withdrawals and lodgements. IFA Farm Business Chairperson Rose Mary McDonagh added that research from the UK has shown that the closure of just one branch reduces lending to the local community by some 64%. "Todays announcement is another hammer blow to the provision of banking services in Ireland following the recent confirmation that Ulster Bank plan to exit the Irish market," she said. Hundreds of cars were trapped on some parts of a highway along the east coast Monday as heavy snowfall caused a traffic gridlock, the road authority said. Gangwon Province received about 10 centimeters of snowfall earlier in the day, which caused many cars returning from a three-day holiday to be stuck on the snow-covered Donghae Expressway, according to Korea Expressway Corp. (KEC)'s regional office. Monday is Independence Movement Day, a South Korean national holiday. Hundreds of cars were trapped in a 2-kilometer course between intersections of Sokcho and Yangyang, located about 200 km east of Seoul, as of late Monday, the KEC said, without elaborating on the exact figure. Several accidents occurred as many cars were not ready for heavy snow, which came in a relatively short period of time, officials said. (Yonhap) We each have ways of recalling the anniversary of how this accursed virus gradually bore in on us an entire year ago now. But as a disciple of Dr Luke ONeill he who carefully blends harsh reality with positives of realistic remedies it is high time to focus on how our world will be when this malaise does end. We must face the key questions about how much we have learned about ourselves over a year of three lockdowns, and about our relationships with one another as people. Simply put, we face two questions. Will we slope back to more of the same old same old? Or, will any lasting change stay with us? Since politics is essentially about managing relationships between people, these are true political questions. There are big issues which risk getting away from us if we do not find ways of talking about them in good time. One way in but by no means the only introduction is to look at current party political structures and ask what has changed for them, and how enduring such changes are likely to be. We have noted many times that the last general election, not yet 13 months ago, took place in a BC, or before Covid-19, world. The manifold effects of the virus, like other things outside the political realm, such as the decline of public houses, and the ongoing rise and rise of technology and the resultant boost for remote working, have been compounded and accelerated by the virus fallout. The two big beasts of Irish politics since the States foundation, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, each returned poor results from the election on February 8, 2020. Sinn Fein surprised itself and many others with a stellar election. Its poll ratings since then remain well above the one-in-four electorate score it got last year. It seems more than likely that it will do very well the next time out even if this currently battered Coalition goes the distance to early 2024. The biggest virus change was the rise in Fine Gaels popularity at the expense of Fianna Fail. People do not have to be as old as this writer to be astonished by that outcome. On February 8 last year, Micheal Martins party was on 22pc of the popular vote to Fine Gaels 21pc. By now a slew of polls suggest that almost one in three voters prefer Fine Gael. This is because of the deft management of the initial Covid-19 lockdown almost a full year ago by the interim government led by Leo Varadkar. It is also in large measure due to the reassuring and positive tones of Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe as he distributes borrowed largesse to the Covid unemployed and stricken small businesses. Right now, Fianna Fails future prospects do not look good. The polls tell us their vote share is below the 17pc meltdown devastation in the February 2011 general election. Can this be overhauled and remedied? Well, you cannot totally rule out that prospect. But it seems highly unlikely. Covids enduring change the most unlikely in 80 years Fine Gael eats Fianna Fail. The shift in the fortunes of the two big beasts, which up to 30 years ago could still between them mop up eight out of 10 votes, does open things up for others who hopefully have different ideas. Another thing which began with the 2011 election was the rise and rise of Sinn Fein. This coming May will mark the 40th anniversary of its first tentative and shilling-each-way forays into electoral politics with the election of tragic hunger-striker Bobby Sands to the London parliament in Westminster. The following month will mark 40 years since the divisive 1981 Dail elections which saw two hunger strikers elected on an abstentionist ticket. Right now, the Governments Covid and related vaccine roll-out woes are putting additional wind in the Sinn Fein political sails. Covid-19 adds to the likelihood that it might be in Government Buildings after the next election. We shall see. So, what about those always categorised, rather dismissively, as independents and others? The reality is that since 1997, when Jackie Healy-Rae and his Independent pals became pivotal backers of a minority government, every other constituency wants their own JHR who can bring back millins in constituency bacon. The idea may have reached its high-water mark in past elections. But yesterdays Red C poll for the Business Post showed one in eight voters would vote Independent. It is a persistent phenomenon. The left is more intriguing. Former much-loved Labour TD and Mayor of Limerick Frank Prendergast once cited William Thackerys summation that the renegade often reserves most venom for the cause upon which he has reneged upon. Put more simply: the best political fights are often on the left of the scale. It is best summed up by the ancient joke: How many socialist workers does it take to change a light bulb? Well, we could change the light bulb. But remember how the old one betrayed us. Yet this country, perhaps more than most others, needs a strong and radical left. Their presence rocks the tendency for chuminess of consensuality, and creates space for unpopular causes to get an airing. Some of those unpopular causes have gone mainstream as major injustices have come to light. Leftist division is not restricted to the further wings. We currently have two Labour" parties representing mainstream workers concerns as the Social Democrats vie with the traditional party. Now, that has to end. Undoubtedly, the scenes on Grafton Street in Dublin city centre on Saturday afternoon were fuelled by a societal frustration with the unrelenting Covid-19 restrictions. It is surprising it took this long for civil unrest to break out given the unprecedented and draconian laws being enforced for nearly 12 months. We are approaching the anniversary of the first nationwide lockdown and we are in the middle of a third one. The Government is trying its best to manage the once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic but there are no easy solutions. Cross-party support during the national crisis is long gone and opposition parties have been playing politics with Covid-19 for months. They will claim they are not, of course, but the ferocity of the discourse from our political leaders can only point towards parties seeking to make electoral gain. Internal Government politicking has become more pronounced. Tempers are fraying. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A San Francisco man was arrested and historic memorabilia stolen from the landmark Cliff House building was recovered, the United States Park Police said Friday. The building has been vacant since Dec.31, when the operators of the restaurant there were unable to reach agreement with the National Park Service on a new lease. The former operators of the restaurant, Dan and Mary Hountalas, had hired auction contractors who discovered the landmark had been burglarized on Jan. 26, the park police said. Following an investigation, a search warrant was served Feb. 12 by park police and the San Francisco Field Office Criminal Investigations Unit in an outer Richmond neighborhood and a San Francisco man arrested for the burglary. A San Francisco police tactical team and National Park Service rangers assisted with the arrest, which resulted in the recovery of several of the missing items. Additional items taken in the burglary were recovered on Feb. 19. "All items recovered during the investigation have been returned to the former operators of the Cliff House Restaurant, the Hountalas family," park police said in a news release. "These include historic items, such as (Sutro Baths bathing suits, and artwork)." The artifacts will be auctioned off March 11 and 12 and a "coalition of local galleries, art conservators, and community historians" is raising funds to acquire as much of the collection as possible. U.S. Park Police "In addition to saving items from auction and disappearing into private collections, your donation can also be used to: stabilize the artifacts, determine their best long-term display in the neighborhoods, and develop educational programming that keeps the memory of The Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Playland at the Beach close," the coalition says on its website, https://savethecliffhousecollection.com/. "Everything we save from The Cliff House Collection will be stewarded by Western Neighborhoods Project, a community history nonprofit located in the Richmond district." 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. Brazos Electric Power Cooperative Inc., a power supplier in Texas, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the wake of the energy crisis brought on the state by an Arctic weather spell last month. Reuters reports that the power cooperative was forced to file for Chapter 11 protection because of a $1.8 billion bill that the states grid operator presented it. The inflated invoice amount was due to Brazos failure to supply contracted volumes of electricity. The Texas grid operator, ERCOT, said electricity providers had amassed a total of $2.1 billion in unpaid bills. According to industry executives who talked to Reuters, more will reject the bills. According to an NPR report, this may be just part of bills to be paid as a result of the freeze. February events, the report said, had caused tens of billions of dollars in expenses because of the Lone Star states free-market principles in electricity supply. These principles and the free choice of a supplier that offers users to pay wholesale prices for their power that saw some households saddled with bills in the thousands, which was many times higher than their usual bills for this time of the year, even in cold weather. The state itself is up to its neck in power bills: according to BloombergNEF, Texas paid some $50 billion for electricity, which was 10 times the amount the state paid just a week before the Texas Freeze. Related Video: Top 5 Uses of Petroleum And then there were the companies like Brazos Electric Power Cooperative that had to produce and supply power but couldnt because the weather caused power plant and wind turbine outages, that many have blamed on utilities lack of foresight and respective preparation. As a result, companies had to buy power from those who had it, and pay for it through the nose. According to BloombergNEF, the third week of February was the most expensive one in the history of U.S. power utilities. 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. ATLANTA, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wood Partners, a national leader in multi-family real estate development, announced today the grand opening of its newest luxury residential community - Alta East - in Atlanta, Georgia. Pre-leasing is available at www.livealtaeast.com with first move-ins scheduled for February 2021. Located at 777 Memorial Drive, Suite 7000, the new community is in Reynoldstown inside the master development Atlanta Dairies which includes trendy dining and a 2,200-person capacity concert hall within walking distance of the property. The centralized location puts the community at the heart of Atlanta's best neighborhoods including Downtown Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, Inman Park, Little Five Points and Edgewood. "We are excited to continue to expand our footprint in the highly-competitive Atlanta market," said Bennett Sands, Managing Director for Wood Partners. "This new community is an extremely desirable location for people who are looking to enjoy the opportunities that in-town living offers." Alta East is located just off the East Atlanta Beltline Extension, a former railway corridor located around the core of Atlanta that has been transformed into a multi-use trail for people to enjoy. The community entrance is off of Pearl Street and Memorial Drive near Interstate 20 and Bill Kennedy Way SE giving residents easy access to the entire Greater Atlanta area. The Atlanta Dairies development next-door to the community offers delicious restaurant options like Three Taverns Imaginarium, Wonderkid and Cold Brew Bar as well as a live music venue, called The Eastern. Additional recreational activities in the area include the Atlanta Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, Fox Theatre and Mercedes Benz Stadium. Convenient retail options within close proximity include a brand-new Publix, Kroger, Target, Lowe's Home Improvement and Best Buy. The new community includes 250 apartment homes featuring a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans as well as studios. Alta East also offers 38 workforce housing units targeted towards essential workers in the area including teachers, firefighters, nurses and law enforcement professionals. For qualification guidelines, visit here. Alta East features best-in-class amenities and finishes. The community's apartment homes feature stainless steel appliances with a gas cooking range, a side-by-side refrigerator with in-door ice and water dispenser, a deep single-basin kitchen sink, quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, modern matte black hardware and accessories, pendant lights and ceiling fans, full-size washer and dryers and private patios and balconies. Resident amenities include a centerstage lounge and game room, a business center equipped with a contact-free wireless color printer, co-working and drop-in office spaces and a 24/7 fitness center and power gym. Outside, the community features a saltwater swimming pool with a Baja tanning shelf, an outdoor kitchen with gas grills, a leash-free pet park and paw spa as well as an expansive bicycle storage room and repair center. Additionally, there is a gated parking deck with electric car charging stations, a guest entry callbox with live video and 24/7 access to a ButterflyMX package room. About Wood Partners Wood Partners is a national real estate company that acquires, develops, constructs and property manages multifamily communities. The company has been involved in the acquisition and development of more than 85,000 multifamily homes with a combined capitalization of more than $15.6 billion nationwide. The company currently owns 68 properties across the United States with a combined total of more than 18,000 homes. Wood Partners has offices in 20 major markets nationwide including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orange County, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and West Palm Beach. Lillian Iffert [email protected] 317-989-9804 Related Images image1.jpg SOURCE Wood Partners The BJP in on Monday asserted seat-sharing talks with lead alliance partner for the April 6 assembly elections were not 'dragging' and their aim was to ensure the victory of the combine. State BJP President L Murugan refused to divulge how many seats the party has sought from and said a clarity on seat allocation might emerge in a day or two. He, however, maintained the BJP return MLAs in "double digit" in the elections to the 234-member assembly, to be held in a single phase. "Our aim is to ensure the AIADMK-led NDA should come to power. For that BJP's workers will work hard," he told reporters here, a day after senior leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah held parleys with top leaders, Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam on seat sharing. Asked if seat-sharing was firmed up during the late night talks on Sunday, he shot back asking "who said so? Yesterday, only talks were held," he said. Murugan denied the talks were 'dragging'. When reporters sought to know how many seats the party has sought from the AIADMK, Murugan merely said "our MLAs will be in two digits... I have been saying this for the last many days," he added. On the possible merger of AIADMK and TTV Dhinakaran-led Amma Makkal Munntera Kazhagam in the wake of release of his aunt V K Sasikala from prison after serving a four-year term in an assets case, Murugan said it has to be decided by the two respective parties. He replied in the negative, when a scribe asked if the daily hike of petroleum products will affect the party's poll prospects, saying the rates are not permanent and they might come down. He pointed out at the union government's various welfare measures, including the free LPG scheme for women and construction of toilets, saying these would make the people support the party. A staff member unloads vaccines donated by China at a Philippine Air Force base in Manila, the Philippines on Feb. 28, 2021. A batch of Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first COVID-19 vaccine to reach the Southeast Asian country. The delivery of the vaccines allows the Philippines to start mass vaccinations soon, marking a new phase in the country's fight against the COVID-19 that infected 576,352 and killed 12,318. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) MANILA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A batch of Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first COVID-19 vaccine to reach the Southeast Asian country. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended the handover ceremony of the vaccines at a Philippine Air Force base in the capital city of Manila. The delivery of the vaccines allows the Philippines to start mass vaccinations soon, marking a new phase in the country's fight against the COVID-19 that infected 576,352 and killed 12,318. Enditem 8 1 [ Editor: JYZ ] Cut money charge: Narayanasamy threatens to sue Amit Shah, asks him to prove or apologise India pti-Deepika S Chennai, Mar 01: Former Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Monday threatened to sue Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his "cut money" charge, rejecting it as baseless and asking him to prove it or apologise to people. A day after Shah accused him of giving ''cut money'' to the Gandhi family from Central funds meant for the union territory, the senior Congress leader said he will file a criminal defamation case against the minister, adding he was ready to face any probe in the matter. Narayanasamy, who resigned along with his cabinet on February 22 after losing majority in the wake of resignations of Ministers and MLAs, alleged BJP had been ''toppling'' Congress governments, such as in Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. "Amit Shah''s statement that the Narendra Modi government gave Rs 15,000 crore to Puducherry and that I gave it to the Gandhi family (by cut money) is absolutely baseless and far from truth," he told a press meet here. BJP-led NDA will form government in Puducherry: Amit Shah "I challenge Amit Shah. Can you prove your allegation ? I am ready for any probe. You are Home Minister. You have IT, ED, IB. Why have you not taken action..who sent the Rs 15,000 crore when. When did the Prime Minister send it?" he asked. At a public rally in Karaikkal, an enclave of Puducherry on Sunday, Shah said over the years, the Centre had granted around Rs 15,000 crore funds to the UT and asked if the money had reached the people in the villages there, to which the audience responded in the negative. "So where did the Rs 15,000 crore given by Narendra Modi government go. Narayanasamy made cut money out of it and sent it in service of the Gandhi family in Delhi," Shah alleged. Narayansamy claimed Shah ''lied'' on the matter. "I wish to tell the Home Minister--I am going to file criminal defamation (case) against you. I am going to send notice. I am ready for any punishment if he proves his allegation or else he has to publicly apologise," he said. Narayanasamy said the BJP was targeting the Gandhi family to bring disrepute to it and especially attacked Rahul Gandhi since "he is challenging" the party. He claimed Puducherry under his leadership faired far better on indicators including economic growth and law and order and had even won Central government awards. Claiming that attempts to ''topple'' his government were going for long, even when Shah was the BJP chief, he said the Co ngress thwarted all attempts before it fell last week. On the controversy surrounding his alleged wrong translation to Gandhi of a woman complaining about his government, the former CM said he had not heard her but could only hear the word ''Nivar'' (cyclone that impacted the UT last November) and told that he had actually rushed to the place soon after the landfall of the weather system. The BJP, along with opposition AINRC and the AIADMK "spread lies" over the issue, which was even highlighted by Prime Minister Modi and Shah during their recent election rallies, he alleged. On the issue of non-conduct of local body polls, over which he has come under attack from the BJP, he sought to blame former Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi for it, saying she had stuck down the appointment of the official appointed by the UT government to conduct the elections. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. The massive outage in on October 12 last year may have been the result of a cyber sabotage, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Monday, citing a probe report of the state's Cyber Cell. Addressing media persons jointly here with Energy Minister Nitin Raut, Deshmukh said the Maharashtra Cyber Cell has also mentioned in its preliminary report that unaccounted data may have been transferred to the MSEBs (state electricity board) server from a foreign server. He, however, did not name the country from where the data may have been transferred. Deshmukhs comments came in the wake of a US company's report claiming that amidst the border tension in Ladakh last year, a Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted India's critical grid system through a malware. The report raised suspicion whether the massive outage in the financial capital was a result of the online intrusion. On October 12, a grid failure in resulted in a massive power outage, stopping trains on tracks, hampering those working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hitting the economic activity hard. Deshmukh also referred to a related news report in the 'New York Times' as he spoke to the media persons. The Cyber Cell's report into the outage, prepared with the help of electricity department experts, was handed over to Raut on Monday evening. We had discussion with our colleague Raut about examining if there was any such possibility (of cyber sabotage) after the power failure in The Maharashtra Cyber analysed the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (of the MSEB). In its analysis, the Maharashtra Cyber (cell) has mentioned possibility that there could be a cyber sabotage, Deshmukh said. The home minister said the Cyber Cell has mentioned in the report that 14 Trojan horses (malware) may have been introduced in the MSEBs server. Secondly, 8 GB unaccounted data may have been transferred into the MSEBs server from a foreign server, he said. Thirdly, the Cell has said in the report that there is a possibility of attempts being made to log into the MSEBs server through several blacklisted IP addresses, Deshmukh added. So, from the findings of the Cyber Crime department and electricity department experts, it seems that the October 12 blackout could have been due to it (sabotage), he said. The home minister said the preliminary report will be further studied. On his part, Raut said he will comment on the issue after studying the report. I will speak on this in the legislature (which is having its budget session), he added. Earlier in the day, the energy minister said that from the information he had, the outage was caused by a "cyber attack" and it was an act of sabotage. (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 Royal Melbourne Hospital has handed back a donation made by the first person in Australia to be charged under foreign interference laws but kept thousands of dollars from the organisation at the centre of the probe. In November the Australian Federal Police charged Di Sanh Duong, who also uses the name Sunny Duong, with preparing an act of foreign interference following a year-long investigation. He was released on bail and is due to appear in court later this month. The offence carries a potential jail term of 10 years. Acting Multicultural Affairs Minister Alan Tudge (left) and Di Sanh Duong (right) in June. In June, five months before he was charged, Mr Duong toured the Royal Melbourne Hospital with then-multicultural affairs minister Alan Tudge, after giving the money to the hospital for COVID-related research. The hospital confirmed to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald that it had returned the personal contribution Mr Duong made as part of a $37,450 donation by the Oceania Federation of Chinese Associations, which represents people of Chinese descent from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. In Donbas, military vehicle blew up on unknown explosive device, nine soldiers of Ukraine's Armed Forces wounded In Donbas, near Vodiane, nine servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were wounded as a result of an explosion on an unknown explosive device, according to the Skhid (East) task force. "Today, March 1, in the area of responsibility of the Skhid task force not far from the settlement of Vodiane, in the Azov region, as a result of the explosion of a military vehicle on an unknown explosive device, one serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received a combat wound, eight more soldiers received combat injuries," the task force said on Facebook. Thus, the military was taken to a medical facility, where military doctors provide them with appropriate medical assistance. The leadership of the military unit and the working group of the military law enforcement service are working at the scene. The circumstances are being investigated. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 09:41:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Brazil reported 34,027 new COVID-19 cases and 721 related deaths on Sunday, taking the national tally of confirmed cases to 10,551,259, and death toll to 254,942, the Ministry of Health said. Brazil is ranked second worldwide after the United States in terms of the number of deaths from COVID-19 and third in terms of the number of confirmed cases, after the United States and India. The country currently registers an average of 121 deaths and 5,021 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the ministry. The state of Sao Paulo, the most populous in the country, has been the most affected, with 2,041,628 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 59,493 related deaths, followed by Rio de Janeiro, with 583,044 cases and 33,080 deaths. The second wave of the coronavirus has caused the health systems of most regional capitals to collapse, forcing regional governments to tighten restrictions and social distancing measures. As of Saturday, 6.5 million people, or more than 3 percent of the population, had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 1.9 million people had received both doses. Enditem Tourists are flocking to catch a glimpse of breathtaking pink grottos nicknamed the 'Cotton Candy Caves' just two hours outside Sydney. The spectacular spot, also known as the 'pink caves,' is nestled along the Moonee Beach Trail in the Munmorah State Conservation Area - about 130km north of the New South Wales capital. Tourists can access the stunning natural phenomenon via the Moonee Beach Trail but are urged to be prepared for a 4km return walk along the rocks. The breathtaking pink grottos, dubbed the 'Cotton Candy Caves', are about a two hours drive from Sydney The 'pink caves' are nestled along the Moonee Beach Trail in the Munmorah State Conservation Area - about 130km north of Sydney The 'pink caves' are nestled along the Moonee Beach Trail in the Munmorah State Conservation Area, 130km north of Sydney But visitors have been warned to only make the trek at low tide to avoid slipping or getting bowled over by waves. The forces of nature have caused a gap to form in the rock platform of the ocean cave, allowing waves to crash through the rock. It can be dangerous for visitors to get too close to the split rock platform even during low tide as waves rush through and quickly fill the gap up with water. The tide takes the water back out, draining the cave to expose the famous bright pink and purple hue of the rocks below. Stunning photos snapped by visitors show the contrasting turquoise ocean water against the pink rocks. There are two routes available to make the journey into the pink caves without trouble. The shorter trip, which would take about 1.5-2 hours, involves accessing the caves via the northern end of Moonee Beach through the rock platforms on the coast. To get back, you must retrace your steps back to the beach before returning on to the trail which leads to the car park. The breathtaking spot can be dangerous for visitors as waves rush through and quickly fill the gap up with water Tourists can access the caves via the Moonee Beach Trail but are urged to be prepared for a 4km return walk along the rocks The longer route is worth the extra steps as it offers tourists a scenic view of the headland. After returning to the northern end of Moonee Beach, you must continue north on a trail slightly inland before arriving at the pink caves. The route allows you to see the less explored section of the coloured sea caves which have captivated tourists. If walkers feel like a little more adventure, they can visit the Rainbow Caves at the northern end of Moonee Beach and over the headland towards Deep Cave Bay. Snapper Point Lookout offers the best views of Deep Cave Bay or Rainbow Caves. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Bella Kofner didnt speak until she was 7 years old but the College of Staten Island (CSI) student is now working to earn a masters degree with the goal of becoming a special education teacher. Kofner, of Midland Beach, is on the autism spectrum and received her bachelors degree from CSI last June. While she was an undergraduate student, she was mentored by other students who have autism and later became a mentor herself. She is a shining example of the efforts by CSI and the City University of New York (CUNY) to provide supports for students with autism. CSI, in Willowbrook, offers innovative supports for incoming students who disclose they have autism and related disabilities and the college has built a national reputation for its mentoring and research. Students with autism are mentored individually and in groups and professors at the college are required to provide accommodations, like extra time for exams and clearer instructions for all students with documented disabilities. Through its support and research, CUNY considers itself a leader in educating students with autism, CUNY Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez said in a statement. That leadership is the product of championing a philosophy that is now embraced internationally: ask the students what they need to succeed. We welcome the growing number of students with autism entering our University and support our colleges commitment to serve them with a variety of cutting-edge programs, Rodriguez stated. Much of those supports at CUNY are through the Project REACH (Resources and Education on Autism as CUNYs Hallmark) program, which encourages students with autism and other disabilities to advocate for themselves. PROJECT REACH Project REACH is vital, said Kofner. It allows students to come in and realize theyre not alone. Group meetings allow them to learn new skills, advocacy, time management skills, learn to thrive in an online world, and be aware of autism to reduce the stigma. Dr. Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, a professor at CSI, developed and directs the Building Bridges Project REACH program, which is a mentorship program for students with autism and other disabilities. Students interested in taking on leadership roles are trained to mentor incoming students who also have autism, as well as become public speakers to educate the community and researchers. CUNY developed the program in 2012 after it received a FAR Fund grant that would be used to support students with autism. Colleges in CUNY submitted proposals to bring the program to their campus, and CSI was selected, Gillespie-Lynch explained. We submitted a proposal in collaboration with the Center of Student Accessibility at CSI, and we were one of the campuses that was selected. And our proposal was very much rooted in the neurodiversity framework, which is the idea that autism is a valuable asset to diversity, she said. Kofner told the Advance/SILive.com that when she first entered CSI, her mentor taught her about patience, scheduling and managing coursework. She was later trained to become a mentor herself helping students one-on-one and leading group discussions. Being a mentor, I learned a lot about knowing what the mentee needs, but also giving the mentee what they want, Kofner said. Its so important to balance out the needs and the wants of the mentee. And also patience, because you cant expect the mentee to open up right away, you have to really get to know them. I asked what they would like to do, which allowed them to have a voice and feel courage. Now, as she pursues a masters degree, Kofner is still involved in research with Gillespie-Lynch. The pair also visit local schools to tell high school students about Project REACH and help develop the training to educate autistic students and non-autistic students and faculty about autism, Gillespie-Lynch said. Supports from the Project REACH program build from ground-breaking research conducted at CUNY colleges including published studies from Gillespie-Lynch. In one published study, two autistic students at CSI, including Kofner, joined a team of neurotypical researchers to evaluate writing produced by autistic and non-autistic college students. The team, led by faculty member Gillespie-Lynch, found autistic students were better writers, largely because of their higher nonverbal intelligence. Another published paper led by Gillespie-Lynch highlighted the work at the Building Bridges Project REACH program. SUPPORTS AND RESEARCH ARE NOTABLE The research being conducted and supports being given to students are even more notable at CSI. The college has repudiated a significant part of the sad history of autism, CUNY explained in a press release. The main campus sits on the vast plot of land that once occupied the Willowbrook State School, an institution where the boroughs most vulnerable residents both children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities were abused, starved and neglected until it was shut down by the state in 1987. Now, over the last few decades, the population of individuals with autism has grown significantly. As therapies, strategies, and attitudes change, CUNY stated, more students with autism are finding paths to college sometimes without the support they need. But in order for students with autism to receive that support, they need to disclose they have the diagnosis. Theres an uncounted number of students with autism, as some prefer to keep their diagnosis private when they enter college, CUNY explained. Still, the population of CUNY students with autism and related disabilities has soared by more than 250% since 2012. More than 800 students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are currently enrolled at CUNY schools, according to the university system. NEURODIVERSITY CONFERENCE THIS WEEK As part of CUNYs leading role to provide expanded access and services to neurodiverse students on the college campus, the annual autism-focused Neurodiversity Conference will be held as a virtual event on Thursday and Friday. Last years event was postponed when the university shut down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. CUNYs two signature neurodiversity initiatives, Project REACH and CUNY Unlimited, join with stakeholders to share best practices for supporting students while theyre in college and during transitions to and from campus. You can register for the conference here for free. It begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Keynote speakers are Ari Neeman and Lydia X.Z. Brown, two of the nations foremost leaders of whats widely know as the neurodiverse or neurodivergent community. Among the presenters are two CUNY alumni on the autism spectrum who transitioned from being mentees to mentors in CSIs Building Bridges Project REACH mentorship program, including Kofner and Jin Delos Santos. They are co-authors of the paper under consideration for publication, If You Want to Develop an Effective Autism Training, Ask Autistic Students to Help You. School Zone: A new newsletter with the updates you need as our schools try to get back to normal. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Sergey Benedysiuk, Partner, Head of Corporate and M&A Practice, LCF Law Group During 11 months of 2020 the outflow of foreign direct investment from Ukraine amounted to USD 200 million while the inflow of foreign investment reached USD 5.1 billion during the corresponding period of the previous year, of which USD 3.1 billion is the reinvested income of a direct investor. Bohdan Danylyshyn, the Chairman of the Council of the National Bank of Ukraine posted this on his Facebook page. Of course, 2020 has become a crisis year for the global economy, and therefore the outflow of investment on the Ukrainian market is not a big surprise. The world is learning to live with the Sars-Cov-19 pandemic and many businesses are taking decisive steps to recover from economic decline. Now the problem is particularly acute for attracting financing and investment. As a result, the problems of the investment climate in Ukraine come to the fore: what should be done to retain existing and attract new investors? According to our practice of structuring a foreign investment, we can make up the top 5 basic rules that serve as peculiar red flags of security and attractiveness of investing in Ukraine. Such rules in different variations are common to any civilized country. Its implementation in practice, in our opinion, can play a significant role in solving the problem of the outflow of foreign investment. Protection of property rights At first glance, this rule is quite obvious. The Constitution of Ukraine guarantees the inviolability of property rights, and national legislation provides for various methods and levels of such protection. In practice, however, foreign investors quite often fall under the influence of various negative factors that distort guaranteed protection mechanisms. As an example, our experience in protecting a well-known foreign investor in the field of alternative energy could be given. The investor, without any experience in conducting business in Ukraine, created a joint venture with local partners. As a result of such a union, a corporate conflict arose. The logical decision of our client was to introduce mechanisms for resolving corporate conflicts and protecting assets stipulated by the legislation of Ukraine. Despite this, due to shortcomings of the legislation and an insufficient level of guarantees for the protection of foreign investment as well as the corruption factor on the part of local partners, a foreign investor was at risk of losing his investment, which is unacceptable in civilized states. Stability and legal certainty It is quite natural that the investor expects a certain result and the course of business by making investments. Unfortunately, turbulent times in Ukraine are quite common. It has become noticeable for a long time that the elections of the president or peoples deputies give a red light for the implementation of agreements by investors due to the unpredictability of the situation, which may develop under the influence of certain political forces. Also, the reduction of feed-in tariffs in the field of alternative energy is a perfect example of the inconsistent policy of our state. International experience has repeatedly proved that by promising investors large profits and favorable conditions, the state is obliged to ensure compliance with such promises, especially when they are enshrined in legislation. Otherwise, the state may be at risk of arbitration disputes and suffer reputational losses. Inconsistency and lack of legal certainty reduce the confidence of foreign investors. In particular, our clients quite often apply for asset withdrawal services from Ukraine due to unforeseen and unprecedented actions of the state in regulating the relevant industry. Effectiveness of legislation Although the legislator is trying to adhere to the tendency of bringing the legislation of Ukraine into line with the EU legislation and harmonizing it, including for attracting investment, there are a large number of cases of the irrelevance of certain regulations. In particular, the current Labor Code and the Commercial Code. In practice, the issue of various moratoriums, which over time prove their ineffectiveness and obsolescence, remains quite dangerous. Having lifted one moratorium (for example, opening a land market), others remain valid, for example, a moratorium on the recovery of property of state-owned enterprises. In our example, foreign investors are quite often interested in interacting with the state in the field of business, for example, when creating joint projects, public-private partnerships. However, by receiving information on the impossibility of recovering property from certain state-owned enterprises for violation and damage, even if there is a court decision, foreign investors start looking for other ways and places to invest. Promoting investment at a global level Well-known and reliable international investors can stop the outflow of foreign investment. For example, accompanying investment attraction from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, we observed the desire and interest of other foreign investors to repeat the positive investment experience. Thus, making an effort to attract large investors can set a positive example for others who did not dare to enter the Ukrainian business. Transparent and fair court The last on the list, although not the least, is the existence of a fair court that could effectively protect the violated rights of the investor. Our foreign clients almost never ask about the possibility of resolving disputes in Ukrainian courts, since the activities of national judges require significant improvement taking into account international experience in protecting the rights and interests of foreign investors, without any influence from the outside, which negatively affects the reputation of the judicial branch of Ukraine. Factors such as distrust of the national judicial system and the awareness of foreign investors about the inefficiency of asset protection in Ukraine should only encourage national judges to develop and grow professionally. Even national business (as a rule, large-scale) in most cases artificially creates a foreign element in structuring transactions in order to create the possibility of protecting rights in international arbitration. As a conclusion, it should be noted that by adhering to simple and transparent rules of regulation, protection of economic competition, policy consistency and maximum intolerance of any manifestations of corruption, Ukraine has the chance to create its own favorable investment climate. Sergey Benedysiuk, Partner, Head of Corporate and M&A Practice, LCF Law Group GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Stumbles in Risk-On Trade The Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate opens this week on the back foot as an improving market mood favours the risk-sensitive Aussie. Australian Dollar (AUD) Exchange Rates Buoyed by Improving Market Sentiment The Australian Dollar (AUD) is ticking higher this morning, with the risksensitive currency clawing back some of Fridays losses on the back of a prevailing risk-on mood. Market sentiment appears to have turned positive again this morning, after US stimulus doubts prompted the mood to sour sharp at the end of last week. This rebound in sentiment comes amid relief that the US House of Representatives finally passed President Bidens $1.9 trillion stimulus package over the weekend. Further boosting the mood is the news that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Johnson & Johnsons (J&J) single shot vaccine for emergency use. Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rates Temper Losses as Manufacturing PMI Beats Expectations At the same time, the Pound (GBP) has been able to cap its losses against the Australian Dollar this morning, after the UKs latest PMI figures came in above expectations. According to data published by IHS Markit, Februarys finalised Manufacturing PMI printed at 55.1, up from 54.1 in January and slightly beating the preliminary reading of 54.9. Analysts suggested the acceleration of factory growth was only tempered by supply-chain disruption, suggesting that there is underlying strength in the sector. Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, commented: Only the pincer movement of rising costs and supply chain disruptions in the manufacturing sector prevented higher growth in February as mounting optimism amongst manufacturers raised hopes of an imminent future recovery. Stronger pipelines of work from home and overseas impacted strained supply chains with delivery times rocketing to some of the highest levels since records began. This disorder was primarily created by shipping delays, transportation shortages and customs border commotion. Though it was difficult to see clearly where covid disruption ended and the Brexit muddle began as businesses on both sides of the Channel struggled with additional administrative burdens. GBP/AUD Forecast: RBA Rate Decision in Focus Looking ahead, driving movement in the Pound Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate later tonight will be the Reserve Bank of Australias (RBA) latest rate decision. While the RBA is not expected to make any policy changes following its March meeting, AUD investors will likely look to the banks forward guidance for fresh impetus. This could see the Aussie strengthen if the RBA strikes a hawkish tone. Meanwhile the focus for GBP investors will be on Chancellor Rishi Sunaks upcoming budget, which is scheduled to be published on Wednesday. The Chancelor is expected to announce the government will be launching a 5bn grant scheme to help businesses reopen when the lockdown is lifted next month, as well as helping to protect jobs by extending the furlough scheme once again. However, any upside in the Pound to Australian Dollar exchange rate could be limited if Sunak also details plans for tax hikes. The following article is a written adaptation of an episode of Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism, Slates new podcast about companies in the news and how they got there. Pantones founder once said, God created the world in seven days. And on the eighth day, he called Pantone to put color into it. That seems a little presumptuous. Who put Pantone in charge of color? And why should Pantone decide the Color (or Colors) of the Year? What is Pantone anyway? Advertisement It started out as a commercial printing company. In the 1950s, a man named Larry Herbert was working there. One of his biggest frustrations was how to communicate with his clients about their color choices: Which blue exactly did they want to use in their printed materials? Oh, like a sky blue. OK, what exactly does that mean? Now it happened that one thing this printing company did was make color cards for cosmetics manufacturers, so that cosmeticians could talk about different colors by just pointing to the card instead of opening up a lipstick. Larry Herberts big insight was to realize how useful this type of color reference card could be if he broadened it out to include all sorts of contexts and all sorts of colors. Larry at the time recognized that having color standards like that for the print industry was a really terrific idea, says Ron Potesky, a former senior vice president at Pantone. There was no international standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herbert went on to develop a comprehensive color system in which each color got assigned a number. That way, printers and clients would have a shared reference when they talk to one anotheran industry standard, so that a color would mean the same thing all the way from a designers vision to the printed item. Herbert printed up a book of these numbered color samples. It had something like 40 colors in it, and that was the beginning, Potesky says. Larry Herbert bought out the printing company in 1962, renamed it Pantone, and dedicated himself to evangelizing for what he called the Pantone Matching System. He was incredibly successful. By the 1970s, Pantone had sold 100,000 copies of his color books, printing them at its headquarters in New Jersey. There are other regional color systems around the world, but Pantones has become the most internationally recognized standardso now you can say Pantone 3515 C and pretty much wherever you are youre going to get a very lovely, very specific shade of purple. Looking back, its sort of hard to imagine how color and commerce coexisted before we had something like the Pantone system. Advertisement Advertisement Language of color is really important for anybody who makes product, Potesky says. Anyone who designs product not in their garage, but through some sort of a supply chain where theyre going to lose control of that color design, they need a language to use with the supplier and say, This is the color that I need. Its very difficult to just send them a sample and say, Give me that color. Over time, Pantone stopped being a commercial printer and became a weird new thing: a company that taxonomizes colors. Meanwhile, Pantones customer base expandednot just people who needed to print things, but people who did industrial design and wanted plastic or metal in a certain color, and people in fashion who wanted color matching specifically tailored to fabrics. What Pantone sells those customers is access to its intellectual property, its library of colors and their associated numbers. Nowadays, you can find that library in digital form, but its still available in physical forms as well, like collections of dyed fabric samples and humble print books, not unlike the one Larry Herbert made from scratch. As Potesky put it: If youre a graphic designer in Brooklyn, you bought your Pantone book four years ago, you spent $175 on it, youre good to go. At least, you think youre good to go. Pantone would say buy a new book every year because colors fade, but youre working off of a $175 investment over four or five years. Advertisement Advertisement Potesky says the bulk of Pantones revenue still comes from selling these reference guides in all their forms. Identifying colors with precision has become a more and more scientific process over the years. You can use spectrophotometers now to measure the elements that make up a color and make sure that, for instance, the red on that aluminum cola can is the same as the red on the cardboard box it ships in, which is the same as the red on the vinyl billboard advertising it. In 2007, the Herbert family, after five decades of ownership, sold Pantone for $180 million to X-Rite, a company that makes spectrophotometers and specializes in the hard science of color, which beefs up Pantones claim to be the color authority. But Pantone has increasingly found more subjective ways to monetize color, too. Pantones consulting arm employs color psychologists who understand how colors can sway our emotions and our attachments. They work with companies to help figure out how best to use and manage colors in product lines or in corporate logos. Tiffany blue, UPS brown, and Starbucks green are all official Pantone hues, and youll get sued if you try to make a brand that competes with them using the same tint. Advertisement Pantone is the lingua franca of the design world. It feels almost like a government agency. Jonathan Adler Pantone has also started selling a fair amount of merchandise through licensing dealscoffee mugs and sneakers and cookware and such, all of them in Pantone colors with their Pantone Matching System numbers prominently featured. In 2010, a Pantone hotel opened in Brussels. Its website says it showcases the color of emotion with a distinctive hue on each colorous guest floor. People who use Pantone in their workartists, ad agency creatives, fashionistashave come to see it as a sort of shibboleth, a way to self-identify as a citizen of the world of design. Theyve made Pantone a popular brand unto itself. But Pantones biggest marketing coup, Color of the Year, began as a bit of a lark. Advertisement It really started as a one-off event at Pantone, Potesky says, where some of the management at the time said, Hey, this would be pretty cool. We should come up with a Color of the Year. And so it started in 2000 and just continued every year thereafter. The Color of the Year announcement is probably what Pantones best known for among the general public. When Pantone proclaims Sand Dollar in 2006, or Mimosa in 2009, or Radiant Orchid in 2014, it gets coverage in newspapers and magazines and on the network morning shows. In 2016, Pantone named two colors, Rose Quartz and Serenity, more commonly known as pink and blue. The announcement linked this classic baby boy/baby girl color combo to the concept of gender fluidity, an example of the companys growing push to make the Color of the Year topical in a newsy way, which Ron Potesky says has been largely successful: Youre taking world events, youre taking creative events, youre taking the zeitgeist of whats happening around design. It is a very creative product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naming a Color of the Year is sort of the opposite of Pantones core business, which is the careful, scientifically sound codification of colors. On the one hand, you have a Pantone setting industry standards and manufacturing spectrophotometers, and on the other hand, you have Pantones shadowy cabal of color psychologists reading chicken entrails and declaring each years it color. Seems like Pantone has a bit of a split personality. For designer Jonathan Adler, Pantones standards are indispensable. Pantone is sort of the lingua franca of the design world, he says. Its how I communicate with vendorswere constantly taking Pantone chips and putting them against each other and referencing them. It feels almost like a government agency. But while he appreciates Pantones role as a standards body for the world of visual design, Jonathans less enchanted with Pantones side hustle, forecasting the Color of the Year and portraying that forecast as a divination that emerges from the primordial color mists. Advertisement The idea that theres a team of color people traveling the world and scouring the world and observing things and then just getting into some fugue state of inspiration and out comes this color is a lovely narrative, he says. But the fact is theyve got to do it every year, so I dont know, do they go into an annual fugue state, or are they like, Oh, shit, whens our color meeting forall right, the deadline is, we got to come up with the candidates by Nov. 2, and then whos writing the press release about the narrative? Its a corporate world, lets face it. But theres a corporate dimension to the Color of the Year that goes beyond the promotional buzz for Pantone. Maybe the Color of the Year isnt an organic, infallible analysis of the color zeitgeist, but it does make its own reality for people in the worlds that Pantone governs. As you get lower down in the design food chain, lets say you are a factory in China or a mill in India or whatever, I think that they probably are looking toward newsy information like that to determine what theyre going to do that they think will resonate with the design community, Adler says. So in a way, while it means not that much to me at the design world I inhabit, I think that it ends up having a huge impact in that some of the resources abroad that make the stuff that you will see in your local Target or Walmart or wherever might say, Ah, OK, gray and yellow, those are the colors. And then six months later, youll find gray and yellow in Target and Walmart, and so it becomes true. Listen to the full episode using the player below, or subscribe to Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Anglo Pacific has a history of successful deal-making Weve been looking for a big transformational acquisition for some time, says Julian Treger of ( ). And this is it. Hes talking about the companys just announced acquisition of a 70% interest in a stream on cobalt production from Voiseys Bay. The deal, at a stroke, places Anglo Pacific front and centre of the new green revolution, given the preponderance of cobalt use in electric vehicles and next generation batteries. By the same token, the relative exposure of Anglo Pacific to coal is much reduced. The official calculation has it that on a pro forma basis that takes the new cobalt stream into account around 61% of Anglo Pacifics royalty and streaming portfolio is now dedicated to battery-related metals. But given that the companys Kestrel coal royalty is due for revaluation before too long, the likelihood is that the relative percentages will shift further in favour of the battery metals. The company already has significant exposure to vanadium, through its 2% royalty on the Maracas Menchen project in Brazil, and to nickel, another key commodity for electric vehicle batteries, through its royalty on the Piaui project, also in Brazil, and which incidentally also contains cobalt. Anglo Pacific also has gold, copper, silver and iron ore in its royalty portfolio, although it was notable that to help finance the Voiseys Bay acquisition a stake in Labrador Iron Ore Company was sold. This equated to a total return on investment of nearly 60% inclusive of dividends received, with Treger commenting that, with the iron ore price way above consensus, now represents an opportune time to take some profits. That kind of thinking lies at the heart of the way Anglo Pacific operates. Cobalt is one of the few metals that has yet to really catch fire in the wake of the general uplift in commodities prices that has been evidence since the coronavirus crisis began. Tregers view, though, is that it will move significantly higher, and that when it does Anglo Pacific will be a significant beneficiary. After all, following the Voiseys Bay deal, Anglo Pacific can now become a go-to destination for anybody wanting direct exposure to cobalt. True, some companies, like Glencore ( ), have much bigger overall exposure, but in terms of weighting Anglo Pacific wins it. So, with the company looking forward into the twenty-first century and beyond, rather than back into the twentieth, whats next? Anglo Pacific will now no longer be the royalty company heavily geared towards coking coal and thermal coal prices. Rather, it will be geared towards cobalt and the battery metals. How that affects valuation in tangible terms, only the market can decide. But its not unreasonable to postulate that its battery metals exposure will appeal to wider audience looking for a shift towards investing in twenty-first century metals. In corporate terms, meanwhile, more deals are on the cards. The company has already spoken of a potential deal worth around US$50mln, and therell be others down the line too. And if the direction of travel wasnt clear before, its certainly clear now. Weve now changed the agenda, says Treger. Weve moved away from coal and stabilised our earnings profile for the future. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecast and past performance cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. Any securities referred to herein have not been registered under the Unites States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Houston defense attorney Chris Tritico answered the phone outside the Florida hospital where his daughter Maria was hooked up to machines but had been legally dead for days. He and his wife, Debbie, were anticipating this call following Marias death, the result of a random shooting near West Palm Beach. On the line was their friend, former prosecutor Donna Hawkins, who was awaiting confirmation that she could receive one of Marias kidneys. Maria and Donna got a perfect match, Donnas husband, Bill Hawkins, told the grieving couple. Donnas going to live. The four friends sobbed together over the phone Debbie and Chris on a bench in Florida and Donna and Bill in their family room after a drive to the Texas Medical Center. It was the first happy news we had received, Chris Tritico said. At the same time, we were still so sad. But knowing that (Marias) act of love was going to save someones life was really special for us. Michael Wyke / Contributor Aided by her parents, Marias gift highlights the closeness of the Houston criminal defense bar, which once came together in a similar fashion to help prosecutor Joshua Reiss wife find a bone marrow donor. Reiss wife, Anh, an obstetrician who delivered thousands of babies, did not find a match, but state Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, sponsored a bill that created a yearly Texas Bone Marrow, Blood and Organ Donation Registry Day on the date of her death, Feb. 26. The Hawkins and Tritico families fittingly reunited on Donation Day last Friday for the first time since Donnas successful double nephrectomy and kidney transplant in December. Donna Hawkins and Chris Tritico broke down as they approached each other, and Donna expressed her thanks through tears. It wasnt me, Tritico told her at Ciros Restaurant in Memorial. The friends hugged for minutes. Donna then embraced Debbie. I am just so sorry, she said. More than 107,000 men, women and children are on the national organ transplant waiting list as of February. The procedures dont happen as often as they need to: Just 39,000 transplants were performed in 2020, and 17 people die each day waiting for a transplant, according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. More than 80 percent of people on the transplant list are waiting for a kidney. How to register How to register Blood and convalescent plasma: aabb.org/for-donors-patients/give-blood Bone marrow: join.bethematch.org Organ: donatelifetexas.org/register See More Collapse Each year, another 18,000 people are diagnosed with illnesses that can be helped by bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transplants, according to the administration. Even with 22 million people on the marrow registry, people still have difficulty finding donors, with only 30 percent of patients having relatives who match. At the hospital in Florida, Chris and Debbie were surprised and unsurprised to learn that Maria was a registered organ donor. They hadnt known, but they thought it was just like her to want to give. The Triticos heard right away that they could designate Marias organs for anyone they knew in need. Chris Tritico said he immediately thought of Donna, who has polycystic kidney disease and had recently been on dialysis after almost six months of trying and failing to find a donor. Maria, 32, remained on life support for four more days as teams tested her organs for matches. Donna finally got the green light, flew to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and underwent her surgery. For both families, the gift was bittersweet. In an ideal situation, Donna would have received a kidney from a living donor, she said. At the worst possible moment in his life, (Chris) thought of me and remembered that I had this need, Hawkins said. It just absolutely touched my heart. The same spirit of giving extends across the state and has become even more evident during the pandemic, said Lauren Quinn, vice president of external relations at LifeGift, a nonprofit that procures organs and body tissues for transplants in Texas. The group last year facilitated more organ donations than it had in any other time in its history. Michael Wyke / Contributor The concept of community and helping each other is more significant and relevant now than it has been at any other point in my life, Quinn said. Donation is such a powerful way to bring people together. Joshua and Anh Reiss fostered that togetherness, even though Anh never found a match for herself. They encouraged people to sign up for bone marrow registries after her diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, in 2009. She died of leukemia in 2016 at the age of 48. Anh was thrilled that other people benefited from their efforts to get people registered, her husband said. If you look back on her life, one of the things that she stood for or represented was a recognition that every day really was precious and that we have an ability as human beings, as neighbors, to give that gift to other people, Reiss said. Anh Reiss and her family possibly doubled the number of Vietnamese bone marrow donors nationwide a feat by itself but more significant considering that death is a taboo topic in some immigrant cultures, Wu said. Its such a small act that could change someones life, Wu said. All you need to do is swab your cheeks and send it in. Chris and Debbie Tritico say they now plan to become organ donors themselves. Sitting at Ciros with the Hawkins family, the couple said Maria changed their perspective. When youre sitting in the hospital praying for a miracle, it just kind of hits you, Debbie said. She was the miracle. samantha.ketterer@chron.com twitter.com/sam_kett Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell and Michaela Coel have signed an open letter in support of Ghanas LGBT community. The letter calls on Nana Akufo-Addo, the countrys president, to reach out and engage in a meaningful and purposeful dialogue with the Ghanaian LGBT community. In addition to actor Elba, supermodel Campbell and writer Coel, British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful and broadcaster Reggie Yates have also signed the letter. Expand Close Naomi Campbell (Ian West/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Naomi Campbell (Ian West/PA) Actor Paapa Essiedu, radio DJ Clara Amfo, architect Sir David Adjaye and model Adwoa Aboah also signed the letter. The letter says: To our Ghanaian LGBTQIA+ family: We see you and we hear you. We are in awe of your strength, your bravery and your audacity to be true to who you are even when it is dangerous to do so. You are loved, you are important and you deserve a safe place to gather in your shared experience. An LGBT centre in Accra, the capital of Ghana, reportedly closed last month following a police raid and protests about its work. Expand Close Clara Amfo (Matt Crossick/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Clara Amfo (Matt Crossick/PA) In recent weeks we have watched with profound concern as you have had to question the safety of your vital work at the LGBT+ Rights Ghana centre in Accra, and feared for your personal wellbeing and security, the letter says. It is unacceptable to us that you feel unsafe. Even though at present you might be feeling alone and concerned, we want to assure you that we are here. It adds: As prominent and powerful advocates for this great country, we are beseeching his excellency, the president of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo and political/cultural leaders to reach out and engage in a meaningful and purposeful dialogue with the LGBTQIA+ community leaders to create a pathway for allyship, protection and support. We petition for inclusivity which will make the nation even greater and even stronger. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Construction Management Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 192 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 192 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Construction Management Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-construction-management-degree-programs/ 2021 Construction Management Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Alfred State College Appalachian State University Arizona State University Brigham Young University Brigham Young University, Idaho Broward College California State University, Sacramento Cape Fear Community College Central Connecticut State University Central Washington University Clarkson University Clemson University Colorado State University, Global Campus Drexel University East Carolina University Eastern Kentucky University Everglades University Florida International University Illinois State University Indiana State University Kent State University Lansing Community College Louisiana State University Mesa Community College Milwaukee School of Engineering Minnesota State University, Mankato National American University National University North Dakota State University Northern Arizona University Northern Kentucky University Norwich University Park University Pittsburg State University Purdue University Roger Williams University Rowan University Tarleton State University Tuskegee University University Of Alabama, Birmingham University of Arkansas, Little Rock University of Minnesota University of Oklahoma University of Tennessee, Chattanooga University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Stout Virginia Tech Washington State University Wentworth Institute of Technology Western Carolina University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. Queen Elizabeth II (R) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum (L) at Windsor Castle, London, in May 2014. Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images The Queen accepted racehorses from Sheikh Mohammed, the Emir of Dubai, The Times reported. The Sheikh is accused of imprisoning his daughter, Princess Latifa, after she tried to escape. One of his wives, Princess Haya, said she fled Dubai for London after learning of Latifa's plight. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Queen Elizabeth II accepted gifts from the ruler of Dubai in the wake of allegations that he abducted and tortured his daughter, The Times of London reported Sunday. Buckingham Palace received nine racehorses from Godolphin Racing, a stable owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, from April 2019, The Times said. That same month, the Sheikh's youngest wife, Princess Haya, had fled Dubai for London with her children, saying she feared for her life after hearing allegations that her husband had tortured and imprisoned Princess Latifa, one of his other children. Insider contacted Buckingham Palace and the government of Dubai for comment about the gifts. Princess Haya and Sheikh Mohammed are seen attending the 2017 Epsom Derby. Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images The Queen and Sheikh Mohammed have been close for decades, bonding over a shared love of horse racing. However, the relationship came under scrutiny after it was claimed that Sheikh Mohammed abused his daughter and threatened his wife. In February 2018, one of the Sheikh's children, Princess Latifa, fled Dubai by boat with the help of her martial arts instructor and a self-styled former French spy. Emirati commandos captured their boat off the coast of India, and Latifa was returned to Dubai. In a pre-recorded video released after her capture, Latifa said she escaped because she had been beaten and tortured on her father's orders. In February 2021, a number of new videos of Latifa were shared with the BBC. In the videos, Latifa said she was still being detained in a "villa prison" by police as a result of her escape attempt. A still from Princess Latifa's 2018 video, entrusted to a lawyer, detailing the abuse at her father's hands. YouTube/Free Latifa The fallout from the escape saw Princess Haya flee Dubai for the UK with the two children she shared with the Sheikh. Story continues The princess sued for custody of her children upon arrival in London, and said she feared for her life after realizing that he had imprisoned Princess Latifa. She said that the Sheikh had threatened her, saying "you and the children will never be safe in England," in May 2019. The UK High Court said in a fact-finding judgment released in March 2020 that Sheikh Mohammed was responsible for abducting Latifa. "I have found that he continues to maintain a regime whereby both of these two young women are deprived of their liberty," the judge said in the ruling. In response, Sheikh Mohammed said: "As a head of government, I was not able to participate in the court's fact-finding process. This has resulted in the release of a 'fact-finding' judgment which inevitably only tells one side of the story." Following the ruling, The Times of London reported that the Queen planned to distance herself from the Sheikh. The abduction of Latifa was not the first time that the Sheikh has been accused of mistreating his children. In 2000, Sheikha Shamsa, Latifa's sister, fled her family's English country estate in a Range Rover when she was 18. She was caught and sent to Dubai. Read the original article on Insider Spain's live pig imports from EU at 2,769,850 head in 2020 Spain's live pig imports from the European Union totaled 2,769,850 head in 2020, a 41.6% increase compared to 2019 and +114% compared to the previous four-year average. As for imports of breeding animals, Spain imported 128,927 head last year. The number of finishing pigs imported totaled 1,779,097 animals, coming mainly from the Netherlands (75%), Portugal (15%), and Denmark (7%). Regarding pigs for slaughter, Spain imported a total of 861,826 animals, with the main countries of origin being France (37%), Portugal (31%) and the Netherlands (13%). - Pig333 / MAPA. The above term has both national and local implications but generally means efforts of candidates and/or their supporters to get the individual voters to the polls on Election Day. In years past (and today) candidates would hire vans to transport their prospective voters from nursing homes and individual residences to increase their support. Unfortunately, sometimes the driver of the vans would take money from more than one candidate and, although they would initially transport voters early in the morning, the vans would sometimes not be able to transport voters all day due to alleged vehicle problems or lack of gas by deliberate design and would wind up parked by the side of the road for a while before picking up additional prospective voters for another candidate. One of the favorite tactics used in city of Chattanooga elections was the use of the chain ballots. In the days before liquor by the drink became legal on January 1, 1973, there were establishments in the city of Chattanooga known as good time houses where either legal or moonshine shots were available. In the areas known as controlled wards a copy of the legitimate ballot was somehow obtained in advance. Thirsty voters would assemble at one of the houses where they would be given a filled-in ballot with the names of the preferred slate of candidates by the political bosses. The next step would be to transport the prospective voters to the polling place where they would be given a blank ballot by the precinct election officials. The voters would then enter the privacy curtain and pretend to fill out the ballot while placing the blank one in their pocket. They would then deposit the previously filled in ballot in the voting box. The last step in this exercise in Democracy would be for the voter to be transported back to the good time house where they would be rewarded for their participation in the American electoral process with an alcoholic drink after turning in the blank ballots to the party in charge of disbursing the liquid refreshment. No wonder that some citizens used to refer to Chattanooga as Little Chicago! * * * 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) A defiant Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to release emails from her personal accounts and denied she has done anything wrong during a tense stand-off with reporters on Monday. Ms Palaszczuk has again come under fire over her two personal email accounts stacia1@bigpond.com and apbounce11@gmail.com after it was revealed some correspondence involving those accounts might be categorised as public records. If you have an allegation, put it to me, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters. Credit:Internet One email, tabled during a December estimates hearing, suggested Transport Minister Mark Bailey had written to the Premier about a job candidates ideological stance before he was hired. Ms Palaszczuk told Parliament in 2017 she had not used her private account for work business. Digital.com, a leading independent review website for small business online tools, products, and services, has announced the best web design firms in Houston. The top companies were selected based on multiple services, size of the firm, and industry focus. Experts at Digital.com examined companies with additional branding or marketing services that would enable businesses to scale up. Each firm was expected to demonstrate industry expertise in specific areas like manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. The guide also features large and small firms to meet a variety of budgets and service needs. Our experts spent hours reviewing many web design companies in Houston that can offer a broad range of services and industry expertise, says Josephine Miller, PR Manager of Digital.com. This guide will help businesses narrow their search for top-rated firms. Researchers at Digital.com conducted a 40-hour assessment of over 49 companies across the city. To access the complete list of best web design companies in Houston, please visit https://digital.com/web-design-companies/houston/. 15 Best Web Design Companies in Houston ABOUT DIGITAL.COM Digital.com reviews and compares the best products, services, and software for running or growing a small business website or online shop. The platform collects twitter comments and uses sentiment analysis to score companies and their products. Digital.com was founded in 2015 and formerly known as Review Squirrel. To learn more, visit https://digital.com/. Jabulani is a Zulu word meaning 'rejoice', and that's precisely what the Wunderman Thompson SA team is doing after the confirmation of Jabulani Sigege's appointment. The admired creative lead will join one of the county's largest marketing services agencies as executive creative director on 1 March 2021. Qingqile 'WingWing' Mdlulwa joins Wunderman Thompson SA as group CCO Qingqile Mdlulwa's appointment as group chief creative officer of Wunderman Thompson South Africa is a proud milestone for one of the country's largest marketing services agencies... Jabulani Sigege Consistent with previous statements from the agency, the ambition to firmly position creativity as a key driver of the business moving into a new decade is bolstered by Sigeges appointment. This news comes a few months after the announcement of Qingqile (WingWing) Mdlulwa as the agencys group CCO.Sigege is an award-winning creative who has worked at some of South Africa's most successful and recognised agencies. Hes nurtured his skills by working on iconic local and global brands, always ensuring that he leaves the brand stronger than it was before. This list includes Heineken, Yardley London, Old Mutual, Capitec Bank, City of Cape Town, Takealot.com , Superbalist and Nandos.In an interview about what Sigege believes to be critical for career success in the 21st century, he shares that it is an ability to adapt to the new digitally powered marketing landscape. He expressed that although technology advances, a creative idea's power is still paramount its the differentiator; the skill to originate concepts and bring them to life meaningfully makes all the difference these days.Wunderman Thompson SA CEO Miles Murphy said: Im so honoured to have Jabu as a leading creative light joining the Wunderman Thompson team. And Im excited about the formidable and transformed creative team that WingWing is building. Apart from being exceptionally talented, they also understand that hard work, fun, openness and life-long learning will mould them to become the sum of their experiences. The personalities of the creative leadership team we are building will no doubt cultivate an enviable hub of creative excellence, and Jabu will add to that magic.Over the course of his career, Sigeges work has been recognised at Cannes Lions, One Show, Clios, London International Awards, Loeries, Pendorings, Assegais, Bookmarks, Eagle Print Awards, Design Indaba South Awards, Creative Circle Ad of the Year and Creative Circle Ads of the Month.For more information, please visit us at www.wundermanthompson.com and follow Wunderman Thompson on our social channels via Twitter LinkedIn and Instagram Read the full article in the March 2021 digital edition. . . The last decade has witnessed an acceleration of attempts to personalize or customize recommendations for skin care products. The evolution of this goes back a century to Helena Rubenstein, or even longer. Advances in skin biology supported phenotypic descriptors in skin care range into the late 20th century; for example, the Prescriptives brand, which perhaps took a lead from Fitzpatricks skin types1building on even earlier work on skin color.2 Twentieth century wisdom describing skin as oily, dry, normal and combination arose still later. However, the role of extrinsic factors beyond UV alone has also been recognized for some time.3 Perhaps the first 21st century advance describing conventional skin categories came with Leslie Baumann, M.D., whose 16 Skin Types4 used four dichotomies: dry to oily; sensitive to resistant; pigmented to non-pigmented; and wrinkled to unwrinkled. This defined a greater range of consumer needs more consistently. Continuing research has highlighted the complexities of relationships between skin genotype, the environment and phenotype, recently summarized as the exposome.5 The challenge, however, remains the samedistilling the complex science of these relationships in a way that is understandable, relevant and translatable to consumers experiences. During the 2019 Personalized Beauty Summit, four drivers for growth in customized beauty were described that could potentially address this challenge: Experience: The role of co-creation and personalized packaging; The role of co-creation and personalized packaging; E-commerce: The growth of e-commerce and channels for advertising, purchasing and delivery; The growth of e-commerce and channels for advertising, purchasing and delivery; Digital technologies: Unlike traditional approaches using questionnaires, technologies enable greater access to, and analysis of, personal biometric information and consumer needs; and Unlike traditional approaches using questionnaires, technologies enable greater access to, and analysis of, personal biometric information and consumer needs; and Skin research: Increased scientific understanding of the factors contributing to an individuals needs, which is an essential part of product customization. The present article will focus on the latter two drivers to propose a novel approach to these ambitions for individualized skin care. First, however, as a point of clarification, it is important to define some terminology. Personalization, in its truest sense, refers to a unique formulation tailored to an individual and, by implication, reflecting their ever-changing needs. By contrast, customization, referring to a curated or edited choice, better reflects what is practical for most skin care brands and the aim of this project. Either approach demands the acquisition of evidence to improve the reliability of any recommendation. Such evidence is available through a variety of sources, and the means through which it is acquired often utilizes digital devicesparticularly mobile phones with built-in imaging, as exemplified by many skin care brand apps. Digital devices also enable the wider incorporation of user information using artificial intelligence and by collecting biometric and behavioral data. As of yet, apart from incorporating UV-monitoring devices, little use has been made of environmental data sources to inform skin care choices. DNA analyses of individuals have been proposed but have failed to show any real advantages for product recommendations. Meanwhile, the use of digital technologies, in combination with a more conventional questionnaire approach, overcomes some disadvantages, incorporating data that is not accessible via digital devices into the assessment. Expanding upon this, utilizing what is already published in the scientific literature could help to guide skin care recommendations. A review of the major factors contributing to an individuals skin characteristics should include genetic heritage, chronological age, and responses to historical and current environmental exposures. It should also factor in the role of innate skin color and homeostatic mechanisms, lifestyle and psychological status. To date, most modeling appears to use one or two of these factors as a means of directing an individual to skin care solutions. The approach described here takes a different angle by recognizing two things: First, the published literature provides insights into the role of these factors at the population level, as well as how they impact skin biology, relating them to an individuals skin care needs. Second, beyond using this information to simply create a tailored product, it can be used as a powerful tool to educate the individual about their personal skin care needs. Herein, we highlight the factors that guide this route to customization. Ethnicity The published literature on variations in skin biology within and between ethnic groups shows that care is required when comparing studies.6, 7 For example, Japanese may mimic East Asian in skin characteristics; or African-American and Afro-Caribbean people may have needs that overlap. This, together with the role of age, body site and locality, need careful consideration. However, some general conclusions are possible and it could be argued, as it will be later, that these allow us to factor in other parameters such as age, lifestyle and skin responsiveness to create a more customized approach. For example, the stratum corneum tends to be more compact in Black skin compared with Caucasian skin with similar stratum corneum thickness, whilst Asian stratum corneum tends to be the thinnest. Skin surface hydration shows the general ranking order of: Asian > Caucasian > Black, with Hispanic skin types closer to Asian in water content. Skin barrier function shows a more complex picture but while there are variations in the data, it appears to reflect the stratum corneum observations. The levels of barrier lipids also appear in the order of: Asian > Caucasian > Black. These observations indicate differing needs for moisturization in individuals of various ethnicities. Problems arising from the consequences of oily-spot prone skin and pores have been described by Rawlings.6 African-Americans have larger, more active sebaceous glands and greater numbers of pores, but these are less obvious in East Asians, Hispanics and Caucasians. There are also qualitative differences in sebum from different ethnic groups, which may contribute to self-perceived severity of skin shine, for instance. While the age-related incidence of acne and spot-prone skin does not differ widely between ethnicities, the consequences vary, particularly where post-inflammatory pigmentation occurs in the more deeply pigmented skin types.8, 9 The prominence of skin pores does overlap with oily spot-prone skin. Though relatively few studies exist, one indicated similar findings in Japanese and Caucasian skin.10 Skin Color Skin color should be considered separately from ethnicity, as research shows considerable heterogeneity in genes controlling pigmentation within different ethnic groups.11 Indeed, color measurements from different ethnic groups show widespread hue or chroma (C) within limited luminance (L) for Caucasian skin that overlaps with a similar L range but greater C in Asian and Hispanic skin.12 African-American and Indian women have almost inverse variations, with Indians showing a wider range of L but a similar range of C to Asians and Hispanics. Broadly similar findings have been documented in comparisons of Caucasian, Chinese, Kurdish and Thai people.13 This showed a greater overlap in L and C, with greater L associated with smaller C, and a tighter spread in values for Thai and Chinese people. This study also noted the importance of the redness component of skin color and the differences within exposed sites, such as facial skin. This research has found application in personalization of foundation products, with highly defined indices and color charts being generated.14 However, there are many implications for a number of skin characteristics15 with the level and type of melanin in UV protectionin both short-term and long-term exposureshaving an impact on skin aging and potential dyspigmentation.16 In other work, Voegli, et al.17 showed that pigmentation is not directly related to stratum corneum barrier properties. Their observations in Black albino people give further support to the view that skin color and ethnicity must be considered separately. Overall, skin color also affects how light reflects from the surface. Darker tones emphasize characteristics such as shine, pores and wrinkles. Similarly, a tendency for graying with drier skin can change the perceived needs in people of color, independent of any structural differences. . . .Read more in the March 2021 digital edition. . . References Fitzpatrick, T. (1975). Soleil et peau [Sun and skin]. Journal de Medecine Esthetique 33-34. von Luschan, F. (1927). Volker, Rassen, Sprachen : Anthropologische Betrachtungen. Deutsche Buch-Gemeinschaft, Berlin. Cooper, M.D. (1992). Seasonal influence on the occurrence of dry flaking facial skin. in: Marks, R. and Plewig, G., eds., The Environmental Threat to the Skin. Pubs Martin Dunitz, London. pp 159-164 Baumann, L. (2006). The Skin Type Solution. Bantam Books, New York. Krutmann, J., Bouloc, A., Sore, G., Bernard, B.A. and Passeron, Th. (2017) The skin aging exposome. J Derm Sci. 85 152-161. Rawlings, A.V. (2006). Ethnic skin types: Are there differences in skin structure and function? Intl J Cos Sci 28(2) 79-93. Wan, D., Wong, V.W., Longaker, M.T., Yang, G.P. and Wei, F.-C. (2014). Moisturizing different racial skin types. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 7(6) 25-32. Ho, S.G. and Chan, H.H. (2009) The Asian dermatologic patient: Review of common pigmentary disorders and cutaneous diseases. Amer J Clin Derm 10 153-68. Abanmi, A., Al-Enezi, M., Al Hammadi, A., Galadari, I., Kibbi, A.G. and Zimmo, S. (2019). Survey of acne related post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in Middle East. J Dermatol Treat 30(6) 578-581. Katsuta, Y., Iida, T., Inomata, S. and Yoshida, S. (2004). Improving the appearance of facial pores. Cosm & Toil 119(10) 59-64. Deng, L. and Xu, S. (2018). Adaptation of human skin color in various populations. Hereditas 155 1-12. St. Leger, D. (2015). The color of human skin: Fruitful science, unsuitable wording. Intl J Cos Sci 37(3) 259-265. Xiao, K., Yates, J.M., ... Wuerger, S., et al. (2017). Skin Res and Tech 23, 21-29. de Rigal, J., Abella, M.-L., Giron, F., Caisey, L. and Lefebvre, M.A. (2007). Development and validation of a new skin color chart . Skin Res and Tech 13 101-109. Markiewicz, E. and Idowu, O.C. (2018). Personalized skin care: From molecular basis to clinical and commercial applications. Clin, Cos and Inves Derm 11 161-171. Kang, S.J., Davis, S.A., Feldman, S.R. and McMichael, A.J. (2014). Dyschromia in skin of color. J Drugs Dermatol 13(4) 401-406. Voegli, R., Rawlings, A.V. and Summers, B. (2015) Facial skin pigmentation is not related to stratum corneum cohesion, basal transepidermal water loss, barrier integrity and barrier repair. Intl J Cos Sci 7 241-252. Captions/Footnotes: * This ethics-approved study, commissioned at the Digital Health Enterprize Zone, University of Bradford, UK, was limited to 21 participants and halted due to COVID-19. Kate Hudson has faced some controversy over her role in Sia's directorial debut musical film Music. But the Golden Globe winner is taking the backlash in stride, as awards season gets underway. She channeled her inner Dynasty villain Sunday in an '80s chic off-the-shoulder dress, as she appeared from home at the 78th Golden Globe Awards, where she was nominated for Best Actress Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. 80s vibes: Kate Hudson channeled her inner Dynasty villain Sunday in an '80s chic off-the-shoulder dress, as she appeared from home at the 78th Golden Globe Awards, where she was nominated for Best Actress Motion Picture Comedy or Musical The 41-year-old took to Instagram in her red carpet look, a black Louis Vuitton gown with a silver beaded bodice. She accessorized the ensemble with a wide black leather belt featuring an ornate silver buckle and a pair of diamond Bulgari earrings. Kate posted a selfie of the hair and makeup chair, before getting styled into her slicked-back '80s hairstyle, writing: 'Here we go.' She gave a glimpse at mom Goldie Hawn, 75, and brother Oliver Hudson, 44, as the whole family got together to support her. Silver stunner: The 41-year-old took to Instagram in her red carpet look, a black Louis Vuitton gown with a silver beaded bodice Dripping in diamonds: She accessorized the ensemble with a wide black leather belt featuring an ornate silver buckle and a pair of diamond Bulgari earrings The Almost Famous star was also joined by partner Danny Fujikawa, 34, sons Ryder, 17, Bingham, nine, daughter Rani, two, brother Wyatt Russell, 34, his wife Meredith Hagner, 33, and Goldie's partner Kurt Russell, 69. She was roasted by several on Twitter for hosting such a crowded event, as the awards show took precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Kate told E! News: 'This is my living room and I've got my whole family outside and we're celebrating. It's been a long time. It's fun. There is that moment, though, when you do awards ceremonies and you get in the car and everybody's waving and then you get to the carpet. 'It's sort of an adrenaline and I do feel like because I've got a big family, my mom and my dad are here and my kids are here, we're trying to really kind of bring a celebratory feeling to it and it's fun. I think we should do this more often.' She lost the Golden Globe for Best Actress Motion Picture Comedy or Musical to Rosamund Pike for her performance in I Care a Lot. Rosamund also beat out Michelle Pfeiffer (French Exit), Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma) and Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm). Glam time: Kate posted a selfie of the hair and makeup chair, before getting styled into her slicked-back '80s hairstyle, writing: 'Here we go' Family affair: She gave a glimpse at mom Goldie Hawn, 75, and brother Oliver Hudson, 44, as the whole family got together to support her Gang's all here: The Almost Famous star was also joined by partner Danny Fujikawa, 34, sons Ryder, 17, Bingham, nine, daughter Rani, two, brother Wyatt Russell, 34, his wife Meredith Hagner, 33, and Goldie's partner Kurt Russell, 69 COVID bubble: She was roasted by several on Twitter for hosting such a crowded event, as the awards show took precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic Kate congratulated the winner on her Instagram Story, raising a glass and blowing a kiss, writing: 'Huge congrats to @mspike for her win and much love to all the beautiful women in our category. So grateful to have been apart of tonight.' She stars in Music as Zu, a newly sober woman who becomes sole guardian of her autistic half-sister Music (Maddie Ziegler). The film has drawn backlash over the casting of a neurotypical actress in a stereotypical autistic role, which has extended to controversy around Kate's nomination. Host Tina Fey even took aim at the movie, which was also nominated for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: 'Sia's controversial film Music is nominated for "Best International Floparooni." 'I don't want to get into it, guys, but it's real problematic, and Twitter is saying it's the most offensive casting since Kate Hudson was the Weight Watchers spokesperson.' And the winner is... Kate lost the Golden Globe for Best Actress Motion Picture Comedy or Musical to Rosamund Pike for her performance in I Care a Lot Good sport: She congratulated the winner on her Instagram Story, raising a glass and blowing a kiss Controversial film: Kate stars in Music as Zu, a newly sober woman who becomes sole guardian of her autistic half-sister Music (Maddie Ziegler), which has drawn backlash over casting a neurotypical actress in the role Butt of the joke: Host Tina Fey even took aim at the movie, which was also nominated for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy: 'I don't want to get into it, guys, but it's real problematic, and Twitter is saying it's the most offensive casting since Kate Hudson was the Weight Watchers spokesperson' Breaking her silence: Kate recently broke her silence over the backlash, telling Jimmy Kimmel: 'I think when people see the film, you know that they will see the amount of love and sensitivity that was put into it' Kate recently broke her silence over the backlash, telling Jimmy Kimmel: 'I think when people see the film, you know that they will see the amount of love and sensitivity that was put into it. But it is an important conversation to have When I hear that anybody feels left out, I feel terrible.' She added: 'It's not a sound bite conversation. It's an ongoing important dialogue to be had about neurotypical actors portraying neurodivergent characters It should be a continuous conversation.' This year's Golden Globe Awards is the first awards show to ever be broadcast from two separate coasts. Although the show usually takes place in early January, it was pushed back to February 28, as Hollywood continues to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time, after they did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Beverly Hills at the Beverly Hilton, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Australian Space Taxi Can Detect Bushfires Within 3 Minutes Three Australian space companies have united to launch a bushfire satellite into space inside a space taxi with the key mission to detect and track bushfires. The technology, which is the work of Queensland-based company Fireball International, can detect and report on bushfires less than three minutes after they start. It provides automated bushfire detection and tracking by analysing images from sensors in real-time and sends notifications and maps to emergency responders after detecting a fire. This is an Australian-built taxi, which will bring an Australian-built satellite which looks for fires and has a national interest, which is launched by an Australian-built rocket and from an Australian spaceport in Queensland, Fireball International chief executive Christoper Tylor told InnovationAus. Fire crews control bush fires as they approach properties on Copley Road in Upper Swan on February 02, 2021, in Perth, Australia. (Paul Kane/Getty Images) Fireball currently relies on Japanese satellites launched by the Japan Space Agency to monitor bushfires in Australia. Australian companies Space Machines Company (SMC) and Gilmore Space Technologies have also joined up to provide the rockets for the mission, which will launch the satellite into space in 2022. We are proud to enable this vital and pioneering Australian space technology deployment, SMC founder and chief executive Rajat Kulshrestha told AAP. Space technology has vital real-world applications, and its important for Australia as a country to build and own the technology that allows us to explore the possibilities space offers. Australia Needs Its Own National Space Capability CSIRO recently painted why Australia needs its own space capability, saying that access to timely data would be only possible if the country owned its own satellites. For flooding, drought disasters, timely information is everything, CSIRO executive director of digital, national facilities and collections David Williams said. To have real-time access to data, youve got to have a very good relationship with another country, or youve got to own a satellite. Williams said Australia also has an advantage in the market because it lacks the baggage its international counterparts currently have. Having that lack of baggage, we can go straight to market, rather than this big development chain the world has really moved on in space, and its at a transition point for Australia to really take advantage of it, Williams said. Subscriber content preview By ANNA HELHOSKI NerdWallet President Joe Biden proposed multiple free college measures while on the campaign trail. Do any of them have a real shot? Some experts think so. The issue is bipartisan in its appeal, economically effective and supported by the leadership in today's Congress and administration that's (a) pretty good triple play, says Morley Winograd, president of The Campaign for Free College Tuition. . . . Drugmaker Mesoblast has been forced to go to the market to secure a private placement as it waits for critical milestone payments from partners to come through, having burnt through $77 million in cash in past six months. Shares in the stem cell treatments developer were halted on Friday ahead of details of on an announcement by the company in relation to a proposed private placement to a targeted industry investor. Later that evening Mesoblast dropped its half-year financial results that showed the business was running at a $US48.9 million loss, had $US77.5 million in cash on hand and needed cash from its existing partnerships to land to meet our forecast expenditure and continue as a going concern. The firm had outflows of $US60.1 million for operating activities. Mesoblast shares have been on a rollercoaster the past six months but the company is yet to get US regulatory approvals. Mesoblasts auditors PwC noted in the half-year report the company needed the placement and partnership income to be able to continue operations. Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More We are in the midst of what many are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. This is a time of disruption, massive change, opportunities, and significant risks. Fortunes will shift, companies will fail, and new companies will rise from the ashes. Like every revolution before, we will better understand what we can do, and likely do worse concerning work-life balance and family importance. There is also a significant risk for abuse and the loss of our humanity. This last could turn out to be a good thing. This week, let's talk about where we are in this latest Industrial Revolution and where we'll likely be when this wave ends in 10 to 40 years. We'll close with my product of the week, a new conferencing camera/speaker solution from Poly. The First Three Industrial Revolutions The first Industrial Revolution started in 1760 and is believed to have ended 60 years later. It caused the birth of the middle class, professional jobs at scale, advancements in manufacturing tools (mainly in textiles), agriculture, and mining. The second Industrial Revolution started in 1871 and lasted for about 43 years. It saw the birth of fast transportation (land and sea), wired and wireless communication, and electricity. Also, we had the emergence of production lines that massively accelerated how quickly and cheaply we could build products for both civilian and military use, which set an industrial foundation for two world wars. The last Industrial Revolution, which started in the 1950s and ran for the rest of that century, saw the birth of computers, automation, functional robotics for manufacturing, and the digital age's birth and maturity. Each revolution had profound impacts on labor, power, income, wellness, and work-life balance. The first two revolutions arguably improved wealth distribution, eliminated most royalty, considerabley reduced slavery, and put power into the people's hands in much of the world. One could argue that the last Industrial Revolution undid a lot of that good. Wealth again migrated from the many back to the few, people gave up their power to companies and governments, and work-life balance declined for most sharply. However, it wasn't all bad, as computing power led to better healthcare, longer life expectancies, improved job safety, greater access to information, and the end of world wars. The problem with each revolution is they weren't managed. Both the benefits and the harms emerged organically, and with each improvement, the capability to do good or ill was significantly magnified. If you think of technology as a lever, and, stealing from Archimedes, you could move the earth with a long enough lever. The Fourth Industrial Revolution promises to be one mother of a long lever. The Fourth Industrial Revolution The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been going on for a while now, arguably starting soon after the beginning of this century with the viable birth of artificial intelligence. It brings with it the promise of advancements in blending humans and machines with mechanical organ and limb replacements, considerable advancements in machine intelligence (a term I think is more accurate than AI), flying cars, the rise of autonomous machines, massive instrumentation of the civilian population, and a world war. But this world war is a war on pollution and global warming, which is increasingly causing harmful weather events, rising oceans, and the polarization of world views. It has also resulted in another huge problem that must be an immediate global need to get extended auto insurance protection (I swear if I didn't get calls for this, my phone would rarely ring). The joke on auto insurance aside, this Industrial Revolution will force us to reconsider who we trust for information, where human ends and machines begin, and visa-versa. It will also require we take a far closer look at work-life balance because we could end up being hardwired to computational resources, potentially having us on the job 24/7 if we aren't careful. Wondering about sleep? Recent breakthroughs indicate we could likely work while we sleep. Granted, we'll need to work on dream quality because, in most of mine, I seem to be looking for cars in parking lots, classes I'm late for, or agonizing over tests for which I haven't studied. Robotic advancements are far farther along than most realize, ranging from advanced robotic pets and beasts of burden, to robotic weapons systems; not to mention artificial and quantum brains. These developments, as they mature, will have significant impact on our lives. (I'm thinking of having my future robot take those damned car insurance calls!) The level of disruption and danger with this revolution is unprecedented because we create things that can act with a purpose far more quickly than we can. About half of all jobs are at risk of being automated during this latest revolution, and we are even building robotic mates (fortunately, they still need a ton of work). Even the concept of being a male parent has potentially become redundant (I suggest a conscious effort by men to treat women better before they collectively decide we are no longer needed). We do have efforts to cool the earth, clean up ocean-borne plastics, and even move us to Mars if we screw up the planet. I still think that it might be better to fix the planet we are on, but what do I know? Wrapping Up: Advice For Weathering Massive Change I've just touched on a few of the changes. I haven't talked about flying cars, our move from petro-chemicals to electricity, quantum computing, cyber risks, or space aliens, but what should you do to survive better what is coming? First, I'd move away from areas on the coast or high human density. Global warming is resulting in rising water and increasing weather events where the land meets that water. Also, avoid areas where there are already extreme weather events and make sure your house is constructed not only to survive the weather of today but the weather as it likely will be in a decade or so. Consider a forward-looking field that rewards remote work and where constant training is a part of the job. You don't want to become obsolete in the middle of this mess. Pick naturally agile companies, have diversity at the top and the bottom, and pay more than lip service to corporate social responsibility. Inventory your priorities and factor those into your decisions about family, where to live, what kind of job to do, and the nature of the company you work for or the business you build. Learn to embrace rather than fight change. It's coming; you can't stop it, so you might as well find a path to enjoy that change. In short, you want to find a relatively stable island of enjoyment that you can preserve while recognizing stability will be impossible. Your goal is to limit the amount of change you'll need to face so you can manage the unavoidable disruptions. Get used to conservation and work on your antisocial behaviors. We will be in an increasingly connected and transparent world, and making sure you don't have bombs in your digital history will help ensure you have a long and successful career. One last thing: consider adopting the Flux Mindset, which is a way of dealing with massive change while maintaining a healthy attitude. You'll need it because we are about to enter the period of this latest Industrial Revolution that will be the most disruptive in the world's history. I expect it to be one hell of a ride. The Poly Studio P15 Video Bar We've been living on products like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex for nearly a year now, and I've been in the search for a better video camera. The Logitech Brio, which has been my go-to camera for years, gets horrible support from Logitech. Many of the Brio's initial features, like advanced green screen capability, stopped working some time ago. So I got excited when Poly contacted me to look at their new Poly Studio P15, their $599 high-end desktop video conferencing device. My initial impression is that while this camera/microphone/speaker system is expensive, it is the best desktop solution I've so far tested. The tag line for this product is "look amazing, be amazing," and it delivers. The whole point to a solution like this is to look good on camera, and you can adjust the settings to give yourself a little color, and it not only auto frames you, but it will also use AI to eliminate background noise. You can limit your field of view to hide the mess beside your desk, and it has built-in speakers which aren't bad either. This video bar sat just fine on my 49-inch Dell monitor, but it's too big and heavy for a laptop. It has a built-in screw mount for a tripod, though, and I'd recommend that you use a tripod with a laptop. Poly Studio P15 Video Bar For this price you'd expect to get a good camera -- and you do. It has backlight correction and a decent field of view, which is significant for self-centering. The app is pretty basic but does what is needed; and frankly, too many controls can lead to messing up the image, so I'm ok with it. It's missing some features that I expect to arrive in high-end cameras, like the ability to render you virtually, apply virtual makeup, or actively make you look younger and better, but no one does that right now. The Poly Studio P15 is the best personal video conferencing camera I've yet seen, and if your appearance is essential, you should check it out. It is also my product of the week. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network. Rob Enderle has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2003. His areas of interest include AI, autonomous driving, drones, personal technology, emerging technology, regulation, litigation, M&E, and technology in politics. He has an MBA in human resources, marketing and computer science. He is also a certified management accountant. Enderle currently is president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group, a consultancy that serves the technology industry. He formerly served as a senior research fellow at Giga Information Group and Forrester. Email Rob. Pandemic tossed fledgling Berkshire Innovation Center 'right into the water.' There was a positive 'flip side.' New Delhi: The practical exams for Class 10 and 12 students of the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) are set to begin from Monday (March 1) onwards. CBSE has issued a set of guidelines to conduct the practical exams which includes projects and internal assessment. It has said that the exams will be held in students respective schools and authorities will have to upload the marks immediately after the assessment. In a letter addressed to the Principals and Heads of Schools, the board said that both internal and external examiners will be present during the exam. The board has also provided detailed marks distribution for the assessment. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the practical exams will be conducted by the schools while adhering to all necessary guidelines of the local government. In case the guidelines are not followed, the exams will be canceled and the students will be awarded marks based on their score in the theory exam of the respective subject. An observer will also be appointed by the board to supervise the conduct of the exam. The students will be divided into two sub-groups with 25 students in each. The labs where the exam will be conducted have to be sanitised before holding the exam. Students and staff will be required to wear masks, maintain social distancing during the entire exercise. The schools are required to prepare separate entry and exit for students and take adequate measures for the safety of students and staff. The board has allowed the schools to complete the practical exams by June 11, which is the last date of the theory exams. Live TV The Los Angeles Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee opposes the drive to reopen Los Angeles schools by early April. Given the continued spread of COVID-19 and the rapid growth of more dangerous strains of the virus, there are no conditions under which school buildings can be made safe. Rather, schools must remain closed in order to bring the pandemic under control. We call on all educators, parents, students and workers to join our fight to prevent the return to in-person teaching under such life-threatening conditions. Dr. Charles Chiu, senior author of a study documenting the rise of the new California variant known as CAL.20C, recently told the press that This variant is concerning because our data shows that it is more contagious, more likely to be associated with severe illness, and at least partially resistant to neutralizing antibodies. The devil is already here. First-grade teacher talks to her students in class (Image Credit: AP/Scott Sonner) In spite of warnings from the scientific community, both Republicans and Democrats across the countryincluding the Biden administration, California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Eric Garcettiare campaigning relentlessly to open up the schools in order to reopen the economy. Their top priority is not to save lives but to put parents back to work pumping out profits to sustain the trillions made by Wall Street over the course of the pandemic. The efforts to reopen schools have been coupled with a deluge of pseudoscience led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to promote the false claim that schools are safe to reopen. This is an international phenomenon. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is demanding schools reopen by mid-March. In Brazil, tens of thousands of teachers in Sao Paulo have gone on strike against the drive to reopen schools in the largest district in the Americas. Polls have repeatedly shown there is overwhelming opposition to school reopenings among students and parents, especially within the working class. The central task which educators confront is to unite and mobilize this support across the US and internationally in opposition to the drive by the worlds governments to sacrifice workers lives for profit. The Democratic Party, which is now spearheading the drive to reopen schools, is relying upon the pro-capitalist teacher unions to disorient and demobilize the opposition of teachers and parents. The mold was cast last month in Chicago, when the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) forced through a sellout deal with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) against overwhelming rank-and-file support for a strike. The bureaucrats which control the UTLA and the CTU are cut from the same cloth. Their leading figures are drawn from pseudo-left groups, such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which specialize in presenting the same pro-capitalist Democratic Party politics with a progressive sheen. The UTLA under Cecily Myart-Cruz and the CTU under Jesse Sharkey present themselves as radical alternatives to previous union officials, but they have forced through sellouts no less ruthlessly. Their role in the campaign to reopen schools was presaged by their respective sellouts of militant strikes in Chicago in 2012 and 2019 and in Los Angeles in 2019. To organize and orient their own struggle, teachers in Los Angeles must learn the lessons of Chicago! In a membership meeting last week, UTLA Treasurer Alex Orozco admitted as much when he said, If the district mandates us to go back, we will stand together, kind of like in Chicago. Orozco would have teachers believe that the CTU fought against school reopenings. In reality, the union followed a three-point plan to force teachers back to work, a plan which UTLA is also following: Point #1: Call a strike authorization vote as a cover for the unions support for reopening and for its ongoing negotiations behind closed doors with the school district. In January, a strike authorization vote called by the CTU passed overwhelmingly, expressing the opposition of teachers to any return to work under pandemic conditions. In flagrant violation of this mandate from teachers, for whom there was nothing to negotiate with the school district, the CTU continued negotiating for weeks with Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot. In reality, as the eventual agreement demonstrated, what was involved were not negotiations but a conspiracy between the city and union against the teachers. Moreover, the CTU publicly supported reopening. It demanded only that it follow a health metric based on CDC guidance, a phased reopening, access to vaccinations for educators, and enforceable safety standards in school buildings. Within hours of a deadline set by the city which almost certainly would have triggered a strike, the CTU blindsided teachers by announcing a deal which it then pushed through within 48 hours. As soon as the deal was set in Chicago, the CDC issued its updated, politically-motivated guidelines which allow for reopening schools at any level of community transmission. The UTLA is also expected to call a strike authorization vote this week. There is no reason to doubt that it will pass by a wide margin. But the UTLA itself has made clear that it supports reopenings, insisting only on meaningless provisions, such as Los Angeles County dropping into the second worst red tier of infectionswhich would still translate into several hundred infections per day in the cityand that teachers have access to vaccinations. Point #2: Break the unity of education workers by dividing them across jurisdictional lines and isolate them from the broader working class. The reopening of schools in Chicago is now being phased in by grades, dividing elementary school teachers from their counterparts in middle schools and high schools. This, in fact, was originally proposed by the CTU itself. Moreover, the union negotiated with the district separately from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73, which announced a deal to send thousands of janitors, bus drivers and other support staff back to schools a week before the CTU announced its own deal. After the union announced a deal, Sharkey declared that teachers should not strike because their co-workers could scab remotely, an indication that the CTU would do nothing to enforce the picket line. In Los Angeles, the UTLA is already trying to break the unity of teachers by raising the prospect of a voluntary return to work. In comments last week, UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz said, With the number of COVID cases dipping slightly, along with the safety language bargained in the side letters, some members might be more comfortable volunteering to deliver services and/or assessments in person. Meanwhile, SEIU Local 99 has already signed a deal with LAUSD to return non-teaching staff to work in advance of the reopening. The union itself stated that the agreement with non-teachers begins a process for returning thousands of employees to campuses to prepare schools for the eventual reopening to students. Point #3: Palm off responsibility for reopening from the union onto teachers themselves. Once the framework of their rotten deal was in place, the CTU moved rapidly to organize a sham vote, falsely claiming that the ultimate decision rested not with the union but with teachers themselves. In reality, the union had violated the mandate which teachers had given it through the strike vote and forced teachers to vote virtually at gunpoint, while Lightfoot was threatening lockouts. By stalling for weeks, the CTU softened up the teachers, making it clear nothing would be done to defend them. Meanwhile, to cover their own tracks, the unions House of Delegates passed a meaningless vote of no confidence in Lightfoot even after they pushed the mayors demands through the membership. The UTLA is scheduling a series of membership meetings over the next several days, which Myart-Cruz claims is for the membership to make collective decisions about reopening. But the UTLA is not at all interested in the collective decision-making of teachers but in browbeating them into what has already been worked out with LAUSD. Educators must oppose the plan which the UTLA is following with a plan of their own. The Los Angeles Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee fights to organize teachers around the following program: First, the struggle must be expanded to include the entire working class of Southern California, who are the educators natural allies in the fight against herd immunity. These include thousands of dock and shipyard workers refusing to go into work as unloaded cargo builds up along the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere, as well as tens of thousands of health care workers who must unite with educators to prevent a repeat of the horrors Los Angeles hospitals faced in recent months. Second, all schools throughout Los Angeles and the country must be shut down and moved back to online classes. Studies have consistently shown that this is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of the pandemic. Third, organize the working class through a network of rank-and-file safety committees at school districts and workplaces throughout the country in order to prepare for a political general strike to shut down all nonessential production, with full wages guaranteed to workers, to end the pandemic once and for all. As long as the profit motive continues to override all considerations of public health and safety, the pandemic can never be brought under control. The capitalist response to the pandemic stands for profit and deaththe working class response stands for science and life. We urge all those who agree with this statement to contact the Los Angeles Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee and prepare to fight back against these murderous policies. Information on joining our committee can be found 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. N'Djamena, March 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :Chad's main opposition candidate, Saleh Kebzabo, on Monday announced he was withdrawing from the country's upcoming presidential elections, accusing veteran leader Idriss Deby Itno of using force to intimidate rivals. In a statement, Kebzabo said his party had decided "purely and simply" to quit the race, a day after two people were killed when security forces tried to arrest another candidate, Yaya Dillo Djerou. Deby has ruled the huge Sahel state for over 30 years and is running for a sixth term on April 11. Kebzabo condemned what he called a "military attack" on Yaya Dillo's home. "The climate of insecurity... will definitely overshadow the electoral campaign of candidates confronting (Deby's) Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS)," he said. By withdrawing from the race, said Kebzabo, he was refusing to "provide cover for a large-scale masquerade". Kebzabo, a former journalist who in the late 1990s was a minister under Deby, has contested the presidency four times. He came in second in the 2016 elections with 12.8 percent of the vote. On Sunday, a gun battle erupted at Yaya Dillo's home in the capital N'Djamena when security forces came to arrest him. He had holed up with "armed individuals" after refusing to obey two arrest warrants, filed last year for allegedly slandering the president's wife, Hinda Deby Itno, according to the government. The government said the fatalities happened when the security forces came under fire from his home. But in a string of posts on social media, Yaya Dillo said his home had been surrounded and his mother and several relatives had been killed. In his final messages, he said an armoured vehicle had smashed down the door, and urged the public to "rise up." Yaya Dillo, a former rebel chief, once served as a minister and advisor to Deby, who is also his uncle and fellow member of the Zaghawa ethnic group. He had filed papers to contest the elections on Friday. Deby, a 68-year-old former armed forces chief, has been Chad's ruler since December 1990, when he ousted the autocratic leader Hissene Habre. He has been re-elected every five years since then, thanks to constitutional changes approved by a referendum in 2005 to remove limits on presidential terms. During his long rule, Deby has been accused of authoritarianism and nepotism as well as failing to address the poverty that afflicts many of Chad's 13 million people. Despite oil wealth, the country ranks 187th out of 189 in the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Press Release March 1, 2021 Teenage moms tend to be abuse victims; Gatchalian bats anew for raising age of sexual consent As cases of teenage pregnancy in the Philippines continued to surge in 2019, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) pointed out that some teenagers are victims of child abuse or rape. At the kick-off of National Women's Month, Senator Win Gatchalian emphasized that this adds urgency to raising the age of sexual consent in the country. POPCOM Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III said that two out of three of the partners of these adolescents at risk are older by 20 years so there's a degree of power play. The POPCOM chief added that an analysis of the 2019 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) would suggest 10,000 cases of statutory rape. While Gatchalian has been emphasizing the important role of keeping girls in school, where they can access information and sexuality education, he also identified the need to amend the law on statutory rape as a means of running after abusers preying on young girls. Gatchalian proposed raising the age of sexual consent to 18 in Senate Bill No. 739. The age of consent in the Philippines is 12 years old, the lowest in Asia and the second lowest in the world. Last year, the Senate has approved in the committee level to raise the age of statutory rape to 16. "Sa ating bansa, itinuturing nating age of majority ang edad na 18 ngunit ang age of sexual consent ay edad na 12. Dapat lang na amyendahan na ang batas upang maprotektahan natin ang mga kabataan at panagutin ang mga nang-aabuso sa kanila," said Gatchalian. The lawmaker previously warned that the COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate domestic child violence, abuse, and the teenage pregnancy surge. Of the 13,923 cases of violence against women and children recorded from March 15 to November 30 last yearwhen restrictions posed challenges to rescue efforts4,747 were cases of violence against children, according to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). POPCOM recently reported that pregnancies among minors aged 10-14 is up by seven percent in 2019 compared to 2018. In 2019, minors who gave birth in the country increased to 62,510 from the 62,341 recorded in 2018. Teenage mothers are more prone to abuse, according to the National Demographic and Health Survey (2017), which reported that 26.4 of married women aged 15-19 reported experiencing physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Olabisi Boyle, vice-president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, has seen plenty of change during her decades in the industry. Before joining Hyundai in August, Boyle was vice-president of connected commerce at Visa, where one of her roles was to expand in-car payment technology. Before that, she held several leadership positions at Fiat Chrysler and Ford Motor Co. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. This photo provided by Hyundai Motor America shows Olabasi Boyle. Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, has seen plenty of change during her decades in the industry. (Hagop Istanboulian/Hyundai Motor America via AP) Olabisi Boyle, vice-president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, has seen plenty of change during her decades in the industry. Before joining Hyundai in August, Boyle was vice-president of connected commerce at Visa, where one of her roles was to expand in-car payment technology. Before that, she held several leadership positions at Fiat Chrysler and Ford Motor Co. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What do you see as the future for electric vehicles for Hyundai and the auto industry in general? How long do you think it will take before EV becomes the norm? A: Hyundai has made significant investments on our journey to electrification leadership. We plan to introduce about 12 battery electric models by 2025. The overall group will have 23 eco-friendly vehicles globally and one million vehicles EV by 2025. And we want to fully electrify the vehicle lineup and account for about 10 per cent of the EV market by 2040. Q: At CES you discussed the Urban Airport in the UK. Can you talk a little bit about self driving and flying cars and the Urban Airport? A: Theres what we like to call urban air mobility vehicles" instead of flying cars. We have a joint venture with Aptiv called Motional and we started testing fully driverless systems in 2020. Our vision for future cities also includes these things called purpose vehicles." These are autonomous vehicles that can be used for cargo, people, also ride-hailing with (fully) autonomous driving. Where it gets into the urban mobility and how they interact is we want to have, going into the future, multi-modal solutions for people. So you can come in into a vertiport" (a type of airport where aircraft land and take off vertically) on your urban air mobility vehicle, land there, and then take one of these purpose-built vehicles to a different location, and then take it then from there to an e-bike or an e-scooter. We have this vision for urban air mobility thats looking to commercialize these aircraft by 2028. Q: How does robotics and Hyundai's acquisition of a majority stake in the robot-maker Boston Dynamics play into this? A: We want to have progress for humanity and become a smart mobility company. But were also working on all types of applications for robotics. So it includes wearable robotics technology in our assembly plants to help with people that have to do repetitive tasks, wearable robots for the elderly and those with partial disability, and then robotics that were developing for our urban mobility vehicles that can use robotics to operate in off-road terrain. Q: How are you adapting to the whole car buying experience going digital? A: Were working with our dealers to ensure all our dealers have digital retail options available. Weve seen our online transactions reach nearly 10 per cent of our overall volume. Its going to be something that continues and even grows. post pandemic, post vaccine. A court in Tajikistan's western city of Hisor has sentenced the son of jailed opposition leader Mahmurod Odinaev to six years in prison. The Hisor City Court's official told RFE/RL of the decision on condition of anonymity because he said he was not authorized to comment. The official said on March 1 that the court had found Shaikhmuslihiddin Rizoev guilty of hooliganism and attempted rape and sentenced him to six years. The court made the ruling on February 25. Officials have not released any detailed information on the case and the trial. Rizoev's father, Mahmurod Odinaev, a deputy head of the Social Democratic Party, was sentenced on January 28 to 14 years in prison on charges of hooliganism and "calling for extremism." Another son of Odinaev, Habibulllo Rizoev, was also convicted of hooliganism and fined 58,000 somonis (more than $5,000) at the time. Both men pleaded not guilty during the trial, rejecting the charges as politically motivated. Mahmurod Odinaev went missing on November 20 after he asked Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali in a Facebook post to allow him and supporters of the Social Democratic Party -- the only opposition party functioning in Tajikistan -- to stage a demonstration over food-price hikes. On December 5, the Tajik Prosecutor-General's Office acknowledged that Odinaev had been arrested in Dushanbe. According to the authorities, he allegedly conducted an act of hooliganism in late October in a military draft office where prosecutors say he confronted officials over the conscription of Rizoev. That came after the Interior Ministry said in November that Shaikhmuslihiddin Rizoev was charged with hooliganism over his alleged involvement in a brawl. Odinaev said that unknown attackers had severely beaten his son Shaikhmuslihiddin as part of a pressure campaign that was waged against him for his political activities. The mother of the Rizoev brothers, Mehrinigor Rizoeva, told RFE/RL that all the charges against her sons were politically motivated and linked to the political activities of their father. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, who has tightly ruled the former Soviet republic since 1992, has been criticized for cracking down on opposition political groups, rights defenders, and independent journalists. By Ritah Kemigisa A review of the events witnessed in the just concluded election will be top on the agenda during the Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD),summit set for this Friday March 5th. Addressing journalists today, the IPOD council chairperson and also NRM Secretary General Kasule Lumumba said the 2021 poll was marred with a lot of violence, hate speech and misinformation emphasizing the need to improve the electoral democracy in the country. Lumumba adds that the summit will also discuss and follow up on the Public Order Management Act and what needs to be done going forward. The summit will be hosted and convened by President Museveni at Kololo independence grounds. The opposition Democratic party and JEEMA have agreed to attend the summit. Jeema as a party we are committed to support the dialogue process and God willing we shall be there, lets all support this initiative, we all as Ugandans have problems but we need to sit down together and discuss the issues at hand, Jeema party. The DP secretary general, Gerald Siranda says the DP party is very committed to the dialogue process, even if DP remains alone on the table, we are committed to the process, we will be the last to quit the dialogue, as DP the only language thingwe understand is dialogue. Mar. 1Today is Monday. Temperatures will be in the high 30s to low 40s from north to south, with rain and snow throughout the statewide. Here's what we're talking about in Maine today. Here's the latest on the coronavirus and Maine Another Mainer died and another 142 coronavirus cases were reported across the state on Sunday, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The death toll statewide is now 703. Check out our COVID-19 Tracker for more information. The Augusta hospital that came under fire for offering early coronavirus vaccines to donors last month had been cited by the state earlier in January for violating COVID-19 prevention protocols. Maine is rolling back pandemic restrictions more slowly than its neighbors Maine has seen few changes since November, when Gov. Janet Mills delayed bar reopenings and reduced indoor gathering limits. Rural Maine is seeing an influx of homebuyers during the pandemic No one could have guessed before the pandemic that Maine's most rural counties would become the hottest real estate markets in the state. Mainers 60 and older will qualify for COVID-19 vaccines in switch to age-based system The age-based system replaces a previous plan to prioritize adults with underlying conditions as well as some frontline workers after Mainers age 70 and older who are currently eligible, and would be the only one in the country exactly like it. PLUS: Maine hospitals anticipate another surge in demand for COVID-19 vaccines after state officials announced residents aged 60 and older would be next in line for shots, an extension to a greater population than previously anticipated. ALSO: A federal advisory panel recommended a third COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the U.S. on Friday, a development certain to accelerate the immunization effort in Maine and across the country. Here's what Mainers need to know about the new 1-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Jared Golden 1 of 2 Democratic no votes as House passes $1.9T virus aid bill Story continues The $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill still easily cleared the chamber in an early win for President Joe Biden. Aroostook plumber is taking another shot at making the world's largest ice carousel Roger Morneault, a licensed master plumber from St. Agatha, has designed an ice cutting machine and ice disc spinner he hopes will help Maine reclaim the title. Penobscot and Piscataquis counties have the highest backlog of criminal cases than anywhere else in the state That's likely the result of prosecutors in those two counties continuing to file more charges than their counterparts elsewhere, and offering defendants fewer favorable plea deals to resolve cases. Hermon proposes building $2M track at high school and restoring athletic field The new track would be built on unused land next to the tennis courts at Hermon High School. As part of the $2.2 million project, the town would also renovate Pottle Field, where Hermon High athletes play soccer and football, and add a storage building and bleachers. There are scorpions in Maine, and they're probably in your house They are also known as book scorpions because they are often found around books preying on book lice. These trail cam wild boars live in Texas, and they can stay there We don't have wild boars here in Maine. And that's a good thing. In other Maine news... Maine funeral home worker allegedly stole wedding ring from woman after her death Feds taking final comments about plan to save right whales 2 now dead after Farmington house fire Former Belfast teacher expected to plead guilty to child porn charges Drunk people used to fuel an old-school pizza joint in the Old Port. The pandemic changed that. Maine anticipates $1.6B in pandemic relief bill if and when it's passed A delivery man destroyed an Ohio family's refrigerator while wheeling it down a driveway last week. The incident was caught on home surveillance video and shows one man pulling the large appliance up the driveway as his partner starts walking toward him. The man is then seen trying to sit the refrigerator upright, but he loses control and the refrigerator goes crashing down on the cemented driveway. 'Why wouldn't you wait bro?' the man's partner yells. 'Don't we wait and set together, bro?' The incident was caught on home surveillance video and shows one man pulling the large appliance up the driveway as his partner starts walking toward him The man is then seen trying to sit the refrigerator upright, but he looses control and the refrigerator goes crashing down on the cemented driveway 'Why wouldn't you wait bro?' the man's partner yells. 'Don't we wait and set together, bro?' The man is then seen lifting the refrigerator up, causing all of the compartments to fall onto the ground. His partner tells him to go tell the family as he surveys the damage, which was pretty extensive. The doors on the refrigerator were hanging on by a thread after the accident. Homeowner, Chad Jones, of Tallmadge, who ordered the refrigerator told WKRN: 'Although it was his fault because he didn't strap it down or wait for his co-worker, he was already having a bad day. I just let it go.' Jones, who said he's waiting for a replacement, said the two men loaded up the damaged refrigerator and left. One of the drivers is seen walking up to the home so that he could tell the family what happened Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the State pays great attention to the projects aimed at improving the quality of Nile water as per presidential directives. Madbouly made his remarks on Sunday while chairing a meeting to follow up the progress of ongoing projects to improve water quality in the Rosetta branch of the Nile, in the presence of the ministers of environment, local development and housing. The premier instructed officials to complete these projects within the next two years, while coordinating with the Ministry of Local Development to fill up a number of drainage canals in Giza to eliminate any possible source of pollution. Meanwhile, Minister of Housing Assem El-Gazzar presented on his ministry's efforts to enhance water quality in the western Nile branch. He also briefed the premier on the implementation status of some sewage and wastewater treatment projects under construction nationwide, including an integrated sewage project covering 22 villages, as Phase 1, near El-Rahawy drain in Giza. Another project also seeks to improve and expand the Abu-Rawash wastewater treatment plant to beef up its daily capacity to 1.6 million cubic meters at an estimated cost of EGP 5.6 billion, El-Gazzar noted. Short link: One-time Instagram celebrity facing fraud-related and money laundering charges in the United States, Ramon Abass, also known as Hushpuppi, has hired a top-rated criminal defence lawyer, Loius Shapiro, to represent him in his trial. This followed the withdrawal of Gal Pissetzky and Vicki Podberesky, his former attorneys. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the duo withdrew after months of negotiations with the U.S. government. Recall that Mr Pissetzky, a top Chicago lawyer was initially hired to defend the 37-year-old but was later retained as a record counsel due to the transfer of Mr Abass to Los Angeles and the lawyers inability to practise outside Chicago. As a result, Ms Podberesky, a California-based criminal defence lawyer, was hired as his local counsel. In the application dated January 21, Mr Pissetzky, who claimed to have been negotiating with the government over the case, said Mr Abass suddenly stopped communicating with him. Since Mr Abbas arrest and arrival in the Central District of California, I have received voluminous discovery from the government and have been diligently reviewing it and investigating the allegations in this matter. My communications with Mr Abbas are by telephone given my inability to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles due to the pandemic. Ms Podberesky, as local counsel, has made several visits to see Mr Abbas at the Santa Ana Jail and has also communicated with him by telephone, he said. Their request was, however, granted on February 22 and an order was issued in that regard. However, on February 25, the order on request for substitution was granted and Mr Shapiro was approved as the new defence counsel. New attorney According to his records, Mr Shapiro was once a deputy public defender in Los Angeles County. He is also considered as one of the top criminal defence attorneys in Los Angeles as he regularly trains new attorneys in the most effective approaches and methods to handling criminal law matters. Having earned his law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Mr Shapiro began his career with the New York State Attorney General, Elliot Spitzer. He also worked at several agencies including Legal Aid Societys Immigration Detainee Unit and clerked for the federal public defenders office in Los Angeles. Mr Shapiro, a certified criminal law specialist by the State Bar of California, serves as a Criminal Justice Act Federal Trial Panel attorney for the Central District of California. The panel is a group of qualified and court-approved attorneys who are eligible for appointment by the Court to represent individuals in criminal cases who are unable for financial reasons to retain counsel. Hushpuppi Earlier in June 2020, the 37-year-old known for flaunting his opulent lifestyle on social media, was arrested in Dubai by some special operatives including the Emirati police officers and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) operatives. The FBIs investigation, according to the affidavit obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, revealed that Mr Abbas finances this extravagant lifestyle through crime. ADVERTISEMENT He is alleged to be the leader of a mafia that facilitated computer intrusion, Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud and money laundering. His targeted victims, majorly in the U.S, have been duped of hundreds of millions of dollars, the FBI says. In July, Mr Abbas alongside Olalekan Ponle, popularly known as Woodberry, was extradited to Chicago in the United States where he was first arraigned. However, because the U.S Court in Illinois does not have jurisdiction over the case, he was transferred to Los Angeles, a city in California, where his trial will commence in May. At pretrial, he pleaded not guilty to the four counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. According to the chamber orders of Judge Otis Wright released September 23, 2020, the jury trial that was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue by 9 a.m. on May 4. If convicted, Mr Abass may spend the next 20 years in a U.S. prison. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that President Joe Biden would not consider Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors expected request that the U.S. share its coronavirus vaccine supply with its neighbor to the south. Biden and Lopez Obrador are scheduled to meet virtually Monday afternoon for a summit that Psaki said will reaffirm the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Mexico, which is based on mutual respect and the extraordinary bond of family and friendship. But during the upcoming conversation between the two leaders, Psaki said Biden would reject his foreign counterpart if asked to contribute a portion of U.S. vaccine doses to Mexico a solicitation Lopez Obrador is reportedly likely to make. No. The president has made clear that he is focused on ensuring that vaccines are accessible to every American. That is our focus, Psaki told reporters at a White House press briefing. The next step is economic recovery. And that is ensuring that our neighbors, Mexico and Canada, have similarly managed the pandemic, so that we can open our borders and build back better, she added. For the time being, however, the administrations focus is on ensuring that every American is vaccinated, Psaki said. And once we accomplish that objective, were happy to discus further steps beyond that. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas will join Biden for his meeting with Lopez Obrador. The leaders will discuss a new phase of the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship, Psaki said, with a specific emphasis on migration, recovery from Covid-19, climate change and security. On Saturday, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of Johnson & Johnsons coronavirus vaccine the third shot to be cleared for use in the U.S., after those from Pfizer and Moderna. Weekly vaccine shipments to states have ramped up to 14.5 million over the past month, and drugmakers testified last week that the U.S. is on track to have 3 million doses per day available by April. West Bengal polls: TMC likely to drop several sitting MLAs India oi-Deepika S Kolkata, Mar 01: The Trinamool Congress is likely to axe several sitting MLAs from its candidate list for the upcoming West Bengal elections, sources said on Monday. The party is planning to nominate more youths, women, and leaders with clean image and acceptability in their area, they said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met the party''s 12- member election committee in the afternoon at her residence in Kalighat and brain-stormed over the nominations. "Today, the election committee authorised Mamata Banerjee to take the final call regarding selecting candidates," a senior TMC leader said. Nearly 30 per cent of the 294 constituencies, including those of the 19 MLAs who have switched over to BJP, are likely to have new candidates, the sources said. "Reports by Prashant Kishor''s I-PAC on every MLA and their constituencies are likely to play a key role in the candidate selection," another TMC leader, who was present at the meeting, said. West Bengal election 2021: Mamata Banerjee may announce first list of TMC candidates today "How the MLAs have performed in the last five years, their image in the area and acceptability will be the main parameters. This time we won''t be taking any chances," he added. Another party leader said that elderly MLAs with age above 75 are likely to be dropped. "Stress will be given on nominating more woman leaders. Last time our candidate list had around 33 per cent woman candidates. This time it will go up further," he said. In 2016, the TMC won 211 seats in the 294-member House. The Left-Congress alliance had bagged 77 seats, and the BJP three. The elections this time, which are seeing a stiff contest between the TMC and the BJP, will be held in eight phases, beginning with polling for 30 seats on March 27. Votes will be counted on May 2. After having a marginal presence in the politically polarised state for decades, the BJP has emerged as the ruling Trinamool Congress''s main rival over the last couple of years, managing to win 18 out of 42 seats in the Lok Sabha polls of 2019 and following it with inducting popular TMC MLAs, MP and ministers into the party. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 17:43 [IST] Downing Street confirmed today that schools will reopen on Monday, despite fears over a Brazilian strain of coronavirus that has been found in Britain. Six cases of the P.1 variant first detected in the Amazonian city of Manaus have been confirmed in the UK - three in England and three in Scotland. Two were tracked to South Gloucestershire but the third English case has not been located and could be anywhere in the nation because they failed to fill in personal details when they were tested for Covid. Experts believe that the Brazil strain can sidestep existing antibodies to some degree, potentially raising questions about the effectiveness of current jabs. The Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown is due to begins with the return of schools in a week's time, before a raft of carefully staggered easing of restrictions in the coming months. Mr Johnson's official spokesman today said that the school restart would not be delayed, but would not rule out closing some schools in South Gloucestershire if necessary. 'Schools will open from Monday next week. But also as I have said we have deployed the extra surge testing in Gloucestershire to ensure that if there are any other cases in the local area we can identify them and ensure those people are isolating.' he said. Meanwhile on a visit to a school in Stoke this morning Mr Johnson said he still expected the road map for easing England's restrictions would be irreversible. The Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown is due to begins with the return of schools in a week's time, before a raft of carefully staggered easing of restrictions in the coming months. Mr Johnson's official spokesman today said that the school restart would not be delayed, but would not rule out closing some schools in South Gloucestershire if necessary. Mr Johnson was at a school in Stoke today (pictured) WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE BRAZIL VARIANT? Name: B.1.1.248 or P.1 Date: Discovered in Tokyo, Japan, in four travellers arriving from Manaus, Brazil, on January 2. Why should we care? The variant has the same spike protein mutation as the highly transmissible versions found in Kent and South Africa - named N501Y - which makes the spike better able to bind to receptors inside the body. It has a third, less well-studied mutation called K417T, and the ramifications of this are still being researched. What do the mutations do? The N501Y mutation makes the spike protein better at binding to receptors in people's bodies and therefore makes the virus more infectious. Exactly how much more infectious it is remains to be seen, but scientists estimate the similar-looking variant in the UK is around 56 per cent more transmissible than its predecessor. Even if the virus doesn't appear to be more dangerous, its ability to spread faster and cause more infections will inevitably lead to a higher death rate. Another key mutation in the variant, named E484K, is also on the spike protein and is present in the South African variant. E484K may be associated with an ability to evade parts of the immune system called antibodies, researchers from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro said in a scientific paper published online. However, there are multiple immune cells and substances involved in the destruction of coronavirus when it gets into the body so this may not translate to a difference in how people get infected or recover. Do our vaccines work against it? There are concerns that vaccines might be less effective against the Brazilian strain, with trials of the Johnson & Johnson jab finding it was slightly less effective in Latin America at preventing mild or moderate cases. However, the trials found it still prevented hospitalisations and deaths. No studies have tested the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against the P1 variant, while Moderna and Pfizer say their mRNA coronavirus vaccines should work against variants with the E484K mutation, with early results showing that these vaccines are only slightly less effective against the P1 variant. Advertisement He told reporters at a school in Stoke-on-Trent: 'What we are doing is embarking now on a journey, a one-way road map to freedom and it is designedly cautious in order to be irreversible. 'That is what we are hoping to achieve. Some people say we should go faster, some people say we should be more hesitant. 'I think we are going at the right pace, education is the priority, getting all schools open on March 8 is something that we have set our hearts on for a long time and I am confident we will be ready.' Mr Johnson defended the testing regime for schools, insisting 'people do understand how to use them and we are very confident that they will be of use in helping to keep the disease under control, keep it going down as we get schools back open'. Earlier, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi appealed for anyone who was tested on February 12 or 13 and has not received a result, or had an incomplete test registration card, to come forward. It is possible the individual may not even know they were ill, with speculation it was either a home testing kit or part of 'surge' screening. Scientists have raised alarm that if the variant takes hold in the UK it could 'slow things down' in the fight to escape lockdown restrictions as it makes vaccines 'so much less potent'. And the government is facing questions over why it did not act earlier to tighten up the borders - with warnings that foreign holidays will not be possible this summer. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said ministers were too slow, while the Welsh First Minister said the UK should be 'building the walls higher' rather than preparing to resume international travel. One of the P1 cases, found in South Gloucestershire, flew into London from Brazil via Zurich on February 10 - only five days before arrivals from there became required to quarantine in a hotel for ten nights. Officials are also tracking down 136 passengers on Swiss Air flight, LX318 travelling from Sao Paulo, through Zurich, and landing in Heathrow on February 10. Mr Zahawi said that the P.1 variant first detected in Brazil was similar in terms of its mutations to the variant first detected in South Africa. 'In terms of its profile, this P.1 variant is much closer to the South African variant, which we've been dealing with now for several weeks by surge testing, genome sequencing and isolation,' he told Sky News. 'This variant is a variant of concern, it is very similar in terms of its mutations to the South African variant. So, it is concerning.' On the two cases identified in South Gloucestershire, Mr Zahawi said one had travelled from Sao Paulo through Zurich to London prior to the hotel quarantine. 'They did take a pre-departure test and filled in their passenger locator form, which is why we are able to deal with them so effectively and work with South Gloucestershire Council,' he said. 'There is minimal reason to believe that there may be further spread because they have been isolating correctly. 'But we will be doing asymptomatic testing in South Gloucestershire.' Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies with a few passing clouds. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Evangelical Christian adoption agency Bethany Christian Services will now allow LGBTQ couples to adopt children nationwide for the first time in its 77-year history, the group announced Monday. The Michigan-based adoption and foster agency, one of the largest in the nation, had previously refused to work with same-sex couples on faith-based grounds and instead referred prospective parents to other agencies, according to the New York Times. However, in a Monday email to the evangelical organization's 1,500 staff, Bethany's president and chief executive, Chris Palusky, wrote: 'We will now offer services with the love and compassion of Jesus to the many types of families who exist in our world today.' 'Were taking an "all hands on deck" approach where all are welcome,' Palusky continued. The landmark decision by Bethany comes after the state of Michigan announced in 2019 that it would discontinue funding for any adoption groups that don't accept gay couples. Bethany had already been adopting to LGBTQ families in Michigan since that motion was announced two years ago, however the company's new inclusivity policy applies to the entire organization nationwide. Evangelical Christian adoption agency Bethany Christian Services will now allow LGBTQ couples to adopt children for the first time in its 77-year history, the group announced Monday In a Monday email to the evangelical organization's 1,500 staff, Bethany's president and chief executive, Chris Palusky, wrote: 'We will now offer services with the love and compassion of Jesus to the many types of families who exist in our world today' President Bethany Christian Services' Full Statement: 'For the past 75 years, Bethany Christian Services has never wavered from our mission of demonstrating the love and compassion of Jesus to children and families. We help families stay together, we reunify families who are separated, and we help vulnerable children find safe, stable homes when they cannot remain in their own. These days, families look a lot different than they did when we started. And Bethany is committed to welcoming and serving all of them. For us to carry out our mission, we are building a broad coalition of people finding families and resources for children in the greatest need. The people we serve deserve to know they are worthy of being safe, loved, and connected. The need is great, so we are taking an all hands on deck approach.' - Chris Palusky Advertisement With offices across 32 states, Bethany Christian Services is the largest Protestant adoption and foster agency in the US. The company facilitated 3,406 foster placement and 1,123 adoptions in 2019, according to the Times. The new policy, which was quietly approved by the organization's board of directors on January 21, does not include the phrase 'LGBTQ', but rather says it will 'implement a nationwide policy of inclusivity in order to serve all families.' The policy also 'recognizes that Christians of mutual good faith can reasonably disagree on various doctrinal issues,' but does not specifically list same-sex marriage as one of those issues. In a statement publicly announcing the company's shift of stance, Palusky said Bethany's new policy outlines to company's desire to help as many children as possible. 'For the past 75 years, Bethany Christian Services has never wavered from our mission of demonstrating the love and compassion of Jesus to children and families,' he said. 'These days, families look a lot different than they did when we started. And Bethany is committed to welcoming and serving all of them.' Palusky continued: 'For us to carry out our mission, we are building a broad coalition of people finding families and resources for children in the greatest need. The people we serve deserve to know they are worthy of being safe, loved, and connected. The need is great, so we are taking an "all hands on deck" approach.' Prior to Monday's announcement, Bethany had routinely come under fire for its unwillingness to work with same-sex couples, opting instead to refer them to other adoption agencies. The practice, while widely known, was reportedly never an official policy, according to board member and former employee, Susanne Jordan. 'It was a general understanding that was pervasive,' she told The Times. However, since 2007, the organization had a position statement which said: 'Gods design for the family is a covenant and lifelong marriage of one man and one woman.' With offices across 32 states, Bethany Christian Services is the largest Protestant adoption and foster agency in the US. The company facilitated 3,406 foster placement and 1,123 adoptions in 2019 Bethany's informal referral policy became more difficult to uphold in recent years, with various states and municipalities beginning to required agencies to accept LGBTQ application in order to retain government funding. 'Were opening the door to more families and more churches,' board member Susanne Jordan (above) said. 'We recognize there are people who will not be happy. We may lose some donors. But the message were trying to give is inviting people alongside of us. Serving children should not be controversial' Controversy unfolded in Philadelphia in 2018, when a lesbian couple attended an informational session on foster parenting and were told, 'this organization has never placed a child with a same-sex couple,' the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. In a follow-up call with administrators, the couple were told that Bethany does not work with LGBTQ people because of the church's views on homosexuality. They were then offered names of other agencies to try. 'I just couldn't believe it,' said one of the women, Megan Paszko, of Brewerytown, said at the time. 'There are so many kids out there who need homes, you're really going to deny them a good one?' Media reports regarding Paszko's encounter prompted the city to suspend contracts with Bethany's local branch and Catholic Social Services, another Christian agency with the same practice. Catholic Services opted to sue the City of Philadelphia over its contract suspension. The case was heard in the Supreme Court in November, and a verdict is expected by the end of June. In contrast, Bethany instead decided to comply. Its Philadelphia branch quickly changed its policy to work with gay parents, and the city restored its contract. Then, later the same year, Bethanys national board passed a resolution granting local boards the authority to comply with state and local contract requirements. As of last year, Bethany said that branches in 12 states were working with LGBTQ families, however that work was not widely publicized. Bethany's new inclusivity policy was passed unanimously by its 14-board members in January, but internal discussion to introduce it has prompted 'a few' members of the board to depart since such talks began in 2018, Nathan Bult, Bethanys senior vice president of public and government affairs, told the Times. Bult emphasized that the current board has members with 'diverse personal views on sexuality.' Previous instances of other evangelical organizations adopting similar policies have backfired before. In one such instance, in 2014, when evangelical relief agency World Vision announced it would begin hiring Christians in same-sex marriages, donor backlash was so fierce they reversed the decision within just 48 hours. Palusky, who joined Bethany in 2018, was an executive at World Vision at the time. Bethany has also fallen victim to in-fighting for its past acquiescence with local orders requiring them to work with LGBTQ families. The organization's Mississippi branch severed ties from the national organization over objection to the policy change in Philadelphia in 2018. Bult, however, said the company's 'patchwork' approach to working with LGBTQ couples was becoming increasingly 'untenable', and said he believed 'Bethany was ready and Christian are ready' to be more inclusive. In the months ahead, the company said it will be offering training to all employees, includes those at branches who have not yet worked with any gay families. 'Were opening the door to more families and more churches,' Susanne Jordan told the Times. 'We recognize there are people who will not be happy. We may lose some donors. But the message were trying to give is inviting people alongside of us. Serving children should not be controversial.' Reaction to Bethany's announcement on social media has so far been mixed. 'Finally they see the light!,' wrote Twitter user Susan Daly. 'It's only the most humane thing to do. A family is a precious thing to have, & everyone needs, and deserves to have a loving family, however they are created. Let them love. It's a grand thing, this.' In contrast, Baptist ethics professor Andrew T. Walker wrote: 'Children have an inherent right to a father and mother. Christians either believe this or we do not. Rejecting this under the banner of ruling class expectation does not expand our definition of family, but rejects the biblical definition outright.' Adrian de Valois-Franklin, CEO of Castle Ridge, said, "We are extremely proud of the WALLACE AI platform. Over 2020, the pandemic caused extreme market volatility, record velocity and vicious sector rotations. Some of the world's biggest quant managers had trouble navigating it. By contrast, WALLACE delivered a smooth ride for our Market Neutral clients, generating positive returns even while the markets were crashing in February and March." Dr. Alex Bogdan, Chief Scientific Officer, added, "Traditional systematic strategies tend to be static, failing when market regimes change. Even popular machine learning approaches like Neural Networks and Deep Learning have trouble with the shifts. Instead, Castle Ridge developed a completely new approach to AI called Geno-Synthetic Algorithms ("GSA"). These GSAs allow WALLACE to rapidly adapt to the environment. WALLACE evolves through a survival-of-the-fittest mechanism, over tens-of-thousands of generations each day. Furthermore, WALLACE can explain every investment decision it makes, setting itself apart from black box AI." Castle Ridge is growing quickly, with over $100 million in assets under management. According to Michael Petruzella, CIO, "The investment strategy was specifically designed to manage over a billion dollars. We are now seeing an influx of institutional allocators looking to fill that capacity." ABOUT CASTLE RIDGE ASSET MANAGEMENT. Castle Ridge Asset Management, with offices in Toronto and New York, offers hedge fund investment strategies powered by its proprietary Artificial Intelligence system, named WALLACE. The WALLACE AI platform continuously learns and evolves by analyzing vast quantities of financial market data. Castle Ridge developed two completely new approaches to Machine Learning, including Ranking Inference Engine and self-evolving Geno-Synthetic Algorithms, which allows WALLACE to uncover unique market patterns that go far deeper than typical quantitative or systematic strategies. Unlike traditional or static investment strategies that often fail when market conditions change, WALLACE adapts and thrives. As a result, Castle Ridge avoids the pitfalls of human bias and ego to deliver Alpha under ever changing market conditions. To learn more about Castle Ridge, visit: www.castleridgemgt.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Investor and media relations inquiries: [email protected] Castle Ridge Asset Management Limited TD Canada Trust Tower 161 Bay Street, Suite 2700 Toronto, ON, M5J 2S1 Canada Castle Ridge Asset Management LLC 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Fl New York, NY, 10019 USA SOURCE Castle Ridge Asset Management Related Links http://castleridgemgt.com/ We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief is set to chair an election committee meeting on Monday at her residence in Kalighat to look into the selection of candidates and formulate a strategy for the upcoming assembly polls. The meeting will be held at 12:00 pm. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav will be meeting today to discuss West Bengal elections. Trinamool Congress's election committee will also refine the plan of campaigning. West Bengal will have eight-phased Assembly polls and first phase will be held on March 27, the counting of votes will take place on May 2.The state is likely to witness a triangular contest this time with TMC, Congress-Left alliance and BJP in the fray. While is seeking her third consecutive term, BJP has set a target of winning 200 seats in the 294-member state Assembly. Congress and the Left have stitched the alliance for the polls and had already finalised the seat-sharing agreement. They are also in touch with the Indian Secular Front (ISF), recently floated by influential minority leader Abbas Siddique. With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force in the state. In 2016, West Bengal Assembly elections, out of the 294 seats, Congress had managed to win 44 seats while the Left Front bagged 33 seats. The ruling secured 211 seats and the BJP had won 3 seats. (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.) For Subscribers Why South Dakota county officials are shirking state-given water rights Grant County could be the thirteenth county to repeal their drainage ordinance in the past decade. NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- VOSS Water announces that Rachel Chambers has been named Senior Vice President, Marketing. Chambers joins VOSS from Perfetti Van Melle where she served as Vice President Marketing (US and Canada) leading the Airheads, Mentos and Fruit-tella brand franchises. Under her leadership, brand sales grew over 60% driven by breakthrough brand re-positionings, a focus on core growth, as well as success in bringing numerous innovations to market including the recent launch of Fruit-tella to play in the growing "better for you" segment and the first new brand from PVM in the US in over 30 years. An accomplished marketing leader with over twenty years of experience, Chambers has managed some of the biggest brands in the U.S. market during her tenures at Starbucks and Procter & Gamble. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Notre Dame, as well as an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. All families have been released from an immigrant detention center in Berks County, according to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. Casey, D-Pa., tweeted Sunday that all the families held in the Berks County Residential Center in Bern Township were released to other housing. This is a long overdue step to deliver justice to vulnerable migrant families, including children, he said in the tweet, adding he would next focus on closing the center. The next step is to permanently close the center so that no future family or child is forced to go through what these families have endured. Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) February 28, 2021 Bridget Cambria, a Reading immigration attorney representing detainees in the center, said Friday officials were placing detained families outside of detention, either with relatives or in other housing. On Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said currently, no one is in custody at the Berks Family Residential Center. ICE continues to evaluate the manner in which it utilizes its existing family residential centerswhich remain fully operationalto safely, effectively, and efficiently process and screen families, the department said. Last month, CNN reported two Homeland Security officials said families were being released to make room for migrants arrested at the US-Mexico border. For years activists and officials have pushed to close the ICE detention centers. The Berks center is one of three such facilities in the United States, but is the only center outside Texas and the only one not run by a private company. The federal government has leased the Berks County-owned, 96-bed facility, and since 2001 housed immigrating and asylum-seeking families waiting for administrative and immigration hearings. The Berks center has a documented history of human right violations, including prolonged detentions and sexual assaults, then-Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said in a 2019 report where he called for the center to close. That includes a 19-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted in 2014 at the center by a center employee. Last June, a federal judge ordered the release of children held with their parents at the centers, citing the then-recent spread of COVID-19. The judge said the children would need to either be released with their parents or sent to family sponsors. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. A bee species indigenous to the rainforests of eastern Australia have been discovered for the first time in 98 years. Although unusual, and nearly clearly threatened by fragmentation and habitat loss, the bee's rediscovery gives hope for the several other bee species that haven't been seen for many years. Earlier this week, some people earned a short moment of hope that one of the world's most famous (the thylacine) lately extinct species, might still be alive. That hope was shortly dashed, but a bit of consolation is that a largely lesser-known creature, not seen for even longer than the Tasmanian tiger, has been discovered alive. Welcome back Pharohylaeus lactiferus Indigenous Bee Species Australia has hundreds of indigenous bee species, a lot of which might already be extinct (a common issue worldwide). Lactiferus has a specific status, still being the only Australian relative of a genus. The only other Pharohylaeus species resides in New Guinea. Since 1923, Lactiferus hadn't been seen and only six samples had ever been obtained before then when James Dorsey, Flinders University Ph.D. went searching for it. He explained his trip to the rainforests of Queensland and northern New South Wales was mainly taken for his paper on the connections between ground-nesting bees. Still, having learned of lactiferus's likely extinction, he agreed to look for it at the same period. Dorsey is as well an entomologist and a photographer who has put himself in the assignment of photographing at least one relative of each Australian bee genus, of which there are 63 including the introduced ones. He said "if I am going to involve Pharohylaeus I would have to locate lactiferus." Read Also: Psychedelic Honey from Nepal Proved to be 'Healing' Discovered at Last Discovering it he did, at three areas of the 245 places he searched, still, there were false alarms along the way. Pharohylaeus lactiferus is a part of a faction called the masked bees that are quite hairless and have very remarkable facial markings. This makes them simple to differentiate from other bees, and lactiferus is hardly thick and big, probably with two ccs, so it can be said apart from many other masked bees. However, Dorey often confuses other big masked be es for his trophy until he got a closer look. Dorey explained that unluckily, it seems lactiferus may be too selective for its own good. He only discovered it on the outside of tropical and subtropical rainforests. Still, it only appeared to be prying in the flowers of two trees called fire wheels and Illawarra flame trees. Both of them are bright red and interestingly known for being pollinated by birds than bees. Experts remain hopeful, still, that the bees' extinction can be prevented. Dorsey explained that the secret to saving lactiferus is conserving the environment and if likely reconnecting it so detached populations can combine their genes. Unluckily, the substantial burning witnessed in last year's bush fires means these forests are under a lot of pressure than ever. RELATED ARTICLE: 'Bees' Found Living Deep Under the Ocean For more news, update about bees and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! Jon Kratochvil joins as Vice President for Business Development Licensing for North America ERS Genomics Limited ("ERS"), which was formed to provide broad access to the foundational CRISPR/Cas9 intellectual property co-owned by Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, today announced the appointment of Jon Kratochvil as Vice-President for Business Development Licensing for North America. With over 30 years of experience, Jon becomes a core member of ERS' global team. Jon joins ERS from MilliporeSigma where he was Director of Business Development and Licensing, with responsibility for all global development opportunities for the company's gene editing and novel modalities technologies. In his role as Business Development Director for Washington University Jon was pivotal in generating over $70 million in revenue from a portfolio of over 1,000 life science technologies. Prior to this he was a licensing manager and the competitive intelligence analyst for Abbott Laboratories diagnostics division, working on novel detection platforms and pharmacogenetics. He is an inventor on over 40 patents and patent applications, has a BS in Biology from Rutgers University, and received graduate degrees from Northwestern University in Microbiology/Immunology and Loyola University in Chicago in Law. "Jon has a fantastic track record in the industry; we are delighted to welcome him to the team. He will be an asset in our global expansion efforts and pivotal in expanding the use and adoption of CRISPR/Cas9 in North America," said Eric Rhodes, CEO, ERS Genomics. "The team at ERS is making huge progress in its mission to increase global access to the Nobel Prize winning CRISPR/Cas9 system," commented Jon Kratochvil, Vice-President for Business Development Licensing for North America, ERS Genomics. "This powerful technology has led to a revolution in genetic engineering and I look forward to being part of the next phase." For additional information, please visit www.ersgenomics.com For high resolution images please contact Zyme Communications View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005374/en/ Contacts: Katie Odgaard Zyme Communications Tel: +44(0)7787 502 947 Email: katie.odgaard@zymecommunications.com Advent Commissions Environmental Review Perth, Mar 1, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Further to the announcement on 12th January 2021 by BPH Energy Limited's ( ASX:BPH ) (BPH or the Company) whereby investee Advent Energy has signed a Preliminary Well Services Agreement with Add Energy relating to the preparation for drilling of the Baleen well in offshore licence PEP11. Add Energy has commissioned the Xodus Group to undertake a preliminary environmental screening assessment of the proposed Baleen well activity.Xodus Group are a leading global energy environmental consultancy with a strong track record in the Australian offshore sector where they are subject matter experts in environmental impact assessment and regulatory approvals.This will be aided by the pre-existing environmental information which exists from the prior technical work in the licence including the Environmental Plan which was accepted by the authorities for a 2D Seismic survey which was commissioned by Advent and carried out in 2018.The screening will identify the work required to undertake an environmental impact assessment to support the required approvals.The aims of the preliminary environmental impact assessment are to:1. Produce a detailed summary of required technical inputs.2. Produce a detailed summary of required environmental inputs.3. Outline a proposed approach for stakeholder consultation; and4. Identify key controls potentially required to manage the activityAbout BPH Energy Limited BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes. The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license. BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise. BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT). The Central Bank of Myanmar is limiting cash withdrawals from banks and ATMs a month after the countrys military coup. Individuals cannot withdraw more than 2 million kyat ($1828) from their bank accounts from Monday while businesses are allowed to withdraw up to 20 million kyat a week, according to a directive signed by central bank Deputy Governor Than Than Swe. ATM cash withdrawals are capped at 500,000 kyat a day, half of the previous daily limit. The move was aimed at facilitating the transition to digital economy by reducing cash usage among government agencies and the public, said a letter to the banks dated March 1. A woman pays tribute to a teacher who killed in Sundays protests in Yangon, Myanmar. Credit:AP Banks need to prioritise e-payments and electronic transfers for improving cash management of banks and non-bank financial institutions, it said. In this June 25 photo, a Civil War Monument statue is loaded on the back of a flatbed truck after it was toppled from its pedestal in front of the State Capitol in Denver. The monument, which portrays a Union soldier and was erected in 1909, was targeted during demonstrations over the death of George Floyd before the statue was pulled down by four individuals. On Feb. 25, Colorado lawmakers were to discuss what to put in place of the statue. From todays Down in Alabama podcast: What is the threshold for COVID herd immunity? When will it be recommended that we all return to hanging out at barbecues and mosh pits like the good ol days? Well have to wait and see on that second question. But as for the first question, according to UAB epidemiologist Suzanne Judd: Theres no magical number that is herd immunity. Each virus, each bacteria is different, and they mutate at regular intervals, so this number can move. But at the moment, scientists are shooting for about 72% of the population with immunity, so hopefully well see that soon. Soon could be as early as May, depending on how many people are walking around with antibodies who were never tested for COVID-19 when they had the virus. Well talk more about that on todays news briefing. Well also talk about Alabamas spot in a new study on greenhouse emissions. And as we like to do on Mondays, well take a broad look at the coming week in Alabama weather. The Down in Alabama podcast is short and free. Listen to it by clicking on the player above or subscribe by looking for Down in Alabama on the device of your choosing. Get this and other AL.com newsletters here. Click here for the Spotify podcast page Click here for the Alexa skill page on Amazon Click here for the Amazon Music podcast page Click here for the iTunes podcast page The Trader Joe's employee appealed directly to the CEO. In a letter citing a medical journal and experts who study respiratory transmission of the coronavirus, Ben Bonnema called on the grocery chain's head, Dan Bane, to adopt more-stringent safety protocols. Among his requests: improving filtration, requiring masks without exception and adopting a "three-strikes" policy for removing uncooperative customers from stores. "We put our lives on the line everyday by showing up to work," wrote Bonnema, who is a "crew member" at a New York location. "Please, show up for us by adopting these policies." The company responded soon after, he says. It fired him. Bonnema's story went viral over the weekend after he posted about it on Twitter, prompting outrage and threats to boycott the chain. Some of the experts to whom his letter referred, who this month wrote to the Biden administration urging that steps be taken to combat airborne transmission in workplaces, said it reinforced the need for action. "We wrote this letter to protect people like Ben," tweeted Kimberly Prather, a professor at the University of California at San Diego and one of 13 experts who wrote to the White House. "His letter is an excellent science-based request. We have been shopping there for 20 yrs. We will stop until Trader Joe's takes this seriously." A spokeswoman for the grocery chain, Kenya Friend-Daniel, said in an email to The Washington Post that "misinformation" was circulating about the circumstances of Bonnema's termination. She said he was fired "because of the disrespect he showed toward our customers." She added, "Nothing is more important at Trader Joe's than the safety of our Crew Members and customers." The company's coronavirus safety measures include requiring face coverings, providing employees with gloves and masks, pre-shift wellness checks, enhanced cleanings and increased sick time, according to its website. But Bonnema, who declined an interview request, said in his letter to Bane that additional measures were needed. He wrote that it was not enough to exceed standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saying the agency had "downplayed the dangers of aerosols since the pandemic's origins." The CDC for months went back and forth on the role the tiny droplets play in transmitting the virus, even as evidence grew that they were a factor. Trader Joe's should follow the advice of scientists like those who sent the letter to the Biden administration, Bonnema wrote. He called for the CEO to enhance HVAC systems in stores and set occupancy limits based on carbon dioxide levels. He suggested that no one be allowed inside without a mask, and that the chain meets the Americans With Disabilities Act's accommodation requirement by offering to shop for those who cannot or will not wear masks. In calling for a "three-strikes" rule, Bonnema wrote that he was "shouted and sworn at by a customer who would not wear his mask above his nose, despite Mates already asking him to do so." The customer was allowed to continue shopping. Bonnema wrote that he was contacting Bane directly because "these changes can only come with your approval." The result was a termination letter. The Feb. 26 document, which Bonnema shared on Twitter, said his recommendations went against company values. "In a recent email, you suggest adopting a '3 strike' policy against customers and a policy enforcing the same accommodation for every customer with a medical condition that precludes them from wearing a mask," the letter said. "These suggestions are not in line with our core Values. In addition, you state that Trader Joe's is not 'showing up for us' without adopting your policies. It is clear that you do not understand our Values. As a result, we are no longer comfortable having you work for Trader Joe's." Bonnema posted what he says is his August 2020 employee review, in which Trader Joe's gave him high marks across the board. He was rated as meeting expectations in every category and praised for humor, kindness and embracing "the Kaizen spirit" - a reference to the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement used by the company. He was commended for the "dedication and care" he showed to customers, with the reviewer writing, "You continue to have thoughtful interactions with them at the register and on the sales floor." Friend-Daniel, the Trader Joe's spokeswoman, did not respond to an inquiry about his performance review. Benjamin Dictor, a lawyer representing Bonnema, described his client's termination as retaliatory and unlawful, noting his "spotless record." "Mr. Bonnema has a federally protected right to advocate for the workplace safety of his colleagues," he said. "Terminating him for doing so is reprehensible, and we look forward to obtaining an order from the National Labor Relations Board directing his immediate reinstatement." A friend of Bonnema's, Shakina Nayfack, said he was shocked at being fired. She said he had been an essential worker since the start of the pandemic, bagging groceries and stocking shelves while most of New York was shut down. His treatment, she said, "seems like part of the conversation around how we value people who are doing this sort of front-line work." She noted that when the coronavirus was newer, New Yorkers spent months banging on pots and pans every night to support essential workers. "You can't say that you support people doing this work on one hand and deprive them of a voice on the other," she said. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Serhiy Kozyr as Head of Kherson Regional State Administration, who had previously served as the acting head of Kherson Regional State Administration. The head of state signed relevant decree No. 83/2021 on March 1, the presidential press service said. Handing over an official certificate to Kozyr at the President's Office, Zelensky wished him luck in his work for the benefit of the region. "You have already proved yourself during the performance of the duties of the acting head of Kherson Regional State Administration. Kherson region has a huge potential for development, and the main task is to implement all these opportunities," the president said. Organisers of the Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA), Dons Music Productions and Highlife Media have revealed Saturday, April 17 as the date for the Nominees Announcement to unveil artistes who will be vying for honours at the second edition of the awards. Despite Covid-19 restrictions, the maiden edition of the GMA-USA proved to be a huge success raising the standard for award ceremonies in the country and leaving fans and industry pundits alike asking for details about this years event. In an interview with the CEO of Dons Music Production, Don D, he said the 2021 edition of the award is bound to exceed all expectations, fans might have as well as set the standard for awards ceremonies in the country. GMA-USA 2020 was beyond the scale of any other held in this country, considering it was the first time an award ceremony was held simultaneously in both Ghana and the United States. This was done taking into consideration Covid-19 restrictions. The GMA-USA production team is well poised to go above and beyond what fans experienced the previous year, he said. Dennis Boafo added that the Nominees Announcement is the platform for fans to see which of their favorite artistes made the final cut and how fans can go about voting for their favorite artistes. 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 Press Release March 1, 2021 Villanueva: Vico Sotto showed fight vs corruption has 'no gray area' Senator Joel Villanueva, whose early and continuing work in Congress involved fighting corruption, asked the Senate to commend Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for being among 12 "Anti-Corruption Champions" in the world picked by the US State Department, saying the young mayor showed there was no "gray area" in good governance. In a speech at the Senate, Villanueva said Mayor Vico stood out because he did not spare anyone in his fight against corruption. "What is right is right, what is wrong is wrong," Villanueva said. "He showed us that good governance has no gray area, just black and white, right or wrong," he said. "Mayor Vico is the first Filipino officially honored by the Biden administration. But what makes that award more impressive is that it is product of a global search. Many were considered, but only a few were chosen. He got the equivalent of a Golden Globe for best performance in anticorruption," he added. Villanueva recalled his own battle against corruption as a 25-year-old representative of the party-list group Citizens Battle Against Corruption in the House of Representatives at the start of his political career. "I can say that fighting corruption is a lonely and often risky battle," Villanueva said. He said when he heard news about Sotto being recognized by the US State Department for his work against corruption, "my heart was again filled with joy, courage and inspiration." "Vico proved that age is not a hindrance for change," Villanueva said. "What we need is a sincere desire to bring good to our people," he said. What Sotto did was provide an example that should be emulated everywhere. Mayor Sotto, Villanueva said, involved his constituents in making sure the city budget was spent well. Sotto set up a 24-hour hotline for information and complaints, said Villanueva. The mayor also made all bidding processes transparent by posting these in real time on social media, the senator said. "He did not spare anyone," Villanueva said. "Mayor Vico made the nation realize what Edmund Burke said a long time ago: Evil triumphs when good men do nothing," the senator said. Villanueva recalled that when his late sister, Joni Villanueva, took her oath of office in 2019 as mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan her only guest of honor was Vico. "In her Mayor Joni's short stint, I witnessed how Mayor Vico's words and statements served as her guide," Villanueva said. "Mayor Vico is truly an inspiration to many," he said. "If everyone working in the government would be like Mayor Vico, we can be sure that our nation's future would be in good hands and we can finally achieve our dream of change," Villanueva added. Two Jersey City men, one an 18-year-old, were arrested Sunday and a gun was recovered after police responded to a report of a domestic violence incident, authorities said. Terell Cheatham, 22, was charged with domestic violence, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. William Cheatham, 18, was charged with possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The relationship between the two men was not immediately available. The two men were arrested on Armstrong Avenue at 12:40 p.m. after a domestic violence incident on Woodlawn Avenue, Wallace-Scalcione said. Eight Russian diplomats departed from North Korea on Friday in order to return home in an unlikely fashionby hand-pushed railcar. NBC News reports that the unexpected means of travel followed a 32-hour train ride and a two-hour bus journey to an area closer to the countrys border. From there the diplomats pushed their trolley loaded with children and luggage across the final 0.6 mile stretch separating the two countries. Any expectations of a red-carpet treatment had been abandoned by the diplomats, as borders were closed and travel restricted due to COVID-19. Thus, NBC continues to explain, their departure from Pyongyang forced them instead to take an elaborate and unusual method of journey home, causing quite a sensation on social media. 25 8 - . ... Posted by Russian Foreign Ministry - on Thursday, February 25, 2021 NBC cites a Facebook post by the Russian Foreign Ministry capturing the event, topped off by a caption which read: The most important part of the route was a pedestrian crossing to the Russian side. They needed to prepare the cart in advance, put it on rails, place the luggage, seat the children and then set off...They had to push the whole assembly by rail for more than a kilometer, the post added added. The party even had to traverse a rail bridge across the Tumen River, which serves as a natural border between North Korea and Russia, as well as China. According to the Ministry, the engine of the handcar was the Russian embassys third secretary, Vladislav Sorokin. His three-year-old daughter, Varya, was the youngest passenger. As the party ended their final leg of the journey, they were greeted on the Russian side by cheering Foreign Ministry personnel and then taken to Vladivostokthe largest city in Russias far eastwhich lies along its Pacific coast. Iran has rejected a joint offer by the European Union and United States to hold direct talks over the 2015 nuclear deal, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing two senior Western diplomats. Iran will not be holding an informal meeting with the signatories to the Iranian nuclear deal to discuss ways of its revival, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said as cited by Iranian media. "Considering the recent actions and statements by the United States and three European powers, Iran does not consider this the time to hold an informal meeting with these countries, which was proposed by the EU foreign policy chief", Khatibzadeh said. Last week, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran was considering the EU-made proposal to hold an informal meeting between co-signers of the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including the United States. This past Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the European Union was waiting for an answer from Iran after it invited the country to participate in new nuclear-related talks. In 2015, Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany and the European Union. The agreement required Iran to scale back its nuclear programme and downgrade its uranium reserves in exchange for sanctions relief, including the lift of an arms embargo five years later. The United States unilaterally exited the deal in 2018 and reinstated sanctions against Iran. In December, Iran passed a law to increase its uranium enrichment and stop UN inspections of its nuclear sites in response to the killing of nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. In early January, Iran's atomic energy organisation announced that the country had succeeded in enriching uranium to 20 percent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 In his first public speech since leaving office in January, former President Donald Trump slammed President Joe Bidens energy policies and said they would bring an energy disaster to America. The pro-oil former president touted throughout his term in office Americas energy independence, supported the oil industry, and issued a Presidential Permit to the U.S.-Canada Keystone XL oil pipeline. Trump also actively engaged with OPEC and the OPEC+ group to influence their decisions, including by tweets and phone calls to the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Russia. President Biden, however, placed green energy as a priority for his Administration, rescinded the Presidential Permit for Keystone XL on his first day in office, and paused all oil and gas permitting on federal lands and waters, and canceled lease sales. During his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Florida on Sunday, Trump said: The Biden policies are a massive win for other oil producing countries and a massive loss for the United States and our great citizens. Trump also criticized President Bidens move to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord. The U.S. became the worlds top crude oil producer, Trump said, (and America still is the worlds top oil producer). Bigger than Saudi Arabia, bigger than Russia by a lot. We left them all in the dust. They were all in the dust. But if the Democrats have their way, we are heading from energy dominance to energy disaster, Trump said. We will now be relying on Russia and the Middle East for oil, he added. He wants to put you all out of business. Hes not okay with energy. He wants windmills, the windmills. The windmills that dont work when you need them, said Trump, adding that Joe Biden has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history. So enjoy that when you go to the pump and theyll say thatd be about $200 to fill up your van, Trump said. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More A step toward engineering a new generation of powerful quantum computers has been made by a team of scientists and engineers at the University of Sydney, Microsoft and EQUS, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems. The team, which published their findings in the Jan. 25 issue of Nature Electronics, invented a cryogenic computer chip capable of functioning at temperatures near absolute zero, which could enable a new crop of high performance quantum computers capable of performing calculations with thousands of qubits, or more. Qubits are the quantum equivalent of the bits used by traditional computers. Because qubits aren't binary -- they don't process information using zeroes and ones -- they're capable of much faster performance. For a variety of reasons, however, quantum computers, up to now, could only accommodate a few dozen qubits. That's why the new cryo chip, called Gooseberry, is such a breakthrough. The Gooseberry chip (red) sits next to a qubit test chip (blue) and resonator chip (purple). [Credit: Microsoft] "If the chip works as the researchers suggest and can be cost effectively produced, the design could simplify and quicken the development of larger quantum systems," Charles King, the principal analyst at Pund-IT , a technology advisory firm, in Hayward, Calif. told TechNewsWorld. EQUS Chief Investigator Professor David Reilly explained in a statement that to realize the potential of quantum computing, machines will need to operate thousands if not millions of qubits. "The world's biggest quantum computers currently operate with just 50 or so qubits," he continued. "This small scale is partly because of limits to the physical architecture that control the qubits." "Our new chip puts an end to those limits," he asserted. Freezing Out Errors Most quantum systems require qubits to operate at temperatures close to absolute zero (-273.15 degrees Celsius). That prevents them losing their "quantumness," the character of matter or light that quantum computers need to perform their specialized computations. "The environment can influence qubits quite a bit," explained Heather West, a senior research analyst at IDC. "When they're influenced, errors can be introduced," she told TechNewsWorld. "By bringing the environment down to really cold temperatures, it helps to eliminate errors." "The more qubits you have," she continued, "the better performance your computer will have. The problem is that when qubits begin working with one another -- a process called entanglement -- because they're so unstable, they can begin working incorrectly, or decoherently. As you scale up, decoherence increases." She added that there's another advantage to working at close to absolute zero. "To achieve super cold temperatures, you need to work in a vacuum, which helps reduce the environmental effects on the qubits," she said. Gilded Birds' Nest As with any computing device, in order to do anything useful, quantum devices need instructions. That means sending and receiving electronic signals to and from the qubits. With current quantum architecture, that involves a lot of wires. "Current machines create a beautiful array of wires to control the signals. They look like an inverted gilded birds' nest or chandelier," Reilly said. "They're pretty, but fundamentally impractical," he continued. "It means we can't scale the machines up to perform useful calculations. There is a real input-output bottleneck." With Gooseberry all wires are eliminated. "With just two wires carrying information as input, it can generate control signals for thousands of qubits," Microsoft Senior Hardware Engineer Kushal Das, a joint inventor of the chip, said in a statement. Reilly compared the current state of quantum computing to the ENIAC stage of computing in the 1940s, when to do anything useful, a computer required rooms of control systems. "Our industry is facing perhaps even bigger challenges to take quantum computing beyond the ENIAC stage," Reilly said. "We need to engineer highly complex silicon chips that operate at 0.1 Kelvin," he continued. "That's an environment 30 times colder than deep space." A Real Quantum Control System Operating at such cold temperatures means the system needs to operate with an incredibly low power budget, noted Sebastian Pauka, whose doctoral research at the University of Sydney was used to interface quantum devices with the chip. "If we try to put more power into the system, we overheat the whole thing," he explained in a statement. To achieve their result, the team built the most advanced integrated circuit to operate at cryogenic temperatures. "We have done this by engineering a system that operates in close proximity to the qubits without disturbing their operations," Reilly explained. "Current control systems for qubits are removed meters away from the action, so to speak," he continued. "They exist mostly at room temperature." "In our system we don't have to come off the cryogenic platform," he said. "The chip is right there with the qubits. This means lower power and higher speeds. It's a real control system for quantum technology." Quantum Computer Race King noted that quantum computing is still in its infancy. "We're still in the early days, both in terms of building commercial quantum systems and in learning how to program and work with them," he said. "Some great things have been achieved, but there's still a lot of ground to cover before quantum computing becomes commercially viable," he added. Today's quantum computers are primarily used to solve optimization problems. "Those problems can be found in almost any industry," West said. Hodan Omaar, a policy analyst at the Center for Data Innovation, a think tank studying the intersection of data, technology, and public policy in Washington, D.C. noted that in Japan, quantum computers are being used to optimize trash pickups. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is using quantum computing to optimize picking the parts for its cars. "They've shown it's more cost effective to use a quantum computer, compared to a traditional computer," she told TechNewsWorld. "For a small set of applications -- mainly optimization problems right now -- quantum computers are showing they're better at doing some kinds of problems," she said. "As quantum computers improve," West added, "they'll be used to solve more advanced problems in fields such as chemistry and pharmaceuticals." "We still have a long way to go," she continued, "but when we get there, we'll be solving a lot of different problems." One of those problems is already pitting one nation against another. "If a country can figure out how to build a quantum computer big enough and secure enough, it could be used to break any encryption," Omaar explained. "That's created a quantum computer race," she said. "If you're a country, you have to be in that race because if another country figures it out first, then you have a huge national security issue." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. Bindi Irwin will welcome her first child with husband Chandler Powell in the coming days. And on Tuesday, the 22-year-old shared a photo to Instagram of herself with her mother Terri, 56, along with a sweet tribute. The photo appeared to be from the Irwin family's recent hiking trip to Tasmania, with the bush featuring prominently behind them. 'She is the gift': A heavily pregnant Bindi Irwin covered up her bump in a parka as she shared a sweet tribute to her mother Terri, 56, on Instagram on Tuesday Bindi covered up her bump in a navy parka, while the Irwin matriarch kept warm in a patterned knitted jumper. 'I love my mama's sweater because she is the gift,' she wrote in the caption, referring to Terri's fun sweater. It comes after Bindi shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband Chandler. 'You're the light of my life': Bindi recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband Chandler. She captioned a selfie of the pair, 'Every day I'm thankful for this extraordinary man that I get to call my husband. I love you with all my heart' Any day now! Bindi is due to give birth to her daughter in the coming days, which Terri revealed on Sunrise last month She shared a selfie on Instagram of the pair looking loved up as she gushed about her 'extraordinary' partner. 'Every day I'm thankful for this extraordinary man that I get to call my husband. I love you with all my heart. You're the light of my life,' she wrote. In an interview with Sunrise last month, Terri mentioned that Bindi was due to give birth in March. It's a girl! Bindi and Chandler announced their baby news in August, and revealed the following month they were expecting a daughter 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, and revealed the following month they were expecting a daughter. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-02 04:39:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday asked for generous donations for humanitarian operations in war-torn Yemen. Some 3.85 billion U.S. dollars is needed for 2021 to support 16 million Yemenis who are on the brink of catastrophe, he told a high-level pledging event for Yemen. "This is not the moment to step back from Yemen ... I implore all donors to fund our appeal generously to stop famine engulfing the country. Every dollar counts." Donations will make an enormous and concrete difference. In many cases, the difference between life and death, he said. "The assistance you pledge today will not only prevent the spread of famine and save lives. It will help create the conditions for lasting peace." The United Nations and its partners across Yemen are ready to scale up aid operations. Delivering aid in Yemen is challenging. But humanitarian workers are up to the challenge, said Guterres. Throughout 2020, UN agencies and partners helped more than 10 million people each month, working in every one of Yemen's 333 districts, he noted. The UN chief urged all parties to heed the requirements of international humanitarian law to facilitate rapid, unimpeded humanitarian access. More than 20 million Yemenis need humanitarian assistance and protection, with women and children among the hardest hit. More than 16 million people are expected to go hungry this year. Nearly 50,000 Yemenis are already starving to death in famine-like conditions, he said. Four million people across Yemen have been forced from their homes. The recent Houthi offensive in Marib threatens to displace hundreds of thousands more. Last year, the conflict in Yemen killed or injured more than 2,000 civilians. It has devastated the economy and crushed public services. Barely half of Yemen's health facilities are fully functional. The COVID-19 pandemic is one more deadly threat in a country facing such severe health challenges, he said. "For most people, life in Yemen is now unbearable. Childhood in Yemen is a special kind of hell." Yemeni children are starving. This year, nearly half of all children under 5 in Yemen are set to suffer from acute malnutrition. Some 400,000 of those children face severe acute malnutrition and could die without urgent treatment, he said. Every 10 minutes, a child dies a needless death from diseases in Yemen. And every day, Yemeni children are killed or maimed in the conflict. Sick and injured children are turned away by overwhelmed health facilities that don't have drugs or equipment to treat them. This war is swallowing a whole generation of Yemenis. It has to stop, he said. It has been clear for years that there is no military solution in Yemen. The only path to peace is through an immediate, nationwide cease-fire and a set of confidence-building measures, followed by an inclusive, Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices, and supported by the international community, said Guterres. "This is the fifth time we have convened a high-level pledging event to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The bitter truth is that we will convene a sixth event next year, unless the war ends. We must create and seize every opportunity to save lives, stave off a mass famine, and forge a path to peace." The humanitarian situation in Yemen has never been worse. Yet last year, humanitarian funding fell. The United Nations received 1.9 billion dollars -- just half of what was needed. At the same time, the Yemeni currency collapsed, and remittances from Yemenis overseas dried up as the pandemic hit economies everywhere, he noted. The impact has been brutal. Humanitarian organizations providing food, water and health care have reduced or even closed their programs. Families have nothing to fall back on. "Today, reducing aid is a death sentence for entire families," he warned. "We must end this senseless conflict now, and start dealing with its enormous consequences immediately. This is not the moment to step back from Yemen. We must equal and surpass the levels of funding we had in 2018 (and 2019)." The UN-coordinated humanitarian response plan for Yemen requested 3.1 billion dollars in 2018 and 2.5 billion dollars (81 percent) was received. In 2019, 4.2 billion dollars was appealed, and 3.6 billion dollars was received (86 percent). In 2020, only 1.9 billion dollars, or 56 percent of the appeal, was received. At Monday's pledging conference, World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley said 1.9 billion dollars alone is needed to prevent famine in Yemen in 2021. More money is required for other forms of aid. Monday's pledging conference was co-hosted by the United Nations and the governments of Sweden and Switzerland. 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. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul receives a shot of COVID-19 vaccine from China's Sinovac in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 28, 2021. (Thai Government House/Handout via Xinhua) BANGKOK, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- When a plane carrying Thailand's first batch of COVID-19 vaccines from China's Sinovac landed at an airport here on Wednesday, people waiting on the tarmac cheered and applauded. "Thank you to the People's Republic of China for delivering the first batch of vaccines this month and the following batches in the subsequent months," said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, when he welcomed the vaccines' arrival at the airport. Prayut expressed his gratitude while a refrigerated container, with a banner reading "COVID-19 vaccines, returning smiles to Thailand" written in Thai, was lowered from the plane. The Chinese vaccines would be distributed to 13 provinces of Thailand to prioritize health care workers and those most at risk, while more vaccine shipments are expected to arrive in March and April. Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, is heavily reliant on tourism but it recently has seen a drop in tourism due to COVID-19. The country welcomed about 40 million foreign tourists in 2019, but only 6.7 million last year. It is widely expected that the COVID-19 vaccines will be a game-changer. Prayut hopes the vaccine would contribute to the recovery of the tourism sector through easing restrictive measures, such as exempting vaccinated tourists from the two-week mandatory quarantine. The arrival of the Sinovac vaccines marks a significant move to jumpstart the vaccination process in Thailand and thus catch up with other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Tang Zhimin, director of China ASEAN Studies at the Bangkok-based Panyapiwat Institute of Management. Elsewhere in the ASEAN region, where COVID-19 has claimed more than 50,000 lives from over 2.4 million cases, countries are placing their trust in China as they have ordered, received or approved the emergency use of Chinese vaccines. Among the biggest takers of the Chinese vaccines is Indonesia, which has ordered a large number of doses of the Sinovac vaccine. "We should ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness. That's the first one. Then the second one is, of course, they have to be listed in the WHO (World Health Organization) recommendation," said Siti Nadia Tarmizi, the Indonesian government's spokesperson for COVID-19 vaccination. In a livestream, Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Jan. 13 rolled up his sleeves to receive his first shot of the Sinovac vaccine, kicking off the nation's mass inoculation campaign. The massive vaccination program would help Indonesia achieve herd immunity after 181.5 million people, or around two thirds of the country's population, are inoculated within 15 months, said Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono. The largest economy in Southeast Asia is pinning its hope on the mass vaccination drive to curb its soaring cases, which have exceeded 1.3 million, and revitalize its virus-hit economy. On Saturday, Malaysia also received its first delivery of the Sinovac vaccine, days after the country kicked off its inoculation program, which aims to inoculate at least 80 percent of the country's total population. Viruses do not respect borders and only by cooperating in the spirit of solidarity can the international community overcome the pandemic, said Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. As COVID-19 is still raging and countries around the world are scrambling to obtain vaccines, which are in short supply, China has promised to make Chinese COVID-19 vaccines a global public good. Donald Trump says Rep. John Katko and other Republicans who voted to impeach him are political hacks that the GOP needs to get rid of for the sake of party unity. Trump made his comments Sunday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, his first public speech since leaving the White House almost six weeks ago. Trump mentioned Katko as he recited the names of all 10 House Republicans and seven GOP senators who voted to impeach him last month for inciting insurrection in the U.S. Capitol attack on Jan. 6 that left five people dead. Trump mentioned House GOP Conference Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, last. The good news is in her state, shes been censured, Trump said. And in her state, her poll numbers have dropped faster than any human being Ive ever seen. So hopefully, theyll get rid of her with the next election. Get rid of them all. Trump tried to paint a picture of a unified Republican Party in his speech and suggested that hell play a large role in its future. On Friday, he endorsed Max Miller, a former aide seeking to oust Ohio GOP Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, who voted in favor of Trumps impeachment. The RINOs that were surrounded with will destroy the Republican Party and the American worker, and will destroy our country itself, Trump said, referring to those Republicans who voted to impeach him. The RINOs, Republicans in name only, he said. But the Republican Party is united. The only division is between a handful of Washington, D.C., establishment political hacks, and everybody else all over the country. I think we have tremendous unity. Katko had no immediate reaction to Trumps comments. A campaign spokesperson said Katko was not available for an interview Monday, but noted he outperformed Trump at the top of the ticket. Katko received more votes than Trump in Central New Yorks 24th Congressional District in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Biden defeated Trump in the 24th District by about 9 percentage points in November. Katko won his race over Democrat Dana Balter by 10 percentage points. The fourth-term congressman has faced some pushback from Central New York Republicans and conservatives over his Jan. 13 impeachment vote. The Wayne County Conservative Committee passed a censure resolution, vowing to never support Katko again for any elected office. Some members of the Cayuga County Republican Committee wanted to censure Katko at its meeting last month, but the party didnt have enough votes to move forward with a resolution. Separately, about 40 Republican and Conservative party leaders and donors met privately at a Syracuse restaurant last month to discuss whether to continue supporting the congressman or to back a primary opponent. The group did not make any decisions. In January, Katko was the first House Republican to state publicly that he would vote to impeach Trump. To allow the president of the United States to incite this attack without consequence is a direct threat to the future of our democracy, Katko said Jan. 12. For that reason, I cannot sit by without taking action. I will vote to impeach this president. The night before the impeachment vote, he encouraged his colleagues to join him in voting for impeachment. The presidents role in the insurrection is undeniable, Katko told House members. Both on social media ahead of January 6th, and in his speech that day, he deliberately promoted baseless theories creating a combustible environment of misinformation and division. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 It was Corinna Larsen, a Monaco-based business consultant known for her relationship with Spains former monarch Juan Carlos I, who first talked in public about marriage. In statements to the BBC in August of last year, she asserted that her father told her in 2009 that Juan Carlos had asked him for her hand. He called me up and said the king had come to see him and told him he was very much in love with me, and intended to marry me, she said in that interview. He also told my father he couldnt do it straight away, it might take some time. He wanted my father to know he was very serious about me. Larsen added that she foresaw the situation could create trouble at a time when Juan Carlos was still on the throne (he abdicated in June 2014). I thought it might destabilise the monarchy. Thats why I never really encouraged it I just took it as a token of the seriousness of the relationship, rather than something that would actually materialize, she told the BBC. Finn Bonning Larsen, her father, died that same year, so only the emeritus king himself could certify whether indeed he asked for her hand. Sources close to Juan Carlos say it was the other way around: that the Danish-German divorcee was pressuring him to break up with Spains Queen Sofia and formalize their relationship. Queen Sofia, Juan Carlos and their son Felipe on the day that the abdication was signed into law in 2014. Juan Carlos Hidalgo / EFE The Spanish kings lover had divorced her second husband, the German aristocrat Casimir zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, in 2005. Yet she continued to use his name and the title of princess. However, this situation became untenable when her ex became romantically involved with the US model Alana Bunte, whom he married in 2019. A source who was a high-placed government official at the time admits that Juan Carlos was quite devoted to Larsen and was making plans to spend the rest of his life with her. If so, the 65 million that he transferred to her in 2012, using money he received from the king of Saudi Arabia, should be construed not as a generous gift of gratitude as Larsen herself has described it, but as a transfer for the couple to use in their future life together. When they broke up, she refused to return the money. That relationship was quite different from the other affairs that Juan Carlos had conducted. The same sources say that the former king even consulted a law firm specializing in divorce proceedings about the possibility of ending his marriage of over 40 years. But he never made any steps in that direction, said the same sources, calling that scenario nothing more than a dream, or more like a nightmare. The Royal Palace can be used for a Middle East peace conference, but not to help a lady make money Former Spanish Socialist Party minister Even if Juan Carlos had decided to give up the throne to marry her, and Larsen never actually got to be queen of Spain, the divorce would have caused a national stir. Alarm bells started to go off in the government during the last term in office of former Socialist Party (PSOE) prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and the first administration of Popular Party (PP) prime minister Mariano Rajoy. The kings relationship with the former German princess was starting to be considered a matter of state. Several former ministers consulted by this newspaper, from the PP and the PSOE alike, confirmed that the government was concerned. Corinna was not the first. The king has had several partners, all very discreet women who were aware that their conduct could hurt the institution, said a source who served as a minister under Rajoy. Corinna broke that pattern. She started to use him to do business, and that set off alarm bells in the government. A former PSOE minister said that in 2006, Larsen attempted to use the Spanish Royal Palace as a venue for a global conference on forged luxury goods: The Royal Palace can be used for a Middle East peace conference, but not to help a lady make money. When she saw there was no future here from the point of view of influence management, she focused her business abroad. Hunting trip Events snowballed after Juan Carlos accident on a hunting trip in Botswana on April 13, 2012, when he fell and broke his hip during an elephant-shooting expedition. During the flight back, with a badly hurt Juan Carlos on board, Larsen asked for the plane to make a stop in Monaco to let her off, a request that triggered a confrontation with the Spanish Royal Household. The aircraft flew directly to Madrid carrying the king and her lover, and the relationship became public. Juan Carlos popularity began to fall in the middle of a sharp economic crisis in Spain. Less than a month after that, on May 5, 2012, the head of Spains National Intelligence Center (CNI) at the time, General Felix Sanz Roldan, traveled to London to meet with Larsen at a hotel. In videoconference testimony at a recent trial against Jose Manuel Villarejo, a former Spanish police chief who made secret recordings of his dealings with politicians and business leaders, Larsen said that Sanz had threatened her at the hotel meeting. Sanz has denied this claim. Whatever it was that the CNI chief told her, it did not convince her to end her relationship with the Spanish monarch. According to sources close to the emeritus king, the relationship continued for two more years, with ups and downs. Former king Juan Carlos I posing with a dead elephant in Botswana in 2006. Photo: Rann Safaris But there was a turning point on January 6, 2014. Juan Carlos was reading a speech for the annual military parade, the Pascua Militar, and he suddenly seemed to lose track of what he was saying. The incident was attributed to his poor health and the string of surgeries that he had undergone. But it is likely that he was just tired: the king had spent the night before his birthday in London with Larsen, and he had barely slept a wink. That image of the king stumbling over his speech reignited an ongoing debate about his abdication. The monarch was divided about the issue. And sources familiar with the situation say that Larsen was one of the people pressuring him the most to stay on the throne. On June 2, 2014, Juan Carlos finally announced that he was handing the throne to his son Felipe VI. But just as he was gaining added freedom to live his life the way he wanted to, the 11-year-old relationship with Larsen came to a definitive end. In April 2015, Larsen met in London with the former CEO of Spanish telecoms giant Telefonica, Juan Villalonga, and with the retired police chief Jose Manuel Villarejo. It was here that the latter recorded a conversation that he would later use against Juan Carlos, in which Larsen claimed that the former monarch had used her as a front to conceal his wealth. Sanz Roldan filed a defamation suit against Villarejo for saying that the ex-CNI chief had threatened the kings former lover. The trial took place in January and Villarejo was acquitted. What had happened in such a short space of time for the former German princess to turn against someone who had been so generous to her? Sources who were close to the government at the time say that after Juan Carlos and Larsen broke up, the Spanish executive made a point of notifying foreign dignitaries and business leaders about it. This led to a lot of closed doors that had once been open for Larsen thanks to her close connection with royalty. And that was bad for her consultancy business, which is based on contacts and public relations. Both Juan Carlos and Larsen have since become the target of legal investigations in Spain and Switzerland into financial irregularities involving international transfers of large amounts of money and a contract awarded to a Spanish consortium to build a high-speed railway line to Mecca. Back taxes Gestha, a union representing Finance Ministry workers, believes that the Tax Agency should investigate loans made to Juan Carlos by a dozen friends and entrepreneurs to help him pay around 4.4 million in back taxes. This is the second time that the former king has settles outstanding debts with the tax authorities. In December he paid nearly 680,000 in owed taxes. Carlos Cruzado, president of Gestha, believes that these loans should be investigated to see if they are in fact undercover donations. There is a huge difference for tax purposes: donations are taxed at 40% when there is no family connection between the donor and the recipient. But loans are not taxed. Cruzado said one might question whether Juan Carlos, who is 83, is really going to return the alleged loans. His official income has also been considerably reduced after his son withdrew the annual salary of nearly 200,000 he had been receiving. But the president of Gestha admits that if the paperwork is in order, it is very hard to prove that a loan is not a loan, since only time will tell whether the money is ever returned. With additional reporting by Natalia Junquera. English version by Susana Urra. A group of scientists are building a digital twin of our planet Earth. This group of scientists, based in Europe, are building a highly detailed and accurate digital twin of planet Earth so they can model predictions based on it. Read on to find out about this digital twin of Earth. The Digital Twin of Earth Also Read: Earth Microbes Could Survive On Martian Surface, Says A New Study As per a report by Popular Mechanics website, over the next decade, a group of talented programmers and climate change scientists will work together to create a very highly accurate model of Earth digitally. The scientists will use this model to run simulations related to climate change. global warming and a host of other situations so as to better prepare for the outcomes the planet will face in the coming years. This Earth clone project is a collaborative effort between the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts(ECMWF), the Europan Space Agency(ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites(EUMETSAT). The programming and computing for the actual project will happen at ETH Zurich and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre(CSCS). This project is being done to help achieve Europe's goal to become completely carbon neutral by the year 2050. Also Read: A 'stadium Sized' Asteroid To Shoot Past Earth At A Safe Distance What will the Digital Twin Do? The scientists will use data about climate change and as well as human activities like deforestation, industrialisation, and pollution to run simulations through a supercomputer on this digital model of the Earth. The simulation will help scientists predict and determine outcomes for these events. It will help scientists determine the potential consequences of weather events as well as human structures - like for example, what will happen to the city of Venice which is basically located inside is a lake, when the water levels eventually rise or whether the Effiel Tower will survive an Earthquake. Also Read: Milky Way May Be Filled With Aquatic Planets Like Earth, Says New Study ETH Zurich said in a statement that the new Earth system model will represent virtually all processes on the Earth's surface very realistically. The simulation will be able to accurately predict the impact of the influence of humans on water, food and energy generation. This will all be done in addition to climate change simulations which will accurately represent what the earth will look like if global warming doesn't get stopped or reversed in the next few years. This digital model of the Earth will serve as an important tool to combat climate change and make better decisions that will help the planet thrive. Also Read: Astronomers Detect Residue Of Earth-like Planets Orbiting Four Dwarf Stars In Deep Space Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. - By Margaret Moran The Causeway International Value (Trades, Portfolio) Fund recently disclosed its portfolio updates for the fourth quarter of 2020, which ended on Dec. 31. Founded in 2001, the fund is part of Sarah Ketterer (Trades, Portfolio)'s Causeway Capital Management. The portfolio managers of the Los Angeles-based fund utilize a bottom-up, research-based investing strategy to identify value opportunities from among mid-cap and large-cap companies mainly in developed international markets, though it may invest up to 15% of total assets in emerging markets. The fund's strategy also prefers companies that return cash to shareholders through dividends or repurchases. Based on its investing criteria, the fund's top buys for the quarter were Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) and Pernod Ricard SA (XPAR:RI), while its top sells were Deutsche Post AG (XTER:DPW) and Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.). Rolls-Royce Holdings The fund boosted its Rolls-Royce Holdings (LSE:RR.) position by 99,791,780 shares, or 269.47%, for a total investment of 136,824,608 shares. The trade had a 2.70% impact on the equity portfolio. During the quarter, shares traded for an average price of 0.95 British pounds ($1.32). Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Rolls-Royce Holdings is a British holding company that owns operations in aerospace and defense, as well as engineering power and propulsion systems. It should be noted that the namesake luxury automaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was sold to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BSE:BMW), also known as BMW, in 1998. On March 1, shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings traded around 1.08 pounds for a market cap of 13.55 billion pounds. According to the GuruFocus Value chart, the stock is a possible value trap, as the price is too far below the intrinsic value estimate. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva The company has a financial strength rating of 2 out of 10 and a profitability rating of 5 out of 10. The current ratio of 1.02 and Altman Z-Score of 0.41 indicate the company will likely need to raise additional liquidity to avoid bankruptcy. The operating margin of -5.76% and net margin of -7.93% indicate the company is not currently profitable. Story continues Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Pernod Ricard The fund established a new position worth 283,859 shares in Pernod Ricard (XPAR:RI), impacting the equity portfolio by 0.97%. Shares traded for an average price of 151.47 euros ($182.45) during the quarter. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Headquartered in Paris, Pernod Ricard is a premium alcoholic beverages company whose signature products, Pernod Anise and Ricard Pastis, are both "pastis aperitifs," which are anise-flavored spirits with less than 100 g/l sugar and 40% to 45% ABV (alcohol by volume). On March 1, shares of Pernod Ricard traded around 157.35 euros for a market cap of 41.05 billion euros. According to the GF Value chart, the stock is modestly overvalued. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva The company has a financial strength rating of 4 out of 10 and a profitability rating of 7 out of 10. While the Altman Z-Score of 2.45 indicates potential financial distress, the Piotroski F-Score of 5 out of 9 is typical of a financially stable company. The return on invested capital is typically higher than the weighted average cost of capital, meaning the company is creating value for shareholders. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Deutsche Post The fund reduced its stake in Deutsche Post (XTER:DPW) by 1,665,676 shares, or 85.66%, leaving a remaining holding of 278,931 shares. The trade had a -1.58% impact on the equity portfolio. During the quarter, shares traded for an average price of 40.05 euros. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Deutsche Post is a German multinational package delivery and supply chain management company with headquarters in Bonn, Germany. It is the largest courier company in the world, offering international postal services to European business customers for letters and lightweight goods. On March 1, shares of Deutsche Post traded around 41.06 euros for a market cap of 51.20 billion euros. According to the GF Value chart, the stock is modestly overvalued. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva The company has a financial strength rating of 6 out of 10 and a profitability rating of 6 out of 10. It has no debt and a strong Piotroski F-Score of 6 out of 9. The three-year revenue growth rate is 3.4%, while the three-year Ebitda growth rate is 17.8%. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Aviva The fund sold out of its 19,516,978-share investment in Aviva (LSE:AV.), impacting the equity portfolio by -1.52%. Shares traded for an average price of 3.06 pounds during the quarter. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Aviva is a London-based British insurance company that sells insurance policies to about 33 million customers in 16 countries. In its home country, it is the largest general insurer and a leading provider of life insurance and pensions. On March 1, shares of Aviva traded around 3.62 pounds for a market cap of 14.22 billion pounds. According to the GF Value chart, the stock is a possible value trap, as the price is too far below the intrinsic value estimate. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva The company has a financial strength rating of 5 out of 10 and a profitability rating of 5 out of 10. The cash-debt ratio of 1.85 is about average for the industry, while the Piotroski F-Score of 6 out of 9 indicates a financially stable situation. The net margin of 3.70% has been on the rise in recent years but still underperforms the industry median of 6.43%. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Portfolio overview In total, the Causeway International Value (Trades, Portfolio) Fund established three new positions during the quarter, sold out of 10 positions and added to or reduced several other holdings for a turnover of 12%. As of the quarter's end, the equity portfolio consisted of 57 common stock holdings valued at a total of $5.52 billion. The top holdings were Volkswagen AG (XTER:VOW3) with a 4.17% portfolio weight, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (XKRX:005930) with 3.85% and Rolls-Royce with 3.70%. In terms of sector weighting, the fund was most invested in industrials and financial services, followed by technology and health care. Causeway International Value Fund Buys Rolls-Royce, Dumps Aviva Disclosure: Author owns no shares in any of the stocks mentioned. The mention of stocks in this article does not at any point constitute an investment recommendation. Portfolio updates reflect only common stock positions as per the regulatory filings for the quarter in question and may not include changes made after the quarter ended. Read more here: Top 4th-Quarter Buys of Frank Sands' Firm Hillman Capital's Top 4 Buys of the 4th Quarter The Top New Buys of Larry Robbins' Firm Not a Premium Member of GuruFocus? Sign up for a free 7-day trial here. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. A black-headed gull flies over the Haihe River in north China's Tianjin, Feb. 27, 2021. In recent years, with the improvement of the ecological environment in Tianjin, the water quality of Haihe River has been continuously ameliorated, attracting many black-headed gulls from late November to March the next year. (Photo by Sun Fanyue/Xinhua) 5 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Congress general secretary Vadra on Monday claimed that BJP leaders talk about implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in various parts of the country, but lack the courage to mention it in witnessed violent protests against the CAA in 2019 and five persons lost their lives. The grand alliance of the Congress and six other parties will form the government in after the election as people are fed up with the false promises made by the BJP, she said. "The BJP makes tall promises before elections but during the next five years, they do nothing to fulfil them and people have realised it," the Congress leader told reporters after addressing a meeting of party workers here. BJP leaders move around the country talking about implementing the CAA but are silent about it when they come to Assam, Gandhi said. "They lack the courage to mention it in the state and people of Assam should never allow them to even talk about it, let alone implement it," she said. The objective of the CAA is to grant Indian citizenship to people of minority communities Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who had come to India till December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution in these countries. REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Informatica, the enterprise cloud data management leader, today announced the appointment of John Schweitzer, Executive Vice Present & Chief Revenue Office. Schweitzer joins Informatica most recently from Software AG. He brings 25-years of experience with demonstrated success in transforming enterprise SaaS companies into multi-billion dollar businesses and has held leadership positions driving go-to-market strategy at Workday, Datastax, SAP, Oracle and Hyperion, in addition to SoftwareAG. "I am extremely thrilled to have John join us as our Chief Revenue Officer," said Amit Walia, CEO, Informatica. "We are poised for exponential growth this year with our cloud-first, cloud-native strategy. Last year was a record year for our cloud first strategy as we expanded our customer base globally, helping companies like Unilever, the FDA, Greater Bank of Australia, Jardine Motors pivot to a cloud-first model to data management. Our deep strategic partnerships with AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Snowflake and Databricks have continued to drive our ability to help our customers accelerate their data-driven digital transformation journey. John has demonstrated success in transforming hyper-growth companies and will play a critical role in our next phase of growth as Informatica extends its market leadership in cloud data management." Informatica is the market and innovation leader with the industry's only cloud-native intelligent data platform that has been recognized as a Gartner Magic Quadrant leader in ALL five categories of enterprise cloud data management for several years in a row. Under CEO, Amit Walia, Informatica has posted double-digit cloud revenue growth and accelerated customer adoption of the Informatica Intelligent Cloud Services platform to become the industry's preferred choice in cloud data management. Schweitzer's industry track record and expertise driving customer and revenue growth globally will further extend Informatica's success as a market leader in cloud data management. "I am excited to join team Informatica. They are driving data-driven digital transformation across enterprises in a wide variety of verticals," said John Schweitzer, Chief Revenue Officer, Informatica. "Informatica's AI-powered cloud-native product innovation, combined with its vendor neutrality in partnering with cloud hyperscalers positions it uniquely to be the preferred choice in a multi-cloud environment with the most comprehensive platform for enterprise-scale cloud data transformation. I couldn't be more excited to join the industry leader in cloud data management, and look forward to building on our global momentum." About Informatica Informatica, the Enterprise Cloud Data Management leader, accelerates data-driven digital transformation. Informatica enables companies to fuel innovation, become more agile, and realize new growth opportunities, resulting in intelligent market disruptions. Over the last 25 years, Informatica has helped more than 9,000 customers unleash the power of data. For more information, call +1 650-385-5000 (1-800-653-3871 in the U.S.), or visit www.informatica.com. Connect with Informatica on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. SOURCE Informatica Fable Tech Labs Inc. (Fable), a leading accessibility testing platform powered by people with disabilities, is pleased to announce that Alwar Pillai, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, has earned a 2021 Report on Business Changemakers award. Changemakers is a new editorial award program produced by The Globe and Mails Report on Business magazine. Its intent is to showcase the emerging leaders transforming business today. Pillai is one of 50 inaugural winners of the award. I consider this an honour and also recognition of the importance of Fables mission to make the digital world more accessible for over one billion people living with disabilities, says Pillai. Report on Business solicited nominations for the Changemakers award in late 2020. Winners were selected by The Globe and Mails award-winning editorial team based their ideas, accomplishments and impact, as determined by their nominations, subsequent interviews and reference checks. As the Canadian economy recovers from the pandemic, many people are seeking ways to make business more sustainable, inclusive, innovative and fair, says James Cowan, editor of Report on Business magazine. The 50 Changemakers on our inaugural list serve as inspiration and instruction for any business leader seeking to effect meaningful change. Editorial coverage of all 2021 Changemakers can be found in the March 2021 issue of Report on Business magazine, distributed with The Globe and Mail on Saturday, February 27th, and online now at http://www.tgam.ca/Changemakers. About The Globe and Mail The Globe and Mail is Canadas foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With our award-winning coverage of business, politics and national affairs, The Globe and Mail newspaper reaches 5.9 million readers every week in our print or digital formats, and Report on Business magazine reaches 2.1 million readers in print and digital every issue. Our investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family. About Fable Fable is an accessibility testing platform powered by people with disabilities. Fable moves organizations from worrying about compliance to building incredible and accessible user experiences. Fable enables accessibility managers, user researchers, designers, and developers to connect to people with disabilities remotely and on-demand. Fable also provides full-service accessibility audits, training, and expert-led workshops that help companies operationalize accessibility. To learn more, visit https://makeitfable.com. Editor's Note: The headline on this story was updated to be more accurate based on the content of this story. For the foreseeable future, Dow has no plans for local employees to return to their office jobs, despite a declining positivity rate in Michigan COVID-19 cases. Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic in America, Michigan is the 9th state for number of vaccines administered, with the total count being 1,942,759 as of Wednesday. At the same time, Michigan has seen a steady decline over the last six weeks in the positivity case rate. On Wednesday, Michigans Chief Medical Executive Joneigh Khaldun said in a press conference that Michigan's positive case rate is 95 cases per million people and trending down. Dow has more than 14,000 employees still working on site globally, as Dow is a supplier of raw materials used to make critical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hand sanitizer, IV bags and disinfectants. For those still going into work, Dow has implemented protocols to keep them safe. A media spokesperson for Dow explained that their data confirms their efforts have worked. They include: Screening temperature testing and monitoring daily health PPE and social distancing proper PPE and adjusting working conditions for social distancing Sanitation hang washing and frequent disinfecting of the workplace However, the rest of the Dow team is working from home, just like most other businesses in town and across the country. Working remotely has become the norm for many office-based employees as the COVID-19 pandemic comes up on its one-year mark here in the United States. However, Dow continues to lead the way in preparing for a return to work. In late January, the Midland-based corporate giant published its updated Return to Workplace Playbook, which outlines how the company will determine when it is safe to have employees return to work, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Dow continues to leverage its corporate Crisis Management Team, as well as regional crisis teams. Regional crisis management teams will assess a return to the workplace plan based on internal and external criteria to determine risks, timing and readiness. External criteria include evidence of decreased incidence and distribution of COVID-19 within the region or district. Evidence of this would include: Virus case doubling rate is greater than 30 days Death rate is below 2.5/million/day New case rate is below 40 cases/million/day Current COVID death rate is less than 10% of peak COVID death rate In addition, the teams are assessing government restrictions and local health systems to ensure that not only have local mandates been removed or eased, but that local hospitals would be safely able to treat all patients requiring hospitalizations. Once a return to work is in sight, Dow will use phase employees back into the office, starting with employees who provide critical support to essential teams, followed by employees who could perform the full scope of their jobs by returning to work. The playbook also includes specific information for Dow employees on safety protocol guidelines, such as wearing a face mask, social distancing and what to expect in a screening test. It also includes a section on individual wellbeing and resources. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. Were getting a ton of extra sunlight in space just because of that, said Paul Jaffe, an engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and co-developer of the project. In a paper published last month in the IEEE Journal of Microwaves, Jaffe and his team noted that the most far-reaching application of space-based power beaming technology is the continuous transfer of boundless electrical power to Earth. The technique works by sending a pilot signal from the destination antenna on Earth to the solar panel in space. Once a pilot signal is received, microwave beams will be transmitted to the requesting location, where the beams will be picked up using a receiver and converted into electricity. The prototype hasnt directly transmitted energy to Earth, but this process is already proven and is just awaiting testing. The researchers will be using a technique called retro-directive beam control so that the prototype would know precisely where to send the beam of energy and not fire it at the wrong target. Building in space also offers some benefits. According to Jaffe, gravity is a huge problem when building large structures because these objects would have to support their own weight. The weak gravitational pull would then helpful when scaling up PRAM. (Related: Solar power 24/7: China plans to build first solar power station in space and beam power to Earth .) On top of PRAMs unique location, its ability to beam energy to any place on the planet gives it an edge over ground-based sources of power. You can send power to Chicago and a fraction of a second later, if you needed, send it instead to London or Brasilia, Jaffe noted. PRAM is currently capable of capturing and transmitting around 10 watts of energy , which is enough to power only a portable electronic device. But once scaled up, it can deliver enormous amounts of energy to off-grid areas worldwide and provide relief for overloaded power grids, like what happened in Texas recently. My family lives in Texas and theyre all living without power right now in the middle of a cold front because the grid is overloaded, said Chris DePuma, Jaffes colleague at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and a co-developer of the project. So if you had a system like this, you could redirect some power over there, DePuma added. The team envisions building a larger satellite composed of dozens of solar panels, which would be able to catch more sunlight and more energy. But the challenge, according to Jaffe, is economic viability. Building hardware for space is expensive, he said. But thats likely to change soon as costs have been going down in the last decade, he added. He also allayed fears that bad actors could weaponize the technology and create a giant space laser. The size of the antenna required to create a destructive beam, according to Jaffe, would be so huge that it would be noticed in the months or years it would take to be assembled. Weaponizing solar power from space would be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, he said. Learn more about emerging technologies that may help power the future at Power.news. Sources include: Explained: What caused power cuts in Mumbai, how dangerous is the outage? Report says massive power outage in Mumbai may have been handiwork of China China refutes reports on attacks against India's power grid International oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 01: China on Monday refuted reports that Chinese hackers were behind the massive power outage that wiped out India's financial capital Mumbai last year. Mumbai power outage in october was caused by a China linked threat activity group?| Oneindia News Releasing a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "As a staunch defender of cyber security, China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber attacks." "Speculation and fabrication have no role to play on the issue of cyber attacks, as it is very difficult to trace the origin of a cyber attack. It is highly irresponsible to accuse a particular party when there is no sufficient evidence around, China is firmly opposed to such irresponsible and ill-intentioned practice," Wang added. Amidst the tense border tension between India and China, a Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted India's critical power grid system through malware, a US company has said in its latest study, raising suspicion whether last year's massive power outage in Mumbai was a result of the online intrusion. Recorded Future, a Massachusetts-based company which studies the use of the internet by state actors, in its recent report details the campaign conducted by a China-linked threat activity group RedEcho targeting the Indian power sector. The activity was identified through a combination of large-scale automated network traffic analytics and expert analysis. 'No impact' on power grid operations due to malware attack: Centre Data sources include the Recorded Future Platform, SecurityTrails, Spur, Farsight and common open-source tools and techniques, the report said. In New Delhi, the Ministry of Power on Monday said there is no impact on operations of Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) due to any malware attack and that prompt actions are taken on advisories issued against such threats. Responding on the findings of the study, the ministry said, "There is no impact on any of the functionalities carried out by POSOCO due to the referred threat. No data breach/ data loss has been detected due to these incidents." Shape the Future of Learning As a former student of Dr. Dejus, I can attest to the high value this course brings to entrepreneurs, and the timing couldnt be more important, said Phyllis Newhouse an Atlanta, GA entrepreneur, retired military senior noncommissioned officer, and Founder and CEO of Xtreme Solutions, Inc. Curriki, the nonprofit that makes interactive learning experiences available to everyone, today announced the launch of the Deju Institute of Entrepreneurial Leaderships course, "How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur," as a free, online interactive program geared to help entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. Dr. Raul Deju has taught this course to entrepreneurs over the past decade leading to the creation of hundreds of successful companies several with revenue in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Today, through CurrikiStudio, the course has been transformed into an interactive 20-hour plus online experience offered free to university entrepreneurship programs and individual entrepreneurs. Interested organizations can submit a request to speak with Curriki about bringing the course to their campuses or entrepreneurship programs in business accelerators by clicking on this link. This free entrepreneurship course, by acclaimed business creator and leader Dr. Raul Deju, provides students with the framework to turn an idea into a successful product or to scale an existing business to the next level. Eight modules cover critical areas of entrepreneurship, spanning from the anatomy of a business plan to developing product and service excellence. The program also covers the importance of being a principled entrepreneur and provides practical tools for entrepreneurial fundraising. The video lectures in each module have been made interactive by CurrikiStudio with key questions interspersed throughout the lectures. Each module also includes open-ended reflection questions, opportunities to test run elevator pitches via audio recording, and a module quiz. Supplementary material from well-known entrepreneurs and business leaders including success stories like Jeff Bezos, Bill Marriott, and Elon Musk are linked to the lectures to provide a broad range of viewpoints. I am thrilled with the way Curriki has activated the entrepreneurship course and with the commitment of the Curriki team to open-source education. I am confident that the new online course will enrich higher education entrepreneurship programs and inspire entrepreneurs to build enterprises that will make the world a better place and financially reward them and their teams, commented Dr. Raul Deju, Partner at Brightstar Capital Partners and founder of the Deju Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership. As a former student of Dr. Dejus, I can attest to the high value this course brings to entrepreneurs, and the timing for the release of the course couldnt be more important, said Phyllis Newhouse an Atlanta, GA entrepreneur, retired military senior noncommissioned officer and Founder and CEO of Xtreme Solutions, Inc. I am very impressed with how the course has been reinvented for online learning to help many would-be entrepreneurs including those leaving the military service. The Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership led by Dr. Raul Deju and now being put into an online form in Curriki gives students the cornerstones for building successful businesses. From idea to go-to-market, and everything in between and after, Dr. Deju equips entrepreneurs with the tooling required for building a business, said John Sanchez, a San Francisco, CA-based Entrepreneur. I have started and successfully exited two enterprise businesses and built a new division of a company that paved the way for the companys current successful acquisition program. In each business, I successfully implemented the ideas and skills I learned from Dr. Deju. We are absolutely thrilled to launch 'How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur,' the very first higher education course created with the CurrikiStudio content authoring platform, commented Abby Ross, Curriki CEO. The pandemic has challenged higher education institutions to dive into online learning and now they are scrambling to catch up, which could be extremely expensive and require technical expertise. But as we have proven with this new course, CurrikiStudio tears down those barriers. CurrikiStudio is a free technology and requires no coding experience at all. We invite colleges to use the platform to design and publish online courses with CurrikiStudio. CurrikiStudio, the platform that transformed "How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur" into an interactive learning experience, is free for colleges, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to create, manage, and deliver learning content. The platform provides over fifty unique activity types, such as interactive video, 360-degree tours, drag and drop, and immersive reader, that can be used to create complete courses. Courses created with CurrikiStudio can be published to Learning Management Systems and are accessible on any device. To learn more about how your university or organization can use CurrikiStudio to build your online learning program submit a request. About Dr. Raul Deju Dr. Raul Deju is a Partner at Brightstar Capital Partners a New York-based private equity firm. He is also a Member of the Companys Investment Committee. He currently serves as Board Chair of Amerit Fleet Solutions, Vice-Chair of Texas Water Supply Company, and Board Member of QualTek, all Brightstar portfolio companies. Dr. Deju is a native of Cuba who migrated to the United States in his early teens. Dr. Deju is the author of seven books, the most recent titled We Got Mojo. He serves as the founding director, instructor, and financial supporter of the Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership where he has taught entrepreneurship to many students leading to the current online course on Entrepreneurship. For more on Dr. Deju click on https://www.curriki.org/deju-about/ About Curriki Build what you want the future of learning to be. Curriki is an independent 501(c)(3) organization, provider of free and open tools to design, customize and deliver interactive learning content all in one place. Be a part of changing the lives of learners all over the world by enabling great minds to reach and teach today's learners. https://www.curriki.org/ The Register at the Military Women's Memorial is a one-of-a-kind interactive database that records and preserves the names, service information, photographs and memorable experiences of each registered servicewoman. Though more than 3 million women have served in the Armed Forces since the American Revolution, only about 300,000 have registered their service at the Memorial. The newly launched National Registration Campaign aims to drastically increase that number by building awareness of the Memorial and encouraging every servicewoman to take their rightful place in history. "We are honored to partner with the Military Women's Memorial to tell the important stories of our nation's military women," said James Schenck, president/CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of PenFed Foundation. "We hope Americans from all over the country gain inspiration from these stories and that all women veterans and current service members share their stories with the Military Women's Memorial through their database. It's important that we always remember the women who bravely served our great nation and continue to honor their sacrifice." Led by Andrea McCarren, an award-winning nationally recognized journalist with decades of experience, PenFed Digital will be broadcasting a live simulcast from The Villages, Fla. March 1 at 12:30 p.m. featuring Schenck and Memorial President and retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phyllis Wilson. Joining Schenck and Wilson to share their trailblazing stories will be women veteran residents of The Villages, an area known for its high density of veterans. PenFed Digital will also share several video interviews and profiles of women service members from all branches throughout Women's History Month via The Military Women's Memorial and PenFed's social media channels. "We are grateful for PenFed's help in sharing the mission of the Memorial's National Registration Campaign," said Wilson. "While the Memorial is home to service stories of roughly 300,000 women, this represents only ten percent of the women who have served to date. We look forward to celebrating Women's History Month with many new registrations that will ensure the stories of military women are forever captured in American history." Women veterans are encouraged to visit the Memorial's brand new website, and updated Register database and to explore the exclusive member benefits. In addition to preserving history and inspiring future generations of girls, benefits of registration include an employment and career resource portal focused on women transitioning out of the military and women veterans seeking career advice, discounted tuition, and more. About PenFed Credit Union Established in 1935, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) is America's second-largest federal credit union, serving 2.2 million members worldwide with $27 billion in assets. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading certificates, checking, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and a wide range of other financial services with members' interests always in mind. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender. To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org , like us on Facebook and follow us @PenFed on Twitter . Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn . We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. About The Military Women's Memorial The Military Women's Memorial, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is the only historical repository documenting all military women's service. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and features an education center, interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women stories, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Donate to this Charity Navigator 4 Star Organization and join the National Registration Campaign to help share the stories of women veterans. Find out more about us at www.womensmemorial.org or by following us on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Twitter . #HERstory #AppreSHEation SOURCE PenFed Credit Union Related Links http://www.PenFed.org The trial of a man accused of the murder of David Douglas, who was shot dead in Dublin five years ago, has opened at the Special Criminal Court this morning where the prosecution says the court will hear evidence of a "meticulously and carefully planned assassination". Lee Canavan (31), with an address at Edenbrook, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Douglas, who was shot dead at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016. He further denies criminal damage to a vehicle at Strand Road, Sandymount, on July 4, 2016, the property of Teresa Devoy. Mr Canavan is the fourth person to appear before the courts charged in connection to the murder. The State is alleging that Mr Canavan "literally pulled the trigger" in the crime. Mr Sean Gillane SC, opening the case for the State, said the murder was a "carefully and meticulously planned one, to ensure that David Douglas met his death". Mr Gillane said that the court would hear evidence of how Mr Douglas was shot in his shop while he was working with his daughter and was fatally wounded, sustaining six gunshot injuries. Counsel said that Mr Douglas was found lying on his back after the shooting with injuries to his chest, neck, back, torso, elbow and jaw. Mr Gillane said that evidence will be heard that a semi-automatic pistol was found with the "hammer of the weapon, which had its serial number removed, still cocked near the head of Mr Douglas". He was pronounced dead by the emergency services at 4.55pm. Mr Gillane said that it is the State's case that a male in dark clothing, who entered Mr Douglas' shop shortly after 4pm on the day of the shooting, is Mr Canavan. Counsel added that this male then ran towards the Oliver Bond apartment block in Dublin's Liberties. Counsel said that on the day of the shooting Mr Douglas was seen by witnesses going to get food and returning to his daughter in the shop, which he owned with his partner. Immediately after the shooting, Mr Douglas' daughter rushed to his aid and the emergency services were called. Mr Gillane said that the male in dark clothing then got into a waiting Mercedes on Oliver Bond Street that witnesses will say then speed off. The Mercedes was then set alight near Carman's Hall in Dublin 8. Counsel said that during the course of setting the Mercedes alight, however, the driver's leg caught fire and he, with his leg still alight, could be seen running with Mr Canavan towards a Suzuki Swift, a stolen vehicle, which itself was set alight three days later on Strand Road. Mr Gillane said that the court would hear of the movements of four vehicles on the day and that evidence would be produced linking Mr Canavan, through a fingerprint and a DNA sample, to two cars involved. Counsel said that a number of items were removed from the Mercedes, including the "burned carcasses of mobile phones and a balaclava". He said that while the two alleged crimes were three days apart that they were "intimately linked". Relating to the allegation of the burning of the Suzuki, Mr Gillane said that the State alleges that two males, Mr Canavan and a Mr Foley, who was driving, were in a blue Mitsubishi Mirage and that both the inside of the Mitsubishi and their clothing smelled of petrol. In January 2019, Nathan Foley (22) of Maryland, Dublin 8, was jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation by driving one of four cars and buying mobile phones used in the offence. In August 2018, Frederick 'Fat Freddie' Thompson was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of Mr Douglas. Mr Michael Bowman SC, defending Mr Canavan, said that there was a live appeal in the case of Thompson. Gardai arrested both men on suspicion of criminal damage and both the Suzuki and the Mitsubishi were recovered for analysis, he said. A fourth car, a Ford Fiesta, was used for logistics and spotting, he added. "Four vehicles were used in concert in planning and executing the murder," he said, adding that the movements of these vehicles were key to understanding the killing. Mr Gillane said that some CCTV footage was "crystal clear regarding the vehicles and individuals involved". Counsel said that the stolen Mercedes was "ultimately the murder vehicle" and was parked "offside on the morning of the killing at Lullymore Terrace for later use" at around 3.54pm. Mr Gillane said that evidence will hear that, on the day, Frederick Thompson alighted from the Fiesta on Meath Street and spoke to a female while he broke up a mobile phone as he looked towards the scene of the murder. He said that the State is alleging that two males later exited the Mitsubishi near St Stephen's Green and went to a restaurant on Capel Street and that these two men were Mr Canavan and Thompson. Mr Gillane said that evidence will show that Mr Canavan and Thompson were later joined at the restaurant by Mr Foley. Counsel said that Thomspon's fingerprint was found in the Fiesta while his DNA was found in a sample taken from an inhaler in the Mitsubishi. Mr Gillane said that forensic analysis and CCTV evidence would make a "clear identification" of who got out of the Mitsubishi after the burning of the Suzuki, which was "ultimately, the getaway car". The case continues at the non-jury court on Tuesday before presiding judge Mr Justice Michael McGrath, Ms Justice Sinead Ni Chulachain and Mr Justice Dermot Dempsey and is scheduled for four weeks. Exhibitors included: ABM, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Romora Bay Resort & Marina, Valentine's Resort & Marina, Bay Street Marina, Hurricane Hole Marina, Nassau Yacht Haven, Abaco Beach Resort, Tropic Ocean Air, United Island & Yacht-United Shipping and Makers Air. Originally scheduled to take place in Nassau, Bahamas in February 2021, the show was moved to the Rybovich Superyacht facility to accommodate the international brokers and respect the current COVID-19 restrictions by the Bahamas government. While at the show, Minister D'Aguilar conducted one-on-one meetings with the brokers thanking them for their continuous support of The Bahamas and educated them on The Bahamas' new digitized Click2Clear cruise platforms, safety travel protocols, new marina products and destination experiences available to them and their guests. The Minister noted that "prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism to The Bahamas was performing remarkably well and was poised for record-breaking performances. The impact of the pandemic, however, was felt by us all. Despite a slower rebound, especially with our hotels and airline operators, we are indeed grateful to our neighbors in the North who continue to visit us by private aircrafts, boats and charter yachts, which have benefited our Family Islands greatly." "As COVID-19 cases here in the U.S. decline daily, and as more and more businesses begin to reopen and persons prepare to travel again, we want to remind you and your guests, that The Bahamas, blessed with great beauty, diversity and geography (located 50 miles from the U.S., the world's greatest economy and three of the largest cruise ship ports) is open for business. Our entry protocols are quick and easy, and we are ready to share our hospitality with you," said Minister D'Aguilar. According to Peter Maury, President of ABM and owner of Bay Street Marina, "We simply could not let the opportunity to hold this event at Rybovich Marina pass us, especially when the international charter brokers were already here in Florida, and 90% of the charter yacht business that comes to The Bahamas is booked through these brokers." "COVID -19 has changed the rules of engagement for doing charter business. The Bahamas government must be commended for its swift actions to curtail COVID-19 cases, install digitized cruise and charter platforms and reopen its borders and economy, quickly and safely, especially as other destinations remain closed for business," said Joseph Dargavage, Vice President of ABM, Partner at Romora Bay Resort & Marina and Chairman for the Bahamas Charter Yacht Show. "As a result of this, The Bahamas destination has now been added to many new brokers' schedules, and we have seen an increase in enquiries and charter yacht bookings to the destination like never before. We are only beginning to scratch the surface of the potential revenue that yacht chartering can provide to us. In fact, The Bahamas is still in its infancy stage in this charter arena, and based on the feedback and interest shown in The Bahamas destination, I expect yacht charter business in The Bahamas to grow five-fold, within the next five years," he said. "We also plan to conduct a series of small Bahamas charter show events in Florida throughout the year to further promote The Bahamas, its ease of getting there, safety protocols and culture. Plans are also underway to hold the 2022 Bahamas Charter Yacht Show in Nassau, comprising three days in Nassau with post trips to the Out Islands," said Darvagage. ABOUT THE BAHAMAS Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It's Better in The Bahamas. PRESS INQUIRIES D. Earnestine Moxyz Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation [email protected] SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Related Links http://www.bahamas.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 00:45:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A batch of Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first COVID-19 vaccine to reach the Southeast Asian country. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the unloading of the vaccines at a Philippine Air Force base located in the capital. "I convey my sincere gratitude to the Chinese people and the government of China for this gesture of friendship and solidarity," Duterte said in a televised address. Duterte said receiving the CoronaVac vaccines from China makes another step forward in the Philippines' fight against COVID-19. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that it not only shows the friendship between the two countries and peoples but also signifies the intent of both militaries in jointly fighting against COVID-19 and deepening defense cooperation. China has provided support to the Philippines's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic early last year. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the arrival of the Chinese vaccines is a sign of continued friendship between the Philippines and China. "We are celebrating the arrival of the Sinovac vaccines," Roque said during the live coverage of the vaccine arrival. The landing of the aircraft that brought the vaccines to the Philippines "symbolizes hope," he added. Enditem Regional Manipur cops nab 2 more women for bomb attack at media house Correspondent IMPHAL, MAR 1 | Publish Date: 3/1/2021 12:56:58 PM IST Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Manipur Police investigating into the recent bomb attack at a media house here arrested two more women suspects. Police have so far arrested six suspects involved in the bomb attack at the office of Poknapham, a local daily published from Imphal, which also houses its sister publication Peoples Chronicle. Four male suspects were arrested earlier and are currently in police custody after Imphal West chief judicial magistrate (CJM) remanded them till March 6. The two women suspects were also produced in the Imphal CJM court on Monday with a prayer for taking their custody for further investigation on their involvement in the case. The court remanded them in police custody till March 6. On the evening of February 13, an Activa scooter without registration plate and rode by a woman lobbed a Chinese-made hand grenade at the office of Poknapham in Imphals Keishampat, which failed to explode. The police suspect the woman to be a member of valley-based armed group and declared her wanted, besides announcing Rs 50,000 as bounty on her head. Denouncing the bomb attack, journalists launched a cease-work strike from the day of attack till February 19. However, the journalists once again launched the cease-work strike after an armed group, while owning up the attack, asked Poknapham to suspend publication for six months. After two days of cease-work strike, the journalists once again resumed work from Sunday. 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. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech University and prominent climate communicator, is joining the Nature Conservancy as its next chief scientist, the organization announced Monday. Hayhoe will be stepping down as co-director of her university's climate center but will still hold an academic appointment while being involved with the environmental group, where she will play a leading role in its global climate advocacy and adaptation work. Her scientific research has long focused on adaptation and resiliency, two priority areas for the Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy is one of the most far-reaching environmental groups and is involved in conservation work in 72 countries. The group claims to have protected more than 125 million acres of land and is also involved in marine conservation projects. The United Nations selected Hayhoe for its U.N. Champions of the Earth award in 2019, and the World Evangelical Alliance named her their climate ambassador this past year. She is a frequent media commentator, and her TED talk has earned nearly 4 million views. In an interview, Hayhoe, who was a lead author of the most recent National Climate Assessment, said the Nature Conservancy's values overlap with her own. Hayhoe has spent years communicating climate science information to diverse audiences, including some who might be politically opposed to such information, including farmers, ranchers and religious communities. "I truly believe that climate change affects everyone," she said, noting that the Conservancy works with a wide range of constituencies, including international corporations, governments and local populations. The group came under fire in 2019, accused of creating a hostile workplace for women and minorities, leading to the resignation of its senior leadership. Hayhoe will be the Conservancy's first female chief scientist, which she takes as a sign of positive change. Describing her conversations with leaders at the group, Hayhoe said, "Every single person has brought up their concern over diversity, over equity" and over ensuring all voices are heard. "I feel very much the same way," she added. Her sense, she said, is that "they have taken this extremely seriously." "As the climate emergency and biodiversity loss continue to affect our health, economies and very way of life, Katharine doesn't see these challenges as 'environmental issues,' but rather, 'everything issues.' And she's right," the Nature Conservancy's CEO, Jennifer Morris, said in a statement. "As we race to address these interrelated crises, Katharine's ability to galvanize audiences beyond the usual environmental bubble is monumental," The Conservancy is known in the environmental community, particularly during the past decade or so, for its close ties to major international corporations, which have invested in its projects. Hayhoe said having conversations with corporate leaders grappling with the environmental damage caused by their business models is key, but not so they can get away with the "greenwashing" of their activities. "I think there's a lot of people that do want to do the right thing today," she said, noting that companies, like individuals, might feel a lack of efficacy regarding how to change a business model to account for the environmental damage it causes. Hayhoe says she is in favor of "building bridges rather than digging trenches" when it comes to such a polarized issue as climate change. Her forthcoming book, to be published in September, tackles how climate change became so polarized and where to go from here. "We can do more together than we can apart," she said. In the wake of announcements by Bank of Ireland (today) and Ulster Bank, Longford / Westmeath Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy says it is time to explore using the An Post Network as a third banking force in this country. Senator Carrigy said, It is another very tough day for banking staff with the very disappointing news that BOI has made the decision to close 88 branches in the Republic of Ireland. Also read: Announcement of closure of Granard's Bank of Ireland branch a 'kick in the teeth' for rural Ireland "Unfortunately, this means for Longford the closure of the branch in Granard and for Westmeath branches at Athlone IT, Castlepollard, Kinnegad and Moate. These branches are due to close from the end of September. "It is my understanding that there are about 200 full-time equivalent staff working in the Bank of Ireland locations that are being closed, who will be offered a range of options including transfers to other branches or different parts of the business as well as voluntary redundancy. BOI have said that there will be no compulsory departures. "However, I welcome the announcement that Bank of Ireland has signed a deal to allow personal and business customers use their local An Post office for certain services, including cash withdrawals and cash and cheque lodgments. This will be of some comfort to the many thousands of loyal customers which will be effected by the closures especially our older citizen who are unable to use online banking. Also read: Longford Westmeath Sinn Fein TD says action needed to avoid crisis in womens healthcare Senator Carrigy concluded, As I said last week in the Seanad with the closure of Ulster Bank and now the announcement this morning from Bank of Ireland a lot of towns around the county will find themselves with no banking facilities in a few years. "Now is the time to engage with An Post and use this opportunity to explore using the An Post Network as a third banking force in this country. This would reinforce the An Post network and ensure the continued survival of this essential service and it will also safeguard the footfall in our local towns and assist in the recovery and growth to our economy when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. An anti-mask group targeted a Santa Cruz Trader Joes for the second time in recent weeks on Sunday, some of whom compared the grocery store to Nazi Germany for enforcing a county-wide requirement for shoppers to wear masks. Fliers placed around Santa Cruz advertised the protest on Sunday, dubbing it as Freedom Day. The incident was the latest in a string of anti-mask protests at Trader Joes stores reported in California and Oregon. The fliers urged protesters to walk into a Nazi store without a mask and share the pictures and videos, apparently comparing the grocery stores requirement for shoppers to wear masks to Hitlers Third Reich. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long heralded mask wearing, when combined with other virus precautions like social distancing, as one of the most effective ways of reducing virus transmission and preventing future lockdowns. A small group materialized Sunday at the corner of Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue, The Mercury News reported, wielding signs with slogans like, Maskless Lives Matter. One sign depicted a crossed-out swastika. A line of employees kept the protesters from entering the store but some hassled people exiting Trader Joes, including one who mockingly asked a woman whether she was wearing a jockstrap on her face. The groups attempt to enter the store followed a Valentines Day protest at the same Trader Joes, where a maskless group of protesters videotaped themselves rushing the stores entrance and ignoring workers pleas to wear a mask or leave the store. The group selected items and dropped off cash at registers before leaving the store. Representatives from Trader Joes did not respond to a request for comment Monday. Santa Cruz County has required residents to wear face coverings while shopping in essential businesses since last April. As of Monday, the county reported 386 active known cases of COVID-19, and 183 coronavirus deaths. Trader Joes locations across the country have been targeted by anti-mask groups since near the beginning of the pandemic. A Trader Joes manager in Oregon went viral in January for his calm handling of a group of anti-maskers who erroneously cited the 1964 Civil Rights Act as a reason why they should be allowed to shop maskless, The Oregonian reported. An anti-mask protest at a Fresno Trader Joes earlier in January caused that location to close early, TV station KFSN reported. Anti-mask groups have frequently made comparisons to Nazi Germany when protesting mask requirements, including a group last year who extended their arms in Nazi salutes and yelled, sieg heil before a Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting in November. Michael Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email Michael.Williams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michaeldamianw Along with college applications and AP tests, seniors at Sage Creek High School in Carlsbad had additional obligations, including planning a surf contest, writing a novel or reducing drunken driving. As part of graduation requirements, seniors complete a Genius Project, based on a subject theyre passionate about, which impacts their community. It could be anything from working with kids to helping seniors or inventing a new device. They develop ideas in their junior year, complete them during senior year, and then present them to the school. Classmates vote on the top 60 projects, and a panel of parents, teachers and administrators select eight finalists. Those students delivered TED style talks about their projects at a forum Thursday at Sage Creek, a five-year-old campus that specializes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Advertisement This years graduating class of 300 is the second group to complete the Genius Project. Students said they explored their interests and learned valuable time management and business skills. Setting this example that you can do something great for your community is a good way of sending people off into the real world, said senior Chloe Easterbrook. Breathalyzer lock box: What do you do if youre at a party, and your designated driver is hitting the bottle? As high school students, were about to get into college, we thought about designated drinking, said Carter Peterson, 18. What about people cheating the system? Its a really big problem, designated drivers still drinking and driving. He and three partners designed a lock box for car keys thats programmed to open only after you pass a breathalyzer test. Users scan their thumb prints and deposit their keys in a secure box. When they return, they swipe their thumb again and breathe into the device. If theyre sober, they get the keys back. If the device detects alcohol, it remains locked for two more hours. Peterson hopes to market the product through a kickstarter campaign. We want to see if we can take the idea, get better materials and manufacturing and go public with it and start selling, he said. Ending human trafficking: Brianna Yang and Jazzy Chen, both 18, teamed up to make and sell book boxes, origami and other crafts to benefit an organization that fights human trafficking. Advertisement Chen said she started thinking about the project after she visited family members in Southeast Asia, and was dismayed to learn that girls her age were trapped in sex slavery. I went to Thailand and Cambodia and realized that prostitution is a really rampant problem there, she said. Both Yang and Chen are planning to work in fields of technology, but their project proved they can maintain interest in art while pursuing careers in science. Its okay to have multiple passions, Yang said. Im going into engineering, but I also enjoy creativity, art and music. And I can use all of them. Advertisement Stories about superheroes: Brittney Miller, 17, had been writing all her life, and decided to write a novel about young superheroes with sci-fi abilities. I kept seeing these movies like X-Men, and the Avengers, she said. You see children sitting on the sidelines. So I thought, wheres the book about those kids? She also realized there was another group of people missing from young adult literature. In my junior year, I figured out that I was gay, she said. So I started looking for books about gay people, queer people, trans people. Advertisement She didnt find much, so she figured she could change that by creating characters whose sexual orientation was part of the story, but not its only focus. One main character controls fire, while another can cause atoms to disintegrate, and one senses peoples electrical impulses to read their emotions. Helping homeless and at-risk youth: Jonah Varelli, 17, created Tifty Clothing Co. to produce and sell T-shirts to benefit San Diego Youth Services, inspired by his older brothers struggle with drug addiction. Seeing that at such a young age opened up different spectrums, because you dont usually see that as a kid, Varelli said. Once I heard about the Genius Project, I wanted to do something that was inspired by him. Varelli partnered with a family friend to silk-screen T-shirts featuring a graphic design, and then sold them online to raise funds for the organization. Advertisement If its one life that Im improving, thats more than enough for me, he said. Dancing away the pain: Chloe Easterbook, 17, is captain of the Sage Creek Dance Team, and tapped those skills for her Genius Project. She completed an internship at Tri-City Wellness Center to share her passion with people with Parkinsons, teaching them ballet moves that improve their mobility and mood. Parkinsons patients often deal with depression and pain, she said. Dance can help them get moving and take their mind off those problems. Advertisement Surfing for a cause: Kamden Miller, 18, has been a competitive surfer since middle school and a member of Christian Surfers, a nonprofit that connects Christian youth through their sport. Over the years, Miller assumed leadership roles, and dreamed of staging a surf competition to benefit the organization. The Genius Project offered the opportunity to pursue that. Miller applied for city permits, sought corporate sponsorships, rounded up gear and registered contestants, who ranged from elementary school kids, to veteran surfers in their 40s. It was an arduous task, she said. It would have been easy to give up, but I wanted to make this happen. Advertisement Sterilizing school iPads: Ive always been a little bit of a germophobe, said Alexis McBride, 17. I thought how bad the cold season was, and I didnt really want to get sick. She thought about the iPads students shared in class, and wondered just how much bacteria they harbored. I did a study where I swabbed all the iPads, tested for pathogenic bacteria and whether it could be killed by UV light, she said. Then I developed a prototype of an iPad cart to sterilize them. McBride plans to study global disease biology, and said her Genius Project reinforced that choice. Advertisement This definitely confirmed that this was a passion of mine and I wanted to do it for the rest of my life, she said. Reading for life: Tina Stanley, 17, created a campus club Leadership in Literacy to encourage reading among elementary school students. Starting in her sophomore year, she and some friends began reading and drawing with kids at nearby Calavera Hills Elementary School. We tried to engage them in reading and their education, so it was more fun and not just facts and figures, she said. For her Genius Project, she expanded that by providing tutoring through after-school programs at Calavera Hills and three other nearby elementary schools. Stanley coordinated 30 volunteers, who worked with 100 kids four days per week. Advertisement Everybody has a good relationship with the kids, and its really fun for both the volunteers and the kids, she said. Advertisement deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan 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. When the first, smallest wave of students returned to Chicago Public Schools, many educators and principals said they were thankful for the phased-in reopening. It would give them time to fine-tune protocols before tens of thousands more children came back. On Monday, those strategies will be put to the test. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele looked set to increase his power as his allies took about 60 percent of the vote in legislative elections, according to partial results San Salvador (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele looked set to increase his power as his allies took about 60 percent of the vote in legislative elections, according to partial results. The New Ideas party, founded by Bukele and contesting an election for the first time, took almost 50 percent of the vote while the Grand Alliance for National Unity, through which he came to power, had around 10 percent according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), with 10 percent of ballots counted after Sunday's election. If the trend is confirmed, Bukele could fulfill his objective of winning an absolute majority in parliament, which would give the president more power over crucial decisions and lawmaking. Anticipating a win, Bukele tweeted: "Victory," along with a video with footage of fireworks Sunday night in the capital San Salvador. Bukele, accused of authoritarianism by his detractors, hopes to have his hands untied after a frustrating two years of blockages by an opposition-controlled parliament. Opinion polls have projected victory for his two allied parties. Long queues of voters wearing face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic formed well before voting started, though many stations opened hours late. The delay prompted Bukele to level accusations of wrongdoing against the TSE on Twitter. "We told them 1,000 times that, whether through corruption or incompetence, they would do everything wrong," he said. But an election observer told AFP he had seen no evidence of voter fraud. About 40,000 police, soldiers and international observers were deployed to oversee the balloting, which came after the worst political violence in years claimed two lives last month. After polls closed, the Organization of American States described election day as peaceful. TSE president Dora Martinez said 51 percent of the country's 5.4 million voters had taken part in the polls to elect 84 members of the Legislative Assembly from among 10 political parties. Elected in 2019 for a five-year term, Bukele, who is 39 and is of Palestinian and Greek descent, has had trouble getting some programs approved in a parliament dominated by two opposition parties -- the right-wing Arena and leftist FMLN. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. One student was injured and an Arkansas school district placed on lockdown Monday morning, authorities said, following a reported shooting at a junior high school. Watson Chapel School District said the situation was contained" and in a Facebook post the district said the student was hurt in an isolated incident." The school is in Pine Bluff, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southeast of Little Rock. The Pine Bluff Police Department did not immediately return a call seeking a comment Monday, nor did the Watson Chapel superintendent. Monday was scheduled to be Watson Chapel's first day back for on-site learning in several weeks because of winter weather and subsequent water issues. (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.) Saudia Cargo has announced the signing of cargo agreement with one of the leading IT and logistics operator, Cainiao Network, the logistic arm of Alibaba Group. The agreement has been signed to support e-commerce operations between China and Europe by operating five weekly flights from Hong Kong to Liege in Belgium with Riyadh city as a connection point, a statement said. These flights will form a sky bridge between Asia and Europe to cater to the high demand on e-commerce, which lately became the worlds No.1 shopping preference. Saudia Cargo CEO, Omar Hariri, commented: We are excited for this strategic agreement which will enhance logistic services between the two continents through the famous Alibabas e-commerce platform and its high traffic of online shoppers. This agreement is part of our framework to transform the Kingdom into an open gate for world trade and a bridge connecting East and West by leveraging its strategic location in the center of the world. Other promising partnerships will be coming up in the near future to reinforce logistic operations of Alibaba in both continents. The global pandemic has revealed the urging need for cargo services due to the rapidly growing demand on online shopping. We are working closely with our worldwide partners to execute the most effective logistic solutions to guarantee a constant flow of cargo with punctual delivery, he added. Cainiao logistic services cover more than 200 countries around the world placing the company as one of the most popular logistic services providers for many retailers and consumers globally. We are happy to launch of collaboration with Saudia Cargo. Both our sellers and customers from China, Saudi Arabia and Europe will benefit from the new flights that will decrease delivery time for their parcels. Expanding our logistics network into new regions will also help us in building efficient global exports network. This new route will be one of the key elements to create seamless logistics and increase synergy between different regions, commented William Xiong, Cainiao's Chief Strategist and General Manager of Export Logistics. Since the start of the pandemic, Saudia Cargo has announced several measures to ensure the continuity of its highly efficient logistic operations such as increasing cargo flights to many destinations in Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and USA to keep a regular flow of vital products and maintain the economic and commercial sustainability in the Kingdom. With a fleet of 7 freighter aircrafts (4 Boeing 777 and 3 Boeing 747-400F), Saudia Cargo has adequate space and tonnage capacity to haul e-commerce goods on different routes, cared for by highly trained personnel who ensure the safest delivery.TradeArabia News Service TORONTO - "Never Have I Ever" star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is among the Canadians on Time magazine's 100 Next list. TORONTO - "Never Have I Ever" star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is among the Canadians on Time magazine's 100 Next list. Comedy star Mindy Kaling, who co-created Netflix's "Never Have I Ever," wrote the profile of the Tamil-Canadian teen in the newly released issue. Ramakrishnan is from Mississauga, Ont., and plays the leading role of a first-generation Indian-American dealing with the death of her father and the hormone-fuelled challenges of adolescence. The 19-year-old auditioned for the part in the coming-of-age comedy series after seeing an open casting call Kaling had posted on social media. Ramakrishnan beat out some 15,000 auditioners and recently got an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her performance. Also on the Time 100 Next list is Canadian-raised Apoorva Mehta, founder and CEO of grocery delivery company Instacart, and climate journalist Julian Brave NoiseCat, whose website says he is a member of the Canim Lake Band Tsqescen and a descendant of the Lil'Wat Nation of Mount Currie in British Columbia. Ramakrishnan made the "Phenoms" section of the list, which is an expansion of the magazine's flagship Time 100 franchise that highlights emerging leaders. The profiles are written by Time 100 alumni. Kaling wrote that Ramakrishnan is a "gifted comic actress" who "has an activist's heart and wants to use her platform to help others." "Whats most extraordinary about Maitreyi is that when youre with her, you think youre simply talking to a cool, smart teenager, but later, when you see her work onscreen, you realize you were actually interacting with a great artist at the beginning of her journey," Kaling wrote. "Thank you for seeing me as I am," Ramakrishnan tweeted to Kaling after the list was revealed Wednesday. In a video on the Time website, Ramakrishnan says she feels "a sense of responsibility to take strong roles that have actual character and story to them." "All genres are great, but it just matters about the actual character depth and what the project is trying to say to audiences." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 17, 2021. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) The much-awaited COVID-19 vaccination drive in the Philippines kicked off Monday in six government facilities, with the director of a state hospital receiving the very first of legal doses administered. Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. Gerardo "Gap" Legaspi received Sinovac's CoronaVac, the first batch of vaccines that arrived in the country through a donation from China, from nurse Chareluck Santos. "Hindi ko ma-describe ang [I can't describe the] feeling. Its probably release from all the fears... The honor is there," Legaspi said. The vaccination of the decorated neurosurgeon and known pioneer of awake craniotomy surgery in the Philippines drew cheers and applause from other hospital staff and media personnel who were taking part in the historic event. "Kayong dalawa ay nasa kasaysayan na ng COVID-19," the emcee of the program at PGH said of Legaspi and Santos. [Translation: You two will now be in the history of COVID-19.] Santos also had herself vaccinated with CoronaVac, saying she did her research first on the brand. I decided na magpabakuna na, because I believe that the best vaccine is kung ano na yung available ngayon, she told CNN Philippines News Night. [Translation: I decided to have myself vaccinated, because I believe that the best vaccine is what is already available now.] Among those vaccinated at the PGH were FDA Director General Eric Domingo, MMDA Chief Benhur Abalos, Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., and Dr. Edsel Salvana of the DOH Technical Advisory Group. Testing czar Vince Dizon was the second to receive the vaccine at TALA Hospital after its Director Fritz Famaran was inoculated. But prior to the shots received by Legaspi and the others, several government officials and members of the Presidential Security Group jumped the priority line and used smuggled vaccines made by China state-owned Sinopharm as early as last year. The PGH said 124 medical staff were vaccinated on the first day of the ceremonial inoculation program. There are about 2,000 medical frontliners at the PGH. The number will go up to 3,000 if other frontliners are included, such as hospital janitors and utility staff. The latest survey in the hospital showed only 8% or 240 personnel were willing to take Sinovac, with others preferring to wait for other vaccine brands to arrive. Galvez urged healthcare workers and the rest of the public to get vaccinated for the country to finally be able to move to the new normal of living amid the pandemic. "Ito po ay moral obligation ng lahat ng tao. Dapat lahat tayo ay magpabakuna," he said. [Translation: It is our moral obligation. Let us all get vaccinated.] The Food and Drug Administration, upon granting of Emergency Use Authorization, cautioned against using CoronaVac on healthcare workers due to its lower efficacy rate of 50.4% when tested in Brazil on workers directly dealing with COVID-19 patients. However, the government's health experts overturned this just days before the national vaccination rollout. The National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the DOH's Technical Advisory Group found that CoronaVac "will be beneficial for the health care workers." Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said it is 50.4% effective in preventing mild symptoms, but 100% effective against moderate and severe symptoms. This means it can effectively reduce diseases and deaths the main goal for prioritizing medical frontliners in the vaccination program, Vergeire added. The next batch of vaccination remains uncertain since only 600,000 doses of Sinovac good for 300,000 people have arrived in the country. WASHINGTON - Instead of an attempt to overturn the election by radicalized Donald Trump supporters, it was a choreographed attack staged by antifa provocateurs. Rather than an armed insurrection, it was a good-natured protest spoiled by a few troublemakers. And instead of a deadly event that put the lives of hundreds of lawmakers, police officers and others at risk, the riot was no big deal at all. A legion of conservative activists, media personalities and elected officials are seeking to rewrite the story of what happened at the Capitol on Jan. 6, hoping to undermine the clear picture of the attack that has emerged from video and photo evidence, law enforcement officials, journalistic accounts and the testimonials of the rioters themselves: that a pro-Trump mob, mobilized by the former president's false claims of a stolen election, stormed the seat of American government to keep Trump in power through violent means. Six weeks after the attack, some are taking advantage of fading memories and unanswered questions to portray the riot in a different, more benign light. The effort comes as federal authorities begin prosecuting scores of alleged marauders, congressional committees seek to plug obvious security failures, and lawmakers consider establishing an outside commission to examine the matter. On his top-rated Fox News Channel program last week, commentator Tucker Carlson told his audience that the attack did not constitute an "armed insurrection" and accused Democrats of a "relentless and coordinated" campaign to misrepresent the riot. The next day, during the first public appearance of top Capitol security officials in charge during the riot at a Tuesday hearing, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., spent much of his allotted time reading a firsthand account from Jan. 6 suggesting the violence was perpetrated by a small cadre - including left-wing extremists - who were out of character in an otherwise jovial crowd. Later in the week, scores of Republican lawmakers criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other Democrats for maintaining a razor-wire perimeter for blocks around the Capitol, saying it was more about sending a political message than security, even as the acting chief of the Capitol Police described ongoing threats to lawmakers. "I don't think there's any question that Democrats never want to let an opportunity go to waste to try to attack conservatives, and so they want to try to besmirch, smear, demean all conservatives in the name of a handful of people who did the wrong thing on Jan. 6," said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va. The campaign to minimize or deny the events of Jan. 6 has been weeks in the making, with the efforts to muddy the waters about what happened and who participated taking shape on pro-Trump television networks while rioters were still on the grounds of the Capitol. On the afternoon of Jan. 6, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who said he spent $450,000 on rallies contesting the results of the election, appeared on Newsmax and made a baseless claim that would set the tone for other early efforts by conservatives in media to deflect blame for the violence. "There were probably some undercover antifa people that dressed as Trump people," Lindell said, a claim that went unchallenged, if not supported, by host Chris Salcedo. Later in the day, Newsmax's star host, Greg Kelly, offered a conspiracy theory, asking hypothetically, "Did someone want this to happen?" By the evening of Jan. 6, the most influential voices on the Fox News Channel also seemed to latch onto the theory that outside agitators could have been responsible for the violence, with unfounded reports blaming antifa and leftist radicals exploding on social media networks. "I have never seen Trump rally attendees wearing helmets, black helmets, brown helmets, black backpacks - the uniforms you saw in some of these crowd shots," host Laura Ingraham said. Those narratives - blaming leftists and excusing Trump - quickly gained traction among Republicans generally. A January poll conducted by the American Enterprise Institute's Survey Center on American Life found that half of Republicans agreed with the assessment that antifa was "mostly responsible" for the Capitol attack, while only 15 percent blamed Trump for inciting the invasion. Another January survey, conducted by The Washington Post and ABC News, found that 56 percent of Republicans held Trump blameless for the riot. In fact, only one of the roughly 300 rioters charged by federal authorities is alleged in public court documents to have ties to radical left-wing groups. Instead, many are said to have close links to right-wing extremist organizations such as the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys, and many more said they believed they were following Trump's orders when they stormed the Capitol. Charlie Sykes, a former radio host who founded the Bulwark, an anti-Trump conservative website, said the right-wing media ecosystem is building elaborate alternative narratives around scant data points. "They will always find a way to adapt reality to the narrative, even when it requires some pretty massive leaps of logic and fact," he said. "The further you get away from Jan. 6, the more it gets possible to say, 'Well, it wasn't that bad,' or, 'It wasn't an armed insurrection.' . . . It feels like this massive gaslighting that assumes that we have really short memories, and, in some cases, that is true." Democrats have responded to the campaign by blasting attempts to minimize the insurrection, urging vigilance against future violence from the political right and calling for more investigations of the attacks - including Trump's role. Negotiations continue on Capitol Hill over creating an outside commission, but a proposal from Pelosi that would stack the body with Democratic appointees has encountered strong GOP opposition. The day after Johnson aired the account that placed "agents-provocateurs" and "fake Trump protesters" on the scene before the riot, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., called the suggestion "mindless garbage" and part of a "campaign of misinformation, deception and conspiracy that helped fuel the attack on January 6 in the first place." Several lines of pointed questioning have emerged among Republicans who are eager to deflect attention from Trump's central role in stoking the fundamental motive for the riot - the false claim that the November election was stolen from him. Among the most pervasive has been an effort to question whether Pelosi was responsible for the violence by failing to properly prepare the Capitol campus. The push has been fueled in part by a claim from former Capitol Police chief Steven A. Sund that one of his bosses, House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul D. Irving, told him he had to run a request for National Guard assistance "up the chain of command" before approving it. On Feb. 15, four senior House Republicans sent a letter pressing Pelosi for answers, and the concern was quickly echoed on conservative media channels. On Sean Hannity's prime time show that night, Fox News contributor and former congressman Jason Chaffetz said that Pelosi "is running out of excuses." Two days later, Fox News host Maria Bartiromo speculated that Democrats sidestepped witnesses at Trump's second impeachment trial because "somebody was going to ask Nancy Pelosi what she knew and when." Efforts to pin the blame on Pelosi were "one of the very few and clear pieces of misinformation about Jan. 6 that cut across the entire right-wing media echo chamber," said Angelo Carusone, president of the left-leaning media watchdog Media Matters for America. "They were all singing from the same page." At the hearing Tuesday, senators including Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who backed Trump's challenges to state electoral vote counts, pressed Irving on whether Pelosi or her staff obstructed calls for aid in any way. Irving repeatedly denied it, but calls for more answers have persisted. Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill said in a statement that Republicans are "trying to deflect responsibility for the Capitol attack from Donald Trump" and that Pelosi is "focused on getting to the bottom of all issues facing the Capitol Complex and the events that led up to the insurrection." Even that terminology has been contested, with many Republicans challenging whether the mob - which, according to law enforcement officials and video evidence, included people equipped with zip-tie handcuffs, bear spray and tactical gear - truly intended to subvert democracy. Many others have questioned whether the rioters could fairly be described as "armed," despite court filings that describe multiple instances of dangerous weapons being wielded on the Capitol grounds. At least two people are facing federal firearms charges, and authorities reported seizing firearms and explosives from multiple arrestees. The doubters include Johnson, who told conservative talk shows in his home state this past month that he rejected the "armed insurrection" label. The PolitiFact fact-checking operation termed that "ridiculous revisionist history," but several other Republican lawmakers last week expressed doubts about calling it an "armed insurrection" "If it was armed, it would have been a bloodbath," said Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), who said the term has been embraced by Democrats to create the impression that "there's a bunch of people running around in the woods with Army fatigues on the weekends, and they're going to take over the country, and that's just nonsense." A larger group of Republicans have grown suspicious of the ongoing fortifications of the Capitol, which include a razor-wire perimeter manned by a National Guard garrison. Nearly a dozen GOP lawmakers interviewed last week said they did not believe the precautions were warranted, and many said they believed it was part of a political effort to exaggerate the threat from right-wing extremists. Some have taken to calling the fortified Capitol campus "Fort Pelosi." "It's not because anybody's out there threatening to overthrow the country," said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. "It's because it fits their narrative." Another strain of rhetoric has emerged seeking to defend the motivations of the rioters - particularly from Carlson, who has spent time on several recent episodes of his show attacking the notion that the riot was motivated by racism, despite prosecutors alleging significant ties to white nationalist organizations among many of those charged. "The rally wasn't about race at all. And neither was the riot. It was about the election. The people at the Capitol really believed the presidential election was unfair. And they had reason to believe that," Carlson said Thursday, before adding: "Nothing is an excuse for rioting." Speaking Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, T.W. Shannon, a former speaker of the Oklahoma House, told an overwhelmingly pro-Trump crowd that "the reason people stormed the Capitol is that they felt hopeless, because of a rigged election." But few Republicans have sought to reshape the story of Jan. 6 quite as fervently as Johnson, who is mulling whether to seek a third Senate term representing Wisconsin next year. J. Michael Waller, a senior analyst at the right-wing Center for Security Policy who published the account Johnson read at Tuesday's hearing, called Johnson a "contrarian" but said he accurately summarized his piece, which was first published by the Federalist. Waller stood by his observation that the crowd was largely jovial and said he never meant to insinuate that there were no extremists in the crowd, only that they came from the left and the right. He criticized those who were "grabbing one small piece and falsely saying this is a discredited conspiracy theory." "If my story is debunked by the facts, that's fine with me," he said. "I'm just saying what I saw." Johnson has also questioned other facts surrounding the riot. He sent a letter to congressional colleagues that included an inquiry about the cause of death of Brian D. Sicknick, the 42-year-old Capitol Police officer who died Jan. 6 and was given a hero's farewell, including lying in honor in the Rotunda. Conservative activists have seized on changing accounts about Sicknick's death to suggest that the precise circumstances have been hidden to further the Democratic political agenda. Authorities have not disclosed an official cause of death, but news emerged Friday that investigators have uncovered video appearing to show someone spraying a chemical irritant at Sicknick and other law enforcement personnel. Johnson defended his approach to the riot, saying he viewed his role as raising questions for the various investigations to answer. "I'm not afraid of information," he said. "Some people seem to be afraid of the truth. I'm not. I'm just trying to get the whole truth." - - - The Washington Post's Karoun Demirjian, Scott Clement, Spencer Hsu, David Weigel and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report. The latest episode of The Short Squeeze podcast has just landed and is available here. This week Lucy Battersby is joined by The Ages retail business journalist Dominic Powell to discuss the latest economic data, the wash-up from the local reporting season, how the ASX uses price query notices and how the retail sector has fared during the pandemic. You can find past episodes of our weekly podcast here. Each episode goes for about 10 minutes and is also available through Spotify and Google Podcasts. Accusations of sabotage by Chinese malware agencies on Indias power grid started flying again with a report by Somerville-based Recorded Future citing the same and Maharashtra government ordering an investigation into whether or not the Mumbai outage in October 2020 was due to any Chinese sabotage. Cyber intelligence firm, Recorded Future in latest report said, China-linked Group RedEcho targeted the Indian power sector amid heightened border tensions. Since early 2020, Recorded Futures Insikt Group observed a large increase in suspected targeted intrusion activity against Indian organisations from Chinese state-sponsored groups, the report said. Recorded Future further said ten Indian power sector organisations, including four of the five Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDC) are targets in a concerted campaign against Indias critical infrastructure. The union ministry of power in a statement said, an alarm was raised on threat to RLDCs and National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), operated by Power Systems Operations Company (POSOCO), but it was resolved. An email was received from CERT-In on 19th November, 2020 on the threat of malware called Shadow Pad at some control centres of POSOCO, said the statement. CERT-In or Indian Computer Emergency Response Team under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats. Also Read: Chinese firms dominate power infra in states; industry warns of data breach The further said, National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre informed through a mail dated February 12, 2021 about the threat by Red Echo through a malware called Shadow Pad. It stated that: Chinese state-sponsored threat Actor group known as Red Echo is targeting Indian Power sector's Regional Load Dispatch Centres (RLDCs) along with State Load Dispatch Centres (SLDCs). The ministry said, following the reports, all IPs and domains listed in the emails were blocked in the firewall at all control centres and all systems in control centres were scanned and cleaned by antivirus. Observations from all RLDCs & NLDC shows that there is no communication & data transfer taking place to the IPs mentioned. There is no impact on any of the functionalities carried out by POSOCO due to the referred threat. No data breach/data loss has been detected due to these incidents, said the statement. Also Read: After Mumbai's power outage, Tata power to upgrade city's islanding system Post the Galwan border skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops, and India banning Chinese power imports, this paper reported that 5 cities across 12 states have awarded contracts of real-time power supply and data management, communication infrastructure to Chinese companies, thereby elevating threat of cyber-attack. A New York Times article on Monday cited the report by Recorded Future to indicate that the power outage which gripped the city of Mumbai and sub-urban areas on October 12, 2020 was a result of a cyber-malware inducted by Chinese agencies. Dinesh Waghmare, principal secretary of the state energy department in a press conference on Monday said, We had asked Maharashtra cyber police to investigate the matter as there was suspicion of sabotage. However, the investigation is still on and they have not come to a conclusion as yet. Preventive measures will also be taken. Senior government officials and executives from the power supply companies in Mumbai denied any cyber-attack link. In the meetings held since October, cyber-attack was discussed but could not be proved. The final report on the incident by a High level committee is awaited, said a senior official. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 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. Monday, March 1, 2021 About once a week on Facebook, somebody posts the picture below and says this proves that David Ferrie and Lee Harvey Oswald knew each other. Conspiracy authors also regularly cite this photograph, which was first shown on the PBS Frontline documentary on Lee Harvey Oswald in 1993. This picture was taken in 1955 when Lee Harvey Oswald was just 15 years old. You can see David Ferrie on the left - and the picture is of a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) meeting. Edward Voebel got Lee Harvey Oswald interested in CAP. Here is an excerpt from his testimony before the Warren Commission: So, we know that Oswald only attended 2-3 meetings. Stephen Roy, author of Perfect Villain, wrote that: Could a CAP officer have forgotten a cadet? As a high school teacher, Ferrie worked with about 80 students, all boys. As a CAP officer in Cleveland, he had worked with about 100 boys. In his first tenure with the CAP/Lakefront in New Orleans, he worked with about 130 boys. As an instructor with CAP/Moisant, he had worked with about 20 boys. On his return to CAP/Lakefront, he worked with about 100 more boys. In his Falcon/IMSU group, he worked with about 15 boys, some new and some holdovers from CAP. That totals between 430-440 boys. Oswald had attended 2-4 meetings eight years earlier. Can one believe that Ferrie might have forgotten him? David Ferrie gave a full statement to the FBI on November 25, 1963. Here are a few excerpts: Fairly early on, David Ferrie said the photograph of Oswald had a "very vague familiarity to him." Ferrie started to call around and see if he could find out more about Oswald being in CAP. Here is a statement from Roy Tell: Ferrie did call Edward Voebel and here is Voebel's statement to the Garrison investigation: Interesting that Ferrie told Voebel he wanted information so he could be of assistance to the Warren Commission, and to be of assistance to the D.A.'s office. Indeed, Ferrie actually phoned the FBI to tell them that he might have briefly been teaching CAP while Oswald was there. On December 10, 1963, David Ferrie gave another statement to the FBI: So, there you have it. Ferrie and Oswald were very briefly in CAP together. It's not unusual for a teacher, eight years later, to forget a student who only attended a few classes. This was all known before the picture above was shown on PBS Frontline in 1993. Conspiracy authors try to make this all into something far bigger than it was. Here is a headline in Probe Magazine from July-August 1998. But, the witnesses quoted in the article don't really deviate from what Ferrie said in 1963. For instance, Jerry Paradis said that "he does not know of any relationship between Ferrie and Oswald other than their contact at CAP meetings, and recalls that there was nothing unusual about their relationship there." Paradis couldn't say how many times Oswald was at CAP meetings but that he would guess "at least ten or fifteen meetings." He also added that "I am not saying that they may have been there together." Mike Ewing said that "he does not believe the relationship between Oswald and Ferrie "meant anything really," and does not think that Ferrie "was a bad guy or anything like that." James DiEugenio, in his book Destiny Betrayed, brings up the witness statement of Thomas Lewis Clark: So in 1964, David Ferrie told Clark he taught Lee Harvey Oswald. This is totally consistent with what David Ferrie knew back then. He probably just briefly noted that they were in the same CAP unit for a very short period of time. I don't know if Thomas Clark was really a roommate of David Ferrie - but, it's interesting that he knew that Ferrie was quite sick at the time, and it's quite telling that Ferrie told him nothing of any assassination plot, no mention of Clay Shaw, Clay Bertrand, or anything that might have been of interest to the Garrison investigation. And no mention of Ferrie knowing Oswald in 1963. Coming Soon: A blog post on whether Lee Harvey Oswald had David Ferrie's library card. Stay tuned. New Delhi, March 1 : The CBI has informed the Supreme Court that the Kerala government used proxy firms like Unitac and Sane Ventures to receive funds directly from a foreign agency, violating the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The investigating agency had filed the affidavit in connection with the Kerala Life Mission Project scam. In its affidavit, the CBI said the receipt of contribution from a foreign source is not in the ordinary course of business of any of the accused and the receipt of kickbacks cannot be considered as genuine transaction. "Unitac and Sane Ventures received contribution from foreign source for and on behalf of Life Mission and the said the money received was used to pay kickbacks and costly gifts to government servants and employees of Life Mission. Thus, it is denied that no offence under FCRA is made out," said the affidavit. The apex court had sought CBI's response in the matter on January 25, 2021. The CBI told the top court that the FIR and complaint are based on strong footing and grounds and properly constructed, not liable to be quashed. "Payment of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 3.8 crore and 7 i-Phones from the foreign contribution to persons covered under Section 3 of the FCRA is also an offence under FCRA," said the CBI. The Life Mission housing project was one of the most important projects of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for building homes for the homeless. According to the CBI, the MoU finds no mention of Unitac or Sane Ventures as the contractor who would execute the work or any other firm to whom the contract will be awarded. The affidavit said that evidence shows Santhosh Eapen, Managing Partner, Unitac Builders, conspired with unknown officials of LIFE Mission, Kerala government, and entered into two contractual agreements with the Consul General of the UAE for building of apartments and a healthcare unit/hospital at Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district. On the basis of the proposals put forward by Life Mission, funds to a tune of AED 10 million were transferred by Red Crescent through the UAE consulate to Unitac Builders. Unitac Builders was allowed by Life Mission to construct 140 dwelling units which were not as per the drawings submitted by empanelled consultant Habitat with the Wadakkanchery municipality, or as per the building permit approved by the competent authority. The CBI said the evidence reveals that Unitac is a proxy firm of Life Mission used for receiving foreign contribution from the UAE on behalf of the Life Mission project. "By receiving funds in the said manner, CAG audit, government formalities and the rigours of FCRA were avoided so that kickbacks could be received," said the affidavit. The CBI said that Sane Ventures, a firm owned by Eapen, was allowed to construct a health centre at Wadakkancherry. "Investigation revealed that no DPR with regard to the health centre was submitted by the company to Life Mission. This firm, Sane Ventures, had never entered into a contract agreement with either the signatory of the MoU, which reveals that it is also a proxy firm for receiving foreign contributions," added the affidavit. The CBI has claimed that Unitac and Sane ventures received contribution from foreign source for and on behalf of Life Mission, which they were not authorised to. "The usual method of signing an agreement in the name of the Governor is deliberately avoided to facilitate the receipt of kickbacks and to avoid the government machinery. The violation of Article 299 of the Constitution further establishes the foul play and conspiracy in the present case," added the CBI. The CBI filed the affidavit on an appeal filed by the Kerala government challenging the Centre's CBI probe order into the Life Mission housing project scam. Declining to quash the FIR, the high court had observed that the facts reveal "a high-profile intellectual fraud played" to avoid an audit by the CAG and get kickbacks and gratifications. (Sumit saxena can be contacted at sumit.s@ians.in ) 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. Press Release March 1, 2021 Government accelerating vaccine rollout, says Bong Go as he assures equitable distribution across the country As the country prepares for the anticipated arrival of several batches of vaccines in the coming days, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said the government is exerting all efforts to ramp up and accelerate the national vaccination program while simultaneously ensuring the safety and efficacy of the procured vaccines. "This is just the start. We need to do more. We need to accelerate the vaccination program in a safe, sure and secure manner," Go began in an interview on Saturday, February 27. "Ang gusto ng mahal na Pangulo ay ilalagay [ang mga bakuna] sa strategic places. Of course, sa Visayas, sa mga naka-ready na pasilidad doon sa hospital sa Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (sa Cebu City). Sa Davao City, sa Southern Philippines Medical Center dahil nakapaghanda na rin sila doon... Ang gusto ni Pangulo distributed [ang mga bakuna] all over the country," he continued. The Senator disclosed President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered the first round of vaccinations to begin by the first week of March. He maintained, however, that the details of the rollout will be provided in due course by Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and vaccine czar Secretary Galvez Jr. "First week of March darating rin ang unang batch ng bakuna sa Visayas at Mindanao. Pagkarating nito, susunod na araw pwede na mag-inoculate," Go shared based on his discussions with Galvez. He further added that the President had recently left open the possibility of revisiting his decision to reject the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to place the country under modified general community quarantine. "Inatasan ni Pangulo Duterte na sa susunod na linggo umpisahan na agad ang pagtuturok ng mga bakuna, especially sa mga priority [groups] natin, sa mga frontliners, indigent na senior citizens para unti-unti na tayong makabalik sa normal nating pamumuhay," said Go. "Nag-order ang ating Pangulo na sundin ang sa priority list. In fact, itong 100,000 sa Sinovac, inilaan ito sa mga sundalo at civilian employees ng [Department of National Defense]. Ready na ang Veterans Memorial Medical Center na mag-conduct ng kanilang pagbabakuna," he added. The Senator, who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, stressed the need for unity in order for the country to overcome the ongoing crisis, and praised the recent efforts by the executive branch and both houses of Congress to pass the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act. The law, which the President signed the previous day, February 26, will fast-track the administration of COVID-19 vaccines and establish an indemnification fund. During the interview, Go credited the hard work of Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri, Minority Leader Senator Franklin Drilon, Senator Sonny Angara and other legislators for their efforts to pass the bill immediately. "Isa po ito sa mga requirements na hinihingi ng mga manufacturers para mabilis ang pag-apruba ng vaccine (indemnity fund)... Ang nangyari ngayon 'take it or leave it'! Nag-uunahan ang mga bansa para makakuha ng bakuna. So, our hands were tied. Nakatali ang ating mga kamay. No choice tayo kung hindi sumunod sa mga kasunduan," explained Go. "What is important right now is we work as a teamExecutive, Legislative and Judiciary... Ang pinaka-importante dito ang bakuna. 'Yun ang susi, ang tanging solusyon dito sa problema natin," he ended. Holding a picture taken 53 years ago, Chen Xinge live streamed the tale of her 92-year-old grandfather on the video-sharing app Douyin, which is known as TikTok overseas. It was a black-and-white photo taken in the Great Hall of the People, featuring a group of young, passionate soldiers around China's late chairman Mao Zedong and premier Zhou Enlai. "It's one of the proudest moments for my grandfather who joined the army at the age of 19 and the Communist Party of China (CPC) at 22," said 28-year-old Chen from Huoshan County, Lu'an City, east China's Anhui Province. Chen is among a group of young people participating in an online campaign to display old artifacts of the CPC on Douyin, which has attracted over 137,000 viewers. This year marks the centenary of the CPC. Founded in 1921, it has grown into the largest political party in the world with over 91 million members. The trendsetting Chinese youth, however, have broken new paths in telling the history of the Party. Chen grew up hearing stories of her grandfather. "My grandfather spent about two decades fighting for the country and was invited to meet Chairman Mao in Beijing in 1968 due to his outstanding performance. That's when the precious photo was taken," said Chen. The photo has been hanging in the living room of Chen's home, who said this is for reminding her of the nation's hard-won peace and prosperity. "I signed up immediately after learning about the campaign as I want more youngsters to know this part of history," said Chen, adding that she has received many positive comments. According to Sun Wei with the publicity department of the Lu'an municipal Party committee, those born in the mid-1990s and early-2000s are the most active participants. Besides short videos, Chinese youth have also presented Party history through dramas and short films. At Jiaxing University, east China's Zhejiang Province, students and staff staged a drama based on the history of the first national congress of the CPC. On the banks of the Yellow River in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, 33-year-old director Song Jieying was shooting a short film in Dali County, Weinan City. "It's my second revolution-themed short film telling the stories of retired veterans," said the young man. For Song, revolution-themed films are still attractive in modern times as people can draw strength from their predecessors. "People living in that era usually had a pure belief and strong will to overcome difficulties. Their loyalty to the country deserves our respect," said Song. Song's first short film of the same theme, 10 minutes in length, has won several awards at film festivals. "The young generation ought to pass on stories of the CPC in a more innovative way," said Song. Enditem By Joshua Franklin and Krystal Hu (Reuters) - For Jonny Coreson, $4 billion is worth $5 billion. The 32-year-old test prep business owner from Denver invested $100,000 in shares of veteran hedge fund manager Bill Ackman's special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), Pershing Square Tontine Holdings Ltd, after they soared 25% in December with no imminent deal in sight. This valued the blank-check acquisition firm at $5 billion, when on paper it was worth only the $4 billion it had raised in an initial public offering in July. "There weren't very many options for retail investors to get into the stock before its IPO. If I'm paying a 25% premium on the opportunity to ride Ackman's coattails, to me it's worth it," Coreson said. He said his other bets on SPACs had paid off and that he had doubled a $25,000 investment in CM Life Sciences, which agreed earlier this month to merge with digital healthcare company Sema4. A spokesman for Ackman declined to comment. An army of amateur traders that has fueled a rally in heavily shorted stocks, or "stonks," such as GameStop Corp, has discovered the arcane world of SPACs. They are hearing about their obscure stock market tickers on social media, from TikTok to Twitter, and placing risky bets. Although all stock investments involve risk, many companies going public by merging with a SPAC take risk to another level because they often are years away from generating revenues when they go public. Churchill Capital IV Corp has provided the most vivid example of the pitfalls. Its shares had risen as much as 548% from its IPO, for a market valuation of almost $17 billion, following a Reuters report last month that it was nearing a deal to merge with luxury electric vehicle startup Lucid Motors at a roughly $12 billion valuation. But the shares dropped 42% last week, wiping out over $8 billion in market value, after the deal was announced with a last-minute private investment that diluted stock market investors. Story continues "It happens with every SPAC -- buy the rumor, sell the news. Once the volatility goes away in a few weeks and months, I'll be buying more again," said one of the investors, James Goff, a 27-year-old machine operator from Bremen, Georgia. He said he sold most of his shares in Churchill Capital IV before they nosedived on the deal's announcement. A spokesman for Churchill Capital IV declined to comment. As the speculation intensifies, so is the risk that amateur investors are willing to accept. Many used to snap up SPAC shares only after rumors about a potential merger appeared in the press. Now, they are driving up the shares of SPACs with no idea of a potential deal. SPACs do not tell investors in advance which company they will merge with, and are typically awarded up to two years to clinch a deal. Some 25 SPACs have seen their shares rise more than 10% on their first day of trading so far this year, when no deal was in sight, compared to seven SPACs in all of 2020, according to Dealogic data. In 2019, the largest first-day trading gain was just 3%. Demand in the IPOs routinely exceeds supply by more than 10 times, investment bankers working on the deals say. Graphic: SPAC bubble leads to day one trading pops - https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/mkt/oakperrngvr/Pasted%20image%201614357963864.png Demand for the $500 million IPO in January of Liberty Media Acquisition Corp, a SPAC backed by Formula One owner Liberty Media Corp, exceeded the size of the offering by 20 times, according to a person familiar with the matter. Liberty Media Acquisition did not respond to a request for comment. Many amateur traders complain that only Wall Street funds can buy at the IPO, relegating mom-and-pop investors to buy shares during a first-day rally. "I have not seen my brokerage having SPACs IPO available unfortunately," said Heath Augustover, an amateur trader and government worker in New York who has invested in SPACs for more than a year. LOSING PROPOSITION The perils for investors are increasing as more SPACs come to market. Some 189 SPACs have raised $60 billion so far this year, more than half the $83 billion total for all of 2020, itself an annual record. Were they to maintain this pace, SPACs would raise more than $300 billion this year. To be sure, there is a floor on investors' potential losses in SPAC shares. If a SPAC does not find a deal, it has to buy back its shares at the original IPO price. But investors can lose most of their money if they bought in at the peak of a rally. Some investors who have held on to shares after a deal closed have seen the value of their stock drop below the SPAC IPO price, as was the case with healthcare services provider MultiPlan Corp and wholesale mortgage lender UWM Holdings Corp, "What's fueling the increase in pre-merger share prices is this guess that the post-merger share price is always going to rise, regardless of the deal. That makes sense only if we are in a bubble," said Michael Klausner, law professor at Stanford University who has studied SPAC performance. (Reporting by Joshua Franklin in Miami and Krystal Hu in New York; Additional reporting by Svea Herbs-Bayliss in Boston; Editing by Greg Roumeliotis and Leslie Adler) Anti-racism campaigner Leroy Logan has described John Boyegas win at the Golden Globes as beyond my wildest dreams. Star Wars actor Boyega won the best supporting actor in a television series award for his role in Small Axe, the anthology series directed by Sir Steve McQueen. In Red, White And Blue, Boyega portrays Logan, who became a police officer aiming to reform the Metropolitan force from within after seeing his father assaulted by two officers. He told the PA news agency: It was beyond my wildest dreams and it has been like that ever since I got involved in Small Axe, as far back as 2016. Logan shared a video on Instagram of himself at home, reacting to the Golden Globes announcement and raising a celebratory glass. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Boyega, 28, thanked Logan during his acceptance speech for his work and for what you have done for young people in the UK. Logan said of watching Boyega win the award: This is, again, just to get my head around the fact I have an A-list star playing me, little old me, a retired cop who tried his best and (is) still doing that. My active service in the community, activism and advocacy work continues, so you know its really just given me so many different emotions of Wow, you know. Its beyond my vocabulary to really encapsulate it. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Its really just saying that anything is possible and you just have to really graft and work hard and dont let anyone detract you from what you want to do because I remember when I was joining the police and so many people saying No, dont do it and I finally got through. All of the agonies and then that story was compelling enough for a director in the name of Steve McQueen and then getting John Boyega who wanted to play me hes just done such an amazing job. And I learnt so much about myself in all of this. When you think, you know, Im n the autumn of my life and I think I should know myself quite well, and here I am learning all these new thoughts and reflections and emotions. I just feel like a teenager again. John Boyega as police officer and anti-racism reformer Leroy Logan in Sir Steve McQueens anthology series Small Axe (BBC/PA) Logan was made an MBE in 2001 for his contribution to policing, and retired in 2013 after 30 years service. In September last year he published his autobiography, Closing Ranks: My Life As A Cop. He said: I dont say that lightly, to be quite honest, as I said the experiences Im having, the emotions Im having, it is really life-changing. Ive now got this sense of renaissance, re-energising of what I want to do Logan has also established the social justice charity Voyage. Reach Mai Hoang at maihoang@yakimaherald.com or Twitter @maiphoang This story is part of the Protecting and Promoting Local Journalism Initiative, a project supported by the Yakima Valley Community Foundation with financial, training and technological assistance from Microsoft Corp. In Yakima County, the initiative is a collaboration between the Yakima Herald-Republic, El Sol de Yakima and Radio KDNA, whose journalists maintain independent editorial control of the project. To make a charitable contribution to the Yakima Valley Community Foundations Community Journalism Fund , visit the foundations website and select the Give Today button. On the sidebar, click on Find Opportunities. Enter journalism in the word search and the fund will pop up. Donors can also send checks and stocks directly to the Yakima Valley Community Foundation. Several major news outlets, for example, including The New York Times, initially reported that a Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, died after being struck with a fire extinguisher by a rioter. Those reports were based on early information from law enforcement officials. Weeks later, the Times updated its reporting on Sicknicks death after investigators began to suspect he had been sprayed in the face by some kind of irritant rather than struck by an object. On Friday, the FBI said it had pinpointed an assailant who attacked Sicknick with bear spray, but investigators had yet to identify the attacker by name. Story Highlights Record-low favorability ratings for China (20%) and Russia (22%) Canada, Great Britain have highest favorability; Iran, North Korea lowest Palestinian Authority favorability rating at new 30% high WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans' favorable ratings of China have plummeted to a record low 20%, following a 13-percentage point drop in favorability from 33% a year ago. This comes on the heels of last year's eight-point decline, measured after the coronavirus first spread in China but before it became a worldwide pandemic. Line graph. Americans' combined very or mostly favorable ratings of China since 1979. Currently, 20% of Americans view China favorably, marking the lowest on record. Last year's 33% was tied with the previous low point. The highest on record was 72% in 1989, prior to the Tiananmen Square protests. Last year's 33% favorability tied readings in 1997 and 2000 as the lowest in Gallup's trend dating back to 1979. It was also in line with a 34% favorable rating in August 1989 following the Chinese government's crackdown on protestors in Tiananmen Square. The highest recorded by Gallup, 72%, came in the months before the Tiananmen Square incident. Favorability of China has only been at the majority level three times since 1979; 2018 was the last time this happened. The latest ratings, from a Feb. 3-18 poll, were recorded mostly after President Joe Biden announced on Feb. 7 that he is prepared to compete with China, the world's second-largest economy, but that his approach will be different from his predecessor's. Since the poll, in a Feb. 20 speech, he went further, saying, "We have to push back against the Chinese government's abuses and coercion that undercut the foundations of the international economic system." Partisans' ratings of China have all worsened since 2020, but Republicans' remains the lowest. Republicans' favorable rating fell 13 percentage points to 10%, Democrats' declined eight points to 27% and independents' is down 17 points to 22%. Partisans' Favorable Opinions of China, 2020 vs. 2021 % Very/Mostly favorable 2020 2021 Change % % pct. pts. Republican 23 10 -13 Independent 39 22 -17 Democrat 35 27 -8 GALLUP Favorability of Allies and Competitors Gallup's ratings of China are part of its annual update on Americans' views of major world countries. Of 17 other nations, Americans express the most favorable views of traditional allies, such as Canada and Great Britain, and the least favorable opinions of nations often at odds with the United States on the global stage, such as Iran and North Korea. Notably, most Americans continue to have unfavorable views of Iraq and Afghanistan, two nations that have been at the center of U.S. foreign policy for the past two decades. Americans' Favorability Ratings of Foreign Countries Very/Mostly favorable Very/Mostly unfavorable % % Canada 92 6 Great Britain 91 8 France 87 12 Japan 84 17 Germany 84 15 India 77 23 Israel 75 23 Taiwan 72 24 Mexico 65 34 Egypt 62 34 Cuba 45 54 The Palestinian Authority 30 65 Russia 22 77 Afghanistan 21 79 Iraq 21 77 China 20 79 Iran 13 85 North Korea 11 89 GALLUP, Feb. 3-18, 2021 Aside from China, there are noticeable changes in the favorable opinions of two other nations compared with last year: The overall favorable view of Russia has dropped six points to a new low of 22%, and 77% now have an unfavorable opinion of the country. Republicans (25%) and independents (24%) hold a somewhat more favorable view of Russia than Democrats (16%). Since last year, Russia's image has declined among independents (down 12 points from 36%), whereas the views of Republicans and Democrats are unchanged. Despite remaining relatively low, overall favorability of the Palestinian Authority rose to a new high of 30%, while 65% of Americans say they have an unfavorable view. Democrats are twice as likely as Republicans to view the Palestinian Authority favorably, 38% vs. 19%. Three in 10 independents hold a favorable opinion. Most of the increase in the past year has come from Republicans, only 9% of whom viewed the Palestinian governing body favorably last year. Bottom Line In a year upended by a pandemic first discovered in China, and perhaps the most widespread cyber-attack in the U.S. attributed to Russia by the U.S. intelligence community, both China and Russia have reached new low points in Americans' views. The findings also coincide with reports of increased hate crimes against Asian Americans across the United States, something Biden hopes to blunt by condemning anti-Asian speech in a recent executive order and directing the federal government to avoid such language in its operations. China and Russia are among the more challenging nations for U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration, as they were for the prior Obama and Trump administrations. But Biden's task may be made a bit easier if the current low favorable ratings mean Americans are unified in their perceptions of the challenges each country presents. View complete question responses and trends (PDF download). Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. [March 01, 2021] NEW Large Smartphone Manufacturer Signs Software License Contract With Elliptic Labs Elliptic Labs (EuroNext Growth: ELABS.OL) has signed a software license agreement contract with a large new customer that plans to produce 100 million smartphones in 2021. This large Asian smartphone OEM has chosen Elliptic Labs' INNER BEAUTY AI Virtual Proximity Sensor to power proximity detection in its upcoming mid-end smartphone as a start. The introduction of Elliptic Labs' AI Virtual Smart Sensor platform into its smartphone portfolio also opens up new capabilities for the OEM, allowing them to incorporate features uch as touchless gesture detection into their future smartphone models. "This is a big win for us and we are thrilled to have secured an enterprise license contract with another leading smartphone brand," explained Elliptic Labs' CEO Laila Danielsen. "With manufacturers constantly seeking better solutions in order to add more intelligence to their devices, it is imperative that the solutions also are greener and more ecologically responsible. Elliptic Labs' software-only solution reduces the need to mine rare minerals to create more hardware sensors. Furthermore, by using our AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform to make devices more contextually aware, OEMs are able to turn off devices when users are not nearby, thereby saving on power and emissions as well." INNER BEAUTY is a registered trademark of Elliptic Labs. All other trademarks or service markets are the responsibility of their respective organizations. About Elliptic Labs Elliptic Labs is headquartered in Norway with presence in the USA, China, South Korea, Taipei, and Japan. Founded in 2006 as a research spin-off from Norway's Oslo University, it is now a global enterprise targeting the smartphone, laptop, IoT, and automotive markets. The company's patented AI software combines ultrasound and sensor-fusion algorithms to deliver intuitive 3D gestures, proximity, and presence-sensing experiences. Its scalable AI Virtual Smart Sensor platform creates software-only sensors that are sustainable, eco-friendly, and currently deployed in over 150 million devices. Elliptic Labs is the only software company in the world that has delivered detection capabilities using AI software, ultrasound, and sensor-fusion technology at scale. Elliptic Labs' platforms and IP are developed in Norway and owned solely by the company. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210228005071/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In the midst of a global pandemic, some Christian approaches to science have received attention for their mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines or opposition to mask wearing. The struggle isnt new. Over the years, national surveys have tracked a more pronounced mistrust of science among Christians on human-caused global warming, evolution, and other issues, often leading to public attention on conflict areas. Yet many Christians have not only found a harmony of faith and science but also followed a calling that lives in that tension. Seeking to address the need for more cooperation and collaboration between scientific and faith communities, Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund wants to highlight the commonalities, instead of the conflicts, as a way forward. Ecklund has spent more than a decade reporting on what scientists believe about religion and what religious peopleespecially Christiansbelieve about science. Despite the fact that nearly 50 percent of scientists consider themselves religious, much distrust remains between Christians and scientists, with each side often viewing the other as a threat. In her most recent book, Why Science and Faith Need Each Other: Eight Shared Values That Move Us Beyond Fear, Ecklund proposes that Christians and scientists can find common ground around eight virtues that play a vital role in both faith and the practice of science: curiosity, doubt, humility, creativity, healing, awe, shalom, and gratitude. Christopher Reese spoke with Ecklund about the book and some of the challenging issues surrounding the relationship between Christianity and science. Why is it important for Christianity and science to find common ground? Research shows that the views people hold about the relationship between religion and science have important implications. As we found in my book, they can influence whom people vote for and, by extension, public financial support for scientific research. Views on the relationship between religion and science can also influence whether an individual goes to church and whether young people stay in church. Research finds that many youth are leaving the church because they perceive irreconcilable conflict between Christianity and science. Why does mistrust continue to persist between Christians and scientists? There are lots of reasons that fears and mistrust continue. In the churches I have visited, I have met Christians who keep their children out of certain science classes, afraid that scientific education will lead them to doubt and ultimately reject their faith. There are Christian parents who worry about what scientists will say about faith when helping their children choose colleges and universities. Christians from minority communities, in particular black and Hispanic Christians, worry about being a part of science and technology fields where not only their race or ethnicity is underrepresented but also their faith. Christian women and girls who want to pursue scientific careers wonder if they will be marginalized in their Christian communities for their scientific aspirations and marginalized in the scientific community for both their gender and faith. Some Christians worry about certain medical technologies and research, whether they are ethical and whether they take into account the uniqueness of the human being and what it means to be made in the image of God. I have met many Christians who are afraid of how science will impact their faith and how scientists will influence religion and its place in society. Should churches encourage the pursuit of science? If so, what are some ways they can do this? Absolutely! Churches oftenif they address science at alltend to address the hot-button issues like evolution, climate change, and human reproductive genetic technologies, to name a few. But to encourage the pursuit of science, youthand everyone in congregations reallyneed to hear scientists who are Christians (and even those who are not) talking about their scientific work and the joy they find in doing science, the beauty in science. Churches could spend more time talking about what the scientific and faith communities have in common. Article continues below When I started writing this book, I searched my house for a notebook from a class I took more than 20 years ago as an undergraduate at Cornell University. In that class, taught by Norman Kretzmann on the philosopher Thomas Aquinas, I began to think deeply about the Christian virtues and values, which Aquinas saw as practices or habits that tend toward the good. In studying, interviewing, and working with both Christians and scientists, it struck me that they seemed to share many of the same virtues. I found the core virtues that guide the practice and habits of science and religion are more similar than we thought, yet there are also some key differences. I have a new approach to discussing the relationship between science and faith. I see science and faith not just as sets of ideas but as groups of people, and I am convinced that scientists and Christians share common virtues that if brought to light will lead to common ground. I am also convinced that by recognizing the common virtues between our faith and science, and where our values differ, we Christians can begin to develop a more effective and meaningful relationship with science and scientists. You mentioned some key differences between the practice and habits of science and religion. Can you elaborate on those? Obviously scientistswhether or not they are people of faithare asking questions about the natural and biological world, things that we can test and see. Most scientists say their work provides less insight into things outside the natural world. What would your advice be to young Christians who believe they have to choose between science and their Christian faith? In short, they dont have to choose. There are wonderful examples of scientists who are Christians and find ways of not only integrating faith and science identities but actually find these identities to be generative of one another. What we need is even more numerous examples, Christians from different backgrounds, ethnic groups, genders, to help us see that a variety of Christians can be scientists. Of the eight virtues that you describe that Christianity shares in common with science, which do you find the most compelling? Shalom. In my interviews with Christian scientists, I have found that many of them draw on the concepts of shalom and stewardship. Shalom is a Hebrew word that comes from a root that means completeness and perfection, and it is the peace, harmony, well-being, and prosperity that result from the flourishing of all creation. Shalom can mean to get involved in the messiness of the world, to try to mix it up with structures that are not just, to make them more just. Stewardship, or caring for the world, in the form of environmental protection, is often thought of as a scientific virtue, but it is a deeply Christian virtue as well, a practice that brings us closer to shalom. Christian stewardship encompasses the idea of unique humanness, that we were created by God and thus have a responsibility to care for and look after the rest of Gods creation. And some of the Christian scientists I interviewed explicitly discussed increasing representation and equality in science as one of their goals and one of the ways they enter into shalom through their work as scientists. Some of these scientists specifically connect their faith to their efforts to increase opportunities for those who are underrepresented in science. Article continues below Studying and increasing diversity in science is an area about which I am particularly passionate as a sociologist who is a Christian. Some of those I have interviewed for my studies join me in this. One biologist, for example, spoke about being on the committee within her guild that works to promote and represent diversity in her scientific field and how fighting for diversity in science is very much a piece of ones faith, not only for her but for some of the others on the committee. If a nonbelieving scientist expresses to her Christian friend her awe at the complexity of the universe and the Christian expresses his awe at Gods creative power, can that kind of interaction lead to common ground? I do think it can at times, if done so thoughtfully. Many scientists (both those who have faith and those who do not) talk about how seeing the beauty of the natural world through their work fills them with a sense of wonder and awe, which they hold in high value. Dissecting, examining, and understanding the natural worldeven its smallest, most intricate partsonly increases their feelings of astonishment, amazement, and appreciation. Are there organizations or institutions today where you see Christians and scientists engaging in fruitful dialogue? There are some fantastic organizations out there. BioLogos, founded by Francis Collins, is one of the most prominent programs working to help Christians see the harmony between science and biblical faith. And Science for the Church I think is also very strong. There are also organizations that are not specifically aimed at Christians but where Christians can find helpful tools, such as the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion. And I think of the programs run through Science for Seminaries, like the one at Howard University. There is a lot to be encouraged about in the science and faith space right now. Christopher Reese is the managing editor of The Worldview Bulletin, cofounder of the Christian Apologetics Alliance, and a general editor of Three Views on Christianity and Science (Zondervan, 2021). [ This article is also available in espanol and Francais. ] Senior lawyers say an independent, confidential inquiry into allegations that a Cabinet minister raped a 16-year-old girl more than 30 years ago would be possible and could be conducted in a way that protected the mans right to a presumption of innocence. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday gave no indication that he would consider such an inquiry, saying that it would be wrong to ask the minister to step aside and that the issues raised should be left to the police to investigate. Geoffrey Watson, SC, pictured here in 2013. Credit:Rob Homer However the NSW police, who received a complaint from the woman last year, are unlikely to investigate, given the complainant died by suicide in June last year, four months after her report to police. The womans allegations of rape in 1988 have also been sent to the Australian Federal Police, although criminal matters are normally the responsibility of state police forces. Geoffrey Watson, SC, a former counsel assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and now the director of the Centre for Public Integrity said the federal government could mirror the framework established for the confidential inquiry into sexual harassment allegations made against Dyson Heydon, a former High Court judge. 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 pour is a key step in the companys strategy to build a multi-asset operating business focused on precious and base metals with the objective of delivering prosperity through lean and clever resource development. The production team at Hillgrove in northern NSW with the commissioning gold bar. Red River Resources Ltd ( ) (FRA:R1R) has poured first gold at its Hillgrove Gold Mine in northern New South Wales, with the first bar poured weighing 0.97 kilograms and grading 83% gold and 13% silver. Pouring of the first gold bar at Hillgrove in more than 20 years came after the company completed commissioning of the gold plant. The start of gold production at Hillgrove represents a material step in the companys strategy to build a multi-asset operating business focused on base and precious metals. Red River managing director Mel Palancian said: Red River completed the Hillgrove Gold Mine acquisition in August 2019 for A$4 million in RVR shares and we decided that the best way to bring this project back into production was through treating material from the Bakers Creek stockpile before resuming underground operations, with methodical permitting, refurbishment and upgrade activities to execute our strategy. Shares were as much as four per cent higher intra-day to 26 cents while the company's market cap is approximately $129.4 million. Mining and processing ramps up Plant production is ramping up with gold recovery to flotation gold concentrate and Knelson gravity gold concentrate performing in line with expectations. Red River has installed a Consep Acacia Leach Reactor at Hillgrove to maximise recovery of gold from the Knelson gravity gold concentrate. The plant consists of an up-flow fluidised reactor for the leaching process, which has been developed and optimised to produce the ideal solid-liquid interaction for maximised gold leaching reaction kinetics without mechanical agitation. After initial low-grade commissioning feed, stockpile grades are meeting expectations as mining and processing activities continue to ramp up, with an estimated 800-1,000 ounces of gold in the circuit currently. "A material step" Palancian said: I would like to thank our employees, consultants and contractors who have contributed to this significant achievement. "The start of gold production at Hillgrove represents a material step in our strategy to build a multi-asset operating business focused on base and precious metals." To date, around 18,000 tonnes of Bakers Creek Stockpile has been mined and processed through the Hillgrove Plant. The MD added: I look forward to updating the market as we increase gold production from the Bakers Creek Stockpile in Stage 1 before we move to the full restart of UG production in Stage 2, producing gold, gold concentrate and gold-antimony concentrate. Aerial photo taken on July 16, 2020 shows the Wan Chai of south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai) HONG KONG, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong police on Sunday afternoon prosecuted 47 people, who were arrested in January, for "conspiring to subvert state power." The defendants aged between 23 and 64 will stand trial in West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Monday. The police arrested 53 people last month on suspicion of "subverting state power" under the national security law in Hong Kong for organizing and participating in the so-called "primary election" last year. The people under arrest included anti-China disruptor Benny Tai, former opposition lawmakers Wu Chi-wai, Lam Cheuk-ting, James To and Alvin Yeung. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Researchers are preparing an application to the government to run a field trial of a new genome edited wheat, the first such trial to be carried out in Europe. Scientists from Rothamsted Research have used genome editing to reduce a cancer-causing compound commonly found in toast. Acrylamide forms during bread baking and is further increased when bread is toasted: the darker the toast, the more of this carcinogenic compound it contains. Now the team have used genome editing to develop a type of wheat that is less likely to produce acrylamide when baked. According to project leader Professor Nigel Halford, they are preparing an application to the UK government to run a field trial of this new wheat, starting in the autumn. Acrylamide has been a very serious problem for food manufactures since being discovered in food in 2002," Professor Halford explained. Acrylamide, which causes cancer in rodents and is considered probably carcinogenic for humans, occurs in toast and other foods that are fried, baked and roasted. The amount of acrylamide in bread is relatively low, but it increases many-times over when the bread is toasted. The compounds that impart colour, flavour and aroma form by similar chemical pathways, so the darker and tastier the toast, the more acrylamide it is likely to contain. Sarah Raffan, who has just completed a PhD project to make and analyse the low asparagine wheat, will be the lead researcher on the field trial. She said: Weve used genome editing to reduce the amount of the amino acid, asparagine, in the grain. "Its the asparagine that is converted to acrylamide during baking and toasting, so a low asparagine wheat should lead to lower levels of acrylamide, which is good news for anyone who likes their toast well done. The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique leads to small changes in the DNA, such as the deletion or insertion of short sections of DNA, or changes to the DNA sequence. In this instance, researchers are halting the function of a gene involved in the production of asparagine. Despite the differences between genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 and GM, genome edited plants are currently treated in the same way as GM under EU regulations, blocking the use of a technology that is gaining approval worldwide. The current Defra consultation on this issue may lead to new legislation in the UK, allowing genome edited food products to be available to consumers. Professor Halford said: A number of methods for reducing acrylamide in food products by changing processing methods have been developed. "Some have been successful, but they are not applicable to all food types, are often expensive to implement and may have detrimental effects on product quality." Professor Halford emphasized that the wheat is still experimental: It is essential that we test the wheat in field trials to see how it performs. "If it comes through the field trial well it could be made available to wheat breeders." Residents are on cyclone watch as wild weather has already left streets flooded and highways gridlocked as concerned residents look to flee north Queensland in droves. A tropical low approximately 215km east of Innisfail, south of Cairns, has triggered an urgent warning, with ferocious winds of up to 100km/h predicted on Tuesday afternoon. Areas expected to hardest hit include coastal and island locations between Cape Flattery and Lucinda, including Port Douglas and Innisfail, according to the Cairns Post. 'People in these areas should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases,' the Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement. Far North Queensland (pictured above) is on cyclone watch as a tropical low threatens the coast of Cairns Residents and guests in Port Douglas (pictured above) have been warned to expect cyclone conditions on Tuesday (stock image) Motorists have been also been advised to avoid parking their cars in low-lying tidal areas and to not drive through floodwaters. Rainfall of up to 150mm has also been predicted in some areas, with Bureau of Meteorology expert Jackson Browne revealing flash and river flooding is likely over the next 48 hours. 'Soils and catchments are already saturated after weeks of rain on the north tropical coast,' he said. 'Flooding could extend as far south as Mackay as the low strengthens.' Forecast tracking have predicted the cyclone could reach a dangerous Category 2 by Wednesday. 'Gales are possible as the system reaches cyclone strength. Heavy rainfall is also likely,' the forecast confirmed. On Monday morning, commuters endured lengthy delays on the Captain Cook Highway driving south towards Cairns. A number of trees fell across the Gillies Range Rd at Gadgarra in Queensland's Tablelands Region, resulting in further delays after traffic was reduced to one lane. Meteorologist Michael Gray revealed the extreme weather in far north Queensland was due to the development of a monsoon trough as well as a reach of high pressure along the east coast. The Queensland Bureau of Meterology (pictured above) showing a tropical low developing off the north tropical coast Experts are also predicting rainfall of up to 150mm in some areas as well as flash flooding (stock image) 'Since 9am on Saturday, we have seen rainfall totals up around 100mm around the Proserpine River and over 50mm through large parts of an area from about Mackay up towards Cairns,' he told the Courier Mail. 'We will still see fairly significant rainfall (from Mackay to Cairns) that will continue at least to Wednesday... or possibly through to later in the week.' Across the rest of the eastern states of Australia, the forecast for Monday is partly cloudy and mostly sunny, with a slight chance of a shower tonight in Brisbane. A tropical cyclone likely (pictured above) to likely to form around north Queensland on Tuesday Huge swells are also predicted as the state of Queensland braces itself for some wild weather on Tuesday (stock image) FIVE DAY WEATHER IN YOUR CITY SYDNEY MONDAY: Min 20. Max 31. Mostly sunny. TUESDAY: Min 19. Max 25. Possible shower. WEDNESDAY: Min 17. Max 23. Shower or two. THURSDAY: Min 17. Max 25. Partly cloudy FRIDAY: Min 16. Max 25. Partly cloudy. BRISBANE MONDAY: Min 23. Max 32. Partly cloudy. TUESDAY: Min 23. Max 34. Possible shower. WEDNESDAY: Min 23. Max 29. Shower or two. THURSDAY: Min 21. Max 28. Possible shower. FRIDAY: Min 19. Max 28. Partly cloudy. ADELAIDE MONDAY: Min 14. Max 26. Partly cloudy. TUESDAY: Min 13. Max 24. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 12. Max 25. Mostly sunny. THURSDAY: Min 12. Max 26. Sunny. FRIDAY: Min 15. Max 29. Partly cloudy. CANBERRA MONDAY: Min 13. Max 31. Sunny. TUESDAY: Min 13. Max 25. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 10. Max 24. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 9. Max 27. Sunny FRIDAY: Min 11. Max 27. Partly sunny. MELBOURNE MONDAY: Min 15. Max 21. Partly cloudy. TUESDAY: Min 12. Max 17. Cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 12. Max 18. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 12. Max 20. Cloudy. FRIDAY: Min 15. Max 20. Cloudy. PERTH MONDAY: Min 17. Max 28. Partly cloudy. TUESDAY: Min 17. Max 27. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 19. Max 27. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 20. Max 28. Possible storms. FRIDAY: Min 19. Max 27. Cloudy. HOBART MONDAY: Min 14. Max 22. Showers easing. TUESDAY: Min 9. Max 16. Windy. Cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 9. Max 19. Cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 13. Max 21. Cloudy. FRIDAY: Min 11. Max 18. Partly cloudy. DARWIN MONDAY: Min 25. Max 33. Partly cloudy. TUESDAY: Min 25. Max 32. Partly cloudy. WEDNESDAY: Min 25. Max 32. Partly cloudy. THURSDAY: Min 26. Max 33. Partly cloudy. FRIDAY: Min 26. Max 33. Partly cloudy. Source: Bureau of Meteorology Advertisement Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday refuted Vice President Leni Robredo's statement that the Sinovac vaccines should have undergone health technology assessment first. He said this type of expert review is not mandatory under the Universal Health Care law. Roque, who co-authored the UHC law, said the health technology assessment process is only recommendatory to the Department of Health and PhilHealth under the measure. "The letter is the law is very clear po. It's recommendatory," he told a televised meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and other government officials. "And the spirit of the law was never to duplicate the function of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), dahil 'yung safety and efficacy po, 'yan na po 'yung function ng FDA [because ensuring safety and efficacy is already a function of the FDA]," Roque added. On Sunday, the Vice President said without the positive recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council on Sinovac's CoronaVac, there is no added layer of protection for Filipinos who will get the doses. The HTAC, which is composed of health experts, evaluates COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA and crafts recommendations to the DOH as to which ones should be procured for the people. Philippine General Hospital Physicians' Association also said earlier the Chinese-made vaccines should undergo appraisal by the HTAC "to facilitate individual informed decision-making before it is administered to healthcare workers." The country's immunization program began on Monday, with medical frontliners and a handful of government officials receiving the first shots of the newly arrived CoronaVac doses donated by China. READ: Robredo backs doctors' plea to test Sinovac before giving to health workers In the same meeting, Duterte also hit Robredo anew for challenging him to get inoculated first to boost Filipinos' confidence in vaccines. "Masyado kang apurado [You're too much in a hurry]," he said. "Nagdududa ka kasi na nagpabakuna na ako kasama ng sundalo... 'Yun talaga ang ano mo. [That's because you think I was already vaccinated along with the soldiers That's what you're getting at.] You seem to have an angel face but a devilish mind." Just a day before, Duterte cited his old age as he turned the tables and dared Robredo to get vaccinated before him. The President, who is turning 76 next month, said he cannot be injected with the Sinovac vaccine, as his doctor has advised him to wait for a different brand. This is after the FDA discouraged the use of Sinovac on senior citizens since it did not include the elderly in its clinical trials. READ: Duterte waiting for another China-made COVID-19 vaccine as advised by doctor Redtie fills the communication gap between all of the parties during the payment process. The financial landscape is changing at a rapid pace, especially in the number of options to make payments for purchases quickly and easily. Making a payment for retail and online stores has been simplified and the processing fees are lower thanks to Cybrswype who is leading the way. Using a phone to make payments is nothing new, but Cybrswype set out to make it better, and they have done it simply with text messaging. Matt Smith, CEO of Cybrswype says, Most people use text messaging and Redtie is a perfect fit. Our platform connects the merchant, financial institution, and consumer together. Redtie fills the communication gap between all of the parties during the payment process. Its a robust, feature-rich, and the smart choice for us. We did not want the lack of timely communications to be the downfall for our merchants, or our users. Cybrswype, a cardless payment platform is built on Redties advanced text messaging protocols. The platform is licensed to intermediaries who manage the relationship with merchants, who in turn, interact with consumers visiting retail and online stores. Steve Knaebel, President Redtie says Redtie is a simple and easy-to-use platform, giving merchants the option to use a phone or computer to send text messages. Merchants get features like; read receipts, archiving, dedicated phone number, multi-user access, and attachments that are stored and accessed in a secure cloud. Also, consumers dont have to download an app to use it; they receive a text like any other text. Redtie fills a critical role for Cybrswpe. By empowering the merchants to connect with their consumers, not just with text messages, merchants can attach files like documents, audio and video just like you would with email. Redtie makes it easy for merchants to create loyal and long-lasting consumer relationships. CybrSwype is a cutting edge payments platform that appeals to a wide range of demographics. We are glad they chose Redtie. Our vision for Redtie is to replace Email as an enterprise connectivity solution. In order for that to happen, Text messaging should have similar abilities and our product follows this premise. The benefits of texting far outweigh Email. Text has an average open rate of 98% and is generally read within 3 minutes. Where email has an open rate of around 18% with a large amount of email going into the spam folder says Steve Knaebel, President of Redtie. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Heartwarming footage captures the moment a daughter is allowed to hug her 90-year-old mother for the first time in three months as Covid restrictions are eased. Fiona Scott said she hoped today's long-awaited embrace with her mother Mary Cook signalled 'the start of more hugs for many, many people', as regular care home visiting resumes in Scotland. Ms Scott visited her mother at Queen's House in Kelso, in the Scottish Borders, where they became the first to delight in the easing of restrictions on meeting indoors - greeting each other with a cuddle. From today care home residents in Scotland are allowed to have two designated visitors, with each visitor able to see their relative once a week indoors. Scroll down for video. Fiona Scott visits her mother Mary Cook at a nursing home today for the first time since the lockdown started in Scotland, amid the spread of coronavirus disease In England care home residents are expected to be allowed one regular visitor from March 8, provided they are tested and wear PPE. It was the first time Ms Scott was able to meet with the grandmother-of-four indoors since the start of Scotland's lockdown. Ms Scott said: 'It's hard to put into words, you don't feel as separate. It's just normal isn't it? I just feel very sorry for all the folks that cannot get together like this.' She added: 'The touch and feel, it can speak a volume of words. A hug's a gesture that you can't put into words but it conveys so much to the person. 'Let's hope that this is the start of more hugs for many, many people.' From today care home residents in Scotland are allowed to have two designated visitors, with each visitor able to see their relative once a week indoors. Ms Cook (left) and her daughter The pair, who said they have always been very close, looked delighted to be reunited after three months apart A round of applause erupted as the pair had their first hug since the Scottish lockdown started Ms Scott said: 'I just feel very sorry for all the folks that cannot get together like this' Steven Bailey, concierge at the care home, said: 'The difference is amazing - to see Mary and Fiona today, it's just the best feeling in the world. 'It reminds me of all the reasons why I do this job. 'I think it will be very overwhelming for everybody - including the staff. It's been a long time coming.' In Wales, currently in alert level 4, one designated visitor is allowed for an outdoor visit, or a visit in a visiting pod at care homes - subject to Covid testing. Window visits are also permitted without Covid testing, if the visitor stays two meters from the window and staff are able to facilitate it. Data released last week showed that care home coronavirus deaths in Scotland had fallen by 62 per cent in the last three weeks, with the figure cited by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as the first 'hard evidence' of the vaccine's impact. Ms Scott is tested for Covid ahead of her visit to see her mother Ms Cook at the nursing home Ms Scott is kitted out in PPE before meeting with her mother who is not required to wear PPE The Scottish Government said that with the extra protection in place, the greater risk to residents' wellbeing is from a lack of family contact. Visitors will be 'strongly recommended' to take a coronavirus test on-site and will have to wear PPE. Cathie Russell, who has been campaigning with the Care Home Relatives Scotland group, said: 'We look forward to working with care home providers, public health and oversight teams to ensure that the new guidance allows residents to enjoy meaningful contact with their closest relatives and friends once more.' A Colorado woman is suing a Wyoming ski resort for more than $75,000 in damages after she said she broke her ribs during a chairlift accident. Sabita Shrestha, 75, said she, her daughter and a Snow King Mountain Resort employee were all knocked into netting last June after the employee failed to stop a moving chairlift to allow Shrestha and her daughter to safely board, the Jackson Hole News and Guide reported. Shrestha said the lawsuit filed in federal court in Wyoming that she had to be admitted to the hospital for her broken ribs and additional injuries. Shresthas daughter suffered injuries to her leg and other places, the lawsuit said. The Jackson ski resort said in a formal response that the employee took appropriate action to try to manually stop the chair in order to prevent injury or damage. Snow King said Shresthas claims are prohibited by the Wyoming Recreation Use Statute and that she is not entitled to damages. The ski resorts lawyers also called for the lawsuit to be dismissed. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Pittsfield Schools Transition to Hybrid Learning with Caution PITTSFIELD, Mass. Pittsfield students are returning to their physical classrooms for a full week for the first time since November. Interim Superintendent Joseph Curtis on outlined the ways that the school community will be protected from COVID-19 to the School Committee on Wednesday. "Amazingly enough, we're 17 days away from, I'll use the term 'anniversary' although I don't think it's anything to celebrate, from that March 13, 2020, when we had a series of very intense days with [former] Superintendent [Jason] McCandless and representatives, and certainly our mayor, and we made the decision ahead of our governor to close our schools," he told the committee. "At that time we were giving an estimate of roughly two weeks for closure just to assess where we were and where we needed to go, and as you know, the better part of one year now, we have remained in remote learning." With this "anniversary," he said the city needs to reflect and pause because it can bring some emotion to everything residents have endured and adjusted to, especially in the schools. "Every person in our school system has adjusted their roles and what they do," Curtis said. "Our students certainly have, our families." Since Feb. 21, the city is at a 1 percent positivity rate and has 7.7 cases per 100,000. Curtis compared that health data to data from Oct. 26, the day before the remainder of all students began in-person learning and right before the surge of cases following Halloween weekend. In October, there was a 0.7 positivity rate and 2.5 cases per 100,000, which Curtis said is comparable to current data. The schools did not initially revert to remote learning because of positivity rates or transmission within schools in November, he explained, but because there were technical issues with the local provider that affected their ability to contact trace to their standards. To prepare students and families for the return, widespread communication started on Feb. 12 before winter break. The week started with staff returning to their respective buildings for professional learning and preparedness with at least 2 1/2 to three hours left over to prepare their classrooms. From Tuesday to Wednesday, the staff utilized presentations to review health and safety protocols with all students. The materials were also provided to families in English and Spanish. Before returning to school, students were asked to complete a self-certification for safety protocols. On Thursday, all elementary school students returned in the morning/afternoon model and the first group of secondary school students began following the second group on Friday. Curtis noted that the Pittsfield Public Virtual Academy is currently taking enrollments and those students will not be returning to in-person hybrid learning. Currently, there have been 5,013 Chromebooks deployed to students for remote learning and 750 Verizon hotspots, and another 850 T Mobile 20GB per month hotspots have been secured for the next school year. All staff members are being provided with KN95 masks for the return to school and students are being asked to consider double masking with a disposable and cloth mask combination for the best protection. The schools' learning areas are being outfitted with 750 air purifiers with H13 HEPA filters that complement the HVAC system and the opening of windows. Through negotiation with the United Educators of Pittsfield, the district will take regular carbon dioxide readings in all spaces of the schools. Any room in use will have to have a CO2 reading below 951 parts per million. Before a space is used, a reading will be taken and then continually repeated during use. The district also requires one to two windows to be open 3 or 4 inches in any space and is reportedly ensuring that heating systems work properly to accommodate the incoming air. Curtis said the School Committee directly indicates that in-person hybrid learning will proceed until it is determined by himself in consultation with public health officials that instances of school transmission warrant a reversion to full-time remote learning. If school transmission does occur, a decision based on the circumstances will be made. Possible outcomes could include a classroom, a number of classrooms, a grade level, or a school being reverted. The district has met with delegates from state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Shah Foundation to get approved for state pool testing, as is being done in North Adams and Williamstown. On Feb. 19, the district was paired with CIC Health School Surveillance Testing Program out of Cambridge and hopes to be supported by County Ambulance as the subcontractor to CIC. In this case, testing would take place in Grades 2 through 12 at least once a week. A plan is being developed to test pre-K, kindergarten, and first-graders who cannot administer the test themselves. "We continue to be strong advocates to create a special vaccination event for teachers when our phase begins so we can hopefully provide a special vaccination event lets say on two Fridays so our staff members can have the entire day to be vaccinated and then have the weekend to recover," Curtis said. Because some show symptoms of illness after a second vaccination, the district is encouraging the local Board of Health and other officials to create the two special vaccination events on Fridays so teachers can have the weekend to recuperate. Curtis said he was somewhat surprised that staff appeared to not have readily accessible information about vaccination and it became apparent through discussions with the teachers union that the district needed to compile all of that information into one place. He hopes this will alleviate some of the stress that staff and faculty are experiencing in the return to in-person learning. "I think the fact that you are bringing [vaccinations] to the educators to make it as easy as possible is a very positive and welcoming choice," committee member Alison McGee said. "I think that's something that I'm hoping is alleviating some of the concerns." The REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-2 (REACT-2) program completed its fifth round of community surveys in the days between January 26 and February 8, 2021. The findings appear in a new article in the BMJ on February 25, 2021, showing that natural infection and vaccination together account for around 14% seropositivity rates in England at present. Study: Covid-19: One in seven people in England have antibodies from infection or vaccination, finds study . Image Credit: ktsdesign / Shutterstock Englands COVID-19 situation England has been among the countries that were badly hit by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The REACT-2 study comprises multiple rounds of community surveys that assess seropositivity rates to this virus among adults in this country. Previous rounds showed a reduction in population-level seroprevalence after the first wave of the pandemic, from 6% in June to just over 4% in September 2020. The second wave may be said to have begun in September, in the UK, and community spread of the virus persisted, undeterred by a second lockdown that lasted for three weeks in November. Following this, a spike in infections was observed, caused by the rise in the prevalence of the so-called UK variant (B1.1.17), which is more transmissible. This led to yet another lockdown in January 2021. Meanwhile, the government rolled out its SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program on a prioritized basis. As of now, nearly 20 million people have been vaccinated, beginning with people 70 years old or more, health and care workers, nursing home residents, and people with various clinical indications. Preliminary indications exist that the vaccination program is slowly reducing hospitalization and death rates and may even be bringing down viral transmission rates. After one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, infections are suggested to decline by 72%, and cases by half in those aged 80 years or more. With a second dose, the reduction in infections rises to 98%, showing the importance of completing the regimen, especially among older people. Seroprevalence The current survey round includes over 172,000 people who had been tested for IgG antibodies to the virus and obtained valid results. Overall, 14% of people tested positive. This was broken up into 40% among vaccinated individuals and 10% of unvaccinated individuals. The highest seroprevalence among unvaccinated people was in London, at 17%, with Black and Asian minority people showing over 20% seropositivity. Among white people, it was less than half this level. Among South Asian communities, Bangladeshi and Pakistani individuals had 25% and 22% seropositivity, respectively. African ethnicity was associated with a 23% seropositivity. Perhaps related to this, those who were part of large households, comprising seven or more people, showed a seroprevalence of 18%. About 15% of those aged 18-29 years were seropositive, and 11% of females, compared to 9% of males. Deprivation was associated with higher seropositivity, with the most and least deprived showing a seroprevalence of 12% and 8%, respectively. Health and care workers were found to have the highest prevalence of antibodies, among the unvaccinated group, at 22% and 24%, respectively. Those frontline workers in public transport, police and prison, education, and personal care had an incidence of 11% to 12%, compared to 8% in other workers. Antibody response post-vaccination The study showed over 18,000 people with valid seroprevalence results who had received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca/Oxford (ChAdOX1) nCoV-19 vaccines. Of these, over 12,000 had received one or more doses of the former, and over 5,200 one or more doses of the latter. Only the first group was analyzed, however. The highest vaccine uptake was among those aged 80 years or more, of whom 93% took the vaccine. A third of those aged 70-79 years were vaccinated. Among health workers and care workers, 68% and 60% were vaccinated, respectively. Two doses of the vaccine produced seropositivity in 91% of recipients. With one dose, the 21-day seroprevalence was found to be 89% overall, and 84% in those under 60 years, with weaker responses associated with advancing age. The seroprevalence increased for 4-5 weeks following vaccination and then leveled off. At all ages, people who had been infected with the virus before being vaccinated had higher seroprevalence rates. Live virus neutralization tests showed positive results in 29/30 results with antibody levels above 50 U/mL and a positive LFIA test. Vaccine willingness With 92% of people saying they were willing to take the vaccine, the results were encouraging. Almost all older (aged 80 years or more) people showed confidence, compared to 83% of those aged 18-29 years. Females were marginally less willing, at 91%, relative to males, at 94%. Vaccine hesitancy was attributed to uncertainty about the effects and adverse effects, the desire to have a child, and fears about infertility, allergies or other medical illnesses resulting from the vaccine. What are the implications? Even as the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies rises, inequities and discrepancies continue, with Black and Asian ethnicities being observed to have lower seropositivity rates. The same was true of more deprived localities, inhabitants of London and younger people between 18 and 29 years. High vaccine confidence is a reassuring sign, with female concerns about future fertility and plans for conception, and general fears about the potential adverse effects in the long term, being the primary contributors. The generally high seroprevalence after two vaccine doses in all age groups showed vaccine efficacy. However, weaker responses were seen in those aged 80 years or over, relative to those under 50 years. This may be accounted for by the higher chances of prior infection with the virus among younger people or weakened immunity among older people. Earlier reports show that antibodies decline by about six months after infection. The study, however, shows high antibody responses in those who received a single dose of the vaccine after prior natural infection. The antibody titers are, indeed, more than comparable to that achieved by a prime-boost vaccine regimen. In view of this, and because high levels of pre-existing antibodies in such individuals following the first dose could cause unnecessary reactions, some scientists opine that this group could be given only one dose, especially for younger people. Such an approach has been used by France. Alternatively, the second dose could be given after a longer delay. Further studies are required to determine how long such immunity lasts and the optimum timing of the two doses. The Telegraph Gold is hovering around the $1,900 an ounce mark, which means the precious metals price has risen by 55pc over the past five years and trades at barely 7pc below last autumns record high. By contrast, shares in Centamin, the gold miner, are no higher than they were in June 2016 and stand at barely half the peak reached last year. It is therefore tempting to argue that either the gold price or the share price is wrong and given the current macroeconomic backdrop this columns inclination is to believe that the share price is too low rather than the gold price too high, even allowing for Centamins history of operational disappointment. Americas Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are showing little or no inclination to tighten monetary policy. This is despite the fact that near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing were described as emergency policies when they were introduced in the West in 2008-09 and despite signs that inflation is gathering last months 4.2pc year-on-year rise in the US consumer price index was the fastest rate of advance in more than a decade. The central banks view is that this surge will be temporary because it is partly the result of pent-up demand and supply-chain dislocations as lockdowns ease and partly due to the low base for comparison offered by the economic downturn of 2020. Why the Release of the Khashoggi Report Has Everything to Do With Iran Commentary Last week, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an assessment claiming that Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman approved an operation in Istanbul, Turkey to capture or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Biden White House says it wont penalize the de facto leader of a traditional U.S. ally for fear of damaging relations. But thats misleading, because the purpose of publishing the assessment is to make the Saudis look as bad as possible in order to make Team Bidens preferred Middle East partner, Iran, look better by comparison. The administration is preparing to reenter President Barack Obamas 2015 deal with Tehran and legalize the nuclear weapons program of a terror state that has been launching missile attacks on Saudi Arabia for several years. Its hard to imagine Washington imposing a steeper penalty on Riyadh. The intelligence assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, was responsible for killing Khashoggi was first leaked nearly 2 1/2 years ago by anonymous U.S. officials. The purpose of the leak was to damage relations between Riyadh and then-President Donald Trump. Obama had downgraded the alliance with the Saudis and other U.S. Middle East partners because he wanted to realign American interests with the anti-American regime in Iran. Even before Trump exited the Iran nuclear deal in May 2018, he signaled that he was jettisoning his predecessors destructive policy and restoring the regions U.S.-led alliance system. Trump made his first presidential trip to Saudi Arabia to underscore the importance of a relationship that brought Saudi investment and American jobs. After Khashoggi was killed in October 2018, Obama allies used the press to pressure Trump and make Saudi Arabia radioactive. In vember 2018, The Washington Post published anonymously sourced details from what would become the ODNI assessment. According to the Posts sources, the CIA believed there is no way this happened without [MBS] being aware or involved. If MBS knew that a team was going to Istanbul for Khashoggi, there is no evidence that the Saudi delegation was sent to kill him, never mind on MBSs orders. And that is why the ODNI report hedges on its central claim: Although Saudi officials had pre-planned an unspecified operation against Khashoggi, the assessment reads, we do not know how far in advance Saudi officials decided to harm him. The result is the same in any casea mans life was taken by other men. But exactly who that man was has been intentionally obscured in press coverage and Biden administration statements. First, Khashoggi wasnt, as the press asserts, a Washington Post columnist. The several opinion pieces the paper published under his name were written by others. Because he didnt write English well, his articles were directed, from conception through composition, by paid agents of Qatar, Saudi Arabias Gulf Cooperation Council rival, who encouraged him to opine critically on his native country. Nor was he, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on Twitter, a permanent U.S. resident, and thereby entitled to the protection, attention, and consideration Washington owes U.S. citizens and green-card holders. Khashoggi owned an apartment in Virginia and lived in the United States on a work visa. Moreover, Khashoggi wasnt a dissident. He was a Saudi insider with ties to the countrys intelligence services. He had managed media companies owned by a member of the Saudi royal family who was a longtime head of Riyadhs general intelligence directorate. Khashoggi had once considered Osama bin Laden a friend and was sympathetic to other Islamic extremist movements. He frequently expressed anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments on social media. Before he was killed, Khashoggi sought $2 million from Riyadh to start a think-tank in Washington to promote Saudi interests. In other words, it seems he was using his Post articles and relationship with Doha to negotiate with Riyadh for his loyalty. His death in turn was used by former U.S. officials to advance their causes. A group of retired CIA officers was hammering away at MBS even before he replaced Mohammed bin Nayef as crown prince in 2017. As a former head of Saudi intelligence, Nayef was well known to U.S. intelligence officials, who expected him to ascend to the throne once the aging King Salman died. They assumed Nayef would feather their retirement nests, as the Saudis frequently bestow favors on former U.S. diplomats and senior spies friendly to the kingdom. When the king moved his son to the head of the line, those ex-CIA officials saw it as open season on a U.S. ally. The CIAs anti-MBS initiative intersected with the Obama camps efforts to block Trumps policy to restore the traditional U.S.-led alliance system in the Middle East. Khashoggis death was used as the premier platform for the anti-MBS information operation, which was pushed through the press, with The Washington Post as the primary vehicle. By releasing the DNI assessment, the Biden administration is simply announcing that the Obama policy is once again operative. Virtually all of the Obama officials who swung the Iran deal in 2015 are back with Team Biden, primed to undo sanctions and flood the regimes war chest. The assessment is also meant to paint the Saudis as uniquely evil, a tactic similar to the one deployed the last several years against Trump supporters. The establishment smears working-class Americans as racists and now as domestic terrorists to justify destroying them, by sending their jobs to China, opening the doors to millions of illegal immigrants, and so on. And its because of Khashoggi, Biden officials and its press surrogates are saying, that the Saudis deserve to live under the threat of a terror state brandishing a nuclear weapon. Of course, legitimizing Irans bomb is a problem not only for U.S. Middle East allies but also U.S. national security, even here at home. But what does that matter to an American ruling class that has repeatedly proven it despises America? Lee Smith is the author of the recently published book The Permanent Coup: How Enemies Foreign and Domestic Targeted the American President. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. 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. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. English French Delta Drone acquires stake in DIODON Drone Technology March, 1, 2021 - 6 p.m. Delta Drone and DIODON Drone Technology today announced the signing of a capital agreement, combining capital increase and issuance of a convertible bond, which will allow Delta Drone to hold a minority stake of more than 10% in the capital of the Toulouse start-up, alongside the two founders and executives of the company. This operation will enable DIODON Drone Technology to have increased financial resources, notably to finance the industrialization and commercialization of its new drone, the DIODON HP30. Created in March 2017 in Toulouse by two engineers who graduated from ISAE-Supaero, the company is developing a very innovative and unique concept in the world of micro-drones with inflatable structure of reconnaissance, surveillance and inspection dedicated to demanding environments (maritime, sandy, equatorial). The first system presented was the DIODON SP20 at Eurosatory in June 2018, a rustic multirotor drone with an inflatable structure. With feedback from experience, for example during a deployment on Barkhane in mid-2019 or the use of the drone by european marine special forces, the company then embarked on the development of a professional, industrialised drone for maritime applications. One year after the launch of the program and despite the COVID-19, the DIODON HP30 was born. While it is also based on an inflatable structure characteristic of the DIODON range, the technological leap is all the greater as the technology and components differ. While the DIODON SP20 used components on the shelf, it was impossible to do the same for a drone that was rustic and really amphibious. The DIODON HP30 has been developed around a very high-performance payload, completely waterproof and mechanically stabilized, which will allow the drone to operate day and night, thanks to two electro-optical and thermal sensors. More than the detection, recognition and identification (DRI) aspect, the entire vector has been improved, from the military-grade connectivity, to the completely watertight external batteries, to the specific electronics designed with strong sovereignty constraints. However, an aerial drone operates primarily in a more complex system from which it represents only a deported sensor. In this logic and thanks to the mastery of DIODON Drone Technology of the entire manufacturing of the system (drone, ground station, batteries ...), the company has been able to forge strong links with French companies to innovate in the drone segment. Strong links at first with well-known French naval defence players, such as Nexeya and Naval Group, which supported them in the development of their drones. And also with regional startups, such as Donecle (of which Delta Drone is a shareholder) which specializes in automated inspection, to develop, for example, an automatic inspection drone solution for offshore wind turbines. These technological and commercial partnerships make it possible to establish DIODON Drone Technology as a key player on aerial drone topics in maritime environments, both in the defence sector, as well as for civilian applications. For Delta Drone, investing in DIODON Drone Technology is a major strategic opportunity. First, it complements in a very consistent way the minority stakes taken in high-potential startups with close activities, notably Donecle and Elistair. Secondly, "marine" technology could be used to support the ISS Spotter professional solution, particularly in port infrastructure surveillance and security services in France and abroad. About Delta Drone : Delta Drone Group is a recognized international player in the civil drone industry for professional use. It develops a range of professional solutions based on drone technology as well as all associated services that form a complete value chain. Delta Drone shares are listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market - ISIN Code: FR0011522168 Also listed on Euronext Growth of BSA Y - Code ISIN: FR 0013400991 www.deltadrone.com Investor Contact: Press Contact: Jerome Gacoin Louise Caetano +33 1 75 77 54 65 +33 1 55 02 15 13 jgacoin@aelium.fr l.caeta no @open2europe.com Sarah Ousahla +33 1 55 02 15 31 s.ousahla@open2europe.com Attachment Three men, including a suspect wanted for second-degree murder in an October homicide, were arrested during a nearly eight-hour-long standoff in Winnipegs West End over the weekend. Three men, including a suspect wanted for second-degree murder in an October homicide, were arrested during a nearly eight-hour-long standoff in Winnipegs West End over the weekend. Winnipeg Police Service Const. Jay Murray told reporters Sunday that officers arrived at a house in the 600 block of McGee Street to execute a pair of entry warrants shortly after 11 a.m. Saturday. Jesse James Daher was arrested after a standoff in Winnipeg's West End on Saturday. It was believed two men who had outstanding arrest warrants were inside the residence, Murray said, adding it was later determined a homicide suspect who had been on-the-run for months was also hiding. Terry Ryan Monkman, 37, was reportedly taken into custody without incident. Monkman faces six weapons-related charges, in addition to three outstanding arrest warrants for failing to comply with probation and attending court. Two other men, who were thought to be armed with firearms, were uncooperative, which prompted additional officers and the forces armoured vehicle to be deployed to the scene, Murray said, noting the individuals involved are acquaintanes and are each "very well known" to police. "This can be a very methodical process. It can be incredibly tough to pull somebody out of a residence that you think might be armed with a firearm, is refusing to come out, and is actively hiding in this case, it was in the attic," he said about the lengthy standoff, during a Sunday press conference. Jesse James Daher, 28, surrendered to police at 6:40 p.m. Ten minutes later, Dwayne Louis Simard, 37, exited the residence. Police later seized a loaded sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun and ammunition from the residence. Daher and Simard are both facing weapons-related charges, five and seven, respectively, in the incident, as well as outstanding arrest warrants. Police continue to seek Evan Brightnose-Baker in their investigation into the October death of Mohamed Mohiadin Ahmed. Daher is facing a charge of second degree murder in the early October death of Mohamed Mohiadin Ahmed and charges related to a January incident during which he allegedly shot and seriously injured a female acquaintance with a pellet gun. Police recovered Ahmeds body from the Red River on Oct. 12, after an individual noticed his body near Churchill Drive and Hay Street. An investigation determined Ahmed was murdered at a residence in the Fort Garry area days earlier. Evan Brightnose-Baker, 21, is still wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for second-degree murder in the incident. He is considered to be armed and dangerous, according to police. Murray renewed calls to the public for help to locate Brightnose-Baker, who is described as a five-foot-five, Indigenous man who weighs approximately 126 pounds, has a medium build and brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 911, report information to Winnipeg polices homicide unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477). maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @macintoshmaggie Police in Myanmars biggest city fired tear gas as defiant crowds returned to the streets to protest against the militarys seizure of power, despite reports that security forces had killed at least 18 people around the country a day earlier. The protesters in Yangon were chased as they tried to gather at their usual meeting spot at the Hledan Centre intersection. Demonstrators scattered and sought to rinse their faces with water in vain attempts to ease the effects of the gas. Thousands of people have taken to the streets since the February 1 coup (AP) In the capital, Naypyitaw, the countrys ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi made a court appearance via video link, according to the independent Myanmar Now online news agency. It said she received a charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for allegedly inciting unrest. Further details of the court appearance were not immediately available. Ms Suu Kyi has already been charged with two other offences possession of walkie-talkies that had been imported without being registered, and violating an order issued under the Natural Disaster Management Law limiting public gatherings in order to fight the spread of the coronavirus. The 75-year-old Ms Suu Kyi was initially detained by the military at her Naypyitaw residence, but fellow members of her National League for Democracy party are uncertain of her present whereabouts. Protesters in Mandalay (AP) If she is convicted, the charges against her could provide a legal way of barring her from running in any election the junta has promised in a years time. At least five people were believed to have been killed in Yangon on Sunday when police shot at the protesters, who are demanding that Suu Kyis elected government be restored to power after being ousted in a February 1 coup. The protesters civil disobedience movement has adhered so far to the the tenets of nonviolence despite provocation from the security forces and pro-military counter-demonstrators. People erected makeshift shrines at the spots where several of the victims were shot and also paid their respects by standing outside the hospitals from which the bodies of the victims were being released to their families. Earlier, the UN said it has received credible reports that 18 people were killed and 30 others were injured after security forces in Myanmar opened fire on Sunday. Protesters are demanding the return to power of the elected government of Ms Suu Kyi after it was ousted in a coup on February 1. About 1,000 people are believed to have been detained during demonstrations on Sunday. A wounded protester is carried away in Mandalay (AP) The UN Human Rights Office said security forces also used tear gas as well as flash and stun grenades, adding: Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku. An Associated Press journalist was taken into police custody on Saturday morning while providing news coverage of the protests. The journalist, Thein Zaw, remains in custody. The AP has called for his immediate release. Ian Phillips, AP vice president for international news, said: Independent journalists must be allowed to freely and safely report the news without fear of retribution. AP decries in the strongest terms the arbitrary detention of Thein Zaw. The Foreign Correspondents Club of Myanmar also condemned the arrest. The UN has strongly condemned violence by the security forces (AP) The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reported that there had been 19 confirmed deaths in nine cities, with another 10 deaths unconfirmed. The independent media company counted five deaths in Yangon and two in Mandalay, the largest and second-largest cities, respectively. It registered five deaths in Dawei, a much smaller city in south-eastern Myanmar that has seen tens of thousands of protesters take to the streets nearly every day since the coup. Confirming the deaths of protesters has been difficult amid the chaos and general lack of news from official sources, especially in areas outside Yangon, Mandalay and the capital of Naypyitaw. But in many cases, photos and video circulated online showed circumstances of the killings and gruesome photos of bodies. Police and security forces had toughened their response to protests on Saturday (AP) The independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners reported it was aware that about 1,000 people were detained on Sunday, adding that it was able to identify 270. That brought the total number of people the group has confirmed as being arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup to 1,132. Before Sunday, there had been eight confirmed reports of killings linked to the armys takeover, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the crackdown, calling the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters and arbitrary arrests unacceptable, and expressed serious concern at the increase in deaths and serious injuries, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. US officials including secretary of state Antony Blinken also condemned the violence. The February 1 coup reversed years of slow progress towards democracy after five decades of military rule in Myanmar. Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party would have been installed for a second five-year term in office, but the army blocked parliament from convening and detained her and the president, Win Myint, as well as other top members of Ms Suu Kyis government. 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. New Delhi: National deworming day: As a part of the national deworming initiative of the government on August 10, more than 4.31 lakh students in 1-19 age group in the district will be examined with a single dose each of Albendazole. The tablets will be distributed through schools, anganwadis, and day-care centres. The district-level programme will be inaugurated by district panchayat vice president Daleema Jojo. The program will be monitored by a team consisting of doctors and health workers District health authorities said that Albendazole is an extremely safe drug with no or minimal side effects. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting might manifest in children with high worm load. The program has been launched to prevent the risk of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or worm infestation. STH interfere with nutrients uptake in children. It could lead to anaemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development, according to health authorities. On behalf of plaintiffs Dan and Cathy Allen of Sanford, Pitt Law has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in relation to the Edenville Dam failure in May that led to the damage or destruction of thousands of homes and businesses and the draining of Wixom and Sanford lakes, among others. The suit alleges that for decades, FERC entrusted the license to operate the Edenville Dam to a private owner, Boyce Hydro, that FERC knew or should have known was unwilling or incapable of operating the dam safely. EC President Charles Michel to begin his visit to Ukraine on March 2 with visit to Donbas Upon arrival in Ukraine on March 2, President of the European Council Charles Michel, together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, will visit the east of the country and meet with representatives of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO). "At 13:00 Kyiv time on March 2, he is to begin a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky; at 13:10 Kyiv time, he is to meet with representatives of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO)," the European Council said in an announcement on its website. It is expected that on this day a meeting with representatives of the OSCE SMM and organizations that provide humanitarian assistance to Donbas may also take place. At the end of the day, Presidents Michel and Zelensky will hold a joint press conference. The second day of the visit will take place in Kyiv on March 3 and will begin with a meeting between the European Council President and representatives of anti-corruption institutions, followed by a visit to the vaccination center. The visit will end with a meeting with President Zelensky and a joint press conference with him. As previously reported, the President of the European Council began his visit to the countries of the Eastern Partnership on Sunday. In particular, he visited Moldova on February 28, and on March 1 he is to visit Georgia. A neo-Nazi leader has posted shocking footage of his violent attack on a Channel Nine security guard hours before the network was due to air a report about his extremist far-right group. National Socialist Network leader Thomas Sewell and his lackey filmed themselves arriving at the TV station's office in Melbourne hoping to confront A Current Affair staff ahead of the segment running on Monday night. Their request was denied and Sewell unleashes into an extraordinary tirade on camera slamming the staff as cowards and manipulative before a security guard emerges and orders the pair to leave. 'Sorry, you cannot film in the building,' the security guard, who is black, tells the man filming, who refuses to comply with instructions. The security guard is seen telling the man filming to stop filming and leave. Thomas Sewell (right) watches on As the pair are escorted from the building, the man filming gets up close and personal to the security guard and taunts him. 'Dance monkey, dance!' The man is heard yelling. The encounter quickly escalates into violence as he orders the guard to not 'f**king touch me' before Sewell unleashes a brutal attack on the security guard. Shocked bystanders watch on as Sewell punches the security guard several times, who staggers backwards and is knocked to the ground with a jab to the face. The neo-Nazi then holds the security guard to the ground as bystanders yell at him to stop and get off the man, who was just doing his job. The security guard is able to return to his feet but appeared to be in a bad way as he stumbled several metres before Sewell approaches again. The two men square off before the ugly melee ends when several bystanders intervene to pull them apart. 'You put your hands on me, back off,' Sewell says to the guard. 'Back off, you can't put your hands on people. You f**king with the wrong person.' Sewell's shirt was torn in the melee. Shocked bystanders watch on as Sewell punches the security guard several times, who falls over backwards and is knocked to the ground The neo-Nazi then holds the security guard to the ground as bystanders yell at him to stop and get off the man, who was just doing his job The Channel Nine security guard was taken to hospital in an ambulance and CCTV of the incident given to Victoria Police. 'We are providing support to the member of our staff who was attacked. Nine is committed to providing a safe working environment for all our people,' a Nine statement read. Later on Monday night, A Current Affair reported on the federal government's plans to declare the UK-based Sonnenkrieg Division as a 'terrorist organisation'. 'They have a presence that we're particularly worried about in the UK but their reach goes into the minds of young people and Australians here,' Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told A Current Affair. 'People are on the internet, they have the ability to join these chat groups to hear this disinformation, these lies and this sick ideology.' The Channel Nine security guard was taken to hospital in an ambulance and CCTV of the incident given to Victoria Police Sewell performs a Nazi salute in footage played on A Current Affair He added ASIO will consider whether other organisations overseas or closer to home need to be listed. The warning comes after families were left fearing for their safety on the weekend before Australia Day in January when a group of far-right activists descended on the town of Halls Gap, performing the Nazi salute and screaming 'white power'. Nate Hart was hiking in the Grampians National Park in western Victoria with a friend on Saturday when he passed about 30 young men gathered in a cave singing 'Waltzing Matilda'. Mr Hart realised most of the men were wearing black shirts with the Celtic Cross - a symbol commonly used by white supremacists. Families were left fearing for their safety on the weekend before Australia Day in January when a group of far-right activists descended on the town of Halls Gap, performing the Nazi salute and screaming 'white power' As he walked away, the men 'aggressively yelled 'power of the white man!',' Mr Hart wrote on Facebook. 'It was clear we were in the presence of a group of actual fascists, indeed Nazis, out for a training camp and bonding exercise,' he said. 'Young blokes coming together over their shared hatred of others.' Other hikers and locals in the nearby town of Halls Gap saw the same group marching through the town on Sunday and Monday, The Age reported. They gathered around a barbecue area - some shirtless and showing Nazi tattoos - and drank coffee outside a cafe run by a local Indian family. 'They looked like Nazis from a Hitler movie,' a cafe owner said. 'And they were.' WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - March 1, 2021 - There is a growing recognition in health care that social factors such as racial bias, access to care and housing and food insecurity, have a significant impact on people's health. Compounding and amplifying those underlying inequalities are the ongoing disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest in our country. Although many health care organizations (National Academy of Medicine, American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics) currently recommend that screening for social determinants of health (SDH) be included in clinical care, medical education has lagged behind in teaching students how to recognize and address these disparities with patients. However, in a study published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, doctors at Wake Forest School of Medicine found that incorporating a health equity curriculum was associated with a significant improvement in students' knowledge and understanding of SDH and their confidence in working with underserved populations. "Our goal was to better prepare our future doctors to recognize the social and economic factors that affect health and to think about new ways to help their future patients with these issues," said the study's corresponding author, Deepak Palakshappa, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at Wake Forest School of Medicine, part of Wake Forest Baptist Health. "We wanted to offer it as part of our third-year training when medical students start seeing patients, rather than in the first- or second-year classroom setting like other medical schools that offer social equity curriculums." The Wake Forest School of Medicine team, led by Nancy Denizard-Thompson, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine, developed and implemented the longitudinal health equity curriculum for third-year medical students at the school in 2018. Simultaneously, they began a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum on students' self-reported knowledge of SDH and their confidence in working with underserved populations. The curriculum consisted of health equity simulations, a series of online modules presenting available scientific data on the issues, and experiential learning through partnerships with community-based organizations in the city. For example, medical students would spend a day going out to help deliver food with Help Our People Eat (H.O.P.E.), a local group focused on access to food in low-income neighborhoods, Palakshappa said. To evaluate the effectiveness of the new curriculum, the 314 third-year medical students in the classes of 2019 and 2020 were surveyed at baseline, at the end of third year and at graduation. The class of 2018, which did not participate in the curriculum, served as the control group. Total self-reported knowledge and confidence scores increased between baseline and end of the third year of medical school by eight points based on a standard measuring method. Total scores at graduation remained higher by eight points for those who participated in the new program versus the control group. "Ideally this experience will stay with students through residency and beyond, and hopefully they will begin incorporating screening for social determinants when they begin their practices," Palakshappa said. Based on this research, the curriculum is now mandatory for all third-year medical students at Wake Forest School of Medicine. ### Support for the study was provided by a grant from the Fullerton Foundation (grant number 668899). .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... AZTEC The San Juan Basin has gone through booms and busts before, but Jamie Church, the president and CEO of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, said a federal moratorium on new oil and gas leases and on permitting would be different than any bust the region has seen in the past. Church sent a letter to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on behalf of the chamber asking the governor to speak up against a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands that was instituted by President Joe Biden. Church said there were some operations planned for the basin that needed to go through permitting, but a 60-day moratorium on permitting led them to pursue options in Texas instead. Texas has significantly less federal land, which is the kind impacted by the moratoriums. Church said past busts havent been accompanied by the same political movement away from fossil fuels. As an example, she highlighted the Energy Transition Act that was passed in 2019 to increase renewable portfolio standards and provide a mechanism to refinance past investments into coal-fired power plants as utilities exit their ownership in those plants. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The whole outlook on the national level is changing, Church said. Proponents of these actions highlight the changing climate, which is leading to increased drought and wildfires as well as extreme weather. They say these actions are necessary to reduce emissions and reduce some of the impacts of climate change. The moratoriums will also give the federal government an opportunity to review existing leasing and permitting processes. Church said the actions could destroy Farmingtons economy by taking away one of the major economic sectors when there is nothing that can really replace it. The Farmington Chamber of Commerce is part of the efforts to diversify the economy, including promoting tourism and outdoor recreation and trying to attract retirees to move to the area. These things take time and basically 2020 was a complete pause on all of those efforts, she said. These efforts were gaining momentum in 2019. She highlighted the opening of Bisti Bay Water Park and the types of shows that were being put on at the Farmington Civic Center. Then, in March 2020, the coronavirus reached New Mexico and everything came to a halt. Its going to take time now to build that momentum again, Church said. She said she isnt saying that any one of those efforts is going to replace the oil and gas industry in the San Juan Basin. We still need oil and gas. We know that that is a very important piece of the economy, she said. We need the outdoor recreation industry. We need film. We need retirement. All those things will help us to diversify our economy, but to pull one large piece of that away before all these other things have had a chance to really build, it just doesnt help our chamber members, our businesses, our local economy, our community. In the letter, she highlights that San Juan County has seen a 10% reduction in population in the last decade and that this ban on new leases as well as a 60-day moratorium on permitting comes as the region is preparing for the economic impacts that will occur if the San Juan Generating Station closes in 2022. At the same time, San Juan County has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and businesses are still trying to recover from the business restrictions implemented to reduce spread of the virus. Church said not issuing new leases on federal lands and the moratorium on permitting will have ripple effects in the local economy, impacting restaurants, hotels, retail and other sectors. We know that our businesses depend on oil and gas operations, she said. Additionally, Church highlighted that a large portion of New Mexicos revenues come from oil and gas. She said the chamber would like to hear from the governor about how the state could make up for a shortfall resulting from the moratorium. Church expressed support for the solar projects that are in the works for San Juan County and said Photosol US is one of the chamber members. Photosol has three solar projects at different stages of development in San Juan County. However, she said the solar arrays will not generate many long-term jobs. Church said the chamber board approved the letter and she sent the letter to the governor so that the chamber can have a voice in decisions that are being made. Farmington Chamber of Commerce is doing its best to advocate for the businesses in our community every single day, she said. Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652 or via email at hgrover@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Chamber president: Oil and gas leasing, permitting moratoriums could hurt many businesses ___ (c)2021 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Visit Central Italy announces three contests, with each contest offering a chance to win a home in one of three of the most exciting cities across the world - Rome, Calabria, and Kenya VisitCentralItaly.com Visit Central Italy announces three contests, with each contest offering a chance to win a home in one of three of the most exciting cities across the world - Rome, Calabria, and Kenya Visit Central Italy announces three contests, with each contest offering a chance to win a home in one of three of the most exciting cities across the world - Rome, Calabria, and Kenya VisitCentralItaly.com Visit Central Italy announces three contests, with each contest offering a chance to win a home in one of three of the most exciting cities across the world - Rome, Calabria, and Kenya Visit Central Italy announces three contests, with each contest offering a chance to win a home in one of three of the most exciting cities across the world - Rome, Calabria, and Kenya VisitCentralItaly.com Win a House in Italy Win a House in Italy VisitCentralItaly.com Win a Beach Condo in Italy Win a Beach Condo in Italy VisitCentralItaly.com Win a House in Kenya Win a House in Kenya London, UK , March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- London UK- The highly successful win a house in Italy contest is back; Visit Central Italy has announced three more contests with homes across three beautiful cities. Up for grabs in three separate homes, across three competitions. Participants can join the contest to win a house in Kenya, Rome, and Calabria. In order to stand a chance of winning all three homes, contestants will have to enter into each of these three contests. Each contest winner will be announced separately, with a second and third prize being cash prizes. Visit Central Italy has said that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people to win a beautiful home worth millions. The first contest is for a home in the historic and beautiful city of Rome. According to Visit Central Italys website, the home is just 80 meters away from the Colosseum in Rome. It is quite literally in the heart of all that history and beauty. It is also just a few miles away from the citys shopping center. The home itself features three large bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open living room. The balconies offer owners a breathtaking view of the colosseum. However, the apartment itself is nestled within a private building complete with a lush green private courtyard thats maintained all year round. Drawing for the contest will take place on December 31, 2021. Story continues Readers can find out more about how to win the home in Rome by visiting https://visitcentralitaly.com/comp/win-a-house-in-italy-rome-contest. The second contest is for a home in the always sunny and beautiful city of Calabria. The home is on the top floor of a seaside apartment. The apartment has an incredible amount of space outdoors and private terraces, including one on the rooftop. Each terrace is equipped with an electric awning, which makes expanding and retracting it a one-button affair. Also, on the property is a pool, BBQ areas, sundecks, and the beach, which is just a few minutes walk away. Winners will have clear blue water, quite literally in their back yard! If anything, this is a dream home for many people who ever wanted to live near the beach in Europe. The drawing for the home in Calabria will be on February 14, 2022. Readers can find out more about the home by visiting https://visitcentralitaly.com/comp/win-a-beach-condo-in-italy. The third contest has a home in Coastal Kenya up for grabs by Visit Central Italy, is promised to be luxurious with a view of the coast. Pictures on the official website show a dream home complete with a pool, flowers, and a beautiful view of the sea. The two-bed villa has a single bath guest house, staff quarters, high stucco wall, and a custom security gate. It is also a few feet away from Kenyas beautiful white sandy beach. Kenyas beaches are amongst the best in the world, which makes this a highly desirable piece of property. Drawing for the content will be held on March 7, 2022 Readers can find out more about the property they can stand to win in Kenya by visiting https://visitcentralitaly.com/comp/win-a-resort-in-coastal-kenya. Entering each of the contests is easy and just requires answering a question and buying a ticket, the price of which ranges from $10 to $12 depending on the contest. Contestants can have multiple entries, which increases the odds of winning a home. However, with attractive second and third cash prizes, entrants stand a much better chance of walking away with something of value if it isnt one of the beautiful homes. Visit Central Italy has stated that contestants need to be at least 18 years of age at the time of entering into the content, which requires registering at the official website. Speaking of the contests, the CO-Founder of Visit Central Italy said that We want people to have more opportunities to win their dream home. However, we also want to make sure that people have more than one opportunity to win. Thats why every location weve picked to give our winners a home is exotic and beautiful. The properties are worth millions of dollars and can potentially change the lives of any lucky contestant. Plus, weve introduced cash prices for those who come in 2nd and 3rd so that everyone walks away with something of value. When asked about what made the homes chosen for the content so attractive to so many people, he said, Everyone wants a home, not only because it has financial value but also because it is a place you can go to or live in for as long as you want. Weve chosen the very best pieces of property in the world for the content. Each one is hand-picked, and weve made sure that they are every bit of what we promise. So, what you see in the pictures is what youll stand to win. Thats why our contests are so well received. About Visit Central Italy VisitCentralItaly.com is one of the leading real estate property search portals that makes it quicker and easier for people to find their dream homes. The portal takes a user-friendly approach, making it easier for people to search, examine, and find out more about homes listed in various parts of Italy. The company also has a team of experts who can be contacted by prospective buyers to assist in the buying process or to answer questions about properties of interest. ### Media Contact Company Name: Visit Central Italy Email: info@visitcentralitaly.com Phone: 415-251-0984 US +39-366-744-5884 IT or Whatsapp Address: 27, Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX Country: UK Website: https://visitcentralitaly.com/ This news has been published for the above source. VisitCentralItaly.com [ID=17090] Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from this story is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website's selling. The content publisher and its distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about. Attachments 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results WELLINGTON (Reuters) - The mayor of Auckland called for residents to be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccines after New Zealand's biggest city was thrown into its fourth pandemic lockdown over the weekend. The seven-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on a city of 2 million was prompted by just a single new COVID-19 case, reinforcing the New Zealand leader's strict "go hard, go early" response throughout the crisis. That approach has been credited with making New Zealand one of the most successful countries in the world at controlling the spread of the coronavirus, but the latest shutdown has been criticised by some on social media. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said the city would lose an estimated 200 jobs and more than NZ$30 million ($21.7 million) per day under the level 3 restrictions. "We need the vaccine roll-out to be prioritised in Auckland to help avoid future lockdowns, protect jobs and incomes, and ensure Auckland can play its role in supporting the national economic recovery," Goff said in a statement. The lockdown led to several major sporting and cultural events being cancelled or postponed and also caused traffic chaos over the weekend with people trying to get home stuck for hours at city checkpoints. The case that prompted the shutdown was a person who had been infectious and out in the community for a week. Two more locally transmitted cases were subsequently reported over the weekend, but no new cases were reported on Monday. Ardern said on Monday the person who sparked the lockdown had made "multiple mistakes", after public anger at reports the person had made contact with an infected family during lockdown and had visited public venues after taking a COVID test. "It has had devastating consequences, no question," Ardern told Newshub's "The AM Show", adding that any punishment was up to the police. "People do dumb things but we're not going to get through this if people pillory them to the point they do not tell the truth," she said. Story continues New Zealand has reported just over 2,000 cases of the coronavirus and 26 deaths since the start of the pandemic. ($1 = 1.3818 New Zealand dollars) (Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Peter Cooney and Jane Wardell) A man who tested positive for COVID-19 using the real-time PCR method in the Mekong Delta on Sunday had his retest return negative at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City the same day. The retest was conducted on a sample taken from T.V.T., 49, and sent by the Center for Disease Control in Bac Lieu Province, the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City said on Sunday evening. The institute is among the medical facilities tasked with confirming COVID-19 tests during the pandemic in Vietnam. T., who hails from Soc Trang Province, also located in the Mekong Delta, had been considered a suspected case following his first positive test because the Ministry of Health still had not registered it by then, according to a report by the Bac Lieu Center for Disease Control. He claimed to have never left his hometown nor had any contact with coronavirus patients or suspected cases in the preceding 14 days. On Saturday, T. and six other people traveled on motorbikes to a wind power company in Bac Lieu City, which is the provincial capital, to seek jobs. The group later went to Bao Anh Diner and have a cup of coffee before contacting a man named Huu from the company. Huu rented a room next to Bao Anh for the group to take a rest. At 11:00 am the same day, T. and the other group members had lunch at Ut Suong Rice Point near their room. Around 2:30 pm, Huu took T.s group by motorbike to Thanh Vu Medic Bac Lieu Hospital for a COVID-19 test. The hospital announced on Sunday that T. had tested positive for the virus, using the real-time PCR method. He was then isolated at Bac Lieu General Hospital. All of his direct contacts already tested negative for the virus, the Bac Lieu Center for Disease Control said on Sunday night. Vietnams caseload tally has hit 2,448 as of Monday morning, with 849 domestic cases reported since January 27, when the country confirmed the first community-based infection after having spent almost two months detecting zero local transmissions, according to the Ministry of Health's data. Hai Duong Province in the northern region is the largest epicenter with 665 cases. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! [March 01, 2021] Invacare Corporation Introduces the Next Generation Alber e-motion Power Assist Device Invacare Corporation (NYSE: IVC) and its subsidiary, Alber USA, LLC announced the introduction of their next generation of power assist devices - the e-motion (M25). The Alber e-motion power assist for manual wheelchairs is a push rim activated device that features wheels with a powerful in-hub motor and lithium ion batteries. The e-motion (M25) is an upgrade from the e-motion (M15), an industry-leading solution serving the marketplace since 2008. "Alber continues to pave the way of an innovative culture at Invacare. With our second launch in less than a year, we are further strengthening our comprehensive portfolio of power assist devices. From our previous introduction of the SMOOV one, to the Alber twion, e-fix and now the new e-motion, we are providing the power of choice to our customers," commented Joost (News - Alert) Beltman, senior vice president and general manager, North America for Invacare. "We started on our journey to create the next generation e-motion solution by listening to our customers. Universally, they told us they wanted a power assist device that was lighter and more powerful, and we are proud to deliver a unique and superior solution that will address their needs. We are confident that current and future customers will appreciate the improvements we've made," said Sebastian Zitzler, Director of Alber. Customers will discover an array of benefits offered by the new e-motion. Compared to the prior version (M15), the new e-motion (M25) is: Stronger Improvements made to the motor and battery give the new e-motion 33% more power. This extra power means the maximum user weight it can support has increased by 15%, up to 330 lbs. Faster The new M25 can go up to 5.3 mph, an improvement of 41% compared to the e-motion M15. In addition, the new e-motion M25 has a range of u to 15.5 miles, giving most users a full day of activity. Lighter Technological improvements made to this generation will provide more power in a lighter device. The weight per wheel has improved by 35%, going from 23 lbs. to 17 lbs. per wheel. Smarter The new e-motion M25 offers a smart phone app that opens the door to a variety of benefits, including cruise mode, which allows users to set the e-motion at a constant speed so they can just steer and brake as needed. In addition, it features a unique assisted braking system when going downhill and a patented roll back delay feature. To find out more about the new e-motion M25 or any of Alber's industry leading products please visit: www.alber-usa.com About Invacare Invacare Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor in its markets for medical equipment used in non-acute care settings. At its core, the company designs, manufactures and distributes medical devices that help people to move, breathe, rest, and perform essential hygiene. The company provides clinically complex medical device solutions for congenital (e.g., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida), acquired (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, post-acute recovery, pressure ulcers) and degenerative (e.g., ALS, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), elderly, bariatric) ailments. The company's products are important parts of care for people with a wide range of challenges, from those who are active and involved in work or school each day and may need additional mobility or respiratory support, to those who are cared for in residential care settings, at home and in rehabilitation centers. The company sells its products principally to home medical equipment providers with retail and e-commerce channels, residential care operators, distributors and government health services in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. For more information about the company and its products, visit Invacare's website at www.invacare.com. About Alber Alber specializes in easy-to-use, convenient electromobility. The company offers mobility aids for wheelchair users, with a portfolio that contains solutions that are designed to be uniquely portable and versatile. Alber is a market leader internationally in this specific segment. 2021 Invacare Corporation. All rights reserved. Trademarks are identified by the symbols and . All trademarks are owned by or licensed to Invacare Corporation or its subsidiaries unless otherwise noted. The e-motion mark is a registered trademark in Germany. Specifications are subject to change without notification. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005873/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] STOCKHOLM, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Funds advised by KLAR Partners Limited ("KLAR Partners" or "KLAR") have today completed the previously communicated acquisition of Sandbackens, a provider of technical installation and servicing of sprinkler, heating and sanitation solutions for buildings. The company is KLAR Partners' first acquisition in Sweden. "We are very pleased to have completed the acquisition of Sandbackens. We look forward to working closely with the skilled employees and management to further develop the company's strong culture and build the leading technical installation and property services company in the Nordic region," said Fredrik Brynildsen, Partner at KLAR. Sandbackens' operations specialise in technical installations and servicing in the areas of heating and sanitation, comfort cooling, sprinklers and district heating. The company has approximately 800 employees in 30 locations in Sweden. For more information: Fredrik Brynildsen, Partner [email protected] +44 7388 439 890 Carl Johan Falkenberg, Partner [email protected] +44 7918 941 391 About KLAR Partners KLAR Partners is a European private equity company focused on investments in companies operating in the business services and light industrials. The companies in which KLAR invests each have an annual turnover of approximately EUR 50-500m and are headquartered in the Nordics, Benelux or DACH regions. With investment professionals located in London, Stockholm, Frankfurt and Brussels, and together with a broad international network in the industry, KLAR has a proven business model to support, develop and grow companies. KLAR's senior professionals have worked together for many years and have more than 50 years of combined investment experience in KLAR's industry-specific and geographical focus area. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/klar-partners/r/klar-partners-funds-complete-acquisition-of-sandbackens,c3297460 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/19608/3297460/1380310.pdf Read press release SOURCE KLAR Partners WOOD RIVER The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center celebrated the retirement of Cynthia Lefferson on Friday. The agency and the school will miss Cindys leadership and dedication to the students we serve, said the facilitys executive director Chad Rollins. Lefferson began working for the agency in 1976 as a teacher in the School Program which serves children with developmental disabilities throughout Madison County, ages 3 through 21. In 1982, she was offered the position of principal. She declined but accepted another important role within the agency as a case coordinator serving adults and parents of children with developmental disabilities. She said she appreciated the experience because she gained perspective about the challenges of having children with disabilities. In 1992, she returned to teaching. When I was 16, I volunteered for a camp for special needs kids and I knew then that was what I wanted to do, Lefferson said. Lefferson said she has worked with all age groups and has enjoyed them all. She said each child requires completely different accommodations. Throughout her career, she said, there have been new techniques and therapies developed to assist the disabled and she has enjoyed using new strategies to better serve the children. There were kids that I thought would never walk or talk, and its been wonderful to be part of their progression, Lefferson said. The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center was formed in 1957 by a group of parents of children with developmental disabilities. The organization began operations in a church basement and later moved to a school in East Alton. In the early 1980s, the agency moved to a building donated by the American Oil Company in Wood River. The school operated in the basement of that building until 2014 when a new school was constructed, enabling the School Program to expand and provide additional support services and therapies. When I started at ARC, I was the only teacher working in a church basement, Lefferson said. It was very exciting to move into the new school in 2014. The agency and I grew up together. Leffersons philosophy on teaching children with developmental disabilities is to see each child as a person and not as a disability, never forgetting they are someones child and to treat that child as she would her own. Her empathy towards the families inspired her to do everything possible to follow their recommendations in the classroom. The parents are the best resources, and I learned not to be judgmental about their wishes because I will never know what its like to parent a child with special needs, she said. Lefferson said that her favorite part about teaching was the students. They inspire you every day, she said She also volunteered for the Special Olympics throughout her career. She and her husband, Mike, have three children and three grandchildren. They currently live at Lake of Egypt, a reservoir six miles south of Marion. For more information about The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center, call 618-251-2175 or visit www.bedellarc.org. Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered what they believe to be the world's oldest known pet cemetery. Nearly 600 cats, dogs and monkeys were found carefully laid in individual graves in Berenike, a remote seaport on the western coast of the Red Sea. Some of the animals were still wearing collars and other adornments, and others showed evidence of illnesses indicating they had been cared for by humans. But the lack of mummification or sacrifice at the 2,000-year-old site suggests these were companion animals, not used in rituals or venerated as gods. Scroll down for video The remains of some 588 cats, dogs and monkeys were found in a site in the ancient Egyptian port of Berenike in what archaeologists believe may be the oldest known pet cemetery, Pictured: A cat skeleton from Berenice wearing a bronze collar Berenike was founded in 275 BC by Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who named it after his mother, Berenice I of Egypt. It was a bustling Roman port, and excavations have uncovered ceramics, spices, fabrics and other goods from as far away as India, as well as luxury items from across the empire. Berenike was also a way station for 'war elephants' from Africa that would be sent out to fight in various battles. Archaeozoologist Marta Osypinska and her archaeologist husband, Piotr, originally discovered the cemetery site in 2011 while excavating a Roman trash dump on the edge of town. A number of the dogs found on the site had medical issues that they couldn't have survived without human caregiver. Many, like this dog, were buried under pottery 'which formed a kind of sarcophagus' In 2017, they unearthed the remains of about 100 animals, mostly cats, and began to form a picture of what the area was used for. Other experts still believed they may have simply been discarded trash. It wasn't uncommon to bury pets in ancient Egypt but usually they'd be interred with their owners, not placed in a dedicated space. 'At first, some very experienced archaeologists discouraged me from this research,' Osypinska told Science. They insisted there was little to learn about Berenike culture from studying pets. 'I hope the results of our studies prove that it's worth it,' she told the magazine. Marta and Piotr Osypinska first unearthed the site in 2011 but didn't immediately determine its purpose as a pet cemetery. Even after more than 100 animal remains were discovered there, experts discouraged their research According to her research, published in the journal World Archaeology, the 'pet cemetery' at Berenice functioned for about a hundred years, from the mid-first century to the mid-second century. DID ANCIENT EGYPTIANS WORSHIP CATS? It is believed that the ancient Egyptians cared for domesticated cats as long ago as 3700 BC. Until recently, it was thought that cats were first domesticated in the country around 1950 BC. But evidence of pet felines has also been found in China, indicating farmers cared for cats in 3300 BC. As a revered animal, cats could receive the same mummification as humans. Their remains and were often dedicated to the goddess Bastet. Pictured: Astatue found at Saqqara Cats were also used as religious sacrifices in Ancient Egypt over 5,500 years ago. Known as 'Mau,' they were important in later Egyptian society and became symbols of grace. Two goddesses took the form of cats - Mafdet, a lion-headed goddess of justice and execution, and Bastet, representing fertility and motherhood. As a revered animal, cats could be mummified after death and their remains were often dedicated to Bastet. It is thought there were four main reasons for mummifying animals: To be worshiped as manifestations of certain gods, as offerings to the gods, to provide food in the afterlife and to allow beloved pets to live on in the afterlife. Advertisement In all, the team has found 585 animals to date, some of which are not native to Africa. The vast majority more than 90 percent were cats, though there were also dogs, baboons, and two species of macaques native to the Indian subcontinent. Of the dogs, most were light-colored Spitz types, though there were also toy dogs and larger canines more like mastiffs. Many of the cats wore metal collars or necklaces threaded with ostrich-shell beads. Osypinska told Science many of the animals were covered with textiles or pottery, 'which formed a kind of sarcophagus.' The animals were not haphazardly discarded, but carefully laid in individual pits. One feline was placed atop the wing of a large bird, the magazine reported. Consulting with a veterinarian, Osypinska's team was able to determine several of the animals had illnesses that would have killed them without human caregivers. The remains of a dog that suffered from bone cancer were found in a mat of palm leaves covered with an amphora, according to Archaeology News Network. It's belly still contained remains of fish and goat meat, its final meal. Other canines were missing most of their teeth, had gum disease or showed signs of joint degeneration. 'We have individuals who have very limited mobility,' Osypinska said. 'Such animals had to be fed to survive, sometimes with special foods in the case of the almost-toothless animals.' The kind of devotion required to nurse an old pet reveals the people of Berenice had strong emotional ties with domesticated animals, according to the report. Archaeologists have uncovered mass animal graves in Egypt before, but almost always the creatures were either sacrificed or venerated, not treated as pets. Dozens of mummified cats were found in 2018 on the edge of the King Userkaf pyramid complex at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, south of Cairo. Several years earlier a labyrinth of sacred tunnels was uncovered in the same region, packed with the mummified remains of up to eight million dogs, some of which were just hours old when they were sacrificed. Other canines were treated as living representatives of the dog-headed god Anubis, living out their lives in the nearby temple before being preserved and laid to rest in the network of tunnels. The people of Berenike treated these animals as loving companions, Osypinska insists, 'They weren't doing it for the gods or for any utilitarian benefit.' Australia's most infamous serial killer died alone in jail wearing an adult nappy, depressed, unable to swallow, and riddled with cancer. Ivan Milat, who was convicted of seven murders in the 1990s, died aged 74 in the hospital wing of Sydney's Long Bay Correctional Centre on October 27, 2019. He was diagnosed with terminal stomach and throat cancer, but refused treatment on several occasions, which prolonged his suffering and shortened his life. He was wearing the incontinence garment under his prison greens and had minimal personal belongings when he died. The miserable final years of Australia's most infamous serial killer, Ivan Milat (pictured), have been revealed in a coronial inquest which lays out his battle with depression and terminal cancer Pictured is a room in the hospital section of Long Bay prison where Milat died Prison documents reveal Milat was cheerful, 'compliant' and polite in his final years, despite his frail riddled body crippled with pain and struggling to swallow. Milat was still wearing the nappy when his body labelled with tag number 0140823 was taken to the morgue, according to medical records tendered to the inquest into his death last month. He knew very few of his fellow prisoners and had no interest in getting to know them, while the only personal belongings left in his hospital cell were letters from people who wrote to Milat, records seen by the Daily Telegraph showed. Milat maintained his innocence of the backpackers' murders and told his final serious offenders review a year before his death that he would never stop trying to clear his name. 'Milat stated he enjoyed his own company and has no interest in any approved associates,' the report said. 'He displayed an appropriate mood with some joviality at times. He is currently compliant with unit routine and is polite to staff.' Despite his politeness and compliance, Milat was considered a high security inmate who was an escape risk and at risk of self-harm after swallowing razor blades and staples and cutting off the little finger of his left hand with a plastic knife in 2001. Milat's seven victims were Melbourne couple Deborah Everist (top left) and James Gibson (bottom right), both 19, English backpackers Joanne Walters (bottom left) and Caroline Clarke (bottom second from right), and German backpackers Anja Habschied (top centre), Simone Schmidl (top right) and Gabor Neugebauer (bottom second from left) Milat was diagnosed with terminal stomach and throat cancer, but refused treatment on several occasions, which prolonged his suffering and shortened his life. An inquest into his death in custody heard Milat developed severe gastrointestinal symptoms in October 2018 and received medical treatment for two months. His illness did not improve so doctors recommended a colonoscopy which the backpacker murderer outright refused. He tentatively agreed to have a gastroscopy but later declined to undergo the procedure on two occasions. Milat's medical records show he routinely cancelled medical appointments recommended by doctors during his 25 years behind bars being shuffled around New South Wales' most high security prisons. During February and May of 2019 Milat's symptoms worsened and he began to lose a drastic amount of weight - about 20kg - due to his difficulty swallowing. The inquest heard that Milat (pictured) developed severe gastrointestinal symptoms in October 2018 and received medical treatment for two months Milat's medical records show he routinely cancelled medical appointments recommended by doctors during his 25 years behind bars being shuffled around New South Wales' most high security prisons. Pictured: Ivan Milat and his then-girlfriend Maureen Murray How the killer was caught: Milat snared after victim got away Milat tried to kidnap British hitch-hiker Paul Thomas Onions, who he picked up in January 1990 near a turn off to the Bengalo forest. Mr Onions said he was so scared he bolted into oncoming traffic after Milat pointed a gun at him and reached for some rope. Onions got away and identified Milat from photos show to him by the police in 1994. Milat was arrested on 22 May, 1994 and Onions was a key witness at his trial. Advertisement He finally agreed to see a specialist who discovered Milat was riddled with cancer of the mouth, throat and below his diaphragm. Milat was transferred from the Goulburn Supermax to Sydney Long Bay Jail where he could be taken to hospital on a regular basis for chemotherapy treatment. With doctors noting Milat only had a 30 per cent chance at survival, 'patient comfort measures' were provided by the palliative care team at the Long Bay Correctional Centre Medical Subacute Unit and Prince of Wales Hospital. In August he signed a do-not-resuscitate order shortly after meeting with a psychological services. The inquest found Milat had long suffered from depression during his stay behind bars and would often self harm. In 2009, he cut off his pinky finger with a shiv because he planned to mail it to the High Court of Australia in a bizarre bid to appeal to his sentence. Milat also went on a hunger strike in 2001 in a ploy to get a PlayStation. The nine-day stunt was unsuccessful and he ended up losing 25kg. One day before he died, Milat asked nursing staff for pain and anxiety medication and they complied with the request. Milat passed away at 4.07am on Sunday morning in the hospital section (pictured) of Sydney's Long Bay jail Milat was far from a model prisoner and even orchestrated several riots. About 4am on October 27, 2018, he was found unresponsive by medical staff and due to the DNR notice, they did not make any attempt to resuscitate him. Milat will be remembered as a vile and sadistic killer who preyed upon mostly female hitchhikers and dumped their bodies in the Belanglo State Forest, south of Sydney. He was given seven life sentences in 1994 with no possibility of parole. Investigators believe he could also be linked with dozens of other missing persons cases from the 1980s and early 1990s. Milat has always maintained he was not responsible for the murders. His brother Boris, who is the only member of the family to publicly denounce the killer, told 60 Minutes it was a 'big relief' that Milat was dead. 'This man is just an evil right to the last bone of him. He was dead to me a long time ago,' Boris said. 'Australia is rid of one of the notorious serial killers, psychopaths.' Milat's victims were variously shot and stabbed and one of the bodies was found decapitated. Pictured: Milat in a home photo holding a large gun NORTH CHARLESTON Authorities are continuing to investigate a shooting at a popular outlet mall. Officers responding to Tanger Outlets on the morning of Feb. 27 were greeted with a crashed car and reports of a shooting. According to an incident report, police were called at 10:24 a.m. to the area of 4840 Tanger Outlet Blvd. Once on scene, they saw a silver Toyota Solara "parked and wrecked into the black barrier poles in front of the Palmetto Moon store." Police radio traffic stated "several subjects" were seen running into the mall, including one person who "was observed to have been shot," the report said. Officers were not able to find any suspects or victims, the report said. "However, we did locate a discarded gray hoodie at the front of the Sketchers store," the report stated. As officers gathered evidence, another officer stopped a vehicle that had three passengers who claimed to have been inside the silver Toyota, the report said. Investigators were told that "a second unknown vehicle occupied by unknown subjects began to shoot at the occupants within the Toyota," the report said. The Toyota's driver crashed into the side of the building while being shot at and drifted back toward the roadway before coming to a stop against the barrier poles, the report said. The car's occupants then fled on foot. According to the report, two adult men and one juvenile were inside the targeted car. Deputy Chief Scott Deckard said four people were detained for questioning and later released. The incident comes as authorities pledge to increase security at another North Charleston mall. On Feb. 14, a shooter opened fire at Northwoods Mall, injuring three bystanders. New Delhi/Bengaluru, March 1 : Almost a week after Mysuru Mayor was elected, former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Monday alleged that a section of leaders in Congress party planned to break JD (S) and elect their own mayor, which was prevented by JD(S) by forming an alliance with them. He did not name anyone but amply dropped hints that Karnataka Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader, Siddaramaiah was behind it. Gowda's statements assume significance as ever since the Mayor was elected in Mysuru last week, differences between Siddarmaiah and KPCC president D K Shivakumar have come out in the open. Supporters of both leaders are taking dig at each other in public. Gowda told reporters in New Delhi that neither Shivakuamr nor Mysuru Congress leader and Narasimaraj constituency MLA Tanveer Saith spoke with him. "Why would I lie, if someone had spoken with me, I would have accepted it. What is there hiding in it? I had instructed my party leaders, if Siddaramaiah demands that his party should be given the Mayor's post, then the JD(S) should hand it over to the Congress but Siddarmaiah did not approach our party leaders. Locally, they decided to forge an alliance," he explained. He added that (his son) H D Kumaraswamy camped in Mysuru to prevent efforts of some Congress leaders to poach JD(S) members. "Kumaraswamy thwarted their efforts. There is a hung verdict in Mysuru and Congress leaders were trying to poach more than 10 of our members in order to wrest the Mayor's post. I had instructed my party local leaders and not Kumaraswamy to decide on their future course of action. As per this, the Mayor post came to us this time," he explained. According to him, for the last several years, some leaders who were in his party in the past and later joined the Congress are trying their best to poach JD(S) members. "We will never allow this to happen. Siddaramaiah has never considered even to speak with our party on this matter. He has never liked our party, that is a different matter and he feels speaking to our party is below his dignity," he said. The JD(S) supremo said that if Siddaramaiah wanted the Mayor post for this party, he should have come forward and demanded it. "We would have allowed the Congress to have it. But we wanted firm assurance from the Congress leaders that JD(S) should be allowed to have its mayor in Mysuru for the remaining two years. We wanted a firm assurance," he said. In the 65-member Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) BJP has 22 members, 19 from Congress and 18 from JD(S) besides five independents and one BSP member. Siddaramaiah, who is from Mysuru, had hoped that the Congress would get the Mayor's post this time as per the pact made between JD(S) and Congress in 2018. As per their pact, the Mayor's post was reserved for the Congress for the first and third terms. Accordingly, Congress corporator Pushpalatha Jagannath was the Mayor during the first term, and JDS corporator Tasneem served the post in the second term. However, the Siddaramaiah supporters suspect Shivakumar had joined hands with fellow Vokkaliga Kumaraswamy to cut Siddaramaiah to size in his own home district. The power tussle between the former Chief Minister who wants to be 'CM once again' and the 'CM in waiting' is now out in the open. Meanwhile, reacting to Mysuru Mayor episode, Shivakumar said that issue of electing Mayor in Mysuru is too small. "All is well in our party. The media should stop portraying it as a power tussle between me and Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah has gone to Delhi on a personal work," he said. Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication. This article was adapted from Imagined Audiences: How Journalists Perceive and Pursue the Public by Jacob L. Nelson, and reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press. In the fall of 2018, Ezra Klein spoke with media critic Jay Rosen about journalisms relationship with its audience: There are a lot of ways somebody can tell you what they want, the Vox.com founder and then editor-at-large said, but the specific way journalists are learning what their audience wants is real-time analytics platforms. Advertisement Before the advent of digital news production and the online measurement tools that followed, journalists tended to decide among themselves what to report and publish, and assumed the audience would agree with their judgment. Now, journalists across the globe increasingly go through their daily routines while face-to-face with online measurement data that describe the audiences reaction to their output as those reactions unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps the strangest thing about this development is how ineffective it appears to have been in improving journalisms standing among the public. If journalists are finally listening to the audience, why is journalism so disdained? If news publishers can now determine exactly what the audience wants, why are so many struggling to survive? And if solving journalisms ailments begins with giving the audience more of a say, why does it end with so much confusion? Advertisement The answer is that, contrary to the notion that online metrics would lead to a rationalization of audience understanding, audience analytic data continue to leave plenty of room for interpretation. Audience metrics show journalists how people behave, but not why. Journalists therefore use these data, which reflect what audiences do, to make educated guesses about what they want. These guesses reflect how journalists imagine the audience more than they do the actual audience. News organizationslike all media companieshistorically have invested a great deal of resources into identifying their audiences demographic information and media preferences. In the past, news organizations relied on basic measures of exposure to determine audience interest (such as newspaper copies sold or news broadcasts watched). As news publishers have transitioned to a digital landscape, they have embraced online audience metrics that provide more granular information about the audience. These measures can track similar exposure data (such as the number of people who visit a site), as well as more specific information, such as the amount of time people spend on a site, the number of times the site is mentioned on social media, the path people took to get to the site, and the number of times they visited the site before deciding to become a subscriber. Advertisement Advertisement News industry stakeholders increasingly focus on audience measurement data not only because it has grown more granular, but also because they have grown more desperate. As many news publishers watched their economic stability evaporate throughout the past few decades, they lost confidence that their gut instincts alone would lead them to the large audiences necessary for their survival. As a result, news publishers have become fixated on the accumulation of audience data that is typically collected internally as well as provided by online audience measurement firms such as Comscore and Nielsen. These data once were the sole responsibility of a news organizations market research team, but have quickly captured the focus for most, if not all, of its employees. Now, monitors displaying in real time the number of people on an organizations site are littered throughout their newsrooms for all to see. Advertisement Although many news publications subscribe to at least one source of online audience measurement, they also exhibit uncertainty about how to best incorporate the data into editorial decisions. This uncertainty stems from the fact that even sophisticated measures of audience behavior paint an incomplete portrait of who the audience is and what they want from news. For example, a digital news site like Slate now can observe how its online audience interacts with its content, but remains limited when it comes to its understanding why they spent time with some stories but not others. Advertisement The way that journalists react to the ambiguity of audience data varies across organizations, and depends in no small part on the underlying assumptions about the public held by the journalists within those organizations. Some might think that a news story failed to take off because of its packaginga boring headline or a dull photo. Others may believe that its the result of an uninterested public. And still others might assume the journalism itself is the problempeople didnt read the story because they didnt like how it was written. Advertisement The different ways that journalists make sense of their audiences also reveals that audience data have become a complement torather than a substitute forintuition. Journalisms imagined audience continues to stem not solely from its practitioners hard data, nor from their own firsthand experience, but from a confluence of the two. The limits of audience data are apparent in the way that journalists interpret themor sometimes reject them entirely. For example, some journalists are skeptical when it comes to self-reported audience data like reader surveys or letters to the editor, because audiences tend to exaggerate their news exposure generally and their interest in political news specifically. As the Atlantics Derek Thompson wrote, Ask audiences what they want, and theyll tell you vegetables. Watch them quietly, and theyll mostly eat candy. Advertisement Advertisement Yet others view audience analytic data with a similar level of skepticism. These metrics tend to privilege clicks above all else, despite the fact that clicks do not necessarily reflect whether people actually read the story or how much they enjoyed it. This leads some journalists to prefer more qualitative forms of audience research that rely on focus groups and in-person discussions to better understand what audiences wantand expectfrom journalism. While some believe audience metric data offer journalists a cold, hard dose of reality, others think that these data mislead journalists by creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. These differences in interpretations affect how journalists ultimately pursue their audiences. In my own research, I looked into how journalists at two Chicago-based news outlets, the Chicago Tribune and the local news nonprofit City Bureau, think about and pursue their audiences. I found that Tribune journalistsspecifically the newspapers digital editorsused analytic data to evaluate how audiences responded to the headlines, photos, and descriptions the editors used to accompany online news stories. To them, the obstacle to success was not a lack of audience interest, but the struggle to attract audience attention in a crowded digital media environment. City Bureaus editors, on the other hand, believe the issue is a lack of trust. So while the Tribune devotes resources to perfecting online article headlines and social media distribution, City Bureau organizes public events to cultivate conversations between journalists and community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In short, for the Tribune, the pursuit of the audience is a battle for attention. At City Bureau, its a quest for connection. Neither of these approaches is necessarily right or wrongthey instead illustrate journalism researcher Angele Christins conclusion about journalists approach to audience measurement data: There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for handling metrics. The perseverance of distinct, contradictory imagined audiences at a time when journalists within many newsrooms routinely receive detailed audience measurement reports indicates that no amount of audience data are likely to succeed in lifting the cloud of uncertainty that journalists face when it comes to interpreting audience behavior. Consequently, even if the world continues to shift toward one where such data are even more easily and readily available, there still will be lingering questions, such as who gets counted as the audience, and who is left out. Advertisement Journalists will likely continue addressing these questions the same way that they always have: by drawing on their own gut instincts and assumptions about the people they aspire to reach. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. The Morris family pictured at their home in Co. Kilkenny. With Mary and her husband Tom are the quadruplets, from left, Michael, Samantha, Amanda and Nicola. Photo: Dylan Vaughan Photography A MOTHER who suffered brain damage after going into cardiac arrest just days after giving birth to quadruplets says she owes her recovery to a charity specialising in neurological rehabilitation. Mary Morris (55), from Mollassey, Co Kilkenny, woke up from a coma to find a photo of her four babies beside her hospital bed and thought, Oh, they must be mine. She had no recollection of giving birth to daughters Samantha, Nicola, Amanda and son Michael at Dublins Rotunda Hospital in March 2002 after suffering a respiratory cardiac arrest four days after the quadruplets were born by Caesarean section. While the infants who were born eight weeks premature were placed in incubators at the hospitals high-dependency unit, Mary was being kept alive on a life support system following the cardiac arrest. "My heart stopping beating and I stopped breathing, she said of her ordeal that doctors initially feared would leave her brain dead. "I was on life support. I had to be incubated (to breathe) and was then transferred to the Mater Hospital for six weeks, she said. Not only had her muscles atrophied during her hospital stay, the lack of oxygen she suffered during the cardiac arrest affected her ability to walk and speak. It also affected her memory and, she says, I had saying the same things over and over. But thanks to a referral to the Mater Hospitals neurology consultant Dr Tim Lynch, who co-founded the Dublin Neurological Institute (DNI), which is affiliated with the hospital, Mary has not only made almost a full recovery, her babies who turn 19 next month were able to enjoy a normal childhood with their mother despite their rocky start to life. "The worst thing was coming out of the coma and realising how close I came to not being there for the children or my husband Tom, she said. "Only after that happened did I realise what fear really is. But thanks to the efforts of Dr Lynch and his team at the DNI where she has been an outpatient on and off since her ordeal, she was able to raise her family and enjoy a normal life. And she is now urging others to support the DNI this weekend when it holds its Run as One fundraiser on Saturday and Sunday. High-profile participants including RTEs GAA correspondent Marty Morrissey and Professor Luke ONeill from Trinity College are among those who have signed up to run or walk 5km to raise vital funds for the institute which is totally reliant on private fundraising to maintain its 500,000 annual operating budget. Organisers are hoping to raise around 30,000 this weekend. Dr Lynch, who is clinical director for the DNI, said the facility is the only dedicated centre of excellence in Ireland providing both clinical services as well as teaching, training and research for neurological disease such as Parkinsons and multiple sclerosis. But like other charities which have seen their fundraising opportunities cancelled this year and last due to the pandemic, it is is desperate need of funds. "We have a big hole in our pocket that needs to be filled, he said. "We need to stay open. But he said Marys story is a testament not only to his team but the brains ability to heal. Mary was lucky: she had a remarkable recovery, he said. Anyone wishing to take part or to donate to the DNI can do so by logging onto www.gofundme.com/dnirun or by texting DNI to 50300 with a minimum 4 donation. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Labor is considering major policy promises in the lead up to the federal election, including 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave, ambitious emissions targets and a rise in the superannuation guarantee to 15 per cent. In a 115-page platform document, which will be debated by 400 delegates at the end of the month, the opposition outlines a raft of ideas including climate policy commitments that pave the way to overtake the governments commitment to near-term emissions reductions. Expanding paid parental leave is high on the list of possibilities. Credit:Peter Braig Labors draft policy platform commits to declare before the next election an emissions reduction target for 2030 or 2035, based on the best scientific advice to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, which will likely exceed the Morrison governments current goal. The future of the superannuation guarantee is another possible election battleground. The Morrison government is expected to backflip on the legislated increase to employers compulsory contributions from its current level of 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent by 2025, as a large group of Coalition backbenchers oppose the rise. Security camera video shows Michael L. Taylor (C) and George-Antoine Zayek at passport control at Istanbul Airport in Turkey, on Dec. 30, 2019. (DHA via AP) 2 Americans Wanted in Ghosns Escape in Japanese Custody BOSTONAn American father and son wanted by Japan for aiding former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn escape from the country in a box were handed over to Japanese custody Monday, ending their months-long battle to stay in the United States. Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, failed to convince U.S. officials and courts to block their extradition to Japan, where they will be tried on charges that they smuggled Ghosn out of the country in 2019 while the former auto titan was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. Former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn holds a press conference at the Maronite Christian Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon, on Sept. 29, 2020. (Hussein Malla/ AP Photo) The Massachusetts men, who have been locked up at a suburban Boston jail since their arrest in May, were handed over to Japanese officials early Monday, said one of their attorneys, Paul Kelly. The Taylors lawyers had argued the accusations dont fit under the law Japan wants to try them under and that they would be treated unfairly in Japan and subjected to mental and physical torture. They have accused Japan of pursuing the pair in an attempt to save face after the embarrassment of Ghosns escape. Michael Taylor, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and private security specialist who in the past was hired by parents to rescue abducted children, has never denied the allegations. He gave an interview to Vanity Fair magazine for a story last year in which he described the mission in detail. When asked why he did it, he responded with the motto of the Special Forces: De oppresso liber or to liberate the oppressed, the magazine reported. Michael Taylor refused to discuss the details of the case in an interview last month with The Associated Press because of the possibility that he will be tried in Japan. But he insisted that his son wasnt involved and was not even in Japan when Ghosn left. Ghosn, who became one of the auto industrys most powerful executives by engineering a turnaround at the Japanese manufacturer, had been out on bail after his November 2018 arrest on charges that he underreported his future income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. Ghosn has denied the allegations and has said he fled to avoid political persecution. Prosecutors have described it as one of the most brazen and well-orchestrated escape acts in recent history. Authorities say the Taylors were paid at least $1.3 million for their help. On the day of the escape, Michael Taylor flew into Osaka on a chartered jet with another man, George-Antoine Zayek, carrying two large black boxes and pretending to be musicians with audio equipment, authorities said. Meanwhile, Ghosn, free on bail, headed to the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo and met up with Peter Taylor, who was already in Japan, authorities say. The elder Taylor and Zayek met up with the two others at the Grand Hyatt and shortly after, they split up. Peter Taylor hopped on a flight to China while the others got on a bullet train and went back to another hotel near the airport, where Taylor and Zayek had booked a room. They all went in; only Ghosns rescuers were seen walking out. Authorities say Ghosn was inside one of the big black boxes. At the airport, the boxes passed through a security checkpoint without being checked and were loaded onto a private jet headed for Turkey, officials said. The Taylors had hired lawyers connected to former President Donald Trump, including ex-White House attorney Ty Cobb, in an attempt to get Trump to block the extradition before he left office. In his interview with the AP, Michael Taylor implored President Joe Biden to step in and said he felt betrayed that the United States would try to turn him over to Japan after his service to the country. But the Biden administration declined to block the extradition. Under Trump. the U.S. State Department agreed in October to hand the men over to Japan. But a federal judge in Boston put their extradition on hold shortly after their lawyers filed an emergency petition. The judge rejected their petition in January and the Boston-based 1st Circuit Court of Appeals later denied their bid to put the extradition on hold while they appeal that ruling. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer last month denied a bid for more time for an appeal, clearing the way for the men to be handed over to Japan. By Alanna Durkin Richer Maharajganj: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday ordered the suspension of 11 officials and transfer of seven others for alleged dereliction of duty, a state government spokesperson said. Those suspended include Station Officers of Purandarpur and Farenda police stations. Sub-divisional magistrate of Nautanwa has also been suspended, the spokesperson said. The chief minister gave these orders while chairing a review meeting, when he was listening to replies given by officials on public grievances. Issuing a stern warning to officials, Adityanath said, If anybody is showing laxity in work which are directly linked to the public, then they will face serious consequences. On the issue of prolonged absence of doctors, Adityanath said that if the complaints against them are found to be true, then their salary of four months will be taken back. ALSO READ: Akhilesh accuses Adityanath govt, says cops extorting money in UP Any laxity in redressing the grievances of the public will not be tolerated. Those who have not changed their way of working and functioning in the past four months despite repeated warnings and were involved in corruption, giving patronage to criminals... action has been initiated against them, he told reporters. Adityanath also had food (sahbhoj) with people from the Scheduled Caste community at Chainpur ward number 1. Earlier in the day, Adityanath urged the BJP workers to take up the responsibility of disseminating the public welfare policies of the state government to the masses. Addressing BJP workers here, he said the state government has already paid Rs 23,000 crore to sugarcane farmers and rest of the amount (Rs 2,000 crore) will be soon paid to them. A number of schemes for the welfare of the people are being run by the Centre and state governments. And, it is the responsibility of the party workers to take these schemes to the masses, the Adityanath said. The schemes should reach the target beneficiary and should be fully implemented. The government has already started giving the benefit of housing to the poor residing in urban areas of the state. This has started from Gorakhpur, he said. The chief minister claimed that this is the first time that hundred per cent of farmers wheat has been purchased and payment in a weeks time has been ensured. He also advised the party workers to initiate discussion with the people on a positive note, instead of negative note. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay is our ideal and a number of programmes are being organised to mark his birth centenary. The BJP is working on his ideology, Adityanath said. The UP Chief Minister also reviewed law and order and other developmental works in Siddharthanagar district as well. He directed the officials to listen to public grievances from 9 am to 11 am in their offices. Adityanath issued instructions to ensure stringent action against the criminal elements and land mafia. The Chief Minister also issued instructions to ensure termination of doctors who had been absent for a long time, an official statement released by the UP government said. He also said that complaints of non-genuine beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana must be probed. The quality of pot-hole free roads should also be probed, he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. It was more than a decade ago that former prime minister Kevin Rudd declared climate change the great moral challenge of our generation. Regrettably, the generation that has walked the halls of power since that time, most notably in federal Parliament, has largely proven not up to the task. And those who will be most affected by a warming planet, the younger generation, are not happy. In pre-pandemic times, the most public display of this was the tens of thousands of students who took time out from school to flood the streets in protest across Australia. Despite being criticised by some politicians, it was a striking display of the passion that many younger people brought to the issue. Lead claimant Anjali Sharma,16, and Sister Brigid Arthur, who is acting as the groups litigation guardian because they are under 18. Credit:Justin McManus While collective action has been largely curtailed by COVID-19, eight teenagers from across Australia have taken their demands for stronger action from the streets to the courts. In a landmark class action that begins in Melbournes Federal Court on Tuesday, the group are challenging the federal Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, to protect young people from climate change and the future harms of coal mining. The five-day trial will determine the future of the proposed Vickery open-cut coal mine extension in New South Wales. The proposal would increase the mines coal production by about 25 per cent and emissions by 100 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over its lifetime. The teenagers want the minister to call a halt to the mines expansion. Principal lawyer in the case David Barnden described it as public interest litigation, saying politicians and other people in power have specific rights and responsibilities to protect vulnerable people. We are asking the court to recognise that the Environment Minister has a duty to protect younger people from the impacts of future climate harm. Its the first time the court has been asked to recognise such a duty, he said. Loading While it may be new in Australia, there have been many similar cases in a range of countries, most notably the United States. They rarely appear to get the backing of the judges involved, but to a degree that is not the point. This is a generation making a point whether it be on social media, with placards on city streets, and in the courts that our political leaders have failed to act with the urgency and decisiveness that is needed. The teenagers are under 18 years old. Without the ability to make their voices heard at the polls, they are using whatever means they have at hand. For a generation which will have to live with the full consequences of climate change, it is hardly an unreasonable level of concern. The Environment Minister, in her submission to the court, does acknowledge that the Earths climate is changing and humans are primarily responsible and that increases in temperature affect the environment, economy and society. But Ms Ley has no intention of conceding ground on the broader responsibility government may have for not acting quickly enough. She puts it bluntly: The Minister does not owe a duty of care as alleged. As today marks the beginning of meteorological spring, many people's thoughts will surely be turning to the summer holidays. The Covid-19 pandemic ruined last year's holiday season as thousands had to cancel plans for a much-needed break away from home. With the vaccination programme moving at pace in Northern Ireland, it is hoped that holidaymakers can get their plane tickets booked and their suitcases packed for the 2021 season. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said last Thursday that she cannot advise people to book a holiday with "any degree of confidence" - but the Executive plans to publish a 'decision-making framework' on exiting lockdown today. Ahead of that, we take a look at five popular destinations to see what tourism rules are currently in place and what regulations to expect for this summer. Spain The Balearic Government will ask Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to allow the islands to become the first region in the country to test the Covid-19 vaccine passport, if and when it is authorised by the EU. Spain's Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto confirmed that both the Balearic and Canary Islands already have protocols in place for them to adopt a safe travel corridor with other countries, but the Covid vaccine passport would be incorporated in the strategy. The Spanish Government is also preparing for safe travel corridors and vaccine passport schemes to be adopted in coastal regions such as Valencia, Catalonia and Andalusia. Greece Athens, Santorini, Corfu and Crete are just some of the most popular Greek destinations for Northern Ireland's sun seekers. Greece's Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis has said he is hopeful that it would be a "normal summer" for vaccinated holidaymakers. Expand Close Greece AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Greece Mr Theoharis added that "technical discussions" are currently taking place with the UK and hopes for a solution. It is understood that vaccine passports are being discussed as a way to resume international travel. Mr Theoharis has stated that Greece will allow unvaccinated tourists from the UK into the country as long as they provide a negative Covid result. Cyprus Cypriot Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios has made it clear that the country will have to rely on holiday packages in the hot summer months as holidaymakers are unlikely to take an off-season break during the global pandemic. Expand Close Cyprus Getty Images/iStockphoto / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cyprus Cyprus is looking to introduce a new policy where vaccinated travellers will not need to undergo current testing and quarantine rules. Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos, said: "The amended action plan is expected to further boost the interest of airline companies to carry out additional flights to Cyprus, improve connectivity and increase passenger traffic." Travellers who are not vaccinated will still need to meet Cyprus's entry requirements. Italy After being hit hard during the first wave of Covid-19, Italy is in a state of emergency until April 30. Irish citizens are allowed to enter the country but must produce a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Arrivals from the UK are banned indefinitely. Expand Close Italy AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Italy Over 3.5m Italian citizens have been vaccinated so far, with Prime Minister Mario Draghi hoping all adults will receive the jab by September. Unlike other countries, the chances of a trip to Italy this summer remain rather vague. Tourism Minister Dario Franceschini recently said that "Italian tourism will return very quickly" after the pandemic. USA In one of his first acts as the new President, Joe Biden banned all United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland citizens from entering the United States - a country which has suffered half a million Covid-19 related deaths. However, Hawaii plans to give its tourism industry a boost by lifting quarantine rules for travellers who have been vaccinated and fancy seeing the Pacific hotspot. Expand Close USA Getty Images/iStockphoto / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp USA The island's Lieutenant Governor Joshua Green said that they are looking at how a vaccine passport could work. Meanwhile, holiday company Tui cancelled all flights to Florida until May. Hopes of a vacation to the US this summer will come down to the country's Covid transmission rate and vaccination programme. Oprah Winfrey has said there is no subject that is off-limits in a teaser for her much anticipated interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Royal aides will be anxious at the claims made by the chat show queen whose tell-all conversation with Harry and Meghan airs at the weekend and now has an extra 30 minutes. Any revelations could damage Harrys sometimes troubled relationship with his older brother the Duke of Cambridge, at a time when the dust was beginning to settle on the Sussexes decision to step down as senior royals. In a short video clip released from the interview, Winfrey asks Meghan if she was silent or silenced?, with the duchesss answer not revealed. At one point in the trailer, Winfrey tells viewers: Just to make it clear to everybody, there is no subject that is off-limits, as Meghan nods in agreement. And in response to a comment made by the duchess, Winfrey asks: Almost unsurvivable. Sounds like there was a breaking point? For the interview, Meghan wears a black Giorgio Armani dress with a lotus flower on her right shoulder a bloom highly regarded in many cultures which symbolises rebirth, enlightenment and purity. And she has Diana, Princess of Wales diamond bracelet on her left wrist and her eyes are more heavily made up than usual. The Duchess of Sussex during her interview with Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese/PA) The Queen stripped the couple of their prestigious patronages after they confirmed they would not be returning to the UK and resuming their roles as senior royals. In what has been interpreted by some commentators as a defiant comment from the Sussexes, a spokesperson for the couple said afterwards: We can all live a life of service. Service is universal. Harry said he feared history repeating itself in an apparent reference to the death of his mother Diana, who was killed in a Paris car crash after her vehicle was pursued by the paparazzi. The duke was speaking in a second preview video, and went on to say he was grateful to have had Meghans support throughout his exit from royal life, while also expressing admiration for Dianas endurance under similar circumstances. While holding Meghans hand, he tells Winfrey: Im just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you, with my wife by my side, because I cant begin to imagine what it must have been like for her, going through this process by herself, all those years ago. Chat show queen Oprah Winfreys interview with Meghan and Harry will be broadcast this weekend (Ian West/PA) Because it has been unbelievably tough for the two of us, but at least we had each other. It comes days after Harrys appearance on US talk show The Late Late Show, in which he told host James Cordon the toxic atmosphere created by the British press is what forced him and his family to leave the UK. Winfreys interview has been extended by 30 minutes to two hours after the Sussexes confirmed the decision to step down as working royals. And the show has been reportedly re-edited after being filmed in mid-February as the duke and duchess spoke about their royal roles. It is not thought the Royal Household were told in advance about the interview but as private individuals the couple do not have to disclose such information. Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special, is set to air on Sunday evening in the US at 1am on Monday in the UK. 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. Advertisement Prince Philip has today been transferred to Britain's oldest hospital which is among the best in the world for cardiac care. St Bartholomew's Hospital, close to St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London, is Britain's oldest hospital and will celebrate its 900th anniversary in 2023. Barts Heart Centre, based in the hospital's state-of-the-art King George V building, is Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular centre, and aspires to perform more heart surgery, MRI and CT scans than any other service in the world. Founded by a courtier of Henry I in 1123, St Bartholomew's has provided continuous patient care on the same site for longer than any other hospital in England. The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred by ambulance to St Bart's for 'testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition' following a two-week stay at the King Edward VII Hospital. Founded by a courtier of Henry I in 1123, St Bartholomew's Hospital has provided continuous patient care on the same site for longer than any other hospital in England At St Bart's, a specialist heart attack centre delivers dedicated emergency care 24 hours a day, with rapid access to a team with specialist expertise and equipment Barts Heart Centre, based in the hospital's state-of-the-art King George V building, is Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular centre An ambulance is seen leaving King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning which has been treating Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh during the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles at Windsor Castle on July 22 last year Prince Philip, 99, spent 14 days at the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone having initially been admitted for a 'few days' on February 16 as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell, making this his longest ever stay in hospital. Philip - who was today said to remain 'comfortable' - will continue to receive treatment for the infection at St Bartholomew's in the City of London, where he is expected to remain 'until at least the end of the week'. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at 12.30pm today: 'The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred from King Edward VII's Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. 'The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week.' The Barts Heart Centre has 10 operating theatres, 10 cardiac catheter laboratories and more than 300 general, cardiac and critical care beds. A specialist heart attack centre delivers dedicated emergency care 24 hours a day, with rapid access to a team with specialist expertise and equipment. In January 2020 the service was rated number one for cardiac arrest survival rates in London, according to the NHS website. Last year, Prince Charles was made patron of Barts Heritage, a charity overseeing a 15m fundraising appeal for restoring the historic North Wing and the Henry VIII Gatehouse on the hospitals Smithfield site. The Duke of Edinburgh was transferred from King Edward VII Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital in London this morning Police officers stand guard outside the St Bartholomew's Hospital in London today where Prince Philip is now being treated Police cars are pictured outside King Edward VII Hospital in London this morning where 99-year-old Philip was being treated Philip has been patron of the British Heart Foundation since the charity was founded in 1961. In March 2017, he hosted a reception at St James's Palace to mark 55 years in the role, during which he met volunteers, donors, researchers and supporters of the organisation. In December 2011, the Duke had treatment for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, which was described as 'a significant health scare' by the BBC at the time. And in October, a royal courtier revealed to the Daily Mirror that Philip had been battling a secret heart condition for 15 years. They claimed that he took regular medication with staff briefed to take him to hospital immediately if he was short of breath or dizzy. The newspaper reported at the time that aides had been told 'not to take no for an answer' amid warnings that Philip could have a heart attack at any time. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited St Bartholomew's Hospital on October 20 last year as they met medical staff and marked the launch of the nationwide 'Hold Still' community photography project. Prince William and Kate Middleton met a small number of staff from the hospital, including pharmacist and photographer Joyce Duah and the two pharmacy technician colleagues she photographed writing on their PPE as they put it on, in a photograph that was selected to be in the set of 100 images taken during the lockdown. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited St Bartholomew's Hospital on October 20 last year Founded by a courtier of Henry I and the first centre to offer mega-voltage radiotherapy for cancer patients: The history of Britain's oldest hospital St Bartholomew's Hospital has provided continuous patient care on the same site for longer than any other hospital in England 1123: St Bartholomew's Hospital has provided continuous patient care on the same site for longer than any other hospital in England. It was founded, with the Priory of St Bartholomew, in 1123 by Rahere, formerly a courtier of Henry I. 1539: The Priory was closed as part of Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, and although the Hospital was allowed to continue, its future was very uncertain as it had no income with which to carry out its functions. 1546: Following a petition from the citizens of London, Henry granted the hospital to the City of London in 1546, and in 1547, shortly before his death, endowed it with property to provide an income. A Board of Governors, was set up to administer the Hospital, with paid officials, a Matron and twelve Sisters, and three Surgeons who had to attend the poor daily. 1562: The first Physician was appointed in 1562. The basic constitution of the Hospital remained the same until the establishment of the National Health Service in 1948, although the medical and nursing staff increased greatly during that time. Nurses, or 'Sisters' helpers', were first mentioned in 1647. 1734: Apprentices to the surgeons had 'walked the wards' at the hospital since at least the 17th century, and in 1734 approval was given for the hospital's surgeons 'to read lectures in anatomy in the dissecting-room of the Hospital'. 1914-1945: The Hospital remained open throughout the World Wars, although during World War II many services were evacuated to Hertfordshire and Middlesex. 1954: It became the first hospital in the country to offer mega-voltage radiotherapy for cancer patients. 1992: Sir Bernard Tomlinson's Report of the Inquiry into the London Health Service proposed the closure of the hospital, but more than one million people signed a petition to save it. It remained open and in 1994 joined with The Royal London Hospital and London Chest Hospital. 1999-2012: The Royal Hospitals NHS Trust was renamed Barts and The London NHS Trust, and in 2012, when Whipps Cross and Newham University Hospitals joined the grouping, the new trust became known as Barts Health NHS Trust. 2023: The hospital will celebrate its 900th anniversary. Source: bartshealth.nhs.uk Advertisement Medics warn Prince Philip could face weeks more in hospital as he is treated for pre-existing heart condition that saw him need a stent in 2011 By Connor Boyd Assistant Health Editor For Mailonline Prince Philip could face weeks more in hospital after being transferred to an NHS trust for a pre-existing heart condition, medics warned today. Buckingham Palace revealed The Duke of Edinburgh had been moved from the private King Edward VII Hospital to St Bartholomew's - commonly known as Barts - this morning for 'testing and observation' for an undisclosed, underlying heart issue. The Prince, 99, had spent two weeks at the private facility with a mystery infection, having initially been admitted for a 'few days' on February 16 after feeling unwell. His infection is not related to coronavirus and it's not clear whether it is linked to his heart condition. NHS cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra told MailOnline the Prince could be in hospital for 'four to six weeks' and given intravenous antibiotics if it transpires that he has a heart infection. But Dr Malhotra added: 'It's more likely he had an infection elsewhere - it could've been in the urinary tract or a chest infection - and the stress on his body put strain on his heart. 'Therefore he had to be taken to a specialist cardiac centre to make sure heart is functioning while he is treated for the infection. What makes it more likely is his underlying heart issues.' Buckingham Palace suggested the Duke could be discharged by the end of the week and insiders said it was 'good news' he'd been moved to a second hospital. Despite enjoying an active lifestyle and carrying out Royal engagements until 2017, Prince Philip has suffered with an undisclosed heart condition for 30 years, which was only made public in 2007. The Duke - patron of the British Heart Foundation - also had a stent inserted during surgery for a blocked artery in 2011 after experiencing chest pains. The following year he developed a urinary infection and in 2013 he underwent abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition. More recently, he was admitted for an infection 'arising from a pre-existing condition' in June 2018 and again in December 2019 due to complications from an underlying problem. Dr Malhotra told MailOnline it was 'difficult to draw conclusions' about the Prince's current condition with the 'limited information'. Prince Philip (pictured last July) could face weeks more in hospital after being transferred to an NHS trust for a pre-existing heart condition, medics warned today The Duke of Edinburgh was today moved from the private King Edward VII Hospital to St Bartholomew's - commonly known as Barts - for 'testing and observation' for an undisclosed, underlying heart issue (pictured being transferred) Police officers stand guard outside the Barts NHS hospital this morning From a blocked coronary artery to a urinary infection, Prince Philip's ailments in past 10 years Prince Philip has enjoyed excellent health for a 99-year-old and still enjoys an active lifestyle. But in recent years he has struggled a little more with illness, suffering from a number of ailments over the past decade, including: December 2011, four days in hospital: Prince Philip is airlifted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire from Sandringham two days before Christmas after suffering chest pains, and undergoes surgery for a blocked coronary artery four days in hospital: Prince Philip is airlifted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire from Sandringham two days before Christmas after suffering chest pains, and undergoes surgery for a blocked coronary artery June 2012, six days : Philip is taken to hospital after developing a urinary infection during the river pageant to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee : Philip is taken to hospital after developing a urinary infection during the river pageant to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee June 2013, 11 days : He has abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition and spends his 92nd birthday in hospital : He has abdominal surgery for an undisclosed condition and spends his 92nd birthday in hospital December 2016: Both the Queen and Philip suddenly cancel plans to leave London for their festive break in Norfolk after they both come down with heavy colds Both the Queen and Philip suddenly cancel plans to leave London for their festive break in Norfolk after they both come down with heavy colds June 2016: The Duke pulls out of a Battle of Jutland anniversary event citing a minor ailment The Duke pulls out of a Battle of Jutland anniversary event citing a minor ailment June 2017, three days : Philip is admitted to hospital as 'a precautionary measure' for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition : Philip is admitted to hospital as 'a precautionary measure' for an infection arising from a pre-existing condition April 2018, 11 days: The Duke spends nearly a fortnight in hospital following his successful hip replacement The Duke spends nearly a fortnight in hospital following his successful hip replacement December 2019, five days: He is treated at King Edward Hospital in London for a 'pre-existing condition' He is treated at King Edward Hospital in London for a 'pre-existing condition' February 2021, 14 days (so far): Prince Philip is admitted to King Edward VII Hospital for treatment for an infection, before being transferred to St Bartholomew's Hospital 14 days later. Advertisement Dr Malhotra added: 'This is all speculation, it's difficult to draw conclusions with the limited information. 'He's far healthier than the average person of his age and is clearly a very robust and resilient man. I wish him very well and hope he gets better soon.' Barts describes itself as an 'internationally renowned hospital' and a 'centre of excellence for both cardiac and cancer care', located in the City of London near St Paul's Cathedral. The site includes Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular service at Barts Health Centre, while Barts Cancer Centre has a 'global reputation for treating common and rare cancers', according to the hospital. The clinic offers both private and NHS treatment. The NHS said the centre aspires to perform more heart surgery, MRI and CT scans than any other service in the world. A specialist heart attack centre delivers emergency care 24 hours a day, with rapid access to a team with specialist expertise and equipment. In January 2020 the service was rated number one for cardiac arrest survival rates in London, the NHS said, and the hospital will celebrate its 900th birthday in 2023 A Buckingham Palace spokesman said today: 'The Duke of Edinburgh was today transferred from King Edward VII's Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital where doctors will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition. 'The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week.' Shortly after 11am today, a patient was taken away from King Edward VII Hospital in an ambulance, but umbrellas screened them from press and broadcast cameras as they were leaving the hospital and entering an ambulance. A marked police van blocked the side street at the the exclusive private hospital on Beaumont Street in Marylebone, and there was also a police presence ensuring the road was clear. Uniformed officers also stood along the street beside the hospital to keep traffic and passers by moving. At a rear entrance, umbrellas were used to shield the gap between the hospital and the NHS ambulance. While Buckingham Palace has not officially confirmed whether the ambulance was for the Duke, ITV royal correspondent Chris Ship tweeted: 'We can only imagine - although we don't know - this was for Prince Philip.' The Duke was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital last month as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell and walked in unaided. Buckingham Palace said last Wednesday he was 'comfortable' and responding to treatment. Both Philip and the Queen have received Covid-19 vaccinations and his infection is not related to coronavirus. On February 20, Prince Charles made a 200-mile round trip from his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire to see him. The Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter previously said Philip was likely to have 'requested' his eldest son's presence to discuss the future of the Royal Family, given recent developments with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirming they would not be returning as senior royals. The Duke, who is three months away from his 100th birthday, has also spoken to other members of the Royal Family on the phone. The Queen has remained at Windsor Castle where Philip had previously been staying. Last Tuesday, the Earl of Wessex said Philip was 'a lot better' when it was announced the Duke would spend several more days in hospital being treated for the infection. Prince Edward told Sky News: 'He's a lot better, thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing, so we keep our fingers crossed.' Fulgur Technology, a locally owned Guam-based company, announced Monday it has entered into a partnership with a Taiwan government-backed manufacturer to produce and distribute medical-grade face masks and other personal protective equipment on Guam and elsewhere in the United States. Fulgur Technology owner Joseph John Mantanona announced that his company has teamed with Global Passion Corp., Fuyang-tek Company Ltd., and the Industrial Technology and Research Institute of Taiwan in a venture that will bring a new industry to Guam, create new jobs, and align with the effort between the governments of Taiwan and the United States to promote and establish a greater trade relationship between the two countries. Im excited to be part of an international team that will bring a large-scale manufacturing and distribution operation first to Guam and later to other areas in the continental United States, says Mantanona in a press release. Taiwan-based companies have expressed optimism and desire to establish business relationships with U.S. firms, and this partnership is a testament that it can exist and will be successful, Mantanona further stated. The partnership will manufacture and distribute Bacterial Filtration Efficiency or BFE face masks. When worn correctly, the BFE-99 masks provide the user with particulate protection that exceed what an N-95 mask can provide, Fulgur Technology's press release stated. Global Passion Group, with its President Charlyn Li, spearheaded the teaming of the Taiwan organizations to partner with Fulgur Technology. Fuyang-tek Company Ltd. is the manufacturing partner of the team and will lead the installation and maintenance programs for the facilities to be built on Guam and in the continental United States, the press release states. More details about the plan will be announced in a press conference scheduled for today. The Industrial Technology and Research Institute of Taiwan is a quasi-government not-for-profit research and development organization engaged in applied research and technical services. ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwans economy from a labor-intensive production process to a high-tech industry. Mantanona adds, Taiwan leads the world in successfully combatting the coronavirus, and an integral part of the measures they have taken is the utilization of the PPEs that this partnership will be able to produce for our island and our nation. In speaking of the partnership, Chen Chun Hao, Manager for International Expansion for ITRI states, We recognize this team as a powerful and unique platform to engage in the sharing of technologies and resources which benefit each organization and the communities in which they serve in. Antonio Solomon Cheng, director of the Global Passion Company, stated in the joint press release, We are pleased to create this partnership with these reputable companies by using light industrial manufacturing as a new door of opportunity for the people of Guam and eventually other places in the United States. For Guam, this will help to offset the losses experienced in the tourism industry caused by the pandemic. SAN FRANCISCO, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Thacher Gallery at the University of San Francisco (USF) explores the intersection of art and engineering in Pulled Apart, an online exhibition and conversation series from March 1 to April 25, 2021. The exhibit is a collaboration with USF's Engineering program and artists Terry Berlier, Adam Chin, Cynthia Hooper, Carrie Hott, and Gail Wight. Using the mechanisms of gadgets, scientific instruments, and computer technologies, these artists' practices bring our awareness to the seen and unseen systems that help shape society. Each of the artists approaches engineering in a unique way. Interdisciplinary artist Terry Berlier adapts mechanical systems, microcontrollers, and software to build kinetic sculptures and installations that explore the precarity of human relationships. Using machine learning neural networks trained on databases of actual photographs, Adam Chin, San Francisco fine art photographer and former graphic artist for TV and film, creates portraits that exist between the real and the imitation. The detailed paintings and videos by painter, writer, and documentarian Cynthia Hooper show landfills, waterways, and dams intersecting with the natural environment. Videos by interdisciplinary artist Carrie Hott document an evolving miniature room to explore how constant connectivity and hidden networks inform our decisions. Finally, through experimental media artist Gail Wight's anatomical studies of mechanical toys we see the uncanny ways that nature and the human-made reflect each other. Together, these five artists' works illuminate a subjectivity that we do not always associate with the STEM disciplines. Whether it be the use of the 16th century Cardan Gear or 21st century computer algorithms, each artist's approach reminds viewers of the possibilities of engineering as well as our complex relationship with the systems we've created. A series of online events will accompany the exhibit, and will include the artists and USF Engineering professors. All events are free and open to the public. Monday, March 1, 5:00-6:30 p.m. PST Pulled Apart opening celebration with the artists followed by a conversation with engineer Lou Sassoubre and artist Cynthia Hooper Monday, March 22, 5:00-6:00 p.m. PST Engineer Genna Smith in conversation with artists Terry Berlier and Gail Wight Monday, April 5, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Engineer Chris Brooks in conversation with artists Adam Chin and Carrie Hott About Thacher Gallery Located in USF's Gleeson Library, the Thacher Gallery is a public art gallery where creativity, scholarship, and community converge. Each year the Thacher Gallery presents a series of diverse, high-caliber art exhibitions that probe aesthetics, stimulate dialogue, and reflect the urban Jesuit university's commitment to social justice. About the University of San Francisco The University of San Francisco is a private, Jesuit Catholic university that reflects the diversity, optimism, and opportunities of the city that surrounds it. USF offers more than 230 undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, law, education, and nursing and health professions. At USF, each course is an intimate learning community in which top professors encourage students to turn learning into positive action, so the students graduate equipped to do well in the world and inspired to change it for the better. For more information, visit usfca.edu. SOURCE University of San Francisco Related Links http://www.usfca.edu The grant will cover 20pc of the difference between CNG and diesel-powered vehicles, capped at 5,000. Stock image Gas Networks Ireland has launched a 2.9m compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle grant scheme. The scheme is to support the purchase of up to 400 gas-powered trucks, buses and vans. The grant will cover 20pc of the difference between CNG and diesel-powered vehicles, capped at 5,000. Any one application can apply for a maximum grant of 60,000. CNG is gas compressed to fit into a natural gas vehicles (NGV) tank. Gas Networks Irelands CNG programme delivery manager, Declan OSullivan, said: I am delighted to launch Gas Networks Irelands CNG vehicle grant scheme and would encourage Irelands fleet operators and hauliers to take advantage of these additional cost savings and choose this cleaner fuel option for their vehicles. This is not the first time Gas Networks Ireland has offered such a scheme. Its previous motoring grant supported the purchase of 40 vehicles across 23 companies. There are currently CNG refuelling stations located in Dublin Port and Cashel, with two more set to open this year in Dublin and Limerick. A further station is under construction in Cavan, and eight more are in planning and development. Three private CNG stations are also in operation. Last year the number of CNG vehicles worldwide passed 28 million. UW Trustees to Hold Special Meeting Wednesday The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting via teleconference at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 3. The meeting will begin in executive session to consider personnel matters, possibly followed by action in open session. The public session, expected to begin around 7:25 a.m., will be livestreamed via UWs WyoCast system and YouTube at https://wyolinks.uwyo.edu/trusteesmar3. (Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers on AIM in London on Monday. AIM - WINNERS Tlou Energy, up 18% at 3.90 pence, 12-month range 1.22p-4.91p. Energy firm says in funding discussions for Lesedi power project in Botswana. Says advanced project finance discussions are currently with an unnamed "very reputable Botswana based entity". MyHealthChecked, up 17% at 3.82p, 12-month range 0.6p-4.9p. The healthcare company notes increase in its share price and says it has become aware of speculation over the weekend that a significant potential contract is in the pipeline. Says that while it is engaged in commercial discussions with a number of parties for the supply of Covid-19 testing kits, no contracts have been signed to date, nor is there any certainty that any of these discussions will result in commercial agreement. Lexington Gold, up 13% at 4.0p, 12-month range 1.0p-4.2p. The gold miner says that drilling operations have commenced at its Jones-Keystone-Loflin project within the Carolina Slate Belt. Prospex Energy, up 10% at 2.15p, 12-month range 1.4p-93.13p. The energy investor announces completion of acquisition of a 50% interest in El Romeral gas and power operation in Spain - includes three producing wells and 8.1 megawatt power station. AIM - LOSERS Lansdowne Oil & Gas, down 19% at 0.97p, 12-month range 0.2p-2.78p. Providence Resources, down 14% at 4.63p, 12-month range 1.0p-8.84p. The oil and gas firms say funding with SpotOn Energy has not so far been secured and Barryroe Partners have agreed to allow an extension of two months to April 30 for the funding to be put in place. Lansdowne and Providence had signed a farm out agreement with SpotOn in November in relation to farm out of standard exploration license 1/11. The standard exploration license 1/11 contains the Barryroe oil and gas field in which the Providence has an 80% stake and Lansdowne has a 20% stake. Physiomics, down 7.7% at 7.2%, 12-month range 1.3p-17.25p. The oncology consultancy posts fall in interim earnings. For half year to December 31, revenue down GBP363,000 from GBP343,000 prior year and pretax loss widens to GBP132,000 from GBP118,000. --------- By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Nigerian agri-rental service and contact farming company, Farm4Me Agriculture Limited, has been named West Africas Best World-Class Digital Agricultural Investment Platform Brand of the Year 2021. The agritech company won the award at the 10th West Africa Brand Excellence Award held at the Sheraton Hotels, Lagos, during the weekend. The organisers said after weighing all the nominees from the various countries, on varying parameters, Farm4Me emerged the best. They said Farm4Me has impacted a great number of people to a better livelihood directly and indirectly in the most populous African nation. The Convener, Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, opined that Farm4Me made a major mark in the agritech sub-sector of the economy in the year under review amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Receiving the award on the behalf of the MD/CEO, Adama Adama, the Chief Technology Officer of Farm4Me, Esinniobiwa Quareeb, thanked the organisers for the honour. Quareeb, who dedicated the award to Farm4Me clients for their patronage and cooperation, assured that the company will sustain the pace. He also thanked the management and staff of the company for their passion and hard work that has made the company the brand to beat. We are a contract farming company with distinction and we are also the largest farm equipment rental service in Nigeria. Indeed, this award means a lot not just to us but our clients all over the world. This is another significant milestone in the journey of our great company, he said. We are grateful to the organizers for finding us worthy of this honour. We dedicate this award to our loyal clients who believe in us and provide the opportunity and enabling environment for the company to thrive. We also thank every member of staff and management of Farm4Me for the sacrifice all these years. We promise to keep setting the pace. On his part, the MD/CEO of Farm4Me, Adama J Adama, expressed optimism that the award will spur the fastest-growing agritech platform in Nigeria for better and greater service delivery while thanking the organisers for the recognition. He, however, said it was too early to start blowing the trumpet as the company still has a lot to do for the people. Adama said; We are happy to know that what we are doing caught the attention of the organization that gave the award. We are grateful for the honour. But for me, it is too early for us to start blowing our trumpet. Our goal is to ensure that our Investors get their dividends as at when due, empower smallholder farmers and contribute to food security for the next 10 years. Satisfaction of our clientele is our ultimate goal. This award has motivated us to work harder and deliver more values. We are in this for the long term. I dedicate this award to the entire team for their hard work and dedication to achieving our goals. You guys made it happen. ADVERTISEMENT To our Investors, we urge you to join us in this journey to create wealth, empower farmers and build the Nigerian Agricultural Sector. With hard work, we can. Farm4Me was founded in 2017 and their impact in the Nigerian agri-space is indelible. At the moment, the company has 6,623, farm contracts, 22,000, registered clients and has created over 22,750 jobs in its barely six years of existence. Primary Health Properties recently reported full-year (FY) 2020 results, in line with expectations and showing continued strong progress for the business. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 5.5% and the dividend by 5.4%, while balance sheet gearing reduced to 41.0%. These results do not yet reflect the impact of the internalisation of the Nexus management function, which releases cost savings of an addition 0.3p per share. The company has declared a first-quarter (Q1) 2021e dividend of 1.55p, the equivalent of 6.2p annualised, which is the 25th year of successive dividend increases (going back to the original listing of the company). PHPs dependable dividend growth is underpinned by: 90% of rental income backed by government bodies (NHS and Irish HSE) Long lease durations, with an average weighted average unexpired lease term of 12.1 years The lowest cost structure of any real estate investment trust (REIT) in the UK market, allowing rental income to flow down to net profit and dividend payments. Organic growth outlook: We argue that demand drivers remain favourable for primary health facilities in the UK and Ireland despite the advent of video consultations. In the post-COVID environment, we believe that health authorities will remain focussed on moving more activity out of the A&E (accident & emergency) environment and back to general practitioners (GPs), as well as working to clear large backlogs that have built up during the pandemic as routine procedures have been deferred. Within the release of the results, PHP outlined a pipeline of investment projects totalling 243mln including standing properties, developments, and upgrades to existing properties. The company has a strong track record of realising immediate shareholder value enhancement on new investments, and we regard this pipeline as a potential upside to the share price. The Week in Photos takes a deep dive into one story from the previous week of Missourian reporting. This week, we're looking at Haley Singleton's coverage of Nclusion Plus, a support program for local drag entertainers. Alexandria Wells wrote the accompanying story; Jack Anstine was the photo editor. When Columbia's only LGBTQ-dedicated bar, Yin Yang, closed in April, local drag performers founded a pop-up, subscription-based club. The queens currently perform at a cocktail bar downtown and in the basement of an orthodontist's office. Photographer Haley Singleton and reporter Alexandria Wells were both looking to cover Columbia's drag community. They found out about Nclusion Plus and about each other at around the same time, and they began collaborating shortly thereafter. Wells and Singleton made a point to leave their preconceptions at the door for this story including what they knew from previous Missourian reporting. They attempted a new angle on the typical drag story: not focusing on the performances, but on the unique circumstances around them. "We wanted to make sure the photos weren't going to be repetitive," Wells said. "I think that's where we had to really focus on what exactly we were trying to say in this story." Wells, a photojournalism major, had been in Singleton's shoes before. Working with reporters had become second-nature to her when she was a staff photographer, so she knew how to approach it from the other side. "We were able to communicate what kind of ideas we wanted," Singleton said. "[We talked about] how she thought of it visually compared to how I was thinking visually." "Every story that I get, every story I'm pitching, I think, 'Next step: visuals,'" Wells said. "What can we do to make this story really pop to the reader? I know a lot of reporters don't always think that way because there's too much of a divide. I think that gives me a wonderful opportunity to merge those two worlds." At each event, the reporters had a wide selection of moments and topics to focus on: the performances, the crowd, the preparations, the location, the COVID-19 precautions, the community, the history, the future... But even after the photographer chooses what to shoot and the reporter chooses who to talk to, decisions are still being made to shape the story. Singleton and Wells collaborated with photo editor Jack Anstine on this story. His role, beyond editing Singleton's pictures, became keeping all parts of the story connected and cohesive. "We made sure that the photos were reflecting the story [Wells] was telling," Anstine said. "That way, we're not telling two separate, disjointed stories." For example, Anstine and Singleton decided late in the editing process to cut a photo of drags queens getting ready backstage behind a protective curtain. The photo was good, Anstine said, and it stood on its own, but the story didn't dig into safety precautions in a way that would've justified including the photo. "With the final edit, [Anstine] chose really good photos that were representative but not repetitive," Singleton said. The Week in Photos also highlights some of the visual team's best work that you may have missed throughout the week. This week, we covered... a lot... of sports. Between MU, Columbia College and local high schools, our photographers attended 13 games this week. The Method is the Columbia Missourian's photography and multimedia blog. In writing about pictures, it seeks to demystify how our journalists cover their community and place their work in the context of a larger visual world. ROME - "An extraordinary number of people" are expected to take part in upcoming elections in the Palestinian territories - political elections on May 22, presidential elections on July 31 and a vote for the National Council on August 31, the special coordinator of the United Nations for the peace process in the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, said in front of the UN Security Council. The Palestinian central electoral commission, in fact, has closed the registration of voters for a total of over 2.6 million people, or 93% of people with a right to vote, according to demographic estimates by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Moreover, 80% of the 1.5 million people who will vote for the first time are under 30. "It is encouraging to see such a strong public participation to the democratic process", said the UN representative, who also stressed how upcoming elections in Palestine "could be an opportunity for the Palestinian people to reignite the two-State solution". The extraordinary rate of registration "is a clear indication that the population wants to participate in decisions on their political future", said Wennesland. He assured that the United Nations and the international community will continue to play an active role in supporting the electoral process. The UN envoy stressed that "the right to democratic vote, especially for the young, is the right to decide on their political future and to be carefully safeguarded". "Elections, which should take place across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip, will also help pave the way to restore the legitimate political horizon to reach a two-State solution. The United Nations, together with its partners, will continue to support the Palestinians and Israelis in their efforts to reach this objective", concluded Wennesland. The last political elections in the Palestinian territories date back to 2006 while presidential elections were held in 2005. Mumbai, March 1 : Television actor Vijayendra Kumeria, who is part of the show Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, has no qualms in refusing roles that are not to his liking. The actor says that when it comes to roles, he is careful about what he chooses to do. "I am very specific about the roles that I come on board with. It takes a lot of courage to say no but I am glad I have the privilege to do that," he told IANS. The actor was last seen as Dev Parikh in the show Naagin: Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel, which went off air in August 2002. He says that he always likes to take a break between projects. "For me, it is easy to shift from one character to another. But I like to wash off my image in the eyes of the viewers by taking a break for four to five months. I feel this is very important for a medium such as TV where actors are known by their characters," he said. Vijayendra plays a blind man in Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha and says that he is drawn to such different characters. "I love my character in the show. Something new or something that I haven't done before stands a better chance for me to get interested. Also, characters that take me out of my comfort zone always excite me," he says. As important appointments go, Ben Miller's lunch meeting with one of his fiercest literary critics to discuss his new book went pretty well. 'I wanted to make sure that he really was happy with it, so we went to one of our local pubs in the days when you could still do that, and we sat down and went through the whole thing,' he recalls. 'Then he gave me lots of notes and feedback.' At least the actor and comedian-turned-author was prepared for some robust input, as this crucial assessment was being delivered by his then seven-year-old son Harrison, the inspiration for the main character of the book in question. Thankfully, he showed a laudable, mature willingness to give it the thumbs up especially given it focuses on one of his flaws. Actor and comedian-turned-author Ben Miller was prepared for some robust input, as the assessment was being delivered by his then seven-year-old son Harrison Called The Boy Who Made The World Disappear, it features an otherwise lovely chap called Harrison who has trouble dealing with his anger. After misbehaving at a birthday party, he is given a black hole on a piece of string instead of a balloon. 'He goes home with this black hole and he starts putting everything that makes him angry in it right down to his parents,' Miller explains. 'So it's an adventure about black holes, but it's also a story about learning to deal with emotions. 'Anger's not necessarily a bad thing, and emotions aren't bad; it's how you handle them.' Which, as Miller points out, makes it an apt tale for lockdown since we've all been dealing with tricky feelings, and it is one of the reasons it's been selected by the Mail for this year's World Book Day giveaway. Featuring time travel, magic and some jolly twists, it's laugh-out-loud funny, and Miller, 55, hopes parents will enjoy reading it to their children as much as he enjoyed writing it. 'There's something very joyous about children's fiction. The brakes are off somehow,' he says. 'There is so much evidence now that children reading, and being read to, is one of the most beneficial things you can do so it's lovely to be part of that, especially now, when we can feel isolated from one another. Some people will best know Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole from the BBC's Death in Paradise 'Stories connect us all, at every age. Grandparents are reading to their grandkids over Zoom because they can't see them at the moment. It's very moving. Our whole society is held together by stories it's how we communicate and understand the world.' For many of us, Miller is best known as one half of sketch duo Armstrong And Miller and for playing DI Richard Poole in the first two series of BBC crime drama Death In Paradise. But he's also a polymath who seamlessly combines a boffin brain with his writing and performing. He read natural sciences at Cambridge and studied for a PhD in quantum effects before embarking on his career in comedy. The theme underpinning both, though, is his lifelong love of reading, fuelled by his teacher parents who raised him and his younger sisters in the market town of Nantwich, Cheshire, in a house full of books and took them -frequently to the 'fantastic' local library. 'I read lots of books when I was little' he recalls. 'And when my children started to read, I got excited about it all over again.' He confesses there was an element of 'wanting to show off' when he was struck by the idea of writing a story for his children. Ben Miller spent lockdown hunkered down in Gloucestershire with wife Jessica Parker He has a 15-year-old son, Jackson, from his first marriage to actress Belinda Stewart-Wilson, and Harrison and five-year-old Lana with second wife Jessica Parker, with whom he has spent lockdown hunkered down at their home in Gloucestershire. 'When I wrote the first book, The Night I Met Father Christmas, Jackson was at an age where he had just started to question Father Christmas, so I wanted to write a story that proved once and for all that he is real,' he recalls. 'The Day I Fell Into A Fairytale is a sort of portal tale as Lana is a massive fan of Alice In Wonderland, so it features a little girl who falls into the land of fairytales via a portal in the pick' n' mix of her local supermarket. Where on earth does he get these ideas? 'I honestly don't know where a lot of it comes from,' he insists. 'I've always loved diaries; The Diary Of Adrian Mole is still one of my favourites, and I really loved the Nigel Molesworth Down With Skool! series. Bridget Jones is fantastic too. 'What they all have in common is the person writing is not Samuel Pepys, they are someone battling the everyday, and I love that.' It seems no coincidence either that, like Miller, some of our funniest comedians seem to move seamlessly into children's literature among them David Walliams, David Baddiel, Miranda Hart and Charlie Higson. He says his sketches with comedy partner Alexander Armstrong are not 'very grounded in reality 'I think sketch writing in particular seems to go well with writing children's fiction,' Miller muses. 'You have so little time to set something up, and it has to develop quickly. Writing for children is the same you have to get going quickly, or you're left for dust.' The fact that children, especially in the seven to 12-year-old age group that Miller is largely writing for, have a 'surreal' view of the world also chimes. 'When I do sketches with Alexander Armstrong, they're not very grounded in reality. And children don't want naturalism; they don't want realism. They want magic and they want big characters and crazy worlds.' Miller has just finished his fifth children's book which is loosely based on the family dog. 'I ran out of children about two books ago,' he laughs. He's also completed a tantalising tale called Diary Of A Christmas Elf, which mashes together a female explorer (she's invented an aeroplane that runs on grass clippings) and an unemployed elf called Tog whose dream is to work on the Christmas production line. 'I've always been interested in Christmas elves. They have a lot more to do than making presents,' he says. 'There's all those clementines that go into the toes of the stockings. Where do they come from? I had a lot of fun with that.' We return to the equally compelling territory of black holes. What would Miller put in his? 'Impoliteness and irresponsible pedestrians,' he says. 'Those would definitely be two of my things.' Don't miss today's (Monday) Daily Mail for your free audiobook of Ben Miller's The Boy who Made the World Disappear. See MyMail.co.uk for details Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been found guilty of influence peddling for attempting to bribe a judge. The enigmatic politician, whose dodgy friends and past scrapes with the law have won him infamy in Europe, was sentenced to three years in prison with two years suspended. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was famed for his marriage to Italian supermodel turned French-pop chanteuse Carla Brunihis third wifeas well as for his political prowess. As part of the tranche of evidence used to convict the former president are tapes of intimate conversations made by Sarkozys former campaign adviser who fondly referred to him as the dwarf and by Bruni herself who reportedly often reminded him he was nothing short of a kept man thanks to her millions. He has the right to ask for his sentence to be served as house arrest. Sarkozy, who still retains immense political sway in French conservative politics, was, for a time, tied to the deposed and now dead Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi for whom he spent a night in a Paris jail after being arrested for taking as much as $60 million from the dictator. The cash was reportedly smuggled into France in suitcases with the help of a Franco-Lebanese businessman named Ziad Takieddine who dished about the weight of the currency to the French press. France has a cap of $26 million on donations and prohibits foreign donors altogether. Gaddafis Ghost Takes Revenge as Frances Ex-President Sarkozy Detained for Questioning Takieddine, a former celebrity handler at the Isola 2000 ski resort near Nice, evolved to become a key arms broker between France, Pakistan, and the Middle East thanks to Sarkozys endorsement. He went to the press in 2012 and spilled Sarkozys secrets, telling French investigative media outlet Mediapart, I discovered things that should no longer stay hidden. Sarkozy betrayed Gaddafi, who had once pitched his famous Bedouin tent on the grounds of the Elysee Palace for the better part of a week of wheeling and dealing, when he ordered France to lead the NATO efforts to oust Gaddafi in 2011. French planes dropped the first bombs that eventually led to his humiliating death. Sarkozy at the time was said to have pulled the trigger to tamp down concern that he, too, had gone rogue. Story continues So worrying was the relationship that then-Secretary of State Hillary Clintons aide Sidney Blumenthal wrote her an eventually leaked email about Sarkozys erratic behavior, with the subject line: Frances Client and Gaddafis Gold. The current charges for which Sarkozy was found guilty stem from an investigation into alleged discrepancies in campaign finances tied to his political party, but he will later be tried for allegedly taking Gaddafis cash when that case, which is still being investigated, goes to court. He will also face a separate trial on March 17 with 13 co-defendants relating to another financial snafu in which he is accused of fraudulent overspending in his unsuccessful 2012 re-election campaign. His campaign is accused of spending more than $50 milliontwice the maximum authorized in a French presidential campaign. He was accused of asking magistrate Gilbert Azibert for information that would help his defense in exchange for a posh appointment in Monaco. Two of Sarkozys lawyers were also charged with the former president and received similar sentences. At the trial, prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon told the court, The events would not have occurred if a former president, as well as a lawyer, had kept in mind the magnitude, the responsibility, and the duties of his office. The prosecution had requested four years in prison for the trio, asking that two years would be suspended in what he told the court was a corruption pact. Sarkozy said in his defense that no pact ever existed... either in my head nor in reality. He then said he wanted to be cleared of that infamy. Sarkozys lawyers were caught on wiretaps in 2014 discussing how to defend their client from claims he accepted illegal cash from LOreal heiress and Frances wealthiest woman Liliane Bettencourt during his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy was found guilty of trying to get more information about that case from the magistrate. Sarkozy told the court instead that he had never committed the slightest act of corruption. He said Monday he would appeal the conviction. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Two leading CUSOs, Wescom Resources Group (WRG) and Member Support Services, LLC (MSS), have announced a strategic partnership to benefit individual credit unions and the cooperative movement as a whole. With a goal of helping credit unions achieve efficiency through scale, this expanded partnership responds to the changing nature of retail financial services, an evolution that has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Recognizing that investments can be leveraged more effectively when shared across multiple financial institutions, this partnership is tailor-made for the cooperative mission of credit unions. WRG provides credit unions with a powerful backbone of back office and technology support through solutions like Unitri Core Hosting and the Tellergy on Verifone multimedia teller line terminals, allowing credit unions of all sizes to experience world class performance. Likewise, MSS has deployed a model prevalent in global financial institutions, Fortune 500 corporations and a few large credit unions to provide the benefits of scale economies in middle and back office operations. Our owner credit unions have benefited from significant efficiencies and savings with meaningful impact on their ROA, net worth and op ex ratios, and the ability to tap the types of skilled talent a single institution may have difficulty accessing on its own, says Vim Anand, CEO of MSS. We are excited to expand our long-time partnership with Wescom Resources Group as we together introduce innovative technology and operational solutions to the broader credit union movement. One example of how MSSs strategic investments in top-tier skills and expertise are benefitting credit unions is its recent move into card portfolio management, where it has invested in talent and expertise typically seen at large banks only. All debit and credit card program initiatives are coordinated, enabling credit unions to grow their payment revenues and demonstrating how the power of scale can lead to strategic growth in addition to cost savings. In todays low margin/low-rate financial services environment, the ability to leverage such expertise efficiently and cost-effectively is critical to credit unions long-term success. At WRG, we have proudly hosted MSSs data processing since 2014, says Dave Cerwinski, President of Wescom Resources Group, At the same time, theyve done an excellent job of creating cost efficiencies and service improvements for their credit union owners in other areas of operation, such as consumer lending, card processing, and collections. The combined package of what MSS provides, along with WRGs data processing solution, provides credit unions with exceptional value across a wide span of their operations. About Wescom Resources Group Backed by Wescom Credit Union, one of the nations largest credit unions with over $4 billion in assets and nearly 200,000 members, Wescom Resources Group provides credit unions with advanced technology solutions that increase their competitive edge. With over 75 clients, WRG is a leader in innovative technologies for the credit union industry. WRG offers one of the most robust managed services solutions in the credit union industry. In addition, WRGs Tellergy solution provides branch automation for todays modern credit union. For more information, visit http://www.wescomresources.com. About Member Support Services, LLC Member Support Services, LLC (MSS) is a shared services Credit Union Service Organization headquartered in Cranbury, N.J. Since its founding in 2013, MSS has processed middle- and back-office operations for its three shareholder credit unionsAspire FCU, Credit Union of New Jersey, and United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union. MSS offers credit unions operational efficiency and cost savings through economies of scale and standardization, while empowering them to focus even more intently on serving their members. In 2019, MSS credit union partners realized annual aggregated savings of 24% from their operating cost base when compared to their separate costs prior to forming the cooperative. Learn more about how MSS can help your credit union achieve operational and service excellence at http://www.msscuso.com. Aviva is set to funnel 10billion of workers' pension money into climate-friendly investments by the end of next year as it unveils an ambitious plan to become net zero by 2040. The pensions and savings giant is committing a 'substantial' portion of the money it collects from auto-enrolment pension funds to investments which tackle climate change. Every employee over the age of 22 who earns more than 10,000 per year pays into an auto-enrolment pension, unless they opt out. And Aviva serves 3.5m of those workers, who will now be helping to fund the UK's green recovery from the pandemic as 10billion of their retirement savings are used to fund projects from nuclear power sites to energy-efficient housing. Following the example of other institutions, such as insurance marketplace Lloyds of London and government-backed pension fund Nest, Aviva will also ditch its coal investments. By the end of 2022, it will sell off all its shares in companies which make more than 5 per cent of their revenue from coal unless they have signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative which helps cut emissions. And it will also stop offering insurance for any companies making more than 5 per cent of their revenues from coal. Aviva's chief executive Amanda Blanc said: 'Aviva is taking bold steps to help tackle the climate crisis. As the UK's leading insurer, we have a huge responsibility to change the way we invest, insure and serve our customers. 'For the world to reach net zero, it's going to take leadership and radical ambition. And it is going to take Aviva to play our part.' Under Blanc's plan, the carbon dioxide emissions from Aviva's own operations and supply chain will hit net zero by 2030. This will involve buying in 100 per cent renewable electricity for all its offices, which total 230,231 square metres, and swapping the leases on its 1,540-strong vehicle fleet from diesel-guzzling cars to all electric and hybrid models. By 2040, Aviva's entire investment portfolio will be net zero on carbon dioxide emissions. Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: 'Business have a huge role in tackling climate change. 'It is fantastic that Aviva is taking radical action across its business, which will help the UK eliminate its contribution to climate change. 'We must work with companies like Aviva to harness the strength of the UK's financial sector to unleash the private capital necessary to reduce carbon emissions and support new jobs as the UK builds back greener.' Aviva's policy comes just weeks after its rival M&G announced a new 5billion fund to invest in private firms which are pioneers in creating green technology. In the medium term, Aviva is aiming to cut the carbon intensity of its investments or how much carbon dioxide a firm produces relative to the intensity of its work by 25 per cent in the next four years and 60 per cent by 2030. To do this, its asset management arm Aviva Investors which looks after more than 350billion of savers' money will plough 6billion into green assets by 2025. And it will commit 2.5billion to low carbon and renewable energy infrastructure, which is slightly broader than the strict 'green' definition and includes areas such as nuclear power. The Philippines is due to receive its first batch of COVID-19 vaccine Sunday, among the last in Southeast Asia to secure the critical doses despite having the second-highest number of coronavirus infections and deaths in the hard-hit region. President Rodrigo Duterte and top Cabinet officials will welcome the arrival of 600,000 doses of China-donated vaccine in a ceremony at an air base in the capital that will underscore their relief after weeks of delays, officials said. Vaccinations initially for health workers are scheduled to start Monday. Aside from the donated vaccine from Sinovac Biotech Ltd., the government has separately ordered 25 million doses from the China-based company. An initial 525,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca were also scheduled to arrive Monday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. The initial deliveries are a small fraction of at least 148 million doses the government has been negotiating to secure from Western and Asian companies to vaccinate about 70 million Filipinos for free in a massive campaign largely funded with foreign and domestic loans. The bulk of the vaccine shipments are expected to arrive later this year. Resty Padilla, a spokesperson for a government panel dealing with the pandemic, said the vaccine could be a game-changer in a debilitating health crisis that has infected more than 574,000 people in the Philippines and killed at least 12,289 others. Lockdowns and quarantine restrictions have also set back Manilas economy in one of the worst recessions in the region and sparked unemployment and hunger. Although we are still a long way from herd immunity, the arrival of the initial supply of vaccine provides hope that our road to normalcy has finally begun, Padilla told The Associated Press. Dutertes administration has come under criticism for lagging behind most other Southeast Asian countries in securing the vaccines, including much smaller and poorer ones like Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. The tough-talking leader has said wealthy Western countries, especially where the vaccine originated, have cornered massive doses for their citizens, leaving poorer nations scrambling to get the rest. In a sign of desperation, Duterte said last December that he would proceed to abrogate a key security pact with the United States that allows large numbers of American troops to conduct war exercises in the Philippines if Washington could not provide at least 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for his country. No vaccine, no stay here, Duterte said then. The Chinese vaccine delivery was delayed due to the absence of an emergency-use authorization from Manilas Food and Drug Administration. Sinovac got the authorization last Monday. Western pharmaceutical companies also wanted the Philippine government to guarantee that it would take responsibility for lawsuits and demands for indemnity arising from possible adverse side effects from the vaccine, officials said. Duterte signed a law last week giving pharmaceutical companies immunity from such liabilities for the emergency use by the public of their vaccine. In a four-part post on Medium on Monday, Donald McNeil Jr. (above) described for the first time, in his own words, the context behind his use of the racial slur in 2019 Former New York Times reporter Donald McNeil Jr., 67, has broken his silence to say he doesn't believe he is racist and that he has been 'circled by jackals' ever since it emerged he had used the N-word during a company-sponsored school trip to Peru in 2019. McNeil said he warned NYT higher-ups that their treatment of him would cause journalists over 40 to head for the doors as he said he'd heard from colleagues all over the world - and he said he told his bosses the 'right wing' would have a 'field day' if he got the ax. The reporter had led the NYT's coronavirus coverage and was nominated by the paper for a Pulitzer Prize, but faced condemnation from an 'outraged' group of 150 Times journalists last month after the story surfaced of the trip, which McNeil helped lead. A small group of privileged high school students had paid $5,495 each (plus airfare) to attend - and one girl, then 17, who was finishing her senior year at the $60,000-a-year Phillips Academy Andover boarding school - had complained that McNeil used the N-word. There were no black students on the trip. In a four-part post on Medium on Monday, the veteran science correspondent described for the first time, in his own words, the context behind his use of the racial slur that led to him leaving his job of more than 40 years. He said he was speaking out publicly only now because his lawyer had advised him to remain quiet until his official departure date from the Times on March 1. He used the N-word, McNeill said, when in conversation with the 17-year-old girl about a previous classmate of hers who'd been suspended from school for saying the word. McNeil asked the 17-year-old: Was the girl suspended for actually saying N-? He used the word itself when asking the question. He also detailed a phone conversation he had with NYT executive editor Dean Baquet (pictured) and deputy managing editor Carolyn Ryan on February 1 in which he was asked to announce his resignation A few other main take-aways from McNeil's four-part Medium post: McNeil admits that he never thought his use of the N-word during the 2019 Peru trip would have ended his decades-long career at the NYT He says it has been 'baffling and painful' to have people assume he is a racist and that they have believed the 'ridiculous things' he's accused of saying McNeil says he's surprised by how quick some colleagues, who he says barely know him, were prepared to accept the accusations against him He recalls a phone conversation with NYT executive editor Dean Baquet in which he was asked to announce his resignation he'd 'lost the newsroom' He hits back at claims he is racist, saying: 'Am I a racist? I don't think so - after working in 60 countries over 25 years, I think I'm pretty good at judging people McNeil's take on the Peru N-word conversation: A student asked me: 'Do you think one of my classmates should have been suspended for using the N-word in a video from two years ago?' I said: 'Well, wait - what exactly happened on this video? Did she actually call someone 'n****r'? Or was she just using it in passing, like quoting the title of a book?' She said: 'She was in 8th grade and she was joking with a friend of hers who was black: She said 'well you're a lazy N' or something like that, and she was Jewish, so her friend said 'Well, you're cheap Jew' or something like that. And then two years later, someone who used to be her friend shared the video.' I said: 'This happened when she was in 8th grade? When she was 12 years old? And she was just goofing around with her friend? And the school suspends her for it two years later? I think that's ridiculous. Everybody knows 12 year olds do dumb things. They're kids. Somebody from the school should have talked to her, yes, but suspension? I think that's insane.' Advertisement The ordeal involving McNeil began back in January when the Daily Beast reported that multiple students and parents had lodged complaints against McNeil back in 2019 for his behavior during the Peru trip. The report also claimed that McNeil allegedly said white privilege does not exist and made disparaging comments about black people during the same trip. McNeil said there was an investigation by the Times into his use of the slur in August 2019 and that he was punished at the time. The punishment was being banned from any future Times expert trips and a disciplinary letter being put in his file. After the complaints regarding the slur resurfaced, McNeil was eventually forced out after 150 NYT employees - out of a global staff of 4,500 - signed a letter slamming the handling of the 2019 decision to let him stay on staff and demanding an investigation. He said ever since he has been a 'jackal circled by jackals' and that he is now 'somewhat relieved' to be out of journalism. In his Medium post, however, McNeil admitted that he never thought his use of the N-word during that trip would have ended his decades-long career at the newspaper. 'I never dreamed that one of the two Peru trips I took - which to me were just blips in my life, something I'd done largely as a favor to a friend who needed experts to make the trips sell - would sink my Times career,' he said 'It's been quite baffling and painful for me to have people assume I'm a racist and believe that I said the ridiculous things I'm accused of saying.' He said, however, that he doesn't believe what has happened to him should be called a 'witch hunt', saying instead that it is a 'series of misunderstandings and blunders'. Explaining the context behind his use of the word, McNeil said: 'A student asked me if I thought her high school's administration was right to suspend a classmate of hers for using the word in a video she'd made in eighth grade. 'I said 'Did she actually call someone a ('offending word')? Or was she singing a rap song or quoting a book title or something?' When the student explained that it was the student, who was white and Jewish, sitting with a black friend and the two were jokingly insulting each other by calling each other offensive names for a black person and a Jew, I said 'She was suspended for that? Two years later? No, I don't think suspension was warranted. Somebody should have talked to her, but any school administrator should know that 12-year-olds say dumb things. It's part of growing up'.' After the exchange resurfaced in the Daily Beast report in January, McNeil said he repeatedly asked the NYT if he could clarify the context behind his conversation but was told to remain quiet. McNeil said he was willing to apologize but also wanted to clarify the circumstances and be given a chance to refute some of what he says were false allegations, particularly the claim that he said white privilege doesn't exist. 'The portrait the Daily Beast paints of a dyspeptic old man abusing students by spouting 'wildly racist and offensive comments' is inaccurate. I was trying to engage them in a serious conversation that opened their eyes. Which is what, as a Times Expert, I had been assigned to do,' he said. 'Obviously, I badly misjudged my audience in Peru that year. I thought I was generally arguing in favor of open-mindedness and tolerance - but it clearly didn't come across that way. And my bristliness makes me an imperfect pedagogue for sensitive teenagers. Although the students liked me in 2018, some of those in 2019 clearly detested me. I do not see why their complaints should have ended my career at the Times two years later. But they did. 'I'd like to put this behind me. I had hoped to be remembered as a good science reporter whose work saved lives. Not for this.' After the complaints regarding the slur resurfaced, McNeil was eventually forced out after 150 NYT employees - out of a global staff of 4,500 - signed a letter slamming the handling of the decision to let him stay on staff TIMELINE OF THE DONALD MCNEIL SAGA June 2019: McNeil travels to Peru for NYT company-sponsored school trip. August 6, 2019: NYT starts investigating after complaints from students and parents about McNeil's use of N-word. August 15, 2019: McNeil is banned from future Times expert trips and has disciplinary letter put in his file. January 28, 2021: The Daily Beast publishes a story about complaints against McNeil from the Peru trip. February 3, 2021: 150 NYT staffers send letter to executives criticizing response to complaints. February 5, 2021: NYT announces McNeil's departure. March 1, 2021: McNeil's departure date from NYT. He publishes four-part Medium post on the circumstances surrounding his resignation. Advertisement Addressing the backlash from his colleagues over the incident, McNeil also detailed in his lengthy post a phone conversation he had with NYT executive editor Dean Baquet and deputy managing editor Carolyn Ryan on February 1 in which he was asked to announce his resignation because some in the newsroom no longer wanted to work with him. McNeil recalled Baquet saying: 'Donald, I know you... I know you're not a racist. But Donald, you've lost the newsroom. People are hurt. People are saying they won't work with you because you didn't apologize.' He said he told them he had written an apology that he'd sent to them a few days prior for approval but had heard nothing back. McNeil said Baquet responded: 'You've lost the newsroom. A lot of your colleagues are hurt. A lot of them won't work with you. Thank you for writing the apology. But we'd like you to consider adding to it that you're leaving.' McNeil recalled himself saying: 'ARE YOU KIDDING? You want me to leave after 40-plus years? Over this? You know this is bulls**t. You know you looked into it and I didn't do the things they said I did, I wasn't some crazy racist, I was just answering the kids' questions.' He went on to tell them: 'Let me give you an alternative view of who's 'lost the newsroom'. I've been getting emails and calls from bureaus all over the world saying, 'Hang in there, you're getting screwed.' People are outraged at how I'm being trashed in the press and by the Times. If you fire me over this, you're going to lose everybody over age 40 at the paper, all the grownups. All your bureau chiefs, all your Washington reporters, all your Pulitzer winners. Especially once they realize how innocuous what I really said was and that you didn't find it a firing offense in 2019. And they'll talk to every media columnist in town. The right wing will have a field day.' He said in that conversation he refused to resign and told them he was going to hire a lawyer. McNeil accused Baquet and Ryan of twisting his arm by trying to get him to resign. His resignation was announced four days later. McNeil has been a noted medical reporter through several epidemics, including the emerging-at-the-time Zika After the story started making national headlines, McNeil admitted that he misread how seriously management were taking the situation because, he says, the the incident had already been investigated. 'Articles about the staff's anger began appearing online. I still felt that revealing every detail would calm the situation. But it was made clear to me that what the Times wanted was a minimum of detail, reference only to my use of the slur, and an apology as broad and deep as I could make to everyone who felt aggrieved,' McNeil wrote. Elsewhere in his post, McNeil hit back at claims that he is racist, saying: 'Am I a racist? I don't think so - after working in 60 countries over 25 years, I think I'm pretty good at judging people as individuals. But 'am I a racist?' is actually a harder question to answer about yourself than some self-righteous people think.' McNeil noted that it was his second consecutive year doing the trip to Peru and that he was tasked with delivering three talks on global health and to make himself available to students as much as possible. McNeil said they slept in modest hostels, sometimes with no hot water, and that he was paid $300 a day. He said the 2019 trip was immediately different to the 2018 one. 'The students were nice - about 20 young women and two young men. Since everyone asks: most were white, none were black, one was Asian, a couple might have been Hispanic but I didn't ask, and the guy from Spain was Basque because we talked about it,' he said. He said that during the trip, almost every conversation he had with the students took place with a trip leader present or nearby. He said no one stopped him from talking or told him he had been offensive. He said that during the trip a few students 'intensely' wanted to talk about politics with him. 'I rarely talk politics with anyone. I'm a science reporter, not an opinion columnist. 'My political views are eclectic and mostly private. I also don't usually try to change other people's minds. I know what I think and I don't care if anyone agrees with me. I do make a lot of jokes and I sometimes needle my friends about their dogmatic liberal or conservative beliefs. But if someone wants to argue with me, I usually explain my position once and then, if they still want to argue, shrug and say 'De gustibus non disputandum' matters of taste aren't worth disputing and try to change the subject. 'I also don't vote or even register to vote because I don't ever want to be accused of partisanship. That's not required by Times ethical standards, it's just my own attitude. I did once break down and vote against a candidate I despised, but I regretted it and never voted again. Qubool Hai 2.0 Trailer: Asad-Zoyas Love Story Will Take You Back In Time With Some Exciting New Twists Qubool Hai was undoubtedly one of the most watched and loved shows of its time. So, when it was announced that Asad Ahmed Khan and Zoya Farooqui, portrayed by Karan Singh Grover and Surbhi Jyoti, are returning with season 2, fans were ecstatic to watch their eternal love story. After the teaser and the posters, the much awaited trailer is finally here and it has taken us back in time. Zoya and Asad are exactly how we remember them but their chemistry has surprisingly become even better than season one. Just like the original television series, Asad and Zoya bump into each other when the latter runs away from her wedding. But this time the family drama goes hand in hand with lots of action. Karan aka Asad is a secret agent who has been accused of killing Zoyas father. The rest of the cast, just like the story line, has changed this time. Lillete Dubey and Mandira Bedi, who will be seen in prominent roles, look absolutely wonderful in their new avatars. However, it is Asad and Zoyas romance that left us in awe, just like it did 9 years ago. They look so good together! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Surbhi Jyoti (@surbhijyoti) Qubool Hai 2.0, which has taken a digital route, is all set to premiere on ZEE5 on 12th March. Well, we cant wait to get lost in the magical land of Qubool Hai once again to find out how Asad and Zoyas story will fare. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 27) Both houses of Congress are suspending their scheduled legislative inquiries into the deadly shootout between police personnel and narcotics agents to allow the National Bureau of Investigation to take charge of the probe as requested by President Rodrigo Duterte. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told CNN Philippines on Saturday that the President asked lawmakers to allow NBI's sole investigation into the exchange of fire between Quezon City police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives near the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant on Commonwealth Avenue on Wednesday. Four people were killed, including two cops, one PDEA agent, and one informant. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said the panels hearing is temporarily suspended following Dutertes pronouncement. If we feel that our questions are not answered and we feel that there could be a legislation that we can propose then we will proceed, he said. Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, also postponed the hearing set by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which he chairs. He earlier said it could be a case of poor coordination. PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva and PNP chief General Debold Sinas said their men were both conducting legitimate "buy-bust" operations, and insisted they coordinated. They appealed for more time to divulge what really transpired, saying they have to wait for the findings of their joint board of inquiry, which was effectively dissolved by Dutertes order. Documents obtained by CNN Philippines show that the Quezon City Police District informed PDEAs Metro Manila regional office about the buy-bust the night before. Villanueva stressed that the PDEA operation was not a "sell-bust" sting, where authorities pose as sellers instead of buyers of drugs. A sell-bust is illegal, he said. Duterte met with Sinas and Villanueva Friday night. Roque said the President explained that he wanted NBI to solely investigate to ensure an impartial probe. NBI Director Eric Distor as well as Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra were also present. Both have said the NBI is prioritizing the case. The NBI has formed a composite team led by Deputy Director Antonio Pagatpat, assisted by agents from the investigation, intelligence, and forensic divisions of the NBI, Guevarra said. NBI agents inspected the encounter site on Saturday to gather more evidence. CNN Philippines' Triciah Terada and Paolo Barcelon contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 11:04:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CANBERRA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has established a "myth-busting unit" to address coronavirus vaccine misinformation. Greg Hunt, the minister for Health, revealed that the unit, a joint endeavor between the Departments of Health and Home Affairs, was "quietly" established in 2020 amid concerns over false vaccine information spreading rapidly on social media. "Some of these anti-vaxxers are peddling, frankly, false and clearly irresponsible views," Hunt said. "We don't want to give too much air to some of the silliest ideas but we do want to provide public reassurance (we are) combatting the misinformation on those ideas which would in any way falsely have some impact on public confidence." A survey published by Australian National University (ANU) researchers in February found that vaccine scepticism is on the rise in Australia. More than 20 percent of respondents said they would "probably" or "definitely" not volunteer for a free vaccine compared to 12.7 percent in August 2020 while the proportion of those who said they "definitely" would fell from 58.5 percent to 43.7 percent. Hunt revealed the existence of the myth-busting unit as he announced on Sunday the arrival of the first 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine to Australia. The first doses of the vaccine are set to be administered on March 8 after testing by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). In a statement Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the arrival meant that "we will now be able to scale up the vaccination rollout to our priority groups, including our most vulnerable Australians and to our frontline border and health workers." Enditem South Africa only started coronavirus vaccinations in the last two weeks, but President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country is moving forward, with more than 67,000 health workers inoculated in the first 10 days as part of the first stage. The start of our vaccination campaign has so far gone extremely well, he said in a televised address on Sunday. It has shown what we can achieve much when we work together as a government, the scientific community, the private sector and community-based organizations. All provinces have established vaccination sites and have put in place plans for the expansion of the program as it will be gaining momentum. The second phase will start around late April to include the elderly, essential workers, those who work or live in institutions, and those with other health risks. In all, South Africa hopes to vaccinate 40 million of its nearly 59 million people. Ramaphosa also announced that South Africa would drop its coronavirus restrictions to one, the lowest possible level. The eased regulations still require masks to be worn in public, and place limits on alcohol sales and crowd sizes, but represent the most lenient restrictions the country has seen in a year. In all, the nation has seen more than 1.5 million confirmed cases, the highest burden on the African continent, and close to 50,000 deaths, according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the global outbreak. Richard Lessells, one of South Africas top viral researchers, says he thinks authorities made the right move in stopping use of the AstraZeneca vaccine because it was not found to be entirely effective against the highly contagious variant that has driven most of South Africas new infections. The nation has since switched to a mix of different vaccines which have shown greater efficacy against the variant, including the products from Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. And he says South African regulators are looking at other vaccines, including those made in Russia and China. Lessells says South Africas relatively late start in vaccination wouldnt have impacted the nations deadly second wave. Clearly, there was a lot of concern about us being late to the party and late getting started, he told VOA. The reality, however, is that whether we'd gotten started early or not, the vaccination wouldn't have impacted on that second wave that we saw, that really dreadful second wave because that was already in motion in December...What's critical now is to get vaccine into as many people as possible before any resurgence and any possible third wave. He also said researchers are working to develop a vaccine against the highly contagious new variant. In Johannesburg, the nations economic hub, residents had mixed feelings about the vaccination campaign. Some said they would be eager to get the shot as soon as possible. This vaccine is going to help us for this virus of coronavirus, said 24-year-old Johannesburg resident Eugene Makhubela. Because many people in South Africa died, because of this virus. The Rainbow Nation has a long road ahead. But, says Ramaphosa, this is a country that has known hardship: not just in the difficult fight against the racist apartheid system, but also in fighting its legacy of inequality. On Sunday, he also said the government would continue benefits for those affected economically by the pandemic. So much has changed in our country and in our lives, he said. But the spirit of our people has not changed. You have endured the greatest hardships, but you have remained resolute, united and hopeful. Now, a year after the virus first reached our shores, we have a clear path towards containing infections and, ultimately, overcoming the disease. According to a Feb. 28 report by Israeli news site Ynet, Defense Minister Benny Gantz had met secretly in Jordan with King Abdullah II. The meeting apparently took place a few weeks ago. The report did not divulge its sources for this information, nor did it give a precise date for the meeting. Also, on Feb. 26, during a Zoom meeting with Blue and White party activists, Gantz hinted at contacts with Jordan and also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly damaging bilateral relations. I think Jordan is a great asset to Israel, and I think that our relationship with Jordan could be a thousand times better. Unfortunately, Netanyahu is an unwanted figure in Jordan, and his presence harms [relations between the countries]. I have a continuous and ongoing connection with the Jordanian king and other senior Jordanian officials, and I know we can have great achievements, Gantz said. Gantz expressed hope for advancing in strengthening bilateral relations, saying, I believe that its possible to do one or two civilian projects each year with Jordan, and within 10 years up to 20 or 30 projects. Gantzs statements were made against the backdrop of an article by Jordanian Prince Hassan bin Talal, published the same day by Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. In the article, the prince called for the establishment of a stable Palestinian state, noting, Iran and the Israeli Palestinian conflict, the twin elephants in the room, must be at the top of the agenda. Still, Talal also referred extensively to advancing economic joint projects in the fields of energy, water and the environment, and called for promoting ties between civil societies in the region. The issue of the two-state solution was addressed in a Feb. 25 speech by the king, addressing the Brookings Institution Conference titled "The Middle East and the New US Administration." There is no alternative to the two-state solution, and continued unilateral steps will only kill the prospects of peace, Jordanian monarch said. Clearly, the arrival of the Biden administration, with its stated intention to revive Israeli-Palestinian talks, affects posivitely also diplomatic and economic ties between Amman and Jerusalem. On Feb. 25, Israels public broadcaster Kan reported about the two countries advancing joint projects and improving bilateral relations. Kan Arab affairs correspondent Roi Kais revealed that a few weeks ago, government ministries' CEOs from both countries met in order to advance bilateral projects, and even trilateral projects with the Palestinian Authority (PA). Reportedly, Jordan would like to increase exports to the PA from $100 million to $500 million, a request favorably being considered now by the Israeli authorities. A list of products and merchandise that could be exported from Jordan to the West Bank was submitted in that meeting to the Israeli delegation, headed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry. To these developments, we should add two face-to-face meetings over the past few months between Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi. One meeting took place Dec. 3 at the Allenby Bridge crossing point on the Israel-Jordan border. This meeting occurred at the request of the Jordanians, to discuss several practical issues, such as the renewal of Jordanian export permits to the PA and increasing the number of Palestinians authorized to pass at the Allenby Bridge. Reportedly, Safadi brought up Jordans special status in Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, and asked Israel to refrain from any bilateral moves that could block advancement toward the two-state solution. Another meeting took place two weeks later, in Jordan, to discuss regional strategic issues and economic cooperation. Recent statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken over Washingtons commitment to the two-state solution obviously encourage Amman, and could very well be at the source of its willingness to thaw its chilly relations with Jerusalem. Still, signs of rapprochement between the two countries were registered already prior to the US elections and Joe Bidens victory. Sources at the Foreign Ministry indicate that Ashkenazi has spoken with Safadi several times on the phone since taking office. Also, last October, Israeli and Jordanian civil aviation authorities signed a new aviation agreement that enables commercial flights to cross the airspace of both countries. Other signs of rapprochement were registered at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, Israel facilitated the passage of some 200 Israeli-Arab university students studying in Amman back to the country, after the Hashemite Kingdom closed its borders. Then in April 2020, Israel donated to Jordan 5,000 surgical masks. On Jan. 25, the Israeli Embassy in Amman posted on its site that Jordanian authorities have agreed for Israeli citizens to cross the border back into Israel through the Jordan River crossing point, without submitting prior notice or notifying ahead the Foreign Ministry. As demonstrated earlier, this process of rapprochement is championed by Ashkenazi and Gantz. Publications over the past two years have suggested that relations between King Abdullah and Netanyahu are chilly at best. In June 2020, on the backdrop of Netanyahus push for annexing parts of the West Bank, the king reportedly refused to speak on the phone with the prime minister. The problem is that Gantz and Ashkenazi are unlikely to be part of the next government. In fact, Ashkenazi has already said that he is taking a break from politics. Israels embassy in Jordan is headed by one of the countrys most professional, experienced and discrete diplomats Ambassador Amir Weissbrod. This capable ambassador should certainly get much of the credit for this positive change in relations, especially since he was appointed at a record-low point in bilateral ties. Still, people in the Foreign Ministry fear for the future of these ties. Much will depend on the identity of Israels next foreign minister. Conservative UMC faction announces creation of 'Global Methodist Church' once schism is finalized Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A group of theologically conservative United Methodists has announced the creation of a new denomination once the United Methodist Church officially separates due to its long-standing debate over homosexuality. The Wesleyan Covenant Association and the 17-member Transitional Leadership Council released a statement on Monday morning announcing the creation of the Global Methodist Church. According to the statement, the theologically conservative denomination will not be officially launched until the UMC General Conference, scheduled for 2022, passes a separation measure known as the Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. The Protocol, which will be up for debate at the General Conference, involves allowing conservative churches to leave the UMC to form their own denomination. Transitional Leadership Council Chairman Rev. Keith Boyette said in a statement that the GMC would make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. Over the past year, the council members, and hundreds of people who have informed their work, have faithfully and thoughtfully arrived at this point, stated Boyette. They are happy to share with others a wealth of information about a church they believe will be steeped in the life giving confessions of the Christian faith. As part of this preliminary launch, the GMC created a website explaining that the new denomination will allow for female ordination and is committed to racial equality. Alternatively, if it becomes apparent that the leading bishops, centrists, and progressives who covenanted to support the Protocol no longer do so, then the council will consider bringing the new church into existence without delay, explained a frequently-asked-questions section of the site. For approximately one year, the Global Methodist Church will be a church in transition as it prepares for its convening General Conference. Last December, a group of theologically progressive United Methodists announced a plan to create its own denomination as part of the likely separation plan for the UMC. Known as the Liberation Methodist Connexion, its website describes the new church as a grassroots denomination of former, current, and non-Methodist faith leaders working on the unfolding of the kin-dom of God. The LMX went on to say that they welcome all gender expressions and sexual identity, religious or non-religious backgrounds, races and ethnicities, size, and monogamous and non-monogamous. We trust Gods presence and our collaborative labors will guide us toward a new, more liberative way of answering our calling and being in connexion together, stated the LMX, which went on to state that their theology is not written in stone. The UMC General Conference, where the potential separation plan will be debated and possibly approved, is scheduled for Aug. 29 through Sept. 6, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originally, the General Conference was supposed to be held last year but was postponed to 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic concerns. The General Conference was again postponed this year. Oil spill shuts down fishing in 10 Delta communities in Nigeria by Emma Amaize March 01,2021 | Source: Vanguard A devastating oil blowout has grounded fishing occupation at over 10 oil communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. Some of the affected communities were Benikrukru, Kokodiagbene, Oporoza, Azama, Inikorogha and Kurutie and the leak was reportedly, at the weekend, spreading to more communities in the area. Thousands of fishermen in the communities, their families and buyers from different from different parts of the state and beyond have been stranded as a result of the spill. Villagers, who spoke to Vanguard, complained that there was palpable fear in the affected communities, as some people have falling sick due to pollution of bodies of rivers which are major sources of water supply to the people. A fisherman, Paul Okoni, disclosed: I noticed the spill that occurred, February 18 night, on the Abiteye flow station pipeline belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, two days after the incident and that was February 21. President of the Gbaramatu Youth Council, GYC, Worldwide, Shadrach Onitsha Ebikeme, who corroborated the claim, told Vanguard: American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, which owns the facility has not admitted responsibility for the oil spill. He asserted: We are, therefore, calling on CNL to rise up to its responsibility in the aftermath of an oil spill alleged to have resulted from its pipeline in Abiteye flow station. The said Chevron oil spill occurred on the night of February18, but was noticed by the people on the 21st of February from the Otunana to Kenyangbene / Abiteye pipeline. But the company has been denying the occurrence of the spill. Presently, the whole of the kingdom is impacted. Benikrukru, Kokodiagbene, Oporoza, Azama, Inikorogha, Kurutie and a host of other communities within the shoreline and inside the creeks of Gbaramatu have all been severely impacted, as the spill continues to spread with the occupation of fishing and other water related trade seriously hampered. We, the youths of Gbaramatu Kingdom are calling on Chevron to rise up to the task and live up to its responsibilities, instead of denying that they are not the cause of the spill. They should as a matter of fact do the needful required of them by the host communities and other relevant communities that are affected, as what is currently happening is not funny and is not something to be joked with. The peoples means of livelihoods have been severely impacted and many are even reported to be falling sick due to the contamination of the ecosystem they rely on for sustenance, he added. Ebikeme, therefore, called on Chevron Nigeria Limited to live up to expectations by engaging the affected communities, rather than staying mute and denying its involvement in the spill. 2021 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria Theme(s): Others. [March 01, 2021] Ethoca Delivers Deeper Consumer Engagement and Improved Transaction Clarity in an Increasingly Virtual World Ethoca, a Mastercard company, is leveraging an industry-leading network, collaborative technologies, and deep relationships with payments stakeholders around the world to help businesses satisfy the growing demand for improved digital experiences. With its newly introduced Consumer Clarity (News - Alert) solution (formerly Eliminator), Ethoca not only delivers greater transparency and trust into what consumers have bought, but helps businesses better connect with customers via one of their most trusted and highly frequented channels - their digital banking applications. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005087/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) The way that consumers shop, pay and bank is changing dramatically. Accelerated (News - Alert) by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are adopting new digital habits at a faster pace than ever before. In the first two months of the pandemic alone, global ecommerce spending surged by USD $53 Billion and consumers came to rely increasingly on digital banking channels to review their purchases and track spending. Unfortunately, according to recent research 77% of surveyed consumers report that they're often unable to recognize transactions in their online statements, and 96% want more detailed information available in their digital banking application to help understand what they bought. To alleviate this frustration, and cater to increasingly digital lives, Ethoca has introduced the new evolution of its award-winning Eliminator solution. Consumer Clarity provides rich merchant and purchase information (such as easy-to-recognize merchant names and logos, purchase location details, and itemized digital receipts) to cardholders and financial institution call center and back office staff. Delivered on-demand through secure and trusted banking channels, this enhanced information helps to significantly reduce unnecessary disputes and costly chargebacks caused by transaction confusion. Beyond dispute prevention, Consumer Clarity empowers businesses to optimize their digital offerings. For financial institutions, this means adding new features and services that improve their cardholders' experience while using their digital banking applications and encourages them to spend more time engaged with them. For merchants, this means new channels for them to connect with customers - increasing their brand presence. Leveraging the scale of Mastercard's global payment network, Consumer Clarity currently provides enriched transaction information from 145+ million merchant locations spanning 200+ countries. Combined with a growing list of digitl receipt participants this provides businesses the opportunity to make a wide range of experience and cost-saving improvements. Financial institution benefits: Enhance cardholder experience by offering exciting new features and services that increase engagement in digital banking applications and helps to differentiate from competitors. This includes merchant name & logo, purchase location, itemized digital receipts and more. Reduce costs by proving on-demand transaction information that can significantly decrease the number of unnecessary disputes and chargebacks caused by transaction confusion. Merchant benefits: Connect directly with customers to resolve disputes, rather than through the expensive and time-consuming chargeback process. Provide a greater level of purchase information that helps to reduce 'friendly fraud' caused by transaction confusion. Increase brand presence in your customers' trusted digital banking applications by embedding your logo, contact information and more. To reveal more about how this solution works, Ethoca is hosting a virtual product walkthrough that provides an in-depth look at Consumer Clarity and how it benefits businesses and consumers alike. To register, visit https://hs.ethoca.com/ccwebinars. "From day one our mission has been to enhance the consumer experience by improving communication between all payment stakeholders and reducing the need for inefficient systems like the chargeback process. In today's increasingly virtual world, this is more important than ever," said Andre Edelbrock, Ethoca's co-founder and now Executive Vice President, Security & Cyber Innovation at Mastercard. "Consumer Clarity is the next step in this mission. As the name suggests, it puts the needs of consumers first to solve for one of the biggest problems in digital commerce and banking today - a lack of purchase transparency." The introduction of Consumer Clarity is part of ongoing Ethoca and Mastercard efforts to facilitate and accommodate the increasing shift to everything digital. This includes a complimentary service that allows merchants to have their logos inserted into digital banking applications in order to eliminate transaction confusion, new enhanced contactless specifications that provide next-generation capabilities for advanced protection and convenience, and the creation of the Mastercard Trust Center - a resource that provides small businesses free online access to trusted cybersecurity research, education, resources and tools. About Ethoca Ethoca is an award-winning provider of collaboration-based intelligence and technology solutions that empower businesses around the world to fight fraud, prevent disputes and improve the customer experience. Powered by the ever-growing Ethoca Network, our solutions provide rich intelligence throughout the customer purchase journey and close costly communication gaps between all stakeholders in the payments ecosystem. These include thousands of the world's biggest ecommerce brands, the largest banks, service providers and consumers. For the first time, fraud, customer dispute and purchase insights are now available and actionable in real time - delivering significant revenue growth and cost saving opportunities for all. Ethoca was acquired by Mastercard in April 2019. To learn more, please visit www.ethoca.com About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all. To learn more, please visit: www.mastercard.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005087/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] HUAWEI is pushing hard on App Gallery as an alternative mobile apps ecosystem, since the US government has blacklisted the company, preventing US companies from doing business with them. According to the recent companys claims, the platform has 2.3 million registered developers, a 77% increase from last year, and a diverse global audience of 530 million Monthly Active Users. The platform also saw an 83% increase in app distribution, reaching 384.4 billion in 2020. Gaming is at the forefront of this expansion, with over Also, there is a 500% increase in games on the platform compared to a year ago including the launches from the past year AFK Arena, Asphalt 9: Legends, Clash of Kings, and many more. The new figures come one year on from Richard Yu, CEO of HUAWEI Consumer Business, unveiling Huaweis vision to make AppGallery an open, innovative app distribution platform that is accessible to consumers around the world. For AppGallery, the company is working with both local and global developers to bring relevant apps to users. HUAWEI says AppGallery has seen global applications from the likes of HereWeGo and Volt in the transportation industry, LINE and Viber in the communications sector, and other popular apps such as Booking.com, Deezer, and Qwant onboard to its growing platform. Mr. Zhang Zhe, Director of Global Partnerships & Eco-Development Business Development at HUAWEI Consumer Business Group, said the numbers are proof of AppGallerys ongoing progress as a truly global app marketplace: When two opposing forces are locked in battle, it is of the utmost importance not to let one side be the decider of the rules of engagement. It is a crucial error to let one side decide what weapons are used, what land is fought over, and what language is used. It is an obvious error to allow one's enemy to decide the language. On this point, Patriots (conservatives/constitutionalists/Christians) cannot allow the Progressives (Deep State/socialists/globalists) to decide the language we use in our battle for America. In particular, we cannot allow them to decide who is extreme and who is not. The Progressives are the extremists. Progressives are the extremists when it comes to immigration. Progressives want an open border; they are allowing illegals in without criminal checks and COVID testing. A country without borders will not be a sovereign country much longer. Maybe that is the Globalists' intent. Progressives are the extremists when it comes to abortion. Progressives would allow abortion at any time of the pregnancy and even after the birth, which is infanticide. And the Progressives see no problem with selling aborted baby parts extremely wrong and extremely disturbing. Progressives are the extremists when it comes to the "Digital Kristallnacht" that took place during and after the 2020 election. Deep State authorities stood by and did nothing while Big Tech canceled millions of Americans' First Amendment rights of speech, opinion, and association. Progressives are the extremists when it came to the "mostly violent" riots that took place last summer. Deep State authorities stood by and did nothing while insurrectionists killed and beat up innocent bystanders as well as stole, destroyed, and set fire to private property. Deep State politicians like Kamala Harris did nothing to stop the riots except bail the rioters out of jail. Progressives have become the extremists when it comes to our race relations in America. Many progressives now believe that to judge someone "not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character" is racist. MLK would disagree. Progressives believe that one's skin color at birth alone can cause one to be racist. One must ask: where is the American Civil Liberties Union on this fundamental fairness issue? The ACLU is so strangely mute concerning basic civil liberties that it's bewildering. Progressives are now creating the "Ministry of Truth," which they say is to outlaw disinformation. But we know that it is to make it a crime to say anything the Progressives disagree with an extreme violation of the First Amendment. Their goal is to censor and make illegal conservative, constitutional, and Christian points of view and news media. Progressives' extremism in terms of the global warming hoax is causing and will cause more Americans to live under third-world conditions. An obvious recent example of this is in Texas. This extremism of climate change orthodoxy will cause gas prices to rise to above $4.00 per gallon almost unaffordable to Trump's working-class voters. Maybe that is their goal. Progressive extremism regarding the environment is causing farmers and ranchers to lose the productiveness and usefulness of their land and at the same time government authorities are still requiring taxes from the landowner. Progressives are becoming science- and biology-deniers of our male and female world in favor of politically correct gender fluidity. In the Progressives' extreme hatred of twice elected Donald J. Trump, they are proposing a law that the twice elected president cannot be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. There has never been a law that any president of the United States cannot be buried at Arlington not even for Nixon or Clinton. This is extreme blind hatred by the Progressives. In the Progressives' extreme hatred of Trump, they are not allowing for a formal investigation into the voting fraud and felonious activities associated with the 2020 election. The Progressives are going so far as to say the questioning of the legitimacy of the 2020 election is a crime and insurrection. Again, Progressives are trying to unilaterally deny First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendment rights in the questioning of the legitimacy and illegalities of the election results of 2020. This is what totalitarian governments do; they do not tolerate questions. The Progressives' extreme loyalty and submissiveness to "all things China" are allowing for American tax dollars to continue to go to the Wuhan laboratory. The COVID virus almost certainly came from this viral laboratory in China and thus caused the deaths of 500,000 Americans. Progressives find it easier just to blame Trump rather than hold China responsible. Progressives are the Blame America First party. Progressives' extreme hatred of "all things Trump" in terms of COVID certainly caused American deaths. Instead of New York politicians sending COVID patients to the underutilized Javitz Center, Samaritan's Purse, and USS Comfort naval ship, New York's Governor Cuomo sent them to nursing homes. Nursing homes! There were plenty of beds at Javitz, Samaritan's Purse, and the Comfort. They wanted to make sure Trump got no credit for COVID relief. This is extremely hateful, extremely stupid, extremely petty, and probably criminal. The Progressives, in their lack of looking at the science, shut down many blue states' small businesses and their schools. Most are still closed today. The science does not support this, especially for the schoolchildren. Science clearly shows that the lockdowns are devastating to school-age children. This was the Progressives' extreme reaction to create turmoil, animosity, and chaos in the fall of 2020. The Progressives, in their extreme denial of the First Amendment's freedom of religion clause, shut down churches, synagogues, and choirs. And if not totally shut down, they limited church attendance in most of these. Totalitarian governments do not like large groups of people assembled together, whether it is at church or at a Trump MAGA rally. Hypocritically, they did not have any problems with Antifa nor Black Lives Matter riots. The Progressives' extreme overreaction to the mostly peaceful rally on January 6 is an example of them not allowing a tragedy to go to waste. The Progressives are trying to use the January 6 rally for voter integrity to deny law-abiding citizens their First and Second Amendment rights. Progressives, in their extremism, try to defund the police and call them "pigs," deny citizens' private property rights, conduct "Five Year" witch hunts of a duly elected president, deny citizens the right to attend church, and now say Rush Limbaugh deserved to get cancer and die. That's who Progressives are today. He who controls the language controls the argument. He who controls the argument controls the battle. And he who controls the battle controls the conflict. Patriots, with righteous indignation, cannot allow the Progressives to decide what is insurrection, what is free speech, what is hate speech, what is disinformation, and what is extreme. The Progressives have a clear track record of being the extremists. Patriots have a clear track record of following the Bill of Rights. Do not apologize for being right. Image via Pxhere. Your typical health care visit used to consist of driving to a clinic or office, filing out some paperwork, and waiting for someone to call your name when your provider was ready for you. Then, the coronavirus hit. Suddenly many people were attending appointments on the computer or over the phone, and telehealth became a household word. While telehealth appointments have been around for decades, they were on the periphery of the health care system. After the pandemic made it impossible to deliver health care in the same ways as before, telehealth became necessary, and barriers to reimbursement, technology, and licensure began to fall. Some health systems had to move from small-scale telehealth implementation to 100 percent virtual encounters overnight. Patients soon began seeing their doctors from within their own homes. Even in the inpatient setting, they increasingly interacted with health care providers through iPads. Telehealths recent progress is something that most people couldnt have imagined, said Harlan Krumholz, professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the pandemic, health care providers already recognized that telemedicine was inevitable. But for many reasonsincluding reimbursement systems, tradition, and patient preferenceshospital systems were still tipping their toes in the water. Much of telehealth had previously been done through a network of health care systems and clinics called a hub and spoke modela system in which specialists (hubs) would provide virtual consultations to smaller health centers and hospitals (spokes). For instance, a patient might go to a community health center to see a psychiatrist hundreds of miles away. With the pandemic, this model has largely been replaced by a more decentralized direct-to-consumer model, except in geographic areas with limited internet bandwidth where people may need to go to a community clinic, and areas of telemedicine that require more specialized equipment, like for a patient needing an evaluation for a stroke or heart disease. Advertisement To the surprise of many, this transition to wide-scale adaptation of telehealth and videoconferencing visits has worked well. Health care organizations have been able to provide safe and arguably more efficient and cost-effective care to patients in their homes. This has also meant more work-from-home opportunities that benefit many health care workers, such as parents with young children. Furthermore, providers get to see inside a patients home, which may inform a better understanding of a patients life. Advertisement Lauren Eberly, clinical fellow of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, cites one instance during a telehealth visit when a patient of hers was talking about her medications. When Eberly asked about taking a specific medication, the patient believed she was taking itbut then she showed Eberly her medicine cabinet, which didnt include that prescription. The patient thought she had all of the medications she needed, but she was actually missing one, which could have had devastating consequences. Advertisement In many respects, [the use of telehealth] will be one of the positive things to come out of the pandemic, said David Bates, chief of internal medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital and a professor of health policy and management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. For telemedicine to reach its potential, we need to pay attention to who is getting left behind. A robust, permanent telehealth system could reduce crowding in hospitals, with more patients cared for at home and out of hospitals. It could help permit something that Bates predicts: In the future, more hospital beds can be set up so they can also be intensive care rooms or general care units, instead of just one or the other. This way, hospitals will be able to flex up during a period of high demand, like what hospitals in California have experienced during the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement But the quick telehealth ramp-up hasnt been perfect. Providers and patients alike needed to quickly become familiar with new tech platforms, and people had difficulty managing video visits, figuring out how to use a videoconferencing application, or maintaining a stable internet connection. Providers may miss nonverbal cues and other subtle aspects of patient visits or be unable to show empathy in traditional, in-person ways, like offering a comforting hand. Some platforms dont have the best security measures. And if a patient needs some tests, they cant just happen on the spot. In a broad sense, the pandemic has provided many health systems with a trial run to adopt telehealth on a wider scale. But, as with any beta release, an improved version is on the way. For telehealth to reach its fullest potential, it will require better forms of patient engagement such as remote monitoringfor instance, ways for people to take at home and then transmit their blood pressure and other vital signs. Health care providers are still learning even the smallest things, like not coming across as flat during a virtual visit. Telehealth platforms will continue to improve in terms of usability, privacy, and security. Advertisement Advertisement For telemedicine to reach its potential, we also need to pay attention to who is getting left behind. Smartphones have helped decrease the digital divide, but there are consistent barriers for many groups in terms of access to technology. For example, people from ethnic and racial minority groups are characterized by lower rates of broadband adoption and computer and internet use. Elderly patients may only have a landline, making video visits not an option. A recent study of patients scheduled for telemedicine visits during the initial months of the coronavirus pandemic showed significant inequities in accessing telemedicine. Overall, patients who were older, Asian, or non-English-speaking showed lower rates of telemedicine use (including both phone and video). Along the same lines, those who were older, female, Black or Latino, and of lower socioeconomic statuses used video visits less. Advertisement Were building a new telehealth systemthis gives us the opportunity to get things right, Eberly said. As we implement it, whether its more technology or more innovation, we have to use a framework so we can continue to assess structural inequities in telehealth. Telehealth will need more investment. Mercy Virtual Care Center, a largely virtual health care institution, has been a leader in helping organizations think about virtual care. According to Bates, Mercy spends roughly 5 percent of its income on telemedicine, which is significantly higher than what other hospital systems spendabout 0.1 to 0.2 percent of their incomeon telemedicine. Advertisement Advertisement We are substantially underinvested [in telehealth], Bates said. It will change going forward, but its going to take some time. Advertisement Improving telehealth also requires long-term policy and regulatory reform. Before the coronavirus pandemic, there was almost no reimbursement for telehealth, although it had been effectively implemented in many specialties. After the pandemic was declared a public health emergency, insurance companies and Medicare and Medicaid offered expanded telehealth coverage. Congress, the federal government, and state governments also relaxed patient confidentiality and telehealth regulations. But most of these reforms were issued on a temporary basis for the duration of the public health emergency, and they have already started rolling back even though the pandemic is far from over. Ideally, reimbursement rates would be the same across all forms of health care (in-person, video, and phone), and not just temporarily so. Without that parity, providers who offer telemedicine like phone visits to marginalized populations are essentially penalized, as theyre reimbursed at lower rates. There is some reason for optimism here, though. For instance, just recently the Protecting Access to Post-COVID-19 Telehealth Act of 2021 and the Telehealth Modernization Act were introduced to Congress with bipartisan support. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker recently signed a health care reform bill that requires behavioral telehealth visits to be reimbursed at the same rates as in-person visits for two years. Without such regulations, there will at most be a patchwork of telehealth coverage across the country. But stakeholders wont want telehealth visits to proliferate without providing value to patients. Advertisement Advertisement People are going to be looking for accountability, Krumholz said. He also pointed out that there will still be pressure on insurance companies to continue to cover telehealth because patients like telehealth visits generally. According to Joseph Kvedar, professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and chair of the board of the American Telemedicine Association, simplicity in reimbursement policies is going to be equally important as payment parity. If its complicated, then there could be times when insurers reject a bill or when patients may get a surprise bill. Besides reimbursement mechanisms, there are other policy areas that need to be updated. For instance, there are restrictions on seeing patients across state lines via telehealth. While such restrictions make sense for seeing a patient for the first time, state licensing requirements may need to be loosened for follow-up appointments that can optimally done virtually. Universal broadband services are also needed. Advertisement A major question that will have to drive telemedicine is: When does it really make sense for a provider to see a patient in person instead of on video? Some areas like psychiatry can be well suited for virtual follow-up visits depending on the patients need. But othersfor instance, seeing a doctor for your vision or hearingarent, given the need for specialized equipment. Overall, there are still open questions for health care organizations, including how to best use their brick-and-mortar structures and how to triage their patients. But these issues are all solvable. Whats important is that telehealth has and can continue to provide tremendous value to people. Were only going to see its growth. Theres so much still to learn, but its an exciting time, Krumholz said. Update, March 1, 2021: This article was updated to reflect that Joseph Kvedar is currently the chair of the board of the American Telemedicine Association. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 00:57:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Juba, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan ministry of health officials said Sunday they plan to extend the one-month-long partial lockdown imposed recently following rapid rise in positive cases of COVID-19. Richard Lako, incident manager for COVID-19 in the ministry of health said that they are most likely to extend the partial lockdown after the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases rose to 7,926 with the total fatalities reaching 93 as of Sunday. "There is real community transmission, cases are still going up and the number of deaths is going up which calls for us to extend this partial lockdown in order to reduce transmission. Daily transmission cases are mostly being found among travelers," Lako told journalists in Juba during the weekly COVID-19 updates. He disclosed that so far they have performed 109,705 number of COVID-19 tests since April 5 last year, when the first COVID-19 case was registered. South Sudan has also registered 4,217 recoveries. Lako warned that they may soon start arresting and prosecuting people in court who violate COVID-19 health guidelines. He added that the government will soon prevent people without face masks from leaving their homes as part of enforcing health guidelines. Angelo Goup Thon, manager for the public health emergency operation center, the body charged with testing COVID-19 cases confirmed that they are witnessing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases amid shortage of testing reagents and kits. Enditem The 'Sphinx-like' Duchess of Sussex maintains an 'enigmatic' smile as she speaks to Oprah Winfrey in the first trailer for their bombshell interview in echoes of Princess Diana on Panorama, a body language expert has claimed. During the 30-second trailer, Meghan Markle, 36, does not speak but is seen smiling slightly in response to Oprah saying 'no topic was off limits' for their TV special, which airs this Sunday. It calls to mind Princess Diana's behaviour during her 1995 tell-all interview with Martin Bashir, body language expert Judi James told FEMAIL. The teasers reveal Meghan will discuss what made royal life 'almost unsurvivable', and show Oprah asking: 'Were you silent or were you silenced?' Oprah also says to the camera: 'Just to make it clear to everybody, there is no subject that is off-limits.' Elsewhere in the trailer, filmed in California, Meghan clutches Prince Harry's hand in a 'protective' fashion as he compares their situation to the one faced by his mother and says he fears it would be a case of 'history repeating itself'. Here, Judi breaks down the key moments of the TV trailers... ECHOES OF DIANA ENIGMATIC SMILE THAT ECHOES DIANA: The 'Sphinx-like' Duchess of Sussex maintains an 'enigmatic' smile as she speaks to Oprah Winfrey in the first trailer for their bombshell interview in echoes of Princess Diana on Panorama, body language expert Judi James said DIANA'S BOMBSHELL INTERVIEW: The princess speaks to Martin Bashir on Panorama in 1995 The Duchess of Sussex doesn't say anything during the interview - but her facial expressions and gestures still convey plenty of meaning, Judi James noted. At one point Meghan smiles slightly as Oprah, a close friend, says to the camera 'nothing is off limits' during their chat. The moment, which is captured in the trailer, has clear parallels to the way Diana reacted to questioning during her own explosive TV moment: the Panorama interview that aired in November 1995. However while Diana was clearly racked with sadness as she discussed Prince Charles's infidelity, Meghan seems more composed. 'Meghan's very subtle mouth-smile in response to Oprahs dramatic claims does throw up hints of Dianas interview back in the day,' Judi explained. 'But while Dianas sadness was etched on her face, Meghans expressions looks far more enigmatic here.' However the sneak peek suggests Meghan will not hold back on the night. REGAL AND READY TO TALK POISED: The Duchess of Sussex was confident and ready for Oprah's questions, Judi noted 'Meghans poise here looks regal and suggests confidence, rather than anything more defensive and wary. 'Her back is straight and she sits central in her chair and we can see both arms splayed in a pit-bare gesture to suggest feelings of self-control rather than any self-diminishing or barrier rituals to hint she might have felt the questions were getting beyond her here.' It suggests Meghan was well prepared for the questions coming her way. MEGHAN, THE SILENT MOVIE STAR SILENT: With the sinister-sounding music swirling about their heads to build up the drama, Meghan is presented as a silent movie star, Judi noted - although revelations are promised HIDDEN EMOTIONS: The Duchess of Sussex doesn't speak in the trailers, released yesterday 'With the sinister-sounding music swirling about their heads to build up the drama, Meghan is presented as a silent movie star here with only a few meagre crumbs of hints about her verbal and emotional input,' Judi said. 'Oprah is in full-on jaw-drop mode though, using terms like "silenced" and "unsurvivable" while Meghan sits, sphinx-like and beautiful, with only a head-tilt and small swallow suggesting depth of emotion in terms of her responses.' PROTECTIVE OF PRINCE HARRY PROTECTIVE OF HARRY: Harry's hand looks balled into a fist beneath Meghans reassuring hand. The Duchess of Sussex also keeps a hand resting on her baby bump Judi continued: 'Meghan looks protective of Harry though and the way that she cradles her baby bump with one hand (also displaying her wedding band) and places her left hand on top of Harrys when he joins her suggests she is keen to protect both.' 'Harry sits across his seat in a way that suggest he is keen to talk, but his air of awkwardness is in contrast to his wifes poise. His hand looks balled into a fist beneath Meghans reassuring hand and his free hand is placed between his legs in a "fig-leaf" pose, suggesting a very basic desire to form a protective barrier.' NO MORE PLAYFUL 'HAZ' AWKWARD: Prince Harry looks far less comfortable than Meghan in front of the camera WORLDS APART: The behaviour is far removed from the light-hearted goofiness seen in his interview with James Corden last week Meanwhile the Duke of Sussex's serious expression is worlds apart from the light-hearted goofiness he demonstrated during his interview on the Late Late Show With James Corden, which aired last week. Judi added: 'After seeing Harry living his best life recently, sitting barefoot on the grass with Meghan or rapping and exchanging banter with James Corden, the body language in this clip suggests a complete change of mood, with the comical Haz swapped for a man sitting on all sorts of anguish and even fear related to the fate of his beloved mother and worries about history repeating itself.' In the biggest local show of support for Indias farmers in Brandon yet, a parade of 125 vehicles made its way through the city on Saturday. Advertisement Advertise With Us In the biggest local show of support for Indias farmers in Brandon yet, a parade of 125 vehicles made its way through the city on Saturday. "Everything went well all over, everyone was so happy who was there and even other people from the community, too," key organizer Shinderpal Gill said after the parade wrapped up. The majority of participants were from the immediate Brandon area, with approximately 10 vehicles coming from Winnipeg and two from Dauphin. The afternoon event started at the Sobeys parking lot in Brandons west end with a brief unplanned chant in support of farmers, before the group, joined by Brandon Police Service escorts, made their way through the city. The event was in keeping with the groups past efforts, which has included a poster campaign and daily demonstration on 18th Street, in which members of Brandons Punjabi community have spoken out against three farm bills in India. TYLER CLARKE/THE BRANDON SUN A crowd gets pumped up during an impromptu chant at the Sobeys parking lot in Brandons west end before Saturday's parade. The bills opponents have argued the bills will deregulate the farming industry and prioritize corporations over independent farmers. "Im so far away I cant do anything else," rally participant Bal Brar said while decorating a vehicle in the parking lot in advance of Saturdays parade. Protesters in India arent asking for money or anything material, she said. TYLER CLARKE/THE BRANDON SUN Protesters get ready for Saturday's parade, which also drew people from Winnipeg and Dauphin. "Theyre just asking for a voice, and we want to be a voice for them." "This is the best we can do, by increasing our presence on social media by supporting and making other people not aware of these bills how theyre positive or negative," Punjabi Cultural Association of Brandon vice-president Baljeet Singh said. "We all belong to farming communities back home, and we are doing our part by being part of that protest." The local Indian community is not unanimous in its disapproval of these bills, with a small pro-government group making itself known on social media recently. TYLER CLARKE/THE BRANDON SUN Demonstrators take part in an impromptu chant before the parade on Saturday. Pro-government member Shambhu Patel declined comment Sunday, saying he is not permitted to speak unless other key players were in on the call and that they were not available Sunday. Gill said the pro-farmer group has reached out to the pro-government advocates to open a meaningful dialogue. "Were all from India, theres no difference them from us and well be on the same page one day," she said, adding that despite their differences, she believes they can maintain a peaceful dialogue. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB 3 1 of 3 -/NBCUniversal/AFP via Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Hollywood Forei Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The 78th Golden Globes started very differently this year. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey returned to hosting duties, but from separate coasts. Displayed in a split screen, Poehler and Fey still managed a surprising level of chemistry despite the distance. The monologue was less sardonic than the speech by Ricky Gervais in 2020, with some light riffing on how the difference between television and movies has blurred during the pandemic, but what everyone was waiting for was whether the presenters would address the controversy that broke last week involving the lack of any Black members in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, who vote on the awards. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Ola and James Jordan broke down in tears during an appearance on Loose Women on Monday when they discussed his father's terminal brain tumour. The former Strictly professional dancers appeared alongside their daughter Ella, who turned one on Saturday as they said she had helped them through a difficult time. James, 42, said: '[It's been] horrendous. My dad was diagnosed last year with a terminal brain tumour. He is currently back in hospital really unwell.' 'He's unwell': Ola and James Jordan broke down in tears on Loose Women on Monday as they discussed not being able to spend 'proper time' with his dad amid terminal brain tumour battle Too much to bear: James said: 'I wish it wasnt lockdown, I would have been able to spend proper time with my dad and actually take him places' Ola, 38, said: 'When people say how tough it is being at home [starts to cry]' 'My dad is a positive person,' James continued. 'We have to stay at home though to keep everyone safe.' Talking about the unique experience of becoming parents during a pandemic, Ola said: ' You cant see your mum or other people. Its just me and James and Google! Googling how to do things! Heartbreaking news: James's beloved dad has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, following four months of health woes and trips to the hospital James said: 'Olas mum hasnt even seen the baby yet!' Ola said that she feels her daughter has helped them to get through a really tough time. She said: 'My parents are in Poland they still dont have the vaccine over there. I might not see them this year. I feel that Ella has been sent to us this year to put a smile on all of our faces.' James agreed and said: 'She has kept us all smiling. My dad, my mum. Its all relative really isnt it. For some people lockdown has been the worst time of their lives. 'I wish it wasnt lockdown, I would have been able to spend proper time with my dad and actually take him places. But everyones situation is different and its all relative.' James revealed that his beloved dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in July, following four months of health woes and trips to the hospital. The dancer shared the heartbreaking news on social media, as he appealed to his followers for help in finding a specialist surgeon for his dad. He admitted: 'Tears are streaming down my face.' 'This video is the most precious & personal thing I have in my life right now & Im going to share it with you but with a totally broken heart. 'Over the last 4 months my hero and best mate in the whole world has been in and out of hospital with very ill health. 'We were told several times that 100% he had had a stroke and thats why they were struggling to control his seizures... but after the 3rd time of being admitted to hospital I knew something was not quite right. 'So after pushing for more tests and the results being sent to Kings College Hospital for other surgeons to look at unfortunately the results came back that it wasnt a stroke after all. 'It was what I had dreaded, my dad has a tumour and after having a biopsy its come back that its an aggressive cancerous one. The worst kind unfortunately. 'We have been told that its not advisable to operate because of where the tumour is and wouldnt actually make that much difference even if they could. 'The end result is, its terminal. They are saying with chemotherapy and radiotherapy we might be lucky and get a year with him. 'As I write this tears are streaming down my face as Im sure many of you have the same love for your parents. This is honestly the worst time of my life.' Tough time: James revealed that his beloved dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in July, following four months of health woes and trips to the hospital However, while he expressed his heartbreak over the shocking news, James revealed plans to keep on fighting and not accept the doctor's most recent verdict. He continued: 'Im posting this and writing to you now as I want to get a second opinion on my father, especially because they misdiagnosed him for the first 4 months which doesnt fill us with confidence. 'So now myself and my family are actually hoping they are wrong this time. Im looking to find the best surgeon to see my father as I want to know Ive done everything possible before I can accept it.' Appealing to his followers for help, he concluded: 'If anyone that reads this can advise me and my family on who is supposedly the best in this field I would be eternally grateful. My heart is broken. Please DM me if you can help.' Ola and James documented Ella's birthday on social media on Saturday, writing: #Ola captioned the photos: 'My baby girl is one today.' 'What an amazing year it was for me... you might think I'm crazy for saying this.. but It's true... it's almost like my little Ella has been sent to us to make us smile every day this year. 'I can't believe how quickly a year went by. You are such a light in this world and watching you grow has been our greatest joy in life. 'You have brought so much happiness to the whole family this year. Even though they can only see you through the phone. Keeping them smiling: Ola and James celebrated their daughter Ella's first birthday in a set of sweet snaps posted to her Instagram on Saturday A present: In a sweet caption, Ola wrote, 'You might think I'm crazy for saying this.. but It's true. 'It's almost like my little Ella has been sent to us to make us smile every day this year' 'Happy Birthday Ella, you are everything to us!' And James recently told Hello! : 'Although having Ella has been the best thing that has ever happened to us, it has been the hardest year. 'Not because of COVID-19, although that is such a massive thing and probably the worst thing that is going to happen to our generation, but for me overshadowed by my father's ill health. 'It's just horrific. To be able to come home and see Ella, she is the only thing at the moment that is putting a smile on everyone's faces, including Dad's. She just makes you smile.' Its to protect yourself as a female the way the world is, especially for the safety of my kids. I protect, they run. Its essentially for everybody, if I wanted to protect a little old lady whos getting robbed, said Mireles, of Portage. Its a blessing to be able to take this class and not pay for it. Im honored to take it with great people who have experience. An Australian mum has revealed how she manages to keep her bin from smelling by using 'bin deodorant'. The mum posted in a popular cleaning group and said the bin deodorant 'changed her life'. 'I can not rave on more about it,' she said, sharing a picture of her 'Bin Bombs' pellets. An Australian mum has revealed how she manages to keep her bin from smelling by using 'bin deodorant' 'Put a small table spoon or two in an old stocking and tie it around your bin on the inside,' she instructed. She claims it keeps the odours away, and she even 'sprinkles' pellets into her inside bin. The mum, who loves the fact the product is made in Western Australia by a husband-wife team, said she also uses it on fake grass to 'get rid of the pet smell'. She also puts some in her cat's kitty litter. 'You can even put it in a bag in the car, it has so many uses,' she said. And it appears other housekeepers were keen to hear about the bin crystals. 'Thankyou, I will look into this next pay,' one woman said. While others simply said they needed to get some. The product website claims the crystals are safe to use around pets and that they are made from natural ingredients. The mum posted in a popular cleaning group and said the bin deodorant 'changed her life' There is also citronella in the crystals to stop flies and insects from going near your bins, according to the website. And other people who have used the products have been impressed. An owner of a takeaway chicken restaurant in the Pilbara said he uses the bin bombs in his skip bin and it has stopped it from smelling in the summer-time. A cat-lover also recommended the crystals. 'I'm a foster carer for Cat Haven and have six of the most disgusting smelling kittens in my care. Another foster carer recommended your Bin Bombs. The kitten room has gone from making your eyes bleed with the stench to quite pleasant,' she said. Others use it in their apartment building and love it. 'We have eight wheelie garbage bins in our complex and they are all dosed with Bin Bombs every week, needless to say it always smells nice and fresh in our bin section.' Bank of Ireland decision to close 103 branches across the island of Ireland has been described as a slap in the face to farmers and rural communities. The move will see its branch network in the Republic of Ireland reduce by 88, from 257 locations to 169, from September. In Northern Ireland, the branch network will reduce by 15 branches from 28 to 13. Francesca McDonagh, group CEO of Bank of Ireland, said: Technology is evolving, and customers are using branches less, year on year on year. Covid-19 has accelerated this changing behaviour, and weve seen a seismic shift towards digital banking over the past 12 months. Weve now reached a tipping point between online and offline banking, Ms McDonagh added. The bank also announced that it is entering a new partnership with An Post, which will offer its customers banking services at more than 900 locations across Ireland. It comes as Bank of Ireland reported an underlying loss before tax 374m in respect of last year. However, the move has been slammed by rural TDs and farming organisations. IFA President Tim Cullinan said todays announcement from Bank of Ireland is very disappointing news for farming and rural communities. This comes as a slap in the face to farmers and rural communities who rely on local branches for banking services. We estimate that over 80% of the branches identified for closure are in rural locations. The withdrawal of this vital service will discommode those without internet access and people whose preference is to do their banking in person. Tim Cullinan said IFA will be seeking an urgent meeting with Bank of Ireland senior management to raise the unfair targeting of rural Ireland with the closure programme. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice noted that 20pc of the closures in the Republic of Ireland will take place across the west and north-west. "This is yet another effort to whittle down the services available to people in rural Ireland," he said. The President of ICMSA has said that the decision of Bank of Ireland to implement a programme of mass closure of branches will have the net effect of penalising rural areas and the elderly. Pat McCormack said that the banks decision was effectively an announcement that it is abandoning physical person-to-person business in large areas of the state and the reality is that rural towns - already struggling - will be disproportionately hit. Mr McCormack said that the retreat by state services and commercial services from rural areas now seemed relentless and their disappearance from the ordinary day-to-day lives of rural communities inevitably meant reduced economic activity with fewer and fewer opportunities for people to meet and interact in the normal way. Mr McCormack said this was undoubtedly contributing to increasing levels of loneliness and sense of isolation. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has said it won't allow Gordon Elliott to race horses in Britain while he is being investigated by Irish officials. The major development comes just two weeks before the Cheltenham festival is due to take place where several prestigious horses trained by Elliott are due to race. He is under investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) after an image emerged of him sitting on a dead horse holding a phone and gesturing to the camera. The image was taken at his Meath gallops but it has not yet been confirmed when it was taken. In a statement the BHA said it will not allow him to race in the UK using "powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation. "The action taken by the BHA recognises that Mr Elliott is licensed in Ireland, whose regulatory body, the IHRB, is carrying out its own investigation. "However, Mr Elliott has entered horses to race in Britain, from which point the British rules of racing apply to him," it said. Owners for horses currently trained by Mr Elliott are permitted to transfer them to a different trainer and run them at a British meeting, providing they comply with the relevant rules. Since confirming its investigation the IHRB has not made any further comment. Read More Yesterday Mr Elliott issued a statement saying he apologised for any offence that this photo has caused which was taken some time ago. He added: I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth. I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished. There has been widespread condemnation over the image and a petition for Elliott to be banned by British authorities has been signed almost 2,000 times. Betting exchange giant Betfair has also ended its involvement with him. However, despite the widespread criticism, the Gigginstown-stud owned by Michael OLeary has pledged its support for the top trainer. Mr Elliott and Gigginstown have had a lengthy fruitful partnership with Cheltenham Gold Cup success for Don Cossack in 2016 and successive Aintree Grand National victories for Tiger Roll among a string of high-profile prizes. In a statement Mr OLeary said he accepts that the photograph was a momentary lapse of judgment and not in keeping with their 15-year experience of his concern and attention to the welfare of their horses. We all make mistakes, and what is important is that we learn from them and ensure we do not repeat them. We accept Gordons profound, sincere and unreserved apology, and we will continue to support him and his team at Cullentra as they work to recover from this deeply regrettable incident, Mr OLeary said. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said he was appalled by the photograph of Mr Elliot sitting on a dead horse. In a statement, he said: The photograph is not reflective of the highest animal welfare standards we demand for the sector nor does it reflect the tremendous care horses receive in Ireland. It is not the kind of image we want associated with horse racing in Ireland. "I am aware of the investigation being carried out by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body (IHRB) and support the move. As this is an ongoing investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further, he added. Green Party Cabinet Minister Pippa Hackett has said she found the photograph of Mr Elliot sitting on a dead horse quite sickening and welcomed the investigation by the IHRB. Gordon Elliot has shown a very concerning and disturbing error of judgment and I look forward to a swift investigation by the IHRB, Ms Hackett told Independent.ie. The Minster of State in Department of Agriculture added that it is appalling to see a high-profile trainer behave in such a manner. The Green Party senator breeds races horses on her Offaly farm which have gone on to win high-profile races. The Department of Agriculture has oversight of State funding for horseracing. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 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 mother who fell pregnant despite having a contraceptive coil inserted reveals she faced months of anxiety waiting to see if her baby would survive when the IUD became embedded in her placenta. Claire Cowen, 34, from Penicuik, Scotland, had been using a non-hormonal coil for three years when she discovered she was 13 weeks pregnant with her little boy, Lewis, now 15 months. The mother-of-three was told that the coil was sitting tilted above her cervix and doctors couldn't remove it in case it accidentally ruptured the baby's amniotic sac. Claire was closely monitored during her pregnancy but doctors couldn't guarantee her baby would survive if the coil worked its way into the sac - all she could do was 'wait and see'. Claire Cowen (right), 34, from Penicuik, Scotland, had been using a non-hormonal coil for three years when she discovered she was 13 weeks pregnant with her little boy, Lewis (left), now 15 months After a stressful nine months, Claire and husband David, 38, a courier, were delighted to welcome their little boy at 39 weeks in November 2019, at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, weighing a healthy 6lb 3oz. To the couple's shock, after their little boy arrived so did Claire's contraceptive coil - which had become embedded in her placenta. Claire, a social worker, said: 'It was the most stressful, scary few months of my life. We had no idea how it would go or if my little boy would survive. 'All the stories I could find were about women losing babies when they fell pregnant with the coil. The mother-of-three was told that the coil was sitting tilted above her cervix and doctors couldn't remove it in case it accidentally ruptured the baby's amniotic sac. Claire was closely monitored during her pregnancy but doctors couldn't guarantee her baby would survive if the coil worked its way into the sac 'It didn't fill me with hope but I remained positive and Lewis arrived safely - he's my little miracle.' Claire already had two children, Craig 16, and Lucy, six, with David and had been using a coil as contraception for three years. The mother had still been experiencing periods but when they stopped suddenly in March 2019, she decided to take a pregnancy test. To her shock, it came back positive, and a doctors appointment confirmed she was 13 weeks pregnant. After a stressful nine months, Claire and husband David, 38, a courier were delighted to welcome their little boy at 39 weeks in November 2019, at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, weighing a healthy 6lb 3oz The mother had still been experiencing periods but when they stopped suddenly in March 2019, she decided to take a pregnancy test. To her shock, it came back positive, and a doctors appointment confirmed she was 13 weeks pregnant (pictured: Lewis) She said: 'I couldn't believe it, I knew there was a tiny chance of falling pregnant but you never think it will happen. 'I was sent to pregnancy support and offered an abortion but the baby was healthy so I wasn't keen on the idea. 'We didn't plan to have more children but we were excited when we found out. However I didn't realise there could be complications because of the coil.' Claire discovered that the coil was tilted at the top of her cervix and the baby's amniotic sac was sitting just above it. Claire discovered that the coil was titled at the top of her cervix and the baby's amniotic sac was sitting just above it. She said that she felt like 'a bit of a guinea pig because the doctors at the hospital had never cared for a pregnant woman with the coil still in' At 39 weeks, Claire was induced at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and she gave birth to her little boy Lewis on 26th November 2019. Despite the odds stacked against him, he arrived safely - weighing healthy 6lb 3oz How effective is the Intrauterine Device (IUD)? The Intrauterine Device (IUD), otherwise known as the contraceptive coil, is more than 99 per cent effective when it is inserted properly. This means that less than one out of every 100 people who have an IUD will become pregnant and all types - hormonal, non-hormonal and copper - all have a similar failure rate. In a small number of people using the IUD - between two and 10 per cent - the IUD can slip partly or completely out of the uterus. If this happens, they can become pregnant as they might not realise it has fallen out of place. In other cases, pregnancy can occur if the IUD hasn't started to work. For example, hormonal coils can take up to seven days to become effective, while the copper IUD protects against pregnancy immediately. The IUD may fail if it has been in place for longer than the manufacturer recommends. IUD pregnancies are slightly more likely to be ectopic or occur outside of the uterus. Other risks associated with IUD pregnancies include: miscarriage, when pregnancy ends within the first 20 weeks premature delivery, when the mother goes into labour before the 37th week of pregnancy premature rupture of membranes, the amniotic sac breaks before labour begins placental abruption, when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall placenta previa, which is when the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix pelvic infection low birth weight, which occurs when a baby is born at less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces Source: healthline.com Advertisement Doctors at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary warned the expectant parents that removing the coil ran the risk of rupturing the sac - so they left it there. They also had no way of knowing if it could work its way in there organically so Claire was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy. She said: 'It wreaked havoc with my nerves and my anxiety was through the roof. 'I went in for scans every four weeks to check the baby and make sure it hadn't moved. 'I felt like a bit of a guinea pig because the doctors at the hospital had never cared for a pregnant woman with the coil still in. 'They couldn't give me a guarantee that the baby would survive if the coil moved - it was a waiting game.' At 39 weeks, Claire was induced at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and she gave birth to her little boy Lewis on 26th November 2019. Despite the odds stacked against him, he arrived safely - weighing healthy 6lb 3oz. Claire said: 'He was absolutely fine which was a relief. Straight after he arrived the nurse spotted the coil stuck in the placenta - it was quite a shocking sight.' Since giving birth to Lewis, Claire hasn't had a new coil implanted. According to the NHS website, Intrauterine devices (IUD) or the 'coil', are more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. She said: 'There's a higher risk of miscarriage or premature birth while pregnant with the coil. 'Every story I could find was quite scary and negative - women losing their babies or complications. 'I want to share a positive story to show women it is possible for there to be a happy ending when an unexpected pregnancy happens on the coil. 'I know we were one of the lucky ones but babies can survive and Lewis is doing well. 'It's incredibly scary but babies can survive and we were so lucky with Lewis.' Milan returns to orange zone while Sardinia becomes Italy's first white zone. Italy has tightened restrictions in five regions under the nation's colour-coded system of coronavirus measures, amid warnings from scientists about the spread of new virus variants. The regions of Basilicata in the south and Molise in the centre have been declared red zones, the highest-risk category, based on the level of covid-19 infection rates. The most restrictive rules apply in red zones, with bars and restaurants closed, movement severely restricted, and only essential shops open. The measures, which take effect from 1 March, also see three regions move from lower-risk yellow zones to the medium-risk orange zones. The regions are Lombardia (Milan) and Piemonte (Turin) in the north and the central Marche region. In orange zones restaurants and bars are closed except for take-away but shops remain open. People can only leave their towns and cities for work, health or emergency reasons. There was good news for Sardinia as the island becomes the first region in Italy to be classified in the lowest-risk white zone, with effect from 1 March. Only minimal restrictions will apply and the move paves the way for the reopening of gyms, swimming pools, cinemas and theatres, however this may not happen until next week as regional authorities say they are taking a cautious approach. From today the island's restaurants can stay open until 23.00 and bars until 21.00, with the curfew reduced from 23.30 - 05.00 compared to the national curfew of 22.00-05.00. People in Sardinia will still be required to wear masks even outdoors and the ban on people gathering together in crowds stays in place. The Lazio region around Rome remains classified as a lower-risk yellow zone, with restaurants and bars open until 18.00, and shops open as normal. As of 1 March, Italy's 20 regions are divided like this: two red, nine orange, eight yellow and one white. For official information relating to the covid-19 situation in Italy see the health ministry website Photo La Repubblica. The last tranche twelfth in the series of (SGB) for financial year 2020-21 (FY21) opened for subscription on Monday. Priced at Rs 4,662/gram, investors applying online will be eligible for a discount of Rs 50/gram. The tenor of the bond is 8 years and with a fixed interest of 2.50 per annum, which will be credited semi-annually in the investors bank account. With on a decline, thanks to a rise in globally and in India analysts say investing in the yellow metal and the SGB scheme makes little sense right now. In the short-to-medium term, treasury yield, dollar movement, and the pace of economic recovery worldwide will guide prices of the yellow metal. Gold will underperform in the short-to-medium term as the are rising. Investors will be better off looking at other investment avenues other than the yellow metal right now. On the contrary, there are good investment options / themes available in the equity given the economic recovery. That said, the long-term prospects of gold still remain intact, says G Chokkalingam, founder and chief investment officer at Equinomics Research. have been on a downward spiral since the past few weeks, hitting an eight-month low recently on rising US Treasury yield, appreciating dollar, and global economic recovery. In the last 30 days alone, the prices have dropped nearly 6.3 per cent. As a result, the prices of the SGB issue have also been adjusted accordingly. The previous gold bonds, which were available for subscription from February 1 to February 5, 2021, for instance, had an issue price of Rs 4,912 per gram of gold around 5 per cent higher than the current issue that closes March 5. The demand for the yellow metal, too, has been hit. Gold demand in India in calendar year 2020 (CY20) hit a 25-year low of 446 tonnes as compared to 690.4 tonnes in 2019, World Gold Council (WGC) data show. The last time the demand hit such a trough was in 1995 at 462 tonnes. Total jewellery demand, too, slipped 42 per cent at 315.9 tonnes in CY20 as compared to 544.6 tonnes in 2019. Indias gold demand dropped by over a third in 2020 on the back of Covid-induced lockdowns and lifetime high prices. However, the drop was significantly lower when viewed in value terms, 14 per cent lower than 2019 as prices were up 34 per cent hovering around Rs 50,000/10grams for most past of the year," says Somasundaram PR, managing director for India, World Gold Council. Opening of physical gold after the lockdown, analysts say, has been another factor that has dampened demand for SGBs. Sales in August 2020 at 6.35 tonnes were the highest ever in a month since the launch of SGBs in 2015. From a long-term horizon though, analysts still suggest that gold remains a safe-haven asset and investors should allocate a portion of their investible surplus in the yellow metal. Investment in paper gold is the best and the most effective way of investing in the yellow metal. Gold should have an allocation of 5-20 per cent of any portfolio depending on the risk appetite, suggests Nish Bhatt, founder & chief executive officer at Millwood Kane International, an investment consulting firm. A billionaire hedge fund tycoon - whose father was a car mechanic - has paid himself a record 343million after his firm saw a 66 per cent rise in pre-tax profits. Sir Chris Hohn, 54, pocketed the record sum after The Children's Investment Fund Management (TCI), which he founded in 2003, saw profits rise to 499million. The bumper pay packet equates to 940,000 a day for Sir Chris, a reclusive billionaire who was at one time Rishi Sunak's boss and who once paid out 337million to his ex-wife in one of Britain's biggest divorce settlements. The enormous pay packet, which according to Companies House was paid in dividends to his personal company TCF Management, is 2,000 times more than the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's salary. It is also believed to be the highest annual figure paid to a person in the UK. The figure surpasses the previous record held by Bet365's billionaire boss Denise Coates, who in 2018 raked in an enormous 323million and beat her own 265m record from the year before. Billionaire hedge fund tycoon Sir Chris Hohn, 54, paid himself 343million - which equates to 940,000 a day - after his Children's Investment fund, saw pre-tax profits rise In 2014, the tycoon was ordered to hand 337 million to his American-born wife Jamie Cooper during their divorce proceedings The tycoon employed Rishi Sunak to work for the firm as a junior analyst between 2006 and 2009 Sir Hohn collected the amount, which was for the year ending on February 29, 2020, through his personal company TCI Fund Management (UK) in dividends, according to Companies House. The accounts show that the firm has total shareholder funds of almost $2 billion. Born in Addlestone, Surrey, the tycoon, who is the son of a Jamaican car mechanic, graduated with first-class honours in accounting and business economics from the University of Southampton in 1988 before going on to work for the private equity group Apax Partners. He then went on to work for Perry Capital, an American hedge fund on Wall Street, before being made head of Perry's London operation in 1998. In 2003, Sir Hohn set up The Children's Investment Fund Management which makes longterm investments in companies globally and holds stakes in companies such as Visa, Microsoft and Alphabet - the parent company of Google. The now Chancellor Rishi Sunak was also employed as a junior analyst for the fund between 2006 and 2009. In 2019, it emerged that the businessman, who is usually somewhat reclusive, donated 200,000 to climate activist group Extinction Rebellion through his charity and his own personal wealth, after claiming there was an 'urgent need' for people to wake up to climate change. Around 50,000 of the donation came from his own pocket, while the rest came from his charity. He also faced criticism over the 2005 derailing of Deutsche Borses bid for the London stock exchange, which he was said to have played a part in. His London-based hedge fund TCI's ultimate parent company is in the Cayman Islands - a well known tax haven. In 2014, the tycoon was ordered to hand about a third of a 1billion fortune - 337 million - to his American-born wife Jamie Cooper during their divorce proceedings. During the case, the couple, who had homes in London, the United States and the West Indies had fought over assets totalling more than 700million at the High Court before a judge finally settled on the staggering sum. Ms Cooper - who co-funded The Children's Investment Fund Foundation with Sir Chris - later said she had considered appealing the ruling after being awarded 200million less than she wanted, but decided against it. She told the court: 'I have chosen not to appeal this judgment, and instead focus on my passions: transforming children's lives in the developing world and raising my own children. 'I firmly believe, however, that the so-called 'special contribution' doctrine used in this case is outdated and unjust in disproportionately valuing the generation of wealth. 'It dismisses the important contributions that those who take on the responsibility to raise children and work in less lucrative sectors make to our society.' The tycoon donated 200,000 to climate activist group Extinction Rebellion through his charity and his own personal wealth The couple married in Washington DC in 1995 and have four children, including triplets. However the pair returned to court in 2018 after Sir Chris refused to give his ex wife money from the Children's Investment Fund which they co-founded. The dispute centred on whether the foundation, which had assets of more than 3 billion, could make a grant of more than 270 million to a similar charity, Big Win Philanthropy, set up by Ms Cooper after the divorce. The Surrey-born financier, who was ranked as the 125th-richest person in the UK with a 1.2bn personal fortune on the Sunday Times Rich List in 2020, last year slammed investment giants for acting 'like sheep' on climate change. The billionaire, who was knighted in 2014 for his philanthropy, wrote to seven of the world's biggest asset managers urging them to step up their efforts to force companies to become more environmentally friendly. In the letter, sent through his charity the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Sir Hohn accused 'most asset managers' of 'total greenwash'. He later told The Financial Times: 'The asset management industry is a joke in respect to what they are actually doing [around climate change]. They talk but they don't actually do anything effective. Asset managers are sheep.' A group of Swiss scientists developed a wearable microchip which sits on the skin throughout the day and records hormone levels via sweat. The microchip measures levels of cortisol in the body and tells the wearer when they are experiencing too much stress, say the researchers. In people who suffer from stress-related diseases, this circadian rhythm is completely thrown off and if the body makes too much or not enough cortisol, that can seriously damage an individuals health, potentially leading to obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression or burnout. Adrian lonescu, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), lead Nanoelectronic Devices Laboratory researcher While these devices may be helpful in a hospital setting, technology companies fully intent to integrate them into wearable tech like smart watches, pushing us closer to a world where everything we do is being tracked and recorded around the clock. The joint R&D team at EPFL and Xsensio reached an important R&D milestone in the detection of the cortisol hormone, said Xsensio CEO Esmeralda Magally. Xsensio will make the cortisol sensor a key part of its Lab-on-SkinTM platform to bring stress monitoring to next-gen wearables. These microchips are intended to eventually connect to the internet of things , a comprehensive array of devices which track and record us at all times from our homes to our places of work. Former US intelligence chief James Clapper admitted over five years ago that the government might use the internet of things to spy on you. In the future, intelligence services might use the [internet of things] for identification, surveillance, monitoring, location tracking, and targeting for recruitment, or to gain access to networks or user credentials, he said. The number of devices spying on you every day without your knowledge may come as a surprise. We have known since Edward Snowden spoke out about illegal surveillance at the National Security Agency (NSA) that the government collects a record of everything that we say and do via our smartphones and computers, including through the build-in microphones and cameras. Amazons Alexa devices are a disturbing and Orwellian example of corporate and government spying because not only is the NSA recording all activity in your very home, but Amazon is also bundling that data as well, either to sell to data companies or marketing of Amazon products. Smart Meters are recording all electrical activity in the home while Smart Cars are recording everywhere you travel. Modern cars roll out of factories packed with cellular connections, powerful processors and growing suite of sensors, including cameras, radar and microphones. Thats turning them into the next information goldmine, rivaling the data-creating capabilities of smartphones, reports Bloomberg. Some people even have Smart Homes , where Google is always present and can interact with the home in such ways as turning off and on lightbulbs, TVs, and all other internet of things products, which now even includes washers, dryers, dishwashers, and toasters. For years, mainstream media and secretive government agencies like DARPA (the technology arm of the pentagon) have been pushing us closer to a world with no privacy, where every individual is microchipped and tracked like cattle. The truth is that microchips are neither liberating nor far away. Several companies from around the world have already begun microchipping employees and advertising the process as more convenient and safe. Not only are we being slowly encouraged to microchip and track our children, but the chip also eliminates a need for cash, which is why some call it the Mark of the Beast. We are truly entering into an Orwellian world in which no human being has privacy at any point in time, the government has total power over all of us because we can never escape their watchful eyes, and corporations know everything about us and can control our purchasing habits. The only way out is to resist these intrusions at every turn. It's been a year: Russian authorities confirmed the first case of coronavirus in Moscow on March 1, 2020, saying the Russian patient had returned from Italy. In January, 2020, Russia reported its first two cases of coronavirus and said the infected people were Chinese citizens who had been quarantined. The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 11,571. The total number of infections has reached 4,257,650, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told journalists on Monday. According to the crisis center, the relative increase in new infections amounts to 0.27%. Russia's coronavirus recoveries rose by 11,277 to 3,823,074 in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday. According to data from the crisis center, 89.8% of coronavirus patients have recovered in Russia. Moscow recorded 2,097 coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours. The citys daily number of cases exceeded 2,000 for the first time since February 12. The total number of cases has reached 980,573. According to data from the crisis center, Moscows coronavirus growth rate is 0.21%. A total of 1,737 cases were confirmed on Sunday. The citys coronavirus death toll increased by 42 to 15,097 in the past day and recoveries rose by 1,541 to 899,239. There are currently 66,237 active coronavirus cases in Moscow. In particular, 1,320 coronavirus recoveries were reported in St. Petersburg in the past day, 433 in the Moscow Region, 423 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 305 in the Rostov Region and 298 in the Voronezh Region, TASS reported. In the past 24 hours, 333 died from COVID-19 in Russia versus 379 one day earlier; this has become the lowest figure since November 16, 2020, according to the anti-crisis center. The total death toll stands now at 86,455. The diseases provisional lethality remains at 2.03%. Moscows coronavirus spread rate climbed from 1.06 to 1.22 in the past twenty-four hours, registering the highest level since late December 2020. Russias coronavirus spread rate increased from 0.92 to 0.96 in the past twenty-four hours, the latest data show. Apart from Moscow, another region out of ten Russian territories with the largest number of COVID-19 cases registered the coronavirus spread rate of above 1. This rate grew to 1.02 in St. Petersburg, exceeding 1 for the first time since February 2. In the other regions, the rate remains below 1, the latest figures indicate. The coronavirus spread rate equals 0.97 in the Nizhny Novgorod, Voronezh and Irkutsk regions, 0.93 in the Rostov Region, 0.92 in the Krasnoyarsk Region and 0.9 in the Sverdlovsk Region. The rate stands at 0.87 in the Moscow Region and has stayed at 0.81 in the Arkhangelsk Region for the second straight day, the lowest level since January 7, the estimates show. The coronavirus spread rate shows the number of people one sick patient can infect before being isolated. Along with other criteria, it was used to define the regions readiness for a step-by-step removal of restrictions introduced last spring to combat the epidemic. Now this rate is used to adopt decisions on resuming regular passenger service with foreign countries. In accordance with the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeings recommendations, the borders with a country may be opened if the coronavirus spread rate does not exceed 1 for a week. We talk about the defeat in the past, but today the problem is not only the defeat it brought, but we have much worse expectations than what happened. The end of defeat is not visible. Mkhitar Zakaryan, Mayor of Meghri, Armenia, stated this in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am. "We do not attribute the activeness of Syunik [Province] to the fact that our people are more clear-headed or smart, but if the problems have to be described to residents of other the provinces [of Armenia] the, residents see them every day before their eyes. And if this incompetent government remains [in power], we [the people of Syunik] will be the first to experience its negative consequences. That is why subconsciously the people [of Syunik] are more sensitive to these problems. I am convinced that our Armenian people have already been convinced that in a warring country with such challenges, it is unacceptable the leadership of a person [i.e., PM Nikol Pashinyan] who is miles away from the army, is impulsive, has to work for the state for one day in his entire life. And not only him, but also his [political] team, his leadership, leads us to destruction," Zakaryan said. According to the mayor, the Armenian army is one of the cornerstones of the state, and it has the right to make such statementsthat is, demanding the resignation of Pashinyan and his governmentif it sees a threat to the state. "I welcome their move. We all accept that the military is at the forefront of patriotism; that is, the patriotic leaders are concentrated there, and it is very natural that they also express disagreement with the government that has brought the country to the brink of collapse," Zakaryan added. He considers President Armen Sarkissian to be a participant in all these negative events, but believes that the President can atone for his sins by not signing Pashinyans proposal to dismiss the serving Chief of General Staff of Armenia. "I cannot yet assess whether these are treacherous or ignorant authorities. When they leave, there will be a new political struggle. It is not the case that if they leave, the former ones will come; we do not think so," he said. The mayor of Meghri expressed hope that PM Nikol Pashinyan's resignation will come soon, but if the need arises, a rally may be organized in Meghri demanding Pashinyan's resignation. Why Shore Acres Waves Are So Big: Height Measurement, Geology | S. Oregon Coast Published 02/26/21 at 6:26 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Coos Bay, Oregon) The mighty Pacific Ocean of the Oregon coast really lives up to that title at one spot on the south coast: Shore Acres State Park near Charleston / Coos Bay. Its known as the number one spot for oceanic fireworks and watery pyrotechnics, with waves that explode into the air well over 100 feet. All it takes is the average heavy surf day, and maybe not necessarily one of those surf advisories from the National Weather Service. (Photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast / Steven Michael Photography) Those waves get larger than you think. Some of them tower at 200 feet, even 300 feet high in some cases. What causes this? What is it thats different about Shore Acres State Park that makes breakers go so bonkers? All this also begs the question: how do they measure these? The explanation quickly tossed out for the big waves at Shore Acres is that its the tilted angle of the rock formation in front of the cliffs, and that the waves have nowhere to go than up. Thats true, but theres more to the story than that its not that simple. Some of these deeper details are known by scientists and some are still a mystery. As two regional geologists told Oregon Coast Beach Connection, its a combination of what seems to be a deeper ocean depth, an incline that goes down towards the east, and the fact those waves hit a surface so suddenly. They also dont have much time between when theyve turned into larger waves offshore and when they smack into in an object. Ron Metzger is a geologist and geology professor at Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay. He said the biggest difference here is the incline of the area underneath. Most other Oregon coast spots have some kind of reef or slope that forms a ramp of sorts, a ramp that gets higher as you go towards shore. Here, everything is titled at a 40-degree angle but the opposite direction. If it was tilting west the wave energy would come in and it would just wash up that ramp, Metzger said. Here, its the opposite of that. In other words, things around here certainly the tilted rock in front of the cliff are pointed downwards to the east. Then the wave energy does not have a chance to dissipate on an upwards incline. Yet something about all this seems to be compressing the wave energy as well, a bit like a spouting horn (like at Yachats or Depoe Bay) squeezes the wave power into one place. Metzger admitted he didnt really know the full physics of the waves here, nor was he certain of what exactly lay beneath the waves. Some parts of this were also a mystery to University of Oregon geologist and senior instructor Marli Miller, who is also the author of major books like Roadside Geology of Oregon. Yet she had some interesting insights. According to Miller and Metzger, there is a larger formation under here called a syncline a kind of massive dip in a V shape that surrounds the headland of Shore Acres. Its part of the faultline system, as Shore Acres is the product of a lot of folding and moving around because of the two continental plates offshore. This syncline may add to the action at Shore Acres. More likely, it simply has to do with the depth of the ocean around Shore Acres. I suspect theres deeper water closer to Shore Acres than other parts of the coast, she said. Theres a good chance its deeper because it gets down to a depth of 400 feet at a lesser distance from Shore Acres than anywhere else. Miller said theres an area out at sea where everything drops to about 400 feet, in and around the two plate boundaries that meet off this part of the coast. This low depth spot is closer to Shore Acres than any other spot on the Oregon coast. In other areas such as Brookings, Yachats or Seaside, those kinds of depths are much farther out. So part of why the waves are so big is all that space underneath, along with what seems to be a dip downwards. Miller wasnt sure of the depth right around this Coos Bay attraction, however, but it helps explain more of the wave physics here. She explained further: Waves have a short period of time where theyre deep ocean waves, and then theyre suddenly growing, and they grow to really large sizes as they get closer to the coastline, she said. They dont really break early or anything like that. Theres a shorter distance over which they grow and break and I think that allows them to be bigger waves. I think it has something to do with the depth of the water. The shelf is narrower here, so theres some reason to believe that. Miller said with a combo of elements like these, it likely wouldnt take the waves to be very big before they become spectacularly so. So how do these waves get measured at Shore Acres? (Photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast / Steven Michael Photography) Steven Michael is a local resident who is a photographer that documents all this and hes largely the one thats been measuring these for years. A small group of us photographers came up with the process, Michael said. And I have just kept it going. All measurements have been based on images I have taken. Some people have sent me their images and asked to see how high it is. First, the measurements utilize the fact the cliff itself is about 75 feet high, but its still an approximation. The height is determined by the comparison of the cliff, Michael said. He then points to a sampling of his own photos and notes all this depends on the angle and where a photo was taken from. In a photo editing program, you have to separate the wave from the scene and move it around in relation to the cliff. If you take the cliff and stack it, you get approximately 150 feet, he said. There are some other calculations that go into it as well. Coos Bay, Charleston, North Bend Complete Guide: Southern Oregon Coast Travel To find out which wave is higher than another it is quite simple. We lay one photo on top the other, fade one out by 40%, line up the cliff and either increase or decrease the faded image in order to match up the point on the cliff. Then it is easy to determine which one is taller. Most waves seem to clock in at 100 to 150 feet. Some reach much higher though, and this past season has been pretty incredible, Michael said. The current record holder is from March 2016 at approximately 320 feet, he said. MORE PHOTOS BELOW WARNING: stay off the lower ledges of Shore Acres State Park, especially during high wave events. People have died here. The viewing area at top is outstanding and safe. South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW (Photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast / Steven Michael Photography. Same credit for photos below) Also see The Unheralded Ghost Forests of South Oregon Coast / Coos Bay in Photos The stumps at Sunset Bay at Coos Bay / Charleston are intricate, and their origin murky More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted The future of the Republican Party depends on debating and advancing big ideas rooted in our belief in limited government constitutionalism, said Representative Chip Roy of Texas, arguing that the party needed to orient itself around the case for freeing the American people from the mandates, shutdowns, regulations and taxes pushed by a powerful government. Mr. Roy appeared on one of the few CPAC panels focused on government spending, once a central issue on the right, and used his time to plead with the audience. Theres nothing more important right now than this, he said. We are allowing Washington, D.C., to take over our lives but were paying the bill. If those in the audience felt the same sense of urgency, they didnt show it. In his remarks later in the day, Mr. Trump sought to explain Trumpism what it means is great deals, he ventured but his would-be heirs plainly recognize that the core of his appeal is more affect than agenda. Beyond the former president, no two Republicans in attendance drew a more fervent response than Mr. DeSantis and Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, two former House members turned first-term governors. Neither sketched out a new policy agenda or presented a fresh vision for a party that has won the national popular vote just once in over 30 years. Rather, they drew repeated ovations for what they share in common: a shared sense of victimhood over media criticism for their handling of the coronavirus crisis and a pugnacious contempt for public health experts who have urged more aggressive restrictions in their states. I dont know if you agree with me, but Dr. Fauci is wrong a lot, Ms. Noem said in her remarks, referring to the countrys top infectious disease expert. The statement brought attendees to their feet, even as she glossed over her states high mortality rate during the pandemic. Honor Eastly spent a lot of her 20s thinking there must be something especially wrong with her. The mental health system, she assumed, made sense, but somehow she didnt fit into it. None of the drugs she took seemed to work, and she wondered whether she was a particularly bad case? Was she treatment resistant? Honor Eastly hopes the royal commission into Victorias mental health system will result in a larger role for peer support services. Credit:Eddie Jim Ms Eastly has sought help for anxiety and depression since her early teens. Once I got into my early 20s that grew into these really distressing periods, where it was like having a panic attack, but for months on end, she said. 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. South Africa will move into the lowest 'alert level-1' lockdown from Monday, further relaxing restrictions on movement, economic activities and gatherings, after a "dramatic" decline in COVID-19 cases over eight weeks. 'Alert level-1' is the lowest of five levels of lockdown, which was imposed almost a year ago following the outbreak of the that has infected over 1.5 million people and claimed nearly 50,000 lives in the country. In a national broadcast, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the country has now clearly emerged from the second wave, with new infections, admissions to hospitals and deaths having fallen significantly and continuing to decline steadily. In the week that has just passed, the country recorded just under 10,000 new infections, a month ago, in the last week of January, it recorded over 40,000 new cases, and a month before that, in the last week of December, close to 90,000 new cases were recorded, he said. "This dramatic decline in cases over eight weeks is due to a combination of public health measures introduced, changes in behaviour and accumulating immunity in those who became infected in our communities," he said. However, the president cautioned people against letting their guard down. The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory, and failure to wear a mask when required remains a criminal offence, Ramaphosa said. "We were able to emerge from the second wave because most people adhered to the tighter restrictions and observed basic health protocols, including wearing masks in public and social distancing," he said. The new alert level, which went into effect from midnight on Sunday, includes the curfew hours being reduced to start at midnight and end at 4 am, gatherings being allowed for up to 100 people, including social, political and cultural gatherings, and the sale of alcohol being permitted according to normal license provisions, except during the curfew hours, Ramaphosa said during his address to the nation. Night vigils or other gatherings before or after funerals are still not permitted and nightclubs will remain closed, he said. "The return to 'alert level-1' means that most of the remaining restrictions on economic activity have been removed. We expect this to lead to higher consumption spending, bolstered by the steady recovery in employment. We expect businesses to implement the plans they may have put on hold," Ramaphosa said. Cautioning people about a potential third wave, which scientists say is expected as the harsh winter months approach, the president said that "as we ease restrictions, we cannot let our guard down. The few remaining restrictions under 'alert level-1' are meant to maintain low levels of infections and, in particular, to prevent super-spreading events". "For this reason, among others, the easing of restrictions should not be viewed as a reason to abandon precautions. The threat of a third wave is constantly present, as is the threat of yet more new variants," Ramaphosa said. The president said that "as we witnessed last year, our actions as individuals and as a collective will determine whether and how soon we experience a resurgence of the virus". Describing COVID-19 vaccines being used across the globe as "a clear path towards containing infections and, ultimately, overcoming the disease", Ramaphosa said, "Within less than a year the global scientific community has developed, tested and produced several vaccines that are safe and effective against the disease." The president commended the role of the nation's scientists in the process. "We have long held the view that a vaccine would be our most decisive measure to combat COVID-19, and to that extent set up processes at a continental and national level to prepare for the availability of an effective vaccine, he said, highlighting the rapid vaccine acquisition processes that are currently under way. South Africa recently signed an agreement with Johnson & Johnson to secure 11 million doses. Of these doses, 2.8 million will be delivered in the second quarter and the rest spread throughout the year, Ramaphosa said. "We have also secured 20 million doses from Pfizer, which will be delivered from the second quarter. Additionally, we have secured 12 million vaccine doses from the COVAX facility and are in the process of finalising our dose allocation from the African Union, he said. Ramaphosa said the government would monitor the situation closely together with scientists and experts, to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic in a responsive and flexible manner. (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.) Iran said on Monday the United States should lift sanctions first if it wants to hold talks with Tehran to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that former President Donald Trump abandoned. President Joe Biden has said Washington is ready for talks about both nations resuming compliance with the pact, under which Tehran secured an easing of sanctions by limiting its nuclear work. But each side wants the other to move first. The West fears Iran wants to build nuclear weapons, while Tehran says that has never been its goal. "President Joe Biden's administration should change Trump's maximum pressure policy towards Tehran ... If they want talks with Iran, first they should lift sanctions," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said. Washington said on Sunday it was disappointed by Tehran's refusal to hold talks but was ready to "re-engage in meaningful diplomacy" and would consult with major powers. While Iran has been demanding the lifting of US sanctions first, Washington says Tehran must return to compliance with the deal, which Iran has been progressively breaching since 2019. "The new US administration's refusal to return to the deal is a historic mistake," Khatibzadeh said, saying Tehran would continue to work with the UN nuclear watchdog despite scaling back cooperation. Short link: Sacramento, CA- An agreement was reached today between Governor Gavin Newsom and State legislative leaders to reopen schools across the state. According to the Associated Press, the districts could receive combined up to $6.6-billion if they reopen classrooms by March 31. Mother Lode Assemblyman Frank Bigelow says, While the Governor and special interest groups continue to create obstacles for students to get back in the classroom, children are missing out on essential in-person activities. Physical activities socializing with their peers, and extra-curricular activities are all on the back burner while the Governor continues to hold students hostage in their homes. In addition, he adds, Schools are ready to open, teachers are eager to teach, and students are desperate to get back in the classroom. I urge the Governor to allow schools to safely reopen, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Its time the Governor stop using our children as pawns in his political games. Most schools in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties have been providing the option for in-person learning for several months. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. Paris, TX (75460) Today Thunderstorms likely, especially during the morning. High 77F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Twenty-one decomposed feet that washed up in Canada more than a decade ago could provide vital clues in the baffling disappearance and death of millionaire conwoman Melissa Caddick. The 49-year-old financial adviser was declared dead by police on Saturday after DNA testing revealed that her foot, wedged inside an Asics sneaker, drifted ashore on Bournda Beach on the NSW south coast. This was followed by flesh and bones washing up on other beaches on the same coastline in the days following the first grisly discovery. A fifth set of remains was found at Warrain Beach in Culburra in the state's Shoalhaven region on Sunday morning, 300 kilometres north of where the decomposed foot washed up seven days earlier. The 49-year-old financial adviser was declared dead by police on Saturday after DNA testing revealed that her foot, wedged inside an Asics sneaker, drifted ashore on Bournda Beach on the NSW south coast Pictured: Melissa Caddick and her husband Anthony Koletti before she went missing on November 12 Police said on Monday evening they would now forensically examine the new findings to determine if they belonged to Ms Caddick Police said on Monday evening they would now forensically examine the new findings to determine if they belonged to Ms Caddick. The discovery of the shoe bears eerie similarities to dozens of decomposed feet that washed up in British Colombia and the adjacent US state of Washington more than a decade ago. Canadian authorities at a 2017 coronial inquest found the feet came from people who either killed themselves or died in accidents. It ruled the feet became detached during the normal decomposition process, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. University of British Columbia forensic pathologist Dr Matthew Orde said Caddick's decomposing foot was most likely protected by the way her running shoe was made. 'One of the theories is that those running shoes, by virtues of the air pockets in them, are quite buoyant,' Dr Orde said, adding that Canada's mysterious decomposing feet were often found 'many, many miles' from where they entered the water. Caddick vanished the day after corporate watchdog ASIC executed a search warrant at her luxury Dover Heights home on November 11. Liquidators say the financial fraudster 'meticulously and systematically' deceived those who entrusted millions of investment dollars to her over seven years, then used the money to fund her lavish lifestyle. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing on Friday told reporters foul play against Caddick was possible but suicide was more likely. Modelling by NSW Police marine rescue teams, taking tides and drift patterns into account, has explored the possibility that Caddick entered the water near Dover Heights, where she lived, around November 12. The modelling deemed it possible that her foot could have drifted to Bournda Beach, where it was discovered by a group of campers. Two bones that were found washed up on Tura Beach near Merimbula on Saturday night have been confirmed to come from an animal and aren't Melissa Caddicks (pictured) Liquidators say the financial fraudster 'meticulously and systematically' deceived those who entrusted millions of investment dollars to her over seven years, then used the money to fund her lavish lifestyle The latest discovery comes after a large piece of torso flesh which included a belly button was found in the sand 150km away at Mollymook Beach five days later on Friday night. But two bones that were found washed up on Turra Beach near Merimbula on Saturday night have been confirmed to come from an animal. There's also a possibility the remains found in recent days belong to a snorkeller who vanished off Batemans Bay in late January. The man, 39, was last seen entering the water at Richmond Beach in the Murramarang National Park around 200km north of where Ms Caddicks foot was found. 'We have to wait for the results of testing to see what direction the investigation takes,' Mr Willing said on Monday. Superintendent Joe McNulty, commander of NSW Marine Command, said he has never heard of a case where a body that entered the water in Sydney could float hundreds of kilometers down the south coast. Caddick vanished the day after corporate watchdog ASIC executed a search warrant at her luxury Dover Heights home on November 11 NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing on Friday told reporters foul play against Caddick was possible but suicide was more likely Experts have started mapping the tidal patterns to determine whether it is possible that Caddick entered the ocean around her clifftop home, but police scoured the area following her disappearance and did not see a body. Search teams would likely have spotted clothing in the ocean or buoyant jewellery. But Mr McNulty explained that dead bodies will float for a few days in the water, before the lungs, stomach and intestines fill with heavy salt water and sink for two or three days. The bloated corpse then resurfaces in a state of decomposition, meaning it was very likely police would have seen Caddick's inflated corpse in the ocean during intensive search operations. Though it is possible for a body to get caught in the East Australian Current and float along for 100km in a single day, investigators with decades of experience say it is unheard of. 'That's never happened in my time in the water police,' Mr McNulty said. Expert criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett said if the decomposing stomach belongs to Caddick, it could mean she was alive much longer than suspected and prove she was murdered and did not commit suicide. 'For a stomach to be recovered three months later, after summer months, is a little more unusual. It could suggest the person died more recently. There's certainly a lot of questions around this,' Dr Mallett told The Sunday Telegraph. 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. Tiger 3: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif And Emraan Hashmi Starrer To Be Shot In Instanbul, Europe and U.A.E? Salman Khan has started shooting his parts for Siddharth Anand's Pathan alongside Shah Rukh Khan. While fans are already reeling from this news, this also means that Salman Bhai would soon begin work on Tiger 3, as soon as he wraps up his part in Pathan. In fact, before beginning the shoot for this one- the entire cast of Tiger 3 including Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi had a puja. Now, we have some more information about the film. It is known to one and all that exotic international locations are a forte of the film. Now, reports are doing the rounds that the third instalment of the franchise will be shot in Istanbul, U.A.E and Europe. A source quoted by Bollywood Hungama revealed, Yash Raj Films is looking to make Tiger 3 on an even bigger and grander scale than the first two, and for this reason viewers will be treated to plenty of action, drama and of course exotic locations. Currently, like most films that shoot overseas, YRF has zeroed in on three potential overseas destinations viz. U.A.E, Istanbul and Europe to shoot Tiger 3. Wow, isn't that super exciting? It was earlier said that the film would go on floors in Turkey, but it was later claimed that it would go on floors in YRF Studios since the foreign schedules are being pushed due to COVID scare. We hope things get back to normal and we see the best Tiger film of the franchise with Part 3. The CEO of Goya Foods called Donald Trump 'the real, legitimate and still actual president of the United States' at CPAC in Florida on Sunday night. Robert Unanue, boss of the Hispanic food supplier, claimed that 'the majority' of Americans voted for the Republican candidate just hours before Trump took the stage in Orlando. The 67-year-old suggested Trump had been overthrown by communists who had used the Covid-19 pandemic as a political weapon against the incumbent. Unanue told CPAC: 'It's just an honor to be here. But my biggest honor today is gonna be that - I think we're gonna be on the same stage - as, in my opinion, the real, the legitimate, and the still actual president of the United States, Donald J. Trump.' Robert Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday Former President Donald Trump assured the crowd at CPAC on Sunday that he will not form his own political party as he appeared for his first public remarks since leaving office on January 20 He told the crowd that he had received many unsolicited ballots, as had many of people that he knew. 'As a citizen of the United States, I think I'm allowed to vote, once, once. Not two times, or three times, or ten times,' Unanue said. 'But we still have faith that the majority of people in the United States voted for President Trump.' According to the official data, Biden won 51.3 percent of the popular vote, the highest proportion won by any challenger to an incumbent president since 1931. Unanue continued his speech by setting out how he believed the far left, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had seized control of the White House. But he claimed that Americans could return to unity if they put their faith in God. 'In communism the few control the many, and that's what is happening in our country,' Unanue told CPAC. He claimed that Trump's political opponents had 'weaponized' the pandemic during the election year and since taking power are seeking to 'kill our spirit.' Unanue said: 'They seek to destroy our reason to get up in the morning: God, family, work. Seek to cancel God.' Trump was hailed as returning hero later that evening when he took the stage for the first time since he left office at the end of January. 'Do you miss me yet?' The former president said as his old rally soundtrack boomed out. He blasted his successor and spoke of a future with him firmly at the helm of the GOP. 'Do you miss me yet?' Trump asked, as he teased with hints that he would be launching a bid for the White House in 2024 Much of Trump's crowd was not wearing masks and no social distancing was being observed Trump arrived late at his speech in Orlando, Florida, keeping the pro-Trump crowd waiting for 69 extra minutes In his speech, he tried to downplay the civil war gripping the party over the extent to which Republicans should embrace him, even as he unfurled an enemies list, calling out by name the 10 House Republicans and seven GOP senators who voted to impeach or convict him for inciting the U.S. Capitol riot. He ended by singling out Rep. Liz Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican, who has faced tremendous backlash in Wyoming for saying Trump should no longer play a role in the party or headline the event. While he insisted the division was merely a spat 'between a handful of Washington, D.C., establishment political hacks and everybody else, all over the country,' Trump had a message for the incumbents who had dared to cross him: 'Get rid of 'em all.' A Trump supporter wears a giant Melania Trump head as they gather outside the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida where the ex-president is due to speak in front of the CPAC crowd The conference, held this year in Orlando instead of the Washington suburbs to evade COVID-19 restrictions, was a celebration of Trump and Trumpism. Speakers, including many potential 2024 hopefuls, argued that the party must embrace the former president and his followers, even after the deadly riot at the Capitol on January 6. They also repeated in panel after panel his unfounded claims that he lost reelection only because of mass voter fraud, even though such claims have been rejected by judges, Republican state officials and Trump's own administration. Trump, too, continued to repeat what Democrats have dubbed the 'big lie,' calling the election 'rigged' and insisting that he won in November, even though he lost by more than 7 million votes. 'As you know, they just lost the White House,' he said of Biden, rewriting history. It is highly unusual for past American presidents to publicly criticize their successors in the months after leaving office. Ex-presidents typically step out of the spotlight for at least a while: Barack Obama was famously seen kitesurfing on vacation after he departed, while George W. Bush said he believed Obama 'deserves my silence' and took up painting. Trump delivered a sharp rebuke of what he framed as the new administration's first month of failures, especially Biden's approach to immigration and the border. 'Joe Biden has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history,' Trump said. White House press secretary Jen Psaki had brushed off the expected criticism last week. 'We'll see what he says, but our focus is certainly not on what President Trump is saying at CPAC,' she told reporters. Trump took the stage to the song 'God Bless The U.S.A.', which was the warm up song he used during his rallies Guy Harper, of Virginia, sells Trump and anti-socialism swag ahead of former President Donald Trump's arrival at CPAC 2021 at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando Aside from criticizing Biden, Trump used the speech to crown himself the future of the Republican Party, even as many leaders argue they must move in a new, less divisive direction after Republicans lost not just the White House, but both chambers of Congress. Though Trump has flirted with the the idea of creating a third party, he pledged Sunday to remain part of 'our beloved' GOP. 'I'm going to continue to fight right by your side. We're not starting new parties,' he said. 'We have the Republican Party. It's going to be strong and united like never before.' Yet Trump spent much of the speech lashing out at those he has deemed insufficiently loyal and dubbed 'RINOs' - Republican in name only - for failing to stand with him. 'We cannot have leaders who show more passion for condemning their fellow Americans than they have ever shown for standing up to Democrats, the media and the radicals who want to turn America into a socialist country,' Trump said. Trump did not use his speech to announce plans to run again, but he repeatedly teased the prospect as he predicted a Republican would win back the White House in 2024. 'And I wonder who that will be,' he offered. 'Who, who, who will that be? I wonder.' MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Mortgage, one of the largest full-service mortgage companies and the #1 VA and #1 FHA (government-insured) lender in the U.S., began accepting submissions today for the second annual Freedom Mortgage Celebrate Freedom Award. The winner will be announced on July 4, 2021 at the Wawa Welcome America Festival in Philadelphia, where the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony will be held. Freedom Mortgage is a returning presenting partner of the event. The Celebrate Freedom Award is open to all service members, veterans, and, for the first time, first responders and healthcare workers. Entrants must submit an essay of 1,500-characters or less based on their personal experience that answers the question: What does serving the nation mean to you? "Last year was particularly challenging for so many, especially the heroes serving our nation, and we want to recognize their commitment and sacrifices," said Stanley C. Middleman, Freedom Mortgage Corporation founder and CEO. "At Freedom Mortgage, we have a tradition of giving back to the community and I'm proud we can return with the Celebrate Freedom Award for another year." As an incentive to encourage submissions for the Celebrate Freedom Award, Freedom Mortgage will make a $5 donation to Feeding America for each of the first 600 submissions, which is the equivalent of 30,000 meals. Just $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. The Celebrate Freedom Award grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to attend the Welcome America Festival on July 4 and receive a check for $10,000 from Freedom Mortgage. Should COVID-19 safety guidelines cancel or limit the live event festivities, the travel component of the grand prize will be awarded as an equivalent cash value. The contest runs from March 1 until 5:00 p.m. ET on May 1. The grand prize winner will be notified in June. For full contest rules and to enter the Freedom Mortgage Presents Celebrate Freedom Award contest, visit www.FreedomMortgage.com/Celebrate. Early in the company's history, Freedom Mortgage placed a focus on being a strong participant in VA lending. The executive team, led by Middleman, wanted to offer their special expertise to help those who guard America's freedom with the dream of homeownership. According to Inside Mortgage Finance, Freedom Mortgage was the #1 VA and #1 FHA lender in the country in total origination volume in 2020. Freedom Mortgage is honored to support service members, veterans, and their families through various annual philanthropic efforts. Through Team Freedom Cares, the company's employee engagement and philanthropic program, Freedom Mortgage also supports many other philanthropic initiatives, including combatting food insecurity. Last year, the company and its employees donated over $2.6 million to support several organizations, including Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, MBA Opens Doors Foundation, The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, among others. For more information on Freedom Mortgage's philanthropic efforts, visit www.freedommortgage.com/community. About Freedom Mortgage Corporation Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, Freedom Mortgage is a full-service mortgage company that provides mortgage loans through retail, wholesale, and correspondent channels. One of the nation's largest loan originators and servicers, the company is licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Freedom Mortgage is the #1 VA and #1 FHA (government-insured) lender in the U.S. (Inside Mortgage Finance, 2020) and one of the mortgage industry's largest philanthropic supporters of the USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. The company is also renowned for its vibrant work environment where its team members can thrive. The company's mission is to foster homeownership for all customers across America. For more information, please visit FreedomMortgage.com. FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION CONTACTS: Audrey Shapiro 856-380-9073 [email protected] Ellen Longo 609-678-0968 [email protected] PRESS CONTACT: Henry Drennan, Strategic Vantage (615) 497-8358 [email protected] SOURCE Freedom Mortgage Attorney Rudy Giuliani at the Stop the Steal rally in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jenny Jing/The Epoch Times) YouTube Suspends Rudy Giuliani Over Election Integrity Policy, Nicotine Use Google-owned YouTube suspended former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulianis channel for a second time, claiming that he violated the platforms policies surrounding the election. YouTube confirmed to news outlets that the ban isnt permanent. Giuliani wont be able to upload videos for two weeks. We removed content from the Rudy W. Giuliani channel for violating our sale of regulated goods policy, which prohibits content facilitating the use of nicotine, and our presidential election integrity policy, a YouTube spokeswoman said in a statement to Bloomberg and other outlets. Additionally, in accordance with our long standing strikes system, we issued a strike against the Rudy W. Giuliani channel, which temporarily restricts uploading or live-streaming. The nicotine use portion could be in reference to Giulianis promotion of cigars and cigar companies during his YouTube videos. The Epoch Times reached out to YouTube and Giuliani for comment. Giuliani, a former prosecutor, served as former President Donald Trumps lawyer as his team unsuccessfully challenged the results of the election in several states. Giuliani and lawyer Jenna Ellis also held hearings with several state lawmakers about election integrity. YouTube previously suspended Giulianis account in January, citing his content about the 2020 election. If he is suspended again for a third time, the account will be permanently banned. The move is certain to trigger criticism over Big Techs censorship of dissenting viewpoints. YouTube drew condemnation last week when it removed a Newsmax video that included an interview with Trump. A Google spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email: We have clear Community Guidelines that govern what videos may stay on YouTube, and we enforce our Community Guidelines consistently, regardless of speaker and without regard to political viewpoints. Around the same time, the firm removed a video of an attorney testifying to the Ohio legislature and claimed it included COVID-19 misinformation. In a similar move, YouTube also removed testimony given by a lawyer for Trump during a U.S. congressional hearing. During his Feb. 28 speech at CPAC in Florida, Trump told a crowd that Big Tech firms such as Google, Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon should be punished by states if those firms silence conservative voices. The time has come to break up Big Tech monopolies and restore fair competition, he said, adding that Section 230a law that is part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996must be repealed or changed. All of the election integrity measures in the world will mean nothing if we dont have free speech, Trump said. If Republicans can be censored for speaking the truth and calling out corruption, we will not have democracy and we will only have left-wing tyranny. Page Content On February 27, across the globe, we celebrate World NGO day. As the name suggests, the day brings awareness to non-governmental organizations work and those efforts that contribute to making the world a better place. These efforts often go unnoticed, so it is important that we take this time out to recognize these generous contributions as we did this morning during the Virtual NPOwer NGO World Day SXM Conference under the theme 2 for 1. The day established by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, a UK-based social entrepreneur, is celebrated by many European countries. In 2014, the day became recognized by the United Nations and the European Union. All over the world, NGOs safeguard human rights, the rights of individuals to access basic human needs, and developing effective policies through advocation. On World NGO day, I thank local NGOs. They give so selflessly and work so tirelessly to better our society, including our citizens who volunteer, our business community who collaborates and take up their corporate social responsibilities via these NGOs. Volunteerism and civil society are crucial elements of a society that cares about those less fortunate than us. Government and the private sector play essential roles in our societys development. Still, civil society can fill gaps untouched by these groups and do so even more efficiently for many reasons. COVID-19 is providing a perfect example of this critical role played by civil society. Through various programs, our community received support for income loss, which complemented the programs being executed by the Government of St. Maarten. For this reason, the Government of St. Maarten commits to the continued partnership with NGOs. It helps to facilitate the success of the work being done by NGOs with inclusive policies. The Government will continue to engage with NGOs of all sectors to build a stronger community and adverse some of our community members challenges. I encourage every capable citizen of St. Maarten to get involved in civil society and experience the reward of being a part of something greater than yourself. Happy World NGO Day! Never miss a story with the GovTech Today newsletter. First-ever UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohammed Mahmoud Al Khaja arrived on Monday at Ben Gurion International Airport in the city of Tel Aviv to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, media reported MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st March, 2021) First-ever UAE Ambassador to Israel Mohammed Mahmoud Al Khaja arrived on Monday at Ben Gurion International Airport in the city of Tel Aviv to present his credentials to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, media reported. In mid-February, Abu Dhabi appointed its first ambassador to Israel, six months after the two countries agreed to normalize their ties. Al Khaja, the former director of the Foreign Ministry's office, was sworn in before UAE Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Al Khaja is also set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi later in the day, as well as other senior officials, according to Israeli media reports. Last week, Al Khaja held talks with Israel's temporary ambassador in the UAE, Eitan Na'eh, who is stationed in Abu Dhabi, with the parties having discussed means of developing bilateral relations. The UAE and Israel struck a US-brokered deal, officially known as the Abraham Accords, to normalize their relationships in August and ratified it in October. The UAE agreed to open an embassy in Tel Aviv, while Israel said it would establish a diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi. Jefferson's twilight years were spent, in part, defining and defending his legacy. During his final decade, Jefferson drafted an autobiography, created political memorandum books, became increasingly concerned about the preservation of historical documents, and staunchly defended his role as author of the Declaration of Independence. At key points in his life Jefferson had drawn up lists of his achievements, and on the verge of death he designed his own gravestone and epitaph: "Author of the Declaration of Independence [and] of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom & Father of the University of Virginia." Though critics questioned his role in writing the Declaration of Independence and objected to his emerging role as a symbol of individual freedom, Jefferson insisted upon his authorship of the Declaration and reasserted his moral opposition to slavery. Nevertheless, Jefferson undoubtedly knew at his death on July 4, 1826, that the vagaries of life had left a vulnerable legacy. His slaves, land, and library would have to be sold to satisfy his creditors. Fear for his reputation and public legacy led him to beg his closest friend, James Madison, to take care of me when dead. In his final letter to Roger Weightman, Jefferson eloquently espoused the central role of the United States and the Declaration of Independence as signals of the blessings of self-government to the world. "Navigating siloed systems of services and supports not only complicates the job of caring for friends and family, but also negatively impacts caregivers physical, emotional, and financial health. Were amplifying their calls for a unified strategy." A new report from the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), with support from EMD Serono, Inc. as part of its Embracing Carers initiative, equips caregiving advocates with the necessary tools to develop statewide, community-focused caregiving strategies. From Momentum to Movement: Developing a Unified Strategy to Support Family Caregivers Across the Nation is the first iteration of a living document and compilation of resources to help guide advocates in developing statewide caregiving strategies that address community-level needs. The report and executive summary are each available at https://www.caregiving.org/unified-state-strategy/. The public health implications of family caregiving have compelled more policymakers to consider effective strategies to support families, said Karen Marshall, JD, Director of Advocacy and Engagement at the National Alliance for Caregiving. Still, research showsand the caregivers and advocates in our network tell usthat navigating siloed systems of services and supports not only complicates the job of caring for friends and family, but also negatively impacts caregivers physical, emotional, and financial health. Were amplifying their calls for a unified strategy that addresses community-level needs while coordinating support infrastructure for caregivers across the lifespan. While policy recommendations around providing spport to caregivers continue to emerge globally, nationally, and at state and local levels, both policymakers and advocates have articulated the need to coordinate and sustain efforts to effectively recognize and support family caregivers. In alignment with this need, From Momentum to Movement includes: A strategic process to foster the development of actionable goals in new state plans; Core policy recommendations in person-centered domains that coordinate alignment across key global, national, and state-level priorities and to strengthen movement toward a robust, unified caregiving strategy for caregivers across the lifespan; Case studies from existing state caregiving plans. This report amplifies feedback from NACs 2019 Annual Conference of Caregiver Advocates and the collective, multi-disciplinary expertise of its National Caregiver Advocacy Collaborative, as well as the insights of several advocates involved with state caregiving plans at various stages of development. NAC continues its mission of building out partnerships to advance the goal of a unified caregiving strategy to support family caregivers across the nation. About the National Alliance for Caregiving Established in 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving envisions a society that values, supports, and empowers family caregivers to thrive at home, work, and life. NACs mission is to build partnerships in research, advocacy, and innovation to make life better for family caregivers. Working in coalition with national and international organizations and advocates, NAC provides thought-leadership, builds strategic alliances, and convenes stakeholders and advocates. Learn more about our work at http://www.caregiving.org. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. SARATOGA SPRINGS Monday's opening of the 80th season of harness racing at the Saratoga Casino and Hotel marks another slog to survive a COVID-restricted world with fewer races and smaller purses. And now the local industry must contend with another blow that horse owners say could devastate them a provision in Gov. Andrew M. Cuomos 2021-2022 budget proposal that would allow Rivers Casino & Resort to defer millions in purse payments to the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association until six months after all coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Joe Battaglia, secretary and treasurer of the association, said the budget proposal blind-sided them and leaves them starved. We are not trying to be unreasonable here, but when you care for horses, you cant cut back on your costs, Battaglia said. They need the same care regardless of what your revenue is. We had full cost through shutdown. You cant cut back what you feed them, the vet bills. With this proposed budget, its a hit. We are worried we cant continue to cover the costs. The association represents owners, trainers, breeders, caretakers and drivers of standardbred horses for harness racing. Related: Hurting Saratoga harness horse owners look to Rivers Casino for relief But Rivers Casino & Resort, which pays between $4 and $5 million a year to Saratoga harness racers, said they dont have the funds because the pandemic has adversely affected them too. Rivers Casino was in a precarious economic situation prior to the pandemic and is now in far worse shape because of the extended shutdown and other COVID-19 restrictions, said Greg Carlin, CEO of Rush Street Gaming, which operates the casino. He called the purse payments a windfall. Our priority at Rivers is the economic viability of Schenectady and the well-being and job stability of our 1000 team members, Carlin said. We look forward to working with the Governor and the legislature to pull out of this economic crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented economic disaster to the City of Schenectady and the state of New York, so we are encouraged that the Governors budget prioritizes stabilization of the upstate casinos, and the preservation of casino jobs. The proposal follows a unilateral decision by the Schenectady betting house to not pay its first quarter 2020 payment of $825,116 into the horseperson's purse account, the coffer for the trotter winnings. That led to a shorter season with smaller purse payments. It also prompted feed stores set up food banks for horses. But the hay, veterinary and farrier bills continue to mount. Rivers reopened in September, but it still hasnt paid anything into the purse account in 2020. The purse payments are set by law, part of the agreement between Rivers and the Saratoga Casino when the state approved the Schenectady casino, which opened in 2017. It was a way to make up for the financial hit that Saratoga Casino, which pays 75 percent of the harness track's cost, would take if another casino was built nearby. Sarah Burger, the attorney for the Horseperson's Association, called the governor's Rivers' proposal a corporate giveaway. She also said she doesnt understand how this proposal got into the state budget because it doesnt do anything to help the states fiscal shortfalls, but it could kill harness racing in Saratoga Springs an industry that she said supports 679 members. She also said that harness racing contributes $15.2 million into the economy. Its a sweetheart deal for Rivers, Burger said. It gives Rivers, run by a multi-billion corporation out of Illinois, an out not to pay the money they owe for two years or more. That really hurts us. Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, agreed. Lets be clear, this is a case of a wealthy large corporation asking the state to support them in taking money away from the 670 families that are the Saratoga horsemen, said Woerner whose district includes Saratoga Springs. It is not be the job of government to put our thumb on the scale to favor one private business or entity over another. Rivers Casino is legally obligated under the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act of 2013 to hold the Horsemen harmless by providing purse support payments. Further deferment of payments for up to six months after the pandemic has officially been declared over has the potential to decimate standardbred racing in Saratoga. The governors proposal would require Rivers to pay its first quarter payment of $825,000 and that's all. The Horseperson's Association said that rather than demand another $3 million, it would be happy to accept $1.7 million for 2020. Freeman Klopott, spokesman for the state budget office, defended the proposal. As you are aware, there is no horse racing at Rivers Casino, Klopott said. When originally enacted, this was a temporary measure to mitigate potential losses at Saratoga related to the opening of Rivers. During the period in question, Rivers was closed and moreover there has been no meaningful impact of Rivers Casino on Saratoga and therefore the justification for the provision is no longer relevant." Battagilia said the association is not unreasonable and that it would credit Rivers for the six months it was closed. But payment deferrals cannot continue. "If this carries into 2021, it makes a financially tenuous situation worse," Battaglia 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. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 The US House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package on Saturday. Brent crude futures for May has surged 1.7% to US$65.49 per barrel. S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) has jumped 1.26% to 6,757 points by 1.57 pm after Aussie national home prices surged 2.1% in February the most since August 2003. Regional home prices also gained 2.1% the most in 17 years. Home prices are at record highs in Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart. The manufacturing sector has also posted encouraging numbers, with the AiGroup Performance of Manufacturing index rising by 3.5 points to 58.8 in February the highest monthly result since March 2018. However, the final HS Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' index eased from a 4.5-year high of 57.2 in January to 56.9 in February. Top gainers Todays top gainers on the ASX include ( ) (+14.29%), Domacom Australia Ltd ( ) (+12.86%), ( ) (+17.24%), ( ) (+13.33%) and ( ) (+14.29%). Proactive news headlines: YPB Group receives firm commitments for $750,000 to advance technical development of Motif Micro ( ) has received firm commitments from institutional, professional and sophisticated investors to raise up to $750,000 for the technical development of Motif Micro, a smartphone readable forensic authentication solution. Alice Queen drill results confirm evidence of porphyry system at Boda East ( ) has completed 10 diamond drill holes for 6,819.62 metres at Boda East prospect within Yarindury Project in the highly prospective Northern Molong Belt of the Lachlan Fold Belt in Central West NSW. Venture Minerals in at-the-market subscription agreement with Acuity Capital for up to A$10 million of standby equity capital ( ) ( ) has entered into an at-the-market subscription agreement (ATM) with Acuity Capital, providing the company with up to A$10 million of standby equity capital over the coming 28-month period. Red River Resources pours first gold at Hillgrove Mine and ramps up production Red River Resources Ltd ( ) (FRA:R1R) has poured first gold at its Hillgrove Gold Mine in northern New South Wales, with the first bar poured weighing 0.97 kilograms and grading 83% gold and 13% silver. Latin Resources to begin exploration on Salinas Project in lithium-rich yet underexplored area of Brazil ( ) (FRA:XL5) will start extensive exploration on Salinas Lithium Project held by 100%-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Mineracao Ferro Nordeste, in the Jequitinhonha Valley region of Minas Gerais, a lithium-rich but underexplored region. Archer Materials makes progress with patent applications for 12CQ quantum computing qubit processor chip ( ) ( ) (FRA:38A) continues to make progress with patent applications for its 12CQ quantum computing qubit processor chip and has received First Office Actions (FOAs) from the Patent Offices of the US, China and Australia. Creso Pharma poised to enter US market with established partner after signing non-binding letter of intent with CERES ( ) ( ) (FRA:1X8) has executed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with CBD and plant-based remedies provider CERES Natural Remedies to distribute and sell Cresos anibidiol range of CBD and hemp animal health products in the USA. St George Mining escalates drilling at flagship high-grade Mt Alexander Nickel-Copper Sulphide Project with second diamond drill rig St George Mining Limited ( ) (FRA:S0G) has escalated drilling at its flagship high-grade Mt Alexander Nickel-Copper Sulphide Project, in WA's north-eastern Goldfields, with a second diamond drill rig now in operation. Andromeda Metals passes key milestone by submitting mining lease application for Great White Kaolin Project ( ) has achieved a key milestone with applications lodged for a Mining Lease and two Miscellaneous Purposes Licences for the proposed development of the Great White Kaolin Joint Venture Project with Minotaur Exploration Limited ( ) on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. Rimfires initial Transit assays reveal high-grade gold ( ) is encouraged by initial assays from a three-hole reverse circulation (RC) program which has intersected high-grade gold at Transit Prospect in the Sorpresa Earn-in Area at Fifield within the prolific Lachlan Transverse Zone of NSW. 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. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that the Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine is safe. Ghana recently took delivery of 600,000 AstraZeneca vaccines as the first batch with the second batch to come at a later date. The President acknowledged the fact that "we are the first country in the world to be recipients of vaccines from the COVAX Facility, and I want to express my appreciation to members of the Covid-19 Taskforce, which I chair, and to officials of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for this commendable feat. The vaccine deployment plan we submitted to WHO, which unlocked this consignment, was well-received". President Akufo-Addo speaking in his 24th Covid address said it is important not to pay attention to the numerous conspiracy theories. "Fellow Ghanaians, I know there are still some who continue to express doubts about the vaccine, others have expressed reservations about its efficacy, with some taking sides with conspiracy theorists who believe the vaccine has been created to wipe out the African race. This is far from the truth. Our domestic regulatory agency, FDA, one of the most reputable in Africa and in the world, has certified the safe use of the vaccine. It will not do so if it had any reservations about the safety of the vaccine, and I have gone on record as saying that no vaccine will be deployed in the country for use without the express certification of the FDA. Taking the vaccine will not alter your DNA, it will not embed a tracking device in your body, neither will it cause infertility in women or in men. As your President, I want to assure you that the vaccine is safe". According to him, he together with Vice President Dr Bawumia, his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo and Second lady, Samira Bawumia will take the vaccine publicly. "...tomorrow, on Monday, March 1, ahead of the commencement of the vaccination programme on Tuesday, March 2, my wife the First Lady, the Vice President, his wife the Second Lady, and I will take the vaccine publicly at two health facilities in Accra". Read full speech below Fellow Ghanaians, Good evening, and thank you for welcoming me into your homes once again. You are doing so on one of the sacred days of our nation, 28th February, when the 1948 Christiansborg Crossroads shooting occurred 73 years ago, which led to the martyrdom of Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey, martyrdoms that ignited the nationalist movement, and led us to the freedom we enjoy today. Let us observe a moments silence in honour of their memory, and the memory of all the faithful departed patriots who helped create our nation. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Fellow Ghanaians, since I last spoke to you, a month ago, a significant development in our fight against Covid-19 has taken place in our country. In the course of this week, Wednesday, 24th February, to be precise, we took another concrete step in our quest to rid our nation of Covid-19, with the arrival in the country of 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the first consignment of many more to come. I indicated in Update No. 23 that the earliest vaccine would be in the country by March. However, by dint of hard work and sheer determination, government was able to secure the first batch of vaccine doses in February, a month ahead of schedule. We are the first country in the world to be recipients of vaccines from the COVAX Facility, and I want to express my appreciation to members of the Covid-19 Taskforce, which I chair, and to officials of the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for this commendable feat. The vaccine deployment plan we submitted to WHO, which unlocked this consignment, was well-received. They have done a yeomans job, and our nation is indebted to them. We are grateful, also, naturally, to the contributors and managers of the COVAX Facility. The AstraZeneca vaccine is one of two vaccines that have, so far, been approved and declared as safe-for-use by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). With the process of certification currently ongoing for the other vaccines, the range of vaccines available to us will increase. This will facilitate our ability to reach our target of vaccinating twenty million Ghanaians by the end of this year. Through the National Vaccine Deployment Plan, our population has been segmented into four groups, and this will determine which section of the population gets vaccinated at a particular time. Group 1 is categorised as persons most at risk and frontline State officials. It includes healthcare workers, frontline security personnel, persons with underlying medical conditions, persons 60 years and above, and frontline members of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Group 2 is made up of other essential service providers and the rest of the security agencies. It includes water and electricity supply services, teachers and students, supply and distribution of fuels, farmers and food value chain, telecommunications services, air traffic and civil aviation control services, meteorological services, air transport services, waste management services, media, public and private commercial transport services, the Police Service, Armed Forces, Prisons Service, Immigration Service, National Fire Service, CEPS Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and other members of the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature. Group 3 consists of the rest of the general public, that is all persons over 18 years, except for pregnant women. The final group, that is Group 4, will include pregnant mothers and persons under the age of 18, and they will be vaccinated when an appropriate vaccine, hopefully, is found, or when enough safety data on the present vaccines are available. Special arrangements will be made for persons with disabilities who fall within these groups. So, from Tuesday, March 2, to Monday, March 15, the Ghana Health Service will begin deployment of the 600,000 AstraZeneca vaccines, with persons in Groups 1and 2 being the target of this first vaccination campaign. It will be conducted in 43 districts, which are the epi-centres of the pandemic in the country. They are 25 in Greater Accra, 16 in Ashanti, and two in the Central Region. The Ghana Health Service, as from tomorrow, will give precise details. Whilst we are, initially, concentrating on the 43 epicentre-districts, preparations are being made for the vaccination of twenty million Ghanaians through the deployment of some 12,471 vaccinators, 37,413 volunteers, and 2,079 supervisors for the entire vaccination campaign. Fellow Ghanaians, I know there are still some who continue to express doubts about the vaccine, others have expressed reservations about its efficacy, with some taking sides with conspiracy theorists who believe the vaccine has been created to wipe out the African race. This is far from the truth. Our domestic regulatory agency, FDA, one of the most reputable in Africa and in the world, has certified the safe use of the vaccine. It will not do so if it had any reservations about the safety of the vaccine, and I have gone on record as saying that no vaccine will be deployed in the country for use without the express certification of the FDA. Taking the vaccine will not alter your DNA, it will not embed a tracking device in your body, neither will it cause infertility in women or in men. As your President, I want to assure you that the vaccine is safe. That is why tomorrow, on Monday, March 1, ahead of the commencement of the vaccination programme on Tuesday, March 2, my wife the First Lady, the Vice President, his wife the Second Lady, and I will take the vaccine publicly at two health facilities in Accra. Key public officials such as the Speaker and Members of Parliament, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, Chairperson and Members of the Council of State, the Chief of Staff and senior officials at the Office of the President, and prominent personalities like some Eminent Clergy, the National Chief Imam, the Asantehene, the Ga Mantse, and some media practitioners will also, on Tuesday, take the jab publicly. This is being done because the vaccine will help protect us against the impact of Covid-19 on our health. It is also a major catalyst to restoring livelihoods and the national economy to the robust level it belongs. I encourage faith-based groups, civil society, media and all Ghanaians to support the public education campaign associated with the exercise. We need all hands-on deck to make this a success. Furthermore, I want to reiterate my determination that we should manufacture vaccines here in Ghana. To this end, a Committee has been established under the Chairmanship of the former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, the world-renowned scientist, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, which is formulating a concrete plan of action towards vaccine development and manufacturing. Fellow Ghanaians, the roll out of the vaccination campaign does not mean we should let our guard down, and discard the safety protocols that have served us well thus far. We cannot afford to let our guard down. Let us continue to wash our hands under running water, maintain social distancing, refrain from shaking hands and hugging, and, most importantly,wear our masks. We must remember that the virus continues to jeopardise our lives and livelihoods. As of Friday, February 26, 2021, the total number of active cases stood at 5,444; our daily infection rate is 400, and 77,972 recoveries have been recorded. Since I last spoke, 191 more people have sadly passed away, bringing the number of cumulative deaths to 607, and 24 persons are critically ill. Out of 69,350 schools in the country, 207 have reported cases of infections. The number of active cases is now 282. So, until further notice, all the restrictions as announced in my last addressremain in force, and the Police will continue to ensure compliance by all and sundry. If all of us stay the course, and adhere strictly to the protocols, we will emerge out of this pandemic even stronger than before. This is my charge to you this evening, my fellow Ghanaians. There is light at the end of the tunnel, we dare not give up all the hard work at this point in time. This too shall pass, because the Battle is still the Lords!! May God bless us all and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong. I thank you for your attention, and have a good night. 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 After the UK drug regulator, it is learnt that the (EU) drug regulator is also auditing the manufacturing site of (SII), which is making the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. A person in the know has told Business Standard that if the audit goes well, it can lead to SII supplying the vaccine to the UK as well as to the EU. AstraZeneca has to deliver 180 million doses to the EU in the second quarter of the year and production constraints have cut down deliveries to the European countries. Recently, AstraZeneca Chief Executive (CEO) Pascal Soriot has indicated that the company may look at factories outside of the EU to meet the supply commitments. Currently, SII is set to supply Covishield, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, to around 70 countries. Already shipments for the World Health Organization (WHO)-led Covax have left from India. However, SII is mostly committed to supply to the low- and medium-income countries and supplies to the EU was not part of the original contract. SII, however, declined to comment on the matter. According to Reuters, a senior EU official involved in talks with AstraZeneca has told the agency that SII could be a potential supplier. However, at present SII is prioritising the huge demand that India has for its own vaccination programme. Last week, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII, had tweeted, Dear countries & governments, as you await #COVISHIELD supplies, I humbly request you to please be patient, @SerumInstIndia has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world. We are trying our best. Last month, a team from the British drug regulators office visited SIIs Pune facility for an audit. If the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approves the manufacturing process of SII, it could also open doors for the vaccine to be shipped to countries other than the UK (those that recognise the MHRA approval). The worlds largest vaccine maker, SII, meanwhile, got the emergency use license from WHO for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. According to the interim distribution forecast released by Covax earlier this month, India will get around 97 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by SII. As of now, Covax has not allotted the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for India. The document highlights that India is in line to receive around 97,164,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine licensed to SII in the first and second quarter of 2021. Covax plan states how the 240 million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine would be distributed across countries as well as the 1.2 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. As for the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, which is licensed to SII delivery, is estimated to begin in late February. It was subject to WHO approval that has now come through. Around 40 per cent of the doses would be available in Q1, while the rest would be available in the second quarter. With inputs from Reuters BOSTON (AP) For years, Boston city leaders have vowed to diversify the police department so it looks more like the community it serves. Yet the police force is just as white as it was a decade ago, and huge barriers to diversity remain, advocates say. City officials acknowledge more work needs to be done, but insist their efforts to bring in more officers of color are slowly paying off. But critics say the city has failed to back up its pledges with meaningful action. Black and Latinx candidates still consistently get passed over in favor of white applicants over decades-old minor brushes with law enforcement or seemingly arbitrary reasons, advocates say. And some critics say the city's talk of inclusion rings hollow while it continues to fight a long-running case won by a group of Black officers over a promotional exam a judge found was discriminatory. "It's an honor to serve as a police officer and serve the citizens of Boston, but to this day, I dont feel like I have been completely accepted," said Larry Ellison, a Black Boston police detective who's been with the department for nearly 40 years. The problem is we turn a blind eye and then when things explode, we try to do things piecework and we try to do symbolic things." The need to have police departments look like the communities they patrol has come under renewed focus amid calls for police reform spurred by police killings of Black people across the U.S. And new research recently published in the journal Science suggested that diversity in law enforcement can indeed lead to improvements in how police treat people of color. William Gross, Boston's first Black top cop, said diversifying the department was one of his top priorities when he took the reins in 2018. Yet, as of early January, Boston police were about 65% white, according to numbers provided by the department, even though they make up only about 45% of the city. The percentage of officers of color is up slightly compared to 2018, but the racial makeup of the overall force is largely the same as 10 years ago and only slightly more diverse than 20 years ago, according to data compiled in a 2015 audit of the department. Story continues The Associated Press repeatedly requested an interview with Gross, who retired in late January, but a police spokesman said he was unavailable. His replacement, Dennis White, the second Black man to lead the police force, was placed on leave days after he was sworn in after The Boston Globe raised questions about 20-year-old domestic violence allegations. Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long, who is white, is leading the department while lawyers investigate the allegations. A group of minority officers and local ministers have called on White to be reinstated while the investigation continues, and one minister has called White's treatment a racial double standard. Jeff Lopes, a Boston officer who leads the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers, said they saw some progress under Gross leadership in getting more officers of color into specialized units and other important roles. Gross' command staff was roughly 50% people of color, but many ranks remain overwhelmingly white. A 1974 consent decree forced the department to diversify, and the percentage of minority officers climbed from 12% in 1981 to 25% a decade later. A judge lifted the consent decree in 2004, when more than 40% of patrol officers were Black, Hispanic or Asian. Today, the patrol force is around 38% people of color. Advocates say hiring processes remain a roadblock to bringing in more minority officers. Some argue there won't be significant progress without overhauling or opting out entirely of the civil service system, under which military veterans who are overwhelmingly white in Massachusetts get a hiring preference over others. The city has taken steps in recent years aimed at addressing the issue, like reinstating a cadet program in order to get a more diverse pool of officer candidates. In December, the city council passed a measure to give a hiring preference to Boston high school graduates in the hopes of boosting diversity. But the proposal still needs to be approved by state lawmakers. The city says its efforts are paying off. The current group of cadets are about two-thirds Black or Hispanic, said Michael Gaskins, the departments diversity recruitment officer. The last several recruit classes were about 35% to 45% people of color, which Gaskins said is up from previous years. Roughly 54% of police applicants in 2019 were minorities, up from 51% two years earlier. Gaskins said it will take a little bit of time to catch up," but said they are committed to hiring officers reflective of the community they serve. We would like more change but we are happy with our progress and the incremental changes that have been made thus far. But we are not done, Gaskins said. Some question the city's commitment to diversity while it continues in court to fight a group of Black officers officers who said a lieutenants' promotional exam discriminated against minorities. A federal judge found the 2008 exam had a disparate impact on minority candidates and last year ruled the officers are entitled to back pay. The city is appealing. A spokesman for Mayor Marty Walsh, Nick Martin, declined to comment on the case because it is ongoing. But Martin said the mayor, who's been tapped to be President Joe Biden's labor secretary, worked diligently with Gross to work toward diversifying the police force. Is there more progress to be made? Of course. But it would be a disservice to the hard work of the community, the Mayor, and the Police Department not to acknowledge all of the progress thats occurred under this administration, Martin said. Sophia Hall, an attorney who has represented applicants in cases against the department, said candidates of color continue to get passed over for reasons that appear to be arbitrary or just flat out discriminatory." Last year, the states Civil Service Commission found the department unfairly bypassed a Black applicant over a case, which was ultimately dismissed. Meanwhile, the department hired three other candidates who were all white with multiple and more recent criminal offenses on their record, the commission found. The commission ordered that man be put at the top of the list of potential hires. He entered the police academy at the end of November. Gaskins said theres no data to support the idea that there are racial biases in hiring decisions. DUP MP Sammy Wilson has defended his call for guerilla warfare in opposing the Northern Ireland Protocol saying it has to be destroyed. He also stood over his comments about Health Minister Robin Swann acting like a "poodle for the unaccountable chief medical officer". DUP leader Arlene Foster said it was not language she would use and said it may have been better not sent. Mr Wilson said ministers should challenge the advise they are given. The East Antrim MP said his party should use every means we have to disrupt the protocol which has seen border checks at ports in Belfast and Larne on goods coming into NI from GB. "We will fight this protocol and the implication of this protocol with every means we have," he told the BBC. "And if that means we have to use the tactics which Gordon [Lyons Agriculture Minister] used at the weekend, as Arlene as outlines, we will look to see every opportunity there is to attack the protocol to ensure it is destroyed." The agriculture minister ordered officials to halt action on building checkpoints and other infrastructure on Friday. It prompted calls for an urgent Executive meeting with Sinn Fein branding the move a "stunt". The matter was expected to be discussed around the Executive on Monday. Read More DUP Brexit spokesman Wilson originally made his guerilla warfare comments in The Irish Times. Challenged about the language used, Mr Wilson said it was metaphorical and "appropriate" "It [the protocol] is going to destroy many businesses in Northern Ireland and in the long run destroy democracy. It is a political battle we are fighting and we will use every tactic that we can in fighting that political battle. In a political context, to use the term guerilla warfare means that when opportunities arise we will make sure we take those opportunities to undermine the protocol and seek to change the governments mind on implementation." He added: "The government seems to be focused on getting the trade deal through the European parliament. Maybe after April 30 once a trade deal goes through, we will see a different approach. I think it would be nothing short of scandalous if we then rolled over to Europe every time they put pressure on us as a country. The NI Protocol was designed to avoid the implementation of a hard border on the island of Ireland by having Northern Ireland continue to follow EU trade rules, thus creating a de-facto border down the Irish Sea. There have been delays in transporting good across the Irish Sea and some firms have stopped deliveries altogether. Supermarkets have been granted grace periods in order to prevent disruption to food supplies. However, some retailers have concerns there will be a reduction in supplies once those grace periods end. Mr Wilson emphasised that the decision by Gordon Lyons to halt checkpoint work was not simply optics. It is not just symbolism, it is a clear signal to the government that where we can, we will seek to disrupt the protocol. We will not lie down under an arrangement that will subvert democracy at the end of the day. Mr Wilson was also asked if he wished to withdraw previous comments he had directed online to the Health Minister. Last Thursday in a tweet, the DUP MP accused Robin Swann of acting like a "poodle for the unaccountable chief medical officer". Rejecting that this was "escalating the language", the MP said he believed it should be up to a minister to challenge advice. I believe it should be up to a minister to challenge some of the advice he has been given, especially when it has been proven to be wrong in the past and having damaging effects on other parts of society said Mr Wilson. Everybody has their own way of expressing their views. Sometimes mine are a bit more colourful than others. Sinn Feins John ODowd called it a complete lack of leadership by the DUP as a whole. I think there is a need for people to use measured language in response to issues which are of concern to sections of our society," he said "What we are seeing at the moment is a lack of leadership which is raising tension at a time when tension should not be raised." Meanwhile, the UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt has suggested border checks should be moved to Rosslare so items can be inspected before shipping into continental Europe. He said: The EU are adamant that Northern Ireland is enjoying the best of both worlds, with unfettered access to both the UK and EU Single Markets. If that is the case, why not extend that privilege to our friends and neighbours in the Republic? I understand the EU wish to protect the integrity of their Single Market, hence the new regulatory regime that amounts to a Border in the Irish Sea. People seem to think the only alternative is a hard land border between the two jurisdictions on this island, but there is a third way. This would reinstate the trading relationships that applied for decades within the UK and between the UK and the Republic, arrangements the Government of Ireland and EU were happy with. It also allows the EU to take back control of how goods are tested for compliance with EU regulations, rather than relying on the UK, now a third country, to carry out tests on their behalf." Wound dressing plays a crucial role in healing and management. Alginate dressings are the most preferred products to treat pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, infected surgical wounds, etc. which has led to a surge in their demand. Besides, introduction of new alginate dressing products with better functionalities by market players has also aided market growth. Increasing investments in new alginate dressing development and growing efforts for their distribution by key stakeholders are major factors expected to boost the growth of the alginate dressings market. The global alginate dressings market is projected to be valued at US$ 1.1 Bn in 2030, and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2020 2030). Planning Forward? Access Sample Of Alginate Dressings Market Report! https://www.persistencemarketresearch.co/samples/26929 Companies covered in Alginate Dressings Market Report 3M Co Smith & Nephew Plc ConvaTec Group Plc Coloplast A/S BSN medical GmbH B. Braun Melsungen AG Molnlycke Health Care How About Revitalizing The Strategy-Oriented Funnel To Stay Ahead In The Alginate Dressings Market? https://www.persistencemarketresearch.co/methodology/26929 Key Takeaways from Alginate Dressings Market Study Antimicrobial alginate dressings contributed for a larger revenue share than non-antimicrobial alginate dressings in the global alginate dressings market in 2019, owing to their high preference of use for wound healing. High adoption of alginate dressings for the treatment chronic wounds is expected to result in notable market share of the chronic ulcers segment in the alginate dressings market. Institutional sales contributed around three-fourth of value share by distribution channel due to increasing patient preference. North America captured a greater revenue share among all regions, and is expected to be the most lucrative region in the global alginate dressings market during the forecast period. Reluctant adoption and high cost of products are factors expected to affect the growth of the alginate dressings market around the globe. Outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a moderate impact on the overall growth of the alginate dressings market, due to its adverse effect on the global economy and healthcare industry. Increasing prevalence of chronic and traumatic wounds and continuous focus of key market players to develop advanced wound dressing products are projected to propel the global alginate dressings market over the coming years, says a PMR analyst. Planning To Introduce An Offbeat Product/Technology In The Alginate Dressings Market? Go To Purchase Now To Have Our Alginate Dressings Market Report! https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/26929 Consolidation Activities:Imperative Strategy for Market Players Increase in market consolidation activities by market players, including collaborations and partnerships, are characteristics of the overall competition among global alginate dressings market players. Manufacturers are focusing on collaborations with research institutes and universities to drive research & development in advanced wound care. For instance, in July 2017, Smith & Nephew collaborated with the University of Hull to drive research in the field of advanced wound care. What else is in the report? Persistence market research offers actionable insights and a unique perspective on the alginate dressings market, in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 2015 - 2019 and projections for 20202030, based on alginate dressing type (antimicrobial alginate dressings and non-antimicrobial alginate dressings), indication (chronic ulcers and non-healing surgical wounds), and distribution channel (institutional sales and retail sales), across seven key regions. The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Saudi Arabia's U.N. ambassador said on Monday a U.S. intelligence report that implicated the kingdom's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi had presented no firm evidence. "The report .. is based on could've, should've and would've and does not rise to anywhere close to proving the accusation beyond reasonable doubt," ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said in a Twitter post. "The Prince courageously accepted moral responsibility, presented the accused to the justice system, and pledged to reform the intelligence organizations. Case closed!," he added Short link: Foreign currencies equivalent to Rs 5.52 lakh were seized from a passenger at the international airport here on Monday, said Customs officials.The passenger hails from Honnavar of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and was about to fly to Dubai, the officials said. The currencies were hidden in the inner-wear kept in the baggage of the passenger, they said.The currencies were pound sterling, dollar and Kuwait dinar, they said. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Summerville, SC (29483) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Gandhinagar, March 1 : A former Congress corporator in Surat, Dinesh Kachhadiya, who lost in the recent municipal polls, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday, saying he took the decision in the interest of Surat and the society at large. It seems that the Congress' ship is sinking and its leaders are deserting the party to save themselves from drowning along with it. After the pathetic performance of the Congress candidates in the Surat Municipal Corporation elections, the latest development will demoralie the grand old party further. Kachhadiya, a Congress corporator from Ward No. 7 who lost in the recently held SMC elections, tendered his resignation from all posts of the Congress on Monday afternoon. Later in the evening, he joined the AAP. "The Congress has given me so much. I was given five chances to contest in various elections. I was also given significant positions in the party and was given a chance to serve the people," Kachhadiya wrote in his resignation letter to Amit Chavda, President of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC). "But I think after losing badly in the recent SMC elections, I didn't match up to the expectations the party had in me. So, feeling obliged towards my regional leaders, Surat city organisational leaders and my co-warriors who contested the SMC polls, I tender my resignation from all the posts and primary membership of the Congress party," Kachhadiya said. "I am not against the Congress, nor have I backstabbed them. I was a loyal Congress person till the last moment. But now times are changing and with that one needs to change. I joined the AAP in the interest of the society and the people of Surat. I took this decision so that I can work better in my constituency," Kachhadiya told reporters. AAP Gujarat President Gopal Italiya welcomed Kachhadiya into the party, saying, "Inspired by AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's invitation to join the party with clean politics, Kachhadiya has joined us. I am sure his entry has strengthened our party." Kachhadiya joined the AAP with a couple of his friends and supporters. He had contested the 2012 Assembly elections but lost to BJP candidate Ajaykumar Jashvantlal Choksi. He is a businessman and builder in Surat. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday hailed the country's achievement of eradicating extreme poverty as a miracle that shall "go down in history." ANDERSON, Calif. A 26-year-old man with a previous arson arrest and two active warrants was taken into custody by Anderson police on Sunday morning. Officers said just before 8:00 a.m. they received a report of an agitated male armed with a knife setting fires near the Tractor Supply on Marx Way. Police said they discovered Christopher Kelly of Anderson next to a small burn pile of miscellaneous items. Kelly was detained without incident, officers said. When police checked their records they discovered that Kelly was on probation for an April 2020 arson conviction. They said he also had two active warrants for his arrest. Anderson Fire Department Prevention Officers said they will be filing a new criminal case against Kelly for Sundays arson incident. Kelly was placed under arrest and was booked into the Shasta County Jail. The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine has announced the automatic review of pensions, which was started on March 1. "On March 1, 2021, the automatic review of pensions for persons receiving pensions assigned in accordance with the law on compulsory state pension insurance, on pension provision for persons discharged from military service and some other persons (from among conscripts), on the status and social protection of citizens affected by the Chornobyl disaster," the press service of the Ministry of Social Policy said. It is expected that pensions will increase for 8 million people by an average of UAH 308. At the same time, if after the review the size of pension grows, then such increase cannot be less than UAH 100. In addition, the minimum pension payment has been increased from UAH 2,100 to UAH 2,200 for pensioners who have 30 years of contribution period for women and 35 years for men. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The hidden social, environmental and health costs of the world's energy and transport sectors is equal to more than a quarter of the globe's entire economic output, new research from the University of Sussex Business School and Hanyang University reveals. According to analysis carried out by Professor Benjamin K. Sovacool and Professor Jinsoo Kim, the combined externalities for the energy and transport sectors worldwide is an estimated average of $24.662 trillion - the equivalent to 28.7% of global Gross Domestic Product. The study found that the true cost of coal should be more than twice as high as current prices when factoring in the currently unaccounted financial impact of externalities such as climate change, air pollution and land degradation. The study authors say the research highlights the market failure of the world's energy systems. Factoring in their true costs by including social costs almost equal to production costs, would make many fossil fuelled and nuclear power stations economically unviable, the research published in Energy Research & Social Science found. Even wind, solar, hydro, and other renewable energy systems have their own hidden costs. Benjamin K. Sovacool, Professor of Energy Policy in the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex Business School, said: "Our research has identified immense hidden costs that are almost never factored into the true expense of driving a car or operating a coal-powered power station. Including these social costs would dramatically change least-cost planning processes and integrated resource portfolios that energy suppliers and others depend upon. "It is not that these costs are never paid by society, they are just not reflected in the costs of energy. And unfortunately these hidden costs are not distributed equally or fairly. The most affected parties are under-represented in the marketplace, and have external costs imposed upon them, whether that be the families forced to live in areas of highest air pollution and toxicity because they have no other choice to the inhabitants of low-lying island states such as the Maldives or Vanuatu who are threatened most immediately by rising sea levels." Professor Jinsoo Kim, from the Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering at Hanyang University, said: "Or study clearly reveals oil, coal, and waste in electricity portfolios generate far more externalities than alternative sources of supply. If you factored in the true cost of fossil fuels, the multi-national giants that dominate this sector would be huge loss-making operations. Instead, it is left to society and government to pick up the considerable bill." The researchers sought to find the range and scope of externalities, e.g. the unexpected costs or benefits resulting from economic activity that affects people other than those engaged in that activity for which there's no proper compensation, associated with electricity supply, energy efficiency, and transport. To do so, they carried out a meta-analysis and research synthesis of 139 studies with 704 distinct estimates of externalities: 83 studies (with 318 observations) for electricity supply, 13 studies (with 13 observations) for energy efficiency, and 43 studies (with 373 observations) for transport. They found that coal accounts for by far the largest share of energy externalities ($4.78 trillion, or 59%) followed by oil (more than $2 trillion, 26%) and gas ($552 billion, or 7%) across the four largest energy markets of China, Europe, India, and the United States. The study found coal to have about three times as many negative externalities as solar PV, five times as many as wind energy, and 155 times as many as geothermal energy. The researchers found that the externalities of coal amounted to 14.5 /kWh compared to its levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of between 6.6 to 15.2 /kWh. Similarly natural gas combined cycle turbines has externalities of 3.5 and an LCOE of 4.4 to 6.8 /kWh. Prof Sovacool said: "The challenge is for policymakers, regulators, and planners to ensure that electricity and transport markets function as they should and accurately price the trillions of dollars in external costs that the energy and mobility industries surreptitiously shift to society currently. "At the moment, consumers have become shielded from the true costs of energy extraction, conversion, supply, distribution or use, which means the immense ecological or community impacts of our existing systems becomes far less discernible. The fundamental policy question is whether we want global markets that manipulate the presence of externalities to their advantage, or a policy regime that attempts to internalize them." Prof Kim said: "Our findings are timely and we hope it will help inform the design of Green New Deals or post-pandemic Covid-19 recovery packages around the world. "Some of the most important commonalities of many stimulus packages have been bailouts for the fossil fuel, automotive and aeronautic industries but a global and national recovery may not be sustainable if the true cost of these industries is not correctly factored in." ### The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Hazel Chu, has expressed concern about edited footage that was shared on social media after the violent protest in the city which had been manipulated to "sow discord." Ms Chu said it was alarming the level of misinformation, disinformation and downright lies that were being shared on social media platforms. The Mayor said she had spoken with the senior policy team at Twitter recently following her own abuse on the forum and had been told of a stream of measures that are going to be rolled out. Ms Chu called for a system to be introduced in Ireland similar to that operated by Twitter during the US presidential elections when tweets were labelled as may not be true. The accounts of certain cohorts should also be more closely examined and reported, she said. Ms Chu had tried to get a meeting with Facebook and she was hoping that the events of last weekend would ensure that a meeting would now go ahead particularly because of the disinformation that was spread prior to the protest. The degree to which lies were being spread would have to be examined, she told the Today with Claire Byrne show on RTE Radio. Later on the same programme Sinn Feins finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that the organisers of such protests needed to see sense and call off any future events. There were elements that were trying to stir up trouble. Everybody needed to do their job and the Government needed to get its act together and send a clear message, he said. Earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney hit out at the "thuggery" seen in Dublin. Mr Coveney said conspiracy theories are being used "to inspire hatred and anger", which drove the "thuggery that we saw over the weekend", by undermining the political system. "Politicians make mistakes, politicians don't always get things right. I'm talking about mainstream politicians that are elected," he said. "But we are trying to tell people the truth, and we're trying to protect people and save lives through this pandemic and we're working night and day to do that. And of course, we're open for criticism and questioning all the time." In relation to the violence that erupted on the streets, Mr Coveney said: "We've got to call that out for what it is and hope that most right-thinking people reject it out of hand. Because these are people who are trying to recruit sometimes vulnerable people but people who are struggling with the pandemic because their businesses aren't open. They may be stressed many people are. This has been a very very difficult year for so many people. "But we've got to close this out now in the next few months. And we can do that." Mr Coveney told Newstalk Breakfast that digital media companies needed to "do more in a number of areas" including allowing their platforms to be used to promote conspiracy theories or "threats to destabilise the State". She's been working hard on the waves throughout the coronavirus pandemic. And Amanda Holden started the week with a bang as she left Leicester Square's Global Studios in a stunning outfit following her Heart Breakfast show on Monday. The presenter, 50, caught the eye in an all-red appearance, consisting of a chic jumper dress, a matching coat and heeled sandals. Wow-factor: Amanda Holden started the week with a bang as she left Leicester Square's Global Studios in a stunning outfit following her Heart Breakfast show on Monday Commanding attention, the Britain's Got Talent judge strutted across the streets of London in her statement number, which also featured a designer handbag. The Hampshire native upped the fashion ante when it came to her accessories as she styled her look with her favourite animal print shades, a silver watch and her wedding band. Straight tresses complemented her youthful-looking features, which were further enhanced with neutral-toned make-up. During the show, Amanda and her co-star Jamie Theakston celebrated the return of Heart's Make Me a Millionaire Competition - the biggest competition on UK radio which will see the station give away 1million pounds on-air. Ravishing in red: The presenter, 50, caught the eye in a bold appearance, consisting of a chic jumper dress, a matching coat and heeled sandals Commanding attention: The Britain's Got Talent judge strutted across the streets of London in her statement number, which also featured a designer handbag All in the details: The Hampshire native upped the fashion ante when it came to her accessories as she styled her look with her favourite animal print shades Elegant: A silver watch, her wedding band and a freshly-painted manicure and pedicure rounded things off Over the weekend, the blonde enjoyed a relaxing bike ride with her daughters Alexa, 15, and Hollie, nine. The TV and radio star made the most of the good weather with her mini-mes in a nearby park. Last month, the media personality was reported to police for making a 215-mile trip from London to Cornwall during lockdown. The former actress went to see her parents after she received a 'distressing phone call' from her stepfather Les Collister on the weekend before her 50th birthday. In good company: The TV panellist posed for photos alongside her long-time co-star and friend Jamie Theakston In good spirits: The dynamic duo beamed before ending their morning Equally stylish: The former Live & Kicking star, also 50, looked sharp in a grey suit Kerching! During the show, they celebrated the return of Heart's Make Me a Millionaire Competition You could be a winner! They're fronting the biggest competition on UK radio which will see the station give away 1million pounds on-air Radiant: Straight tresses complemented her youthful-looking features, which were further enhanced with neutral-toned make-up Amanda took a black Mercedes from Richmond to a small hamlet near Bude to see the 75-year-old and her mother Judith, 71, and it is believed she had not seen the pair for a year prior to the visit. Devon and Cornwall Police had previously warned visitors that they would face a fine for breaking lockdown restrictions but a source has since told The Sun: 'Officers turned up at [Amanda's] parents' this afternoon to ask about the visit. 'As they left they said this would be the end of the matter.' Friends of the broadcaster said although she knew she should not have made the journey, she was so concerned about her parents' welfare she felt she had no option. Colorado officials are starting to offer a picture of what life looks like when the pandemic eases its grip. Driving the news: More school districts are returning to in-person learning before the end of the school year and the state is considering relaxing its rules for event venues, the Denver Post reports. Jefferson County schools , the state's second largest district, announced plans Friday to resume in-person learning for middle and high school students starting March 15, joining four other local districts that moved in that direction. , the state's second largest district, announced plans Friday to resume in-person learning for middle and high school students starting March 15, joining four other local districts that moved in that direction. Denver Public Schools officials said Friday they are starting to discuss how to bring more students back. At the same time, a number of popular Denver event venues are announcing plans to welcome back fans: The Colorado Rockies will allow 12,500 fans into Coors Field for opening day April 1, or 25% capacity, after the state public health department granted permission. will allow 12,500 fans into Coors Field for opening day April 1, or 25% capacity, after the state public health department granted permission. Red Rocks is seeking approval to allow 2,500 people when the concert season begins in late April. The venue which holds 9,500 hopes to reach 75-80% of full capacity by July. Not so fast: Federal public health officials warned states not to relax restrictions after the latest data showed that infection, hospitalization and death rates may no longer be declining. In Colorado, the infection rate is greater than a week ago. The big picture: Colorado's reopening depends on an increasing federal supply of vaccines to states. The general public can now expect to get vaccines starting in late April or early May, Gov. Jared Polis said on Friday. Earlier estimates put the target date later in summer. This story first appeared in the Axios Denver newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard. ZIMBABWEANS have urged the government to ease COVID-19 restrictions today and allow churches, businesses and informal traders to operate, arguing that the latest two-month lockdown had subjected many people to abject poverty. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to announce new lockdown measures today, while the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education last Thursday said government was pondering over the safe reopening of schools. By last night, Zimbabwe had recorded 36 089 cases and 1 463 deaths. The Education Parliamentary Committee wants the ministry to seek tents from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to create temporary classrooms to ensure there is social distancing at learning institutions when schools reopen. Teachers must be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccination since they are frontline workers in the education sector, read a report on COVID-19 preparedness at schools by the committee.. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education must engage with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) before schools open for a transitional school mechanism whereby tents are used to create temporary classrooms and ensure that learners have more learning time in school as compared to the status quo, whereby some learners had been coming to school once a week. The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) said schools should be opened backed by scientific data to avoid having to be closed again. We must meet certain variables to ensure that once we have opened schools, we have to sustain their re-opening. Let us do things based on scientific data. Once we open schools and the economy, we must not find ourselves in a position where we will be worse off than when we started. Zimta secretary-general Goodwill Taderera told NewsDay. He said government should deal with the welfare of teachers, as well as comply with the World Health Organisation standard operating procedures and guidelines. Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Denford Mutashu urged government to reopen the economy. We have been thrown into abject poverty in an economy that is more than 65% informal, and where people have been living from hand-to-mouth since January. Now there is no need to continue with the COVID-19 lockdown extension, he said. What we need to do is to continue the fight against COVID-19 through accelerated nationwide vaccination and preventative measures while adopting a measured reopening of the economy as the majority of people are struggling. MDC Alliance secretary for health, Henry Madzorera said the country could not be in perpetual lockdown. We cannot be in perpetual lockdown, especially in a country where there are no social safety nets, but the decision to lift the lockdown must be based on data and science, not on political considerations, he said. Weaponisation of the lockdown is a tragedy, and many in Zimbabwe feel the lockdown is being used as a political weapon. Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe executive president Johannes Marisa said: We expect businesses to resume operations although with some strict recommendations. Schools must open in March and surely, weddings must be allowed as well as church gatherings. The curfew must actually be removed. We shouldnt be very strict, but we have to balance economic activities with public health. Continuing with the lockdown is useless as many people are actually defying the lockdown measures mainly because they cant survive; they have been impoverished, there are very poor people and are at a standstill. Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said: We expect the government to manage the pandemic effectively and strategically. They must keep people informed about the intended duration of their measures to provide support for the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to ensure the welfare of people who have lost their incomes and are in desperate need of food, water and other essential services. Meanwhile, Health deputy minister John Mangwiro last week told Parliament that the country was expecting more vaccines, adding that they would not only rely on Sinopharm, but would include Sputnik V (Russia), Sinovac (China) and Indian vaccines. Zimbabwe has started rolling out its COVID-19 vaccination programme, with 18 843 people having been inoculated by yesterday morning after the country received 200 000 Sinopharm doses donated by China two weeks ago. Newsday Related Parents of kidnapped Nigerian children can only wait The Grand Imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb called on Sunday for the release of more than 300 school girls who were abducted by gunmen in Nigeria on Friday, describing the attack on their school as "barbaric." On behalf of the teachers and scholars of Al-Azhar and myself, we join international calls for the release of the schoolgirls kidnapped as part of a barbaric terror attack in northwest Nigeria, El-Tayyeb said in a statement. On Friday morning, gunmen attacked a government girls science secondary school in the town of Jangebe in the northwestern state of Zamfara, abducting 317 students. Nigerian police and army are still conducting search operations for the kidnapped girls . I pray to Almighty Allah for their release and safe return to their families, El-Tayyeb added. Pope Francis had also condemned the incident as vile and invited everyone to pray for the schoolgirls safe return. The incident came a day before 38 people kidnapped two weeks ago from the Government Science College Kagara school in Nigeria's Niger state were freed. The abductees included students, staff and relatives. Short link: An Australian business owner struggling to find workers says many would rather sit around on the dole than get a job despite the nation's unemployment rate surging in 2020. Craig Crighton, owner of Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks, spoke out about his frustration finding staff for a role that pays $50 per hour. 'This seems to be the new normal in North Queensland. Too much Centrelink handouts,' he said. 'I've been trying to get a worker, right, for a while now, we're willing to pay $50 an hour from 8:30 to 12:30, so you only work 4 hours a day, you get $200 a day, five days a week, so you're getting a grand a week,' Crighton told his followers on TikTok. 'I have a summer kayak business so mainly you're going to be snorkeling with the guests. So it's not that f*cking hard. It's not rocket science.' But despite offering what many would consider a dream job it's been almost impossible to fill the role. 'We had a lot of people who were saying back that "I'm not getting up that early," it's an 8:30 start. People don't want to work. What's going on?,' Crighton asked. Craig runs Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks and spoke out about his struggle to find workers How much do Australians on the dole get per week? In April the introduction of the coronavirus supplement effectively doubled the rate of JobSeeker to $557.85 per week. The supplement was cut in September, leaving JobSeeker recipients with $407.85 per week and then that was reduced again in December to $357.85 per week. Under the current JobSeeker rates, a single person with no children can earn up to $715.70 a fortnight, which includes a base rate of $565.70 and the coronavirus supplement. The additional coronavirus supplement currently $150 a fortnight is due to end on March 31. Advertisement However he admitted his businesses' location on Magnetic Island, a 25-minute ferry ride from Townsville, also made it harder to attract workers. Many business owners across the nation have complained about their struggles to recruit staff despite surging unemployment, and some MPs have called for the generous COVID-19 assistance measures to be rolled back amid fears people are being deterred from finding work. In December, 21 per cent of businesses told the Australian Bureau of statistics 'they were having difficulty finding suitably skilled or qualified staff', despite an unemployment rate of 6.6 per cent. It was an issue touched upon by Senator Anne Ruston last week, saying the government did not want people 'disincentivised to work'. As the economy is recovering, as the jobs market is improving, we need to make sure that we have got the right incentives for people to go back to work, she said. However, research from the University of Melbournes Jeff Borland shows the flow of unemployed people into work has been virtually unchanged through the pandemic compared to the period between 2017 and 2019. But since May, there has been an 814,000 increase in people with a job, the largest and fastest increase on record. 'So wheres the disincentive caused by the higher JobSeeker? There isnt any, he told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'Youve had the largest increase in employment ever and it happened while the unemployment benefit was $550 higher than normal.' He said the job is easy but many don't want to take it because the 8:30am start time is too early But that's not a sentiment being echoed by business owners like Crighton, who says he knows of many others all over the country who need staff now. 'There's hardly any restrictions on working here in Australia - unlike in places in full lockdown like the UK, so people should just get out there and work,' he said. 'To work and keep your brain and body active, that's the best thing.' Are evangelical theology and practice of biblical interpretation captive to overly Eurocentric traditions? Increasing numbers of female and nonwhite biblical interpreters continue to reject what they see as patriarchal and sexist understandings of Scripture that reinforce historically white cultural assumptions. Objective biblical interpretation? In my essay on hermeneutics and exegesis, I point to the development of approaches to Scripture that complement and sometimes contradict historical-critical methods that gained prominence through European scholars of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The historical-critical approach emphasizes the study of language, cultural setting, and literary form. Scholars trained with such an approach sometimes conclude that there is only one way to understand a passage and that their understanding is what the original author intended. Yet the pursuit of a pure, objective, unbiased understanding of biblical authors can itself be a reflection of the interpreters own presuppositions. Greg Carey observes that white male scholars have enjoyed the privilege of their questions, assumptions, and perspectives on a biblical passage being received as the right (and perhaps only) viewpoints. The privilege that accompanies whiteness relates intimately with the traditional norm of biblical scholarship. Carey writes, exegesis. ... The classic notion of exegesis assumes a fixed, rational, and universal process of interpretation. It also promotes a certain kind of detachment, as if the interpreter were a disembodied mind, free from the constraints of context and daily life. Everyone brings their biases to the Bible. While we might strive to discern how the first listeners of Scripture understood what they heard, we do well to remember that our reading is influenced by who we are, along with where were from and how we experience life. Colonized Biblical Interpretation In his book, Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive: And the Truth That Sets Us Free, Pastor Jonathan Walton describes a kind of Christianity distorted by colonialism. Walton asserts, Colonialism created a counter-faith I call White American Folk Religion (WAFR). Its a set of beliefs and practices grounded in a race, class, gender, and ideological hierarchy that segregates and ranks all people under a light-skinned, thin-lipped, blond-haired Christ. Issues of colonized Christianity run deeper than popular faith practices. As an African American man, seminary professor, and pastor, Ive experienced firsthand the way colonized Christianity can affect misunderstandings about God, humanity, salvation, and countless other theological convictions. Colonized Christianity has fueled oppression, slavery, racism, sexism and other egregious evils throughout history. Consider the example of Jesus encounter at a well with a Samaritan woman (John 4:142). On the one hand are interpreters who see the woman as promiscuous and evasive. Shed had five husbands and was currently shacking up (a term many preachers used throughout my lifetime) with a man to whom she wasnt married. She fetched her water at midday (vv. 67) to avoid respectable women who drew water during cooler times. When Jesus acknowledged her many husbands, she changed the subject to the division between Jews and Samaritans over worship (vv. 1720). During my seminary years, I was taught that the woman was changing the subject because her shameful lifestyle had been exposed. Traditional interpretations, especially since the Protestant Reformation, typically view the woman as more vixen than victim, sexually immoral rather than trapped in circumstances of society. Article continues below Female scholars view the encounter in a different light. Frances Gench observes the Samaritan woman as the first character in John to engage Jesus in serious theological conversation. Jesus engages the Samaritan woman over an offer of eternal life (v. 14) in the context of the feud between Jews and Samaritans. He follows with the inquiry of her worldly situation, inviting her to recognize him as a prophet and eventually the Messiah (v. 26). The woman enters into serious theological conversation with Jesus over true worship, the Spirit and truth, which then leads to effective witness about Jesus to her people. As for drawing water at midday, there are countless reasons why a woman may have needed to draw water at noon without assuming anything negative about her character or motives. Mitzi Smith notes that noon may have been an unusual time of day to draw water but people do what they have to do and when they have to do it. Scholars go on to point out the womans relatively powerless position in society, particularly with regard to marriage given that marriage was a main source of security for women. Having learned the traditional view in seminary, I would assume while sharing the gospel that people were hiding their sin, as I was taught the Samaritan woman had been. I expected people to be evasive in conversation with me, so I minimized their theological questions. Over time, however, I became increasingly comfortable questioning what I had been taught about the Samaritan woman, as well as interpretations of other Scripture passages. I began listening better to those I engaged in conversation about Jesus, striving to know them and hear their circumstances rather than assume the worst. Kaleidoscopic reading Biblical interpretation happens best in multifaceted community: ancient as well as modern, global, and increasingly diverse. Interpretation should be kaleidoscopic, acknowledging and even celebrating the many colors and cultures that play a part to influence interpretation. Kaleidoscopic interpretation sometimes challenges more conservative and traditional scholarship for the sake of decolonization, but it does so only by mostly using the same hermeneutical tools of study, mining history, language, and culture in search of greater understanding. Our lensesour perspectives born from our place in the worldinfluence our interpretation. Nevertheless, our lensesour perspectives born from our place in the worldinfluence our interpretation. These lenses impact the questions we ask of the text and affect the theological perspectives we glean from Scripture. Increasing numbers of women and nonwhite authors are helping all of us to read the Bible with greater awareness of the world behind the text, which can only broaden and deepen our theological understanding. Kaleidoscopic reading invites us to be humble, charitable, and patient, as well as inquisitive. We arent reading to discern who is in and who is out or prove who is right and who is wrong. Instead, we are reading to grow increasingly aware of who God is, who we are, and what it means to be more like Christ. Remember: The point is transformation more than merely information. We must learn to be more collaborative in our study, finding increasing numbers of ways to read and heed the voices of Christians outside the United States as well as from marginalized people within our country. Kaleidoscopes yield a multicolored view, but they can feel disorienting. Images shift and become complex. Rather than rejecting the disorientation, we do well to embrace it and, as with a kaleidoscope, discover the beauty of light shining though the many reflections of color. Any potential discomfort serves to remind us that we are not the first or only people to read the Bible. Discomfort is part of the journey toward maturity. As we read Scripture as part of a global community of Christ followers, we learn to love God and our neighbors more wholeheartedly. Dennis R. Edwards is a columnist at Christianity Today. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2021) - International Zeolite Corp. (TSXV: IZ) (OTC Pink: IZCFF) (FSE: ZEON) (the "Company") an international marketer and supplier of natural zeolite and zeolite products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Caplan as an Advisor to the Company's Board of Directors. "We are pleased to welcome Mr. Caplan to the International Zeolite team," said Ray Paquette, CEO. "Mark brings a wealth of talent, experience, and leadership and will add significant depth and perspective as we expand our Green Tech solutions in Canada, the United States and international markets." Mark has over 30 years of experience in finance, with a breadth of experience in leading wholesale financial services businesses in Canada and internationally. Mark was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Montreal Europe located in Dublin. BME provides wholesale banking services to European clients. Previously, Mr. Caplan served as President of the Global Risk Institute in Financial Services, a non-profit, public and private partnership aimed at strengthening risk management practices throughout the financial services industry globally. From 2010-2016, Mark worked as Regional Head of Scotiabank's European business. He worked in a senior capacity for the Bank of Canada and is a former member of the Monetary Policy Review Committee and the Financial System Review Committee. He was also a longstanding executive at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. Mark is a former Board member of BMO Europe plc (public limited company), Scotiabank Europe plc, and Chair of Scotia Capital Europe Limited. Mr. Caplan is a Distinguished Fellow of the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of Toronto and a member of the Investment Committee of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. The Company has granted incentive stock options to Mr. Caplan to purchase 160,000 common shares in the capital of the Company for an exercise price of $0.135 for a two-year period, pursuant to its Stock Option Plan. On Behalf of the Board "Ray Paquette" President & CEO 604.684.3301 For further information, please visit www.internationalzeolite.com For Investor Inquiries: info@internationalzeolite.com For Sales and Commercial Inquiries: sales@earthinnovations.ca Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others, the ability to complete contemplated work programs and the timing and amount of expenditures. International Zeolite does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/75741 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. CreativeFuture prods Biden to adopt strong copyright agenda CreativeFuture, a coalition of more than 560 companies in the creative sector has penned a letter to the Biden administration, urging them to support those creative industries hit hard by the pandemic by adopting a strong copyright agenda. Guest post by Emmanuel Legrand of the Legrand Network The CreativeFuture coalition, representing more than 560 companies in the creative sector (film, television, music, publishing, photography, and other core copyright industries), has urged the Biden administration to adopt policies that will maintain Americas role both as the global leader in the creative arts and a global champion for free expression and intellectual property rights. In a letter to President Joseph R. Biden, the CreativeFuture coalition said that creative industries have been hit hard by the pandemic in 2020 and that they needed all the support it could get to whether the crisis. 2020 was particularly cruel to the creative industries, reads the letter. The pandemic largely shuttered film and television production for much of the year. It closed live music venues, from stadiums to local clubs, and has forced stores that sell our books, video games, and other creative products to close their doors. Economic challenges It added: To make matters worse, the pandemic led to a rapid increase in digital piracy, as criminal enterprises capitalised on the fact that so many Americans were forced to remain at home. At a time when many are still unable to work, piracy is cutting into the already reduced legitimate revenue streams from our creations, exacerbating our economic challenges For Ruth Vitale, CEO of CreativeFuture, there is critical work to be done, both in Congress and in the Executive Branch, to ensure that copyright law works better to promote American creativity. We must ensure that the internet, which can be a great tool for creativity, cannot serve as a weapon to harm creatives on a massive scale. The signatories also said they expected the Biden Administration to support ongoing efforts to ensure that the biggest internet platforms companies such as Facebook and Google have greater accountability for addressing the unlawful conduct occurring across their worldwide services. Combat commercial piracy Vitale told The Hill that the coalition is looking for the the strict enforcement of two pieces of legislation that were signed into law at the end of 2020: the Protect Lawful Streaming Act, which made massive copyright infringement a felony rather than a misdemeanor; and the CASE Act, the small-claims court set up within the Copyright Office, which will allow independent creators to seek up to $30,000 in damages for copyright infringement. The letter concludes: We hope that as our President, your team will build upon your ongoing commitment to strong copyright protection as a bedrock element of American domestic and foreign policy and will help us to combat commercial piracy in the United States and around the globe. Share on: BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The manufacturing sector in China continued to expand in February, albeit at a slower pace, the latest survey from Caixin showed on Monday with a manufacturing PMI score of 50.9. That's down from 51.5 in January, although it remains above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction. Individually, output expanded modestly amid a softer rise in new work as the pandemic weighed on export sales and supplier performance. Greater prices for raw materials and higher transport costs led to a further substantial rise in input costs. As a result, prices charged by manufacturers rose solidly as companies looked to partially pass on higher cost burdens to customers. Business confidence improved on hopes for a global economic recovery in the months ahead. 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. 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. Is that a Zen koan? Sadly, it is not. The American/New York Yacht Club challenger for the worlds oldest sporting trophys current holder, Emirates New Zealand, was eliminated early on. Three countries and their teams were competing in the 36th edition of this event, and this time, their goal was to oust New Zealand on their home waters on March 6. The challengers were the aforementioned Americans, plus the British and the Italians. After a few weeks of intense sailing competition for the qualifying Prada Cup, the Italian boat Luna Rossa, sponsored by luxury brand Prada and tire maker Pirelli, left the American boat Patriot and the British entry Britannia 11 in her wake. The Americas Cup (AC) is thus between the Italians and Emirates New Zealand team. This is the fourth time in the entire 170 years of AC competition that the Americans did not make it to the finals. Photo courtesy of American Magic What happened? How did American Magic (AM), as the effort was branded, funded by billionaires Hap Fauth, Roger Penske and Doug DeVosall with extensive sailing or racing credentials, as well as the support of corporate sponsors, like Airbus, and backed by the New York Yacht Clubsail, or more accurately fly, onto the rocks of defeat? Related A Conversation with Legendary American Sailor Ken Read There will be as many postmortem searches for answers as there are crew on the boats. But here are a few theories gleaned from conversations with longtime Cup observers. Some asked to remain anonymous, preferring not to be trolled by their fellow yachtsmen. However, yacht-racing journalist and commentator Tucker Thompson, known as the Voice of the Cup, spoke to Worth on the record. In a snapshot, it seems their defeat came down to two factors. They lacked enough skill at the helm, particularly at the starts, and the capsize stripped them of the ability to develop and refine the boat and sailing program at a crucial time. Another anonymous point of view? The entire enterprise was so new and untested that it was a technological crapshoot. The design choice for this AC of a 75-foot foiling racing monohull was a radical choice. Foiling racing catamarans, as raced in the last Cup, have usable, understandable sailing technology. These beasts do not. Story continues Proof is that the second boat designed by the American Magic team was radically different from the first boat, so essentially AMs Patriot was a prototype. This is a far cry from the glory days of Dennis Conner and the 12 Metre AC boats that were raced, and thus refined, over decades. These new foilers are designed to reach speeds of 60 mph, so there is little room for error; sailors are in body armor and crash helmets. However, Thompson points out, The future of the AC will always be in boats that are pushing the limits of whats possiblewhich foiling monohulls certainly do. Related How to Buy a Yacht Some validation for this not-ready-for-prime-time theory comes from the capsize of AMs Patriot during the qualifiers. She was badly damaged, almost sank and may not have recovered. Oddly too, the iconic photo that the AM team sent out was of Patriot blasting her way through the water on her starboard stern, the foils creating a cascade of white water, her exposed foil looking like a wind turbine. Patriot appears not well suited to sailing fast in a straight line. The image, in the end, seems to have been prophetic. It is not that the AM effort was underfunded or did not have the best-of-the-best in terms of boat builders and team support experts in areas like flying controls, foil design, weather forecasting and sensor technology. Its just possible that these were too advanced, too new and not tested long enough. COVID-19 may have had an effect too. The entire pre-AC race series was severely truncated. Sailors and their boats did not have enough time to get to know their opponents. Thompson concurs. The pandemic forced the cancellation of AC World Series competitions. These events would have been crucial for the teams to measure their performance against each other. Related This Is the Airbus-Designed Boat That Could Win the Next America's Cup team Another notion was explained to me in Bermuda when I wrote about the 35th Cup four years ago: It is a kids game now. You have to grow up sailing foiling boats to intuitively sail them. If you come from the monohull world and try to compete at the world level in foilers, you are disadvantaged from the get-go. Skiers understand this. There are no world champion snowboarders who started out on skis. Photo courtesy of American Magic The winning skipper of the 35th AC and, therefore, the defender for the 36th, New Zealander Peter Burling, was the worlds best Moth sailor. The Moth is a tiny, one-person, foiling sailboat. Dean Barker, the AM skipper, shows impressive wins, but in one-design keel boats. The transition to flying foils may have been too hard. Ditto for Terry Hutchinson, AM skipper and CEO, who has one of the most impressive winning sailing resumes on the planetsome of them, however, in boats like the J-24 designed in 1975. Thompson does not share this opinion. I think AMs management was extremely capable of doing what they were supposed to do, he explained. The sailing team had more than enough foiling expertise. Related How to Pick a Yacht Charter Or, it could have been all the aboveCOVID-19; unproven boat design; and a crew not instinctually comfortable with foiling. Whatever, come March, the AC will be Luna Rossa Prada/Pirelli against Te Rehutai, the Emirates/New Zealand Cup defender. No one has seen Te Rehutai on the water, as the defender does not have to qualify. How fast she is and how well-sailed is the guessing game to be played out in Aucklands harbor. Going forward, four years from now at the 37th AC, Thompson gets the last word: For sure the Americans will mount another serious challenge and do everything to once again bring back the Cup from whence it came. Cup update: The AC will be postponed, according to event organizers, as Auckland just went into a seven-day lockdown. The post Can You Have an Americas Cup Without the Americans? appeared first on Worth. VANCOUVER - Staff at international bank HSBC were well aware of telecom giant Huawei's control of another company whose business in Iran lies at the heart of fraud allegations against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, the British Columbia Supreme Court heard Monday. VANCOUVER - Staff at international bank HSBC were well aware of telecom giant Huawei's control of another company whose business in Iran lies at the heart of fraud allegations against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, the British Columbia Supreme Court heard Monday. Frank Addario, one of Meng's defence lawyers, told the court that the United States has provided the court with a "manifestly unreliable" description of the case against her and said he has evidence to prove it. Chief financial officer of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou arrives at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver, B.C., Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward Addario is asking the judge to admit affidavits including emails and bank account information into evidence to support the defence team's case at Meng's committal hearing, scheduled for May. "We have evidence showing the picture painted for you about (HSBC's) global risk committee's state of knowledge is unreliable and misleading," Addario said. Meng is accused of misrepresenting Huawei's relationship with Skycom during a 2013 meeting with HSBC, putting the bank at risk of violating U.S. sanctions in Iran. The U.S. alleges Meng called the meeting to reassure the bank and distance Huawei from Skycom after Reuters published articles suggesting HSBC could be at risk. Meng was arrested at Vancouver's airport in 2018 at the request of the United States and remains in Canada on bail while the extradition process is underway. Huawei and Meng, who is the company's chief financial officer and daughter of its founder, deny the allegations. A lawyer for Canada's attorney general, who represents the United States in the case, accused Meng's team Monday of confusing the limits of an extradition case. Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, arrives at B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Monday, March 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward It is inappropriate to ask the judge to weigh things like witness credibility at this stage, Robert Frater said. "An extradition hearing is not a trial," he said, adding that Addario's language asking for evidence to "balance" the picture betrayed him. "The very suggestion is one that leads you to consider competing inferences, which the case law says you cannot do," Frater said. "That is not your role." One of the principles of extradition law is that there is a strong presumption of good faith with respect to the case put forward by the requesting state, he said. Another is that a person charged with a crime will answer to those charges. He accused the defence of "cherry-picking" evidence and making an argument of "he must have known" that isn't necessarily supported. "All of what my friend put to you today, in my respectful submission, is in pursuit of an invitation to you to go beyond the limited function of an extradition judge." Addario acknowledged that extradition hearings are not the place for "credibility contests," nor do extradition judges typically weigh competing accounts of what happened. However, he said it's important that the Canadian court not make any decisions based on misleading information from the requesting state. "Although your powers are limited, there are cases where the inference is so dubious or the evidence is so unreliable that you must admit contrary evidence," he said. Addario told the court at least a dozen emails prove HSBC staff "fully knew" that Skycom was sold to Canicula Holdings in 2007, that Canicula was Skycom's parent company and that Huawei controlled the Canicula accounts. A senior banker overseeing HSBC's relationship with Huawei was also included on several emails describing Canicula "in terms that can only be understood as Huawei controlling the account," he said. Meng's team also wants admitted to evidence a listing of 188 Huawei bank accounts at HSBC from 2011 showing that two were named "Skycom" and "Canicula." "The relationship between these three entities was open knowledge," Addario said. This week marks the beginning of about seven weeks of argument between March and May in Meng's case. Ahead of the actual extradition or committal hearing, Meng's team will argue proceedings should be stayed because she was subjected to an abuse of process. The team alleges the abuses occurred in four different ways and if any is proven, then Meng should be released. The first branch of the abuse of process arguments begins Wednesdayand hinges on public comments made by former U.S. president Donald Trump during his time in office. Meng's team alleges Trump used her as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with China, but Canada's attorney general has countered that the argument is irrelevant now that Trump is out of office. The court will also consider arguments that Meng's arrest at Vancouver's airport on Dec. 1, 2018, was unlawful, that the United States misled Canadian officials in its summary of the allegations against her and that the case doesn't qualify under international law because Meng had no meaningful connection to the United States. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2021. The group that gives out the Golden Globes acknowledged during Sunday's show having "work to do" amid heavy criticism over a lack of diversity in its membership. At the 2021 Golden Globe Awards, members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association came on stage early in the ceremony to address recent criticism after it was revealed that its organization, which consists of 87 people, has zero Black members. "We celebrate the work of artists from around the globe," Helen Hoehne, vice president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, said, per IndieWire. "We recognize we have our own work to do. Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization." HFPA president Ali Sar also told viewers the organization needs to "create an environment where a diverse membership is the norm, not the exception." A recent report confirming that HFPA has zero Black members prompted some calls to boycott this year's Golden Globe Awards, and it came up multiple times during the opening monologue from co-hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Spike Lee was also among those calling out the group before the show began, saying in a statement, "I hope the HFPA understands in order to stay relevant, they must diversify their membership." More stories from theweek.com McCarthy claims during House debate that Dr. Seuss has been outlawed. Dr. Seuss has not been outlawed. The myth of the male bumbler The Trump administration reportedly quietly funded Operation Warp Speed with money set aside for hospitals Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced that the Boeing 737 MAX plane will be allowed to return to service from and to the kingdom, said a report. The return will be done after completing the necessary review, taking necessary measures and completing all necessary tests by the US Federal Aviation Administration, the European Aviation Safety Agency and other civil aviation authorities around the world, said the Saudi Press Agency report. GACA stated that Saudi national carriers do not operate the MAX model, but several foreign airlines operate flights to and from Saudi airports, and several flights cross the kingdom's airspace with the same model. GACA confirmed that the lifting of the temporary suspension came after close coordination with the international civil aviation community regarding changes, licensing and training to ensure the highest level of safety. GACA has published a Navigational Notice (NOTAM) allowing the MAX to return to service, and it has also been published in the Saudi Aviation Information Guide in addition to a directive notice (AC), who will also issue a Type Acceptance Certificate (TCA) when the aircraft is registered for the first time in the National Aircraft Registry. NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Liebhard, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of MultiPlan Corporation ("MultiPlan") f/k/a Churchill Capital Corp. III. ("Churchill III" or the "Company") (NYSE: MPLN) between July 12, 2020 and November 10, 2020 (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you purchased MultiPlan securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit MultiPlan Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Matthew E. Guarnero toll free at (877) 779-1414 or [email protected] Churchill III was formed in 2019 as a blank check company, or SPAC, in October 2019 and completed its IPO on or about February 14, 2020. In July, 2020, Churchill III announced that it had entered into a preliminary agreement to merge with MultiPlan, a New York-based data analytics end-to-end cost management solutions provider to the U.S. healthcare industry. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (a) MultiPlan was losing tens of millions of dollars in sales and revenues to Naviguard, a competitor created by one of MultiPlan's largest customers, UnitedHealthcare, which threatened up to 35% of the Company's sales and 80% of its levered cash flows by 2022; (b) sales and revenue declines in the quarters leading up to the Merger were due to a fundamental deterioration in demand for MultiPlan's services and increased competition; (c) MultiPlan was facing significant pricing pressures for its services and had been forced to materially reduce its take rate in the lead up to the Merger by insurers, causing the Company to cut its take rate by up to half in some cases; (d) as a result, MultiPlan was set to continue to suffer from revenues and earnings declines, increased competition and deteriorating pricing dynamics following the Merger; (e) as a result, MultiPlan was forced to seek continued revenue growth and to improve its competitive positioning through price acquisitions; (f) as a result, Churchill III investors had grossly overpaid for the acquisition of MultiPlan in the Merger. On November 11, 2020, one month after the close of the Merger, Muddy Waters published a research report titled "MultiPlan: Private Equity Necrophilia Meets The Great 2020 Money Grab." According to the report, MultiPlan was in significant financial decline because of its fundamentally flawed business model, which profited from excessively high healthcare costs. On this news, the price of Churchill III securities plummeted. By November 12, 2020, the price of Churchill III Class A common stock fell to a low of just $6.12 per share, nearly 40% below the price at which shareholders could have redeemed their shares at the time of the shareholder vote on the Merger. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 26, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member. If you purchased MultiPlan securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit https://www.bernlieb.com/cases/multiplancorporation-mpln-shareholder-class-action-lawsuit-fraud-stock-366/apply/ or contact Matthew E. Guarnero toll free at (877) 779-1414 or [email protected]. Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2021 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. The lawyer responsible for this advertisement in the State of Connecticut is Michael S. Bigin. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. Contact Information Matthew E. Guarnero Bernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com (877) 779-1414 [email protected] SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP Related Links http://www.bernlieb.com A FAMILY bakery in Henley which was rescued from closure will re-open on Monday. David Rodger-Sharp, who owns the jewellery shops of the same name in Duke Street and Bell Street, has refurbished Lawlors at Henley Enterprise Park, off Greys Road, following his takeover. He stepped in after owners Mike Lawlor, the son of founder John Lawlor, and his business partner Anne Baker (both pictured) announced they were retiring as the ongoing coronavirus lockdown had made it impractical to keep going. The pair will continue as advisors. Mr Rodger-Sharp has hired five new staff, including head baker Tona Erreguin, who recently moved to Henley from Mexico and previously worked as a baker for Michelin-starred restaurants. Some staff will also serve in the bakerys new cafe at the former Sole Man cobblers unit in Duke Street. This will sell hot and cold sandwiches as well as sushi. Mr Rodger-Sharp, from Peppard, has replaced the flooring and equipment at the bakery in readiness for a food hygiene inspection by South Oxfordshire District Council. He said: The bakery was fine as it was but its just a case of modernising it. Weve got things being built off site and weve bought a whole lot of new equipment. We should be baking bread by the end of the month and start trading at Duke Street by Monday. Well be looking at product development and ensuring our existing products are at the same high standard as they were under Mike and Anne. Well be contacting existing customers to introduce ourselves as soon as possible and talk about any new products. Mr Rodger-Sharp will run the bakery with his business partners Marc Maslin, a chef from Buckinghamshire, and Andy Byerley. He says he bought Lawlors to keep the historic name alive. The company was founded in London in 1948 and moved to Henley in 1956, occupying units in Reading Road, Duke Street and Market Place at various points. Its old oven still stands in the Crockers Henley restaurant in Market Place. EMEA Clifford Chance is delighted to announce that Aneta Disman, Counsel from Prague Real Estate team, has made it to the list of TOP 100 women of Czech-Slovak legal industry. INFO.CZ portal in cooperation with #PRVNICH100LET has prepared a unique overview of a hundred women who cover key segments of the legal business in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The overview was compiled by the representatives of the project on the basis of documents from the international rankings Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, IFLR1000, as well as the local rankings Law Firm of the Year with each category being consulted with experts working in the field. Emil Holub, Partner of the Real Estate practice, added: "Inclusion and diversity is a core value of the firm and also of the law, thus I am very proud to see Aneta being ranked among the TOP 100 women lawyers. We believe that to help achieve diversity and inclusion in the legal industry, we have to be in the foreground, and so we introduced new global and regional gender, ethnicity and LGBT+ targets last year to ensure greater ambition, progress and accountability are embedded across the firm's global network. On behalf of the entire firm, I warmly congratulate her." Plans for the countrys biggest offshore wind farm go on display today as part of a first phase of public consultation on the project. The Codling Wind Park proposed for off the Co Wicklow coast could generate up to 1,500 megawatts of electricity enough to power 1.2 million homes. As currently designed, it would comprise 140 of the largest wind turbines in the world, reaching up to 320m high. These would be spaced out along a 16km stretch of sea between Greystones and Wicklow town, around 13km off the coast. Joint venture developers, EDF Renewables and Fred Olsen Renewables, say they will be ready to submit planning applications to An Bord Pleanala for the park and onshore support structures late this year or early in 2022. With the necessary permits, they could begin construction in 2024 or 2025 and have the park completed two to three years later. However, the work will have to receive Maritime Area Consents, a new form of permit for development at sea which will be introduced when the Marine Planning and Development Bill becomes law. The bill is still in draft form. The initial phase of public consultation will take place over the next three weeks and include a virtual exhibition, two webinars hosted by the project team and a series of virtual information clinics to enable individuals and small groups to meet with project representatives. Read More Project director Arno Verbeek said: We are in the early stages of planning our project and this is the first of many opportunities people will have to see our progress and provide their feedback. Feedback is incredibly important to us, and we hope that many people will take the time to view our initial plans and share their thoughts with us. This input will help us to shape and design the project in the months ahead. Offshore wind parks are a key part of the Climate Action Plan which requires a rapid increase in the amount of electricity produced from renewable sources. Just under 40pc of the countrys electricity comes from renewables, mainly onshore wind farms, but that needs to rise to 70pc by 2030. By that time the amount of electricity needed to power the country is expected to have risen by up to 55pc. EDF and Fred Olsen say the Codling Wind Park could generate 1,000 construction jobs and 70 long-term locally based jobs once the site becomes operational. Co Wicklows coastline currently hosts the only offshore wind park in the country, a seven-turbine development off Arklow which began operating in 2004. Another park is planned for off the Arklow coast, south of the Codling area, and the Dublin Array project is proposed for an area beginning north of Codling, off the coast of Bray and stretching up across Dublin Bay. A development at Codling was first proposed in 2005, with preliminary consents being granted for up to 220 wind turbines but it did not proceed. Those turbines were expected to be no taller than 160m, with rotor diameters of up to 120m. However advances in technology mean the new turbines could be twice as tall with rotors more than double the length. Every 15 days the Ministry of Health reviews the epidemiological situation of Spanish Communities and foreign countries to decide whether or not to maintain the current restrictions. On Friday the Ministry decided that visitors from 8 Spanish Communities wont have to present a negative PCR test when they arrive in the Balearic Islands. The Communities that are now exempt are Cantabria with an accumulated incidence rate of 150.75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; Castilla-La Mancha with 119.59; the Valencian Community with 138.59; Extremadura with 69.40; Navarra with 138.66; Murcia with 115.27 and La Rioja with 103.54. Tourists from Germany will also be allowed to enter the Balearics without a negative PCR test because the countrys incidence rate is 126 per 100,000 inhabitants. The United Kingdom has an incidence rate of 233.9 per 100,000 inhabitants; France has 418 and the Netherlands has 324. The restrictions in Mallorca are being relaxed slightly on Tuesday with the opening of bar and restaurant terraces until 17:00, but the new travel restrictions mean visitors from Communities with worse data will be allowed to enter the Balearic Islands without proof that they are free of coronavirus. The Government has always insisted that controls at ports and airports are vital to prevent the spread of the virus and the Ministry of Health says the incidence rate to qualify for travel may be reduced from 150, but that decision will have to be made by the Central Government because if would affect all Autonomous Communities. Government Spokesperson, Iago Neguruela has said the possibility of imposing more restrictions on travellers should be discussed in the Inter-territorial Health Commission and stressed the importance of maintaining controls at ports and airports. Vaccinations The vaccination process has had a positive effect in Nursing Homes, where only two new positive cases have been recorded. 259 residents of Nursing Homes have died from Covid-19 since the pandemic began. So far 68,1092 vaccines have been administered and 22,385 Balearic residents have had both injections. Argentine military personnel are on duty at a mobile field hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Feb. 25, 2021. The mobile field hospital, consisting of 13 trucks and donated by China, is expected to boost Argentina's medical capacity amid the ravaging pandemic. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua) BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A mobile field hospital, consisting of 13 trucks and donated by China, is expected to boost Argentina's medical capacity amid the ravaging pandemic. Each of the 13 trucks corresponds to a different function of the mobile hospital, including an operating vehicle, a first aid vehicle, an X-ray diagnostic vehicle, a biochemical lab vehicle, a sterilization vehicle and an energy supply vehicle. There are also a water supply vehicle, a kitchen vehicle, a washing machine vehicle, an oxygen generator vehicle, a shower vehicle, a restroom vehicle and a tent support vehicle. Along with the mobile hospital, four patient tents, 90 VHF portable radios and 15 VHF backpack radios were also donated. The mobile hospital will be operated by the Argentine Army's Health Department in consultation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Argentina's Defense Ministry said in a press release. The handover ceremony was held Thursday at the Campo de Mayo Military Base in northwest Buenos Aires, with participation of Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers Santiago Cafiero, Defense Minister Agustin Rossi, Health Minister Carla Vizzotti and Chinese Ambassador to Argentina Zou Xiaoli. Cafiero thanked China for "the backing and support" and praised the donation as an action of solidarity, which reflects "a cooperative world vision on the part of the Chinese government." Rossi expressed "deep gratitude and enormous joy" for the donation, which "is extremely important for Argentina's health system and military health." "Argentina didn't have a self-propelled, portable and mobile hospital. We are incorporating it into the military health system, and obviously it will be available for" the Health Ministry, Rossi added. The minister emphasized that the "mobile capacity of the 13 modules in trucks will allow us to reach different parts of Argentina immediately and precisely." Vizzotti stressed that the mobile hospital is "a key tool in providing answers" amid the current situation, adding that it arrives at "a very relevant moment. It is a very important example of what international collaboration means." The donation is another milestone in the two countries' cooperation against COVID-19. On Thursday night, Argentina received its first batch of vaccines from Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinopharm. In addition, medical teams from both countries have had in-depth exchanges since the outbreak of the pandemic. Press Release March 1, 2021 SPONSORSHIP SPEECH P.S. Res. No. 668 Recommending the Immediate Launch of Pilot Testing of Localized Limited Face-to-Face Classes Delivered by the Honorable Win Gatchalian, Senator of the 18th Congress: Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I bid you good afternoon. I take the floor this afternoon in hopes of enlisting your support for the adoption of this Proposed Senate Resolution, which expresses the sense of this esteemed body in recommending that the Department of Education immediately launch its Pilot Testing Program to test the waters for the implementation of localized limited face-to-face classes. The necessity of launching the face-to- face pilot test became clear after four in-depth hearings conducted by the Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the basic education system under Proposed Senate Resolution No. 391. An alarming revelation reported by UNICEF is that the Philippines is only one of 14 countries worldwide and the only nation in the East Asia and Pacific region whose schools have stayed continuously closed since the pandemic hit full swing in March 2020. This, despite the fact that the Philippines is nowhere near the bottom 14 worldwide in terms of COVID-19 pandemic response and overall situation on the ground in terms of infections. In fact, the large majority of areas in the Philippines are already under the most lenient MGCQ or New Normal classification. There are even 433 municipalities and 3 cities that have been declared COVID-free. The inescapable conclusion drawn from the data is that as many as 25 million Filipino learners enrolled in the basic education system are being left behind by their learner peers throughout the region and across the world. After all, the preliminary assessment of the committee is that blended learning under the Basic Education- Learning Continuity Program of the DepEd has failed to provide a stable and passable level of educational quality, despite the best efforts of our students, teachers, and parents during these unprecedented times. Thus, keeping Filipino learners up to par with international standards of academic achievement and personal development would require the gradual reimplementation of face-to- face classes in relatively low-risk COVID areas pursuant to stringent public health, hygiene, and sanitary policies and protocols. I would like to underline the fact that this resolution does not seek to railroad the return of face-to-face classes nationwide. What is sought here is to empower DepEd - in cooperation with LGUs, parents and guardians, and local communities as a whole - to begin a methodical process of gathering evidence on the ground to guide its framework for the safe reopening of schools using a risk-based assessment to identify, analyze and reduce the risks affecting each school. This is the critical first step towards gradually reopening schools in localities which are prepared to minimize public health risks and keep our children, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders safe and secure from COVID-19 infection. Significantly, the face-to-face pilot test would also lay the groundwork for other essential services related to the basic education system, such as the resumption of school feeding programs and the speedy implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination drive for the benefit of teachers and other stakeholders susceptible to adult-to-adult transmission. Mr. President, we cannot allow Filipino learners to be left behind any longer. On the long and harrowing road toward ending the perennial education crisis in our country, the implementation and normalization of face-to-face education in the New Normal is a pivotal milestone that can only be achieved if we are willing to take the first brave step of launching the pilot testing of localized limited face-to-face classes. Therefore, I respectfully urge the body to join Senators Binay, Pangilinan, Poe, Cayetano, Villanueva, Angara, and yours truly in supporting the adoption of the proposed Senate resolution. Thank you, Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, for allowing me to sponsor this measure. As part of the Covid-19 economic recovery, Visa is making great strides towards its goal to help eight million small businesses across Europe to adapt and take advantage of digital commerce. Visa (NYSE: V) today announced more than 100 partners across Europe have joined the Where You Shop Matters initiative to help small business owners build digital capabilities and continue serving their communities. More than two million small firms across Europe have received support since the launch of the program in summer 2020. The announcement marks a major milestone in Visas commitment to help eight million small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) in Europe and 50 million globally - to get online, adapt and future proof their business. Across Europe, Covid-19 continues to have a devastating impact on small businesses. Research conducted by Visa revealed that 65% of small businesses are concerned about the future of their business.1 With many having to operate under restrictions and lockdowns, small businesses are increasingly moving their operations online and embracing digital payments. Visa data shows that over 10 countries in Europe have seen a 20% increase in online sales and eight in ten transactions are now contactless. Hemlata Narasimhan, SVP, Merchant Sales and Acquiring Europe at Visa said: "Small businesses play a crucial role in our communities and many continue to operate under challenging conditions brought on by Covid-19. We continue to be inspired by the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit many small business owners have shown, adapting how they do business to keep serving their customers. "We are proud that over two million small businesses have been able to benefit from our partner initiatives. We remain committed to continue working with our clients and partners towards an economic recovery that keeps small businesses at the heart of our communities." Since announcing its commitment to support eight million small businesses across Europe in their digital transformation journey, Visa has joined forces with banks, governments, commerce platforms and technology partners to digitally enable small businesses. Highlights include: Story continues Public Private Partnerships: In the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, Visa is working with governments to provide small business access to contactless acceptance terminals and software free of charge for the first 12 months. Governments in 29 countries have responded and raised the contactless limit to make it easier to for consumers to pay touch free. New acceptance technology: Tap-to-Phone, a new Visa technology that transforms mobile devices into payment terminals, is helping thousands of small business owners to accept digital payments in the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia Turkey, Ukraine and the UK. New online tools: Setting up a business online can be a daunting task. Visa is working with online platforms and digital marketplaces so that small stores can set up an online presence with minimal cost and hassle. These programmes have been launched in several countries across Europe supporting thousands of local businesses. Visa has also expanded its Practical Business Skills platform, a global digital platform delivering free education resources to help small and micro business (SMB) owners make confident, informed decisions to grow their businesses through expanded digital transformation. New banking tools: Small firms are also turning to digital banking tools to help manage their finances during a critical time for their business. In partnership with banks and FinTechs across Europe, Visa has over 30 new business card programmes that help small firms better manage their cashflow and purchasing, while offering access to innovative, new business banking tools. Community Engagement: Visa has expanded its Where You Shop Matters campaign, calling on consumers to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities. Examples of local campaigns to galvanise support for local shops include Champion Green (Ireland), Smart SME (Turkey) and Fiver Fest (UK). Over 100 programmes have launched supported by industry partners including Alpha Bank, Akbank, Axerve, Banca Sella, Banco Santander, BeeDigital, CEC Bank, the Co-Operative bank, Clickandcollection.com, Fiserv, Fruugo, iCard- myPOS, Israel Credit Cards, Juni, National Bank of Greece, Tyl by NatWest, Nexi, Orderbird, Oma Savings Bank Plc, Payplug, Piraeus Bank, ShopAppy.com, Shopify, Viva Wallet, WorldLine amongst others. These initiatives have helped provide more than two million small firms with the tools, capabilities and resources to adapt, trade online and meet consumer demand for digital payments. "Banca Sella is actively committed in supporting SMBs in their digital journey, offering smart and effective solutions to allow them to scale their business to the next level thanks to digital payments," said Rosy Alaia, Head of Electronic Payment Systems, Banca Sella. "During the current pandemic weve seen a strong shift towards digital payments but is still plenty of opportunities for Italian small merchants to further improve their digital acceptance, matching new consumer trends and expectations of smart and alternative way to pay. We believe we can achieve this objective also thanks to the collaboration with partners like Visa." "Fiserv enables payments for millions of businesses across a wide range of sectors in Europe and globally, and we have seen firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled small businesses to seek out technology that enables them to operate in new, more digital ways," states Nigel Motyer, senior vice president of Global Business Solutions for Fiserv in EMEA. "Payments are an integral part of any small business, and were proud to partner with companies like VISA to equip businesses to meet customers demands for secure and convenient digital payment options." "For Worldline, specific customer insight and solid partnerships are key elements that ensure we continuously bring relevance and value to our merchants", says Roger Niederer, Chief Market Officer Merchant Services at Worldline. "Together with strategic partners, such as Visa, we can broaden and deepen the reach of electronic payments in a variety of markets and verticals, work on future-oriented omni-channel solutions and help increase the conversion of sales." Positive start but more work to be done With many economies in Europe beginning 2021 with further restrictions, Visa is enlisting the help of its network and calling on more partners to support its initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses with the aim of digitizing millions of small firms in this crucial period for recovery. For more information, please visit https://www.visa.co.uk/where-you-shop-matters.html About Visa Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the worlds leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The companys relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of digital commerce on any device, for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit About Visa, visa.com/blog and @VisaNews. 1 Visa European SME Research in partnership with Dynata (January 2021) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005196/en/ Contacts Jemma Magrath jemma.magrath@grayling.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. An investigation has been launched after possible human remains including a skull was found close to an abandoned pub in Bolton. Police have cordoned off an area of woodland near the boarded-up building. Tests and forensic analysis is currently being carried out, Greater Manchester Police said tonight. It is not believed that the discovery is linked to any ongoing investigations, they added. Tests and forensic analysis is currently being carried out, Greater Manchester Police said tonight It is not believed that the discovery is linked to any ongoing investigations, police say Two eyewitnesses say officers were called to the area, just off Blackburn Road, near Egerton Park, at around 12.20am. The couple who made the discovery, Danny and Felicity Duffy, run a paranormal investigation Youtube channel. They spoke of their shock after discovering what they claim was a human skull. An army-style jacket was also found close to the remains, they said. The couple immediately dialled 999 to alert police. Danny said they are 'shaken up' by the discovery and were unable to sleep after police released them from the scene at around 3.30am. 'I've not slept,' Danny said. 'I can't get it out of my mind. I've never come across anything like that before. 'We both felt sad. Felicity has been quite upset. 'We've only slept for about an hour. As soon as I woke up I thought it was a bad dream.' The couple were in the area filming when they made the grim discovery. 'We were doing our normal routine and about 10 or 15 minutes in we spotted something,' Danny says. 'There was a jacket on the floor. Then I saw what looked like a pebble on the floor. The couple who made the discovery, Danny and Felicity Duffy, run a paranormal investigation Youtube channel 'I moved the bushes to the side and it was a human skull in the tree line. It really did give us a shock. 'My legs turned to jelly. We rang the police straight away.' He added: 'A police van came down almost immediately and two officers came to the scene. 'We were sat in the back of the police van for almost four hours.' A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called at around 12.35am on Monday 1 March to a report of a suspicious item being found off Blackburn Road, Egerton. 'Officers attended and found possible human remains. 'Enquiries are ongoing and a scene is in place whilst tests and forensic analysis are carried out to ascertain the circumstances. 'No arrests have been made. There is no threat to the wider public.' Four men attacked a luxury car delivery driver in suburban Chicago and took off with three high-end vehicles, authorities said. The attack, which was captured on video, took place early in the morning on Feb. 25 at Jidd Motors in Des Plaines, police said in a release. The driver was repeatedly punched and kicked as the assailants ordered him to hand over keys, police said. He suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his wrist and leg surveillance video shows him hopping away from the attackers as they make off with the cars. The driver has had to have two surgeries, dealership owner Adam Jidd told news outlets. He said two BMWs and an Alfa Romeo were stolen. Theyre really quick, Jidd told WLS-TV of the suspects. Professional. Theyre all masked up. They have gloves on them. They know what theyre doing. Surveillance video also showed the suspects inside another Jidd Motors location nearby about 20 minutes before the delivery driver was attacked. Jidd said they tried to take some cars from inside a warehouse but were unsuccessful. Jidd said he would hire armed security to work at both locations. No arrests have been announced. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Fraud Personal Auto Illinois Recently, the 78th Golden Globe Awards were held in the United States that focuses on honoring the best films and television series of 2020. One of the most heartwarming moments from the awards was when late actor Chadwick Boseman was honored with the Best Actor Award for his role in Ma Raineys Black Bottom. Fans got extremely emotional when he received this award six months after his sad demise due to colon cancer. His wife Taylor Simone Ledward accepted the award on his behalf which led to everyone getting teary-eyed. Check out the video here- Taylor Simone Ledward accepts the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama on behalf of her late husband @chadwickboseman at the #GoldenGlobes.pic.twitter.com/UOgdLlnA52 Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021 Taylor Simone in her speech remembered everyone her late husband would have thanked and she broke down into tears while giving the speech and said that she doesnt have his words. She also said, He would have said something beautiful, he would have said something inspiring. Here what his fans on the internet have to say about the late actors win- The King Never Dies. We Miss You. Alejandro Cazares (@RedGalaxy17) March 1, 2021 Ok this one made me cry. Such a talented man gone too soon. #WakandaForever Holly Marsh (@Hollym1962) March 1, 2021 Chadwick Boseman winning a posthumous Golden Globe being well-deserved is understated. Man was one of the most skillful actors of his generation for the roles he embodied and brought to life. Let this be the first of many accolades he continues to receive #RIP Matt OD (@Matt_OD_) March 1, 2021 Im crying yall..I hope Chadwick wife dont have to accept every award for him..thats to painful for her. trow em (@GeoItla59) March 1, 2021 Whew...goodness goodness goodness. So much grace and strength Rachel Williams (@rachelw627) March 1, 2021 When she said he wouldve said something beautiful pic.twitter.com/tSQXtuWbEa mik was CAPTAVENGR (@frasersmcu) March 1, 2021 One last award to one incredible man. Wherever you are Chadwick, congratulations. And thank you for sharing your talents with the world. Rest well king. pic.twitter.com/H72NlPewYG Mucc (@TheLonelyMucc) March 1, 2021 Chadwick Boseman was a critically acclaimed actor who was widely loved by his fans worldwide and was known for his films such as Black Panther. He passed away in August 2020 and had kept his illness private and worked religiously without letting his health complications affect his professional life. His fans and the industry are pouring in love and are celebrating his stellar work and the legacy that he has left behind. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below! New Delhi: Before stalking Varnika Kundu on August 4 in Chandigarh, Vikas Barala had bought alcohol. This was validated with a CCTV footage which clearly shows Vikas and Ashish buying alcohol from a store in Sector 9. The CCTV footage can be used as an evidence. The CCTV footage supports Varnikas complaint in which she said that Vikas was drunk while stalking her. Earlier on Thursday, a Chandigarh court sent Vikas Barala and other accused to two days of police custody in connection with stalking case. The Chandigarh police produced Vikas Barala, son of Haryana BJP president Subhash Barala, before the court with other accused, Ashish. According to sources, accused Vikas Barala has accepted during interrogation that he was stalking Varnika Kundus car. On Wednesday, the police decided to press attempt to kidnap charge against Vikas Barala and another person, who had allegedly stalked and tried to abduct the daughter of an IAS officer, officials had said. Vikas Barala, son of Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala, and the other accused were arrested by the police. Also read | Chandigarh stalking case: Court sends Vikas Barala to two-day police custody For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Iranian MFA categorically denies the accusations of Tehran's involvement in the attack on an Israeli ship in the Gulf of Oman, voiced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the official representative of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Saeed Khatibzadeh noted. Earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking the Jewish state-owned ship Helios Ray in the Gulf of Oman last week. According to him, there is no doubt that it was an Iranian operation. On Friday, the United Kingdom's Maritime Trade Organization reported an explosion on a ship off the coast of the Gulf of Oman. No one was injured. In turn, Reuters, referring to the British company Dryad Global, which deals with safety at sea, reported that it is about the Helios Ray vessel, which was heading to Singapore from the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia. According to the agency, the vessel is owned by a Tel Aviv-based company and is used to transport vehicles. Frankfort, KY (40601) Today Generally cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 76F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. New Delhi, March 1 : One of the leaders of Congress' dissenting group, Anand Sharma, on Monday objected to the Congress-Left alliance in West Bengal, saying that the core ideology cannot be compromised, adding that the Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations. "Congress' alliance with parties like ISF and other such forces militates against the core ideology of the party and Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism, which forms the soul of the party. These issues need to be approved by the CWC," Sharma said. "Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations, irrespective of religion and colour," he added. The Left and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) are in talks with the Congress over seat sharing arrangements in poll-bound Bengal. The Congress and the Left are in alliance with the ISF and want to make the Assembly polls a triangular contest, and not only between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. The saffron party has placed itself as the main opposition in the state after winning 18 seats in the Lok Sabha polls there in 2019. IANS Miz Bling Empire star Christine Chiu turned heads with a super stylish look on Sunday. The 37-year-old was spotted heading to The Ivy in West Hollywood for a lunch meeting with Bling Empire producer Jeff Jenkins and the duo could be seen enjoying a chat on the patio of the upscale eatery. Christine hopped out of her sleek Bentley wearing a plunging YVY leather vest with bold blue wide-leg pants. Bling Empire's Christine Chiu stepped out looking stylish in West Hollywood on Sunday She wore towering black platforms and accessorized with a small teal Saint Laurent bag and some statement sunglasses. Christine, who is a self-described 'philanthropist, investor, and couture collector,' was born in Taiwan, but now the heiress lives in ritzy Bel-Air with her family. Christine has been married to celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu for 14 years and couple have one son, Gabriel, who is two and a half years old. Style: The 37-year-old reality star wore some bright blue wide-leg pants and a YVY leather vest for the outing Al fresco dining: Christine met with Bling Empire producer Jeff Jenkins at The Ivy The brunette beauty isn't a stay-at-home wife, however. When the couple said 'I do' in 2008, they also opened Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc. While her husband performs the surgeries, the Pepperdine University grad serves as the medispa's managing director. The couple is worth a reported $80 million, and they also have royal ties. Dr. Chiu is a direct descendant of the Song dynasty in China, something she brags about on the show. LA living: The duo sat on the patio with a transparent screen for safety Family: Christine has been married to celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu for 14 years. They have a two-year-old son, Gabriel Chiu III, whom she calls 'Baby G' 'In China, my husband's father would be an emperor, and Baby G would be a little prince,' she explains. A group of wildly wealthy Asian and Asian American socialites in Los Angeles are bringing the drama while showing off their lavish lifestyle on Netflix's new reality series Bling Empire. Dubbed a cross between the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians and Keeping Up With the Kardashians, the show follows the glamorous lives of Kane Lim, the son of a Singaporean billionaire, and his friends. Press Release March 1, 2021 CO-SPONSORSHIP SPEECH OF SENATOR FRANCIS "KIKO" PANGILINAN PSR 668 - On the Immediate Launch of Pilot Testing of Localized Limited Face-to-face Classes in 1,065 Public Schools Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Majority Leader. Good afternoon, distinguished colleagues. First, we would like to commend our colleague, Senator Win Gatchalian, for the prompt action on the glaring findings reported to us in the Senate Hearing of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture conducted in the last few weeks, and again on his Privilege Speech "The Perennial Crisis of the Education System" delivered shortly after. We feel the same urgency, as it was reported to us that the Philippines, pre-pandemic, has already been lagging behind in terms of education worldwide. What more now that we are nearing the anniversary, first year anniversary of our nationwide school closures? At this point, the only country in the East Asia and the Pacific Region to remain so. We remember some anecdotes shared with us by the education advocacy group, Aral Pilipinas. Catherine of Bagong Silang, Caloocan said, "Dahil ngayong blended learning ang mga bata ay hindi gaanong makapag-focus sa pag-aaral gawa ng minsan mahina ang signal ng mga data o wifi sa kanila kaya ang mga bata hindi nakakapasok. At sa hina ng signal hindi naiintindihan ng mga bata kung ano ang tinuturo ng guro nila. Minsan ang guro nawawalan din ng signal." Meanwhile, according to Lliceda of Mandaue City, "Mas OK yung face-to-face na ang klase kasi parang stressed sila sa module pag online. Gusto naman ng mga bata yung face-to-face, mag-ingat lang, [dapat merong] social distancing at naka-face mask, dala ng alcohol para safe at saka yung pag take sa Vitamin C nila." Kahit itong representation na ito, ang aking 11-year-old na si Miguel ay nag-di-distance learning at hirap na hirap din kaming mag-adjust maya't maya. Sabi nga parang kami na rin ang naka-enroll sa distance learning sa stress at pressure ng ating mga anak. These narratives are echoed in many places around the country, particularly in places with zero active Covid cases where parents are wondering: When will children be allowed to return to school when said children are already allowed to play outside? When there's news that children will be allowed inside cinemas and shopping centers? At sabi pa doon sa hearing, ang mga massage parlor, pupuwede na raw magbukas, pero 'yung ating mga eskwelahan hindi pa. Nasaan daw ang priorities, ika nga? When a great number of families still have limited access to the Internet and devices that would allow for a seamless transition to blended learning? Isang taon na po ang nakalilipas, pero karamihan ng mga problemang hinaharap ng ating education system ay pareho pa rin hanggang ngayon. In fact, dahil nga sa closure, mas nadagdagan pa. According to the Philippine Pediatric Society, a short-term effect of school closures leads to a "summer slide," meaning learning loss during a break. Said disruptions are equal to significant learning loss. They equated it as such: one year of closure is equal to two years loss of learning. Dalawang taon na po halos ang kailangang habulin ng ating mga paaralan at mga mag-aaral. At bawat pagpapatagal natin sa pagbubukas ng klase, ay mas dumadagdag pa ito. Hindi pa riyan natatapos, dahil meron pa raw mga long-term effects. Malaki ang posibilidad ng pagdami ng mga "drop outs," nababawasan ang kagustuhang matuto, nababawasan daw ang mga "foundational skills" na mahirap i-regain at reintegrate sa loob ng education system. Sa isang normal na classroom situation, 22% ang learning gain. Ngunit sa ilalim ng distance education, there is 78% loss or learning is 78% less. Nakakaalarma. We are obligated by the Constitution and the many international statutes on the rights of the child to provide the best environment where children can safely grow and thrive. We have to listen to the experts in child development. We appeal to the government to urgently reconsider the decision to postpone the pilot testing of the limited face-to-face classes. We echo our sentiments last week: We need to be prepared. Before a mass reopening of classes, we need to gain experience-based knowledge on how to effectively and safely reopen our schools. If government's concern is that reopening schools in 1,000 pilot areas may be unsafe given the new variant, this representation suggested in the hearing for DepEd to consider reducing perhaps even further or scaling down the pilot areas to 500 or even 100 on the condition that piloting is a must if we are to determine the various challenges that will be encountered in the eventual reopening of our schools at some point in the future. The sooner we pilot, the sooner we will be able to ensure sufficient preparations, the sooner we will be able to learn about the gaps and address them. Reopening schools nationwide will require proof of concept, and this is achieved soonest with the invaluable experiences gained because of successful selected rollouts in these piloted areas. We are running out of time. The future of the country will heavily depend on how we are able to nourish and educate our children. It is our very future we are depriving of effective education. Kailangan din po siguruhin na idiin na hindi naman basta-basta bubuksan ang klase. Maraming protocols na ipapatupad -- limitado ang mga paaralan at mag-aaral na sasali, at sa mga piling lugar lamang ilalagay o maisisiguro ang kaligtasan. Ang mas mahalaga ay magkaroon na tayo ng karanasan kung paano ito gagawin. At gagawin nga ito, precisely, para hindi basta-bastang buksan ang ating mga paaralan. We owe it to our students, their parents, school faculty, and staff, to be able to provide a safe environment to resume classes. We can only do that if we have the experience. Kung alam na natin kung ano ang epektibo, dapat, at ligtas na gawin, kung paano ito gagawin. Wag na po sana nating idagdag ang krisis sa edukasyon sa marami nang krisis na hinaharap ng ating bansa ngayon. We urge our colleagues to adopt this Senate resolution. Maraming salamat. A woman in Thailand couldn't believe her luck after stumbling across almost 190,000-worth of whale vomit near her beach house. Siriporn Niamrin, 49, had been walking along the beach after a rainstorm when she noticed a large mass washed up on the shore in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand on February 23. Upon closer inspection, she noticed the substance smelled like fish, so she dragged the mass away from the beach - believing her find could be worth some money. Siriporn Niamrin, 49, couldn't believe her luck after stumbling across almost 190,000-worth of whale vomit near her beach house in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand The 49-year-old had been walking along the beach on February 23 when she came across the huge lump of whale vomit After asking her neighbours for some help with the oval-shaped find, Siriporn was shocked to be told the substance was whale vomit, known as ambergris. At 12 inches wide and 24 inches long and weighing around 15lb, the ambergris has an estimated value of 186,500. In order to verify the authenticity of the ambergris, Siriporn and her neighbours held a naked flame up to the mass, causing part of it to melt and then harden again after cooling. Siriporn is now waiting for experts to visit her house to confirm that the lump is genuine ambergris, the rare ingredient used in the perfume industry. She said: 'If I really have the genuine ambergris, I can help my community once I find a buyer for it. After asking her neighbours for some help with the oval-shaped find, Siriporn was shocked to be told the substance was whale vomit, known as ambergris, which is highly-sought after in the perfume industry At 12 inches wide and 24 inches long and weighing around 15lb, the ambergris has an estimated value of 186,500 Siriporn is now waiting for experts to visit her house to confirm that the lump is genuine ambergris. Pictured: Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Siriporn discovered the lump of whale vomit 'I feel lucky to have found such a large piece. I hope it will bring me money. I'm keeping it safe in my house and I have asked the local council to visit to check it.' Ambergris is produced by sperm whales when bile ducts in the gastrointestinal tract make secretions to ease the passage of large or sharp objects. The whale then vomits the mucilage which solidifies and floats on the surface of the ocean. The solid chunk has a foul smell at first but after the mucilage dries out, it develops a sweet and long-lasting fragrance, which makes it a sought-after ingredient in the perfume industry. In April 2016, a 3.5lb ambergris ball found in Lancashire sold for 50,000 while in November of the same year, three Omani fishermen found 176lb of ambergris and sold it for 2.1million. With currents flowing in from the South China Sea, Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Siriporn found the ambergris, has a history of the whale vomit washing up on its shores. "Over the past 50 years, Southwest Airlines' Purpose has been to connect People to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel," said Bill Tierney, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing. "When our Customers are ready, Southwest is here to help plan their next getaway. With our expanding network, flexible policies, and low faresthe perfect spring and summer adventure awaits." Hurry and book! Seats, days, and markets are limited. See a full list of fares, fare rules, and terms and conditions below and at Southwest.com. Examples of one-way low fares include: As low as $29 one-way nonstop between New Orleans and Houston (Bush) , one-way nonstop between and , As low as $29 one-way nonstop between Baltimore/Washington (BWI) and LaGuardia , one-way nonstop between and , As low as $29 one-way nonstop between Phoenix and Palm Springs, Calif. , one-way nonstop between and , As low as $54 one-way nonstop between Nashville and Fort Lauderdale , one-way nonstop between and , As low as $99 one-way nonstop between Long Beach, Calif. and Honolulu ( Oahu ) , and one-way nonstop between and , and As low as $99 one-way nonstop between Long Beach, Calif. and Kahului ( Maui ). These flights, as well as the carrier's published schedule through August 16, 2021, can be purchased at Southwest.com. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SALE FARE RULES Purchase today, March 1, 2021, through March 4, 2021, 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time. Continental U.S., San Juan, Puerto Rico, and international travel valid April 13, 2021, through June 2, 2021. Hawaii travel valid April 13, 2021, through May 26, 2021. Except as otherwise specified, continental U.S. travel is valid only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Travel continental U.S. to/from Hawaii is valid Monday through Thursday. Interisland Hawaii travel not valid on Fridays and Sundays. Travel to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico is valid Monday through Thursday. International travel is valid Monday through Thursday. Travel to Mexico is valid only on Sundays through Wednesdays. Travel from Mexico is valid only on Tuesdays through Fridays. Fares are valid on nonstop service where indicated; if not indicated, fares are valid on a single connecting service. Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees. Rapid Rewards points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight. Seats and days are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of the week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available for one-way Wanna Get Away fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare rules apply. Sale fares may be available on other days of the week, but that's not guaranteed. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest, as long as reservations are canceled at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel may require an upgrade to the Anytime fare depending on Rapid Rewards tier status. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies only to published, scheduled service. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. In its 50th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 56,000 Employees to a Customer base that topped 130 million Passengers in 2019. Southwest has a robust network of point-to-point service with a strong presence across top leisure and business markets. In peak travel seasons during 2019, Southwest operated more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. In 2020, the carrier added service to Hilo, Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Miami; Palm Springs, Calif.; Steamboat Springs; and Montrose (Telluride), Colo. Thus far in 2021, Southwest began service to both Chicago (O'Hare) and Sarasota/Bradenton on Feb. 14; and will begin service to both Savannah/Hilton Head and Colorado Springs on March 11; both Houston (Bush) and Santa Barbara, Calif. on April 12; Fresno, Calif. on April 25; Destin/Ft. Walton Beach on May 6; Bozeman, Mont. on May 27; and Jackson, Miss. on June 6. The carrier issued its Southwest Promise in May 2020 to highlight new and round-the-clock efforts to support its Customers and Employees well-being and comfort. Among the changes are enhanced cleaning efforts at airports and onboard aircraft, along with a federal mandate requiring every person to wear a mask at all times throughout each flight. Additional details about the Southwest Promise are available at Southwest.com/Promise. Southwest coined Transfarency to describe its purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and fairly, and low fares actually staying low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some carriers offer free checked bags on select routes or in qualified circumstances). Southwest does not charge change fees, though fare differences might apply. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. Learn more about how the carrier gives back to communities across the world by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Related Links http://www.southwest.com Logging into Instagram can often feel like stepping into another world. Filled with celebrities and influencers, it's hard to find content that you can relate to. Especially now, people are looking for something they can connect to, a feeling of community. For a lot of us, the time we spend online is our only social outlet. So, seeing celebs complain about lockdown while wandering their massive gaffs or watching influencers jet off on holidays despite travel restrictions is more infuriating than anything. We want an escape from the doom and gloom of current events. We want wholesome content. We want someone to root for. Enter Padraig Howley. A 67-year-old Clare welder, Padraig created his Instagram account just one week ago and already boasts over 60,000 followers. He has captured the hearts of the nation and beyond with his charming, down-to-earth personality and lovely singing voice. His journey to Insta stardom started as Padraig decided to document a journey of a different kind - he is going vegan for 21 days. After receiving advice from doctor and health professionals that he needed to make some changes to his lifestyle, Padraig set himself the goal of going vegan for three weeks and doing 10,000 steps a day. With the help of his daughter, Tara, he began his daily updates hoping to reach a few others who he might help and who might help him in return. Fast forward one week and he has become a beloved icon on the platform. Each post is met with hundreds of comments giving encouragement and thanking him for sharing something postive with people. Roz Purcell, an influencer and cookbook author herself, said on one post: "I live for the updates." And she's far from the only one. Padraig treats his followers to daily updates on how he is getting on, sharing his recipes and even to a song or two. In lieu of a recipe video one night and to "liven things up a bit", Padraig introduced people to lilting. Padraig said he grew up in a musical household and his father used to lilt. His video performing, The Mason's Apron which he learned when he was 18, has reached over 73,000 views in just over one day. Responding to his newfound fame, Padraig said: "I would like to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for supporting me and helping me and encouraging me. "It's just phenomenal and I really, really appreciate that. I really do." His daughter Tara said she couldn't be more proud of her dad as she praised him on her own Instagram this week. "For those who don't know, he has suffered so much and rarely would you hear him complain. "He will admit there is a stigma attached to talking about health issues, especially with men his age but normalizing that talking about things like this, in fact makes every problem a little smaller when it is shared. "So here he is and he is inspiring a nation along the way. Thanks for never failing to put a smile on my face and helping everyone close to him with a heart and a half whenever they needed it. "It's our turn to help you now, and we are all backing you every song and every step of the way." Just one week into his journey and we can't wait for his next update. If you are looking for something to give you a boost each day without fail then you can rely on Padraig for some smiles, steps and songs. Follow him @sing_andstep_withpadraig. OAKLAND, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California has made a $40-million contribution to Blue Shield of California Foundation to support its efforts to end domestic violence and to make California the healthiest state. The nonprofit health plan has contributed more than $150 million to its foundation over the past four years. Blue Shield of California Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that is funded entirely by contributions from Blue Shield of California. Blue Shield is a tax paying, nonprofit health plan that serves more than 4 million people in the Golden State with a mission to help all Californians have access to high-quality health care at an affordable price. Blue Shield caps its net income at 2% and has a commitment to return money it earns above that target to the community and its members. "We are pleased to support, and continue to appreciate, the great work by Blue Shield of California Foundation," said Paul Markovich, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California. "The foundation has an incredibly positive impact through its programs and partnerships with community-based groups across the state." Said Debbie Chang, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation: "We are grateful for the support of Blue Shield of California, which enables us to make progress toward our bold goals of making California the healthiest state and ending domestic violence. By working closely with our grantees, partners and the communities most affected by health inequity and domestic violence, we strive to make impact at the system level, in order to create lasting and sustainable change for more people. In addition, we can move swiftly in times of great need, such as to support the communities hardest hit by the pandemic." Last year, the foundation awarded 113 grants totaling $26.5 million to improve lives, including: Grants totaling $12 million to support Californians hardest hit by the pandemic. The Foundation's seed funding helped launch the statewide Immigrant Resilience Fund to provide direct relief to undocumented immigrants that were excluded from federal relief efforts. The Foundation also joined 12 other funders to launch Together Toward Health, a statewide initiative to support response, outreach and job opportunities in the communities most affected by COVID-19. Additional grants included emergency support to those facing domestic violence during the pandemic. to support Californians hardest hit by the pandemic. The Foundation's seed funding helped launch the statewide Immigrant Resilience Fund to provide direct relief to undocumented immigrants that were excluded from federal relief efforts. The Foundation also joined 12 other funders to launch Together Toward Health, a statewide initiative to support response, outreach and job opportunities in the communities most affected by COVID-19. Additional grants included emergency support to those facing domestic violence during the pandemic. Continued leadership and investment in domestic violence prevention. This includes funding California's Domestic Violence Housing First program, an innovative model that uses flexible cash assistance to prevent homelessness for domestic violence survivors. The Foundation also is a founding donor of All In For Kids, a fund to prevent childhood trauma and end domestic violence in the Bay Area. Additional grants focus on engaging girls and women of color in healing and safety, and strengthening a network of men and boys of color working to end gender-based violence. Domestic Violence Housing First program, an innovative model that uses flexible cash assistance to prevent homelessness for domestic violence survivors. The Foundation also is a founding donor of All In For Kids, a fund to prevent childhood trauma and end domestic violence in the Bay Area. Additional grants focus on engaging girls and women of color in healing and safety, and strengthening a network of men and boys of color working to end gender-based violence. Innovations to improve the financial security of Californians, particularly people of color and low-income workers. Given the close connection between economic position and health and well-being, the Foundation invested in efforts to improve economic conditions for childcare workers, student-parents at community colleges and domestic violence survivors. The Foundation also supported policy solutions that increase income and give time for health such as expanding paid family leave and the earned income tax credit. Here is a breakdown of how foundation grants were made across the state in 2020: Sacramento Valley 3 $381,425 North 1 $75,000 SF/Bay Area 13 $1,916,800 Central 5 $725,000 Los Angeles 12 $1,706,000 South 4 $700,000 Statewide 58 $19,266,348 National 17 $ 1,735,000 About Blue Shield of California Foundation Blue Shield of California Foundation supports lasting and equitable solutions to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. When we work together to remove the barriers to health and well-being, especially for Californians most affected, we can create a more just and equitable future. For more information, visit: www.blueshieldcafoundation.org and please join us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a health care system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. We are a tax paying, not for profit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $21 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 Oakland-based Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California.. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. CONTACT: Mark Seelig Blue Shield of California 510-607-2359 [email protected] SOURCE Blue Shield of California Related Links www.bcbs.com Part-time checkout attendants, shelf-stackers and sales assistants would be allowed to work additional hours without overtime in a joint union-employer plan to encourage more permanent jobs rather than casual positions. The proposal, led by the Australian Council of Trade Unions and Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia to give part-time retail staff more flexibility, rivals the Morrison governments plan to legislate a similar arrangement but differs on specifics. Peter Strong blasted ideology as a barrier to middle-ground reforms on industrial relations. Credit:Pat Scala Both the ACTU and COSBOA were in the industrial relations working groups that Prime Minister Scott Morrison called to try to find common ground but ended without agreement on solutions after months of negotiations. Genuine agreement between unions and employers has always been possible, but not in a process which has been hijacked by ideologues, COSBOA chief executive Peter Strong said in a statement announcing the plan, which will be presented to the industrial tribunal for consideration on Monday. Northern Irelands Justice Minister Naomi Long has expressed concern after First Minister Arlene Foster met with representatives of loyalist paramilitaries. Mrs Foster led a DUP delegation last week to meet with the the Loyalist Communities Council to discuss tensions around the Northern Ireland Protocol. She previously defended the move, insisting it was important to give a voice to all sections of the loyalist and unionist community. Expand Close Loyalist signs in Dungannon, County Tyrone opposing the Northern Ireland Protocol (Liam McBurney/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Loyalist signs in Dungannon, County Tyrone opposing the Northern Ireland Protocol (Liam McBurney/PA) Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon raised the matter in the Stormont Assembly during questions for the Justice Minister, describing it as inappropriate. Ms Long expressed her concern, describing it as a matter for her as a minister when all ministers in the Executive have signed up to tackling the paramilitarism programme. I think that is a matter of concern and sends out a worrying message to those in many parts of our community who still live under the coercive control of those same paramilitary organisations Naomi Long That programme requires us all to ensure that where we wish to engage with at-risk communities, where we wish to hear the voices of those who may be vulnerable to paramilitary influence, that we do so through the appropriate legal mechanisms, that we dont give any credence or validity to members of paramilitary organisations, irrespective of the community from which they emerge, she told MLAs. I do believe that by giving a platform to people who are still in prescribed organisations or who claim to be, I think that is a matter of concern and sends out a worrying message to those in many parts of our community who still live under the coercive control of those same paramilitary organisations. Ms Long added: I would appeal to all members of this house to actually do work with the Department of Justice and right across the community to ensure that no paramilitary organisations have any influence whatsoever in the business either of this House, or in the business of running our communities outside. Cambodia's exiled opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy was sentenced in absentia to 25 years in jail Monday over an alleged plot to overthrow strongman Hun Sen's government, a court official said. Rainsy has lived in France since 2015 to avoid jail for several other convictions he says are politically motivated. The latest sentence was related to his attempts to return home in 2019, the government-friendly media outlet Fresh News reported. Rainsy was convicted "for an (attempted) attack in Cambodia in 2019", Y Rin, a spokesman for Phnom Penh Municipal Court, told AFP, refusing to give further details. The court also stripped Rainsy of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in an election, the official said. In a statement on Twitter, Rainsy said the conviction was "born out of weakness and fear". "Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is afraid of any risk of my returning to the Cambodian political scene," he wrote. "Hun Sen also dreads the prospect of any free and fair election which would inevitably lead to the end of his autocratic regime." Eight other opposition politicians, including Rainsy's wife, were also sentenced in absentia to between 20 and 22 years in jail. Human Rights Watch denounced the "outrageously" harsh prison sentences as "intended to slam the door shut on these exiles ever returning to Cambodia." The charges are "based on bogus, politically motivated allegations manufactured by a dictatorial, single-party state determined to destroy the remaining fragments of Cambodia's shattered democratic system," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy Asia director. "There seems to be no limits to the violations of human rights this government will inflict on the Cambodian people," Robertson said. Hun Sen is one of the world's longest-serving leaders, maintaining a 36-year grip on power with methods that critics say include jailing political opponents and activists. Story continues He has said he regarded Rainsy's planned return as a "coup attempt". Since the election in July 2018, when Hun Sen's party won every parliamentary seat in a vote without a credible opposition, the Cambodian authorities have stepped up arrests of former members of the dissolved opposition party, human rights defenders and dissenting voices. Around 150 opposition figures and activists have been put on a mass trial for treason and incitement charges, mostly for sharing messages on social media platforms supporting Rainsy's attempt to enter the kingdom. While many opposition politicians have fled Cambodia fearing arrest, the country's main opposition leader Kem Sokha is facing a separate treason trial, which has been indefinitely delayed since March last year. suy/aph/leg/ch/bfm Gary Neville believes that Manchester United have a "far better chance" of winning the Premier League title under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer than they did under Jose Mourinho. Manchester United legend Gary Neville has claimed that the Red Devils are in a better place to win the Premier League title under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer than they were under Jose Mourinho. The 20-time English champions last lifted the prestigious trophy during Sir Alex Ferguson's final season in 2012-13 - and since then they have witnessed Chelsea, Manchester City, Leicester City and Liverpool finish at the top of the pile. United's best finish since Ferguson's retirement was second place in the 2017-18 campaign when Mourinho was at the helm, but Neville believes that Solskjaer could possibly guide United to the top domestic prize within the next couple of years. Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, the former right-back said: "Over the last 12 months, Manchester United have put an incredible run of results together. The points tally has been big, year to year. "Their away form is outstanding and that that takes some resilience, to go 20 games unbeaten away from home. It takes some. I come back to my time at Manchester United, if I came to Stamford Bridge, and we kept a clean sheet and we came away with a point. "We quite often lost to Chelsea at Old Trafford, let alone at Stamford Bridge, we had a poor record against them. You always want to win every single game - but this is a tough place to play. "So those Manchester United players going back on that bus tonight can say that they've taken part in those 20 matches away from home, they deserve great congratulations for that. "There'll be some criticism from United fans saying why didn't they go and win it, why weren't they more positive, and rightly so. United should always strive to do that. "But to actually go 20 games away from home needs applauding because it's hard to do that. What do you use to demonstrate teams that have got good character and personality? They're good away from home, they're good on set pieces, they look like they want to play with each other. "That's why I think this Manchester United team is better suited than the one from two or three years ago under Jose Mourinho that finished second. I actually feel there's a better spirit. I think they've got a far better chance of winning the league in the next two or three years than they were under Jose a couple of years ago. "I thought it was a strange bunch of lads, they just didn't seem to like each other. They didn't really appeal to me as a fan. I think they're going in the right direction. "Whether they get there or not, that's another matter; we'll know in the future. But they're certainly going in the right direction." United's 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday means that they sit 12 points behind leaders Manchester City with 12 games left to play this season. Recall organizers gathered signatures from L.A. voters as they try to oust Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. One American News Network reported that a victim rights group is sailing an effort to recall the district attorney, voicing out their opposition on the criminal justice reforms Gascon brought to the prosecutor's office as he formally reports as the District Attorney in early December. NBC News added that the organizers planned to garner at least 20 signatures, the amount needed to file an intent to recall, which happened during a victim's vigil outside the district attorney's office situated in downtown L.A. The organizers expected 100 people to attend including the crime victims and Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. NBC mentioned that Hatami is an outspoken critic of Gascon's charges. Read also: Staggering Death Toll: Los Angeles Air Pollution Control Officials Lifts Cremation Limit Gascon recall movement In an interview with Fox News, a member of the Recall George Gascon campaign who also represents the victim of the crimes in court, Siannah Collado, shared that a lot of victims have come forward and mentioned that they feel threatened by Gascon's policies that is why their movement is a victim- and community-led effort. Collado also expresses some people's thoughts sharing their regrets in voting for Gascon. One American News Network noted that Gascon spearheaded several criminal justice reforms such as ending the use of sentencing enhancements, restricting when prosecutors can hold defendants without bail, and ending the use of the death penalty. One American News Network furthered that critics described the changes as drastic and won't accept that violent criminals are being allowed back on the street. The critics also shared that Gascon fooled the voters of the Los Angeles County. NBC News highlighted that the recall advocates are composed of victim's families and law enforcement officials, claiming that the newly elected District Attorney ran on a progressive campaign to implement 90 degrees change in the district attorney's office. The recall advocates also noted that Gascon prioritized criminals over victims since he took his office in less than three months. Gascon's Changes One American News Network noted that the changes were praised by progressives; however, he tackled criticisms from members of his staff and law enforcement officials who have to deal with the criminal element. One American News Network mentioned that the reason behind the critic's opposition might be because the prosecutors cannot pursue harsher penalties for crimes such as murder. NBC News mentioned an email statement for the District Attorney himself saying that he respects that some victims want him to impose the maximum punishment in their case. Gascon furthered that evidence based on research suggest that excessive sentencing practices have exacerbated recidivism leading to more victims of crime. Gascon also added that the justice system cannot continue to rely on policies that create more victims just because some victims want maximum punishment imposed in their case. Fox News mentioned that the group that pushes the recall of the current Los Angeles County District Attorney, posted on their website that Gascon promises a gentler criminal justice system that will reduce incarceration rates for minor offenders focusing on mental health and addiction issues, but instead established policies that made the community less safe. Related article: Los Angeles Becomes First County in US to Reach 1 Million COVID-19 Cases WATCH: Prosecutors Union Sues New LA County District Attorney George Gascon from NBCLA Dallas, TX, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- ADM Endeavors, Inc. (OTCQB: ADMQ) announced today that the city of Arlington (home of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers) has chosen to piggyback onto an original Tarrant County, Texas, bid award, which gave the Company the opportunity to be on the bid list for 525 government entities throughout Texas. We are also pleased to announce that the school districts of Wylie, Mesquite and Round Rock have chosen to work with our subsidiary, Just Right Products, said ADM Endeavors CEO Marc Johnson. He added that these new contracts should have a positive significant impact on future sales for Just Right Products. https://admendeavors.com/ https://www.facebook.com/admqendeavors/ https://www.fwpromo.com/ https://www.justrightproducts.com/ ADM Endeavors, Inc. sells Anything With A Logo on its website, JustRightProducts.com, customizing items ranging from unique business cards to coffee cups to apparel items with tens of thousands of products for customers to browse online. ABOUT ADMQ: Since 2010, our wholly owned subsidiary, Just Right Products, Inc., has been consistently profitable, with sales topping $5.1 million in 2020. The Company sells Anything With A Logo on its website, JustRightProducts.com, developing products ranging from unique business cards to coffee cups, T-shirts to boots, with tens of thousands of other unique products from which to select. The Company operates a diverse vertical integrated business in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, consisting of a retail sales division, screen print production, embroidery production, digital production, import wholesale sourcing, and uniforms. Forward Looking Statement: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements," as defined in the United States PSLRA of 1995, that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and the actual results and future events could differ materially from management's current expectations. The economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified in the Company's previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Paul Knopick pknopick@eandecommunications.com 940.262.3584 Attachment Boeing Co.'s final 787 made in Everett, Wash., has rolled off the production line, making North Charleston the only place where the Dreamliner is assembled. The planemaker announced the consolidation in October, citing its need to cut costs after the COVID-19 pandemic nearly crippled the air travel industry. At that time, the company said the transition would take place in mid-2021. But that was before inspections of production flaws on 787s were ramped up, and deliveries of the aircraft came to a total standstill. Late last year, Boeing South Carolina said the consolidation plan had been moved up to March, but 787s would not be disappearing from Everett. Though no new Dreamliners would be assembled in the Seattle area, all previously completed 787s would continue to be inspected, reworked as needed and delivered to customers from that site. A 787 for Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways was the last to come out of the Everett plant on Feb. 26, marking what Washington state officials had described as a disappointment and an insult when the decision to shut down the line was made official in the fall. About 900 employees in the Puget Sound region work on the 787 program. Boeing said in a statement that those workers "have played an instrumental role in the success of the program since the very beginning." The decision to consolidate production does not change our commitment to Washington state," the company said. "Weve made many long-term investments in the Puget Sound region to support our development programs including the 777X and completing the 737 MAX family. Boeing chose Everett in 2003 for its original 787 assembly line. The program was kicked off with an order for 50 new airplanes for All Nippon Airways, the same airline the last Everett-made plane is bound for. North Charleston's involvement with the Dreamliner started in 2004 when Dallas-based Vought Aircraft Industries and Italys Alenia Aeronautica formed a joint venture to build 787 fuselages next to Charleston International Airport. 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! Boeing ended up acquiring the North Charleston operation in 2009, and, later that year, announced it would open a second Dreamliner final assembly site off International Boulevard. Boeing broke ground that November, and the first fully South Carolina-made 787 was handed over to Air India in 2012. The program was on track to deliver its 1,000th Dreamliner in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. A 787 jet for Singapore Airlines decorated with a "1,000th" decal was spotted on test flights last spring. That plane was also spotted sitting around last month as deliveries remain suspended. A new 787 hasn't been handed over since October. As Boeing continues to inspect Dreamliners for flaws which involve variances in the flatness of the fuselage skin, it remains unclear when the dozens of 787s sitting in inventory will start to be unloaded. A Feb. 25 Reuters report citing unspecified industry sources suggested the repair costs resulting from the production issues could cost the planemaker "millions if not billions of dollars," and rework on affected jets could take up to a month per aircraft. With assembly work now over, Everett's 787 workers will be working on the ongoing inspections for Washington state-made Dreamliners. North Charleston will do inspections and maintain a reduced monthly rate of five new 787s per month. Boeing has said it expects to work through the vast majority of the 787s in inventory by the end of this year. The planemaker has outlined no plan for bringing 787 work back to Everett. When CEO Dave Calhoun first disclosed last year that shuttering a line was on the table, he said one of the critical elements of the study was whether a single site could sustain higher monthly production once demand for the widebody jet recovers post-pandemic. In the interim, the fallout from COVID-19 has driven down employment numbers at Boeing South Carolina. As of a Jan. 1, the company reported having 5,706 workers at several sites in North Charleston, a 17 percent decline from a year earlier. Type address separated by commas Your Email: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. DUP MP Sammy Wilson has defended his call for "guerrilla warfare" in opposing the Northern Ireland Protocol, saying it has to be destroyed. He also stood over his comments about Health Minister Robin Swann acting like a "poodle for the unaccountable chief medical officer". The East Antrim MP said his party should use "every means we have" to disrupt the protocol, which has seen border checks at ports here on goods from Britain. "We will fight this protocol and the implication of this protocol with every means we have," he told the BBC. "And if that means we have to use the tactics which Gordon [Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons] used at the weekend... we will look to see every opportunity there is to attack the protocol to ensure it is destroyed." Mr Lyons ordered officials to halt the building of checkpoints and other infrastructure at local ports on Friday. DUP Brexit spokesman Mr Wilson originally made his guerrilla warfare comments in The Irish Times. Challenged about the language used, Mr Wilson said it was "metaphorical" and "appropriate". "It [the protocol] is going to destroy many businesses in Northern Ireland and in the long run destroy democracy," he claimed. "It is a political battle we are fighting and we will use every tactic that we can in fighting that political battle. "In a political context, to use the term guerrilla warfare means that when opportunities arise we will make sure we take those opportunities to undermine the protocol and seek to change the Government's mind on implementation." The protocol was designed to avoid a hard border in Ireland by having us continue to follow EU trade rules, thus creating a de facto border in the Irish Sea. Mr Wilson was also asked if he wished to withdraw the comments he had directed on Twitter to the Health Minister last Thursday. He rejected claims this was "escalating the language". The MP said: "I believe it should be up to a minister to challenge some of the advice he has been given, especially when it has been proven to be wrong in the past and having damaging effects on other parts of society. "Everybody has their own way of expressing their views. "Sometimes mine are a bit more colourful than others." Sinn Fein's John O'Dowd described it as a "complete lack of leadership" by the DUP as a whole. "I think there is a need for people to use measured language in response to issues which are of concern to sections of our society," the MLA said. Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt has suggested border checks should be moved to Rosslare in the Republic so items can be inspected before shipping to Continental Europe. He said: "I understand the European Union wish to protect the integrity of their single market, hence the new regulatory regime that amounts to a border in the Irish Sea. "People seem to think the only alternative is a hard land border between the two jurisdictions on this island, but there is a third way. "This would reinstate the trading relationships that applied for decades within the UK and between the UK and the Republic, arrangements the Government of Ireland and EU were happy with. "It also allows the EU to take back control of how goods are tested for compliance with EU regulations, rather than relying on the UK, now a third country, to carry out tests on their behalf." Gardai have seized a submachine gun and two loaded handguns during a planned operation in west Dublin today. Local gardai from Lucan district and members of the Armed Support Unit were involved in the search in the Shancastle area of Clondalkin at around 3pm. No arrests were made in the operation and detectives are trying to establish what gang controlled the guns. The guns were found in two cars that sources say were abandoned as a floating garda checkpoint was in the area at the time. The two 9mm handguns were found in one vehicle while the machine gun which had a full magazine beside it was found on the back seat of the other car. Tensions between various crime groups in that locality has increased in recent weeks which has led to more armed patrols being deployed in the area, a senior source told Independent.ie. A system of high visibility floating checkpoints are in operation which are aimed at disrupting serious criminal activity, the source added. Sources say that gardai believe the occupants of the two cars fled the scene when they noticed gardai in the area. Last Tuesday in a daylight gun attack, a number of shots were fired at a property in nearby Shancastle Close at around 4.30pm. No one was injured in the incident but significant damage was caused to the house. The gunman in that case approached the house on foot and then ran away from the scene after the shots were discharged. GREENVILLE Teacher turnover in the Upstate is relatively low compared to the state as a whole, but district leaders in the region are wrestling with a much bigger problem: The pipeline of fresh education majors is drying up. A recent "critical needs" report from the South Carolina Department of Education has revealed, school by school, where high turnover is a problem in the state. About one in three schools statewide is dealing with high turnover rates. In the five-county, 15-district Upstate region it is one in five schools. The state calculates teacher turnover rate by looking at average annual turnover across three academic years. In the most recent report, those years stretched from fall 2017 to spring 2020. When The Post and Courier called officials at three school districts about teacher departures, they provided a slew of reasons that never change: a spouse who is moving, staying home with kids, transferring to another district and going to graduate school. At schools where turnover is high, a change in principals is typically the biggest factor, they added. Also influencing turnover: Teachers leaving jobs at high-poverty schools as soon as they've "done their time" to get student loans forgiven after three or five years, depending on the subject they teach. Schools are considered high poverty where at least 70 percent of students live in households whose incomes are below certain federal guidelines. But in every case, the conversations quickly turned to teacher recruitment. "Our concern is the reduction in people going to school to become teachers," said Lynn Gibbs, executive director for human resources at Greenville County Schools. "We have national numbers and state numbers where it is half or worse than what is was 10 years ago or 15 years ago." In Anderson School District 4, a six-school district based in Pendleton, the newly appointed superintendent, Dee Christopher, said his human resources team has taken to recruiting nationally. They focus on certain universities which specialize in turning out graduates in high-need programs such as special education, math, and foreign languages. Greenville County launched its Greenville Alternative Teachers Education (GATE) program in response to shortages, recruiting people without education degrees into an apprenticeship program with extra training and mentoring. Teachers who complete GATE gain a state-approved certification, necessary for teaching in a public-school classroom. Math and science college graduates are heavily recruited across multiple industries, Gibbs said. "I think if you are out there in the world and a teacher talks about how hard a job it is, talks about the income, talks about the lack of support, and I'm sitting there as a mathematician, I'm thinking what other options do I have for a career?" Gibbs said. That's where keeping teachers becomes a greater imperative. The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement at Winthrop University released a report in mid-December that found nearly 6,000 teachers statewide left their jobs during the 2019-2020 school year, and 2,550 of them spent fewer than five years in the profession. Gibbs said her human resources team has observed the high retention rates of GATE recruits, and believe the program's emphasis on training and mentoring in the first three years is key. A pilot program under way at 10 schools in Greenville County is introducing GATE-type support for first-year teachers straight out of college to see if that helps. Just two of Pickens County's 24 schools has seen high turnover. Consistent leadership has been key to holding onto people, said John Eby, spokesman for Pickens County Schools. "That's a real big thing," Eby said. 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! Districtwide, Eby said, the district's roughly 60-person administrative team, which includes personnel at headquarters as well as school principals, has lost maybe three people in the past three or four years. The district's superintendent has been there seven years, where most superintendents last three or four years. Pay, he said, is probably the No. 2 reason people leave. Pickens has a starting salary of around $38,600. Greenville County starts salaries at $40,000, and Eby said his district is working on matching that. Gibbs agreed that principal changes are one of the best predictors of high turnover rates. Principals, after all, are the hiring managers of teachers. "Even in a school with traditionally low turnover, if a principal changes and someone is thinking about changing schools, that will push somebody to go ahead and leave," Gibbs said. "They maybe don't want to go through a change and new expectations." At high-poverty schools, new teachers can work for three years and have their loans forgiven, Gibbs said. For some, this means they are looking to leave after three years. Such a school that also has a new principal is dealt a double blow when it comes to retention and recruitment of teachers. The two schools in Greenville County with the highest turnover rates Lakeside Middle (27.5 percent) and Alexander Elementary (26.3 percent) were both high poverty and had new principals. But some of Greenville County's 37 "high poverty" schools have very low turnover. These include Berea Elementary (7 percent) and Cherrydale Elementary (8.2 percent). "People don't work for organizations, they work for people," Pickens County's Eby said. Still, not all turnover is bad, Gibbs said, if a teacher isn't happy or if the fit isn't right. "For us, what we don't want to see is people leaving the profession because there's such a shortage of candidates," Gibbs said. Greenville County has a mix of rural and urban schools, high-poverty and middle-class suburban, it has science and math schools and it has arts schools. This mix of opportunities, Gibbs said, helps the district hold on to people. It also has downtown Greenville, which is helpful in recruiting new teachers. But the challenge is immense: with a faculty count of 5,200, Gibbs hires about 650 new teachers every summer. Dee Christopher will start his job as superintendent of Pendleton-based Anderson School District 4 on March 1 and inherits a six-school system where the teacher turnover rate at four of them exceeds 20 percent. He comes from the Fort Mill school district, where growth has exceeded 10 percent every year for the past half decade. Christopher was a principal in Fort Mill and said he's used to hiring a lot of teachers annually. As he takes over in Pendleton, he said, he plans to take a hard look at recruiting and retention programs with the board as well as pay scales. Data does not show, he said, that teachers leave because they are unhappy with Anderson 4. But his is a rural school district that attracts a certain kind of teacher, which shrinks the pool, Christopher said. "It's a family atmosphere in our school district. At the same time we offer big opportunities for our students," Christopher said, adding that he plans to capitalize on partnerships with neighboring districts in Anderson County. "That's kind of a calling card for Anderson 4." 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 NEERI has submitted DPR for the Kokapet drain and phyto remediation work has already started for it. Representational image HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) has been treating only 49 per cent of sewage generated within the limits of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). It is letting the remaining 51 per cent of sewage, including faecal matter, into Musi River. This led to the board getting an earful from National Green Tribunal (NGT), following which it has now engaged Mumbai-based Shah Technical Consultants for preparing a comprehensive sewerage master plan (CSMP). As per the consultant, the total sewage generated up to Outer Ring Road (ORR) for 2018 is 1,782 million litres a day (MLD). The projected sewage in 2036 will be 2,815 MLD. The present installed sewage treatment capacity is mere 772 MLD. As per CSMP, 62 sewerage treatment plants (STPs) of 2,057 MLD capacity are proposed to be established for meeting requirements up to 2036. 31 of the 62 STPs will be established on priority basis in three packages under a hybrid annuity model (HAM). Incidentally, sewage generation in 2021 is estimated to be 1,960 MLD. The existing STPs can treat only 772.3 MLD. The remaining 1,187.7 MLD of sewage flows through 185 drains and joins water bodies. These, in turn, join River Musi and Nakkavagu. HMWS&SB has issued a work order to NEERI, Hyderabad, for preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for remediation of drains leading to River Musi. The Sewerage Board has submitted a proposal of Rs 528.30 crore to the government to treat sewage at the rate of Rs 45 lakh per MLD. Its approval is, however, awaited. As many as 27 drains have been identified for remediation. NEERI has submitted DPR for the Kokapet drain. Phyto remediation work has already started for it. Preparation of DPRs for the balance four drains is in progress by the consultant. Rain guards and wetland construction along Kukatpally nala before it joins Hussainsagar have been laken as a pilot project by HMDA to treat approximately 150 MLD of sewage. According to HMWS&SB officials, eight STPs with a capacity of 402.5 MLD are proposed to be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 1,230.21 crore, including operation and maintenance (O&M) for 15 years as Package 1. Six STPs of 480.5 MLD costing Rs 1,355.13 crore, including O&M for 15 years, will be under Package 2. 17 STPs of 376.5 MLD capacity are proposed to be built at a cost of Rs 1,280.87 crore including O&M for 15 years as Package 3. The board has already received approval from the government for construction of the 17 STPs under the Hussainsagar Lake catchment. Tenders had been invited in September 2020 for the purpose for completion within a period of two years. A senior Sewerage Board official said these 17 STPs will be taken up immediately. The process for completing the remaining STPs in two packages will also be expedited. However, he said, it all depends on state government making funds available. The National Green Tribunal had earlier this week criticised state government for its sorry state of affairs. It charged nodal agencies with not discharging their basic obligation in following a 47-year-old law Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 but allowing untreated waste to flow into water bodies. The NGT in its report said, It is clear that untreated waste is being discharged into water bodies, which is a crime. This sorry state of affairs, where the state is not discharging its basic obligations, needs to be remedied on war footing," the NGT remarked. Black Twitter may not have its own app, but with its outsized cultural influence, some argue it is Twitter's heart. From joking about receiving our imminent superpowers to calling the pandemic everything but, the humor and creativity of Black Twitter is always front and center on the app. OPINION: Sedition is a white man's luxury While the term started out as a moniker for the community of Black users on Twitter, it eventually transformed into something much greater. The virtually interconnected community of African-Americans is the basis of a series of jokes, challenges and unofficial holidays. Black Twitter has managed to become so popular that some have actually looked for it in the app store to no avail, of course. While Black Twitter is a part of regular Twitter, Baylor Universitys Mia Moody-Ramirez says it has evolved since its forming. Ramirez is a coauthor of the 2018 book "From Blackface to Black Twitter: Reflections on Black Humor, Race, Politics, & Gender." The book, she said, focuses on the way Black people have used humor throughout the decades as a method of healing, teaching, and getting out of sticky situations. "Black people have used [Black Twitter] as a way to respond to social injustices and also to drive visibility to discussions about Black life and culture, whether its humorous or political or just calling out people," she said. Ramirez cited Rachel Dolezal as an example, the woman who, for years, identified as Black despite being born to white parents. While some people were openly upset with the former professor and activist, others used Twitter as a way to get their message across without being too serious. They jokingly asked questions such as "What flavor is purple koolaid?" to determine whether someone was Black. Humor has always been a binding part of the African American experience. It's an avenue for African Americans to exert power, relieve frustrations and signify their positions, attitudes and stance in a hostile world. That coping mechanism went virtual with the creation of Twitter. Although the app was founded in 2006, many people didnt start consistently using the app until the early 2010s, when Black Twitter emerged. With it, simple ideas and conversations among users could easily turn into a trending topic for days, whether positive or negative, and still somehow be rooted in humor. It began to become even more popular in 2014, five years after the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. The unarmed teen was gunned down by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who went on to be acquitted of any wrongdoing. We didnt hear as much about Black Lives Matter until they started putting content out about it on Twitter and started calling it the Black Lives Matter movement, Ramirez said. So thats the other piece with Twitter, youre going to see more hashtags. People know they can search for certain terms and see whats trending, and that makes a difference. Echoing Professor Ramirezs definition, University of Houston associate professor Summer Harlow called Black Twitter a cultural phenomenon. It refers to this collective of Black identities who come together and make jokes, discuss deep issues related to racism, colorism and Black identity things that actually affect their community, Harlow said. Its not like its a separate place on Twitter, its just the way this collective of Black identities happens to come together in a particular way. According to Harlow, it's a great way of showing how social media platforms can be used to empower normally marginalized voices and amplify what people are interested in. "I truly believe Black Twitter holds power," popular Twitter personality and entrepreneur Tyler Chambers said. "Black Twitter literally has the power to collectively change the face of any industry or brand we got behind." Users on Black Twitter have curated timelines, and most content on their daily feeds consists of subject matter that relates to the Black community race, culture, celebrities and other news. From the outside looking in, its easy to misinterpret Black Twitter as something thats merely a joke, a bunch of Black people coming together on social media to wisecrack on different trending topics, but its impact runs deeper than the average person can see. While some may believe that cancel culture (the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive) doesnt exist, frequent tweeter and member of Black Twitter Jadah Cadogan would beg to differ. Ive definitely seen some people get canceled, Cadogan said. Its definitely hard to cancel celebrities, but Ive seen people with large platforms, or big influencers get canceled on Black Twitter. TWO AMERICAS: Are cops seriously taking selfies with Trump supporters at the Capitol? In fact, the heartbeat of most pop culture and trending news can be found on Black Twitter, often ahead of the discourse becoming popular among non-Black Twitter users. I have definitely seen the parallels between Twitter and other social media sites. Theyre all pulling from Twitter, Cadogan said. If youre on TikTok or Instagram, it all starts on Twitter. All of these other social media sites dont get wind of trending topics until after Black Twitter talks about it. So where exactly is Black Twitter headed? The online community is driven by hashtags and trends, neither of which are going anywhere. According to Ramirez, Twitter will always be an important medium because it provides a way for people to speak up. Harlow shared a similar sentiment. "I think that Twitter has shown self-representation and identity and has really allowed issues like racial inequality, police brutality and racism to come to the forefront of public discourse," Harlow said. "I don't know that without these social platforms we would be having a lot of the discussions we're having today, so hopefully we see more of that." Its exact outcome is unknown, but professors Ramirez and Harlow made one thing clear: As long as we're still dealing with systemic racism, Black Twitter is going to be around. Lately, the cat hasnt been dragging in much of anything. Pet food has become the latest pandemic item to fall prey to supply shortages and panic-buying. Companies such as Nestle Purina and FreshPet are experiencing major production obstacles that have left some pet food shelves and fridges empty across the country. The causes are manifold. Manufacturers are juggling extreme winter weather, a meteoric rise in pet ownership, COVID-19 cases that can cause delays on the factory floor and overzealous shoppers stocking up on pet food just like they did toilet paper in March. Honestly, were just having trouble keeping up, Freshpet President Scott Morrison told NJ Advance Media. About 500-employees large Freshpet is a healthy pet food company headquartered in Secaucus. A canvas of stores in Union County found one Freshpet refrigerator half stocked and another wiped virtually clean. An Freshpet refrigerator sits empty in a New Jersey retailer.Josh Axelrod | NJ Advance Media On an earnings call this week, CEO Billy Cyr acknowledged the company has spent the first quarter of 2021 digging out of a trade inventory hole we dug. He estimated it would take at least mid or late April to fully restock fridges. When asked about shortages in their stores, spokespeople from Wegmans Food Markets and Stop & Shop pointed first to the disruption caused by recent snowstorms. We are experiencing a shortage on some wet cat food products due to challenges from the winter weather across the country the past few weeks, Wegmans Spokesperson Marcie Rivera wrote NJ Advance Media in an email. Manufacturers arent able to produce and distribute as many cases creating shortages across the industry. We are working with our suppliers to secure as much as product as possible and hope to get more product back on the shelves soon. A New Jersey retailer posts a "temporarily out of stock" notice in front of a pet food product.Josh Axelrod | NJ Advance Media For Freshpet, where almost all manufacturing takes place in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the winter weather that slammed the Northeast derailed production. When youre running right on the edge, and you have to all of a sudden shut down manufacturing we lost two days from a couple of different snowstorms and that just kills you, Morrison said. Of course, the skyrocketing demand for pet food is a primary factor as well. By now, most are familiar with the idea of pandemic puppies the rise in pet adoptions among those whove suddenly found themselves at home all the time and in need of a companion. So, with plenty of new pandemic pets boosting demand, its only natural that supply would fall. Throughout the pandemic, thats often led to panic-buying which only exacerbates supply issues. When people start feeling that theres some scarcity and then they start buying a lot, the problem just balloons, Morrison said. The Pet Food Institute, a trade association representing most of Americas pet food manufacturers, strongly encourages pet-owners to keep a supply of at least two weeks worth of food, but to only buy what they regularly need, in order to help minimize additional strain on distribution. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Josh Axelrod may be reached at jaxelrod@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. With eight months to go before the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), an international survey experiment has found evidence of "overwhelming" support across seven major countries for governments to "do more" to protect the environment. The survey directly asks the public about policies they want to see backed by governments at COP26, when the UK and Italy will gather world leaders in Glasgow from 1 November to commit to urgent global climate action. Researchers at the University of Cambridge worked with polling agency YouGov on a message-testing experiment involving 14,627 adults, with samples of around 2,000 each in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Poland, the UK and the US. Polling took place from 8th to 31st December 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to read either one of four "treatment" texts about climate change - drafted to reflect current UN messaging, public health, social norms and patriotism - or a neutral text, unrelated to climate and used to test "baseline" support. The participants were then asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statement that "all national governments should do more to protect the environment." Baseline figures showed extremely high levels of support for government-led action. In six of these countries, at least nine out of ten participants agreed that governments should do more for the environment. In the US, the figure was three out of four (79%). Compared to the baseline, exposure to one of the climate change texts led to a small but significant rise of about one or two percentage points on average. The figures ranged in the UK from 89-93%; as against 96-98% in Brazil, 91-95% in China, 92-97% in India, 99-100% in Indonesia, 91-94% in Poland and 76-79% in the USA. Across all the responses, a majority (55%) of those who voted for former President Donald Trump in the November 2020 presidential elections agreed, although this figure was well below the 95% figure for those who voted for President Joe Biden. In the UK, 87% of Conservative supporters agreed, as compared to 97% of Labour supporters. The issue may have even bridged the Brexit divide, with 96% of Remain voters and 86% of Leave voters in agreement on the need for more action. Dr Lee de-Wit, a political psychologist at the University of Cambridge, said that the clearest evidence that a message had had an impact was in China, "where pollution is a daily reality for many". Support for more action rose from 91% to 95% among those that read about public health benefits of tackling climate change - a text that focused on air pollution. "We live in a time of polarisation, and environmental issues have long embodied the political divisions in society. However, this may be changing. We can see an overwhelming consensus emerging for greater government-led action to protect the environment in major nations," de-Wit said. "As we approach COP26, politicians the world over should take confidence from these findings. Voters across party lines want to see more government action. The time is now." The survey also asked which policies governments should support at COP26. In each of these seven countries, baseline figures showed that at least 50% supported four policies. The most popular on average was action "to protect and preserve" wildlife, marine life and plants; followed by a policy "to plant more trees to absorb the gases that cause climate change"; then spending more on developing clean technologies; then reducing "the production over thirty years of the gases that cause climate change." Participants were also asked if they thought that businesses should be made "to pay for the damage they do when their activities contribute to climate change". In every country except China, baseline figures showed this to be a more popular policy than giving businesses a "fair timetable to stop activities that contribute to climate change." Across the seven countries, on average, 58% supported making businesses pay and 48% supported the timetable option. In the United Kingdom, baseline figures for the most popular policies were protecting wildlife (84%), planting trees (81%) and spending more on clean technology (75%). Some 70% thought businesses should pay for environmental damage, while 67% supported reducing the production of greenhouse gases over 30 years. Baseline support for giving businesses a fair timetable to adapt stood at 55%. Only 5% believed that governments are "doing all they should". In the United States, baseline figures were 70% for protecting wildlife, 67% for planting trees, and 60% for spending more on clean technology. Some 54% thought businesses should pay for environmental damage, while 51% supported reducing the production of greenhouse gases over 30 years. Baseline support for giving businesses a fair timetable to adapt stood at 42%. Only 10% believed that governments are "doing all they should". Across the seven countries, for participants who had been exposed to one of the climate change texts, support for these policies rose by around 1% on average, which was not a significant change. However, support for tree-planting did rise significantly from a baseline of 73% to 76% for those exposed to the UN's current messaging, and to 75% for those who read a text on the public health benefits of tackling climate change. De-Wit said that in the run up to COP26: "We face huge challenges protecting the environment, but global public opinion may no longer be chief among them." Dr Sander van der Linden, Director of Cambridge's Social Decision-Making Lab, also involved in the research, added: "These survey results make it clear that irrespective of age, gender and nationality, citizens around the world want governments to do more to protect the environment." The findings can be viewed here. ### YouGov's samples were nationally and politically representative in the UK, USA, and Poland. In Indonesia and Brazil, they were nationally representative. In China, the sample was representative of the online community, and in India, it was representative of the urban community. The margin of error in each country was +/- 2%. EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence tied a school record for goals in a game with nine in a win over Smithfield. St. Lawrence scored 17 goals for the week and has 32 for the season. CARLY CONSTANTINE, Stonington softball, sophomore: Constantine singled home Shea OConnor with the winning run to hand Waterford, the states No. 2 ranked team at the time, its first loss of the season. For the week, Constantine was 5 for 15. GREG GORMAN, Westerly baseball, junior: Gorman, a junior, hit a massive home run in a win against Barrington. The homer went over the fence in center field and landed in a nearby road. Gorman was 3 for 3 with four RBIs in the game. He is hitting .571 with 10 RBIs for the season. BRADIN ANDERSON, Wheeler baseball, freshman: Anderson, a freshman, pitched a complete-game shutout to beat Grasso Tech. Anderson struck out three to earn the first win of his varsity career. Vote View Results PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Vaccination Management Team (VMT) took notice of the issue which is circulating on social media since last Friday of persons, who presumably are not residing on the island, trying to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Sint Maarten. The registration process is currently aimed at making the vaccination available for all residents of Sint Maarten including those that reside in the country undocumented. This group is estimated to be around a third of the population on the Dutch side. So, without including this group, it will be impossible to reach herd immunity and stop the spread of the virus. Therefore, any form of Identification (ID) is currently required when registering, not specifically a Sint Maarten ID. However, the VMT has taken note of instances where tourists or so-called snowbirds, specifically plan to come to Sint Maarten to receive the vaccine. The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (Ministry VSA) wants to be clear that the COVID-19 vaccines are not intended for these groups, but are reserved for persons who reside on Sint Maarten for at least six months or have a Sint Maarten ID. The VMT is currently working on a solution to filter these ''vaccination tourists & snowbirds'' out of the registration database and will update the public on possible changes in the registration procedures shortly. Lastly, the VMT wants to encourage everyone who's residing on Sint Maarten to register for the vaccine. Almost 5.000 have registered already, but we will need approximately 40.000 residents to be vaccinated to realize herd immunity. We are incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to get this vaccine, as they are extremely scarce all over the world. The fact that people from other countries are trying to get it here is a good example of that. The VMT encourages you to protect yourself and play your part in protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. Vaccination is at this point is one of the best preventive options to return to normalcy. To once more allow tourists to return to our island will ultimately lead to economic recovery. If you haven't done so already, please register using the online registration link which can be found on the Government of Sint Maarten website vaccination information page, or via a paper-based registration form, which can be picked up at various locations and dropped off at the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) offices or one of the assigned Vaccination Administration Locations. If you have not done so already, please register for the vaccine (also if you are under 60 years) by using the online link: https://forms.sintmaartengov.org/form.aspx?v=OGtn05kNmb which is now also available in Spanish and Creole. You can also use the paper-based COVID Vaccine Registration Form which can be picked up at several locations, including CPS at the Vineyard Office Park Building, the Division of Labor Affairs at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center in Simpson Bay, Doctors offices, the Government Administration Building, and select pharmacies. St. Maarten protected together. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 21:49:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISTANBUL, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Monday seized a valuable ancient Greek coin in an operation in the southwestern part of the country and detained six suspects, local media reported. The police launched an operation to an address in the province of Mugla to seize the coin, which has a market value of 1 million U.S. dollars, the Sozcu daily said. Six suspects were reportedly detained while trying to sell the coin to police officers disguised as potential buyers. The piece, known as the Athens Decadrachm coin, is dated back to 467-465 B.C., according to press reports. The coin has an image of goddess Athena on the obverse and an inverted owl on the reverse. Enditem Ranganath Navalgund, former director of Space Applications Center, Indian Space Research Organisation, has been waiting at Aster CMI hospital in Bengaluru since 10 am for a Covid-19 vaccination. Little did he know that after waiting for over two hours he would be turned away as he had not registered himself on the CoWIN app but had walked in for the jab. I tried registering on the CoWIN app but I could not select the venue where I wanted to get the vaccination so I chose to walk in, said a visibly tired sexagenerian. However, once the BBMP officials arrived with the vaccine shots at noon, he was informed that they are not allowing walk-in vaccinations for the first week to avoid overcrowding. The vaccination process which was to begin at 12 pm in the Silicon Valley of India could not be rolled out before 2 pm because the platform had crashed. There was chaos at Aster CMI with several people who had already registered seen leaving. I will call the hospital at around 3.30 pm to check if it has begun, said Kiran Chornoor, an IT professional. Siddharth Hegde, a software engineer who had brought his parents for vaccination has also been waiting for over an hour now. I had taken a half day leave to get my parents vaccinated. I do not know if I will be able to get back to work, he said. Why did the government not fix the platform when the drive for healthcare officials began? What will happen when they go to a massive population?, asks Kochu Shankar, a retired MNC employee, who too has been waiting with others for over 2 hours for the vaccination along with over 50 other people. The hospital was seen offering refreshments to these people. Aster CMI has set up four vaccination rooms and two observation rooms and the hospital has the capacity to vaccinate up to 200 people each day. The hospital is following a token system to streamline the process. Every person who enters the hospital will be given a unique identity number and we will monitor everyone through this on our hospital platform. The people will also be sent vaccination reminders on their phones via this platform, said Swati Rajagopal, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Aster CMI Hospital. There was a delay at Manipal Hospital too where the vaccines had not reached within the designated time frame of 12 pm. The hospital officials also faced technical glitches here with around 60 people seen at the venue for the vaccination. Considering the magnitude of the vaccination drive, I am not surprised at the glitches. The pace will pick up in subsequent days, said H Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals. Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute has identified a block at the campus which would serve as the vaccination site but since the CoWIN website had crashed, there were no people coming in for the vaccination. Overall the state health department has shortlisted 18 private hospitals and five government hospitals for administering the Covid-19 vaccine to senior citizens in Karnataka. At hospitals such as Vikram Hospital, the vaccination drive did not kick start even by late afternoon. The BBMP officials have been trying very hard to restore the app. We are providing lunch to the people who have come in for the vaccination, said Somesh Mittal, MD & CEO of Vikram Hospital. For any large vaccination process like this there would be some glitches. From next Monday people can also get on the spot registrations for vaccination, said a BBMP employee on condition of anonymity. A crane moves a container next to livestock ship "Karim Allah", that carries nearly a thousand Spanish cattle stranded on board with suspected bluetongue disease, at Escombreras port, in Cartagena, Spain, February 27, 2021. REUTERS/Juan Medina More than 850 cows that have spent months on a ship in the Mediterranean are no longer fit for transport and should be killed, Spain's Agriculure Ministry said on Saturday, confirming an earlier Reuters report. The cows were kept in what an animal rights activist called "hellish" conditions on the Karim Allah, which docked in the southeastern Spanish port of Cartagena on Thursday after struggling to find a buyer for the cattle during the past two months. The animals were rejected by several countries over fears they had bovine bluetongue virus. The insect-borne virus causes lameness and haemorrhaging among cattle, but does not affect humans. A confidential veterinarians' report seen by Reuters on Friday concluded that the animals had suffered from the lengthy journey and euthanasia would be the best solution for their health and welfare. The report did not say if the cattle had bluetongue. In a statement on Saturday the Spanish Agriculture Ministry confirmed the report's findings and said the ship's owners should kill the cattle. "They should proceed to isolate and slaughter the animals in accordance with the applicable regulations and, in the case of not doing so, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will do it in a subsidiary way." Miquel Masramon, a lawyer representing the shipowner Talia Shipping Line, called for samples taken from the animals and impounded by authorities on Thursday to be returned so they could be tested for bluetongue. "It (the report) does not mention any serious diseases that explain why these animals must be destroyed," he said. The vessel originally left Cartagena to deliver the cattle to Turkey. But authorities there blocked the shipment and suspended live animal imports from Spain, fearing bluetongue infection. That rejection turned the ship, registered in Lebanon, into an international pariah, as several more countries refused it entry. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. 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Digital Editor Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 19:30:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian foreign ministry on Monday accused Israel of "inducing panic" in the Persian Gulf when rejecting the country's claim that Iran was involved in a blast aboard an Israeli-owned ship last week, the Iranian Students' News Agency reported. "We strongly reject this accusation," Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a weekly press briefing, while noting that Israel is "the basis of all insecurity and instability in the region." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran on Monday for an explosion aboard the MV Helios Ray, a vehicle-carrier ship, in the Sea of Oman. The Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Khatibzadeh said, are Iran's "immediate security areas," and Tehran "will not allow" Israel to "induce panic" in the region. Enditem THERE are 49 new cases of Covid-19 in Limerick according to the latest statistics from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. And, sadly, the centre has today been notified of one additional death related to the virus across the country. This death occurred in January. As of midnight, Sunday, the HPSC has been notified of 687 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. There is now a total of 220,273 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. Of the cases notified today: 352 are men / 334 are female 71% are under 45 years of age The median age is 30 years old 240 in Dublin, 49 in Limerick, 44 in Offaly, 40 in Galway, 36 in Louth and the remaining 278 cases are spread across 19 other counties. There have been 547 new cases of the virus in Limerick in the 14 days up to February 28. As of 8am today, 540 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 120 are in ICU. 14 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. As of February 26th, 426,070 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 285,780 people have received their first dose 140,290 people have received their second dose Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, the Department of Health said; While the number of daily cases and the number of people in hospital and critical care remain high, we continue to make progress. In the last 24 hours, we have had no new admissions to critical care, the first time this has happened since St. Stephens Day. This is one more tangible signal of the efforts that people continue to make and how those efforts are impacting positively on the trajectory of Covid-19 in Ireland. Please stick with this over the coming weeks. Professor Pete Lunn, Head of the Behavioural Research Unit, ESRI said; Data from the Public Opinion Tracking Survey Research (Amarach/Department of Health) and from the new Social Activity Measure (ESRI/Department of the Taoiseach), give insight into how people are coping with the prolonged period of restrictions. The evidence shows that while people are finding it tough going, the large majority (79%) believe that preventing the spread of Covid-19 is more important than the burden of restrictions. Just 10% disagree. This pattern helps to explain how measures of compliance have been rising in recent weeks and months, despite the frustrations that people feel, said Professor Pete Lunn, Head of the Behavioural Research Unit at the ESRI, who analysed the data. Just because we feel a particular way, does not mean that this feeling dictates our behaviour. Rather, the large majority of people in Ireland support the restrictions and are sticking to them, despite the frustrations. The data also show systematic misperceptions about socially activity. Presently, half the adult population does not meet up with anyone outside their household over a 48-hour period, with less than one quarter meeting up with three or more. Yet these more socially active people believe that they are meeting fewer people than average. There is a clear misperception. Most people believe that others are enjoying more of a social life than they are. Those who are in fact most socially active do not realise this. The finding is important, and we need to try to correct this misperception. When people appreciate effort being made by others, they typically become more likely to follow. The publication in early February of the memoirs of Eduardo Villas Boas, Brazilian Army commander between 2015 and 2019, has thrown national politics into turmoil and exposed the drive towards dictatorship in the sixth most populated country in the world. A political crisis was unleashed by the books foremost revelation, in which Villas Boas claimed the Army High command had full knowledge of a tweet he posted in 2018, on the eve of the vote by the Constitutional Court (STF) on a habeas corpus petition by former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula was serving a nine-year sentence for corruption and was the frontrunner in polls for the October presidential elections, which the fascistic Jair Bolsonaro would later win. Three members of the high command in 2018 are current ministers in the Bolsonaro administration. The book is an edited version of 13 hours of interviews with Villas Boas by Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) military researcher Celso de Castro. General Villas Boas testifying before the Brazilian Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2017 (Credit: Geraldo Magela/Agencia Senado) On April 2, 2018, Villas Boas tweeted: In the situation currently confronting Brazil, we must ask the institutions and the people, who is really thinking of the wellbeing of the country and future generations and who is only worried about personal interests? He concluded menacingly: I reassure the nation that the Brazilian Army shares the desire of all good citizens in repudiating impunity. The most senior member of the court, Justice Celso de Mello, decried the tweet as appearing to foreshadow the resumption of attitudes that are strange and harmful to constitutional orthodoxy, referring to the pressure exerted by the 1964-1985 US-backed military dictatorship over the court, which remained formally open during the blood-soaked regime. In what was effectively a vote taken at gunpoint, Lulas habeas petition was defeated by a 6-5 majority. The books revelation sparked a political frenzy. On February 15, STF Justice Luiz Fachin, who was at the time the rapporteur on Lulas habeas petition, called the revelations intolerable and unacceptable. Villas Boas reacted on Twitter a day later with menace and contempt. He posted a link to a news report of Fachins declaration and wrote, three years later. On February 19, the escalating crisis led to the unprecedented arrest of Brazilian House member Daniel Silveira, of the Social Liberal Party (PSL)on whose ticket Bolsonaro was electedfor defending the general as well as the January 6 Washington putsch in a YouTube video, and calling the 1964 US-backed coup establishing the 21-year military regime a warning to STF members. Silveira, a former Rio de Janeiro Military Police soldier, filmed his arrest live and contemptuously said he had already been arrested 90 times for military offenses and knew exactly what was coming. Currently detained in a military prison, he is reportedly being treated as a hero by inmates, other fascistic soldiers deemed too dangerous even by a force that murders over 6,000 Brazilians a year. Silveira was already investigated by the STF for collaborating with a fascist group known as The 300 of Brazil, which campaigned throughout 2019 for the army to shut down the court to halt corruption probes against Bolsonaro. A few days later, further exposing the political dangers being recognized by Brazilian authorities, former Defense Minister Raul Jungmann wrote an open letter to the STF appealing for it to bar recent decrees by Bolsonaro deregulating gun ownership. He warned that the increased arming of civilians evokes the blight of civil war, citing the January 6 coup attempt in Washington as an example of what might happen in Brazil. Bolsonaro himself has already threatened not to recognize the 2022 election results if he loses, claiming that election fraud would make the presidential elections in Brazil worse than those in the US. Jungmanns warning is even more significant, coming from a senior figure in the right-wing government of President Michel Temer. Temer came to power through the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff of the Workers Party (PT) with a mandate from the financial markets to impose brutal austerity on Brazilian workers. Also, Silveiras arrest was ordered by STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes, Temers former justice minister. He is considered the main representative in the court of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), the former traditional right-wing opposition to the PT, which entered into a coalition with Temer. Moraes opened the investigation into the 300 of Brazil fascists in 2019 based on the reactionary dictatorship-era National Security Law, which originally targeted left-wing guerrillas. The arrest of Silveira was a dangerous move. Both Bolsonaros intelligence chief, Gen. Augusto Heleno, and Attorney General Augusto Aras have warned repeatedly that they view the Constitution as allowing the calling out of the army in cases of an overreach of powerthe exact term used by Bolsonaro loyalists to describe Silveiras arrest. The move also risked activating Bolsonaros base among junior officers and soldiers of the state-controlled Military Police, which form Silveiras constituency. In March 2020, a strike by Ceara state Military Police was organized by Bolsonaro allies and led to open reports in the press that governors were afraid the police might turn against them if they opposed the president. Bolsonaro has proposed to amend the Constitution to create a rank of Military Police General under his control, to which governors reacted with a mix of nervousness and fear, calling it a breach of states rights. The House, which eventually upheld the arrest, had to postpone its vote on the issue to allow room for negotiations with the STF and the army. In an indication of the reactionary content of these negotiations, the Rio de Janeiro Military Club, known as the place where the 1964 coup was planned, seized on Moraes use of dictatorship-era legislation, issuing an open letter asking if the same criteria applied against Silveira would be used against the left. For his part, former Defense Minister Jungmann is spearheading the return of the military, and particularly the army, to political life in Brazil, barely 30 years after they were forced to retreat by the powerful strike movement which brought the dictatorship to an end in 1985. A former Communist Party member, Jungmann politically sponsored the 2018 federal intervention against crime in Rio de Janeiro, which saw the army all but depose the governor and police the streets. He is now the public face of the newly founded CEDESEN think tank, which describes itself as the first think tank dedicated to defense issues in the country. He shares this platform with Temers former intelligence chief, Gen. Sergio Etchegoyen, a key ally of Villas Boas whom Rousseff declined to punish when he criticized a Congressional Truth Commission into the crimes of the 1964-1985 dictatorship. The revelations in Villas Boas memoirs were not entirely new, as the general himself had previously declared his position to be that of the entire high command. But by naming as his direct co-thinkers key ministers in the Bolsonaro government, Villas Boas lent additional weight to worries that the deep involvement of the military in this deeply unpopular administration will provoke uncontrolled social opposition and engulf it in the deep crisis affecting bourgeois rule in Brazil. Bolsonaro has filled positions throughout his government with active and retired members of the armed forces, whose ranks now number over 6,000, more than at any previous point in history, including under the military dictatorship. Most significantly, the military has been directly mobilized in support of Bolsonaro's murderous herd immunity policy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an active duty general heading the Health Ministry, and the army being employed to produce hydroxychloroquine, which Bolsonaro relentlessly promotes as a cure for COVID-19. Brazil has the second largest number of COVID-19 deaths in the world, having just passed the quarter million mark. Under these conditions, official reaction to the crisis has been to downplay the risk of dictatorship with empty reassurances that the checks and balances of democracy are working. This attitude was personified by STF president Luiz Fux, who cast himself as conduit for the military, declaring on February 19 that Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo had told him the Villas Boas allegations were not true and there had been no meeting to discuss the tweets. As for the nominal target of the conspiracy, the Workers Party, its attitude towards the crisis is a mixture of deception, cowardice and hypocrisy. PT party president Gleisi Hoffmann, a House member for the state of Parana, reacted with a perfunctory call for a congressional testimony by the current defense minister and Army commander. Lulas former foreign and defense minister, Celso Amorim, told one of the partys mouthpieces, Carta Capital magazine, that the revelations meant the tweets were a coup, and he was surprised by them. In reality, the PT is principally responsible for the current dangers faced by the Brazilian working class, which cannot be stressed enough. It was the PT that named Villas Boas as army commander. It covered up for his threats when they were made in order to contain public reaction and cast itself as the best alternative for the Brazilian ruling class, as it had been considered for the better part of the 21st century. In April 2018, Lula was barred from running for the presidency, but the acceptance of his habeas petition by the STF was seen as a potential turning point in appeals that could reverse this situation. Lula had been sentenced for receiving a beachfront penthouse from one of the key defendants in the Lava Jato (Carwash) corruption probe, the OAS construction company. While Lula was unquestionably at the center of the vast bribery and kickbacks scandal that centered on the state-run energy giant Petrobras, his appeals were based on the fact that he never established ownership or made use of the penthouse. Business lobbies opposed Lulas candidacy, worried that he would come under pressure to slow down the brutal austerity implemented by the right-wing factions which had ousted the PT in the trumped-up 2016 impeachment of Rousseff. Those factions exploited the massive corruption schemes overseen by the PT and uncovered by the Lava Jato corruption probe, despite being involved in them up to their necks. They used the less than two years of Temers caretaker administration to impose a draconian 20-year freeze on health, education and public works spending and enact a labor reform authorizing zero-hours contracts and provoking massive pay reductions. At the time of Villas Boas tweet, the PT bent over backwards to cover up for the armys assault on civil institutions, absurdly blaming the Globo media conglomerate for manipulating the tweet in order to vilify Lula. The PT chose not to alert the working class to the dangers of Villas Boas threats, instead boasting treacherously that it had spent record sums on the military. Villas Boas had been named army commander by Rousseff in 2015, the youngest of candidates in a break with tradition. He was chosen on the grounds that he was supposedly a constitutionalist and opposed to the questioning voiced by other commanders of the work of the Congressional Truth Commission established in 2012 to investigate the crimes of the 1964-1985 dictatorship. He had defended Lulas rearmament program in 2015 before Congress as a landmark achievement and received standing ovations from the PTs Senate caucus in 2017 when he publicly denied that the army considered intervening in the crisis of the Temer government. Barely a month before his coup threat on the eve of the habeas vote, Rousseffs former defense minister, Jaques Wagner, publicly praised Villas Boas, declaring: Villas Boas is a classical military man, a nationalist Brazilian who abides by the law. He has always become a leader wherever he commanded for being brave, kind and compelling. He is a democratic figure, someone who looks forwardimplying that he was not a defender of the 1964 coup and would never support extra-constitutional intervention by the military As late as May 2019, when Villas Boas came under fire from the Brazilian fascist ideologue Olavo de Carvalho, a key ally of Bolsonaro and bridge between him and the US far right, Jaques Wagner came to his defense, calling him my Army commander. The closest historical analogy to the events that have unfolded in Brazil is Salvador Allendes nomination of Augusto Pinochet as the commander-in-chief of the Chilean Army in 1973, providing him the means to overthrow Allende himself. The working class must draw the lessons of the latest revelations in Brazil and fight to break the straitjacket of the Workers Party, whose main objective is to prevent the drive towards dictatorship being countered by a mass movement against the source of the crisis, the capitalist system. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says NSW will get 80,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the next 10 days as the state government grows increasingly frustrated about being left in the dark. In a veiled swipe at the federal government, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Monday morning that NSW needed more information about dosage numbers in order to plan for the rollout. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard look on as a NSW Health worker receives his COVID-19 vaccination at the Westmead Hospital. Credit:Getty This is the issue: we would like to know as soon as possible how many doses NSW is receiving, Ms Berejiklian said. Our teams are ready and willing to step up and increase our capacity, but well just need to know exactly how many doses were getting beyond week four. After her public comments, Mr Hunts office said in a statement that he had a constructive conversation with Ms Berejiklian and had confirmed to her that NSW would get 80,000 doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines in the next 10 days, subject to the states confirmation of ability to distribute. New Delhi, March 1 : China carried out cyber attacks on Indian power and ports sectors when troops were engaged at the borders along the Line of Actual Control but there was "no impact" on critical infrastructure, sources in the power ministry said on Monday. The ministry carried out a study -- China-Linked group Red Echo targets the Indian power sector amid heightened border tensions -- carried out by Recorded Future's Insikt Group and released on Monday which came to the conclusion that there were cyber attacks but nothing happened to critical infrastructure. The report stated that in total, 21 IP addresses resolving to 10 distinct Indian organisations in the power generation and transmission sector were targeted, with a further two organisations in the maritime sector. They were targeted through a malware called Shadow Pad. All 12 organizations qualify as critical infrastructure, as per the Indian National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) definition. "Within India's power sector, Red Echo conducted suspected network intrusions targeting at least 4 out of the country's 5 Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs), alongside 2 State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs)," the report stated. RLDCs and SLDCs are responsible for ensuring real-time integrated operation of India's power grid through balancing electricity supply and demand to maintain a stable grid frequency. The report also talks about the October 2020 power outage in Mumbai links to a malware attack at a Padgha-based State Load Despatch Centre. However, the alleged link between the outage and the discovery of the unspecified malware variant remains unsubstantiated in the study. Other Red Echo intrusions within the Indian power sector included the targeting of a high-voltage transmission substation and a coal-fired thermal power plant. "The targeting of these critical power assets offer limited economic espionage opportunities, but pose significant concerns over potential pre-positioning of network access to support other Chinese strategic objectives," the report stated. Reacting to the report's finding, power ministry sources said that a system of monitoring and analysis of cyber activities is already in place at all RLDCs & NLDC, operated by the Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO). Further, sources said that the ministry received an email from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) on November 19, 2020 on the threat of malware called Shadow Pad at some control centres of POSOCO. Accordingly, action has been taken to address these threats. Subsequently, NCIIPC informed through a mail dated February 12, 2021 about the threat by Red Echo through a malware called Shadow Pad. Sources in the ministry said the report of Insikt referring to the threat actors were already informed to them by CERT-in and NCIIPC. After the ministry came to know about the threats, all IPs and domains listed in the NCIIPC mail were blocked in the firewall at all control centres. "Log of firewall is being monitored for any connection attempt towards the listed IPs and domains. Additionally, all systems in control centres were scanned and cleaned by antivirus," the sources in the ministry said. The IPs mentioned in the Red Echo related advisory are matching with those given in Shadow pad. "Observations from all RLDCs & NLDC shows that there is no communication and data transfer taking place to the IPs mentioned. There is no impact on any of the functionalities carried out by POSOCO due to the referred threat. No data breach/data loss has been detected due to these incidents," the ministry had noted. Prompt action is being taken by the chief information security officers at all these control centres under operation by POSOCO for any incident or advisory received from various agencies like CERT-in, NCIIPC, CERT-Trans and others. (Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in) --IANS sk/bg Virus-free. www.avast.com Highlights Mumbai faced a massive power outage on October 12, 2020. Earlier reports hinted about a possible cybersecurity attack that caused the outage. A new report says the China-linked threat activity group, RedEcho, may have been responsible. A new study tips that the Mumbai power outage last year, which was said to the worst power failure in decades, may have its links to the India and China border tensions. The report adds that the mega Mumbai power outage may be the result of a cyber attack from China in an attempt to give a sign to India not to press too hard. The report cited by The New York Times claims that when the Indians and Chinese soldiers were having a faceoff at the border, the malware was being injected into the control systems that are responsible for electric supply across India. Notably, this is not the first report that hints at China's cyberattack that led to the Mumbai power outage. From November last year, India Today report said that the Maharashtra cyber department suspected that a malware attack could be behind the power outage. The power outage's primary cause was said to be tripping at the Padgha-based load dispatch centre in the Thane district. On October 12 last year, Mumbai faced a massive power outage that lasted for a few hours starting from 10 am, however, the issue was resolved by noon. In November, India Today had reported that during the initial investigation by Maharashtra cyber department, they traced the infusion of malware at the Padgha-based state load dispatch centre. The NYT report says that the malware tracing was done by Recorded Future, a cybersecurity company founded in 2009 with headquarters in Somerville, Massachusetts. The company claims that most of the malware was not activated, which may mean that a small proportion of malware caused the Mumbai power outage. However, the report adds that the cybersecurity company couldn't examine the code itself because of the restrictions, which meant it could not get inside India's power systems. The report says that the cybersecurity company notified Indian authorities. The company has named the Chinese state-sponsored group RedEcho which is more than likely to be blamed for the Mumbai power outage. The report quotes Stuart Solomon, chief operating officer of Recorded Future, who said the RedEcho "has been seen to systematically utilize advanced cyber intrusion techniques to quietly gain a foothold in nearly a dozen critical nodes across the Indian power generation and transmission infrastructure." In a blog post published Recorded Future, the company has put down its observations about targeted intrusion activity against Indian authorities. "Since early 2020, Recorded Future's Insikt Group observed a large increase in suspected targeted intrusion activity against Indian organizations from Chinese state-sponsored groups. From mid-2020 onwards, Recorded Future's midpoint collection revealed a steep rise in the use of infrastructure tracked as AXIOMATICASYMPTOTE, which encompasses ShadowPad command and control (C2) servers, to target a large swathe of India's power sector. 10 distinct Indian power sector organizations, including 4 of the 5 Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDC) responsible for the operation of the power grid through balancing electricity supply and demand, have been identified as targets in a concerted campaign against India's critical infrastructure. Other targets identified included 2 Indian seaports," the company said. The cybersecurity company does point that despite some overlaps with previous groups, there isn't enough evidence to attribute the Mumbai power outage to an existing hacker group. However, it will "continue to track it as a closely related but distinct activity group, RedEcho." The cybersecurity company says it has sent its findings to Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (or CERT-In) within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India. It adds that the government has acknowledged the receipt twice, though there has been no confirmation of the fact that the code infected in the power grid may have any links with China-based hackers. In 1988, she was a brilliant teenage girl, clever and capable, with the world apparently at her feet. But the woman who made allegations of rape against a cabinet minister is now dead, having taken her own life in the early days of the pandemic in 2020. She would have turned 50 last week. The alleged rapist is now a cabinet minister in Parliament House. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday the accused minister absolutely rejects the allegations. She was extraordinary, said Jo Dyer, a literary festival director, who had known the deceased woman since they were 15 years old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of Covid vaccine here at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Monday, leading the country in the third phase of the inoculation drive as a massive chunk of population aged above 60 and those above 45 with comorbidities prepare to take the shots. Modi was administered Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS," he informed on Twitter. At the time of the vaccination, Modi wore a "gamchha" (scarf) from Assam, which is regarded as a symbol of blessings of women from Assam. The Prime Minister has been seen wearing it on many occasions. The vaccine dose was administered by a nurse from Puducherry P. Niveda, who was assisted by another nurse from Kerala Rosamma Anil. The Prime Minister decided to get the jab at 6.25 a.m. to avoid media glare as scores of people could be queuing up at the hospital. He remained under observation for half an hour in the hospital and left around 7 a.m. "Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," Modi later wrote on Twitter. He also appealed that those who could take vaccines should come forward for it. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," Modi said. The ongoing vaccination drive will now reach to around 27 crore people who are on the list of priority for vaccination after the healthcare and frontline workers, starting Monday. Vaccination will be provided free of charge at the government health facilities and will be on a payment basis in the private health facilities. All private hospitals can charge Rs 150 for vaccines and Rs 100 for service charges fixed by the central government. Around 10,000 hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY and 687 hospitals under CGHS can be used by states as Covid vaccination centres (CVCs). The COWIN portal will provide the facility for booking an appointment based on the vaccination centres declared by the states/UTs, with their location, the dates on which appointment slots are provided and the capacity declared as open slots and the vacancies available at the time of booking. Besides, all beneficiaries, regardless of the mode of access, i.e through online registration or mobilization through on-site registration are advised to carry the following for verification at the time of vaccination -- Aadhar Card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC); and Certificate of comorbidity for citizens in the age group of 45 years to 59 years. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas inveighed against the Trump Administration's immigration policy during an appearance in the White House briefing room Monday it took apart the immigration system 'in its entirety.' Mayorkas said the administration 'tore down' systems in place for Central American minors and 'gutted' the system overall even as he acknowledged there is currently a 'stressful challenge' at the border, as waves of migrants continue to try to make it into the U.S. despite the administration's urgings. 'I have explained that quite clearly. We are challenged at the border. The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security, are meeting that challenge,' Mayorkas said. 'It is a stressful challenge. That is why, quite frankly we are working as hard as we are not only in addressing the urgency of the challenge, but also in building the capacity to manage it, and to meet our humanitarian aspirations in execution of the President's vision,' he said. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington where he trashed the Trump Administration's immigration policy He declined to call the hundreds of new arrivals each day at the border a 'crisis.' He ripped the administration for its child separation policy and for rolling back asylum claims, even as the new Biden administration has taken flack for continuing to detain migrants at the border. 'Let me explain to you why it is hard and why it is going to take time. I think it is important to understand what we have inherited, because it defines the situation as it currently stands.' 'Entire systems are not rebuilt in a day or in a few weeks. To put it succinctly, the prior administration dismantled our nation's immigration system in its entirety. When I started 27 days ago, I learned that we did not have the facilities available or equipped to administer the humanitarian laws that our Congress passed years ago,' Mayorkas continued. Mayorkas acknowledged the nation was 'challenged' at the border. Here migrants from Central America camp outside the El Chaparral border crossing, hoping to cross and request asylum in the U.S, in Tijuana, Mexico February 27, 2021 Mayorkas blasted the Trump administration's child separation policy He appeared at the White House briefing room and denounced Trump Administration policies Migrants from Central America, under the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program, walk across the Paso del Norte international border bridge from the Mexican side to continue their asylum request in the United States, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico February 26, 2021 'We did not have the personnel, policies, procedures, or training to administer those laws, Quite frankly, the entire system was gutted. In addition, they tore down the Central American minors program that allowed children to access laws and protection without having to take the perilous journey north. 'They cut off funding to the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras,' he said. He claimed 'no planning' had been done to protect U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel.' Mayorkas urged immigrants to avoid coming to the U.S. right now, even as the administration has come out for legislation providing a path to citizenship for many migrants already here. "They need to wait. It takes time to rebuild the system from scratch. If they come, if families come, if single adults come to the border, we are obligated to, in the service of public health, including the health of the very people who are thinking of coming, to impose to travel restrictions,' he said. The Pygmalion myth gets a gender flip in Im Your Man, the Berlin Film Festival competition entry from Germanys Maria Schrader. Maren Eggert stars as Alma, a single anthropologist who agrees to live with a humanoid robot for three weeks as part of a trial testing period. Thomas (Dan Stevens) has been designed as Almas ideal partner, using algorithms based on her brain scans, her responses and research involving 17 million people. Polite, charming and well dressed, Thomas appears human, save for the occasional cock-headed mechanical smile. Then theres also his habit of spouting detailed statistics, something he learns to curb as Alma crossly puts him straight about her real preferences or at least, what she thinks they are. Maybe they know you better than yourself, chuckles Almas colleague, as she complains about Toms chat-up lines. When the odd couple begins to cohabit, the robot is a catalyst for self-reflection and self-doubt in this comedy-drama thats as thought-provoking as it is funny. More from Deadline Inspired by a short story by Emma Braslavsky, the screenplay written by Schrader and Jan Schomburg explores themes including identity, humanity, fantasy, self-love and happiness. If happiness is achieved, does it matter if the source is artificial? Thats the key question. In contemporary Berlin, human men arent a great option for Alma: her ex has moved onto a younger model and everyone else is paired up. When Alma wants Thomas to act more like a human, she asks him to be angry and unpredictable. Later, a brief, telling scene shows two men in a road rage argument. Is that really a better alternative? Meanwhile, Almas senile father is equally erratic. Perhaps a charming robot who can meet all her needs is just the tonic heck, he even cleans the windows. Story continues Schrader draws sharp character comedy out of the premise, aided by terrific performances. British actor Dan Stevens speaking fluent German with an English accent is a consistently amusing physical performer, while Toni Erdmann star Sandra Huller puts in an enjoyable turn as his handler. But Eggert is the star of this show. She communicates Almas exasperation, frustration and soul-searching in a way that delicately balances comedy and drama. Interestingly, one of the most serious scenes is a sex scene. In sci-fi comedies, the female orgasm is usually either absent or played for laughs. Here, its one of the most revealing moments in the narrative, as a series of emotions flicker across Almas face. Guilt, pleasure, surprise, confusion, revelation, doubt its all in here for a few crucial seconds. Weird Science this is not. Of course, many other films have played with the idea of an AI or magical lovebot: this invites comparisons to everything from Blade Runner to Her. But the female lead gives the story more than just a fresh spin. Its a chance to ponder on the psychology of attraction from the perspective of a professional woman with a complex interior life, free from the testosterone that drives many examples in the genre. And in an age of isolation, social media and online dating, Im Your Man seems startlingly relevant. It may have been written before the pandemic, but Im Your Man was filmed during it: an entertaining conversation-starter for the current age. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. According to a report published by Grand View Research, the rising awareness regarding the benefits such as the ability to boost the immune system, strengthen bones and teeth, reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and kidney stones, and control blood cholesterol levels, is anticipated to fuel the product demand. According to a report, Tea Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Black, Green, Oolong, Herbal), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025 published by Grand View Research, Inc., the global tea market size is expected to reach USD 18.42 billion by 2025. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. The rising popularity of carbonated drinks coupled with the rise in consumer disposable income, especially in emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil will create robust product demand. Tea, being a widely consumed beverage especially across Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). It has gained immense popularity in other parts of the world as well, owing to its antioxidant properties. The presence of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, and a variety of amino acids make it help strengthen the immune system. Additionally, it helps lower cholesterol levels, increase metabolism, and may help prevent cancer. It also contains a small amount of caffeine, which boosts its consumption as a mild stimulant. Changing demographics, rise in disposable income of the middle-class population, especially in urban areas is anticipated to drive the product consumption and in turn, drive the market. Millennials are anticipated to register the strongest growth, especially in countries such as China, Japan, Brazil, and India. Rising awareness regarding the benefits of drinking tea coupled with the willingness to shell out money on the product is anticipated to bode well for the demand. Hence, to leverage this trend, a number of manufacturers are repositioning the product like a lifestyle brand to reach more consumers. They engage in social media campaigns and celebrity advertising to promote their new and premium flavors. Browse Details of Report @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/tea-market Tea Market Report Highlights On the basis of product, black tea accounted for a market share of almost 39.19%. On the other hand, green tea contributed to 30.54% of the global market share in 2018. On the basis of the distribution channel, the online distribution channel is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. The rise of online apps coupled with the availability of discounts and the easy product delivery has positively impacted the supply chain of the market. Asia Pacific is projected to generate a revenue of USD 6.33 billion by 2025. North America is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. The easy availability of the products from brands like Twinings, Numi Organic Tea, and Tata Global Beverages among others is projected to bode well for the regional market growth over the forecast period. In February 2020, Promise Beverages launched a line of cold brew tea. The tea has a delicious taste, with a creative brewing process and packaging that is more sustainable. The promised cold brew tea is brewed in small batches where the tea is steeped in cold water overtime during the brewing process. Tea Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global tea market on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region: Tea Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025) Black Green Oolong Herbal Tea Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025) Hypermarkets & Supermarkets Convenience Stores Specialty Stores Online What questions do you have? Get quick response from our industry experts @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/request-free-consultation/6339/rfc Tea Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2015 - 2025) 1. North America 1. The U.S. 2. Europe 1. Ireland 2. The U.K. 3. Asia Pacific 1. India 2. China 4. Central and South America 1. Argentina 5. Middle East and Africa 1. Turkey Key players in the Tea Market 1. Tata Global Beverages 2. Associated British Foods Plc. 3. Unilever 4. Twinings 5. Apeejay Surrendra Group 6. Tazo Tea Company 7. Celestial Seasonings, Inc. 8. Kazi Tea 9. Bettys & Taylors Group Ltd. 10. The Republic of Tea Thiruvananthapuram, March 1 : The CPI-M led Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala, which is aiming to create history by becoming the first ruling dispensation to retain power in the southern state, appears to have decided to field its best team for the April 6 Assembly elections after being stung by reverses in the form of protests by qualified jobless youth and the deep sea fishing fiasco. As the first step to fielding its best team of candidates in the likely 90 seats out of the 140 Assembly constituencies in Kerala that it will contest, the party's top brass is seriously thinking if they need to drop the big names, as planned earlier. After the whitewash in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the CPI-M's morale booster came when it was able to hold on to the pole position in the local body polls. Then there were talks that the party may decide to drop some big names, but following a series of protests, first by the jobless youth, and then over the deep sea fishing fiasco, the CPI-M top brass felt that it has slipped and to cover up that slip, serious discussions have started and the coming days will reveal the composition of the party's list of candidates. A person in the know of the developments said that the general norm is that the recommendations of candidates come from the 14 district committees of the party and then the final selection is done at the state committee level. The CPI-M had earlier decided not to field stalwarts and state ministers like Thomas Issac, G. Sudhakaran, A.K. Balan, Kadakampally Surendran, M.M. Mani and T.P. Ramakrishnan. "The latest news is that all these names are being re-considered and in a day or two things will become clear. Big guns like P. Jayarajan, A. Vijayaraghavan, M.A. Baby and M.V. Govindan, besides other frontline leaders like K.N. Balagopal and V.N. Vasavan are all in the reckoning," said the top source on condition of anonymity. Seasoned veteran S. Sarma might see himself testing the waters in a new constituency in his home district Ernakulam and might be fielded against Congress stalwart V.D. Satheesan. With the arrival of two new parties into the Left fold - Kerala Congress (Mani) and Loktantrik Janata Dal - the CPI-M has taken a positive step and is expected to give them adequate number of seats and in the bargain, they would be contesting in lesser number of seats as compared to 2016. The other thing which they are seriously discussing and debating is should politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who last year quit as state CPI-M secretary, be brought back. Last year, Balakrishnan had quit on 'health grounds'. However, it was said that he had stepped down after his younger son was arrested over his close links with a friend who was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau, while his elder son is in the dock after a Bihar woman claimed in the court that he had fathered her child. The Left is expected to name its full list of candidates by the end of this week or early next week. The CPI-M has decided not to flex its muscles against the allies, as they do not want to do any wrong or create any sort of friction, as its only objective is to retain power. She shot to fame as the feisty girlfriend of Conor in The Young Offenders, which became an international smash. But Demi Isaac Oviawe is taking on a very different role - and leaning in to her Nigerian roots - for her latest film. Demi plays a young woman struggling to have a child in the moving drama To All My Darlings. Adaeze is in a loving relationship with her husband but the couple are facing trauma after yet another miscarriage, as they try to start a family. For Demi, it marks a complete departure from the comic Cork capers of The Young Offenders. She said she was thrilled to take on the dramatic role for the short film, one of several that will be screened as part of this year's Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. Expand Close Demi as Linda in The Young Offenders / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demi as Linda in The Young Offenders Read More "It's very emotional and moving at the same time," said Demi. "I've always been one of those people, when an actor says: 'I was very moved and emotionally connected to the script' who's like: 'That's just a load of rubbish'. "But then I read it and the script did all the talking. I was really happy that they were reaching out to me to play a Nigerian woman," added Demi, who moved from Nigeria to Ireland with her family when she was a toddler, before her family settled in the Co Cork town of Mallow. She was just 19 when she made the film last year. "I didn't know if I could embody that character properly and bring the emotion because I've never experienced it and I wouldn't really know anyone close to me who's experienced it to that extent. But I am very happy that I did it." Demi said she relished the opportunity to play such a different character to The Young Offenders' Linda in the series that became a huge hit here and internationally. It was her first onscreen role. "It's very much expression based. She doesn't say a lot. But you can already tell what she's thinking or what she's feeling, while in The Young Offenders Linda had a lot of faces that she made when Conor made a stupid remark. That was comedic whereas this one is more serious. "That is one of my biggest fears - I don't want to become typecast as that one girl who does the comedic roles. I wanted to explore things. And that was another massive reason as to why I took the part in the short film. I didn't know it was going to be at a festival. I was like: 'Look, if I do it it's going to be under my belt. To show that I do have variety, I'm not just sticking to the one lane'." Expand Close Demi in her role as Adaeze in To All My Darlings / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demi in her role as Adaeze in To All My Darlings Directed by Lia Campbell and written by Derek Ugochukwu, To All My Darlings revolves around the Nigerian community in Dublin and many of the scenes are set in their local church as the community sets out to support Adaeze and her husband. "It was nice to see a group of black people who were from in and around the same area, who were able to share experiences and work off each other perfectly because the whole storyline is about being from a black community. I'm from a different part of Nigeria to where this woman, this character, is from. So I had to learn lines which are not in my native tongue." Demi went from a hectic 2019 to, like most of us, a much quieter past year. Having juggled filming the last series of The Young Offenders with taking part in Dancing With the Stars, she also managed to successfully complete her Leaving Cert. Last year was another story entirely but she said her radio job in Cork's 96FM proved to be a godsend. She co-hosts a Saturday afternoon music show with Lorraine Murphy. "I kept it going at school, I sat the Leaving, I did Dancing With the Stars and I did The Young Offenders, all in the same year. So like 2019 was super hectic. When I finished TYO I went straight into college to study radio. Expand Close Demi on Dancing with the Stars/ / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Demi on Dancing with the Stars/ "Going from college, to work, to 'hold on a second, the whole country's on lockdown. Pause everything right now. And do it all from home'. I was able to work from home, which is brilliant. "I always knew that I wanted to be an actor. Acting's great when you have a job but if you don't have a job you're kind of screwed. I knew that I needed something else to put food on the table - hypothetically, I'm still living at home - but to fund going to college and so on. So that's why I took on the job in 96. And that's why I'm also studying it in college so I can come out with some form of qualification." In recent months, Demi has supported a campaign called Anti Viral for young people during the pandemic. She has also backed a campaign for Coca-Cola and Alone. "There's so much going on, and you want to be there for everyone in your community, regardless of their age," she says. Now Demi's thrilled at the prospect of getting back to acting, with a new project set to begin soon (details have yet to be announced). "I really want to do acting now. I feel like I have the chance and I might as well go for it." To All of My Darlings will screen as part of Dublin International Film Festival's shorts programme, with dozens of new feature films from Ireland and worldwide also screening. DIFF is taking place virtually this year so you can watch the movies at home, see diff.ie. Read More The airline trade group says U.S. carriers have more than doubled the fuel efficiency of their fleets since 1978 and plan further reductions in carbon emissions. But the independent International Council on Clean Transportation says passenger traffic is growing nearly four times faster than fuel efficiency, leading to a 33% increase in emissions between 2013 and 2019. Works are taking place on the replacement of water mains in Kilcock and Suncroft, to improve the security of supply and reduce high levels of leakage in the area. Working in partnership with Kildare County Council, Irish Water said the work will involve the replacement of almost 800 meters of old problematic water mains along the R407 (Kilcock to Maynooth road), and over 850 metres of old cast iron water mains in Suncroft. "The pipes will be replaced with new, high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes which will improve water quality and reduce high levels of leakage which was impacting the water supply to customers in these areas.The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers property boundaries and connecting it to the customers water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work. "The works, which are scheduled to begin this week, will be carried out on behalf of Irish Water by Ward and Burke Ltd. and are expected to be completed by the end of March in Suncroft and by the end of April in Kilcock. These essential works will be delivered in adherence with the HSE and government guidance on Covid-19." To facilitate the safe delivery of these works, some traffic management will be in place including a stop/go traffic system, however, local and emergency access will be maintained at all times. The works may involve some short-term supply disruptions which we understand may cause inconvenience. The project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to any planned water shut-offs. Irish Water and Kildare County Council regret any inconvenience these improvement works may cause. Joe Carroll, Irish Water, said We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and will ensure our work crews make every effort to minimise any disruption these works may cause. We would like to thank the local community, businesses, homeowners and commuters for their patience and cooperation while we deliver these vital water network improvement improvement works to safeguard the water supply in Kildare. The customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1850 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website. He is nominated for the Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series, Drama, for his portrayal of Prince Charles in the hit Netflix series. And Josh O'Connor lamented the fact he was celebrating his milestone away from his The Crown co-stars ahead of the 78th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night. The actor, 30, who posed for a series of smouldering shots prior to the ceremony at the Corinthia hotel, London, took to Instagram to post a collection of amusing behind-the-scenes videos from filming the Netflix series. Nominated: Josh O'Connor lamented the fact he was celebrating his milestone away from his The Crown co-stars ahead of the 78th Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night Josh admitted that he wished he could be with all of his co-stars for the 2021 Golden Globes on Sunday night and he penned alongside a snap from the 2020 ceremony: 'Wish we could all be together tonight' followed by a heart emoji. The Crown has topped the nominations board at the 78th Golden Globe Awards, with a staggering six nods. Josh's co-stars Olivia Colman, Emma Corrin, Gillian Anderson and Helena Bonham Carter have all been nominated. The hit Netflix show has also been nominated for the Best Television Series, Drama, award. Celebrating The Crown's triumph, the actor posted a collection of amusing behind-the-scenes clips from filming with one video involving Gillian, 52, who portrayed Margaret Thatcher in the fourth series. Funny: The actor, 30, took to Instagram to post a collection of behind-the-scenes videos from filming the Netflix series (Gillian Anderson, who portrayed Margaret Thatcher, pictured) Handsome: Josh also posed for a series of smouldering shots prior to the ceremony at the Corinthia hotel, London Sad: Josh admitted that he wished he could be with all of his co-stars for the 2021 Golden Globes on Sunday night, he penned alongside a snap from the 2020 ceremony: 'Wish we could all be together tonight' followed by a heart emoji (pictured with Olivia Colman) In one video captioned 'here they all are on a tea break', Josh pans his camera along an array of wigs used on the show until he stops at the end on Gillian, dressed as Margaret Thatcher, as he quips: 'What the f**k?!' In a different clip from in-between filming scenes, Josh, who is dressed in costume, stares at the floor as he flips his water bottle in the air and it lands perfectly. The actor also shared a photo of himself and co-star Emma Corrin, who portrayed a young Princess Diana on series four, staring sternly at the camera which he captioned 'livid'. Josh's last behind-the-scenes clip involved himself as he played with a wooden toy for the first time and successfully completed it. Amusing: Celebrating The Crown's triumph, the actor posted a collection of amusing behind-the-scenes clips from filming with one video involving Gillian, 52, who portrayed Margaret Thatcher in the fourth series Impressive! In a different clip from in-between filming scenes, Josh, who is dressed in costume, stares at the floor as he flips his water bottle in the air and it lands perfectly 'Livid': The actor also shared a photo of himself and co-star Emma Corrin, who portrayed a young Princess Diana on series four, staring sternly at the camera which he captioned 'livid' Yay! Josh's last behind-the-scenes clip involved himself as he played with a wooden toy for the first time and successfully completed it Ahead of the ceremony, Josh posed for a collection of smouldering snaps at the Corinthia hotel, London. The actor looked dapper in an all-white ensemble of fitted trousers, a tailored shirt and a cravat. He added a black suit jacket with dramatic white lapels. Josh, who wore Bulgari for the star-studded virtual event, knew how to work his best angles as he posed for the camera prior to the ceremony. The Crown series four aired in November and it covers the time period between 1977 and 1990 and is set during Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister. Smouldering: Ahead of the ceremony, Josh posed for a collection of smouldering snaps at the Corinthia hotel, London Dapper: The actor looked dapper in an all-white ensemble of fitted trousers, a tailored shirt and a cravat. He added a black suit jacket with dramatic white lapels Work it: Josh, who wore a BVLGARI Octo Finissimo watch in steel with black dial for the star-studded virtual event, knew how to work his best angles as he posed for the camera prior to the ceremony Glamorous: Gillian shared a snap in her Dior gown as she prepared to tune in for the ceremony, where she is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series The fourth instalment covered the complicated relationship between PM and Queen, as well as Charles and Diana's wedding and her battle with bulimia. Bonham Carter plays Princess Margaret and Corrin plays the late Princess Diana. Other stars include Anderson as Margaret Thatcher, Colman as Queen Elizabeth, Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip and O'Connor as Prince Charles. The 78th Golden Globe Awards was originally due to take place in early January but was postponed until Sunday February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey have returned as hosts for the fourth time after previously doing the honour in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Popular: The Crown series four aired in November and it covers the time period between 1977 and 1990 and is set during Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister Uncanny: The Crown's Corrin and O'Connor, left, recreated Princess Diana and Prince Charles' engagement day shoot during the fourth season of the Netflix hit The Golden Globes 2021 is the first time the awards show has been broadcasted from two separate coasts with the nominees announced virtually. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Nominees will be tuning into the ceremony remotely but presenters have been asked to appear in person. The impressive list of presenters this year includes Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig, Renee Zellweger, Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo and Annie Mumolo. Premise: The fourth instalment covered the complicated relationship between PM and Queen, as well as Charles and Diana's wedding and her battle with bulimia (Colman pictured as the Queen in show still) While Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Margot Robbie, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Kate Hudson and Kenan Thompson also make up the star-studded line-up. Satchel, 26, and Jackson Lee, 24, the children of previously Golden Globe nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and producer/philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, are serving as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Jane Fonda, 83, is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The iconic actress has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in Klute, Julia and Coming Home - to name a few. Norman Lear, best known for All In the Family and Sanford And Son, will be honoured with the Carol Burnett Award, a counterpart to the DeMille Award that focuses on life achievement in television. Amazing: Jane Fonda, 83, is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The iconic actress has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in Klute, Julia and Coming Home - to name a few (pictured at the Oscars in February 2020) Nominations were announced on February 3 with streaming giant Netflix receiving 42 nominations across film and television. David Fincher's Mank lead with six nominations across film, while The Crown also topped the TV categories with the same number of nominations. Netflix smash-hit Emily In Paris found itself as one of the more controversially nominated shows, landing a nomination for best TV series, musical or comedy. The show's star, Lily Collins, also got a nod for best actress. Much of the uproar surrounding the nomination stems from the snubbing of Michaela Coel, whose HBO drama I May Destroy You failed to land any nominations despite being one of the summer's most critically-acclaimed shows. Deborah Copaken, one of the writers of Emily in Paris, even spoke out to criticise the snub and insisted that Coel's show deserved a nomination. Nominated: Netflix smash-hit Emily In Paris found itself as one of the more controversially nominated shows, landing a nomination for best TV series, musical or comedy. The show's star, Lily Collins, also got a nod for best actress (Lily pictured in Emily In Paris) Outrage: Much of the uproar surrounding the nomination stems from the snubbing of Michaela Coel (pictured in show still) whose HBO drama I May Destroy You failed to land any nominations despite being one of the summer's most critically-acclaimed shows Copaken tweeted that it was 'just wrong', and later expanded on her thoughts in an op-ed for the Guardian. 'Am I excited that Emily in Paris was nominated? Yes. Of course. I've never been remotely close to seeing a Golden Globe statue up close, let alone being nominated for one,' she wrote. 'But that excitement is now unfortunately tempered by my rage over Coel's snub. That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, its what is wrong with everything. 'We need art that reflects all of our colours, not just some. But we also need to give awards to shows (and music and films and plays and musicals) that deserve them, no matter the colour of the skin of their creators.' Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020. Gervais' opening monologue included controversial jokes about ISIS, Jeffrey Epstein and 'woke' Hollywood. Last year: Last year's 77th Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, averaged 19.2 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched network telecasts of 2020 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. Chaos struck Heathrow Airport last night as passengers queued for six hours to get through passport control with no social distancing, food or water - with arrivals saying just two members of staff manned 10 desks, a claim the Home Office has vehemently denied. Ten flights are believed to have arrived close to each other at the airport as Terminal 2's immigration hall filled with people who were fuming that only two officials were on duty at the passport counter to check their documentation. Irate passengers were left furious as they stood in line for hours to pass through border checks, with one warning: 'This is how you spread the virus.' Passengers posted images of the chaos as they stood close to each other in a sprawling, giant queue, which they described as moving at 'slower than snail's pace,' or 'not moving at all.' Some complained that they were forced to stand alongside passengers from red list countries, who have to go into quarantine hotels but were mixing with those who had travelled from countries not on the list as they waited. Heathrow Airport has pinned the blame for the delays on the Home Office, saying Border Force desks were not sufficiently staffed to deal with arrivals and Covid-19 checks. A spokesman for the airport said today: 'Border Force needs to continue to maintain adequate resourcing and effective processes to prevent unacceptable queue times.' The Home Office, however, has vehemently denied that only two Border Force staff were working, stating that employees work in socially-distanced bubbles, and that other desks were open for arrivals. Passengers were left furious as they waited more than six hours to pass through border checks at Heathrow Airport on Sunday night One woman said the queue was 'hell on earth' as they waited to pass through border control on Sunday evening. Some were left 'in tears,' as they waited Heathrow Airport was branded a 'disgrace,' for the queues, but the hub has said the delays are the fault of the Home Office, as it failed to provide enough Border Force staff to deal with arrivals Aura Radu, 24, arrived on a flight from Romania at 6pm on Sunday but did clear passport control until just after midnight. She told MailOnline: 'It was like hell on earth. Hundreds of us were made to wait for more than six hours and when we asked security staff what was going on, they just shrugged their shoulders. It was horrendous. 'We had no food, and it became very hot and a lot of passengers like me almost fainted. We pleaded with officials to give us some water, which they eventually did. 'There were passengers from red list countries and others who were not, all mixing together. It was complete chaos, an utter shambles.' Camilla Tetley, 26, was flying back from Dusseldorf and landed at Heathrow at 7pm, but says she didn't leave until 1.30am. She told the BBC: 'There were lots of empty booths at the front of the queue so it looked like the space wasn't being used very well. "We were quite crowded in as well. It seemed like it was quite mismanaged. The staff were not enforcing social distancing rules. Everyone had a mask on, but people were very close together.' Staff handed out water to delayed passengers, but they say there was no food and no room for social distancing. One person warned: 'This is how you spread the virus' With the queue moving at a 'snail's pace,' many passengers resorted to sitting on the floor and waiting for some movement Aura Radu, 24, arrived on a flight from Romania at 6pm on Sunday but did clear passport control until just after midnight. She told MailOnline: 'It was like hell on earth' Most of the passport control booths were empty last night, despite hundreds of passengers being forced to wait to get out of the airport Border Force staff are being told to isolate in bubbles of 10 people in order to reduce cross-infection risks. Lucy Moreton, general secretary of ISU, the union for Borders and Immigration, told the BBC staff have been left upset by the measures. She said: 'The measure is not necessary, it contributes to the queues and it doesn't stop infection as staff have to interact outside those bubbles in other areas of the site.' Passengers vented their frustrations during yesterday's delays. Petre Stanaringa said: 'Absolute madness, thousands of people in queue for more than 3 hours now, this is how you spread the virus!' Camilla Tetley, 26, was queuing for more than six hours at Heathrow. She told the BBC there were 'lots of empty booths at the front of the queue' Another passenger tweeted last night: 'We have been stuck waiting for passport control at Heathrow Terminal 2 for more than four hours. 'No explanation provided. The queue has stopped moving in the last 30min, there are just two agents checking passports at at least 10 desks.' One Twitter user posted a picture of the chaos along with the message: 'The state of #heathrow yesterday-spent 6 hours queuing at immigration control. 'Thank god for the guys with speakers and the friendly people around me-probably caught Covid tho. What happened @HeathrowAirport?! Enough to make you never want to travel again.' Tom Warwick posted: 'What's the point in quarantine hotel, if Heathrow collect everyone in a room for 5 hours with no real segregation before quarantine. 'I spent five hours next to a woman who was flagged as Red list and hastily taken away at the final desk. Heathrow's failure to plan & install systems.' Twitter users Roger Hooker posted alongside a picture of the queue in the immigration hall: 'pop down to @HeathrowAirport terrible scenes in Terminal 2.dangerous.' Ioana Dinca, another frustrated passenger fumed on Twitter: 'This is the queue in front of me-nothing moved for 30 mins!!! People are tired and hungry and nobody seems to take responsibilityhorrible way to treat people.' Nick Jariwalla, director of Border Force at Heathrow said: 'We are in a global health pandemic it is illegal to go on holiday and people should only be travelling for very limited reasons. 'Unfortunately a large number of arrivals yesterday failed to purchase their mandatory testing packages for the second and eighth days of quarantine in the UK. 'This caused delays as they were made to purchase them after being checked by Border Force we make absolutely no apologies for this. 'Every essential check stops the spread of coronavirus in the UK these people should not have been allowed to travel without their testing packages and we are following up with regulators and carriers to ensure the law is enforced.' Ms Radu revealed that the delay in Heathrow's immigration hall meant she missed her train back to Reading and was forced to take a taxi, which cost her more than 50. She did not get back to her home until 3am. Heathrow apologised for the 'stress and frustration,' experienced by passengers, who raised concerns about the spread of Covid-19 in the queue She fumed: 'I understand that thorough checks need to be carried out over Covid tests, passenger locator forms and other things. 'But the airport needs to have a better system in place. How can you only have two people dealing with some many passengers, that is taking inefficiency to the extreme.' Ms Radu, who works in HR demanded that Heathrow management reimburse her and all other passengers who were forced to fork out extra money to get home. She said: 'Heathrow should apologise to us all and pay us back what we have had to pay. Passengers missed trains, flight connections and many were left stranded because of their incompetence.' A Heathrow spokesperson said this morning: 'When additional measures were implemented at the border, we were clear that the implementation was not just about one day. 'Border Force needs to continue to maintain adequate resourcing and effective processes to prevent unacceptable queue times for arriving passengers. 'While our teams are on hand to support Border Force, it is the Government's responsibility to ensure their processes are properly managed.' MailOnline has approached the Home Office for a comment. Elle Macpherson has been dating disgraced former doctor Andrew Wakefield since late 2017. But rumours are swirling things could be all over for the couple, who haven't been seen together since they attended an anti-vaccine event in North Carolina in October - where Wakefield introduced Macpherson to the audience as 'my girlfriend'. Macpherson's representative refused to deny the break-up on Monday when contacted for comment by Sydney's Daily Telegraph, stating: 'I'm not aware of anything. Elle is a very private person.' Over? Rumours are swirling things could be all over for Elle Macpherson and Andrew Wakefield, who haven't been seen together since they attended an anti-vaccine event in North Carolina in October - where the disgraced former doctor introduced the supermodel to the audience as 'my girlfriend' A spokesperson for 63-year-old Wakefield said: 'He rarely answers press enquiries from mainstream news publications and doesn't comment on his private life.' While neither representative was willing to confirm or deny the split, the pair's social media activity suggests they are living separate lives. Macpherson, 56, recently returned from a retreat in Arizona, where she had gone to 'heal and realign herself'. No denial: Macpherson's representative refused to deny the break-up on Monday when contacted for comment by Sydney's Daily Telegraph, stating: 'I'm not aware of anything. Elle is a very private person' 'Deeply grateful': Macpherson, 56, recently returned from a retreat in Arizona, where she had gone to 'heal and realign herself' She cryptically wrote on Instagram: ' No looking back Arizona has always been a place of healing for me. 'A time to reset, rediscover, repose, realign with my authentic truth and values I'm so deeply grateful for Mother Nature and all her beauty and her healing power.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Macpherson's representative for further comment. Macpherson has been spending time in Florida with her two sons, Arpad Flynn, 23, and Aurelius Cy, 18, in recent months. Meanwhile, Wakefield is believed to live in Texas, nearly 2,000km away. No comment: A spokesperson for 63-year-old Wakefield said: 'He rarely answers press enquiries from mainstream news publications and doesn't comment on his private life' The pair had been the subject of engagement rumours in September when Macpherson was spotted with a ring on her wedding finger. Her reps shut down the gossip at the time. Wakefield is notorious for falsely claiming the MMR vaccine causes autism. The discredited former doctor was struck off the British medical register in 2010 for unethical behaviour and misconduct after it emerged his 'research' was fraudulent. What went wrong? While neither representative was willing to confirm or deny the split, the pair's social media activity suggests they are living separate lives He later moved to America, where he is lionised in certain anti-vaxxer circles, with his then-wife, Carmel, 62, and their four children. He and Carmel, who settled in Austin, Texas, are believed to have separated in early 2017 after 32 years of marriage. In November that year, he met Macpherson at a 'Doctors Who Rock' awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida. The couple were first spotted kissing at a farmers' market in Miami in 2018. CPAC Panel Rips Supreme Court, Judiciary for Failure to Hear Election Fraud Evidence A panel of commentators and experts at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference criticized the Supreme Court and the judiciary more broadly for its failure to hear evidence of election fraud and other illegalities after the November election. Dozens of legal cases were brought after the election, and many have yet to be resolved. Most of those that have been resolved were dismissed on procedural grounds without examining the merits of the cases, the panelists said. The panel, assembled at the CPAC conservative conference, included attorney Jesse Binnall, who litigated some of the election issues, Hans Von Spakovsky, who heads the Election Law Reform Initiative at the conservative Heritage Foundation, Fox News contributor Deroy Murdock, and moderator Denise Cohen from the American Conservative Union Foundation, which runs CPAC. Murdock said the Supreme Court, which has so far refused to hear evidence in the election cases, failed its duty. Its their job to get involved in the tough cases, he said, arguing the justices bear a lot of responsibility for the chaos that ensued. Imagine youre watching Game 7 of the World Series, its the bottom of the ninth, teams are tied, bases are loaded, and the runner on third base tries to steal home diving into home at the same time the catcher tries to tag him out. Everybodys wondering, Is he safe? Is he out? Everybody looks at the umpire. And the umpire goes, Why are you looking at me? I dont want to get involved. He turns around and walks out the door, all right? So what happens? The fans in the stands start to fight with each other and chaos ensues. The Feb. 26 panel was titled Protecting Elections Part 2: Other Culprits: How Judges & Media Refused to Look at the Evidence. Von Spakovsky noted that in the past, the media would have jumped on the election fraud stories, assigning teams of reporters to get to the bottom of it. This time, however, the media did the opposite, going after the people who presented evidence, he said. Binnall described how the Supreme Court of Nevada gave his team only two hours to file their appeal brief, a task that would normally take weeks, if not months. When they were able to put together a 40-page brief, the Supreme Court only took two hours to return a decision shooting the case down. The decision included a false claim that the appeal failed to include specific parts of the court record where the lower court erred, Binnall said. This was proof that the Supreme Court wrote its opinion even before the appeal was filed, on an assumption the lawyers wouldnt be able to complete the task on such short notice, he argued. The panel came strongly against H.R.1, a House bill that would substantially relax election integrity measures. It would also largely federalize control of elections, which Murdock argued should be controlled by state legislatures, according to the Constitution. The bill would ban voter ID laws and at the same time, mandate same-day voter registration. That would allow a person to go on Election Day to multiple polling places, register, and cast multiple votes under different names, Von Spakovsky said. He called it the most anti-democratic bill hes seen in his 20 years in Washington. If this goes through, all the garbage we saw last November is going to be baked into the U.S. Code, Murdock said. He urged people to contact the media and legislators and scream bloody hell about the bill. The conference dedicated the largest portion of its program to questions of election integrity, the principal concern of the conservative movement following the deluge of allegations of fraud and other illegalities in the 2020 election. We love and support you, Dylan. Reply Thread Link Watching him kiss all those young actresses in his movies made my stomach turn Reply Parent Thread Link Alec baldwin came out in defense of woody. Who else has publicly commented? Reply Thread Link Of course Alec Baldwin would. Reply Parent Thread Link Ugh I fucking saw that tweet when I was looking for the THR article on Twitter. That scumbag would. Reply Parent Thread Link Alec Baldwin always has the worst opinions. He should just stop talking. Or breathing. Reply Parent Thread Link at the very least procreating Reply Parent Thread Link I really don't understand how anyone can defend him. I just don't. Reply Parent Thread Link does anyone know if Meryl Streep ever released a statement about him? Reply Parent Thread Link I dont know about recently but when it started ramping up again a few years ago, both Simon Pegg and Louis Theroux publicly supported him. So yeah, fuck those guys forever. I was particularly bitter about Louis - Id loved him so much until that point. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lmao that dumb fuck would Reply Parent Thread Link My favorite bit is when he claimed that he was annoyed at getting caught up in the controversy during the Blue Velvet press because he "didn't know" about Dylan's abuse... but then he does this. Utter fucking clown. Reply Parent Thread Link Scarlett Johansson said she believes him last year Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Jeff Goldblum and Alan Alda Reply Parent Thread Link Kristin Stewart said the following when working with him for that shitty shopping movie: At the end of the dayJesse and I talked about thisif we were persecuted for the amount of shit thats been said about us thats not true, our lives would be over. The experience of making the movie was so outside of that; it was fruitful for the two of us to go on with it. Reply Parent Thread Link Miley (2017) and Kristen Stewart (2016) Reply Parent Thread Link I hate him so much Reply Thread Link Nope not reading the comments in her post. Nope. Reply Thread Link No, don't. I made the mistake earlier and am still raging Reply Parent Thread Link I read the first 20 or so and they were all supporting her. Reply Parent Thread Link I watched it last night. Fuck he's disgusting. Reply Thread Link This episode was heartbreaking, he's treated so many women horribly and never had to deal with real consequences. Reply Thread Link She's so strong, I don't know how she does it. Reply Thread Link is there somewhere to watch this if you don't have hbo? i might start reading dylan's ya book this week too. i got it when it came out but haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Reply Thread Link You can do a free trial of Crave+HBO, I think its only 7 days though so maybe wait for all 4 parts to be out? Otherwise it might be on streaming sites. Reply Parent Thread Link I can play it while FaceTiming you haha jk Reply Parent Thread Link soap2day has it Reply Parent Thread Link omg ty bb!! Reply Parent Thread Link I watched both episodes and all I can say is that I hope he suffers a slow and painful death Reply Thread Link Whew, this series is rough. I knew Woody Allen was trash but I did not know the timeline of his grooming of Soon-Yi. I also didn't know about her background which likely made her even more vulnerable to his manipulation. And Mia Farrow seems like the exact type of person an abusive leech like WA would target. She was a lonely single mom who was a bit naive and he took advantage of her love for him. What a disgusting man. Dylan is brave for continuing to speak out about his abuse. Fuck anyone who continues to work with him. Reply Thread Link I didn't know about his affair with the 17-year-old model, I'm glad she was able to speak up about it. I also didn't know much about Manhattan except that it was about him dating a 17-year-old, so seeing the footage from that was fucking disgusting. Mariel Hemingway looked and sounded SO young and the way everyone in the film just talked about it like it was nothing... Reply Thread Link I've never seen Manhattan and only vaguely knew the plot. The image of a group of 40somethings sitting around a dinner table with their buddy and his 17-year-old girlfriend was insane to watch. How the hell was this script greenlit? It's disgusting. Reply Parent Thread Link i've never seen any of his films - i knew what they were about but i never realised what they were really like. the clips they showed, like a supercut of the much younger woman seducing the older man in every single movie? and the guy they interviewed saying that even his unfinished works had the same theme. yuck. Reply Parent Thread Link I wanted to vom at those Manhattan clips. His "girlfriend" had such a babyface and he had her talking about having great sex with him! Reply Parent Thread Link she talked like such a baby in the movie. super creepy - don't know what's so romantic and new york about this movie if it's about those two Reply Parent Thread Link he creeped on Mariel in real life too, he tried to convince her to fly to Paris with him like literally the minute she turned 18. iirc she said no because he wouldn't give her a straight answer when she asked if they'd be sharing a hotel room. Reply Parent Thread Link (1) she was 16 when she met him (2) he didnt ask her age, but he knew she was in high school and lived at home with her parents (3) the started having sex months before she turned 17 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/woody-allens-secret-teen-lover-manhattan-muse-speaks-1169782 He didnt confirm his relationship with her when she came out with the news, BUT he also had a relationship with another 17 year old girl around the same time when he was 42 (shes named in the interview above). She has spoken about it publicly and in his 2020 book, he said he slept with her. She made an effort to say in this episode that she was sticking to the story that she was 17 when their relationship began, but in this interview from 2018, she said:(1) she was 16 when she met him(2) he didnt ask her age, but he knew she was in high school and lived at home with her parents(3) the started having sex months before she turned 17He didnt confirm his relationship with her when she came out with the news, BUT he also had a relationship with another 17 year old girl around the same time when he was 42 (shes named in the interview above). She has spoken about it publicly and in his 2020 book, he said he slept with her. Reply Parent Thread Link i can't believe this woman has had to defend herself all these years. my heart breaks for her. there's absolutely nothing you can say to refute her account after watching those videos. heartbreaking! Reply Thread Link I've only watched the first episode but it was incredibly difficult to watch. I can't imagine what Dylan went through and then to go through her life watching her abuser be celebrated. When Mia discussed finding the pictures of Soon-Yi on Woody Allen's desk it was just heartbreaking. I really hope Soon-Yi is eventually able to get out of that relationship, and get some counseling and support, but sadly I don't think it'll happen until Woody Allen dies. It's terrible because we see how the kids were doing with Mia before she started dating Woody Allen, and then he just comes in and destroys their life. Reply Thread Link I know he's being a dick right now but I do feel for child-aged Moses in all of this, too. It's easy to see why he decided to transfer his anger onto Mia instead of the correct target. Reply Parent Thread Link Look - we're not going to laugh or celebrate a new story that involves someone dying - but how is this yarn for karma. A man has died in India after his rooster, which he attached a knife to its leg for an illegal cockfight, after it sliced through his groin when the bird attempted to set itself free from his clutches. He was rushed to hospital but later died. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, on Monday launched its flight services under the Centre's UDAN scheme in Bilaspur town of Chhattisgarh, connecting it with Delhi via Jabalpur and Prayagraj. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel from here virtually launched the inaugural flight which was given a water cannon salute at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, Bilaspur, located around 125 km away from capital Raipur. Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who virtually presided over the function, said so far 54 airports have been upgraded and air-service has commenced in 311 routes under UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme while the target is to upgrade 100 airports and award air-service on 1,000 routes under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS). The minister said that air services in Bilaspur will boost tourism and trade in the region and people will have access to medical facilities of metro cities with air connectivity. Besides, it will also benefit employees of companies located at Korba, Raigarh, Surguja, Korea, Surajpur and Balrampur districts (of north Chhattisgarh), the union minister said. In the last six years, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has spent Rs 130 crore for the development of Swami Vivekanand Airport Raipur and the construction of a new terminal building there is under consideration, he said. After the construction of the new terminal building the capacity of Raipur airport will increase to 7 million per annum from the existing 2.7 million, he said. Under the RCS, so far we have invested Rs 125 crore for upgradation of Jagdalpur, Ambikapur and Bilaspur airports in Chhattisgarh. At present, nine routes are operational in the state and now two more routes have been started, he added. Under the UDAN scheme, 54 airports have been upgraded and around 768 routes have been awarded, of which air-service has commenced in 311 routes since it was launched in 2017, Puri said. The target is to upgrade 100 airports and award air-service on at least 1,000 routes under the scheme, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel urged the union minister to start an international flight from Raipur airport citing a rise in the number of people travelling abroad from the state. He also said the Raipur airport has been upgraded to accommodate international flight services. He also requested to set up a cargo hub at Raipur airport. Baghel also expressed that his government is ready to exempt VAT levied on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) if flight operators park overnight and operate early morning from here. At present, the state imposes 4 per cent VAT on ATF, he said. Two 72-seaters aircraft of Alliance Air, a regional subsidiary of Air India, will be operated four days a week on the Bilaspur route, officials said. The first flight on Monday reached Bilaspur at around 3:20 pm from Delhi via Jabalpur and returned to the capital at around 3:45 pm via Prayagraj, they said. Similarly, another flight arrived at Bilaspur at 4 pm from Delhi via Prayagraj and returned to Delhi via Jabalpur, leaving Bilaspur at 4:30 pm, 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.) Donald Trump on Sunday gave the strongest indicator yet that he aims to retake the presidency - with Melania by his side. Despite rumors that the Slovenian-born model was immensely relieved that her White House days were over, Trump insisted she would be back. There has even been speculation that the couple, who never demonstrated an easy affection, could divorce after leaving the White House. In June a book, The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump, claimed that Melania stayed at Trump Tower in New York for months after her husbands inauguration as leverage to force a better prenuptial agreement. Melania Trump was last seen on January 20, marching away from the cameras in Florida While Trump waved and smiled at the waiting press when he exited the plane, his wife appeared to grimace as she walked out of shot while being filmed for the final time as the first lady Melania Trump, on landing in Florida on January 20, appeared content to relinquish her role The 50-year-old was uninterested in hanging around to chat with the waiting media At the time, she claimed she was staying in the city because she didnt want to interrupt their son Barron Trumps school year. Many have wondered whether the prenup included a clause about how long they must remain together, once Trump left the White House. But on Sunday, Trump insisted that his wife would be with him in 2024. The former president told CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, that his wife would be 'the future first lady' and that he would 'beat' the Democrats for a 'third time' - referring to his false claims that he won the last election. 'Do you miss me yet?' Trump asked the roaring crowd as he took the stage, more than an hour later than scheduled. Melania, 50, was not spotted at the Orlando gathering, despite it being held only 200 miles from her Mar-a-Lago home. Trump on Sunday afternoon addressed CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference The last time she was seen in public was on January 20, when they landed in Florida from Washington. While Trump waved and smiled at the waiting press when he exited the plane, his wife appeared to grimace as she walked out of shot while being filmed for the final time as the first lady. The footage of her walking away from her husband on the tarmac in Florida has been viewed more than four million times in the day since it was posted online. Melania Trump had long been considered a reluctant first lady, who resented the spotlight and much preferred a quiet life. On Sunday her husband insisted, however, that she would be back. Trump asserted in his grand comeback speech that he will not form a new political party because it would further divide the Republican Party. 'We're not starting new parties. We have the Republican Party,' he said. 'Wouldn't that be brilliant?' he sarcastically quipped. 'Let's start a new party, let's divide our vote, so you can never win. No we're not interested in that.' Melania Trump was last seen in public as she left Washington DC, all smiles, on January 20 Trump's remarks came after rumors last month that he was considering creating his own political party and breaking with Republicans especially those who rebuked him. He also used his speech to push his repeated claims of voter fraud. He said of the Democrats: 'Actually as you know, they just lost the White House, but it's one of those things. 'But who knows, who knows, I may even decide to beat them for a third time.' He thanked his supporters for continuing on the 'incredible journey' with him, and promised to 'fight right by your side'. He said: 'For the next four years the brave Republicans in this room will be at the heart of the effort to oppose the radical Democrats, the fake news media and their toxic cancel culture. 'Something new to our ears, cancel culture,' he joked. 'And I want you to know that I'm going to continue to fight right by your side, we will do what we've done right from the beginning, which is win.' A woman wearing a Melania face mask is pictured at the Orlando venue for CPAC on Sunday He added: 'The Republican Party is united. The only division is between a handful of Washington D.C. establishment political hacks, and everybody else all over the country.' In comparison, Melania has been invisible since leaving the White House, although she reportedly intends to carry on working on her 'Be Best' campaign against social media bullying. 'She goes to the spa, has lunch, goes to the spa (again), and has dinner with Donald on the patio,' someone familiar with her schedule told CNN. Melania left the White House with her approval ratings at an all-time low. Only 42 per cent of respondents to a January 17, conducted by SSRS for CNN, approved of her behavior. Michelle Obama departed the White House with a 69 per cent favorable rating, which was the same number as when she entered, eight years prior. Laura Bush's parting ranking was also largely positive, despite her husband's unpopularity at the time. In 2009, a CNN/ORC poll put Bush at a 67 per cent favorable rating, while George W. Bush was only viewed positively by 35 per cent. 'China Hit Mumbai with Blackout as Troops Clashed in Ladakh Last Year' China launched a cyber campaign hit against India's power grid targeting Mumbai on 13th October last year, in a warning message after the tension at Ladakh border. The New York Times (NYT) reported that a new study lends weight to the idea that those two events may have been connectedas part of a broad Chinese cyber campaign against India's power grid, timed to send a message that if India pressed its claims too hard, the lights could go out across the country. "The study shows that as the battles raged in the Himalayas, taking at least two dozen lives, Chinese malware was flowing into the control systems that manage electric supply across India, along with a high-voltage transmission substation and a coal-fired power plant", NYT said. The report said the flow of malware was pieced together by Recorded Future, a Somerville, Massachusetts, company that studies the use of the internet by state actors. It found that most of the malware was never activated. "And because Recorded Future could not get inside India's power systems, it could not examine the details of the code itself, which was placed in strategic power-distribution systems across the country. While it has notified Indian authorities, so far they are not reporting what they have found", NYT said. Stuart Solomon, Recorded Future's chief operating officer, said that the Chinese State-sponsored group, which the firm named Red Echo, "has been seen to systematically utilize advanced cyber intrusion techniques to quietly gain a foothold in nearly a dozen critical nodes across the Indian power generation and transmission infrastructure." The discovery raises the question about whether an outage that struck on 13th October in Mumbai, one of the country's busiest business hubs, was meant as a message from Beijing about what might happen if India pushed its border claims too vigorously, NYT said. It added that news reports at the time quoted Indian officials as saying that the cause was a Chinese-origin cyber attack on a nearby electricity load-management centre. Authorities began a formal investigation, which is due to report in the coming weeks. Since then, Indian officials have gone silent about the Chinese code, whether it set off the Mumbai blackout and the evidence provided to them by Recorded Future that many elements of the nation's electric grid were the target of a sophisticated Chinese hacking effort. NYT said the investigators who wrote the Recorded Future study, which is set to be published Monday, said that "the alleged link between the outage and the discovery of the unspecified malware" in the system "remains unsubstantiated." But they noted that "additional evidence suggested the coordinated targeting of the Indian load dispatch centers," which balance the electrical demands across regions of the country. "I think the signaling is being done" by China to indicate "that we can and we have the capability to do this in times of a crisis," said retired Lt Gen DS Hooda, a cyber expert who oversaw India's borders with Pakistan and China. "It's like sending a warning to India that this capability exists with us", NYT quoted. In the Indian case, Recorded Future sent its findings to India's Computer Emergency Response Team, or CERT- In, a kind of investigative and early-warning agency most nations maintain to keep track of threats to critical infrastructure. Twice the Centre has acknowledged receipt of the information, but said nothing about whether it, too, found the code in the electric grid, NYT said. Repeated efforts by The New York Times to seek comment from the centre and several of its officials over the past two weeks yielded no response. In India, a patchwork of State-backed hackers were caught using coronavirus-themed phishing emails to target Chinese organizations in Wuhan last February. A Chinese security company, 360 Security Technology, accused State-backed Indian hackers of targeting hospitals and medical research organisations with phishing emails, in an espionage campaign. Four months later, as tensions rose between the two countries on the border, Chinese hackers unleashed a swarm of 40,300 hacking attempts on India's technology and banking infrastructure in just five days. Some of the incursions were so-called denial-of-service attacks that knocked these systems offline; others were phishing attacks, according to the police in Maharashtra, as per NYT. Yashasvi Yadav, a police official in charge of Maharashtra's cyber-intelligence unit, said authorities found 'suspicious activity' that suggested the intervention of a State actor. But Mr Yadav declined to elaborate, saying the investigation's full report would be released in early March. Nitin Raut, a state government minister quoted in local reports in November blaming sabotage for the Mumbai outage, did not respond to questions about the blackout, NYT reported. 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. The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of Tencent, today announced its collaboration with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) the kingdom's investment promotion agency. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the aim to drive Bahrains Internet Data Centre (IDC) development and support its rapid emergence as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions hub for the cloud and IDC sectors. The MoU signing also marks a significant milestone for Tencent Cloud as it deploys its first public cloud infrastructure in the MENA region, said a statement. According to research by MarketsandMarkets, the Middle Easts cloud market is expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 17.5 percent over the same period, highlighting the growing opportunity in this region. The MoU between Tencent Cloud and the Bahrain EDB will allow for substantial opportunities to boost the local digital economy, empowering local organisations to expedite their digital transformation journey. It will also allow Tencent Cloud to leverage on Bahrains regional position, and the EDBs connectivity with local and regional stakeholders, including Bahrains sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. The terms of the MoU include: * Tencent Clouds first IDC in Bahrain and MENA: Tencent Cloud will launch a brand-new IDC in Bahrain, which will go live by the end of 2021; * Promoting the deployment of Tencent Cloud: Bahrain EDB, together with public and private stakeholders will encourage the continued adoption of cloud services to further the digital transformation agenda. Additionally, support will be offered to partner companies to leverage cloud services in collaboration with local stakeholders such as Tamkeen. * Local talent development: Tencent Cloud will explore and set up training initiatives jointly with the local government in universities and educational institutions across the Kingdom to allow for further knowledge transfer and qualified digital technology talents. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahrains Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said: This is an important milestone in Bahrains journey to become the MENA regions cloud and data centre hub and I commend the EDB for their ceaseless efforts in developing the partnership with Tencent and ensuring that Bahrain is a favored destination for investment. Tencent joins leading global cloud giants in setting up in Bahrain which will drive massive growth in data traffic towards MENA. Moreover, the launch of the new data centre stands to create a clustering effect as other global providers turn their attention to the increasingly attractive region, with Bahrain positioned as the destination of choice with proactive initiatives such as the Governments Cloud-First policy and nationwide 5G. Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President, Tencent Cloud International, said: While the local government in Bahrain has been making significant efforts to grow the local IDC industry, Tencent Cloud is excited to collaborate with Bahrain EDB as part of our ongoing efforts to ramp up the global IDC landscape. We will launch all necessary steps to set up a brand-new IDC in Bahrain to provide better coverage all over the Middle East and North African regions along the Belt and Road, fully supporting Bahrains Cloud-First strategy. Khalid Humaidan, Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: As a global leader in technology, innovation and cloud services, the EDB is very proud to be partnering with Tencent to set up their first MENA data center hub in Bahrain. We are confident that Tencent will be able to leverage on the Kingdoms regional connectivity, local talent, and business friendly environment to expand their services and reach clients across the region. Raed Fakhri, Managing Director Investments, Mumtalakat, added: Innovative technologies, including cloud services and other content driven services, are an area that Mumtalakat is keen to explore and support as Bahrain progresses with its Cloud First policy. As one of the first organisations in the Kingdom to achieve full cloud migration we are excited to witness this milestone that will only further enhance Bahrains diversification strategy. In 2017, Bahrain introduced the regions first nationwide Cloud-First policy to enhance government information and communication technologies, driving the adoption of cloud across state entities and reducing IT costs by up to 90%. Operating in 27 regions and 60 availability zones worldwide, Tencent Cloud is a secure, reliable and high-performance public cloud service provider that integrates Tencents infrastructure-building capabilities with the advantages of its massive user platform and ecosystem. By harnessing Bahrains track record of agile and forward-thinking data regulation, as well as its strategic location within the region, Tencent Cloud will enhance its rich array of global services to both the public and private sectors in the region, the statement added. - TradeArabia News Service New Delhi: The Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Monday (March 1, 2021) stated that the Mumbai power outage in 2020 was a cyber-sabotage attempt. "Maharashtra Cyber Cell has submitted a preliminary report on this. The report findings state there is evidence that suggests there might have been a cyber-sabotage attempt," ANI quoted Deshmukh as saying. He added that the report has been handed over to Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut. Earlier in the day, Raut said that the state government, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and the Central Electricity Authority had set up separate committees to probe the cause of the power outage and their reports have been received. "We had then complained to the cyber cell and their report is awaited. But the preliminary information I have, there definitely was a cyber attack and it was a sabotage," the Congress leader added. The probe comes after a report claimed that the Mumbai power outage was a likely Chinese cyber attack, which took place amid the India-China border tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The report said that the Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted India's critical power grid system through malware. It also raised suspicion whether the massive power outage in Mumbai was a result of the online intrusion. "The electric grid computer has a pre-installed malware, which is often installed by China. Because of this, it gets the remote control of the computer system, which can turn it off and can also cause a complete blackout," said Prashant Mali, a cyber expert. However, back then, Tata Power had attributed the power outage to a simultaneous substation tripping at state-run transmission company MSETCL's two substations in the suburbs of Kalwa and Kharghar. "Tata Power regrets the inconvenience caused to its consumers due to this unforeseen event in power failure due to the transmission system failure leading to the cascading impact to all downstream suppliers of electricity including Tata Power, BEST and its consumers," said an official statement. The statement added, "Based on the preliminary assessment of the situation, Tata Power would like to inform that today many parts of Mumbai experienced an unforeseen electricity failure starting at 10 am in the morning due to tripping of MSETCLs 400 KV transmission system at Kalwa which supplies to Mumbai and adjoining areas." Notably, Mumbaikars had to face a huge problem as local trains and other essentials services were also affected for over two hours. Several petrol pumps were also shut down in the city due to power outage. (With inputs from news agencies) Live TV Many of the aged care systems failings and weak regulation are a result of successive governments desire to rein in spending across the sector, the aged care royal commissions landmark final report has found. The 2800-page report, released on Monday, said the extent of substandard care in the system was unacceptable and deeply concerning. A philosophical shift that put people in care at the centre of quality and safety regulation was needed, it said. Acknowledging the reports shocking findings, Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed an extra $452.2 million to address immediate issues and said the government would provide a comprehensive response in the May budget. The report estimated the collective decisions of successive governments had cut more than $9.8 billion from the budget for aged care in 2018-19. The UK will examine European Union proposals for a vaccine passport in the hope of reviving international travel for the summer holidays. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Britain was working with the EU and countries around the world on the issue. But Englands deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said there was still great uncertainty around holidays on the continent partly because the European Unions vaccination programmes were behind the UKs. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said plans for a digital green pass will be set out this month, which would allow people to prove they have been vaccinated or show the results of coronavirus tests. Ms von der Leyen said the digital green pass should facilitate Europeans lives. She said: The aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the European Union or abroad for work or tourism. Mr Hancock told a Downing Street press conference the UK was working with international partners on the issue. The EU is part of those discussions, as are several other countries around the world, and its obviously important work, he said. What Id also say is that in a sense this already exists because you need to have a test before you can travel to the UK and, as far as I understand it from the details set out today, the EU proposal is that certification includes both whether youve had the vaccine and also whether youve recently had a test for those who cant get vaccinated yet, which is obviously particularly important. Therefore its something that were working with them and others on and it matters that we get the details of this right for international travel. Matt Hancock said arranging international travel was important work (Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA) Prof Van-Tam struck a cautious tone about foreign travel, saying: We are still in a zone of great uncertainty about what the virus will do next. On top of that, many of the vaccination programmes in Europe which is a place where we frequently go on holiday abroad are running behind ours. Clearly, whether we can go on holiday abroad to places such as Europe depends on what other countries will say and do in terms of foreign tourism. There has to be great uncertainty at the moment. Downing Street said Department for Transport officials will speak to the EU about the approach it is planning for the 27-member bloc. The UK Government has said that once more is known about the impact of vaccines it could introduce a system to allow people who have had a jab to travel more freely internationally. Officials want the UK to use its presidency of the G7 group of industrialised countries to help agree an international approach to the issue. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We have said that we are looking at the issue of vaccine passports. As you can expect, DfT (the Department for Transport) will work (with) and do speak to countries across the world in terms of how they may look to introduce passports. The spokesman would not pre-empt the outcomes of the UK Governments review. But of course you can expect us to speak to the EU and other countries on how they may implement any similar sorts of policies, they added. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul and held a meeting with Abdullah Abdullah. (Photo credit: Abdullah Abdullah Twitter) Kabul [Afghanistan], March 1 (ANI): US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul and held a meeting with Abdullah Abdullah, the head of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, to discuss the Afghan peace process. "As always pleased to meet HE Zalmay Khalilzad and his accompanying delegation. We discussed the peace process, talks in Doha, the US current review and the steps forward. We reiterated our call for an immediate end to violence and the acceleration of the peace talks," Abdullah tweeted. This comes hours after US State Department announced the resumption of talks with the Taliban. "Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and his team will travel to Kabul, Doha and additional regional capitals," the US State Department had said in a statement on Sunday. "He (Khalilzad) will resume discussions on the way ahead with the Islamic Republic and Afghan leaders, Taliban representatives and regional countries whose interests are best served by the achievement of just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," the release added. This will be Khalilzad's first trip since US President Joe Biden took office. He is also expected to visit Islamabad and New Delhi as indicated in the release. The resumption of dialogue with the Taliban under Joe Biden's administration clearly shows that the US is continuing its Afghan policy on the lines undertaken by former president Donald Trump. India, which has completed huge developmental and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, will be watching the US move closely. According to informed sources, Pakistan is fully backing the Taliban and wants to install them in Kabul, this can pose a major threat to India's efforts in building democratic and development institutions in the war-torn country. India's position is clear that any government formation in Kabul should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. (ANI) The prayer is set for 6 pm at the Shrine of Our Lady Stella Maris, Haifa. The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land will call upon Our Lady of Mount Carmel to comfort mourners, heal the sick, and give strength to healers. Since the start of the outbreak, more than 112 million people have been infected by the virus and 2.5 million have died worldwide. Haifa (AsiaNews) The Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land will lead an intercessory prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel tomorrow from 6 to 7 pm at the Shrine of Our Lady (Stella Maris) in Haifa. The prayer will seek an end to the coronavirus pandemic, which has disrupted the life of the entire planet over the past year, infecting more than 112 million people with almost 2.5 million deaths. The goal is to bring some comfort to those who mourn, heal the sick, give peace to the dying, empower the healers, bring wisdom to rulers and courage to all, to reach all in love. The citys Melkite, Latin and Maronite parish choirs will lead the prayer, which will be broadcast by the Christian Media Center (CMC) on Thursday. The two-day Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries is set to start tomorrow. Christian leaders invite all consecrated men and women to hold a prayer of intercession in the chapel of their communities at 6.00 pm tomorrow. They also urge young people and families to take part in a moment of prayer on Thursday, starting at 6.30 pm, during the broadcast of the intercession prayer on the CMC s YouTube channel and Facebook page. The common prayer to be recited for an end to the pandemic follows: Almighty and eternal God, our refuge in every danger, to whom we turn in our distress; in faith we pray look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders and the courage to reach out to all in love, so that together we may give glory to your holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Jersey City, New Jersey--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2021) - Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust ("the Trust"), announced today that the registration statement on Form 10 initially filed by the Trust on December 29, 2020 became effective February 27, 2021. The Trust will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This means the Trust will begin filing annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, periodic reports on Form 8-K and subject itself to additional SEC reporting obligations. The Form 10 provides investors detailed information about the Trust's operations including an overview of the business strategies, risk factors and financial statements of the Trust. The ongoing obligation to timely file with the SEC will also help the Trust's new and current investors make more informed and educated investment decisions about the Trust. The Form 10, as amended, is available at www.sec.gov under the name of Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust and on the Trust's website at www.ctltrust.net. About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust, a New York common law trust, was formed in connection with the reorganization of Old COPPER Company, Inc. (f/k/a J. C. Penney Company, Inc.) ("J.C. Penney"). The Trust owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the equity interests in four (4) subsidiary entities that own the fee simple or ground leasehold title (as applicable) to 160 retail properties and 6 distribution centers (the "Properties") acquired from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Properties are leased pursuant to two separate triple-net master lease agreements to entities formed and under the joint control of Simon Property Group, L.P. and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. The Trust's operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust's objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. For more information, including detailed information regarding the Trust's properties and sales, please visit www.ctltrust.net . Forward Looking Statement This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "our vision," "plan," "potential," "preliminary," "predict," "should," "will," or "would" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology and include, but are not limited to, the Trust's expectations or beliefs concerning future events and stock price performance. The Trust has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While the Trust believes these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control. These factors, including those discussed in the Trust's registration statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), may cause its actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Trust's filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.gov. The Trust cautions you that the list of important factors included in the Trust's SEC filings may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forwardlooking statements contained in this news release may not in fact occur. The Trust undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. About Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust, a New York common law trust, was formed in connection with the reorganization of Old COPPER Company, Inc. (f/k/a J. C. Penney Company, Inc.) ("J.C. Penney"). The Trust owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the equity interests in four (4) subsidiary entities that own the fee simple or ground leasehold title (as applicable) to 160 retail properties and 6 distribution centers (the "Properties") acquired from J.C. Penney as part of its Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. The Properties are leased pursuant to two separate triple-net master lease agreements to entities formed and under the joint control of Simon Property Group, L.P. and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. The Trust's operations consist solely of owning, leasing and selling the Properties. The Trust's objective is to sell the Properties to third-party purchasers as promptly as practicable. The Trustee of the trust is GLAS Trust Company LLC. The Trust is externally managed by an affiliate of Hilco Real Estate LLC. For more information, including detailed information regarding the Trust's properties and sales, please visit www.ctltrust.net. Contact Details IRRealized, LLC Mary Jensen - Investor Relations +1 310-526-1707 mary@irrealized.com Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust Larry Finger - Principal Financial Officer 310-526-1707 lfinger@ctltrust.net Company Website https://ctltrust.net/about/default.aspx To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/75729 Head of the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service Natalia Aliushina calls the reform of remuneration in the civil service one of the most pressing issues. "Labour remuneration in the civil service is one of the most pressing issues. A pilot project has been launched since the beginning of the year, in which four state bodies are involved: the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Agency of Ukraine for Civil Service with its territorial bodies, the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Finance. A classification of positions is to be completed until March 1. After that we collect and analyze the results of the classification of state bodies and submit an analytical report on the experiment to the Cabinet of Ministers in June," Aliushina said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency. In addition, according to her, it is necessary to obtain the results of a study on the wage market, and then determine the value of a position in the civil service in comparison with the market. "Ideally, if salaries in the civil service are at least 20% less than market ones, then it will be competitive wages. We plan to implement a reform of the remuneration system by 2023," she added. At the same time, the head of the National Agency for Civil Service lamented that now it is difficult to keep people in the civil service with such a level of salaries. "In accordance with the law of Ukraine on civil service, the minimum salary of a civil servant is equal to two living wages, which is UAH 4,394. In the law 'On the state budget for 2021', salaries of civil servants are 'frozen' at the level of September 1, 2020. Of course, civil servants have different allowances and bonuses. Therefore, if we talk about the average salary in the civil service, it is UAH 9,000-12,000. It depends on the category of the position, length of service, rank, level of jurisdiction of the state body," said Aliushina. As reported, on November 11, 2020, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the preparation and implementation from 2022 of a pilot project to introduce a system of remuneration of civil servants based on job classification. SAN FRANCISCO, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Castlight Health, Inc. (NYSE: CSLT), a leader in healthcare navigation, today announced a new COVID-19 vaccine navigation feature embedded directly into the Castlight app. With the anticipated increase in COVID-19 vaccine availability in the coming months, the new feature provides employers with a convenient, centralized resource that allows employees to navigate COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and availability and access critical educational content that aims to improve vaccine literacy. Vaccine Navigation is the latest example of how Castlight is helping its employer customers and their employees navigate the complex healthcare landscape during the pandemic. The Castlight Vaccine Navigation feature launched in February and was provided at no additional cost to the company's customers. SIMPLIFYING VACCINE NAVIGATION AND INCREASING VACCINE LITERACY From the home screen of the app, users can easily access COVID-19 vaccine resources, including a self-service chat that will guide users to available vaccines and information about vaccine guidelines in their state. Castlight's Vaccine Navigation also addresses vaccine confusion and hesitancy head-on by providing digestible, high-quality educational content that covers topics such as vaccine safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects. In addition, Castlight's core capabilities enable employers to meet their own unique set of needs. Customers can send targeted messages about important vaccine updates to their employees or include company-specific content, such as details about an onsite vaccination clinic, directly within the app. For employees who need higher touch support, Castlight's team of benefits and claims experts, called Care Guides, are available to direct members to vaccine information and answer questions. Ultimately, Castlight's Vaccine Navigation guides members, providing them with the resources they need to understand if they're eligible for the vaccine and directing them to available vaccination locations in their area. WHY IT MATTERS COVID-19 has claimed 2.5 million lives worldwideof those lives, more than 500,000 (20%) are American. Though vaccine distribution began in mid-December of 2020, just over 14% of the 332 million people living in the United States have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Increased distribution of the vaccine will play a vital role in putting a long-awaited end to the pandemic, which will also ease the impact the virus has had on myriad aspects of a functioning society (e.g., education and the economy). Considering 27% of the public indicated they are hesitant about receiving the vaccine, providing comprehensive yet easy-to-understand vaccination education materials is crucial. According to a recent trust survey , Americans trust their employer more than the government or the media, highlighting the crucial role employers can play in being a trusted source for vaccine information and education. "As an employer, we can play a significant role in generating more vaccine literacy among our diverse workforce population and facilitating vaccine distribution across all of our operating companies," said Suroor Raheemullah, vice president, Human Resources at Dover Corporation. "We're excited to work with Castlight to help support our employees and their families in these efforts." Employers also have the opportunity to be an essential partner in facilitating vaccine distribution. A recent survey of a group of Castlight customers showed that COVID-19 vaccinations are top of mind, and the majority are prioritizing vaccine access, education, and proactive outreach. Vaccine Navigation is an invaluable tool to help them achieve these goals. CASTLIGHT'S ONGOING ROLE IN COVID-19 NAVIGATION Castlight, best-known for its high-tech and high-touch healthcare navigation platform, has been committed to helping its customers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic since the early days of the pandemic in the U.S. The company built the first comprehensive nationwide COVID-19 Test Site Finder , developed a return to work solution called Working Well , offered the Castlight Behavior Health solution at no additional cost to customers, and leveraged their data and analytics capabilities to identify and reach out to vulnerable populations. "It's in our DNA as a company to help our customers navigate the complexities of healthcare, whatever those may be," said Maeve O'Meara, chief executive officer of Castlight Health. "COVID-19 has made healthcare navigation even more critical, and our configurable, easy-to-use, yet comprehensive Vaccine Navigation solution will help guide employees and families to critical COVID vaccine information and resources." About Castlight Health Castlight is on a mission to make it as easy as humanly possible for people to navigate the healthcare system and live happier, healthier, more productive lives. As a leader in healthcare navigation, we provide a world-class digital platform with a team of clinical and benefits experts to help members easily connect and engage with the right programs and care, at the right time. Castlight partners with Fortune 500 companies and health plans to transform employee and member benefits into one comprehensive health and wellbeing experience to deliver better health outcomes and maximize returns on healthcare investments. For more information visit www.castlighthealth.com . Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn and like us on Facebook . Media Contacts: Caroline Kawashima Castlight Health [email protected] Saige Smith Castlight Health [email protected] SOURCE Castlight Health, Inc. Related Links http://www.castlighthealth.com For Subscribers Why South Dakota county officials are shirking state-given water rights Grant County could be the thirteenth county to repeal their drainage ordinance in the past decade. 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. By Gwynne Dyer To those who have obsessively followed COVID-19 websites over the past 11 months (including me, I must admit), one thing demands an explanation above all: why were the worst death rates per million in the richest, most developed countries, and in the United States and the United Kingdom above all? Bits of the answer are obvious, of course. COVID-19 selectively kills the elderly, and poor countries with high birth rates have a very low proportion of elderly people. They can't die in droves if they just aren't there. There's also the issue of under-counting COVID-19-related deaths, which you would expect to be worse in countries with poor or no public healthcare services, but the phenomenon extends even to middle-income countries like Russia. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova revealed recently that "excess deaths" in 2020 were three times bigger than the number of people who had "COVID" as the cause of death on their death certificates but that 80 percent of these "excess" deaths not attributed officially to COVID-19 were also probably COVID-19 deaths. If so, then Russia's death rate was almost as bad as that of the U.S. But even compared to other rich counties with the same age profile, the U.K. and the U.S. performed terribly in "deaths per million," which is the best measure, since it is not distorted by population size. The U.S. has had 1,555 COVID-19 deaths per million people. Meanwhile, Canada has had only 573 deaths per million, barely a third as many per capita. As for the U.K., it has had 1,781 deaths per million, even worse than the U.S. whereas Germany has had only 824. In fact, the U.S. and the U.K. together account for four-fifths of all COVID-19 deaths in the 10 worst-performing countries. So what is going on here? Is speaking English bad for your health? Three-quarters of Canadians speak English, so probably not. Does God punish countries that elect lying, narcissistic populists as leaders? Perhaps, but I'd prefer a more evidence-based answer, and at last we have one. Maybe. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist at the University of Maryland, may have the key that unlocks the puzzle. At the very least, she has great timing. In her 2018 book, "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World," Gelfand proposed that some national cultures embrace discipline, while others glorify rule-breaking. This argument may sound simply like psychology professor who is looking for a fresh angle, re-framing national stereotypes as statistical fact, but she may be on to something about COVID-19 death rates. Her latest research project was published in "Lancet Planetary Health," a leading epidemiological journal, late in January. Using her established categories of "tight" societies (willing to abide strictly by social norms, e.g. Singapore, Japan, China, and Austria) versus "loose" ones (more permissive about rule-breaking, e.g. the U.S., the U.K., Israel, and Italy), she compared COVID-19 case rates and death rates. The results were quite striking. The "loose" cultures on average had five times the infection rate of the "tight" ones, and eight times the death rate. If you compare the most individualistic with the most conformist, say the U.S. vs. Japan, then the contrast is astounding: about 25 times as many American cases and deaths per million. What conclusions can we draw from this? Well, Gelfand's claim suggests that the role of individual leaders like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson in shaping disastrous national COVID-19 outcomes was to a certain extent shaped by the overall cultural psychology of the U.S. and U.K. societies today. Thus, the outcomes might have been pretty bad even if less irresponsible leaders had been in charge. Secondly, as Gelfand points out, the human cost that countries pay for being "loose" in times of crisis may be compensated by the advantages they gain in creativity and innovation in better times (although it would be tactless to make this argument to COVID-19 victims in these countries). But there is something wrong with Gelfand's explanation for why countries become or remain "tight" or "loose." She argues that "communities with histories of chronic threat whether natural disasters, infectious diseases, famines or invasions develop stricter rules that ensure order and cohesion." That would make sense, but history says it's really not that simple. How did Israel the Holocaust, six wars in the past 75 years, most of the population descended from refugees end up among the carefree, permissive countries? And by the way, it really doesn't have a very high death rate (614 per million). According to Gelfand's claim, shouldn't Eastern European countries (world wars, civil wars, foreign occupation, waves of refugees) be among the "tightest" societies in the world? Yet seven of the 15 countries with the highest death rates are among the former Communist countries of Eastern Europe places like Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovenia, all with over 1,450 deaths per million. There's probably a lot more hard-wiring involved in determining where a culture ends up in terms of "tight" or "loose." And by the way, we would all love to know: why did the United States Navy pay for Gelfand's research? Gwynne Dyer (gwynne763121476@aol.com) has worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs for more than 20 years. He is the author of "Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work)." Laois had 463 cases of Covid-19 in the second month of Ireland third wave of Covid-19 according to the latest figures from the National Public Health Emergency Team which also confirm a steady decline in the number of new cases in the county. NPHET figures show that there were 12 new cases in Laois in the 24 hours to midnight Sunday, February 28. It pushes the average daily number of cases over five days to13 while the 14-day incidence for Laois is now 265.7 per 100k due to 225 in the past two weeks. A sustained number of new cases in double figures from most of February means the spread of the disease has not slowed as fast in Laois as has happened in other counties. Laois remains well above the national average of 209.2 over 14 days. It now has the seventh-highest incidence by county in Ireland. Neighbouring Offaly continues to have the highest incidence with a significant 44 new cases identified on Sunday. SEE COUNTY BY COUNTY BREAKDOWN AT END OF STORY. The latest figures push to 3,166 the total number. The situation for February is far improved on January, the first month of the third wave when 1173 cases were identified in Laois. Nationally, NPHET reported on Monday, March 1 that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has today been notified of one additional death related to COVID-19. This death occurred in January. There has been a total of 4,319* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. (*denotification of 1 death). As of midnight, Sunday, February 28, the HPSC has been notified of 687 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 220,273** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. (**denotification of 6 confirmed cases). Of the cases notified today: 352 are men / 334 are female 71% are under 45 years of age The median age is 30 years old On the county picture, NPHET highlighted 240 in Dublin, 49 in Limerick, 44 in Offaly, 40 in Galway, 36 in Louth and the remaining 278 cases are spread across 19 other counties. NPHET says the 7-day incidence 95.9 per 100 k while the 5-day moving average for new cases is 684 a day. As of 8am today NPHET said there were 540 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 120 are in ICU. There were 14 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. As of February 26th, 426,070 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 285,780 people have received their first dose 140,290 people have received their second dose The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community including daily data on Irelands COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Owl Gets Trapped in Hotel Kitchen Fan for 2 Days, Until Rescuers Save and Degrease Her Its normal for avian critters, such as birds or owls, to find their way into human spaces, like warehouses or hardware stores. Its not a huge concern for the humans, but more of a concern for the poor animals that might get trapped inside, or worse, get hurt. Such was the case when an owl somehow ended up trapped in the ventilation fan of a disused hotel in York, UK, leaving the hotels owner in shock. The poor animal was literally lodged in the fan for two days before it was rescued. When the owner heard noises coming from the extractor fan of the kitchen, she went to investigate and discovered a tawny owl jammed inside the fans protective mesh. Incredibly, the bird had managed to work its way inside the fan, but was unable to escape. The owl was soaked in grease and in a terrible-looking state. The bird seemed alert despite being trapped, animal rescue officer Leanne Honess-Heather told Metro. When I arrived at the disused hotel the owl, who had tried to push her way out, was then wedged tight between the fan blades in the extractor. Fortunately, what was surely a terrifying ordeal for the small avian friend was soon resolved. After extracting the poor owl, Leanne transported it to Ryedale Rehab, an RSPCA wildlife rescue center. There, it received care, including a bath to degrease its feathers, and monitoring of its health. The owl wasnt too impressed by bathtime, Leanne recounted, but after towel drying her off and popping her in a warm cage to dry out, she looked and felt much better. In a press release on Jan. 20, the RSPCA shared how their officers had responded to several owl rescue calls last year. The list of recent owl rescues includes the following: a tawny owl that got wedged between a balcony and a sliding glass door; a barn owl that became stuck behind a grandfather clock; and yet another tawny owl that was found trapped inside a chimney. It seems tawny owls may have a penchant for getting into small spaces. Getting out is another matter. Ryedale plans to keep the bird at the facility until veterinarians give her the green light to return home. [When shes] ready to be released back to the wild hopefully, shell stay away from any kitchens, Leanne said. And hopefully, fewer tawny owls wanting to become the next Houdini will frequent the hotel, too. 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 TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Government is planning to present a bill in parliament in the next few months to allow the Future Generations Reserve Fund to take higher deductions from oil sales. The deductions will help replace money withdrawn from the fund to support the general budget as part of efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sustain the Kingdom of Bahrains economic recovery. Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the move would boost the revenues of the fund which plays a vital role. The current law imposes a deduction of a dollar in the event that the price of one barrel exceeds $40. He underscored the importance of providing sustained support to the fund, which contributed to mitigating the fallout of the pandemic which had global repercussions. He said that the Government is keen on continuing support to the fund, to boost its assets at the global and local levels, and ensure the sustainability of its deposits in a manner that achieves further progress and prosperity for the benefit of the Kingdom and its people. He added that he maintained its stability and strengthened its assets over the past years by adopting a strategy aimed at increasing the volume of investments in fixed-income securities in a way that reduces the risks imposed by the pandemic on global financial markets. The fund has achieved many successes, despite the difficult and volatile economic conditions by increasing the level of investment diversification to reduce risks, the Minister said. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said last month that Bahrains economic recovery from the pandemic will be gradual, with growth projected at 3.3% this year after a 5.4% contraction in 2020. The Kingdom has been battered by the twin shocks of the coronavirus crisis and lower oil prices. Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) announced the appointment of Kevin Hegel as the new head of Client Services and Multinational Regional Unit, London and Nordics, effective immediately. He succeeds Ayleen Frete who has assumed a new role at AGCS, Allianzs entity for large-scale corporate and specialty risks, as global head of Market Practice Management. In his new role, Hegel will lead the Client Services and Multinational team and be responsible for all servicing aspects of AGCS global corporate and multinational accounts in the region and driving the efficient implementation of the regions international insurance programs. He will be based in London and report to Nigel Leppitt, global head of Client Services and Multinational. Hegel joins AGCS from Zurich Insurance, where he worked in various multinational roles, based in Madrid, Barcelona, Zurich and New York, most recently in the role of manager of the Freedom of Services Network Center. Prior to Zurich Insurance, Hegel worked as a contract and commercial surety underwriter in the U.S. Commenting on Kevins appointment, Leppitt said: With Kevin we gain a strong new regional head for our Client Services and international insurance programs in the region, who has considerable expertise in multinational insurance business and who will be able to drive the regional implementation of our new operation model, to further enhance our service delivery significantly and consistently to AGCSs clients globally. Source: Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Bay of Plenty cricket fans are out of luck as the Blackcaps and White Ferns will not be coming to Mount Maunganui this weekend. The mens team were due to take on Australia whilst the women were set to face England at the Bay Oval, on Sunday, March 7. However, it has now been confirmed that the T20 double-header will now be played on the same date and time at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Aucklands change to Covid alert level 3 is a key reason behind the decision. The change has been forced on NZC because of logistical complications arising from the transfer of this Fridays second double-header from Auckland to Wellington, says a statement from New Zealand Cricket. The current alert level 2 protocols in Wellington mean all three double-headers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, will be played behind closed doors. Tickets purchased for matches affected by Alert Level restrictions will automatically receive full refunds to the card or bank account number from which they were paid. We are obviously really disappointed, says Bay Oval general manager Kelvin Jones. Disappointed for the fans, everyone involved, the food vendors, service providers. We are just disappointed we wont have 10,000 people here enjoying a fantastic game of cricket. But it is what it is. It is not the end of the world. We just put into perspective. We have been really fortunate to have a fantastic summer until now we have avoided any Covid issues so in many ways we should count ourselves lucky. Acting U.S. attorney for Western North Carolina is named William T. Stetzer has been named as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, following the departure of U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray on Sunday. Stetzer is a career prosecutor who has dedicated his professional life to public service. He joined the U.S. Attorneys Office in 2018 and has since served as the First Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. During his 20+ years of combined service as a state and federal prosecutor, Stetzer has handled numerous criminal cases and has extensive experience in felony jury trials, including capital and non-capital murder cases. It is a great honor to serve the people of the Western District and to work with an incredible group of dedicated public servants, Stetzer said. The U.S. Attorneys Office has a long legacy of fulfilling its mission to seek justice and to protect the rights and safety of the public, which I pledge to continue while serving in this new role. Since joining the U.S. Attorneys Office as the Western Districts second-in-command, Stetzer has maintained an active caseload and has handled a variety of federal criminal prosecutions, including drug trafficking, violent crime, child exploitation, financial fraud, and public corruption cases. Notably, he served on the prosecution team in United States v. Lindberg et al., one of North Carolinas most prominent bribery cases involving public officials. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorneys Office, Stetzer served as Supervisor of the Homicide Prosecution Team at the District Attorneys Office for Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte. During his seven-year tenure as a Supervisor at the DAs office, Stetzers unit achieved significant reductions in the homicide case backlog and in case disposition time, while increasing both the conviction rate of homicide defendants and the sentences they received. From 2007 to 2010, he also served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Gaston County DAs Office. While there, Mr. Stetzer prosecuted serious violent felony cases including violent assaults, homicides, sexual assaults, and crimes against children. In 2020, Mr. Stetzer received the Justice Departments Assistant Attorney Generals Award for Exceptional Service. He has also been recognized for his lifelong contribution to the pursuit of justice by the FBI, the Crime Victims Coalition, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Homicide Support Group. Stetzer, who resides in Gaston County, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida in 1993. He graduated with honors from Washburn University School of Law in 1996. His spouse, Kelly Stetzer, is a prosecutor assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit with the Mecklenburg County DAs Office. Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and Tobago:--- Caribbean Airlines Cargo has partnered with exporTT to better connect Trinidad and Tobago businesses to regional and international markets. A strategic alignment has been formed operating on the understanding that both organizations share similar goals and service many of the same clients. The areas of focus for the partnership will be information sharing, incentives, and joint export promotions. Through this alliance, first-time exporters from Trinidad and Tobago will benefit from discounts of five (5) to ten (10) percent off freight to and from destinations served directly by Caribbean Airlines Cargo. Additionally, discounts of five (5%) percent off freight will be offered to all exporters on the shipment of samples to these destinations. According to Caribbean Airlines Head of Corporate Communications, Ms. Dionne Ligoure, The development of the export sector will boost Trinidad and Tobagos countrys recovery from Covid-19 related economic challenges. We look forward to building resilient linkages with exporTT in support of local exporters, with the promise of seeing our economy return to prosperity. Caribbean Airlines Cargo offers some of the most competitive rates to both exporters and importers. exporTTs General Manager (Ag.), Mr. Dhanraj Harrypersad added, We are happy to partner with Caribbean Airlines Cargo in supporting our clients to explore key markets in the Caribbean and North America where there are high concentrations of Caribbean Diaspora. This service enables new and existing exporters to get their samples out to potential partners as well as make their first shipment. As the sole National Export Facilitation Organization of Trinidad and Tobago, exporTT seeks to diversify the export sector through the growth of non-energy, manufacturing, and services exports. Caribbean Airlines Cargo facilitates the movement of general, perishable, and other types of cargo throughout the Caribbean and cities around the globe. The airline currently transports cargo on its flights to destinations including but not limited to Miami, Toronto, New York, Jamaica, Guyana, and Barbados. Caribbean Airlines Cargo continues to accept payment in Trinidad and Tobago dollars for shipments. 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 Dismissed and detained employees, security pursuits, and conscription dodgers were on the agenda at recent Dara Central Committee meetings, reports Etihad Press. On Saturday, the Daraa Central Committee held two meetings, one with officers from the Russian forces and the other with the Security Committee of government forces in the Daraa Governorate, to discuss issues related to the governorate and its people. A source from the Central Committee stated to a local media website, whose name was not mentioned, that the Central Committee met with the Security Committee in the presence of Maj. Gen. Husam Louka and Brig. Gen. Luay al-Ali to discuss the issues of the dismissed and detained employees, stop security pursuits, and look into the conditions of the defectors and those who did not serve in the government forces. The source added that a new security settlement would grant a six-month grace period to concerned individuals, indicating that there is an intention to release a group of detainees in the western countryside of Daraa. In the same context, the source said that the Central Committee in Daraa met with a number of officers in the Russian Military Police in the city of Daraa, and they agreed to conduct military patrols within the governorate. It was decided to start conducting patrols on the morning of February 28, starting from Izra to Tafas all the way to Daraa. The patrols will include vehicles for the Russian Military Police with an accompaniment from the Military Security Branch. The people of the province wont be present. The Central Committee, which is responsible for the western countryside of Daraa, frequently meets with Damascus officers and delegations from the Russian forces in order to discuss issues related to the region and ways to provide basic services to the people. 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. Coronavirus outbreak: Primary schools in Uttar Pradesh reopen with COVID-19 protocol India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Lucknow, Mar 01: In a recent development, primary schools across Uttar Pradesh have opened from today after a year-long gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict guidelines have been issued to safely resume schooling for classes 1 to 5. Other classes have been open in the state for the past few months. The schools were opened after an order last month by the state government that asked for use of face masks, sanitisers and 50 per cent attendance in one shift. West Bengal assembly elections 2021: TMC, RJD may form pre-poll alliance At Lucknow's City Montessori School, one of the city's oldest institutions, administrators said about 75 per cent of students turned up with their parents consent. "Right from the gate we ensured physical distancing and we ensured a staggered entry. We will ensure a gap of an hour between two shifts to santise the premises," Dr Yasmin Khan, the vice principal of the school told a media agency. Navya Varshney, a class 4 students brought a sanitiser and a spray along with her as she visited her school after a year-long gap. "My parents encouraged me to attend classes. They said don't be afraid, go to school and study. It's also an opportunity to meet your friends after a long time." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News At a government primary school in Hapur, it was seen that students turned up too but in slightly lesser numbers. Most children across the state study in government-run schools where providing online education in the last year when schools were shut due to the pandemic has been a challenge. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 12:17 [IST] WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish President Andrzej Duda has talked with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about buying the Chinese COVID-19 shot, his aide told state-run news agency PAP on Monday, as the country looked for ways to speed up vaccination of its residents. While the Sinopharm vaccine has not yet received European Union regulatory approval, Hungary last week became the first member state to start using the shot in a bid to accelerate its vaccination programme. "At the request of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the president also raised the question of Polish-Chinese cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, including the possibility of Poland purchasing vaccines produced in China," PAP quoted Szczerski as saying. Szczerski said any potential purchase would be subject to further talks. A government spokesman did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Like other EU countries, Poland's vaccination programme has been hampered by delays in deliveries from producers like AstraZeneca and Pfizer. (Reporting by Alan Charlish, Joanna Plucinska and Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Catherine Evans and Bernadette Baum) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 05:12:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A carnival float depicting the coronavirus is seen in Nice, capital of coastal department of Alpes-Maritimes, southern France, on Feb. 23, 2021. (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua) The cumulative number of coronavirus cases in France now stands at 3,755,968, and the total number of fatalities at 86,454 since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. PARIS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- France registered 19,952 new coronavirus infection cases and 122 related deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures released by the Public Health Agency on Sunday. The cumulative number of coronavirus cases in France now stands at 3,755,968, and the total number of fatalities at 86,454 since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. Over the past seven days, 9,613 COVID-19 patients were in the hospital, of whom 1,871 were put on ventilators, the agency added. In an interview with Le Journal de Dimanche (JDD) on Sunday, Jerome Salomon, director-general of public health, said the virus variant first detected in Britain now became dominant in France, with 53 percent of positive cases attributable to this more infectious strain. The first case of this virus in France was spotted on Dec. 26, 2020, prompting the country to impose travel restrictions. "The situation is obviously very tense but the government has taken strong braking measures, notably the curfew, which is working very well," Salomon said. "We can still avoid confinement if everyone is mobilized." As of Feb. 27, 2,967,937 people in France have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. France aims to inoculate all the citizens aged over 65 by the end of May and all adults before September. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, 255 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 73 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. 23. Policemen talk to people and ask them to move in front of the Sacre Coeur Basilica atop the Montmartre in Paris, France, Feb. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) It has recently come to light that both the City of Chicago and the government of Cook County, of which Chicago is the county seat, have chosen to spend the bulk of their discretionary federal COVID-19 relief funding on police and jails. The decision to allocate the bulk of funding toward the repressive apparatus of the state, pushed from the highest levels of the Democratic Party, is a clear sign of the priorities of the ruling class, which has devoted a comparatively miniscule amount towards any kind of relief for workers. Although city budget director Susie Park had denied last June that relief money was going toward the police, recent attempts by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to shuffle budget lines, requiring approval by the city council, led to the discovery that she planned to allocate $281.5 million on police payroll costs. This figure is 70 percent of the $403 million in discretionary funding the city received from the federal government and amounts to around one-third of the citys annual police payroll costs of about $862 million. Lightfoot claimed criticism of the spending was just dumb, and asserted, We saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by saying yes to the federal government. She and other Chicago officials claim the city was just taking advantage of a government program that would allow it to be reimbursed for expenses already incurred, and that by not taking the money for police, they would be leaving money on the table, as it were. A Chicago police vehicle in front of a raised drawbridge on August 10, 2020 (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Insofar as this is true, it is a complete indictment of the citys spending priorities prior and through the first year of the pandemic. According to the Chicago Civic Federation, the city budgeted $2.45 billion on the police department and police officer pensions during the previous fiscal year, over 21 percent of total spending, a figure which does not include health care and other benefit costs, as those costs are not broken out by department. It also does not include $82.6 million set aside for settling lawsuits and paying judgments resulting from police violence, for which the city has spent $757 million from 2004 to 2018. Following the protests in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd last year, Lightfoot rejected calls to defund the police, claiming in an October budget address, In this moment in Chicago, we cannot responsibly enact any policies that make communities less safe. Continuing, Lightfoot made clear her priorities, While we will slow the rate of growth, with a resulting $80 million in corporate fund savings, on my watch we will never make cuts or policy changes that inhibit the core mission of the police department, which is to serve and protect. During the same week in which Lightfoot fought to push through the city council vote approving the relief spending, a group of local investors and CEOs published an open letter in the Chicago Sun-Times offering a full-throated defense of Lightfoots policies, the most notable of which have been the push to reopen schools and the violent crackdown on protesters over the summer saying, We commend you and your team for your steadfast leadership in navigating the city through this crisis. Circulated by the co-CEOs of private investment firm the Vistria Group, who have close ties to former president Barack Obama, the letter was signed by 63 corporate and educational leaders. Among the individuals offering their support were Andrew Clarke of Mars Wrigley, Chris Kempczinski of McDonalds, Dave Casper of BMO Harris Bank, Roger Hochschild of Discover Financial Services, as well as Tom Ricketts of the Chicago Cubs, Mellody Hobson of Ariel Investments and Valerie Jarrett of the Barack Obama Foundation, among others. This letter makes it clear that the decision to allocate the bulk of federal relief money to policing is in no way an idiosyncratic decision of Lightfoot, but is rather a position carefully worked out with the representatives of finance capital and the leadership of the Democratic Party. Just this week it was also revealed that Cook County spent $181.7 million, or 42 percent of its $428.5 million in coronavirus relief funding on the sheriffs office, of which $176 million went to payroll costs. The sheriffs office is responsible for the enormous and notorious Cook County Jail, along with electronic monitoring and policing in certain parts of the county which do not have their own police departments. Currently holding around 3,600 people in atrocious conditions, the Cook County Jail is one of the largest pre-trial detention facilities in the world. Notably, in July the Cook County Board passed a non-binding Justice for Black Lives resolution calling for the county to redirect funds from policing and incarceration to public services not administered by law enforcement that promote community health and safety equitably. This resolution received the support of 15 of the 17 commissioners, and at the time Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle spoke in favor saying, Im for reducing and redirecting our investment in law enforcement. Preckwinkle, who is also the chair of the Cook County Democratic Party, ran against Lightfoot in the mayoral race. Despite an undeserved reputation for being a progressive, Preckwinkle lost, largely as a result of her ties to Chicago alderman Ed Burke, who had been charged with extortion as a result of his corrupt practices. Proving the essential unity of the Cook County Democratic Party on support for police and jail spending, Preckwinkles deputies offered reasoning similar to Lightfoots in defense of the decision to direct pandemic relief funds to the police. Cook County Budget Director Annette Guzman claimed the county did not want to be fighting over things that are misrepresented, and downplayed it, saying, This is one part of a whole panoply of things the county did in response to COVID-19 that really went to making sure that our residents were taken care of and secure during a once-in-a-lifetime event. You cant look at things in isolation. Youve got to look at them in total. Criticisms of the spending from some of the pseudo-left aligned members of the Chicago City Council serve merely to illustrate how groups like the Democratic Socialists of America serve to sow illusions in the Democratic Party and the reformability of the capitalist system. A real fight to allocate resources for worker needs must start with the fight for socialism. The closing meeting of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, will open in Beijing on Thursday. The decision was made at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee on Monday. The proposed agenda for the session includes hearing and deliberating a work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a report on how the proposals from political advisors have been handled since the previous session. Members of the CPPCC National Committee are expected to sit in on the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, which is scheduled to open on Friday, as non-voting participants. They will hear and discuss documents including the government work report and the draft 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, according to the proposed agenda. Jonathan Williams, the head of political and communications at the British Consulate-General Hong Kong, waiting outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts, where 47 dissidents charged under the Beijing-imposed national security law appeared in court, in Hong Kong on March 1, 2021. (Adrian Yu/The Epoch Times) UK Diplomat Attends Hearing of 47 HK Dissidents as Raab Condemns National Security Law A British diplomat was among the foreign diplomats in Hong Kong queuing on Monday morning to attend the hearing of the 47 dissidents charged on Sunday under the national security law. The UKs Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Monday said that the Beijing-imposed national security law is a political tool to stifle dissenting voices, and is in violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Forty-seven Hong Kong dissidents were charged on Sunday with conspiracy to commit subversion, in the largest single clampdown on the citys pro-democracy opposition under a Beijing-imposed national security law. A crowd gathers outside of the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts, where 47 dissidents charged under the Beijing-imposed national security law were about to appear in court, in Hong Kong on March 1, 2021. (Adrian Yu/The Epoch Times) Raab called the move deeply disturbing. The decision to charge 47 Hong Kong politicians and activists for conspiracy to commit subversion under the National Security Law is another deeply disturbing step, Raab said in a statement on Monday. It demonstrates in the starkest way the use of the law to stifle any political dissent, rather than restore security which was the claimed intention of the legislation. The National Security Law violates the Joint Declaration, and its use in this way contradicts the promises made by the Chinese government, and can only further undermine confidence that it will keep its word on such sensitive issues. Jonathan Williams, the head of political and communications at the British Consulate-General Hong Kong, talks to reporters while waiting outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts, where 47 dissidents charged under the Beijing-imposed national security law appeared in court, in Hong Kong on March 1, 2021. (Adrian Yu/The Epoch Times) On Monday morning, Jonathan Williams, the head of political and communications at the British Consulate-General Hong Kong, was among diplomats seen queuing outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts, where the hearing was held. Other diplomats included Charles Whiteley from the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, Cody Swyer from the Consulate General of the United States, Jennifer Farquharson from the Consulate General of Canada, and representatives from Germany, Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Foreign diplomats queue outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts, where 47 dissidents charged under the Beijing-imposed national security law appeared in court, in Hong Kong, on March 1, 2021. (Adrian Yu/The Epoch Times) The European Union, the United States, and Taiwan on Sunday also condemned Hong Kong authorities and called for the immediate release of the people arrested. The charges laid on 28 February against 47 pro-democracy candidates who took part in primary elections last July is of great concern to the European Union, the EU office to Hong Kong and Macao wrote in a Facebook post. The nature of these charges makes clear that legitimate political pluralism will no longer be tolerated in Hong Kong, it added. The statement said the EU urges Hong Kong and Beijing authorities to abide by their commitments to fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, as enshrined in the Basic Law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and calls for the immediate release of those arrested, and said that the EU will continue to monitor closely the ongoing developments. A crowd gathers outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts, where 47 dissidents charged under the Beijing-imposed national security law were about to appear in court, in Hong Kong, on March 1, 2021. (Adrian Yu/The Epoch Times) Reuters contributed to this report. Trump: Cant Imagine Someone Else Winning in 2024 If He Runs Former President Donald Trump said that if he runs for president in 2024, its unlikely anyone in the GOP could beat him. Im not sure that anybody should be able to win, other than us, Trump told Newsmax on Sunday. Look, Ive done a good job for this party. We had the greatest economy in history, and then we rebuilt it a second time. Trump added that its not clear whether he will decide to run in 2024. But I love our country. Im going to do whats right for our country, he said, noting that hes not going to play games about who could defeat him in the Republican primary and that he cant imagine losing the nomination. Trump appeared to give the Newsmax interview after he spoke at the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) on Sunday in Orlando, Florida. The crowd is incredible. The enthusiasm is, I think even beyond what we had before the election, and we had great election results more than any presidential candidates ever gotten, as you know, with the votes, but this crowd is just incredible. They love the country and they just want to see it succeed, he said of his speech. A straw poll that was taken during the event showed 55 percent of attendees said Trump should be the GOP candidate in 2024. After Trump, Republican Govenerors Ron DeSantis of Florida got 21 percent and Kristi Noem of South Dakota got 4 percent. Almost 7 in 10 of the polls participants stated they want to see Trump run again in 2024, and 15 percent said they would not. Another 17 percent said they were not sure. Trump pointed to his poll numbers in the Newsmax interview, saying hes never seen poll numbers like that. The former commander-in-chief also said he felt he needed to deliver the CPAC address rather than Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) or Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), the No. 3 House Republican, because we have to save our nation. We have to stop some of the things that are going on that are so bad for our country, he added. When you look at the border, when you look at whats happening with energy independence, when you look at so many different elements of what theyre doing, theyll destroy our country. During his address to the crowd, Trump spoke for more than an hour and touched on issues including illegal immigration, transgender policies, COVID-19 lockdowns, and election integrity. He also went after Republican lawmakers who impeached or convicted him in recent weeks. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News: 1Spatial PLC - Cambridge-based location data software provider - Expects to report "solid progress" in financial year ended January 31, with results ahead of current market expectations due to a robust performance in the second half of the year. Says revenue for the year expected to be in excess of GBP24 million - versus GBP23.4 million in the 2020 financial year - with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation to be in excess of the GBP3.2 million posted for the 2020 year. "The board is confident that the group's progress over the last year is set to continue in the coming year. Nevertheless, the board remains cautious in managing potential risks resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic," 1Spatial says. Vertu Motors PLC - UK automotive retailer - Expects performance for year ended February 28 to be in line with current analyst forecasts of around GBP23 million at an adjusted pretax profit level - compared with GBP23.5 million for the 2020 financial year. Revenue up 4.2% in the five months to end of January. "Notwithstanding the government's recently announced roadmap, the outlook remains uncertain given continuing Covid restrictions, although Brexit uncertainty is now behind us and the pound's recent strengthening should help to make cars more affordable to UK buyers," says Chief Executive Robert Forrester. Speedy Hire PLC - Merseyside, England-based tool, equipment and plant hire - Says trading since end of September ahead of board expectations, with revenue improving as activity levels have continued to increase. In February, core hire revenue in the UK and Ireland was up 2% on a year ago. Underlying overhead costs across the group remain "tightly controlled". Adds that it has sold its equipment fleet, stock and other fixed assets relating to its Middle East business to ADNOC Logistics & Services LLC, for a consideration of USD18 million. "The successful exit from the Middle East operations is an important strategic step for Speedy and we wish the whole of the ADNOC team every success in the future. Looking ahead, we are well positioned to take advantage of the market opportunities in the UK and Ireland as activity levels continue to improve," says CEO Russell Down. Tracsis PLC - Leeds-based traffic data & transportation services firm - Launches new group-wide branding and as part of this, has strengthened its transport consultancy offering through the acquisition of Flash Forward Consulting Ltd. FFC is a London-based transport consultancy business that operates predominantly across the rail and bus sectors. Tracsis will pay overall consideration of GBP1.5 million for FFC plus further cash payment of around GBP1 million reflecting the net current asset position of the business. Bacanora Lithium PLC - Sonora lithium project in Mexico - Says completion of approvals obtained and GBP21.9 million has been received by Sonora Lithium Ltd. Sonora Lithium has now issued 74.0 million shares to Ganfeng, resulting in Ganfeng owning 50% of the enlarged issued share capital of Sonora. The funds will be applied towards the development of the Sonora lithium project, located in Mexico. Red Rock Resources PLC - gold explorer in Kenya and Australia, copper-cobalt in DRC - Says Canadian IPO process begins for joint venture Red Rock Australasia Pty Ltd with appointment of legal counsel in Canada. Following grant of first three licenses announced in early February, a further seven applications are at an advanced stage of processing. "With three key licenses now granted, and better visibility on the processing pipeline on the remaining applications, we have initiated the process which we intend to lead to a listing of certain core assets by IPO on the Canadian capital markets," says Chair Andrew Bell. Red Rock owns 50.1% of RRAL, with 49.9% being owned by Power Metal Resources PLC. Anglo Asian Mining PLC - gold, copper and silver producer in Azerbaijan - Says the comprehensive exploration programme already underway at Gedabek continued in the second half of 2020 and substantial drilling was carried out at several priority mineral deposit targets. A considerable amount of exploration was also carried out at its Gosha contract area. However, Covid-19 travel restrictions continue to impede the geological work that could be undertaken at Ordubad. "Our comprehensive geological programme continues to yield excellent results. We were very pleased to report in January the discovery of Zafer in the second half of last year," says Director of Geology & Mining Stephen Westhead. Adds: "Gosha is very under-explored and we continued with both outcrop sampling and trench sampling throughout the contract area. Unfortunately, drill access was still not possible to Ordubad due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, some limited trench sampling was carried out at the Uchurdag and Unus targets." Solid State PLC - Worcestershire-based computing products manufacturer - Buys Active Silicon Ltd and its subsidiaries for an initial consideration of GBP6.3 million, which, when adjusted for the cash on the balance sheet, results in an effective net initial consideration of around GBP2.7 million. Active Silicon is an "industry leading expert" in the design and manufacture of board level solutions for high-performance digital image capture, processing, and transmission. In addition to the initial consideration there is a 25 month earn out period, which is expected to be worth less than GBP1 million in total. Yourgene Health PLC - Manchester, England-headquartered molecular diagnostics firm - Says US subsidiary has signed supply agreement with a large US clinical laboratory group. Agreement is worth estimated USD1.5 million over five years to Yourgene and grants the partner non-exclusive access to the company's Ranger Technology which Yourgene gained as part of acquisition of Coastal Genomics Inc in August 2020. Petro Matad Ltd - AIM-listed Mongolian oil company - Says restrictions and lockdowns in Mongolia since November have hit Petro Matad's Block XX exploitation licence application process with government offices being shut. "However, ministry and regulator employees have been working remotely and the company has worked collaboratively with government to ensure that progress has been made during this period. With the lifting of restrictions on 23 February, Petro Matad is hoping to pick up the pace in the process to secure the Block XX exploitation licence," company says. Water Intelligence PLC - Palm Springs, California-based environmental services and technology company - Reports two insurance national account wins. Signs and launches another formal national contract between its American Leak Detection subsidiary and a "leading insurance company" in the US. Water Intelligence also announces the broadening of an existing national account both to add repair solutions and to create a multi-year framework. "Our two insurance national account wins open 2021 in strong fashion, picking up where we left-off after outstanding results during 2020. We take special pride in delivering minimally-invasive water and wastewater infrastructure solutions to help homeowners and businesses face the aftermath of this winter's extreme weather in the US. We hope to lead private sector efforts to advance water-related solutions for the Green Economy," says Executive Chair Patrick DeSouza. Cora Gold Ltd - West African-focused gold company - Commences significant drill campaign at its flagship Sanankoro gold project in southern Mali. Says 22,000 metre initial contract awarded to Capital Drilling Mali SARL, a subsidiary of Capital Ltd, for reverse circulation and diamond core drilling. Expects to drill up to 35,000 metres by end of July. NextEnergy Solar Fund Ltd - solar power renewable energy investment company - Acquires the UK-based Camden solar photovoltaic portfolio comprising two projects totalling 100MWp for a total consideration of GBP64.3 million. The portfolio has a 15-year power purchase agreement in place covering around 75% of the electricity to be generated over the life of the agreement. The PPA counterparty is brewer AB InBev. Union Jack Oil PLC - oil & gas exploration company - Completes acquisition of a further 15% economic interest in PEDL253 containing the Biscathorpe project, now holding 45% interest in PEDL253. "Union Jack's technical team believe that Biscathorpe represents a material and commercially viable hydrocarbon resource that remains un-tested," says Executive Chair David Bramhill. Instem PLC - Staffordshire-based IT solutions provider - Acquires The Edge Software Consultancy Ltd for up to GBP8.5 million. The consideration will be satisfied via combination of cash and new shares in the company. The Edge provides technology and services aimed at improving the efficiency of drug discovery research and development, with clients across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and animal health sectors. Kromek Group PLC - Sedgefield-based detection technology supplier - Receives two new orders worth a total of USD750,000, with half of this value due to be recognised during the current financial year. The orders are from existing customers in the group's imaging and nuclear security markets. Alien Metals Ltd - iron ore and silver projects in Australia and Mexico - Says first drill hole of the maiden drilling program at the Donovan 2 copper gold project in Mexico started last Thursday, ahead of schedule. Capstone has indicated it has planned an initial 2,500 metre drilling program as part of the required USD450,000 expenditure commitment for 2021. Blencowe Resources PLC - natural resources company - Says drilling at Main Syncline Lode delivers "outstanding" grade graphite results, which will underpin a maiden JORC Standard Mineral Resource Estimate and Reserve Determination scheduled for release this month. "Following on from our recent announcement of high grade graphite in the Camp Lode, these additional excellent results at the Eastern Syncline Lode continue to highlight the robust results at Orom-Cross," says Executive Chair Cameron Pearce. "Our drilling program has so far confirmed everything it was meant to in terms of location of graphite, shallow depths of the ore body, significant grade and evidence of larger flake sizes." Sensyne Health PLC - clinical technology company - Says its SYNE-COV machine learning algorithm for Covid risk prediction has achieved regulatory approval for use in the UK. SYNE-COV analyses over 60 variables in the patient electronic health record to generate a prediction of the likelihood of a Covid positive patient developing severe disease, requiring ventilation or admission to intensive care. Following regulatory approval, Sensyne is now able to market SYNE-COV across the UK. "Sensyne will market the algorithm to NHS Trusts in order to help them with COVID preparedness and to deploy the algorithm in good time for the 2021/22 winter season," company says. Eagle Eye Solutions Group PLC - marketing technology company - Confirms role as key technology provider for Virgin Red, Virgin's new rewards club. "The Eagle Eye platform was chosen for its ability to process and manage the billions of points flowing across the programme, being earnt and spent across multiple organisations," firm says. Urban Logistics REIT PLC - London-based logistics-focused real estate investment trust - Buys 57,494 square foot distribution asset for GBP5.4 million. The site is let to Spire Healthcare with a reversionary lease already agreed for a term of 5 years from April 7, 2021. "In line with our strategic focus on logistics assets which deliver essential goods the "last mile" to customers and businesses, all of our recent acquisitions are single-let properties servicing high quality logistics tenants. Today's acquisition is another well located distribution warehouse near the M5, offering opportunities for asset management activities," says Chief Executive Richard Moffitt. FRP Advisory Group PLC - UK professional services firm specialising in advisory services - Buys Spectrum Corporate Finance Ltd, a corporate finance and debt advisory boutique to UK mid-market clients and their funders, for GBP9.4 million plus a further payment contingent on the net assets at completion of up to around GBP3 million. Chrysalis Investments Ltd - investor in fast-growing, tech-enabled private companies in UK and Europe - Says Klarna Holding AB announces success of USD1 billion funding round that values the company at USD31 billion post new money. "The round, which was four-times oversubscribed, has been undertaken at a valuation that represents a material mark up in the Company's current carrying value of the asset. Given investment restrictions, the Company did not participate in the round," Chrysalis notes. Estimates that revised value of Chrysalis's investment in Klarna due to the funding round would result in a gross increase in net asset value per share of around 32p. By Lucy Heming;A lucyheming@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Health officials are hunting for a person in the UK who is infected with a worrying Brazil variant of Covid-19 in a bid to stop it spreading into the wider community. Susan Hopkins, strategic response director at Public Health England, said the person was thought to have been tested on February 12 or 13, possibly via a home postal test or a test collected from a local authority. She said the individual may not have completed their form completely online, or may have thought they did, and may not have got their results. "We are looking at where the test may have been sent from and to, working with the postal services and the courier services," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme, adding that the public appeal was a "belt-and-braces approach". In total, PHE has identified six UK cases of the concerning P1 variant first detected in the Brazilian city of Manaus a three in England and three in Scotland. Three cases are Scottish residents who flew to Aberdeen from Brazil via Paris and London, who all tested positive while self-isolating. Other passengers who were on the same flight to Aberdeen are now being traced. The other two cases in England are from the same household in South Gloucestershire after one person returned from Brazil on February 10 a just days before the government's hotel quarantine rule came into force. Two other people in the same household have also tested positive but are not currently included in the UK case total of six, while tests on their type of coronavirus continue. Officials are searching for passengers who were on the Swiss Air flight LX318 from Sao Paulo to Heathrow, via Zurich, which landed on February 10. Surge testing will now be carried out in the Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Little Stoke areas of South Gloucestershire to capture any potential spread in cases. Hopkins said the Brazil Manaus variant is similar to the variant from South Africa, with mutations that are thought to increase transmissibility. There are also concerns that the Manaus variant can re-infect people who have previously had Covid, and that it has the ability to lessen the impact of vaccines. Hopkins said: "Manaus in particular reported that a number of individuals were re-infected with this variant, and therefore that suggests that having had prior immunity from primary infection wasn't enough to reduce infection and transmission. And that may also impact on the vaccine." However, she said that although cases have been detected in the UK, it is hoped that it would not become a dominant variant. "I think the importance here is that, while we're in national restrictions, while we have very transmissible variants that are circulating, then we hope that there are not any other variants that will be able to take over," she said. "However, as we start to release national restrictions with the schools going back on March 8, that is where the risk starts to increase, and that's why we really are clamping down on a number of measures to prevent the spread of these variants." She said those people identified with the variant so far had all followed the rules a including quarantining and getting tested when symptoms emerged. She added: "We haven't detected it in any individual who hasn't had a history of travel or had contact with travel yet, so that is good news. But we are prepared to search it out in the communities, if it is there." Meanwhile, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said any community transmission of the variant would be identified "very, very quickly" through both regular PCR and lateral flow testing. "We would pick up community transmission of this variant very, very rapidly, because we are able to genome sequence so quickly," he told the BBC. Asked if it was known whether the unidentified person with the Manaus variant had travelled to the UK or contracted the virus here, he said: "We don't. "Part of the reason why we want to locate them quickly is to understand more about them and their movements." The minister also sought to defend the UK's border controls, following accusations the government has been slow to implement hotel quarantine measures. "I would say to you that the border controls that we have are pretty stringent," he told the Today programme. "Even countries that had hotel quarantine, like Australia, still have to deal with the variants actually challenging them in the same way they challenge us." Elsewhere, Graham Medley, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a current member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said it was "inevitable" that new variants would come into the country via travel. He said: "It's inevitable, the risk is never zero a places that have high levels of protection across borders are still having incursions of the virus still coming in. "You've got to weigh that against what's happening within the country a at the moment we've got tens of thousands of people being infected every day and so putting a lot of effort into preventing handfuls of infections from coming overseas has to be proportionate. "It is a global problem, and if we remain globally connected, which I think we must, then it is about the rate and the risk of this happening rather than whether it does or not." Also on the issue of borders, Danny Altmann, professor of immunology at Imperial College, told Times Radio they presented a "really, really hard challenge". He added: "We see these variants popping up variably all over the world, so we're just as liable to suffer from a homegrown one as an imported one. So we just need to be really on the case all the time." Asked about how worried people should be about the Brazilian variant, he said: "Somewhat worried, but not total panic, perhaps. "It's somewhat more worrying than the UK variant, the Kent variant, that we're used to talking about, because it covers the double whammy, we think, of being more transmissible and somewhat better at evading neutralising antibodies." But Deepti Gurdasani, epidemiologist at Queen Mary University of London, said the current situation in the UK "highlights failures in quarantine policy". She told BBC Breakfast: "Sage has advised that, unless we had a comprehensive, managed quarantine policy at our borders, something like this would happen. "But unfortunately it's something that we've been quite complacent about; now we're just seeing the consequences of that." However, officials have said they remain optimistic that the Covid-19 vaccines will still prevent severe disease when tested against new variants. source: PA Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Launch of Virtual Trinity Library Zoom 1 March 2021 Good afternoon, And welcome, everyone, to the launch of Virtual Trinity Library. Its wonderful to see so many here - a tribute to the strength of Trinitys global community, and to the uniqueness and prestige of the Old Library with its magnificent Long Room and precious collections. Helens virtual tour has just given us a marvellous perspective. On a recent visit to the College, An Taoiseach Micheal Martin referred to the Old Library and the Book of Kells as a jewel in the national crown. Certainly, we who work and study in Trinity, see the Old Library as the very heart of the university, and we are conscious also of being custodians of the national heritage. As Helen has said, Virtual Trinity Library is a strategic flagship project for the university. Its complementary to the Old Library Redevelopment Project which addresses the physical redevelopment of the Old Library building and is a key project of our philanthropic campaign, Inspiring Generations. In May 2019 we formally launched Inspiring Generations, the first comprehensive philanthropic campaign in the history of the university and the largest ever to be launched on the island of Ireland. Other key flagship projects of Inspiring Generations include the Trinity St Jamess Cancer Institute that will transform cancer patient care and the new E3 Institute in Engineering, Environment and Emerging Technologies that will find balanced solutions for a better world. The response to Inspiring Generations from our global community has been extraordinary, and were well on target to meet our ambitious aims in fundraising and volunteering. An important achievement of recent months is that Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the Old Library Redevelopment, and gave it without any reservations. It will include a new research collections study centre. This follows the historic unveiling of the new Book of Kells Treasury and Display, funded with philanthropic support from Carol and Murray Grigor, which forms the first component of our redevelopment plans. * * * Virtual Trinity Library, the corollary of the physical redevelopment, is our contribution to the creation of a Virtual World Library for Cultural Heritage. As such, its part of an international landscape of institutions that are enabling access to patrimony and cultural heritage. Were joining many other famous institutions worldwide in this endeavour, all facilitating international links between collections and people. Through Virtual Trinity Library were opening up the collections of the largest library in Ireland, catalysing research, and safeguarding the iconic treasures of the Old Library for generations to come. This initiative will conserve, curate, digitise and research these unique national heritage collections, making them accessible to a global audience, from schoolchildren to scholars The impact of Virtual Trinity Library for teaching, learning and research has become even more significant in light of the current pandemic, which has accelerated the digital transformation of the University and the Library. Virtual Trinity Library is about preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come. Were honoured to have join us today, as our special guest, the President of Carnegie Corporation of New York, Vartan Gregorian, whose organisation is generously supporting the conservation, research and digitisation of some of our more important medieval manuscripts. We welcome also His Excellency Adriaan Palm, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ireland. The Dutch Government is generously supporting the conservation and digital cataloguing of the 18th century Fagel collection, in collaboration with the Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB), the National Library of the Netherlands. I thank also all those corporations, foundations and individuals who are providing philanthropic support in this continuing journey. And I thank and congratulate our Librarian and College Archivist, Helen Shenton and her team for their work in undertaking this project of significant scale and societal impact, preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come. Thank you. * * * If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. At 99 years of age, Les Downing qualifies for a COVID-19 vaccine but is unable to receive the jab. Advertisement Advertise With Us At 99 years of age, Les Downing qualifies for a COVID-19 vaccine but is unable to receive the jab. Largely housebound, hes unable to make it out to the Brandon vaccine clinic from his home in Virden. "My father cannot drive anymore, and he has congenital heart disease, so any sort of requirement to move and walk he can walk, but he gets out of breath easily," daughter Donna Downing said. Although he does make short excursions into his home community to do things like go to the bank, thats about as much as he can handle. A road trip to Brandon to visit the nearest COVID-19 vaccine site is out of the question, Donna said. "Its almost more than he can handle to go to downtown Virden." Donna, who lives in Alberta, has spent the last several days phoning area politicians to help resolve what she considers an unfair gap in service. Les lives alone in Virden after his wife, Marie Louise, 94, relocated to the West-Man Personal Care Home in 2019 due to worsening Alzheimers. "He receives Meals on Wheels and home care every day of the week, so this is the only way he is really able to stay at home," Donna said, speaking up for her father, whose hearing disability prevents him from holding a phone conversation. Donna said that in an ideal world, a qualified health-care professional would make house calls to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. At the bare minimum, she said it would be nice to have someone in Virden able to administer the vaccine to the general public. "Its fine to say he has access to the vaccination, but in reality he doesnt," Donna said. "This is not right." During Fridays news conference, Manitoba chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin addressed situations such as what Les finds himself in. "Were exploring a lot of different options," he said, adding this includes community organizations investigating transportation options. The mRNA vaccines dont allow health-care workers to go door-to-door with it, Roussin said, and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has yet to clarify such nuances about about other vaccines. "Depending on what happens with those vaccines and the data that develops over the future, that could change," he said. "We are working on it, and were waiting on information to help us guide our next step." tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB You are here: China The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) on Monday announced its decision to arrest Gong Dao'an, former vice mayor and police chief of Shanghai Municipality, for suspected bribe-taking. The National Supervisory Commission has completed an investigation into Gong's case and handed it over to prosecutors, the SPP said. Gong has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws. Further handling of the case is underway. With renewed focus on indigenous production, Make in India has found itself at the centerstage of corporate narrative. OPPO Mobiles, which had set up a sprawling 110 Acres manufacturing hub in Greater Noida in 2016 has since been ticking all the right boxes. Right from product portfolio expansion to strengthening of manufacturing capabilities the brand has left no stone unturned in charming Indian consumers off their feet. National Geographic India has now attempted to capture the thrilling journey of the brand, with its SUPERFACTORIES show. The documentary sheds light on the biggest manufacturing facility of OPPO in Greater Noida, and takes viewers behind-the-scenes at the sprawling state-of-the-art factory. For OPPO, India has always been a key market, and that is visible in how the company has consistently retained its position on the leaderboard. According to a February 2021 report by leading analyst firm Canalys the company witnessed the annual growth rate of over 23%, highest in the smartphone industry. All of this can easily be attributed to the brand's efforts towards R&D, especially keeping in mind the evolving consumer needs of the Indian market. Through its plethora of offerings captured by SUPERFACTORIES, OPPO has not only seized imaginations but also emerged as the torch bearer of Make in India initiative in less than decade of entering the Indian market. The National Geographic show effectively documents all of this progress by taking us all on a journey into the company's mammoth manufacturing hub. The facility is spread over a sprawling 110 acres that is twice the size of one of India's most popular stadium- The Eden Gradens. The film captures the synchrony of over 10,000 OPPO employees, who in tandem with the most sophisticated machinery and backed by pathbreaking R&D support, produce devices that satiate the ever-evolving smartphone needs of Indian consumers. OPPO's manufacturing facility, which brings out close to six million devices every month during peak season, has become one of the most modern, mega-smartphone factories in the world. The documentary highlights how the operations of the facility are managed, and speaks to some of the faces behind the feat, including operational managers, R&D teams, and engineers. OPPO India's R&D head, Tasleem Arif, makes an appearance too, and highlights how the Hyderabad centre has some of India's best engineers, who have quickly risen as key catalysts in OPPO's efforts at developing advanced technology. He further goes on to highlight how the OPPO India team has been pivotal in pushing the advancement of 5G technology in the country as well. These technological breakthroughs will not only cater to the Indian market but also become a supply center for the African and Middle Eastern markets of the company. And it's not just 5G, but OPPO has been pursuing tech development in the country through some pathbreaking tech innovations in the smartphone domain, especially with its Find and Reno series of devices. Even with its recent launch, the Reno5 Pro 5G, it introduced an India-first MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ chipset, solidifying its commitment to the Indian market and its discerning consumers. The documentary ably brings alive the companys vision to develop new-age technology solutions. Standing at the forefront of the #MakeInIndia initiative, OPPO India makes over 50M smartphones each year. Take a peek inside our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on Superfactories: OPPO, premieres 27th Feb, 7 PM on @NatGeoIndia & streams on Hotstar. #NatGeoSuperfactories pic.twitter.com/14KPHmGoll OPPO India (@oppomobileindia) February 27, 2021 The SUPERFACTORIES film, in showcasing the brand's unique production techniques, innovative engineering, and cutting-edge technologies, will further strengthen OPPO's stronghold in the country, while also opening up consumers to experience the brand's technology innovations like never before. The show premiered on 27th February on OTT platform Hotstar. Getting an insight into one of the worlds most sophisticated manufacturing capabilities is certainly reinforcing technology lovers allegiance towards Brand OPPO. Hong Kong: 14 COVID-19 cases identified The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 14 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 11 are locally transmitted. Among the local cases, five have unknown sources of infection. The unlinked cases involve a 23-year-old male cashier who last went to work on February 26, a 30-year-old man who is a part-time teacher and did not go to work during the incubation period, a 41-year-old male security guard who was last on duty on February 28, and a 36-year-old man who is a camera repair technician and last went to work on February 26. The fifth unlinked case involves a 54-year-old woman who is a secretary. She last went to work on February 23. The three imported cases arrived from Indonesia and Pakistan. For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage. This story has been published on: 2021-03-01. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March Slovakia and the Czech Republic ready to adopt the Russian Sputnik vaccine without waiting for the approval of Ema, the EU Medicines Agency. The Bratislava government has already received its first batch of vaccines, as confirmed by Prime Minister Igor Matovic. The one in Prague, on the other hand, is in talks with Moscow, but could speed up the process. The Czech Republic, in fact, with 11,627 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, has now become the country with the highest rate of new infections from Covid in the world. So far in the EU only Hungary has approved and started distributing Sputnik V. Another European country that is considering adopting it without waiting for the EU green light is Austria. (Unioneonline / lf) Classroom In the U.S. alone, over 8 million students miss a significant amount of schooling to the point where they are academically at risk, according to Attendance Works. This chronic absence which is defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days has long affected those living in poverty, many of whom unfortunately come from communities of color. Enter Joanna Smith. The Harvard University graduate is no stranger to the education space. In 2016, Smith was a research assistant at the Education Redesign Lab at Harvards Graduate School of Education. She then spent two years at Excel Academy Charter Schools in Massachusetts, first as a Learning Support Fellow and modified math teacher and later as the director of family engagement. Enter here for the chance to win a $250 DoorDash gift card. But Smith realized the biggest impact she could make in education was by leveraging her experience as an educator to address chronic truancy. In 2017, she founded AllHere Education, which, according to the companys website, is an AI-powered attendance intervention system that combines education-based strategies with automation, analytics and engagement capabilities, in an easy, all-in-one platform. Not only does AllHere tackle student absences, it also aims to increase student participation. Since a students journey to school is not linear as it once was, I think that one of the most powerful things that were using AI to be able to do at AllHere is guide students through each and every task for which they may need help, Smith explained to CBS News in a 2020 interview. For students who are chronically absent due to a number of reasons (from health issues to food insecurity), AllHere fills a necessary gap. As Attendance Works notes, those who live in poverty are two to three times more likely to be chronically absent and face the most harm because their communities do not have the sufficient amount of resources to compensate for what schools provide. In addition to keeping chronic absenteeism low through mobile messaging, AllHere offers confidential health care referrals and troubleshoots computer problems issues that are common in low-income areas. Story continues AllHeres services are even more necessary when one considers the effects of the pandemic on chronic truancy. As more students stay home, for example, they are less likely to feel motivated to attend or pay attention in class. Though Smith initially had concerns about whether her business would survive during this period, she adjusted to it by creating a complex chatbot system that keeps students in their virtual seats. Today, AllHere serves 2,000 schools across 15 states. My goal over the next 12 months is a land grab, Smith told Forbes in a 2021 interview. We want to help students get to school every day and put them on the track to success. In The Know is now available on Apple News follow us here! If you liked this story, check out Prados Beauty, a makeup brand that caters to the indigenous community. More from In The Know: Kena Peay is taking up space in a white male-dominated field 5 Kindle books In The Know editors cant put down This is the best Ive ever used: This top-rated shampoo and conditioner duo for thinning hair is less than $30 Subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay In The Know The post Joanna Smith is tackling chronic truancy with AllHere appeared first on In The Know. News Around the Republic of Mexico Judge Orders Suspension of Maya Train Construction Heavy equipment at work on the Maya Train project. YucatAn-based Judge Karla DomAnguez Aguilar ordered a halt to construction work in MArida, Izamal and ChocholA in a decision handed down last week. YucatAn, Mexico - A federal judge has ordered the definitive suspension of the Maya Train railroad project in three YucatAn municipalities. YucatAn-based Judge Karla DomAnguez Aguilar ordered a halt to construction work in MArida, Izamal and ChocholA in a decision handed down last week. The ruling, which affects the CalkinA-Izamal and Izamal-CancAn sections of the The plaintiffs also said that communities in the three municipalities were not properly consulted or provided with all relevant information about the project. The order follows a provisional suspension order handed down by the same judge a month ago. Work on section 3, in purple, and section 4, in red, has been halted by the court ruling. The federal government will undoubtedly challenge the new ruling but such an appeal will likely take weeks to resolve. While the suspension order remains in place, no new railroad construction work can be carried out in the three municipalities, but authorities and companies working on the project can continue with maintenance and upgrades of existing tracks. A spokesman for Kanan, a MArida-based human rights collective, said the definitive suspension ruling is significant because with it "we will be able to demand the right to access public information." Miguel Anguas expressed confidence that residents can achieve a favorable outcome despite the government's inevitable legal challenge. Last Monday's ruling is the latest of several court orders against the US $8-billion Maya Train railroad, which is slated to begin operations in 2023 and run through Tabasco, Campeche, YucatAn, Quintana Roo and Chiapas. In December, a judge in Campeche granted a Construction of the train, which President LApez Obrador says will spur social and economic development in the country's long-neglected southeast, The National Tourism Promotion Fund is managing the project, which will provide a transportation connection between destinations such as MArida, ChichAn ItzA, CancAn, Tulum and Palenque. Sources: Milenio a Reforma Original article - A federal judge has ordered the definitive suspension of the Maya Train railroad project in three YucatAn municipalities.YucatAn-based Judge Karla DomAnguez Aguilar ordered a halt to construction work in MArida, Izamal and ChocholA in a decision handed down last week.The ruling, which affects the CalkinA-Izamal and Izamal-CancAn sections of the 1,500-kilometer railroad a one of the federal government's flagship infrastructure projects a came in response to an injunction request filed by YucatAn residents who claimed that the project will cause irreversible environmental damage. The plaintiffs also said that communities in the three municipalities were not properly consulted or provided with all relevant information about the project. The order follows a provisional suspension order handed down by the same judge a month ago.The federal government will undoubtedly challenge the new ruling but such an appeal will likely take weeks to resolve.While the suspension order remains in place, no new railroad construction work can be carried out in the three municipalities, but authorities and companies working on the project can continue with maintenance and upgrades of existing tracks.A spokesman for Kanan, a MArida-based human rights collective, said the definitive suspension ruling is significant because with it "we will be able to demand the right to access public information."Miguel Anguas expressed confidence that residents can achieve a favorable outcome despite the government's inevitable legal challenge.Last Monday's ruling is the latest of several court orders against the US $8-billion Maya Train railroad, which is slated to begin operations in 2023 and run through Tabasco, Campeche, YucatAn, Quintana Roo and Chiapas.In December, a judge in Campeche granted a provisional suspension order on environmental grounds against the 222-kilometer EscArcega-CalkinA section, which a consortium led by billionaire businessman Carlos Slim has a contract to build, but a definitive suspension ruling is still pending.Construction of the train, which President LApez Obrador says will spur social and economic development in the country's long-neglected southeast, began last June. The National Tourism Promotion Fund is managing the project, which will provide a transportation connection between destinations such as MArida, ChichAn ItzA, CancAn, Tulum and Palenque. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top is nursing losses after its worst weekly plunge in almost a year and on one view its longer term outlook could be even worse because of environmental concerns and tightening regulations. The sheer amount of energy needed to mine and the prospect that governments will create more obstacles for the largest point to the token losing most of its value over time, BCA Research Inc. said. The expense and slowness of transactions make it unsuitable as a medium of exchange, BCA Research Chief Global Strategist Peter Berezin wrote in the report released Friday. In addition, environmental, social and governance-focused funds are likely to shun companies associated with Bitcoin due to the large energy consumption by miners on computer networks. Bitcoin is still up more than five times over the past year, a divisive rally pitting believers in a new asset class against naysayers who see a speculative bubble. Among notable recent developments are Tesla Inc.s $1.5 billion purchase of the token. At the same time, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen are among those signaling caution. Governments will create more obstacles because they could lose billions of dollars in revenue from seigniorage the difference between the face value of money and the cost to produce it according to BCA. Many companies have cozied up to Bitcoin in order to associate themselves with the digital currencys technological mystique, BCAs Berezin added. As ESG funds start to flee Bitcoin, its price will begin a downward spiral. Stay away. Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, was up 2.5 per cent to $46,359 as of 11:53 a.m. in Hong Kong on Monday. That leaves it well off the record high of $58,350 set just over a week ago. JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategists in a note Friday said the launch of the Purpose Bitcoin exchange-traded fund may be hurting the price of the as well. After an initial strong start flows have quieted down, strategists led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou wrote. The four-week pace of flows into all Bitcoin funds is weak relative to a December peak, they said. The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, the largest traded crypto fund, also remains one of the keys to the outlook. Inflows into the trust are ceasing, and the cash going into other Bitcoin vehicles isnt strong enough to prevent an overall slowing in the Bitcoin fund flow impulse, the strategists wrote. MINOT, N.D. (AP) Snowfall in the region earlier this week was a welcome sight, falling on parched ground throughout the area. However, much more moisture is needed to alleviate drought conditions that prevail from border to border in North Dakota. The quarter-inch or less of moisture contained in the heaviest snowfall band along the U.S. Highway 52 corridor fell prior to the input of data for the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, issued Thursday. However, given the very dry conditions, impact from the snowfall on the ongoing drought gripping the state is expected to be insignificant and have little or no influence in altering future drought designations. In their weekly issuance of the Drought Monitor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration concludes that nearly 68% of North Dakota is rated to be in severe drought, up from 58% a week earlier. The remainder of the state, primarily the southeast, remains entrenched in moderate drought or abnormally dry. Even though precipitation is normally low during the fall and winter seasons, it has been extremely dry during the past 3-4 months (less than 25% of normal), leading to a lack of any snow cover in eastern Montana, western North Dakota, and north-central South Dakota, concludes the Drought Monitor. It added that drought conditions expanded this past week southward across south-central North Dakota and central South Dakota. The weekly assessment was compiled while snow was falling in North Dakota, so this weeks snowfall was not part of the data included in the Drought Monitor. Impact from the snowfall, if any, will be included in the next Drought Monitor. One of the impacts of a severe drought designation, according to the Drought Monitor, is that river flow is decreased; stocks dams are low. Low river and stream levels are normal for North Dakota at this time of year. Nevertheless, indicators remain troublesome. The Souris River that enters North Dakota from Canada near Sherwood, loops down through Minot, and then returns to Canada near Westhope, has seen little or no flow for several months. The release gates at Lake Darling, of which the Souris is the primary source of water and is located northwest of Minot, have been closed since last August. Lake Darling stood at 1,595.42 feet Thursday, more than a half-foot below its winter operating level as prescribed by the International Agreement between the U.S. and Canada. We are in water conservation mode, said Tom Pabian, Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge manager. Lake Darling is located at Upper Souris NWR. Furthermore, given current dry conditions in North Dakota and the Saskatchewan drainage area of the Souris River, chances for improvement in water flows remains very minimal. Indications are that we will not achieve 1,597, said Pabian, referring to Lake Darlings preferred summer operating level. Dry weather can be expected to continue into the early part of March. The regions 8-14 day precipitation outlook calls for a well below normal chance of moisture through March 10. The 3-month precipitation outlook for March-April-May favors normal precipitation for North Dakota throughout the outlook period. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Skye Viera currently serves as an 11B in the Texas Army National Guard and deployed to Djibouti with his current unit. Prior to this he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as an 0311 Infantry Rifleman, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Skye recently returned from Kabul where he was employed as a Private Security Contractor supporting the Department of Defense. You can find Skye on Twitter @sjviera34. Divergent Options content does not contain information of an official nature nor does the content represent the official position of any government, any organization, or any group. National Security Situation: As the Department of Defense (DoD) pivots from the Global War on Terrorism, which involved fighting irregular forces, to focusing on Great Power Competitors like China and Russia, two countries with regular militaries, more attention to detail and creativity regarding individual and small unit readiness is required. Small things that may have been overlooked with little consequence when fighting an irregular force, will have consequences when fighting a regular force. Date Originally Written: December 28, 2020. Date Originally Published: March 1, 2021. Author and / or Article Point of View: The author believes that readiness goes beyond the minimum mandatory requirements and that if small units are ready, the military as a whole is likely ready. Since the Service Members (SM), are the ones responsible for their own readiness, they have an obligation as professionals, to ensure their small units readiness and develop ideas and solutions to move beyond the minimums. Background: With senior leadership more focused on minimum mandatory metrics, the small unit level i.e. the Fire Team (four person unit) and below, often gets overshadowed. As such, it is up to the service members at the Fire Team level and below to ensure their own readiness. Significance: Emerging threats such as remote weapons systems[1], social media[2], and unmanned aerial systems from both state, irregular, and Private Military Companies (PMC)[3] add new concepts to readiness. Individuals and Fire Teams will have to evolve their traditional measures of readiness and turn into adaptable organisms, able to cope in a complex world, if they are to survive and accomplish their mission. Option #1: Self-Assessment. The goal of this self-assessment is for the SM to ask themselves Am I ready to deploy tomorrow and face the full-spectrum of missions? This self-assessment can fall into three categories. The first, Technical Readiness, is the SM confident to operate the multiple weapons systems, communication equipment, and use other skills such as land-navigation, first aid, radio procedures, and mission planning? The second, Personal Readiness, is the SM physically fit to endure long missions with limited recovery time and imperfect nutrition, and free of minor injuries that could flare up and result in loss of capability? The third, Mental Readiness, is the most important aspect of individual readiness, and the one with the biggest stigma attached. The SM should have taken care of personal affairs and sought help long before deployment to resolve personal-anything that could distract from the mission. The SM should be mentally prepared to face deployment hardships easily and adjust to life without internet, clean water, and endure daily instability. All of these issues are manageable for the SM if they are willing to both prepare and seek help. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help, it is a sign of strength to want to better oneself. With the DoD pivoting towards China and Russia, individual readiness will evolve. The use of personal electronic devices (PED) will have to be curtailed with the SM restraining the use of cell phones, smart watches, and off the shelf Global Positioning Systems. Digital camouflage will increase in importance, especially if the adversaries can identify the unit they are opposing as they can conduct psychological operations on the home front. With the ability to target SM family members through the use of social media, the SM will have to prepare themselves and their family to be resilient against online personal attacks. The SM must be prepared to cut ties with social media, have DoD censors possibly monitor their online activities, and switch to more secure means to communicate with their families. Risk: A risk with Option #1 comes from out of pocket expenses if the SM wants to use private sector resources in pursuit of individual readiness. Other risks stems from institutional bias, depending on the environment created by leadership, as the SM could be ostracized in seeking help for physical and mental injuries. Also, rather than abandon their digital device to protect their unit and family, the SM could try to enhance their digital security themselves in an incorrect manner, thus increasing vulnerability. Gain: SM improving their own readiness will ensure they are mission ready with or without a preplanned training cycle, thus increasing the speed of possible deployment. This option will also minimize the SMs digital footprint and thus make the SM and their families harder to target both on and off the battlefield. Finally, Option #1 increases the strength of individual replacements, which can lead to a more professional environment that nullifies the toxic elements found in a unit. Option #2: Fire Team Assessment. Knowing the true mission readiness of a Fire Team at a glance is next to impossible unless you are a member. Pivoting to prepare to fight China and Russia requires the Fire Team to ponder what this type of combat will look like and develop procedures to rehearse. In addition to the China and Russia threats, the Fire Team will need to prepare to act against PMCs such as Russias Wagner Group, which may behave more unconventionally and not wear a military uniform. A new procedure will likely be developed that focuses on digital checks prior to conducting a mission i.e. turning off or discarding personal electronic devices. Following a mission or an incident the Fire Team will need to conduct rigorous examination of the actions taken and adapt as needed using their own creativity to create procedures to ensure mission accomplishment and battlefield survival. The members of the Fire Team will look to themselves to improve their teams readiness. Developing skills and procedures to shift on demand between a conventional military threat and an unconventional PMC threat will be challenging as, while the U.S. may differentiate between these threats, the enemy only sees them as capabilities contributing towards their end goal. Risk: The primary risk with Option #2 is a higher-level command element being uncomfortable with their smallest unit, the Fire Team, being highly individualistic and adaptable, and seeing this creativity as a threat, seeking to eliminate it. Gain: Option #2 enables the Fire team to truly take their survival into their own hands through scenario examination and procedure development. This option develops Fire Team planning, networking, and leadership skills. Option #2 allows higher leadership to trust their smallest units to operate in a dispersed manner without constant supervision. Other Comments: It is up to the individual, no matter the rank, to be mission ready on demand, regardless of their motivation to serve. Being mission ready, with or without a preplanned training cycle, is the ultimate sign of individual readiness. This article appeared originally at Divergent Options. Endnotes: [1]Hand, Gorge E. GRAPHIC: What the Azerbaijani Drone Strike Footage Tells Us. SOFREP, 3 Oct. 2020, www.sofrep.com/news/armenian-azerbaijani-drone-strike-footage-graphic. [2]Doffman, Zak. Cyber Warfare: Army Deploys Social Media Warfare Division To Fight Russia. Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 1 Aug. 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2019/08/01/social-media-warfare-new-military-cyber-unit-will-fight-russias-dark-arts. [3]Band of Brothers: The Wagner Group and the Russian State. Band of Brothers: The Wagner Group and the Russian State | Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS Executive Education Program, 25 Sept. 2020, www.csis.org/blogs/post-soviet-post/band-brothers-wagner-group-and-russian-state. Reports of the demise of Australias CBDs appear greatly exaggerated with new research suggesting they should emerge from the coronavirus pandemic as renewed economic powerhouses. The cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide have all suffered bigger falls in employment than almost every other part of the country. A growing number of workers are returning to the city centre. Credit:Getty Coronavirus-related restrictions on workplaces plus the closure of international borders have all dealt substantial blows to some of the most vibrant and economically important areas of the nation that also draw tourists. But work by PwC suggests the economic hit, which is driving down commercial rents and keeping many people in their suburban homes and out of downtown offices, will open opportunities that will reignite CBDs. Finland has declared a state of emergency, activating powers which allow it to introduce tougher restrictions to stem the rising tide of coronavirus infections. Prime Minister Sanna Marin signalled the move was imminent last week when she warned that controls limiting restaurants to takeaway service would come into force for three weeks from March 8 in some parts of the country. 'The government, along with the President of the Republic, has declared a state of emergency in the country,' Marin told a press conference on Monday. Finland's constitution requires emergency legislation to enforce such a restriction, and the restaurant proposal will now go before parliament, Marin said. Finland has declared a state of emergency, activating powers which allow it to introduce tougher restrictions to stem the rising tide of coronavirus infections. Prime Minister Sanna Marin (pictured) signalled the move was imminent last week when she warned that controls limiting restaurants to takeaway service would come into force for three weeks from March 8 in some parts of the country [File photo] The government also announced on February 24 that it had instructed local authorities in areas with high infection rates, including in the capital Helsinki, to restrict public and private gatherings to six people. Controls on establishments such as gyms will also be tightened. Municipal buildings including swimming pools and museums have been closed in some parts of the country since November. Although the state of emergency will allow limits to be placed on freedom of movement, Marin said the government is not currently planning to reintroduce restrictions such as a blockade between the capital region and the rest of the country, which was imposed in March last year. A total of 620 new cases were reported on Sunday, adding to Finland's country's 58,064 confirmed cases At least 742 people in Finland have died from Covid-19 since the pandemic began last year However, she told reporters that such restrictions could be brought in if they are deemed 'necessary and proportionate'. Finland has maintained one of the lowest incidences of the virus in Europe but infections have risen sharply during February. A total of 620 new cases were reported on Sunday, adding to the country's 58,064 confirmed cases. At least 742 people in Finland have died from the virus since the pandemic began last year. Johnson said the vaccine clinic is the outcome of the village and Niles Senior Center looking for ways to provide residents, particularly those over age 65, access to the vaccine. Staff reached out to Jewel-Osco and learned on Feb. 25 that the village was selected as a vaccination site, Johnson said. Miss Nebraska Sarah Rose Summers celebrates after winning the 2018 Miss USA Competition at George's Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, La., on May 21, 2018. (Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) Miss USA Can Reject Applicants Who Arent Biologically Female: Judge The Miss United States of America competition is able to only accept biological females, a judge ruled last week. U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman, a George W. Bush appointee, said the pageant organization cant be forced to let transgender women participate in its pageants. Because I viewed it as an organization that does promote a message and seeks to maintain control of that message, I view it as an association that cannot under the Constitution be required to allow plaintiff to participate in what defendant says is a contradiction of that message, Mosman ruled from the bench, referring to the organizations stated mission of promoting natural-born females, The Oregonian reported. The judge cited the Supreme Courts ruling in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, in which the nations top judges ruled the state of New Jersey could not force the Boy Scouts organization to accept gay scoutmasters. Mosman also told the court that Miss USA is an expressive organization, as opposed to a commercial one. That means it has a First Amendment Right to its message and cannot be required to alter it, Courthouse News reported. The ruling came in Green v. Miss United States of America. Anita Noelle Green, a male who identifies as a woman, sued the pageant corporation in 2019, alleging it could not exclude people who identify as transgender women. The original filing alleged gender-identity discrimination. Lawyers wrote that the plaintiff was excluded from participating in defendants pageant program due to an express discriminatory eligibility policy requiring contestants to be natural born female. This policy, intentionally designed to exclude the specific class to which plaintiff belongstransgender femalesis discriminatory because it denied plaintiff the full and equal advantages and privileges of defendants services in violation of Oregons public accommodations law. The defendant in a motion to dismiss said they were protected by their First Amendment rights to free speech and free association. In a society where women receive fewer opportunities than men, women deserve a platform to compete, to speak, and to be celebrated. Defendant provides this platform through its beauty pageanta competition where women express themselves, build confidence, and vie for the crown of Miss United States of America before a live audience, the organization said, adding that it selects contestants on criteria including character, age, biological sex, and residency. In a statement in response to the ruling, Green expressed disappointment but said we will be exploring ways to move forward. I believe United States of America Miss is on the wrong side of history for choosing to actively discriminate against transgender people, but the road to creating a meaningful change has always been a long and bumpy one, Green said. John Kaempf, who represented Miss USA, told the Daily Caller that the ruling was a great victory for supporters of the First Amendment. My client has nothing against the LGBTQ community. But the federal courts decision upholds the important First Amendment right not to have others force you to present a message you do not support, he said. My client believes that only biological, naturally born females are women. Others have the right to hold a different view. A discoloured painting of the biblical Last Supper that has hung in a parish church in Herefordshire for 110 years may be a lost piece from the workshop of Venetian master Titian. Art historian and conservator Ronald Moore found evidence to link the artwork in St Michael and All Angels church in Ledbury with the 16th Century painter's workshop. One of the apostles bears the face of Titian as a young man, while close examination of the art revealed Titian's hidden signature and characteristic underdrawing style. Mr Moore found a letter dated to 1775 from the painting's previous owner the art collector John Skippe revealing that it was commissioned by a Venetian convent. Mr Skippe, himself an Oxford-educated artist, wrote of having purchased the 'most capital well-preserved picture by Titian' from a Venetian convent. The work was ultimately gifted to the church by a descendant of Mr Skippe in 1909, but by this time it's exact provenance and direct link to Titian had been forgotten. Titian or Tiziano Vecelli, as he was properly known is typically considered one of the founders of the Venetian School of Italian Renaissance painting. A discoloured painting of the biblical Last Supper that has hung in a parish church in Herefordshire for 110 years (pictured) may be a lost piece from the workshop of the Venetian master Titian Art historian and conservator Ronald Moore found evidence (pictured) to link the artwork in St Michael and All Angels church in Ledbury with the 16th Century painter's workshop WHO WAS TITIAN? Tiziano Vecelli known in English as Titian was a 16th-century painter from Pieve di Cadore, Italy. He was born around 148890 AD and died in Venice on August 27, 1576. He is considered as a founder and one of the most influential members of the Venetian School of Italian Renaissance painting. He was a versatile painter who as easily worked up portraits as landscapes and mythological or religious imagery. His application of colour influenced not only the painters of the late Italian Renaissance, but artists today. His artistic style is said to have changed drastically throughout his life losing the vivid tints of his earlier pieces but still retaining his distinctive loose brushwork and subtlety of tone. He is thought to have painted around 400 works in total 300 of which still survive to the present day. Advertisement Mr Moore first examined the 12.5 foot (3.8 metres) -long painting in St Michael and All Angels while visiting the church to restore another Last Supper, this one a 19th century copy of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic representation. He was surprised to find that the less conspicuous painting which was hung high on side wall, unlike its counterpart above the church's altar was far more special. 'It's so big and nobody's taken any notice of it for 110 years,' Mr Moore, who spent three years investigating the painting and its history, told the Telegraph. 'An awful lot of pictures in churches look like Old Masters, but they're in fact much later. That's no doubt what everyone imagined about the Titian workshop picture.' 'I could see it was a bit special, but I didn't know how special. It's about ten feet off the ground, so you can't see it unless you stand on a ladder.' 'Anything coming from Titian's workshop is very important indeed,' he added. After painstakingly lifting centuries of discoloured varnish from the work, Mr Moore was astonished to find that the painting harboured a hidden signature by Titian, a portrait of the artist and a characteristically bold underdrawing. Titian's portrait appears as the face of the left-most apostle, dressed in gold albeit one depicting the painter as a young man. Comparison with the artist's 1567 self-portrait confirmed the similarities, which were assessed using both overlain images and computer facial recognition software. 'Profiles, ears, eyes, noses all matched,' Mr Moore told the Times, adding that the portrait was likely added not by Titian himself but by his son, Orazio Vecellio, early in 1576. After the master died, the date of his death was added above the portrait. Titian's portrait appears as the face of the left-most apostle, dressed in gold albeit one depicting the painter as a young man. Pictured: the apostle bearing Titian's image, left, as compared to that from his own self-portrait, right Comparison with the artist's 1567 self-portrait confirmed the similarities which were assessed using both overlain images (pictured) and computer facial recognition software The signature was revealed through a microscopic examination of the work under ultraviolet light. Although damaged, much of the letters TITIANVS remain visible. The inscription appears on a black jug on the floor at the foot of the table exactly where the same appears on another version of the Last Supper by Titian. 'That was the absolutely crucial discovery,' Mr Moore told the Times. 'I can't say Titian definitely did the underdrawing, but it's awfully like him. Very few people would have drawn out a picture on that scale in such a bold manner. 'Very significantly, no evidence of a spolvero or tracing can be seen. 'The painting contains many pentimenti changes made during the work indicating that this was a continuous creative process.' 'Such changes could only be made under the direction of a master painter.' The inscription appears on a black jug on the floor at the foot of the table (pictured) exactly where the same appears on another version of the Last Supper by Titian The signature was revealed through a microscopic examination of the work under ultraviolet light. Although damaged, much of the letters TITIANVS remain visible. Pictured, the painting as seen under ultraviolet, with a copy of Titian's signature overlain, bottom, for comparison Based on his analysis, Mr Moore has concluded that the painting was completed over the course of some two decades by various painters in Titian's workshop, who would have emulated his style. The expert said that he detects the distinctive hand of Palma il Giovane, or 'Jacopo', who is also known to have completed Titian's 'Pieta' after the latter artist's death. In addition, the Ledbury Last Supper also bears the monogram of Titian's established collaborator, Girolamo Dente, on one of the depicted walls. 'He had so many commissions, he simply couldn't keep up,' the expert said of the 16-th century painter and his busy workshop. 'Some were from people like Philip II of Spain. His [commissions] were important and a convent's probably wasn't at all. So that's why I think this picture got left behind.' Mr Moore believes that the painting was likely completed in the year 1580 four years after the death of both Titian and his son Orazio. Based on his analysis, Mr Moore has concluded that the painting was completed over the course of some two decades by various painters in Titian's workshop, who would have emulated his style. Pictured: a pentimento (a visible trace of an earlier painting) of the serving boy on the left can be seen behind the gold-robed apostle with Titian's face the boy was later repainted to appear in the doorway instead Based on his analysis, Mr Moore has concluded that the painting was completed over the course of some two decades by various painters in Titian's workshop, who would have emulated his style. The expert said he detects the hand of Palma il Giovane, or 'Jacopo', who is also known to have completed Titian's 'Pieta' (pictured) after the latter artist's death Pictured: Mr Moore's book on the discovery 'The painting has suffered damage over the years and what we now see is not as it once appeared,' Mr Moore told the Times. 'Many glazes had been removed in old restorations. Much detail and tone has been lost,' he explained. 'Blues changed dramatically due to smalt going grey, glazes have altered colours.' 'The revelations about the painting add to our understanding and enjoyment of this wonderful work, which gives our community and visitors a snapshot of Christ's life of loving service and sacrifice,' St Michael and All Angels' rector, Keith Hilton-Turvey, told MailOnline. 'Thanks to Ronald Moore and Patricia Kenny for their careful research,' he added. The full findings of the study will be published on March 26 in Mr Moore's upcoming book, Titian's Lost Last Supper: A New Workshop Discovery. 'We've really appreciated all the work that [Mr Moore's] done,' St Michael and All Angels' rector, Keith Hilton-Turvey, told the Times. Pictured: the exterior of the church in Ledbury Mr Moore first examined the 12.5 foot (3.8 metres) -long painting in St Michael and All Angels while visiting the church to restore another Last Supper, this one a 19th century copy of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic representation, which hangs above the altar, as pictured (@FahadShabbir) MANILA, March 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :The Philippines launched its COVID-19 vaccination drive on Monday, less than a day after the arrival of a batch of the Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac donated by China. Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director Gerardo Legaspi, a renowned neurosurgeon, was the first Filipino to receive the Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine. Legaspi urged Filipinos, especially health workers, to get the Sinovac vaccine, saying it is safe. "The decision to pick Sinovac is based on science, and it took Philippine experts six weeks to carefully study the vaccine," he told a televised press conference. Legaspi said he would recommend CoronaVac to those with allergies. Simultaneous vaccination took place in different hospitals in Metro Manila shortly after Legaspi got the shot. "Today is a historic day here at the PGH and several other hospitals in Metro Manila because it is the start of new hope. After a year of darkness brought about by the COVID-19, finally, there is light," Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. The Philippines' Department of Health said the Sinovac vaccines "will also be rolled out in other parts of the country in the coming days." Among the officials who volunteered were testing czar Vince Dizon, food and Drug Administration Director General Enrique Domingo, and Carlito Galvez, the officer in charge of vaccine procurement. "We were near tears when the (Chinese) vaccines arrived yesterday. At last, the doses of hope that we have been waiting have arrived," Galvez said at the kick-off ceremony. The government aims to inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos this year to achieve herd immunity, starting with health care workers, the elderly, and the poor communities. The Philippines has an about 110-million population. The Philippines is negotiating to buy over 160 million vaccine doses from different pharmaceutical firms this year, including Sinovac. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received the COVID-19 vaccines from Sinovac Biotech Ltd that arrived in the Philippines on Sunday. "The efficacy is good," he said, urging Filipinos to get the Sinovac vaccine. China's Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian handed over the vaccines to the Philippine government. Duterte viewed the crates containing the vaccines, inspected an actual single-dose vaccine vial during the ceremonial turnover, and thanked the Chinese government. "China has been giving us everything but never asked anything from us actually," Duterte told reporters on Sunday. He said China's donations would greatly help the Philippine economy recover once the vaccine rollout begins. "Slowly, those persons who got the vaccines can go to work again, and businesses will open. It will greatly help and thereby promote healthy trade and commerce with China," Duterte said. "China has a good spirit. The people are kind, and the government has great respect and love for mankind," Duterte added. The vaccines' delivery allows the Philippines to start mass vaccinations on Monday, marking a new phase in the country's fight against the COVID-19 that has infected 576,352 people and killed 12,318 others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS here and appealed to all those who are eligible to get inoculated. Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry, administered Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN to the prime minister, according to news agency ANI. Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free! pic.twitter.com/5z5cvAoMrv Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2021 "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," Modi tweeted after taking the vaccine shot. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he said. The prime minister also posted a picture of himself taking the first dose of the vaccine in which he is seen sporting a Assamese 'gamocha' and getting inoculated with a smile on his face. Criticised for not wearing mask While some praised PM Modi for leading by example, many on Twitter quickly pointed out that Modi wasn't wearing a mask when he was being administered the vaccine jab. PM Modi was wearing gamcha/gamosa of Assam when he took vaccine. The nurse who vaccinated him was from Puducherry. No one can defeat our PM Modi when it comes to campaigning without actual campaign. Upasana Singh (@uppuSSinghh) March 1, 2021 Our PM is so strong that he doesnt need any vaccine..I have seen him not wearing mask many time . He gets immunity from camera clicks I suppose Durgesh (@Durgesh_kol) March 1, 2021 Sir aapka mask? Biden, erdogan, mbs all have used masked during taking vaccine. Anonymous Boy (@Mohamme40743901) March 1, 2021 Wearing mask while getting vaccinated reduces efficacy of vaccine by 50 percent - n.m camerajeevi ! Dr. hypocrite ki monkey baat (@yebikgayahaiind) March 1, 2021 Was it necessary to remove the mask to get that vaccine? Arent masks mandatory? I Support Indian Farmers (@No_FarmerNoFood) March 1, 2021 Some even accused him of playing a political card by selecting nurses from Puducherry, where Congress lost their government, and donning a 'gamocha', a traditional wear from poll-bound Assam. From: Albert Goldson -- Cerulean Council For Immediate Release: Dateline: New York , NY Sunday, February 28, 2021 Background Recently an Ice Age-like storm consumed Texas and pushed itselectrical grid to the precipice. If not for the rapid reaction of energy operatorsto shut down these systems, Texans would have found themselves in a perilous MadMax landscape. Despite this near miss, operationally Texas was transformedinto a temporary failed state leaving 14 million residents without safedrinking water whose source comes from 1,000 public water systems whilemillions more had no electricity. Shockingly with a bit of clever editing byeven rank video amateurs, one could swear the photos of suffering Texans were citizensin war-torn Syria. Mother nature took down the grid more effectively than anyrogue or state sponsored hacker or terrorist. The destruction to infrastructurefar exceeded Hurricane Katrina (2005) and Hurricane Sandy (2012) which were impactedmore harshly because they were coastal communities from ocean-borne storms. For this reason, Texas, as Americas energy mecca, in apresent-day world of surfeit oil and natural gas inventories due to a paucityof economic activity, was unable to deliver limited energy within the stateitself. Its analogous to the scene in the iconic movie Chinatown (1974) whenthe coroner quipped to private investigator Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson) theirony of the water commissioner drowning during a drought. The following chart entitled TexasStruggles Amid Crippling Blackouts provided by PowerOutage.us and presentedby Statista, an online statistical firm, is a state-by-state comparativeanalysis of customers disconnected during the nationwide winter storm. Self-Made Energy Alamo Texas electricity grid is called the TexasInterconnection of which 75% of its electricity is managed by the gridoperator Electric Reliability Council of Texas (Ercot). Texas is the only statewhich does not have inter-state electrical connectivity, a status which Texansdecided since the early 20th century. For this reason their gridrequires no federal oversight. Furthermore this meant that like the infamous battleat Alamo that began 23 February 1836, the winter storm which ironically beganaround the same time on 14-15 February 2021, no one could come to their rescue. Because of deregulation Texas residents receivecompetitively retail priced electricity, slightly below the national average.However, according to the US Energy Information Agency (EIA) the average Texasresidents electric bill is higher than the national average becausetheir average monthly consumption is higher than the national average. Theaverage nationwide monthly electric bill is $115.49 versus the average monthly Texansbill of $134.07. For the purposes of understanding the breadth of the crisisthe following is a chart entitled HowTexas Generates Its Electricity provided by Ercot and presented by Statista. Texas-Size Psychological Stress | Houston, We Have a Problem Rarely mentioned specific to Texas is the elevated severepsychological stress. Texans are more accustomed to blistering heat waves andthe ensuing energy problems rather than severe cold. Extreme weather hot orcold can cause the same energy outages but the former is far betterexperienced. Finally, far fewer Texans are properly prepared with Arcticconditions to cope with respect to winter clothing, blankets, etc. For example withrespect to large urban cities the average winter temperature range in Dallas isbetween 41-61 degrees Fahrenheit and for Houston its between 45-60 degreesFahrenheit. The Limits of Control In defense of utilities, even an unlimited budget willalways be surpassed by unlimited meteorological power. In a world of stupefyingself-entitlement and psychological snowflakes, theres an utopian illusion thatthere exists the perfect business model, blessed by government, enabling thecommunity to withstand any force majeure event and cover everycontingency while providing uninterrupted level of service at competitiveprices. On a personal level, imagine yourself falling heads overheels over an affordable property located in a well-known historical floodzone. You know the risk and are willing to purchase the property along with morethan enough flood insurance. Furthermore youre also informed that historicallythere are mild earthquakes that occur once every 50 years so you buy earthquakeinsurance at a far cheaper premium because of its low probability ofoccurrence. Wouldnt you know it a massive earthquake hits causing damage thatexceeds your earthquake insurance. Well a similar event happened in Texas. Increasingly brutalheat waves are the historical norm however extreme winter storms occur far lessoften, the last occurring in February 2011 and the one before that in 1989. Canyou imagine the press and public outrage over the millions spent on the winterizationof facilities if there are no winter storms but severe heat waves? Its akin topurchasing a goose-down coat for that occasional freakish cold snap as aresident of a Caribbean island instead of more SPF protection cotton shirts,pants and hats. Whether governmental, private or personal, its budgetary realpolitik. Sclerotic Status Quo How will Ercot and Texas political leadership mitigatepresent-day, near and far-future infrastructure vulnerabilities? The long-term multi-billion dollar requirementto upgrade and harden an aging infrastructure against particularly againstwinter storms which occur infrequently will be discussed but never undertaken.Why? A technical bankrupt state and deeply politicallydivided federal government which nullifies such funding. Accepting free federal money, if offered and available,would establish a lethal political precedent with respect to federal governmentmandates and inevitably open the floodgates to future federally-mandated andcontrolled projects. In others words a loss of independence and control calledstate sovereignty. Texas is one of the bluest of blue states beforeit was blue. Even if it was red, Texas is Texas and always will be independent and answerable to no one. State sovereignty plus. Ercot will craft a brilliant, non-binding plan intheir public relations campaign without doing anything operationally substantive,perhaps only changing/modifying crisis management protocols, because of theaforementioned reasons and guaranteed negative return on investment - acorporate pushback. In other words, nothing will be done even if Texas, or hell,whichever comes first, freezes over. Literally. Going forward for Texas andeverywhere else, its not a question of solving the problem, rather containingthe crisis. Brace for Impact | Economic Vulnerabilities The implications when the grid andother systems collapse will be catastrophic. The magnitude of the Texaselectrical grid failing for an extended time is mind-boggling. Consider thefollowing: Texas gross domestic production (GDP) of $1.887trillion qualifies as the worlds 9th largest economy behind Italys$2 trillion and ahead of Brazils $1.8 trillion. Furthermore the 2020 arrivalor expansion of operations from Amazon, CBRE, Tesla, HP and Oracle to Texas hasconsiderably increased the size of Texas economy. Its collapse will crush theAmerican economy in a myriad of ways along the efficient yet vulnerable supplychains which rely on energy. Texas is Americas energy mecca and energyproducing powerhouse that was left temporarily impotent by mother nature. Americawent from energy self-sufficiency to energy-dependent on imports overnight. Aneconomic contagion would spread almost immediately. These vulnerabilities are not unique to Texasbut are now manifesting into economy-killer events that occur in states withessential, country-size powerhouse economies. We are in a cycle of more severeand frequent storms which will adversely impact an aging infrastructure whoseseries of blackouts, brownouts and other outages are an added burden toAmericas economic recovery. Brace for Impact | CrowdControl Chaos According to Ercot executives Texas was minutesaway from a total grid collapse which would have resulted in limited or nopower for months until replacement parts were installed in a myriad ofelectrical substations and other facilities. The B-movie just in time rescueprevented an inevitable societal collapse. Imagine a population of almost 30million residents similar to that of Ukraine - with no power, no electricity,no fuel, useless supply chain for food deliveries a monumental humanitariancrisis would ensue. Texan society would revert to a frontier survivalistmindset and a violent one at that as citizens would devolve to their primalinstincts for survival armed with lots of firepower and the formation ofneighborhood militias directed by local warlords. Imagine a Texan version ofthe original apocalyptic movie Mad Max (1981) that interestingly took place inAustralia, a similar geographic landscape. For this reason a prolonged state of emergency situationcould ignite a powderkeg. The link to the following chart entitled GunOwnership by State (2021) presented by the Pew Research Center providesnationwide gun ownership. Gun ownership from Texas population of almost 40million is 35.7%. This translates to 10.71 million gunowners averaging 18 gunsper gun owner. Total registered guns are 588,696, the key word beingregistered. Probably no one can sum up the dire possibilities of a gridfailure anywhere in the US better than the late yet prescient George Carlinsskit of a world without electricity. Carlin mentions it would take twoyears for us to return to the Stone Age but the darker truth is that it wouldtake a mere two weeks. Copyright 2021 Cerulean Council LLC The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that providesprescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments ongeopolitical dynamics and global urban security with counter-intuitivesolutions. Apple Pie Origins The Made in America Weimar Republic-like chaotic violence lastspring and summer reached a crescendo of intensity with the dramatic assault andoccupation of the US Capitol building in early last month with the temporaryplanting of the Confederate battle flag. Notwithstanding the followingweek the Inauguration was held, a lawful and peaceful transition but under apolice state level of security underscoring the present-day brittleness ofAmerican democracy. Because the impossible has become the plausible, certain present-daygovernments must be shaking in their boots fearing a surge of social upheavaland threat to their control. If the US, a beacon of political stability andcivilized democratic practices, can come to the brink of implosion with theurging of elected political figures at the highest levels, then such aninsurrection is not only likely, rather inevitable elsewhere. Think of thissituation as the 21st century domino effect with its genesis originatingin the US. France and Germany | Turning Point Elections The US, a democratic empire with respect to dwarfing everyother nation in economic and military might and a longer and deeper runningdemocracy, fissures are appearing in its socio-economic-political model. Europeandemocracies such as Germany and France have their respective growing legitimatelyelected ultra-conservative political parties which are making dramatic gains ingovernment representation and have gained a certain level of respectabilitywith the mainstream. For ultra-conservative and perhaps radical politicalelements, Americas beacon of light has a darker and more sinister hue that hastacitly legitimized the next level of political aggressiveness because it iseither silently supported or not challenged by their well-educated mainstream demographic. And like their American counterparts who reach back to a delusionalrevisionist past chanting the mantra, Make American Great Again, European homegrownradicals and sympathizers espouse their own version of an undemocratic,ruthless and racist era such as the Third Reich and Frances colonial empire. The political crossroads for Germany and France are loomingon the horizon. Germany has major federal elections this fall. Frances presidentialelections are scheduled to take place in May 2022. With the departure ofGermanys Chancellor Angela Merkel, there is no dynamically strong incumbent toserve as an anchor for democratic principles against ultra-conservative partieslike the Alternative for Germany. In France Marine Le Pens popularity is surging andaccording to several highly regard polls, shes within striking distance ofseriously challenging President Macron to whom she lost in a landslide in 2017.Keep in mind that President Macron was an unknown who came from nowhere informing his own party and within a year of its formation had captured theElysee. The ultra-nationalists in both countries are gainingtraction because of the pandemic-induced recession and deteriorating economies notto mention draconian lockdowns. Without a strong and noticeable economicrecovery in the near future public sentiment will doubt the ability oftraditional centrist parties and seek the alternative light, albeit a dark one,in the form of torches. Russia | Krashing the Kremlin Although many illiberal democracies and autocratic governmentsmight be reveling in glee over the siege at the US Capitol building thatcounters the US pro-democracy advocacy, only the most near-sighted of themcant ignore that those mob scenes may be a preview that could occur amongtheir own citizenry. If such an insurrection could occur in Washington, DC onlarge scale and come within a whisker of harming high-level governmentofficials, then anything is possible. In the past weeks protests have swelled across a wide political-socio-economicdemographic swath in 100 cities from Moscow to Vladivostok despite brutallycold weather. This has compelled Russian law enforcement to arrest and detain thousands,more than the usual suspects including over 80 journalists. Nonetheless its not the thousands unarmed protestors thatkeeps Putin & Company up at night. Though visually impressive, the numberof protestors doesnt come close to threatening the present-day leadership. RatherPutin fears the erosion of political power in the upcoming legislativeelections in September 2021 for the 450 seats in the State Duma of which UnitedRussia the ruling party has 343 seats. Strangely Putin is manifesting his own Twilight Zone deja vudemise in the potential disintegration of his personal empire in the same wayhe witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Union. The sentencing of his political nemesisAlexi Navalry for 2 years makes it difficult to determine how this will playout with future protests. But like all ultra-nationalists, the tighter thegrip, the more brittle the control. With respect to security, five years ago Putin had CassandraComplex-like foresight to establish special National Guard as a counter-measurefor such contingencies. My article entitled PutinsSS The Kremlins Bodyguards published 30 December 2016 described theconsolidation of several security services to form a 350,000 man force based exclusivelyin Moscow under his direct command. Turkey | Overlooked and Under-Appreciated The country that the mainstream media frequently overlookswith respect to their socio-economic situation is the crushing poverty that thepandemic has caused the general population, pushing many in the middle classinto poverty for the first time in generations. This situation is creating andstoking a potential social unrest tinderbox that Erdogans government isill-equipped to resolve economically with some form of relief funds. According to a 2019 Income and Living Conditions Survey of the TurkishStatistical Institute (TUIK) 17million Turks live below the poverty line in a population of 81 million. Thesurveys definition of poor is when incomes are 60% less than the medianincome. In Turkey that translates to 21.5 million poor families. The 2020 survey, whichwould encompass pandemic related issues, wont be released until this upcomingSeptember. For this reason the present-day economic suffering is anecdotalrather than quantitative. Although Turkeys presidential and generalelections for the 600 member Grand National Assembly arent scheduled until2023, popular discontent is growing rapidly and can boil over well beforehand. Instability in Turkey is a critical concern for the rest ofEurope because Turkey is a buffer between Europe and the anarchistic situationin the Middle East not to mention the hundreds of thousands of refugees. Copycat Chaos The burning questions is, What are we in for? The clumsy, uncoordinated,haphazard and incompetent efforts by vaccine manufacturers and governments to distributethe vaccine and continued imposition of draconian lockdowns serve as a catalystfor conspiracy theories of a masterplan orchestrated by a shadowy elite. Itsperfect public relations fodder for opposing political groups who realize thatthey wont have a better opportunity than now to challenge and replace thepresent-day governments whether at the ballot box or otherwise. The depth of the discontentment among a wide & deepswath of the mainstream demographic in many countries is articulated in The Atlanticsarticle entitled TheCapitol Rioters Arent Like Other Extremists, published 2 February 2021. Insum the majority of the protestors are first-time protestors, middle age professionals,with no affiliation with ultra-conservative or radical groups. Similarly in Russia the demographics of the protestorsinclude many first-time protestors who are middle age across the politicalspectrum from Stalinists, nationalist and urban professionals, not the stereotypicalnarrowly defined reckless youth. Worldwide discontent occurring simultaneously in keycountries that will compel these governments to batten down the hatches andfocus their efforts domestically making international cooperation moredifficult. Finally international cooperation on a myriad of issues will beexacerbated should there be a dramatic change in political parties in theaforementioned countries. Copyright 2021 Cerulean Council LLC The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that providesprescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments ongeopolitical dynamics and global urban security. The Fifth Column Arises An extremely dark historical deja vu reenactment is beingplayed out present-day in real time that is recreating events in the tumultuousyear of 1968. Thousands of American extras are engaged throughout the country insowing violence & mayhem in a reenactment of the Tet offensive but onAmerican soil potentially at the Inauguration and certainly post-Inauguration. Already the FBI is vetting members of the National Guard broughtin from numerous states who are assigned to support local law enforcementagainst violent protests and any other threats during the Inauguration. Firstly, it seems an impossible task tovet every one of the thousands National Guardsman thoroughly enough to passwith a high degree of certainty that a member poses no threat during theceremony. Secondly, is the FBI vetting local lawenforcement from which several members were alleged to be sympathetic to thepro-Trump protestors who laid siege on the Capital building? Thirdly, and not least, following the oldsecurity adage, whos vetting the FBI? Disturbingly neither the National Guard nor local lawenforcement in any part of the country have the training and experience inriot-control or have sufficient riot-specific equipment. For this reason tocompensate, the temptation to use excessive force, particularly if they feelthat their lives are in danger, is extremely high. This is why the alleged pro-Trump plan to protest at 50state capitals regardless of the size or even non-violent protest is a deviousquantitative gambit. The odds of any protest, anywhere devolving into violentconfrontation is high and can trigger a cascade of escalations elsewhere thanksto social media. US Homeland Tet Offensive The Vietcong (VC) launched the infamous Tet Offense theVietnamese New Year on January 30, 1968 with simultaneous attacks on 100towns and cities throughout the country. Their objective was to provoke apopular uprising against the South Vietnamese government. Although despite theferocity of their efforts the VC failed militarily but won politically in thelong run because it decisively turned the American public against the USgovernments involvement in Vietnam. Jumping off the pages of a Twilight Zone script, adisturbing historical parallel is unfolding domestically in which, according tothe FBI, a determined and well-supported armed anti-government movement isthreatening 50 state capitals. January | Historical Deja Vu The following are the astonishing historical parallelsbetween the Tet offensive in 1968 and the present-day violence in the US 53years later in the same month: The US was deeply divided politically andracially during the 1960s and present-day with violent protests that led up tothe furious assault on government buildings. The VC assault took place during Tet - their LunarNew Year - while the assault on the US Capitol building took place near ourpolitical New Year called The Inauguration in the same month of January. In Vietnam and the US extremist elementssurprised governmental forces. Anti-government forces, VC and pro-Trump extremists,assault the US Embassy in Saigon (then South Vietnams capital) and the USCapitol building in Washington, DC, respectively. In each assault the VC and extremists breachedthe outer security perimeter and had the opportunity to breach the innersanctum to kidnap, or perhaps worse, the US Ambassador and Congressionalmembers, respectively but never did. In each assault on US territory exactly 5Americans died. Throughout Vietnam assaults against US and SouthVietnamese forces raged. Present-day potential violent forces are targetinggovernment, corporate and other important buildings. Seizing power through physical confrontation and reversingthe election results is impossible. However like the VC, politically pro-Trumpsupporters can gain more sympathizers by planting the seeds for the GOPseventual return to the White House in 2024. Because the venues for Inauguration Day are alreadypredetermined pro-Trump supporters may encounter counter-protests at many ofthese venues. In other words, all hell could break loose throughout the weekwith the National Guard, law enforcement and citizens caught in the middle of endlessriot firestorms. The following chart entitled DCTroop Levels Five Times as High as Iraq & Afghanistan provided by theUS Department of Defense, Task & Purpose, The Drive and provided byStatista, an online statistical firm, embarrassingly shows the overwhelmingforce required to maintain the peaceful transfer of power in the nationscapital. Smile! Youre On Candid Camera! | Citizens With Nothingto Lose It may seem odd and ludicrous that the many pro-Trumpsupporters who stormed the US Capitol building not only didnt wear masks butenthusiastically took selfies, were easily identifiable afterwards. This meantthat the rioters absolutely knew beforehand that their images would be recordedby security cameras in and around Capital building but didnt care that itwould lead to criminal charges, loss of jobs or become nearly unemployable whenidentified. The aforementioned is the unsettling part because it signifiesthat these are people who feel that they have nothing to lose and, as the adagegoes, makes this group extremely dangerous. Just as the Western media isbefuddled about the religious true believers in emerging and developingcountries who are willing to risk everything against their respectivepresent-day governments or join violent groups in failed states, the same is beingplayed out domestically. Similar to the Tet offensive, it also means that theseprotests will not simmer down or burn out over the course of several weeks ormonths, rather during the entire Biden administration until the climax of the2024 US presidential election with the tacit support of likeminded powerfulelements at the highest levels of every industry. Interestingly theres a stupefying weird perspective of thepresent-day violent surge of pro-Trump protests. During Trumps 2016 inaugurationthere was a paucity of these same pro-Trump supporters to celebrate hiselection victory. Yet theyve emerged from every nook & cranny in thethousands as Trump is about to leave office to fervently support him at hisunabashed urging and continue the fight against the Biden Inauguration. Who Are Those Guys? | Mainstream Citizens Going Mad The following chart entitled Anti-GovernmentExtremist Groups in the US provided by the Southern Poverty Law Center andprovided by Statista, underscores the continued anti-government groups in theUS. Although the number of groups have declined since the Obama administration,many of these present-day extremists a cross-section of American society fromstruggling blue workers to highly-paid white collar professionals areradicalized with an unabashed willingness in committing violent acts. The ominous coalescence of the present-day groups is thatthey bring a dangerous cross-section of skill sets, experience and insiderknowledge from a wide variety of professions to more effectively undermine theincoming administration which makes them far more dangerous than the earlier streetthuggish, anti-government groups. Bright Light in a Narrow Tunnel The urgency of the Biden administration is to avoid a DarkWinter 2 in 2021-2022 at all costs. If this spring through early fall Covidcases and deaths fail to abate and supersede inoculations, and medicalpersonnel burn-out with hospitals running out of supplies, equipment &medicine, the US could become a struggling faraway emerging country withenormous resources blocked but by incompetence and corruption. The realpolitik is that Covid has become a sideshow,a political lightning rod for the opposition. Defeating Covid is a matter ofscientific power which is slowly being accomplished. The real issue is the faltering real economy which has enslavedmillions of Americans into debt and poverty. The citizenry is infuriated becausethey believe that the decades-old socio-economic-political structure has failedthem over the course of many administrations and caters exclusively and rather openlyto the elite. To put it bluntly these citizens have many valid points. Thegovernment and corporations have the power yet lack the will to make fundamentalstructural changes for the public good. With opposing sides digging in their heels unwilling to evendiscuss these matters in earnest, as the song goes Somethings gotta give butmay be increasingly decided on the streets, not at the ballot box. Copyright 2021 Cerulean Council LLC The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that providesprescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments ongeopolitical dynamics and global urban security. Political Civil War In a Twilight Zone deja vu there are fascinating yet disturbinghistorical parallels as Inauguration Day approaches. The shot that killed theUS Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt trying to enter the US Capitol building and whonow serves as the martyr rallying cry of the pro-Trump extremists, can beeerily compared to the first shot that ignited Americas Civil War at Fort Sumterin 1861, both occurring during a period of a nation deeply divided. For some historical perspective in July 1864 Confederate Lt.General Jabal Early led a battle-hardened, grizzled military force towardsWashington DC known soon to be called the Battle of Fort Stevens and almostsucceeded in breaching its defenses. Fortunately for the Union, Earlys longmarch towards the capital under blistering summer conditions and the need torest for several days upon arrival delayed the main assault by several days.This fortuitous delay enabled the Union Army to frantically muster enough men tocarry out a canon bombardment which discouraged a main assault. In January 2021 pro-Trump supporters had far more success withless personnel than Lt. General Early in breaching the Capitol buildingsunder-manned security, entered the building and came within a hairsbreadth ofcapturing members of Congress.as hostages Ironically, despite pro-Trump supporters having far lessfirepower than Lt. General Early, the National Guard will post 20,000 in &around the city for the upcoming 2021 inauguration, slightly less than the23,000 troops that defended Washington DC in 1864, which powerfully underscoresthe seriousness of the crisis. Warlord Trumps Werewolves Theres no doubt that this 21st century politicalcivil war is just getting started that will regularly go beyond heated verbalrhetoric. This third surge is undoubtedly a man-made political plague instigatedby the proverbial presidential stamp of approval to not only continue ratherescalate the fight well after he leaves office. The pro-Trump supporters votedwith their military surplus boots in storming the Capitol. They may not havecaptured members of Congress but their mission was a success beyond theirwildest dreams. This has only emboldened and galvanized this new movement. More disturbingly is that this event represents a far-deeperbreach into the minds of Americans and despite all its democratic laws and militarymight, exposes the fragility and vulnerability of Americas democracy. Although Biden clearly won the election with the ElectoralCollege and popular vote it was far from decisive. For this reason thisnon-decisive victory provides pro-Trump supporters fodder to pursue thestolen election claim, one that was not won beyond a reasonable doubt, a phrasethat cannot be defined quantitatively. Only a Biden landslide would have beenthe coup de graceand pre-empted mass violence at the Capitol. Interestingly the election resultsindicate considerably more about the weakness of Bidens victory than of Trumpsdefeat. In war there are often a handful of violent diehard holdoutsafter a formal surrender encouraged by the defeated or deposed leadership. Asimilar situation might occur in the aftermath of Trumps election defeat. Trumpmay be censored on social media yet a multitude of pro-Trump groups havealready arisen to communicate his gospel to those who consider our constitutionallaws as mere guidelines. In an oft-repeated historical pattern, after regimes weredefeated militarily, the ousted government still held powerful political swayin present-day democracies. The US is no exception. The Trump administrationand subsequent scorched earth tactics at the US Capitol building is justifiablyalarming and reveals the breath & depth of his influence. Trumps charismatic powers run far & deep among hisdiehard constituency. He received over 74 million votes amongst a wide range ofcitizens from the unemployed, blue collar disaffected workers to the hidden,albeit wealthy and powerful, not to mention millions of sympathizers all ofwhich represents a daunting demographic. The dramatic violent maelstrom on theCapitol building is confirmation that these 74 million strong voters have hisback. One doesnt have to read between the lines of Trumps publicstatements before, during or after the storming of the US Capitol that hell relishassuming the role of a post-presidential warlord and take advantage of anAmerica, physically, economically and psychologically weakened by the pandemic. The Two Front War The present-day devastating pandemic surge throughout thecountry is a drain on the economy that threatens to blow past stress testparameters and triggers an economic seizure and possible collapse. The incoming Biden administration, along with the goodmembers of the GOP who support our democratic institutions, face a daunting twofront war each of which has equal top priority: The first is international, the continuingexternal threat primarily from the emerging troika of China, Russia andnon-states, who now smell blood in the water, and intensify theircyber-intrusions. The second is domestic, the internal threat fromthe pro-Trump continency who, aside from the violent shock troops, has hidden andpowerful supporters at all levels of business and society that could undermine socio-economicrecovery efforts. The Biden administration is in an unenviable lose-losesituation that serves merely as a paper stop-gap until the decisive presidential2024 election that will indelibly determine Americas path in the 21stcentury. The Sequel | The Security Nightmare The overwhelming attention is focused on a potential replayof violence by pro-Trump supporters not only at the inauguration rather atcities throughout the country and during the rest of this dark winter. What isoverlooked or perhaps rarely mentioned, are the equally violent extreme leftistcounterparts that are just itching for a pitched battle whether before, on orafter inauguration day in any city or town in the US in a perverse re-enactmentof the urban pitched battles during the Weimar Republic. These unfolding events were articulated in my article published on 7 August 2020 entitled TheUpcoming Phases of Turmoil specifying the intensity of violence before theelection, the period between the election and inauguration andpost-inauguration. Furthermore the catalysts of violence are the newly inspiredlone wolves and anarchists whose sole objective is violence and mayhem> Theyrepresent the accelerant that fuels the hatred by hiding under thesocio-political banner of either side as they did with the nascent BLMmovement. If violent clashes escalate well past the inauguration period,theres the potential for the state or federal government to declare a state ofemergency and lockdowns. Further along should these emergency measures fail toquell the violence, they may become codified America. This step of last resortwill trigger Americas descent down the slippery and often politically unrecoverablepath towards a dak democracy whose constitutional rights are interpreted asprivileges to be taken away selectively at the whim of the public/private,corporate/governmental masters in an organically produced domestic real-life versionof the dystopian series The Man in the High Castle. Copyright 2021 Cerulean Council LLC The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that providesprescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments ongeopolitical dynamics and global urban security. As approved vaccines are distributed as a priority to essentialworkers worldwide and soon to the general population, the decimated hospitalityindustry, many of whom are holding onto their fingertips at the edge of a financialabyss, will try to meet the pent-up demand by travelers whose disposable incomeduring the lockdowns were not adversely affected and who can afford to travel. However there are unique factors in the industry that setsit apart that will make its recovery will be extremely asymmetrical due tonon-economic, non-quantitative factors. The Travelers Perspective Vacation plans for tourists, and to a lesser extent forbusiness travelers, are heavily based on word-of-mouth references andrecommendations from friends, acquaintances, and business associates. Despitethe cutting-edge, marketing cyber-sophistication of the hospitality and related& supporting industries, the core fundamentals of tourism will continue to almostalways be grass roots oriented through face-to-face conversations. Travelersuse technology as a post-decision tool to secure the cheapest and mostconvenient way to travel, not to confirm their destination decision. This process was brilliantly articulated in the movie TheMatrix Reloaded in which Neo consulted the Oracle face to face. Imagineyourself as Neo talking to your friend the Oracle with respect to where youwant to go. In the scene the Oracle explains to Neo, You didnt come here tomake a choice. Youve already made the choice. Youre here to understand whyyou made it. Firstly because of the extended lockdowns and travelrestrictions no one has traveled in almost a year making references andrecommendations impossible to come by. Secondly, because of Covids fury, even olderreferences are suspect because the status of many venues has changeddramatically, many of which have closed permanently. Everything has changed. Once freedom of travel becomes a reality there will belimited travel choices, nothing that all the time and money can overcome whichmeans that theres no way to accurately predict the new tourism landscape. Feast or Famine The vaccines uneven distribution has begun with richercountries getting priority because of money, logistical distribution whiledeveloping and emerging markets, highly dependent are at the back of the line.The latter rely almost exclusively dependent on tourism for revenue. Like the dynamics of a funnel vaccinated tourists from richcountries will have difficult traveling to developing and emerging countriesmay still be banned or have limited access because of on-going high publichealth risks in developing and emerging countries. For this reason domestictourism will rebound, even flourish, well before international travel. Furthermore an economy that is opening up is defineddifferently in each country and open to interpretation such as freedom ofmovement. Tourist may enter a country but will be restricted to specific resortsthat are prison-like, gated-community. For this reason the global hospitalityindustry recovery will be asymmetrical and contingent on location. Business Travelers Business road warriors are hospitalitys revenue and profitmargin bread & butter. Nonetheless even domestically there will be farfewer business travelers all of whom will be on limited budgets with shorterstays and lower entertainment expenditures. The business traveler demographic will probably consist of thebusiness core essentials: C-suite executives and technical/sales personnel.During the lockdowns the effectiveness of teleconferencing has been proven toresolve most issues which eliminates future business travel for mid-levelpersonnel. Present-Day State of Global Tourism Global tourism is a critical component of the worldseconomy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council there are 330million hospitality jobs worldwide which represent one-tenth of the global workforce and 10.3% of the global GDP in 2019. The United Nations World Tourism Organization(UNWTO) chart entitledCovid-19sCrushing Impact on International Tourism provided by Statista, an onlinestatistical service, articulates how the pandemic has adversely impacted theglobal hospitality industry: Domestically, according to the US Travel Association UStravel spending is down 45% from 2019. Already 3.5 million or 40% of the traveljobs have been lost with an additional one million by years end. Theirforecast is that pre-pandemic levels wont return until 2024. Even with limited international openings, domestic tourismwill far outstrip international tourism because in an increasingly unstable geopoliticalworld notably Americans will be more comfortable traveling in their own countrywith the same language, culture, and rapid ease of return travel to theirhometowns in case of sudden full lockdown mandates. With respect to the hospitality industry financially, thepandemic has been a crushing blow. The following chart developed by UNWTO andpresented by Statista entitled TourismBack to 1990 Levels as Pandemic Halts Travel powerfully underscores thisreality and the difficulty in recovery: Zero Hour | The Re-Set Of all the components in international tourism airlines arebest suited to adapt to the uneven recovery. Historically airlines are farbetter prepared and adaptable in adjusting to demand with fewer flights,smaller aircraft, re-routing through hubs, etc. maintain competitive pricingwhile securing a reasonable profit. On the other hand geographically fixedservices such as hotels have a fixed costs and fixed number of rooms and do nothave the means to reduce the cost of those unfilled rooms. With respect to the international and domestic hospitalityindustry, the logistical challenges and manufacturing to scale of the vaccinewill continue to be problematic and delay global economic recovery through mostof 2021. Furthermore the continued global economic recession will depresstravel & leisure demand which means that the hospitality industry recoverywill be arduously slow and painful. Copyright 2021 Cerulean Council LLC The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that providesprescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments ongeopolitical dynamics and global urban security. The FDA and British government approvals of Covid-19vaccines marks the beginning for the upcoming Herculean logistical effortrequired to inoculate billions of citizens worldwide. For this reason a robustglobal supply chain will be required at each stage from manufacturing to finaldelivery. This global inoculation effort is unprecedented. Pastinoculation efforts have been country-specific or regional to combat epidemics,not pandemics, and not without its share of complexities and inevitabledifficulties. Even if one uses those earlier efforts as operational templates,the sheer depth & breadth of the forthcoming global distribution effort isfar more overwhelming logistically, economically and politically. Its onething to have an approved and safe product, its another to manufacture it toscale and safely distribute it globally requiring the most stringentrequirements. Just imagine trying to supply vaccines to one city, akin tothe 1947 Berlin airlift which took place over many months and saved Germancitizens from starvation. A similar logistical effort but on a global scalewill be required to save the world from economic collapse. For this reason thisis why air cargo is a key component in the critical path of this supplychain/distribution process. Investment Opportunities in Air Cargo Transport The major airlines will play a major role in the transportof vaccines worldwide and investment in any specific airline stock will providea good return on investment based on a growing and long-term sustained demandfor worldwide distribution. The following are the types of air companies thatwill literally do the heavy-lifting: Airlines The following three major US airlines at the forefront totransport the vaccine worldwide are: 1. American Airlines [NASDQ: AAL] 2. United Airlines [NASDQ: UAL] 3. Delta Airlines [NYSE: DAL] Airfreight Cargo The three major airfreight cargo companies who alreadyspecialize in transporting pharmaceuticals but now must do it at scale as apriority are: 1. Fedex [NYSE: FDX] 2. UPS [NYSE: UPS] 3. DHL [OTC MKTS: DPSGY] Myinvestment preference is Air Transport Services Group (ATSG: NASDAQ)because of their broad-based worldwide provider of air cargo. According totheir website, ATSG is a leading providerof aircraft leasing and air cargo transportation and related services todomestic and foreign air carriers and other companies that outsource their aircargo lift requirements. ATSG, through its leasing and airline subsidiaries, isthe world's largest owner and operator of converted Boeing 767 freighteraircraft. Their services encompass four tenets: (1) leasing, (2) operating,3) maintenance, repair and overhaul and (4) flight & ground support. Furthermorebecause of their wide range of services they have more aviation logisticpartners. However the following are present-day aviation logisticalchallenges against the background of a strong demand that far exceeds supply: Air Cargo Freighter Shortage Securing the numerous mothballed aircraft configured andcertified for air cargo (cargo freighters) is easier said than done. Even ifall the available air cargo freighters were in operation right now, theirnumbers fall far short of what is required for the global transport of thevaccine. To offset this shortage air companies are convertingpassenger jets to cargo freighters, the best suited being wide-bodied, longhaul models. One such example is the conversion of the new but economicallydisappointing passenger A-380 which has a 50-ton cargo capacity. Furthermore these large aircraft can only fulfill cargoflights between major hubs with long runways that can handle this typeaircraft. Smaller air cargo aircraft will be required to transport the vaccineto secondary urban areas, non-urban areas and more remote areas. Qualified Pilot Shortage Another challenge is the severe shortage of pilots. Becauseof lockdowns and an almost cessation of air travel, many pilots were eitherfurloughed, let go (younger pilots) or offered early retirement packagessenior pilots). The next step is to (re)hire pilots who are experiencedflying air cargo freighters and train those who havent. Unlike a truck driverwho can learn quickly on a different model truck without passing aregulatory-mandated check ride, pilots must be certified on the particular typeof air cargo aircraft. The shortage of air cargo freighters andqualified/certified pilots compounds the problem to distribute the vaccine atscale. The following chart entitled Thousandsof US Pilots Face Furlough This Fall provided by CBS News and presented byStatista, an online statistical firm, highlights the challenge of pilotcallbacks to meet the surge in demand for vaccine air delivery. What should notbe overlooked are the critical support services required including maintenancepersonnel who are also on furlough. Stress Test for Global Supply Chain Air cargo comprises less than one percent of transportedgoods with pharmaceuticals being one of those goods that are usually airshipped. Pharmaceutical companies have established supply chains but they arenot designed for mass global distribution. For this reason its architecturalstructure must be heavily modified, expanded and made a priority over theshipment of regular prescription drugs such as those for high cholesterol, highblood pressure, and anti-depressants. Early Pandemic-RelatedCompany Investment Recommendations With respect topandemic-related products & services and stock recommended track record, myearlier SA article entitled SA article 25 March 2020 entitled USA:A Brutal Coronavirus Economic Reset published 25 March 2020, I wasextremely bullish and recommended a strong buy for Moderna Inc. [MRNA: NASDAQ]in the biotech section who had just begun developing a vaccine. Present-daytheir vaccine is on the cusp of FDA approval and their stock price has explodedfrom $27.13 on 25 March 2020 (the publication date of my article) to $125.73 on22 December 2020. The logistics and air transport are unlikely to provide theexplosive returns as Moderna, I believe that its immediate to long-termprospects for steady growth are excellent. Outlook Because of the aforementioned aviation logistical challengesI forecast that these air transport equipment and professional servicesshortages will push back the overly ambitious mass distribution and inoculationschedule well into the late summer and fall of 2021. I project that thistransportation demand will continue unabated well into 2022 particularly tolesser developed countries and geographically difficult to reach regions. Ironically the approval of additional vaccines in latewinter and spring will not ease the distribution problem because they willoffset the difficulties in the mass production of upcoming newly-approvedvaccines. This will create an even larger ready-to-ship inventory which willoutstrip the increased availability of air cargo transport equipment andprofessional services not to mention the stockpiling of vaccines. For thisreason the need for air cargo transport services will continue well into 2022. Copyright 2020 Cerulean Council LLC The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that providesprescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments ongeopolitical dynamics and global urban security. It is an open secret of the extreme disconnect between thesurge in the stock market erroneously labeled as an economic recovery thats underwayand the brutal suffering and reality of the common working man and woman. Indeed there is a psychological pent-up demand, a nostalgicdesire to return to the old normal in a new normal era. For this reason oncethe vaccine is widely distributed there will be an economic spike fueled byconsumer demand but it will be short-lived as the reality of a continued brokeneconomy and broken personal finances set in. Even your currently employedconsumer will realize his limited post-pandemic financial resources because ofthe changing work dynamics and even pay cut if he decides to continue to workremotely. Small Business Last Stand Some vigilante small businesses, particularly the lowprofit margin eateries and bars, remain open in defiance of government mandateswith respect to indoor and outdoor dining restrictions. Then there are thelucky ones in some municipalities in which the restrictions are on the booksyet unenforced. Understandably from the small business perspective itsprofits over pandemics for the purposes of survival for the owners, not justthe business - because the governmental restrictions, not the virus, representan existential threat. They know that the cavalry is not coming because governmentbailouts are only for big businesses. In fact the government is seen not as therescuing and protective cavalry of the small business owner, rather as rapturousraiders who have historically decimated their profits through capricious regulationsand high taxes. For the little guy there are no parachutes. Its go for brokeand go down swinging. How It Plays Out The emergence from the Dark Winter of 2020-2021 will ignorethe economic rubble with the brief spurt in consumer spending that will give themainstream media the illusion of a V-shaped recovery underway. This ultra-short-term jump in consumer spending is just that, V-shaped spendingbut not V-shaped recovery. Recovery is sustainable over manymonths or years. The mass inoculation gives consumers freedom of movement butbecause of continued mass unemployment, will be still imprisoned by debt. For this reason the markets will push further into recordterritory as the black-clad Pied Piper leading investors merrily over the edge becauseof this misread, and for others who do recognize it, pure greed thinking theycan exit before it crashes. As Ive always stated, regardless how quickly youexit is meaningless when the entire building is collapsing. The following chart entitled ServiceSector Struggles to Recover Lost Jobs provided by the US Bureau of LaborStatistics and presented by Statista, an online statistical firm, shows thedire situation of the leisure & hospitality sector which has lost almost3.5 million jobs. The sectors that have suffered the most are the ones that arelabor-intensive, difficult to automat and the last ones to make considerablerecoveries. These job losses are far too severe for even the most robustV-shaped economic recovery to bring it back close to pre-pandemic levels evenby end of 2021. Mass unemployment, corporate reconfiguration and overhauling2021 budgets to adapt to a less intense work environment, robotics/automation,high level of flexibility indicate a cautious, uneven, drawn out economicrecovery. Corporate financial projections beyond 3 years are not better thanusing a dart board. Time Compression | Short-Term is the New Long-Term Not only immediate (or near) post-pandemic rathermedium-term consumer behavior during unprecedented times. Weve endured threecatastrophes in the 21st century in less than a generation: 9/11,the Great Recession and Covid-19, all of which has directly or indirectlyaffected most of the worlds population. These aforementioned catastrophes mirror the more oftenoccurring once-in-a-century occurrence which has now become a misnomer. Becausethe intensity of these oft-occurring catastrophes are uncontrollable andunpredictable, its near impossible economically and psychologically to prepareproperly for every type of catastrophe. Imagine the possibility of a future far worse pandemic (Covid-19sease of transmission with Ebolas lethality) or a market crash occurring inshort order and longer lasting than their predecessors. For these reasons it may prompt a redefinition of how short,medium and long-term are defined. In broad terms, when people think oflong-term one imagines 10, 15 or 20 years. Using the first 20 years of thiscentury as a baseline, short-term may now be one year, medium term 2-5 yearsand long-term 5-10 years in other words a time compression outlook. As the impossible has become the plausible, personal,business and government expenditures may take on a new dynamic with a radicallydifferent projections and risk assessment models. Copyright 2020 Cerulean Council LLC The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that providesprescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments ongeopolitical dynamics and global urban security. ESTHERVILLE, Iowa Two guilty pleas have been entered and three trials are set in the scandal involving city finances in the small town of Armstrong. City clerk Tracie Lang has pleaded guilty to falsifying public documents and former city clerk Mary Staton has pleaded guilty to 3rd degree theft. No sentencing dates have been set. Greg Buum (left), Tracie Lang, Connie Thackery (right) Greg Buum (left), Tracie Lang, Connie Thackery (right) Craig Merrill Craig Merrill Armstrong Mayor Greg Buum, Police Chief Craig Merril, and former city clerk Connie Thackery have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and are set for trial on May 4 in Emmet County District Court. All five were charges after a multi-year investigation that involved to the misappropriation of city funds, the presentation of fraudulent public records, the falsification of ledgers to conceal embezzlement, and the use of a Taser against a civilian in exchange for cash. The Iowa Attorney Generals Office has taken over prosecution of this case. Armstrong is a community of about 900 people located roughly 82 miles northwest of Mason City. KYODO NEWS - Mar 1, 2021 - 21:33 | All, Coronavirus, Japan The Japanese government has requested China not to subject Japanese citizens entering the country to anal COVID-19 tests after receiving complaints of "psychological distress" from some of them, the top government spokesman said Monday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said the government has made the request through the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, although it has not been informed of any change in China's policy on how it conducts the polymerase chain reaction tests for the novel coronavirus. Kato said at a regular press conference the government will continue to urge China to exempt its citizens from such a test method, which is used on some of those quarantined or entering China, noting it "has not been confirmed anywhere else in the world." Already the United States has protested to China after learning some U.S. officials were subjected to the testing method, according to CNN. Many Japanese employees in Beijing have criticized China's carrying out coronavirus tests using anal swabs as an action that would humiliate people and could violate their human rights and dignity. Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters later in the day that China has adjusted anti-epidemic measures "in a scientific manner" in accordance with "relevant laws and regulations." Related coverage: Japan imperial spring garden party canceled again over coronavirus concern Japan receives 3rd batch of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Japan travel campaign to remain suspended even after emergency lifted Brazil exported 24.05 million tonnes of iron ore in February, up from 21.69 million tonnes in the same month last year, according to the ministry. Vale, the worlds largest producer, was increasing its capacity usage while reopening operations previously halted due to the disaster in Brumadinho in January 2019. A weaker rainy season in 2021 was also boosting... With an increase in COVID-19 vaccine doses, Huntsville Hospital announced Monday it would reopen online registration to receive the shots. The hospital last month suspended new registration when its vaccine supply dwindled and is now resuming adding names to its wait list about three weeks earlier than it originally planned. In Mondays announcement, the hospital said it will receive enough of the Pfizer vaccine for 2,500 new doses per week beginning March 8. Thats a larger allocation than the hospital has received in recent weeks. Related: Alabamas COVID mask order set to expire Friday, extension possible Related: Alabama could reach herd immunity as early as May, UAB researcher estimates Eligible persons can sign up at HuntsvilleHospital.org to receive the shot. More than 25,000 people are already on the waiting list and the hospital said it could be several weeks before an appointment is confirmed. The hospital said you will be called when a vaccination appointment is available. The hospital also encouraged eligible persons to explore every avenue available to get your vaccine. More information on vaccine locations is available on the Alabama Department of Public Health website. WASHINGTON - Lady Bird Johnson became first lady aboard Air Force One while President John F. Kennedy's blood was still drying on her predecessor's pink Chanel suit. "I realized shortly after," she later wrote, that "nobody else would live through the next months in quite the way that I would and see the events unroll from this vantage point." So Johnson, in her lilting East Texas voice, began talking into a tape recorder. She kept talking - and talking and talking - into the machine nearly every day of Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, leaving behind a remarkable but almost completely overlooked audio diary of one history's most momentous presidencies. Those recordings, made available in their entirety during the last several years at the LBJ Presidential Library, are the subject of a new podcast series and Lady Bird biography by Julia Sweig, a Washington author who in studying all 123 hours of tapes discovered a first lady whose role in the Johnson presidency was more consequential than previously known. "The diary is a new tool in trying to understand Lady Bird Johnson, but also, of course, indirectly, Lyndon Johnson and his whole presidency," said Mark Atwood Lawrence, a Johnson scholar and director of the LBJ Presidential Library. "She wasn't just a passive first lady in the background." Indeed, the tapes and Sweig's other research reveal a partnership in just about every facet of Johnson's presidency, which Lady Bird called "our presidency." She's with him when he calls network TV presidents right after taking office. She counsels and consoles him on the Vietnam War escalation, discussing how pleasing anti-communist hawks might help win support for civil rights legislation. And in perhaps the podcast and book's biggest revelation, Sweig unveils a seven-page memo that Lady Bird wrote to Johnson and agonized over in her audio diaries when he was considering not running for president after completing Kennedy's term. In the memo, she drafted a fake news release so Johnson could, as Sweig writes in her upcoming biography, digest the "potent emotional impact of taking such a radical step." On the recording, Lady Bird sighs. "I hope he won't use it," she says. "That's that!" But contained in that memo is an idea he did use: running for president in 1964 but bowing out after one term. The move stunned the country, but not Lady Bird. "This was very much a political partnership, and she was an active member of his administration," Sweig said in an interview. The tapes reveal "her role in history, observing it and helping make it." Sweig's podcast, "In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson," which ABC News began airing Monday, opens with the first words Lady Bird spoke into her tape recorder, her soft voice both unforgettable and forgotten to time. "Friday, November 22," she says. "It all began so beautifully. After a drizzle in the morning, the sun came out bright and clear. We were driving into Dallas." And then the shots. "Mrs. Kennedy's dress was stained with blood," Lady Bird goes on. "That immaculate woman exquisitely dressed and caked in blood. I ask her if I couldn't get somebody to come in and help her change. She says:, "Oh no, that's all right. Perhaps later.' And then, with some element of fierceness, she said, 'I want them to see what they have done to Jack.'" Lady Bird's decision to record that moment in history and then keep talking was instinctual. She studied journalism and history in college. During the Kennedy-Johnson campaign in 1960 she was often seen with a small notebook taking notes during her husband's conversations. Lady Bird recorded most of her diary entries on a blue velvet sofa in a second-floor room at the White House that she used as a dressing room and office. "In winter, I often recorded sitting on the sofa looking at the fire burning merrily in the little corner fireplace," she later wrote. "And in the summer I reversed one of the chairs and talked into my machine while I looked out over Andrew Jackson's magnolias to the Washington monument - my favorite view in all of Washington, often outlined against the drama of sunset." Lady Bird, who died in 2007 at the age of 94, devised a meticulous system to document each day's events. Aides provided copies of her and Johnson's calendars, as well as newspaper clippings, seating charts from White House events, and copies of speeches. She also relied on handwritten notes that she continued to take in small reporter-type notebooks. "Gradually I, the most unmechanical of women, made friends with this little machine and learned how to thread it and change it, and hold it in abeyance while I thought of my next phrase," she wrote. In 1970, two years after she helped Johnson with his speech declaring he would not run for reelection, Lady Bird published a redacted version of her diaries representing a small fraction of the nearly 1.8 million words she spoke into her recorder. A friend told Sweig about them a few years ago, and when the writer later visited the LBJ library in hopes of writing a book on women and power, she walked into an exhibit where a clip from the Nov. 22 diary entry was playing. Sweig was utterly captivated. Realizing the audio started with a motion detector at the doorway, Sweig kept walking in and out, over and over, to continue listening. "And that just began this long process of listening to all those tapes and discovering who was behind that voice," said Sweig, whose book, "Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight," will be published March 16. Sweig's research took roughly five years to complete - about the same amount of time that Johnson and Lady Bird were in the White House. "As I look back on those five years of turmoil and achievement, of triumph and pain," Lady Bird later wrote, "I feel amazement that it happened to me, and gratitude that I had the opportunity to live them, and strongest of all - out of all the trips that I made and all the people that I met - a deep, roaring faith in and love for this country." A third of children won't have a coronavirus test when they return to school - partly because many parents have still not signed consent forms, it was claimed today. Headteachers in England have raised major concerns about the spread of Covid-19 among students and also fear younger children may be too scared to be tested. There are also worries over the impact of transmission on unvaccinated teachers, with one school revealing just two out of its 180 staff had received the jab so far. In addition, warnings have been raised over social distancing not being possible in classrooms or travelling to and from school, even if children are wearing face masks. It comes as Britain's biggest teaching union was urged to show its 'collective strength' by threatening to strike over schools reopening next Monday. Children arrive at Outwood Academy Adwick in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, last September Jo Tunnicliffe, headteacher at North Kesteven Academy in Lincolnshire, said a testing scheme had been set up to help get students 'into school as quickly as possible'. She said the process had been 'tricky' to set up 'in a meaningful way', but added: 'I think most people have got their heads round that now, and that's all now set up.' Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme whether it would work, Ms Tunnicliffe said: 'There are some families who haven't given consent for those tests carried out. 'So we just don't know at the moment in terms of how that will pan out and what transmission will look like both in school and the community. Jo Tunnicliffe, headteacher at North Kesteven Academy in Lincolnshire, said 'about a quarter or a third of students will probably not have the test, or some of them haven't had a test at all' Signs outside Bonner Primary School in Tower Hamlets, East London, pictured in January 'My estimation is about a quarter or a third of students will probably not have the test, or some of them haven't had a test at all at the moment they don't really know what that looks like. Kevin Sexton, headteacher at Chesterfield High School in Merseyside, said there was about a 75 per cent take up in having tests 'So when they come into school it's going to take a little while, I think, to get them reassured to have the test those that are consenting. 'Of course that's up to us to try and help them to feel calm enough to have those tests, because, let's be honest, they're not particularly pleasant and they're not particularly easy to administer. 'So it's not so bad with the older ones, but the younger ones I feel might they might just get on with it, I don't know, we haven't started yet, but I do think that there might be some reluctance among them to do what they're being asked to do.' She added: 'Social distancing won't be a thing in schools. We have full classrooms. If everybody's back, we have got potentially 30 student in a classroom. 'That isn't possible to socially distance. We will be introducing the face coverings as per the guidance. Will schools reopen in South Gloucestershire after the Brazil variant was identified there? Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said surge testing in South Gloucestershire was a 'precautionary measure', when asked if schools in the area might not reopen next week due to the Brazil variant being identified there. He told BBC Breakfast: 'It's really a precautionary measure because the particular family in question actually followed the rules very, very closely. But it's an important precautionary measure. 'Schools have had 50 million lateral flow tests delivered, they have already done about three million tests, even before we set out the road map to reopening by March 8. 'Teachers will be tested twice a week, even in secondary schools and colleges will be tested twice a week. There's a big infrastructure of testing going into schools.' Advertisement 'But we know from previously that it's difficult for the students once they're in their normal environment in a fairly normal way now, that keeping them away from each other on the way to school, on the way home from school and in school itself is quite tricky, because they're children as they behave as children will behaved.' Asked how many of her teachers had been vaccinated, she said: 'At the moment we haven't got very many staff vaccinated.' Kevin Sexton, headteacher at Chesterfield High School in Merseyside, told BBC Radio 4: 'We think at the moment we've probably got a 70, 75 per cent take up. 'We have a number of parents who are going to go to local centres for the first test just to be more accessible for them. 'But we have a concern that we need to get a much greater turnout to make sure it's effective and particularly understand what the transmission rates might be.' Asked about whether sending tests back with the children to take at home is feasible: 'We haven't had much information about that yet, and that worries me, because that needs to be rolled out in the next ten days. 'I do worry how consistent that will be across our whole school community, so I'm interested to hear the detail because there's no information about how those tests recorded are connected to our own tracking systems.' Asked how many staff had been vaccinated, he said: 'Two out of 180.' MailOnline has contacted the Department for Education and the National Education Union for comment on whether the data given by the two headteachers is reflected nationally. A Government spokesman said today: The testing of staff and students ahead of the wider return to secondary schools and colleges will work alongside other strengthened measures to help minimise transmission, and we strongly encourage all families to give consent for pupils to take part. 'We outlined our plans two weeks in advance to give schools time to gain consent, and school staff should work with families to try to address any concerns they may have. 'The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised that the most effective way to minimise hospitalisations and deaths is to continue to prioritise people by age, which is the strongest factor linked to mortality, morbidity and hospitalisations.' EU nations including Germany are being far outpaced by Britain in the Covid-19 vaccine race The vaccine programme is having an impact on the number of people going into hospital It comes as Martin Powell-Davies, who is running for deputy general secretary of the NEU, has branded Boris Johnson's back-to-school plan 'completely reckless'. Poorer college students are 'three A-level grades behind' affluent peers, report claims Disadvantaged sixth form and college students are around three A-level grades behind their more affluent peers, a report suggests. The attainment gap is largely explained by poorer students already having lower grades at the end of their GCSEs, according to an exploratory analysis by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) think tank. Disadvantaged students fall even further behind through sixth form and college, leaving them around half an A-level grade behind better-off peers with the same GCSE results, the report suggests. The EPI research, which is based on a new provisional methodology, explores the 'disadvantage gap' for older students enrolling in sixth form or college. It looks at students' free school meal status during their last six years of school and it assesses their attainment based on the qualifications and grades achieved between the end of secondary school and by the age of 19. Advertisement The hardline activist is instead demanding a gradual reopening of schools and only when case rates drop dramatically. He is calling on the NEU, which has more than 450,000 members, to back his calls for industrial action if these conditions are not met. Mr Powell-Davies said it was 'completely crazy' to think the return of schools was safe when infection rates were still over 150 per 100,000 in parts of northern England. But Tory MP Robert Halfon, chairman of the Commons education committee, said: 'I say to this individual: Less of the class warfare. 'The first thought in mind should be about the kids, whose life chances have been damaged, both in terms of mental health, learning, and safeguarding by being away from school for so long. 'I call on [the joint general secretaries] to immediately disassociate themselves from any call to strikes.' The Government's Sage advisory committee has warned opening schools all at once could push the R rate, which tracks how quickly the virus spreads, above 1. But chief medical officer Chris Whitty has said there are huge advantages for children to be in school 'from a health point of view, mental and physical, as well as from educational and a life-course point of view'. The NEU's joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said the executive had agreed to continue making the case that the Government should have followed Sage's advice of a phased return. The NEU said Mr Powell-Davies was not a member of the executive and it would not comment on the stances of candidates. Meanwhile Prince Charles has praised teachers for their 'dogged determination' over the last year. Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks with Year 7 students during a visit to Accrington Academy in Lancashire last Thursday as they prepare for the return of all pupils on March 8 Steve Chalke, the head of the Oasis Academies Trust, suggested the following four measures last month to help schools get back safely on March 8 At a virtual leadership conference he said he was 'enormously impressed' with the efforts of school leaders and staff to overcome the 'mountain of logistical challenges'. There is NO evidence schools drive the spread of coronavirus in local communities, SAGE advisers find There is no evidence having schools open drives the spread of coronavirus in the wider community in the UK, SAGE advisers found a fortnight ago. In a study of pupil and teacher absences caused by positive Covid tests, researchers said confirmed infections in schools did not lead to bigger outbreaks. Instead, they said there were small signs that the opposite was true, and that schools tended to get worse hit when the cases around them had rocketed. Dr Mike Tildesley and Dr Ed Hill, members of SAGE sub-group SPI-M and Warwick University experts who did the study, said the reopening should be cautious and that it was important to 'mitigate' the inevitable risks of doing it. The team admitted their paper was 'an absence of evidence rather than evidence of absence' of risk. And they conceded it probably underestimated how many Covid cases there actually are in schools because many people don't get tested. The Warwick study found Covid cases among teachers fell during the November lockdown, even though schools remained open. And in December, cases in schools appeared to rise in tandem with outbreaks in the community, with bigger outbreaks in London and the South East, where the new variant was surging, and fewer cases in more rural regions. Advertisement Also today, the chief strategist at London 's Canary Wharf said thousands of workers are expected to return to offices as restrictions are eased in the coming months. Howard Dawber, Canary Wharf Group's head of strategy, said they are expecting numbers to increase from March 29 and that this will increase when services such as bars, restaurants and hairdressers open from June. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Mr Dawber said the group expects to be back to 100 per cent occupancy over time with the return of its 120,000 office workers. He said: 'We've got about five or six thousand staff working on the wharf at the moment. 'We expect over the next few months a gradual increase there - obviously the government's advice is still to work from home and I think everyone is sticking to that. 'But from March 29 onwards I think we will see people starting to return to the workplace and particularly as we get towards June when things like bars, restaurants, services, hairdressers open up I think we will start to see people back in offices and we are expecting significant numbers back over the summer.' The Government did not set a date for when workers should return to the office when it revealed its roadmap out of lockdown last week. It means the 'work from home if you can' message will continue to guide employers for the foreseeable future. Many large firms have already told staff they should work remotely, with some even delaying a return to the office until at least the end of the year. However, some studies claim that productivity is hampered as workers log in from their kitchen table rather than at their desk. The work from home initiative has also seen footfall in the country's town and city centres drop dramatically. The High Street has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic as people were told to stay inside for several national lockdowns. High Street stalwarts such as WH Smith and Clarks did not escape the bloodbath. TEL AVIV, Israel and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Memic, a medical device company dedicated to transforming robot-assisted surgery with its proprietary technology, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted De Novo marketing authorization of its Hominis robot-assisted surgical platform for use in single site, natural orifice laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal benign surgical procedures including benign hysterectomy. The De Novo authorization is supported by clinical data from procedures using the Hominis system on a variety of patients in Belgium and Israel with Drs. Jan Baekelandt and Lior Lowenstein, respectively. "This FDA authorization represents a significant advance in the world of robot-assisted surgery and fulfills an unmet need in the world of robotic gynecological surgery," said Professor Jan Baekelandt, MD, PhD, a gynecologist at Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden, Belgium, who performed the first hysterectomy using the Hominis system in November 2018. "Research shows vaginal hysterectomy provides optimal clinical benefits to patients including reduced pain, recovery time and rates of infection but in most countries the incidence of vaginal hysterectomy is decreasing. In addition, transvaginal approaches result in no visible scars, which is very important to the gynecological patient. Hominis is the only robot specifically developed for transvaginal surgery and is therefore small and flexible enough to perform surgery through a small incision." The Hominis (Latin for humanoid) system is the first and only FDA-authorized surgical robotic platform that features miniature humanoid-shaped robotic arms that provide human level dexterity, multi-planar flexibility and 360 degrees of articulation. The biomimetic instruments are designed to replicate the motions and capabilities of a surgeon's arms, with shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Multiple instruments can be introduced to the body through a single portal and the 360-degree articulation offers obstacle avoidance as well as optimal access and working angles. In addition to these features, the system will be sold at a significantly lower price compared to other marketed robotic surgery systems, potentially allowing more medical facilities including hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to access and adopt surgical robotics. The company plans to pursue general surgery and transluminal indications for the Hominis platform and is developing artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled features to support all its surgical indications. "We are pleased to receive FDA De Novo authorization of our Hominis system, which offers a small, cost-effective and less invasive option over current robotic instruments limited to straight shaft and single wrist designs and controlled with large, complex and expensive equipment," said Dvir Cohen, CEO of Memic. "This authorization is also just the beginning; it opens the door for our novel system to expand to additional indications that, until now, have been off-limits to robot-assisted surgery." "We believe the Hominis surgical system represents the most significant advancement in robotic soft tissue surgery in the last 20 years and will deliver great benefit to patients and their healthcare providers," added Maurice R. Ferre, MD, chairman of the board at Memic and founder of MAKO Surgical, Inc. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the U.S.1 The transvaginal approach is well documented as resulting in better clinical benefits, including less patient pain and scarring, shorter recovery times and reduced infection rates, compared to other approaches to hysterectomy.2 But surgeons use the transvaginal approach in only 16 percent3 of hysterectomies due to anatomical barriers and accessibility challenges.4,5 In a recent clinical study using the Hominis system to perform 30 hysterectomies, 100 percent were completed successfully with the transvaginal approach with no device-related adverse events or intraoperative complications. About Memic: Memic has headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel as well as a wholly owned subsidiary in Fort Lauderdale, FL established for global customer services, professional education and sales, marketing and clinical research. Memic's leadership team has more than 70 years of combined experience in the surgical robotic arena. Its chairman of the board is Maurice R. Ferre, MD, founder and CEO of Mako Surgical, Inc. For more information, visit https://www.memicmed.com/. Media Contact: Lynn Granito Berry & Company Public Relations [email protected] W: 212-253-8881 C: 973-818-3732 References: Whiteman M, Hillis S, Jamieson D, et al., "Inpatient hysterectomy surveillance in the United States 2000-2004," Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008; 198(1): 34. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2007.05.039. Aarts JWM, Nieboer TE, Johnson N, Tavender E, Garry R, Mol BWJ, Kluivers KB. Surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. 2015 Aug 12;2015(8):CD003677. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003677.pub5. Luciano AA, Luciano DE, Gabbert J, Seshadri-Kreaden U . The impact of robotics on the mode of benign hysterectomy and clinical outcomes. Int J Med Robot. 2016 Mar;12(1):114-24. doi: 10.1002/rcs.1648. Epub 2015 Mar 4 . PMID: 25753111. Committee Opinion No 701: Choosing the Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Disease. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Jun;129(6):e155-e159. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002112. Wu JM, Wechter ME, Geller EJ, Nguyen TV, Visco AG. Hysterectomy rates in the United States , 2003. Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Nov. 110(5):1091-5 (ISSN: 0029-7844). SOURCE Memic Related Links https://www.memicmed.com Once-in-a-lifetime reform of the failing aged care sector including a boost in funding via an increase in the Medicare levy is entirely in the hands of the Morrison government, requiring a philosophical shift from an administration the royal commission feared was only interested in a minimum commitment, the commissions final report has said. Commissioners warned fixing aged care could not be left to the industry and the government must change its approach to aged care in order to do it including writing an entirely new Aged Care Act and creating a new aged care safety and quality authority and star ratings for providers. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said responding to the report would be a test for government. Credit:Getty The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which heard accounts of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of staff or fellow residents, inhumane restrictive practices and substandard food and medication practices, said only the government has the power to fix it. At times in this inquiry, it has felt like the governments main consideration was what was the minimum commitment it could get away with, rather than what should be done to sustain the aged care system so that it is enabled to deliver high quality and safe care, commissioner Lynelle Briggs said in the commissions final report. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Australian university managements have announced hundreds more job losses over the past fortnight, adding to the 90,000 jobs that the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) estimated they destroyed in 2020. Increasingly, academics and professional workers are being forced to compete with each other in spill and fill contests for the remaining positions. In a related move, the federal government has launched a new drive to tie university funding to research commercialisation, with Education Minister Alan Tudge declaring the need for academics to become entrepreneurs. These developments further demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic is being exploited to accelerate a decades-long offensive against university workers and students. Far beyond the impact of the pandemic itself, government funding cuts and corporate restructuring are being intensified. University of Sydney's Main Quadrangle. (Image credit: Jason Tong/Wikipedia) Not only are the livelihoods and basic conditions of thousands of university employees being destroyed. Students confront larger class sizes and lower quality courses, and universities are being transformed even more into business entities serving the commercial and strategic demands of the financial elite. Last week, Sydneys Macquarie University took to a new level a Hunger Games -style spill and fill process, already seen at Sydney University and the University of Queensland late last year. The Macquarie management released change proposals that aim to eliminate about 90 full-time positions and require academics to fight each other for survival, on top of 109 voluntary redundancies already inflicted in 2020. The business school is targeting the equivalent of 17 to 27 full-time positions, the science faculty approximately 3138 FTE (full-time equivalents) and medicine between 18 and 25 FTE. The change papers identify academic roles that will be in scope or targeted for retrenchment. Those staff will have to submit application documents making a case for their retention, competing against their colleagues as judged by the universitys promotion criteria. In the Faculty of Science and Engineering, for instance, 103 academics (or FTE) will compete for 65 positions. In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, 100 academics will compete for 75 posts. As the management stated, these plans are in accordance with the process set out in its 2018 enterprise agreement with the NTEU, which merely requires consultation with the union and staff members before being implemented. The essential purpose of such consultation was revealed last month at Western Sydney University. Despite that university reporting a surplus for 2020, the NTEU admitted at a staff meeting that more than 200 jobs would be scrapped, not counting casuals and fixed-term workers, as the managements 35 or so change proposals were finalised. The union claimed that the consultation process instigated late last year had been successful because most of the jobs would be eliminated via voluntary redundancies. As this response typifies, the trade unions work with employers to facilitate job cuts, and stifle workers opposition, by helping to pressure enough workers into taking retrenchment packages, supposedly as a matter of choice, to satisfy managements requirements. At the University of Melbourne, vice-chancellor Duncan Maskell sent a letter to staff last week declaring that savings of $252 million must be achieved in 2021, on top of $360 million in 2020, regardless of an operating surplus of $8 million in 2020. He said the pandemic had created a pipeline problem that would affect the university for multiple years, requiring up to 450 job losses. Revenue had dropped $275 million in 2020, and another fall of $200 million was projected for 2021, as international students remained shut out of the country. As at all the countrys 39 public universities, these official job loss figures do not count the far greater number of casual and fixed-term workers who have been laid-off. Universities Australia, the employers organisation, last month said 17,300 full-time equivalent jobs had been abolished in 2020, but the real figure is close to the NTEUs previous estimate of up to 90,000. This is part of an international assault on the jobs and conditions of university workers and students. The United States Department of Labor published a report last month that said US colleges and universities had cut a total of 650,000 jobs since February 202013 percent of all US higher education workersranging from professors to food service employees. The NTEU, like the education trade unions in the US and elsewhere, has systematically suppressed resistance to this escalating offensive. At the start of the pandemic, the NTEU offered employers wage cuts of up to 15 percent, supposedly as a job protection scheme, but nevertheless said it would accept thousands of redundancies. When outraged university workers objected, rejecting the unions betrayal, some university employers pulled out of that national deal, concerned that the NTEU could not enforce it against its members. But the NTEU then proceeded to strike similar agreements with individual universities, bulldozing them through despite members discontent. The NTEUs response to last weeks Macquarie announcement was typical. Michael Thomson, the unions New South Wales state secretary said: We call on the university management to sit down and negotiate with the union over alternative measures. If the management doesnt have the decency to negotiate, then we will fight these callous job cuts. That is, the NTEUs only concern is to retain its position at the bargaining table. Talk of fighting the cuts is for PR purposes only, both to placate members anger and convince management to keep engaging the unions services as the police force best equipped to impose the cuts. Likewise, the Liberal-National Coalition governments latest edict on tying research funding to commercialisation and the national interest is only possible because of the NTEUs long record of collaboration with the employers and governments. Having deliberately starved the universities of funding throughout the pandemic, the government is now seizing on the crisis to intensify its corporate strategy. In a speech at the University of Melbourne last Friday, Education Minister Alan Tudge declared: We want academics to become entrepreneurs, taking their ideas from the lab to the market. Tudge said the current funding model, where an average 25 percent of universities revenue relied on international students, had not only been disrupted by COVID-19 but was not sustainable beyond the pandemic. Instead, universities would be funded to help us build our sovereign capabilities. Tudge said this great national project included developing medical capacities, such as vaccine production, but extended to security, manufacturing and energy. These remarks, coming on top of the governments recent overturning of research grants that would allegedly benefit China, point to the growing integration of the universities into preparations for a US war against China to maintain Washingtons post-World War II hegemony. Opposition Labor Party education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek made it clear that her party agrees with this agenda. Her only criticism was that the governments research support had come too late for thousands of university staff who lost their jobs in 2020. With the help of the NTEU and other education trade unions, Liberal-National and Labor governments alike have implemented decades of market-driven education reforms. The last Greens-backed Labor government lifted caps on student enrolments and cut tertiary funding by $2.7 billion in 2013, forcing universities to constantly fight each other for enrolments, particularly from full-fee paying international students. Labors market-style education revolution was endorsed and policed by the NTEU, underlining its own commitment to meeting the strategic, vocational and profit-making demands of the Australian capitalist class. CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI -- Charges have been filed against a 14-year-old girl related to the killing of her 65-year-old grandmother. According to the Associated Press, the girls mental health and abilities to understand the proceedings will be measured before the case moves forward. The grandmother was found stabbed to death in her Canton Township home last Monday and police arrested the 14-year-old at a motel in Southgate that same day. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy described the victim as a nurse who was raising her granddaughter. Our prayers go out to her son and family. The teen was charged in the case Saturday and if convicted, a judge would have the option of sentencing her as an adult or as a juvenile or as a combination of both, according to Worthys office. READ MORE: Assault suspect found hiding in hunters tree stand after police chase One dead in hit and run outside Plymouth, officials say Two people, dog rescued after falling through ice near Cadillac By Abhirup Roy MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's market regulator proposed on Monday tighter eligibility and appointment rules for of listed companies, a move seen aimed at protecting minority investors. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed that if listed in India wish to appoint or remove they should require the "dual approval" of shareholders and a majority of the company's minority investors. If either of the requirements are not met, a new person will not be appointed and existing can't be removed, said in its proposal, which is open for public consultation until April 1. The proposal may be revised after receives public feedback, and there is no clear timeline on its implementation. Currently, only a 51% shareholder approval is required for appointing or removing such directors in most cases, and no separate sign-off is needed from minority investors. The current process gives a company's promoters, or main backers, "significant influence" on the appointment and removal of independent directors and undermines independent directors' ability to take differing views from promoters, said in its proposal. The need for independent directors and diverse board views came under the spotlight after Indian conglomerate Tata Group fired its chairman Cyrus Mistry in 2016, and removed a board member who supported him. "This would mean more rights to minority investors, better disclosures and also responsibility for promoters," said Sumit Agrawal, a partner at Regstreet Law Advisors and former SEBI official. SEBI's proposal also stipulates that a former employee of an Indian group company cannot be appointed as an independent director at any entity within the same group if he left the group company less than three years previously. There was "a need to further strengthen the independence of independent directors and enhance their effectiveness in protection of the interest of the minority shareholders," SEBI said. (Reporting by Abhirup Roy; Editing by Aditya Kalra and Susan Fenton) (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.) United Airlines said on Monday that it was adding 25 planes to its order for Boeings 737 Max jet, bringing its total to 180 in the coming years, and that it had sped up the delivery timeline as it seeks to position itself for the expected recovery in travel. The expanded order is the latest show of confidence in the plane, which has just begun to fly again after two crashes led to a worldwide grounding for almost two years. It is also good news for Boeing, which is working to move past the Max crisis and, more recently, engine troubles aboard some of its 777 planes. These new aircraft are going to allow us to be more competitive, said Andrew Nocella, Uniteds chief commercial officer. Its the right aircraft at the right time. United plans to use the jet throughout North America and in Hawaii, replacing smaller planes as demand returns, Mr. Nocella said. It is also more fuel efficient than its predecessors, an important benefit for the airline as it seeks to reduce its carbon footprint. And the plane will help United restart its strategy of strengthening connections at hub airports in the middle of the country, in Houston, Chicago and Denver, he said. Abuse allegations against New Hampshire's state-run youth detention center now span six decades, with 150 staffers accused of physically or sexually harming 230 children at a facility the victims' attorney calls a "magnet for predators." Rus Rilee sued the state in January 2020 on behalf of three dozen adults who alleged they were abused as children at the Youth Development Center in Manchester between 1982 and 2014. He now represents 230 clients who say they were abused between 1963 and 2018, when they were ages 7 to 18. As the number of years, accusers and alleged perpetrators has swelled, so, too, has the sickening nature of the allegations. While details beyond the updated number of accusers and time span aren't included in latest court documents, Rilee plans to add his clients' accounts to the complaint and described them to The Associated Press: Of the 150 accused staffers, more than half are accused of sexual abuse, Rilee said. Children were gang raped by counselors, beaten while being raped and forced to sexually abuse each other, he said. Some ended up with sexually transmitted diseases; one ended up pregnant. Staff members choked children, beat them unconscious, burned them with cigarettes and broke their bones, Rilee said. Counselors set up "fight clubs" and forced kids to compete for food. Children were locked in solitary confinement for weeks or months, sometimes shackled or strapped naked to their beds. Kept away from classrooms while their injuries healed, some can't read or write today, he said. "These broken, shattered children were then unleashed into society with no education, no life skills and no ability to meaningfully function," said Rilee. Rilee said most of his clients have spoken to state police as part of a broad criminal investigation the state launched in 2019. State officials declined to comment on the new allegations, and it's unclear how far up the chain of command knowledge of the alleged abuse traveled over the years. But the lawsuit alleges that some supervisors were themselves abusers and that other staffers looked the other way. "The systemic, governmental child abuse that occurred was allowed to occur because there wasn't sufficient oversight, and the state was institutionally negligent in their hiring, training, supervision and retention polices," Rilee said. "It's pretty clear to me that this facility was a magnet for predators." The Manchester facility, now called the Sununu Youth Services Center after former Gov. John H. Sununu, serves children ordered to a secure institutional setting by the juvenile justice system. The average population last year was just 17 residents, though it once housed upward of 100 youths. One man who spent two years at the facility in the late 2000s alleges that he was sexually assaulted by two staffers more than half a dozen times, was beaten by six staff members at once and often locked in his room for a week at a time. Now 28, he said he has been in and out of the criminal justice system most of his life, and has struggled with depression, strained relationships and a warped sense of socially acceptable behavior. "The kids that don't have it good in there, we don't come out good," he said. "It takes a part of you. The worthlessness you feel afterwards. 'Am I good enough for people? Am I good enough for myself?'" Another man, now 29, spent more than a year at the center starting in 2007. He alleges he was beaten several times and sexually assaulted by three different staff members dozens of times, including an incident he says was recorded on a perpetrator's cell phone. After years of substance abuse, he has been clean for seven months, but nightmares and other PTSD symptoms continue. "I re-live it a lot. Every night, every other night, it never stops," he said. Neither of them have any records of their time at the center, though they said they have requested them and gave state police officers who interviewed them permission to do the same. The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been victims of sexual assault, unless they go public, like the lawsuit's lead plaintiff, David Meehan. Meehan, 39, went to police in 2017 with allegations of abuse from the 1990s. In July 2019, two of his former counselors were charged with 82 counts of rape, and the attorney general's office launched a broader criminal investigation into the center's operations and employees from 1990 to 2000. Those charges were dropped last March, when the office announced it was devoting "an unprecedented allocation" of resources to an expanded investigation, including assigning 10 state police troopers to a task force. Meanwhile, the state has been granted several extensions in responding to the lawsuit, and as recently as January, said in court documents that the parties were "in discussions aimed at narrowing or resolving the matters in issue in this case." But earlier this month, the state filed a motion to dismiss the case, in part because it said the case didn't meet the criteria for a class action suit. A spokesperson for the agency that oversees the youth center referred questions to the attorney general's office, which declined to comment on the new allegations or the lawsuit. Instead, acting Attorney General Jane Young provided a brief written statement about the task force investigation, saying it "remains active and ongoing." "There are dedicated prosecutors in the Attorney General's Office as well as investigators from New Hampshire State Police who are working daily on this investigation," she said. "The investigation will follow the evidence wherever it leads." n a recent interview, Meehan said he has been frustrated by the pace of the legal process but understands it will take time. He said he has grown stronger every day, in part because he has inspired others to come forward, including the two who spoke to the AP. "It's heart-warming in a way to know that I helped these other people find the strength to be able to speak the truth about their experience," he said. "But at the same time, it hurts in a way that I can't explain, knowing that so many other people were exposed to the same types of things that I was." Meehan said he has no regrets about speaking out. "I can't allow the abuse that I endured to be what destroys my life anymore," he said. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Forced Reps for Greater Muscle Growth | MD Training Presented by Beyond Raw Written by Team MD 01 March 2021 Forced Reps for Greater Muscle Growth Muscles grow in response to time under tension, metabolic stress and muscle damage. Australian researchers Daniel Hackett and Theban Amirthalingam explained how forced reps could take athletes to the next level of intensity in their programs. The technique involves assistance with additional reps after the lifter has reached momentary muscular failure. Assistance might vary from the magic fingers (spotter puts fingers on the bar and the lifter magically completes the rep) to significant assistance, where the spotter does much of the work. Unfortunately, few studies have examined the effects of forced reps on muscle mass and strength. The technique increases the risk of overtraining and overuse injury. Strength guru Dan John, chosen by JMax Fitness as the most influential fitness professional in America, says, Everything works. Forced reps overload the muscles, so they will promote muscle mass and strength. Like any training method, dont overdo it. (Strength and Conditioning Journal, 37(5): 14-20) DISCUSS ON OUR FORUMS SUBSCRIBE TO MD TODAY GET OFFICIAL MD STUFF VISIT OUR STORE ALSO, MAKE SURE FOLLOW US ON: FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE When a lesbian couple in Philadelphia attended a Bethany information session on foster parenting in 2018, they were told this organization has never placed a child with a same-sex couple, one of the women told The Philadelphia Inquirer. They were eventually referred to another agency. Media reports prompted the city to suspend contracts with Bethanys local branch and Catholic Social Services, an agency with the same practice. Some faith-based agencies have challenged new requirements to work with gay clients in the courts. Catholic Social Services sued the City of Philadelphia over its contract suspension, a case that the Supreme Court heard in November. A ruling is expected by the end of June. Bethany, by contrast, has generally opted to comply. In Philadelphia, the branch changed its policy to work with gay parents, and the city restored its contract. That year, Bethanys national board passed a resolution granting local boards the authority to comply with state and local contract requirements. As of last year, the organization said, Bethany branches in 12 states were working with L.G.B.T.Q. families, although those changes were rarely publicized. I am disappointed in this decision, as are many, Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said in a statement on Monday. This move will harm already existing efforts to enable faith-based orphan care ministries to serve the vulnerable without capitulating on core Christian convictions, he added, referring to litigation like the case in Philadelphia. Bethanys new approach is something of a tightrope act: an attempt to establish a clear, consistent policy of inclusion that does not rattle its core constituencies, including the churches that are its primary venue for recruiting parents. The inclusivity resolution passed in January eliminated the 2007 position statement on marriage being between one man and one woman. But the new statement does not endorse same-sex relationships. The policy, which was quietly approved by its 14-member national board on Jan. 21, instead states that Christians of mutual good faith can reasonably disagree on various doctrinal issues, about which Bethany does not maintain an organizational position. The boards vote was unanimous, but internal discussions have prompted a few board members to depart since 2018, according to Nathan Bult, Bethanys senior vice president for public and government affairs. He emphasized that the current board included members with diverse personal views on sexuality. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. More recent awards for Hutchison include Crains Detroit Business Notable Women in STEM in 2019, which was granted in recognition of her efforts to promote the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies within Michigans manufacturing sector. Automation Alley, an Industry 4.0 knowledge center and World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB), is pleased to announce that Vice President Cynthia Hutchison has been invited to speak at the international Professional Womens Network (PWN|Global) Summit: Celebrating Inspirational Women, which will be held on March 8 beginning at 11 a.m. EST (17:00 CET). Eighteen international cities in the PWN are collaborating on the virtual global event, which will highlight the importance of challenging the status quo, in celebration of international womens day. Hutchison will be presenting alongside such luminaries as Mary Robinson, the first female President of Ireland, Roberta Metsola, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Cecilia Ronan, CEO of Citibank Europe, and many other women of achievement. Hutchisons presentation is scheduled for 12:58 EST (18:58 CET). In Pushing Rocks Uphill, she will share her unlikely and unexpected professional journey from a successful early sales career in the burgeoning telecommunications field to global advocate for advanced manufacturing for Automation Alley and the World Economic Forum. In between, she founded Band of Angels, an international outreach organization dedicated to helping individuals with Down syndrome reach their full potential. The organization, established after her son, Jordan, was born with Down syndrome, propelled Hutchison to national prominence as a champion for advancing individuals with Down syndrome and other cognitive impairments. Because of her work with Band of Angels, Hutchison was appointed by both Republican and Democratic Michigan Governors to serve on non-partisan commissions for inclusion, and was named a Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News in 2007 and one of Womans Day Magazines Women Who Inspire Us in 2006. More recent awards for Hutchison include Crains Detroit Business Notable Women in STEM in 2019, which was granted in recognition of her efforts to promote the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies within Michigans manufacturing sector. Accustomed to playing multiple roles simultaneously, Hutchison develops and maintains strong relationships with corporate leaders, elected officials, and strategic partners in the U.S. and abroad, including serving as Automaton Alleys Advanced Manufacturing Hub liaison with the World Economic Forum. A Pittsburgh native, Hutchison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Allegheny College. There is no charge for PWN|Global members to attend the 2.5-hour livestream event; non-member cost is 30 euros, or approximately $36. To register, or for more information, visit the PWN Vienna website. About the PWN|Global - Professional Womens Network PWN|Global is a global network of people accelerating gender balanced leadership in business and society through professional development and international, cross-industry, online and in-person networking. Learn more at https://pwnglobal.net/. About Automation Alley Automation Alley is a World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB) and a nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus. We facilitate public-private partnerships by connecting industry, education and government to fuel Michigan's economy and accelerate innovation. Our programs give businesses a competitive advantage by helping them along every step of their digital transformation journey. We obsess over disruptive technologies like AI, the Internet of Things and automation, and work hard to make these complex concepts easier for companies to understand and implement. The mission of Automation Alley is to help businesses stay in business by equipping them with the necessary knowledge to leverage the intersections of advanced technologies, systems and people to jumpstart or accelerate a digital path to strategic success. ### Pakistan's landmark, new deal with for liquefied natural gas at lower rates will save Islamabad a total of about $3 billion over the next 10 years, an adviser to the country's prime minister said on Monday. The agreement, signed last Friday, will save the state $317 million annually due to the reduced price of the gas compared to the 2015 agreement between the two countries, according to Nadeem Babar, Prime Minister Imran Khan's adviser on petroleum. This "will result in the lowering of the overall cost of liquefied natural gas" imported from Qatar, Babar said. Under the agreement, which comes into effect in January 2022, will import liquefied natural gas or LNG from at a reduced price of about 31 per cent, compared to the previous agreement signed in 2015 for 15 years. At the time, Islamabad's agreeing to pay a higher price had drawn criticism from experts. Many Pakistanis have been rallying, angry over long power cuts in the summer and shortages of natural gas in winter, to demand an uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas. Khan's government has said it was trying its best to overcome an energy shortfall through different measures. Pak-Iran-Turkey freight train to start from Mar 4 The Istanbul-Islamabad freight train is likely to resume operations this week after a gap of nine years, connecting three countries Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, according to a media report. The train will start from Istanbul on March 4 and arrive in Islamabad after 12 days. "We have been informed by the quarters concerned that the container train would start its journey from Istanbul (Turkey) for Islamabad (Pakistan) via Zahidan on March 4. (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.) 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 Haiti - News : Zapping... End of the run for 7 escapees Saturday February 27, following the escape of more than 400 inmates from Croix-des-Bouquets prison on February 25 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33115-haiti-flash-arnel-joseph-killed-more-than-400-detainees-on-the-run-at-least-25-dead.html the National Police of Croix-des-Bouquets took back 7 escapees, 1 prisoner died in hospital as a result of his injuries. The opposition joins the protestant march Sunday February 28 in Port-au-Prince, the radical opposition joined the great peaceful march of the Protestant sector of Haiti (several thousand participants) to demand the departure of Jovenel Moise from power and say no to insecurity, to kidnappings and the "dictatorial tendency" of the Head of State. CSPN meeting Sunday Joseph Jouthe chaired a meeting of the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN). The fight against kidnapping, organized crime and organized crime are the main points on the agenda. NOTICE : Training for the disabled, Registration open The Office of the Secretary of State [Soinette Desir] for the Integration of People with Disabilities (BSEIPH) is notifying the general public and people with disabilities in particular, of the launch of a new training session for the benefit of 60 people with disabilities. This training concerns : repair of cell phones, tablets and laptops, computer graphics and Webdesign. Entries are received Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until March 5, 2021. Online registration : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSct9FtDBPUcRzQTss_LO-jPQbBy2lH354lw0iVtkh9OfAw4MQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0wbtJaNhmefvYjdHTXYImbNmTRnqg0ETkso4T_8ExaZo0AiRzOz00FzDw Important : Online registration must be completed by submitting, to BSEIPH, a valid identity document and proof of education above the 9th fundamental year. March : Musical tank accident, several victims "I was informed of the accident of a musical float which animated the march of the protestant sector on Sunday February 28th. Victims among the participants were identified. I deplore this tragedy and present my sympathies to their loved ones. I stand alongside Haitians, in good times and in bad times," President Jovenel Moise Solar energy is coming to CLACs On Friday February 26, the Dessalines Reading and Cultural Animation Center (CLAC) received its new solar energy system with a view to fully relaunching its activities. The day before, the Saint-Michel CLAC received the same equipment. Carried out under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture, the DNL and the OIF, this initiative is part of the process of revitalizing the activities of the CLACs. HL/ HaitiLibre He said that the party is strengthening its social media presence in Telangana, where the BJP has emerged as an alternative to TRS. (Representational image) KARIMNAGAR: BJP social media activists must take all welfare schemes introduced by the Union Government to the public and give befitting replies to opposition parties that are maligning the image of the Centre, stated the partys social media state convenor, Venkataramana here on Sunday. He regretted that several mainstream media organisations were following the diktat of some political parties and wilting under pressure. Stating that in the given circumstances, social media was a viable alternative, he said that the BJP social media team has been giving unbiased information. Many people have faith in their social media posts and updates, across platforms. He said that the party is strengthening its social media presence in Telangana, where the BJP has emerged as an alternative to TRS. It is the responsibility of the partys social media activists to explain to the people about developmental activities of the BJP government. Venkataramana lamented that when the world was lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition parties were resorting to mud-slinging. Party leaders Krishna Reddy, Thallapally Srinivas, Vasudeva Reddy, Dubala Srinivas, Sai Kumar, Naveen, Lokesh, Sudhakar, Jakku Raju were present on the occasion. President Biden must hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally accountable for approving the 2018 assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Anything less that direct, severe sanctions against the crown prince would send the message to other tyrants around the world that they can jail or even kill dissidents and journalists without real fear of retribution from the new U.S. administration. A new U.S. intelligence report on the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi has posed an immediate test to Bidens previous statements of deep concern about human rights abuses and political repression in Saudi Arabia. The report, released Friday, spelled out in plain terms what had been suspected from the start: The crown prince personally approved the operation by his henchmen to kill Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. The Trump administration, which had a cozy relationship with the Saudi leader before and after the killing, had blocked the release of the report. The 35-year-old crown princes friendship with Trump son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner who called Mohammed a very good ally who had made an unspecified couple of missteps epitomized the see-no-evil approach of the past four years. There is no question that Biden faces a difficult decision in whether to directly confront the leader of a country that is critical to U.S. interests in Mideast oil and counterterrorism. But the U.S. alliance is also important to the Saudis and it should not be unconditional. It must not include a license to kill with impunity. The Biden administrations initial response is not encouraging. The message to the crown prince should have been emphatic. Instead, it was tenuous. The State Department announced that 76 Saudi citizens would be denied U.S. visas and the Treasure Department imposed sanctions on Ahmed al-Assiri, deputy chief of Saudi intelligence who was implicated but later exonerated in a closed-door trial for a role in the Khashoggi killing. However, the administration stopped short of taking action against the crown prince. The relationship with Saudi Arabia is bigger than any one individual, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday. Biden had hinted that more actions may be coming Monday. His options against the crown prince under U.S. law would include a freezing of assets and a ban on travel to this country. Biden should impose these measures to send an unmistakable message that the United States will no longer tolerate the silencing of a free press anywhere in the world. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 73F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. WPT Russia: 19-Year-Old Sekretarev Wins Main Event March 01, 2021 Mo Nuwwarah Sochi, Russia continues to be one of the few bastions for big-time live poker, and that continued this weekend with the conclusion of World Poker Tour Russia, which ran at Casino Sochi in conjunction with partypoker LIVE. The 245,000 (~$3,300) Main Event was captured by Maksim Sekretarev, a little-known name due to his young age of 19. Despite the tender age, Sekretarev does have some experience and comfort live, having racked up around $20K in cashes previously at Sochi, and he's now got a big score of about $160K and a WPT title to go with that. Official Final Table Results Place Player Home Country Prize 1 Maksim Sekretarev Russia 11,996,600 (~$160,000) 2 Andrey Volkov Russia 7,998,200 (~$107,000) 3 Ravil Khamatgareev Russia 5,840,450 (~$78,000) 4 Vladimir Bozinovic Serbia 4,325,650 (~$57,000) 5 Vanush Mnatsakanyan Russia 3,249,750 (~$43,000) 6 Sergey Bobrik Russia 2,477,300 (~$33,000) Sochi drew its typical Russia-heavy field, and of the 251 entries, 32 were paid, including the likes of Andrey Kotelnikov and Aleksandr Merzhvinskiy. Another notable, Maksim Pisarenko, reached the precipice of the official final table. However, after his king-jack made inferior two pair to the ace-jack of Sekretarev, according to the live updates, Pisarenko was left short and wound up bubbling in seventh place when Sekretarev finished him off. Sekretarev Dominant Early Play was sure to be fast-paced with only about 200 blinds in play to start the following day's final table, so it was no surprise that it wrapped in about three hours. Sekretarev began the day with the chip lead at 67 big blinds with only one other player, Ravil Khamatgareev, above 25. Sekretarev flexed his stack early on and his aggression paid off when he three-bet jammed from the small blind against a button open, only to run into the pocket nines of Sergey Bobrik in the big blind. Bobrik couldn't fade it as a king flopped and he bowed out in sixth. Moments later, Sekretarev followed by busting Vanush Mnatsakanyan with over , and that gave him more than half of the chips in play. The hot run continued as Sekretarev three-outed Vladimir Bozinovic blind versus blind, taking his last crumbs by spiking a wheel on the river with king-five. Three-Handed Swings Andrey Volkov had by far the shortest stack three-handed, but he managed to make a run and make things interesting despite the best efforts of Khamatgareev and Sekretarev. He doubled several times, including once with against Sekretarev's pocket kings, running out a straight to beat Sekretarev's flopped set. Khamatgareev managed to grab the chip lead for a bit, but the short-stack doubles and big swings continued, and Volkov even moved into the lead at a point. Such was the nature of play by that point that Khamatgareev was back in the lead only to bust in third less than 10 minutes later when a decisive flip went to Sekretarev, his ace-queen pairing up to beat Khamatgareev's jacks. That gave Sekretarev a pretty big lead heads up and it wasn't long before a trap paid off as he limp-called and won unimproved against Volkov, who shoved with . Prostorov Takes High Roller There was also some high-stakes action in Sochi with the 388,000 (~$5,200) High Roller drawing 80 entries. One of the more recognizable names in the modern high-roller scene online, Artur Martirosian, would make a run to the final table. However, he ran into a bit of a cooler when he made aces up only to fall to the bottom set of Stefan Prostorov to be relegated to a third-place finish worth about $50,000. That left Prostorov heads up with Timur Musagambetov and Prostorov would prevail for about $112K, more than doubling his career live cashes. Place Player Home Country Prize 1 Stefan Prostorov Russia 8,323,000 (~$112,000) 2 Timur Musagambetov Kazakhstan 5,548,900 (~$75,000) 3 Artur Martirosian Russia 3,699,150 (~$50,000) 4 Vasiliy Kurdin Russia 2,570,750 (~$35,000) 5 Aleksey Savenkov Russia 1,865,500 (~$25,000) 6 Vitaliy Strelchenok Russia 1,416,450 (~$19,000) Other Side Event Winners Event Winner Prize 57,750 WPT Opener Artur Martirosian 3,063,200 (~$41,000) 38,300 NLHE KO Bounty Vyacheslav Medvedev 461,650 (~$6,200) 15,400 NLHE (Ladies) Alena Belousova 120,750 (~$1,600) 57,750 NLHE Super Bounty Maksim Pisarenko 418,390 (~$5,600) 30,800 NLHE Big Stack Turbo Lidiia Beliaeva 680,400 (~$9,000) 77,000 NLHE Big Stack Anatoly Nikitin 1,453,270 (~$19,000) 38,500 NLHE Turbo Super Bounty Konstantin Generalov 473,550 (~$6,400) 77,000 WPT Closer Mikhail Zavoloka 3,515,400 (~$47,000) 30,800 PLO Andrey Zakharov 369,250 (~$5,000) 38,500 NLHE Turbo Bounty Denis Vladimirov 435,400 (~$5,800) 38,500 NLHE Bounty Hunter Dmitriy Gnusaev 431,900 (~$5,800) 38,500 PLO Bounty Ilyaz Dosikov 194,250 (~$2,600) Photos courtesy of WPT Bunzl saw a jump in revenue and profit during the Covid-19 crisis as it was able to switch away from some of the business areas that were hardest hit (John Stillwell/PA) Outsourcing giant Bunzl saw a jump in revenue and profit during the Covid-19 crisis as it was able to switch away from some of the business areas that were hardest hit and help supply firms in their fight against the pandemic. The company said pre-tax profits leapt 22.6% to 555.7 million on revenue of 10.1 billion, up 8.4%. In Europe, the companys performance has been very strong, with revenue growing by 15.1% on the continent, which provides a fifth of the companys total revenue. In France, Bunzl is more focused on the cleaning & hygiene and safety sectors, so it was boosted by Covid, while it was helped by high sales of personal protection equipment in the Netherlands. We were able to offset the negative impact that restrictions had on many of our customers businesses Frank van Zanten, Bunzl Chief executive Frank van Zanten said: As a result of our extensive supply chains and our Asia sourcing and auditing operation, we were able to quickly source and deliver significant quantities of quality-assured Covid-19 related products, such as gloves and masks. Consequently, we were able to offset the negative impact that restrictions had on many of our customers businesses, particularly in the food service and retail sectors. Bunzls business in Ireland, which leans more towards the food service sector, was significantly affected, the company said. Organic revenue grew by 2.6% in the UK and Ireland, which together make up 13% of the groups revenue. Profits in the Americas, which makes up 58% of Bunzls revenue, rose 1%. The company, which has committed to paying back furlough money it claimed to keep its staff on the books, said it has hired many new employees, increasing its headcount by 5% during the year to around 20,000. Bunzl also spent 445 million on acquisitions, the second highest in the companys history. It bought eight companies last year. Although the business has managed to benefit from parts of the Covid-19 crisis, it feels ready for a swing away from the pandemic. We anticipate that the recovery in sales of other products, as restrictions ease, will broadly offset the decline of smaller Covid-19 related orders, with recent acquisitions making an increasing contribution to the groups performance, Mr van Zanten said. Looking ahead, we also expect future growth to be supported by enhanced hygiene trends and our differentiated offering of sustainable and responsible solutions. Presidential candidate aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Joe Ghartey has attended the one-week observation of the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Railways Development Authority (GRDA), Richard Dombo. Hon. Ghartey, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region, attended the one-week observation together with his wife, lawyer Efua Ghartey Esq. and his team, at the Christ the King Parish Hall in Accra on Saturday, February 27, 2021. It would be recalled that Hon. Ghartey, a former Minister of Railways Development during whose tenure the late Dombo served as CEO of GRDA, had earlier visited the family at their Airport Hills residence in Accra on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, to mourn with them. Accompanying Hon. Ghartey during the visit were Mrs. Ghartey, Eva Otchere, Akosua Poku, Kwabena Osei Bonsu, Seth Owusu Marfo, and Regan Gyamfi. Before he visited the family on February 24 and the one-week observation, Hon. Ghartey had written a touching tribute to Mr. Dombo with whom he had a great working relationship. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The only thing more precious than little Mahinarangi Tautu might be her name but try telling her teachers that. The five-year-old's traditional name, which means 'moon in the sky', was shortened to just 'Rangi' by daycare teachers who found it 'too hard to pronounce'. When the child from Palmerston North on the North Island of New Zealand was old enough to attend school she became the centre of ridicule despite having one of the most beautiful names in the world. The girl's upset mother Paris said cruel students laughed at her daughter's name and didn't even bother to try and pronounce it which left her embarrassed. Mahinarangi is now so distraught by the bullying she doesn't try to correct someone when they mispronounce her name. Mahinarangi Tautu had her name shortened to just 'Rangi' by daycare teachers in Palmerston North on the North Island of New Zealand Her upset mother Paris said other school children laughed at her daughter's name and didn't even bother to try and pronounce it 'Can you imagine your child being too embarrassed to say their name because people won't make a decent effort to pronounce it properly?' Ms Tautu said. 'I am sad that in 2021, in Aotearoa, a five-year-old girl has lost the pride that comes with her beautiful name.' Ms Tautu said the name Mahinarangi had been passed down through several generations and holds immense significance to the family. 'Mahinarangi is a prominent tupuna in my iwi. I have taught my daughter the meaning of her name and how much mana it has,' Ms Tautu said. 'I tell her to be strong and proud just like her tupuna was.' The mother-of-one said she used to live in Australia but moved to New Zealand when she found out she was pregnant. 'I wanted my daughter to be surrounded by her own culture and not have to worry about things like this!' she said. Ms Tautu went out of her way to tell the teachers at her daughter's daycare how to pronounce Mahinarangi. 'When I went to pick her up one day I heard her being told off because a teacher was calling her 'Rangi' and she wasn't responding,' she said. Ms Tautu says she moved her daughter to a preschool, which has been very supportive 'She was two and had no idea who Rangi was. I pulled her out the same week.' Ms Tautu says she moved her daughter to a preschool, which has been very supportive. She said she has also helped her daughter to overcome any embarrassment and to not be afraid to correct her peers. 'I have taught her to break down her name into single syllables to educate people and help them with correct pronunciation,' she said. 'She feels a sense of pride when people give it a go.' 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. Park Joong-ho, McKinsey & Company partner Top-tier consultancy hires mid-tier one's former country manager By Park Jae-hyuk McKinsey & Company has hired the former country manager of Oliver Wyman in an apparent effort to entice the customers of the mid-tier consultancy, which decided late last year to cease operations here due to deteriorating revenue. According to industry sources, Monday, former Oliver Wyman Korea head Park Joong-ho joined McKinsey's Seoul office as a partner in February. He updated his profile recently on LinkedIn, a U.S. social media portal used mainly for professional networking and job seeking. Although McKinsey has yet to upload his profile on its official website, a source familiar with this issue said the management consulting firm will soon announce the hire, after holding an official partner meeting. Park worked for 15 years at Oliver Wyman which provides specialist consulting services to banks and financial services firms. He also worked briefly as an equity research assistant at UBS and ABN AMRO Bank before joining the consulting firm in 2006. Considering his career, it is anticipated the new McKinsey partner will help attract domestic financial companies as new clients. "McKinsey Korea will likely enhance its capabilities in financial sector consulting," an industry source said on condition of anonymity. After opening an office here in the early 2000s, Oliver Wyman helped Shinhan and KB Kookmin banks upgrade their key performance indicators in 2004 and in 2013, respectively and gave advice to domestic insurers including Samsung's financial services units. Many of its former consultants hold executive positions at local financial companies, such as Lotte Card that appointed former Oliver Wyman Korea head Cho Jwa-jin as CEO and Lotte Insurance that hired two of its former consultants as executives. Park could potentially make use of his personal networks to link McKinsey with the companies that worked with Oliver Wyman or to hire its former consultants. Industry officials, however, said better industry insights will be necessary for McKinsey to embrace Oliver Wyman's clients here, as more domestic financial firms are cutting their reliance on foreign consultancies in an apparent measure to save money. The think tanks of the nation's leading banking groups have already developed expertise by hiring outside experts. Shinhan Financial Group employed former Bain & Company senior global director Sunny Yi in 2018 to lead its Future Strategy Research Institute. After Yi was appointed CEO of Shinhan DS in 2019, former Samsung Economic Research Institute Vice President Lee Keon-hyok succeeded him. KB Research, a think tank of KB Financial Group, is led by former Shinhan executive Cho Young-suh, who started his career as a finance ministry official and went on to work for McKinsey and Bain as a consultant in charge of financial firms' growth strategies and digitization. According to industry officials, Oliver Wyman failed to give useful advice to Korean financial institutions, due to its limited international networks. McKinsey seems to be attempting to dispel such worries and win the hearts of domestic financial companies by offering various case studies of exemplary global enterprises in terms of digitization and organizational reforms. She's currently working on her own swimwear line. And Love Island 2017 star Montana Brown, 25, looked incredible when she stepped out wearing one of her own designs on the beach in Barbados on Monday. The stunner wore a light blue one piece which was belted at the waist and strapless in design. Looking good: Love Island's Montana Brown showed off her incredible body in a blue belted strapless swimsuit as she walked along the beach in Barbados on Monday There was a cut-out at the cleavage which flashed a little more skin as she strolled along the golden sandy beach at St. Peter's Parish. She wore her raven locks piled high on her head and balanced her sunglasses on top before walking along the water's edge. Montana's outing comes after fellow Love Islander Amy Hart defended influencers sharing sun-drenched snaps from Dubai while the UK was in lockdown. Cute: There was a cut-out at the cleavage which flashed a little more skin as she strolled along the golden sandy beach at St. Peter's Parish Backward glance: She got an admiring look from an passer by as she continued on her way but didn't seem to notice The former Love Island star, 28, has insisted that being an influencer is a 'credible' line of work and described it as a new form of advertising. Amy pointed out that she did not go to Dubai during lockdown and as a result, her social media content was not as entertaining as those who did. According to The Mirror, she said: 'Influencing is a credible and valid job. People say we contribute nothing to society: look at my tax return. 'It's a new form of advertising. If someone said they worked in advertising and they had to go to Dubai, you wouldnt bat an eyelid. Glam: Montana wore her raven locks piled high on her head and balanced her sunglasses on top before walking along the water's edge 'I didn't go to Dubai, and as a result, my content isn't as good as the people who did go. As a result, I'm not as good at my job.' Montana has been busy keeping her fans supplied with sun-soaked bikini snaps while working in the Caribbean hotspot over the past three months. And she was at it again on Wednesday as she took to Instagram to share a sizzling swimwear snap from Barbados. Writing a heartfelt caption, she said: 'Manifesting my life and my future. 'Really looking into learning more about spirituality and being more open minded in my life. I've never felt more grateful, confident and content.' Work it: Montana also took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a sizzling swimwear snap from Barbados as she continues to work in the Caribbean hotspot 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. Highlights The Redmi Note 10 series to launch on March 4. The smartphone will get a 108-megapixel primary sensor. It will get a 5050mAh battery. Redmi's Note lineup has undoubtedly dominated the midrange segment since it first arrived. The smartphones under the Note moniker offer good hardware at really affordable pricing. We have already seen nine iterations of the Note lineup, and now the brand is gearing up for the tenth. With the launch date set to March 4, we are just a week away from the event. Ahead of the launch, several leaks and reports have popped up to provide the ins and outs of this upcoming lineup. We've already done a couple of stories detailing the Redmi Note 10 lineup. We decided to bring the most affordable device from the upcoming lineup (supposedly), i.e. Redmi Note 10, to the spotlight. We have gathered quite a decent chunk of information about the upcoming Redmi Note 10 to keep you updated. Hence, read this article to find out everything about this upcoming mid-ranger. Redmi Note 10 specs and features --Redmi has confirmed the Redmi Note 10 launch to take place on March 4, which is similar to Realme GT's launch date. The brand has also created an event page for the same. --Right of the bat, the upcoming Redmi Note 10 is getting a design refresh, as confirmed by the brand and a few pictures that surfaced online. This new design is being called "evol", which is akin to Xiaomi's flagship offering Mi 11. Photo Credit - Whylab, Redmi Note 10 rear design --From the pictures and videos leaked online, we know that the device will feature a rectangular camera module on the rear with a Redmi branding on the bottom left, which is starkly different from what we have had seen in the previous iteration. --That being said, another leaked image suggests that the Vanilla Redmi Note 10 will sport a circular camera module at the rear end with a Redmi branding on the bottom end. On the front, a punch-hole camera is placed to the top right of the display. Apart from this, it will feature a side-mounted finger scanner. --The vanilla Redmi Note 10 will get a 6,43 inch AMOLED panel with 60Hz refresh rate as the leaked retail box suggests. However, the display used might even receive support for up to 120Hz refresh rate. It's still unclear if all the models will ship with a 120Hz display. So we suggest you take this information with a pinch of salt. --Moreover, the device will get Gorilla Glass for protection on the front. Interestingly, it is also confirmed to get IP52 dust and water resistance, mostly missing from the budget segment devices. Redmi Note 10 leaked box and specs --Recently, Redmi cleared the air around the chipsets powering the upcoming lineup. The brand announced that all devices in the upcoming lineup would feature Qualcomm chipsets. As far as Redmi Note 10 is concerned, the device is expected to ship with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 678 SoC, the same chipset that powers the Poco X3. --The latest leak also helps us with the RAM and storage variants of this smartphone. The device will ship in at least two variants, one with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage and the other with 6GB RAM and 64GB onboard storage. Moreover, we can also expect the device to get a 6GB+128GB RAM and storage variant too. --Redmi's Note lineup has always brought improvements to the camera segment. Hence, the same is expected from the upcoming line up too. The previous iteration, i.e. the Redmi Note 9, shipped with a 48-megapixel quad camera setup. Further, the upcoming Redmi Note 10 lineup will sport a whopping 108-megapixel ISOCELL HM2 sensor, a leak suggests. The same leak also says that the device will get a telephoto lens for the first time, doubling as the macro sensor. --Now, Redmi has officially confirmed the existence of a 108-megapixel primary camera. In Addition to that, Xiaomi India Head, Manu Jain, took to Twitter to give us an exclusive look at the Redmi Note 10's retail box. The tweet further mentioned the 108-megaxpixel sensor too. --Apart from this, the upcoming Redmi Note 10 will ship with a 5050 with 22.5W fast charging support. The device is expected to have support for dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, IR Blaster, Type C, Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm jack in terms of connectivity. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 India launch Redmi Note 10 launch on 4th March The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is going official on March 4th 2020. The launch date was confirmed by Redmi itself, Also, Manu kumar Jain, Xiaomi head took to reveal the launch date and a few specs of the device. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 India price The Redmi Note 10 price is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 11,000 to Rs 16,000. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies with a few passing clouds. Low 53F. 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. The companys diamond core drilling at Golden Grove North will test priority zinc-copper-gold targets as delineated by the recently completed maiden drilling program and moving loop electromagnetic survey. ( ) ( ) has entered into an at-the-market subscription agreement (ATM) with Acuity Capital, providing the company with up to A$10 million of standby equity capital over the coming 28-month period. Importantly, VMS retains full control of all aspects of the subscription process including having sole discretion as to whether to utilise the ATM, the maximum number of shares to be issued, the minimum issue price of shares and the timing of each subscription (if any). ATM details There are no requirements on VMS to utilise the ATM and VMS may terminate the ATM at any time, without cost or penalty. Acuity Capital and the ATM do not place any restrictions at any time on VMS raising capital through other methods. If Venture Minerals does decide to utilise the ATM, the company is able to set an issue price floor (at its sole discretion), with the final issue price being calculated as the greater of that floor price set by VMS and a 10% discount to a Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) over a period of VMS's choosing (again at the sole discretion of VMS). As security for the ATM, VMS has agreed to place 50 million VMS shares from its LR7.1 capacity, at nil cash consideration to Acuity Capital. Venture Minerals may at any time cancel the ATM as well as buyback (and cancel) those shares for no cash consideration (subject to shareholder approval). Phase two drilling at Golden Grove North On February 23, the company started second phase exploration drilling at the Golden Grove North Project in Western Australia with diamond core drilling underway. The drill program will test priority zinc-copper-gold targets and follow-up results from reconnaissance-style drilling at the Orcus prospect and maiden drill holes testing several newly identified strong EM conductors situated along the 5-kilometre-long VMS target zone. A maiden drill program of three holes for 1,311 metres has also been completed at Kulin and this tested multiple gold targets beneath the broad mineralised trenches that returned intervals of up to 31 metres at 1.0 g/t gold and 20 metres at 0.6 g/t. By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Rockets have hit Iraqi cities and COVID-19 has flared,yet, barring last-minute changes, Pope Francis will embark on a whirlwind four-day trip starting on Friday to show solidarity with the country's devastated Christian community. Keen to get on the road again after the pandemic put paid to several planned trips, he convinced some perplexed Vatican aides that it is worth the risk and that, in any case, his mind was made up, three Vatican sources said. "He is itching to get back out on the road after such a long period," said one Vatican official. "Despite some misgivings, the general mood in here is that all systems are go." The March 5-8 trip will be Francis' first outside Italy since November 2019, when he visited Thailand and Japan. Four trips planned for 2020 were cancelled because of COVID-19. "He really feels that need to reach out to people on their home ground," said the official, a Vatican prelate who is familiar with Iraq and who spoke on condition of anonymity. Vatican officials and local Church leaders say they are satisfied that Iraqi forces will be able to provide adequate security for the pope and his entourage. "The pope knows where he is going. He is deliberately coming to an area marked by war and violence to bring a message of peace," Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil told reporters on a recent conference call. "The authorities are taking the pope's security very seriously, with 10,000 security personnel deployed for the purpose," he said. TRIP ELUDED OTHER POPES Conflict in Iraq, birthplace of the Prophet Abraham - who is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews - made a trip by Francis' predecessors elusive. But while wars have ended, violence continues. A twin suicide attack in Baghdad killed at least 32 people in January. The pope condemned the bombings. Last Monday, rockets hit Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, which hosts government buildings and foreign embassies. There were no casualties. Story continues Another shadow hanging over the trip is the coronavirus pandemic, which, along with security measures, will drastically limit the number of people who will see the pope in person. Officials banned most travel within provinces after more than 4,000 new cases were detected on Thursday, for a total of more than 600,000 cases so far. Francis, 84, has said it is important to make the trip even if most Iraqi Christians will see him only on television. "They will see the pope is there in their country," he told Catholic News Service last month, adding: "I am the pastor of people who are suffering," Several Vatican and Iraqi Church officials say they are doing everything possible to ensure that papal appearances do not turn out to be super-spreader events. The pope and his entourage, including the accompanying press corps, have been vaccinated. But most people who will attend papal events have not. A first batch of 50,000 doses is due to arrive in Iraq from China on Monday. SOCIALLY DISTANCED GATHERINGS Two gatherings at churches in Baghdad will be limited to about 100 people each, with social distancing and masks required. Up to 10,000 people will have numbered seats for a papal Mass in a stadium in Erbil that has a capacity of 30,000, and contact tracing will be possible if there is an outbreak, Warda said. Vatican and Iraqi planners of the trip got a sobering reminder of the spread of coronavirus in Iraq on Saturday when Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, the Vatican's ambassador there, said he had tested positive and had gone into self-isolation. Leskovar has been the key planner of the trip and he had been due to be at the pope's side throughout the visit. "This is not going to influence the popes program, which is going on as planned," Leskovar told Reuters. For security reasons and so as not to draw crowds, the pope will use a closed car and not a popemobile on the streets, a Vatican source said. (Additional reporting by Charlotte Bruneau and John Davison in Baghdad; Editing by Mike Collett-White) Published on 2021/03/01 | Source New poster added for the Korean documentary "Nepotism - The Story of Two Newspapers" "Nepotism - The Story of Two Newspapers" (2020) Directed by Kim Yong-jin-I, Park Joong-seok Synopsis "Chosun" and "Dong-A" themselves became power Their history must be reversed Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo, which celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2020, boasted that the past 100 years were a history of resisting Japanese colonial rule and resisting dictatorship. But are they really proud of their history? The Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo posted photos of the Japanese emperor and his wife on the front page of the newspaper every major anniversary of Japan's colonial rule on Japanese colonial era. The Chosun Ilbo was as loyal to the Japanese as it was to the authorities of the Japanese Government-General of Korea. However, the two newspapers have been claiming that they have resisted Japan since its liberation. Even under the dictatorship, the two newspapers were on the side of new power. They defended Park Chung-hee's May 16 military coup d'etat, Yushin Constitution, and the declaration of martial law. On the other hand, reporters who fought against the oppression of the media by the dictatorship kicked them out with disciplinary action and dismissal. Under Chun Doo-hwan's dictatorship, his flattery toward power in Joseon and East Asia has become even worse. While claiming Chun Doo-hwan as "a traitor of the new era" and "a leader of the new era", he accused the Gwangju Uprising of "violence" and "scheming of the rebellious". In an attempt to rectify the power of the media, the Roh Moo-hyun administration constantly attacked when they announced it would reform the vested media. What would the two newspapers, Chosun and Dong-A, look like in their 100th anniversary? The Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo owners have huge real estate holdings across the country. It is the fourth generation of media giants with dozens of affiliates. The government is also recklessly making money for various types of people who ignore journalistic ethics. They published a series of articles that destroyed readers' trust, wrote promotional articles with money from companies and pseudo-religious groups, and constantly ran advertisements for Liberation Day rallies by far-right groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 100 years of history of the Chosun Ilbo and the Dong-A Ilbo show that wrong press can be a social weapon. Release date in Korea : 2020/12/31 U.S. President Joe Biden provided an official explanation of the airstrike that targeted Iranian-backed fighters in eastern Syria, saying he was using his authority to deter attacks on U.S. and allied personnel in Iraq. Bidens letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Patrick Leahy, president pro tempore of the Senate, follows criticism by some Democrats of the circumstances of his first overt use of military force, about five weeks after taking office. Like a long line of his predecessors, Biden said he was informing Congress "consistent with" the War Powers Act, without acknowledging that he was required to do so. The president said he "directed this military action to protect and defend our personnel and our partners against these attacks and future such attacks" under his constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign policy and as commander in chief, according to the letter, which was released by the White House on Saturday. "Those non-state militia groups were involved in recent attacks against United States and Coalition personnel in Iraq," including a Feb. 15 attack in Erbil that wounded a U.S. service member and four U.S. contractors and killed a Filipino contractor, Biden wrote to Pelosi and Leahy. In his letter, Biden said he was acting under the U.S.s inherent right to self-defense reflected in the United Nations charter, Bloomberg reported. [March 01, 2021] Effissimo Releases Presentation Explaining Proposal to Appoint Independent Investigators at Toshiba Effissimo Capital Management ("Effissimo"), the largest shareholder of Toshiba (News - Alert) Corporation ("Toshiba") (TYO:6502) through the funds it manages, today released a presentation explaining the reasons behind its proposal for an independent investigation into reported irregularities surrounding Toshiba's July 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM"). Effissimo's proposal will be voted on by Toshiba's shareholders at an extraordinary shareholders meeting scheduled for March 18, 2021. The full proposal in English can be found here. Supplementing its letter to shareholders dated February 24, 2021, Effissimo's presentation explains its proposal for an independent investigation into the irregular handling of shareholder voting and shareholder pressure at the closely contested AGM, which Toshiba's conflicted Audit Committee's self-audit fails to address. The presentation provides data showing discrepancies in the claimed delivery times of mailed ballots said by Toshiba's vote tabulator to have been delivered past he AGM deadline and not counted. It also examines the artificially limited scope and conclusions of Toshiba's Audit Committee's investigations into shareholder pressure and vote tampering allegations. Finally, the presentation provides a detailed historical context of chronic governance and oversight dysfunction at Toshiba that has persisted despite the installation of new management in 2017. Vote Delivery & Tabulation Inexplicable Delay in Ballot Delivery: Effissimo's own field tests and review of other Japanese companies' AGMs confirm Japan Post, in accordance with its own service guidelines, normally takes at most three days to deliver domestic mail. But Toshiba's vote tabulator insists that it took four days, in breach of Postal Law, for ballots to be delivered. Uncounted Ballots: There are still nearly 1,000-but possibly more than 1,600-additionally reported ballots that have yet to be audited by the Audit Committee due to claims they were delivered too late to be counted. These ballots should have ordinarily arrived prior to the vote deadline, absent the inexplicable delay in ballot delivery. Treatment of Blank Ballots: Mailed ballots made up more than one-third of Toshiba's quorum at the AGM - a substantial portion of shareholder participation. Roughly 17% of ballots were blank, which Toshiba treated as favorable to management. While lawful, this is clearly an anti-dissident practice that Toshiba could have abandoned after a shareholder proposal in this regard back in 2015. Shareholder Pressure Decline in Shareholder Participation: In a closely contested vote that attracted intense interest and attention, participation at the AGM declined by three percentage points year-over-year, providing grounds for suspicion that voter suppression in fact occurred. Multiple Institutional Investors Absent from AGM: Credible media outlets have reported that shareholders were "pressured" and/or "threatened" with a probe if they voted against Toshiba management. Toshiba's voting records indicate that some institutional shareholders that normally vote as a matter of course did not vote at the AGM. Effissimo's confidential survey confirmed that multiple shareholders were pressured. Although it may appear complex, the heart of issue is simple. Effissimo believes there should be an independent investigation as opposed to a self-audit by a conflicted Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, chaired by a director whose reappointment was opposed by more than 40 percent of shareholders at the AGM, is conflicted and is naturally reticent to conduct an uninhibited investigation of possible wrongdoing at the AGM. This conflict manifests itself in the Audit Committee's reviews and investigations, which we suspect are deliberately limited in scope at the outset to produce a pre-determined result. The right to vote is what is at stake. Shareholders must not passively accept the Board's explanations at face value and allow the status quo of weak governance to persist. Failure to perform a thorough and independent investigation will set a harmful precedent not only for Toshiba but also for corporate Japan as a whole. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210228005077/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] GST Council to meet on May 28 amid COVID crisis: What to expect Centre sets up 8-member panel to examine need for exempting GST on Covid essentials No need to apologise to Goa people, spoke for their rights: TN Finance Minister Thiaga Rajan GST collection rises 7% to Rs 1.13 lakh crore in February India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 01: The gross GST revenue collected in the month of February 2021 is Rs 1.13 trillion, revealed the government data on Monday. Of the total gross collection, CGST is Rs 21,092 crore, SGST is Rs 27,273 crore, IGST is Rs 55,253 crore (including Rs 24,382 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is Rs 9,525 crore (including Rs 660 crore collected on import of goods). The collection is, however, lower than the record Rs 1,19,875 crore collected in the previous month. "In line with the trend of recovery in the GST revenues over past five months, the revenues for the month of February 2021 are 7 per cent higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year. "During the month, revenues from import of goods were 15 per cent higher and the revenues from the domestic transaction (including import of services) are 5 per cent higher than the revenues from these sources during the same month last year," the ministry said in a statement. Sinn Fein Councillor Pearse McGeough has described the Bank of Irelands decision to close their branch in Dunleer as a slap in the face to its customer in the area. Cllr McGeough said: Dunleer is progressive community with a strong industry base with a number of very successful community led initiatives that have worked hard to improve the quality of life for citizens and the loss of the Bank of Ireland branch in the area is a huge blow not only to those who reside in the village itself but also to the outlying surrounding areas. The Bank of Ireland announced the closure of 103 of its branches across Ireland with Dunleer the only branch in County Louth facing closure. Cllr McGeough said: I am very concerned at this particular closure because it is the older people who are once again going to suffer. "This pandemic has increased anxiety among our citizens and has highlighted the inequality in our society as businesses have been forced to go online while those who are not tech savvy or digitally minded have been left behind to fend for themselves. This is yet another example where big banks assume that everyone has a computer, knows how to use a computer, has a sufficient level of literary or has adequate broadband in this rural area. "This is a slap in the face for all those customers from the area that have been loyal for probably most of their lives and to make the decision in the middle of a Pandemic when people are already feeling isolated is unforgivable. I am calling on the Bank of Ireland to reverse this decision and think again about the effect it would have on their customers in Dunleer. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Doctorate in Psychology Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 183 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 183 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Doctorate in Psychology Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-doctorate-in-psychology-programs/ 2021 Doctorate in Psychology Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Alaska Pacific University American University Arizona State University Ashford University Baylor University Biola University Boston University Bowling Green State University Brigham Young University California Coast University California Lutheran University California Southern University Capella University Catholic University of America Chicago School of Professional Psychology Duke University Felician University Fielding Graduate University Liberty University Loyola University Chicago Marywood University Michigan State University Northcentral University Northwestern University Ohio State University Regent University Saybrook University Sofia University Southern California Seminary Stanford University State University of New York, Albany State University of New York, Buffalo State University of New York, Stony Brook Temple University Touro University Worldwide University of Arizona University of California, Los Angeles University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Iowa University of Kentucky University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of Texas, Austin University of the Cumberlands University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington Widener University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. 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. A 12-hour vehiclestrike against rising in the country would be held in from 6 AM on March 2. All trade unions, except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) which is affiliated to the BJP, would take part in the strike called for by the unions. The state-run KSRTC, private bus owners association and commercial vehicles would be off road, a press release from the Samyukta Samara Samithi (joint protest committee) of the unions said here. The committee has requested allprivate vehicles also to stay off the road to express solidarity with the protest. "In 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi first came to power, the petrol price was Rs 75 per litre and diesel Rs 57 for a litre. Now, the cost is above Rs 94 and Rs 89 respectively," the panel said. This is affecting the common man, it said. The SSLC, plus-two, among others, on March 2 have been rescheduled for March 8, state government said. The APJ Abdul Kalam Technology University too has postponedthe exams in view of the strike. (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.) REGGIO CALABRIA, MAR 1 - Italian police on Monday arrested 10 people in a probe into corruption in the education sector of the southern Italian region of Calabria. The region's school inspector, Maurizio Piscitelli, was arrested on charges of issuing fake diplomas in exchange for cash. The money was allegedly delivered in cases of rum or in cellphones. Calabria's school office head was also placed under investigation. (ANSA). World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Priti Patel will introduce life sentences for people smugglers in a new bid to tackle the Channel migrant crisis. Maximum sentences will increase from the current 14 years under legislation to be brought forward by the Home Secretary in the next few weeks. It comes after one boat of migrants which crossed the Channel on Saturday was escorted into British waters by the French Navy. According to the Sun, a French warship escorted the boat of about 10 men for more than an hour. The boat then had to be rescued by Border Force officials when it ran out of fuel. It was one of several boats that crossed the Channel at the weekend which the UK has paid France millions to try and prevent. One group who said they were from Syria told the newspaper they had paid 1,000 each to make the journey. Home Secretary Priti Patel is concerned that penalties being handed down by the courts to people smugglers are too short, The Times reported. The current average length of a jail term for 'assisting illegal immigration' is three years. The move comes just months after it was revealed a high-tech command centre, situated at a secret location in Dover, Kent, had been set up by the Home Secretary to help catch people smugglers ferrying migrants. Priti Patel is concerned that penalties being handed down by the courts are too short and will introduce life sentences for people smugglers A Home Office spokesman said: 'While criminal gangs continue to put lives at risk, it is right we consider every option to stop their exploitation of people. 'The Government will set out further details in the coming weeks.' The Home Office has scaled up the use of criminal offences against migrants who are seen at the helm of dinghies and small boats. On February 18, a Kuwaiti man who steered an overcrowded boat across the Channel with 11 other migrants on board was jailed for three years and nine months. Mahmoud Al Anzi, 24, had denied a charge of assisting unlawful immigration to the UK during his trial at Canterbury Crown Court. A Home Office source said tougher sentences would be intended to 'send a clear message' that the law would treat smugglers on a par with those suspected of serious violent crimes. Yesterday it emerged that more than 500 migrants have arrived in Britain across the Channel since the start of 2021 nearly double the rate seen in the same period last year. On Saturday alone, 87 migrants made the perilous journey. Although the number of crossings depends on the weather, the surge could indicate that an Anglo-French agreement to tackle the crisis, signed in November, has failed to have a major impact. A record 8,410 migrants made the crossing last year, dwarfing 2019's total of 1,850. A Home Office spokesman said: 'People should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and not risk their lives making these dangerous crossings. In January it was revealed that a command centre at a secret location in Dover would see the British authorities collaborate with law enforcement in Calais to carry out increased air, land and sea surveillance. A Border Force vessel arrives at Dover Marina and carries a group of migrants to shore A man carries a young girl as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent The command headquarters will be led by the government's small boats commander Dan O'Mahoney who was appointed to collaborate with the French to tackle Channel crossings in August last year. Speaking about the new centre Mr O'Mahoney said: 'Significant steps were taken last year, including increased surveillance and more patrols on beaches, which have made crossing the Channel in this dangerous and unnecessary way harder than ever. 'Improved intelligence sharing has meant that the French prevented more than 6,000 attempts last year, but we know that more needs to be done. 'By setting up the new command cell we are making the UK's and French law enforcement response more agile than it has ever been. 'It will ensure we have the right capability in the right place at the right time to stop boats from leaving French beaches and to deal with people who do make it into the water, protecting lives and bringing the criminals responsible to justice.' The move, which forms part of an enhanced Government operation under the codename Altair, came as figures revealed that 8,417 migrants made the treacherous journey on small boats and dinghies to reach the UK's shores in 2020. YPSILANTI, MI -- The Ypsilanti Police Advisory Commission invited new Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit to their meeting on Feb. 25 to discuss his priorities as prosecutor. Savit took the opportunity to talk about mental health, COVID-19 and racial disparities. Commission Gail Wolkoff, who works with Ypsilanti youth, questioned what kind of message Savit has for students in the community. Savit said he is worried about the mental health of younger people following the pandemic. One thing that frankly keeps me up at night is I think that we are going to see a second pandemic after the COVID pandemic which is going to be a pandemic related to mental health issues and trauma, especially as we start to reengage, and especially for young people, said Savit. A University of Michigan Healthy Minds Study found that 47% of respondents screened positive for clinically significant symptoms of depression and/or anxiety up from 44% last year and the highest since the survey started in 2007. Record levels of anxiety, depression found in college students, University of Michigan study finds Im particularly concerned about this for younger people and for adolescents because if you look at brain science, adolescents in particular are hardwired for social connection, said Savit. Its just where adolescents are at in their life stage, and weve taken that away from them and we had to do it to save lives, but I think we have to be cognizant of the second order fallout from this pandemic. He further stated that historically for teenagers, if someone is facing mental health issues, it was seen as something to be ashamed of because of the stigma around mental health. He wishes not to see young people in the community end up in the juvenile system as a result of the trauma and mental health issues that may stem from the pandemic. Wolkoff stated that she has already seen a rise in young people in the community using marijuana as a result of not having anything else to do during their day. This is the way a lot of kids are self medicating Its way up, said Wolkoff. Savit has already started having discussions with the Washtenaw County Youth Advisory Commission on the topic of mental health, and would like to further reach out to the community in order to better harness youth leadership. We as adults can talk at them all we want around this kind of stuff, but its not going to land if its not something that has buy in from their peers,' said Savit. The worry about stigma is the worry from their peers, so thats something that Id really like to work with young people on. Ypsilanti City Council Member Anthony Morgan brought up his concern about how Washtenaw County has some of the largest disparities of wealth and income. How do you attempt to make some alteration of the systemic structure thats in place, regardless of the new face, to get them to buy into some of these open-minded perspectives in a place like Washtenaw County that has a face of inclusion and diversity, but the underbelly is clearly not that according to the arrest statistics and every other statistics, asked Morgan So how do you get the structure that remains the same to buy into your new ideas? Savit stated that his office has partnered with the ACLU and the University of Michigan Law School on a project that is a first of its kind in Michigan -- going through all the prosecutors cases and identifying instances of racially disparate treatment. I see a real responsibility on our end to conduct a much deeper dive into those disparities and identify those points in the system where they are occurring, said Savit. Without that, I dont think we can really grasp how it is being perpetuated by the prosecutors office. A recent report conducted by the Citizens for Racial Equity in Washtenaw (CREW) suggested that Black people are around four times more likely to be charged with felony possession of a controlled substance than are white people in Washtenaw County, said Savit. Theres several potential reasons for that, one may be that were getting four times the warrant request from law enforcement for Black people than for white people it could be the case that were disproportionately denying requests for charges as to white people but were bringing more of them as to Black people But weve got to get a handle on this, said Savit. So thats the first step of the partnership that were doing is really getting a handle on why were seeing these disparities. Where does it break down? New Michigan prosecutor has lenient policies on everything from drugs to prostitution. But is it allowed? Savit has enacted a dozen new policy directives geared toward shifting the county to a more progressive form of criminal justice, saying he wont prosecute cases involving consensual prostitution or drugs like magic mushrooms. Most recently, Savit announced his office will not coordinate with federal immigration enforcement efforts, nor will it report noncitizen civilians, crime survivors, witnesses or defendants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), issuing a new policy directive on how his office will handle cases where previously a persons immigration status would be in question. To review all of Savits policy directives, click here. The commission also spent time going over a presentation of Ypsilanti Police Departments monthly statistics presented by Chief Tony DeGiusti. DeGuisti said there were no citizen complaints during the month of January. There were six cases identified as cases with physical force involved, he said. Four endured no actual physical force, but weapons were displayed and not discharged. From these six cases, no suspects or officers were injured. DeGiusti also stated that the police department may begin a project of uploading biographical videos of police officers and members of the community on the city webpage in order for residents to see the human side of officers. The police advisory commission serves as a liaison to enhance community and police relations. The commission consists of seven members and a non-voting youth member, all appointed by the mayor. Read more: Emotional trauma related to pandemic leads Whitmer to push for more mental-health funding With mental health struggles looming, Ann Arbor Public Schools students organize rally for in-person learning Letter from the Editor: COVID and the cure both stress us out, so well keep the focus on mental health awareness The electric vehicle revolution has thrown the world of battery metals, including nickel, into another rush for good assets. Like any other industry, when the market is hot, great assets become hard to acquire. ( ) has its assets next to one of the largest undeveloped nickel assets in the world, with similar geology and geophysical signatures. CEO Allan Ritchie shares with us the long journey of the company to get to where it is now. There is no hiding from the fact that this is an early stage play but I can sense excitement in the tone of his voice and a good dose of bravado about the project. What he did not say on camera is that management is driven by capital appreciation as they are not paid large amounts of salary. Their reward is in the shares that they own. It is not about burning cash with large salaries. This is a great strategy and one that is not seen in many ASX companies. Global law firm Clyde & Co advised UK mining company Kabanga Nickel on a binding framework agreement with the Government of Tanzania for the development of the Kabanga Nickel Project. According to its website, the Kabanga Nickel Project is in the northwest of Tanzania and is touted as a multi-billion-dollar project. It hosts an in-situ mineral resource of 58 million tonnes at 2.62% nickel, containing more than 1.52 million tonnes (3.30 billion pounds) of nickel, a key ingredient for the making of electric vehicles. Kabanga will support a mine life of at least 30 years with further exploration potential. Adavale has found itself at the right phase of a rising market. I recall my conversation with Scott Williamson on Producing Nickel for the EV Revolution - Blackstone Minerals Ltd ( ), where he shared with us that nickel buyers are feeling the rate of demand rising faster than anticipation by the market. This is a great situation for the likes of Adavale as they move into discovery mode. Of course, this does not mean that discovery is guaranteed but as we have discussed in many previous episodes of Coffee with Samso, exploration is all about good management, funding and good assets. The rest is a game of lottery. I feel that Adavale ticks all the boxes required. Now it is time to roll up their sleeves and put in the hard work and engage the truth machine. Allan outlines a strong strategy and the milestones are there to be achieved. There is no hiding his expectation and with a market capitalisation of A$20 million in a strong market, the discovery would give shareholders many things to cheer about in the near future. PODCAST: This is a good time to download the first Ebook (FREE) from as it is all about VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulphides). About Allan Ritchie CEO, Adavale Resources Allan Ritchie graduated from the University of Technology in Sydney in 1986 with a Bachelor of Business and subsequently attained a post-graduate Diploma in Applied Finance from the Financial Services Institute of Australia. His distinguished career spans 30 years in both the energy and resources sectors, in investment banking and leadership roles in both private and publicly listed companies. He currently serves as non-executive director of ASX-listed Hydrocarbon Dynamics Limited (HCD:ASX) and has previously served as executive director and deputy CEO of HK-listed energy group EPI Holdings Limited (0689.HKEX). Ritchies investment banking background includes structuring commercial transactions in the energy and resources sector. Senior roles include positions within Westpac, ANZ Bank, and BNP Paribas in Australia, London, New York and Asia Pacific. His career achievements have been recognised several times in BRWs annual poll of bankers. About Adavale Resources Adavale Resources Limited holds 100% of the Kabanga Jirani Nickel Project consisting of six granted licences and one application covering nearly 1145sqkm. These licences are adjacent and along strike from the worlds largest undeveloped nickel sulphide resource, namely the Kabanga Deposit which contains a measured, indicated and inferred resource of 58 million tonnes at 2.62% Ni (Barrick and Glencore, 2014). The ADD licences are along a trend of mafic/ultramafic intrusions known as the Kabanga Musongati belt and contain nickel sulphide ores and PGE concentrations. Adavale Resources also holds 100% of the Lake Surprise Uranium Project being three exploration tenements covering nearly 396sqkm within part of the highly prospective sedimentary uranium province within the northern part of the Lake Frome Embayment. These tenements lie within a flat, semi-arid landscape just to the north of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. These include EL 5892 comprising 92sqkm , EL 5893 comprising 167sqkm and EL 5644 of 137sqkm. These are known as the: Jubilee Prospect, Mookwarinna Prospect and Canegrass Swamp Prospect. The Lake Surprise Project Area is in South Australia, 550km north of Adelaide, and 70km east of Marree. Adavale explored the original tenements in this area between 2007 and 2011 with 486 holes drilled in that period. Please let us know your thoughts and send us any comment to info@Samso.com.au. Remember to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Samso Media and our mail list to stay informed and make comments where appropriate. Other than that, you can also give us a Review on Google. For further information about Coffee with Samso and Rooster Talks visit: www.samso.com.au Samso is primarily a consulting company that delivers digital information to the market in terms of creating organic content. Samso simplifies your story to customers or investors. Samso creates organic content for you to engage your audience and BRAND yourself to them. Samso provides bespoke research and presentation for clients to engage their customers or investors. Organic content allows audiences to feel a real sense of sincerity when you share your business strategy, allowing your business to stand out among the sea of social media traffic. Working with allows exposing our Insights to over 1.2 million monthly unique views internationally. Samso has nearly 30 years of experience in developing business ideas and concepts in the Australasian region. Samso has worked primarily in the mineral resources industry, capital markets and corporate finance. Noel Ong is the founder of SAMSO. Disclaimer Samso and affiliated companies accept no responsibility for any claim, loss or damage as a result of information provided or its accuracy. The information provided is general in nature, not financial product advice, see a financial expert before making any investment decision. Your personal objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into consideration. There may be a conflict of interest present with commercial arrangements with companies and/or stock held. Samso or an associate may receive a commission for funds raised. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which puts on the Golden Globes, likes to bestow its trophies on films that already have plenty of Oscar momentum, but the small size of the group around 90 eccentric journalists who vote leaves every category open to a shock winner. Then theres the fact that the H.F.P.A. is also under fire after a raft of recent articles exposed double-dealing practices and an insular membership. There are no Black voters, and that may explain the absence of any of the acclaimed Black-led ensembles like Da 5 Bloods and One Night in Miami from the best drama nominations. Will voters respond to the controversies by picking a diverse set of worthy winners, or will the usual Globes anarchy prevail? We asked our awards expert, Kyle Buchanan, and he said he expected a bit of both. Heres what else he predicted: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm could sweep the comedy categories, with Sacha Baron Cohen and Maria Bakalova, the movies breakout star, getting acting trophies as well as the film itself taking home best motion picture, comedy. The drama races are tougher to call. The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Nomadland will battle it out for best motion picture, drama, with the edge going to the courtroom tale. For best actress in a drama, Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman) may pull out the victory over Frances McDormand (Nomadland). But when it comes to best actor in a drama, Chadwick Boseman, nominated for his final performance, in Ma Raineys Black Bottom, is as close to a lock as there is. Hes the front-runner for the Oscars, too. During his three years as CEO, Dinh Quang Huy has lead SHB Finance to reach several notable achievements Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB), the owner of SHB Finance, will appoint a new Board member and CEO in due time. Talking with VIR about the move, Dinh Quang Huy was quite satisfied with what SHB Finance has achieved in his three years at the helm, with the support of the management team and nearly 4,000 employees. The move after almost six years of growing the consumer finance business is part of his professional drive. Before joining SHB Finance, Huy had more than two years as CEO of MB Shinsei Finance Company (Mcredit), from the set-up phase to full scale operation. With a broad range of consumer finance loans for low- to medium-income customers, SHB Finance is regarded as a trusted service provider of basic financial needs for Vietnamese customers. During his three-year in the office, SHB Finance has been progressing with notable achievements such as becoming the first finance company rated by Moody's at a B3 Stable outlook right in its first year of operation; mobilising a considerable amount of unsecured funds from institutional investors, including the prestigious ResponsAbility Investment Fund from Switzerland with strict standards; as well as signing a partnership agreement with Mastercard to issue international credit cards. By the end of 2020, the network of SHB Finance has covered 40 key provinces and cities, serving nearly 700,000 customers. Pre-tax profit was VND70 billion ($3.04 million), with balance at the end of the period being VND3.689 trillion ($160.3 million), with bad debts under tight control and stable business results. SHB Finance provides quick and convenient consumer loans for people with low and middle income Throughout a challenging 2020, SHB Finance has proven its capacity and position when recognised by reputable rating agencies and institutional investors. With a broad range of consumer finance loans for low- to medium-income customers, SHB Finance is regarded as a trusted service provider of basic financial needs for Vietnamese customers. Frontier Airlines removed passengers from a flight that was about to depart Miami and take off for New Yorks LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night after it claimed that members of a Hassidic Jewish family refused to wear masks. But family members and witnesses claim that the airline staff overreacted to a 15-month-old infant whose face was not covered - even though federal guidelines do not require those under 2 years of age to wear masks. Other witnesses also alleged that Frontier staffers cheered and high-fived each other while exclaiming We did it! after ordering the Jewish passengers off the plane. The airline said it has not seen any information to support these claims. The image on the left shows a Hasidic Jewish passenger carrying a baby seat with a 15-month-old infant son. The image on the right shows another small child with the Hasidic Jewish family that was told to deplane by Frontier Airlines before a flight was supposed to take off for New York from Miami on Sunday night Martin Joseph, 51, of Brooklyn, New York, said he was traveling with 21 other relatives. The family of 22 people included 13 adults and nine children whose ages range from 15 months to five years Cell phone video appears to support the family's claim that they were wearing masks. The image above shows several members of the Hasidic Jewish family The airline released a statement claiming that 'a large group, including adults, refused to wear masks' Yesterday, while flight 2878 from Miami to New York-La Guardia was preparing to leave the gate, a large group of passengers repeatedly refused to comply with the US governments federal mask mandate, Frontier spokesperson Jennifer de la Cruz told DailyMail.com. Multiple people, including several adults, were asked repeatedly to wear their masks and refused to do so. Based on the continued refusal to comply with the federal mask mandate, refusal to disembark the aircraft and aggression towards the flight crew, local law enforcement was engaged. The flight was ultimately canceled. An airline staffer was seen conferring with the pilot in the cockpit just as the Hasidic Jewish family was ordered to deplane Added de la Cruz: Frontier Airlines and US government policy mandate that all passengers over the age of two, other than those with a recognized ADA disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, must wear a mask while onboard an aircraft. To be clear, the issue did not involve a child under the age of two. Martin Joseph, 51, of Brooklyn, New York, said that it was his family that was unfairly scapegoated and removed from the plane by Frontier staff. Joseph said that he and his family of 21 others, including 13 adults and 9 children whose ages range from 15 months old to five years old, boarded the flight without any issues. 'We came onto the plane, everything was smooth, no problems at all,' he told DailyMail.com just before noon on Monday as he returned to New York from South Florida. 'Everybody wore the masks and followed the mandate.' According to the family, 12 of them were seated in the last two rows of the cabin. A voice on the loudspeaker announced that those in the last two rows were being asked to deplane Joseph told DailyMail.com that most of his family occupied the last two rows of the plane, which was 'jam packed.' Just before takeoff, Joseph said that one of the flight attendants approached his daughter because her 15-month-old son was not wearing a mask. When the family tried to explain to the attendant that the infant was not required to wear the mask, the stewardess repeated her demand to know why the baby was not masked, according to Joseph. Moments later, a staffer came on board with a pen and pad in hand, Joseph said. Then someone on the loud speaker announced that all passengers in the last two rows were required to deplane. 'Everybody was sitting in the plane ready for take off' when the announcement came through, Joseph told DailyMail.com. 'Obviously in the last two rows there were only Hasidic people sitting there with tiny children,' he said. The incident prompted intervention by law enforcement officers. The image above shows an officer and one of the passengers in the airport terminal in Miami on Sunday Joseph, who was seated a number of rows ahead of the rest of his family, said he tried to speak with the airline staff in an attempt to smooth things over, but the staff was not receptive. 'Please be sensible,' Joseph said he told the stewardesses. 'I'm going to sit in the back of the plane and make sure everyone is wearing a mask.' He even offered to give the airline staff the credit card that was on file to make sure that the family was in compliance with the rules. When staff refused, Joseph said that the children started crying. 'All the children started crying,' he said. He said his daughter with the 15-month-old baby, who is six months' pregnant, 'started having contractions.' Eventually, Frontier canceled the whole flight. After all the passengers were forced off the plane, Joseph said that Frontier did not apologize or offer any hotel accommodations. Instead, he rented a room at the Holiday Inn and flew back to New York on Jet Blue early Monday morning. There were no issues aboard the Jet Blue flight, he said. 'I want to make sure other people don't go through what happened to us,' he said. 'We paid for tickets and we were just harassed. It was an anti-Semitic episode. We want to make sure this doesn't happen again. 'This reminds me of 80 years ago when we were singled out in Nazi Germany,' he added. The Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council posted video of the incident on Twitter and alleged that Frontier Airlines staffers cheered and applauded when the Hasidic family was removed from the plane One purported witness said he heard staffers say: 'A job well done to those Jews' The airline ordered everyone off the plane after other passengers spoke up in defense of the family, according to OJPAC OJPAC noted that federal guidelines do not require children under the age of two to wear masks Another witness interviewed by OJPAC claims that he 'heard some nasty things being said' Several witnesses refuted the airlines claims and corroborated Joseph's account. They said that the family was indeed wearing masks and that flight attendants and other staffers were high-fiving each other when they ordered the Jewish passengers removed from the aircraft. When asked about claims that airline staff made anti-Semitic comments, de la Cruz, the Frontier spokeswoman, told DailyMail.com: I have not seen any information that would support these claims. Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League has demanded that Frontier Airlines launch a full and transparent investigation into the incident. The Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council posted several videos filmed by a passenger showing the Hasidic family being removed from the cabin. The OJPAC also posted videos in which witnesses who aren't members of the family are interviewed. These witnesses corroborated claims that the airline unjustly scapegoated the Hasidic family. In the first video posted late on Sunday night, the OJPAC claims that applause could be heard from airline staff as they were removing the Jewish passengers. The cheering staffers were also alleged to have exclaimed We did it! The video shows all of Hasidic passengers wearing face coverings. One of the family members is then seen carrying the infant in a baby seat as he walks through the aisle. At one point, the pilot is heard speaking to the passengers through the public address system. The Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council posted videos online in which others who said they were on board corroborated claims by the family that they were all wearing masks and that airline staffers cheered and 'high-fived each other' when they were removed from the plane A man who says he was on board (above) also said that he heard staffers celebrate and congratulate each other when the Hasidic Jewish passengers were removed In another video posted by OJPAC, one person who says he was a passenger and not in any way affiliated with the Hasidic Jewish family claims he heard some nasty things being said, though he did not specify Folks, I need everybody in your seats, the pilot is heard saying as the passengers witness the commotion. Shes a one-year-old baby, one of the passengers is heard saying. Another Jewish passenger who came to the defense of the Hasidic family is heard saying: Youre gonna pay the consequences! This is anti-Hasidic Jews, thats what this is all about, an Orthodox Jewish passenger yelled toward the cockpit. This is an anti-Semitic act! The man then yells at airline officials: Anti-Semites! Jew haters! The video records a conversation among several passengers who reported that a few of the Hasidic youngsters briefly took off their masks to eat a snack. At that point, airline staff intervened and ordered the family off of the plane, according to the overheard passengers. In another video posted by OJPAC, another man who claims to have been a passenger who is not a member of the Hasidic Jewish family offers a damning account, suggesting that airline staffers were motivated by anti-Semitism. I saw [airline staffers] high-fiving each other and saying Job well done to those Jews, according to the passenger interviewed, whose name was not given. OJPAC also posted another video in which a woman wearing a white face mask and a dark-colored Nike hat is being interviewed. The woman told OJPAC that a Hasidic family of three people who were alleged to have not worn masks did indeed board the plane while having their faces covered. [Airline staffers] started to scream at me that I should sit down, the woman says she was told after noting that the family in question were all masked. At the end, they all high-fived each other and I think they said: We did it! OJPAC posted another purported eyewitness account from a passenger who says he spoke with one of the stewardesses about the incident. Whats going on? Can we know something about the situation? the passenger says he asked the stewardess. No, go sit down in your place, the stewardess is alleged to have responded. The purported passenger then claims to have also seen staffers high-five each other after they achieved their goal of throwing them from the airplane. In another video posted by OJPAC, one person who says he was a passenger and not in any way affiliated with the Hasidic Jewish family claims he heard some nasty things being said, though he did not specify. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Loujain Hathlouls prison sentence Dec. 28 to five years and eight months has highlighted the despicable human rights situation in Saudi Arabia and in most Arab states across the Middle East. Although the Hathloul case is not unique, her pro-human rights activism and the torture and abuse she has suffered in Saudi jails underscore the hypocrisy of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans claim to reform. Hathlouls conviction and sentence following a sham trial should provide the Biden administration the moral courage to hold MBS accountable for the systemic rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. He should no longer be allowed to tout the so-called special relationship as an excuse for Washingtons continued tolerance of his tyranny. The U.S.-Saudi special relationship goes back to World War II and was based on shared interests between the two states. Beyond oil and defense, Saudi Arabia never shared the American values of good governance, the rule of law, and freedoms of expression, speech and assembly. Successive U.S. presidents have allowed Saudi rulers to trample on these values to maintain access to large quantities of Saudi oil at reasonable prices and to sell the Saudis expensive sophisticated weapons systems and maintain them over the years. The Biden administration is positioned to inform the Saudis in no uncertain terms that this special relationship has run its course and human rights is being moved to center stage of Washingtons diplomacy in the post-Trump era. The Kushner-MBS personalized relations have undermined the professionalism of American diplomacy that has traditionally been practiced by seasoned diplomats driven by comprehensive analysis and deep expertise. Middle Eastern autocrats in the past four years have felt empowered by President Trump to suppress their peoples demands for democracy, political participation and justice. Consequently, mistrust of regimes, governing institutions and the United States has risen significantly. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Autocratic regimes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere have attacked peaceful dissidents and jailed and tortured thousands of them. To stay in power, they have spent billions of dollars on weapons and surveillance technologies, mostly for domestic use, at the expense of budgets for modern education, innovation, critical technologies and entrepreneurial enterprises. Some of the main charges against the Saudi dissident Hathloul included communicating with international human rights groups and United Nations agencies. Saudi authorities used fake charges as pretext to accuse her of seeking to change the Saudi political system and try her under their so-called terrorism laws. Thanks to the push by President Trump and Jared Kushner to personalize relations with Middle Eastern autocrats and strongmen, including MBS, the balance between American interests and values in the past four years has shifted exponentially away from values. Such a shift did not result from a thought-out review process of the countrys defense posture or the position of the Middle East in Americas strategic posture. The killing of Jamal Khashoggi and the torture and jailing of Hathloul are two stark examples of how Middle Eastern autocratic regimes have dealt with dissidents and suppressed popular demands for freedom. Sadly, the United States has lost all credibility when it comes to the defense of human rights globally. For example, when the Trump administration criticized the Iranian regime for abuses, Irans rulers scoffed at the perceived hypocrisy, especially as Washington tolerated equally abhorrent human rights violations in its friendly Arab autocracies across the Persian Gulf. People from all over the Middle East line up at U.S. consulates seeking entry visas to the United States because they value its innovation, creativity, technological and scientific discoveries, economic opportunity and freedom to be who they are. Public opinion polls in the past two decades have consistently shown that although people in distant lands tend to be critical of American foreign policy, they always admired the values of freedom and individual liberty enshrined in American legal, social and political culture. These are the values Biden has spoken about and which he should advocate in engaging Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern autocracies. If the Biden administration ends the special relationship with Saudi Arabia and holds MBS accountable for his actions, then Loujain Hathlouls shameful prison sentence will not have been in vain. Emile Nakhleh is research professor and director of UNMs Global and National Security Policy Institute and a former senior intelligence service officer at the CIA. A longer version is on ResponsibleStatecraft.org. 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: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday amid reports that she was seeking help against attempts to alter Constitutional provisions that give special status to the state. The chief minister, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, called on the prime minister at his Parliament office, sources said. Details of what was discussed were not immediately available. Highlights of Mufti-Modi meeting: #Spoke to PM; situation normalizing but ppl think our identity can be in danger so msg that J&K is crown of India shld be reiterated: J&K CM #PM gave 100% assurance on the agenda of alliance: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti on BJP-PDP alliance after meeting PM Modi #Idea of India has to accommodate idea of Jammu & Kashmir: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM Modi #The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained none of us can go against that: J&K CM after meeting PM #Discussions on 35A have a negative impact on Jammu & Kashmir, it should not happen: J&K CM after meeting PM The meeting comes in the backdrop of the debate on Article 35A of the Constitution that grants special status to the state and is being challenged in the Supreme Court. Also read: Its time to revoke Article 370 and 35 A, says BJPs Jammu and Kashmir unit The chief minister had met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday. Details of the meeting were not made public by either the Centre or the state government. Officials in the home ministry had said yesterday that its law officers would be presenting legal aspects related to Article 35A only and would refrain from joining the case. Mehbooba is keen to build consensus against scrapping the Constitutional provision, which empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define the states permanent residents and their special rights and privileges, sources said. Mehbooba had met opposition National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah this week to seek the support of his party on the issue. Abdullah had told her that she should meet the prime minister, all important central ministers and also the BJP leadership to convince the Sangh Parivar against striking down the constitutional provision. Also read: What is Article 35A and why it is important for Jammu and Kashmir The state BJP, an alliance partner in the state government, had upped the ante with its spokesperson Virendra Gupta saying yesterday that time had come to bid a farewell to Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution as they created a separatist psyche. The controversy erupted in 2014 after an NGO We the Citizens filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking that Article 35A be struck down. Article 35A was added to the Constitution by a presidential order in 1954, it said. While the state government contested the petition, saying the president had the power to incorporate a new provision in the Constitution by way of an order, the Centre, recently, expressed its reservations. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Texas has one of the most restrictive medical marijuana laws in the country, with sales allowed only by prescription for a handful of conditions. That has not stopped Lukas Gilkey, chief executive of Hometown Hero CBD, based in Austin. His company sells joints, blunts, gummy bears, vaping devices and tinctures that offer a recreational high. In fact, business is booming online as well, where he sells to many people in other states with strict marijuana laws. GOLDEN CALF: What's up with this golden statue of Trump at CPAC? But Gilkey said that he is no outlaw and that he is not selling marijuana, just a close relation. He is offering products with a chemical compound Delta-8-THC extracted from hemp. It is only slightly chemically different from Delta 9, which is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. And that small distinction, it turns out, may make a big difference in the eyes of the law. Under federal law, psychoactive Delta 9 is explicitly outlawed. But Delta-8-THC from hemp is not, a loophole that some entrepreneurs say allows them to sell it in many states where hemp possession is legal. The number of customers coming into Delta 8 is staggering, Gilkey said. You have a drug that essentially gets you high but is fully legal, he added. The whole thing is comical. The rise of Delta 8 is a case study in how industrious cannabis entrepreneurs are pulling apart hemp and marijuana to create myriad new product lines with different marketing angles. They are building brands from a variety of potencies, flavors and strains of THC, the intoxicating substance in cannabis, and of CBD, the nonintoxicating compound that is often sold as a health product. With Delta 8, entrepreneurs also believe they have found a way to take advantage of the countrys fractured and convoluted laws on recreational marijuana use. It is not quite that simple, though. Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, are still considering their options for enforcement and regulation. TEXAS WEED: Marijuana reform among the bills on schedule for Texas legislature in 2021 Dealing in any way with Delta-8-THC is not without significant legal risk, said Alex Buscher, a Colorado lawyer who specializes in cannabis law. Still, experts in the cannabis industry said Delta 8 sales had indeed exploded. Delta 8 is the fastest-growing segment of products derived from hemp, said Ian Laird, chief financial officer of New Leaf Data Services, which tracks the hemp and cannabis markets. He estimated consumer sales of at least $10 million, adding, Delta 8 has really come out of nowhere over the past year. Marijuana and hemp are essentially the same plant, but marijuana has higher concentrations of Delta-9-THC and, as a source of intoxication, it has been a main focus of entrepreneurs as well as state and federal lawmakers. Delta 8, if discussed at all, was an esoteric, less potent byproduct of both plants. That changed with the 2018 Farm Bill, an enormous piece of federal legislation that, among other things, legalized widespread hemp farming and distribution. The law also specifically allowed the sale of the plants byproducts; the only exception was Delta 9 with a high-enough level of THC to define it as marijuana. Because the legislation made no mention of Delta 8, entrepreneurs leapt into the void and began extracting and packaging it as a legal edible and smokable alternative. Precisely what kind of high Delta 8 produces depends on whom you ask. Some think of it as marijuana light, while others are pitching it as pain relief with less psychoactivity, said David Downs, senior content editor for Leafly.com, a popular source of news and information about cannabis. Either way, Delta 8 has become extremely ascendant, Downs said, reflecting what he calls prohibition downfall interregnum, where consumer demand and entrepreneurial activity are exploiting the holes in rapidly evolving and fractured law. Were getting reports that you can walk into a truck stop in prohibition states like Georgia where youre looking at what looks like a cannabis bud in a jar, Downs said. The bud is hemp sprayed with high-concentration Delta 8 oil. Joe Salome owns the Georgia Hemp Co., which in October started selling Delta 8 locally and shipping nationally about 25 orders a day, he said. Its taken off tremendously, Salome said. His website heralds Delta 8 as very similar to its psychoactive brother THC, giving users the same relief from stress and inflammation, without the same anxiety-producing high that some can experience with THC. Salome said that he did not need to buy an expensive state license to sell medical marijuana because he felt protected by the farm bill. Its all right there, he said, explaining it is now legal to sell all parts of the plant. The legal landscape is contradictory at best. Many states are more permissive than the federal government, which under the Controlled Substances Act considers marijuana an illegal and highly dangerous drug. In 36 states, marijuana is legal for medicinal use. In 14 states, it is legal for recreational use. But in a flip, under the farm bill, the federal government opened the door for the sale of hemp products even in states that have not legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Only a few states, like Idaho, ban hemp altogether, but in others, entrepreneurs of Delta 8 are finding a receptive market. Lawyers for Gilkey believe the farm bill is on their side. Delta 8, if it is derived from hemp or extracted from hemp, that is considered hemp, said Andrea Steel, co-chair of the cannabis business group at Coats Rose, a Houston law firm. She emphasized that the legality also depends on whether Delta 9 exceeds legal limits. Steel noted that when making a Delta 8 product, it can be hard, if not impossible, to filter out all the Delta 9 from hemp. Adding another wrinkle, she said, a lot of labs do not have the capability of delineating between Delta 8 and Delta 9. Lisa Pittman, the other co-chair of the cannabis business group at Coats Rose, said that in her reading of the issue, the authors of the farm bill may not have contemplated the consequences of the law. Pittman said that the ultimate question of a products legality may be dependent on other factors, including how the Delta 8 is produced and sourced. Specifically, the lawyers said, the DEAs rule on the issue seems to suggest that Delta 8 could be illegal if it is made synthetically rather than derived organically. There are currently lawsuits pending over interpretation of the DEA rule. Gilkey said he had paid upward of $50,000 in legal fees to make sure that he will not run afoul of the law. A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Gilkey worked in a counternarcotics unit on boats out of San Diego. He saw some really tough stuff, he said, and wasnt happy about the war on drugs. He wound up running a business in Austin that sold e-liquid for vaping devices. Then in 2019, he started his current business focused on selling CBD. Late last spring, he said, he started getting calls from customers about Delta 8. I said, please explain to me what that is, he recalled. Gilkey, whose company supplies other retail shops around the country with products, saw a huge opportunity. After checking with the lawyers, he started full-scale packaging gummies and vape pens and other products using Delta 8 he said he got from a major hemp supplier. Its about to go mainstream, he said. And it is just the beginning. Theres a Delta 10 in the works, Gilkey said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Myanmar's ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi was seen Monday for the first time since she was detained in a military coup one month ago, appearing in a Naypyitaw court via videoconference. Suu Kyi, 75, appeared "healthy" during her virtual court appearance, one of her lawyers told Reuters. The Nobel laureate, who leads the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, was initially charged with illegally importing six walkie-talkie radios. She was later charged with violating a natural disaster law by breaching COVID-19 protocols while campaigning during last year's elections. Two more charges were added Monday, one under a section of a colonial-era penal code prohibiting publication of information that may "cause fear or alarm" or disrupt "public tranquility," and the other under a telecommunications law stipulating licenses for equipment, relating to her alleged ownership of the walkie-talkies, the lawyer told Reuters. PHOTO: Protesters take cover as they clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 28, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters) Suu Kyi's court appearance came after a weekend of the deadliest violence that the Southeast Asian country has seen since the army seized power on Feb. 1. Police and security forces confronted peaceful demonstrations in several locations across Myanmar on Sunday and fired live rounds into the crowds, killing at least 18 people and wounding over 30 others, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which cited "credible information" that it had received. Tear gas and stun grenades were also reportedly used in various locations. MORE: Myanmar protests against coup continue as military junta frees thousands of prisoners More than 1,000 people, some of whom remain unaccounted for, have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in Myanmar over the past month, mostly without any form of due process. On Sunday alone, at least 85 medical professionals and students as well as seven journalists who were present at the demonstrations were detained, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. Story continues "We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protestors," Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, said in a statement Sunday. "The people of Myanmar have the right to assemble peacefully and demand the restoration of democracy. These fundamental rights must be respected by the military and police, not met with violent and bloody repression. Use of lethal force against non-violent demonstrators is never justifiable under international human rights norms." PHOTO: A pro-democracy protester is detained by riot police officers during a rally against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 27, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken took to Twitter on Sunday night to condemn the "abhorrent violence against the people of Burma," using Myanmar's former name under British colonial rule. Blinken said the U.S. government "will continue to promote accountability for those responsible" and "stand[s] firmly with the courageous people of Burma." Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was arrested along with other leaders of her NLD party on Feb. 1, signalling an end to Myanmar's already fragile experiment with democracy. Suu Kyi, who is still revered in Myanmar despite losing some of her international luster for her refusal to condemn the armys atrocities against the Rohingya Muslim minority, is understood to have had a tentative shared power agreement with the military since she was named state counsellor in 2016, offering the government a veneer of democratic legitimacy as they embarked on a decade of reforms. The role of state counsellor, akin to a prime minister or a head of government, was created because Myanmar's 2008 constitution barred Suu Kyi from becoming president, since her late husband and children are foreign citizens. PHOTO: Protesters shout slogans in front of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) office, Feb. 11, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. (Hkun Lat/Getty Images) The Nov. 8 general election was meant to be a referendum on Suu Kyis popular civilian government but her party expanded their seats in Parliament, securing a clear majority and threatening the military's tight hold on power. The constitution guarantees the military 25% of seats in Parliament and control of several key ministries. MORE: Myanmar army seizes power in apparent coup, declares state of emergency The new civilian-led government was supposed to convene for the first time on Feb. 1 but power was instead handed over to Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces, who is already under U.S. sanctions for his role in the human rights abuses against the Rohingyas. An order signed by the acting president granted full authority to Hlaing to run the country and declared a state of emergency that will last for at least one year, citing widespread voter fraud in the November election. Hlaings office said in a statement that the military would hold a "free and fair general election" after the state of emergency ends. Voter rolls will be checked and the country's election commission, which last week rejected the military's allegations of voter fraud, will be "re-established," according to the statement. PHOTO: Thida Hnin cries during the funeral of her husband Thet Naing Win at Kyarnikan cemetery in Mandalay, Myanmar, Feb. 23, 2021. Thet Naing Win was shot and killed by Myanmar security forces during an anti-coup protest on Feb. 20. (AP) The military previously ruled Myanmar for nearly five decades before appearing to slowly transition to democratic rule a decade ago and holding its first general elections in years in 2015, which was also a landslide victory for the NLD. Suu Kyi had spent 15 years under house arrest while leading the struggle for democracy against the Burmese military junta and was awarded the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for her "nonviolent" efforts. Since the Feb. 1 takeover, a movement of protests across Myanmar has been growing -- and the junta, which calls itself the State Administration Council, has become more and more violent in its response. The initial restraint shown by authorities in the immediate aftermath of the bloodless coup has given way to an increased use of lethal force as weeks of internet shutdowns, threats and mass arrests have not deterred thousands of people from voicing their opposition. PHOTO: Protesters hold images of de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Feb. 10, 2021, in Yangon, Myanmar. (Getty Images) During Suu Kyi's virtual court appearance in the capital on Monday, police and protesters faced off again some 200 miles south in Yangon, the country's largest city, with videos posted on social media showing clouds of tear gas as protesters clad with construction helmets ran for cover. Suu Kyi has her next court appearance scheduled for March 15, her lawyer told Reuters. She is believed to be under house arrest at her residence in Naypyidaw. If she is found guilty of any of the charges launched against her, the resulting prison sentence will likely overlap with the election the junta has promised would take a place in a year. Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court after deadliest day since coup originally appeared on abcnews.go.com World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan has said her doctor is positive that the clinical trial she is undergoing in the US is having a positive effect. Vicky left Ireland for Maryland seven weeks ago to undergo a trial on a cancer drug she hoped would stop the spread of her cancer and today she told Ray DArcy on RTE Radio 1 that it appears to be going well. One marker being examined by her doctor is showing promising signs that the level of cancer in my body is starting to go down, Vicky said, adding: Thats a good sign. Vicky said the normal level of this marker in women is roughly 45, but hers was around 330 before her treatment. After three treatments, her doctor said this has fallen to 104. March 23 is Vickys D Day as she will have a scan and if it finds that her tumours are the same size or have grown despite treatment, thats the end of that, Vicky said. I will be taken off (the trial) that day, pretty much. She explained that the trial is very expensive - roughly $1m per person - so if it is not seen to be working, another potentially suitable candidate will be sought instead. When Vicky first spoke to Ray DArcy in her first RTE interview in 2018, she expressed her wish to still be alive for her son Darraghs 10th birthday. This is a feat she accomplished last Friday. It was a tough weekend, I have to say. Last weekend was hard for the birthday as I wanted to be there. Im always a logical, rational person and I was able to say I am not there for this one, but the reason I am over here is so that I can be there for the next one and the next one, she said. Vicky said the kindness of strangers has been fantastic since she arrived in the US and said she has stayed with a friend originally from Tipperary two to three nights a week. I just cant get over it, Vicky said. The Limerick native said she had one bad reaction to the treatment in which she went to hospital due to dehydration but said she has been okay since and that it didnt compare to some other side effects she suffered in the past. Im good this week, really good this week, thank God. Ive had three doses already, Im here nearly seven weeks and I get treatment every two weeks. I go in for treatment one day every two weeks and the rest of my time is my own. But after the first few treatments I have been recovering from side effects. I had a couple of rough days and ended up having to go to hospital to go on a drip as I was so dehydrated from vomiting, but they have adjusted my anti-sickness medication and that seems to be working. I had treatment last Tuesday and so far I have been fine all week, touch wood. Its just a matter of the body getting used to new drugs and finding the right treatment for side effects. I think Im getting there, Vicky said. She said she has been through worse side effects from cancer drugs with one of her first doses making her so ill that she thought I was dying I was so bad. I had a really high temperature, I was hallucinating and Jim said I was shaking out so much he thought I was having a seizure. It was actually worse for him as I dont remember half the night. The poor man, God love him, Vicky laughed. Speaking about her fame due to her campaigning, Vicky said it felt quite strange and admitted that it never really sat well with her. I never did any of this to become famous. That was never my intention. I just wanted to highlight something which I felt people needed to know about, but then to help people, she said. Amr Seifeddin has been a practicing gynaecologist for over 35 years. He works in public hospitals, where he caters for the majority of economically challenged women, and private hospitals that provide medical services to more economically advantaged women. Seifeddin doesnt recall a day in which he didnt come in contact with a Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) survivor. It is really widespread, to a devastating point, he said. While statistics have roughly estimated that close to 90 percent of women in Egypt, between the age of seven and 70, have undergone FGM, Seifeddin, like other gynaecologists, would argue that it is perhaps more. We are talking about a range of harm really sometimes it is much more devastating than others, but in general what one sees often is the cut of a big part, if not all, of the external part of the clitoris, he added. During the past 10 years, Seifeddin has been providing a medical service that could help some of these women find a way out of the harm that they had to endure unfortunately sometimes at the hands of medical doctors who agree to do this operation. Seifeddin has indeed been one of the first in Egypt to introduce restorative surgeries that allow the unharmed part of the clitoris to regain its function. The clitoris is an 8-12cm organ. Only the palpable part is removed during genital cutting, the rest lies within the body. We can remove peri-clitoral adhesions, basically the tissues around the clitoris, and with a delicate surgical technique, make the clitoris more accessible to stimulation and thus able to function, as close as possible, like the uncut clitoris, he explained. Surgical intervention is one of the options FGM survivors Seifeddin and Riham Awwad are offering at their medical centre Restore FGM, which they co-founded to help FGM survivors overcome the damage they suffer from. Overcoming the damage is a process that starts essentially with psychological assistance to help women overcome the trauma they had and to make sure that their perception of their bodies is not undermined, he said. Then there is a range of therapies that help improve the functions of the sexual organs to allow for women to better enjoy sexuality, he added. Then, Seifeddin added, there is always the surgical path that helps women with their body functions and with the aesthetics of their bodies and the latter is very important. Throughout the past 10 years, Seifeddin and Awwad have helped dozens of women through the medical services of their centre. According to Seifeddin, the restorative operation of the clitoris will be in higher demand once the centre is registered as an NGO. This will help funds to flow to provide the centres services at at no or very low cost for the majority of women who need the operation but cannot afford the cost, which varies a great deal depending on the case. The government has been encouraging families to abandon this practice which is part of a deeply rooted culture all across East Africa, Seifeddin said. Since 1995, several legal penalties have been introduced to put a cap on the widespread practice. Only in January this year, the penalties have been relatively toughened against those who pursue FGM and those who practise it. Still, Seifeddin believes it is a very long way before the numbers could significantly drop. And in any case, he argued, we are talking about millions of women today who are into their reproductive age and are suffering the many complications of FGM. So, yes, we need tougher laws, more awareness campaigns, and of course the medical services to help those who had to go through this ordeal to find their way out, he said. At the end, Seifeddin argued, the restoration of the clitoris is part of the wider and growing cosmetic gynaecology that has been finding its way in Egypt during the past 10 to 15 years. Women who require these medical services are not necessarily victims of FGM. According to Seifeddin, the most non-FGM related cosmetic surgeries are the vaginoplasty and labiaplasy that often attend to the side effects of recurrent childbirth. Short link: members agreed on Monday to hold the next major ministerial meeting in Geneva, Switzerland in late 2021, delegates told Reuters. The biennial conference was originally set to be held in Kazakhstan last year but was delayed due to the pandemic. The WTO's director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who began work on Monday hopes the meeting will provide a venue for a deal on fisheries subsidies as well as on reforms for the WTO's top appeals body among other items. [L2N2KZ0KV] (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Stephanie Nebehay) Gov. Murphys budget speech included a fist-pumping vow to lean into the policies that can fix our decades-old inequities, and the scenario that began to unspool in every nodding head was that he was going to finally take sure steps to help New Jersey Transit turn the corner. Instead, it looks like much of the same terrain. While Murphy suggested it was time to seize policies that will supercharge our reemergence from the pandemic, he offered nothing but business as usual for this bedraggled mass transit system. Once again, Murphy failed to propose a dedicated source of money used to fund the agencys operations, which every transit expert and legislative leader has concluded is the only way to protect NJ Transit from losing out in the annual wrangles of the budget cycle. Every other major transit agency in the U.S. has funding dedicated to it by law. And once again, Murphy continues the ritual of raiding capital funds to subsidize those operations, perpetuating a mad cycle of deferred maintenance and delayed investment, which has made one of the countrys largest commuter systems decrepit before its time. Broken record alert: The capital budget is sacrosanct. It is there to upgrade rail cars, electrify the bus fleet, renovate stations, and rebuild infrastructure. NJ Transit has shifted $4.37 billion out of its capital budget in the last decade, a crippling sum, and $10 billion since the transfers began. This year, Murphy aims to raid those funds again, grabbing $360 million to cover operating costs, with dozens of capital projects still unfunded. Youd think somebody would have tugged his sleeve by now. We are still the outlier, sighed Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg. Yes, many problems at NJ Transit were inherited by the governor. But after almost four years, we cant keep saying We inherited this without taking the steps to change it. Assemblyman Dan Benson, who chairs the Transportation Committee, affirmed that we have to zero out the transfer from capital, it just makes sense from a good accounting principle. And dedicated funding has to be the ultimate goal. It has been three years since an audit commissioned by Murphy called NJTs funding mechanism inadequate, uncertain, and unsustainable. Senate leadership proposed a solution last year, one that locks in funding by constitutional amendment most of it coming from the corporate tax and the Turnpike Authority revenue but it was tabled when the state went into pandemic lockdown. The funding source cannot be volatile year after year. I think this is the game-changer and it has to be, if @NJTRANSIT is to modernize and become the bulwark of the state economy. - RPA's @NatBottigheimer in @njdotcom https://t.co/IMnXxLCFCp Regional Plan (@RegionalPlan) March 2, 2020 Weinberg will restart the debate this spring. Senate President Steve Sweeney also is committed to it, but he wants to see how much of the $1.4 billion in federal stimulus money will go to NJ Transit before charting a funding formula. Because the urgency is relentless: A strong economic recovery is dependent on a strong transit system, and ours is reeling. We were very clearly failing before COVID, says Tom Wright, the CEO of the Regional Plan Association. We know trends of population growth and labor supply and use of roads and housing, and we are failing to deliver on transit. Well have had a year of pause, and maybe people will work differently. But that doesnt eliminate the need for mass transit. All it does is give us a chance to catch up with the targets we were missing before. Days before Murphys speech, Wright and a coalition of transit advocates, environmentalists, and business leaders sent the governor a letter calling for dedicated funding for operations and an end to capital raids. A much broader coalition, Jersey Renews, called for an end to the annual raids on the Clean Energy Fund. The governors indifference was not unexpected. He told Northjersey.com recently that he saw no explicit need for dedicated funding because what weve got right now is working. Actually, little is working for the customers, judging by how survey ratings have cratered over the last two pre-COVID years. Overall satisfaction from rail riders floundered between 4.1 and 5.2 (on a 10 scale), while the rating from bus riders hovered between 5.9 and 6.2. Not the numbers youd bring home to Mom on a report card, says Len Resto, president of the NJ Association of Railroad Passengers. Abysmal. It is Year 4 of Murphys If It Kills Me quest to fix NJT. Hes had some successes, such as installing an automatic braking system before a federal deadline and replenishing the engineer staff. And it is encouraging that part of his new NJT budget includes $350 million from the Turnpike Authority. Given its recent toll hikes, an agency about to drop $16 billion into road widening projects can afford to be an annual source of funding for an agency that takes the pressure off roads. It is part of a permanent funding solution that only the governor seems to be missing. This editorial has been updated. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. A Waterford city woman has resorted to a fundraiser to help pay for modifications worth 150,000 to her house so her fiance can come home. John Upton (45), from Larchville, was rushed to hospital with a severe headache in December 2019 where doctors discovered a blood clot on his brain stem, leaving him unable to walk. He has spent much of the past year recovering in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, slowly regaining the ability to use his hands and speak, and will be allowed to leave care if his home is adapted for his needs. His partner Caroline Foskin, who works as a cleaner, is launching the GoFundMe campaign on Monday, with 50 local businesses and intercounty hurlers such as Austin Gleeson pledging support so far. As local authority tenants, they can receive 30,000 of the costs through an adaptation grant for the home, but the family must come up with the rest. The works will convert the sitting room and kitchen of the house into space specially designed for John, involving a wetroom, while also adapting the houses tight doorways for his wheelchair. The remainder will go towards other care. Nobody has that kind of money, said Caroline, speaking to the Irish Examiner alongside the couples daughter Sarah. John first reported feeling unwell on December 20, 2019. A painful headache grew worse, requiring him to be brought to University Hospital Waterford. The last year has seen him travel between rehabilitation care in Dun Laoighaire and Galway, with his time in Dublin set to end in mid-March. He is showing signs of improvement, Caroline said, but he has a long way to go. John has also repeatedly shown signs of his past self; from recalling scores of old games featuring his beloved Manchester United, to helping with household duties from his bed in Dun Laoghaire. "I couldn't remember where we kept the light bulbs for one room so I had to ring John and he was able to tell me," Caroline said while laughing. Hes improving the whole time. Seamus Barry, who works with Caroline, has helped coordinate the fundraiser appeal: Could you imagine being somewhere during Covid and not being able to be with your family? And its bad to say but the reason for that is money this campaign is to bring that object down and allow John to be with his family. Daughter Sarah said she has found it difficult to study for her Leaving Cert this year due to the familys troubles but intends on studying accounting at Waterford IT next year so she can help with Johns recovery. She reckoned that there's only one thing for her parents to do once they get John home: "I think when hes back and this is over they'll have to get married." The GoFundMe campaign can be found here: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/gp3eb-bring-john-home For the first time since November, thousands of Hartford Public Schools students can once again attend in-person classes five days a week. Fuller school buses and classrooms Monday signal one of the first returns to something like normal for more than 5,100 students in kindergarten through ninth grade whod opted to come to school full time before a rising number of coronavirus cases forced a shift to a hybrid model in November. Pre-K students were also impacted by the fall change and welcomed back this week. With COVID-19 positivity rates and cases declining again in the city and county, and educators now eligible for vaccinations, the district hopes the students will be able to finish the year the way they started it together, in person. We certainly have worked very hard, and I also want to thank you all for your contributions to helping keep not only your families but our community safe as well, Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez said during a town hall meeting last week. I know that it is a whole community effort. The superintendent added that her team is working on a plan to vaccinate as many staff as possible. The Weaver campus has been identified as a potential vaccination site for staff, and additional sites are being considered, she said. More than 1,200 students in grades 10-12 are continuing in the same hybrid model that they began the school year in, spending two days a week in person and three online. Wednesdays will be half days for the students returning to learning five days a week, according to the district. Meanwhile, more than 9,600 students whose families have selected online-only learning will continue that way. The district is planning to survey those families soon as it plans a phased-in return of all fully remote students to in-person learning. That transition will mark the beginning of a multiyear recovery from the learning loss and social and emotional hardships students have experienced during the pandemic. Story continues District data has shown hybrid and remote learning simply dont work for large numbers of students, particularly at schools serving mostly students from surrounding neighborhoods. As of Jan. 22, more than 60% of students in those district schools were chronically absent, compared to about 30% of students attending Hartford magnets, which enroll heavily from the suburbs. Regardless of what school they attend, students who live in the city missed an average of one in five days during the first semester, as the challenges of mostly virtual classes compounded the struggles of already-disadvantaged communities. And on average, about 1,300 students are considered disconnected each week because they do not attend even a single day of school, according to the district. To date, the school system has made 3,186 home visits to reach disengaged students, Torres-Rodriguez said during the town hall meeting last week. West Hartford is also planning a return to daily in-person learning this spring, while East Hartford schools are still exploring the option. Reported COVID-19 cases among Connecticut students and staff have dropped about 60% since their post-holiday peak in mid-January. As of Feb. 19, 5.6% of Hartfords in-person students and 10% of staff had tested positive for the coronavirus since the start of the school year, Torres-Rodriguez told families during the virtual town hall. Districtwide, 1.5% of in-person students and 2.7% of district staff were in quarantine as of Feb. 19. I know quarantine not only impacts one student at a time, it sometimes impacts a group of students, an entire class, and the same thing goes for staff, so we want to be very vigilant about all of those numbers, Torres-Rodriguez said. From Feb. 18-24, the state reported 465 new COVID-19 cases among K-12 students. There were 158 new cases reported among students attending in-person classes five days a week, an 11% increase from the previous week. Cases among students attending a hybrid of online and in-person classes saw a 9% drop to 183 new cases, while online-only students saw a 3% decrease to 123 new cases. The learning model of students who tested positive was unknown at the time of reporting. Among staff members, new cases decreased to 124 positive individuals, a drop of about 14%. From Feb. 8-12, 56.3% of districts were operating primarily in a full in-person learning model, according to the state Department of Education. During that time period, 37.6% of districts were mostly using a mix of online and in-person education, while 6.1% of districts were mostly remote. Rebecca Lurye can be reached at rlurye@courant.com. Jockey and former RTE broadcaster Tracy Pigott said she couldnt sleep last night after seeing the picture of Gordon Elliot sitting on a dead horse. I am deeply shocked because its the most horrendous type of publicity for the business and we need all the help we can get, we have been hit by Covid and so many things, she said on RTE Radio 1s Liveline. I think its very very sad, I couldnt sleep last night because of it. I know some people would say its only a horse and the horse is dead but its much bigger than that and brings so many things into question. Ms Pigott said she doesnt doubt Mr Gordon regrets his actions deeply, but that its caused so much hurt. Read More Its caused so much hurt, so much anger and so much terrible publicity. I think we need to remember at the heart of this its an animal that has made millions and millions for people over the years and continues to do so. I think its a very very sad day for Irish racing and Im deeply upset about it. When asked if the situation is an aberration in the horse racing industry, the jockey said absolutely. She added: I cant get my head around it to be honest, and Im sure you can hear the emotion in my voice. Horse trainer Elliott apologised profoundly" after a photograph of him sitting on the dead horse was widely circulated on social media over the weekend. In the photograph, the 42-year-old, who is one of Irelands most successful trainers, can be seen smiling at the camera while on his mobile phone. The Longwood, Co Meath-based trainer is also displaying a peace sign with his left hand. There had been some speculation the photograph may be a fake or had been digitally manipulated. However, Mr Elliott confirmed it was taken some time ago. It is now the subject of an investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IRHB). In a statement, he said: I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra. "The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth. "At what was a sad time, which it is when any horse under my care passes away, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned. "I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished. "Such background information may seem trivial at this time and will not allay the concerns of many people both within and outside the world of horse racing. "However, I feel it is important to provide people with some context surrounding this photo. To the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by this image I cannot apologise enough. "Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely at the core of everything we do here and both myself and all of my team pride ourselves on those standards. "Again I apologise for any offence caused and ask people to consider this statement as opposed to the various falsehoods and misinformation being circulated on social media. "At this time I would like to stress that I continue to extend my full cooperation with the ongoing IHRB investigation. An IHRB tweet confirmed the matter is undergoing investigation. A spokesman said the investigation is ongoing and will be dealt with as quickly as possible. The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Thales Group, a global leader in cybersecurity technologies and in data protection. As part of the agreement, the two parties will collaborate in different strategic initiatives to achieve the city cyber security vision. Both parties will work towards achieving the objectives of the cyber smart society and innovation domains within Dubai cybersecurity strategy. Moreover, the parties will work towards developing the world class platform to improve the cyber resilience of the city and offering the best solutions to the government and semi government entities in Dubai. Yousef Al Shaibani, Director General of the Dubai Electronic Security Center, said: We seek to form and strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders in the field of cybersecurity. The new complex will also facilitate the further development of a world-class integrated cybersecurity ecosystem, that will enhance Dubais position as a pioneer in innovation, safety and security. Bernard Roux, CEO Thales in the UAE said: Thales is honoured to be nominated by DESC for this strategic partnership that meets Dubais highest security expectations within the cyberspace. Due to Thales technological expertise in fields such as Security, Defence, Aerospace, Space, Digital Identity, Transportation, AI and Big Data, in which we offer a unique differentiation in Cybersecurity. This legacy is behind our cybersecurity expertise and resilience to new threats not only on our own solutions but also on any other solutions in the market. The partnership agreement coincides with the worlds increasing dependence on digital services, as a result of the impacts of Covid-19, which continues to highlight the importance of protecting technological infrastructure and cyberspace in order to ensure business continuity. -- Tradearabia News Service Published: 25 February 2021 Professor Dr Rafael Leal-Arcas, Jean Monnet Chair in EU International Economic Law at Queen Mary University of London, publishes three articles on topical issues in top law journals. The World Trade Organization and Carbon Market Clubs R. Leal-Arcas et al. The World Trade Organization and Carbon Market Clubs, Georgetown Journal of International Law, Vol. 52, 2021 (forthcoming). This article explores emission units as a linkage in climate clubs in the hope of making a remarkable difference in climate change mitigation. It analyzes emission units trading in the context of regional trade agreements as a novel, promising, and effective way to mitigate climate change. It then examines Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) as a potential and encouraging remedy for the development of climate clubs. Specifically, it explores the scope of application of Article XX and investigates to what extent it can be applied to climate concerns. It then provides an analysis of climate-club measures according to the jurisprudence of the World Trade Organization on GATT Article XX. Electrifying the energy sector: The case of Slovakia and the Czech Republic R. Leal-Arcas et al., Electrifying the energy sector: The case of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Law, Vol. 13, Issue 1, pp. 1-83, 2020-2021 This article explores the current picture of Slovakias and the Czech Republics domestic energy market, the national reality concerning decentralization efforts as well as their suitability to achieve it. It assesses the current situation of new technologies, namely smart grids, electric mobility, demand response, and electricity storage technologies. Further, it looks at data protection concerns in the development of new technologies. The article then critically analyses the relevant novel policies in place and projected promising policies for the oncoming years in terms of encouraging regional cooperation, interconnection, consumer empowerment, decentralization, and the deployment of new technologies towards a more secure and smarter grid. The article concludes that Slovakia depends largely on its domestic production of nuclear energy and the import of primary energy sources to meet its primary demand. In such a position, the implementation of decentralized electricity generation becomes a priority. In terms of legal environment, Slovakia offers remarkable and suitable conditions to continue developing new technologies in the energy sector. Its regulatory framework presents a valuable basis although not developed enough to drive this paradigm shift. As for Czechias electricity sector, it is highly competitive, enjoys a relatively low energy dependence (compared to the average of EU countries), and its high level of grid interconnection contributes to energy security. However, in terms of smartening and decentralization, there is still room for policy improvement. Of international trade, climate change, investment and a prosperous future Rafael Leal-Arcas et al., Of international trade, climate change, investment and a prosperous future, Trade, Law and Development, Vol. 12, Issue 2, pp. 405-455, 2020 A transformative, integrated, and holistic approach to sustainability is necessary to reach a prosperous future for all. With growing inequality in the world, demographic change, rapid technological development, and 40% of the worlds population with no access to digital technology, access to digital technology for all and, ultimately, having a prosperous future is a must today. Doing so will give a voice to the voiceless. For that, governments, companies, and transnational institutions should invest as much as possible to make it happen and provide solutions that are rules-based, inclusive, innovative, disruptive, and simple. We the citizens should push for this human right to materialize. That way, everyone will benefit and no one will fall behind. Access to energy, mitigating climate change, and benefiting from international trade and investment all can be achieved thanks to technological advancement. These global challenges are complex, interconnected, multidimensional, interdependent, and multi-causal. Have You Seen This? Baby calmed by Imperial March An Air Jordan 1 High dressed in the signature colors from Michael Jordans alma mater is set to release next month. The Air Jordan 1 High University Blue is the latest look of MJs first signature shoe that Jordan Brand will deliver and is scheduled to release in early March. The style is executed in one of the silhouettes original color blocking, featuring white leather as the base of the upper thats complemented with light blue nubuck overlays including contrasting black accents on the Swoosh branding, ankle collar and shoelaces. The look is completed with a white midsole and a light blue outsole. More from Footwear News The Air Jordan 1 High University Blue will be released on March 6 at 10 a.m. ET via the SNKRS app and at select Jordan Brand stockists. The shoe will come with a $170 price tag. Jordan Brand initially previewed the Air Jordan 1 High University Blue in November 2020, confirming that the latest look will be part of this spring seasons Air Jordan Retro collection and is one of three Jordan 1 colorways dropping as part of the lineup. In addition, theres still a handful of Air Jordans scheduled to hit stores soon including a similarly styled Air Jordan 4 University Blue, a new colorway of the Air Jordan 5 as well as a womens exclusive iteration of the Air Jordan 9. Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. [March 01, 2021] Economic recovery will be green in Gaspesie region Government of Canada grants $1,478,839 to assist Nergica to go green and helps maintain four jobs. GASPE, QC, March 1, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) The environment and clean technologies will be key elements in Canada's economic recovery. Issues related to the fight against climate change were obviously very present before COVID-19, but the pandemic represents a unique opportunity to increase the pace of the green transition. Sustainable business practices and clean technologies can help SMEs offer products of equal or higher quality using fewer resources and less energy and generating less waste. Businesses and organizations have much to gain from putting into place environmental measures that will enable them to maintain their competitiveness and mitigate future climate impacts, while also meeting the growing global demand for clean technologies. Clean technology projects for a strong economy The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for GaspesieLes Iles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, accompanied by the Honourable David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalleEmardVerdun and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED, today announced non-repayable contributions totalling $1,478,839 for Nergica to complete two projects. With $1,050,000 in support, the organization will be able to begin by structuring, maintaining and developing Quebec's photovoltaic solar energy industry and boosting innovation in this field. CED's contribution will focus on the salaries of four resources allocated to innovation and technology transfer in the solar field, operating expenses, and the costs of developing the industry and business network in Canada and abroad. To strengthen its ability to assist businesses around innovation and technology transfer, Nergica is also receiving $428,839 to acquire and install applied research equipment. Founded in 2000, Nergica is a research centre that stimulates renewable energy innovation in Canada. Since 2007, it has been affiliated with the Cegep de la Gaspesie et des Iles and has held the status of a college centre for technology transfer (CCTT) in wind energy, in addition to being recognized as a Canadian Technology Access Centre (TAC). Since 2017, its expertise has also included solar energy. Its interventions with SMEs and Indigenous communities, among others, target technology adaptation, technical support, the integration of Qebec businesses into supply chains and the organization of networking events. The Government of Canada has set itself the objective to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Climate-friendly measures have also been defined as the cornerstone of a plan aimed at supporting and creating millions of jobs across the country. Through this assistance, the Government of Canada is attesting to its willingness to build a more competitive, more productive and greener economy. Quotes "CED fosters the entrepreneurial spirit, even more so when our entrepreneurs' ingenuity and knowhow lead to the development and marketing of green technologies. Innovation is at the heart of CED's priorities, and we proudly support projects such as those by Nergica. By leveraging these innovative projects, we are also investing in the well-being of future generations." The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for GaspesieLes Iles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue "The Government of Canada has made concrete commitments to demonstrate that a strong economy and a healthy environment go hand in hand. Among other actions, we are making strategic investments in clean technologies. By helping SMEs in the Gaspesie region and across Quebec to become more innovative and competitive and by boosting innovation to develop greener technologies and products, we are also preparing Canadians for the jobs of today and tomorrow." The Honourable Melanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED "The climate crisis remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. It is therefore essential to encourage organizations such as Nergica to help businesses develop more environmentally friendly processes and products, while also enhancing their competitive advantages and perspectives for the future. In addition to driving our industries' competitiveness and economic growth, reducing our ecological footprint is helping to build healthier communities." The Honourable David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalleEmardVerdun and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Quick facts The clean technology sector represents 3.2% of Canada's GDP and accounts for 317,000 jobs across the country. Over 850 clean tech businesses are helping to position Canada as the top G20 country and fourth country globally on the Global Cleantech Innovation Index. GDP and accounts for 317,000 jobs across the country. Over 850 clean tech businesses are helping to position as the top G20 country and fourth country globally on the Global Cleantech Innovation Index. 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's minimum target for investments in clean technologies in 2019-2020 was $25M . This target was greatly exceeded, with nearly $42M invested in 161 projects aimed at improving environmental performance, using less energy-intensive technologies or developing technologies to reduce businesses' environmental footprint. . This target was greatly exceeded, with nearly invested in 161 projects aimed at improving environmental performance, using less energy-intensive technologies or developing technologies to reduce businesses' environmental footprint. Funds have been granted under CED's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. Through this program, CED supports emerging and well-established sectors aiming, among other things, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and atmospheric pollutants. 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. Associated links Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan COVID-19 Economic Response Plan Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) CED's funding programs Stay connected Follow CED on social media Consult CED's news SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Burma Myanmars Bloody Sunday Sees Highest Death Toll So Far at Hands of Security Forces A man receives treatment at a hospital in Mandalay on Feb. 28 after being shot by security forces. / The Irrawaddy YANGON#How_Many_Dead_Bodies_UN_Need_To_Take_Action? is what Nyi Nyi Aung Htet Naing posted on his Facebook Account Saturday night. The popular social media call for UN intervention to stop Myanmars military dictatorship turned out to be his last post. On Sunday morning, the 23-year-old network engineer reinforced the call with his life. He was shot dead by Myanmar security forces while joining a protest against the countrys military regime in Yangons Hledan. A live bullet pierced his chest. With the deaths of at least 15 people, including Nyi Nyi Aung Htet Naing, Myanmars anti-military regime protests turned bloodier on Sunday as security forces fired live rounds on marching civilians across the country. The escalating violence was an apparent attempt by the junta to terrorize the people of Myanmar who have been protesting against the regime since early last month. If that was the goal, it failed. There were more protesters on the streets throughout Sunday despite the presence of trigger-happy security forces. The heavy-handed strategy only served to make people across the country more united in their opposition to the men in uniform, pushing the tension between the regime and the people of Myanmar into top gear for the coming days. Sunday saw the highest protest-related fatalities in a single day since the anti-regime rallies broke out three weeks ago. Fatal shootings were reported in several places across the countryfrom Dawei in the countrys Deep South to Yangon to upcountry Mandalay and other areas. Anti-regime mass rallies have erupted daily in Myanmar following a military takeover early last month. While denouncing the military dictatorship, protesters have also demanded the release of their democratically elected leaders, the President U Win Myint, the State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and others detained by the regime. Prior to this weekend, the protests had already seen bloodshed in other parts of the country, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay, where five people, including a 16-year-old boy, were shot dead by riot police and soldiers last week. On Sunday, people took to the streets in response to the protesters call to join Myanmars second general strike against the regime. It also coincided with the pro-democracy activists request for solidarity from the Milk Tea Alliance, a loose, online coalition of activists largely based in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan using the hashtag #MilkTeaAlliance. The coalitions name refers to the variety of types of milk tea consumed across the region. It opposes the increasing influence of China. In Yangon, riot police and soldiers hunted down protesters beginning in the morning, killing at least four people. According the head of the emergency department of a government general hospital in Yangon, three died after being shot in the head and abdomen. Out of 19 wounded people we have treated today, 15 were hit with live bullets. Two are in critical condition as they were hit in the throat and abdomen, said the hospital official. A protest column made up of doctors, nurses, and students from medical, pharmaceutical and paramedical universities in Yangon was attacked by soldiers and riot police in the citys Yankin Township. Out of thousands of protesters, 211 were arrested and several others sustained shoulder dislocations or skull injuries after being hit with batons. Those arrested had been released in the afternoon, but only after being forced to sign a paper stating they would not join the protests again. They just directly charged on us. Not even bothering to warn us to disperse, said a 30-year-old doctor who was among those detained. A second-year medical student who gave her name as Wendy was hit in the head with a baton. All she remembered was that her white duty coat suddenly turned red with her blood. I was too scared to feel the pain at the time, the 18-year-old recalled after her release late Sunday. In the countrys Deep South Dawei in Tanintharyi Region, the deaths and injuries came in the morning. At least four people were shot dead and around 40 injured in a violent assault by riot police on anti-coup protesters. At midday, a bystander on a motorcycle died after being shot in the head by police during a crackdown on a protest in Mandalay. Several people, including a youth volunteer helping protesters, were shot and injured. A woman who was just walking down the street was shot into the head and died on the spot in the evening. Like their counterparts in Yangon, protesters in Mandalay took more defensive approaches when confronted by security forces. Equipping themselves with hard hats, goggles and gas masks, they erected roadblocks with everything they could find to keep the charging riot police and soldiers away. Some brave souls armed themselves with rackets to hit the flying teargas canisters back to security forces while others simply used wet blankets to cover up smoky canisters when they landed. Protest-related deaths, injuries and arrests were also reported in Bago and Magwe Regions. Following the civilian deaths, the US Embassy in Yangon said on Sunday night that they were heartbroken to see the loss of so many lives in Myanmar and people should not face violence for expressing dissent to the military coup. Targeting of civilians is abhorrent, said the statement. Despite using live bullets, stun grenades and tear gas, police failed to disperse demonstrators taking part in a nationwide general strike against the military regime on Sunday. Undeterred by the deadly shootings, protesters across the country reorganized and continued their marches and sit-ins in the afternoon. Apparently disturbed and angered by the deaths of their fellow protesters, they shouted anti-regime slogans louder than on the other days. Anti-regime striker Sithu Aung, a 22-year-old Technological University student who joined the protest simply because he didnt want dictatorship, said he also fears the loss of his future if Myanmar is again isolated from the international community under the regime due to sanctions. If we dont resist out of fear, we would be enslaved by them. I believe others will move the protest ahead even if I am taken down, he said. Homebuyers in nearly half of the states including hurricane-prone Florida can be left in the dark about the flood risks to their new house. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) ) has released an updated scorecard that shows which states have the best and worst disclosure requirements to protect home buyers. Louisiana, which also suffers more than its share of storms, has one of the stronger disclosure laws. More than 41 million Americans live in flood zones and climate change is increasing flood risks for millions more. The deck is stacked against homebuyers, leaving millions of people investing their life savings in risky properties without knowing it, says Joel Scata, an attorney with NRDC. With flood risks rising throughout the country, we need to strengthen these disclosure rules across the board. NRDC Searchable Map: How States Stack Up on Flood Disclosure The updated scorecard details each states provisions, including: Florida and Virginia, where tens of thousands of properties are flood prone, have no statutory or regulatory requirement that a seller disclose past flood damages; In New York, sellers can pay $500 to not disclose previous flooding; Texas, on the other hand, put in place a top-notch disclosure requirement after Hurricane Harvey; South Carolina improved its rules following a series of stories detailing the problem in the Charleston Post and Courier. Disclosure doesnt affect federal flood insurance requirements or rates; it just alerts a buyer to the risks. NRDC said it is working with states to strengthen these requirements. In addition, lawmakers in Congress have proposed including a nationwide standard in legislation to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program. NRDC supports a homeowners a right to know about their propertys past history of flood insurance coverage, damage claims paid, and whether there is a legal requirement to purchase flood insurance because of past owners receipt of federal disaster aid. Topics Flood By Javier Solana MADRID All over the world, democracy is in retreat. In 2020, the Democracy Index, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) since 2006, fell to its lowest-ever global level. This development cannot be attributed exclusively to restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, because the ratings have been in free fall since 2015. So it is not surprising that in his first foreign policy speech as U.S. President Joe Biden focused on the need to safeguard democratic values around the world. Biden reaffirmed his intent, which he announced during his campaign, to organize a Summit for Democracy early in his presidency. In Biden's own words, this summit "will bring together the world's democracies to strengthen our democratic institutions, honestly confront countries that are backsliding, and forge a common agenda." The United Kingdom has embraced the idea by proposing the establishment of a G10, to be formed with the members of the G7 along with Australia, India, and South Korea. The outline and complementarity of these proposals have not yet been determined, but their essence is far from new. When John McCain ran for president against Barack Obama in 2008, he advocated the creation of a League of Democracies that would encompass more than a hundred states. In fact, when McCain floated the idea, a similar (but more modest) coalition had already existed since 2000, when the United States and Poland spearheaded the foundation of the Community of Democracies (CoD). That initiative still operates, but it is almost completely forgotten, demonstrating the difficulty of sustaining such efforts. From its beginning, the CoD was hampered by incongruities and tactical dissention, as well as by doubts about its purpose. Unfortunately, the countries that joined the project were not successfully encouraged to perfect their respective democratic systems. One revealing fact is that the organization's seat is in Poland, currently at number 50 in the EIU rankings, after marked democratic deterioration in recent years. Before getting underway, Biden's Summit for Democracy will face the very questions that caused similar projects to run aground: who, how, and why. When considering these questions frankly, one can identify a series of obstacles and drawbacks, which lately have become even more difficult to circumvent. The first uncomfortable reality that the U.S. must negotiate is that, even though it maintains much of its gravitational pull in the international arena, its reputation as a standard-bearer for democracy has suffered some significant blows. Clearly, the country is passing through a serious institutional and social crisis, owing largely to the transgressions of the Trump administration, with the connivance of the Republican Party. Biden's arrival with his promise of unity and eagerness to mend fences has been a great relief, but his conciliatory approach will not bear fruit overnight. Beyond these domestic considerations in the U.S., which other countries would be invited to the summit? Inviting too many would make reaching consensus more difficult, while including too few would lead to unproductive overlaps with existing forums such as the G7. Moreover, inviting some governments with dubious democratic credentials could contribute to whitewashing their practices, but excluding them could lead to diplomatic crises and be counterproductive from a strategic point of view. It remains to be seen whether Biden contemplates merely a single summit or a more permanent coalition perhaps even taking an institutionalized form. The first option would be purely symbolic and hardly worth the effort. The second would run up against the imperatives of a multipolar order in which economic ties and vicinity play an essential role. Sharing the same political system does not imply sharing the same interests and priorities, so providing a coalition of democracies with a concrete, substantial, and lasting objective is practically impossible. When realpolitik enters the scene (for example, in trade matters), the coalition could be discredited. Lastly, although a Summit for Democracy could be packaged positively, not punitively, it would surely be interpreted as an effort to draw a sharp dividing line between democracies and autocracies. To situate this dividing line at the center of international relations is to risk precipitating what we can still avoid: another cold war, this time between the U.S. and China. In the face of the tremendous global threats looming over us, from pandemics to climate change, a dynamic of confrontation between rival blocs would impede if not prevent the multilateral cooperation that we sorely need. But recognizing the drawbacks of Biden's proposal does not mean that we should resign ourselves to the global decline of democracy. Although it is advisable to opt for the G20 or for even more representative and ambitious formats to manage the shared challenges of the 21st century, democratic countries can use other, already existing, frameworks for more fruitful dialogue. Likewise, democracies can reinforce their moral leadership by distancing themselves from the abuses of autocratic regimes, as Biden has just done by withdrawing U.S. support for Saudi Arabia's offensive in Yemen. If anything has become clear of late, it is that democracy is not usually lost in the blink of an eye. It is often eroded little by little, almost unnoticed day to day. In order to rebuild it, a piecemeal approach instead of grand global gestures may prove most effective. By working patiently from the bottom up, and from the local to the international, we can still help democracy regain its luster. Javier Solana, a former EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, secretary-general of NATO, and foreign minister of Spain, is president of EsadeGeo Center for Global Economy and Geopolitics and distinguished fellow at the Brookings Institution. This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). Oil and gas mergers and acquisitions, already undercut by a lack of investor interest in the sector and little industry access to cash, was further impacted in 2020 by the global COVID-19 pandemic and oil market crash. According to Deloitte, upstream deal value and deal count were down 50 percent and 40 percent respectively compared to 2019. Despite the challenges, dealmaking returned to pre-pandemic levels as 2020 drew to a close, dominated by the Permian Basin. Expectations are deals could be on the rise in 2021, Melinda Yee, partner in Deloitte Touche LLP told the Reporter-Telegram by email. But that is contingent on two trends, she added. Oil prices and the spread of COVID-19 will be the two biggest factors determining the pace of dealmaking in 2021, she wrote. Currently, new cases are declining globally and particularly rapidly in the United States. Oil prices are trading up off the back of the recent winter storm in Texas. While the storms impacts might fade, West Texas Intermediate futures are still trading in the mid-50s to low-60s through the rest of the year. If both those trends hold, we would expect higher, steadier deal flow maybe below where we were at the end of 2020, but certainly much higher than in the first half of the year. As in the last half of 2020, Yee said the Permian will remain a key play for dealmaking. She noted that the region accounts for more than half of US shale spend and rig count. With almost 70 shale companies producing more than 10,000 barrels of liquids per day, there is plenty of room for consolidation, she said. What buyers will be looking for is low-cost contiguous acreage with plenty of running room at the right price. That is a tall order and price could be a sticking point, but we have seen several high-profile low-premium, all-stock deals getting across the finish line. I think we should see consolidation continue through 2021, as cutting costs and growing production within cash flow remain a priority for many companies. Consolidation was one of four trends the company identified for 2021, with expectations that consolidation will spread beyond the Permian into other basins like the Eagle Ford and Haynesville if prices remain above $50 a barrel. The oil market crash caused by the pandemic has resulted in an industry reset as companies finalize impairments, bankruptcies reduce liabilities and debt is restructured or discharged, lessening the drag on mergers, possibly returning dealmaking to pre-pandemic levels. A third trend is the need for new capital as initial public offerings, follow-on equity issuances, venture capital, private equity and private investment in public equity has dropped to near-zero over the past five years. The fourth trend is the energy transition, which is accelerating and expected to expand beyond the upstream sector into the midstream and downstream sectors. Yee wrote that the energy transition will impact mergers and acquisitions in three ways. First, larger continues will continue to invest more heavily in renewables, power and other low-carbon assets, likely reducing their spending on oil and gas, including mergers. Secondly, companies will focus their investments and mergers and acquisitions on lower carbon plays, which stands to benefit the Permian as well as much of the Middle East and potentially some offshore basins. And third, there will likely be an uptick in larger companies exiting higher-carbon and more mature assets to reduce their emissions intensity. That could lead to a pick-up in the acquisitions and divestiture market. Consolidation and the resulting decline in the number of oilfield service companies and exploration companies is not expected to impact the market, Yee wrote. But longer-term, she wrote, the question will be about scalability how fast can service companies increase the number of rigs deployed, fracking horsepower and boots on the ground? If there are fewer, leaner service companies, we could see a supply crunch if oil prices begin to rise sustainably. If that happens, she predicted there might be a period of catch-up with the number of drilled, uncompleted wells increased, but service companies and E&P companies will be able to increase their investment to meet rising demand for shale oil. 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. Canberra, March 1 : The Australian government has established a "myth-busting unit" to address coronavirus vaccine misinformation, a Minister revealed on Monday. Greg Hunt, the Minister for Health, revealed that the unit, a joint endeavour between the Departments of Health and Home Affairs, was "quietly" established in 2020 amid concerns over false vaccine information spreading rapidly on social media, Xinhua news agency reported. "Some of these anti-vaxxers are peddling, frankly, false and clearly irresponsible views," Hunt said. "We don't want to give too much air to some of the silliest ideas but we do want to provide public reassurance (we are) combating the misinformation on those ideas which would in any way falsely have some impact on public confidence." A survey published by Australian National University (ANU) researchers in February found that vaccine scepticism is on the rise in Australia. More than 20 per cent of respondents said they would "probably" or "definitely" not volunteer for a free vaccine compared to 12.7 per cent in August 2020 while the proportion of those who said they "definitely" would fell from 58.5 per cent to 43.7 per cent. Hunt revealed the existence of the myth-busting unit as he announced on Sunday the arrival of the first 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine to Australia. The first doses of the vaccine are set to be administered on March 8 after testing by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the arrival meant that "we will now be able to scale up the vaccination rollout to our priority groups, including our most vulnerable Australians and to our frontline border and health workers". Phuket haze thickens PHUKET: A lack of wind has left Phuket blanketed in haze today (Mar 1), with officials now cautioning people to take precautions against the pollution. healthpollution By The Phuket News Monday 1 March 2021, 12:06PM The Regional Environment Office 15 (REO 15), based in Phuket, yesterday issued an advisory for people to monitor their ease of breathing following a dust haze from Bangladesh and Myanmar settling over the island. However, despite readings from the Pollution Control Department confirming that the air quality today is even worse than yesterday, the REO 15 office has yet to issue any advisory today. Meanwhile, the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) just after 10am today posted a notice reporting an AQI (air quality index) reading of 121, with a PM2.5 reading for Phuket of 59. The notice cited its readings from the Air4Thai monitoring portal promoted by Thai officials. The AQI of 121 and PM2.5 reading of 59, like yesterday, was classified Orange, meaning Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. An Orange category warning carries the caution: The general public the advisory urged that health monitoring should be performed. If there are initial symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, the duration of outdoor activities should be shortened, or use protective equipment if needed. People who need special health care were advised, The amount of time spent outdoors should be shortened, or use protective equipment if needed. If you have health symptoms such as a cough, difficulty breathing, inflamed eyes, chest pain, headache, irregular heartbeat, nausea, fatigue, you should consult your doctor. Of note, readings delivered by worldwide air-quality monitoring portal aqicn.org indicated much worse air quality over Phuket today, with plain red Unhealthy readings for Chalong (163) and Phuket Town (150). Fellow global air pollution monitoring service IQAir operated out of Switzerland also today presented a plain red Unhealthy air-quality reading for Phuket of 168. Both aqicn. org and the Switzerland-based IQAir deliver air-pollution readings from raw data provided by the Pollution Control Department. The Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket) this morning posted a notice issued by the Thailand Fire Monitoring System of the Royal Forest Department. There are some hot spots in the nearby provinces and the southwest wind which is bringing dust to Phuket. The wind in Phuket is still, so the dust cannot move out to other areas, leaving the air quality unhealthy, said the notice. The air quality test in Tambon Talad Yai [Phuket Town] found that there is PM 2.5 dust about 59 g./m3, which is considered unhealthy for general people. People should monitor themselves. If anyone develops a cough, difficulty breathing or eye irritations, please avoid or reduce the time doing outdoor activities and wear a protective face mask if necessary, the notice advised. Expect [prevailing conditions] for 2-4 days after this. If the wind changes direction, the dust will be gone and [the air will return] back to normal, the notice added. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 05:14:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Smoke rises following an Israeli missile attack in Damascus, Syria, on Feb. 28, 2021. A fresh Israeli missile attack targeted positions in the vicinity of Damascus on Sunday night, state TV reported. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A fresh Israeli missile attack targeted positions in the vicinity of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday night, state TV reported. Citing a military source, the Israeli attack was launched from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, said the report. It added that the Syrian air defenses responded to the attack, destroying most of the missiles. Residents in the capital watched the air defenses' firing while tracing the Israeli targets in the sky amid sound of explosions. The Sunday attack comes a couple of days after the United States struck positions of pro-Iran fighters in eastern Syria, killing 22. Enditem Amazon warehouse employees in Alabama who voted to unionize got the support of an influential executive. President Joe Biden said in a video posted late Sunday that he supports the organizing drive in Bessemer, Alabama without mentioning the huge e-commerce business. Biden: forming a union is not up to the employers The facility's more than 5,800 warehouse employees will vote this month on whether or not to join the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union. The mail-in ballot election is open until March 29 which may result in the United States' first Amazon warehouse union, NPR reported. This will also be a significant achievement for labor organizing in the South, an area where union success is challenging. Many Amazon warehouses in Europe are unionized, but the firm has resisted unionization attempts in the United States. The last time Amazon employees voted on whether or not to join a union was in 2014 when a group of Delaware technicians voted against it. Workers coordinating the union drive, according to Amazon officials, do not represent the majority of workers at the Bessemer factory. Amazon's Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Relations, Jay Carney, did not respond to a request for comment by email. Carney was formerly the head of marketing for then-Vice President Joe Biden. He later became President Barack Obama's press secretary. During union polls, Biden warned that "no intimidation, no coercion, no threats, no anti-union messaging" should be used. "It's not up to an employer" to vote on a union election, he said. During the 2020 elections, Biden pledged to support unions, and a robust jobs agenda was a big part of his platform. Read also: Biden Had His First Defeat as President After Cabinet Nominee Receives Backlash Voting continues among the 6,000-strong Amazon workforce Amazon does not formally oppose labor unions, but it has vigorously resisted attempts by workers at the Bessemer warehouse to create one. It has circulated posters in restrooms, organized meetings to protest about unions, and also launched a website, DoItWithoutDues.com, to argue that a union is needless. Rachael Lighty, a spokesperson for the company, argues that the company has what unions want: insurance, job development, and compensation that starts at $15 an hour. She goes on to say that the organizers do not speak with the majority of Amazon workers. Amazon is also alleged to have sought to cancel the vote in Bessemer and force in-person voting, which organizers say would be risky during the pandemic. According to Daily Mail, employees are still mailing in their votes after these measures failed. The number of Bessemer workers who endorse a union is undisclosed, and the count is due to begin on March 30. To unionize, a majority of the 6,000 workers must vote "yes." If a majority vote is in favor, the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) will automatically represent them. But they will only become full members after the union and Amazon commit to a new corporate deal. 'As President Biden pointed out, forming into unions is the safest way for working citizens to defend themselves and their families,' RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said in a statement. While Biden had previously resisted addressing the Bessemer efforts to unionize, he developed a pre-organized labor image and played up his working-class experience when running for office. Read also: Biden Revokes More of Trump's Executive Orders Including on Financial Regulations, Immigration Biden warns Amazon to keep hands off on Union Drive Workers in Alabama and all across America are voting on whether to organize a union in their workplace. Its a vitally important choice one that should be made without intimidation or threats by employers. Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union. pic.twitter.com/2lzbyyii1g President Biden (@POTUS) March 1, 2021 @Twitter On Sunday, President Joe Biden approached employees in the United States who would soon vote on whether or not to form a union. Though the message was intended for the whole country, it was reported that it is specifically sent to a group of Amazon employees in Alabama. Employees at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, have started voting via mail to form a union, the largest such effort in Amazon's three-decade history, as per Newsweek via MSN. "We should encourage unions," Biden said on Sunday, invoking the National Labor Relations Act. "Let me be clear: it is not up to me to determine whether or not anyone should enter a union," Biden said. "But, to be sure, it is not up to an employer to make the call." It is entirely up to the employees to determine whether or not to form a union. Read also: Jill Biden Shares Nightly Dates with President Joe, Gives Advice to Clarkson on Getting Over a Painful Divorce @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. RailTel Corporation of India surged 18.49% to Rs 143.85 after Goldman Sachs India Fund bought 37,09,685 shares (or 1.15% stake) of the company at an average price of Rs 113.57 per share on Friday (26 February 2021). On the same day, Nippon India Mutual Fund - Multi Cap Fund bought 20 lakh shares (or 0.62% stake) at an average price of Rs 116.13 per share while Nippon India Mutual Fund bought 50 lakh shares (or 1.55% stake) at an average price of Rs 109 apiece. On Saturday (27 February 2021), RailTel Corporation informed that that it had been assigned works of Rs. 105.82 crore by the Ministry of Railways. The tenure for completion of the said works is 18 months. RailTel Corporation of India, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways (MoR), Government of India, is an information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure provider and is one of the largest neutral telecom infrastructure providers in the country. The public sector undertaking posted a net profit of Rs 45.58 crore and total sales of Rs 537.40 crore in six month ended September 2020. Shares of RailTel Corporation made their debut on the bourse on Friday (26 February 2021). The stock was listed at Rs 104.60, a premium of 11.28% to the initial public offer (IPO) price. It gained 16.06% to close at Rs 121.40 apeice. The IPO of RailTel Corporation of India was subscribed 42.39 times. The issue opened for bidding on 16 February 2021 and closed on 18 February 2021. The price band for the IPO was set at Rs 93-94 per share. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Westmoreland County Jim Smith Kim Ward Hempfield Congress Ligonier Valley School District New Kensington Richard K. Mellon Foundation New Kensington Redevelopment Authority GOP Westmoreland County Sean Kertes (TNS) Officials with the Economic Growth Connection ofsay the region is on track for growth in the coming year, with the expansion of high-speed internet access a top priority.Connection President and CEO, addressing the economic development group's annual meeting last week via Zoom, said events such as the online gathering coupled with the growing demands of workers left to work from home during the pandemic, have only served to underscore the importance of broadband access."We're facing widespread problems across the county. ... At some spots, access isn't much better than dial up," Smith said.State Senate Majority Leader, R-, told the group help may be on the way in the Biden administration stimulus bill now working its way throughHelp can't come too soon, Smith said.He said officials with thereported that some students have had to sit in parking lots to access wi-fi for schoolwork.In other areas, service is robust. Smith said one of the biggest problems has been learning just where weak spots exist in a market place where providers consider their service maps confidential information and are reluctant to share, Smith said.Officials knew there were weak spots in the far eastern reaches of the county. But Smith said as demand has grown with an increase in at-home work and school demands during the pandemic, weak spots have surfaced in many communities, even as business and industry place an added priority on high-speed internet as critical infrastructure for growth.Indeed, it will be integral to the Connection's biggest ever project, the $5 million Digital Foundry in. The new facility, scheduled for construction over the next year, is a joint project of the, which provided a $5.5 million grant to underwrite construction, the Economic Growth Connection, theand Penn State New Kensington. Officials have touted it has a project that will allow business and industry to create digital twins of their products and connect the emerging workforce with the economy of the future."High-speed internet is no longer a luxury," Ward said, equating it to critical infrastructure services such as water and sewer service.Smith said it may be even more important.Ward said the good news is that it appears stimulus package will include money for capital projects such as broadband expansion."That will help elevate this issue," Ward said, vowing to use her position in theleadership to push local priorities such as broadband.The prospect for such projects follows a year in which local economic growth slowed, with the Economic Growth Connection reporting that investments in projects it helped shepherd declined from $39.2 million in 2019 to $11.3 million last year. Smith said the good news is that companies that shelved investment plans last year or put expansion plans on hold are beginning to move forward this year."There were projects in mid year that were canceled because contractors couldn't get out," he said.And even during the shutdown, Smith said the organizations was about to help local businesses secure $25 to $30 million in assistance both through traditional and nontraditional avenues which opened up to help keep businesses operating through the pandemic."We are proud of our role, working to help keep the lights on," Smith said.The organization has partnered with state and local officials in that effort, including thecommissioners.Commissioners' Chairsaid such work will continue in coming weeks at the county level, as commissioners build a platform for the distribution of $3.9 million in state assistance to local businesses in the hospitality industry.Kertes said the grants that will be capped at $20,000 will be awarded on a first come-first served basis with an emphasis put on assisting businesses that have received no prior assistance or had such funding forgiven. He said more there are more than 1,200 businesses countywide in the hospitality sector, which includes food and beverage purveyors and those who provide overnight accommodations.He said the program will be handled strictly online through a secure county website, with no paper applications. Additional information will be posted on the county website as information becomes available. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will become overcast later during the night. Slight chance of a shower late. Low 58F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. MANZINI Various sectors that benefit from the spill over effects of the textile and apparel industry want government do everything possible to resuscitate the industry. The various sectors raised concerns following reports that the industry was on the brink of collapse. This publication has done an analysis of the impact brought about by the textile and apparel sector to the countrys economy and it emerged that it was not only about the textile employers, the workers and the about 7.6 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) it contributes, but the other sectors that benefit from the spill overs. Transport One of the sectors that benefits directly from the operations of the textile and apparel factories is the transport industry. An analysis, which was done with the Eswatini Textile and Apparel Traders Association (ETATA), proved that the industry employs about 22 000 people and a majority of them use public transport to commute to and fro work on a daily basis. This meant that even if only half of the workers (11 000) use public transport when going to work and back to their places of residence at E16 each per day, they contribute at least E3.52 million per month to the public transport industry. This means the public transport sector benefits a minimum of E42.24 million per year. A majority of the workers in the sector come from across the country and rent one-room flats around their workplace. In the Kingdom of Eswatini, most factories are in the countrys industrial hub; Matsapha Industrial Site, while others are located in Nhlangano and Siteki. An average monthly rent for a one-room flat is E500. The analysis reflects that if only half of the workers rent houses, landlords collect E5.5 million per month, which multiplies to at least E66 million per year. Again, the relocating of the textile workers from their parental homes to residential houses around Matsapha Industrial Site, for example, opened business opportunities for businesses like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Furthermore, since a majority of the residents are Matsapha textile workers, most schools are dominated by their children, which means that working in the factories made it possible for them (parents) to send their children to school. This resulted in the establishment of various private schools and pre-schools. In that regard, just like the textile employers and employees, the sectors that benefit from the industrys spill overs were concerned about the developments that seem to be posing a threat to the continued operation of textile factories in the country. The main concern is the South African Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Value Chain Master Plan to 2030, which is part of the neighbouring countrys Post- COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy that resulted in the passing of a policy that calls for retail stores to support only local manufacturers in South Africa. This policy, according to the employers in the industry, would render majority textile factories in the country, which depend on South African markets, redundant. Sabelo Dlamini, the Secretary of the Swaziland Local Transport Association (SLTA), Manzini Branch, said there were over 320 kombis which operated in areas around Matsapha Industrial Site. He said these vehicles transported textile workers to work in the morning and back home in the afternoon. In that regard, he said the developments which were taking place in the textile industry were a big issue for them. He said during the COVID-19 lockdown period, most public transport operators managed to survive through transporting textile workers. Doomed Most vehicles only get real business in the morning and afternoon when they transport the textile workers. So, if this policy can affect the industry locally, to the extent it could be forced to retrench some workers or close down, we will be doomed in the public transport sector, the secretary said. He extended their plea to government to do everything in its power to save the textile industry from collapsing. He said government should go all out, even if it called for it to make some sacrifices. Otherwise, he said they might also find themselves being forced to work in shifts, something which would affect the income of their drivers and conductors. In a worst case scenario, he said they could be forced to park their vehicles because they would be incurring losses and financial institutions could end up repossessing their vehicles . In that regard, he said this could mean that they might also retrench some of their workers. Emmerson is investigating the possibility of boosting proposed output at Khemmiset ( ) has raised 5.5mln in a placing of shares at an issue price of 5.75p. The money raised will be used to make further progress on the development of the Khemisset potash project in Morocco. "We are delighted with the strong support shown by both some significant new investors and also a number of our existing investors, which further endorses their strong belief in the potential of Emmerson and the Khemisset Project, said chief executive Graham Clarke. These funds enable us to continue to make strong progress as we move ever closer to the commencement of construction. While our main focus in the short term is on securing the environmental approval and strategic financing discussions, we will now commence site investigation work to feed into the commencement of detailed design whilst also working on our sulphate of potash project, salt strategy and expansion of both the life of mine and the potential for increasing our output which present growth opportunities to improve our already outstanding economics. Mumbai, March 1 : In a shocking revelation, the Maharashtra government said on Monday that the massive and unprecedented blackout that paralysed Mumbai and its surrounding areas on October 12 last year was caused by a suspected cyber-attack originating in China. "I feel the media reports that have emerged in the matter are true," Energy Minister Nitin Raut told the media with Home Minister Anil Deshmukh by his side on Monday evening. Suspecting 'sabotage' as the cause behind the power outage, Raut had requested Deshmukh to probe the matter to get to the truth and a report in the matter has been submitted to the government. However, the two ministers refused to divulge specific details in view of the Budget session currently underway in the state. They would table the probe report before the legislature. "We will study the report in detail before commenting further," said Deshmukh on the report prepared by the Maharashtra Cyber Police. "The Cyber Cell has submitted its preliminary report on the matter. The findings state that there is evidence to suggest there might have been a cyber-sabotage attempt," said Deshmukh, adding that the report has been handed over to Raut. Irelands Foreign Affairs Minister has reiterated the Governments commitment to holding a referendum to extend voting rights in future presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State. Simon Coveney said Ireland would be stronger for the inclusion of emigrants in presidential elections, and that the Government would work to provide the electorate with as much information as possible before casting their vote. He made the comments at a digital conference by VotingRights.ie on Monday discussing Irish citizenship, emigrants and voting rights post-Brexit. Giving our citizens around the world, a voice to the highest office in the State will strengthen the bond between all Irish citizens irrespective of distance or location. Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney Mr Coveney said: This Government is committed to holding a referendum to extend the rights of our citizens outside the state to vote in future presidential elections. He told the conference the office of the president represents all Irish citizens. Our presidents have been a distinguished voice for the Irish nation, and for an inclusive vision of Irishness, embracing all Irish citizens, including our diaspora, he added. Giving our citizens around the world a voice to the highest office in the State will strengthen the bond between all Irish citizens irrespective of distance or location. I understand the importance of this to so many Irish citizens around the world. The decision to extend this right to the diaspora will of course be a decision for the Irish people. We will work to provide the electorate, with as much certainty and clarity as possible in reaching their decision, but I look forward to making that case to the Irish people. A recent poll of more than 1,000 people in Ireland found 52% of people were in favour of all Irish citizens with valid passports living abroad being allowed to vote in future presidential elections. The poll also found that 56% were in favour of extending presidential voting rights to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. There are now more than 830,000 Irish passport holders in Northern Ireland. Independent Ulster Unionist Claire Sugden said she subscribes to the idea that she is both British and Irish and that she is keen to explore what this means. But she said if she was asked to vote for an Irish president tomorrow she would not know much about the process or the candidates. I wouldnt know who the candidates are and I wouldnt know what they represent, Ms Sugden said. I think thats the really interesting dynamic we have in Northern Ireland. The only candidate from the 2018 Irish presidential election that Id be somewhat familiar with is Sinn Fein. That gives rise to its own interesting conversations. I would have my concerns about it for a number of reasons because in theory, why not? But with everything to do with Ireland and Northern Ireland, its complicated. Its complicated with a past and its all those things we have to take into account. Former president of the Ulster Farmers Union and former member of the Irish Seanad Ian Marshall said voting rights for people in Northern Ireland was about bringing Ireland in line with other countries which give rights to its citizens abroad. Mr Marshall questioned whether British passport holders in Northern Ireland would be able to vote in presidential elections if they did not have an Irish passport. I think that raises a question that everyone should be entitled to vote, he said. There are those who will not want to exercise that right and thats understandable, but I think it raises a question of: is this only passport holders? Big thanks to @VotingRightsIE for providing this mornings platform to discuss the important issue of extending presidential voting rights for citizens in the North. Great to hear such a broad ranges of views too; think we can all agree campaign has to be informed & inclusive. pic.twitter.com/tqMnQrfuhb Senator Niall A Donnghaile ai (@NiallSF) March 1, 2021 Sinn Fein senator Niall O Donnghaile said he was encouraged by results of the poll on presidential voting being extended to those in Northern Ireland, but added he wants an even bigger victory when it comes to the vote. He said the Irish Government now has the opportunity to prepare for a referendum and to channel away any negativity or ignorance out there about the matter. Its about rights, Mr O Donnghaile said. Its about enfranchising citizens. Its about a step forward. Its not taking anything away from anyone. Its not denying anyone their rights or entitlements. Its also doing what is in the Constitution in terms of Article 2 which says it is our birth right to be part of the Irish nation. So what does being part of the Irish nation actually mean? Surely to god that has to mean a right to a vote. A defiant Annastacia Palaszczuk has refused to release emails from her personal accounts and denied she has done anything wrong during a tense stand-off with reporters on Monday. Ms Palaszczuk has again come under fire over her two personal email accounts stacia1@bigpond.com and apbounce11@gmail.com after it was revealed some correspondence involving those accounts might be categorised as public records. If you have an allegation, put it to me, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters. Credit:Internet One email, tabled during a December estimates hearing, suggested Transport Minister Mark Bailey had written to the Premier about a job candidates ideological stance before he was hired. Ms Palaszczuk told Parliament in 2017 she had not used her private account for work business. ANANTARA'S NORTHERN THAILAND RESORTS LISTED AS TRAVEL+LEISURE'S TOP HOTELS OF THE WORLD Anantaras two Northern Thailand resorts, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort have been included in Travel+Leisure USA magazines iconic top 500 - an illustrious list that recognizes the 500 best hotels in the world, as chosen by their readers. ANANTARA'S NORTHERN THAILAND RESORTS LISTED AS TRAVEL+LEISURE'S TOP HOTELS OF THE WORLD Anantaras two Northern Thailand resorts, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort have been included in Travel+Leisure USA magazines iconic top 500 - an illustrious list that recognizes the 500 best hotels in the world, as chosen by their readers. Thailand - Events - Rewards This is a press release Category: Asia Pacific This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2021-03-01 The hotels listed in the T+L 500 are derived from the results of the magazines 2020 Worlds Best Awards. The honorees are grouped into eight geographic regions and are chosen on criteria such as demonstrating a commitment to excellence, each embodies the best qualities of its community and offers an unparalleled experience from amenities to on-site activities. Perched on a ridge in the northern hills of Thailand overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort immerses guests in once-in-alifetime experiences. Attached to the resort is the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation that has rescued over 60 elephants off the streets of Thailand with over 20 still being cared for on the lush jungle grounds surrounding the resort. Guests can also spend an unforgettable night observing the elephants in their natural habitat from the comfort of a fully furnished, transparent Jungle Bubble. Designed by legendary architect Kerry Hill, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is conveniently located on the banks of the Mae Ping River, giving easy access for guests to explore the temple-filled old city, Lanna heritage, artisan villages and mountain hill tribes. The resorts centerpiece, the stunning colonial house, was once the British consulate of Chiang Mai. The house is now The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar, charming guests with a British secret intelligence concept, complete with secret dining rooms, a dungeon and a fusion of culinary journeys full of mystery and intrigue. It is a great honour for our two northern Thailand properties to be recognized by the readers of Travel+Leisure USA as the best in the world, said Michael Marshall, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, owner of the Anantara brand. This recognition is testament to the genuine northern Thai hospitality along with the dedication, passion and commitment of our team in delivering outstanding experiences to all our guests. Anantara Angkor Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia rounded off the list for the Anantara brand as a T+L 500. About Anantara Hotels.Resorts.Spas Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the worlds most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences. From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 35 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Portugal and Spain, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa. A thief from the town of Davie in South Florida has stolen more than 150 birds allegedly worth around $75,000. The suspect broke into The Birdhouse pet store by cutting a hole in its roof, ABC 7 reports. The store's alarm and power were then cut off, according to WSVN 7News. The Davie Police Department stated in a recent report that the thief escaped through the store's back door sometime between 6 p.m. last Monday and 9 a.m. last Tuesday. My heart got ripped out they take everything away from me, last 15 years I put my work, the store's owner, Charlie Hong, told WPLG Local 10. This is my hobby as I started it. I made a business supporting my family. Whoever is out there took my dream away. Some of the birds that were stolen include 60 green-cheeked conures (valued at around $30,000), 70 sun conures (valued at around $35,000), and 20 cockatiels (valued at around $4,000). One of Hong's friends has created a GoFundMe page with a $75,000 goal to support Hong and his family. Anyone with information about the suspect and stolen birds are encouraged to contact the Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. Feature Image via GoFundMe Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! FBI Offers $30,000 Reward to Find Vietnamese Suspect in Boston Chinatown Massacre Aspiring Model Gets 20 Months in Jail For Falsely Accusing Asian Cab Drivers of Rape African Students in Taiwan for Work-Study Program Allegedly End Up Skinning Chickens in Factory Asian Family Business Opened 35 Years Ago Burned Down by Suspected Arsonist Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks after the House of Representatives passed his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, U.S. on Feb. 27, 2021. (Joshua Roberts/REUTERS) Biden Says Saudi Announcement to Come Monday; Official Says No New Steps Expected WASHINGTONPresident Joe Biden on Saturday said his administration would make an announcement on Saudi Arabia on Monday, following the release of a report by the Director of National Intelligence which outlines the assessment of U.S. intelligence on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Biden administration has faced criticism in a Washington Post editorial and from others for not being tougher on Saudi Arabias crown prince, who intelligence assessed (pdf) must have authorized the murder carried out by Saudi officials. The Saudi government, which has denied any involvement by the crown prince, on Friday issued a statement rejecting the U.S. reports findings and repeating its previous statements that Khashoggis killing was a heinous crime by a rogue group. Asked about punishing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (also known as MbS)Saudi Arabias de facto ruler who was appointed in 2017 and led an anti-corruption committee that saw 11 princes and 38 other top figures in the kingdom arrestedBiden said: There will be an announcement on Monday as to what we are going to be doing with Saudi Arabia generally. Biden did not provide details. A White House official has suggested no new significant steps are expected. The administration took a wide range of new actions on Friday. The president is referring to the fact that on Monday, the State Department will provide more details and elaborate on those announcements, not new announcements, the official said. Khashoggi, a U.S. resident who wrote opinion columns for the Washington Post critical of MbS policies, was killed and dismembered by a team of operatives linked to the prince in the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. File photo of Saudi dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi speaking on his cellphone at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) Among the punitive steps the United States took on Friday was the imposition of a visa ban on some Saudis believed involved in the Khashoggi killing and sanctions on others, including a former deputy intelligence chief, which would freeze their U.S. assets and generally bar Americans from dealing with them. By Steve Holland. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 45F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. The National Council for Jewish Women of Greater New Orleans has honored a former chapter president, Ina Weber Davis, with its Hannah G. Solomon Award. The award is given annually to a community leader who exemplifies the qualities of Hannah G. Solomon, founder of the National Council of Jewish Women. Recipients selected are known for their interest, activity and stands on issues with which NCJW is in sympathy. They have brought about important community programsthrough their leadership in a volunteer capacity and each has been a catalyst for social change. Vivian Cahn organized the virtual awards ceremony. Davis served on the National Board of NCJW, coordinating a State Policy Advocacy Network across the country. Davis is also the founder and co-chair of Louisiana Courts Matter, and she continues to be the NCJW representative to the National Courts Matter Coalition, which promotes a federal judiciary that is fair and independent. Davis also has served on many boards and committees including the New Orleans Public Library and VIA LINK, an organization committed to crisis intervention. Burma Myanmar Central Bank Limits ATM Transactions, Account Withdrawals A Yangon resident withdraws cash from an ATM at a CB Bank branch in April 2019. / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has lowered its limits on cash withdrawals from ATMs and bank accounts after a military-owned bank suspended operations last week as it faced a run on deposits. Claiming the move is aimed at encouraging digital payments, the CBMs directive states that starting Monday, individuals can withdraw a maximum of 500,000 kyats (about US$354) from ATMs per day. Until Feb. 28, ATM users were allowed to withdraw up to 1 million kyats per day. Individuals can withdraw a maximum 2 million kyats per week from their bank accounts. For companies and organizations, the limit is 20 million kyats per week, the CBM said. Private banks services have been limited to ATMs and online banking since early February, as their employees have stopped working to join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the military regime. Despite pressure on banks from the military regime to reopen, employees have staunchly refused to return to their offices. Since the coup, unstable political conditions have caused rumors to swirl, including that some banks are on the verge of collapse. Since Feb. 8, people have lined up in front of ATMs every day to withdraw as much cash as they can. Private banks fill up all the ATMs in Yangon, Myanmars commercial capital, early every morning, but the cash usually runs out at around 10 or 11 a.m. Last week, private banks limited withdrawals to 1 million kyats per day. Banks might be concerned that they will face bank runs as soon as they reopen, a founder of an IT company based in Naypyitaw told The Irrawaddy. The withdrawal amount for a company per week is quite problematic. For the big companies, it could create a crisis, he said. Currently, private banks are refusing to provide payroll services, and many companies across the country are now delaying payment of salaries to employees. Some companies are planning to pay staff in cash. On Monday, the central bank asked private banks to reopen branches in border towns including Muse and Myawaddy, as they play a major role in border trade. It said traders have faced difficulties due to the suspension of bank services. Officials from private banks said their ability to reopen would depend whether staff involved in the CDM returned. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Junta Leader Warns Media Against Using Junta or Regime After Embassy Protest, Indonesia Denies Backing Myanmar Regimes Election Plan Myanmar Police Fails to Probe Headquarters Raid: NLD 1er mars 2021 Lors de celebrations qui se tenaient aujourd'hui (1er mars) a l'occasion de son 125e anniversaire, l'Office hongrois de la propriete intellectuelle (HIPO) a recu un message de felicitations du President de l'OEB, M. Antonio Campinos, mais aussi de representants du ministere hongrois de l'innovation et des technologies, du ministere hongrois des finances, ainsi que de l'Organisation Mondiale de la Propriete Intellectuelle (OMPI) et de l'Office de l'Union europeenne pour la propriete intellectuelle (EUIPO). Dans son allocution, prononcee par visioconference, M. Campinos a souligne que "depuis sa creation, l'Office hongrois a joue un role de premier plan dans la promotion de l'innovation et du progres economique - en Hongrie et au-dela. Vous disposez d'un systeme de PI qui a contribue a encourager l'innovation hongroise et nous a donne des inventeurs de renom et tres estimes." Pour marquer cette occasion, l'OEB a envoye a l'HIPO une reproduction du tout premier brevet europeen delivre a un inventeur hongrois, il y a pres de 40 ans. Dans son discours, M. Campinos a evoque en particulier le role que l'innovation et la PI jouent non seulement dans la construction d'un avenir plus durable et meilleur sur le plan sanitaire, mais aussi en tant que moteur de la croissance et de la reprise economiques. Il a fait l'eloge des activites que l'HIPO met en uvre afin de favoriser la connaissance et la comprehension de la PI au sein des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME), des universites et des reseaux de recherche. Se tournant vers l'avenir, M. Campinos a mentionne la signature d'un nouvel accord de cooperation bilaterale visant a ameliorer, d'un commun effort, les services a l'intention des innovateurs, ainsi que la relance du reseau des centres d'information brevets (PATLIB 2.0), qui servira de plate-forme d'acceleration pour le transfert technologique. "Notre objectif est essentiellement de creer une veritable culture de la commercialisation dans toute l'Europe, et de donner aux chercheurs un acces aux connaissances et aux informations les plus precieuses, ou que ce soit", a-t-il declare. Parmi les autres intervenants lors de la ceremonie de l'HIPO, il y avait notamment Gyula Pomazi, President de l'HIPO, Gabor Gion, Secretaire d'Etat aux finances, le professeur Jozsef Bodis, Secretaire d'Etat a l'enseignement superieur, a l'innovation et a la formation professionnelle, Daren Tang, Directeur general de l'OMPI, et Christian Archambeau, Directeur executif de l'EUIPO. Ont egalement pris la parole Andrea Fekete, docteure en medecine et chercheuse, pediatre et professeure a l'Universite Semmelweis, et Vera Jonas, chanteuse et compositrice. Une table ronde a ensuite eu lieu avec des representants de l'industrie hongroise sur le theme "Tradition, innovation et protection de la propriete intellectuelle". L'Office hongrois de la propriete intellectuelle a ete cree en 1896. La Hongrie a adhere a l'Organisation europeenne des brevets le 1er janvier 2003. Elle est l'un des 38 Etats membres de l'OEB. Informations supplementaires : Thousands of pupils and teachers will return to schools across Limerick today as part of the phased return to in-class education. Dozens of primary schools will welcome back junior students for the first time this year while Leaving Certificate pupils will attend secondary schools. In an open letter to parents, published ahead of the re-opening, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said NPHET's priority is to ensure a safe return to schools for students, their families and school staff. Dr Glynn has appealed to all stakeholders to ensure the reopening of schools results in the minimum possible upward pressure on the Covid-19 reproduction number, which still remains below 1. "Please avoid congregating at school gates over the coming weeks. Please do not have play dates or organise after-school activities which involve household mixing. And please continue to work from home unless essential. It is only through your continued buy-in to these measures that we can ensure that our children will get back to school and then stay back in school," he wrote. Meanwhile, today marks a significant milestone for one Limerick school as its new multimillion euro campus opens to mainstream staff and students for the first time. Since the closure of schools before Christmas, the finishing touches have but in place at Colaiste Chiarain in Croom. Built on a 22-acre site on the outskirts of the village, the new school includes a state-of-the art 10,000 square metre school building as well as three full size playing pitches, ball courts, and other recreational facilities. Staff underwent their induction on Friday ahead of today's reopening. ___________________________________________ Are your children returning to school today? If so, we'd love to here from you. Tag us on social media or email your photos to news@limerickleader.ie Gov. Andrew Cuomo was fighting for his political life over the weekend following new allegations of sexual harassment and the imminent naming of an independent investigator by Attorney General Letitia James. A former gubernatorial aide, 25-year-old Charlotte Bennett has said that Cuomo made sexually suggestive comments to her last June. I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared, she told The New York Times in an article published Saturday. And was wondering how I was going to get out of it and assumed it was the end of my job. The bombshell allegations came days after another former aide, Manhattan borough president candidate Lindsey Boylan alleged Cuomo forcibly kissed her years ago and made numerous inappropriate comments during her time working for his administration. Cuomo has not appeared in public since. I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to, Cuomo said in a Sunday evening statement following a whirlwind weekend when his apparent efforts to control probes of his personal conduct fell flat with James and Democratic lawmakers. ENOUGH. New York State has now lost the talents and ambition of yet another woman, whose safety and integrity were eliminated to serve a powerful mans desires, reads a Feb. 27 statement from the Sexual Harassment Working Group, former legislative staffers who have led efforts to challenge sexual abuse in Albany. Andrew Cuomo must resign now. The governor has not appeared in public in nearly a week the most glaring sign yet of his mounting political problems following a year when his handling of the coronavirus pandemic had stirred talks of a dark horse run for the presidency. His handling of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes though have led to calls by Democrats in recent weeks for new investigations and his possible impeachment. Having the Office of the Attorney General led by a possible rival for the 2022 Democratic nomination for governor handle a probe into sexual assault allegations could even mean the end for Cuomo before his campaign for a fourth term in office even gets started. This is not a responsibility we take lightly, James, who recently downplayed any interest in becoming governor, said in a Sunday statement. We will hire a law firm, deputize them as attorneys of our office, and oversee a rigorous and independent investigation. State legislators such as state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, and a litany of Republicans, have already called for Cuomo to resign. Some on the political left and right are also floating impeachment. Most political notables, however, are focusing on seeing an independent investigation get underway after rejecting successive proposals by Cuomo for a probe led by a former judge and an investigation where Chief Judge Janet DiFiore who Cuomo appointed would share oversight with James. This includes State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastive, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and state party Chair Jay Jacobs. Even if no additional people come forward making allegations against Cuomo, any investigation will likely take weeks, months, or possibly even longer depending on the amount of evidence that might exist to prove or disprove the the respective allegations by Boylan and Bennett. Then there is the ongoing scandal surrounding his handling of COVID-19 deaths in nursing home deaths. A federal probe is ongoing. State lawmakers are calling for the repeal of the sweeping emergency powers they granted him last spring. Everything has seemingly been going downhill for the governor since James released a damning report on nursing home deaths in late January. That appeared to have marked the beginning of the end of the days when Cuomo was a national hero during the pandemic. Even his longtime buddy Joe Biden is distancing himself from the governor who once months ago had a primetime spot at the Democratic National Convention. Yet, Cuomo has survived scandals before and the latest polls continue to show his approval ratings remaining high before the recent sexual harassment allegations became public. Metrics like web searches suggest outrage in the media and state political circles does necessarily equate public interest. The race for the 2022 gubernatorial race will not begin for many months more. Cuomo already has a big war chest. And he crushed the last two challengers sent by the political left. State lawmakers whisper about how for all their outrage about nursing homes and sexual harassment they worry about how these scandals will distract from their legislative work in the short-term and possibly cause longterm damage to their party. Members of the state Senate and Assembly have yet to strike a deal on how exactly they would increase legislative oversight over the state response to the pandemic. Some want to repeal the extra emergency powers approved in the first days of the pandemic. Others want to let them sunset next month. Democratic state senators have floated the idea of a 10-member panel that would review gubernatorial decisions on public health moving forward. A few lawmakers confided to City & State how they worry about moving too fast with replacing the current system, which has resulted in executive orders affecting everything from alcohol sales to hospital capacity. Still, things are obviously not going well for the governor. No matter what happens with the sexual harassment allegations, nursing home deaths or anything else, he appears to be on the brink of losing whatever popularity boost he still enjoyed from the pandemic. He might yet emerge relatively unscathed. He could dominate state budget negotiations and lead the Empire State through a successful vaccine distribution effort and conclusion to the pandemic. But the sexual harassment allegations, and the three-term governors well-known penchant for bullying state lawmakers, journalists and others, is increasingly out of place in a state Capitol undergoing generational change. His ways of governing are no secret to people in politics, and a growing chorus of critics say that is exactly the problem they got with Cuomo as he continues efforts to survive the growing political storm. For better or for worse is that you're seeing a classic Cuomo in a compressed timeline, said Erica Vladimer, a former Capitol staffer and co-founder of the Sexual Harassment Working Group. Sometimes it takes this kind of reckoning for people to realize what's been happening all along. It's because the man who was in charge of the system that protects him is the one that we are finally shining a spotlight on. GlobeNewswire Experiences over 100% in Client growth Raises additional capital Prepares for Public Listing amid COVID-19 restrictionsCOPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kvanto Payment Services Ltd. and its wholly subsidiary Kvanto Payment Services A/S. (Kvanto) is pleased to provide this Corporate Update and report on certain key initiatives that are currently underway. During Kvantos current 2021 fiscal year which ends on June 30, 2021, amid the challenges and restrictions imposed by COVID-19, the company has been successful in increasing its working capital by USD$ 2,040,000 by issuance of a series of private placements. This injection of capital has provided the financial foundation for the implementation of 3 key objectives which were: 1) To Increase the Customer Base,2) Provide the Capital for the MWT acquisition, and3) Strengthen the Balance Sheet for the planned public listing. 1) Customer Base Increases Over 100% Kvanto has been working diligently to expand its reach of clients globally. The injection of capital has allowed the Company to increase its activity recently which has resulted in over a 100% increase in the number of live clients as of May 2021 compared to the same time period in 2020. The revenue impact from these new Customer signings is expected to begin over the next 3 to 6 months as the Kvanto gateway is implemented onto the Clients platforms. The Company believes it is in good shape as it moves away from being a start-up company and begins its scale-up stage. 2) Status of the MWT Acquisition One of Kvantos most exciting projects previously announced on December 22, 2020 is the partnership established with Mobileware Technologies PVT (MWT) in Mumbai, India and the pending acquisition of MWT. The Company now has the necessary capital to conclude on the cash requirements of the acquisition, however the closing of the acquisition has been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions which are especially amplified in India. These restrictions have prevented the completion of the last stages of finalizing the legal due diligence requirements and implementing the turn on of the payment processing platforms to begin realizing the agreed upon resulting revenue streams. Both parties are in the process of completing their respective requirements of the acquisition agreements and once completed and agreed to by the parties, Kvanto will complete their registration papers and the project will start functioning. The start date is dependent on certain COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and is not yet determinable. Even though the completion of these processes to conclude on the acquisition have been delayed amid the coronavirus crisis, nothing compares to devastation the virus has caused in India and the impact it has had on the country. Kvanto would like to acknowledge and appreciates all the hard work the people in India have done to move forward. 3) Preparation for the Planned Public Listing The delays caused by the COVID-19 restriction has also had an impact on the timing of the planned listing of Kvanto on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and its planned cross listings onto the open segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE) and the OTC Markets (OTC) in the USA. The MWT acquisition has had a significant impact on the preparation of the required documentation and disclosure for the listing application. Its timing drives the reporting and auditing of the consolidated results of Kvanto Payment Systems Ltd which is the entity based in Canada that will be applying for listing. Although management has been optimistic that the Company could have worked through the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, they worsened in in the last quarter. Unfortunately, these worsening restrictions has caused this unforeseen delay. The Company has however advanced certain aspects of the listing process to help mitigate some of these circumstances. Caravel Law has been appointed as the Companys securities lawyer and is now in the process of preparing the Non-Offering Prospectus for submission to the Canadian securities regulators. The Company has also upgraded it auditing on a consolidated entity basis with the appointment of BDO as its international auditors. The Financial Statements to be included in the Prospectus will have been audited by BDO. Kvanto is now targeting the application for listing to be submitted for approval during the calendar years 3rd quarter rather than the previously expected 2nd quarter. Kvanto CEO Jesper Skorstengaard concluded, I know, our shareholders are anxious to see Kvanto listed on the stock exchange and even though I pushed and had hoped we would have already realized that status, we have faced some challenges and delays beyond our control. However, I am excited about our position in the marketplace and the prospects for our Company going forward, which we should see translate into building shareholder value as we continue to prepare to apply for our anticipated listing in the near future. About Kvanto Payment Services: Kvanto was established to compete in the rapidly changing digital payment solutions market. Client adoption proves Kvanto has the solutions to compete. Kvanto has positioned itself as a premium European multi-connectivity payment service provider (holding a PSP-ISO), with a world-recognized payment gateway which integrates leading acquirers who handle different payment methods and payment cards linking to online and offline business efficiently, affordably and reliably. The Kvanto organization boasts several decades of experience within the payment and financial industries. Its extensive network of partners and collaborators across the world is one of the key reasons why Kvanto is able to provide customers with a payment solution no matter where they operate from. Kvanto Payment Services AS based in Denmark, is a 100% operating subsidiary owned by Kvanto Payments Services Ltd. in Canada. For Further Information Contact: Kvanto Payment Services A/S CEO, Jesper V. SkorstengaardPhone: +45 4033 3396Mail: jvs@kvanto.comwww.kvanto.com Disclaimer All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as anticipate, if, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, could, should, will, and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Kvanto Payment Services A/S is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. BVX-0320 and Covid-T to have capability to address UK, Brazilian and South African Virus Variants VANCOUVER, B.C., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTC: LMNGF) ("BioVaxys"), the world leader in haptenized protein vaccines for antiviral and cancer applications, announced today that it is assessing steps to modify BVX-0320 and Covid-T, its SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate and T-cell diagnostic, to address the newly emerging variants (the South African, UK, and Brazilian variants) of SARS-CoV-2 that are of high concern to worldwide governments, healthcare practitioners, and infectious disease researchers. Given the flexibility in BioVaxys' viral vaccine platform based on haptenizing viral antigens, the Company is exploring the potential for producing a multivalent vaccine, which will be a combination of the haptenized spike proteins subunits from each clinically significant variant. Once the amino acid sequences for the variants are available, BioVaxys should be able to quickly produce a multivalent vaccine. BioVaxys is also planning a product line extension of Covid-T, its disposable diagnostic for screening for T cell response to SARS-CoV-2, that would have capability to screen for T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants. In recent months, highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants - United Kingdom (B.1.1.7 lineage), South Africa (B.1.351 lineage), and Brazil (P.1 lineage) - with mutations in the spike protein have been spreading globally and appear to cause major changes in the way the virus acts, including enhanced transmissibility and possibly increased clinical severity. Most disconcerting are findings that recently approved Covid-19 vaccines may not work as well against these variants. In a new study which was published the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from Pfizer, BioNTech, and the University of Texas Medical Branch examined how well blood taken from people who had received the companies' vaccine fought off a virus engineered to have the key mutations found in B.1.351. They reported that there was about a two-thirds drop in neutralization power against the variant compared to other forms of the SARS-CoV-2 (NEJM, Neutralizing Activity of BNT162b2-Elicited Serum-Preliminary Report February 17, 2021). These "mutations" have quickly emerged in different geographical regions, such as the UK, South Africa and Brazil, and in some places have outcompeted the existing variants. Given the nature of viruses and their natural propensity to mutate, it is likely that additional clinically significant variants will emerge. A multivalent vaccine based on haptenized spike proteins of the emerging variants would be expected to have the same level of effectiveness that Biovaxys has demonstrated with its monovalent BVX-0320 vaccine in a mouse model: a 96.4% spike protein-binding antibody response, activation of CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ killer T cells, and stimulation of T cells that produce the cytokine, gamma interferon. Helper CD4+ T-cells are memory cells that retain information about the virus, enabling them to respond rapidly after viral exposure. CD8+ T cells have the capacity to kill cells infected by the virus, thereby stopping viral replication in those cells. Dr. David Berd, Chief Medical Officer of Biovaxys, noted that "hapten modification induces a strong T cell response against the unmodified, native viral protein. It is likely that T cells induced by the original viral spike protein would also react with the new variants, even though the antibody response is attenuated." For greater certainty, BioVaxys is not making any express or implied claims that it has the ability to treat the SAR-CoV-2 virus at this time. About BioVaxys Technology Corp. Based in Vancouver,BioVaxys Technology Corp. is a British Columbia-registered, early stage biotechnology company that is developing viral and oncology vaccine platforms, as well as immuno-diagnostics. The Company is advancing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine based on its haptenized viral protein technology, and is planning a clinical trial of its haptenized autologous cell vaccine used in combination with anti-PD1 and anti-PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitors that will initially be developed for ovarian cancer. Also in development is a diagnostic for evaluating the presence or absence of a T cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. BioVaxys has two issued US patents and two patent applications related to its cancer vaccine, and pending patent applications for its SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) vaccine and diagnostic technologies. BioVaxys common shares are listed on the CSE under the stock symbol "BIOV" and trades on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB) and US OTC: LMNGF. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "James Passin" James Passin, CEO +1 646 452 7054 Media Contacts BioVaxys Technology Corp. Nikita Sashdev Luna PR info@lunapr.io Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, completion of the murine model study, regulatory approval for a Phase I study of its BVX-0320 Vaccine Candidate in humans and the overall development of BioVaxys' vaccines, including any haptenized SARS-Cov-2 protein vaccine. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVayxs' vaccines will not prove to be effective and/ or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys' business, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of its biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, its lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether its products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether its autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective pr oducts and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1430981/BIOVAXYS_Logo.jpg At Kristinas funeral, Star Newspapers photographer Carol Dorsett spoke to a 17-year-old with scratches on his face, the paper reported in 1984. Christopher Abernathy told her he dated Kristina, said he loved her and said he had an M-16 rifle in his car and said he would fire the weapon at the funeral, the Star reported. When Dorsett asked about scrapes on his nose and lips, Abernathy said he ran into a tree, the newspaper reported. Dorsett told police who then questioned Abernathy and searched the car, but did not detain him. A giant iceberg larger than New York City has broken away from the Antarctic ice shelf. The separation took place last week near Britain's Halley research station, with 490-square mile iceberg breaking off from the 492-feet thick Brunt Ice Shelf in a process called 'calving', the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) said. It comes almost a decade after scientists first detected vast cracks had formed in the shelf, which is located in the Weddell Sea section of Antarctica. The BAS, which has been operating the research station since 2017, said the first indication that a calving event was imminent came in November 2020 when a major fracture - called the North Rift carved its way through the ice. The vast iceberg measuring 490-square miles broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf in a process called 'calving', the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) said The British Antarctic Survey, who have operating research station since 2017, said scientists first detected vast cracks had formed in the shelf almost a decade ago In January, the rift pushed northeast at up to 0.6 miles per day and eventually an iceberg was formed when the crack widened in the morning of February 26 and split from the rest of the floating ice shelf. The movement has been relayed back to the research station's headquarters in Cambridge, England, and scientists will be inspecting satellite imagery when it becomes available. At 490-square miles, the new iceberg is larger than New York City, which measures just 306 square miles. According to NASA, the crack in the Brunt Ice Shelf was stable for nearly 35 years before it recently began accelerating. Britain's Halley VI Research Station, which monitors the state of the vast floating ice shelf daily, said their team had been preparing for the calving 'for years'. BAS director Jane Francis said: 'Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years. 'We monitor the ice shelf daily using an automated network of high-precision GPS instruments that surround the station, these measure how the ice shelf is deforming and moving. We also use satellite images from ESA, NASA and the German satellite TerraSAR-X'. A crack called the North Rift formed on the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica before the iceberg formed. It is larger than New York City The Halley Research Station is a research facility on the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica In January, drone footage showed a massive crack beginning to form in the Brunt Ice Shelf She added: 'All the data are sent back to Cambridge for analysis, so we know what's happening even in the Antarctic winter, when there are no staff on the station, it's pitch black, and the temperature falls below minus 50 degrees C (or -58F). WHAT IS A CALVING EVENT? Glacier calving is a natural occurrence caused by the forward motion of a glacier making its end unstable. During a calving event, part of the end of a glacier drops off, often forming an iceberg. Calving of glaciers is often accompanied by a loud cracking or booming sound before blocks of ice up to 200 ft high break loose and crash into the water. The entry of this ice into the water can cause large and hazardous waves. Advertisement 'Over coming weeks or months, the iceberg may move away; or it could run aground and remain close to Brunt Ice Shelf. Halley Station is located inland of all the active chasms, on the part of the ice shelf that remains connected to the continent. 'Our network of GPS instruments will give us early warning if the calving of this iceberg causes changes in the ice around our station.' Meanwhile Simon Garrod, director of operations at British Antarctic Survey, added: 'This is a dynamic situation. Four years ago we moved Halley Research Station inland to ensure that it would not be carried away when an iceberg eventually formed. That was a wise decision. 'Our job now is to keep a close eye on the situation and assess any potential impact of the present calving on the remaining ice shelf. 'We continuously review our contingency plans to ensure the safety of our staff, protect our research station, and maintain the delivery of the science we undertake at Halley.' Glaciologists at the base have said the latest event is unlikely to affect the station's current location. Calving is a natural occurrence caused by the forward motion of a glacier making its end unstable. During a calving event, part of the end of a glacier drops off, often forming an iceberg. The latest iceberg is not the largest one to split off from the Antarctic, but it is the biggest chunk the Brunt Ice Shelf has lost since observations began more than 100 years ago in 1915. In 2017, the world's largest iceberg in 50 years, called A68, broke off the Larsen C shelf, reducing it by around 12%. A68 measured nearly 2,300 square miles, making it about the same size as the state of Delaware. In December last year the enormous berg, which weighs one trillion tonnes and was in danger of colliding with penguins and seals in South Georgia, broke up into separate pieces. The largest known iceberg was the B-15, calved from Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf in 2000, measuring 4,200 square miles, around the size of Jamaica, before breaking up into smaller pieces in 2005. YEREVAN, MARCH 1, ARMENPRESS. Opposition ''Fatherland Salvation Movement'' has started protest at Baghramyan Avenue demanding the resignation of PM Pashinyan. ARMENPRESS reports representative of the movement Gegham Manukyan said in his speech that many representatives of various spheres have expressed support to them, adding that it's necessary to stand with the army. On February 27, President Armen Sarkissian refused to approve Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans motion on dismissing the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Onik Gasparyan. The President returned the motion with objections. Shortly afterwards, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan again forwarded the same motion to the President. The President has three days to either approve it or apply to the Constitutional Court. CORVALLIS, Ore. - Selectively cutting trees in riparian zones to aid forest restoration can be done without adversely affecting streams' water temperature as long as the thinning isn't too intensive, new research by Oregon State University shows. Published in PLOS One, the study led by OSU College of Agricultural Sciences graduate student David Roon is one of the few to quantify restorative thinning's effects on forest streams. "We don't know much about what happens with the more subtle changes in shade and light that come with thinning," Roon said. "Most of the research so far has looked at the effects of clearcutting with no stream-side buffer at all, or harvests outside of an untouched buffer area. And regulatory requirements tend to look at single descriptors of stream temperature - the warmest it gets in the middle of summer, for example - and those descriptors possibly don't do a thorough job of explaining thermal influences on ecological processes." Riparian zones - lands near streams, lakes, ponds, etc. - have unique soil and vegetation characteristics that are influenced strongly by the presence of water. Riparian zones make up less than 1% of the total area of the American West, contrast significantly with the West's arid uplands and provide habitat for a range of endangered and threatened species. In riparian restoration, conservation managers look at an area's functional and structural elements - climate, soils, weather patterns, hydrology, plants, wildlife and socioeconomic use patterns - and actively or passively try to set in motion processes that enable natural ecological conditions to return. Riparian forests in the Pacific Northwest, Roon explains, were "extensively altered" by previous timber harvesting practices that persisted for much of the 20th century, including clearcutting trees right up to waters' edge. Leaving a buffer zone of vegetation alongside streams is critical for wildlife, especially salmon and trout. A riparian buffer also provides a wide array of ecosystem services for riparian forests and streams including filtering sediment and excessive nutrients and providing shade to keep water temperatures cool, as well as storing carbon. In addition, mature trees next to the stream will eventually fall in, creating important habitat for fish. Roon and collaborators Jason Dunham and Jeremiah Groom examined the effects of riparian thinning on shade, light and stream temperature in three small watersheds in second-growth redwood forests in northern California. Dunham is an aquatic ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey who has a courtesy appointment in OSU's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Groom, who holds two graduate degrees from Oregon State, operates Groom Analytics LLC, a data analysis consulting firm, and is an expert on the effects of forest harvest on stream temperatures. Northern California is well known for its groves of large, iconic redwood trees. However, intensive logging removed most of the old-growth forests from this region and less than 10% of those forests remain. Foresters are interested in whether thinning can be applied to young forests to help speed up the recovery of older redwood forests. Most forest restoration efforts so far have been focused on upland forests - those where soils do not stay saturated for extended periods - and have been generally successful; now attention is turning to young forests in riparian zones. The OSU research took place both on private timber land and in nearby Redwood National Park, bringing together land managers with different natural resource management requirements with the common goal of understanding the effects of thinning on aquatic ecosystems. In this study the focus was on stream temperatures - an important consideration for the sensitive fish and amphibians that live in the watersheds in the region. The large-scale field study enabled the scientists to measure conditions before and after experimental thinning treatments. These types of field experiments are rare in riparian forests, which are carefully protected. "The power of these types of field experiments is that they can help us more directly attribute changes to the thinning treatment itself and remove other factors that often confound these types of studies," Roon said. "Responses to the thinning differed greatly depending on the intensity. In the watersheds where thinning treatments were more intensive, the reductions in shade and increases in light were sufficient to change the stream thermal regimes both locally and downstream. However, where the thinning treatments were less intensive, smaller reductions in shade and light resulted in minimal changes in stream temperatures." That means, Roon said, at lower intensity levels thinning within riparian zones in second-growth redwood forests looks like a feasible restoration strategy. This study is an important step toward making robust decisions regarding whether thinning, and how much of it, can be done without having adverse effects on streams. Future research, he added, could examine thinning treatments with a wider range of intensities. Roon also pointed out that the results were specific to the cool, coastal climates of the redwoods and would not necessarily apply to locations further inland. "We also need to understand the effects of thinning in other locations under a range of different contexts," he said. "Until we know more about the effects of thinning on stream temperatures across a broader range of conditions, it should still be approached with caution." ### Oregon State University, Green Diamond Resource Company, and Save the Redwoods League supported this research. Francesca Paris is The Eagle's data and public records reporter. She was previously the North Adams reporter. A California native and Williams College alumna, she has worked at NPR in Washington, D.C. and WBUR in Boston. Find her on Twitter at @fparises. The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 14 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 11 are locally transmitted. Among the local cases, five have unknown sources of infection. The unlinked cases involve a 23-year-old male cashier who last went to work on February 26, a 30-year-old man who is a part-time teacher and did not go to work during the incubation period, a 41-year-old male security guard who was last on duty on February 28, and a 36-year-old man who is a camera repair technician and last went to work on February 26. The fifth unlinked case involves a 54-year-old woman who is a secretary. She last went to work on February 23. The three imported cases arrived from Indonesia and Pakistan. Additionally, 13 places including a ward in Tseung Kwan O Hospital and a private clinic are now covered by compulsory testing notices. People who had been at these premises during specified periods have to undergo testing. The Government will set up more mobile specimen collection stations on March 2 while the service period of the mobile station at Butterfly Bay Community Centre in Tuen Mun will be extended to March 5. For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage. It's time for carmakers to prepare for long battle Carmakers here are struggling with the global shortage of automotive semiconductors. Production disruptions are partly due to the pandemic, but it's just a matter of time before a full-blown crisis hit them. GM Korea's second plant in the bupyeong District of Incheon has been running at half capacity since Feb. 8 due to a significant shortage of chips. The Korean unit of the U.S. car giant General Motors is monitoring its supply situation closely to determine production plans for the coming weeks. Hyundai Motor and Kia are reportedly checking their semiconductor inventory status by the week. The two companies are also adjusting production plans, focusing on models having automotive chips that are in their inventories. "Some parts' inventory levels are at an emergency level and we may run out of stock in weeks," an official at Hyundai Mobis, a component affiliate of Hyundai Motor and Kia, was quoted as saying. Separately, Hyundai Motor has embarked on direct negotiations to secure chips needed for its cars. Global carmakers such as Germany's Volkswagen have already started cutting back on production due to the lack of semiconductors. About 200 to 400 chips are needed to produce gas- and diesel-powered cars, but self-driving vehicles need up to 2,000 semiconductors. According to IHS Markit, a London-based data analysis company, the looming chip shortage will result in a disruption in production of 1 million vehicles globally in the first quarter. The semiconductor supply bottleneck is unlikely to be solved in the short term, given the characteristics of the automotive chips. This market has significant entry barriers because of the high standards of trust and safety requirements. Furthermore, the supply situation is getting worse owing to power outages in the U.S. that forced chipmakers such as NXP and Infineon to halt production. Now is the time for carmakers to prepare for a long battle. It's imperative for the government and businesses to cooperate closely to look for alternative sourcing where possible. [March 01, 2021] Rogers Releases Inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Report Rogers Corporation (News - Alert) (NYSE:ROG) announced today the release of its 2021 ESG Report, which details the Company's environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies and commitments. "I am pleased to introduce Rogers' first ESG Report," stated Bruce D. Hoechner, Rogers' President and CEO. "This Report highlights the many actions Rogers takes to ensure we are a responsible corporate citizen for our employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers and the communities in which we operate. At Rogers we believe in 'Results, but Results in the Right Way.'" Mr. Hoechner continued, "Ever since our founder's son, Henry Rogers, developed a process to remove dye from paper - enabling the paper to be recycled - sustainability has been rooted at the core of Rogers. Today, we supply our advanced materials for leading-edge technologies including electric and hybrid electric vehicles that reduce CO2 emissions; advanced driver assistance systems that improve automotive safety and enable autonomous vehicles; renewable energy applications that deliver clean energy solutions; and medical applications that protect the health of our frontline workers. We are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact as we strive to enable a cleaner, safer and more connected world." The Report follows established sustainability and reporting frameworks, including those published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The Report includes details regarding the Company's carbon footprint, approach to Diversity and Inclusion, and COVID-19 respone, which prioritized the health and safety of Rogers' employees, as it continued to supply customers with products. The Report is available at the Company's website. About Rogers Corporation Rogers Corporation (NYSE:ROG) is a global leader in engineered materials to power, protect and connect our world. With more than 180 years of materials science experience, Rogers delivers high-performance solutions that enable the company's growth drivers -- advanced connectivity and advanced mobility applications, as well as other technologies where reliability is critical. Rogers delivers Power Electronics Solutions for energy-efficient motor drives, e-Mobility and renewable energy; Elastomeric Material Solutions for sealing, vibration management and impact protection in mobile devices, transportation interiors, industrial equipment and performance apparel; and Advanced Connectivity Solutions for wireless infrastructure, automotive safety and radar systems. Headquartered in Arizona (USA), Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, China, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and South Korea, with joint ventures and sales offices worldwide. Safe Harbor Statement This release contains forward-looking statements, which may concern our plans, objectives, outlook, goals, strategies, future events, future net sales or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, future restructuring, plans or intentions relating to expansions, business trends and other information that is not historical information. All forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us on the date of this release and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause such results to differ include: our ability to attract and retain management and skilled technical personnel; employee benefit costs and other risks applicable to our business. For additional information about the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business, please see our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Rogers Corporation assumes no responsibility to update any forward-looking statements contained herein except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005724/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 An American Airlines flight from Dallas to LA was forced to divert to Phoenix and two passengers were arrested after they allegedly used racial slurs and spat on a man who asked them to stop. Kelly Pichardo, 30, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, from the Bronx, New York, were on Flight 776 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Los Angeles, on February 24 when they were reportedly overheard using 'disturbing and unacceptable' language, according to the airline. A male passenger - who has not been named - asked them to stop, before Pichardo allegedly spat on him, AZ Central reports. When he took out his cell phone to start recording Rodriguez allegedly struck his hand to stop him. The plane then diverted to Phoenix, Arizona, where both women were arrested for verbal and physical abuse of passengers and crew. Two women taking an American Airlines flight from Texas to Los Angeles were arrested on February 24 at Phoenix Airport, pictured in a stock photo from August 2020, after being overheard allegedly using racial slurs Flight 776 from Dallas Fort Worth to LAX was cut short when crew landed in Phoenix, Arizona, where both women were arrested by Phoenix Police In a statement American Airlines said that officer 'removed and arrested two individuals for verbally and physically assaulting other customers and flight crew members', AZ Central reports. Both women have been banned from future flights with the airline, pending the results of the investigation. The airline called their alleged behavior 'disturbing and unacceptable.' They added: 'We continue to investigate this incident and are working directly with impacted customers to ensure their well-being. We thank our crew members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation.' Sergeant Mercedes Fortune, of Phoenix Police, said in a statement: 'Witnesses reported that the two women were using racial slurs when a male passenger asked them to stop using that language. Kelly Pichardo became upset and allegedly spit at the male passenger who had asked her to stop using that language.' She continued: 'Kelly Pichardo became upset and allegedly spit at the male passenger who had asked her to stop using that language. The male passenger then began to record the two women and that is when Leeza Rodriguez struck the mans hand to keep him from recording the incident.' Both women were charged with disorderly conduct. Pichardo faces an additional charge of assault. A spokeswoman for Phoenix Police said it was policy not to release mugshot photos. The flight continued on to Los Angeles without further incident. The incident is one of several recent occasions of passengers being accused of a racist tirade. In October last year, a JetBlue passenger wearing a Burger King crown was caught on camera repeatedly using the n-word and shouting 'all of you guys on this plane are n****' just minutes after boarding a flight from Jamaica to New York. A racist JetBlue passenger wearing a Burger King crown was caught on camera repeatedly using the n-word and shouting 'all of you guys on this plane are n****' just minutes after boarding a flight from Jamaica to New York on October 20 last year The middle-aged white man, who had his coronavirus face mask slung under his chin before removing it altogether, launched into the racist tirade as flight 1760 sat on the runway at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston on October 20, 2020. Shocking footage of the incident showed the unidentified man aggressively screaming in the faces of flight attendants and shouting that 'I'm part West African I can say n**** anytime I want'. He was later removed from the flight in handcuffs to the cheers of fellow passengers. The man then continued with his racist behavior, doing the Nazi goose step as he was led away by two officers through Norman Manley International Airport. In September last year a black passenger claiming to be a 'Queen from California' was filmed being taken away by an officer after a racial rant on a plane in Sacramento. At the start of the video, a flight attendant can be seen trying to get past the woman, who refuses to move, claiming the flight attendant is antagonizing her. The woman tells the flight attendant not to push her, saying she is trying to go to the bathroom on the plane, which has landed. A blonde woman sitting next to where the incident is unfolding can be heard telling the woman: 'You are not listening'. In response, speaking louder, the woman in the way says 'I am not a child. I am grown, I'm trying to [go to] the bathroom. Can I go to my bathroom? 'What do I gotta listen to? Are you my boss? You're white privilege, you are not my boss. Sit down! You are white privilege, sit down! You wait for me to get to my bathroom. Please respect me.' A former Sarah Lawrence student has been charged with conspiring with an alleged sex cult leader who prosecutors say moved into his daughter's college dorm before pimping out her friends. Isabella Pollok, 29, of Staten Island has been charged with racketeering, extortion and sex trafficking conspiracies, according to an indictment rewritten to add her as defendant and unsealed in Manhattan federal court. She was charged with conspiring with Lawrence Ray, 61, who has been held without bail since pleading not guilty to multiple charges after his arrest last February. Both could face life in prison if they are convicted. Authorities say Ray started his scheme in 2010 after he moving in with his daughter Talia, Pollok and other women at Sarah Lawrence, a private liberal arts college outside New York City. He presented himself as a father figure to the roommates, conducting 'therapy' sessions with them, prosecutors say. He then alienated them from their parents, persuading some of them to move into a Manhattan apartment and convincing them they were 'broken,' according to court papers. After winning their trust, he would turn on them and accuse them of trying to poison him or damage property before forcing them to provide false confessions and make payments they couldn't afford, prosecutors have said. Authorities had said there were as many as seven victims. Ray is said to have recruited Pollok to join his criminal scheme after moving in with her and some of their alleged victims, first at the Westchester County school and later at locations in Manhattan; Pinehurst, North Carolina; and Piscataway, New Jersey. Isabella Pollok (shown) was Talia's best friend. In 2010, Ray started sleeping in her room, claiming she needed him because she was going through a break-up Pollok, who has pleaded not guilty, had initially been viewed as a victim of Ray's crimes; she was just 19 when the two met and she soon cut ties with her loved ones to be with him. That she is now being accused of conspiring with Ray has shocked her family. Her aunt, Liz Jeffrey, told The New York Times Monday that her niece is a 'victim', adding: 'I don't care what they found. It is all under duress. She has been under his spell for 10 years.' Pollock herself had told New York Magazine after Ray's arrest: 'I'm 19, I was having a lot of difficulty making sense of things, I wasn't in a good place. He started to help me kind of process and make sense of a lot of things I just couldn't make sense of.' Former federal prosecutor Taryn Merkl said prosecutors will look at 'where duress ends, and victimization can no longer be the understood reason for behavior that crosses the line over to more deliberate criminality.' In March last year officials had suggested Pollock - who still lived with Ray along with another woman at the time of his arrest - was a victim. Prosecutor Danielle R. Sassoon told the court: 'Both are women he exploited and abused for years, including physical abuse and sexual exploitation.' In September 2010, Ray moved in to his daughter Talia's student apartment in Sarah Lawrence College, New York. They are shown when she was a teenager Officials have not said why they have now changed their minds. A judge ordered Wednesday that Pollok undergo a psychological evaluation. Prosecutors earlier detailed how Ray sent messages to Pollok and another woman 'plainly designed to tamper with witnesses and deter these women from cooperating in the government's investigation'. The prosecutor added: 'Ray also amassed videos that contain graphic sexual content of these two women, including sexual acts performed at Ray's direction that appear designed to debase and control them. 'Most troubling, the calls suggest that Ray's ongoing communications are designed to ensure the ongoing loyalty of these women and to inhibit their ability to detach from the influence he commanded over them for nearly a decade.' Ray, allegedly assisted by Pollok and others, subjected victims to sexual and psychological manipulation and physical abuse to extract false confessions before extorting them to perform unpaid manual labor, or, in one case, cause a woman to engage in prostitution to generate revenue, the indictment said. The indictment said Ray pocketed nearly all of the millions of dollars generated by the woman's acts of prostitution after he and Pollok pressured her through force, threats of force, fraud and coercion. This is the student housing where Ray lived with the students in 2010. He at first charmed them by cooking them meals and taking them out but soon started controlling them with 'group' therapy and counselling sessions The home (pictured) where Lawrence Ray lived in for several years in Piscataway, New Jersey Prosecutors say they have tens of thousands of video files and more than 150,000 audio files among over 15 terabytes of electronic evidence against Ray. Investigators found ledgers at his residence showing that he earned an 'astonishing' amount in running the cult. He is said to have extorted nearly $1 million from several students. He earned over $700,000 through one victim's prostitution in 2017 and more than $1million in 2018 through the same victim, Sassoon said. Prosecutors believe the woman was seeing more and more clients to meet Ray's demands. The cash payments by this woman were collected by a female associate of Ray and deposited into bank accounts that he had access to, prosecutors said. He took the private journals of his victims and elicited false confessions from them to keep his followers close, it is alleged. Prosecutors say he was able to run his cult for so long because he convinced victims that they owed him money for property damage or claimed that they poisoned him. Prosecutors say they have tens of thousands of video files and more than 150,000 audio files among over 15 terabytes of electronic evidence against Ray, pictured Ray was arrested in February last year at a New Jersey property where he lived with two women, including Pollok. The other woman has not been charged. At the time of his arrest, he was found in bed with an alleged female victim who he was the legal 'guardian' of at the time. Ray told investigators he was like a father figure to the woman in bed with him and allegedly likened her to a daughter. But investigators say they have evidence including videos showing how Ray 'sexually groomed' the woman and filmed her having sex with other men. One video shows Ray calling the victim he was found in bed with a criminal and berating her as she sobbed. Another video showed him grabbing her by the hair and forcing her out of the house, prosecutors said. A woman he described as his wife was a victim, the prosecutor said, and they lived in a residence in which Ray kept a lock on the refrigerator door, restricting their access to food, according to the indictment. 'He belittled and humiliated them. He broke their spirits,' Sassoon said describing how Ray ran his ring of followers. Ray subjected his victims to 'sexual and psychological manipulation and physical abuse' from 2010 to 2018, indictment stated. Ray, once convicted of securities fraud, had a history of failing to obey court orders, tampering with witnesses, had jumped bail once before and had used his daughter as a human shield as U.S. marshals arrested him years ago, Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon said in March last year. Authorities say Ray started his scheme in 2010 after he moving in with his daughter Talia, pictured, Pollok and other women at Sarah Lawrence A woman identified as the aunt of Isabella Pollok leaves Manhattan Federal Court after a preliminary hearing for Lawrence Ray on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 in New York He seemed to smirk in court as prosecutors built their case against the alleged scammer. The investigation was prompted by a 2019 article in New York magazine. After Ray's arrest, the magazine reported that Pollok and another woman who was living with Ray when he was arrested showed up to support him at his initial court appearance. Pollok was freed on $100,000 bail, with electronic monitoring and a warning to have no contact with victims. Her lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ray was previously known for his role in helping to send former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik, who was a close confidant of Rudy Giuliani, to prison. At the time, Ray, who had been the best man at Kerik's wedding, was under indictment in a $40 million stock scam. The felon also reportedly had connections to mobsters and intelligence officers. Kerik told DailyMailTV that his former friend is a 'predator'. He said: 'He's a conman. He is somebody that's a detriment to society. Hopefully, justice will take its course and he'll be held accountable for his crimes.' 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. ALBANY At the end of a tumultuous day, state Attorney General Letitia James demanded and received a referral from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to oversee a full investigation of the sexual harassment allegations made against him in recent days by two female former staffers. The shift occurred after Cuomo had initially proposed a "review" by an outside attorney, then floated the idea of having James and state Chief Judge Janet DiFiore select an outside attorney both notions that James rejected as insufficient. In the end, Cuomo said his office would allow James to deputize a private lawyer or firm to investigate his alleged misdeeds, with full subpoena power under the law. Cuomo's backpedling Sunday happened under intense bipartisan pressure from national and state politicians, and even from within his own administration, seeking a truly independent probe of the allegations. Several Senate Democrats had also threatened Sunday afternoon that if Cuomo refused to refer the matter to James for a full investigation, they would support changing the law to enable James to open her own investigation. State Sen. Todd Kaminsky of Long Island said he would introduce a bill Monday, and Sen. Liz Krueger who chairs the powerful Senate Finance Committee expressed her support for such a measure. Cuomo's concession came just before he released a statement apologizing for how some of his actions may have been "misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation." Former Cuomo staffer Lindsey Boylan published an essay last week detailing her claims of harassment by Cuomo. Then the New York Times on Saturday night released a story describing the claims made by Charlotte Bennett, a second female former staffer who alleged workplace sexual harassment by him. The governor's office initially said Cuomo had selected Barbara S. Jones, a former federal judge, to handle a review of the matter a plan that lawmakers of both parties quickly rejected as insufficient in part due to Jones' professional connection to Steven M. Cohen, a longtime Cuomo aide and confidant. In response, Cuomo's office at midday Sunday pivoted in a statement that said it would ask the attorney general and DiFiore, the chief judge of the Court of Appeals, to select "an independent and qualified lawyer in private practice without political affiliation to conduct a thorough review of the matter and issue a public report." But that proposal also raised eyebrows: DiFiore was nominated to the state's top court by Cuomo, and she previously served as his handpicked chairwoman of the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics, a body that has been roundly criticized for what many see as excessive influence by the governor. Others noted that the chief judge would play a key role in any impeachment proceedings that might be brought against Cuomo, which Republicans have already pushed for weeks over his administration's nursing home policies during the coronavirus pandemic. DiFiore released a brief statement saying that she would be willing to take part in selecting the person to review the allegations. James issued a statement asking for the formal referral she would need to investigate the sexual harassment allegations at almost the exact moment Cuomo announced the DiFiore proposal. Later in the afternoon, she released another statement shooting down the governor's initial fallback suggestion. To clarify, I do not accept the governors proposal," James said. "The states Executive Law clearly gives my office the authority to investigate this matter once the governor provides a referral. While I have deep respect for Chief Judge DiFiore, I am the duly elected attorney general and it is my responsibility to carry out this task, per Executive Law. The governor must provide this referral so an independent investigation with subpoena power can be conducted." Without that referral, any inquiry would be toothless. Cuomo staffers could not be required to testify, nor could documents be demanded. Finally, Cuomo's legal advisor emailed a statement on Sunday evening affirming that the governor would refer the matter for investigation to an attorney of James' choosing, and the investigator would have full subpoena power, which was the main sticking point for Democratic leaders across New York. Cuomos earlier proposals stood in stark contrast to the practice of his immediate two predecessors, governors Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson, both of whom empowered the attorney general to investigate allegations of wrongdoing involving either their top staffers or the governors themselves. The attorney general at that time was Cuomo, whose office investigated allegations that Spitzers administration had used state resources to engineer a political attack on then-Senate majority leader Joe Bruno, a Republican. But Cuomo recused himself in 2010 shortly before formally launching his run for governor from investigating ethical charges against Paterson, assigning the matters to an outside investigator, former Chief Judge Judith Kaye. Saturday's Times story on Bennett's claims alleged Cuomo had made sexual advances to her, asking her if she'd ever been in a sexual relationship with an older man and telling her he'd like to date a girl who was her age. The 25-year-old said that she believed Cuomo had "groomed" her, offering her mentorship to ingratiate himself and test her boundaries, before he began making sexual comments. After she brought forth allegations to Cuomo aides, she was transferred to another part of the administration; Bennett subsequently left state government because "his presence was so suffocating." Cuomo's overnight change in course was a sign that the governor's options were growing limited in the face of overlapping scandals, which now include the two sexual harassment allegations as well as a federal probe of the administration's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. James released an explosive report in late January alleging that Cuomo's administration had undercounted the deaths of nursing home residents by as much as 50 percent; her office only notified the governor's team shortly before the report went live. Twenty-five Democratic Assemblywomen released a statement Sunday morning calling for "an independent investigation ... with unfettered authority to subpoena witnesses, to seek the production of documents, and to bring whatever charges are warranted. The governors proposal to appoint someone who is not independently elected, has no subpoena authority, and no prosecutorial authority is inadequate." Democratic members of Congress from across the state including representatives Antonio Delgado, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Grace Meng and others also called for the investigation to be referred to the attorney general. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said on CNN it "was hard to read (Bennett's) story as a woman," and that President Joe Biden believes there "should be an independent review looking into these allegations." These allegations are serious and deeply concerning. As requested by Attorney General James, the matter should be referred to her office so that she can conduct a transparent, independent and thorough investigation with subpoena power," U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wrote later Sunday afternoon. Others have gone further: Many Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, have called for Cuomo's resignation. They were joined over the weekend by a smattering of progressive Democrats around the state, such as state Assembly members Ron Kim who recently alleged Cuomo threatened to end his career for criticizing his handling of nursing homes Harvey Epstein and Yuh-Line Niou, as well as state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi of Westchester, who said Cuomo's alleged conduct was "the epitome of a hostile work environment." "As a New Yorker, a legislator, Chair of the Senate Ethics and Internal Governance Committee, and a survivor of sexual abuse, I am calling for Gov. Cuomo to resign," she said. On October 12, a grid failure in Mumbai resulted in massive power outages, stopping trains on tracks, hampering those working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hitting the stuttering economic activity hard. (Representational Image/AFP) Washington: Amidst the tense border tension between India and China, a Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted India's critical power grid system through malware, a US company has said in its latest study, raising suspicion whether last year's massive power outage in Mumbai was a result of the online intrusion. Recorded Future, a Massachusetts-based company which studies the use of the internet by state actors, in its recent report details the campaign conducted by a China-linked threat activity group RedEcho targeting the Indian power sector. The activity was identified through a combination of large-scale automated network traffic analytics and expert analysis. Data sources include the Recorded Future Platform, SecurityTrails, Spur, Farsight and common open-source tools and techniques, the report said. On October 12, a grid failure in Mumbai resulted in massive power outages, stopping trains on tracks, hampering those working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hitting the stuttering economic activity hard. It took two hours for the power supply to resume for essential services, prompting Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to order an enquiry into the incident. In its report, Recorded Future notified the appropriate Indian government departments prior to publication of the suspected intrusions to support incident response and remediation investigations within the impacted organisations. There was no immediate response from the Indian government on the study by the US company. Since early 2020, Recorded Future's Insikt Group observed a large increase in suspected targeted intrusion activity against Indian organisations from the Chinese state-sponsored group. The New York Times, in a report, said that the discovery raises the question about whether the Mumbai outage was meant as a message from Beijing about what might happen if India pushed its border claims too vigorously. In response to the allegation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Monday rejected the criticism about China's involvement in the hacking of India's power grid, saying it is irresponsible and ill-intentioned to make allegations without proof. China is a staunch upholder of cybersecurity. We firmly oppose and fight any kind of cyber-attacks, he said, replying to a question on the report of the cyber-attack on the Indian power grid. It is hard to track the origin of the cyber-attacks. You cannot make wanton guesses or smear a specific country without any proof. This is irresponsible and ill-intentioned. China firmly opposes such behaviour, he said in Beijing. According to the Recorded Future report, from mid-2020 onwards, Recorded Future's midpoint collection revealed a steep rise in the use of infrastructure tracked as AXIOMATICASYMPTOTE, which encompasses ShadowPad command and control (C2) servers, to target a large swathe of India's power sector. Ten distinct Indian power sector organisations, including four of the five Regional Load Despatch Centres responsible for operation of the power grid through balancing electricity supply and demand, have been identified as targets in a concerted campaign against India's critical infrastructure. Other targets identified included two Indian seaports, it said, adding the targeting of Indian critical infrastructure offers limited economic espionage opportunities. However, we assess they pose significant concerns over potential pre-positioning of network access to support Chinese strategic objectives. Pre-positioning on energy assets may support several potential outcomes, including geostrategic signalling during heightened bilateral tensions, supporting influence operations, or as a precursor to kinetic escalation, it said. RedEcho has strong infrastructure and victimology overlaps with Chinese groups APT41/Barium and Tonto Team, while ShadowPad is used by at least five distinct Chinese groups, it said. The high concentration of IPs resolving to Indian critical infrastructure entities communicating over several months with a distinct subset of AXIOMATICASYMPTOTE servers used by RedEcho indicate a targeted campaign, with little evidence of wider targeting in Recorded Future's network telemetry, it said. Recorded Future said in the lead-up to the May 2020 border skirmishes, it observed a noticeable increase in the provisioning of PlugX malware C2 infrastructure, much of which was subsequently used in intrusion activity targeting Indian organisations. The PlugX activity included the targeting of multiple Indian government, public sector and defence organisations from at least May 2020, it said. While not unique to Chinese cyber espionage activity, PlugX has been heavily used by China-nexus groups for many years. Throughout the remainder of 2020, we identified a heavy focus on the targeting of Indian government and private sector organisations by multiple Chinese state-sponsored threat activity groups, it said. Recorder Future alleged that it also observed the suspected Indian state-sponsored group Sidewinder target Chinese military and government entities in 2020, in activity overlapping with recent Trend Micro research. The Massachusetts-based company's report came as the armies of the two countries began disengagement of troops locked in over eight-month-long standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both countries reached a mutual agreement last month for the disengagement of troops from the most contentious area of North and South banks of the Pangong Lake. Im in my seventh decade, and few things fill me with awe. But risking an ache or two, I jumped for joy and pride as NASAs Mars Rover Perseverance landed safely on our planetary neighbor. Thus, I was saddened to to read the comments from reader John Gilris, whose recent letter suggests we put Earth first, Mars second (until our own planet is saved from climate catastrophe). It is precisely that anti-exploration mindset that pulls us back and slows our reaching our full potential. Even if we ignore the tremendous amount of science that benefits all of us thanks to these missions, this is something I think we, as a species, were meant to do. The rovers descent parachute contains a binary coded message in its colorful panels: Dare mighty things. Its a reference to Teddy Roosevelts Strenuous Life speech. Part of it goes like this: Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. Sorry, Mr. Gilris. Come out of that gray twilight and rejoice in this astounding accomplishment for all of humanity. Id guess you, like the rest of us, are enjoying the fruits of the myriad scientific developments from those space missions every day. Mike SanGiovanni, Rockaway Biden should take states lead on fracking The permanent ban on fracking in the Delaware River Basin, just enacted by the Delaware River Basin Commission, is worthy of celebration. That all four DRBC states New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware voted for this protection marks a historic moment for protecting clean water and a healthy environment for millions in the region. From preventing further pollution to avoiding negative health effects, the short-term and long-term benefits of this action will push us into a greener healthier future. As a Rutgers University student studying public health and preparing for my career and future, I urge President Joe Biden to use his authority to ban fracking throughout the country. Although Biden refused to endorse a full fracking ban during his presidential campaign, this does not mean he should ignore the issue. The president must question whether fracking is worth the permanent damage to our environment, to our climate and potentially, to our health. The permanent fracking ban in the DRBCs watershed area is a win for us, and should set a precedent for future actions to stop fracking everywhere. Sylvia Yoon, Palisades Park Note: The writer is a health administration major in Rutgers Class of 2021. Lesson about Gov. Cuomo: No pedestal placement Many people, myself included, thought New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was a superstar in how he handled the COVID-19 pandemic in his state. Now, he faces allegations including sexual harassment. There is a lesson to be learned. Whether its personal, political or professional, dont place anyone on a pedestal. There is only one direction they can go down. Joseph Wardy, Rockaway Pay it backward for free college? I read in the Star-Ledger that New Jerseys free-college program which permits income-eligible students to attend community college tuition-free is now permanent. Gov. Phil Murphy on Feb. 26 signed a measure that enshrines into law The Community College Opportunity Grant Program. His proposed 2021-2022 budget dedicates $27 million in taxpayers money to funding the program. I paid the tuition for my son to attend Raritan Valley Community College, and then Rutgers University to complete work for his degree. Dont get me wrong. I value education, but where do I apply for a refund now that Im paying for someone elses kids to go to college? Greg Riley, Warren Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Myanmar's ruling military elite loosened website restrictions this week, though the situation remains tense on the ground. (Photo: Reuters / Stringer) Police in Myanmar's biggest city have fired tear gas at defiant crowds who returned to the streets to continue protesting Monday against the military's seizure of power a month ago - despite reports security forces killed at least 18 people around the country a day earlier. The weekslong protests in Myanmar turned violent Sunday. The United Nations Human Rights Office said that at least 18 people were killed over the weekend after military forces clashed with peaceful demonstrators in several cities. Myanmar military forces said a week ago they would no longer tolerate demonstrations. Security forces reportedly switched to live ammunition to disperse crowds - resulting in several fatalities and more than 30 injuries. "The people of Myanmar have the right to assemble peacefully and demand the restoration of democracy. These fundamental rights must be respected by the military and police, not met with violent and bloody repression," the United Nations' human rights agency said. U.N. officials said the use of live ammunition against the nonviolent demonstrators Sunday was a violation of international human rights laws. Police reportedly also used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the protesters gathering in Mandalay, Dawei and Yangon. One of the victims of Sunday's violence published a post on Facebook, asking the U.N. to take action. Reporters on the ground when the shooting started said that one of the military officers told them to "get inside" if they "didn't want to die." The U.N. said military forces arrested dozens of people Sunday - including at least 85 medical personnel and seven journalists. Since the coup more than 1,000 people have been "arbitrarily arrested," U.N. officials said. State-run news media said the military was responding to the protests and its actions were to "protect the safety of the people." Military officials said they were tracking down the leaders and were prepared to take "serious action" against them. "We still need the strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup," Myanmar's ambassador to the U.N., Kyaw Moe Tun, said in a statement. Bank of Ireland today announced it is to close its branch at Strand Road in Derry by the end of the year. It is part of a major restructuring of the bank which is to close 15 of its 28 branches in Northern Ireland. The branch in Limavady will also close, as well as branches in Strabane and Moville in County Donegal. Bank of Ireland said the changes were being made in response to significant and accelerating trends in how people are banking. The bank said that personal and business customers will be able to use over 500 Post Office branches to make lodgements of cash and cheques, withdraw cash and make balance enquiries. Bank of Ireland business customers will also be able to access enhanced services including cheque encashment, bulk cash lodgements and obtaining pre-ordered coin at nominated Post Office outlets. Ian Sheppard, Managing Director NI, Bank of Ireland UK, commented: Technology is evolving and changing the way we live and manage our lives and that includes the way our customers, increasingly, choose to bank with us. "Fewer customers are using branches and that trend is growing year on year on year. The number of branch visits is now just half of what they were in 2017 and footfall at the branches which are closing is down by nearly 70% since 2017. "The changes to our branch network that weve announced today are designed to meet todays demand, while protecting local access to physical banking for those who want it through our existing partnership with the Post Office. This ensures continuity of services locally for both personal and business customers. We know news like this can cause concern for some customers. However, these changes will not have immediate effect and there is no need for any customer to do anything right now. "We will write to our customers at least 12 weeks prior to the proposed closure date of their branch to ensure customers understand the alternative arrangements available to them including online, in an alternative BOI branch, or at a local post office. "We are also putting in place a range of additional supports for senior and vulnerable customers, including proactive calling by branch teams, mobile advice teams and an over 65s and carers telephone line. Bank of Ireland has been serving the community since 1825 and we remain committed to our customers in the Strand Road area. These changes will allow us to invest in our other branches in Northern Ireland as well as in digital services so that we can continue to play a positive role in Northern Ireland for years to come. "We will also continue our work with community groups through initiatives such as Begin Together, our 3.3 million investment programme providing funding and benefitting community-focused initiatives across the island of Ireland. New Delhi: Electronic commerce company Flipkart has raised an estimatedUSD 2.5 billion from SoftBank Vision Fund, making the fundcreated by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank one of the biggestshareholders of India's largest e-commerce player. "This is the biggest ever private investment in an Indiantechnology company," Flipkart said in a statement without disclosing the sum invested. The investment will make the USD 100 billion Vision Fundone of the largest shareholders in Flipkart, the e-tailer said. Flipkart can now up the ante in the high-stakes battle against Amazon India in what is probably the worlds fastest growing e-commerce market. While Amazons Jeff Bezos has committed $5 billion to the Indian business, Flipkart now has $4 billion in the bank after Japanese investor SoftBanks infusion of close to $2.5 billion. In April, Flipkart raised $1.4 billion from Tencent, eBay and Microsoft at a valuation of $11.6 billion. People familiar with the deal said the investment is worth USD 2.5 billion, with about USD 1.5 billion being directly funnelled into Flipkart and USD 1 billion for part of Tiger Global Management's stake. The SoftBank Vision Fund, the world's largest technology-focused fund, will get about 20 per cent stake inFlipkart, they said. The investment, which comes less than two weeks after Snapdeal dropped merger talks with its bigger rival, willswell Flipkart's cash holdings to more than USD 4 billion. Snapdeal is backed by SoftBank. The investment is part of the financing round announced in April this year where Tiger Global-backed Flipkart had raised USD 1.4 billion from Tencent, Microsoft and eBay. At that time, Flipkart was valued at USD 11.6 billion. With the latest funding, Flipkart is estimated to have raised well over USD 5 billion till date. SoftBank was mediating the talks for Snapdeal's merger with Flipkart. The discussions were terminated after the smaller rival decided to pursue an independent path. Sources had said SoftBank was keen to pick up stake in Flipkart and was looking at investing about USD 1.5-2 billion. For Flipkart, the funding provides it with more arsenalto compete with Amazon. The two companies have been locked inan intense battle for leadership in the burgeoning Indian e-commerce market. "India has a thriving Internet market with close to 500 million Internet users and as per market research, the Indian e-commerce market is expected to grow at a five-year CAGR inexcess of 30 per cent," the statement said. The funding round further solidifies Flipkart's balancesheet and will help accelerate investment in driving continued market leadership, it added. Amazon and Flipkart have been pumping in millions of dollars to strengthen infrastructure as well as bring more sellers and buyers online. While Flipkart has now raised close to USD 4 billion this year, Amazon pumped in about USD 600 million across various units in India since January this year. "This is a monumental deal for Flipkart and India. Very few economies globally attract such over whelming interest fromtop-tier investors," Flipkart co-founders Binny Bansal and Sachin Bansal said. Masayoshi Son, founder, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp, said India is a land of vast opportunity. "We want to support innovative companies that are clear winners in India because they are best positioned to lever age technology and help people lead better lives. As the pioneersin Indian e-commerce, Flipkart is doing that every day," he added. SoftBank, which has investments in Indian start-ups like Snapdeal and cab aggregator Ola, had committed investments worth USD 10 billion in India in 2014. In May this year, SoftBank pumped in USD 1.4 billion(over Rs 9,079 crore) in Indian digital payments platform Paytm. SoftBank Vision Fund, founded by Son, has participants like Apple, Foxconn and Public Investment Fund of the Kingdomof Saudi Arabia. While reporting its financial results fo rJune quarter, SoftBank had included the Fund as a new reportable segment. The completion of the investment in Flipkart is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial advisor and Gunderson Dettmer LLP served as legal advisor to Flipkart. Citi served as financial advisor and AZB and Partners served as legal advisor to the SoftBank Vision Fund. With PTI Input For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Coastal Annapolis becomes 25th US community to file climate lawsuit that aims to #MakePollutersPay by Jessica Corbett/Common Dreams Annapolis on Monday joined two dozen cities and states in the US that have filed a fast-growing wave of climate lawsuits intended to make fossil fuel giants who spent decades lying about the impact of their products cover the costs of current and future damage. Marylands coastal capital city is targeting 26 dirty energy defendants, including oil and gas companies BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell as well as the American Petroleum Institute, an industry trade association. The suitalleging public and private nuisance, negligence, failure to warn, trespass, and violations of Marylands Consumer Protection Actwas filed in the states Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. This lawsuit is all about accountability and determining who should pay the high costs of dealing with climate change, said Mayor Gavin Buckley. Annapolis residents and businesses pay the price for the damage inflicted on our infrastructure due to increased flooding caused by sea level rise. Fossil fuel companies knew the danger, concealed their knowledge, and reaped the profits. It is time we held them accountable. If we are going to take care of our residents and honor our important history as a community, we need to be resilient in the face of climate change, the Democrat added. Mitigating the impacts of climate change is expensive. We would not have to spend the kind of money we are forced to spend but for the actions of the fossil fuel industry. This lawsuit shifts the costs back to where they belong, on those whose knowledge, deception, and pursuit of profits brought these dangers to our shores. According to the Capital Gazettes reporting on the new suit: Anne Arundel County is also considering similar litigation against oil and gas companies, County Executive Steuart Pittman said Tuesday during his weekly media briefing. Pittman pointed to the countys 130 miles of coastline, parts of which are also at risk [due] to rising sea levels. The county will retain Sher Edling as well in their lawsuit. Same law firm, similar kind of case, but its a separate case, he said. Annapolis is the 25th community to initiate such a case, according to the city and the Center for Climate Integritywhose executive director, Richard Wiles, welcomed the filing. With this lawsuit, Annapolis joins a growing number of communities across the United States that are turning to the courts to demand that Big Oil companies be held accountable for lying about their leading role in causing climate change, Wiles said. Just like Big Tobaccoanother industry that lied to the public to protect their profitsBig Oil should pay for the damage they knew their products would cause. Previous climate liability lawsuits have been filed by the cities of Charleston, South Carolina, Hoboken, New Jersey, and BaltimoreMarylands most populous metropolisas well as Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island, the Ocean State. The Annapolis suit cites various studies from Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) about climate impacts on Annapolis along with reports about what #ExxonKnewand tried to conceal from policymakers and the publicabout the dangers of fossil fuels for decades. Kathy Mulvey, accountability campaign director in the Climate and Energy Program at UCS, said the growing number of cases shows that people and communities are fed up with having to shell out huge sums of money to address a crisis that these companies knowingly brought on. As Mike Tidwell, executive director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, put it: Big Oil knew their products would cause catastrophic climate damages decades ago. Instead of doing the right thing, they continued to lie about it while communities like Annapolis are paying the price. The citys leaders should be applauded for working to ensure that their residents arent stuck with the bill to protect themselves from a problem that Big Oil knowingly caused, he said. The lawsuit follows a pair of recent scientific studies that, as Common Dreams reported, bolstered alarm over experts warnings about rising seas. Theme(s): Others. Nippon Steel plans to suspend blast furnace operations at its Ibaraki Prefecture plant, near Tokyo, according to the Nikkeithe latest example of the groups efforts to deal with overcapacity in Japan. With an earlier decision to halt three other blast furnaces, the steelmaker will cut its domestic capacity by 20%. The production freeze, which is to take place within several years, is planned for one of two blast furnaces at the Ibaraki plant. By simple calculation, the blast furnace accounts for about 10% of the groups total production capacity. The decision follows an earlier one to shut down three furnaces elsewhere, including at a Hiroshima plant. Nikkei report Nippon Steels announcement is the latest example of the challenges faced by the steel industry in developed economies, notes Roskill: overcapacity and environmental regulations. While demand from automakers is increasing, overcapacity remains an issue for the company. Furthermore, Nippon Steel is under pressure to reduce its use of blast furnaces, which emit large amounts of carbon emissions, as Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pushes Japan toward carbon neutrality. Nikkei report The Japanese steel industry has a total capacity of 130 Mtpy. In 2019, Japans crude steel production was 99Mt falling to 83Mt in 2020, implying a 64% capacity utilization. Nippon Steel is Japans largest producer accounting for more than 50% of the countrys crude steel output. Like its peers in Europe, the Japanese steel industry is facing overcapacity with dire prospects. Domestic demand is on a downward trend, in line with a falling demography, making the Japanese steel industry highly dependent on exports. The EU and the US are net steel importers, but Japan is the worlds second largest steel exporter after China. Japan is even more reliant on exports than China with a net export ratio of 25% versus 5% for China. China is increasingly gaining market share in Southeast Asia, the regions battleground. The steel quality gap between Japanese and Chinese material has narrowed; Korea is another strong regional player. Moreover, additional steel capacity is being built in Southeast Asia, implying a fiercer competitive environment in the years ahead. As is the case in the EU, the Japanese government aims at cutting carbon emissions and targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Japanese steel industry will increasingly have to rely on technology (hydrogen/DRI) to comply with future regulations, according to Roskilla task even more difficult for Japan as 75% of its steel production comes from the BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace) route. The BOF process (Linz-Donawitz-Verfahren steelmaking) converts molten ironwhich comes from the blast furnaceand steel scrap into steel through the oxidizing action of oxygen blown into the melt. With these headwinds in mind, there is no doubt that the Japanese steel industry is poised for a major downsizing in the years to come, according to Roskill. Roskills upcoming Steel Alloys in the 2020s webinar will discuss the latest trends and insights on steel and its alloys, as well as share novel analysis on sustainability in the steel supply chain. LONDON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation, today released a new interactive tool that showcases the range of a researcher's publication and citation impact in a single visualization. The Web of Science Author Impact Beamplots will enable users of research metrics to engage more actively with data and provide new opportunities to conduct research assessment in a responsible manner. Unlike single-point metrics, a beamplot reveals the volume and citation impact of an individual's publication portfolio through time and provides context for comparison with a broad range of data. The information provided should be considered alongside contextual information such as working location, role, nature of collaborative projects and type of research involved. Each paper's citation count is normalized (i.e., benchmarked against other similar publications) and measured as a percentile and therefore avoids some of the bias present in other researcher metrics. Lutz Bornmann and Werner Marx of the Max Planck Society first introduced and developed the use of beamplots for scientometric data in 2014 and Clarivate has continued to emphasize the importance of profiles over metrics1, which draws attention to the information that is lost when data about researchers and their institutions are squeezed into simplified metrics. Lutz Bornmann, sociologist of science at the Max Planck Society said: "Beamplots combine more information than the popular h-index output and impact data (of single scientists) by showing the data for single papers and in aggregate form. I look forward to seeing how beamplots facilitate more successful research evaluation." Martin Szomszor, Director at the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) said: "Individual researcher evaluation can be done in a responsible manner when appropriate quantitative and qualitative indicators are considered together. Presenting the data in this way allows deeper insights into an individual's publication portfolio." Joel Haspel, SVP Strategy, Science at Clarivate said: "Everything we do at Clarivate centers around improving the researcher experience and supporting the integrity of the research community. This alternative evaluation tool will enable researchers, universities and funders to step away from oversimplified, problematic metrics and towards a more responsible and successful approach to research evaluation, to offer a fairer and more accurate assessment system for all." Notes Interpreting the citation performance of individual researchers with beamplots, a whitepaper published by the Institute for Scientific Information provides guidance on how to interpret beamplots and includes a hypothetical hiring scenario as a case study. It emphasizes the need for context and informed judgement beyond the metrics. About Clarivate Clarivate is a global leader in providing solutions to accelerate the lifecycle of innovation. Our bold mission is to help customers solve some of the world's most complex problems by providing actionable information and insights that reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing inventions in the areas of science and intellectual property. We help customers discover, protect and commercialize their inventions using our trusted subscription and technology-based solutions coupled with deep domain expertise. For more information, please visit clarivate.com. Media Contact Rebecca Krahenbuhl, External Communications Manager, Science [email protected] 1 Profiles, not metrics. Institute for Scientific Information, 2019. SOURCE Clarivate Plc Houston is the nations first city to record every major variant of the novel coronavirus many of which are more contagious than the original strain. The numbers of the major variants we have identified in our large sequencing study are disquieting, said Dr. James Musser, who leads the team of experts at Houston Methodist Hospital behind the new finding. The genome data indicate that these important variants are now geographically widely distributed in the Houston metropolitan region. It comes barely a week after the ever-evolving virus death toll in the United States passed the half-million mark, a grim figure that Musser and other experts believe will continue to increase unless Americans double-down on social distancing, masks and vaccination efforts. Since the virus was first detected in the Houston region nearly a year ago, Mussers team has sequenced more than 20,000 genomes of COVID-19. The most recent batch of roughly 3,000 genomes sequenced from patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 included variants from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. Experts are still researching the new strains and the effectiveness of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. But theres no reason to panic, said Dr. Wesley Long, a Methodist infectious disease expert who assisted with the study. On HoustonChronicle.com: After deadly ice storm, officials brace for potential COVID spikes in Texas There is evidence that the Brazilian strain is more contagious and can infect those who have received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, Musser said. But Long said the variations in vaccine effectiveness are minor and dont detract from the overall goal of vaccines: to prevent severe illness, hospitalization or death. It doesn't mean that (current vaccines) are useless, he said. That doesnt mean that (the new strains) go through walls or defeat masks or that they change the way they are transmitted. All of the rules that weve used against COVID still apply. His advice: Continue to social distance and wear masks and get vaccinated as soon as possible regardless of which brand is available. Last month, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch released a paper that found the Pfizer vaccine is effective against the South African and U.K. strains. UTMB researchers found that the vaccine is more effective against the U.K. variant than the South African one, though the difference is very modest, said Dr. Pei-Yong Shi, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at UTMB. Shi said the research team is studying all the new variants, including those from the U.K., South Africa and Brazilian strain, and a newer strain that is proliferating in California. Each variant seems to be more transmissible than the original coronavirus, Shi said. The virus will continue to evolve as the surroundings differ as time goes on, he said. The first year starting at the end of 2019, (the virus) got into a new host, which is the human being. It had to adapt from there. On HoustonChronicle.com: For health care workers, Texas storm just the latest bit of chaos Now that researchers know Pfizers vaccine is effective against those two variants, more studies are underway at UTMB, including attempts to identify common amino acid mutations. Early results of those tests may be available this month. Texas has routinely ranked among the worst of any state for vaccines per capita, though last week brought a spate of positive developments for efforts both locally and nationally. On Wednesday, the states largest vaccination hub opened at NRG Park, as did two other major sites in the Dallas area. Officials expect to inoculate roughly 126,000 people at NRG Park over the next two months, which will also ease the demand for doses at smaller pharmacies and community health clinics in the region. Officials are also monitoring the effects of last months ice storm on the regions COVID outlook, which had generally been trending in a positive direction in weeks prior. As thousands of Houstonians lost power due to the storm, the prolonged mayhem halted vaccinations and testing in many parts of the state, which means the extent of COVID spread is not yet known. Regardless, Long said, now is no time for complacency. People just need to keep doing what they've been doing, Long said. Shi agreed: I strongly believe the vaccine needs to be implemented as quickly as possible and get into the arms of as many people as possible. Its the only way to slow down the spread of the variants, and it definitely will prevent us from developing severe disease or death. robert.downen@chron.com juile.garcia@chron.com We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Computer scientists at ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich) are trying to create a detailed digital twin of our Big Blue Marble in a kind of pixelated cloning experiment intended to serve as a model of experiment for Earth's climatic changes. According to recent study in Nature Computational Science, the purpose here is for this replica planet to be used as a sounding board to simulate and project out the future of Earth environmental issues before they happen. This safeguard data could assist scientists and policymakers by giving them a more exact alert to forecast hazardous changes in climate and their harmful effects. The European Union has recently launched a pair of productive green initiative programs named "Green Deal" and "Digital Strategy" with the goal to become climate neutral by 2050. Destination Earth Initiative Part of this attempt will be the "Destination Earth" initiative to begin in mid-2021, where international climate researchers and computer scientists will join a ten-year study using an evolving digital model of Earth that will map extreme climate events unfolding in time and space. Peter Bauer, deputy director for research at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and co-founder of Destination Earth said If a plan of two-metre high dike in the Netherlands is made, for example, he can run the data through his digital twin and check if the dike will in all likelihood still protect against anticipated extreme events in 2050. Observational data will be constantly fed into the simulation in order to keep the digital twin relevant and up-to-date. Moreso, this observed information used traditionally for basic weather and climate simulations will be paired with new findings relating to human-related activities which includes, but not limited to, the influence of humankind on food, water, energy management, and the natural processes in the ecosystem. ALSO READ: Climate Change: Persistent Carbon Emission Levels Place Earth On Red Alert Benefit Of The Digital Earth Model Another major benefit of the digital Earth model will be to pass better planning strategies for our earth's fresh water and food supplies, solar plants and wind farms. "Destination Earth" is a joint effort of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). Bauer and co-researchers are heading up the climate science and meteorological angles of imploring Earth's digital twin.Their study will be matched with the expert of computer scientists from ETH Zurich and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), most remarkably the efforts of ETH professors Torsten Hoefler of the Institute for High Performance Computing Systems, and Director of CSCS, physicist Thomas Schulthess. GPU: The Most Encouraging Option Presently, researchers have the believe that super computers based on graphics processing units (GPU) seem to be the most encouraging option for the creation of their digital earth. They appraise that running a full-scale digital twin, matching hardware with advanced algorithms, would need a system operating approximately 20,000 GPUs and consuming nearly 20MW of total power. Artificial intelligence (AI) will also element into this new earth modeling enterprise, as researchers intends to use it for data assimilation, data compression, and the representation of uncertain physical processes. Finally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables researchers on the project to speed up simulations and single out the most crucial information from massive dumps of data. RELATED ARTICLE: Climate Change Causes 2020 To Be One of the Hottest Years Despite la Nina For more news, update about climate events and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! 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. 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. An anti-vaxxer and pregnant mother of two has warned she'll stop having sex with the father of her children if he goes against her wishes and gets the COVID-19 jab. As the delivery of coronavirus vaccines to more than 20 million people across Australia continues, Brisbane anti-vaxxer Tania Sassi has drawn a line in the sand for her partner Michael McDermaid. The couple have been together for six years and have a two-year-old child and another on the way. Despite the COVID-19 vaccine being declared safe by the Therapeutic Goods Adminstration which overseas regulation of medicines in Australia, Ms Sassi says her fears over the safety of the jab is threatening to tear her family apart. Tania Sassi fears she will not be able to look after her partner if he gets sick from the COVID-19 vaccine Health workers across Australia have been the first to get the COVID_19 jab. Nurse Jen Ives (left) was among them 'I cant seem to accept my partners inability to wake up to vaccines,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I dont feel safe to be vulnerable and open up to him when he has different values to me and wont see my point of view and the research I have been reading. 'If he ends up getting the vaccine, I said it could destroy our relationship and family.' The Commonwealth Government hopes to have 4 million people vaccinated by March and the entire country inoculated by October. Epidemiologist and Associate Professor at La Trobe University, Hassan Vally, told Daily Mail Australia there was no reason to fear the vaccine. 'It is safe, effective has the best science behind it and poses no threat. We are 100 per cent sure it is safe. The science shows it is effective and it is responsible to do it for your own health and to protect the community,' he said. But in Brisbane, where the 39-year-old Queenslander resides with her family, Ms Sassi claimed the vaccine had not been thoroughly tested and the Australian public was being used as guinea pigs. Despite her husband being hit with a virus in December and suffering terrible arthritis, Ms Sassi worries if he gets sick after having the COVID-19 jab, she will not be able to look after him. 'I am pleading with him not to go ahead with the vaccination ... I dont know enough about the vaccine and how it will affect him,' she said. The expectant mum, who has come to her decision based off research conducted over social media and YouTube videos, further believes her decision will see her family segregated and prevented from living normally as a family if she doesnt get vaccinated. Tania Sassi has drawn a line in the sand for her partner Michael McDermaid. She fears her family will be shunned if she doesn't get the jab Millions of Australians are expected to eventually get the jab by October An Ambulance leaves Holy Spirit Nursing Home in Brisbane on Wednesday. An 88-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman received four times the correct dosage of the coronavirus vaccine while staying there 'I said I was concerned we would go on different paths and how it would affect our relationship on a day-to-day basis,' Ms Sassi said. 'He is not well enough to do all the shopping, we wont be able to travel together. How will it be if half our family is discriminated against?' A shocking incident which saw an 88-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman given the incorrect doses of the vaccine this week poured fuel on the fire for conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers across the globe. Professor Vally dismissed all notion that there were sinister government plans behind the nationwide vaccine effort. 'We should question everything, but if you question something and then dont listen to the expert advice it is pointless.' 'It is not a conspiracy, and no one is trying to harm anyone or infringe on peoples rights. We are just trying to keep people safe,' he said. Tania Sassi hit social media and YouTube to find information that helped make her decision to not get vaccinated against COVID-19 An elderly women is seen walking into the entry of the Holy Spirit Nursing Home on Wednesday. A mishap there fell right into the hands of anti-vaccination conspiracy theorists Ms Sassi fears her husbands employer will force him to have the vaccination and has asked him to make a commitment to her not to have it. So concerned is Ms Sassi about the vaccine, and her belief that her apprehension is widespread and legitimate, she has begun attending rallies with other like-minded Australians. 'It was great. It was a peaceful perspective with lots of different opinions from different avenues. Families, religious groups and Aboriginals. I definitely can see there are a lot of like-minded people,' she said. Professor Vally said vaccination was not compulsory and in Australia adults were not forced to have them. 'There are vaccine hesitant people and then there are the anti-vaccine people, which is a much smaller group, and possibly there is nothing you can do about that group,' he said. 'But they undermine confidence in the vaccine in more sensible people who get frightened and create confusion which makes some people vaccine hesitant ... It is easy to argue the vaccine is a conspiracy when people are not dying around you.' Two drivers have admitted causing the death of GAA player Karl Heaney. Soldier Donald Hughes (35) and Dublin woman 33-year-old Shelagh McMahon were due to go on trial at Newry Crown Court on Monday but a second count was added to the indictment and defence QCs Frank ODonoghue and Greg Berry asked for that to be put to their clients. With the parents and family of Mr Heaney sitting in the public gallery, Hughes, from Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn and McMahon, from Ardcollum Avenue, confessed to causing the death of the 27-year-old by driving carelessly on the A1 dual carriageway Drumneth on 23 May 2018. BETHLEHEM A plan by Stewart's Shops to tear down its Delmar store by Bethlehem Central High School and replace it with a larger store and add gas pumps will be reviewed again Tuesday night by the town's Planning Board amid vocal opposition. The Planning Board had previously tabled discussion of the proposal back in December after a local resident and environmental advocate voiced concerns the plan would violate a 1998 promise by the convenience store operator not to build gas pumps at the site, located at the corner of Delaware and Elm avenues. Stewart's countered that the town's own 2006 update to its zoning laws that created hamlet districts, combining residential and commercial buildings in close proximity, opened the door for its current request. Since December, Stewart's, which operates more than 330 stores in New York and Vermont, has updated its plans for the new 3,975-square-foot store, which would now include six gas pumps, down from the eight originally envisioned. The Planning Board is scheduled to again review the Stewart's plan Tuesday at 6 p.m. Due to the pandemic, the meeting will be held via Zoom. The public can watch via a link on the town's website. The Planning Board's agenda materials, which are posted in advance of the meeting, include nine letters or emails the town received from residents on the proposal during the month of February. All are in opposition to the project. Most cited the already busy traffic intersection, the proximity to the high school and neighboring residences, and the environmental impact. Many mentioned that gas service is readily available in the area, including at the Valero gas station across the street. "There is nothing to be gained by the community if the Stewarts near the high school in Bethlehem puts in new gas pumps, and a great deal to be risked," Delmar residents Bill and Anne McCabe wrote in a Feb. 11 email to the town. The pushback by local residents over the project also comes as environmental groups are supporting the idea that new gas stations shouldn't be approved anywhere in light of government-supported efforts to wean the country off fossil fuels that has led even car manufacturers to announce they will stop making cars that run on gasoline. GM for instance says it will eliminate gas-powered cars by 2035. Norway is planning to ban gas-powered cars by 2025 just four years from now. Some cities in the U.S. are also specifically banning new gas stations, and environmental groups are urging municipalities across New York state and elsewhere that they have the legal right to do so, even though such a decision would be unheard of just a year or two ago. Companies will sue planning or zoning boards that block their plans, and Stewart's is no exception. Stewart's is planning to tear down a former insurance building next to its existing store located near the high school, if the plan is approved. The new store would have electric vehicle charging stations as a courtesy for customers. Stewart's has increasingly moved into the prepared food and grocery markets. The Saratoga County-based company also operates a store, with gas pumps, further north on Delaware Avenue. Bethlehem of course, like other towns in the Capital Region, had once been home to many more gas stations than there are even today. The Stewart's at Elm and Delaware avenues, according to the Spotlight newspaper, was once a Gulf gas station long before Stewart's built its store on the site. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 17:33:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MACAO, March 1 (Xinhua) -- More vehicles in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will be allowed into Hengqin, an island of Zhuhai city in the mainland adjacent to Macao, the SAR government announced on Monday. The quota of vehicles allowed to enter Hengqin increased from last year's 5,000 to 10,000 this time, according to the Government Information Bureau of Macao. Starting from March 15, Macao residents at 18 years or older can apply for the qualification of their vehicles to enter Hengqin. Each vehicle can be registered with up to two drivers holding driving certificates issued by the mainland. Priority is given to Macao residents who work, live or make investments in Hengqin, who, according to previous policies, were the only groups that could apply. Vehicles of Macao government agencies that need to enter Hengqin for work can also make applications. The move was aimed at further facilitating Macao residents traveling between the city and Hengqin so as to promote deeper cooperation between Macao and the bordering province of Guangdong, according to the bureau. It is an important part of the central authorities' policies to benefit Macao and a major achievement of cooperation between the SAR and Guangdong, the bureau said. Macao vehicles started to be allowed into Hengqin at the end of 2016. The quota was initially only 400. Enditem ATLANTA, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The average outage time for Georgia Power customers was 42% less than the national average in 2019, according to the most recent available data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With severe storm weather possible throughout the year, the company's comprehensive storm response plans help ensure the readiness of critical personnel and facilities necessary to continue providing the safe and reliable energy customers expect and deserve. "We prepare every year knowing it will be nothing like the year before," said Georgia Power's Storm Center Director David Maske. "Our teams know firsthand the impacts severe weather can have on our customers, and we remain prepared to respond whenever we are called upon." In 2020 alone, the company responded to more than 26 severe weather events that impacted Georgia in a record-breaking storm season, with the most impactful storm Hurricane Zeta, which caused significant damage to Georgia Power's distribution system leading to over 5,700 cases of damage and impacting over 822,000 customers. Zeta's impacts were severe and were exacerbated when a strong cold front with gusty winds quickly followed behind the storm, less than 12 hours later. More than 4,000 Georgia Power personnel, with assistance from out-of-state utilities, were mobilized as part of the company's restoration effort. Throughout 2020, Georgia Power crews responded to more than 22,650 outage events and replaced or repaired 8,500 spans of wire equal to nearly 400 miles of power lines. Storm Response Pandemic Preparations Georgia Power teams are prepared to respond to service interruptions that might occur because of severe weather while taking proactive actions including special "distancing" and other precautions to help protect customers and employees from the spread of the virus. In the field, the power restoration process includes these key steps: Assessing Conditions Responding crews or in major storms, damage assessment teams work to identify trouble spots and the resources needed to fix them, which could involve coming onto customers' property. Crews will employ appropriate distancing efforts and customers are asked to keep children and pets indoors and maintain safe distances from crew members as well. Responding crews or in major storms, damage assessment teams work to identify trouble spots and the resources needed to fix them, which could involve coming onto customers' property. Crews will employ appropriate distancing efforts and customers are asked to keep children and pets indoors and maintain safe distances from crew members as well. Making Repairs Georgia Power crews focus on repairs that return power to the greatest number of customers in the least amount of time. Regardless of the storm season, Georgia Power encourages customers to keep safety first, with the following tips: Before a Storm: Stay aware and check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. Make plans for vulnerable family members who might have difficulty in a power outage. Turn off large appliances as power surges can overload them and charge cell phones in case you lose power. During a Storm: Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity - appliances, metal objects and water. After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off of power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. For additional tools you can use to stay prepared for severe weather, visit www.Georgiapower.com/storm. About Georgia Power Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power). SOURCE Georgia Power Related Links http://www.georgiapower.com Go Nakamura, Stringer / TNS University of Houston will begin distributing a limited supply of a COVID-19 vaccine to students, faculty and staff who qualify this week. Suzy Harrington, UHs assistant vice president for student affairs, said in an email Monday morning that the Houston university received a limited supply of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through the Texas Department of State Health Services. The UH Student Health Center, which has partnered with Walgreens, will distribute the doses to qualifying enrolled students and UH employees at an on-campus mass vaccination clinic on Wednesday, March 3 and Thursday, March 4. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozys chances of returning to office suffered a blow after he was found guilty by a Paris court of The 66-year-old was sentenced to a one-year prison term for offering to pull strings to help a magistrate land a prestigious job in return for a favour although the French legal system means hes unlikely to serve jail time. His lawyer and the court official were also convicted. Sarkozy used his status as former French president, said Presiding Judge Christine Mee on Monday as she read out the courts decision. She said the wrongdoing he committed was particularly serious. The conviction of Sarkozy who still enjoys some popularity in the nation is another setback to a political career that stuttered after his failed 2012 re-election bid. The judgment puts the former president on the back foot weeks before hes due back in court on separate charges that he illegally exceeded campaign-spending limits ahead of his electoral defeat. French Senator Valerie Boyer from Sarkozys Les Republicains party told BFM TV the judgment means that it will be difficult for him to take part in the presidential campaign, as many French hoped. The five-year term of President Emmanuel Macron who can seek reelection is due to end in 2022. Sarkozy left the courtroom without making any comments shortly after the ruling was read out. While he isnt the first former French president to go on trial in modern times, Sarkozy is the first to get a non-suspended sentence. The late Jacques Chirac was too sick to attend court before he was found guilty in 2011 of misusing Paris city funds, and convicted to a two-year suspended term. Mondays judgment centers on tapped phone calls of Sarkozy dating back to 2014, after hed left high office. Sarkozy was heard telling his lawyer that he would put in a good word to help the now-retired magistrate Gilbert Azibert clinch a sought-after position in Monaco if he helped in a legal fight to stop investigators using the former presidents diaries. In court, Sarkozy had dismissed the conversations as chatter that was misinterpreted by prosecutors. Aside from the one-year jail term, the judges also gave Sarkozy a two-year suspended sentence. Sarkozys lawyer and the court official charged in the case received the same sentences as the former president. Defendants arent normally incarcerated if the non-suspended portion of their sentence isnt longer than two years. They typically have to wear electronic bracelets and obey a curfew instead. Additionally, appealing a first-instance sentence suspends its execution. In her judgment, Mee said on Monday that Sarkozy and his lawyer, Thierry Herzog, were aware of the unlawfulness of the actions of the magistrate Gilbert Azibert. Mee said the fraternal bond that Herzog forged with obscured his professional judgement as a lawyer. Today, March 1, 2021 is that start of Fostering Fortnight, the Irish Foster Care Associations annual campaign to raise awareness and understanding of foster care in Ireland. Taking place from March 1 - 14, Fostering Fortnight aims to shine a light on all the valuable contributions made in fostering families every day. It is a chance for all those involved in fostering, and the communities that support them to tell their stories and share their experiences. This year Fostering Fortnight is focussing on the mental health and well-being of foster families in Ireland. The Irish Foster Care Association has put together a range of information sessions, talks and fun family activities, all online, for all those involved in foster care in Ireland, to offer foster carers support and connection. Highlights from the Irish Foster Care Associations Members Survey 2021*: 44% respondents said their foster children are more settled during this pandemic 76% are happy with the support from their link worker at this time 32% said lack of structure for their foster child has been a challenge during the pandemic, while 24% said facilitating family visits was challenging 41% looked to family for support at this time while 30% looked to their link worker Foster care is the backbone of the alternative care system in Ireland. There were 5,877 children in care at the end of December 2020, 91% (5,340) in foster care, 72% (3,829) are in general foster care and 28% (1,511) are in relative foster care. 94% of children in general foster care had an allocated social worker and 91% of children in relative foster care had an allocated social worker. Fostering Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate foster care in Ireland and the benefits that growing up in a family environment can have on children in care. This can contribute greatly to better outcomes for children, offering them stability and permanence in a family setting at a time in their lives when they need it most. Speaking at the start of Fostering Fortnight, Bernard Gloster, CEO, Tusla Child and Family Agency said Tusla is happy to support the Irish Foster Care Association and their Fostering Fortnight campaign. Id like to thank foster carers for all that they do to support children in care. Sometimes children and young people cant live at home, for a range of reasons, and foster carers welcome them into their homes and provide love, support, and stability. I would encourage anyone with an interest in becoming a foster carer to visit our website, fostering.ie. During Covid-19 we are continuing to provide services across core areas that support children and families at risk and have focused on three priority areas, including children in care. We know how important contact is for children and we are keeping in contact with children and young people using technology, and where necessary visiting them in person. Catherine Bond, CEO, Irish Foster Care Association said Fostering Fortnight is an important date in our calendar as it allows us to shine a light on foster care in Ireland and the valuable contributions everyone involved in foster care makes every day with children in care. This year has been challenging for our foster families as it has for everyone. But foster carers face unique challenges during lockdown which can bring added stresses and pressures on the family. Some of these challenges are regarding family visits, accessing services and anxiety amongst their foster children. This Fostering Fortnight we are focussing on the mental health and well being of the fostering community and we are delighted to offer a range of online talks, get-togethers and fun family activities to support the fostering community during this time. Keep up to date on all the activities taking place during Fostering Fortnight, on our website www.ifca.ie and also on Facebook and Twitter. Government, Not Palm Oil, Is the Problem With Canadian Butter Commentary Remember I cant believe its not butter? Well, here in Canada we cant believe it is butter while staring at a waxy yellow product that doesnt soften at room temperature. Thanks to the government. Various news stories blamed dairy farmers for feeding cows palm oil. Which you might agree they should not do because (a) it doesnt seem very natural and (b) you might be reluctant to consume palm oil directly. You probably dont keep anything with that label in your kitchen, though actually theres a lot of it in various processed foods. Also (c) it makes what is sold as butter in Canada even less like the real thing. But as usual when people do something weird, the question you should ask is Who paid them to do it? Not as a conspiracy theory. Because incentives matter. But as speaking economese tends to have roughly the same effect on people as serving them waxy yellow products, after adding sedatives, I think its worth reformulating. Like the butter. I realize theres lively debate about whether palm and other so-called tropical oils are bad. They contain a lot of saturated fats that governments once hated. Which is no guarantee that they are unhealthy; after George McGovern kicked off the 1970s fat panic and convinced us to eat carbs without end, we not only turned to muffins but into them. Still, its not bucolic to imagine cows grazing on palm trees or slurping grease out of tubs instead of eating good, sweet grass. And if you agree, you should have a choice. But in Canada you dont pay the piper so you dont call the tune. Hang on, you may say. I pay plenty for dairy. But as the National Post quoted RealAgriculture, producers add it to feed to help balance a ration (the amount of feed an animal receives), to help make up for shortfalls in the nutritional quality of hay or forage, or to achieve the desired butterfat needed to meet a farms monthly quota in Canadas supply managed system. Monthly quota? Oh yes. In Canada we dont sell milk to people. We sell it to governments. And while everybody knows supply management is a scheme to restrict production to raise prices to favour a lobby group at the expense of consumers, especially the poor, our regrettable tendency to be as docile as a herd of collective-farm cows in the face of mediocrity prevents us from making a fuss. Or looking at New Zealand, where the government hit the wall financially in the 1980s and instead of stunning them it cleared their heads, leading to massive deregulation. In one year, subsidies went from 40 percent of farm income to zero, and when the dairy lobbys howls that they would perish if not swaddled in red tape then fed with a state eyedropper were disregarded, they used ingenuity and effort to become the worlds leading butter exporter. We could do likewise. Canadian farmers are neither fools nor schlubs. But just as we believe our medical system is the worlds best, although many countries have universal care at much lower cost and without those deadly waiting lists we do complain about, we object when butter literally turns into a candle. But instead of saying hey, why isnt it a rich yellow colour with, whats that thing, flavour, we go oh yeah, the government is protecting us from from from what? Overpriced bad butter? Now you may say you like yours hard. You may say palm oil is the best. And if so, you should be able to buy such butter. Just as you should be able to buy pompous shampoo with ingredients I suspect primarily soften your wallet. Choice is fulfilling in the short run, and in the long run drives producers to focus on improving things. Unlike quotas. The Soviet Union showed with ghastly clarity that when producers are given numerical targets, they focus on quantity over quality if paid to do so, or the reverse, and ironically you get neither because the nail factory either produces a host of feeble pins or one big spike. Only if customers pay for nails they want do producers focus on the right size, hardness, spiralling, head shape, and price. And go home satisfied because they spent their day improving other peoples lives, I might add. As I might add that all the snorting about better targets in health care is thus worse than useless. If you pay doctors to see lots of people briefly, or spend lots of time with a few patients, they will. Only if customers pay them for services rendered will things get better, including for doctors. Mais revenons a nos vaches. Canadian butter isnt really lousy due to adding palm oil. Its lousy due to adding government, a notoriously hard and unsavoury substance John Robson is a documentary filmmaker, National Post columnist, contributing editor to the Dorchester Review, and executive director of the Climate Discussion Nexus. His most recent documentary is The Environment: A True Story. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. New Delhi: A Bihar-cadre IAS officer Mukesh Pandey committed suicide by jumping in front of a train in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad on Thursday evening. According to government railway police sources the 2012 batch IAS officers body was recovered a kilometer away from Ghaziabad GRP police station area. The police identified him as district magistrate of Bihars Buxar from the identity-cards recovered from his possession. Delhi Police in their initial investigation have learnt that the IAS officer especially visited Delhi to commit suicide. The police was informed about his plans to commit suicide by his friends, who had recieved a message from Pandey stating that he was going to commit suicide. In the whatsapp message to his friends Pandey had written, I am committing suicide in district centre area of Janakpuri West Delhi near hotel by jumping off the 10th floor of the building. The deceased IAS officer further wrote to his friends that he was fed up with life. My belief on human existence has gone, my suicide note is kept in Nike bag in room 742 of Leela Palace Hotel in delhi! I am sorry I love you all! plz forgive me! the whatsapp message to his friends read. Delhi Police on learning about the suicide plans of the Buxar DM rushed to the mention site but the IAS officer had left the location before cops could get hold of him. It is a huge loss, I am shocked, he was a intelligent young man, I can't believe he committed suicide: Ashwini Choubey,BJP MP on Buxar DM pic.twitter.com/LzQu8ZR5kq ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 Later in the day his body was recovered from railway-tracks, a kilometer away from the Ghaziabad GRP police station. GRP officials on seeing the Buxar DMs body said, It seems he jumped in front of a train. Things will be clear after postmortem report (With inputs from Rizwan Arif) The suicide note left by the IAS in his hotel room (Newsnation Image) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. 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. Alabama order requiring people wear facial coverings in public areas is set to expire Friday at 5 p.m. unless extended by Gov. Kay Ivey. The order was first put in place in July during a surge in coronavirus cases in the state and has been extended several times amid growing hospitalizations and deaths. While Ivey has said she personally disliked wearing a masks, she recognizes the importance. We know masks work, Ivey said in December. Social distancing works. Personal hygiene works. So we know what is working. Ivey has not indicated if she plans to extend the current order. She has typically held a press conference two or three days ahead of previous extensions but has not set a date yet for this week. Federal officials are urging states to keep restrictions in place. Things are tenuous, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said at a White House briefing last week, adding that declines in cases may be stalling in a very concerning shift in the trajectory. Now is not the time to relax restrictions, she added. As of this morning, Alabama has reported 493,252 COVID-19 cases and 9,929 deaths. The state currently has 657 people hospitalized with the virus, a dramatic decrease from the more than 3,000 people hospitalized on several days in early January. The current order requires people to wear facial coverings within 6 feet of someone else as well as at schools for all personnel and students grades second and below. Alabama is one of 35 states, along with the District of Columbia, that have some form of mask mandate. Fifteen states including Southern states of Florida, Georgia and Mississippi do not have mask mandates. No matter what Alabamas orders, President Joe Biden issued a mask mandate requiring facial coverings be worn in all federal buildings, all federal lands and while using public transportation. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Geneva, March 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :It is unrealistic to think that the world will be done with the Covid-19 pandemic by the end of the year, the WHO said Monday. The World Health Organization's emergencies director Michael Ryan said it might be possible to take the sting of tragedy out of the coronavirus crisis by reducing hospitalisations and deaths. But the virus remains very much in control, he added, especially given that global new case numbers increased this week after seven consecutive weeks of decline. "It will be very premature and I think unrealistic to think that we're going to finish with this virus by the end of the year," Ryan told journalists. "But I think what we can finish with, if we're smart, is the hospitalisations, the deaths and the tragedy associated with this pandemic." Ryan said the WHO's focus was on keeping virus transmission low, to help prevent the emergence of variants, but also to reduce the numbers of people who get sick. He also said vaccinating front-line health care workers and those most vulnerable to severe disease would "take the fear and the tragedy out of the pandemic". WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wants the vaccination of health care workers under way in every country within the first 100 days of 2021 -- meaning there are 40 days left to go. He welcomed the first injections of doses through the global Covax vaccine-sharing facility, which were administered Monday in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. "It's encouraging to see health workers in lower-income countries starting to be vaccinated, but it's regrettable that this comes almost three months after some of the wealthiest countries started their vaccination campaigns," he said. "And it's regrettable that some countries continue to prioritise vaccinating younger, healthier adults at lower risk of disease in their own populations ahead of health workers and older people elsewhere," he said, without naming them. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters as he departs from the White House on Feb. 27, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Still Committed to Raising Minimum Wage: White House Press Secretary President Joe Biden is committed to raising the minimum wage after a Senate rules expert declared the provision ineligible for the current form of the latest COVID-19 relief package, his press secretary said. He cant do it on his own, but he is absolutely committed to raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Feb. 28. He thinks its long overdue. He believes that men and women who are working hard, trying to make ends meet, should haveshould not be living at the poverty level. And were going to spend the next few days and weeks looking for the best path forward, working with Democrats and Republicans, hopefully, to do exactly that. Congressional Democrats, with Bidens backing, are pushing his relief bill through both chambers with no apparent Republican support by utilizing a budget process thats been used for various proposals in the past. Budget reconciliation requires a simple majority in the Senate, as opposed to the normal 60-vote threshold. That enables Democrats to pass it with no Republican votes, as they hold 50 seats and the tiebreaking vote that the vice president can cast. But the bodys chief parliamentarian ruled last week that a minimum wage hike couldnt be included in the bill because of rules governing the budget process. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) kept the provision in the version the chamber later passed, but the White House has said Vice President Kamala Harris, the president of the Senate, will not try to overrule the rules expert. Senate Democrats are now working on alternatives, including a penalty on large corporations that dont pay their workers a certain amount. Senate Budget Chairman Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) arrives for a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Feb. 25, 2021. (Susan Walsh/Pool/Getty Images) Psaki said the White House hasnt yet reviewed a proposal from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that would both penalize corporations and give incentives to small businesses to pay their workers more. The president supports exactly what Sen. Sanders does, which is increasing the minimum wage for the American people, for workers who are just trying to make ends meet, she said. Were going to have to spend the next several days or even weeks figuring out what the best path forward is, but hes committed to doing that. The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour. It was last raised in 2009. But 27 states have higher minimum wages. If states have a higher wage floor than the federal minimum wage, then employees are entitled to the higher of the two. Even before the parliamentarian ruled against including the wage in the new package, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) signaled that he didnt want it increased so much, putting the provision in peril. He proposed increasing it to $11 across two years. Republicans have argued that the hike doesnt belong in a relief package and should be dealt with separately. Two GOP senators recently introduced a bill that would increase the wage to $10 an hour by 2025 while another announced legislation that would force big companies to pay their workers at least $15 an hour. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) on Feb. 28 said the relief package includes a number of measures that have nothing to do with relief. Theres $100 million for an underground transit system in the Silicon Valley. Theres a bridge in New York. Theres hundreds of millions of dollars for the arts and so on. There are things that have nothing to do with COVID that are unrelated. Minimum wage was one, of course, he said. But Democrats have said its related to helping people amid the pandemic. I basically support raising the minimum wage in the COVID bill because that is a huge part of economic recovery, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) said. The people who are suffering most from the minimum wage and whats happening in the pandemic are the essential workers, many of them are women, and many of them are getting paid very low wages. Psaki was speaking during appearances on Fox News Sunday and CNNs State of the Union. Portman and Hirono appeared on ABCs This Week. UW in the News State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage: An investigation into racist interruptions during a virtual UW Black History Month event has found that one of the perpetrators was using a Maryland internet provider. Police and the FBI are continuing the investigation, according to The Casper Star-Tribune (CS-T). U.S. News & World Report, Campus Safety magazine, Oil City News and Wyoming Business Report published related articles. Wyoming News Now published, on its website, UW Chief Diversity Officer Emily Monagos statement about the recent racist attack that disrupted a virtual UW Black History Month event. A town-hall meeting to address the racist attack during the Black History Month Zoom program was held last week with approximately 150 people attending online to express concerns. Wyoming News Now and Wyoming Public Radio noted the event. The CS-T published a related article. Sputnik International published an article on Amazon reportedly offering Alabama workers huge severance checks if they will quit before a union vote. UW law Professor Michael Duff, a former prosecutor for the National Labor Relations Board, was quoted in the article on the legality of the case. The number of COVID-19 cases at UW during the spring semester so far is significantly lower than the fall semester, in concert with a trend of declining cases in the state and nation. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Buckrail and Laramie Live published UWs release on the notification. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle, KGAB Radio, Sheridan Media and SweetwaterNOW were among media outlets publishing UWs release noting that the university is preparing for a virtual spring commencement ceremony scheduled May 15. UWs Native American Program is starting a chapter of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program that focuses on providing support to Native students. Wyoming Public Radio noted that UWs students would be part of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Wyoming Public Radio also interviewed UW Associate Professor Peter Parolin, who recently analyzed a 17th century book known as the Baumfylde manuscript, which gives insight into the lives and priorities of people of the past. UW economist Rob Godby was among four panelists in Cheyenne last week to discuss the future of Wyomings finances, The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported. Claire Larson, a senior in UWs Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, won third place in the Pacific West region in the Interior Design Educators Council competition. Wyoming News Now noted that Larson designed a veterans living facility that addresses the tenets of social sustainability and equity. Sheridan Media published UWs release noting that community college instructors and students are eligible for a two-month fellowship to conduct research in a UW chemistry lab. UW atmospheric science Associate Professor Shane Murphy and his teams study into wildfire smoke and how it affects climate change was the focus of a WyoFile article. High Country News published a similar article. After the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, concluded that a $15-an-hour minimum wage provision could not be part of a budget reconciliation bill, House progressives -- including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna -- all sung from the same song sheet: an unelected parliamentarian should not be allowed to block a minimum wage increase. They want the parliamentarian overruled or fired. But how can progressives in good conscience suddenly treat unelected government officials as illegitimate? Progressives have defended unelected bureaucrats from conservative attack when they develop wide-ranging regulations, and unelected judges when they extend civil rights to those suffering discrimination. Such actions are rooted in the Constitution and the law, and should not be undermined as undemocratic. Similar to any bureaucrat or judge, the Senate parliamentarian is tasked with interpreting rules enacted by elected officials. If you hate the ruling, dont blame the ruler, blame the rule. In this instance, theres no serious argument that MacDonough didnt follow the rules. Budget reconciliation legislation, a rare type of bill that cannot be filibustered, can only include budgetary provisions -- increases or decreases in spending or revenue. Under what is known as the Byrd Rule, having an incidental impact on the budget is insufficient. A higher minimum wage does have budgetary effects. The federal government would spend more money on federal contractors, for example. But its a policy designed to impact the entire economy; the federal government merely feels the macroeconomic reverberations. To rule minimum wage in bounds, the parliamentarian would have to stretch the definition of incidental in unprecedented fashion. When Sen. Bernie Sanders said, in advance of the parliamentarians decision, that he was confident she would allow a $15 wage to be included, his reasoning at the time should have tipped us off that his confidence was misplaced. Sanders said: The [Congressional Budget Office] has found that the $15 minimum wage has a much greater impact on the federal budget than opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] to oil drilling and repealing the [Affordable Care Acts] individual mandate penalties -- two provisions that the parliamentarian advised did not violate the Byrd Rule when Republicans controlled the Senate. But the numeric amount of budget impact was not the issue in 2017 when the parliamentarian eventually allowed those other provisions to be included in a reconciliation bill, after negotiation and revision. The ANWR provision was initially flagged by the parliamentarian for an obscure and technical reason. A reconciliation bill must be preceded by instructions authorizing specific committees to draft certain provisions. In 2017, the instructions assigned the drafting of revenue raising measures to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, with opening up the Arctic refuge in mind. But the bill text involved a program handled by the Senates Environment and Public Works Committee. So the language had to be revised to comply with the instructions. The termination of the Obamacare individual mandate was snagged at first for the same reason as the increase of the minimum wage; it was a broad policy change, not a budget line item. Republicans solved the problem by nominally keeping the mandate on the books, but reducing the tax penalty to zero, since a change in tax policy is a budgetary item. (This is why Sanders is now trying to partially salvage the minimum wage proposal by proposing a tax penalty on large corporations who pay their workers less than $15 per hour.) Democrats calling for the parliamentarian to be ignored or removed dont want to be hamstrung by Senate rules. They assert, not unreasonably, that voters care about their own economic security, not arcane legislative procedures and traditions. Thats why they dont fear fallout from using a hammer to nullify the Byrd Rule either by having Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Senates presiding officer, disregard the parliamentarians advice, or having Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer replace the parliamentarian with a new one who would presumably issue favorable rulings. So why isnt Harris or Schumer heeding the call from House progressives to steamroll over MacDonough? Because there are not 50 Senate votes for what the firebrands want. Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema are on the record opposing any move to gut the Byrd Rule, as well as to nuke the filibuster. Manchin has also stated hes for an $11 minimum wage but not $15. Less well known is that Sanders stand-alone $15 minimum wage bill has 38 sponsors -- 12 short of the requisite 50. Therefore, going to extraordinary lengths to get a $15 minimum wage in the pandemic relief bill could lead to rejection of the entire package. In the House, one of the two Democrats who voted no on the bill did so because he wanted to strip out the minimum wage provision (which Speaker Nancy Pelosi symbolically left in). In the Senate, it would only take one such rogue Democrat to sink the bill. Its not the parliamentarians fault that the Byrd Rule exists, or that the filibuster exists, or that Democrats are not united in support for a $15 national minimum wage. The rules stay on the books because a majority of the Senate wants to keep them on the books. If the minimum wage is to be increased, it will be because enough members of Congress who hold different views negotiate with one another and reach a compromise. Progressives should work toward that end, and leave the parliamentarian alone. Macao Health Bureau Director Lei Chin Ion (C) signs receiving documents at the handover ceremony of the second batch of mainland-made COVID-19 vaccines in Macao, south China, Feb. 28, 2021. The second batch of mainland-made COVID-19 vaccines were delivered to the Macao Special Administrative Region on Sunday. The first batch of mainland-made vaccines were delivered to Macao on Feb. 6. Inoculation started on Feb. 9. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) MACAO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The second batch of mainland-made COVID-19 vaccines were delivered to the Macao Special Administrative Region on Sunday. The first batch of mainland-made vaccines were delivered to Macao on Feb. 6. Inoculation started on Feb. 9. Over 30,000 people in Macao had made reservations for inoculation, Macao Health Bureau Director Lei Chin Ion said at the receiving ceremony. Lei called on local residents to be inoculated as soon as possible to develop immunity. Macao had ordered 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in total, according to Lei. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) - Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday urged the Department of Education to form a panel of experts that will guide the pilot testing of face-to-face classes in areas with low cases of COVID-19 infection. Despite having the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the senator said that DepEds panel can give a specialized approach given that each school has a unique situation. "Hindi naman ibig sabihin na dahil nag-cancel ng face-to-face classes, titigil na rin tayo sa pilot schools (It does not mean that because we cancelled face-to-face classes, we will already stop with our pilot schools). This is a good way for our scientists to study what can be done to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 to our learners," said Gatchalian in a statement. Senators have been pushing for the resumption limited face-to-face classes in low-risk areas, citing different reasons such as the effect of online classes on the students academic performance. READ: Lawmakers insist on limited face-to-face classes in some areas DepEd is planning to conduct a pilot test of face-to-face classes in 1,065 schools in the country, but President Rodrigo Duterte has rejected the proposal pending the availability of enough COVID-19 vaccines for the public. The Philippine Pediatric Society said last week during a Senate hearing that one year of school closure is equivalent to two years of lost learning. The organization added that prolonged school closures can lead to increased exposure to sexual violence, sexual abuse, and early pregnancies. "The damage of school closures can be deeper and longer. During pre-COVID, our learners did not do well in international large-scale assessments and our national achievement scores were not doing great. And now, because of the lack of access to face-to-face education, internet, and gadgets, the learners are left on their own," Gatchalian added. 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. Kathmandu, March 1 The Ministry of Health and Population has informed that the countrys Covid-19 tally has reached 274,216 as of Monday afternoon. The ministry says 73 new cases were confirmed in the country in the past 24 hours. In this period, 3,049 swab samples were tested. So far, 2 million and 165,985 people have been tested in the country. As of today, 968 cases are active. Of the total cases so far, 270,471 people have achieved recovery whereas 2,777 died, according to the ministry. In the past 24 hours, 64 people have been discharged whereas three deaths have been reported. Over 50 people are quarantined across the country. Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that under current leader Joe Biden, the United States will be relying on Russia and the middle East for oil. In his first speech since leaving the White House Trump clarified that the U.S. should not have returned to the Paris Climate Agreement, as it allows countries "with lower standards" to emissions, while the U.S. cannot afford it. "Joe Biden put the United States back into the very unfair and very costly Paris Climate Accord without negotiating a better deal," he stressed. Trump went on to say that America was heading from energy dominance to energy disaster under Biden. According to him, in the future, the United States will be relying on Russia and the middle East for oil. A chiropractor has been charged over the alleged sexual assault of an 18-year-old female patient in Brisbane. After what was described as extensive investigations, police charged the 52-year-old Laceys Creek man with one count each of sexual assault and common assault after the incident at a Grange health business in January last year. Police will allege the woman was indecently assaulted during an appointment. Detectives have appealed for any other people who may have had a similar experience in the Grange area to come forward. The man is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 6. Lee Hawthorne, 41, who resigned from Gloucester City Council in April last year, pleaded guilty during a brief hearing at Bristol Crown Court A former Tory councillor who was one of the first people in Britain to be arrested under new upskirting laws today admitted attempted voyeurism in a branch of TK Maxx. Lee Hawthorne, 41, who resigned from Gloucester City Council in April last year, pleaded guilty during a brief hearing at Bristol Crown Court. The charge stated he attempted to operate a mobile phone beneath another person to observe their genitals, buttocks or underwear, without their consent, 'for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification'. It related to an incident at a branch of high street retailer TK Maxx in Northgate Street in Gloucester city centre on June 27, 2019. Last week, Hawthorne also pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court to a separate charge of voyeurism, which was committed on a date between 2015 and 2019 in Gloucester. Today's hearing heard that Hawthorne would be sentenced for both offences on March 29 at Bristol Crown Court. Judge William Hart released Hawthorne, of Abbeydale, Gloucester, on unconditional bail and ordered a pre-sentence report. Hawthorne was arrested following a police appeal and subsequently suspended from the Conservative city council group. The charge stated he attempted to operate a mobile phone beneath another person to observe their genitals, buttocks or underwear, without their consent, 'for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification'. It related to an incident at a branch of high street retailer TK Maxx in Northgate Street in Gloucester city centre on June 27, 2019 He continued to sit as an independent councillor until his resignation. The new offence should cover so-called downblousing as well as upskirting, the Law Commission said. Laws on upskirting introduced two years ago make it illegal to take a mobile image from under a woman's clothing. However, the Law Commission is recommending that the new offence cover so-called downblousing as the laws do not extend to photos taken from above, down a female's top to capture an image of her bra, cleavage or breasts. The commission called for sweeping new rules which would outlaw a range of attempts to take intrusive pictures. It would also outlaw efforts to humiliate someone by posting faked pornographic pictures of them. Three people died on Monday in a crash where a long-haul bus slammed into a group of cyclists in southern Vietnam. Two of the dead were the bus passengers, said police in Dong Thap Province, where the accident happened. The crash occurred in Lai Vung District at 5:00 am on Monday, when the bus crashed into ten cyclists before veering onto the other side of the road, according to a police report. The bus continued to slam into two utility poles and a tree along the road before coming to a complete halt. Tran Van An, a 69-year-old cyclist, died on the spot. Two of the three bus passengers, 38-year-old Nguyen Ngoc Son and 46-year-old Nguyen Huu Ly, were also killed in the crash. The front of a long-haul bus deforms after colliding with 10 cyclists in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, March 1, 2021. Photo: Phuc Hien The 44-year-old driver, Tran Van Nam, and the other passenger, 39-year-old Doan Van Ni, sustained multiple injuries and are being treated in a local hospital. The front of the bus was deformed while its body was also severely damaged. The utility poles broke in half. Local authorities are trying to find out the cause of the accident. About 6,700 people died in more than 14,500 traffic accidents in Vietnam last year, according to the National Traffic Safety Committee. Almost 11,000 people were injured in the crashes. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The amount of plastic pollution flowing through the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers is rising at an alarming rate, with an estimated 2.5 billion pieces of litter spilling into Port Phillip Bay in the past year. A state government-funded litter study showed that microplastics tiny fragments of the material accounted for most of the rubbish collected in the waterways. Port Phillip EcoCentre executive director April Seymore. Credit:Jason South Port Phillip EcoCentre has conducted 113 litter trawls over a five-year period to estimate the total amount of rubbish on the surface of each river. Staff and volunteers at the centre cleaned, counted and measured the litter before it was sent to a laboratory at RMIT for chemical analysis. RMIT also oversaw statistics gathered for the study. The Telegraph Gold is hovering around the $1,900 an ounce mark, which means the precious metals price has risen by 55pc over the past five years and trades at barely 7pc below last autumns record high. By contrast, shares in Centamin, the gold miner, are no higher than they were in June 2016 and stand at barely half the peak reached last year. It is therefore tempting to argue that either the gold price or the share price is wrong and given the current macroeconomic backdrop this columns inclination is to believe that the share price is too low rather than the gold price too high, even allowing for Centamins history of operational disappointment. Americas Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are showing little or no inclination to tighten monetary policy. This is despite the fact that near-zero interest rates and quantitative easing were described as emergency policies when they were introduced in the West in 2008-09 and despite signs that inflation is gathering last months 4.2pc year-on-year rise in the US consumer price index was the fastest rate of advance in more than a decade. The central banks view is that this surge will be temporary because it is partly the result of pent-up demand and supply-chain dislocations as lockdowns ease and partly due to the low base for comparison offered by the economic downturn of 2020. Hyderabad, March 1 : Telangana's health minister Eatala Rajender on Monday launched the second phase of Covid vaccination by receiving the first dose at government-run Area Hospital at Huzurabad. The vaccination for those above 60 years of age and 45-59 year old with comorbidities was underway at 93 centres across the state. The vaccine is being given at 48 government and 45 private hospitals spread across 33 districts including Hyderabad The programme began at 10.30 a.m. but few beneficiaries were seen at the vaccination centres. The officials attributed this to lack of awareness about online registration on Cowin app. A maximum of 200 people will be vaccinated at each centre on the first day. The health department plans to ramp up the numbers in the coming days. The authorities had initially planned to set up 1,500 centres to give the dose but limited this number to 93 on the first day to avoid any confusion. Director of public health and family Dr. G. Srinivasa Rao said on the first day the vaccination centres were set up only in district headquarters, cities and major town. For the first week only those who register via Cowin app will be given the vaccine. Walk-in registration at the centres will be allowed from next week. The official explained that this is being done to avoid overcrowding and chaos. There are an estimated 55 lakh people in the state who come under two categories. The official said since the programme is likely to continue for 5-6 months, there was no need to rush for the jab. After taking the vaccine, health minister told reporters that all beneficiaries will be covered. He said people should not any apprehensions or doubts about the vaccine. For those reporting to centres with prior registration, the entire process was taking about one hour. This includes 30 minutes of observation, document verification and wait time. "I have long been waiting for this day. I am happy that I received the dose," said a senior citizen at the vaccination centre at government-run Osmania General Hospital (OGH) in Hyderabad. Referring to the low turnout, OGH superintendent B. Nagender said this may be because of low awareness among senior citizens about online registration. He hoped that the numbers will go up in the coming days. "We have made all arrangements at the centre for those coming to take the dose. We have also arranged wheel-chairs for those unable to walk," said Nagender. The staff at vaccination centres is monitoring the condition of recipients of the vaccine for AEFI (adverse effect following immunization). At OGH, an intensive care unit was also kept ready for any emergency. The beneficiaries can register themselves on Cowin app by uploading Aadhaar card as proof of age and voter card of any of 11 other identity cards. Those with comorbidities have to submit certificate from the doctors treating them. The beneficiaries can also choose the vaccination centre where they want to take the jab. However, they will not be given the option to choose the brand of vaccine. "Beneficiaries will have to take whichever brand is available," an official said. The health officials estimate that there are around 45 lakh people who are above 60 years old and about 10 lakh people in 45-60 age group with co-morbidities in the state. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Adam Samrov is the sports editor and part-time news reporter for the Bennington Banner. He has been at the Banner since 2008 and sports editor since 2010. He can be reached at asamrov@benningtonbanner.com The University of Mines and Technology, UMaT at Tarkwa in the Western Region has acknowledged the invaluable role played by Mr Joe Ghartey, the immediate past Minister of Railways and Development towards the establishment of the UMaT School of Railways and Infrastructure Development, SRID at Ketan. Professor Richard Kwesi Amankwah, the Vice Chancellor of UMat recalled that, the idea for the SRID was mooted by Mr Ghartey when he delivered the UMaT Alumni lecture in October 2018 on the theme, Ghanas Railway Infrastructure Development: Challenges and Opportunities for the Minerals Industry in Ghana. A Memorandum of Understanding was subsequently signed on May 15, 2018 following various stakeholder engagement after which the then Railway Training School was released to UMaT to serve as a satellite campus for the SRID. The School currently runs Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Geomatic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Environment and Safety Engineering. Other stakeholders such as Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Omanhene of Essikado traditional area and Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister among others played various roles. Mr Ghartey who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Essikado-Ketan stood out, as he in the first place, saw to the rehabilitation of the the Railways Training School which was rundown and seemingly abandoned and had become a safe haven for rodents and reptiles. The matriculation at the Essikado Campus of the UMat School of Railways and Infrastructure Development had 242 freshmen comprising 50 females and 192 males as the first batch of students for the School of Railways and Infrastructure Development. They will help build the capacity of staff of the Ghana Railway Company and the Ministry of Railways Development. The Vice Chancellor said, all student will undertake a course in introduction to Railways Engineering as part of the courses in their programmes to help them appreciate the relevance of the railways sector to national development. To help develop the capacity of engineers in the railways sector, UMaT, in collaboration with the Railways Company Limited, AYA Engineering and GIZ will run the following railways related certificate programmes: Locomotive Engineering, Signalling and Telecommunications Systems, Geotechnical Engineering, Railways Planning and Operations Professor Richard Amankwah disclosed. He said, the aim of this school is to help complement efforts of the Ministry of Railways Development and the Ghana Railways Company Limited in the development of manpower for the railways sector allied industries and also ensure sustainable development of the railways sector. He reminded the matriculants of the need to always be guided by knowledge, truth excellence to enable them achieve their academic aim and career objectives. The UMaT Vice Chancellor further appealed to government for support towards the provision of Infrastructure for the school. According to Professor Amankwah, the medium to long term goal of the SRID is to grow it into a College of Railways and Infrastructure Development with about two or more schools with a student population of five thousand. This he said, will go a long way to develop relevant manpower for national development. Source: Desmond Cudjoe Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video By Tetsushi Kajimoto TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese companies are ramping up the use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technology to reduce waste and cut costs in the pandemic, and looking to score some sustainability points along the way. Disposing of Japan's more than 6 million tonnes in food waste costs the world's No.3 economy some 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) a year, government data shows. With the highest food waste per capita in Asia, the Japanese government has enacted a new law to halve such costs from 2000 levels by 2030, pushing companies to find ... Nigerian parents waited anxiously Sunday outside the school their daughters were taken from, amid rumors of their release and heavy security. The 317 schoolgirls, ages 12-16, were kidnapped Friday from the Government Girls Science Secondary School in the town of Jangebe by armed men. The state government has called the rumors a falsehood. Nigerias army has been working through the weekend alongside Zamfara state police in a search and rescue operation. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said his priority is ensuring the safe return of all hostages. Buhari urged state governments Friday not to negotiate with bandits by paying ransom with money or vehicles. Hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls were infamously kidnapped by the extremist group Boko Haram in 2014. Known as the Chibok girls, they were taken from their boarding school. In the seven years since, many of the 276 girls have escaped, been rescued or released, but more than 100 remain missing. Since then, Nigeria has seen several such kidnappings. As recently as Saturday, 24 students were released after having been abducted February 17 from the neighboring nation of Niger. The U.N. condemned the abduction over the weekend, calling it a heinous violation of human rights. The girls must be released to their families immediately & unconditionally, Secretary General Antonio Guterres wrote on Twitter. I am appalled by the abduction of more than 300 girls during an attack on a secondary school in Nigeria today. Attacks on schools are a heinous violation of human rights. The girls must be released to their families immediately & unconditionally. Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 26, 2021 Kidnappings have been carried out by Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa, but other militant groups with unclear motivations have also adopted the practice as a way to raise money. Boko Haram opposes Western education and has frequently targeted schools. (Bloomberg) -- On a rainy Saturday afternoon in early February, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union held a rally in a grassy lot a five-minute drive from Amazon.com Inc.s fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama. Organizers handed out pizzas supplied by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a long-time Amazon critic. Members of the Teamsters had traveled to Bessemer to lend their support, some from as far away as Boston. Workers and activists brandished signs with such slogans as Dont Back Down and Our Community Supports Amazon Workers. Inclement weather aside, the event seemed to have all the ingredients needed to fire up workers keen to take on Amazon. Yet the crowd that day numbered about 50, including activists, out-of-towners and media, and many of Bernies pizzas were uneaten when the rally ended about an hour later. The campaign in Bessemer has drawn national attention and is widely considered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to breach the defenses of the worlds largest online retailer, which has managed to keep unions out of its U.S. operations for a quarter-century. To prevail, the union needs to win over a majority of the votes cast at Amazons BHM1 fulfillment center from among a pool of some 5,800 workers. The RWDSU still has time to win workers hearts and minds because mail-in balloting, which started in early February, runs through March 29. But even workers who support joining the union acknowledge victory is by no means assured. Many of their colleagues see a big employer investing in their impoverished town and offering more than double the minimum wage, with benefits, for entry-level jobs. Fifteen dollars an hour doesnt go far in cities like New York and San Francisco. But in Bessemer, where a fixer-upper house costs less than a new car, it beats working the cash register at the local Dollar Tree. On the warehouse floor, according to 16 workers interviewed for this story, opinions are sharply divided, with anti-union sentiment running at least as hot as pro-union passions. Cori Jennings, a 39-year-old mother of five, goes out of her way to avoid union activists staking out the Amazon parking lot. God forbid you make eye contact, she says. You cant rid of them. Jennings worries that the RWDSU will chase Amazon out of town and derail her plans of becoming a manager. Story continues Union officials say the company is sowing such fears by flooding the airwaves with anti-union messages and indoctrinating workers during mandatory information sessions. The challenge is not Alabama. The challenge isnt Bessemer, says RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum. The challenge is the most aggressive anti-union campaign anyone has seen in decades, with unlimited resources and unlimited access to workers. Amazon officials say theyre simply providing information about unions so workers understand what membership would mean for them and their day-to-day working lives. In a statement, a spokesperson said: We dont believe the RWDSU represents the majority of our employees views. Our employees choose to work at Amazon because we offer some of the best jobs available everywhere we hire, and we encourage anyone to compare our total compensation package, health benefits, and workplace environment to any other company with similar jobs. President Joe Biden indirectly edged into the fray with a video in which he said workers should be free from company pressure in weighing whether to organize. While not an explicit endorsement of the effort at Amazon, he clearly signaled his preference, saying: There should be no intimidation, no coercion, no threats, no anti-union propaganda. Bessemer, located about 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Birmingham, was once a thriving steel town and manufacturing center. For much of the 20th century, U.S. Steel and train-car maker Pullman-Standard employed thousands of locals, catapulting them into the middle class. Then, like many U.S. cities, Bessemer began shedding manufacturing jobs in the 1970s and 1980s. When Pullman-Standard closed its factory in 1981, local officials say, unemployment spiked to 35%. Most everyone knew a family that was affected, and many residents packed up and left. Today, Bessemer is a quiet place, the stillness broken by the occasional freight train passing through. The 41-square-mile town is dotted with simple single-family homes, many in need of repair. There is a church on every other block, ministering to the citys 27,000 residents, most of whom are Black. Its the kind of place where people say hello on the streeteven during a pandemicand tack a maam or sir onto the end of their sentences. In 2010, Bessemer elected Kenneth Gulley mayor. A transplant who moved to the city from Forkland, Alabama, 25 years ago, Gulley won 73% of the vote with a pledge to create jobs. The town was on the verge of bankruptcy, so his first task was restructuring the debt. Once Bessemer was on a more solid financial footing, Gulley began selling prospective employers on the citys attributesits manufacturing DNA, airport and access to a railroad and three major interstates. Dollar General Corp., the discount retail chain, opened a distribution center; Flex-N-Gate, which manufactures metal and welded components, operates a facility. Blox, a construction firm that builds modular units for hospitals, set up shop in the old Pullman-Standard plant. Then Gulley landed the big onepersuading Amazon to open a fulfillment center on acreage once owned by U.S. Steel off Powder Plant Road. The 855,000-square-foot facility, the first of its kind in Alabama, put Amazon on the doorstep of Birmingham, the states largest city, and meshed with the companys efforts to speed up delivery to smaller metro areas around the U.S. For many Bessemer residents, Amazons arrival was affirmation that their town had finally entered the 21st century. Yes, the jobs were mostly unskilled, but Amazon was one of the worlds most powerful tech companies. If the criticism of Amazons labor practices leveled in recent years by Sanders and employee activists gave some Bessemer residents pause, most focused on the $15-an-hour starting wage and health benefits. As Gulley hoped, local businesses are already benefiting from Amazons presence. A worker at the Waffle House, a two-minute drive from the warehouse, says a steady flow of Amazon employees stop by for hash brown scrambles and grilled cheesespaying customers who have helped the restaurant survive the pandemic. Gulley, who is 52 and now in his third term, says that while he supports workers right to organize, he hopes the union drive doesnt scare off Amazon and other companies. The BHM1 fulfillment center opened on March 29, 2020, instantly making Amazon Bessemers biggest employer. The company had no difficulty filling the slots, but workers say many new hires quit within weeks of starting because they found the pace arduous or were worried about catching Covid-19, which had started spreading around the U.S. and infected dozens of Amazon workers. A 26-year-old woman who worked at the facility and requested anonymity to speak freely says she was upset after being reprimanded for not working quickly enough. Over time, her feelings about the job evolved from just work harder and things will get better to this is a sinking ship and, no matter how many holes I plug every night, there are going to be new ones the next day. She quit in January. High turnover is typical at Amazon warehouses, so Bessemer was no exception. But in the late summer, a group of workers contacted a union organizer to say they wanted to discuss unionizing. The RWDSUs Appelbaum says some workers were concerned about the pandemic but mostly were agitating about the expectation that they handle hundreds of products an hour. I think people want to be treated with dignity, he says. Theyre not saying its about the wages. Its highly unusual for worker activism to take root in one of Amazons U.S. warehouses so soon after it has opened. Many recruits are happy with the pay and benefits, and it can take yearsnot monthsfor their appreciation to curdle into disappointment. And even then most quit; they dont approach a union for help. Appelbaum says workers at the Bessemer warehouse, who are mostly African-American, were inspired in part by the Black Lives Matter protests and the growing acceptance that systemic racism has hurt the economic prospects of people of color. The question, of course, is whether the people who contacted the RWDSU are aligned with a majority of their colleagues. In interviews, many workers acknowledge that the work is hard and the hours long, but they point out that few other local employers offer similar pay and benefits. The minimum wage in Alabama is $7.25 and median pay for unskilled work is paltry: $12.14 for retail salespeople; $11.37 for cashiers and $13.36 for restaurant cooks. The e-commerce giants benefits also stand out in Alabama, where health care gobbles up 13.2% of household income, compared with 11.2% nationally, according to a QuoteWizard report. Many of the new hires hailed from retail or food services, including a cohort who worked at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Eric Jones, 51, worked as a cook at the university hospital. In August he joined Amazon as a picker, which involves grabbing items from a robot. The commute from Birmingham requires taking two buses about two hours each way, hes making only $2 an hour more than his previous job, and at first Jones struggled to pick the prescribed 300 items per hour. But he doesnt have to pay to see a doctor, likes the flexible hours and recently learned that Amazon will help him get a deal on a car. While Jones thinks Amazon should do a better job of providing information about confirmed Covid-19 cases, hes skeptical of how much the union could help. I know malarkey when I hear it, he says. It could benefit us or it could hurt us. J.C. Thompson, 43, has been working at Amazon since April and loves it. The job provides affordable medical, dental and vision benefits for his family, which saves him $800 a month and helped pay for his two sons braces. Thompson is saving as much as he can for retirement, taking advantage of Amazons 401(k) match. He voted no and mailed back the ballot same day he received it. I think unions are for people who dont like rules, says Thompson, who soured on them during 10 years at United Parcel Service Inc. No one is counting out the union, and workers say there is plenty of support for the RWDSU in the warehouse. Jennifer Bates, who works in the receiving department and trains other employees, says she initially found working at Amazon exciting. But before long she says managers began pushing breaks back further in her shift so she and her colleagues sometimes went as long as five hours without stopping. Bates, 48, believes the union would give workers a bigger voice and is trying to persuade colleagues to vote yes. Darryl Richardson, an Amazon worker who also supports joining the RWDSU, says its hard selling younger workers on the benefits of union membership. Youve got a lot of not educated and young people, and they dont know about the union, he says. Sometimes we can convince them and sometimes we cant. The RWDSU is trying to tap into Bessemers union history during its manufacturing heyday. But those jobs started going away a half-century ago, and the unions could do nothing to stop that. Organizers have recruited unionized workers from local poultry plants to proselytize on their behalf. But what sells in wealthier cities resonates less in right-to-work Alabama. Big public rallies are impossible during a pandemic, so the RWDSU is sometimes reduced to posting activists outside the warehouse and trying to grab workers attention. Inside, meanwhile, managers are selling Amazons position to people paid to be there. If the RWDSU loses the campaign, you can always find some strategic missteps, but those will be dwarfed by the size of Amazons wealth and its ability to mount an anti-organizing campaign, says Janice Fine, a labor studies professor at Rutgers University. Theyve picked a huge fight, and its going to be really hard to win. With Matt Day (Updates with Biden comment.) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. A day after the Left-Congress' first rally in Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground drew a huge crowd, senior Congress leaders on Monday said that the parties are yet to finalise their seat-sharing arrangement, even as the state Assembly poll schedule has been announced. is going to the polls from March 27 which will be held in eight phases, up from seven last time, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said while announcing the poll schedule last Friday. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said: "The discussion on the seat-sharing deal with the Left parties is underway but whereas RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is concerned, I can't say anything on that as he is in talks about the agreement with other parties." The Congress leaders however asserted that the seat-sharing deal will be finalised after the party's leader B.K. Hariprasad, who is also the in-charge of the Bengal poll management, gives the nod for it. Hariprasad said, "The state will see a triangular contest and the Congress alliance will fight to win the elections." The Sunday rally jointly held by the CPI-M led Left Front, the Congress and the Pirzada Abbas Siddiqui-led Indian Secular Front (ISF) displayed the strength of a political alternative to the people in The mega political show was organised at a time when the Left Front and the Congress have not finalised the seat-sharing agreement. Talks between the Left and ISF have also been sealed as both the parties have agreed upon 30 seats for the newly-floated political outfit. The problem remains over the seat-sharing between the Congress and the ISF, as the negotiations between two parties are still underway and Congress doesn't want to concede seats which it had won in the last election. The Congress last time had contested 92 seats and won 44 in which about 20 MLAs crossed to the ruling TMC. The Congress is the second largest party in the outgoing Assembly holding the Leader of Opposition's post. The Congress-Left-ISF alliance wants to make the Assembly polls a triangular contest and not only between TMC and BJP. The saffron party has also placed itself as the main Opposition after winning 18 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. The TMC is eyeing a third term in West Bengal, however many leaders including close aides of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have switched sides to the BJP, even as the saffron party is upbeat about the polls and central leaders of the party are visiting the state frequently. --IANS miz/sdr/bg (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.) Appointment 1 March 2021 Brad joins Rosewood Hotel Group with more than 20 years of experience in both branded and non-branded residential real estate, leading activities for various real estate and hospitality companies throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In his new position, Brad is responsible for overseeing the critical growth and development of Rosewood Hotel Group's branded residential segment. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer and executive vice president of PortLiving Real Estate in Vancouver, British Columbia, a prominent residential property and lifestyle development firm, focused on marketing and developing real estate projects in North America. In his tenure with the firm, Brad spearheaded all development, sales, marketing, construction, operations and human resource functions for the developer's portfolio. Prior to this role, Brad held vice president titles in the residential and real estate divisions for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Kingdom Hotel Investments both in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as well as Intrawest Corporation in Vancouver, in which he oversaw support of development, construction, legal structure, sales, planning, marketing, market feasibility and financial modeling. Continues to build integrated capabilities platform for Cell Gene Therapy Pharmaron Beijing Co., Limited (Stock Code: 300759.SZ/3759.HK) ("Pharmaron") announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Allergan Biologics Limited ("The ABL site") in Liverpool, UK, for US$118.7 million in cash from AbbVie. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The ABL site consists of a state-of-the-art, flexible cGMP biomanufacturing facility located in Liverpool, United Kingdom with over 150 staff. Leveraging the industry-leading expertise in the process R&D, cGMP manufacturing and advanced analytical capabilities in broad range of biologics products, the ABL site has further established a solid foundation and expertise in Cell and Gene Therapy ("CGT") product development using a suspension system for manufacturing up to commercial scale. The ABL site has held MHRA biologic manufacturing license accreditation since 2007. This transaction will be highly synergistic to Pharmaron's recent acquisition of Absorption Systems in the US for building an integrated CGT services platform. This integrated platform, which offers preclinical research, product development, and commercial manufacturing services for CGT products, provides unparalleled value proposition to our partners in this rapidly growing field of innovative therapies. Dr. Boliang Lou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmaron, commented, "We are pleased to have the ABL site join the Pharmaron Group. We have been impressed with the CGT focused process R&D and complex biologic manufacturing capabilities of the ABL site, as well as the abilities that the highly experienced scientific, technical and managerial teams have demonstrated. The addition of this platform to Pharmaron will further strengthen our CGT services platform and allow us to better serve our partners' needs in these exciting and emerging therapies. We are committed to further expanding capabilities and capacities at the Liverpool site to meet growing unmet demand. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to becoming a global leader in drug R&D services across multiple therapeutic modalities." Goetzpartners securities acted as exclusive financial adviser to Pharmaron, and O'Melveny acted as legal counsel. About Pharmaron Pharmaron (Stock Code: 300759.SZ/3759.HK) is a premier R&D service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities, and established a broad spectrum of R&D service capabilities ranging from synthetic and medicinal chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, safety assessment, radiochemistry and radiolabelled metabolism, clinical pharmacology, clinical analytical sciences, clinical CRO and SMO, to chemical pharmaceutical development. With over 11,000 employees, and operations in China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan and China. www.pharmaron.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210228005036/en/ Contacts: Ashok Tehim, Senior VP, Strategy, Tel: +1 201 312 5754, ashok.tehim@pharmaron.com Rexs move to launch a full-service airline challenging the Qantas-Virgin duopoly is one of the biggest shake-ups of the Australian aviation market since Ansett collapsed 20 years ago. On Monday it announced it would also start flights from Melbourne and Sydney to the Gold Coast, and Melbourne to Adelaide from the end of March. Rex, which itself was born out of the 2001 Ansett collapse, has until now had a fleet of 60 Saab 340 turboprop aircraft servicing 59 regional and remote destinations and saw the devastating COVID-19 crisis and Virgin entering administration last year as the opportunity to expand. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video But the airline is under no illusions that Qantas, its budget arm Jetstar and Virgin (bought out of administration last year by US private equity giant Bain Capital) will respond fiercely to it encroaching onto their turf. Qantas is a very competitive operator, said Rexs deputy chairman John Sharp at the boarding gate. Theyre already at 70 per cent of the domestic market but Alan Joyce wants more. So well give him a good run for his money. Rex has been around a long time and has a long track record. Were not amateurs, were not beginners, were not the new boys on the block all were doing is scaling up to a slightly more expanded business. Sharp a former transport minister in the Howard government said Rex could survive a baptism of fire for as long as anyone wants to keep putting it on. The flight was a homecoming of sorts for its pilots Brett Brown and John Veitch. They both worked for Ansett subsidiary Hazelton - which was salvaged from that airlines collapse to become part of Rex - before graduating to jet aircraft. Both were flying for Virgin when it went into administration in April last year and found themselves among the thousands of workers made redundant. We were both ex-Ansett, so this is the second time around for us as far as that went, said Check Captain Brown, buzzing, after being back on the flight deck once again.Twenty-five years ago we were both working for Hazletons, weve moved on in our careers and weve now come full circle to operate the 737s back at Rex. Rex says it is offering a full-service airline (including business class) for Jetstar prices, and has undercut even its budget competitor with $49 Melbourne-Sydney tickets, along with country hospitality (which extended to a RSL-style raffle draw for a pair of tickets to King Island for one lucky passenger on the flight up to Sydney). Not everythings been smooth sailing, however. Rex had planned to have three 737 jets ready to fly by this point. But 40 crew members were forced to go into isolation in mid-February after passing through the Melbourne Airport Terminal 4 COVID-19 exposure site, disrupting their training for the new aircraft. An unexpected border closure in Indonesia also delayed the arrival of two aircraft. That left them with just one aircraft and only operating three flights a day, but Sharp said things were back on track, and set for nine flights a day by the end of the month. Loading The next step if Rex is to succeed in taking a slice of Qantas and Virgins market share will be to raise its profile in the capital cities. Melbourne accountant Manik Sharma had never heard of Rex before and so was somewhat bemused when his sister emailed him and his wife Diskha their tickets to visit her in Sydney. But on board, he said he was impressed. [March 01, 2021] Castle Ridge's New Approach to Artificial Intelligence Wins an HFM US Quant Award 2021 TORONTO and NEW YORK, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial Intelligence powered hedge fund, Castle Ridge Asset Management Limited ("Castle Ridge"), won the award for best Emerging Manager at the HFM US Quant Awards 2021 based on the net performance of Castle Ridge's Equity Market Neutral strategy over 2020. The Market Neutral strategy also earned the Highly Commended title as runner-up in the Quant Manager category. The HFM US Quant Awards recognize those firms that outperformed their peers throughout the last year. Castle Ridge developed a new approach to self-evolving Artificial Intelligence called Geno-Synthetic Algorithms ("GSA"). To achieve these results, Castle Ridge developed a proprietary self-evolving Artificial Intelligence system, named WALLACE, that continually learns and adapts to changing markets. Adrian de Valois-Franklin, CEO of Castle Ridge, said, "We are extremely proud of the WALLACE AI pltform. Over 2020, the pandemic caused extreme market volatility, record velocity and vicious sector rotations. Some of the world's biggest quant managers had trouble navigating it. By contrast, WALLACE delivered a smooth ride for our Market Neutral clients, generating positive returns even while the markets were crashing in February and March." Dr. Alex Bogdan, Chief Scientific Officer, added, "Traditional systematic strategies tend to be static, failing when market regimes change. Even popular machine learning approaches like Neural Networks and Deep Learning have trouble with the shifts. Instead, Castle Ridge developed a completely new approach to AI called Geno-Synthetic Algorithms ("GSA"). These GSAs allow WALLACE to rapidly adapt to the environment. WALLACE evolves through a survival-of-the-fittest mechanism, over tens-of-thousands of generations each day. Furthermore, WALLACE can explain every investment decision it makes, setting itself apart from black box AI." Castle Ridge is growing quickly, with over $100 million in assets under management. According to Michael Petruzella, CIO, "The investment strategy was specifically designed to manage over a billion dollars. We are now seeing an influx of institutional allocators looking to fill that capacity." ABOUT CASTLE RIDGE ASSET MANAGEMENT. Castle Ridge Asset Management, with offices in Toronto and New York, offers hedge fund investment strategies powered by its proprietary Artificial Intelligence system, named WALLACE. The WALLACE AI platform continuously learns and evolves by analyzing vast quantities of financial market data. Castle Ridge developed two completely new approaches to Machine Learning, including Ranking Inference Engine and self-evolving Geno-Synthetic Algorithms, which allows WALLACE to uncover unique market patterns that go far deeper than typical quantitative or systematic strategies. Unlike traditional or static investment strategies that often fail when market conditions change, WALLACE adapts and thrives. As a result, Castle Ridge avoids the pitfalls of human bias and ego to deliver Alpha under ever changing market conditions. To learn more about Castle Ridge, visit: www.castleridgemgt.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Investor and media relations inquiries: info@castleridgemgt.com Castle Ridge Asset Management Limited TD Canada Trust Tower 161 Bay Street, Suite 2700 Toronto, ON, M5J 2S1 Canada Castle Ridge Asset Management LLC 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Fl New York, NY, 10019 USA View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/castle-ridges-new-approach-to-artificial-intelligence-wins-an-hfm-us-quant-award-2021-301237561.html SOURCE Castle Ridge Asset Management [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Many of us long to see our loved ones, and millions won't have had so much as a hug from a friend or family member in months so the first thing you may want when you reunite is to embrace. Yet, in a recent poll 59 per cent of people questioned said they would no longer greet others with a kiss, a hug, or even a handshake in future, for fear of spreading germs. While such strategies may help cut the risk of catching coronavirus, science tells us a lack of physical contact may have knock-on implications for our health and may even make us more likely to pick up infections. A survey from early last year shows how much our attitude to human contact has changed since the pandemic. Conducted between January 21 and March 30 (covering the nine weeks before, and a week into the first lockdown), it found that 72 per cent of people had a positive attitude toward touch and 43 per cent felt society was not 'touchy' enough even before restrictions were introduced. The data, collected by researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, from 40,000 participants in 112 countries, also showed that touch had benefits on mood and health (albeit self-reported). In a recent poll 59 per cent of people questioned said they would no longer greet others with a kiss, a hug, or even a handshake in future, for fear of spreading germs 'People who reported having received touch more recently tended to report higher levels of wellbeing and feeling less lonely,' says Michael Banissy, a professor of psychology at Goldsmiths, who led the study. 'This is in line with what we know from other work showing that 'affective' touching, such as stroking or hugging, that has an emotional aspect, can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and feelings of pain. 'It can also benefit our immune systems, improving the response of our cells against infection,' he says. A study published in the journal Psychological Science in 2015 examined the role of hugs in fighting infectious disease. Psychologists at Carnegie Mellon University in the U.S. questioned 404 participants about their social support, interpersonal conflict (any type of strain in relationships) and how much they'd been hugged in a two-week period, before exposing them to a common cold virus. Volunteers were then monitored in quarantine. Those who'd had the most hugs were less likely to develop a cold and if they did, they showed milder signs of illness. The researchers proposed that hugging and social support lowered levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can have a damaging effect on immunity. Science tells us a lack of physical contact may have knock-on implications for our health and may even make us more likely to pick up infections. Stock image Professor Banissy says:'Touch plays a really important role from the earliest stages of life, it's deeply linked to how we form social bonds' 'Studies over the past ten to 15 years show that the best predictor of your mental and physical wellbeing and health is the number of close friends you have with whom you do all these touching activities,' says Robin Dunbar, a professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Oxford. 'Touch triggers a set of specialised nerves in the skin that go directly to the brain and stimulate the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters [chemical messengers] involved in the pain system. 'It creates the same feelings as we get from morphine, to which endorphins are chemically related, but without the addictive properties. This reward system forms the basis of bonding in primates.' Professor Banissy adds: 'Touch plays a really important role from the earliest stages of life, it's deeply linked to how we form social bonds, and these have been shown to be one of the biggest predictors of mortality.' OLD DRUGS NEW TRICKS THIS WEEK: Raloxifene The drug raloxifene was approved in the 1990s as a preventative and treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis a loss of bone density after menopause due to the drop in oestrogen, a bone-strengthening hormone. It can cause bones to fracture more easily, commonly the wrist, hip or vertebrae. Raloxifene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, a drug that can imitate the effect of oestrogen on bones. Then in 2007, raloxifene was approved for use as a cancer drug. Some breast cancer cells use oestrogen to grow it locks on to an oestrogen receptor in the cancer cell and encourages it to replicate. Because raloxifene imitates oestrogen, it locks on to the receptor instead, blocking oestrogen and slowing down excessive cell division. Advertisement So, although a year of social distancing has heightened awareness of how close contact can spread infection, there is such a thing as being too cautious, experts say. 'Interpersonal touch is a major part of our everyday lives something we may not have thought about before,' says Dr Natalie Bowling, who also worked on the study at Goldsmiths. 'Hugs in particular have a communicative value, demonstrating empathy. In our survey in the early days of the pandemic, 54 per cent of people said they had too little touch in their lives. 'Only 3 per cent said they had too much. Other research has shown that the proportion of people missing touch has increased to 60 and 70 per cent since then. 'We know that touch has a powerful effect in reducing our stress response, and so this is likely to negatively impact stress levels among people lacking touch.' In fact, a new study by psychologists at University College London and Royal Holloway, University of London, could be the first to show the effects of touch deprivation on mental health during Covid-19. In a study of 1,746 participants in the UK, France and Mexico who had been practising social distancing or had been in lockdown for an average of 46.1 days, they found that the more participants lacked touch, the higher their self-reported scores for anxiety, loneliness and poor mental health. 'We are born with a biologically prescribed need for social care and comfort, and a life-long need for social attachment,' says Aikaterini Fotopoulou, a professor of psychodynamic neuroscience at University College London, who led the study (which is yet to be peer-reviewed). 'Without appropriate physical touch, we are deprived of this 'contact comfort' and we become worse at regulating negative emotions.' A survey from early last year shows how much our attitude to human contact has changed since the pandemic. Stock image But will those of us who do want a hug find our need for affection is snubbed by friends and family when restrictions ease? However, not everyone is craving a cuddle. The study showed that desire for contact was related to personality type. EAT MORE... DARK CHOCOLATE a couple of squares a day may stave off age-related mental decline and dementia, suggests research in Spain. In a trial of 140 post-menopausal women, those who had 10g of 99 per cent cocoa chocolate daily for six months completed a mental assessment faster than those who did not, reports Nutritional Neuroscience. Advertisement 'Individual differences and context are important not everybody likes hugs,' says Dr Bowling. 'While most people report positive attitudes towards touch, a significant proportion in our study 27 per cent reported negative feelings. People who are more introverted tended to dislike touch more than extraverted people. 'Context is important, too two-thirds of people said they would dislike being touched by a stranger. So it's important to acknowledge that while there are many health benefits associated with touch in certain contexts, not all forms of touch are beneficial to all people. A hug may not always be welcome.' But will those of us who do want a hug find our need for affection is snubbed by friends and family when restrictions ease? Probably not, say psychologists. 'Covid-19 restrictions have been applied for a relatively short period in comparison to our long evolution of social attachment and touch needs,' says Professor Fotopoulou. 'We will definitely return to hugs.' Professor Dunbar goes further, predicting a deluge of hugs, cuddles and squeezes as soon as it's safe. 'Once we decide Covid-19 has disappeared and we won't get infected, we'll be back to normal. This happened after the Spanish flu in 1920. Remember what followed the Roaring Twenties, the biggest street party since the age of the Regency beaus.' Holly Willoughby on her 40th birthday Secrets of an A-list body THIS WEEK: Holly Willoughby's calves Holly Willoughby celebrated her 40th birthday wearing a dress that showed off her toned calf muscles, a result of her regular boxercise and Pilates sessions. What to try: The eleve a dancer's double leg heel raise is great for toning the calf muscles in the lower leg. Stand with your feet wider than hip width apart. Push into the balls of the feet to lift high onto tiptoes until the knees are straight. Raise your arms to the sides or in front of you and keep your head in line with the spine. Keep your heels raised and bend your knees, dropping your tailbone towards the ground then return to the starting position. Beginners can start by placing hands on a wall. Repeat the action six to eight times and perform three times a week. Did you know? Another benefit of a good nights sleep: it could protect your heart. Scientists at Tulane University in the U.S. analysed sleeping and heart failure data from more than 400,000 UK participants and found that those with healthier sleep patterns (including sleeping for eight hours a night with no insomnia) had a 42 per cent reduced risk of heart failure, compared to those with an unhealthy sleeping pattern. Poor sleep quality has been linked to problems with blood pressure. Hyderabad: The Bharat Biotech on Monday (March 1, 2021) said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has set a powerful example for all the Indians. "We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine himself and are deeply appreciative of the gesture. This has set a powerful example for all Indians to follow, which will go a long way in reducing vaccine hesitancy and building confidence in immunization against the ongoing pandemic," said Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International Limited. He added, "We express our sincere gratitude to the Honble Prime Minister for reposing his trust in the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, COVAXIN." Bharat Biotech Chairman & Managing Director also urged the fellow citizens to not hesitate from taking part in the COVID-19 immunization program so that the country can bring an end to the public health crisis. Earlier in the day, PM Narendra Modi took to his official Twitter account to inform that he has taken the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS," PM Modi tweeted with his picture of receiving the jab. The Prime Minister added, "Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19." The Prime Minister also appealed to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine and expressed, "Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free! pic.twitter.com/5z5cvAoMrv Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2021 This is to be noted that the second phase of the nationwide coronavirus vaccination drive for age-appropriate population groups started on Monday. So far, India has authorised two COVID-19 vaccines, COVAXIN and Covishield. Live TV Jason Flores-Williams Facebook Kyle Rittenhouse Kenosha, Wis. Times Facebook President Biden Donald Trump Democrats Republicans Sundar Pichai Jack Dorsey Facebook Mark Zuckerberg Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Democrats Congress Mazie Hirono Hawaii Amy Klobuchar Mark R. Warner Brian Sicknick Capitol Capitol Jan. 6 Daniel Powell Nadav Shoval Snapchat Senate Democrats Jeffrey Neuburger Daniel Warner Joe Biden Donald Trump (TNS) Two people were dead; one was injured; andwanted to holdresponsible.But after filing a lawsuit in September alleging that the website's lax moderation standards led to 17-year-oldkilling two protesters in, over the summer, Flores-Williams withdrew the suit in January. His fight for accountability had collided with a law the activist attorney came to see as a "brick wall.""You have no levers of control, no leverage," he told The. "You're up against Section 230."A snippet of text buried in the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Section 230 is the regulation under which websites enjoy broad freedom to choose if and how they moderate user-generated content. Flores-Williams had alleged that a Facebook post by the Kenosha Guard militia summoning armed civilians to the city had laid the groundwork for Rittenhouse's violence there; but as Section 230 is written,and its peers are rarely liable for what their users post even when it results in death.Flores-Williams isn't alone in seeing the law as outdated., former presidentand a long list ofandhave all pushed for the law to be restructured or scrapped entirely amid increasingly bipartisan criticism of Big Tech.But if liberals and conservatives are united in their calls for reform, they're split on what that reform should look like leaving internet companies stuck in a limbo where a massive forced change to their business model is constantly discussed yet never quite materializes.Meanwhile, those who seek to hold the platforms accountable for the harms caused by content spread there are left searching for new approaches that might offer a greater chance of success which is to say, any at all.Section 230 takes a two-pronged approach to content moderation: not only does it absolve websites of liability for user content they don't moderate, but it also says they can moderate user content when they choose to. That lets social networks, chat forums and review websites host millions of users without having to go to court every time they leave up a post that's objectionable, or take one down that's not.Online platforms usually, though not uniformly, support leaving Section 230 the way it is. In a congressional hearing last fall, Alphabet Chief Executiveand Twitter CEOwarned that the internet only works thanks to the protections afforded by the law;CEObroke ranks to say the law should be updated, citing a need to promote transparency around moderation practices.Of the law's critics, conservatives typically lean toward unrestricted speech. A Trump executive order sought to modify the law so users could sue platforms if they restricted content that wasn't violent, obscene or harassing, although legal experts said the order was unlikely to hold up in court and it appears to have had little impact on how the platforms conduct themselves.On the left, critics have called for a version of Section 230 that would encourage more rigorous moderation. Reforms targeting sex trafficking and child abuse have also garnered bipartisan support in the past.Both sides have only gotten louder in recent weeks: thesiege of theprompted concern from the left about the role unregulated social media can play in organizing real-world violence, while the subsequent banning of Trump's Facebook and Twitter accounts gave the right a striking example of how easily tech platforms can silence their users.Withnow controlling the presidency and both houses of, the party has an opportunity to rewrite Section 230, but it has yet to achieve consensus, with members floating multiple differently calibrated proposals over the last year.The latest of those is the SAFE TECH Act, proposed last month by Sens.(D-),(D-Minn.) and(D-Va.). The bill would increase platforms' liability for paid content and in cases involving discrimination, cyberstalking, targeted harassment and wrongful death.Flores-Williams said that last item in particular, which the sponsors say would allow "the family of a decedent to bring suit against platforms where they may have directly contributed to a loss of life," opens the door for future cases along the lines of his withdrawn suit.It could also bolster suits over deaths such as that of, thepolice officer who died after defending theon. The official cause of Sicknick's death has yet to be determined, but the case is cited by the bill sponsors in their argument for the carve-out.The implications could extend well beyond high-profile deaths, too."Talk about floodgates, right?," said, an attorney at the internet-focused firm Minc Law. "Floodgates to millions in liability for lawsuits where people have died for any reason that has any tangential relationship to social media."It's not clear how broadly lawmakers and prosecutors would try to interpret SAFE TECH's provisions, but if passed, the bill could force tech companies to rethink how they engage with user-generated content., CEO and co-founder of OpenWeb a platform which manages comment sections for online media outlets such as TechCrunch and Salon said changes to Section 230 could hinder innovation through overly broad liability."I have more questions than answers on this specific proposal, but I remain confident that changing the law at all is a mistake," Shoval said of the SAFE TECH Act via email. "We have other laws in place that are not [Section] 230 to ensure the communities we host are safe, free from violence, hate speech, discrimination, etc."But clearer guidelines around moderating and distributing user content would be helpful, Shoval said; those are areas "which should be slightly regulated, or at least more clear, because right now there's a lot of gray areas where some guidance would definitely help."Other social media platforms that would be affected by the passage of the SAFE TECH Act including Facebook, Twitter, Google, Reddit and declined or did not answer a request for comment on the bill.The legislation faces a rocky path forward. Opposition to content moderation became a major Republican rallying cry under Trump, and the party has significant power to block legislation in thethrough filibusters. Withpreoccupied by the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying economic crisis, liberal leaders might be hesitant to spend their time and energy on abstruse social media policies.In the absence of imminent reform, some lawyers have adopted another strategy: trying to find novel legal theories with which to hold platforms liable for user content while Section 230 still remains in force."For as long as [Section 230] has been around, there have been plaintiff's attorneys attempting to plead around the immunity it affords," said, a partner at Proskauer who co-leads the law firm's technology, media and telecommunications group.But the courts have "usually, with few exceptions" shot those efforts down, Neuburger added. For instance, he wrote via email, courts have "routinely and uniformly" rejected arguments that websites become liable for user content if they perform editorial functions such as removing content or deleting accounts; and have similarly rejected arguments that websites' "acceptable use" policies constitute legally binding promises. And in the few cases where plaintiffs have managed to circumvent Section 230 defenses, the verdicts have generally been reversed on appeal."There are no easy answers," Neuburger said. "It's hard to regulate content online."An approach that might make it easier to regulate the places where content lives would be to alter the legal status of large internet platforms in a way that puts them under greater government control."Rather than trying to change Section 230, because I'm not sure that's workable maybe [try] treating these providers like public utilities," said, a founding partner at the online defamation-focused law firm RM Warner. "You can't not give someone electricity because they supportor. It just doesn't work like that, and it shouldn't. So I think the same goes for social media."While a push to use antitrust law to break up the biggest tech companies has gained momentum in recent years, the public utilities approach pivots in the opposite direction, embracing networks such as Facebook, Amazon and Google as "natural monopolies" and allowing them to dominate their respective markets but only under tight government regulation.Proponents of this approach argue that social networks have become central to their users' lives and are prohibitively hard to leave. Critics say that compared to conventional utilities such as railroads and sewage systems, social networks are less essential to consumers' lives and easier for upstart firms to compete with.For Warner, the public utilities approach is mostly theoretical at this point: "We have yet to have an opportunity to make that argument and really explore it in detail."And going down that path could introduce new legal headaches, Neuburger said, such as forcing the government to delineate which platforms count as public utilities and which don't, or to clarify how Section 230 should interact with contradictory state laws.For now, everyone involved from the kneecapped lawyers to the directionless politicians to the imperiled tech executives remains trapped between an unpopular present and an unclear future. People smugglers could face life sentences under Home Secretary Priti Patels plans to tackle the number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats. The news comes after more than 100 people made it to the UK on Friday and Saturday despite chilly February temperatures. Children wrapped up in winter coats were seen being taken ashore on the Kent coast on Saturday after being picked up in the Channel. The number of migrants who have reached Britain via the dangerous sea route so far in 2021 is almost double the figure at the same point last year, according to data analysis by the PA news agency. On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Government is determined to crack down on people traffickers smuggling migrants across the English Channel. The Home Office said on Sunday that ministers would set out further details about the possible life sentences for people smugglers in the coming weeks. A view of boats, used by people thought to be migrants, stored at a warehouse facility in Dover (Gareth Fuller/PA) The current maximum sentence for people smuggling is 14 years imprisonment, but the Times reported that Ms Patel is concerned that the average sentence received is three years. A Home Office spokesman said: Whilst criminal gangs continue to put lives at risk it is right we consider every option to stop their exploitation of people. The Government will set out further details in the coming weeks. Speaking on a visit to Stoke-on-Trent, the Prime Minister said: It is outrageous that the gangsters, the people smugglers, these thugs, are still putting peoples lives at risks in the way that they are, taking money to help people cross the Channel in unseaworthy vessels, risking their lives. What we are going to do is to absolutely, ruthlessly stiffen the sentences for anybody who is involved in this kind of people smuggling and trafficking human beings across the Channel. That is why we are working with the French authorities and others to stop the trade. Saturday saw at least 87 people cross to the UK from France aboard small boats, the second highest number for any day this year. Among those being helped ashore at the port of Dover were children and a person in a wheelchair. They were met by border officials in yellow jackets and PPE. So far in 2021 more than 530 people have succeeded in journeying to the UK by boat, despite the dangers posed by the Channel waters. This is almost double the figure for the same time last year, by which time at least 286 people had reached Britain. Migrant crossings in small boats surged in 2020, a trend that is believed to have been due in part to lockdown restrictions introduced last March that have made crossings in lorries more difficult. According to data reported by the Israeli Health Ministry, only 317 people out of 715,425 tested positive for the coronavirus one week after being fully vaccinated. With one in every three Israelis having been vaccinated, Israel ranks higher than most countries in vaccinating its citizens. According to a report in The Guardian, about 70 percent of the countrys over 60s population, has already received the prescribed two doses of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine. A study by Israeli healthcare provider Maccabi Healthcare Services, said that out of 163,000 Israelis given both shots, only 31 were infected, compared with nearly 6,500 infections among a control group of unvaccinated people, suggesting that the vaccine was 92 percent effective, close to the 95% efficacy that Pfizer claims. This is very, very good news, Dr Anat Ekka Zohar, the vice-president of Maccabi, said. For the entire Guardian report, click here. Washington/Beijing: Amidst the tense border tension between India and China, a Chinese government-linked group of hackers targeted Indias critical power grid system through malware, a US company has said in its latest study, raising suspicion whether last year's massive power outage in Mumbai was a result of the online intrusion. Recorded Future, a Massachusetts-based company which studies the use of the internet by state actors, in its recent report details the campaign conducted by a China-linked threat activity group RedEcho targeting the Indian power sector. The activity was identified through a combination of large-scale automated network traffic analytics and expert analysis. Data sources include the Recorded Future Platform, SecurityTrails, Spur, Farsight and common open-source tools and techniques, the report said. In New Delhi, the Ministry of Power on Monday said there is no impact on operations of Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) due to any malware attack and that prompt actions are taken on advisories issued against such threats. Responding on the findings of the study, the ministry said, "There is no impact on any of the functionalities carried out by POSOCO due to the referred threat. No data breach/ data loss has been detected due to these incidents." It further said, "Prompt actions are being taken by the CISOs (chief information security officers) at all these control centres under operation by POSOCO for any incident/advisory received from various agencies like CERT-in, NCIIPC, CERT-Trans etc." The CERT-in (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) is the nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing. However, the ministry did not mention about the Mumbai outage in its statement. On October 12, a grid failure in Mumbai resulted in massive power outages, stopping trains on tracks, hampering those working from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and hitting the economic activity hard. In its report, Recorded Future notified the appropriate Indian government departments prior to publication of the suspected intrusions to support incident response and remediation investigations within the impacted organisations. Since early 2020, Recorded Futures Insikt Group observed a large increase in suspected targeted intrusion activity against Indian organisations from the Chinese state-sponsored group. The New York Times, in a report, said that the discovery raises the question about whether the Mumbai outage was meant as a message from Beijing about what might happen if India pushed its border claims too vigorously. In response to the US firm's allegation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Monday rejected the criticism about Chinas involvement in the hacking of Indias power grid, saying it is irresponsible and ill-intentioned" practice. "As a staunch defender of cyber security, China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber attacks. Speculation and fabrication have no role to play on the issue of cyber attacks, as it is very difficult to trace the origin of a cyber attack. "It is highly irresponsible to accuse a particular party when there is no sufficient evidence around. China is firmly opposed to such irresponsible and ill-intentioned practice," Wang said in Beijing. According to the Recorded Future report, from mid-2020 onwards, Recorded Futures midpoint collection revealed a steep rise in the use of infrastructure tracked as AXIOMATICASYMPTOTE, which encompasses ShadowPad command and control (C2) servers, to target a large swathe of Indias power sector. Ten distinct Indian power sector organisations, including four of the five Regional Load Despatch Centres responsible for operation of the power grid through balancing electricity supply and demand, have been identified as targets in a concerted campaign against Indias critical infrastructure. Other targets identified included two Indian seaports, it said, adding the targeting of Indian critical infrastructure offers limited economic espionage opportunities. However, we assess they pose significant concerns over potential pre-positioning of network access to support Chinese strategic objectives. Pre-positioning on energy assets may support several potential outcomes, including geostrategic signalling during heightened bilateral tensions, supporting influence operations, or as a precursor to kinetic escalation," it said. RedEcho has strong infrastructure and victimology overlaps with Chinese groups APT41/Barium and Tonto Team, while ShadowPad is used by at least five distinct Chinese groups, it said. Recorded Future said in the lead-up to the May 2020 border skirmishes, it observed a noticeable increase in the provisioning of PlugX malware C2 infrastructure, much of which was subsequently used in intrusion activity targeting Indian organisations. The PlugX activity included the targeting of multiple Indian government, public sector and defence organisations from at least May 2020," it said. While not unique to Chinese cyber espionage activity, PlugX has been heavily used by China-nexus groups for many years. Throughout the remainder of 2020, we identified a heavy focus on the targeting of Indian government and private sector organisations by multiple Chinese state-sponsored threat activity groups," it said. Recorder Future also alleged that it also observed the suspected Indian state-sponsored group Sidewinder target Chinese military and government entities in 2020, in activity overlapping with recent Trend Micro research. The US companys report came as the armies of the two countries began disengagement of troops locked in over eight-month-long standoff in eastern Ladakh. PTI LKJ KJV KKS CPS AKJ AKJ 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. PV Real Estate This Month's PV Hot Property from Tropicasa Realty Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 Slide Description 002 For more information, or to schedule your tour of Casa Sirena, this month's Hot Property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, contact Tropicasa Realty agent Sharon Des Jardins at 322-275-1778 or sharondj(at)tropicasa.com. Casa Sirena a Offered at: $405,000 USD This 4th floor beautifully furnished condo is located in one of the most sought-after areas in Puerto Vallarta and it is ready for you to call 'home.' Located just 1.5 short blocks from the famous Los Muertos Beach, the MalecAn, and walking distance to great shopping, Old Town art galleries, and some of Puerto Vallarta's best restaurants, it is being sold turn-key, so all you have to bring with you is your swimsuit. The spacious living room is beautifully decorated in authentic Mexican style and opens onto a terrace that runs across the whole front of the condo. There is a view of the mountains and to the west there is a partial view of the ocean. There is also a gas grill for barbecues. The open concept dining room is situated between the kitchen and living room. It is very roomy with a stunning dining table that accommodates six people. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each bathroom has marble floors, counter tops, and walls. The gourmet kitchen has granite finishes with a center island and stainless steel appliances. Off of the kitchen is a separate laundry room. The common heated pool is lovely and private with nice loungers and chairs. A separate exercise room, a welcoming lobby/atrium area with ample seating and 24 hour security are just some of the amenities. An underground, secured parking space and bodega are included in the price. For more information, or to schedule your tour of Click HERE to see more of Tropicasa Realty's Hot Properties in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Since 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate. Tropicasa Realty is the region's representative for "The Leading Agents of the World" and with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with AMPI. Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office - Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas. While in PV they can be reached at (322) 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S. Click HERE to learn more about Tropicasa Realty, or visit tropicasa.com. This 4th floor beautifully furnished condo is located in one of the most sought-after areas in Puerto Vallarta and it is ready for you to call 'home.'Located just 1.5 short blocks from the famous Los Muertos Beach, the MalecAn, and walking distance to great shopping, Old Town art galleries, and some of Puerto Vallarta's best restaurants, it is being sold turn-key, so all you have to bring with you is your swimsuit.The spacious living room is beautifully decorated in authentic Mexican style and opens onto a terrace that runs across the whole front of the condo. There is a view of the mountains and to the west there is a partial view of the ocean. There is also a gas grill for barbecues.The open concept dining room is situated between the kitchen and living room. It is very roomy with a stunning dining table that accommodates six people.There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each bathroom has marble floors, counter tops, and walls.The gourmet kitchen has granite finishes with a center island and stainless steel appliances. Off of the kitchen is a separate laundry room.The common heated pool is lovely and private with nice loungers and chairs. A separate exercise room, a welcoming lobby/atrium area with ample seating and 24 hour security are just some of the amenities.An underground, secured parking space and bodega are included in the price.For more information, or to schedule your tour of Casa Sirena, this month's Hot Property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, contact Tropicasa Realty agent Sharon Des Jardins at 322-275-1778 or sharondj(at)tropicasa.com. Site Map Print this Page Email Us Top Chinas Inner Mongolia has banned mining and declared it will shut all such projects by April, spurring fears the worlds No. 2 economy will take more steps to eradicate the power-hungry practice. The autonomous region, a favourite among the industry because of its cheap power, also banned new digital coin projects, according to a draft plan posted on the Inner Mongolia Development and Reform Commissions website February 25. The aim is to constrain growth in energy consumption to about 1.9 per cent in 2021. Bitcoin extended gains on Monday amid reports of the move, increasing as much as 6 per cent in the session to $47,970. The announcement unnerved an industry thats already been through a years-long Chinese campaign to clamp down amid concerns over speculative bubbles, fraud and energy waste. The draft policy was released weeks after Chinas top economic planner blasted Inner Mongolia for being the only province to fail to control energy consumption in 2019. The region now aims to cut emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 3 per cent this year and limit incremental growth of energy consumption to about 5 million tons of standard coal, according to the draft plan. Chinese officials first outlined proposals in 2018 to discourage crypto-mining -- the computing process that makes transactions with virtual currencies possible but consumes vast amounts of power. Inner Mongolia, which is clustered with large coal mines, is famous for inexpensive energy and has attracted investment from a plethora of power-intensive sectors such as aluminum and ferro-alloy smelting over past decades. The region accounted for 8% of global Bitcoin mining computing power, according to the Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index compiled by Cambridge University. overall had over 65 per cent of the networks total, with its appealing combination of inexpensive electricity, local chipmaking factories and cheap labour. The local crackdown is reviving old fears. Beijing since 2017 has abolished initial coin offerings and clamped down on virtual currency trading within its borders, forcing many exchanges overseas. The country was once home to about 90 per cent of trades but the lions share of mining and major players like Bitmain Technologies Ltd. have since fled abroad. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Nvidia Corp. are among listed chipmakers that supply crypto miners in and around the world. The Telegraph SIR Charles Moore makes reference to an article he wrote a year ago under the heading Was Covid-19 created in the lab?. In it he described work by two scientists, Angus Dalgleish and Birger Sorensen, who concluded that it was what is called a chimera it was built by human beings to see how infectious it could be to human beings. Lord Moore wrote that this does not mean that the purpose was to make people ill. He presumed it was to learn more about vaccines against viruses. A more disturbing interpretation might be that the research had a military purpose. Sir Richard Dearlove (a former head of MI6) was interested in the work of Dalgleish and Sorensen. As a teenager in the Fifties, I was invited to the microbiological research establishment at Porton Down by my uncle, its director. It was the height of the Cold War and he told me: Dont worry about nuclear war biological warfare is far more dangerous. Bill Filmer Lindfield, West Sussex SIR The Wuhan lab theory would make a plausible James Bond plot (which would be a first), but I find the species-leap theory more frightening. Michael Heaton Warminster, Wiltshire SIR With the genesis of Covid-19 still unclear, the accidental escape from laboratory theory may finally gain legs. Beijing still has much to explain with regard to the dreadful pandemic it appears to have inflicted on the world. It demonised whistleblowers when the virus emerged, then appears to have lied once person-to-person transmission was deemed likely and the epidemic gained pace. The World Health Organisation appeared to be both tardy and shy in conducting the necessary engagement. Members of its investigation team are said to have spent a mere three hours in the Wuhan laboratory. China is less than generous in welcoming outside scrutiny. That perhaps was to be expected. More disturbing is the stance taken by Facebook and others, which dismissed this theory far too readily at the outset. The time to seek the truth with all due rigour has now surely arrived. All evidence, no matter how unpalatable, must be objectively explored, to help prevent or mitigate the next time. The developing world in particular will struggle to cope with the lasting effects of this catastrophic event. While realpolitik may allow China to be an emerging superpower, it can still be held accountable for any lapses identified. Colonel Rob Davie (retd) Salisbury, Wiltshire SIR The lab theory was dismissed from the moment Donald Trump endorsed it. As with Brexit, the supposed intelligentsia could not countenance the possibility that Mr Trump, like Nigel Farage, might be right about something. Closed minds have costly consequences. Keith Phair Felixstowe, Suffolk The Johnson wedding SIR Boris Johnsons surprise confirmation of his status as a Catholic has raised many eyebrows, particularly in relation to his reputation with the ladies. However, I think Rome will provide a good home for him. Oscar Wilde, when questioned about his own late conversion to Catholicism, said that he was attracted to the faith because in this Church, Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. Anna Mackey Dublin, Ireland SIR When a Prime Minister is married for a third time, is it called a wedding or a reshuffle? Neville Stangroom Dereham, Norfolk SIR No, that was a fake wedding. The real one took place three days earlier, conducted in the garden of No 10 by the Archbishop of Canterbury with Dilyn as sole witness. Peter Thompson Sutton, Surrey SIR Typical! The Prime Minister gets married and Matt is away. Keith Macpherson Clevedon, Somerset SIR Bethan Holts report describes Carrie Johnson renting her dress as a very modern move, but I hired my wedding dress back in 1966. I chose a first hiring, even though it was more expensive, rather than a second, as I wanted to be the first to wear the dress. I couldnt afford a new dress, so was being practical. After all, my husband hired his morning coat. This year my husband and I celebrate 55 years of marriage. Lynda Burke Knowle, Warwickshire Beep, beep SIR Traffic reduction schemes, now known as low traffic neighbourhoods, are not that new. Portsmouth had a 20mph speed limit the whole way through. After an emergency trip I was directed home through Portsmouth. Seeing the first 20mph sign I stayed in second gear. Seeing more signs, I proceeded through the whole city in second gear, average speed 5mph. This meant every traffic light was green by the time I arrived at it. Very smooth. The traffic mayhem behind me was the citys problem not mine. Car engines do not like second gear. The pollution my car emitted must have been awful for residents. Maybe elected councillors are not familiar with car engineering. Sue Doughty Twyford, Berkshire Offended by the Duke SIR I have just read the report about Kings College. The idea of those staff members being offended by the Duke of Edinburghs photo is almost too much to bear. Can you imagine what traumatic lives these poor people must lead every day striving mightily from dawn to dusk, seeking out all offensive matter? The very idea horrifies me and has left me decidedly depressed. I am seeking an immediate appointment with Harrys therapist. Robert Chatterton Caythorpe, Lincolnshire SIR Cambridge has been worrying about micro-aggression. Should university lecturers or students found guilty of micro-aggressions receive micro-punishments? For example, someone found guilty of not giving eye contact could be stared at for five minutes. Brian Armstrong North Shields, Northumberland Abolished by the BBC SIR In his article Reform of the BBC must start at the very top, William Lewis suggests that a journalist editor-in-chief should be answerable to an independent editorial board. From 1990 to 1996 I was a member of such a board, the General Advisory Council (about 40 of us). We were supposedly a sounding-board for BBC policy. What usually happened was that the top managers told us how well they were doing, leaving precious little time for our questions. Under Sir Terry Heisers chairmanship we eventually insisted on setting the agenda ourselves. One result was that in 1993 we successfully challenged the director-general John Birts remuneration arrangements. It wasnt long before the BBC declared its Advisory Council redundant and abolished us. If an independent editorial board ever comes into being it will need a really strong mandate. The Earl of Northesk Elsworth, Cambridgeshire Tick-box banking SIR NatWest informed me that I could not have an appointment in a branch to open a new account because of Covid fears (Letters, May 31). Despite my husband and I having banked with them for over 40 years and currently holding, between us, eight different accounts with them, we had to spend nearly an hour on the phone trying to open a joint account. Having established who we were, was it then necessary for us to be treated as if we were new naive customers who had never had an account? We had to resupply information possessed by the bank about us, and were subjected to sales pitches for accounts we already hold. The hapless individual at the end of the phone was only interested in completing his script rather than applying a modicum of common sense. A face-to-face meeting might have avoided all of this. Dilys Taylor Birmingham Rude rhymes SIR That jingle from Aristophanes Frogs pinein kai binein, (Christopher Howse, The rudest word in Greek is no laughing matter, Comment, May 29), could be rendered in English as supping and tupping, or possibly boozing and floozing. Richard George St Albans, Hertfordshire A Saturday Derby lacks that holiday feeling CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st March, 2021) Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on Sunday she welcomed the variety of COVID-19 vaccines available to the country's population, including Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. This past Friday, Moldova's drug watchdog granted a one-year conditional authorization to three vaccines against the coronavirus Sputnik V, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. "I saw the decision of the Medicines Agency, which registered the Russian vaccine. This is a reliable state structure, the presidential administration does not have the competence to participate in the registration process. Thus I am glad that soon we will have enough vaccines of different types, as long as they are available, " Sandu told reporters. The Moldovan president noted that it was vital to ensure free access to vaccines, taking into account the safety recommendations on their use, to tackle the pandemic and save the lives of citizens. Moldova became the 38th country to approve the Sputnik V vaccine. ADVERTISEMENT The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Partys suit seeking to disqualify Adetokunbo Abiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from continuing to represent Lagos East Senatorial District. The judge, Chuka Obiozor, on Monday upheld the arguments by Abirus lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, that the PDPs case was statute-barred. The judge disagreed with the PDPs argument that the Independent National Electoral Commission cannot transfer a voters registration details. Mr Abiru won the December 5 senatorial by-election, polling 89,204 votes against PDPs Babatunde Gbadamosi, who polled 11,257 votes. The APC chieftain has since been sworn into office. Details later Kakao plagued by bullying; Toss suffering high turnover rate By Kim Bo-eun Korea's leading internet companies have drawn attention and investments from around the world with their leading technology and rapid growth. Firms such as internet giant Kakao and fintech platform Toss are also noted for their progressive working cultures, but the companies have recently been showing signs of internal conflict and difficulty in retaining staff. Industry observers say this illustrates that these firms, which are seen to have modeled themselves after their Western peers such as Google and Amazon, are undergoing "growing pains," with Korean employees failing to fully embrace an innovative, horizontal corporate culture. Kakao, driven by the success of mobile messenger Kakao Talk, has grown into a big tech firm with numerous acquisitions. The company has consistently been picked by college students as the most desirable employer, with one of the major factors being its organizational culture. Kakao has been defined by its horizontal and flexible work system, as well as its emphasis on innovation. But internally, conflicts among employees appear to be brewing in certain areas. A working mom at Kakao who wished to remain anonymous said she was being ostracized after signing up for shortened work hours for childcare. She said members of her team began giving her the cold shoulder for signing up for the program, despite this not affecting their workload. "Due to the program, I was working four hours a day, which meant I would not be in the office in the afternoon. The team would host all meetings in the afternoon and not share the items discussed," she told The Korea Times. "More than half of my team members also gave me the poorest review in peer assessments that year." The employee sought to report the treatment to the company as workplace bullying but Kakao responded that it could not be recognized as such. The case ended with the employee being transferred to another Kakao affiliate upon her request. The employee said this hostility toward employees with children utilizing existing systems for childcare was widespread at the company. Posts complaining about other employees taking days off for childcare have appeared on Blind, a popular online community for office workers to share complaints anonymously. This is seen to be due to the fact that Kakao has a young, mostly unmarried workforce employees were on average 34 years old as of 2019. This can also be attributed to their diverse backgrounds. Kakao, as a tech firm, continues to see an influx of experienced workers from other companies, possibly with different organizational cultures. Kakao Chairman Kim Beom-su speaks in an online meeting with employees held at the company's office in Pangyo, south of Seoul, Feb. 25. Courtesy of Kakao Kakao was also hit recently for its assessment system, after an employee posted what was titled as a suicide note on Blind. The employee claimed to be a victim of workplace bullying, which was aggravated by the company's evaluation system for peers and superiors. Following the post, another post came up on the community in which the writer claimed the company's "inhumane" system caused them to develop depression and seek professional help. The issue with the peer assessment system involved a question about the compatibility and skills of a colleague. It was worded as "I do not wish to work with this employee," without requiring any further explanation. Another problem with the system was that the results of the review were open for all employees to see. "The results are provided with the average of all employees, basically telling you that you are at rock bottom," the post said. The posts said workers posting complaints of bullying in assessments of superiors were identified and suffered retaliation. "Kakao has good intentions, but the HR system is not very professional and the method of assessment that has sparked controversy can only be described as brutal and cruel," an industry source familiar with Kakao's human resources system said. Another industry source noted, "Kakao is showing signs of a divide, as the company is the end-result of multiple acquisitions, including the portal site Daum. Some employees who were with Daum still have some sense of hostility." Regarding the controversy, Kakao said the question about coworkers was added to the assessment system in 2016 after employees pitched the idea, and that the company began disclosing results of the assessments at their request. Kakao Chairman Kim Beom-su held a talk with employees last week, where the issue was brought up. "The issue shows a warning light has switched on for our corporate culture," Kim said at the meeting. But Kakao's assessment system was not discussed further as the company decided to hold a separate meeting this month for that purpose. Toss' headquarters in southern Seoul / Korea Times file It is now believed that thousands, not just hundreds, of civilians, including priests and Sunday school children, were killed in the war-torn and predominantly-Christian region of Tigray in northern Ethiopia since last November as survivors have described the brutal killings they witnessed. Organizations, including Amnesty International, CNN and Sky News, have published investigations into massacres committed against civilian populations in the Tigray region. Fighting began after the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front attacked an Army base as part of an uprising in the region, which sparked military responses from Ethiopian forces joined by defense forces from neighboring Eritrea. Priests, old men, women, entire families and a group of more than 20 Sunday school children, some as young as 14, were among the thousands killed in the Tigray region by soldiers from Ethiopia and Eritrea, according to eyewitnesses and family members who spoke with CNN. In one instance of violence, hundreds of people were hiding in Maryam Tsiyon Church in Axum city, which is said to contain the Ark of the Covenant described in the book of Exodus, on Nov. 28. Source:The Christian Post Close The US has added a third effective vaccine in their arsenal of COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday when the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. According to The New York Times, the company will start shipping millions of doses early this week and would give 100 million doses to the US by the end of June. It is said that the company's vaccine differs markedly from the two already in use in the country. Together with the 600 million doses of vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, that number is predicted to be enough to cover all American adult who wants to be vaccinated. But the addition of a new vaccine poses the question of which among the available COVID-19 vaccines is the best. How Effective is Johnson & Johnson's Vaccine? Unlike Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines which are both mRNA vaccines, Johnson & Johnson's vaccine is called a viral vector vaccine wherein they took a harmless adenovirus and replaced a small piece of its genetic instructions with genes from SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The modified adenovirus enters the person's cells when injected. The vaccinated cell will make and present the spike protein on their surfaces which will be detected by the immune system that will make antibodies against the foreign proteins to protect the body if it ever gets exposed to SARS-CoV-2. According to Market Watch, the adenovirus vector vaccine is safe because it cannot replicate in human cells and cause disease. This method has been used in creating other vaccines, like the Ebola vaccine and AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine as well. In terms of rate of effectiveness, FDA's analysis found that it is 72% effective in preventing COVID-19 and 86% effective in preventing severe cases of infection. ALSO READ: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine: Big 'Real World' Test With Nearly 1.2M Participants Claim Vaccine Is 94% Effective How Does Johnson & Johnson's Vaccine Differ to Pfizer's and Moderna's? Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's vaccines require two doses of vaccines. However, Johnson & Johnson's vaccine requires only one dose. That means more people can be immunized as soon as possible. Also, Johnson & Johnson COVId-19 vaccine has an advantage with its easy storage. The two vaccines available right now in the US require a freezing temperature for their storage. Although Pfizer has just been granted a warmer storage temperature. Still, Johnson & Johnson's adenovirus platform is relatively stable and can be kept in refrigerators for months. They are also less expensive to produce, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Lastly, The New York Times reported that the J&J vaccine appears to be less prone to trigger side-effects that require monitoring after the vaccination. There have been reports that most of the side-effects were felt after the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were given. Since J&J does not require a second dose, the chances of side-effects are lesser. RELATED ARTICLE: Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Stock: FDA Approves One-Shot Jab, Are Kids Included in the Distribution? Check out more news and information on COVID-19 on Science Times. A further six Covid-related deaths have been reported today as the country marks one year since the virus arrived on our shores. All six deaths occurred this month. The youngest person who lost their life was 41 and the oldest was 86 years old. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has also been notified of 612 confirmed cases of Covid-19. Reflecting on the past 12 months, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn paid tribute to the 6,300 people who have lost their lives on the island of Ireland and said that we remember the families of all of those who have lost loved ones to the virus. "Our lives have changed in ways we never thought possible," said Dr Glynn. "The response of colleagues across all parts of our health system has been remarkable. "We should be extraordinarily proud, and take great heart, from the dedication and resilience which has been and continues to be - shown by everyone involved in this response." Dr Glynn said the response from the public has demonstrated the best of us as a people as the country has worked together buying in as a collective to what has been necessary to protect each other. "Last Spring, we met the challenge presented to us with collective enthusiasm," said Dr Glynn. "Ironically, while that enthusiasm has understandably waned and gone, there are more concrete reasons for hope and optimism now than at any time over the last 12 months." Walkers getting exercise outdoors at the Lee Fields this afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins The Deputy CMO pointed to a number of positive indicators that have emerged in recent times: Week-on-week reductions in case numbers over past six weeks Ireland on track to have an incidence which is amongst the lowest in Europe Number of Covid-19 patients in hospital fallen by 38% in past two weeks Three highly effective vaccines with more on the way and country on course to have given 80% of adults at least one dose by end of June Vaccines having positive impact already with cases among healthcare workers and in nursing homes falling dramatically Evidence mounting that vaccines helping to stop people passing virus on to others Dr Glynn said Irish people are educated and informed with most people continuing to do most of the right things most of the time, overcoming disinformation and playing their part in solidarity with one another. He highlighted the work of healthcare workers and all those who have stepped up to challenges as they have presented over the past 12 months. Although the arrival of new variants has brought uncertainty, Dr Glynn said existing vaccines are performing well against them and work is already underway to develop booster versions should they be required. Ireland has been doing the work and progress has been made but Dr Glynn warned that while there is good reason to have hope, there is still a long way to go. "Our case numbers are still far too high and we must continue to do all we can to suppress this disease over the coming weeks. "But if we can do this successfully through March, our focus will begin to turn to what we can do, rather than what we cannot. "Yes, we need to be cautious and yes, there will be challenges over the coming months. "But together, through science and solidarity, we will get through this and this pandemic will end." Today's 612 cases brings the total number of Covid-19 cases in the Republic to 219,592. The highest number of cases are in Dublin with the capital accounting for 289 cases. There are 45 cases in Limerick, 34 in Longford, 33 in Galway and 26 in Kildare. The remaining 185 cases are spread across 19 other counties. As of 8am this morning, there are 554 Covid-19 patients in hospitals around the country, of which 133 are in ICU. There have been 19 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. The country's 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 currently stands at 212.2. Two counties have an incidence rate about 300 - Offaly with 395.1 and Longford with 369.4. Easing of restrictions Garda at a checkpoint just outside Fenit in Co Kerry. Picture: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD A senior member of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) says he expects widespread vaccination will be underway in the summer months. As of Thursday, 271,594 first doses have been administered while 137,935 second doses have been given. Professor Philip Nolan, who chairs Nphet's modelling group, told Newstalk restrictions can be relaxed once more people are vaccinated against the virus. He said: "I anticipate there be some progressive easing of restrictions over time from April, May onwards. "There'll probably be a point at which we have quite wide-spread vaccinations that many of the restrictions can fall away very quickly, particularly if vaccination is highly effective, as we hope it might be, in interrupting transmission." A continuation of Level 5 restrictions will last until at least April 5, while any further easing of restrictions will need a further three to four week period to allow for assessment of the impact of changes. Hugging will return but handshakes are a thing of the past - HSE CCO The Chief Clinical Officer for the HSE, says handshaking might become a thing of the past in life after the Covid-19 pandemic. When asked about his view of life after Covid, Dr Colm Henry told RTE Radio 1's This Week, he doesn't expect anyone believes life will go back to "exactly where it was" before the pandemic began. "Whatever about the handshake, which may be beyond resuscitation as a social exercise," Dr Henry said. "I think hugging will certainly come back, but I think at this stage there's much more hope than despair looking at the real-world evidence of vaccines." Dr Henry said that countries, where the vaccines have been rolled out, are already seeing huge drops in hospitalisation, serious illness and death in the "most vulnerable groups". He said this justifies the Irish decision to priorities these groups for vaccination first. He said: "At this point in time we're seeing real benefits for health care workers, real benefits for frontline workers in hospitals, real benefits for residents in residential care settings, which translates right through to safer hospitals, safer health care settings and reduced illness, hospitalisation and death in older people." Three deaths and 136 new Covid cases in NI A further three people have died in Northern Ireland after testing positive for coronavirus. Another 136 individuals have tested positive for the virus, according to the latest update from the Department of Health. On Sunday morning, there were 301 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 34 were in intensive care. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 01, 2021] Nihon Kohden Rebrands Nihon Kohden USLab as Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions Inc. Nihon Kohden, a U.S. market leader in precision medical products and services, today announced that it is rebranding Nihon Kohden USLab, its Irvine-based R&D and product development subsidiary, to Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions Inc. The name change reflects the company's evolution toward creating a digital health ecosystem to complement its capital equipment offerings with the vision of helping customers achieve better patient outcomes and improve the economy of medical care. "For the last 20 years since its establishment, Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions Inc. has been developing networking and communication technologies that are critical to our capital equipment solutions for patient monitoring," said Eiichi (Eddie) Tanaka, corporate director, operating officer, general manager and head of U.S. operations of Nihon Kohden. "This ame change from USLab further reflects our commitment to complement our core offerings with advances in digital technology and data architecture to create unprecedented value and realize the optimal care cycle for each patient." Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions Inc. will focus on creating innovative and data driven software solutions that complement the full range of Nihon Kohden's leading medical technologies. The company is well positioned to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning into the healthcare ecosystem, which will allow clinicians to foresee problems before they occur. The new name is effective April 1, 2021. "Rebranding Nihon Kohden USLab to Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions Inc. is a reflection of our transformation into a more digital health-focused ecosystem," said Harsh Dharwad, president and CEO of Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions Inc. "I am excited to lead our team to our next chapter, as we develop digital health solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes." About Nihon Kohden Corporation Founded in Japan in 1951, Nihon Kohden is a leading manufacturer, developer and distributor of medical electronic equipment, with subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The company's products are now used in more than 120 countries, and it is the largest supplier of electroencephalography products worldwide. A pioneer in transformational healthcare technology, Nihon Kohden has envisioned, designed and produced revolutionary devices, such as pulse oximeters, arrhythmia analysis, low-invasive blood volume monitoring and wireless patient monitoring. In the U.S., the company is a trusted source for patient monitoring, sleep assessment, neurology, and cardiology instrumentation solutions. For more information, visit us.nihonkohden.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005118/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Sorry! This content is not available in your region Scientists who study capuchin monkeys on a nature reserve in Brazil found that stone tools are used for digging, seed pounding, and stone-on-stone percussion. The monkeys can serve as a model to help understand how humans evolved to use tools. Credit: Tiago Falotico/EACH-USP A group of researchers including Tiago Falotico, a Brazilian primatologist at the University of Sao Paulo's School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities (EACH-USP), archeologists at Spain's Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES) and University College London in the UK, and an anthropologist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, have published an article in the Journal of Archeological Science: Reports describing an analysis of stone tools used by bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) that inhabit Serra da Capivara National Park in Piaui State, Brazil. It is the first systematic study to characterize the tools used by capuchin monkeys living in the wild. The animals use the tools for digging, seed pounding, nut cracking, and stone-on-stone percussion. The ultimate aim of the study was to find out whether these different activities created use-wear marks that pointed to the purpose for which the tools were used. "Archeologists in the field analyze the tools found in a dig and the use-wear marks they bear," Falotico said. "In our case, we had both the tools used by these monkeys and the chance to observe their behavior, to see how they used the tools. This is the first comparative analysis of the different tools used by wild capuchin monkeys for different purposes. We concluded that the tools displayed different patterns of use and wear in accordance with the activities involved and that these use-wear marks served to identify the activities performed by each type of tool and by the individuals that used the tools." The animals concerned inhabit the Caatinga, Brazil's semi-arid shrubland and thorn forest biome. To crack open encapsulated seeds or fruits, such as locust fruit or jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) and cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), they pound them with a stone on another that serves as an anvil. They also use stones to dig or scrape the soil in search of tubers, roots, and spiders. "They also hammerstones with other stones. The purpose of this stone-on-stone percussion, in the case of the groups we studied in Serra da Capivara, is to crush quartzite cobbles so that they can lick the powder and smear it on their bodies," Falotico said. "We've only ever observed this behavior by the animals inhabiting the study site. We have a few theories to explain it, such as the use of quartz to combat parasites by eating the dust, or ectoparasites such as lice by rubbing themselves with it. We have yet to test these hypotheses. The behavior isn't seen all the time but it's commonplace in the population concerned." The research is supported by Sao Paulo Research FoundationFAPESP via a Young Investigator Grant for the project "Cultural variation in robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.)". Evolutionary environment The capuchin monkeys found in the Caatinga and the Cerrado, Brazil's savanna biome, are more terrestrial than those in the Amazon or Atlantic Rainforest. "The latter don't use stone tools. They're arboreal and rarely seen on the ground. These tools are used on the ground," Falotico said. As an evolutionary environment, he added, Serra da Capivara is very similar to that of the first hominins. According to reputable sources, the term hominin is now defined as the group consisting of modern humans, extinct human species, and all our immediate ancestors (including members of the genera Homo, Australopithecus, Paranthropus, and Ardipithecus). As these ancestors evolved, they too began spending more time on the ground and using stone tools. "Capuchin monkeys can serve as a model to help us understand which factors led to the use of tools by the first hominins," Falotico explained. Individuals may use the same tool in more than one activity, but this is unusual. "It also depends on the environment. In Serra da Capivara, there are lots of rocks and stones, so they can easily switch between tools," he said. "In places with less stone available, they may use the same tool for different purposes. We have sightings of monkeys using a stone to dig and then pound a tuber they've found by digging." The capuchin monkeys of Serra da Capivara also use twigs, sticks, and other kinds of wood as tools. "In this case, the tools may be used off the ground, and they modify the shape and size by removing leaves and branches, for example. They may understand the physical properties of these tools," he said. "We expected to observe this behavior in other less terrestrial populations, but it appears not to be the case. We have reports that it occurs occasionally but not habitually, as in Serra da Capivara."The monkeys may also use different tools in the same activity. "They may use a stone to enlarge a rock crevice and then use a twig to probe the hole for food, for example," he said. As a rule, males handle objects more than females, but skill does not vary by sex. "Males and females are good at manipulation once they've become adult and acquired the skill," he said. Primate tool library Primate archeology, Falotico explained, is a relatively new field. Among non-human primates, only chimpanzees, capuchin monkeys, and long-tailed or crab-eating macaques use tools. "We now know that when capuchin monkeys bang stones together, they create flakes that closely resemble those made by the first humans," Falotico said. "The same goes for the simpler percussive toolsstones used for hammering and poundingwhich can be confused with tools used by humans for the same purposes. In short, we provide more data for archeologists, who often come across these remains." Creating a primate tool library is one of the aims of the Young Investigator project. "If the tools are described, it will be easier for archeologists and anthropologists to know at a later stage which groups used them and for what purpose," he said. In this study specifically, the sample comprised 29 tools: 16 were used solely for pounding, 12 for digging, and one for stone-to-stone percussion. The technological analysis was based on a classification into active elements (hammers) and passive elements (anvils). The scientists set out to establish use-wear patterns, and to this end analyzed attributes such as general tool metrics, raw material, and surface traces such as fractures, impact points, battered areas formed by superimposed impacts, and percussive mark location. The digging tools had fewer conspicuous use-wear marks on their surfaces when analyzed microscopically. Tools used to crush quartz most frequently had perceptible use-wear traces. Soft fruit and cashew nut processing tools displayed a wider spatial distribution of pounding marks than digging tools, although they also displayed a low degree of physical modification. According to Falotico, tools differed more in terms of size than in terms of use-wear marks, especially those used for stone-to-stone percussion, which were much larger and heavier than the rest. "Digging stones are typically smaller," he said. "Pounding stones vary according to the chosen object. The monkeys prefer larger stones to crack open a hard object." The researchers looked for traces of pollen among the residues found on the tools, in order to discover which plant species the monkeys preferred. "We identified starch grains and other non-pollen palynomorphs, such as fungal spores, algae and other organic elements found alongside pollen in palynology, the subdiscipline of botany in which pollen grains are examined and identified," Falotico said. "We experienced some difficulty for lack of a reference library to identify the origin of the pollens and starches occurring in this part of the Caatinga." Explore further Evidence of capuchin monkeys using tools 3000 years ago More information: Adrian Arroyo et al, Use-wear and residue analysis of pounding tools used by wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) from Serra da Capivara (Piaui, Brazil), Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (2020). Adrian Arroyo et al, Use-wear and residue analysis of pounding tools used by wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) from Serra da Capivara (Piaui, Brazil),(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2020.102690 The Nepal Supreme Court has upheld the countrys constitution and has set a positive precedent with its recent ruling that Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis decision to dissolve the lower house of parliament in December was unconstitutional. It ordered the reconvening of Parliament in 13 days. Oli has been stacking key institutions and constitutional bodies with loyalists and there was real fear in Nepal in the run-up to last weeks ruling that the court would endorse Olis controversial decision rather than uphold constitutional principles. With the verdict, the court has underscored its independence. Its credibility in the eyes of the Nepali public has grown enormously. While the apex court ruling ends the impasse over Olis controversial decision to dissolve parliament, the political uncertainty in Nepal is nowhere near an end. Calls for Olis resignation are mounting but he is unlikely to step down. When parliament meets next week, he will face a confidence vote. He does not have the support in parliament to survive the vote. Although the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) enjoys a two-thirds majority in the House, the party is split between the Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal factions. If the party cannot be united, neither faction has the requisite number of seats to form the next government on its own. They will need the support of the opposition Nepali Congress (NC) to be able to do so. Both factions of the NCP are wooing the NC. However, the NC too is divided over which NCP faction to support. There are some NC leaders who prefer not to support either faction. They are keen to seek a fresh mandate. Adding to the prevailing uncertainty is the fact that the NCP split has not been formalised yet. Oli and Dahals differences, which underlie Nepals political crisis, are not over principles, policies or programmes. Their fight has always been over power. And while they have fought, governance has been in a state of paralysis. Nepals democracy was never short of public support for it. It was peoples power that fuelled democratic struggles. But Nepals politicians have routinely failed democracy by entering into unprincipled coalitions. When parliament reconvenes next week, they will have the opportunity to form a new government. They must reflect on what is good for the people of Nepal. They will need to set aside their personal ambitions to build a government based on principles. The Nepali people are weary of political turmoil. Royalists and authoritarian forces are waiting in the wings. Can Nepals politicians rise to the occasion? The PEA provides an assessment of the development of the Southern Extension of Wassa and the increase in mining rates to fully utilize the available process plant capacity. The PEA represents a conservative plan which excludes exploration opportunities from the scope and adopts the current mining practices and equipment to deliver a robust economic outcome while minimizing execution risk. Opportunities to improve productivity and reduce the environmental impact of the operation through the application of technology will be evaluated in the next phase of work. MINERAL RESERVE AND RESOURCE UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS: Achieved 86% increase in measured mineral resource and 98% increase in proven mineral reserve at Wassa Underground demonstrates the improving geological confidence that has been delivered by recent infill drilling programs. Wassa expected to deliver increased value with cut-off grades optimized for the higher mining rates achieved in 2020 and the resulting unit cost reductions. The open pit resource has been remodelled as an underground resource which enables accelerated access, reduced upfront capital demand and removal of low-margin ounces from the plan. Measured and indicated mineral resource at Wassa Underground has increased by 1.0 million ounces ("Moz") after the addition of material formerly reported as open pit and the cut-off grade reduction from 1.89 grams per tonne ("g/t") to 1.4g/t. Total proven and probable mineral reserve has decreased by 321 thousand ounces ("koz") after depletion and the conversion of the previous open pit mineral reserve. The optimized underground mineral reserve has increased by 21% to 1.1 Moz of gold. The mineral reserve plan outlines a six-year mine life with annual production averaging 177 koz of gold at an all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") of $881 per ounce ("/oz") (excluding corporate costs), for a post-tax net present value ("NPV") of approximately $336 million ("m"). PEA HIGHLIGHTS: Life of mine ("LOM") of 11-years from the inferred mineral resource in the Southern Extension zone, with total gold production of 3.5Moz. Average annual gold production of 294koz, representing an approximate 75% increase on the current production rate. Average cash operating costs per ounce of $551 over the LOM, average AISC (excluding corporate costs) of $778 /oz over the LOM. The cost estimate is based on actual activity costs from 2020 with adjustments as the mining depth increases. over the LOM, average AISC (excluding corporate costs) of /oz over the LOM. The cost estimate is based on actual activity costs from 2020 with adjustments as the mining depth increases. The PEA outlines a development pathway to increase the underground mining rate to fully utilize the plant's processing capacity with low upfront capital demand through access and haulage via twin declines. Robust economics with after-tax NPV 5% of approximately $783m and an internal rate of return ("IRR") of 53% at consensus gold price per ounce ( $1,585 /oz long term). of approximately and an internal rate of return ("IRR") of 53% at consensus gold price per ounce ( /oz long term). The growth project is expected to be funded by its cash flow and available liquidity; the flexibility of the development strategy means that the investment phase can be slowed or accelerated subject to the gold price. Opportunities to add value to the PEA outcomes include: design optimization (level spacing, stope size); haulage systems (infrastructure, electrification); resource extension (from drilling); and emissions reduction (renewables, power and water efficiency). Given the strength of the prevailing gold price, the investment in drilling, development and trade-off studies will be progressed in 2021, as already outlined in the Company's guidance for the year. Andrew Wray, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Star, commented: "In 2020, we focused on improving our geological confidence in the orebody through an extensive infill drilling program which has resulted in a significant increase in our measured resource and proven reserve. Converting the open pit reserve at Wassa to an underground reserve allows us to bring production from those areas forward with a lower upfront capital cost. Development of the Upper Mine will start to deliver production from 2023 and will provide a second decline access to the mine which can be incorporated into the long term mine design. The PEA demonstrates the significant value and growth potential of Wassa, clearly laying out the path to underground mining rates in excess of 7,000tpd and production of approximately 300koz per annum when in steady state production. Following this study and with a stronger balance sheet, we are in a position to further accelerate the investment in drilling, development and exploration programs to deliver on the growth potential and value of Wassa. With moderate conversion factors and cost estimates based on actual performance, the PEA demonstrates the potential for an after-tax NPV of $783m at the long-term consensus gold price of $1,585/oz, this being incremental to the reserve mine plan, and represents a meaningful addition to the value of Wassa. In parallel we will be expanding our exploration efforts to add to the already impressive resource growth at Wassa, with the orebody open in almost every direction, follow up near mine open pit targets and standalone exploration targets along the 90km Wassa trend. Exploration success could further supplement the already exciting growth opportunity." Virtual Investor Day The Company will conduct a conference call and webcast today, Monday, March 1, 2021 at 09.00 am ET to discuss the Technical Report, PEA results, exploration opportunities and growth strategy. Toll Free (North America): +1 888 390 0546 Toronto Local and International: +1 416 764 8688 Toll Free (UK): 0800 652 2435 Conference ID: 07861267 Webcast: https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1433535&tp_key=0dc82839cc A replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's website: www.gsr.com following the call. SUMMARY OF MINERAL RESERVE & PEA MINE PLAN Table 1 Mineral Reserve Mine Plan Summary 1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" Unit Total/Average Life of mine ("LOM") Years 6 Total LOM ore mined kt 10,818 Mining rate (range) tpd 4,900-5,500 Average Mined Grade g/t 3.1 Average plant throughput (steady state) kt/year 1,967 Feed grade (including low grade stockpiles) g/t 2.9 Recovery (LOM average) % 94.1% Average annual production koz 177 Total LOM production koz 1,024 Cash operating costs1 (LOM average) $/oz 682 AISC1 (LOM average) excludes corporate G&A $/oz 881 Total Sustaining capital $m 137 Total Growth capital $m 48 Closure costs $m 14 Total Capital Costs $m 199 NPV 5% After tax 100% basis (Consensus gold price) $m 336 Annual EBITDA $m 151 Table 2 PEA Mine Plan Summary (Excludes Reserves) 1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" Unit Total/Average Life of mine ("LOM") Years 11 Total LOM ore mined kt 29,632 Mining rate (range) tpd 6,700-7,400 Average Mined Grade g/t 3.8 Average plant throughput (steady state) kt/year 2,700 Feed grade (including low grade stockpiles) g/t 3.8 Recovery (LOM average) % 94.8 Average annual production koz 294 Total LOM production koz 3,456 Cash operating costs1 (LOM average) $/oz 551 AISC1 (LOM average) excludes corporate G&A $/oz 778 Total Sustaining capital $m 561 Total Growth capital $m 229 Closure costs $m 15 Total Capital Costs $m 804 NPV 5% After tax 100% basis (Consensus long term gold price) $m 783 After-tax IRR $m 53% Annual EBITDA (steady state) $m 278 1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" WASSA GOLD MINE OVERVIEW Golden Star owns a 90% interest in, and manages, Golden Star (Wassa) Limited, whose primary asset is the Wassa gold mine, with the Government of Ghana owning the remaining 10%. The Wassa mine is located in the Western Region of Ghana, 150km west of the capital, Accra. Wassa lies within the southern portion of the Ashanti Greenstone Belt. The property covers an area of 5,289Ha with 595Ha of disturbance from Wassa activities. The mine has been operating since 1998 as an open pit operation and Wassa Underground commenced development in 2015 and reached commercial production in January 2017. Since 2017 Wassa Underground has shown consistent improvement in ore tonnage generation capacity. SCOPE OF THE UPDATED TECHNICAL REPORT The Technical Report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and Form 43-101F1, and contains: Updated mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, as at December 31, 2020 . . Summary of a PEA of the potential expansion of Wassa Underground to extract the inferred mineral resource in the Southern Extension zone. The PEA has been prepared within the following framework: Underground mining rate increase to fully utilize the installed processing capacity (2.7 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa")). Production schedules to appropriately consider conversion risk of the inferred mineral resource. Resources and exploration targets outside of the Southern Extension zone are excluded from the scope of the study. Methodologies and design quantities based on proven, currently available technologies. Costs reflect current operational experience. Minimize capital demand needed to establish full production. This framework is intended to present a deliverable PEA plan which can be executed within the Company's current operational and financial capacity. Potential enhancements outside of this framework are expected to be evaluated in the next phase of work. The PEA is preliminary in nature, is entirely based on an inferred mineral resource and there is no certainty that further geological drilling will result in the determination of higher mineral resource classification, nor that production and financial outcomes will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. MINERAL RESOURCES UPDATE EFFECTIVE DATE DECEMBER 31, 2020 Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources The measured and indicated mineral resources at Wassa reduced by 4%, or 138koz, in 2020, while the grade increased from 2.34g/t to 3.76g/t, mainly due to: Depletion from mine production. Conversion of the open pit mineral resource for underground extraction, and application of a higher cut-off grade for the change in mining method which removed low-grade, low-margin, ounces from the estimate. Reduced cut-off grade from 1.89g/t to 1.4g/t, based on lower unit costs driven by increased throughput in 2020 (gold price assumption of $1,500 /oz for the mineral resource has not changed). /oz for the mineral resource has not changed). The measured mineral resource increased by 86%, demonstrating increased geological confidence as a result of definition drilling conducted in 2020 which was focussed on grade control drilling. Measured Resource 2020 Measured Resource 2019 Change Mt g/t koz Mt g/t koz % cont.Au Wassa Open Pit - - - - - - - Wassa Underground 5.90 4.45 843 2.83 4.99 454 +86% Father Brown/Adoikrom UG - - - - - - - Regional Open Pit - - - - - - - Total Wassa 5.90 4.45 843 2.83 4.99 454 +86% Indicated Resource 2020 Indicated Resource 2019 Change Mt g/t koz Mt g/t koz % cont.Au Wassa Open Pit - - - 29.18 1.29 1,206 -100% Wassa Underground 18.96 3.55 2,162 13.37 3.66 1,573 +37% Father Brown/Adoikrom UG 1.31 7.96 335 0.91 8.67 254 +32% Regional Open Pit 3.10 1.98 197 2.51 2.32 187 +5% Total Wassa 23.37 3.59 2,694 45.98 2.18 3,221 -16% Measured & Indicated Resource 2020 Measured & Indicated Resource 2019 Change Mt g/t koz Mt g/t koz % cont.Au Wassa Open Pit - - - 29.18 1.29 1,206 -100% Wassa Underground 24.85 3.76 3,005 16.20 3.89 2,027 +48% Father Brown/Adoikrom UG 1.31 7.96 335 0.91 8.67 254 +32% Regional Open Pit 3.10 1.98 197 2.51 2.32 187 +5% Total Wassa 29.26 3.76 3,537 48.81 2.34 3,675 -4% Inferred Mineral Resources The inferred mineral resources at Wassa increased by 9%, or 665koz, in 2020. The change was due to: Treatment of the previous Wassa open pit resource for underground extraction. Reduced cut-off grade from 1.89g/t to 1.4g/t for underground deposits and 0.62-0.89g/t to 0.55g/t for open pit deposits, based on lower unit costs driven by increased throughput in 2020 (gold price assumption for the mineral resource has not changed at $1,500 /oz). /oz). Re-optimization of economic shells for the open pit deposits. Re-modelling of the Father Brown/Adoikrom underground deposit which separated the HG, HW and FW zones into different estimation domains. Inferred Resource 2020 Inferred Resource 2019 Change Mt g/t koz Mt g/t koz % cont.Au Wassa Open Pit - - - 0.62 1.31 26 -100% Wassa Underground 70.50 3.39 7,689 58.82 3.75 7,097 +8% Father Brown/Adoikrom UG 2.66 5.30 453 1.88 6.07 367 +23% Regional Open Pit 0.87 1.47 41 0.42 2.14 29 +41% Total Wassa 74.02 3.44 8,183 61.74 3.79 7,518 +9% Notes to Mineral Resource Estimates 1. The mineral resource estimate complies with the requirements of NI 43-101 and has been prepared and classified in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014, and the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, adopted by CIM Council on November 29, 2019. 2. Measured and indicated mineral resources are reported inclusive of mineral reserves. 3. Underground deposits within the mineral resource are reported at a cut-off grade of 1.4g/t. 4. Open pit deposits within the mineral resource are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.55g/t, within optimized pit shells calculated at a $1,500/oz gold selling price. 5. The mineral resource models have been depleted using appropriate topographic surveys 6. Mineral resources are reported in-situ without modifying factors. 7. No open pit resource has been reported for the Wassa deposit, as engineering studies have determined Wassa will be mined by underground methods only. 8. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. 9. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 10. The 2020 mineral resource estimate has been prepared under supervision of S. Mitchel Wasel who is a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101. MINERAL RESERVES SUMMARY EFFECTIVE DATE DECEMBER 31, 2020 In 2020, the total proven and probable mineral reserves at Wassa decreased by 23%, or 321koz, whereas at Wassa Underground, proven and probable reserves increased by 9%, or 187koz. The change is mainly due to: Depletion by mine production of net 165koz. For the Upper Mine area, replacing the previously planned open pit with underground extraction, reducing the reserve by 305koz at an average implied grade of 1.21g/t. Reduced cut-off grade from 2.4g/t to 1.9g/t, based on lower unit costs driven by increased throughput in 2020 and assumed ore mining rate of 5,000 tonnes per day (gold price assumption for the mineral reserve has not changed at $1,300 /oz). Proven Mineral Reserve 2020 Proven Mineral Reserve 2019 Change Mt g/t koz Mt g/t koz % cont.Au Wassa Open Pit - - - - - - Wassa Underground 4.28 3.28 451 1.72 4.11 228 +98% Stockpiles 0.69 0.58 13 1.06 0.62 21 -38% Total Wassa 4.97 2.91 464 2.79 2.78 249 +86% Probable Mineral Reserve 2020 Probable Mineral Reserve 2019 Change Mt g/t koz Mt g/t koz % cont.Au Wassa Open Pit - - - 9.92 1.57 500 -100% Wassa Underground 6.54 2.97 625 5.70 3.61 661 -5% Stockpiles - - - - - - - Total Wassa 6.54 2.97 625 15.62 2.31 1,160 -46% Proven & Probable Mineral Reserve 2020 Proven & Probable Mineral Reserve 2019 Change Mt g/t koz Mt g/t koz % cont.Au Wassa Open Pit - - - 9.92 1.57 500 -100% Wassa Underground 10.82 3.09 1,076 7.42 3.72 889 +9% Stockpiles 0.69 0.58 13 1.06 0.62 21 -38% Total Wassa 11.50 2.94 1,089 18.41 2.38 1,410 -23% Notes to the Mineral Reserve Estimate: 1. The mineral reserve estimate complies with the requirements of NI 43-101 and has been prepared and classified in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014, and the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, adopted by CIM Council on November 29, 2019. 2. The mineral reserve is reported at a cut-off grade of 1.9 g/t, calculated at a $1,300 /oz gold selling price. 3. Modifying factors are applied as 5.0% dilution and 96.1% recovery for stopes. 4. Material based on measured mineral resources are reported as proven mineral reserves. 5. Material based on indicated mineral resources are reported as probable mineral reserves. 6. Material based on inferred mineral resources are excluded from mineral reserves. 7. Economic analysis of the mineral reserve demonstrates economic viability at $1,300/oz gold price. 8. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. MINERAL RESERVE MINE PLAN The mineral reserve mine plan includes mining and processing of ore defined by the mineral reserve only. It outlines a six-year life for Wassa Underground (2021-2026), with average annual production of 177koz at a mine site AISC of $881/oz. The plan is a continuation of the current operating strategy with no material change to the mining methodology, underground infrastructure or processing plant. The recent investment in infrastructure, such as the paste fill plant and electrical upgrades, is expected to support the increased mining rates outlined in the Mineral reserve mine plan. Table 3 Mineral Reserve Life of Mine Plan Operations, Cost and Capital Summary Total/ Average 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Mining schedule Total ore mined kt 10,818 1,784 1,826 1,804 1,939 2,020 1,445 Mining rate (ore) tpd 4,937 4,888 5,003 4,943 5,299 5,534 3,958 Mined Grade g/t 3.09 3.08 3.11 3.29 3.07 2.94 3.10 Contained gold koz 1,076 177 183 191 191 191 144 Processing schedule Ore processed kt 11,504 1,945 2,126 1,804 1,939 2,020 1,670 Feed Grade g/t 2.94 2.87 2.75 3.29 3.07 2.94 2.76 Contained gold koz 1,089 180 188 191 191 191 148 Recovery % 94.1% 94.6% 94.0% 94.7% 94.1% 93.7% 93.1% Production koz 1,024 170 177 180 180 179 138 Operating costs Mining $m 374.0 70.1 65.5 66.4 70.5 60.8 40.7 Mining $/t 34.57 39.29 35.89 36.82 36.35 30.09 28.15 Processing $m 220.4 37.1 39.6 35.2 37.0 38.1 33.4 Processing $/t 19.16 19.08 18.62 19.50 19.09 18.88 19.97 Site G&A $m 99.9 16.7 17.1 16.4 16.7 16.9 16.1 Site G&A $/t 9.09 8.99 8.44 9.54 9.03 8.76 10.00 Cash operating costs (exc. royalties) 1 $/oz 682 733 696 658 694 652 657 AISC (exc. corporate G&A) 1 $/oz 881 947 952 889 951 785 728 Capital expenditure Sustaining capital $m 136.5 25.3 33.9 29.9 34.5 12.2 0.8 Growth capital $m 47.7 14.9 17.4 11.1 4.3 - - Closure2 $m 14.3 0.3 0.8 0.8 0.5 Total Capex $m 198.5 40.2 51.3 41.3 39.6 13.0 1.3 1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" 2. Closure costs of $14.3m include $11.9m that is expected to be spent beyond 2026 and therefore not shown in the table. Mining Areas The mineral reserve mine plan includes mining of: Panels 1 and 2: the current operating areas extracting B-shoot, F-shoot and Hanging-wall zones. Panel 3: Upper Mine B-Shoot and 242 areas, formerly planned for open pit extraction, that will now be mined from underground, which is expected to generate higher returns by removing low-grade low-margin material from the plan and allow for earlier access for production to support increased underground ore mining rates. Operating Costs Operating costs estimates are based on actual fixed and variable components of 2020 activity costs, applied against the scheduled design quantities. Average unit costs per ore tonne for the mineral reserve plan are: Mining: $34.6 /t /t Processing: $19.2 /t /t Site G&A: $9.1 /t Capital Expenditure Capital expenditure is expected to total approximately $184m over the six-year life of the mineral reserve mine plan. Of this total, 26% is growth capital and 74% sustaining capital. The most significant component of the growth capital is the $26.6m (including $4.5m for ventilation shafts) investment in underground development to access the mining areas, $8.6m for definition drilling of the Panel 3 areas in the Upper Mine and $12m for the ventilation upgrade ($7.5m in projects plus the $4.5m in mine development referenced above), which will commence in 2021. In addition to the above capital estimates, closure costs are expected to total $14.3m. Table 4 Mineral Reserve Mine Plan Capital Cost Summary Units Growth Capital Sustaining Capital Activity Total Mine Development $m 26.6 51.7 78.3 Mining UG $m - 33.2 33.2 Definition Drilling $m 8.6 - 8.6 Processing $m - 5.5 5.5 Site G&A $m - 18.3 18.3 TSF $m - 9.8 9.8 Mobile Fleet $m - 18.2 18.2 Projects Ventilation $m 7.5 - 7.5 Projects Other $m 5.0 - 5.0 Total $m 47.7 136.5 184.3 Closure costs $m 14.3 Total (including closure costs) $m 198.6 Economic Analysis Table 5 Mineral Reserve Mine Plan - Valuation Analysis Units Base case $1,300/oz Consensus case Ave.$1,751/oz Pre-Tax Valuation 100% basis Project cash flow, pre-tax $m 255.9 656.4 NPV5% $m 212.2 560.2 Post-Tax Valuation 100% basis Project cash flow, after-tax $m 147.5 394.2 NPV5% $m 121.2 335.6 The mineral reserve as at December 31, 2020 has been valued using a discounted cash flow analysis to calculate NPV. The base case applies the mineral reserve gold assumption price of $1,300/oz with a positive cash flow, which supports declaration of a mineral reserve. In addition, a consensus case has been calculated by applying the average annual gold price forecasts from 27 banks and financial institutions, as at the end of January 2021. This scenario shows the project as economically robust and capable of significant cash generation, with an NPV of approximately $336m. The consensus gold price applied to each year varies as detailed in Table 6. Table 6 Mineral Reserve Mine Plan - Gold Price Assumptions Life of mine average 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Base case 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 1,300 Consensus case 1,751 1,944 1,880 1,773 1,716 1,585 1,585 Sensitivity Analysis Sensitivity analyses were performed for variations in gold price, gold grade, gold recovery, operating costs, capital costs and to determine their relative importance as value drivers. Full details of the sensitivity analysis are available in the Technical Report. Included in Table 7 and 8 is a summary of the mineral reserve mine plan's NPV sensitivity to gold price, discount rate, operating cost and capital cost assumptions. Table 7 Mineral Reserve Mine Plan NPV and IRR Sensitivity Analysis Gold Price ($m) $1,200 Base case $1,300 $1,400 $1,500 $1,600 $1,700 Consensus $1,751 (average) $1,800 $1,900 Discount Rate 0% 93 147 202 257 311 360 394 421 475 5% 75 121 168 214 260 302 336 353 400 7.5% 67 110 153 196 239 278 311 325 368 10% 61 101 141 181 221 256 289 300 340 Table 8 Mineral Reserve Mine Plan Operating And Capital Cost Sensitivity Operating cost sensitivity ($m) -30% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% Capital cost sensitivity -30% +226 +167 +108 +49 -6 -65 -124 -20% +210 +151 +92 +32 -22 -82 -141 -10% +194 +134 +75 +16 -39 -98 -157 0% +177 +118 +59 -55 -114 -173 10% +161 +102 +43 -16 -71 -130 -189 20% +145 +86 +27 -32 -87 -146 -206 30% +129 +70 +10 -49 -104 -163 -222 Opportunities Several opportunities have been identified with potential to add value to the mineral reserve mine plan: Mineral Resource. Upside potential exists to upgrade the large inferred mineral resource and to grow the defined mineralization on targets, which are not yet tested. The Company has a track record of increasing the underground mineral reserve (net of depletion) through resource-reserve conversion, as demonstrated in figure 3. Productivity and Mine Design. Improved mining practices through application of technology, geotechnical design optimization and improvements to the paste backfill system once it is established. Improved mining practices through application of technology, geotechnical design optimization and improvements to the paste backfill system once it is established. Sustainability. Emissions reduction through electrification of diesel equipment and future use of renewable generation; improved water quality and efficiency; and comminution optimization to improve energy efficiency. PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESMENT OF the southern extension zone The PEA mine plan includes mining and processing of the inferred mineral resource. The PEA is preliminary in nature and there is no certainty that further geological drilling will result in the determination of higher mineral resource classification, nor that the production and financial outcomes outlined in the PEA mine plan will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The PEA mine plan outlines an 11-year life, with average annual production of 294koz at an AISC of $780/oz. The PEA represents a scoping level study within the following work streams: Mining method selection Stope optimization Mine design to determine development quantities which inform the cost estimate Ventilation design and modelling Simulation of truck haulage to validate production rate forecasts Definition drilling strategy Preliminary scheduling Review of metallurgical test work and processing capacity Review of permitting requirements Estimation of capital and operating costs Economic analysis The scope of the PEA is to outline an underground mining method, together with supporting infrastructure and sustainability plans, to extract the potentially economic portion of the Wassa Gold Mine inferred mineral resource. The mine plan considers a production rate which targets the processing capacity, at or close to 2.7Mtpa run-of-mine material, after a five year ramp up period. The mining plan applies proven methods and available technology to create a PEA which is considered deliverable and representative of future costs. The Wassa Mine Southern Extension project is a brownfield growth project that can be brought into production within permitting of the existing operation and through utilizing existing infrastructure (surface and underground access, processing, utilities and mine services): Access via sealed public road to within 15 km from site. Electrical infrastructure with access to power through the grid and captive on-site generation. Existing processing plant with permitted capacity up to 2.7 Mtpa, currently under-utilized. Paste Plant infrastructure. On-site tailings storage facilities with sufficient permitted capacity. Waste rock storage facilities with sufficient permitted capacity. Access to skilled labour given the history and scale of the gold mining industry in Ghana . . Use mining infrastructure which exists or will be in place at completion of extracting the mineral reserve including ventilation airways and equipment, access ramps, dewatering systems and services (power, air and water). Conversion of Mineral Resource to PEA Mining Inventory The PEA mine plan considers only the inferred mineral resource south of 19,240mN. Conversion risk of the inferred mineral resource has been addressed through the application of cut-off grades and modifying factors in mining Panels 4-8, which form the basis of the PEA mine plan. In Panels 4 and 5 where there is more definition drilling, 54% of the metal is included in the PEA inventory. This conversion factor decreases to a more conservative 48% for the deeper panels (Panels 7 and 8) where drilling is more widely spaced. Table 9 Conversion of Mineral Resource to PEA Mining Inventory for Mining Panels 4-8 Unit Panel 4 Panel 5 Panel 6 Panel 7 Panel 8 Total Inferred Mineral Resource (in-situ) Mt 7.8 11.5 8.6 19.6 18.6 66 Au g/t 3.0 3.1 2.7 4.0 3.6 3.4 Moz 0.76 1.14 0.74 2.52 2.14 7.3 PEA Mining Inventory Mt 4.1 5.5 3.1 9.4 7.8 30 Au g/t 3.3 3.5 3.7 4.3 3.8 3.8 Moz 0.42 0.61 0.37 1.31 0.94 3.6 Conversion to PEA Inventory %Moz 54% 49% 48% 50% Cut-off Grade g/t 2.3g/t 2.9g/t Modifying factors 7.5% Dilution 13% Dilution 95% Ore Recovery 75% Recovery Table 10 PEA Life of Mine Plan Operating Summary 1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" Total/ Average Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 Year 14 Year 15 Year 16 Year 17 Mining schedule Total ore mined kt 29,632 - 14 53 108 748 1,282 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,675 2,634 2,644 2,507 2,445 2,518 1,203 Mining rate (ore) tpd 6,826 - 39 145 296 2,049 3,512 7,397 7,377 7,397 7,397 7,330 7,195 7,245 6,868 6,699 6,880 3,295 Mined Grade g/t 3.83 - 3.30 3.30 3.13 3.23 3.48 3.49 3.59 3.51 3.50 4.46 4.22 3.83 3.84 4.36 3.86 3.88 Contained gold koz 3,644 - 2 6 11 78 143 303 311 305 304 383 357 326 310 343 313 150 Processing schedule Ore processed kt 29,632 - 14 53 108 748 1,282 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,675 2,634 2,644 2,507 2,445 2,518 1,203 Feed Grade g/t 3.83 - 3.30 3.30 3.13 3.23 3.48 3.49 3.59 3.51 3.50 4.46 4.22 3.83 3.84 4.36 3.86 3.88 Contained gold koz 3,644 - 2 6 11 78 143 303 311 305 304 383 357 326 310 343 313 150 Recovery % 94.8% - 95.0% 94.7% 94.2% 94.3% 95.4% 94.6% 94.7% 94.6% 94.6% 95.0% 95.0% 95.0% 95.0% 95.0% 95.0% 94.3% Production koz 3,456 - 1 5 10 73 137 287 295 289 287 364 340 309 294 326 297 142 Operating costs Mining $m 1,165.6 - 0.3 1.9 5.9 24.6 48.4 95.8 99.2 102.4 101.5 107.1 110.1 109.3 100.6 98.2 98.2 62.2 Mining $/t 39.34 - 20.57 35.96 54.38 32.91 37.76 35.49 36.73 37.92 37.57 40.03 41.82 41.33 40.12 40.15 39.00 51.70 Processing $m 520.8 - 0.2 0.7 1.5 10.2 14.4 47.4 47.4 47.4 47.4 47.1 46.5 46.7 44.8 44.0 44.9 30.0 Processing $/t 17.58 - 13.67 13.67 13.67 13.67 11.27 17.57 17.57 17.57 17.57 17.60 17.66 17.65 17.87 17.97 17.85 24.98 Site G&A $m 203.1 - 0.0 0.1 0.3 1.7 2.5 18.5 18.5 18.5 18.5 18.4 18.3 18.4 18.0 17.9 18.1 15.5 Site G&A $/t 7.38 - 2.78 2.78 2.76 2.77 2.38 7.32 7.34 7.33 7.32 7.50 7.54 7.47 7.72 7.91 7.70 13.45 Cash operating costs1 $/oz 551 - 367 520 746 504 482 568 564 588 588 479 520 568 560 496 547 765 AISC (excluding Corporate G&A)1 $/oz 778 - 432 585 811 569 655 860 849 882 882 715 765 810 733 655 718 909 Capital expenditure Sustaining capital $m 560.7 - - - - - 15.1 65.1 64.9 66.2 65.8 62.5 61.2 54.9 31.7 30.9 31.6 11.0 Growth capital $m 228.8 4.9 12.9 25.2 37.1 73.5 64.4 - 10.0 - 0.8 - - - - - - - Closure costs $m 14.6 2.2 Total Capex $m 804.1 4.9 12.9 25.2 37.1 73.5 79.5 65.1 74.9 66.2 66.6 62.5 61.2 54.9 31.7 30.9 31.6 13.2 1. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" Mining Mining is by underground trackless decline access (1:7 gradient). Access will be from duplicate access ramps and independent ventilation infrastructure on each side of the deposit which will support the increased mining rate and provide efficient access across the large mineralized footprint (c.850 m along c.300 m across strike). Truck haulage will utilize the dual access ramps. The mining method proposed is bottom-up long hole open stoping (LHOS) with 25 level spacing and nominal stope sizes of 25mL x 30mW x 25-100mH with cemented paste backfill. Stopes will be mined in a primary-secondary sequence down to c.1,000m depth, transitioning to pillarless retreat below that point to account for increasing in-situ stress which will need to be further investigated in future work. Processing The PEA plan proposes to utilize the full capacity of the existing processing plant, with underground mine production increasing to 2.7Mtpa/7,400tpd. The plant has previously operated at these rates. The PEA assumes average recovery of 94.8%, which is supported by current plant performance and metallurgical test work on a small number of samples that suggests processing performance for the Southern Extension feed will be similar to material currently treated. This will be evaluated in the next phase of work. PERMITTING, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY IMPACT All required environmental and social regulatory requirements to support the PEA mine plan are in place and maintained in good standing. The Company complies with international requirements on environmental and conservation, human rights, and anti-corruption. It has adopted voluntary international codes on corporate responsibility in the areas of cyanide management, TSF design, responsible gold mining and resettlement. The Wassa Mine has posted and periodically updates its reclamation bond ($13.7m at end of 2020) as part of its licence obligations. For environmental impacts, appropriate studies and surveys have been completed, design features and management practices are established and monitoring programmes are in place for: Water quality Air quality Noise and vibration Biodiversity Golden Star also supports several community and social initiatives via: The Golden Star Development Foundation (community and social development projects). The Golden Star Oil Palm Plantations (agribusiness sponsored by Golden Star which aims to become self- supporting). which aims to become self- supporting). Capacity building and livelihood enhancement (skills training, local procurement). These initiatives proactively aim to build capacity and diversify the economy of local communities as well as reduce uptake of small-scale illegal mining. Operating Costs The operating cost estimation methodology is consistent with the approach taken for the mineral reserve mine plan. Lower unit costs are expected to result from the fixed and variable costs being applied over increased annual production in the PEA mine plan. Haulage cost increases in the development and operating costs have been factored into the estimates, given the significant increase in haulage distances as mining depth increases. Average unit costs per ore tonne for the mineral reserve plan are: Mining: $39.33 /t /t Processing: $17.58 / / Site G&A: $7.38 /t Capital Expenditure Capital expenditure is expected to total approximately $790m over the life of the PEA mine plan. Of this total, 29% is growth capital and 71% is sustaining capital. The most significant component of the growth capital is the $98.3m investment in underground development to access the mining areas, approximately $46m for definition drilling of Panels 4-8 of the mine and $35m for the ventilation upgrades. In addition to the above capital estimates, closure costs are expected to total $14.6m. There are no significant investments required in the process plant infrastructure as the mill and associated infrastructure have already been established with adequate capacity. The majority of the proposed capital expenditure is contained in underground lateral and vertical development mining. The PEA mining method relies on paste fill; the paste fill plant was constructed in 2020 and commissioning is expected to be finalized in Q1 2021. Capital has been allowed for an expansion of the paste fill system in the PEA mine plan. Table 11 PEA Mine Plan Capital Cost Summary Units Growth Capital Sustaining Capital Activity Total Mine Development $m 98.3 261.8 360.1 Mining UG $m 11.2 84.9 96.2 Definition Drilling $m 45.7 60.4 106.0 Processing $m 1.2 12.7 13.8 Site G&A $m 3.2 39.3 42.5 TSF $m 6.8 23.0 29.8 Mobile Fleet $m 17.6 78.7 40.6 Projects Ventilation $m 35.0 - 35.0 Projects Other $m 9.9 - 9.9 Total $m 228.8 560.7 789.5 Closure costs $m 14.6 Total (including closure costs) $m 804.1 Economic Analysis Table 12 PEA Mine Plan - Valuation Analysis Units Base case $1,300/oz Consensus case Ave.$1,751/oz Pre-Tax Valuation 100% basis Project cash flow, pre-tax $m 1,379.4 2,274.7 NPV5% $m 748.1 1,268.8 IRR % 47% 66% Payback period Years - Post-Tax Valuation 100% basis Project cash flow, after-tax $m 852.1 1,421.0 NPV5% $m 452.2 783.5 IRR % 37% 53% Payback period Years - - The PEA mine plan has been valued using a discounted cash flow analysis to determine an NPV. The base case gold price scenario of $1,300/oz shows positive cash flow and indicates potential for the Southern Extension project of being economically viable and worthy of follow-up work. The consensus case differs from the assumptions made for the mineral reserve mine plan, in that the short-term forecasts are not applied, and the scenario applies a flat $1,585/oz gold price assumption based on the average long term gold price forecasts from 27 banks and financial institutions, as at the end of January 2021. This scenario identifies an approximate $783m NPV for the project and a 53% post-tax IRR. Table 13 Gold Price Assumptions Flat Long Term Gold Price Assumption $ Base case 1,300 Consensus case 1,585 Sensitivity Analysis Sensitivity analyses were performed for variations in gold price, gold grade, gold recovery, operating costs, capital costs and to determine their relative importance as value drivers. Full detail of the sensitivity analysis is available in the Technical Report. Set out in Table 14 is a summary of the PEA mine plan's NPV sensitivity to gold price, discount rate, operating cost and capital cost assumptions. Table 14 PEA Mine Plan NPV and IRR Sensitivity Analysis Gold Price ($m) $1,200 Base case $1,300 $1,400 $1,500 Consensus $1,585 $1,600 $1,700 $1,800 $1,900 Discount Rate 0% 653 852 1,052 1,252 1,421 1,452 1,629 1,807 1,985 5% 336 452 568 685 783 801 905 1,008 1,111 7.5% 242 332 423 513 590 604 684 764 845 10% 174 245 316 388 448 459 522 585 648 IRR (%) 31.1 36.8 41.6 45.6 48.7 49.2 49.2 54.7 56.9 Table 15 PEA Mine Plan Operating and Capital Cost Sensitivity Operating cost sensitivity ($m) -30% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% Capital cost sensitivity -30% +483 +374 +264 +155 +45 -64 -174 -20% +432 +322 +213 +103 -6 -116 -225 -10% +380 +271 +161 +52 -58 -168 -277 0% +329 +219 +110 -110 -219 -329 10% +277 +168 +58 -52 -161 -271 -380 20% +225 +116 +6 -103 -213 -322 -432 30% +174 +64 -45 -155 -264 -374 -483 Opportunities Several opportunities have been identified with potential to add value to the PEA mine plan and the Southern Extension zone: Mineral Resource. Definition drilling to upgrade the large inferred mineral resource will allow application of lower/more conservative modifying factors, plus potentially extend the Wassa Underground mineral resource, which is open in multiple directions. In addition, there is the opportunity for exploration of identified near-mine targets. Definition drilling to upgrade the large inferred mineral resource will allow application of lower/more conservative modifying factors, plus potentially extend the Wassa Underground mineral resource, which is open in multiple directions. In addition, there is the opportunity for exploration of identified near-mine targets. Productivity and Mine Design. Stope size and level intervals are consistent with current operations and may be increased as studies progress, which would reduce development quantities and cost. Haulage optimization studies and emerging electrification technology may confirm an alternative to the planned diesel truck system, which would result in reduced costs (mostly ventilation) and emissions. Stope size and level intervals are consistent with current operations and may be increased as studies progress, which would reduce development quantities and cost. Haulage optimization studies and emerging electrification technology may confirm an alternative to the planned diesel truck system, which would result in reduced costs (mostly ventilation) and emissions. Sustainability. The same sustainability opportunities for the mineral reserve exist for the PEA but on a larger scale, with the longer mine life potential to support investment in electrification, infrastructure, efficiency projects and potential application of renewable energy sources. Future Work Plan The PEA proposes a progressive development plan for the Southern Extension zone, with three major phases of definition drilling and capital investment: Panels 4 and 5: resource development drilling and studies in Years ("Y") 1-2, to inform an investment decision at the end of Y2 and full stope production in Y6. and full stope production in Y6. Panels 6 and 7: resource development drilling in Y6-7, development starting Y6 and stoping in Y8. and stoping in Y8. Panel 8: resource development drilling in Y10, development starting Y10 and stoping in Y12. The PEA project execution plan proposes that the definition drilling of Panels 4 and 5, technical and trade-off studies required will be completed to inform a feasibility study by the end of Y2. Golden Star is targeting early 2023 for the completion of a feasibility study to support a new technical report as part of the annual resource and reserve update at that time. To meet this target, Golden Star has included the definition drilling and studies proposed for Y1 in the 2021 budget and definition drilling has commenced in Q1 2021 from the 570-DDD. Technical studies are planned to investigate the value adding opportunities identified in the PEA, which will potentially enhance the project outcomes when the feasibility study is completed. In addition, exploration drilling programs are underway to test the in-mine extensions and near-mine targets with the aim of increasing the defined resource. Company Profile: Golden Star Resources Ltd. ("Golden Star") is an established gold mining company that owns and operates the Wassa underground mine in Ghana, West Africa. Listed on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Ghanaian Stock Exchange, Golden Star is focused on delivering strong margins and free cash flow from the Wassa mine. As the winner of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada 2018 Environmental and Social Responsibility Award, Golden Star remains committed to leaving a positive and sustainable legacy in its areas of operation. Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information Some statements contained in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward looking statements and information include but are not limited to, statements and information regarding: estimated post-tax internal rate of return and net present value of the Mineral Reserve mine plan and with respect to the PEA mine plan; the timing for production from Wassa mineral reserve mine plan and from the PEA mine plan; the life of mine for Wassa based on the mineral reserve mine plan; the life of mine based on the PEA mine plan; estimates of capital costs, and the allocation among growth capital and sustaining capital, for the Wassa mineral reserve mine plan and the PEA mine plan; estimates of remediation costs; Wassa's ability to deliver increased value with cut-off grades optimized for the higher mining rates achieved in 2020 and the resulting unit cost reductions; the PEA's development pathway to increase the underground mining rate to fully utilize the plant's processing capacity; estimates of production, AISC and cash operating costs; estimates of consensus gold price; the Company's ability to add value to the mineral reserve mine plan; the Company's ability to realize on opportunities to add value to the PEA mine plan; and the future work plan with respect to the PEA. Generally, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases (including negative or grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements and information are inherently uncertain and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual facts to differ materially. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Golden Star will operate in the future. Forward-looking information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Golden Star to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and statements, including but not limited to: gold price volatility; discrepancies between actual and estimated production; mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; mining operational and development risks; liquidity risks; suppliers suspending or denying delivery of products or services; regulatory restrictions (including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability); actions by governmental authorities; the speculative nature of gold exploration; ore type; the global economic climate; share price volatility; the availability of capital on reasonable terms or at all; risks related to international operations, including economic and political instability in foreign jurisdictions in which Golden Star operates; risks related to current global financial conditions; actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; possible variations in mineral reserves and mineral resources, grade or recovery rates; mine development and operating risks; an inability to obtain power for operations on favourable terms or at all; mining plant or equipment breakdowns or failures; an inability to obtain products or services for operations or mine development from vendors and suppliers on reasonable terms, including pricing, or at all; public health pandemics such as COVID-19, including risks associated with reliance on suppliers, the cost, scheduling and timing of gold shipments, uncertainties relating to its ultimate spread, severity and duration, and related adverse effects on the global economy and financial markets; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; litigation risks; and risks related to indebtedness and the service of such indebtedness. Although Golden Star has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. Please refer to the discussion of these and other factors in management's discussion and analysis of financial conditions and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, and in our annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forecasts contained in this press release constitute management's current estimates, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered thereby. We expect that these estimates will change as new information is received. While we may elect to update these estimates at any time, we do not undertake any estimate at any particular time or in response to any particular event. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In this press release, we use the terms "cash operating cost", "cash operating cost per ounce", "all-in sustaining costs", and "all-in sustaining costs per ounce". "Cost of sales excluding depreciation and amortization" as found in the statements of operations includes all mine-site operating costs, including the costs of mining, ore processing, maintenance, work-in-process inventory changes, mine-site overhead as well as production taxes, royalties, severance charges and by-product credits, but excludes exploration costs, property holding costs, corporate office general and administrative expenses, foreign currency gains and losses, gains and losses on asset sales, interest expense, gains and losses on derivatives, gains and losses on investments and income tax expense/benefit. "Cost of sales per ounce" is equal to cost of sales excluding depreciation and amortization for the period plus depreciation and amortization for the period divided by the number of ounces of gold sold (excluding pre-commercial production ounces sold) during the period. "Cash operating cost" for a period is equal to "cost of sales excluding depreciation and amortization" for the period less royalties, the cash component of metals inventory net realizable value adjustments, materials and supplies write-off and severance charges, and "cash operating cost per ounce" is that amount divided by the number of ounces of gold sold (excluding pre-commercial production ounces sold) during the period. We use cash operating cost per ounce as a key operating metric. We monitor this measure monthly, comparing each month's values to prior periods' values to detect trends that may indicate increases or decreases in operating efficiencies. We provide this measure to investors to allow them to also monitor operational efficiencies of the Company's mines. We calculate this measure for both individual operating units and on a consolidated basis. Since cash operating costs do not incorporate revenues, changes in working capital or non-operating cash costs, they are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. Changes in numerous factors including, but not limited to, mining rates, milling rates, ore grade, gold recovery, costs of labor, consumables and mine site general and administrative activities can cause these measures to increase or decrease. We believe that these measures are similar to the measures of other gold mining companies, but may not be comparable to similarly titled measures in every instance. "All-in sustaining costs" commences with cash operating costs and then adds the cash component of metals inventory net realizable value adjustments, royalties, sustaining capital expenditures, corporate general and administrative costs (excluding share-based compensation expenses and severance charges), and accretion of rehabilitation provision. For mine site all-in sustaining costs, corporate general and administrative costs (excluding share-based compensation expenses and severance charges) are allocated based on gold sold by each operation. "All-in sustaining costs per ounce" is that amount divided by the number of ounces of gold sold (excluding pre-commercial production ounces sold) during the period. This measure seeks to represent the total costs of producing gold from current operations, and therefore it does not include capital expenditures attributable to projects or mine expansions, exploration and evaluation costs attributable to growth projects, income tax payments, interest costs or dividend payments. Consequently, this measure is not representative of all of the Company's cash expenditures. In addition, the calculation of all-in sustaining costs does not include depreciation expense as it does not reflect the impact of expenditures incurred in prior periods. Therefore, it is not indicative of the Company's overall profitability. Share-based compensation expenses are also excluded from the calculation of all-in sustaining costs as the Company believes that such expenses may not be representative of the actual payout on equity and liability based awards. The Company believes that "all-in sustaining costs" will better meet the needs of analysts, investors and other stakeholders of the Company in understanding the costs associated with producing gold, understanding the economics of gold mining, assessing the operating performance and the Company's ability to generate free cash flow from current operations and to generate free cash flow on an overall Company basis. Due to the capital intensive nature of the industry and the long useful lives over which these items are depreciated, there can be a disconnect between net earnings calculated in accordance with IFRS and the amount of free cash flow that is being generated by a mine. In the current market environment for gold mining equities, many investors and analysts are more focused on the ability of gold mining companies to generate free cash flow from current operations, and consequently the Company believes these measures are useful non-IFRS operating metrics ("non-GAAP measures") and supplement the IFRS disclosures made by the Company. These measures are not representative of all of Golden Star's cash expenditures as they do not include income tax payments or interest costs. Non-GAAP measures are intended to provide additional information only and do not have standardized definitions under IFRS and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These measures are not necessarily indicative of operating profit or cash flow from operations as determined under IFRS. For additional information regarding the Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company, please refer to the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020\, which is available at www.sedar.com. Technical Information The mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates have been compiled by the Company's technical personnel in accordance with definitions and guidelines set out in the Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum and as required by Canada's NI 43-101. All mineral resources are reported inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral reserve estimates reflect the Company's reasonable expectation that all necessary permits and approvals will be obtained and maintained. Mining dilution and mining recovery vary by deposit and have been applied in estimating the mineral reserves. The mineral resource technical contents of this press release have been reviewed and approved by S. Mitchel Wasel, BSc Geology, a "Qualified Person" pursuant to NI 43-101. Mr. Wasel is Vice President Exploration for Golden Star and an active member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. The 2020 and 2019 estimates of mineral resources were prepared under the supervision of Mr. Wasel. The mineral reserve technical contents of this press release, have been reviewed and approved by and were prepared under the supervision of Matt Varvari, Vice President, Technical Services for the Company. Mr. Varvari is a "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101. Additional scientific and technical information relating to the mineral property referenced in this news release are contained in the following current technical report for the property available at www.sedar.com: "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Wassa Gold Mine, Mineral Resource & Mineral Reserve Update and Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Southern Extension Zone, Western Region, Ghana" effective December 31, 2020. Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources This press release uses the terms "measured mineral resources" and "indicated mineral resources". The Company advises US investors that while these terms are recognized and required by NI 43-101, the US Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") does not recognize them. Also, disclosure of contained ounces is permitted under Canadian regulations; however the SEC generally requires mineral resource information to be reported as in-place tonnage and grade. US Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves. Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources This press release uses the term "inferred mineral resources". The Company advises US investors that while this term is recognized and required by NI 43-101, the SEC does not recognize it. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of Inferred Mineral Resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. SOURCE Golden Star Resources Ltd. Related Links www.gsr.com TOKYO - The third batch of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Narita Airport on Monday morning. The shipment contained 87,750 vials. If the stated six doses are withdrawn from each vial, the amount will be enough for about 520,000 doses, covering about 260,000 vaccinations. According to Pfizer Inc., the vaccine was transported from one of the U.S. pharmaceutical giant's production bases in Belgium and kept at an ultralow temperature. The All Nippon Airways flight carrying the vaccine landed at the airport in Chiba Prefecture just after 10 a.m and taxied to a cargo area. The vaccine was unloaded in a warehouse, then transferred by truck to a storage facility outside the airport. Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters Federal authorities rolled into Shelby County, Tennessee, this week as the mismanagement disasters plaguing the local coronavirus vaccine rollout reached a boiling point. The county health department allowed more than 2,000 doses to spoil, two children were vaccinated against Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and a volunteer allegedly made off with doses from one site. The Tennessee Health Department, the FBI, and the CDC are now investigating. The head of the Shelby health department, Alisa Haushalter, resigned Friday. Now residents are left questioning whether the doses they received were expired doses. You begin to feel like you were safe to go out and do things, but now you dont know if youre covered or not. You dont know if the shot you got is effective or not, said Gayle Jones, 80, who was born and raised in Cordova, Tennessee. She received her second shot of the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday. Weve missed a whole year by staying at home. We finally felt like we could get out and maybe be OK. Hundreds of people are echoing her statements on Facebook in comments on bulletins from the county health department. Ingrid Chilton, 68, vented her frustration below one post, Lets talk about the thousands of Memphians who dont know whether they have been properly vaccinated since the thawing of the vaccines was not done in accordance with CDC guidelines! Chilton and her 75-year-old husband flew from their home in Tiburon, California, to visit their son in downtown Memphis for two weeks in late February 2020. They have stayed for a year, living in the same two weeks worth of clothing. Saturday would be the day they reached full immunity, two weeks from their second Pfizer shots. She and her husband had begun discussing when they would return to Tiburon. Today was the day I was supposed to be celebrating, like Were free! and instead we get this. I feel like were in limbo again, she told The Daily Beast. Story continues The state began investigating the county health department last week after an announcement that the county had permitted 1,300 doses to expire in February. State investigators found that in actuality, 2,400 doses had gone bad this month and were trashed, with 840 wasted in one day, Feb. 15. Though the vaccines require ultra-cold storage to remain viable, some syringes felt warm to the investigators touch, the Tennessean reported. Adding to residents fears, some doses have gone missing. State Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said in a press conference Friday that 12 syringes had expired during a Feb. 23 vaccination event, but no one had returned them to the distributing pharmacy. The doses remain unaccounted for. There does appear to be a lack of accountability and in some sense leadership, which has undoubtedly potentially harmed some folks and withheld vaccine from people who needed it, Piercey said. Jones had hoped to feel safe attending the births of two great-grandchildren due soon. She thinks she will still go, albeit now with feelings of uncertainty and risk. Her daughter, her son, and two of her grandchildren have all had COVID-19. A granddaughter and a granddaughter-in-law are both pregnant and work in health care. Well have to take it as it is. I dont know if theyll be able to prove if the vaccine we got was real and effective or not, she said. Chilton will postpone her travel until the investigation into the vaccination effort concludes. I dont know if well ever know accurately whether were protected or not, she said. Memphis city health department has taken over vaccination efforts for the entire county. In addition to its procedural woes, the vaccination effort has suffered an alleged robbery. The state notified the FBI Thursday that a volunteer allegedly stole vaccine doses on Feb. 3, according to Piercey. The state health commissioner said the city had not been forthcoming with information on the disappearance of the doses, leading to a delay of nearly a month in reporting it. Shelby County Chief Administrative Officer Dwan Gilliom said Piercey was incorrect and that law enforcement had been made aware but that no arrests had been made. Two children were vaccinated in Shelby County on Feb. 3 as well, according to Piercey. Neither the Moderna nor Pfizer vaccine is approved for anyone under the age of 16, as the medicine has only been tested on adults. The mess has further eroded Jones already cratering trust in the local government, which has struggled with picking up garbage and supplying water to residents in recent weeks. They just need to get their act together in the Memphis government. Theyre totally unreliable, said Jones. We just had the water boil for 8 days because all the mains broke. It just has you thinking, Oh my gosh, cant you do anything? Chilton feels similarly. I dont think my feelings toward the county and state health department would be fit to print, frankly, she said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. MIAMI, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jamaica Tourist Board, the organization responsible for the worldwide tourism marketing and promotion for Jamaica, has partnered with Havas House to develop various multilingual publications that will be distributed to both travel agents and potential visitors around the world. Havas House, the global custom media, content, and publishing division of Republica Havas and Havas Creative North America, created the guides in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish/Latin America, and Spanish/Castilian. Jamaica Tourist Board "Promoting Jamaica as a world-class destination for work and play is by far the most essential work we do," said Donnie Dawson, deputy director of tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board. "The materials which Havas House has created not only seamlessly blend in with our current branding and creative campaign strategies, but also serve to reach new audiences across the globe." Showcasing stunning photography that highlights the island's natural beauty and unique culture, the Destination Guides provide an overview of the best Jamaica has to offer in sightseeing, activities, dining, and more. "It's an honor for us at Havas House to welcome the Jamaica Tourist Board as we help promote this vibrant destination," said Marisa Beazel, president and publisher of Havas House. "Our team takes great pride in partnering together to serve the island's overall tourism industry." About Havas House Havas House is a global custom media, content, and publishing company that creates meaningful connections between brands and consumers through innovative, 360-degree marketing solutions. Based in Miami, Florida, Havas House services include custom content, content production, integrated brand campaign development, social media, SEO/SEM, development, and design of digital publishing platforms, digital editions, print magazines, and marketing materials. Havas House is a division of Republica Havas, one of America's leading and fastest-growing creative, media, and communications agencies. For more information, visit havashouseinc.com . About the Jamaica Tourist Board The JTB is responsible for the worldwide tourism marketing and promotion for Jamaica. Its mandate has been to promote Jamaica as a preferred travel destination, identify new and emerging consumer groups, cultivate new relationships with travel partners, and disseminate timely and useful marketing information to its offices and travel partners worldwide. The Jamaica Tourist Board is the most preferred point of contact for persons travelling to Jamaica. The organization markets the uniqueness and diversity of destination JAMAICA through creative programmes and advertisements worldwide. Throughout the years, the JTB has been recognized for its exceptional leadership and outstanding service with accolades from industry and trade partners both regionally and internationally. For more information, go to visitjamaica.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Ingrid Martinez [email protected] 954-347-8975 SOURCE Havas House More Covid-19 managed isolation and quarantine workers are getting paid the living wage after a campaign by Unite Union, but half are still waiting for adequate pay. Your playlist will load after this ad Many people, especially in South Auckland, work at the airport and in border jobs as New Zealand's frontline defence against the Covid-19 pandemic. However, while more MIQ employers were coming to the party for their workers, in several facilities people doing this essential work are not getting paid much above minimum wage. United Union national secretary John Crocker, speaking on Breakfast, highlighted two facilities though for their "good work". Auckland's Crowne Plaza have moved to paying the living wage. Rydges group have moved close to the living wage but on a permanent basis, meaning workers after MIQ is over will get the pay increase. "It could be $3, a week, so for a full-timer that could be $100 easily," Crocker told Breakfast, adding it can be "really tough" for workers on the minimum wage to meet living costs, especially in big cities. "It's a big deal to these workers. Part of it's the money, part of it's the dignity of feeling rewarded by the community for the sacrifices they're making. Security at a managed isolation facility. Source: 1 NEWS "There's two sides to it - they've got the money, they're not struggling as much, but they also feel that respect." However, Crocker said half of the MIQ employers were still not meeting fair pay for their workers. The number has improved from a third, but Crocker is still urging the remaining employers to come on board. "We want the public to get behind this, we want the Government to step up - they're holding the purse strings - we want them to make this a reality for everybody. Washington, March 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :New York governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday he was "truly sorry" if his conduct had ever been "misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation" as he faced mounting pressure over sexual harassment allegations. Cuomo has been harshly criticized, including by fellow Democrats, after former aide Charlotte Bennett told The New York Times that he sexually harassed her last year. The allegations came just four days after ex-aide Lindsey Boylan described unwanted physical contact from Cuomo. He issued a statement saying that "sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny... I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business." "I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal." He admitted some of his comments may have been "misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry." But he denied ever inappropriately touching or propositioning anyone. Cuomo said he had called for an independent review into the allegations. He had earlier chosen former Federal judge Barbara Jones to lead a probe, but high-profile figures in his own Democratic Party said that was insufficiently transparent. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent young liberal lawmaker, tweeted that the "detailed accounts" of Cuomo's accusers "are extremely serious and painful to read." According to the 25-year-old Bennett, Cuomo, who is 63, said in June that he was open to dating women in their 20s, and asked her if she thought age made a difference in romantic relationships, the Times reported. While Cuomo never tried to touch her, "I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me, and felt horribly uncomfortable and scared," she said. Cuomo became a national figure last spring with his straight-talking yet empathetic coronavirus briefings. They fueled speculation that President Joe Biden -- then a candidate -- might consider him as a running mate. On Wednesday, Boylan said in a blog that Cuomo had harassed her when she was working for his administration, from 2015 to 2018. Boylan, 36, alleged that the governor had given her an unsolicited kiss on the lips, suggested that they play strip poker and went "out of his way to touch me on my lower back, arms and legs.""Every woman should be heard, should be treated with respect and with dignity," Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for President Joe Biden, said on CNN. WeWoreWhat founder and fashion designer Danielle Bernstein has joined TikTok but suffice it to say that she didnt receive the warm welcome she was anticipating. On Feb. 24, the influencer uploaded her first video. In it, she introduced herself and detailed how she grew her brand from a street style photography blog in college to an empire with multiple businesses and a New York Times bestseller. On the surface, Bernsteins accomplishments are impressive. However, as many people were quick to point out, she achieved her success with an asterisk, since numerous small business owners and content creators have come forward and accused her of stealing their designers and ideas. Enter here for a chance to win a $500 Uber gift card. Bernstein and her team quickly turned off the comment feature on the @WeWoreWhat TikTok when they realized how much hate they were receiving, but not before several users were able to capture screenshots of the brutal remarks. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Nobody takes [you] seriously bb, one person said. Why is this on my FYP? another asked. I dont appreciate stolen work and dishonesty TikTok please do better. Since were all here comment small brands she stole from so I can support them instead, a third added. Hope she doesnt delete this one! Bernstein has a history of either denying the accusations made against her or ignoring them altogether. In the case of The Great Eros, a Brooklyn-based lingerie company that accused the designer of stealing its signature silhouette design, Bernstein actually filed a lawsuit asking the court to declare that her design was inspired by the generally ubiquitous concept of silhouette drawings and work by the artist Henri Matisse and therefore was not stolen. (The lawsuit is still ongoing.) On TikTok, Bernstein decided to take a decidedly snarky approach to the hateful comments by lip-synching to an audio of Cardi B as she thanks her haters for inadvertently helping her career. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. They be downloading my stuff so they can hear it and talk crap about it, but it benefits me, Cardi says in the audio clip. Bernsteins caption for the video was simply a yawning emoji, which seems to indicate that she doesnt care about the valid criticism people have for her. Story continues Though the clap-back clip has since been deleted, @weoverwhat, an Instagram account dedicated to keeping Bernstein accountable, captured the video in full and people had a lot to say about it. Im so embarrassed for her, one user said. Whats sad is that the original audio comes from a woman [Cardi B] who WORKS and creates original content, another added. DB couldnt even get on TikTok without having someone ELSE do the work for her. Over on Instagram, meanwhile, Bernstein called all of the accusations made against her baseless, and painted herself as a victim with a message about online bullying. Hiii Tiktok, Ive spent the past 10 years building my career from the ground up and growing up in front of millions of people, she said in the now-deleted post, according to The Daily Beast. If youre coming to this page because youre waiting for me to talk about some baseless accusations created for 15 mins of fame, youre in the wrong place. Blowing out someones candle will not make yours shine any brighter! Ive learned to laugh at the irrelevant BS, she added. To anyone experiencing online bullying, Im here for you and taking care of your mental health is priority. This isnt the first time Bernstein has tried to depict herself as the victim. In response to accusations that she stole her jewelry designs from high-end designers like Tiffany & Co., she broke down in tears on Instagram and claimed that the designs were inspired by her late grandpa. According to The Daily Beast, she also uploaded a tearful video to Instagram after people pointed out the similarities between her masks and those of Latina designer Karen Perez. This lipstick reacts to your skin tone to become the perfect shade for you: In The Know is now available on Apple News follow us here! If you enjoyed this story, check out this Instagram account that points out similarities among Influencer posts. More from In The Know: DeuxMoi is the Instagram account ushering blind items into a new era This Florida tiny home was designed after a 1920s-style bungalow Shop our favorite beauty products from In The Know Beauty on TikTok Subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay In The Know The post Controversial influencer joins TikTok and gets roasted for tone deaf videos appeared first on In The Know. House Democrats are moving on to voting rights and police reform after passing President Joe Biden's COVID-19 relief package Saturday. This week, the House is expected to vote on H.R. 1, the 'For the People Act,' as well as the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The votes are expected on Thursday. House Democrats are expected to push through a voting rights bill and a police reform bill this week. Here House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (right) walks with House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (left) around Capitol Hill last week The 'For the People Act' expands voter access by allowing same-day registration for federal elections, more mail-in voting, more early voting and would make Election Day a federal holiday The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was passed a month after the death of George Floyd (pictured). Democrats are trying to get police reform through Congress again now that they have control of the Senate and White House Both bills were passed by the House Democratic majority in the last Congress, but weren't picked up in the Senate due to Republican control. Former President Donald Trump wasn't a supporter of either piece of legislation. The For the People Act was the first bill Democrats passed after taking the majority in January 2019. Among other things, it expanded voting by allowing for same-day registration for federal elections. It also made states provide early voting options and would establish automatic voter registration. The bill also allows for more voting by mail. And would make Election Day a federal holiday. New ethics rules included in the bill would mandate presidential and vice presidential candidates release 10 years of income tax returns - something former President Donald Trump refused to do. The bill would have independent commissions redraw Congressional lines to put an end to the practice of gerrymandering. The bill also tackles campaign finance reform. The bill is considered so toxic to Republicans that Trump, during his Sunday night Conservative Political Action Conference speech, went after it. 'This monster must be stopped. It cannot be allowed to pass,' the former president warned, also calling it a 'disaster.' Trump said the bill 'effectively ends all registration deadlines.' 'Can you believe this?' he asked. 'Requires states to give ballots to felons. Automatically registers every welfare recipient to vote and puts unaccountable unelected bureaucrats in charge of drawing congressional districts.' 'That's going to be a lot of fun,' he said, being sarcastic. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, told The Washington Post that Trump going off about it was proof that it needed to pass. At the Conservative Political Action Conference, former President Donald Trump called the 'For the People Act' a 'monster' and a 'disaster' 'You heard it from Trump himself,' Merkley said Monday. 'We've got to get the For the People Act signed into law ASAP so the next elections are decided by the will of the voters, not rigged by corrupt politicians.' In his CPAC speech, Trump continued to peddle the 'big lie,' telling the audience he had actually won the election when he did not. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was first passed by the House of Representatives on June 25, 2020 - exactly a month after the Minneapolis black man was killed by a white police officer, reinvigorating the Black Lives Matter movement. Then Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wouldn't pick it up. South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott and other GOP leaders introduced their own bill that didn't go as far as to ban chokeholds, the way Floyd was killed. That failed in a procedural vote in the Senate. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act provides federal oversight, bans chokeholds, makes federal forces use body and dashboard-cams, creates a federal database for police misconduct complaints, prohibits no-knock warrants among other measures. In mid-June, Trump signed an executive order on police reform that activists also blasted for not going far enough. In the aftermath of Floyd's death, Trump, up for re-election, leaned into 'Blue Lives Matter' and 'law and order' messaging to counter the Black Lives Matter movement, turning it into a political wedge issue. Borat 2 star Jeanise Jones made a surprise appearance at Sunday (28 February) nights Golden Globes. The grandmother of six appeared in 2020s Borat Subsequent Moviefilm as the babysitter tasked with looking after Borats teenage daughter Tutar (Maria Bakalova). At the time of filming, Jones didnt know who Borat was and believed she was making a documentary about womens rights, trying to convince Tutar not to get plastic surgery and preventing her from being sold into the sex trade. Jones was widely praised for her performance in the film and appeared at the 2021 Golden Globes to introduce the movie. A year ago I was a grandmother here in Oklahoma, and active in my church, then a man named Borat asked me to babysit his 15-year-old daughter, Jones said. Read more: 8 of the biggest moments at the 2021 Golden Globes I did my best to teach her that here in America, women can be anything they want to be. After the film was released, a GoFundMe was set up by Joness pastor Derrick Scobey who originally put Jones in touch with the Borat 2 production team to raise money for her. In total, it raised nearly $185,000 (132,000) for Jones and her church. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm took home two awards at the Golden Globes, including for Best Musical or Comedy. Sacha Baron Cohen was honoured with the prize for Best Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. We still hear from students that here is a desire to have that face-to-face experience, and there are certain disciplines we teach that dont lend themselves to an online environment, he said. I think the pandemic, and the fact that (remote learning) was the only mode of instruction for some of our disciplines, has educated some to the benefits of online teaching but not to extent that students will want a fully online experience going forward. Some will, but we already have students asking us when well have in-person instruction available again. We have students who would like to work in Napa, live in Napa and attend classes in Napa. I dont see a significant change in the number of students looking for that in-person instructional environment. The mix of housing types arose partly from research by The Scion Group, a student housing consultancy that worked with NVC on a survey to gauge demand for the project. The final result in Napa will reflect the needs of a student body that has broadened well beyond those commuting from their homes, according to Ann Volz, senior project executive for Scion. BOSTON - An American father and son wanted by Japan for aiding former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn escape from the country in a box were handed over to Japanese custody Monday, ending their months-long battle to stay in the U.S. FILEAiThis Dec. 30, 2019 image from security camera video shows Michael L. Taylor, center, and George-Antoine Zayek at passport control at Istanbul Airport in Turkey. Taylor is accused of smuggling former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan in 2019 while he was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. (DHA via AP, File) BOSTON - An American father and son wanted by Japan for aiding former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn escape from the country in a box were handed over to Japanese custody Monday, ending their months-long battle to stay in the U.S. Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, failed to convince U.S. officials and courts to block their extradition to Japan, where they will be tried on charges that they smuggled Ghosn out of the country in 2019 while the former auto titan was awaiting trial on financial misconduct charges. The Massachusetts men, who have been locked up at a suburban Boston jail since their arrest in May, were handed over to Japanese officials early Monday, said one of their attorneys, Paul Kelly. The Taylors' lawyers had argued the accusations don't fit under the law Japan wants to try them under and that they would be treated unfairly in Japan and subjected to mental and physical torture." They have accused Japan of pursuing the pair in an attempt to save face after the embarrassment of Ghosns escape. FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2020, file photo, former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn holds a press conference at the Maronite Christian Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, as he launches an initiative to help Lebanon that is undergoing a severe economic and financial crisis, in Kaslik, north of Beirut, Lebanon. A U.S. judge on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 cleared the way for the extradition of an American father and son wanted by Japan for smuggling former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of the country while he was awaiting trial. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani rejected a request to block the U.S. from handing Michael Taylor and his son, Peter Taylor, over to Japan. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File) Michael Taylor, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and private security specialist who in the past was hired by parents to rescue abducted children, has never denied the allegations. He gave an interview to Vanity Fair magazine for a story last year in which he described the mission in detail. When asked why he did it, he responded with the motto of the Special Forces: De oppresso liber or to liberate the oppressed, the magazine reported. Michael Taylor refused to discuss the details of the case in an interview last month with The Associated Press because of the possibility that he will be tried in Japan. But he insisted that his son wasnt involved and was not even in Japan when Ghosn left. Ghosn, who became one of the auto industrys most powerful executives by engineering a turnaround at the Japanese manufacturer, had been out on bail after his November 2018 arrest on charges that he underreported his future income and committed a breach of trust by diverting Nissan money for his personal gain. Ghosn has denied the allegations and has said he fled to avoid political persecution. Prosecutors have described it as one of the most brazen and well-orchestrated escape acts in recent history. Authorities say the Taylors were paid at least $1.3 million for their help. On the day of the escape, Michael Taylor flew into Osaka on a chartered jet with another man, George-Antoine Zayek, carrying two large black boxes and pretending to be musicians with audio equipment, authorities said. Meanwhile, Ghosn, free on bail, headed to the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo and met up with Peter Taylor, who was already in Japan, authorities say. The elder Taylor and Zayek met up with the two others at the Grand Hyatt and shortly after, they split up. Peter Taylor hopped on a flight to China while the others got on a bullet train and went back to another hotel near the airport, where Taylor and Zayek had booked a room. They all went in; only Ghosns rescuers were seen walking out. Authorities say Ghosn was inside one of the big black boxes. At the airport, the boxes passed through a security checkpoint without being checked and were loaded onto a private jet headed for Turkey, officials said. The Taylors had hired lawyers connected to former President Donald Trump, including ex-White House attorney Ty Cobb, in attempt to get Trump to block the extradition before he left office. In his interview with the AP, Michael Taylor implored President Joe Biden to step in and said he felt betrayed that the U.S. would try to turn him over to Japan after his service to the country. But the Biden administration declined to block the extradition. Under Trump. the U.S. State Department agreed in October to hand the men over to Japan. But a federal judge in Boston put their extradition on hold shortly after their lawyers filed an emergency petition. The judge rejected their petition in January and the Boston-based 1st Circuit Court of Appeals later denied their bid to put the extradition on hold while they appeal that ruling. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer last month denied a bid for more time for an appeal, clearing the way for the men to be handed over to Japan. 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 Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts is dealing with a sore right shoulder and will be held out of the clubs first few Grapefruit League games, manager Alex Cora said Monday. At this point, Cora doesnt believe the injury will delay the start of Bogaerts season. Weve just got to be patient, Cora said. Weve got plenty of days. Weve got, what, 30 more days? As of now, we do feel he should be ready for Opening Day. Bogaerts had an MRI that revealed nothing concerning, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom told Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. All what you would expect, Bloom told Mastrodonato. He should be ready (for Opening Say). Obviously we wont skip steps with him ... it is a marathon not a sprint ... but we should have the time we need. Bogaerts complained of the soreness early in camp and the Red Sox promptly shut him down from throwing. Cora expects Bogaerts to resume his throwing program and begin taking ground balls again in the next couple of days. Cora cited Bogaerts winter throwing program as a cause for the issue. He rushed himself with his throwing program during the off-season, Cora said. With everything thats going on with the virus, there were a few things he wasnt able to do in Aruba because of lockdowns or whatever they had going on down there, for the right reasons. It wasnt a regular off-season on that end. He was able to hit and all that but his throwing program wasnt perfect. He rushed himself, he was sore for a few days. We shut him down. Newcomer Kike Hernandez started at shortstop Sunday in Bostons spring opener against the Twins and Christian Arroyo is starting there Monday. Arroyo, who is vying for a bench spot in camp, will likely get plenty of chances to play the position in Bogaerts absence. Hernandez, Jonathan Arauz, Marwin Gonzalez and top prospect Jeter Downs could see some time at shortstop as well. We do believe (Arroyo) can handle short, Cora said. He can make all the routine plays. Lets see how much the offense is going to be part of his game. Related links: Boston Red Sox lineup: Garrett Richards debuts, J.D. Martinez in left field vs. Braves; Bobby Dalbec at third base Monday Xander Bogaerts cuts itchy long hair before Boston Red Sox spring training, assumes role of leader that Alex Cora envisioned for him Boston Red Sox notebook: Nathan Eovaldi reaches 99.4 mph on second spring pitch, Alex Cora returns to dugout, Bobby Dalbec homers Jeter Downs, top prospect Boston Red Sox acquired for Mookie Betts, goes 2-for-2 with HR in 2021 spring debut; Hes part of the future Eduard Bazardo, Boston Red Soxs most interesting pitcher Sunday? Prospect added velocity to fastball that should make a difference President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo continues to remove supporters of former president and dictator Joseph Kabila from senior positions. Tshisekedi began this process in mid-2020 when he let it be known he was interested in withdrawing from his co-habitation government with Kabila. This was a bold move because Kabilas party controlled parliament, and he had agreed to that co-habitation arrangement to limit Tshisekedis power and prevent Tshisekedi and other reformers from threatening Kabilas corruption machine. In November 2020 Tshisekedi began discussing coalition government possibilities with opposition political leaders Jean-Pierre Bemba and Moise Katumbi. In early December the cohabitation government collapsed. Tshisekedi called for new Sacred Union coalition to elect a new prime minister. Since the December collapse Kabilas cronies have been slowly nudged from power or marginalized by peaceful political maneuvers. In January Congos National Assembly (lower house of parliament) forced the resignation of Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba, a Kabila supporter. On February 4 the Congolese parliament elected a new speaker. On February 5 earlier Congos state mining company Gecamines removed several Kabila operatives from senior positions. On February 15, Tshisekedi appointed a new prime minister. International support from the UN, especially the UN Peacekeeping force, and donor nations aided Tshisekedis efforts. (Austin Bay) February 25, 2021: Foreign aid groups estimate that during 2021 in the Central African Republic (CAR) 55 percent of the population (2.8 million people) will need food and medical assistance. Donor nations will meet the need if it appears that the aid will get through to those who need it. In too many disaster areas delivery is a major problem and CAR is becoming more chaotic as rebel and bandit group see foreign aid as lucrative targets. February 23, 2021: Azerbaijan is accused violating the arms embargo on Congo since 2015. The deliveries have not been large but since 2015 a hundred tons or more of weapons were flown in for the Republican Guard Force. Also known as the Presidential Guard, it is a separate division (about 12,000 troops) size force that reports directly to the president. It has existed on one form or another for decades. It is a well-paid military unit that does whatever the president decides needs to be done. Because of that the guard is responsible for a lot of the atrocities committed in the Congo since the 1990s. The current force is largely composed of men from Katanga, the home province of former president Kabila. February 22, 2022: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) the Italian ambassador (Luca Attanasio0) died after being wounded in an attack on a UN convoy. Two other people died in the ambush, an Italian Carabinieri police officer and the ambassadors Congolese driver. The attack occurred near Congos Virunga National Park. Authorities called the attack an attempted kidnapping. Virunga National Park is a notorious hideout for all sorts of criminal groups. February 20, 2021: Burundi and Tanzania announced they intend to raise $1.9 billion to build a 190-kilometer railway linking the Burundian city of Musongati to the port of Isaka, Tanzania. Burundi believes the rail line will be an economic boon to the country. February 19, 2021: In northeast Congo (Ituri province) Congolese health officials believe that over the past three months at least 31 have died from a bubonic plague outbreak. Over 520 cases have been confirmed. Most of the cases are bubonic plague, though a handful (less than ten) of pneumonic and septicemic Bubonic plague variant cases have also been reported. Bubonic plague is usually spread via infected insects biting humans. Rodents and other small mammals also get infected and their fleas carry the plague as well. The two variants are pneumonic (spread via air from a plague victim or has the plague in their lungs) and septicemic (catching plague from exposure to the blood of a plague patient). Before the mid-20th century Bubonic plague was still a major killer, but was one of the many diseases treatable with antibiotics, developed in Britain just before World War II. February 18, 2021: Uganda announced it will discipline seven soldiers involved in an attack on journalists and opposition politicians. The journalists were covering an event held by opposition leader Bobi Wine. February 15, 2021: In northeast Congo (Ituri province) ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) Ugandan Islamist terrorists killed three soldiers and 13 civilians during an attack on a rural village. The attackers also burned down a church, a favorite target for Islamic terrorists everywhere. February 14, 2021: In eastern Congo, North Kivu province reported its fourth case of Ebola virus since February 3. In the southern Congo (Katanga province) rebels killed four members of the security forces and one civilian. The rebels attacked two towns near Lubumbashi (provincial capital). Both towns have police and soldiers providing security. Six rebels were killed in the attacks. The rebel attackers are believed to belong to the separatist Bakata-Katanga militia. February 10, 2014: In eastern Congo (North Kivu province) health experts are tracing people who came in contact with a woman who died from Ebola virus in Butembo, a mining town that is the second largest city in North Kivu. February 8, 2021: In CAR (Central African Republic) a key highway near the Cameroon borders is blocked by rebels. This has disrupted distribution of foreign aid throughout the country. About 1,500 trucks are halted at the Cameroon border. The blockading rebels are demanding that president Faustin-Archange Touadera resign. The CDC was formed in late 2020 when six of the largest rebels groups, including the Moslem ones, united to oppose the Christian president, Currently CDC forces control over half of CAR but have been unable to take and hold major cities. Most (80 percent) of the five million people in CAR are Christian and the ten percent who are Moslem live in the north. There has always been some religion-based fighting but the most common cause of violence is caused by tribal rivalries. The rebel groups are largely tribe-based. February 7, 2021: In Congo medical officials confirmed a new Ebola outbreak has erupted in the northeast (North Kivu province). On February 3 a person died from Ebola in the North Kivu town of Butembo. ADF Islamic terrorists killed at least 12 people in attacks in North Kivu province. February 6: In the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), across the Congo River from the larger Congo Republic, Catholic bishops announced they were deeply concerned about the presidential elections scheduled for March 21. The bishops think government-imposed coronavirus restrictions will restrict voting. They are also wary of vote fraud. Incumbent president Denis Sassou Nguesso is seeking a fourth term. February 5, 2021: In Burundi a court has sentenced 34 people to life in prison. They were convicted of an alleged coup attempt against former President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is now dead. Theres a catch here. All of the convicted are in exile. The 34 convicted include journalists, reformers and a former Burundian Army senior general. Gecamines, Congos government-run mining company, fired its secretary general and several other senior officers. All of the individuals removed had political ties to former president Joseph Kabila. President Tshisekedi intends to replace the fired individuals with qualified technical experts. Gecamines basically controls Congos mining sector. It has significant minority shares in all major mining Congo operations. February 4, 2021: The International Criminal Court convicted former Lords Resistance Army (LRA) commander Dominic Ongwen of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Most of Ongwens victims were murdered in Uganda. Congos parliament elected Christophe Mboso as speaker. Diplomatic sources said Mbosos election gives President Felix Tshisekedis coalition control of the legislative chamber. Mboso formerly supported Kabila, but in December 2020 he switched his support to Tshisekedi. In Angola reform groups are asking the government to investigate the deaths of ten unarmed protestors on January 30. The reformers allege the protestors were slain by Angolan security forces in the town of Cafunfu (Lunda Norte province). Angolas government contends it is confronting a rebellion by the Lunda Tchokwe Protectorate Movement. February 2, 2021: Egypts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with President Tshisekedi to discuss Egypts position on Ethiopias Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). It was Tshisekedis first trip to Cairo. The UN reports that since January 1 over 200,000 people have fled violence in the CAR. 100,000 of the refugees have fled to the Congo. January 30, 2021: Ugandan security forces have released opposition political leader Bobi Wine. He was the oppositions major political candidate in the recent election. He had been under arrest since the January 14th election. January 29, 2021: The UN extended the existence of the Congo peacekeeper force until December 20, 2021. The extension included the FIB (Force Intervention Brigade). Also known as the IBDE, FIB was authorized to conduct offensive operations. This is a rare exception to standard peacekeeper defense only tactics. The Congo peacekeepers will maintain 14,000 troops, 660 military observers, 591 police and 1,050 policemen in paramilitary police units. This latest extension indicates the depth of international support for President Tshisekedi. In light of events during the month of February, the extension of the FIB becomes more important. Former President Kabila is widely believed to have loyal officers in Congos national police force and the elite Presidential Guard force is personally loyal to him. Many feared the police and military would launch a coup against Tshisekedi is he took action against Kabila. Tshisekedi has taken action and so far, not a peep from the security forces. The UN Congo peacekeeping force is by far the strongest military outfit in central Africa. The FIB is by far the deadliest combat unit in Congo. South Africa and Tanzania both provide crack infantry battalions. The third battalion, provided by Malawi, rates as a veteran light infantry battalion. South Africa provides an artillery battery and attack helicopters. The UN peacekeepers have a mandate to protect legitimate authority in Congo. If the Presidential Guard launched a coup to restore Kabila would the FIB react? Kabila cant be certain it wouldnt. Yes, this is a scenario. (Austin Bay) Labor is considering major policy promises in the lead up to the federal election, including 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave, ambitious emissions targets and a rise in the superannuation guarantee to 15 per cent. In a 115-page platform document, which will be debated by 400 delegates at the end of the month, the opposition outlines a raft of ideas including climate policy commitments that pave the way to overtake the governments commitment to near-term emissions reductions. Expanding paid parental leave is high on the list of possibilities. Credit:Peter Braig Labors draft policy platform commits to declare before the next election an emissions reduction target for 2030 or 2035, based on the best scientific advice to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, which will likely exceed the Morrison governments current goal. The future of the superannuation guarantee is another possible election battleground. The Morrison government is expected to backflip on the legislated increase to employers compulsory contributions from its current level of 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent by 2025, as a large group of Coalition backbenchers oppose the rise. Russia's non-admission of humanitarian cargoes from international charitable organizations to the territory of the temporarily occupied regions of Donbas (ORDLO) creates social tension among local residents, the administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said. "On February 26, they [Russia and Russian-occupation forces in ORDLO] did not let the humanitarian aid en route to the occupied territories. Some 11 vehicles with humanitarian aid and representatives of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees were sent by the road corridor through the Schastia entry-exit checkpoint. The basis of the cargo was hygiene kits for schools and healthcare facilitites," the administration of the State Border Guard Service said. They said Russian-occupation forces provided information according to which "they refuse to receive humanitarian aid and create social tension among the people." "Due to this statement by the same Peskov [press secretary of Vladimir Putin] that the residents of Donbas are deprived of social security from their state are extremely cynical, since the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions aggravated after the arrival of the 'Russian world' in this territory," the border guard service said. The service also said the cargo was able to get to the occupied territories only on March 1 due to the appropriate actions of the Ukrainian delegation in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG). In addition, according to the State Border Guard Service, "many Russian politicians openly speculate on the topic of humanitarian aid to the occupied territories, saying that if not Russia, then no one else will do it." According to the information provided by the department, in 2020, Russia sent five humanitarian aid convoys to ORDLO, in total, 64 trucks. Russian "aid" was sent in violation of international law, as the convoys followed through a section of the border uncontrolled by Ukraine without proper clearance. "It is not known what exactly the vehicles are transported, since the controlling authorities of Ukraine can only visually observe the passage of such 'humanitarian convoys' to the ORDLO territory," the Ukrainian border guards said. They also said that on February 18 and 19, another humanitarian cargo was delivered to the occupied part of Donbas across the contact line. Some 16 trucks followed through the Novotroitske entry-exit checkpoint to Donetsk. These convoys contained humanitarian aid from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross. They delivered more than 145 tonnes of medical supplies, furniture, building materials, household appliances, food and hygiene kits. In total, almost 535 tonnes of humanitarian cargo, mainly food products, have already been transported to ORDLO in 2021. Michael Biceps82 Matar Flexes His Muscles in the Turbo Series March 01 2021 Matthew Pitt Multi-table tournament grinders were spoiled for choice this weekend with massive festivals, series, and events taking place across the online poker world. The Turbo Series at PokerStars was one such major festival that players from the United Kingdom and Ireland are getting involved in. Michael Biceps82 Matar is one such player. Matar entered the Turbo Series 64: $1,050 NLHE 8-Max Progressive KO along with 1,124 other players. Five hours and seven minutes later, Matar found himself as the only player left in the tournament with all 56,250,000 chips in play in front of him. First place in this Turbo Series event weighed in at $77,237 but that only tells part of the story because the tournament was a PKO event. Matars bounty payment added $91,230 to his main prize pool prize for a combined score worth an incredible $168,467! Another of our players reached the same final table but their time there was short-lived. Irelands ArtHouse2011 fell in ninth place and collected $15,167 for their efforts. Turbo Series #64: $1,050 NLHE 8-Max Progressive KO Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize Bounties Combined prize 1 Michael Biceps82 Matar United Kingdom $77,237 $91,230 $168,467 2 Conglomo222 Argentina $77,237 $15,207 $92,444 3 Daryl DJG1989 Green Philippines $46,957 $18,414 $65,371 4 roikeloo Malta $33,993 $16,082 $50,075 5 Teun tinnoemulder Mulder Netherlands $24,607 $13,757 $38,364 6 ruddyas001 Belgium $17,813 $11,031 $28,844 7 Andriy Andre_Hansen Lyubovetskiy Ukraine $12,895 $6,218 $19,113 8 ArtHouse2011 Ireland $9,335 $5,832 $15,167 Learn more about the PokerStars Turbo Series The Turbo Series was particularly kind to Agent Bear of the UK. Agent Bear turned an $11 investment into $31,901 by finishing third, and being involved in a chop, in the Turbo Series 65: $11 NLHE Phase event, which were sure youll agree is a fantastic result. Check out some of the other notable scores enjoyed by our players at PokerStars on February 28. PockerZouk first-place in the Turbo Series 69: $22 NLHE 6-Max PKO For $20,082* potbamiceanu first-place in the Turbo Series 59: $55 NLHE for $13,088 Peshwari second-place in the Turbo Series 71: $22 NLHE for $9,988 James RUNITSRANN Rann first-place in the Hotter $109 for $7,543 Kashmir_uzi fourth-place in the $215 fat Sunday for $4,066 *includes bounties There is every chance our players will bag themselves a six-figure prize this evening because there are plenty of Union Jacks displayed in the lobby of in-play events. Patrick thebigdog09 Brooks is fourth from 86 players in the Sunday Million where $112,960 awaits the eventual champion. Another Patrick, Leonard, is fourth in chips in the $5,200 Titans Event where only 25 of the 184 starters remain. Luke Bit2Easy Reeves is fifth in chips in the same event where the top three finishers win at least $119,422 and as much as $198,379. British and Irish Players Run Deep at partypoker There was plenty to shout about over at partypoker, too, where the MILLIONS Online series is in full swing. Three of our heroes navigated their way to the final table of the $1,050 MILLIONS Online #16 Warm Up, and all three padded their bankrolls with chunky prizes. Daniel Smyths tournament was done and dusted in eighth-place, a finish worth $13,886 with bounties included. Smyths fellow Irishman Joseph Lalor busted in fifth for $25,798 while Matthew Eardley fell at the final hurdle, losing out to Julien Sitbon heads-up. Eardley collected an impressive $56,782 for his runner-up finish. A selection of the more notable scores enjoyed by our players at partypoker on February 28 are found below: Phillip Mighall sixth-place in the $2,100 MILLIONS Online #17 High Roller Turbo for $8,386 Patrick Leonard - 11th place in the $2,100 MILLIONS Online #17 High Roller Turbo for $4,823 Steve Watts ninth-place in the $530 Big Game for $3,911 John Adderley eighth-place in the $109 MILLIONS Online #16 Mini Warm Up for $2,724* Win Tournament Tickets in the partypoker Predator Hunt There are a handful of our players through to Day 2 of the MILLIONS Online Main Event, which shuffles up and deals at 7:05 p.m. GMT. Endrit Geci has a top 10 stack from the 160 returning players, while the likes of Simon Deadman and Stephen Chidwick are still in contention for the $892,274 top prize. Follow the PokerNews Live Reporting updates and keep an eye on both Alan Ford and Martin Bremner who won their $5,300 seats for this event via a $5.50 satellite! New 888poker Tournaments Prove Popular 888poker revamped its tournament schedule last week and the new events proved popular during their opening weekend. attikusz7 and surfyo24 both reached the final table of the inaugural $150,000 Big Shot 109 Main Event. Sadly, neither managed to take it down, but the former banked $4,770 for a sixth-place finish with the latter netting $2,070 for their exit in ninth-place. Four of our players were at the final table of the $18,000 Sunday Big Shot 22. Plumpkin22 fell in ninth for $357, Irelands Nicolas_Cage busted in fourth for $1,484, before Gambit160 busted in third for a $2,003 score. M3LISS4 found themselves heads-up against Brazils Lui LuiMartins Martins and ultimately had to settle for second-place prize money of $2,725. 888poker revamps MTT schedule These are some of the other 888poker highlights: deneway second-place in the $15,000 PKO Rumble 88 for $2,609* M10FOG second-place in the $20,000 Sunday PKO Rumble 109 for $2,535* Fazesma second-place in the $15,000 Sunday PKO Rumble 33 for $1,668 mpluss fifth-place in the $20,000 Sunday Big Shot 55 for $1,357 Two Near Misses But Big Scores at GGPoker Gavin Cochrane and Luke Reeves bagged big prizes in the opening Super MILLION$ Week events at GGPoker. Cochrane finished fifth in the $10,300 PLO High Roller event and walked away with a $82,042 prize. It was a similar story for Reeves who finished third in the $1,050 GGMasters High Rollers. Reeves scooped a $79,506 prize. There were some other impressive results at GGPoker, including: Kakonkote first-place in the $525 High Rollers Sunday Wrap Up for $11,613 meiiYinqi first-place in the $250 Sunday Main Event for $4,049 FutureofMe eighth-place in the $126 Bounty Hunters Sunday Special for $2,437* Editor: I cannot believe this is still going on about former President Trump. I dont condone what the protesters did at the Capitol on Jan. 6, but lets look back on that day. It was a well-known fact that there would be a protest in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6. It was known that thousands of people would be there. Whoever was in charge of security (Democrats) decided that minimum security was good enough. If they had proper security in place, if they had National Guard units at the Capitol, it would never have been breached. The Democrats set the trap and protesters fell in it. From the first day Trump took office, Democrats were after him. They never tried to work with him. Its hard to believe how petty they were. For four long years they tried and are still childish in their ways. I am a registered independent who voted for Trump. I have lived in Scranton all my life. I am a Marine Corps combat veteran of Vietnam. I fly the flag, stand for the national anthem and I like Trump. MICHAEL CERATO SCRANTON Editor: Following the disastrous last year of Donald Trumps presidency, including after the recent failed coup, he is still a great leader to his supporters, even a type of demigod. People do not deal in facts and logic. What they deal in is self-interest, factionalism and a deep distrust of anything outside their limited world view. They are conditioned this way, in their homes, in the American school system which has always dealt in tribalism of the go-team, pep rally sort and in their jobs, social relations and churches. All emphasize loyalty to an us mentality over the outside them. Think of police culture, for an example. Couple this with the problem that the United States is not an organic nation. It was not formed by various clans with common characteristics into a national identity. Rather, it has always been a mass of various identities spread among regions and among urban and rural areas, all of which are politically exploitable. For democracy, which is rule by the people, to work, you actually need a people. JEFFREY M. McHALE OLYPHANT Editor: It was great to read that fair education funding for the Scranton School District and other school districts in need is included in Gov. Tom Wolfs proposed budget. The budget included state income tax increases for some. Scranton wage earners already pay double 1% vs. 0.5% the local earned income tax rate that most other school districts levy. This additional state wage tax increase would make it even more unfair for some Scranton wage earners. Our local state representatives and senators should not only put pressure on their colleagues for fair education funding, they should push to rescind the law that allows the Scranton School District to charge twice the earned income tax rate. The district does not have to wait for this law to be taken off the books. Just because it is allowed to charge 1% doesnt mean it must. I ask the Scranton School Board to lower the wage tax when fair funding is passed. On Feb. 17, The Times-Tribune published the article, School board to fight for funding. It reported that school district leaders could lower property taxes. This would be a great help and should be done. However, since nonresidents own property in Scranton, the tax cut that would 100% benefit Scranton residents would be to also lower the earned income tax rate. Fair education funding should lead to fairer wage and property taxes for Scranton residents. JOHN OPSASNICK SCRANTON Editor: U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, a Snyder County Republican, recently issued statements criticizing President Bidens energy policies. He attacked Biden for banning drilling on federally owned lands, which are mostly located in the West. The president actually instituted a moratorium on new drilling until his administration can review the leases on our public lands because of low royalties that oil and gas companies have paid the government for decades. With a glut of natural gas on the national market, why on earth does Keller want to drill for more gas out West? Perhaps Keller plans to run for Congress in Colorado. Keller chided Biden for halting work on the Keystone XL pipeline. This controversial pipeline would carry dirty tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to the U.S. Gulf Coast, where it would be exported by ship around the world. Why does Keller advocate a project that mostly benefits a Canadian oil company and doesnt address U.S. needs? Perhaps he plans to run for Congress in Alberta. Keller also cried about Biden rejoining the Paris climate accord. He reminds me of the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand. Whether Keller likes it or not, the rest of the developed world is moving ahead with efforts to address the climate crisis. Even major car companies such as Ford and General Motors have announced that many of their next generation vehicles will be electric. Much of the electricity needed to recharge the vehicle batteries will be generated by natural gas produced in Kellers own district. Perhaps Keller should have run for Congress in the previous century. ED ZYGMUNT LACEYVILLE, WYOMING COUNTY Editor: A Feb. 19 Times-Tribune headline says Jobless claims rise to 861,000. It fails to mention that a strong reason why unemployment claims rise is that many people make more money collecting unemployment benefits than actually working. A person collecting unemployment gets a minimum of $195 per week, plus an additional $300 recently authorized by Congress, or $495 per week, $445.50 after taxes. The additional $300 is not counted for public assistance program eligibility, making recipients also eligible for food stamps and Medicaid. Someone would have to work 40 hours per week at $13 an hour just to break even with that. Add the additional work expenses and the possibility of being cut off from public assistance and it doesnt make sense for a lot of people to work. I see now hiring signs everywhere, but it seems no one shows up. LUIS G. MARENGO MOOSIC IDA Ireland has rejected a claim made at a Laois County Council meeting that they had sold their flagship Advance Office in Portlaoise to a private company. The sale was announced by Portlaoise councillor Willie Aird in a surprise question he put to the council CEO John Mulholland. Cllr Aird noted that a local company rents the building, which is a multi million Advance Office unit in the IDA park on the old Limerick road in Portlaoise. Internal Results was started up by two local people, the IDA wanted a manufacturing company but eventually agreed to let them in. Glanbia is there now, waiting for their new mozzarella factory. Its now sold to a private company. I was told the council Chief Executive would know this, Cllr Aird said at the February council meeting. He said that the business park land was first owned by Laois County Council, who then swapped it for land in Clonminam in a deal with the IDA. We as councillors agreed to swap it if they built the advance factory. Nobody seems aware if the IDA can do something like this. If it is true, I ask for a special meeting, we cannot stand over this, he said. Mr Mulholland said he would pursue the issue. I cannot be helpful, I didnt know this question was coming up. I am totally on the backfood. I will certainly do what I can in my power to pursue it and see what the issue is, the council CEO said. The IDA has since denied any such sale, in a statement to the Leinster Express. Neither IDA Business & Technology Park Portlaoise nor any building within has been sold by IDA Ireland," they said. IDA Ireland is however advertising rental space in the Portlaoise Advance Office. A first floor office is advertised for rent at 52,000 a month. Adjoining tenants include Glanbia, Internal Results and Scout. The IDA has confirmed to the Leinster Express that this building is privately owned. Swedish furniture major IKEA, which has a range of over 1,000 products as part of its children's range, is looking to scale up sourcing of toys from India for its operations in New Delhi, said a top company official. Besides, IKEA India is also aiming to have around 12 per cent of sales from kids' range of products in the coming years. The company, which currently sources only cotton-based soft toys from India, is also exploring to expand in some other categories such as wooden toys, said IKEA India Country Commercial Manager Kavitha Rao. IKEA, which has participated in the India Toy Fair, said it is exploring opportunities to partner with several players in the toy segment, which is a big focus area of the company. When being asked as to whether IKEA is going to increase sourcing of toys from India, Rao told PTI, "Of course, yes. That is one of the main reasons why we are part of the toys fair." "Because we could be a large buyer and of course, it is contingent on meeting standards and design thoughts... but we feel that there is a great opportunity for us to come together with some potential suppliers as part of the player as well," she added. In India, 80 per cent of the households live with children. "IKEA has a fairly large range of over 1,000 products as part of its children's range, which contributes around 6-8 per cent currently, and we aim to reach 10-12 per cent in the near future," Rao said. Besides toys, the range covers beds and mattresses specifically made for children, ergonomic storage and seating solutions made for a child, among others. IKEA said the India Toy Fair would help it connect with new partners and understand the ecosystem here. "That is also the reason why we are participating in the toy fair, organised by the Government of India because it gives us an opportunity to also understand what the ecosystem is," she added. Besides cotton, IKEA is sensing an opportunity to source wooden toys for its stores. "If you look at our range, we do have a range of wooden-based toys. So, if we had the opportunity to source some of that from India, we would definitely like to explore it," said Rao. However, she also added that IKEA with forestry-certified wood, as it always sources from sustainable sources. Recently, the government has created eight toy clusters with some significant investments in that space. "We feel that it is a great approach because it will also give us the opportunity to look at possibilities for sourcing toys locally, from within India as well," she said adding that "this is a huge initiative and a big focus area for us". IKEA is working on new categories like furniture, mattress and sofas, besides building the textiles category which India is traditionally strong. Under the FDI policy for single-brand retailers, a local sourcing requirement of 30 per cent of the value of goods is mandated. This can be met as an average during the first five years, and thereafter annually towards its Indian operations. However, in August 2019, the government amended the provision by adding that all procurements made from India by a single-brand retailer for that brand shall be counted towards local sourcing, irrespective of whether the goods procured are sold in India or exported. IKEA has been sourcing from India for its global operations for close to 35 years. It is working with around 60 suppliers. IKEA India had opened its second retail store in Mumbai last December and is working on its next store in Bengaluru. Part of Ingka Group, IKEA India had opened its first retail store in Hyderabad in August 2018, followed by online stores in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Pune. On Saturday, while inaugurating the first India Toy Fair 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the toy manufacturers to use less plastic and more eco-friendly material, in addition to focus on innovation. He regretted that India's share in the $100-billion global toy market is very less, and about 85 per cent of the toys sold in the country are imported. Also read: Aequs, Foxconn of toy world, to set up India's first toy cluster in Karnataka Dates have been announced for the upcoming reading of Richard Greenberg's Three Days of Rain. The play will stream on demand from Thursday, March 11, through Sunday, March 21, and feature original stars Patricia Clarkson, John Slattery, and Bradley Whitford. Evan Yionoulis directs the Manhattan Theatre Club presentation. The reading of Greenberg's acclaimed drama is part of the company's new virtual Curtain Call series, celebrating a variety of shows from its past in new digital productions. The Past Is The Past, the first production in the Curtain Call series, is now streaming through Thursday, March 4, due to popular demand. Written by Drama Desk Award winner Richard Wesley, The Past Is The Past was originally produced in MTC's 1974-75 season. The reading stars Emmy Award nominee Jovan Adepo and two-time Emmy Award winner Ron Cephas Jones. Oz Scott directs. For tickets to and information about both shows, click here. The president of Berkeleys teachers union is being condemned by parents groups and reopening advocates after a guerrilla video showed him taking his two-year-old daughter to in-person preschool. Matt Meyer, the Berkeley Federation of Teachers president, was recorded in the video, recorded sometime last week, holding his daughters hand as he walked her to an unidentified preschool in the Bay Area. The video, published by a group of school reopening advocates known as the Guerrilla Momz, is ominously edited, with dirge-like piano scoring the brief clip. Meyer's daughter is blurred out of the video. Meyer takes his child to private school every weekday while blocking Berkeley from opening schools because it is not safe,'" the clip reads. The video also overlays the recording to prior footage of Meyer saying that young kids have a difficult time keeping their masks on. It has amassed more than 130,000 views since publishing Saturday. He previously said in a January school meeting in defense of keeping schools closed: "Headlines and ongoing restrictions on daily life have a huge influence on how our members think about working in close quarters with many students." In a response to SFGATE, he said that his daughter attends private preschool due to the lack of public options for kids her age and noted major differences between a small preschool and a major school district in terms of size, facilities, public health guidance and services that legally have to be provided. We all want a safe return to school, he said. The Berkeley Federation of Teachers is excited that Berkeley Unified will be reopening soon with a plan, supported by our members and the district, to get our students back in classrooms. We already have our most vulnerable students being served in-person and elementary will be back later this month. The organization also alleged that he has taken his daughter to preschool since last year. As a result of the clip, the organization said on Twitter, a protest is underway at the Berkeley school district headquarters. Meyer expressed concerns to KQED, which first reported on the clip, over intimidating his young child in the video a claim that the Momz denied. We need to point out abuses of power when they occur, especially when our children's rights are violated repeatedly, the organization said to SFGATE in a statement. Meyer has repeatedly told the community it is unsafe to open schools while safely taking his own child to school. Ty Alper, a Berkeley Law professor and the director of Berkeley school board, said the video exacerbates concerns "about the fraying of our shared values of respect and decency." "I am shocked that a parent in our community would follow one of our teachers in his personal life, film his 2-year-old daughter at her preschool, and post it on the internet," he said in a statement to SFGATE. "Publicly targeting the child of someone you disagree with is frightening and dangerous, and counter-productive to the collaboration that needs to happen to reopen our schools and to repair the harm our students have endured." This video is the latest flashpoint in the war between teachers unions and parent advocacy groups over the re-opening of schools, one that major political figures, such as San Francisco Mayor London Breed, have chimed in on. Parents groups have repeatedly held protests in the past few months, with the latest action being sit-ins outside of schools. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also just announced a funding plan that may help the push for re-opening. This video, however, is an unprecedented strategy in the battle digital, undercover videos recorded Paparazzi-style and posted anonymously, one met with mixed responses even by reopening advocates. "The film makes many of us uncomfortable," Lei Levi, the Berkeley PTA president and spokeswoman for Berkeley Unified School District Parents, told SFGATE. "We do not agree with that strategy." Netflixs The Crown topped winners at the 2021 Golden Globes Sunday with four awards: best TV drama, actor, actress and supporting actress. Nomadland, starring Frances McDormand and based on the book from Montclairs Jessica Bruder, won best motion picture drama. The films director, Chloe Zhao, 38, made history as the first Asian American woman to win best director and just the second woman to win the award after Barbra Streisand for Yentl in 1984. The film is based on real-life itinerant Americans who live in vans, RVs and cars, traveling from place to place for work. Bruder, author of the 2017 book Nomadland, traveled more than 15,000 miles reporting on these workampers. Thank you for your passion, Zhao said, addressing Bruder, 42, in her acceptance speech. She also thanked the senior nomads who appear in the film Linda May, Bob Wells and Swankie. Zhao called the film a story that is a pilgrimage through grief and healing. At the bicoastal, hybrid virtual awards ceremony, winners accepted awards remotely. Small, socially distanced audiences were exclusively made up of first responders and front-line workers. Tina Fey hosted the show from New York and Amy Poehler from Beverly Hills against a backdrop of controversy. In the run-up to the show, the glaring lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hosts the awards, came to the fore after a Los Angeles Times story fueled criticism from Hollywood that not a single member of the HFPA is Black. Both Fey and Poehlers joint monologue and leaders of the HFPA, which hosts the Globes, brought up the subject during the broadcast. A number of Black actors and Black-led projects were overlooked, Poehler said. The LA Times story noted that out of 87 international journalists, no one is Black. You gotta change that, Fey said in a joint bicoastal monologue, calling the HFPA European weirdos. Tonight while we celebrate the work of artists from around the globe, we recognize we have our own work to do, said Helen Hoehne, a German journalist who is vice president of the HFPA, during the Globes broadcast. Just like in film and television, Black representation is vital. We must have Black journalists in our organization. Daniel Kaluuya won best supporting actor in a motion picture for playing Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, in Judas and the Black Messiah. The movie was co-written by Newarks Newarks Kenny and Keith Lucas, aka comedy duo The Lucas Brothers. The movie tells the story of Hamptons death by following FBI informant William ONeal (LaKeith Stanfield), a Black Panthers security chief who gave police information that facilitated a raid of the leaders home. After some momentary technical difficulties with video chat during Kaluuyas acceptance speech (the first award of the night), he spoke of what it took to play Hampton. This took it out of me, Kaluuya, 32, said of portraying the activist, who died in the 1969 police raid when he was 21. I gave everything. As the great Nipsey Hussle says, Were here to give till were empty and I gave everything. And I couldnt give it to a more noble man. Emma Corrin, 25, who made a big impression as a young Princess Diana in The Crown, won best actress in a TV drama, while her co-star Josh OConnor, 30, won best actor for playing a young Prince Charles. Gillian Anderson, 52, who won her first Golden Globe in 1997 for The X-Files, triumphed as best supporting actress in a TV series for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the British drama. Aaron Sorkin, director of The Trial of the Chicago 7, which filmed in New Jersey locations including Paterson and Morristown, won best motion picture screenplay. Sacha Baron Cohen was nominated for best supporting actor for playing activist Abbie Hoffman in the Sorkin movie about the trial of a group of men who organized protests around the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He didnt win that honor, but he won double elsewhere. Cohen, 49, picked up best actor in a motion picture comedy for his Amazon film Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which also won best motion picture comedy. Thanks to the all-white Hollywood Foreign Press, he said. After Chadwick Boseman, who was 43 when he died of colon cancer in August, won the Golden Globe for best actor in a motion picture drama for Ma Raineys Black Bottom, his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, accepted the award in a tearful speech. He would say something beautiful, something inspiring, she said, something that would amplify that little voice inside of all of us that tells you you can, that tells you to keep going, that calls you back to what you are meant to be doing at this moment in history. Veteran actress and activist Jane Fonda, 83, was the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award for her standout work in film. Producer and writer Norman Lear, 98, accepted the Carol Burnett Award for his long and distinguished career in TV. Here is the complete list of Golden Globes winners across 25 categories: BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE DANIEL KALUUYA, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SUPPORTING ROLE JOHN BOYEGA, SMALL AXE BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES MUSICAL OR COMEDY CATHERINE OHARA, SCHITTS CREEK BEST MOTION PICTURE ANIMATED SOUL (Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION MARK RUFFALO, I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE BEST SCREENPLAY MOTION PICTURE AARON SORKIN, THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES DRAMA EMMA CORRIN, THE CROWN BEST ORIGINAL SONG MOTION PICTURE IO SI (SEEN) THE LIFE AHEAD Music by: Diane Warren Lyrics by: Diane Warren, Laura Pausini, Niccolo Agliardi BEST ORIGINAL SCORE MOTION PICTURE TRENT REZNOR, ATTICUS ROSS, JON BATISTE, SOUL BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES MUSICAL OR COMEDY JASON SUDEIKIS, TED LASSO BEST TELEVISION SERIES MUSICAL OR COMEDY SCHITTS CREEK - POP TV (Not A Real Company Productions / Canadian Broadcast Company / Pop TV) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY ROSAMUND PIKE, I CARE A LOT BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES DRAMA JOSH OCONNOR, THE CROWN BEST MOTION PICTURE FOREIGN LANGUAGE MINARI (USA) (Plan B; A24) BEST TELEVISION SERIES DRAMA THE CROWN - NETFLIX (Left Bank Pictures / Sony Pictures Television) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE JODIE FOSTER, THE MAURITANIAN BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SUPPORTING ROLE GILLIAN ANDERSON, THE CROWN BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION ANYA TAYLOR-JOY, THE QUEENS GAMBIT BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION THE QUEENS GAMBIT - NETFLIX (Netflix) BEST DIRECTOR MOTION PICTURE CHLOE ZHAO, NOMADLAND BEST MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM (Four By Two Films; Amazon Studios) BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE MUSICAL OR COMEDY SACHA BARON COHEN, BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE DRAMA ANDRA DAY, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE DRAMA CHADWICK BOSEMAN, MA RAINEYS BLACK BOTTOM BEST MOTION PICTURE DRAMA NOMADLAND (Highwayman / Hear/Say / Cor Cordium; Searchlight Pictures) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter. AMITYVILLE, N.Y., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Women's History Month, Alli Murphy Photography, a prominent Long Island boudoir photography company, is pleased to announce a philanthropic initiative benefiting Dress for Success Brookhaven. The company will donate 10% of their March net profit, as well as headshot photography services. The monetary donation will support programs that help transition women towards self-sufficiency by addressing their social and economic needs as they relate to work, home, and the community. Alli Murphy Photography Logo Dress for Success Brookhaven Logo "As a woman-owned business, we are always looking for new ways to help the women of our community, and we share a common goal with Dress for Success Brookhaven," said Alli Murphy-Green, owner of Alli Murphy Photography. "We make it our job to empower every client who walks through our door by showing them just how beautiful and capable they are. A confident woman who loves and believes in herself will achieve her goals. We want to support that journey." Participants of Dress for Success Brookhaven's Career EDGE job readiness program will be invited to the Alli Murphy Photography studio in Amityville for professional headshots, to be used for personal promotion, networking and other employment-seeking opportunities. Two half-day shoots will take place - one in March and one in April. Covid precautions, including mask requirements, social distancing, and time slots to limit capacity, will be implemented at the shoots. The 6-week program encourages women to stay motivated by maximizing job search and interview skills, and provides networking opportunities. Since its launch in 2017, they have seen an employment rate of over 70%. "I would like to thank Alli Murphy Photography for partnering with our organization and providing headshots to our clients," said Sharon Boyd, Executive Director of Dress for Success Brookhaven. "I feel a personal obligation to help the women who come to Dress for Success, as they are in a period of great transition in their life. The support and empowerment they receive through our services and programs are immeasurable." Alli Murphy Photography is a woman-owned and operated boudoir company based in Amityville, NY, with an additional studio in Las Vegas, NV. The company provides a variety of photography services and products to individuals and couples of every size, shape, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Alli Murphy Photography celebrates and empowers individuals, fostering body positivity and self-love in all aspects of their clients' experience. For more information, please visit www.allimurphyphotography.com. Dress for Success Brookhaven is part of an international notforprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Established in 1999 with the support of the Town of Brookhaven, Dress for Success Brookhaven has helped over 6,000 women work toward selfsufficiency. For more information, please visit brookhaven.dressforsuccess.org/. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Elizabeth Woodward [email protected] 631-457-0447 SOURCE Alli Murphy Photography Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 23:35:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Schools and tertiary institutions in Uganda on Monday reopened in a phased manner as the east African country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a government directive, semi-candidate learners and all tertiary institutions and universities would resume on Monday while the rest of the students await further instruction. Christopher Jolly Basaliza, head teacher of St. Augustine's Demonstration Primary School in the western district of Kyenjojo, told Xinhua by telephone that the turn up of semi-candidate pupils at the government-aided facility was higher than 50 percent. "About 47 pupils turned up on the first day of reopening. We expect the numbers to grow by the end of this week," Basaliza said. He said pupils were now using more classrooms to ensure there is social distancing. "We have put in place a water tank which has a tap for washing hands periodically. We have also stocked enough soap," Basaliza added. The country's President Yoweri Museveni last month said the reopening of schools would be in sync with the vaccination of teachers, health workers, security personnel and the elderly against COVID-19. Ministry of Health recently said the first batch of vaccines are expected in the country this month. In March last year, the country closed all schools and education institutions to curb the spread of COVID-19. On Oct. 15, Uganda reopened schools for about 1.3 million candidates and tertiary and university finalists to complete their studies. Enditem 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. Billionaire Solomon Lews Just Group is being investigated by the workplace watchdog over compliance issues related to the $70 million it received from the governments JobKeeper scheme. A spokesperson for the Fair Work Ombudsman confirmed to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald the agency was investigating Just Group, the company behind brands such as Peter Alexander, Smiggle, Just Jeans, Dotti and Jay Jays. Premier Investments operates a string of retail brands including Jay Jays, Just Jeans, Portmans and Smiggle. Credit:Edwina Pickles Just Group is owned by Premier Investments, a $3.3 billion ASX-listed business chaired and founded by billionaire rag trader and rich lister Solomon Lew. Premier has been one of the largest recipients of JobKeeper funds, claiming nearly $70 million through the program. The Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting an investigation in relation to Just Group. As this matter is ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment further at this time, the spokesperson said. The Methodist Church, Ghana, on Saturday inaugurated the Osu Circuit, giving it a mandate to direct and control the affairs of three societies as a distinct unit of the church and help them to execute their core mandate. The societies are the Reverend Peter Kwei Dagadu Memorial Chapel, Osu, the head of the Circuit, where the inauguration ceremony was held, the Kuku Hill Society, and Labone Cantonment Preaching Post. The Right Reverend Samuel Kofi Osabutey, the Diocesan Bishop of Accra, the Methodist Church, Ghana, who inaugurated the Circuit also inducted the Very Reverend Godson Nii Amu Akushie as the first Superintendent Minister. He also introduced the Circuit Stewards and Coordinators including; Lay Women Council Executives, Coordinating Officers for Ministry, Education, Finance, and Development among others, who afterwards resolved to work to promote spiritual, financial and psychosocial development within the Circuit. They also pledged to work in love to enrich themselves in the Lord to undertake religious tasks, to nurture children to grown in the love of Christ. The Very Rev. Akushie on the other hand, affirmed faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and pledged to avail himself to be used by the Holy Spirit to win souls, to lead exemplary holy life for the children of God. He also vowed to serve the church and the entire humanity in faithfulness bearing in mind that his life would be brought to light whether good or evil on the judgment day for all to witness. The gown and garment of the Superintendent Minister were blessed by the Diocesan Bishop with other Ministers to serve as an adornment and give him spiritual authority. The usual shaking of hands given by the Ministers to the inductee as a way of congratulating him was this time around replaced with a hand wave or a sign of prayer in the quest to observing the COVID-19 safety protocols. The Rt. Rev. Osabutey advised the Supt. Minister to take charge of the Circuit and give it pastoral care and supervision, and encouraged the Lay members within the Circuit to receive him as a servant of God and the Gospel with honour and cooperation to achieve the mandate and purpose of the Church. In an interview with the Superintendent Minister, he said being chosen for the position was by the grace of God, though it was a challenging one. Even though it is a privilege to serve in Gods vineyard, I need grace to be humble to receive all the directions to take the circuit to where God wants us to go, he said. The Very Reverend Dr. Samuel Dua Dodd, the Superintendent Minister of the Accra North Circuit, who delivered a sermon, said in the midst of chaos, loss of focus and discouragement, that was when God raised a leader. He advised the Very Rev. Akushie to make the qualities in him as a Leader and a Shepherd of God visible to all, in order to teach them to live like Jesus Christ and give them directions to get them out of their trials and tribulations. These, he said, would help to return church members who had been absent for a long time. We are in a moment, where the commitment of members of the church is conditioned on their convenience, schedule, and free time or mood, however, it is during a moment like this that God brings up a leader to help to find the lost sheep, he said. The Circuit needs to place its priorities right. Can you as a Superintendent Minister, take members of the Circuit back to the period where voice notes and text messages were used to remind children of God to be punctual at church and remain committed? The Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, in a goodwill message, reminded the Circuit to bear in mind that evangelism was the core business of the Church and put in appropriate mechanisms to return former members of the Church and regain more souls. He also asked the Circuit to draw attention of members to the reality that the COVID-19 pandemic still lived among the citizenry, hence the need to adhere to the protocols even when the nationwide vaccination exercise commenced. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 50m funding announced to improve school buildings across Wales This article is old - Published: Monday, Mar 1st, 2021 50m in funding to improve school buildings across Wales has been announced. The capital funding will allow local authorities to focus on large-scale maintenance projects, such as replacement roofs, new window systems or heating and ventilation works, rather than small scale routine repairs. The funding is in addition to the Welsh Governments 21st century Schools and Colleges programme, which has seen 170 new schools or colleges built in its first phase, with a further 43 projects already approved for its second phase. Further Education colleges have already been allocated an extra 10m for maintenance and small scale projects this year. Kirsty Williams, the Education Minister, said: Our 21st Century Schools and Colleges programme has seen new school building projects developed right across Wales, providing first class facilities for our learners. While we continue to invest in brand new schools, I also recognise the pressures local authorities are under to maintain our existing school estate. This funding will help local authorities undertake urgent work to keep our school estate in good shape for the future. The leader of Flintshire council Cllr Councillor Ian Roberts is the Welsh Local Government Associations Education Spokesperson, he said: We welcome this extra 50m funding which will help local authorities to maintain their school estates. This is in addition to the wider 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, which has seen so many new buildings being built in communities across Wales to enhance learners education experience. Such a transformative work programme would not have been possible without strong partnership working between local authorities and Welsh Government, and I look forward to continuing that joint effort into the next phase of the programme. Hong Kong law professor and pro-democracy activist Benny Tai arrives at Ma On Shan police station in Hong Kong, Sunday, where he and 46 other dissidents were each charged with one count of "conspiracy to commit subversion" under the city's new national security law. AFP-Yonhap Hong Kong police charged dozens of dissidents with subversion on Sunday in the largest use yet of Beijing's sweeping new national security law, as authorities move to cripple the finance hub's democracy movement. Last month 55 of the city's best-known democracy campaigners were arrested in a series of dawn raids. On Sunday, police confirmed 47 of them had been charged with one count each of "conspiracy to commit subversion" one of the new national security crimes and would appear in court on Monday morning. Beijing is battling to stamp out dissent in semi-autonomous Hong Kong after swathes of the population hit the streets in 2019 in huge and sometimes violent democracy protests. The security law, imposed on the city last June, criminalizes acts deemed to be subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Those charged are routinely denied bail until trial and face up to life in prison if convicted. The charged activists are a broad cross-section of Hong Kong's opposition, from veteran former pro-democracy lawmakers such as James To and Claudia Mo to academics, lawyers, social workers and a host of youth activists. Some struck a cautiously defiant tone as they prepared to report to police on Sunday to hear the charges. "Democracy is never a gift from heaven. It must be earned by many with strong will," Jimmy Sham, a key organizer of 2019's huge protests, told reporters outside a police station. "We can tell the whole world, under the most painful system, Hong Kongers are the light of the city. We will remain strong and fight for what we want," he added. Gwyneth Ho, a young journalist turned activist, posted on her Facebook page before being charged: "I hope everyone can find their road to peace of mind and then press forward with indomitable will." The alleged offence of those arrested for subversion was to organize an unofficial primary last summer to choose candidates for the city's partially elected legislature, in hopes that the pro-democracy bloc might take a majority for the first time. Many of those candidates were ultimately disqualified from standing, and authorities scrapped the election because of the coronavirus. But Chinese and Hong Kong officials described the primary as an attempt to "overthrow" and "paralyze" the city's government and therefore a threat to national security. Western nations have accused Beijing of using its crackdown to shred the freedoms that were promised under the "One Country, Two Systems" setup when the former British colony was returned to China. After last month's arrests the UN's rights watchdog said the sweep confirmed fears the security law was "being used to detain individuals for exercising legitimate rights to participate in political and public life". Beijing said the security law would target only an "extreme minority" and was needed to restore stability. (AFP) 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. A 59-year-old New Jersey man was killed Friday morning after he crashed into a utility pole in Atlantic County, authorities said. James Rago was driving north on Route 555 in Buena Visa Township just after 6:30 a.m. when his SUV veered off the road and hit the pole, New Jersey State Police said. Rago, of Bunena Vista, was brought to Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, where he was later pronounced dead. There were no passengers in the vehicle. State Police patrol Buena Vista as the western Atlantic County township does not have a municipal police force. The crash remains under investigation. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com Rallying oil prices in recent weeks have intensified speculation that this week the OPEC+ group will decide to put more oil on the market as of April to prevent an over-tightening of the market and preserve market share. As tempting as high oil prices could be from a budget perspective for the biggest oil-exporting nations in the Middle East and Russia, oil at $70as many banks now believe prices would reach as early as next quarterwould be a drag on the tentative demand recovery, with large importers such as India signaling they are not very happy with this years rally. Rising oil demand amid expectations of a vaccine-assisted economic rebound in major economies and tightening oil supply, courtesy of the OPEC+ production cuts, have sent oil prices to their highest levels since January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic started eroding economies and demand. The market fundamentals plus the Texas Freeze that curtailed U.S. crude oil production and refining operations in the middle of February have also sent the national U.S. average gasoline prices to their highest since August 2019. The national average continues to increase as crude prices march higher, AAA said on Thursday last week, when the national average was $2.67 a gallon, up four cents in four days. As of Sunday, the national average was just $0.27 a gallon from reaching $3 a gallon. Gas prices are coming into the month of March like a lion.. and might end up leaving the same way, GasBuddys oil and refined products analyst Patrick de Haan says. If OPEC+ decides this week to put more oil back to the market, it could cool off the rally in crude prices and, consequently, the continued rise in U.S. gasoline prices with the summer driving season approaching, Matt Egan at CNN Business argues. The current oil market conditions look right for an increase of the OPEC+ production from April, and most analysts believe that the group will return some barrels on the market. But questions remain: how much, and how (and if) the two leaders of the group, Saudi Arabia and Russia, will compromise on who is pumping how much next month. Related Video: Top 5 Uses of Petroleum Saudi Arabia has signaled it would be reversing its unilateral cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd)the worlds top oil exporter has not committed to keeping that cut beyond the promised period of February and March only. Yet, because of the reversal of those barrels from April, the Saudis may not be too keen to let the entire OPEC+ group add another 500,000 bpd in production, which is the maximum rise in output that the alliance has vowed to put on the market each month. OPEC+ will be discussing raising collective output, sources in the coalition say. But the groups leaders are potentially headed to another clash over oil production policies, with Russia pushing for a more aggressive rise and the Saudis still cautioning against complacency and calling on producers to remain extremely cautious. It is clear that there is room for more OPEC+ supply to return on the market, but the group will have to carefully weigh the short-term and medium-term prospects of the market and its share of that market at the virtual meeting on March 4. Too little easing of the cuts risks overtightening the market in the short term and making oil more expensive for the global economic recovery and for large key growth drivers such as India. Higher oil prices could also incentivize more U.S. shale production eating up OPEC+ market share. On the other hand, a too generous production increase could quickly reverse the oil price rally. The group will need to be careful, they will want to make sure they do not surprise the market by easing too much. There is a large amount of speculative money in oil at the moment, so they will want to avoid any action that will see them running for the exit, ING strategists Warren Patterson and Wenyu Yao said on Monday. Russias President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman vowed last month to continue their countries close coordination in the interests of maintaining stability in the global energy market, but this coordination will be tested once again this week as OPEC+ is headed to another heated debate about oil supply policies. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A black senior manager at Amazon is suing the company for alleged race and gender discrimination by two current executives and sexual harassment by a third former executive. Charlotte Newman, who has worked in the Amazon Web Services division since January 2017, filed her lawsuit on Monday in district court in Washington, DC. The company and two current executives, Steve Block and Shannon Kellogg, are listed as defendants. In addition to the discrimination claims, the suit accuses a former executive, Andres Maz, of sexually harassing and assaulting Newman on multiple occasions. Newman, a former economic policy adviser to Senator Cory Booker, explained the legal action in an interview with Recode, saying that the discrimination began when she joined Amazon and has only worsened over the past four years. Charlotte Newman (pictured), a black senior manager at Amazon, is suing the company for alleged race and gender discrimination by two current executives and sexual harassment by a third former executive Newman, who has worked in the Amazon Web Services division since January 2017, filed her lawsuit on Monday in district court in Washington, DC (file photo) Newman, a Harvard Business School graduate who worked for Booker for three years after advising three other members of Congress, said she applied for a public policy manager role at Amazon but was hired at a lower level than she believed was fair given her qualifications. She was then denied a promotion for over a year, she said, even though she was already taking on the duties of a more senior role. Newman said her first boss, Block, an AWS director, employed racial stereotypes when criticizing her work. She claimed that he called her 'intimidating' and said her communication style was 'too direct' and 'just scary'. Newman said that Block and Kellogg, an AWS vice president who became her manager after him, 'frequently complained about the personalities of other female employees, which is not their common practice regarding men under their supervision'. The company and two current executives, Steve Block (left) and Shannon Kellogg (right), are listed as defendants in Newman's lawsuit Newman's lawsuit also laid out startling startling sexual harassment allegations against Maz, another AWS director who has since left the company. The complaint alleged that Maz sexually assaulted Newman by groping her thigh under a table at a work dinner and pulling her hair when she tried to leave another work event. Newman said she was afraid to report Maz's alleged misconduct because Kellogg relied on the director's feedback in his reviews of Newman's performance. 'There's been deep emotional pain,' Newman told Recode. 'All of the hard work, all of the sacrifices I made, my education - none of that saved me from someone who's a predator and living in fear of what else he might do.' She finally filed internal complaints over the summer after getting some distance from Maz while working from home, she said. Maz was ultimately fired after an investigation, but Newman said she still had to attend meetings with him while the probe was underway. 'At the very least, Amazon could have better safeguards in place to protect employees,' she said. 'A company of Amazon's size should have clear guidelines about what happens if you report, hear what your rights are ... [and] ensure that once you report you don't have to be contacted by the person who harassed you.' Newman said she was motivated to speak out about her experience after Recode published an investigation last week based on allegations from other black corporate workers who said they faced similar discrimination at Amazon. Pictured: People hold placards during a protest in support of Amazon workers in Union Square, New York, on February 20 Newman said she was motivated to speak out about her experience after Recode published an investigation last week based on allegations from other black corporate workers who said they faced similar discrimination at Amazon. 'I strongly believe that Amazon should be harnessing the light of diverse leadership rather than dimming the light of Black employees and other employees of color,' Newman said. 'For years I had been sort of suffering in silence, [but] I'm sure there are a lot of people who now feel more empowered to add their voices to the story, and hopefully there's some real change that occurs.' Recode spoke to 10 black employees who each said either they or someone they knew at Amazon had been hired at a lower level than their qualifications justified - a practice known as 'down-leveling'. 'It is not uncommon for women, and especially black women, to have a role advertised at one level but extended an offer at a position that is lower,' former Amazon diversity manager Chanin Kelly-Rae told the outlet. Newman claimed that the down-leveling cost her millions of dollars, due to the stock options she would have been given if she was hired at the right tier in the first place. Amazon has acknowledged that down-leveling is common at the company, but said it happens with people from all backgrounds, not just minorities and women. Newman said she has approached company representatives and informed them that she won't stay at the company long term unless significant changes are made to its hiring and diversity programs. Newman is being represented by high-profile employment lawyer Douglas Wigdor, who represented six Harvey Weinstein accusers and more than 20 former Fox News employees in sexual harassment and discrimination suits. 'As one of the largest and most powerful companies in the world, Amazon has a moral obligation to lead by example and promote a level playing field for all workers,' Wigdor told Recode. 'Sadly, though Amazon treats its Black employees like second-class citizens ... Because of Ms Newman's bravery, we expect other current and former Black employees at Amazon will now have a voice to stand up to this discrimination and no longer suffer in silence.' (Reuters) - Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now: Modi takes home-grown vaccine Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was inoculated with the first dose of a domestically developed coronavirus vaccine on Monday, kicking off an expansion of the country's immunisation campaign that began in mid-January with healthcare workers. People above 60, and those who are 45 or more and suffering from certain medical conditions, are now eligible for the vaccinations. India, which has reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world after the United States, has so far vaccinated more than 12 million health and front-line workers. Auckland coronavirus lockdown tests New Zealanders' patience The mayor of Auckland called for residents to be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccines after New Zealand's biggest city was thrown into its fourth pandemic lockdown over the weekend. The seven-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on a city of 2 million was prompted by a single new COVID-19 case. The lockdown led to several major sporting and cultural events being cancelled or postponed and also caused traffic chaos over the weekend with people trying to get home stuck for hours at city checkpoints. AstraZeneca sells Moderna stake for over $1 bln -The Times AstraZeneca Plc has sold its 7.7% stake in Moderna Inc for more than $1 billion after the U.S. biotechnology company's shares soared on the back of its coronavirus vaccine breakthrough, The Times reported. The report said it was not clear over what period AstraZeneca sold its holding in Moderna. U.S. eyes Tuesday deliveries of J&J vaccine Initial deliveries of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine should start on Tuesday, senior Biden administration officials said on Sunday, saying they hoped to boost lagging vaccination rates among minorities. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, encouraged Americans to accept any of the three approved shots. (Compiled by Karishma Singh; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) All 129 Aer Lingus staff at the airport are affected by the lay-offs. Aer Lingus staff are devastated by the news that 129 of the airlines staff at Shannon Airport are to be laid off until June, trade union Siptu has said. The move will affect all of the airlines ground and cabin crews at the airport, in what Siptu sector organiser Neil McGowan said was a devastating blow to the workers who have been on significantly reduced earnings since the start of the pandemic. The decision by management to lay-off the workers until June will result in further hardship and uncertainty for Siptus 80 members employed by the airline in Shannon, Mr McGowan said. Aer Lingus has not operated flights from Shannon since April of last year with the result that workers employed at the airport have suffered significant reductions in working hours and pay. This announcement and the fact that Aer Lingus will not have operations from Shannon until at least June 2021 highlights the pressing need for the Government to provide additional supports to aviation workers generally. The industry will simply not survive without significant supports for workers and employers across the Aviation industry, Mr McGowan said. The airline today announced that its losses for 2020 of 361m were the worst ever recorded by the airline and said it was not sustainable to roster staff when no flights have operated to or from the airport since April 2020. Siptu organiser Tony Carrol said it was unclear what savings, if any, will be achieved by these lay-offs. Shannon Airport is vital to the economy of the Midwest and supports hundreds of jobs directly and many thousands more across the region. The longer the pandemic continues to impact on aviation and there are not tailored supports for the industry and those who depend on it for a living, the more lasting the damage to workers and Irelands connectivity will be, he said. Eyeport Update Sydney, Mar 1, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Actcelerate International Group Ltd (AIG or the Company) ( NSX:ACT ) wishes to provide an update on the status of its investment in Eyeport Sdn Bhd (Eyeport). In addition to being a 30% shareholder in Eyeport, the Company, by way of a redeemable convertible preference share (RCPS) provided Eyeport with funding of RM750,000 (refer announcements 24 September 2018 and 26 March 2019).As announced 23 December 2019, the Company had been in ongoing discussions with Eyeport regarding the repayment of the RCPS. Eyeport had previously commenced a capital raising exercise, which amongst other things, would have provided for the repayment of the RCPS loan. However, due to deteriorating business performance and the onset of COVID-19, Eyeport defaulted on its obligations under the RCPS agreement.The Company advises that it has commenced legal proceedings against Eyeport in the Session Court in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The Session Court has granted the Company's application for Summary Judgement against Eyeport, and the Company is currently pursing the execution of the said Judgement by way of a Writ of Seizure and Sale through the Session Court. Despite the favourable ruling, there is no certainty of the Company recovering any or all of the amount owing under the RCPS agreement.The Company will make further announcements on any material developments relating to Eyeport and its pursuit of a recovery of the RCPS loan in due course.About Actcelerate International Group LimitedListed on the National Stock Exchange of Australia.Issue Code: ACTIssue Name: Actcelerate International Group LimitedIssue Type: 01 - OrdinaryISIN: KYG008211016G00821 101Industry: FinancialsNominated Adviser: Minerva Corporate Pty LtdListed Date: Monday, 2 July 2018 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The New York City high school application deadline for the 2021-2022 school year is Monday. To apply for high school, your child must be a current New York City resident (this includes students who have temporarily moved out of New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic), a current eighth-grade student, or a first-time ninth-grade student. All New York City children are guaranteed a seat at a public middle school. Admission is open to all students, including current public district and charter school students, as well as private and parochial school students. It is also open to students with disabilities, students with accessibility needs, students learning English, immigrant families, students in temporary housing, and LGBTQ and gender nonconforming students. HOW TO APPLY You can apply to up to 12 programs on your high school application. Students get offers to programs based on factors like application choices and the programs available seats. The number of program choices you add to your application and the order in which you place them matter. Add 12 choices to your application in your true order of preference. Then submit the application. Adding more choices increases your chances of getting an offer to one of those choices, but it doesnt lower your chance of getting an offer to any of your top choice programs. You will be considered for the first-choice program first. If he or she doesnt get an offer to the first choice, he or she will be considered for the second-choice program, and so on. Applying to 12 programs, all of which youd be happy to attend, makes it more likely that youll get an offer to a program of your choice, according to the city Department of Education (DOE). Submit your application by Monday one of three ways: Online at MySchools.nyc Through your current school counselor -- for public Department of Education (DOE) and charter school students. Through a Family Welcome Center -- for private or parochial school students. The DOEs MySchools tutorials, How to Create Your MySchools Account and How to Apply to Middle or High School, will walk you through the process. This year, the city will also temporarily eliminate a district-based admissions preference for high schools for the upcoming admissions cycle. Other geographic priorities, like borough preferences, will be eliminated for the following admission cycle, the DOE confirmed. Opponents of district-based admission argue that the system has allowed some of the citys wealthiest ZIP codes an easier path into the desirable schools in their community. OFFER LETTERS In the spring, all New York City eighth-graders and ninth-grade applicants will get their high school offers. Whenever possible, students will get an offer to the highest possible choice from their high school application. If you participated in Specialized High Schools admissions, you will also receive one or both of the following: In April - For students who took the SHSAT: Your test score and up to one offer to a testing Specialized High School. Later in the spring - For students who auditioned for any LaGuardia High School programs: Up to one offer to each LaGuardia program you auditioned for. If you get more than one offer, you will be given a deadline to choose between them, according to the DOE. WAIT LISTS Your high school offer letter will also include information about any programs where you have been wait-listed. You are automatically on the wait list for any program(s) listed higher on your application than the program where you received an offer. You can also add yourself to wait lists, but note that your best chance of getting an offer to any program is to include it as a choice on your original application. Wait-list offers will be made on seat availability, admissions priorities, and admissions methods. Schools will be in touch directly if a seat opens up and they can make you an offer from their wait list. Youll then have one week to accept or decline a wait-list offer. Specialized high schools do not have wait lists. Charter schools have a separate admissions process. Contact charter schools directly to learn how to apply. The Common Online Charter School Application for the 2021-2022 school year allows families across the five boroughs to apply, through a single application, to 228 different charter school sites in New York City. The application is open until April 1. School Zone: A new newsletter with the updates you need as our schools try to get back to normal. Enter your email address here and hit "subscribe" to receive this weekly newsletter: FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. BEIJING, March 1 -- China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era serves as an example of new-type international relations featuring mutual respect, justice and win-win cooperation, said the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense in a written statement on Monday. It is reported that the foreign ministers of the two countries said in a phone discussion in early February that theres no limit or restricted area for China-Russia strategic coordination, which is all-weather and all-dimensional. Some scholars thought that facing military threat from the NATO, Russia will probably seek military alliance with China. In responding to the above comment, the statement stressed that the relations between China and Russia are different from military alliance among some countries, noting that China-Russia relations are non-aligned, non-confrontational and not against third parties. China-Russia mil-to-mil relations continues to remain high, which is an important hallmark of the high-level and special relations between the two countries and constitutes the highlights and important support of strategic cooperation, said the statement. 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. "China is willing to work with Russia to implement important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance cooperation on high level visits, strategic coordination, joint exercise and training, equipment and technology," stressed the statement. It also pointed that the two countries will develop a new type of military relations in the new era in an all-round way and provide positive energy for protecting common interests of the two countries and maintaining world peace and stability. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) plans to submit a proposal to toll the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway (Ara Tuhono) within weeks, despite fierce local opposition. NZTA national manager of system design, Robyn Elston, says the agency is working to submit a proposal to the Minister of Transport in April. Ms Elston says NZTAs proposal will take into account feedback from a public consultation on tolling last year, but says the findings from that consultation will not be revealed until after the Minister has made a decision. She says the level of public support for tolling will be a factor in the Ministers decision on whether or not to progress with a toll. Should the Minister support tolling, the proposal will go to Cabinet. Cabinet can then recommend the making of an Order in Council, which gives the Government the legal ability to toll. For the road to be tolled, the Order in Council must be in force no later than the day the road is opened, which is scheduled for mid-May next year. An NZTA tolling team assessment in March last year found that the motorway was suitable for tolling and advocated that the NZTA board recommend to the Minister of Transport that the road be tolled. The tolling team found that tolling revenue would result in a meaningful contribution to the cost of the project, that tolling infrastructure could be installed in a cost-effective manner and tolling would not result in traffic volume changes that would unduly impact the wider road network. But the prospect of tolling received a strongly negative reaction from the Mahurangi community when it was raised last year. Then One Warkworth chair Chris Murphy said the toll amounted to an additional tax on local people and other parts of the country were not being penalised in the same way. At a public meeting in Warkworth in August, a chorus of critics said locals were already saddled with paying the Northern Gateway toll through the Johnstones Hill tunnels and a toll would stymie economic growth. An online survey organised by Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers found 78 per cent of respondents strongly opposed tolling. 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. Amid higher temperatures, the ultraviolet index in the southern Vietnamese region has risen to extreme levels, posing health threats to people exposed to the sun, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. Between Monday and Wednesday, the upstream area of the Mekong River and the southern region will continue to undergo a prolonged period of no rainfall and intense sun during the daytime, which will increase the salinity levels and UV index. The lowest temperature in the southern region is commonly around 21 to 24 degrees Celsius, while the highest is 31-34 degrees Celsius. In the southeastern region, some places will experience hot weather of over 35 degrees Celsius. On February 28, Bien Hoa City in the southeastern province of Dong Nai measured the maximum temperature of 35.4 degrees Celsius. The mercury in southeastern Tay Ninh Province even reached 35.8 degrees Celsius. A high temperature of 34.7 degrees Celsius, the highest in the Mekong Delta region, was recorded in Vi Thanh City in Hau Giang Province on the same day. During the aforementioned three-day period, localities in the central and southern regions will also see the UV index hit a maximum of high to very high risk levels. People are advised to shield themselves when going outdoors and avoid long-term sunlight exposure. There may be light showers in the afternoons and evenings in the southern region. But rain will only occur in a small area, with a low volume and for a short period, so it is not expected to mitigate the heat during the daytime. Meanwhile in the Mekong Delta region, the water levels in the Tien and Hau Rivers will rise in harmony with tides, then fall in the first days of March. The highest water level of the week in Tan Chau Town, An Giang Province was 1.45m, and 1.6m in Chau Doc City in the same province. These levels are 0.15-0.25m higher than the average of the same period in previous years. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting advises people in the Mekong Delta region to limit watering their crops in order to minimize production damage. In areas growing fruits of high economic value with low salt tolerance, farmers should check salinity levels before irrigation. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Madam Joyce Esi Benson, Coordinator Adolescent Corner, on Monday, appealed to the government to prioritise the needs of adolescents in the wake of the LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Madam Joyce Esi Benson, Coordinator Adolescent Corner, on Monday, appealed to the government to prioritise the needs of adolescents in the wake of the LGBTQ activities in Ghana. Madam Benson told the Ghana News Agency at Tema that the adolescents were easy targets of LGBTQ advocates and must be protected. She said institutions offering support to the adolescents must be adequately funded to undertake programmes and projects to protect adolescents. We leave the adolescents generally uninformed about basic issues which makes them vulnerable, Madam Benson said. Madam Benson said pregnant teenagers needed societal and financial support to enable them to access antenatal to ensure safe delivery. However, parents of such teenage expectant mothers often get disappointed and neglect their wards. She said young-adults needed constant education, mentorship and other communal support from stakeholders. The youth need security as most of these pregnant girls want to go back to school after delivery, she said. Madam Rebecca Palison, an Assistance Nurse at the Adolescent Centre, appealed to the government and non-governmental agencies to support the young mothers to realise their dreams. Meanwhile, Mr Wisdom Aditse, Tema Metro Public Health Officer, commended Churches within the metropolis for compliance with the re-imposition of COVID-19 protocols. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Donald Trump has used his CPAC speech to demand a purge of his political rivals, singling out Mitt Romney and 'warmonger' Liz Cheney, who both voted to impeach him. The former president addressed the conservative gathering in Orlando on Sunday afternoon, in his first speech since stepping down on January 20. Trump took to the stage to rapturous applause, using his podium to attack Joe Biden and tease his supporters with numerous hints of a 2024 run. He also sought revenge on the 17 Republicans - seven senators and 10 members of the House - who voted to impeach him. Trump on Sunday used his speech to attack by name the 17 Republicans who voted to impeach Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney both voted to impeach Trump, leaving him set on vengeance All 17 were mentioned by Trump, with the 74-year-old reserving particular venom for Liz Cheney, who said earlier this week that Trump should not be in a position to lead the party. 'Instead of attacking me and more importantly the voters of our movement, top establishment Republicans in Washington should be spending their energy in opposing Biden, Pelosi, Schumer and the Democrats,' Trump said. 'If Republicans do not stick together, the RINOs [Republicans In Name Only] that we're surrounded with will destroy the Republican Party. 'And the warmonger, the person who loves seeing our troops fighting, Liz Cheney.' Trump said the 'good news' was that she has been censured in her state of Wyoming, and her approval rating was falling. 'Her poll numbers have dropped faster than any human being I've ever seen,' he said. 'Hopefully they'll get rid of her with the next election. Get rid of 'em all.' A giant golden idol of Donald Trump has been brought to CPAC in Orlando He later took aim at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who criticized Trump over his actions around the riot and accused Trump of 'a disgraceful dereliction of duty'. 'Now more than ever is the time for tough, strong and energetic Republican leaders who have spines of steel,' Trump said. 'We cannot have leaders who show more passion for condemning their fellow Americans than they have ever shown for standing up to Democrats, the media and the radicals who want to turn America into a socialist country.' On the eve of his speech, Trump announced his endorsement of Max Miller, a former White House aide who is challenging one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach. Anthony Gonzalez will face Miller in the 2022 vote, but said he did not regret voting against Trump. 'You have to love your country and you have to adhere to your oath more strongly than you do your job, and I don't know what political fate will play out,' Gonzalez said. 'If my fate is ultimately that I don't get to come back, I will do that at peace.' Miller has made clear that he plans to turn Gonzalez's impeachment vote into a centerpiece of his campaign, writing on Twitter that the congressman 'betrayed' constituents with his vote. Max Miller, a former White House aide (pictured with press secretary Stephanie Grisham) was endorsed by Trump on Friday Trump has told advisers that he's intent on unseating the Republicans who backed his impeachment and others in the party he views as disloyal, including the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, whom he has accused of not doing enough to intervene in the state's 2020 vote count. Yet Trump insisted, despite the obvious divides, that there was no civil war within his party. 'The Republican Party is united,' he said. 'The only division is between a handful of Washington DC establishment political hacks, and everybody else all over the country.' Trump also attacked Biden as being an 'America last' president, saying Biden had had 'the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history.' Biden is pictured with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in August 2011 He strongly criticized the president's decision to rejoin the World Health Organization, describing the WHO as 'puppets for China', and insisting Biden was unable to rein the Chinese in. Trump complained about companies relocating to China, describing China as a country that has 'ripped us off for years' and 'should not be rewarded.' He complained about Biden being too lenient on China, saying: 'That's what the Biden administration is doing. But, of course, as you know, they have a very close, personal relationship with China, so I don't expect much to happen.' Trump has frequently accused Biden of being in some way compromised by China. His son, Hunter Biden, attempted to do business with Beijing - his father insisted he was unaware of Hunter's efforts. Trump has rejected Joe Biden's explanation, however, and insisted the president was being too lenient - despite Biden continuing many of Trump's trade policies with Beijing, and speaking out against persecution of the Uighurs. Trump told the meeting it was essential to ensure that America had the upper hand. Donald Trump on Sunday accused Joe Biden of being in thrall to China thanks to family ties Trump has frequently attacked Joe Biden's businessman son Hunter for his dealings in China 'We believe in standing up to China, shutting down outsourcing, bringing back our factories and supply chains, and ensuring that America, not China, dominates the future of the world,' he said. 'We took in hundreds of millions of dollars from China during my administration, hundreds. 'It was a one-way street. We took in hundreds of millions, and during negotiations they would say, look, we don't want any more of these tariffs. Those tariffs, we took in so much money. And what happened is they became competitive.' Trump also reiterated his blame of Beijing for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Trump accused them of covering up the virus' spread, adding: 'what happened with that was just disgraceful.' Returning to his attack on Biden, Trump described the Democrat administration as 'anti-jobs, anti-family, anti-borders, anti-energy, anti-women, anti-science.' He added: 'In just one short month, we have gone from America first to America last.' Trump's attacks on Biden were predictable, accusing his successor of 'eliminating our [southern] border' and triggering 'a massive flood of illegal immigration.' Church elder killed, 3 abducted in Fulani attack on Nigerian village Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Fulani extremists in Nigeria shot and killed a church elder, abducted three other Christians and hospitalized another in a recent attack in northwest Nigeria. Mati Sani, a 65-year-old lay-leader with the Evangelical Church Winning All, was murdered at around 1 a.m. on Feb. 16 during a terrorist attack carried out in the village of Kadabuki Dan-Marabu, Kankara County, Katsina state, according to Morning Star News. Sani had served in the church for over 35 years. Ibrahim Lawal, Mamar Rahila and Hafsat Yusuf were all abducted. Meanwhile, Danjuma Sani Mati was transported to a hospital to receive treatment for gunshot wounds, the late pastor's son, the Rev. Ali Mati, told Morning Star News. The nonprofit news outlet reports that all of the victims are Christian and related to each other. Stephen Enada, the co-founder of the International Committee on Nigeria, a coalition focusing on religious freedom and human rights in Nigeria, told The Christian Post that Christian persecution in Nigeria is widespread and has escalated in all regions of the country. The terrorist and militant groups operating in the region are motivated by an agenda to Islamize the country, he contends. The rate of insecurity and terrorist and militant activity [in Nigeria] is unprecedented, Enada stressed. Since 2009, 34,400 Nigerian Christians have been murdered by radical Islamists, with 2,200 slain last year, according to a report released in December by the Nigeria civil society group International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law. Radical Muslim extremists have also killed an estimated 20,000 moderate Muslims. Enada told CP that the Nigerian government has done little to alleviate the terrorist threat and attacks on religious freedom and said recruitment for militant groups has increased. The two major groups waging attacks on Christians in Nigeria are the Boko Haram terrorist group and radical Fulani herders. Nathan Johnson, the Africa regional manager for Christian advocacy group International Christian Concern, told CP in an earlier interview that while most people have heard of Boko Haram, people need to understand that the Fulani crisis is probably the bigger issue for Christians in Nigeria." "Theyve killed more people than Boko Haram in the last few years, Johnson explained. The U.N. estimates that over 3.4 million people in Nigeria have been displaced due to the Islamic extremist violence in the northeast and violence in the countrys Middle Belt carried out by radicals from the herding community. In December, the U.S. State Department designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" for the first time. Then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo named Nigeria and nine other nations as CPCs for engaging in or tolerating "systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended Nigeria be named as a CPC in its 2019 report. Nigeria was the first democracy to receive this designation. More believers are murdered for their faith in Nigeria than in anywhere else. According to the persecution watchdog organization Open Doors USA, Nigeria leads the world in the number of Christians who are kidnapped. The persecution watchdog's annual World Watch List names Nigeria as the ninth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution. " ... Christians are often murdered or have their property and means of livelihood destroyed. Men and boys are particularly vulnerable to being killed," Open Doors reports. "The women and children left behind are very vulnerable and living testimonies to the power of the attackers. Perpetrators are seldom brought to justice. Christian women are often abducted and raped by these militant groups, and sometimes forced to marry Muslims." About 46% of Nigeria's population identifies as Christian, with over 95 million believers. The divide between Christians and Muslims is roughly even, Open Doors adds. Lela Gilbert, a senior research fellow for international religious freedom at the Family Research Council, raised concerns in a piece for Providence magazine about the scant coverage in secular media of the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria that some have warned has reached the level of genocide. There is a bloodbath in Nigeria, Gilbert wrote. Those of us who track religious freedom violations and Christian persecution agree with those who increasingly speak of another genocide. Murderous incidents are acted out with accelerating frequency, perpetrated primarily by two terror groups Boko Haram and Fulani jihadis. Tens of thousands of Nigerians have been slaughtered in the last decade. But their stories rarely appear in mainstream Western news reports. Enada said all Christians must know what is happening to fellow believers in Nigeria so they can pray for their fellow believers. Every Christian should be made aware of what is happening, Enada said. ... We want people to be aware of what is happening for brothers and sisters in Nigeria and also to pray for them. Hilaria and Alec Baldwin have welcomed a sixth child, just six months after the yoga guru gave birth to her fifth baby Edu following two heartbreaking miscarriages. The 37-year-old mother sparked a flurry of interest and speculation on Monday when she shared an image of herself cradling a newborn baby, alongside the couple's five other children, Edu, Romeo,Leonardo, Rafael, and Carmen. Hilaria gave little away about the identity of the baby, simply captioning the post '7' and adding a heart emoji, however a source close to the Boston-born yoga guru confirmed to People that she and Alec are now parents to six babies. Expanded brood? Hilaria and Alec Baldwin have welcomed a sixth child it has been claimed - just after the yoga guru shared an image of herself cradling a newborn with her five other kids Newcomer: The 37-year-old, who gave birth to her fifth child Edu in September, is seen holding a tiny baby in her arms, however she shared little information about the child's identity Hint: Hilaria simply captioned the image '7', referencing herself and the six children pictured, and revealed that the snap was taken by her husband Alec, 62 Hilaria welcomed her fifth child, son Eduardo in September 2020, after suffering two devastating miscarriages; it is not known whether her sixth child - whose name has not yet been shared - was adopted or born via a surrogate. A spokesperson for the yoga guru refused repeated requests for comment on the new addition, instead referring DailyMail.com back to Hilaria's Instagram post. In the image, which was taken by SNL star Alec, 62, shows Hilaria lying in bed surrounded by her children - however while the couple's five known kids are all seen, the proud mother is also seen cradling another baby in her arm. The infant, whose identity is not known, is curled up against Hilaria's stomach and wearing a pale pink outfit; the tiny infant is nestled up alongside six-month-old Edu, who is almost twice the size of the newborn. In a teasing post shared on her Instagram Stories, the proud mom also asked her followers to count 'how many babies' they could see in the photo, giving them the option of choosing '5' or '6'. The latest addition to the brood is Alec and Hilaria's sixth child together - however the SNL star also has another daughter, 25-year-old model Ireland, with his ex-wife Kim Basinger. Beyond the social media posts, neither Alec or Hilaria have commented on the reports of their new arrival - which comes less than two years after the yoga guru suffered the first of two miscarriages. She shared her devastating news in April 2019, when she took to social media to document her miscarriage in a series of very candid photos and videos, the first of which showed her posing in her underwear, alongside a caption which read: 'I want to share with you that I am most likely experiencing a miscarriage.' Hilaria went on to document subsequent doctors' appointments, and even shared selfies from her D&C procedure. Family: Hilaria and Alec, pictured with their five children, Edu, Romeo, Leonardo, Rafael, and Carmen, have made no comment about the baby pictured in Hilaria's latest post Hint hint: Posting the image on her Instagram Stories, Hilaria teased followers by asking them to reveal 'how many babies they see' In November of that same year, she revealed that she'd had a second miscarriage, four months into her pregnancy, once again sharing the news on Instagram alongside an image of herself and daughter Carmen. 'We are very sad to share that today we learned that our baby passed away at 4 months,' she wrote. 'We also want you to know that even though we are not ok right now, we will be. We are so lucky with our 4 healthy babies - and we will never lose sight of this. 'I'm really devastated right now... I was not expecting this when I went to my scan today. I don't know what else to say.' The couple then announced that they were expecting their fifth child in April 2020, however the arrival of a sixth baby is not something that either have addressed publicly, although Hilaria stated in November of last year that it 'felt very much' like they were 'done' expanding their family. 'It very much feels like we're done,' she told People one month after giving birth to Edu when asked if she was hoping to have more children. However the wellness expert admitted that she would never say never, joking that she had thought she was 'done' in the past - only for the couple to decide that they wanted to expand their family further. 'Everybody's asking me this question,' she continued. 'I don't know. I've said in the past that I was done when I wasn't done. 'I think, right now, I'm so tired. And I feel, just with COVID, it's just insanity. Right now, during times of COVID, it very much feels like we're done.' She added that her children have all grown accustomed to 'new siblings coming in', revealing that they were already asking her 'when the next one is going to come'. Quiet: In the past, Hilaria (pictured while pregnant with Edu) has been open about sharing her motherhood journey on Instagram, posting images from throughout all her pregnancies Candid: Hilaria even documented her two miscarriages on social media, revealing in April 2019 that she 'was most likely' losing her unborn child while sharing an image of herself in lingerie Heartbreak: In November that same year, Hilaria suffered her second loss, and once again shared the devastating news on Instagram But while Hilaria has previously been very open about her motherhood journey - documenting her pregnancy on Instagram, and sharing intimate details about both of her miscarriages - both she and Alec have kept the news of their youngest arrival very much under wraps. Hilaria has only made a return to regularly posting on social media in recent weeks, after issuing an apology for faking her Spanish heritage following weeks of furious controversy over the scandal. The influencer, whose real name is Hillary Hayward-Thomas, finally said 'sorry' for the saga in a post shared to her Instagram account on February 5 - six weeks after a Twitter thread about her faux European background went viral. Hilaria stopped short of confessing she had misled people about her Spanish roots instead doubling down on her previous claims that she was raised 'with two cultures, American and Spanish' and that she feels 'a true sense of belonging to both'. In a caption alongside a photo of her with Alec and their five children, she wrote: 'I've spent the last month listening, reflecting, and asking myself how I can learn and grow. '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. 'I'm proud of the way I was raised, and we're raising our children to share the same love and respect for both. Nothing to see here! Since apologizing for her Spanish heritage scandal on February 5, Hilaria has shared regular family updates on Instagram - but didn't share any hints about a new arrival '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,' she said. At the end of December, it emerged that Hilaria - who in the past claimed to have grown up in Majorca and spoke with a Spanish accent - actually spent her childhood in Beacon Hill, Boston, and went by Hillary. It started with a single tweet on December 21 which read: 'You have to admire Hilaria Baldwin's commitment to her decade long grift where she impersonates a Spanish person'. The woman then continued to post videos and proof of how Hilaria's accent has changed over the years. Several former classmates came forward to confirm that Hilaria was in fact raised in Weston, Massachusetts, by American parents without a hint of a foreign accent. In the wake of the scandal, Hilaria took a break from social media and retreated to the Baldwins' home in East Hampton, where she was staying with her children, while Alec was renting a nearby property so that he could quarantine away from his family and commute back and forth to the city for work. Since apologizing for the scandal on social media, Hilaria has been sharing much more regular updates, frequently posting candid images and videos of life at home with Alec and the kids - however she made no hints that the couple were planning to welcome a sixth child into their brood. On Wednesday, she shared a sweet video of herself working out alongside her son Edu, one day after posting a clip of them cuddling in bed, describing the tot as her 'rainbow' - a term used to describe a child born after a mother suffers a miscarriage. Palmdale, CA (93550) Today Sunshine and a few clouds with gusty winds developing during the afternoon. High 99F. W winds at less than 5 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Gusty winds early. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Half of businesses on the island of Ireland are either contracting, winding down or in a fight for survival as they face the effects of Covid-19 and Brexit, a survey said today. The quarterly business monitor from cross-border trade body InterTradeIreland said that there had been a dramatic leap in the numbers of firms who are in survival mode, up from 13% of those surveyed a year ago to 50%. Trade on both sides of the border in the first few months of 2021 has been affected by the end of the Brexit transition period. Companies in the Republic are now trading with Great Britain as a 'third country' outside the EU, under the terms of the EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement. And in NI, firms and consumers are affected by new checks on goods from GB, due to the NI Protocol keeping NI in the EU single market for goods. For 61% of those surveyed, Covid-19 was having the sole impact on business operations. Just 5% said Brexit alone was having an impact on operations. However, one in three said that both issue were causing concern. Kerry Curran, InterTradeIreland assistant director of strategy and policy, said: "Businesses are currently in the unenviable position of facing the dual tests of the pandemic and the end of the Brexit transition period. "While no sector is immune from the ongoing challenges, the data reveals that cross border traders and exporters are beginning to see sales losses moving in the right direction." The survey said 58% of businesses continue to struggle with reduction in demand for goods and services, low business and consumer confidence and the subsequent impact on their cashflow. Manufacturing and leisure are particularly impacted by challenges, with the pandemic the main source of concern due to lockdowns. Both the Republic and NI have been in lockdown since Christmas. The business monitor also shows the reliance that firms have on imports and exports from Great Britain, the island of Ireland and the rest of the EU. Just over a third (36%) import and 25% export within the island and the EU, with 31% of firms across the island importing from, and 13% exporting to, Great Britain. Ms Curran said: "Supply chains have become very integrated in recent years and we recognise that for many firms the disruption to supply chains has created uncertainty and additional demands on time and resources. "InterTradeIreland has specific Covid-19 and Brexit support Programmes, as well as online resources, to help businesses as they respond to the pandemic and begin to navigate the new trading relationship." Just over three-quarters of believe Covid-19 will continue to have a negative impact on their operations over the next 12 months. But fewer were concerned about Brexit in the long-term. Less than half believe Brexit will continue to have a negative impact, with 43% saying Brexit will have no impact whatsoever. Ms Curran added: "While the data does make for stark reading, and businesses are understandably focused on directing resources to survive these once in a lifetime challenges, I would encourage firms to make best use of available supports." An NHS executive who was fired after complaining her colleagues kept 'breathing on her' was unfairly dismissed, a tribunal has found. Gifty Poku was also accused of 'regularly and repeatedly' blowing air back at members of staff who she thought were exhaling heavily near her. She claimed her colleagues were making 'distracting noises' near her desk before she was eventually sacked for alleged misconduct. At the time of the incidents, Mrs Poku was employed as deputy head of corporate accounts at Barts Health NHS Trust, in East London. Mrs Poku is now in line for compensation after the tribunal found she had been wrongly dismissed. An employment tribunal held in Poplar, East London, heard that throughout her three years working for the trust, Mrs Poku would often complain about colleagues standing by her desk and talking. At the time of the incidents, Mrs Poku was employed as deputy head of corporate accounts at Barts Health NHS Trust, in East London (pictured: St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, one of the hospitals managed by the trust) On one occasion she got into an argument with an accountant after she accused them of making 'distracting noises'. Eventually, one frustrated member of staff, Tasneema Chowdhury, complained to senior managers that Mrs Poku had 'mental health issues'. Before she was dismissed by the NHS Trust, Mrs Poku was given her first written warning about the way she was behaving with other colleagues. She was alleged to have 'regularly and unreasonably' accused people of breathing on her and in response 'used her mouth to blow air toward them'. The trust also investigated whether she had told members of staff they were 'giving off negative energy'. Mrs Poku took a 'plea bargain' to bring the investigation to a close and accepted a written warning. The tribunal heard that a short while later, in November 2019, following another disciplinary investigation, Mrs Poku was dismissed for alleged misconduct relating to the way 'she interacted with her colleagues'. The second investigation alleged Mrs Poku called a team member a liar, failed to follow instructions and behaved inappropriately towards Miss Chowdhury. Mrs Poku was also accused of telling a woman that she had never had any problems with her previous managers who were white, but she had a problem with her because she was black. A disciplinary panel concluded that all the allegations against her were proved and decided she should be dismissed immediately. At the tribunal, employment Judge Stephen Knight, examined the NHS Trust's investigation and gave his own findings. He said that although it was 'unreasonable' for Mrs Poku to accuse people of breathing on her it was not done with any 'malice'. Looking at the second investigation he concluded that it would have been 'absurd' for the Trust to suggest Mrs Poku, who herself is black, had a problem with black people. Giving his conclusion, Employment Judge Knight, said that each of Mrs Poku's acts of alleged misconduct were 'minor'. He added: '[The Trust] took no useful, meaningful, and concerted steps to improve the relationships between [Mrs Poku] and her colleagues between the time of the first ever complaints and the date of the her dismissal.' He concluded that the Trust did not have reasonable grounds to believe Mrs Poku had committed misconduct and therefore ruled she was unfairly dismissed. A remedy hearing will be held in due course. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-02 03:26:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Iran issued on Monday a warning over a possible "fourth wave" of the COVID-19 pandemic, after the country's daily death toll rises above 100 for the first since early January. Meanwhile, Israel reported 5,479 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, raising the total tally in the country to 779,958. "The death of 108 patients of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours is sounding the alarm of the fourth wave of the disease," Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, said at her daily briefing. The new daily figure takes the death toll of the epidemic to 60,181 in Iran. Between Sunday and Monday, the ministry reported 8,510 new infections, Lari said, adding 812 of them need to be hospitalized. The total number of COVID-19 cases registered in Iran stands at 1,639,679, according to the official data. Moreover, 1,399,934 COVID-19 patients have recovered or been released from Iranian hospitals so far, though 3,727 remain in critical condition, said the spokeswoman. Since the beginning of the outbreak in February 2020, a total of 10,912,409 laboratory tests for the coronavirus have been carried out in the country, the Iranian official said. Israel's Ministry of Health reported 5,479 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, raising the tally in the country to 779,958. The death toll from the COVID-19 in Israel reached 5,760 after 22 new fatalities were added, while the number of patients in serious condition decreased from 776 to 737, out of 1,238 hospitalized patients. The total recoveries in Israel rose to 735,850, with 7,217 newly recovered cases, while the active cases decreased to 38,348. The number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 in Israel has surpassed 4.74 million, or 51 percent of its total population, since the vaccination campaign began on Dec. 20, 2020. The country's COVID-19 reproduction number, also known as the R number, rose to 1, higher than 0.79 about a week ago. The R number is an indicator used to determine how fast COVID-19 is spreading, as an R number greater than 1 means that the number of patients increases at an exponential rate and multiplies from time to time. Also on Monday, the Iraqi Ministry of Health reported 3,599 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 699,088. It also reported 22 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,428, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed by 3,708 to 639,639. A total of 6,881,821 tests have been carried out across the country since the outbreak of the disease in February 2020, with 35,578 done during the day. The ministry also announced the launch of an electronic platform to distribute vaccines to citizens across the country, including the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. Citizens can enter the platform through their national cards to choose the type of vaccine they want, al-Tamimi said, adding that the vaccine would be free of charge. He also said the ministry has allocated 605 health centers to distribute vaccines throughout Iraq. Iraq said it will receive a shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccines on Monday evening. Iraq has taken a series of measures to curb the recent rise in infections after the Ministry of Health announced on Feb. 15 the detection of a new strain of coronavirus characterized by faster transmission and a higher level of severity. 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. Lebanon registered on Monday 1,888 new COVID-19 cases, raising the number of infections in the country to 376,921, the Health Ministry said, adding the death toll from the virus went up by 51 to 4,743. Lebanon received on Monday 50 oxygen concentrators and four high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy devices from Spain to help the country fight COVID-19. Lebanon has been fighting against COVID-19 since Feb. 21, 2020. The country has received about 100,000 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines and more doses are expected to arrive in two weeks. Morocco announced on Monday 112 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total tally in the North African country to 483,766. The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 469,345 after 299 more were added. The death toll rose to 8,637 with 14 new fatalities during the last 24 hours, while 394 people are in intensive care units. A total of 3,568,670 people have been vaccinated so far against COVID-19 in the country. Morocco launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Jan. 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines. Kuwait reported on Monday 1,179 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 192,031. The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced two more deaths, taking the death toll to 1,085. The tally of recoveries in Kuwait rose by 946 to 180,155, while 10,791 coronavirus-related patients were receiving treatment. On Feb. 21, Kuwait started the extension of a ban on entry of non-Kuwaiti travellers to the country until further notice. The Kuwaiti government has also decided to close land and sea borders from Feb. 24 until March 20 with the exception of shipping operations. The Qatari health ministry on Monday announced 473 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 164,137. While 440 more people recovered from the virus, bringing the overall recoveries to 154,061, the fatalities increased by one to 259. A total of 1,544,331 persons in Qatar have taken lab tests for COVID-19 so far. The Omani health ministry on Monday announced 312 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 141,808. The kingdom also reported deaths in the day, pushing the death toll up to 1,577, according to a ministry statement quoted by ONA. The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee entrusted with handling the novel coronavirus. Enditem Mumbai, March 1 : Manappuram Finance on Monday said that its Board of Directors is likely to consider and approved the issuances of debt securities this month. In a regulatory filing, the company said that it is considering various options for raising funds through borrowings including by the way of issuance of various debt securities in onshore or offshore securities market by public issue, on private placement basis or through issuing commercial papers. "Based on the prevailing market conditions, the Board of Directors and / or Financial Resources and Management Committee / Debenture Committee of the Board of Directors of the company may consider and approve issuances of debt securities during the month of March, 2021, subject to such terms and conditions including the issue price of debt securities, as the Board / respective Committee may deem fit," it said. Around 1.15 p.m., its shares on the BSE were trading at Rs 173.50, lower by Rs 2.70 or 1.53 per cent from its previous close. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is staring down calls for an inquiry into a womans allegations of rape against one of his cabinet ministers, revealing he spoke to the man last week and received a complete denial of the claims. The womans friends and lawyer demanded the inquiry after Mr Morrison backed the cabinet minister on Monday, amid concern the police will not be able to continue their investigations because the woman took her life last June. Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Morrison declared it would be wrong to ask the minister to step aside on the basis of media reports about the decades-old alleged rape, arguing that all concerned had to leave it to the police and other authorities to investigate. We cant have a situation where the mere making of an allegation, and that being publicised through the media, is grounds for governments to stand people down, Mr Morrison said on Monday. CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University research has revealed a crucial mechanism behind one of humankind's most deadly physiological processes: the movement of malignant cells from one part of the body to another. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study led by OSU biophysicist Bo Sun shows the role that tissues' microscopic geometry plays in cancer metastasis, the internal spreading of the disease that's responsible for 95% of all cancer deaths. To develop drugs that effectively combat metastasis, it's fundamentally important to understand what directs the metastatic process, Sun said. "Our results show the level of tissue fiber alignment, particularly collagen fiber alignment, is a crucial part of what's happening," Sun said. Collagen is a protein that serves as the primary component of human connective tissue, which supports, protects and provides structure for other tissues and organs in the body. Collagen is also a key part of the extracellular matrix, the non-cellular part of tissues and organs that acts as a scaffold and also performs important biochemical and biomechanical functions. "Clinical studies have shown that the microscopic geometry of tissue is significantly correlated with the progression of breast cancers," Sun said. "Our study reveals the underlying biophysical mechanism. In the era of precision medicine, we think taking into account the physical properties of a patient's tissue can be critical for the prediction and treatment of metastatic disease." The correlation is due to a cellular phenomenon known as "contact guidance," which is analogous to a back-country hiker trying to pick a route based on the contours of the terrain and the network of downed trees on the ground. "In navigating the three-dimensional extracellular matrix, where the fibers aren't necessarily parallel, cells have to integrate multiple guidance cues that aren't always clear and sometimes are conflicting," Sun said. "Understanding the mechanisms and limitations of cell responses to imperfect guidance signals is pivotal for predicting and engineering cell behaviors - i.e., providing a patient with a precise diagnosis, prognosis and treatment." In this research, Sun and collaborators at OSU, the University of California San Diego and Northeastern University found that a breast cancer cell can switch between two distinct states: the mesenchymal, in which the cell shape is elongated, and the amoeboidal, in which it's more round. "In the mesenchymal state, a cell follows the orientation of tissue fibers, and the effect is strongest when the level of fiber alignment is highest," Sun said. "In the amoeboidal state, the same cell moves rather randomly. Another part of it is that the transition rate between the two states is also determined by the level of tissue fiber alignment - strong alignment leads to a stronger tendency for a cell to stay in the mesenchymal state." Collaborating with Sun were graduate research assistant Jihan Kim and Ph.D. candidate Christopher Eddy of OSU's Department of Physics, Yuansheng Cao and Wouter-Jan Rappel of UC San Diego, and Youyuan Deng and Herbert Levine of Northeastern. The U.S. Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences supported this study, which builds on earlier research by Sun that showed human cells, including cancer cells, could mechanically and permanently remodel their surroundings - and thus affect an array of physiological processes from metastasis to wound healing to embryo development. In that research, Sun found that a single pair of breast cancer cells could increase the local fiber density of reconstituted collagen matrices by more than 150%. "Mechanical remodeling is an early event that triggers a cascade of amplifying events that lead to chemical remodeling," Sun said. "With breast cancer, a lump can be felt because the cancer has solidified a large region around it. Our tissue is trying to relax the cancer cell-generated stress and in so doing goes through unrecoverable aging." ### Milipol Qatar 2021, the 13th international event for Homeland Security and Civil Defence in the Middle East which will run at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) from March 15 to 17, has attracted a multi-national exhibitor line-up representing 14 nations across the Middle East, South America, Europe, the UK, USA, Sub-continent, and Scandinavia. The show, one of the first in the region this year to focus on homeland security and civil defence, is being held under the patronage of His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and under the authority of Qatars Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. It will feature five national pavilions representing Brazil, France, Germany, the UK and the USA. Organisers, Qatars Ministry of Interior in partnership with Paris-based international event organiser Comexposium acting on behalf of the GIE Milipol headed by Civipol, the technical implementer of the French ministry of the Interior, say 68% of the companies registered for the biennial show is new to Milipol Qatar having been attracted by strong forecasted sector growth. The value of the Middle East homeland security market has been predicted by Frost and Sullivan to grow to $19.7bn by 2022, explained Prefet Yann Jounot CEO of Civipol and President of Milipol events. This has fuelled great interest in the event and expanded its exhibitor outreach across the entire homeland security and civil defence spectrum including the growth areas of data, perimeter and private security as well as systems integration. France will mount the largest of the national pavilions which will be supported by the French minister of the Interior. The pavilion organiser, the Paris Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said 77% of the 22 partner exhibitors will be new to Milipol Qatar with all being major players in their fields with research and development units to present innovation for export. Among the pavilion exhibitors is the Nexter Group, a defence and security robotics solutions provider which is planning to promote its NERVA multi-mission robots. We are eager to help the Qatari, and more generally Middle Eastern, police special units and military special forces improve their safety through high-end reconnaissance and explosive ordinance disposal robotics capabilities, commented Romain Le Berre, the Groups Sales Director. French hi-tech solutions provider the CS GROUP says it will bring its most advanced defence and security innovations to the show including its Crimson hypervisor software and the Boreades C-UAV system; Tactical Data Link for homeland operations and high value training powered by simulation. Though Milipol Qatar 2021 has a wealth of show newcomers, it has also attracted loyal support from regular exhibitors, including the German pavilion. Its organiser CCO Creative Consulting GmbH said Milipol Qatar has been the most important homeland security show for German companies in terms of creating business and establishing contacts with the Qatari government for over two decades. The whole Middle Eastern market continues to be in demand of cutting-edge technological applications and systems from all over the world to effectively counter terrorism attacks and provide safety for its citizens and critical infrastructure, said the companys Managing Director Nico Baumbach. Meanwhile, the UK Defence and Security Organisation, which is organising the British pavilion says Milipol Qatar is now a global leader for defence and security procurement with UK providers eyeing potential partnership agreements with local Qatari players. UK defence and security products have an outstanding reputation in Qatar and are already widely deployed within the security sector. UK companies are keen to develop industrial partnerships and joint ventures with Qatari companies and Qatari buyers are always keen to have visibility on the latest UK products and innovations, said an organisation spokesperson. Milipol Qatar 2021 will also feature a series of highly informative seminars featuring dialogues, case studies and debates focussed on the future of the homeland security and civil defence industries and the way towards a safer world. The seminar programme will feature international thought leaders who will explore cyber security and cyberthreats, civil defence and large events security management. The global industry will be keenly watching the outcome of these seminars as they will send insightful signals on the future of these important industries which will help ensure a safer world for all, added Prefet Yann Jounot. Milipol Qatar 2021 will take place under the governance of strict health and safety protocols designed to combat the spread of COVID 19. Online registration for industry professional visitors who gain free entry, is open on www.milipolqatar.com.--TradeArabia News Service Earlier, Zelensky said he would be vaccinated against COVID-19 along with the Ukrainian military as the commander-in-chief. Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov says President Volodymyr Zelensky will get his shot of the Covishield vaccine done in public to prove its quality. "President Volodymyr Zelensky and myself will publicly get vaccinated against the coronavirus with Covishield. This way we would like to demonstrate this vaccine is a high-quality one," the minister said at a press conference on Monday, according to the online newspaper Segodnya. Read alsoOnline registration for COVID-19 vaccination kicks off on March 1The date of Zelensky's vaccination has not been specified. Earlier, Zelensky said he would be vaccinated against COVID-19 along with the Ukrainian military as the commander-in-chief during the second stage of the nationwide vaccination campaign. Other related news reports Reporting by UNIAN Investigations editor Larry Parnass, investigations editor, joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant and CommonWealth Magazine. More than 1.7 million students in Ho Chi Minh City returned to school on Monday after having to switch to remote learning for several weeks as part of COVID-19 prevention and control measures. According to the observations of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, students of Tran Van On Middle School in District 1 had to queue up in two lines to have their body temperature measured before entering the school. They then sanitized their hands upon passing the school gate and had to keep their face masks on all the time. Parents take their children to school in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre Similar procedures were applied at Nguyen Du Middle School, and the flag salute ceremony was organized inside classrooms instead of in the schoolyard. Meanwhile, Hoa Binh Elementary School prepared automatic hand sanitizers at the gate, and all students had their body temperature checked inside classrooms. An automatic hand sanitizer is installed at Hoa Binh Elementary School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Thao Thuong / Tuoi Tre Following the Lunar New Year holiday in mid-February, all students were required to switch to remote learning until the end of the month due to the complicated COVID-19 developments. The municipal Peoples Committee issued a document last Wednesday stating that students and learners of local schools, universities, and other educational institutions will resume their normal classes on March 1. Students attend the flag salute ceremony inside a classroom at Hoa Binh Elementary School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Thao Thuong / Tuoi Tre Strict COVID-19 prevention and control measures were required to be taken to ensure safety for students, teachers, and staff members. The city has not recorded any local infections since February 11. Students have their body temperature measured at Nguyen Van Troi Elementary School in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre A student washes her hands at Nguyen Du Middle School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A student washes her hands at Nguyen Du Middle School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Students attend the flag salute ceremony inside a classroom at Nguyen Du Middle School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A teacher informs her students of COVID-19 prevention and control rules at Nguyen Du Middle School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Two students hug each other at Le Van Tam Middle School in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre Students fill out health declaration forms at Nguyen Du Middle School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, March 1, 2021. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The UK's coronavirus vaccine rollout will receive a 1.65 billion boost to help it meet the target of offering a dose to every adult by July 31. Chancellor Rishi Sunak will use his Budget on Wednesday to detail the plan for the new cash to aid the programme, which is a key factor in successfully easing lockdown restrictions. Mr Sunak will also divert 22million to fund a 'world first' trial to test if different vaccines can be used together, or if a third dose is effective, the Treasury said. NHS England has begun inviting 60 to 63-year-olds to book jabs, with nearly 20 million people across the UK having received a vaccine. Rishi Sunak will use his Budget on Wednesday to detail the plan for the new cash to aid the vaccination programme In other developments - A quarter of frontline NHS workers in London are refusing the vaccine, figures show; A poll found 81 per cent of voters think it should be compulsory for medics and care home workers to have the vaccine; PM's poll ratings have surged since he announced 'roadmap' out of lockdown; Almost three-quarters of care homes bosses said they wanted to implement a 'no jab, no job' policy; New Covid cases have fallen by 28 per cent over the past seven days to 7,434, while deaths dropped by more than a third to 290; The number of first-dose vaccinations administered surpassed 19.6 million, with more than 750,000 people having their second jab; Tributes were paid to Captain Sir Tom Moore at his funeral yesterday; EU leaders have been warned it could be 2023 before the bloc manages to offer a jab to all of its adult population; Pubs and restaurants complained they were facing a nightmare of red tape if they wanted to reopen for alfresco service on April 12, in line with Mr Johnson's roadmap. Ahead of his Commons speech, Mr Sunak said it was 'essential we maintain this momentum'. 'Protecting ourselves against the virus means we will be able to lift restrictions, reopen our economy and focus our attention on creating jobs and stimulating growth,' he added. He will also give 33 million to improve the ability to respond to new variants and improve vaccine testing, including 5 million to create a 'library' of Covid-19 jabs. That cash, like the funding for the vaccine trial, will come from the Vaccine Taskforce's existing budget. Meanwhile, shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds will use a speech on Monday to urge Mr Sunak to 'rebuild the foundations of our economy' to put the UK on the path to a 'better, more secure future'. And northern Conservative MPs were pressing him to go further than existing support to save the high street by permanently reducing business rates for retailers. Forty-five Tories in the Northern Research Group called for an extension of the business rates holiday to be followed by 'fundamental reform' after the coronavirus pandemic. Led by former minister Jake Berry, they said there was a need for 'levelling the playing field between bricks and mortar and online retail' by reducing from about 50% of market rent to around 35%. Mr Sunak has also been warned the economic impact of lockdown on women is being 'overlooked', with Commons Women and Equalities Select Committee chair Caroline Nokes among a group of more than 60 female MPs and business leaders calling on the Chancellor to cut VAT for hair and beauty salons and extend the business rates holiday to the end of the pandemic. In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, the group says the lockdown 'is turning back the clock on Britain's working women who are not only losing their jobs at an alarming rate, but have also borne the brunt of the domestic load and home-schooling. 'These actions would show the Government's commitment to backing business women in Britain, and that the female workforce is considered a vital part of the UK's recovery plan.' On Sunday, the Chancellor indicated he will extend emergency support packages, such as the furlough scheme due to expire at the end of April, as the coronavirus lockdown is unwound over the coming months. But he said he must repair the public finances from the 'enormous shock' of the pandemic with an 'honest and fair' plan, with possible tax rises on the horizon. He said that he must 'level with people', with Covid having had an 'enormous hold on our economy' that will cause debt to 'rise indefinitely' if borrowing continues after the recovery. The NHS vaccine programme is already having an impact on the number of people being hospitalised due to Covid-19 As well as reducing the number of hospitalisations, the number of deaths is also falling since the widespread rollout of the vaccine among the elderly But signalling further support, he said he wants to 'support people and businesses along that path' to ending restrictions steadily until June 21, as set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. 'We went big, we went early and there's more to come next week,' Mr Sunak told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday. He said he does 'want to deliver low taxes' but said that 'over time what we need to do is make sure our public finances are sustainable'. Treasury sources did not deny a report in the Sunday Times suggesting the Chancellor plans to raise 6 billion by freezing income tax thresholds for at least three years. He was said to be considering a freeze on the 12,500 point at which people start paying the basic rate of income tax and the 50,000 threshold where they begin paying the higher 40p rate, as he aims to raise 43 billion a year. The move would allow Mr Sunak to raise extra funds without breaking the manifesto pledge that guaranteed the Conservatives would not raise the 'rate' of income tax. But it was estimated the move would push an extra 1.6 million people into a higher tax bracket before the next general election is due in 2024. A single shot of either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or Pfizer jab cuts the chance of needing hospital treatment by more than 90 per cent, 'real world' results from the NHS vaccination programme show France changes its tune on AstraZeneca jabs following Ursula von der Leyen's praise for the vaccine France's government has said it wants to 'rehabilitate' the AstraZeneca vaccine as EU leaders try to undo the doubts they sowed about the jab which have led to low uptake despite its proven effectiveness. The French health ministry admitted that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine had an 'image deficit' which had led to 'feeble' usage of the jab, with only 107,000 people immunised with it so far. It comes after Emmanuel Macron himself raised doubts about the jab's effectiveness and claimed that Britain had taken a risk by authorising it so soon, while French regulators refused to approve it for over-65s. Meanwhile the French government is considering new local restrictions to deal with a worsening Covid-19 situation as it scrambles to avoid a new national lockdown. 'We will use all possible levers to rehabilitate the vaccine,' the French health ministry said, according to Le Telegramme, days after real-world data in Scotland showed the AstraZeneca shot reducing Covid hospitalisations by 94 per cent. Germany's government is also pleading with people to take the AstraZeneca jab, while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said that she herself would take it - despite her furious row with the drugmaker last month over missing shipments to the EU. That struggle is set to continue into the spring with as many as 90million doses missing from AstraZeneca shipments in the second quarter of 2021. An EU official involved in talks with the firm says AstraZeneca has warned that it may deliver only half of its promised 180million doses from April to June, having slowed supplies in January because of delays at a Belgian factory. Advertisement More than 20 million people in the UK have now been given their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the Government has said. The announcement follows more good news as new findings reveal just one vaccine shot reduces the risk of being hospitalised by Covid-19 by more than 90 per cent. Public health officials have told Ministers that the remarkable results apply for both the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, with the British jab proving slightly more effective. And in another huge boost to Britain's world-beating vaccine rollout, yesterday 386,948 additional vaccine doses were registered in England, with 27,876 in Scotland and 14,634 in Wales, tipping the number of total people vaccinated past the 20 million milestone. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on social media that it was a 'huge national achievement' and praised the NHS staff, volunteers and armed forces for their work in the vaccine rollout. He tweeted: '20 million people across the UK have now got the jab - a huge national achievement and a testament to the tireless work of NHS staff, volunteers, the Armed Forces & many more. 'I urge everyone to get the jab when called. Every jab makes a difference in our battle against Covid.' Health Secretary Matt Hancock said vaccinating more than 20 million people against coronavirus across the UK is a 'magnificent achievement for the country'. In a video on his Twitter, Mr Hancock said: 'I'm absolutely delighted that over 20 million people have now been vaccinated across the UK - it's absolutely fantastic. 'I want to thank every single person who's come forward to get the jab because we know with increasing confidence that the jab protects you, it protects your community and it also is the route out of this for all of us.' Mr Hancock urged everyone eligible for the vaccine to come forward and added: 'Every jab in the arm is another life soon to be protected from this awful disease and means we are a step closer to returning to our normal lives.' Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted: 'BINGO! One Score over 20,000,000 people have had the vaccination (1s dose). What an achievement for February 2021. What a team! Proud to be with you on this journey.' Mr. Biden campaigned on a sprawling infrastructure agenda, with trillions of dollars invested in transportation, water and sewer lines, and the scaffoldings of an energy sector that significantly reduces the United States carbon emissions, funded by tax increases on multinational companies and high earners. The components of the plan poll well which was not enough for Mr. Bidens predecessors. Mr. Obama failed, in large part, for political reasons: Republicans did not want to give him another victory. His attempt at selling Congress on a $50 billion plan to rebuild 150,000 miles of road, to lay and maintain 4,000 miles of rail track and to restore 150 miles of airport runways suffered for following on the heels of his 2009 stimulus bill. Republicans dismissed it as stimulus deja vu. While Mr. Trump talked frequently about investing in infrastructure, he never seemed serious about tackling the issue and constantly allowed other matters to distract him. For instance, in August 2017, the Trump administration organized an event at Trump Tower in Manhattan that was intended to highlight how the administration was seeking to streamline permitting. Instead, the news conference devolved into one of the grimmest and most defining moments of the Trump presidency: a fiery back-and-forth with reporters in which Mr. Trump defended white supremacists who had recently marched in Charlottesville, Va., arguing that there were very fine people on both sides. When it came to selling a message about infrastructure, we had some challenges in communication, said D.J. Gribbin, an infrastructure specialist who was in charge of the event while working for the National Economic Council. Lobbyists say that Mr. Biden starts with a better chance of success than either of his predecessors. Business groups and many Republicans have expressed a willingness to work with the administration to pass $1 trillion or more in infrastructure spending. Areas of agreement with progressives include spending on highways, bridges, rural broadband networks, water and sewer lines and even some cornerstones of fighting climate change, like electric-car charging stations. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [This is part one of a two-part series analyzing Staten Islands air pollution and the coronavirus outbreak.] STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Islands air pollution is never an afterthought for Cheryl Marks. One of the nearly 5 million people diagnosed with hypertension in New York, Marks lungs are under constant stress, placing pressure on her heart. Three years ago, her doctors made the decision to put her on a 24-hour IV to pump medicine directly into her lungs. Summers are worse, Marks said of the air quality on the borough and in her neighborhood of St. George. Every season has its challenges, said Marks, but summers are the worst because between all the exhaust, and I took public transportation, so waiting for the train sometimes you feel like youre gasping for air. When the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak began in March of 2020, the concerns of her condition and the uncertainty surrounding the virus collided as she was considered too at-risk to continue working as a community school director at Curtis High School. I was extremely nervous, she said. Then, that anxiety came to a high point when she lost her sense of taste and smell in late March. An antibody test later confirmed she contracted the disease, but she was lucky her case was a mild one. She credits the IV for helping her outcome, but her story is one shared by thousands of others who have pulmonary issues that are exacerbated by Staten Island ozone pollution, which is consistently given an F rating by the American Lung Associations (ALA) State of the Air report. Interviews with over a half dozen experts and Staten Island residents reveal how air pollution served as a dangerous antecedent to a coronavirus outbreak that ravaged the borough and underscores the need to improve ozone smog on the Island. Tailpipe emissions are considered one of the major contributors to ozone quality. (Staten Island Advance file photo)STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Ground-level ozone, which is created by a reaction between nitrogen oxide and organic compounds when exposed to sunlight, especially during hot summer days, creates a chemical response in the lungs that is akin to getting sunburn on the organs tissue, according to experts. Mike Seilback, the ALAs national assistant vice president for state public policy, said, the fact that Staten Island continuously fails the State of the Air report card shows that far too many Staten Island residents are being exposed to unhealthy levels of pollution. Tailpipe emissions are a major contributing factor to ozone pollution and power plants in New Jersey also pose a threat, but Seilback said that even old coal-fired power plants in the Midwest affect air quality over the borough. Nitrogen dioxide, which is released in the air by coal combustion, reacts with other gases creating ozone that can be spread across thousands of miles, according to the ALA, with winds carrying the pollutant far from where it formed. Staten Island, according to the ALA, has the highest annual weighted average number of high ozone days of all boroughs counted in the 2020 report, which did not include Brooklyn. Normally, this air pollution is an issue. Spikes in ground-level ozone pollution correspond with increases in emergency visits and hospitalizations, especially for those with asthma, experts said. Nearly 60,000 Staten Islanders are considered at-risk with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, according to the ALA. However, the coronavirus has forced a renewed attention on addressing poor air quality on a borough that has a lengthy history of pollution causing poor health outcomes. Numerous recent studies show a connection between air pollution and increased COVID-19 mortality, especially in minority communities where underlying pulmonary conditions are more frequent and health care inadequacies are pronounced. An old catchphrase of the American Lung Association is, when you cant breathe, nothing else matters. And this pandemic has been a stark reminder of how important it is to have healthy lungs that can breathe clean air. Pollution from New Jersey plants affects Islanders. (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores)Staten Island Advance AN UNEQUAL TOLL Marks lives on the more densely populated North Shore of Staten Island, cradled by the Staten Island Expressway a major source of tailpipe emissions that help create high ozone days on the borough. But factories just over the water, whose gas plumes are visible from homes across the Island, also are a consistent worry. More than 65 toxic-emitting facilities are within 10 miles of Marks home, most of which are located in New Jersey, according to the Environmental Protection Agencys Toxics Release Inventory. Some facilities are worse offenders than others, such as Bayway Refinery located just over the Goethals Bridge which has scores of environmental offenses in the last two decades and is reportedly one of the most egregious polluters in the nation. Black and Latino communities are often located in areas of higher pollution, experts said, and a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that breathing more polluted air over a period of years could worsen the effects of COVID-19. Part of that noxious formula is connected to Black and Latino communities being more-densely populated, which studies show to have a direct relation to higher local air pollution. On Staten Island, while the North Shore has under one-third of the territory of the rest of Staten Island, it is the most populated section of the borough, the Advance/SILive.com has previously reported. And while the North Shore above the Staten Island Expressway has over half the population of the rest of the borough, it has only around 30% the number of trees compared to the Island below the expressway, giving it less green space that can improve air quality, according to NYC Parks Department data. That total could be further diminished by the creation of a BJs Wholesale Club that would result in the destruction of 18 acres of woodland next to the wetlands in Mariners Harbor. Wetlands in the Mariners Harbor/Graniteville area. (Staten Island Advance/Erik Bascome) EXT Ajamu Brown, a member of the North Shore Waterfront Conservancy of Staten Island, said, Staten Island is still grappling with the legacy of environmental injustice. An advocate of a community-based air monitoring program that would enable residents to have real-time data and participate in policy planning, Brown said the nature of air quality varying spatially across Staten Island, exposes different communities to different levels of air pollution. Rather than removing green space from the boroughs North Shore, Brown said there should be strengthening of environmental protections, specifically in the northwest corridor of the borough, which would go a long way in protecting the community from the impacts of climate change. Those impacts, exacerbated by a pandemic that undermined the health of already at-risk communities on the borough, comes on the back of deep-rooted segregation practices that created unequal health burdens for minority communities, according to Brown. Staten Islands North Shore neighborhoods are heavily segregated, said Brown. In many Black and brown neighborhoods where rates of poverty are higher and you have more renters, landlords rarely invested in green space. Historically, city planners like Robert Moses also targeted redlined areas as cheap land for new polluting industries, highways, warehouses, and public housing, built with lots of heat-absorbing asphalt with very few green spaces, he added. This dynamic still exists in some majority-minority neighborhoods on Staten Island. The disproportionate effect of air pollution on the boroughs North Shore is also reflected in the Islands death rate by neighborhood. As of late February, every community above Midland Beach and the Bloomfield/Freshkills Park section has a higher COVID-19 mortality rate compared to the neighborhoods farther south on Staten Island which are predominately white. The ZIP code that contains Clifton has among the worst death rates in New York City. Correspondingly, neighborhoods of higher poverty had higher rates of cases, hospitalizations and deaths compared to wealthier areas citywide. Both Black and Latino communities have the highest rate of coronavirus deaths, far outpacing any other demographic in New York City. A man wearing a protective mask is seen walking on Tysens Lane and Hylan Boulevard in New Dorp. A LONG HAUL The long-term effects of the coronavirus are still being researched, though COVID-19 symptoms have been known to sometimes last for months, according to the Mayo Clinic. What is known, however, is that doctors on Staten Island often see patients with severe cases of asthma and COPD that can be difficult to maintain partially due to environmental conditions on the borough. Dr. Keith Diaz, chief of the division of pulmonary medicine at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, said he often works with patients with underlying lung conditions that are difficult to control, adding, that could be due to the environmental factors that we do have here [on Staten Island]. Patient symptoms flare up in the summer, when ozone levels are at their highest, said Diaz, who acknowledged that his patients with COPD are at an even higher risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes. Even those who are healthy that have a severe bout with COVID-19 could be left with lung-scarring and shortness of breath, said Diaz, who is also a leader of the hospitals Post COVID-19 Care Center that monitors patients who recover from the disease. A lot of these symptoms just linger, said Diaz. Reduced lung function, caused by the bodys immune response to the virus, is an especially concerning result of the fight against COVID-19. Some of the people I see now have 50% of what they started with, said Diaz. The emergency field hospital is on the grounds of the South Beach Psychiatric Center in Ocean Breeze. Those effects of the virus could further hobble a borough that already has hot spots of increased emergency room activity related to asthma and pollution levels that trigger other pulmonary conditions. Staten Island has recorded over 1,500 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic, but its case count close to 50,000 as of late February raises questions of another toll lingering beneath the surface with studies showing some patients suffer long-term lung damage. With that diminished lung-use, Diaz expressed concerns that the boroughs air pollution could worsen pulmonary issues caused by a battle against the disease. Its been shown that the ozone causes inflammation within the lungs and can cause chronic lung conditions itself, said Diaz. So, I think it would exacerbate the underlying problems. Councilwomam Debi Rose (D-North Shore) said the ALAs report, in light of the coronavirus outbreak, is a potent indicator that the borough needs to improve its air quality. The American Lung Association ratings reflect what we know anecdotally among friends and neighbors who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory disorders long before COVID-19 exacerbated them, said Rose in a written statement. This is a stark reminder of why we fight for environmental justice and pursue cleaner energy, cleaner transportation and more green spaces. "I am grateful to Emlyn and the entire Skyservice team for their warm welcome and the opportunity to partner together in accelerating our company's growth and industry leadership," said Ben Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Together, we will harness our strengths and exceptional brand to continue to succeed, build our platform and deliver service excellence." Mr. Murray has more than 20 years of leadership and operational experience in business aviation in North America, including progressively responsible roles with NetJets Inc., the largest private aviation company in the world, including as President and Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiary Executive Jet Management, where he doubled revenue in less than two years, enhanced the breadth and quality of its services, and strengthened its profitability and market position. Mr. Murray also served with Landmark Aviation as President, Aircraft Management and Charter, building the enterprise into the second largest aircraft management company in the United States. Prior to joining Skyservice in November 2020, Mr. Murray was Founder and Managing Member of North Star Solutions, LLC, a corporate aviation consulting company serving the aviation and mobility needs of international blue-chip clients. "On behalf of the Board, I thank Emlyn for his contributions to Skyservice, including directing the company's growth over the past 14 years and his instrumental role in building Canada's first top tier business aviation centre at Toronto's Pearson International Airport," said Gregory J. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of InstarAGF Asset Management Inc. "We are delighted that Emlyn will be continue to serve as an advisor to Skyservice and the Board on the company's expansion plans and business strategy." "Over the past four months, Ben and I have collaborated closely on this transition, which positions the company for a bright future," said Emlyn David, former Chief Executive Officer of Skyservice. "I am thrilled to continue working with Ben and the Board to expand Skyservice's footprint, including in the United States, and to work with InstarAGF on other new initiatives." About Skyservice Skyservice is Canada's leader in business aviation dedicated to safety and service excellence. With over 30 years of experience, Skyservice leads the Canadian business aviation industry with the best in-class facilities in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal and Muskoka. Our skilled Maintenance teams, outstanding Fixed Base Operation facilities, first-class Aircraft Management, Charter Services, Aircraft Sales and Acquisition provide our customers with an experience that is truly above and beyond. To learn more, visit http://www.skyservice.com/. SOURCE Skyservice Business Aviation Inc. - Mississauga, ON Related Links https://skyservice.com/ Cipla seeks price capping waiver, says its close to commit over $1 billion to Moderna CoWIN now has feature for rescheduling of vaccination sessions Chinese hackers targeted Indian vaccine makers Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech: Report India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Mar 02: A cyber intelligence firm Cyfirma on Monday claimed that a Chinese state-backed hacking group is targeting the IT systems of two Indian vaccine makers Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech, that are being inculcated in India in world's biggest vaccination drive. Chinese hacking group APT10, also known as Stone Panda, had identified gaps and vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure and supply chain software of Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine maker, according to a Reuters report. "The real motivation here is actually exfiltrating intellectual property and getting a competitive advantage over Indian pharmaceutical companies," Cyfirma Chief Executive Kumar Ritesh told Reuters. "APT10 was actively targeting SII, which is making the AstraZeneca vaccine for many countries and will soon start bulk-manufacturing Novavax shots, " he said. "In the case of Serum Institute, they have found a number of their public servers running weak web servers, these are vulnerable web servers," Ritesh said, referring to the hackers. "They have spoken about weak web application, they are also talking about weak content-management system. It's quite alarming." Attack on India's power grid Earlier in the day, a US company had said in its latest study, raising suspicion whether last year's massive power outage in Mumbai was a result of the online intrusion. Recorded Future, a Massachusetts-based company which studies the use of the internet by state actors, in its recent report details the campaign conducted by a China-linked threat activity group RedEcho targeting the Indian power sector. The activity was identified through a combination of large-scale automated network traffic analytics and expert analysis. India has not beaten us in vaccine diplomacy: China China on Friday welcomed India supplying more Covid-19 vaccines to a number of countries, playing down reports that New Delhi has beaten Beijing in its vaccine diplomacy around the world. Responding to a question on a report that India has beaten China in its own game of vaccine diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin during a media briefing said, "We welcome that and hope to see more countries taking actions to provide vaccines to the world, especially developing countries, to help with the global response." "China has been overcoming domestic difficulties to provide vaccines to other countries in concrete measure," he said, flagging China's own vaccine requirement to inoculate its 1.4 billion population. He reiterated that China has been providing vaccines to 53 countries and exporting vaccines to 27 countries, amid reports that many of those countries are yet to receive Chinese vaccines or the promised quantities. India's vaccine diplomacy WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment for supporting vaccine equity and sharing Covid-19 vaccines with over 60 countries across the world, hoping that other nations will follow his example. India, the largest drug producer in the world, is currently manufacturing two Covid-19 vaccines- Covishield and Covaxin. While Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India in Pune, Covaxin is being produced by Bharat Biotech. India is expected to step up its vaccine diplomacy in a big way once the Covaxin of the Bharat Biotech gets the WHO nod in the coming weeks. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment I write this with a heavy heart, as heavy as yours may already be from the revelations of Ravi Zacharias hidden life. If you hadnt heard of him, Zacharias was considered one of this eras greatest Christian apologists. If you havent heard the news, an independent investigation found he had systematically groomed vulnerable women over many years, plying them with attention and gifts, obligating them to return sexual favors, threatening them should they ever tell. I interviewed Zacharias once. He was brilliant, charming, winsome. And yet he was living a lie. The Victims of Ravi Zacharias Were starting to lose count now of his victims. First are the emotionally and financially vulnerable women he strategically targeted. Then theres the couple he bound with a Non Disclosure Agreement before rushing to the press to label them extortionists. Theres the Canadian woman he counselled as a teenager to get an abortion, later calling her a liar. And Zacharias staff were victims too, with Zacharias and members of his US board marginalizing, maligning and firing those who asked too many questions. I have friends who worked for Zacharias UK and Australian offices good, godly, fruitful people. Some have resigned. The UK office has split from the global organization. Gods work has suffered. The Response from His Defenders While most have responded to this news with the abhorrence it deserves, some Christians, eager to defend a man they revered, are responding in less than helpful ways. Its important we challenge some of them: These allegations have surfaced now that Ravi cant defend himself Not so. While this independent report comes after Zacharias death in May 2020, the first allegations arose in 2017. A credentials issue raised alarm bells a few weeks before that, and the abortion issue stretches years back. Were all sinners. If youve lusted after a woman, youre just as bad Yes, we are all sinners and Jesus condemned lust (Matthew 5:27-30). But this response sets up a false equivalence of sins Jesus never intended. For a start, Zacharias case isnt one of sexual compromise as much as strategized abuse of power. Secondly, it ignores the fact that there are degrees of sin. Stealing a cookie isnt equivalent to rape (imagine telling a raped woman that). Likewise, a lustful look isnt the same as ongoing, unrepentant, targeted abuse of vulnerable women. In Matthew 5 Jesus points out the hypocrisy of those who look but dont touch and think theyre morally fine. He is not equating lustful thoughts with abusive acts. No, we cant judge Zacharias eternal salvation or damnation (Matthew 7:1-6). But for the sake of victims feeling heard, believed and finding healing, we must unequivocally condemn his abuse. He who is without sin can cast the first stone Similar to the response above, this is meant to caution judgement of Zacharias actions. But not so fast. When Jesus said this he was coming to the rescue of a woman singled out for her part in adultery, while the man involved was conveniently overlooked (John 8:1-11). Jesus also said that anyone who caused little ones to stumble would be better off having a millstone tied around their neck and being thrown into a river (Matthew 18:6). I dont see that scripture quoted much. My goodness, this is so serious. Its the churchs fault for placing men on pedestals Halfway through writing this post, theologian Tanya Marlow posted this exceptional article on responses to the Zacharias scandal, tackling this one with great insight. The reason St. Paul makes strict recommendations of the character of a leader, she writes, is that it matters. It matters. We have the right to expect Christian leaders to be people of good character, even if they are not perfect people. The Bible itself sets up this expectation. And then she adds: When we say to people who trusted Ravi Zacharias or Jean Vanier to be good people, You shouldnt have put him on a pedestal, it is subtle victim-blaming of both the secondary victims and the direct victims in so doing, we are blaming the people who trusted the abuser rather than the abuser for abusing. We must face the reality of Zacharias abuse, not avoid or excuse it. Only then can victims heal. The Questions it Raises Such an event has raised significant questions for many of us. Here are some Ive read or had asked of me in the last few days: Can I trust any church leader again? I thought I had processed all there is to process about my experience with sexual abuse, Diane told me. Then along comes yet another Pillar of the Community Everybody Trusted doing the unthinkable just like my perpetrator So what is the real church? Whats true? Am I following some kind of cult? Where is Jesus? How do I find a trustworthy church fellowship and/or pastor? This is what I am asking. Ravi Zacharias. John Vanier. Bill Hybels (alleged). Carl Lentz. Jerry Falwell Jr. Becki Falwell. John Howard Yoder. John Crist. James MacDonald. Multiple Catholic priests. There is a shaking of the church going on right now, particularly the American church whose influence reaches wide, and failed leaders and figures are being exposed. Not all of these failings are over sexual abuse, but many are. And they trigger folks like Diane. There are things we could say to this: That these failed leaders make up only a fraction of a percent of the millions of Christian leaders around the globe. That the majority shouldnt be tarnished by the behavior of a few. That we shouldnt allow the crooked a double-win by letting them taint our view of the straight. But for people whove faced abuse, trust simply needs time to be rebuilt. All I can say is there are good, godly people in churches all around us. And the sense a victim develops to sniff out suspect folks can be a trustworthy asset moving forward. I came to faith through Ravi Zacharias. Is my faith based on a lie? Russell Moore addressed this important question well by drawing on church history. When persecution hit the church in the fourth century, some clergy renounced their faith. The church suddenly had a question to wrestle: was a believers baptism valid if the pastor that baptized them later renounced Christ? The church concluded that a baptism wasnt rendered invalid by the failings of the clergy overseeing it. Your salvation and discipleship are not dependent on whether the preacher from whom you heard the gospel is genuine, Moore writes, but rather on whether the gospel itself is genuine. It is. Even Judas preached the gospel for a while. Those who believed through his preaching believed in the truth of Jesus. How could Ravi be so fruitful while living such a duplicitous life? Joanna asked me this question, one Ive pondered too. Isnt a holy life needed to be fruitful in Gods work? Yes. But the Christian message and its Subject have a power greater than the failed mouths that share it. The apostle Paul railed against those who preached from selfish motives, but could still be glad the gospel at least got preached (Philippians 1:15-18). Thats an astonishing thing to say. A duplicitous person can share a message people respond to because the message is true and powerful. What do we do with Ravis books and teachings? John Howard Yoder wrote seminal works on Christian pacifism. Jean Vaniers writing on community and the disabled was invaluable. Ravi Zacharias gave responses to sceptics questions that were true and helpful. What do we do with these teachings now? Im in two minds. Zacharias publisher has pulled his books from sale. His ministry has pulled his YouTube videos. I think this is right. Profit shouldnt be made off an abusers work, and victims shouldnt have to watch their abuser being adulated online anymore. The problem of course is how much of the persons work we denounce. Martin Luther wrote an abhorrent anti-Semitic tract, later used by the Nazis to drive the Holocaust. Karl Barth kept a mistress for years, to the heartbreak we imagine of his wife. We dont bin either theologians works in total because of these failings. Instead, we condemn what is abhorrent in these leaders and affirm what truth and light they brought. If we wouldnt dream of denouncing the LArche communities Jean Vanier founded for the disabled, why should we denounce other work of his, like his writings? This has been my general approach so far, one taken by others, too. Truth shouldnt be dismissed because of failed messengers. But in this case, its a hard position to keep. One cant quote Zacharias now (or Vanier) without bringing anguish to his victims and those he betrayed. As Tanya Marlow says, were not talking about someone who was grumpy, but someone choosing to violate a womans body, an act that has a lifetime of consequences for that woman, the one thing apart from death that every woman dreads. Whether one can still learn from his books or not, I certainly wont be quoting Zacharias anymore. A Prayer There will be much to learn from this sordid episode: about the importance of boards and governance, about treating allegations with seriousness and victims with utmost care, about accountability and not taking a sword to those who ask legitimate questions. I believe the US board of RZIM should resign, and I hope the ministrys current donors will support the local branches, like the UK office, that now need funds to rebuild and continue their fruitful work. But lets end where we should. With the victims. One night last week, after reading the official report confirming Zacharias abuse, I also read the story of Jesus arrest. When Judas and the mob approach, Peter, perhaps to defend Jesus (or maybe just himself), pulls out a sword and attacks one of them. Jesus response is swift. Enough! he says, before rushing to heal the victim. It wouldnt be the last time Jesus had to heal a wound inflicted by one of his followers. And so this is my prayer for each one left bleeding from this event: Lord Jesus, would you heal the wounds inflicted by your followers. New Delhi, March 1 : The Supreme Court on Monday asked a 23-year-old man, who has been accused of raping a minor girl, whether he will marry the victim. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian asked advocate Anand Dilip Langde, representing the petitioner, "Will you marry her?" To this, Langde replied that he would need to take instructions from his client and asked for a pass over, but the court was not inclined to it. During the course of the arguments, Langde submitted before the bench that his client is a government servant, and he will face suspension due to his arrest in the matter. The Chief Justice replied: "You should have thought before seducing and raping the young girl." He added that being a government servant, the petitioner should have thought about the consequences. However, the Chief Justice stressed that the court is not forcing the petitioner to marry the girl. "We are not forcing you to marry, otherwise you will say we are forcing you to marry," the bench observed. After a brief hearing in the matter, the bench declined to entertain the petitioner's plea seeking bail and gave him the liberty to seek regular bail. The top court also granted protection from arrest to the petitioner for four weeks. The girl had alleged that when she was 16 years old, the petitioner, who was her distant relative, had raped her. The girl alleged that initially the petitioner's mother had agreed for the marriage after she turns major and also executed a notarised undertaking for it. But the petitioner's mother later refused, she alleged. The girl lodged an FIR against the petitioner in 2019 under Sections 376, 417, 506 of the IPC and under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. On February 5, the Bombay High Court had allowed the girl's application, cancelling the anticipatory bail granted to the petitioner. Challenging this order, the petitioner had moved the top court. "The petitioner's advocate informed the top court that his client was already married. It is further alleged that after the execution of the notarised undertaking on June 2, 2018, when the informant turned 18, her mother requested the mother of the petitioner to perform the said promised marriage, but she refused the same and therefore the informant lodged the present complaint against the petitioner," said the petitioner's plea. While this year's season is only just hitting its stride, the people behind Married At First Sight are already looking for next year's participants. Channel Nine and producers Endemol Shine Australia posted a casting call to the show's official social media channels on Monday. A hyperlink on the post leads potential brides and grooms to the application form. Will you apply? While this year's season is only just hitting its stride, the people behind Married At First Sight are already looking for next year's participants. Pictured: Rebecca and Jake Candidates must satisfy several requirements if they are to be considered for Nine's controversial social experiment. Applicants must be over the age of 25, and they must be Australian citizens or have held permanent residency for at least two years. They must also be 'single and genuinely looking for love'. This question is crucial, as producers urge applicants to 'be honest' when answering. Taking a leap of faith: Channel Nine and producers Endemol Shine Australia posted a casting call to the show's official social media channels on Monday. Pictured: Bryce and Melissa Filming will take place in late August, and participants must be able to commit up to four months of your life to the experiment. This is not a competition and there is no cash prize up for grabs. Instead, you could walk away with the most valuable prize of all true love. In addition to answering a few 'basic' and 'personal' questions, applicants are also required to submit photos and videos of themselves. Rules: Candidates must satisfy several requirements if they are to be considered for Nine's controversial social experiment. Pictured: James and Joanne Other questions include listing any challenges you have faced on your search for true love and why you are looking for love. According to the website, these questions will help the 'love experts' match couples. The casting call begins: 'Married At First Sight is searching for men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are genuinely committed to finding love.' Aussies only: Applicants must be over the age of 25, and they must be Australian citizens or have held permanent residency for at least two years. Pictured: Jason and Alana What are the conditions of applying for Married At First Sight? According to the application form: You must be over 25 years of age on the day of application You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident for at least two years to participate You must be single and genuinely looking for love You will be required to provide proof of identity (driver's license or passport or extract of birth certificate) Please be honest with your answers and complete the form to the best of your ability Ensure you read the terms and conditions on the application form If you are selected for the show you will need to be available for filming from August to December 2021 Advertisement 'This groundbreaking social experiment uses science and psychology to help Australian singles meet their perfect partner. But there's a catch you won't get to meet your future husband or wife until your wedding day!' 'This is not a competition and there is no cash prize up for grabs. Instead, you could walk away with the most valuable prize of all true love.' Producers are looking for 'men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are genuinely committed to finding love'. It concludes: 'If you are genuine about finding love and can commit up to four months of your life to the experiment, then apply now!' Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine New Delhi: Indian Air Force's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed near a village close to the Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning. Senior superintendent of police Suleman Choudhary said the incident occurred at Ladoli village in Kathua district. We were informed about this at 3.30 am. A police team has been sent to the spot, and further information is awaited, he added. No loss to life or property was reported. Kathua district has witnessed sporadic terrorist activities owing to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border. The district is the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab and the strategic Jammu-Pathankot highway which passes through the district has been subject to terrorist attacks in recent times. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Sanaa, March 1 : The Yemen government and the Houthi militia group swapped 36 prisoners in the country's conflict-ridden northeastern province of Marib, a military official has confirmed. The official told Xinhua news agency on Sunday that the Houthis released 18 prisoners linked to the government forces following a tribal mediation. Meanwhile, the government forces released 18 fighters of the Houthi group caught during previous battles, the source added. The exchange of prisoners took place in Marib under the auspices of local tribal chiefs, he noted. Intense fighting erupted early in February as the Houthis tried to advance toward Marib, where dozens were killed or injured from both sides in the non-stop armed confrontations amid heavy airstrikes carried out by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition. Escalation of fighting between the Yemeni government and the Houthi militia has displaced nearly 1,500 families from Marib's western areas so far. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the Yemeni military conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi's government. RIPON, Wis., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance Laundry Systems, the global leader in commercial laundry equipment, closed today on purchase of the distribution assets of PWS, Inc., the largest distributor of Speed Queen equipment and replacement parts in North America. The company announced its agreement to purchase the assets just five days ago. "The teams at Alliance Laundry Systems and PWS did a fantastic job moving swiftly to finalize this deal and we appreciate their efforts," said Rick Pyle, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Alliance Laundry Systems. PWS's route business was specifically excluded from purchase agreement and will be sold separately to unaffiliated third-party buyers. In addition, PWS co-Presidents, Brad Steinberg and Brad Pollack, will remain in executive roles and continue to drive growth initiatives as part of Alliance Laundry Systems. Since opening in 1968, PWS has become a leader in the commercial laundry business, with offices in Los Angeles, South San Francisco, and San Diego, Calif. For more information about Alliance Laundry Systems, visit alliancelaundry.com . To learn more about PWS, visit pwslaundrywest.com . About Alliance Laundry Systems Leading Performance Alliance Laundry Systems makes the world cleaner as the premier provider of laundry solutions. We deliver Leading performance through our exceptional employees, unmatched quality and our commitment to innovation. Alliance leads the world in commercial laundry sales, product range, reach and R&D investment. No competitor comes close. Our laundry solutions are available under five respected brands, sold and supported by a global network of select distributors. We serve more than 140 countries with a team of more than 3,500 employees. Our brands include Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, Primus and IPSO. Together, they present a full line of commercial washing machines, dryers and ironers (with load capacities from 12400 lb., or 6180 kg.) and every essential support service necessary to keep your operation running at maximum efficiency. You can also enjoy the superior wash and fabric care of commercial-grade laundry equipment in your home through our legendary Speed Queen washers and dryers. At Alliance, we aim to bring you laundry peace of mind with an award-winning customer experience that's unrivalled in our industry. For more information, visit www.alliancelaundry.com. SOURCE Alliance Laundry Systems Related Links https://alliancelaundry.com By Tangi Salaun PARIS (Reuters) - Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption on Monday and sentenced to three years in prison, a stunning fall from grace for a man who for five years bestrode the national and global stage. A Paris court found that Sarkozy, 66, had tried to bribe a judge after leaving office, and to peddle influence in exchange for confidential information about an investigation into his 2007 campaign finances. "He took advantage of his status and the relationships he had formed," presiding judge Christine Mee said. Sarkozy served as president from 2007 to 2012 and retains influence among conservatives, even after retiring. He is the second head of state in modern-day France to be convicted of corruption. He may not spend any time in prison, however. Two years of his sentence were suspended, and Mee said she was open to him staying out of prison tagged with an electronic bracelet for the remaining year, although that decision rests with another judge. The court found that Sarkozy had offered to secure a plum job in Monaco for a judge, Gilbert Azibert, in return for inside information about an inquiry into allegations that he had accepted illegal payments from L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy left the court without speaking, but his lawyer said he would appeal, and prove his innocence. "This ruling is extremely severe and wholly unjustified," Jacqueline Laffont told reporters. ANOTHER TRIAL LOOMS Sarkozy had burst onto the world stage as a reformer full of ideas who wanted to break with France's stagnant past on the domestic front and restore the birthplace of human rights to a place of prominence in international affairs. He earned himself the nickname of the "Gallic Thatcher," undertaking market-driven reforms such as raising the retirement age, loosening the 35-hour work week and adjusting the tax system to encourage overtime. Story continues Outside France, he brokered a ceasefire to the Russia-Georgia war in 2008, and in 2011 championed a NATO-led military intervention in Libya to support an uprising against its autocratic leader, Muammar Gaddafi. Investigators had been wiretapping conversations between Sarkozy and his lawyer Thierry Herzog from 2013 as they delved into allegations of Libyan financing of Sarkozy's 2007 campaign. As they did, they learned that Sarkozy and his lawyer were communicating using mobile phones registered under false names. Sarkozy said he had become the victim of a witch-hunt by financial prosecutors who had used excessive means to snoop on him. Asked by Reuters if Sarkozys conviction could pose a risk to his position as member of Lagardere's supervisory group, a spokesman for the media group said: "We are delighted with Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy's contribution and personal investment in Lagardere's supervisory board." The former French president is also an independent director of French hotel giant Accor. Herzog and Azibert, who were on trial alongside him, were also found guilty of corruption and influence-peddling. "Such behaviour can only seriously undermine the legitimate trust that the public must have in the justice system," Mee said. Sarkozy and his centre-right party Les Republicains have long said the investigations against him are politically motivated. The only other president of the Fifth Republic to be convicted by a court was Sarkozy's conservative predecessor, the late Jacques Chirac, who was found guilty of corruption in 2011. Sarkozy is due in court again later this month, on charges of violating campaign financing rules during his failed 2012 re-election bid. Prosecutors are also investigating allegations that Gaddafi provided Sarkozy's 2007 campaign with millions of euros shipped to Paris in suitcases. Sarkozy denies both allegations. (Reporting by Tangi Salaun; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Gareth Jones, Kevin Liffey and Cynthia Osterman) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday accused Iran of attacking an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman last week, a mysterious explosion that further spiked security concerns in the region. In this Aug. 14, 2020, photo, the vehicle cargo ship Helios Ray is seen at the Port of Chiba in Chiba, Japan. An explosion struck the Israeli-owned Helios Ray as it sailed out of the Middle East on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, an unexplained blast renewing concerns about ship security in the region amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. (Katsumi Yamamoto via AP) JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday accused Iran of attacking an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman last week, a mysterious explosion that further spiked security concerns in the region. Without offering any evidence to his claim, Netanyahu told Israeli public broadcaster Kan that it was indeed an act by Iran, thats clear. Iran is the greatest enemy of Israel, I am determined to halt it. We are hitting it in the entire region, Netanyahu said. Iran promptly dismissed the charges. The blast struck the Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray, a Bahamian-flagged roll-on, roll-off vehicle cargo ship, as it was sailing out of the Middle East on its way to Singapore on Friday. The crew was unharmed, but the vessel sustained two holes on its port side and two on its starboard side just above the waterline, according to American defence officials. The ship came to Dubais port for repairs on Sunday, days after the blast that revived security concerns in Mideast waterways amid heightened tensions with Iran. The Israeli-owned cargo ship, Helios Ray, sits docked in port after arriving earlier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. The ship has been damaged by an unexplained blast at the gulf of Oman on Thursday. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili) Iran has sought to pressure the U.S. to lift sanctions on Tehran as President Joe Biden's administration considers option for returning to negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Biden has said repeatedly the U.S. would return to the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that his predecessor, Donald Trump, withdrew from in 2018 only after Iran restores its full compliance with the accord. The explosion on the Israeli-owned ship last week recalled the tense summer of 2019, when the U.S. military accused Iran of attacking several oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman with limpet mines, designed to be attached magnetically to a ships hull. The Gulf of Oman leads through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for the worlds oil supplies. Tehran has denied the accusations that it was behind the limpet mine attacks. It remains unclear what caused Friday's blast on the Helios Ray. The vessel had discharged cars at various ports in the Persian Gulf before the explosion forced it to reverse course. Over the weekend, Israels defence minister and army chief had both indicated they held Iran responsible for what they said was an attack on the vessel. Iran responded to Netanyahu's statement saying it strongly rejected the claim that it was behind the attack. In a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Netanyahu was suffering from an obsession with Iran and described his charges as fear-mongering." Khatibzadeh also accused Israel of taking suspicious actions in the region against Iran in recent months to undermine the 2015 nuclear deal, without elaborating, and vowed Iran would respond. Israel knows very well that our response in the field of national security has always been fierce and accurate, he said. Overnight, Syrian state media reported a series of alleged Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, saying air defence systems had intercepted most of the missiles. Israeli media reports said the alleged airstrikes were on Iranian targets in response to the ship attack. Israel has struck hundreds of Iranian targets in neighbouring Syria in recent years, and Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel will not accept a permanent Iranian military presence there. Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah have provided military support to Syrian President Bashar Assad in the more than decade-long Syrian civil war. The Israeli military declined comment. Iran also has blamed Israel for a recent series of attacks, including another mysterious explosion last summer that destroyed an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at its Natanz nuclear facility and the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top Iranian scientist who founded the Islamic Republics military nuclear program two decades ago. Iran has repeatedly vowed to avenge Fakhrizadehs killing. It is most important that Iran doesnt have nuclear weapons, with or without an agreement, this I also told to my friend Biden," Netanyahu said Monday. Iranian threats of retaliation have raised alarms in Israel since the signing of normalization deals with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in September. Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report. This latest growth represents a key stage in the companys burgeoning global leadership that comes on the heels of an expansion announced just over a year ago. Today, IDScan.net employs some 70 people across offices in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Seattle and Europe. Over the past several years, IDScan.net has grown from the vision of its co-founders, CEO Denis Petrov and CTO Andrey Stanovnov, into a world-recognized leader in the fast-growing field of information gathering and identity verification. They began the enterprise in a garage, becoming active participants in the New Orleans tech ecosystem and advancing through The Idea Village and Launch Pad before setting up their global headquarters in the University of New Orleans Research & Technology Park. This past quarter, they expanded onto another floor, hired eight employees, and launched several products. This latest growth represents a key stage in the companys burgeoning global leadership that comes on the heels of an expansion announced just over a year ago. Today, IDScan.net employs some 70 people across offices in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Seattle and Europe. At a time when many are struggling as a result of the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic, we are grateful to have been able to quickly pivot, grow, and help our customers meet the new challenges of the day with our cutting-edge contactless technologies, he continued. Petrov credits the companys success to a culture of innovation that empowers team members to build on IDScan.nets proven technology to create new solutions. Most recently, the company announced the development of apps to aid in healthcare providers in administering the COVID-19 vaccine and businesses in ensuring visitors are healthy. While taking on a new floor with additional workspace and dedicated logistics area is significant, this is first and foremost a people story, said Petrov. Weve added highly recognized and respected talent to our team who are helping take our business to the next level. IDScan.nets new global headquarters stretches across two floors at the University of New Orleans Research & Technology Park. "We have been thrilled to witness IDScan.net's growth throughout the years as it has continued to expand within the UNO Research and Technology Park," said Rebecca Conwell, the president and CEO of the UNO Research & Technology Foundation. "IDScan.net is a New Orleans success story and emblematic of the power of our local tech sector to lead nationally. We are especially proud to see two UNO alumni doing so well, and we are grateful for their collaboration and for giving the next generation UNO students opportunities for professional growth through internships and careers." Among others, the most recent round of IDScan.net hires include: Joshua Sheetz as Director of Software Engineering. Sheetz has been a developer for over 10 years, most recently working as the lead developer for the New Orleans Saints. He has been recognized for exceptional work in the field by both the Saints organization and his previous employer, the Miami Dolphins. Brain Mulhall as a Senior Software Engineer. He has worked in software development since graduating with a double major in computer science and math from the University of Connecticut in 2014. Mulhall has expertise in multiple programming languages and has managed teams of developers. Benjamin Johnson as an IT support specialist. He brings his experience as general manager and IT support specialist for Dibbz Gaming Center and Computer Repair. IDScan.nets core technology allows organizations to simply swipe an individuals ID to harvest information and verify it within seconds with 100 percent accuracy. Its solutions have been approved by the TSA and FBI and are in use worldwide, in industries including gaming, hospitality, retail, finance and education. Were constantly looking for ways to make advanced technologies simple, seamless and more accessible to a wider range of businesses and organizations in ways that can be configured to the needs of each enterprise, said Petrov. Were excited about our new team members and what this will mean for our continued growth. Its even more gratifying to me personally, that were expanding and contributing to the growing tech community here in New Orleans, my adopted hometown and a place thats been so good to us and so helpful in our success, he continued. About IDScan.net IDScan.net is a leading developer of identity verification and information gathering technologies. With a mission of creating a safer and smarter world, the company has enhanced environments and experiences for over 6,000 clients including IBM, Shell, AMC Theaters, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Dave & Busters, and many more of the worlds most trusted brands. Since 2003, the companys team of industry specialists has pioneered technology that anticipates the rapidly evolving needs of leaders across all industries from gaming and hospitality, to retail, finance, and education developing more than 300 custom applications and the industrys leading and most up-to-date library of global ID formats. The companys technology has been approved by the TSA. Itanagar/Agartala, March 1 : Arunachal Pradesh has reported zero Covid cases during the last ten days, even as the state's recovery rate stands at 99.67 per cent, the second highest in the country after the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu having a recovery rate at 99.82 per cent, health officials said on Monday. According to the data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday, the total Covid-19 positive cases in Arunachal Pradesh were 16,836, while the number of recoveries stood at 16,780. In all, 56 patients have succumbed to the coronavirus in the northeastern state registering the fatality rate of 0.33 per cent. As per the information released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the recovery rate of seven of the eight northeastern states excluding Sikkim is above 98 per cent. Sikkim's recovery rate is 97.05 per cent and mortality rate is 2.20 per cent, the third highest in India after Punjab (3.20 per cent) and Maharashtra (2.42 per cent). The northeastern state of Mizoram among the 28 states in India has the distinction of having the lowest death rate of 0.23 per cent and the state's recovery rate is 99.21 per cent. Mizoram was the lone state in India where there was no Covid-19 related death until October 28 last year even as the first death was reported in India on January 30, 2020. According to the health officials in Aizawl on Monday, Mizoram has so far reported 4,423 Covid-19 cases with ten people having died. While 4,393 people have recovered from the infectious virus, there were 20 active cases as on Monday. The officials said that all the ten deaths were in two -- Aizawl (9) and Serchhip (1) -- of the state's 11 districts. Meanwhile, in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus, officials in Meghalaya said that the night curfew (11 p.m. in the night to 5 a.m. in the morning) would remain in force in Shillong and other adjoining areas under the East Khasi Hills district for the next seven days from Monday. Besides Shillong, the night curfew is being extended from time to time in Mizoram capital Aizawl. According to the officials of the Health and family Welfare Department of Assam, the state had reported its first death due to coronavirus on April 10 last year. The first death in Assam, as well as in the northeastern region, was reported from Hailakandi district in southern Assam where a middle aged man, who had gone abroad, succumbed to Covid-19 at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital. In Assam, 2,17,537 people have so far been infected by the dreaded virus and 2,14,830 people recovered from the disease with the recovery and mortality rates are 98.76 per cent and 0.50 per cent respectively. The state's active cases on Monday were 1,615. With 39 active cases on Monday, Tripura, where so far 32,987 people have recovered out of the 33, 417 Covid-19 infected people, did not witness any death due to Covid-19 during the past 43 days. So far, 391 people have died due to Covid-19 in Tripura. Along with the other states in India, the Covid-19 vaccination phase to cover senior citizens and people above 45 years with co-morbidities, began in the northeastern states on Monday. The nationwide immunisation drive began across the country on January 16 after the approval of two Covid vaccines -- Covishield and Covaxin, which have been cleared for emergency use by the authorities. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech is the manufacturer of India's first indigenous vaccine for Covid-19, Covaxin, while Covishield has been developed by Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India in Pune. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) MUMBAI: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Monday expressed gratitude to fans for their wishes, a day after the actor shared that he has a "medical condition" for which he needed to undergo a surgery. It is unclear if the medical procedure is complete. The 78-year-old actor wrote on his personal blog, "My gratitude and love for the concern and the wishes." He also took to Twitter and posted namaste emoticons as a gesture of thanking his fans. Earlier on Saturday, the senior Bachchan had shared a one-line cryptic message about his health. "Medical condition .. Surgery .. Can't write (sic)" he had written. One of the busiest stars in the Hindi film industry, Bachchan was recently shooting for "MayDay", directed by and starring Ajay Devgan. The veteran actor, who regularly keeps in touch with his followers whom he calls his ''extended family'' via social media, was also one of the first Indian film personalities to be diagnosed with coronavirus last year. 2021 TOYOTA YARIS NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR AT GENEVA AUTO SHOW +VIDEO Toyota Yaris, Car of the Year 2021, A deserving winner The Car of the Year trophy, which has been awarded since 1964, is the most prestigious and coveted award in the automotive world. A 59-member jury, made up of automotive journalists from 22 countries, selects the winner from seven models that have made it to the round of finalists in the first round of voting. The finalists for The Car of the Year 2021 are: Citroen C4 Cupra Formentor Fiat 500 Land Rover Defender Skoda Octavia Toyota Yaris Volkswagen ID.3 One of these cars will be the successor of last years winner, the Peugeot 208. And The Winner Is 2021 TOYOTA YARIS Now it is a neatly different story. Yaris keeps on being more compact than other B-segment models, but has matured and refined in every aspect: looks, perceived quality, safety and comfort equipment, performance and handling too. The main feature about the new Yaris, despite the almost marginal existence of other petrol engines, is its efficient hybrid system. The Toyota HSD technology started in models of certain size and price for cost and marketing reasons, but it is in urban areas where a hybrid vehicle excels in fuel consumption and emissions cleanness. Hence the special suitability of an efficient hybrid small car such as Yaris. The previous generation of this model already gave a chance to hybridization; but the new car improves in fuel efficiency, emissions and performance at the same time. Compactness pays a certain price in luggage space and room for rear passengers. Otherwise, the Yaris treats well its occupants, and combines practicality with comfort, safety and fun to drive. Yes, there is also the sporty 4WD 360-hpYaris GR, which has also caught the eye of many CotY jurors, and has helped to improve the image of this model. Just for fun! Excerpts from the jurors: A very good all-rounder in its segment that offers top of class safety features. An important car, for an important segment. Toyota continues their work to lower the emissions without compromising the car, with this 3-cylinder hybrid. Not happy enough for having the best full-hybrid system in the segment, Toyota made it even better. More efficient, easier to use and it is fun to drive now. A major qualitative leap in hybridization and efficiency that allows for almost unbelievable fuel economy figures. Something has happened. Toyota Yaris used to be a reliable, fuel efficient but quite boring little car. The new Yaris is fun to drive, nice to ride in and still fuel efficient and reliable. The hybrid system suits a small car. City owners mostly don't have access to home charging. But the Yaris still gives excellent economy and frequent electric silence in urban driving. Yaris is the best all-rounder in this competition. Hybrid is the way to reduce CO2 if customers miss charging infrastructure where they live. The Yaris has been redesigned from the ground into a good-looking small hatch with also interesting riding, thanks to its new platform. Press Release 1 March 2021 Brussels - Radisson Hotel Group looks ahead to 2021 with 30 planned hotel openings or 5,000 rooms across EMEA, building on the Group's 40+ signings announced in 2020. The Group's 2020 expansion included the introduction of the Radisson Individuals brand and the announcement of ambitious plans to double its portfolio of Serviced Apartments by 2025. 2021 expected openings also include seven exciting new openings of the Group's premium lifestyle Radisson Collection brand in France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Advertisements In 2020, Radisson Hotel Group signed over 40 new hotels, resorts and serviced apartments across EMEA with 7,700 rooms and opened over 20 properties as the group continues to optimize its new brand architecture. Key signings included Radisson Blu Sheffield in the UK, Radisson RED Innsbruck in Austria, Radisson RED Cologne, Radisson Blu Resort Santorini in Greece, Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Johannesburg in South Africa, Radisson Residences Heidelberg in GermanyRadisson Beach Resort The Palm in Dubai, the UAE, Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel in France and Henrietta House, a member of Radisson Individuals in Bath, UK. In 2020 Radisson Hotel Group also launched a new brand, Radisson Individuals, a conversion brand offering independent hotels and local, regional chains the opportunity to be part of the global Radisson Hotel Group platform, benefiting from the Group's international awareness and experience, with the freedom to maintain their own uniqueness and identity. In addition, 2020 marked the Group's expansion of its Serviced Apartment portfolio which will be developed as a brand extension to cater to the different segments from midscale to luxury. Radisson Hotel Group announced plans to more than double its Serviced Apartment portfolio within the next 5 years with new openings planned for Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Larnaca, Nicosia, Cortina, Cairo, Riyadh, and further openings planned in Germany. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer EMEA, Radisson Hotel Group said: "Throughout 2020, while many hotel groups put their development plans on hold, we remained optimistic and relentless to create more possibilities for guests and opportunities for owners. With the launch of Radisson Individuals and the reinforcement of our strategy for Serviced Apartments, we stay relevant to our owners and guests, and this is down to three key factors - innovation, simplification, and empowering our people. 2021 will likely be a transition year with a challenging first half and an expected recovery thereafter, and I see it as a year of further opportunities for a better future. We thank our guests, owners, and team members for their continued support, trust and generosity" 2021 will be another key year for the Group's expansion, with the projected opening of 30 hotels and over 5,000 rooms in EMEA across its brand portfolio. Planned openings include seven premium lifestyle Radisson Collection hotels and resorts in key cities such as Seville and Lyon, and an impressive expansion in Italy in Milan, Venice, and Cortina d'Ampezzo, bringing the brand's total portfolio to 35+ hotels globally in key cities such as Paris, Milan, London, Shanghai, Moscow, Cairo, and Lagos as well as in resort destinations such as the Blue Mountains, Bodrum, and Nanjing. Radisson Hotel Group's top priority is the continued health, safety and security of its guests, team members, and business partners. In May 2020, the hotel group announced its Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol in collaboration with SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Additionally, Radisson Hotel Group supports the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)'s 'Safe Travels' health and safety protocols and stamp to create consistency across the Travel and Tourism industry. At 1:51 p.m. on Jan. 6, a right-wing radio host named Michael D. Brown wrote on Twitter that rioters had breached the United States Capitol and immediately speculated about who was really to blame. Antifa or BLM or other insurgents could be doing it disguised as Trump supporters, Mr. Brown wrote, using shorthand for Black Lives Matter. Come on, man, have you never heard of psyops? Only 13,000 people follow Mr. Brown on Twitter, but his tweet caught the attention of another conservative pundit: Todd Herman, who was guest-hosting Rush Limbaughs national radio program. Minutes later, he repeated Mr. Browns baseless claim to Mr. Limbaughs throngs of listeners: Its probably not Trump supporters who would do that. Antifa, BLM, thats what they do. Right? What happened over the next 12 hours illustrated the speed and the scale of a right-wing disinformation machine primed to seize on a lie that served its political interests and quickly spread it as truth to a receptive audience. The weekslong fiction about a stolen election that President Donald J. Trump pushed to his millions of supporters had set the stage for a new and equally false iteration: that left-wing agitators were responsible for the attack on the Capitol. In fact, the rioters breaking into the citadel of American democracy that day were acolytes of Mr. Trump, intent on stopping Congress from certifying his electoral defeat. Subsequent arrests and investigations have found no evidence that people who identify with antifa, a loose collective of antifascist activists, were involved in the insurrection. Earn your Associate of Applied Business in Business IT (BIT) degree online from the University of Cincinnati. This program can be completed fully online, with curriculum customized to fit your schedule, interests and how quickly you want to complete your degree. Application deadline July 1, 2021. Learn More A new mobile processor announced by Qualcomm Technologies Monday is expected to spawn a wave of economically priced 5G smartphones. Phones with the Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform will be in the $125 to $250 price range, Qualcomm President Cristiano R. Amon predicted on Twitter in September. Great question. We expect to see prices ranging from $125 to $250 USD. Lots of phones . In China, 5G price points can already address 60% of the market. With the new Snapdragon 4 in Q121, the transition from 4G to 5G will significantly accelerate globally. Cristiano R. Amon (@cristianoamon) September 3, 2020 "The 400 series is designed for phones that go into low-priced markets outside the U.S. -- China, India, places where price sensitivity is a bigger issue," explained Bob O'Donnell, founder and chief analyst with Technalysis Research, a technology market research and consulting firm in Foster City, Calif. "This gives vendors of those phones the ability to bring 5G to their customers," he told TechNewsWorld. "In China, for example, where there's a huge amount of 5G, it's a big deal." "This is about bringing 5G to the world," he said. Upper Tier Features, Lower Tier price Kedar Kondap, vice president for product management at Qualcomm maintained in a statement that the 480 will exceed OEM and consumer expectations in delivering high- and mid-tier features at an affordable price. The platform's capabilities include: Support of both mmWave and Sub-6 GHz bands of the 5G spectrum; Improved CPU and GPU performance over the previous generation of the chip of 100 percent, and 70 percent improvement in AI performance; Inclusion of Quick Charge 4+ technology; Support for capturing a still image in ultrawide, wide and telephoto cameras all at once or three 720p videos through those cameras simultaneously; and Support for 120fps FHD+ displays and Qualcomm aptX audio. "The process node is also now eight nanometers versus eleven nanometers which translates to an even smaller and more efficient chip," Anshel Sag, a senior analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy, told TechNewsWorld. "The inclusion of Fast Charge is a nice feature," added Ross Rubin, the principal analyst at Reticle Research, "because 5G is a bit more aggressive in battery usage so it's nice to be able to top off the phone more quickly, especially since low-end phones have smaller batteries." However, he questioned how noticeable the performance improvements would be to users. "You won't see night and day difference in terms of throughput, particularly on the Sub-6 GHz spectrum," he told TechNewsWorld, "but over time, in a year or two, you will see improvements as the carriers optimize their networks." Solis, though, believes the performance of phones based on the 480 won't disappoint most consumers. "The performance should appear pretty good," he said. "It's not going to be as snappy as a 700 or 800 series phone -- just because it's a 5G phone doesn't mean the whole phone is going to be super powerful -- but for most of the ways that people use their phones, it's going to be fine." Consumer Benefits Consumers will benefit from the new chip, noted David McQueen, a research director, at ABI Research. "It will enable smartphones to be sold at much lower price points, helping to bring 5G smartphone models to market quickly and democratize the 5G experience," he told TechNewsWorld. "Many leading OEMs are expected to push deeper into the lower-priced 5G smartphone segment, and this will be the main growth driver for accelerating adoption in 2021 and beyond, aided by the continuing availability of more affordable 5G chipsets, notably those from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Unisoc." Even if a consumer doesn't take advantage of the performance and feature improvements offered by the 480, they can benefit from its 5G capabilities, observed Phil Solis, a research director at IDC. "The more devices that are on 5G, the more efficiently the network will run," he told TechNewsWorld. "New generations of cellular technology are more efficient than previous ones because they can move data faster and have lower latency," he continued. "Not everyone needs a high-powered smartphone that can do complex tasks fluidly, but connectivity is important to everyone." He added that the pricing predictions for new phones based on the 480 seemed reasonable. "There are phones in the market now that use the 600 series 5G Snapdragon processor that are selling for $250," he said. Ecosystem Play By bringing more consumers into the 5G fold, Qualcomm's new chip will help accelerate 5G commercialization, McQueen maintained. "Having more users on 5G improves network efficiency and speeds and allows operators to accelerate their 5G adoption," added Sag. With the introduction of the 480, the price of 5G phones is going to drop further and faster than a lot of people predicted, noted O'Donnell. "It's indicative of how quickly and how aggressively the market is moving to 5G, in terms of phones being available at a wider range of price points," he continued. "It's going to be hard to sell even cheap 4G phones going forward because there are going to be so many inexpensive 5G options". This latest move by Qualcomm is part of a huge, long-term ecosystem play for the company, he asserted. "They want to drive more usage of 5G because they have some strong technologies that are unique to them," he observed. It also gets people to upgrade their phones. "The phone market has declined over the last year so there's a strong desire to get people to upgrade," he explained. "One of the best ways to get people to that is to get a 5G phone." Emerging Market Appeal Phones based on the 480 will probably be most popular in emerging markets, McQueen noted. "It will drive volume in large markets, such as China and India, creating even greater demand for 5G devices in the low-to-mid range, accelerating affordability and adoption," he said. "This seismic shift to lower price tiers means that 5G will undoubtedly be good news for smartphone replacement cycles and subscriber technology migration, and not just for the benefit of these emerging markets," he added. With the 480, Qualcomm is also making a statement to competitors like MediaTek, which has been a low-cost modem supplier for a long time and has had some low-cost 5G options available since the second half of last year. "MediaTek recently became the highest volume producer of smartphone chips, in part, because they have 5G available in the value segment of the market," Rubin observed. The 480 would appear to have an edge over MediaTek's 5G Sub-6 GHz-only chips because Qualcomm's platform supports mmWave. But O'Donnell cautioned, "Just because the 480 supports mmWave doesn't mean mmWave support will be enabled because it's more expensive to add the other pieces you need to make mmWave work." "It's about offering choices for the handset makers, particularly if they're a Qualcomm customer, and they have a broad range of phones," Rubin explained. "They'd prefer to get all their chips for all their phones from a single supplier." "If you're a smaller handset maker," he continued, "that's not as important to you so you might go to a MediaTek, especially if the geographies you sell into aren't implementing high-speed mmWave." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. Protesters take cover as they clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 28, 2021. Reuters Security forces in Myanmar opened fire and made mass arrests Sunday as they sought to break up protests against the military's seizure of power, and a U.N. human rights official said it had ''credible information'' that at least 18 people were killed and 30 were wounded. That would be the highest single-day death toll among protesters who are demanding that the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi be restored to power after being ousted by a Feb. 1 coup. About 1,000 people are believed to have been detained Sunday. ''Deaths reportedly occurred as a result of live ammunition fired into crowds in Yangon, Dawei, Mandalay, Myeik, Bago and Pokokku,'' the U.N. Human Rights Office said in a statement referring to several cities, adding that the forces also used tear gas, flash-bang grenades and stun grenades. An Associated Press journalist was taken into police custody on Saturday morning while providing news coverage of the protests. The journalist, Thein Zaw, remains in police custody. The AP called for his immediate release. ''Independent journalists must be allowed to freely and safely report the news without fear of retribution. AP decries in the strongest terms the arbitrary detention of Thein Zaw,'' said Ian Phillips, AP vice president for international news. The Foreign Correspondents Club of Myanmar also condemned the arrest. The Democratic Voice of Burma reported that as of 5 p.m. in Myanmar, there had been 19 confirmed deaths in nine cities, with another 10 deaths unconfirmed. The independent media company broadcasts on satellite and digital terrestrial television, as well as online. DVB counted five deaths in Yangon and two in Mandalay, the largest and second-largest cities. It registered five deaths in Dawei, a much smaller city in southeastern Myanmar that has seen tens of thousands of protesters nearly every day since the coup. Witnesses said Sunday's march was also large and people were determined not to be driven off the streets. Confirming the deaths of protesters has been difficult amid the chaos and general lack of news from official sources, especially in areas outside Yangon, Mandalay and the capital of Naypyitaw. But in many cases, photos and video circulated showed circumstances of the killings and gruesome photos of bodies. The independent Assistance Association of Political Prisoners reported it was aware that about 1,000 people were detained Sunday, of whom they were able to identify 270. That brought to 1,132 the total number of people the group has confirmed being arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup. Gunfire was reported almost as soon the protests began Sunday morning in Yangon, as police also fired tear gas and water cannons while trying to clear the streets. Photos of shell casings from live ammunition used in assault rifles were posted on social media. Initial reports on social media identified one young man believed to have been killed. His body was shown in photos and videos lying on a sidewalk until other protesters carried him away. In Dawei, local media reported at least three people were killed during a protest march, supported by photos and video. Photos on social media showed one wounded man in the care of medical personnel. Before Sunday, there had been eight confirmed reports of killings linked to the army's takeover, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the crackdown, calling the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters and arbitrary arrests ''unacceptable,'' and expressed serious concern at the increase in deaths and serious injuries, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. ''The secretary-general urges the international community to come together and send a clear signal to the military that it must respect the will of the people of Myanmar as expressed through the election and stop the repression,'' Dujarric said. U.S. officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken also condemned the violence. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a statement saying the U.S. is ''alarmed'' by the violence and stands in solidarity with Myanmar people ''who continue to bravely voice their aspirations for democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights.'' Washington has imposed sanctions on Myanmar because of the coup, and Sullivan said it would ''impose further costs on those responsible,'' promising details ''in the coming days.'' The Feb. 1 coup reversed years of slow progress toward democracy after five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party would have been installed for a second five-year term in office, but the army blocked Parliament from convening and detained her and President Win Myint, as well as other top members of Suu Kyi's government. On Sunday morning, medical students marched in Yangon near the Hledan Center intersection, which has become the gathering point for protesters who then fan out to other parts of the city. Videos and photos showed protesters running as police charged at them, and residents setting up makeshift roadblocks to slow their advance. Some protesters managed to throw tear gas canisters back at police. Nearby, residents were pleading with police to release those they picked up from the street and shoved into police trucks to be taken away. Dozens or more were believed to be detained. ''The world is watching the actions of the Myanmar military junta, and will hold them accountable,'' said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch. ''Live ammunition should not be used to control or disperse protests and lethal force can only be used to protect life or prevent serious injury.'' Security forces began employing rougher tactics on Saturday, taking preemptive actions to break up protests and making scores, if not hundreds, of arrests. Greater numbers of soldiers also joined police. Many of those detained were taken to Insein Prison in Yangon's northern outskirts, historically notorious for holding political prisoners. According to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, as of Saturday, 854 people had been arrested, charged or sentenced at one point in relation to the coup, and 771 were being detained or sought for arrest. The group said that while it had documented 75 new arrests, it understood that hundreds of other people were also picked up Saturday in Yangon and elsewhere. (AP) A student who secretly filmed more than 20 women on a university campus has avoided jail after one victim spotted his camera while taking a shower. Doyun Kim, 21, took numerous videos of women around the University of Manchester while they were out shopping for stationary, boarding the bus, getting into a lift or attending a student party. He was caught out after trying to hide a phone behind black bin bags in a communal bathroom - which was eventually spotted by another student. Police recovered 24 different up-skirting videos on the phone which had been edited with specialist software and taken at various academic buildings around the University of Manchester. Victims said they were left feeling 'violated,' by the engineering student, who was known to friends as Eric. At Manchester Crown Court, Kim a South Korean national whose family live in New Malden in South West London, admitted 22 charges of voyeurism and two charges of attempted voyeurism. He was ordered to complete a 36 month community order, along with the Horizon Sex Offenders Programme and 220 hours of unpaid work. He will also be made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years. Doyun Kim, 21, secretly filmed women as they went about their lives at the University of Manchester in 2019. He was caught out after one student spotted his phone hidden inside a communal bathroom Kim, 21, secretly grabbed numerous videos of women after pointing the device at them as they climbed flights of stairs ahead of him to go to lectures or whilst attending at freshers events. The first year student was caught after he set up the mobile phone in a communal bathroom at college accommodation to film his contemporaries taking baths and showers. In one incident Kim left his phone on a flight of stairs to film up students' skirts as they walked down them. Officers managed to trace just four of his victims. In a statement one said: 'Eric seemed like such a chilled guy - I just can't believe he would invade my privacy like that. I now have to check for hidden cameras whenever I'm getting ready to do out.' Police recovered 24 different up-skirting movies on the phone which had been edited with specialist software. Officers managed to track down just four of Kim's victims, who said they were left feeling 'violated' Another student said: 'I'm just in disbelief and feel angry and upset. I've not felt the same way since and I've had problems with my relationship because of it.' The two other students said they were left feeling 'violated.' The investigation began in November 2019 after a student at the university found the phone when she turned down a night out to stay in and wash her hair. Miss Isobel Thomas prosecuting said: 'She went into the bathroom in a bath robe but after taking her towel off she noticed an Apple iPhone X was facing her, which was covered in three small bin bags as a disguise. 'She went towards the phone and noticed it was recording. She saw a thumbnail and it showed the defendant looking at the position in which she would find it. She stopped the recording and deleted the footage and then rang the police. 'Police later got a search warrant and searched the defendant's room. They found and seized a black iPhone X and numerous videos were found. The first was a 1min 24 second video which was edited using the InShot Video Editor application. 'The video captured at the Manchester University's Student Union Welcome Fair. shows a female in a blue and white skirt and with a follow motion tracks under her skirt to see her buttocks. One woman was filmed walking down the stair and he would have successfully captured up her skirt had it not been for the lighting. 'It seems the camera moved towards her face and captures an image of her face, the camera then moves under her skirt but the area is too dark to see. 'Other videos relate to an unknown female climbing a flight of stairs, a film showing up the skirt of a student bending over and using a kitchen appliance and another showed an unknown woman bending over to get a pizza.' Police arrested Kim in January 2020 but he refused to answer questions during his interview. A pre-sentence report concluded he posed a 'high risk' of committing similar crimes in the future. Kim was handed a 36 month community order and told to complete the Horizon Sex Offenders Programme and 220 hours of unpaid work A pre-sentence report from the Probation Service later concluded he posed a 'high risk' of committing similar crimes in the future and a 'medium risk' of causing harm. In mitigation defence counsel Kate Blackwell QC said her client had completed a 'Safer Lives' program to address his behaviour and added: 'I cannot disagree with what has been advised in the pre-sentence report especially with the level of involvement that this defendant has had.' Sentencing the judge Mr Recorder Anthony O'Donohoe told Kim: 'It seems you are quite an isolated individual but this is not a victimless crime. In fact the victims impacted speak of distress and anger because of your behaviour. 'This case clearly passes the custody threshold but it is believed you can be managed within the community, given your young age and you have already taken steps to help your behaviour.' 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 28) - President Rodrigo Duterte said that he would want to visit China soon to thank President Xi Jinping for the donated anti-coronavirus vaccines that arrived on Sunday. Towards, maybe at the end of the year, when everything has settled down, I intend to make a short visit to China to just shake hands with President Xi Jinping and to personally thank him for his donations, he said during a welcome ceremony. The national government received today 600,000 doses of vaccine by Sinovac, the first to arrive in the country since the pandemic started. Duterte boasted that the vaccine doses donated to the country were the only batch carried by a government plane. China has donated several vaccines to several countries. But this is the only donation made to the Philippines that was carried by a Chinese government plane, he said. Yung iba kinukuha dun sa China, dito hinatid sa atin (Some countries need to go to China, but they just delivered them to us). The military will get 100,000 doses from the donation, with the rest to be allocated to the other priority sectors such as healthcare workers. Moreover, Duterte assured that the vaccines donated by the Chinese government did not come with strings attached. China has never asked for anything. China has been giving us everything, but never asked anything from us, he said during a press conference. The national government will start on Monday, March 1 the rollout of Sinovac vaccines in six public hospitals. NASA's Perseverance rover, the parachute that helped it land and the descent stage have been spotted on Mars by the European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars orbiter. The rover first landed on the Red Planet on February 18 after a hair raising '7 minutes of terror' descent to the Martian surface that saw it slowed down by the parachute. Observations by the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars satellite, in orbit around the Red Planet, captured the location of the rover, descent stage, heat shield and parachute. The pieces of landing gear helped Perseverance survive its 12,000 mile per hour descent to the surface and were spread over a 5km wide area in the Jezero crater. This is a false colour image from the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars satellite, made to resemble the orange of the Martian surface. It captured the location of the rover, descent stage, heat shield and parachute A day after landing, NASA was able to collect Perseverance's first images of Mars. An image shot by the sky crane that shows Perseverance, nicknamed Perky, slung beneath and attached to mechanical bridles moments before making landfall 'SEVEN MINUTES OF TERROR': ROVER ENDURES 2,370F TEMPERATURES DURING MARS PLUNGE NASA's $2.2 billion Perseverance rover endured temperatures of 2,370F as it plunged through Mars' atmosphere. This descent is known as the 'seven minutes of terror' by the NASA team. After the rover separated from its spacecraft it enters the atmosphere at about 12,000 miles per hour, creating air resistance and heat. Jets guide it through the the atmosphere before the parachute is deployed 4 minutes into the landing. The cameras start studying the terrain and scour for a landing spot from seven miles above the surface of Mars. A landing 'jetpack' which cradles Perseverance and is fitted with eight rocket thrusters will then take control. It will complete the final approach to the surface and slow the craft down from 190mph to a mere 1.7mph. The craft will then attempt the 'skycrane' manoeuvre which was first developed for Curiosity in 2012. Nylon cords will hold Perseverance 25 feet below the jetpack and gently place the rover down on the red soil. Advertisement This is a tiny proportion of the entire Jezero crater, which had a diameter of about 49km and is where Perseverance will search for signs of ancient life on Mars. Among the discarded items was a heat shield that protected Perseverance from temperatures of 1,300 degrees C as it flew through the atmosphere. ESA said as well as capturing images of the landing site, it also helped relay data about the landing back to NASA mission control in California. 'The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter provided significant data relay services around the landing of Perseverance,' the European agency said in a statement. They said this included 'supporting the return of the videos and imagery taken by the missions onboard cameras during the descent of the rover to the surface of Mars.' NASA has taken its own satellite images of Perseverance and its landing detritus using the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which also acts as a data relay for both Curiosity and Perseverance. ExoMars will continue to help provide data relay support between Earth and Mars for various NASA surface missions - including InSight, Perseverance and Curiosity. It will also help in the next stage of the ExoMars mission, which will see Europe land a rover on the Red Planet to search for signs of ancient Martian life. This is the Rosalind Franklin rover, built in the UK, along with the Russian-built Kazachok surface platform, both launching from Earth in 2023. This lander mission was postponed, it was due to launch in summer 2020 at the same time as the NASA, Chinese and United Arab Emirates missions. It was postponed due to delays in testing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The primary objective is to land the Rosalind Franklin rover at a site with high potential for finding well-preserved organic material, particularly from the very early history of the planet. NASA's Mars Reconnaissance orbiter also captured amazing images of Perseverance, showing it attached to the sonic parachute moments after shooting through the Martian atmosphere like a comet NASA shared an image laying out where certain features landed on Mars during Perseverance decent or 'seven minutes of terror' from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter The rover will establish the physical and chemical properties of Martian samples, mainly from the subsurface using a drill to take samples. Underground samples are more likely to include biomarkers, since the tenuous Martian atmosphere offers little protection from radiation at the surface. 'At the same time, the Trace Gas Orbiter continues its own science mission, focusing on analysing the planets atmosphere with a special emphasis on searching for gases that may be linked to active geological or biological processes,' ESA said. The ESA has a long history of cooperation with NASA, and the two space agencies are due to work together to bring samples of Mars rock back to Earth by 2030. Captured in stunning HD, it was taken by the rover's Mastcam-Z, a dual-camera system equipped with a zoom function to help it focus on distant objects In this image, the colours have been stretched to emphasise the compositional diversity of the surface. Among the discarded items was a heat shield that protected Perseverance from temperatures of 1,300 degrees C as it flew through the atmosphere Over the course of its time on Mars, Perseverance will gather up rock samples and place them in small tubes that it will leave on the surface. At some point int he next decade a ESA Fetch rover will land on Mars and follow in Perseverance's tracks to pick up the tubes and fly them back to Earth. Jezero crater is thought to be an ideal location to search for evidence of long extinct life on the Red Planet as it was flooded and dried out multiple times over the billions of years of Martian history. 'Perseverance will explore the Jezero Crater region of Mars, which is thought to have once hosted a lake, searching for signs of past microbial life,' ESA said. 'It will collect and cache samples of martian rocks and soil for subsequent missions to collect and return to Earth as part of the joint ESA-NASA Mars Sample Return campaign.' Beyrle Shinn, a 26-year-old department store clerk from Oakland, knew how to look on the bright side. While on a Bay Area drive one day in 1936, his car began to shudder. A tire had gone flat. This was no disaster for Shinn, who pulled over near San Rafael and decided, on account of the nice weather, to go for an impromptu hike. He headed up a bluff overlooking San Quentin prison, shimmying beneath a barbed wire fence for a better view of the bay beyond. This was nice. But Shinn decided it would be even nicer to roll rocks down the steep incline. As he searched the ground for rocks, he noticed a flat metal plate. Shinn thought it would make a good scrap piece in case his car busted another hole. He tucked it under his arm and took it home. Then, he forgot all about it. Some time later, a few friends noticed the brass plate and the odd writing on it. Though caked in dirt, it appeared to say Francis Drake. One of the friends suggested Shinn take it to UC Berkeley, where a historian could take a look. History never meant anything to me, the high school dropout later told newspapermen with a shrug. Nonetheless, Shinn arranged a meeting with Professor Herbert Eugene Bolton, one of the worlds great experts in the history of the Americas. When Shinn showed him the five-by-eight inch brass plate, covered in scrawled handwriting, Boltons eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Within moments, without a shred of evidence, Bolton decided the thing hed searched his whole life for was here in the hands of a confused Oakland shop clerk. Hed found something that would change California history forever. He flustered all over the place, Shinn would later recall. Boy, was he excited. -- Professor Herbert Bolton was no stranger to excitement. In 1921, he was approached by a man named Adam Fisher who needed a Spanish document translated. After a quick look, Bolton told Fisher it detailed the location of a buried cache of gold, hidden in Mexico 100 years prior during a period of civil unrest. The man offered Bolton half of anything he found, which Bolton declined. Im too busy for a treasure hunt, he said. A few months later, word reached the states that Fisher had applied for an export permit from the Mexican government. He needed to ship 50 tons of gold back to the United States. It was worth $36 million. Bolton took the news serenely. So Boltons demeanor on April 6, 1937 came as something of a surprise to his colleagues. Hed called hundreds of them to the Sir Francis Drake hotel in San Francisco with the promise of one of the most sensational discoveries in California history. He was ebullient as he took the stage. Behold! he said, holding the plate aloft. Drakes plate! The plate of brass. Californias choicest archaeological treasure. A murmur ran through the crowd. This, indeed, was a seismic revelation. For centuries, historians had searched for Drakes plate, the only physical evidence of Sir Francis Drakes expedition to the California coast. The English privateer, fresh off raiding Spanish ships and towns along the Pacific coast, found safe harbor in the Point Reyes area in June 1579. While resting and restocking there, he claimed the territory for Queen Elizabeth I. He named it New Albion. According to crew member accounts, Drake left an inscribed brass plate in the area to stake his claim. But in the 350 years since, no one had seen it. Bolton was convinced it was still out there. Whenever his students said theyd be taking a weekend trip to the seashore, he asked them to keep an eye out for Drakes plate. Now, he had it. It was not what he expected, sure, but Bolton had explanations for everything. He told the assembled crowd and the media there was no doubt this plate was real. Its craftsmanship and writing (BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND IN THE NAME OF HERR MAIESTYQVEEN ELIZABETH OF ENGLAND AND HERR SVCCESSORS FOREVER, I TAKE POSSESSION OF THIS KINGDOME, it read in part) was consistent with the 1500s. In addition, he said, a prankster would have left it near Drakes Bay. It made no sense to leave it near a muddy creek in San Rafael. This could only mean one thing: Historians were wrong. Drake had entered San Francisco Bay, almost 200 years before Gaspar de Portola discovered the area. PHILIP PACHECO/AFP via Getty Images If the Drake plate is bogus, the hoax was perpetrated by someone who had not only studied the history of his voyages minutely but who also had knowledge of ship fittings of the 16th century, Bolton told the Oakland Tribune. The find may remake California history, the newspaper trumpeted. And it did. California history books changed to reflect the possibility that Drake, not Portola, was the first non-native person to sail through the Golden Gate. Bolton was pleased as punch. There were whispers, though, that something wasnt right. It was all very strange, almost too serendipitous. A few experts in Elizabethan English said the writing didnt match the spelling or semantics of the era. A Princeton chemist doubted the metallurgic makeup of the plate matched anything produced in the 1500s, and he wrote a private letter to UC President Robert Sproul expressing his concerns. Sproul apparently kept the letter a secret. Drakes plate made headlines around the world and drew great acclaim for Bolton and the University of California. As the decades passed, it quietly became accepted as a part of the states history. Then, 1977 rolled around. The year marked the 400th anniversary of Drakes landfall in California and the state planned a grand slate of celebratory events, including sailing a replica of his Golden Hind into the bay. Drake's plate was to be part of the celebration, but before that happened, UC Berkeley professor James D. Hart wanted to verify the plate with modern technology. Hart commissioned a series of lab tests. The results were conclusive: The plate was a fake. Chemists at Berkeley and Oxford found the plate had too much zinc and too little copper to be manufactured in the 16th century. Metal working experts identified the cuts around the edges as made by a modern saw. No one could give it an exact date, but most guessed it was made in the late 19th or early 20th century. At a press conference, Hart speculated it was a prank by Boltons well-meaning students, who knew how badly he wanted someone to stumble onto Drakes plate. When this great scholar accepted the plate so completely and enthusiastically, they were too embarrassed to reveal it, Hart guessed. He wasnt too far off, but it wasnt until 2003 that the full scope of the deception became public knowledge. --- E Clampus Vitus has been interchangeably called historical drinking society and a drinking historical society. For over 100 years, its been a fraternal society of choice for Californias top Western history scholars. Bolton and many of his colleagues were members. They called themselves Clampers. Sometime in 1933, five Clampers decided it would be fun to play an innocent prank on their earnest friend Herbert Bolton. Everyone who knew him knew of his quest to find Drakes plate, so they thought theyd give him a little thrill. They employed an Alameda ship worker to make the brass plate, and they hand-carved the inscription. On the back, they painted the initials ECV in transparent fluorescent paint. Then, they drove the imposter plate down to Drakes Bay and left it there for someone to find. And someone did its believed the first person to find it kept it for a few years before tossing it out of their car, firmly planting it on the hill where Shinn discovered it soon after. The Clampers plan had always been to unveil their hoax at an ECV meeting, but things happened too fast. Bolton immediately went public with the news. It spun wildly out of control. The Clampers tried for a time to rein it back in. They ran snarky op-eds in local papers questioning the find, made another plate to show how easy it was, and even published a booklet called Ye Preposterous Booke of Brasse that suggested an imposter might paint a secret message on the back of their plate. It was all to no avail. Eventually, the pranksters decided the forgery had gone too far beyond their grasp and was now in the hands of fate. The hoax was only fully unraveled in 2003, when four historians published the story in the California Historical Society magazine. "Every one of us is vulnerable to something like this," historian Edward Von der Porten said at the time. "Professor Bolton believed it because he wanted to believe. But it does not detract from his work. --- Bolton died believing his plate was the genuine article. He passed away in his Berkeley home in 1953, a year after he had a stroke that finally limited his prodigious productivity. The morning he died, he was working on notes for a new book. Up to the time of his June illness, a late light burning in the Bancroft Library on the Berkeley campus meant the eminent scholar was at work, the Tribune wrote in his front-page obituary. The light burned so often that university students affectionately started the Save Bolton from Overwork League. No one contacted Beyrle Shinn for his recollections of the great historian that day, but if they had, perhaps he would have told this story: Back in 1937, Shinn was standing in Boltons office, ready to give up a brass plate for pennies. But Bolton told him he needed to press for more money. This was a significant historical find, Bolton said. Dont let the university sell you short. In the end, Shinn was able to negotiate a payment of $2,000. He used it to pay for a wedding to his sweetheart and save for their first home. Bolton made it possible for me to get the $2,000, Shinn once said. Hes a good guy all right, he added, and smart, too. SAN CARLOS, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Apexigen, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Xiaodong Yang, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the following upcoming investor conferences: Barclays Global Healthcare Conference being held March 9 to 11, 2021 The Company's presentation will be available to conference registrants on Tuesday, March 9 at 2:25pm Eastern Time. H.C. Wainwright Global Life Sciences Conference being held March 9 and 10, 2021 The Company's presentation will be available on-demand to conference registrants. In addition, Apexigen will be meeting with investors at the following investor conferences: Cowen's 41st Annual Healthcare Conference, being held March 1 to 4, 2021 Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference, being held April 12 to 15, 2021 About Apexigen Apexigen is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing a new generation of antibody therapeutics for oncology, with an emphasis on new immuno-oncology agents that may harness the patient's immune system to combat and eradicate cancer. APX005M and Apexigen's other programs were discovered using Apexigen's proprietary APXiMAB discovery platform. This platform has enabled Apexigen and its various licensees to discover and develop high-quality therapeutic antibodies against a variety of molecular targets, including targets that are difficult to drug with conventional antibody technologies. Seven product or product candidates discovered using APXiMAB are currently commercially available or in clinical development, either internally by Apexigen or by its licensees. For more information, please visit www.apexigen.com. Investor Contact: Jennifer Porcelli Managing Director Solebury Trout 646-378-2962 [email protected] Apexigen Contact: Mark Nevins Sr. Vice President, Business Development Apexigen 650-931-6236 [email protected] SOURCE Apexigen, Inc. Related Links http://www.apexigen.com London: Over-40s will start being called for the jab this month, as it emerged that more than 20 million people - almost four in 10 adults - had been vaccinated in Britain. Health officials are about to send the last batch of invites to those over 60. It means that by the end of this week, invitations should have been sent to everyone in the top seven priority groups. As soon as next week, the program will then move to offer doses of Pfizer and AstraZenecas shots to around five million people in their 50s, which should take around two weeks to deliver, if supplies remain constant. Doctor Anil Mehta, surrounded by his team of doctors, administers a dose of the Pfizer vaccine to Geeta Waddon to mark the 10,000th jab in his small practice in London, Sunday, February 28, 2021 Credit:AP Despite recent dips in availability, an average of 2 million people a week are receiving their first doses of the vaccine, putting the UK on course to offer jabs to everyone over the age of 50 in the week starting March 15 - almost a month before its target. DT News: Does the ministry have any plans to benefit from or recycle the excavated rainwater? Eng. Khalaf: The storm water is usually discharged in the sea and other areas. We had attempted to inject it in the under- ground water in a couple of sites across the Kingdom. But recycling also is only done if strict rules are followed. The Supreme Council for the Environment had some environ- mental reservations in regards to this process as they had some concerns over water pollution suspicions, hence the processes were stopped and further discussions are in progress. But, we utilise it in irrigation purposes. We have more work and effort to be implemented in the field of rainwater drainage and recycling. Yet, we have managed to considerably reduce the negative effects of this issue on the public by taking the necessary precautionary measures and procedures ahead of the rainy season. The ministry has offered more tenders to provide tanks and containers to excavate the excessive water from roads and public areas. We have also upgraded the vacuum tankers and provided them with additional pumps to accelerate the process of excavating the water, thats in addition to installing pumps at vital areas and roads to move the water to open areas and ensure that the daily life isnt affected. DT News: What are the main challenges the ministry is facing in tackling the rainwater flooding issue? Eng. Khalaf: One of the biggest challenges we face during the rainy seasons is the uncivil behaviour of some people who remove the covers of sewage manholes and allow the rainwa- ter to enter and mix with the sewerage network. This is a grave matter as such behaviour disrupts and dam- ages the networks. The rainwater, with all its sediments, damages the pumps and other equipment of the sewerage network. This results in the rebound of the sewerage inside homes and other facilities. Such cases were reported recently, as the pumps were damaged and unable to move the sewer- age to the treatment plant. We repeatedly warn the public of the dangerous effects of such behaviours by raising more awareness on the matter through different platforms. Its noteworthy that we have also fulfilled all the requests that were received by municipal councils from citizens this year to install rainwater roof coatings to prevent any leakages inside homes, especially those belonging to the limited and medium income citizens. Artists and arts organisations in Kilkenny will receive over 1million as Irish society recovers from the pandemic, the Arts Council said today. Kilkenny organisations to benefit include The Butler Gallery (356,400), KCAT (70,000), Kilkenny Arts Festival (452,727), The Watergate Theatre (97,000) and Young Irish Film Makers (77,710). With its exchequer grant increased to 130 million, the government agency for funding and developing the arts said that while the sector was suffering disproportionately in the health crisis, hundreds of artists and practitioners were planning and already making great art for the public to experience in the months ahead. Announcing its key Strategic Funding round, the Council said it would invest 46.1 million in 105 key arts organisations across the country, among them Dublins Abbey Theatre, the Irish Chamber Orchestra in Limerick, Macnas in Galway, Cork Midsummer Festival, Waterfords Spraoi and Teac Damsa in Kerry. A further 7.8 million will fund 43 arts centres in every region of the country, The Council said that in addition in the weeks ahead, it would award around 10.7 million to arts organisations through its Arts Grant Funding programme; 2 million in smaller festivals in almost every county from its Festivals Investment Scheme; and a range of other supports for arts organisations struggling to survive the Covid-19 pandemic. For individual artists there will be some 10.5 million in bursaries; 5.6 million through a new Agility Award; as well increased funding for commissions and projects. Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly said: Increased public investment is enabling us to support ambitious plans throughout the country and to ensure that the core infrastructure of the arts landscape survives the most challenging period ever faced. Irelands key organisations are demonstrating impressive levels of imagination and adaptability in their planning and we are confident that these funding decisions will support them to build back better and to reach the widest possible audience. The Council said it remained committed to prioritising the two policies it highlighted in 2020. These are Paying the Artist, designed to ensure fair remuneration for artists, and Equality, Human Rights and Diversity, which aims to make the arts sector fairer and more reflective of all of Irish society. Both of these important policies have been integrated with our funding programmes, and everyone receiving investment from the Arts Council must agree to play their part to embed these policies in their activity, said Maureen Kennelly. Arts Council Chair Prof. Kevin Rafter said: Our goal in this extremely challenging year is not just for the arts to survive the pandemic but for the creativity and work of our artists and arts organisations to be at the heart of the revival and the renewal of our society. We believe the new level of annual funding for the Arts Council from the Government of 130 million puts us in a position to do that. The Arts Council confirmed that its highly successful Creative Schools programme would continue to run in 2021-22, with the number of schools participating increased to more than 250 and funding of 3 million. The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, welcomed the announcement, saying that the Arts Council's 130 million investment in 2021 will have a hugely positive impact and the funding is key to helping the arts survive and thrive in 2021. The pandemic has shown us just how important the arts are to all our lives. The unprecedented funding this year provided to the Council -- which I secured in Budget 2021 -- will help sustain artists and organisations severely impacted by the pandemic, Minister Martin said. The funds will not only go to those arts organisations and individual artists, but small festivals, creative schools and to a variety of applicants across the country. In their applications for Arts Centres and Strategic Funding, organisations said they would together sustain more than 35,000 jobs, and forecast the creation of 250,000 events or art objects with 24 million engagements when a member of the public experiences the work. The Arts Council said the Strategic Funding grants would allow key organisations to stay afloat during the remaining months of the pandemic, adapt to the changing landscape, and renew their work for the future. With continuing uncertainty around when audiences would be able to return to performances and exhibitions in person, flexibility and agility in pivoting to digital alternatives emerged as a strong theme in the programmes being proposed by the countrys key arts organisations. Boris Johnson 'outright condemns' Roy Greenslade, his official spokesman said today, after he the former Guardian columnist revealed his long-held support for the IRA's murderous bombing campaigns before resigning from his honorary professorship. Roy Greenslade, who edited the Daily Mirror and held a top job at The Sun, secretly wrote for the republican newsletter An Phoblacht and even provided bail surety for an IRA man accused of involvement in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. While his republican views first emerged some years ago, he came out of hiding' in an article this weekend for the British Journalism Review to say he was in 'complete agreement about the right of the Irish people to engage in armed struggle', adding: 'I supported the use of physical force.' The Prime Minister's spokesman said he 'outright condemns' the comments, which included saying that the murder of innocent civilians by IRA terrorists was 'justifiable'. Today Mr Greenslade's resigned from his position as honorary visiting professor of journalism at City, University of London, following an outcry from the families of IRA victims. He told Mail Plus Political Correspondent Michael Crick that the decision was: 'Purely mine. No pressure. Just the reverse.' The IRA killed hundreds of civilians during its campaign of violence, including children. City, University of London did not push for Mr Greenslade's resignation and 'acknowledged his right to express his views' but accepted his decision, a spokesman said. Mr Greenslade has not written for the Guardian since March last year. MailOnline has contacted the Guardian for comment but has not received a reply. Former Fleet Street editor and journalism lecturer Roy Greenslade (pictured with wife Noreen Taylor in 2004) could lose his university post after he revealed his unapologetic support for bombing campaigns carried out by the IRA Boris Johnson's spokesman said he 'outright condemns' the comments, which included saying that the murder of innocent civilians was 'justifiable' Roy Greenslade, who edited the Daily Mirror and held a top job at The Sun, secretly wrote for the republican newsletter An Phoblacht and even provided bail surety for an IRA man accused of involvement in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing. Pictured: The aftermath of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing Mr Greenslade told MailPlus Political Correspondent Michael Crick that the decision was: 'Purely mine. No pressure. Just the reverse' How former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger complained about a Spectator article about a 'Republican cell at the heart of the Guardian' When Boris Johnson was in charge of The Spectator, he ran an article accusing Roy Greenslade of being part of a secret 'Republican cell at the heart of The Guardian', whose members were conspiring to make it publish 'editorials that lean alarmingly towards the IRA'. Mr Greenslade's editor Alan Rusbridger responded by sending the future prime minister a furious eight-page letter of complaint, in which he vigorously denied the existence of any such pro-IRA group. Then, in a more public rebuttal, the Guardian published an article suggesting The Spectator's claims were little more than 'half-baked gossip' and hinting that the author of the piece was in fact an 'MI5/6 asset' being secretly 'used' by intelligence sources to further a malevolent Right-wing agenda. Mr Rushbridger has been asked to comment on Mr Greenslade's support for violent Republicanism but is yet to comment. Reporting by Guy Adams. Advertisement The PM's official spokesman said: 'All I can say is the simple fact that the PM outright condemns his comments, as I have said specifically those about the killing of civilians.' Mr Greenslade spent two years as editor of the Mirror, during which time he fixed a 'spot the ball' competition on behalf of the paper's owner Robert Maxwell so that no one could win the 1million first prize. After joining the Guardian, he went on to become a noted mouthpiece for Tony Blair's spokesman Alastair Campbell, who had previously been his political editor. It is not known whether Mr Campbell was aware at the time of Mr Greenslade's IRA allegiance. The former Guardian columnist retired from a full-time post at City University, where he lectured in ethics, in 2018, but he has 'occasionally' returned as a guest speaker. In the article, which was published in the Sunday Times, Mr Greenslade, 74, who is now a member of Sinn Fein, said he had first become involved in republican causes shortly after Bloody Sunday in 1972, when paratroopers shot dead 13 demonstrators. He went on to hold senior roles at The Sun and the Sunday Times, as well as the editorship of the Daily Mirror in 1990 and 1991, but 'regularly' contributed to An Phoblacht contradicting his newspapers which denounced the IRA's campaigns. Mr Greenslade guaranteed bail for convicted IRA member John Downey, who was accused of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers died. Downey's criminal case collapsed when he produced a so-called 'on the run' letter, providing assurances that he would not be prosecuted for alleged past crimes. However, a judge at the High Court ruled in 2019 that he was an 'active participant' in the bombing. Despite this, Mr Greenslade wrote that all he knows of Downey is his 'dedication to peace'. Downey is currently on bail accused of the murder of two Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers in Enniskillen in 1972. The Remembrance Day bombing in November 1987, when Greenslade was managing editor of The Sunday Times, saw 11 civilians killed and 63 people injured. Pictured: a funeral hearse passes the wreckage from the bombing in Enniskillen Mr Greenslade added: 'I continued to keep my views on the IRA to myself. However much I believed its tactics to be valid, I could not hope to convince colleagues that the killing of civilians, albeit by accident, was justifiable.' Mr Greenslade guaranteed bail for convicted IRA member John Downey (pictured), who was accused of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers died Mark Tipper, whose brother Trooper Simon Tipper was killed in the Hyde Park bombing, said prior to the news of Mr Greenslade's resignation: 'His academic peers should be taking a look at him. He is preaching hatred. You often hear the pen is mightier than the sword and he has preached violence.' Solicitor Matthew Jury, whose firm McCue & Partners has represented hundreds of families affected by IRA attacks, said: 'People have become far too tolerant toward IRA terrorism. 'If Professor Greenslade openly supported Al Qaeda or Isis [Islamic State] his university position would undoubtedly be untenable. Why should it be different supporting IRA violence?' Kenny Donaldson, of the South East Fermanagh Foundation victims' association, which helps about 2,000 families whose relatives were killed in IRA atrocities, including the 1987 Enniskillen bombing, said: 'As a group that supports victims of terrorist attacks, we are bemused by his comments. 'John Downey stands accused of the murder of two soldiers. There is no sense he is a peacemaker. He is a committed terrorist with a long career in terrorism. 'Those with pens can be equally as dangerous as those who pull the trigger and detonate bombs.' The Ballygawley bus bombing in August caused the deaths of eight British soldiers while 28 more were wounded by the roadside bomb in County Tyrone In 1989, 11 Royal Marines bandsmen were killed in the Deal barracks bombing in Kent, England A bomb set off in a bin at Victoria Station killed one person and injured 38 in 1991 Paul Young, a former soldier and police officer serving in Northern Ireland, questioned whether Mr Greenslade could have provided sensitive information to the IRA. He added: 'It would be incredible if he didn't given his such strongly held views. I think any university position is now untenable.' Mr Greenslade's former editor at The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, said: 'So while trying to attract readers as editor of the Daily Mirror, Roy Greenslade didn't care that the IRA would kill a few.' A spokesman for City, University of London, said: Following the publication of a recent article in the British Journalism Review, Professor Roy Greenslade has tendered his resignation as Honorary Visiting Professor at City, University of London, with immediate effect. While acknowledging Professor Greenslades educational contribution and his right to express his views, the University has accepted his resignation. 'Vile duplicitous scum': Outrage as Guardian columnist and ex-newspaper editor Roy Greenslade reveals his long-held support for the IRA and says 'the killing of civilians' was 'justifiable' By Jack Elsom, for MailOnline Former newspaper editor Roy Greenslade was slammed as 'vile duplicitous scum' after revealing his support for IRA terrorism. Mr Greenslade, who held various positions on Fleet Street titles, including the editorship of the Daily Mirror, also confirmed he is a member of Sinn Fein. During the conflict that gripped Northern Ireland, most of the mainstream British press was united in condemning the barbaric violence of the IRA - whose death toll includes hundreds of civilians. Mr Greenslade said his sympathies with the republican cause developed in the 1970s when he was working as a journalist - but kept his views to himself for fear of being sacked. He is married to Noreen Taylor, the former Daily Mirror journalist and mother of actress Natascha McElhone. He describes Noreen, born in Donegal and raised in a part of Glasgow where 'everyone seemed to hail from her county', as having been 'imbued with a republican spirit'. Now deciding to 'come out of hiding', he has made a full-throated justification for the murderous atrocities carried out by the IRA during the Troubles. Former newspaper editor Roy Greenslade has revealed his burning support for Irish republicanism and the extreme violence used by paramilitary forces Police officers and firefighters inspecting the damage caused by a Real IRA bomb explosion in Market Street, Omagh, 1998 He said: 'I came to accept that the fight between the forces of the state and a group of insurgents was unequal and therefore could not be fought on conventional terms. In other words, I supported the use of physical force.' Critics have now blasted Mr Greenslade's endorsement of paramilitary murderers. One journalist wrote: 'Roy Greenslade taught me ''journalism ethics'' at City Uni which I found pretty strange as I thought the whole ''don't murder people'' was a pretty basic part of ethics.' Meanwhile Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was left permanently disabled by an IRA bomb at the Conservative Party's 1984 conference in Brighton, told the Sunday Times: 'I presume that the extension of his argument is that those who disagree with him are entitled to kill him.' Mr Greenslade (right) is married to Noreen Taylor (left), the former Daily Mirror journalist and mother of actress Natascha McElhone (centre, pictured in 1988) Left to right: George Clooney, actress Natasha McElhone and director Steven Soderbergh arrive for the UK charity film premiere of their new film Solaris at the Electric Cinema in London's Portobello Road, 13 February 2003 The Financial Times' Whitehall Editor Sebastian Payne said: 'As a former student of Roy Greenslade, this makes me feel deeply sick.' Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie said: 'I always knew Roy Greenslade was a s***. I didn't know he was a pro violence IRA supporting s***. 'In the Sunday Times he reveals that while working for me at The Sun, editing the Mirror and being a media critic he backed IRA scum killing our people. A complete c***.' He added: 'So while trying to attract readers as editor of the Daily Mirror Roy Greenslade didn't care that the IRA would kill a few. What a vile duplicitous scumbag he is. And still City University keep him on as a media professor. They are as bad.' Noreen Taylor and Roy Greenslade, 2014 Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Greenslade revealed how while working on the sub-editors' desk at The Sun, he fell in love with now-wife Noreen. He writes: 'Soon after we met, I accompanied her one Saturday while she sold a paper produced by a small left-wing Irish group, Clann na hEireann, in the pubs of Kilburn.' Mr Greenslade later adds: 'As for so many in Ireland, Bloody Sunday was a turning point for me. We joined a demonstration in Whitehall the following Saturday with the ambition of embarrassing the prime minister, Ted Heath, by placing 13 coffins on the doorstep of No 10. 'Although there were no gates to Downing Street in those days, the authorities were not going to allow it and a riot broke out. We got right up to the police lines and Noreen's glasses were broken by a wayward blow from a truncheon.' He then goes on to admit that he 'came to accept' that the 'fight between the forces of the state and a group of insurgents was unequal and therefore could not be fought on conventional terms'. Alan Sked, emeritus professor of international history at LSE, called Greenslade a 'contemptible hypocrite'. Kate Bevan said: 'I've just read Roy Greenslade's piece and now I feel quite sick. It's a grotesque piece, devoid of any thought of our sympathy for the victims of the violent s***s he cheers on.' One social media user said: 'As someone with relatives who spent years on IRA hit lists, and whose parents and grandparents lost friends to IRA bombs, that utterly deplorable Roy Greenslade piece is a good reminder of the British hard left's blood lust and moral bankruptcy over Northern Ireland.' Pictured: Aftermath of a terrorist attack in Belfast's city centre. Mr Greenslade said his sympathies with the republican cause developed in the 1970s when he was working as a journalist - but kept his views to himself for fear of being sacked Critics have now blasted Mr Greenslade's endorsement of paramilitary murderers Journalist Etan Smallman said: 'My @cityjournalism cohort had to endure weekly journalistic ethics lectures from Roy Greenslade. I'm told he is still doing them, now once a term. 'You might think that advocating mass murder would make that untenable...' Mr Greenslade, 74, recalled keeping his opinions closely guarded so not to fall out of favour with his newspaper bosses. Writing in the British Journalism Review, he said: 'I knew that to own up to supporting Irish republicans would result in me losing my job... 'I needed a wage because I was on the verge of taking on a mortgage. Better, then, to button my lip and carry on.' He added: 'However much I believed its tactics to be valid, I could not hope to convince colleagues that the killing of civilians, albeit by accident, was justifiable.' The ex-editor said he employed 'journalistic entryism' whereby he 'worked as required by my employers while holding polar opposite political views'. Mr Greenslade (pictured with his wife in 2001) has previously been linked with Irish republicanism He said it became increasingly difficult not to express his views as the conflict developed into the 1980s. 'I was outraged by the way the prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, handled the hunger strike in which 10 prisoners fasted to death in protest against her government's withdrawal of special category status. 'Above my desk, I put up a photo of the first of the 10 to die, Bobby Sands, and it has remained there ever since. I regard him as a hero, as I do all of them.' Bomb disposal expert Peter Gurney runs from a burning van after the mortar bomb attack of Downing Street In 2008, one of his former Guardian colleagues revealed he had written articles for Sinn Fein newspaper An Phoblacht in the 1980s - which he has now confirmed. He also confirmed acting as a bail guarantor for IRA member John Downey, who was accused of participating in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing of the Queen's Household Cavalry which killed four soldiers and seven horses. 'All I know of him is his dedication to peace,' Mr Greenslade writes in the article. Dr. Ramneet Kaur knows about trial and error. Ever since she conducted her postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School in Boston and Emory University in Atlanta, Kaur has examined ways to treat prostate cancer and breast cancer cells. "Cancer cells are very smart," said the lecturer of biology at the University of North Georgia (UNG). "You can target one pathway to kill them, and they activate another pathway." Once she arrived at UNG in 2017, Kaur has developed a few undergraduate research projects that combat drug-resistant cancer cells. The research has landed her internal grants. Kaur received a Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA) mini-grant in 2017 to explore the use of natural products to treat triple-negative breast cancer cells. A year later, she received a professional development grant to check the effects of natural products on cancer cells that were resistant to the chemotherapy drug docetaxel. Then in 2020, she received Presidential Incentive Award to test the same natural products on prostate cancer cells. "If we find an answer, it will be great," Kaur said Her research also has led to many publications. In April 2019, Kaur and UNG research student Sidhika Sharma published a manuscript about their breast cancer research in the journal Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry. She has also contributed to three books. She wrote a chapter in "Experimental Psychology" and a chapter in "Basic Psychological Processes." In 2021, she co-authored "Psychological Skills Training for Human Wellness." With all the research and writing, Kaur maintains her focus on her students. "My life revolves around education and research," she said. "I love teaching students in the classroom as well as being their mentor in the lab." As a mentor, she prepares them to deal with failures that come with research. "We should not be afraid of failing," Kaur said. "We need to learn from our mistakes and keep moving forward. Every failure gives us experience and makes us better." The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Malaga mall, part of the Plaza Mayor complex close to Malaga Airport, has announced that it has had three million visitors since opening in February last year. Bosses at the British-owned operation said that this is "positive" news, "despite the impact of the pandemic, in terms of the number of visitors, the growth in brand names taking up shop units and the high level of visitor satisfaction". The mall, which specialises in upscale branded fashion and goods at discounted prices, reopened in June last year after being forced to shut during lockdown in spring. Since then it has added new names to its range including Prada, Burberry, Armani and Furla, as well as Spanish brands Bimba y Lola, Ecoalf and Silbon. Some of these have opened their first ever store in the south of Spain in Malaga, said McArthurGlen. BRIDGEPORT A local man was charged after police said he assaulted a pregnant woman, telling her he was responsible for two bodies. Brayn Hernandez, 25, of Grand Street, was charged with third-degree assault on a pregnant woman, disorderly conduct and first-degree threatening. This is extremely serious. The victim ended up losing her baby, Senior Assistant States Attorney Nicholas Bove told Superior Court Judge Peter McShane during Hernandezs arraignment Monday. He urged the judge to set a high bond. But Hernandezs lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Ashley Miller, pointed out that Hernandez has no prior criminal record and urged leniency. The judge set Hernandezs bond at $25,000 and ordered that he be outfitted with a GPS tracking device if he is released. He also issued Hernandez a protective order to stay away from the woman. Police said the woman had comer to the Police Department to file a complaint against Hernandez. She said Hernandez had been physically abusive to her and had threatened to shoot her, telling her that shooting her would mean nothing to him because he already has two bodies under his belt so one more wouldnt mean much, police said. Police said they have no information regarding other alleged victims of Hernandez. Register for this webinar to hear a detailed overview of process, data, personnel and cultural characteristics of clinical stage biotechs. Today, modern biotechs are moving compounds to the clinic at a faster pace than ever before. As a result, many companies struggle with the transition from an R&D culture to a more structured, regulated one. Some of their challenges include implementing regulated systems, policies and strategies. Crossing this chasm requires updating nearly everything from software to charts to documentation. Register for this webinar to hear a detailed overview of process, data, personnel and cultural characteristics of clinical stage biotechs. The speakers will discuss key changes that are prompted by becoming a clinical-stage biotech, best practices for becoming GxP compliant, and how to mitigate the risks to data and quality. Join Alok Tayi, PhD, Vice President of Life Sciences, Egnyte and Octavian Boca, Sr. Principal Consultant, Massachusetts Technology Innovations in a webinar on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 1pm EDT. For more information, or to register for this event, visit GxP Rollouts for High-Growth Biotechs. ABOUT XTALKS Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/ 5 things you need to know Monday News Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Carolyn Polillo of Brantford, Ont. has passed away at the age of 74. Carolyn Polillo (nee Robertson) met Guy Polillo in 1955, the year he immigrated to Canada. Together, the two operated a 100-acre breeding farm in Brantford, which they opened in the late 1960s, and owned many horses. The Polillos fulfilled a dream in 2009 of bringing European blood to the Ontario breeding industry when Guy purchased trotting stallion Cornaro Dasolo, who earned nearly $200,000 campaigning in Italy. After Guy's passing in 2016, Carolyn continued on in the harness racing and enjoyed success in 2020 with GP Dreamin, an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold winner that's the fastest offspring from the Polillo's Italian stallion. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Guy Polillo (2016), who took a part of her soul that she was never able to fill when he left that day. Cherished mother to Peter (Maria), Paul (Marcia), and Anne (Scott). Loving Nanna to Guy, Christian, Alexander, Chiara, Sophia, and Sarah. Much loved sister of Ron Robertson (Mildred). Predeceased by her brothers Wayne Robertson and Gary Robertson. Sister-in-law of Anna and Manlio Alfano, Franco and Maria Polillo, the late Carmelina Boncoddo (the late Giovanni) and the late Tonina Lamacchia (the late Gennarino). Carolyn is survived by loving nieces, nephews, extended family in both Canada and Italy and many dear friends. With the coronavirus pandemic, the family of Carolyn Polillo will be having a private funeral to honour her life. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dwayne D. Budgell Funeral Home. In Carolyn's memory charitable donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Brant Community Foundation - The Guy and Carolyn Polillo Fund for Programs and Activities for Children Affected by Cancer. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Carolyn Polillo. By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Monday, supported by optimism about COVID-19 vaccinations, a U.S. stimulus package and growing factory activity in Europe despite coronavirus restrictions. Brent crude was up 34 cents, or 0.5%, at $64.76 a barrel by 1448 GMT, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 13 cents, or 0.2%, to $61.63 a barrel. Both contracts finished February 18% higher. "The three major supportive factors are the prevalent vaccine rollouts, the optimism about economic growth and the view that the oil balance will get ... The Chief Executive of Ernest Chemists, Mr Ernest Bediako Sampong, has said the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will create more employment opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. He said new markets would help manufacturers increase employment due to the high demand for products. Mr Sampong, speaking at the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce Industry (GNCCI) virtual sensitisation seminar in Accra, said AfCFTA was a laudable idea but, I do not think it is going to be easy. He said the implementation would be challenging because of the attitude of Africans towards products that were manufactured on the continent. Mr Sampong said the industry would benefit from transfer of technology with international pharmaceutical companies setting up factories in Africa and creating employment opportunities. The event was organised by GNCCI in partnership with Joy Business and the Ghana Shippers Authority on the theme: AfCFTA: Adopting the right business strategies to fully benefit. It was aimed at sensitising small scale businesses to how they could strategise to benefit from the agreement. He said there would be opportunities for some multinationals to also collaborate with existing companies to enable them to export to the sub-region. Mr Sampong said there would be a possibility of medicine security and a boost in industrial investment and consequently called for workable policies and programmes to facilitate investments. Energy Quest Show He urged government to support the private sector to develop their businesses to contribute to the development of the economy. We urge government to waive taxes on equipment used for manufacturing. A Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Anthony Nyame Baafi, said government through the ministry had set up institutional structures to support the implementation of the agreement. We have the inter-ministerial, the national AfCFTA Secretariat to provide information to everybody, who wants access to any information, he said. He said arrangements were in place to ensure that member states took advantage of the agreement, stressing that the government needed the private sector to partake in the implementation of the agreement and if there were any challenges, the Ministry and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority were ready to assist. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ms Benonita Bismarck, said it was an opportunity to partner with the GNCCI to educate the private sector on how to maximise the benefits of AfCFTA. It is all about education and sensitisation, so at the end of it, we will go across the nation to ensure that our stakeholders fully understand and take advantage of this all-important concept, 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 A toddler who was left with genital injuries and gonorrhoea after being horrifically raped by a home intruder was returned to her mother's care despite signs of severe neglect. The two-year-old girl was sleeping by her mother's side when a man broke into their Tennant Creek home, in remote Northern Territory, in February 2018 and sexually assaulted her in an adjoining room. She was taken to Adelaide Womens and Childrens Hospital to undergo surgery, and was found to have an STD from the attack, as well as head lice, ear infections, ringworm, and skin sores from inadequate care. The crime shocked the nation, brought the troubled outback town - plagued by alcohol and violence- under scrutiny, and raised questions about the efficiency of child protection authority Territory Families. A little girl (pictured) who was raped at Tennant Creek in February 2018 was returned to her mother's care just months later, despite severe signs of neglect In April 2018, the South Australian Department of Child Protection girl and her younger sibling were removed from their mother and placed into care. Around the same time Childrens Commissioner Colleen Gwynnes released a redacted report into the toddlers rape that revealed child protection authorities had been notified many times about the girl's welfare but had failed to act. Since 2002, they had received 52 alerts about the girl and her siblings regarding domestic violence and parental substance abuse, truancy, neglect, emotional harm, physical harm and sexual abuse of the children. But now it has been revealed the little girl was sent back to the same home - just weeks later after the Department of Child Protection handed the siblings' case over to Territory Families. Territory Families deputy chief executive Jeanette Kerr said there was no reason to keep the children separated from their mother despite the neglect. 'There was no order, so the mother was completely entitled to resume care of her. Someone broke into the house. He was not known to the family. It wasnt like, in our view, there was any failure on the part of the mum,' Ms Kerr told The Australian. The crime shocked the nation and brought Tennant Creek (pictured) under Tennant Creek is far away from major urban centres Darwin and Alice Springs, and has suffered social problems such as substance abuse, crime and sexual predation of children But Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Alice Springs Deputy Mayor and director of the Indigenous research program at the Centre for Independent Studies slammed the decision. 'This is an ongoing issue with Territory Families being very quick to return children to circumstances that could potentially, once again, be very dangerous,' she said. 'Territory Families is more concerned with the reunification with family as opposed to, I believe, upholding the human rights of these children. Ultimately its race-based discrimination against children because theyre Indigenous.' The mother said she is happy to have the kids back home and her daughter, now five, is doing well, although still dealing with the trauma from the rape. Ms Kerr said Territory Families have implemented a safety plan to monitor the family and offer them support, with staff visiting them monthly. In the past two and a half years since they have been reunited, there have been no concerns reported to the agency and the girl is 'thriving', she added. Territory Families deputy chief executive Jeanette Kerr said the girl, now five, (pictured) is 'thriving' at home with her mother and siblings Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he supports the child's living arrangement and has been told she is safe and in a suitable environment. Last year, Kingsley Corbett, 27, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the brutal assault after pleading guilty to sexual intercourse without consent at Alice Springs Supreme Court. The shocking rape drew attention to the town's alarming social problems, including high alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and domestic and sexual assaults. Crown Prosecutor Glen Dooley told the court the offender had removed the little girl from the lounge room where she was sleeping, and took her to the bedroom. When he was done, he put her back in the lounge room. She was rushed to Alice Springs hospital with severe internal injuries including cuts, bleeding, swelling and bruising before being taken to South Australia for further treatment. Mr Dooley told Judge Judith Kelly that the offending was in the worst category with a maximum penalty of life in jail. 'This is a crime that deeply disturbed the Tennant Creek community and the nation,' he said. A series of shocking events happened between the royal family and the Sussexes again. But this time, the occurrences reportedly pushed Queen Elizabeth II to completely make Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's senior royal lives impossible. On Feb. 19, the royal family's website issued a statement for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. According to the introduction, Prince Harry and Meghan already told the Queen that they will not return as working members following Megxit. "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 statement added. Upon the announcement, Buckingham Palace completely removed the remaining royal titles of the two. In the end, it assured that the monarchy loves the royal couple so much despite being saddened by the decision. However, it appears like Queen Elizabeth II wanted to deliver a different message to the couple. Queen Elizabeth II Completely Bans Prince Harry, Meghan Markle? In the "Royal Rota" show, royal commentators Chris Ship and Lizzie Robinson shared their thoughts about the Sussexes having their titles stripped. According to Robinson, Her Majesty's statement made it clear that the Sussexes cannot have one foot in the royal family. "[But] the Queen has made it quite clear from the moment they wanted to step away as working members of the Royal Family that it is impossible to have one foot out and one foot in," she added (via Express UK). Robinson further explained that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could only be either in the royal family or out. Unfortunately, though, the Sussexes decided to be out. They even dropped bombshell announcements about their Netflix and Spotify deals, as well as their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. According to Ship, the interview made the Palace and the Sussexes finally parted ways. "Our understanding of how last week unfolded is that it was on Monday that we revealed the Oprah Winfrey interview and therefore the final negotiations between Team Sussex and Buckingham Palace were kind of sullied," he went on. As they agreed on sitting down for the interview, Prince Harry and Meghan caused the atmosphere to be tenser. Buckingham Palace reportedly did not know anything about the interview. 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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 Tehran ruled out a meeting to revisit the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action until sanctions are lifted. Washington on Sunday said it was "disappointed" that Iran had refused an informal meeting with the U.S. and other countries involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement. Tehran ruled out a meeting to revisit the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Iran nuclear accord until sanctions are lifted, Deutsche Welle reported. "The U.S. must first return to the nuclear agreement and lift its illegal sanctions on Iran... there is no need for negotiations for that," Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said. "We will return to our commitments as soon as sanctions are lifted," local news agency ISNA quoted him as saying. Iran will not respond to "gestures" and will not be intimidated by criticism from the U.S. and Europe, he said, but added that it would still continue to collaborate with European Union chief diplomat Josep Borrell, as well as France, Germany, the UK, and China and Russia. Read alsoTrump wants nuclear deal with Putin before election dayU.S.-Iran nuclear tensions have recently heightened, after Tehran appealed to Washington to lift sanctions, which have thrown Iran into the worst economic crisis in its history. In response to Iran's comments, Washington said that while the U.S. felt disappointed, it is still open to reengage in diplomacy. "While we are disappointed at Iran's response, we remain ready to reengage in meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with JCPOA commitments," a White House spokeswoman said. In 2018, former president Donald Trump walked away from nuclear deal, which was signed by his predecessor Barack Obama. President Joe Biden has expressed willingness to re-engage with countries in the so-called P5+1 group as part of efforts to revive the deal. More news reports Reporting by UNIAN Scientist hopes to fufill his father's challenge to do something positive for humanity and to help put an end to HSV. That conversation was a turning point for Kousoulas who has spent his years since studying vaccinology, particularly as it relates to live attenuated vaccines. His VC2 vaccine, which takes live viruses and modifies them so the body is able to recognize and fight them off without becoming sick, is showing promising results in the fight against herpes. Kousoulas recently joined Rational Vaccines as vice president of Scientific Affairs where he will help to further the company's core mission of eliminating the herpes simplex virus (HSV). "Dr. Kousoulas is one of the world's most eminent virologists. His work in the field of HSV gives hopes to the millions of patients who are in desperate need of a better standard of care and to all of us who work to defeat this heinous virus," said Rational Vaccines CEO Agustin Fernandez. "No one understands this virus better than Gus. His addition to the team brings us one step closer to our goal of eradicating the Herpes pandemic." Kousoulas received his master's and doctorate degrees from Pennsylvania State University in Biophysics and Molecular Cell Biology, respectively. He received postdoctoral training under Dr. Bernard Roizman at the University of Chicago and with Dr. Lenore Pereira at the University of California at San Francisco. Kousoulas is a professor of virology and biotechnology in the Louisiana State University Department of Pathobiological Sciences and director of the Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (BioMMED). Kousoulas' research focuses primarily on the molecular biology and the immunopathogenesis of human herpes viruses. He has also constructed and patented herpes simplex viruses that have been shown to be highly effective as preventative and therapeutic vaccines for herpes genital and ocular infections. His research shows promise for cancer immunotherapy approaches in animal models as well. Kousoulas said he is excited to join the Rational team because of the company's commitment to live attenuated research and to those suffering from HSV-1 and HSV-2. It was as a young scientist he first began to understand the impact herpes has on everyday people. He was one of a handful of doctoral students invited to participate in a sexually transmitted disease training program at the University of California in San Francisco where he got to work directly with patients. "It's very different working in the lab and seeing things in cells than actually seeing a real disease in a human being and the suffering that's associated with that," he said. Kousoulas hopes he can answer his father's question in his own lifetime and end herpes. In the meantime, he'll continue to focus on the overall missionto do something positive for humanity. About Rational Vaccines Rational Vaccines develops rationally engineered, live attenuated viral immunotherapeutic and prophylactic vaccine candidates, particularly focused on combating all diseases resulting from herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infections. Led by our team of world-renowned scientists and closely following all regulatory guidelines, the company currently has seven vaccine candidates in the pipeline. We are confident our team and technology will revolutionize the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of herpes and herpes-related diseases so we can bring hope and healing to a world suffering from these recurring infections. Based in Cambridge, MA, Rational Vx is also joining the battle against COVID-19 with a serological assay currently in development, and a future COVID-19 vaccine planned. For more information go to https://rationalvaccines.com or email [email protected]. SOURCE Rational Vaccines [February 28, 2021] Rashaana Shah: An Asian Entrepreneur Set to Carve Her Space in Hollywood - A Film On The Uttarakhand Glacier Tragedy -a Spy Thriller MEMBAI, India, Mar. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mulberry Films, a film and television production company based in Los Angeles has acquired multiple bestselling books for film and television adaption. Managing Director Rashaana Shah says, "We want to dwell in true stories of real heroes that resonate with global audiences." Mulberry's project Nanda Devi has recently been in the headlines because of the tragic glacier burst in Uttarakhand, India that resulted in the deaths of approximately fifty people. In 1965, the United States and India collaborated in an attempt to install a listening device at 25,000 feet on the mountain Nanda Devi to monitor the nearby Chinese nuclear test site. The listening device was powered by highly radioactive plutonium, and was lost during the expedition. It hs been speculated that it may be the cause of the recent glacier burst in Uttarakhand. Mulberry will be producing this movie with Scott Rosenfelt (Home Alone, Critical Thinking). While the COVID-19 pandemic has stopped production, Ms. Shah and Mulberry Films have used this time to further develop their projects by attaching directors and actors and preparing for the future. One of the movies Mulberry is looking forward to producing this year is 'The Collaborator'. It's an adaptation of a prize-winning, international bestselling book by Mirza Waheed, told as a coming-of-age war story about a 17-year-old boy caught between India and Pakistan in a long-suffering border war over set in 1989. Mulberry is also the co-executive producer on the television show Ungifted, based on the children's novel by Gordon Korman. The project was picked up by Nickelodeon in 2020 prior to the pandemic, and should get into production soon. "Mulberry is also set to launch a Film Fund with award winning producers George Parra (American Hustle, Joy) and Joseph Lanius (To The Bone, Inheritance) for small budget independent films," says Ms. Shah, "and we really believe the next couple of years are going to be great for Mulberry." Rashaana graduated from PICT Pune with a degree in computer science. By the age of 25, she was running three international companies in India, and she moved to Los Angeles five years ago to run Mulberry full-time. As a woman from India, Rashaana hopes that her success inspires not only other women but all people who are judged on anything other than the merit of their work. "I am very inspired by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga who have redefined Indian cinema for the international audience." [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In new TN assembly DMK has most MLAs with pending criminal background, crorepatis MK Stalin sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for first time In Tamil Nadu, Gandhi will handle Khadi ministry, while Nehru gets Urban Development TN Polls: DMK signs seat-sharing pact with two parties, engages two other allies India oi-Deepika S Chennai, Mar 01: The opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu signed seat-sharing pact with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) for the April 6 assembly election, apportioning them three and two seats, respectively, on Monday and engaged two other allies. The DMK is close to clinching the deal with Vaiko''s Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and talks are on with Thol Thirumavalavan-led VCK party. VCK leader said his party had conveyed its desired number of seats to the DMK leaders during the seat-sharing talks. The parleys are likely to continue tomorrow. Tamil Nadu should show the way to India in keeping out BJP: Rahul Gandhi MDMK deputy general secretary Mallai C Sathya, who led a four-member team for the talks with the DMK leaders at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters, here said "our party leader (Vaiko) and DMK president (M K Stalin) will finalise the deal hopefully tomorrow." Announcing that three seats have been finalised for his party, at the end of two-day deliberation which concluded on Monday, IUML national president M Kader Mohideen said his party had sought five seats. "We agreed and signed the deal for three seats after the DMK said they are not in a position to allocate more seats as many allies have to be accommodated," Mohideen told reporters. After inking the pact, MMK leader M H Jawhirullah said his party has been given two seats. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 23:02 [IST] Protests against the military coup in Myanmar were violently attacked by security forces yesterday, leaving 18 people dead and more than 30 wounded, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The bloodshed signals a further shift by the military junta towards the use of repression to try to stamp out a growing nationwide movement of mass protests and strikes opposed to the dictatorship. Police and soldiers opened fire on crowds of peaceful demonstrators, with live rounds and rubber bullets, in multiple locations across Myanmar. Large deployments of riot police, armed with batons and shields, charged into crowds in both cities and rural areas, indiscriminately attacking protesters and by-standers. In Yangon, the nations largest city and a centre of the anti-coup movement, police were out in force early and took up positions at the usual demonstration sites, detaining protesters as they arrived. Protesters shout slogans during a protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. Police fired tear gas and water cannons and there were reports of gunfire Sunday in Myanmar's largest city Yangon where another anti-coup protest was underway with scores of students and other demonstrators hauled away in police trucks. (AP Photo) At around 8:30 a.m., police moved on thousands of marching doctors, nurses, and students from the citys medical universities, who had gathered near Hledan Centre intersection. Social media footage showed police beating protesters and shoving the injured into police trucks. Around 200 medical students were detained. Similar assaults were conducted against a teachers rally in the Yankin district and elsewhere throughout the city. After tear gas and shots in the air failed to disperse crowds, police began firing live ammunition at protesters. Dozens were shot and three young men died from their wounds. A woman also died of a suspected heart attack, after police set off a wave of stun grenades, her daughter and a colleague said. In the south-eastern city of Dawei, at least four people were shot dead and 40 injured, the Irrawaddy reported. An ambulance driver in Bago, the site of another bloody state clampdown, told Agence France Presse he had sent the bodies of two 18-year-olds, shot dead, straight to the mortuary. As the day went on, a bystander on a motorcycle died after being shot in the head by police in Mandalay, Myanmars second largest city. Several volunteers providing medical aid to protesters were shot and injured. Later in the day, another passer-by was shot in the head and died instantly. Meanwhile in Pakkoku, Magway Region, a man attempting to hide from soldiers in the street was shot dead. Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, also witnessed a determined crackdown in which 50 protesters were detained by authorities. Despite such repressive measures, however, protesters were mostly undeterred by the deadly shootings and continued their marches in the afternoon. The exceptions were the towns of Lashio and Myeik, where police succeeded in breaking up protests. The Myanmar protests have rapidly grown in scale over the past four weeks since the February 1 coup, when the armed forcesknown as the Tatmadawseized control of the country and arrested leaders of the democratically-elected government, citing unfounded allegations of voter fraud in last Novembers election. Protesters have demanded the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and her National Democratic League (NLD) and an end to the military dictatorship. The juntas methods of repression after the coupinternet shutdown, media censorship, a year-long state of emergencytook a decisively drastic turn on February 20, when a crackdown on a shipyard workers strike in Mandalay involved the direct firing of live rounds at protesters, resulting in at least two deaths and over 30 injuries. The repression was stepped up on Friday as a troop of riot police charged protesters in the Hledan and Myaynigone districts of Yangon. Local media reported that shots were fired in the air near Yangon University, a main rallying point of the movement. Residents of the neighbourhood opened their doors to fleeing demonstrators. In Mandalay, four people were seriously wounded by shots from live rounds, with at least ten more injured by batons and slingshots. In response, protesters and strikers have constructed barricades out of garbage bins and carts around areas of Yangon. They also began equipping themselves with hard hats, gas masks, and makeshift shields. On Saturday, the crackdown intensified again. Police charges in Yangon targeted anyone in their path, including volunteer medics, trishaw drivers, and a pregnant woman. Bloody raids were reported nationwide. State-run television network MRTV announced that 479 protesters had been arrested on Saturday alone, among them numerous journalists. In Monywa, the largest city of Sagaing Region in the northwest, one woman is believed to have been shot and seriously wounded. Witnesses of the Monywa protests, which comprised largely of teachers, told Reuters news agency that police surrounded the crowd and then used water cannon. Earlier, citizens of Monywa had reportedly declared a self-administrative city, accountable only to the representatives of the suspended parliament. The current crackdown is taking place within the context of heightening political tensions. Thein Soe, chairman of the junta-appointed election commission, declared on Friday that the results of the November polls were officially invalid, despite the NLDs landslide victory. On the same day, Myanmars Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun made a public appeal to the UN to use any means necessary to take action against the Myanmar military. He read the statement on behalf of Suu Kyi and her cabinet, who, he said, were still the legitimate government. In the meantime, uncertainty has grown over Suu Kyis whereabouts, as the independent Myanmar Now website reported she was moved this week from house arrest to an undisclosed location. The next hearing in her case is scheduled for today. It is not Suu Kyi and her NLD that are undermining the junta, but an extensive movement of the working class. The military is desperate to put a halt to a growing movement of striking workers that threatens to bring economic activity to a standstill. Loosely organised under the leadership of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), the widespread work stoppages and walkouts have effectively paralysed major sections of the economy: the civil service, healthcare, banking, education, and transport. UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Tom Andrews has estimated that around three-quarters of the countrys one million civil servants are on strike. Additionally, junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing revealed this week that one-third of the nations hospitals are no longer functioning due to disruptions. The power of this movement was demonstrated during last Mondays general strike, in which millions turned out and refused to work under the military regime. This drew together doctors, miners, electricity workers, garbage collectors, and supermarket employees. After Monday, strikes appear to be expanding into new sectors. Truck drivers began a strike against the coup on Thursday, by refusing to transport goods from the docks at Yangons four main ports. Joint secretary of the Myanmar Container Trucking Association said he estimates that about 90 percent of the citys 4000 drivers are on strike, and have promised to deliver only essential food, medicine and fabrics for factories. The juntas deep fear of an imminent economic crisis underscores the violence now being used, to try to suppress the upsurge of the working class as quickly as possible. Economic growth for the financial year 202021 is expected to be just 0.5 percent, due partly to Myanmars failure to attract significant foreign investment, but above all to the global downturn caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Bank of Ireland said four branches in Co Kildare will be among the 103 branches in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to close due to the increase in digital banking and other factors. Branches closing in Co Kildare will be Kilcullen, Monasterevin, Celbridge and at HP/Intel in Leixlip. Branches close to the Kildare border also closing include Edenderry and Enfield. The branches are due to close from the end of September. Bank of Ireland said there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of today's decision to close branches nationwide. As a result of the closures, the bank's branch network in the Republic of Ireland will be reduced by 88 leaving 169, while 15 Northern Ireland branches will close, leaving 13. Bank of Ireland said it had agreed a new partnership with An Post which will offer Bank of Ireland customers banking services at more than 900 locations across Ireland. This will include over the counter cash and cheque lodgements and cash withdrawals, with longer weekday opening hours than traditional bank branches as well as Saturday opening. It said the closing Bank of Ireland branches all have a post office within, on average, less than 500 metres. Francesca McDonagh, Bank of Ireland's group chief executive, said that 2020 was an exceptionally challenging year for the bank but its focus was on supporting its customers through every stage of the Covid-19 crisis while continuing to deliver its strategy. She added: "For many years, the trend to digital banking has been evident, with customers using branches less and less. Covid-19 has accelerated this changing behaviour, and we've seen a seismic shift towards digital banking over the past 12 months. "Weve now reached a tipping point in customer preferences between online and offline banking. Thats why weve also announced changes to our branch network in Ireland and Northern Ireland today, while protecting access to local banking services though a new arrangement with An Post." Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, the CEO said the closure of branches decision was made because customers are saying "loudly and clearly" that they want more digital and less branches and this is about investing where customers want to bank. Ms McDonagh said the deal with An Post will enable all Bank of Ireland customers to carry out counter transactions in one of An Post outlets. She said Bank of Ireland is "very mindful" of the impact on some local communities and no town or village where Bank of Ireland operates will be left without access to financial services or cash. A hotline had been set up for customers, particularly older customers, the bank CEO said, but she added that there is a high take up of online banking among older customers and half of customers aged over 65 are registered online. Bank of Ireland today reported an underlying loss before tax 374m for the year to the end of December, reflecting the 1.1 billion it set aside to deal with potential bad loans arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The group said it returned to profitability in the second half of the year. Thursday was a day of historic firsts, of alarm and outrage. Rachel Levine, the physician nominated to become the Biden administrations assistant secretary of health, came to her confirmation hearing prepared to politely discuss matters such as the COVID pandemic, the opioid epidemic, behavioral health and racial disparities in medical treatment. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentuck., however, seemed more interested in talking about childrens genitals. Dr. Levine, you have supported (minors) being given hormone blockers, and surgical reconstruction of a childs genitalia, Paul said, in a tirade in which he also conflated genital mutilation (a horrifying practice that public health experts view as a human rights violation) with the transition-related surgeries chosen by some transgender individuals to help their bodies conform with their gender identity. You give a woman testosterone enough that she grows a beard. Do you think shes going to go back looking like a woman when you stop the testosterone? Paul demanded. Levine, who most recently worked as Pennsylvanias top health official, is transgender. If her nomination succeeds, she will become the first publicly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She would have been within her rights to be enraged by Pauls ignorance, but she responded on Thursday by repeating a steady message: Transgender medicine is a complex and nuanced field, she said twice. It was composed of robust research, and standards of care. She would be happy, she said, to come to Pauls office and discuss the issue in-depth. She repeatedly thanked him for the opportunity to answer his questions, even the demeaning ones. She kept her hands folded on the table, while Paul jabbed his finger in the air and dismissively scoffed, If youve ever been around children 14-year-olds cannot make this decision. (Levine is a pediatrician who created the Penn State Hershey Medical Centers adolescent medicine division. Paul is an eye doctor.) Paul did not seem at all curious about the medical matter at hand, in which he had no expertise. He was instead alarmed and outraged. He claimed to be worried about the children, but paid no heed to guidance of medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommend treating gender-diverse children by affirming their gender identities. In Pauls telling, children chose to be transgender because of peer pressure, or pressure from doctors. In his world, those children would be fine if only doctors like Levine would deny them treatment. Pauls stand against medical treatment for transgender kids occurred on the same day that the House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on the Equality Act, a bill that would amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. That bill had inspired similar reactions from Republican lawmakers. Equality for who? demanded Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, from the House floor Wednesday night. Where is the equality in this legislation for the young girls across America who will have to look behind their backs as they change in their school locker rooms, just to make sure there isnt a confused man trying to catch a peek? Boebert meandered on to liberal indoctrination camps also called colleges and universities and radical ideology, and she warned that the left would imprison and take (the) children of anyone who disagreed with them. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, gave a similar speech. After her across-the-hall neighbor Rep. Marie Newman, D-Illinois, posted a transgender pride flag outside of her office (Newmans daughter is trans), Greene retaliated by hanging a poster outside of her own, reading, There are TWO genders: Male & Female. Research has not shown an increase in violence or voyeurism when jurisdictions begin allowing transgender individuals to use whichever restroom they feel comfortable in. And a hypothetical man harassing girls in a locker room would be arrested under passage of the act, just as he would and should be now. Nondiscrimination laws dont permit illegal behavior, they just give transgender kids a safe place to pee. As for Boeberts scaremongering: She seemed to allude to a specific case in Ohio. A pair of grandparents were awarded custody of their 17-year-old transgender grandson, who had become suicidal after the boys parents had refused to call him by his chosen name or permit doctor-recommended treatment. The custody agreement mandated independent psychological evaluation before hormone treatment would be allowed to begin, and it encouraged parental reconciliation. Boebert didnt mention any of that context. In Boebert and Greenes telling, transgender equity meant unleashing terrifying bad men pretending to be women. Their world, like Pauls, was full of monsters determined to abuse, kidnap and mutilate kids. The monster world is necessary to anti-transgender arguments, which depend on fear fear of losing the things people hold most dear: their children, their safety, their faith, their sense of self. And that fear depends on a lack of curiosity and an insistence on alarm and outrage. It depends on its propagators having the space to twist truths, to omit pertinent information, to revel in faux indignation, and to get away with it. It depends on Sen. Rand Paul claiming that Rachel Levine isnt answering his questions, simply because he doesnt like her answer: that medical cases are complex, and there are fields of study and many experts who have dedicated their entire careers to thinking through ethical practices. Levines nomination is historic, but it is also necessary. It is necessary because, as Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., pointed out at the beginning of the hearing, we should have a government that represents the vast breadth of humanity. It is also necessary because Levine spent three hours sitting behind a table, wearing a patterned blazer, a string of pearls, eyeglasses and a graying haircut. She occasionally sounded nervous, but always remained calm. She spoke humbly, admitted when she didnt know answers, and stressed how honored and excited she would be to learn more and to work with everyone in the room. She was the opposite of terrifying. If you watched her exchange with Paul, you might have seen someone behaving monstrously. But it definitely wasnt her. MONICA HESSE is a columnist for The Washington Post. A letter containing a rape allegation was sent to PM Scott Morrison (pictured) Calls are growing for a cabinet minister to resign over a historic rape allegation dating back to 1988 - as the alleged victim's friend slams the ABC for its coverage of her claims. A letter from a mystery sender containing a detailed statement from the alleged victim was sent to Scott Morrison and two South Australian senators last week. The woman, who died by suicide in Adelaide last year, claimed she was raped by the man at an event in Sydney when she was 16. The ministerial code of conduct requires a minister to stand aside if charged with a crime. But the minister won't face court because under NSW law a rape charge can only be laid if there is a living complainant. The alleged victim's lawyers - whom she engaged in 2019 before withdrawing her complaint the day before she died - say the minister should stand down anyway. Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'It's untenable for him not to, I would think. It's not really a legal question, it's a question of propriety. 'It goes to his ability to do his job. It's necessary that his integrity is not under serious question. 'And it's about the integrity of the entire government whether it can carry on with a cloud this huge hanging over it.' Greens leader Adam Bandt also called for the minister to stand down and demanded an inquiry. 'If the Prime Minister doesn't at least stand this man aside while he conducts his own inquiry, then he's sending the terrible message there is space in his cabinet for someone with an unresolved rape accusation,' he said. On Monday Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters: 'Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence. This is Australia after all.' A close friend of the woman, former Liberal staffer Dhanya Mani (pictured) The minister has not commented and a spokesman for Mr Morrison on Friday said any allegations should be referred to the Australian Federal Police. The woman had bipolar disorder and had attended a psychiatric hospital in Melbourne in the months before her death aged 49, according to the ABC's Four Corners which first reported the allegation on Friday. A close friend of the woman, former Liberal staffer Dhanya Mani, said the alleged victim had wanted to become a Liberal MP and accused the ABC of attacking the party with its coverage of the allegation. 'She would have hated that this is clearly being politicised as an attack on a political party that she would have wanted to run for,' Ms Mani told Sky News Australia on Sunday. Ms Mani said the Four Corners online article, which contained some detail of the allegation, was 'sensationalised'. 'She'd be furious, disheartened, feel disrespected and debased to see how they've approached this coverage because she was a brave, courageous advocate for women,' Ms Mani said of her friend. 'It felt like obvious attempts at sensationalism, to try and make something seem perverse, to try to appeal to public outrage at her direct expense and at her family's direct expense.' Ms Mani said the woman's family had asked Four Corners not to tell her story - but the ABC went ahead anyway. She also claimed she was pressured into speaking to the ABC just a week after the woman had died. '[I thought] Why are they even doing this so quickly. Why now? Why within a week,' she said. 'I called them and they said ''if you don't meet us right now, if you don't meet us in the next few days then you're not going to be able to get justice, this has to be done now this has to be done by us''.' An ABC spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'The issues that are being reported on are difficult, but significant, and in the public's interest to be informed about. 'The ABC's coverage has been accurate and carefully and appropriately handled. 'The ABC does not reveal details of how we investigate stories, or communications we may have had with sources in the course of those investigations, and it would be unethical to do so.' Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Labor Senator Penny Wong received the unsigned letter and both released statements saying they had contacted the AFP. Ms Mani said she tweeted both to ask them not to politicise her friend's allegation but Senator Hanson-Young blocked her. Senator Hanson-Young said the information she had received regarded a 'disturbing and a very serious allegation of a criminal nature against a senior member of the government'. On Monday Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters: 'Everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence. This is Australia after all.' Senator Wong said it was her understanding the complainant reported the assault to NSW Police and South Australia Police. The Australian Federal Police on Saturday issued a statement saying it would liaise with the relevant state authorities. 'Further enquiries can be directed to the New South Wales Police Force,' it said. 'The AFP will not be making further comment.' NSW Police said in a statement on Friday night that a report of alleged historic sexual violence was received in February 2020 and detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Wyndarra. 'After strike force investigators were advised that the body of a 49-year-old woman was located at a home at Adelaide by South Australia Police (SAPOL) on Wednesday 24 June 2020, the investigation was suspended,' the statement said. The revelations come a fortnight after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins' rape allegation engulfed parliamentary sittings. With AAP Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 16:42:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia registered 1,019 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 159,072 as of Sunday evening, the country's Ministry of Health said. The ministry said 11 new deaths from the coronavirus were reported across the country during the same period, bringing the national death toll to 2,365. The East African country reported 122 more recoveries, taking the national count of COVID-19 recoveries to 134,858 so far. Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation, has so far reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the East Africa region. According to the ministry, Ethiopia currently has some 21,847 active COVID-19 cases, of which 365 are said to be under severe health conditions. According to the latest figures from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ethiopia's COVID-19 cases accounted for about 4 percent of the African continent's total confirmed COVID-19 cases. The Ethiopian government has been urging the public to implement precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. The East African nation has so far conducted 2,134,587 COVID-19 medical tests, the ministry said. Enditem Former Andra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu was detained by the police at Tirupati Airport on Monday. Naidu was on his way to a TDP protest when he was served notice and detained at the airport. After the police stopped him from leaving the Tirupati Airport, Naidu initiated a sit-in protest by squatting down on the airport floor. "What is this? What is this... don't I have fundamental rights to meet the collector? What is happening to this country? I worked for 14 years as chief minister. I am a leader of Opposition. What is this tamasha. Why did you detain me? You didn't give me permission... I will sit right here," Naidu was heard saying to the police in a video tweeted out by the former Chief Minister. In the caption for the video, Naidu wrote, "We will not be stopped. We will not be silenced. Your fear-driven, state-sponsored vendetta won't stop me from reaching out to my people. Grow up, @ysjagan #Chittoor #AndhraPradesh". In the notice served to Naidu, the police have claimed that the municipal election process will be disrupted if Naidu went ahead with the protest programme. The police have also stated that the risk of contracting the coronavirus at the protest programme is very high because of the rising COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the outbreak, according to The Times of India. "Because Police Act 30 and the model code of conduct are in vogue and in our sincere efforts to ensure a free and fair poll process, we are forced to detain you," notes the notice which was served to the TDP chief by Renigunta police. The TDP has accused the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSR), which is the current ruling party in Andra Pradesh, of using pressure tactics to get the opposition candidates to withdraw from the municipal elections scheduled on March 10. Under the leadership of Naidu, the TDP had planned a protest against YSR's tactics. However, the local police had not granted permission for holding the protest. Also read: Assembly Elections 2021 Dates Highlights: Polls in 4 states, Puducherry from Mar 27-Apr 29, results on May 2 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Kim Jin-heon Payatas is an island located 20 kilometers north of Manila, the Philippines. The island has been used as a landfill by the city since the early 1990s. As a result, the soil and water have been polluted. About 100,000 people live on the island and most of them make a living by collecting and selling paper, plastic, or vinyl. They earn less than one dollar a day. Even children who are four years old collect those materials from dawn to dusk. This poor environment exposes them to various diseases. Volunteers including missionaries, health care providers and South Korean relief organizations have helped to improve their lives. One of the volunteers, Choi, a Christian missionary, has provided clean water and educated children on the island after establishing a school there more than 10 years ago, often delivering relief items from South Korea. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, the health of the villagers has been neglected. The pandemic has forced relief workers and volunteers from South Korea to reduce their activities. Choi also had to send his family back to Korea and reduce the amount of work he does. During last summer vacation, Choi came back to Korea and met Park, his high school English teacher. At that time, the teacher was working at Chungram Middle School in Gangjin County, South Jeolla Province. Most of the students in that school have problems adjusting to society. Choi told his teacher the story of his life in Payatas. Impressed by his message, she thought of a project to help children there. She created a teaching plan that used YouTube to help others relate to the poor children's lives, while promoting activities and exchanges of letters among other projects. When the missionary introduced the students to those in Payatas, they began to write pen pal letters. Park encouraged them to write letters by using translation tools, such as Google or Papago without her help. The teacher also made a club activity and asked her students to publicize their role and collect stationeries or used clothes from teachers, students, and parents for a month. Then she sent the relief supplies and students' letters with the help of the South Jeolla Education Office. Soon, the Chungram students received letters and thank you messages on YouTube. After finishing the project, some students said it had encouraged them to feel self-respect. Some said they were happy to have foreign pen pals and to be able to express their thoughts in English. Others said they were excited to have the motivation to live with hope. In fact, most of the students are mentally challenged or had been ostracized by society. Due to their parents' ignorance or insufficient social systems to look after their children, they have lived without hope. Fortunately, the program gave them an opportunity to live more happily. In that respect, more alternative systems like the one adopted by the middle school may be needed to help students live with hope. The writer is an English teacher at Chung-mu High School in South Jeolla Province. Sheryl Boudy learned to cook by helping her father while growing up in their home in Uptown New Orleans. She recently retired from a 33-year career as a social worker. Before she retired, she started a website and Facebook group about cooking. In December, she published her cookbook, Recipes My Daddy Never Wrote Down. Gambit: How has cooking been passed down in your family? Sheryl Boudy: My whole life was being in the kitchen with my father, who was an excellent cook but had no formal training. As years passed by, I always knew that cooking was my passion. It was my getaway from the hustle and bustle of my job. Right before I retired, I knew I wanted to write this book, so I started a food group on Facebook to get an audience, and then I started an Instagram page. Then two years ago, I started collecting these recipes that I remembered from my childhood. My dad learned from his mother, who was a great cook. He was one of 11. When he was a little boy, he broke something and he was in a cast from the waist down, so he couldnt go to school. He stayed home for three or four months. My grandma had him in the kitchen, helping her cook. Thats where he learned to cook. In my household, my daddy cooked; my mother didnt. She was a school teacher and he was an insurance agent. He had a more flexible schedule, plus he was a much better cook. He cooked my whole life, and I was right there. And he wouldnt talk much. He was a whistler. Id be in the kitchen trying to watch. Over time, the recipes were engraved in my brain. So when I became a mother, I started replicating his recipes, because this is what I grew up on. Sometimes it was hit or miss, because nothing was written down. I asked him why he didnt write anything down and he was like, Oh, chere, just add a little bit of this or that. Look at the texture. You can smell it. He took us to Schwegmanns. He showed us how to shop. What to get, how to check prices. The whole gamut. Chefs Jasmine Rogers and Alex Davis opened vegan Coalesce Goods at St. Roch Market Chefs Jasmine Rogers and Alex Davis are natives of Houston who met while working in New Orleans restaurants, including Gordon Biersch Brewery Gambit: How has your online presence helped? Boudy: I did the website in 2015. I was on Facebook in 2009, but I didnt start my Sheryl in the Kitchen group until 2015. The website is where I get the most traffic, where I put recipes for things like crawfish pies, which has like a million views. But with people on the Sheryl in the Kitchen (group), I have more interaction with them. I would post pictures of my food, videos. If I went to Westwego to get seafood, I would post things about shrimp, or shrimp season, or tips on how to buy shrimp, tips on how to cook certain things. I have 6,100 followers. I do slo-mos, I do Boomerangs, I do click-its. I have three sons. My youngest son, Alden, is into cooking. He started posting food on TikTok, maybe three weeks ago. Hes up to 77,000 followers. He came over because I needed a picture of my crawfish pies. He did a TikTok on my crawfish pies. It got 237,000 views. Overnight, I got orders for 55 books off that TikTok. Gambit: What did you include in the book? Boudy: There are 25 recipes. I call them authentic New Orleans recipes. When I talk about these things, people who grew up in New Orleans recognize them, like, Oh my God, my grandmother made that too. There are things that are familiar, like crawfish pies. And I came up with a new one, although its not one of my dads. Its crawfish rolls. He would want me to make that. Its like an egg roll, but its rich. Its crawfish and a cheesy sauce with seasonings. Its deep fried twice, and you batter it twice, so it becomes crispy. I also cook marinated crabs, crawfish etouffee, crawfish bisque, smothered pork chops, chicken and red gravy, smothered cabbage a lot of New Orleans kinds of foods. There are 15 recipes with seafood in the book. And of course, we have to come up with something sweet, so my brother, who is the baker, came up with five recipes. The bread pudding with rum sauce, praline Bundt cake, German chocolate cake and pecan tarts. Before each recipe, I tell a brief story of why I picked the recipe, so when people go to do my recipes, its like they know my dad, they know my family. The vision of Sheryl in the Kitchen is to inspire people to cook. I am trying to inspire people to get in the kitchen with their family and have these conversations with their families, so one day, when your grandmother and grandfather are gone, youll have those memories. Thats whats so important to me. We do gather around food, but its not about the food. Thats what my mother and my dad said: Its not about the food. Its about the memories. For more information about Sheryl Boudy and the cookbook, visit sherylboudy.com. Chefs Alison Vega-Knoll and Chris Wilson opened the Larder Metairie The new business is set up like a carefully curated gourmet market, with a busy counter for breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. The NHS has 'insufficient' capacity on its intensive care wards and the Covid-19 crisis 'strongly confirmed' its capacity problem, hospital bosses have warned. Chris Hopson, the CEO of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals around the country, has called for an urgent review of the way intensive care is managed. He said the country has significantly lower intensive care capacity than similar countries in Europe and this could be harming public healthcare. Much of the lockdown rules imposed in the UK during the Covid crisis has been an effort to shield the NHS from being swamped by patients. Non-Covid care has taken a battering during the past year with many people seeing operations, scans and appointments postponed or cancelled. And hospitals must now scramble to catch up and see as many overdue patients as possible while also coping with ongoing coronavirus admissions and new patients developing other illnesses. Intensive care units have been considerably busier than usual coping with seriously ill Covid patients, but numbers have been coming down in recent weeks. Nearly 4,500 people are being treated in hospital beds every day in England up more than 40 per cent for this time of year amid the Covid pandemic (left). Pressure on hospital intensive care units has fallen nearly 25 per cent in the last month (right), but there are still nearly 1,500 more people in hospital beds than this time last year Chris Hopson, the CEO of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals around the country, has called for an urgent review of the way intensive care is managed Mr Hopson drew attention to regional disparities with his comments, saying that the East of England, South West and South East were falling short in particular. He said: 'Trusts' experience of Covid-19 has strongly confirmed what we already knew that the NHS has insufficient critical care capacity. 'We now need a formal review of what critical care capacity is required going forward. 'It's neither safe nor sensible to rely on NHS hospital trusts being able to double or triple their capacity at the drop of a hat as they've had to over the last two months, with all the disruption to other care and impossible burdens on staff that involves.' To make his case for more NHS critical care beds, Mr Hopson outlined how it differed from countries on the continent. He said: 'The review needs to look at the overall level of critical care capacity the UK is towards the bottom of the European league table for critical care beds per head of population. 'Whilst the UK has 7.3 critical care beds per 100,000 people, Germany has 33.8 and the USA 34.3. 'We also have comparatively fewer critical care beds than France, Italy, Australia and Spain.' He said the review should also examine critical care transport services and trusts' ability to add 'surge capacity' when needed. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'The Government is determined to back the NHS in every possible way in its fight against this virus, investing 52 billion this year and 20 billion next. 'This is on top of 9.4 billion capital funding to build and upgrade 40 new hospitals and 3 billion earmarked for supporting recovery and reducing the NHS waiting list. 'We know how integral staffing is, and there are a record number of qualified doctors working in our NHS, with over 6,500 more doctors and over 10,500 more nurses compared to the previous year, and the Government is on track to deliver 50,000 more nurses by the end of this Parliament.' The Archdiocese of New Orleans is warning local Roman Catholics that the newly authorized Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine is "morally compromised" and should be avoided, if possible, in favor of other vaccines because of a connection to abortion. In recent weeks, public health officials in Louisiana and across the U.S. have advised against weighing the different vaccines against each other, telling residents that they should get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and a shot is available. The statement from the local church, issued Friday, may raise questions about that guidance among area Catholics. The directive also appeared to go farther than recent public pronouncements from other church bodies in singling out the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In its statement, the archdiocese argued that cells used to develop, test and produce the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot were derived from abortions performed in the 1970s and 1980s. As such, the vaccine is "morally compromised, as it uses the abortion-derived cell line in development and production of the vaccine as well as the testing," the statement said. Though the developers of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines also relied on abortion cells, local church officials argued that the material was only used in lab testing. Those vaccines "therefore can be morally acceptable for Catholics, as the connection to abortion is extremely remote," officials said. The statement added that the decision to receive a coronavirus vaccine "remains one of individual conscience in consultation with one's healthcare provider" and didn't rule out receiving a Johnson & Johnson vaccine if other vaccines weren't available. The use of cells derived from aborted fetuses in vaccine development has become an issue for the church in recent months after some church leaders in the United States questioned whether it was acceptable to receive the shots. In December, the Vatican said that "it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses" in the research and production process when "ethically irreproachable" vaccines arent available to the public. It added, however, that it wasn't endorsing the use of those cell lines. Archdiocesan spokesperson Sarah McDonald said Monday that Archbishop Gregory Aymond elected to issue the statement after receiving requests for clarification around the moral appropriateness of the vaccines. 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 "It is the responsibility of the archbishop to provide guidance to Catholics," she said. "It remains the role of the church to always stand for its teaching." According to the church's statement Friday, archdiocesan officials researched guidance offered by the National Catholic Bioethics Center, the Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops before releasing their own directive on Friday. Those organizations have not weighed in publicly on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, though the USCCB in December said that a vaccine from AstraZeneca should be avoided "if there are alternatives available" because it extensively used an abortion-derived cell line. The document, titled "Moral considerations regarding the new COVID-19 vaccines," nevertheless allowed that should there not be a choice, Catholics should take the AstraZeneca vaccine due to the "serious consequences for ones health and the health of others" of delaying the inoculation. The statement from the local church comes as Louisiana has been preparing to accept shipments of the new Johnson & Johnson shot and as health leaders have publicly praised it as an efficient tool for reaching herd immunity. Last week, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter recommended against trying to pick one vaccine over another based on studies of their efficacy and argued that residents should get a shot as soon as one of them is available. "Dont pass up the opportunity," he said. "Dont fall into the trap of trying to parse one versus the other." Some health experts expressed concern about the church's stance Monday, saying it could dissuade people from taking a vaccine that could keep them and others alive. "I am worried," said Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, Ochsner Health's system medical director of hospital quality. "It was completely surprising to me. Several months in we thought we've heard almost every sort of concern that has been raised, and this was new and it really was a surprise." A spokesperson for New Orleans' city government, whose health department has worked to promote vaccines, stressed the need for residents to make the "important decision" to be immunized, regardless of which shot they choose. "We understand that many residents have hesitancies about the COVID-19 vaccine for many reasons," spokesperson Beau Tidwell said. "There are currently three vaccines available to New Orleanians, and we hope that all of our residents take the opportunity to get vaccinated when it is available to them... The COVID-19 vaccines will save lives." Staff writer Emily Woodruff and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Rep. Green Suggests Latin America as Manufacturing Option to Decouple From China Manufacturing can be relocated to Latin America in lieu of the United States as a way to speed up the process of decoupling from China, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) says. Green was recently named the ranking member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee in the House of Representatives. So, as as I contemplate whats going on in Latin America, because of Chinas commodity boomthey came in and got the oil and the metalsI realized that that created currency issues over the last 15 years for South America, Central America. And because their currency suddenly became very valuable to the Chinese, it became very inexpensive for them to buy Chinese manufactured goods, Green told The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders program. So instead of developing their own manufacturing base, they bought stuff from China. And thats hurt their employment in the manufacturing sector in Latin America, Central America, said Green, who spoke on the sidelines of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Florida over the weekend. With the increasing recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic that the United States should decouple or pare its dependency on China-based manufacturing, the Latin America situation presents an opportunity, Green says. We can use and direct some of the development dollars to Latin America to increase manufacturing there. Companiesespecially American companiesthat their business model doesnt support them coming back to America for the cost of labor, lets send them to Latin America. Well create a manufacturing base that will create jobs there, which will work with our immigration issue, and help our immigration; whenever you create jobs in Latin America, you decrease the flow across our southern border, he said. So this is a win-win-win. Decoupling from China, helping our friends to the south, and helping our southern border immigration issue. Several Democrats have indicated their support for that viewpoint, Green said, adding that he hopes to bring up the issue on the House floor. Green has also worked on legislation that would fully fund a U.S.-based company returning operations to the United States by allowing firms a tax write-off for the cost of the move. There are also a lot of other things we have to do and in that national security manufacturing piece, but thats one of my bills, he said. In a letter last year to congressional leadership, Green urged them to include incentives for U.S. companies to reshore from China. We should temporarily allow American companies that move back from China to expense 100% of the moving costs. And, while, Im personally no fan of tariffs, we should pay for it with the existing tariffs President Trump levied on China, as long as they remain. The American people have suffered enoughand the American taxpayer has paid enoughfor a virus they had no part in causing. Its time to let China pay for it, he said. A San Antonio Congressman is sticking up for the Latino community. While the nation watched the Golden Globes Sunday evening, Joaquin Castro noticed a lack of Latino actors, writers, and creators in the award show. And, he took to Twitter to share his thoughts. "Latinos are almost completely missing at the @goldenglobes it's unsurprising and unacceptable," the San Antonio native politician said. "The film industry must address the pernicious lack of opportunity and representation of Latino Americans. The stories that Hollywood tells affect how entire communities are perceived." READ ALSO: 'SNL' spoofs Cruz, Newsom, Cuomo and others in vaccine gameshow cold open Castro added in a comment on his tweet that he uses the word "pernicious" because the status quo is toxic, harmful, and dangerous to Latinos in American society. In another tweet, he noted Hollywood as a system is very "insular," "exclusionary," and "regressive." Castro said some individuals in the system are progressive, but pointed out the system as a whole is among the least progressive industries in America. Many agreed with Castro's point of view as his tweets received more than 1,400 likes. Twitter user Robert C. quote retweeted Castro's tweet and wrote that there are Latino writers, producers, and directors in waiting. He stated the agents and studios can change this sad state. "It's time the streaming companies step up and change patterns not just mirror the status quo," the user pointed out. READ ALSO: U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro nominates 'Selena' for National Film Registry According to Remezcla, the 78th Golden Globes featured only three Latino artists in the award show Puerto Rican-born New York actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, Argentine-British-American Anya Taylor-Joy, and Guatemalan filmmaker Jayro Bustamante. Miranda was nominated for "Best Actor" in a motion picture, musical, or comedy for his role in "Hamilton." Joy picked up two nominations "Best Actress" in the same category as Miranda for her performance in "Emma" and "Best Actress" in a limited series, anthology series or motion picture for her character in "The Queen's Gambit" (she won that one!). Bustamante's film "La Llorona" was nominated for "Best Picture" for a foreign language film. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre 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. VeggieTales co-creator to launch new animated series 'The Dead Sea Squirrels' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Mike Nawrocki, VeggieTales co-creator and voice of Larry the Cucumber, is teaming up with renowned Disney animator Tom Bancroft and legendary producer and artist Steve Taylor to bring to life the new animated series "The Dead Sea Squirrels now that the team has secured potential investors. Im thrilled to see the Dead Sea Squirrels coming to life, Nawrocki told the Christian Post. The beginnings of the idea came to me over a dozen years ago. So, to get the opportunity to write a book series and now to move into animation it is a longtime dream come true. Nawrocki said his prayer is that the stories in the new series will help kids make a connection to the Bible and life of Jesus. According to the Kickstarter campaign launched at the top of the year and then canceled, Nawrocki and the team needed to raise at least $1.2 million to get the animated series made because of the high cost of animation. But after raising over $35,000 in just a few days, they have lined up potential investors who would fund the entire project. "In the few days since our Kickstarter campaign launched we've had potential investors come forward to fund the series, an announcement posted to the fundraiser states. Everyone is committed to Mike Nawrockis vision and agrees he should retain creative control over the series content which was our main reason for choosing Kickstarter vs. traditional investor funding. As a result, we are suspending this Kickstarter campaign and hope to have more great news to share with you soon. The first six episodes of the series are based on Nawrockis book series of the same name. Its been a longtime dream of mine to bring this series to life, Nawrocki shared in a statement. What started as a title based on a cheesy pun has developed into a fun-filled world kids will love while giving parents an entertaining resource to pass on biblical values and life lessons. Plus, with VeggieTales, 3-2-1 Penguins, and now The Dead Sea Squirrels, I hope to cement my legacy as the cheesy pun title guy! The Dead Sea Squirrels tells the story of Merle and Pearl, two first-century squirrels from Israel whove been preserved in sea salt in a cave alongside the Dead Sea. When 10-year-old Michael discovers them 2000 years later and sneaks them home in his backpack, hijinks ensue after this salty couple reanimates and takes their new friend on adventures full of action, humor, music and character-building lessons, the synopsis reads. Nawrocki, a Lipscomb University professor, rallied together students hired to help animate the series in coordination with New Zealands Mukpuddy Animation Studios. Nawrockis team of industry professionals with whom he is colleagues at Lipscomb include Bancroft (known for his work on animated films like Mulan, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast) and Taylor, who co-wrote The Dead Sea Squirrels theme song. For more information visit deadseasquirrels.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. Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim has taken a shot at homophobes who she described as cowards and hypocrites. The actress who waded into the controversy surrounding members of the LGBT community in Ghana, stated that some politicians in the country associate with gays when they travel and live abroad. Juliet Ibrahim accused homophobes of hating on others because of their sexuality, but celebrating murderers, rapists, fake pastors and bad politicians. She also asked them to focus on taking themselves out of poverty instead of fighting basic human rights. See her post below; See Post below: 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 SAPPORO PURE 6-Pack 12oz. With Sapporo continuing to grow in popularity, PURE is a natural extension of our portfolio. Our Japanese brewers have been actively overseeing the development of the beer in North America, taking great care in getting the taste just right. SAPPORO U.S.A., maker of the number one selling Asian beer brand in the United States, has unveiled SAPPORO PURE, a new superior light beer that will serve the evolving tastes of the modern consumer as well as longtime Sapporo drinkers. SAPPORO PURE is brewed to stand out to a new generation of beer drinkers looking to be more thoughtful of their consumption habits without compromising flavor. The beer will be among the lowest calorie options for beer drinkers in the superior light beer category, with only 90 calories, 2.4g carbs, and 4.0% ABV. SAPPORO PURE is brewed for the consumer who seeks a balanced, active lifestyle. Whether it's through enjoying a personal hobby or a long hiking trip with friends, the new beer is meant to accompany the life moments where we feel at our most centered. SAPPORO PURE is ideal for consumers who appreciate a conscientious life filled with great experiences best enjoyed with a truly satisfying beer. More and more consumers are taking a balanced approach in their choices in alcoholic beverages and we wanted to meet that expectation with an exceptional light beer, said Scott Pederson, Senior Vice President, Marketing, SAPPORO U.S.A. With Sapporo continuing to grow in popularity, PURE is a natural extension of our portfolio. Our Japanese brewers have been actively overseeing the development of the beer in North America, taking great care in getting the taste just right. The golden-hued beer is crisp and effervescent, featuring bright floral notes with a subtle hop bitterness. As one of the few superior light beers on the market with 90 or fewer calories, SAPPORO PURE will be targeted to meet consumer demands for new products that complement their pursuit of lifes best moments. Sapporos Japanese heritage is a crucial element to our uniqueness and continued drive to innovate, notes Pederson, For us, its important that our new as well as loyal fans have a high-quality, easy to drink light beer that makes no compromise in quality and taste. As the long-standing #1 selling Asian beer brand in the U.S., Sapporo aims to leverage its momentum and unique position in the market to resonate with American consumers seeking an authentic, expertly crafted light beer experience. SAPPORO PURE will join a Sapporo brand family that also includes SAPPORO PREMIUM, SAPPORO PREMIUM BLACK, SAPPORO PREMIUM LIGHT and SAPPORO RESERVE. SAPPORO PURE can be enjoyed in a distinctly designed 12 oz. slim can and available in 6-packs, rolling out to 17 states across the U.S. beginning this month, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. For more information on SAPPORO PURE and the entire brand family, please visit http://www.sapporobeer.com. About SAPPORO U.S.A, Inc. Founded in 1876, SAPPORO is Japans oldest beer brand still operating and the #1 selling Asian beer brand in the United States. Sapporo lagers have been enjoyed for almost half a century in America, with five varieties SAPPORO PREMIUM, SAPPORO PREMIUM BLACK, SAPPORO PREMIUM LIGHT, SAPPORO RESERVE, and the new SAPPORO PURE. SAPPORO U.S.A., Inc. was established in 1984 to oversee U.S. production, distribution, sales and marketing for the brand. Sapporo beers are made from only the finest natural ingredients and have been enjoyed for almost half a century in America. The combination of select barley and hops with an extreme attention to quality give Sapporo beers their crisp taste, refreshing flavor, and mild, refined bitterness. SAPPORO products sold in the U.S are brewed in the U.S, Canada and Vietnam. 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. A CORK TD has criticised the comments made by the Garda Commissioner on the protests in Dublin on Saturday. Yesterday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris rowed back on remarks he made about groups involved in the protests. He had said the demonstrators included people from different types of factions, including the far left. Mr Harris had said it was a collaboration of groups made up of anti-lockdown protesters, as well as those against vaccines and face masks, and those from the far right. However, in a statement issued yesterday, he said he wanted to clarify his remarks and that following further investigation, there was no corroborated evidence of extreme left factions being involved. The vast majority of those who took part belong to a number of factions including anti-vaccine, anti-mask, and anti-lockdown protesters, far-right groups, and those intent on trouble and disorder, said Mr Harris. Solidarity TD Mick Barry said he was angry at the original comment made by the commissioner. He added that the agenda of the protest was diametrically opposed to the agenda of the left. Mr Barry said that the statement provided by the commissioner was more of a retraction than a clarification and called for it to receive the same degree of coverage as the original misinformation. The Cork North Central TD said he is completely opposed to the protest and the agenda being pursued by its organiser. Speaking on RTEs The Week In Politics, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said the actions of protesters in Dublin city centre on Saturday were not legitimate protest. It was people who were intent on thuggery and violence and intimidation of the guards and of the State, he said. When somebody is firing a rocket or a firework from a few meters away from the guards, directly at them, that is not acceptable protest and I hope that the courts will deal with it as such. Twenty-three people were arrested after hundreds of protesters took part in the anti-lockdown demonstration. Three officers were injured during the protest, with one requiring hospital treatment. Some 13 people appeared before a special sitting of the Dublin District Court on Saturday night. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the protests posed an unacceptable risk to both the public and gardai, and described the behaviour as thuggish. Eliamin Ali(@Eliamin ink) is one of the well-known tattoo artists in Kenya. This self-taught artist who was once a hawker has worked with celebrities such as Otile Brown, Diamond, and Khaligraph Jones. Ali spoke to The Nairobian about his hustle. ***************** You have made art your business, how have you perfected it? Arts was my passion since childhood. Before I settled on tattooing, I started by drawing and customising T-shirts. I used to draw images on paper and later, I moved to canvas. At the same time, I perfected working on customised t-shirts since 2009. Talking of startup, how was it? My journey in arts dates back to 2008, the year I did my KCPE. I didnt perform well and due to financial constraints, I did not proceed further. Light dimmed on my dream to excel in education. I was living in Migadini in the coastal region where I was born and raised. I stepped out to look for greener pastures. I moved to Nairobi and stayed in Majengo estate. It is here that my art work was birthed. I started off working as a broker at the Gikomba market, where I would negotiate a price for a shoe, picked off the bales to interested customers. First, I would strike a sale price with the customer, which had a small commission for my effort before I direct them to the stall selling the item. The more clients I brought the higher pay I earned. In the process, I saved money and moved to Shauri Moyo where I opened a car wash business in partnership with a friend. However, as I was doing all these hustles, I was busy perfecting my skills in art. I used to get T-shirts at the same Gikomba, customise them, then sell at a premium price. When did you make a breakthrough in arts business? It is while at Shauri Moyo where I had created a good chain of friends that a painting opportunity came. The Nairobi City Council gave us a tender, together with my friends, to paint some city council buildings, including the Shauri Moyo police station. We worked for two weeks but, unfortunately, we were never paid. While still feeling dejected after the deal fell through, I bumped into a friend, who had inked a big tattoo of his fathers face on his chest. I had perfected my skills in drawing by then. It inspired me to try my hand in tattoo art. I inquired from him the person behind the art masterpiece and he introduced me to him. The rest is history. Then, it was manual tattooing using normal needles and ink derived from smashed tomatoes, mixed with car dust. I perfected my work there and I was good to go. From there, I researched how I could make my work unique and perfect. I visited a friend in the citys Central Business District, who did graffiti for matatus. He had a machine for tattoos and its there that my star started shining. I was encouraged and aspired to own mine. Luckily, in that struggle, I got a client who loved my work and he linked me to Gertrude Childrens Hospital in Muthaiga, where I was got a tender to draw an art mural in 2011. Being your first tender, how would you describe the deal? It was like my lifetime pay. By then, I had closed the car wash and opened a small mutumba business at Mtindwa but it wasnt bringing in much. The deal got me to drop the business, bought the machine, and started my life in Jericho because all along I was staying with friends. What does art mean to you? Art is a full-time job, which pays my bills. At the same time, its a medicine, people use art to relieve their pain in a different way. What are the demographic profiles of people getting tattooed? When I started, it was only embraced by youth. Today, more mature people are coming out to get the ink, they are allowing their bodies to become canvas for ink artists. In addition, there are advances in machines used for tattooing and trends keeps on changing. Today, you find more mature people inking their faces with tattoos. We have people inking their parents or kids face on their skin. It has become a common trend, especially for people, who seek unique ways to remember departed souls. Do you do piercing? Yes, I do all kinds of body piercing be it public or private. It depends on client requests, though the common areas cherished by many are the nose, clit, nipples, and belly button. Why are youth embracing piercing and tattooing of private parts? Piercing of private parts of the body brings flavour in sexiness. Their is a sense of fulfilment for people who pierce their genitals whenever they make love. piercing enhances arousal and pleasure during the play same applies to tattoos. There are partners who elicit extra arousal just by touching or seeing the tattoos. In short, it gives more pleasure to partners. How did you feel the first time you worked on ones private part? My first experience was tough. I had hard time working on it but the more I kept doing the more I got used to it. Right now, I am used to it. I am a professional. I work with discipline and my focus is on on my work and not the clients genitals. How are tattoos categorised? Tattoos are categorised as private when one doesnt want them seen by everyone (public). They are mostly done underneath the boobs, in between the thighs, on the butt and other parts that are considered private. For public, its visible by everyone. Describe the kind of tattoos you do? I work on all types of tattoos. I believe tattoos are just tattoos because at the end of the day someone trusts me to ink a permanent mark on their body. Are tattoos a bad culture or do you think its unreal perception? To me tattoo is just like any other art work thats applied on the body. Tattoos bring confidence to people, especially those who carry physical scars. They find it hard to walk when visible. In short, there is nothing bad about tattooing, it is just like any other art that adds beauty to the body. What challenges have encountered and how do you deal with them? Tattooing and piercing have bad times, especially during cold weather conditions. Most clients avoid inking during the cold season but I have diversified to other types of art like painting, T-shirts customising and doing graffiti for matatus. Are their tattoos you have worked on which appeal to emotions? Yes, right now I am working on a breast cancer survivor to cover her scars. Working on such clients gives me the privilege of being part of their recovery journey. It makes me value my job to give hope and confidence to such clients. There those who says tattooing is therapy, is there any truth in it? Yes, I have worked on people who are distressed, heartbroken or those enduring the pain of losing a loved one but upon working on them, they get better, some even heal completely. This happens mostly during tattooing process, people have different expression of anger reliever. Some will scream during the process while others prefer applying the image of anger as a sign of disappointment. What kind of tattoos do majority prefer during these moments? Those with heartbreaks mostly request for an angry lion symbol to show their disappointment or a flying bird as sign of freedom. For mourners, they request images of their departed kin to be inked next to their heart or hand. How do you deal with clients who have their partners images on their skin and upon break up, they ask for removal? Before taking up an assignment, I advise and try to discourage them. I also give them time to think over it and decide though majority who come in with such requests are mature people who have been married for quite some time. In case of a change of mind, I use lasers in the removal process. Who are some of the celebrities you have worked on? I worked on Diamond Platinums tattoo, Otile Brown, Nazizi and I also worked on Khaligraph Jones, Talia Oyando and so many celebrities. I felt privileged because it gives me the feel of how good my work tag is out there. Majority of celebrities I get them through referrals or my social media handles, which is a sign that my work is being appreciated out there. How much does it cost to do a tattoo? I charge between Sh2,500 and Sh200,000. The least I have ever charged was Sh1,000 for a dot tattoo while the highest was Sh180,000. Lady Gaga's dog walker has thanked the first responders who saved his life and called for his 'attempted murderers' to be brought to justice, five days after he was shot and left for dead by thieves who stole two of the pop star's French bulldogs. Ryan Fischer, 30, took to Instagram on Monday morning to share two photos of himself lying in the hospital recovering from the attack last Wednesday night. He recounted the terrifying incident and praised one of Lady Gaga's dogs, Miss Asia, who avoided capture, calling her his 'guardian angel' for staying by his side as he bled out in the street. The other two dogs who were stolen, Gustav and Koji, were returned to the singer by a mystery woman who said she found them tied to a post in Los Angeles on Friday. A manhunt for the two attackers is still underway. In his posts Fischer applauded the Los Angeles Police Department's efforts to capture them. Lady Gaga's dog walker Ryan Fischer took to Instagram on Monday morning to share two photos of himself lying in the hospital recovering from the horror attack He recounted the terrifying incident that saw two assailants shoot him in the chest while he walked Lady Gaga's three French bulldogs in West Hollywood last Wednesday Fischer is expected to make a full recovery after he was punched to the ground and shot in the chest by the dognappers while walking the pups on West Hollywood's Sierra Bonita Avenue at about 10pm. In the caption of his first Instagram photo, which showed him hooked up to a breathing tube, Fischer described how Miss Asia ran over to him after evading the thieves who fled with the other pooches. '4 days ago, while a car sped away and blood poured from my gun shot wound, an angel trotted over and laid next to me,' he wrote. 'My panicked screams calmed as I looked at her, even though it registered that the blood pooling around her tiny body was my own.' Gaga is pictured above with her beloved dogs Koji, Miss Asia and Gustav in a posts previously shared to Instagram. Miss Asia managed to escape during the robbery Fischer praised the pop star's dog, Miss Asia, who avoided capture, calling her his 'guardian angel' for staying by his side after he was shot. Pictured: Lady Gaga's bodyguard carries Miss Asia to safety after the attack In the caption of his first Instagram photo, which showed him hooked up to a breathing tube, Fischer described how Miss Asia ran over to him after evading the thieves who fled with the other pooches In the second post, which featured a photo taken after the breathing tube was removed, Fischer said he is 'still in recovery from a very close call with death' and that he looks forward to being reunited with the dogs Fischer described how he feared he wouldn't survive the attack, writing: 'I cradled Asia as best I could, thanked her for all the incredible adventures we'd been on together, apologized that I couldn't defend her brothers, and then resolved that I would still try to save them and myself. 'Hopeful that my calm(ish) and forceful pleas for the urgency of my care as well as the focused descriptions of the dogs would be enough to help me and get enough police and media attention to find the boys, I looked backed at my guardian angel. I smiled at her shaking form, thankful that at least she would be okay. 'From that point, right as the neighbors poured from their homes and restaurant to us on the sidewalk, life has taken a very sudden and unexpected turn.' A grainy still from the neighbor's doorbell cameras showed the two attackers punching Fischer to the ground on Wednesday night, shortly before 10pm The white sedan waited with its lights on while the two attackers shot Fischer then grabbed Koji and Gustav. Miss Asia evaded them then returned to Fischer as he lay on the ground, writhing in pain Fischer, 30, survived the single gunshot wound. He was found (right) clinging to Miss Asia, covered in blood In the second photo, taken after the breathing tube was removed, Fischer continued: 'I am still in recovery from a very close call with death and have kept myself (for the most part, I mean I am human) from the growing media story. 'I will write and say more later, but the gratitude for all the love I feel from around this planet is immense and intense. I felt your healing support! Thank you. I am humbled and grateful that attention and focus from the police were enough to get Koji and Gustav back to safety, and I know they are committed to bringing these criminals and attempted murderers to justice. I am so appreciative of everything you continue to do. 'To all my friends and family who have cried with me and maybe even laughed at one or two of my morbid jokes by my side or over a screen: I love you. Thank you for keeping me grounded now more than ever. All the dog videos and photos from my clients to keep my spirits up worked miracles. Seeing their faces light up when you said my name motivates me to keep pushing so I can play with them and see you again soon. I love you all! 'First responders and health care workers: you literally saved my life and helped me take newborn walks, I can't thank you enough. And to Elisha, my family at Haus and @ladygaga: your babies are back and the family is whole we did it! You have shown so much support throughout this whole crisis to both me and my family. But your support as a friend, despite your own traumatic loss from your kids, was unwavering. I love you and thank you. 'And now? A lot of healing still needs to happen, but I look forward to the future and the moment when I get bombarded with kisses and licks (and maybe even an excitement pee?) from Asia, Koji, and Gustav.' Lady Gaga is pictured with her three beloved pups in a photo from Instagram 'My beloved dogs Koji and Gustav were taken in Hollywood two nights ago. My heart is sick and I am praying my family will be whole again with an act of kindness. I will pay $500,000 for their safe return. Email KojiandGustav@gmail.com to contact us,' Lady Gaga had said Friday Gaga is pictured with Koji and Asia in 2017 after touching down in LAX airport, in Los Angeles Lady Gaga, who is in Rome filming a movie, has reportedly said she will pay for Fischer's $97,500 in medical bills. 'Gaga feels horrendous about what happened to Ryan and wants to make sure he is looked after,' a source close to the Poker Face singer told the Mirror. 'She absolutely adores him and is forever indebted to him for his bravery.' The unnamed source said that Lady Gaga also wanted to compensate Fischer for lost work and 'has been wishing him a speedy recovery'. Lady Gaga put up a $500,000 for information leading to the safe return of her stolen dogs Koji and Gustav, who finally came home safe on Friday after a woman said she found them tied to a post. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that the woman was a Good Samaritan who recognized the dogs from media coverage of the robbery in which the singer's dog walker was shot. She contacted an email address shared on social media by Lady Gaga and was told to head to the nearest police station. Sources also told TMZ that the 'Star is Born' actress will 'gladly' follow through on her promise of a reward. Lady Gaga has not yet commented on the return of the dogs but is reported to have been in tears on learning that they had been safely found. Her father, Joe Germanotta, has called for the two dognappers to be charged with assault and attempted murder for shooting Fischer as he tried to protect the animals. Lady Gaga's father Joe Germanotta (pictured in 2018) claims that the two suspects who stole the singer's dogs and shot their walker should be charged with assault and attempted murder The location of the shooting on Wednesday is shown in the above map On Friday, harrowing new footage emerged of the moment Fischer was shot and left writhing in pain in the street. The video was taken on a neighbor's doorbell camera on Sierra Bonita Avenue where Fischer, was walking the three dogs when he was suddenly attacked in the street at 10pm on Wednesday night. The assailants shot him once in the chest with a handgun, snatched Koji and Gustav and fled. HOLLYWOOD DOG WALKERS BEEF UP SECURITY AFTER GAGA SNATCH The Gaga dog theft has spooked Hollywood dog walkers into beefing up their security. Some are applying for concealed carry permits to be able to protect themselves if they too are attacked, and others are changing their walking schedules to avoid being out at night. Anna-Marie Arredondo, the owner of Happy Heart Pet Care, told TMZ that she was learning jiu-jitsu classes too. Renee Lutz, owner of Fetch! Pet Care said she is no longer letting dog walkers go out at night, and that she is arming them all with pepper spray. Advertisement Miss Asia evaded them initially then, once they had fled, ran back to Fischer as he lay on the ground, screaming: 'Help! I've been shot!' Lady Gaga broke her silence over the incident, calling her employee 'a hero forever'. 'I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family. You're forever a hero,' Lady Gaga said in an Instagram post. The star has stayed quiet since the dogs were returned, but sources said she remains 'horrified' by the attack. 'Lady Gaga is beside herself about this situation,' a source told ET. 'Ryan is not only her dog walker, but also her friend. She is horrified that this happened.' 'She is completely devastated and sickened by this,' the source said, adding that the singer's dogs are like 'her babies'. 'She feels somewhat helpless because she is far away in Italy but is doing everything she can and praying for Ryan, Koji and Gustavo.' The LAPD released a description of both suspects on Friday. They were described as black males between 20 and 25. The car they were driving was a Nissan Altima. When she learned that her dogs had been snatched, Lady Gage immediately offered the $500,000, 'no questions asked' reward which law enforcement experts have criticized. They say it may not only jeopardize the investigation but also create a market for opportunistic criminals to target and kidnap celebrity pets then return them for handsome rewards. Former FBI Agent Frank Montoya Jr slammed the star's decision to DailyMail.com on Thursday, saying: 'It's always been an option for opportunistic criminals. Butpaying, no questions asked, can open up a Pandoras box of sorts. She should give the investigation a chance. 'After all, the dogs notwithstanding, a human being was shot.' Los Angeles-based Attorney Louis Shapiro, however, disagreed saying he didn't believe the hefty sum would encourage others to commit similar crimes and instead suggested it could be a ruse to help catch the assailants. 'This is an unusual reward amount,' Shapiro told DailyMail.com. 'We don't really know if this $500k reward is in fact a no questions asked offer. There's no contract made here. It could just be a ruse to lure in whoever did this.' Capt Jonathan Tippet, commanding officer of the LAPD's elite Robbery-Homicide Division, said police were not involved in the reward. Just days before the attack, Fischer had posted a video to Instagram of himself singing to Gaga's pups and tagged Miss Asia's official Instagram page. He has previously posted images of the dogs on a number of other occasions. French bulldogs are in high demand and sell for anywhere between $3,000-$5,000. Those with pedigree lineage can also go for as much as $10,000. Iran and Syria hope to increase the exchange of professors and students, writes SANA. Irans Islamic Shura Council assistant speaker Hussein Amir Abdollahian has discussed with the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Damascus University Dr. Haitham al-Tass means to consolidate and develop cooperation between the two countries in scientific, educational, and research domains. Increasing the exchange of professors and students between the universities of the two countries was also on the table during the meeting which was held on Sunday in Tehran. The awareness of young generations and the Syrian students and their standing in the face of the enemys schemes have constituted an important element in preserving the independence and dignity of their country and thwarting these schemes, Abdollahian said. For his part, Tass said that the Syrian students have always stood by the side of their people and their homeland in the face of conspiracies and 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. VIJAYAWADA: State Election Commissioner (SEC) Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar has made it clear that no more than five persons will be allowed to campaign at a time in municipal elections being held all over the Andhra Pradesh. This is in view of threat posed by Covid-19 pandemic. Permission for campaigns or road shows will accordingly be given through a single window system. The SEC further said special teams have been constituted to curb distribution of alcohol and money to lure voters in the civic body polls. Responding to a question whether a second chance will be given to candidates who had been forced to withdraw their nominations, Ramesh Kumar said the election commission is reviewing the matter and orders will be issued soon. He announced that to make elections transparent, SEC has arranged a meeting with all political parties on Monday. He wished municipal elections too are held in a peaceful manner like the earlier panchayat polls. Ramesh Kumar said a helpline is being set up to help voters. SEC has decided that only government staff will issue voter slips to electors by March 5. This is to prevent ward and village volunteers from canvassing for any political party while distributing voter slips in elections to urban local bodies. Elections for 12 municipal corporations and 75 municipalities / nagar panchayats across the state are slated on March 10. The newly-open Bvlgari store in HCMC. Photo courtesy of Bvlgari Vietnam. Italian luxury brand Bvlgari has returned to Vietnam and opened its first store in HCMC. The store opened in a shopping mall in District 1, HCMC, in February but without a formal opening ceremony due to the Covid-19 outbreak and official orders not to congregate in large numbers. The brand is known for its Bvlgari Serpenti jewelry and watches, the B.Zero1 Jewellery collection and Octo Finissimo watches. Some of its products cost more than 25,000 ($30,180). The brand used to be sold in Vietnam through a local distributor, Imex Pan Pacific Group, until March 2019. In October that year, it established a subsidiary in the country. A Bulgari Vietnam spokesperson told VnExpress it returns to Vietnam due to the potential of the market owing to rapid urbanization and economic growth. It is the right time to return since "we will be able to approach our potential customers, who usually buy luxury products when traveling to foreign countries," the spokesperson said. According to the market and consumer data provider Statista, the Vietnamese luxury goods market is expected to be worth $1.14 billion in 2021 and grow at 7.17 percent annually until 2025. Bvlgari, founded in 1884 sold a majority stake in 2011 to French luxury group Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The Federal government will inject $425million to try address the chronic problems in Australia's aged care sector after the final recommendations of the Royal Commission into the sector were handed to the Governor-General, David Hurley. Announcing the funding package, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the revelations in the Commission's report 'harrowing' and 'deeply distressing'. The Commission has made 148 recommendations to the government after a two-year investigation, including quicker approval of home care packages to clear the current waiting list and restricting the use of anti-psychotic drugs in nursing homes. The prime minister described the findings as providing a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity to improve the aged care sector but admitted that addressing them would 'test my government, the budget and test the parliament'. Prime Minster Scott Morrison announces his government's response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety on Monday Health Minister Greg Hunt said $18 million would go towards tougher oversight of the government's home care packages, which allow older Australians to continue living at home with extra support. Some $32 million will go to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and more regulation on the use of restraints in care. Nearly $190 million will go to residential care providers and $90 million to create a fund to help facilities facing financial challenges. At least 1500 additional nursing homes will be audited each year along with improved quality control and more transparent fee structures. Commissioner Lynelle Briggs presents the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to Governor-General David Hurley at Admiralty House, Sydney Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the royal commission had made him question how the system works in Australia. 'We need to look at a fundamental reform of the system,' he said. Morrison had announced the Royal Commission in 2018 to address well-publicised failures in the system as one of the first acts of his prime ministership. At Monday's press conference he noted the changes recommended by the Commission may take up to five years to implement. Are you looking to spice up your social media laments about being "muzzled" by nonexistent internet censorship, masks, or whatever is mildly irritating you that day? Do you want to add a bit of a romantic flair to touting baseless conspiracies online? Have you dreamt of learning about all the wacky theories the French have to offer in these trying times, in an attempt to make the U.S. seem slightly less screwed? 'Well folks, It seems once again, Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson has you covered. During Sunday's Golden Globe Awards, Thompson revived a quintessentially 2021 spiritual successor to his iconic All That sketch, "Everyday French with Pierre Escargot," where he taught America's youth how to say ever-important phrases like "my toilet is full of sweet tomatoes" and "I told you I have gas," all from the comfort of his Parisian bathtub. However this time, Thompson ditched the nonsensical phrases for something a bit more useful in today's society, instructing viewers on how use the language of love to spew nonsensical conspiracies. Continue Reading Below Advertisement During the show, Thompson appeared alongside fellow comedian, and SNL alum, Maya Rudolph, partaking in a comedy sketch bringing the unbridled joy of sloppy nerve-wracking acceptance speeches to this year's very digital ceremony. Taking the stage as their very French -- and very tipsy -- alter egos, Rudolph's Beverly Jack Fruit and Thompson's Francois Jean-Rudy, the pair stumbled up to the podium to accept the fictional award for "least original song," with the actress taking care to hand the show's co-host Amy Poehler three pairs of shoes, boasting about her "vodka epidural" all while intensely and very uncomfortably flirting with her "brother" -- I guess someone at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association really misses Game of Thrones. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Yet amid these antics, Thompson, who had stayed mum for the majority of the sketch, finally spoke out expelling several conspiracies in French, as the Bizzaro-world rendition of his 90's sketch staple. "He would like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press and he would like to thank everyone," Rudolph said, translating his every word. "He would like to let everyone know that he thinks Covid-19 is a hoax, and that lasers control the weather. Also he is asking me for a divorce." [March 01, 2021] SOL Global Provides Notice of and Background to Litigation Commenced by Lender Seeking $550M+ on $50M 24-Month Loan SOL Global Investments Corp. ("SOL Global" or the "Company") (CSE: SOL) (OTCPK: SOLCF) (Frankfurt: 9SB) today provides notice and background concerning the copycat litigation commenced against it and others by its lender, an offshore hedge fund, which litigation concerns the same issues as the Company's previously announced U.S. complaint against that lender. U.S. Complaint On February 7, 2021, SOL Global initiated litigation in the State of New York against its lender, 1235 Fund LP, an offshore hedge fund and an affiliate of MMCAP Asset Management, seeking declaratory relief that, among other things, this lender is not entitled to be repaid in any property other than cash. Diligent efforts to prosecute this claim are underway, and the lender must respond to the Complaint in March 2021. The Company is being represented in the litigation by attorney Alex Spiro of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. The case is SOL Global Investments Corp., et al. v. 1235 Fund LP and MM Asset Management, Inc., Index No. 650858/2021 (Supreme Court, New York). Background On July 8, 2019, the Company announced that it had completed a $50,000,000 private placement financing by way of the issue and sale of a senior secured non-convertible debenture ("Debenture"). The Debenture bears interest at 6.0% per annum and will mature on July 5, 2021. A copy of SOL Global's original press release concerning the Debenture, which clearly states it is a non-convertible debenture, may be viewed at https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/sol-global-completes-50-million-debenture-financing-and-announces-corporate-update-871790166.html. If a specific transaction involving Verano Holdings, Inc. ("Verano") and Harvest Health and Recreation Inc. ("Harvest") had occurred (the "Harvest Transaction"), the lender would have been repaid in shares of either Verano or Harvest, which would have enabled the lender to cover its short position in Harvest and provided the lender with a reasonable premium of return beyond the stipulated 6%. The Harvest Transaction did not close and thus the Debenture is repayable only in cash. Nevertheless, on February 5, 2021, the lender wrongfully sent a formal notice purportedly electing to receive, instead of cash, 1,730,794 Verano shares then currently owned by the Company ("Old Verano Shares") (plus an additional amount of shares if the Old Verano Shares were not freely tradeable). On February 7, the lender took the formal position that the Company's participation in an exchange of Old Verano Shares for New Verano Shares that occurred automatically as a result of Verano's subsequent going public transaction is a breach of the Company's obligations under the Debenture and related agreements. Pursuant to that going public transaction, each Old Verano Share previously held by the Company was exchanged for approximately 7.537 New Verano Shares. SOL Global firmly rejects all of 1235 Fund LP's positions. Page one of the Debenture Agreement specifically states that SOL Global "promises to pay to or to the order of Gundy Co. in trust for 1235 Fund LP as nominee for 1235 Fund LP (hereinafter referred to as the "Lender" or the "Debentureholder"), the principal amount of fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) (the "Principal Amount") in lawful money of Canada." Section 6.3 of the Debenture further states: "If any other Event of Default shall occur for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, and be continuing, the Lender may by notice to the Borrower declare all or any portion of the outstanding Principal Amount o this Debenture and accrued interest on this Debenture to be due and payable, whereupon the full unpaid amount of this Debenture which shall be so declared due and payable shall be and become immediately due and payable without further notice, demand or presentment." In the case of the alleged breach of the Debenture claimed by the lender, its only remedy would be the immediate repayment of the principal of the Debenture in said "lawful money of Canada." Other related documents also describe payment in the "lawful money of Canada." The only exception to repayment by cash would have been if the Harvest Transaction had closed. The lender never had any interest in Verano, and repeatedly expressed that view. Furthermore, SOL Global asserts in the U.S. complaint that 1235 Fund LP's demand in the current circumstances for the delivery of Old Verano Shares (or their equivalent in New Verano Shares, which the lender has no right to in any event pursuant to the terms of the Debenture) to repay the loan would result in a breach of Section 347 of the Criminal Code of Canada, as the effective annual rate of interest would exceed the highest permitted rate of 60% by a significant multiple. SOL Global has advised the lender that it is in a position to repay the Debenture in cash pursuant to its terms. SOL Global has also advised the lender that as the lender has called a default under the Debenture, SOL Global will demand to repay the Debenture with interest immediately. To address any uncertainty resulting from the lender's positions, the Company commenced the litigation in New York described above. Canadian Litigation On February 25, 2021, the Company was informed that 1235 Fund LP commenced litigation in Ontario Superior Court seeking delivery of the equivalent in New Verano Shares of more Old Verano shares than it previously demanded or in the alternative more than $550 million in damages from SOL Global and others. Joseph Groia of Groia & Company will be acting for SOL Global in this new litigation. SOL Global is considering all of its legal options to respond to this new lawsuit, if and when it is properly served, including asking the Canadian courts to dismiss the claim as these matters are already before the Courts in New York. SOL Global will consider additional claims and counterclaims against this offshore hedge fund, its investors and principals, and MMCAP and its investors and principals for unlawfully interfering with SOL Global's business and reputation. "There has been a great deal of discussion and concern about the role that offshore hedge funds play in the Canadian capital markets. This case can certainly be added to that list," said Andy DeFrancesco, Chairman and CEO of SOL Global. SOL Global intends to update its investors and the public about the status of the litigations as information becomes available and in accordance with all applicable securities laws. About SOL Global Investments Corp.: SOL Global is a diversified investment and private equity holding company engaged in the small and mid-cap sectors. Our investment partnerships range from minority positions to large strategic holdings with active advisory mandates. SOL Global's seven primary business segments include Retail, Agriculture, QSR & Hospitality, Media Technology & Gaming, Energy, and New Age Wellness. Cautionary Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's intention to litigate the repayment terms of the Debenture and the manner thereof, requesting the dismissal of the lender's claim in Canadian courts, the Company providing future litigation updates and the Company's strategic business plans. Forward-looking information 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, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By their nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release including, without limitation, an unfavorable court ruling or proceeding, adverse publicity resulting from litigation, court or regulatory proceedings, the potentially significant costs of litigation and unexpected disruptions to the operations and business of the Company as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic including a resurgence in the cases of COVID-19. Other risk factors include: the risks resulting from investing in the US marijuana industry, which may be legal under certain state and local laws but is currently illegal under U.S. federal law; the risks of investing in securities of private companies which may limit the Company's ability to sell or otherwise liquidate those securities and realize value; the ability of the Company's portfolio companies to execute their business and strategic plans as contemplated or at all; reliance on management; the ability of the Company to service its debt; the Company's ability to obtain additional financing from time to time to pursue its business objectives; competition; litigation; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry; and regulatory or political change. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's current MD&A, which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005580/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he led India's massive inoculation drive by receiving his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Monday as the phase 2 of inoculation began. Lauding PM Modi for taking the indigenous Covaxin shot, Vardhan said PM has delivered a big message to the country, especially to those who had questioned its efficacy and the ability of Indian scientists. "PM has given a big message to the country by taking a dose of indigenous Coronavirus vaccine - Covaxin, especially those who were questioning this vaccine and the ability of Indian scientists. He has not only taken the vaccine but has also raised the slogan of self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar) India," the Health Minister tweeted in Hindi. READ | As PM Modi Gets 1st COVAXIN Jab; Here's All You Must Know About The Bharat Biotech Vaccine PM allays fears over the efficacy of Covaxin PM Modi received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi. He was administered Bharat BioTech's COVAXIN jab by Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry. Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free! pic.twitter.com/5z5cvAoMrv Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2021 The indigenous COVID-19 vaccine by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). A number of leaders had questioned the government for approving the Bharat Biotech vaccine at a time when its phase 3 trial results weren't yet out. The Samajwadi Party was the most vociferous, with Akhilesh Yadav calling it BJP's vaccine, while numerous Congress leaders demanded that the Union ministers take the Covaxin vaccine and not SII's Covishield. READ | Second Phase Of Covid-19 Vaccination Drive Begins; Here Is All You Need To Know All about Bharat Biotech's Covaxin On January 3, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted permission for its restricted use in an emergency situation, amid concerns on the efficacy of the vaccine, from certain quarters of the medical field. Covaxin, a whole virion inactivated coronavirus vaccine, was found to be safe after its successful Phase-III trials, which witnessed the participation of 22,500 volunteers. The indigenous vaccine by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). The interim results of the clinical trials indicated that the Indian 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). READ | Govt Releases List Of Hospitals Part Of COVID Vaccination Drive From March 1; Check Here Union Minister Harsh Vardhan praised PM Modi for leading the vaccination drive by receiving his first jab and urged all those who are eligible to take the vaccine and end the pandemic. Leading by example yet again, is our beloved PM Sh @narendramodi Ji With every jab of #COVID19Vaccine administered, we are indeed moving closer to ending this #pandemic ! Urge all those eligible, to get inoculated at the earliest.#LargestVaccineDrive https://t.co/aQxLmQmnb0 Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 1, 2021 READ | Centre Shares List Of 20 Co-morbidities That Allow Those Over 45 yrs To Take COVID Vaccine There is a truce between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush over the future of the Alamo. During a hearing in the Texas Senate on Monday, Bush said he and Patrick have had meetings and are now in agreement on key pieces of a $450 million restoration plan for the Alamo. Had a great productive discussion with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick about the future of the master plan, Bush told senators. Hes fully on board with the next steps. That is a world away from last March, when Patrick was threatening to take the oversight of the badly off track Alamo restoration away from Bushs General Land Office. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox If the General Land Office cannot handle this important job, and to date it does not appear it can, I will recommend we identify another entity to provide oversight, Patrick said then. A key bone of contention for critics of the Alamo Plaza redesign has been the proposed moving of the six-story monolithic Cenotaph. There had been a plan to move that monument about 500 feet south to make way for a public-private project to build a museum and convert the plaza into a more open space, free of traffic and the Cenotaph. The monument honoring the fallen Alamo defenders sits at the north end of the plaza, where it was dedicated in 1940 as part of the Texas centennial. More for you News San Antonio mayor replaces councilman on key Alamo... The city had asked to repair and move the monument, but the Texas Historical Commission voted 12-2 in September to block moving it. Bush made clear Monday that the Cenotaph is staying put. The Cenotaph aint moving, he said. Later Monday, Patrick agreed with Bushs assessment of their concurrence. Importantly, we agree that the issue of the Cenotaph is resolved and the monument will not be moved, Patrick said. We further agree that the story of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo must be the central focus on any master plan design. Patrick had been a vocal critic of moving the Cenotaph and accused those trying to move it of wanting to erase history. Patrick and Bush have been fighting over the Alamo for some time. In December 2019, Bush took to social media to blast false rumors that he was secretly planning to build a statue of Mexican General Santa Anna near the Alamo. The idea that I would EVER place a statue of Santa Anna at the Alamo is patently false. Enough is enough. This is an outright lie, and is quite frankly, flat-out racist, Bush said in a statement, noting that his mother was born in Mexico. That triggered a rebuke from Patrick, who put out a statement accusing Bush of calling everyone who disagreed with the direction of the Alamo restoration project a racist. Recently, the GLO commissioner and a member of his staff have derided anyone who disagrees with the Alamo redesign as a small vocal minority who are liars and racists, Patrick said in a written statement. This is offensive and inaccurate. The 31 members of the Texas Senate represent over 28 million Texans. They are not a vocal minority nor are they liars or racists. Bush accused Patrick of twisting his words. In 2011, the Legislature put the General Land Office in charge of the management and preservation of the Alamo. Bush, the grandson of the late President George H.W. Bush, has led that agency since 2014, winning reelection in 2018. During his testimony before the Senate on Monday, Bush also said the pandemic has taken a toll on the Alamo, dramatically cutting visitation. Before the pandemic, visitors generated $500,000 in revenue every month. But since the pandemic hit, that has fallen to between $50,000 and $75,000. Our visitations stopped to a halt, Bush said. It was not pretty to look at. jeremy.wallace@chron.com A manhunt is ongoing for the 30-year-old south Dublin man who threw a firework at gardai during Saturdays violent demonstrations in the capital. Two properties were raided in the Dun Laoghaire area this morning when members of the Armed Support Unit backed up investigating gardai to carry out early morning searches of the homes. However the suspect, who is previously known to gardai, was not present. The development comes as specialist gardai are investigating whether leaders of far-right groups in Ireland are being actively encouraged by foreign extremist agitators, senior sources have revealed. A massive investigation is ongoing into the riot at an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin city centre on Saturday which led to three officers being injured, 23 people being arrested and 13 people being charged with public order offences, including a 68-year-old Shankill-based dentist. More arrests are expected including the 30-year-old who threw a firework at gardai, but officers continue to monitor the activities of the ring leaders of the disturbance with plans being made for more demonstrations in the coming weeks. These individuals have been monitored for many months now by the Special Detective Unit and the National Cybercrime Bureau there is a strong suggestion that activities here are being stoked by groups outside this country, a senior source explained. While they have an overt presence on a number of social media platforms, they also use encrypted messaging services and it is suspected in some cases even use encrypted phones to communicate with each other. The messaging services include mobile apps such as Signal, Telegram and Threema. Read More This makes it difficult for gardai to infiltrate these far-right groups but it also shows how organised they are. Despite this, gardai have had good success in dealing with this growing threat and evidence of this is the fact that a special policing operation was put in place on Saturday as gardai had prior knowledge that protests were going to happen and there was a real expectation of violence considering what had happened at previous protests, the source added. A total of 125 gardai, including multiple public order units from across the city, were present in the city centre to police the protest. Saturdays protest was organised online by a group called RiseUp Eireann who called it a "Unite the Tribes" event and in the aftermath of the shocking violence, the group took to social media to announce that the demonstration was a success. Extremists, including former members of Generation Identity, are suspected of instigating the violence and gardai observed members of the National Party who vehemently oppose lockdowns at the event. Yellow Vests Ireland, Siol na hEireann, Irish Freedom Party and the National Party have been the predominant organisers of rallies in Dublin since the pandemic began but these have often been hijacked by violent far-right extremists, including those formally linked to disbanded Generation Identity. Around half a dozen officers in the Special Detective Unit are tasked with monitoring the online activities of both extreme right-wing and left-wing groups in Ireland. On their own these groups have very small numbers but when the different groups get together to carry out acts of public disobedience in which they do not comply with the Covid regulations, it ends up being a fairly sizeable amount of people, a senior source said. Speaking after the violent demonstration, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "The vast majority of those who took part belong to a number of factions including anti-vaccine, anti-mask and anti-lockdown far-right groups, and those intent on trouble and disorder." The source said: There is monitoring going on right now, in light of last Saturday, of violence at other protests and some online activity. Gardai are well aware of the growth in popularity of some ideas, particularly online. The gardai have lots of ways of watching those who need to be watched. Officers have been observing a growth in the activities of far-right groups since the coronavirus health crisis began a year ago which has proved to be a fruitful breeding ground for the extremist groups. Officers have investigated incidents, many including the spreading of fake news in the aftermath of the shooting of George Nkencho in December and the racist harassment of Dublin Lord Mayor Hazel Chu in January. These groups are an increasing problem and as the events of last weekend show, they have the capability to cause very serious disorder. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are a threat to the stability of the State, especially as it tries to deal with the huge challenges of the public health situation, the source said. As far back as November 2019, Mr Harris said he was concerned about the increase in right-wing extremism in Ireland. I am concerned about right-wing extremism. We can see evidence of it on our shores as we have seen it spread across Europe,'' he told a meeting of the Policing Authority. The difficulty with it is that it's spread through the web and spread through social media. And we just need to be very careful, in terms of some of the things that have happened to date here in Ireland. We now see it starting to arrive on our shores," he said. "We're very acutely aware of it and we're very acutely aware there's a policing response, and indeed an intelligence response, that we need to have to thwart that particular threat, he told the meeting over 15 months ago. Last October, Mr Harris warned far-right extremist groups have a propensity for violence after 11 people were arrested for public order offences at an anti-lockdown protest on Grafton Street. Mr Harris said at the time: What we found concerning about these groups is you can see an initial call on open source media, then quickly they go to covert means of communicating with each other. That tells us right from the start there's a problem here and we should be concerned about the protest activity that's going to follow.'' He added: Once we become aware of protests being organised, we do try to find out intelligence about it, because we have a concern about the risk of violence. 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 next Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee meeting is at 7 p.m. CST Tuesday, March 2. Join to help expand our work and mobilize opposition to the deadly reopening of schools. Register here and share with your coworkers! Today, some 37,000 kindergarten through fifth grade students are expected to return to school buildings for in-person learning in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the third largest school district in the US. Educators for grades 6-8 are also to return to buildings on Monday in preparation for the return of their students, who also number in the tens of thousands, on March 8. The vast majority of CPS families are choosing to keep students at home and learning remotely in this dangerous phase of the pandemic. According to the Sun Times, more than 90 percent of schools will be under half full and more than 40 percent will be less than a quarter full. Most classrooms will have under 10 students returning and some rooms will have no in-person attendance at all. Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, center, Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice K. Jackson, right and ward commissioner Alderman William Burnett, left, observe a classroom during their tour Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, at the William H. Brown Elementary School. (AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar, Pool) Instruction is taking place under the so-called hybrid model, where educators are responsible for teaching both students participating online and in the classroom. Referred to by some teachers as the worst of both worlds, hybrid learning poses serious challenges for time and attention to students, demanding management of technical aspects of online and in-person classroom simultaneously, and the modification of curriculum. In one of the most nakedly punitive aspects of the reopening, CPS is forcing teachers without in-person students and without an approved medical exception to come into buildings to teach remotely, instead of teaching from home, thus exposing themselves to other adults and children in the buildings. Their alternative is to take an unpaid leave until they receive a vaccine. CPS official guidance states if there are three or more cases in a building in a two-week period, that school building will need to move learning back online. The district has reportedly spent more than $980,000 on a contract tracing system that, at bottom, relies on self-reporting via questionnaire and email notifications of exposure, which is not appropriate for urgent notices and will not be seen quickly by families who have no computer or smartphone at home. Dr. Howard Ehrman, once Chicagos Assistant Commissioner of Public Health, has been a vocal critic of CPS reopening plans. His comment to Chalkbeat points out the districts poor preparation as tens of thousands of children and staff are returning to buildings: There has to be a specific contact tracer assigned to every school. At last Wednesdays school board meeting, the district approved the creation of a policy requiring all CPS employees to disclose whether they have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Though educators are not essential workers, the campaign to force reopening of schools has accelerated a mad dash for vaccine access in the state. While many teachers agree no one should ever have to risk their lives simply to keep a job, the fact is some households have been financially battered over the last year, and an indefinite unpaid leave on short notice is not a viable option. Reopening of schools in New Yorks and Chicagos districts preceded the aggressive push currently underway to reopen the largest districts nationwide, pressing adults back to work with the aim of returning employers to high rates of profitability. Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot, backed by the Biden administration and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, led this campaign nationally throughout the month of February, even as her administration became mired deeper in crisis. It is widely understood by public health experts that COVID-19 is spread through the air, requiring filtration and air quality testing as bare minimum standards for workplace safety. But so beholden are government institutions to the interests of corporations and banks, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for schools studiously ignores the air quality issue while allowing schools to open at any level of community transmission. Last month, Dr. Robert Schooley, MD, Donald Milton, MD, DrPH, of the University of Maryland in College Park, and the University of Minnesota's Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, who directs the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, issued a letter demanding the airborne spread be accounted for by the CDC and guidance be issued. Milton explained, Government officials must fully recognize inhalation exposure as a major way COVID-19 spreads and take immediate action to control and limit this exposure. For months the scientific evidence has been clear: Aerosol transmissions are a major way this virus spreads." With every passing week, as more teachers and students are brought back, the real character of the February 10 agreement between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union is becoming clear. The forced reopening of the schools in Chicago, hailed as a model for reopening nationally, was aimed at reopening the economy for profits, and not because it achieved any of the most basic aims of safety or improved educational outcomes. Instead it will inevitably result in more unnecessary illness and death. In a continuation of its abject betrayal of Chicago educators and the wider community, the Chicago Teachers Union is beginning negotiations with CPS to reopen the high schools, grades 9-12. CTU President Jesse Sharkey told the Sun Times Fran Spielman, speaking on high school reopening in comparison to the last round of negotiations, in which the CTU barely held off a strike and forced through an agreement: It cant repeat itself. Thats not an acceptable outcome. We have to be able to start with the things which we believe and I hope and think we hold in common, which is, we want students in buildings. In-person is better in every way save one, there's a pandemic right now. We should work together and figure out ways to make school safe as possible while still doing the things we need to do to help kids be safe and families be safe. The CTU, and the parent unions AFT and NEA, have ably demonstrated their willingness to meet the ruling class demands at the expense of life and health of the teachers they claim to represent and the health of the public as a whole. The CPS-CTU agreement mandates each school building have a safety committee involving teachers, staff and administration to take safety complaints. These committees, which do not exist in all schools yet, are to be involved in decision-making about when a building may return to learning remote due to infections. Labor-management collaboration on monitoring safety is supposedly to take place under conditions where more than 30 teachers are being brought up on disciplinary charges by the district for speaking with parents about the dangers COVID-19 poses to children and families, as well as the problems involved with hybrid learning. More than 110 teachers were initially targeted by CPS for discipline in an attempt to intimidate them into silence. The CPS-CTU collaboration raises the danger such a committee will be used against teachers. According to WBEZ, CPS officials claimed some parents switched their children from in-person to remote after hearing from their teachers. CPS officials claim one teacher wrote: While the child mortality rate is low, it is not non-existent. Having lost a child myself, I can tell you that this is not a club you want to join. In fact, there have been numerous unnecessary and horrifying tragedies involving young children falling ill and dying of COVID-19. In just the latest episode in the neighboring state of Michigan, 10-year-old DaeShun Jamison, who was initially asymptomatic, developed the COVID-19-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome that has been affecting young children. The disease irreparably damaged his extremities and both his hands and legs have been amputated. He has been hospitalized for months. The defense of all those silenced for speaking out about the dangers of contracting COVID-19 workers, including teachers, and scientist whistleblowers like Rebekah Joneshas been a central demand of the Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee. Educators in Chicago and around the world must draw the lessons of the reopening of schools in Chicago and take the struggle for safety into their own hands, uniting with parents and students to build safety committees in schools that educators not union and management control, and that express the needs and interests of the workers, not the Democratic Partys political aims or the financial interests of the corporations and banks it serves. There can be no safe return to in-person learning as the pandemic is permitted to spread and as the vaccine rollout is conducted a glacial pace. Preparations must be made for a political general strike, to take learning remote, halt non-essential production, and demand the needed financial support be extended to households and small businesses until disease rates fall and vaccination is widespread. Ukraine's judicial system, whose reform has not been completed, has become the No. 1 barrier to foreign investors, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Matti Maasikas has said. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, he said in his speech at the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. Development of Justice" in Kyiv on Monday, March 1. He noted that in 2016, the European Union financially and institutionally supported the reform of the Supreme Court in Ukraine. It was established on the basis of a transparent and rigorous selection process and this was a success story. As a result, the new Supreme Court received more trust from both business and citizens than its previous composition, and it enjoys greater confidence than the entire judicial system in general, Maasikas said. At the same time, he recalled that according to a survey conducted by the Razumkov Center in November last year, the judicial system ranks third in terms of distrust after Russian media outlets and state apparatus, and 37 percent of Ukrainians either do not trust the judicial system or the level of trust in the judicial system is very low. "Trust in the judicial system is not just an internal affair of Ukraine. Not surprisingly, the judicial system has become the number one obstacle for foreign investors. There can be different tax systems, they can be studied, they can be adjusted, but every potential investor must be sure that if, God forbid, something goes wrong, he or she can get justice from court. Today, Ukraine does not give confidence in such a result," Maasikas said. op Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 U.S. President Donald Trump is set Sunday to stake his claim as the dominant Republican in the country, trying to win back party control of Congress next year and possibly run again for the presidency in 2024. Trump is speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, a gathering in Orlando, Florida, of hundreds of the most ardent Republicans. While he has made some public comments since leaving Washington Jan. 20, when his victorious Democratic reelection opponent, Joe Biden, took power, Trump's speech is his first significant post-presidency address. "I stand before you today to declare that the incredible journey we began together four years ago is far from over," Trump plans to say, according to excerpts released by aides. "We are gathered this afternoon to talk about the future -- the future of our movement, the future of our party, and the future of our beloved country," he says. But Trump also is likely to mount his claim to dominance of the party, to leave his options open to run again in three years for another four-year term in the White House, at least to stall any momentum for other possible 2024 Republican candidates, including U.S. Senators Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton, former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley and others eyeing the presidency. Early national polls show voters giving wide approval to Biden's first month-plus as president, including from some Republicans. But Trump, even if widely rejected by Democrats and a majority of independents, remains particularly popular among many Republican voters. Trump's future as the dominant Republican figure in the U.S. remains an open question, however. He is the only president in U.S. history to be twice impeached and acquitted and the first president in 90 years to lose political control of the White House and both chambers of Congress in a single term in office. Conservatives at the three-day conference have cheered mention of his name, with many of them posing for pictures with a large golden caricature of his face that was sculpted in Mexico and now is being wheeled around the convention hall. With more than two dozen transactions secured, CI enjoyed a robust second quarter as we continued to invest in and support Connecticuts early stage companies. Connecticut Innovations (CI), Connecticuts strategic venture capital arm and the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticuts innovative, growing companies, today announced that it invested $7.2 million across 26 transactions during the second quarter of its 2021 fiscal year, ending December 31, 2020. In terms of investment breakdown, CI directed approximately $4.3 million toward companies in the bioscience and healthcare information technology (IT) sector and $2.4 million toward IT companies. The remaining funds were distributed to companies spanning a range of industries. The investments leveraged an additional $156 million in outside capital. CIs largest investments of the quarter went to Artizan Biosciences, DiA Imaging Analysis, IsoPlexis and Payveris. With more than two dozen transactions secured, CI enjoyed a robust second quarter as we continued to invest in and support Connecticuts early-stage companies, said David Wurzer, executive vice president and chief investment officer at Connecticut Innovations. During this time of enhanced and unique challenges, we are heartened by the perseverance of our portfolio companies and enthusiastic about their prospects. About Connecticut Innovations Connecticut Innovations (CI) is Connecticuts strategic venture capital arm and the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticuts innovative, growing companies. CI provides venture capital and strategic support for early-stage technology companies, financial support for innovation and collaboration, and connections to its well-established network of partners and professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.ctinnovations.com. Every enterprise strives for a more competitive position by applying a data-driven approach. Highly sought after data science teams are being tasked with finding the next-best decision, with the mandate to streamline business operations and management, as well as predict optimal next steps. Yet to do their work, data science teams require unfettered access to relevant data, as their data modeling and analysis can only be as good as the data they receive. At the same time, the gatekeepers to the datathe IT teams in charge of managing data accessare being tasked by the privacy and governance teams to ensure legal compliance. In addition to meeting compliance, the privacy/governance teams are also looking to protect enterprise data from the multitude of external threats and fraudsters that seek to utilize data for their own nefarious purposes. Be it identity theft, or monetary and/or political gains, organizations are left with a conflict that must be resolved to ensure adherence to the following mandates in 2021. Mandate #1: Fuel Data Scientists with Data for The Next Best Decision Because strategic corporate advantage depends on data, data analytics teams will move to the forefront of all enterprises in the coming year. Their insights will become the driving factor in an organization's decision making process, and their teams will be granted the resources necessary to drive informed, competitive, corporate leadership. However, enterprises must grant unfettered access to data to fuel the data analytics teams and maximize their impact. When looking for new insights, these teams cannot be hamstrung by lack of data access, as the undiscovered correlations between different data sets are the golden nuggets that information teams are seeking. In turn, this exerts pressure on internal teams to share data, and IT teams will be tasked with supporting these data science teams with the right data, at the right time, as data continues to be viewed as their untapped oil. Mandate #2: IT Teams Shackle Data Access to Avoid Privacy Liabilities Too many organizations have learned the hard way that improperly managed data can easily become an enterprises greatest liability. Previously, as long as personally identifiable information (PII) data such as name, contact info, race, religious beliefs, political opinions, etc., was anonymized it was considered acceptable for privacy compliance regulations. Now that it is increasingly easy to recreate an individuals personal profile from digital data, new regulations such as LGPD regulation in Brazilwhich considers anonymized data that is reversible with reasonable effort as PIIit is a new paradigm for data management. Moving forward, enterprises need to consider that ALL enterprise data has the potential for qualifying as sensitive data and will therefore fall under data governance regulations for encryption and other security measures to ensure data privacy. Because every piece of data can potentially become personally identifying data, 2021 will be THE year that data governance becomes a mainstream project for every enterprise. Yet, accomplishing this will require rethinking and re-evaluating existing processes and possible optionsand coming up with new ways to balance these two clashing mandates. It is clear that neither Mandate #1Fueling data scientists with data nor Mandate #2 Shackling data access to avoid privacy liabilities can become a sole winner in this conflict. This is because they both contribute to an enterprises long term health and viability as a company; thus, new ideas and approaches will be necessary. 2021 Will Drive New Levels of Collaboration and Innovation to Achieve Data Security Compounding the difficulty of balancing these two opposing mandates is the volume of data that now must be considered sensitive, and the fact that all this data may be stored and utilized in a plethora of locations; on-prem and across different cloud services. In fact, in larger organizations sensitive data can even be stored, in different geographical locations each with different government regulations. Data, data infrastructure, and IT teams, along with security, governance, and privacy stakeholders will all need to work together to create a new framework for managing enterprise data. This framework can be both practical for the limited resources available to manage data security and data access control, as well as being sufficiently scalable to meet enterprise-wide legal requirements. In 2021, the potential clash of data simultaneously being a company's greatest asset and its greatest liability will need to be proactively embraced by the entire enterprise organization. Unleashing data for data teams in a quick, efficient, and legally responsible way will pave the future for competitive differentiation and consumer confidence. Federal MPs have warned each other against publicly fuelling a trial-by-media mentality over historical rape accusations levelled at unnamed colleagues amid fears an allegation against a cabinet minister could paralyse the Morrison government until its resolved. Cabinet ministers say their accused colleague is entitled to the presumption of innocence after it was revealed last week the Australian Federal Police had been notified of an anonymous letter sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison alleging a 1988 rape by a now-senior federal MP. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says rape allegations levelled at MPs should be referred to police. Credit:Edwina Pickles Treasurer Josh Frydenberg led a chorus of senior Coalition figures who said on Monday that the matter was in the hands of federal police who were the best people to deal with the allegation. We in Australia adhere to the rule of law. The rule of law means there is a presumption of innocence, Mr Frydenberg said. Student Tom McCarthy was inspired by attempting to build a nuclear fusion reactor in his parents shed as a young teenager to help other young people with big ideas. He set up Patch in 2018, a programme for future entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists and engineers aged between 16 and 21, which is now accepting applications for this summer. The selected participants spend six weeks working on their own ambitious project and learn from world-class mentors and speakers. There are 24 spaces available on this summers programme, and young people who are inspired by people like tech entrepreneur brothers John and Patrick Collison, Elon Musk and Marie Curie are being encouraged to apply.. Speaking to Independent.ie, Mr McCarthy (21) from Castlebar, Co Mayo, said the programme brings together young people from around the country who are excelling in some way in science or technology or who has a real interest in entrepreneurship or doing things differently. His love of science goes back to when he was younger, culminating in his bid for nuclear fusion he was interested in solving problems that were energy related. Read More He said that he got an awful lot of support with that project. I started out with it when I was 13 and finished it when I was 18, the physics student said. Meanwhile, he said that he is looking forward to seeing how many applications are received this year. Last year there was a surge in the numbers seeking to embark on it. We had eight times as many applications last year as the year before, Mr McCarthy said. It is particularly important to us that is is open to as many people as possible. We have bursaries available to make sure this is financially accessible to everybody. Mr McCarthy said that he would encourage any young person who is interested to go for it, and make the application. So far, 36 young people from around Ireland have participated in Patch to date, including three BT Young Scientist winners and students who have received offers to study at MIT and Cambridge. Participating teams have gone on to receive funding from Enterprise Ireland and multiple teams have won the international Pioneer tournament. Applications go live today on joinpatch.org. Candidates can apply as an individual, or as part of a team with an idea theyd like to work on over the summer. At the Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis reflects on the Transfiguration of Jesus, and urges Christians to turn our experience of prayer into a desire to carry hope to the world. By Devin Watkins Ahead of the traditional Marian prayer of the Angelus, Pope Francis spoke about the Transfiguration, as recounted in the Sunday Gospel (Mk 9:2-10). He began by considering what Jesus told His disciples before taking them up the mountain. Jesus had just revealed that He would be condemned to death but would rise again. The image of a strong and triumphant Messiah is put into crisis, their dreams are shattered, and they are beset by anguish at the thought that the Teacher in whom they believed should be killed like the worst of wrongdoers, said the Pope. Broken hearts With these concerns in their hearts, the disciples follow Jesus up the mountain, where He is transfigured before them. Pope Francis said Jesus thus reminded them that He would overcome death. His face radiant and his garments glistening, providing a preview of his image as the Risen One, offer to those frightened men the light to pass through the shadows. New point of view The Pope went on to reflect on Peters words: Rabbi, it is good that we are here! He said the Apostles expression of appreciation is a reminder that the Lord never lets darkness have the final word. When we face seemingly-endless trials, said the Pope, we need another point of view: a light which illuminates in depth the mystery of life and helps us to move beyond our frame of mind and the criteria of this world. We too, he stressed, are called to climb the mountain with Jesus to have every fragment of our lives illuminated by His victory at Easter. Spiritual laziness Yet, warned Pope Francis, we must not let our joy at the Transfiguration become spiritual laziness. We cannot remain on the mountain and enjoy the beauty of this encounter by ourselves, he noted. Jesus himself brings us back to the valley, amidst our brothers and sisters and into daily life. Spiritual laziness, said the Pope, pushes us to rest in the satisfaction of our own well-being, while ignoring the struggles faced by others. Going up the mountain does not mean forgetting reality; praying never means avoiding the difficulties of life, he said. Christian mission Pope Francis concluded his catechesis urging Christians to transform our experience with Jesus and carry His light throughout the world. The mission of every Christian, he said, is to ignite "little lights in peoples hearts; being little lamps of the Gospel that bear a bit of love and hope. And the Pope asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to accompany us to welcome the light of Christ, to care for it, and to share Him with our brothers and sisters. 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. Recently I was "fact checked" by PolitiFact for a demo I did showing that masks don't stop the spread of aerosols (longer one here, shorter one here). The reporter asked for my comments and then said what his narrative required, without regard for any scientific data. The list of CDC and Medscape information in the video description escaped his attention. He also completely ignored the fact that Anthony Fauci has flip-flopped on masks more than a fresh-caught fish on deck. Scientists have been very busy. When the Wuhan Flu came to America, we were told to constantly bathe our hands in sanitizer. Now we know that very few cases are spread by contact, so constant hand-washing isn't necessary. That leaves droplets and aerosols. Unfortunately, many studies use arbitrary size criteria to distinguish between them, giving us confusing answers. A better distinction is that droplets are too heavy to stay suspended in the air, so they follow a spitball's trajectory to the floor. Aerosols can stay suspended for hours, much like cigarette smoke. Masks work really well against spitballs oops, droplets. These larger particles hit and stick. They don't get through. So if you cough or sneeze, your mask, handkerchief, or elbow will do a great job of protecting your neighbor. But what about aerosols? You emit them every time you breathe, and if your neighbor sniffs after you break wind, you emitted an aerosol there, too. (Incidentally, COVID-19 is present in sewage in high concentrations.) We have enough data to show that these smaller, airborne particles are the real culprit in COVID-19 spread. How good are masks against aerosols? We've all run into that irritating person who screams that "you're going to kill someone!" if you take your mask off. Supposedly, my mask will protect that person from me. But that's only half of the question. Will my mask protect me from you as well? The questions seem to depend on how well the mask filters. So scientists have gotten very busy looking at filtration. One study shows that single-layer cloth masks are essentially worthless, letting over 90% of viruses through. Others claim great efficacy. What's a mother to do? Our first problem is to simply look at the aerosol mask studies. Virtually all of them use a mechanical gadget to measure how much gets through a mask. That leads to us learning that more layers work better. Duh! You knew that from your house's air-conditioning filter. Higher MERV and HEPA filters reduce the dust in your house. They also reduce viruses. An astute student of the obvious would have guessed that a better filter would reduce the number of viruses that get through a mask. But what I showed wasn't about filtration. That "smoke" from a vape wasn't designed to tell you "how much?" of your breath went around your mask. That would be a "quantitative" demonstration. Instead, it was intended to show "what?" was happening with your breath. It's a "qualitative" demonstration. Where do the aerosols go? They go into the room to be mixed with the next breath and the next breath... Then they get recirculated and concentrated some more by the A/C system, unless you have a high MERV filter or UV sterilization. Let's look at the lady who screamed about me killing the kid in the next checkout line. This study was published five count 'em five months ago, so even "Doctor" Fauci would know about it. It has a lot of good information, and it addresses something I demonstrated in my videos leaks. But first, filtration. As I noted above, this set of German authors clearly demonstrated that with more layers, you get more filtration. If you want the very best filtration, wear a vacuum cleaner bag (top line) over your head. But that bag has so much resistance that you'll also need that eight-amp motor to get air in and out. This brings us to a key point. When filtration is so essential that any contamination might be fatal such as in the Wuhan Institute of Virology you need a powered source of clean air to be able to breathe at all. That degree of protection is why Level IV virology labs use space suits and powered air instead of street clothes and surgical masks. If they need it to protect from such a lethal virus as the Wuhan Flu, shouldn't you be wearing one all the time? The flip side of this is this is that if you really, really want to be able to breathe, you need a mask that doesn't filter at all, at least as you breathe out. (Note top left panel.) That's why a lot of masks have that button valve on them. It opens as you breathe out, making it easy by not filtering at all as you exhale. That's a massive leak. And this brings us to that key measurement in the study. My N95 mask has roughly forty square inches of total area. If two percent (2%) of that area leaks, total filtration efficiency drops by two thirds. That's a total leak the size of a quarter. Because the N95 is such a good filter, it has very high resistance. It's tough to breathe in, but that suction will pull the mask against your face, helping it seal. That's why there is decent evidence that properly fitted N95s will protect health care workers in high-exposure environments. But when you breathe out, you get... Those straps go around my head instead of looping over my ears, but the pressure of breathing out pushes the mask off my face, generating a large leak. By the way, when I forced the mask against my face to keep it sealed, nothing visible escaped. The filter worked. But because it filters so well, it doesn't easily let air through as I breathe out. When that lady screamed that I was killing people by not wearing a mask, she was echoing the panic porn we've been fed for a year. There's no evidence that my mask is capable of protecting you. None. Will yours protect you? Not unless you are wearing a properly fitted (no leaks) N95 in a high-exposure environment as a health care worker. Either you breathe through masks that don't filter, or you breathe around masks that do. The air you breathe in has lots of aerosols, and some of those may be infectious. The bug doesn't care. It just floats on in through the big spaces in the lousy filters or around the edges of the good ones. The real question that has to be asked isn't about mechanisms. We've known for years that mask-wearing has no effect on the transmission of airborne diseases in the general population. The study I just cited has one key difference from the mechanistic studies we've been talking about. It actually looked at whether mask-wearing reduced infections. That's called epidemiology and is about biology. The others were physical science. When the physical sciences demonstrate a difference but the biological sciences don't, whatever the physical scientists are measuring isn't relevant. Let me translate this. It seems intuitive that masks should block disease transmission. Hand-washing should as well. These seem like obvious hygienic measures that would make us more healthy. But when tested against reality, here's what we get. Or perhaps this is what we get... A careful look at the charts shows that mask mandates did nothing except make money for mask-manufacturers and Emmy Awards for petty tyrants pimping masks and lockdowns. COVID deaths rose, and then fell, without any effect from masking. And these are the data we should be looking at. It's worse than worthless to tell people that masks will filter out the virus when the data show that masks have no effect. It's the same evil that rises when we frighten people about how "deadly" the bug is as we learn how to treat it and it resolves into part of the background. Schools get closed, and children are irreparably harmed. People die from multiple other causes related to poverty from lockdowns. It's time to lift the yoke of tyrants off our necks and take the diapers off our faces. Image via Pxfuel. Ambassador of Belarus S.Terentiev meets the Minister of State for Military Production of Egypt On March 1st, 2021, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt Sergei Terentiev met with Minister of State for Military Production of Egypt, Mohamed Ahmed Morsi. The parties noted the successful cooperation at the end of 2020 between Belarusian and Egyptian industrial companies. The interlocutors agreed to promote the further development of joint assembly enterprises in Egypt for the production of equipment of Belarusian brands. During the meeting, an agreement was also reached to hold videoconferences in the near future with the participation of representatives of relevant ministries and departments, as well as enterprises of the two countries to discuss an algorithm for joint actions this year. print version Dining for Dollars Provides Financial Support for Vulnerable WSU Students March 1, 2021 OGDEN, Utah Sonora Grill in downtown Ogden will host its unique and tasty fundraiser, Dining for Dollars, March 15-23 to benefit Weber State Universitys Oportunidad Scholarship Fund. Sonora Grill will once again donate to help support first-generation or low-income students. The money also helps undocumented students, who are ineligible for financial assistance such as Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), grants or loans. A whole group of students have graduated from local Utah high schools who dont qualify for financial aid, said Steve Ballard, owner of Sonora Grill. Many of them would have won or qualified for academic or other scholarships, but because they dont live in the state, or because they dont have residency, they dont qualify for these scholarships. The university cant do much; the government cant do a lot, so theyre this group of forgotten students in the middle. This will be the eighth year Sonora Grill hosts their Dining for Dollars event. Enrique Romo, WSUs assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Access & Diversity, said the Oportunidad Scholarship provides much-needed support to students who want nothing more than to fully realize their academic potential at the university, despite the obstacles they face daily. When it comes to education, a persons citizenship status should not matter, Romo said. Everyone deserves a chance at higher education, and thanks to the Oportunidad Scholarship and to Sonora Grill, their future looks a lot brighter. By giving students the opportunity to get a college education, they will contribute with their skills, knowledge and talent, so collectively, we all can benefit. Education is an engine for mobility by donating we are helping to create the next generation of informed and committed world citizens. It's a win-win for us all. Over the previous years, Dining For Dollars has contributed more than $193,000 to the scholarship fund. One of my personal philosophies is that Ive always felt for every dollar you invest in your business, you should have $10 invested in your community, Ballard said. Thats how I look at this scholarship. It is my way of investing in the community, and it will indirectly come back and support my business, which I feel like weve proved it has. Those wanting to support Weber State students can dine-in at Sonora Grill, order to-go at 801-393-1999 or thesonoragrill.com. or donate directly to weber.edu/Dining4Dollars. Sonora Grill is located at 2310 S. Kiesel Ave., Ogden. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. IN NUMBERS: Over 15,500 fresh cases reported India reported 15,510 fresh infections on Monday, taking the overall caseload to 11,112,241, according to a report in the Scroll. New infections were 7.4 per cent lower than Sundays count. The country saw 106 deaths due to the pandemic, taking the toll to 157,157, according to central health ministry data. The active caseload is at 168,627, while total recoveries have surged to 10,786,457. As many as 14.3 million healthcare and frontline workers have been inoculated since the nationwide vaccination programme took off on January 16. Read more here Three reasons for the recent surge in cases Negligence, an uptick in the rate of positivity and the new variants of the are three big reasons for the recent surge in cases, a report in Hindustan Times said. Experts say negligence on the part of the general public amid a declining caseload resulted in a spike in Covid cases in several parts of the country such as Maharashtra. Also, while the number of samples tested has fallen, the positivity rate has constantly remained over five per cent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the positivity rate has to stay below 5 per cent for two weeks to effectively control the pandemic. Lastly, the arrival of more infectious Covid variants such as the one found in the UK has added to the recent surge. Read more here Little has been done towards identifying people with comorbidities: Expert A big challenge of the second phase of the vaccination is to administer shots to those with preexisting conditions, but data on the comorbidities that people suffer from is not readily available in most states, a report in The New Indian Express said. Dr Giridhara Babu, epidemiologist and member of Karnataka's Covid Technical Advisory Committee said a lot of time has been spent on deciding which comorbidities must be factored in, but little has been done to identify people with these comorbidities. Babu added that most Indians do not know if they even have comorbidities so identifying them is hard. Read more here What is a mutation? A variant of a virus is made up of different so-called mutations, which are specific alterations in the genetics of a virus, a report in ThePrint said. Coronaviruses are RNA-based (ribonucleic acid) viruses that multiply continuously. As they multiply, the RNA sequences that get transferred contain minor copying errors which are known as a mutation. Mutations are written down as nucleotide changeswhen the mutated genetic code produces an amino acid, which is different from the one produced by the previous version of the virus, and the position where the change happens, the report said. Read more here How will the vaccine certificates be issued? All vaccine recipients will be captured on the government's Co-Win digital platform and will be issued digital QR code-based certificates, a report in The Hindu said. A provisional certificate will be issued on receiving the first dose and a final certificate will be issued on receiving the second and final dose. The certificates can be downloaded from the link in the text message the beneficiary will receive after vaccination. The certificates can also be printed out at the vaccination centre, the report said citing a health ministry statement. Read more here Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the government minister being investigated over an alleged rape in the 1980s denies the claim and will remain in the cabinet amid growing concerns about a toxic culture in Australia's parliament. The Australian Federal Police said over the weekend it had received a complaint in relation to a historical sexual assault and would be liaising with relevant state authorities. The alleged victim killed herself in June, and friends have sent details of the claims to two senators and the prime minister's office. Morrison held discussions Wednesday with police after receiving documents about the claim of sexual assault, he told reporters Monday in Sydney. The cabinet member, who hasn't been publicly identified, "absolutely" denied the allegations, he said. While "these are very distressing issues that have been raised," Morrison said "the proper place for that to be dealt is by the authorities, which are the police. That's how our country operates." He said he didn't read the documents sent to him but had been briefed on their contents, and would not launch an inquiry into the allegations. Morrison is already under pressure over the workplace culture at Parliament House after a former government media adviser, Brittany Higgins, said last month that after a night of drinking with colleagues in 2019 she was raped by a fellow staffer in a minister's office. The latest claims and the prime minister's handling of them will intensify focus on his judgment on women's issues, which was called into question after he said he realized the gravity of Higgins' allegations after discussing them with his wife, who asked him to consider the issue as a father of two daughters. Some female lawmakers have complained about a male-dominated and disempowering culture in the national capital, Canberra. Mistreatment of women in parliament made global headlines in 2012 when Australia's first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, accused opposition leader Tony Abbott of misogyny. Greens Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, who was sent the documents detailing the alleged assault, told ABC radio on Monday that not adequately addressing the issue would create "a serious problem for this government of integrity and trust." She called for the cabinet minister to stand aside while the matter is investigated. Of Morrison's 22-member cabinet, 16 are men. Anthony Albanese, leader of the main opposition Labor party, said the matter was a test for Morrison and it was up to him to judge whether the minister should remain in Cabinet. "We need to make sure that these serious allegations, that they are investigated appropriately, and that these issues aren't politically managed," he told the ABC on Sunday. In the past two weeks the prime minister has faced a barrage of questions in parliament about his knowledge of the Higgins case and claims that she wasn't given adequate support. More recently, former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has blasted behavior by lawmakers that wouldn't be "tolerated in any other workplaces across Australia." Another lawmaker, Julia Banks, said bullying had driven her to decide to quit parliament, while a former senator was ordered to pay Hanson-Young $93,000 (A$120,000) in damages for statements that she said had amounted to sexual discrimination. Australia, which prides itself on being among the first countries to give women the right to vote and to run for office, has plummeted to 50th in global rankings for representation of women in parliament, from 15th in 1999. ABC's "Four Corners" news program reported that the alleged assault took place in 1988, citing an anonymous letter shared by a source close to the alleged victim. Labor's Senate leader, Penny Wong, who also received the documents, said she disclosed the allegation "to help keep people safe and save lives in the future." A Newspoll published last week showed that while Morrison enjoys strong personal approval ratings after his handling of the pandemic and stimulus injections, his ruling government remains deadlocked with the Labor opposition ahead of an election to be held by May 2022. SPRINGFIELD Edward Guerra Kodatt was a state representative for three days. His selection to replace former Illinois politics powerhouse Michael Madigan ended quickly with the revelation of questionable conduct that never was explained. He was replaced the next day by Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, who served 1 days in February as a state representative for the 22nd District. Both will get the same paycheck for the month: $5,788.66. So will Madigan, who left the position he kept locked down since 1971 after choosing Kodatt to replace him. Kodatt has said he would not accept the pay, which amounts to more than $109 an hour for the 53 hours he was a legislator, although it is perfectly allowable under the law. According to Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza, state law allows legislators to claim a full month of pay so long as they work at least one day. Its something she sought to change more than a year ago, after former Sen. Martin Sandoval resigned in November 2019 amid an influence-peddling investigation. Because Sandoval made the resignation effective Jan. 1, 2020, he received two months of pay. It was the second time in weeks a legislator was paid for time after resigning. Former Rep. Luis Arroyo resigned Oct. 28, 2019, after facing charges in a federal bribery investigation. Arroyo made his resignation effective Nov. 1, 2019, so he received an entire months pay. Mendozas No Exit Bonus bill would pro-rate legislator salaries so they are paid only for the days worked. She challenged Guerrero-Cuellar to help restore faith in government by taking the principled stand of not accepting a full month of pay and to sign on as a co-sponsor of the No Exit Bonus legislation. Taxpayers dont get a months pay for one or two days work, and taxpayers should not have to fund that undeserved gift for elected officials, Mendoza said. Its time to throw the General Assemblys exit bonus on the trash heap of bad traditions. The proposal fell victim to pandemic shutdowns last year, as did dozens of other pieces of legislation. The bill has been introduced again as Senate Bill 484 and House Bill 3104 by state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, and state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville. Mendoza also would like to see it included as part of sweeping ethics legislation. The practice of working one day in order to claim an entire month of pay is shameful and puts an undue burden on our already worrisome financial situation in Illinois, Stuart said. This is a long overdue change to the pay structure of members of the General Assembly and part of the larger ethics reform that is needed. Former President hinted on Sunday at a possible presidential run in 2024, attacked President Joe Biden and repeated his fraudulent claims he won the 2020 election in his first major appearance since leaving the White House nearly six weeks ago. Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, Trump vowed to help Republicans try to regain majorities - lost during his presidency - in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in 2022 congressional elections and dangled himself as a possibility for president in 2024. "With your help, we will take back the House, we will win the Senate and then a Republican president will make a triumphant return to the White House. I wonder who will that be?" he said, smiling. "Who, who, who will that be, I wonder." Trump's weeks away from Washington do not appear to have dimmed his anger at Republicans who voted to impeach or convict in a failed congressional effort to hold him responsible for inciting a deadly attack on the US Capitol on January 6. He singled out several such Republicans by name, like Senators Mitt Romney and Pat Toomey and House lawmakers Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, and suggested he would support candidates who opposed them in Republican primaries. "Get rid of 'em all," he thundered. Trump repeated lies he has told about his Nov. 3 presidential election loss to Biden, and offered a withering critique of his Democratic successor's first weeks in office. "They just lost the White House," the Republican former president said after criticising Biden's handling of border security. "But who knows, who knows, I may even decide to beat them for a third time." WASHINGTON/KABUL (Reuters) - The U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad held discussions on Monday with a senior Afghan official in Kabul over ways to accelerate the peace process, before heading to Qatar, where negotiations with Taliban representatives are ongoing. U.S.-brokered peace talks between the Afghan government and the militant group began in September but progress has slowed and violence has risen, while there is also uncertainty over whether international forces will pull out troops by May as originally planned. The State Department said in a statement on Sunday that Khalilzad and his team were visiting Kabul and Qatar. It said the U.S. diplomats would also visit other regional capitals as part of a mission aimed at working toward "a just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire". It did not provide dates or other details of where they intended to go, though Pakistan is a neighbour with keen interest in how the Afghan conflict plays out. On Monday, Khalilzad discussed the peace process with Abdullah Abdullah, the chairman of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation, and he was also expected to meet other Afghan officials. "Development of the peace process, accelerating the process and the assessment of the Doha peace agreement by the U.S. new administration were main topics of the discussion," said Fraidoon Khwazoon, a spokesman for Abdullah. President Joe Biden's administration is conducting a review of a February 2020 deal struck between the Trump administration and the Taliban to determine whether to stick by a deadline to withdraw the remaining 2,500 U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and end America's longest war. The Taliban's deputy leader Sirajuddin Haqqani made a speech on Friday, broadcast on the group's media channel with excerpts posted on Twitter, warning the United States against going back on a commitment to withdraw. Story continues "Today ....we have the technology to use drones, we have our own missiles. This time if the Mujahideen resume fighting the enemies, it would be something they have never seen before. They will wish the battlefield was like in the past," he said, referring to Taliban fighters. U.S. and European officials have said the Taliban has not fulfilled commitments it made in an accord reached with the United States in Doha a year ago, that set up the move towards peace talks involving the Afghan government. The Taliban has largely denied responsibility for a rash of attacks in Afghanistan since beginning talks with the government in September. (Reporting by Matt Spetalnick and Abdul Qadir Sediqi; Additional reporting by Orooj Hakimi; Writing by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Peter Cooney & Simon Cameron-Moore) Mr. Biden has made immigration one of his top legislative and diplomatic priorities, moving quickly to raise Trump-era limits on refugees who can be allowed into the United States and calling on Congress to pass a far-reaching bill that would give a path to citizenship to 11 million undocumented immigrants already living in the country. The Biden administration has also formed a task force to unite parents separated from their children under Mr. Trumps family separations policy. Mr. Mayorkas said on Monday that Michelle Brane, the former director of migrant rights and justice at the Womens Refugee Commission, would lead the effort to unite the families, who could be provided the option to remain in the United States permanently. Mr. Mayorkas stopped short of promising the parents citizenship. Republicans have already signaled that they intend to seize on Mr. Bidens reversals of his predecessors immigration policies as a cornerstone in their efforts to take back Congress in 2022 and recapture the White House two years later. In an echo of his successful 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump has already offered a road map for Republican candidates in 2022 by once again exaggerating the situation at the border and falsely stating that Mr. Bidens approach is to cancel border security. Mr. Mayorkas rejected the assertion that the situation at the border had evolved into a crisis, even as Customs and Border Protection reassigned agents from coastal and northern borders to the Rio Grande Valley due to fluctuations along the southwest border, according to an agency statement. There is a challenge at the border that we are managing, Mr. Mayorkas said. While Mr. Biden is unwinding the Migrant Protection Protocols program that forced migrants to wait in Mexico for an adjudication in their asylum cases, he has kept another Trump-era rule in place that empowers border agents to swiftly expel migrants and turn them over to Mexican authorities. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have said the policy is necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in border communities, even as advocates for immigrants say it diminishes the due process rights of asylum seekers. DES MOINES, Iowa, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Back in November 2020, Above + Beyond Cancer announced a nicotine-cessation contest, called the Cold Turkey Challenge, which offered a $50,000 community betterment grant for an Iowa small town that could gather a group of tobacco users in their community and work with them to stop using nicotine during an eight-week contest. Cold Turkey The Cold Turkey Challenge was open to all Iowa communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer. The eight-week contest officially kicked off January 1, 2021 and ends today, February 26, 2021. It was created to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the release of the 1971 Norman Lear movie, "Cold Turkey," which was filmed in Iowa. It was the brainchild of long-time Iowan Doug Reichardt, and the Reichardt Family Foundation, in conjunction with Dr. Richard Deming, the Founder of Above + Beyond Cancer. Each community established a team of "Fighters" who pledged to not use tobacco for the duration of the eight-week contest, the team that was most successful became immeasurably more healthy and earned the betterment grant for their community. Mt. Vernon was most successful! The dedicated team of "Fighters" from Mt. Vernon was the most successful group of tobacco users to give up nicotine for the 8-week Cold Turkey Challenge. For their success, the community of Mount Vernon will earn a community betterment grant of $50,000. The grant funds will be used to create beautiful Main Street Pocket Parks and establish an Exercise Trail near their newly constructed Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center. Governor Reynolds to Present Grant to Mt. Vernon in Capitol Ceremony on Tuesday, March 2 Governor Kim Reynolds and Above + Beyond Cancer Founder Dr. Richard Deming will present the community of Mt. Vernon with their $50,000 community betterment grant check during a ceremony to be held in the Governor's Formal Office, at the Iowa State Capitol, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, March 2. Representing the Mt. Vernon community will be the chair of the Mt. Vernon Cold Turkey Challenge committee Joe Jennison, the executive director of the Mt. Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group. He will be joined by fellow organizing committee members Amy Haney and Matt Siders. Three members of the team of former smokers, known as "Fighters" from Mt. Vernon will also be in attendance, as will State Representative Charlie McClintock, from District 95. Above + Beyond Cancer The Cold Turkey Challenge is just one of the many programs that is sponsored by Above + Beyond Cancer, who's mission is to elevate the lives of those touched by cancer, to create a healthier world. All of the Above + Beyond Cancer events, activities and programs are open to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and all who have cared for them in any way. To learn more about Above + Beyond Cancer please go to: https://aboveandbeyondcancer.org. Media Contact: Chris Goodale Above + Beyond Cancer - (515) 770-1426 [email protected] SOURCE Above + Beyond Cancer Edward Guerra Kodatt was a state representative for under three days. His selection to replace former Illinois politics powerhouse Michael Madigan ended quickly with the revelation of questionable conduct that never was explained. He was replaced the next day by Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, who served 1 days in February as a state representative for the 22nd District. Both will get the same paycheck for the month: $5,788.66. So will Madigan, who left the position he kept locked down since 1971 after choosing Kodatt to replace him. Kodatt has said he would not accept the pay, which amounts to more than $109 an hour for the 53 hours he was a legislator, although it is perfectly allowable under the law. According to Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza, state law allows legislators to claim a full month of pay so long as they work at least one day. Its something she sought to change more than a year ago, after former Sen. Martin Sandoval resigned in November 2019 amid an influence-peddling investigation. Because Sandoval made the resignation effective Jan. 1, 2020, he received two months of pay. It was the second time in weeks a legislator was paid for time after resigning. Former Rep. Luis Arroyo resigned Oct. 28, 2019, after facing charges in a federal bribery investigation. Arroyo made his resignation effective Nov. 1, 2019, so he received an entire months pay. Mendozas No Exit Bonus bill would pro-rate legislator salaries so they are paid only for the days worked. She challenged Guerrero-Cuellar to help restore faith in government by taking the principled stand of not accepting a full month of pay and to sign on as a co-sponsor of the No Exit Bonus legislation. Taxpayers dont get a months pay for one or two days work, and taxpayers should not have to fund that undeserved gift for elected officials, Mendoza said. Its time to throw the General Assemblys exit bonus on the trash heap of bad traditions. The proposal fell victim to pandemic shutdowns last year, as did dozens of other pieces of legislation. The bill has been introduced again as Senate Bill 484 and House Bill 3104 by state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, and state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville. Mendoza also would like to see it included as part of sweeping ethics legislation. The practice of working one day in order to claim an entire month of pay is shameful and puts an undue burden on our already worrisome financial situation in Illinois, Stuart said. This is a long overdue change to the pay structure of members of the General Assembly and part of the larger ethics reform that is needed. Australia will pour hundreds of millions of dollars into strategically important infrastructure across the Pacific over the coming months to compete with Chinas decade-long spending spree and help ensure small nations are not saddled with debt. The infrastructure blitz part of Australias Pacific step-up will include loans and grants for renewable power projects, telecommunications, transport and health facilities as the region looks to recover from the economic damage wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia will launch an infrastructure spending blitz in the Pacific this year. Credit:AP There has been growing concern from national security experts about China-backed firms funding and buying strategically sensitive assets, including a proposed Chinese fishing facility in Papua New Guinea and mobile phone networks across the region. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age can reveal the Australian government will this year approve about $300 million to be spent on infrastructure projects across the region, which will come out of a $2 billion infrastructure facility. has successfully launched its first satellite to monitor the Arctic's climate and environment, the country's space corporation Roscosmos said in a statement. A Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with the "Arktika-M" satellite on board blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9.55 a.m. on Sunday, Roscosmos said. The Arktika-M spacecraft was delivered to the orbit at 12.14 p.m., Xinhua news agency quoted the space corporation as further saying in the statement. The creation of a satellite system in highly elliptical orbits is necessary for information collection to solve operational meteorology and hydrology problems, and monitoring the climate and environment in the Arctic region, it said. The Arktika-M will provide round-the-clock continuous monitoring of the northern territory of and the seas of the Arctic Ocean, Roscosmos added. The satellite will be able to transmit overview images of the Earth's northern polar region and the adjacent areas at least every 15-30 minutes. --IANS ksk/ (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.) PARIS The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty and sentenced to prison by a court in Paris on Monday on charges of corruption and influence peddling, only the second time in modern French history that a former president has been convicted of a crime. The conviction was the culmination of just one of several long-running legal entanglements that are coming to a head for the politician who led France from 2007 to 2012. Mr. Sarkozy, 66, has always denied any wrongdoing and he quickly announced he would appeal. He still holds considerable sway among French conservatives, but the conviction could undermine his broader standing in French politics and dash any hopes of mounting yet another comeback ahead of the 2022 presidential elections especially for a politician who has fashioned himself as particularly tough on crime. Mr. Sarkozy was found guilty of trying to illegally obtain information on another case against him from a judge in return for promises to use his influence to secure a prestigious job for the judge. A federal appeals court Friday revived a claim filed against the Oregon State Bar, saying no court has yet addressed whether the First Amendment allows for mandatory membership in a bar that engages in nongermane political activities. The case stems from two lawsuits filed against the bar, each alleging that the April 2018 publication of a Statement on White Nationalism and Normalization of Violence in the monthly Bar Bulletin was blatantly political and not related to legal services or the legal profession. Two signed statements in that issue of the bulletin one by the bar condemning speech that incites violence and the other by non-bar specialty groups decrying the rise of the white nationalist movement under President Donald Trump drew ire from some lawyers aghast that the bar would allow such political statements. The state bar argued that both statements in the bulletin were in line with its role in improving the quality of legal services, according to the appeals panel ruling. The First Amendments freedom of association shields people from being forced to conform or confess by word or act in opinions they do not share and checks the power of officials to prescribe what (opinions) shall be orthodox according to case law, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals noted. In short, like the freedom of belief, freedom from compelled association is no incidental or secondary aspect of the First Amendments protections, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel wrote in its ruling Friday. The appeals panel held that the district court was wrong to dismiss plaintiffs free association claim, as their lawsuits raised a question that hasnt yet been been decided by courts. It sent the claim back to the district court to consider. Neither the Supreme Court nor this court has resolved the free association claim now before us, the panels opinion said. Plaintiffs may have stated a viable claim that Oregons compulsory Bar membership requirement violates their First Amendment right of free association. An April 2018 issue of the Oregon State Bar Bulletin had these back-to-back pages displayed. On the left is the bar's , "Statement on White Nationalism and Normalization of Violence.'' On the right, is a separate but related "Joint Statement of the Oregon Specialty Bar Associations'' that supports the state bar's statement. (Screenshot ) The 1990 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Keller v. State Bar of California concluded that a state bar may use mandatory dues to subsidize activities related to the goals of regulating the legal profession and improving the quality of legal services, without running afoul of its members First Amendment rights. Its dues cant be used for activities of an ideological nature which fall outside of those areas of activity, according to the Keller case. Lawyers in Oregon must join the Oregon State Bar and pay annual membership fees to practice law in the state. The bar publishes the monthly bulletin, which is subject to its bylaws policy that communications other than permitted advertisements, should advance public understanding of the law, legal ethics and the professionalism and collegiality of the bench and Bar. The state bar argued that the statements published in the April 2018 issue were both germane to its role in improving the quality of legal services, according to the opinion. Yet when plaintiffs and others complained, they were refunded $1.15, representing the portion of their membership fees used to publish that issue of the bulletin. The bar explained that it issued the refunds to avoid even the appearance of funding any non-germane speech. Bar spokeswoman Kateri Walsh said the bar distinguished between the two statements published in 2018. We treated the two statements separately and substantively in our arguments. We argued that the statement signed by bar leadership was in line with its role in improving the quality of legal services, and that publication of the specialty bar statement, not attributed to the bar, was in keeping with the Bulletins role as a limited public forum. The federal appeals court agreed with the lower court that the state bars refund process was sufficient to minimize potential infringement on its members free speech rights, without deciding whether the statements published in the bars bulletin were relevant to legal services. Thats separate, however, from whether the First Amendment tolerates mandatory membership independent of required financial support in a bar that may have engaged in political activities, the appeals panel noted. The bars lawyers also had argued it cant be sued in federal court because its an arm of the state of Oregon, created by state lawmakers in 1935. The federal appeals panel disagreed, ruling that the Oregon State Bar is not an arm of the state and not entitled to immunity. Since the bars principal funding is through members dues levied by its board of governors and the Oregon Supreme Court, not the state bar, makes final decisions on admitting lawyers, disciplining attorneys and adopting rules of professional conduct, the state bar is not an arm of the state thats entitled to immunity, the panel ruled. Attorney Daniel Crowe, Lawrence Peterson and the nonprofit group Oregon Civil Liberties Attorneys had sued the bar, arguing the bulletins printed statement in 2018 violated their constitutional rights by requiring them to pay fees to be members and using their dues for political speech that they dont agree with. A separate suit was filed against the bar by Oregon lawyers Diane Gruber and Mark Runnels. In the April 2018 bar publication, the Statement on White Nationalism and Normalization of Violence denounced hate mongering, referenced the white nationalist march the summer before in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the fatal stabbing attacks on the Portland MAX train. The bars statement called out a current climate of violence, extremism and exclusion that it said threatens the rule of law and judicial system that serves everyone. That statement was signed by the president and president-elect of the bars board of governors, a board member, the bars chief executive officer, a state bar staff member and a volunteer lawyer who leads the bars diversity and inclusion committee. An adjoining page carried a Joint Statement of the Oregon Specialty Bar Associations Supporting the Oregon State Bars Statement. It went further, repeatedly criticizing then-President Trump for having catered to this white nationalist movement, allowing it to make up the base of his support and providing it a false sense of legitimacy. Leaders of the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Oregon Filipino American Lawyers Association, Oregon chapter of the National Bar Association, Oregon Hispanic Bar Association, Oregon Women Lawyers, OGALLA-The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon and Oregon Minority Lawyers Association signed the supporting statement. We continue to evaluate the opinion and our next steps, Walsh said. She said the bar remains committed to the mandatory membership structure of the association, adding that it provides Oregonians with a time-tested approach to regulate the practice of law and promote a healthy justice system. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian "Even in the mixt of a pandemic in 2020, we have seen strong achievement under Wu-Curtis' leadership," said Andy Salisbury, Board Member/Co-Founder. "We believe it is time to empower our next generation to lead World Connection into its future. The Board agrees that these new roles for Hugo and Hui will best serve our employees, customers, and shareholders." "Hui has done an outstanding job over the last year in the role of President/COO and has assembled a great team," said Vignolo, who founded World Connection in 2011. "Under her leadership, we have reached record growth, have continued to add outstanding talent, and have achieved success within many areas of our business. I am impressed with her ability to provide the strong leadership that meets and exceeds our business objectives. Hui has all the talent and drive to lead us forward." Wu-Curtis stated, "I am grateful and honored to be the next CEO of World Connection and by the confidence shown by Hugo and the Board of Directors." Following 10 years of successful company leadership, Vignolo's entrepreneurial spirit and vision helped guide the company to this moment. He will be joining the BOD in a new role as executive chairman, maintaining an active role in identifying and planning strategies that drive lasting growth and innovation for the company. About World Connection World Connection S.A. and World Connection LLC is a privately-owned global provider of call center, back office, and business process outsourcing services. Founded in 2011, World Connection provides outsourcing services including call centers, customer service, customer acquisition and retention, sales, collections, as well as back-office processing headquartered in Guatemala City. For more information, visit https://worldconnection.com/ SOURCE World Connection Related Links https://worldconnection.com/ A view from Clwyd Souths Member of the Senedd This article is old - Published: Monday, Mar 1st, 2021 Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here). Clwyd South MS Ken Skates writes I must start my latest column by wishing readers a very happy St Davids Day and by congratulating the Welsh rugby team on their victory over England and another Triple Crown! A fantastic achievement and one of which we can all be extremely proud. There was also another landmark to celebrate over the weekend as Wales passed a million vaccinations. After the recent news that Wales had reached its initial target ahead of schedule, vaccination of the next set of priority groups is already well under way in North Wales. As has been widely reported, production capacity is currently affecting supply across the whole of the UK. This temporary drop in supply had already been planned for in Wales we had factored it into our vaccination plans and we have used this period to significantly increase the pace of second doses. We now lead the UK on first and second doses as a percentage of our population. An updated vaccine strategy for Wales was published on Friday, confirming our earlier key target dates and the adoption of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advice on prioritisation for the next phase of vaccinations. We will soon see an increase in supply which will enable us to reach the next target priority groups 1-9 by the end of April. As of a few days ago, at least 63% of over-65s in North Wales have had their first doses. As local GP surgeries take imminent delivery of further Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines, they will continue to vaccinate this group and make swift progress through the priority list. The Welsh Government will continue to do everything we can to continue leading the way on vaccine roll-out and to achieve our next targets, which will see all adults offered the vaccine by the end of July. The well-publicised temporary supply issues are short-term and we will soon be able to begin ramping up the roll-out again to the kind of significant daily numbers we had been seeing regularly until recently. We remain confident of similar success with the next phase if the UK Government is able to deliver supplies. I was invited by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to visit Wrexhams local vaccination centre at Glyndwr University recently to meet chairman Mark Polin and to see first-hand the incredible efforts of our local team first-hand. North Wales continues to lead the way, and Id like to once again like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in making our local roll-out so effective. While the pandemic continues to dominate Welsh Governments and Members of the Senedds day-to-day work, local matters are not being forgotten. I have been in contact with the health board again recently about the plans for a new health centre in Cefn Mawr, and local councillor Derek Wright and I are hopeful of a significant update on this front in the very near future. The Welsh Government has also confirmed it has put up funding for step-free access to both platforms at Ruabon Station for the third time. We are now waiting for the UK Government to agree to match-fund the project so it can finally go ahead. I have also been contacted by a number of constituents in the New Broughton area about plans for a housing development off Gatewen Road being approved. The decision was made by an independent planning inspector, and Members of the Senedd did not have any involvement, but I have raised residents concerns directly with the Minister for Housing, Julie James, and will be happy to share her formal response with constituents. Although I am unable to hold public surgeries at present, my team and I are still here to help. If you need advice or support, please email ken.skates@senedd.wales and include your full home address and a contact number. You can also find regular updates on my Facebook page, and I put out weekly e-newsletters, which you can subscribe to here. The Welsh Government continues to publish a wide range of information, advice and guidance on its coronavirus portal, which you can find here. Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here). Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will become overcast later during the night. Slight chance of a shower late. Low 58F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Gurugram, March 1 : The second phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive in Gurugram began on Monday as elderly citizens queued up to receive their first vaccine jabs, health officials said. The vaccination drive began for senior citizens aged 60 years and above, and those in the age group of 45 to 59 years with comorbidities. In the first phase of the vaccination drive which began on January 16, several beneficiaries comprising healthcare workers and frontline warriors have already been vaccinated in Gurugram. Ved Parkash, a 64-year-old resident of Old DLF colony in Gurugram, received the 'Covishield' vaccine at the Kalyani hospital. "After receiving the 'Covishield' vaccine, I am feeling absolutely normal. I did not pay heed to rumours prior to the vaccination. The vaccine is perfect and has no side effects," he said. "Several senior citizens have been given vaccine jabs at our hospital, many of them came for the vaccination with the help of a walking stick. It is good to see elderly people getting vaccinated," said a doctor at the Kalyani hospital. Dayawati Devi, a 67-year-old resident of old Gurugram, told IANS, "It was a very good experience of receiving a corona vaccine shot. I am feeling normal after receiving the first jab and was not scared at all about taking the vaccine." A health official said the vaccination drive was slated to start at 12 noon but many elderly people had started queuing up by 10.30 a.m. so it was started a little early than the scheduled time. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- 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. Syracuse, N.Y. A year ago, people started lining up at 8 a.m. to get into Colemans Irish Pub on Green Beer Sunday. By 2 p.m., the slow-moving line stretched three blocks on the sunny 50-degree afternoon. We didnt wear masks or spray our hands with sanitizer. We didnt stand 6 feet apart from our friends and family. The full-to-capacity bar and dining rooms overflowed into the large parking lot above. What a difference a year makes. Dennis Coleman and two security officers take a look around during Green Beer Sunday at Coleman's on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com This years annual gathering to celebrate the start of the St. Patricks Day season was much more subdued. Like all bars and restaurants in Central New York Colemans can only allow half the number of people inside because of the coronavirus pandemic. That meant 85 customers could sit downstairs, and 35 could sit in the upstairs dining rooms. Owner Peter Coleman and his son Dennis decided to put on hold the block-long parade from the upside-down traffic light at the corner of Milton Avenue and Tompkins Street to the pub at Lowell and Tompkins. They didnt do the ceremonial first pour from the tanker truck. Green Beer Sunday at Coleman's on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com Instead, they hosted reservation-only three-hour seatings inside the pub throughout the day. The parking lot this year was used to sell green beer and cocktails to go. Its very very different, Dennis Coleman said. Were just happy to be able to do something though. Its been a crazy year. Green Beer Sunday at Coleman's on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com Brittany Bonadonna and her friend Kali Kraeger booked a spot at the 2:30 p.m. seating. You could still drink a nicely poured Guinness or the standard green beer; you just couldnt walk around with it. Its not the same, Brittany said. Its sad. But I will admit that its nice that its not so packed. Said Kali: Im still having a great time. We will be here when its crowded again really soon. Kali Kraeger (left) and Brittany Bonadonna celebrated Green Beer Sunday at Coleman's on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com Last year, Peter Coleman announced he was going to shave his white hair off as part of the St. Baldricks fundraiser at Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub downtown. Syracuse businessman Adam Weitsman quickly donated $10,000 to the 83-year-old Colemans campaign to raise money to fight childhood cancer. Coleman and Weitsman never met because the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Weitsman booked a table for six at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Coleman rushed over to thank him. He gave him a signed poster from the restaurant. It read: To Adam WeitsmanGreat to have you in the pub. You are truly a great American and a generous one! Peter Coleman gave Adam Weitsman a signed poster during Green Beer Sunday at Coleman's on Tipperary Hill. Weitsman donated to Coleman's fundraiser for St. Baldrick's last year. The event was ultimately canceled because of Covid-19. The two finally met for the first time on Sunday.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com Weitsman, who owns two restaurants in Skaneateles, said he usually eats at local restaurants when he goes out. But restaurants have been struggling. Its a tough business, even when theres not a pandemic, he said. This place is legendary. I just had to come here today. Everyone is having a great time, and it looks like things could be returning to normal soon. Another pitcher of green hard 1911 cider is poured during Green Beer Sunday at Coleman's on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com Throughout Sunday afternoon, revelers raised their glasses of green ale or shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey in hopes that Covid-19 would disappear soon. One of the drink specials was called the Green Vaccine. The sign behind the bar advertising the vodka drink read: After 2020 ... everyone needs a shot of good luck. The drink of choice here is the 'Green Vaccine' at Green Beer Sunday at Coleman's on Tipperary Hill.Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com MORE CNY FOOD (Not) Business As Usual: Diner turns to selling its exclusive coffee to get by during shutdowns CNY Fish Fry Tour: 20 stops you must make to get the best meal during Lent Salt City Market: Our reviews of every vendor at Syracuses new food hall Locally made barbecue sauce has become a hot seller during the pandemic Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drink and fun across Central New York. Contact him at 315-382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com. You can also find him on Twitter @HoosierCuse. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. on Monday said the St. Lukes Medical Center asked for doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Chinas Sinovac. "Nabigla po kami, ang St. Luke's humingi po ng 5,000 para sa 5,000 nilang tao na Sinovac," Galvez said during a televised briefing with other Cabinet members. [Translation: We were surprised after St. Luke's asked for 5,000 for their 5,000 employees of the Sinovac vaccine.] However, it is not clear whether the private hospital is asking for 5,000 doses of CoronaVac or enough doses for 5,000 employees. Sinovac's vaccine requires two doses per person. CoronaVac is being rolled out now in government referral hospitals. Galvez said he received a text message from the SLMCs president Dr. Arturo dela Pena and they will soon have a mini rollout of the vaccines in the two branches of the private hospital in Bonifacio Global City and in Quezon City. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the interest of the private hospital in CoronaVac. "We appreciate any and every cooperation offered to us at this time. Kung sasali yung St. Lukes, papasalamat tayo (If St. Lukes will join, we will be thankful for that)," Duterte said. The government has always defended its preference over the China-made vaccine, saying it is as good as the ones manufactured in the United States and Europe. The Department of Health earlier said five private hospitals are possible beneficiaries of the initial doses of the Pfizer vaccine under the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PHOENIX Many grocery store workers in Arizona say theyre still anxious about customers who wont wear masks, with 1 in 5 employees affiliated with a major grocery union saying theyre worried they could be physically assaulted by a shopper as the coronavirus pandemic grinds into its second year. Preliminary results of a University of Arizona online survey showed that members of a union representing about half the states grocery workers said they believed customers were becoming a bit better about wearing masks, but complaining more about it. Nearly 4,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99 union in July responded to the universitys email invitations to participate. They were contacted again this month for updated responses. In February, about 19% of the workers said they feared being physically assaulted by a customer, down slightly from 22% last July. About 45% of respondents this month said they feared being verbally attacked by a customer, down from 54% last summer. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ How long can workers continue in these conditions and how is that affecting health and well-being? said Brian Mayer, an associate sociology professor at the University of Arizona. Hes head researcher on the study that was carried out with the local union. So much has been asked of them, Mayer said. And unlike health care workers, these are essential workers who have no experience at all in dealing with communicable disease. A spokeswoman and several other representatives with the local union didnt respond to numerous emails seeking comment. In July, researchers were gathering answers in the first round of the survey when an Arizona woman gained notoriety for recording a video of herself destroying a display of masks at a Scottsdale discount store. Elsewhere in the U.S. West, police in Parker, Colorado, near Denver, said this month that they were seeking a woman who refused to wear a mask in a supermarket and slapped an employee. In Californias Orange County, Emily Theissen, a 24-year-old wine and spirits vendor, said delivering her goods to supermarkets can sometimes feel scary. Theissen recalled a man who got angry when employees caught him trying to roll a cart full of laundry detergent and beer out of the store without paying. He had worn a mask but took it off to cough on the merchandise and the cart before leaving. Its been really gross to see stuff like that, but its also nice to have the rest of the public come up and apologize to all the front-line workers, Theissen said. In the survey, grocery workers reported high levels of anxiety over financial problems and stress caused by the pandemic, with spouses or partners out of work and children needing care at home during remote learning. A third of respondents said they lacked reliable access to food, requiring them to make smaller meals, skip meals or seek help from food banks. One out of five grocery workers also reported missing at least one rent or mortgage payment during the pandemic. ___ Follow Snow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/asnowreports. Tel Aviv, March 1 : Israel has lifted a Covid-19 night curfew, which was imposed over the past three days to prevent the traditional mass gatherings during the Jewish holiday of Purim. The curfew was imposed as a precaution after traditional mass Purim fiestas in 2020 were identified as a key source of coronavirus spread, Xinhua news agency. Despite a repeated ban on large gatherings by the Health Ministry, large Purim parties took place in Tel Aviv during the three days. Health Minister Yuli Edelstein wrote on Twitter that over three million people have already received both vaccine shots, "but this is not enough for a reality of violations, gatherings and parties. We must restrain ourselves". The curfew came about three weeks after Israel started to come out of a six-week nationwide Covid-19 lockdown. According to the Health Ministry, Israel has reported a total of 774,479 Covid-19 cases and 5,738 deaths. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... AZTEC The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission will discuss the potential impact of the extreme winter storm that reached New Mexico over Valentines Day weekend and cut off power to millions of customers in Texas. During a PRC meeting on Feb. 24, several PRC-regulated utilities including New Mexico Gas Company and Public Service Company of New Mexico discussed the impact that the storm had on their operations. These impacts included raising the cost of power and natural gas purchased from the market, which in turn may lead to increases in customer bills. The New Mexico attorney general has announced an investigation into the spiking prices. Commissioner Theresa Becenti-Aguilar has asked that the PRC discuss and possibly open an inquiry, formal assessment or reporting process looking into the pricing increase and future impact on customer bills. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The PRC meets at 9:30 a.m. March. 3. A link to watch the meeting will be posted on the PRCs website, nmprc.state.nm.us, that morning. Other meetings The San Juan County Commission meets at 4 p.m. March 2. Agenda topics include industrial revenue bonds to assist solar developers. The meeting can be viewed live on YouTube. Additionally, Four Corners Economic Development CEO Arvin Trujillo is scheduled to present on economic development initiatives. The San Juan College Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. March 2 via Zoom. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda posted at sanjuancollege.edu. The San Juan Water Commission meets at 9 a.m. March 3. A link to view the meeting is available on the agenda at sjwc.org. Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652 or via email at hgrover@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: PRC to discuss potential impact of storms on the size of utility ratepayers bills ___ (c)2021 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. US State Department has announced the resumption of talks with as the US Special Representative for Zalmay Khalilzad is set to visit Kabul, Doha and other regional capitals for a durable political settlement in "Special Representative for Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and his team will travel to Kabul, Doha and additional regional capitals," the US State Department said in a statement on Sunday (local time). "He (Khalilzad) will resume discussions on the way ahead with the Islamic Republic and Aghan leaders, representatives and regional countries whose interests are best served by the achievement of just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," the release added. This will be Khalilzad's first trip since US President Joe Biden took office. He is also expected to visit Islamabad and New Delhi as indicated in the release. The resumption of dialogue with the under Joe Biden clearly shows that the US is continuing its Afghan policy on the lines of Donald Trump's administration. India, which has completed huge developmental and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, will be watching the US move closely. According to informed sources, Pakistan is fully backing the Taliban and wants to install them in Kabul, this can pose a major threat to India's efforts in building democratic and development institutions in the war-torn country India's position is clear that any government formation in Kabul should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. (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.) Supporters of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman are welcoming the latest US intelligence report on Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Saudi commentators believe the latest four-page report released by the Joe Biden administration does nothing but consolidates that Mohammed bin Salman had no role to play in the killing of Khashoggi. Kingdom loyalists argue that the report is inconclusive and contains too many vague words such as "probably" and ''highly unlikely''. We assess is not evidence. Highly unlikely is not evidence. Probably is not evidence. This suggests is not evidence. We judge is not evidence. Unspecified operation is not evidence. High confidence is not evidence. Farce of the year!#AllOfUsMBS#___ pic.twitter.com/vvEjH0nIaZ (@999saudsalman) February 26, 2021 Read: 'Khashoggi Ban': US Announces Sanctions, Visa Ban On Saudi Arabian Citizens The US government released the report on Friday, which blamed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The report concluded that it is ''highly unlikely'' that Saudi officials would have carried out an operation without the Crown Prince's authorisation. The report claimed that since the Crown Prince is the one calling shots in the Kingdom and the team of hitmen who killed Khashoggi involved members of his protective detail, it is likely that the operation was approved by Mohammed bin Salman. Read: 'Unjustified': Saudi Arabia 'completely Rejects' US Assessment On Khashoggi's Murder However, the lack of certainty and use of words that are open to interpretation, the report represents a victory for Saudi commentators and officials. The report did not bring any new evidence to the light, neither did it disclose what was previously unknown. Supporters of Crown Prince are calling the report 'Farce of the Year' and thanking the US government for discharging Mohammed bin Salman of the blame by publishing it. Read: Saudi Crown Prince Approved Operation To 'capture Or Kill' Jamal Khashoggi: US Report "The Biden administration deserves the Saudis' thanks and appreciation for publishing the CIA report on Khashoggi ... Putting the points on the letters ... and ending cheap bids and gargantuan accusations without a single evidence ... and endorsed the same Saudi court ruling regarding ... and closed a door from which clear and concealed opponents would benefit from it!" a Saudi columnist wrote on Twitter. Khashoggi's murder Jamal Khashoggi, a staunch critic of the Royal Family, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. A group of hitmen arrived from Saudi Arabia to carry out the assassination job. Saudi Arabia denied any involvement in the murder before changing its story several times. Initially, it claimed that Khashoggi left the consulate alive, but changed it after a few days and admitted he was strangulated to death during a fistfight. It later emerged that Khashoggi was dismembered inside the consulate and his body parts were disposed of using acid. Saudi Arabia charged eight people and sentenced them to prison. Read: Joe Biden Calls Saudi King Salman Ahead Of Jamal Khashoggi Report Human rights activist Yang Jianli speaks at a candlelight vigil to commemorate the 29th Anniversary of the June 4th Tiananmen Square Massacre at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington on June 4, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Advocates for Democratic China Tell Supreme Court That Protecting Donors Identities Is Life and Death Issue A nonprofit U.S. group seeking democratic reforms in China asked the Supreme Court on March 1 to protect the identities of its members and donors because actions by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could have lethal consequences. The liberties that the First Amendment expressly guarantees depend on a vigorous protection of the auxiliary freedom of association. Blanket donor-disclosure regimes like Californias create an intolerable risk of exposure and thus severely abridge that freedom, First Liberty Institute FLI) attorneys representing Washington-based Citizen Power Initiatives of China told the high court in an amicus curiae brief made available to The Epoch Times. Exposure of a groups members and donors can subject them to significant reprisals by the public and therefore dissuade further membership and donations, a fact that this Court has acknowledged when marking the freedom of associations contours, the group said in its brief. For our client and its supporters, maintaining privacy is a matter of life and death, Kelly Shackelford, FLIs president, CEO, and chief counsel, said in a statement announcing the brief. In todays Cancel Culture, people know its unwise to trust our own government with their private information, let alone China. It is vital that the justices protect donors privacy to shield them from threats, harassment, and worse. The brief was filed in connection with two cases challenging a California law requiring public disclosure of members and donors to nonprofit advocacy groups that receive contributions from residents of the state. The two cases are Americans for Prosperity v. Becerra and Thomas More Law Center v. Becerra. Former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has been nominated by President Joe Biden to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. First Liberty Institute is a Plano, Texas-based public interest law firm that specializes in First Amendment litigation. In adjudicating this case, this Court also should account for the modern rise of cancel culture, and for the reprisals that domestic and foreign governments direct against those who contribute to groups that dare speak against their orthodoxy, the brief stated. Among the victims of such reprisals are donors to religious ministries and charities and donors to organizations that hold foreign governments accountable for their human-rights abuses. Californias regimeand the Ninth Circuits mistaken approach upholding itare insufficient to protect groups from these kinds of reprisals, just as they are insufficient to protect them from reprisals by the public. The issue of donor disclosure and retaliation first came to the fore in contemporary politics in 2014, when then-Mozilla co-founder Brendan Eich resigned as chief executive officer after it was disclosed that he had contributed $1,000 to a California proposition campaign on behalf of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. In the brief, FLI argued that the First Amendment expressly guarantees the free exercise of religion, the freedoms of speech and of the press, and the right of peaceful assembly and petition, but these cherished liberties necessarily imply the freedom of association. As this Court has recognized, effective advocacy of both public and private points of view, particularly controversial ones, is undeniably enhanced by group association, and it is beyond debate that freedom to engage in association for the advancement of beliefs and ideas is protected by the Constitution, citing the landmark 1958 decision in NAACP v. Alabama. In the 1958 case, the Court upheld the right of donors and members to the NAACP to maintain their anonymity in order to insulate them from reprisals by Democratic officials in the highly segregated state. Likewise, group association is vital toand an implicit component ofthe free exercise of religion, the brief continued, citing Gibson v. Fla. Legislative Investigative Commission in 1963. Registering as a student in a school or joining a faculty is as vital to freedom of expression as joining a church is to the free exercise of religion. First Amendment freedom of association, the brief argued, would mean little if the government had carte blanche to compel the disclosure of an associations members or donors, and this Court, therefore, has subjected such disclosures to exacting scrutiny, citing the 1976 decision in Buckley v. Valeo. The brief argued that retaliation can take the form of harassment, economic reprisals such as loss of jobs, physical threats, and other forms of public hostility. Citizen Powers founder and president, Dr. Yang Jianli, narrowly escaped capture as he witnessed the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Following his return to China, he was imprisoned until diplomatic efforts by the international communityincluding the United Statesprocured his release. Immediately following his return to the United States, he formed Citizen Power Initiatives, which has seen at least one of its major donors imprisoned in China. Yang has two doctorate degrees, in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley and in political economics from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. China Powers chairman is David King, who is the senior lecturer in public policy at The Harvard Kennedy School and faculty chair of the Master in Public Administration program. Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc Digital subscriptions are critical to local news publishers bottom lines, but new findings suggest that an increasing number of these subscribers are zombie readers who seldom consume what they pay for, highlighting an unnerving trend among readers who remain unengaged even though they may still pay for local news. Recent data analysis conducted by Northwestern Universitys Medill Spiegel Research Center found that, on average, nearly half of local news outlets digital subscribers (49 percent) dont visit the news sites they pay for even once a month. An additional 54 percent said they visit the website of the news outlets they pay for only one day per month or fewer, 58 percent reported visiting two days a month or fewer, 69 percent visited seven days or fewer, and 79 percent visited 15 days or fewer. The Medill Spiegel Research Centers findings come on the heels of a viral Feb. report, which found that about 42 percent of The Arizona Republics digital-only subscribers didn't read a single article on the papers website in the last month. That Gannett property, which was founded in 1890, is the Grand Canyon States largest daily newspaper. Sharing these findings via Twitter, CNN host Brian Stelter wrote, I think Ive lost the passwords for 42% of the digital outlets I subscribe to. Research for the Medill Spiegel Research Center study was based on data analysis of local news outlets in 45 U.S. markets. Hong Kong police have brought 47 pro-democracy activists to court today under Beijing's national security law, charged with conspiracy to commit subversion. The cases represent the largest mass charge against the semi-autonomous Chinese territorys opposition camp since the law came into effect last June. More than 100 police officers were deployed outside West Kowloon court in response to the largest rally seen this year. Hong Kong Police brought 47 pro-democracy activists to West Kowloon court today charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under China's new national security law. Pictured: A police van carrying some of the activists arrives at the courthouse this morning Pro-democracy politician Lam Cheuk-ting arrives in a police van at West Kowloon court this morning. The 47 cases represent the largest mass charge against the semi-autonomous Chinese territorys opposition camp since the law came into effect last June Former law professor Benny Tai (pictured), a key figure in Hong Kong's 2014 Occupy Central protests and also was one of the main organizers of the primaries, who was arrested under Hong Kong's national security law, arrives at a court in a police van in Hong Kong this morning Around 1,000 supporters gathered outside the courthouse, displaying slogans in favour of the 2019 pro-democracy protests advocating greater local autonomy. China has cracked down hard on such calls, demanding changes to the legal and educational systems to inculcate loyalty to the ruling Communist Party. The former lawmakers and democracy advocates had been previously arrested in a sweeping police operation in January but were released, only to be detained again on Sunday. Those arrested allegedly violated the national security law for participating in unofficial election primaries for Hong Kongs legislature last year. Another activist to be brought before the court in West Kowloon this morning was Mike Lam King-nam More than 100 police officers (pictured) were deployed outside West Kowloon court in response to the largest rally seen this year A number of foreign diplomats queued outside the courthouse this morning, including Charles Whiteley, Deputy Head of Office, EU Office, (left) Johannes Harms, Consul of Germany, (second-left), Joakim Ladeborn, Deputy Consul General of Sweden (second right) and Rogier Hekking, Deputy Consul General of Netherlands (right) The pro-democracy camp had held the primaries to determine the best candidates to field to win a majority in the legislature and had plans to vote down major bills that would eventually force Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to resign. In January, 55 activists and former lawmakers were arrested for their roles in the primaries. Authorities said that the activists participation was part of a plan to paralyze the city's legislature and subvert state power. The security law criminalizes acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers to intervene in Hong Kongs affairs. Serious offenders could face a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. Nearly 100 people have been arrested since the law was implemented. Around 1,000 gathered outside the courthouse today, with some holding up gestures in protest at the arrests of the 47 activists appearing in court The queue of supporters attempting to gain entry to West Kowloon court this morning (pictured) stretched back several hundred metres, almost circling the entire block New Delhi: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday claimed that BJP leaders talk about implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in various parts of the country, but lack the courage to mention it in Assam. The state witnessed violent protests against the CAA in 2019 and five persons lost their lives. The protestors saw the law as a threat to their cultural identity and livelihood. The grand alliance of the Congress and six other parties will form the government in Assam after the election as people are fed up with the false promises made by the BJP, she said. She was clad in a handwoven traditional Assamese 'mekhla chador', with designs typical of its Mising tribe. "The BJP makes tall promises before elections but during the next five years, they do nothing to fulfil them and people have realised it," the Congress leader told reporters after addressing a meeting of party workers at Lakhimpur. BJP leaders move around the country talking about implementing the CAA but they are silent about it when they come to Assam, Gandhi said. "They lack the courage to mention it in the state and people of Assam should never allow them to even talk about it, let alone implement it," she said. The objective of the CAA is to grant Indian citizenship to people of minority communities Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who had come to India till December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution in these countries. Indicating that there is more than one power centre in the BJP-led government in Assam, she said, "We are confused on how many chief ministers the state has -- one, two or many. Or is it remote-controlled from outside?" Beginning and ending her speech with "Joi Aai Asom" (Hail, Mother Assam), the Congress leader said, "You are not fighting for the party or your seat but Assam's identity and your motherland". The BJP-RSS ideology is such that it does not take the cultural identity of the state or its people into consideration, she claimed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to the state and spoke about "Assam tea being attacked" but what about the identity of the state that is under attack due to the policies of his government, she said. "If he really wanted to save Assam tea, why did he not increase employment opportunities for them or enhance their minimum daily wages as promised before the election?" the Congress leader said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised that Clause 6 of the Assam Accord would be implemented to safeguard the indigenous population but it was not done, said Gandhi. As per Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the culture, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. The bone of contention since the signing of the Accord in 1985 has been the definition of the Assamese people. "When the Assam Accord was signed, I was just 14 years old and heard my father (Rajiv Gandhi) talking to somebody on the phone (about it). Later, he told me that elections would be held in Assam and though the Congress would lose, he wanted what is the best for the people of the state," she said. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) in 1979. It had culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985 in the presence of the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The people of Assam suffered immensely during the lockdown and the subsequent floods but these leaders did not come then but as the election is nearing, they are making repeated rounds to the state, she claimed at another party meeting at Gohpur in Bishwanath district. "The state, despite being rich in resources, has to buy many products, including fish and the 'Gamocha' (traditional towel) from outside," said Gandhi who is on a two-day visit to Assam starting Monday. During the last five years, people have seen price rise, unemployment, police examination scam in which BJP members were involved, she alleged. Gandhi launched a protest programme of unemployed youths, urging them to vote after taking into consideration all aspects that will save their future. Earlier, she offered prayers at the famous Kamakhya Temple at Guwahati and visited the birthplace of Madhavdeva, who was the primary disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva, the 15th century cultural and religious icon of the state, at Letekupukhuri in Lakhimpur district. A large number of people greeted her at the venues she visited. Gandhi also danced 'jhumur' and 'bihu' at two places along with local dancers. From the Lilabari Airport in Lakhimpur, she travelled to various venues in a bus used in the Congress' 'Save Assam' poll campaign. Elections to the northeastern state will be conducted in three phases - on March 27, April 1 and April 6. Live TV India: National fishworkers forum firm in opposing cage fishing planned along 200 sq km of Goa coast March 01,2021 | Source: The Goan While opposing the Sagarmala project planned across the country, and lodging its objection to the new ports proposed to be built along the countrys coast, the National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has further resolved to oppose tooth and nail cage fishing planned along the 200 sq km of Goa coast. Newly-elected NFF General Secretary Olencio Simoes has asserted that the Rs 400 crore fishing package plan for Goa by the Union Minister is not for the Goan fishermen, but for the fish farmers, who will be mostly industrialists. The General Body of National Fishworkers Forum being held here on Saturday elected Olencio Simoes as the new General Secretary of the Forum. As a young leader belonging to Goa, working for the fishworker community since more than a decade, the Forum believes that he will take forward the legacy of earlier leaders and will take the work of the organisation to new heights. The members elected Jackson Pollayil from Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation, as the Treasurer of NFF. Ramakrishna Tandel from Maharashtra Machimar Kriti Samiti has been elected as the Vice President of NFF. The Forum discussed in detail regarding the issues affecting the fish workers across the country and has decided to hold consultations across the communities across India, mobilising the stakeholders and making them aware of how various new policies will affect their lives and livelihood. It was observed that the new policies are leading a path towards occupying the coast and its resources, which will in a way, dispossess the fish workers from their habitations. National Fishworkers Forum will be making efforts towards creating a Coastal Rights Bill similar to that of the Forest Rights Act, which intends to protect the rights of the fish workers and coastal ecology, informed NFF Chairperson Narendra R Patil. He said the NFF has passed resolution against all Sagarmala plans planned across India and opposed all new ports to be built across India, which will be detrimental to the fish workers. It has been also decided to look at the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana at all the coastal states. The draft new Blue Economy Policy 2020, has once again been brought without any consultations with the community and have given far less time to respond apart from no translations in local languages. Members from 8 coastal states attended the meeting with the resolution to meet in Tamil Nadu this December, he added. Olencio said that the Rs 400 crore fishing activity planned for Goa by the central minister is not for fishermen of Goa but for fish farmers who will mostly be industrialists. We will strongly oppose cage fishing in 200 sq km planned in Goa, Olencio warned. A Channel Nine security guard was taken to hospital by ambulance last night following an alleged attack outside the Bourke Street, Melbourne headquarters. It follows members of an extremist group wanting to speak to A Current Affair staff over a story ahead of its broadcast. Police confirm the victim was approached and assaulted around 5pm. The offender and an unknown man both fled the scene. Victoria Police have been given CCTV vision of the incident. Update: Detectives from Counter Terrorism Command last night arrested two men as part of their investigation to an alleged assault in Docklands on 1 March, police said. A 27-year-old Rowville man has subsequently been charged with affray, recklessly cause injury and unlawful assault. He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 27 July. A 21-year-old Rowville man was released pending further enquiries. Source: 9now.com.au, news.com.au Related Continuing its momentum at film festivals & awards, Zee Studios Anandi Gopal has been nominated for laudable 16 categories at Filmfare Awards Marathi 2020. Based on the biography of Indias first lady doctor Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi, the film has received top accolades at multiple eminent film festivals last year. Prominent nominations at Filmfare Awards Marathi 2020 include Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor in Leading Role (Male and Female), Best Cinematography to name a few. This feat makes Anandi Gopal the only film to receive the highest nominations this year. The Marathi film industry saw one of the most widely acclaimed films in history with the launch of Anandi Gopal, inspired by the life of Anandibai Gopalrao Joshione of the first female physicians in the country. The inspiring first lady doctor of India fought all odds to get educated, setting an example for generations to come. The story plot revolves around her relationship with her husband who encourages her to study medicine. The film features Lalit Prabhakar, Bhagyashree Milind and Geetanjali Kulkarni in the lead role and is directed by Sameer Vidwans. Speaking on this joyous moment, Shariq Patel, Chief Business Officer- Zee Studios, said Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi was indeed an inspirational woman and we are honoured to narrate her story to our Indian audience. I am extremely delighted that an inspiring film like this has received its due credit by being nominated across multiple award categories at such a prestigious film award in India. Zee Studios Marathi Films Business Head, Mangesh Kulkarni added, We are ecstatic that our film has got whopping 16 nominations this year. The entire team behind the film is delighted and we are thankful that 'Anandi Gopal' is getting the love and recognition that it rightfully deserves. Director Sameer Vidwans said, "I am overwhelmed to receive the highest nominations. Truly, filmmaking is teamwork and always will be. I am so grateful for this honor and I'm so happy to share this feeling with my 'Anandi Gopal' team." Anandi Gopal has been the biggest Marathi film overseas for the year 2019 and one of the top three highest-grossing films in the Marathi film industry. The film also won the prestigious Sant Tukaram trophy for the best Indian film at Pune International Film Festival and has also been invited for screenings at many other prestigious international film festivals. The movie has also been included as part of the induction process at Maharashtras 1st medical college - Symbiosis Medical College for Women (SMCW) in Pune COVID-19 Vaccination Ramps up in Several Provinces as Supply Worries Ease Several provinces began expanding their COVID-19 vaccination programs to members of the general population on Monday amid the prospect of more regular deliveries and the imminent arrival of a third approved vaccine. Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia started or announced plans to start vaccinating older seniors living in the community, after a first phase that focused largely on health care workers, remote communities, and long-term care. In Montreal, mass vaccine sites including the Olympic Stadium opened their doors to the public as the province began inoculating older seniors who live in the hard-hit city. The government announced last week it would begin booking appointments for those aged 85 and up across the province, but that age limit has since dropped to 70 in some regions, including Montreal. The province has already finished vaccinating long-term care residents with a first dose and was almost finished in private seniors homes, the premier said Saturday. Health Minister Christian Dube wrote on Twitter Monday that some 200,000 people had booked appointments since registration began last week. Its an excellent start for mass vaccination, he said. Several Ontario health units were also set to begin giving COVID-19 vaccines to their oldest residents after a provincial website for appointment bookings opened in six regions. Some health units reported thousands of bookings and high call volumes, as regions such as York, Windsor-Essex, and Hamilton began taking appointments for seniors aged 80 or 85 and up, depending on the region. In York Regionwhere those aged 80 and older could start scheduling and receiving their shots on Mondayvaccination clinics were fully booked just two hours after they started taking appointments, according to a spokesman. At this time residents are urged to remain patient and will be notified as more appointment bookings become available, Patrick Casey said in a statement. In British Columbia, Premier John Horgan and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry outlined the next phase of the provinces immunization plan, which covers all seniors 80 and over and Indigenous seniors 65 and up. Despite the good news, Horgan warned that the province still has several difficult months to come. Although there is light at the end of the tunnel, were far from out of this, he said. The Public Health Agency of Canada is expecting delivery of about 445,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine this week and none from Modernanumbers that are down from last weeks all-time high. Its unclear when the first doses of the recently approved AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive in the country, but a senior government official told The Canadian Press on background Sunday the first doses could land as early as mid-week. Henry said the AstraZeneca vaccine would allow health officials to be more flexible in how shots are provided. Unlike the first two vaccines, AstraZeneca is stable at normal refrigerated temperatures. B.C. also announced it would extend to four months the time between first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine in order to allow the province to vaccinate more people sooner. Henry said the decision was based on evidence that showed the first two approved vaccines provide a high level of real-world protection after one dose. Sorry! This content is not available in your region It has been 10 years since the eruption of mass protests in the US state of Wisconsin provoked by anti-worker legislation introduced by Republican Governor Scott Walker. The mass upsurge, coming after decades in which the class struggle had been suppressed in the United States by the unions, contains important lessons for today under conditions of unprecedented social polarization in the midst of a deadly, uncontained pandemic. The protests in Wisconsin that erupted in February 2011 coincided with an international upsurge in the class struggle in the midst of a deepening crisis of the world capitalist order following the 2008 global financial crash. US-backed dictators in Egypt and Tunisia were toppled, and protests against austerity and social inequality spread across a number of countries, including Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy and Israel. The Wisconsin struggle laid bare the fundamental class divisions in society, pitting the working class and its allies, including students and sections of the middle class such as farmers and small business owners, against the representatives of the ruling class. This included not only the administration of Republican Governor Scott Walker, but also the Democratic Party, the trade unions and their various pseudo-left apologists. Workers crowd Wisconsin capitol (WSWS) Shortly after taking office in early 2011, Walker introduced savage austerity measures and new legislation directed against public employees. This included sharply restricting collective bargaining rights for state workers and imposing drastic cuts on public employees that nearly doubled worker contributions to pension and health care plans. The cuts were in line with the austerity measures imposed by the Obama administration in the wake of the 2008 financial crash. After bailing out Wall Street, the Democratic president refused to aid near bankrupt state and municipal governments. For weeks massive protests rocked the state capital of Madison defying threats by Walker to mobilize the National Guard to put down protests. Walkouts and protests also took place in other cities. Workers expressed their solidarity with the protests in Egypt that brought down the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak in February 2011, carrying signs declaring, Walk like an Egyptian and juxtaposing photos of Walker and Mubarak. Edson, a teaching assistant at the University of Wisconsin Madison, speaking to the World Socialist Web Site, compared the development to the toppling of dictators in the Middle East. When the government stops listening to us, thats when it becomes like Egypt. Sign at Madison protest (WSWS) On Tuesday, February 15, 2011, an estimated crowd of 13,000 to 20,000 protesters chanting Kill the Bill, demonstrated at the state capitol after the Walker-backed budget repair bill, originally known as Act 11, was introduced in the state assembly. Scores of young people camped out overnight at the capitol in Madison, in what would become an occupation of the building by thousands of workers and youth. On Wednesday, February 16, the number of protesters at the state capitol rose to 30,000, including workers from different states. Madisons public school system was closed after 40 percent of its teachers had called in to declare a sick day in order to attend the rally. Busloads of demonstrators continued to arrive from throughout the state and beyond. Near Milwaukee, a crowd estimated at 1,500 marched on Walkers suburban home, and 1,000 high school students staged a walkout in the city of Appleton. In an attempt to deflect worker anger, the Wisconsin Senates Democratic delegation fled the state to prevent the quorum needed to pass Walkers bill. In the weeks leading up to the governor signing the bill on March 11, the Democrats and union leaders tried to contain the protests, but they continued to grow. On March 3, the police claimed that they found 41 rounds of ammunition outside the capitol. This was used to increase the presence of state policewho were exempted from Walkers budget cutting measures and functioned as his Praetorian Guard. The same day Dane County Circuit Judge John Albert ordered the removal of protesters who had been occupying the capitol for more than two weeks, and the unions pressured the occupiers to leave. On March 9, the Wisconsin Senate amended the bill and used an anti-democratic maneuver to pass it without a vote by the 14 Democrats who had fled the capitol. The day after, the Assembly passed it by a vote of 53 to 42. The crowds of workers outside the locked capitol grew from hundreds to thousands, and they surged inside the capitol. Inside protesters chanted, General strike! On March 12, the day after Walker signed the bill, more than 150,000 demonstrated in Madison. The demonstration mobilized wide sections of the working class. There were references to class war and the French Revolution. One worker carried a sign with Marie Antoinettes body and Scott Walkers face, reading Let them Eat Cake. Another held a picture of a guillotine with the slogan, Weve Had Enough Cake! Protest in Madison (WSWS) Despite the enormous determination of workers to defend their basic rights, the movement in Wisconsin was derailed and demobilized by the trade unions with the assistance of pseudo-left groups, such as the now defunct International Socialists Organization (ISO). After passage of Walkers legislation using a legally dubious parliamentary maneuver, enormous anger erupted. However, the unions used the signing of the anti-worker bill to call off the struggle. Union leaders and figures like Jesse Jackson were brought in to tell workers to put down your picket signs and pick up your clipboards to collect signatures to recall the governor. Others told workers to rely on lawsuits and other dead-end measures. Instead of mobilizing workers to carry forward the fight, the unions rushed to sign a wave of concessionary contract agreements with school boards and municipalities, consistent with Walkers demands. They rushed to do this before the law went into effect on March 25 in order to continue the collection of union dues, prohibited by Walkers law, but only after existing contracts expired. From the onset of the protests, the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Wisconsin Education Association and other unions made clear their main line of opposition was not to cuts in workers living standards but their ability to continue to collect union dues. Stripped to its essential, the unions argued that there was no need to sideline the unions by abolishing collective bargaining rights because the unions supported the cuts and could be counted on to help implement austerity. In a March 14 article for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , Education Association Council head Mary Bell wrote, I remind you that weeks ago we accepted the financial concessions the governor asked for to help solve our states budget crisis. At the same time the unions feared the movement could spark a wider struggle. Therefore, the unions worked single-mindedly to reach some sort of deal with the Walker administration that would maintain the income of the union apparatus. As for the Democrats, including those involved in the stunt of fleeing the capitol, they boasted that they had made the deepest cuts in state history, including public employee furloughs and other concessions, under Walkers Democratic predecessor, Governor Jim Doyle, but had avoided a social explosion by working with the unions. In direct opposition to the unions perspective of pressuring the Democrats, the WSWS and the Socialist Equality Party campaigned for a general strike to bring down the Walker administration and force the withdrawal of the cuts. The WSWS explained that the call for a general strike did not imply support for the Democrats, but raised the question of the independent political mobilization of the working class. The call for a general strike gained wide support. The South Central Federation of Labor in Madison passed a resolution in favor of a general strike though not with any intention of carrying it out. Alice Schneiderman, a nursing student at Madison Area Technical Collegewhich was threatened with a 30 percent cut in its budgettold the WSWS, If the Democrats make a deal with Walker, well have no recourse but to get together and launch a general strike. Instead of fighting to drive Walker out of power, the unions campaigned for the recall of Republican legislators and Walkera proposal to replace corrupt and right-wing Republican politicians with corrupt and right-wing Democratic politicians. Providing cover and support to this bankrupt policy, pseudoleft organizations, such as the International Socialist Organization (ISO), promoted illusions that the Democratic Party could be forced to oppose the cuts. The ISO hailed the protest by the Democratic legislators who fled the state, building up the credibility of these big business politicians who only sought to divert and wear down the mass movement and give time for the unions to betray it. Later, the ISO jumped on board the recall campaign. After the attempt to recall Republican state legislators failed to shift the balance in the legislature, the unions and pseudo-left moved on to launch a recall campaign against Walker that was ultimately held in June 2012. That failed miserably too. In fact, none of the Democratic candidates who faced off against Walker in the recall campaign opposed the budget cuts or pledged to rescind them. The eventual Democratic nominee, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, boasted that he was not the choice of the unions and barely mentioned the issue of collective bargaining. Indeed, Milwaukee Mayor Barrett pushed through his own cuts based on Walkers anti-worker law. In the 10 years since the Wisconsin protests, class tensions have escalated to an unprecedented level both in the US and internationally. Social inequality has grown exponentially, with US billionaires increasing their net worth by more than $1 trillion, while both parties have carried out a policy of herd immunity that has left more than half a million Americans dead from COVID-19. At the same time, the Biden administration is pledging to maintain bipartisan unity with the Republican Party, which conspired with Trump to the overthrow the government and establish a presidential dictatorship. American democracy is in its death throes, and both parties are adopting repressive measures to suppress the growing radicalization of the working class. Even more explosive struggles in the US and around the world are on the agenda. To take forward the fight against austerity and social inequality, the lessons of the 2011 Wisconsin struggle must be learned. The social rights of the working class, including the right to life itself, cannot be entrusted to the unions. Workers need new organizations of struggle, rank-and-file committees, that are committed to fight for what workers need, not what the corporations, big business politicians and the corrupt unions say is affordable. The industrial mobilization of the working class against the ruling class criminal response to the pandemic and plans for savage austerity must be combined with the building of a powerful political movement of the working class against both corporate-controlled parties and for socialism. This means joining and building the Socialist Equality Party to unite workers in the US and internationally in the fight for the working class to take political power, expropriate the billionaires and reorganize society to meet human needs not private profit. For a summary of these events and links to our articles and videos, see the WSWS topic page The 2011 mass protests in Wisconsin. (Photo : Screenshot from YouTube/ FlashTech TV) Microsoft Surface Duo 2 could rely on its 5G connectivity for much stronger connection. Microsoft is reportedly working for the launch of Surface Duo 2, a dual-screen device that is revealed to be featuring a strong 5G connectivity and a highly-improved camera that will utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning. Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Features According to a report by Gizmo China's Jeet, it was only in 2020 when the Redmond company released its first mobile device with twin screen displays, the Microsoft Surface Duo. In addition, you can still purchase it in the European and American stores if you want to experience its features. This year, the said device will be receiving an enhancement with the next mobile product in the line. Some people pointed out that Microsoft Surface Duo seems to be lacking upon its early launch last year, specifically the hardware features of the device. Although it is obvious that the company is now on its way to work in it, its sales could depend on how Surface Duo 2 fares with the market. Microsoft could be heading in the move to improve the former product, but it should pay attention to satisfy what additional or new features people want, so its marketability will be much higher compared to Surface Duo. Furthermore, what people saw last year was a job listing about seeking a hardware expert that tends to be a direct approach to the issue. Someone who has expertise when it comes to LTE and 5G technology could apply for the job. This is because the application of 5G is a big leap to technological advancement, even though only a few devices utilize it in the process. Read Also: Microsoft Authenticator Will Need Your Password on Google Chrome: Should You Worry or Not? In a report by Windows Latest, Microsoft is now on the look-out for an expert in machine learning and artificial intelligence which will be useful to develop mobile features when it comes to its camera. More importantly, what the company is seeking is an experienced Android developer who can handle improvements with Qualcomm's processors. The company aims a collaboration with the developers who want to add photo editing apps for the Duo camera. It is also looking forward to upgrading the image processing so mobile photography could be much more beautiful than before. Microsoft Surface Duo 2 'Unlikely' to Be Released This Year Of course, Microsoft only excites the mobile-savvy to have a feel of what is coming next to them. A powerful Microsoft Surface Duo 2 which boasts its improved firmware in the camera and its 5G connectivity with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor could be a top hit upon the release. However, it is presumed that the release of Surface Duo 2 will not happen this year according to Slash Gear, given that Microsoft just began distributing Surface Duo this March. It will still take some time before the heavy upgrades can be seen by the users. The second-generation device which was nicknamed "Zeta" could be the way of the company to address the criticisms in the past. Nevertheless, it is good to hear that Microsoft is exerting effort to meet the demands of their customers. Related Article: Microsoft Collaborates With Intel, BBC, and Other Media; Tech Giants To Combat Misinformation This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. WE are now reading that the Minister of Sport has come out with a statement regarding our participation in the Tokyo Olympics. As with the usual run-of-the-mill political type, the statement vacillates, kicks the can down the road and seeks to avoid the issue. Let us be clear on what the situation is regarding these Olympics. Pune, India, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global COVID-19 diagnostics market size is projected to reach USD 8.04 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period. Uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus worldwide will be the major factor propelling the growth of this market, shares Fortune Business Insights in its report, titled COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Instruments and Reagents & Kits), By Technology (PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay), Point-of-care (POC), and Others), By Sample Type (Oropharyngeal and Nasopharyngeal Swabs, Blood, Urine, and Others), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Laboratories & Diagnostic Centers, Research Institutes, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027. Industry Developments: May 2020: Sofia 2 SARS Antigen FIA test developed by Quidel was green lit by the FDA, making it the first antigen test approved in the US for the detection of COVID-19. These tests identify unique protein fragments found on the outer walls of the coronavirus and deliver quick results. March 2020: The US FDA cleared Abbotts molecular point-of-care test for detection of COVID in patients through its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The test promises to deliver positive results in 5 minutes and negative results in 13 minutes. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/covid-19-diagnostics-market-103291 According to Johns Hopkins University, global COVID-19 infections reached 100,000 in just 60 days, growing to 200,000 in the next 12-14 days, and the recent addition of 100,000 cases has taken only 3 days. The calculation of the spread of this disease is based on the estimation of the reproduction number or R Naught (Ro). The UK Research and Innovation organization states that if the Ro goes above 1, exponential growth will be witnessed. As per a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine based on the virus transmission rate in Wuhan, the Ro was computed to be between 2.49 and 2.63. Such rapid transmission of the virus has surged the demand for coronavirus diagnostics tools and kits, which is boosting the growth of this market. An Overview of the Impact of COVID-19 on this Market: The emergence of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. We understand that this health crisis has brought an unprecedented impact on businesses across industries. However, this too shall pass. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly contagious disease. There are some industries that are struggling and some are thriving. Overall, almost every sector is anticipated to be impacted by the pandemic. We are taking continuous efforts to help your business sustain and grow during COVID-19 pandemics. Based on our experience and expertise, we will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreak across industries to help you prepare for the future. Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market. Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/covid-19-diagnostics-market-103291 Concerted Efforts towards Developing COVID Detection Tests to Accelerate Growth With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of abatement, medical and regulatory bodies are collaborating to encourage innovation and speed up research in developing coronavirus detection tools. For instance, in April 2020, the National Institutes of Health in the US announced the launch of Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative with a funding of USD 1.5 billion to commercialize and widen the accessibility of COVID-19 testing. Similarly, in June 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) joined the COVID-19 Diagnostics Evidence Accelerator created by the Friends of Cancer Research and Reagan-Udall Foundation with the aim to evaluate the performance of PCR and antibody tests for COVID. Together, these and similar initiatives are expected to augment the COVID-19 diagnostics market growth throughout 2020. High Number of COVID-19 Cases to Give North America Leading Market Position The United States is one of the worst-hit countries in the world by the coronavirus pandemic, with the number of cases as of June 2020 standing at 2.68 million and 129,000 deaths. In response, the US government is injecting more funds into medical research facilities to accelerate development of COVID-19 diagnostics and widen the testing net in the country. The regions market size in 2020 stood at USD 2.20 billion. In Europe, the virus is spreading at a furious pace, with the UK, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany having the highest number of cases. Quick adoption of advanced detection tools in the region will enable it to expand its footprint in the COVID-19 diagnostics market share in the immediate future. Heavy investments by governments in Asia Pacific in the healthcare sector are expected to favor market growth in the region. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/covid-19-diagnostics-market-103291 Regulatory Support to Novel Diagnostic Solutions to Encourage Innovation The coronavirus is tightening its hold on the world and pharmaceuticals and governments are in a race against time to develop and launch quick and accurate diagnostic tests for this deadly virus. As a result, bodies such as the FDA are providing the necessary support to companies by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, which is encouraging other players to innovate. List of Key Players Covered in this Market Report: PerkinElmer Inc. (Massachusetts, U.S) Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (New Jersey, U.S) Quidel Corporation (California, U.S) Siemens Healthcare GmbH (Germany) Abbott (Illinois, U.S) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Massachusetts, U.S) bioMerieux SA (France) F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland) Danaher Corporation (Washington D.C, U.S) Quick Buy - COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/103291 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Market Scope Market Segmentation Market Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Overview: Guidelines for COVID-19 Diagnosis New Product Launch Prevalence of COVID-19 Disease Key Industry Developments - Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships Global COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Product Instruments Reagents & Kits Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Technology Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Point-of-care (POC) Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Sample Type Oropharyngeal & Nasopharyngeal Swabs Blood Urine Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By End User Hospitals & Clinics Laboratories & Diagnostic Centers Research Institute Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa North America COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Product Instruments Reagents & Kits Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Technology Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Point-of-care (POC) Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Sample Type Oropharyngeal & Nasopharyngeal Swabs Blood Urine Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By End User Hospitals & Clinics Laboratories & Diagnostic Centers Research Institute Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Country U.S. Canada TOC Continued. Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/covid-19-diagnostics-market-103291 Global COVID-19 Diagnostics Market Segmentation : By Product Instruments Reagents & Kits By Technology Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Point-of-care (POC) Others By Sample Type Oropharyngeal & Nasopharyngeal Swabs Blood Urine Others By End User Hospital & Clinics Laboratories & Diagnostics Centers Research Institutes Others By Geography North America (U.S. and Canada) Europe (U.K., 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, and Rest of Latin America) The Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC, and Rest of the Middle East & Africa) Have a Look at Related Reports: U.S. C-arms Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Fixed C-arms, Mobile C-arms (Full-Size c-arms, Mini C-arms), By Application (Orthopedics and Trauma, Cardiology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, and Others), By Detector (Flat Panel Detector, and Image Intensifier), By End User (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Center, and Specialty Clin-ics), 2020-2027 mHealth Market Size , Share & Industry Analysis, By Category (By Apps {Disease & Treatment Management, Wellness Management}, By Wearable {Body & Temperature Monitors, Glucose Monitors}) By Services Type (Monitoring Services, Diagnostic Services, Treatment Services) By Service Provider (mHealth App Companies, Hospitals, Health Insurance) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 Mobility Devices Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters, Walking Aids, and Others); By End-user (Personal Users and Institutional Users); and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 U.S. Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) Treatment Market Share & Industry Analysis, By Drug Class (Calcimimetics, Vitamin D Analogues, and Phosphate Binders), By Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies, Online Channels, and Others), and Region Forecast 2019-2026 Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Market Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Acute Immune Thrombocytopenia, and Chronic Immune thrombocytopenia), By Treatment (Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist, Immunoglobulins, Corticosteroids, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 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. Phone: US :+1 424 253 0390 UK : +44 2071 939123 APAC : +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Fortune Business Insights LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs A new name, new ownership, new leadership and Keyloop's commitment to dynamic innovation LONDON, March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Francisco Partners (FP) completed its acquisition of CDK Global International, a former division of CDK Global (NASDAQ: CDK) for $1.45 billion (https://www.franciscopartners.com/news). The acquisition by FP, a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology businesses, represents its conviction that Keyloop is uniquely positioned to help those involved in the automotive sector, both dealers and OEMs, respond to major changes over the coming decade as they transform the automotive retail experience. Keyloop Logo Tom Kilroy is joining Keyloop immediately as the new CEO. Neil Packham, former CEO of CDK Global International, will continue to support the business in an advisory capacity as it moves forward. Tom Kilroy joins from FP, where he was an Operating Partner. Prior to this, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer of Finastra; a fintech company with over 10,000 employees and revenues of ~$2 billion. He brings deep experience of best-practices from global technology businesses providing mission-critical software. Keyloop intends to move swiftly and decisively to deliver on its mission of transforming the car buying and ownership experience in partnership with dealers and OEMs. The automotive retail experience is changing with the advent of connected cars, new retailing models and greatly increased digital engagement. Keyloop is poised to play a pivotal role in this evolution. Tom Kilroy commented on today's announcements: "Keyloop's strong performance, impressive history and brilliant people are the key attributes that made it such an attractive company. FP acquired Keyloop not only because it recognized the superior product portfolio it has today, but also the potential for innovation in one of the world's most critically important and rapidly evolving industries. Story continues "We have all seen how technology players have set new standards for exceptional digital retail experiences. Now automotive consumers are starting to demand the same. As dealerships attract and serve the next generation of car buyers, digital transformation must be top of their agenda, and Keyloop will be the partner to help both them and the OEMs achieve this." "We are launching our company as Keyloop with the goal of enhancing the automotive customer experience for the better." Click here for access to Keyloop's virtual press room, where you will find a range of assets to accompany this story (translated versions will be coming online throughout the week) including current press releases, FAQs, media backgrounder and logos. About Keyloop Keyloop's mission is to create and connect technology that advances the car buying and ownership experience in partnership with dealers and OEMs. It is a leading global provider of software solutions to the auto retail industry, serving approximately 16,000 dealer sites and most automotive manufacturers, in over 90 countries. Headquartered in the UK, Keyloop also has operations across EMEA and Asia. For more information, please visit www.keyloop.com. About Francisco Partners Francisco Partners is a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology and technology-enabled businesses. Since its launch over 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has invested in more than 300 technology companies, making it one of the most active and longstanding investors in the technology industry. With more than $25 billion in assets under management, the firm invests in opportunities where its deep sectoral knowledge and operational expertise can help companies realize their full potential. For more information on Francisco Partners, please visit www.franciscopartners.com. Profile of Tom Kilroy Prior to joining FP, Tom was the Chief Operating Officer of Finastra, a fintech software company with over 10,000 employees, more than 8,600 customers (including 90 of the world's top 100 banks) and revenues of ~$2 billion. During ten years with that company, Tom held various roles responsible for driving growth and profitability. In 2017, he led the integration of Misys and D+H. In 2012, as Interim CEO, Tom led the take-private of Misys plc and was then a central part of the team that transformed it under private ownership. Prior to that, Tom spent eight years at GE Healthcare, a division of General Electric. SOURCE Keyloop Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. HOLYOKE Michael P. Krupas to-do list quickly filled with a thousand items that have to be done from licensing applications to food delivery preparations to hiring new employees after his Health Partners New England of Devens, along with a Boston-based real estate developer, bought Providence Behavioral Health Hospital. Health Partners New England and GFI Partners of Boston announced on Feb. 17 that they will operate the new entity MiraVista Behavioral Health Center as a for-profit psychiatric hospital when they assume control in mid-April following a $4 million deal. Krupa said they expect to continue substance use disorder treatments there, as well as seek licensing to restore and expand inpatient services that had been discontinued at Providence. Seller Mercy Medical Center, part of Trinity Health Of New England, ended inpatient psychiatric services at the 74-bed facility in June, citing low admissions and staff recruitment challenges. The closure worsened an already chronic shortage of such beds in the region and added to long emergency room wait times, commonly referred to as boarding, for behavioral health patients in need of placement. It also shuttered the only such services for children and adolescents in Western Massachusetts, something Krupa hopes to reverse, given state licensing approval and the ability to provide staffing, with the opening of a 12-bed inpatient pediatric unit at the facility by April 30. We will do this as fast as we can, said Krupa of plans that include opening all licensed beds by fall. Ironically, when we announced the purchase the website of the Mass Behavioral Health Partnership that notes the number of open (inpatient psychiatric beds) every day, showed there was only one child bed in the whole state, there were two adolescent beds in the whole state and there were only 16 adult beds in the whole state. Krupa said that this means that less than one percent of the beds in the commonwealth were open for patients. That is dramatic and there are days when there are zero adolescent beds in the commonwealth, Krupa said. This is acutely felt when you have a child, an adolescent, sitting in an emergency room, suffering and furthering suffering because they cannot get help fast enough for whatever brought them there. Everything is needed but this is the most visible when you have those needs in those families. The state increased the number of inpatient beds, particularly for those in need of substance use disorder treatments, in recent years across the commonwealth, but mental health issues around the continuing coronavirus pandemic have heightened demand for psychiatric services among those without such co-occurring disorders as well. The state has said since June emergency department boarding for inpatient psychiatric beds in the commonwealth increased by 200 to 400% over the prior year at a time when infection control measures around the pandemic have also contributed to the reduction in the number of such beds. The state anticipates the addition of about 200 inpatient psychiatric beds this year, including about 70 for children and adolescents, as the result of efforts that began in the fall to increase funding to providers for this purpose. Krupa hopes to expand from 74 to 84 the number of psychiatric beds at MiraVista. We will first request of the Department of Mental Health that we are issued a license for those 74 beds, Krupa said. There are also a few rooms that were converted to something else, so there is at least a physical capacity to add 10 more beds to the license. We will work with DMH to see if that is viable and is there a need and if so, we see room for a total of 84 psychiatric patient beds. We have committed to the commonwealth that we will provide at least 12 of those beds for adolescents, meaning older children - 12 or 13 - through adolescence. A lot of patients will get help faster with this coming online, said Krupa of MiraVistas overall plans for opening beds in the coming months. Krupa expects, based on current use, existing substance use disorder treatments will continue under MiraVista. Mercy and Trinity continue to operate until April 21 the day we take over - the detox service, the Clinical Stabilization and Step-Down Services and the opioid treatment services, Krupa said. We have no reason to believe those services will not continue under us. He added the methadone maintenance program currently has some 600 ambulatory patients and that the 30-bed detoxification unit operates at around 90 percent capacity while the 27-bed step-down unit for patients transitioning to outpatient services is also close to fully occupied most nights. Michael Krupa heads Health Partners New England who, with GFI Partners, have purchased Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke with plans to reopen inpatient psychiatric services there under the name MiraVista Behavioral Health Center. The Providence building dates to 1958, though its history dates to the 19th century when the Sisters of Providence founded what would become the first Catholic hospital in Western Massachusetts, and its mission over time tied to the competing factors of how health care gets delivered and hospitals reimbursed for it. Krupa said the building will get needed repairs to comply with licensing requirements and that cosmetic renovations will be done throughout the facility with the help of an architect to match what he called earlier fit and finishes in the substance use disorder treatment areas and a major information technology upgrade undertaken. He estimated costs involved will exceed the $4 million price we paid for the building. Its purchased included a deferred, agreed-upon payment among the parties of $3 million that is to be repaid by years end and that was secured through a mortgage on the property. Krupa said discussions began in the fall, and that state financial incentives around the creation of inpatient mental health acute care beds, particularly for children and adolescents, played a key role in making MiraVista a reality. Other health care providers including Baystate Health, which currently has some 98 inpatient psychiatric beds in its system, and Holyoke Medical Center, which has 20, have cited these incentives that can be as much as $150,000 per new bed upon completion, depending on provider and when finished in their expansion plans this spring. Baystate, which has plans in the works for a 150-bed, $53 million stand-alone psychiatric hospital in Holyoke, has said it will open a 12-bed inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents on its Springfield campus as a bridge until that hospital is built, and Holyoke Medical Center is adding 34 inpatient psychiatric beds for adults. Krupa holds a doctorate in developmental and child psychology from Harvards Graduate School of Education. He said he learned early in his career the importance of delivering behavioral health care that is both patient-centered and cost-effective, and his firm has provided psychiatric management services to a diverse group of clients. You have to have, in order for health care to work, three parts to the equation quality services and the need, which I take as a given, employees who are happy, engaged and satisfied, and the money has to work, Krupa said. He added facilities wont stay around if we provide $1,000 worth of wonderful care, and only get paid $900. I have watched quite a number of hospitals fail, Krupa said. It doesnt mean they were bad hospitals, but you must satisfy this equation that is unblinking. He said that, in his new employee orientations, he speaks to a company culture where everyone comes together to provide great care in an environment where everyone is safety and cost-conscious. Krupa is founder and chief executive officer of TaraVista Behavioral Health Center, a 108-bed inpatient hospital for adults and children that opened in 2016 in Devens, and where annual revenue for patient services prior to the pandemic has been around $30 million. His firm and GFI entered into an agreement with MassMutual in 2017 to purchase the companys conference center in Chicopee and return it to its original use as a psychiatric hospital, but said those plans were shelved when an additional partner could not be found at a time when the state was experiencing a growth in such hospitals. Krupa said 200 employees or more could be hired eventually for MiraVista that will operate under the umbrella of Krupa and GFI Partners with its own set of investors. Its initial set-up will be given some support from TaraVista since we have done this before, Krupa said, and senior leaders, such as a chief executive officer and chief medical officer, hired who in turn will hire the managers and pick the staff. When I first started TaraVista, we used locum tenens groups, said Krupa of providers that fill-in temporarily when a hospital is short staffed. We will see if we have doctors who are available immediately for MiraVista a few in the substance use disorder program have indicated they will stay with us and we will begin recruiting now and we will likely have to use locums to start and staff up over time with permanent people. Staffing in general is the most challenging aspect ahead of us. The 151 employees being laid off by the sale of Providence may apply for jobs at MiraVista, but Krupa said union contracts Mercy had with the Massachusetts Nurses Association and United Auto Workers, Local 2322, would not be honored. Those are contracts with Mercy, the existing company, those are not contracts with this new entity, Krupa said. We have written to every one of the current employees with their permission, and there will be a mechanism on the website we plan to get up within days where those who are interested can apply for positions with us. Related content: Kolkata: Ahead of West Bengal assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday (March 1). RJD leader extended complete support of his party to the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the upcoming polls in West Bengal. Tejashwi Yadav assured Mamata Banerjee of his support in the campaigns for Hindi-speaking and Bihari voters in the state. The meeting between the two leaders comes on the same day when Mamata government has to release the list of candidates for the upcoming polls. Reports suggest, RJD and TMC leaders are looking over a possible tie-up. "Our alliance with the Left and Congress is only in Bihar. It is our duty to strengthen Mamata Didi's hands here and fight the BJP," said Tejaswi Yadav. The opposition leader of the neighbouring state said that the first priority of his party, RJD, was to stop the BJP's progress in West Bengal in the upcoming assembly elections. Appealing to the Biharis in West bengal, RJD leader said, "We have always respected Didi, we have good relations. We will stand with Mamata Ji and stand against communal forces who want to break the nation. BJP is dreaming of coming to power here but it won't happen. I want to appeal to people from Bihar to choose wisely. On the other hand, CM Mamata Banerjee also announced her stand in the favour of RJD and said, Lalu Yadav was not released from jail because they knew if Laluji was out, they would lose the elections. "When we are fighting, it is brother Tejashwi who is also fighting, we are together," Banerjee added. Meanwhile, the assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled to be held in eight phases. The voting for phase 1 for 30 constituencies will take place on March 27, voting for phase 2 for 30 constituencies will be held on April 1. The polling for phase 3 for 31 seats will take place on April 6, for phase 4 for 44 constituencies on April 10, for phase 5 for 45 constituencies on April 17, for phase 6 for 43 constituencies on April 22, for phase 7 for 36 constituencies on April 26 and for phase 8 for 35 constituencies on April 29. Live TV U.S. Border Patrol agents have arrested two convicted sex offenders and a member of the Paisas criminal gang as they tried to enter the country illegally, authorities said. The hard work of our agents led to the arrest of these dangerous criminals ensuring the safety of the citizens of our community and throughout the country. Our agents remain vigilant and alert, regardless of the area they are patrolling, Border Patrol said in a statement. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 05:16:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Sunday urged all countries to repatriate and safely reintegrate their young nationals being held at Syria's largest camp for refugees and internally-displaced, following a deadly weekend fire at the al-Hol camp which saw at least three children die, and another 15 injured. In and around the notorious camp which has housed many families of alleged extremist fighters since the defeat of ISIL in Syria and neighboring Iraq, "there are more than 22,000 foreign children of at least 60 nationalities who languish in camps and prisons, in addition to many thousands of Syrian children," said the UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Ted Chaiban. According to the UN, a fire broke out on Saturday evening during a family gathering among displaced Syrian camp residents. One woman reportedly died along with the three children, and at least 11 adults were injured. At least 20 people overall remain in hospital, with six reported to be in critical condition. "Children in al-Hol are faced not only with the stigma they are living with, but also with very difficult living conditions where basic service is scarce or in some cases unavailable," said Chaiban. "The detention of children is a measure of last resort and should be for the shortest time possible. Children should not be detained based solely on suspected family ties with armed groups or the membership of family members in armed groups." Earlier this month, independent UN human rights experts noted that an "unknown number" of foreign nationals had died in the squalid camp of al-Hol and Roj, in northeast Syria, urging their home countries to repatriate their citizens as soon as possible, dismissing claims that it was too difficult to deal with the non-State groups controlling the local area. Chaiban said member states should do everything possible to reintegrate the children into their own societies and repatriate them in a "safe and dignified way." "We call on all member states to provide children -- who are their citizens or born to their nationals -- with civil documentation to prevent statelessness. This is in line with the best interests of the child and in compliance with international standards," he added. With almost 62,000 residents, al-Hol is the largest camp for displaced people in Syria. More than 80 percent of the population are women and children. Accidental fires are not uncommon in the camp, with families often resorting to using cooking stoves inside their tents for warmth, particularly during winter when temperatures regularly drop below freezing, according to UN sources. Enditem The IAF choose the Ch-47 Chinook Twin Rotor heavy helicopters, not the Israeli Air Force said sources. Instead, the Israelis bought another helicopter for their forces, the CH-53K. Why India got the Chinook heavy lifters over the CH-53K was a surprise. It was expected that the Israelis would be opting for the Chinook instead. Indian Air Force (IAF) Reports from last year, India got 15 of the twin-rotor Chinook from Boeing with the last 5 in 2020. The Indian Air Force (IAF) in Chandigarh received the last 5, before the lockdowns in India, reported Eurasian Times. The Chinooks were sold in an agreement via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route after a contract was signed by the US and India. Before the heavy-lift twin-rotor, India had Russian Mi-26 heavy transport helicopters to add more to the fleet. Reasons why Israel got the CH-53 Designed and built by Vertol and Boeing Vertol (Boeing Rotorcraft Systems) the dual rotor and dual-engine, the heavy lifter can transport equipment to different locations. Some speculated that Israel would choose the CH-53K King Stallion instead of the Chinook on February 25. It was a surprise the Chinook Twin Rotor heavy helicopters were passed over because the CH-53 is similar to the Yasur. The Israeli Defense Force was the first to buy the CH-53K. According to IDF commanders, the King Stallion can do many missions and fit with Israeli Air Force needs for a flexible platform. The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is a heavy lifter that is used by the US Marine Corps (USMC) and made by Lockheed Martin. Also read: Indian Air Force Prepares Transport Airlifters for Operations Against China Compared to older CH-53s, the new version comes with three 7,500 hp (5,590 kW) engines, updated rotor blades, and a wide cabin inside. How many of the CH-53s are going to be bought, though some say 20 or 25. Chinook for India One reason why the Chinook multi-use helicopter was chosen by India is the twin-rotor that will give the Indian Air Force lifting capacity for all purposes. The twin rotors will do for humanitarian or combat purposes for flexible use. The Twin rotor heavy lifter is a popular choice for multi-purpose helicopters. It was worth it for New Delhi to avail of the helicopters for its army's use. Chinooks have several features to optimize operation with a glass cockpit for mission management including a digital control system for crew safety, cargo management to shift from missions fast. These systems allow easy handling of any kind of cargo that needs airlifting. Capable of lifting 10-tonnes and can work even in high altitudes like the Himalayas, which is where the IAF operates. This mix of performance and capability is an advantage for the environment of Indian Forces. Other uses are support operations for the construction of infrastructure and border road projects in Northeastern India. Boeing said Chinooks are useful for India who needs to operate in several climatic conditions, including crosswind conditions. The system can adapt to several conditions with ease. Chinook and Stallion spec showdown One of the differences in the Stallion can carry more than a Chinook at 35,000 lbs. as the max weight to carry. But another advantage of the CH-53 is three engines not like two on the Chinook. Chinook Twin Rotor heavy helicopters are just as capable and their service record tells it all. Related article: India Navy Gets Latest P-8I Submarine Hunters Aircraft to Boost its Anti-Submarine Warfare @ 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. The booming metal card market arrives in Brasilia: IDEMIA the world leader in augmented identity delivers the new and exclusive metal double interface card to Banco de Brasilia (BRB), aiming at the premium customers, who gains exclusive status and advantages Banco de Brasilia (BRB) launches today Dux, a metal card made from IDEMIA technology. Much more than a credit card, Dux aims to offer a unique consumer experience, since it is made from a metallic material and has an exclusive design inspired by Athos Bulcao, one of the main artistic references in Brasilia. The product, under the Visa banner, arrives to further increase the BRB portfolio. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005909/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Aimed at high-income customers, Dux will provide premium experiences, such as a specialized concierge service; consulting services; travel planning; booking of tours and leisure activities abroad; exclusive menus in restaurants; unlimited access to VIP lounges at Brasilia Airport; and access to thousands of Brazilian and global VIP lounges through the Loungekey program. "We are happy to announce the arrival of Dux to our premium customers. BRB takes now another important step for diversification of its portfolio and consolidates itself as a modern, agile, complete and innovative bank," says the president of BRB, Paulo Henrique Costa. "IDEMIA is pleased to design exclusive metal cards for BRB customers, with the promise of a high-level payment experience based on innovative technology. We are confident that IDEMIA's cutting edge technology and premium payment products will help BRB in its innovation trajectory," says Marcelo Annarumma, IDEMIA Senior Vice President for Latin America. "Payment cards are no longer a mere payment tool in Brazil, but they also reflect lifestyle through its high-quality material, superior style, design, and handmade effects that refers to an exclusivity quotient," concludes Marcelo. The Dux card also offers special advantages for the segment, such as the benefits of BRB relationship program: points that do not expire; an accumulation of 4 points for every dollar spent on purchases; and 5 points for every dollar spent in the first 12 months after the product's launch. Points can be redeemed on Latam Pass, Smiles, and InMais programs, or for invoice cashback. Customers who pay with a Dux card will also have discounts and exclusive conditions in dozens of establishments, such as discounts on aircraft and helicopter charters. About IDEMIA IDEMIA, the global leader in augmented identity, offers a trusted environment that allows citizens and consumers to carry out their daily critical activities (such as paying, connecting and traveling), both in physical and digital space. Protecting our identity has become a critical mission in the world we live in today. By representing augmented identity, an identity that guarantees privacy and trust and guarantees secure, authenticated and verifiable transactions, we reinvent the way we think, produce, use and protect one of our greatest assets our identity whether for individuals or for objects, when and where safety is important. We provide enhanced identity for international customers in the financial, telecommunications, identity, public security and IoT sectors. With approximately 15,000 employees worldwide, IDEMIA serves customers in 180 countries. For more information, visit www.idemia.com or follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter. About BRB BRB acts as a solid, agile, modern, efficient and profitable public bank, the protagonist of economic, social and human development, the generation of employment and income and the improvement of the regional quality of life, in line with the best governance and management practices, and to ethical principles and values. With more than 800 thousand active clients, it has 138 branches in all regions of the Federal District and its surroundings, as well as a presence in the states of Minas Gerais, Goias, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Piaui and Tocantins. In addition to the number of branches, there are 141 bank correspondents (Convenencia BRB) and 585 ATMs, complemented by more than 40 thousand ATMs in the 24-hour network, guaranteeing BRB service coverage nationwide. Through its digital Bank, Nacao BRB FLA, in partnership with Flamengo, is already present in 23 states, on five continents and in over 60% of the country's municipalities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210301005909/en/ Contacts: Press contacts IDEMIA: Robson Melendre (11) 97429 9557 Pauliane Goncalves (11) 98951 2417 Press contacts BRB: aimprensa@brb.com.br (61) 3409-2425 Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed on Monday Egypt's belief in the importance of joint African action and diligent work to achieve peace and development in the continent.Shoukry was delivering the opening speech during the inaugural session of the 2nd edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, held virtually under the theme of "Shaping Africas New Normal: Recovering Stronger, Rebuilding Better" from Monday to Friday with the participation of senior African officials and heads of governments.Shoukry voiced the forum's appreciation of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's keenness to deliver a speech during the inaugural session, a matter which enhances the political will to face the African challenges.The 2nd edition, which is held 1-5 March, will focus on required solutions to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on Africa, the foreign minister pointed out. Shoukry said Egypt realises that a new phase of development should kick off in favor of African countries and peoples to benefit from their resources. He stressed the importance of addressing the Covid-19's negative impacts economically and socially to deal with the unprecedented turmoil which the world is witnessing due to the pandemic outbreak. Therefore, the forum will tackle the effects of the pandemic crisis and required solutions to overcome its challenges, the top diplomat noted. Shoukry highlighted that the coronavirus pandemic contributed to exacerbating the traditional challenges that Africa faces, including those of armed conflicts, growth of terrorist organizations, and forced displacement. Such implications require to bolster the African countries' capabilities to face the current security challenges, topped by combating terrorism and foreign terrorists, the foreign minister underlined. He affirmed the importance of the role set to be played by the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development policy which will lead efforts to prevent renewal of conflicts. The top diplomat added that the forum offers an opportunity to tackle many challenges and issues of common interest. Shoukry stated the forum will touch on many fields, including enhancing intra-African trade in light of the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area in January, infrastructure projects, and the recent election of Egypt to chair the Peacebuilding Commission at the United Nations. Egypt, through its election, will be keen to enhance cooperation between the United Nations peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts in the African Union. He reiterated Egypt's keenness to boost cooperation between the African countries and international partners to empower them to achieve their goals. He also thanked all parties who supported the forum, wishing it a success. The inaugration of the second edition of the Aswan forum witnessed too the participation of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Tunisian President Kais Saeid. In his word in front of the forum , UN Secretary General Guterres called for an equal distribution of coronavirus vaccines. The 2nd edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development kicked off on Monday under the rubric of "Shaping Africas New Normal: Recovering Stronger, Rebuilding Better" with the participation of African leaders, senior officials and heads of governments. The Forum will be held virtually till Friday. The forum includes 15 sessions coving a wide range of themes including the following: "Terrorism in the Shadow of the Pandemic: A Pressing Need for Integrated Responses", "Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda During the Pandemic and Beyond", and "Addressing Forced Displacement in National Planning and Peace Processes: Localizing the Paradigm Shift to Prevention in Africa." The event is organized by Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding and Peacekeeping. Short link: The Aviva Stadiums Covid-19 community testing centre has closed as the defence forces move their efforts towards the vaccine rollout. On Sunday, the hub based at the stadium was stood down after being operated by the Irish Defence Forces since May 14, 2020. The seventh infantry battalion, based at Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin took the lead in the test centre. Clinically trained swab testers were also drawn from the entire defence forces. Since its opening, the facility has administered approximately 65,000 Covid-19 swab tests. On any given day, there were approximately 40 personnel from the defence forces there, with 30 involved in marshalling, traffic management, inventory management and stock control. The remainder were swab testers and clinical medical personnel. Expand Close The testing centre at the Aviva / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The testing centre at the Aviva Read More The focus of the defence forces in assisting the HSE and the people of Ireland will now shift to supporting the national quarantine programme and mass vaccination sites, the Irish Defence Force said in a statement today. Last year, following on from the cancellation of the Ireland v Italy fixture in the Guinness Six Nations on March 7, the Aviva Stadium immediately offered its facilities to the government in the fight against Covid-19. The Defence Forces then entered the site to help with the delivery of the governments 100,000 weekly testing target. A HSE spokesperson revealed the Aviva will now be used for Covid-19 vaccinations instead of testing. It is one of the locations chosen for 37 vaccination centres. The RDS which is nearby in Ballsbridge will carry out testing in its place and testing will also be carried out in the CityWest. In May of 2020, the stadium celebrated its tenth anniversary, with their head of communication, Brian ONeill, saying at the time: Whilst we look forward, like so many, to the return of sporting action in Aviva Stadium, we are proud of its contribution to Irelands Covid-19 response. The stadium has always been a pillar in Irish society, so hosting community Covid-19 testing and lighting up of the stadium in the HSE colours each Friday night to mark the incredible contribution of so many on the frontline to this public health emergency is a fitting way to help continue the impact it has on communities in Ireland. Voronezh resident faces trial over publishing Nazi photos on Immortal Regiment site RAPSI, Natalia Vaneyeva 15:06 01/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 1 (RAPSI) The Voronezh Regional Court will hear a case against local resident Alexander Khoroshiltsev over posting of the photo of Adolf Hitler on the Immortal Regiment movements website, the press service of the Prosecutor Generals Office has told RAPSI. Investigators claim that on May 4, 2020, he published Hitlers photo for its public demonstration among the Great Patriotic War veterans on the movements website. The man is charged with rehabilitation of Nazism. In mid-May 2020, investigative authorities opened criminal cases after finding out that photographs of Nazi criminals were published on websites of the Immortal Regiment movement. The photos were published in the framework of a virtual event aimed at preservation and perpetuating of the memory of the generation fighting against Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War. According to investigators, on or before May 3 and on or before May 10 unidentified persons published on a freely accessible website a photograph of Reichsfuhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler and that of Adolf Hitler respectively; they were falsely designated as participants of the war against the Nazis. SAO PAULO, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Minerva Luxembourg S.A. ("Minerva Luxembourg"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minerva S.A. ("Minerva"), today announced that HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (the "Offeror") has commenced an offer to purchase for cash (the "Tender Offer") any and all of Minerva Luxembourg's outstanding 6.500% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Notes"). The Notes are guaranteed by Minerva and Athena Foods S.A. The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are described in the Offer to Purchase, dated March 1, 2021 (as it may be amended or supplemented, the "Offer to Purchase"). Subject to the terms and conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, the Tender Offer will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on March 26, 2021, unless the Tender Offer is extended by the Offeror (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Date"). Holders who validly tender their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 12, 2021, unless the Tender Offer is extended by the Offeror (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Early Tender Date"), will be eligible to receive the Total Consideration (as defined below), which includes the Early Tender Payment (as defined below), plus accrued and unpaid interest. Notes that have been validly tendered cannot be withdrawn, unless required by applicable law. The "Total Consideration" for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will be U.S.$1,062.80. The Total Consideration includes an early tender payment (the "Early Tender Payment") equal to U.S.$30.00 for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date. Holders of Notes who validly tender Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date and whose Notes are accepted for purchase will not be entitled to receive the Early Tender Payment and will therefore be entitled to receive, for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered, U.S.$1,032.80 (the "Tender Offer Consideration"), which amount is equal to the Total Consideration less the Early Tender Payment. The following table sets forth the consideration for the Notes: Description of Notes CUSIP/ISIN Outstanding Principal Amount of Notes Tender Offer Consideration(1) + Early Tender Payment = Total Consideration(2) 6.500% Senior Notes due 2026 144A: 603374AD1 / US603374AD12 Reg S: L6401PAF0 / USL6401PAF01 U.S.$1,203,374,000 U.S.$1,032.80 U.S.$30.00 U.S.$1,062.80 ______________ (1) The amount to be paid for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for purchase, not including accrued and unpaid interest. (2) The amount to be paid for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase, not including accrued and unpaid interest. The Total Consideration includes an Early Tender Payment of U.S.$30.00 per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes. Minerva Luxembourg has consented to the Offeror making the Tender Offer described in the Offer to Purchase. Minerva Luxembourg is not making the Tender Offer. It is intended that the Notes purchased by the Offeror pursuant to the Tender Offer at the Early Settlement Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) will be exchanged by the Offeror to Minerva Luxembourg for a decrease in the proceeds of an issuance of new notes in an international capital markets offering, the consummation of which is subject to market conditions, to be paid to Minerva Luxembourg by the initial purchasers of such securities. It is intended that the Notes purchased by the Offeror pursuant to the Tender Offer at the Final Settlement Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) will be exchanged by the Offeror for cash paid by Minerva Luxembourg or any affiliate thereof. The obligation of the Offeror to purchase Notes in the Tender Offer is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, including a new financing condition as described in the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes. The Offeror has the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or terminate the Tender Offer at any time. Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to Holders of Notes from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender agent and information agent for the Tender Offer (the "Tender Agent and Information Agent"). Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to the Tender Agent and Information Agent at +1 (800) 714-3311 (toll free), +1 (212) 269-5550 (collect) or [email protected]. Banco BTG Pactual S.A.Cayman Branch ("BTG"), HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. ("HSBC"), Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. ("Itau"), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC ("J.P. Morgan"), Banco Bradesco BBI S.A. ("Bradesco BBI"), Santander Investment Securities Inc. ("Santander") and XP Investimentos Corretora de Cambio, Titulos e Valores Mobiliarios S.A. ("XP") have been engaged to act as dealer managers in connection with the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to BTG at +1 (212) 293-4609, HSBC at +1 (888) HSBC-4LM or +1 (212) 525-5552, Itau at +1 (888) 770-4828, J.P. Morgan at +1 (212) 834-6326, Bradesco BBI at +1 (646) 432-6643, Santander at +1 (855) 404-3636 or +1 (212) 940-1442 or XP at +1 (646) 931-0944. Each of the Offeror and Minerva Luxembourg, as the case may be, reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any tenders of Notes for any reason. The Offeror is making the Tender Offer only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. This announcement is not an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase, a solicitation of Notes or an offer or solicitation to sell any securities. The Tender Offer is being made solely by the Offeror pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offer is not being made to, nor will the Offeror accept tenders of Notes from Holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. Minerva S.A. Media Contact: Edison Ticle Andrade Melo e Souza Filho Phone: + 55 11 3074 2444 Email: [email protected] NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the terms of the Tender Offer. These statements are merely projections and as such are based exclusively on management's expectations for Minerva, the business of Minerva and the proposed transactions discussed herein. These forward-looking statements depend materially on changes in market conditions, government regulations, pressures from competitors and the performance of the industry and the Brazilian economy, among other factors, many of which are outside Minerva's control or ability to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Minerva disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. DISCLAIMER This press release must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase contain important information which must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Tender Offer. If any holder of Notes is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax, accounting and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee or intermediary must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Tender Offer. None of Minerva Luxembourg, Minerva, the dealer managers, the Tender Agent and Information Agent and any person who controls, or is a director, officer, employee or agent of such persons, or any affiliate of such persons, makes any recommendation as to whether holders of Notes should participate in the Tender Offer. SOURCE Minerva Luxembourg S.A. Iran's foreign ministry on Monday "strongly" rejected accusations by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Tehran was behind a recent attack on an Israeli-owned ship on the Gulf of Oman. "We strongly deny this accusation," spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at a press conference, adding that "the source of this accusation itself shows how invalid (the claim) is." Egyptian veteran actor Youssef Shaaban, 90, succumbed to coronavirus and died in a hospital in Giza on Sunday, according to local reports. Born in Cairo on July 16, 1931, Shaaban graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, where he studied acting. He began his career on the stages of theatre before attracting the attention of directors of films and television series, who cast him in important roles starting the 1960s. Meanwhile, he also worked in numerous radio programmes and series. Though he was more present in theatre at the beginning of his career, Shaaban kept returning to stages throughout the decades, starring in plays such as The Bride is Getting Mad (1980) by Samir El-Asfory, One Hundred Good Evenings (1989) by El-Said Radi, Conquest Gate (2014) by Fahmi El-Kholi, etc. His major breakthrough in film came with There is a Man in Our House (1961), a classic film directed by Henry Barakat and starring the best known actors at the time: Omar Sharif, Rushdy Abaza, Zahret El-Ola, Hussein Riad, Zubaida Tharwat, and Hassan Youssef. The following years and decades were marked by a collection of roles, as he was cast in numerous well known films, working with renowned Egyptian directors and sharing the screen with prominent stars. His roles in the 1960s included films such as The Miracle (1962), Cairo (1963), Mother of the Bride (1963), For Men Only (1964), The Three Love Her (1965), My Wife, the Director General (1966), The Second Groom (1967), The Idol of the People (1967) starring Abdel-Halim Hafez and Shadia. In the 1970s, Shaaban joined many other renowned actors on the screen in films such as An Incident of Honour (1971), starring Zubaida Tharwat and Shoukry Sarhan; and Guys in Storm with Nelly and Nour El-Sherif. In the 1970s, he acted in Moments of Fear (1972), starring Farid Shawqi and Mervat Amin, as well as in other well-known films such as Sun and Fog (1973), A Woman With a Bad Reputation (1973) with Shams El-Baroudi and Mahmoud Yacine, Malatily Bathhouse (1973), The Bullet is Still in My Pocket (1974), to name but a few. Shaaban started being more present in television series in the early 1970s, appearing in Wadha and Ibn Aglan (1975), Al-Zeer Salem (1977), Antara (1978), The Doughry Family (1980), Raafat Al-Haggan (1988), among numerous others. It was in the 1990s and 2000s that his appearances increased in TV series, as he acted in Ahwal Shakhsiya (1992), Al-Hilali Biography (1997), A Woman from the Time of Love (1998), The Night They Killed the Mayor (2000), Al-Hakika w Al-Sarab (2003), Asmahan (2008), Heaven and Hell (2009) His most recent roles include films Al-Haram Al-Rabea (2016) and Bard Al-Shatta (2015), both written and directed by Peter Mimi; and TV series, such as Illegitimate Child (2012), Mulberry Leaves (2015), etc. In 2017, Shaaban announced his retirement. Earlier this month the actor contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalised. Last week he was admitted to the intensive care unit at Al-Agouza hospital, however, his condition was deteriorating. He passed away on Sunday at the age of 89. The artistic community expressed their great sorrow for losing one of the big icons of Egyptian theatre, cinema, and art in general. Ashraf Zaki, the head of the actors syndicate and president of the Arts Academy wrote on his Instagram account: Farewell my teacher, my friend, and my beloved. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Short link: PORT HURON, MI -- A 31-year-old Port Huron woman shot a man in the neck Sunday morning after she claimed he tried to break into her home. The womans neighbor in the 900 block of Huron Avenue in Port Huron called police at 5:07 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, to report that a disorderly male was yelling for help in the street. Minutes later, a female resident of a home on the block, called 911 stating she had shot someone trying to break into her home. She was home alone with a small child, according to a Port Huron Police Department news release. Port Huron Police arrived and found a 35-year-old male Richmond resident shot in the neck at the corner of Huron Avenue and Beers Street. Officers provided medical attention until Tri-Hospital EMS arrived and transported him to McLaren Port Huron Hospital, police said. He was later transferred to McLaren Macomb Hospital and is in stable condition. No additional injuries were reported. The female shooter was interviewed and released. She did not know the male intruder, police said. Investigators do not know why the man was trying to enter her home. No charges have been sought on either party at this time, as the case is still under investigation. Once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the St. Clair County Prosecutors Office for review. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call CAPTURE at (810) 987-6688. Anonymous texts can be received by texting the keyword CAPTURE and the message/tip to 847411 or by downloading the Port Huron PD app on an apple or android device. Tips can also be emailed by clicking on the CAPTURE link at www.porthuronpolice.org. Read more on MLive: Ohio man arraigned after threatening to burn down a Michigan elementary school, police say 15-year-old shot in Flint in critical condition Man found shot to death in crashed vehicle in Flint Man hit by car in Flint in critical condition Reward offered for information on recent hit-and-run in Flint Man arrested for threatening to burn down a Port Huron elementary school 3 charged after missing Flint Township man is killed, body is burned At 1:51 p.m. on Jan. 6, a right-wing radio host named Michael D. Brown wrote on Twitter that rioters had breached the U.S. Capitol and immediately speculated about who was really to blame. Antifa or BLM or other insurgents could be doing it disguised as Trump supporters, Brown wrote, using shorthand for Black Lives Matter. Come on, man, have you never heard of psyops? Only 13,000 people follow Brown on Twitter, but his tweet caught the attention of another conservative pundit: Todd Herman, who was guest-hosting Rush Limbaughs national radio program. Minutes later, he repeated Browns baseless claim to Limbaughs throngs of listeners: Its probably not Trump supporters who would do that. Antifa, BLM, thats what they do. Right? What happened over the next 12 hours illustrated the speed and the scale of a right-wing disinformation machine primed to seize on a lie that served its political interests and quickly spread it to a receptive audience. The weekslong fiction about a stolen election that former President Donald Trump pushed to his millions of supporters had set the stage for a new and equally false iteration: that left-wing agitators were responsible for the attack on the Capitol. In fact, the rioters breaking into the citadel of American democracy that day were acolytes of Trump, intent on stopping Congress from certifying his electoral defeat. Subsequent arrests and investigations have found no evidence that people who identify with antifa, a loose collective of anti-fascist activists, were involved in the insurrection. But even as Americans watched live images of rioters wearing MAGA hats and carrying Trump flags breach the Capitol egged on only minutes earlier by a president who falsely denounced a rigged election and exhorted his followers to fight for justice history was being rewritten in real time. Within hours, a narrative built on rumors and partisan conjecture had reached the Twitter megaphones of pro-Trump politicians. By days end, Laura Ingraham and Sarah Palin had shared it with millions of Fox News viewers, and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida had stood on the ransacked House floor and claimed that many rioters were members of the violent terrorist group antifa. Nearly two months after the attack, the claim that antifa was involved has been repeatedly debunked by federal authorities, but it has hardened into gospel among hard-line Trump supporters, by voters and sanctified by elected officials in the party. More than half of Trump voters in a Suffolk University/USA Today poll said that the riot was mostly an antifa-inspired attack. At Senate hearings last week focused on the security breakdown at the Capitol, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., repeated the falsehood that fake Trump protesters fomented the violence. For those who hoped Trumps dont-believe-your-eyes tactics might fade after his defeat, the mainstreaming of the antifa conspiracy is a sign that truth remains a fungible concept among his most ardent followers. Buoyed by a powerful right-wing media network that had just spent eight weeks advancing Trumps baseless claims of voter fraud, pro-Trump Republicans have succeeded in warping their voters realities, exhibiting sheer gall as they seek to minimize a violent riot perpetrated by their own supporters. If anyone was responsible for desecrating the Capitol, Johnson said in a radio interview as the violence was unfolding that day, I would really question whether thats a true Trump supporter or a true conservative. In a telephone interview last week, Johnson delivered a handful of unsubstantiated or false statements that dovetail with much of the right-wing disinformation about the riot circulating online and on conservative radio and television programs. The senator said that while most of the people arrested at the Capitol were right-wing Trump supporters, he had not reached any conclusions about the political affiliations of those responsible for planning it. He said he had seen videos of other people claiming to be antifa preparing in their hotel rooms. I dont know if any of thats been verified, Johnson added. A Lie Gets More Likes A review of media activity in the immediate aftermath of the Jan. 6 riot reveals just how quickly the right-wing media machine, first online and then on radio and cable TV, advanced the fiction about antifas supposed involvement. The conspiracy gained new momentum after The Washington Times, a right-wing newspaper, published an online article shortly before 2:30 p.m. claiming that a facial recognition firm had identified antifa activists in the crowd at the Capitol. The newspaper corrected the article less than 24 hours later after its claims were proved false but not before the story made an enormous impact. The article eventually amassed 360,000 likes and shares on Facebook, according to CrowdTangle, a tool owned by Facebook and used for analyzing social media. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., the antifa falsehood was mentioned about 8,700 times across cable television, social media and online news outlets, according to Zignal Labs, a media insights company. Remember, Antifa openly planned to dress as Trump supporters and cause chaos today, said one tweet that collected 41,100 likes and shares. Snopes, the online fact-checking outlet, had already debunked the false antifa narrative but its story attracted only 306 likes and shares on Twitter at the time, an indication of how difficult it is for fact-checking efforts to gain traction over the original falsehood. Gaetz, the pro-Trump congressman, was a superspreader of the Washington Times article; his Facebook post about it collected 27,000 interactions. And Ingraham cited the article on Twitter and on her prime-time Fox News show. (By contrast, a BuzzFeed News article that refuted the Washington Times story collected only 18,000 interactions on Facebook.) Rumors require a receptive audience to take hold, and Trumps supporters had long been primed to accept a baseless claim that antifa relentlessly portrayed by the president as a dangerous terror group had instigated the violence, rather than their fellow MAGA fans. In May, Trump announced that the United States would declare antifa a domestic terrorist group, despite lacking clear authority to do so. Falsehoods about busloads and planeloads of antifa activists traveling the nation to sow violence became a common trope on right-wing internet sites, even prompting some Americans to ask local law enforcement for help. At the first presidential debate in September, seen by 73 million people, Trump said, Somebodys got to do something about antifa and the left. (In the same answer, Trump declined to condemn the Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group that has endorsed violence.) This drumbeat meant that the notion of left-wing activists disrupting the Electoral College to embarrass Trump might not have seemed far-fetched to the presidents supporters even those in Congress. Hours after the attack, Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama, a Republican who had served as a warm-up speaker for Trump at the pre-riot rally, promoted the false antifa claims on national television. We did have some warning that there might be antifa elements masquerading as Trump supporters in advance of the attack on the Capitol, Brooks told Fox Business host Lou Dobbs. He amplified his baseless claim the next morning in a Twitter thread that was retweeted nearly 19,000 times. Evidence, much public, surfacing that many Capitol assaulters were fascist ANTIFAs, not Trump supporters, Brooks wrote, providing no evidence. Time will reveal truth. Dont rush to judgment. In an interview last week, Brooks admitted that he had not verified his information before airing it publicly. But he insisted that several members of Congress whom he would not identify had warned him about an antifa presence in Washington, prompting him to sleep in his congressional office for two nights preceding Jan. 6. Brooks now says that the role of antifa and Black Lives Matter appears to be relatively minimal compared to the roles of more militant elements of other groups. He said in the interview that he had very frequently cautioned that the information that were getting is incomplete, preliminary a caveat that went unmentioned in his incendiary tweets at the time. Falsehoods in a Fog There is no question that the violent and sudden nature of the Capitol riot created a fire hose of partial and sometimes conflicting information from an array of sources, generating confusion for the lawmakers, journalists and Americans watching from home as they struggled to make sense of what transpired. Several major news outlets, for example, including The New York Times, initially reported that a Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, died after being struck with a fire extinguisher by a rioter. Those reports were based on early information from law enforcement officials. Weeks later, the Times updated its reporting on Sicknicks death after investigators began to suspect he had been sprayed in the face by some kind of irritant rather than struck by an object. On Friday, the FBI said it had pinpointed an assailant who attacked Sicknick with bear spray, but investigators had yet to identify the attacker by name. Unlike those reports, the antifa narrative had a clear ideological component. The political leanings of the rioters are not in question. Court filings in many of the criminal cases stemming from the attack quote pro-Trump rioters explicitly denying that antifa was involved and instead emphasizing their own participation, portraying it as an act of patriotism. To date, there is no evidence in case filings that any individual associated with antifa has been charged. Ingraham, who told Fox News viewers about antifa sympathizers at the riot, later shared on Twitter that the Washington Times article she cited had been debunked; she did not issue an on-air correction. Herman, the Limbaugh guest host who speculated about antifa, wrote in an email Saturday that it was clear a large group of Trump supporters entered the Capitol and assaulted people. But he continued to assert, falsely, that antifa activists had plotted to impersonate Trump supporters. Of the 290 people who have been charged in the attack, at least 27 are known to have ties to far-right extremist groups like the Oath Keepers or the Proud Boys. Others have links to neo-Confederate and white supremacist entities or are clear supporters of the conspiracy movement QAnon. The vast majority expressed a fervent belief that Trump was the elections rightful winner. On Jan. 8, the FBI said there was no evidence that supporters of antifa, who have been known to aggressively counterprotest white supremacist demonstrations, had participated in the Capitol mob. And on Jan. 13, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican House minority leader, spoke at Trumps impeachment trial and declared, Some say the riots were caused by antifa. Theres absolutely no evidence of that, and conservatives should be the first to say so. But the next day, the arrest of a protester named John Sullivan prompted yet another surge in right-wing media about antifa and the riot. Sullivan called himself an activist from Utah, and CNN introduced him, inaccurately, as a left-wing activist when he appeared on the network on Jan. 6. (He had sold footage to CNN and other news outlets that showed the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, a rioter who died inside the Capitol.) The conspiracy site Gateway Pundit and Rudy Giuliani, Trumps lawyer, seized on Sullivans arrest to again blame antifa in posts that collected tens of thousands of likes and shares on Facebook and Twitter. In reality, Sullivan was an attention seeker whose politics were fungible and seemingly shifted based on which protest he was attending at the time, according to activists from Seattle, Salt Lake City and Portland, Oregon, who had issued warnings about him months before the Capitol riot. On Jan. 8, the founder of Black Lives Matter Utah said that Sullivan never has been and never will be a member of the group. (John is not affiliated with any organization, Steven Kiersh, a lawyer for Sullivan, said Friday.) But the facts about Sullivan did not spread as far as the falsehoods. Perpetuating a Fiction YouTube videos featuring Sullivan prompted the Oregon Republican Party to adopt a resolution Jan. 19 asserting that there was growing evidence that the Capitol violence was a false flag operation intended to discredit President Trump, his supporters, and all conservative Republicans. The resolution was written by Solomon Yue, a longtime Republican National Committee member, who said in an interview that he based it on videos of Sullivan offering tips on how to disguise oneself at a protest. Yue said he also used his own knowledge of Battle of the Bulge, a 1965 Henry Fonda film in which German soldiers disguise themselves as U.S. troops. Thanks to the YouTube clips and the movie analogy, the Oregon state party understood what I meant by false flag, Yue said, referring to a scheme to deceive enemies by adopting a fake identity. Yue said he hoped others would consider alternate explanations for the Jan. 6 attack. If I can pull those videos from the internet and raise the issue, I think other Americans can do the same, he said. Many pro-Trump Americans have already reached their own conclusions about the violence on Jan. 6. Jason Franzen, 46, a Trump voter who works in carpentry in Thorp, Wisconsin, said he was convinced that the former presidents enemies planned and carried out the attack. I dont want to point fingers, but my gut tells me that there were some higher-up Democrats who were instigating the whole thing, said Franzen, who said he gets his news from Facebook and right-wing cable network One America News. My gut has been right a lot of times, so Im just going to go with my gut. I am pro-Trump, Franzen added, but I still want the truth. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Iran Insists US Lift Sanctions First to Revive Nuclear Deal Talks DUBAIIran said on March 1 the United States should lift sanctions first if it wants to hold talks with Tehran to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that former President Donald Trump abandoned. President Joe Biden has said Washington is ready for talks about both nations resuming compliance with the pact, under which Tehran secured an easing of sanctions by limiting its nuclear work. But each side wants the other to move first. The West fears Iran wants to build nuclear weapons, while Tehran says that has never been its goal. President Joe Bidens administration should change Trumps maximum pressure policy towards Tehran If they want talks with Iran, first they should lift sanctions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said. Washington said Feb. 28 that it was disappointed by Tehrans refusal to hold talks but was ready to re-engage in meaningful diplomacy and would consult with major powers. While Iran has been demanding the lifting of U.S. sanctions first, Washington says Tehran must return to compliance with the deal, which Iran has been progressively breaching since 2019. The new U.S. administrations refusal to return to the deal is a historic mistake, Khatibzadeh said, saying Tehran would continue to work with the U.N. nuclear watchdog despite scaling back cooperation. Irans foreign minister urged the International Atomic Energy Agencys (IAEA) 35-nation Board of Governors not to create a mess by endorsing a U.S.-led push to adopt a resolution against Tehrans decision to scale back its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Europeans, with the backing of the United States, have initiated a wrong path in the IAEAs board. We believe this move will lead to a mess, Iranian media quoted Mohammad Javad Zarif as saying on March 1. We have solutions for all scenarios. In a position paper seen by Reuters and sent to other IAEA member states before the boards quarterly meeting this week, Tehran threatens to end a deal struck with the IAEA a week ago temporarily maintaining some monitoring of its activities. However, diplomats said it was unclear whether the board would adopt a resolution. By Parisa Hafezi The commemorative march held by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in memory of the victims of the events of March 1, 2008 ended near the statue of Myasnikyan in Yerevan. The participants of the march marched from Republic Square right after Pashinyans rally. The situation was tense when the participants reached France Square where police formed a wall and didnt let them move towards Marshal Baghramyan Avenue where the opposition was holding its rally. The participants of the march responded by whistling and using swear words and didnt forget to chant the dmp, dmp, hu which was chanted during the revolution that took place in 2018. During the march, the participants chanted dmp, dmp, hu a few times, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan was particularly excited when it was being chanted. Armenian News-NEWS.ams cameraman spotted a picture of Nikol Pashinyan and flyers with the words land giver underneath the feet of the participants of the march. The Prime Minister was escorted by his wife, Anna Hakobyan during the rally and the march that followed. After the march, the participants laid flowers near the statue of Myasnikyan. Albania: EU, we look forward to accession negotiations Brussels praises Tirana for progress in reforms (ANSA) - BRUSSELS, 01 MAR - The European Union "looks forward to holding the first intergovernmental conference as soon as possible" to start the accession negotiations with Albania, reads a statement issued at the end of the EU-Albania Stabilization and Association Council attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, and an Albanian delegation led by PM Edi Rama. Brussels praises "Albania's determination to pursue its reform agenda" demanded by the EU, underlining the "progress made" in several areas. Such as the rule of law, public administration, the judiciary, in particular the process of evaluation ('vetting') of judges and prosecutors, and welcomes the resumption of the functioning of the Constitutional Court and the High Court and the set up of "new specialized bodies for the fight against corruption and organized crime." The EU expects further efforts in the reform of the electoral process. (ANSA). Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved Its ironic that a live event which has promoted radio shows of yesteryear for 15 years will now be offered virtually on a video screen. The 16th edition of The Big Broadcast! previously held on the Mount Holyoke College campus before the pandemic will be streamed Saturday, March 6, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. And its now a free, streaming event over Zoom hat they are now calling The (Little) Big Broadcast! Little because it is a one-hour condensed version of the full-length live show were been putting on for year. Also, its not live this year and we are taping our part ahead of time, said Brian Lapis, the WWLP-TV meteorologist who has portrayed the shows emcee Fred Kelley for 14 seasons counting this year. The show has become a signature event for Mount Holyoke College, and in the face of the pandemic I think that Mark was able to configure the show in a manageable way to present online, he added about the shows creator and director Mark Gionfriddo. The longtime show began as a tribute to the 1940s radio shows, and is created and directed by Mark Gionfriddo featuring the Mount Holyoke College Big Band, Vocal Jazz and Chamber Jazz Ensembles. They will be performing well-known tunes from the swing era and the American song book. Weve got a series of songs from the golden age of radio, along with some radio commercials of the day, Gionfriddo said in a news release about the show. Among the featured songs will be the Glenn Miller version of Little Brown Jug, two Cole Porter hits, You Do Something To Me and Night and Day, Bobby Troups Route 66 as performed by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters, My Funny Valentine from Rodgers and Harts Babes in Arms, and Star Eyes, a tune made famous by Helen OConnell and Jimmy Dorsey. Mark has written another really witty script that I will execute with some wit of my own, Lapis said. The shows emcee noted that he will be undertaking another buddy number in this years show to the tune of I Aint Gonna Give Nobody None of My Jellyroll made famous by Bobby Darin and Johnny Mercer. Its a quick, funny, little thing and I hope I dont embarrass myself, Lapis said. Tickets are free for both streamings of The (Little) Big Broadcast! However, advance reservations are required. Tickets to the 2 p.m. performance are available at events.mtholyoke.edu/event/the_little_big_broadcast_967#.YCK8fC2ZNQI and tickets for the 7:30 performance are available at events.mtholyoke.edu/event/the_little_big_broadcast#.YCK50S2ZNQI. 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. MOSCOW -- Within four months of falling violently ill on a flight to Moscow from Siberia in August, Russian opposition figure Aleksei Navalny had duped one of his alleged poisoners into confessing on a phone call and collaborated with investigative journalists on a report identifying the men suspected of using a nerve agent in a botched assassination attempt. Navalny is now serving a 2 1/2-year prison term outside Moscow, having been arrested the moment he arrived back in Russia in January. And the Russian authorities appear to be going after those who enabled Navalny, and journalists he worked with, to shine light on the murky operation behind the attack. On March 1, business daily Kommersant reported that a criminal investigation had been launched into a law enforcement officer accused of selling passenger data for the Moscow-bound flight on which Navalny was taken ill on August 20. Using such data, Navalny worked with the investigative group Bellingcat and Russian news site The Insider to piece together the movements of purported agents who trailed him, including those who he and the U.K.-based organization say poisoned him in the city of Tomsk. Kommersant said the St. Petersburg-based police officer illegally accessed an aviation database on September 8 and 9, seeking information on flights to Moscow's Domodedovo Airport from Tomsk on August 20 and 21, including the flight on which Navalny was taken ill. He then passed the details to a third party, the paper reported. On December 14, Bellingcat, The Insider, CNN, and German magazine Der Spiegel published a report naming eight men with suspected ties to a Federal Security Service (FSB) toxins team who they alleged had taken turns trailing Navalny on trips over the three years before the poisoning, which Navalny blames on President Vladimir Putin. The investigation cited the kinds of telephone and flight records that are obtainable on the Russian black market through "probiv" -- the practice, widely used by Russian journalists investigating state corruption and crime, of acquiring personal data predominantly through the "dark web" marketplace. "The degree to which leaked, bought, and stolen information has been at the heart of recent exposes of Russian covert operations has clearly been both embarrassing and worrying for the Kremlin," Mark Galeotti, an expert on Russian security affairs, told RFE/RL. Kommersant reported that charges against the police officer in St. Petersburg, who has not officially been named but whom local media have identified as Roman Gladyshev, may be connected to the case of journalist Myaile Machyulite, who was detained at the city's Moskovsky railway station on February 27 as she met with a police acquaintance who had promised to pass her "important information," according to the news site Baza, Machyulite's employer. Machyulite, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment on social media, was questioned for seven hours and released. According to the independent St. Petersburg news site Fontanka, she signed a nondisclosure agreement and was interrogated as part of the authorities' campaign to ascertain who originally ordered the data the accused officers had dug up for the Navalny investigation. How Willing Are They To Clamp Down? The cases appear to be part of a broader campaign to punish those who aided Navalny and the journalists he collaborated with in securing data that could be used as evidence against his alleged attackers. Russian media reported that a similar investigation was opened on December 29 targeting Kirill Chuprov, a police lieutenant in Samara accused of using the same database to feed flight records to a third party. Both law enforcement officers could be sentenced to 10 years in prison if tried and convicted of abuse of office leading to "grave consequences." "The real question is, given that it is police and FSB officers who mainly monetize their access to official databases, how far is it going to be possible to clamp down?" Galeotti said. "It will take more than a few demonstrative arrests." Navalny's flight to Moscow on August 20 made an emergency landing in the city of Omsk and the opposition figure was rushed to a hospital. Two days later he was transferred for treatment to Berlin, where German researchers found traces of a nerve agent from the Novichok group, similar to the poison used against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England in March 2018. Navalny recovered and took part in open-source investigations into his poisoning. But Putin and other senior officials have dismissed his allegations of state involvement, despite the evidence, and have worked hard to discredit those investigations. Putin and other senior officials have baselessly asserted that both Navalny and Bellingcat -- which has published investigations into the downing of Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014 and Skripal's poisoning, in both cases alleging the direct or indirect involvement of Russian officials -- are working under orders from Western intelligence services. De-Belling The Cat On March 1, Igor Bezler, a former leader of Russian-backed militants in eastern Ukraine whom Bellingcat accuses of involvement in the MH17 catastrophe, which killed 298 passengers and crew, sued the investigative outfit for defamation. Sarkis Darbinyan, a lawyer and online rights advocate, speculated that Bezler had been encouraged by Russian military intelligence as part of a drive to exert pressure on Bellingcat and get its website blocked in Russia -- and presumably make its investigations harder to cite in Russian-language media. "The whole site is under threat if Bellingcat refuses to remove [material relating to Bezler] and publish a retraction," Darbinyan, who is representing Bellingcat in the case in Russia, told the news site Meduza. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. PALATINE (AP) As it turns out, there are no perks to being first in a pandemic. Thats the wrong lottery to win, Bob Dix said. Its been a full year since Dix arrived at the Northwest Community Hospital emergency room in Arlington Heights with a 103-degree temperature that wouldnt break, confounding doctors who had ruled out the flu, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. A few days after that hospital admission, he would be diagnosed as the suburbs first case of COVID-19. His wife, Regina, would be the second. The Palatine couple in their late 70s would also be the states third and fourth cases of the highly contagious virus that has now infected nearly 1.2 million Illinois residents and killed more than 20,000 of them. Their place in the pandemics history is a not a distinction the Dixes recall with much fondness, though they recognize the outcome could have been much worse. Thats especially the case given what health officials now know about the effects of the virus on older people. I actually was lucky because I never got as sick as other people who got it, Bob Dix said. And my wife never had any symptoms. While the Dixes may be among the states longest surviving COVID-19 patients, their pandemic year has unfolded much as it has for everybody else. I remember walking into a grocery store a few weeks after Id gotten out of the hospital and thinking I didnt need to wear a mask because theoretically I was now immune, Bob Dix remembers. This woman came up to me and asked me to wear a mask, and if I didnt have one shed give me an extra she had in her car. But I wasnt going to argue with her about it and tell her that I already had it because I didnt want anyone looking at me bad. I just went home and got a mask. Just like most Americans, they have not seen most of their loved ones in more than a year. Most of their communication with family and friends is via teleconference. And they havent put a lot of miles on their cars. Its just been really lonely, Bob Dix lamented. Theres just no other way to describe it than lonely, and were hoping its over soon. But not yet. Avid travelers, the Dixes were on vacation visiting relatives in California in mid-February a year ago when they believe they were infected. The couple is certain they picked up the virus while riding an aerial tram packed with about 30 people to view scenic Palm Springs. A few days later, awaiting a flight home to Chicago, Bob began feeling sick. In the morning I was fine and then it was like hitting a brick wall, he said. When we got to the airport, all of the sudden I was very faint. I almost passed out. I was lucky to get on the plane at all. The next day he went to a clinic in Kildeer, where he was given antibiotics and sent home. You have to remember that the coronavirus was still only being discussed at that time as something happening in China, really, Regina Dix said. Nobody was even thinking about it being here then. Her husband said the first time hed even heard the word coronavirus was when he received the diagnosis. When his fever wouldnt break after five days, his wife convinced him to let her take him to the emergency room at Northwest Community. He was admitted a year ago Tuesday on Feb. 23, 2020. For the next few days his condition didnt improve. News of coronavirus patients popping up in Washington and New York began making waves. Just a few weeks earlier, Illinois first and second patients, a couple from Chicago, had been released from Amita Health St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates after contracting COVID-19 during a visit in China. Then came the Dixes diagnosis, with its implications for hospital staff as well as for the couple. I just remember the doctors arguing with one another when I walked by, and I was confused, Regina Dix said. But then they never came back. Once Bob was diagnosed, he was swiftly moved to isolation. It suddenly got very real, recalled Dr. Alan Loren, chief medical officer and executive vice president at Northwest Community Hospital. Even though there had been planning and preparing, everybody jumped into high gear and said this is it, no more dress rehearsal. Then health officials from the county and state descended on us like you couldnt believe. Regina was diagnosed a few days later, but since she was never symptomatic she stayed at home. Bob was released from the hospital about four days after testing positive. His wife was directed to park her car in an ambulance bay and wait for him to be wheeled out to her. When someone tried to shoo her away, Regina Dix told them that she was picking up her husband who had coronavirus. They ran away, she recalled. Once home, the Dixes began receiving daily calls from Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike, who was checking on their recovery. Oh, that was so cool, Regina Dix said. I didnt know at first who she was. And she called every day for, I think, more than two weeks, and she was just so nice and concerned about us. She was so personable and I really liked talking with her. Ezike, who trained and practiced as a pediatrician and internist before taking over the state health agency, was learning on the fly about epidemiology and the coronavirus. There was concern almost immediately about the virus, that this was something that affects elderly people worse, Ezike remembers. And this was exciting and something to be hopeful about because they were in the elderly category and this was showing us that it was not an automatic death sentence. The best friend of elderly lovers who went missing during a doomed camping trip believes the couple were killed in their sleeping bags and their bodies left to be eaten by wild dogs because their drone saw something illegal. Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73, went camping in secret during a lurid decades-long affair on March 19 in the rugged bushland of the Wonnangatta Valley in Victoria's East Gippsland region. Their disappearance has baffled authorities, who found the elderly couple's campsite burned to the ground near Mr Hill's car two days later. Despite extensive investigations, detectives have not been able to determine how the fire was lit, why an experienced camper put flammable gas bottles inside a tent, why their phones and drone were missing, and why there were no sleeping bags. But on Monday the bushman's best friend Rob Ashlin claimed the pair could have been slain by illegal hunters after their $2,000 drone - which Mr Hill was flying that day - captured footage it shouldn't have. Russell Hill (pictured, left) had been friendly with Carol Clay (right) for decades before they ad an affair 'The fact that it's been reported that those sleeping bags were missing, makes me feel that those sleeping bags were carted out of there and... used as body bags,' Mr Ashlin told Liz Hayes on Channel Nine's Under Investigation. 'There are a lot of places - the country is very rugged - where they can be got rid of, never to be found again.' High country musterer Lachlan Culican, who helped police during the search, also believes the pair may have accidentally captured footage of illegal hunters in the area. He was shocked by the the sheer quantity of dead deer in the area where their scorched campsite was found, explaining he saw a new carcass every '200m or 300m'. Mr Hill's friend Rob Ashlin (pictured) believes the couple were murdered in their sleeping bags Mr Hill's white Toyota Landcruiser was found with minor fire damage at their burnt campsite near Dry River Creek Track in the valley on March 21 Mr Hill's $2,000 drone was missing the scorched scene, along with phones, car keys and bank cards The drone was missing by the time police arrived on the scene, along with their phones that likely had cameras attached - suggesting the couple may have accidentally filmed the armed hunters. If the couple were murdered in their sleeping bags, Mick Ott - who is paid to eradicate dangerous wild dogs in the region - said it was likely bodies would have been discovered by the hounds before police arrived. 'If I was lost and potentially injured, I'd be very concerned about what the dogs could do,' he said, adding that they will 'completely devour' their prey. Mr Ashlin, who was friends with Mr Hill for 30 years, also suggested there might be someone sinister lurking in the mountains. He had a friend who was hunting deer in the region and set up camp for the night with someone else. Russell Hill and Carol Clay were last heard from on March 20, with Mr Hill's wife unaware he was travelling with another woman The pair went missing in the Wonnangatta Valley, more than 200km north east of Melbourne As they sat around the fire, they saw a person standing at the edge of the light, staring at them. 'One of them shot over to his vehicle and this person who was standing there just wandered behind the shadow of a tree and was gone,' he said. 'They were being stalked without knowing about it for some time.' Mr Ashlin said the idea that there could be a suspect hiding in the mountains is 'what's driving me' to search for answers. He also found the image of their burnt campsite, taken by two passers-by a week later, startling because the site was not set up the way Mr Hill arranged his campsites. A new image of Mr Hill's white Toyota Landcruiser. It was found with minor fire damage at their burnt campsite near Dry River Creek Track in the valley on March 21 Mr Ashlin had been camping with Mr Hill (pictured) on a number of occasions, and described his friend as 'cautious' The charred scene was a pile of blackened chairs, tent material and gas bottles, but Mr Hill was an experienced camper and would never have made a campfire close to the tend or anything flammable. Mr Ashlin went camping with Mr Hill on many occasions, and described his friend as 'cautious'. When he saw the jumble of burnt equipment, he knew something was amiss. 'I knew straight away in my own mind that something really unforgiving had happened,' he said. Fire forensics expert Greg Kelly experimented with tent fibers and ropes to see if an accidental fire could have started, but said the materials burned too slowly and extinguished themselves before a blaze could have started. Carol Clay, 73, who was once the President of the Country Women's Association of Victoria, had been in a relationship with Russell Hill for many years in the lead up to their disappearance The pair were in a secret relationship and didn't tell anyone where they were going. Ms Clay (pictured) just told friends she would be gone for a few days There were also no burn marks across the car doors, which were nearby, the tyres weren't melted, and the esky - which was underneath the car - was intact. Mr Kelly said the scene suggested the fire was short and hot, which was likely caused by an accelerant - such as the gas canisters inside the tent. Detectives have believed since December that the potential attackers may have torched their campsite to destroy forensic evidence of a crime. The pair were in a secret relationship and didn't tell anyone where they were going. Ms Clay just told friends she would be gone for a few days. Mr Hill's wife Robyn knew of the affair for decades, the program revealed for the first time. Police are confident the pair did not fake their own deaths and do not believe it is case of murder suicide. That the car was locked likely indicated the pair left the campsite voluntarily, probably to go for a walk or fly the drone. Mr Hill (pictured) had left his Drouin home on March 19 for a camping trip along the Dargo River in Victoria's northeast and planned to leave the region on March 26 The drone remains missing despite an extensive search that ended on April 6 without anyone finding a trace of them. Mr Hill had left his Drouin home on March 19 for a camping trip along the Dargo River in Victoria's northeast and planned to leave the region on March 26. Ms Clay, meanwhile, had told friends she was going away for a few days and expected to be home by March 28 or 29. Mr Hill had been a keen amateur radio enthusiast and made his last broadcast from the bush on March 20. 'This place is in the middle of nowhere,' the source said. 'It's just problematic in the extreme.' Police are now certain the couple died within 18 hours after Mr Hill's last message, as a passing hiker saw the burned-out campsite about 2pm the next day. Because the pair weren't due back until up to a week later, the alarm wasn't raised for days and precious time was lost. The police source said despite the delay in the missing person squad being brought into investigate the case, the fire ravaged camp site was thoroughly investigated at the time. In May, bizarre details emerged of an 'oddball loner' living in the Victorian Alps, who has been questioned over a number of mysterious disappearances. Known as 'Buttons' or ominously, 'the Button Man', the expert bushman became a person of interest after concerns about his odd behaviour was raised by locals. Personal belongings (circled) were left in Russell Hill's vehicle, which sustained fire damage when his tent went up in flames He is understood to have earned his nickname due to his hobby of using deer antlers to make buttons - which he then uses as large ear piercings. 'Being creepy is not illegal,' a police source has told Daily Mail Australia. A police source confirmed there was nothing to indicate the mysterious loner had killed the couple, but what happened to them remains unknown. 'We don't think they're in Queensland living (a secret) life. They're too old really to drop off the grid and why would they?' the source said. Police believe it is more likely than not that the pair met with foul play while out in the remote wilderness. The area itself is considered an ideal spot to commit murder. Phone reception is practically nil and unlike some other areas popular with hikers, the remote Wonnangatta Valley does not see a lot of foot or road traffic. While cold-blooded murder was an avenue of investigation, detectives remain open to all kinds of scenarios. 'There are a lot of people who go up there and do illegal stuff. Like people who go hunting in the national park and ride motorcycles. Has he had a dispute with one of them that turned bad?' the source said. Months of searches have found no trace of the pair. Detective Stamper believes if the pair were still in the valley, searchers would have found some evidence The pair had been carrying out a secret affair for years behind the back of Mr Hill's wife Robyn, who has described Ms Clay as a 'long time family friend'. While the relationship was largely hidden from Mr Hill's devastated wife, it has been well known to police since the pair were reported missing by Mrs Hill days after her husband last made contact via radio. When questioned about the couple's relationship in April, Victoria Police Missing Persons Squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper skirted around the question. 'It is delicate and we are being very respectful of both families wishes and concerns here,' he said at the time. 'Both of these people have large and loving families who are grieving at the moment, and they want answers about where their loved ones are.' While detectives probed the couple's relationship, it was quickly ruled out as a likely reason for their mysterious disappearance. Police are desperate for people who may have been in the area at the time to let them know so that they can be ruled out of the investigation. Detectives are also keen to learn if anyone may be hanging onto dash cam footage that could help identify other leads. It is understood the case remained 'very wide open'. 'It's a genuine mystery,' the source said. 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. Sybil Danby joined as Senior Vice President of Business Development & Strategy; Eileen Brett is the Vice President of Project Leadership; Dana Cipriano serves as Vice President of Testing and Analytical Services; and Emily Moran is Vice President of Viral Vector Manufacturing. Sybil Danby, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Strategy "Advanced therapies are the future of medicine, but their development has been stalled by a lack of functional manufacturing solutions and capacity. Unfortunately, existing manufacturing technologies that do well for large molecule products do not always translate to cell and gene therapies," said Danby. "The Center for Breakthrough Medicines is in a unique position, and we are working to fill those gaps for customers with the right technologies and the capacity to support their needs. We are building out total solutions for small to large scale development, clinical through commercial production, and testing under one roof with significant capacity." Ms. Danby applies extensive expertise across the large molecule and advanced therapies landscape to guide clients in the development and implementation of manufacturing strategies that best position them for commercial success. This technical acumen is also applied to translating industry trends into a business capability strategy that ensures the most innovative offerings are available to CBM clients. Prior to joining the Center for Breakthrough Medicines, Ms. Danby spent over three years with responsibility for the strategic business development of Paragon Bioservices, playing an active role in grooming the company for acquisition by Catalent Pharma Solutions for $1.2B in 2019. She previously spent two years at Pall Corporation as a driver of the development and sales of disruptive manufacturing technologies, and just under nine years at GSK in both the manufacturing and R&D organizations working on clinical and commercial monoclonal antibody products. Eileen Brett, Vice President of Project Leadership "At the Center for Breakthrough Medicines, we are daring to be different by bringing together top talent from world class biopharmaceutical companies, CDMOs and universities to create a campus community specializing in cell and gene therapies. We are taking the initiative to build highly collaborative teams with the brightest minds, all with the goal of delivering robust cell and gene therapies faster to patients," said Brett. "I truly believe the best thinking and innovation comes when diverse perspectives are heard. Thus, I'm inspired to create these forums and foster this culture, all in the interest of finding cures for some of the world's most challenging diseases." Ms. Brett has more than two decades of end-to-end project management and leadership experience for the development and manufacture of biotherapeutics, including cell and gene therapies. Most recently she was Head of the Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) Leaders organization for Janssen's Biotherapeutics Development with responsibility for delivering the portfolio of biotherapeutic assets from discovery to post-launch. Prior to that, Ms. Brett gained process engineering and project leadership experience with an Architect and Engineering firm designing and building biotech facilities, progressing from her early days in quality engineering. Dana Cipriano, Vice President of Testing and Analytical Services "As we build and grow the Center for Breakthrough Medicines, we are completing all due diligence with quality and compliance as the backbone of our offering. We have created a testing and analytical services program to support characterization, release, safety, and custom assay development methods for clinical and commercial CGT products," Cipriano commented. "We are also focused on building scalability into our testing services which will be pivotal in helping customers bring advanced medicines to patients to overcome devastating rare diseases and cancers." Ms. Cipriano is creating a testing and analytical services portfolio that enables efficient discovery, development, commercialization, and manufacturing of CGT products, supplying end-to-end solutions for CBM clients and enabling speed to market. Prior to this position, she was in leadership roles at Wuxi Advanced Therapies for two decades, most recently as Senior Director of Operations & Strategic Projects, tasked with directing GMP Laboratory Operations and processes, evolving technical strategic profiles and capital expansion projects for cell and gene therapy programs. Emily Moran, Vice President of Viral Vector Manufacturing "The Center for Breakthrough Medicines is poised to transform the advanced therapy manufacturing space as we know it by developing a foundation for innovation. High throughput capacity is optimized in robust processes that are designed to increase upstream productivity and full capsid recovery while remaining centered around quality and safety. Our capabilities include a diverse portfolio of industry proven solutions combined with trailblazing technology applied from process development through to clinical and commercial manufacturing," said Moran. "At CBM, we are thinking bigger about delivering reliable, efficient solutions to industrialize the complex processes needed for production of advanced therapies. Our end-to-end solutions in one location greatly simplify the supply chain and accelerate development." Ms. Moran is applying vast ability in commercial viral vector and biologics drug substance manufacturing and drug product filling to build an organization laser focused on First Time Right execution, lean operational efficiencies, and high-quality standards. Prior to joining CBM, Ms. Moran was Head of Viral Vector Manufacturing at Lonza delivering both clinical and commercial viral vector products from 50L-2000L scale across multiple modalities. Previously, Ms. Moran spent 12 years with Sanofi in applied operational and quality roles of increasing responsibility. "As the Center for Breakthrough Medicines progresses in realizing our goals of building the world's only comprehensive solution for end-to-end cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing, we are committed to advancing this industry," Audrey Greenberg, Co-founder, The Discovery Labs said. "We know that our success lies in being customer-centric and keeping the end customerpatientsin mind with each process. To this end, we are proud to have such exceptional female leaders on our team and will continue to recruit and build our team with diversity, inclusion, and the expertise needed to support customer success as fundamental drivers." The Center for Breakthrough Medicines The Center for Breakthrough Medicines (CBM) is a horizontally integrated cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) enabling advanced therapy development and commercialization. CBM seeks to accelerate the time to market and affordability of advanced therapies from discovery to commercialization with single source, end-to-end solutions. The ability to host pre-clinical translational research and process development and scale from bench to bedside in one place offers the opportunity for incubators, academics, researchers, and companies small to large to align with the most comprehensive manufacturing partner in the industry. The Discovery Labs The Discovery Labs is the first complete global platform for discovery, development, and delivery of life-changing science and technology. The Discovery Labs ecosystem supports several signature businesses including the Center for Breakthrough Medicines (CBM), the largest single-point cell and gene therapy (CGT) contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in the world, and Discovery Labs Real Estate which acquires and builds life science portfolios in global innovation hubs. Corporate Media Contact: Tony DeFazio, DeFazio Communications (o) 484-534-3306 (c) 484-410-1354 [email protected] SOURCE The Discovery Labs Save Mollem In what could be catastrophic for the Mollem ecosystem in Goa, the Centre has approved the diversion of 140 hectares of forest for South Western Railways double-tracking project. Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1) India Begins Second & Largest COVID Vaccination Drive, Around 27 Crore People To Be Vaccinated File Photo India, today embarked on the second and the largest phase of vaccination drive against Covid-19, which will reach out to around 27 crore of population aged above 60 or above 45 with co-morbid conditions. Read more 2) 'Will You Marry Her': Supreme Court Asks Man Accused Of Rape, Grants Protection From Arrest PTI In a rather appalling and regressive observation, the Supreme Court of India, today asked a public servant accused of rape if he will marry the minor he had sexually assaulted. Read more 3) PM Modi, Without Mask, Takes First Dose Of Made-In-India COVID Vaccine At AIIMS Reuters Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS here and appealed to all those who are eligible to get inoculated. Read more 4) CBI Finds 10 More Child Sexual Abuse Victims Of UP Engineer - Here's What Happened BCCL The CBI has found 10 more victims of alleged child sexual abuse by the now-suspended Uttar Pradesh Irrigation department junior engineer Ram Bhuwan. He is the alleged paedophile also accused of selling illicit videos involving kids on the dark web, officials said according to PTI. Read more 5) Handmade Dolls From MP's Tribal Heartland Jhabua To Soon Get GI Tag To Preserve Their Heritage Jhabua Tribal Dolls These unique dolls of Madhya Pradesh are the heritage of indigenous Bhil and Bhilala tribes in the bordering parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Read more Dubai, March 1 : The Hindu temple in Dubai will virtually celebrate the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival virtually this year in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, while the premises will be closed to prevent the spread of the virus, according to a media report. In a statement issued on Sunday, the management of the Gurudarbar Sindhi Temple said that it has decided to keep the temple doors closed on Maha Shivratri which falls on March 12, in line with the Covid-19 protocols, Gulf News reported. "We don't want thousands of people to gather and cause concerns about the spread of the virus. Hence, we decided to close the temple for celebrations by the public as a precautionary measure from our side to ensure safety and security of the community," a temple trustee told Gulf News. In view of the situation, the temple has arranged a virtual 'darshan' on the day. Devotees can visit the 'Hindu Temple Dubai' YouTube channel to watch the live streaming of the festival. According to the trustee, currently "the temple opens for half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening for conducting puja". Before the pandemic, some 50,000 to 60,000 worshippers thronged the temple during Shivratri. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text By Nidhi Verma and Aftab Ahmed NEW DELHI Reuters) - India's finance ministry is considering cutting excise duties on petrol and diesel to cushion the impact of record high domestic prices, three government officials close to the discussions said. A doubling in the price of crude oil over the past 10 months has contributed to record fuel prices at gas stations in India. But taxes and duties account for roughly 60% of the retail price of petrol and diesel in the country, the world's third biggest consumer of crude oil. As the coronavirus pandemic hit economic activity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government twice raised taxes on petrol and diesel in the last 12 months to boost sagging tax revenues instead of passing on the benefits of low oil prices last year to consumers. India's Finance Ministry has now started consultations with some states, oil companies and the oil ministry to find the most effective way to lower the tax burden on consumers without federal finances taking a big hit, the sources said. "We are discussing ways in which prices can be kept stable. We will be able to take a view of the issue by mid-March," said one of the sources. The sources, who asked not to be named as the deliberations are private, said the government wants oil prices to stabilise before cutting taxes, as it does not want to be forced to change the tax structure again, should crude prices rise further. India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently said: "I can't say when we will reduce taxes on fuel, but (the) centre and states have to talk to reduce fuel taxes". India's Finance Ministry and oil ministry did not respond to an email requesting comment. The high fuel prices have prompted some Indian states to cut state-level taxes on petrol and diesel to rein in prices. Graphic: Higher Taxes: Soaring retail prices of gasoline and gasoil in India - https://graphics.reuters.com/INDIA-OIL/qmyvmwroavr/Pasted%20image%201614601101171.png Another one of the sources said a decision on fuel taxes may only be made following a meeting of OPEC and major oil producers, also known as OPEC+, later this week. Story continues "There is an expectation that OPEC+ would agree to ease oil output curbs, we hope oil prices will stabilise after their decision," this source said. India has called on OPEC+ to ease production cuts as higher crude prices are hitting fuel demand in Asia's third largest economy and are contributing to inflation. The high fuel prices could also affect Modi's popularity ahead of state assembly polls in four states in March and April. Modi and India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are already facing their biggest political challenge in years with tens of thousands of farmers protesting against three farm laws passed by his government in 2020. The federal government and states together raised some 5.56 trillion rupees ($75.22 billion) in revenues from the petroleum sector in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, based on government data. In the nine months of this fiscal year (April-December 2020), contributions from the sector were about 4.21 trillion rupees, despite a significant decline in local fuel demand, the data showed. Graphic: Indian exchequer gets over a third of its revenue from petroleum sector - https://graphics.reuters.com/INDIA-OIL/bdwpknmedvm/Pasted%20image%201614608433303.png (Editing by Euan Rocha and Jane Merriman) If you asked IT and business executives to name some of the items on their lists of priorities for this year, there's a good chance "add more automation" would be one of them. Automating processes to complete tasks more quickly and accurately and at the same time reduce costs, has taken on even greater significance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Technologies such as robotic process engineering (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and others are gaining traction in many enterprises as they look to achieve their automation goals. [ Inside AI ebook: Artificial intelligence in the enterprise ] An emerging concept that combines these tools to help organizations create broader automation capabilities, called hyperautomation, might just end up being one of the more significant technology trends this year. What is hyperautomation? The term was coined by research firm Gartner, which defines hyperautomation as the application of advanced technologies, AI and ML, to increasingly automate processes and augment humans. Hyperautomation extends across a range of tools that can be automated, the firms says, but it also refers to the sophistication of the automation. "Business-driven hyperautomation is a disciplined approach that organizations use to rapidly identify, vet, and automate as many business and IT processes as possible," the firm says in a December 2020 report on hyperautomation. "Hyperautomation involves the orchestrated use of multiple technologies, tools or platforms." In addition, to AI, ML, and RPA, hyperautomation might also encompass an event-driven software architecture, intelligent business process management suite, integration platform as a service, natural language processing, low-code tools, and other types of decision, process, and task automation tools. It can also involve established enterprise applications such as enterprise resource planning (ERP). Among the common use cases for hyperautomation are customer onboarding, order taking, payments, and customer data updates, which are typically highly manual, Gartner says. Other common uses might include regulatory compliance, employee onboarding, product tracking across supply chain systems for retail and manufacturing, and tracking for transportation and logistics. Hyperautomation has been "trending at an unrelenting pace" over the past few years, Gartner says, mainly because of a pent-up demand for operationally resilient business processes. Organizations have a tremendous amount of "collective" debttechnical, process, data, architecture, talent, and socialthat significantly affects their value proposition and brand, it says. "The cause is an extensive and expensive set of business processes underpinned by a patchwork of technologies that are often not optimized, lean, connected, consistent, or explicit," the firms says. Senior business executives want a path to digital operational excellence, which creates demand for speed, efficacy, and democratization of process automation and data integration, Gartner says, and this has triggered an enormous backlog of requests from business stakeholders for automation using one or more technologies. The pandemic has accelerated a "default is digital" requirement, the firm says, with many employees needing to work from home and digital customer service becoming a necessity. Companies today need resilience, efficiency, agility, and productivity, and the digital transformations that deliver these capabilities rely on automation. An example of the concept in action might be a hyperautomation platform that helps a bank better manage cash on hand that was previously measured manually daily or weekly, says Kevin Martelon, consultant and automation partnership manager at Saggezza, a global IT consultancy. This would increase the scope and quality of financial measures that reach executives and inform decisions, potentially uncovering a market opportunity that may have been inaccessible before, he says. "This can be applied in much the same way to assess loan default risk with more dynamic and time-relevant inputs," Martelon says. "Imagine a world where most if not all loan offerings are priced or approvedand expected to beat more or less real-time. That's progress." While the most mature use of hyperautomation is in a growth stage today, the concept is well understood and highly visible mostly across industrial and commercial sectors, Martelon says. "It is safe to say that hyperautomation is on the rise on the basis of strategic value, but the true realization of this concept has yet to be seen," Martelon says. "It is also important to note that organizations at the leading edge of their respective domain, whether in terms of market capitalization or product development, will be the first to realize the full benefits of this approach." Gartner's affinity for the concept has spurred increased interest in hyperautomation outside of "best fit" industry such as financial services, logistics, and manufacturing, Martelon says. Saggezza sees that the organizations adopting hyperautomation as a strategic approach, regardless of their maturity level in terms of the related technologies, are mainly doing so to gain the ability to make progressively faster business decisions with higher quality data. They also want to increase their use of existing IT investments in AI, ML, and automation platforms including business process management systems. And they want to create a "future-forward" enterprise where IT and the business both see positive results, Martelon says. Gartner, which listed hyperautomation as the number one strategic technology trend for 2020, estimates that more than 70% of large commercial organizations have dozens of hyperautomation initiatives underway. What can hyperautomation do for organizations? Hyperautomation can lead to enhanced processes through more effective automation, which in turn can lead to reduced costs. Gartner predicts that by 2024, organizations will lower their operational costs by 30% by combining hyperautomation technologies with redesigned operational processes. Hyperautomation can bring organizations a number of other benefits. Particularly for organizations that are new to the concept, Martelon says, it can help deliver a tangible, documented understanding of current organizational processes. And it can create a working environment where essential human resources have digital "helpers" to perform manual and tedious work. One of the more intriguing benefits is the possibility of having digital twins to test organizational changes. Organizations create digital twins, virtual representations of entities such as assets, systems, devices, processes, and people, to support business objectives. Consulting firm Deloitte has projected that the global market for digital twin technology will see a compound annual growth rate of 38 percent, reaching $16 billion by 2023. The rise of digital twins coincides with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), according to Gartner. It says many organizations that either have IoT solutions in production or projects in progress already use digital twins or plan to use them within the next few years. Digital twins are becoming more popular because they have capabilities that significantly decrease the complexity of IoT ecosystems while increasing efficiency, the firm says. Although it's not the main goal of hyperautomation, it often results in the creation of a digital twin of the organization (DTO), which enables the organization to visualize how functions, processes, and key performance indicators interact to drive value, according to Gartner. The DTO then becomes a vital part of the hyperautomation process, providing real-time, continuous intelligence about the organization and driving significant business opportunities, it says. AIMultiple, a research firm focused on AI issues, cites numerous potential use cases for digital twin applications in various industries. For example, in manufacturing digital twins can help engineers test the feasibility of emerging products before they are launched; or enable companies to design various permutations of products so that they can offer personalized versions to customers. Manufacturers can also use digital twins to predict potential downtimes of machinery and improve the overall efficiency of machines. In healthcare, digital twins can help providers virtualize the healthcare experience to optimize patient care, reduce cost, and increase performance, the firm says. They can improve the operational efficiency of healthcare operations by creating a digital twin of a hospital, operational strategies, staffing, and care models to help examine the operational performance of the organization; or improve personalized care by enabling providers and pharmaceuticals companies to model the genome code, physiological characteristics, and lifestyle of patients, so that healthcare companies can provide personalized care such as unique drugs for each patient. In retail, merchants can create digital twins of customer personas to improve the customer experience delivered in stores or online. They can provide ideal clothing products to customers based on their digital twin models, for instance. Companies should plan to incorporate digital twins into their product development strategies, especially if they deal with asset-intensive industries or work in IoT, or risk losing clear business opportunities in their markets, Gartner says. They should build maps of how digital twins can contribute to short-term and long-term revenue strategies, and use these maps to monetize the full revenue potential of digital twins, the firm says. Overcoming the hurdles Organizations interested in deploying hyperautomation need to be aware of and address challenges and requirements they might face as they plan out and execute their strategies. Before even starting the move, they need to know exactly where they stand in terms of existing automation solutions. "Engage with [a] hyperautomation strategy specific to your level of automation maturity," Martelon says. "We need to know but also assess or confirm our level of automation maturity before reasonably engaging in a hyperautomation journey." IT and business executives need to understand that hyperautomation involves considerable effort for organizations that have lots of manual processes, Martelon says. "Consider taking a 'step' on your hyperautomation journey before a 'leap'; you will get there," he says. To that end, organizations should consider approaching hyperautomation in phases to better capture return on investment. Stakeholders, whether in IT or the lines of business, need to work together as they map out the strategy. "Automation project or program work requires a high level of alignment to succeed," Martelon says. Once hyperautomation tools and processes are in place, it's important to measure initial outputs to better understand whether the projects are working as expected and pivot if needed. "This is an inherently positive way to address change, and will allow you to create an effective and visible way to approach your hyperautomation journey," Martelon says. These are all "critically important" steps for any organization looking to succeed with hyperautomation, Martelon says. "These practices are structured in much the same way as a project or piece of work is delivered, and this is intentional as they capture a holistic approach" to hyperautomation," he says. Gartner has several recommendations for organizations looking to succeed with hyperautomation. These include planning for a mandate that everything that can be automated will be; using automation to optimize and accelerate experimentation of new value streams; demanding holistic mapping of collective initiatives, rather than islands of task automation; prioritizing IT investments based on an iterative multi-year journey involving many business-driven hyperautomation initiatives; architecting and planning for multiple concurrent initiatives to drive operational resiliency, efficiency, agility and productivity; and using fusion teams throughout the iterative process of designing, building, scaling, and governing a hyperautomation roadmap. For many companies, the effort put into hyperautomation will be well worth it, given the possible benefits. It seems to be a natural progression for organizations deploying tools such as AI and RPA. "Hyperautomation is irreversible and inevitable," Gartner states in its report on the market. "Everything that can be automated will be automated. Competitive pressures for efficiency, efficacy, and business agility are forcing organizations to address back-, middle- and front-office operations. Organizations that resist the pressures will struggle to remain competitive or to differentiate." And the sense of urgency in building more automation into business models might increase as organizational look to improve processes further and take advantage of post-COVID-19 opportunities in digital business. Consumers are more open to buying products and services online, or making their purchases at physical locations via contactless technology. Employees have adjusted to working from remote locations. Supply chains need to be more agile than ever. Automation can support all of these areas as well as others. As IoT and edge computing become bigger components of IT strategies, automation can also play a big role. Businesses that ignore opportunities to automate might find themselves losing out to competitors that take automation to the highest levels. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Mar, 2021) The NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery has announced the formation of a new "Teen Council" - a programme that aims to encourage greater dialogue with the UAEs younger generation and promote their active participation in the arts. Consisting of six members between the ages of 13 to 18, the Teen Council will become trusted advisors to The Art Gallery and provide input on upcoming exhibitions and public programmes. The council members will be consulted regularly on the gallerys planned events and projects. They will also have the opportunity to work alongside The NYUAD Art Gallerys education team to organise one online event in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in developing an educational program from the conceptual stage to realisation. Commenting on the inaugural of the council, Alaa Edris, Assistant Director of Publications and Education at The NYUAD Art Gallery, said, "Since The NYUAD Art Gallerys inception in 2014, we have strived to become a locus of intellectual and creative activity where local communities, and especially the youth, can experiment with, and experience, the arts in a collaborative way whilst contributing to the regions growing art and cultural ecosystem. "We are thrilled to be finally able to bring the Teen Council to life; we believe that it is vital to work with younger generations to welcome fresh ideas and perspectives that will shape the future direction of our sector in the years to come." Aspiring candidates should be UAE nationals or residents with a genuine interest in arts. Successful applicants will be expected to commit to participating in virtual meetings throughout the academic year and serving the council until August 2021, with the option to have their service extended up to a maximum of three years. Sebastian Grube, Community Engagement and Marketing Officer at The NYUAD Art Gallery, commented, "The creation of the Teen Council is a great opportunity to check the pulse of the younger generation. We believe that in order to advance the arts sector and ensure that we remain highly relevant and forward-thinking, we must give the nations inspiring teenagers a voice." Candidates can be nominated or self-nominated by completing a form. Following an initial review of the applications, The NYUAD Art Gallery team will select and invite shortlisted nominees to attend virtual interviews before selecting six members to join the council. The programme is scheduled to start at the beginning of April. It's been three years since Tamale-based musician, Fancy Gadam, saw four of his fans die in an accident and he says he has still not gotten over the incident. The four were part of a large group of diehard fans who were at the Tamale Airport to welcome Nigerian artiste Patoranking for Fancy Gadams big concert at the Tamale Stadium. The incident led to the cancellation of the concert and a ban on events in the area for some time. And speaking with Graphic Showbiz, Fancy Gadam said he was still haunted by the deaths. Since the incident, I have been through difficult times including going through a lot of counselling. I had more than four counsellors talking to me for more than a year. Although I didnt fall into depression, I had so many things running through my mind and I dont think I can get over it and totally erase it from my mind, he said. According to Fancy Gadam, who has been very quiet on the music scene for some time, he gave up on music but it took his management and some close friends to convince him to return. I didnt want to have anything to do with music, the reason nothing has been heard from me in a while. I was still dealing with the situation and I wish it had never happened because I dont joke with my fans and seeing four of them die was a big blow to me, he said. He explained that the persistent calls and messages from his fans about when he is coming back with a new song is the second reason he decided to come back to music. These are fans who were there for me when I was nobody. They show me love every day and it will not be right for me to just forget about music and just leave them there but if I had my own way, I would just quit music for good and concentrate on other things, he said. Asked when he is coming out with something new, Fancy Gadam, who has songs such as Formula, Total Cheat, Antidote, Ma Baby and Customer and has worked with musicians including Sarkodie, Medikal, Patoranking, Kwesi Arthur and Kofi Mole, said he is almost ready with an EP. My EP is almost ready and the fans are going to love it. I took my time to work on the EP and trust me I have the best artistes featured on it. Coronavirus or not, I am going to break through this year, he said. Source: Graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. President Joe Bidens statement Sunday supporting workers looking to form unions - which specifically mentioned Alabama - is being hailed as an unprecedented statement by a chief executive on labor relations. Ive never heard a president make that kind of direct statement, going back to FDR, said Michael Innis-Jimenez, a professor of American Studies at the University of Alabama. Its a direct statement, especially mentioning Alabama, and to be centered around the Alabama Amazon organizing drive, is pretty impressive. Its right in line with Bidens policies, but other presidents who have been union friendly have not been this direct. In a two-minute video address, Biden said that over the next few weeks workers in Alabama and all across America are voting on whether to organize a union in their workplace. This is vitally important... Here is full coverage of the Alabama Amazon unionization effort Though Biden never mentioned Amazon directly, the statement obviously alluded to an ongoing union vote at Amazons Bessemer fulfillment center, where ballots went out last month to more than 5,000 employees. Votes will be counted March 30 to see if employees want to organize with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Today, Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted out a message similar to Bidens: There is dignity in all work. And when people can join together in unions, free from interference, every worker is more respected and protected. @POTUS and I support union workers and those working to unionize, in Alabama and across America. Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 1, 2021 The presidents statement came a week after more than three dozen labor organizations wrote a letter to Biden seeking that he publicly support the union push in Alabama. One of the most important things a president can do to help working people is to have their backs when they challenge corporate power, providing public support to the idea that Americans have a right to bargain collectively for better working conditions, the letter stated. Benjamin Sachs, professor of labor and industry at Harvard Law School, recalled how labor unions during the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration had a slogan, The President wants you to join a union. Sachs said even recent Democratic presidents, while showing nominal support for unions, have not put out similar statements to Bidens. I think it signals that this administration is taking workers rights, union rights and the relationship between economic justice and racial justice extremely seriously, Sachs said. I think this is a welcome return to a presidential administration supporting what our labor law aims to ensure, which is that workers really are free to choose a union. In The Washington Post, Erik Loomis, a labor historian at the University of Rhode Island, called Bidens statement unprecedented in American history. Biden, on the campaign trail, promised to be the most pro-union president youve ever seen. Innis-Jimenez said it was particularly noteworthy in that Biden didnt simply give vocal support to unions. This is a rallying call, making sure that not only workers understand that its their right, but that any intimidation is illegal. It seems to be putting employers on notice, he said. In his address, Biden seemed to allude to allegations made against Amazon by union organizers, saying, there should be no intimidation, no coercion, no threats, no anti-union propaganda. No supervisor should confront employees about their union preferences. But the aesthetics of the address were important as well, Innis-Jimenez said. Biden spoke by video instead of releasing a statement, with the presidential seal behind him. The video was released as sharable content on social media. And by not mentioning Amazon directly, he was able to keep the message positive. He could have put out a statement and it would have been another press release, he said. Its technically neutral. Hes not picking on one company. Theres no reason to mention Amazon because he mentions Alabama. I think he wanted to make it clear that it was beyond one organizing drive. If it had mentioned the company, it would have been a negative. Instead, its all about what unions can do for workers. MONTREAL - CAE Inc. announced a deal Monday with U.S. company L3Harris Technologies to buy the company's military training business for US$1.05 billion. The CAE headquarters is seen Thursday, May 14, 2009 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson MONTREAL - CAE Inc. announced a deal Monday with U.S. company L3Harris Technologies to buy the company's military training business for US$1.05 billion. The L3Harris military training business includes Link Simulation & Training, Doss Aviation and AMI. "We are adding new customers, experience on new platforms and building our depth of expertise to address all domains air, land, sea, space and cyber as well as expanding into adjacent markets such as mission and operations support," CAE chief executive Marc Parent said in a statement. "This proposed transaction will provide greater balance to CAE across businesses and geographies, and like our recent acquisitions in the civil aviation market, it demonstrates our focus on bolstering and expanding our position in the markets we serve." CAE said the L3Harris businesses will add experience in the development and delivery of training systems for fighter and bomber aircraft, army rotary-wing platforms, submarines and remotely piloted aircraft. CAE has announced several acquisitions in recent months. In December, CAE signed an agreement to buy Merlot Aero Ltd., a leading civil aviation crew management and optimization software company, while in November it announced a deal for Amsterdam-based Flight Simulation Company BV. CAE also signed a deal in November with Textron to buy TRU Simulation + Training Canada Inc. To help pay for the L3Harris deal, CAE will raise C$700 million in an agreement with Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and GIC Private Ltd., a sovereign wealth fund based in Singapore. CDPQ has agreed to invest $475 million in CAE in a move that it says will make it the company's largest shareholder, while GIC will contribute $225 million. The closing of the acquisition is expected in the second half of this year, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:CAE) Health Minister on Monday said that he did not need vaccination against as he has a "high antibody count". His comments came as the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine drive was rolled out in the country for those above 60 years of age and above 45 years with comorbidities. "Today vaccination drive is beginning for the general public. Everyone should get it without any hesitation. "I cannot receive the vaccine because after being infected my antibody count is currently 300, which is quite high. Maybe the trial vaccine I had taken also had a role to play. I do not need the vaccine at this moment," Vij said in a tweet in Hindi. The minister had voluntarily taken a dose of Bharat Biotech's vaccine 'Covaxin' at a hospital in Ambala on November 20 last year. He had offered to be the first volunteer for the third phase trial of Covaxin, which had started in Antibodies in the human body develop only after 14 days of getting the second dose. However, after the jab he tested positive for on December5 last year and was hospitalised. He had later clarified that he had received only the first shot of the two-dose Covaxin. Meanwhile, Vij launched the next phase of COVID-19 vaccination in the state on Monday. He said that in this phase the vaccine will be administered in 386 private hospitals empanelled under state government and the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The COVID-19 vaccine will be administered free of cost in all government hospitals of the state, while its cost will be Rs 250 in the said private hospitals, Vij said The cost of Rs 250 includes Rs 150 as charges for the vaccine and Rs 100 as service charges of hospitals, he said. The minister on Monday addressed all civil surgeons, directors of private hospitals on the panel through video-conferencing, an official release said here. He directed the civil surgeons to carefully monitor the maintenance of cold chains in all hospitals. Besides, Vij asked them to ensure that private hospitals are adhering to the price fixed by the central government and these hospitals refrain from overcharging so that the beneficiaries are administered the vaccine on time at the prescribed rate. He said that so far about 70 per cent of health workers and more than 50 per cent of frontline workers have been already been vaccinated in the state. Along with this, frontline workers like employees of urban local bodies, sanitation workers, police personnel, civil defence workers, jail staff, panchayati raj institutions and staff of revenue department are being administered the vaccine,he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), harness racings leading group of industry communicators, held its annual Directors and Membership meetings on Feb. 20 and 21 virtually using the Zoom technology, as the groups annual weekend including these meetings and culminating in the Dan Patch Awards banquet had to be cancelled due to the health pandemic. Dan Patch award winners were honoured through a virtual Dan Patch Awards program before a Saturday night card at The Meadowlands in January. That effort was chaired by Gordon Waterstone, and was brought to fruition largely through the efforts of Jason Settlemoir, Jeff Gural, and many members of The Meadowlands communications office. The show was watched through The Meadowlands signal, and through a number of USHWA and other social media platforms, which generated much viewing and engagement. The loss of the Dan Patch Awards Banquet will mean that USHWA will not make a profit in 2021, since the sponsorships and Souvenir Journal ads, the main sources of USHWA income, will not be available. However 2021s situation comes after five straight years of profit for the organization, during which it doubled its cash position, largely through the efforts of Barry Lefkowitz, Tom Hicks, and others. The transition of the meetings from live to virtual was a long and difficult process, but the end result was a generally-positive process in which 26 Directors and over 70 members took part. Credit for much of the needed research and co-ordination goes to USHWA president Kim Rinker, host of the meetings, and meetings facilitator Debbie Little. The annual process of discussing and voting on changes to the associations By-Laws and Rules and Regulations was orderly this year, whereas in some years there was long and heated debate on some topics. Voters expressed their views through discussion and then through the Zoom systems voting capacity, and after amendments, all of the changes passed by a large margin. Elections of officers were held during the Membership meeting. Kim Rinker, administrator of the Ohio Standardbred Development Fund, was returned as USHWA President. Kim French, editor of the United States Trotting Associations Hoof Beats magazine, was elected to the Vice President post. USHWA Immediate past president Shawn Wiles, executive director of Racing/Facilities at Monticello Raceway, remained Chairman of the Board by USHWA by-law. Bill MacDonald, controller of a Maine construction firm and a leading disseminator of Maine harness racing information for many years, received the nod as USHWAs treasurer. Jerry Connors, freelance writer and a member of the Communicators Hall of Fame, was voted secretary for the 20th consecutive year. (USHWA) HARRISBURG, Pa., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today is launching a new home purchase assistance loan that is "Forgivable In Ten years," hence its name K-FIT. The loan will be used to assist homebuyers with their down payment and closing costs. K-FIT is a forgivable second loan, with 10% forgiven each year over 10 years. As a result, no monthly payment is required. "Experience shows that down payment and closing costs are two of the biggest barriers to homeownership that buyers face," said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. "For those homebuyers who qualify, our new K-FIT loan eliminates or reduces those hurdles and will help make homeownership achievable for many families." PHFA's mission is to expand affordable housing opportunities throughout Pennsylvania. The K-FIT purchase assistance loan helps fulfill that mission by assisting low- and moderate-income renters who want to become homeowners. Homebuyer education that is provided by PHFA-approved counselors at no cost to homebuyers helps prepare them for the financial responsibilities of homeownership. The new K-FIT purchase assistance loan may only be paired with PHFA's Keystone Home Loan (KHL) program. Conventional, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Rural Development (RD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) financing options are available. (For RD and VA financing, K-FIT may only be used to cover closing costs.) A K-FIT loan provides 5% of the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value with no maximum dollar amount. For instance, if the price of a home is $215,000, the buyer may receive $10,750 in K-FIT loan assistance to be used toward the transaction. A borrower applying for a K-FIT loan may not have liquid assets greater than $50,000 after deducting the funds to close on the loan. All borrowers requesting K-FIT funds must have a minimum FICO score of 660. Borrowers obtaining K-FIT funds must complete homebuyer education counseling regardless of their credit score. During the pandemic, that counseling may be completed remotely and does not have to be done face-to-face. To be approved for a K-FIT loan, all borrowers must be eligible for the KHL program and meet the K-FIT loan program eligibility requirements. Homebuyers wanting more information about the new K-FIT home purchase assistance loan can visit PHFA's website at: www.phfa.org/programs/assistance.aspx (see the second bullet). They also can call the agency's Customer Solutions Center toll-free at 1-855-U-Are-Home (827-3466). Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Callers can also leave a message and request a call-back. About PHFA The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $15.1 billion of funding for more than 181,660 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 138,000 rental units, distributed more than $121 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of nearly 50,400 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board. Media contact: Scott Elliott 717-649-6522 (cell) SOURCE Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Related Links www.phfa.org One person was killed, and another critically injured during a reported robbery in Auburn Sunday afternoon. The shooting happened sometime after 4 p.m. at a home in the 300 block of White Street. According to police and the Lee County Coroners Office, officers were dispatched on a report of shots fire. They arrived to find two males suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims was taken to East Alabama Medical Center where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 5 p.m. The other victim was airlifted Columbus Piedmont Midtown Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities said the homeowner on White Street told investigators the two males tried to rob them, and he defended himself. Auburn police said the shooting was not random and there was no known threat to the public. The victims names have not yet been released. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Auburn police at 334-501-3140, the Auburn Police tip line at 334-246-1391, or the Lee County Coroner Secret Witness line at 334-742-4339. W Dubai The Palm has launched a nationwide competition, giving aspiring up and coming designers - and eco warriors - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design the brands most recognized and famous silhouette, the W Monument. Known as one of Dubais leading lifestyle hotels, W Dubai The Palm has announced an incredible design challenge, asking designers to unlock their artistic skills and showcase their creative flair, to be in with a chance of designing the hotels second W Monument. Aiming to uncover creative potential, the hotel is seeking designs with a sustainable approach, to help continue the brands legacy of caring for the environment and its communities. With the famous monument set to be located along W Dubai The Palms pristine beachfront, set against spectacular views of Dubai skyline, creative candidates will have until the May 1, 2021 to submit their design concepts. Peter Katusak-Huzsvar, GM at W Dubai- The Palm, said: Every one of our W properties across the world is unique, and here at W Dubai The Palm, we take great pride in the modern innovations and initiatives we have undertaken, to play our part in being a greener and more sustainable hotel. Creative industries are playing an increasingly prominent role in the cultural development of Dubai. We are ecstatic to be launching this competition for the citys up and coming, designers as a platform for them to showcase their talent. The winner will be announced on May 20, 2021 and will be rewarded with a 3-night, all-inclusive stay in the hotels biggest room, the E-WOW suite- in addition to their creative masterpiece being displayed along the hotels beach. They will also be given a 12-month membership to the pool and beach, plus the opportunity to work with the Escape team on future design projects. TradeArabia News Service BANK of Ireland has confrimed it will close seven of its branches across Limerick city and county. The closures come after the lender disclosed an underlying loss of 374m for 2020, with Covid-19 a significant factor. The pillar bank said it hopes to return to profitability in the second half of this year. Bank of Ireland, which has one of the countrys largest branch networks, has said 103 will go from its outlets across the island of Ireland. Some 88 branches will close in the Republic, with the remainder in Northern Ireland. In rural Limerick, branches set to cease trading at located in Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Rathkeale and Bruff. While in the city, the outlets which will no longer operate are in Caherdavin, Roxboro and at the University of Limerick. Bank of Ireland said it had agreed a new partnership with An Post which will offer its customers services at more than 900 locations across Ireland. This will include over the counter cash and cheque lodgements and cash withdrawals, with longer weekday opening hours than traditional bank branches as well as Saturday opening. It said the closing Bank of Ireland branches all have a post office within, on average, less than 500 metres. But it now means just five of the bank's branches remain in Limerick - the main city branch in 125 O'Connell Street, O'Connell Street, Dooradoyle, Kilmallock, Newcastle West and the branch just off the campus at the University of Limerick. Bank of Ireland said there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of today's decision to close branches nationwide. A WOMAN who led gardai on a high-speed pursuit across two counties while streaming it live on social media has been arrested. The chase involving up to 20 garda cars began in north Dublin and went along the M50 down towards Wicklow. Gardai had earlier attempted to stop the Mercedes vehicle when it took off at speed. During the pursuit, which lasted for nearly an hour, the woman streamed videos of her being chased by gardai while driving the vehicle. In different clips posted on social media she is singing along to songs playing on the radio, while in another she is shouting expletives at the pursuing gardai. At one stage the chase went as far as the N11 near Bray, before the suspect car drove back in the Dublin direction. The 24-year-old woman has since been arrested in Ballymun in relation to road traffic offences. At one point a helicopter from the Air Support Unit and around 20 vehicles, including 4x4s from the Armed Support Units (ASU), were involved in the chase. One source said: This was an extremely reckless incident which put every road user she encountered at risk, not to mention the gardai involved. Gardai said they are investigating an incident of dangerous driving that took place in the Ballymun area of Dublin. A garda spokesman said: "The incident began at 5.55pm when a car failed to stop for Gardai. The driver of this car, a woman aged in her 20s, was later arrested for dangerous driving at Hampton Wood Drive in Ballymun at 6.50pm. "The woman is currently detained at Ballymun Garda station. No injuries have been 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. Gordon Elliott was banned on Monday from having runners in Britain while Irish authorities investigate the shocking picture of the trainer sitting on a dead horse while talking on his mobile phone. The dramatic move by the British Horseracing Authority throws a huge question mark over Elliotts entries at the Cheltenham Festival, which starts two weeks today. They include his dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll and unbeaten Envoi Allen, hot favourite for the Marsh Novices Chase. Gordon Elliott has apologised after a photo appeared to show him sitting on a dead horse Elliott is being investigated by the Irish authorities after the image was posted on social media The BHA described their decision as proportionate in these circumstances. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have so far given no indication when a disciplinary hearing might be held as they continue their probe into the damaging image that was circulated widely on social media last weekend. The BHA said in a statement last night: The action taken by the BHA recognises that Mr Elliott is licensed in Ireland, whose regulatory body is carrying out its own investigation. However, Mr Elliott has entered horses to race in Britain, from which point the British Rules of Racing apply to him. The 42-year-old has trained 147 winners this season but is now unable to enter British races The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to run in Britain is therefore an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances. BHA STATEMENT ON BRITISH RACE BAN The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to race horses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend. The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions. The BHA, which regulates racing in Britain, will use powers under its own rules to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation. The action taken by the BHA recognises that Mr Elliott is licensed in Ireland, whose regulatory body, the IHRB, is carrying out its own investigation. However, Mr Elliott has entered horses to race in Britain, from which point the British Rules of Racing apply to him. The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to run in Britain is therefore an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances. In an earlier statement, the BHA said it was appalled by the image which undermined its values of respecting and caring for horses. Advertisement The move heaps pressure on the IHRB to swiftly investigate the circumstances surrounding the picture and take action. Earlier on Monday, the BHA had said they were appalled by the image, adding: We expect all those in our sport to demonstrate respect for horses wherever they have them in their care. People who work in our industry believe their values of caring for and respecting our horses have been deeply undermined by this behaviour. On their behalf, and on behalf of all horse-lovers, we say loudly that British horseracing finds this totally unacceptable. Elliott had seven winners at last years Cheltenham Festival to take his career tally to 32. The trainers initial explanation that he had inadvertently sat down on the dead horse to take the phone call merely fanned the flames of the furore, despite his apology. Last night he showed more contrition in a damage-limitation interview, telling the Racing Post the incident was a moment of madness that I am going to have to spend the rest of my life paying for and that my staff are suffering for. He added: I will be punished, I fully understand that. But it absolutely breaks my heart to read and hear people say that I have no respect for my horses. That couldnt be further from the truth. My whole life has revolved around horses since I was a child. Horses are all I have. I came from nothing and built a dream. When your world starts crumbling in front of you, its a scary place to be. I just hope people can understand how truly sorry I am and find some way to forgive me. Betting firm Betfair were the first to act on Monday, dispensing with Elliotts services as an ambassador. The National Trainers Federation were also strong in their condemnation, saying their members were outraged and disgusted by Elliotts actions. Envoi Allens owners, the British-based Cheveley Park Stud, had indicated they would wait until the outcome of the IHRB investigation was complete before saying whether they will continue to have horses in his stable. Elliott said horse welfare is 'paramount' to him and denied claims that the photo was 'callous' The BHAs move might force them to act quicker and potentially move their horses to another stable if they want them to take part at Cheltenham. Speaking on Sunday, Elliott said the photo dated back to 'some time ago' and denied suggestions his actions had been 'callous', stressing that he was caught off-guard after receiving a phone call. 'I would like to address the speculation and rumours that have been rife since an old photo of me began circulating on social media yesterday afternoon,' he wrote in a statement. 'Firstly, I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra. 'The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth. Timing could not be worse given the proximity of Cheltenham Festival, starting on March 16 'At what was a sad time, which it is when any horse under my care passes away, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned. 'I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished.' Elliott hit out at 'falsehoods and misinformation' around the picture on social media but said he put horse welfare first and would continue to co-operate with the investigation. 'Such background information may seem trivial at this time and will not allay the concerns of many people both within and outside the world of horse racing,' he added. 'However, I feel it is important to provide people with some context surrounding this photo. To the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by this image I cannot apologise enough. 'Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely at the core of everything we do here and both myself and all of my team pride ourselves on those standards. 'Again I apologise for any offence caused and ask people to consider this statement as opposed to the various falsehoods and misinformation being circulated on social media.' Elliott's stock has soared thanks to Tiger Roll's successive victories in the Grand National Elliott did receive backing from the Gigginstown Stud of Ryanair boss Michael OLeary, who is estimated to own 40 per cent of the horses at the Cullentra Stables, despite the trainer confirming last night that the horse in the photo was the Gigginstown-owned Morgan, who died in 2019. A statement issued on behalf of OLeary and his racing manager brother Eddie described the image as unacceptable, but they added: We accept that this was a grievous but momentary lapse of judgment by Gordon, and not in keeping with our 15-year experience of his concern for and attention to the welfare of our horses. 'We all make mistakes, and what is important is that we learn from them and ensure we do not repeat them. We accept Gordons sincere, profound and unreserved apology and we will continue to support him and his team as they work to recover from this deeply regrettable incident. It was Elliotts 43rd birthday on Monday and on the racecourse it was business as usual as he had four winners at the meeting at Punchestown. There will have been no celebration. Until recent years, Bulgarias telecoms market was affected by the countrys difficult macroeconomic climate, as well as by relatively high unemployment and a shrinking population. These factors contributed to steadily declining revenue across the sector until strong recovery returned in 2018. There remains pressure on revenue growth, with consumers continuing to migrate from fixed-line voice telephony to mobile and VoIP alternatives, while the volume of SMS and MMS traffic has been affected by the growing use of alternative OTT messaging services. The mature mobile market has effective competition between A1 Bulgaria, Telenor Bulgaria (sold to the PPF Group in August 2018) and the incumbent telco Vivacom. Competition intensified following the implementation of a streamlined mobile number portability process. In addition, customer preference for bundled services has put pressure on pricing and encouraged operators to offer generous voice and data packages. This in turn has impacted on operator revenue. Vivacom was sold to United Group in April 2020, following European Commission approval. The company is investing in network upgrades and its development of services based on 5G has stimulated other market players to invest in their own service provision. A1 Bulgaria and Vivacom both launched commercial 5G services in 2020. The broadband market in Bulgaria enjoys excellent cross-platform competition. The share of the market held by DSL has fallen steadily as a result of customers being migrated to fibre networks, particularly those operated by the incumbent telco Vivacom. By early 2020 about 65% of Vivacoms fixed-line broadband subscribers were on fibre infrastructure. This report provides an overview of Bulgarias fixed-line telecom market, including data on regulatory developments, the strategies of the major operators and an assessment of the evolution of fixed-line networks. The report also reviews the mobile voice and data segments; including a variety of statistics and analyses covering the major operators, market developments and services offered. In addition, the report covers the fixed-line and fixed-wireless broadband sectors, includes an assessment of technologies, the major players, market developments and statistics as well as subscriber forecasts. BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 is having a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G has been postponed or slowed down in some countries. On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for remote working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth. The Bulgarian mobile services market revenue continued to grow in the third quarter of 2020, despite the declining roaming revenues because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Fixed-line service revenues were again driven by upselling in the broadband segment, enriched TV content and remote working corporate solutions. Competition is increasing and consumers are reaping the benefits as operators enhance their offerings. Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report. The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of e-health and e-education, among other solutions. Key developments: Vivacom Bulgaria acquired by United Group; Bulgaria joins the U.S. State Departments Clean Network initiative in a bid to protect its 5G communications networks; The BABTO proposes easing access for MVNOs to enter the market; A1 Bulgaria deploys a NB-IoT platform in several cities; Telenor Bulgaria releases smart monitoring platform for utilities; Ministry of Education and Science launches e-learning platform to help students continue their studies during lockdown restrictions; Report update includes the regulators market data for 2019, telcos operating and financial data to Q3 2020, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments. Get a Full Copy of this Report Developing Telecoms market report summaries are produced in partnership with BuddeCom, the worlds largest continually updated online telecommunications research service. The above article is a summary of the following BuddeCom report: Report title: Bulgaria - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses Edition: January 2021 Analyst: Henry Lancaster Number of pages: 186 Companies mentioned in this report: Vivacom, Orbitel, Vestitel, A1 Bulgaria (MobilTel), Telenor Bulgaria, PPF Group, Trans Telecom, Blizoo, Max Telecom, T.com, United Group. Single User PDF Licence Price: US$1150 For more information or to purchase a copy of the full report please use the following link: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Bulgaria-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?r=83/?r=83 No one in Ravi Colony, Mahendra Hills, believed that their residential area would become, in some ways, synonymous with the disease. (Representational Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: It was in March last year that coronavirus and Covid-19 were words that everyone in the neighbourhood spoke and debated about as different parts of the country began reporting cases of the disease that was spreading all over the world after emerging in Wuhan late in 2019. But no one in Ravi Colony, Mahendra Hills, believed that their residential area would become, in some ways, synonymous with the disease. And on March 2 of last year, all hell broke loose following news that the States first confirmed Covid-19 case was that of a colony resident. I would be lying if I tell you now that we were not scared, said Varun Vohra, whose house is a few plots away from the young man who tested positive. Almost immediately, our entire area was barricaded. Officials were spraying sanitizing liquid in the area. For three months after that, it was like living in a prison. No one was allowed to come out and the government supplied essential groceries. It was a time of fear, he told Deccan Chronicle. The 22-year-old techie, who became Telangana states first Covid-19 case, had arrived home in Ravi Colony by bus from Bengaluru where he worked. Before his trip to Hyderabad, he was in Dubai, attending a business conference, where he is believed to have picked up the virus. His family was barred by neighbours from even opening windows of their house. The enormous media attention on the colony, and its residents, heightened the fears. Everything in the barricaded colony was shut, including the dhobi and hair salon. The effect of the trauma continues to remain. Shiva Hair Saloon, which reopened post-lockdown, has lost several regular customers. It has been a year but the number of customers coming to us is significantly less than what it was in the pre-Covid days, Shiva, who runs the saloon, said. For Srinivas, who runs Srinivas Kirana Shop, things were a little better. By taking all the necessary precautions, we continued our business, as we were considered an essential service, he said. Archana, a sanitation worker with GHMC, recalls the deep fear that gripped her and her colleagues when they learnt that there was a Covid-19 case in the colony. They did not know much about the virus, but they were aware that the victim could die. We were all so scared. We did not know what to do but had to keep working in the area, she said. Lakshmi, a resident, whose house is just behind the house of the first victim, said Our whole family was scared. We were glued to the TV all the time trying to learn as much as we could about what was happening around us. For Tulsi Rao, a police officer from Lalaguda police station, and a resident of Ravi Colony, the Covid-19 case meant more responsibility. The area was barricaded. There is a BC Welfare Hostel just a few blocks away. The inmates were evacuated immediately. We tried to tell the locals to stay calm. It was a huge responsibility, he said. 3enba, Double Zuksh, and Molotof released their new hit single, Madinet Al-Mostakbal (City of the Future), on all platforms on Monday, trending in the charts on the first day of the month. Madinet Al-Mostakbal, which was produced by NOJARA Productions is the product of mainstream pop meeting indie experimentations, inspired by various trap and mahragan best-selling recipes. All that comes is mine! Im coming to you from the future. Im coming to tell you there is no need, for you to jump around from the beginning! yells hit maker Mostafa 3enba in the intro of his auto-tuned, slang-Egyptian Madinet Al-Mostakbal on a trap-inspired mahragan pattern of Ayob-zar beats, decorated with synth pads and electronic arpeggiators. Ive chosen the hardest choice. I will go and continue the road, shouted the hook sung by one of the Double Zuksh duo, featured by 3enba, who launched the music production of Molotof. We came to write history. The diversity of Egypt represents the potential soft power of the countrys innovators, who are floating on the top of the charts of the biggest music platforms every day. This potential screams for the attention and guidance of older generations viewers and experts. While Marwan Pablos return to a trending beef season heated up viewership of Egyptian trap in a February that was dominated by pop and indie superstars, Madinet Al-Mostakbal is on its way to cementing its position at the top of Marchs charts. Double Zuksh and 3enba have already been at the top of the charts in recent months with their December hit Fokak topping Februarys charts, competing with the various appealing hits of Amr Diab and Hamza Nimras latest albums, in addition to dozens of trending weekly releases. The fantastic four are among the most active young music makers in Egypt, transcending genres and listeners with continued collaborations with local key players of commercial music scenes during the 20s kick-off era. The city is for us, with a proof, at a location with the great sight of the Giza pyramids as the background, the pride anthem that is Madinet Al-Mostakbal is an epic contemporary folk poem full of up-to-date punch lines echoing the lampoon frenzy fumes in the rap/mahragan scenes in Egypt at winters end. 3enaba and his friends are an example of many working-class artists who managed to put themselves in the spotlight during a confusing global pandemic thanks to global and local telecom technologies and businesses. Short link: Small Quake Shakes Off Oregon Coast This Weekend As Another Rattles Alaska Published 02/28/21 at 5:20 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Bandon, Oregon) A small earthquake shook off the southern Oregon coast early Saturday morning, clocking in at a minor 4.0 in magnitude. Meanwhile, a larger quake rattled parts of southern Alaska a bit later in the day, reminding some Oregonians of the quake there that caused a tsunami here in the '60s. (Graphic courtesy Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Other recent tremblors are in yellow) The undersea quake took place about 250 miles off the south coast, this time in more of a straight line westward from Dunes City instead of the usual Coos Bay or Reedsport. At a magnitude 4.0 it was not strong enough to generate a tsunami; it takes at least a 7.0 to do that. The quake shook at 5:33 a.m. Saturday at a depth of about six miles. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), three people reported feeling the quake. This quake follows a set of two minor quakes that shook a bit east of this spot last week on February 20 one a magnitude 5.1 and the other a 4.9. The southern Oregon coast is an area with many active faultlines, although not all of them directly related to the larger Cascadia Subduction Zone. While that faultline is where the two continental plates meet, the Blanco Fracture intersects with other sections of these boundaries, creating more seismically-active areas. The Blanco Fracture portion of the plate boundaries zone hosts a number of areas where the two sections are locked against each other in a vertical manner, and when the plate moves these locked sections can release and generate an earthquake. The Blanco Fracture generates more than 20 quakes a year on average, so this is nothing unusual. Its the greater Cascadia fault that is the worrisome section, which will someday release a magnitude 9.0 megathrust and create havoc along the Oregon and Washington coastlines. Also see Oregon, Coast Earthquake Updates - Live Data Oregon, Washington, California, Tsunamis Contrary to some popular rumors these days, the Cascadia Subduction Zone is not releasing pressure with these smaller quakes. The big one will come no matter what the smaller faultlines do. A larger quake shook two miles off Point Mackenzie on Sunday morning, which the USGS said was a magnitude 5.3 quake. It was felt by many in the region, including in Anchorage. Although no damage has been reported so far, officials in the area are inspecting structures like bridges. It was a massive quake in Alaska in March of 1964 that created a tsunami along the Oregon coast. That tsunami wreaked sizable damage to places like Seaside and Cannon Beach and it killed four children in Newport. Looking Back: March '64 Tsunami That Wrecked Oregon Coast, Photos Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted A massive COVID-19 outbreak at the Olymel meatpacking plant in Red Deer, Alberta has claimed the lives of three workers over the past month. The outbreak and the authorities refusal to do anything to protect the low-paid workers lives is in keeping with the Canadian capitalist elites prioritization of corporate profits over human lives throughout the pandemic. The outbreak at the Olymel plant began in November. To date, 500 cases have been linked to the plant, with 156 currently considered active. The first fatal victim of the outbreak was Darwin Doloque, a 35-year-old permanent resident who immigrated to Canada from the Philippines. Darwin was found dead at his home in Red Deer, Alberta on January 28. Olymel meat processing plant in Red Deer, Alberta. Olymel did not close the plant until February 15, three weeks after Darwins death. The company, which boasts on its website that it is a Canadian leader in the production, processing and distribution of pork, has 35 production and distribution locations, exports products to 65 countries, and has $4.5 billion in annual revenues. At its Red Deer plant, 50,000 pigs are butchered every week. So far, one fifth of the Red Deer plants 1,850-strong workforce has become infected due to the outbreak. Most of the low-paid and part-time Olymel workers have second and third jobs to make ends meet. Despite this, they were not told to isolate while waiting up to a week for their COVID-19 test results, which no doubt contributed to rapid community spread. On February 21, a female worker in her 60s who has not yet been publicly identified succumbed to COVID-19. On February 24, Henry De Leon, a worker in his fifties who has worked at the plant since 2005, died. He leaves behind his wife, children and grandchildren. The number of active COVID-19 cases in Red Deer, a city of about 100,000 mid-way between Edmonton and Calgary, reached 454 in mid-February, with 194 of those cases linked to the outbreak among workers at the Olymel plant. At that time, Red Deers cases accounted for 65 per cent of the active cases in Alberta Health Services Central Zone. As a community, were among the highest numbers weve had throughout the pandemic, commented Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer, who added that hospitals in the central zone would struggle to cope with a further rise in cases. We have a choice right now to stop community spread. Or, if we fail to do so now, then we will be in even more concerning consequences in the next 10 to 14 days. There have now been outbreaks at 8 meat packing plants in Alberta, as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the provinces wide-open economy. This underscores that the fate of the Olymel workers is not due to a particularly ruthless employer, but the reckless back-to-work policy being implemented by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and his hard-right United Conservative Party (UCP) government. With the full support of the federal Liberal government, Kenneys Tories have lifted all but the most token public health measures in recent weeks, even as more infectious COVID-19 variants take hold and spread. The UCP government refused to act on calls for it to order the temporary closure of the Red Deer Olymel plant, leaving it for the company to ultimately grudgingly do so. As the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union held token protests outside the plant as part of a futile campaign aimed at persuading the Kenney government to step in, Olymel was allowed to continue ordering workers into its COVID-19-stricken Red Deer plant for several days in order to clear a backlog of pig carcasses before imposing its temporary shutdown. As a result, workers lives were unnecessarily placed at further risk. Totally disregarding the threat posed by the pandemic, Olymel had been making plans in the weeks prior to the temporary shutdown to intensify production, including by hiring new low-wage workers. Alberta Health Services has sought to wash its hands of any responsibility for the outbreaks spread. Its important to remember this particular plant has had sporadic cases, one or two at a time, for several months, and the processes that had been put in place at the plant site had been very successful in reducing spread, claimed Albertas chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, last Tuesday. Unfortunately, she continued, I think there were a concurrence of a number of events that were not limited to events directly on that plant site, and therefore we did see an increase in cases. This is a not too subtle attempt to blame workers for the deadly COVID-19 outbreak. If the company and authorities have been able to treat the lives of the workers and their relatives with such reckless disregard, it is because of the subservience of the corporatist trade unions. As across Canada and North America, they have sabotaged all worker resistance to the life-threatening working conditions in the meatpacking industry. Opposed to any independent action by workers to shut down the plant, Thomas Hesse, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 401 and Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) President Gil McGowan spent days pleading for a meeting with the premier and provincial labour minister to beg them to close workplaces like the Red Deer plant with large COVID-19 outbreaks. Im going to remind them that their job is to protect the public, not to protect the profits of corporations at the expense of workers or the public, said the AFLs McGowan. Im going to demand that they do their damn jobs. This is diversionary bluster. It was the UFCW Local 401 President Hesse who last spring ordered meatpacking workers at the Cargill plant in High River, where over 950 infections had been recorded, not to take job action to protest their return to work following a brief plant shutdown because a strike would be illegal. Three deaths were ultimately linked to that outbreak, which remains the largest single workplace outbreak of COVID-19 in Canada to date. Hesse and the UFCWs prioritization of their cozy collective bargaining relationships with corporate managers and government ministers has been replicated by trade unions across Canada. Teachers unions in Ontario, for example, have used exactly the same argument as Hessethat all job action against the dangerous reopening of schools would be illegal under the state-designed pro-employer collective bargaining systemto block educators from opposing unsafe safe working conditions. For his part, McGowan has led the AFLs pathetic Stand up to Kenney campaign. It is directed at preventing the eruption of mass working class opposition to the UCP government, by encouraging the sending of letters to UCP legislators protesting Kenneys massive cuts to public spending and plans to privatize large swathes of the public health system. The unions smothering of all independent working class action against Albertas life-threatening workplace conditions has left relatives of deceased workers to seek justice on an individual basis before the capitalist courts. A class-action lawsuit and police investigation have been initiated after Ariana Quesada, 16, of High River filed a formal complaint asking police to investigate Cargills potential criminal negligence in the death of her father. Benito Quesada, a 51-year-old immigrant from Mexico supporting a wife and four children, was hospitalized with COVID-19 in mid-April, 2020, and died on May 7. His family was barred from visiting him except to say their final goodbyes. The Quesada family is demanding accountability from Cargill, alleging the company failed to take adequate measures to protect Benito from the coronavirus. We have filed a complaint ... to finally bring justice to my dad ... to finally hold Cargill accountable for what they did. I spent Christmas with one less person to hug. And all the executives and general managers, everyone at Cargill got to spend Christmas with their loved ones. And I did not get that. Ariana Quesada said in an interview which aired on CBC. The RCMP has confirmed it has opened an investigation. The probe is the first known instance in Canada of police investigating a workplace-related COVID-19 death. Panama City, 1 March 2021 (SPS) - The new embassy headquarters on Saturday inaugurated in the sisterly country of Panama, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of proclamation of the Saharawi Republic. The event took place in the presence of a number of officials of the ministry of foreign affairs of Panama. In a meeting on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony, the Panamanian officials delivered to Saharawi Ambassador Sidahmed Darbal a letter from their countrys foreign ministry to the President of the Republic Mr. Brahim Gali on the occasion of SADR proclamation. The meeting was an opportunity for the Saharawi diplomat to brief his interlocutors on the latest developments in Western Sahara, especially after the resumption of armed struggle following Moroccos violation of the ceasefire on 13 November 2020. (SPS) 089/090/T 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 Police Federation of Northern Ireland has confirmed it is launching judicial review proceedings into the suspension of an officer after the Sean Graham massacre memorial arrest in February. One officer was suspended while another was repositioned after the controversy following a memorial event for those killed in the 1992 atrocity. The chairman of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland - which represents the rank and file officers of the PSNI - Mark Lindsay, confirmed on Monday that Pre-Action Protocol papers would be submitted to Chief Constable Simon Byrne this week and warned the careers of both officers could be threatened. The officer is still very disappointed and annoyed that he remains suspended, he told the BBCs Nolan radio show. I dont think there is any clarity in any of the papers what he has done. They both feel let down. Suspension does have implications on these officers' careers. They are both probationers and that probation will be extended as a result of this. Meanwhile, Mr Lindsay also called for frontline police officers to be higher up the priority list to be given a Covid-19 vaccine. Advising that 4,000 vaccines would cover those officers working on the frontline, Mr Lindsay argued that the process would not come at the expense of more vulnerable sections of society. Officers are very concerned they are being put into these environments which are totally unpredictable, he said. Our police officers are members of the community too. In doing their job and protecting the rest of society, they are being left vulnerable. They do find it quite disappointing. We dont want to go ahead of vulnerable groups. There is no reason why this cannot be done in parallel. If we dont get it, we are putting our people at risk, a risk which the Executive is happy to take. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 22:43:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addresses a meeting of the World Trade Organization's General Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 1, 2021. The World Trade Organization's first female and first African Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, officially took office on Monday, ending a six-month "leaderless" period of the organization, after former chief Roberto Azevedo stepped down on Aug. 31, 2020, a year ahead of schedule. (WTO/Handout via Xinhua) GENEVA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The World Trade Organization's (WTO) first female and first African Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, officially took office on Monday, ending a six-month "leaderless" period of the organization, after former chief Roberto Azevedo stepped down on Aug. 31, 2020, a year ahead of schedule. "I am coming into one of the most important institutions in the world and we have a lot of work to do. I feel ready to go," she said. On arrival at the WTO's headquarters here, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of the organization. Addressing the General Council on her first day in the post, Okonjo-Iweala pledged to "bring all my knowledge, passion, experience and persistence to the task at hand, reforming the organization and achieving results." On Feb. 15, WTO members agreed by consensus to appoint the former finance minister of Nigeria as the new director-general. Her term, which is renewable, will expire on Aug. 31, 2025. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, has served as Nigeria's finance minister twice and briefly acted as foreign minister. She has worked for the World Bank for 25 years, including as managing director for operations. Also at Monday's General Council meeting, WTO members decided that the organization's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) will take place "in the week of 29 November 2021" in Geneva. The meeting was originally scheduled to be held on June 8-11, 2020, in Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WTO's Ministerial Conference, which is attended by trade ministers and other senior officials from the organization's 164 member states, is the the organization's highest decision-making body. Okonjo-Iweala had said that the success of the MC12 is a "top priority" for all WTO members, underling that "we must reach agreement on some pressing issues and elaborate our work program for others." "Apart from the issues related to the pandemic, I hope that we finalize the fisheries subsidies negotiations, leaving MC12 as the venue to conclude on modalities for implementation," she said. Enditem The best in film and television will be recognized during the first-ever bicoastal Golden Globe Awards ceremony on Sunday evening. But prior to the big show, some of the night's nominees, including Kate Hudson and Elle Fanning, took part in a virtual pre-show presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press on Twitter. Hudson, who earned a nod for her leading role in Sia's controversial film Music, sported a glowing tan as she spoke to the pre-show hosts about the project. Pre-show: Prior to the big show, some of the night's nominees, including Kate Hudson and Elle Fanning, took part in a virtual pre-show presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press on Twitter The 41-year-old actress, appearing from her living room, had on a bright pink bustier top that exposed her toned shoulders and ample chest. Kate wore her golden blonde hair parted down the middle and let it flow down her back and chest in loose tendrils. Hanging from her ears were a pair of stylish gold chainlink earrings that only enhanced her glowing appearance. As for her makeup, Hudson accentuated her naturally beautiful features with a select amount of complexion enhancing products and a bit of mauve lip gloss. Beaming in: Elle Fanning also beamed into the virtual pre-show, showcasing her infectious smile The Great: The 22-year-old, who made her first venture into television with her critically-acclaimed Hulu series The Great, snagged a Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical nomination at Sunday's event Specifically is nominated in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical category, where she is set to go up against the likes of Rosamund Pike and Anya-Taylor Joy. Elle Fanning also beamed into the virtual pre-show, showcasing her infectious smile. The 22-year-old, who made her first venture into television with her critically-acclaimed Hulu series The Great, snagged a Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical nomination at Sunday's event. No stranger to awards: Jared Leto's riveting role as a devious, suspected serial killer in The Little Things has pitted him against the likes of Bill Murray and Sacha Baron Cohen in the Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture category Branching out: I Care A Lot star, Rosamund Pike, who is up for Best Actress in a musical or comedy, spoke to host Scott Mantz about branching out into more comedic roles, despite her dramatic reputation. Fanning wore her bright blonde hair tucked behind her ears and emphasized her enviably pale complexion by donning a black babydoll dress with a sweetheart neckline. Jared Leto's riveting role as a devious, suspected serial killer in The Little Things has pitted him against the likes of Bill Murray and Sacha Baron Cohen in the Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture category. Although the award went to Judas and the Black Messiah's Daniel Kaluuya, the 49-year-old could not help but express his gratitude for being nominated for his portrayal. I Care A Lot star, Rosamund Pike, who is up for Best Actress in a musical or comedy, spoke to host Scott Mantz about branching out into more comedic roles, despite her dramatic reputation. Casual: Carey Mulligan kept casual for her pre-show appearance, as she appeared during the stream in a stylish button up denim top Winner: Prior to taking home the Best Supporting Actor trophy for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah, Daneil Kaluuya dropped into the pre-show to voice his excitement over his nomination Carey Mulligan kept casual for her pre-show appearance, as she appeared during the stream in a stylish button up denim top. The 35-year-old actress, who is a frontrunner in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama category, discussed her role in the Margot Robbie-produced film Promising Young Woman. Prior to taking home the Best Supporting Actor trophy for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah, Daneil Kaluuya dropped into the pre-show to voice his excitement over his nomination. Other nominees, such as Hamilton's Leslie Odom, Jr. and Normal People star Daisy Edgar-Jones, made sure to give their two cents on the ceremony and the projects that changed their careers during the pre-show. Leslie was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture category, while Daisy Edgar-Jones was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology or TV Movie. This year's ceremony, which usually takes place in early January, was pushed back to February 28 as Hollywood continues to adjust to the coronavirus pandemic and new safety guidelines. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey return to host for the fourth time. The comedy duo did the honors in 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is the first ever awards show to be broadcast from two separate coasts. Fey, 50, is broadcasting from atop New York City's Rockefeller Center in the Rainbow Room and Poehler, 49, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony is usually held annually. Other nominees, such as Hamilton's Leslie Odom, Jr. and Normal People star Daisy Edgar-Jones, made sure to give their two cents on the ceremony and the projects that changed their careers during the pre-show Nominees will be tuning into the ceremony remotely but presenters have been asked to appear in person. The impressive list of presenters this year includes; Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Annie Mumolo, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig and Renee Zellweger, Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Margot Robbie, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Kate Hudson and Kenan Thompson. Satchel and Jackson Lee, children of three-time Golden Globe nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and producer/philanthropist Tonya Lewis Lee, are serving as the 2021 Golden Globe Ambassadors. Jane Fonda, 83, is receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an accolade for film. The acting icon has previously won Golden Globes for her roles in 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. A Portland doctor who became a pandemic star with his dancing videos on TikTok has been accused of sexually harassing a female colleague at a Veterans Affairs facility. Jason Campbell, 32, has been named in a $45million federal lawsuit filed in Portland, Oregon, last week by a female health worker who claims he forcibly pushed his erection into her back and sexually harassed her over text between January and March 2020. The woman claims he once sent her a photograph of his erect penis through his scrubs too. He also sent a video message on Instagram saying 'you look tasty' and in a text, he said: 'I'm fit, you're fit. There's the orgasm.' In another, he allegedly said: 'I just wanna hug from behind without you yelling at me. No neck biting! Mishuuu'. She reported it to Oregon Health & Science University and an investigation was carried out that found he had violated its code of conduct. The woman does not explain in her lawsuit why she thinks $45million is an appropriate amount in damages. Jason Campbell, 32, has been named in a $45million federal lawsuit filed in Portland last week by a female health worker who claims he forcibly pushed his erection into her back and sexually harassed her over text between January and March 2020 Campbell, shown with different female colleagues, became a pandemic star with his upbeat dancing videos on TikTok On March 12, the woman - who worked at the center as a social worker - says he entered her office unexpectedly and pushed himself against her from behind. She texted him afterwards, saying: 'Dont EVER surprise me by getting in my physical space.' He responded: 'I shouldve asked. Im sorry.' She claims that after that incident, the harassment continued over text and Facebook message. She eventually reported him in April, handing over more than 180 screenshots of texts and messages that he'd sent her as proof. According to her, when she told supervisors that he'd assaulted her, one said it was the second time that an accusation had been made against him. These are some of the 180 texts and social media messages the woman included in her lawsuit A previous incident involved him asking a student to 'jerk him off', according to the lawsuit. That student claimed that he pushed her against a door and asked: 'Don't you like my big c**k'. She allegedly claimed she was afraid of him. When interviewed as part of an internal investigation, Campbell said he had not deliberately pushed himself against her, but that he 'fell' into her in her office. It's unclear if he was fired as a result of the investigation but he no longer works at the facility. He has not responded to the lawsuit. Campbell had a girlfriend at the time of the allegations. He no longer works at the medical center and has not responded to the lawsuit Despite reporting the alleged incidents and despite the investigation concluding that he had violated codes of conduct, the woman claims Dr. Campbell was allowed to carry on working and even starred in more TikTok videos with some of the bosses who were aware of his conduct. They were as recent as November 2020. The lawsuit seeks up to $4.5million in compensation and up to $40million in punitive damages. It doesn't explain why such an amount is needed, but claims the medical center has a history of covering up sexual abuse and harassment claims. The medical center said in response: 'OHSU does not condone behavior as described in the lawsuit. We are continuously working to evolve our culture, policies and practices to provide an environment where all learners, employees, patients and visitors feel safe and welcome. 'We take our role seriously in being part of the change that needs to happen across our country to end discrimination and power dynamics that allow for harassment. 'We remain committed to these ideals and will continue to prioritize them as a public leader in health care, education and research.' Alarming footage has emerged of a vicious fight between two private school girls after a boy was seen offering a girl a beer to throw the first punch. The incident occurred on February 19, involving two Year 10 students from Melbourne Girls College and Strathcona Girls Grammar, the video has since gone viral. The brawl on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, showed a large crowd of girls and boys as they watched and cheered while the fight unfolded. Initially, the girls are chatting before one in a navy blue check uniform slaps the other in a royal blue check uniform. A boy then appears to give the navy blue uniformed girl a drink before she nonchalantly turns away. The girl who was slapped puts down her bag before she goes to hit the other, it is then when they girls begin to wrestle. A girl in a navy blue check uniform was given a drink after she threw the first punch One of the students involved attended Melbourne Girls College (pictured) The crowd of students encourage the fighting with shouting and encouragement. One student is heard yelling, 'go Greta, get in there!' Eventually the brawlers hit the ground when spectating girls attempt to separate the fighting students while the boys yelled and appeared to encourage the fight. The Herald Sun reported that Strathcona Girls Grammar sent a letter to parents saying: 'Regrettably, an unprovoked physical altercation occurred between one of our students and girls from other schools.' Glenferrie Road is a popular spot for students from in area to meet up after school however, the fight has forced a number of schools to urge their students to stay away from the area. Strathcona Girls Grammar (pictured) sent a letter to parents calling the incident: 'an unprovoked physical altercation' The girls continued to wrestle before they fell to the ground where they were separated The large amount of student traffic through Glenferrie Road means that traders in area were, 'upset that schools were telling students to stay away from the area' according to the Herald Sun. Both schools were contacted but no comment was made at the time of publication. The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has fallen by 38pc over the past fortnight, according to deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn. This pandemic and the public health response to it has had a profound impact on lives and livelihoods, he said in a statement yesterday. Last spring, we met the challenge presented to us with collective enthusiasm. Ironically, while that enthusiasm has understandably waned and gone, there are more concrete reasons for hope and optimism now than at any time over the last 12 months. We have seen week on week reductions in case numbers over the past six weeks and we are on track to have an incidence which is amongst the lowest in Europe. The number of people in hospital has fallen by 38pc over the past fortnight. We have an educated and informed public and most people continue to do most of the right things most of the time overcoming disinformation and playing their part in solidarity with one another. Dr Glynn was speaking as the latest figures showed that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) was notified of 612 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 yesterday.. It was also notified of six additional deaths related to Covid-19, all of which occurred in February. Of the new cases, 289 were in Dublin, 45 were in Limerick, 34 in Longford, 33 in Galway, 26 in Kildare and the remaining cases were spread across 19 other counties. Read More A total of 554 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, of whom 133 were in intensive care units yesterday. It comes as the latest vaccination figures showed that by last Thursday, 409,529 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had been administered in Ireland. Dr Glynn said: We are on course to have given about 80pc of adults at least one dose by the end of June. While new variants have brought uncertainty, the existing vaccines perform well against them and work is already underway to develop booster versions should they be required. We still have a way to go. Our case numbers are still far too high and we must continue to do all we can to suppress this disease over the coming weeks. But if we can do this successfully through March, our focus will begin to turn to what we can do, rather than what we cannot, he said. Separately, an expert has said that a handshake greeting may become a thing of the past as a result of Covid-19. The HSEs chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry was asked on RTEs This Week radio programme about what life may be like after the vaccine programme has been completed. "I dont expect any of us believe life will go back exactly to where it was. Whatever about the handshake which may be beyond resuscitation as a social exercise, I think hugging will certainly come back. "But I think at this stage there is much more hope than despair looking at the real world evidence of the vaccine, as it is rolled out in Israel, Scotland, England and other countries, said Dr Henry, pointing to the drop in hospitalisation rates, serious illness and death in the most vulnerable groups. We have learned not once, but twice now at least, what unmitigated community transmission looks like. This virus knows nothing else except how to transmit rapidly and exponentially between individuals and it will transmit given any opportunity. He said that even the most well-developed healthcare systems throughout the world, including Italy and elsewhere, are unable to cope with unmitigated community transmission. We came very close in January to being overrun in our hospital system." World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Philip Watson We are excited and proud to announce our partnership with Sereno and look forward to our continued relationship with our clients. Phillip Watson Sereno is pleased to announce that The Watson Marshall Group, led by Philip Watson and Stephan Marshall, has joined forces with the company. The Watson Marshall Group includes 15 agents who will work from a newly renovated space in downtown Burlingame. This expansion reflects Serenos commitment to preserving the spirit of the independent brokerage to better serve agents, clients, and communities. This latest move follows the firm's advancement into the East Bay area through its acquisition of J. Rockcliff Realtors (now branded as Sereno,) the Lake Tahoe region with the Granger Group, and the Sierra Foothills with the Margaretich Group. Sereno is now Northern Californias largest, locally owned and operated independently branded residential real estate company. The spirit of independence is alive and well in the hearts and minds of leading agents. We believe there is no stopping the move away from larger, impersonal organizations to powerful independents, expressed Chris Trapani, Co-founder and CEO of Sereno. With over 40 years of combined experience in the San Francisco Bay Area real estate market, The Watson Marshall Group has over one billion dollars in combined sales and consistently ranks in the top 100 in California sales. The company is known for its hands-on client services, outside-the-box marketing strategies, and dedication to the communities it serves. As a local business themselves, Sereno understands and respects the importance of serving locally as well. From their charitable foundation to their highly respected group of agents, Sereno is and will continue to be immersed in the fabric of our neighborhoods and communities for years to come," said Phillip Watson. "Client satisfaction is our ultimate goal and transparency our top priority. We make certain that each and every client is thoroughly informed throughout every stage of their transaction. Sereno has proven to provide this same individualized service to each of their clients and it feels natural that they should be home for WMG," commented Stephan Marshall. To learn more about The Watson Marshall Group, visit watsonmarshall.com About Sereno Founded in 2006, Sereno is the largest, locally owned and operated, independent real estate company in Northern California with 13 offices and 520 agents in Silicon Valley, the SF peninsula, Santa Cruz, the East Bay, Lake Tahoe, and Sierra Foothills producing nearly $5 Billion in annual sales volume. Sereno is ranked among the top 5 in the nation for both per agent productivity and highest average sales price. The company offers a highly curated support platform and provides agents with concierge services to strengthen client relationships, as well as world-class technology for well-executed transactions. Its agent-driven Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation is changing lives in local communities, and to date, generated over $3.5 million in charitable donations given to 246 local organizations. To learn more, visit serenogroup.com. You might call Cappuccino the anti-Clubhouse, but the company has been iterating on its app concept for a couple of years its CEO doesnt have any strong opinions on Clubhouse. And its true that Cappuccino is an interesting social app on its own. It has been attracting a loyal user base, especially after a TikTok video went viral. The startup says it is building an app that helps you record podcasts with friends. Many people have discovered podcasts over the past few years. Podcasts let you subscribe to audio shows and listen to episodes on demand. At first, people subscribe to podcasts because of their interests. But if you talk about podcasts with your friends, theyll tell you that they like a show in particular because of the personalities of the hosts. Listening to a podcast is a content consumption experience that feels like nothing else out there. You might watch all videos released by a particular YouTuber and you might think you know a lot about someones personal life by following them on Instagram. But listening to someone for hours at a time with earbuds in your ears is a very intimate experience. When a podcast works, it feels like youre sitting in a room with a few friends and just listening to what they have to say. And yet, chances are your favorite podcast hosts are not your friends. This is where Cappuccino fits. The app lets you create groups with your friends or your families. Members of the group can record a short audio message a bean, as the startup calls it. They talk about whats on their mind for a couple of minutes. The next morning, group members receive a notification saying that your morning cappuccino has been brewed. When you hit play, a chill intro music starts playing followed by audio messages from your friends. It isnt just a succession of voice memos it feels like a relaxing mix of happy, funny, caring, thoughtful messages from your friends. While Cappuccino is a social app, it is focused on your close friends and your family. You arent trying to get more followers and you are not sharing public posts. Everything is private by design and focused on groups of real-life friends. Story continues In many ways, it reminds me of Snapchats group stories. But Snapchat wasnt the main inspiration for Cappuccino it was podcasting. Image Credits: Cappuccino Prototype early, iterate often I talked with the company's co-founder and CEO Gilles Poupardin about the origin story of the app. Cappuccino isnt Poupardins first startup. He had worked on Whyd for several years and lived the full startup experience he raised founding rounds, chose to pivot, attended Y Combinator in the Bay Area, parted ways with his companys CTO and chose to shutter the startup. Among other things, Whyd worked on a voice-controlled connected speaker before Amazons Echo product lineup and Googles Nest speakers really took off. Its hard to compete with tech giants, even harder when youre competing on the hardware front. After that, the Whyd team worked on a service that lets you create your own voice assistant. That didnt really take off as expected either. During the summer of 2019, Olivier Desmoulin reached out to Poupardin. Back then, Desmoulin was heading design for Jumbo, an app that helps you stay on top of your online privacy. At the time, I didnt know if I wanted to start a company again I pivoted 15 times [with Whyd], Poupardin told me. But they started discussing about podcasts and AirPods and audio at large as the next frontier for social apps. The basic premise was simple. A lot of people were listening to podcasts, but very few people were creating their own podcasts. There are three reasons why your neighbor doesnt have its own podcast but sometimes posts stuff on Instagram and Snapchat: Podcasts are long-form content. Its technically complicated to record and release a podcast. You are trying to attract an audience of people who dont know you. With Cappuccino, the idea is to take a reverse stance on these three points: short content, easy to record and personal. Its supposed to be a better experience for both people recording audio and people listening to audio. The first version of Cappuccino isnt an app, its a side project. We created a group on WhatsApp, we invited 10 to 15 people and we asked them to record voice memos and send them all to Olivier, Poupardin told me. Every night, Olivier Desmoulin would fire up GarageBand and create a mix of all voice memos. In the morning, he would send a message to the group conversation on WhatsApp and write: Hey, your cappuccino is here. Image Credits: Cappuccino After getting some positive feedback from group members, Pouparding and Desmoulin chose to move forward and create something that feels more like an app. But they both knew that creating a social app was incredibly hard when it comes to attracting users. They developed something quickly so that they weren't wasting time developing something that nobody would use. We built the first version of the app in four days by using a hack we were using Airtable as the backend service, Poupardin said. Once again, feedback from beta users was pretty good. They showed the app to some investors and ended up raising $1.2 million from Alexia Bonatsos (Dream Machine, also a former TechCrunch editor), SV Angel, Kevin Carter (Night Capital), Niv Shrug Capital, Jean de La Rochebrochard (Kima Ventures), Kevin Kuipers, Willy Braun, Marie Ekeland, Solomon Hykes (founder of Docker), Pierre Valade (founder of Sunrise and Jumbo Privacy), Moshe Lifschitz (Basement Fund), Anthony Marnell, Bryan Kim, Uncommon Projects and a bunch of others. Gawen Arab who was the CTO at Whyd teamed up once again with Poupardin, proving that time is a flat circle. He's now co-founder and CTO at Cappuccino. Image Credits: Cappuccino Letting people talk about you The Cappuccino team hasnt been active when it comes to press relations or ads. Its been a slow build up with some interesting spikes. Last summer, Product Hunt super user Chris Messina created a post about Cappuccino. It was a bit of a surprise as the startup wasnt trying to get featured on Product Hunt. Still, the co-founders diligently answered questions from the Product Hunt community. The following day, Product Hunts newsletter featured Cappuccino. It was titled The next big audio social network? That brought some new users to the app. Image Credits: Cappuccino But things really started to take off when Brittany Kay Collier shared a video on TikTok about Cappuccino a few weeks ago. She sent a direct message to Poupardin on Instagram, telling him that it was attracting a lot of views. The video ended up attracting around 3.8 million views and 850,000 likes. Two days later, Poupardin sent her a job offer to join the team. He was secretly hoping she would say yes, and she was secretly dreaming about getting a job at a company like Cappuccino. Over the past couple of weeks, Cappuccino attracted 225,000 new users. They created 130,000 groups and sent around one million audio stories. When the team is reading public posts about Cappuccino on Twitter, it feels like the app has found its core user base. The most loyal users seem to be young women in their twenties. They want to keep in touch with long-distance best friends. They might be graduating from college and moving to a different part of the country. They might be stuck at home because of the current pandemic. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. And it seems like new users have no issue hitting the record button and telling stories everybody is familiar with voice messages on WhatsApp and iMessage after all. Something that is interesting with audio messages as a medium is that you tell different stories from what you would tell by taking a photo for Instagram, sending a Snap or creating a video on TikTok, Poupardin said. But what about the elephant in the room then? Clubhouse has topped 8 million downloads already. Poupardin listed all the differences in social graph, audio format and user base. According to him, theres enough room for multiple audio apps. With video, you have YouTube, Twitch and TikTok those are all different formats. Audio is potentially going to follow the same trend, Poupardin said. Social apps first took advantage of the camera in your smartphone, because the camera was the killer hardware feature. And audio seems like the natural next step. He feels like he isnt competing with other audio startups for now. He wants people to wake up and listen to Cappuccino instead of random music on Spotify. Its going to help people who feel lonely, he said. Early Stage is the premiere how-to event for startup entrepreneurs and investors. Youll hear firsthand how some of the most successful founders and VCs build their businesses, raise money and manage their portfolios. Well cover every aspect of company-building: Fundraising, recruiting, sales, legal, PR, marketing and brand building. Each session also has audience participation built-in theres ample time included in each for audience questions and discussion. ( function() { var func = function() { var iframe = document.getElementById('wpcom-iframe-dde292b93a5f3017145419dd51bb9fce') if ( iframe ) { iframe.onload = function() { iframe.contentWindow.postMessage( { 'msg_type': 'poll_size', 'frame_id': 'wpcom-iframe-dde292b93a5f3017145419dd51bb9fce' }, "https:\/\/tcprotectedembed.com" ); } } // Autosize iframe var funcSizeResponse = function( e ) { var origin = document.createElement( 'a' ); origin.href = e.origin; // Verify message origin if ( 'tcprotectedembed.com' !== origin.host ) return; // Verify message is in a format we expect if ( 'object' !== typeof e.data || undefined === e.data.msg_type ) return; switch ( e.data.msg_type ) { case 'poll_size:response': var iframe = document.getElementById( e.data._request.frame_id ); if ( iframe && '' === iframe.width ) iframe.width = '100%'; if ( iframe && '' === iframe.height ) iframe.height = parseInt( e.data.height ); return; default: return; } } if ( 'function' === typeof window.addEventListener ) { window.addEventListener( 'message', funcSizeResponse, false ); } else if ( 'function' === typeof window.attachEvent ) { window.attachEvent( 'onmessage', funcSizeResponse ); } } if (document.readyState === 'complete') { func.apply(); /* compat for infinite scroll */ } else if ( document.addEventListener ) { document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', func, false ); } else if ( document.attachEvent ) { document.attachEvent( 'onreadystatechange', func ); } } )(); Latin Resources (ASX:LRS, SETSQX: LRS, OTCQX: LNRDY) is focused on Peru where the company has several projects, including Ilo Norte where the focus is iron, copper and gold, while at Guadalupito the target is iron and heavy mineral sands. Latin Resources to begin exploration on Salinas Project in lithium-rich yet underexplored area of Brazil Latin Resources Ltd (ASX:LRS) (FRA:XL5) will start extensive exploration on Salinas Lithium Project held by 100%-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Mineracao Ferro Nordeste, in the Jequitinhonha Valley region of Minas Gerais, a lithium-rich but underexplored region. This region hosts the Eastern Brazilian pegmatite province, home to Sigma Lithium and lithium producer Companhia Brasileira de Litio (CBL). Jequitinhonha Valley is a highly underexplored region that currently contains 100% of the official lithium reserves of Brazil. Latin has appointed local geologists to carry out fieldwork on the Salinas tenements with the key objective to define drill targets and to begin drilling in the second quarter of 2021. Start of lithium strategy Latin Resources executive director Chris Gale said: "We are extremely pleased to start work again on our very exciting Brazilian lithium projects. "The work carried out in 2019 by our technical team has uncovered some wonderful opportunities in Brazil. "The more we investigate Minas Gerais, the more we get excited about the huge potential this underexplored region holds. "This significant time and investment into Brazil marks the start of the company's lithium strategy to develop valuable lithium projects in a fantastic mining province. "I am very confident that the company can quickly and effectively execute exploration programs in Brazil, which we hope will deliver positive news to its shareholders in a very timely fashion." .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PARIS In an industrial neighborhood on the outskirts of Bangladeshs largest city lies a factory with gleaming new equipment imported from Germany, its immaculate hallways lined with hermetically sealed rooms. It is operating at just a quarter of its capacity. It is one of three factories that The Associated Press found on three continents whose owners say they could start producing hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccines on short notice if only they had the blueprints and technical know-how. But that knowledge belongs to the large pharmaceutical companies who have produced the first three vaccines authorized by countries including Britain, the European Union and the U.S. Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The factories are all still awaiting responses. Across Africa and Southeast Asia, governments and aid groups, as well as the World Health Organization, are calling on pharmaceutical companies to share their patent information more broadly to meet a yawning global shortfall in a pandemic that already has claimed over 2.5 million lives. Pharmaceutical companies that took taxpayer money from the U.S. or Europe to develop inoculations at unprecedented speed say they are negotiating contracts and exclusive licensing deals with producers on a case-by-case basis because they need to protect their intellectual property and ensure safety. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Critics say this piecemeal approach is too slow at a time of urgent need to stop the virus before it mutates into even deadlier forms. WHO called for vaccine manufacturers to share their know-how to dramatically increase the global supply. If that can be done, then immediately overnight every continent will have dozens of companies who would be able to produce these vaccines, said Abdul Muktadir, whose Incepta plant in Bangladesh already makes vaccines against hepatitis, flu, meningitis, rabies, tetanus and measles. All over the world, the supply of coronavirus vaccines is falling far short of demand, and the limited amount available is going to rich countries. Nearly 80% of the vaccines so far have been administered in just 10 countries, according to WHO. More than 210 countries and territories with 2.5 billion people hadnt received a single shot as of last week. The deal-by-deal approach also means that some poorer countries end up paying more for the same vaccine than richer countries. South Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Uganda all pay different amounts per dose for the AstraZeneca vaccine and more than governments in the European Union, according to studies and publicly available documents. AstraZeneca said the price of the vaccine will differ depending on local production costs and how much countries order. What we see today is a stampede, a survival of the fittest approach, where those with the deepest pockets, with the sharpest elbows are grabbing what is there and leaving others to die, said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS. In South Africa, home to the worlds most worrisome COVID-19 variant, the Biovac factory has said for weeks that its in negotiations with an unnamed manufacturer with no contract to show for it. And in Denmark, the Bavarian Nordic factory has capacity to spare and the ability to make more than 200 million doses but is also waiting for word from the producer of a licensed coronavirus vaccine. Governments and health experts offer two potential solutions to the vaccine shortage: One, supported by WHO, is a patent pool modeled after a platform set up for HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis treatments for voluntary sharing of technology, intellectual property and data. But no company has offered to share its data. The other, a proposal to suspend intellectual property rights during the pandemic, has been blocked in the World Trade Organization by the United States and Europe, home to the companies responsible for creating coronavirus vaccines. That drive has the support of at least 119 countries and the African Union but is adamantly opposed by vaccine makers. Pharmaceutical companies say instead of lifting IP restrictions, rich countries should simply give more vaccines to poorer countries through COVAX, the public-private initiative WHO helped create for more equitable vaccine distribution. The organization and its partners delivered its first doses last week in very limited quantities. But rich countries are not willing to give up what they have. Ursula Von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, has used the phrase global common good to describe the vaccines but the European Union imposed export controls on vaccines, giving countries the power to stop shots from leaving. On her first day as director-general of the WTO, Nigerias Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the time had come to shift attention to the vaccination needs of the worlds poor. We must focus on working with companies to open up and license more viable manufacturing sites now in emerging markets and developing countries, she told the organizations members. This should happen soon so we can save lives. The long-held model in the pharmaceutical industry is that companies pour in huge amounts of money and research in return for the right to reap profits from their drugs and vaccines. Last May, Pfizers CEO Albert Bourla described the idea of sharing IP rights widely as nonsense and even dangerous. Thomas Cueni, director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, called the idea of lifting patent protections a very bad signal to the future. You signal that if you have a pandemic, your patents are not worth anything. Advocates of sharing vaccine blueprints argue that, unlike with most drugs, taxpayers paid billions to develop vaccines that could help end the worlds biggest public health emergency in living memory. People are literally dying because we cannot agree on intellectual property rights, said Mustaqeem De Gama, a South African diplomat involved in the WTO discussions. Paul Fehlner, the chief legal officer for biotech company Axcella and a supporter of the WHO patent pool board, said governments that poured billions of dollars into developing vaccines and treatments should have demanded more from the companies they were financing from the beginning. A condition of taking taxpayer money is not treating them as dupes, he said. Last month, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading pandemic expert in the United States, said all options need to be on the table, including improving production capacity in the developing world and working with pharmaceuticals to relax their patents. Rich countries, ourselves included, have a moral responsibility when you have a global outbreak like this, Fauci said. Weve got to get the entire world vaccinated, not just our own country. Its hard to know exactly how much more vaccine could be made worldwide if intellectual property restrictions were lifted. But Suhaib Siddiqi, former director of chemistry at Moderna, said with the blueprint and technical advice, a modern factory should be able to get vaccine production going in at most three to four months. In my opinion, the vaccine belongs to the public, said Siddiqi. Any company which has experience synthesizing molecules should be able to do it. Back in Bangladesh, the Incepta factory tried to get what it needed to make more vaccines in two ways, by offering its production lines to Moderna and by reaching out to a WHO partner. Moderna did not respond to requests for comment about the Bangladesh plant, but its CEO, Stephane Bancel, told European lawmakers the companys engineers were fully occupied on expanding production in Europe. Doing more tech transfer right now could actually put the production and the increased output for the months to come at great risk, he said. We are very open to do it in the future once our current sites are running. Muktadir said he fully appreciates the extraordinary scientific achievement involved in the creation of vaccines this year, wants the rest of the world to be able to share in it, and is willing to pay a fair price. Nobody should give their property just for nothing, he said. A vaccine could be made accessible to people high quality, effective vaccines. ___ Maria Cheng reported from Toronto. Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, Al-Emrun Garjon in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Andrew Meldrum in Johannesburg, South Africa, contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs pandemic coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak SINGAPORE The release of Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi is key to achieving a "long-term peaceful political solution" to the country's current unrest, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Parliament on Monday (1 March). "We call on all parties in Myanmar to engage in discussions and negotiations in good faith, to pursue a long-term peaceful political solution for national reconciliation, including (getting back to the) path of democratic transition. "And we believe this can only begin if President Win Myint, State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, and other detainees are immediately released," said Dr Balakrishnan during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Committee of Supply debate. In Parliament on Monday (1 March), Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan reiterated his call for a cessation of all acts of violence in Myanmar. (PHOTOS: Getty Images) Myanmar has been facing weeks of protests, which have become increasingly deadly, since the country's military ousted the elected civilian government in a coup on 1 February. The military explained that the takeover was a reaction to inaction by the government over complaints of widespread voter fraud in last year's national elections. According to a UN human rights envoy, at least 18 people were killed and 30 wounded in protests across several cities on Sunday the highest single-day death toll so far while about 1,000 people are thought to have been detained. In his speech, Dr Balakrishnan reiterated that the halting of all acts of violence and the use of lethal force should be an "immediate priority". "Yesterday, there was a significant escalation in violence across cities in Myanmar. Security forces shot at civilians with live rounds, rubber bullets, stun grenades, and tear gas. Many deaths and injuries were caused. We are appalled by the use of lethal force against civilians," he said. "We strongly reiterate that the use of lethal weapons against unarmed civilians is inexcusable under all circumstances. We call on the Myanmar military authorities to exercise utmost restraint, desist from the use of lethal force, and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation to prevent further violence, bloodshed, and deaths," added Dr Balakrishnan. Story continues Asean's role Dr Balakrishnan added that the prolonged instability in Myanmar would also have "serious consequences" for Asean and the region. He noted that despite Asean's policy of consensus and non-interference, the 10-member grouping can still facilitate a "return to normalcy and stability" in Myanmar. "This was why Singapore strongly supported Aseans efforts (to resolve the Myanmar crisis) from the outset... We believe in engagement and dialogue in good faith with all relevant stakeholders," said Dr Balakrishnan. He added that a special Asean foreign ministers' meeting would be held via video conference on Tuesday to listen to a representative from Myanmar's military authorities. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore More Parliament stories: Mindef to review 'outdated' PES medical classification system Mindef to go greener, set up sustainability office: Ng Eng Hen 'No plans' to impose vaccinations as Singapore entry requirement: Ong Ye Kung Number of speeding incidents along Tanjong Pagar Road 'not high': Faishal Ibrahim I am fine, dont worry, dont worry. I am absolutely fine, said Prithvi Pal Singh, 66, as he reassured his wife, Kavaljeet Kaur, immediately after receiving a shot of the Covishield vaccine. Kaur, who was still waiting for her turn to get the jab, urged her husband to move to the observation room. It does feel like hope and Im glad I did it today, said Singh. Private hospitals rolled out the carpet for vaccination to those aged above 60 and those older than 45 but with comorbidities, on Monday. Next in line after Singh was Pravin Bahl, 72, who had been waiting since 11:30 am. Im sure about taking this. If something has to happen, it will happen, but what I can do is take care of myself and be prepared. This is my way of doing that, said Bahl as she smiled and moved to the observation room with her husband. The inoculation, however, did not get off to a smooth start. The CoWin portal faced glitches just as registration for the second phase of the vaccination drive began. Starting at 9.00am, people were supposed to register on the Co-Win 2.0 portal for immunisation. However, many complained that they didnt get the OTP while others werent able to see their names on the list on the site. This meant that there was a line of senior citizens waiting at Delhis Sir Ganga Ram Hospital from as early as 9-9:30am to get vaccinated. Colonel Sanjay Mahajan, who had registered his mother, was furious because he did not receive an OTP to confirm the registration. I should have taken a screenshot, he says. I have been trying to register for a while now, its just not happening, says K L Malhotra, who landed at the hospital directly in hopes of getting inoculated, but had to wait as the hospital was only vaccinating those who had registered online. Though the hospital had 5 sites for vaccination and was prepared for any complications, the drive finally began only after 1:30 pm. There were other glitches as well that had nothing to do with the app. At MGS Super Speciality Hospital, Ravinder Kumar, 44, who has high blood pressure and is a diabetic, was forced to wait from 9 am, though he had his colleague Ramesh Kumar, also 44, for company. Both work at the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Ramesh said the department sent them to increase the demand for the vaccine in the initial few days. Though they didnt receive the message after registration, the hospital told him theyll get the vaccine today. The reason Ravinder and Ramesh had to wait was because they were the only ones to show up nat the hospital. Weve only got these two people so far who will be administered Covaxin. A single vial has 20 doses. Well wait till at least ten people arrive as once the vial is opened, it needs to be administered within four hours, said Dr Mousumi Sarmah, medical superintendent, MGS Super Speciality Hospital. The entire basement was full of nurses and attendants hoping that the numbers would increase by next week. I think once people are a little more confident about it, read up more and figure out the process, theyll show up, said Sarmah. On one hand, where hospitals and people were waiting for the process to begin, Bharti Eye Hospital said they didnt know by when would the process start; while Mahajan Eye Centre said there must have been a mistake as their name shouldnt have been there in the list of private hospitals released by Delhi government. Dr Neha Rajput of Stars Dental Clinic said a team of three was trained only on Sunday and they didnt receive the vaccines as of Monday morning. You can register with us today but youll be inoculated later this week only. At Delhis Kukreja Hospital and Heart Centre, registration issues kept many waiting. Even after registering, many werent able to see their names in the list and hence didnt get the message needed to be inoculated. I have been here since 9 am, and I can see the staff is trying. Theyre cooperative, but if its a technical issue what can they do. Its just the first day, itll get better, says Roshan Anand, who is over 70 and had Covid six months back. Im over 70 and it has been six months since I tested positive for The wise thing is to get the vaccine. Modi ji ne subeh subeh lagwa liya, hum kyun darein phir. Hum bhi aaj lagwa lengay. (Modi took the shot early morning, why then should we be afraid? we will also take it). . Court Hears Recovery Updates, Resignation Letter From JP #1 The Hill County Commissioners Court heard an update on winter storm recovery efforts and learned that Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Martis Ward plans to resign from his position in a regular meeting held Tuesday, February 23. County Judge Justin Lewis read a letter to the court from Ward, who was first elected as justice of the peace in 1990. He said that he was making the decision "after careful consideration and with a heavy heart." Ward wrote that his resignation will be effective when a new justice of the peace is hired and the office is relocated. "It has been both an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Hill County," Ward wrote. He added that he will continue to offer his services as needed. Commissioners are expected to take formal action to accept Ward's resignation at the court's next regular meeting. The court ratified two work service agreements relating to the recent flooding at the Hill County Courthouse and another issue with a pipe bursting at the Hill County Jail. Lewis called in Belfor to address immediate needs at the courthouse, and Specialty Restoration of Texas performed work at the jail. The court's approval is not necessary under a disaster declaration, but Lewis said he would prefer the actions be ratified by the court. The judge pointed out that the companies only worked to mitigate damages, and any contracts for construction would come before the court. In another agenda item related to the winter storm, the court approved overtime pay, instead of the usual comp time, to maintenance, law enforcement and information technology employees who worked long hours to address the county's needs. The county will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the overtime paid, and precinct employees who worked on disaster efforts are also expected to be approved for overtime pay. Lewis estimated that it will be four to six months before all offices that have been relocated are moved back to the courthouse, but noted that the timeline is currently difficult to predict. While some areas of the courthouse were significantly damaged, Lewis said that there was no structural damage. Major damage to the information technology department impacted numerous county offices, and Information Technology Director Phillip Cantrell said that basic network connectivity had been restored. Cantrell said that plans were in place to fix any service that had not yet been restored as of Tuesday. Lewis recognized the information technology staff, other county officials and employees for the long hours they spent working during the disaster and addressing issues after the courthouse flooding. He said members of the community also stepped up to help. "We had a lot of good people in our community help us," Lewis said. "I want to tell every last one of them thank you." The judge said that emergency supplies already on hand were instrumental in setting up warming shelters and assisting residents. "When the roads shut down, the State of Texas literally told us we were on our own," Lewis said. "That's okay. We're Hill County. We can take care of ourselves and we've always proven that we can." The judge also thanked the sheriff's office for planning ahead and placing personnel in hotels before the storm hit to ensure that the county was covered. Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Hemrick pointed out that individual assistance is now available under the federal disaster declaration for those who sustained damages not covered by insurance. Damages can be reported at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. County Extension Agent Zach Davis said that agricultural losses due to the winter storm are still being determined, and it is too early to know for sure what the impacts to crops will be. Davis said there had been a handful of reports of livestock losses, and he expected to hear more of those. The court approved an interlocal agreement between the sheriff's office and Emergency Services District (ESD) 2. Under the agreement, ESD 2 will purchase automated external defibrillators for Hill County Sheriffs Office patrol units, and the sheriff's office will be responsible for maintenance. Commissioners also voted to advertise for bids, as the court does annually, for offsite and onsite fuel, oil, road materials, corrugated steel pipe, petroleum supplies and emulsions, treated lumber, all types of road base, contracts for crushing services, concrete and corrugated bridges, box culvert construction, contracts for hauling, scrap metal bids and other supplies. 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. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) says that further time is needed to decide whether members of the Clyde Valley Flute Band will be prosecuted. It comes 18 months after the loyalist band from Larne wore Parachute Regiment insignia with a letter F underneath in support of a British soldier charged with murdering innocent civilians in Derry. It is 13 months since the police first reported three individuals to the PPS. Thirteen people were killed and fifteen wounded when members of the British Army's Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators on Bloody Sunday in 1972. An ex-paratrooper known as Soldier F is charged with murdering Jim Wray and William McKinney. He's also charged with attempting to murder Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and Michael Quinn, as well as attempting to murder a number of persons unknown. Bloody Sunday families viewed the bands actions on August 10, 2019, as a deliberate attempt to cause hurt and heighten tensions. Providing an update on the investigation, a PPS representative told the Derry News: We received an initial investigation file from police in relation to this matter on 15 January 2020. Further evidence and information was sought from police in order for a prosecutor to take a decision on this file and we received the outstanding information on 14 January 2021. Some further time was required to consider this additional material and the matter is in the latter stages of consideration. A decision will issue in due course. The PSNI is the principal investigative body and can submit files to the PPS in two ways: by charging a person or by submitting a report on a person. The police service was asked why nobody has been charged in this particular case after 18 months and whether there has been any political pressure to either pursue charges or drop them. A PSNI spokesperson said: A file has been submitted to the PPS. BACKGROUND In the lead up to the march on August 10, DUP representatives including East Derry MP Gregory Campbell, Foyle MLA Gary Middleton, current Minister Edwin Poots and local councillor Graham Warke stood under a Parachute Regiment banner in the Fountain estate in support of our British soldiers. Then Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney, amongst others, accused the DUP of provocation and pandering to loyalists. Before the march it had been agreed that no provocative symbols would be on display, according to parade negotiators, businessman Garvan O'Doherty and Donncha MacNiallais of the Bogside Residents Group. However, General Secretary of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, Billy Moore said it was nonsense to suggest that any agreement was in place before the march. During the march the PSNI intervened to escort the Clyde Valley Flute Band from Larne around the main parade, however, it was prevented from taking part in the return leg. The bands bus was stopped by the PSNI on the way home. Afterwards, Bloody Sunday families said they were disgusted and felt it was a deliberate attempt to antagonise them. They said the band should never be allowed to march in the city again. The DUP described the policing operation as heavy handed and over the top. They said it angered the unionist community and along with members of the UUP met PSNI officials to question the police response. First Minister Arlene Foster also said people have the right to support Soldier F. Disorder followed in the Bogside during which petrol bombs were thrown at the Apprentice Boys memorial hall and the City Walls. Several days later the Apprentice Boys of Derry offered an apology saying that it recognised the potential upset caused to nationalists. Families of the victims of Bloody Sunday then had a cordial and constructive meeting with the Apprentice Boys with a view to restoring positive relations in the city. The owners and staff at area event venues were encouraged about the recent announcement of a possible increase in capacity limits. On Feb. 16, Gov. Ned Lamont announced potential steps toward new guidelines beginning March 19 that will allow indoor events to have 50 percent capacity up to 100 people and outdoor capacity with a cap at 200 people. Denise Rivera, owner of Titanium Theater in Southington, is looking forward to larger events again. Opening up to 100 capacity is going to help my business tremendously, she said. I had to cancel 70 events in the last year. It put me in debt financially. Rivera said with the previous capacity at 25, people preferred to have events at home. Titanium Theater, which has three rooms, hosts weddings, engagement parties, baby showers and birthdays. Since the announcement, Rivera has received a handful of phone calls, mostly new customers mixed with those who had postponed events during the pandemic. According to the state website, Connecticut remains in the top four states for vaccination distribution with 66 percent of the population over 75 and 23 percent of the population ages 65 to 74, vaccinated. Within the next week, the state is expected to receive a 22 percent increase in vaccine. Testas Banquet Facility in Southington has been open for over 35 years, hosting events like weddings and corporate banquets. During the pandemic, the facility offered catering platters for holidays and events like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Super Bowl Sunday. Its wonderful, were glad were opening, owner Enzo Testa said. Weve been shut down since last year. The Aqua Turf Club in Southington held its last event in December 2020. The facility is known for weddings, banquets and other events. Weve been open this whole time. We have been scheduling and rescheduling all along, said Bobby Thompson, a manager at Aqua Turf. Calls have been coming in slowly. Laura Colella, owner of II Monticello Banquet Facility and Catering in Meriden, is not yet convinced the change will happen and doesnt want to get her hopes up just yet. I hope it does happen, she said. If the rates go down, which they are going down and people are getting the vaccine. Il Monticello has hosted some parties with the max at 25 people but said she had to cancel 175 parties since last March, including three proms. Like other venues, she is going through financial troubles. People got grants, we didnt get anything, nothing, Colella said. I still have to pay my taxes to Meriden. I got one $5,000 grant, but it went that fast. Colella said with no financial assistance from the town or state she has been paying for a lot of things out of pocket and moved to offering family style meals. The Meriden Police and Fire Department have been supportive and she has met a lot of new customers. Monticello currently has three proms scheduled for this spring, but no decision has been made on whether they will be held. Although the change isnt scheduled to go in effect until mid-March, Lamont said he wanted to give event planners enough time to make plans. Thee changes are dependent on the continued stability of COVID metrics. fwilliams@record-journal.com203-317-2373Twitter: @faith_williams2 Team Canada (from left): lead Briane Meilleur, second Shannon Birchard, third Val Sweeting and skip Kerri Einarson, with the trophy at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary. (Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press) A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) leaders in academic medicine are subject to increasing expectations with limited resources and there is an urgent need for psychiatry departments to commit to fully supporting their efforts, according to an article now available in the American Journal of Psychiatry written by top DEI leaders in academic psychiatry from across the country. The authors, representing prominent public and private institutions, include Ayana Jordan, M.D., Ph.D., Yale University, and current APA ECP Trustee-at-Large; Ruth S. Shim, M.D., M.P.H. University of California, Davis; Carolyn I. Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University; Eraka Bath, M.D., University of California, Los Angeles; Jean-Marie Alves-Bradford, M.D., Columbia University; Lisa Eyler, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego; Nhi-Ha Trinh, M.D., Harvard University; Helena Hansen, M.D., Ph.D., New York University; and Christina Mangurian, M.D., M.A.S., University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Jordan and colleagues describe, from their collective experiences, the growing expectations of people in DEI positions, in part resulting from the recent focus on racial justice and need to address structural racism. "DEI leaders are being summoned for one-on-one and programmatic consultation, anti-racist curriculum development, anti-bias training, and skill acquisition," they write. "However, many of these institutions do not provide the appropriate resources or support necessary to institute an effective response for cultural change....This lack of scaffolding leads to an exacerbation of the 'minority tax,' thereby placing more duress on the very same people adversely affected by structural racism." Notably, almost half of these DEI leaders have not received salary or compensation for the roles. "It was not surprising to any of us that most DEI leaders were women of color," said Mangurian. "But what was surprising is that so many of us did not receive the support we deserved. Our work suggests that leadership in psychiatry -- and across all of academic medicine -- should re-examine their current investments so they can provide sufficient financial and administrative support to these extraordinary DEI leaders. This will not only help ensure these women of color thrive and stay within academia, but will help move us closer to our shared goal of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment." In an accompanying commentary, Altha Stewart, M.D., APA past-president, notes that recent personal accounts by Black academics suggest the lack of leadership support on racism issues "is a major factor in departure from academic medicine by Black physicians (including psychiatrists)." Dr. Stewart discusses the historical underpinnings of structural racism in academic medicine and emphasizes the need for senior leaders to recognize and address the unintentional but well-institutionalized barriers in their systems and to work to create more balanced, equitable, and welcoming environments. "To retain BIPOC faculty, institutional leadership must believe, validate, and act on faculty's experiences of racism," writes Dr. Stewart. Jordan and colleagues offer a series of recommendations in the areas of financial, administration and structural practices to effectively support DEI leadership, including: Structural Strategically elevate the title of the DEI leader to vice or associate chair in the department, to clearly state the importance of the role. Include that person in the departmental cabinet, executive committee, and/or other leadership team. Administrative The roles and responsibilities of the DEI position should be clear when the job description is first presented to potential candidates, with responsibilities commensurate with financial effort provided. As with all leaders, term limits are recommended for this role with evaluation at 5 years and a 10-year maximum term. Financial DEI efforts should receive financial support, including salary reflective of effort and expectations; discretionary funds to implement policies; and support staff. "Real change will require that no one be exempt in demonstrating the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion by creating the welcoming environments that will support institutionalization of this new culture," Jordan and colleagues conclude. ### Drs. Jordan and Mangurian discuss this article in depth on the latest AJP Audio podcast. The American Journal of Psychiatry is the official journal of the American Psychiatric Association. American Psychiatric Association The Chronicle San Francisco firefighters battled a one-alarm house fire Monday afternoon in the Outer Mission neighborhood that sent seven people to the hospital, fire officials said. Firefighters responded to a one-alarm fire at a two-story single-family home at 64 Lawrence Ave. shortly after 11 a.m. Monday, according to Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesperson for the fire department. New Delhi: The first bilateral Cadaveric hand transplantation of the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical and Research (Jipmer) has been performed successfully on August 2, 2017. The institute had its first transplant of both the forearms and hands of a 50-year-old brain-dead donor to a 16-year-old bilateral below-elbow amputee. Appreciating the surgery team S.C. Parija, Director, Jipmer, has said, the milestone procedure for the institution, which was granted licence for reconstructive cadaveric transplants in August 2016, was performed free of cost. A group of surgeon led by Dr. Dinesh Kumar S, Chief Reconstructive Transplant Surgeon, Department of Plastic Surgery, has performed the 16-hour long surgery. Rathinambal, the brain-dead donor who readily came forward to donate the organs was also hugely appreciated by the multidisciplinary team. Their noble act has saved the lives of two patients who received her kidneys, restored the vision of two patients who received her cornea, and returning functionality to one patient who received her hands, Dr. Parija said. Also Read: Rajasthan man survives despite eating 150 needles and pins Rathinambal, 50, a resident of R C Melakunthai colony, Vikkravandi Post, Villupuram, has received a severe head injury after he fell from a two-wheeler on August 1, 2017. She was treated in Vikkravandi GH and later referred to JIPMER when she lost consciousness. At Jipmer, her condition continued to worsen and subsequent tests confirmed that she had irreversible brain damage and the hopelessness of the situation was conveyed to her daughter Shanthi and her son-in-law T.V. Natarajan. Despite the tragedy, the family came forward to donate the organs of the patient as they felt that it would help others. According to Jipmer, "in a first, the family agreed to donate both her hands in addition to her internal organs. As it was a medico-legal case, the police station concerned was intimated to conduct an inquest to proceed for organ donation." Ilancheizhiyan, inspector of police, Vikkravandi police station, came to Jipmer on time and did the inquest and completed other medico-legal formalities, thus facilitating the organ donation process. The long complicated procedure is all about detaching both the forearms and hands of the donor and reattaching them in a specific sequence to the adequately prepared amputated stump of the recipient. Also Read: Britain man gives birth to girl child, found sperm donor via Facebook JIPMER has prepared a strong medical team along with plastic surgeons, transplant coordinator, transplant anesthesia, orthopedic surgeons and 10 OT nurses. The rehabilitation team provided a pair of prosthesis for the living cadaver donor and will be providing vital follow-up to the hand transplant recipient. Appointment 1 March 2021 Rosewood Hotel Group is proud to recognize the promotion of Alexander Dadak, formerly senior director of development, Europe, to vice president - development, Europe. In this new role, Alexander is responsible for building strategic relationships with hotel real estate investors and expanding the Group's portfolio across key city centers and leisure destinations throughout Europe. Based in the Group's European headquarters in Amsterdam, he joined Rosewood in 2018 and boasts more than 17 years of experience in the international hospitality industry. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. The Agriculture Minister has warned of an impact on food supplies at the end of March as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol saying it was "pragmatic and responsible" for him to take action on halting work on building border checkpoints at ports. The minister ordered his officials to halt construction of permanent inspection facilities for post-Brexit checks. The DUPs Gordon Lyons warned that the uncertainty around the Protocol and the grace periods due to expire at the start of April - were leading to real problems for businesses and potentially the supply of food. Mr Lyons also rejected claims that the row over his decision had an impact on Executive meetings around easing lockdown restrictions, with the plan around reducing restrictions not yet published or agreed. Speaking on BBCs Good Morning Ulster, Mr Lyons said the issue around post-Brexit port checks would be discussed further among the Executive on Monday and accused some of having their head buried in the sand around the Protocol. He said he had consulted legal advice ahead of his decision last week to halt work. I have let my Executive colleagues know what it is that I have done. No doubt we will have further conversations around this today, he said. I think it is entirely pragmatic and responsible for me to look at the legal uncertainties, to look at the practical barriers and say it is right to stop this, especially when negotiations continue to go on. We have always made clear our opposition to the protocol for a number of reasons. It is exactly certainty for business that I am trying to ensure we can have. I have said within the Assembly and to my Executive colleagues that we are facing real problems here at the end of the grace period in terms of food supply. I dont want the protocol and I think a grace period would only kick this further down the road. The end of the grace period is giving us additional uncertainty. What I want to see is a permanent solution. Mr Lyons also refused to be drawn on comments made by his DUP colleague Sammy Wilson - with the East Antrim MP making comments on Sunday in the Irish Times, that the party would "fight guerilla warfare" against the Protocol. We will be challenging the government on a daily basis, telling them to do what they can now to undo the damage done to Northern Ireland," said Sammy Wilson. We will fight guerrilla warfare against this, until the big battle opportunity comes." Department of Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, however, accused Mr Lyons of being irresponsible and of escalating tensions. The Minister for Agriculture very deliberately sent a seriously concerning memo to his executive colleagues on a Friday evening, she said. Expand Close SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon (Peter Morrison/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon (Peter Morrison/PA) He was deliberately vague in his letter. Has yet to find time to meet or speak with his Executive colleagues. This is a further act of escalation by the DUP. It is very clear [the decision] has no effect without coming to the Executive. The DUP are not interested in finding solutions. The DUP used their veto to block my proposal for an extension to the transition period. It is very clear the decision he has said he is taking is cross cutting and is controversial and should have come before the Executive. It is not in his gift to make that decision. The NI Protocol was designed to avoid the implementation of a hard border on the island of Ireland by having Northern Ireland continue to follow EU trade rules, thus creating a de-facto border down the Irish Sea. POTTSVILLE Schuylkill County Election Bureau Director Albert L. Gricoski said Friday that he thinks having more time to count votes on Election Day is a good thing. I think its very advantageous for us to count on Election Day, he said. Pre-canvassing allows us to be able to get results quicker. Gricoski said he and other members of his bureau put in a very long day and night last November to tabulate votes. We had so many mail-in ballots, we stayed all night long, he said. Some counties even stopped counting votes at 11 p.m. and resumed the tabulation in the morning, Gricoski said. However, he said Schuylkill County will not do that. Traditionally, in our county ... we keep counting until we get the results, Gricoski said. State legislators are considering possible changes to election laws that will allow pre-canvassing, which is the counting of mail-in votes before the polls close at 8 p.m. However, the state House of Representatives is holding election oversight hearings that are scheduled to last until May 5, less than two weeks before the May 18 primary election. Republicans, who control both chambers of the state Legislature, have not indicated whether there would be any changes. A total of 2.6 million people voted by mail in Pennsylvania last November. We dont know how many were going to get in the May primary, Gricoski said. Were exploring options to make it more efficient in the office. Gricoski wants to remind people that if they voted by mail last year, they must renew that application every year. He said his office sent letters at the beginning of February to each voter who cast a ballot by mail in 2020. Voters then must apply for a ballot or indicate they dont want one, he said. If they do not respond, they will not get an application for a mail-in ballot, according to Gricoski. They would go to the polls, he said. Vincent Page was outraged when he heard Gov. Gavin Newsom had banned singing California in churches. "I was just incensed at the overreach," said Page, an independent contractor from Pattison, Texas, a small town west of Houston. "I went searching for any and all information I could find about any effort that would get that guy out of office." What he found last summer was a small, relatively unknown campaign to recall Newsom, fueled, in part, by the governor's executive actions aimed at fighting the pandemic. Part of Newsom's crackdown on the virus included restricting indoor religious services, where people are likely to spread the virus. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help We're offering our best deal ever with this Editor's Special. Support local news coverage by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Page gave $100. Then he gave $500. Then $1,000. By the end of 2020, Page had donated to the effort 15 times for a total of $6,400, according to campaign filings. "Any governor who does not allow singing in churches deserves to be recalled," Page said. "And I believe it's our Christian obligation to help." The effort to recall Newsom started as a grassroots campaign led by a former Yolo County sheriff's sergeant. Over the last year, it has grabbed the attention and support of the national Republican Party, national conservative leaders, and, according to state records, more than 240 people from outside California. Rapid 15-minute Covid tests and new rules on ventilating indoor spaces are the key elements of a new government plan to allow the country to reopen in the coming weeks, a confidential Cabinet memo reveals. The document, prepared for ministers, states that in addition to the vaccine rollout, the use of antigen tests and proper ventilation are part of efforts to assist the sustainable reopening of the country. The memorandum states that: A plan in regard to the optimal deployment of antigen testing is to be prepared for Cabinet by mid-March; A plan for how premises are to be adequately ventilated to allow people return to work is to be prepared by the end of March; An enhancement to track and trace is also being prioritised this month. Sources say the antigen tests are seen as a crucial tool in allowing larger businesses to test their staff, but are not seen as a replacement for the PCR test, currently used by the HSE. The HSE has been looking at new, easier, and faster ways to test people for Covid-19, and trials on rapid 15-minute antigen testing have proven successful. Sources familiar with the plan said the work is being carried out to allow the review of restrictions on April 5 to be as ambitious as possible". All of this is part of the desire to allow the country reopen on a sustainable basis, said one source. "More tracking, more and quicker testing, and clarity on how indoor spaces are to be ventilated are all steps in the right direction." Regarding the ventilation, government sources said this is not primarily focused on allowing indoor dining to return, but it is in the mix. The news comes as it was confirmed that there have been six further coronavirus-related deaths and 612 new cases of the disease. This weekend marks a year since the first case of the virus was identified in Ireland and while the country is set for at least another month of level 5 lockdown, health officials say there are reasons to be hopeful. Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said the country has seen a week-on-week decline in cases for each of the last six weeks, and hospitalisations continue to decline also. Professor Philip Nolan, who chairs the modelling group for Nphet, said he anticipates a "progressive easing of restrictions" from April or May onwards, while chief clinical officer of the HSE Dr Colm Henry said: "There's much more hope than despair looking at the real-world evidence of vaccines." Meanwhile, the British government is facing calls for the urgent introduction of tougher border measures after officials said they were searching for an individual thought to be one of six people infected with the highly transmissible Brazilian coronavirus variant in the UK. Three cases of the variant had been detected in England and three in Scotland. The P1 variant, also known as the B1128 variant, shares some of the same mutations as the highly transmissible South African variant and was first identified in Manaus, Brazil, in January. It is thought that it could respond less well to current vaccines. Social protection minister Heather Humphreys is to announce today that the number of waiting days for the standard Illness benefit payment is being reduced from six to three. This will mean that the payment will now be paid from the fourth day of illness, at a cost of 32.6m to the exchequer. Illness benefit is a short-term payment available to employees who contribute to the PRSI system. Since January 2014, payment of illness benefit commenced from the seventh day of illness, and no payment was made for the first six days, known as waiting days. Last year the Department of Social Protection received 200,000 applications for illness benefit, with each of those employees having to forego six waiting days. In mid-February, the Military Aviation Museum (MAM) in Pungo, Virginia took delivery of a Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless project which will soon begin a full, airworthy restoration. However, prior to commencing her rebuild, the MAM is placing their historic naval dive-bomber on display in a temporary exhibit which they presently expect to run from noon today through 5pm March 31st. These days, most major rebuilds are presented publicly only as the completed article, so it is a rare treat for the aviation history enthusiast to get a beforehand look! Museum visitors will see the original patina of this long-forgotten artifact prior to any restoration taking place, from the original paintwork, to simple details like wartime boot-scrapes in her paint and the dents resulting from her January 1944 crash into Lake Michigan. The U.S. Navy first accepted Bu.36175 for service on October 4th, 1943, but given the types impending frontline obsolescence, the Dauntless quickly found herself in a training role guiding young naval aviators in the art of carrier operations from the relative safety of the Great Lakes. But her service life was brief indeed. According to MAMs press release: [On January 20th, 1944,] Lieutenant Charles L. Ford III was attempting a landing on the training carrier USS Wolverine. He was too slow on his approach and was given come on signals by the Landing Signals Officer; when he was issued a subsequent wave-off command, the pilot banked away from the carrier with too little power, leading to a crash. According to the Navy accident report, the airplane hit the water at a near vertical angle on its back. The pilot was lucky to survive with just a few deep cuts to his forehead. With her engine ripped away and wing leading edges crumpled, what remained of the Dauntless soon sank beneath Lake Michigans waves to rest in the mud 177 feet down. And there she sat for the next fifty years until A&T Recovery raised her wreck in 1994, similarly to the several dozen other submerged naval aircraft theyve raised from the Great Lakes and elsewhere. Indeed, A&T Recovery has almost single-handedly ensured the relatively widespread preservation of what had previously been exceedingly rare WWII naval aircraft types, some of which are unique to their breed. With such a short operational life and no combat record, Bu.36175 sat in storage for 25 years at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, becoming a Christmas tree of sorts to provide much-needed parts to repair/restore other more storied examples of the breed. In the process, she lost her outer wing panels, engine section and a number of other components, so that what remains today consists mostly of the fuselage, from the firewall back, and the tail feathers. Despite the SBDs present lack of wings, MAMs director, Keegan Chetwynd, expressed confidence in being able to obtain a set in due course. He also noted that while they havent firmed up who will conduct the restoration yet, that too will also be resolved and made public before too long. Furthermore, we also hope to report more details about the deal with the Naval Aviation Museum which saw the SBDs ownership transferred outright to the Military Aviation Museum, a rare feat indeed in recent decades. This is a great day for the Dauntless though, and a sign of new beginnings for the breed. Be sure to pay a visit to the Military Aviation Museum this month to get a closeup look at this near-time capsule on display. We look forwards to reporting more details in the coming weeks! Many thanks to the Military Aviation Museum for providing the images shown here and to Keegan Chetwynd for taking the time to talk with us about this exciting development! It was a bad weekend to be a nutria in south Plaquemines Parish. About 1,500 of the invasive, marsh-devouring rodents were shot and killed by a small army of hunters who descended on Venice on Friday and Saturday for the parish's newly revived Nutria Rodeo. "Let's go shoot some rats and save the environment," Gabe Macormic, the rodeos organizer, said Friday as teams of hunters revved their airboats and took off into the sprawling marshlands at the mouth of the Mississippi River. The contest attracted about 200 hunters from across the Gulf Coast and as far away as Iowa. Cash prizes were given for the most kills and the heaviest single nutria. It was the most fun Ive ever had, said Jimmy Rimes, of Biloxi, Mississippi. "We felt like we did our public service." Imported from South America nearly a century ago, nutria have thrived in Louisiana at the expense of the states fragile coastal marshes. Nutria gnaw away the roots of plants, leaving little to hold the landscape in place. More than 13,700 acres of coastal marsh were damaged by nutria last year, and more than 40 square miles of the coast have been converted to open water in recent decades, according to state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries estimates. Nutria are one of many factors contributing to rapid land loss along Louisiana's coast. The major causes include oil and gas exploration, sea level rise, soil subsidence and the loss of replenishing sediment since the Mississippi was brought under control with levees. The state offers a $6 bounty for each nutria tail, but last years total of 246,000 represents about only 1% of the state's nutria population and isnt close to the number of kills needed to curb the animal's explosive growth. Were aiming for a 400,000 harvest amount, but were usually getting only about half that, said Jennifer Hogue-Manuel, manager of Wildlife and Fisheries nutria control program. The state has been unsuccessful in reviving interest in nutria fur. Efforts to promote nutria meat in New Orleans restaurants have also failed. Macormic, a Mandeville native who runs a medical cannabis farm in California, sees nutria damage all over south Plaquemines during frequent fishing and duck hunting trips. They eat all the plants until theres no shore; just a drop off, he said. That lets in the saltwater and it kills everything else. The shutdown of Mardi Gras festivities and the dearth of things to do amid the coronavirus pandemic spurred the rodeos rebirth. The rodeo had been an annual Venice tradition until about 10 years ago. Me and a couple friends wanted something fun to do and started talking about doing (the rodeo) with just our group, Macormic said. And then it started evolving and growing. Macormic ended up fronting $8,000 for prizes, T-shirts and other event costs. Hes OK with not getting much of his money back, but he plans to seek sponsors and other support next year. 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 By early Saturday afternoon, only about 400 dead nutria had been piled on the Venice docks, giving Macormic a twinge of worry that his event might be a bit of a bust. But then they started coming in and really unloading, sometimes 200 nutria at a time, he said. It was something else. Most hunters worked in groups of four. Teams with airboats, which can glide over both water and marsh, had a clear advantage over other vessels. A team led by a Venice hunter who prefers to be known only as Captain Stinky earned the $500 prize for most kills. Their tally of 200 nutria was partly thanks to Stinkys familiarity with the area. Hes a legend down here, Macormic said. The heaviest nutria, which earned the $1,000 grand prize, weighed in at just over 20 pounds. She was a fatty, for sure, Macormic said. Capping the event was an evening nutria toss. Contestants grabbed a carcass from a pile and let fly. The winning throw cleared 93 feet. Nearly all the nutria are heading to Audubon Zoo where theyll keep the alligators and other animals fed for a long time. Macormic pledged to organize the rodeo next year and may add some new events. A nutria meat cook-off is a likely future addition, he said. Even with 1,500 nutria no longer breeding and eating in south Plaquemines, Hogue-Manuel said the rodeos body count doesnt make a lasting dent in the states ever-growing nutria population. But, she added, the rodeo may have value if it gets more people thinking about the health of the coast. It is a big issue we need to address, she said. Hopefully, events like this get people interested in the problem and understanding the damage nutria cause. +2 Ground zero for nutria feeding frenzy: Terrebonne Parish's vast marsh SHELL POINT - This watery wilderness of purple-flowered marsh is so vast, so inaccessible that few human beings see how much of it is dying. B Madison Park has a key role to play in growing the Greater Boston economy. But to create a bridge for low-income students to enter the middle class, the school must succeed in connecting its students to area employers. - Jim Steegios, Executive Director, Pioneer Institute The co-operative education program at Bostons Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, which places students in paid positions with local employers, lags far behind other Massachusetts vocational-technical schools in terms of both placements and number of employer contacts. But with the school as a whole beginning to improve after years of turmoil, the co-op is also showing promising signs, according to a new study published by Pioneer Institute. Madison Park has a key role to play in growing the Greater Boston economy, said Pioneer Executive Director Jim Stergios. But to reach that potential and, importantly, to create a bridge for low-income students to enter the middle class, the school must succeed in connecting its students to area employers. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education designated Madison Park as underperforming in 2016; implementation of a turnaround plan began that June. Since then, the school has shown signs of improvement. The graduation rate has risen from 57 percent in 2017 to more than 68 percent in 2019. Over the same period of time, the dropout rate has fallen from over 6 percent to less than 5 percent. Enrollment, which fell by half from 2005 to 2017, has since then risen by more than 17 percent. Over 90 percent of Madison Parks slightly more than 1,000 students are designated as high needs, meaning they are at risk of educational failure or otherwise in need of special assistance and support. About 97 percent of the students are of color, 35 percent are English language learners, and more than 30 percent have disabilities. In Madison Park II: Capitalizing on Employment Opportunity, author William Donovan reports that students become eligible for the co-op program in the third quarter of junior year, after they complete the required number of course hours. To qualify, students must have a B average in the discipline in which they seek placement, at least a C average overall and a recommendation from a shop instructor. Among the 25 regional voc-techs reporting on the 2018-19 school year (Madison Park is part of Boston Public Schools and not a regional school), an average of 28 percent of juniors and seniors were in co-op placements, with the range spanning from 13 to nearly 54 percent. During the same year, Madison Parks placement rate was 4.2 percent. Madison Parks placement rate improved to 8.1 percent the following year (2019-2020), but lagged far behind Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Billerica, which led all Massachusetts voc-techs with 68 percent of its juniors and seniors placed in co-op positions. Madison Park Executive Director Kevin McCaskill identified two reasons that partly account for the low numbers. One is attendance. The average student attendance rate at Madison Park is 87 percent, and the school cant recommend students with irregular attendance records to be placed with employers. The other is students need for academic support. After-school academic support needed to meet graduation requirements is a higher priority than the co-op. Lack of industry connections has also been a problem. Shawsheen works with 150-180 employers annually and Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield works with around 40. LaTrelle Pinkney-Chase, who was hired to direct Madison Parks co-operative education program in 2019, says she is working with 20. But the Career Champions Network, a group of more than 40 business leaders, has pledged to use their contacts and experience to support the growth of Madison Parks career vocational-technical educational (CVTE) programs. In November, Pinkney-Chase and the network developed an action plan aimed at increasing the number of employers the co-op works with by 50 before the end of the school year. Previously the co-op had focused on just a few of Madison Parks 20 CVTE programs. But with the creation of a computer programming and web development program and the return of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning program, the school is working to diversify the co-op program with additional high-demand sectors. Pinkney-Chase now holds Zoom calls with freshmen to make them aware of the co-op and requirements for participation. She receives lists from teachers of students who are eligible or close to meeting the co-ops eligibility requirements and reaches out individually to talk to them about the program. She conducts spotlight interviews with students who are in the program to talk about their co-op experiences. All students receive an e-blast notification when the interviews are posted on the schools YouTube channel. Donovan urges Madison Park to recruit recent graduates who participated in co-operative education to come back and promote the program. He also suggests engaging students in the schools marketing major to help promote the program. This is the second of two Pioneer reports on Madison Park. The first, published in September, examined the schools turnaround plan and reported on its progress as judged by a 10-year review conducted by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. About the Author William Donovan is a former staff writer with the Providence Journal in Rhode Island where he wrote about business and government. He has taught business journalism in the graduate programs at Boston University and Northeastern University. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College and his masters degree in journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. About Pioneer Pioneers mission is to develop and communicate dynamic ideas that advance prosperity and a vibrant civic life in Massachusetts and beyond. Pioneers vision of success is a state and nation where our people can prosper and our society thrive because we enjoy world-class options in education, healthcare, transportation and economic opportunity, and where our government is limited, accountable and transparent. Pioneer values an America where our citizenry is well-educated and willing to test our beliefs based on facts and the free exchange of ideas, and committed to liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise. 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. 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. Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed Iran for a blast aboard an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman last week but sidestepped a question on whether Israel would retaliate. The MV Helios Ray, a vehicle-carrier ship, was hit on Friday morning as it was sailing out of the Middle East on its way to Singapore. A US official said the blast above the water line had ripped holes in both sides of its hull. The Israeli-owned cargo ship, Helios Ray, sits docked in Dubai after it was damaged by an unexplained blast at the gulf of Oman. Credit:AP The crew was unharmed in the blast, and the ship docked at Dubais port for repairs and inspection on Sunday. It remains unclear what caused the blast. The Helios Ray had discharged cars at various ports in the Persian Gulf before the explosion forced it to reverse course. With spring just around the corner, fun in the sun is on the horizon thanks to two new Jeep special editions. First introduced as a special edition in 1988, the new Jeep Wrangler Islander is back for the 2021 model year. Making its debut for the 2021 model year is the new Jeep Renegade Islander special edition. Both deliver Jeep 4x4 capability paired with unique, beach-themed accents, upbeat style and summer-fun features. "Our Jeep enthusiasts expect legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, and they also embrace the Jeep brand's fun 'go anywhere, do anything' adventure lifestyle," said Jim Morrison, Vice President, Jeep Brand North America. "With Surf Blue accent stitching, Islander-embroidered front seats and available white three-piece hardtop on the Wrangler, you can't help but think summer and the beach life when you see these new Islander special editions." The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander marks the return of the Islander after an 11-year hiatus. Based on the Wrangler Sport S, it is available with either two or four doors and comes standard with: Jeep Command-Trac 4x4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels in Silver Finish with all-terrain tires Rubicon Rock Rails Uconnect 4 with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Dual-zone temperature control Exterior details include a Tiki Bob hood decal; interior details include a Ceramic White mid-bolster and black cloth seats with an embroidered Islander logo and Surf Blue accent stitching hood decal; interior details include a Ceramic White mid-bolster and black cloth seats with an embroidered Islander logo and Surf Blue accent stitching Available white three-piece hardtop Optional Islander Plus Package by Mopar adds front/rear grab handles, cargo tub liner, solid sunbonnet top and Tiki Bob soft spare-tire cover The Jeep Wrangler Islander is available in Billet Silver, Black, Chief, Granite Crystal, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Hellayella, Sarge Green, Snazzberry and Sting-Gray. For the first time, the Renegade Islander edition joins the Jeep lineup. Based on the Renegade Latitude, the special-edition vehicle features standard and available content, including: Available Jeep Active Drive full-time 4x4 system 19-inch Silver Alloy wheels with all-season tires Dual-pane panoramic sunroof for ultimate open-air freedom Uconnect 4 with a 7-inch touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Exterior details include a Tiki Bob hood decal; interior details include premium black cloth seats with an embroidered Islander logo and Surf Blue accent stitching hood decal; interior details include premium black cloth seats with an embroidered Islander logo and Surf Blue accent stitching Keyless Entry with panic alarm Remote start system Available Alpine White painted roof The Jeep Renegade Islander is available in Bikini, Jetset Blue, Glacier and Omaha Orange. The Jeep Wrangler Islander and Renegade Islander special editions are now available through local Jeep dealers. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander has a starting U.S. MSRP of $33,370 for two-door models and $36,870 for four-door models (all prices exclude $1,495 destination). Starting price for the 2021 Jeep Renegade Islander is $27,430. Catch the Wave: The Jeep Wave Standard on all 2021 Jeep vehicles is the Jeep Wave premium owner loyalty program that's filled with exciting benefits and exclusive perks created to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The Jeep Wave customer service program is available to the entire Jeep brand lineup, including the two new Islander editions. Jeep Wave program highlights include: Three years of worry-free maintenance at Jeep dealerships, including oil changes and tire rotations 24/7 support via phone or online chat Vehicle protection including 24/7 roadside assistance and first-day loaner coverage VIP access to select, exclusive Jeep brand events Jeep Brand Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com. Follow Jeep and company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Jeep brand: www.jeep.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA SOURCE Stellantis Gas industry advocates have had their way in Pennsylvania for so long that they fail to recognize that the public interest extends beyond getting out of their way. Over the past 15 years, the state government actively and passively has subsidized the industry, granting billions of dollars in tax credits for industrial development to expand gas markets, directly contributing to expansion of residential markets, converting state vehicle fleets to natural gas, failing to adequately regulate the environmental impact and refusing to impose a modest severance tax on gas. All of that has contributed to Pennsylvania becoming the second-leading producer of natural gas, behind Texas, which produce some broad economic benefits. That does not mean, however, that gas drilling must be conducted everywhere that it is possible. The Delaware River Basin Commission voted Thursday to ban deep drilling and fracking within the 13,359-square-mile Delaware River watershed, which provides drinking water for about 13 million people. The DRBC is a compact among the Delaware River states Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware and the federal government. It regulates water use and protection within the watershed. Representatives of all four states voted for the ban Thursday. The Army Corps of Engineers, representing the federal government, abstained. The Marcellus Shale formation underlies Pike and Wayne counties and several New York counties, but the ban affects only Pennsylvania because New York State has banned fracking. A federal judge in Scranton has scheduled a trial for October in a suit filed by some property owners in Pennsylvain contending that the DRBC 2010 fracking moratorium, now rendered permanent, constitutes an unconstitutional taking of their property. The moratorium precluded gas companies from executing drilling leases on some properties. Meanwhile, four Republican state lawmakers and Damascus Township, Wayne County, have filed another suit contending that DRBC regulation usurps the states regulatory authority, even though the state government agreed to the interstate compact in 1961. The DRBC decision is based on the totality of issues involving fracking, rather than the industry interest alone, and underscored that the public interest does not always mandate drilling. A shortfall offer is also being made for shares and offers not subscribed under the offer to which all eligible shareholders and general investors in Australia can subscribe. The company is in discussions with high-net-worth individuals with a view to providing support for the shortfall. ( ) has extended the closing date of a non-renounceable entitlement issue and shortfall offer through which it aims to raise $2.144 million before costs. The non-renounceable entitlement issue is for up to 268,004,155 shares at 0.8 cents per share based on one share for every two shares held at the record date. It also includes one free unlisted new option for every two new shares issued exercisable at 1.5 cents on or before February 28, 2023. A shortfall offer is also being made for shares and options not subscribed under the offer, to which all eligible shareholders and general investors in Australia can subscribe. Cervantes Corp advises that it will extend the closing date of the rights issue to 5pm (WST) on April 1, 2021. Revised timetable. The company is encouraged by composite resplit assays from reverse circulation (RC) drilling at its flagship Primrose Gold Project in the Yalgoo district of Western Australia that verify the original high-grade results. Cervantes Corp completed various drilling programs at Primrose in the December quarter of 2020 which targeted three areas within the project area Blue Heaven, Pansy Pit and the MMI gold anomaly. Resampling was carried out to confirm the previously announced results and to define grades and intercept thicknesses of gold-anomalous samples that were originally composited at four-metre intervals. Forty-three verification assays have been completed, the results of which confirm the original samples and provide focus in intercepts previously assayed with 4-metre composites. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. Opinion Article 1 March 2021 On behalf of owners, Airbnb rents out furnished apartments to short stay, non-resident transient visitors. Advertisements These rents are subject to the regulation of the City of Paris and this regulation has long stated that the activity of short-term furnished rentals to transient visitors, in return for payment, may not be carried out in premises used for residential purposes, pursuant to the French Construction and Housing Code. This same regulation requires owners to request prior permission for a change of use, pursuant to Articles L.631-7 and L.631-7-1 of the French Construction and Housing Code. The City of Paris grants this permission in exchange for a "compensation", the purpose of which is to: change to residential use a space identical (or larger, in disadvantaged areas) to that used for short-term furnished rentals, or pay a cost for this change of use of a residential space, in the strict sense, into a tourist accommodation space. Consequently, any owner who rents out premises intended for residential use on a short-term furnished rental basis to a transient visitor without prior change of use permission is liable to a fine that can be very costly and inhibitive. On 18 February 2021, the French Supreme Court, the "Cour de Cassation" has firmly reiterated three times the above principles[1]. Prior to this, the French Supreme Court had emphasised that the European Court of Justice considered Articles L.631-7 and L.631-7-1 of the French Construction and Housing Code to be in compliance with Community Directive 2006/123/EC of 12 December 2006. The Cour de Cassation has declared that from now on, the Paris Court of appeal will have to adjudicate on sanctions. In the absence of a conviction by the Courts for the moment, it is therefore not possible to rule on the amount of fines and their punitive nature with regard to offending owners. Who will now dare assume the sure-fire financial risk? Owners or Airbnb? Will other French cities follow Paris's lead? Will this sound the death knell for Airbnb in France? Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Istanbul-Islamabad freight train is likely to resume operations this week after a gap of nine years, connecting three countries Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, according to a media report.The train will start from Istanbul on March 4 and arrive in Islamabad after 12 days. "We have been informed by the quarters concerned that the container train would start its journey from Istanbul (Turkey) for Islamabad (Pakistan) via Zahidan on March 4. Though the schedule will be reconfirmed in a day or two, so far March 4 is the final date of departure of the train from Istanbul, a senior official of the Pakistan Railways told the Dawn newspaper on Sunday. The official said in Pakistan, ministries of foreign affairs and railways were coordinating with the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Secretariat which was in contact with the respective departments of Turkey and Iran.Since the train will complete the one-side trip in 12 days, it is expected to reach the Islamabad dry port on March 16, the report said. Pakistan Railways also plans to resume this train operation from 19th, as it is currently booking cargo for Iran and Turkey, the official added. Minister for Railways Azam Khan Swati said he would receive the train on March 16.According to Pakistan Railways record, the first train from Islamabad to Istanbul was inaugurated on August 14, 2009. Similarly, the first train from Istanbul reached Islamabad dryport on August 13, 2010.So far, eight trains have been dispatched from Pakistan to Turkey, with the last leaving the Lahore dryport on November 5, 2011. Since the launch of the service in 2009, Turkey has sent six trains to Pakistan, with the last one reaching here on December 9, 2011. The train named 'ECO Train' will be operated regularly on Thursdays falling in the first week of every month. The permissible load will be 750 gross tonnes. The train length would be 420 metres, according to a statement. As per present arrangement, to start the train and the schedule agreed jointly by Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, the running time between Drence-Kapikoy (Istanbul) and Zahidan-Tabraiz (Iran) will be 90 hours each. From Zahidan to Islamabad, the train would take 135.5 hours. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden defended workers' rights to form unions and warned against intimidation of workers in a video posted on Twitter on Sunday night, as Amazon.com Inc employees in Alabama vote on whether to unionize. Biden didn't mention Amazon, but specifically referenced "workers in Alabama" in the video and a tweet introducing it. He said every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union, and no employer could take that away. "It's your right...So make your voice heard," he said. "Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union, but especially Black and Brown workers," Biden said in the video. "There should be no intimidation, no coercion, no threats, no anti-union propaganda. No supervisor should confront employees about their union preferences." Amazon, Americas second-biggest private employer, has no unionized labor in the United States, and workers at its fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama, would be the first if they vote in favor. Such a decision could encourage workers attempting to organize at other Amazon facilities. A spokeswoman from the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union (RWDSU) said there had been many reports of various "various intimidation tactics used by Amazon on this campaign and during the voting period." Amazon, which has long avoided unionization, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has trained managers to spot organizing activity. A website advocating Amazon workers shun unions, doitwithoutdues.com, warned the Bessemer employees, why pay almost $500 in dues? Weve got you covered* with high wages, health care, vision, and dental benefits. The last attempt by Amazon workers to unionize was in 2014. A top adviser to Biden and officials from the RWDSU discussed the union's drive to organize Amazon workers at the Bessemer site after the inauguration, Reuters reported earlier this month. Story continues On Sunday, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum welcomed what he called Biden's "clear message of support" for the Amazon workers seeking to bring the first union to an Amazon warehouse. "As President Biden points out, the best way for working people to protect themselves and their families is by organizing into unions. And that is why so many working women and men are fighting for a union at the Amazon facility in Bessemer, Alabama, he said in a statement. Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO federation of unions, also hailed Biden's tweet: "@POTUS is right: Every worker should have the free and fair choice to join a union." Biden has vowed to increase union membership in the United States after years of steady declines. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the union membership rate in the private sector was around 6.2% in 2019, compared to around 20% in 1983. (Reporting by Julia Harte, Nandita Bose and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Diane Craft and Edwina Gibbs) Science Highlight Testing wraps up for first Fermilab-designed cryomodule for PIP-II accelerator DOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Building something as complex as a superconducting cryomodule takes the efforts of an entire team of scientists, engineers and technicians. This picture was taken in January 2020 in Fermilab's Industrial Center Building at the end of the SSR1 cryomodule assembly. (Photo: Lynn Johnson, Fermilab) There is a first time for everything. Sometimes that thing is a highly complex machine designed to accelerate an 800-million-electronvolt proton beam to enable decades' worth of cutting-edge experiments at the United States' foremost particle physics laboratory. In January, scientists and engineers at the Department of Energy's Fermilab successfully completed phase-one testing on a prototype of the first superconducting cryomodule to be fully designed, assembled and tested at Fermilab for the PIP-II accelerator. "It isn't often that we have the privilege and opportunity of going through the entire life cycle of such complex structures, from design to testing," said Donato Passarelli, the Fermilab engineer leading the technical coordination effort for the cryomodule. Accelerating Fermilab science The Proton Improvement Plan-II, or PIP-II for short, is a highly anticipated upgrade to Fermilab's accelerator complex. The PIP-II accelerator will replace Fermilab's existing linear accelerator to enable the necessary power and versatility for the Fermilab-hosted international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and other next-generation experiments. Each SSR1 cryomodule contains eight superconducting cavities and four focusing magnets. (Image: Fermilab) Cryomodules are the major building blocks of a superconducting linear particle accelerator. Each cryomodule houses a "string" of superconducting cavities, which impart energy to the particle beam through an electromagnetic field, as well as magnets that keep the beam focused. Every component is carefully designed to boost the beam as efficiently as possible. The 215-meter-long PIP-II accelerator will use 23 cryomodules of five different accelerating structure types, connected end-to-end. When the beam has passed through all of them, the particles will be traveling at 84% the speed of light -- over 560 million miles per hour. The recently completed cryomodule from Fermilab houses a cavity type called SSR1, short for single-spoke resonator, type 1. Positioned as the second cryomodule in the accelerator beamline, the SSR1 cryomodule is designed to efficiently accelerate particles traveling at about 20% of the speed of light. Each SSR1 cryomodule will contain eight superconducting cavities and four focusing magnets. PIP-II, which is supported by the DOE Office of Science, is the first U.S. accelerator project that will have significant contributions, including some of PIP-II's cryomodules, from international partners. Research institutions in the U.S., France, India, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom are all developing different parts of the accelerator. Collaborators at India's Bhabha Atomic Research Center contributed one of the superconducting cavities for the SSR1 prototype. The challenge is the opportunity "Of course, it's not the first cryomodule built at Fermilab," said Fermilab engineer Vincent Roger, who leads the engineering design of PIP-II cryomodules, "but it was the first time at Fermilab to fully design and build a cryomodule from scratch." SSR1 was the first single-spoke resonator cryomodule built in the United States and only the second in the world, so the Fermilab team often found itself in somewhat uncharted territory. It was challenging, but also a big opportunity to innovate. "When I first started on this project, the facility to perform the assembly was brand-new, and we were faced with having to design the techniques almost from scratch," said Mattia Parise, the Fermilab engineer heading up string assembly for the SSR1 cryomodule. His team had to creatively adapt existing knowledge to a new scheme to put the cavities and magnets together. When they tested their prototype in late 2020, scientists and engineers rigorously checked that the cryomodule components maintained their structural integrity and electromagnetic performance. In the test, they cooled the module to minus 456 degrees Fahrenheit, powered up the cavities and magnets, and finally accelerated a beam through the cryomodule. Cryomodules of five different types, one of which is the SSR1 pictured here, boost the energy of the beam. (Photo: Tom Nicol, Fermilab) The prototype SSR1 cryomodule successfully met all of the PIP-II project specifications, and the team is now analyzing the test data and refining their analytical models to better predict the cryomodules' performance in the future. "If we want to be successful in developing superconducting accelerator technology for PIP-II, we need to continually check and refine the details," Passarelli said. Beaming into the future The prototype cryomodule incorporates several other innovative features besides the cavity design: for example, strongback technology, in which the cavities are connected to a common support frame rather than each other. The strongback frame is at room temperature, so that the cavities and other internal components contract together and stay aligned while they are cooled to near absolute zero. Computer vision techniques monitor the alignment with hair's-breadth accuracy, using cameras focused on reflective glass balls attached to each cavity and magnet. The computer monitors the cameras to measure if and how components move and ensure that the internal parts stay in alignment. This type of computer monitoring can also enable more automation in the assembly process. These features will be carried forward into the next sections of the accelerator, so the team is effectively validating aspects of multiple designs at once with this prototype. The biggest difference between the different superconducting cryomodules is the type of cavities they house. The cavity shapes in each successive cryomodule change as the beam is propelled to higher and higher energies, but the layout of the elements surrounding them will be standardized as much as possible. "Our main ideas will carry over to the other types of cryomodules designed at Fermilab because our test results show that the concepts work," Parise said. "We know that we did a good job, and we have more knowledge now about why the systems behave like they do." The success of this prototype is thus not only a milestone for PIP-II but a glimpse of things to come for Fermilab. It also reinforces Fermilab's position as a leader in the global superconducting accelerator community and a valuable partner for future projects. "It's important to us as a team because we successfully overcame many technical and scientific challenges," Passarelli said. "And it's important for the lab because it brings together knowledge from generations of Fermilab scientists, engineers and technicians to validate a concept that will be adapted for other PIP-II cryomodules." ### Fermilab is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov. Government agency allows alternative service for objector based on nonreligious reasons The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) made an unprecedented decision Wednesday, allowing a man in his 30s, accused of refusing to fulfill his mandatory military service over his beliefs in nonviolence and pacifism, to engage in alternative service. The decision is significant in that it is the first time the government has recognized the conscientious objection of military duty for nonreligious reasons and permitted the alternative option. Freedom of conscience is a basic requirement for maintaining human dignity and the foundations of democracy. We believe that such freedom should be protected by all means and welcome this decision as it stresses the need to respect the voices of minorities as well as diversity. It is in line with the verdicts of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court in 2018, which recognized the conscientious objection of military service. The man, identified by his surname Oh, refused to submit himself for military conscription in April 2018, due to his conviction of not wanting to hurt other people under any circumstances, which runs counter to the military service mission of focusing on the knowledge and skills of killing others effectively. Given this conviction, he wanted to take an alternative option other than joining the military. The MMA also accepted a request by another man for the option of an alternative to the reserve forces training, after completing his military duty as a researcher. In Korea, able-bodied young males must serve in the military and do another eight years of reserve forces training after completing active duty. Following the implementation of the law on alternative options in June last year, 2,052 people have applied for some other form of mandatory service, 944 applications of which were accepted, including 942 from a certain religious sect. The recent decision is meaningful as it shows that conscientious objection is also possible when based on diverse beliefs, without being restricted to a certain religious affiliation. There have been concerns that more people will attempt to exploit the alternative option system as a way to avoid military duty. So, the MMA has taken measures to determine more appropriately real conscientious objectors. However, more attention and support is needed so that the alternative option system can take root, while respecting the views of minorities and individual convictions. Despite this recent decision, there are some negative opinions about conscientious objectors. Many still believe in the importance of the military service to cope with the pressing need for tighter security in this divided nation, coupled with the need for the mandatory military service rule to apply fairly to everyone. Yet, permitting conscientious objection is more precious than just doing a favor to those who are allowed the option of alternative service. It means acknowledging a minority opinion in our society and respecting the dignity and values of more people. We urge the government to more widely expand the scope of conscientious objection and offer more alternatives to military service, so that the objectors can make more diverse contributions to society. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 06:51:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday recommended the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for Americans 18 years of age and older, a final clearance for the vaccine after it was authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend the vaccine to be administered to people 18 and older. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signed the recommendation that endorsed the safety and effectiveness of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine and its use across the country. "This official CDC recommendation -- which follows Saturday's FDA decision to authorize emergency use of the vaccine -- is another milestone toward an end to the pandemic," Walensky said in a statement. This third safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine comes at a potentially "pivotal time," she said. As a one-dose vaccine, people do not have to return for a second dose to be protected. In addition, this vaccine does not need to be kept in a freezer and can be stored at refrigerated temperatures -- so it is easy to transport and store and allows for expanded availability in most community settings and mobile sites, as supply scales up, Walensky said. The CDC recommendation came a day after the FDA authorized Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. "The authorization of this vaccine expands the availability of vaccines, the best medical prevention method for COVID-19, to help us in the fight against this pandemic, which has claimed over half a million lives in the United States," said Janet Woodcock, acting FDA commissioner. It is the third COVID-19 vaccine that has received the FDA's emergency use authorization in the country, following the first one developed by American drugmaker Pfizer in partnership with German company BioNTech, and the second one developed by American drugmaker Moderna. Some 4 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine would be expected to start shipping as early as Monday, with some 800,000 of that expected to go directly to pharmacies, according to the company. Over 96 million vaccine doses have been distributed across the United States as of Sunday, and more than 75 million doses have been administered, CDC data show. Enditem World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Textron Systems is preparing to show off its vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial system in an Army drone rodeo at Fort Benning, Georgia, for companies competing to replace the service's RQ-7B Shadow. The Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems, or FTUAS, Rodeo will run through the first week of March and feature troops demonstrating drone prototypes from four defense firms that have been under soldier evaluation for the past year. After a fly-off event in 2019 involving 11 drone vendors, the Army selected four finalists -- the Textron Aerosonde Hybrid Quad, Arcturus Jump 20, L3 Harris Unmanned Systems FVR-90 and Martin UAV V-Bat -- to participate in a capability assessment involving brigade combat teams, or BCTs, from the across the service. Read Next: With Fewer US Troops in Europe, MQ-9 Reaper Drones Are Filling the Gap The replacement for the Shadow will have to be quiet, easily transportable and able to take off and land without runway requirements. "We are absolutely excited about where the Army is taking this more expeditionary system for the BCTs," Wayne Prender, Textron Systems' senior vice president for air systems, told defense reporters Thursday. Textron Systems Aerosonde Hybrid Quad which will be participating in the Army Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System Rodeo at Fort Benning, Georgia in March 2021. (Photo courtesy of Textron) The Aerosonde Hybrid Quad features a vertical takeoff and landing system kit that has been installed onto Textron's baseline Aerosonde 4.7 fixed-wing drone. Prender described it as the "workhorse of our fleet with over 500,000 hours of flight operations ... almost all of which are done in conflict." Currently, the Aerosonde 4.7 drone is operating around the world in support of U.S. and allied forces through contracts with the U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command and the U.S. Air Force, Prender said. The new Aerosonde Hybrid Quad features "additional advantages that the Army is specifically looking for in its future tactical system -- paramount to that is the expeditionary footprint," Prender said. A package of three Aerosonde Hybrid Quads with fuel and spare parts, weighing less than 3,000 pounds, can be loaded onto a standard U.S. military air cargo pallet, Prender said. "That allows us to be internally transported in a [CH-47 Chinook] and then off-loaded and up and operational in less than 20 minutes," he said. "That is extremely critical for the Army as they look at how they are going to employ and maneuver this system." Textron's entry into the drone rodeo at Benning will be the same system it delivered to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, but will feature an upgrade it provided to the unit allowing soldiers to control the drone while moving in a tactical vehicle, Prender said. "We were successful in providing new capabilities midstream during the FTUAS evaluation," Prender said. "Whether it is a Humvee or a [Joint Light Tactical Vehicle] or any other vehicle in the Army inventory, that allows them to extend the reach; it allows them to avoid any specific [radio frequency] signature [that can be detected by the enemy]." The drone rodeo will feature soldiers demonstrating the systems from the four vendors, but the event will not result in a winner. The yearlong soldier evaluations of the four prototypes and the feedback gathered from the rodeo will be used to refine Army requirements for the Shadow replacement. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Army Field-Testing Quieter Drones to Avoid Enemy Detection Adelaide Festivals opening weekend conjured worlds beyond the mortal realm of coronavirus and international border closures, courtesy of a United States countertenor released from quarantine to reign over impish fairies and an acrobatic troupe and choir who pulsed as one in a spectacle of human possibility. Festival co-director Neil Armfield revived his production of the Benjamin Britten opera A Midsummer Nights Dream, first staged for the Houston Grand Opera in 2009, and the Festival Theatre fizzed with celebration to help its audience forget that COVID-19 travel restrictions had blocked artists from across the African continent, the UK, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Russia, Canada, Spain, Scandinavia, Israel and Lebanon from physically entering Australia. A musical take on Shakespeares greatest comedy by mostly local performers slipped past our existential fears into the entertaining absurdity of fairy queen Tytania (an elegant Rachelle Durkin) falling for a ham actor named Bottom (Warwick Fyfe in a fabulously physical comic turn). The bestial implications of this tryst could not be escaped as troublemaker Puck (an agile Mark Coles Smith) mimed the humping for audience members, who probably wondered if they too had at some point in their lives been enamoured with an ass. Floating in from above was the mellifluous high timbre of San Francisco-based countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen as king of the fairies Oberon, transported from the ceiling in regal feather headdress. With some 70 events, including 10 world premieres and 14 Australian premieres four to be live streamed from overseas the festival had rallied. That said, more Indigenous Australian works would have been ideal (the festival lost a planned Bangarra Dance Theatre touring show during planning because of state border uncertainties). Drill hole LV21-289 Intercepts Highest Silver and Gold Grades to Date at El Rubi Hole LV21-289 intercepts 130 metres 1 (80.08 metres estimated true width) of silver-gold mineralization averaging 18 g/t silver and 0.69 g/t gold before cutting an additional 19.3 metres 1 (11.89 metres estimated true width) averaging 363 g/t silver and 21.2 g/t gold in the deepest hit on the El Rubi structure to date Individual sample #21699 returns 10,681 g/t silver and 738 g/t gold over 0.5 metres 1 core length (0.31 metres estimated true width) Intervals from LV21-289 overshadow excellent results from hole LV20-284, also intercepting multiple broad zones of mineralization in the Western Zone Work continues to advance toward the completion of a maiden resource calculation, with new data being incorporated into the model TSX.V: VIPR, OTC:VIPRF VANCOUVER, BC, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Silver Viper Minerals Corp. (the "Company" or "Silver Viper") (TSX-V: VIPR) is extremely pleased to report the current batch of drilling results from ongoing exploration at the La Virginia Silver-Gold Project. The six drill holes reported herein were drilled within the El Rubi prospect. The standout hole of this release, and first of the 2021 program, intercepted three main zones of mineralization, culminating in the highest grade and deepest hit yet encountered at El Rubi. Hole LV21-289 returned a 19.30 metres1 core length (11.89 metres estimated true width) zone averaging 363 g/t silver and 21.2 g/t gold in the deepest hit on the El Rubi structure to date containing a best individual sample of 0.5 metres1 core length (0.31 metres estimated true width) grading 10,681 g/t silver and 738 g/t gold from 429.2 metres. In addition, this same interval returned an unprecedented 6.74% Pb and 7.11% Zn, marking the first time high-grade base metals have been reported from El Rubi. The current results are being incorporated into the wireframe modelling of the mineralization. Silver Viper's President and CEO Steve Cope states, "Hole LV21-289 really is an eye opener as to the ultimate potential of this project. Obviously, the presence of spectacular grades deep in the hole will grab the markets' attention, but beyond that, it is the deepest and widest high-grade intercept to date on the El Rubi structure which is very encouraging. The zone in itself is cause for us to be thrilled, but equally as important is the well mineralized 130m long zone higher in the hole which continues to show the open pit potential of the El Rubi area. We look forward to continuing to release results from El Rubi and are excited about the upcoming catalyst of a maiden resource on the project." Silver Viper is also pleased to report that 2021 exploration continues to advance, with crews expanding and infilling mapping and geochemical coverage over the project area. Planned exploration activities for 2021 include follow-up reconnaissance work on existing geochemical anomalies, an imminent airborne LiDAR survey and continuation of the ongoing exploration drilling campaign at El Rubi. Silver and gold bearing structures at El Rubi are hosted by a gently dipping volcanic sequence of felsic to intermediate composition within a highly structurally controlled network of quartz veining and vein breccias. The El Rubi structure represents a northwest trending, fault-controlled, often silicified breccia/quartz stockwork zone which dips steeply to the east-northeast. To date the El Rubi structure has been intercepted by drilling over a strike length of 500 metres and a vertical depth of 300 metres. Low to medium grade silver-gold mineralization is also consistently observed within the footwall of the El Rubi structure, extending up to 200 metres west of El Rubi trend. In some cases, fine quartz stringers form zones of weak stockwork tens of metres in width. This broad stockwork zone is referred to by Silver Viper as the Western Zone and is evidenced by drill intercepts such as those in LV20-245 (see News Release dated August 26th, 2020) and in hole LV20-284, see below. The entire project is situated upon a regional-scale, north-northwest trending fault system and additional sub-parallel trends are recognized further east of El Rubi. The table below documents significant intercepts from the current batch of drill results. LV21-289 eclipses the batch in terms of intercepted mineralization width and grade. Holes LV20-284 and 289 are located on sections 50 metres and 100 metres south of previously reported hole LV20-245 respectively. This group of holes represent a systematic series of scissor holes oriented eastward at El Rubi and spaced on 50 metre east-west sections. The holes were planned to provide confirmation and support to interpretations of mineralized structures encountered or projected from previous data. Silver Viper intends to continue this systematic approach to defining the mineralization at El Rubi. A drill plan showing the relative locations of the collars and selected photographs of drill intercepts are accessible on the Silver Viper website. EL RUBI ZONE BEST RESULTS HOLE From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Estimated True Width1 (m) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag Equiv2 (g/t) Au Equiv2 (g/t) LV20-284 79.00 126.00 47.00 28.95 44 0.77 98 1.4 Includes 81.00 82.35 1.35 0.83 329 5.39 706 10.1 Includes 103.00 106.00 3.00 1.85 170 2.95 377 5.38 AND 134.00 150.50 16.50 10.16 42 1.06 116 1.66 Includes 138.00 139.00 1.00 0.62 324 8.54 922 13.2 AND 225.50 227.00 1.50 0.92 52 1.82 179 2.56 AND 260.00 261.50 1.50 0.92 152 0.52 188 2.68 AND 317.50 319.00 1.50 0.92 231 11.80 1,057 15.1 AND 359.00 360.50 1.50 0.92 60 1.09 136 1.94 AND 379.40 383.60 4.20 2.59 52 0.94 118 1.69 LV20-285 57.00 59.00 2.00 0.75 10 0.64 55 0.79 LV20-286 70.15 72.00 1.85 1.52 78 1.07 153 2.18 LV20-287 37.75 40.50 2.75 1.10 105 0.47 138 1.98 AND 103.00 109.00 6.00 2.40 36 0.46 68 0.98 Includes 104.40 106.00 1.60 0.64 83 1.10 160 2.28 AND 111.00 113.25 2.25 0.90 36 0.53 73 1.04 AND 261.00 264.00 3.00 1.20 31 1.21 115 1.65 Includes 261.00 262.00 1.00 0.40 54 2.82 251 3.59 LV20-288 53.00 54.00 1.00 0.82 52 0.66 99 1.41 LV21-289 64.50 70.50 6.00 3.70 40 0.88 101 1.45 AND 127.00 139.00 12.00 7.39 38 0.60 80 1.14 AND 280.50 410.50 130.00 80.08 18 0.69 67 0.95 Includes 292.38 293.50 1.12 0.69 172 9.9 865 12.4 AND 321.40 323.50 2.10 1.29 123 6.55 582 8.32 AND 418.20 437.50 19.30 11.89 363 21.2 1,849 26.4 Includes 428.70 430.20 1.50 0.92 3,917 252 21,541 308 (includes) 429.20 429.70 0.50 0.31 10,681 738 62,369 891 1 True widths are difficult to estimate at this early stage of exploration. Estimated true widths presented here are calculated for each interval based on current geological interpretation of the mineralized zones. Presently the mineralized structures are interpreted as being sub-vertical. Oriented core has been drilled in four holes at El Rubi and to date support this interpretation. 2 The use of both silver and gold equivalents reported in the body text and in the intercept table are justified by Silver Viper due to the appreciable concentration of both precious metals in all reported results. Equivalents are presented to provide context for the reader. Preliminary bottle roll tests reported previously indicate that there is a reasonable expectation of dissolution of both gold and silver from El Rubi material within conventional leaching parameters. The silver-gold equivalent calculations use an historical price ratio of 70:1, maintained at this ratio for consistency with Silver Viper's previous releases. Calculations are made using the formulas Ag equivalent = Ag grade + (Au grade x 70), Au equivalent = Au grade + (Ag grade / 70). No base metals values are used in the calculations. Of the six holes reported herein, LV20-284 and 285 were designed to test for mineralization in the Western Zone, while holes LV20-286, 287 and 288 were situated to test portions along the southern projection of the main El Rubi area. Hole LV21-289 was designed to test both the Western Zone, 50 metres south of LV20-284 and to intercept the projection of El Rubi at depth in the vicinity of local section 10,000N. The upper portions of hole LV21-289 (azimuth 090, dip -450) encountered mineralized stringer intervals thought to represent the southern projection of the Western Zone. More consistent mineralization was encountered starting at 280 metres down hole, returning a down hole length measuring 130 metres core length with an average grade of 18 g/t silver and 0.69 g/t gold. Beneath this interval, a well mineralized breccia zone was encountered, starting at 424.85 metres down hole for 19.30 metres core length averaging 363 g/t silver and 21.2 g/t gold, and thought to represent the projection of El Rubi structure. Drill hole LV20-284 (azimuth 090, dip -450) was located 50m south of, and oriented parallel to, previously reported hole LV20-245, the discovery hole for El Rubi Western Zone. Hole LV20-284 was an oriented core hole, providing valuable structural data as well as intersecting a broad, 176.30 metre intercept of anomalous gold/silver mineralization starting from 24 metres down hole. Two intervals from within this broad anomalous zone have been selected as significant for this release. The first starts at 79.0 metres down hole for a total of 47.0 metres core length (estimated 28.95 metres true width) averaging 44 g/t silver and 0.77 g/t gold, and at 134.0 metres down hole for a total of 16.5 metres core length (10.16 metres estimated true width) averaging 42 g/t silver and 1.05 g/t gold. These intervals contained higher grade zones such as 1.35 metres core length grading 329 g/t silver and 5.39 g/t gold from 81 metres depth and 1.0 metre core length grading 324 g/t silver and 8.54 g/t gold from 138 metres depth. Other intercepts from deeper in this same hole include 1.5 metres grading 231 g/t silver and 11.8 g/t gold from 317.5 metres depth. Drill hole LV20-285 (azimuth 270, dip -450) was intended as a short, oriented core hole designed to collect structural data related to the projected andesite/rhyolite contact and to test for additional stringer zones, as suggested by soil geochemistry. A thin, weakly mineralized stringer zone was encountered at a downhole depth of 57.0 metres. Drill hole LV20-286, LV20-287 and LV20-288 (azimuths 240, dips -450, -750, -450 respectively) were drilled on local sections 9950N (286 and 287), and 9900N (288) and tested the southern extension of the El Rubi structure. LV20-286 was an oriented hole designed to gather information about vein and structure orientation in the southern portion of El Rubi. LV20-287 was collared from the same pad, inclined at a much steeper angle that LV20-286. Hole LV20-288 was the final hole from 2020 and represents the southernmost 50 metre step out on the main El Rubi structure to date. (sharing a section with previously drilled LV20-214). Follow up drilling designed to intersect the El Rubi structure at deeper levels is planned for 2021. About the Project La Virginia is located 220 km east-northeast of Hermosillo, Sonora. It is a large exploration area, primarily prospective for fault-controlled, low-sulphidation epithermal precious metal mineralization. The Property and historical exploration database were acquired by way of option agreements made with two distinct parties. Gold and silver mineralization at La Virginia occurs within breccias, veins and stockworks, hosted primarily by andesitic volcanics, often in close spatial association to, or cross-cutting pre-mineral dacite dykes and controlled by fractures and faults that define the regional structural trend. Silver Viper's reconnaissance program identified key targets and trends which are of primary interest and filed strategic reductions in claims to attain a final surface area of 6,882 hectares. The Company has filed reductions of the large concessions to better focus efforts on the high priority trends. At the completion of the 2020 exploration work at La Virginia, Silver Viper had completed a total of 100 drill holes for a combined meterage of 27,021 metres across the project. Exploration drilling continues at La Virginia using a single diamond drill supplied by Hermosillo-based drill contractor, Globexplore Drilling Corp. Drilling by the Company to date builds upon a sizeable database of recent historical work including 52,635 metres of drill core from 188 diamond drill holes, generated by the efforts of previous operators between 2010 and 2013. Silver Viper is expanding upon this work by continuing exploration north and south into prospective untested ground. QA/QC Analytical results of drilling intercepts reported by Silver Viper represent samples of halved diamond drill core submitted by Silver Viper staff directly to Bureau Veritas, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Samples were crushed, split and pulverized as per Bureau Veritas method PRP70-250, then analyzed for gold by lead collection fire assay fusion on a 30g split with AAS finish, and for a multi-element suite including silver by multi-acid digestion with ICP-ES/MS finish. Samples triggering precious metal over-limit thresholds of 10g/t Au or 200g/t Ag were retested by lead collection fire assay fusion with a gravimetric finish (method code FA530. In the case of sample #21699, an additional analysis reserved for concentrates was employed, analysis code FA501-Ag. Silver Viper monitors QA/QC using commercially sourced standards and locally sourced blank materials inserted within the sample sequence at regular intervals. Dale Brittliffe, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration, is the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101 and has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Ongoing verification of scientific and technical information is achieved by direct involvement in the exploration work, the most recent site visit was conducted in November 2020. About the Company Silver Viper Minerals Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mineral exploration company focused on precious metals exploration in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. The Company currently operates the La Virginia Gold-Silver Project. Silver Viper has 100% ownership of the La Virginia concessions acquired from the most recent operator, Pan American Silver Corp., and has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Rubi-Esperanza group of claims internal to those concessions. Silver Viper is under management provided by the Belcarra Group, which is comprised of highly qualified mining professionals. On behalf of the board of directors, Steve Cope President and CEO Forward Looking Information Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development, the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, fluctuations in the prices of commodities, operating hazards and risks, competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's financial statements available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. SOURCE Silver Viper Minerals Corp. Related Links https://www.silverviperminerals.com/ Only days after the fatal attack on the Italian Ambassador, more civilians have since been massacred in the eastern province of the DRC. Vatican News English Africa North Kivu, in the eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where on 22 February, the Italian ambassador to the DRC, Luca Attanasio; Italian carabiniere, Vittorio Iacovacci and Mustapha Milambo, the Congolese UN driver were killed, there have already been several more massacres of innocent civilians, reports the Catholic news service, Agenzia Fides. A local based NGO, the Centre for the Promotion of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights (CEPADHO), in a message to Agenzia Fides, has detailed the massacres since the killing of the Italian Ambassador. More than 20 civilians killed According to CEPADHO, at least 23 civilian victims have died in attacks in the areas of Beni (North Kivu) and Irumu (Ituri) within the last few days: 17 in Kisima in the Ruwenzori district, one in Oicha (capital of the Beni region), 2 in Kokola in the Beni-Mbau district and 3 in Kpolimumu, Irumu district. Before that, five civilians were killed in a massacre in Musandba (5 km northwest of Oicha), Beni-Mbau district and in a series of ambushes carried out on the Beni to Kasindi road. ADF/MTM -a major perpetrator of violence in eastern Congo There are several militias, mercenaries and terrorist groups operating in the eastern province of the DRC. However, CEPADHO has attributed the recent attacks on civilians to a rebel group, originally from Uganda, the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces). The group has been carrying out attacks in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the 1990s, when the rebels arrived on the scene with a political agenda. They have since abandoned their political demands and degenerated into a terrorist militia group involved in trafficking minerals from the eastern DRC. In recent years, militias of the ADF have taken to calling themselves "Madinat Tawhid wa-l-Muwahidin (MTM)." Their alleged "affiliation" to the Islamic State (IS) is the subject of controversy and speculation. French apple exports to the Mena region have increased by 16.43% between August 2019 and July 2020, (compared with 2018-2019), representing approximately 11% of total French apple exports. In total, 46,386 tonnes of French apples were exported to Mena, up from 39,839 tonnes the previous year, the top three markets being Saudi Arabia (12,975 tonnes), UAE (12,920 tonnes) and Egypt (6,210 tonnes), which together import over 66% of French apple exports to the region. Other major markets include Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. Interfel, the French fresh fruit and vegetable interprofessional organisation responsible for promoting the consumption of apples in the Middle East and the European Commission, is participating at Gulfood where they are showcasing a range fruit and vegetables. This underscores the large variety of apples, which are very healthy and flavourful due to the exceptional richness of the soil and the climate. Also, 65% of French apples (over 1,300 growers) are produced in eco-friendly orchards, which has also contributed considerably towards the popularity of French apples, said Daniel Soares, Marketing Export Manager, Interfel. The taste of our produce resonates well with Middle East consumers. As such, we will be highlighting the different flavours and the multiple ways in which they can be used in everyday cuisine, added Soares. The National Association of Apples and Pears (ANPP) divides French apples into five different categories, gourmet, fragrant, balanced, rustic and tonic. The most popular type of apple grown in France is Golden, which benefits from official marks of quality and origin. Due to their tolerance to drought and hardy adaptation to all types of rootstock, Golden are renowned for their easy cultivation and represent 35% of all apples grown in France today. In the Middle East, the Gala apples sweetness makes it the most popular in the region. All global markets are highly competitive, but France consistently produces apples that are crisp and full of rustic taste, having been grown in a temperate climate, with abundant sunlight and respect for the local environment. This gives them a distinct competitive edge, concluded Soares. Interfel highlights a wide range of high quality, healthy and safe varieties of fruit and vegetables. On the stand, apple producers include Apple Bird, Harmonie, Cardell Export, and Pominter. French chef, Charles Soussin is also on hand to showcase the apples superior taste through a range of recipes for visitors to the stand to enjoy. -- Tradearabia News Service New Delhi: India's finance ministry is considering cutting excise duties on petrol and diesel to cushion the impact of record high domestic prices, three government officials close to the discussions said. A doubling in the price of crude oil over the past 10 months has contributed to record fuel prices at gas stations in India. But taxes and duties account for roughly 60% of the retail price of petrol and diesel in the country, the world's third biggest consumer of crude oil. As the coronavirus pandemic hit economic activity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government twice raised taxes on petrol and diesel in the last 12 months to boost sagging tax revenues instead of passing on the benefits of low oil prices last year to consumers. India's Finance Ministry has now started consultations with some states, oil companies and the oil ministry to find the most effective way to lower the tax burden on consumers without federal finances taking a big hit, the sources said. "We are discussing ways in which prices can be kept stable. We will be able to take a view of the issue by mid-March," said one of the sources. The sources, who asked not to be named as the deliberations are private, said the government wants oil prices to stabilise before cutting taxes, as it does not want to be forced to change the tax structure again, should crude prices rise further. India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently said: "I can't say when we will reduce taxes on fuel, but (the) centre and states have to talk to reduce fuel taxes". India's Finance Ministry and oil ministry did not respond to an email requesting comment. The high fuel prices have prompted some Indian states to cut state-level taxes on petrol and diesel to rein in prices. Another one of the sources said a decision on fuel taxes may only be made following a meeting of OPEC and major oil producers, also known as OPEC+, later this week. "There is an expectation that OPEC+ would agree to ease oil output curbs, we hope oil prices will stabilise after their decision," this source said. India has called on OPEC+ to ease production cuts as higher crude prices are hitting fuel demand in Asia's third largest economy and are contributing to inflation. The high fuel prices could also affect Modi's popularity ahead of state assembly polls in four states in March and April. Modi and India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are already facing their biggest political challenge in years with tens of thousands of farmers protesting against three farm laws passed by his government in 2020. The federal government and states together raised some 5.56 trillion rupees ($75.22 billion) in revenues from the petroleum sector in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, based on government data. In the nine months of this fiscal year (April-December 2020), contributions from the sector were about 4.21 trillion rupees, despite a significant decline in local fuel demand, the data showed. 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. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High 82F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 64F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 09:30:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- As COVID-19 cases decline, South African cabinet eased lockdown restrictions from alert level three to level one, allowing political and religious gatherings, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday night. "In the week that has just passed, the country recorded just under 10,000 new infections," Ramaphosa said. "A month ago, in the last week of January, the country recorded over 40,000 new cases. And a month before that, in the last week of December, the country recorded close to 90,000 new cases." Due to the decline in infections, the country can now "cautiously" ease some of the restrictions on movement and activities, he said. Religious, social, political and cultural gatherings will be permitted, subject to limitations on size, adherence to social distancing and other health protocols. The hours of the curfew will now be from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. The sale of alcohol will be permitted, according to normal licence provisions. However, night vigils or other gatherings before or after funerals are still not permitted. Nightclubs will remain closed. The 33 land border posts that have been closed throughout this period will remain closed. The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory. Ramaphosa said the return to Level 1 means that most of the remaining restrictions on economic activities have been removed. "We expect this to lead to higher consumption spending, bolstered by the steady recovery in employment." The president said South Africa has now clearly emerged from the second wave which "was far more devastating and caused greater loss of life than the first wave." He believed the dramatic decline in cases over eight weeks is due to a combination of the public health measures introduced and accumulating immunity in those who became infected. He said more than 67,000 health workers who are on the frontline of fighting against COVID-19 have been vaccinated in the last ten days. "We are steadily increasing the number of doses administered each day. All provinces have established vaccination sites and have put in place plans for the expansion of the programs as it gains momentum," he added. He said phase two of the vaccine rollout would begin in April or May, after the vaccination of medical workers is completed. "Phase two will include the elderly, essential workers, persons living or working in institutional settings and those with co-morbidities," he said. Ramaphosa said South Africa has secured 11 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Johnson & Johnson, 20 million doses from Pfizer, 12 million doses from COVAX -- a multinational vaccine-sharing initiative backed by the World Health Organization -- and is in the process of finalizing dose allocation from the African Union. "We are in constant contact with various other vaccine manufacturers to ensure that we have the necessary quantities of vaccines when we need them," he added. Enditem Japan has asked China to stop carrying out anal swab tests for Covid-19 on Japanese citizens as the procedure causes psychological pain, a government spokesperson said today. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said the government has not received a response that Beijing would change the testing procedure, so Japan would continue to ask China to alter the way of testing. 'Some Japanese reported to our embassy in China that they received anal swab tests, which caused a great psychologial pain,' Kato told a news conference. It was not known how many Japanese citizens received such tests for the coronavirus, he said. Tokyo has asked Beijing to stop carrying out anal swab tests for Covid-19 on Japanese citizens as the procedure causes psychological pain, a government spokesperson said today. Pictured: A video widely circulated online shows a doctor holding a visual demonstration of the procedure Some Chinese cities are using samples taken from the anus to detect potential infections as China steps up screening to make sure no potential carrier of the new coronavirus is missed. To collect test samples, the swab needs to be inserted about three to five centimetres (1.2 to 2 inches) into the rectum and rotated several times. After completing the motion twice, the swab is removed before being securely placed inside a sample container. The whole procedure is said to take about 10 seconds. The Chinese capital began using the derriere detecting method more frequently during a mass testing drive after a nine-year-old boy tested positive for the virus in January. Within a matter of days in January, more than three million residents in three Beijing districts have received coronavirus testing in a bid to stem the contagion, authorities said. Anal swabs have been used in China to test coronavirus since last year, but the method is mainly used in key groups at quarantine centres because of its inconvenience, expert says American diplomats in China claimed last week they were forced to take anal swab tests for Covid-19. Washington complained the procedure was 'undignified' and told staff to decline the test if asked to take one. Beijing has since claimed the test, mandatory for incoming travellers in some parts of China, was given 'in error', as diplomatic personnel were exempt. However, China has since denied any knowledge of carrying out anal swab tests on US diplomats. Anal swabs have been used in China to test coronavirus since last year, but the method is mainly used in key groups at quarantine centres because of its inconvenience, according to a Chinese disease control expert. A US source told Vice of the claims: 'The State Department never agreed to this kind of testing and protested directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when we learned that some staff were subject to it.' Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily news briefing in the Chinese capital: 'To my knowledge...China has never required U.S. diplomatic staff stationed in China to conduct anal swab tests.' A medical worker collects a swab in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China, on February 22 A State Department representative said it was 'committed to guaranteeing the safety and security of American diplomats and their families, while preserving their dignity'. Tests using anal swabs can avoid missing infections as virus traces in faecal samples or anal swabs could remain detectable for a longer time than in those from the respiratory tract, Li Tongzeng, a respiratory diseases doctor in Beijing, told state television last month. Stool tests may also be more effective in finding infections in children and infants as their waste carries a higher viral load than adults, researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said in a paper published last year. But the accuracy and efficiency of anal swabs remain controversial among experts. Yang Zhanqiu, a deputy director of the pathogen biology department at Wuhan University, told state media Global Times that the nasal and throat swabs remain the most efficient test as the virus is proven to be contracted via one's upper respiratory tract rather than the digestive system. 'There have been cases concerning the coronavirus testing positive in a patient's excrement, but no evidence has suggested it had been transmitted through one's digestive system,' Yang said. An elderly Ohio woman attempted to register for a vaccine appointment online but accidentally secured a grocery delivery as seniors across the US face a series of confusing web pages when signing up online for COVID-19 shots. Lee Freund, 78, of Akron, told the New York Times that she called multiple hospitals and pharmacies for help securing her appointment but they all directed her to a series of confusing web pages. The unclear directions led her to mistakenly sign up for grocery delivery instead of a vaccine appointment. 'When you're alone, it's frustrating, it's overwhelming, and it's very emotional,' Freund told the Times. Freund, whose husband died last year, said she didn't want to burden her children and opted out of calling them. Eventually, she received some much needed assistance from Area Agency on Aging, where a woman booked Freund's appointment. Freund's story is similar to several senior citizens who have been forced into a virtual environment where they have to rely heavily on computers, phones, tablets and the internet. Ohio woman, Lee Freund, 78, attempted to register for a vaccine appointment but accidentally signed up for a grocery delivery as seniors across the US face a series of confusing web pages when signing up online for COVID-19 shots (file image) Freund's story is similar to several senior citizens who have been forced into a virtual environment where they have to rely heavily on computers, phones, tablets and the internet. A senior citizen gets the COVID-19 jab in West Virginia Some elderly Americans like Annette Carlin, 84, don't have computers and wouldn't know how to navigate the web even if they did. 'It's very frustrating,' Carlin, who still uses a flip phone, told the Times. 'I feel like everybody else got the vaccine, and I didn't.' More than 22 million elderly Americans lack wired broadband access at home and such information has prompted advocates for the elderly to slam the rollout of the vaccination program, which has seen some states use social media and event pages, like Eventbrite, for updates. In Missouri, health officials and community groups are working together to help vaccinate seniors and other people who might have difficulty getting to a clinic for the coronavirus. As part of the vaccination campaign, the Urban League of Metropolitan St Louis is holding one-day vaccination events at senior apartments with the state and the Missouri National Guard. Health departments and hospitals have set up telephone hotlines to help people who don't have internet. Local health centers have sent staff to seniors' homes to get residents signed up, and organized buses to bring them to vaccine clinics. Alberta Smith, 67, said she might not have made it to get her shot without a bus ride to the recent clinic. 'This is a blessing,' Smith told the St Louis Post-Dispatch. Officials say the elderly are far more likely to die or have severe cases of COVID-19. In Missouri, about 17 per cent of the state's population is 65 or older but that group accounts for 85 per cent of the deaths attributed to the virus. St Louis's health director, Dr Fredrick Echols, said that eventually vaccination events could be held in churches and other places that are easy for area residents to access. 'We have to stop putting the onus on the people in the community, and we have to do that heavy lifting for them,' Echols said. Mary Christian, 71, of McComb, Mississippi, recalls the hours she spent on both her cell phone and iPad trying to arrange an appointment online for a COVID-19 vaccination through the Mississippi State Department of Health web site and on their listed registration phone line Officials say the elderly (pictured waiting in line in LA) are far more likely to die or have severe cases of COVID-19. In Missouri, about 17 per cent of the state's population is 65 or older but that group accounts for 85 per cent of the deaths attributed to the virus More than 22 million elderly Americans lack wired broadband access at home and such information has prompted advocates to slam the rollout of the vaccination program, which has seen some states use social media and event pages, like Eventbrite, for updates In Texas, officials are taking a page from Corpus Christis playbook and stepping up efforts to vaccinate seniors against COVID-19. Gov Greg Abbott announced the Save Our Seniors initiative at a news conference in Corpus Christi on Thursday, saying that more than 1,100 National Guard troops will be deployed to help communities identify homebound seniors and vaccinate them against the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo says the citys fire department has administered 2,000 vaccines in the past month to homebound seniors identified by the citys Meals on Wheels program and that 144 have been vaccinated fully. Vaccine rollout is picking up speed across the US, where 15 percent of the population has now had one or more doses, according to Bloomberg data. So far, more than 75 million doses have been administered to health care workers, nursing home residents and other high-risk Americans. On average, the US is giving about 1.7 million COVID-19 vaccines a day. That figure still reflects the delay of six million doses of vaccine that were delayed as historic winter storms swept the country. On each Saturday and Sunday, a record 2.4 million doses of vaccine were distributed across the US. Top Biden administration advisor, Dr Anthony Fauci, had optimistically predicted that April would be 'open season' for vaccinations, meaning that he thought that the US would have enough doses that any US adult who wanted a vaccine could get one. Vaccine rollout is not going smoothly everywhere in the US. Utah is canceling about 7,200 coronavirus vaccine appointments after an error in the state health department's registration website allowed people without qualifying conditions to register for the shots. Department spokesman Tom Hudachko said in a statement that the error allowed residents who are not 65 or older or who don't have an underlying medical condition to sign up. The Salt Lake Tribune reported Sunday those appointments are being canceled. People who meet the state's conditions can keep their vaccine appointments scheduled through Vaccinate.utah.gov. Public school teachers and first responders also are eligible for vaccines. Utah so far has administered more than 680,000 vaccine doses and estimates that 10 per cent of its 3.2 million population has been fully vaccinated Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson started shipping America's third coronavirus vaccine on Sunday, after it received emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which came on Saturday. The single-shot vaccine prevented 100 per cent of COVID-19 deaths and was 72 per cent effective in US trials, and had a slightly lower efficacy of 66 per cent worldwide, due in large part to the presence of 'super-covid' variants in Brazil and South America. J&J still thinks it can deliver 100 million doses of the vaccine by July. Combined with the promised doses from Moderna and Pfizer, that would give the US enough vaccine to inoculate every adult in the nation. ALBANY Several members of New Yorks ethics commission are seeking a criminal investigation into the alleged leak of confidential information from someone within the commission to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The commissioners with the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics also want prosecutors to examine a 2019 investigation into the alleged leak that was conducted by the state inspector generals office an inquiry that one JCOPE commissioner has termed a sham. The JCOPE commissioners informal requests for a criminal inquiry, however, have been turned down by Albany County District Attorney David Soares and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., both Democrats. The prosecutors gave rationales for not pursuing a probe that, in JCOPE Commissioner Gary Lavines view, were insufficient given the topics importance. The leak, and more importantly the failure to properly investigate the leak, is a fundamental subversion of the entire ethics administration process of the state, Lavine said. This week, Lavine, George Weissman and David McNamara all of whom were appointed to JCOPE by state Senate Republicans plan to write a letter formally asking Soares and Vance to conduct a joint investigation. The JCOPE commissioners also will likely write a similar letter to Attorney General Letitia James seeking an inquiry. James, a Democrat and Cuomo ally during her first two years in office, surprised Albany observers with a scathing report issued in January concerning the Cuomo administrations undercounting of nursing home deaths caused by COVID-19. On Sunday, James called for Cuomo to give her the power to do a full and proper investigation of two sexual harassment allegations leveled against him in the past week. After initially resisting her demand, the governor ultimately relented and promised a referral that would enable her to oversee an investigation with subpoena power. Since Cuomos election as governor in 2010, the most significant investigations of his office have come from federal prosecutors. State-level entities to which Cuomo makes appointments, including JCOPE and the inspector generals office, have faced criticism for their lack of independence. County district attorneys have largely stayed out of state Capitol corruption inquiries, with both Vance and Soares citing limited resources in passing on the JCOPE commissioners investigation request. The alleged leak stems from a JCOPE meeting held on Jan. 29, 2019. Commissioners forced by a court order held a closed-door vote on whether to investigate complaints filed by Republicans, who argued that former top Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco broke state law by using state resources while he was managing Cuomos 2014 re-election campaign, and that Cuomo knew about it. Soon after the 2019 JCOPE meeting, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie's top counsel, Howard Vargas, called then-JCOPE commissioner Julie Garcia. She said Vargas told her that Cuomo had complained to Heastie about how the speakers appointees to JCOPE had voted that day. Garcia, a Heastie appointee, reported the apparent breach of confidentiality to then-JCOPE Executive Director Seth Agata. He notified the inspector general's office, which launched an investigation. The probe was kept secret until it was disclosed in late 2019 by the Times Union. Lavine would not discuss whether a vote on Percocos conduct was the matter that spurred the leak controversy. But Lavine charges that a leak did occur, and that the subsequent investigation by the state inspector generals office was intentionally insufficient. The alleged leak of information about the commission's confidential deliberations would be a misdemeanor criminal offense. The inspector generals office never interviewed three key witnesses: Cuomo, Heastie and Vargas. Still, the inspector general's office issued a letter in October 2019 saying the office had been "unable to substantiate" Garcias allegations. The inspector generals office has argued that it conducted a thorough inquiry, including requiring JCOPE officials to sign sworn affirmations stating they did not leak confidential information. The office also subpoenaed phone and text message records, according to copies of the heavily redacted documents the office released to the Times Union last week in response to a Freedom of Information Law request. Cuomos office has maintained that while Cuomo and Heastie have talked about ethics over the years, they have not had any conversations that were inappropriate." Questions of jurisdiction In November, after approaching Vances office, several JCOPE commissioners took part in a conference call that included the Manhattan district attorneys general counsel, Carrie Dunne. According to Lavine, Dunne expressed three main reservations about pursuing an investigation: Vances office in Manhattan might not have jurisdiction, Dunne was not sure how to pursue a case, and the office was busy dealing with a spike in crime in New York City. In response, Lavine argued that Vances office would clearly have jurisdiction, since the JCOPE meeting at the center of the case featured officials sitting in both Manhattan and Albany on a conference call. Lavine contended that Vances office could begin an inquiry by simply asking Cuomo how he had obtained information about a confidential vote something no enforcement agency has done. While Vances office says resources are stretched thin due to the spike in crime, the office has dedicated significant resources to a long-running investigation of former Republican President Donald J. Trump, an investigation in which Dunne is prominently involved. Lavines recollection is that Dunne said Vance's office was unsure how to go about tackling an investigation. But Danny Frost, a spokesman for Vance, clarified that Dunne was asserting that such an investigation would necessarily involve interviews of a large volume of people and the dedication of significant resources all for a matter that had already been investigated by another office with jurisdiction" the state inspector generals office. Vances office recommended going to Albany County District Attorney David Soares, which Lavine did over the winter. 'Par for the course' Soares has experience with a similar leak investigation: In 2008, his office learned that the executive director of the Commission on Public Integrity JCOPEs predecessor agency was illegally leaking information about an investigation to Gov. Eliot Spitzers administration. In August 2008, Soares referred the Spitzer leak matter to then-state Inspector General Joseph Fischs office, citing a conflict of interest in his office. But before the referral, Soares office had conducted interviews of several key figures. Now, Soares office is passing on an inquiry into a matter with similar circumstances but a different governor. Linda Griggs, an assistant district attorney, did not give a reason when she relayed that message, Lavine said. Griggs, who heads the office's public integrity unit, recommended the matter be brought either to James office or to federal prosecutors. In a lengthy statement to the Times Union, Soares criticized the structure of New Yorks ethics enforcement apparatus, while suggesting that the district attorney's office is not focusing on state political corruption and instead trained on gun violence. We have in the past investigated matters involving violations of public integrity in the state Capitol. And we have learned from that, Soares said. We have learned that political treachery is par for the course in Albany, especially when political proxies are appointed to bodies charged with the responsibility of oversight. If New York state were serious about transparency and order, it would strengthen its laws and would devote more resources to independent investigative agencies to ferret out corruption and misconduct. While I am not passing judgment on allegations I have not seen, I want to make it perfectly clear that my priorities are to devote my offices resources to the bullets that keep piercing the skin of Black and brown victims and protecting vulnerable members of our community, Soares added. Since Vance and Soares passed on the probe, the two-year anniversary of the JCOPE meeting where the alleged leak occurred has passed so the statute of limitations for pursuing a misdemeanor offense may have lapsed. But Lavine contends that clock has stopped if the alleged leaker is still a state government official. As Lavine has sought a criminal inquiry into not just the leak itself, but also the inspector generals investigation, he has cited a 2017 decision by New Yorks Court of Appeals, which found that its not "discretionary" for a government official to abdicate their responsibility to pursue wrongdoing if that decision is being made to benefit someone personally. Lavine believes the inspector generals office could be probed for official misconduct, which is also a misdemeanor offense under Public Officer's Law. The JCOPE leak is not the first time the Manhattan district attorneys office has passed on a matter touching high levels of Cuomos office. In fact, Vances office also declined to pursue the issue that ended up kicking off the leak situation: the federal criminal trial of Percoco. During Percocos corruption trial in January 2018, significant evidence emerged that during eight months when he was managing Cuomos 2014 reelection campaign, Percoco had often used a government desk in Cuomos Manhattan office steps from Cuomos own office. The evidence was key context in the bribery case against Percoco, but not the basis of federal charges. 'Completely ducked' In February 2018, then-state Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox filed complaints with both JCOPE and Vance alleging that state law which prohibits the use of government resources for campaign activity had been violated by Percoco, and that Cuomo had illegally abetted the behavior. Cox did not hear back from Vance and wrote another letter in July 2018. In a subsequent phone call, Cox apparently suggested to Vance that the district attorney was intimidated by Cuomo. Cox held that belief because just a month after Coxs complaint requesting a Vance investigation of Cuomo the governor had asked the state attorney general's office to conduct an investigation into whether Vance had improperly handled a sexual assault allegation made against film producer Harvey Weinstein in 2015. Cox believes that action may have dissuaded Vance from pursuing the Percoco matter. In October 2018, Vance wrote a letter responding to Cox which Vances office provided to the Times Union stating that an investigation into the Percoco matter was unwarranted because the statute of limitations had expired on the alleged violations; because Percoco had not been on the public payroll during the period in question; and because an investigation of Percoco, who was already serving a six-year prison term, would direct precious resources away from other matters. In your recent call to me, you stated that our decision not to prosecute Mr. Percoco was the result of my being intimidated by the governor, and that the determination not to proceed was a political one, Vance wrote. I know you, and I respect you, but given that you are the head of the state Republican party, your urging that our office bring criminal charges against member of the Executive Chamber or the governor a Democrat could well be viewed as political and partisan." I choose to believe you did not intend to ask me to use my office for improper political purposes, and hope you will afford me the same consideration, Vance wrote. With regard to your allegation that I am intimidated by the governor, the answer is simply that I am not. Cox said Vance's letter did not adequately address whether Cuomo should also be investigated. He just completely ducked that part of it, Cox said. St. Patricks Day Blood Donations News St. Patricks Day Blood Donations Last year, members of the Viet Celts GAA club and representatives of the Embassy in Hanoi donated blood in the run up to St. Patricks Day. This year, the ongoing Covid19 outbreak means that blood banks across the country are experiencing significant shortages and the need for donations has increased. This has been highlighted recently in a news article in VNExpress. The Embassy, in partnership with GAA clubs in Vietnam, will be arranging donations in the coming weeks. We would like to encourage Irish citizens and Friends of Ireland in Vietnam to consider joining in and donating blood. This would help to address an important need. Donating would also be a tangible demonstration of the spirit and generosity of the Irish in Vietnam and would send a positive message about the importance of caring for others in these challenging times. We would hope to draw attention to this effort in local media and if you would like to be associated with this, you might consider forwarding an email with a photograph or short video clip to SPDBloodDonation2021@gmail.com when making the donation. In view of our approaching National Day, you might consider wearing green clothing or, if you are a member of a GAA Club, your club colours when making the donation. Please follow the link for details of blood banks in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh city and Da Nang If you have any questions, please send an email to the above address. Warm Regards Alan McGreevey Additional Information - Check here for details of blood banks in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh city and Da Nang. - Please follow local guidance / social distancing measures in your city and at the blood bank. - Please satisfy yourself of you own health and ability to donate blood. Some general guidance on these points is available from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. - If you would like to provide a photo or video clip for possible use in the media, please send it to SPDBloodDonation2021@gmail.com along with your name and location. Previous Item | Next Item Jessica Brown Findlay has shared details about her nuptials for the first time, saying her 'micro-wedding' last year was 'wonderful'. The Downton Abbey star, 31, announced she'd tied the knot with actor Ziggy Heath in September after meeting on the set of Hulu drama, Harlots, in 2017. And despite only having 30 people attending because of restrictions on gatherings during the pandemic, Jessica said she 'wouldn't change anything about it'. Gushing: Jessica Brown Findlay has said her 'micro-wedding' to Ziggy Heath amid pandemic restrictions last year was 'wonderful' Speaking to The Times's Saturday Review, she said: 'It was wonderful - low-key and micro. After a lockdown 30 people felt huge. I wouldn't change anything about it.' After saying their vows at a local church, the couple and their guests went back to their home for a low-key reception. Jessica reminisced: 'We got rid of all the furniture so everyone could be spread out, and we did speeches on the stairs.' However, the former actress, who played Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey, confessed to a misunderstanding of the rules which led to some 'awkward' disinvitations. 'Wouldn't change anything': The actress, 31, said they had 30 people for the big day and 'got rid of all the furniture' at their home for a small reception (pictured with Ziggy in January 2020) She said that they hadn't realised the number of people allowed included the couple themselves, the priest overseeing the ceremony and the church organist. And the couple's plans for a honeymoon were also quashed when further lockdown measures were imposed, but Jessica insisted they didn't mind. Not bothered about missing out on a post-wedding trip, she said: 'Perfect! We didn't want to go anywhere and we couldn't.' The Banishing actress also revealed she's looking forward to being able to dance in a nightclub when lockdown finally ends. Happy: She announced her marriage last September sharing a selection of stunning snaps to Instagram She said: 'I just want to dance all night, because there really is a limit to how loud you can play music at home. It's not quite the same turning on and off the oven lights.' Jessica became a household name playing Lady Sybil in Downton Abbey but quit after three series in 2012, which she'd always planned to do. She explained: 'I don't respond well to other people planning where I will go. I'm forever grateful for it, but I was worried about what comfort would do to my drive.' But she admitted she often doubted her decision, saying she sometimes has passing moments where she asks herself: 'Was that really silly?' Big role: Jessica shot to fame as Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey, with her character dying in childbirth in series three (pictured with Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in the drama) Jessica is best known for her character, Lady Sybil Crawley, in Downton Abbey from series one to three, who died in childbirth at the age of 24 in emotional scenes. Jessica announced she'd gotten married last September, posting a picture with Ziggy as they embracing in a church in front of empty pews to her Instagram Story. Jessica penned: 'We did it,' followed by the date of their wedding '12.09.20'. Sharing a selection of snaps, she penned: 'wins every time . A weekend of dreams. Small celebrations felt HUGE. And now what a birthday! X I love you. .' Other details during the ceremony included two three-tier cakes from Lily Vanilli decorated in soft pastel green and pink icing and a red London bus. Love at first sight: The actress and new husband Ziggy met on the set of Hulu drama, Harlots, in 2017 where Jessica played Charlotte Wells and Ziggy played Sam Holland (pictured) The actress and new husband Ziggy met on the set of Hulu drama, Harlots, in 2017 where Jessica played Charlotte Wells and Ziggy played Sam Holland. The couple's wedding in September had a limited number of guests due to Covid guidelines which stated ceremonies can only have 30 attendees and they must stand a metre apart with measures put in place. At the time it was stated that guests should wear face masks, but the bride and groom could forego them. Currently, weddings can only take place in exceptional circumstances and with only up to six people. Plans have been announced to ease restrictions, with up to six people being allowed from March 29 and then up to 15 hopefully from April 12. This is thought to rise to 30 people from May 17 and the government hopes to remove all restrictions on wedding numbers by June 21. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Derek Whitmore and Garrett Wilson have worked tirelessly in the Corps of Cadets during their four years at the University of North Georgia (UNG). From a litany of Ranger Challenge successes to leadership in Scabbard and Blade, a military honor society, the roommates excelled on a consistent basis. Now, their accomplishments will be noted for life in their Army record, as each has earned the title of Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) from U.S. Army Cadet Command. Whitmore and Wilson lead UNG's DMG honorees as the two who placed in the top 10% of Army ROTC graduates nationally. Both are scheduled to graduate this May. DMGs finish in the top 20% of Army graduates on the national Order of Merit List by achieving superior grade-point averages, strong performance in the Army Combat Fitness Test, and proving their worth as exceptional leaders in their college ROTC training. UNG's other DMGs include: Ryan D. Abrahams, 2nd Lt. James C. Heriot, Zachary A. Lewis, 2nd Lt. Jared H. Pate, Nikulaus G. Pujals, Karch R. Swaylik, and 2nd Lt. William H. Walters. Whitmore, a Newnan, Georgia, native pursuing a degree in criminal justice, views the recognition as a way to pay back UNG graduates from previous decades who inspired him. "It makes me feel like I'm doing my part and following their footsteps," said Whitmore, who will commission in the infantry branch. Wilson, a Lawrenceville, Georgia, native pursuing a degree in marketing with a sales concentration, noted that the camaraderie and competition elements boosted both roommates. "It was great to work so closely with him. He knows how to push you, and hopefully I did a little bit of the same for him," Wilson said. "Whenever I could think of slacking off, I would look across the room and see Derek doing something to better himself." UNG also had 24 Distinguished Military Students (DMS) for 2020-21. That list was determined by Col. Joshua Wright, UNG's professor of military science. To be selected, a cadet must be in the upper half of the academic class, the upper third of the ROTC class, and the upper third of UNG's Order of Merit List. All nine DMGs were also on the DMS list. The other DMS honorees include: Holden J. Armstrong, Makayla L. Chastain, Lauden J. Ernst, 2nd Lt. Samantha D. Ethridge, Alex D. Fernandez, Morgan A. Gaynor, Desmond C. Henderson, Michael J. Laun, 2nd Lt. Zachary M. Rodriguez, 2nd Lt. Thomas R. Schwind, Roderick A. Selman, Joshua Shackelford, Eva L. Sykes, Brandon K. Weiss, and Penda K. Welcher. "We are proud of both our DMG and DMS cadets," Wright said. "They have shown great leadership both in the corps and in the classroom. These honors are well-earned." Eva Sykes, a senior from Las Vegas, Nevada, pursuing a degree in kinesiology with a health and fitness concentration, said "it's an awesome and humbling feeling" to be a DMS. Sykes, who is scheduled to commission this August in the armor branch of the Army, is hopeful her example inspires other women in the Corps of Cadets. "I want to provide women of the Corps of Cadets with one of many great examples that were left for me to follow: to persevere," Sykes said. "My mentor showed me that the only limits are the ones people place on themselves. Encouraging more individuals to show their abilities will make a great impact on the development of others for years to come." While all of these awards for cadets carry great meaning, Wilson is already looking ahead to his Army career. "It's a great recognition. It's nowhere near the end. It's the recognition of a strong foundation, and the real work is ahead," Wilson said. "I can't wait to take what I've learned from mentors in the Corps of Cadets and apply it to my future." In a bid to support next phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive, State Bank of India (SBI) has decided to contribute Rs 11 crore to the PM CARES Fund. Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI said, "It is at times of adversity that the true form of unity is tested, and we all can take pride in the efforts that our nation has put in to fight the pandemic. The fight against the pandemic is not yet over, and as a responsible corporate citizen, we consider it our duty to support the government's efforts to vaccinate all. I request everyone to come forward and help in whatever way they can to ensure a successful vaccination drive." Early last year, SBI had committed 0.25 per cent of its annual profit to support the fight against COVID-19 and also made significant contribution in the form of supply of masks, sanitisers, among others to the needy. Additionally, SBI employees in their effort to support the nation in the unprecedented times had contributed Rs 107 crore to the PM CARES Fund. India has started the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive from today that will cover 10 crore people across the country. In the second phase of the world's largest vaccination drive, people above 60 years and those above 45 years with comorbidities would be administered the vaccine at 10,000 government medical facilities and over 20,000 private hospitals. While the vaccine will be given free of cost at government hospitals, private hospitals can charge up to Rs 250 per dose of the shot. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the first dose of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin at AIIMS. He also urged all those who are eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine to come ahead and do so. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: 'Inspired, humbled by PM's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat', says Bharat Biotech Also read: SBI cuts home loan interest rate to 6.7%, processing fee waiver to continue Wagamama owner The Restaurant Group (TRG) has warned it is still expecting to burn through 5.5million of cash each month until the current national lockdown ends. The amount is the same as the company lost during the month-long shutdown in November, but about 2million more than its outflow in the first lockdown. The firm, which also runs the Frankie & Benny's dining chain, said it has also agreed on new loans worth 500million with lenders that will partly go towards repaying other credit facilities and help it consolidate its debts. The Frankie & Benny's dining chain owner said it had agreed on new loans worth 500million It added that the new loans would provide it with 'enhanced liquidity and long-term financing' as the 120million revolving credit facility will not mature until 2025, with the 380million Term Loan Facility maturing the year after. TRG, whose brands also include Chiquito, Garfunkel's, and Brunning & Price, observed that it had received strong demand from its estimated 200 leisure and Wagamama outlets in the present lockdown. Standalone delivery and takeaway sales were at around 2.5 times and five times higher than their pre-coronavirus levels, it said. About half of its restaurants and pub restaurants in the UK are not operating though, but it stated it is advancing plans to reopen its outlets once restrictions on hospitality firms are lifted. 'The group has good capability to deliver an accelerated reopening plan for dine-in trading, once the current restrictions for hospitality businesses end, with all viable sites being reopened within two weeks,' it declared. Under the government's plans announced last week to loosen curbs, hospitality venues will be allowed to serve customers outdoors 'no earlier than' April 12, with full reopening happening no earlier than May 17. The Restaurant Group's brands include Wagamama's, where Rishi Sunak served a meal last year as part of publicity for the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme Hospitality companies have been some of the businesses worst affected by the pandemic as lockdown restrictions forced the closure of pubs, restaurants and bars, and severely damaged trade as a consequence. Technology business Fourth estimates the sector lost 660,000 jobs in 2020, with the restaurant industry experiencing a 30 per cent year-on-year drop in staff compared to just a 22 per cent decline among pubs. TRG announced last June that it would be shutting 125 branches and making up to 3,000 employees redundant in the UK due to the downturn in business. Its sites in London, other major cities, and airports have been particularly affected on account of employees working from home en masse, a slump in international travel, and diners wanting to eat more often at local dining establishments. Shares in The Restaurant Group ended trading up 3.3 per cent to 112.5p. The Democratic-led House passed a bill Thursday that would enshrine LGBTQ protections in the nations labor and civil rights laws, a top priority of President Joe Biden, though the legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate. The bill passed by a vote of 224-206 with three Republicans joining Democrats in voting yes. The Equality Act amends existing civil rights law to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identification as protected characteristics. The protections would extend to employment, housing, loan applications, education, public accommodations and other areas. Supporters say the law before the House on Thursday is long overdue and would ensure that every person is treated equally under the law. The LGBT community has waited long enough, said Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., who is gay and the bills lead sponsor. The time has come to extend the blessings of liberty and equality to all of Americans regardless of who they are and who they love. Republicans broadly opposed the legislation. They echoed concerns from religious groups and social conservatives who worry the bill would force people to take actions that contradict their religious beliefs. They warned that faith-based adoption agencies seeking to place children with a married mother and father could be forced to close, or that private schools would have to hire staff whose conduct violates tenets of the schools faith. This is unprecedented. Its dangerous. Its an attack on our first freedom, the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights, religious liberty, said Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. The House passed the Equality Act in the last Congress with unanimous Democratic support and the backing of eight Republicans, but Donald Trumps White House opposed the measure and it was not considered in the Senate, where 60 votes will be needed to overcome procedural hurdles. Democrats are trying to revive it now that they have control of Congress and the White House, but passage still appears unlikely in the evenly divided Senate. This time, Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and John Katko and Tom Reed of New York sided with Democrats in voting for the bill. The Supreme Court provided the LGBTQ community with a resounding victory last year in a 6-3 ruling that said the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applied to LGBTQ workers when it comes to barring discrimination on the basis of sex. Civil rights groups have encouraged Congress to follow up that decision and ensure that anti-bias protections addressing such areas as housing, public accommodations and public services are applied in all 50 states. Biden made clear his support for the Equality Act in the lead-up to last years election, saying it would be one of his first priorities. Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Penn., said the Equality Act is needed to end the patchwork of state laws around gay rights and create uniform nationwide protection. Its been personal since my baby sister came out to me almost 40 years ago, Scanlon said. For many people all across this country and across this House, that is when the fight hits home. The debate among lawmakers on Capitol Hill also become personal. Rep. Marie Newman, D-Ill., whose daughter is transgender, tweeted a video of herself placing a transgender flag outside her office. Her office is across the hall from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who was recently blocked from serving on two committees because of past comments and tweets. Our neighbor, (at)RepMTG, tried to block the Equality Act because she believes prohibiting discrimination against trans Americans is disgusting, immoral, and evil. Thought wed put up our Transgender flag so she can look at it every time she opens her door., Newman tweeted. Greene responded with a video of her own in which she puts up a sign that reads: There are Two genders: MALE and FEMALE. Trust The Science! Our neighbor, (at)RepMarieNewman, wants to pass the so-called Equality Act to destroy womens rights and religious freedoms. Thought wed put up ours so she can look at it every time she opens her door, Greene tweeted. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., pointed to the exchange to advocate for the bill Thursday. It breaks my heart that it is necessary, but the fact is, and in fact we had a sad event here even this morning, demonstrating the need for us to have respect, Pelosi said, at one point pausing and taking a deep sigh. Not even just respect, but take pride, take pride in our LGBT community. Gay and lesbian members of Congress spoke about how meaningful the bill is for them. Look, were not asking for anything that any other American doesnt already enjoy, said Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H. We just want to be treated the same. We just want politicians in Washington to catch up with the times and the Constitution. Leaders at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote lawmakers this week to say they had grave concerns about the bill. Among the concerns they raised is that the bill would expand the governments definition of public places, forcing church halls and equivalent facilities to host functions that violate their beliefs, which could lead to closing their doors to the broader community. Republicans cited an array of consequences they said could occur if the bill passed into law, from eliminating the existing ban on the use of government funds for abortion, to allowing transgender people into womens shelters and transgender youth into girls sports. Democrats likened the effort to past civil rights battles in the nations history. Cicilline challenged Republicans, I hope you will bear in mind how your vote will be remembered years from now. Some of the nations largest corporations are part of a coalition in support of the legislation, including Apple Inc., AT&T, Chevron and 3M Co., just to name a few of the hundreds of companies that have endorsed it. After the vote advocacy groups weighed in, with the Human Rights Campaign describing the vote as bringing us closer to ensuring that every person is treated equally under the law. Meanwhile, the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom called on the Senate to reject this dangerous bill for the good of all Americans. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Politics From his Tumon hotel room, while on a 14-day mandatory quarantine, he could see just how beautiful and warm the island is. He would have been in snowy Amman, Jordan, in February, he thought to himself, were it not for his new foreign service assignment in the midst of the pandemic. Meet the new Philippine consul, Ferdinand "Ferdie" Flores, of the Philippine Consulate General in Hagatna. "It's a pleasant surprise," he said of Guam's vibe, where everybody knows everybody and there's a melting pot of cultures. "It's a little bit of everything." Flores started his career at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in 2008. Two years later, he was stationed in Tel Aviv, Israel, for a four-year stint. Flores was later sent to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. About 680,000 Filipinos live and work in UAE. "That's where you get the consular break-in," he said. He was transferred to Amman in 2019 for two years, and arrived on Guam in February for a four-year assignment. "For me, the pandemic is a test of our operational continuity plans," he said. "In our case, we never stopped operations. In Jordan, we were working nonstop. We were working at home, to follow prevailing restrictions there." Coming from the Middle East and moving to Guam brings a lot of differences that go beyond physical and political geography as far as consular services are concerned. "Where I came from, most of the Filipinos were working as household staff workers. They were in live-in situations so we don't see them most of the time," he said. "But with this community in Guam, it's a community of professional Filipinos so the tempo and depth of engagements would be different." The Philippine consulate has jurisdiction over Philippine interests on Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. Whatever challenges come his way, Flores is fully prepared, given his varied background that goes beyond foreign service. He has a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Laguna. Coming from a family of educators, Flores taught high school chemistry and physics for three years after college. Flores always wanted to pursue a career in Philippine government, and that goal took him to work for the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice and the Office of the President. For years, he was staff officer for media issues with the Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Task Force, before it became the Anti-Terrorism Council. He knew back then that eventually he would go into foreign service. "I think I was preparing for the foreign service work by going through all these offices. My boss then was heavily working on the first anti-terrorism law. So from 2002 until 2008, I was working for him, and it kind of snowballed into foreign service work later on," he said. In his younger years, he said, he asked himself, "What job or career will entail a lot of talking, which I probably enjoyed when I was younger? Then I said, 'I'd like to see the world and meet other Filipinos.' So foreign service it is." Channel Seven have received waves of backlash from viewers after signing convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby for the new season of Dancing With The Stars. Social media erupted with criticism as it was confirmed that Schapelle, 43, would be a 'wildcard' for the upcoming season on Seven - after the show switched networks from Ten this year. Some viewers branded the casting an 'absolute disgrace', while others threatened to completely boycott the new season in its entirety. Not happy: Channel Seven have received waves of backlash from viewers after signing convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby for the new season of Dancing With The Stars 'I love the show, but that is a disgrace,' one fan raged. 'Not for me this season, turning off.' 'Yes, Corby has done her time. But can't she try move on from her past, away from the media spotlight?' another suggested. Many viewers were left less than impressed that young people would be looking up to Schapelle as a 'celebrity' if they watch the show. 'What moronic humans at this channel think that having a convicted drug runner on these shows is setting a good example to anyone, its pathetic and an absolute disgrace,' one wrote. Arrest: Schapelle became a household name after she was arrested in October 2004 at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport with 4.1kg of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag. She was later sentenced to 20 years in prison, but after a series of sentence reductions was released on parole in February 2014 after nine years behind bars Fuming: Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Schapelle's new gig 'Surely some one should step in and stop. She is convicted drug smuggler, not an icon for people/kids to aspire to,' another wrote, while one added: 'She is no star! As if people want their children to think a drug smuggler is a star. Not a smart move.' A chorus of viewers added that they would be switching off this season, as one wrote: 'Needless to say I won't be watching,' while a second added: 'Another reason not to watch it #Trash.' Some did stick up for the choice to cast Schapelle, however, with one writing: 'Wouldn't call her a celeb but she's served her sentence and has done her time, should she not be entitled to better the rest of her life? 'Plenty of ex cons have gone on to have lives as a list celebs.' Working hard: Schapelle is starring with dance partner Shae Mountain for the new season, which has also signed up celebrities including actress Ada Nicodemou, radio host Fifi Box and Tom Williams Defence: Some of Schapelle's fans stuck up for her online, saying she has 'served her sentence' Another chimed in: 'Go Shappa, suck on it haters.' Channel Seven was approached for comment in relation to this story. Schapelle - who completed a brief stint on SAS Australia last year - is starring with dance partner Shae Mountain for the new season. Seven have also signed up celebrities including actress Ada Nicodemou, radio host Fifi Box and Tom Williams. Schapelle became a household name after she was arrested in October 2004 at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport with 4.1kg of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag. She was later sentenced to 20 years in prison, but after a series of sentence reductions was released on parole in February 2014 after nine years behind bars. In May 2017, she was deported back to Australia amid a media frenzy. Karnataka CM, cabinet colleagues hail PM Modi for getting COVID vaccine dose India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Bengaluru, Mar 01: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and his cabinet colleagues on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading the nation in the COVID-19 vaccination drive by taking the first dose. They called upon people to join in the fight against coronavirus. "PM @narendramodi Ji got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine this morning. My appeal to all Corona warriors who are yet to get the vaccine and all those eligible for 2nd phase to take the vaccine," Yedirurappa tweeted. What PM Modi said after taking first vaccine shot Deputy Chief Minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan too appreciated Modi for setting an example for the people. "Our PM Shri @narendramodi took his first dose of COVID19 Vaccine today at AIIMS, Delhi. A great leader who shows the way by being an example!" Ashwath Narayan tweeted. Health Minister K Sudhakar in a tweet, appealed to the senior citizens and people with comorbidities to enroll themselves for the vaccine. Tamil Nadu should show the way to India in keeping out BJP: Rahul Gandhi "Leading from the front, PM @narendramodi Ji took the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi. I appeal to all senior citizens and people above 45 years with listed comorbidities, to register themselves and get vaccinated at the earliest," the Health Minister tweeted. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News After taking the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS, Modi appealed to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine to make India novel coronavirus free. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 13:55 [IST] VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Loyalty Brands, an umbrella franchise company, is proud to recognize three of its brands recently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500, the world's first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Placement in the Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry making it one of the company's most competitive rankings ever. The franchise concepts part of the Loyalty Brands network recognized, include: ATAX, a tax preparation and business services franchise, which has been a partner of Loyalty Brands since July 2019 , has been ranked the third highest tax service and as a 2021 top franchise with an investment cost under $100K . , has been ranked the third highest tax service and as a 2021 top franchise with an investment cost under . First Choice Business Brokers, a franchise that aids business owners in buying and selling their businesses, joined Loyalty Brands in 2018 and has been placed at no. 285 on the list, the brand's first time being recognized by the organization. In addition, the brand has also been ranked no. 42 on the 2021 list of top franchises with an investment cost under $100K . . Estrella Insurance, a car insurance franchise that makes investing in insurance simple and cost-effective, which joined Loyalty Brands in 2020, has been recognized as no. 180, marking an impressive ranking for the insurance brand. "We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine and ranked competitively in our category," said ATAX Founder & CEO, Rafael Alverez. "The support we have felt from Loyalty Brands has been unmatched. Having only been a part of this network for one full tax season amid a global pandemic, we have already witnessed immense success despite the unforeseen challenges, making this accomplishment that much more rewarding." In Entrepreneur's continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company's 42-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order. "After an unpredictable year for businesses across the nation, we are humbled that the work we have done for not only the businesses we serve, but for our franchise network as a whole, be recognized for the first time from this prestigious organization," said Jeff Nyman, CEO and Co-Founder of First Choice Business Brokers. The Franchise 500 has been established as a competitive measure for franchisors, while acting as a primary research tool for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to explore joining a franchise network. Loyalty Brands continues to attract entrepreneurs who are passionate in helping small business owners succeed. The umbrella company has built an impressive portfolio of franchisor partnerships, growing from five franchise concepts to 10, setting the stage for rapid expansion in 2021. The business services parent company partnered with a number of emerging franchise concepts that have grown in demand as a result of the pandemic such as home care concepts, pet grooming, and tax firms with the promise of helping these brands scale their businesses quickly and efficiently to better meet the needs of their consumer base. For more information about these franchise opportunities, please visit https://loyaltybrands.com/. About Loyalty Brands Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Loyalty Brands is an umbrella franchise company founded in 2018 by serial entrepreneur John Hewitt. The Loyalty Brands consist of business brokerage, small business accounting, tax preparation and added services, networking and bartering. The company maintains a community first outlook, meaning that involvement in local communities and giving back is a core value. The multi-brand concept involves businesses that are synergistic and compatible, so potential franchisees could possibly own one or more of the brands for additional customer acquisition and co-marketing opportunities. To learn more about Loyalty Brands, please visit https://loyaltybrands.com/. Media Contact: Kelly McNamara, Fishman Public Relations, 847-945-1300 or [email protected] SOURCE Loyalty Brands MIDDLETOWN Common Council members will be asked to give the go-ahead for the city to accept a donated crisis therapy dog, which will be used by police to help victims of trauma and crime, including children, to process their feelings. The K-9 will come fully trained to the department as part of the Cheshire-based Hometown Foundations innovative program, which was discovered by Community Relations Officer Jay Bodell, who approached the organization with an idea. He spent five months doing the legwork needed to apply, he said. If the measure passes, Bodell will need to be accepted to a 14-day training residency program in New York which begins April 25. The dogs are obtained through the Puppies Behind Bars program, which trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded veterans and first responders, as well as explosive-detection canines for law enforcement, according to the website. The foundation will pay half the $3,000 cost to keep the Labrador for a year, including food, equipment and veterinary care. Bodell plans to get donations for the remainder from local businesses and individuals, he said. It will live with Bodell and his family and will go to work with him daily. Acting Police Chief Michael Timbro recommended the program, Mayor Ben Florsheim said. There will be no cost to taxpayers. The dog also will be key to helping deescalate situations, Florsheim said. Its a new, cutting-edge approach to involving animals in police work. Since it will be at the police station, law enforcement officers experiencing the stress that comes with the occupation can interact with the dog, Bodell said. The mere fact that you have it brings the blood pressure down, something proven in studies. These are the things that are changing the way we do our jobs, Bodell said. Middletown is the first city to have such a canine, Bodell said. Groton and Naugatuck have one on their respective forces, as do Yale University and the University of Connecticut. Im excited to bring that approach to policing. It fits nicely into some of our other efforts surrounding community policing, Florsheim said. The issue will be raised at Mondays council meeting. To view the meeting agenda and access information, go to middletownct.gov. In early 2020, daily life in Northern China slammed to a halt as the region entered a strict period of lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19. Emissions from transportation and industry plummeted. Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from fossil fuels fell by 60 to 70 percent. And yet, environmental researchers noticed that ground-level ozone pollution in Beijing and the Northern China Plain skyrocketed during this time period, despite the decrease of NOx, a component of ozone. The region is no stranger to severe ozone pollution but until about five years ago, most ozone events occurred during the summer. Recently, the ozone season in China has been getting longer, spreading into early spring and late winter. As it turns out, the COVID-19 lockdown can help explain why. Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST) have found that another component of ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), may be to blame for the increase in winter ozone. The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). "The COVID-19 lockdown was an involuntary experiment in which the emissions decreased abruptly and a lot of ozone appeared suddenly," said Daniel J. Jacob, the Vasco McCoy Family Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Engineering at SEAS and co-corresponding author of the paper. Ozone is formed through a series of chemical reactions, starting with the oxidation of VOCs. This reaction forms chemical radicals, which drive reactions between NOx and VOCs to produce ozone in the presence of sunlight. In a previous study, researchers from SEAS and NUIST found that in the summertime, particulate matter (PM2.5) acts like a sponge for the radicals needed to generate ozone pollution, sucking them up and preventing them from producing ozone. In that paper, the researchers found that air pollution policies instituted by the Chinese government that reduced PM2.5 were causing an increase in harmful ground-level ozone pollution, especially in large cities. In this research, the team found that NOx plays a similar role in the wintertime, scavenging radicals and preventing them from forming ozone. As NOx levels decrease, either all of a sudden with lockdown or gradually with air pollution controls, there are more radicals available for VOCs to react with. This enhanced oxidation of VOCs by radicals would amplify by producing more radicals themselves, and this process optimizes the ozone production efficiency of NOx. "The COVID-19 experience helps explain the trend of increasing ozone pollution in the late winter and spring in China," said Ke Li, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS and first author of the study. "As NOx emissions have decreased, the ozone season in China is getting longer." The research highlights the need to better understand the sources and species of VOCs and regulate their emissions. "VOC emission controls would stop the spread of the ozone season and have major benefits on public health, crop production, and particulate pollution," said Hong Liao, Professor at NUIST and co-corresponding author of this work. ### The paper was co-authored by Yulu Qiu, Lu Shen, Shixian Zhai, Kelvin H. Bates, Melissa P. Sulprizio, Shaojie Song, Xiao Lu, Qiang Zhang, Bo Zheng, Yuli Zhang, Jinqiang Zhang, Hyun Chul Lee, and Su Keun Ku. It was supported by NUIST through the Harvard-NUIST Joint Laboratory for Air Quality and Climate (JLAQC). Trade in agricultural products between Ukraine and the European Union reached USD 10.2 billion in 2020, the National Scientific Centre "Institute of Agrarian Economics" (IAE) has reported. Ukraines largest trading partners in the EU were the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Belgium. Their combined share in the total domestic agricultural trade turnover was more than 80% Imports of agricultural products from EU member states in 2020 increased by 13.4% compared to 2019, up to USD 3.6 billion. In particular, Ukraine imported beverages, mainly alcoholic ones (for USD 386 million), various food products, extracts and concentrates (USD 338 million), tobacco and tobacco products (USD 323 million), dairy products (USD 279 million), residues and waste, animal feed products (USD 236 million), cocoa beans and chocolate (USD 228 million), and finished grain products (USD 209 million). The IAE reminded that the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was signed on December 30, 2020. At the end of 2020, the Agreement on Political Cooperation, Free Trade, and Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom was also signed, which came into force in early 2021. Therefore, Ukraines mutual trade with this country will be carried out and accounted for separately in the future, the IAE noted. ish Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Rubber bullets, tear gas fired as rally turns violent THAILAND: A rally by pro-democracy protesters outside the 1st Infantry Regiment in Bangkok turned violent yesterday (Feb 28) as police fired rubber bullets, water cannon and tear gas at demonstrators trying to approach the barracks. politicspoliceviolence By Bangkok Post Monday 1 March 2021, 08:54AM Protesters clash with police as they try to move containers placed outside the 1st Infantry Regiment yesterday. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul. Demonstrators held up shell casings to show that rubber bullets had been fired at them. There were no initial reports of injuries, but an ambulance was seen driving towards Veterans General Hospital. Riot police decided to use water cannon to break up the rally after some demonstrators removed shipping containers laid out to keep them away from the barracks on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. They also fired tear gas at the protesters, who hurled bottles and other objects back at them. Objects could be seen flying from both sides. After a brief but violent clash, the demonstrators moved back to the area outside Veterans General Hospital near the barracks. The standoff between police and the protesters continued outside the hospital but tensions eased when security guards formed a human chain to keep protesters and police at a safe distance from one another. Some demonstrators vowed to advance towards the residence of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha inside the barracks, but were dissuaded by others. Do not throw anything at police, protest leaders said repeatedly through megaphones, before both sides said they would move one step backward. Earlier yesterday, protesters gathered at Victory Monument before marching to the barracks. A sizeable contingent of Myanmar nationals also joined the rally, voicing support for democracy on a day that saw six protesters killed after opposing the Feb 1 coup in the neighbouring country. Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Piya Tawichai warned Myanmar protesters that they could face deportation. The rally forced the temporary closure of the tollway exit in Din Daeng and traffic police advised motorists avoid driving to the area. MPB commissioner Pol Lt Gen Pakkapong Pongpetra tried to negotiate with protest leaders to ease tension. 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. 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. Airing from 1974 to 1979, the Norman Lear-helmed comedy Good Times saw the Evans family boldly tackle weighty subjects including child abuse, poverty, and unemployment. Starring John Amos as family head James Evans, Esther Rolle as his wife Florida, Jimmie Walker as their eldest son J.J., Bern Nadette Stanis as middle child Thelma, and Ralph Carter as youngest child Michael, the show portrayed life as it was for a Black working-class family. For show star Rolle, there was one topic that she found disrespectful and inappropriate. Although she voiced her disapproval of the episode, Lear went ahead with it. A portrait of the cast of Good Times: Pictured are, front row, John Amos as James Evans (left) and Jimmie Walker as J.J. Evans; back row, from left, Ralph Carter as Michael Evans, Bern Nadette Stanis as Thelma Evans, Janet DuBois as neighbor Willona Woods, and Esther Rolle as Florida Evans | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images What the show Good Times was about Good Times was the first television comedy to present a Black family living in an urban housing project. Despite the at-times bleak situations depicted, the show found a way to be funny. In his 2017 conversation with the Television Academy Foundation, Walker touched on executive producer Lears desire to candidly broach subjects that may have been considered taboo up until that point. John Amos and Esther Rolle for Good Times | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Norman Lear was a guy whowe covered every major subject, Walker said. Anything to do with racism, anything to do with reverse racism, VD, senior citizens eating dog food, senior citizens not having a place to live, senior citizens having a sex life. Thats Norman. Walker, comparing Lear to another major network producer, noted that The Jeffersons creator would never go for a happy-go-lucky type of program. Norman will never be a Happy Days type of guy, he said. He will never be a Garry Marshall type of guy, thats not what he does. He is a guy who loves issues. And you saw that in every show [of Lears]: All in the Family, Maude. Its always issues with Norman. The character of J.J. Evans was an artist RELATED: All in the Family: Sally Struthers Net Worth and Why She Really Hated ABCs Live Reboot of the Series Good Times co-creator Mike Evans who starred in All in the Family and The Jeffersons came up with the idea that the J.J. character be a painter, Lear wrote in his book Even This I Get to Experience. I visited galleries and artists studios and along the way met and collected a number of the modern greats, among them the black artist Ernie Barnes, he continued. Barnes art was used on the sitcom as stand-ins for J.J.s artwork. Lear chose to surround an entire story around J.J.s latest piece of art, which upset Florida Evans actor Rolle. The episode that Rolle disapproved of As it turned out, the eldest Evans childs most recent piece of art turned out to be a portrait of Barnes vision of Jesus Christ as a Black man. And as Lear recalled, Rolle strongly disliked the story line. It was a Black Jesus, which Ernie Barnes took special pride in. To Esther, who was very devoted to her church, the portrait itself and the dialogue discussion that necessarily followed was blasphemous, the renowned television producer said. Saturday Night Live pays tribute to the Black Jesus episode of Good Times Lear was astounded to have to defend the art piece to Rolle and to Amos as well, who the producer stated were entirely on edge with the episodes subject matter. The All in the Family creator noted: Odd that the largely white writing staff of a show about a Black family was defending the notion of a Black Jesus to a Black woman, but to me that was all the proof we needed to know what an interesting and multifaceted topic our story had engaged. Stormonts Agriculture Minister has denied stoking loyalist tensions by halting work on Irish Sea port checks. Gordon Lyons rejected suggestions his bid to undermine the Northern Ireland Protocol, and similar moves by other unionists politicians, were contributing to a febrile atmosphere where threats and intimidation were on the increase. Mr Lyons faced criticism from Sinn Fein, SDLP, Alliance and Green MLAs as he appeared before the Assembly to face an urgent oral question tabled by Sinn Feins Declan McAleer. The ministers DUP colleagues and other unionists MLAs backed his move, as they reiterated their calls for the protocol to be ditched. Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan (Liam McBurney/PA) Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan highlighted mounting tensions within loyalism and noted that one of his party colleagues had recently been the subject of a threat due to his stance on the protocol. So minister, can I ask you if you bear any responsibility in terms of your decision, previous decisions made by your predecessor (Edwin Poots), other decisions made in unionist-dominated councils and public utterances and comments made by unionist politicians, if you bear any responsibility in the heightening of tension which has seen a rise in threats to elected representatives in recent days and weeks? he asked. Mr Lyons condemned all threats to politicians, but he denied contributing to the tensions. I have no hesitation whatsoever in condemning any such behaviour but I fail to see how what I have done on Friday could have any way have contributed to that, he said. What Im saying is that were facing a time of uncertainty, we dont know what is going to be expected of us, we dont know whats going to be required of us in terms of what needs to take place at the ports, so I have decided to get that to stop. And I dont quite see how those two things can be linked. But lets be under no doubt whatsoever this is a time of heightened tensions, particularly in the unionist community. I recognise that, and I see that, and thats why I think we should all want to try and work together to find those solutions that work for people in Northern Ireland and dont cut us off constitutionally and economically from the rest of the United Kingdom. TUV leader Jim Allister said he hoped Mr Lyons would take further steps against the NI Protocol (Liam McBurney/PA) TUV leader Jim Allister welcomed the decision to stop work on permanent inspection facilities and said he hoped Mr Lyons would follow up his decision with more actions to undermine the protocol. I welcome the ministers move, I trust that it was based on a principle of opposition to the protocol and therefore will be carried through with other actions to unstitch the protocol, he said. Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt said one way to resolve the issues caused by the protocol would be for the EU and UK to grant the Irish Republic the same status as Northern Ireland under the Brexit deal in terms of access to both the single market and the UK internal market. He said any checks would then be at Irish Republic ports on goods moving between there and continental Europe. The EU would take back control of their inspections, we would solve all unionist objections and the Republic would benefit, he said. So it would be a win, win, win. SDLP MLA Justin McNulty criticised Mr Lyons and claimed his stunt had diverted Executive attention from finalising Northern Irelands lockdown exit strategy. It is a smokescreen, its a farce, he said. You didnt halt any building, as building has not commenced. You have not halted the protocol, as there is recognition from both the UK and the EU that the protocol is going nowhere. Mr Lyons replied: I wouldnt agree with any of the points the member has made. The minister said he had made the move to enable him to seek clarity around what Northern Ireland is facing when grace periods limiting protocol bureaucracy lapse. He said he was not going to commit to building structures that might ultimately not be needed. Mr Lyons said he wanted to see what solutions the joint EU/UK committee on the implementation of the protocol might agree to address some of the problems facing traders. I think its entirely sensible that as those issues are being discussed, as the joint committee has said that theyre going to meet again to discuss some of these issues, that its only right that we wait and we see what comes out of discussions rather than do work which then might never be needed or required, he told MLAs. Mr Lyons added: I think the steps that Ive taken have been entirely reasonable and I would ask people whether their opposition to what I have done is based on common sense and practicality or is it just based on opposition to anything that they dont like in relation to Brexit and the protocol. New Delhi, March 1 : Fresh Covid-19 cases are showing a worrying upward trend over the last two weeks. Single-day rise of 15,510 new Covid cases reported in the last 24 hours pushed India's tally to 1,11,12,241 on Monday, while 106 fatalities mounted the death toll to 1,57,157, the Union Health Ministry said. The positivity rate has been rising gradually, pushing it to 1.52 per cent. As per the Ministry's data, there are 1,68,627 active cases at present after 11,288 patients were discharged in a day. The experts have expressed a number of possibilities which could be owed to the stride ranging from lax attitude of people towards following Covid protocols to likeability of "mutations and new strains" causing the surge, as has been studied by the laboratories involved in Covid detection across the country. In mid February, officials had said that the average daily new infections oscillated between 9,000 to 12,000 while the deaths were between 78 to 120. On February 9, India had reported 9,110 new cases, the lowest this year so far. Last year, the lowest 9,633 cases were recorded on June 3. Till now, 1,07,86,457 persons have been discharged so far. The recovery rate has reduced to 97.07 per cent. Last week, around 90 per cent of the weekly average cases came from six states -- Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka and Gujarat. Central teams have been rushed to these states as well. The Ministry also informed that 6,27,668 samples were tested on Sunday. The cumulative tests done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 21,68,58,774. So far, 1,43,01,266 doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin'. The third phase of vaccination against Covid pandemic began on Monday covering 27 crore people above 60 and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres. While people will be vaccinated free of cost at government hospitals, those taking the shots at private hospitals will have to pay. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Photo: (Photo : Rashid Sadykov / Unsplash) For some parents, daycare is their only choice so they can resume work and provide for their family. But, imagine this mom's horror when she arrived at daycare only to find out her son was missing. She hurriedly reported the daycare's negligence in an emergency call. Daycare Negligence Results in Missing Child Report Orient Road Child Development Center may find their license to operate revoked after one of their staff gave a 7-month-old baby boy to a stranger. Apparently, the incident was not the first time the daycare was under fire for misplacing a child. "Trinity McGoggle's son was the last child in the classroom," according to daycare owner Danice Donaldson. So when an elderly person came and pointed at the child saying he came to pick up her grandson, the daycare staff released the child. However, the staff did not ask for an ID and only assumed the elderly person was the guardian, Yahoo News reported. When McGoggle arrived at the daycare to pick up her baby boy, Adonis, it was then they all discovered the child had been accidentally given away to someone else. According to McGoggle, a daycare worker went to the back to get the child, and returned saying, "He is not here." That was when she began to panic: "What do you mean my son is not here?" ALSO READ: 4 Critical Steps to Take If Your Child Is Injured at Daycare Missing 7-Month-Old Returned to Mom After Childcare Gave Baby Away 911 call records have McGoggle on the end of the line in panic and asking for help. Within an hour after the baby was taken from the daycare, he was eventually returned by the woman who picked him up. Apparently, the elderly woman was the child's grandmother. The incident would have turned into a kidnapping case otherwise. The authorities have changed the case to an inactive missing person's report since the child was returned to his mother. ALSO READ: Instagram Mom's Viral Kidnapping Story Sparks Police Investigation Investigation Reveals More Childcare Negligence by the Daycare The incident was confirmed by the Hillsborough County Child Care Licensing Office which moved to revoke the daycare's operating license after receiving the complaint. Over the last 4 years, the county recorded several other instances of negligence on the part of the daycare. One such incident was when a 4-year-old girl from the daycare woke up alone inside a broken-down van. The child was seen wandering into a building nearby when someone called the sheriff's office. The daycare business was fined $750 for leaving the child in the van. The daycare also had multiple violations of understaffing. The incident with the 7-month-old baby missing after the child's mother came to pick him up was issued a class one violation, ABC Action News reported. ALSO READ: Florida Mom "On Drugs" Tries to Kidnap Neighbors' Babies, Caught on Ring Video The county spokesperson revealed that the incident along with the facility's compliance history resulted in the revocation of the daycare's license to operate. However, an attorney for the daycare revealed the daycare owner plans to appeal the county's decision. Daycare Negligence and the Importance of a Background Check "Had I known about the other incidents, I would have never taken my son there," McGoggle said. It is vital to know about the daycare's policies not just on basics like feeding and sleeping, but also discipline, missing and lost child policy. Before considering a daycare, find trusted referrals and ask for the daycare's license to operate. Also, watch out for signs of child care negligence, such as not having enough adult care providers, and safety hazards like small clutter and cleaning supplies within children's reach, Chicago Lawyer advised. Children complaining about hunger, thirst, scratches, and bruises can also be a sign of daycare neglect. Finally, if parents notice their child becoming withdrawn, this could also be a sign of mistreatment by a daycare provider. Arizona state House Rep. Mark Finchem stated he's suing members of the Arizona House and Senate for alleged defamation and malice in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. (The Epoch Times' "Crossroads"/Screenshot) Arizona House Rep. Says Hes Suing Democrats for Defamation After Accusing Him of Treason, Insurrection Arizona state House Rep. Mark Finchem stated that hes suing members of the Arizona House and Senate for alleged defamation and malice in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. So earlier in January, the Democrat members of the House and Senate sent a letter to the Department of Justice and the FBI accusing me of high treason, sedition, planning an insurrection, the overthrow of our government, Finchem, a Republican, told The Epoch Times Crossroads program on Feb. 27. All patently absurd, fallacious claims, but then they turned around and sent it to the media as though it was factual. Well, in that, they committed malice. Finchem said that it stemmed from him going to the Capitol to hand an evidence packet related to allegations of election fraud and irregularities to Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) so he could challenge the electoral vote during the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6. I reached out to my lawyer friends and said, hey, this isnt right, he said. All I did was go to the capital to deliver an evidence packet to representative Gosar who in turn delivered it to Vice President Pence. I was exercising my franchise. First of all, it was my free speech, but even more importantly representing my constituents. Finchem said he never actually made it to the Capitol building, and when he inquired where he was to give his scheduled speech, he was told it was canceled. Finchem said he never got closer than a few hundred yards of the Capitol. Someone told him before his speaking event: Even though we got a permit, this is not going the way we intended. We need to cancel it. And we think itd be a good idea for you to leave the property because we dont want you to get swept up in it,' he recalled. I took a picture and promptly left. After Finchem filed a complaint against some Democrats in the state Legislature, Democratic Rep. Athena Salman stated that they were within their rights to ask for an investigation. It came after Democrats in Arizona wrote, of Finchems attendance on Jan. 6, It is vital to any current or future federal investigation, and ultimately to the Arizona public they represent, that we learn what these elected officials knew about this planned insurrection and when they knew it, as reported by the Arizona Capitol Times. In mid-February, the head of the Arizona House Ethics Committee, Republican Rep. Becky Nutt, dismissed 82 ethics complaints against Finchem. Democratic Rep. Cesar Chavez argued in January that the Republican lawmakers social media posts and the photo he took demonstrate beyond any doubt that he was participated [sic] in the insurrection in Washington, D.C. and supported others in their efforts, AZCentral reported. A laboratory technician uses a pipette device to process samples to test for the CCP virus, at Biogroup Laboratory's lab in west London, on Jan. 21, 2021. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images) Brazilian Variant of CCP Virus Identified in UK Up to six cases of the CCP virus variant first identified in the Brazilian city of Manaus have been detected in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) said on Sunday. Three cases were found in England. Three other cases were identified in Scotland, which were not linked to cases in England. Two of the cases in England are from one household in South Gloucestershire with a history of travel to Brazil. One of the infected people, who had travelled to Brazil recently, has been isolating at home with their household since returning to the UK, PHE said. UK health authorities are following up with all passengers on Swiss Air flight LX318 travelling from Sao Paulo via Zurich and landing in London Heathrow on Feb. 10 to test them and their households. PHE said the risk to the wider community is low, but surge asymptomatic testing has been deployed in South Gloucestershire to identify and contain possible community spread. Authorities are still trying to track down the third infected individual, whose follow-up details are not available because they did not complete their test registration card. Up to 6 cases of the Variant of Concern first identified in Manaus, Brazil (P.1) have been detected in the UK: https://t.co/NxiBAaLVss pic.twitter.com/CZLBVd7hJe Public Health England (@PHE_uk) February 28, 2021 The three cases in Scotland also recently travelled back from Brazil. Following their return to North East Scotland from Brazil, via Paris and London, three Scottish residents entered self-isolation and then subsequently tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). These individuals then self-isolated for the required period of 10 days, the Scottish government said on Sunday. The Scottish authorities are contacting other passengers on the flight used by the three individuals from London to Aberdeen. The Brazilian P.1 variant carries several mutations that are seen in other variants of concern that are predicted to change the behaviour of the virus, said Nick Loman, professor of microbial genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Birmingham. These include E484K, which is predicted to make existing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 less effective, as well as N501Y, which is potentially linked to increase transmissibility, he said. Scientists are concerned that the P.1 variant can re-infect CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus patients more easily. Recent reports from Manaus in Brazil, where the P.1 variant is fuelling a surge in infections, suggest that this variant is responsible for re-infecting individuals who were previously infected with a different variant of the virus, said Lawrence Young, professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School. It is likely that the P.1 variant is driving the current surge in infected cases due to re-infection as a consequence of both waning antibody responses and the P.1 variants ability to evade antibodies induced from previous infection with a different variant, he said. (Photo : TechDroider - Youtube Screenshot) The anticipation for the OnePlus 9 Pro release dates is steadily growing, and according to the latest information leaked online, the upcoming handheld will feature a redesigned UI for the camera. The anticipation for the OnePlus 9 Pro release dates is steadily growing, and according to the latest information leaked online, the upcoming handheld will feature a redesigned UI for the camera. OnePlus 9 Pro Leaks, Specs, and Features Gadgets 360, a Greek website named TechManiacs, has shared a screenshot of the headset's About Phone page and claims that it belongs to the upcoming OnePlus 9 Pro. The screenshot shows the headset will come with a Qualcomm SnapDragon 888 SoC paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. OnePlus is likely to launch the phone in multiple storage and RAM options. The leaked screenshots also show that the upcoming smartphone will flaunt an Android 11 and sport a 4,500mAh battery. The About Phone screenshots of the phone also shows that the OnePlus 9 Pro will feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate with a resolution of 1440x3120 pixels. The OnePlus 9 Pro features a quad camera setup in the camera department with 48MP, 50MP, 8MP, and 2MP sensors. The screenshot also shows that the OnePlus variant may record 8K and 4K videos at 120fps. The OnePlus device will also feature a hole-punch in the top-left corner of the handheld. The publication also states that the OnePlus 9 Pro may feature four sensors with Hasselblad branding on the camera module. Hasselblad is a Swedish manufacturer of medium-format cameras and photography equipment, and their offerings are expensive. With that said, the news site believes that the OnePlus 9 Pro may be a premium smartphone when it comes out. Also Read: OnePlus 9 Pro Leak Suggests Partnership with Hasselblad and NOT Leica to Improve Cameras Amid Competition There is also news that the company will offer three handhelds for the OnePlus 9 series with OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9R. The final mentioned device is the smartphone previously known as the OnePlus 9 Lite and will be the more affordable model in the series. The OnePlus 9R, on the other hand, has been recently circulating on the web for some time, as TechRadar reports. Endgadget reports that the OnePlus 9R (or Lite) was previously rumored to be a 9E or 9 Lite and might straddle the gap between OnePlus' usual flagships and budget devices such as the Nord N Series. The publication believes that the 9R will sport the Qualcomm SnapDragon 690 chipset with 8GB of RAM, a 5,000mAh battery, a 64MP main camera. OnePlus 9 Pro Release Date According to Gizmochina, a tipster named Mukul Sharma (@StuffListings) on Twitter, the OnePlus 9 Series may unveil on March 23. This goes against previous news and predictions from the Chinese tech giant, which is expected to announce the new smartphones on March 8 of this year. However, this news is speculation at the moment, and nothing is still certain. If claims are accurate, this may be one of the biggest OnePlus series releases yet. It will have multiple major products and a full range of phones covering most use cases. Related Article: Best 2017 Android Phones: OnePlus 3T, Google Pixel, Huawei Mate 9, And More This article is owned by Tech Times Written by: Luis Smith 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Monday said poll-strategist Prashant Kishor has joined him as his principal advisor. "Happy to share that @PrashantKishor has joined me as my Principal Advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Punjab! Singh said in a tweet. Happy to share that @PrashantKishor has joined me as my Principal Advisor. Look forward to working together for the betterment of the people of Punjab! Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 1, 2021 Kishor had handled the Congress party's poll campaign in Punjab in the 2017 assembly elections. Currently, Kishor's company, Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), is assisting Mamata Banerjee's TMC in West Bengal elections. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 73F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. President Joe Biden is planning a virtual meeting Monday with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador a chance for the pair to talk more fully about migration, confronting the coronavirus and cooperating on economic and national security issues. Mexicos president has said he intends during the meeting to propose to Biden a new Bracero-style immigrant labor program that could bring 600,000 to 800,000 Mexican and Central American immigrants a year to work legally in the United States. A senior Biden administration official declined to say whether the U.S. president would back or oppose the proposal, saying only that both countries agree on the need to expand legal pathways for migration. The official insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations. The original Bracero program allowed Mexicans to work temporarily in the United States to fill labor shortages during World War II and for a couple of decades after the war. Lopez Obrador said the U.S. economy needs Mexican workers because of their strength, their youth. The Biden official said the meeting will enable Biden to begin to institutionalize the relationship with Mexico, rather than let it be determined by tweets a preferred form of diplomacy by his predecessor, Donald Trump. The United States shares a trade agreement most recently updated in 2018 and 2019 with Mexico and Canada, which are its second- and third-biggest trade partners after China. The trade agreement could complicate Lopez Obradors efforts to possibly defund and eliminate independent regulatory, watchdog and transparency agencies in Mexico. There are also questions of whether Lopez Obrador will warm to Bidens efforts to address climate change and move to cleaner energy sources. The Mexican president supports a measure to make that countrys national grids prioritize power from government plants, many of which burn coal or fuel oil. The Trump era was defined by the threat of tariffs, crackdowns on migration and his desire to construct a wall on the U.S. southern border, yet Trump appeared to enjoy an amicable relationship with his Mexican counterpart. Mexico paid nothing for Trumps cherished border wall, despite the U.S. leaders repeated claims that it would. But Lopez Obradors government did send troops to Mexicos southern border with Guatemala to deal with an unprecedented wave of asylum-seekers bound for the U.S. Mexico hosted about 70,000 people seeking U.S. asylum while they waited for dates in immigration courts, a policy known as Remain in Mexico and officially as Migrant Protection Protocols. The Biden administration immediately began to unwind Remain in Mexico, suspending it for new arrivals on the presidents first day in office and soon after announcing that an estimated 26,000 people with still-active cases could be released in the United States while their cases played out. But Biden, through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has kept extraordinary pandemic-related powers in place to immediately expel anyone arriving at the U.S. border from Mexico without an opportunity to seek asylum. Mexicans and many Central Americans are typically returned to Mexico in less than two hours under Title 42 authority so named for a section of a 1944 public health law. Biden aides have signaled they have no immediate plans to lift it. Yet Biden has also shown an openness to immigrants who previously came to the country illegally. He is backing a bill to give legal status and a path to citizenship to all of the estimated 11 million people in the country who dont have it. Biden also broke with Trump by supporting efforts to allow hundreds of thousands of people who came to the U.S. illegally as young children to remain in the country. Lopez Obrador said Saturday that an aging United States will also need temporary immigrant workers from Mexico to sustain economic growth. It is better that we start putting order on migratory flows, he said he plans to tell Biden. But pressures are building at the U.S. southern border with an increase in children crossing into the country without visas. This has created a challenge for the Biden administration. Border Patrol agents are apprehending an average of more than 200 children crossing the border without a parent per day, but nearly all 7,100 beds for immigrant children maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services are full. The Biden administration has also preserved a policy, imposed at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, of quickly expelling people captured along the border and has tried to dissuade people from attempting the journey. This is not the time to come to the United States, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at a February briefing. We need the time to put in place an immigration process so people can be treated humanely. A former supermarket employee has revealed how his request for safer coronavirus working conditions ultimately got him sacked. Ben Bonnema was let go from his job at Trader Joe's in Manhattan, New York City, on February 26 after his boss caught wind of a list of suggestions he sent to the company's CEO, which included a three-strike policy for people not wearing a mask. Mr Bonnema was advocating for a safer working environment after four colleagues tested positive to Covid-19 in the previous three weeks. Shoppers enter a Trader Joe's store in the United States, some without face masks. Source: Getty Images Citing calls from scientists to US President Joe Biden to set better standards for workplaces, he asked the air filtration device in his store to be upgraded. "Right now we're using MERV-7 filters, but the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends MERV-13. When I asked the worker changing the filters if our system could handle MERV-13, he said, 'I don't know, that information has been painted over. You'd have to ask the manufacturer'. Can we ask the manufacturer?" one of his five requests read. Mr Bonnema also asked for the store's "air change per hour" be increased and taken off an energy-saving setting if it was on one, and requested a carbon dioxide monitor be purchased to maintain healthy "air share" levels. The point that seemed to most rub his boss the wrong way was the suggestion the store introduce a three-strike policy which would ban people from entering if they refused to wear a mask. "I was recently shouted and sworn at by a customer who would not wear a mask above his nose... he was allowed to finish his shopping and check out," his letter read. Additionally, he recommended no one be allowed in the store without a mask on, regardless of any exemptions. He said those could wear a mask were eligible to have their shopping done for them by a staff member, which was a service they were already offering. Story continues "If they refuse, we should not let them in," he wrote. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Mr Bonnema concluded his letter telling the CEO "we put our lives on the line every day by showing up to work" and called on him to "show up for us by adopting these policies". Shortly after sending the letter, he was issued a notice terminating his employment because his suggestions were "not in line" with the "core values" of Trader Joe's. "In addition, you state that Trader Joe's is 'not showing up for us' without adopting your policies. It is clear that you do not understand our values. As a result, we are no longer comfortable having you work for Trader Joe's," the termination, also shared by Mr Bonnema, read. Thousands of people have weighed in on the case after he shared it to Twitter on February 27, the day after he was fired. 'I would have fired you too' "Trader joe's just fired me for sending this letter to the CEO, saying i don't share the company values. I guess advocating for a safer workplace isn't a company value? (sic)" his tweet read. While many defended his actions, arguing he was well within his right to stand up for his and his colleague's safety at work, some claimed his letter was out of line and he deserved to be sacked over it. "I would have fired you for that ludicrous demand letter too. Every store, business and school, including Trader Joe's, is doing its best to make it safe for employees and customers in an extraordinarily challenging time. If you don't feel safe, stay home," one person responded. Several others were in disbelief Mr Bonnema was being criticised over his bold move, which they argued was understandable given people in his workplace had contracted the virus, possibly while working. "You cant be serious. This is a series of research-backed suggestions meant to improve the health and safety of staff and customers. Its not a demand letter. Rejecting such a document outright is reckless. Firing the author is bad business," one responded. The former employee has been made several offers of legal assistance following his termination. A spokesperson for Trader Joe's told Newsweek customers and staff members' safety were paramount, and the company was always open to suggestions from their employees. "During his short tenure with Trader Joe's, this Crew Member's suggestions were listened to, and appropriately addressed," Kenya Friend-Daniel said. "Store leadership terminated this Crew Member's employment because of the disrespect he showed toward our customers. We have never, and would never, terminate a Crew Member's employment for raising safety concerns." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Haridwar: With passenger traffic at Hardiwar station expected to go up from March 11, the Northern Railways has built four different colour-coded enclosures for passengers to book tickets to various destinations. "There might be a surge in passengers coming to Haridwar from March 11. We have put four colour-coded enclosures based on the passenger`s destination at Haridwar station. We have made reserved ticket windows inside enclosures," said Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Northern Railway Uttarakhand. A centralised hi-tech control room has also been set up by Indian Railways at Haridwar railway station ahead of Kumbh 2021. The preparations are underway for Kumbh to be held from 1st to 30th April in Haridwar. The Uttarakhand government has decided to limit the Kumbh this year to 30 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers in charge of the Kumbh said that those who attend the religious congregation should do prior registration at a portal and should have a COVID-19 negative report. Live TV Kumbh is not only a religious pilgrimage, but one of the largest mass gatherings at one place. It is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years and spans four locations namely Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The Maha Kumbh is celebrated in a cycle of 12 years at four river-bank pilgrimage sites across India. Britain's worst mother Karen Matthews donned a pug face mask as she went for a walk in the sunshine with her paedophile fiancee Paul Saunders. Mother-of-seven Matthews spent four years in prison for the kidnap and unlawful imprisonment of her nine-year-old daughter Shannon. Last year it was revealed that she was engaged to a handyman who worked on her bathroom, Paul Saunders, who was jailed for abusing a vulnerable girl. The couple were last seen in public together looking for a new flat, with Matthews cradling a bottle of champagne as they visited a number of properties. It previously emerged that Matthews was hoping to raise tens of thousands of pounds in cash by selling the rights to her wedding to Saunders. But her plan is unlikely to succeed as there are laws preventing convicted criminals from receiving money from the media in order to benefit from their notoriety. Matthews and her ex-boyfriend's uncle Michael Donovan were jailed in 2009 for the plot to stage Shannon's kidnapping and claim the 50,000 reward for 'finding' her. She was jailed for eight years and released in April 2012. Britain's worst mother Karen Matthews donned a pug face mask as she went for a walk Matthews went for a walk in the sunshine with her paedophile fiancee Paul Saunders Last year it was revealed Matthews was engaged to a handyman who worked on her bathroom, Paul Saunders, who was jailed for abusing a vulnerable girl Matthews spent four years in prison for the kidnap and unlawful imprisonment of her nine-year-old daughter Shannon. The warped conspiracy had been dreamt up to try to claim any reward money offered over the little girl's disappearance The tragic case of Shannon Matthews and her feckless mother Karen February 19, 2008: Shannon Matthews is last seen outside her school in Dewsbury February 20: Police announce a massive search for the missing girl February 21: 200 volunteers join the local police search party March 1: Shannon's mother Karen issues an emotional public appeal for the safe return on her daughter March 12: Reward offered for information leading to Shannon's whereabouts is increased to 50,000 March 14: Shannon is found inside the base of a divan base at the home of Michael Donovan in Batley Carr. Over the next few weeks Donovan, along with Shannon's mother and stepfather, are all charged for separate offences January 23, 2009: Matthews and Donovan are sentenced to eight years each of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice April 2012: Matthews is released from prison after serving half her sentence. She was given a new taxpayer-funded identity and home. She is banned from seeing Shannon and her other children, who were put in care. 2020: Mother-of-seven Matthews is revealed to be living a new life, under a new name and has turned to God in southern England. Advertisement The warped conspiracy had been dreamt up to try to claim any reward money offered over the little girl's disappearance, believed to have been inspired by an episode of Channel 4 hit Shameless. She made a series of tearful TV appeals for help in finding her daughter as West Yorkshire Police launched a 3.2million search for Shannon - who was found by detectives in Donovan's flat, around a mile from her home in Dewsbury, 24 days after she disappeared. Prosecutors said the schoolgirl was drugged and probably kept captive on a leash during her incarceration. Police described Matthews as 'pure evil' after she was found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice. Last month newly-uncovered video of a police interview with Matthews in Dewsbury station showed how she accidentally revealed she was involved in her daughter's disapperance. She was shown saying missing Shannon was 'in a nice warm environment', with Detective Inspector Chris Walker saying the remark had immediately sounded alarm bells. Detective Inspector Chris Walker, of West Yorkshire Homicide and Major Enquiry team, revealed he found it bizarre that Matthews seemed completely confident that Shannon was warm and safe. The mother had been brought in for questioning after details had begun emerging about members of her family and circle of friends. Matthews told officers: 'It just feels empty now, the house, without her. It's not like Shannon. She's timid, she's scared of the dark and everything. So that's how I know something's wrong. 'She's out there somewhere in a nice warm environment but the person who's got her is not coming forward which is what we'd like really.' Her then-boyfriend, Craig Meehan, was not involved in the kidnapping plot. However, he was separately convicted of possessing 49 indecent images of children on a home computer. Shannon was raised by a new family under a new identity and is now an adult. Mr Walker told a new Channel 5 Documentary that it seemed as though Karen was 'personally convinced' that Shannon was with someone else and was 'alive and well'. He added: 'It did raise suspicions in my mind that she had some idea of what had happened to Shannon and at that time there was absolutely nothing to link her to Shannon's disappearance.' Matthews went for a walk in the sunshine with her paedophile fiancee Paul Saunders Saunders abused a teenage girl over a three-year period and his secret was only discovered when indecent images of the girl were found on his mobile phone Police described Matthews as 'pure evil' after she was found guilty of kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice Karen Matthews and Michael Donavan were both found guilty of kidnapping Shannon, nine Detective Constables Nick Townsend, 61, and Paul Kettlewell, 68, were the officers who found Shannon. Mr Kettlewell said: 'I was elated. As we went down the stairs it was like carrying my own child.' Mr Townsend added: 'Nobody ever thought we'd see Shannon Matthews alive again... It's hard to describe the emotion. You just want to cheer.' Meanwhile, Saunders abused a teenage girl over a three-year period and his secret was only discovered when indecent images of the girl were found on his mobile phone. Back in January 2010 Oxford Crown Court heard his offences took place between 2006 and 2009 when his victim was aged between 15 and 17. Saunders, of Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was only caught after he was jailed for eight weeks for benefit fraud in May the previous year. He targeted the 'vulnerable' girl and made indecent images of her, the court heard as he ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. His victim, who is now an adult, said after he was jailed: 'He makes me sick. He should die. I hate him.' Hunter and Matthews got engaged over Christmas 2019 but she had to buy her own Princess Diana-style ring herself. Shannon is also subject to a lifelong anonymity order alongside her siblings. Laredos ballet folklorico was represented Sunday in an international cultural festival broadcast virtually from Tijuana, Mexico. Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia, scholar and artistic director of the Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia Ballet Folklorico, said she selected footage from their Mexico Lindo 2019 concert, where company members performed traditional dances representing Aguascalientes, and her own choreographic work called Chicano Power. It was shown Sunday by the Casa de la Cultura de la Pipila in Tijuana. At this festival, folklorico groups from the United States were invited to participate. We are so thrilled to represent Texas and our city of Laredo, Texas before an international audience. It is such an honor to perform for this event, Mendoza-Garcia said. Laredoans live both an American and Mexican culture, she noted, being largely bilingual, celebrating the holidays of both countries and of course sharing a border. Yet, I think that folklorico is very unique, Mendoza-Garcia said. This is a way of remembering our ancestors through dance. We tell their histories, struggles, successes, and fear every time we dance. So, it is very important to continue teaching and learning folklorico in the 21st century. Mendoza-Garcia states that the conversations she had with folkloristas in the 1970s inspired her own choreography. Moreover, during the Chicano Movement in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States she saw how Chicanos and Chicanas fought to keep their heritage this inspired her Chicano Power choreography, which depicts the Chicana and Chicano people at work and at play, as well as their fight for social justice. Images of the Brown Berets who fought against police brutality, educational inequalities, and protested the Vietnam War are juxtaposed against dances which incorporate zapateado, disco, and flamenco rhythms to show how the Chicana/os used the arts to make a political statement of cultural empowerment, Mendoza-Garcia said. This work premiered in 2016 at our Mexico Lindo concert. Due to the pandemic the companys performances, practices and even recruitment all had to go virtual. However the Danzar en Nuestra Pais festival organizers asked Mendoza-Garcia to submit footage from live performances so that the full scope of their work could be showcased. Dancing during a pandemic is quite different, Mendoza-Garcia said. Now, I teach my classes simultaneously online and in-person. When we dance we wear masks and remain six feet apart. This can be very challenging because many of the folklorico dances are courtship dances. Thus, I have had to create unique choreographies specific to the regulations governing the pandemic. Jose M. Sanchez Jr., one of Mendoza-Garcias dance company members, states that there is a clear difference in dancing before and during a pandemic. Over the years of dancing in front of an audience whether big or small groups, as a performer you build the confidence of bringing to life characters in a story, the feeling of our beating hearts with the sounds of our tapping feet and the rich music from our cultures historic background, Sanchez said. Our performances provided our audiences with a look to our past and our ancestors. In some, it touches their hearts and in others sparks a childhood memory of their loved ones. During this time of crisis, though we dont get the chance to perform live in front of our beloved community, I still try to imagine the audience behind the camera at home or on their devices getting that same feeling of happiness as a smile develops on their faces in watching our program. The roots of her dance company go back to almost a decade when she came to the city of Laredo after finishing her studies in dancing. I began the Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia Ballet Folklorico in 2013, Mendoza-Garcia said. I had just finished earning my doctorate in critical dance studies from the University of California Riverside. I was ready to begin teaching folklorico again. I noticed that there was not a single dance school or company in Laredo whose sole focus was the teaching and performing of Mexican folklorico dance. So she decided to open her company, where she teaches kids and adults how to dance folklorico. Usually, they perform live in Laredo and in surrounding communities. The Festival is slated to air in three parts on Sunday, Feb. 28, March 29 and April 29 at 8 p.m. on the Facebook page Casa de la Cultura de la Pipila. The Chicano Power choreography is expected to close the festival on Apr. 29 in celebration of the Dia Internacional de la Danza. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com / (512) 214-1792 Lift the cloud of suspicion Each time a male federal cabinet minister appears on television or is referred to in an article in the newspaper, I wonder whether they are the alleged rapist. That man must stand aside if for no other reason than to lift the cloud of suspicion from his colleagues. Pauline Ashton, Maribyrnong Presumption of innocence argument disingenuous In an attempt to have the ministerial rape allegation go away, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has used the presumption of innocence argument. If that concept was truly observed we would have no remanded-in-custody provision in the legal code or the need for bail. And perhaps the Treasurer would care to explain how the government has applied the presumption of innocence argument to the people abandoned in offshore detention. Stephen Williams, Wandin North THE FORUM Vote for change How encouraging to have on the front page of yesterdays Age a photo of two people shoulder to shoulder a 16 year-old young lady with an 86-year-old Brigidine nun-teacher ready for a court battle for a better tomorrow. Anjali Sharma is the lead claimant of a group of eight teenage students asking the Federal Court to prevent federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley from authorising an extension of the NSW Vickery coal mine output by some 25 per cent or about 100million tonnes of greenhouse gases, due to the harm to future generations. As an 86-year-old grandfather, I applaud this court action as a necessary step to safeguard their future. While our politicians talk, we oldies need to act and vote for change. Neil Wilkinson, Mont Albert Congratulations Anjali Earth would be a more comfortable and safer place to live if more adults in particular our political leaders had the will to learn more about climate change and wisdom and courage to take real action, as exemplified by Greta Thunberg and now 16-year-old Anjali Sharma. Congratulations, Anjali: keep up the good work. Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin, ACT Womens work Indeed, Meredith Burgmanns piece on aged care being a feminist issue (Aged care: a feminist issue of our time, 1/3) rings true. It is evident that women are often relied on even depended on for providing caregiving for aged parents. I watch with a mixture of curious awe my own mother caring for her elderly mother, my grandmother, with an amount of ongoing generosity of time that is moving to see. The concept of an aged care facility continues to be a prickly topic, yet with another of my grandparents in an aged care home, there is no qualm that a high standard of caregiving can still be provided outside the warmth of family circles. Too often we inevitably see the caregiving role delegated to women. A more proactive approach to really improve aged care facilities as a whole in Victoria will benefit first and foremost the elderly generation. The ripple effect for women, men and families alike will work towards improving quality of life for society more broadly. Stephanie Ashworth, Pascoe Vale South Inquiry groundhog day As with a lot of government inquiries, it is likely that the recommendations of this past one [into aged care] will never be made fully available to the public. I wonder if there is a possibility that the recommendations of the past 20 inquiries over the past two decades could be listed side by side with a note about whether they were implemented, and by whom? Then the public could see, most probably, that the same things are being reported time and again. Julian Robertson, Mount Eliza Band-aid not enough We all know that aged care is not a place we want to go to. How many of us have told our children never to send us to one of these places. Band-aids will be applied after the royal commission report and, like climate change, the government will focus on other issues at hand. Sharyn Bhalla, Ferntree Gully Lift our game April Baragwanath (Letters, 1/3) is correct when she alludes to the home environment not fostering the idea that women need to be respected. I suspect that in many cases children repeat the behaviour of the parent(s). Boys (indeed all children) also need to be taught the confidence to stand up to peer pressure, to be able to say this is wrong in their peer group. This can have more than an immediate effect. I recall an instance in the tea-room at my work where the conversation turned particularly nasty regarding an ethnic group and I, after waiting for far too long for it to peter out, simply said I am not comfortable with this, change the subject. Silence fell but later that day two of the people came to me and thanked me and indicated that they had not felt comfortable speaking up among their work peers. As a community, we need to support parents and teachers by lifting our game. Vicki Jordan, Lower Plenty Capitalism at work It comes as no surprise to learn some Australian companies have a colourful history with Myanmars military junta (Revealing the dubious links of an Australian company in Myanmar, 1/3). They are simply following the logic of capitalist enterprise: make your money wherever the opportunity avails itself even in rotten repressive regimes. Rajend Naidu, Glenfield, NSW Planning fail The government missed its target of 60,000 vaccinations by 50 per cent in the first week. Perhaps Greg Hunt should have spent less time making announcements about the coming of the vaccines and a bit more time on planning the rollout. Lets hope action on the vaccines will not go the way of action on climate change where we are still waiting. Marg DArcy, Rye IT discrimination Sue Oliver (Letters, 1/3) writes about the discrimination many elderly people feel when they are required to use technology such as QR codes when they dont have a smart phone. An example of technology discrimination is where pensioners are required to log on to a website to complete an online form for a government electricity bonus of $250. The site, and my local member, suggest that if they dont have a computer or smart phone they go to the library, internet cafe, or get a friend to do it. I did it for a friend and it is a two-step process whereby you apply online and give an email address and then get an email confirmation that the application was successfully submitted. Then, days later, another email arrives saying they need to log on again, put in some of their previously submitted information and give their banking details as to where the money is to be deposited. Imagine someone doing that at the library or internet cafe where they dont have email or the ability to monitor an email account for replies. It is just not on. Other solutions should be introduced immediately. Alan Inchley, Frankston Safety first Its a step in the right direction that food delivery giant Uber Eats (Uber ups safety for local riders, 1/3) will provide its delivery team with an app that recognises if the delivery rider is wearing a helmet, as well as providing lights, vests, bells and phone holders. At the same time it would be prudent to develop the app further so that the rider is obliged to correctly answer a question regarding a road safety rule each shift before the app proceeds to organise work. Questions such as where do you ride, footpath or road? and Do you ride with the flow of traffic or against it? An understanding of our road traffic rules would give delivery riders and the public a safer street environment. Pieter van Wessem, Balwyn Juvenile politics The Victorian Greens cant have it both ways. If they claim to having backed a public health response fully, they cant now threaten to oppose a further nine-month extension of the state of emergency (COVID fines for youth may be waived under deal, 1/3). For people under 18 to be summarily let off on-the-spot fines issued for COVID-19 breaches is wrong. Anyone who is issued with an on-the-spot fine has the option of having the matter heard by a court. For people under 17 that court is the Childrens Court, where you can be sure proper standards of juvenile justice will be applied. The outcome might include upholding, waiver or reduction of a fine but only after a proper judicial hearing, with a magistrate taking into account the particular circumstances of each case. Its called the rule of law and its not politics, especially not the juvenile politics now being practised by the Greens. Lawrie Bradly, Surrey Hills Boys entitlement Yes our boys treatment of girls has been disgusting: prefect pleads for respect (The Age, 27/2) and until it actually changes I will continue to choose and send my daughters to a single sex school. Sue Lyons (Letters, 1/3) suggests single sex schools are not good for boys, does her argument then follow that we should be sacrificing girls education so boys can learn how to behave? Single-sex girls schools allow girls to achieve without the misogynist practices that are becoming a constant in our society. Until society changes here is a small slice of their life where girls can become confident, fearless learners, achieving without having to fight against the entitlement boys seem to enjoy. Education of boys starts at home. Michelle Komljenovic, Highett MPs on wrong track The negative reaction of some federal government MPs, in regard to the miserly rise given to the unemployed, only shows their disregard for those on benefits. Encouraged by disgruntled employers that firmly believe in cheap labour, they fail to understand or accept the reasoning of those unwilling to exchange their time and efforts for wages and conditions that, at the end of their working day, would only be a losing proposition. Those MPs, with salaries and privileges denied to mere mortals, will do well in checking facts and figures before uttering biased, uninformed opinions over the attitudes of those refusing to be exploited. Victor Ramirez, Riddells Creek Every little bit helps Perhaps if Gerry Harvey, of Harvey Norman, having made record profits reconsiders and repays the $6 million JobKeeper payments, the government might also have a change of heart and restore my pension to what it was before the introduction of the assets test. This year, saw yet another $45 a fortnight stripped from my small part pension. How many other pensioners financed the gift to Gerry Harvey? Nola Cordell, Hoppers Crossing AND ANOTHER THING ... Credit: Morrison Is Scott Morrison on holidays again? Joan Segrave, Healesville Time for another Hawaiian holiday, maybe. Bernd Rieve, Brighton Its time you held a hose mate. Gary Sayer, Warrnambool Scomo, the typical marketing spinner, can talk the talk but slow to get things off the ground so we wait, again. Margaret Sullivan, Caulfield North Whats the odds Scott will finally act now that sporting identities have warned of the dangers of climate change? Jack Morris, Kennington Scomos too hard basket must be piling up. Peng Ee, Castle Cove, NSW Politics Julias misogyny calls fell on smirking faces ... theyre not smirking now. Gary Bryfman, Brighton Culture in parliament an oxymoron for sure. Peter Roche, Carlton Vaccination The protester carrying a sign Jesus help us please is presumably pre-empting his plea from intensive care after refusing vaccination and contracting the infection. John Heggie, Hastings Many countries are going hammer and tongs at vaccination. In Australia, its stammer and thongs. Jerry Koliha, South Melbourne Furthermore Cheers to those altruistic teens with their anti new fossil fuels legal case a telling contrast to the governments climate failure. Barbara Fraser, Burwood Bruce was special wasnt he? Well all miss him wont we? Rob Warren, Ivanhoe World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 The wife of Australian economist Sean Turnell has been allowed to speak to him for the first time since he was detained in Myanmar as part of a military takeover of the country that has turned increasingly deadly. The news comes as the nations overthrown civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared on Monday via video link at a court hearing, at which her lawyer was informed of an additional charge of causing incitement. Australian economist Sean Turnell with wife Ha Vu. Credit:Facebook Dr Turnell, who was a key adviser to Ms Suu Kyi, was arrested at his Yangon hotel on February 6, five days after the coup, and his whereabouts have been unknown since. While at least 18 protesters were killed across four cities on Sunday on the bloodiest day yet of resistance to the junta, a close friend of the academic has revealed Turnell was last Thursday permitted to speak to his wife, Ha Vu, who is in Sydney. Australia, Victoria, Melbourne, March 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- - ENEGIX ENERGY PTE LTD (Enegix) has unveiled the Base One green hydrogen project in cooperation with the State Government of Ceara, an investment of US$5.4 billion. Under the terms of the MoU signed on the 19th of February with the state governor Camilo Santana, Enegix will set up the worlds largest green hydrogen plant that will produce over 600 million kg of green hydrogen per year from already contracted 3.4GW of combined baseload wind and solar power through a partnership with Enerwind. Base One will be established in the state of Ceara, northeast of Brazil and will provide a strategic location for Enegixs renewable hydrogen production with direct access to all major international markets via ocean freight. 500 hectares of commercial land has been scoped in the Port of Pecem, a world-class deepsea port with established infrastructure and access to the required quantities of water - to enable the electrolysis process to separate hydrogen and oxygen elements. Enegixs planned next-generation facility will be run completely using renewable energy with zero emissions and will harness the great renewable energy potential that Ceara has available with solar and onshore and offshore wind to be realised allowing Base One to be expanded to over 100GW to meet global demand. Our partnership with the Ceara State Government is a major milestone for the company. Base One will turn Ceara into a major hydrogen export location and establish Enegix as a global renewable power producer aligning with our vision and strategy to replace expensive, high emission power grids with renewable, baseload, and cost-effective zero-carbon grids. Through this partnership, we plan to create a new model of sustainable energy for the worlds fast-growing population while reducing dependency and cutting end-user costs on high carbon-emitting fuel sources like diesel. Wesley Cooke, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Enegixs Base One facility will create thousands of jobs during the construction phase and will allow for the employment of hundreds of full-time operational staff to manage the facility, with far-reaching, positive social benefits to the local community and the state. The planned next-generation facility will be run completely using renewable energy with zero emissions. Currently, humans emit 50 billion tonnes of CO2e annually into the atmosphere, a staggering figure that is up 40 per cent since 1990. Base One has the potential to reduce annual CO2e emissions by 10 million tons per year and would become the single largest carbon emission reduction project in the world. For us, hydrogen represents a version of the future we aspire to. A new way to power our lives without polluting and destroying what matters most, our home, the one we all share and must protect. Its the catalyst for a new energy equality revolution that affords the chance to use this technology for good to address the plight of the billions of people without access to the basics; electricity, water and food who when left behind remain powerless to change their circumstances. A hydrogen economy is possible now, we must take the initiative and build it so that everyone can benefit from the universe's most abundant element. says Cooke. The project is expected to take 3-4 years to build. Enegix has signed a MoU with a leading international engineering firm and technical consultant to undertake a feasibility study, and will soon start the process of obtaining environmental and social licenses. Currently, Enegix is seeking partnerships with investors and is running an open capital round, more information can be obtained at https://enegix.energy/investors. Enegix Company Keynote The unveiling of the Enegix Base One project also marks the debut of Enegix on the world stage. The company will live stream a keynote presentation from Wesley Cooke, Founder and Chief Executive Officer and Marco Stacke, the companys Chief Operations Officer on Thursday, 4th March, 2021. The event will be available to watch on their website at 11:00 am GMT. About Enegix Energy Enegix Energy is registered in Singapore and Australia and is currently relocating its corporate head office to Switzerland. The company has been established with a vision to deploy and manage renewably powered, utility-scale energy grids powered by hydrogen which is a key component in our strategy and will be used for electricity storage and distribution, transportation, fuel applications and re-electrification power plants to power the shift to renewable, zero-emission economies in key markets. To discover more, please visit their website https://enegix.energy Enegix Press Event Following the Enegix Company Keynote, the company will hold a press event to answer questions from the media. Details can be accessed and registrations can be made by using the following link: https://enegix.energy/media For media enquiries Email: press@enegix.energy Australia: +61 3 7003 9349 Singapore: +65 3163 0306 Brazil: +55 62 3142 2148 Forward-looking Statement Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on Enegix Energys current expectations and beliefs of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. For the original news story, please visit https://www.prdistribution.com/news/enegix-energy-to-build-us-5-4-billion-green-hydrogen-facility-in-brazil.html Attachments A Michigan homeowner just handed over 17 adorable puppies to the Michigan Humane Society. The puppies were part of unexpected litters from the home and were not neglected. The puppies are currently being cared for by staff at the Mackey Center for Animal Care in Detroit. The Detroit homeowner had been working with the Humane Society for the last few weeks to surrender the puppies. These are what we call owner surrender, Anna Chrisman of the Michigan Humane Society told MLive. The owner was working closely with us. It was just a case of too many animals in the home and the owner not being able to give the support and care they needed. It was litters that were not planned. The puppies are around 8 to 10 weeks old and are not yet up for adoption. They are currently being accessed by the medical team. The first step is to do a medical assessment and see if they need additional medical support. From there we also want to make sure every animal gets time to decompress and get comfortable in a new environment. Once that process is complete, our hope is to let folks know when the pups are ready for adoption on our social media channels. Chrisman says its not only important to get your pets spayed or neutered to control the pet population, but for their health as well. Spay and neutering can help reduce the risk of certain cancers and can reduce the risk of roaming and aggressive tendencies. So, in addition to helping out your local animal care organizations by not having the excess litters, its important for making sure they have a great life and avoiding some of those risky things they can have later down the line. MORE FROM MLIVE: City in Michigan ranked the No. 1 coolest place in U.S. with lowest cost of living Detroits giant RoboCop statue is real and its spectacular, at 11 feet, 2.5 tons First of its kind high-rise being built from the top-down in Greektown Entire Michigan lavender farm and tourist attraction hits market for $595K, comes with large ranch home Irish oil and gas explorer Providence Resources has extended the farm-out agreement in respect of Barryroe with Norwegian group SpotOn Energy by two months. Barryroe is located off the south coast of Ireland. In a statement on Monday Providence said the additional time was required to finalise the agreement with participants in the financing structure. It added that there will be no change to overall development proposal. The conditions to be fulfilled to attract investment from the Norwegian Export Credit Agency (GIEK), have altered from what was originally proposed. The financing structure has been adjusted to reflect the fact that GIEK is unable to participate in the Barryroe funding consortium in the form originally expected. GIEKs commitment had been for around 20pc of the overall funding. A different funding structure has been proposed by SpotOn involving an increased contribution to the financing by the consortium and the bond investors. Discussions to secure this increased commitment are well advanced. SpotOn has confirmed that it believes that funding will be completed within the period granted under the extension, Providence said today. In November last year the Barryroe partners completed a farm-out agreement with SpotOn Energy, for a 50pc share in SEL 1/11 located off the south coast of Ireland and which includes the undeveloped Barryroe oil and gas field. In return for the 50pc share in the project SpotOn and its partners undertook to fund, develop and produce the Barryroe field. A conditional part of the farm-out agreement involves SpotOn securing a minimum of $166m (137m) in funding to finance 100pc of the costs associated with an early development programme for Barryroe. Providence said today that the Barryroe partners have been advised that SpotOn is confident of raising the funds set out in the farm-out agreement. Providence's roots go back to 1981. Katie Price supported herself with a crutch as she went for a doctor's check-up on Monday - seven months after breaking both her feet in a horror 25ft fall. The former glamour model, 42, looked pensive as she left the appointment with boyfriend Carl Woods while leaning on one crutch. Katie cut a stylish figure in a black and white slogan print jumper and black joggers as she left the surgery. Appointment: Katie Price supported herself with a crutch as she went for a doctor's check-up on Monday - six months after breaking both her feet in a horror 25ft fall The star opted for comfortable trainers as she made her way back to the car with doting Carl, 32. The reality star wore her blonde tresses sleek and straight and sported a glamorous palette of make-up for the appointment. Last month Katie revealed that she's been registered disabled after breaking both her feet when she fell 25ft in a freak accident. The star suffered the horrific injuries during a trip to Turkey last August and had to undergo an eight-hour operation to rebuild her feet. Support: The former glamour model, 42, looked pensive as she left the appointment with boyfriend Carl Woods while leaning on one crutch Doting: Katie's beau Carl kept a watchful eye on her as she made her way to the car Discussing how she's coping six months on, Katie has detailed how she's in constant pain and 'waddles like a duck' when trying to walk, with 20 minutes a day being her limit, in a new interview with The Sun. Katie said: 'I will never be the same... I've got a limp when I walk now as one leg is longer than the other because of all the metal in the foot I waddle like a duck. It does make me feel a bit paranoid 'I'm registered disabled and have got letters from the doctors to certify me for a blue badge, which I've sent off for.' Speaking about the pain she's still feeling after the accident, Katie said that she feels like she's 'being electrocuted' as the pain shoots through her feet. Check-up: The reality star wore her blonde tresses sleek and straight and sported a glamorous palette of make-up for the appointment Home: Katie looked deep in thought as she made her way home from the appointment The mother-of-five also revealed that she's not been taking either of the painkillers given to her as she's worried about becoming addicted so is always in lots of pain. She went on to explained how when out shopping she has to strategically park close to the shops and can't carry heavy items as it hurts her feet too much. Katie, who can only walk for 20 minutes and has physiotherapy sessions four times a week, also said she's been overcompensating for the pain while trying to take steps meaning the rest of her body is taking a toll. She revealed she'll have to get her legs and hips 'aligned' and also wears pads in her shoes to help with a collapsed arch. As well as impacting her health, the constant pain and difficulty moving around has meant the mum-of-five has had to miss out on playing with her children. Doctors: The star spoke with Carl as she left the surgery on her crutch Injury: Katie has maintained a positive mindset as she continues her recovery Katie, who's now getting legal advice about her situation, said: 'This has all affected our home life dramatically... It's all just a nightmare that has gone from bad to worse.' Katie's injury happened last August while she was on holiday in Turkey with her beau Carl Woods and children Princess, 13, and Junior, 15. She plummeted 25ft off a wall at a theme park in Turkey and landed on her feet, later revealing that she feared that she would be 'paralysed'. The star later explained how her feet are 'destroyed' following the incident, with doctors telling her they have amputated legs with similar injuries, and admitted she returned to The Priory to learn to 'walk again.' 'I'll never be the same': Last month Katie revealed that she's been registered disabled after breaking both her feet and ankles when she fell 25ft in a freak accident in Turkey last August Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'The doctors said I'm lucky I'm not dead. I could have hit my head and I could have been paralysed, I am lucky I landed on my feet.' Katie underwent an eight-hour operation to rebuild her feet after she was 'mucking about' following a few drinks and jumped off what she thought was a 'small wall' at the Land of Legends theme park. Discussing her injury on her YouTube channel at the time, Katie said: Silly me, at my age, should calm things down. Basically, silly little accident. I was running and jumped over a wall, as it was a little shortcut, and didnt really judge the height. I just sort of fell funny on my ankles and I fractured the hairline on my heels and stuff. The hospital here wanted to operate and wanted to put pins in and stuff. Because Im away, Id rather wait until I get home. Pain: The former glamour model, 42, had to have an eight-hour operation to rebuild her feet and has been in constant pain since the accident (pictured with beau Carl Woods) Its the most painful thing ever. Like when I was trying to put the cast on, I was screaming in pain. They said I wont be able to walk for three to six months. The model has also revealed how she has returned to The Priory because her 'mental health' has been 'badly affected' by her injuries. She last visited The Priory in September 2018 and spent 28 days in the facility after her family urged her to seek help following wild partying antics in Mallorca. Katie has always been very candid about her recovery from the injury and previously revealed she feels 'humiliated' at the prospect of having to learn to 'walk again'. She's discussed how tasks are 'impossible' including going to the toilet, cooking, reaching for the cupboards and taking a bath where she could 'drown'. Katie, who is also mum to Harvey, 18, Jett, 7, and Bunny, 6, explained how she is 'embarrassed' of having to be pushed around and told how people treat her 'differently'. She added that she 'feels sorry' for boyfriend Carl who has doted on her since the accident and said that it is 'demoralising' seeing him push her in the wheelchair. But the CBB star described how she would be 'lost' without her beau and revealed how she can still 'keep Carl happy in the bedroom' with him having 'no complaints'. However Katie also vowed that she is 'never drinking again' following the traumatising accident and plans to cover up her 'mangled' feet with tattoos. Beyond barbecues and ceremonies: Recognizing Memorial Day For many, Memorial Day weekend is about gathering with family and grilling or attending a parade. Some find a more personal way to honor the holiday. When Alison Vega-Knoll had her first business called the Larder, she was 12 years and two kids younger. She opened that Larder in a strip mall on the island of Antigua in 2008, where shed been living with her husband Drew Knoll, who was executive chef at a fine dining restaurant on the island. The name for her casual breakfast and lunch cafe was inspired by the islands British past in the U.K., a cooks pantry is called a larder. This time around, the busy mother of four opened the Larder at 3005 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie, just across the parking lot from Trader Joes. Shes working with her friend and partner chef Chris Wilson, a long-time employee of Emeril Lagasses operations who was running the Homebase company kitchen up until the pandemic. Vega-Knoll stepped away from her Bucktown seafood restaurant Station 6, which is now under her husbands management. I love restaurants, conceiving them, setting them up, but the day-to-day operation is hard, especially when youre raising four kids, Vega-Knoll says. This place allows us to do something different all the time. Theyd initially been looking for a small shop to showcase Cajun Caviar, the Louisiana caviar of local bowfin roe that Vega-Knoll purchased in 2016 along with Chris wife Amy Wilson and Alden Lagasse, Emeril Lagasses wife. When they found the much bigger space, they decided to go for it. The Larder is set up like a carefully curated gourmet market, with specialty single-batch olive oils, balsamic vinegars, wine and cheeses from small producers, as well as foodie gifts. There also is a busy counter for breakfast, lunch and dinner items available individually or packaged for a family meal. A drive-through window the place used to be a Burger King makes it possible for customers to order in advance and pick-up dinner at a specified time. Sheryl Boudy releases cookbook 'Recipes My Daddy Never Wrote Down' Sheryl Boudy spoke with Gambit about how cooking was passed down in her family and collecting her father's recipes for a new book. Theres a daily family meal special for four priced between $50 and $90, depending on whether theres lobster or chicken on the plate. Hes fine-tuning a menu that includes NOLA Mambo Monday, featuring traditional New Orleans dishes, Tex-Mex food on Tuesdays, Wild Card Wednesday for a chefs choice menu, and Vega-Knoll's Mediterranean specials on Thursdays. Fridays bring seafood specials and theres steakhouse dishes on Saturdays. Family-sized lasagna and chicken pot pie are big sellers. The partners and their families have been friends and cooked at home together for years. Drew Knoll and Chris Wilson worked together at Emerils in the mid 90s. Vega-Knoll and Wilson started talking about working together in June and opened the Larder in December. Theres a few scattered seats inside and ample outside seating in a lovely patio setting. Despite the pandemic, theyre seeing regulars coming in and staying for a while over coffee or a bottle of wine. Honestly we didnt plan on opening another restaurant, Vega-Knoll says. We thought this place would be mostly pick-up and go. Inside, the Larder has a country French kitchen vibe. Glass jars hold biscotti on a painted shelf, and a large display case is home to an array of pastries and breads. A case of locally made Piccola Gelato draws an enthusiastic after-school crowd. From the counter, patrons get a view of the busy open kitchen. The menu includes salads such as grilled shrimp and street corn with feta and kale, and a steak house Caesar with little gem lettuce and heirloom tomatoes. Soups include Wilsons version of New England clam chowder that speaks to his Connecticut roots. A prosciutto di Parma sandwich has arugula and creamy Italian fontal cheese on a baguette. The Larder Whoppa is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the previous tenant, but this one is made with two Creekstone Farms beef patties topped with bacon-tomato jam, pickles and American cheese, and is served with fries. The Pilgrim puts everything good about Thanksgiving on a raft of chewy focaccia. Lunch is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and most dishes fall in the $6 to $15 range. For breakfast, there is killer avocado toast on a foundation of rustic bread slathered with creamy goat cheese, and a fried egg sandwich with bacon and American cheese on a toasted Kaiser roll. Prices are between $6 and $10, something Wilson felt strongly about. This is not a get-rich-quick plan, the chef says. We want to provide a service to our customers and would rather see someone twice a week than twice a month. Larder Gourmet Market + Eatery 3005 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 766-6763 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday Dine-in, outdoor seating and drive-through pickup available Rosalita's Backyard Tacos serves Mexican favorites in Bywater Rosalitas Backyard Tacos may be the only taco joint named for an alley. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party has detailed how Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo rejected a 2billion dollars offer from the LGBTQI Community although Ghana was in dire need of money. According to him, when the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led administration came to power, Ghana owed Nigeria some money for gas supply which was not paid by the Mahama led administration. On the back of this debt, which was to the tune $180 million the LGBTQI Community approached the President of Ghana to offer him two billion dollars so that their activities will be legalized. But the President knowing well the country hes governing and his belief in the systems and traditions of Ghana refused the offer. Ghana needed $180 million to pay for gas supply for our electricity because although Ghanaians were paying for electricity, Mahama decided not to pay so Buhari cut the supply of Gas to Ghana because of this. The LGBTQI Community came in and said they can give the country $2 billion but their condition for the loan was to legalize homosexuality but the President of Ghana rejected it because he knew the health implications, he said on Wontumi TV in Kumasi. The conversation surrounding homosexuality has came to the center stage after the community secured an office to address their issues. Although there has been arguments supporting the act, the President of Ghana has insisted that never under his tenure will the ill act be countenanced or legalized. 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 CSO has released details of the most popular baby names in Ireland in 2020. In Longford, the most popular boys names were Fionn, Jack and Oisin; and the most popular girls names were Maisie and Sophie. Across the country, the most popular girl's name was Grace followed by Fiadh, Emily, Sophie and Ava. The most popular boy's name in Ireland was Jack followed by James, Noah, Daniel and Conor. Sonny was the only new boy's name that made it into the top 100 but there were seven new girl's names that featured in the top 100: Penny, Luna, Cora, Fiadh, Croia, Elsie and Paige. Fifty years ago in 1970, the most popular names in Ireland were John and Mary. Commenting on the trends in Irish baby names, Carol Anne Hennessy, Statistician continued: Jack has retained the top spot as the most popular baby boys name in 2020, a position it has held since 2007 except for 2016, when James was the most popular choice. Jack was followed by James, Noah, Daniel and Conor as the five most popular names for boys in 2020. "Grace claims the top spot for girls for the first time, followed by Fiadh, Emily, Sophie and Ava. These were the top five names of choice by parents for their newly arrived baby girls in 2020. Emily held top position for the girls for nine consecutive years (since 2011) until 2020 when it earned the bronze medal spot behind Grace and Fiadh. "Back in 1970, John, Michael, Patrick, David and James were the names most favoured by parents of new-born baby boys. There were 193 male new-borns named John in 2020, just over 7.3% of the number of boys given the name John (2,629) in 1970. "Interestingly, not one of the top five names for girls in 2020 appeared in the top 100 names a half century earlier. Mary, Catherine, Margaret, Ann and Sharon were the most popular names for baby daughters in 1970, with 1,896 baby girls named Mary in that year. In 2020, there were 410 baby girls named Grace, 21.6% of the number of girls given the name Mary (1,896) in 1970. "Ava reclaims her position in the top five names for girls in 2020, (coming in at number five) for the first time since 2016 when it was the third most popular name chosen for baby girls. "As is evident from the tables, over the years, girls are given a wider variety of names than boys with 4,624 girls names registered compared to 3,715 boys names." Sonny was the only new entrant into the top 100 for boys in 2020. The boys names with most growth in popularity in terms of rank between 2019 and 2020 were Rian rising most in popularity, jumping 33 places from 119th place to 86th place. Similarly, Eoghan moved 29 places from 108th place in 2019 to 79th in 2020. There were seven new entrants to the top 100 for girls: Penny, Luna, Cora, Fiadh (with a sineadh fada), Croia, Elsie and Paige. Croia has grown most in popularity, rising from 162nd place in 2019 to 95th in 2020, a jump of 67 places. Cora jumped in popularity from 127th place in 2019 to 90th place in 2020, a rise in 37 places. Some less popular names for boys included Orion, Creed, Romeo, Klay and Seadna. Less popular girls names included Zaria, Vienna, Fodhla, Marlee and Roxie. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Post and Courier Food section since August has been checking in weekly with four downtown Charleston restaurants coping with the coronavirus pandemic and recovering from restrictions designed to contain it. The following three restaurants are still finding their way back to normalcy. For previous installments of the series, as well as more information about the featured restaurants and their chosen strategies for success, click here. Butcher & Bee: Bustling crowds If it were just vaccinated people descending upon Butcher & Bee, the restaurant would presumably be dominated by eaters aged 65 or older. Butcher & Bee doesnt take a census, but that doesnt look to be the case. Yet the availability of vaccinations appears to have sparked a new enthusiasm for dining out. My thesis is once grandma and mom get vaccinated, you feel comfortable going out knowing youre not going to create the worst outcome for your family, owner Michael Shemtov said. Whatever the reason, chief of staff Tara Pate described the scene at Butcher & Bee last week as bustling. Its hard to tell if people are getting vaccinated in other states and feel comfortable, or if its just spring, Pate said. But theres some sort of vote of confidence. According to Shemtov, customer traffic typically picks up on March 1. This year, though, the spike occurred a full two weeks before the pattern would predict. Butcher & Bee last week notched 80 percent of the sales it recorded at the same time last year despite using fewer than 80 percent of its seats. Shemtov knows that scientists warn COVID-19 complacency could set back the nations progress. But at least at this point, guests arent behaving as though the disease doesnt exist. Theyre wearing masks as requested and respecting the protocols that Butcher & Bee has in place. (Behind the scenes, those protocols still include weekly employee testing. We didnt look around and say We should change our ways, Pate said.) Still, customers are signaling they doubt theyll have to deal with COVID-19 forever. People on the other end of Butcher & Bees phone line are asking to buy out the restaurant in October for a wedding or bring in a bachelorette party over the summer, calculating theyll be vaccinated and ready to celebrate. During the final weeks of February, requests for event bookings shot up 300 percent. Harold's Cabin: Out of the box Just because its no longer serving Salty Racoon cocktails and hushpuppies with pepper jam doesnt mean Harolds Cabin cant feed its neighbors. The still-closed West Side restaurant is in the process of putting in a Blessing Box. Sign up for our food & dining newsletter. We publish our free Food & Dining newsletter every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to keep you informed on everything happening in the Charleston culinary scene. Sign up today! Email Sign Up! Unmanned food pantries, generally about the size of a pay phone, date back decades. But the practice took hold in the Lowcountry in the late 2010s with Samaritans installing the cabinets instead of or alongside Little Free Libraries stocked with books. Most Blessing Boxes are designed to hold nonperishables such as toothpaste and cans of beans Harolds Cabin already had a self-serve library, but owner John Schumacher is just now converting a compact refrigerator into a Blessing Box. A sign on its door instructs people to leave what you can; take what you need. I recently heard that one in four U.S. kids live in a food insecure household, up from one in five, Schumacher said, citing statistics included in a recent Feeding America report. Something has to give. Chasing Sage : The president, please Last Wednesday, Chasing Sage owner Cindy Edward had a call with the White House. She wasnt the only one on the call. She was joined by almost 300 other restaurant and bar workers and owners, including Schumacher, for the Independent Restaurant Coalitions conversation with the Biden administrations Office of Public Engagement. We got to hear more in detail what theyre presenting to help an industry that has 110,000 fewer restaurants and 2.4 million fewer employees than it did prior to the pandemic, Edward said. Edward and her team have been monitoring the rescue efforts closely since Chasing Sages status as a circa 2020 restaurant makes it more vulnerable than most because it didnt have a clientele going into the pandemic and didnt receive federal assistance. Even though Edward didnt talk on the call, she said she still felt heard. The senior adviser to Biden was like We want this to pass. What do you need from us? Edward said. I was like This is nice. This feels good. Halfway through the call, Edward gave one of her AirPods to general manager Max Clarke so he could listen in. Clarke said they were pretty clear that they feel confident about the $25 billion restaurant stabilization fund in the White Houses proposed $1.9 billion stimulus package. So confident, in fact, that Edward and Clarke got off the call feeling pretty confident, too. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd March, 2021) The United States is considering taking additional steps to hold the leaders of the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen accountable for their latest attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia, US State Department spokesman Ned price told reporters. "Based on these complex Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, we are considering taking additional steps to promote accountability for the Houthi leadership," Price said during a press briefing on Monday. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted several missile attacks, including a ballistic missile fired toward the capital Riyadh. Price refused to elaborate on the possible punitive measures in light of the Biden administration's reversal of the previous Trump administration's decision to designate the Houthi movement as a terrorist entity. "We call on the Houthis to cease not only their cross-border raids in Saudi Arabia, but also their military offensive in [Yemen's province of] Marib, agree to a ceasefire and to come to the negotiating table," Price said. "To make progress towards peace Houthis' conduct will have to change too." Yemen has been for over six years gripped by a conflict between the government forces of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthi rebel. The Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched a military operation to support Hadi in 2015. The Houthis continue to maintain control over the vast part in the north of the country, including the capital of Sanaa. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 02:51:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Palestinian workers sort metal waste at a small factory in al-Zaitoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza City, on Feb. 20, 2021. Five Palestinian workers from Gaza get together eight hours each day to press metal waste that will be exported to Israel, after a 15-year ban. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) by Sanaa Kamal GAZA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Five Palestinian workers from Gaza get together eight hours each day to press metal waste that will be exported to Israel, after a 15-year ban. Two workers are responsible for sorting the scrap metal and old cars, two others press the metal waste, and another one transfers the crushed material into a big truck that will later head to Israel through the Israeli-controlled commercial crossing point of Kerem Shalom. "Now it seems like a small production, but used to be relatively big some 15 years ago," said Mazen Ayyad, the factory owner. His place once acted as a "beehive" that employed dozens of Palestinians on a daily basis. Then things started to change. In the summer of 2007, Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, ousting the officials of the rival group Fatah. As a result, Israel imposed a tight blockade over the entire territory for security reasons. Ayyad's factory, located in al-Zaitoun neighborhood in the east of Gaza, had to stop its operations. So did dozens of other factories. The consequence was catastrophic, Ayyad recalled. "Back in the day, I was forced to fire all my workers who then became unemployed and unable to keep their families afloat. My business has incurred heavy losses and it will take many years to bring me to the situation where I was before," said the 55-year-old father of three. During the years that the factories remained closed, 200,000 tonnes of metal waste were accumulated in Gaza, which caused significant damage to the strip's environment, according to a Palestinian official committee. As Israel seems to be changing its policy, allowing Gazans to develop some industries that will not harm the Israeli security, the future looks bright for Ayyad and many other business owners as well as their employees. Right now, the Israeli authorities' decision to allow metal waste in has secured jobs for roughly 6,000 Palestinians of the Gaza Strip. "In October 2020, we got official Israeli permission to export the metal scarp to crushing plants inside Israel, which means that we can export hundreds of tonnes of metal waste a week," Ayyad said. Israel will reportedly permit 1,000 tonnes of such exports per week. Each tonne is sold for 200 to 280 U.S. dollars, depending on its type and quality. Ahmed Yasser, a metal worker at Ayyad's factory, is happy about the Israeli permission. Just like many other Palestinians, he had lost his job in 2007. "I became a poor man who relies on food assistance provided by international institutions," the 36-year-old father of two told Xinhua. The only breadwinner of his family said that he breathed a sigh of relief when he was told to return to work, where he earns 15 dollars a day. Although the salary is not high, he is thankful to have the possibility to put food on the table. Yasser was not the only one. Mohammed Ayyad, another worker at the factory, told Xinhua that he won't have to work as a vendor to earn some money. The 29-year-old father of six said that working inside a metal factory is better than moving in the streets to sell home-made biscuits. "Nowadays, I work several hours a day that earns me enough money to secure a stable life for my family." According to official Palestinian statistics and the World Bank, the blockaded coastal enclave suffers from high rates of unemployment that had reached 46 percent in early 2020. Ayyad's factory, as well as other factories, manage their operations based on the electricity hours during the day to avoid running electricity generators that would cost them a lot. They hope that Israel will allow all factories to resume operations soon and end its strict measures imposed on the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Abdallah Halabi, an official of Israel's Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza, said Israel aims to improve the Gaza Strip's economy because the quality of life and economic development there can't be separated from the regional stability. Enditem Texans urged to participate in online survey for disaster aid; San Augustine County not yet under Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance Sometimes even when youre buried up to your neck in it, you have to look at the bright side. Just ask Winnie. Oh this is a happy day, says the middle-aged housewife on repeated occasions in Samuel Becketts Happy Days, even though she is symbolically and literally buried waist-deep and higher in lifes day-to-day minutiae. Princeton Universitys Fund for Irish Studies will present The Wild Projects filmed theatrical production of Happy Days on Friday, March 5 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom Webinar, with a live introduction by Fund for Irish Studies chair Paul Muldoon. Advance registration is required. In his lifelong pursuit to illuminate consciousness on stage, Beckett devised Winnie, a woman helplessly buried up to her waist in the ground who endures the wearisome humdrum of endless, interchangeable days. Now, she speaks to an audience who has endured a year of quarantine. Based in New York Citys East Village, The Wild Projects production commemorates the 60th anniversary of the play. The recorded production was directed by Princeton alumnus Nico Krell, Class of 2018, and features alumni Tessa Albertson, Class of 2020, as Winnie, and Jake Austin Robertson, Class of 2015, as her husband Willie. Class of 2017 alumni Jules Peiperl is costume designer and Stanley Mathabane is sound designer. Following Fridays free preview, The Wild Project will present six more showings of the film through March 13 with a recommended donation of $25. The film will be closed captioned and the introduction will be live captioned. For more information, visit fis.princeton.edu. Send event information to events@starledger.com * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! 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. New Delhi: More than 56 people have been 'deliberately drowned' and dozens remain missing after human smugglers forced 300 African migrants off boats along Yemens Arabian Sea coastline on Thursday, said the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). According to IOM all the survivors are either Ethiopian or Somali migrants. An IOM spokesperson informed the media that at least six people drowned on Thursday after human smugglers forced 180 Ethiopians of the boats they were travelling in into the waters of Arabian Sea. The spokesperson added that most of the migrants forced into the sea waters were teenagers or in their early twenties. The IOM also informed the media that the human smugglers had forced around 120 Somali migrants into the rough waters of the Arabian sea in Yemen coastline to avoid arrest. The Wednesdays incident led to death of at least 50 migrants and around 22 have gone missing. IOM officials also informed the media that the dead have been burried by the survivors in the coast. An IOM emergency officer talking to the AFP said, The human smugglers push the migrants into the water to evade arrest from local authorities in the shore. IOM and the Red Cross have recovered at least bodies of 29 bodies along the coast of Shabwa area under control of Yemeni troops backed by US forces. According to IOM estimates, more than 55,000 migrants have left Horn of Africa for Yemen since January 2017 looking for a better life. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Monday released the time table for class 10 and class 12 examinations. While exams for class 10 students will be held from May 5 to June 7, those for class 12 students will be held from April 8 to June 16. While exams for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE or class 10) will start at 11 am, some papers will start at 9 am. While most of the papers for Indian School Certificate (ISC or class 12) examination will start at 2 pm, some are scheduled to start at 9 am. For class 12, "the date and time for practical examinations of the subjects physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, Indian music (Hindustani), fashion designing, physical education, computer science (examination session) and home science (examination session), will be provided by the school concerned", CISCE said. The results will be issued through the conveners to the heads of schools in the month of July 2021 and will not be available from the office of the Council in New Delhi. The candidates will be required to strictly follow COVID-19 safety instructions at the examination centres. Also read: No offline exams up to Class 8 in Delhi govt schools, grades to be project-based UK bus drivers at Go North West in Manchester walked out on Sunday in an indefinite strike against company plans to fire the nearly 500 workers and rehire them on inferior terms and conditions. The Unite union members began their action with a demonstration of about 50 workers outside the Queens Road bus depot. Drivers took turns to man the picket line of six outside the main entrance. The Go North West picket line at the Queen's Road depot on the first day of the strike The workers voted by an 82 percent majority on a 77 percent turnout to strike. Go North West, part of the multi-billion pound Go Ahead Group, is resorting to fire and rehire to drive down wages and conditions. On February 9, the company sent hand-delivered letters to the drivers threatening that if they did not sign the contract, their employment would terminate on May 8. The new contract would mean a 10 percent pay cut, and the tearing up of the current sick pay policy, forcing drivers to work when they are ill or should be self-isolating due to the pandemic. Their 24,000 annual average wage would be reduced by 2,500. While Go North West pleads poverty, parent Group Go Ahead recently pulled in 1 billion revenue from its bus division, with an operating profit of 121 million, richly rewarding shareholders. The Newcastle upon Tyne based company has subsidiaries in Ireland, Singapore, Norway and Germany. Drivers have shown they are ready to fight, voting by 94 percent to strike in a consultative ballot last September, but Unite sought to avoid industrial action, even agreeing to a 12 month pay freeze in recent talks. In a press release issued on February 24, Unite boasted they had, entered into detailed cost saving negotiations with Go North West and agreed changes which would have generated savings of 1 million and also accepted a 12 month pay freeze which was worth a further 200,000 to the company. However, this was deemed insufficient by Go North West and it withdrew from negotiations and decided to fire and rehire its workers instead. Over the weekend, Unite representative Lawrence Chapple-Gill told the BBC they had called on the company to return to that process so we can maximise our joint understanding of each others position and hopefully come up with a negotiated settlement. Rather than appealing for support from the more than 1.4 million workers which Unite covers nationally, the union has appealed to Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham to intervene in the dispute. Burnhams sole contribution has been to bolster the company, advocating talks at the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Servicethe graveyard of workers struggles. In a press conference last month, Burnham said he had met with Go North West senior management. While condemning Section 188 notices (fire and re-hire) in general, Burnham did not condemn Go North Wests actions. He compared Go North West favourably with British Gas, who are also trying to impose fire and rehire contracts on 7,000 of its workers. The situation with Go [North West] is slightly different, given some of the issues that are trying to be resolved. But in the case of British Gas, I cant see one minute how that can be justified, said Burnham. On the picket line, a Queens Road driver told WSWS reporters, I think we are treated appallingly, and we are supposed to be key workers. They [the company] will say no pay cuts and no-one is going to lose their job and six months from now they can change the contract. They will want to do what theyre doing in LondonRemote Sign On. I thought it couldnt get any lower than First Bus, but Go Northwest, Go Ahead are awful. Another driver said, The new contract affects sick pay and our future. There's been talk about a 5,000 incentive, but the contract affects us long-term. I don't think we are being treated fairly as drivers, we have not really been given a choice. It was a matter of signing it or finding another job. Some of us have been here for ten years, twenty years. Asked about the situation with Covid and whether management had informed workers at the garage if their fellow employees had tested positive, another driver replied, No! We have been raising concerns about some safety measures. To be fair the company made some efforts, like giving us hand gels and putting a screen to prevent us from [catching the virus] ... But there have also been times when we all gathered in the same place when having a break, in a tiny room. Usually, you get individuals online saying, I've got infected and I wont be in for the next ten days. While WSWS reporters were conducting interviews, Unite officials intervened telling workers not to speak to the WSWS because it was anti-union. A Unite representative pointed to WSWS leaflets being distributed at the picket line, saying they were undermining unity, while a Unite shop steward intervened declaring he was going to advise his members not to speak to the WSWS. This was a blatant attempt to prevent any exposure of Unites role in seeking a rotten agreement with the bus companies at the expense of workers. Two leaflets were distributed by WSWS reporters to picketers, a statement issued by the London Bus Rank-and-File Committee, Amid Second wave of deaths: London bus drivers must form rank-and-file safety committees at all garages! about the deaths of 50 bus workers in London from COVID-19, and a WSWS article headlined, Bus drivers strike at RATP Dev London and Go North West: Break Unites stranglehold and launch a unified offensive . Around 2,000 London bus drivers are currently in dispute against RATP Dev, which is seeking to impose inferior terms and conditions on its workforce. After three days of strikes last week, Unite is today holding talks with RATP Dev officials. The transport companies, in direct collaboration with the unions, are taking advantage of the pandemic to destroy workers livelihoods and safety. The Socialist Equality Party supports the strike of Go North West drivers and opposes the attempt of the Unite trade union bureaucracy to bar its reporters from speaking to drivers. We call on all drivers to oppose such anti-democratic measures and to reject the attempt by Unite to control what workers can read. [March 01, 2021] Matson Publishes New Sustainability Report HONOLULU, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX), a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, has published a new Sustainability Report that describes the company's commitment to responsible environmental, social and governance practices. "Over more than a century, Matson's business has been built on earning the trust of the customers and communities we serve and conducting our business with integrity. This report highlights Matson's achievements and the measures we are taking to advance responsible, sustainable and ethical practices throughout our company," said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. "I am proud of the work Matson is doing and we remain committed to building on our rich history." Matson's new report focuses on three areas that the company considers most important: environmental stewardship; caring for its employees and communities; and operating its business ethically, safely and reliably. The report provides detail on the company's strategic approach, measures its progress and celebrates its key achievements. The company intends to issue reports annually. Some highlights of the inaugural report include: Environment: Reduced CO 2 emissions by 13% between 2017 and 2019 and finished building four state-of-the-art U.S.-built ships which have numerous environmental features to help reduce GHG emissions Reduced CO emissions by 13% between 2017 and 2019 and finished building four state-of-the-art U.S.-built ships which have numerous environmental features to help reduce GHG emissions Diversity: Encouraged professional development and committed to providing new scholarships and internships aimed at increasing diversity among individuals pursuing studies in transportation and logistics Encouraged professional development and committed to providing new scholarships and internships aimed at increasing diversity among individuals pursuing studies in transportation and logistics Safety/COVID-19: Pioneered internal COVID safety policies and protocols and shared best practices with the U.S. Coast Guard and other maritime leaders "This is an exciting time for Matson," said Rachel Lee, vice president, sustainability and governance. "We are making progress toward achieving Matson's sustainability goals from moving toward a low-carbon future; to promoting a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive culture; and continuing to protect our employees in the face of an unprecedented pandemic." More information on Matson's sustainability activities, including a downloadable copy of its 2019-2020 Sustainability Report is available at: www.matson.com/sustainability. About Matson Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia. Matson also operates two premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, provides service to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from Dutch Harbor to Asia. The Company's fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout the continental U.S. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, Asia supply chain services, and forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com. Matson Investor Relations inquiries: Matson News Media inquiries: Lee Fishman Keoni Wagner Matson, Inc. Matson, Inc. 510.628.4227 510.628.4534 lfishman@matson.com kwagner@matson.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/matson-publishes-new-sustainability-report-301237692.html SOURCE MATSON, INC. - PR [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] BINGHAMTON, NY - Several proposals have emerged on how to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, but they fall short in ensuring that the vaccine is distributed fairly. A team including Binghamton University professor Nicole Hassoun suggests three ways to more fairly and effectively distribute the vaccine so that people in poor countries get the vaccine as soon as possible. "Although many people in rich countries will receive a vaccine for COVID-19 this year, many people in poor countries will likely have to wait years to get one," said Hassoun. "Ethical vaccine allocation requires closing this gap and ensuring that everyone can access a vaccine as soon as possible. We should increase vaccine manufacturing, distribution and uptake. Rich countries should not get to prioritize their populations first." Several proposals have emerged offering guidelines for how to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine fairly. These include the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, a collaboration that brings together governments, companies, international organizations, and others to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, COVAX is set up so that in a first phase poor countries can vaccinate 3% of their populations, while rich countries can vaccinate up to 50%. Another sophisticated proposal, the "Fair Priority" model, suggests countries with vaccines contribute to global distribution once their COVID-19 transmission rates drop below 1. However, insofar as the aim is to have the greatest health impact, these proposals fall short, according to Hassoun and her team. They offer three suggestions: 1. Proposals for fair distribution must address health problems for individuals. Moreover, since most individuals have little choice as to their country of origin or residence, we should not discriminate against them based on location. A fair proposal cannot allow rich countries to hoard vaccines or prioritize their own populations first. Nor can it give individuals' less priority simply because they live in a country with less infrastructure, capacity, or willingness to distribute vaccines. 2. Allocation principles must explicitly focus on both direct and indirect health effects of COVID-19. Direct health effects include death and disability caused (in full or in part) by the virus. Indirect health effects include death and disability caused (in full or in part) by the social response to the virus. 3. Having greatest global health impact requires assisting countries in their vaccine distribution, production, and consumption. A fair allocation system must consider how vaccine distribution will determine the success of whatever strategy is adopted. "Many proposals for equitable allocation let rich countries prioritize their populations," said Hassoun. "We must combat this scarcity mindset and expand access rather than just shift resources around." Additional researchers contributing to this paper include Anders Herlitz, Zohar Lederman, Jennifer Miller, Caesar Atuire, Lisa Eckenwiler, Sridhar Venkatapuram, and Marc Fleurbaey. The paper, "Just Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccines," was published in BMJ Global Health. ### Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) The Department of Health recorded over 2,000 new COVID-19 infections for the fifth straight day on Monday, as the country began its vaccine rollout. The DOH said 2,037 more people caught the viral illness, raising the nationwide case tally to 578,381. Of this total, 31,708 or 5.5% are active cases. Four others succumbed to the illness, bringing the death toll to 12,322, while recoveries reached 534,351 with 86 more survivors. Similar to the day before, only one testing laboratory failed to submit its latest data on time and was not included in the updated count. The DOH added that it removed eight duplicates from the overall tally, including six recoveries, after final validation. The Philippines kicked off its immunization drive on Monday in six state hospitals across Metro Manila, following the arrival of 600,000 Sinovac vaccine doses donated by China. The first shot officially administered was received by Dr. Gerardo "Gap" Legaspi, the director of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. Besides dozens of medical frontliners, also inoculated on Day 1 were Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo, Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., Testing czar Vince Dizon, and MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos. Prior to this official vaccination drive, however, several government officials and members of the Presidential Security Group jumped the priority line and used smuggled vaccines made by China state-owned Sinopharm as early as last year. Galvez earlier said vaccines will be fully rolled out to the public beginning the third quarter of 2021. The Vaccine czar repeatedly cited shortage in supply due to global demand as the reason behind this slow pace. The country is the last in ASEAN to start vaccinating its people despite having the second highest number of cases. Among Filipinos abroad, 17 more tested positive for COVID-19, while another 21 have beaten the virus, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. This brought the total cases to 14,914 and the recoveries to 9,400. Meanwhile, deaths stayed at 1,018. Worldwide, the disease has hit over 114 million people, data from the Johns Hopkins University showed. Of this number, more than 2.5 million died and 64.4 million have recovered. (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd March, 2021) The United States is not considering sharing COVID-19 vaccines with Mexico at the moment, citing the Biden administration's focus on vaccinating the American public, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Monday. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is expected to ask President Joe Biden for access to US supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine during their virtual bilateral meeting later in the day. "No, the President [Joe Biden] made clear that he is focused on ensuring vaccines are accessible to every American," Psaki told reporters in response to a question about Lopez Obrador's expected request. Psaki said the United States will consider additional help to neighboring nations - Canada and Mexico - after the American public has been vaccinated. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Shipping company Eidesviks vessel, the Viking Energy, will be the first ship in the world to be equipped with an ammonia-based fuel cell. Credit: Eidesvik Every year, hundreds of millions of tons of CO 2 are emitted through maritime transport, causing serious harm to the climate. As scientists around the world test new propulsion methods capable of replacing fuel oil in ships, Fraunhofer researchers are working as part of an international consortium to develop ammonia-based fuel cells. When used as fuel for ships with electric engines, ammonia is as eco-friendly as hydrogen, but easier and safer to handle. At present, hydrogen is the primary focus in the area of sustainable energy: there are plans in place to use hydrogen to fuel buses, commercial vehicles, and even cars. However, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM in Mainz is working on another promising possibility. As part of the ShipFC project, the Fraunhofer Institute is collaborating with 13 European consortium partners to develop the world's first ammonia-based fuel cell for shipping. Fraunhofer's researchers are responsible for developing the catalytic converter, which prevents the production of emissions that would harm the climate. Maritime transport is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. According to information provided by the German Environment Agency (UBA), maritime transport on the world's oceans is currently responsible for approximately 2.6 percent of global CO 2 emissions. In 2015, about 932 million tons of CO 2 were emitted, and that figure increases every year. Clearly, countermeasures are urgently needed. The ShipFC project is intended to prove that the new emission-free propulsion technology works safely, reliably, and smoothly, even in large ships and on long voyages. The project is being coordinated by NCE Maritime Cleantech from Norway, an organization that aims to develop eco-friendly technologies in the maritime sector. The advantages of ammonia Ammonia is primarily known for its use as a fertilizer in the agricultural sector. However, it can also function as a high-quality energy carrier. Prof. Gunther Kolb, director of the energy division and deputy institute director at the IMM, explains: "Ammonia has significant advantages over hydrogen. Hydrogen has to be stored at -253 degrees Celsius as a liquid, or at pressures of around 700 bar as a gas. Liquid ammonia can be stored at a reasonable temperature of -33 degrees Celsius at standard pressure, and +20 degrees Celsius at 9 bar. That makes storing and transporting this energy carrier considerably easier and more straightforward." Ammonia is split into nitrogen and hydrogen in the ammonia cracker. The latter is then burned in the fuel cell to generate electric-ity. The catalytic converter ensures that no harmful nitrogen oxides are produced. The only end products are water and nitrogen. Credit: Fraunhofer How the fuel cell and catalytic converter work The process for generating electricity from ammonia functions in a similar way to hydrogen-based power plants. First, ammonia (NH 3 ) is fed into a fission reactor, where it is split into nitrogen (N 2 ) and hydrogen (H2). 75 percent of the gas consists of hydrogen. A small amount of ammonia (NH 3 , 100 ppm) is not converted and left over in the gas stream. Second, nitrogen and hydrogen are fed into the fuel cell, and air is introduced, allowing the hydrogen to burn and form water. This produces electrical energy. However, the hydrogen isn't fully converted in the fuel cell. Around 12 percent of the hydrogen and some residual ammonia leave the fuel cell uncombusted. This residue is then fed into the catalytic converter developed by Fraunhofer IMM. Here, air is introduced and the residue comes into contact with a corrugated metal foil coated with a powdered layer of catalytic particles that contain platinum. This triggers a chemical reaction. Ultimately, the only end products are water and nitrogen. An optimal reaction process will not even produce environmentally harmful nitrogen oxides. The research team at the IMM are also developing the reactor that contains the catalyst, which functions passively. The reactor controls the temperature and the gas flow. For example, it preheats the catalyst before the engines are even started, as it is less efficient when cold. "The temperature of the gases that flow through the catalytic converter should probably be around 500 degrees Celsius for the waste gas purification process to be as efficient as possible," explains Kolb. Fraunhofer IMM researchers have decades of experience in developing reactors including catalysts for a wide variety of applications in the transport and mobility sector. The Mainz-based institute has nine test rigs, but purifying waste gas from ammonia fuel cells with a capacity of 2 megawatts is still a technological challenge. "We have to develop our existing ammonia-powered fuel cell technology further, and the catalytic converter for a ship is obviously much bigger than that of a normal car," says Kolb. Catalytic converter test rig: This is used to test all the functions of a catalytic converter, as well as its efficiency in waste gas purification. Fraunhofer IMM has a total of nine test rigs. Credit: Fraunhofer The status of the project The IMM team is planning to complete an initial, small prototype by the end of 2021, to be followed by an actual-size prototype by the end of 2022. In the second half of 2023, the first ship with an ammonia-powered fuel cell will put out to seathe Viking Energy, a supply vessel owned by the Norwegian shipping company Eidesvik. After that, other types of vessels, such as cargo ships, will be equipped with ammonia-powered fuel cells. Ammonia's potential for the future The ammonia is provided by YARA, a partner in the ShipFC consortium. The chemical company currently produces one third of the ammonia used worldwide. The ShipFC project uses "green" ammonia, i.e. ammonia produced from renewable energy sources. ShipFC is opening up major opportunities for a previously undervalued energy carrier. IMM researcher Gunther Kolb elaborates: "We see ammonia not as a direct competitor to hydrogen, but rather as an additional option in the area of sustainable energy. With its storage advantages, this environmentally friendly technology for power generation certainly has a role to play. Using it in ships is just the beginning." Ammonia's potential has also been recognized at a political level, with the European Union providing 10 million euros in financial support for the ShipFC project. Explore further New technique seamlessly converts ammonia to green hydrogen Rape field in bloom: Rape is the most widely grown oilseed in Germany it ranks third worldwide after oil palm and soy. Credit: Alexas_Fotos/pixabay.com Just like cellulose, lignin and fats, proteins are renewable raw materials. Their potential for the chemical industry remains largely untapped. Research teams at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV are collaborating with partners to change all this, the idea being to use the promising technofunctional properties of vegetable proteins for industrial applications. The aim of the TeFuProt project is to shift away from petroleum and make more use of renewable raw materials. Although proteins from vegetable sources were playing a key role in the chemical industry a hundred years ago, as a binding agent or adhesive for example, their use has been in decline since the boom of the petrochemical industry. The partners involved in the TeFuProt project, the name being short for technofunctional protein (see box), are aiming to change all this and obtain proteins for industrial applications from agricultural waste products. The aim of this bioeconomy approach is to counteract the scarcity and long-term price increase in fossil raw materials and use renewal raw materials as an alternative to petroleum. Rapeseed as a source of protein The processing of agricultural raw materials such as rapeseed results in large quantities of protein. These proteins are a by-product of rapeseed oil recovery, a process that presses oil out of the seed. Protein-containing by-products, so-called rapeseed meal and rapeseed press-cake, are left behind. "Up until now, this residue has been used mainly as a foodstuff in livestock farming. But this usage is limited because of the bitter sub-stances contained," explains Andreas Fetzer, scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV in Freising. Due to their functional properties, such as the ability to form foams, gels and films, and their ability to retain water, the protein fractions of the rapeseed press-cake have a huge potential for a broad range of technical applications. They are ideal as additives for paints, varnishes, adhesives, lubricants, building materials, detergents and polymers. "The vegetable proteins are opening the door to the development of novel, sustainable, bio-based products with improved properties," explains Fetzer. And this also reduces our dependence on fossil resources and drives forward climate-friendly production. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV were tasked with investigating how to isolate the proteins from the rapeseed meal and rapeseed press-cake and to develop the processes required. They were also in charge of the protein modification and pre-formulation in such a way that they can be delivered to the development partners for tests either in the form of dried powders or in liquid solution. The technofunctional properties such as solubility, foaming and emulsifying behavior, as well as film forming properties were also analyzed. Besides the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, ANiMOX GmbH and Naturstoff-Technik GmbH (2014-2017) were also entrusted with manufacturing and refining the protein. After the rapeseed has been de-oiled, protein-rich residues remain (rapeseed meal and press cake). Credit: Fraunhofer IVV Alternative binding agents in paints and varnishes The film-forming properties in particular produced convincing test results: "Upon drying proteins dissolved in water, to which a bio-based plasticizer was added, in a petri dish, the water evaporates and the proteins cross-link to form a stable film. Thus, proteins are principally suitable as alternative binding agents in paints and varnishes, wood stains or parquet coatings which usually contain petroleum-based raw materials. Acrylates, for example, can be replaced by protein preparations," explains Fetzer. In addition, the proteins show the ability to efficiently bind colorants or act as barriers. This showed an added benefit of the protein-based coating especially in the wood sector: The colorants were effectively prevented from "bleeding" out of the wood. Fetzer and his colleagues successfully recovered four types of protein through four distinctly different processes. "We de-oil, grind and dissolve the rapeseed press-cake in water. The mixture is then centrifuged to separate the solids from the liquids. After that, we refine the aqueous extract with the dissolved proteins," says the scientist describing the process sequence. The protein isolates recovered often have a protein content of over 90 percent. Rolled rapeseed protein film: The film-forming properties of rapeseed proteins are of great interest for a large number of technical applications such as paints, varnishes, polymers, cleaning agents, lubricants or adhesives. Credit: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Chance to create breakthrough innovations The long-term project work of the 18 partners in total has produced a series of promising products, some of which are already available as prototypes. These include biodegradable films as a packaging material for detergent pouches, for example, or as plant coverings, as well as fiberboard from production residues, and binding agents modified with rapeseed protein. Flame-retardant insulating foams for the construction industry or molded foams for packaging, fiber protection and dye transfer inhibitors in eco-friendly laundry detergents, thickening components for lubricants or binders for lubricating lacquers and additives in universal cleaning agents for wood surfaces complete the list of innovative solutions. "In many cases, we have successfully integrated the proteins into the products and generated properties with added value," says the researcher. The next steps aim to optimize the preparations and get them ready for the market. The long-term aim of the partners is to replace petrochemical-based products with bio-based ones on a large scale and create added value through the use of vegetable proteins. Explore further Rapeseed instead of soy burgers: Researchers identify a new source of protein for humans A dual Australian-Saudi citizen is suspected of facing extradition to Saudi Arabia from Morocco where he has been detained for three weeks. Dr Usama al-Hasani was detained upon arrival in Morocco under the request of Saudi authorities, according to the Saudi human rights group Prisoners of Conscience. He was due to be extradited to Saudi Arabia soon, the group said, an event that posed a real threat on his life. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance [...] to an Australian detained in Morocco. Citing privacy considerations, DFAT refused to give further details. An image of Saudi-Australian Dr Usama al-Hasani in a statement of support by Prisoners of Conscience. Credit:Twitter/Prisoners of Conscience Prisoners of Conscience posted few details of the detention on Twitter on Sunday. Chrissy Teigen's crying made a very meme-able moment at the 2015 Golden Globes. And the celebrity cookbook author, 35, poked fun at her very emotional display on Instagram Sunday, hours ahead of 2021's Golden Globes. The newly-sober celeb was the first person to admit her reaction to husband John Legend's win was a bit over-the-top, captioning a 'Happy anniversary to this drunk dumba** lmao.' Under the influence: Chrissy Teigen poked fun at her much-memed drunken crying face from the 2015 Golden Globes on Instagram Sunday ahead of the 2021 event Chrissy first publicly shared she was sober in late December, telling an Instagram commenter she was four-weeks drink-free. Taking to Instagram Stories after, she explained: 'One month ago, on my birthday, I got this book from my doctor and friend. 'I was done with making an a** of myself in front of people (I'm still embarrassed), tired of day drinking and feeling like s**t by 6, not being able to sleep.' She credited Holly Whitaker's self-help book, Quit Like A Woman: The Radical Choice To Not Drink In A Culture Obsessed With Alcohol, with helping her decide to kick the habit. Dry life: Chrissy first publicly shared she was sober in late December, telling an Instagram commenter she was four-weeks drink-free 'Incredible read': The model said Holly Whitaker's self-help book, Quit Like A Woman: The Radical Choice To Not Drink In A Culture Obsessed With Alcohol, impacted her choice Chrissy, who celebrated her birthday on November 30, urged her social media followers to read the book, even if they aren't planning to ditch alcohol. 'I have been sober ever since and even if you can't see yourself doing it or just plain don't want to, it is still an incredible read,' she went on. Weeks later, she reflected on how far she'd come while in Washington DC for the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Sharing a charming shot of the family looking out at the Washington Monument, she wrote: 'Ran our a**** up the stairs just for this shot. 'just incredible to be here. sober. I know that's weird but it's like...a different world for me. everything is new and better very happy. the most happy bigly happy.' Thankful: Chrissy previously expressed how thankful she was to have experienced the historical event 'sober,' a decision that has made her 'very happy' Family: Chrissy - who has children Luna, four, and Miles, two, with musician husband John Legend, 42, - revealed her 'four week' sobriety milestone to a fan earlier this week Her decision to embark on a sober lifestyle came not long after she and John tragically lost their baby son Jack last September. Chrissy has been open about her relationship with alcohol in the past. In a 2017 Interview with Cosmopolitan, she said: 'I was, point blank, just drinking too much. 'I got used to being in hair and make-up and having a glass of wine. Then that glass of wine would carry over into me having one before the awards show... And then a bunch at the awards show.' She continued: 'And then I felt bad for making an a** of myself to people that I really respected. 'And that feeling, there's just nothing like that. You feel horrible. It's not a good look for me, for John, for anybody.' Emotion: Chrissy also posted this photo Sunday and in the caption wrote: 'Photo dump award contender: drunk crying during Beyonce halo' Posing: She also added this snap, writing: 'iconic everything nicki minaj letting my dumb*** take this pic of my dumb ***' Sweet: She also shared this image, explaining: 'only photo post wedding night' The exchange: A fan marveled at her level of energy and said, 'I need whatever drugs you're on!!,' to which Teigen responded, '4 weeks sober,' with prayer hand emojis and hearts In 2018 she spoke to Women's Health Magazine and said that postpartum depression after having Luna also caused her to drink to cope with the pain before she was prescribed an antidepressant. 'After Luna, I was drinking too much. I wasn't eating as much because I was full from drinking. I wasn't being good to my body.' In February 2019 after overindulging at the Oscars, Chrissy tweeted in the early hours of the morning: 'Oh my god I feel like absolute s**t. I hereby go sober for at least the week. Booze is poison.' A history of alcohol abuse in her family, she said having 'just 'one drink' was hard for her: 'I don't know how to go to an awards show and not drink.' Aimee Sunseri knows she will spend much of the coming spring talking about wildfire. Shed prefer not to, of course: spring in Napa Valley is usually a time to be telling visitors about new growth on vines, the upcoming release of a new vintage or the best places to take photos of the deep, yellow seas of mustard flowers that crop up around wine country each year. But the burn scars that encircle almost the entirety of the Nichelini Winery, where Sunseri is winemaker, make the subject almost impossible to avoid. Theres a little green oasis around the winery, and then its just burnt all the way around, Sunserii said. Were just so thankful that the building(s) are standing, and that we can have people come back. The burn scars are far from the only remnant of the events of the past year: Nichelinis 2020 vintage was significantly diminished by smoke taint from the Hennessey Fire, which came heart-stoppingly close to reaching the 1880s homestead on the property. A small portion of the vines within the winerys estate vineyards burned, and had to be replanted. Since the February 1 military coup, Myanmar saw its deadliest day as the United Nations confirmed that at least 18 protesters were killed in a stark escalation of violence to quell persistent demonstrations against the rule of the military. 18 Protesters Die on Myanmar's Deadliest Day According to Bloomberg, Ravina Shamdasani, the UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, shared that aside from the 18 protesters who were killed, more than 30 other individuals were wounded when soldiers and police fired live ammunition into crowds in six cities around Myanmar. But the government of Myanmar reported that only 12 individuals had died. The United States previously announced sanctions that targeted the military leaders of Myanmar. It also called for a return to democracy in the nation, signaling that it plans to respond with further measures. The national security adviser of United States President Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan, mentioned that they are already preparing additional action in imposing further costs on those individuals who are responsible for the latest outbreak of violence and the coup recently. He also added that they will have more to share in the upcoming days. The rising number in the death toll may also increase pressure on numerous governments around the world to take more action against the generals of Myanmar who refused to recognize the landslide election victory of the political party of Aung San Suu Kyi in November. The European Union's high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, shared that the shooting against the unarmed citizens showed that the security forces have blatant disregard for international law and must be held accountable. He also added that the display of violence will not give legitimacy to the illegal overthrowing of the democratically-elected administration, Hindustan Times reported. Read Also: Biden Urges Senate to Waste No Time and Quickly Pass $1.9 trillion COVID-19 Relief Package Before the incident this weekend, three protesters died among hundreds of thousands that have protested almost daily across the country. But weeks after the February 1 coup, the country has become increasingly ungovernable as more individuals are joining the protest in the streets, which left medical facilities understaffed, containers stacked up at ports, and ATMs running out of cash. The UN Human Rights Office stated that more than 1,000 individuals had been arbitrarily arrested since the military coup. However, the Myanmar Police Force released a report stating that only 571 protesters had been detained in 11 provinces in the country. In addition, the Foreign Ministry of Myanmar reiterated that the Military Coup was constitutional and stated that some of the foreign countries were wrongly misinterpreting it as a coup, and also the anti-dictatorship protests. The Foreign Ministry added that the government was ensuring the military's minimal use of force to avoid any violent crackdown, Chicago Tribune reported. A day before, the junta had fired Kyaw Moe Tun, the UN envoy of Myanmar, after he urged the international community not to accept the military regime, and instead recognize the results of the November general election. On Saturday, the Foreign Ministry said that he failed to follow the order of the state and its instructions. They also accused him of committing treason. Related Article: China Apologizes for Unnecessary Invasive COVID-19 Anal Swab Tests on US Diplomats @ 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. By Julie Steenhuysen and Michael Erman (Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson is waiting on regulatory approval of a new, larger plant operated by contract manufacturer Catalent Inc to begin large-scale U.S. deliveries of its just-authorized COVID-19 vaccine following initial shipments this week, a top J&J executive said on Monday. J&J will ship nearly 4 million doses of the one-shot vaccine around the United States this week and expects to deliver another 16 million doses later this month. But none is expected to go out next week. "The first doses come from a smaller plant, which we could start up earlier," J&J Chief Scientific Officer Paul Stoffels said in an interview. "The big plant is on board, the FDA is looking at all the quality data and hopefully very quickly, we'll be able to get approval to ship from that plant and then we get going." Stoffels said he expects the Catalent plant to receive approval in the next few days and the company would be able to meet its promise to supply 20 million doses of the vaccine by the end of March. Catalent is on track to deliver on our commitments for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine deliveries as soon as we are approved to begin shipments by the FDA, which we anticipate in the coming weeks, Mike Riley, president for Catalent North America said in a statement. J&J is also working to expand its manufacturing capacity globally and is in talks with potential new partners, Stoffels said, adding that he expects to be able to announce more manufacturing deals soon. While the company is shooting for 1 billion doses using the existing capacity that J&J has built and is bringing online before the end of the year, Stoffels said, "there will be need for more, and that's where collaboration with our partners will be needed, to scale up even further." "Those discussions are ongoing," he said. Those plans include an expansion in India, where the company is working to bring on board a plant this year with a very high capacity that will "serve a very large part of the world," Stoffels said. The managing director of Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E Ltd told Reuters last month that her company was looking to contract-manufacture roughly 600 million doses of J&J's COVID-19 vaccine a year. (Reporting by Michael Erman and Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Bill Berkrot) ALEPPO, Syria The Turkish army and Russian forces recent military moves have raised the concerns of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Hasakah and Raqqa in northeastern Syria. The SDF is concerned about falling victim to a possible deal between Russia and Turkey after the 15th round of the Astana negotiations held in the Russian city of Sochi on Feb. 16-17, in the presence of representatives of the three guarantors of the cease-fire in Syria Russia, Turkey and Iran and with the participation of two delegations from the Syrian army and opposition. On Feb. 21, Russian forces retreated from their base in Ain Issa in northern Raqqa, which is under SDF control, and moved to their military base in Tel al-Saman, 22 kilometers (14 miles) to the southeast of Ain Issa. But the Russian forces returned Feb. 22 to their locations in Ain Issa, which Turkey is threatening to attack through its allied the Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions. The Russian forces also partially withdrew from their military base in Tel Tamr in the countryside of Hasakah, before shortly returning to it. A media activist from Ain Aissa, speaking on condition of anonymity for security purposes, told Al-Monitor, The temporary retreat of the Russian forces from their bases in Ain Issa in northern Raqqa and Tel Tamr in Hasakah countryside stems from the SDFs violation of the Russian orders to de-escalate the situation on the fronts with the Turkish army and the FSA as clashes and shelling continued on several axes. This may be the most common justification [for the Russian withdrawal], but I think the reasons behind the retreat from the bases and the subsequent return to them is more complicated. Russia is trying to extort the SDF and pressure it through these military moves. Istanbul-based military analyst Ahmed Mohammed Hamada told Al-Monitor, The retreat of the Russian forces seemed to be a mere formality since their military positions and bases remained in place, along with the Russian soldiers inside. Russia is trying to extort the SDF by threatening to leave the Ain Issa front open to Turkish threats if the SDF does not respond to Russian pressure and resolve the Ain Issa issue once and for all. Russia wants the Syrian regime to control the area completely. If the SDF insists on its stance to refuse the regimes control, the Russian military forces will escalate in the region, and the retreat operations might recur more widely in the coming phase. Turkey would in turn make military moves to pressure the SDF and perhaps to wage a battle against it. Mostafa Bakkour, a military researcher and analyst residing in Idlib in northwest Syria, told Al-Monitor, History has shown that Russians and Turks implement the results of the Astana negotiations on the ground immediately after the talks conclusion, without announcing the agreements reached. Bakkour added, I think what is happening falls in the framework of a Russian-Turkish agreement to undermine the SDF in the region, especially after the Russian-brokered negotiations between the SDF and the Syrian regime failed. It is noteworthy that the US forces brought in new military hardware into the SDF-controlled areas in northeast Syria, including air defense missiles. This portends that the situation will become more complex in the coming phase. Russian and Turkish forces in Hasakah reached in mid-February an agreement to move grains from the Sharkrak silos to Syrian regime-controlled areas. The Russian Rusvesna website said Feb. 18 that a group of Russian forces in Hasakah brokered an agreement between the Syrian government and Turkey to move part of the grain reserves from those silos to the regime-controlled areas in Aleppo. The Turkish Defense Ministry published a video Feb. 19 showing dozens of trucks lined up in front of silos and being loaded with grains. The ministry said in a tweet, The step was taken in agreement with Russia. The latest Russian military moves in the SDF-controlled areas in northeast Syria seem to aim at achieving some gains, mainly settling the Ain Issa issue and keeping the SDF away from the M4 international highway, dispelling Turkeys fears by keeping the SDF away from the strategic area and facilitating trade movement between northeast Syria and Aleppo. These endeavors are part of Russian efforts to revive the Syrian regimes collapsing economy. Russia's presumed extortion of the SDF aims at pressuring it into halting its siege of Syrian regime areas in Hasakah and Qamishli. Russia also wants to push the SDF to continue supplying the regime with oil and seeks to revive the economy of the regime or help it survive at least until the presidential elections that are to take place in a few months. Russia has taken advantage of the troubled situation in the SDF-controlled areas in northeastern Syria to expand and cement its presence, specifically in oil-rich Hasakah. Russian forces turned the Qamishli airport into a military base. The current Russian military moves cannot be taken out of the general context in northern Syria, amid the increasing competition between Turkey, Russia and the United States to confirm their presence and entrench their influence in the most important and complex Syrian areas. The 2021 Golden Globes took place against the grim backdrop of a stark fact: not a single member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is Black. While hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler touched on the lack of diversity in their bicoastal joint monologue and HFPA representatives pledged to do better during the broadcast, the evening soon gave way to a series of sometimes awkward or gloriously awkward Zoom moments. Nominees and winners appeared onscreen from home in various ensembles, ranging from ultra casual to black tie, with their spouses, children and pets at their side. Other viral moments arrived via celebrity presenters who were there in person. ***See the complete list of Golden Globes winners (including some with N.J. connections)*** Heres a rundown of some key happenings from Sundays hybrid virtual ceremony. Score! Jason Sudeikis wins the award for Best Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy at The #GoldenGlobes. pic.twitter.com/AQHfuDHBXX NBC Entertainment (@nbc) March 1, 2021 Jason Sudeikis tie-dye hoodie, Don Cheadles wrap-up sign Some nominees wore gowns and tuxedos to sit down at their computer and report for the awards show. When Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis accepted the Golden Globe for best actor in a comedy series, he was wearing a tie-dye hoodie. Sure, Sudeikis was wearing the hoodie to support his sister, choreographer Kristin Sudeikis, but it also gave us an enduring memory of the show. Jason Sudeikis' edibles hit just at the right time Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) March 1, 2021 However, it wasnt just the hoodie that resonated with viewers it was the actors whole vibe. Though Sudeikis, 45, beamed in from London in the middle of the night (morning) because hes there filming Apple TV Plus Ted Lasso, it could be said that he channeled the very spirit of America during the pandemic. You know the look: encased in several layers of cotton comfort, transfixed by a screen, appearing slightly resigned, eyes tired from strain. Who couldnt say the same of any day over the last 11 months of binge-watching? Jason Sudeikis reacting to Norman Lear's speech during the #GoldenGlobes: "At close to 99, I can tell you that I have never lived alone. I have never laughed alone and that has as much to do with my being here today as anything else I know" pic.twitter.com/VbmRNwHRO5 Variety (@Variety) March 1, 2021 His speech emerged in dribs and drabs as he paid homage to his fellow actors on the show. When the ramble started to get too repetitive at about the 1-minute, 30-second mark Sudeikis fellow nominee Don Cheadle started to give the wrap-up sign on Zoom. Dons right, he said. I gotta wrap this puppy up. Never been my forte. Little windy, little windy, as my Aunt Loretta would say. there are two types of people during a pandemic pic.twitter.com/s1nwPXYEI2 Megh Wright (@megh_wright) March 1, 2021 When Norman Lear accepted the Carol Burnett Award for his achievement in TV and mentioned that he was nearly 99, eagle-eyed viewers spotted Sudeikis in the background on Zoom saying, Hes 99? Wow! Jason Sudeikis saying hes 99? wow during Norman Lears speech pic.twitter.com/5zPiIQmqd7 caitlin (@c_blomblom) March 1, 2021 One of the more priceless reaction shots to Sudeikis speech was Rutherfords own Ramy Youssef, who won the comedy category last year and was again nominated for Hulus Ramy. please enjoy ramy reacting to jason sudeikis pic.twitter.com/cKaOMoXk1D Kathryn VanArendonk (@kvanaren) March 1, 2021 Tracy Morgans Sal for Soul Presenter Tracy Morgans moment arrived when announcing the winner of best original score in a motion picture. And the Golden Globe goes to ... Sal! Morgan, 52, who lives in Alpine, could be heard correcting himself and saying Soul as in the animated movie, not some guy named Sal. But as the show cut away to the acceptance speech from Jon Batiste, viral status was already on lock. Tracy Morgan trying to read the word SOUL is the funniest thing of all time. #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/X00JOq0l3Q Korked Bats (@korkedbats) March 1, 2021 Morgan addressed the snafu not long after on Twitter. Sorry SOUL, he said. I was thinking about the pizza I was going to get from my guy SAL on the way home!! Nothing will ever be better than Tracy Morgan yelling Sal! instead of Soul! Sam Sanders (@samsanders) March 1, 2021 Sorry SOUL. I was thinking about the pizza I was going to get from my guy SAL on the way home!! Tracy Morgan (@TracyMorgan) March 1, 2021 Maya Rudolph and Kenan Thompson win least original song Even if people didnt always love this skit, they were very happy to see Fey, Poehler, Morgan and Sudeikis fellow Saturday Night Live alum/star Maya Rudolph and Kenan Thompson. The two beloved actors showed up as Beverly Jackfruit and Francois Jean-Rudy, greeting Poehler with some inappropriate touching and a full-on kiss to accept an award for least original song in a telefilm dramedy or comma. Beverly Jackfruit (Maya Rudolph) and Francois Jean-Rudy (Kenan Thompson) win the Totally Real Award for Least Original Song at The #GoldenGlobes. pic.twitter.com/0vOWIoobJU NBC Entertainment (@nbc) March 1, 2021 Ohhh, thank you, Tina, Rudolphs Jackfruit said, starting the speech. Poehler: Nope. Jackfruit proceeded to inform Poehler that she had a vodka epidural before hitting the stage and handing her three (3) shoes. More than a few people suggested that Rudolph, 48, take over as host next year. Maya Rudolph and Kenan Thompson just made my night #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/HR4c4K6UvM . (@letsy4u) March 1, 2021 No bit rises to the level of Maya and Kenan and I'm offended that the producers thought we needed any of this Please, this never had to be 3+ hours, but it really doesn't need to be 3+ hours this year! Aisha Harris (@craftingmystyle) March 1, 2021 My love for Kenan and Maya is the only reason I'm letting this skit slide carolyn (@CarolynTheKiddo) March 1, 2021 My face during that Kenan and Maya segment #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/onEy8dpvoR philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 1, 2021 Sleeping Al Pacino Who would deny Al Pacino a little shut-eye? Pacino, 80, who was nominated for playing a 1970s Nazi hunter in Amazons Hunters, took a little snooze in between categories and was visibly jolted awake by the announcements on the show. yall just had to wake al pacino up from his nap huh pic.twitter.com/4iUvhPzWk7 Nariman (@slytherinus) March 1, 2021 Pacino and Hunters, which filmed in Newark, did not end up winning the award for best actor in a TV drama. That honor went to Josh OConnor from Netflixs The Crown, which swept the drama categories, also taking best drama, actress and supporting actress. Actual footage of Al Pacino waking up during his category at the Golden Globes zoom telecast @fiddledeedees pic.twitter.com/6SH2Fe7Cy5 Theresa + AllAboutACTORS (@thawkactors) March 1, 2021 When OConnor, 30, went on to deliver an earnest acceptance speech, the camera caught Pacino withdrawing, going through the motions or looking off into the middle distance much to everyones delight. Like Sudeikis, Pacino successfully evoked a fixture of the pandemic namely the this could have been an email answer to lengthy video chats. Al Pacino zoning out pic.twitter.com/t4i5oSkW03 linnea, what's good? howdy (@hejjlinnea) March 1, 2021 Al Pacino is a national treasure and should be cherished and honored. He don't give a rat's ass about Zoom! He's been battling waves of intruders on sacred ground since I was a kid. Show some damn respect! #AlPacino pic.twitter.com/IwwxEW7ias Jeff Crowder (@JeffCrowder16) March 1, 2021 Al Pacino is me in every Zoom meeting that could have been an email pic.twitter.com/SxY3FyzzVe Momina. (@toppingofirony) March 1, 2021 Other chatter around Pacino focused on his hair, which was a little too tall for a Paulie Walnuts comparison. Some saw Wayne Newton. Others Large Marge. You know what they say ... the higher the hair, the closer to Al Pacino. Al Pacino ate and absorbed the powers of Wayne Newton and nobody told me? #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/m5lAOx3Mek Mike Rothschild (@rothschildmd) March 1, 2021 Al Pacino had some Large Marge hair energy going on tonight. Staz Trudeaux (@SheJStaz) March 1, 2021 Al Pacino looks like hes accepting the award for Most improved bocce player at my grandfathers Knights of Columbus Hall. pic.twitter.com/3nXKbSePIN Joe Auriemma (@JosephAuriemma) March 1, 2021 After watching Al Pacino doze off during the #GoldenGlobes -- I feel you, my friend -- I'm wondering if there is an unofficial rule in Hollywood that, the older an acting legend gets, the higher his hair has to be? pic.twitter.com/DP7w5XGsJu Eric Deggans at NPR (@Deggans) March 1, 2021 Ben Stillers hair ... and banana bread award Speaking of hair, Ben Stiller seemed to please the tweeting audience with his silver/gray mane. Not being able to get to a colorist during the pandemic seemed to turn the actor-director, 55, into a silver fox an absolute vision in the eyes of the weary Globes audience. Call it the Leland Palmer effect. Damn Ben Stiller is FINE fine pic.twitter.com/JvoQHpVh4N (@asteroidyuta) March 1, 2021 Ben Stiller will be playing Leland Palmer in Season 4 of Twin Peaks pic.twitter.com/JcUWS61mH7 Acid House Hospital (@darkmusick_) March 1, 2021 Idk why I never saw it but if they ever do a Ric Flair movie WWE needs to hire silver fox Ben Stiller pic.twitter.com/JhnyVpj0EI Daveycrits (@Daveycrits) March 1, 2021 Then there was the matter of that banana bread Golden Globe, and Stiller biting into it ... 2020 but make it fashion. Well, Ben Stiller is super hungry for fame eating that #GoldenGlobes shaped banana bread! pic.twitter.com/OxN7P8loBF TRUE FASHIONISTA NOW (@tfnow) March 1, 2021 Somebody spent hours making a golden globe shaped banana bread just so ben stiller could take credit for it and take 1 bite liv (@bolivianewton) March 1, 2021 Wait I am actually beyond living for this Ben Stiller banana bread thingI could watch this all night. Dan Fishback (@dangerfishback) March 1, 2021 Daniel Kaluuyas technical difficulties and save For a worrying moment, it appeared as if the Globes were going to be more difficult and awkward than anticipated, and not just for the known reasons. That moment arrived when Daniel Kaluuyas sound cut out as he was accepting the first award of the night, the Golden Globe for best supporting actor in a motion picture, for Jesus and the Black Messiah. Visions of failed Zoom calls past immediately sprang to mind as presenter Laura Dern cut away. Daniel Kaluuya wins the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture at the #GoldenGlobes! pic.twitter.com/hrZDCk3uwR Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021 But all was not for naught Kaluuya quickly recovered his sound and rightly asserted that the awards show shouldnt do him dirty by not allowing him his designated speech time. Kaluuya, 32, won the award for playing Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party in the movie, which was co-written by Newarks own Lucas Brothers, who had a lot of great things to say about his performance. This took it out of me, Kaluuya said of playing Hampton. I gave everything. As the great Nipsey Hussle says, Were here to give till were empty and I gave everything. And I couldnt give it to a more noble man. Hampton was killed in a police raid in 1969, when he was 21. The movie tell the story of his death by following FBI informant William ONeal (LaKeith Stanfield), a Black Panthers security chief who provided police with information to help carry out the raid that killed him. Watch comedian Sacha Baron Cohen thank his co-star Rudy Giuliani while accepting the award for Best Picture - Musical/Comedy for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm at the Golden Globes on February 28 pic.twitter.com/73iBeQft0O NowThis (@nowthisnews) March 1, 2021 Sacha Baron Cohen thanks Giuliani After being nominated three times at the Golden Globes, Sacha Baron Cohen, who received nods for best picture - comedy (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), best actor in a motion picture comedy (Borat) and best supporting actor - motion picture drama (The Trial of the Chicago 7), won two awards. In accepting the best picture award for Borat, Cohen, 49, started out by acknowledging the fact that there are no Black members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Thanks to the all-white Hollywood Foreign Press, he said. (While this isnt the case, Cohen made his point.) Cohen went on to thank his co-star, a fresh new talent who came from nowhere and turned out to be a comedy genius. While many would not be faulted for thinking he was about to mention fellow nominee Maria Bakalova (he saved that for later), Cohen deployed a bit of misdirection. Congratulations to @SachaBaronCohen for winning Best Actor in a Motion Picture at the #GoldenGlobes!pic.twitter.com/fzbnKc7sOS Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) March 1, 2021 Im talking, of course, about Rudy Giuliani, he said. I mean, who could get more laughs out of on unzipping? Incredible. In this, Cohen was referring to Giulianis questionable pants-adjusting when Bakalova, posing as a reporter, interviewed the Trump attorney in his hotel room during Borat. Cohen joked that the film propelled Giuliani to star in other hits like Four Seasons Landscaping a nod to Four Seasons Total Landscaping, the landscaping business in Philadelphia that was booked for a Trump presser, causing confusion when people assumed it to be a failed attempt at securing the Four Seasons Hotel. When Cohen followed that speech up with a win for best actor in a comedy for the same movie, he went on to say that former President Donald Trump was contesting the result. Hes claiming that a lot of dead people voted, which is a very rude thing to say about the HFPA, Cohen said, getting in another dig at the voting body before thanking his bodyguard for saving him from being shot twice while making Borat. You know who you are, he said, and you know Im not allowed to say your name. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter. Eight workers from the Alton estate, which is owned by Horana Plantations Company in Sri Lanka, have been jailed in the Kandy remand prison until March 3 on the orders of a Hatton magistrate. They were arrested by police on February 18. Alton estate is located in Upcot, Maskeliya in the central plantation district. All of the estates 500 workers have been on strike since February 2 to demand higher pay and in protest against managements repressive actions. The jailed workers, seven of whom are women, are: S. Puwanesary, Kanapathy Devi, G. Shatheeswary, Francis Thiresammal, Marimuthu Thamilselvi, Yohasakthi, M.K.Shanthini and Aandimuthu Visvakethu. Line room accommodation at Alton Estate (WSWS Media) While no charges have been filed, the police have accused the workers of unlawful assembly and grievous hurt of estate manager Subash Narayanan. The workers, who have all denied the police allegations, are the victims of a conspiracy by the plantation company and the police to break their ongoing strike. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) condemn the arrests and demand the immediate release of the Alton workers. The SEP and the IYSSE urge plantation workers to call on the entire working class to defeat this vicious anti-democratic attack. Alton estate workers have intensified their campaign for the release of their colleagues and established an action committee with the assistance of the SEP. There is widespread sympathy for the arrested Alton workers among plantation workers in the area, who all face similar conditions. The action committee must mobilise support from all sections of the working class and prepare for a general strike. On February 24, lawyers for the eight workers filed a motion for bail at the Hatton magistrates court. This was refused by the magistrate, following vehement opposition by the police who declared that they were searching for 18 more workers to arrest. The police also presented a dubious video allegedly showing workers attacking the superintendent. The legally disputable video has been released to social media as part of a vicious attempt to intimidate all estate workers. If convicted, the eight workers could be imprisoned under Sri Lankan law for up to seven years for grievous hurt and six months for unlawful assembly. A series of incidents since early February indicate how Alton estate management, with police assistance, prepared their witch hunt. The Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), the main plantation union which is part of President Gotabhaya Rajapakses government, has aided and abetted this attack. The CWC called a one-day strike on February 5 to pressure companies to grant a long-outstanding 1,000-rupee ($US5.19) daily basic wage for plantation workers. Since 2015, the CWC and other plantation unions have consistently betrayed numerous strikes by plantation workers for this demand. While the CWCs one-day protest was called to dissipate plantation workers deep-seated anger, hundreds of thousands of workers joined the national strike. Along with other plantation workers, the Alton employees decided to walk out earlier, on February 2, and opposed the transport of processed tea from the estate. The manager called on the police to break up the protest. Responding to workers anger over this attack, a CWC area leader intervened and turned back the lorry transporting tea. That day, the manager physically assaulted workers, injuring the arm of one of the female workers who had to be hospitalised. At first the police refused to take any action over the assault but, after angry demands by workers, decided to arrest the manager. He was brought before a local magistrate but immediately given bail. The Alton estate workers decided to remain on strike after the February 5 walkout in protest against the ongoing management threats, and for immediate payment of the 1,000-rupee daily wage claim. On February 7, about 50 workers lobbied CWC leader Jeevan Thondaman at his Kotagala union office, calling on him to support their indefinite strike. Thondaman, who is the Rajapakse governments minister for estate infrastructure, flatly refused. Encouraged by the CWCs treacherous isolation of the Alton workers, estate management on February 15 organised a strike-breaking operation. They attempted to transport plucked tea leaves from one division of the estate in a three-wheeler to a factory in another estate. Angry strikers intervened and foiled the attempt. On February 17, a group of strikers demonstrated outside the estate managers bungalow opposing his provocative actions. Management is now using this incident against the workers. The next day, Planters Association Secretary Lalith Obesekera wrote to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse. Referring to the Alton strike, he declared: We are concerned that an organised campaign of violence and intimidation is being unleashed by thugs who are inciting workers and non-workers in order to sabotage RPC [Regional Plantation Companies] tea production. Police arrived at the estate that day searching for the eight workers they wanted to arrest. Confronting workers opposition, the police were unable to carry out any arrests. CWC area leaders Kanagarai, Rajaram and Senpahavally, however, told the eight workers to visit the Hatton police station and make statements. While the union officials falsely claimed the workers would be safe, they were immediately detained by police and a magistrate placed them in remand. Workers must take this company-police conspiracy, aided and abetted by the CWC, as a serious attack on the entire working class. Not a single plantation union has condemned the arrests or demanded the workers immediate release. This brutal anti-democratic assault is an attempt by the plantation companies to break the growing movement of estate workers for decent wages, jobs and other social rights. Recent months have seen strikes at the Gartmore and Mocha estates and other plantations, along with rising opposition to the escalating Rajapakse government and big-business attacks on living conditions, jobs and wages. These struggles are part of a growing movement of the working class in Sri Lanka and internationally amid the deepening crisis produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sri Lankan economy is in a shambles with massive debts, reduced exports and devaluation of the countrys currency. Fearing the rising resistance of plantation workers, the Rajapakse government announced on February 12 that it would increase plantation workers daily wage to 1,000-rupees. The plantation companies, however, refuse to pay even this meagre increase that does not compensate for the rising cost of living. The plantation companies have declared that if forced to pay this amount they will reduce the working week to slash costs, drive up productivity, cut pensions and abolish other paltry social expenditure on their estates. The government is still in discussions with the companies. Workers also confront escalating attacks by Rajapakse government, which is preparing a presidential dictatorship to repress workers strikes and protests against its brutal austerity agenda. Colombo has imposed an essential services order on port workers and last week deployed the military to break protest strikes by health workers. Its repressive actions in the plantations are part of this broadening assault. In order to defend their democratic and social rights workers must adopt an alternative program. They cannot rely on trade unions, which have been transformed into tools of the state and the capitalist class. Workers must break from the unions and build their own independent action committees to unite every section of the working class to defend their rights. This struggle must become part of a broader fight by the entire working class against capitalism and for a workers and peasants government based on a socialist program, including the nationalisation of the large estates, big companies and banks, under workers democratic control. The SEP is the only party advancing this socialist and internationalist program. We urge workers and youth to join the SEP and fight for this perspective. In a world of alcohol-free cocktails, half strength wine, Crossfit klaxons and milky flat whites, business class is the hedonists last refuge. How else fo you explain the growing trend of devil-may-care pointy end bloggers? The champagne rituals? The endless chase for points? For that matter how else do you explain the voracious consumption of million-dollar views and winning smiles by bored office workers unlikely to go further away from their house than the supermarket for the next six months? Masochism? Anyway, given the state of our economy (and new health horizons), gyms are the new nightclubs and frugality is the new normal, for many. Speaking of looking at the world with a less-hungover set of eyes, today we would like to dispel a business class myth that has been kicking around for far too long. The idea that flying business class opens one up to a world of networking. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patrick Biedenkapp | Captain (@pilotpatrick) Weve been guilty of this ourselves, even, previously comparing the pointy end to cattle class as follows: If flying economy is like spending the night in a dingy dive bar (armrest tussles and all) then flying business-class is like ~vibing~ at an exclusive VIP lounge (purple disco lights included). Weve also written, in regards to the proverbial pointy end, even if your flight is indefinitely delayed, youll be too busy networking with industry big wigs and being shouted tax-payer-funded drinks by corrupt politicians to have an existential chicken edamame crisis. A classic 2006 Flyertalk thread, entitled, Business/First Class passengers personalities, characteristics & networking, however, proves us wrong. Started by a user called zanzibar, the discussion begins as follows: I am considering travelling via one of the upper classes for the first time in my life in the next 6 months. I might go on a world trip or to several continents. I am curious if people in first and business class are in general more talkative than people in economy class? Or can you not make such a stereotype? I am hoping to meet people while travelling and in the process further my learning of this underground world of freelancers, bloggers, FF geeks, and of course, the rich who just buy the tickets with cash. Does anyone have any experiences of interesting people they met travelling in the upper classes, any knowledge they garnered from passengers that they would probably never have garnered in the lower classes, any networking success, any globetrotting miles-accumulating friends they made etc. I met Aubrey de Grey once at the airport and he was quite friendly (surprisingly, I was the only one in that flight to recognize him despite his resemblance to Rasputin)! Unfortunately Mr. de Grey was in the front rows travelling in style, while I was in the back and we had to cut short our conversation once he boarded the plane. Comments seen below zanzibars post would appear to dispel this myth that business class is a great place to network. Ive never talked to anyone or seen anyone talking in C/F unless they were family, one wrote. Most of the time when I fly I am trying to catch up on sleep. I dont enjoy conversation with my seatmate when I am trying to relax or to sleep, wrote another. And on many aircraft, such as the pod configuration on AC, there is almost no opportunity to engage in conversation with others. Another user pointed out that the people who fly business class are not automatically more useful people to network with: Are you suggesting that the passengers of the lower classes are not as intelligent as those flying in F/C?! One of the most well-travelled FTers is a young Canadian who I believe has never sat in F/C during any of his visits to 100+ countries, but who contributes to many conversations here. I dont consider him to be less intelligent because of the way he chooses to use his miles. F/C passengers are just like the Y passengers, some are nice, some are a-holes. Another commenter broke the situation down into two ideas: In my experience, people in the comfortable classes on aeroplanes are less inclined to be talkative, not more. Im not sure why that is, but two reasons come to mind. RELATED: The Business Class Cone Of Trust Has Been Breached & Passengers Are Furious One is simply that everyone is less close together so theres less need to be co-operative in ways that are required in Economy you dont have to disturb people so much when you get out of your seat, youre less likely to knock people accidentally, you dont have to help with things like passing a food tray back to the cabin crew, and so on and so on. Another reason, I think, is that a higher proportion of people travelling in Economy are going on holidays whereas many people who travel in First or Business are travelling for business and, as such, are less likely to be chatty with strangers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aadham Jameel (@aadham716) Finally, one user wrote: Not to sound like a snob because I am a very nice guy. I spend most of my waking time on a phone, in meetings, and on the computer (like right now, this is my transition to sleep period)My day begins at 6am taking care of e-mails I missed in Asia and I have to finalize the Europe ones before they close and begin business in the US. Theres the day-to-day flying around, meetings, approvals, etc. In the evening, Asia opens and the 101 questions arrive in e-mails, I dont get to bed until 2am/3am and it all begins againits non-stop. Some of airlines have a bar/lounge area THATS where you can go talk. I just think people dont want to chat, maybe its me. You now make me wonder, I havent met those eager to chat unless it was a destination like from Paris to Papetee (via LAX), where you will find honeymooners, then they will start to talk this was a good question. Come to think about it, most of my discussions happen in the lounge before take-off, usually the where you headed, where did you stay, etc.' RELATED: The Gentlemans Guide To Airplane Conversation Etiquette Frequent flyer and founder of Flight Hacks Immanuel Debeer has also weighed in on this topic, previously telling DMARGE, in his experience, Most people in the lounge want to keep to themselves and in business class, the reality is that most people are company men and women whos employer paid for them to fly in business. Its not like every seat is taken up by some hot entrepreneur, well on their way to becoming the next Google or Facebook. That said, of course, its fine to strike up conversations with other people (and there are plenty of nice and interesting people travelling in any class) as long as you can read social clues and know when your small talk isnt appreciated. The more you know Read Next The Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Monday passed two bills including one that relates to recovery of damages to public and private properties from protesters, amid Opposition demands that it be referred to a select committee. According to the Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Property Bill, 2021, protesters found guilty of damaging government or private properties will face imprisonment of one year or a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The House also passed the Uttar Pradesh Goonda Control (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to empower joint and deputy commissioners of police to act under the legislation. Assembly Speaker Hriday Narayan Dixit announced the passage of both bills. The Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Property Bill, 2021 was tabled in the House by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna. Leader of Opposition (LoP) Ram Govind Chaudhary said the state government is only enacting laws to pat its own back. "Since independence, there is a tradition of writing on walls. If it will be banned, how will political parties express themselves?" he asked. If any goon or anti-social element enters a demonstration or agitation and causes damage, the government will make recovery from a political party worker which would not be right, he said. Samajwadi Party leader Ujjwal Raman Singh demanded that the bill be referred to a select committee, saying the government makes laws in haste and later withdraws them. Bahujan Samaj Party leader Lalji Verma backed the demand. The bill has been brought with a view to suppress the democratic movement and it should be presented only after giving it a thorough thought, he said. However, minister Khanna said this bill has been brought in good spirit. It will start a good tradition. The Opposition's proposal to send the bill to the select committee fell flat as it does not have the required numbers. Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said public and private properties in the state are damaged during political processions, demonstrations, strikes and agitations. Pamphlets and posters are pasted on walls and they are defaced with ink or paint. He had said that a law would be enacted to protect the beauty of towns, cities and public interest and recovery will be made from those who cause harm. The Uttar Pradesh Goonda Control (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was also passed by the assembly. It amends the existing Goonda Act to empower joint and deputy commissioners of police to take action under the law. The Goonda Act allows police to keep habitual offenders under preventive detention for a year. According to the law, a "goonda" is a person who, either by himself or as a member or leader of a gang, habitually commits or attempts to commit or abets the commission of offences. After Khanna tabled the bill, LoP Chaudhary and BSP's Lalji Verma demanded that it be sent to a select committee. Khanna said once enacted, this law will be effective only in Lucknow and Gautam Buddh Nagar districts where the police commissionerate system has been implemented. He said Section 2 of the Uttar Pradesh Goonda Control Act, 1970 has been amended. Till date, the district magistrate and the additional district magistrate have the right of hearing and taking action under the section. But now, in the commissionerate police system of Lucknow and Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar), the joint and deputy commissioners of police will be empowered to take action, he said. The minister further said the amendments have been made as police commissioners are senior officers and DMs are below them in districts. Both bills have now been referred to the Legislative Council. (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.) 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 As corporation after corporation jumps into the mud pit of political correctness -- everything from wokester ads, to payoffs to Black Lives Matter, to critical race theory from the boardrooms, the Hyatt hotel chain has emerged as a firewall against the leftist cancel-culture lunacy. It may be the first big sign of wokester mobbery peaking. Facing a leftist call to boycott them for hosting the Conservative Political Action Committee convention in Florida, the hotel chain refused to bow down like so many of them do. Instead, they bit back against the Twitter mob leading the charge with an impressive statement of first principles: We take pride in operating a highly inclusive environment and we believe that the facilitation of gatherings is a central element of what we do as a hospitality company, a spokesperson told Fox Business. We believe in the right of individuals and organizations to peacefully express their views, independent of the degree to which the perspectives of those hosting meetings and events at our hotels align with ours. Our own values support a culture that is characterized by empathy, respect and diversity of opinions and backgrounds, and we strive to bring this to light through what we do and how we engage with those in our care. How bad was it? Well, leftists, who know about these things, came up with the phony argument that the CPAC stage was, are you ready? -- really a Nazi symbol: The world now equates @Hyatt with hate and neo-Nazism. Republicans launched the hotel chains new branding message at #CPAC2021. Hyatts hosting of anti-Semites and white supremacists, boasting a stage Hitler would have approved, is wholly offensive and will not be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/tVEUlyLZID Stephanie Kennedy (@WordswithSteph) February 27, 2021 That would be Nazis, National Socialists, the same state-control-of-industry fascism, cancel culture, and anti-Semitism that's so obvious among today's also-socialist Democrats. Republicans don't do Naziism, or anything leftist, and have nothing to apologize for. Democrats? You decide. Hyatt's action is impressive because they're such a big hotel chain. Normally, the big flabby corporations fold like cheap suits under this kind of wokester pressure, and leftists know it. A boycott is supposed to bring them to their knees, and they get scared. But in Hyatt's case, they punched back. Very few have done this -- Goya is a rare exception and Trader Joe's is a partial exception (Have not seen Trader Jose or Trader Ming bannering any new products over there). Both of those, of course, are smaller, more dynamic private companies that don't need to answer to crazed leftist shareholder activists or big media 'narrative.' The Hyatt pushback, though, now suggests that even with its size, it doesn't need or doesn't want to bow down to the fact-challenged, intolerant left. It's a sign of dynamism emerging after a long winter of corporate flabbery. Daniel Greenfield argues at FrontPage that the most jellyfish-like companies bowing to wokester demands tend to be the ones that are not turning profits. Even the tech giants have arguably gone flabby, given that they seem to be hiring zero-talent relatives of leftist pols on a political basis in top positions over people of merit. Twitter's stock has been in the dumps for awhile. Elon Musk (world's newest richest man) has said he thinks the tech baronies peaked, too. Yet it also seems to be pushing forward what seems to be a trend. Here's a small random list to support that: The entire Oakley school board was forced to resign after disparaging parents who were unhappy about their (unioned-up) failure to re-open that district's schools. An actual scandal happened, and instead of the parents being made into the bad guys, the wokesters lost. That's different. The Los Angeles Times editorial page blasted the wokester teachers unions, saying they were out of excuses for their failure to re-open schools. That, too, is different. No alliance to political correctness there, just a cold reading of science, public sentiment, and facts on the ground. In San Francisco, teachers' union hypocrisy is being exposed and the leftist city government is actually suing the teachers' union. This one's a lulu. And once again, a lost for the crazed wokester left. It gets better: The Capitol rioters being prosecuted for invading and trashing the Capitol are being told by the judges to go to heck for trying to claim that President Trump told them to do what they did. Which is a very big change, given that the left conducted an entire impeachment on that basis. The rioters' defense, Blaming Trump, has now been recognized as bee ess, a last refuge as scoundrels, not a claim rooted in fact. Blaming Trump is normally something the court culture would bow down to, given that what we've seen until recently from them is Anything to Get Trump. Something changed. The prosecutors wanted a legal conviction built on solid ground, instead of their cocktail party breaker that they Got Trump. It looks like these clowns are heading to jail right where they belong. Meanwhile, Saturday Night Live is lampooning California's and New York's failed leftist governors, creating a cold open revealing their failures just this past weekend, for sure a sign of sinking pols now that it's bled into the pop culture. Another loss for the woke. Coke, meanwhile, is now a figure of fun among the public for its bowing down to critical race theory which included instruction to its white employees to "try to act less white." It's all over Twitter. No corporation wants that much public ridicule. There are plenty more instances of this in what's surely a building wave reaction. And corporate behavior often leads the political climate. Robert Morton of The Pipeline writes that it's comparable to France's Reign of Terror being succeeded by the Thermidorean Reaction (and The Directory), which eventually got thrown out and led to Napoleon. It's not an exact analogy, given that the Thermidoreans and Directory bunch were decadent, venal, sleazy, and corrupt. It's a commentary on how bad the Reign of Terror was that people would prefer these kind of yucky characters over far leftists on the rampage. And no, they were not right-wing as he argues, they were machine-pol pocket-liners of no principles whatsoever. But Morton's right that there will be a reaction, because a reaction is very natural. Fortunately, the Trump values coming forward in the corporate and government pushback against cancel culture is a lot better than that. Let's hope this Hyatt pushback continues and grows. Non-flabby corporations that can stand up to wokesters are a sign of life and vigor and growth potential in a society. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License After isolating 350 workers at Coles Smeaton Grange warehouse throughout a company lockout that spanned more than three months, the United Workers Union (UWU) has forced through a sell-out enterprise agreement that gives the supermarket giant everything it demanded. The betrayal of the workers has a significance that goes far beyond their facility in southwestern Sydney. The lockout, among the longest industrial disputes of the past two decades, contains critical lessons for the working class as a whole. Chief among them is that any fight in defence of jobs, conditions and basic rights confronts the unions as an enemy force that serves the interests of company managements and privileged officials, against the workers they falsely claim to represent. For some 14 weeks, the workers held out against the dictates of one of the largest companies in Australia as it refused to provide them with a wage or allow them inside their workplace. This was a courageous stand on behalf of not only their own jobs and conditions, but those of other warehouse staff across the country, who are also in the firing line, and the working class as a whole. It reflected a growing militancy and opposition among wide layers of workers. Coles workers and supporters at a Sydney protest in December (Credit: WSWS) But this struggle was systematically undermined and betrayed by the UWU. From the outset of the dispute, the union accepted that Smeaton Grange would be closed and virtually all of the jobs there destroyed. Initially, the UWU claimed to be fighting for a just transition and fair redundancies. Over the course of the three months, even that posture was abandoned, as the union adopted the companys demands in full and insisted that workers had no option but to accept them. Depending on how many of the dubious indicative union polls and surveys one includes, the company ballot on Saturday was the tenth or eleventh occasion on which workers were compelled to vote on an offer from Coles that remained fundamentally unchanged throughout the dispute, and that they had previously rejected on multiple occasions. The immediate context of Saturdays ballot was the companys February 10 announcement of an indefinite extension of the lockout. This was declared in a video by Coles Chief Operations Officer Matt Swindells. He venomously denounced workers who had rejected the agreement in a vote on February 2, praised the UWU and warned against extremist and anti-union socialists, i.e., the Socialist Equality Party and the World Socialist Web Site, who were disrupting the company-union sell-out operation. The union responded by declaring that it would do nothing, other than hold more closed-door discussions with management and organise further ballots on the same agreement. The UWU, which declared assets valued at over $300 million at the end of the last financial year, including more than $94 million in cash reserves, reacted to the February 2 no vote by again vehemently rejecting calls for its vast coffers to be opened to provide desperately-needed strike pay. It was in this context, with workers confronting a united front of the company and the union, as well as the prospect of weeks or months longer without any pay, that a reported 71 percent voted the agreement up in Saturdays ballot. The UWU immediately sent a text message to workers, declaring that it was great to see so many people supporting the EA [enterprise agreement.] The analogy that comes to mind is criminals thanking their victims, after beating them into submission. The union is well aware that the vast majority of workers remain intensely hostile to the agreement and view it as a sell-out. Many of those who voted yes did so because they had been pauperised. Given the circumstances, the most remarkable aspect of the ballot is that at least 29 percent of workers voted no. Notwithstanding the unions claims to have achieved some sort of victory on behalf of workers, the agreement is actually worse than previous versions. The UWU abandoned almost the entire log of claims lodged at the beginning of the dispute. An initial demand of a 5.5 percent per annum wage rise was scrapped for the companys offer of 3.5 percent; calls for redundancies capped at the equivalent of 104 weeks of service were dropped for Coles proposal of 80, and any talk of workers being given the right to redeploy to the new automated facility that is to replace Smeaton Grange was dispensed with weeks ago. Management and the union touted a $1,000 sign-on bonus, which had been rejected by workers last month as contemptuous. Coles, which reported half-year profits of more than $500 million last month, dismissed any suggestion of increasing the payment, even to a paltry $5,000 per worker, under conditions in which it has denied employees tens of thousands of dollars in wages. To cover over the fact that it was enforcing all the companys dictates, the UWU resorted to outright misinformation. The union joined the company in hailing enhanced redundancy provisions. These, it indicated, would allow workers to take a voluntary redundancy at any time until Smeaton Grange is closed. Those who have read the agreement, however, know that voluntary redundancies remain capped at 80 workers, meaning some 270, the vast majority, are going to be sacked. A supposed ratio of 80 percent permanent staff to 20 percent casuals, prior to the closure, is also bogus. The agreement presents this as an aspiration only, and insists that Coles will require flexibility and a pragmatic approach from the union, as it downsizes the workforce. The union was very quiet about one clause in the agreement, which was not contained in previous versions. It states that workers will not be disciplined for participating in pickets and protests during the lockout, on the condition that the UWU ensures that no further action will be taken for the remainder of the dispute. In other words, the union has signed an agreement to suppress any opposition from workers to management attacks against them. With extraordinary rapidity, the union and the company moved to engineer a return to work. In its Saturday text message, the UWU added insult to injury by inviting workers to participate in a voluntary clean up ... at the site to allow it to get operational. The company informed workers that some of them would begin returning at 7 a.m. today, but not for regular shifts. Those will not begin until next Monday at the earliest. Instead, workers, some of whom have been at the facility for decades, are being hauled in for refresher training. The character of this training is indicated by the fact that it will begin with workers being handed a formal letter on expected workplace behaviour standards. In other words, they will be subjected to a management harangue. The speed with which the company and the management have orchestrated the return is dictated by two considerations. First, they both know they are sitting on a powder keg of opposition, and want to begin the shutdown of Smeaton Grange as quickly as possible. Secondly, they are making an example of the workers and setting a precedent that will be deployed against other Coles staff, not in the distant future, but in the coming weeks and months. Coles management has indicated that it will rapidly press ahead with a sweeping restructure, aimed at saving $1 billion over five years, of which the Smeaton Grange warehouse closure is one part. The Eastern Creek distribution centre in western Sydney, the Goulburn warehouse in regional New South Wales and two facilities in Brisbane are slated for imminent shutdowns. In other words, the struggle at Smeaton Grange is not the end of the fight, but the beginning. The warnings of the Socialist Equality Party, that anger and opposition are not enough, have been painfully confirmed. It is impossible to defend anything within the straitjacket of the unions, which are corporatised, anti-working class organisations. This poses the need for workers at Coles, Woolworths and throughout the warehousing industry to make a complete break with the UWU and the other unions. Independent rank-and-file committees are required to organise a fight against the closures and in defence of all jobs. This is a political struggle, directed not only against company management, but the corporate elite as a whole, the government, Labor, the unions and the draconian Fair Work industrial legislation that is used to suppress any collective action. To defeat this line-up requires a broader political movement of the working class. A new, socialist perspective is required. Workers cannot defend their jobs and conditions, if they accept the right of Coles to slash costs in order to drive up profits and shareholder returns. Fundamental social rights can be guaranteed only if industry is operated on a different principle, of serving the needs of workers and society. This means placing Coles, Woolworths, the major corporations and the banks under public ownership and democratic workers control. That requires the fight for a workers government and for socialism. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced that his office secured an agreement with Arizona Public Service Company (APS), providing $24 million for approximately 225,000 APS consumers who were not on their most economical rate plan for electric utility service. Throughout my time as Attorney General, I have consistently said businesses large and small need to make sure consumers have adequate information about products and services, said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Todays historic and consequential settlement provides $24 million to more than two hundred thousand Arizonans who may have relied on inadequate information from APS. In August 2017, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) approved APSs new rate plans and a rate increase. As part of the approval, the ACC directed APS to develop a Customer Education and Outreach Program (CEOP). The CEOP was supposed to educate APSs then 1.1 million residential customers about the new rate plans. As part of the CEOP, the company developed an online plan comparison tool that was intended to help customers evaluate and compare the various plan options. The Arizona Attorney Generals Office (AGO) began investigating the implementation of the CEOP in December 2019 after learning of an error that affected the plan comparison tool from February 2019 to November 2019. The AGO also explored whether the information provided to customers through the CEOP was adequate to educate customers about understanding the new rate options. After good-faith negotiations with the AGO, APS agreed to provide $24 million for certain residential customers. Eligible consumers include those who, as of March 2020, were not on their most economical plan and could have saved an estimated $120 or more per year on a different rate plan. Furthermore, the Attorney Generals investigation revealed that additional APS customers may have been affected by a data error that impacted letters recommending the Saver Choice plan as the most economical plan for some customers in late 2017 (the 2017 Letters). In particular, the 2017 Letters included rate recommendations and estimated cost savings that were calculated using an incorrect rate schedule for the Saver Choice plan. Some customers who received the 2017 Letters chose to move to the Saver Choice plan and then did not receive an updated plan recommendation during the rate migration process in 2018. These consumers also will be eligible for restitution under the AGO consent agreement, pending court approval. Consumer Restitution $20.7 million to up to 210,000 consumers who APS estimates were not on their most economical plan as of the March 2020 billing cycle and would have saved $120 or more over the previous 12 months. This group of consumers will receive a per capita payment of at least $98. Up to $3.3 million to approximately 17,500 consumers who may have been affected by the data error in the 2017 Letters. This group of consumers will receive a varying restitution payment based on the extent of the likely effect on the consumer resulting from the data error. Restitution will be provided in the form of checks (or possibly bill credits) and will be made within four months of the courts approval of the consent agreement. APS previously compensated consumers impacted by its rate tool errors. The restitution announced today is separate and in addition to those refunds. Additionally, APS shall pay $200,000 to cover the states cost of the investigation. Furthermore, APS shall pay $550,000 to promote the Attorney General Offices consumer and community outreach awareness and prevention programs. Residential customers with questions about their rate plans should visit aps.com or call APS directly at 602-371-7171 or 800-253-9405. Civil Litigation Division Chief Counsel Joseph Sciarrotta, Jr., Senior Litigation Counsel Rebecca Salisbury, Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Bonham, and Consumer Litigation Unit Chief Matthew du Mee handled this historic and consequential case. With this settlement, the AGO has secured over $200 million in consumer restitution, debt and timeshare fee savings, and event ticket refunds since General Brnovich took office in 2015. This amount far exceeds the restitution secured by the AGO from 2000-2014 combined. The halls were nearly empty and the number of people seated in the waiting area sparse at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to get the Covaxin jab. In stark contrast, a line of makeshift canopies was erected in the backyard of Max Smart Super Specialty hospital in Delhi as senior citizens started pouring in from 9 am as soon as the Co-WIN registrations went live. Many managed to register and others just decided to walk in; till afternoon there were at least 300 beneficiaries that had enrolled for on day one at the hospital. But not all walk-ins got the jab. Ranganath Navalgund, former director of Space Applications Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), landed at the Aster CMI hospital in Bengaluru at 10 am for the Covid-19 jab; two hours later he was turned away, for not registering on the Co-WIN app. I could not select the venue where I wanted to get the on the app and chose to walk in, said a visibly tired sexagenarian. Hours later, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials turned up and informed that they would not be allowing walk-in vaccinations for the first week to avoid overcrowding. There was no dearth of enthusiasm as beneficiaries turned up voluntarily across cities to get the shot on Monday with the country entering the second phase of vaccination with the 60-and-above and 45- plus with comorbidities. At the Covid centre in BKC, Mumbai, long queues greeted beneficiaries, with vaccination for both senior citizens and frontline workers taking place at the same time. There were no separate lines, adding to the inconvenience. As crowds swelled in the afternoon, the wait time increased to 30-60 minutes. But some showed spirit; film director Rahul Rawail, who got vaccinated at the BKC centre, said, "I wanted to take the ASAP. If I had my way, I would have slept outside the vaccination centre last night to be the first recipient. ALSO READ: 128k over 60 yrs get 1st dose of Covid jabs; cumulative doses cross 14.7 mn Whether its the government hospital in Chennai or AMRI Hospitals in South Kolkata, the scene was buzzing with people walking in to get the Covid shot. Pradeep Angre, dean of the Mulund facility, said the turnout was more encouraging in this round. "On most days, we were administering doses to 30-40 healthcare or frontline workers. Today, already over 50 senior citizens have been given the jab and more are waiting." Dilip Jose, MD and CEO of Manipal Hospitals, said the enthusiasm was very high and a lot of people reached out to enquire how they could get registered. At Manipals flagship hospital in Bengaluru, the first dose was administered to a 97-year-old man. The dean at the Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Chennai, said that in the first one hour, over a 100 people had registered. The only dampener was the technical glitches on the Co-WIN app and confusion over walk-in. The response has been huge. Many senior citizens turned up, but not all had registered, and some did not have proper documentation, said Rupak Barua, director and group CEO, AMRI Hospitals. The hospital had been allowed to vaccinate 50 beneficiaries each at its two units including 30 senior citizens and 20 from the age group of 45-59 today. Beneficiaries have an option between pre-booking slots on the app and walk-in registration. However, in Bengaluru, there will be no walk-ins for the first week; in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and West Bengal, walk-in registrations have been allowed. Maharashtra health department along with the Mumbai civic body are holding meetings with hospitals to gauge their infrastructure and willingness. The enrollments will be done accordingly. Even as the upgraded Co-WIN was launched, technical glitches continued and many places got off to a late start. At the BKC Covid centre, officials had to register details regarding allotment before administering doses and were unable to complete the process. While on-spot registrations began after 9 am, actual vaccination began only after 11 am. At Bengaluru, too, vaccination was to start at noon but could not be rolled out before 2pm. At state-run SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, the portal ran into a problem and beneficiaries for the second dose were made to wait. Registration on multiple platforms have been allowed, but that too didn't seem to resolve the problem. "We had already registered through the municipal corporation's website a couple of months ago before the vaccination drive began but no intimation was received on the same, said Nishit Joshi, 39, who was registering his father (65) and mother (62) for the third phase of vaccination. Today, we tried to register on the Aarogya Setu, but till noon there was no option to register. After noon, when the option was visible on the app, we were unable to register as the server got busy," he added. Suneeta Reddy, MD, Apollo Hospitals, said she expected the process to smooth out in 2-3 weeks. Reddy has also asked the government to extend the hours for vaccination from eight to 12-14. 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. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is staring down calls for an inquiry into a womans allegations of rape against one of his cabinet ministers, revealing he spoke to the man last week and received a complete denial of the claims. The womans friends and lawyer demanded the inquiry after Mr Morrison backed the cabinet minister on Monday, amid concern the police will not be able to continue their investigations because the woman took her life last June. Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Morrison declared it would be wrong to ask the minister to step aside on the basis of media reports about the decades-old alleged rape, arguing that all concerned had to leave it to the police and other authorities to investigate. We cant have a situation where the mere making of an allegation, and that being publicised through the media, is grounds for governments to stand people down, Mr Morrison said on Monday. Digital.com, a leading independent review website for small business online tools, products, and services, has announced the best web design firms in Dallas. The top companies were selected based on multiple services, size of the firm, and industry focus. Experts at Digital.com examined companies with additional branding or marketing services that would enable businesses to scale up. Each firm was expected to demonstrate industry expertise in specific areas like manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. The guide also features large and small firms to meet a variety of budgets and service needs. Our experts spent hours reviewing many web design companies in Dallas that can offer a broad range of services and industry expertise, says Josephine Miller, PR Manager of Digital.com. This guide will help businesses narrow their search for top-rated firms. Researchers at Digital.com conducted a 40-hour assessment of over 49 companies across the city. To access the complete list of best web design companies in Dallas, please visit https://digital.com/web-design-companies/dallas/. 15 Best Web Design Companies in Dallas ABOUT DIGITAL.COM Digital.com reviews and compares the best products, services, and software for running or growing a small business website or online shop. The platform collects twitter comments and uses sentiment analysis to score companies and their products. Digital.com was founded in 2015 and formerly known as Review Squirrel. To learn more, visit https://digital.com/. Prime cattle prices have drifted lower over the past month but remain historically high for this time of year with an increase of around 10% compared to 2020, according to Quality Meat Scotland. Prime cattle prices typically drift lower through February and March, although in 2020 they remained stable, said Stuart Ashworth, QMS director of economic services. In contrast, Scottish cull cow prices have firmed seasonally over the past month and stand some 6% higher than a year ago, with a similar pattern has been followed in England and Wales. After picking up in January, prices in the Republic of Ireland have also begun to soften over the past month, with a rising sterling leading to a more significant fall when quoted in pence per kilo," he said. "Like the UK, Ireland is also reporting a tighter supply of prime cattle, with Bord Bia reporting that over the first seven weeks of 2021 prime cattle slaughter numbers fell 12%, with the gap widening progressively each week." However, more generally across Europe, young bull prices have firmed slightly in February and are around 3% higher on the year when quoted in Euro. Prime cattle prices have drifted lower despite fewer prime cattle reaching abattoirs than this time last year. Defra slaughter statistics show the typically weekly prime cattle kill in January 2021 to have been 2% lower than in 2020. "Indications from price reporting abattoirs are that this level of decline has continued through February," Mr Ashworth added. "With carcase weights little changed then the volume of domestic prime beef on the market will have fallen slightly in line with lower slaughter numbers. "Cow slaughter volumes have also decline in January compared to a year ago but cow carcase weights have increased but insufficiently to offset reduced slaughter volumes. For farmgate prices to drift lower while the volume of domestic beef has declined slightly suggests a cooling in the retail market or a switch to cheaper retail cuts and mince. Mr Ashworth said this was often the case at this time of year, reducing the overall value of a carcase. However, he said it should be noted that the retail market made a firm start to the year in January, with Kantar data showing that GB household spending on beef grew at its strongest rate since May. He said this was likely to be providing continuing support to farmgate prices relative to last year. International trade data for January and February is not yet available but it is clear that in coming to terms with Brexit that beef exporters are facing administrative challenges and the volumes exported are reduced as a consequence. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that there was an increase in beef exports during December ahead of Brexit to the highest levels seen for several years which could have allowed lower exports in January as all parties adjusted to the changed trade administrative requirements, Mr Ashworth said. He explained that reduced slaughtering in the UK and Ireland could be a consequence of Covid-19 control measures reducing the capacity of abattoirs to handle cattle and carcases. The Communist Party of China (CPC), the ruling party of the world's most populous nation and the second largest economy, is turning 100 this year. What has been motivating the CPC to fight against one challenge after another over the past century? This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210227005021/en/ "The original aspiration and the mission of Chinese Communists is to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation," General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC Central Committee said in his report to the 19th CPC National Congress in October 2017. "This founding aspiration, this mission, is what inspires the Chinese Communists to advance," Xi said. Self-discipline, selflessness In March 2018, Xi, also the Chinese president, further explained the cause pursued by the CPC with a quote from an ancient poem: "A virtuous person is as sharp-sighted as a clear mirror hanging high, a selfless person is just like a lit candle giving all of its light to others." He made the quotation at a symposium to commemorate the 120th birthday of late Premier Zhou Enlai (1898-1976), who joined the CPC in 1921, the year when the Party was founded. "The lofty character of comrade Zhou Enlai, who selflessly pursued a just cause for the common good throughout his life, vividly reflects the traditional virtue of the Chinese nation and good moral qualities of the Chinese Communists, and will forever earn the respect of future generations," said Xi. The comments "not only aimed to remember the noble character of Zhou who was self-disciplined, upright, honest and selfless, but also to encourage today's Communists to stay true to their original aspirations of the Party and shoulder their responsibilities," said Meng Man, a history professor at Minzu University of China. New challenges, same aspiration The number of the CPC members has exceeded 90 million, and China has become a much stronger nation than 100 years ago and the early decades of the People's Republic of China, but the aspiration of the Chinese Communists remains unchanged. "To meet the people's desire for a happy life is our mission," Xi said when meeting the press after being elected as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in November 2012. Three years later, the communique of the fifth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee underscored a people-centered development philosophy, stressing that China's development must be for the people and by the people, and its fruits shared among the people. The notion was highlighted again in the CPC Central Committee's proposals for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, which called for efforts to promote common prosperity for everyone. China, in recent years, has been striving to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and pursuing more balanced development. The CPC members have played leading roles in a nationwide poverty alleviation campaign to make sure nobody is left behind. Over the past eight years, more than three million public sector officials were sent from cities and towns to villages to fight against poverty on the front lines and over 1,800 people died during the fight, Xi said on Thursday after announcing the country's "complete victory" in eradicating absolute poverty. Putting people's life and health first, China has taken strict measures to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively contained the virus, thanks to people from all walks of life for their efforts and sacrifices, particularly the CPC members. More than 39 million CPC members fought the virus at the front line, and more than 13 million volunteered their services. Nearly 400 CPC members have defended others' lives and safety at the cost of their own. When many parts of the country grappled with severe floods last summer, the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee issued a circular to call on primary-level CPC organizations and members to fully play their role in flood control and relief work, urging them to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. As China embarks on a new journey to fully build a modern socialist country, today's Chinese Communists putting the people's and the nation's interests above those of themselves are gearing up to take on their responsibilities as the older generations did. Original article: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-02-27/What-are-generations-of-Chinese-Communists-striving-for--YdM2IOWzO8/index.html View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210227005021/en/ Police are urgently appealing for more information after a two-day old calf was stolen from a farm in Surrey. The black Dexter calf was stolen from a farm in Staines-Upon-Thames between 5pm on Tuesday 16 February and 9am the following day. The calf was in a field with his mother and other cows, Surrey Police said. No other cows were taken. "The calf is a black Dexter breed of cattle. He was only two days old at the time of the theft," the force said in a statement. "He will only be over a week old now, and is still reliant on his mother." Anyone with information have been told to contact the police on 101, quoting crime reference number PR/ 45210016860. Overall, livestock rustling remains one of the most costly crimes for British farmers after vehicle and machinery theft. Figures show that farm animals worth an estimated 2.3m were stolen from UK farms in 2020, making it one of the most costliest crimes for farmers. Adelaide Festivals opening weekend conjured worlds beyond the mortal realm of coronavirus and international border closures, courtesy of a United States countertenor released from quarantine to reign over impish fairies and an acrobatic troupe and choir who pulsed as one in a spectacle of human possibility. Festival co-director Neil Armfield revived his production of the Benjamin Britten opera A Midsummer Nights Dream, first staged for the Houston Grand Opera in 2009, and the Festival Theatre fizzed with celebration to help its audience forget that COVID-19 travel restrictions had blocked artists from across the African continent, the UK, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Russia, Canada, Spain, Scandinavia, Israel and Lebanon from physically entering Australia. A musical take on Shakespeares greatest comedy by mostly local performers slipped past our existential fears into the entertaining absurdity of fairy queen Tytania (an elegant Rachelle Durkin) falling for a ham actor named Bottom (Warwick Fyfe in a fabulously physical comic turn). The bestial implications of this tryst could not be escaped as troublemaker Puck (an agile Mark Coles Smith) mimed the humping for audience members, who probably wondered if they too had at some point in their lives been enamoured with an ass. Floating in from above was the mellifluous high timbre of San Francisco-based countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen as king of the fairies Oberon, transported from the ceiling in regal feather headdress. With some 70 events, including 10 world premieres and 14 Australian premieres four to be live streamed from overseas the festival had rallied. That said, more Indigenous Australian works would have been ideal (the festival lost a planned Bangarra Dance Theatre touring show during planning because of state border uncertainties). As Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the ball rolling for the third phase of the vaccination, joining the long list of global leaders who have taken the jab, senior citizens started lining up at the hospitals from early morning. Till 1 PM, 1 million citizens had registered on the Co-WIN portal, according to health ministry data. The prime minister visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, to receive the homegrown Covaxin jab by Bharat Biotech. "(It is) remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the fight against Covid-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India Covid free!" he tweeted shortly after. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan announced that he would take the shot tomorrow. With the CoWIN portal opening registration from 9 AM, hospitals in Delhi started the vaccination drive from 12 PM. Government hospitals such as AIIMS saw a low turnout in the afternoon. There seemed to be a larger number of health care workers taking the second dose of the Covaxin shot as compared to the general public till around 2 pm. Halls were empty and the number of people seated in the waiting area sparse in the new OPD block, where the vaccination process was taking place. There was also some delay as many health care workers, who had arrived earlier, waited for their turn in the waiting area outside. Minister of State Jitendra Singh also visited the hospital to receive the jab. At the adjacent Safadarjung Hospital, inoculation of the general public was slated to start at 12 pm. Both the vaccination and testing process were happening within the same building. Delhis Max hospital started receiving both walk-ins and pre-registered beneficiaries from 9 AM. The CoWIN system is only giving forenoon and afternoon slots and no specific time band...This has to be sorted to avoid crowding, Dr Sahar Qureshi, medical superintendent, Max smart super specialty hospital said. Max wasnt the only hospital that faced issues with the portal. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) near Connaught Place, New Delhi, also faced glitches with the display of timing after registration, which is why they were met with a number of walk-in appointments. Most Delhi hospitals kept sessions till 3 PM for pre-registered persons and thereafter for another 90 minutes was reserved for walk-ins. At Max, more than 300 people had already turned up by 2:30 PM. This was in stark contrast to RML, where only 31 people had turned up to receive the jab, according to data available at 2:30 pm. A larger number of people thus meant a longer waiting time. We have to wait for about two hours to get our turn. A token has been given to us and we are waiting to be called, 67-year-old Sneh Bansal, a resident of Shalimar Bagh. New Delhis private Moolchand hospital also saw a massive turnout. The hospital expects to administer over 200 doses of the vaccine on Day 1 of the second phase, according to Dr Madhu Handa, medical director at the hospital. Doctors also complained of Co-WIN slowing down the process of registration as uploading of the data took a long time. Sanjeev Ratan, a Delhi-based professional working in the financial sector, said: I had booked an appointment in the morning but didnt receive any message from the portal, so I walked in at RML and took the jab. Moolchand also faced some glitches because of which the vaccination process was slightly delayed in the morning. One person was being allowed to register up to four beneficiaries. Several people reported issues such as non-delivery of the one-time password, cancellation of appointments even as the health ministry clarified that Co-WIN is not an app for the general public but has to be accessed through the website www.cowin.gov.in or other platforms such as Arogya Setu. Several clinics and labs which were listed as vaccination centres by the government were not providing any jabs. Two such facilities in south Delhi saw patients turning up in the morning enquiring about the vaccine. We are trying to clarify with the government that we are not a Covid vaccination centre, a staff at one of the eye clinics in south Delhi said. Saudi Arabia vies to become hydrogen exporter Oil-rich country pursues clean energy production (ANSAmed) - NAPLES, MARCH 1 - Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, plans to sell green hydrogen to Europe, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman was quoted as saying by the newspaper The National. The project will move forward "if the economics allow it", the prince was quoted as saying. The statement was issued while an international forum on energy was ongoing in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has ambitions to become an exporter of hydrogen as it adjusts to a market that is shifting to clean fuel sources. Last year, a consortium formed by gas companies and Acna Power, a clean energy company in Saudi Arabia, signed a project worth five million dollars to produce hydrogen by using solar and wind energy. Hydrogen has become a popular fuel in Gulf countries eyeing alternatives to oil, in particular blue hydrogen, which comes from gas and green hydrogen from renewable sources. Hydrogen can cut gas emissions by 34%. The ministry is now aiming to transform Saudi Arabia into a "new Germany", according to a recent quote, planning to generate 50% of its power from clean sources, starting with solar energy to which Saudi Arabia will dedicate new power stations in the coming months. (ANSAmed). A convicted Nigerian fraudster has been allowed to stay in the UK after claiming less than 24 hours before deportation that he was bisexual. The unnamed crook was jailed for five and half years in 2015 before the Home Office began the deportation process the following year. He made various human rights claims, which were rejected by a judge, but further delaying the process by launching an appeal. The criminal made two judicial review applications that were also eventually rejected but in January 2019 he claimed that he was bisexual and could not live openly in Nigeria despite having never mentioned it during the lengthy court appeals. The Home Office claimed that this was a lie but an immigration judge granted him asylum, according to The Sun. The unnamed crook was jailed for five and half years in 2015 before the Home Office (pictured) began the deportation process the following year The fraudster, who arrived arrived as a student in 2006, claimed that his sexuality had caused him to suffer adverse treatment at university as well as in prison. He argued that he had not told authorities about his sexuality before because he had only felt able to disclose his sexual orientation following discussions with detainees and a welfare officer. Tory MP Nigel Mills has since told the publication: 'It's the most ridiculous case I have ever heard. 'Every convicted criminal will be trying this now.' In October last year, Priti Patel vowed to stop people 'taking our country for a ride' by overhauling the 'broken' asylum system and cracking down on migrant crossings. The Home Secretary pledged the 'biggest overhaul in decades' as she warned that the current arrangements are not 'firm or fair'. In her keynote speech to Tory conference, Ms Patel said that toughening enforcement and preventing abuse of the rules was the best way to 'protect the vulnerable'. In October last year, Priti Patel (pictured) vowed to stop people 'taking our country for a ride' by overhauling the 'broken' asylum system and cracking down on migrant crossings The Cabinet minister also lashed out at Labour MPs who had berated her over her strong stance on law and order issues, saying she would not change tack just because she did not 'conform' to their idea of the views ethnic minorities should hold. Ms Patel told the conference, which was being held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, that 'do gooders and lefty lawyers and the Labour Party' had to stop 'defending the indefensible' on asylum system. 'We will protect those most in need and put the rights of those who respect the rules above those who take our country for a ride,' she said. Mr Mills added that he is in support of Ms Patel's plans to overhaul the system. Boris Johnson is once again facing questions over the UK's international border restrictions after COVID cases involving the Brazilian variant were identified. (Christopher Furlong/pool/AFP via Getty Images) A senior Labour MP has questioned why the government has been so slow to act after the first case of coronavirus involving the Brazilian variant was identified in the UK. Yvette Cooper, chair of the House of Commons home affairs committee, subjected Boris Johnson to intense questioning about the matter on 13 January, almost seven weeks ago. Following the emergence of the Brazilian variant in the UK, Cooper re-posted this exchange with the prime minister when he appeared before the liaison committee on that day. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. On Sunday, Public Health England said it had identified six UK cases of the potentially more transmissible P1 variant, which was first detected in the Brazilian city of Manaus: three in England and three in Scotland. This has led to accusations that stricter and quicker restrictions should have been imposed on international arrivals. On 15 January, two days after the exchange between Cooper and Johnson, the government added Brazil to its so-called red list banning travel from the country, though British and Irish nationals were exempt. Watch: Boris Johnson says 'massive effort' ongoing to contain spread of new variants Upon entry from Brazil, they had to self-isolate for 10 days though there was nothing stopping arrivals getting on public transport as they made their way home, for instance. The rules were eventually toughened on 15 February, meaning any British or Irish national who had been in a red list country such as Brazil in the past 10 days had to isolate in a government-controlled quarantine hotel. With Johnson under pressure following the detection of the variant, he once again repeated his claim that the UK has one of the toughest border regimes anywhere in the world. Asked if the government was too slow to implement quarantine hotel measures, the PM also said: I dont think so, we moved as fast as we could to get that going." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the discovery of the Brazilian variant in the UK shows the government had not secured our borders in the way we should have done. Story continues Last week, Johnson announced his intention for England's lockdown to be lifted on 21 June, but Prof Graham Medley of Sage warned that new variants have the potential to set the road map "backwards". Read more: European country shielded from worst of COVID declares emergency after outbreak of UK variant Dont wreck this now: Two reasons to hang on and stick to COVID rules, according to Jonathan Van-Tam He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Monday: It is a variant of concern but we are going to be faced with these in the next six months as we move towards relaxing measures. There are going to be challenges on the way. "And there is always a risk that we might have to go backwards, and thats what nobody wants to do is to actually open up and then have to close down again." Watch: How England will leave lockdown Will you marry her? SC asks govt employee accused of rape India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Mar 01: The Supreme Court on Monday asked a government employee seeking protection from arrest whether he would marry the woman who accused him of raping her. If you want to marry, we can help you. If not, you lose your job and go to jail. You seduced the girl and raped her, Chief Justice of India, S A Bobde said. The court was hearing a bail plea filed by a Mohit Chavan, an employees of the Maharashtra State Electric Production Company. He was accused of raping a school girl and faces charges under POSCO. The petitioner told the court that his mother had offered marriage when the girl went to the police, but she refused. Following this a document was drawn up to say that the marriage would take place when she turns 18. When she did agree, the man refused to marry her, following which she filed complaint, according to Chavan's petition. We are not forcing you to marry. Let us know if you will. Otherwise you will say we are forcing you to marry her," the CJI said. Chavan told the SC that he initially wanted to marry her. But she refused. Now I cannot as I am already married, he said. "I am a government servant and if I am arrested I will be suspended automatically," he said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News "That's why we have given you this indulgence. We will stay the arrest for four weeks. Then you apply for regular bail," the CJI said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 15:00 [IST] Pennsylvania is trailing most other states when it comes to giving the COVID-19 vaccines to senior citizens, a PennLive analysis has found. Pennsylvania has reached 28.2% of residents 65 and older with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to PennLives analysis. That puts it behind about 30 other states which provide similar data; some states dont offer detailed breakdowns on vaccinations of seniors. When including Philadelphia, which runs its own vaccination program, about 27% of Pennsylvania seniors have received at least one dose. The data and rankings are as of late last week. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, which is in charge of vaccine distribution in the states 66 counties other than Philadelphia County, didnt dispute PennLives numbers. However, the department declined to address PennLives assessment of Pennsylvanias rank, or the fact that states including Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina have vaccinated nearly half their residents 65 and older. Maggi Barton, a health department spokeswoman, said the state is laser-focused on vaccinating health care workers and seniors, but has been greatly limited by the supply of vaccine, which comes from the federal government. She noted Pennsylvania has about 4 million people presently eligible for vaccine, including about 2.1 million non-Philadelphia seniors, which the department is responsible for vaccinating. It will take at least 8 million doses to fully vaccinate all of them. Through the end of this week, Pennsylvania will have received only 3.1 million doses, Barton said in an email. Moreover, Barton pointed out that of the approximately 1.53 million Pennsylvanians who had received vaccines as of late last week, about 40% are 65 or older. She further noted that while Pennsylvania received its first vaccine shipment on Dec. 14, it wasnt until Jan. 19 that vaccination was opened up to everyone 65 and older. Adam Marles, CEO of LeadingAge PA, which represents non-profit long-term care providers, said PennLives analysis seems to support his view that Pennsylvanias vaccine rollout could have been more efficient and effective if there was a more comprehensive plan. In many ways, it still seems today like there is no plan. Marles isnt entirely critical of Pennsylvanias effort. He credits the state with catching up after a slow start vaccinating nursing home residents, and with improvement in vaccinating residents of assisted living and personal care facilities. However, Marles contends Pennsylvania lacks a sufficient plan for vaccinating seniors who live in independent living and government-subsidized facilities. He said some of those facilities house hundreds of seniors and are located on long-term care campuses where others are being vaccinated. All told, about 100,000 people live in such facilities, creating a golden opportunity to reach many people at once, according to Marles. He said reaching those facilities would have the added benefit of sparing seniors from spending hours on the phone or online trying to find doses and traveling long distances to get vaccinated. To me, thats low-hanging fruit. Lets take care of that, then devote the resources to dealing with the more difficult, spread out areas, he said. Bill Johnston-Walsh, the director of AARP Pennsylvania, agrees with the health department that the limited supply of vaccine is a major barrier. He said hes not sure what Pennsylvania could do to increase the percentage of seniors vaccinated so far. His major complaint involves the lack of more centralized appointment scheduling. As it stands, older Pennsylvanians are vying for vaccine in a process AARP members have likened to the the wild west, a crap shoot and hunger games. Marles for weeks has said the state isnt sufficiently involving organizations such as LeadingAge and AARP in planning. Gov. Tom Wolf and health department officials have said they welcome input and collaboration. But Marles said he has received no response to a proposal to create a task force that would basically not leave the room until we have a plan. This is not political. This is not about finger-pointing. This is about people serving older adults and making sure they can be as safe as they can be as quickly as can be, he said. More from PennLive Third US vaccine could raise question: Which shots are best? A human rights group says it has found evidence showing Vietnamese human rights activists are being attacked online by hackers. Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization that supports human rights around the world. The organization said the attacks are from Ocean Lotus, a group that targets individuals, governments and companies across Southeast Asia. The group is suspected of having ties to Vietnam's Communist government. Amnesty Techs Security Lab reported on its findings Wednesday. It said it found evidence of hackers trying to steal information from two activists: one in the Philippines and another one in Germany. Bui Thanh Hieu is a blogger and pro-democracy activist. He was targeted with spyware at least four times. Computer programs that permit hackers to secretly steal a persons information are known as spyware. In 2013, Hieu left Vietnam for Germany. The second blogger was not named over safety concerns. That person was targeted three times last year. Vietnam is a single-party country ruled by the Communist Party. The government heavily restricts freedom of speech. Individuals who speak out against the government can face punishment. The Vietnamese Overseas Initiative for Conscience Empowerment is a non-profit organization based in the Philippines. It was targeted by hackers in April 2020, Amnesty reported. Former employees and volunteers were harassed, prevented from traveling and had their passports taken away from them when they returned to Vietnam. Amnesty also said it found that Ocean Lotus created emails meant to trick people into opening files in an effort to hack information. In addition, the rights group added: More recently, Ocean Lotus was found to have created fake online media websites based on content taken from official news websites. The internet security company Volexity found that Ocean Lotus is Vietnam-based. It has been linked to attack campaigns on the media, human rights groups and some Asian countries since 2013. Amnesty has urged the Vietnamese government to investigate these claims. Im Armen Kassabian. Armen Kassabian adapted this Associated Press story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story hackers n. a person who secretly gets access to a computer system in order to get information, cause damage, spyware n. computer software that secretly records information about the way you use your computer harassed v. to annoy or bother (someone) in a constant or repeated way fake adj. meant to look real but not real or genuine; false What do you think about hacking? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Click the image above to view slideshow The purpose-built clinic will act as a regional veterinary hub as the local population grows. Six years of planning and investment come to fruition this month with the opening of Warkworth Vets new 465 square metre veterinary hospital in Hudson Road. The state-of-the-art clinic is at least twice the size of the old Neville Street premises, with four consulting rooms, two theatres, four anaesthetic and prep areas, large recovery rooms, a digital imagery area, dental suite, laboratory, pharmacy and isolation room. There are also observation areas and viewing panels for better monitoring of recovering animals. Outside, there are pens for sheep, goats and alpacas, plus a fenced off dog walking area and a large car park. Partner Jon Makin says designing the purpose-built clinic has been a massive project, but they are confident they now have the ideal premises for their growing customer base. This will be the best facility of its type north of the Waikato, he says. We have put a lot of thought and resources into making this very special. We think its right up there so far as quality and the ability to provide the very best care for animals. He says the increased floorspace area will allow the vets to treat more animals simultaneously and cut down waiting times for treatment. They will also be able to carry out more complex procedures and work more in conjunction with specialists, instead of having to refer some cases. We envisage this building as a central hub for vet care in the region, Jon says. Weve already got a surgeon who uses our facility, and we can see other specialists doing that as well. We really like the idea of this being a meeting point for specialists, so people dont have to go down to Auckland. A lot of thought has been put into the layout and flow of the clinic, such as incorporating space for future installation of MRI and CT scanners, and one of the consulting rooms having a separate entrance, so that if an animal needs to be euthanised, its owners can arrive and leave with privacy. The whole thing that motivates us is providing the best care and best service to our pets, he says. We really do feel strongly that we always show up every single day to provide the best service we can. Having this purpose-built facility will improve the quality, morale and care we can give to peoples animals. The building itself is a fully air-conditioned kitset timber building, with a bank of solar panels producing the bulk of its power. Outside, there are three retention tanks to mitigate the flow of stormwater, native planting along the front of the site and giant pawprints painted on the tin roof that are visible from nearby State Highway 1. Partner vet Roger Dunn says the investment in a large-scale facility simply had to be done, with Warkworth growing so quickly. Everywhere you look round here theres something being built. Its going to be a different place in 10 years and we have to go with that, he says. We selected this site with great care we were looking for a long time and we feel very lucky to have found this. It is definitely the best site we looked at. Warkworth Vets provides a 24-hour, seven-day service and all its vets are locals. The clinic is also independently owned, something that is increasingly rare in Auckland, Jon Makin says. Most are corporately owned now, in a lot of instances by Australian corporates buying up NZ vets, he says. We want to remain as we are. Being locally owned and being run by private owners, Im sure it improves the quality of service. Were motivated to do whats right, rather than just whats profitable. Artistic animal and bird cut-outs decorate the grounds and consulting room doors. Thanks to those who made it happen Its takes a lot of people to create a state-of-the-art vet hospital, and Warkworth Vets are grateful to the mostly local experts who have turned their dream into reality. Thanks go to McKergow Builders Gus McKergow, Richard Mason, Irwin Webber, Sean OSullivan, Darryl Hutchison and Will Green; Jason Wech and staff at J G Wech; Mike Mills and the lads at Mike Mills Painters; all the crew at Davco; Chris Drinnan Contractors; Mason Contractors; Atlas Concrete; ITM Matakana; Andy and Paula Tomkins and staff at Vacuum One & Ventilation One; Customkit Buildings; Flooring Xtra; Hawthorne Geddes; Warkworth Glass; SVS; Provet; Boeringher; Ethical Agents and Zoetis. Senior vets Roger and Jon said they wanted to give special thanks to Richard Mason. He has impressed us all with his work ethic and willingness to come up with innovative solutions to the unique building problems our clinic has presented, they said. And we, being two of the building owners, would like to give special thanks to the third building owner for his expertise in managing this project. Thank you so much, Dave Cash. From left, partners Jon Makin, Danny Cash and Roger Dunn lead the team. Variety is the spice of life for vets What started as a single vet practice has grown into two surgeries, in Warkworth and Wellsford, with eight veterinarians, eight vet nurses and two all-rounders managing reception, stock and accounts. Practice director Dr Roger Dunn is the longest serving team member, having joined Warkworth Vets in 1984. He lives with his wife on a lifestyle block, along with some heifers, a cat, dog, chickens and, occasionally, two grown-up children. I enjoy the personalities of the animals mostly and interacting with their owners and our lovely staff, he says. I enjoy building up the technical skills and knowledge to best help our patients. Partner Dr Jon Makin spent nine years as an equine vet in the UK before settling in Warkworth in 2004. Hes an avid pest trapper and loves fine detail surgery and the variety of the job. Theres never a dull moment. Just when you think youve seen it all, you see something new. I was recently called to examine an ostrich which had caught fire from standing too close to a barbeque. That was a first. Third partner Dr Danny Cash also loves the variety. He is a Warkworth local, but had a stint as a network engineer for IBM in Sydney and Spark in New Zealand before he followed his veterinary calling. You never get bored, he says. You get to be a surgeon, dentist, medical specialist and farm animal wrestler all in the same day. Saving a life is also always a good buzz. Dr Jackie Niccolls joined in 1992 and has worked full-time, part-time and as a locum since then, while also bringing up four children, working on the family sheep and beef farm, playing clarinet in two local bands and teaching woodwind at Warkworth Primary. She loves working out what is causing a problem with each animal and then solving it, though is far less keen on giving enemas to constipated dogs. Along similar lines, Dr Chelsea Gill, who joined as a new graduate from Massey University in 2017, enjoys interesting cases and the challenge of diagnosis, but says the worst part of the job is dealing with canine anal glands. They dont tell you about that before you sign up, she says. Dr Justine Miller operates mainly out of the Coast to Coast Vets branch in Wellsford but on Fridays she works from Warkworth. Along with all the modern facilities, Justine is particularly looking forward to the air conditioning at the new hospital. The two most recent additions to the vet team are Dr Samantha Eaton, who joined the practice as a new graduate from Massey University at the end of 2019, and Dr Neil Warnock, who graduated from the University of Edinburgh vet school in 2012 and moved to Warkworth from Wellsford Vets last year. Adding vital surgery support to the vets are nurses Alice Murray, Nicola Dewar, Abbie Green, Nicola Brady, Georgia Robson, Emma Clarke, Kim Voss and Gayle Draycott. Keeping the entire practice running smoothly, solvent and well-stocked at the front of house are Becky George and Carmel Colville. A youthful Jackie Niccolls and Roger Dunn wrestle with an avian issue back in the 1990s. Seventy years in the making Warkworth Vets started life in the 1950s as the Warkworth District Veterinary Club, with just one veterinarian operating out of Kauri House in Neville Street, the current home of Blues BBQ and The Jeweller. In those days, it was a dairy cow-based practice and the vet lived next door. That situation continued until 1982, when the then two-vet mixed animal practice moved to a new clinic built on to the front of the old vets house. In 1984, lead vet Dr Bas Schouten was joined by then recent graduate and now senior partner Dr Roger Dunn. In 1988, Bas and Roger followed the trend for vet clubs at the time by privatising the practice to form Warkworth Vets. Roger Dunn says the practice has since seen steady growth, with a branch clinic at Wellsford being added in 2007, and two more partners Jon Makin, who joined in 2004, and Danny Cash, a local who joined as a graduate in 2012. Recent years have seen a dramatic improvement of technology and services offered, including high quality digital X-ray, ultrasonography, in-house laboratory services and complex surgical procedures, he says. The range of animals treated has expanded dramatically, too, with a team of eight vets and 12 other staff now dealing with everything from mice and fish up to farm animals and horses, plus the odd exotic animal, such as ostriches, zebra and giraffes from Gibbs Farm and reptiles from Ti Point Reptile Park. Straight from the surgeons mouth top vet tips Select your pet carefully; some require much more time, effort and cost than others. Seek help early, even if only for advice. The number of times we have said, If only you had come in earlier Pet health insurance is very helpful towards achieving a good outcome when things go wrong. If buying a pedigree animal, do your research on health problems associated with the breed. If possible, get your cat used to being locked inside at night to reduce predation on native birds. When you book a call, mention everything you want done. The old while youre here all too often throws a vets day way behind schedule. You cant go wrong with a Labrador. Built on cutting-edge, secure, scalable cloud infrastructure, Logically Intelligence brings together Logically's capabilities in at-scale analysis, classification and detection of damaging narratives and online threats. It also provides access to a suite of countermeasures to tackle identified threats, including automated fact checking and OSINT research, meaning it is one of the only platforms to integrate both analytical capabilities and countermeasure deployment to tackle misinformation. Countries around the world are starting to experience the real harms posed by misinformation, from doubt over election results, low uptake of the Covid vaccine or violent protests. Logically Intelligence is designed for use by government and public sector bodies who need to closely monitor the online media landscape for the spread of damaging narratives, and have the ability to intervene early in order to protect democratic processes and public safety. Lyric Jain, CEO of Logically, said: "Since 2016 we have seen the phenomenon of mis- and disinformation firmly take root, evolve and proliferate, and increasingly cause real world harm. As the dissemination of misinformation becomes more complex and dynamic, the methods that governments across the world use to tackle it require an equally sophisticated response. Logically Intelligence incorporates our years of expertise in this area, and we feel our technology is best placed to solve the challenges specific to this problem." Logically has made significant advances in AI, machine learning and natural language processing, resulting in a powerful tool which can ingest and analyse data from over one million publicly available media sources and social media platforms. The company's advanced AI capabilities carry out a three-pronged analysis of data, including network, content and metadata, to extract actionable insights. Logically Intelligence's machine learning pipelines assess everything from source and content credibility, post veracity, and the identification of propaganda and the corresponding mechanisms for the dissemination of damaging narratives. It also applies advanced NLP to detect and analyse clusters of threats and emerging narratives, and can identify which demographics or groups the narrative is targeting. All these enable extraction of powerful insights to understand disinformation campaigns, their social engagement levels and potential harmful impacts. Logically's system provides both sophisticated technology that monitors, identifies and tracks content at scale and highly trained human fact checkers and investigators who provide nuanced analysis, detailed investigations into campaign origins, and the capacity to flag issues before they become widespread. Logically Intelligence was tested in beta format last year with government agencies and bodies in the U.S. and other regions. For a battleground U.S. state in the 2020 election, Logically Intelligence ingested millions of individual pieces of content, further identifying and analysing 40,000 threats to election integrity and public safety for review and countermeasures. About Logically Founded in 2017 by MIT and Cambridge alum Lyric Jain, Logically combines advanced AI with one of the world's largest dedicated fact-checking teams to help governments, businesses and the public uncover and address harmful misinformation and deliberate disinformation that is increasingly spread across the world. The company's mission is to enhance civic discourse, protect democratic debate and process, and provide access to trustworthy information.The company has offices in the U.K. and India, and is opening an office in the U.S. For more information, please visit Logically . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1445226/Overview_with_match__1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222517/Logically_Logo.jpg Related Links https://www.logically.ai/ SOURCE Logically Bank of Ireland is to axe three branches in Laois as part of plans to shut 103 branches on the island of Ireland. Details of the branches to close were announced after staff were informed of the decisions this morning Monday, March 1. The three branches in Laois that will close are Durrow, Mountrath and Rathdowney. It leaves Laois with just four branches, in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix. Rathdowney still has an AIB branch while all three towns have Post Offices and credit unions that operate under the St Canice's credit union in Kilkenny. No closures are expected to happen before September. In all 88 branches will close in the republic, 15 in Northern Ireland. Bank of Ireland states that a new partnership with An Post will provide banking services locally at post offices. It comes after Ulster Bank announced last week that it is withdrawing from the Irish market. Its Portlaoise branch will close with possible job losses. Read more here. Bank of Ireland says that the changes are in response to 'significant trends in how people are banking'. Bank of Ireland is closing a number of branches nationwide and footfall at the closing branches is down on average by 60% since 2017, while digital usage has increased by one third. Bank of Ireland said it had agreed a new partnership with An Post which will offer its customers services at more than 900 locations across Ireland. This will include over the counter cash and cheque lodgements and cash withdrawals, with longer weekday opening hours than traditional bank branches as well as Saturday opening. It said the closing Bank of Ireland branches all have a post office within, on average, less than 500 metres. Bank of Ireland said there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result of today's decision to close branches nationwide. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Polish-Canadian community in decline By Mark Wegierski Although, according to the statistics of the 2016 Canada Census, there are over a million persons of Polish descent in Canada, that group has a comparatively minor impact on Canadian society, politics, and culture, especially today. Canadian Polonia (the Polish-Canadian community) seems to have a perennial misapprehension of what constitutes objective cultural influence and power in today's Canada. Indeed, some representatives of Canadian Polonia have a rather curious definition of what "culture" and "cultural activities" actually consist of. The Polish community in Canada seems to have a larger number of prominent artists (such as sculptors, painters, and so forth), than writers. Sculpture and painting often seem to offer far less scope for making a strong social impact, than writing. Some types of writing (such as opinion journalism) have almost immediate social and political effects. There are currently no opinion-columnists on staff in any of the major Toronto newspapers (Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, or Toronto Sun), who could be identified as belonging to the Polish-Canadian community, nor do any such opinion-columnists in any major newspaper in the country come to mind. There are also very few authors of books by recognized publishers. It could be argued that objective cultural influence and power does not mainly emphasize such phenomena as art exhibits, dramatic shows, symphony concerts, and poetry recitals. Rather, it means at its most expansive definition -- the extensive participation of community-minded activists in well-funded, well-supported structures across the various institutions of Canadian society, such as the mass-media, the state bureaucracies, the education system (especially at the university level), and so forth. It also means the extensive funneling of government and major corporate philanthropic support to various facets of the community's activities. What can one say when even the post of the President of the Canadian Polish Congress is a volunteer position. One can see over the decades the perennial inability to create a serious Polish-Canadian political and cultural "lobby" -- although Polonia organizations and individuals have been talking about such a goal for many years. There is a chronic lack of funding, either from within the community, or from various levels of government despite the fact that some reasonable expectations for the latter have been created as a result of the officially-proclaimed governmental multiculturalism policies. There is the inability to convince wealthier members of the community to substantially support community endeavours, especially in regard what could be called objectively culturally-empowering initiatives such as, for example, the proposed Polish-Canadian Defence Fund. In such a heavily media-saturated society, the ongoing monitoring of various Canadian media and launching a coordinated response when necessary, cannot be entrusted solely to volunteer effort. There are, currently, only a few M.P.s who could be identified as emphatically belonging to the Polish-Canadian community, in the Canadian Federal Parliament. Among the most prominent is Calgary-area Conservative M.P. Tom Kmiec. Also, in the Ontario Parliament there were two dynamic women elected as Progressive Conservative M.P.P.s in 2018 Kinga Surma (Etobicoke-Centre) and Natalia Kusendova (Mississauga-Centre). In 2011-2015, there were two emphatically Polish-Canadian M.P.s from the Conservative Party, Wladyslaw Lizon and Ted Opitz. During the 1970s, Stanley Haidasz represented the Parkdale-High Park riding (then the Toronto-area riding with the highest proportion of persons of Polish descent) as a Liberal, being named as Minister of State for Multiculturalism. His successor in the riding was the Liberal, Jesse Flis. Because of the prominence of Haidasz and Flis, the Polish-Canadians tended to support the federal Liberal Party in earlier decades. The coming to power of a new Conservative government in Ottawa in 2006 had somewhat ironically resulted in substantial movement on some difficult issues (such as the lifting of visa requirements for Polish citizens visiting Canada, and a pension plans agreement between Canada and Poland) that had been log-jammed for years under previous administrations. Also, there has occurred the restoration of recognition of veteran status for Polish armed forces veterans who had served with the Allies during World War II a status that had spitefully been withdrawn in 1995 by the Chretien government. The Polish armed forces veterans who came to Canada in the aftermath of World War II, had constituted one of the largest Polish immigrant waves to Canada. The recent developments in Canadian politics could suggest that it would be helpful if people paid less attention to old, mostly unrequited political affections, but rather created the conditions for a situation where all the major parties are going to be seriously courting the community. Polish immigrants and their offspring often do quite well materially in Canada mostly through dint of sheer hard work and abstemious living. However, they usually have an emphasis on individual or family advancement, with a downplaying of community efforts. Because of the legacy of Communism, many Poles from the later immigrant waves associate community work with a distasteful "social activism" -- which the Communist regime in Poland had apparently always been trying to force people into. Despite often great, outstanding accomplishments by individuals of Polish descent in Canada, the community is usually not strengthened. Although the Polish-Canadian community (called Canadian Polonia by Polish-Canadians) is sometimes spoken of as a unity, it is in fact divided into numerous groups and subgroupings, depending mostly on the time of arrival in Canada. Obviously, waves of immigrants have come from much different Polish societies, and have arrived in much different Canadian societies. There have also been minorities among the immigrants whose relations to the Polish-Canadian community have greatly varied, notably Polish Jews. While one of the most stalwart Polish-Canadians was the sociological scholar Benedykt Heydenkorn, author of numerous worthwhile books about the Polish-Canadian community, others had highly negative feelings towards Poland. The main waves of Polish immigration to Canada could be identified as pre-World War I; interwar; post-World War II; 1956-1979; Solidarity era; and post-1989. Before World War I, Poland had endured Partition (harsh foreign occupation under Tsarist Russia, Prussia/Germany, and the Habsburg Empire) since 1795. Independence was regained only in 1918. The Polish Second Republic fell before the savage onslaught of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union (then Hitlers ally) in September 1939 (when World War II began). It is today relatively little-known outside of Poland that a combined total of about five million Christian Poles perished under the genocidal occupation policies carried out by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union (the latter occurring especially during 1939-1941, when Stalin was Hitlers ally). Betrayed by America and Britain at the Yalta Conference, Poland was assigned to the Soviet sphere of influence (to be officially called the Peoples Republic of Poland) -- along with the wrenching displacement of her frontiers in a westward direction. Stalin and his henchmen imposed hard-line Communism on Poland, rejecting the possibility of permitting considerable internal autonomy, which happened (for example) in the case in Finland. In consequence of the death of Stalin in 1953, the coming to power of Wladyslaw Gomulka in October 1956 essentially polonized the regime and moved it away from the harsh, grinding totalitarianism of the Stalin era. The disturbances of 1968-1970 brought Edward Gierek to power, whose economic policies initiated a short period of considerable prosperity. Nevertheless, the election of the Polish Pope in 1978 galvanized opposition to the Communist regime, culminating in the flowering of the independent trade-union movement, Solidarity. On December 13, 1981, Communist General Jaruzelski declared martial law and attempted to crush the Solidarity movement, which went underground. Finally, the impetus of Solidarity was one of the factors that helped to initiate the massive transformations that resulted in the collapse of the Communist regimes in Eastern Europe in 1989. The Polish Third Republic was proclaimed. The main socio-cultural and political eras in the far, far more placid Canadian history occurring in roughly the same time-frame could be identified (for example) as pre-1867; Confederation to 1965; 1965-1982; 1982-1993; 1993-2006; 2006-2015, and post-2015. These correspond to the adoption of the new flag, and the beginning of the waning of traditional Canada (1965); the arrival of the new Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982); the Mulroney era (to 1993); the Chretien (and Martin) era (to 2006); and the Harper era (2006-2015). As of the 2015 Canadian federal election, the Harper era has come to a close, and the Justin Trudeau era has begun. The arrival of Polish-Canadians increased the intra-European diversity of Canada. It could be argued that the initial definition of multiculturalism in Canada was mostly meant to refer to other European groups, apart from the English and French, especially Eastern and Southern Europeans. That definition has been mostly eclipsed since the 1980s, with the arrival of huge visible minority immigration. Although everyone among the various groupings and subgroupings of the Polish-Canadian community may be of Polish descent -- they in fact have distinctly different self-definitions and cultural preoccupations. Coming from much different Polish societies, and arriving in much different Canadian societies, fundamentally changes the self-definitions and cultural preoccupations of persons, even if they are said to belong to the same ethnic group. Poles in Canada have mostly failed to establish a line of generational continuity. Thus, while young people continue to arrive from Poland, the young people of the generations born in Canada, are almost invariably lost to Polishness. There does not seem to be a strongly-active and more intellectual forum or setting or context where a dynamic, intermediary, somewhat enduring, emphatically Polish as well as Canadian identity can get underway and be worked out. For those young persons who have maintained extensive ties to Polishness, there has frequently occurred a high degree of cognitive dissonance. On the one hand, they had mostly accepted the enculturation by their Polish parents, viewing Polishness as a very large element of their lives, yet at the same time, they had very great difficulties with ever finding a recognition of the importance of Polishness in the society at large. Thus, their inner map or picture or understanding of the world was set on a path of fundamental tension with the prevailing societal environment. Those few young people who clung to extensive elements of Polishness were likely to have found the dissonance rather difficult to bear. And they had virtually no groups of peers within the Polish-Canadian community to interact with, or find a degree of comfort or reassurance with. What seems to be the invariable destiny for virtually all persons of Polish descent in Canada, is to melt and meld into the rather bland category of the so-called mainstream. And it could be argued that the so-called mainstream is not a particularly exciting place to be today. In Canada, unlike in the U.S., multiculturalism policies especially in the 1970s did give considerable attention to so-called white ethnics. The increasing diversification of Canada has meant that Polish-Canadians are seen as less and less important. Most Polish-Canadians are astounded at the pace of the demographic transformation of Canada. They remember a time when they were considered as too ethnic but now, they are seen as not ethnic enough. The prevalent, current-day mood of postmodernism and multiculturalism in Canada should in theory encourage the construction of various, strongly-felt intermediary identities one among which could be the Polish-Canadian. However, this does not appear to be happening, as far as the creation of a more collectively-felt and lasting identity for those persons. It would be in the interest of the Polish-Canadian community to see limits on current-day immigration over 80 percent of which consists of visible minorities -- since Polish-Canadians are becoming regarded as less and less important under the newer forms of multiculturalism. There is also the fact that the immigration numbers are now so huge, resulting in very rapid and massive demographic shifts. It would also be in their interest to cultivate a distinct Polish-Canadian identity, which would allow them to resist the various blandishments of the current-day North American pop-culture and consumer society. It may be noted that in Poland today, there is a salutary resistance to alien immigration, and most of the country remains proudly patriotic. Also, there is pronounced resistance to political correctness for example, proposed fines for U.S. tech giants that attempt to limit freedom of speech where it is legal in Poland. Having passed through decades of Communism, many Poles have become natural conservatives and lovers of real freedom. These attitudes definitely extend to the Polish diaspora in Canada. Canada and Poland could, therefore, be seen as polar opposites within the broader Western world. Mark Wegierski is a Toronto-based writer and historical researcher. He was born in Toronto of Polish immigrant parents. Home By Makiko Yamazaki and Maki Shiraki TOKYO (Reuters) - When Japan's Honda Motor Co Ltd stopped using Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Ltd as its stock transfer agent last year, the lender slapped it with a roughly $4 million termination fee, according to two people familiar with the matter. The break fee - 2,000 yen ($19) per shareholder - is a little-known practice among Japan's biggest trust banks when they lose a client in the shareholder record-keeping business, multiple insiders say. The bank that takes the new client typically pays the fee. Insiders say this arrangement keeps a profitable business in the hands of a few big trust banks because newcomers balk at the cost. One departing client was told the charge was an "industry custom". Japan's three largest trust banks, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp and Mizuho Trust & Banking Co Ltd, control at least 97% of the market, according to an internal bank document. Details of the fees, including the amount and the expectation that the new bank pay, as well as Honda's experience, are reported here for the first time. Some executives at listed companies privately express frustration over the practice, which they say illustrates banks' abuse of their considerable power in corporate Japan. It's not clear why banks' break fee amounts are identical. The fees varied until the late 1990s, when weakened lenders were consolidating, one of the people familiar with the matter said. "It's not right to charge 2,000 yen for doing nothing. Any way you look at it, it's a barrier to entry and in violation of anti-trust laws," said one executive at a major manufacturer. He and other sources declined to be identified because the information isn't public. Transfer agents keep records of a company's shareholders, process dividend payments and count votes at annual general meetings. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust shouldered Honda's fee when it took over records of the automaker's roughly 210,000 shareholders, according to the two people familiar with the matter. Story continues Honda said it couldn't comment on the content of contracts. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Mizuho Trust said they charge administrative fees when a client leaves. All declined to comment on the amount of the fees or on specific transactions. Mizuho Trust said that contracts differed from client to client, and that there are cases in which it discusses the break fee from a former transfer agent when negotiating a contract. It said that the fees were appropriate and that its business complied with the law. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust said there was no legal issue with the fees because the trust banks had not agreed on them together. A spokesman for the Japan Fair Trade Commission declined to comment. A representative for the regulatory Financial Services Agency (FSA) said: "Contracts in the private sector are at the discretion of each company". 'INDUSTRY CUSTOM' Trust banks came under scrutiny last year after Sumitomo Mitsui Trust and Mizuho Trust separately revealed widespread failure to count all valid votes at annual general meetings over the last two decades. Both have apologised and pledged to revise practices. Banks don't always make break fees explicit in contracts, one of the people familiar with the matter said. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust said that in general, administrative fees are determined after discussions with the client. Mizuho Trust said there are cases where it spelled out the fees in contracts. Another executive, at a midsize listed firm, said his company refused to pay when switching transfer agents years ago. "There was no clause for specific break fees in our contract but the bank demanded it, saying it was an industry custom," the executive said. "I told them it doesn't make sense." His company never paid the fee and the bank gave up trying to collect it, he said. For decades, the transfer agent business was labour intensive because stock certificates and other records were handled manually. But digitalisation has helped streamline it, making it more profitable, industry insiders say. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust's transfer agent business, which includes two small subsidiaries, had a 49% profit margin in the last financial year, compared with 39% for the bank overall, according to regulatory filings. At Mitsubishi UFJ Trust, it was 60% for the business, nearly double the bank's overall margin of 31%. Mizuho Trust doesn't give a breakdown for the business. ANTI-MONOPOLY LAWS When a client moves, the banks just need to retrieve and forward their database records, according to the two executives, one of the people familiar with the matter and another industry insider. Although the volume of data depends on the number of shareholders a company has - some of Japan's biggest firms have 700,000 or more - the records are supplied electronically by the Japan Securities Depository Center, a common platform for stock transfers. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust said other data needed to be prepared and transferred, including dividend payment records. "If the break fees cannot be rationally explained and serve as an obstacle to newcomers, the practice could be against anti-monopoly laws," said Yasuo Daito, a lawyer specialising in antitrust issues at Nozomi Sogo Attorneys at Law. But if larger banks' services are simply better than those of potential challengers, then a violation of anti-monopoly laws would be less likely, Daito said. Investor-relations firm IR Japan Holdings in 2012 became the first new market entrant in four decades. It now has a 1% share. IR Japan said it doesn't charge break fees. It declined to comment on the practice. ($1 = 104.8600 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki and Maki Shiraki; Additional reporting by Takashi Umekawa, Noriyuki Hirata and Yuki Nitta; Editing by David Dolan and Gerry Doyle) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 20:48:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Students run in the campus on their first day of the new semester at a primary school in southwest China's Chongqing, March 1, 2021. Students returned to school for the spring semester on Monday in many parts of China amid coordinated epidemic control efforts. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) Nifty futures on the Singapore Exchange traded 187 points or 1.29 per cent higher at 14,712 around 8.35 am, indicating a gap-up start for benchmark indices on Monday. Here are the top stocks that are likely to be in focus today: Affle India: The company at its board meeting approved the fundraising of upto Rs 1,080 crore. IOC: (IOC) will invest Rs 32,946 crore to expand Panipat refinery capacity to 25 million tonne per year from 15 million tonne per year earlier. Auto stocks: Auto sales figures would start trickling in from March 1 onwards. Car and tractor makers are likely to report a strong set of auto sales numbers for the month of February, but growth in two-wheeler sales may not be as strong, according to analysts. Stock-specific action is expected in the auto companies on the back of these numbers. RIL: Reliance Strategic Business Ventures, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries (RIL), has acquired an additional equity stake in its investee company skyTran Inc. for a consideration of $26.76 million. Axis Bank: The board of Axis Bank has approved a proposal to reclassify United India Insurance Company Ltd (UIICL) as a public shareholder category investor in the bank from promoter category. Maruti Suzuki: The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India, on Saturday, said it has achieved the milestone of 20 lakh cumulative exports. Equitas Holdings: UK's development finance institution CDC Group has pruned its stake in Equitas Holdings by 2.61 per cent through sale of over 89 lakh shares in open market last week, according to a regulatory filing. Vedanta: Resources has raised $1.2 billion in a bond offering that saw strong investor interest. said it will use the proceeds of the bonds for the acquisition of equity shares of the Indian subsidiary as well as servicing existing debt. Adani Group stocks: Adani Group firms Adani Green Energy (AGEL), Adani Transmission (ATL) and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) on Saturday announced release of pledge on equity shares by their promoters Gautam S Adani and Rajesh Adani on behalf of SB Adani Family Trust. Adani Group stated in a BSE filing about release of pledge on 10,00,000 equity shares of AGEL, 1,38,21,355 equity shares of ATL and 3,21,40,000 equity shares of APSEZL. DLF: Realty firm DLF plans to raise up to Rs 395 crore through issue of debentures. In a regulatory filing, the company informed that the proposal will be discussed on March 3 at a meeting of the finance committee of the board of directors. Nestle: With focus on fast-growing rural market, FMCG major Nestle has plans to reach around 1.2 lakh villages with each having population of over 5,000 over the next two-three years, supported by distribution expansion and some portfolio tweaking, its chairman and managing director Suresh Narayanan said. PFC: State-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on Friday said that its board has approved a plan to borrow a sum of Rs 1 lakh crore under different debt segments. The amount will be borrowed in one or more tranches in financial year (FY) 2021-22, PFC said in a BSE filing. BEML: The government, on Friday, extended the deadline for submitting preliminary bids for buying its 26 per cent stake in till March 22, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management said in a circular. Dredging Corporation: Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCI) has appointed George Yesu Vedha Victor as its managing director and chief executive officer with effect from March 1. He will succeed Rajesh Tripathi, who has been relieved from the services from February 26, 2021, on attaining the age of superannuation, DCI said in BSE filing. Tata Chemicals: The company has appointed Nandakumar S Tirumalai as the Chief Financial Officer after John Mulhall was elevated to Managing Director & CEO of subsidiary Tata Chemicals North America, Inc. Bharti Airtel: Integrated Core Strategies (Asia) Pte sold 3,70,59,893 equity shares in the company at Rs 556.46 per share on the NSE. Railtel Corporation of India: Goldman Sachs India Fund bought 37.09 lakh equity shares in the company at Rs 113.57 per share on the NSE. Nippon India Mutual Fund bought 20 lakh shares at Rs 116.13 per share. Maharashtra Chief Minister speaks during a virtual meeting Expressing his disinterest in imposing the in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister on Sunday said, "I do not want to impose it but 'majboori' (helplessness) is also something." "I do not want to impose in the state but 'majboori' is also something," the Chief Minister said during a press conference in Mumbai. Thackeray also urged people of the state to wear masks to avoid However, the Chief Minister assured that he is continuously monitoring the situation. Maharashtra had been witnessing an upsurge in COVID-19 cases for the last few days. It reported 8,293 new coronavirus cases, 3,753 recoveries, and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours, the State Health Department informed yesterday. A total of 52,154 people have died due to COVID-19 in the state so far. As many as 20,24,704 people have recovered from the disease. According to the state health department, the recovery rate in Maharashtra is 93.95 percent and the fatality rate is 2.42 percent. Commenting on the fuel price hike in the country, Thackeray said: "Petrol and diesel prices have gone up. We have seen centuries by Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar but now we are seeing petrol-diesel century. (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.) Dig It Apparel Inc. (https://digitapparel.com), a business venture led by Claudia Harvey, has acquired Suncayr, inventors of the sunscreen sensing technology SPOTMYUV. The latest innovation to the Sun Care category, SPOTMYUV makes it easy to visually know when to re-apply your sunscreen and stay sun safe. Dermatologist and Pediatrician tested, SPOTMYUV is ground-breaking engineering of a unique biopolymer layer--the only sun awareness product of its kind using Dermatrue technology. Dermatrue is scientifically proven to absorb sunscreen and wear off at the same rate as your skin, enabling the color changing layer of the sticker to warn you at the correct time to reapply. SPOT will be clear when you are protected and then changes color - to purple - when you are not, alerting users when to re-apply their sunscreen throughout the day. Dig It CEO Claudia Harvey notes, As a mother of three, I am committed to bringing products to the market that help people take care of themselves and their families. There has been no other product introduced in recent years that is more important for those who care about their sun safety than SPOTMYUV. SPOTMYUV was invented to create a positive impact around the globe and improve the efficacy of every and any sunscreen product already on the market. Consumers are often left wondering if/when to reapply their sunscreen throughout the day. This product takes the guesswork away. Consumers find that when they know their sunscreen has worn off, they use three times more sunscreen - changing consumer awareness and behavior - while they are enjoying todays active outdoor lifestyle. Prices start from $7.99 USD and can be paired with the consumers choice of any sunscreen line. SPOTMYUV is looking to expand distribution and is ready to support its distribution channel partners at POS with retailer education for awareness, conversion and sell through white-label partnerships, dermatologists, medi-spas and grocery, drug and mass retail partners. Made in the USA and available for immediate distribution. About Dig It Twenty-plus years into her successful corporate career, Claudia Harvey began her first independent venture, Dig It Apparel Inc. The company debuted its flagship product, Dig It Handwear gloves, and soon added sunglasses and body products. Dig It struck a deal with Kevin OLeary, famous venture capitalist of CBC Canadas Dragons Den and NBCs Shark Tank fame. Claudia continues to launch and invest in other businesses, such as Suncayr, making a quantifiable difference in the lives of others. Suncayr co-founders Andrew Martinko, Chad Sweeting and Derek Jouppi are graduates of University of Waterloos Nanotechnology Engineering program and are passionate about sun protection. With family and close friends impacted by skin cancer, they found a need to bring a product to market that would tell a wearer when to reapply sunscreen and thereby positively affecting sun protection habits. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world and almost 100% preventable when sunscreen is used correctly. Unfortunately, people still use less than 50% of the sunscreen needed to avoid a sunburn. The SPOTMYUV technology has won over 50 awards, including a Dyson Award, grants from Johnson & Johnson, and Buffalo's 43North prize. For more info, visit http://www.spotmyuv.com or email info@spotmyuv.com. ### GRAFTON The Mississippi River-hugging Jersey County city of Grafton is testing the waters about the possibility of bringing back a property tax-based economic development tool it hopes would attract new investment in underused parts of town. Discussions have been held during recent Grafton City Council and Jersey County Board meetings about establishing one or more new Tax Increment Financing districts in the river city. If all goes according to plan, the next steps will be the formation of a joint review board comprised of local taxing body representatives, public hearings, then a council vote possibly by late spring or early summer. We are very much in the infancy, just preliminary discussion right now, Mayor Rick Eberlin said. Weve got multiple business developments that were trying to lay the groundwork for. These business people want as much assistance as possible, he said. And if the ground they are going to develop qualifies for the TIF incentive, then why not do it? Three possible new Grafton TIF districts are being explored, Eberlin said. One would encompass unused properties owned by the Allen family, the owners of the Loading Dock, who are contemplating a new resort-type development. The other two districts under consideration would include all properties along and one block each side of Main Street from the Loading Dock to the west end of town, and part of Market Street just off Illinois Route 3. Grafton would have to prove that properties in the proposed districts are what the state terms blighted and but for the public investment provided through the TIF, effective redevelopment or development will not occur. The proposed new TIF districts include the sites of an old limestone quarry and the former locations of a boat building works, button factory, and fish processing operation. Eberlin said the city has to look out for itself financially by attracting new development because experience has shown that other revenue sources can be unreliable. The council members and I want to make sure that Grafton can stand on its own down the road and not have to rely upon FEMA or IEMA or any other entity, Eberlin said. If another flood happens, we are at the mercy of these agencies and I dont like being in that position. Betsy Allen, co-owner of the Loading Dock, said a new TIF district could help her family owned business as it contemplates the development, which could feature lodging, dining, banquet, recreational and retail facilities. Its still a little bit of a dream right now that weve been thinking about for 20 years, but the TIF would help potential development, including our project, for the future of Grafton, Allen said. TIF wouldnt necessarily be a make it or break it for us doing it, but it would certainly encourage and help us. Grafton formed its last TIF district in 1995 following devastation caused by the Great Flood of 1993. That district expired in 2018 after 23 years, the maximum length allowed by state law. Eberlin said the proposed districts could be established for a shorter period, depending on what comes from discussions with the local taxing bodies that would be affected. The Wind Rivers Condominium development on the east end of town took advantage of the 1995 TIF district, Eberlin said. Residential developments like Wind Rivers can bring new families to the area, whose children attend Jersey County schools. But until the TIF expires, the school district has to educate those additional students without seeing the extra tax revenue the development generates. When the previous TIF expired, Jersey Community Unit School District 100 received about half a million more dollars due to the higher taxes generated by the TIF developments, according to Superintendent Brad Tuttle. But the district went more than 20 years without that additional tax money while the TIF was in place. Although the proposed TIF districts arent residential, it would still be a long time before the school district would benefit. If what they are talking about happens, over 15 or more years it will really build up the equalized assessed valuation and really bring up the tax base, Tuttle said, but then it could be years afterwards that the school system would really reap that. Tuttle said its important for the school district to maximize whatever it can receive in property taxes, which makes up to 70% of the districts budget. Im not against this; I just want it to be fair. I dont want it to be a financial burden for the district, and I dont think they want it to be either, Tuttle said. Any time we can get new things coming to Jersey County, thats a great thing. We are anxiously awaiting a lot more information and negotiations to see how it will affect the property tax that we could potentially lose. Although the TIF decision is a local one, the Grafton proposals are being closely watched on the state level. Im keeping an eye on this proposal as the local officials continue to work out the details, said state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, whose district includes Grafton. Community development and redevelopment are important components of growing jobs and strengthening the local economy. I look forward to reviewing the plan once it is finalized. Eberlin knows he and the city council have a lot of work to do as they try to make other taxing bodies comfortable with the proposal. I am assuring the school district, county board, and the Lewis and Clark [College] president that these areas arent producing much tax at all right now, Eberlin said. You look down the road at what is proposed to go in there, and the amount of tax revenue that is going to be generated, everybody is going to be a winner at the end of the day. I think weve got a golden opportunity. 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. Extending an olive branch to the dissenting camp in the Congress, interimparty chief on Monday appointed former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan as the chairman of the screening committee for The work of the screening committee is to recommend candidates to the Central Election Committee of the party headed by Sonia Gandhi, which is the final authority to distribute tickets to the aspiring party candidates. The 126-member Assembly will go to the polls in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 6. The counting of votes will take place on May 2. Chavan was one of the signatories of a letter written to last year, which demanded sweeping reforms within the party. Sources say the Congress doesn't want any confrontation with the dissenting camp at this crucial juncture with five states/UT going to the polls in a month's time. Along with Chavan as the chairman, Kamleshwar Patel and Dipika Pandey Singh have been made members of the screening committee. The members of the dissenting camp have been saying that they are kept out of the consultation process, but now the Congress seems to be trying to address their grievances, keeping them in the loop for the party's election strategy . In solidarity with former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the dissenters, including Kapil Sibal, Raj Babbar and Manish Tewari, were in Jammu on February 27 where they chose to attack the party, saying they were saddened by the weakening of the party. The dissenters have been upset since their letter became public in August last year. The group is reportedly unhappy with the rise of people close to Rahul Gandhi, including K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala. The overlooking of Anand Sharma for the post of Leader of Opposition and denying another Rajya Sabha term to Azad have irked them, while leaders like Manish Tewari and Sandeep Dikshit are also feeling sidelined in the party set-up. Sources say the internal war is far from over as Rahul Gandhi is placing people close to him in key posts, often overlooking the seniors. --IANS miz/arm (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 22:45:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China will push forward reform and opening-up from a higher starting point, bringing new opportunities for the comprehensive China-Tajikistan cooperation. Xi made the remarks during his telephone conversation with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon. Enditem Rep. Richard Heath's Legislative Update By Rep. Richard Heath MAYFIELD - As we begin March, it is hard to believe that this will be our last full week of this years session. Last Wednesday was the last day lawmakers could file new legislation and though this is considered a short session, nearly 900 bills have been filed for consideration in both the House and the Senate. As you can imagine, nowhere near that number will be passed into law but we are focused on what our state needs today, and how we can best prepare for tomorrow. I appreciate the opportunity to highlight some of the legislation that passed through the House during the last week of February.The House worked in a bipartisan manner to unanimously pass a measure to address the skyrocketing cost of insulin. HB 95 would mandate prescription insulin costs no more than $30 per thirty day supply, regardless of the amount or type of insulin needed to meet the person's insulin needs. HB 95 would apply to private and public healthcare plans. Thirteen other states have already passed similar measures.HB 44 also passed unanimously and would allocate funding for full-time and volunteer firefighters experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) to receive proper care from a licensed mental health professional. This program would be funded through the fire commission just as law enforcement coverage is provided through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program Fund. The bill would also allow firefighters to undergo crisis intervention training, which teaches law enforcement and firefighters how to effectively respond to persons suffering from a mental health or substance abuse crisis.The House affirmed its commitment to protecting the innocent unborn with the passage of HB 91, legislation that would allow Kentuckians to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment clarifying that the Kentucky Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, nor public funding of abortions. The measure states that nothing in the Kentucky Constitution be interpreted to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion. If the bill becomes law, Kentucky voters will have the opportunity to approve the constitutional change in the 2022 General Election.We also continue to work to make this one of the most pro-jobs states in the nation. This week we approved HB 413, which provides temporary unemployment insurance tax relief to businesses struggling under the COVID-19 public health emergency. HB 413 states that benefits related to a state of emergency or disaster declaration be paid from the pooled account rather than an employers reserve account. The bill also waives the surcharge assessment for 2021 or 2022, allowing employers some relief and preserving jobs. Many employers face an increase in their unemployment insurance contributions at a time when their businesses are struggling. The last thing we want to do is force employers to choose between letting staff go and paying their tax bill. In addition, we approved HB 278, which would conform Kentucky law to federal law to allow deductions paid with proceeds from loans made under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). It will help struggling small businesses and the self-employed by offering tax relief on state tax filings for entities who received federal PPP loans. This legislation would conform Kentucky law to existing federal statutes created by The Heroes Act.If we want jobs, we have to have a skilled and educated workforce, which makes the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) Program even more important. This scholarship program was the focus of two pieces of legislation passed by the House this week. HB 25 would eliminate a barrier to higher education for convicted felons who have served their time. Current law states that KEES-recipients who commit a felony are disqualified from using the KEES monies they earned in high school. I also joined my colleagues in approving HB 338, which seeks to allow scholarships earned by Kentucky students through the KEES program to be used to pursue a career in the trade industries. Trades like welding are critical to Kentuckys well-being and are in high demand.HB 206 is a win for Kentucky children and the men and women who serve us in the National Guard. This bill would raise the amount of available qualifying members of the Guard that would be eligible for up to $7,000 of adoption costs of a special-needs child and up to $5,000 for the adoption costs of any other child. The Kentucky National Guard Adoption Assistance Program was created in 2012 and allows active members of the Kentucky Air and Army National Guard to be reimbursed for a portion of the costs incurred during the adoption process. If enacted into law, it would match the amount allotted for state employees.The right to vote in a free, honest, and fair election is the most basic civil right. It is one of the most important rights on which the American people depend. Citizens must have confidence in our electoral process, free from fraud and interference. This Commonwealth deserves to know that every vote that is cast is a valid one. That is why I was proud to support HCR 47. This resolution is important to establish election integrity and a security task force to review and study the current elections process in the state of Kentucky.We also approved an elections reform bill, HB 574. If passed by the Senate and approved by the Governor, this measure would bring permanent changes for both voters and elections officials. Voters would enjoy three days of early in-person voting, the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before an election with no excuse required for Saturday voting. The state would also transition toward paper ballots in every precinct and election. HB 574 also permits counties to use vote centers where any voter may go regardless of their home precinct to offer more convenient and efficient voting.HB 574 also increases state election officials the ability to remove nonresident voters from the voter rolls. The online voter portal utilized during the 2020 elections would continue so that absentee balloting is fully transparent to both voters and election officials. You may remember that the portal provided an opportunity to track an individual absentee ballot to ensure it was received. In addition, HB 574 contains some election security language. It expressly prohibits ballot harvesting and establishes a penalty for it and continues the signature cure process that allows absentee voters whose signatures have changed over time to prove identity and have their ballots counted. In addition, registered voters who are not registered as Democrats or Republicans to serve as poll workers providing a larger pool of volunteers to draw from and engaging more people in the election process.All of these measures that were passed in the House this week now move on to the Senate. As always, if you have any questions or comments about this session, I can be reached during the week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (EST) through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Richard.Heath@lrc.ky.gov. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at legislature.ky.gov. MASON CITY, Iowa A guilty plea is entered in a string of car burglaries. Mitch L. Buesing, 31 of Mason City, was accused of several car burglaries between August 13 and November 5 in 2019. He pleaded guilty Monday to 2nd degree theft, 3rd degree theft, 4th degree theft, and possession of burglar tools. Law enforcement says a search of Buesings home in November 2019 found $2,200 worth of SnapOn hand tools, an Apple Macbook valued at $1,300, a Stihl chainsaw valued at $300, and a bag containing a ski mask, glove, window punch, and window entry tool. Buesing allegedly used social media to list and sell stolen goods. His sentencing is now set for April 19. Ramallah, March 1 : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party has agreed to ally with other five factions to contest in the upcoming general elections, according to a senior official. "Five factions have officially informed us that they are ready to ally with Fatah to contest in the elections in a unified list," Azzam al-Ahmad, a member of the Fatah Central Committee, told reporters here on Sunday. Al-Ahmad said the five factions are the Palestinian Democratic Union, the Palestinian Liberation Front, the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, the Arab Liberation Front and The Palestinian Arab Front, reports Xinhua news agency. Although Fatah is prepared to ally with all Palestinian factions and independent personalities, no agreement or details were discussed with the Islamic Hamas movement to be included, the official added. Meanwhile, Farid Toamallah, a spokesperson of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, said it was waiting for a presidential decree to establish the elections court. Tohmallah stressed the importance of establishing the elections court, considering it the only institution that receives appeals of any defect in the electoral process. In January, President Abbas announced that the 2021 general elections will include legislative elections on May 22, presidential elections on July 31, and the Palestinian National Council elections on August 31. The last presidential elections were held in March 2005, and the legislative polls in January 2006. The internal Palestinian division between Hamas and Fatah began in 2007 when former forcibly took over the Gaza Strip from the latter. Since then, the Palestinian territories have been split into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and the Fatah-dominated West Bank. Combo photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows villagers' smiles in Shenshan Village of Jinggangshan, east China's Jiangxi Province. The village was lifted out of poverty in 2017. (Xinhua/Peng Zhaozhi) BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Which key players stand behind China's anti-poverty drive? New China Research, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency, released a research paper on Sunday to shed light on the rationale for China's anti-poverty drive, explaining the performance of the following five key "players": CAPABLE GOVERNMENT: RESTLESS HAND OR ENABLING HAND? How has China achieved an effective interaction between the state and its citizens to eradicate absolute poverty? The key to China's success lies in the effective interaction and coordination between a top-down government leadership and bottom-up grassroots innovation. Four areas of improvement are needed to boost the state's anti-poverty efforts, namely in leadership, innovation, mobilization, and implementation. In addition, multi-faceted supervision, anti-graft efforts, improvement in official governing style as well as public participation have all contributed to China realizing the goal of building an all-round well-off society while leaving no one behind. PRO-POOR MARKET: DISTORTION OR REINVENTION? The building of a pro-poor market is a major innovation in China's poverty alleviation practice. China has played the leading role of the dominant public ownership economy over the non-public ownership economy and mobilized various economic entities. While promoting the flow of resources to areas of high technological content and high input-output efficiency, China has continued to advance without stifling the development of poor areas and the employment and entrepreneurship of the poor. In this process, China has made up for the shortcomings in infrastructure and public services in impoverished areas, and optimized the allocation of labor and means of production to unleash potential productivity. It has guided, organized and supported leading enterprises and entrepreneurs to establish various forms of linkages with poverty-stricken households in order to build an inclusive market for the benefit of the poor. CARING SOCIETY: A SILENT MAJORITY? The involvement of the wider public is essential for successful poverty alleviation. Various players are indispensable in the supply of public goods for poverty alleviation. China's poverty alleviation is based on a public consensus to eliminate unbalanced and inadequate development and improve the degree of social balance. Guided by the value of "giving everyone the opportunity to develop and contribute to society," it aims to rouse the silent majority to participate in poverty alleviation. From the initiatives Project Hope and the Project for Poor Mothers in the early years to the "10,000 Enterprises Helping 10,000 Villages" program, which was launched in October 2015, as well as countless non- governmental poverty alleviation and charity actions, all reflect the mighty power of a caring society. DEVOTED "FERRYMAN": REDUNDANT OR NECESSARY? How can a country effectively grasp the real needs of the poor? How can a country effectively motivate every impoverished individual to do the right thing? What kind of means can be used to accurately channel resources to end deprivation? In the midst of social transformation, many poverty-stricken villages across China have suffered from a "brain drain," complicating efforts to carry out poverty alleviation work. This is why village-based poverty alleviators are particularly critical in the fight against penury. Unlike many countries that rely heavily on non-governmental organizations and international assistance to help the poor, China relies on its administrative personnel at various levels to fight poverty. Since 2012, a total of 255,000 teams have been dispatched to offer on-the-ground support and over 3 million people have been sent to the countryside as special commissioners for poverty relief, working together at the front line with nearly 2 million township-level cadres and millions of village-level cadres. These personnel serve as a link between "national governance" and "rural self-governance." These "ferrymen" utilize policies and resources to build "boats" to "ferry" impoverished communities and individuals to common prosperity. SELF-SUPPORTING "FISHERMEN": GIVING FISH OR TEACHING FISHING? To achieve effective and sustainable poverty alleviation, the key is to "invest in people." The poor are not merely recipients of poverty alleviation, but also serve as agents of poverty elimination and prosperity. Looking back at China's fight against absolute poverty, the key is to recognize the "duality" of the subject and the object of the poor, and utilize external forces to stimulate inner motivation. To help the poor enter the market, the Chinese government has adopted a comprehensive approach involving education and training, employment opportunities, incentives, and organizational innovation to precisely drip-feed the poor to fully tap their development potential, and help them become self-reliable "fishermen." These fishermen can be independent entrepreneurs, migrant workers, shareholders of farmers' cooperatives, community public service providers, or "guardians" of the ecological environment. As part of the government-wide dry-run for COVID-19 vaccine transportation held at the Republic of Korea Special Warfare Command's air field in Echon, Gyeonggi Province, on Feb. 19, a participant moves a vaccine container to inside a CH-47D helicopter. The practice was prepared to transport vaccines to islands with difficult access to airports. Joint Press Corp The defense ministry said Sunday it transported a batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Ulleung Island in the East Sea to help inoculate local residents, where access through commercial transportation is relatively time consuming and difficult. The ministry said a batch of AstraZeneca's vaccine from the government's vaccine storage warehouse left Icheon, some 80 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and arrived at a Navy base on Ulleung via a CH-47D military transportation helicopter. After its landing, the vaccine shipment was delivered to the Ulleung County's public health center escorted by police and Navy vehicles. Authorities initially planned on delivering the vaccines via the sea but later opted to use a helicopter in consideration of the weather conditions and distance. As Grubhub kicks off its fourth year of RestaurantHER , we're working with World Central Kitchen (WCK) and the Women Business Collaborative (WBC) to support and help amplify our ongoing efforts for women in the culinary industry. RestaurantHER comes this year as women have lost the most jobs during the pandemic. In January 2021, women were still down 5.4 million jobs , which makes up 55 percent of total jobs lost. The restaurant industry was among those most impacted by COVID, and a majority of the workforce are women . Before COVID, female restaurant workers (especially owners and chefs) struggled to grow due to lack of sponsorship, funding and even workplace harassment. As a result, there are fewer women at the leadership level in restaurants. And now those numbers are dwindling even further. "We are hopeful that across the country, RestaurantHER will spark a movement of support for women-owned and operated restaurants," said Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Grubhub. "Women restaurateurs are highly capable business leaders in the industry, and they often face barriers that their male counterparts do not. This month, and every month, at Grubhub, we want to shine a light on women-led restaurants and all the benefits these women bring to their communities through their dedication, their creativity and their cuisine." Since Grubhub began the RestaurantHER initiative in 2018, we've seen talented and aspiring chefs who have been able to succeed in part because of the resources and programs of RestaurantHER. Our incredible partners and diners have played a significant role in helping Grubhub work toward change. We worked with organizations such as the James Beard Foundation and Women Chefs & Restaurateurs to provide grants and tools for female chefs and culinary leaders to navigate and address the specific challenges they face in the industry. Additionally, Grubhub created a RestaurantHER map where diners can find a women-led restaurant near them. To continue our efforts, Grubhub is supporting World Central Kitchen 's Restaurants for the People program and specifically restaurants that are women-owned and operated. Grubhub will support these efforts through the Donate the Change program during Women's History Month, where diners are invited to join us in helping these women. Grubhub's Donate the Change feature allows diners who opt-in to round up their change on every order. All proceeds will go to World Central Kitchen to provide nourishing meals to help vulnerable communities impacted by the pandemic. Last year, Grubhub diners across the country generously donated a total of $21 million to support various organizations and communities in need through Donate the Change. "We are grateful for Grubhub's support and belief in our mission, and recognition that restaurants are a key part of the solution to the ongoing health, economic, and humanitarian crises. Their support will specifically help women-owned and operated restaurants that are a part of our Restaurants for the People program, which pays restaurants directly to help keep their business afloat while also providing tens of thousands of meals to people in need," said Erin Gore, Vice President of Development at World Central Kitchen. Grubhub is also excited to kick off a partnership with the Women Business Collaborative , an alliance of more than 44 women business organizations and thousands of individuals who are committed to gender equality in the workplace. Together, we'll raise awareness and encourage Americans to support local women-owned restaurants throughout the month of March and throughout the year. We'll also form an advisory board in 2021 composed of female restaurant owners to discuss issues in the industry and ways Grubhub and others can help. "The time is now for all of us to commit to order from women-owned restaurants and tell the stories of our support in every community across this nation. We are devoted to this effort with RestaurantHER and Grubhub," added Edie Fraser, CEO of Women Business Collaborative. World Central Kitchen will also be Grubhub's donation partner for our popular virtual concert series Sound Bites, which will feature performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Noah Cyrus and King Princess. Fans tuning in will be encouraged to scan customized QR codes that will pop up throughout the show to receive special discounts and Perks, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from King Princess. For every QR code scanned at one point during the live stream, Grubhub will donate $1 (up to $100,000) to World Central Kitchen. The free Sound Bites concert will take place on Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. ET on the Grubhub YouTube channel. Grubhub's commitment to support women in the restaurant industry will continue as long as it takes to see equality, and we hope our community of diners will join us by supporting female chefs and owners, and their delicious culinary creations, year-round. Visit the Grubhub app, Grubhub.com or RestaurantHER.com to find a women-led restaurant near you. About Grubhub Grubhub (NYSE: GRUB) is a leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace with the largest and most comprehensive network of restaurant partners, as well as over 31 million active diners. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features over 300,000 restaurants and is proud to partner with over 265,000 of these restaurants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. The Grubhub portfolio of brands includes Grubhub, Seamless, LevelUp, AllMenus and MenuPages. SOURCE Grubhub Inc. Related Links https://www.grubhub.com Kathmandu, March 1 Three international human rights organisationsHuman Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, and Amnesty Internationalhave urged the government of Nepal to rescind recent appointments at various constitutional bodies including the National Human Rights Commission claiming they kept the constitutional bodies integrity in jeopardy. The Nepal government should immediately withdraw an ordinance that undermines the independence of constitutional human rights bodies and rescind recent appointments that were made without consultation or parliamentary approval, reads the statement issued from New York. The illegitimate appointments process is not simply an abstract irregularity but will lead to ineffective and weak implementation of critical mandates to protect human rights and other rule of law objectives, the groups said. The governments actions are a severe dent in Nepals long struggle for a rule of the law-based constitution, which was finally adopted in 2015 to guarantee human rights, said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. It is sad to see some of the same politicians who drafted the constitution playing fast and loose with the charter just a few years later. The statement also notes that at least two writ petitions challenging the appointments are pending at the Supreme Court. SINGAPORE, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TVM Capital Healthcare, a global specialist healthcare private equity firm operating in emerging markets, announces the successful sale of its portfolio company Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Center ("CMRC") to UAE-based publicly traded investment company, Amanat Holdings PJSC. CMRC is the leading post-acute care and rehabilitation services provider in the MENA region. TVM Capital Healthcare has a long track record of successfully investing in and growing specialty care companies with investment and operation teams in the MENA region and Southeast Asia. The sale of CRMC represents the third successful exit of the $134 million funds managed and arranged by TVM Capital Healthcare. Distribution to investors of Paid-In capital (DPI) amounts to 2.4 times funds invested to date, with two companies still in the portfolio. Compounded returns amount to 28.0% Gross IRR / 19.7% Net IRR, a performance in the Upper Quartile of similar vintage funds, benchmarked against Cambridge Associates Emerging Markets PE and VC Funds. As a highly active growth capital investor, TVM Capital Healthcare has invested and grown CMRC to be a sustainable healthcare business which continues to have a significant social impact on the communities it serves. CMRC is fully accredited by some of the world's top clinical excellence accreditation organizations, such as Joint Commission International (JCI) and CARF and is considered a pioneer in post-acute services in its region. CMRC today has a capacity of 250 licensed beds and out-patient facilities. More recently during the global COVID-19 pandemic, CMRC demonstrated the benefits of specialist care outside of hospitals, relieving the public health system by unblocking acute beds and delivering quality outcomes for the post-acute patients it took on. Dr. Helmut Schuehsler, Chairman and CEO of TVM Capital Healthcare, commented: "In 2010, we identified a major unmet need in the region's healthcare sector. Through the first long-term care company we invested in ProVita International Medical Center, exited in 2015 with a 10.7x return on capital invested - and two years later in 2012, through CMRC- we introduced highly specialized long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and outpatient services. Today, we are extremely proud of the value we created with CMRC for patients, their families, the local healthcare system, and our investors by building a centre of healthcare excellence leveraging our 35 plus years of global healthcare experience, our global network, and the expertise of alliance partners such as Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, official teaching partner of the Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation." Hoda Abou-Jamra, Founding Partner of TVM Capital Healthcare and Managing Director Southeast Asia, added: "Our early and continued focus on installing quality and a comprehensive ESG framework has enabled us to build a sustainable and successful healthcare company that not only has created more than 500 jobs to date but also has significantly supported its community. Our team in Southeast Asia is transferring our post-acute care, and other specialty care expertise, to selected Southeast Asian markets, where we see similar demand." Carl Stanifer, Operating Partner of TVM Capital Healthcare and current Chairman of CMRC, said: "I am proud to have been part of the CMRC journey in becoming one of the leading post-acute care providers in the region, which perfectly proof-points our investment strategy. Looking forward, Southeast Asia will offer TVM Capital Healthcare ample opportunity to execute on its post-acute care expertise. We see promising investment opportunities there in meeting specific, underserved healthcare needs in certain segments and areas in the region where the firm potentially could add operational value." About TVM Capital Healthcare TVM Capital Healthcare is an emerging markets-focused healthcare private equity investment firm. The firm invests growth capital in healthcare companies with a focus on specialized healthcare services, digital health solutions, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. Investment and operating partners have strong international track records in healthcare M&A and operations. Headquartered in Singapore and Dubai, with representative offices in Munich and Boston, the firm partners with Middle East and Southeast Asia management teams to build sector champions and selectively backs companies from regions such as Europe or North America with expansion projects into the firm's target geographies. TVM Capital Healthcare's investment approach combines strong commercial value creation and returns with responsible investing and a comprehensive ESG framework to build impactful, sustainable, and well-governed companies, delivering excellent healthcare services, with continued growth and job creation, in a fair and diverse workplace, with high business ethics. www.tvmcapitalhealthcare.com SOURCE TVM Capital Healthcare MIDLAND, Mich., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies around the world to strike a balance between continuing business operations and keeping employees safe. Health Enhancement Systems (HES), a workplace wellness campaign industry leader since 1994, is well-suited to help companies make this transition. HES has curated over a dozen workplace wellness campaigns tailored to the needs of different workplaces and workers. These programs operate most effectively when implemented in a hybrid work environment. HES workplace wellness campaigns are perfectly positioned for implementation in both the workplace and remote setting. When designing workplace wellness campaigns, HES understands that every employee's work-from-home setup is different, and that each person has a diverse array of workplace technology and resources at their disposal. HES designs their campaigns to include both desktop and mobile options that operate seamlessly and include the same features and benefits, allowing employees to take advantage of the program wherever they are. HES further understands that teamwork is essential to cultivate and foster, especially when it is difficult for colleagues to see each other in person due to a hybrid work environment. Each campaign includes a Team feature to foster teamwork and enhance camaraderie. While participating as a Team member is optional, those who take advantage of the feature generally experience a 12% higher success rate than those who go it alone. Employees who have participated in HES campaigns report high levels of satisfaction and increased levels of self-confidence, self-improvement, and contentment with their workplace. "The tips were very timely during this COVID-19 work from home isolation," said Patricia Scherer, who participated in the HES Work of Art campaign, which placed particular emphasis on mindfulness, optimism, gratitude, and connection. "They inspired me to work on personal goals and helped me feel connected with my colleagues." Other participants expressed feelings of immense happiness created by taking part in these programs. Jorge Vidal, another Work of Art participant, stated, "Work of Art really came at the perfect time to help us navigate through these challenging times we're living. The very interactive, creative, and healthy activities, and most of all, the great support, positivity, and camaraderie of all participants, staff, and colleagues were quite uplifting and resulted in us all learning a lot from each other, making new friends, and really getting the feeling that we are all part of a great family." HES recognizes that the most difficult part of trying anything new is taking the leap of faith to get started, which can be more comfortable and less intimidating with the help of a friend or colleague. All campaigns include a buddy feature that allows individuals to invite friends to join them on their workplace wellness journey. Participants that attempt an HES campaign with one or more friends are 23% more successful than those without buddies in the campaign. To keep participants motivated and provide them with support and motivation, all HES campaigns feature an interactive, moderated message board for employees to receive and give support, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the campaign. Each message board's moderator drives the conversation, emphasizing tips to ensure participants feel connected and helping enhance emotional and social health. HES also keeps participants motivated by implementing free household member participation through 2021, allowing family members to take part in the campaigns at no additional cost to the company. With employees physically separated from their coworkers, family members can provide support and accountability - an invaluable resource. HES campaigns serve as a welcome distraction from the pandemic, giving employees a much-needed sense of normalcy and serving as a reminder that life must go on. "Though we have been helping employees across the country feel challenged, motivated, and stimulated for over 25 years, the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 makes our campaigns more necessary than ever," said Dean Witherspoon, CEO and Founder of HES. "HES campaigns bring a level of consistency to an uncertain work world, connecting employees to their colleagues, empowering them to confidently seek out every opportunity. The hybrid workplace model makes these campaigns more achievable and effective." About HES Health Enhancement Systems created the market for workplace wellness campaigns in 1994. The company serves some of the largest corporations, health plans, universities, health systems, and membership organizations throughout North America and across the globe with 500+ implementations each year, directly and through industry-leading partners. Media Contact: Ledora Brown 813-352-1612 (Direct) [email protected] www.Newswire.com SOURCE Health Enhancement Systems HONG KONG, Feb. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Acclime, the premier corporate services provider in Asia, is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of CoSec Corporate Services, a highly regarded firm specialising in assisting foreign clients enter and operate in Australia. With this acquisition, in addition to the presence in nine key Asian jurisdictions and a European sales office in the Netherlands, Acclime's footprint now extends into Australia, with additional sales offices in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Founded by Blair Lucas and Paul Dixon in 2011, CoSec offers clients entering and operating in Australia a full suite of incorporation, hosting and compliance services under one roof. The firm has extensive experience in assisting life science companies looking to conduct clinical trials in Australia and take advantage of the government's 43.5% R&D incentive program. CoSec also works with foreign companies in various industries that wish to establish a presence in the lucrative Australian market. The firm's service package covers market entry assistance, incorporation, and all ongoing accounting, payroll, and tax compliance services necessary to maintain a compliant entity. "This is the logical next step for CoSec and presents a strategic opportunity to be part of a larger international team with established resources and networks across Acclime's established Asian portfolio," Blair Lucas, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of CoSec said. "We are excited at the opportunities that lay ahead and the value we can deliver to Acclime's clients through our presence and deep understanding of the Australian, US and UK markets." "Each market has its own complex corporate and compliance regimes which are difficult to navigate for companies who are looking to expand into new regions," Paul Dixon, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of CoSec said. "As a result of this strategic integration, our clients can benefit from a wider spectrum of professional services and gain access to regional experts to help them navigate complex emerging Asian markets." "Australia is a trading nation and a high-growth destination for foreign investment. Twelve of its 15 largest markets are in Asia and Oceania, showing how integrated Australia's economy is with the Asian neighbours," Martin Crawford, Co-founder and CEO of Acclime said. "With our expansion plan, having a strong footprint in Australia - an integral and desirable market in the Asia-Pacific region - is critical. CoSec fits perfectly with what we do at Acclime - assisting clients to expand and succeed in whichever Asian market they choose to enter and operate within." CoSec will formally transition to the Acclime brand on 1 June 2021. About Acclime Acclime, the premier corporate services provider in Asia, helps corporate and private clients to advance their businesses and interests in difficult-to-navigate markets in emerging Asia. The company's vision is to reinvent the corporate services sector with innovative solutions that are seamlessly delivered to the highest global standards. For further information, please visit www.acclime.com About CoSec Established in 2011, CoSec has successfully managed the initial and ongoing Australian expansions for over 500 clients across a broad range of industries. Our full capabilities include company incorporation, compliance and accounting support, registered office and CFO services, and resident directors. CoSec is located in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, with representatives based in San Francisco and London. SOURCE Acclime Related Links http://www.acclime.com/ Image: TOI First-time sex is a big deal and for all the right reasons. No matter how much you've known the person, you're always going to be unsure of the things they like in bed when you're doing it for the first time. So, how do you make it a good experience for the two of you? We've got you some easy ways to deal with this situation. Be ready This one is a no-brainer, but it is the most important point of all. Make sure you're truly ready to have sex with your partner. Sex is not just about physical intimacy, but an emotional one too. It's totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed, just take a minute to think about this decision of yours before you jump right in. If you're feeling pressured, don't do it. Take all the time you want and then decide on it later. Consent Always, and always ask for your partner's consent. Even if you're sure they want to have sex with you, it's always better to ask again. Keep talking to your partner, let them know how you feel, what's working and not working for you when you both are at it. It's alright to change your mind and if at any point, one of you feels uncomfortable, take a break and try again. If you feel your partner is feeling pressured, talk to them, and make them feel comfortable first before rushing into it. Know About Different Kinds Of Sex Sex can mean different things to different people and there are a few different ways too in which you can have sex. Oral sex, is when you use your mouth to give pleasure to your partner in their intimate areas. Vaginal sex is when the penis goes into the vagina. Anal sex is where the penis enters the anus. So, make sure the kind of sex you're both wanting to have and only then proceed. Foreplay Is Important Have lots of foreplay before the actual act. Stop worrying about the end result. Spend as much time as possible on foreplay to build it up to intercourse. It will help you and your partner get properly turned on before the big move. Kiss, feel, stimulate your partner as much as possible so that you both feel ready for the next step. Talk To Each Other Sex should be fun for both of you. And so, you must keep communicating with your partner. Some things might not feel good, and you won't know until your partner tells you about them. So make sure to talk while you're having sex and doing things to each other. Use physical clues like moaning or giving them a little smile to judge if you guys are going in the right direction. Your partner will love the fact that they are turning you on if you make it clear with your moaning, whispers or words. Whether it's your first time or the 100th time, talking during sex will help you understand each other's needs in a better way each time. Also Read: 7 Things Not To Say While Having Sex! Next Story : Moheys Wedding Collection Sets The Tone For The Bridal Season Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) Over a year since the country's first coronavirus case, the Philippines the last among its neighbors in southeast Asia kicked off its inoculation drive on Monday. Hundreds of medical frontliners across six hospitals in Metro Manila were inoculated on Day 1. Alongside them, a handful of government officials were also vaccinated with the limited doses of Sinovac vaccines donated by China. Adhering to the government's vaccination priority list, the first shot officially administered was received by the director of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Gerardo "Gap" Legaspi. He was followed by Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo, MMDA Chief Benhur Abalos, and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. Testing czar Vince Dizon, meanwhile, was injected with Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine at the TALA Hospital during the vaccination activity simultaneously held in different hospitals in the capital region. Health experts and the World Health Organization have stressed the need to prioritize the protection of healthcare workers because they are at high risk of contracting the highly-transmissible disease due to their work. The Philippines has only received 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines, which will be good to inoculate 300,000 people. In contrast, there are 1.7 million frontline health workers in the country. PGH was able to vaccinate 124 medical staff on the first day. Several frontliners from PGH were apprehensive to receive Sinovac vaccines because the company has not yet published its phase 3 clinical data findings and it offers lower protection against mild COVID-19 compared with other brands. Other healthcare workers from the Lung Center of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and Sanitarium, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, PNP General Hospital, and V. Luna Medical Center also received their much- awaited shots. DOH said 404 health workers were vaccinated across the seven hospitals, but they are still waiting for the data from Veterans. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the vaccination of government officials aims to prove that the vaccines made by Sinovac are safe to use. Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez expressed hope that the first rollout will bring optimism to the public amid the global crisis. "Itong start ng rollout, this can bring heightened optimism sa lahat" [Translation: The vaccine rollout can bring heightened optimism to everyone], Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said during a separate virtual briefing. Hospitals target to vaccinate more of their workers in the coming days in the hopes of completing the vaccination of their sector this month. Galvez said doses will be sent to Cebu City and Davao City this week so their government hospitals can also start their vaccination drive. It will also be shipped to other regions. The official added there will be 70,000 doses that can serve as buffer stock. Elderly officials opt out While it has been admitted that several government officials jumped the priority line as early as last year using smuggled Sinopharm vaccines, some elderly Cabinet members opted to wait for a different brand of vaccine. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana opted not to get the vaccine following the recommendation of FDA that CoronaVac is not ideal for those above 59 years old since Sinovac did not include elderlies in its clinical trials. "Ang sabi ni Secretary Duque, huwag muna, kasi above 59 years old ka na, sabi niya. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang epekto. So we will follow what our Secretary of Health will say," Lorenzana said at the ceremony in Veterans. [Translation: Secretary Duque said I am over 59. We do not know the effect, so we will follow what he said.] DOH said Duque, who is 64, will also wait for an "appropriate" vaccine for him. The Food and Drug Administration, upon granting of the emergency use authorization, cautioned against using CoronaVac vaccines on healthcare workers due to the lower efficacy rate at 50.4% when tested in Brazil on workers directly dealing with COVID-19 patients. However, the government's health experts overturned this just days before the national vaccination rollout. The National Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the DOH's Technical Advisory Group found that Sinovac's CoronaVac is 50.4% effective in preventing mild symptoms, but 100% effective against moderate and severe symptoms. This means it can effectively reduce diseases and deaths the main goal for prioritizing medical frontliners in the vaccination program, Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said. Duque revealed that the donation from China was worth P403 million or less than P680 per dose. But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque argued China's goodwill is "unquantifiable in pesos and cents." The next batch of vaccination remains uncertain since only 600,000 doses of Sinovac good for 300,000 people have arrived in the country. The vaccine czar said they have placed a purchase order for one million doses of Sinovac, with a price tag of P700 million, set to arrive this month. He added that Beijing's Sinovac and Russia's Sputnik V are the only ones available in the market due to heavy global supply demand. Meanwhile, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) hopes the vaccine rollout will signal the gradual reopening of the countrys economy. ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis emphasized the national government must thoroughly review its protocols, especially for the workers welfare, while the vaccine rollout is ongoing to ensure there will be no problems once quarantine measures are relaxed. There are still things that can be done in reviewing protocols and procedures that can enable employees who have not gone to work to come to work and companies which are not thinking of continuing operations to make money again while employing people, Ortiz-Luis told CNN Philippines The Final Word on Monday. The Philippines is the last in ASEAN to rollout its vaccination drive despite having the second highest number of cases. Coronavirus cases in the country hit 576,352, with over 2,000 new infections recorded in the past four days. The country now has 12,318 deaths since recording its first fatality on February 2 the first death outside of China, where the virus was first detected. New Delhi: E Sreedharan, the man behind the Delhi metro network who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressed disappointment at the plight of Kerala under the present government. In an exclusive interview with Aditi Tyagi, Sreedharan said that the state is drifting towards a debt trap and that is why he decided to enter into politics. "I decided to join BJP in the last month. I had no intention to join politics earlier (but) when I saw the state of affairs in Kerala, how it is drifting towards a debt trap, financial bankruptcy, and such a high level of unemployment, I decided I should join," Sreedharan said. "My technical knowledge and experience should be made available to the people of Kerala," he added. Sreedharan also recalled his time working with Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He praised Modi for his quick decision-making ability and passion for independent schemes. "That was the time when we made all the studies and prepared the metro project. (Modi) was very quick in taking decisions and very passionate for independent schemes," said Sreedharan. Sreedharan further said that he is open to assume the role of the chief minister but added that it was the party that will decide on it. "I am certainly open to that. In fact, I have a feeling that I will have a better opportunity and better chance to implement the development scheme for the state," he said. He asserted that if he is projected as the CM candidate, it will "definitely give a better image to the party". "I am not aiming to become the chief minister, I am only saying that if that responsibility is given to me it will be good for the party and for the people," he added. Sreedharan, who is 88 years old, said that age should not be a factor to lead the government and cited the example of B. S. Yediyurappa, who despite being older than 75, is the chief minister of Karnataka. Live TV PARIS, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / March 1, 2021 / Entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Nordland Holding Europe GmbH Eric-Theodore Yepao recently launched a new professional website. The new website is centered on his many career accomplishments and online publications he has been featured in. Yepao is an ethical investor and the founder of Nordland Holding Europe in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany. The About page of the new website is focused on Yepao's passion for corporate social responsibility. The company Eric-Theodore Yepao is currently at the helm of, Nordland Holding Europe, is a company that creates private cities, otherwise known as regions owned by individuals or organizations who provide all the necessary services to the residents of that city. Yepao attended Harvard University in his youth and it was there that his passion for investment banking began. A short while later, after witnessing how many companies fail to give back to the communities they come from, Yepao's passion for corporate social responsibility grew. To date, he is a firm believer that companies have an obligation to contribute to the well-being of their stakeholders, something he practices now that he has his own company. The next portion of Eric-Theodore Yepao's newly launched website is all about his media presence. In addition to being featured in articles, Yepao has been featured in blog posts surrounding topics including, "how corporate leaders can be more socially responsible" and "corporate social responsibility and its value to businesses". Yepao has also been featured in an interview with Ideamensch, through which he offered insights he has learned throughout his career. For more information, visit https://eric-theodoreyepao.com/. About Eric-Theodore Yepao Eric-Theodore Yepao is a successful entrepreneur, an ethical investor, and the founder and CEO of Nordland Holding Europe. Nordland Holding Europe is a company that specializes in the construction and investment of private cities. He and his company are currently based in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany. Yepao has an international history, having attended Harvard University in the United States, before ultimately deciding on a career in investment banking. Since graduating from Harvard, his work has taken him all over the world. His company currently has dealings in different countries and cities across Europe, including in Paris, France. Contact Name: Eric-Theodore Yepao Email: eric.yepao@nordland-europe.com SOURCE: Eric-Theodore Yepao View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/632778/Successful-Entrepreneur-and-Ethical-Investor-Eric-Theodore-Yepao-Launches-Professional-Website World oil prices going up Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office Israel, UAE sign tax treaty Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor" Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS) Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21 Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened Armenia deputy FM submits resignation Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children Dollar devalues in Armenia Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason Harutyunyan, Shoygu discuss tension on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Iranian MFA says US has not imported oil from country since Clinton era Court hearing on appeal against decision to drop March 2008 Yerevan tragedy case is rescheduled Missing soldiers relatives block Yerevan street Parliament majority leader: Armenia acting FM did not object, at Security Council meeting, to new document Armenia Police: 2,581,093 people on voters list 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 Minister for Trade and Industry Alan Kojo Kyerematen has disclosed that 62 new factories have been added on to governments flagship one district one factory policy. This brings the total number of private-public industrial facilities under the project to 232. Government in June last year revealed that about 170 companies in various parts of the country had commenced operations or were either under construction. However, appearing before parliaments Appointments Committee Friday, February 26 2021, Mr. Kyerematen indicated that the flagship project which has been under his supervision since 2017, has revolutionized Ghanas industrial development. While responding to Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu's question on the status of the project, the nominee indicated that about 168 completely new factories have taken off out which 76 are currently under operation. This he says is contrary to claims that government was only revamping already existing companies as he noted that only 64 of such facilities were captured under the 1D1F project. Touching on interventions rolled out so far to support the emerging factories, Alan Kojo Kyerematen said, Mr. Chairman through this initiate weve been able to mobilize 2.3 billion Ghana Cedis from local financial institutions, government has provided interest subsidy payment in support of 230 million Ghana cedis. This is meant to de-risk the project to make it easier for them to put it (the factories). The Minister-designate is hopeful that when given the nod, work will be expedited on the project which has the potential of creating more job opportunities and transforming Ghanas economy. Below is the total break down of the 1D1F initiative: Two Hundred and Thirty-Two (232) IDIF projects in 154 Districts, at various stages of implementation, made up of 64 existing companies and 168 new companies. They are categorized as follows: Projects Currently Operating as 1D1F- 76 Projects under Construction -107 Projects ready to commence construction (Mobilization Stage) - 36 Pipeline Projects to be financed by PFIs- 13 TOTAL PROJECTS 232 They include Agro-processing (56%), General Manufacturing (22%), Meat Processing (5%), Primary Agriculture (4%), and other Industrial Enterprises (13%). The following milestones have been achieved: 139,331 direct and indirect jobs created by 76 1D1F companies in operation 285,915 additional direct and indirect jobs projected GHS 2.3 billion mobilized from PFIs Interest Subsidy payment support of GHS 213 million GHS 603 million Import Duty Exemptions granted to 37 1D1F companies 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 woman said that her neighbor offered her $1,000 to transport an immigrant to San Antonio, according to an arrest affidavit. Dulce Rubi Esparza was arrested and charged with transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport an immigrant who was in the country illegally. An Ohio mother has been accused of killing her six-year-old son by dragging him behind her speeding car, and then dumping his body in a river before falsely claiming he had gone missing. James Robert Hutchinson was reported missing by his mother on Sunday morning, and many people came out to search for him, Middletown Police Chief David Birk said in a news release. Investigators questioned the childs mother, 29-year-old Brittany Gosney, and her boyfriend, 42-year-old James Hamilton. Birk said the couple confessed that James had been killed a few days earlier in Preble County, then brought back to Middletown, where the family live, and put into the river. Scroll down for video Brittany Gosney, 29 (left), has been charged with murder in the death of her six-year-old son, and both she and her boyfriend, James Hamilton, 42 (right), have been charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence Gosney's son, James Hutchinson, was reported missing by his mother on Sunday, but the woman later admitted he had been killed Police say Gosney and Hamilton threw James' body in the Ohio River in Middletown, Ohio Gosney was charged with murder, and both Gosney and Hamilton were charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, police said. Court documents that were released on Monday allege that Gosney had taken her son to Rush Run Park in Preble County with the intention to leave him there, but when she tried to drive away, the child grabbed onto the car in an attempt to climb back inside, reported NBC4i. According to police, the mother-of-four drove away, dragging her son at a high rate of speed. Gosney returned to the park 30 to 40 minutes later and found James lying in the middle of the parking lot with injuries to his head. She said the child had died. Gosney then placed his body in her car, drove to the family's home in Middletown and stored his body in an upstairs bedroom. The following day, Gosney and her boyfriend allegedly took the boy's body and dumped it in the river. During Gosney's arraignment on Monday, a prosecutor said the woman dragged her son with her car after trying and failing to abandon him in a park A judge set Hamilton's bond at $105,000 on the charges he is facing Police are working with trained searchers to find the childs body. 'The river is very high and treacherous, so we will not be disclosing the exact location in hopes of avoiding another tragic incident,' Birk said in the release. During their arraignments on Monday, a judge set Gosney's bond at $1million on the murder charge, and Hamilton's at $105,000 on the abuse of a corpse and evidence tampering charges. During her hearing, Gosney tearfully complained that she did not understand the legal proceedings because she has a learning disability. Both suspects are due back in court on March 8. Investigators offered no motive or details for the boy's killing. Gosney and Hamilton are jailed pending their arraignment on Monday. No motive has been given for the child's killing Gosney is a mother of four. She is pictured above with one of her sons Birk also said two other children have been removed from the couples home. Posts from Gosney's multiple Facebook accounts indicate that she has four children: two daughters and two sons. Gosney described herself on social media as 'Full Time Mommy!' and regularly shared photos of her smiling children and Hamilton, whom she referred to as her 'husband' and her 'everything.' Peaky Blinders is filming series six. (Caryn Mandabach Productions/Anthony Byrne) A first-look image from Peaky Blinders' final season has fuelled speculation that Tommy Shelby may find himself crossing paths with Adolf Hitler. The BBC drama has been filming its delayed sixth series, billed as its last instalment, and a promotional picture shared on social media has hinted that its main character will be spending time in Nazi Germany. Cillian Murphy is shown in character as Tommy Shelby in a moody shot of a red-lit room, captioned: "On a gathering storm comes a tall handsome man in a dusty black coat with a red right hand. "Tommy goes to Berghain..!" This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The photo was shared by director Anthony Byrne on Instagram, as well as by the official Peaky Blinders Twitter account. Although the Instagram post was location tagged with "a secret location", Berghain is a Berlin nightclub suggesting Tommy will travel to Germany in the forthcoming series. Watch: Peaky Blinders set to open as Covid vaccine centre Read more: The 'Peaky Blinders' movie will happen, says shows creator Fans of the hit show already know that Sam Claflin will continue to feature in series six as British fascist Oswald Mosley, offering further clues as to the direction the storyline could be going in. Filming on the show has been delayed. (Caryn Mandabach Productions/Anthony Byrne) Mosley had close ties with Hitler, even inviting the Nazi leader to his wedding to Diana Mitford, which was held at Joseph Goebbels' home. Season five saw the Shelbys' assassination attempt on Mosley fail, so could it be that Tommy is set to follow his enemy to Germany? Filming has been delayed on the final season of Peaky Blinders because of the coronavirus pandemic, after the last series aired in 2019. Sam Claflin plays Oswald Mosley on the show. (BBC) But in January it was confirmed that season six was finally underway, and fans are eagerly awaiting an air date. Creator and writer Steven Knight said: Peaky is back and with a bang. After the enforced production delay due to the COVID pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. Story continues "We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form. Watch: Peaky Blinders to end with sixth and final season Millions of Trump supporters have been holding out hope for a coming storm to flood and wash away the corrupt deep state. The purported military insider group, known only as the letter Q, had been making such promises for the past several years. The media are obsessed with the Q movement, not too sure what to make of it. Is it a domestic terrorist group or a grand hoax? Did Q dole out enough truth to provide a glimpse behind the Trump curtain, a behind the scenes look at Trumps long promised fight against ruling class corruption? Perhaps it was a psy-op to distract or just a way to get people to pay attention to and engage in a discussion of deep state malfeasance? Before Donald Trump was elected president, he was clear about his mission, Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People. There is nothing the political establishment will not do, and no lie they will not tell, to hold on to their prestige and power at your expense. Promises from the Q group aligned with Trumps movement. To the media, Q was the latest shiny object to chase around, as they did with Stormy and Avenatti a few years ago. Despite their obsession with the incorrectly named QAnon and the FBIs warning that this is a domestic terrorism threat, as of yet, not a single member of the Q group has been identified. If FBI sleuths can investigate whether the dognapping of Lady Gagas bulldogs was politically motivated because she sang at Bidens inauguration, or if a NASCAR garage door handle is racist, surely they could have identified by now the so-called domestic terrorists known only by the 17th letter of the alphabet. The Q group promised a coming storm, of biblical proportions, referring to the movie White Squall with the theme of Where we go one we go all, or in Q lexicon appearing at political rallies, WWG1WGA. YouTube screen grab We were told both elections and law and order were safeguarded and to trust Sessions, Barr, Durham, and the plan, whatever the plan was. How has that all worked out? We are now into the second month of the Biden administration, witnessing a rapid decline in Bidens cognition and ability to speak publicly, instead babbling incoherently in a manner that shows the world that while the lights may be on in the Oval Office, no one is home. The only storm is what Trump dove into on day one of his presidency, when calls for impeachment began minutes after his inauguration. Two unsuccessful attempts were made, with assistance from cranks within his own political party. His own agencies including the FBI, DOJ, and CIA had their own storm planned, illegally spying on Trumps campaign, transition, and administration. They spied and wiretapped Trump and his circle, they fraudulently manufactured evidence to obtain FISA warrants, and destroyed real evidence as in phones and emails. This was all cheered on by print, digital, and social media, political operatives rather than arbiters of truth. We trusted Barr and Durham. Barr is retired, playing his bagpipes, serving up only one spygate indictment of a mid-level FBI attorney who received a slap on the wrist. Barr acknowledged spying did occur but like his predecessor, did nothing about it. Durham recently resigned his position as U.S. Attorney yet continues as special counsel. How long will that last? When Merrick Garland is confirmed as Attorney General, want to bet he either shuts down the special counsel investigation or changes the scope to look at Trumps taxes instead? Garland will claim its a witch hunt and that America needs to move on. Circle-Back Psaki will repeat this to her stenographers in the White House press corps and the media will praise Garland for his wisdom and bravery. Nothing will come of any Hunter Biden investigations, past or present, despite him still being invested in a Chinese firm while his father is president. His laptop will join Anthony Weiners laptop and Hillary Clintons missing emails in an unmarked box on the top shelf of one of many rows of shelves in some nondescript warehouse. No one will question the origins of a Chinese virus conveniently unleashed to destroy Trumps booming economy ahead of an election. Or how the virus provided an excuse for state governors or courts to change, unconstitutionally, election laws favoring mail in ballots which could conveniently be found in the wee hours of election night in just the right amount to swing a few key states from the Trump to Biden column. So much for safeguarding the election. Congress and U.S. courts have no interest in examining a fraudulent election, instead using a preplanned riot on the U.S. Capitol as an excuse to quickly certify the election results, blame Trump once again, and try to prevent him from ever running for elected office in the future. Such a lack of curiosity from the Washington D.C. ruling class and their court eunuchs, also known as the media. They are far more interested in Ted Cruz chaperoning a group of teenage girls to Cancun or Marjorie Taylor Greenes past tweets than a rigged and stolen election. This storm blew only one way, blowing Trump out of Washington D.C. and his supporters out of their jobs, reputations, and ability to exercise their free speech rights. Some storm. Despite promises of a coming storm, we had a never ending calm before the storm -- it seems the calm bit never ended, and the storm harmlessly sputtered out to sea. The only pain coming was for Trump and his supporters being thwarted at every turn, never given a fair shake, and harassed for supporting Trump. We hear that the military is in control and that the Biden presidency is actually a movie set. Sure thing. Meanwhile the executive orders roll out, cancelling every bit of good Trump brought to America. Bidens cabinet nominees resemble the characters in the Star Wars cantina scene. The only movie we are watching is Being There, with Joe Biden playing the role of simpleminded Chance. The odds of Trump having some plan dwindle with every passing day of open borders, gender confusion, and selling out America to her foreign adversaries. I am all for optimism but if it is February and you are waiting for a pony under the Christmas tree, its time to move on. Ill happily eat crow if I am wrong, and Trump is magically inaugurated on March 4 as some predict. But in the meantime, stop with the coming storm already. Its only a light breeze, not even enough to turn the blades of a Biden windmill. Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer. He is on sabbatical from social media. Image: Screen shot from video posted by Awaken Connects Channel, via shareable YouTube New Delhi, March 1 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday carried out searches at three locations across three states in connection with a case registered against the senior Divisional Manager of South West Railways for fake payment to a contractor. A CBI official here said that the agency sleuths raided three premises of Senior Divisional Engoneer Neeraj Bapnna and contractor P. Aswartha Narayana in connection with the case in Hubli, Bhilwara and Kolhapur. During the searches the agency sleuths also seized several incriminating documents. The CBI had registered a case against the then Bapanna, who is posted in Hubli, unknown public servants and others including the contractor in a work related to providing additional height guage in Road under Bridge. In the FIR it was alleged that old dismantled structural steel of unmanned level cross height gauges were used for the work and no structural steel was purchased, though the contractor received payments. It was also alleged that the public servant obtained illegal gratification in return through the money transferred to the accounts of his relatives or friends by the contractor. Prime Minister taking an indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine should remove all doubts that people have about its side-effects, Union Health Minister said, underlining no death has occurred till now due to anti- vaccination in the country. Vardhan said that ifany death occurs a few days after receiving the jab, it cannot be linked to vaccination because each such death is being scientifically probed. The minister through a tweet said that he would take the shot on Tuesday and appealed to all those aged 60 and above and aged 45 and above having specified co-morbidities to immediately take the vaccine. "Don't have any doubt about the vaccine. It has close to no side-effects. No case of any death due to the vaccine has come to light so far. Any death which occurs a few days after receiving the jab, cannot be linked to vaccination because each such death is being scientifically probed," he said in another tweet By taking the indigenously developed Covaxin by Bharat Biotech, the prime minister has effectively ended any spread of misinformation and it would also eliminate hesitancy from the minds of people about the vaccine, 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.) 5 things you need to know Monday News YTL Corp Bhd's net profit rises to MYR16m 01 March 2021 YTL Corp Bhds net profit jumped to MYR16.09m (US$3.9m) in the 2QFY21, ended 31 Dec 2020, from MYR1.29m in the preceding quarter, thanks to a strong showing by its multi-utilities business segment in Singapore. Revenue increased 10 per cent to MYR4.59bn, from MYR4.18bn in 1QFY21. Group Executive Chairman Tan, Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping, said YTL Corp's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at MYR2bn for the six months, as the group remained resilient in the face of COVID-19, supported by the strength of its utilities, cement and construction businesses. Malayan Cement Bhd, which YTL Corp acquired in May 2019, recorded a narrowed loss of MYR6.8m for the six-month period, compared with MYR72.3m a year ago. This is despite its cumulative revenue falling to MYR718.4m from MYR912.8m, "due to a decline in domestic cement sales volumes resulting from the disruption to construction activities upon the reinstatement of the conditional movement control order in most parts of Peninsular Malaysia in early November 2020," added Yeoh. Mr Yeoh said the segment's loss has been reduced significantly due to the better margins on domestic cement sales, improved efficiencies in production costs and other ongoing rationalisation efforts since the acquisition of a majority stake in the company. Published under Appointment 1 March 2021 Rosewood Hotel Group is proud to recognize the promotion of Siu Yin Ko, formerly senior corporate director of global sales, to vice president, global sales. In this new position, she leads the global sales organization for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, New World Hotels & Resorts and KHOS hotels with an emphasis on optimizing sales performance and active participation with key strategic partners. Since joining Rosewood in 2017, SiuYin has focused on establishing business partnerships and elevating brand awareness globally in key strategic locations. Help shape Leelanau and Traverse City state park planning at virtual meetings March 10 and 18 Help shape Leelanau and Traverse City state park planning at virtual meetings March 10 and 18 March 1, 2021 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host virtual meetings next week to gather public feedback on new draft general management plans for Leelanau and Keith J. Charters Traverse City state parks. General management plans are used to define a long-range planning and management strategy that protects a state park's resources while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities. Each virtual meeting will begin with an overview of the planning process and draft plan, followed by an opportunity for people to share feedback and questions with DNR staff. Registration is required: The Leelanau State Park virtual meeting will take place 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 10. Visit Michigan.gov/Leelanau to view a copy of the draft plan and to register for the GoToWebinar meeting. A video recording of the meeting will be posted approximately one week later. virtual meeting will take place 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 10. Visit Michigan.gov/Leelanau to view a copy of the draft plan and to register for the GoToWebinar meeting. A video recording of the meeting will be posted approximately one week later. The Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park virtual meeting will take place 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 18. Visit Michigan.gov/TraverseCity to view a copy of the draft plan and to register for the GoToWebinar meeting. A video recording of the meeting will be posted approximately one week later. Opportunity for additional feedback Following the virtual meetings, an interactive public input survey will be made available on the respective park pages to solicit more detailed feedback on each draft plan's components. Comments also can be shared via email through March 30 with Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at JensenD1@Michigan.gov. Public input is a critical part of the planning process," said Jensen. "Nearly 1,200 people responded to online input surveys on these parks in fall 2019, which provided important guidance for drafting the plans." Park details and features Leelanau State Park, located at the tip of Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, is home to more than 1,550 acres waiting for visitors to explore. The park showcases the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, a rustic campground, mini cabins, the park's trail system (also known as Cathead Bay trails), an interactive playground and a picnic area with a pavilion. Much of the park's southern portion is protected as designated critical dunes. Most of the park land is open to hunting. Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a popular urban park located on the east arm of the Grand Traverse Bay, just 2 miles from downtown Traverse City. The 75-acre park is home to a modern campground, a fully equipped lodge, mini cabins and a day-use area. The day-use area is located directly across U.S. 31 and features a quarter-mile of sandy beach, a small beach house and a picnic area. The TART trail, a 10.5-mile paved trail, can be accessed from the park and connects to downtown Traverse City and other regional trails. Additional information Additional information on the DNR's general management plan process is available at Michigan.gov/ParkManagementPlans. For more information about the plan or meeting, contact Debbie Jensen at JensenD1@Michigan.gov. /Note to editors: Accompanying photos of each park are available below for download./ Authorities are investigating after shots were fired into an occupied West Deptford Township home early Monday. Township police officers responded to the 200 block of DuBois Avenue around 12:20 a.m. for a report of shots fired. No one in the home was injured, but property damage was discovered. Township police and Gloucester County Prosecutors Office investigators located and seized unspecified evidence at the scene, according to an announcement about the incident. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Matthew Carroll at 856-853-4599, ext. 168 or email mcarroll@westdeptfordpd.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Subscriber content preview Your role may merit a salary discussion, even in uncertain times. By MELISSA LAMBARENA NerdWallet The pandemic-related recession has altered many job descriptions. For Haley Jones, a 24-year-old resident of Michigan, the coronavirus changed the needs of her company, and as she adapted to meet them, her responsibilities were no longer confined to her marketing specialist role. I graduated with a marketing degree, no medical experience at all, and I ended up having to scrub in at our surgery center and help patients get prepped for anesthesia, Jones says. . . . The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. As University of North Georgia (UNG) students prepare for their midterm exams this week, Dr. Simon Cordery, director of Student Counseling, hopes they remember the wide array of mental health support available to them, should they feel overwhelmed. This semester, UNG launched Nigel Cares, a mental health support hub, to complement the work of UNG's Student Counseling services. "We are trying to reach students in new ways," Cordery said. "Students can access these services outside normal business hours." As part of the effort, all UNG students have access to the following: A 24/7/365 mental health support line for in-the-moment support and linkages to next steps, regardless of time of day or their location. The Nigel Cares support line is 833-910-3368. Up to five sessions of telehealth or in-person treatment sessions per issue provided at no cost by a network of licensed mental health clinicians. Virtual psychiatric clinics to offer assessment and medication management. Personal student navigators to assist with referral coordination and support. An online training and education tool designed exclusively for students. The Nigel Cares website, app and online wellness magazine with self-help tools and resources. Comprehensive campus programming and improved coordination of services. Cordery said the Nigel Cares website features reliable information on body, food, mind, academics, self-help, relationships, money and sexual culture. Nigel Cares is part of the larger University System of Georgia Mental Health Initiative backed by $11.5 million in Governor's Emergency Education Relief funding for the system's 26 institutions. The support comes at a crucial time as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause stress for students. Cordery is eager to see students take advantage of these resources. "It's much easier to get ahead of a problem if you seek help early," Cordery said. "Being proactive will produce a better outcome both emotionally and academically." The access to telephone or video-based psychiatric care is a major benefit to students. These services are in addition to those already offered by Student Counseling, which include individual and group therapy and counseling, suicide prevention and education, problem solving, and time management skills building. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio slammed Governor Cuomo on Monday morning as he slammed his apology to his sexual harassment accusers, called for an investigation into that and the nursing home scandal and suggested he was not fit to serve in public office. Over the weekend, Cuomo issued an apology to two former aides who said he sexually harassed them with inappropriate remarks when they worked for him. He said they'd misinterpreted what he called 'kidding' around at work. On Monday morning, de Blasio said his apology was 'not an apology' and that he was trying to let himself 'off the hook'. After giving an update on COVID-19 numbers, de Blasio was asked by a reporter what he thought of Cuomo's apology. He said: 'That's not an apology. He seemed to be saying I was just kidding around. Sexual harassment's just not funny. It's serious. It has to be taken seriously. 'Clearly he was just letting himself off the hook for something that for the women involved, sounded pretty terrifying. We need a full investigation. We need the whole truth of what happened.' He then went on: 'We need to make sure it never happens again and we need to look at the nursing home issue. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday said Gov. Cuomo's apology was 'not an apology' and that he'd tried to reduce the women's 'terrifying' claims by claiming he was joking 'We cannot just look at one or the other - we need a full investigation into the nursing home issue, where thousands of people died. Information was covered up on purpose. 'And we still don't know if our seniors are safe, our elders. 'We have not got a full accounting of the facts. Both these issues need to be looked in to.' Asked if Cuomo should resign over the claims, de Blasio said: 'What we can say here is we've got two women who worked for him... 'Anything like that, if someone purposefully tried to use their power to force a woman to have sex with them? 'Of course that's someone who should no longer be in public service.' De Blasio also went on New York City radio station Hot 97 to say the allegations 'sickened him. 'It sickened me, it sickened me. 'The thought of a powerful man trying to take advantage of his power, intimidate a young woman and just the sense that he was treating her like again these are allegations and we need a full investigation but if that was what truly happened it was like he was treating her like she was his property. 'Just disgusting, creepy.' Bennett, right, told the New York Times the governor asked her questions about her sex life, whether she had monogamous relationships and if she ever had sex with older men all during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Days earlier, Boylan, left, elaborated on accusations she first made in December, saying Cuomo had subjected her to an unwanted kiss and made inappropriate comments about her appearance 'Sexual harassment is not funny. Who the hell tries to explain that by saying I was just joking around? 'I've seen him be abusive in a way that would not be accepted by anyone in leadership,' he said. On Saturday, Charlotte Bennett, 25, told The New York Times the governor asked her questions about her sex life, whether she had monogamous relationships and if she ever had sex with older men. She said it happened in June, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lindsay Neilsen says she left Albany-based News10 ABC in 2017 after five years because Cuomo's team 'bullied' her. Her allegations were not sexual in nature Days earlier, another former aide, Lindsey Boylan, 36, a former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to the governor, elaborated on accusations she first made in December, saying Cuomo had subjected her to an unwanted kiss and made inappropriate comments about her appearance. He initially denied all of the allegations but on Sunday, released a statement saying that he had been misunderstood by the women. 'Questions have been raised about some of my past interactions with people in the office. I never intended to offend anyone or cause any harm. I spend most of my life at work and colleagues are often also personal friends. 'At work sometimes I think I am being playful and make jokes that I think are funny. I do, on occasion, tease people in what I think is a good natured way. I do it in public and in private. ' You have seen me do it at briefings hundreds of times. I have teased people about their personal lives, their relationships, about getting married or not getting married. I mean no offense and only attempt to add some levity and banter to what is a very serious business. 'I now understand that my interactions may have been insensitive or too personal and that some of my comments, given my position, made others feel in ways I never intended. I acknowledge some of the things I have said have been misinterpreted as an unwanted flirtation. To the extent anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that. 'To be clear I never inappropriately touched anybody and I never propositioned anybody and I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable, but these are allegations that New Yorkers deserve answers to. 'That's why I have asked for an outside, independent review that looks at these allegations. Andrew Cuomo (pictured in 2016 with his daughter Michaela) has been branded 'creepy' by social media users after a video resurfaced of him telling a female journalist that he wanted to see her eating a whole sausage in front of him Beth Cefalu is a reporter for News 12 Westchester. She is shown above on the job 'Separately, my office has heard anecdotally that some people have reached out to Ms. Bennett to express displeasure about her coming forward. My message to anyone doing that is you have misjudged what matters to me and my administration and you should stop now - period.' He then wanted to appoint his own investigators to look into the claims. New York State Attorney General has launched an investigation instead. Another woman has come forward to say she quit her job as a journalist after being 'bullied' by Cuomo's office for five years. Lindsay Neilsen said she left Albany-based News10 ABC in 2017 following five years with the network after realizing the 'accusatory phone calls' from his team 'was never going to stop'. A video also emerged this weekend showing Cuomo repeatedly telling a local reporter to eat 'the whole sausage' at the 2016 New York State Fair. Many viewed it as creepy. The reporter - Beth Cefalu - tweeted on Monday that she never felt harassed. At the same time, Washington lawmakers have demanded an investigation into Cuomo's administration's handling of the nursing home scandal which sent 6,000 elderly COVID-19-infected patients back into homes. It was the result of a directive that the health department gave. Initially, the number of nursing home deaths in the state seemed much smaller than it actually was because Cuomo's administration was counting many of them among hospital deaths. If a person was living in a nursing home, contracted COVID but then died in hospital and not in the home, Cuomo's health department counted it as a hospital death and not a nursing home death. He has always defended it, saying the final number never changed. Many have accused him of a deliberate cover up. Will Rahul Gandhi be next PM of India: Here is what CBN has to say Immoral and un-democratic says TDP after four of its MPs join BJP Andhra Pradesh: TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu detained at Tirupati airport India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P Tirupati, Mar 01: Leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Assembly N Chandrababu Naidu staged a sit-in protest inside the arrival lounge of the Tirupati airport at Renigunta on Monday as police sought to detain him and prevent his entry into the temple town. The Telugu Desam Party chief picked up an argument with the police officials and demanded to know why he was being prevented from going to Tirupati and Chittoor. Naidu arrived at Tirupati airport from Hyderabad to take part in a protest in Tirupati against the high-handed actions of the local civic authorities. Police, however, denied permission for the protest citing the model code of conduct for (urban local body) elections and also the prevalence of coronavirus. On Sunday, the Tirupati Municipal Corporation officials allegedly ransacked a tea stall belonging to a TDP leader, whose wife was contesting the March 10 election. It was alleged that the ruling YSR Congress wanted the TDP candidate to withdraw from the contest but, as she refused, the tea stall of her husband was damaged. To protest this, the TDP planned to organise a protest under Naidu's leadership. Having denied permission for the protest, the Tirupati Urban police sought to detain the TDP president at the airport. "I have been Chief Minister for 14 years and am now the Leader of Opposition. Don't I have the right to protest? Why can't I go and meet the district Collector and the SP," Naidu angrily questioned the police officials and sat on the airport lounge floor. On the other hand, the Tirupati and Chittoor police placed important TDP leaders of the district under house arrest ahead of Naidu's visit. TDP politburo member Yanamala Ramakrishnudu strongly condemned the police acts and said it further exposed the draconian rule of YS Jaganmohan Reddy. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits the Kamakhya temple in Assam| Oneindia News "Detention of the Opposition leader is nothing but trampling the civil liberties. Is there a rule of law in AP," Ramakrishnudu angrily questioned in a statement. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, March 1, 2021, 12:43 [IST] A MAN who has gone on trial for the murder of David Douglas nearly five years ago was "the person who literally pulled the trigger", the Special Criminal Court has heard. Lee Canavan (31) was this morning arraigned before the non-jury court where he pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Douglas at a shop on Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8, on July 1, 2016. The accused, of no fixed abode, also denies a second charge of criminal damage of a Suzuki Swift car at Strand Road, Sandymount, three days later. This morning barristers on behalf of Mr Canavan also said their client was challenging the jurisdiction of the Special Criminal Court and was seeking to rely on the outcome of a separate ongoing judicial review. Outlining the State's case, prosecutor Sean Gillane SC said they would connect the accused forensically and through CCTV footage to the murder and that the logical inference from was that he was the man who "literally pulled the trigger". Mr Gillane said that David Douglas (55) ran the Shoestown shop owned by his partner in the south-inner city where he was known to the locals. At around 4pm on the day of the murder he was working at the store with his daughter when a male in dark clothing and carrying a gun entered. "Loud bangs were heard described as sounding like fireworks and a male was then observed running from the premises," Mr Gillane told the court. The weapon, a semi-automatic pistol with its serial number erased, had been left beside his head. Mr Douglas had been shot six times in the chest, chin, and trunk the court was told. Emergency services were alerted but he was pronounced dead at 4.55pm that afternoon at St James Hospital. Mr Gillane said that the gunman was observed getting into a waiting Mercedes which sped off in the direction of Francis Street and stopped at an area nearby known as Carman's Hall. Two men got out and as they set fire to the Mercedes the driver's leg caught fire and was seen putting out the flames. Both men then ran towards a Suzuki Swift. Later that evening at 7.40pm Mr Gillane said this car was seen outside the Q carpark at St Stephen's Green and that two men, including Mr Canavan, got out and went to a restaurant nearby. He said the other male was Freddie Thompson (41), who has previously convicted of the murder of David Douglas. He added that the car was driven by Nathan Foley (21), who has previously been convicted of helping a criminal organisation carry out Douglass murder. The court heard that three days later, on July 4, gardai were called to reports of the Suzuki vehicle being set on fire by a number of men at a carpark on the Strand Road in Dublin 4. As gardai attended the scene they came across a blue Mitsubishi Mirage being driven at speed by Foley. Mr Gillane said that the back seat passenger was Mr Canavan and that the men's clothing as well as the interior of the car smelled of petrol. They were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage while a forensic examination of the burn site was carried out. The court heard that there were four vehicles of "major relevance" in the case. This included the Mercedes, described as the "murder vehicle" used to transport the killer to and from the scene, as well as the Suzuki which was described as the "ultimate getaway car". The prosecutor said that two other vehicles of relevance were used as spotter cars and for logistical support in the planning and execution of the murder. These, he said, were the blue Mitsubishi Mirage as well as a silver Ford Fiesta which was spotted on CCTV at various times throughout the day of the shooting driving "in convoy" with the Mercedes and other vehicles. Mr Gillane said the prosecution's case will be that the four vehicles and their occupants "manifestly operated in concert throughout the day in the planning and execution of the murder." He told the three judges they will hear evidence of Lee Canavan's finger mark being found on the internal rear-view mirror of the Ford Fiesta, and that his DNA was also obtained with a tape lift from the Suzuki car. There will also be evidence of identification of the accused from footage linking him to the Mercedes and forensically connecting him to other vehicles. Mr Gillane said that Lee Canavan was intricately connected to the deployment of the murder car, and that the court will be asked to infer the accused and others were acting together in carefully planning the assassination of another human being. He said the logical inference to be drawn from the evidence was that "Lee Canavan was the person who literally pulled the trigger." The court will begin hearing evidence tomorrow morning before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, Ms Justice Sinead Ni Chulachain and Mr Justice Dermot Dempsey. Thanks to Your Werewolf Jesus Savior for the heads up A Wu Assassins standalone movie is heading to Netflix. The streaming service has ordered Fistful of Vengeance, a 90-minute film which will star original Wu Assassins cast members Iko Uwais, Lewis Tan, Lawrence Kao and JuJu Chan Szeto, along with new cast Pearl Thusi (Quantico), Rhatha Phongam (Only God Forgives), Francesca Torney and Jason Tobin (Warrior).Written by Cameron Litvack, Jessica Chou and Yalun Tu and directed by Roel Reine, Fistful of Vengeance will see the Wu Assassin team reunite in Bangkok to avenge the death of one of their own, only to find that their new enemy is an ancient threat armed with otherworldly powers. Mick Schumacher says his stance about racism has been "misinterpreted". Last week, the Haas rookie flirted with controversy by answering "no comment" when asked by La Stampa newspaper to talk about F1 and Lewis Hamilton's political activism. Some social media users lashed out at his silence on the highly-charged topic, prompting the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher to respond on Twitter. "I was recently misinterpreted after an interview on a question surrounding political activism," the 21-year-old said. "Just to make one thing clear - I'm against any form of injustice and inequality, and support the fight against racism." The Schumacher controversy comes after Formula 1 indicated that the pre-race kneeling gestures seen in 2020 may now end this season. Seven time world champion Hamilton said on social media last Friday: "Last year, some of us took a knee in support of equality which I am proud of. My question is, what's next? "Change is still needed," he added. At the same time, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that 45 human rights associations have asked Hamilton to boycott this year's inaugural Saudi Arabian GP. On Sunday, Formula E teams were caught up in a missile attack launched by terrorists in the capital Riyadh. "You have shown immense courage in your fight," the human rights groups reportedly told Hamilton in a letter. "If the best F1 driver refuses to compete in Saudi Arabia, it could be of great help in convincing the country to finally change its conception of human rights." (GMM) Lancer Skincare's product innovations are informed by Dr. Lancer's clinical observations of his patient base and developed to bring in-clinic solutions directly to customers' homes. Born out of the desire to offer a gentler exfoliating solution for those with sensitive skin, the Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads harness active ingredients that deliver reliable skin resurfacing results. An extension of Lancer's exfoliation-first ethos that defines the renowned Lancer Anti-Aging Method, the Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads enhance the efficacy of the Lancer routine by visibly resurfacing and brightening the skin in one easy step. Inspired by the line's Caviar Lime Acid Peel, the Pads create skincare inclusivity by providing an option for mask and peel enthusiasts who are looking for a gentle approach. Made from biodegradable bamboo, each Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pad carries a blend of ingredients helping smooth, brighten and even skin tone, while providing long-lasting anti-aging benefits. "At Lancer Dermatology, patients receive chemical peels and laser resurfacing for deeper level treatments and often ask for more gentle exfoliating recommendations, and I'm thrilled to bring our expertise to an easy, at-home solution for customers," said Dr. Harold Lancer. "The Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads are perfect for customers looking for an introduction to exfoliation or continuous maintenance in between more intense exfoliating products and treatments." "Joining other fan favorites, including Lancer Skincare's best-selling Caviar Acid Lime Peel and Pro Polish Microdermabrasion Device, the Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads are representative of the brand's unique exfoliation-first approach to skincare," Lancer Skincare CEO Tracey Sameyah adds. "This expansion of the line is another example of the brand's ongoing goal to provide customers with luxury product solutions that are an extension of the Lancer Dermatology clinic. It comes at a time when customers are looking to solidify their at-home skincare regimens due to the ongoing pandemic, marking an exciting new opportunity for the brand." The Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads are made from powerful ingredients including Lactic Acid, Bakuchiol, Papaya Fruit Extract and Oatmeal. Lactic Acid, known to be a gentler ingredient, exfoliates the upper layers of the skin and is an AHA that helps to fight wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and overall dull complexion. A plant-derived natural retinol alternative, Bakuchiol, targets fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone by plumping the skin and smoothing out rough skin texture. Papaya Fruit Extract purifies the skin while providing antioxidant benefits and balancing the skin by promoting cell turnover and removing dead skin build-up to reveal a fresher, renewed complexion. The final and a multi-beneficial ingredient, Oat Bran Extract, protects the skin's barrier function, helping to retain skin's moisture as it soothes the skin and relieves it of any dryness. These efficacious wipes are suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin as some users are unable to use some of the stronger, more active products. The Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads will be available through Lancer Skincare beginning March 1, 2021. For more information on the Gentle Exfoliating Peel Pads, Dr. Lancer and Lancer Skincare, visit www.lancerskincare.com . About Lancer Skincare LLC With three decades of dermatological practice and daily interaction with his patients at his Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Harold Lancer is the authority on radiant, youthful-looking skin. Through his expertise, cutting edge technology and efficacious skincare line, Dr. Lancer has become one of the most sought out dermatology professionals in the world. Dr. Lancer's study of the skin's natural renewal and repair process led him to develop the Lancer Method, a three-step routine of Polish, Cleanse, and Nourish formulated to work synergistically to renew and restore the skin's vitality. In Lancer Skincare's true practice-to-product approach, consumers will be introduced to dermatologist-developed products, created in Beverly Hills and curated for their specific skin needs. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Dr. Lancer spent his youth in Connecticut, received his undergraduate education from Brandeis University and then his medical degree from the University of California/San Diego School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School Dermatology Residency. He later completed a Plastic Surgery fellowship at the Tel Hashomer Medical School visiting fellow in plastic surgery, Israel, followed by a residency in London at St. John's Hospital for Diseases of the Skin, UK. He returned to Southern California where he received his board certification in dermatology in 1983 and began his Beverly Hills practice. Once only available exclusively to Hollywood's elite at Dr. Lancer's Beverly Hills clinic, Lancer Skincare has evolved into a globally renowned line of advanced anti-aging products available at a variety of luxury retailers including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. For more information visit www.lancerskincare.com and Instagram @DrLancerRx. Media Contact: Evan Rome, [email protected] SOURCE Lancer Skincare WOOD RIVER There have been a lot of changes in the workforce since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, from disappearing jobs to remote work. More changes will be coming, and Madison County Employment and Training has a number of programs to help people upgrade skills and find new or better jobs. Based out of Madison Countys Wood River Facility, officials there tout it as a one-stop shop that has both resources and expertise to help both workers and business. If you have no money in your pocket, or a million dollars in your pocket, we will provide those services for you, Director Tony Fuhrmann said Thursday morning. He said they can help with all phases of a job search, beginning at helping people determine what they want to do and are best suited for; develop skills, including training programs; and actual job searches. All the offices services are at no cost. Fuhrmann said he dislikes calling them free, because there is a commitment required. As of Friday, January unemployment figures have not been released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, but in December there was a slight uptick in unemployment in the Metro East to 5.4 percent. It had dropped to 5 percent in November, down dramatically from more than 15 percent in April. At the time, Fuhrmann said the latest uptick was not surprising because of the last round of lock downs in December, which hit the hospitality industry hard. Waiting for clients Ironically, MCET has both resources for job searches and funding for training, but few people are taking advantage of it right now. Our big issue is people not coming and using our services, Fuhrmann said. We want to make people aware of what we have here, what we can provide them. After going completely online for several months, they reopened the office by appointment only. Despite the gradual opening up of the economy, fewer people than expected have been coming to them. We were hoping to see more people coming into our office or utilizing our services, but we havent seen a great increase in that, said One-Stop Manager Antonio Stephens. Were hovering about 20 people using services per month. Normally at this time we would have a couple hundred. The irony is the office has increased funding for job training, ranging from certificate programs lasting four weeks to two-year programs including associates degrees at local community colleges, and helping with four-year degrees at SIUE. He said part of the hesitancy may be that because there is still pandemic-related money and extended unemployment benefits, some people are getting by and hesitant to go back to the work force right now. With vaccines being rolled out throughout the state we hope to see numbers increase, he said. They are also doing more social media-based promotions, and working with businesses. We try to let them know we have these programs available, Stephens said. We know you may be in need of certain employees, a certain set of skills. Let us work with you to be able to offer training to those individuals. Two areas MCET is emphasizing are apprenticeships and a program to retrain workers into the bio-science field. An apprenticeship expansion grant allows them to work with businesses and local schools to expand opportunities. Were sort of leading the pack in a lot of things, he said, adding there are apprenticeship programs for healthcare welding, aviation maintenance and other programs. A lot of times when people think of apprenticeships, they think of trade unions, he said, adding that has changed. He noted that the U.S. Department of Labor lists more than 1,000 specific apprentice tracks. Were very flexible down here, he said. If theres a business that has an interest, no matter what theyre in, we can meet with them and determine what they are trying to do. He said they also have grants to help retrain dislocated workers into bio-science fields. MCET is working with SIUE to create a short-term training program where individuals can get basic certification and get their foot in the door. This is based on employers telling us what skills their employees are lacking, he said. Its self-driven. You can do it within 6-12 weeks depending on how ambitious you are. Another advantage is much of it is online and remote. Youll have training and skills in a marketable area, he said. Youd think you need a degree. All you need is a high school diploma or equivalent to get you into the program. There is really a career path there. Client calls MCET a hidden gem Don Rommerskirchen calls MCET a hidden gem that has helped him immensely. The Highland resident had worked in the federal prison system as a locksmith, and faced a mandatory retirement at 57. I thought I dont want to retire, he said. So, I came down here. Ive never been through this before, I hate to say I was nervous, but at 57 He was able to get into the HVAC program at Southwestern Illinois College, and will be finished with his certificate program at the end of the summer. Im really good with my hands, and really good at fixing stuff, he said. He called the program fantastic. I study all the time, and Im always on the deans list, he said. When I was younger and went to college, my grades werent that good. When he finishes the program, his instructors have said they have a number of employers willing to hire him, and have also asked him to come back as an instructor. Im going to get a full-time job after this, but it doesnt matter if I teach full time, or work out there full time, or split it. Help for workers and businesses Kim Bruns, a career navigator at the office, helps people move through the various stages and programs related to career and job searches. I think its very important, she said, adding that is especially true for those who have been employed for some time, or are reentering the workforce. There have been numerous changes in how employers look for workers, and how potential employees market themselves. Its changed dramatically in the last 25 years, she said. Everything is digital, everything is online. We help them navigate that. How to send their resumes, where to send their resumes to, types of resumes, what you do and dont want to put on a resume. Sarah Lorio is MCETs work-based learning coordinator, and deals with the business side. Our goal is to match job-seekers with jobs in the area, so we work with employers to find out what those are and share that information with the people that are looking for it, she said. Currently, manufacturing and logistics, and healthcare are two of the more active sectors. Employers are hiring, she said. On the business side, things have not slowed down for us with COVID. For information call 618-296-4301, visit the Madison County website at https://www.co.madison.il.us/ or visit the departments Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MCETD. Blast victim Geoffrey Bowen. Other staff were being counselled while the NCA called in more officers from Sydney and Melbourne. Some staff had been traumatically affected by the blast, said the head of the NCA, Mr Tom Sherman, QC. Security was tightened at NCA offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth as NCA officers suspected there might be further attacks. Mr Sherman announced that security at all offices was being reviewed urgently, and said he had no problems with any outside review of the NCAs security measures. Law enforcement officers said last night that the Adelaide office was involved in Operation Cerberus, set up in June 1992 as part of a nationwide investigation into Mafia activity. The case in which Sergeant Bowen was to testify was a section of Matter 14 of the NCAs references - part of a national reference granted by the inter-governmental committee of the NCA into Italian organised crime in June 1992. Although there had been an earlier reference into Italian organised crime in Australia, the latest one was established when law enforcement chiefs decided that there was a need for a continuing investigation into aspects of Mafia crime. Task force raids resulting in several arrests in Griffith and Sydney late last year are also believed to have been part of that reference. Sergeant Bowen was due to give evidence in a major trial in coming weeks. He had been seconded to the NCA from Western Australia in 1992, and was about to be given a two-year extension. A West Australian police source said last night that Sergeant Bowen had received death threats over investigations in that State which led to eight men being jailed for cultivating drugs. In Adelaide, scientific detectives were trying to piece together human remains, stationery, office equipment and building material. The blast was so strong that plate glass windows were hurled more than 50 metres. The blast area - covering about 70 metres - was still sealed off last night. Mr Sherman, who flew from Melbourne yesterday afternoon, visited Mr Bowens widow, Jane, and his two children, aged eight and five. At a press conference at South Australia police headquarters later he said: This is clearly a cowardly attack on the NCA. Too often ... (the media)forgets people lay their lives on the line and the people the NCA investigate in organised crime are capable of these actions ... Mr Sherman said the attack served no purpose whatsoever and only increased our resolve. He said that despite the sophistication of the NCAs vetting procedures, there were some explosives, including plastic devices, that could not be picked up. There was no reason to suspect any lapse in security procedures. Mr Sherman said that the NCA should not be criticised for having offices in city centres. We could put the NCA out at Ayers Rock and surround it by three kilometres of security but the quality of life for the staff would be inferior. The Prime Minister described the attack as wicked and evil. Mr Keating said he would expect a review of security in NCA offices and that the Government would consider compensation for the victims and their families. The South Australian Police Commissioner, Mr David Hunt, said the murder was of national importance and significance and he appealed to the community for help. We dont work alone. Its not just here but interstate as well. A toll free number of 008 063500 was set up. You are here: Business Suning.com, a leading retailer in China, sold 23 percent of its shares to state-owned investors in a bid to enhance comprehensive cooperation in logistics and infrastructure. Shenzhen International Holdings, a logistic services company, acquired 8 percent of Suning's stake and Kunpeng Capital under the Shenzhen municipal government acquired 15 percent of its stake, according to a statement by Suning.com on Sunday. The transaction worth 14.8 billion yuan ($2.29 billion), and Zhang Jindong, the billionaire founder of Suning, remains the largest shareholder of the group. The retailer's revenue in 2020 came in at 258.46 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 4 percent. It also reported a 3.9-billion-yuan loss in net profit last year amid temporary store closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter is seen as an attempt by the state government to divert the plant to Krishnapatnam and safeguard the interests of VSP and its workers. (Representational Photo: DC) VIJAYAWADA: The AP government has invited POSCO India Private Limited, the Indian subsidiary of the Korean conglomerate POSCO, to establish a greenfield integrated steel plant at Krishnapatnam in the Nellore district. In a letter addressed to Sung Lae. Chun, Chairman and Managing Director of POSCO India, special chief secretary, R. Karikal Valaven said the government is keen on having the unit at Krishnapatnam while pointing to the interest expressed by the firm on the location. The government move gained significance in the backdrop of growing resentment over Centres disinvestment plans of Vizag Steel Plant (VSP). The letter is seen as an attempt by the state government to divert the plant to Krishnapatnam and safeguard the interests of VSP and its workers. In his letter, Valaven said, I would like to highlight the fact that the government of AP has been a front-runner in providing unparalleled support to the industry and the industrial policy 2020-23 is considered as one of the best in the country. AP has consistently ranked No. 1 in Ease of Doing Business rankings among Indian states and it is a testament to our strong commitment to industrial growth. With the same enthusiasm, I would like to extend an invite to the delegation from POSCO headquarters at Seoul to confirm your proposal for setting up an integrated steel plant in the land identified jointly by your team and the Government of AP at Krishnapatnam and for further discussion on other required support under the State Industrial Policy. The official pointed out that Krishnapatnam is poised to be the next industrial growth centre of Andhra Pradesh considering that it is strategically located on the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, which is being developed with the support of the Centre. He also said developing an integrated steel plant beside a world-class port offers multiple logistical advantages. Reminding that Krishnapatnam port is one of the largest automated ports in South Asia with a facility to handle Capesize and Panamax vessels, he said the state government would take all steps to hand over the land at the earliest to POSCO once a common understanding is achieved on the way forward. Valaven envisaged that the steel plant at Krishnapatnam would be an anchor industry in driving the economic activity in the region. AP would be willing to consider further support in the form of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, he said. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021 Creating a World without Geopolitics Feb. 28 , 2021 (EIRNS)The creation of a world without geopolitics requires that the leaders and people of the world develop a better understanding of the enormous potential for collaboration and economic advancement that exists at present. And a clear-eyed understanding of the forces devoted to reducing the worlds population, preventing growth, and fomenting conflict as a way of achieving the first two aims. The modern British financial-intelligence empirecentered in the City of London, Wall Street, the Five Eyes intelligence agencies, and Silicon Valleyis deploying a Great Reset to prevent economic development for the future of humanity under the guise of protecting precisely that future, and it is acting to create an enemy image of the two nations in the most powerful position to oppose the Great Reset and the Anglo-American power structure acting to bring it about: Russia and China. The ongoing operations are many: the 2014 coup in Ukraine and ensuing vote by Crimea to rejoin the Russian Federation, the Russiagate hoax of the 2016 election, the oddly ineffective poisonings of the Skripals and Navalny, and the oft-repeated mantra by Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi that all roads lead to Putin are just some of the techniques used to prevent cooperation with Russia. The Hong Kong protests, exaggerations about Uyghur concentration camps, assertions about enormous evidence of Chinese culpability in the spread of the coronavirus, scary stories about Huawei and TikTok, and allegations of Chinese involvement in vote fraud in 2020 are examples of the techniques used against China. The planting of these stories shows the effectiveness and the intention of the British, who have deployed teams of information warfare agents through such agencies as the Integrity Initiativediscussed by Mike Robinson during the Saturday Schiller Institute roundtableand have now been caught red-handed engaging in precisely the sorts of social media meddling they have accused the Russians of. By breaking free from the straitjacket of green ideology and monetarism, the potential for the human species is as great as the universe, to which the exciting developments on Mars direct our attention. The LaRouche Organization has posted Lyndon LaRouches 1994 address to the Schiller Institutemade just weeks after his parole from prisonin which he captures the essence of the power of human reason, the driving force of economic growth and human advancement. As a case study of the tension between development-destroying geopolitics and the new paradigm of economic growth, consider the case of Iraq. In an soon-to-be-published interview conducted on Sunday, Schiller Institute Southwest Asia coordinator Hussein Askary put the Feb. 25 Biden bombing in the context of the potential for the Belt and Road Initiative to transform Southwest Asia, and his own efforts to create a citizens movement capable of understanding and demanding the economic policies that will give them a bright future. In 2019, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi visited China with a large delegation and worked out arrangements whereby a small portion of Iraqs oil exports could be used to secure credit from China for productive investments in such projects as ports and other major infrastructure, so desperately needed to create a full, growing economy. But the outbreak of a color revolution in Iraq upon Abdel-Mahdis return and the January 2020 murder of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi military leader Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis brought in a new government and ended, temporarily, the potential for the Iraq-China agreement. But Askary had been setting the groundwork for a popular mobilization. In November 2019 he launched the Arabic LaRouche School of Physical Economics. He helped grow an Iraqi Facebook group devoted to infrastructure from 30,000 to 280,000 members, before it was deleted by Facebook in November 2020. He has continued to organize through numerous online communities, government contacts, and through the Iraqi media, and has helped to catalyze popular demonstrations in support of the Iraq-China agreement. Will Iraqi youth be militiamen or engineers? Askary provocatively asks. The development of an educated and active citizenry is emphatically needed within the United States, where the present leadership structures do not have the required answers. Volunteers carry out temperature screening during an anti-virus campaign in Pyongyang, North Korea in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on March 4, 2020. North Korean quarantine enforcers are using their authority during coronavirus prevention inspections to extract bribes and food out of citizens struggling to survive under an economy devastated by the pandemic, sources in the country told RFA. With orders from the central government to shore up defenses against newer strains of the virus, the inspection teams make their rounds but find violations wherever possible to force the residents to serve them meals or pay fines, which they then pocket. Under normal circumstances, this type of corruption is business as usual in North Korea. North Koreans engaging in illegal activities like smuggling, watching foreign media, or making illegal phone calls routinely pay off authorities to look the other way. But making a living during coronavirus has been difficult. With very little to go around, many can barely afford to put food on the table, much less feed or pay off opportunistic quarantine officers. At the end of January, an order was issued from the Central Committee [of the Korean Workers Party] to be more thorough in implementing national emergency quarantine measures, a resident of North Hamgyong province in the countrys northeast told RFA Feb. 23. However, by invoking harsher measures to enforce the quarantine, the tyranny of the officers has in turn become harsher. So, the people are complaining, the source said. To more effectively enforce the quarantine, they dispatch investigation and inspection teams to every region of the province, said the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons. The authorities claim that new variants of the coronavirus have made preemptive measures necessary, citing instructions from the party, according to the source. But the quarantine officers are tyrants. They make useless disputes over issues that have nothing to do with quarantine. Under the pretext of quarantine inspections, the residents personal items are inspected, and useful items such as food are confiscated. There have even been a series of cases in which people who move short distances to make a living are being held, and authorities are demanding bribes in exchange for their release, the source said. Originally inspections were scheduled for once a week, and the inspection time was not set. Even so, quarantine officers constantly come to factories, companies, and neighborhood watch units unannounced, said the source. During these visits, the officers inspect things like the disinfectants people use or how they wear masks, and find ways to impose fines, according to the source. In early February, quarantine officers from Chongjin citys Chongam district inspected to see whether or not disinfectant liquid was provided at the Chikha cooperative farm. Each work team is supposed to boil seven to 10 kg of salt water to use as disinfectant, but the inspectors flagged them by saying the water was not disinfectant, just water, said the source. Since the Chikha farm is a unit that receives [North Korean leader] Kim Jong Uns guidance, if there is a problem raised about the quarantine, the impact is inevitable. The farm officials recognize the seriousness of the situation, so they are able to solve the problem only after providing the inspectors with a large meal, with chickens raised on the farm. Another source, a resident of nearby South Hamgyong province, told RFA Feb. 24 that quarantine offices there have also been harassing residents by finding quarantine faults. The quarantine officers do not question whether the masks worn by the residents are actually proper masks that are effective in preventing disease, said the second source, who requested anonymity to speak freely. But people with the tip of their nose exposed above the mask are fined 5,000 won [U.S. $0.62], 10,000 [$1.25] won if the skin around the mouth is visible, and 50,000 won [$6.25] if the mouth is fully exposed with a mask on the chin. The problem is that all fines are collected in cash and go into the pockets of the inspectors, the second source said. In the case of South Hamgyong, even the police are not above the quarantine officers inspections. A police officer in Yonggwang county was arrested by a quarantine officer for not wearing a mask properly while walking on the street. The police complained harshly to the quarantine officer and he was fired after it was reported to the Central Party, said the second source. The second source said that the police officer was forced to move to a remote area of the county as punishment. The authority of the quarantine officers has become too powerful, the second source said. North Korea, despite claiming to the international community that it is coronavirus free, has taken extensive precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including restricting travel between provinces, locking down entire cities and counties, and cancelling major cultural events. RFA reported in April 2020 that in public lectures, authorities admitted to citizens that the virus was spreading in three geographically distinct areas of the country, including the capital Pyongyang. Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Organic farming is the future for Irish agriculture, especially for beef and lamb, according to Minister for Climate Action and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan. Minister Ryan told the Dail last week that organics offers the prospect of farmers reducing their input costs and increasing the price that they get on the market. "Our food strategy is coming close to fruition now. I believe that it is in the interest of farmers to go in this green way because it is the best way of guaranteeing a price," he said hailing the re-opening of the Organic Farming Scheme. However, Mr Ryan's comments come despite the newly re-opened organic farming scheme discriminating against beef and lamb producers on the basis of market demand. Producers in the dairy, tillage and horticulture sectors will be given priority access to the scheme. Approximately 500 or 600 additional farmers will gain access under the scheme re-opened by Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett in recent weeks. ICSA Organics chair Fergal Byrne recently highlighted what he says is a lack of ambition in the current Organics Scheme. Cattle and sheep farmers have again been marginalised in the latest call for applications to the scheme. This is very discouraging, and clearly out of step with wider ambitions to vastly increase the proportion of land devoted to organic production across Europe by 2030. ICSA believes that drystock farmers must not be discriminated against in any future rounds of the Organics Scheme. Mr Byrne also pushed Minister Hackett to provide additional investment for the marketing of all organic produce. We still struggle to find markets for what is produced on just 1.5% of land domestically. As such, a determined effort to expand export markets for organic produce is essential and must go hand in hand with widening the Organics Scheme. ICSA is suggesting that some of the 100 million Brexit fund for processors should be allocated to a marketing plan targeted at massively increasing exports of organic beef and lamb at a worthwhile price," he said. However, the production of the 3500 GT kicked off in the last months of 1957, with all 18 units built by the end of the year selling almost instantly.The 3500 GT received several improvements in the next few years, with the total production until 1964 when the model was dropped believed to count approximately 2,225 coupes and convertibles.So if youre looking for an original 3500 GT that hasnt been restored or isnt sitting in a garage as part of someones collection, this one is something rather difficult to find.But Gullwing Motor Cars actually got their hands on a 1962 model, and best of all, it can be yours right now at the right price.The 1962 Maserati 3500 GT was found sitting in a barn, and its believed its been parked since at least 1978. In other words, it spent the last 43 years in the same place without moving a single inch, though this doesnt make the car less impressive.It comes with the same rare, matching numbers and original engine with a five-speed gearbox and disc brakes, and the garage says it features an ivory with red leather interior.The Maserati flexes a California black plate and is waiting for someone to restore it, so you should reach out to the dealer if you think this car should be part of your collection.It goes without saying this is one of the best barn finds weve seen in a long time, as finding such a rare car is something that happens once in a lifetime. Of course, this Maserati cant come cheap, so be ready to spend $225,000 for it. 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. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French stocks were sharply higher on Monday as investors bet on vaccine-led recovery this year. Johnson & Johnson's single-shot Covid-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization from the FDA on Saturday, paving the way for its distribution. On the stimulus front, U.S. President Joe Biden scored his first legislative win as the House of Representatives passed his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package early Saturday. The stimulus bill now moves to Senate floor for debate, where a vote could happen as early as next week. The benchmark CAC 40 jumped 93 points, or 1.6 percent, to 5,796 after declining 1.4 percent on Friday. Danone SA shares rallied 2.3 percent. The food company has reached an agreement with COFCO Dairy Investments Limited to convert Danone's stake in China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd., currently held indirectly, into a direct holding. Mengniu is a Chinese manufacturing and distribution company of dairy products, in which Danone first became a shareholder in 2013. 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 rambling woodland trail, the muddy riverside path, the yomp up a grassy hill; each holds its own special appeal. But even the finest walk can start to feel monotonous when you've done it day in, day out for months during lockdown. Even man's best friend is probably beginning to find chasing the same old squirrels on the daily constitutional more daily grind than daily pleasure. But there could be an answer for your four-legged friend: the virtual walk. Windswept beach? You've got it. Or maybe a scenic meadow? It's all there, a few clicks of the computer mouse or television remote control away. An online subscription service for pet owners called Relax My Dog and its sister site Relax My Cat has been in big demand since the pandemic began. Hit the paws button: A West Highland terrier is glued to the screen The site Petflix, as it has been dubbed has experienced rocketing growth in the past year, with more than 180 million views across its platforms in 2020, up from 120 million in 2019. There are dozens of videos for dogs and cats available from the twin services, which offer both television and audio content on subscription for about 3.50 a month a snip when you're working from home and can't afford to send your pet to doggy day care. Videographers film attractive, usually restful, footage in global beauty spots and add a music soundtrack. Alternatively, pet-specific music can be played alongside picture slideshows, some of which are available free on YouTube. One music compilation alone '15 hours of deep separation anxiety music for dog relaxation' has chalked up 15 million views since it was posted online two years ago. But is television for pets just barking mad, or can our canine and feline friends actually obtain some benefit from a spot of screen time? As plenty of dog owners will affirm, there is no doubt many of our mutts watch TV or at least, recognise in some way what is happening on screen. A 2013 study published in the journal Animal Cognition showed that dogs could identify images of other dogs among pictures of humans and other animals, using their visual sense alone. How they react will differ, depending on their breed and nature. Many will get excited if they see another dog or hear it barking some dogs not only bark at animals on the screen but also run behind the television set looking for them. Others are less concerned by what's going on and happy just to half-watch. But what dogs can see on screen is different from what we see. They have dichromatic vision, which means unlike humans, who have trichromatic vision, they have just two types of colour receptor cells and see colour within just two spectrums of light: blue and yellow. Dogs' eyes are also more sensitive to movement and some experts believe they have been better able to perceive (and so enjoy) television since the surge in high-definition viewing led to a reduced flicker-rate. A 2013 study published in the journal Animal Cognition showed that dogs could identify images of other dogs among pictures of humans and other animals. Stock image Viewers of Relax My Dog (and similar footage) will have noticed everything is shot low at dog height while colours are muted and sounds played at a frequency designed to appeal to pet hearing. Dogs and cats hear at a far broader range of frequencies than us: dogs can hear up to 45,000 Hz (Hertz), while cats have an even higher range. Humans, in contrast, have a range only up to 23,000 Hz. Given the financial potential of doggy television, investment in it has boomed since Amman Ahmed, the entrepreneurial brains behind Relax My Dog, launched his service in 2012. There is also a rival outfit called Dog TV, a U.S.-based subscription channel that promises to 'prevent mental fatigue, depression and boredom'. Amman Ahmed says viewing preferences can vary enormously from one pet to the next. 'Some dogs like watching other dogs,' he says. 'Others don't. They will just start barking if they see another dog. 'Some dogs like watching sheep or birds. But the most popular stuff is virtual walks on the beach. Sometimes there might be another dog running across playing fetch, sometimes it's an empty beach. 'The colour is graded for dogs, so it's like a washed purple colour to us. It's a bit like a visual form of a guided meditation.' There are dozens of videos for dogs and cats available from the twin services, which offer both television and audio content on subscription for about 3.50 a month. Stock image And what of cats? Does the average feline have similar tastes to its canine equivalent? No, says Ahmed. 'Cats like watching twitchy stuff, birds on the screen.' Remarking on pets' families being home more often, Ahmed says: 'Cats are looking at their owners like, 'Why are you still here?' and he wonders whether owners are tuning in with their pets to unwind. But it's not just TV. Music is also being targeted at pets. The music streaming site Spotify conducted a survey which found that 71 per cent of owners play music for their pets. Spotify subscribers can even create a playlist tailored for their dog, cat or hamster. Just log in, answer a few questions on your pet's personality, provide its name and wait while the app scans your music catalogue to curate a suitable playlist. Amazon Prime has also previously had content for pets on its site, and even Classic FM has an annual Pet Sounds evening, around Bonfire Night each year, to help pets and owners stay stress-free in the fireworks season. The benefit of sounds for pets has long been espoused, with studies showing classical music had a calming effect on dogs in rehoming centres (Relax My Dog has several contracts with kennels in the U.S.). In 2018, police in Spain introduced a programme named the Mozart Effect (no, not Bach!) in which 22 service dogs were played concertos and symphonies to help calm them after the stresses of sniffing out explosives and rescuing people. But if Mozart isn't your bag, fear not. In 2017, researchers from Glasgow University played six-hour Spotify playlists from five genres of music to dogs from rescue centres. Dogs' heart rates, their cortisol levels and behaviour (barking, etc)was recorded as they listened and when no music was played. The result? Fire up Bob Marley: stress levels were reduced when they listened to reggae music, soft rock and classical music, yielding (by a paw) better results than pop and Motown. But clinical animal behaviourist Rosie Barclay warns that videos and music can never be a substitute for normal exercise during lockdown. For one thing, television sets don't smell and for your dog, a walk isn't so much about pleasing its eyes as following its nose. Yes, our pets need to get outside, as we do, for exercise but they have a far sharper and more complex sense of smell than we do and need the stimulus it provides to remain happy. They often chase prey animals because they smell them. 'It's best to go for a walk rather than sit in front of the television and watch one,' says Rosie. 'If your dog is sitting watching television and looks happy and relaxed and you think it's enjoying what it sees, there is no harm in it. But if it suddenly jumps up and starts barking like mad, it's probably overexcited and you don't want to encourage that.' She also cautions against using TV to provide a form of companionship for dogs that become distressed when left alone. If that's the case, she says, owners should seek professional help. In future, will there be a new page in the television listings just for our four-legged friends? Unless someone brings us smell-o-vision, maybe not. But if you have run out of places to explore, you could settle down on the sofa with Fido and check out his favourite (virtual) place to visit. Specialist Dubai-based performance materials company Pearl Polyurethane Systems is accelerating its growth course with its parent entity Pearl Overseas Industries Ltd, signing an agreement to acquire the remaining 51 per cent shareholding in Pearl Covestro Polyurethane Systems. Pearl Industries will take ownership in the company to 100 per cent, acquiring the additional shareholding from its former joint-venture partner, Covestro AG, a statement said. Headed by incoming former-Bayer executive Martin Kruczinna, who will take over the role of CEO, the newly independent company has been rebranded Pearl Polyurethane Systems. Both parties have reconfirmed their ongoing partnership through a long-term supply and technical service agreement. Financing of the deal was provided by HSBC Bank. This development marks a further positive step in the system houses growth story over the past 25 years, resulting in Pearl Covestro becoming the prominent supplier for polyurethane systems across the Middle East. With roots extending back to Otto Bayer, the German inventor of Polymer in 1937, the original Dubai-based Joint Venture Bayer Pearl, which was founded in 2006 with technical support from Bayer AG, formed a joint venture on the foundation of its long-term partner Pearl, founded in Dubai in 1994. The company has supplied polyurethane foam systems for several trailblazing projects in the Gulf region, including Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates. Independently owned, Pearl Polyurethane Systems is now poised for further innovation-led growth and international expansion from its base in Dubai. Kruczinna said: Our vision remains focused on innovation and sustainability. With this overarching objective firmly in mind, our mission is to continuously drive innovation to provide our customers with a competitive edge in the market by anticipating their future needs. One of our core competences is rigid-foam polyurethane systems for residential and commercial buildings systems that feature state-of-the-art insulation properties and meet all international fire safety norms. Relying on our Dubai-based team of industry experts, we intend to leverage these capabilities over time to further expand our product range through innovation and engaging with our industry partners to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. Prior to this deal, Pearl Polyurethane Systems was the first system house business in the Middle East to launch a new generation of spray foam systems with zero ozone depletion potential. Kruczinna explained sustainability will remain a central theme of the new entity and Pearl Polyurethane Systems remains committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products in close cooperation with its customers. Research and development have always played an important role and kept our products at the forefront of the industry. To ensure we remain an industry leader, we are committed to constantly improving our customers production processes and methods for each and every one of our first-class polyurethane products. While our strategy remains to innovate and further grow our product range, we will also embark on further expansion beyond the Middle East to increase our international footprint and add new markets through controlled and sustained growth, concluded Kruczinna. Pearl Polyurethane Systems offers a comprehensive range of polyurethane formulations and prepolymers for the production of high-performance polyurethane foams and elastomers under a range of brand names.TradeArabia News Service Many states prioritized COVID-19 vaccines for people over 75, then moved to those over 65, but they shouldn't keep stepping down by age, an advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. The approach is inherently unfair to minorities, committee members said, because they have a lower life-expectancy and because people of color are dying of COVID-19 at younger ages than white Americans even in their 30s, 40s and 50s. "I'm not in favor of any part of an age eligibility bracket under 65," said Dr. Jose Romero, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and chairman of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The committee disagreed with plans in some states to require people to show proof that they have two medical conditions on a pre-specified list before being allowed to be vaccinated. As of Feb. 25, CVS will offer the COVID vaccine in 17 states by appointment. People with two medical conditions that are well-controlled might be at lower risk of serious COVID-19 than those with one out-of-control condition or with a less common disease that wasn't frequent enough make the list. For example, although Type 2 diabetes is considered a highest-risk condition, Type 1 isn't always, even though people with this less common, autoimmune version are at the same risk, noted Dr. Katherine Poehling, a professor of pediatrics at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Yes, there will be some people who lie about their medical conditions, admitted Dr. Helen Talbot, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. "There's always someone who finds a way to cheat." But it's better to let in a few cheaters than to deny vaccine to people who really need it, she said. The other category of people who should be prioritized, committee members said, are those who care for others who may not be able to be vaccinated. Story continues Dr. Grace Lee, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital and Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California, cited the parents of children who received stem cell transplants. "Being able to protect those individuals in the absence of any high-risk medical condition, I think in and of itself, is important, in part because we can't vaccinate young kids at this time," she said. Every state makes its own vaccination allotment plan, so there's a lot of mixed messages about who should be prioritized in the next few months as vaccine supply remains tight, committee members said. For that reason, committee members said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, authorized over the weekend, should be added to the general pool of available vaccines, rather than targeted to any particular group or population. They reemphasized their commitment to equitable distribution of vaccines, even as they are distributed to as many people as possible. "I feel very challenged by ensuring that we continue to keep equity as a focus for implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program," Lee said. Many vaccine distribution facilities are so worried about getting precisely the right people vaccinated that they're turning too many away, she continued. "Since our intent is to vaccinate everyone anyway, other than the most egregious of situations, whether or not I get high-risk condition A versus B correct, I think, is less important than just making sure that we are providing access," she said. About 50 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. By the end of this month, Pfizer-BioNTech will have provided a total of 120 million doses of its vaccine, enough to vaccinate 60 million people; Moderna will have provided 100 million doses to vaccinate 50 million people; and J&J will provide 20 million doses of its single-shot vaccine. That's enough to cover more than half of the 210 million adults in the USA. In its second four-hour meeting in two days, the committee considered whether to extend the recommended period between the two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. Some suggested a delay would allow more vaccine to be distributed, but committee members said they did not feel there was enough data to justify delaying the second dose of either vaccine. There were more mixed opinions on whether people who had symptomatic COVID-19 would need both doses of the two-dose vaccines. Basic immunology suggests that the illness would act as a primary dose and the first shot as a booster, Talbot said. "I don't need any more data. We've all taken immunology," she said. Others raised questions about whether the risks of vaccination for people who have had COVID-19 would outweigh the benefits, particularly of a second shot. CDC officials said there is not enough information to answer that question. Implementing such a policy would be challenging, because it's not clear how long protection lasts and how sick someone has to be to develop adequate natural protection. Contact Karen Weintraub at kweintraub@usatoday. Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Should states prioritize vaccine by age? Some experts say no Real threats to threatened species By Paul Driessen Many activists, politicians and regulators believe our Earth and its wild kingdoms are threatened by fossil fuels, conventional farming, modern living standards, and catastrophic climate change resulting from the aforementioned human activities. Many promote these fears to gain ever-greater control over energy and economic systems, circumscribe personal freedoms, and silence questions and dissent. Few of them could likely hunt, gather or grow sufficient food for their families, or be a lucky protagonist in an episode of the Weather Channels Could You Survive? series much less endure Mary Draper Ingles harrowing 800-mile walk through the 1755 wilderness to escape captivity by Shawnee Indians. Yet they are strident in their opposition to synthetic conventional herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers, and unbending in their mistaken belief that organic farmers dont use pesticides or at least none that arent safe for people and wildlife. They ignore the widespread use of natural, organic chemicals like copper sulfate, which is toxic to humans, deadly to fish, harmful to avian and mammalian reproductive systems, poisonous to sheep and chickens, and highly persistent and bio-accumulative in soil and water. Their obsession with dangerous manmade climate change likewise ignores reality. Their computer models run hot, consistently predicting planetary temperatures significantly warmer than are actually measured. The warning they fuss over may have begun around the industrial age, but it also coincides with Earths emergence from the 500-year-long Little Ice Age a convenient overlap for polemics. The extreme weather events they blame on fossil fuels and rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are not increasing in frequency or intensity. Above all, no credible science supports their claims that todays weather and climate are entirely human-driven ... and unrelated to the natural processes and fluctuations that caused glacial epochs, warm periods, and extreme weather events and cycles throughout history. Their biggest error by far, however, is their insistence that wildlife and their habitats would be saved by eliminating fossil fuel for electricity generation, transportation, heating and cooking. In reality, the gravest threats plants, animals and habitats face are not from climate change. They are from green energy policies and programs implemented in the name of stabilizing Earths never-stable climate. The current rush to employ executive orders, Green New Deals and infrastructure bills to shut down fossil fuel production and use and derive all of Americas energy from wind, solar and biofuel power will result in tens of millions of acres of croplands, scenic areas and wildlife habitats blanketed by huge industrial facilities, to provide the energy that makes Americas jobs, health and living standards possible. As habitats are damaged and destroyed, more species are harmed, threatened and driven to extinction. Coal, oil and natural gas now generate over 2.7 billion megawatt-hours of electricity per year. Vehicles consume the equivalent of another 2 billion MWh annually, while natural gas provides an additional 2.7 billion MWh for home, business and factory heating, water heating, cooking and industrial processes. Thats 7.5 billion MWh, just for the United States. Its an enormous amount of power and it doesnt include oil and gas feed stocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals and countless other petrochemical products (which is where corn, soybeans and other biofuel crops enter the replace-fossil-fuels picture). It also doesnt include power to charge backup batteries for sunless, windless hours, days and weeks. Renewable energy advocates and lobbyists want us to believe we can do this with very few wind turbines and/or solar panels on relatively small swaths of the USA. One calculated it would require just 1,939 square miles (1,240,000 acres; Delaware) of solar panels to meet existing US electricity needs; another said 10,000 square miles (Maryland); a third estimated 40,223 square miles (Ohio). Another figured we could replace current electricity generation with just 1,260,000 wind turbines on only 470 square miles of land, assuming a quarter-acre per turbine and all generating power 40% of the year. Im not sure what pixie dust these folks were sprinkling, but these are not real-world numbers. You need space between panels for access and maintenance; you cant jam them into one enormous array. Bear in mind, too, Dominion Energy alone is planning 490 square miles of panels (8 times Washington, DC) just for Virginia, just for a portion of its electricity market share of the state.) 72,000 high-tech sun-tracking solar panels at sunny Nevadas Nellis Air Force Base cover 140 acres and generate only 32,000 MWh per year: 33% of rated capacity. Low-tech stationary panels generate far less than that. The 355 turbines at Indianas Fowler Ridge industrial wind facility cover 50,000 acres (120 acres/turbine nowhere near an absurd 1/4 acre) and generate electricity only 25% of the time. I estimate it would take over 17 billion Nellis-style solar panels on 53,000 square miles (34,000,000 acres or half of Nevada) to replace all 7.5 billion MWh of US fossil fuel energy and charge batteries for a week of sunless days, under the Team Biden Green New Deal. Using standard, stationary panels would double or triple the land area and number of panels. Using Fowler Ridge as a guide, and assuming just 50 acres per turbine, it would take some 2 million 1.8-MW wind turbines, sprawling across 155,000 square miles of scenic, crop and habitat land. Thats all of California. And it assumes every turbine generates electricity 25% of the year. Go offshore, and wed need over 300,000 monstrous 10-MW turbines along our Great Lakes and seacoasts. Wed also need thousands of miles of new transmission lines to connect all these facilities and cities. But the more wind turbines we install, the more we have to put them in sub-optimal areas, where they might work 15% of the year; and the more we install, the more they affect wind flow for the others. Land, habitat and wildlife impacts could easily double; millions of raptors, other birds and bats would be killed. The more solar panels we install, the more they must go in low-quality areas, and the more we need. Energy analyst Willis Eschenbach has calculated what would be required to get the world to zero-emission electricity generation by 2050 and ensure sufficient peak power for the hottest summer and coldest winter days. He used solar or wind, in conjunction with (feared and despised) nuclear power plants as backup/actual generating capacity, for sunless and windless days, and assumes 35% efficiency. Adjusting his numbers to account for only US needs, America would require: 350,000 square miles of solar panels (Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico combined) plus 1,760 new 3000-MW nuclear power plants. Adding space for access and maintenance would at least double this. Or 10.5 million 2-MW wind turbines, on 820,000 square miles of crop, scenic and wildlife habitat land: over one-fourth of the Continental USA, plus 1,760 new 3000-MW nuclear power plants. (Using 1.8-MW instead of 2.0-MW turbines, wed need 11.6 million turbines on 30% of the Lower 48 states.) Biofuel production to replace all those petrochemicals would require millions more acres of ex-habitat. All these turbines, panels, backup batteries, electric vehicles, biofuel processing plants, nuclear power plants and transmission lines would require millions of tons of metals, minerals, plastics and concrete from billions of tons of overburden and ores. That will result in astronomical land, air, water, wildlife and human impacts from mining, processing and manufacturing. Most of this will be overseas, out of sight and out of mind, because Team Biden wont allow these activities in the United States. So a lot of people wont care and will happily focus on these new energy sources being zero-emission ... here in the USA. These are just best estimates. But they underscore why we need full-blown, robust energy production and environmental analyses and impact statements on every GND concept, proposal and project before we head down the primrose path to ecological and economic hell, paved with (presumably) good intentions. There must be no expedited reviews, no shortcuts, no claiming the ecological impacts can be glossed over because they are inadvertent or less important than saving the planet from climate chaos. Paul Driessen is senior policy advisor for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (www.CFACT.org) and author of books, reports and articles on energy, environmental, climate and human rights issues. Home By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) - Britain, France and Germany are pressing ahead with a U.S.-backed plan for a resolution by the U.N. nuclear watchdog's board criticising Iran for curbing cooperation with the agency, despite Russian and Iranian warnings of serious consequences. The International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation Board of Governors is holding a quarterly meeting this week against the backdrop of faltering efforts to revive Iran's nuclear deal with major powers now that U.S. President Joe Biden is in office. Iran has recently accelerated its violations of the 2015 deal in an apparent bid to raise pressure on Biden, as each side insists the other must move first. Tehran's breaches are a response to the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and the reimposition of U.S. sanctions that had been lifted under it. The latest breach was to scale back cooperation with the IAEA last week, ending extra inspection and monitoring measures introduced by the deal, including the power given to the IAEA to carry out snap inspections at facilities not declared by Iran. The three European powers, all parties to the 2015 deal, circulated a draft resolution for the Vienna meeting voicing "serious concern" at Iran's reduced cooperation and urging Iran to reverse its steps. The draft, sent to IAEA board members and obtained by Reuters, also expresses "deep concern" at Iran's failure to explain uranium particles found at three old sites, including two that the IAEA first reported on last week. Iran has bristled at the prospect of such criticism, threatening to cancel a deal struck a week ago with the IAEA to temporarily continue many of the monitoring measures it had decided to end - a black-box-type arrangement valid for up to three months and aimed at creating a window for diplomacy. Diplomacy, however, is making limited progress. Iran said on Sunday it would not take up a European Union proposal to hold a meeting with other parties to the deal and the United States. Story continues It is unclear how many countries would support a resolution. In a position paper obtained by Reuters before Iran's announcement, Russia warned that a resolution could hurt efforts to revive the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and that it would oppose it. "Adoption of the resolution will not help the political process of returning to the normal comprehensive implementation of the JCPOA," Russia's note to member states said. "On the contrary it will hugely complicate those efforts undermining the prospects for the restoration of the JCPOA and for normal cooperation between Iran and the Agency." Asked about the tussle, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said he did not want anything to jeopardise his inspectors' work in the Islamic Republic. "What I hope is that the work of the agency will be preserved. This is essential," he told a news conference, before taking an apparent swipe at Iran over its threat. "The inspection work of the IAEA should not be put in the middle of a negotiating table as a bargaining chip." (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Disturbing footage has emerged of a bouncer kicking a bleeding man as he lies on the ground outside a New Zealand nightclub. Good Samaritan Kate Te Tau was walking past the Boston on Blair nightclub in Wellington about 1am on Sunday with friends when they happened upon the situation. She immediately pulled out her mobile phone and began recording as the bleeding man lay on the ground outside the club. The footage shows a huddle of people around the man on the ground trying to help him as the bouncer, dressed all in black, kicks the man in the head or upper body from behind. Kate Te Tau's bottom lip was busted open when a heavy vertical heater was pushed onto her as she tried to help the prone man lying on the ground Bystander Kate Te Tau (pictured) as she normally appears without a busted lip The man was rushed by ambulance to Wellington Hospital. Several bouncers can be seen in the footage milling around outside the club as Ms Te Tau and her friends were trying to help the man on the ground. Off camera, someone pushes a heater onto Ms Te Tau and her friends. Ms Te Tau's lower lip was badly injured by the falling object with images showing a nasty gash where a chunk of flesh had been ripped out, which had to be stitched up. She wrote on Facebook that it was the same bouncer that kicked the man, who pushed the outdoor heater onto them. The video footage does not show who it was that pushed the heater and Daily Mail Australia makes no suggestion that the man is guilty. However, Boston on Blair owner Nick Mills told the NZ Herald that people were 'only seeing half of a video'. Mr Mills said he was unable to comment while police were investigating but that the club had provided CCTV footage to police. 'I will say there's more than what you can see,' he said. 'We don't take it lightly, we are very upset by it and it will be sorted but we don't want to make any comment - we are not allowed to make any comment until we know exactly what has gone on.' The bouncer in black wearing red shoes standing behind the helpless man on the ground (top right) can be seen kicking him in shocking video footage as bystanders try to help The man can be seen with a bloodied face as a bouncer grapples with him on the ground (left) and tries to get to his feet (right) Enraged, Ms Te Tau threatened legal action. 'Such an unprofessional, ruthless and violent attack on a young male. Myself and friends walked past to aid him helplessly getting beaten up by men whose job it is (to) look out for trouble and not cause it,' she wrote. 'The bouncer also pushed an outdoor heater into us resulting in stitches to my lip. See you in court... here's footage for everyone to see!' Ms Te Tau accompanied the post with video footage of the incident as well as photographs of her damaged lower lip. Wellington police are investigating the alleged assault but no arrests have yet been made. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 only ATM in a Laois village is feared to be under threat with the news that the Bank of Ireland branch is closing. Durrow village in Laois, which gets thousands of visitors every year to its famous scarecrow festival, has only one ATM, at the bank at the village green. Bank of Ireland has announced that three branches in Laois will close in six months time, as part of a nationwide raft of 88 closures. Services will instead be offered in post offices. Read more here. Evelyn Clancy is Chairperson of Durrow Development Forum. "This is very disappointing news for Durrow. Especially for the local businesses and the elderly. "We have not yet received any confirmation whether the Bank of Ireland premises will be sold or whether the ATM will remain. The loss of the ATM would be a huge loss to the community. The post office is closed at weekends. People come to visit here and need access. They are not going to keep a full building for an ATM," Ms Clancy said. Bank of Ireland says it provides services An Post post offices in Laois. The bank's Abbeyleix branch will also remain open. Durrow has a credit union branch that operates under the St Canice's umbrella. Ken Marsh (pictured), the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said his members no longer want to regulate the law Unvaccinated officers do not want to continue policing coronavirus restrictions in the final month before restrictions are eased, according to the union chief. Ken Marsh, the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said on Sunday that his members no longer want to regulate the law. 'Police don't want to police this. We have had enough of this. It is not policeable. It is not manageable,' he told The Telegraph. Last week the Government announced that it would continue to vaccinate the population according to their age group. But the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers in what is the UK's biggest force, is now demanding that frontline officers receive their Covid-19 jabs as a priority. It comes after huge crowds flocked to beaches and parks in their droves to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather - but it seems that only some police forces are still trying to enforce the rules. Unvaccinated officers do not want to continue policing coronavirus restrictions, according to the union chief. Pictured: Police officers stop to issue compliance letters to motorists travelling from afar to South Shields seaside on Sunday Currently police officers have to regularly break coronavirus restrictions to continue their duties - including flouting the two-metre rule when apprehending uncooperative suspects. Mr Marsh has said that the union is seeking legal action as to whether officers could refuse to break rules in the line of duty unless they receive their vaccines. He told the publication: 'We have to break Covid legislation every day of the week,' he said. 'What if I turn round and say to my 32,000 members: "Adhere totally to Covid legislation." 'That is not what we want, but if we have to do that to protect my colleagues I will do that. Ministers are just not listening. It is not right police are having to police huge crowds without the jab. 'Our vulnerability is massive. We don't have the right to strike, but we are considering sticking to the two-metre rule. We are taking legal advice on it.' A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the force remained committed to upholding the law but added that fines would only be issued in the most serious flouting of regulations. The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers in what is the UK's biggest force, is now demanding that frontline officers receive their Covid-19 jabs as a priority. Pictured: Police stopping motorists in South Shields It comes as actually police appeared to be ramping up fines this weekend as they issued 70,000 in penalties to just two parties in central London and cracked down on beach-goers flouting lockdown. Northumbria Police were seen battling to keep motorists from arriving at the beach in South Shields, South Tyneside, today, as they handed out compliance letters to people travelling outside their local area. Earlier this morning, at 1.30am, Metropolitan Police issued penalties of 800 each to 50 people at an illegal gathering at a property in Green Street, Mayfair, central London. The organiser of the party, a 29-year-old man was reported and issued with a fine of 10,000 for breaching Covid regulations. Just half an hour later at 2am the force were called to another party within 1,600ft of the first, at a flat in Brooks Mews. Crowds of people walked close together along South Shields beach, in South Tyneside, on Sunday Sun-seekers flock to the seaside in South Tyneside after ignoring Government appeals to stay indoors to stop the spread of Covid A further 20 people were handed 800 fines - an investigation is ongoing to identify the organiser of the event. Inspector Kevin Fagan of the Central West Command Unit which covers Westminster said: 'Despite recent announcements about how and when Covid restrictions may be eased, nothing has changed in terms of the regulations. 'Illegal gatherings like this are irresponsible and put pressure on the emergency services who have do deal with the consequences of these people's selfish actions. 'The rules are clear, as should be the message that the police will enforce them where wilful breaches are found to have taken place.' SACRAMENTO Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have reached a deal on requirements for reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic that could get more California students back into the classroom by the end of the month. The plan would provide $2 billion to school districts that resume at least some in-person instruction by March 31, and forgoes some conditions on collective bargaining with teachers unions and testing and vaccinations for school staff that have held up an agreement for months. To receive the money, schools in counties that fall in the purple coronavirus tier, the states most restrictive, would have to bring back students in transitional kindergarten through second grade, along with the most vulnerable students in all grades, including foster youth, English language learners and those who are homeless. In counties that have reached at least the red tier, the second most restrictive where the daily coronavirus case rate has dropped below 7 per 100,000 residents schools would need to reopen for all elementary grades and at least one additional grade in middle or high school, as well as for students with special needs, to receive the state money. Students would have the option to return or continue with remote instruction. The Legislature is expected to vote on the bill Thursday. But there is no guarantee that shuttered schools will reopen soon, as the decision would then shift to the local level, where many districts remain locked in negotiations with employee unions over safety measures. Newsom joined Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon at an elementary school in Elk Grove (Sacramento County) on Monday to discuss the deal. Although the agreement does not force schools to reopen, the governor said he expected it would encourage more districts to bring back additional grades as they see it begin to work. Once you dip your toe in, once you build a cohort confidently, once you built trust, Newsom said, then we will start to see a cadence of reopening across the spectrum. Newsom first put forward a schools plan in December that proposed offering financial incentives to districts to reopen by Feb. 15. But administrators balked at the costs of proposed safety measures, and teachers unions objected to returning to the classroom before their members were vaccinated. Another approach offered last month by Assembly Member Phil Ting of San Francisco and other Democrats aligned more closely with union demands and envisioned in-person instruction resuming by mid-April. But it stalled after Newsom declared that it would bring back too few students on too slow a timeline. Negotiations have picked up in recent weeks as community spread of the coronavirus dropped dramatically in California and Newsom promised to set aside 10% of all first vaccine doses for educators starting in March, prompting more large school districts to reach their own agreements to reopen. Vocal frustration from some parents, and the looming threat of a recall election, also increased pressure on the governor to show progress toward getting children back into classrooms. The new agreement, which also includes $4.6 billion to make up for lost learning, gives districts a strong enticement to resume in-person instruction by the end of this month. But it does not set how many days a week students would need to be back in the classroom or define what the instruction should look like. Schools that have not reopened by April 1 would lose a portion of their share of the $2 billion every day they remain closed, up to 30% of the money if they do bring students back by May 15. Unlike previous proposals, there would be no testing requirement for school staff and students for any district that reopens by the end of March, while schools in the purple tier that resume in-person instruction starting in April would have to test all staff and students every two weeks to be eligible for the additional state money. The plan also includes no mandate that teachers or other school staff receive vaccines before returning to work and does not require districts to reach a collective bargaining agreement with their employees to reopen schools, a provision that could have forced some districts that have already reopened back to the negotiating table. Because of existing contracts, however, many districts still must bargain with their local unions over the exact timelines and conditions of their return. The two statewide teachers unions, the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers, released statements Monday calling the plan an encouraging step toward in-person instruction, but expressing concern that it did not include more safety requirements. Asymptomatic testing of teachers and students, even after educators are vaccinated, remains a sticking point. Many school officials consider the step expensive and unnecessary. All research shows that asymptomatic testing for educators and students continues to be important for a safe reopening, said E. Toby Boyd, president of the California Teachers Association. We appreciate the legislation requiring testing for schools with high community transmission rates but continue to support robust testing programs for all schools. Newsom said the plan pulled from the collective wisdom of an alphabet soup of schools groups. The bottom line is, we created a framework that we believe is consensus, he said. Consensus doesnt mean everybody is happy. As fears mount that some districts caught in intractable negotiations with their employees may not be ready to bring students back for in-person instruction even by the next school year, Newsom suggested that he could act more decisively to force reopenings in the fall. We want the schools to safely reopen, period, full stop, he said. We have all the expectation that schools will be safely reopened across the spectrum come this fall. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff GPs are facing burnout under the intense pressure of the impending mass COVID-19 vaccination program as they contend with a backlog of patients. The Black Dog Institute anticipating the risk for these doctors has recalibrated a digital support service The Essential Network (TEN) designed to help protect the mental health of doctors and other healthcare workers who will form the backbone of the unprecedented vaccination drive. Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura hoped the Black Dog Institutes revamped The Essential Network support service would help protect GPs from burnout during the vaccination rollout. Credit:Rhett Wyman Sydney GP Phoebe Holdenson Kimura said the risk of burnout would be inevitable. We are really excited about the vaccination rollout, and getting it right, but there is a lot of pressure that comes with that, she 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. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Steve Schroeder spent 21 years building Real Time Solutions from scratch into a top web design and management provider in New Mexico, and now his company is poised to hit the federal circuit as a new GSA Schedule awardee. The General Services Administration awarded a five-year, $500,000 GSA Schedule contract to the company on Feb. 10, allowing any federal agency to now directly procure Real Time Solutions services without requesting bids from other companies. The award also allows state and local governments to buy RTS services through the GSA contract without a formal request for proposals, streamlining the procurement process and potentially opening a lot more doors for Schroeders firm. This first award is for an initial five-year period through 2026. But the contract allows for three five-year renewals, potentially stretching it out over 20 years, Schroeder told the Journal. It gives us a new vehicle for any federal agency to procure from us now without an RFP, Schroeder said. Getting the GSA award was, really, the RFP. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Under the GSA contract, RTS can sell up to $1 million in services to any single customer, with no limit on the number of customers that can procure contracts with RTS. The $500,000 represents the minimum amount of total business that the GSA expects RTS will be able to do over five years, Schroeder said. We havent landed a contract yet, Schroeder said. But I estimate that just in the first year we can do about $125,000 per quarter. The New Mexico Department of Healths COVID-19 vaccination registration website, which Real Time built and runs for the government. (Courtesy of Real Time Solutions) The company will use the GSA award to aggressively expand into more markets in other states. It already has many customers in Texas and Colorado, with executive offices for virtual meetings in Denver and San Antonio. Its now preparing as well to launch services in Phoenix, Arizona, Schroeder said. Getting on the GSA Schedule is a major milestone for RTS, which Schroeder launched in 2000 with just $80,000 in personal funds. The company doesnt publicly disclose revenue, but its built more than 1,500 websites for customers over the past two decades, including numerous contracts with local businesses, and with state, municipal and tribal governments in New Mexico. It built the state Department of Transportations New Mexico Roads website in 2007, managing it since then with at least three major upgrades and the addition of features such as smartphone apps for drivers to receive alerts about weather and road conditions. The site offers comprehensive, real-time information on roads around the state, with cameras along central highways that users can access with a finger tap to directly view conditions and traffic at any given time. Weve been working with RTS for about 13 years, said Charles Remkes, department chief for intelligent transportation systems operations. They constantly have their fingers on the pulse of technology as it progresses and evolves to help keep our system current. We see them as a partner more than a supplier who offers a strong, resilient product and service. RTS has also worked with the Department of Health for many years. It built and now manages the new COVID-19 vaccination registration site that the government is using to administer vaccines around the state. Thats all us, Schroeder said We developed it and we run it for the Department of Health. There have been some hiccups for users navigating the site, but overall, its helped the state manage the vaccination campaign rapidly and efficiently, said Steves son, Chris Schroeder, who is RTSs chief operating officer. There are challenges with any new rollout, Chris said. But by and large, its a highly successful system. With the GSA Schedule now in hand, the company is preparing to launch a concerted campaign in March, targeting federal agencies to expand its customer base. We wont necessarily change what we do, but well be fishing in some bigger ponds, Chris said. The company currently employs 46 people at an 8,000-square-foot office near Old Town, although most employees have been working remotely since the pandemic started. And with RTS now well established and growing, Steve Schroeder expects to retire in the next couple of years, turning the company reins over to his son, who joined RTS after graduating high school in 2001. Im incredibly lucky, Chris said. My pops is my best friend, mentor and business partner. Weve been preparing to transition the company for a couple of years while holding onto him as long as possible. When hes ready, when Im ready, and when we feel the markets ready, well make that switch. Kevin Robinson-Avila covers technology, energy, venture capital and utilities for the Journal. He can be reached at krobinson-avila@abqjournal.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. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on Sunday laid a wreath on behalf of Government and the people of Ghana to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the February 28 Christiansburg Crossroads Shooting at the Nationalism Park, Osu, Accra. The event is marked annually to remember the tragic killing of three ex-servicemen: Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey, during a peaceful march to the Christiansburg Castle on February 28, 1948. They marched to present a petition to the British Governor about their unpaid allowances after returning from the Second World War. Dignitaries who graced the ceremony include Mr Ambrose Dery, Minister-designate for the Interior, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, Minister-designate for Defence, and Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Seth Amoama. During the Flag Raising ceremony, the last post was sounded in memory of the fallen soldiers, after which a minute silence was observed as well as the observance of the reveille. History has it that after the Second World War, soldiers of the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Forces, who fought alongside their allied forces, demanded payment of their gratuity from the British Administration, but were refused. As a result, the veterans decided to march from James Town to the Osu Christiansburg Castle to present a petition to the British Governor. However, the British Superintendent, Mr Imray, ordered the shooting of the ex-servicemen to disperse them. When his orders were disobeyed, Mr Imray personally fired at the ex-servicemen, killing Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Atitpoe and Private Odartey Lamptey, instantly. The news of their death spread rapidly, like wild fire, leading to looting of shops owned by the British in Accra and other parts of the country. The incident galvanised momentum towards the independence struggle, which eventually led to the country's independence on 6th March, 1957. WO1 Sarfo Kwame, a member of the Veterans Administration, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, prayed that never again should such a heinous crime happen on the land. May the souls of the departed find peaceful rest with the Lord, he said. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Gov. Kate Brown has appointed a retired career FBI agent to lead the states police safety certification and training agency. Jerry Granderson, who retired in April after nearly 23 years with the FBI, will start as director of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training on March 22. The appointment comes at a time when police training and certification is under heightened scrutiny amid a social movement to reform law enforcement in the wake of the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck. The agency director oversees an agency budget of more than $55 million and works with a board to develop training and certification/licensing standards for more than 41,000 public and private safety professionals. Grandersons annual base salary will be $162,216, according to the governors office. The state agency certifies and licenses police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, liquor control regulatory specialists, emergency dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, and polygraph examiners in the state. It also runs a basic police academy. Granderson, 57, served as a FBI field agent in Illinois, working on narcotics, domestic terrorism and organized crime investigations and as a program manager for the FBIs international law enforcement training academies in Botswana, Hungary, El Salvador and the United Arab Emirates. He also had been an FBI academy instructor focused on leadership, ethics and contemporary policing courses, according to the governors office. He was assigned to the FBI National Security Branchs Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force, where he supervised intelligence analysts in detecting and obstructing terrorists from entering the United States. He also has provided civil rights and leadership courses to local police departments that have been under federal consent decree for civil rights violations, according to his LinkedIn profile. After retiring, he worked as a senior police advisor for SAIC Corp., a defense, aviation, information technology and biomedical research company. His background in law enforcement and public safetywith a blend of field, training, program management, and leadership experiencemakes him uniquely suited for this position, Brown said in a statement. I look forward to his leadership, especially as we work collaboratively to improve the training and certification of Oregon law enforcement officers and as we answer the resounding calls from Oregonians for much-needed racial justice and police accountability reforms. Granderson, who most recently lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia, holds a bachelors degree in fine arts and a masters degree in international relations from Western Illinois University. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the 82nd Airborne Division and 12th Special Forces Group of the Army Reserves. It is with a humbled and gracious heart that I thank Governor Brown for providing me this opportunity to serve the people of Oregon, Granderson said in a statement. I look forward to applying my skills in leading the training and professional development of our current and next generation of public safety professionals. Granderson takes over for interim director Les Hallman, who will return to his position with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. Hallman has been leading the agency since the retirement last November of Eriks Gabliks, who had served for 10 years as head of the state agency. Gabliks left to take a job as superintendent of the National Fire Academy in Maryland. State Sen. Lew Frederick, D-Portland, who is spearheading police reforms in the Legislature, called the job one of the most important positions in the state, at this moment in time. -- Maxine Bernstein Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian President Joe Biden has backed the right of Amazon workers to unionize, but stopped short of explicitly encouraging them to form a union. Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama began voting in February on whether to form the first American union at the e-commerce giant that could pave the way for further unionization in the US at one of the world's most powerful companies. 'Workers in Alabama and all across America are voting on whether to organize a union in their workplace,' Biden said in a video posted to Twitter. 'This is vitally important - a vitally important choice.' 'There should be no intimidation, no coercion, no threats, no anti-union propaganda,' he said. 'Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union.' President Joe Biden (pictured) has backed the right of Amazon workers to unionize, but stopped short of explicitly encouraging them to form a union. Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama began voting in February on whether to form the first American union at the e-commerce giant that could pave the way for further unionization in the US at one of the world's most powerful companies [File photo] Amazon does not officially oppose unions but it has campaigned against efforts by staff at the warehouse in Bessemer to unionize. Pictured: People hold placards during a protest in support of Amazon workers in Union Square, New York, on February 20 Workers in Alabama and all across America are voting on whether to organize a union in their workplace. Its a vitally important choice one that should be made without intimidation or threats by employers. Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union. pic.twitter.com/2lzbyyii1g President Biden (@POTUS) March 1, 2021 Amazon does not officially oppose unions but it has campaigned against efforts by staff at the warehouse in Bessemer to unionize. In addition to flyers posted in bathrooms, it has held meetings to make the case against unions and even launched a website, DoItWithoutDues.com, arguing that a union is unnecessary. Spokeswoman Rachael Lighty says the company already offers them what unions want: benefits, career growth and pay that starts at $15 an hour. She adds that the organizers don't represent the majority of Amazon employees' views. The company also reportedly attempted to delay the vote in Bessemer and require in-person voting, which organizers argue would be unsafe during the pandemic. These efforts failed and employees are mailing in their ballots. It is unclear how many of the Bessemer employees support a union, with the count expected to begin on March 30. A majority of the 6,000 employees have to vote 'yes' in order to unionize. If a majority vote in favor, they will automatically be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) but will only become full members after approval of a new company contract, negotiated between the union and Amazon. 'As President Biden points out, the best way for working people to protect themselves and their families is by organizing into unions,' RWDSU head Stuart Appelbaum said in a statement. Biden cultivated a pro-organized labor image and played up his working class background while campaigning for office, although he had previously avoided addressing the Bessemer efforts to unionize. The BHM1 fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama is seen in the above stock image. If the vote succeeds, it will be the first time that workers at one of the scores of Amazon warehouses in the United States will have formed a union Amazon has put up other signs throughout the warehouse, including one that reads 'Unions Can't. We Can!' and 'BHM1 - We win as one. Vote no!' Workers at the Bessemer facility claim that the company has launched a 'disinformation' campaign aimed at getting them to vote down a proposal to form a union There have been a series of protests around the United States on safety and working conditions at Amazon, with the pandemic increasing pressure on its distribution network even as profits soar. The company - helmed by the world's richest person, Jeff Bezos - has maintained that it has invested billions in worker safety even as it has boosted the number of its employees. The pro-union workers face an uphill battle against the second-largest employer in the country with a history of crushing unionizing efforts at its warehouses and its Whole Foods grocery stores. The last time Amazon workers voted on whether they wanted to unionize was in 2014, and it was a much smaller group: 30 employees at an Amazon warehouse in Delaware who ultimately turned it down. Amazon currently employs nearly 1.3 million people worldwide. 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. Marvel fans thought they already saw the biggest reveals in the previous episodes. However, the "WandaVision" episode 8 unveiled more stories that stirred questions and theories. To recall, episode 7 dropped major revelations about the series, including Mephisto and Monica Rambeau's real identity. Meanwhile, episode 8 revealed another character's identity. Agatha, a witch in 17th century Salem, Massachusetts, interrogates Wanda in her basement. It has been known that she plays two roles in the comics, and one of which is to help Wanda that her kids are not real. The neighbor also helps Wanda realize how she became powerful enough to create the hex in the Westview. In the end, they discover that the Chaos Magic is behind those things. The power from the comics never reached the MCU until now. Because of this, questions and theories began to arise, and fans demand answers as soon as possible. Still shook from the latest episode The eighth episode of Marvel Studios' #WandaVision is now streaming on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/aEO5dfDEKo WandaVision (@wandavision) February 28, 2021 Mind Stone Reveals Itself to Wanda One of the scenes in "WandaVision" season 8 shows how the Hydra experiment ignited her powers. In one of the character's visions, Wanda sees Mind Stone opening up toward her. She then sees a reflection of herself dressed in her comic book costume. The discovery of Chaos Magic seemed to be connected to this one, but the whole explanation is yet to be revealed. Are Tommy, Billy, and Vision Real? It has been known that everything inside the hex is not real. However, there are instances that Wanda's family appears to have their own minds. After discovering the Chaos Magic, it finally becomes clear that her family inside the Westview Hex are fruits of her reality-altering power. It is still worth noting, though, that Vision attempted to leave the Hex in episode 6, causing people to theorize that he is real. But at one point, he ended up being disintegrated. Where is Monica Rambeau? During episode 7, Pietro Maximoff (who revealed to be a conjuration of Agatha) confronted Monica. But the new episode did not show even their shadows. They are expected to return for the series finale, especially since Monica's powers became of the arcs of the show. As for Pietro, his role remains unclear, or whether or not he will stay in the MCU after the "WandaVision" series on Disney+. See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-01 05:46:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People queue up to cast ballots outside a polling station in San Salvador, El Salvador, Feb. 28, 2021. El Salvador opened voting on Sunday to elect the 84 deputies of the Legislative Assembly, officials in the country's 262 municipalities, and a number of representatives to the Central American Parliament. (Photo by Alexander Pena/Xinhua) SAN SALVADOR, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- El Salvador opened voting on Sunday to elect the 84 deputies of the Legislative Assembly, officials in the country's 262 municipalities, and a number of representatives to the Central American Parliament. A total of 5,389,017 Salvadorans are eligible to vote in the elections and 8,451 polling stations have been set up throughout the country, with authorities urging caution due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. As part of the preventive measures against COVID-19, older adults had priority to vote in the morning, while all voters must wear face masks and have their temperature taken before entering the polling station. The presiding judge of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Dora Esmeralda Martinez, said that "voting is a right, it is a duty, its exercise is delegable and inalienable" for Salvadorans. The midterm elections are being monitored by more than 1,000 international observers and 2,100 local observers. For the government of President Nayib Bukele, these legislative elections are of the utmost importance, as they could give his New Ideas Party greater representation. Enditem Seven people were injured in a fire at a two-story house in San Francisco's Mission District on Monday, according to the San Francisco Fire Department. The incident was reported in the Outer Mission at 64 Lawrence Ave., at Huron Avenue, after 11 a.m. Video footage posted on the Citizen app showed the home in flames and firefighters on the scene just after the blaze broke out. Later clips, showed a charred house. Lt. Jonathan Baxter, a spokesperson for the department, initially said in a video posted that six individuals were rescued and sheltering in the backyard of the home. A later report posted by the department on Twitter indicated seven people were taken to a local hospital. "We are removing some of the walls to make sure there is no extension into 66 Lawrence, "We're happy to say we kept this fire from going into two structures. It looks like we kept this fire to 64 Lawrence Street." The fire department said victims were in mild to moderate condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Amanda Mealing has bowed out of her role as doctor Connie Beauchamp after 18 years in Casualty and Holby City. The actress, 53, first portrayed the medic for 11 years In Holby City, before transferring over to Casualty to play the the Emergency Department's clinical lead seven years ago. The television star described her time on the BBC dramas as 'the most remarkable privilege', saying she is proud to know 'Connie has inspired so many women and young girls to seek careers, seek independence and strive to be their best'. Goodbye for now: Amanda Mealing has bowed out of her role as doctor Connie Beauchamp after 18 years in Casualty and Holby City Amanda said: 'It has been the most remarkable privilege to play Connie for the last 18 years. 'When she first hit our screens there were few female leads that weren't "the wife of", "the mistress of" or needed "rescuing". 'Most important for me is knowing that Connie has inspired so many women and young girls to seek careers, seek independence and strive to be their best.' During her time as Connie, the actress had appeared in some powerful and hard-hitting plot lines - including car crashes, drug addiction, cancer struggles and most recently, the ED's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Talented: The actress, 53, first portrayed the medic for 11 years In Holby City, before transferring to Casualty to play the the Emergency Department's clinical lead seven years ago Deborah Sathe, Senior Head of Content Production for Holby City and Casualty, said 'We owe a huge debt to Amanda and the whole team for delivering some of the most extraordinary episodes Casualty has ever broadcast. 'We are going to miss Amanda playing chief of the ED Connie. Connie has led the ED, her team, and our Casualty audience through COVID. 'We look forward to welcoming Connie back onto our screens in due course.' Amanda also posted a photo of her character's signature high heels and a doctor's Stethoscope to her Twitter page. End of an era: The television star (pictured in January 2020) described her time on the BBC dramas as 'the most remarkable privilege', saying she is proud 'Connie has inspired so many' Bowing out: Amanda also posted a photo of her character's signature high heels and a doctor's Stethoscope to her Twitter page She wrote alongside the snap: 'Au revoirfor now. After 7 fantastic years at @BBCCasualty I shall miss my family there. Thank you for your endless love and indefatigable support.' Connie's final scenes will air later in March, with no current plans for her to return at this stage. Amanda, has been married to husband Richard Sainsbury since 1998, and the couple live in Lincolnshire with their two sons, Otis and Milo. Casualty continues on Saturday, March 6 on BBC One. RTHK: Eight killed in Myanmar crackdown's bloodiest day Myanmar security forces opened fire on protestors on Sunday, killing at least eight in the bloodiest action so far to smother opposition to the military coup four weeks ago. The junta is battling to contain a massive street movement demanding it yield power and release ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with top political allies at the start of the month. Sunday brought a significant escalation in force, with fatal shootings of protesters in at least four cities around the country, as police and soldiers attempted to bring the civil disobedience campaign to heel. The United Nations condemned the deadly crackdown and said it had received credible information that as many as 18 people may have been killed. "We strongly condemn the escalating violence against protests in Myanmar and call on the military to immediately halt the use of force against peaceful protesters," Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, said. Three men were killed and at least 20 others injured when security forces moved on a rally in the southern coastal hub of Dawei. Rescue worker Pyae Zaw Hein said the trio were "shot dead with live rounds", while the injured were hit by rubber bullets. "More wounded people keep coming in," he said. Two teenagers were gunned down in Bago, a two-hour drive north of commercial capital Yangon. Ambulance driver Than Lwin Oo said he had sent the bodies of the 18-year-olds to the mortuary at Bago's main hospital. Officers in Yangon began dispersing small crowds minutes before the slated beginning of the day's protest, with a 23-year-old man shot dead in the city's east. "His wife is heartbroken," said Win Ko, a social worker who visited the man's widow. "She's three months pregnant." In Mandalay, an emergency doctor said that two men had died from gunshot wounds. Elsewhere protesters took up positions behind barricades and wielded homemade shields to defend themselves against the onslaught, with police using tear gas to clear some rallies. Hundreds of people had been arrested by evening and transported to the city's notorious Insein Prison, where many of Myanmar's leading democracy campaigners have served long jail terms under previous dictatorships. At least one journalist documenting Sunday's assaults by security forces was beaten and detained further north in Myitkyina, a city at the headwaters of the Irrawaddy river, according to local outlet The 74 Media. Another reporter was shot with rubber bullets while covering a protest in the central city of Pyay, their employer said. A spokesman for the ruling junta did not respond to phone calls seeking comment on Sunday's violence. Before Sunday, at least five people had died in anti-coup unrest since the army takeover, including three killed on February 20. One police officer also died while attempting to quell a protest, the military has said. Myanmar has been roiled by giant demonstrations and a civil disobedience campaign encouraging civil servants to walk off the job since the February 1 military takeover. Sunday's crackdown followed a similar wave of violent action against angry but largely peaceful anti-coup rallies around the country a day earlier. Several journalists documenting Saturday's assaults by security forces were detained, including a photographer in Yangon. Human Rights Watch said medical volunteers helping to treat wounded protesters were also being targeted for arrest by security forces. More than 850 people have been arrested, charged or sentenced since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group. But the weekend crackdown was expected to raise that number dramatically, with state newspapers reporting 479 arrests on Saturday alone. International condemnation of the military regime has been fierce, with the United States, European Union and others denouncing violence against protesters. "We condemn the Burmese security forces' abhorrent violence against the people of Burma & will continue to promote accountability for those responsible," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted after Sunday's killings, using the country's old name. "We stand firmly with the courageous people of Burma & encourage all countries to speak with one voice in support of their will," Blinken added. Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken into custody during pre-dawn raids in the capital Naypyidaw. A court hearing will be held on Monday for the ousted leader, who faces obscure charges for possession of unregistered walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings. But her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said he had still been unable to meet with Suu Kyi ahead of the hearing. "As a lawyer, I put my trust in the court," he said. "But in this period of time anything can happen." State media announced on Saturday that the junta had sacked the country's United Nations envoy, who gave an impassioned plea for help on behalf of Myanmar's ousted civilian government. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-03-01. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The black church has a long and complex history that has served as a catalyst for the improvement of the black experience in the United States since its formation in times of slavery, according to New York City megachurch Pastor A.R. Bernard. The traditions of the black church are largely shaped by a history of African American suffering. And despite the advances made over time when it comes to the rights of black Americans that are largely spurred by black Christian movements, there is still much work to be done. Bernard, the head of the 40,000-member Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, a respected community leader who has served as an adviser to mayors and presidents, spoke with The Christian Post in an in-depth interview focusing on the history of the black church and its impact on American life. Discussing everything from slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement to the more recent social justice protests and the African influences on black church culture, Bernard sees many areas where the black church's footprint has left a mark in society. Source:The Christian Post A documentary that highlights the king of Thailands time in Australia has been met with some criticism. The documentary, made by the Australian government, showcases historical footage of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's six-and-a-half years in Australia at a boarding school and with the military. The documentary was shown to the Thai king and queen at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok last week. It includes interviews with the monarch's classmates during his time in Australia, including the current governor-general of Australia, David Hurley. The embassy said the film highlights the shared history between the Thai royal family and Australia. The king lived in Australia between 1970 and 1976. As crown prince, he attended school in Sydney and then trained with the military in Canberra. But the timing of the release of the documentary has been questioned. It comes after months of calls for Thailand's monarchy to be reformed. Dozens of protesters face lengthy prison sentences for allegedly defaming the monarch. Greg Raymond is a lecturer in the strategic and defense studies center at the Australian National University. He believes the films release should have been delayed. I do think the timing is slightly unusual and I would even add slightly amiss and that is because the place of the monarchy in Thai society is under debate in a way that it has not been for many decades," he said. "Right now, people in Thailand have different views about what the role of the monarchy should be. They are concerned that the monarchy does play too great a role in politics, they are concerned that it is reasonably unaccountable and above the law and above the constitution. Raymond says that Australia's relationship with Thailand is crucial given Chinas growing influence in Southeast Asia. Thailand is Australias 10th largest goods and services trading partner. Protests in Bangkok last year attracted large crowds calling for the monarchy to be reformed and for the government to resign. Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the documentary was made before the recent demonstrations and was typical of the type of diplomacy undertaken by officials. The headmaster and students of a German high school have written letters in reply to Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing their commitment to increasing cultural exchanges between Germany and China. The letters, dated February 22, were penned by the principal Simone Reuen and students of Burg Gymnasium and were accompanied by Spring Festival gifts works of calligraphy and other handicrafts made by the students to express their appreciation for Peng's support. Peng wrote a letter on February 9 to the students and teachers at the public secondary school in Essen, Germany, encouraging them to contribute to and strengthen the friendship between the people of China and Germany. A calligraphic work by a student at Burg Gymnasium. /CMG "Your letter is a great commendation, recognition and encouragement to our school and the work of our school's Chinese class and choir. I am extremely happy that our school has gained so much recognition in China for its activities related to Chinese language and Chinese culture," wrote Reuen. "Your letter to our teachers and classmates was read many times, we are very excited. We are so proud to realize that you watched our video," the students of Burggymnasium wrote in their letter, in reference to the clip in which students sang the Chinese song "After the Pandemic". Peng had mentioned the video in her letter, saying the students have expressed the collective wish of supporting people in all countries to conquer COVID-19 at an early date. A sketch of a panda by a student at Burg Gymnasium. /CMG "Small actions can sometimes have a huge impact. Our songs have a small but very important role in exchanges and mutual learning between the people of the two countries," Reuen said, adding "I am proud of them". Burg Gymnasium is one of the oldest public schools in Germany. It set up Chinese language courses in 1994, and has organized several visits to China for exchanges in recent years. In March 2014, Peng visited the school and joined a Chinese class there during President Xi's state visit to Germany. In October 2016, Peng met with the teachers and students of the school in Beijing. New York mayoral candidate Andrew Yang is being hailed as a hero after going out of his way to protect a news photographer from a man wielding a metal pole while aboard the Staten Island Ferry on Friday. The incident happened during Yangs tour of Staten Island, with a small media entourage following him, reports the NY Post. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Getty photojournalist Spencer Platt, who was part of the media group, was reportedly talking on the phone at the top outdoor deck around 11:15 a.m. when he was approached by another passenger. According to Platt, the boat had just passed the Statue of Liberty when a man wearing a black cowboy hat and jeans suddenly came standing too close to his face. Platt narrated the incident: I just said, Whats up? He Immediately shoves me, I kind of tumble down. I get back up, and he raises a steel bar a broomstick handle over his head. He looks like hes ready to strike me. Noticing the altercation from inside the ferry, Yang rushed to the scene and intervened by talking to the attacker. I didnt have much time to think. I saw the photographer get shoved and it seemed like it might get worse. So I did what I think a lot of people would do, which is like: I have to prevent this person from getting hurt, Yang told The City. So I got up as quickly as I could and tried to intervene before the man could swing. Platt took the opportunity to escape to safety and notified the authorities who later took over the situation. No charges were filed against the man. Yang shared with the Hill that he was able to calm the assailant who recognized him. He also called for more mental health resources in the city, which he would give more funding to if he was to become mayor, he said. Im glad that when he turned he saw me and recognized me, and the situation deescalated quickly, Yang said. On social media, followers of the former presidential candidate praised him for taking action. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Yang told the Staten Island Advance that others may have done the same given the situation. I definitely appreciate his services and being there, said the grateful photographer. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The authorities shared that no one was assaulted or injured from the altercation. Feature Image via Getty Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! People in Wuhan Are Shouting 'Add Oil' From Their Windows to Fight Coronavirus Indian American Gitanjali Rao, 15, is TIMEs First-Ever Kid of the Year Lululemon Founder Named the Company Because It Was 'Funny to Watch' Japanese People Try to Say It Asian Man Beaten and Robbed of Around $15K at Bank in the Bay Area Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Film Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 198 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The 2021 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 198 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 50 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school. Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Film Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-film-degree-program/ 2021 Film Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Academy of Art University American University Arizona State University Art Center College Of Design Barnard College Binghamton University Boston University California Institute of the Arts California State University, Long Beach California State University, North Ridge California State University, Sacramento Chapman University City College of New York City University of New York, Brooklyn College City University of New York, Queens College Columbia College Chicago Columbia University DePaul University Emerson College Hunter College Ithaca College Lamar University Lipscomb University Los Angeles Film School Loyola Marymount University New York University Northwestern University Pratt Institute Rhode Island College Rhode Island School of Design Ringling College of Art and Design Saint Cloud State University Saint Xavier University San Francisco State University Savannah College of Art and Design Southern Methodist University Stanford University State University of New York, Stony Brook Syracuse University University of Arizona University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Santa Barbara University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts University of Southern California University of Texas, Austin University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Wesleyan University Western Michigan University About Intelligent.com Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/. This photo from Facebook page of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shows him receiving a dose of China's Sinopharm vaccine against COVID-19 in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 28, 2021. The Hungarian government is boosting its vaccination program with Russian and Chinese vaccines, as the third wave of the pandemic has brought daily infections and deaths in the country to the level of mid-December last year. (Viktor Orban Facebook via Xinhua) BUDAPEST, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban received an injection of China's Sinopharm vaccine against COVID-19 on Sunday. "Vaccinated!" Orban wrote on Facebook, posting a photo of himself getting the shot, a close-up of the Chinese vaccine and a picture of a door to the vaccination point where he received the inoculation. Orban received the shot two days after Hungarian President Janos Ader, who also opted for the Chinese vaccine. Hungarian Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller told a press conference Saturday that it is very important for high-ranking Hungarian officials to get immunized publicly, in order to set an example for the population. With access to vaccines from five producers, namely China's Sinopharm, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Russia's Sputnik V, Hungary, the first European Union member state to buy and authorize the use of Chinese vaccines, started to administer the Sinopharm vaccine on Wednesday. The Hungarian government is boosting its vaccination program with Russian and Chinese vaccines, as the third wave of the pandemic has brought daily infections and deaths in the country to the level of mid-December last year. Hungary on Sunday registered 4,469 new cases and 72 more deaths in the past 24 hours, raising its national total to 428,599 and the death toll to 14,974, according to official data. So far, 321,128 people have recovered. Currently, 5,482 patients are being treated in hospitals, including 524 on ventilators, figures from the government's coronavirus information website showed. As of Sunday, 677,682 people have received at least one vaccine jab, while 249,499 have received two jabs, according to the website. Hungary intends to inoculate all the 2.6 million people registered for the vaccine by Easter, and Orban aims to vaccinate a further million by May. After the arrival of the first batch of Chinese vaccines on Feb. 16, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said Friday that another batch would arrive in Hungary in March. Enditem 2 1 [ Editor: JYZ ] As Haijun Si and his family celebrated the Lunar New Year this month, the festivities were cut short when several teenagers shouted racial slurs, hurled rocks at the house and repeatedly pounded on the front door of their home in Orange County, Calif. This was not the first time the Si family has been harassed in recent months. In fact, by mid-February, Si had come to expect it, he said. Since they moved to the Ladera Ranch neighborhood five months earlier, the family has been targeted by a group of teenagers. "They yell, punch the door and windows, and ring the bell day and night," said Si, 48. He has called the Orange County Sheriff's Department several times, and police have opened an investigation, but the harassment has persisted, he said. "I installed a camera and a fence, but they kept coming back," said Si, who has two children, ages 5 and 8. "They are scaring my kids at night. They are afraid to go in their room themselves, so we have to move them to our room for almost five months now." Violence targeting Asian Americans has surged since the start of the pandemic. Advocates say the rise in anti-Asian sentiment stems in part from former president Donald Trump's incendiary remarks about the coronavirus. President Joe Biden last month signed an executive action barring the federal government from employing the sort of "inflammatory and xenophobic" language Trump used to describe the virus - such as "China plague" and "Kung flu." After the incident on Lunar New Year, Si asked a neighbor for support. He called Layla Parks, who lives down the street and has always been kind to his family, he said. Parks knew teenagers would occasionally play "ding dong ditch" in the neighborhood as a prank, but until then, "I did not understand the extent of the harassment and how often it was occurring," she said. "I was outraged, and I wanted to take action right away. But I knew I needed to do it carefully." Parks, 30, promptly came up with a plan to help protect the Si family, which required enlisting several volunteers. In a neighborhood Facebook group, she posted video footage of a recent attack, which Si provided, and asked if anyone would be willing to stand guard outside the family's home at night. She wanted to ensure that the house was surveilled from 6 p.m. until at least midnight, and asked people to sign up for an hour-long shift. Her primary mission: "for this family to have some peace again," Parks said. The sign-up spreadsheet immediately flooded with names. Neighbors were horrified by the teenagers' actions, and people were eager to help. "It was more support than I had ever imagined or anticipated, and it is incredibly heartwarming," Parks said. "The community has really stepped up." The first evening watch was on Feb. 13, and since then, neighbors have stood guard outside Si's home every night. They pull on sweaters and jackets - temperatures dip into the 40s at night - and set up foldable chairs on the front lawn. Some will guard from their cars, while others will pace around the block, flashlights in hand. About 50 people have volunteered for at least one shift. Emily Lippincott, 40, has covered two shifts. The targeting the Si family has faced, she said, "is completely unacceptable." "This family was terrorized," she continued, adding that protecting them and showing support is "very important to me." Seeing neighbors guarding the Si home night after night "is a really positive and hopeful sign for our community," Lippincott said. "It's been incredible to meet other like-minded people that really care." Si and his wife come outside to thank volunteers and show their deep appreciation. They often bring cookies. "The neighbors keep watching, and I am very grateful," Si said. "Now we have some peace." Still, Si added, "I don't want to make any trouble. I don't want to take their time." The Si family moved from Zhengzhou, China, to California four years ago, and in September, they relocated from Riverside County to Orange County. The harassment started when they moved to Ladera Ranch - a wealthy planned community of about 30,000 residents, about 10% of whom are Asian. Before the neighbors stepped in to help, Si and his wife would take turns guarding the house each night, hoping their presence would shoo away the teenagers. It rarely did. "The sheriff has come many times," Si said, but they never caught the teens in action. Carrie Braun, director of public affairs for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, said her department has opened an investigation into the incidents. "The family has provided photos and videos to the sheriff's department, and we have two investigators who are working to identify the juvenile individuals," Braun said. "It is vital that communities come together to be aware and keep each other safe," she continued, but emphasized that when "criminal violations of law occur, it's critical that law enforcement is contacted." Since volunteers have been standing guard, incidents of harassment have dwindled, but have not disappeared entirely. "Kids were throwing rocks at the homeowners and volunteers from the hillside," said Lippincott, adding that she also has heard them "yelling profanities." The group of offenders consists of the same 20 teenagers, Parks estimated, and typically, they show up a few at a time. "We've seen many of the same teens come through, and some newer faces," she said. "It's bizarre. It's almost like they take shifts or it's a ritual." Priscilla Huang, co-founder of Asian Americans in Action - an Orange County-based volunteer organization that advocates for Asian Americans - said the Si family's experience is not uncommon, particularly in recent months. "There's been escalating harassment and rhetoric, and now there's violence at another scale affecting the Asian American community," said Huang, whose parents immigrated from Taiwan. When Huang heard about what was happening to the Si family and how the neighborhood mobilized to support them, it gave her an idea for a community event. The Lantern Festival - which marks the final day of Lunar New Year celebrations - was Friday, and "I thought it would be a nice way to show community support and solidarity," she said. Residents in Ladera Ranch intend to continue taking shifts standing guard outside the Si family's home "until they feel safe," Parks said. "After hearing about the situation, my fear for humanity was at all-time high," Parks continued. "But after the response of the community, I feel my faith in humanity has returned." Si agreed - despite what he has endured. "I love my neighbors," he said. "I love my community, and I love my country." Protesters take cover as they clash with riot police officers during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar. Photo: Reuters At least 18 people were killed and dozens injured when Myanmar security forces opened fire with live rounds and tear gas against pro-democracy demonstrators, in the bloodiest day of clashes since the military coup a month ago. The deaths came as the military junta, which seized power on February 1, appeared to significantly increase its use of force against the protesters demanding the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of her elected government. Large numbers of police and soldiers mobilised across the South-East Asian country early yesterday to disperse crowds and stamp out rallies. Police in Yangon, the countrys largest city, were reported to have opened fire in several neighbourhoods after stun grenades, tear gas and shots in the air failed to break up crowds. A woman died of a suspected heart attack after police threw stun grenades to break up a teachers protest, her daughter and colleague said, while a man died after being taken to hospital with a bullet in his chest, according to a doctor. Live fire was reported in five other cities, including Yangon. Police and military forces have confronted peaceful demonstrations, using lethal force and less-than-lethal force that according to credible information received by the UN Human Rights Office has left at least 18 people dead and over 30 wounded, said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesman for the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. Police also detained at least 85 medical professionals and students and seven journalists who were present at the demonstrations, Ms Shamdasani said. She added that more than 1,000 people had been arbitrarily detained in the last month, some of whom remained unaccounted for. The people of Myanmar have the right to assemble peacefully and demand the restoration of democracy. These fundamental rights must be respected by the military and police, not met with violent and bloody repression, Ms Shamdasani said. In the southern coastal city of Dawei, three men were killed and at least 20 others injured yesterday when security forces moved on a rally, according to local media. A rescue worker, Pyae Zaw Hein, told AFP the trio had been shot dead with live rounds, while the injured had been hit by rubber bullets. The weekend has seen the harshest crackdown yet in the three-week old protest and a civil disobedience movement that has included strikes by teachers, medics and other government workers. On Saturday, authorities arrested more than 470 people across the country. The violence came a day after authorities fired Myanmars envoy to the UN, who had urged the organisation to use any means necessary to reverse the February 1 coup. Kyaw Moe Tun vowed to fight on after state television said he had been sacked for betraying the country. In an extraordinary address that drew applause at the UN General Assembly, Kyaw Moe Tun had said he was speaking for Suu Kyis elected government and appealed for international help to restore democracy in Myanmar. The leader of the junta, General Min Aung Hlaing, has said the authorities had used minimal force. Nevertheless, at least 21 protesters have now died in the turmoil. The army said one policeman had been killed. The crackdown seems to indicate determination by the military to impose its authority in the face of defiance, not just on the streets but more broadly in the civil service, municipal administration, the judiciary, the education and health sectors and the media. Youth activist Esther Ze Naw said people were battling the fear they had lived with under military rule. Its obvious theyre trying to instil fear in us by making us run and hide, she said. We cant accept that. Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] NY Times best-selling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt doted on her baby daughter Lyla Maria during a Sunday afternoon stroll in LA's Brentwood neighborhood. The 31-year-old daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger beamed with happiness as she gushed over her precious princess, who turns seven months in a week. Katherine was joined by her famous journalist mother Maria Shriver, who's called little Lyla a 'gift' to the entire family. Cooing: NY Times best-selling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt doted on her baby daughter Lyla Maria during a Sunday afternoon stroll in LA's Brentwood neighborhood 'It's been a gift to me. It's been a gift to her siblings, her father, and to everyone who loves [her],' the 65-year-old Emmy winner told ET last month. 'To see somebody step into a role of motherhood is really a beautiful thing. I'm a big believer that motherhood and parenting is the most valuable work that we do in this world.' Schwarzenegger was wearing a mandated face mask down around her neck while Maria neglected to protect herself and others from the coronavirus. As of Monday, there have been 1.19M confirmed COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles leading to 21,435 deaths - according to Johns Hopkins University. Baby love! The 31-year-old daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger beamed with happiness as she gushed over her precious princess, who turns seven months in a week Mask-free stroll: Katherine was joined by her famous journalist mother Maria Shriver (L), who's called little Lyla a 'gift' to the entire family Earlier on Sunday, Schwarzenegger shared a snap captioned: 'Morning beach walks with my little mouse are my favorite!' Earlier on Sunday, the USC grad - who boasts 1.8M social media followers - shared a snap captioned: 'Morning beach walks with my little mouse are my favorite!' Ever the influencer - Katherine made sure to tag her Janessa Leone hat, Aerie cardigan, Gemma Styles sunglasses, and Artipoppe sling. Missing from the family outing was Schwarzenegger's husband Chris Pratt, who's been flying back and forth to Australia filming Thor: Love And Thunder. Star-Lord returns! Missing from the family outing was the influencer's husband Chris Pratt, who's been flying back and forth to Australia filming Thor: Love And Thunder Hitting US/UK theaters on July 23! The Minnesota-born 41-year-old will also executive produce and star as Barney Gamble in sci-fi alien invasion flick The Tomorrow War (pictured in 2019) Decade age gap: Chris was famously introduced to Katherine by the 65-year-old Emmy winner at church in June 2018 (pictured February 14) The Minnesota-born 41-year-old reprises his role as Peter Quill/Star-Lord in Taika Waititi's 2022 MCU flick starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale. The Parks and Recreation alum will also executive produce and star as Barney Gamble in sci-fi alien invasion flick The Tomorrow War, which hits US/UK theaters on July 23. Chris McKay's live-action directorial debut also features J.K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Yvonne Strahovski, and Keith Powers. 'Black maternal health crisis': Schwarzenegger currently hosts her own podcast Before, During, and After Baby - which streamed episode eight last Thursday with gynecologist Dr. Heather Irobunda Chris was famously introduced to the great niece of President John F. Kennedy by Shriver at church in June 2018. Katherine is also stepmother to Pratt's eight-year-old son Jack from his eight-year marriage to Mom star Anna Faris, which ended in divorce in 2018. Schwarzenegger currently hosts her own podcast Before, During, and After Baby - which streamed episode eight last Thursday with gynecologist Dr. Heather Irobunda. NAACP Berkshire President Recognized At Black Excellence on the Hill Event BOSTON Dennis Powell, the President of the NAACP-Berkshire County Branch, was nominated for the "Black Excellence on the Hill'" event, hosted annually by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. The event is described by the organizers as an "Event to commemorate Black community leaders and trailblazers that are moving the needle forward in their respective communities. Our 2021 nominees are activists, teachers, musicians, chocolatiers, and more -- demonstrating that the excellence inherent to Blackness emulates from how expansive it is." Senator Adam G. Hinds nominated Powell. "Dennis is the conscience of the community," Hinds said. "He has done so much this past year to organize and stand up to racial injustice, and expanded the NAACP branch's membership and scholarship funds in the process. He deserves to be recognized for all that he has done." Powell is the current President of NAACP Berkshire County Branch, which he helped rebuild locally starting in 2012. According to a press release, Powell has been a central force in regional organizing actions in a year of a global racial reckoning. Through that work he also expanded membership of the NAACP branch and increased donations to the Freedom Fund that provides scholarships in support of African American students from Berkshire County during their first and second years of college. Powell also serves on the Pittsfield School Committee, the Pittsfield Licensing Board, is Vice Chair of the Clinton Church Restoration Board and continues to be active in several social and racial justice education projects. Powell was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, before serving in the U.S Army in Germany. After leaving the Service he attended the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and later became a teaching fellow at the prestigious school, and eventually returned as a faculty member and department chair. After a career at C.I.A he returned to Pittsfield to open a restaurant, and now helps with his son's restaurant, Mad Jacks. ROME, N.Y Rome Health is holding an online event allowing people to discuss the signs and symptoms of a stroke with local medical professionals, as part of its sponsorship of Americas Greatest Heart Run & Walk. The free community conversation will be held on Tuesday, March 2, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Dr. Juleen Qandah, the stroke program medical director at Rome Health, will be on the call, as well as Rome Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Russell Silverman and AmCare Ambulance President Paul Taylor. A stroke survivor named Amber Buckley will also share her story during the event. The presenters will discuss who is at risk for stroke, the signs and symptoms, and the steps to take if you or someone youre with are having a stroke. Former US President Donald Trump has roared back into the political arena with a hint that he may run for office in 2024 and a jet of vitriol against members of his Republican Party not loyal to him, as well as Democrats. Speaking in public on Sunday for the first time since leaving office, Trump did not admit defeat in the November 3, 2020, election and instead said "I may even decide to defeat them a third time". He tamped down speculation that he may start a third party calling it fake news seeking to divide the Republican vote "so that you can never win". "We have the Republican Party it's going to unite and be stronger than ever before," he said even as he announced an enemy's list of several members of his party who voted for this impeachment or to convict him. He flexed his political muscle at the annual conference of the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) where an informal poll showed that 68 per cent of the participants wanted him to run again and 95 per cent supported his policies. The group represents the more conservative wing of the Republican Party reflecting his base and the crowd, many of them unmasked and not socially distanced, repeatedly chanted, "We love you". Trump's hold on a broad base of the party presents a dilemma for the party. He is a divisive figure who caused many unaffiliated voters and those in the middle to vote against him. Yet the party cannot win without his supporters. Trump said: "The only division is between a handful of Washington, D.C. establishment political hacks and everybody else all over the country." He named the Republicans like Senator Mitt Romney and Representative Liz Cheney, who have criticised him and also voted against him during the impeachment, and said: "Get rid of them." Trump criticised the Supreme Court, which rejected his case against the election of hi successor Joe Biden. The court has a conservative majority bolstered by his three nominees none of whom came to his rescue. "They should be ashamed of themselves for what they've done to our country. They didn't have the guts or the courage to make the right decision." He said "our election process is worse than that in many cases of a third world country," and called on the party to work for election reforms. Among the flaws he listed is some US states not requiring IDs for voters, which would not pass muster in most countries. Trump attacked Biden, who has been in office for just 39 days, asserting that "in just one short month, we have gone from 'America First' to 'America Last'". "We all knew that the Biden administration was going to be bad, but none of us even imagined just how bad they would be and how far left they would go," he said. His main criticism was on Biden's decision to undo his immigration measures, but he also made a distinction between legal immigrants who contribute to the US and illegal and criminal immigrants, who he said were allowed to go free. He wanted the US to welcome "people coming into our country based on a system of merit". He said, "So they come in and they can help us". Trump appeared as his usual ebullient self -- a rabble-rousing superpatriot. Criticising Beijing, he blamed it for the economic setbacks caused by the "horrible thing from China". Also slamming Biden's decision to return to the Paris Climate Change Agreement, he bracketed India with China and Russia as polluters "pouring fumes". His speech had the ring of an election campaign as he set out his record in office. He claimed credit for the Covid-19 vaccines, which he said were made available within a year contradicting the longer timeline set by experts, because of the calculated risks he took. Biden had made a muddled claim that there were no vaccines when he took office, but Trump pointed out that he had been vaccinated in December 2020 and ridiculed him saying that he was not being malicious, but one unaware of it. He also took credit for the economic gains and the low unemployment before the pandemic as well as the rebound since. Trump crticised the tech giants for what he said was their limiting free speech and said the states ruled by his party should impose taxes on them. Twitter and Facebook have banned him. Trump faces the likelihood of criminal cases against him. They may relate to his finances and his taxes, or even his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. However, there is no explicit legal ban on a convicted criminal running for President. A conviction by the Senate on the impeachment charge of instigating an insurrection through the January 6 riot could have prevented him from running for office, but he was acquitted. BELGRADE - The EU special representative for dialogue on Kosovo, Miroslav Lajak, who is beginning a mission Monday to Pristina and Belgrade, said that he will not present any ultimatum to top Serbian officials on the recognition of Kosovo's independence, as alleged by some media outlets in recent days. He expressed confidence on the possibility that the two sides could reach an agreement on the normalization of relations in a reasonable amount of time. In an interview to the Serbian news agency Tanjug on the eve of his mission to the region, the European mediator spoke about the importance of the collaboration between the EU and US to favor an agreement, stressing that he expects, during visits to Pristina and Belgrade, to hear about the position of the sides on how long the negotiation facilitated by the European Union can continue. "The EU doesn't work with the principle of ultimatums. We are here to help. The objective of dialogue is to support both Belgrade and Pristina, favoring a European future for the entire region", said Lajcak. "It is no secret - he added - that the EU expects the prosecution of dialogue" which is key for both Pristina and Belgrade on the path to the EU. He said that he expects during his mission and from talks with the two sides to know when it will be possible to resume negotiations. The Slovak diplomat then stressed how the EU is "in close contact" with American partners to favor dialogue on Kosovo and in general the European perspective of the entire region of the western Balkans. "The normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is the requirement for a successful integration, and the EU and US mean to help for this goal". Asked to comment on the American position on 'reciprocal recognition', Lajak observed that the two sides need to find an agreement "on what is normalization and what is normal". The Minneapolis 2040 plan legalized duplexes and triplexes just about anywhere in the city. But the overhaul resulted in the new construction of just 16 duplexes and four triplexes in 2020, the first full year of the new zoning rules. By the numbers: 22 existing properties were also converted to duplexes and triplexes. Altogether, those "plexes" added about 70 new units of housing to a city of 420,000. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Flashback: The Minneapolis 2040 plan was hailed by national media as a revolutionary vision because it ended single-family zoning. Reality check: Developers say the financials and other zoning rules still make it difficult to build triplexes and duplexes. Bruce Brunner built a triplex in Uptown thanks to finding a relatively cheap ($260,000) house. He's working on more, but outlined for us why so few people aren't doing what he is doing: It's hard to find vacant lots in sought-after parts of the city. Buying a house and tearing it down typically costs more than $300,000 before the rebuild. In areas with cheaper houses, such as North Minneapolis, you can't get the rents you would need to make it work, Brunner said. Existing zoning rules mean developers have to squeeze triplexes into small footprints. Developers are concerned about new regulations, including proposed ballot measures on rent control. Yes, but: The small number of plexes doesnt mean the 2040 plan hasnt helped the city grow. Developers built 3,300 units in 2020, despite the pandemic. The biggest driver and one that got much less ink nationally was a change allowing easier approval of the five- and six-level buildings seen frequently on busier streets such as Marshall, Broadway, Hiawatha, Lyndale and Lake. Janne Flisrand, co-founder of pro-2040 Neighbors for More Neighbors, said she expects the number of plexes to grow in future years. But she acknowledged they will represent only an incremental change compared with the rise of taller residential buildings. Story continues What's next: Minneapolis code development manager Jason Wittenberg said the City Council has directed staff to collect data "to inform whether there are significant zoning barriers" to developing triplexes at scale. 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 Toyota's Yaris has won the coveted European Car of the Year, defeating the likes of the new fully-electric Fiat 500 and Volkswagen ID.3 as well as Land Rover's Defender SUV to claim the award. The Japanese supermini - which starts from 19,910 in the UK - was crowned in a ceremony in Geneva on Monday afternoon. It took the title of best new model for 2021 with 266 points, some 26 more than the Fiat. European Car of the Year: The new Toyota Yaris has won the coveted title in 2021 A 59-member jury, composed of automotive journalists from 22 countries, selected the winner from seven models that had made it to the round of finalists. It's the second time a Yaris has won the award, repeating the feat from 2000 when the first-generation of the car - along with the Yaris Verso MPV - received the European Car of the Year gong. It is only the third time Toyota has won the continental award since it launched in 1964, with the Prius taking the title most recently for the Japanese marque in 2005. This year the jury praised Yariss hybrid electric technology for its smooth driving, low emissions and accessible price point, illustrating why more than 80 per cent of European Yaris customers choose the hybrid powertrain. In the UK, Yaris is an all-hybrid model range. Yaris was also recognised for its design, dynamic performance and class-leading safety. Furthermore, the jury particularly appreciated Toyotas success in re-igniting passion for the hot hatch market across Europe with the launch of the GR Yaris. This year the jury praised Yariss hybrid electric technology for its smooth driving, low emissions and accessible price point The Yaris was also recognised for its design, dynamic performance and class-leading safety The Japanese supermini - which starts from 19,910 in the UK - was crowned in a ceremony in Geneva on Monday afternoon The 2021 European Car of the Year award comes just a few days after new Yaris became the best-selling car in Europe for the first time, a clear sign that customers agree with the jurys opinion. Car of the Year president, Frank Janssen, described the Yaris as a 'worthy winner of this year's election, who deservedly prevailed against six top-class competitors'. Car of the Year 2021 results Winner: Toyota Yaris: 266 points Fiat New 500: 240 points Cupra Formentor: 239 points Volkswagen ID.3.: 224 points Skoda Octavia: 199 points Land Rover Defender: 164 points Citroen C4: 143 points Matt Harrison, executive vice president and Toyota Motor Europe added: 'This is a great honour for Toyota and Id like to thank the jury for their consideration and recognition. 'Id also like to take this opportunity to recognise the passion of our development teams in Europe and Japan. 'This is the best ever Yaris, and just as Akio Toyoda intended, it is already putting a smile on the face of our customers.' Second in the vote was Fiat's new 500, with 240 points, which marginally finished above the Cupra Formentor SUV by a single vote. The VW ID.3 electric hatchback was fourth, followed by the Skoda Octavia and Land Rover Defender - the latter getting 164 points in the vote. With a smart, sporty interior, the Yaris will appeal to plenty of customers in the UK Available only as a five-door hatchback, the new Yaris seats four comfortably and five at a squeeze with three in the rear The new Yaris is powered by a lean and frugal 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid that propels it from rest to 62mph in 9.7 seconds up to a top speed of 109mph What's the new Toyota Yaris like to drive? by Ray Massey for the Daily Mail For motorists looking for a highly reliable, economical car, Toyota has traditionally been a safe bet, if a little unadventurous. But Toyota's anglophile president Akio Toyoda, who when living and working in London in the Eighties used to whizz around in an original Mini, wanted to add some pizzazz. Toyotas 'must not be boring', he decreed, ahead of the launch of the new fourth generation Yaris supermini. Ray Massey with the new Toyota Yaris with promises which promises improved fuel economy, lower emissions and more oomph over its predecessor as well as a little more pizzazz What a turnaround. The striking new Yaris, which promises improved fuel economy, lower emissions and more oomph, has dramatic styling and bold looks. It is powered by a lean and frugal 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid that propels it from rest to 62mph in 9.7 seconds up to a top speed of 109mph. Priced from 19,910 to 24,005, there are five versions: Icon, Design (which from 20,970 will be the biggest seller accounting for nearly half of sales), Dynamic, Excel and a Launch Edition. With a PCP retail offer, however, the Design trim can come to 189 per month over 42 months, plus a deposit of 4,311. Ahead of first deliveries to British customers when the new '70' registration plate begins from September I drove a Continental left-hand drive version running on 17in wheels rather than the standard 16in variety. It was zippy around town and sufficiently long-legged on dual carriagweways and motorways. There are five versions: Icon, Design (which from 20,970 will be the biggest seller accounting for nearly half of sales), Dynamic, Excel and a Launch Edition It's a fun, lively and engaging drive and a worthy rival to the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta. There are four driving modes: the default 'Normal', 'Eco', a jaunty 'Power', and 'EV' for short pure electric runs. As a hybrid, electric power is in use for around half the time, rising to about 80 per cent around town. Running costs should be easier on the pocket, with fuel economy of between 65.7 mpg to 68.9 mpg. I was comfortably into the 60s, despite some energetic driving. CO2 emissions range from 92g/km to 98g/km. With a smart, sporty interior, the five-door hatchback seats four comfortably and five at a squeeze with three in the rear. A fisherman in Indonesia just pulled in a shocking haul when he caught a baby shark with a "human face." Abdullah Nuren, the fisherman, found the strange discovery near Rote Ndao in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia New Discovery Went Viral Nuren was collecting his nets when he noticed that he had accidentally caught an adult shark. He opened the shark's belly and spotted three "pups" inside. Two of the pups looked perfectly normal but one looked completely strange. "I originally found a mother shark caught in the trawler net. The next day I split the belly of the mother shark and found three pups in the stomach. Two were like the mother and this one looked like it had a human face," Nuren explained. The baby shark, which was near the size of a human hand, surfaced to have an open mouth, big round eyes, and a human-like expression of surprise. Nuren took the baby shark's body home to show his family who assisted him in preserving it. As the news of his discovery went viral, the number of people gathering outside his home also increased, with the hope to catch a glance at the strange discovery. Nuren said his home has been crowded with people who want to see the shark. Read Also:Seal Caught Killing, Eating Shark on Camera The Baby Shark is a Requiem Shark The baby shark is affirmed to be a "requiem" shark as these sharks, which are Carcharhinidae family members, can be very small or huge (less than 40 inches or more than 24 feet respectively) So, what could have happened to make this baby shark develop such bizarre features? Scientists have a couple of theories in which one, the bulging eyes of the baby shark may not actually be the eyes after all but part of the nose. The human-like shark is not the first strange sea animal to be found near Indonesia. Fishermen made a similarly surprising discovery in October 2020. The story begins the same way. Fishermen in Indonesia caught a mother shark in their nets. When they cut the shark open, they found two normal pups and a strange one, but in this case, the baby shark was albino with just one eye. Three Babies Found in the Stomach One of the fishermen who made the discovery said they found three babies inside its stomach, but one of them looked odd with only one eye. The baby shark's color was odd too, like milk. That discovery brought comparisons to a similar discovery in 2011 in Mexico. Then, fishermen discovered another albino but here, it's a one-eyed shark in its mother's womb. What led to this kind of mutation in sharks? Scientists are not sure about it as the root cause is hard to research in a controlled setting. Nevertheless, defects in sharks could arise from a number of factors, which include infections, inbreeding, and pollutions because of overfishing. Though there are still a lot unrevealed about the baby shark found by Nuren. So, how will Nuren handle his discovery? According to him, many people have offered to buy the strange little shark but he has made up his mind to keep it for now because he thinks it will bring him good luck. Related article:Great White Sharks Eat Four Times As Much As Previously Estimated (VIDEO) For more news, update about sharks and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! GENEVA - A senior World Health Organization official said Monday it was premature and unrealistic to think the pandemic might be stopped by the end of the year, but that the recent arrival of effective vaccines could at least help dramatically reduce hospitalizations and death. FILE - In this Monday, Feb. 24, 2020 file photo, Michael Ryan, left, Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies programme, next to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, right, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), addresses a press conference about the update on COVID-19 at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The emergencies chief of the World Health Organization said on Monday March 1, 2021, it was premature and unrealistic to think the pandemic might be stopped by the end of the year, but that the recent arrival of effective vaccines could at least help dramatically reduce hospitalizations and death. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP, File) GENEVA - A senior World Health Organization official said Monday it was premature and unrealistic to think the pandemic might be stopped by the end of the year, but that the recent arrival of effective vaccines could at least help dramatically reduce hospitalizations and death. The worlds singular focus right now should be to keep transmission of COVID-19 as low as possible, said Dr. Michael Ryan, director of WHO's emergencies program. If were smart, we can finish with the hospitalizations and the deaths and the tragedy associated with this pandemic by the end of the year, he said at media briefing. Ryan said WHO was reassured by emerging data that many of the licensed vaccines appear to be helping curb the virus' explosive spread. If the vaccines begin to impact not only on death and not only on hospitalization, but have a significant impact on transmission dynamics and transmission risk, then I believe we will accelerate toward controlling this pandemic. But Ryan warned against complacency, saying that nothing was guaranteed in an evolving epidemic. Right now the virus is very much in control," he said. WHO's director-general, meanwhile, said it was regrettable that younger and healthier adults in some rich countries are being vaccinated against the coronavirus before at-risk health workers in developing countries. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said immunizations provided by the U.N.-backed effort COVAX began this week in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, but lamented that this was happening only three months after countries such as Britain, the U.S. and Canada began vaccinating their own populations. Countries are not in a race with each other, he said. This is a common race against the virus. We are not asking countries to put their own people at risk. We are asking all countries to be part of a global effort to suppress the virus everywhere. But WHO stopped short of criticizing countries who are moving to vaccinate younger and healthier populations instead of donating their doses to countries that haven't yet been able to protect their most vulnerable people. We can't tell individual countries what to do, said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior WHO adviser. Tedros also noted that for the first time in seven weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases increased last week, after six consecutive weeks of declining numbers. He described the increase as disappointing, but said it wasn't surprising. Tedros said WHO was working to better understand why cases increased, but that part of that spike appeared to be due to the relaxing of public health measures. AP Medical Writer Maria Cheng reported from London. Follow APs pandemic coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak 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 Nay Pyi Taw, March 1 : Myanmar's former de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday appeared in court here via video link, marking her first public appearance since her detention and the sebsequent military coup on February 1. Since her detention, the former State Counsellor has been under house arrest in an undisclosed location, said a BBC report. The report quoted Suu Kyi's lawyers as saying that she appeared to be in "good health" and asked to see her legal team. According to the report, she originally faced two charges of illegally importing walkie talkies and violating the South Asian nation's natural disaster law. However, additional charges were added on Monday, including breaching Covid-19 restrictions during the last year's election campaign and for causing "fear and alarm". The case has been adjourned till March 15 and it was not immediately known of the punishments the new charges carry. Citing the Myanmar Now news agency, the BBC report said that former President U Win Myint, who was also detained along with Suu Kyi on February 1, has been charged for incitement. In response to the coup, Myanmar has witnessed continued protests demanding the release of Suu Kyi and the other senior officials of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party and also the restoration of the democratically elected government. On Sunday, 18 protesters lost their lives, making the deadliest day of the demonstrations. Protests were staged on Monday, despite the military and police raming up its response against the agitating crowds, the BBC reported. The military staged the coup on February 1 and declared a year-long state of emergency. It handed all state power over to Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services General Min Aung Hlaing. The military seized power after it had demanded the postponement of new parliamentary sessions, citing massive voting fraud in the November 8, 2020 general elections, which saw the NLD win a majority of seats in both houses of parliament. Myanmar's Union Election Commission dismissed the allegation. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Despite threats of officer retirement in the face of last summers police reform legislation, many local departments have not yet seen the exodus officers and officials warned about. The controversial state reforms were passed as protests against police brutality echoed across the nation last summer in the wake of George Floyds killing at the hands of a police officer. At the time, some state legislators and police officers said such laws would create a mass exodus from the force. So far, this does not appear to be the case. I could be wrong but I don't anticipate a mass exodus of officers here or anywhere else solely because of the legislation, Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour said in email. Several parts of the bill are already in effect and we are adjusting accordingly. Christopher Burns / For Hearst Connecticut Media Newtown saw one retirement in late June, and Bethel lost two officers since July their chief retired and another officer moved out of state. One Danbury officer retired and another left to take a new job. Brookfield also had two officers retire, which Chief Jay Purcell said were anticipated retirements. Ridgefield and New Milford had no officer retirements. The legislation included the creation of a civilian review board and inspector general position to investigate instances of use of excessive force, a ban on chokeholds in most situations, a requirement that officers wear body cameras, and the elimination of qualified immunity for officers, among a host of other stipulations. Danbury Sgt. John Krupinsky, however, said he is still considering retiring because of the legislation and that officers could leave this summer once parts of the bill go into effect. If you asked me last year, I had zero intention of leaving for another four years, said Krupinsky, who is the president of the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police. He has been a cop in Danbury for 36 years and for four years in Ridgefield before that. That sentiment has carried to other departments, including Stamford where Sgt. Kris Engstrand works. Engstrand, president of the Stamford Police Association, has 100 percent thought about retiring, and said in his 24 years on the job, it is the lowest point of morale hes seen among officers a result of not just the bill but of poor public perception, too. At least three Stamford officers have left because of the bill, he said. We went from hero to zero overnight, he said. But Engstrand also said that an abrupt departure from the force is probably not the answer to the legislation. Among Krupinskys problems with the bill are the elimination of qualified immunity and the local cost for body cameras and storage, as well as restrictions on military equipment that departments had received through a federal program. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Krupinsky said he has heard of older officers retiring, as well as younger ones becoming cops in other states or returning to other jobs, like construction. He expects more officers to retire as parts of the bill, such as the elimination of qualified immunity, come into effect. Everything Ive said and testified to is coming true, he said. Now, its very difficult with recruitment. We have people leaving and its difficult to replace them with good quality people who want to be cops now. But Ridenhour said he has not observed this phenomenon in his department. While he heard rumblings, he said he hasnt observed mass retirements in the Danbury area nor any other part of the state thus far. There are always going to be concerns and quick reactions when there is change in the way we are used to doing things, Ridenhour said. But when the dust settles I believe we can adapt as needed to meet the intent of the legislation. While Engstrand doesnt necessarily support the legislation, he said he does support change in general. But Engstrand wants clear rules and training on the new laws, which he said they havent received. As for difficulties in recruitment, Ridenhour said that they havent seen an impact, positive or negative, in Danbury, but that they will see what happens in the next recruitment cycle. Overall it is legislation we can work with, Ridenhour said. There was a lot of misinformation put out in the beginning and there are still some areas of the legislation that needs to be clarified. No matter their personal feelings everyone understands that it is the law. We have to be held to the same standards we expect of everyone else in society, sometimes higher. Staff writer Julia Perkins contributed to this report. Non-essential retailers in Wales could reopen before English businesses, says First Minister This article is old - Published: Monday, Mar 1st, 2021 Non-essential retailers in Wales could reopen sooner than businesses over the border in England, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said. The UK Government announced last week that shops in England would be able to reopen from April 12 as part of the countrys roadmap out of lockdown. The Welsh Government has been criticised in some quarters as it has yet to provide a firm date for when stores can start to trade again. But Mr Drakeford said he believed Wales could be quicker in allowing businesses to reopen. Speaking at a press conference at lunchtime today, he said: There are no plans in England to begin the reopening of non-essential retail until well into April. I think the chances are that we will begin the reopening of those businesses earlier here in Wales than across the border. The figures that Ive set out today are still significantly better in Wales than across the border and that will give us some opportunities to reopen parts of non-essential retail. But I will think very carefully about how we do it so that we dont have the opposite problem to the one that youve just described, which is that we have people coming into Wales because our shops are beginning to reopen from parts of England where coronavirus is still in greater circulation and where the instruction to people in England remains to stay at home. The default position with regard to shops in alert level 4 is that they should all be closed, unless they provide goods or services that are considered essential. Examples of those currently allowed to open include food and drink shops, chemists and petrol stations. Pressed further on how this would impact on people travelling over the border, Mr Drakeford said: When we begin the reopening of non-essential retail, we will try and do it in a way that does not create honeypot circumstances in which people who cannot go shopping in their part of the United Kingdom would feel attracted to come into Wales. Itll be careful, itll be cautious, itll be step by step and itll be very much with trying to avoid those circumstances because of the public health risk that they bring with them. WASHINGTON and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's National Hospital and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) ("Takeda") today announced the creation of the Rare Disease Clinical Activity Protocols (Rare-CAP) program, which will establish a networked system for the development, dissemination and curation of protocols to help standardize the process of diagnosis and care for patients with rare diseases. Rare-CAP will be led by the Rare Disease Institute at the new Children's National Research & Innovation Campus that opened in February 2021 on the grounds of the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A $3.85 million commitment over five years from Takeda will help launch and sustain the program. Rare-CAP will leverage several novel features to serve as a protocol platform that reduces barriers for researchers, clinicians and patients in determining appropriate diagnosis and clinical care for rare disease patients. This includes ongoing input from patients and families and an open "wiki" format for near real-time updates from vetted contributors to enable access to the latest, real world data. Rare diseases impact hundreds of millions of families around the world1. Currently, no overarching model exists for uniform standards of care and diagnosis. It can take years for patients to receive a correct diagnosis for rare diseases. Even then, care protocols are often hard to find, amplifying the pain and anguish that families already face in their challenging medical journeys. "Just as Wikipedia revolutionized how we think of the encyclopedia, the Takeda commitment will help harness technology to revolutionize access to care standards for rare disease," said Marshall Summar, M.D., founding director of the Children's National Rare Disease Institute and chief of the Division of Genetics and Metabolism at the hospital. "We are extremely grateful for Takeda and their support of our work to unify rare disease research and real-world clinical experience in a way that's never been done before." "With a rare disease typically affecting fewer than 1 in 200,000 people2, there are unfortunately few standardized care protocols in place once a diagnosis is confirmed," says Tom Koutsavlis, M.D., Takeda head of U.S. Medical Affairs. "We're pleased to be part of this important effort with Children's National to help patients get faster access to the optimized treatment for their particular rare disease diagnosis, which is critical in helping them achieve better health. In addition, this partnership underscores our commitment to driving continuous innovation and personalized care for patients with rare diseases." The Children's National Rare Disease Institute is a first-of-its-kind center focused exclusively on advancing the care and treatment of children and adults with rare genetic diseases. It is the first NORD Designated Clinical Center of Excellence and provides a medical home for patients and families seeking the most advanced care and expertise for rare genetic conditions that remain largely unknown to the general medical community. Takeda's commitment represents one of the institute's founding partnerships. Takeda aspires to transform the treatment of rare diseases in immunology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, hematology, metabolic and lysosomal storage disorders. These rare diseases can have symptoms that vary widely and progress very differently from person to person, which means that people affected by these diseases are frequently misdiagnosed. About Children's National Hospital Children's National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., celebrates 150 years of pediatric care, research and commitment to community. Volunteers opened the hospital in 1870 with 12 beds for children displaced after the Civil War. Today, 150 years stronger, it is among the nation's top 10 children's hospitals. It is ranked No.1 for newborn care for the fourth straight year and ranked in all specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. Children's National is transforming pediatric medicine for all children. In 2021, the Children's National Research & Innovation Campus will open, the first in the nation dedicated to pediatric research. Children's National has been designated three times in a row as a Magnet hospital, demonstrating the highest standards of nursing and patient care delivery. This pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty care locations in the D.C. metropolitan area, including the Maryland and Northern Virginia suburbs. Children's National is home to the Children's National Research Institute and Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and is the nation's seventh-highest NIH-funded children's hospital. It is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Genetic and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in healthcare in approximately 80 countries. For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com. 1 World Health Organization, Priority diseases and reasons for inclusion, 6.19; https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_19Rare.pdf accessed 2/17/21 2 National Institutes of Health, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: rarediseases.info.nih.bov/diseases, accessed 2/17/2021 SOURCE Children's National Hospital Related Links https://childrensnational.org New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to accept Sahara chief Subrata Roys plea to put on hold the auction process of the groups project Aamby Valley in Pune district of Maharashtra. A bench of justices Dipak Misra, Ranjan Gogoi and A K Sikri said, The prayer of the contemnor (Roy) is hereby rejected. During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Roy, said that the auction process should be put on hold till September so that his client could arrange Rs 1,500 crore to be deposited into Sebi-Sahara account. The bench, however, said that it will pass orders at an appropriate time. Roy had yesterday moved the apex court seeking to put a hold on the auction process to sell the groups Rs 34,000-crore worth Aamby Valley property by the official liquidator of the Bombay High Court. The apex court had on July 25 asked the embattled Sahara chief to deposit Rs 1,500 crore in the SEBI-Sahara account by September 7 and said that it might then deliberate upon his plea seeking 18 months more time for making complete repayment. The court had simultaneously approved the draft sale notice and terms to dispose of the property prepared by the official liquidator of the Bombay High Court. The official liquidator shall publish the sale notice as given by him and the notice shall be published on August 14. The steps which are required to be taken for the publication of the sale notice, are allowed, the court had said. The Sahara Group had earlier sought 18 months time to repay around Rs 9,000 crore balance amount of the principal amount of Rs 24,000 crore. Sibal, however, had said that according to the group, the remaining amount was around Rs 8,000 crore and it had made all efforts to deposit the money. Roy, who has spent almost two years in jail, has been on parole since May 6 last year. The parole was granted the first time to enable him attend the funeral of his mother. It has been extended since then. Besides Roy, two other directorsRavi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudharywere arrested for failure of the groups two companiesSahara India Real Estate Corporation (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corp Ltd (SHICL) -- to comply with the courts August 31, 2012 order to return Rs 24,000 crore to their investors. Another company director Vandana Bhargava was not taken into custody. Also read: SC orders attachment of Sahara's Aamby Valley project near Lonavala worth Rs 39,000 crore For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. I-24 Crash Sends Two to Hospital By West Kentucky Star Staff MCCRACKEN COUNTY - A crash on I-24 during Sunday morning's heavy rain in McCracken County sent two people to the hospital.The McCracken County Sheriff's Department said that a car became wedged under the rear of a semi trailer at the nine mile marker of I-24 eastbound.Deputies said 42-year-old Dennis Omaywa, of Minnesota, was operating the semi when he had to slow abruptly as a vehicle in front of him was hydroplaning.Another car behind the semi was not able to slow in time, and became partially lodged under the trailer.The car contained four passengers: driver 28-year-old Carson Godfrey of Metropolis, and occupants 26-year-old Kalli Chapman, three-year-old Emery Chapman, and one-year-old Jackson Chapman, all of Paducah.Godfrey and Kalli Chapman had to be removed by mechanical means, and were taken to Lourdes Hospital for treatment of injuries.Motorists who had stopped to help were able to remove the children from the car prior to emergency personnel arriving on the scene. The children were not injured.Kalli Chapman was later transferred to an out-of-state hospital.Eastbound lanes of Interstate 24 were shutdown for approximately two hours. Mar. 1A decision last week by the Delaware River Basin Commission would ban fracking through the Delaware River watershed, including Berks County. There had been a temporary moratorium instituted in 2010, but that was recently challenged in court. The ban is also likely to face legal challenges. Also last week, the commission voted unanimously to develop regulations for the management of drilling wastewater coming into the watershed and for water being taken out of the watershed for use in drilling operations. The proposed wastewater regulations are to be available by Sept. 30. Hydraulic fracturing, called fracking, is an oil and gas well development process that typically involves injecting water, sand and chemicals under high pressure deep into a bedrock formation to free natural gas trapped in rock formations like shale. The process fueled a fossil fuel boom that made Pennsylvania second in the nation for natural gas production. There weren't many efforts to institute fracking in the basin until a recent study determined there was natural gas to be had. Environmentalists have criticized the process, which they say causes health and environmental problems. Those advocates said the commission's vote Feb. 25 marked a huge victory in a decadelong fight to protect the watershed from unconventional drilling and the practices surrounding it. More than 400 people joined the virtual meeting, and more watched through YouTube and expressed themselves through social media and emails to the commissioners ahead of the meeting. Karen Feridun, the Spring Township founder of Berks Gas Truth, said the commissioners "listened to the people and to the science in making this historic move." "Frankly, I consider the regulations and management of drilling wastewater to be the bigger victory," Feridun said. Feridun said while most of Berks would not likely have seen unconventional well drilling, it could accept drilling wastewater, which is disposed of by injection waste into the ground. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, those wells are regulated under the Underground Injection Control Program of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Story continues There is a swath of Berks that has been identified as having potential for natural gas, Feridun noted. It's part of the South Newark Basin, a shale plain that the U.S. Geological Survey estimated has 363 billion cubic feet of natural gas. It goes through Cumru, Brecknock, Exeter, Robeson, Amity, Union and Caernarvon townships and stretches to Bucks County and New Jersey. The USGS assessment was an educated guess based on data from similar reserves and not on any active well production, according to a primer on fracking by State Impact. The 60-year-old commission has jurisdiction over the entire 13,539 square mile watershed and is charged with protection of the water resources that supply up to 17 million people with drinking water, including New York and Philadelphia. The Schuylkill River provides the main linkage for Berks to the watershed. The commission was created by an interstate agreement to manage water resources in the Delaware River Basin. The commission is funded by the signatory parties, project review fees, water use charges and fines, as well as federal, state, and private grants. The commission is made up of Delaware Gov. John Carney, federal representative Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Tickner of the Army Corps of Engineers, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The Delaware is a Wild and Scenic River, with congressional recognition of its water quality and natural values and Special Protection Waters regulations adopted by the DRBC that require the river not be degraded. The decision is not without opposition. Opponents have challenged the commission, saying it is acting beyond its authority. Oversight of Pennsylvania's natural resources is exclusively the state's purview, Republican lawmakers and municipal officials in Damascus Township, Wayne County, have said in a lawsuit. "The DRBC ban is not just an assault on a highly regulated industry that employs thousands of Pennsylvanians, but it's another example of neighboring states dictating our energy policy," said state Sen. Gene Yaw, a Lycoming County Republican, in a news release. "The Commission is using New York's failed policies to institute a ban on development. Pennsylvania has robust rules and regulations in place to protect our environmental resources, which have allowed for the safe development of natural gas in our state. This action serves to undermine economic development and job growth in the region and statewide." Yaw is chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania called the decision misguided. "The DRBC's decision to ban responsible energy development is entirely misguided and neglects consumers' needs for reliable, affordable and cleaner-burning energy from natural gas, risks regional job opportunities, limits government revenues and defies private property rights," said API PA Executive Director Stephanie Catarino Wissman in a news release. "This ill-informed decision directly impacts residents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware and ignores a robust regulatory system and strict industry standards that ensure the environment, public health and local communities are protected." Conservationists remain elated. "This has been an epic battle engaged by a huge, diverse, well-informed and united watershed community. These next steps put us on the road to a full and powerful defense against the toxic and radioactive pollution," said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network in a news release. Bahrain's Housing Ministry has signed up Al Namal Contracting and Trading Company to build 132 housing units and necessary infrastructure on a government-owned land in Al Lawzi area of the kingdom. This comes as part of the kingdom's government-owned lands development programme, being implemented in cooperation with the private sector. The scheme was launched by the Housing Ministry as one of the initiatives aimed at involving real estate developers and contracting companies to implement social housing projects for the citizens who meet the eligibility criteria. Signed today (March 1) by Housing Minister Bassim bin Yacoob Al Hamar and Al Namal Contracting and Trading Companys Chairman Dr Varghese Kurian, the contract is the first of the pilot phase of the government-owned lands development programme. Following its completion, these units will be sold to the kingdoms citizens, who are on the waiting lists of the ministrys financing programmes, said the officials at the signing ceremony held in the presence of the Housing Ministrys Undersecretary, Shaikh Khalid bin Hmood Al Khalifa. Al Hamar said the programme was launched in cooperation with the private sector as part of efforts to achieve His Majesty King Hamads order to build 40,000 housing units. The ongoing partnership with the private sector has contributed to delivering more than 7,000 housing services, he noted. "This scheme is among the top priorities of the government, led by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister," he added. The minister pointed out that following the successful completion of the pilot project, similar housing projects will be implemented across other governorates. "We plan to build nearly 15,000 homes on state-owned land plots, which will help provide the beneficiaries with more housing units at competitive prices," he added. Researchers in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and the UK are participating in the initiative. Results are published in the journal BioScience (photographs showing a non-invaded area [left] and an area invaded by Urochloa brizantha [palisade grass, right]. Credit: Gabriella Damasceno Invasive alien species, defined as animals and plants that breed and disperse in a landscape beyond their native range, have negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. One example among many is the forage grass genus Brachiaria, originally African and introduced to Brazil to form cattle pasture. It has become a major threat to the survival of native species and biodiversity at several spatial scales. Complete eradication of invasive species is often impracticable. Attempts to do so have had undesirable consequences and even been damaging because merely withdrawing an invasive species does not restore the original environment, as in the areas of Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) invaded by pines. Instead of eradication, therefore, the goal should be continuous management, according to many experts. This is the line taken by researchers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and the United Kingdom, who have agreed on a strategic approach focusing on impact mitigation rather than elimination. They call their project CONTAIN Latam. The name refers to the impossibility of eradicating invasive non-native species and the need for containment of their growth and impacts. The project resulted from a 2018 call for proposals issued under the aegis of a cooperation agreement involving FAPESP, the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Newton Fund, Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Chile's National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT), and Peru's National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC). The initiative aims at developing management tools to optimize the control of invasive species in the medium to long term. The Brazilian members of the group are affiliated with Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) and coordinated by Alessandra Fidelis, a professor in UNESP's Rio Claro Institute of Biosciences. A study by the CONTAIN group is the subject of an article published recently in the journal BioScience. The study was supported by FAPESP via a research project for which Fidelis is principal investigator in Brazil. "Our study set out not just to analyze invasive species but also to put forward guidelines for interaction with managers with the aim of containing proliferation of these species and mitigating their impacts," Fidelis told Agencia FAPESP. The full definition stated early on in the article is that invasive species "successfully transition the three initial invasion stages (transport, introduction, and establishment) and subsequently establish multiple self-sustaining populations composed of individuals that breed, survive and disperse in a landscape beyond their native range", and that a "subset" of invasive species produces an array of "negative environmental, social, and economic impacts at various spatial scales". In this vast subset, the project focuses on the following: in Brazil, Brachiaria spp., Urochloa spp. and other grasses of African origin introduced as forage crops for cattle pasture, and pines (Pinus spp.) introduced from the northern hemisphere for reforestation and to produce pulp and resin; in Argentina, American mink (Neovison vison) introduced for fur production, pines, and privet (Ligustrum spp.), of Asian origin and introduced here as a street tree, hedge or ornamental plant; in Chile, pines, mink, and the Yellowjacket or German wasp (Vespula germanica) whose origin is hitherto unknown. "We propose six criteria for planning to mitigate their impacts. The first three comprise a detailed survey of the situation: mapping their presence and spatial distribution, finding out how long each invasive species has been present and compiling the available data on their impacts," Fidelis said. "The next three relate to the recommended responses to the situation: the kinds of intervention that are technically, socially, and economically feasible, the potential negative consequences of these interventions, and a cost-benefit analysis of the interventions and their consequences." The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a bright light on the risks of degrading the natural environment and the urgent need to implement science-based policies for controlling and mitigating these risks. "In the case of the species on which our study focused, there's a very strong additional reason for implementing such policies, as mink have been found to be transmitters of the novel coronavirus," Fidelis said. All this will evidently be ineffectual unless the knowledge produced by universities and research institutions can cross over from academia to society in general, and especially to those responsible for managing public and private affairs. Explore further Invasive alien species may soon cause dramatic global biodiversity loss More information: Pablo Garcia-Diaz et al, Management Policies for Invasive Alien Species: Addressing the Impacts Rather than the Species, BioScience (2020). Journal information: BioScience Pablo Garcia-Diaz et al, Management Policies for Invasive Alien Species: Addressing the Impacts Rather than the Species,(2020). DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa139 People stand in the lobby of Amazon offices in New York on Feb. 14, 2019. (Mark Lennihan/AP Photo) Amazon Quietly Bans Books Containing Undefined Hate Speech Amazon has adopted a rule against books that contain anything the company labels as hate speech. It appears there was no announcement of the new rule. It was only noticed by media after the online retailer recently banned a book that criticizes transgender ideology. It isnt clear what Amazon means by hate speech or even if it used that label to drop that particular book. In general parlance, Americans hold widely diverging views on what constitutes hate speech, a 2017 Cato poll found. Some tech platforms describe it as speech that disparages people based on characteristics such as race, gender, and sexual proclivities. But insider evidence indicates the companies arent clear on where to draw the lines, perpetually redraw them, and at least in some instances ignore violations when politically convenient. As a bookseller, we provide our customers with access to a variety of viewpoints, including books that some customers may find objectionable, an Amazon spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement. That said, we reserve the right not to sell certain content as described in our content guidelines for books, which you can find here. All retailers make decisions about what selection they choose to offer, and we do not take selection decisions lightly. The statement omitted that the $1.5 trillion company changed the rules sometime after Aug. 10, 2020, apparently without telling its customers. Previously, Amazon prohibited products that promote, incite, or glorify hate or violence towards any person or group, but explicitly stated the policy didnt apply to books. Its book policy used to contain no mention of hate speech, according to a version of the page archived on Aug. 10. It mentioned that Amazon reserved the right not to sell certain content, such as pornography or other inappropriate content. The current Content Guidelines for Books includes a section against Offensive Content that reads: We dont sell certain content including content that we determine is hate speech, promotes the abuse or sexual exploitation of children, contains pornography, glorifies rape or pedophilia, advocates terrorism, or other material we deem inappropriate or offensive. The Amazon spokesperson wouldnt respond to emailed questions on when the policy was adopted, what constitutes hate speech, and how Amazons customers were informed about the change. The change apparently occurred prior to Feb. 24 when JustTheNews reported on the new policy. The report followed the banning of When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment, a 2018 book by Ryan Anderson, president of the Washington-based think tank Ethics and Public Policy Center. Amazon purged the book around Feb. 21, though the exact timing is hard to pinpoint since the books author only learned about the move from people who were looking for the book, he told the Daily Caller. Anderson couldnt get an explanation from Amazon on why his book was banned. A week after they removed my book, Amazon still refuses to say which aspect of their content policy the book violates (after three years of not violating that policy). And they refuse to say which page of the book commits the offense, he wrote in a Feb. 26 tweet. The book argues that the push to encourage individuals who feel like a different gender to undergo sex-change procedures is driven by ideology rather than sound medical advice, according to Princeton University politics lecturer Matthew Franck, who reviewed it in 2018. The book disappeared around the same time Anderson published an op-ed in the New York Post critical of a bill pushed by the Biden administration that would insert sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Amazon didnt respond to a previous inquiry by The Epoch Times as to why the book was removed. Transgender ideology has become one of the focal points of far-left, progressive politics. It fuses discussion of the severe quality-of-life issues faced by transgender individuals with the quasi-Marxist intersectional critical theories that divide society into oppressors and the oppressed based on characteristics such as race and gender identity.